The Nation June 28, 2011

Nigeria’s truly national newspaper

News Kudos for Fashola on list of would-be commissioners P18 Sport Yobo allays fears over Nigeria’s Cup of Nations fate P41 Business Expect tough economic policies, says President P15 http://www.thenationonlineng.net

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VOL. 6, NO. 1804 TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2011

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Boko Haram kills three in Customs office attack Govt sets up Task Force to stop sect Amnesty urges end to killings

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O fewer than three persons died yesterday when suspected members of the radical Muslim sect, Boko Haram, attacked a Customs office in Maiduguri.

Authorities quickly blamed Boko Haram, which on Sunday night dropped bombs that killed 25 people at local beer parlours in the Borno State capital. Boko Haram wants strict Shariah law implemented across the North.

The continued violence surrounding Maiduguri

OR: Burnt motorcycles after the Dalla bombings in which 25 people died on Sunday.

HORROR •THE SCENE OF HORR From Abiodun Joseph, Maiduguri

has left the city in fear as the authorities seem unable to stop the group from attacking at will.

The Federal Government has raised a Task Force,

headed by Major-Gen. Jack Okechukwu Nwaogbo, to hunt down the Islamic sect.

Yesterday’s attack hit the Customs office as officials held a meeting, said Maj.Gen. Nwaogbo. The assault included explosion of bombs

and gunfire, which killed three people outside of the building, he said.

No fewer than two Customs officials were wounded in the attack.

On Sunday, Boko Haram members riding on motor-

PHOTO: NAN

cycles attacked three makeshift bars in the city.

Witnesses and others said about 25 people died in the beer parlour attacks.

Nwaogbo declined to offer a casualty information yesterday during a news confer-

ence.

“What caused the killings of many people in the attacks were when about 10 gunmen riding seven motorcycles surrounded and Continued on page 2

18 more ministries likely in Jonathan’s cabinet President may scrap Pressure on senators minister of state to stop nominees

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•Dr Jonathan

HERE may be no Minister of State in the cabinet – if the President approves a proposal to scrap the office, sources said yesterday.

But President Goodluck Jonathan is yet to make up his mind on the proposal by civil service bureaucrats, who say the action will stop bickering among ministers.

If the proposal is accepted by the President, there will be 36 ministries as against the present 18.

Besides, none of the ministerial nominees, whose names the Senate is expecting today, will be a Minister of State.

SOME OF THE NEW MINISTRIES •Communication Technology •Rural Development •Social Development and Employment •Investment and Trade •Tertiary Education •Basic Education •Health •Primary Health Care •Railway •Science and Innovation •Special Duties & Inter-Governmental Affairs From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation, Abuja

Many government officials, including permanent secretaries, are in favour of scrapping Minister of State.

The proposal to allow every minister manage a portfolio followed constant wranglings between ministers and ministers of state, who are often seen as juniors.

Fighting among ministers, which started in the 80s during ex-Presi-

dent Shehu Shagari’s era became pronounced when the late President Umaru Yar’Adua was in power.

The Yar’Adua administration raised a committee to define responsibilities for ministers and ministers of state.

But this did not help matters as such wranglings occurred in President Jonathan’s last cabinet.

The constant clashes led to a proposal from bureaucrats in the Presidency to scrap minister of state.

A source in the civil service said: “The friction between ministers and ministers of state has always brought government machinery to a complete halt. We have had cause to suppress this cold war but the ministers ended up not achieving Continued on page 2

•POLITICS P17 •SPORTS P24 •PROPERTY P25 •ENERGY P37 •AVIATION P45

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2011

NEWS ICC arrest warrant for Gaddafi

Miss Nigeria at The Nation

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HREE months to the end of her reign, Miss Nigeria Oludamilola Eyituoyo Agbajor visited The Nation.

Agbajor was accompanied by a former beauty queen, Mrs. Nike Oshinowo-Soleye, who humorously described herself as ‘the queen mother’. Others on the entourage are: Executive Brand Director, Didi Ocheja 2010, Project Manager Wunika Mukan and chaperone Adenike Adebimpe They made banters out of the fact that Mrs Oshinowo-Soleye became Miss Nigeria at about the time Agbajor was born.

The visit, said Mrs Osionwo-Soleye, was to give a foretaste of the next Miss Nigeria beauty contest billed to hold later in the year.

•Agbajor (second left) and Mrs. Oshinowo-Soleye .... yesterday

PHOTO: SOLOMON ADEOLA

Amnesty urges groups to stop killings

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MNESTY International (AI) has urged Boko Haram and other armed groups in the country to stop attacking civilians.

The group said the killings were not only senseless but prohibited under international law.

A statement by the AI reads: “The warning is coming in the wake of latest deaths resulting from bomb blast at the Nigeria Police Headquarters, Abuja 12 days ago, in Maiduguri on Sunday and yesterday.

“Nigerian armed groups must stop attacking civilians.

“These killings are senseless and outrageous. Direct attacks on civilians are prohibited under international law and show a complete disregard for the right to life,” said Tawanda Hondora, Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for Africa.

“Boko Haram must stop its reign of terror in the country.

Boko Haram kills three in Customs office attack Continued from page 1 tacked churches and engineered a massive

took strategic positions at the beer sheds and shops and started firing at the people with their Kalashnikov rifles, before setting ablaze the entire makeshift shacks,” he said.

While no arrests have been made over the beer parlour attacks, he said police arrested two men carrying explosives at a church in the city. He said they had pretended they wanted to convert from Islam.

Boko Haram, whose name means “Western education is sacrilege” in the Hausa language, is responsible for a rash of killings which have targeted police officers, soldiers, politicians and clerics in the North over the last year — including attacks on beer parlours. They have also atFrom Dele Anofi, Abuja

No cause can justify the deliberate targeting of civilians.”

“Boko Haram has claimed responsibility for a spate of bombings across the country since mid-2010. In the past several weeks, dozens of people have been killed in the

prison break. However, authorities say attacks intensified after the April 26 governorship elections kept the same political party in power.

Senate President David Mark has said the security challenges facing the nation will top Senate’s agenda as it reconvenes for the plenary session today.

The Senate President spoke when the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Andrew Lloyd visited him in Abuja.

He said Nigeria will be delighted to explore the British approach to insecurity in order to arrest the situation in Nigeria.

He reiterated the commitment of the government to ensuring adequate security to the citizenry.

attacks.

“On June 16, a church was bombed, reportedly by Boko Haram, killing three children. The group has also attacked Muslim clerics who have criticised them. Previously, the group tended to target police and other government authorities.

“In response, the Nigerian

security forces have carried out mass arrests, tortured suspects and detained people without charge or trial for lengthy periods.

“Amnesty International is calling on the Nigerian government to step up the protection of residents in the Northeast, and ensure the rule of law.

IBYAN leader Col. Muammar Gaddafi’s day in office seem numbered, with the International Criminal Court (ICC) ordering his arrest. He is accused of crimes against humanity.

Gaddafi is the second Head of State on whom the warrant of arrest has been issued by the ICC, after the March 4, 2009 warrant issued on Sudanese President Omar AlBashir.

The court said there are grounds to believe Gaddafi ordered attacks on civilians during Libya’s four-month uprising.

The Hague-based court also issued warrants for two of Gaddafi’s top aides - his son Saif al-Islam and intelligence chief Abdullah al-Sanussi.

Thousands of people are believed to have been killed in the conflict.

Anti-Gaddafi forces said yesterday they had launched a new push towards Tripoli, with heavy fighting near the strategic town of Bir alGhanam, to the southwest of the capital.

The rebel defence minister told the BBC that forces opposed to Gaddafi may also make a move on the capital from the east.

The ICC arrest warrants refer to early weeks of the uprising, from “February 15 until at least February 28”.

The statement read out by presiding judge Sanji Monageng said there were “reasonable grounds to believe” that the three men were “criminally responsible” for the murder and persecution of civilians.

As the “recognised and undisputed leader of Libya”, said the court, Gaddafi had “absolute, ultimate and unquestioned control” over the state.

He introduced a state policy “aimed at deterring and quelling by any means, including by the use of force, the demonstrations of civilians against the regime”, the court alleged.

The warrant says that while Saif al-Islam Gaddafi holds no official position in Libya,

he is “the most influential person” in Gaddafi’s inner circle.

Mr Sanussi, said the court, had “indirectly instructed the troops to attack civilians demonstrating” in Benghazi, the city that has become the rebels’ stronghold.

There was celebratory gunfire on the streets of the besieged city as the news emerged.

“We are extremely happy that the world has united in prosecuting Gaddafi for the crimes he has committed,” rebel council spokesman Jalal al-Galal told Reuters news agency from the rebel stronghold Benghazi. “The people feel vindicated by such a response.”

The warrants had been requested by chief ICC prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo in May. He has said Gaddafi must be arrested in order to protect civilians.

There were celebrations across Misrata, with car horns beeping, and a lot of gunfire in the air as people greeted the news from the ICC. This still besieged city has suffered a great deal at the hands of Gaddafi’s forces, which have pounded the city itself and killed many civilians.

A lot of people interviewed said they believe Gaddafi should face justice in The Hague. But, when pressed, many people said if his internal or external exile or house arrest would end the war quicker, they’d be happy to accept that.

•Gaddafi

Senators under pressure to stop ministerial nominees

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ENATORS are under pressure to reject some ministerial nominees, it was learnt yesterday.

They are being urged to stop some nominees, particularly those who are likely to return to the cabinet, according to the Vice-Chairman of the Northern Senators Forum, Mr. Smart Adeyemi.

Senate President David Mark said the list of ministerial nominees is expected from the President today.

“I’m sure he will send the list to us. I hope he sends it tomorrow (today)”, he said yesterday while inspecting the Senate chambers ahead of today’s resumption of plenery.

Also leading the “tremendous” pressure are those Adeyemi described as “hired lobbyists” and some multinational companies, which he did not name.

Adeyemi told reporters in Abuja, that some political opponents and those whose businesses were being threatened are behind the pressure.

He said: “We have been under intense pressure by lobby-

18 more ministries likely in Jonathan’s cabinet Continued from page 1 ways been a problem to the proper

anything at the end of their tenure.

“As privileged civil servants close to these ministers, we are aware that the nation cannot execute the proposed farreaching reforms of the President without scrapping the Office of the Minister of State.

“We have had it rough; that is why bureaucrats are crying out.”

It was learnt that at a recent meeting, the echelon of the civil service recommended further split of ministries from 18 to 37 for efficiency in government.

A document on the proposal obtained by our correspondent yesterday states: “One of the issues that have alFrom Yusuf Alli, Abuja

ists and political hired mercenaries to stop some nominees from being cleared or to disqualify some nominees by asking questions to embarrass them and stop them.

“They have given many of us sleepless nights with offer of millions of naira so as to discredit some nominees.

“But, to some of us, this will

implementation of government policies and programme is the power play between ministers and ministers of state.

“While one is often referred to as senior and the other junior minister, both are expected to be representing different states and the argument is that no state is inferior to the other.

“To address this serious problem and ensure that ministries perform optimally, President Jonathan is being presented with a proposal that will widen the ministries and each minister will handle a specific portfolio with set targets.

The proposed ministries are as follows: Agriculture; Aviation; Communi-

not in anyway affect the screening. The screening will follow the normal pattern.

Once they scale through security screening, which normally would have taken care of their morals and integrity, ours is to ask questions on their state of intelligence and plans to midwife the transformation programmes of the President.

“We have also noticed that there are political opponents

cation Technology; Rural Development; Social Development and Employment; Investment and Trade; Defence; Tertiary Education; Basic Education; Environment; Capital Territory Administration; Finance; Foreign Affairs; Health; Information and National Orientation; Interior; Justice and Labour and Productivity.

Others are: Ministry of Mines and Steel Development; Railway; Petroleum Resources; of Niger Delta Affairs; Police Affairs; Power; Science and Innovation; Culture and Tourism; Transport; Women Affairs; Works; Youth Development; Water Resources; Land, Housing and Urban Development; Special Duties & Inter-governmental Affairs; and Primary Health Care.

and that those whose business interests are being threatened by the reforms are involved in this crusade so as to settle business scores.

“I believe that majority of the Senators that I have interacted with believe in President Jonathan’s transformation programmes and will not allow any of us to be used. Those who are prepared to spend millions to disqualify some nominees or

the transformation agenda of the President should invest their money in charity work and leave the Senate alone.

Asked whether his colleagues share his opinion, Adeyemi replied: “Many of us will be very much at alert to make sure that money is not allowed to play any role in this screening.

We have been told that some people should not be allowed

to pass through the screening simply because they effected or carried out reforms that will empower Nigeria rather than foreign interests.”

Asked to be specific, the senator said: “In this crusade are some multi-national companies and their agents who feel that some re-nominated ministers, who were part and parcel of the reform programmes and agenda aimed at empowering Nigerians as regards local content in the process of industrialisation, should be stopped in order to kill such reforms.

“There is no gainsaying the fact that there is need for total reforms in the transportation, oil and gas, housing and power sectors and these sectors require highly intelligent and courageous ministers and of course, some would be retained for continuity.

“Those whose business interests are being threatened should get to understand that the majority of my colleagues are aware of their scheme.

Therefore, lobbyists are advised to steer clear of lawmakers or they will be exposed.”

ADVERT HOTLINES: 01-280668, 08070591302, 08052592524 NEWSROOM: LAGOS – 01-8962807, ABUJA – 07028105302 COMPLAINTS: 01-8930678

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2011

NEWS

• Graduands at the pre-deployment induction training of 221 battalion of Nigerian Army Peacekeeping Centre at Jaji in Kaduna State...yesterday

PHOTO: NAN

How African leaders can be energised, by Atta-Mills, Tinubu Army dismisses soldier for misconduct

•Ex-Lagos governor for leadership award in Ghana today

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CTION Congress of Nigeria (ACN) National Leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu yesterday spoke on the leadership challenge facing Africa. He hailed the transformation being championed by Ghanaian President John Evans Atta-Mills.

The former Lagos governor congratulated the Ghanaian leader for his dedication and devotion to democracy, transparency and good governance, which he noted, have assisted the administration in restoring Ghana’s glory.

Tinubu, who visited the President in his Accra office, pointed out that the evidence of popular commitment to the rule of law, liberty and welfare had its root on a sound electoral process, which had fostered orderly transfer of power, stressing that political progress would continue to energise other African leaders.

He was ushered into the President’s office by the Deputy Chief of Staff,Alex Segbefia, Deputy Minister of Information Samuel Ablakwa and other aides including Mr Dzegbla Divine, Albert Maghai and Lantey Vandoponre.

Tinubu is in Ghana to receive the maiden ‘African Servant Leadership Award (ASLA) from the Graduate School of Governance and Leadership (GSGL), Ghana. The award holds today at the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, Accra.

Expected as guests are African statesmen, frontline politicians, scholars, frontline businessmen and top government functionaries from across the continent.

Accompanied by his long standing associate, Chief Pius Akinyelure, Tinubu told his host that Nigeria has also achieved a leap in its electoral process, adding that it would continue to draw inspiration from the West African nation.

Hailing Ghanaian’s electoral commission, he observed that Atta-Mills has deepened democracy and made visible progress in his developmental efforts, thereby boosting the pride of his country.

Comparing the two countries in the march of democracy, Tinubu added: “In Nigeria, the situation is

•Tinubu(left) and Atta-Mills...yesterday

By Emmanuel Oladesu Deputy Political Editor, in Ghana

stabilising.” He said the country is forging ahead in the arduous task of democratic consolidation.

The former governor, who explained his mission to Accra to the President, thanked him for sustaining peaceful relations between the two countries.

He said: “The rule of law, liberty and welfare of the people, which you have pursued, will continue to energise other African leaders, who should make these pursuits the focal points of their developmental programmes.”

Tinubu also urged Atta-Mills, who is a key player in the African Union (AU), to ensure that the renaissance in the continental body is further energised.

Replying, the Ghanaian President congratulated Tinubu for the award and wished him many more years of fruitful service to his fatherland.

Atta-Mills, who said many African countries were watching the developmental process in his country, narrated how he had been responding to the request for improved standard of living to fulfill his electioneering campaigns to Ghanaians.

He noted that both countries have a lot in common in terms of history, values and developmental goals, assuring that he would continue to promote the existing cordial relations. He expressed delight that Ghana and Nigeria were always comparing notes.

Atta-Mills recalled that he inherited some challenges of developing

Ghana, which kept him on his toes.

His words: ‘’Our people who elected us expect an improved standard of living. This agitated their minds during the campaigns. We have confronted these challenges.

We have made progress and we will continue go along this route of transparency, good governance and democracy.”

Tinubu, who arrived in Accra on Sunday night, was thrilled to a warm reception at the Ghana International Airport by the ACN family in the country, led by Akeem Atitebi.

The party members, who were dressed in ACN t-shirts and fez caps, waved brooms at the Leader, who alighted from the plane at 11 pm.

Atitebi said the party members were delighted at the honour being bestowed on Tinubu, describing it as a worthy recognition.

He said: “The ACN members here are in touch with home. We want ACN to be in power in Nigeria. In Ghana, we enjoy two things-power and security. We want Nigeria to have that experience and we believe that, if ACN forms the government at the centre, life will be better”.

On the award, Atitebi said: “Asiwaju Bola Tinubu deserves more.

He is a brave and courageous leader. He has served his people well.”

Eighteen other Africans and corporate institutions, which have done their countries proud in their fields will be honoured along with the Third Republic senator.

The organisers said the former Lagos State governor was nominated for the award in recognition of

PHOTO:EMMANUEL OLADESU

his numerous contributions to Nigeria’s socio-economic and political development.

The Registrar of the school, Raymond Eli, who conveyed the felicitations of the school to Tinubu in Lagos, last week, said the “Judging Panel and Court of Governors’, which selected him for the award, comprised men and women of integrity and proven character.

On the panel are; former member of the Council of State in Ghana, Dr. Simon Asore, GSGL Rector, Dr David Dartey, Vice Rector Dr Henry Appiah, former Deputy Governor of Bank of Ghana, Nana Oye MansahYeboaa, a member of the African Peer Review Mechanism organisation, Gloria Ofori-Boadu, Ghana’s former ambassador to Liberia Major-General Adu Amanfo (rtd), GSGL Chancellor Rev. Gideon Titi-Ofei and GSGL co-founder Rev. Olivia Titi-Ofei.

Eli, who led a team from Ghana, told reporters in Lagos that Tinubu merited the award because of his leadership qualities, which have made him an example on the continent.

He said many Nigerians have also testified to his leadership quality as an organiser and manager of human and material resources.

“He (Tinubu) has been nominated for the Political Leadership category of the African Servant Leadership Award. We are changing the tradition of honouring leaders after their death. We want to recognise them when they are still living”, added Eli, who congratulated the former governor for the nomination’’.

SOLDIER who clashed with officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and some police officers on June 23 has been dismissed.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Maj. Gen. Kenneth Minimah said yesterday. He said Lance Corporal Sunday Ayodeji, with recruitment number 99NA/48/2627 of the 940 Regiment Workshops was kicked out for violating civil law.

The dismissed soldier used the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lane on Ikorodu Road in Lagos, thereby infringing on the law limiting its use to only BRT buses.

“The dismissal of this soldier will serve as a warning to others. Military personnel must be warned that their insubordination of civil law will attract punitive measures like dismissal, “ he said.

Maj. Gen. Minimah reiterated the military’s subordinate status to civil rule and emphasised that “ the institution’s constitution demand uttermost loyalty to civil law. “ “The Nigerian Army is sworn to obey both civil and military laws, and any of its officer that contravenes them will be dealt with,’’ he said.

The GOC told reporters that the dismissed soldier had been ‘de-kitted‘ according to the regiment’s routine and would be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further prosecution.

He warned soldiers to desist from soiling the image of the force, adding that, “ although the institution is a human organisation and soldiers are human beings, it will not condone negative tendencies. “ “ In spite of our imperfections, we will continue to reorientate our officers to entrench good civil-military relations in the country,’’ he said.

He appealed to journalists to assist in exposing any military personnel found wanting in line with military ethics.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2011

NEWS Gowon: don’t scrap NYSC From Isah Idris Katsina

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ORMER Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon has said scrapping the National Youth service Corps (NYSC) will amount to destroying the unity of the country.

He spoke during the Northwest zonal national prayer rally held at ECWA Church in Katsina on Sunday.

Gen. Gowon, who established the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) shortly after the civil war in 1973, said the programme was meant to bring the youth together, and to chart the course of the nation’s development.

He said he understood the plight of those calling for the scrapping of the scheme, especially the relatives and sympathizsers of youth Corps members killed in Bauchi massacre.

He said: “To me, they have died heroes of the NYSC scheme I put in place to encourage our youth to be able to contribute their quotas to the peace, development and progress of the country and they made that sacrifice with their lives.

“They should be grateful that Nigerian history will never forget the role they have played and the sacrifice they made so that we can be able to have a true democracy and they were able to do so because of their education and capability to conduct the election properly.

ICPC to probe NACA, six others T over $30m grants

HE Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission yesterday said it will soon probe the National Action Committee on HIV/ AIDS in Nigeria (NACA) and six other Non-Governmental Organisations in respect of the management of over $30million grants.

The six others are the Yakubu Gowon Centre for International Co-operation, the Society for Family Health (SFH), the National Malaria Control Program (NMCP), the Association for Reproductive and Family Health (ARFH), the Christian Health Association of Nigeria (CHAN) and the CHANMEDIPHARM (MEDIPHARM).

The anti-graft agency said its investigation of the affected bodies followed threats from the Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria to suspend or terminate its

From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

funding of organization in Nigeria due to fraud.

The ICPC, which unfolded plans to investigate the seven organisations in a statement in Abuja by its Head of Public Enlightenment, Mr. Mike Sowe, said it will not spare anyone involved in the alleged diversion of grants.

The commission said it will rely on issues raised by Global Fund in its audit report to probe the affected organizations.

The statement said: “In view of the potential damage this audit report poses to the reputation and image of Nigeria, and the danger these organisations through their unwholesome practices are

subjecting millions of Nigerians suffering from HIV/ AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, the ICPC has concluded arrangements to bring to book erring officials using all available legal instruments; after which a System study and review will be conducted to forestall further breaches.”

The statement added: “The Office of the Inspector General of Global Funds to Nigeria discovered the fraud in a recent audit of 15 grants amounting to US$474,519,260 disbursed between 2003 and 2009 for the purpose of saving lives in the country. The ICPC will use this audit report to confirm the allegations and bring any erring officials to book.

“The funds were disbursed to the following beneficiaries

in Nigeria; the Yakubu Gowon Centre for International Co-operation, the National Action Committee on HIV/ AIDS in Nigeria (NACA), the Society for Family Health (SFH), the National Malaria Control Program (NMCP), the Association for Reproductive and Family Health (ARFH), the Christian Health Association of Nigeria (CHAN) and the CHANMEDIPHARM (MEDIPHARM).

“The value for money audit report indicates that the Yakubu Gowon Centre for International Cooperation illegally transferred funds outside the country amounting to $15.5 million, incurred extra budgetary expenditures of $5.2 million, and had undocumented expenditures

FRSC begins special patrol

‘Free varsity education unrealistic’

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HE Association of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (AVCNU) on Monday said that free university education was a mirage.

The vice chancellors called for a review of the non-payment of tuition fees in government-owned universities in order for education to be meaningful at the tertiary level.

AVCNU Deputy Secretary, Mr Olayiwola Adigun, stated this at a news conference to mark the 26th conference of the association held at the Covenant University, Ota, Ogun.

According to the vice chancellors, there is an urgent need for government to ensure that students seeking knowledge at the nation’s ivory tower paid some fees, adding that education at tertiary level cannot be free.

“If we have to tell ourselves the truth, we will acknowledge the fact that these universities need upgrading and this is a function of funding. All we are asking for is to ensure that the students pay some fees to assist in the funding of these universities.

“Ninety per cent of government’s funding to the universities is under recurrent expenditure and there are no excess funds coming in to improve or take care of the infrastructure and facilities.

“Government is not releasing enough to cater for all the needs of these universities, especially with the creation of additional ones and this, to a large extent, has contributed to the decay in these institutions,” Adigun said.

He noted that students did not take their studies seriously because tuition is free, coupled with inadequate infrastructure and funds for research and development.

amounting to $3 million.

“The un-retired expenditures of the Centre for the period under review amounted to $1.2 million while the management fee not accounted for was $659,000.

“The National Action Committee on HIV/AIDS in Nigeria incurred extra-budgetary expenditures of $71,000 to $679,000 as un-retired expenditures; while the Society for Family Health had $861,000 Admin charges not accounted for and $68,000 as un-retired expenditures “The National Malaria Control Program had $711,000 un-retired staff advances and $10,000 un-refunded balance of rent grant. The audit report also indicated a lack of transparency in the program’s procurement management process which resulted in price inflation. The report pointed out that some suppliers could not be located at their given addresses.”

• Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, addressing youths during the flag-off of training programme for 5,000 youths under the State's Volunteer Corps Scheme, in Ise-Emure... yesterday.

Obasanjo warns against growth without jobs

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ORMER President Olusegun Obasanjo has said economic growth witnessed in African countries without job creation has led to frustration among the youth.

Obasanjo’s view is contained in a speech yesterday at the ongoing European Policy summit in Belgium, with the

theme, “Africa: Building on Growth’’, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

He attributed most of the unrest on the continent to unemployment among youths.

“One of the reasons why youths rise up and overthrow their rulers is lack of meaning-

ful employment opportunity and lack of fulfillment in their lives.

“Employment is a right of all those who want to work.

Growth without Job creation can only lead to frustration, bitterness and anger, particularly of the youth, who in restiveness, can make social tsunami

to happen.

“And that will make nonsense of the highest of any economic growth.’’

Obasanjo said education not matched by job creation was dangerous and added agricultural and agro-businesses were significant areas that could help to address job creation.

THE Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) yesterday began the second edition of its nationwide special patrol exercise aimed at reducing road crashes.

The exercise, tagged: “Mini zero tolerance to road crashes” is expected to end on July 10, according to a statement from the commission.

The statement signed by the Public Education Officer of the commission, Mr Nseobong Akpabio, said the two weeks exercise would be used to strictly enforce traffic rules.

It said the exercise would also focus on enlightenment of motorists through the use of hand bills and other means of awareness campaign.

The statement added that the exercise would also include the removal of obstructions from the highways.

It said the special patrol was part of the FRSC’s sustained efforts aimed at enforcing traffic rules and regulations to avoid a oneoff approach to road safety. management.

The statement recalled that during the first quarter of the exercise, which was carried out between March 25 and March 31, 660 traffic offenders were arrested and prosecuted for seat belt violation.

CJN, others warn judges over ex-parte injunctions, adjournments

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HE Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Aloysius Katsina-Alu and his second in command, Justice Dahiru Musdapher have warned judges over indiscriminate granting of ex-parte injunctions and adjournments.

The duo spoke at the induction course/workshop for newly appointed Judges and Khadis with the theme, “Striving towards Excellence on the Bench”, organised by the National Judicial Institute (NJI) yesterday in Abuja.

Katsina-Alu is the chairman of the governing board while Musdapher is the deputy and Chairman, Education Committee of NJI. The CJN, who also called on judges to always treat cases relating to economic crimes and graft with dispatch said, “Permit me to also caution

From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

you all to avoid indiscriminate granting of ex-parte applications for interim injunctions, especially without regard to the likely inconveniences that may be caused as a result of such orders.”

Justice Katsina-Alu cited Rule 2(a) (ii) of the Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers which provides that, “a judicial officer must avoid the abuse of the power of issuing interim injunctions ex-parte.”

“You are all advised to stay on the side of caution; any judicial officer proved to have contravened this Rule will summarily be disciplined by the National Judicial Council.

A word is enough for the wise.

“And furthermore, be mind-

ful of the fact that granting of frivolous adjournments in cases before you will not only cause undue delay in trial, but will impact negatively on the evaluation of your performance by the NJC. Poor performance amounts to gross indiscipline, which also attracts disciplinary action by the NJC.” Justice Katsina-Alu reflected on the spate of corruption which, he stressed, is a hydraheaded monster that destroys the very fabric of a society.

“We must all join hands as patriotic citizens in the campaign for zero-corruption.

We must fight the menace to surrender and therefore the fight should not be left in the hands of anti-corruption agencies alone, we must all be involved”, he warned.

“One way by which the Ju-

diciary can contribute in this fight is by treating with dispatch, cases related to economic crimes and corruption brought before you for adjudication.

“You have the Oath of Office, the Code of Conduct for Public Officers and the Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers to guide you. Desecration of any of the provisions attracts stiff disciplinary measures by the NJC.” In his opening remarks, the Administrator of NJI, Justice Eri, advised the Bench to resolve and be eager to maintain standards and excellence required of all judicial officers.

He said, “Indiscriminate granting of ex-parte injunction amounts to justice rationing. Judges have been advised against such by a jurist. I im-

plore you not to fall prey.”

The NJI boss also recalled serving on a committee of the defunct advisory judicial committee of when the committee recommended the removal of a Judge for granting an ex-parte injunction to restrain commissioning of a market, a day to the event.

According to him, personal idiosyncrasy should not be allowed to override the rule of law.

In his own views, Justice Musdapher who doubles as the Deputy Chairman, Governing Council of NJC said, “It is beyond doubt that exparte orders are integral part of the common law jurisprudence. However, the angst of the leadership of the Nigerian judiciary is towards the abuse, rather than the grant of this order.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2011

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NEWS Activist condemns Governors’ Forum From Damisi Ojo, Akure

AN Akure human rights activist, Morakinyo Ogele, yesterday condemned the call by the Governors’ Forum to remove fuel subsidy as a condition for the payment of N18,000 minimum wage.

The lawyer said the resolve was illogical, stressing that “it is not only oppressive, but an attempt to impoverish the masses.

Ogele, in a statement, said removal of oil subsidy would cause hardship for the people.

“At present, majority of people in the country cannot afford three meals a day and removing the subsidy will affect the living standard of the citizenry.

“Security vote should also be reduced from N60million to N10million.

“Let the office of the first ladies be scrapped; governors should reduce feeding allowances in Government Houses and emulate the modest life of Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State.”

Court reaffirms removal of Ataoja

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USTICE Jide Falola of an Osun State High Court yesterday reaffirmed an earlier judgment ordering the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun, Larooye II, to vacate the throne.

On February 18, Justice Yinka Aderibigbe ruled that Oba Olanipekun should vacate the throne and stop parading himself as the Ataoja of Osogbo.

Justice Falola yesterday ordered the immediate removal of Olanipekun as the Ataoja of Osogbo on the case filed by Prince Nasiru Oyeniyi, head of Gbaemu compound and Prince Claudius Fayoyiwa, head of Olu-Awooba compound on behalf of Sogbo ruling House against Oba Oyetunji and the

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

kingmakers.

Justice Falola said: “I wish to point out that there is no dispute that this suit was instituted before the applicant, Oyetunji Olanipekun, was appointed as the Ataoja and consequently installed by one of the defendants in this case, former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola.

“After the installation, the matter degenerated and this led to the filing of application for the setting aside of the installation of the appointment of Oyetunji as the Ataoja before Justice Yinka Aderibigbe, who subsequently set aside Oyetunji’s installation on Feb-

ruary 18.

“He has not given any reason why he finds it difficult to comply with the court order that set aside his installation and still come to court referring to himself as Ataoja of Osogboland.

“Oyetunji appears to be poking his finger at the eyes of the court by disregarding the earlier court order.

“It is necessary to react promptly and declare that under the law, there is no Ataoja of Osogbo on the throne presently.

“The applicant, Oyetunji Olanipekun, is an impostor.

“The instrument of office has been withdrawn by a valid and subsisting order of this

court since February 18.

“The right which he claimed to have is declared illegal and withdrawn and he cannot be recognised as the Ataoja of Osogbo until it is reversed by the Appeal Court.

The order of this court still remains valid and subsisting.

Therefore, Oyetunji must vacate the throne immediately,” the judgment read.

Shortly after the judgment, some youths marched on the High Court in jubilation on the removal of Oyetunji from the throne.

The youths in a peaceful protest are demanding that the state should implement the court order by ejecting Oyetunji from the palace.

Group hails Jonathan

By Innocent Amomoh

A GROUP, Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU), has hailed President Goodluck Jonathan for ratifying the appointment of Aderemi Babatunde Ogunsanya as the Accountant-General of the Federation ( AGF ), until his retirement on June 30.

Jonathan approved Ogunsanya’s appointment last week. He had been in an acting capacity since former AGF Ibrahim Damkwambo left to contest the governorship race in Gombe State.

The Federal Government backdated Ogunsanya’s appointment to January 1.

Chairman of NCSU, Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, OAGF, Unit, Federal Branch, Abuja, Orisamuyiwa Oladele, said the President acted well by ratifying Ogunsanya’s appointment despite the fact he is due for retirement.

Ekiti PDP protests THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State has protested the involvement of officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the invalidation of votes gathered by the party in the House of Assembly election for Ekiti East Local Government Constituency II. It called on the commission to make sure that those involved in the act are made to face the wrath of the law.

Over 100 party members stormed the INEC office in Ado-Ekiti, displaying placards with inscriptions such as: “Jega prove your objectivity”; “Jega practise what you preach”; “We ask for justice”; “Is this democracy?”.

They delivered a protest letter titled; “Re: Arrest of seven INEC officials and their collaborators” to the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Alhaji Halilu Pai.

•Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola signing the Listed Sites Bill and State Residents Registration Agency bill into law at the Conference Room, Lagos House, Ikeja...yesterday. With him are the Majority Leader, Lagos State House of Assembly, PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES Ajibayo Adeyeye (left) and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Pedro Lawal

No going back on review of formula, says Mimiko

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NDO State Governor Olusegun Mimiko has said there is no going back on the advocacy for the review of the revenue allocation formula.

Mimiko said this will devolve more money to states, most of which do not have commensurate resources to shoulder their vast responsibilities.

The governor spoke to reporters at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, after he re-

By Kelvin Osa- Okunbor

turned from an overseas trip at the invitation of the World Bank.

He said only an appropriate review of the revenue allocation formula will afford states the capacity to pay the approved N18,000 minimum wage.

His words: “My personal opinion is that this is the heart of the matter. It is an issue that we cannot run away from, we

need to review the revenue allocation formula so that more money will devolve to the states.

“The states bear a lot of responsibility so we need commensurate resources to be able to drive this development. So, I am in support of the view that the revenue allocation formula should be reviewed.

“States will be able to demonstrate capacity to pay the prescribed minimum wage when the revenue allocation

formula is appropriately reviewed.”

On the reason for his trip, Mimiko said: “I was invited by the World Bank to present our “Save Motherhood Programme”, it was well received, the bank has promised to partner with us.

“So, for me it has been a very worthy visit and getting enough from the World Bank for a programme like this, for us it is with all sense of modesty something that is very gratifying.”

Fayemi decries low quality graduates From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

•Fayemi

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KITI State Governor Kayode Fayemi has decried the verdict of the International Labour Organi-

sation (ILO) that an average Nigerian graduate is unemployable.

Fayemi spoke yesterday at the flag-off of the state Volunteer Corps programme.

He regretted the ILO verdict, admitting that a sizeable number of graduates are actually half-baked and therefore not employable in formal employment settings.

Fayemi said: “National Education Curriculum focuses more on academic approach

rather than practical and nothing has been done to change the trend.”

He said the programme had been packaged to achieve a synergy between theory and practicality for all-round development of the participants.

The governor assured the people that efforts would be made to attack poverty through employment and training to make them relevant and employable.

Two persons were arrested by the police for presenting fake certificates for the programme.

The Director-General of the

Job Creation and Employment Agency, Folorunso Aluko, made this known at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp in Emure-Ekiti.

One of the accused forged a degree certificate; the second faked the serial number of the agency’s employment form to gain entry into the camp.

Two thousand, four hundred and fourteen volunteer corps will be given complementary jobs, based on the level of their certificates, in government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as in private sector.

Ogun to develop border communities •To collect taxes on Mowe/Ibafo axis

By Kelvin Osa- Okunbor

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GUN State Governor Ibikunle Amosun yesterday assured the people in border communities of development.

He spoke at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, while welcoming President Goodluck Jonathan, who came to Lagos to commission a pharmaceutical plant.

Amosun urged the people to be ready to contribute their quota by paying taxes for the development of the gateway state.

He said: “So, I will invite you all to see what we have done so far in office.

“Things will take a different dimension, as those of you live in Ogun State and you pay your taxes in Lagos, all of that has to change.

“For such people living in the corridors of the Lagos / Ibadan Expressway, I think the only reason why such things transpired is that there is gross infrastructure deficit and that is because government is not alive to its responsibility.

“That is what happens, look at the Mowe-Ibafo axis but like I said wait till tomorrow don’t let me spill the beans, we will soon unveil our agenda for people along that corridor. We will soon begin work, and the people will see.

“You have to wait for two more days because we are doing that on Wednesday.

“We are learning on the job and you would have discovered that we are not just sitting down, we go round to ensure that we can give to our people the much needed dividends of democracy. If you go round, you will see what we are doing.”

Osun health workers begin strike From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

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EALTH workers, including nurses, midwives, pharmacists and laboratory scientists in Osun State yesterday began an indefinite industrial action.

The workers in all the government state hospitals are on strike over the non-payment of the Consolidated Health Salary Scale.

The action had paralysed activities in government hospitals.

At the State Hospital, Asubiaro, nurses and midwives, pharmacists, laboratory scientists and other health workers were not at their duty posts.

Chairman of National Union of Pharmacists and all other Professional Allied Medicine, Lukman Oladokun said the industrial action is to demand the payment of professional fees approved for them by the Federal Government since December 2009.

He said although the Federal Government approved the allowances in December 2009, Osun is yet to implement them.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2011

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NEWS Jang to concentrate on education, health care From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

PLATEAU State Governor Jonah Jang yesterday said his administration would focus on Education, Health and water supply.

The administration’s new policy direction is contained in the breakdown of this year’s budget, which the governor presented yesterday to the public.

Jang had signed into law the N86.5 billion 2011 Appropriation approved by the House of Assembly.

The budget breakdown, which was presented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Mr. Davou Mang, at the conference hall of the ministry, showed that the government focused on roads in the first term but on Education, Health and water this second term.

Jang said: “This administration is highly committed to fulfilling the gains of democracy to its people.

This is why the government will be shifting its focus from roads and rural development to education, health and water supply.

“In view of the dwindling revenue accruing to the state from the Federal Government and the increasing demand for wage increase by various trade unions, government will boost its internal revenue machinery to reduce overdependence on statutory revenue allocation.

“This change of focus does not mean the government will abandon road construction completely; more roads are being earmarked for construction across the state.”

Lawyers urge security overhaul over Boko Haram

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WO senior lawyers Chief Emeka Ngige and Mr Mike Igbokwe - yesterday condemned the nation’s security apparatus and urged the Federal Government to deal with the menace of the Boko Haram religious sect.

Speaking with The Nation, the Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) said the bombing of the Police Headquarters in Abuja and Sunday night killing of 25 persons in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, among other activities of Boko Haram, called for urgent attention before things get out of hands.

They said Nigeria should liaise with countries that have tackled terror problems and learn from them to solve the Boko Haram terror challenge.

Ngige said the bomb blasts had caused panic and seemed to be aimed at dividing the country.

He said: “There is absolutely no need for them.

Some people are not happy with the peaceful co-existence we are enjoying in this country. They throw bombs to divide us. They will never succeed.

“However, I think our security agencies need to be properly trained to face the challenges of terrorists in our midst. I think the Federal Government should step up its effort in this regard.

“In the same vein, the ravages of corruption are part-

‘Don’t grant Boko Haram amnesty’

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HE Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District, Senator Victor Lar, yesterday warned President Goodluck Jonathan not to grant amnesty to the Boko Haram religious sect.

The federal lawmaker noted that granting the sect amnesty would mean succumbing to the blackmail and intimidation of a terror group, adding that such other groups would spring up to gain attention.

Addressing reporters yesterday in Jos, the Plateau State capital, Lar said: “The postulation of the advocates of the amnesty that since the militants in the Niger-Delta wreaked more havoc than the Boko-Haram sect and were granted amnesty, the Boko Haram too should be granted amnesty was not tenable.

“I disagree with them because being antiestablishment is not ideology, you don’t say the more havoc you create, the more attention you get, and it is a faulty strategy, I will not support that the government succumb to blackmail and intimidation, after all lives

From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

of innocent citizens had been sacrificed.”

Lar stated that the advocates of amnesty have admitted that security in Nigeria was ineffective and cannot rise up to the occasion adding that government should look at the issue critically and respond to it accordingly.

He said: “I don’t believe that granting amnesty is a good approach. By the time that is done, another set of people will come up under another name for government attention. It is like succumbing to blackmail and intimidation.”

Lar noted that the Boko-Haram menace and other acts of insecurity are signs of systemic failure in intelligent network, urging the government to tackle them quickly.

He added that all past and present security leaders have questions to answer concerning the money appropriated for the security of the country.

The lawmaker said the nation’s security system should be reformed and those causing insecurity brought to justice.

•It’s price for development, says Obanikoro

By Joseph Jibueze and Innocent Amomoh

ly responsible for what we are witnessing. If youth unemployment is tackled, the idle hands acting as suicide bombers will be reduced.

Let us hope that Jonathan will engage in people-oriented and ‘welfarist’ programmes.”

Igbokwe noted that if the sect could penetrate the Police Headquarters, ordinary

Nigerians have good reasons to be afraid.

He said: “Is this not the same police Force that was alleged to have recruited armed robbers when recruiting men some years ago? Are we sure that agents and sympathisers of terrorists and criminals are not also in the Police Force?

“Nigerians and Nigeria surely deserve a better Police Force than we have now

and I make a clarion call on all stakeholders to do something quick before Nigerians would start arming themselves for security because of a lack of confidence in the Police to protect them because it cannot protect itself.

“Transforming the Nigerian Police to meet the current challenges of Nigeria, including the internal security of all residents in Nigeria, should be a part of the Trans-

Kano denies plan to sack workers From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

HE Kano State Government has denied that it was planning to sack its workers to enable it implement the N18,000 minimum wage.

In a statement yesterday by the Public Relations Officer (PRO) in the Office of the Head of Service (HOS), Malam Mustapha Ibrahim Fagge, the government described the rumour as the handiwork of mischief makers.

The statement referred to a report: “Mass Sack Looms in Kano”, saying it was not true.

The statement reads in part: “Since his assumption of office, HOS has never granted any interview to any journalist, neither has he assigned his PRO to speak on his behalf.”

It said the staff audit by the government was not aimed at dismissing civil servants but to fish out ghost workers and ascertain the number of workers on its payroll.

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Yobe to distribute 2m mosquito nets From Duku Joel, Damaturu

ABOUT two million treated mosquito nets are to be distributed free to women and children in Yobe State to reduce malaria.

Addressing reporters in Damaturu, the state capital, leader of the state Support Team for the distribution of the mosquito nets Mallam Umar Garba said the Federal Government, in collaboration with Global Fund Foundation, provided 1.9 million of the nets and the state government the rest.

Umar said the team had launched intensive user education programmes for the acceptance of the mosquito nets.

He said: “The campaign became necessary to allay the fears about unsubstantiated side effects of the treated nets.”

The Nation learnt that the mosquito nets would be distributed at 565 distribution points to women and children.

Umar said: “We are educating users on some basic instructions. We remove the nets from their package and advise users to air them for 24 hours under shade before use.

“There are health educators in all the 565 distribution points across the state to demonstrate the usage of the nets.”

formation Agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan.”

An activist and lawyer, Mr Theophilus Akanwa, said Nigeria should not be ashamed to tap from nations that have successfully dealt with terrorism, even if it means sending security agencts on specialised training in such countries.

Nigeria’s Ambassador to Ghana Musliu Obanikoro, has said the Boko Haram menace is the price Nigerians are paying for development.

The former Lagos State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate said some terror activities are the fallout of global evolution in developing countries.

He said: “I think if you look at the evolution all over the world, especially in developing countries, there are the likes of what we are seeing in Nigeria today. I believe this is probably a price we have to pay for development.”

Obanikoro noted that with Nigeria’s diversity and its experiences, the country could still be described as peaceful. He said there are similar occurrences all over the world, adding that they did not foreclose anarchy.

Obanikoro said: “We will still be tested, even when we overcome these tests that come naturally with development. We can say, ‘Yes, we have arrived’.”

•Mr Agbo Emmanuel Agbo, his wife, former Ngozi Therasa Nwozor of The Nation (middle) and Pastor Iphy Okonkwo dancing PHOTO: NIYI ADENIRAN during the couple’s traditional wedding in Awka, Anambra State...at the weekend.

Kwankwaso urges stiffer penalty against drug offenders

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ANO State Governor Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso yesterday advocated stiffer penalty for drug traffickers.

The governor spoke in Kano, the state capital, at this year’s celebration of the United Nations (UN) International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

He urged the Federal Government to amend the

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

existing law to discourage the abuse and trafficking in illicit drugs.

Kwankwaso, who was represented by the State Director-General, Security and Special Services (SSS), Alhaji Ibrahim Danyaro, noted that more years of imprisonment would serve as a deterrent to drug abuse and trafficking.

He urged the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to intensify the fight against drug merchants whom he described as “agents of death.”

Kwankwaso said: “This is the time for dramatic transformation in the fight against this unwholesome trade by drug barons worldwide. All hands must be on deck to ensure that we succeed in the battle against the

use of hard substances, used by our youths.”

The state NDLEA Area Commander Samaila Ethan said Kano has the highest drug abuse rate in Nigeria, adding that the command in the last five months arrested 360 suspects and impounded over 1.67 tonnes of illicit drugs.

Ethan said 11 vehicles were seized, and 106 accused convicted for drug offences

with 274 drug addicts counseled and rehabilitated.

He said: “The Kano Command is poised to rid the state of the drug scourge, which has adversely affected many young men and women in the state.”

Former Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN Dr. Maitama Sule urged Nigerian youths to shun drug abuse for them to have a better future.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2011

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NEWS Fire razes council secretariat in Bauchi

ACN unperturbed by ‘Sarakis’ reconciliation’

From Austine Tsenzughul, Bauchi

From Adekunle Jimoh,

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MYSTERIOUS dawn fire on Sunday razed the Accounts Section of Tafawa Balewa Local Government of Bauchi State.

The fire, which reportedly started in the Finance Department at about 2am and lasted over two hours, was said to be a sabotage.

An official of the local government, who did not want to be named, said he received an alert from someone and ran to the secretariat.

He said: “When I got there, the fire had gutted the Finance Department, burning official documents, furniture and other property.

“The fire also spread to the Administrative section, close to the Secretary’s office, but was later put out by some security men and members of the public, who had rushed there.”

Saying some vital accounts were burnt, the source added that witnesses were helpless because they feared they might be arrested for entering the council as suspected looters.

The secretariat had been closed by the state government on January 27, following a sectarian violence in which some people were killed and property worth millions of naira lost.

‘Drug abuse, trafficking are time bombs’ From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

NIGER State Governor Babangida Aliyu yesterday warned that the nation’s stability and security would be perching on a time bomb if drug abuse and trafficking among youths were not curtailed.

He blamed drug use among youths for increased organised crime in Nigeria.

Speaking in Minna, the state capital, through his deputy, Ahmed Ibeto, at this year’s United Nations (UN) International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Aliyu noted that violent crimes were committed under drugs, adding that drug-related crimes and vices had become threats to humanity.

He said drug abuse causes reduced productivity and makes drug user parasites on the economy.

The governor urged stakeholders to address the negative effects of drug abuse, adding that they affected the ideals of the society.

Ilorin

•Chief Justice of the Federation Justice Aloysious Kastina-Alu (left); Lagos State Chief Judge, Justice Inumidun Enitan Akande; and Administrator, National Judicial Institute (NJI), Justice Umaru Eri at the induction course for the newly appointed PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE Khadis and judges in Abuja...yesterday.

Orji, groups caution against removal of fuel subsidy

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HE removal of subsidy as a panacea to the lingering N18,000 minimum wage will create more problems in Nigeria’s fragile economy, Abia State Governor Theodore Orji has said.

He said: “Considering the disparity between the micro and macro states of our economy, in which majority of the masses rely on subsidy, it will be suicidal to encourage removal of subsidy.”

A statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Ben Onyechere, quoted the governor as saying: “This economy ought to be subsidy-based because production output is falling due to erratic power supply. It has resulted in a high level of unemployment and, as such, I advise the President against such a move because it is the same as robbing Peter to pay Paul.

“The issue of minimum

From Damisi Ojo, Akure and Adamu Suleiman, Sokoto

wage can be addressed through other means to be determined by the President because the people deserve more than N18,000 if our resources are well harnessed and tailored towards the welfare of the citizenry.”

A group, the Yoruba Ronu Leadership (YRLF), yesterday criticised the governors for seeking the withdrawal of petroleum subsidy as a precondition for paying the N18,000 minimum wage.

In a statement by its Secretary General Akin Malaolu, the YRLF said: “Recent statements emanating from the outcome of meetings by the Governors’ Forum urging total removal of petroleum subsidies is an attempt at blackmailing the workers and the

people over the clamour to implement lawful minimum wage of N18,000.

“This inglorious attempt to breach the law is an open attack on the people by the very leaders elected by them to serve them.

“The governors, by their transgression, have made a clear departure from their electoral promises, the allimportant expectations of the people, which are energy, morals and happiness.

It is an attempt to sustain their whetted materialistic appetite.”

Urging President Goodluck Jonathan not to accept the governors’ call, the group said: “We hereby put all leaders on notice that an additional hardship on the people shall bring with it glooming forebodings as it is apparent that the people may take to disorderly behaviour as a result of the

intensity of their feelings to various hardships, dirty tricks and blackmail by the political class.”

The Sokoto State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) yesterday urged President Jonathan not to remove fuel subsidy before the implementation of the N18,000 minimum wage.

It said the states should, instead, find other means to implement the new pay package.

Addressing reporters in Sokoto, the Sokoto State capital, the NLC Auditor, Alhaji Abubakar Malami Tambawal, opposed the governors’ suggestion.

“We will continue to do this by affirming our stand,” Tambuwal said, adding that most Nigerian workers were living like paupers.

“This is extremely obnoxious and unacceptable,” he said.

Three feared dead in Ibadan flood

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HREE persons were on Sunday feared dead in an afternoon flood at Old Ife Road, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

Two of the victims were said to be children and the third was described as a middle-aged woman.

Their bodies reportedly floated yesterday morning on a stream near the LagosIbadan Expressway on the old road.

It was gathered that seven vehicles, including mini buses and cars, were submerged in the flood.

•Seven vehicles submerged From Bisi Oladele and Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

The rain started about 2.30pm and lasted about seven hours.

When our correspondent visited the site yesterday, eyewitnesses said the bodies had been taken to a morgue but they could not give the name of the morgue.

The flood reportedly caught the dead from other parts of the city and swept them to Old Ife Road.

When the residents sighted the bodies yesterday, they raised the alarm that threw the area into pandemonium.

The submerged vehicles were being removed from the flood by some auto technicians, whose workshop is located near the bridge near the old road.

One of the technicians, Alhaji Sulaiman Babatunde, said: “We have pulled out over six vehicles from this

stream today. Three bodies have since been recovered from the stream. They are two female children and a woman.

“I want to appeal to the state government to see to the newly built filling station that is hindering the easy passage of water. The government should also expand the stream and stop people from throwing refuse into it.”

Another shop owner in the area, Mrs Aminat Salawu, said she lost so much to the flood.

Kwara election tribunal to issue pre-hearing notice to litigants HE Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, yesterday ordered its secretary to issue pre-hearing notices to the parties in the petition.

The tribunal also ordered the issuance of Form TF 007 and Form TF 008 following a motion on notice filed by the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) counsel, Ladi Akangbe,

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From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

before the tribunal.

Neither party objected to the motion.

The forms - TF 007 and 008 contain preliminary questions on issues to be answered, exhibits to be tendered, witnesses to be invited and applications to be sought during the pre-hearing and the hearing sessions.

ACN and its candidate, Mohammed Dele Belgore (SAN) are challenging the victory of Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as winner of the April 26 governorship election.

Akangbe said he would file the forms and serve the respondents within three days - though the law stipulates five days - to facilitate the speedy

hearing of the case.

The respondents agreed to reply within five days upon service against the maximum of seven days stipulated by law.

Tribunal Chairman Justice Ngozi Emehelu said: “Upon the notice on motion filed by the petitioner’s counsel in accordance with the 2010 Electoral Act, which has no objection from any party, this

tribunal hereby directs the Secretary of the Tribunal to issue out form TF 007 and Form TF 008 to all the parties.

“Having so ordered and taken cognisance of the instrument in the forms, with regard to file an answer or application, this tribunal hereby fixes July 7 as pre-hearing conference day.”

The tribunal will begin hearing proper on July 10.

THE Kwara State Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) yesterday said it was not disturbed by the reconciliation of former Governor Bukola Saraki with his father, Dr Olusola Saraki.

In a statement, the state Chairman of ACN, Kayode Olawepo described the reconciliation as gang-up that would not last.

He said ACN “is least perturbed by the so-called reconciliation among some politicians who still live in the yesteryears, forgetting that power, all over the world, now resides with the people who are daily growing interest in how they are governed.”

He added: “To that extent we wish to make clear that anybody or any group of individuals who still view Kwarans as a conquered people and dummies who would watch helplessly while their resources are being squandered or their destinies are being toyed with is mistaken.

Security at Benue Govt House From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

THE Benue State Government yesterday tightened security at the Government House, Makurdi, following the recent attack on the Police Headquarters in Abuja by Boko Haram religious sect.

Members of the state Police Command’s AntiBomb Squad were seen with metal detectors at the main gate to the Government House and plain cloth detectives interviewed every visitor.

Those who could not clearly state their mission were turned back.

There was no official reason for the action but it was gathered that the measures were meant to prevent security breach.

Funeral for Defence Ministry’s official FORMER official of Ministry of Defence, Mrs. Nnenne Oloto, is dead.

She was a native of Ibagwa-ani in Nsukka Local Government of Enugu State. Aged 39, the late Mrs Nnenne worked at the Defence Health Maintenance Unit in Abuja.

A statement by her husband, Charles Oloto, said she would be buried on July 2 at Ibagwa-Ani. She is survived by her husband and two children, Chimamanda and Chizara.

Before her death, the late Nnenne was a member of the Catholic Women Organisation in IbagwaAni. Her funeral programme includes movement of body to Nsukka on July 1; wake at her Abuja home on Thursday.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2011

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NEWS Edo ACN vows to reclaim mandate From Osagie Otabor, Benin

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HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Edo State has said it would reclaim what it termed its “stolen mandate” at the election tribunal.

It said it has enough evidence to prove its cases at the tribunal.

The party’s National Leader, Chief Tom Ikimi, said this yesterday at Irrua, Esan Local Government when he visited the Okaijesan of Esanland, Alhaji Williams Momodu, who celebrated his 40th coronation anniversary.

Ikimi said the people of Esanland voted for ACN during the April elections.

Ikimi said: “In Esanland, we know the machinery of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is entrenched in rigging election.

“We are following due process at the tribunal and we have a very good case for the results to be upturned.

“We will go through the process . I believe that at the end of the tribunal, many of the gains we made, which was denied us, will come back to us.”

Speaker seeks support for legislature

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PEAKER of the Delta State House of Assembly Victor Ochei has called on the National Assembly to encourage the growth of the legislature.

He spoke when members of the fifth Assembly of the House visited Speaker of the House of Representatives Aminu Tambuwaal in Abuja.

The lawmakers were in Abuja for a four-day induction course.

Ochei said the legislature is the least developed among the three arms of

government in Nigeria.

He urged Tambuwal to use his experience to bring about the strengthening of legislature in Nigeria, adding that the induction course is a way of guaranteeing the advancement of legislative ideals.

The Speaker said the visit is expected to promote a symbiotic relationship between the Delta lawmakers and the National Assembly.

Tambuwal admonished the Delta State lawmakers to justify the mandate given to them.

‘Investigate insecurity in Akwa Ibom’

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HE Deputy Governorship candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Akwa Ibom State, Dr. Ime Umanah, has called on the National Security Adviser, Gen Patrick Azazi, to investigate insecurity in Akwa Ibom State.

In an open letter from his lawyers and addressed to Azazi, Umanah urged him to “direct a high level investigation into whether there is an official bent to the state of insecurity in

Akwa Ibom State or not.”

He also urged Azazi to investigate and determine whether or not Umana Okon Umana, Secretary to the State Government and his principal (Dr. Godswill Akpabio), plotted to kill him.

The ACN candidate was reacting to a petition written by Umana, addressed to the NSA and published in some national dailies.

In the petition, the SSG alleged that Umanah was inciting the people of Akwa Ibom against the state government.

•UNENDING: Queue for kerosine at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Mega-Station, Benin, Edo State PHOTO: DUPE OLAOYE-OSINKOLU

Bayelsa monarch kidnapped in Rivers

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NKNOWN gunmen on Sunday kidnapped the Ebenanawei of Ogboin of Amasoma Kingdom, Southern Ijaw Local Government in Bayelsa State.

King Oweipa Jones Ere III was reportedly kidnapped at his work site near Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

Sources said the gunmen stormed the site and tied up the workers before bundling the monarch into a waiting vehicle.

The kidnappers are yet to contact the victim’s family or demand a ransom.

His younger brother and a former Commissioner for Sports, Opukiri Ere, confirmed the incident.

Amassoma is the hometown of former Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha.

Rivers State Commissioner of Police Suleiman Abba said the monarch will soon be rescued and the culprits arrested.

Also in Akwa Ibom, unknown gunmen yesterday abducted the Chairman of Tobros Nigeria Limited, Anthony Awurigwe.

Awurigwe is a beer dealer and a major distributor with Guinness Nigeria and Nigerian Breweries.

•Akwa Ibom beer dealer abducted •Four engineers snatched in Ondo

Ex-militants to curb kidnapping From Damisi Ojo, Akure

E

X-militants from oil-producing areas in Ondo State have resolved to work with security agencies to expose those behind kidnappings in the state.

This followed incessant kidnappings in the riverside communities. More than four indigenes had been abducted in the last six months.

Leader of the western axis of the defunct Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) Chief Bibopiri Ajube, aka Shoot at Sight said they are ready to frustrate the activities of the kidnappers.

He urged Governor Olusegun Mimiko to set up a waterway security task force.

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt, Isaac Ombe, Yenagoa, Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo and Damisi Ojo, Akure

An eyewitness said three gunmen stormed Awurigwe’s store around 9am in a blue Volkswagen Jetta car and abducted the businessman.

He said: ”Two of the kidnappers went into the store with two AK 47 rifles where they met Awurigwe, who was in front of his store reading a newspaper.

“They pointed the rifles at

him and directed him into a waiting car, where a driver was waiting.

“The kidnappers forced him into the boot of the vehicle, shot into the air to scare passers-by before speeding to an unknown location.”

At the store, people were seen discussing the incident while the shops were under lock and key.

A source said Awurigwe’s wife was kidnapped in March, last year, but released 21 days after.

The victim’s eldest son, Emeka, said the abductors were yet to contact the fami-

ly.

He appealed to the kidnappers to release his father.

Police spokesman Onyeka Orji could not be reached for comments.

Also in Ore, Ondo State, four workers of a telecommunications engineering maintenance outfit were abducted.

The workers were working at the base station of a GSM company, when five gunmen abducted them.

One of the victims, Olawale Alamu Kehinde, in a text message sent to his family, said they were taken to a place, which he could still not ascertain.

Kehinde said he and other victims were being kept at a camp, adding that they were allowed to make phone calls.

A brother of one of the victims, Oladele Adesokan, said the kidnappers are demanding N25million each for their victims.

Police spokesman Adeniran Aremu said the case had not been reported .

He said it was wrong for the families of the victims not to report the case and proceed to negotiate with the kidnappers.

Court fixes Sept 28 for Akwa Ibom governorship poll

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PUBLIC NOTICE GBENGA ASHAFA TRUST ENDOWMENT This is to notify the general public that the above mentioned organization is in the process of applying to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Mr. Basheer Ashafa 2. Mrs. Toyosi Banjoko 3. Mr. Akinwale Irokosu 4. Mr. Olufemi Olumide AIMS & OBJECTIVES 1. To develop youth empowerment.

2. Creating charitable programmes that would enlighten and sensitize the public on the plight of disadvantaged and uneducated children.

3. Promoting and encouraging social, cultural and educational activities of Nigerian youths.

4. The prevention or relief of poverty by providing: grants, items and services to individuals in need and/or charities, or other organizations working to prevent or relieve poverty.

5. To provide basic amenities towards the development and empowerment of women in Nigeria.

Any objection to the proposed registration must be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Medinat O. Muhammed Probitas Partners & Co., 70, Queens Street, Off Herbert Macaulay Way, Yaba, Lagos.

HE Court of Appeal, Abuja, has fixed September 28 for hearing in an appeal filed against the nomination of Governor Godswill Akpabio as the Akwa Ibom State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the April 26 election.

The appellant, Frank Okon Daniel, is seeking to set aside the judgment of Justice Abdul Kafarati of an Abuja High Court, which validated the party’s primary held on January 9, where Akpabio was nominated.

From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

The three-man panel, led

by Justice Paul Galinje, fixed the date, following an application by Daniel’s lawyer, Mr. Lasun Sanusi (SAN).

Sanusi applied for a new hearing date to enable him study the court processes.

The respondents are the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), PDP and Akpabio.

Daniel had in his brief, filed by one of his lawyers, Taiwo

Abe, complained about his unlawful exclusion by PDP in the primary election on January 9.

This, according to him, had not been addressed as required by law and the second respondent’s Electoral Guidelines 2010.

“The January 15 rerun primary election of the second respondent was a civil fraud perpetrated against the appellant to give the third respondent undue and unconscious advantage.”

The appellant, therefore,

urged the court to exercise its powers under the provision of Section 15 of the Court of Appeal Act, CAP C36 Laws to grant the orders.

In the judgment, Justice Kafarati, who held that Akpabio, was the PDP candidate in the April general election, said the evidence by Daniel were mere assertions.

He struck out the suit for lacking in merit and ordered that Akpabio be recognised

by INEC as the PDP governorship candidate in Akwa Ibom State.

PDP loyalists contest Edo’s ministerial list

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OME loyalists of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain Chief Tony Anenih in Edo South and Edo North senatorial districts are contesting the state’s ministerial slot.

They are also contesting the nomination of Anenih’s inlaw Sarah Adetugbogbou as an ambassador-designate.

The loyalists were said to

•Protest against Anenih’s in-law From Osagie Otabor, Benin

have been irked over the nomination of Mike Onolememen, a former Minister for State of Defence as a replacement for Chris Ogiemwonyi.

A reconciliation meeting called by Anenih at the week-

end was shunned by the loyalists but sources said the boycott did not change Anenih’s decision.

The ex-PDP Board of Trustees Chairman, said he (Anenih) was in charge of the party in the state.

Sources said the PDP chieftain warned those protesting

his choice of Onolememen to desist from doing so.

Anenih reportedly said: “I am in charge. I know and have the right to submit any name to the president. Five of us are involved in the selection of the ministerial list in the country.

Myself, the President, Vice President, Secretary to the Federal Government and the Acting National Chairman of the party.”

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2011

NEWS

‘Nigeria tops hard drugs use in Africa’

NDLEA arrests over 500 drug suspects

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From Dele Anofi, Abuja

NIGERIA tops use of illicit drugs in Africa, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) World Report 2011 has said.

The UN body said information on drug use in Africa is extremely limited, given the lack of scientific survey in the region.

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ahmadu Giade said Nigerians should not panic over the report as the nation is heavily populated compared with other African countries.

Speaking during the presentation of the report in Abuja at the weekend, UNODC Country Representative Dr. Oliver Stolpe, however, commended Nigeria’s efforts at curbing the trend of illicit drug use and trafficking.

He said the removal of the country from the United States government’s list of major drug trafficking countries was a recognition of the country’s determination to sanitise its environment of illicit drug use and trafficking.

According to the report, the annual prevalence rate in Africa for cannabis use fluctuates roughly between four per cent and 14 per cent, and is the highest in the world.

‘No strike threat in PEF’ From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

THE Petroleum Equalisation Fund (PEF) yesterday stated that there was no strike threat in the organisation by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) The agency said the strike alarm being peddled by some people was aimed at sabotaging its activities.

The Head of Corporate Communications of PEF, Hajiya Aisha Jalingo, who made this clarification in a chat with our correspondent, said labour issues in the agency had been resolved.

She said: “There is no strike threat at all. I am also a member of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and I am not aware of that. There is nothing like that now.”

“About two weeks ago, our workers had threatened to go on strike but the problem has already been resolved.”

A source in PEF, however, said in Abuja that “some elements are just insisting on sabotaging the organisation.

“Some people are out to drag the image of PEF in the mud for no justifiable reason. We have always had a peaceful industrial relation, we do not know why some elements want crisis in PEF.”

•NDLEA boss Ahmadu Giade

HE National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) yesterday said it arrested over 500 suspects for drug-related offences ilast year.

The agency announced this during activities marking the United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

The Rivers State Command of the NDLEA accounts for about 359 of the drug suspects.

The suspects were arrested by the Port Harcourt International Airport Command and Port Harcourt Ports Command.

NDLEA Zonal Commander Mr Jude Ekure

From Clarice Azuatalam, Port Harcourt, Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta, Osagie Otabor, Benin and Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

said 815kgs of drugs were seized.

Ogun State accounts for about 70 of the drug suspects. The Command also discovered 50 hectares of farmland in Ijebu-Igbo in Ijebu North Local Government, noted for Indian hemp cultivation.

The state Director of NDLEA, Alhaji Mohammed Mohammed said:” There is a drastic reduction in drug abuse in the state. In the last three months, we have made about 70 arrests, we have charged some to court

and we have secured a few convictions. There is a drastic reduction in drug abuse. But in the area of cultivation, that is where we have a big problem.”

Edo State Command said it seized 17,869kg of cannabis sativa between January and June this year.

Besides, it said 10 vehicles of various brands and two motorcycles used by drug peddlers were impounded.

Eighty-two suspects were arrested and 21 convicted in Edo State.

The State Commander of the NDLEA, Mr. Fred Ezeorah, said his command destroyed many cannabis sativa farms, re-

habilitated and re-united three drug dependent persons with their families.

He said: “Drug abuse and trafficking are compromising our youths and therefore our future.

Drug Abuse brings about family breakdowns, violence and destruction, sexual abuse, child abuse, life abuse, financial mismanagement and loss of property.”

In Kwara State, the agency said in the last six months, it arrested 55 drug offenders. Mrs. Omotunde Koleoso, the NDLEA commander in the state, said 21 of those arrested were sentenced to various jail terms, which range from six months to four years.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2011

10

NEWS

Jonathan in Lagos amid tight security

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonthan yesterday flew into Lagos amid tight security. He was on his way to Ogun State, where he opened a pharmaceautical plant owned by May and Baker.

Many hours before his arrival, visitors to the Presidential Lounge were screened by State Security Services (SSS) and the Police anti- bomb squad. Also a special unit from the Army screened the precincts for

By Kelvin Osa- Okunbor

any possible explosive substance.

The heavy security presence at the Presidential lounge was reinforced by the erection of fence bordering the ever-busy Murtala Muhammed International Airport Road Road. The fence now effectively blocks the view of the presidential aircraft parked on the tarmac.

About one hour to the arrival of the aircraft, a spe-

cial anti- bomb squad attached to the lounge mounted the aircraft stairway to scan all holes in the metal from where the president will alight.

Jonathan flew in aboard the Boeing Business Jet( BBJ), which touched down at exactly noon.

After he was received by some politicians from his party and the governors of Ogun and Lagos State: Ibikunle Amosun and Babatunde Raji Fashola, he shook

hands with those who lined the red carpet as he boarded a standby helicopter with the two governors.

Apart from the helicopter that flew Jonathan and Fashola and Amosun to Ogun State, there were four other helicopters on hand that fly the scores of aides that accompanied the President on the visit to the Gateway State.

Also at the airport to receive the President were senior officers from the Air Force, Army and the Navy.

Councillors sue Ekiti over dissolution of local govts

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O fewer than 176 councillors from 16 local government councils of Ekiti State have approached a Federal High Court, Abuja, praying it to nullify and set aside the appointment and subsequent inauguration of caretaker executives by Governor Kayode Fayemi.

The plaintiffs, through their counsel, Chief R.A Lawal, SAN, urged the court to determine whether having regard to the combined provisions of sec-

From Kamarudeen Ogundele, process.

In a preliminary objection Abuja

tion 1 (1) and Section 7(1) of the 1999 constitution, the Ekiti state government can appoint caretaker committees in place of democratically elected officials.

But the state government, through the Attorney General, Mr. Dayo Akinlaja (SAN) asked the Court to dismiss the suit for lacking in merit and constituting an abuse of court

against the suit, Akinlaja said a High Court in Ekiti State has decided the same issues canvassed by the plaintiffs.

The Plaintiffs are asking the court to determine whether the Accountant General of the Federation either by himself, agents, privies or howsoever, has the powers to allocate funds to Local Government councils whose executives are not known to law, not being democratical-

ly elected.

Should the answers to the questions be in the negative, the Plaintiffs claimed they are entitled to a declaration that under and by virtue of the provision of section 7 of the constitution, the action of the state government dissolving the 16 Local Government Council in Ekiti state amounted to an act of illegality and therefore null and void and of no effect whatsoever.

Ebonyi tribunal strikes out ANPP’s petition

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HE National and State Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, has struck out the petition of All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) candidate Idu Igariwey. Igariwey is challenging the election of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Senator representing Ebonyi South Sunny Ogbuoji.

He had filed a motion of withdrawal, citing lack of interest in continuing the case.

Igariwey initially alleged irregularities and harrassment of voters during the April 9 National Assembly election.

Chairman of the tribunal Justice Henry Olusiyi, however, struck out the petition.

Igariwey said: “I decided to withdraw the case on my own. It is my constitutional right to file a peti-

From Ogbonnaya Obinna, Abakaliki

tion. I also decided on my own to withdraw the case.

Ogbuoji never extended any olive branch to me before I withdrew the case. I am a member of the All Nigeria Peoples Party and would remain there. I am not going to work with Ogbuoji or decamp to PDP.” One hundred and sixty one witnesses are to appear on the case between Innocent Chima of the ANPP and the Senator representing Ebonyi Central Senatorial zone, Paulinus Nwagu of the PDP. The appearance is sequel to the approval of the motion filed by the counsel to the petitioner.

Justice Olusiyi adjourned the case till June 30.

ANPP chieftain escapes assassination From Ogbonnaya Obinna, Abakaliki

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HE All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) House of Assembly candidate for Ishielu South Constituency of Ebonyi State in the April elections, John Ebe, has escaped assassination.

The suspected assassins accosted him on Ekwulummiri Street, Abakaliki,on Saturday as he alighted from his Toyota Corolla car. They shot at him twice and stabbed him with a knife.

Ebe is challenging the victory of the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ikechukwu Ogbu at the Ebonyi State Assembly Election Tribunal. He said he ran for his life.

According to Ebe, who was also a former General Manager of Ebonyi State Transport Corporation (EBOTRANS), he was later rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Abakaliki.

Police spokesman ASP John Eluu confirmed the incident.

Journalist loses mum

A

COMMUNITY leader, Mrs. Eunice Ejinkeonye, will be buried on Thursday. She was 87.

The funeral service will hold at St. Michael’s Catholic Mission, Amakor, Umuaka in Imo State.

She will be interred at the Ejinkeonye family compound. A Christian wake holds tomorrow at the same venue.

The late Ejinkeonye is survived by, among others, Ugochukwu Ejinkeonye, former Editorial Board member of Daily Independent.

Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State has condoled with Ugochukwu Ejinkeo-

•The late Ejinkeonye

nye. Obi implored the Ejinkeonyes “to be of good courage since your late mother has only left this world to join her Creator.”

Anambra tribunal strikes out APGA’s petition From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

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HE Justice Usman Bwala-led Anambra State Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Awka yesterday struck out the petition of an All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate, Dr Okey Udeh. Udeh is contesting the victory of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Orumba North/South Federal Constituency Ben Nwankwo.

The tribunal said Udeh joined the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Ben Nwankwo and Ikenna Azubuike (PDP aspirant) without considering the importance of the electoral officers involved.

Also, it upheld an objection raised by Nwankwo’s counsel, Prof. Ilochi Okafor (SAN), where the APGA candidate had labelled the INEC adhoc workers as “criminals”.

Udeh’s counsel, O.A. Obianwu (SAN) argued that their non- inclusion was as a result of the new provision in the Electoral Act. Justice Bwala struck out the petition for lack of merit.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2011

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

Nigeria’s borrowing costs to drop, says DMO

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HE Debt Management Office (DMO) expects the Nigeria’s borrowing costs to fall after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) lifts a requirement for foreigners to hold local bonds for at least a year, DirectorGeneral Abraham Nwankwo said.

“The measure has removed residual restrictions on entry and exit of non-resident investments in Nigerian securities,” Nwankwo told Bloomberg news in a phone interview last Sunday. “All things being equal, the new rule would moderate yield downwards,” he said, without providing estimates.

The control will be eliminated on July 1, CBN Governor Lamido Sanusi said on June 23. Nigeria had N4.87 trillion ($31 billion) of outstanding domestic debt as of March 2011, according to the DMO. Bonds rose following Sanusi’s announcement, data compiled by the Financial Market Dealers Association showed. The yield on the 9.45 per cent debt due January 2013 retreated 48 basis points, or 0.48 percentage point, to 9.87 per cent on June 24.

Nigeria plans to sell N852 billion of bonds this year, excluding the sale of bills maturing in less than a year, Nwankwo said. The country estimates borrowing of N865 billion to fund its budget deficit for the fiscal year, which runs through December, 38 per cent less than in 2010, the Finance ministry said on January 5.

Lawmakers approved an amended 2011 budget of N4.5 trillion on May 25, which slashes almost N500 billion off the spending plans passed two months earlier.

DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil -$112.3/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

-N8.1 trillion -Z5.112trillion -$10.84 trillion -£61.67 trillion

RATES Inflation -11.3% Treasury Bills -2.64% Normal lending -24% Prime lending -18% Savings rate -3% 91-day NTB -6.99% Time Deposit - 6% MPR -7.50% Foreign Reserve -$32.5bn FOREX CFA 0.281 • 220.9 £ 253.5 $ 153.59 ¥ 1.5652 SDR 245.85 RIYAL 39.3

Due to volatility of the business environment we operate in, it is standard practice to restrict performance projections to three years - Bisi Onasanya

Jonathan to Nigerians: expect tough economic times N

IGERIANS should brace up for tough decisions on the economy, President Goodluck Jonathan said yesterday.

But manufacturuers will get incentives, such as waivers and subsidies, to make them more competitive.

The President spoke at the inauguration of the May and Baker Pharma Centre in Sango-Ota Ogun, State yesterday. He said the government would come up with some decisions that may initially seem unpleasant for the Nigerians, but which in the end would be beneficial.

• Waivers, subsidies for manufacturers

By Toba Agboola

“I want to appeal to Nigerians to understand because some of the decisions that government will adopt may be hard initially but they should take it as a sacrifice to be paid if we are to move the economy forward. My appeal specifically goes to the Organised Private Sector (OPS), “ Dr Jonathan said. He did not elaborate

on the decisions.

The President said Nigeria would no longer be a dumping ground for foreign goods, adding that a lot would be done in this regard by the government in the next four years.

He praised the management of May and Baker in establishing the N4billion plant.

The President urged other companies to emulate May

and Baker. He said the government would continue to collaborate with OPS towards ensuring economy’s growth.

He said the government was taking time to set up a strong economic team, adding that power is going to be one of the major assignments his administration would tackle.

Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State said

his administration would continue to support the OPS, which he promised incentives.

The Chairman, May and Baker, Lt-General T.Y. Danjuma (rtd), said the plant has the capacity to to produce over 4.5 billion tablets and 37.5 million bottles of liquid preparation annually.

He said the establishment of the plant was the management decision to support the government’s Vision 202020.

Gen. Danjuma said the new plant would create more jobs, reduce circulation of fake drugs and, ultimately, boost the economy.

SEC denies bourse talks on LSE partnership

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• President Jonathan (second right) discussing with (from right) Governor of Ogun State, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun, his Lagos State counterpart, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola and Chairman, May and Baker, Lt.-Gen. T. Y. Danjuma, during the inauguration of the company’s plant in Sango-Otta, Ogun State...yesterday.

Why electricity generation is dropping, by PHCN boss T HE Managing Director, Power Holding Com pany of Nigeria (PHCN) Engr. Hussein Labo, yesterday explained why the current power generation in the country dropped from 3,995 mega watts(mw) to 3,400mw.

He said it was due to water and gas shortages.

Speaking with journalists in his office in Abuja, the PHCN boss said although there is rainfall in Abuja and other places, the Shiroro and Kainji Dams that supply power are not within the catchment area of Abuja.

According to him, the rains from Kaduna and Sokoto that supply water to the dams now provide inadequate water.

He said: “We are not generating as I told you because of gas issue and water management problem we have.

But people say it is raining and now you say you don’t have water. The dams are there and they capture the water that comes from the rivers. It is only after the rain has fallen that the water goes in.

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

“Unfortunately for us, the rain in Abuja is not part of the catchment areas that goes into the Kainji and the Shiroro dams. It is water from Sokoto, Kaduna axis that goes to those dam and at this moment, there isn’t much of rain partly in that area. So that is why in Shiroro, we have to really come down. Before the gas and water issues came, we were generating 3,995mega watts but as at today we are on about 3,400 mega watts.”

To boost power supply, the PHCN boss yesterday signed a contract worth $81,

746,642.49 with the Hydro China and Harbin Electricity Corporation of China for the rehabilitation of Kainji power station.

The contract, according to the General Manager, World Bank Project Monitoring Unit to the PHCN, Alhaji Afolabi Ganiyu, is billed for completion within 42 months.

He claimed that upon completion, the project will produce 340mw, adding that a company in France also on December 30 last year won the bid to supervise the project for $3million.

He said: “The contract is procured under the strict World

Bank procurement process. It costs a long time to get to this stage. Seven contractors actually bidded for this last one we did and Hydro China and Harbin happened to come out top as the preferred bidders.

“The contract we are signing today is for the sum of $81, 746,642.49 and we are looking at a total completion time of about 42 months. Because it is two units we are actually rehabilitating making them brand new. The first unit, we hope, will come in the next 27 months.

Later the other unit will come to complete the whole exercise. Like the MD has said, we intend to have a total of 340mega watts at the end of the contract. Unit one will give us 120mw.”

HE Securities and Ex change Commission (SEC) has denied a report in a newspaper that the country’s bourse held partnership talks with the London Stock Exchange Group Plc (LSE), SEC Director-General Arunma Oteh said.

“I was misquoted,” Oteh said in an interview with Bloomberg news yesterday in Lagos. Oteh said she told the newspaper that while the bourse had considered using LSE’s trading platform, it eventually settled for the Nasdaq platform.

Oscar Onyema, chief executive officer of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), said by phone yesterday from Moscow that he wasn’t aware of such talks.

Oteh was quoted by The Independent to have said: “One of the considerations in selecting Nasdaq was that it could be a strategic partner. The NSE is exploring what potential partners could offer. It has spoken to the London Stock Exchange and Johannesburg is interested.”

Ms Oteh was tasked with cleaning up the NSE and took over the Exchange last year.

Since the nadir of February 2009, when corporate corruption contributed to the country’s crash, the value of companies on the Exchange has increased from $32.5billion to more than $70billion.

If LSE had tie-up with Nigeria, it would have been another signal of the former’s overseas growth plans. It is trying to merge with TMX, the parent of Canada’s two biggest exchanges, but is facing a challenge from the Maple consortium – 13 Canadian banks and pension funds – that is presenting itself as protecting national interest.

New bond rule spurs drop in interbank rate

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HE interbank rate yes terday responded posi tively to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) lifting of requirement for foreigners to hold local bonds for at least a year.

Inter-bank rate slumped to N154.15/154.25 to a dollar as

By Collins Nweze

against the opening price of N155.80 bid rate and N155.90 offer rate to a dollar. The day’s high was N155.80 bid rate and N155.90 offer rate to a dollar. But closing rate was N154.17 bid rate and N154.27

offer rate. Therefore, the spread between inter-bank offered rate and CBN effective rate was N0.10.

Also, at the Wholesale Ditch Auction System (WDAS) market, $400 million worth of forex was offered at N152.64 but $314

million was demanded and $314 million sold.

The apex bank had last week, lifted restrictions on foreign investors from trading on Federal Government Bonds and Treasury Bills with less than one year tenure.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2011

BUSINESS NEWS Experts fault governors’ demand for fuel subsidy removal

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.

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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.

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LAGOS – MAIDUGURI 1. IRS 11.15 13.15 2. Arik 15.50 18.00 LAGOS – ILORIN 1. Overland 07.15 2. Arik (M/T/TH/F) 17.30

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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

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• From right: Group Managing Director /Chief Executive, Union Bank of Nigeria PLC, Mrs. Funke Osibodu; former Chairman of INEC, Prof Maurice Iwu; Executive Director, C II&T, Union Bank of Nigeria Plc, Mr Philip Ikeazor (4 th from right) and Pamela Obijiaku, at the International Conference on Agric Financing at Transcorp Hotel, Abuja.

Banks draw N133.5b to finance agric •CBN earmarks N75bn for new risk-sharing

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ANKS have accessed a total of N133.5 billion from the Federal Government’s N200 billion Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme (CACS) earmarked for funding agriculture.

The Acting Director, Development Finance, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Paul Eluhaiwe, disclosed this in Abuja yesterday at a pre-conference briefing on the Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL).

He said the apex bank has also budgeted N75 billion for the NIRSAL, a new initiative that would encourage agricultural lending by banks.

Eluhaiwe said the CBN is estimating that by the end of the year, “the balance would have been exhausted because a good number of banks are beginning to see why they should engage in financing agriculture, and they are beginning to appreciate agriculture”.

The director stated that other schemes, such as the agriculture

From Nduka Chiejina (Assistant Editor)

credit guarantee scheme, are on course, adding that the “CBN has been able to grow the N3 billion fund to the present level of over N5 billion.”

He said about 700,000 farmers have benefited from the scheme as a result of the improvement in funding.

Good as these schemes have been, however, the CBN chief, said, Nigeria was “yet to attain the desired level of funding that will take Nigerian agriculture to the crucial threshold of sustainable take-off and growth.”

He lamented that only “32 billion hectares or 46 per cent of Nigeria’s arable land is under cultivation. Fertiliser consumption in Nigeria, estimated at seven kilogrammes per hectare, is one of the lowest in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), while less than 10 per cent of irrigable land is under irrigation. Nigerian famers have limited

access to credit with lending to agriculture representing a paltry two per cent of aggregate lending, which is far below the six per cent in Kenya and 18 per cent in Brazil.

Nigeria loses between 15 and 40 per cent of its post-harvest output due to many factors ranging from poor or non-existent roads, through poor practices to lack of processing facilities.”

He described these developments as a nightmare for lenders because of “disrupted value chains lacking cover for weather risks, inaccessible markets for farm products, poor transport infrastructure to move products from the farms, as well as low uptake from processors and marketers.”

Farmers, he added, cannot be trusted to make money and repay loans because many of Nigeria’s agriculture value chain have missing links while farmers are not receiving the right quantity and quality of input.

Fed Govt to reposition ALSCON, says Sambo

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HE Federal Government is to reposition the Alu minium Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON), Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo said yesterday.

Sambo disclosed this during a courtesy call on him by the Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Alexander Polyakov, the management of ALSCON and the United Company, Rusal (UC Rusal) of Russia.

He said ALSCON is critical to the country’s development.

Noting that the need for privatisation was based on the belief that private ownership would boost the economy, he observed: “Unfortunately, many of the privatised companies have not

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

been able to meet the aspirations of government.”

He said the government was restrategising some of its policies to meet its objective of job and wealth creation.

While acknowledging that lack of adequate power supply was militating against the growth of the economy, the vice president, however, assured that the government was looking at all avenues available to ensure the provision of adequate power supply in the country.

He also assured that the administration will continue to partner with the international community in its bid to transform the country, add-

ing that the long standing relations between the two countries would continue.

“In this drive it is extremely important that we continue to partner with countries that treasure being our good friends for a very longtime.”

He also told the Ambassador that the government would treat all the bilateral agreements entered into with his country with the urgency it deserves.

Earlier, the Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, urged the Federal Government to put in place the agreements signed by the two governments during the visit by the Russian President Dmitry Anatolyevich Medvedev to Nigeria in 2009.

France’s Lagarde may become IMF chief

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RENCH Finance Minister Christine Lagarde appeared poised to become the head of the International Monetary Fund this week despite a strong challenge to Europe’s traditional hold on the job.

An informal survey by Reuters of voting countries indicated that Lagarde would easily get the majority consensus needed over Mexico’s central bank governor Agustin Carstens to become the next managing director of the global lender.

Carstens picked up endorsements from Canada and Austra-

lia late last Friday in a significant challenge to Europe’s grip on the IMF top post, but it is unlikely to change the outcome.

The IMF’s 24-strong board of member countries will hold a straw poll on Monday to determine whether either candidate has a clear majority.

The race has been one of the most hotly contested in IMF history as developing countries have aggressively pursued a process that would be based on the best qualified candidate and not based on nationality, despite Europe’s large voting bloc.

The determining voice over the next two days will be the U.S., which so far has been silent on who it supports.

However, the Obama administration is widely expected to back Lagarde, 55, to preserve the long-standing convention with Europe that Americans will be the IMF’s number two official and the president of the World Bank.

Japan and China, which rank second and third behind the US in voting influence, have also refrained from publicly supporting any candidate.

OME financial experts have advised the Federal Govern ment to disregard governors’ demand for removal of fuel subsidy.

They told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos yesterday that the removal of the subsidy would bring untold hardship to the people.

Immediate Past President of Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), Dr Samuel Nzekwe, said that the removal of fuel subsidy would lead to inflation.

Nzekwe said inflation would affect the masses more than the rich and reduce the purchasing power of the average Nigerians.

He said that the cost of transportation would also increase while the cost of industrial production would als go up.

Dr Kazeem Bello, a lecturer in the Department of the Economics, University of Ibadan, corroborated Nzekwe’s view, stressing that removal of subsidy would cause inflation.

Bello said that the governors’ call for removal of subsidy was uncalled for because the economy was in critical state.

He, however, said that the government could remove the subsidy gradually in such a way that it would not hurt the masses.

Bello advised the states to look elsewhere to generate revenue instead of calling for removal of subsidy.

Court awards N1.2b damages against GSK, two others

By Eric Ikhilae

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Federal High Court in Lagos has awarded about N1.2 bil lion in damages against a multi-national pharmaceutical firm, Glaxosmithkline Plc (GSK) and two of its subsidiaries for infringing on a trade mark owned and registered by an indigenous company, Continental Pharmaceuticals Limited (CPL).

Justice James Tsoho, in a judgment yesterday held that the registered trademark –RTM40551 registered in 1981 by CPL in respect of its brand of analgesic, Conphamol, was valid and was infringed on by GSK, Smithkline Beecham Plc and Glaxo Group Limited in their packaging and sale of Panadol and Panadol Extra in the country.

The judgment came about after the case was instituted by CPL, during which parties attended court for up to 50 times.

The plaintiff had sued and claimed, among others, that the defendants adopted its registered trademark numbered 40551 in the sale of its Panadol and Panadol Extra anagelsic drugs.

It stated that the defendants also adopted its colouring and other salient features in the packaging of Conphamol, substituting only the words Panadol and Panadol Extra in the same style and font.

Justice Tsoho held that the plaintiff actually owned the trademark, that the defendants illegally adopted it to deceive the buying public and that the defendants pass-off the said trade mark because by adopting the plaintiff’s design, the defendants deceived people into believing that the products were similar.

The court dismissed the defendants’ counter-claim for being unmeritorious and granted most of the plaintiff’s reliefs to include a declaration that the trade Mark TRM40551 “is valid and subsisting and has been infringed by the defendants.”

It held that “the original author, inventor, designer and creator of the artistic work of the registered trade mark, its packaging, logo, get-up, colour scheme and all physical/visual attributes and characteristics “of the design are owned by the plaintiff.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2011

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2011

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MARITIME

NPA focuses on seafarers’ training, T youth employment

HE Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) is focusing on seafarers’ training and their welfare to promote maritime and create employment.

NPA said it is also exploiting the unlimited benefits in seafarers’ training for the development of the ports and other sectors of the economy.

Speaking during the celebration of the maiden edition of the United Nations Day of the Seafarers’ at Onikan Stadium, Lagos, last weekend the Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Omar Suleiman, said employment generation and creation of satisfactory working conditions for the seafarers are part of the goals the authority has set for itself.

It was in recognition and appreciation of the importance of the service rendered by the seafarers, that led the NPA to establish an international maritime training school at the Dockyard, Apapa, in the mid 50s, he said.

By the late 60s, the NPA boss said all harbour crafts including two coal carriers (MV Tafabalewa and MV Enugu) from Port Harcourt to Lagos were fully manned by Nigerians.

NPA led the vanguard of implementing the indigenisation policy in the maritime sector as part of government policy through Marine Deck and Engine Cadets training which in the early 80s has produced enough master mariners, marine engineers, pilots, berthing men, oilers, wipers and others to take over marine operations including the shipyard facilities in Apapa Dockyard.

The marine officers trained by NPA, he said, served on foreign flag ships and in the nation’s oil and gas sector.

“Let me assure you that we are conscious of the fact that seafarer’s training is our focus, their welfare our priority, and their employment and satisfactory working condition is our goal. We shall sail together in good and rough weather,” Suleiman said.

Other speakers at the event also urged the Federal Government to engage the youths through the seafarers’ training.

The former Managing Director, NPA, Mr Adebayo Sarumi who

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HE Akwa Ibom State Government and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) have been advised to do everything possible on Ibaka Deep Sea Port to avert draught depth challenges, commonly experienced in other Nigerian ports.

The advice was given by the Secretary, Institute of Marine Engineers, Science and Technology, Alexander Peters, during a chat with The Nation in his office last week.

He said this is necessary because of the renewed interest of the state and the NPA to go ahead with the establishment of the new deep sea port.

It would be recalled that recently, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Chief Godswill Akpabio, visited the headquarters of the NPA where he met the Managing Director of the organisation, Omar Suleiman and his team to inform them of the readiness of the people and government of his state to partner with NPA to have the proposed port kick-started. Akpabio, at the request of the NPA, has agreed to make available over 5,000 hectares of land for the project.

At the meeting, Peters revealed that the greatest problem faced

•Some cadets from Maritime Institution, Oron.

By Oluwakemi Dauda, Maritime Correspondent

chaired the event, said the country has every reason to celebrate the Seafarers’ Day. Sarumi disagreed with those who said the country has not done enough.

He said the Federal Government has done enough to promote the maritime industry and urged the private sector to compliment the efforts of the government since they make use of the seafarers.

Sarumi said he was happy with the management of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for evolving the seafarers’ programme to train the youths.

The former NPA chief urged all state governments to contribute to the training of seafarers and advised the youths to embrace the programme.

A representative of Nigerian seafarers, Mr Jackson Anomorise, said he was not happy over the collapse of the Nigerian National Shipping Line (NNSL).

The Nigerian seafarers, he said, were those that trained Ghanian seamen. He urged NIMASA to perform her functions by training more youths.

At the event, the Executive Chairman, Solas Logistic, Mr Felix Adepegba, said the Federal Government should exploit the nation’s territorial waters, with a

coastline of about 800 kilometres which provides for investment in shipbuilding and Greenfield port development.

He said the NPA should embark on wrecks removal, port expansion, channel and towage management, safety of navigation, protection of marine environment and provision of additional car parks for port users.

Adepegba said there should be plans for the rehabilitation of Tin Can Island port quay wall and apron, Julius Berger terminal and Koko Port as part of its port development for the next 25 years.

The maritime expert told The Nation that the procurement process for the construction of Ma-

‘Target at least 15 meters draught’

By Uyoatta Eshiet

by the Nigerian ports is that of low draught level. The result of this is that ocean going vessels cannot berth directly at our ports resulting in operations being ex-

pensive because ‘ship–to–port’ operations have to be employed.

This requires the use of lighter ships to ferry goods from the bigger ships that anchor at the high seas, to the shore or to other ships.

“The draught level of most of our ports range between seven and 10 metres and sometimes 12 meaning that most of the bigger ships that require 15 metres deep channels cannot access our ports.

rina Jetty, Bonny Jetty, Calabar Finger Jetty and Port Harcourt Finger Jetty is already in progress, adding that plans are on to see to the pilotage and berthing of vessels with deeper drafts in Lagos pilotage district.

He said Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), banks and concessionaires have dropped their various charges in a bid to reduce the cost of doing business.

Adepegba said the council has also removed port administrative and sorting charges, saying it has commenced implemention of the Inland Container Depots (ICDs) project on Build Own, Operate and Transfer (BOOT) to bring shipping services to the doorsteps of shippers and maximise the opportunities in the industry The General Manager, Sealand Investment, Mr Debo Alakija also said ICDs, apart from helping in reviving and modernising the railways, would help in decongesting the ports and promote comprehensive modal integration and proffer permanent solution to some of the problems facing the sector.

To achieve the required depths and maximise the opportunities in the sector, Alakija said the dredging of Lagos and Bonny/ Port should be looked into.

Alakija said he was not happy over the delay in cargo clearance at the port.

He suggested the adoption of a Single Window Electronic Trade Facilitation initiative, which he said could resolve most of the major problems confronting cargo clearing at the ports.

“There is no doubt that a Single Window Electronic Trade Facilitation initiative will eliminate human contact and the use of discretion, which have been identified as major causes of delay in the clearance of cargo at the ports.

“The electronic system would not only facilitate trade but also ensure improvement in revenue generation and help developmental plans.

Alakija said the situation at the seaports calls for a one-stop-shop that will accommodate all relevant agencies where importers and their clearing agents can clear their goods at the same time.

It was to avoid the above challenges that he called on the Akwa Ibom State Government and all federal agencies concerned, to do everything possible, from the design stage to the actual construction, to make sure they achieve at least 15 metres draught level for the proposed port.

Shippers bemoan delay in cargo clearance

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HE Nigerian Shippers’ Coun cil (NSC) has bemoaned the unnecessary delay in cargo clearance at the nation’s seaport. It urged government agencies to embrace trade facilitation.

The huge number of government agencies at the port, the shippers said, are responsible for the delay.

Customs and other agencies, the shippers said, should be empowered to do most of the jobs relating to cargo clearance.

The Council also bemoaned the absence of a commercial regulator at the nation’s seaports even though the Council said it was happy with the port concessioning programme of the Federal Government.

The Council said it wants the Federal Government to create commercial regulators that would curb arbitrary port charges and see to the

By Oluwakemi Dauda, Maritime Correspondent

rapid growth of the industry.

Speaking at a seminar organised by the Maritime Reporters Association (MARAN) in Abeokuta last week, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Capt.

Adamu Biu, said based on the alleged recent approval of 20 per cent increase in terminal charges for terminal operators, by the former Minister of Transport, Alhaji Yusuf Suleiman, few weeks before the end of the last administration, the council ensured that the seaports terminal operators association did not get the arbitrary increase in 2010 when they first made the move.

He said the terminal operators then made request for increase of 12.5 per cent to 20 per cent of the Handling and Storage Charges re-

spectively. “The council intervened by requesting the Minister of Transport to disapprove such increase.

These arbitrary increases would have taken effect on April 1, 2010 if not for the council’s intervention,” he said.

Other ways through which the Council facilitates shipping trade, Biu said, include provision of shipping information, leagal and financial assistance to shippers for the pursuance of their legitimate claims, handling of shippers’ complaints in respect of cargo losses, demurrage charges, insurance claims and facilitating the domestication of relevant international conventions for the carriage of goods. ,The Council in the course of performing its oversight functions, often faces daunting challenges in terms of trade facilitation.

“Some of these challenges include lack of sanctioning powers in the Council’s enabling Act, lack of compliance with rules and regulations by service providers, unethical business attitude of some agencies which create problems and delays in cargo clearance at our ports, shippers’ ignorance of their rights and obligations which lead some of them into illegal activities.

“The foregoing issues make our international trade uncompetitive. We, therefore, need the collective will of all stakeholders to do things right so that we can achieve better results,” Biu said.

The shippers’ scribe urged stakeholders to note that that task of trade facilitation is not only for the NSC but for all industry players.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2011

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2011

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TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2011

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

Lessons from April elections, by REC Igini Irrepressible activist-lawyer Mike Igini is the Resident Electoral Commissioner of Cross River State. In this interview with Assistant Editor DADA ALADELOKUN, he reflects on the recent general elections and suggests ways of tackling their inherent challenges for improved performances in future polls. Excerpts:

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OU partook of the recent elections as a Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC); will you describe their outcome as satisfactory?

The preponderant view, locally and internationally, is that the election was an improvement on previous ones. Although perfection is difficult to attain, this level of effectiveness in election management should be a matrix to develop from, especially since some people are also at the tribunal, which in itself, also reflects a degree of dissatisfaction.

So, until we get to a level such as the case in the United Kingdom where for 99 years, there has been no judicial intervention in the electoral process, where the outcome of election results is taken as given by the electorate and contestants because of the level of credibility of the process, we cannot truly say that we have reached a level of acceptable satisfaction.

From your experience, what are the challenges that need to be addressed to strengthen the electoral process?

There are institutional challenges within the Commission. For instance, I worked in most cases with my own computers. People worked in rickety and poky offices with so many awkward things. I had said on my appointment that if people in different areas of government act instead of sitting on the issues, we could bring some generational changes to some of the problems we frequently complain about. But there wasn’t much time to address some of these before the elections.

So, I believe that Prof Attahiru Jega will be on top of such things now that there is time to work on them. Also, a major constraint was the attitude of public servants. INEC requires special attitudinal requisites for people who must do the job. Some staff still see our attitude for the right outcome which respects the wishes of the electorate as a blockade to the old order where the election period was a harvest time through financial inducement from politicians. Such attitude must change. The Commissioners of Police and the AIG in my jurisdiction showed exceptional character in their attitude to national duty because security is important in elections. They ensured that their men did not brook any breach of the laws, they arraigned offenders promptly and their attitude strengthened the resolve of all those who were ready to join INEC on the right electoral path.

What about the attitude of politicians?

Yes, politicians’ desperation to win at all costs is another. It comes from the fact that the orientation of a political group is not for the general prosperity, but for the group’s benefits. There is need for total reorientation. Irrespective of which group wins an election, the benefits of governance should filter down to all Nigerians. Also, the attitude of political leaders matters.

Thus, we must commend the exceptional attitude of President Goodluck Jonathan because the most important distinction between most of African and the developed democracies is the respect of their leaders for their electorate.

There were complaints by Nigerians over waiting for hours - about five hours in some instances - after accreditation before commencement of voting…

Indeed, I don’t know why we should shut down our economy because of elections. Is it not possible that if the voter register is right, once the poll opens and voters are in alphabetical order, why is it not possible to authenticate your name which is biometrically registered and vote at just that point? Why should people wait for hours there? But we saw some people who regis-

‘In our politics, we have descended from the high intellectual elitism of Awolowo to the nadir of trench combatants, where people now go to acquire cutlasses and bombs instead of intellectual prowess. Elections have thus become a war or do-or-die combat in which political contestants crumble to the point of seizing election materials meant for the voting public instead of a battle of developmental values. Thus, by 2015, we should expand our leadership choice-making on key issues’ • Igini

tered so many times in the hope of cashing in on this, causing law-abiding citizens huge man-hours at the polls. It is possible to check multiple voting if we have an effective ID system. It is crucial to cut the manhours lost on Election Day because in our country where many live under one dollar a day and depend on daily activities, we should not disrupt economic activities adversely. Besides, if we use an effective identity system to complement the voter identification system, we can cut off underage voting because to vote, you will be denying yourself of other benefits that are agerelated.

So, are you satisfied with the procedures of the elections in the areas of sorting, counting and collation of votes from the polling units to the last stage of the process?

With the elaborate processes of the election, there was success to some extent, but there are also questions at some instances on the synchrony between what happened at Polling Units (PUs) and Collation Centers. Some people have questioned how the results in some PUs did not tally with what was declared at some centres. Professor Maurice Iwu introduced a technology with which we could relay the results, but the logistical realities of our country constrained its implementation. We can build on this process. If we have a simultaneous recording process whereby the announced results at the PUs immediately reflect at a collation point at the state and LGA headquarters, where the parties’ representatives also view the results, we will have very few litigation cases on the declared results.

Why is it that in some cases, patently fraudulent election results once declared can only be challenged at Election Tribunals?

This is one of the imponderables of how the law can be an ass. The person who is saddled with election management should be above board. So, if the votes of the people have been counted, it is assumed this will not be changed, but this is not always the case because where the managers mess up the process. It can only go to the tribunal to be resolved and some people use this window of opportunity to abuse the proc-

ess. That is why the integrity of the umpire is critical because the law has given it such sacrosanct position. Since we cannot change the law at this point, we have to change the people and process. We all saw cases of spurious result declarations under duress where those who subverted the process threatened to go to the tribunal. Thus, where tribunals find such cases, there should be laws with severe consequences through an electoral offenses tribunal, because an unpunished crime will be repeated.

You have also suggested the establishment of a Forensic Unit in INEC and that the burden of proof of how well an election was conducted should be placed on INEC. Elaborate on your reasons for this?

Yes, the Forensic Unit should be a kind of judicial ombudsman for elections within INEC. If there is a complaint at any PU, rather than allow it to go on for years, INEC can call for the ballot for forensic attention in the presence of the parties concerned.

Using administrative processes, the current practice imposes frightening costs on the people and processes that may in future breed violence. This is also connected to the burden of proof issue. How can we ask a contestant without the evidentiary proof of election to prove it? Even the Uwais report recommended it as part of the electoral reform that the burden of proof should be on the electoral managers to make them more diligent. In addition, there is the need to overhaul the Evidence Act of 1945 which does not align well with modern legal realities on such matters. INEC will be more diligent if the burden of proof is on it.

Gladly the 6th National Assembly introduced some changes in the Electoral Act to ensure that INEC produces evidence of its declared results within a time-frame upon the requests of petitioners. This is a good step in this direction of post-election auditing.

In a recent interview you talked about the need to raise the bar of electoral contest in Nigeria. What exactly did you mean by this?

In our politics, we have descended from the high intellectual elitism of Awolowo to the nadir of trench combatants, where people now go to acquire cutlasses and bombs

instead of intellectual prowess. Elections have thus become a war or do-or-die combat in which political contestants crumble to the point of seizing election materials meant for the voting public instead of a battle of developmental values.

Thus, by 2015, we should expand our leadership choice-making on key issues. There should be an ongoing engagement between the political class and the academia. There should be proper sieving of contestants by the electorate to midwife a leadership that leads to collective prosperity in terms of development.

Electoral officials had been seen as corrupt people who are often willing tools in the hands of politicians. As a REC, how true is this public perception?

The task of INEC determines who gets what, how and when in our society if we must believe Harold Laski’s assertion of power. Similarly, because of the stakes inherent in the task, the job should come with equally adequate rewards to deter undue influences. There are very honest people in INEC, but these people struggle to maintain their sanity because the bad ones have been hugely rewarded over time by politicians that they have aided to unduly get to power at the expense of the electors. This skewed reward system has altered the value template in the commission. This is the ongoing challenge that the current national leadership is battling because the external rewards for breaking the INEC codes of integrity is high. Some disgruntled staff even sent anonymous text messages to me that I did not allow them to get welfare packages from politicians. Since the system does not reward them for their dangerous task and so, they have lost on both sides. To be fair to such staff, the system contributes to the frustrations that make them vulnerable; sometimes they are sent on assignments where their allowances are not ready. They are sent to remote places without any comfort provisions; there are so many lapses on the part of the system which are avoidable. From my background in sociology and law, you cannot just address the cure of a social malaise without looking at its cause From your experience how independent was INEC before and all through the elections in comparison with your perception from outside during the 2003 to 2007 election period?

When leadership shows trust and sincerity, it impacts on the whole system. President Goodluck Jonathan, while swearing this set of INEC team, said people should be loyal to the public and not himself unlike before. He publicly insisted that no one should rig elections for him. Also, government under his leadership released funds as and when due, unlike previously where Professor Iwu had to go begging for funds to be released. The National Assembly too must also be commended for the legal template which they created to enable a positive political ambience. Though I had my reservations on some aspects of the amendments of the electoral laws, they set a good precedent based on the general current legal template for elections. Also on a personal level, when we had issues between INEC and the parties in Cross River State on the process of party nominations which ended in the courts, the President kept a distinguished distance. Despite the fact that the governor was the coordinator of his campaign, he never interfered even though it was his party that was affected. This is the type of political value that we should encourage for others to emulate in state elections

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2011

18

POLITICS

• Fashola

• Muse

• Olanipekun

• Ajomale

The rumoured fuss within the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) over the composition of the proposed Governor Babatunde Fashola-led State Executive Council in Lagos is unfounded after all. DADA ALADELOKUN and BUNMI OGUNMODEDE who spoke with stakeholders, report.

Fashola gets kudos for list of commissioners, advisers •Ajomale: complainants are outsiders •It’s all about service, says Muse •Olanipekun hails governor

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AGOS Governor Babatunde Fashola got kudos yesterday for his list of commissioners, which has been presented to the House of Assembly.

Hours after the list of nominees fwas sent to the House, there were rumours that anger was brewing within Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the party in firm control of the state. Some members of the party were allegedly not well represented in the emerging Executive Council.

The governor on June 24, wrote to the State Assembly through Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji. In the letter entitled: “Constitution of the State Executive Council”, Fashola presented his 37 nominees for the lawmakers’ screening and approval.

“Kindly note that in making these appointments, I have given consideration to the diversity of interests and persons within the state and the cost of governance, amongst many other considerations,” Fashola wrote.

The tell-tale of those opposed to the list was that it contained mainly technocrats and non party members. But those who commented on the list yesterday said there was nothing strange in appointing those who have the wherewithal to deliver good governance.

Besides, they are argued that former Governor Bola Tinubu was able to leave behind a landmark after his eight-year administration because of the egg-heads he appointed into positions.

In fact, the party’s chairman in the state, Chief Henry Oladele Ajomale, laughed off the rumour when The Nation sought his view.

He affirmed that such a rumour could not have come from within the party.

His words: “Those who are complaining are outsiders. How do they determine a party member?

If the complainants are members of our party they will know that all those nominated are card carrying members of the ACN. Who are the technocrats they are talking about? Is it Akabueze? He played a prominent role mobilising Ndigbo before and during the last elections. We know what he

‘The governor has done what he felt should be done to see to it that he sustains his commitment to people-oriented service for which his administration is being celebrated, even beyond the shores of our country. We must understand that the moment he got reelected, he became the governor of Lagos State and not that of his party. That is what our people must understand because at the end of the day, after his tenure, he is the one that will be held responsible for either his failure or success in office’ did to ensure victory for the party.

Are they saying that those who dumped their party to openly declare for the ACN are not party members? No committed member of the party will talk that way.

“Of course, there are less than 30 slots for commissioners and special advisers. So, there is no way the governor can nominate every member to become members of the State Executive Council. It is not possible. So, whoever is not nominated now could be nominated tomorrow, even for other positions. It is not true that those nominated are not members of the ACN.” His vice in Lagos West, Rev James Omolaja Odunmbaku, echoed his position. To him, the rumoured rumpus in the party allegedly arising from the Fashola’s new cabinet is not only unfounded but false.

“It is not true that there is any crack in our party over the membership of the executive council.

There is no iota of truth in it because both the party’s leadership and the governor are in an unbroken rapport over the issue. They work hand-in-hand.”

Senator Muniru Adekunle Muse, who represented Lagos Central District in the 6th Senate, said: “Making use of technocrats in governance is not a bad idea; it is all about Governor Fashola’s passion for service delivery and good governance. However, I must say that it is not out of place if he includes party men of proven service records in his cabinet because everyone in the party worked for his first term achievements and indeed, his success at the polls in the April elections.

“I want to appeal to all that what should be uppermost in our minds is how to sustain the legacy of service to the people, which the Fashola-

led administration and indeed, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) are known for. Fashola is a party man and as such, I believe he will take, adequate care of the party’s feelings by ensuring that members are represented in his administration.”

Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) also bared his mind on the issue. To him, the governor has done “perfectly well” by picking technocrats to work with him in order to carry the tradition of service for which he is known to

loftier heights.

His words: “The governor has done what he felt should be done to see to it that he sustains his commitment to people-oriented service for which his administration is being celebrated, even beyond the shores of our country.

“We must understand that the moment he got re-elected, he became the governor of Lagos State and not that of his party. That is what our people must understand because at the end of the day, after his tenure, he is the one that will be

held responsible for either his failure or success in office.

“No doubt, if he feels that they can work with him and achieve results, he can pick qualified ones from his party and even other parties; it is all about serving the people dispassionately. United States’ President Barrack Obama nominated Kenyanborn Scott Gration as the country’s Ambassador to Kenya because he believed he could deliver; he did not consider party affiliation. This is the trend going on all over the world. Politics has shifted from the era of ‘winner takes all.’ It is now about who can do the work well.”

As situation stands, most Lagos residents who are still basking in the euphoria of “Action Governor” Fashola’s re-election are full of hope that with the new cabinet, he is poised to take every segment of his administration to the much-desired greater height in the overall interest of all.

• From right: Rivers State Governor, Rt Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi congratulating Dr Chamberlain Peterside, shortly after been sworn-in as commissioner in Goverment House, Port Harcourt.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2011

19

EDITORIAL/OPINION COMMENT

EDITORIAL FROM OTHER LAND

On Islamic banking • Stakeholders should have an open mind as they further engage

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N the last two years, the myriad of reform policies initiated by the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, have come to acquire a life of its own.

The clamour for more far-reaching reforms in the banking sector has continued unabated. One of the raging issues at the moment is the planned introduction of an Islamic banking model into the Nigerian financial landscape, which has naturally raised apprehensions.

Given the nation’s secularity, we perfectly understand the basis of the apprehensions and here, we must say it is tempting to dismiss the model off-hand on the grounds of pandering to one of the nation’s dominant religions, Islam. Because religious matters have great potentials for divisiveness, there are those who would argue that the CBN had better things to dwell upon than get involved in

‘While we can understand the natural aversion to change, the fixation with the conventional model to the exclusion of other models even when their merits are unassailable, and in spite of its great appeal to a sizeable segment of the population seems, clearly, unreasonable’

the Islamic banking controversy at this point in time. Moreover, not a few have raised the question of whether the Islamic banking model would not be in grave violation of the nation’s secular status.

Valid as these apprehensions appear to be, some of the concerns that have been expressed seem to us as entirely misplaced. To start with, we agree that the CBN has done a rather poor job of informing Nigerians about the whole essence of the Islamic banking model in terms of what it is and what is not. And, doubtless, the tag “Islamic banking” has only helped stoked fires of mutual distrust in our peculiarly religion-sensitive environment.

But that can hardly justify the clamour to throw away the baby with the bathwater.

The truth is- the model does not pretend to be anything other than an alternative model to the current conventional banking model. Aptly described as noninterest banking, it is what it claims to be – non-usurious. Its selling point is profit and risk sharing – as against the extortionate usury. Its great merit lies in its ensuring that both lender and borrower not only share joint responsibility in the transaction chain but also in the dividends. If there is anything” religious” in the model, it is only reason of its deep roots in the two leading religions of Christianity and Islam –both known to be averse to the usury.

What is even more important is that the model does not seek to displace the conventional model, but is rather an addi-

tion to the league of financial service providers to which citizens can choose from.

It certainly offers great potentials for competition and further diversification of banking products and services. While we can understand the natural aversion to change, the fixation with the conventional model to the exclusion of other models even when their merits are unassailable, and in spite of its great appeal to a sizeable segment of the population seems, clearly, unreasonable.

As for the argument that Islamic banking is in conflict with the nation’s constitution, we find nothing in the provisions precluding the apex bank from setting out guidelines for the model or indeed any other model for that matter. Indeed, the development is in tandem with the quest to further liberalise the financial services landscape. The CBN should consider removing its religious colouration while putting in place also, safegaurds against any form of discrimination.

Of course, we agree that the apex bank may not have demonstrated enough sensitivity on the matter by its approach. For something as sensitive and novel (at least in these parts), we would have expected it to have embarked on wider consultations with relevant stakeholders. As it is, not many Nigerians – and this includes those clamouring for the model – can claim with any measure of confidence, sufficient knowledge of its modus operandi let alone its famed advantages over the conventional model. This is why we encourage relevant stakeholders to have an open mind as they further engage on the issue.

Cabinet headache • Time to end distractions and get governance going

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HE burden of cabinet composition is stifling effective governance across the country. In the centre as in most states of the federation, the executive arm of government inaugurated on May 29 has been befuddled by political lobbyists seeking appointment into positions. For instance, President Goodluck Jonathan and most states’ governors since about four weeks ago have been contending with the formation of a new cabinet. This executive decision dilemma has needlessly heated the polity Nigerians are anxious, especially with regards to the centre, to know the cabinet list that overtime, has reportedly undergone persistent tinkering. Cabinet composition is a constitutional duty that the President must perform because Section 147 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), makes it mandatory for the President to constitute his cabinet to accommodate the heterogeneous nature of the country.

In view of the widespread goodwill enjoyed by the President during last April’s presidential election, we know that pressures from divergent interests across the federation will be mounting on him. Moreso, as a southern minority, his victory that surprisingly cut across ethnic groups in the country was tremendous.

The electoral mandate given to President Jonathan naturally comes with expectations from Nigerians, who are eager to witness rapid transformation of the

country. The President inherited a cabinet which he slightly re-jig to accommodate interests from late President Umaru YarÁdua. The moment, to us, presents him an opportunity to show the substance in him. Nigerians deserve to know where the nation is drifting in the next four years. And knowing the actual men/ women that will drive the wheel of governance will afford them, ample opportunity to determine the direction of governance between now and 2015 when this current tenure will expire.

We are aware that President Jonathan once declared that he will not seek a second term in office and this fact makes Nigerians to be anxious to unravel the identities of members of his new team that are eagerly looked forward to, to lay the foundation of an expected modern Nigeria.

We expect nothing short of a cabinet at the federal and component states that will comprise Nigerians who have the requisite maturity, experience and high moral standing that would bring forth the attainment of good governance that has been missing ever since. The president, more importantly, should not recycle men in their 70s that will end up using hard earned government money to foot their medical bills abroad.

The President promised among others things credible hands to manage the cabinet irrespective of political leaning; the restructuring of ministries for efficiency; fiscal discipline; an end to the culture of imposition by godfathers and determina-

tion to fight corruption.

It has got to a stage that the President needs to be decisive and steadfast in raising his cabinet if the above must be achieved. The contradictory signals on who is who on the ministerial list are untidy and they send a wrong message that the President is not actually in charge.

We detest the politics of affection that cabinet appointment has imposed on the nation. It tends to encourage the perception that service in government is a grand scheme in patronage. President Jonathan must realise the enormity of distraction that his ministerial list has inflicted on the nation. This is an opportunity that must not be fluffed away. We, like other concerned Nigerians are watching.

‘We detest the politics of affection that cabinet appointment has imposed on the nation. It tends to encourage the perception that service in government is a grand scheme in patronage. President Jonathan must realise the enormity of distraction that his ministerial list has inflicted on the nation.

This is an opportunity that must not be fluffed away’

Congress’s Choice on Libya

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OUSE Republicans are gearing up to vote, likely Friday, on whether to authorize continued United States support for NATO-led military operations over Libya. There are two main proposals — and a clear choice to be made. We fear they are leaning in a wrongheaded and dangerous direction.

One measure, sponsored by Representative Thomas Rooney and apparently backed by the House leadership, would allow financing only for American surveillance, search-andrescue missions, planning and aerial refueling. Republicans say that if it passes, the Pentagon would have to halt drone strikes and attacks on Libyan air defenses.

They claimed it would do minimal damage to the alliance and its campaign because the United States would still be providing some support. But the damage to this country’s credibility, and its leadership of NATO, would be enormous. Any sign that the United States is bailing out could lead others to follow.

It is hard to view this bill as anything but a partisan play to embarrass the president. The one sure victor would be Libya’s strongman, Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi, who would see it as a sign that NATO’s resolve is faltering and another reason to keep brutalizing his people.

The second measure — and much preferred alternative — is a version of a bipartisan resolution proposed in the Senate by John Kerry and John McCain. It would authorize American participation in the Libya air campaign for one year but bar the use of ground troops, which President Obama has said he has no plans of deploying.

Mr. Obama made the wrong choice, trying to evade his responsibility under the 1973 War Powers Act to seek Congressional authorization within 60 days of introducing armed forces into “hostilities” — or terminate the operation. The White House claimed that the Pentagon’s limited operations are not the sort of “hostilities” covered by the act. It is not credible.

Mr. Obama would have done better arguing his case for the Libyan operation. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton was playing catch-up on Capitol Hill on Thursday. We are certain if NATO had not intervened, thousands more Libyans would have been slaughtered. We also believe Congress has an important role to play in this debate.

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee plans to vote on the Kerry-McCain measure next week. The majority leader, Harry Reid, has said he has the votes in the Senate. Thankfully, some Senate Republicans also seem to understand the importance of the United States following through on its national security commitments.

We hope, after Friday, we will be able to say the same thing about the House.

A version of this editorial appeared in print on June 24, 2011, on page A24 of the New York edition with the headline: Congress’s Choice on Libya: Libyan lives and this country’s credibility are on the line.

– The New York Times

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Victor Ifijeh • Editor Gbenga Omotoso •Chairman, Editorial Board Sam Omatseye •General Editor Kunle Fagbemi

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2011

20

EDITORIAL/OPINION

IR: With the inauguration of caretaker committees for the twenty-one local government councils of Anambra State on Monday, June 13, 2011, the State Government looks set to midwife the process leading to local government election in the state. The committees are to ensure a smooth transition to democratically elected councils, which poll has been fixed for November this year.

Some have disagreed with the decision to appoint transition committees, arguing that immediate poll is what fidelity to democracy demands. The anxiety for democratization of this tier of government is understandable in the spirit of the fairly successful April 2011 general elections. Yet, it would be a misplacement of priority not to come to terms first with the operative environment before proceeding with the poll. This includes Anambra’s troubled politics and the history of the council poll impasse; the controversial nature of our elections and the abysmal performance of this tier of government.

In effect, those who seek to indict the Peter Obi administration for the delay in restoring democratic order to the state’s local councils either do not appreciate its history or are playing cheap politics.

Tenure expiration of the only democratically elected local governments in the state in the fourth republic had been caught up with the turmoil in which the Chinwoke Mbadinuju regime was steeped in 2002. With the finances and credibility of the government in deficit, governance was grinding to a halt. Consumed in grim battles for political survival, the Mbadinuju regime could not be bothered with local government elections.

The situation was even more desperate for Chris Ngige who succeeded Mbadinuju. For its three year duration, Ngige’s government could not command the stability required to conduct council polls. Although legitimacy was restored to governance on March15, 2006 when Obi

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As Anambra prepares for Local Govt elections retrieved his mandate, his government did not come to terms on the conduct of the election until June 14, 2007 when the last obstacle to his right to a four year tenure was removed. This was the dismantling of the contraption Andy Uba headed for 17 days which had been preceded by nullification of the jungle impeachment of November 2006.

Other challenges in the way of conducting local government election remained in the non-budgetary pro-

vision for the exercise in 2007; unexpired tenure of a divisive electoral panel; updating of voter registers; and litigations on the subject. The poll had to be postponed again in 2010 following complaints about omissions in the existing voter register.

Indications are that the Anambra State government is embarking on the current process conscious of the need to overcome the inadequacies that had hindered the exercise in the

past. Not only is a new voter register in place, but perhaps more importantly, the State government is seeking to invest in the voting process . While the open ballot by design, curtails room for manipulations, the ultimate decider of clean electoral contest is the integrity of the umpire. It is expected that the government will forward an executive bill to the House of Assembly proposing a variant of open ballot in the legal framework for the poll.

With the performance of local governments in the country as low as ever, Anambra State has an opportunity to make a new beginning in local governance after ten years of dormancy. The problems of local governments in Nigeria would appear to revolve around its undefined structure as a tier of government. By not according local governments the requisite autonomy deserving of a tier of government, the flawed and badly written 1999 Constitution has made local governments vulnerable to state interference. While it would take constitutional amendment and other reforms to galvanize the local councils back to governmental relevance, Anambra’s councils do not have to wait that long.

• Ifeanyi Afuba, Nimo, Anambra State.

Breaking barriers against affordable housing in Lagos

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IR: The challenges of ensuring access to affordable housing today are manifold. Indeed, many developing countries, and even industrialised countries across the globe, struggle with the provision of affordable housing for their citizens – particularly in densely populated urban areas.

Lagos State, with its estimated 15 million inhabitants, is clearly no exception.

In November last year, The Kuramo Conference 2010 in association with the Lagos State Ministry of Housing, deliberated on housing and habitat, one of the essential needs of every man. Participants at the conference paid attention to the global trends in future planning for housing and urban regeneration as well as sustainable mortgage financing options for developing countries. As part of the commitment to walk the talk, the conference produced a Declaration and 16-point Agenda on key issues adopted from the deliberations as

obligations that ought to be performed at the municipal, sub-national and international levels in the areas of human development and sustainable growth. Under housing and urban regeneration for instance, it was advocated that mortgage financing, cooperative housing schemes and housing associations should be encouraged by governments as an important strategic option to improving access to affordable housing; increasing housing stock and unlocking capital in developing countries.

One peculiarity of the housing issue in Lagos State is that many Lagosians are trapped in a vicious cycle of perpetually renting accommodation from shylock landlords, rather than owning their own homes. However, hope of stemming this trend brightened when the state House of Assembly passed the Lagos State Mortgage and Property Law in 2010. The law promptly received the assent of Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN). The enactment of the law

aligns with The Kuramo Foundation’s policy advocacy and collaboration towards finding an appropriate solution to the issue of affordable housing. It is indeed gratifying to note that positive outcomes are beginning to manifest.

In essence, through a Lagos State Government pilot scheme, the Mortgage and Property Law is aimed at effectively enabling the majority of Lagosians to access financing in order to own homes under a model similar to the “Council flats” system in the U.K. Tailored exclusively towards firsttime property owners, the Lagos State Mortgage and Property Law strives to protect both the mortgagor (financial institution) and the mortgagee (individual natural person) through its provisions by mitigating against the typical challenges and concerns of both parties. Significantly, such mortgageassisted property must be owneroccupied since one of the major challenges of the scheme is how to

ensure that the right people are actually the persons gaining access to the financing and properties. To this end, the Lagos State Mortgage Board has been established to promote and facilitate access to affordable housing for less privileged citizens of the state by leveraging on a variety of novel provisions under the new law.

The Kuramo Foundation commends the systemic efforts of the Lagos State Government so far regarding the resolution of the deeprooted obstacle that has stood in the way of the majority of low income earners in the state who have been eager to own homes that they can call their own. We also look forward to the rigorous and sustained implementation of this initiative, particularly as the provision of affordable housing remains high on the list of policy priorities of the current administration of Governor Fashola.

• Dr. Oduwole, Ikoyi, Lagos.

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THE NATION TUESDAY,JUNE 28, 2011

EDITORIAL/OPINION

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IRIJI War (1877-1893) was the famous intra-Yoruba war against Ibadan imperialism in late 19th century.

Aare Ona Kakanfo Latoosa, the generalissimo of the Ibadan imperial army, belted a threat at the outbreak of that war: “When I have finished,” he was famously quoted by Samuel Johnson, whose History of the Yorubas remains a classic till this day,

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lordbeek@yahoo.com, 08054504169 (Sms only, please)

“there shall be no more wars forever in the Yoruba country.”

The Aare of the fearsome Ibadan meant he would make mincemeat of the rebellious Ekiti Parapo (Ekiti Military Confederates), so much so that he would have pacified the whole of Yorubaland, that none would ever dare the Ibadan overlords again.

In a way, Latoosa got his wish: Yorubaland never experienced such a war again. But that was not because Latoosa and his host galloped back to Ibadan in glory, hardly breaking a sweat. It was rather because that war of attrition produced a stalemate that finally snuffed out Ibadan’s imperial glory.

Latoosa himself was a victim. He died at the tail end of the war in the Ibadan camp, though he was not killed by enemy bullet. That was late 19 th century.

Now, early 21 st century, Kiriji War II appears to be on; and like history repeating itself, it is something of a farce, over a non-existent quest.

In Kiriji War II, the Ekiti Parapo is yielding ground to Etanu Parapo (Confederate of the Spiteful). Whereas the war theatre then was Imesi-Ile (now in Osun State), which rocky terrain gave the war its Ki-ri-ji onomatopoeic name to depict how booming guns echoed against the surrounding rocks, the new battle ground is the media, particularly the Nigerian Tribune that the sage Awo founded. While Kiriji War I was over the noble quest for self-determination and freedom from imperialism, Kiriji War II, despite all the emotive claptrap and impassioned fire power, is over a suspect quest: a Yoruba leadership which nobody can say, with all certainty, is vacant.

Of course, what has flared the current hostility is Sam Omatseye’s controversial piece, “Awo Family without Awolowo”, somewhat

‘Kiriji War I was over the noble quest for self-determination. But Kiriji War II, despite all the emotive claptrap and impassioned fire power, is over a suspect quest.’

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WO separate but nonetheless related developments appear to have set the stage for imminent battles that will put President Goodluck Jonathan’s resolve on the key elements of his administration’s reform ambitions to its severest test.

First is the signal from the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) which declared the mother of all battles should President Jonathan appoint Professor Barth Nnaji, his erstwhile Special Adviser and chairman of the Presidential Task Force on the Power Sector as substantive minister to take charge in the sector. Moments after declaring presidential adviser persona non grata, the vociferous labour group reportedly declared a prayer chain asking that God turn the counsel of the acclaimed technocrat into foolishness! They even went as far as seeking Divine intervention to stay the hands of their “sole” nemesis who they claim is determined to throw their members into the labour market.

To press their point, they let it be known that the appointment of Nnaji to superintend the power sector amounted to a declaration of war on their members by the federal government!

What is their argument, this time? Again, the old, worn arguments about the cost of the reforms to their members in the number of job losses. While the concerns with their job security seems understandable, less comprehensible is their preference for the status quo under which the nation currently reels under the outmoded business model of a most inept utility firm – the Power Holdings Company of Nigeria (PHCN) –whose continuing monopoly has squelched any future prospects of appreciable private investments, and under which the erasure of their valued jobs is guaranteed!

Come to think of it, is Barth Nnaji the problem of the workers? Seems to me as case of misplaced aggression. Is Nnaji the author the Power Sector Act 2005? Or is it a case of looking for a scapegoat after other possibilities of resistance have broken down? The truth is that the electricity workers lost it more than five years ago when they could not stop the power sector reform law from being enacted.

The failure of will by government to put its provisions into effect must be held as solely responsible for the current inertia in the sector. The choice for government is either to pander to the obduracy of the workers or to move on with speed with the reform train. There is no question of having both!

No one denies that there are labour issues to be addressed in the process of implementing certain salient aspects of the reform. The truth again is that the workers’ belligerence is neither helpful to their cause nor to the cause of the sector which they claim to love. Their demand to be treated fairly and equitably in the process of the reforms is certainly right and just – but so does their insistence on clearing the presidential appointee for the sector unprecedented if not entirely bordering on overreach!

Olakunle Abimbola

Kiriji War II a Nigerian version of Salmon Rushdie’s Satanic Verses. That explosive book, in the best tradition of free speech in open societies, got the Mullahs of Iran so raven mad they promptly pronounced, on the author, the Islamic fatwa.

But the ironic twist about that celebrated fatwa was that Ayatollah Ruholla Khomeini, in whose name it was first invoked, is long dead and gone. It has since been revalidated in the name of his successor, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

But as Rushdie is alive (and has not rushed to die) though no one could say how well he is faring, since he is reportedly in constant hiding, it is safe to assume the fatwa is at best a sword of Damocles, always up there as a threat but never comes down.

Still, the Yoruba would, with a riposte, kick against such a stance, just to insist delay does not dilute potency: the callow youth abuses the Iroko and celebrates his survival – does he think the dreaded tree crushes its victim instantly?

That brings the discourse to the threat, reportedly contained in a communiqué by the Yoruba Unity Forum (YUF), after its June 23 Ikenne, Ogun State, meeting. According to a Nigerian Tribune front page report of Friday June 24, YUF insisted Omatseye should apologise for his piece or face whatever fate that befell him. In other words, a YUF fatwa has crept into Kiriji War II! Beyond newspaper grandstanding and dust-raising to stay relevant in the face of rapid but inevitable change, those who claim to be elders and are educated enough to know, should draw the line between emotive grandstanding and threats to the life of a fellow citizen.

Sam Omatseye has a name. That is why he can take flaks resulting from his write-up. But so do those issuing newspaper fatwa. Should anything happen to the writer and it is traced to them, it becomes a criminal matter between the Nigerian state and those that issued the threat.

This is no medieval theocracy, but a 21 st century democratic republic. You have a right to resent whatever Sam may have written. You also have a right to hit him back, reserving the

Policy Sanya Oni sanyaoni@yahoo.co.uk 08051101841

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Nigerians will gladly join them in the battle with government so long as their causes are right. But, the demand for a halt to the reform process simply because they claim to be uncomfortable with the contents would appear as stretching the logic of unionism a bit far.

It is a battle they are unlikely to win.

That takes us to the fire stoked by the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) with their rather curious conditionality of linking the payment of the new N18,000 minimum wage to the removal of so-called fuel subsidies. To start with, only an incurable welfarist would pretend not to anticipate that the matter of fuel subsidy – said to gulp an estimated N600 billion annually – would not inevitably feature among the long list of tough issues that the administration will have to decide upon as it settles down to business. But to now link it with the clamour for the implementation of the agreed wage increase is not only disingenuous, it amounts to a repudiation of the law without the compelling duty of getting the parliament to abrogate it!

As I have observed on this page, the point is not to deny the economics of the subsidy as if it does not matter – or as some would insist on living in denial of its existence. Let’s face it, no matter the differences over what constitutes that margin– there is clearly no question about the existence of a difference between the price of petrol as sold at the pump and the landing cost of the product. Much as it is legitimate to question the basis of importation, which itself can be explained by the fact that the nation does not presently refine a fraction of what it consumes, that differential translates to the “subsidy” presently borne by government.

Again, the truth is that every kobo spent on bringing that fuel into the country bears directly on the nation’s foreign exchange in addition to immeasurable opportunity costs.

We can dwell on the whys and the wherefore of the policy choices that have brought the nation to a point when one of the leading producers of hydrocarbons cannot refine enough fuel for its domestic needs. But then, just as enough case has

right to choose whichever language you please.

But certainly, no one has the right under the law to threaten another. It is a deadly affront to free speech, which sustains an open society, in which freedom and democracy thrive.

Of course, fatwa and allied threats belonged to those out-gone ages, when you seized and slaughtered the messenger because you could not cope with his message. If fatwa today appear like the eternal threats of the sword of Damocles, it is because the world has left behind such intolerant temper.

But it has not always been like that. The brightest of the globe’s minds had perished because the world in which they lived could not grapple with the truth they espoused. Socrates, the great Greek philosopher, drank hemlock because the society in which he lived could not cope with his radical teachings.

The French, Joan of Arc, got burnt at the stakes for alleged apostasy. Galileo endured harshness in his last years because he told the Catholic mullahs of his day that the world was round, not flat. Even the great Chief Obafemi Awolowo attracted unlimited bile because he envisioned a radically progressive Nigeria that the Lugard establishment and its poodle swore would only happen over their dead body.

But all these great personages of history came back to trounce their traducers. Awo towers above all 24 years after his death because there is no stopping an idea whose time has come.

Even the great Awo drank from the eternal spring of knowledge the likes of Socrates and Galileo left behind. That may well be for Sam, for daring to discuss the Awolowos in the context of their illustrious patriarch, assuming there was anything to the newspaper fatwa.

But however Kiriji War II rages, it has nothing to do with Awo (whose place is assured); or with Asiwaju Bola Tinubu (who is hard at work at assuring his own place), even if he turned the fall guy the Concert of the Spiteful have so mercilessly shellacked, on account of Sam’s piece.

When Rehoboam, David’s grandson pushed his luck too far, the Jewish kingdom split. That led to a chain of events that ultimately caused the demise of the Biblical Israelite kingdom.

But even today, David remains the undisputed hero of the modern State of Israel.

And so has Awo, on the Yoruba consciousness, no matter what the current Awos do or do not do. By the same logic, whatever heights Tinubu attains would be judged by the quality of his present strivings, and less by paranoia or ill will over some alleged push for “Yoruba leadership”.

To that extent then, the raging Kiriji War II is a huge media distraction. Sure, an old order is dying. And a new one is waiting to be born. But in that new order, people will rise or sink based on their deeds, and not by any previous affiliations or emotional grandstanding. been made for sending our policy planners to the shrinks for their mental lapses, the reality for the moment is that this costs just have to be met! And the country must move forward, somehow.

Having said that, it seems important to note also that the choice to be made are not always cut and dried just as matters aren’t always about some cold rational economic arguments. Were issues always about cold rational arguments and statistics, we can also make the same argument for disbanding the paraphernalia of government since a fraction of what it costs to keep the governance going would be required were the activities to be outsourced to a management firm. In any case, our government has never been accused of being a model in efficiency!

That is why the choice facing President Jonathan is hardly one of bandying familiar cold statistics of how much the nation spends to subsidise fuel imports. The way forward is to give Nigerians a timeline for ending the current regime of importation AFTER which the market can be allowed free rein! After all, those who know say that it requires between 24 to 36 months to deliver a modest sized refinery from the scratch to completion. Wouldn’t that provide evidence that government is truly desirous of delivering on its promise of new refineries?

What Nigerians are saying in effect is that this is not the time to surrender to the myopia of government and the greed of the merchant cartel of fuel importers. It seems unlikely that Nigerians would throw up their hands in surrender to a government that prefers folly over wisdom, and one which seeks escape in abdication when what is needed is problem-solving.

In the situation, my advice to President Jonathan therefore is – don’t touch the fuel subsidy now; it is not worth the trouble.

‘the truth is that every kobo spent on bringing that fuel into the country bears directly on the nation’s foreign exchange in addition to immeasurable opportunity costs. We can dwell on the whys and the wherefore of the policy choices that have brought the nation to a point where one of the leading producers of hydrocarbons cannot refine enough fuel for its domestic needs’

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2011

22

EDITORIAL/OPINION

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ORESTRY Research Institute of Nigeria is a Government Research organisation established in 1954.It has mandate to conduct research into all aspects of forestry, wildlife management, watershed management, Agro forestry, environmental protection, and forest products utilization. The Institute through its colleges has the mandate to train technical and sub-technical personnel for the forestry services and other Agro allied sectors in the country. The organisation has four HND/OND awarding colleges, and seven outstations spread across the country, representing geo-ecological zones.

Over and above, these research mandates which are in line with the Federal Government’s Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and National Economic Empowerment Development strategy (NEEDS) are targeted at environmental management, sustainable food production, provision of industrial Raw materials, manpower Development and information services. The environmental management related research programmes includes; Desertification control, Erosion control, Nursery and pilot Research plantations establishments for deforestation control. Those targeted towards sustainable food productions for food security includes; Wildlife domestication and multiplication, Ecotourism, indigenous fruit trees domestication, mush room cultivation, snailery and bee-keeping (Apiculture), and agro forestry.

The achievement of FRIN since inception cannot be over emphasised more especially in the area of plantation establishment and management, conservation, ecology, biodiversity, wood products development, wood

A

REN’T we all victims of illusion in Nigeria? When we became a politically independent country in 1960, we believed that Nigerians who would occupy positions of power in the country would transform the country into a paradise. But, fifty years after, Nigeria is still an under- developed country. Now, millions of Nigerians live below the breadline, life expectancy is low in the country, and the rate of unemployment is daily increasing alarmingly in the most populous African country. Today, as the opposite of our expectations at independence exists in Nigeria, aren’t we victims of our own illusion?

Victims of illusion. This phrase came to my mind and stuck after I heard the hilarious tale of two corps members. They met at the NYSC orientation camp in Niger State, and fell head over heels in love. The young lady dreamt of a life of luxury and comfort with her beau in the future as the man is a brilliant engineer.

But, six years after completing their NYSC programme, they’ve not secured plum jobs. Unemployed, the man lives from hand to mouth, and the chipped soles of

‘During the Obasanjo inglorious political regime, he included such technocrats as OkonjoIweala, Professor Dora Akunyili and Oby Ezekwesili in his government. These women made tremendous impact in our body-politic. Dr Okonjo Iweala, for example, facilitated our exit from the club of debtornations’

Forestry Institute and desertification combat

By Gambo Dauda wastes utilization, poverty alleviation, self-employment and food security as well as seedling production. These areas have significantly boosted the country’s economy: The research activities of FRIN led to successful cultivation of a great number of exotics and indigenous tree species on research plantation and follow-up mass plantation development all over the country for purposes of sandune fixation, control of desert encroachment, soil erosion control and reforestation for timber production.

These tree species include; Eucalyptus, Neem, pine, Gmelina, Obeche, Antiaris and the Terminalias. In which we have presently over one million seedlings of different species to combat deforestation in the desertification prone areas.

FRIN developed and transferred technology for the domestication and multiplication of Grasscutter (Thryonomys swinderianus), close to two hundred farmers in ten states of the federation have been trained and are active in self-employed glasscutter farming business.

Developed appropriate technologies for edible mushroom seed production and cultivation, transferred same to end users. Thereby encouraging growth of mushroom farmers in the country. The integration of arable food crops which thrive well with different tree crops under Agro-forestry

techniques. This has enhanced the development of fruit trees like invingia gabonenis, invingia Wombulu (popular ogbonno), Chrysophyllum albidum, Parkia biglobosa, and Acacia albida. The following food crops, yam, vegetables, pepper, cassava, maize, and plantain were found to have thrived with forest tree crops under an Agro-forestry practice.

The shelterbelt research efforts of the Institute have also led to the emergence of bee-keeping as a thriving business by RURAL DWELLERS who install bee hives in the EUCALYPTUS SHELTERBELT trees for honey production. FRIN has the largest forest herbarium in west Africa with 107.000 collected and preserved plants specimens at the Institute herbarium, Ibadan, Oyo state. Prominent among the research breakthrough in this area is the documentation of the medicinal uses of some of the preserved plant specimens, which is said to cure different ailment. Digitalization of these African type specimens under the application programming interface (API) sponsored by ANDREW MELLON FOUNDATION, USA has been effected. A herbal garden within the Institute for was established for the preservation of rare and almost extinct medicinal plants. Research was conduct on properties of hundreds of Nigerian home grown tree species with respect to bending, stiffness, ability to

take nails and screws easily and firmly without splitting, boring, mortising, seasoning chemical treatability and use classification.

As noted earlier, FRIN mandate are in line with federal Government’s Millenium Development Goals(MDGs) and National Enpowerment Development Strategy(NEEDS) in which she recorded significant impacts. Its research activities are targeted at environmental management, sustainable food production and provision of industrial raw materials. It research projects related to environmental management are those concerned with desertification, erosion control, climate amelioration, which are strong catalyst to the recent threat of Global warming. In this area, the Institute has recorded tremendous impact, considering its various projects on the raising of different species of trees across the Ecological zones of the country.

Its impact on the production of building materials from WOOD WASTES is worth encouraging.

• Gambo Dauda writes from Maiduguri, gambomails@yahoo.com

‘These tree species include; Eucalyptus, Neem, pine, Gmelina, Obeche, Antiaris and the Terminalias. In which we have presently over one million seedlings of different species to combat deforestation in the desertification prone areas’

Nigerians as victim of illusion

By Chiedu Uche Okoye

his shoes and threadbare shirts are indications of his impecunious state.

In the Ibo- nation, marriage is a cultural imperative, and aging spinsters and old bachelors are believed to be under family curse. So, seeing her friends getting married, and living in affluence, she became impatient and contumacious, and started two-timing her boy-friend for reasons of getting money, and in order to get married to another man, too.

So, their separation was not unexpected given the constant and bitter contretemps that came to characterize the friendship.

The lovers, two young educated Nigerians, believed that their possession of university degrees would open doors of opportunity to them. But, they’ve become victims of their own illusion. Long time ago, university degrees ceased to be the open sesame to crossing over to the rich class from the poor class.

Here in the country, those who are connected to those occupying political power are given employments clandestinely as meritocracy has been dethroned by mediocrity, nepotism, god-fatherism and cronyism.

We live in a climate of fear owing to the state of insecurity of lives and property that exists in the country. Sustainable development is put in abeyance in a nation – state where anarchy reigns supreme as foreign investors are not attracted there. But, the high crime rate in the country can be reduced, if the government diversifies and strengthens the economy to create job opportunities for the unemployed youths, who have taken to crime.

So, it behooves President Good-luck Jonathan to speedily address the issue of unemployment, which is remotely linked

to crimes in our country. Now, he will have no excuse to offer us if he fails to transform the country since he has been given political authority and legitimacy by the electorate.

The first step he should take towards transforming our country is assembling a formidable cabinet that will comprise technocrats and politicians who have competence, integrity and leadership qualities.

In a presidential system of government, the President has the constitutional powers to select people who will form his cabinet from outside his party.

During the Obasanjo inglorious political regime, he included such technocrats as Okonjo- Iweala, Professor Dora Akunyili and Oby Ezekwesili in his government. These women made tremendous impact in our body-politic. Dr Okonjo Iweala, for example, facilitated our exit from the club of debtor- nations. And, Professor Dora Akunyili rid our drug-markets of fake drugs. Her brave deeds saved lives of Nigerians.

In today’s Nigeria, educated parents do buy admissions for their children. The economic saboteurs and criminals are credited with super intelligence. But the honest and poor man who returned a million naira he found on a bus is called a “mugu” (sucker).

Nigeria is at the cross-roads of moral crisis and spiritual aridity. At this juncture, we all need moral re-birth/spiritual rejuvenation.

We know president Good- Luck Jonathan to be a good man. His piteous life-story of grass to grace resonates with us. Again, We don’t want the trust we’ve placed in him to become an illusion in the long run.

• Uche Okoye writes from Anambra State

• Jonathan

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2011

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TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2011

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NATION SPORT

NATION SPORT

ALL NIGERIA/CROSS RIVERS STATE ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIP

NFF’s decision stalls NSC’s visit to FIFA T

Osayomi dedicates gold medal to •Apologises for missing 100m medals Nigerians presentation ceremony

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EIGNING All Africa Games sprints champion, Oludamola Osayomi has dedicated the 200m gold medal she won at the 65th All Nigeria/Cross River State Athletics Championships to Nigerians for standing by her in her moment of travail.

Osayomi was adjudged to have spiced her system with a performance enhancing stimulant during last year's Commonwealth Games in India and the 100m gold she won was subsequently withdrawn from her but millions of Nigerians rallied round the Ilesa-born, Ekiti native arguing that she was only a

victim of a stimulant that was only added to the list of banned substances a few months to the Games.

"I was really overwhelmed by the support Nigerians gave to me during and after last year's Commonwealth Games. They believed that I could not have knowingly took a banned substance and I will forever be grateful to them. I can't remember any Nigerian athlete that has received the kind of support that I got and it has been my driving force this year.I am dedicating this gold to them and promise to always be the good girl they have known and believe in',said Osayomi who clocked 25 years a

Amike, Ogunkoya, others hail Imoke •Say he provided platform for best-ever all Nigeria Championships

S

EVERAL former Nigeria track and field internationals who added colour and elegance to last weekend's 65th All Nigeria/Cross River State Athletics Championships in Calabar have hailed the executive governor of Cross River state, Senator Liyel Imoke for providing the platform for a best-ever All Nigeria Open championships in the last 20 years.

Reigning national 400m hurdles record holder at 48.50 seconds Henry Amike who spoke on behalf of the athletes after they had a photo session with His Excellency and Speaker fo the House of Representatives,Aminu Tambuwa said they are thrilled by not only the hospitalty they have received and the serenity they have enjoyed in Calabar, but also by Governor Imoke's dedication and commitment to sports development in the state.

"We want to thank His Excellency,the executive governor of Cross River State,Senator Liyel Imoke for giving us a championships to remember for a long time.We are doubly happy that he has accepted to sponsor the next four editions.We are already looking forward to next year',he said.

The ex-track internationals also heaped plaudits on Governor Imoke for the five-star treatment he gave them and athletes who participated in the championships,saying they cannot remember the last time they had such a wonderful treat at the All Nigeria Open championships.

"His excellency promised to provide

the athletes not on;ly a wonderful facility to use at the stadium but also a befitting accommodation that will ensure they perform at their optimal best.He marched words with action by accommodating us and the athletes at the five-star Tinapa Resort.The athletes are all thrilled and want to come back as soon as possible',added Falilat Ogunkoya-Omotayo,the only Nigerian athlete to win two medals in an Olympic Games as well as the number one ranked 400m runner in the world in 1998.

The athletes some of who included former African sprints queen,Mary Onyali-Omagbemi,Atlanta Olympics long jump gold medallist,Chioma Ajunwa,former IAAF World Indoor 400m champion, Sunday Bada who incidentally is the technical director of the Athletic Federation of Nigeria,former Commonwealth Games long jump champion and reigning Nigerian record holder,Yusuf Ali, Dr (Mrs) Gloria Obajimi who was a member fof the 4x400m relay team that set new African record in the event in the 1970s and 1980s and two daughters of the state,former All Africa Games 100m champion,Mercy Nku who won a record four gold medals at the second African Junior Championships in Bouake,Cote D'Ivoire in 1995 and coach Armelia Edet who received the prestigious Veterans Pin in 2009 from the world governing body for track and field,the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) were formally introduced to the governor shortly before the photo session.

day after the championships.

"The gold was also a perfect birthday gift and I am delighted that I am back running again'',she said and apologised to the thousands of spectators that thronged the .UJ Esuene stadium at the weekend to watch the 100m race for missing the medal presentation ceremony.

"I am really sorry for missing the ceremony.I didn't know the presentation would take place alomost immediately after the race.I have apologised in person to the president of my federation (Athletic Federation of Nigeria) chief Solomon Ogba,the technical officials and the entire good people of Cross River state who came out to watch the best of Nigerian athletics.I am now using this medium to apologise to those who were not at the stadium and those who watched on television'',she said.

Nigeria striker joins Cottbus

N

IGERIA striker Charles Uchenna Nwaogu says he is delighted to have completed his move from Polish side Flota Swinoujscie to German Bundesliga 2 club Energie Cottbus.

Nwaogu sealed a three-year switch to Germany on Saturday.

"I'm happy with a move to Energie Cottbuss and the opportunity to play in the German league," he said.

"It's a promising step and hopefully a good time to make a mark on the big stage in Germany.

Nwaogu had stints with Polonia Warszawa, Znicz Pruszków and Odra Opole before joining Flota Swinoujscie in 2009.

He emerged as the top scorer in the Polish First Division (second league) last season with 20-goals which caught the attention of the German side.

"I'm travelling to Germany now and looking forward to joining the rest of the squad ahead of the coming season." he said.

"I hope to progress in my career, one step at a time and hopefully this new move will put it all in the right path, I hope to be playing topflight football soon and you can't say never in football."

The 20-year-old had attracted interests from other Polish clubs as well as Russian, Turkish and Scandinavian clubs.

But opted for FC Energie Cotbuss who finished sixth in the German Bundesliga 2 last season to aid his progress and development.

Other Sports...Other Sports...Other Sports...Other Sports...Other Sports...Other Sports

Williams sisters, Wozniacki knocked out of Wimbledon VENUS and Serena Williams were both eliminated in the fourth round of Wimbledon on Monday, the first time in five years that neither sister will play in the quarterfinals at the All England Club.

Defending champion and four-time winner Serena was the first to go, beaten 6-3, 7-6 (6) by Marion Bartoli of France, cutting short the American’s return to Grand Slam tennis after nearly a year out with serious health problems.

Older sister and five-time champion

Venus was ousted 6-2, 6-3 by Tsvetana Pironkova — the exact same score of the Bulgarian’s win in last year’s quarterfinals.

Also knocked out was top-seeded Caroline Wozniacki, who fell 1-6, 7-6 (5), 7-5 to No. 24 Dominika Cibulkova in the Dane’s latest failed attempt to win her first Grand Slam title.

Posted in: Sports, Tennis Tags: Marion Bartoli, Serena Williams, Tsvetana Pironkova, Venus Williams, Wimbledon.

•Venus

Haye promises ‘brutal execution’ of Klitschko WBA champion David Haye is promising a “brutal execution” of Wladimir Klitschko in their heavyweight fight on Saturday.

Calling the IBF and WBO champion a “robot” who is stuck in “his rigid ways,” Haye said he was in the best shape of his life and vowed to send the younger Klitschko brother to hospital in their highly anticipated fight in Hamburg’s football stadium.

“You are going to see the most brutal execution of a boxer, I will absolutely destroy him,” Haye said Monday.

Speaking at the same news conference, Klitschko said he respects Haye as a fighter but not as a person.

“You have a certain attitude that is not so good for your life inside and outside the ring,” the Ukrainian IBF and WBO champion said.

Klitschko (55-3, 49 KOs) promised to make Haye eat the T-shirt the Briton once wore depicting the image of himself holding the severed heads of the Klitschko brothers. Vitali, the elder brother, is the WBC champion.

AHEAD GERMANY/NIGERIA CLASH

•Uche Eucharia

Fans resort to black market for ticket •75,000 tickets sold

NFF promises 100 per cent winning bonus THE Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) will jack up Super Falcons winning bonuses if they can defeat Germany.

Federation President, Aminu Maigari revealed to NationSport that it was their way of motivating the team.

He however declined to mention the amount.

'That l will not tell you because money matters are sensitive. We have to respect the privacy of the players,' he said.

Meanwhile the team trainned yesterday evening after arriving in Frankfurt by midday from Heilderberg. The journey is a two hour journey from Heildberg by road.

N

IGERIA's second game against Germany on Thursday has been sold out due to the status of both teams.

Ogbuke spotted at Super Falcons’ game

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SG of Hoffenheim forward Chinedu Ogbuke was among the Nigerians that watched Super Falcons opening match against France at the Rhein Neckar Stadium in Sinsheim.Hoffenhem is a stone throw to Sinsheim.

The former junior international joined Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president, Alhaji Aminu Maigari at the State box.

He was dressed in tracksuit in Nigerian colours and putting on dark sunshades perhaps to hide his

Siasia expected in Germany Wednesday S UPER EAGLES chief coach, Samson Siasia will be in Germany on Wednesday morning ahead of Super Falcons group A match against Germany on Thursday.

The Nigerian coach will address the girls to help boost their morale following their 1-0 loss to France on Sunday.

Falcons must either pick a draw or win the crucial game to keep their hopes alive.

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF)

president, Aminu Maigari told NationSport at the team's Maritim Hotel in Frankfurt.

'We want him to come speak to the players as a pep talk because as it is now the team is not happy that they lost," said the NFF president.

Falcons have never beaten the German machine in all meetings at the senior level.

NKWOCHA EXPLODES

Falcons must change tactics

A

FTER going down 0-1 to France in their opening game of the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, forward Perpetua Nkwocha says the team must now commit to attack in their next game against champions Germany.

•Nkwocha

NationSport gathered that 75,000 tickets were sold out over two weeks ago.

A member of the Local organising

Nkwocha was uncharacteristically subdued as Nigeria played a conservative defensive game, but she says that will have to change.

"We hadn’t planned to defend as much as we did, but nothing is lost yet. We were not intimidated by the number of goals France had scored in their preparation games. We’ll now have to attack more against Germany, and we’ll also have to play more as a team and talk to each other more on the pitch."

France coach Bruno Bini says he was surprised - and impressed - by Nigeria.

"I told the girls we had three finals to win in this group, so we’ve already won one of them. But I have to say that everyone else will have trouble against Nigeria – they’re a great side.

I was really impressed, especially by their defensive midfielders. They surprised me after what I’d seen of their preparation games on video."

Nigeria's next game is against Germany on June 30.

identity.

He witnessed the goal scored by France before taking his exit.

The player joined the German club from Lynn Oslo in Norway two seasons ago and did well. Injury however slowed him down last season.

•France's midfielder Sandrine Soubeyrand (r) and Nigeria's midfielder Rita Chikwelu vie for the ball during the football match of the FIFA women's football World Cup

Committee (LOC) told NationSport on the condition of annonymity that this is the biggest match in the group stage.

'Not even Germany's opening game against Canada can be like this,' said the official.

Another reason given is the performance of Nigeria at last year's FIFA Women's U-20 World Cup that Germany hosted.

'Yes Nigeria lost 8-0 in the friendly last year but that has been forgotten.

This is the game that means a lot to both teams,' said the official.

Investigation carried out by this reporter in Frankfurt Monday indicated that several people are interested in buying the tickets.

'We do not mind how much it cost.

We are just interested in seeing the game.

The match will be played on Thursday at the Frankfurt Main Stadium.

HE intended visit of officials of the National Sports Commission to the headquarters of FIFA in Zurich may not see the light of the day if Nationsports finding in Abuja is anything to go by, as the NFF has vowed not to facilitate such visit, insisting that NSC can as well make their way to FIFA, since they've declared illegal.

According to our impeccable source at the corridors of the country’s football ruling body, the visit if facilitated may endanger the country’s football instead of developing it “we are preview of the recommendation of the so called Sani Toro committee, If those we set it up feel they have done the right thing, they should immediately proceed to FIFA in Zurich. They shouldn’t involve us, we are not party to such a kangaroo committee, and any attempt to allow it stand, may lead to more problems for the country’s football. So, if the NSC is planning to visit FIFA, they should facilitate it themselves, I don’t think anybody from the present NFF would not have

From Patrick Ngwaogu, Abuja

hand in such a move. It is only the Executive Board of the NFF that can facilitate such move, and no other person has such right” the source said.

Meanwhile, the NSC has accused the NFF of deliberately delaying the resolution of the assumed crisis rocking Nigeria football. According to the Special adviser to the Director General of the Commission Abba Yola, the NFF has refused to facilitate the request of the Commission to enable them visit FIFA to discuss all issues relating to the country’s football and make a presentation based on the findings of the Sani Toro committee. “We have written to the NFF to facilitate a visit to Zurich, FIFA headquarters to discuss issues relating to the country’s football and resolve the lingering crisis once and for all, but the football body is dilly dallying over it. No response whatsoever is coming from them, we want Nigerians to know that we are committed to resolving the issues, but it is the NFF that delaying it now” the aide told journalists in Abuja.

AFRICAN FOOTBALLLER OF THE YEAR AWARD

Why I don’t vote –Onigbinde

F

ORMER Super Eagles coach and Federation of International Football Instructor (FIFA) and Confederation of African Football (CAF) instructor, Adegboye Onigbinde has revealed that he seldom take part in the voting exercise that produces the yearly African Footballer of the Year even though he is expected to do so as a member of the continental football governing body.

The former Nigerian coach, who led the national team to the 2002 World Cup made this revelation in an interview with NationSport recently.

He said: “I‘m supposed to vote for the best player in Africa, I rarely do it both for FIFA and for CAF.” According to him, he rarely casts his vote for any player during the election because he does not believe in the process.

He said: “I don’t ever believe in it.

By Olusoji Olukayode When I have a group of players, I have respect for all of them because I know that what one can do the other one may not be able to do it.

“That’s what I‘m saying, so it will be wrong. It’s like you have two children. And you give them different assignments, the one who is good at making ridges on the farm may not be good as the one plucking cocoa pod but you don’t say because he cannot make ridges he is a bad child.

The other one who can make ridges may not be able to handle cocoa pod very well, so it doesn’t go like that.”

Asked when last he took part in the process, he replied: “I can’t remember”.

Onigbinde led Nigeria to a silver spot at the 1984 African Nations Cup in Cote‘d Ivoire.

Fabregas can go 'if price is right' ARSENAL would be willing to sell captain Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona if they can agree a fee, according to BBC Sport.

The 24-year-old World Cup winner is continually linked with a move back to his boyhood club during every transfer window. Last summer, the Gunners rejected a £30million offer for their inspirational skipper.

However, with Fabregas appearing more determined to rejoin the club he left as a teenager in 2003, Arsenal are said to be ready to allow the deal to go through, if Barcelona improve their £27million bid. BBC Sport quote a senior Arsenal official as saying: "The offer was made formally in writing to our chief executive (Ivan Gazidis), and we said no straight away."

When asked if the club expected an improved offer this week, the source added: "Possibly yes, and if it's enough then I expect we'll have to sell."

Last week, Barcelona president Sandro Rosell claimed the European champions would not break the bank for Fabregas, of whom he said: "it is clear that this year his value is less."

During the 2010 summer transfer window, Arsenal released a statement confirming their captain was not for sale. However, so far, there has been no official comment from the Barclays Premier League club following renewed speculation over Fabregas' future.

•Fabregas

AFRICAN CUP OF NATIONS

Yobo allays qualification fears

S

UPER EAGLES captain, Joseph Yobo has alley fears of the country not qualifying for the Africa Nations cup to be jointly hosted by Equatorial Guinea and Gabon next year, but saying that he is thinking above qualification but winning the trophy for country.

According to the Fernabache strong man whose lone goal won a UEFA Champions League cup slot for Turkey giants next season, the Super Eagles has all it takes to nick the sole ticket in the group, but all they need is total concentration,and right attitude “let me be sincere with you, I am looking beyond qualification for the Championship, all I am looking forward to is winning the trophy for my country.

I have won a trophy for my club, which is my first at that level, the joy would not be complete if I did not win anything for my countrymen who have stand solidly behind me all this while. For me, the issue of our not qualifying for the championship does not arise, but what should be disturbing me is how we can win the trophy.

All we need now is the right frame of mind, and the right attitude, I have started talking to the players on the task ahead, and they are all committed to ensuring that we win our remaining two games, and qualify for the championship”. The former

From Patrick Ngwaogu, Abuja junior international who prefer to remain mum over his club future said the issue would be addressed soonest, but appealed for the prayers and support towards ensuring that the country’s flag is hoisted in the championship.

Worgu desperate for Europe move

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WENTY-TWO-year-old Nigerian attacking midfielder, Stephen Worgu , was once marked to be one of Nigeria's next European stars, but several wrong career moves left Worgu somewhat forgotten.

When he was 19-years-old Worgu almost single handedly lifted Nigerian side Enyimba to the semi-final of the 2008 CAF Champions League, with Worgu ending the tournament as the top scorer with 13 goals.

Following the tournament Worgu immediately received many offers from several European sides, but his club agreed to take a $2.5M offer from Sudanese giants, Al-Merreekh, who outbid all offers, signing a 4-yearcontract.

In his first two seasons with AlMerreekh, Worgu scored 13 goals in 34 league appearances, never really adapting to the Sudanese Premier League and suffering a great personal loss when a close teammate, Endurance Idahor, collapsed and died on the football pitch.

Worgu had recently returned to AlMerreekh following a 8-months loan period to Libyan side AL-Ahly Benghazi for a sum of •150,000.

With one more season to his contract Worgu has been offered an extension by Al-Merreekh, but he is now eager to make a summer move to Europe, thinking mainly about putting his career back on track.

Worgu is described as fast supporting striker with a lethal touch over the ball when in front of goal, who likes to go deep in order to collect the ball. Because of this he is often being used as an infiltrating attacking midfielder.

Even though he is not the tallest player he uses his body well and can hold his own in a physical match-up. He is known for timing his runs perfectly and will catch defenders off guard both with ball and without and he often helps out on the defensive end.

Worgu is currently focused on his career and is willing to put aside his financial issues in order to make his move to a higher league.

25

PROPERTY

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

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

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

email:- property@thenationonlineng.net

How to derive ‘maximum benefit’ from properties •UN Nigeria Office, Abuja

Despite its rapid growth, Africa is still backward because 60 per cent of its population lives in slums. This, according to the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), is the downside of urbanisation. But the slum can yet be turned into wealth, according to UN-Habitat, Executive Director Dr Joan Clos.

OKWY IROEGBU reports.

•STORY ON PAGE 26

•UNILAG, NSE partner on projects implementation - PAGE 26

•Expert warns against earth exploitation - PAGE 27

•‘Lagos spends N20b on waste management’ - PAGE 28

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2011

26

PROPERTY/ENVIRONMENT

How to derive ‘maximum benefit’ from properties •Continued from Page 25

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HE African continent is developing at a fast pace, according to the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN Habitat). But despite the rapid growth, 60 percent of its urban population lives in slum. People are living in squalor when opportunities abound for them to stay in a more conducive environment.

Their living condition has become a source of worry for the UN Habitat, which painted what it called an “alarming picture of the growth and development pattern in African cities” in Abuja last weekend.

UN Habitat Executive Director Dr. Joan Clos told The Nation that the situation is so alarming that it calls for a humanitarian emergency. He called on governments, the populace and stakeholders to do something urgently to address the challenge.

The UN-Habitat boss noted that Africa is evolving at a very fast rate as more and more people move into the cities and raised alarm that if nothing is done about the situation, Africa would double the urban population in the next 16 years.

“If things don’t change, more people will go to the slums. If nothing is done fast, slum is going to increase. African governments are facing the challenge and all of us share in this problem,” he said, adding that lack of planning is one of the reasons Africans face this problem.

On how to turn the cities to sources of wealth and asset creation, Clos said landed properties should

•Clos in Abuja... last Friday.

be categorised into urban and rural.

Urbanisation, he noted, adds value, especially with respect to cost than the rural land. He said urban land owners should endeavour to build high-rise structures to earn more from their properties on rent-

als, rather than building horizontal houses or bungalows that would bring little returns comparatively to their owners.

Another source of wealth creation in the cities, according to Clos, is economic agglomeration due to proximity as urban growth leads to

merging of areas that are far from each other. Also developing land in small and medium towns considered rural with little or no economic value creates wealth.

He urged governments to organise cities in a way that would promote wealth creation. They

should ensure an organised transport sector, transforming from problems to value addition, Clos added.

He said: “Nigeria and other African governments should come up with policies for improving cities.

They should be classified into small and intermediary cities. Small cities could cost less but generate value while big ones would encourage wealth creation”.

Clos called for an increase in the density of cities by encouraging people to build upwards. He said one of the wealth creation sources of cities comes from density. He added that the best architecture is to design for the density but noted that this kind of planning is a big challenge to our mentality, especially in this part of the world where people want to ‘touch land’.

“Every space that can create wealth should be reclaimed to arrest the huge problem of youth unemployment. There is the need to put strong emphasis on urban development and a strong political will,” he said.

He regretted that some African governments regard cities as liabilities rather than assets given that they are centres where wealth is created if managed properly.

He maintained that lack of access to health, sanitation and education leads to human catastrophe, regretting that people come to mega cities without infrastructure and refuse to go back. He cautioned that one of the issues Africa has to face is how to improve job opportunities and the economy and institute policies that will make for the orderly management of cities”.

UNILAG, NSE partner on projects implementation

N

IGERIA Society of Engineers (NSE), Lagos State Branch, is set to partner with the University of Lagos in project execution in the build up to its 50th anniversary.

The partnership will be consumated in areas such as students’ hostels, guest houses and other general projects on campus.

The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Adetokunbo Babatunde Sofoluwe, reached out to the engineers while receiving their new executive members in his office at the weekend.

He said since engineers are key stakeholders in the prime institution, they should partner with them to add poise and panache in terms of construction standards and quality to add colour to their golden jubilee celebration.

The vice chancellor’s comment was sequel to the earlier appeal made by the Chairman of the Lagos’ NSE, Olatunde Jaiyesimi, that the university should consider the chapter when awarding contracts for various ongoing developmental projects on the campus so that the association can use profits from such contracts to complete its secretariat’s building situated within the campus, rather than embarking on fund drive from members and institutions as they boast of the skill and competencies involved in construction.

Prof. Sofoluwe asked the association to team up with the varsity to bid for some of the projects ranging from hostel buldings to guest houses for visiting professors and lecturers to raise enough money to complete the secretariat.

He urged the engineers to come with big proposals, pointing out that the university cannot afford to spread, but rather grow vertically because of inadequate land for expansion, adding that he would be looking forward to the collaboration.

He assured the association of the viability of the projects, saying that there are many dons that wanted to come and stay for some weeks or months within the campus but were discouraged because of lack of accommodation.

Apart from this, he said the university

•From right: Jaiyesimi, Sofoluwe and other top academic staff of UNILAG.

By Okwy Iroegbu, Asst Editor

would be celebrating its golden jubilee next year, noting that the completion of NSE building would add to the beauty of the campus if completed before the celebration.

He said: “Next year, the University of Lagos is going to be 50 years, and if we have the NSE building, it will add beauty

to the campus. Please team up with us in some of the projects in building hostels and guest houses so that visiting professors and lecturers can have a place to stay.”

He said the university is working towards being self-sufficient from the government and collaborate with private sector operators.

Earlier, the Chairman of NSE, Olatunde

‘Next year, the University of Lagos is going to be 50 years, and if we have the NSE building, it will add beauty to the campus. Please team up with us in some of the projects in building hostels and guest houses so that visiting professors and lecturers can have a place to stay’

PHOTO: OKWY IROEGBU

Jaiyesimi, told the vice chancellor that the body came to appreciate the role the University played in the life of the association by giving their association appreciable plot of land to build their secretariat.

He explained that the body is poised to enhance the advancement of engineering profession through its constant training programmes and commended the university for the quality of engineers it has produced.

He said the association would like to partner with the university in training, noting that many academic and non-academic staff of the institution have not been fully initiated into NSE’s activities.

He said he would encourage them to join in lifting up the society.

He said the design of the NSE building would enhance the beauty of the campus on completion.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2011

27

PROPERTY/ENVIRONMENT

Expert warns against earth exploitation N

IGERIANS have been advised to check the unbri dled exploitation of the earth properties and other unhealthy practices such as indiscriminate refuse dumping, bush burning, high fossil consumption and deforestation.

Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Mr Muyideen Akinsanya, stated this in his welcome address at this year’s World Environment Day celebration (WED), entiled: Forest: Nature at your service, by the Lagos State government last week.

He observed that deforestation is a serious problem in the country with a world record of forest loss put at 3.3 per cent since 1990.

He said: “The major results of these abuses are the floods ravaging the south and west of the nation; added to these are coastal erosion along shorelines and desertification which is currently ravaging 11 states of the North.”

Akinsanya said the various disasters experienced all over the world attest to the fact that the world is no longer safe as exemplified by the reported economic loss of over $110billion last year.

He aurged the public to work on preserving the environment as climate change is known to affect the world poorest. According to him, our lives depend on how much of the forest we preserve as the forest affords watershed protection, water flow regulation, nutrient recycling, rainfall generation and disease regulation.

In a keynote address, Governor Babatunde Fashola said that halting deforestation and restoring already degraded areas while adopting more forest-friendly agriculture and management practices would prevent the emission of more than 300 billion tons of carbon dioxide over the next 40

By Okwy Iroegbu, Asst Editor

years.

He regretted that as a result of climate change, the our country loses vast areas of land to desertification. Fashola warned that we are faced with the biggest threat to our economy locally, which on its own is a threat to the environment as government spends so much to mitigate disasters when they occur to relocate people and to re-build facilities that already existed but were damaged.

He said this will reduce government’s ability to respond to social services and re-distribute social benefits.

He said: “We must, therefore, in our interest pay closer attention to our environment and, of course, treat nature with the care and respect that she deserves.

“Our tree planting initiatives are, therefore, more important than many of us have cared to think and I urge everybody to plant trees to conserve our reserves of forests and protect nature.”

Earlier in a broadcast, Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Dr. Titi Anibaba, said life’s greatest necessity is to live in agreement with nature.

She observed that Climate Change; the direct consequence of the mismanagement of natural resources has posed a great threat to the world with the frequency of disasters around the globe increasing in an unprecedented manner in known history.

She called on governments, organisations and individuals, to contribute our quota to the reclamation of the environment from agents of degradation by reducing carbon emission and embrac-

•Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), Governor of Lagos State flanked by Mr Robin Gwynn, British Deputy High Commissioner (2nd r); Mr. Carl Cockburn, a Consul representing USA Embassy (R); Engr. Muyideen Akinsanya, Perm Sec., Office of Drainage Services, Ministry of the Environment (2nd l) and Mr Sesan Olanrewaju, former Special Adviser on Environment, Ministry of the Environment

ing green economy.

She said: “Our penchant for the abuse of wetlands, which nature has put in place as natural reservoir for excess storm water, especially when the tide is high in the lagoon is an application to disaster. It is capable of exacerbating flooding, de-

stroying lives and properties and destroying aquatic lives.”

Anibaba urged Lagosians to beautify and enhance the aesthetics of their environment, clear tertiary drainages in front of their homes, deist from dumping refuse into the drainage channels in addition to stopping

illegal and filling and construction on wet lands. She maintained that drainages must be kept clean.

According to her we must protect our wild life and aquatic lives to create a balance on the ecosystem and also intensify our tree planting exercise.

‘Our penchant for the abuse of wetlands, which nature has put in place as natural reservoir for excess storm water especially when the tide is high in the lagoon is an application to disaster.

It is capable of exacerbating flooding, destroying lives and properties and destroying aquatic lives’

Lagos lights up Awolowo Road ing less generators, also reducing environmental pollution, especially as the old lights needed 250watts to function, even though at less capacity.

It is believed that the Lagos State Government might have opted for the LEDs more because of the Security cameras (or

•Brightly lit Awolowo Road Ikoyi, Lagos.

W

ITH the Street Lighting project commencing on Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, the Lagos State Government may have finally got it right on perimeter and environmental illumination.

A drive through the Falomo end of the stretch of road paints the picture of a better attempt at making Lagos streets safer. The Street Lights being installed, apparently the LED (Light Emitting Diode), a new lighting technol-

ogy, appears more modern and more efficacious than the previous ones installed on Allen Avenue, Ikeja and some other parts of the state.

The electronic industry has used LEDs for several decades, and in more recent years, the LED technology has progressed to the point where it is viable for general lighting applications. Perhaps a pilot, the white LED lighting stretches from right under the

Falomo bridge up to the Lagos Polo Club, and contrasts remarkably with the previously installed yellow lights at present installed from the Polo Club towards the Ribadu Road end into the Southwest of Ikoyi.

The lights are white, unlike the yellow ones we’ve seen before, maybe that explains the brightness. Experts LEDs conserve energy as each unit requires less than 80 watts to function, mean-

CCTVs) it is planning to install in the near future.

L E D lights illuminate brightly enough to enhance camera image capture, including faces and car number plates.

Findings further revealed t h a t L E D s outperf o r m HIDs and MHs because su-

per-bright white LEDs have the advantage of minimal lumen depreciation, better optical efficiency and high lumens per watt.

LED fixtures also have an environmental advantage in that they contain no mercury, last longer and produce less waste.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2011

28

PROPERTY/ENVIRONMENT

NIESV positions members for AMCON participation

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•Newly launched LAWMA trucks.

PHOTO: OKWY IROEGBU

‘Lagos spends N20b on waste management’

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HE Lagos State government has invested over N20 billion in waste management in the last four years, says Managing Director, Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Mr Ola Oresanya at the handing over of 100 new compactors to PSP operators in the state last week.

He recalled that rickety open trucks were the order of the day at the inception of the waste management programme of the state untill the government under took to buy trucks on behalf of the operators.

He said that the new trucks were to further ease refuse management in the state, adding that the agency was also taking into cognisance the welfare of its street -sweepers and other waste management officials by offering them financial incentives that would enable them to establish on their own to keep life going.

“We have gone some steps further to use the outfit as a means of empowerment and make Lagosians happy,” he said.

He explained that the refuse management strategy is second to none in Africa as other African nations come here to understudy what LAWMA is doing including some states in our country," he added.

By Okwy Iroegbu, Asst Editor

Oresanya also disclosed that the working hours of street-sweepers have been reduced from 6.00a.m. to 2.00p.m. to 6.00a.m. to 12.00p.m.

"LAWMA is also setting up a form of thrift co-operatives for them to assist those who would like to engage in other businesses after sweeping the road. These are means to boost their morale on the job."

He called on the public to co-operate with the government in ensuring that waste management is taken to the highest level within the next few years by faithfully paying of taxes and refuse collection.

Earlier, the Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, reiterated the commitment of his administration to rid the state of every dirt and pollution as well as create jobs through other uses of waste products.

He said that solid waste management has witnessed a progressive change in the last few years as evidenced in a cleaner Lagos.

"The commitment of the state government to guarantee this project was borne out of the fact

that in the last four years, over 16,000 jobs have been created by more than 400 PSP operators at both the commercial and domestic waste services in the state”.

The job creation, according to him led to the growth of a new economy with indirect job creation for more hair dressers, tailors, mechanic, welders, plumbers, painters, tyre manufacturing companies and spare parts dealers.

Other benefits, the governor mentioned, include reduction in crime, improvement in public sanitation and hygiene, reduction in communicable diseases and capacity growth in best practices in waste management sector. This is besides establishing contemporary baseline in waste collection services for empirical applications within Nigeria cities and other West African economies and citie he said.

The governor said the attainment of the modest achievement was through collaboration with private sector participators.

The governor argued that the new waste collection method has successfully overcome the challenges of the old inappropriate equipment that was capable of littering roads/ highways with flying waste on transit.

Engineers seek inclusion in Lagos exco

C

IVIL Engineers in Lagos have called on the government to involve them in the lifting of infrastructure services in the state.

In a statement made available to The Nation they noted that as an emerging mega city the government would benefit from the skill and proficiency of their members to lift infrastructure development.

Citing the contribution they have made since the last four years as a body of professionals they argued that the government cannot easily dismiss the world-class Eko Atlantic City and the checking of the Bar Beach from over flowing its bounds by one of their own, the Commissioner of Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Prince Adesegun Oniru and others who manned sensitive ministries adding up to the new beauty of the state.

In a separate development, Head of Research, Africa Environmental & Economic Peace Mission (AEEPM), Dr. Chinedu Ntigbu, said as an organisation that they sup-

‘Calling for continuity of good service, he commended the government for restoring the Bar beach which has led to improve property value of Ahmadu Bello way, Victoria Island and adjoining streets’ port the use of professionals in ministries that they have the skills for. He bemoaned a situation where political exigencies are considered before professionalism.

He warned that the nation may not make any head way if the trend is not checked.

He commended the state for the restoration of sanity in sand dredging across the state’s territorial water bodies, removal of beached

vessels, issuance of permits to dredgers and latest efforts to study all the Atlantic Ocean waterfront to ascertain the safety and investment potential of the 186km stretch coast line.

Calling for continuity of good service, he commended the government for restoring the Bar beach which has led to improve property value of Ahmadu Bello way, Victoria Island and adjoining streets.

He said: “Today, land value on Ahmadu Bello way has gone up due to the return of peace on the Bar front.”

Also corroborating the AEEPM’s official’s view, an economist and development consultant based in Lagos, Lanre Adedeji said: “The best way to sustain the tempo of infrastructural delivery in area of waterfront development and ongoing renewal in the state will be for government to insist on appointing relevant professionals in key ministries to continue delivering the dividends of democracy to the public.”

ITH prospects of billions of naira waiting to be tapped from in the newly established Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), last week sought ways to make their members benefit from the project.

AMCON is a body set up by the Federal Government to handle the assets mustered from its properties picked up from every part of the country.

The recovered properties The Nation learnt are worth billions of naira and would require proper management which the estate surveyors are ripe to manage them. And to qualify for the management they the need to be trained in facility management which is quite new in the country.

Apart from this, estate surveyors are concerned that the members have to diversify their practice to adopt more internationally accepted principles in management of properties other than the known property management to a more expanded Facility Management (FM).

Ordinarily, people feel that property management is synonymous with Facility Management but the Director-General of the NIEVS Learning Centre (NLC), Mr. William Odudu, says it is not so and that informed the move to train the members on how to be competent and remain relevant to the current practice worldwide.

According to him, “The members have been earmarked to participate in facility management of AMCON and for that to be effective there is the need to differentiate between facility management and property management.”

Odudu stated that the centre had

By Okwy Iroegbu, Asst Editor

been designed to train estate surveyors and other allied professionals to fit into the current practice worldwide.

But throwing more light to the system whereby outstanding properties of corporate world are managed a former President of NIESV Mr Charles Adebiyi said that facility management provided total activity requirements to an organisation in a way organization separates core activities in such a way that the cost harmonises with the expectation of the owner.

He pointed out that the government was losing a lot of revenue by not and assets for not managing its assets well but noted that with facility management and an inventory of the assets would be able to recover whatever is lost and have revenue from them.

He advised professionals in the country to strengthen themselves by being coherent and cohesive to be able to get government listen to them.

However, the chairman of the Facilities Management Department of NIEVS, Mr. Stephen Jagun noted that Facilities Management now works towards making the work place a safe and comfortable place. It also emphasizes sustainability and replacement of what is taken away from the environment while adopting technologies that are environmentally friendly.

Jagun, who was a former President of the International Facilities Management Association, said that facilities management introduces them to change which he said remained constant just as the world is going through change.

‘Apart from this, estate surveyors are concerned that the members have to diversify their practice to adopt more internationally accepted principles in management of properties other than the known property management to a more expanded Facility Management (FM)’

COREN, police to partner on regulations enforcement

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HE Council for the Registration of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) has sought the co-operation of the Inspector-General of Police, Hafiz Ringim, in enforcing COREN’S engineering laws and regulations.

President of COREN, Mr Mustapha Bulama, during a visit recalled that the former InspectorGeneral of Police, through a circular had informed all police formations in Nigeria of the existence of the laws establishing COREN and directed them to enforce it.

He commended the Nigerian Police for their commitment to the enforcement of the circular by offering them maximum in ensuring the implementation of the provisions of its mandate. Bulama praised the police for their involvement in the arrest and investigation of violators of the COREN laws helping to prosecute them with established facts in the law courts.

He expressed displeasure on the incidents of collapsed buildings which have led to the loss of lives, saying these unfortunate incidents have been traced to the activities of quacks and developers refusing to use qualified engineers in the design and supervision of the constructions.

Poor construction skill cause building failures- Female engineers Also, the Association of Professional Women Engineers of

Nigeria (APWEN) has attributed the incessant building failures across the country to poor knowledge of the sector.

The President of the association, Mrs. Iniobong Louisa Usoro, stated this recently while speaking on why there are recorded cases of building failures in recent years.

Iniobong faulted a situation where everybody claimed to be an engineer when it comes to constructions, adding that “the presence of unprofessional engineers against the real engineers, coupled with compromises of standard, play roles in causing many disasters of collapsed buildings across the country.”

The association, she said, is trying to address the many problems related to the disasters through creating the necessary environment in both the private and public sectors.

She pleaded with the women folk to embrace the engineering profession in order to move the stakes of female contribution in the engineering field higher in terms of percentage contribution to the infrastructure development of the country.

The APWEN president also called on President Goodluck Jonathan to consider women engineers in his avowed promise of involving more women in his administration to help engineer the Nigeria of the future which we so much desire, she said.

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TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2011

E-mail:- law@thenationonlineng.net

In a democracy, the rule of law is expected to prevail. In Nigeria, this seems not to be the case. Those in government mouth the rule of law when it suits them to do so. At other times, they turn a blind eye to the law and resort to immunity. How can such immunity be checked? Most importantly, how can the country win the war against corruption in the bid to ensure good governance? Participants at the New Frontiers Lecture organised by the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) place their bet on administrative law. JOHN AUSTIN UNACHUKWU and JOSEPH JIBUEZE report.

?

Can administrative law ensure good governance T

HIS is an age defined by the search for accountability in public administration.

The need for openness in governance has long been recognised as a necessary condition for social and economic progress. Legal experts have identified administrative law as capable of enthroning good governance. But how?

At this year’s New Frontiers Lecture series of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) held in Abuja, speakers said administrative law may hold the key for advancing not only good, but also just, governance.

The lecture, entitled: The future of administrative law and good governance in Nigeria, was delivered by Dean of Law, Osgoode Hall Law School, York University, Canada, Prof Lorne Sossin.

Others who spoke on the topic in a chat with The Nation include NIALS Director-General, Prof Epiphany Azinge (SAN); former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Alfa Belgore; former Plateau State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, who is now of NIALS, Prof.

Clement Dakas; professors Mike Ikhariale, Nnamdi Aduba and Ayo Atsenuwa.

Sossin said accountability hinges on the key principles of administrative law, which apply to all government actions and those taken by public entities. He defined administrative law as a branch of public law that deals with the actual operation and control of powers of government through administrative processes.

He said it does not live and breathe in the abstract world of legal principles, but takes its vitality from the practical contexts in which

government decision-makers act.

“Because administrative law covers so much, and its principles have the potential to be pervasive throughout the mechanisms of state action. I believe administrative law may be instrumental in achieving ‘good governance’ which I take to mean the effective, efficient, responsible and accountable conduct of state activity,” Sossin said.

He distinguished between administrative law, which is concerned with the activities and authority of government officials, and constitutional law, which deals with the distribution of power between various branches and levels of government.

Sossin identified three administrative law principles, which he said, if applied, play a role in setting the foundation for good governance.

The first principle is that no government authority is unlimited. All legislative grants of power, or powers from other sources, in other words, come with limits. The rule of law, he said, dictates not only that these boundaries exist, but also that they may be enforced

through recourse to the courts.

The second principle of administrative law, he said, is that those subject to government decisions are entitled to procedural fairness, also known as rules of natural justice or due process.

Fairness in administrative law sense, he added, includes the right to fair hearing and the right to an impartial decision-maker.

The third principle of administrative law, which Sossin said provides a foundation for good governance, is that government must be rational. It cannot be arbitrary or based on discriminatory, corrupt or improper factors.

“This principle is fundamental to a society governed by the rule of law but also requires a balance to be struck between the legitimate needs of the state and the protection of citizens,” he said.

According to Sossin, the enhancement of the authority of oversight bodies, such as anti-graft and regulatory agencies and commissions, while desirable and necessary, is unlikely to achieve good governance.

“That goal will only be realised when the

‘There is no way you can have a democratic enterprise that thrives if people cannot access information, make informed decisions and be able to hold their leaders accountable. So, this is critical’

embrace of rule of law ideals, transparency and integrity comes from within the executive branch of government, not through the outside enforcement of the legislative or judicial branch or their various offices and officers,” he said.

He cited Canada as an example of a country, despite its good governance challenges, that is nearing a point where the rule of law ideals have begun to emanate not just from the court or ‘accountability officers’, but also from within the executive branches.

Sossin said: “One important ingredient in this recipe for augmenting this culture of accountability has been, in my view, a commitment to the administrative law values discussed.”

These are the principles that all government action must be authorised by law and take place within legal limits; the principle of procedural fairness, and the principle of transparency through reason.

“These principles work best not when they are embedded in the decision-making process, part of the training of a merit-based, politically neutral public service, and reinforced by managers, and ultimately ministers.

“What begins with small concrete measures to demonstrate fair, reasonable and transparent decision-making can lead to meaningful and lasting change,” Sossin said.

Azinge said it is wrong to think that administrative law is a restricted area.

“No, administrative law is ever expanding, depending on the new concepts and the •Continued on page 31

CJN assures judicial officers Lawyer petitions Obi, IG over father’s kidnap of improved welfare - P.31

– P.32

Politics of shipping and the Nigerian economy – P.33

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2011

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2011

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LAW COVER CONT’D

Can administrative law ensure good governance •Continued from page 29

contextualisation of issues that come up.

“Hitherto, people see administrative law basically from the idea of the rule of law, but we are expanding it; we now talk about transparency; we now talk of integrity; we now talk about accountability and what have you. These are fresh areas that have energy in the domain of administrative law.

He went on:“For purposes of good governance, we know that we need all those things in order to make sure that people don’t act with impunity. The rule of law is meaningless if people are still allowed the liberty to act with impunity.

“I believe that Sossin seemed to have put everything in proper perspective, showed us how the scope can be widened and draw comparative examples from Canada and some other jurisdictions and also tried to align them with some case law even arising from Nigeria.”

Azinge believes the time is ripe for a proper understanding of administrative law and how it should be applied in government.

“My take on this is that administrative law is a set of laws that have become very important and relevant for purposes of good governance and administration.

“And once you think of that, regardless of the discipline that one is embarking on, it becomes imperative that somebody must have a fuller idea of administrative law in fuller contexts to enable the person to operate either in the private or public sector when that person is out of school.

“Without doing this, you see people make a lot of mistakes, some out of ignorance, some knowingly, but at the end of the day, if people work assiduously to make sure that they comply and fail to violate rules of administrative laws, you’ll find that any country will be better off for it,” Azinge said.

Justice Belgore said: “This is one of those things we are expecting; we need more of this so that the country will have proper focus.

“Nigerians will always complain, but we are settling; we are now developing democratic culture and structures. I am sure that in about 10 years, this country will be very different, it will be a great country.”

Prof Dakas said: “This lecture could not have come at a better time, particularly in the wake of the passage of the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act after 12 years of intense struggle by journalists, civil society organisations and others who clearly want to ensure that the conduct of governmental affairs in an envelope of secrecy is no longer in vogue.

“It is critical that we engender a framework of transparency and accountability and as the guest lecturer pointed out, it is important that there is a change of mindset.

“There is a call to change that is consistent with the need for transparency and I hope that all public officials who have custody of docu-

•Belgore, Azinge and Sossin

•Ikhariale

ments in respect of which the vogue for them was that it is confidential, all this and that, will take cognisance of the FoI Act.” Dakas added that the change in attitude should engender a culture of compliance with the law without having to be prodded to do so, or without requiring people to invoke the intervention of the courts to get government officials to do what they should be doing as a matter of course, consistent with their obligations as public officials.

Fielding questions on how this will deepen democracy, Dakas said: “There is no way you can have a democratic enterprise that thrives if people cannot access information, make informed decisions and be able to hold their leaders accountable. So, this is critical.”

He said there is a need to deepen democracy in the polity. “I hope that all public and nonpublic officials alike will work within a framework of synergy that enables us to subordinate our own personal interests to the overriding course of deepening democracy in our own country,” he said.

Prof Aduba said principles such as openness, transparency of processes and the oversight functions must be taken into consideration as Nigeria progresses democratically. He said there is need to for government to be careful in changing course.

“When government wants to change course, it owes it as a duty to explain it to the members

•Atsenuwa of the public and not doing it arbitrarily.

Though with our past, one can explain it in terms of the military rule, but now, rules should not be changed in the middle of the game.”

Prof Ikhariale said no doubt, public accountability would help build a strong democracy.

“It stands at the core of the whole process because the essence of government is the happiness of the people and administrative of justice is one sure way to ensure that citizens do not lack.

“A proper appreciation of the principles of administrative law to me, is the first step towards achieving constitutionalism in Nigeria because the ordinary citizens do not deal with government in organic sense but they deal with government through agencies exercising delegated powers everyday from birth to death.

“It is crucial that appropriate mechanism be put in place to secure the liberty of the citizens.

The world is going administrative because government cannot do everything. The process known as delegation, and once you delegate powers, there is always the tendency to abuse it. To prevent that tendency of abuse, the administrative law is very important.”

For Prof Atesnuwa, the principles canvassed at the lecture are those that any one familiar with public law, especially, administrative law would have encountered at some point in time.

“By and large, the major challenge that is

•Dakas

facing us in Nigeria is lack of political will, lack of commitment to governance, and because of that we undermine the principles that we know at theoretical level.

“At the theoretical level, the principles enunciated are there but the issue is that, beyond standard setting, beyond elaborating guidelines, there has to be a genuine commitment at the individual personal level and then at the institutional level to ensure that the safeguards that the procedures expounded are actually implemented and that is where the gap is.

“I am hoping that this lecture will stimulate those of us who have an opportunity to make public comments to effect oversight functions because one of the critical points the lecture identified was the role of the public in providing oversight.

“Of course, we have the Freedom of Information Act now. I am hoping that it will stimulate each and every one of us to identify the areas that we really want to be active interveners in if you are working in the area of human rights.

“If I specialised in local government administration as a jurist, then I will provide some oversight in those areas. I hope that this lecture will stimulate our desire to work even more directly and actively to use the basic principles of administrative law to work for good governance in Nigeria,” Atsenuwa said.

CJN assures judicial officers of improved welfare

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•Katsina-Alu

HIEF Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Aloysius Katsina-Alu has promised workers of federal courts of improvement in their welfare.

He praised the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC) for its commitment to improving staff welfare.

Justice Katsina-Alu, who spoke at the inauguration of FJSC’s Lagos liaison office in Lekki, said the commission was doing its best to ensure improvement in the welfare of the federal judicial staff.

The CJN, who also serves as the chairman of the FJSC, stressed the importance of a strong, motivated and efficient workforce in the realisation of an efficient judiciary.

While stressing the importance of the FJSC, Katsina-Alu said the commission acts as a stabilising force by ensuring the application of uniform standards for all staff in the discharge of its duties.

•FJSC opens office in Lagos

By Eric Ikhilae

To ensure the retention of quality personnel in service, he said the commission has developed a new scheme of service and engaged in the verification of staff’s academic certificates from issuing institutions.

These efforts, he said, have helped in cleansing the judicial system. He said the FJSC has, since its inception in 1999, recommended 165 candidates to the National Judicial Council (NJC) for appointment as judges of federal court.

He praised the commission for establishing the Lagos office, saying: ‘’It is my sincere belief that the establishment of the Lagos liaison office will go a long way in contributing towards the realisation of the commission’s laudable objectives’’.

The CJN said the FJSC has recorded some significant achievements, despite the challenges it encountered since its establishment.

Former Deputy Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Judiciary, Mulikat Akande, said the inauguration of the office was a dream come true for the commission particularly, as it strives to improve on the efficiency of the judicial sector.

She canvassed special care for the judicial arm of government in view of its critical role in the sustenance of the nation’s development.

Chief Judge of Lagos State Justice Inumidun Akande expressed delight over the FJSC’s office in Lagos.

She said the office was an indication of the nation’s readiness for positive changes in the judiciary.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2011

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LEGAL OPINION

Lawyer petitions Obi, IG over father’s kidnap A LAGOS-BASED legal practitioner, Mr Nnamdi Oragwu, has petitioned the InspectorGeneral of Police, Mr Hafiz Ringim and Anambra State Governor Peter Obi over the kidnap of his 82-year old father, Chief Lawrence Oragwu.

He said neither the kidnappers nor his father has been found since he was abducted on June 2.

In separate petitions to Ringim and Obi, Mr Oragwu urged them to use their good offices to intervene by calling out relevant security units to work towards securing his father’s release.

Chief Oragwu, the traditional ruler of Adazi Nnukwu, Anambra State, was kidnapped at Agulu, Anaocha Local Government Area, Anambra State.

He was said to have gone to Madonna Catholic Church, Agulu, and while driving out, a jeep drove in front of him, blocked his way and four heavily armed men alighted.

They pushed him into their own vehicle and drove off. Some members of the gang followed in his vehicle after his driver was forced out.

The driver lodged a complaint at a Police Station in Agulu, at Neni Police Station, Neni, and at the State Police Headquarters in Awka.

Mr Oragwu said it was rather disheartening that close to a month after the kidnap, there has been no reported progress with investigations into the incident.

“No information, whatsoever, has been received as to the whereabouts of my father and neither has there been any trace of his car,” he said.

They lawyer said his family got information about another individual who was abducted by the same gang on the same day but escaped after disarming the gang and running away with one of the guns,

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Gothingo to speak at seventh Aelex Lecture

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OHN Gothingo, a dogged anti-corruption advocate, economist and a former Kenyan editorialist will be the guest speaker at the Seventh Aelex Annual Lecture on Thursday, July 7.

Giving the lecture’s theme: Corruption: The Thief in Broad Daylight and Gothingo’s attitude in fighting corruption within and outside the Kenyan government, it is hoped that sharing his experience will be insightful and motivational for the attendees.

Recently, New African Magazine in its June 2011 issue lists Gothingo as one of Africa’s 100 most influential people.

Other distinguished speakers expected at the event are: Justice Emmanuel Ayoola (JSC) (rtd), as the Chairman and other discussants, President Trace International, Ms Alexandra Wrage, Managing Director, Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Mr Bismark Rewane and Editor/ Divisional Director, ThisDay Mr Simon Kolawole.

with gabriel AMALU email:gabrielamalu1@yahoo.com

Time for federalism: Wealth and wages

T •Ringim

•Gov Obi Stories by Joseph Jibueze

an AK47 riffle, which was discovered to have Nigerian Army inscription on it.

“Despite the available clues as to this heinous crime, there has been no serious investigation conducted by the police on this incident.

“If for nothing else, the fact that the recovered gun is supposedly an army gun gives a very good lead to follow, yet no serious pursuit of this lead has been conducted by the police,” Oragwu said.

The lawyer reminded Governor Obi that his father mobilised the community’s support for the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) in the polls, saying the government ought to show more commitment in finding him.

“The government cannot remain silent and passive at this point when he requires your intervention to en-

sure the apprehension of the culprits and secure his freedom.

“We cannot accept kidnapping as part of our normal life. You must rise to the challenge and rid our society of this vice.

“I urge you to use your good officers to intervene in this matter by calling out the relevant security units to works assiduously toward the apprehension of the culprits and all their accomplices,” he said.

Chief Oragwu is a regent representing the traditional ruler who died recently. Before his retirement, he worked in the public service for 25 years, rising to the rank of Deputy Comptroller of Customs.

“It thus leads us to the question that if such a thing has happened to him and the police did not find it important enough to seriously investigate and bring the culprits to book, then who is safe in our community and in our dear state?” Oragwu said.

EFCC arraigns medical doctor for alleged fraud HE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFFC) has arraigned a 57-year-old medical doctor, Wilfred Fajemisin for allegedly defrauding a man and his wife of N8.5 million.

He was docked before Justice Aishat Opesanwo of the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, on three counts of fraud.

The EFCC alleged that Fajemisin collected N3 million from Mr Oladapo Olaleye as part payment for a land at Tunde Owoeye Street,

LAW AND PUBLIC POWER

Otunba Ademola Shobowale Way, Oke Alo Estate, Gbagada, Lagos.

EFCC lawyer, Mrs Fadeke Giwa claimed that Fajemisin later collected N8.5 million from Mr Adelaja Adekoya and his wife after promising to sell a parcel of land to them.

Giwa said after paying the money, the complainants discovered that Fajemisin had earlier sold the land to Mr Olumide Owulade, who claimed to be the owner of the property.

The complainants had petitioned

the Special Fraud Unit (SFU), Ikoyi, Lagos over the matter and he was subsequently arrested before the matter was transferred to the EFCC. The offence, allegedly committed between September and October 2010 contravenes Section 1(1) (a) and 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act No. 14 of 2006.

Fajemisin pleaded not guilty, while Justice Opesanwo adjourned till July 1 for hearing of his bail application.

LEGAL DIARY Institute holds roundtable on press freedom, national security THE Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) will hold a one-day roundtable on press freedom and national security.

Date: Wednesday, June 29 Venue: Ayo Ajomo Auditorium, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), University of Lagos Campus, Akoka, Lagos Time: 10 a.m.

Belgore lecture THE Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) will hold the S. M. A. Belgore chair lecture.

Topic: The right to life under Nigerian constitution: The law, the courts and the reality.

Date: Tuesday, July 5 Venue: Gurara Hall, Rockview Hotel, Wuse II, Federal Capital Territory (FCT)), Abuja Time: 11 a.m.

Chairman: Justice Musdapher Dahiru (JSC) Special Guest of Honour: Justice S. M. A. Belgore (rtd) Attendance: Free

NBA holds Criminal Justice Reform Conference THE Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) will hold its maiden Criminal Justice Reform conference.

Theme: Transforming the Criminal Justice System in Nigeria – A reform agenda.

Date: July 17 to 20 Venue: NICON Luxury Hotel, Abuja Time: 9 a.m. daily Keynote address by Bryan Stevenson, Director, Equal Justice Initiative, Montgomery, Alabama, Geogia, US. Special guest of honour: President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Chief host: Joseph Bodurin Daudu (SAN), President, NBA.

HE recent warning strike by labour for a new national minimum wage goes to the heart of our doddering federalism. The President and his team have taken the easy way, by declaring their readiness to pay the N18,000 negotiated, while informing the labour leaders that they are not sure about the capacity of state governments. They have also reiterated the untenable claim, that we are practicing a federal system of government; and that they would follow the laid-down procedure by law, in the interest of the federating states.

On their part, the governors have also chosen that wide easy part, which biblically leads to perdition; by declaring that the Federal Government can not negotiate on its behalf, the wage to pay its workers. They have also conveniently hinged their argument on the need to respect the sanctity of true federalism. There is no doubt that both arguments are substantially high on sanctimonious legality, but very low on facts, and empty on morality. A simple argument that hits the bull’s eye is that the income of all the governors and the state legislators are not based on the income capacities of their states.

As a matter of fact, the governors, state legislators and many public officials across the country, receive uniform salaries, regardless of the income capacity of the states. This duplicitous unitary provision, under a constitutionally provided amorphous and centralised wage distributor, called revenue mobilisation allocation and fiscal commission, morally torpedoes their claim based on federalism. This body is clearly a misnomer in a federalist system; and if the state officials are to be sincere in their federalist quest, they would have asked for its abrogation, reject a centralised salary determining body for their benefit, before staking federalism against minimum wage.

While the push for a uniform wage can be based on the above premise; the leadership of labour must come to the reality that under the present economic arrangement, the country would only be making a knee jerk progress for a long time to come. As I have argued on this page severally, the national political economy is syndicated to make the states perpetually dependent on the Federal Government. While that may be a national choice, the problem is that the states have been reduced to a mere out post for sharing allocations from the Federal Government, instead of an economic haven, with always the worn out refrain about paucity of fund.

As I was framing a proof of this national debacle, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor of Anambra State, Mike Udah, handed me a hand out.

In his article entitled ASUU and South East governors, published in this paper, last week Thursday on page 20, he said: “in the case of Anambra State for instance, Governor Peter Obi receives about N2 billion from the federation account monthly. Out of this sum, about N1.7 billion goes into overhead (payment of salaries and other inevitable expenses). It is from the N300 million left that he fixes roads, provides for health care, etc.’’

Since Udah is in a position to know, I see this as conclusive proof that majority of the states produce little or no wealth on their own. And if the redoubtable Peter Obi, a successful entrepreneur before he became a state governor, could become a mere sharer as governor; then dear reader, you can imagine the calamity that has befallen the states, where spendthrifts and never do wells have rigged themselves into governance and are now presiding over the sharing of the common resources.

The answer to our national underdevelopment is to federalise the natural resources, the modern factors of production, and the enforcement capabilities. It is only then that states would be forced to thrust their best hands to manage its resources and create more wealth. When that happens, the notion of a common salary structure for every worker across the states, including political office holders would be untenable. But because more wealth would likely be created, many states would be in a position to pay well above the current sought after minimum wage of N18,000, over which more strikes would take place, before it is realised in many states.

As I have stated before on this page, it is national foolishness for Enugu and Kogi states for example, to be sitting on enormous coal and other mineral resources; yet it would be unable to pay the minimum wage, because a dubious legislation has placed the resources in the hands of an indifferent Federal Government. The same principle applies to many states in the north seating atop massive precious metals and minerals, but yet are no different poverty wise, from the infamous church rats.

The cant about selfless leadership on the part of our political leaders to solve the debacle must be clear to all now. As Governor Adams Oshiomhole has shown, labour’s minimum wage dogma is not cast on marble. What is needed is pragmatism, and if the governors’ forum has any of the influence they are peddling, they should ask for the abrogation of the constitutional provisions that have led us down this alley. The least is to amend those provisions, so that while the Federal Government has the required resources through taxation, the states can exploit the wealth in their states for the benefit of Nigerians.

Without control over the natural wealth; without control over the modern factors of production of which electricity has a pride of place, and without the enforcement capacity through police, the states substantially remain a sharing outpost, ever incapable of paying a living wage to its labour force. Unfortunately, mere strikes for increment would not change that.

•This piece was first published here last November 16

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2011

LAW BOOK REVIEW

Politics of shipping and the Nigerian economy W

HEN I was presented with a copy of the book we are here to launch by my dear friend, Dr Kingsley Usoh, I was delighted. However, the sting in the tail came when he then asked if I would review the book at the launch.

My mind immediately flashed back some 50 years ago when, as a school boy preparing for GCE O’ level, our English teacher admonished our class. He said: “You are likely to be given a choice between writing an essay on some subject or other, or writing a review of a book you have read or a film you have seen recently. I would advice you to avoid the review question like the plague. Reviews are extremely difficult to do well and you will lose valuable marks!.”

The task is no easier for me now than it was 50 years ago.

However, I am encouraged by the fact that Dr Usoh’s book covers topics in a terrain with which I have some familiarity.

And he has brought his search light to bear on and provided so much insight into the different aspects of the problems connected with shipping in Nigeria in a way that no one else could have done.

The eminent writer of the foreword to the book, Dr Bamanga Tukur, summarised the achievements of the author in the following words: “The author, though no longer in service, has taken time to give us an excellent book which I have found most thoughtprovoking due largely to the issues raised and discussed. I wish to state that the book is a must read for anybody or individual and is a researcher’s delight. In the course of reading this book, one question kept re-occurring in my mind and which is, why we must allow such brain as the author to remain idle and not being put to proper use by the nation.”

The answer to Alhaji Tukur’s apposite question can be given in a single word – “Politics”! Is there any reason why Nigeria should not develop a viable martime system when the necessary expertise is readily available? I leave that question for our politicians. The lack of continuity in our politics , coupled with a lack of interest and the failure of our politicians to appreciate that the vast sums of money to be made from shipping come at a price and we are responsible. It is a highly technical terrain where we have to make use of experts. During the past 30 years, we have had almost 15 ministers of transport. And there has been no blue print on shipping, which has been adhered to by any of those ministers. My personal experience has been that when a knowledgeable person gives advice to a minister, the advice is quickly countered by someone who has no knowledge but who sounds persuasive. Not being an expert, the minister is easily misled.

At first sight, the title of the book suggests that Dr. Usoh’s objectives were to write on the internal politics in Nigeria which has constituted a plague on our shipping aspirations.

But he has taken a far broader view of the topic. He has analysed very successfully the trends and political influences on international shipping from time immemorial. And he has shown in a decisive manner the way that Nigeria has been and continues to be side – lined and exploited by the developed nations. His ultimate message is that unless we get our act together and cooperate with other countries in the subregion to fight for our rights, the desired goals will continue to elude us.

The book bears testimony to the multifarious talents of the

BOOK REVIEW

The Politics of Shipping and The Nigerian Economy Author: Dr Kingsley Usoh Chapters: Seven Pages: 500 Reviewer: Louis Mbanefo (SAN) Name:

author. It combines readability with rigorous discipline and the highest standards of academic research. Indeed, the very copious bibliography contained at the end of each chapter testifies to the very considerable research that went into the production of the work. Yet, it is not a turgid academic treatise! He is meticulous in acknowledging his sources and uses statistical data to great effect. Graphs and charts pepper the work and bring increased lucidity to the author’s postulations. And he is tireless in his analysis of rules and regulations and policies.

The book of over 485 pages contains seven chapters, each dealing with a different facet of shipping. Having considered international trends and politics in each chapter, the author relates them to Nigeria.

The reviewer’s task is not made easy by the fact that each chapter is so wide-ranging in its scope that in order to do justice, a very lengthy review would be required. I can only give the briefest glimpse of the very diverse material contained therein.

The appearance of the book is most impressive and accords with the highest international standards. Toll Brook Publishers are to be congratulated for having produced the book in a very readable form. The print does not strain the eyes.

In the very first paragraph of the book, the erudite author sets the tone of the work and states: “How a country is run depends on choices made by its civil and political leadership. These leaders are influenced in their decisions by both internal and external factors”.

The author then proceeds to race the development of trade politics in recent times through the GAT (a UN agency) to UNCTAD (another UN agency) to the World Trade Organisation (WTO). He states (p.9) that it was not until the UNCTAD guided her that Nigeria promulgated the first Nigerian Shipping Policy. The National Shipping Policy Act 1987 was designed to domesticate the UNCTAD Code of Conduct for Liner Conferences. (A minor-correction for the recordthe correct title is the “National” not “Nigerian” Shipping Policy Act). The Act created the National Maritime Authority and stated that one of its objectives was to take over systematic control of the Nigerian shipping sector.

Pausing there, I have long held the view that until the NIMASA Act was promulgated in 2007, many of the function taken over by the NMA (especially the subsumption of the department of the Government Inspection of Shipping (GIS) were ultra vires. It is an indication of the sloppiness of our approach to legal issues that despite my constantly pointing out the ultra vires nature of its actions, the government con-

tinued to delegate functions to the NMA which were incompatible with its duties and functions under the 1987 Act. Dr. Usoh opines that it is important that government should set up maritime training facilities with qualified personnel to impact knowledge, train security officers for the purpose of implementing the ISPS Code. He thinks NIMASA is the right agency to the handle the exercise.

Conclusion I hope the fore-going whistle-stop tour of the salient points of the book has given an idea of the richness and diversity of the material contained in the book. It is not a book that should be read and put away. For it cannot be digested in a single session without the reader suffering severe constipation. It should be a compulsory reference work for any persons charged with the planning or conduct of our maritime affairs.

I predict that the book will be hailed as a major contribution to Nigeria’s strategic maritime planning. To Dr. Kingsley Usoh, the erudite author of the book. I say WELL DONE.

Eri at 68, still in the eye of law

By Kolade Umoru

•Eri

H

E was once described as elephant because of the multifaceted characteristics that personifies him and by measure of any standard, he can also be described as a giant both in stature even his very stout physique and scholarly erudition, his age notwithstanding. While on the bench, he was very courageous, frank, fearless and softly outspoken at various local and international fora. He had at many times bared his mind on many legal and judicial matters.

This man retains the energy to fulfill his

daily official and personal engagements ranging from early morning prayers as a devoted Muslim to attending routine administrative duties as an astute administrator of the National Judicial Institute (NJI) and chairman, legal practitioners disciplinary committee, Body of Benchers even as he remains a strict disciplinarian and a man of methods at home and in his official responsibilities.

This quintessential personality is no less than Justice Umaru Eri, (rtd) OFR, who turns 68 today. I joined many of his other mentorees, admirers and well wishers both at home and abroad to salute this man of destiny who represents great minds and has served and is still serving this country meritoriously, fearlessly and credibly as a legal and judicial officer. He is an unrepentant advocate of judicial reforms and rule of law at all times while he champions fearless dispensation of justice.

The Bassa born former Chief Judge of Kogi State, Justice Umaru Ali Eri and current Administrator, National Judicial institute since August 1, 2008, was born on June 27, 1943 into the royal and Aristocratic clan of Estu Ummaru Eri, MON, of Bassa-Nge Kingdom, a close associate and contemporary of then premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello (Sarduana of Sokoto). He attended RCM Primary School, Idah between 1952 and 1956 and St. John Anglican Primary School, Akabe in 1958. He was at the famous Government College, Keffi from 1959 to 1963. Eri studied Law at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

in 1970 and was called to the Bar in 1971.

Since 1971 he bestrides the Nigerian Judiciary like a colossus, joined the public service as pupil state counsel and later appointed the Pioneer Chief Judge of Kogi State in 1991 and he retired after serving the bench for more than 37 years. At the period when the pride of the Nigeria Judiciary, the National Judiciary Institute (NJI) needed to be salvaged and re-focused in line with the dream of the founding fathers, its lordship, Justice Umaru Eri was again called from retirement to bring his experience to bear and redeem the intellectual arm of the judiciary from its moribund stage. Since he took over the mantle of leadership, the institute has witnessed massive transformation in all its facets not limited to physical and infrastructural facilities, massive housing projects etc.

The staff intellectual capacity is enhanced, while statutory mandate of the institute is being realigned, and today the institute is the bride of Africa.

At NJI, the management under the leadership of Justice Umaru Eri, staff are now more dedicated, effective, efficient, more proficient, punctual and eager to work. The staff are equally rewarded by regular local and international training among other fringe benefits.

His landmark judgments and judicial pronouncements are authorities in law reports ranging from constitutional issues to criminal law, and to his credit with humility none of his judgments has been reversed in the Court of Appeal. Those who know Eri would rather agree with me that he is a man whose

view on issues is that of rare courage, remorseless, balance as a judge and administrator. As a human being, he is not a apolitical, but has never been known to be a member of any political parties, he discusses politics and he choose to remain on the side of the law, a voracious reader and a good horse rider. He is the Egena-Attah of Igala Land and Arogundade of Ekrin-Ade. He was conferred with National Honour of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) among others.

I came to know this man of great charm and strong passion for hard work, who exemplifies the life of an honest and truthful man and of course, I am particularly honoured that I have known him. He has put smiles on the faces of many people in various ways and his idiosyncrasies and values is a script for daily learning.

Of recent, many attempts have been made by some people to drag his name to the mud, he wouldn’t look back as he remained undaunted, ever focused. I believe that history has a place for him and when the work of the good men shall be written, posterity would not forget him.

We, therefore, wish this great man of many parts the best at 68 and many more years in the service of Nigeria, the Judiciary and mankind. May his days be longer, peaceful and happier, Amen. His life would continue to inspire many generations and generations to come.

•Kolade Umoru, Ch.Mc, nipr, writes from Abuja.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2011

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LAW & SOCIETY ELECTION OF NEW OFFICERS FOR THE EASTERN BAR FORUM (EBF) HELD AT THE BAR CENTRE, RIVERS STATE HIGH COURT, PORT HARCOURT

•Former chairman, Prof Ernest Ojukwu (left) and his successor, Kemasuodu Wodu

•Ex-NBA president, O. C. J. Okocha (SAN) (left) and Paul Erokoro (SAN)

•From left: Emeka Ngige (SAN), Obi Ulasi (SAN) and Dave Ezeigwe

•Former National Assistant Publicity Secretary, NBA, Ike Ukoh and Commissioner, Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, Nimi Walson-Jack

•From left: Emmanuel Ezeanuka, Okey Wali (SAN) and Onubogu Oluchi

•Sebastine Hon (SAN) and Mrs Miannaya Essien (SAN)

•Lawrence Ogbodo (left); former NBA First Vice-President, Akaraiwe Ikeazor and NBA National Publicity Secretary, Emeka Obegolu

•Iloegbuna Okafor (left) and former Chairman, NBA Aguata branch, Michael Aniazoka

•NBA Assistant National Financial Secretary, Mrs Chinwe Nwadike and Steve Ononye

•From left: Former Chairman, NBA Yenagoa branch, Collins Boleigha, Kelvin Ejelonu and Chairman, NBA Yenagoa branch Stanley Damabide PHOTOS: JOHN AUSTIN UNACHUKWU

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2011

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LAW & SOCIETY THE NEW FRONTIERS LECTURE ORGANISED BY NIGERIAN INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED LEGAL STUDIES (NIALS) AT NICON LUXURY HOTEL & SUITES, ABUJA

•NIALS Director of Studies, Prof Deji Adekunle (left) and Prof Nnamdi Aduba

•Prof Obiora Chinedu Okafor and Mrs Comfort Uma

•Dr Valerie Azinge (left) and Sibi Garuba

•From left: Godwin Atsu, Dr Francisca Nlerum and Augustine Anyebe

•From left: Prof Adebambo Adewopo, James Chukwu-Obasi and Stella Peter

•Mrs Mercy Agbamuche (left) and Dr Kathleen Okafor

•A cross-section of participants

•Godwin David Oluwagbami (left) and Alfred Akingbodere

•From left: Mrs Uwem Eteng; Mrs Ngozi Udombana and Mrs Sena Jerry-Imahiagbe

•Mrs Tuyo Olayinka (left) and Prof Animi Awah

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PHOTOS: JOHN AUSTIN UNACHUKWU

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2011

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TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2011

ENERGY THE NATION

E-mail:- energy@thenationonlineng.net

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Activities of vandals on downward trend, says Ikeja PHCN

HE Ikeja Electricity Distribu tion Company of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) has said that activities of vandals in its network are substantially reducing.

The Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr. Chris Okaa Akamnonu said that the level of vandalism of equipment and other power facilities within the company’s area of operation is reducing due to the efforts of the Police and the community development associations who keep watch over the facilities.

He said: “Vandalism is on the downward trend in Ikeja. Early last year we went to the commissioner of police office. We also got men of the state security service (SSS) involved. We stepped up our public enlightenment campaign.

“Community policing has been impressive and quite frankly, the police has been great in assisting us. We have secured conviction of four apprehended vandals. The court process has been swifter than before and I believe all these put together act as a deterrent to vandals and I can say w are recording lower cases of vandalism in this distribution company.

“What we were recording in the past were stealing of low tension cables from transformer to feeder pillar and upriser cable maybe 300,000 per substation sometimes they would stash away all the cable Akamnonu also said the company has embarked on extensive installation of prepayment metering in all the business units within the company’s network adding that over 10,000 pre-paid meters have been installed in four months.

He disclosed this to newsmen in Lagos adding that the company has

INSIDE •STG: ‘Nigeria accounts for 70% of our annual revenue’ •••Page

• Warns on by-pass of meters by customers Stories by Emeka Ugwuanyi

made it mandatory to install about 3,000 meters on monthly basis.

Akamnonu said that the company had challenges in the past but has overcome the challenges confronting it especially with regard to procurement and installation of meters, adding that starting from July the zone will step up its prepaid meter installation from 3,000 to 4, 000 monthly.

He said even though the company has about 2000 backlog, any new customer that pays for prepaid meter, would have it installed within two weeks.

Akamnonu said: “Between February and end of May, we have deployed over 10,000 meters and that rate of deployment is quite high, an average of 3000 in a month and we are hoping to increase it. In fact, we hope to achieve about 4000 by the end of this month (June).

In other words, from next month we should be doing close to 4000 meters in a month and the rate of growth of our new customers is about 2000, that means if we do 4000 in a month and have 2000 new customers, it means we are doing 2000 backlog.

“We want to assure our customers that much as we are doing the backlog we want to ensure that anybody who pays for meter now gets metered within two weeks. We are working on this programme and I confidently say we are making progress. We had challenges in the past but we have overcome those challenges.

“We promise to ensure that every house and business premise is

metered to avoid issues of overbilling and estimated bills usually occurred in the zone.”

He said the zone was fully prepared to distribute its portion of power from the national grid and had been carrying out a lot of rein-

• From left: Mr. Cornelius M. Eze, Head of Department, Civil/Structural Engineering, Mr. George Okoyo, Managing Director, Mr. Bunna Ugwunne, Business Development Manager, all of Point Engineering Limited and representative of Gov. Sullivan Chime of Enugu State Hon. Stella Ugwu during the presentation of the African Order of Merit in Detailed Engineering to Point Engineering by Institute for Government Research and Leadership Technology in Abuja at the weekend.

Middle East crisis drives oil prices up 38

•How new technology can aid right prospecting decision

•••Page 39

•Major marketers sell kerosine at N100 per litre •••Page 40

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OLLOWING the uprising in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and turbulence in currency markets, crude oil prices remained on the higher side in the outgoing first half of the year.

With few days to end of first half, WTI and Arab crude, benchmark for Pakistan, oil prices during the first half have surged by 22 percent and 52 percent, said PPI report.

Most importantly, a sharp increase in Arab gulf crude as compared to WTI is indicative of changing demand pattern of international oil markets.

On the local front, the rise in the

international oil price unleashed the pricing Pandora where government attempted various measures including reducing Petroleum Levy (PL), fixing oil marketing companies (OMC) margins and abolishing wharfage and incidental charges to keep the domestic oil prices in check.

Despite all the measures local oil products prices grew by 28 percent to 60 percent with diesel and petrol prices touching all-time highs in May 2011.

International crude oil and products market in first half once again was marked with high volatility in the intentional oil prices prima-

OIL PRICES JUNE 17 - JUNE24

Light Crude

Source: Rigzone.com

forcement and replacement projects.

Akamnonu frowned at the attitude of customers who by-pass prepaid meters installed in their various premises, which he said negates the ethics of PHCN, adding that the zone will not hesitate to arrest and pros-

ecute anybody found in such criminal act.

He pointed out the need for Nigerians to learn to pay for services rendered by utility companies adding that by-passing pre-paid meters is criminal and culprits are liable to a penalty of N50,000 or jail term or both.

The PHCN chief appealed to customers within the network to cooperate in the areas of monitoring of PHCN equipment, tampering with meters, illegal connections and prompt payment of electricity bills.

Brent Crude

rily on account of political unrest in Middle East and uncertainty surrounding the global economic recovery. Where, WTI crude prices jumped by 22 percent on closing day basis, average prices stood at $89 per barrel (up 19 percent yearon-year). On the other hand, Arab light crude oil prices - a benchmark crude for local energy companies, rose by a massive 52 percent during the first half whereas average price stood at $91 per barrel (up 24 percent year-on-year).

However, contrary to historic trends, Arab light in first half traded at average premium of $3 per barrel (three percent ) to WTI against last five-year discount of $2 per barrel (-three percent), indicative of changing demand patterns of the international oil market. The premium currently stands at $15 per barrel.

This could be due to higher demand from Asian region especially from China and India. The same price trend was reflective in middle distillate prices, with price of HSD going up 45 percent while price of the (Furnace oil) rose by 46 percent in first half. The rising trend in the international oil prices raised concerns for policymakers to keep domestic oil prices in check. The government initially abolished incidental and wharfage charge

along with fixation of OMCs in rupee terms. The development adversely affected the profitability margins of refineries and OMCs. Furthermore, the government also had to take a hit on its PL, which was slashed to bear minimum on various petroleum products. In particular, PL on diesel was eventually slashed to Rs 0.55 per litre originally from Rs 8 per litre.

With little room left, government eventually had to pass on the price hike to final consumer on May 11.

Overall prices of regulated products including petrol, diesel, kerosene and LDO increased by 28 percent to 29 percent. Similarly, furnace oil, which is totally deregulated and mainly used in power generation, increased by massive 60 percent.

It is expected that global oil market will display high volatility on account of divergent views regarding the global economic health.

However, based on prevalent trends, oil prices are expected to remain firm around the levels of $96 per barrel in first half. Our long-term oil prices assumption remains $90 per barrel. In turn, firm oil prices are expected to bode well for exploration and production (E&P) and refinery sector, while being a source of inventory gains for OMCs.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2011

38

ENERGY

STG: ‘Nigeria accounts for 70% of our annual revenue’

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HE Sea Truck Group (STG) with its subsidiary West Afri can Ventures (WAV) has said that its Nigerian operations account for 60-70 percent of the Group’s annual revenue.

Sea Truck is an international group of companies offering marine services to the offshore oil and gas industry worldwide especially rigs. With its indigenous operating company, West African Ventures (WAV), the group offers a considerable local content when executing sub-sea construction projects.

Since establishing its office in Lagos in 2001, the company has built its reputation of a reliable partner in Nigeria for pipelay, fabrication and installation engineering services as well as marine transportation. WAV have meanwhile built up a considerable workforce of qualified local engineering person-

Stories by Emeka Ugwuanyi

nel managed by experienced expatriates in the oil and gas industry.

The President and Managing Director of the company, Mr. Jacque Roomans said following the revenue it generates in Nigeria, it has made it the headquarters of the group and it is supporting Nigerians not just to earn income but also build capacity. He highlighted some of the activities of the company and other contributions to the development of the Nigerian economy.

He said: “We spread our rigs worldwide and people know more about Sea Truck group. We don’t only operate in West Africa; we have operations in Australia, Holland, Ghana, China, Angola and United Arab Emirates. We are an international company and Nigerian owned. You can see it from the

contracts and vessels we have delivered.

“We have a programme on investing in new drillships about $1.8 billion. We have delivered five out of the eight vessels we have built over the years. We have two more big vessels to deliver with about 400 men accommodation. The second drillship will be delivered by second half of next year. They are identical vessels. We are going to upgrade the capacity of another vessel up to 6,000 tonnes which will be delivered by third quarter of 2015.

“We work for big and small oil companies ExxonMobil, Chevron, Afren and Addax, because they know we have the vessels that can do the job and the personnel and they are all professionals. We have a big training centre in Onne. “The centre retrains all our engineers, mechanics and technical people.

We also have a training school in Warri, which is the headquarters of our onshore operation. We are the only one left in the onshore business. We have altogether about 60 units of boats, barges and tankers, among others to supply all production stations in the Niger Delta and we employ a lot of people there.

“We pay them well because in Nigerian and African context, anyone earning an income is looking after 10-20 people, so we never lay off people not minding that business is slow. Nobody is laid off our company except if the person is dishonest.

“The people guarantee income from our company. The Nigerian operation contributes about 60-70 per cent of the company’s annual revenue and we recorded about $500 million last year. We have

large rigs we are large operators and investors and we have high grade new ships.

“We need a lot of money to do our programme. We are investing over $150 million over the next three years. We have a drydock in Onne where we do all our internal services and oil service. We don’t depend on anybody; we look after our own business. We don’t rely on suppliers to do the job for us. We train the people buy our equipment, spare parts and machinery.

“We build ships in Nigeria but for big ships, currently we don’t have the programme. We have approached the government to allow us more land at the free zone. We have applied for large expanse of land and it needs a lot of dredging because all that area is swamp. We hope government t will oblige us.

Power expert urges govt to decentralise national grid

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O address the perennial power supply problem in the coun try, an expert in power engineering has advised the Federal Government to distribute the national grid.

The Country Managing partner, Celmeng Group Limited, Mr. Folu Olusanya, gave the advice at a forum held in Lagos.

Olusanya, who was the guest speaker at a public lecture organised

by Lagos Branch of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), with the theme “Entrepreneur: The future of engineer” held in Lagos, said government should allocate separate grid to states that have high commercial activities and concentrate power turbines there for generation.

He said the only way to address the lingering power situation in the country is for government not to focus its attention on solving the national power issues at a stretch but ensure a gradual but sustainable solution before it finally gets it right.

He said if government applies the method of distributing power through concentrated turbines in strategic area of the state to feed the end-users it will gradually solve the problems associated with national power failure.

“Government should concentrate more on distributed generation to give power to customers because it is quicker, faster and cheaper.

“This project can be actualized within 12-months and it will lighten up the environment which will go a long way in solving the power crisis,” he said.

Olusanya said that it is disheartening to hear that Nigeria with a population of over 150 million still battles to share about 4,000 megawatts, adding that government can bring seven turbines which run on both gas and petroleum products to feed cities like Port Harcourt and Lagos, which are commercial cities.

“If eight turbines of 25 megawatts will be able to generate 200 megawatts, government can distribute it within Lagos and Port Harcourt and make them feed on gas or any other petroleum product while other states feed on national grid.

“This project can be achieved within 18-months and government can gradually replicate such in other commercial cities to cushioning the effect of poor power supply,” he said.

Olusanya also advised young engineers to look beyond working for people and be self- employed in their future endeavour. Engineers who understand the integrity of the job can make it happen without working for anybody.

• Jackson 34

Sand dredgers threaten PHCN transmission facility

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HE transmission towers of the 330KV facility of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) which connects Egbin to Ikeja and situates at Oke Afa, Magboro Community in Ogun State is facing imminent collapse following the activities of laterite dredgers.

The Managing Director of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), Mr. Labo Hussein, said at a stakeholders meeting with the community of Magboro in Ogun State that the ongoing dredging under the transmission by the Orelope Dealers Association in the area has been a threat to PHCN 330KV transmissions line in the

area.

The Executive Director, Transmission Service Provider (TSP) Mr. Olushola Akinniranye, who represented the managing director, said the essence of the stakeholders meeting is to fashion out ways to tackle the perennial problems associated with uncontrolled evacuation of sand under PHCN transmission line.

The PHCN boss said that over five years now serious attention has been drawn to the continuous evacuation activities of Orelope Laterite Dealers Association under the PHCN transmission lines despite the concerted efforts of the Nigerian Police to stop them.

The PHCN chief said: “It is pertinent to note that electric power grid system of any nation is the backbone of its socio-economic development but when the lines and towers are being threatened by human activities such as vandalism, illegal evacuation of laterite around towers, it becomes worrisome.

“This ugly activities call for national rethink and prompt collective action in order to speedily reverse the ugly trend with its negative socio-economic consequences before the towers collapse.”

Labo said that the activities of these men have continued to cause unprecedented damage to the foun-

• From left: Dr.Emmanuel Egbogah, former Special Adviser to the President on Petroleum Matters; Senator Liyel Imoke, Governor of Cross River State and SPE Nigeria Council Chairman, Adeyemi Akinlawon at a recent SPE event.

dation of the transmission towers, adding that it is disheartening to inform Nigerians that five towers lines along Magboro (66 to 70) have seriously been eroded.

He said that those towers will soon collapse if urgent measures were not taken to stop the evacuators.

“This is why we have convened this meeting to enlighten you on the inherent danger associated with these uncontrolled evacuation activities.

“The financial implications of remedying the damage that would be cause b y the collapse of the towers could be better channelled to the development of the grid,” he added.

The General Manager, Transmission, Lagos region, Mr. Sabit Adeoye, urged the evacuators and community to desist from such activities, adding that it would cause about 18 months to replace the system if the network is brought down.

Adeoye said that if urgent action is not taken to put a stop to the evacuation under PHCN transmission, it would cause total blackout to the nation, adding that about 1, 200 megawatts would be lost from Egbin if eventually the transmission system collapses.

“Severally members of our staff have been threatened and beaten massively when they try stopping evacuators under the transmission lines.

“We will not hesitate to arrest and prosecute any evacuators found henceforth under PHCN transmission lines,” he said.

It was gathered that it would cost over N26 million to replace a unit of the towers line if they collapse.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2011

39

ENERGY Making decisions on how and where to find oil, particularly in the offshore deepwater, have always been a challenge.

Little wonder a lot of investments have been counterproductive, no thanks to wrong decisions on oil prospecting. But with a combination of new technology, operators can boost the chances of making right decisions for better oil recovery reports BIDEMI BAKARE.

How new technology can aid right prospecting decision

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HE oil and gas sector is not only capital intensive but risky. It is a sensitive sector that requires high degree of caution and precision. Any investor who ventures into it must be prepared to either sink or swim depending on the kind of decisions he makes. In the deepwater, for instance, making a wrong decision could make an operator drill a dry well thus leaving with a loss of not less than $70 million.

But the situation may not be that bad if the right decisions are made.

Recently, at the technical meeting of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) in Lagos, how to make this right decision on oil prospecting formed the fulcrum of discussion.

In his presentation entitled‘Applying Sweetness in Geobody Extraction and Prospect Derisking: Generic Approach,’ Innocent Okogbue, Assistant Chief Geophysicist, Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), said using new technology tools to enhance oil recovery particularly in the deepwater has become necessary because the industry is a technology driven one.

He said with these tools, it would be possible to add value to decisions being made to help avoid engaging in fruitless and wasteful venture particularly in the deepwater zones.

“It is a good approach to use some tools to help operators in decision making on oil prospecting. Don’t forget that the sector particularly, the upstream is very risky. In the deepwater the mythology is somehow different. This is because you have very thick sands and channels that are difficult to find in the onshore.

“Deepwater is a very challenging environment. So we need a lot of tools to help us do a lot of work

in the deepwater. The onshore is already well understood. But the deepwater is a frontier area.

“Frontier areas mean areas that are not yet fully understood. So we need to bring in new tools to help us understand these areas,” he said.

He noted that the new tool called sweetness in combination with other tools can be used to avoid drilling a dry hole, getting more confidence in drilling and recovering the investment.

He said: “When you put in $70 million in a deepwater project for instance, you want to have result.

Nobody wants to put money into a venture and lose it. $70 million is not small money. So you want to put it and make economic recovery.

But before this can be possible, one must put in place what would help understand the deepwater terrain very well.

You find out that in the deepwater terrain dry wells may be drilled if proper methods and tools are not used to determine the status of the well. But with sweetness one can avoid drilling a dry hole.”

However, he said it is not sweetness alone that makes right decisions on maximum oil recovery possible but in combination with other tools and methods.

“To get the best out of this tool it must be used with other tools. So it is not sweetness in isolation that gives result but in combination with other tools. But the thing is that sweetness is a new tool that we want to use to add to what we have before. This would help highlight areas that were not previously highlighted. So from sweetness we can get new information to aid the process.”

On the uniqueness of the tool, Okogbue said sweetness does not consider the traditional method of

Developed countries to release 60m barrels of oil, says IEA

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WENTY-EIGHT countries have agreed to release 60 million barrels of crude oil to the market to offset disruptions prompted by Libya’s war and stave off a possible spike in energy prices, the International Energy Agency (IEA) has said.

The Paris-based agency according to Associated Press, warned that the release was in response to an “imminent threat of shortfall,” according to the Executive Director Nobuo Tanaka, which could undermine the nascent global economic recovery.

“Today, for the third time in the history of the International Energy Agency, our member countries have decided to release stocks,” he said.

The release was a pre-emptive move to prevent a sudden spike in prices like the one in 2008, which helped set off a global increase in food prices as well, Tanaka said.

The 60 million barrels is a mere fraction of the more than four billion barrels of reserves held by the IEA. Tanaka said allocation of the oil will be by member consumption, with the United States providing half, Europe 30 percent and members in Pacific Ocean the remaining 20 percent.

The IEA statement said the normal increase in demand over the summer “will exacerbate the shortfall further” and that pledges by oil producers to boost ouput will take a while to have an effect.

“Our stock is intended to compliment the actions of these key producers, bridging this gap and removing the risk of any short term shortages as demand rises,” added Tanaka.

The 28 members of the IEA, mainly oil-importing countries in Europe, will make two million barrels a day available from their emergency stocks over an initial period of 30 days.

Months of fighting in Libya have removed 132 million barrels of light, sweet crude oil from the market by the end of last month, the agency estimated.

Oil prices tumbled to below $93 a barrel on Thursday due to concerns that US economic growth and crude demand will weaken this year. Strong demand from emerging markets helped crude rise to almost $115 early last month. Demand growth in China, the world’s second-largest oil consumer, remains robust but has slipped slightly in recent months.

taking decisions on oil prospecting.

He said: “Sweetness deviates from the other areas because it does not restrict to the traditional method of taking decisions. In the traditional method we use amplitude alone as a factor in oil prospecting.

“With it we do what is called AVO (Amplitude Variation Output) to see how oil extraction is dependent on high amplitude. But other things like seismic can also give you high amplitude.

“So this is non uniqueness because you can arrive at the same answers using two things. But

sweetness in a way is a seismic attribute that not only looks at amplitude alone but combining amplitude and frequency together. So you have a dual effect. What this means is that we are using two things in combination rather than using only one sweetness, which brings in the amplitude being used before with frequency.

“So we are looking at it from the amplitude and frequency domains.

This, no doubt, gives us a better picture of the well to be drilled.”

On what NPDC is doing to contribute to Nigeria’s exploration and exploitation strides, Okogbue said the company has put in place what

will enable it to achieve its target of becoming the third largest oil producing company by 2015.

“We are on the way to becoming the third largest by 2015 based on what we have been putting on ground. As a matter of fact, we have been increasing our portfolios with the increase in our reserves. Right now, we are getting new blocks and we are also going back to old fields using new technologies to find new oils in these fields. We are using state-of-the-art equipment and training of our workforce too. These are some of the things we are doing to make us a force to reckon with by the year 2015,” he said.

• Oil platform

Shell, govts agree to fund Canadian CO2 storage project

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HELL says it has signed agree ments with the Governments of Alberta and Canada to secure $865 million in funding for its Quest Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Project in Canada.

A statement issued by the company said the Quest Project will capture and permanently store deep underground more than one million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) per year from Shell’s Scotford Upgrader near Edmonton, Alberta, which processes heavy oil from the Athabasca oil sands.

“Quest would be the first application of CCS technology for an oil sands upgrading operation,” says John Abbott, Shell’s Executive Vice President of Heavy Oil. “Not only would it allow us to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of our oil sands operation here in Alberta, but it will contribute to the global knowledge that will help to get other CCS projects up and running more quickly.”

Shell aims to be a leader in continuously improving its oil sands environmental performance, through CO2 reduction, improved water management and minimizing the impacts of tailings ponds. A number of innovative technological solutions, including CCS, will be required to achieve that goal.

“CCS is recognised as one of the most promising technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from

fossil fuels. To realize that potential, government support in this important demonstration phase is essential. We would like to thank both levels of government for their commitment to progress CCS technology by investing in Quest,” Abbott concluded.

“By continuing to move CCS technology forward, Alberta is demonstrating its ongoing leadership in realizing the commercial-scale deployment of this technology and greening our energy production,” said Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach.

“Canada is a world leader in carbon capture and storage and we are in an excellent position to use this technology on a wide scale,” said the Honourable Joe Oliver, Minister of Natural Resources. “The Government of Canada is committed to supporting innovative clean energy technologies such as the Shell Quest Project which will help to bring high-quality jobs to Alberta while contributing to the responsible development of Canada’s energy resources.”

The signing of the funding agreement was announced today as part of an event marking the earlier startup of Shell’s 100,000-barrel-per-day expansion of its Athabasca Oil Sands Project (AOSP), bringing total capacity to 255,000 barrels per day. The AOSP includes the Muskeg River Mine, Jackpine Mine and Scotford Upgrader.

Regulatory applications for the Quest Project were submitted in November 2010. The signing of the funding agreements represents another important milestone prior to Shell taking a financial investment decision in 2012, subject to the outcome of the regulatory process and economic feasibility.

With CO2 injection planned for 2015, the Quest Project would join a handful of CCS projects around the world that are injecting CO2 at a commercial scale. Shell is working with governments and other experts globally on both political and technical levels to facilitate the development and wide-scale deployment of CCS and is involved in progressing a number of projects around the world, across a wide range of sectors.

The Quest Project is being advanced on behalf of the AOSP, a joint venture among Shell Canada (60 per cent) Chevron Canada Limited (20 per cent) and Marathon Oil Canada Corporation (20 per cent).

Seventy-nine ships, laden with various items, are expected to sail into the Lagos ports between June 22 and July 15. This was contained in the shipping position made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Lagos by the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA).

NPA, however, said that the report was subject to change daily.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2011

40

ENERGY

Major marketers sell kerosine at N100 per litre

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N spite the efforts by govern ment to make kerosine avail able at affordable price, the product is still being sold above the regulated N50 per litre by major oil marketers. Investigation by our correspondent shows that within the Ogba area (Ogunnusi Road), the major marketers’ filling stations there were selling the product N100 per litre as Saturday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) also reported that the major marketers were selling kerosene between N110 and N130 per litre.

The NAN correspondent that monitored the situation around Lagos metropolis said that despite 30,000 metric tonnes allocated to major marketers by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), some filling station still sell above N 50 per litre.

The report said that Total filling station on Ikosi Road was selling at N120 per litre and Total at Toyin Street at N120 per litre while Oando filling station at Iwaya Yaba and Ogba were selling at between N100 and N115 per litre.

Some of the buyers who spoke with NAN, complained of illegal hike in price of the commodity at some of the major marketers’ filling station despite government’s pronouncement that the product

By Emeka Ugwuanyi with agency report

should be sold at N50 per litre.

Mrs. Abosede Osuji, Banker, told NAN that most of them have been queuing over two hours to get the product before the station manager finally agreed to sell it to them above pump price.

“Government should enforce compliance if truly they mean what they said that no filling station should sell above pump price.

“If one station is closed down by regulators, it will serve as deterrent to others in such act,” she said.

Miss Grace Sunmola said government should compel station to issue receipt to any product bought from them to serve as evidence, adding that those who sell above pump price should be sanctioned.

“Surveillance should be maintained at all filling stations to checkmate illegal sales of product above pump price in the metropolis. We are forced to buy it above pump price when we don’t have choice and we need the products,” she said.

All effort to get the dealer of both Total and Oando to comment on the matter proved abortive as they claimed that they have been asked not to comment on the issue, adding that the amount at which they

get the product is above the official price of N 40.90 kobo.

However, the Executive Secretary, Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) Mr. Obafemi Olawore, assured that he would alert the Managing Directors of all the affected retail outlets who sell kerosene above pump price to call their dealers to order.

In other development the management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, (NNPC) faulted claim by the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, (IPMAN) that the corporation engaged in disproportionate allocation of kerosene in favour of the major marketers.

The Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, NNPC, Dr. Levi Ajuopnuma, said at the last count, IPMAN members

have received a haul of over 116 million litres of kerosene.

He said: “It may interest the public to note that between January and June, 2011, through coastal lifting, NIPCO, the commercial trading arm of IPMAN received a total of 116,015,900 million litres of household kerosene (HHK) through their facility in Lagos alone.”

He stated that between May 9 and 25, IPMAN loaded 196 trucks of kerosene, while MOMAN loaded 115 trucks. Similarly the sharing ratio between IPMAN and MOMAN for the average 5.2 million litres of HHK produced by the four refineries of the Corporation is 60:40.

Ajuonuma noted that in the days ahead it may be necessary to publish details of daily load-

outs by IPMAN at the corporation’s facilities to ensure further clarifications.

He said that the daily average national consumption requirement of kerosene is eight million litres, but the corporation has consistently surpassed this requirement by flooding the market with kerosene on daily basis.

“Currently, we have 54.26 days sufficiency. In January, we surpassed the national requirement by over four million and last month we surpassed the figure again by over two million litres.

The facts stated above are easily verifiable,” he added.

The NNPC spokesman also called on all marketers to shun sharp practices that have continued to plaque their operations.

Oil price rises marginally on slow pace of economy

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IL prices rose day after the Federal Reserve acknowl edged that U.S. economic growth has slowed but should pick up again soon.

According to Associated Press, Fed officials said in a statement that they believe the main cause of the economy’s slowdown, such as high gas prices and supply disruptions from Japan’s natural disaster, are temporary.

They said once those problems subside, the economy should rebound. The Fed also said it would complete a $600 billion bond-buying programme by June 30, as planned, and keep interest rates at record lows for an extended period.

Benchmark oil for August delivery gained $1.24 to settle at $95.41 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

Signs of slower economic growth after oil and gasoline prices jumped in the spring have left traders nervous about how oil demand could be affected in the months ahead.

Gas pump prices have fallen recently but are still nearly 90 cents higher on average than a year ago.

Many consumers and businesses are more careful about spending, since fuel is taking a bigger share

of household income.

AAA on had predicted a 2.5 percent drop in July Fourth weekend travel, largely because of high fuel prices. The auto club estimated 39 million Americans will travel more than 50 miles from home during the long holiday.

Expectations of a slower summer travel season have been reflected in oil, which has traded between about $102 and $93 a barrel for most of the month, said Michael Lynch, president of Strategic Energy & Economic Research.

Investors also have been concerned that Europe’s economy could be affected if Greece defaults on its loans. That could lead to slower demand for oil and other commodities such as metals used in manufacturing. The new government in Greece won a vote of confidence which could help implement austerity measures required for it to get billions of dollars in emergency loans from Europe and the International Monetary Fund.

It could take time for all the steps to be completed, and that is leaving investors nervous, energy analyst Jim Ritterbusch said.

The Energy Department said the nation’s crude supplies fell 1.7 million barrels to 363.8 million barrels last week.

• Left: Vincent Okeke, Commercial Director and Jacque Roomans, President/Managing Director, Sea Trucks Group/West African Ventures at a conference in the United States.

Safety, environment form focus of SPE HE operators of the oil and Oloibiri Lecture swers to questions on safety and gas industry will gather in the environment as it affects oil

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Lagos to discuss safety and environment at the Annual Oloibiri Lecture Series and Energy Forum which holds on Thursday.

The lecture series organised by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigeria Council according to the National Programme Integration Committee chairman, Society of Petroleum Engineers Nigeria Council will take place on June 30 at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos under the Chairmanship of the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Re-

sources Goni Musa Sheikh who currently is the Governor for Oil Producers Exporting Countries(OPEC) and Chairman of the Board of Governors.

The Oloibiri Lecture holds annually to commemorate the history of oil production in Nigeria with reference to the first oil well, Shell Oloibiri Well 1, will this year bring the knowledge and experience of some of the top exploration and production (E&P) industry experts together to provide an-

Energy prices

Domestic prices of petroleum products

Energy & Oil Prices OIL ($/bbl)

Companies

PMS

AGO

DPK

Conoil

65.00

160.00

140.00

AP

65.00

160.00

140.00

Total

65.00

160.00

140.00

Oando

65.00

160.00

140.00

Mobil

65.00

160.00

140.00

Texaco

65.00

160.00

140.00

PRICE*

CHANGE

% CHANGE

TIME

Nymex Crude Future Dated Brent Spot WTI Cushing Spot OIL (¢/gal)

91.16 106.15 90.83

0.14 -2.94 0.18

0.15% -2.69% 0.20%

06/24 06/24 06/24

PRICE*

CHANGE

% CHANGE

TIME

Nymex Heating Oil Future Nymex RBOB Gasoline Future NATURAL GAS ($/MMBtu)

275.03

-3.14

-1.13%

06/24

277.66

-6.10

-2.15%

06/24

PRICE*

CHANGE

% CHANGE

TIME

0.04 -0.12 -0.18

0.86% -2.78% -3.93%

06/24 06/24 06/24

CHANGE

% CHANGE

TIME

Nymex Henry Hub Future 4.23 Henry Hub Spot 4.19 New York City Gate Spot 4.40 ELECTRICITY ($/megawatt hour) PRICE*

INDIGENOUS Energy

65.00

160.00

140.00

Fagbems

65.00

160.00

140.00

Nipco

65.00

160.00

140.00

Mid-Columbia, firm onpeak, spot 28.97 Palo Verde, firm on-peak, spot 41.43 Bloomberg, Firm -peak, Day Ahead Spot/Ercot Houston 51.93

Source: Bloomberg.com

11.56

66.40%

06/24

4.78

13.04%

06/24

5.18

11.08%

06/24

productivity. The keynote address will be delivered by the Group Managing Director of NNPC, Austen Oniwon.

The Director, Department of Petroleum Resources, Mr. Andrew Obaje will speak on the topic ‘Balancing the oil industry productivity with safety and the environment and while Dr. Emmanuel Egbogah, former special adviser to the President on Petroleum Matters will speak on ’Onshore/Marginal field development: Challenges, opportunities and prospects.

The Managing Director Shell Petroleum Development Company and Chairman of Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mutiu Sunmonu, the Chairman/Managing Director of Chevron Nigeria, the Managing Director of Addax Petroleum Development Company Limited Phillip Wu and the Managing Director of SEPLAT Petroleum Development Company, Mr. Austin Avuru will also speak.

According the Chairman, SPE Nigeria Council and the Energy Forum, Adeyemi Akinlawon, the energy forum which runs concurrently with the annual lecture, seeks to educate the media and other executives handling energy issues in the nation’s financial and other industries, for the public benefit; and to provide opportunities for professionals to enhance their technical and professional competence.

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AVIATION

Why Nigeria, US signed security pact, by Demuren N

IGERIA signed an agreement with the United States on deployment for air marshals in US-bound flights for enhanced security, Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Dr Harold Demuren has said.

Demuren, in an interview in Lagos, said the renewed threat to global security through explosives necessitated the need for aviation authorities to reinforce measures.

Demuren said: “It will give Nigeria the opportunity to have its aviation security officials trained on how to handle threat to the aircraft.Since the Umar Farouk Abdulmutalab incident in 2009, there is need to improve security on board the aircraft, that is the reason why we have to work together. After that a lot of things happened. We have to work together to stop terror.

“America will help us train our people, for free and improve measures through aviation security. This is because no country is immune.

“It will help us to share safety and security information. All the

Stories by Kelvin Osa-Okunbor Aviation Correspondent

American airlines need to do is to get the permission of the NCAA for the marshals to do their work, while the aircraft is flying in and out of our airspace.

“It is a concerted effort to improve aviation security. It is good for Nigeria and another step to take aviation to the next level. This agreement will involve the deployment of in - flight Security officers/Air Marshals.”

Demuren signed on behalf of Nigeria, John Halinski, Assistant Administrator, Office of Global Strategies, Transport Security Administration (TSA) of America signed on behalf of the US. The agreement was signed at the TSA Headquarters, Arlington, Virginia, US, in the presence of Nigeria’s Ambassador to US, Prof Adefuye.

Both countries, it was learnt, have been working on the agreement for some years now, before it was signed at the weekend.

The agreement, is part of mea-

• L-R: Demuren and Halinski signing the agreement.

sures by the American government to improve safety and security on the trans-atlantic routes, because of the latest threat to air safety in the wake of terrorist attacks.

Air Marshals work undercover to prevent or interfere with criminal acts which may occur onboard an airplane or in an airport.

The air marshal programme first started in the United States in 1968 after a few international hijackings on airplanes. The programme was small and most marshals were used

on international flights, which were considered at risk for hijacking.

When airports across the world began using metal detectors to screen passengers, the air marshals was reduced following terrorists’ attacks on the US on September 11, 2001 the programme was expanded. The programme is run by the TSA. The number of flights where an air marshal is aboard is not released to the public for security reasons.

Part of why the marshals work undercover is to deter criminals.

By Aniekan Umanah

W

HEN John F. Kennedy, the then president of the United States of America (USA) was dedicating the Chicago O’Hare Airport on March 23, 1963, he said: “There is no other airport in the world which serves so many people and so many airplanes. This is an extraordinary airport. It could be classed as one of the wonders of the modern world.”

Little did he know that he was also prophesying about an airport that would come 46 years after – the Akwa Ibom International Airport, Uyo whose inaugural flight was on September 23, 2009! Could this be the reason the two airports have a common day in their history- 23rd?

It was on this same day in 1987 that Akwa Ibom State was created. Oh, what a coincidence.

Courtesy of Governor Godswill Akpabio’s administration, the Akwa Ibom International Airport, in less than two years, has proven

T

HE Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Integrated Intelligent Imaging West Africa Limited (I-CUBE WA), Moyosola Niran-Oladunni, has said it will cost his company over N1 billion to expand the access gate project at the Murtala Mohammed International Road, Ikeja.

Speaking with reporters in his office, Oladunni explained that necessary arrangements had been made for the start of work but attributed the delay to the inability of the appropriate authority to re-

Marshals observe passengers at the airport before departure and onboard the aircraft. Their main role is to keep passengers and crew safe from terrorist activity and other types of criminal behaviour.

Most marshals have experience in law enforcement, such as working as a police officer. Marshals, who do not have law enforcement experience, but have a degree in criminal justice, may be considered for a position depending on the number of job openings.

21 months after, Akwa Ibom Airport booms It is barely two years old, yet Akwa Ibom International Airport is making waves. For many travelling to Calabar, Uyo, Owerri and Port Harcourt, it has become destination of first choice.

• Gov Akpabio

PHOTO: ISAAC JIMOH AYODELE.

that it is old enough for wisdom, and young enough for enterprise.

It has taken Akwa Ibom State to the highest rung of the economic ladder; the top of the totem pole where the air is rarefied and life an idyllic replication of the heavens and magic economies hitherto the exclusive preserves of airports in Frankfurt, Rome, Athens, Zurich and Copenhagen.

Today, the airport has not only placed Akwa Ibom on the international aviation map, it has made the state’s economy vibrant and teeming with investors and tourists.

A visit to the airport shows that it has been playing host to a large number of passengers since commercial operations stated, and because of the maintenance currently going on at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport in Calabar, Cross River State. And because of many passengers’ preference for the world’s newest airport, passenger traffic has skyrocketed with its resultant booming revenue generation. For Austin Thomas, a businessman and regular user of the airport, “the vision of Governor Akpabio in seeing to the realisation of this project has saved us all the harrowing experience of travelling several hours to either Port Harcourt or Owerri for the purpose of making a less than an hour trip to Lagos or Abuja.”

The chart and table showing the year on year comparison of passenger traffic and total revenue passenger volume from the date of its inaugural flight till date made available by the airport authorities, show an outstanding growth in commercial activities at the airport.

For instance, in 2011, just between January and April, a total of 57,198 passengers used the airport. March had the highest volume with 15,715; January, February and April followed with 15,292; 13,899 and 12,292. May, may break this record.

Last year, no fewer than 138,699 passengers either landed or took off from the airport. In December, about 16,395 used the airport. The figures were 15,393 and 15,331 for August and September. In November and October, they were 13,832 and 13,553 passengers respectively.

The chart also showed that the highest number of the travellers last year came from the Lagos-Uyo and UyoLagos routes with 5,991 and 5,041 passengers. Abuja-Uyo had 3,388; Uyo-Abuja, 2,515. As the airport becomes a hub of activities, it goes with a commensurate revenue spinning for the airport and Akwa Ibom State.

The story of Akwa Ibom International Airport, which undertook its first direct flight to Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv, Israel, for the Christain pilgrimage, is that of a whiff of fresh air authored by the transparent honesty of the Akpabio administration.

The airport has one of the best runways for international flights where large-bodied aircraft can land directly. The maintenance, repairs and overhaul (MRO) facility will be the first of such in Nigeria and even West Africa. Repairing aircraft and doing C and A checks in Uyo will be a vast economic spinner for Akwa Ibom and Nigeria at large. And with a runway that any size of aircraft can land on, Akwa Ibom is flying higher.

The inaugural flight of September 23, 2009 still leaves those who witnessed it with a nostalgic feeling. It was a day Governor Akpabio walked the road with his people. The road from Uyo was packed full of people, vehicles, motorbikes. They thronged the old Oron road. Their destination was the airport and their desire was to catch a glimpse of the hallowed bird as it landed on Akwa Ibom soil.

For those on board and many others on ground to welcome the Boeing 737-800 series aircraft as it touched down, the experience was the same. The prospects of that event defied class. In fact, it was tagged: “The Unity Flight of Akwa Ibom”.

Akwa Ibom people were happy and they showed it.

There are a thousand and one reasons that Akwa Ibom people give for their joy over the airport. It has opened to them, a window of opportunities; at the airport environment, around Uyo and even within the entire state. Their businesses

Airport access gate expansion to cost N1b locate some underground cables.

According to him, the planned 10 lanes expansion from the six lanes will take between 18 and 24 months to complete. He appealed to travellers between the domestic and international wings of the airport to bear with them when work begins as it is carried out in the interest of the public.

“The response from FAAN as regards the expansion and automa-

tion has been encouraging. We have the engineering approval for the design. Some terms have to be looked into and we know that it is a project that the management of FAAN appreciates. Within the next few weeks, we should know where we are going with the project and we have been given the approval for work to begin.”

Recalling the initial challenges faced by the organisation which

led to the payment of N120 million debt, he revealed that activities have equally picked up two years after.

Oladunni remarked that the opening of the Oshodi road by the Lagos State Government affected its projected revenue generation by 27 per cent and has gone down to between 17 and 19 per cent as most motorists diverted to that route.

thrive in different colours- for transporters, hoteliers, traders, name it.

And they give gratitude to the pilotin-chief, Governor Akpabio.

The employment generation benefit of the project is unquantifiable.

Thousands of Akwa Ibom indigenes are employed by the airport in different departments, with majority of them sent for oversees training to function effectively in the aviation industry.

There is an age-long billboard in Accra, Ghana, with the inscription: “Don’t just stand there and stare. Get involved.” On Accra we stand. On that Accra witty admonition we stand in Akwa Ibom today. Wouldn’t you rather come inside?

So, each time you want to board any flight to Akwa Ibom International Airport and the hostess tells you welcome, she really means it.

That is beyond the traditional treatment of an African king. She simply means that you are coming to a state with golden opportunities and economic potentials where the government is never tired in making it a destination of choice, no more a pedestrian state. The airport you are in now is not in New York. You are in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State, where God is doing His will for a people he named after Himself. You are right inside the Akwa Ibom International Airport. There could not be a better definition of John Kennedy’s extraordinary airport than this. Welcome on board. Welcome to Akwa Ibom.

Umanah is former Commissioner for Information, Akwa Ibom State.

He noted that non compliance to the rules and regulations by users was one of the greatest challenges facing them in the cause of carrying out their duties. “One of compliance and that boils down to the attitude of Nigerians. If you want to see the way Nigerians behave when they come to the access gate, this is where you see the mighty and the middle class. And this is about the only place where people want to show the type of persons they are. But we are living up to the task,” he said.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2011

46

HEALTH THE NATION

E-mail:- health@thenationonlineng.net

Health Bill provides insurance cover for farmers, others T

HE National Health Bill passed by the National Assembly provides for seed money for the take-off of the Community Health Insurance Scheme (CHIS).

The CHIS will provide cover for farmers, market women, commercial motorcyclists, trade unions, children, women and retirees.

The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) zonal coordinator, South-south, Prince Nasiru Ikharo, made this known at a workshop for federal employees, health care providers

and health maintenance organisation (HMOs) by the Benin zonal office of the scheme.

“The implications of the Bill is that farmers in the rural areas, market women, commercial motor cyclists, unions and trade unions, children and women, retirees and other vulnerable groups will have access to professional health care services such as their counterpart in the formal sector.”

On the importance of NHIS to

By Oyeyemi Gbenga-Mustapha

the health care system, the Permanent Secretary Edo State Ministry of Health Dr. Peter Ugbodaga said the scheme has brought the additional funding needed to bring health care service delivery in Nigeria to the standard of global best practice.

He also disclosed that the Edo State government was working closely with NHIS in its final preparation to join the Scheme and enrol state workers.

Some of the challenges noted by enrolees at the forum in the NHIS implementation so far include enrolees not getting their ID cards on time, some health care facilities not giving necessary drugs after prescription, HMOs not paying health care providers on time, and enrolees asking for branded drugs instead of the generics. In response, the NHIS Zonal Co-ordinator assured the participants that the Scheme is stepping up on its regulatory role to ensure that the rights of every stakeholder in the Scheme are protected.

Nigeria marks World Milk Day

F

OR the first time in 10 years, Nigeria has joined the global community in celebrating the World World Milk Day (WMD) During the celebration the Marketing Director of Milk and Beverage Products, Nutricima Limited, Mr Lampe Omoyele, said increased milk consumption would help make up for the nutrients that many citizens miss through their diets, composed largely of carbohydrates.

“Increased milk consumption would be necessary as Nigeria strives to attain the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), in 2015, and particularly so for the first of those goals which seeks to reduce levels of absolute poverty.”

Omoyele added: “Food and nutrition are key components of any measure of poverty and well being.”

Nutricima Limited spearheaded the celebration with activities culminating in donation of its three milk brands- Nunu, Coast and Olympic to teachers and over 300 pupils of Little Saints Montessori School, Ilupeju, Lagos. The corporate social responsibility initiative, Omoyele said was aimed at sensitising the community on the importance of milk and sharing with them facts about milk and

ACE inducts Nigerian as fellow

By Oyeyemi Gbenga-Mustapha

T

HE American College of Endocrinology (ACE), the educational and scientific arm of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE), has inducted a Nigerian Physician, the Medical Director, Rainbow Specialist Medical Centre, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, Dr Afoke Rita Isiavwe, as a fellow during its 19th Annual Convocation Annual General Meeting and Clinical Congress in San Diego, California, United States.

Designation as a fellow of the American College of Endocrinology (FACE) means an endocrinologist has achieved a level of training and experience consistent with the high standards established and adopted by the clinical endocrinology specialty.

To be accepted into the College, an endocrinologist has to be a member in good standing of AACE and meet the qualifications of one of the five routes to being FACE of distinction.

Dr Isiavwe, along with approximately, 94 endocrinologists from the United State and other countries were inducted during the ceremony. They pledged to preserve and maintain the highest traditions and precept of their professional calling.

Reducing body fat

B

Head boy Master William Aniagoh; Omoyele; Head girl Tsemaye Arubi and administrator of the school Mrs Folakemi Layeni, at the event

By Oyeyemi Gbenga-Mustapha

its importance in human nutrition.

The World Milk Day seeks to draw attention of consumers, governments and regulators to the importance of milk in human nutrition, Omoyele said.

According to him, milk and milk products provide 15 essential nutrients for normal growth and for the maintenance of

good health. “Milk has always been a historically important source of both nutrition and additional benefits. In the Christian holy book, milk symbolises blessings, as the Lord promised to give his people, “a land flowing with milk and honey. In other words, from the earliest of times, humankind has recognised that milk is one of nature’s most nearly perfect foods.

The Nutricima marketing director restated the company’s commitment to the development of human nutrition in Nigeria, saying the company, “offers to the market the widest range of milk and milk-based products as part of a strategic and conscious choice to contribute to the nutritional well-being of citizens of our country”.

ODY fat is the key in showing off those muscles we work so hard for. If you have built up a lot of muscle but have a high body fat percentage, the fat is going to hide your progress. You need to burn this fat in order to show off those muscles. This guide will show you how to reduce your body fat percentage.

Spot reducing Achieving a toned and chiseled look is pretty much everyone’s dream. Who doesn’t want to have a perfect beach body all year round?

Getting this look requires a low body fat percentage which is too often a misunderstood process.

Hours spent doing sit ups, using topical creams and taking pills are all great examples of how not to get toned.

The fat burning zone If you use any of the cardio equipment at the gym, you’ve probably used its built in fat burning program.

Before you get too excited about all the fat you’re going to lose, you should know why these types of programs aren’t the best idea for getting toned or even losing weight.

•Culled from straighthealth.com

Group advocates more awareness on autism

C

ONCERNED by the late diagnosis and neglect of children born with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), an advocacy group, Divinely Victorious Anointed Sisters (WOW DIVAS), has called for more awareness on the disorder.

According to an expert, Dr Orode Doherty, who led discussants at the group’s awareness programme on autism spectrum, the disorder is a life-long problem that seriously affects the way individuals communicate and interact with those around them. “It is often referred to as a spectrum disorder, which means its symptoms and characteristics may present themselves in a va-

By Wale Adepoju

riety of combinations, ranging from mild to quite severe.

“ASD is a persistent development disorder that affects all mental development. It usually manifests itself during the first three years of life,” she said.

Doherty said the causes of autism are unknown, although it is believed to be a neurological condition. “Medical conditions that could be causal are found in only about five to 10 per cent of autism cases, but current research suggests a genetic base to the disorder and links it to biological or neurological differences in the brain. Autism is not caused by deficient parenting but should be

first recognised as a distinct disability,” she said.

Autism, she stated, occurs approximately in 10 to 12 people per 10,000, but studies have found the incidence to be much greater having increase by 10 folds over the few decades. “The incidence of an ASD is now being documented at less than one in 100 of the population and is four times more common in boys than girls.”

ASD, Doherty said, are more common than Down’s syndrome, childhood cancer, cystic fibrosis, multiple sclerosis, blindness and deafness.

On symptoms, Doherty said, children with autism are impaired in social interactions, com-

munication and they tend to be repetitive and stereotypic in their behaviours, interests and activities.

She said there are different types of autism such as asperger syndrome (AS), childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD), rett syndrome (RS), pervasive development disorder (PDD) and pervasive development disorder not otherwise specified (PDDNOS).

She said it occurs in all races, social and economic conditions worldwide, adding that despite several theories no conclusive answer has been given as to its causes, “A study on twins and a family showed that autism is ge-

netically inherited, although there is no known cure for the condition yet, but more have been discovered in the last five years,” she said.

On its treatment, she said: “Treatment needs to be given as early as possible and to be intense to be successful. Applied behaviour analysis (ABA), sensory integration therapy, auditory integration therapy and interactive approaches, music therapy and music interaction therapy among others are some of the treatment methods.”

The group urged the Federal Government to establish autism screening centres/unit, particularly in the General Hospitals.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2011

MONEY LINK

Cash management costs to hit N192b, says CBN

T

HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said the cost of cash to the financial services sector could hit N192 billion by 2012.

These costs are incurred from frequent printing of currency notes, currency sorting and cash movements.

To address the problem, the apex bank is targeting an economy where a higher and increasing proportion of transactions are done through cheques and electronic payments in line with the global trend.

The apex bank is emphasising the new thinking to drive home its commitment to placing cash withdrawal limits of N150, 000 for individual account holders and N1,

Stories by Collins Nweze Senior Correspondent

000,000 for corporate account holders to reduce cash dominance in the economy.

The CBN is also educating the public on why the policy should be embraced.

Besides, CBN statistics showed that about 65 per cent of the cash in circulation is outside of the banking system, thus severely limiting the impact of the CBN’s efforts at price and economic stabilisation.

A statement from the CBN’s Head, Corporate Communications, Mohammed Abdullahi, said the Nigerian economy is too heavily cashoriented in transactions of goods and services. This, he said, falls short of the global

trend, considering Nigeria’s ambition to be amongst the top 20 economies of the world by the year 2020.

“The volume of cash in circulation (CIC) grows, so does the cost of cash management to the financial system which is estimated to reach N192 billion in 2012,”Abdullahi said.

The apex bank is also confronted with the risks involved in keeping or moving large amounts of cash, namely the high incidences of robberies and burglaries and the public’s propensity to abuse and mishandle currency notes.

Abdullahi reiterated the need to balance the objectives of meeting genuine currency

Ecobank opens London office

E

COBANK Trans-national In-corporated has opening a London branch which would serve as its United Kingdom Representative Office, the Group Executive of Ecobank Capital, Dele Babade, said in London during the 2011 African Business Awards.

The London Representative Office is the latest addition to Ecobank’s International distribution platform which includes an affiliate in Paris and offices in Dubai and Johannesburg. Also, the Group plans to open offices in New York and Beijing.

Both Ecobank Capital and Ecobank Corporate Banking, the Group’s international wholesale banking arm that

focus on trade finance, will be represented in London.

The bank in a statement, said it would capitalise on operational synergies and crossselling opportunities between its corporate banking, treasury and investment banking businesses.

By combining Ecobank’s expertise and reach in local and regional businesses, and issuance in Africa with access to international investors, the Group will act as an intermediary across the full value chain, the bank said.

Ecobank is projecting to multinationals, commercial banks, asset managers, hedge funds, development finance institutions, private equity firms and investment bank-

ing boutiques with a wide range of African-focused services.

Commenting on the new London office yesterday, Babade,said: “Arguably, the long-term investment case for Africa now is stronger than it ever has been, with foreign direct investment in the Continent forecast to reach $150 billion by 2015. “ For newcomers to Africa and established players alike, Ecobank, given its unrivalled footprint in 32 African countries, its considerable finance and investment experience and the breadth of its service offerings, can be an invaluable corporate advisor and long-term business partner,” he added.

transaction demands and combating speculative market behaviours that may negatively affect economic growth.

Besides, Abdullahi said, the policy is expected to ensure that a larger proportion of currency in circulation is captured within the banking system, thereby enhancing the efficacy of monetary policy operations and economic stabilisation measures.

The apex bank will also enhance the Monetary Policy operations that will allow the use of cheques and e-payment platforms in carrying out daily transactions.

This, he said will result in a higher proportion of money in circulation being readily captured within the banking system.

However, the policy does not in any way stop account holders from withdrawing any amount of money they desire from their accounts.

“The policy simply recog-

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

C

ONTRIBUTIONS of Cooperative Socie ties to the economy of Lagos State has been estimated at N40 billion.

This comprised of over 12, 000 registered cooperative societies, with an average turnover of over N1 million. Ours is to facilitate, while they make the contribution themselves.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Yakub Basorun, said the contribu-

Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

7.9-10% 10-11%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2011 “ 14-04-2011

GAINERS AS AT 27-6-11 SYMBOL ECOBANK CAP UBN TRANSCOPR UPL PLATINUM AFRIBANK JAPAULOIL IKEJAHOTEL INTERCONT

O/PRICE 3.080 30.96 2.42 1.03 5.00 0.84 1.30 1.10 1.33 1.12

C/PRICE 3.15 32.50 2.54 1.08 5.24 0.88 1.36 1.15 1.39 1.17

CHANGE +0.15 +1.54 +0.12 +0.05 +0.24 +0.04 +0.06 +0.05 +0.06 +0.05

LOSER AS AT 27-6-11 SYMBOL MAYBAKER COSTAIN NCR SCOA STARLNBANK DNMEYER JOSBREW ETERNAOIL VONO NSLTECH

O/PRICE 3.80 3.00 6.27 7.11 1.86 1.45 2.49 4.99 3.18 1.06

C/PRICE 3.61 2.85 5.96 6.76 1.77 1.38 2.37 4.75 3.03 1.01

tion of cooperative movements to the economy of the state is immense.

“The worth of the cooperatives in Lagos State is in excess of N40 billion. We have over 12, 000 registered cooperative societies. The average turnover of each of this society’s worth is over N1 million,” he said.

The members, he said, are adults who pay tax regularly, are active and contribute to the society in many

ways.

Bashorun, said the youths have a vital to play, saying they should be groomed to understand and abide by values that will make them better business managers of tomorrow.

The ceremony marking this year’s event will be coordinated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives in collaboration with Lagos State Cooperative Federation Limited (LASCOFED), the Permanent Secretary stated.

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

INTERBANK RATES

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

By Miriam Ndikanwu

Amount Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($) 400m 467.7m 400m 452.3m 500m 499,8m

MANAGED FUNDS

Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

ers who also account for over 75 per cent of all banking transactions.

The CBN, in collaboration with the banks, will continue to educate and sensitise the masses on the advantages of e-payments as a modern, secure and efficient means of transaction, whilst also putting the infrastructures in place to ensure that e-payment services are within reach and available.

DATA BANK

Tenor

OBB Rate Call Rate

•CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido

Lagos cooperatives pool N40billion

FGN BONDS

NIDF NESF

nises that banking is a business and, as with any business, there are costs that are sometimes shared between the business and the customers.

The policy stipulates that to withdraw more than N150, 000 for individual account holders and more than N1,000,000 for corporate account holders, will attract a nominal transaction cost.

The apex bank further explained that small businesses, with proper education and preparation, will be sensitised to the benefits of operating current accounts and adopting less cash-oriented methods in their business transactions.

He explained that data from Nigerian banks show that only about 10 per cent of cash withdrawals from banks are of more than N100,000. Therefore, this new policy only affects 10 per cent of banking custom-

CHANGE -0.19 -0.15 -0.31 -0.35 -0.09 -5.07 -0.12 -0.24 -0.15 -0.05

Amount Sold ($) 400m 400m 499.8m

Exchange Rate (N) 153.59 153.4 153.45

Date 25-5-11 23-5-11 16-5-11

EXHANGE RATE 24-06-11 CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Currency

Year Start Offer

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

NGN USD NGN GBP

147.6000 239.4810

149.7100 244.0123

150.7100 245.6422

-2.11 -2.57

NGN EUR NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) (S/N) Bureau de Change (S/N) Parallel Market

212.4997

207.9023

209.2910

-1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

152.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

153.0000

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

27-06-11 N8.0482tr 25.270.65

Name

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%

NIBOR

7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

234-06-11 N8.0803tr 25,2715.61

% Change 0.4% 0.4%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS

DISCOUNT WINDOW

Tenor

NSE CAP Index

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 1.00 117.72 122.45 0.84 1,575.41 10.12 1.00 1.39 1.87 8,941.08 193.00

9.08 1.00 117.25 121.55 0.81 1,567.25 9.62 1.00 1.33 1.80 8,667.53 191.08

ARM AGGRESSIVE KAKAWA GUARANTEED STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND THE LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND BGL NUBIAN 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

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK

Bank P/Court

Previous 04 MAR, 2011

Current 07, MAR, 2011

8.5000 8.0833

8.5000 8.0833

Movement

55

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2011

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 27-06-11 2ND-TIER SECURITIES Company Name CAPITAL OIL PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 2 2

Quotation(N) 0.50

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 10,850 5,425.00 10,850 5,425.00

AGRICULTURE/AGRO-ALLIED Company Name FTN COCOA PROCESSORS PLC LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC PRESCO PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 2 11 11 24

Quotation(N) 0.50 0.50 8.00

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 12,500 6,250.00 7,155,000 3,577,500.00 107,770 861,737.50 7,275,270 4,445,487.50

Quotation(N) 8.25

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 564,456 4,644,828.36 564,456 4,644,828.36

Quotation(N) 2.35

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 304,683 708,638.75 304,683 708,638.75

Quotation(N) 7.16 1.36 5.58 3.15 7.23 2.61 12.95 0.57 15.50 9.65 1.17 1.45 0.88 8.00 0.82 1.77 5.60 2.54 0.94 0.98 14.80

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 11,652,939 82,773,002.48 934,659 1,261,827.33 5,847,675 32,787,951.15 125,840 392,281.14 8,195,297 59,373,500.28 3,854,280 10,162,720.34 5,388,684 69,856,400.21 11,434,262 6,517,529.34 6,534,334 101,044,256.02 553,570 5,381,686.29 9,526,900 11,143,150.16 8,567,685 12,423,143.25 902,500 794,200.00 2,610,877 20,883,941.24 361,103 293,467.61 2,084,866 3,706,400.62 10,753,894 60,758,444.71 27,231,522 69,168,065.88 3,211,865 3,067,486.41 3,469,420 3,451,220.50 11,252,725 166,871,397.01 134,494,897 722,112,071.97

Quotation(N) 240.00 6.28 2.37 90.00

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 152,054 36,521,359.17 124,660 750,494.20 170,000 402,900.00 2,290,545 206,134,612.47 2,737,259 243,809,365.84

Quotation(N) 24.00 9.03 129.99 47.88

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 248,024 5,913,103.72 271,624 2,456,137.98 234,304 30,450,759.84 4,006,935 191,257,708.61 4,760,887 230,077,710.15

Quotation(N) 10.43 32.50 1.38 0.91 1.49 10.93

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 23,590 233,776.90 2,027,027 65,878,377.50 270,000 372,600.00 179,990 163,790.90 1,000 1,420.00 880 9,143.20 2,502,487 66,659,108.50

AIR SERVICES Company Name NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 57 57 AUTOMOBILE & TYRE

Company Name R. T. BRISCOE (NIGERIA) PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 21 21 BANKING

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. SPRING 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 234 27 70 21 43 73 385 30 427 39 106 85 17 82 15 29 179 48 38 56 273 2,277 BREWERIES

Company Name GUINNESS NIGERIA PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC JOS INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC NIGERIAN BREWERIES PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 90 16 1 134 241 BUILDING MATERIALS

Company Name ASHAKA CEMENT PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTHERN NIGERIA PLC DANGOTE CEMENT PLC LAFARGE WAPCO PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 56 20 33 37 146

Starcomms optimistic on future growth

S

TARCOMMS Plc has made strategic corporate changes and investments that would drive the growth of the company in the years ahead, Managing Director, Maher Qubain, said yesterday.

Speaking at its Annual General Meeting, he said the company has revitalised its offerings and made great strides in reducing its delivery costs as part of efforts to place the company on sustainable growth path.

He said in a bid to ensure proper allignment to capture growth opportunities, Starcomms has made important organisational changes by combining its corporate and enterprise businesses, to take advantage of the tremendous opportunities around broadband and ICT growth in 2011 and beyond.

He said the company has also integrated all its technology capabilities into a new growth platform to provide clients with fully integrated technology solutions. Starcomms he also said was as focusing on growing market share and expanding its business in

No of Deals 3 11 6 5 1 2 28

COMMERCIAL/SERVICES Company Name COURTVILLE INVESTMENTS PLC Secure Electronic Technology PLC RED STAR EXPRESS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 2 2 23 27

Quotation(N) 0.50 1.01 2.90

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 7,600 3,800.00 6,001,000 6,061,010.00 1,545,101 4,288,397.90 7,553,701 10,353,207.90

COMPUTER & OFFICE EQUIPMENT Company Name NCR (NIGERIA) PLC. THOMAS WYATT PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 1 2

Quotation(N) 5.96 1.38

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 125,774 749,613.04 1,000 1,320.00 126,774 750,933.04

CONGLOMERATES Company Name PZ CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC SCOA NIGERIA PLC TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC UAC OF NIGERIA PLC UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 38 2 55 37 48 180

Quotation(N) 38.12 6.76 1.08 39.00 27.30

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 421,459 16,066,838.23 85,675 579,163.00 6,028,531 6,510,813.48 182,544 7,120,247.82 245,583 6,677,909.26 6,963,792 36,954,971.79

Quotation(N) 2.85 56.50

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 1,073,000 3,059,355.00 11,306 639,136.54 1,084,306 3,698,491.54

By Taofik Salako and Tonia Osundolire

key geographic markets with special emphasis on profitable cities.

“We are enhancing and expanding our capabilities around several defining areas that show potential for growth and profits, including enterprise, corporate, ICT and automation services,” Qubain said.

He stated that Starcomms invested about N49 billion in 2010 in training in order to ensure that staff of the company have the necessary skills to serve customers at the highest levels and advance in their careers,.

In his address, the Chairman, Chief Maan Lababidi, said Starcomms stands by CDMA and is fully committed to bringing world-class products and services to the Nigerian public.

He pointed out that the proofs of the company’s ability to innovate and lead has been the strong growth in its data services, which is the future for telecoms operators worldwide.

Audited financial report

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 27-06-11 MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC N.E.M. INSURANCE CO. (NIG.) PLC. NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. OASIS INSURANCE PLC PRESTIGE ASSURANCE PLC. REGENCY ALLIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY PLC SOVEREIGN TRUST INSURANCE PLC STACO INSURANCE PLC STANDARD ALLIANCE INSURANCE PLC UNIC INSURANCE PLC. UNIVERSAL INSURANCE COMPANY PLC INTERCONTINENTAL WAPIC INSURANCE PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 28 9 37

No of Deals 9 6 15

Quotation(N) 2.18 0.54

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 89,000 194,060.00 17,800 9,968.00 106,800 204,028.00

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 TANTALIZERS PLC UTC NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 10 78 65 42 54 9 38 22 31 2 12 363

Quotation(N) 46.00 17.95 16.56 12.80 91.00 4.14 5.40 40.90 401.00 0.50 0.65

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 18,870 852,478.00 680,602 12,257,199.57 703,306 11,699,518.27 423,654 5,434,155.30 81,534 7,474,349.17 120,073 497,739.44 217,145 1,163,962.12 31,848 1,313,596.77 247,008 99,050,688.00 1,012,500 506,250.00 304,714 198,329.68 3,841,254 140,448,266.32

Quotation(N) 1.26 1.83 26.94 3.61 1.70

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 11,040 13,248.00 344,464 632,587.16 29,897 778,560.97 907,329 3,299,559.45 29,750 48,195.00 1,322,480 4,772,150.58

HEALTHCARE Company Name EVANS MEDICALPLC. FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXOSMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 15 11 23 2 52

HOTEL & TOURISM Company Name IKEJA HOTEL PLC TOURIST COMPANY OF NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 16 1 17

Quotation(N) 1.39 4.53

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 602,000 803,829.00 800 3,448.00 602,800 807,277.00

INDUSTRIAL/DOMESTIC PRODUCTS Company Name FIRST ALUMINIUM NIGERIA PLC VITAFOAM NIGERIA PLC VONO PRODUCTS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 2 17 4 23

Quotation(N) 0.50 6.05 3.03

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 13,000 6,500.00 187,827 1,136,083.75 63,000 190,890.00 263,827 1,333,473.75

INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY Company Name STARCOMMS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 19 19

Quotation(N) 0.50

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 5,347,088 2,678,432.18 5,347,088 2,678,432.18

INSURANCE Company Name AIICO INSURANCE PLC. CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC CORNERSTONE INSURANCE CO. PLC. CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED INSURANCE PLC EQUITY ASSURANCE PLC GOLDLINK INSURANCE PLC GUARANTY TRUST ASSURANCE PLC GUINEA INSURANCE PLC. CONSOLIDATED HALLMARK INSURANCE PLC INTERNATIONAL ENERGY INSURANCE COMPANY PLC LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. LAW UNION AND ROCK INSURANCE PLC. LINKAGE ASSURANCE PLC

No of Deals 52 10 6 19 5 4 5 1 2 11 5 9 1

0.50 0.56 0.62 0.50 1.75 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.53

50,188,200 2,582,053 227,652 50,000 26,768 58,200 411,600 22,000 13,645,510 71,960 1,483,500 985,323 96,333,878

25,094,100.00 1,445,949.68 137,932.12 25,000.00 48,184.81 29,100.00 205,800.00 11,000.00 6,822,755.00 35,980.00 741,750.00 522,326.19 58,050,903.13

No of Deals 11 11

Quotation(N) 1.25

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 140,257 171,352.40 140,257 171,352.40

Quotation(N) 1.15

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 3,074,821 3,512,628.47 3,074,821 3,512,628.47

Quotation(N) 0.51 0.50

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 10,015,000 5,107,650.00 59,000 29,500.00 10,074,000 5,137,150.00

MARITIME Company Name JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 78 78

Company Name AFROMEDIA PLC DAAR COMMUNICATIONS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 51 3 54

MEDIA

MORTGAGE COMPANIES

ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY Company Name CUTIX PLC NIGERIAN WIRE AND CABLE PLC. Sector Totals

14 5 6 1 8 30 7 1 803 2 4 4 1,015 LEASING

Company Name C&I LEASING PLC Sector Totals

CONSTRUCTION Company Name COSTAIN (WA) PLC JULIUS BERGER NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

and accounts for the year ended December 31, 2010 showed that revenue from the company’s data services increased by 21 per cent while gross margin grew by eight per cent, an indication that more people are joining the Starcomms internet customers as the data subscribers moved up by 17 per cent.

But the company’s turnover dropped from N34.30 billion in 2009 to N29.03 billion in 2010. Loss before tax declined to N5.2 billion in 2010 compared with loss of N7.7 billion in 2009. Net loss fell from N7.79 billion in 2009 to N7.66 billion in 2010.

Meanwhile, the stock market opened yesterday on the downside as sell pressure swelled up. The All Share Index (ASI) and aggregate market capitalisation dropped by 0.4 per cent each. ASI dropped 100.98 points representing to close lower at 25,170.63. Similarly, the market capitalisation of 1quoted companies equally dropped N32.28 billion to close lower at N8.048 trillion.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE

CHEMICAL & PAINTS Company Name BERGER PAINTS NIGERIA PLC CHEMICAL AND ALLIED PRODUCTS PLC DN MEYER PLC I. P. W. A. PLC PAINTS AND COATINGS MANUFACTURES PLC PREMIER PAINTS PLC. Sector Totals

• Records N5.2b loss

Quotation(N) 0.75 1.09 0.50 3.01 0.50 0.50 1.52 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.52 0.50

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 5,558,544 4,168,908.00 9,273,949 10,642,325.85 4,745,750 2,372,875.00 847,750 2,562,025.00 422,846 211,423.00 607,500 303,750.00 55,149 85,446.48 150,000 75,000.00 401,300 200,650.00 2,529,624 1,264,812.00 325,000 162,500.00 1,661,500 880,210.00 2,200 1,100.00

Company Name ABBEY BUILDING SOCIETY PLC ASO SAVINGS AND LOAND PLC UNION HOMES SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 2 20 23

Quotation(N) 1.44 0.50 0.63

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 200 274.00 4,200 2,100.00 2,260,865 1,425,219.95 2,265,265 1,427,593.95

OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS Company Name CRUSADER NIGERIA PLC. DEAP CAPITAL MANAGEMENT AND TRUST PLC ROYAL EXCHANGE PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 3 2 1 6

Quotation(N) 0.50 2.02 0.50

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 1,022,000 511,000.00 133,000 268,660.00 911 455.50 1,155,911 780,115.50

Quotation(N) 2.49 4.30 2.92 13.97

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 367,675 919,430.19 29,198 122,631.60 1,000 2,780.00 8,935 118,656.80 406,808 1,163,498.59

PACKAGING Company Name NIGERIAN BAG MANUFACTURING COMPANY PLC NAMPAK NIGERIA PLC STUDIO PRESS (NIGERIA) PLC. GREIF NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 42 1 1 3 47

PETROLEUM(MARKETING) Company Name 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

No of Deals 1 13 27 4 11 14 110 13 193

Quotation(N) 0.50 72.00 40.00 4.75 21.35 154.00 47.50 195.50

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 4,500 2,250.00 19,695 1,417,885.97 48,284 1,841,092.50 125,685 597,003.75 22,178 430,324.86 10,785 1,657,756.06 5,670,047 269,691,174.90 20,998 4,105,235.27 5,922,172 279,742,723.31

PRINTING & PUBLISHING Company Name LONGMAN NIGERIA PLC UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 7 11 18

Quotation(N) 5.39 5.24

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 72,640 393,299.60 286,050 1,458,502.00 358,690 1,851,801.60

Quotation(N) 19.00

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 351,126 6,645,918.78 351,126 6,645,918.78

REAL ESTATE Company Name UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 27 27

REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST Company Name SKYE SHELTER FUND Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 1

Quotation(N) 97.00

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 1,000 101,000.00 101,000.00 1,000

ROAD TRANSPORTATION Company Name ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 15 15

Quotation(N) 0.57

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 1,128,982 634,605.28 1,128,982 634,605.28

Quotation(N) 0.59

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 1,056 601.92 1,056 601.92

TEXTILES Company Name UNITED NIGERIA TEXTILES PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 2 2

THE FOREIGN LISTINGS Company Name ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED Sector Totals Overall Totals

No of Deals 22 22

Quotation(N) 14.50

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 237,000 3,424,465.00 237,000 3,424,465.00

5,043

301,314,577

1,837,108,226.10

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2011

56

IN THE HIGH COURT OF LAGOS STATE OF NIGERIA PROBATE REGISTRY, IKEJA DIVISION WHEREAS the person whose names are set-out in the first Column under died intestate on the date and place stated in the said Column. AND WHEREAS the person or persons whose names and addresses and relationship (if any) to the deceased are set out in the second Column here have applied to the High Court of Lagos State for a Grant of Letter of Administration of the Real and Personal Properties of the deceased. NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Letters of Administration will be granted to such persons unless a NOTICE TO PROHIBIT THE GRANT is filed in the registry within (14) days from the date hereof.

S/N

NAMES OF THE DECEASED PERSON:

S/N

1. Osuala Kenneth Chukwuemeka (Otherwise known as Chiemeka and Osuala Chukwuemeka Kenneth) late of 16, NNPC Pipeline Fagba Iju Ishaga deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of August, 2009 at Delta State.

2. Mrs Florence Olufunke Akinsete (Otherwise known as Akinsete Florence Olufunke) late of 22, Adeleke Odunuga Close, Harmony Estate deceased who died intestate on the 6th day of October, 2010 at Lagos.

3. Christopher Ogude late of No. 1, Agric Street, Ikorodu deceased who died intestate on the 24th day of July, 2007 at Ikorodu.

4. Abiola Adejumo Ezekiel late of 13, Kadiri Street, Fadeyi Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of January, 2011 at Lagos.

5. Lovis Bobo Emordi (Otherwise known as Dr. Emordi Bob) late of 7,Ola Ayinde Street, Ikeja Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 11th day of April, 2005 at Lagos.

6. Esan Adekunle Tony Longe late of 10, Solomon Avenue Olowora Kosofe, deceased who died intestate on the 4th day of March, 2007 at Lagos.

7. Comfort Ibikunmi Odufunwa late of 24, Salawu Onikoyi Street, Ifako Bariga deceased who died intestate on the 9th day of December, 2010 at Lagos.

8. Inspt. Yahi Sambo (Otherwise known as Yahi Gambo Ndirmbita) late Nigeria Police Forces Ajah deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of January, 2011 at Maiduguri.

9. Lawrence Adekunle Ogunlana (Otherwise known as Kunle Ogunlana) late of Blk 2, flat 5, LCH Estate, Mairan Ijaiye Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of June, 2009 at Lagos.

10. Chief Reginald Edijana Onobrore Akpofure late of 6A, Abimbola Awoluyi Close V/Island Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 10th day of June, 2003 at Lagos.

11. Joseph Ayileka late of Blk 355 Jakande Estate, Iyana Ipaja Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of June, 2008 at Lagos.

12. Oladunjoye Oluwole Esan (Otherwise known as Oladunjoye Esan) late of 5, Hagley Street, Jibowu Yaba Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 13th day of May, 2007 at U.S.A. 13. Amoo Mujidat (Otherwise known as Amoo Muyidat Omoronike) late of No. 1, Amoo Close Olayemi Ayobo deceased who died intestate on the 16th day of October, 2010 at Lagos.

14. Mrs Ekwu Aladi (Otherwise known as Aladi Victoria) late of 18/20, Makanjuola Close, Oke Ira, Ogba, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of September, 2010 at Kaduna.

15. Sule Ajeigbe late of Block D10, Flat 2, FAAN Quarters Ikeja deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of November, 2008 at Lagos.

16. Adeoye Idowu late of 7, Jimoh Ojora Street, Apapa deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of December, 2010 at Lagos.

17. Obitade Gabriel late of 23, Rasaki Street, Aboru Iyana Ipaja Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of February, 2010 at Lagos.

18. Atunise Rasheed Adeleye late of 12, Saidu Giwa Street, Aboru Iyana Ipaja deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of December, 2010 at Lagos.

19. Mrs Kolawole Fatimo Abike Esther late of 10, Tunde Fadiya Street, Heritage Estate Akute deceased who died intestate on the 24th day of June, 2007 at Lagos.

20. James Atima (Otherwise known as Atima James) late of 31, Arowojobe Street, Oshodi, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of May, 2004 at Lagos.

21. Joseph Baba Amodu (Otherwise known as Joseph B. Amodu) late of Ikeja Military Cantonment Ikeja deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of December, 2009 at Benue State.

22. Akinosi Sunday Alabi (Otherwise known as Akinosi Sunday) late of CB Q20 Ikeja Military Cantonment Ikeja Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of December, 2007 23. Dada Olaghere late of 91, Odunsi Street, Bariga Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 10th day of June, 2008 at Lagos.

24. Paulina Bose Yamah (Otherwise known as Mrs Yamah Bose) late of 5, New Jerusalem St. Amje Alakuko Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of February, 2011 at Lagos.

25. Chukwuma Tims Obirinanwa (Otherwise known as Chukwuma Timothy Obirinanwa) late of 40, Abeokuta Street,Anifowoshe Ikeja, deceased who died intestate on the 13th day of March, 2009 at Umuhe Atta Imo State.

26. Michael Ajuogu late of 4, Onilewura Street, Off Liasu Road Ikotun, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of August, 2007 at Lagos.

27. Otokpa Dominic (Otherwise known as Inspector Dominic Otokpa) late of Blk 16, Flat 6, 41 Road, Gowon Estate, Ipaja deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of October, 2008 at Ikeja.

28. Onyemuwa Ifekwe late of 14, Sunday Sholola Street, Mafoluku,Oshodi, deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of October, 2008 at Ikeja.

29. Mrs Iyabode Margaret Apata (Otherwise known as Iyabode Apata) late of 29, Oyewole Street, Abaranje Ikotun, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of January, 2010 at Lagos.

30. Stephen Nwachukwu late of 95, Mba Street, Ajegunle Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of March, 2009 at Lagos.

31. Chief Samuel Bodunde Bankole (Otherwise known as Bankole Bodunde) late of 6, Egbado Street, Iju Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 20th day of October, 2009 at Lagos.

32. Lander Amusa (Otherwise known as Amusa Lander) late of 18, Patey Street, Lagos, Island, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of December, 2007 at Lagos.

33. Odiley Jacob (Otherwise known as Mr Odiley Jacob) late of 150, Gasikia College Road, Badia deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of June, 2007 at Surulere, Lagos.

34. Mr Michael Nwafor Umeobene (Otherwise known as Mr Michael Umeobene) late of No. 19, Ladejobi Street, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of May,2010 at Lagos.

35. Ademola Michael Durowade late of No. 5, Alagbegba Street, Off Capitol Road, Isale Oja Agege, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of April, 2010 at Orile Agege General Hospital.

36. Mr Athanasius Chiwendu Ibekwe (Otherwise known as Athanasius Ibekwe) late of 2, Irono Avenue, Jakande Estate, Isolo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of December, 2010 at Nnewi, Anambra State.

37. Adeyemi Mathew Aina late of 22, Aderibigbe Street, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of August, 1991 at Jos Local Govt.

38. Jimoh Latifat Kemi (Nee Salami) (Otherwise known as Salami Oluwakemi ) late of 3, Alhaja Yemisi Street, Mafoluku Oshodi, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of October, 2010 at State Hospital Osun.

39. Jacobs Suruolayinka (Otherwise known as Suru J. Olayinka) late of 8, Ladejobi Street, Pashoku Aga, Ikorodu Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 23rd day of June, 2010 at Imo State.

40. Ajala Olufemi late of 29, Sanni Labode Street, Oko Oba Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 14th day of October, 2010 at Sango Otta, Ogun State.

41. Elder Ben Ogun Edom (Otherwise known as Ben Ogum Eidom) late of No. 7, Oritse Street, Ikeja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of November, 2010 at Lagos.

42. Rev. Alfred Oludi (Otherwise known as Oludi Alfred) late of 7/9 Olushola Street, Dopemu Agege, deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of April, 2009 at Lagos.

43. Mr Ajoba Liasu, late of 7A, Maloko Street, Ebute Metta, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 13th day of October, 2009 at General Hospital Gbagada.

44. James Olajire Alabi (Otherwise known as Alabi James ) late of 19A, Akinosho Street, Ijesha Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of September, 2010 at Lagos.

45. Mr Odugbesan Jaiyesimi Oladega, late of 6, Amu Street, Mushin, Lagos State deceased who died intestate on the 4th day of October, 1991 at Ikeja, Lagos.

46. Obadina Oluwole Daniel (Otherwise known as Obadina Oluwole) late of 51, Ayodele Street, Mafoluku Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of May, 2007 at Lagos.

47. Lucky Daniel (Otherwise known as Lucky Daniel Nse) late of No. 30, Irepodun Street, Ijeshatedo Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 16th day of August, 2010 at Lagos.

48. Lateef Lawal (Otherwise known as Lateef Akanbi Lawal) late of No. 4, Balogun Street, Shasha ,Agege, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of December, 1994 at General Hospital Lagos.

49. Banjo Timothy Oluwatoyin ,late of No. 59, Mufutau Olorunfemi Street, Egan, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of April, 2009 at Lagos.

50. Mr Awobajo Olaitan Matthew (Otherwise known as Awobajo Mathew) late of 5th Avenue, Block 6, Flat 7, Festac Town, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of April,2003 at Luth, Yaba.

51. Okonkwo Thomas Sunday late of No. 1 Olatunji Street, Oshodi, Lagos State deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of July, 2010 at Lagos.

52. Chief Jerome Oputa Udoji (Otherwise known as Chief J.O.Udoji) late of 35A, Bode Thomas Street, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of April, 2010 at Awor-Oraifite Anambra State.

53. Edith Nkenchor (Otherwise known as Edith Onyewuonyoma Nkenchor) late of Blk 7, Flat A, Nepa Quarters, Ijora Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day of November, 2007 at Abeokuta.

54. 63NA/421142 Ssgt. Pius Ajie late of Ikeja Military Cantonment Block 7 Flat 9 deceased who died intestate on the 11th day of December, 2006 55. Mr Festus Afolabi Odekunle late of 2, Dele Araoye Street, Mafoluku Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of March, 2006 at Lagos.

56. Mr Samson Akinlade, late of 7, Adekunle Street, off Awoyokun Onipanu, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of March, 2010 at Lagos.

57. Mrs Elizabeth B. Ogunsola (Otherwise known as Elizabeth Ogunsola) late of 55, Akinola Close Crescent Ikeja deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of November, 1994 at London.

58. Yusuff Rukayat Olayinka (Otherwise known as Yusuff Rukayat ) late of 21, Kalesanmi Street, Epe, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of January, 2011 at Ogun State.

59. Chief Comfort Bosede Osaniyi (Otherwise known as Mrs Osaniyi C. Bosede and Chief Comfort B. Osaniyi) late of Blk 64, Flat 2, LSDPC Estate Ebute Metta, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of October, 2001 at Gidan Kano Village Zamfara State.

60. Yusuf Adebayo Adeoye (Otherwise known as Mr Y.A.Adeoye) late of 16, Ganiyu Adeniyi Street, Alakuko, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of March, 2009 at Lagos.

61. Kenneth Kelechi Aririsokwu (Otherwise known as Arisiokwu Kenneth) late of 14B, Muri Busari Close, Off Adeniyi Jones Ikeja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 13th day of February, 2010 at Lagos State.

62. Mr Udeachu Gerald late of No. 8 Okosun Street, Okoko deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of June, 2009 at Lagos.

63. Victoria Aylor (Mrs) (Otherwise known as Victoria Ukaejiofor Aylor (Mrs) late of 12, Ilesanmi Street, Shogunle Oshodi, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of November, 2007 at Lagos State University Ikeja.

64. Adeniyi Adetunji (Otherwise known as Isaac) late of 29, Oyetoro Street, Meiran Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 4th day of February, 2008 at Lagos.

65. Mrs Omotayo Alimi(Nee Olasoji) late of 18, Adeyinka Adebajo Close B, Isheri Oshun Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of July, 2010 at Lagos.

66. Mr Macaulay Dominic (Otherwise known as Dominic Macaulay ) late of 11, St. Michael Street, Kirikiri Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of April 2008 at Lagos University Teaching Hospital.

67. Abu Bakare late of 1, Jinadu Lane, Mile 12, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day of August, 2009 at Lagos.

68. Michael Okoh (Otherwise known as Okoh Michael ) late of 8, Opeloyeru Street, Orile Iganmu Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 6th day of April, 2008 at Lagos.

69. Sylvanus Onuorah Ugwuede (Otherwise known as Ugwuede Sylvanus) late of 7, Odunfa Street, Ebute Metta Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 4th day of January, 2011 at Enugu.

70. Mr Raufu Oduola, late of 17, Bola Odeniran Street, Okokomaiko, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 14th day of January, 2010 at Badagry.

71. Stella Olufunke Adeusi (Otherwise known as Oluwafunke Adeusi) late of 27, Amao Street, Ojota, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of February, 2010 at Luth.

72. Izebhokhae Udebhu Paul (Otherwise known as Izebhokhae Paul Udebhu) late of No.10, Surulere Street, Ajangbadi, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 11th day of June, 2009 at Agbor, Delta State.

73. Sowande Olayide Abake (Otherwise known as Olayide Abake Sowande) late of 11, Folorunsho Street, Ilaje Bariga, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of November, 2008 at Onipanu Lagos.

74. Ibrahim Musa late of 5, Church Street, Agidingbi deceased who died intestate on the 4th day of May, 2011 at Lagos.

75. Mr Moses Akanbi Mulero late of Plot 1, Olusesan Ishola Avenue Igando, Lagos deceased who died intstate on the 18th day of September, 2010 at Lagos.

76. Mr Abayomi Mobogunje (Otherwise known as Mabogunje Abayomi) late of 209 Road B Close House 6 Festac Town, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 23rd day of August, 2008 at Lagos.

77. Peter Martins late of 3, Olugbani Street, Ikotun Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day of August, 2010 at Lagos.

78.Bamgbose Olubukola Patience, late of No. 9, Egbatedo Street, Papa Ashafa Agege, Lagos who died intestate on the 4th day of April, 2010 at Lagos.

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NAMES OF APPLICANT APPLYING FOR THE GRANT

Osuala Augusta Ada and Osuala Emmanuella chinonso both of 12, Idayatu Kelani Street Fagba Iju, Lagos widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Adenike Adetinuke Sola-Oni (Nee Akinseto)of 8, Omo Odumosu Close, Agric Road, Oko Oba and Temitope Samuel Akinsete of 22, Adeleke Odunuga Close, Harmony Estate B/Stop, College Road, Ifako ,two of the children of the said deceased.

Mr George Ogude of 99A, Ikorodu Road, Wellcomene Ijede Ikorodu ,Lagos and Mr Moses Ojeh of Nurses Forum Estate Road, Ikorodu, Lagos brother and cousin respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Akingbade Funmilayo Bunmi and Mr Abiola Sunday Oluwatoyin both of 2, Adebisi Awosoga Street, Dopemu ,two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Felicia Nwamaka Emordi and Njideka Yvonne Emordi both of 7, Ola Ayinde Street, Ikeja, Lagos ,widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Olatunbosun H. Longe and Pastor Abiola Mathew Longe both of 10, Solomon Avenue Olowora Kosofe, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Apos. (Dr) Kayode Adebayo Odufuwa and Mrs Modupe Grace Olufuwa both of 24, Salawu Onikoyi Street, Ifako Bariga ,Lagos , two of the children of the said deceased.

Mr Yaki Peter N, Mr Yaki Joshua N, Mr Yaki Daniel E all of Nigeria Police Force Ajah , three brothers of the said deceased.

Mrs Rebecca Bamidele Ogunlana , Miss Jane Yetunde Ogunlana and Ms Roseline Adeola Ogunlana all of Blk 2, Flat 5, L.C.H. Estate, Meiran Ijaiye , widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Omesiri Sotonye Akpofure idris, Mr Oshe Vix Tamunotekena Akpofure, Miss Imonivberha Lolia Akpofure and Mr Onome Idango Akpofure all of 6A, Abimbola Awoluyi Close, V/Island Lagos, four children of the said deceased.

Segun Ayileka and Oluwatosin Ayileka both of 355, Jakande Estate, Iyana Ipaja Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

Chief (Mrs) Victoria Morenike Esan of 5, Hagley Street, Jibowu Yaba, Lagos and Mr Babatope Ogidi of 20, Shina Adeyemi Street, Ajangbadi, mother and cousin respectively of the said deceased.

Amoo Mukaila Olayinka and Amoo Khafayat Afolasade both of No. 1 Amoo Close, Olayemi Ayobo Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Paul Ekwu of 18/20, Makanjuola Close, Oke Ira Ogba, Lagos and Corporal James Adegwu of 15, Soyinka Street, New Oko Oba Agege, Lagos, widower and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Ajeigbe Falilat and Ajeigbe Taofeek both of Blk D10, Flat 2, FAAN Quarter Ikeja, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Christiana Yetunde Nwosu and Oluwasegun Adeoye both of 30, Idera Street, Bariga ,two of the children of the said deceased.

Christiana Obitade of 23, Rasaki Street, Aboru Lagos and Funke Obitade of 15, Suleamon Street, Aboru ,widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Sherifat Aliyu and Hammed Atunise both of 12, Saidu Giwa Street, Aboru Ipaja , Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Miss Kolawole Adeyinka and Miss Olabisi Kolawole both of 10, Tunde Fadiya Street, Heritage Estate, Akute ,two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Atima Cecilia and Mr Taiwo Atima both of 5, Sadiku Street, Abule Egba, widow and the only child respectively of the said deceased.

Benedict Amodu and Victoria Amodu both of Ikeja Military Cantonment Ikeja, two of the children of the said deceased.

Akinosi Aderonke and Akinosi Oluwakemi both of CB Q20, Ikeja Military Cantonment Ikeja ,widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Adesua Olaghere and Bosede Olaghere both of 91, Odunsi Street, Bariga, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

David Yamah Madashe and David Yamah Oyita both of 5, New Jerusalem Street, Amje Alakuko, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Anne S.Obirinanwa of 40, Abeokuta Street, Ikeja and Daberechi C. Obirinanwa of 27, Balogun Street, Anifowoshe, Ikeja, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Ajuogu Emilia and Ajuogu Ifeoma both of 4, Onilewura Street, Off Liasu Road, Ikotun ,Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Otokpa Janet and Otokpa David both of Blk 16, Flat 6, 41 Road Gowon Estate, Ipaja, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Charity Ifekwe (Mrs) and Obinna Ifekwe both of 14, Sunday Sholola Street, Mafoluku ,widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Anthony Idowu Apata and Boluwatife Apata both of 29, Oyewole Street, Abaranje, Ikotun, Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Oluchuse Miracle Nwachukwu and Chemerie Godwin Nwachukwu both of 95, Mba Street, Ajegunle , two brothers of the said deceased.

Mrs Bridget Adetola Bankole and Mr Adeyemi Bankole both of 6, Egbado Street, Iju, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Amusa Kehinde and Amusa Idowu both of 18, Patey Street, Lagos Island, Lagos , two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Ihinose B. Odiley and Mr Omoegbe Odiley both of 150, Gaskiya College Road, Badia,Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

Mrs Joy Umeobene and Mr Ifeanyi Chukwu Umeobene both of 13, Ladejobi Street, Surulere, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Amos Olamilekan Durowade and Moses Ayoade Durowade both of No. 5, Alagbegba Street, Off Capitol Road, Isale Oja, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Justina N. Ibekwe and Mr Obiora Andrew Ibekwe both of 11, Hundred Foot Road, Nnewi Lagos ,widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Chief Adebayo Adeyemi III of 403 Road, B Close, House 7, Festac Town and Mrs Elizabeth Olufunmilayo Idowu (Nee Adeyemi) of 3/5 Oyinlola Adams Street, Baruwa Ipaja, Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

Jimoh Oriyomi Fatai of 3, Alhaja Yemisi Street, Lagos, and Salami Olatokunbo Gafar of 60, Jubrila Street, Surulere, Lagos, widower and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Jacobs Anuoluwapo and Jacobs Sandra both of 8, Ladejobi Street, pashoku Aga Ikorodu, Lagos, brother and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Christianah Oladayo Ajala (Mrs) and Elizabeth Ajala both of 29, Sanni Labode Street, New Oko Oba Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Cyprian Edom of AV13, Calabar Street, Kaduna State and Emeka Edom of 7, Oritse Street, Ikeja, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Olufunmilayo Oyekunle (Nee Oludi) and Titilayo Olabanjo (Nee Oludi) both of 15, Oyekunle Street, Ago,Ijoko Ota, two children of the said deceased.

Mrs Ajoba Ramotu and Mr Ajoba Richard both of 7A, Maloko Street, Ebute Metta, Lagos ,widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Elizabeth Mojisola Alabi and Joshua Oluyinka Alabi both of 19A, Akinosho Street, Ijeshatedo Surulere, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Adedayo Odugbesan and Miss Francisca Oluwagbemisola Odugbesan both of 6, Army Street, Mushin, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Obadina Taiwo and Obadina Samuel both of 51, Ayodele Street, Mafoluku Lagos, widow and brother in law respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Esther Lucky Daniel of 3, Aguntasholo Street, Ijeshatedo Lagos, and Mr Victor Lucky of 18th Ajijedidun Street, Ijeshatedo Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Suraju Lawal of 24, Jinadu Street, Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye, Mushin, Lagos and Mrs Serifat Elegbede of 4, Alabede Street, Off Aboru Street, Iyana Ipaja ,two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Kikelomo Banjo, Mrs Abiola Akerele and Mr Tunde Banjo all of 59, Mufutau Olorunfemi Street, Egan, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Matthew Oke O.F.C. of 5th Avenue Blk 6, Flat 7, Festac Town, Mrs Oluyemisi J. Moejoh of No. 11, White House Avenue, Ilom Woji Partharcourt and Miss Bosede S. Awobajo of 5th Avenue, Blk 6, Flat 7, Festac Town, three children of the said deceased.

Okonkwo Theresa Ekene of 1, Olatunji Street, Oshodi, and Ngene Oluchi Angela of 11, Murikatu Street, Ajangbadi Ojo, Lagos, widow and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Chief Oscar Udoji and Mr Peter Udoji both of 35A, Bode Thomas Street, Lagos two of the children of the said deceased.

Mr Peter Nkenchor of Blk 7, Flat A NEPA Quarters Ijora Lagos, widower of the said deceased.

PTE Emmanuel Ajie, Ikechukwu Ajie and Chukwudi Ajie all of Ikeja Military Cantonment Block 7, Flat 9, three of the children of the said deceased.

Patience O. Odekunle and Martins A. Adegboyega both of 2, Dele Araoye Street, Mafoluku Lagos, widow and uncle respectively of the said deceased.

James A. Akinlade and Busayo Akinlade both of 7, Adekunle Street, off Awoyokun Lagos State, father and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Joshua O. Ogunsola of 55, Akinola Cole Crescent, Ikeja, widower of the said deceased.

Yusuff Adeola of No. 8, Itarolu Street, Eyindi, Yusuff Risikat and Yusuff Olusola both of 21, Kalesanmi Street, Epe, Lagos, father , mother and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Omololu Adeleke Oluwaniyi, Olufunto Aderonke Olude (Mrs) and Omokorede Adesubomi Osaniyi all of Blk 64, Flat 2, LSDPC Estate, Ebute Metta, Lagos, three of the children of the said deceased.

Ajoke Adesiyan and Muftau Adeoye both of 44, Ayotuga Street, Mushin, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mr Aririsokwu Felix C. and Miss Aririsokwu Rita both of 14B, Muri Busari Close, Off Adeniyi Jones, Ikeja, brother and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Amaka Udeachu of No. 36, Ashimowo Bakare Ikate Surulere, Lagos, and Mr Finbar Udeachu of 18, Damiloye Street, Okoko, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Alexander C. Aylor, Chikaodili B. aylor and Chuks Agodi Aylor all of 12, Ilesanmi Street, Shogunle Oshodi, Lagos ,widower and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Adedeji Adeniyi and Adewole Adeniyi both of 29, Oyetoro Street, Meiran One of the children and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Modinat I. Uzoma and Mr Gideon K. Olasoji both of 14, Oseni Close, Surulere, Lagos, brother and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Godwin C. Dom and Mr Charles Aliagwu-Dominic both of Block 50, Flat 6, L.C.H.E Jakande two brothers of the said deceased.

Mrs Fausat Bakare and Mrs Bilikis Musa both of 1, Jinadu Lane, Mile 12, Lagos, widow and daughter respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Angela Nkechi Okoh and Chioma Patrick both of 8, Opeloyeru Street, Orile Iganmu Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Ngozi Ugwuede and Benedict Ugwuede both of 7, Odunfa Street, Ebute Metta Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Abimbola Oduola and Mr Sodiq Oduola both of 17, Bola Odeniran Street, Okokomaiko, Lagos, widow and the only child respectively of the said deceased.

Victoria Oluwatosin Adeusi and Jesse Oluwasegun Adeusi both of 27, Amao Street, Ojota, Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

Paul Uyi Izebhokhae, Cynthia Itohan Izebhokhae and Precious Emu Izebhokhae all of 10, Surulere Street, Ajagbandi ,Lagos, three of the children of the said deceased.

Sowande Foluso Temitope of 11, Folorunsho Street, Ilaje Bariga, the only child of the said deceased.

Musa Basiru and Baba Mohammed both of 5, Church Street, Agidingbi two brothers of the said deceased.

Mrs S.T.Mulero, Olalekan Mulero both of Plot 1, Olusesan Ishola Avenue, Igando, Lagos and Deborah Mustapha of 10, Adigun Popoola Street, Abule Egba, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Olufunke Mabogunje, Dr Olukayode Mabogunje and Mrs Adenike Oginni all of 209 Road, B Close, House 6, Festac Town, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Oluwatosin Olaniyi and Folorunsho Peters both of 3, Olugbani Street, Ikotun, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Bamgbose Adebisi of 42, Ijesha Adeleye Street, Iyana logbo, Bamgbose Damilola and Bamgbose Oluwakemi both of 12, Bamgbopa Street, Itoki Ogun State, three of the children of the said deceased.

G.A SAFARI (MR.) PROBATE REGISTRAR

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2011

57

FOREIGN NEWS UN authorises peacekeepers for Sudan’s Abyei HE United Nations Security Council has voted unanimously to send a 4,200-strong Ethiopian peacekeeping force to the disputed Sudanese territory of Abyei.

The force will monitor the withdrawal of Sudanese troops from Abyei, as well as human rights in the region.

Northern forces occupied Abyei in May, heightening tensions ahead of South Sudan’s declaration of independence on 9 July.

More than 100,000 people have since fled the territory.

The resolution establishes a new UN peacekeeping force, called the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei, or UNISFA. It comes a week after the authorities in Khartoum and Juba signed a deal in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to demilitarise Abyei and let Ethiopian troops monitor the peace.

Sudan’s ambassador to the UN, Daffa-Alla Elhag Ali Osman, said Khartoum’s forces would withdraw as soon as the Ethiopian troops had been deployed.

French UN ambassador, Gerard Araud, called the force’s mandate “robust” .

The resolution also orders UNISFA to protect civilians and to “protect the Abyei area from incursions by unauthorised elements”.

With fighting affecting the neighbouring state of South Kordofan, the conflict in Abyei has heightened tensions ahead of the north and south of the country splitting next month.

T

China says NATO’s action won’t solve Libyan crisis M ILITARY action alone won’t resolve the Libyan crisis, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said yesterday in a warning to nations conducting the NATO-led air campaign in Libya.

Following talks in London with British Prime Minister David Cameron, the Chinese leader said his nation backed attempts to reach a political solution over Western calls for Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi to step down after 42 years in power.

“Foreign troops may be able to win war in a place, but they can hardly win peace.

Hard lessons have been learned from what has hap-

pened in the Middle East and Afghanistan,” Wen told reporters at a news conference with Cameron.

He said China still supported the U.N. Security Council resolution that authorized air strikes against Libya to protect civilians, but insisted the nations involved must comply with the strict terms.

Russia has accused Britain, France and other NATO participants of going beyond the scope of the resolution.

“We hope that the issue of Libya will be resolved through political, peaceful

means, to reduce the humanitarian harm and in particular the harm of innocent civilians,” Wen said.

He said China has had recent contacts with both Gadhafi’s regime and the main opposition leadership based in eastern Libya.

Wen, who was wrapping up a three-day visit to Britain, took a swipe at “finger-pointing” Western critics who insist the U.K. and other nations should not pursue increased trade with China until the Asian powerhouse improves its human rights record.

Cameron said he had raised the issue during talks and that no topic had been off limits. “There is no trade-off in our relationship. It is not about either discussing trade or human rights,” he said.

In its latest annual report on global human rights, Britain expressed concern over the plight of Nobel Peace Prize recipient Liu Xiaobo and the detention and prosecution of other political activists.

“On human rights, China and the U.K. should respect each other, respect the facts, treat each other as equals, engage in more cooperation than finger-pointing and resolve our differences through dialogue,” Wen said.

‘Gaddafi’s arrest warrant ‘ll complicate issues’

By Leke Salaudeen

•Gaddafi

T

HE arrest warrant issued by the International Court for Crime (ICC) for Libyan leader Moamar Gaddafi will complicate the four -month old crisis in the country, a senior lecturer in International Studies at the University of Lagos Dr David Aworawo has said.

Aworawo said in a phone interview last night that the arrest warrant will intensify the struggle by Gaddafi’s opposition pushing to unseat

him. ‘But Gaddafi will not step down willingly. He knows once he gives up power, he will be arrested and taken to The Hague to face trial.

THE Director General of THE Nigeria Institute of International Affairs Professor Bola Akinterinwa told our correspondent that the implication of thearrest warrant is to let Gaddafi and his cohorts know that the world powers have declared total war on Gaddafi’s Libya.

Akinterinwa said Gaddafi is left alone to fight the super powers, He appears to be on his way out with may battles on his hands. He has the prob-

lem of financial insolvency.

There is limitation on acquisition of weapons to continue the fight.

Aworawo said the warrant has compelled him to be on defensive. Gaddafi, he said has not been complying with humanitarian law that innocent people should not be attacked.

He said Gaddafi won’t compromise the luxury of presidential palace for prison. He will not be amenable to concessions. Rather he will hang on to power. Such attitude on Gaddafi’s part will further complicate diplomatic efforts in solving the crisis.

His words: “In spite of the fighting, diplomatic activities

have been going on. The ICC ordered arrest will complicate diplomatic efforts for peace negotiation. Remember Gaddafi has vowed to die as President of Libya rather than to be disgraced out of office. The NATO-backed opposition insists Gaddafi must step down.

“Any attempts to negotiate a deal or provide Gaddafi a state haven are no longer feasible in light of ICC arrest warrant. Certainly the arrest warrant will increase pressure on Gaddafi.”

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir cancels China visit A PLANE carrying Sudan’s President Omar al-Bashir on his controversial trip to China has turned back without official explanation.

The plane returned to Iran, where Mr Bashir had attended an anti-terrorism conference.

Mr Bashir was due to have met China’s President Hu Jintao yesterday.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued an arrest warrant for Mr Bashir, accusing him of war crimes during the conflict in Darfur.

Human rights groups say China should not have invited Mr Bashir.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said his government had every right to invite Mr Bashir, as it is not a signatory to the ICC treaty.

“China has reserved its opinion towards the International Criminal Court lawsuit against President Omar alBashir,” he said.

“President Bashir has been visiting other countries on a number of occasions and has been warmly welcomed by those countries.”

“The presidential plane was flying over Turkmenistan on Sunday, when they chose a new route,” the foreign ministry said in a statement carried by Sudan’s official Suna news agency”.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2011

58

IN THE HIGH COURT OF LAGOS STATE OF NIGERIA PROBATE REGISTRY, IKEJA DIVISION WHEREAS the person whose names are set-out in the first Column under died intestate on the date and place stated in the said Column. AND WHEREAS the person or persons whose names and addresses and relationship (if any) to the deceased are set out in the second Column here have applied to the High Court of Lagos State for a Grant of Letter of Administration of the Real and Personal Properties of the deceased. NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Letters of Administration will be granted to such persons unless a NOTICE TO PROHIBIT THE GRANT is filed in the registry within (14) days from the date hereof.

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NAMES OF THE DECEASED PERSON:

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Rev. Samuel Olabode Adenugba (Otherwise known as Mr S.O.Adenugba ) late of 23B, Oshin Street, Alausa Ikeja deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of March, 2008 at Lagos.

Akintola Akinwunmi Tokunbo late of 44,AA St Fed. Low Cost Estate Ipaja, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 11th day of July, 1983 at Lagos.

Toyin Saka late of 3, Fatimo Street, Oshodi ,Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 10th day of June, 2010 Mrs Adedeji Josephine Abimbola late of Local Govt. Pry. School Agbado deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of February, 2011 at Abule Egba.

Asogwa Cosmas Okeke (Otherwise known as Asogwa Cosmas) late of 10, Ogabi Crescent Imeke Badagry, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of June,2009 at Lagos.

Mr Ishola Rasheed Ayinde late of Block 21, Flat 13 LASG Staff Quarters Ogba Phase II Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 10th day of Aprl, 2011 at UCH Ibadan.

Emmanuel O. Nwaka (Otherwise known as Nwaka Emmanuel and Emmanuel Ozeemena) late of 36, Okota Road, Isolo Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of November, 2009 at Warri Ikpeme Ita Emmanuel (Otherwise known as Ita Emmanuel Ikpeme) late of 2, Akinyeoluwa Street, Lasu Isheri Road, deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of April,2007 at Lagos.

Mr Festus Abiodun Ariyo (Otherwise known as Festus Ariyo) late of 38, Adeshiyan Street, Ilupeju Palm Grove deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of November, 2007 at Lagos.

Mr Clinton Aghominoyeni Sagay late of 21, Taiwo Street, Olodi Apapa Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 9th day of November, 2004 at Lagos.

Tokosi Kazeem (Otherwise known as Kazeem Abiodun Tokosi) late of Nepa Quarters Odugbose Agbede Ikorodu Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of May, 2010 at Lagos.

Titus Edet Mathew Ifet late of 1B, Ben Ebor Street, Ajah Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 20th day of September, 2010 at Lagos.

Mrs Innocent Duru (Otherwise known as Duru Innocent) late of 4th Avenue, 401 Road, Blk 5, Flat 7 Festac Town, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of April, 2007 at E.B. Lagos.

Madam Alice Eruwekawe (Otherwise known as Eruwekawe Alice) late of 2, Adetola lasisi Close, Mile 12, Kosofe Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of September, 2010 at Lagos.

Fatai Fashenro (Otherwise known as Fatayi Fasenro and Mr Fasenro Fatai A.) late of 6, Olaide Awoye Street, Ilasamaja deceased who died on the 5th day of April, 2006 at Ebute Metta.

Ishola Abdul Azeez Adekola late of 19, Akewukewe Street, Ijeshatedo Surulere, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of August, 2010 at Lagos.

Gilbert Chukwuka Berter Okany (Otherwise known as Ambassador Gilbert C.B. Okany) late of 651, 32 Rd, Festac Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of April, 2006 at London.

Moses Adenugba Folorunsho (Otherwise known as Folorunsho Adenugba Moses) late of 14, Omodigbo Street, Olorunshogo Mushin,Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 20th day of February, 2008 at Mushin, Lagos.

Alhaji Fasayo Aderemi (Otherwise known as Aderemi Fasayo) late of Block 35, Plot 28, Area 5 Opic Estate, Agbara Lagos ,deceased who died intestate on the 11th day of July, 2010 at Lagos.

Mr Christian Atumanyin late of 46, Samuel Street, Mafoluku Oshodi, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of November ,2008 at Tin Can Hospital, Apapa.

Bamidele Adelua, late of 1, Sanyaolu Close, Ijaiye Ojokoro Lagos State, deceased who died intestate on the 23rd day of February, 2011 at Lagos.

Oyedele Oyeniran John, late of 7, Bamgboye Street, Agiliti, Mile 12, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of January, 2011 at Ikeja General Hospital.

Sgt. Omoniyi Kolawole (Otherwise known as NAF96/17972 Sgt. Omoniyi) late of Airforce Base Ikeja Block Q14, Flat 7, deceased who died intestate on the 4th day of September, 2009 at Airforce Hospital Ikeja.

Adedapo Adeyemi Bajo of 12, Bode Olajumoke Street, Ogidan Ajah and Opeyemi Akin Esho of 10, Eletu Ogabi Street, Victoria Island Lagos, the only child and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Bennette Ishola Irele (Otherwise known as Ishola Irele Benette,Benette Irele Ishola, Ishola Irele, Irele Ishola, Ishola Benette, Irele Benette and Benette Ishola Benette of 8A, Olatunde Ayoola Avenue Obanikoro, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of October, 1994 at Dr. Ferrerie Clinic Ilupeju.

Samson Oluwatoyin Akinde late of 32, Oyetola Adeboye Street, Area 1, Estate, Casso, deceased who died intestate on the 13th day of December, 2010 at Lagos.

Fapetu Paulinah Atinuke (Otherwise known as Mrs Paulina A. Fapetu, ) late of Plot 16, Ezekiel Avenue, Adonla Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 20th day of February, 2011 at Catholic Hospital Ondo, Ondo State.

Ighalo E. Nicholas (Otherwise known as Nicholas E. Ighalo) late of 5, Daniel Close, Isashi Badagry, Expressway, deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of November, 2010 at Lagos.

Mr Akintoye Ajani (Otherwise known as Akintoye Ajani Claudius) late of 4, Bode Joseph Street, Ifako Gbagada, Lagos , deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of June, 2008 at General Hospital Otta Ogun State.

Aina Adams Saliu, late of 8B, Musibau Street, Ilemba Awori deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of December, 2008 .

Omoniyi Abayomi Johnson (Otherwise known as Mr Omoniyi Abayomi) late of39, Ibraimoh Street, Mushin, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of February, 2010 Mr Lawal Nurudeen (Otherwise known as Nurudeen Idowu Lawal) late of 18, Mosalasi Street, Shomolu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of April, 2011 at Lagos.

Olaleye Joseph Iyiola late of 26, Idimu Road, Egbeda, Idimu Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 16th day of September, 2003 at Lagoon Hospital, Lagos State Helen Chinedu Oba (Otherwise known as Oba Helen Chinedu) late of 34, Alawode Street, Surulere, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day of January, 2010 at Lagos.

Ogundeyi Oluyele Jacob late of 44, Anibaba Street, Ketu, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of September, 2010 at Lagos.

Adeosun Gabriel Jimoh (Otherwise known as Jimoh Adeosun ) late of 17, Ishola Daniel Street, Orile Oshodi ,Lagos, deceased who died intestate o the 19th day of June, 2010 at Lagos.

Mr Adekeye Ayinla (Otherwise known as Adekeye A.) late of 4, Oseni Lane, Itire Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of March, 2010 at Lagos.

Mr Akeem Adenopo (Otherwise known as Adenopo Akeem) late of 27, Obaoseni Goriola Street, Ojo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of October, 2010 at St. Nicholas Hospital Mr Omobolanle Olokunbi late of 50, Oduwole Street, Abule Odu deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day of May, 2010 at Lasuth Hospital.

Awofadeji Emmanuel Oladapo (Otherwise known as Emmanuel Oladapo Awofadeji ) late of 15, Awolola Street, Abaranje Alimosho, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of May, 2009 at Lagos State.

Rigali Adetunji Salami late of Close, 25, House 2A Satelite Town, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of June, 2009 at Lagos.

Mrs Akinyelu Folake Idowu (Otherwise known as Akinyelu Folake Idowu) late of 7, Towobola Street, Gbagada Estate, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 9th day of August ,2002 at Lagos.

Olukayode Oshinibosi (Otherwise known as Oshinbosi Kayode) late of 21, Ibadan Street, Off Shylon deceased who died intestate on the 11th day of September, 2009 at Lagos.

Adebanjo Olayinka Adekunle (Otherwise known as Adebanjo Olayinka) late of 54, Isikalu Street, Olodi Apapa Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 16th day of June, 2007 at Luth.

Olasunkanmi Omiyale (Otherwise known as Omiyale Olasukanmi and Ola) late of 2/5 Abimbola Industrial Estate, Isolo Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of December, 2009 at Ikorodu.

Akadiri Emmanuel Ayo late of 16, Ado Avenue Ajah, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 9th day of March, 2009 at Lagos.

Omotosho Owoeye (Otherwise known as Owoeye Omotosho) late of 322 Road, C Close Block 3 Flat 14, Festac Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of September, 2004 at Ilorin ,Kwara State.

Ekaette Mbuko, late of 11, Ayoola Awe Street, Oshodi, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 24th day of January, 2010 at Lagos.

Addo paul Nnamdi (Otherwise known as Addo Paul) late of No. 4, Arukweh Street, Aradagun deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of May, 2010 at Lagos.

Kingsley Osa Obazee (Otherwise known as Mr Obazee Kingsley) late of Block 46, Flat 4, Mile 2, Amuwo Odofin, deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of January, 2009 at Lagos.

Mr Theophilus Tanimole Ojumu (Otherwise Known as Theophilus T. Ojumu) late of 1, Borokini Street, Agege, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of February, 1994 at Lagos.

Adigun Durojaiye Abdul Razak late of 8, Abolarin Street, Mushin deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of June, 2010 at Ogun State, Ipokia.

Ajie Ogwu Rufus, late of 15, Ekundayo Street, Mba Orege, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 9th day of April,2009 at Lagos.

Okpara Akuakolam Raymond (Otherwise known as Akuakanam Raymond ) late of 7, Titi Balogun Close, Ajao Estate, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 6th day of May, 2010 at Healing Field Hospital Ajao Estate.

Lawal Sikiru Adele (Otherwise known as Lawal Sikiru) late of 401 Road Block 9, Flat 5, Festac Town, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 11th day of October, 2010 at Military Hospital Lagos.

Fayomi Afusat late of 63, Awoledun Street, Pipeline Iyana Ipaja deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of October, 2009 at Lagos.

Didy Sandra late of 3, Ikosi Street, Ketu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 31st day of December, 2010 at Lagos.

Mrs Amaka Obi late of 11, Titilayo Street, Isolo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 23rd day of November, 2006 at Lagos.

Miss Badejoko Laniyonu late of 43, Onatoro Lane Surulere, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of December, 1993 at Lagos.

Lt .Col. Adah Kenneth Unobe late of Nigerian Army Intelligence Corporation, Abuja deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of May, 2010 at Lagos State Mr Kadiri Abidemi Kayode late of 1, Asalu Compound Odogun Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of May, 2009 at Lagos.

Sgt. Ahmed Mobolaji (Otherwise known as Ahmed Mobolaji) late of 195, Mero Road, Pako Bus Stop, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 4th day of September, 2009 at Plateau State.

Damilare Patience, late of Km 36, Badagry Expressway Oko Afo Badagry, deceased who died intestate on the 9th day of August, 2007 at Badagry General Hospital.

Sidikatu Abeni Alapeki late of 188, Borno Way Ebute Metta, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of July, 1986 at Lagos.

Mr John Soaris Ohwofasa (Otherwise known as Mr John Owhofasa) late of Plot 90, Block K, Dele Agboola Crescent, Agbede Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of August, 2010 at Lagos.

Emilia Alhaji Archibong late of 5, Gbemisola Street,Off Isheri Oshun Ikotun, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of April, 2010 at Lagos.

Mr Comrade Kehinde Oseni Yakub (Otherwise known as Mr Kehinde Yakub) late of 14, Taiwo Street, Off Kuti Road, Igando Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 24th day of November, 2010 at Lagos.

Mrs Dosumu Ayoka Catherline (Otherwise known as Mrs Dosumu Ayoka and Siyanbola) late of 50, Aremo Olatunbosun Street, Mafoluku Oshodi, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of January, 2009 at Lagos.

Ann Nnenna Obijiaku (Otherwise known as Obijiaku Ann Nnenna) late of 28, Adeyemi Street, Gemade, Egbeda, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 4th day of September, 2009 at Lagos.

George Daferede (Otherwise known as Mr Daferede George)late of House 2A, Close 55, Satellite Town, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of May, 2005 at Satellite Town.

Mr Mosaku Simeon Ishola, late of No. 1, Abatan Street, Kola Alagbado, deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of January, 2009 at Agbado,Lagos.

Joseph Adeleye (Otherwise known as Adeleye Joseph) late of 29, Adeshile Street, Mushin, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of March, 1999 at Lagos.

Mrs Ngozi Eucheria Eze (Otherwise known as Ezeh Ngozi Eucharia) late of 10, Odusina Street, Papa Odusina Street, Papa Ajao ,Mushin, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of January, 2011 at Lagos.

Adegbule Olamigoke Eliphew (Otherwise known as Adegbule Olamigoke ) late of 32, Idewu Street, Olodi Apapa, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of December, 2010.

Gabriel Agunbiade (Otherwise known as Mr Gabriel O. Agunbiade) late of 27, Omoyeni Street,Jankara Ojokoro, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of November, 1997 at Lagos.

Adekoya Adedotun (Otherwise known as Adekoya Adebayo Adedotun) late of 331 Road, House 4, E Close, Gowon Estate, Ipaja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of May, 2009 at Lagos.

Miss Ukah Gloria late of 20, Kehinde Street, Soloogun Adetola Aguda, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 10th day of December, 201 at Lagos.

Eze Ejike John Paul late of 7 Ladipo Street, Ketu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 13th day of January ,2011 at General Hospital, Lagos.

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NAMES OF APPLICANT APPLYING FOR THE GRANT

Mr Abimbola Samson Adenugba, Mr Adewale David Adenugba and Mr Adekunle G. Adenugba all of 23B, Oshin Street, Alausa Ikeja Lagos three of the children of the said deceased.

Mr Akintola Adeshola and Mrs Halinat Akporero both of 44, AA St Fed. L.ow Cost Estate Ipaja two children of the said deceased.

Ishola Saka of Ile Eleran Onilaru Ilorin and Taiye Saka of 3, Fatimo Street, Oshodi, father and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Adedeji Ayotunde, Adedoyin Adedeji and Master Tomi Micheal Adedeji all of No. 1, Ola Oluwa Close, Blessing Estate Sango Ota, widower and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Augustina N. Asogwe and Christiana C. Okeke both of 10, Ogabi Crescent, Imeke Badagry, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Ishola Morenike of Blk 21, Flat 13, LASG Staff Quarters Ogba, Lagos and Mrs Sowande Philomina of Olatunde Close, Ago Palace Way Okota, Lagos , widow and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Georgina Nwaka of 36, Okota Road, Isolo, Emilia C. Nwaka of 36, Ekenam Ave. Aba and Nwaka Emmanuel of 36, Okota Road Isolo Lagos ,two widows and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Grace Ita Emmanuel Ikpeme and Mr Victor Emmanuel Ikpeme both of 2, Akinyeoluwa Street, Lasu Isheri Road, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Kemi Adebayo of No. 1 Adelakun Street, Ilupeju, Palm Grove Lagos and Mrs Bolanle Adeyemo of 9, Opadola Way Ileke Estate, Meiran ,Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Aboyowa Sagay ,Suruyone Sagay and Oritsematosan Sagay , all of 21, Taiwo Street, Olodi Apapa, Lagos, three of the children of the said deceased.

Professional Executors, Trustees & Invest. Ltd of 30, Ibezim Obiajulu Street, Surulere, Lagos , the trust company appointed by the beneficiaries of the said deceased.

Mrs Eno Titus Ifet, Mr Nsikak Edet Ifet and Mrs Edidiong Samuel Udo all of 1B Ebor Street, Ajah Lagos ,widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Charles Kennedy Duru and Emeka Philip Duru both of 4th Ave, 401 Rd Blk 5, Flat 7 Festac Town, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Sandra Ezekiel and Mr Tegbe Ekuerhare both of 2, Adetola Lasisi Close, Mile 12, Kosofe Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Fatima Fasenro and Babatunde Fasenro both of 6, Olaide Awoye Street, Ilasamaja ,Mushin, Lagos widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Adekola Shakiru Afolabi of 19, Akewukewe Street, Ijeshatedo, Adekola Abiola Sekinat of 28, Jacob Adeleye Street, Itire,Odo Eran , Lagos, Adekola Nimota Morenike of 3, Fakunle Street, Fola Agoro Lagos, and Adekola Kikelomo Mariam of Blk 12, Flat 6, Amuwo Odofin L.C.H Estate Mile 2 ,four of the children of the said deceased.

Caroline N. Okany of 651, 32 Rd, Festac Lagos, Cynthia Nwamaka A. Ifeagwu of Plot 4, Tanganyika Crescent Lekki and Gilbert Nnameka Okany of 74, Ogunlana Street Surulere, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Opeoluwa Olayinka Balogun of 56, Alhaji Amoo Street, Ojota, Olusegun A.Folorunsho of 14, Omodigbo Street, Olorunshogo Mushin and Moses Olatoye Owolabi of 15, Oluyombo Street, Ikosi Ketu, three of the children of the said deceased.

Oluwayemisi H. Fasayo, Basirat A.Adeniran, Dauda A.Fasayo and Fausat A. Adenekan all of Blk 35, Plot 28, Area 5, Opic Estate Agbara Lagos, widow and three children respectively of the said deceased.

Uchechukwu Austin Atumanyim and Uzoma Kenneth Atumayin both of 2, Ayinke Street, Shogunle Oshodi, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Bola Adelua and Mr Oluwatobi Adelua both of 1, Sanyaolu Close, Ijaiye Ojokoro Lagos State, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Oyedele Elizabeth Kehinde, Oyedele Oyeyemi and Adenawo Oyebisi O. (Nee Oyedele) all of 7, Bamgboye Street, Agiliti, Mile 12, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Susan Omoniyi and Mr Philip Omoniyi both of Airforce Base Ikeja Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Adedapo Adeyemi Bajo of 12, Bode Olajumoke Street, Ogidan Ajah and Opeyemi Akin-Esho of 10, Eletu Ogabi Street, Victoria Island Lagos, the only child and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Monoria Olayinka Adeniyi and Mrs Victoria Olufunlayo Oladele both of 8A, Olatunde Ayoola Avenue, Obanikoro ,two children of the said deceased.

Adewunmi Omotara Akinde, Akinola Adio Akinde and Oladipupo Olufemi Akinde all of 32, Oyetola Adeboye Street, Area 1 Estate Casso, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Fapetu Fredrick F. and Fapetu Ayodele A. both of Plot 16, Ezekiel Avenue Odonla Ikorodu ,Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Ighalo Charles ,Ighalo Michael and Ighalo Osegua all of 5, Daniel Close, Isashi Badagry, Expressway, three children of the said deceased.

Mrs Akintoye Abiola and Mr Akintoye Adurape both of 4, Bode Joseph Street, Ifako Gbagada, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Aminat Adams Aina, Mariam Adams Aina Olufunmilayo Adams Aina, Opeyemi Adams Aina and Nurudeen Adams Aina all of 8B Musibau Street, Ilemba Awori, Lagos, widow and four of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Omoniyi Oluwajoke of 39, Ibraimoh Street, Idi Oro Lagos and Omoniyi Kolapo of 5, Ajana Street, Ijesha, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Miss Sherifat E. Lawal of 2, Akarapa Street,Badagry L.G.A and Miss Basirat A. Lawal of 55, Old Yaba Road, Ebute Metta, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Olaleye Gbonjubola and Mr Olaleye Bolaji Olusanya both of 43, Wole Omoosho Street, Egbeda, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Lucky Friday Oba of 34, Alawode Street, Surulere, Lagos and Matilda Azubuike of 16, Masebinu Street, Ojo Ajagbandi ,Lagos , widower and mother respectively of the said deceased.

Ogundeyi Olusesi Adebayo of 23, Ajibola Crescent, Ketu Alapere Lagos, Ogundeyi Bolanle Mustura and Ogundeyi Abosede Ololade both of 44, Anibaba Street, Ketu Lagos, widow, brother and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Adeosun Mojisola, Adeosun Ramota, Adeosun Oluwatosin and Adeosun Tunmise all of 17, Ishola Daniel Orile Oshodi,Lagos widow and three of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Taofeek Adekeye and Mr Rasheed Adekeye both of 4, Oseni Lane Itire, Surulere, Lagos two children of the said deceased.

Mrs Adebisi Adenopo and Mr Segun Adenopo both fo 27, Obaoseni Goriola Iba new Site Ojo, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Abiodun Olukunbi and Mrs Abisola Alade both of 50, Oduwole Street, widow and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Awofadeji Taiwo (Mrs) of 15, Awolola Street, Abaranje ,Alimosho, Lagos and Awofadeji Bisi (Mr) of 10, Kayode Oke Street, Idowu Egba ,widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Rasaki Adeleke Salami and Ibrahim Aderogba Salami both of 2, Omoniyi Street, Mushin, Lagos State, two of the children of the said deceased.

Chief Akinyelu Sunday and Akinyelu Adeniyi both of 7, Towobola Street, Gbagada, Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Omolayo Oshinibosi and Miss Titilayo F. Oshinibosi both of 21, Ibadan Street, Ilupeju Off Shylon ,widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Rapheal Idowu Adebanjo and Adetoun Adebanjo both of 54, Isikalu Street, Olodi Apapa , Lagos father and mother respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Adekemi Omiyale of 2/5 Abimbola Industrial Estate ,Isolo,Lagos and Mr Tunde Omiyale of 6, Adeniyi Street, Agric Road, Ikorodu, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Olubunmi Felicia Akadiri and Olukayode Jonathan Akadiri both of 16, Ado Avenue Ajah ,two of the children of the said deceased.

Oluwafemi A. Owoeye and Olabisi Owoeye both of 9, Sabitu Street, Satellite, two of the children of the said deceased.

Chukwuemeka Mbuko of 4, Oluwalogbon Street, Akowonjo Lagos State and Braindant V. Akpan of 11, Ayoola Awe Street, Oshodi, Lagos, widower and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Addo Queen and Addo Peter Madu both of 10A, Emmanuel High Street, Ojota, Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

Mrs Olabisi M. Obazee of Block 46, Flat 4, Mile 2, and Mr Leo Obazee of Queen Barrack Apapa, Lagos widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Augustus O. Ojumu of 5, Ogunshola Street, Iju, Lagos State, Pastor (Mrs) Hephzibah Anuoluwa Femi Emmanuel of 12, Adeniyi Jones, Ikeja, Lagos state, and Mrs Olubunmi Omobuwajo (Nee Ojumu) of 23, Morohunfolu Street, Ogba Agege, Lagos , three of the children of the said deceased.

Adigun Waheed and Adigun Azeez both of 8, Abolarin Street, Mushin, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Maria Ogwu of 15, Ekundayo Street, Mba Oroge and Mr Felix Ogwu of 16, Kingdom Hall Road, Gemade Estate, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Edith Nkechi Okparakuyolam of 7, Titi Balogun Close, Ajao Estate, Lagos and Alloysius Akuakolam of 4B, Akute Odo Road, Akute Ogun State widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Lawal Adewale Martins of Military Hospital Lagos, Lawal Isiaka of 13, Idera Street, Oworonsoki Lagos, and Lawal Olanrewaju of No. 8, Ibukunolu Street, Akoka Lagos, three of the children of the said deceased.

Fayomi Olawale and Falilat Popoola both of 63, Awoledun Street, Pipeline Iyana Ipaja, Lagos, and Adetola Ajoke of 1, Onabanjo Close, Alakuko, widower ,sister and cousin respectively of the said deceased.

Didy Oziema and Chukwu Uwa Ubani both of 3, Ikosi Street, Ketu, Lagos , widower and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Emeka Omora –Obi and Ifeoma Anyaegbunam both of 11, Titilayo Street, Isolo, Lagos, widow and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Oladimeji Adebayo of 31, Kirikiri Road, Olodi Apapa, Lagos, and Miss Yetunde Olaiya Lawal of 4, Karimu Street, Coker Aguda Surulere, Lagos, brother and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Past. Joseph A. Unobe and Inalegwu Stephen Unobe both of 4, Achegbulu Street, Off Agaba Agum Close, Otukpo G.R. A, Benue State, father and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Shalewa Kadiri, Suleimon Kadiri and Tawakalitu Kadiri all of 1, Asalu Compound Odogun, Lagos, widow and two children respectively of the said deceased.

LDR Musiliu Gbolahan Ahmed and Kazeem ahmed both of 195, Mero Road, Pako Bus Stop, Lagos, father and brother arespectively of the said deceased.

Mr Ademola Damilare of Km 36, Badagry Expressway Oko-Afo and Mr Emmanuel O. Johnson of 3, Sose Close, Ajara Badagry, widower and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Nurudeen Olarenwaju Adeyemo, Ganiu Adebisi Adeyemo, Kamal Olawale Alapeki and Shakirudeen Ayinde Alapeki all of 188, Borno Way Ebute Metta, Lagos, four children of the said deceased.

Mr Samuel Ohowofasa and Mrs Lucy Ohowofasa both of Plot 90, Dele Agboola Crescent Agbede Ikorodu, Lagos, widow and only child respectively of the said deceased.

Halima Ibrahim and Zainab Ibrahim both of 5, Gbemisola Street, Off Isheri Oshun Ikotun, Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

Iyabo Ayisatu Yakub and Azeez Dele Yakub both of 14, Taiwo Street, Off Kuti Road, Igando, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Adegoke Dosunmu, Bisi Tugbobo and Ademuyiwa Dosunmu all fo 50, Aremo Olatunbosun Street, Oshodi, Lagos, three of the children of the said deceased.

John O. Obijiaku and Kelechi U. Obijiaku both of 28, Adeyemi Street, Gemade Egbeda, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Grace Daferede and George Daferede Junior both of Close 55 House 1A, Satellite Town, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Mercy Adebukola Mosaku and Mr King Temitope Mosaku both of No. 1, Abatan Street, Kola Alagbado, Lagos, widow and the only child respectively of the said deceased.

Adeleye Emmanuel, Adeleye Samuel, Tijani Tayo (Nee Adeleye and Adeleye Kemi) all of 29, Adesile Street, Mushin, Lagos, four of the children of the said deceased.

Mr Jude Eze and Miss Ijeoma Eze both of 10, Odusina Street, Papa Ajao, Mushin, Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Taiwo Adegbule and Mr Sunday Adegbule both of 32, Idewu Street, Olodi Apapa, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Adeyemi Agunbiade and Oluwaseun Ajoke Agunbiade both of 27, Omoyeni Street, Jankara, Ojokoro Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Koya Oluremi and Jidomo Adebunmi (Mrs) both of 331 Road, House 4, E Close, Gowon Estate, Ipaja, Lagos, widow and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Chiaka Onyinyechi Linda and Chiaka Ambrose Chiaka both of 20, Kehinde Street, Off Sologun Adetola Bus Stop, Pako Aguda ,Lagos, sister and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Eze Benjamin, Eze Perpetua Nkechi and Okanya Nicholas all of 7, Ladipo Street, Ketu, Lagos, brother and sister respectively of the said deceased

G.A SAFARI (MR.) PROBATE REGISTRAR

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2011

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IN THE HIGH COURT OF LAGOS STATE OF NIGERIA PROBATE REGISTRY, IKEJA DIVISION WHEREAS the person whose names are set-out in the first Column under died intestate on the date and place stated in the said Column. AND WHEREAS the person or persons whose names and addresses and relationship (if any) to the deceased are set out in the second Column here have applied to the High Court of Lagos State for a Grant of Letter of Administration of the Real and Personal Properties of the deceased. NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Letters of Administration will be granted to such persons unless a NOTICE TO PROHIBIT THE GRANT is filed in the registry within (14) days from the date hereof.

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S/N

Okhuegbe Eunice late of Block K13, Flat 2, idimu ,Mopol Barrack, Idimu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of October, 2010 at Lagos.

Joseph Agiliga (Otherwise known as Agiliga Joseph Chizoba) late of 18, Ogo Oluwa Street, Isasi, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of October, 2008 at Lagos. mrs Eze Cynthia (Otherwise known as Uloaku) late of No11, Olumide Street, Makoko Yaba Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of October, 2010 at Lagos.

George Gladstone Olusegun (Otherwise known as George Segun) late of 2nd Avenue 24 Road D Close, Block 3, Flat 1 Festac Town, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of February, 2009 at Lagos.

Oliwe Gabriel Iheuko (Otherwise known as Agabu Enterprises, Leroch Global Concepts Ltd and De-Masters Domin Business Ventrues ) late of 7, Ebun Olu Close, Kosofe ,Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of February, 2011 at Lagos.

Mr Jegede Raphael Ojo late of 1, Ighalo Close, Off Isua Street, Agbelekale, Abule Egba Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of March, 2011 at Lagos.

Mr Richard Ubokudom Ebebe (Otherwise known as Ebebe Ubokudom Richard) late of 89, Oshola Street, Ogba, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 20th day of September,2009 at Edo Hilary Ifeanyi Ijikere (Otherwise known as Ijikere Hilary Ifeanyin) late of 11, Osho Drive, Olodi Apapa, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of September, 2009a t Lagos.

Ekemode Hammed Aina late of 19, Allinson Street, Ikorodu deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of October, 2010 at Lagos.

Ezeokobe Gilberth Muozubelu (Otherwise known as Ezeokobe Gilbert M.) late of 3/4 Ikechukwu Ohanka Street, Ago Palace Way, Okota, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 14th day of June, 2008 at Aba Adesola Oladunni Olemoh (Otherwise known as Olemoh Adeshola) late of Block 769, Ikota Housing Estate, Ajah, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of November, 2009 at Lagos.

Gbadamosi Adebayo late of 28, Animashaun Close Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 23rd day of June,2009 at Lagos.

Ohagim Mary late of 21 Road, L Close, Blk 4, Flat 5, Festac Town, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of July, 2008 at Imo State.

Uguak Anthony Sylvanus late of 6, Ogbowu Street, Cele Bus Stop, Agodo Lagos State, deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of January, 2011 at Lagos.

Chike Geoffrey Anyaeji (Otherwise known as Anyaeji Chike Geoffrey) late of 70, Broad Street, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 13th day of July, 1994 at Lagos.

Mrs Afolabi Mary Oludayo Oluremi (Otherwise known as Afolabi Mary) late of Blk 532, F6 LSDPC Abesan Ipaja, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 31st day of January, 2010 at Lagos.

Mr Akinola Francis Omolayo (Otherwise known as Mr Francis Omolayo Akinola) late of 193 Tee Street, Iloye Estate, Abule Iroko, Ogun State deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of January, 2011 at Lagos.

Patrick Shaibu Ochijenu (Otherwise known as Shaibu Ochijenu) late of 8, Femi Allen Avenue, Iyana, Ipaja Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 6th day of April, 2010 at Kogi State.

Mrs Idowu Modupeola (Otherwise known as Mr John Idowu Deborah) late of 2, Sunmonu Street, Mafoluku Oshodi, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of August, 1994 at Lagos.

Oladokun Ganiyu late of 29, Agbedeyi Street, Orile Agege, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of May, 2008 at Lagos.

Chief Kelvin Laide Soyemi late of 11, Igboho Street, Alapere Ketu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 24th day of July, 2004 at Lagos.

Mr Joseph Ayankogbe (Otherwise known as Ayankogbe Joseph) late of 21, Araromi Street, Iyana Ipaja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 11th day of November, 2008 at Lagos.

Odiobala Steve Johnny (Otherwise known as Odiubala Steve J.) late of 22, Ekujimi Street, Sari Iganmu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of December, 2010 at Lagos.

Theophilus Olaife Jaiyeoba late of 28/30, Theophilus Jaiyeoba Street, Ijeododo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of November, 2010 at Lagos.

Alabi Johnson (Otherwise known as Alabi Johnson Adewale) late of No. 1, Church Street, Agbele Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 16th day of February, 2011 at Lagos.

Mr Osagiede Osaro late of No. 57, Seriki Aro Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 23rd day of July, 2010 at Adefemi Hospital, Ikeja Mr Joel A. Akinsanya (Otherwise known as Mr Joel Akinsanya) late of 9, Balogun Ajayi Street, Igbo Elerin Okokomaiko, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of December, 2009 at Lagos.

A.F.Adeniran (Otherwise known as Mrs Amdalat Adeniran) late of 7, Adeyanju Street, Ladipo, Bus Stop, Oshodi, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 31st day of January, 2011 at Lagos.

Justice Oritseje Efueye (Otherwise known as Efueye Oritseje) late of 2, Odegbami Street, Off Adeniyi Jones, Ogba, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of October, 2001 at Lagos.

Akinola Amoo (Otherwise known as Pa Amoo Akinola) late of 34, Ope Olu Street, off Mulero Area, Agege, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 24th day of October, 2009 at Lagos.

Dr Babatunde Omoogun (Otherwise known as Omoogun Tunde) late of 7, Mohammed Abdul Street, New Oko Oba Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of September, 2010 at Lagos.

Deaconess Elizabeth Ajayi (Otherwise known as Elizabeth Ajayi Ereola) late of 10, Ishola Street, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of November, 2009 at Lagos.

Mr Adeniyi Ganiyu (Otherwise known as Ganiyu Adeniyi) late of 9, Adekunle Close, Iju Agege, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of April,2010 Madam Adunni Akanni (Otherwise known as Ibidokun Aduni) late of 25, Fashina Street, iwaya, Yaba, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of November, 2008 at Lagos.

Ezekiel Sunday Enitan (Otherwise known as Sunday Ezekiel Enitan) late of 2, Adeniyi Street, Abekoko, Ipaja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of December, 2010 at Lagos.

Tijani Alaba Mukaila late of 13, Ope Olu Street, Agege, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 31st day of January, 2010 at Lagos.

Okundulu Grace Olufunke (Otherwise known as Ogunleye Grace Olufunke) late of 2, Ajibade Close, Off Alimosho Road, Iyana Ipaja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of May, 2010 at Lagos.

Simeon Sunday Nkume (Otherwise known as Elder Sunday Nkume) late of 37, Abata Street, Orile Iganmu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of May, 2006 at Lagos.

Mr Tajudeen Lawal, late of 4, Oshowa Street, Ori Okuta, Agric Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 11th day of March, 2009 at Lagos.

Moses Uduak (Otherwise known as Joy Moses Uduak ) late of BT 79, Flat 11, Gowon Estate, deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of September, 2010 at Lagos.

Ikemba Elijah Okwah (Otherwise known as Okwah Elijah) late of 29, Bridge Road, Otto Ebute Metta deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of March, 2010 at Lagos.

Ibok Emmanuel Ekpenyong (Otherwise known as Emmanuel Ibok) late of 3, Ajoke Street, Ikate Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of April, 2010 at Lagos.

Mr Onwocha Emmanuel Anabudee late of 63A, Sanya Street, Aguda, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 24th day of July, 2006 at Anambra State Ejimofor Reuben Otuonyeadike late of 46, Babani Street, Ajegunle Apapa, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of December, 2006 at Enugu.

Albert Amstrong Okoh late of 17, Obafalabi Street, Ojodu Berger Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 14th day of June, 2010 at Lagos.

Augustine Afusatu late of 5, Kumuyi Street, Mushin, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 6th day of August, 2008 at Lagos.

Mrs Theresa Nneji late of 8, Olugbudu Street, Iponri E.B. West Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of August, 2007 at Lagos.

Ezeemo Chubuzo late of House 31, Osindende Crescent Okota, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of August, 2010 at Lagos.

Innocent Omoraka late of 25, Micheal Aladesuyi Street, Egbeda, deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of November, 2008 at Lagos.

Odelade Tunde Olaitan (Otherwise known as Tunde Olaitan Odelade) late of 12, Tigbebo Street, Odogunyan Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 24th day of December, 2008 at Lagos.

Dahunsi Ayobami Joseph (Otherwise known as Dahusi Ayobami) late of 15 Okunola Road, Egbeda, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 14th day of January, 2010 at Lasuth.

Mr Tamunotonye Claude-Wilcox late of Flat 3, J 2 Blk A, Rd 5, VGC Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of January ,2011 at Port Harcourt.

Abina Muyibi Olarenwaju (Otherwise known as Muibi Olarenwaju Abina) late of 8, Moloney Street, Ebute Metta, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of March, 2000 at Ebute Metta.

Abina Risikatu Ashabi (Otherwise known as Alhaja Risikatu Abina) late of 8, Moloney Street, Ebute Metta, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of February, 1984 at Lagos.

Samuel Olusanni Ajayi late of Blk 678 Flat 5, Abesan Ipaja, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of March, 1993 at Lagos.

Lateef Adebisi Aiyelagbe (Otherwise known as Aiyelagbe Lateef) late of 13, Ibrahim Ori Olowo Alapere Ketu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 9th day of February, 2009 at Lagos.

Mr Folorunsho Salau late of 10, Irepodun Street, Onilekere Ikeja, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 10th day of April, 2010 at Lagos.

Omonife John (Otherwise known as John Omenife) late of 7, Ganiat Kadiri Street, Mazamaza Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of July, 2010 at Lagos.

Maz Martins (Otherwise known as Martins Maz) late of Close 17, House 1A, Satellite Town, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 10th day of May, 2006 at Lagos.

Mr Nwanua Pete Odafe late of 16, Egba Street, Onilekere Cement Dopemu deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of February, 2003 at Lagos.

Sgt. Ugwu Christian late of 10, Babalola Street, Ifako Ogba, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of January, 2011 at Enugu.

Mr Sunday Olaleye (Otherwise known as Olaleye Sunday) late of 38, Mosaku Street, Oshodi, lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 16th day of September, 2010 at Ile-Ife. Mrs Alice Mojoyin Oyegun (Otherwise known as Mrs Oyegun Alice Mojoyin) late of 77, Sholanke Street, Akoka Yaba, deceased who died intestate on the 11th day of May, 2009 at Shagamu.

Sherifat Ajenifuja (Otherwise known as Ajenifuja Sherifat Iyabode) late of 29, Brickfield St Ebute Metta Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of January, 2009 at Lagos.

Okon Grace (Otherwise known as Grace Alfred Udoh) late of Highway Patrol Barracks Blk 4, Room 5, deceased who died intestate on the 6th day of June, 2009 at Lagos. ugwu Chinwendu Andrew (Otherwise known as Ugwu Andrew) late of 3, Sanusi Street, Mushin, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of March, 2010 at Lagos.

Joseph Olugbenga Falode (Otherwise known as Falode Joseph Olugbenga) late of 1, Adekunle Akala Street, Ajao Estate, deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of September, 2003 at V/Island.

Mr Obileri Edwin late of 14, Tunde Alabi Crescent Ejigbo deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of January, 2010 at Lagos.

Malik Kayode Bakare (Otherwise known as Kayode Bakare)late of 14, Jacob Street, Fadeyi Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 14th day of November, 2007 at London.

Igwe Ejimkonye Boniface Anaeto (Otherwise known as Igwe B.A. Ejimkonye and Boniface Anieto Prince Ejinikonye) late of 2, Miracle Street, Ago Palace Way Okota, deceased who died intestate on the 24th day of September, 2007 at Abia State.

Uchenna Nduka late of 2, Alowolodu Ketu Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of December, 2010 at Lagos.

Quadri Ali Afolabi late of Blk 922 Flat 4 Jakande Estate, Isolo deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of July, 2009 at Lagos.

Chigozie Isaac Nnajiofor (Otherwise known as Mr Isaac Nnajiofor) late of 8, Hassan Street, Ilufe Ojo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of November, 2010 at Lagos.

Mrs Agnes Titilola Banjo (Otherwise known as Mrs Banjo Agnes Titilola ) late of 25, Supolola Street, Ilupeju deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of June, 1991 at Lagos.

Mr Ezirike Austin Uzoma late of House 1A ,Close 35, Satellite Town, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of March, 2007 at Owerri.

Gabriel Okereke late of 21, New Shasha Road, Shasha, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of May, 2010 at Lagos.

Mrs Ibironke Iyabosola Adenuga (Otherwise known as Adenuga Iyabo) late of Blk 1, Flat 1, Maryland Estate, Maryland deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of June, 2008 at Lasuth.

Obehi Jonathan late of 2B, Imagbo Street, Ogba Agege, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 4th day of October, 2001 at Lagos.

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NAMES OF APPLICANT APPLYING FOR THE GRANT

Okhuegbe Vincent Aniwu and Okhuegbe Sunday both of Block K13, Flat 2, Idimu Mopol Barrack, Idimu, Lagos and Akpoh Mercy of 55, Obajimi Street, Igando Lagos, widower ,brother and sister-in-law respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Magarette Agiliga and mr Chigozie Agiliga both of 18, Ogo Oluwa Street, Isasi Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Kenneth Eze and Enoch Ezeribe both of No. 11, Olumide Street, Makoko, Yaba, Lagos, widower and brother-in-law respectively of the said deceased.

Alfred Bolutife George and Gladstone Omololu George both of 2nd Avenue, 24 Road D Close, Block 3, Flat 1, Festac Town, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Orji Dominion and Igwe Ochu Ukpabi both of 5, Adesina Street, Ikeja, Lagos, two brother of the said deceased.

Jegede Lawrence Olubunmi and Jegede Lucas Olusola both of 1, Ighalo Close, Off Isua Street, Agbelekale, Abule Egba, Lagos two of the children of the said deceased.

Jane Inioduegbe and Uwana Ubok Udom Ebebe both fo 89, Oshola Street, Ogba Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Kelechi Ijikere and Vincent Ijikere both of 11, Osho Drive Olodi Apapa,Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

Ekemode Fausat and Saka Sarat both of 17, Sanya Street, Imota Lagos, mother and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Augustina Ezeokobe and Mr Emeka Ezeokobe both of 3/4 Ikechukwu Ohanaka Street, Ago Palace Way Okota,Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Adewale Olemoh and Adebola Olemoh both of Blk 769, Ikota Housing Estate, Ajah, Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Olayinka Gbadamosi of Oyedokun Street, Bisi Adenekan of 1, Isede Street, Ekiti Bolaji gbadamosi of 28, Animashaun Close, Surulere, Lagos, three children of the said deceased.

Christianah Anyanwu (Mrs) Chigozie Anyanwu, Oluchi Ohagim all of Blk 1, Rm 17, Obalende Police Barrack Lagos, sister ,brother and cousin respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Eucharia Anthony Uguaka and Mr Dominic Etoo both fo 6, Ogbowu Street, Cele Bus Stop, Agodo Lagos, widow and cousin respectively of the said deceased.

Chidi Anyaeji and Chibueze Anyaeji both fo 70, Borno Street, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Afolabi Julius Kolapo of Block 532, F6 LSDPC Estate, Ipaja, Lagos, and Mrs Olaitan Toun Gureje (Nee Afolabi) of Abike Sodeke Ibafon ,widower and only child respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Beatrice M. Akinola and Master O. Akinola both of 30, Oremeji Street, Papa Ajao Mushin, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Aminat Ochijenu and Ochijenu Emmanuel Shehu both of No. 8, Femi Allen Avenue Iyana Ipaja, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Akinyele Idowu and Adeboye Idowu both of 2, Sumonu Street, mafoluku Oshodi, Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

Mrs Sherifat Oladokun ,Rashidat Oladokun and Abdullahi Oladokun all of 29, Agbedeyi Street, Orile Agege, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Ahmed Soyemi and Kehinde Soyemi both of 11, Igboho Street, Alapere Ketu, Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

Mrs Folake M. Ayankogbe of Blk 3, Plot 2, Sewage Road, Gowon Estate, Ipaja, Lagos, and Mrs Abisola Olaosebikan of 9, Abosede Aro Street, Amosu Abesan Ipaja Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Cecilia Johnny Odiobala , Miss Evelyn Johnny, and Mr Nduka Johnny all of 22, Ekujimi Street, Sari Iganmu, Lagos, widow and three of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Jaiyeoba Comfort Jaiyeoba Similola V. and Jaiyeoba Omoyemi L. all of 28, Theophilus Jaiyeoba Street, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Alabi Adeola and Florence Alabi both fo 10, Old Ota Road, Captain Area Abule Egba, Lagos, brother and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Rose Osagiede Erhabor, Miss Helen Osagiede Erhabor and Margaret Osagiede Erhabor all of 57, Seriki Aro Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos, widow and two children respectively of the said deceased.

Akinsanya Samuel of 3, Adebo Ademehin Street, Olowora Berger and Akinsanya Tumnise of Ijeh Police Barrack Obalende, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Adeniran Ahmed Adeniran Basirat, Adeniran Sideeqot and Adeniran Mustapha all of 7, Adeyanju Street, ladipo Bus Stop, Oshodi, Lagos, four children of the said deceased.

Jemine Adeogun of 2, Coker Lane, Fadeyi and Pastor Gbenga Efueye of Evangelist Church of New Jerusalem Ikorodu, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Oluyemisi Amoo, Taye Amoo Soji ,Amoo and Olumide Amoo all of 34, Ope Olu Street, Off Mulero Area, Agege, Lagos, widow and three of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Adenike Omoogun and Miss Abiola Omoogun both fo 7, Mohammed Abdul Street, New Oko Oba, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Oluwakemi Ajayi and Temitope P. Ajayi both of 10, Ishola Street, Surulere, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Adeniyi Saheed and Adeniyi Biodun both of 9, Adekunle Close, Iju Agege, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased Gbenga Ibidokun of 25, Fashina Street, Iwaya Yaba, Lagos, and Temidayo Olawuyi of 66, Joseph Harrison Street, Onike Iwaya, Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

Mr Shina Enitan and Mr Tunde Enitan both of 2, Abekoko, Ipaja, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mrs Ganiyu Alaba Mukaila and Tijani Yakubu both fo 13, Ope Olu Street, Agege, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Ogunleye Olagoke and Mrs Akinpelu Olayinka both of 2, Ajibade Close, Off Alimosho, Iyana Ipaja, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Theresa Ujunma Nkume and Okebugwu Johnson Nkume both fo 37, Abata Street, Orile Iganmu, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Grace Lawal and Yemisi Odusanya both of 4, Oshowa Street, Ori-Okuta, Ikorodu, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Joy Moses Uduak and Uwem Moses Uduaka both fo BT 79, Flat 11, Gowon Estate, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Nnabuko Adebo Okwah, Ndubuk Segun Okwah and Monday Ikenna Okwah all of 29, Bridge Rd, Otto Ebute Metta , three of the children of the said deceased.

Ibok Esther and Ekpenyong Ini Obong Emmanuel both fo 3, Ajoke Street, Ikate Surulere, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Onwocha Ngozi and Onwocha Paschal Nonso both of 63A, Sanya Street, Aguda Surulere, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Joy Tukpele Ejimofor and Chinyere Ejimofor both fo 46, Babani Street, Ajegunle Apapa, Lagos, widow and the only surviving child respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Roseline Okoh, Joy Okoh and John Okoh all of 17, Oba Talabi Street, Ojodu Berger, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Basirat Balogun and Jamiu Balogun both fo 5, Kumuyi Street, Mushin, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Nneji Isreal Okechukwu and Nneji Mathew both of 6, Esure Close, Agbado Junction, two of the children of the said deceased.

Mr Daniel Ezeemo and Mrs Azuka Ezeemo both of House 31, Osindende Crescent, Okota, Lagos, father and mother respectively of the said deceased.

Joy Innocent Omoraka and Ikpotokin Jona both of 25, Michael Aladesuyi Egbeda, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Pastor E.A.Odelade and Brother Jide Odelade both fo 22, Agboola Street, Odogunyan Ikorodu, Lagos, two brothers of the said deceased.

Mrs Olufunmilayo Dahunsi, Olayinka Oladipupo Dahunsi and Olamayowa Oladapo Dahunsi all of 15, Okunola Rd, Egbeda, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Olubanke Folashade Claude-Wilsox of PLT 32, Olawale Cole Onitiri Ave. Off Admiralty Way Lekki 1 and Mr Dieye Willie Harry of 47A, Sam Shonibare Street, Surulere, Lagos, widow and cousin respectively of the said deceased.

Arole Otolorin Adenike and Arole taofikat Talabi both of 8, Moloney Street, Ebute Metta Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

Arole Otolorin Adenike and Arole Taofekat Talabi both of 8, Moloney Street, Ebute Metta, Lagos two children of the said deceased.

Miss Omolara Ajayi of Blk 678, Flat 5, Abesan Ipaja, Lagos, and Miss Modupe Ajayi of Blk 125, Flat 1, Ojokoro Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Bola Aiyelagbe and Deborah Aiyelagbe both fo 13, Ibrahim Ori-Olowo Alapere Ketu, two widows of the said deceased.

Mrs Rose Salau, Monday Salau Asimewu Salau all of 10, Irepodun Street, Onilekere Ikeja , widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Omonife Nkolika Stella and Omonife Chukwuemeka Paul both fo 7, Ganiat Kadiri Street, Mazamaza Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Tunde Martins and Olarenwaju Martins both fo Close 17, House 1A, satellite Town, Lagos ,two children of the said deceased.

Mr Anthony Nwanua and Rev. Fr. Joseph Nwanua both of 6, Mustapha Close, Off Cement Bus Stop Dopemu Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

Ify Ugwu of 10, Babalola Street, Ifako Ogba, Lagos Mary Ugwu of 30, Kayode Street, Ifako Ijaiye , widow and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Omotola Olaleye of 38, Mosaku Street, Oshodi Lagos, and Mr Sola Olaleye of 8, Adebambo Street, Dopemu, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Victor Akinolu Oyegun and Rhoda Oyeronke Lafinhan (Mrs) both of 77, Sholanke Street, Akoka, Yaba ,two of the children of the said deceased.

Abdul Qudus Ajenifuja and Mrs Aishat Bello both of 23, Adewale Crescent, Oshodi, Lagos, the only surviving child and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Miss Blessing Okon and Miss Patience Okon both of Highway Patrol Barrack Blk U, Room 5, two children of the said deceased.

Priscilla O. Ugwu and Chidima Ugwu both fo 3, Sanusi Street, Mushin, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Aderonke Adenike Falode and David Adebowale Falode both of Rd 311, 3rd Ave. C Close, House 3, Gowon Estate, Egbeda, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Obileri Blessing U. of 14, Tunde Alabi Crescent Ejigbo, Lagos, and Mr Obileri Donatus of 157, Isitu Road, Egan ,widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Funmilayo Ajoke Bakare and Basirat Omowunmi Bakare both of 14, Jacob Street, Fadeyi Lagos, the widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Ejimkonye Cyprian Ifeadigo of 2, Miracle Ago Palace Way Okota ,the only surviving child of the said deceased.

Nduka Vivian and Anaelechi Nduka both of 2, Alowolodu Ketu, Lagos, sister and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Kehinde Quadri and Mr Lateef Sokenu both of Blk 1922, Flat 4, Jakande Estate, Isolo, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Chiwendu Nnajiofor and Chidubem Nnajiofor both of No. 8, Hassan Street, Ilufe Ojo, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs Modupe Okuwobi of Blk Flat 4, Alimosho Street, Dolphin Estate, Mr Bankole Banjo of 11, Fabiyi Lane Off Iju Road, Agege, Lagos, Mr Mobolaji O. Banjo of 219, Iju Road, Agege, Lagos, and Mrs Abimbola Ayorinde of 6, Remi Sofoluwe Street, Magodo G.R.A. ,four children of the said deceased.

Cliton Ezirike and Chidima V. Kukusegbe both fo 48, Aderibigbe Street, Surulere, Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

Stephen Okaonu of 4, Calabar Crescent Ota and Jonathan Okereke of Oboro Ikwuano Abia State, two brothers of the said deceased.

Oluwaseun Temitope Adenuga of Blk 1, Flat 1, LSDPC Estate, Maryland, Lagos, and Victoria Oluwatosin Adenuga of 31, Pa Alao Ojo Street, Iju Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

Mrs Patricia Obehi and Jonathan Obehi both of 2B, Imagbo Street, Ogba, Agege, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

G.A SAFARI (MR.) PROBATE REGISTRAR

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TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2011 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

TOMORROW IN THE NATION

‘The Boko Haram group was obviously inspired, nurtured and financed by politicians at their takeoff points in Borno and Bauchi states.’

VOL. 6

NO.1,804

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

D

URING tennis tournaments, especially during the grandest of them all, Wimbledon, I often find myself wondering about one staple in the repertory of the commentators – the “unforced error,” not least because it has crossed over into journalism like so many metaphors from horse racing, the sport that furnishes more than any other a linguistic template for political analysts and pollsters.

You are doubtless familiar with some elements of this template. Candidates for political office and their closest rivals are “running neck and neck,” so much so that the race is “too close to call,” meaning that even the commentator cannot pick a winner at that state, despite the vantage position from which he is watching.

At some point, one candidate “sweeps” or “gallops” past the other, but may still end up winning only “by a nose” and “carting away” the prize or trophy, which is always “glittering.” And if along the way he or she puts up a sparkling show at a debate, a candidate is commended for a “thoroughbred” performance.

There are of course reporters who see politics as a contact sport and cover it breathlessly, using the language of boxing or wrestling; hence they have candidates “flattening” or “demolishing” or “crushing” their opponents. While not employing such terms, reporters of a less combative disposition nevertheless seek to inject some drama into the whole thing by having one candidate or political party “trounce” the other.

In whatever case, the reader gets a fairly good picture of a particular manoeu or moment in the game, the ebb and flow of play, and the eventual outcome.

Not so with that tennis Jabberwock — the “unforced error.”

The usage implies that there are two kinds of errors, one forced or involuntary, and the other unforced and hence more or less voluntary.

But that merely begs the question. When is an error “forced” or involuntary, and when is it “unforced” and therefore voluntary?

Rafa Nadal is standing across the net from Roger Federer at Centre Court in Wimbledon. He lobs a cross-court spin that drops a metre in front of Federer who, apparently anticipating it, has positioned himself to unleash one of his withering passing shots. But the ball plonks into the net.

Commentator’s verdict: Unforced error.

It is almost as if a tennis player is expected to demonstrate only rational or calculated responses that actually work. If they don’t work, then they amount to “unforced” errors.

RIPPLES

NIGERIA HAS LONG WAY TO GO, Says Cleric

Yes, long way... LONG UNTARRED WAY!

OLATUNJI DARE

AT HOME ABROAD olatunji.dare@thenationonlineng.net

Matters lexical: ‘Unforced errors’ ‘The error at issue could in fact have resulted from any factor or combination of factors — a momentary lapse in concentration, physical or mental fatigue, miscalculation, anxiety, stress, experimentation, and ambition’ •Babangida

Not getting the ball over the net into Nadal’s half of the court was surely an error under the rules of the game, and I have no problem with the attendant penalty.

But was it an unforced error? Is there in competitive sport, or in any undertaking for that matter, anything that can properly be called an “unforced error”?

The error at issue could in fact have resulted from any factor or combination of factors — a momentary lapse in concentration, physical or mental fatigue, miscalculation, anxiety, stress, experimentation, and ambition. Ambition especially, as I will argue presently...

Okay, you do not have to experiment.

Sometimes, it is better to play safe than to be ambitious. There is simply no excuse for carelessness, lapse in concentration and miscalculation when so much is at stake. And if you are worthy to be called a champion or an up-and coming star, you must be supe-

rior to anxiety and stress?

But as the saying goes, stuff happens.

By one definition, an unforced error is a mistake made by a player and not due to the opponent’s skill or effort. By that definition, an error stemming from the factors identified earlier or from a combination therefore still deserves to be called “unforced.”

This approach, it seems to me, ignores, to start with, the status of the opponent. When Mohammed Ali was at his peak, the best an opponent could hope for was to avoid an early knockout or a humiliating beating.

When Mike Tyson was the baddest guy who ever duelled in the roped square, his opponents literally melted under his glowering stare and tried to figure out how best to get out of the ring vertically.

Before Tiger Woods lost his magnificent form, he entered every golf tournament as the prohibitive favourite, and the rest of the field was reduced to scrambling for sec-

HARDBALL

F

ORMER Delta State Governor James Onanefe Ibori must be a lover of the travelling circus because everywhere his legal troubles take him a convoy of clowns is never far behind. Back in the day when he faced charges of petty theft before an Abuja magistrates court, his presence turned the premises into a battle ground for supporters and opponents.

The only place where chanting supporters have not followed him is Dubai. This is understandable. Seeing as the emirate is located smack in the centre of the Middle East, supporters of Ogidigborigbo – the former governor’s nickname – were probably unsure what sort of judicial system was in place and decided to steer clear of uncharted territory.

Clearly, their devotion to their hero does not extend to getting entangled with Sharia law and parting with some limbs.

Now that Ibori is facing justice in the more predictable environment of the United Kingdom, his faithful travelling band are back in their element. Last week, about 110 of them popped up in Southwark Crown Court, London, to give vocal support to the embattled former governor.

They were turned out in T-shirts that bore messages like “Free Ibori” and

DELE AGEKAMEH

ond and third and so on. Whenever he made his famous game-changing charges, usually on the third day of competition, the early leaders wilted and committed error after error.

Were those errors unforced? I suggest that they were forced by Tiger’s fierce competitiveness and athleticism, just as Ali’s transcendental boxing skills and Tyson’s brutal execution had freaked out many an opponent.

The habit of putting down as “unforced errors” mistakes not directly attributable to an opponent’s skill or effort ignores, secondly, the pressure-cooker atmosphere in which competitive sport is often held – an atmosphere that can, independently of the person across from the net on the tennis court, impose its own constraints.

The occasion – playing in Centre Court in Wimbledon, for instance, can overwhelm even the most practised. So can the raw partisanship of the crowd or even the subtle partiality of an umpire or referee. So also can making a player feel as if the future and fortunes of an entire nation are resting on his or her performance. Ask Tim Henman or Andy Murray The “unforced error,” if it exists in competitive sport, is a rarity.

In politics, where the term has acquired some resonance, it is just as rare.

If you believe that military president Ibrahim Babangida annulled the June 12, 1993, election because Brigadier-General David Mark held a gun to his head and threatened to pull the trigger if he allowed the result to stand, and that the same David Mark served notice that he would personally shoot Moshood Abiola to death if Abiola was allowed to take office, you would have to concede that the annulment, which Babangida now professes to regret, was a forced error.

If you factored in his no-so-hidden agenda, his ambition to succeed himself as manifested in his duplicitous political transition programme, you would also have to conclude that the annulment was an unforced error, at least insofar as the calculations were entirely of his own making.

Or, to dredge up another tragic figure from that dark chapter of Nigeria’s history, Ernest Shonekan: his acceptance of the doomed position of head of the illegal Interim National Government was not a forced error. He has himself said that much. Was it an unforced error, then?

In both instances, such a conclusion, like the concept of the “unforced error” itself, would be problematic. Both men were inordinately ambitious, and there is no greater force than inordinate ambition.

•For comments, send SMS to 08057634061

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

Ibori circus goes to London “Deltans want Ibori back home.” Reports claimed that 50 of the demonstrators had travelled from Nigeria to take part in the mini-rally.

Obviously, confused about their surroundings and thinking they were somewhere between Asaba and Abuja, the rancous supporters overwhelmed the limited court room space and had to be evicted by security. The UK authorities took a dim view of the incident and are reportedly investigating its legality, as well as the immigration status of some of those present through facial identification from CCTV images.

Already, there are claims that this was not a spontaneous expression of love for a former leader by his people. Rather it is said that the flight and lodging expenses for the fervent 50 were sponsored by parties Hardball would not care to mention. If that were so, it would not be so strange given that the rent-a-mob practice is common with Nigerian politicians.

However, we are at a loss how Ibori or whoever sponsored the London show

thinks that the noisy demonstration would help his cause. It is all so pointless and a waste of resources.

The former governor is not a political prisoner being held for his political views by some dictatorial regime. He is facing 25 counts relating to money laundering and fraud – charges for which his wife, relations and other associates have been jailed in the UK. Back in Nigeria where the integrity of the judicial process is often called into question, maybe the judges would have been intimidated into giving Ibori a clean bill of health.

No chance of that happening in London. As the sorry bunch of supporters discovered when they were ejected from the courtroom, nothing would stop justice from being done in this trial.

Rather than making a complete spectacle of themselves, Ibori’s travelling circus and its sponsors should stop embarrassing the country. Let them give their godfather the breathing space to present evidence that can set him free or, failing that let him pay the price for his actions.

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