The Nation June 04, 2013

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

Police to hunt down killers

News CJN to fight corruption, impunity P7 Sports Mourinho returns to Chelsea P24 Business Faulty ATMs put banks in trouble P11

NEWS Page 60

•IG speaks on ambush

www.thenationonlineng.net

VOL. 8, NO. 2506 TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2013

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

N150.00

$23m US reward on Boko Haram chief Shekau, others 20-year jail for sect’s members From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

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NSURGENTS and their backers have suffered another major blow.

The Federal Government, which is fighting insurgents in three states - Yobe, Adamawa and Borno - has proscribed Boko Haram.

Besides, it prescribed a 20-year jail term for its members, The Nation learnt yesterday.

Also yesterday, the United States posted up to $23 million in rewards to help capture five leaders of militant groups which have spread terror in West Africa and Nigeria.

The highest reward of up to $7 million is offered for the leader of Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau, while $5 million each is posted for Al-Qaeda veteran Mokhtar Belmokhtar and Yahya Abou Al-Hammam, a top figure in Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, US officials said.

The government secured an order from the Federal High Court, Abuja to ban Jamaatu Ahlis-sunna Liddaawati Wal JiContinued on page 4

•GOOD JOB: From left: Governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; his wife,Alhaja Sherifat; House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal; Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) National Leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Lagos State Deputy Governor Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, admiring the Opon Imo (Tablet of Knowledge) for secondary school pupils at its launch at Zenababs Hotel, Ilesa, the State of Osun…yesterday.

SEE ALSO PAGE 10

Dangote in world’s top 25 richest with $20b fortune

A •Dangote

FRICA’s richest man Aliko Dangote has broken into the rank of the top 25 richest men in the world.

Forbes, the world’s renowned business/financial news magazine, has said that Dangote, the President/ Chief Executive of the panAfrican conglomerate, the

Dangote Group, has become the first African entrepreneur to lay claim to a $20 billion fortune as the stock value of the flagship of his holding, Dangote Cement, leaped just about three-fourths since March when Forbes last released its annual ranking of the world’s richest people.

With a current market cap

No new states, says Senate

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ROPONENTS of state creation seem to have lost the battle. The Senate yesterday foreclosed the emergence of new states as part of the ongoing amendment of the Constitution.

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu said although the Senate was desirous of creating states — in line with the agitation by many Nigerians— all those demanding new states have failed to meet up with the

From Onyedi Ojiabor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

constitution’s requirement.

He said the Senate Committee on Constitution Review would submit its report this week.

He said: “I believe that, God willing, by this week, we should be laying the report of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review on the table.”

Continued on page 4

of $20.5 billion, Dangote Cement becomes the first Nigerian company to achieve a market capitalisation of over $20 billion.

Forbes reported that Dangote’s 93 per cent stake in the cement company is now worth $19.5 billion.

Added to this are his controlling stakes in other pub-

licly-listed companies, such as Dangote Sugar and National Salt Company of Nigeria and his significant shareholdings in other bluechips, such as Zenith Bank, UBA Group and Dangote Flour; his extensive real estate portfolio, jets, yachts and current cash position, which includes more than

$300 million in recently awarded Dangote Cement, Dangote is now worth more than $20 billion.

Dangote is richer than Russia’s richest man, Alisher Usmanov, richer than India’s Lakshmi Mittal and running neck Continued on page 4 •Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola laying a wreath in honour of the 156 people, who died in last year’s Dana Air crash during the memorial and unveiling of cenotaph in honour of the victims at the Dana Air crash site, near Railway Line, Iju-Ishaga, Ifako-Ijaye Local Government, Lagos…yesterday.

SEE ALSO PAGES 2&3 PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2013

2

NEWS FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF DANA CRASH

Tears, protest as Lagos remembers crash victims S

OME hid their teary eyes under dark sunshades; some isolated themselves, preferring to deal

with their grief privately. There were no fanfares, no jamboree of any sort.

Time was 9am. Venue was the site of the Dana Air plane crash in IjuIshaga, a Lagos suburb. Yesterday marked the first anniversary of the crash.

Those who may have long visited Popoola and Olaniyi and the adjourning streets around the crash site may not recognise it. Gone were the heaps of rubbish and burnt debris which formerly constituted a sore on the site. Instead the crash site has been cleared and interlocking stones have been laid on the ground. In the centre of the crash site stood a cenotaph, a magnificent three steps tower. It was built in replica of an airport control tower. On top of it was a plane which looked as if it had broken in the middle: it denotes a crashed plane.

Some meters away stood a tomb block with the names of all 157 victims written on it, the block looked strong and defiant.

By 9:25, more than 155 wreaths had been laid at the site. Each wreath represented a lost beloved, delivered by a heartbroken relative or friend.

Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola arrived at 10:20 am accompanied by his wife, Abimbola.

He was dressed in a black suit and his wife also wore a dark gown. They made for the canopy which had been prepared for dignitaries and relatives of the victims.

When the service began at 10:35, thousands of people had gathered with many trying unsuccessfully to gain entry into the “Iju-Ishaga Memorial Arcade.” Security was tight and the police assisted by some members of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) ensured nobody stepped out of line.

Local urchins also appeared to have respected the spirits of the dead as they gathered on a side to watch the events from afar.

Outside the arcade, a protest was underway. Aggrieved persons carried placards with different inscriptions asking Dana Air for compensation.

These were the ground victims. They have lost houses and other valuables.

Some of them had rented rooms in affected homes and have lost personal belongings.

Chairman, Akande Development Association, Chief Adewale Oriowo, who spoke on behalf of the ground victims during the unveiling of the cenotaph, said the Federal Government and Dana have not supported them.

He said: “We are not happy with the fact that they are operating their business and people whose lives have been destroyed by the crash have not been compensated. They have displaced and destroyed our people in the community.”

A pin drop silence descended on the arcade as Fashola began to deliver his speech at 11:14 am. Though everyone expected his speech to be sober, many were nevertheless blown away by the almost celestial content of his

• Fashola (second left), his wife Abimbola, Senator Ganiyu Solomon (right) PHOTO: ISAAC JIMOH AYODELE and Dr. Ahmed... yesterday.

• The tower of the cenotaph...yesterday.

By Seun Akioye, Miriam Ekene-Okoro and Omobola Tolu-Kusimo

thoughts. It was perhaps his most profound speech yet as he painted in unbelievable details the tragedy and the emotions that resulted from it.

“Exactly one year ago, we were all crest fallen in this state,” Fashola began. It was easy to see through his pain as he discarded the airs and arrogance often associated with the powerful and adorned the humanity of people around him. It was a slow and painful speech.

“I remember that I have promised myself to rest a little that afternoon and prepare for a new week. Just like many of you, I remember where I was…when day broke that fateful Sunday the 3rd of June 2012, no one could have predicted what sad and painful thoughts would accompany us to bed that night,” the governor said to his stoic audience.

He admitted words may never be sufficient to sooth their pains. “What does one say at a time like this? What does one say when words will never be enough? Many of us cannot even begin to imagine how great your suffering must have been this last one year.”

Fashola promised that the state government would continue to stand by the families of the deceased to reduce their burdens.

He urged stakeholders in the aviation industry to learn some lessons from the accident and use them to avert a recurrence.

“The essence is to keep proper records and a reference material for emergency management in the state,” he said.

Commissioner for Special Duties Dr Wale Ahmed said the government provided after-crash management support, including identification of

PHOTO: MOSES OMOSEHIN

the victims through DNA analysis.

He added that families of the victims were assisted in the burial arrangements.

“All the names of the 157 victims were engraved on the cenotaph as part of efforts to immortalise them,” he said.

Ms. Oduah said the government was discussing with the management of DANA Air to ensure payment of full compensations to victims’ families.

The senator representing Lagos East senatorial district, Gbenga Ashafa, laid a wreath at the crash site.

He told reporters: “The incident that occurred a year ago on this site is really unfortunate and disheartening. There is no amount of compensation that can bring the dead back to live. I want to use this medium to appeal to all the families affected that God almighty will give them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”

At 12:33 pm, the governor unveiled the cenotaph. “This cenotaph which we are unveiling here today will ensure that their memories never die.

This monument will stand as a permanent memorial to these family men, women and children; and we will cherish each of their stories-stories of potential and of fulfillment, stories of true heroes,” Fashola said.

When he was done, prayers were held for the repose of the souls departed. By then, the tears were gone and it was evident an event that began on such glum note had assumed a more cheerful and inspirational ending.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Aviation, Mr George Afam, and some other government officials laid wreaths on the cenotaph in memory of the victims. Afam represented the Minister of Aviation Ms. Stella Oduah.

• Protesters at the inauguration of the cenotaph in Lagos....yesterday.

PHOTO: ISAAC JIMOH AYODELE

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We’ll make

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday promised to make the country’s airspace safe.

He spoke after unveiling a cenotaph in honour of the victims of the Dana plane crash at the domestic wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

The president said the government in the last one year had taken measures to keep the airspace safe.

He said: “Today, I want to say to all my countrymen and women and the entire world that we will make our airspace safe. In this regard, I reiterate our determination to do everything humanly possible to prevent reoccurrence of this unfortunate tragedy. In the aftermath of the Dana air crash, additional safeguards to enhance overall safety of flying in Nigeria were immediately put in place.

“You will recall that the Minister of Aviation with approval appointed the technical and administrative review panel comprising of highly qualified experienced industry professionals to review the operational, technical and managerial practice that existed in all airlines, that operate domestically.

“The assignment of the panel was separate from that of the statutory investigation of the accident carried

•Father Kukah...yesterday.

PHOTO: AKIN OLADOKUN

out by the Accident Investigation Bureau. The panel was established to uncover any contributory lapses

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2013

3

NEWS FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF DANA CRASH

‘How in-fighting, court cases delay compensation’ •23 families receive pay, says Dana

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• General Manager, Med-views Airline Mr. David Babatunde (left), Managing Director, Med-view PHOTO: ISAAC JIMOH AYODELE Airline, Alhaji Muneer Bankole and Hathiramani....yesterday.

• A relative of the Anyene Six, Dr. Ben Anyene, laying a wreath at the cenotaph in Lagos....yesterday.

PHOTO: MOSES OMOSEHIN

By Kelvin Osa-Okunbor and Olugbenga Adanikin, Abuja

NE year after the Dana plane crash, Aviation Ms Stella Oduah and the airline’s Managing Director, Jacky Hathiramani yesterday explained why majority of the victims’ families have not been compensated.

The minister and Hathiramani blamed in-fighting among the family, litigations and multiple claims for the delay.

Ms. Oduah said multiple claimants and litigations were major challenges.

She spoke through her Special Assistant on Media, Joe Obi in Abuja. She said the Federal Government was working to ensure that compensation is paid to legitimate next-of -kin.

She said: “We will continue to share the loss suffered by these families.

Our heart and condolences go out to them. The issue of compensation like the Minister said last Thursday, all efforts are being intensified by the Ministry of Aviation and the Federal Government to ensure that every victim’s family is fully compensated according to the regulations and according to the law.

“One of the greatest obstacles is that in some cases, you have multiple claimants and the greatest evil somebody can do to the deceased is to pay compensation to somebody that does not deserve or warrant it.

“We are taking our time deliberately to ensure that compensation is given to the right person; so in a situation where you have multiple claimants, you must make a deliberate effort to identify the legitimate next -of- kin.”

On court cases against the management of Dana Air, she said: “The second aspect is the issue of litigation, as we speak; we have about 70 cases in court.

Interestingly, some of these litigations are from members that have collected 30 percent and some 100 percent.

“The truth of the matter is that compensation is given to families that have fully verified their claims. It is a process. Interestingly, the Ministry of Aviation was able to secure some waivers from the Lagos State government in terms of making the processes of this compensation to be a little bit easier.

“So we have obtained some waivers. As the procedure is completed one after the other, every family that is fully verified is paid.

“As we speak, 30 percent of the compensation has been paid. The remaining 70 percent are still trying to get the rightful claimants identified. Once that is done, the compensation will be paid.”

Hathiramani , who spoke with reporters in Ikeja after a procession to mark the first anniversary of the crash of its MD83 aircraft flight 9J 992, said 23 families had been paid full compensation of $100,000 each as at last Friday.

The procession took off from the domestic terminal 2 and terminated at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Headquarters within the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.

Hathiramani said the delay in paying full compensation to many families of the deceased was caused by incomplete documentation and in-fighting among some family members and multiple documentation.

The airline, he said, had made another offer to Pastor Daniel Omowumi, the main ground victim, aside the palliative measure of $30,000 given last year.

Hathiramani, however, did not disclose the amount involved in the latest offer.

He said: “We are praying that God should not allow accident to happen again in the sector.”

The Acting Director General of NCAA, Mr Joyce Nkemakolam, said the agency appreciated the effort of Dana to remember the victims.

Nkemakolam was represented by the agency’s Director of Human Resources and Administration, Mr Austin Amadi.

our airspace safe, says Jonathan

• Minister of Finance Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (left) and widow of one of the crash victims, Mrs.Nnekka Orakwe at the unveiling of the cenotaph in Abuja...yesterday.

• Jonathan and Matser Samuel Mbong, whose father died in the safety of Nigeria’s aviation industry. crash...yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

that may have existed in the industry so that they could be speedily addressed to enhance the overall

“In its report, the panel made a number of recommendations. Those recommendations have all been implemented by the Ministry of Avia-

PHOTO: AKIN OLADOKUN

tion. In the meantime, the National Aviation Policy was reviewed with a view to further strengthening the safety and operations of the various categories of aviation businesses.

The new policy was approved by the Federal Executive Council last week.

“Aviation safety is key; with every incident, new lessons are learnt and no effort is being spared to further enhance the safety nets. We are gathered here today to unveil the cenotaph in memory of all those who have died in the tragic crash of Dana air flight 992 on 3rd of June, 2012.

“Let me again reiterate our resolve to maintain maximum vigilance in strengthening regulation of our aviation industry. Vigilance must be our watchword. We must remain vigilant in our statutory oversight responsibilities. We must never let up.

We all have a duty to look and build a viable, prosperous and secure aviation industry.”

During a remembrance service for the victims, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Bishop Matthew Kukah, urged the regulatory agencies and the National Assembly to make the necessary laws that will make roads and airspace very safe.

He said: “We should not only think of how to make aviation safe but the entire country. Many Nigerians are dying from car crashes than plane crashes. It is also important for us to remember those who take risk to be at the scene of accidents doing the rescue work.

“The will of God is supreme.

These are difficult times for our country, but we are going to triumph. Not to triumph because of our efforts, but because of the grace of God.” The Aso Villa Chaplain, Pastor Obioma Onwuzurumba, urged Nigerians to draw inspiration from Apostle Paul in the Bible by continuing to trust in God. Some relatives of the victims told reporters that they have not been compensated.

A woman with a four-year-old boy, Samuel Mbong whose father died in the crash, said: “We have not been paid any compensation.

They only told us they are still in the process so we don’t really know when they will be through with that.”

Balkamia Adamu, who lost his father to the crash, said: “We have all come to show sympathy and empathy which is very key and good.

Some families, friends have kept us going.”

On compensation, he said: “It is actually not a challenge that we have but I’m sure probably within few months, hopefully, it will be resolved. My daddy was a very organised man and he did organise himself for us and our wellbeing.”

4

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2013

NEWS Dangote is world’s 27 richest with $29b, says Forbes Continued from page 1

•From left President/CEO, GE Nigeria, Dr Lazarus Angbaz, Chairman, Telsyenergy Consulting, Mr Tunji Lawal-Solarin and Chairman/ CEO, Geometric Power and Former Minister of Power, Prof. Bart Nnaji at the Africa Business Conference held at the Lagos Business School, Ajah Lagos…on Friday.

Senate forecloses creation of states Continued from page 1

Ekweremadu is hopeful that the amended Constitution would be ready by next month.

He added: “Even if we are going to miss it, it will not be too long behind the mark.

“We tenaciously followed our programme and timeline regarding constitution amendment. I am happy to say that, we have achieved our objectives in terms of the timing.

“So, hopefully, we are going to start the next phase which is proper legislation regarding the Constitution amendment.”

He stated that despite Senate’s support for agitations for state creation, the constitutional requirements were not met.

He said: “People think they will come to Abuja and submit memoranda and the National Assembly will deliberate on it and then subsequently announce that so and so states have been created.

“Unfortunately that is not

the case. What happens is that you have to receive request pursuant to Section 8 (1) of the Constitution.

“That Section 8 (1), I will like all of you to go and read it because it is going to be a major debate by the time we start debate on the amendment of the Constitution.

“When we receive a request, that request must as a matter of constitutional requirement have the signature of the two-thirds of the local government councils of the affected area requesting for the state.

“So, that include the councillors and the chairmen of the council from the area requesting for the state.

“And you must know these must be elected councilors and chairmen because the Constitution did not envisage caretaker arrangements.

“If it is found out that they are not elected chairmen, that means that they have not fulfilled that obligation.

“Furthermore, there must be signature of the two-thirds of the state assemblies from

those respective areas requesting for a state. Then, there will be two-thirds signature of the National Assembly.

“What has happened now is that, our traditional rulers, out of the love for their people, quickly signed the request for creation of state and submitted in Abuja without looking at what the Constitution says.

“They are not the ones who should be signatories, it has to be parliamentarians.

“My own understanding of the Constitution is that, it is not just going to be parliamentarians but serving parliamentarians, that is, sitting members, not those who were members in 1960.

“That is one of the details people have avoided in making these requests. So this is one of the constraints.

“But for us, we support creation of states. But you have to follow the procedure laid down by the Constitution which most people are trying to avoid.”

Speaking on the politics of

his Enugu home state, Ekweremadu said there was no zoning arrangement for elective offices in the State ahead of the 2015 general elections.

Ekweremadu’s position is contrary to media report that the governorship position in the state has been zoned to Enugu North Senatorial District by the State Executive Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He said he has no governorship ambition.

The Deputy Senate President said he would be glad if somebody from Enugu North becomes the governor of the State in 2015, “but not on the basis of zoning.”

Ekweremadu said: “There is no zoning in Enugu. I am not aware and nobody is aware.

“I have been in politics in Enugu since the beginning of this particular dispensation.

“People from every part of the state have vied but somehow, somebody would win.

“So, I am sure that our brothers from Nsukka underContinued on page 5

and neck with India’s Mukesh Ambani. He is catching up to such Americans as Google’s billionaire founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin.

Dangote Cement has recorded an unprecedented surge in its share price, largely due to market response to the company’s impressive results in the first quarter of this year.

The cement manufacturer’s unaudited results for the three months ending March 31 had showed that the company’s pre-tax profit rose to $339 million, representing an 80.6% increase from last year and a strong indicator of the company’s future earning potential. The results also indicate a 79.5 % rise in its earnings per share over the corresponding period last year.

Carl Franklin, Dangote Cement’s Head of Investor Relations in the United Kingdom, explained the company’s share boost, in an email response to Forbes that in the first quarter of 2013, the company had a huge increase in demand across Nigeria, gas supply improved considerably and the capacity was much more ramped up.

“So Q1 was the first sign of just how profitable we can be in Nigeria. The amazing thing is that 66% of our gasfired production in Q1 was done at 84% gas. Imagine what would happen to margins if we did the same amount at 95%. This has given investors a good sense of what we can really do when everything goes in the right direction,” Franklin said.

“It’s certainly a landmark for a Nigerian company and we’re proud to be the first to achieve it. Obviously we are focusing on building longterm and sustainable value for shareholders through our investments in Nigeria and Africa. Nigeria is a very entrepreneurial country and I can assure you that other companies will follow us in achieving this.”

$23m US reward on Boko Haram chief Shekau, others Continued from page 1

had (Boko Haram) and Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi Biladis Sudan(JAMBS) from either existing or operating in the country.

Boko Haram is beleived to have killed over 1,000 Nigerians since 2009. Ansarul emerged this year when it attacked a military convoy on Itakpe-Okene highway on January 19, in protest against the crackdown on terrorists in Mali by African forces.

JAMBS in February claimed responsibility for the abduction of seven expatriates , including Lebanese and their European counterparts working with a construction firm, SETRACO. In proscribing the two groups, the government invoked Section 2 of “The Prevention of Terrorism Act 2011” in approaching the court.

According to a document obtained by our correspondent from the Registry of the Federal High Court, the proscription order was granted

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Forbes reasoned that other companies might eventually achieve this, but it’s going to take a bit of time. Dangote Cement accounts for more than a quarter of the total market capitalization of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

The second largest company on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) is Nigerian Breweries, West Africa’s largest manufacturer of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. The company has a market cap of $8.5 billion.

Dangote made its debuted on the Forbes billionaires list in 2008, with a fortune pegged at $3.3 billion. His fortune dropped to $2.5 billion in 2009 and plunged further to $2.1 billion in 2010. It surged 557% in 2011 to $13.8 billion after he took Dangote Cement public. He dropped to $11.2 billion in last year’s rankings, but rebounded at $16.1 billion this year. Since March, Dangote’s fortune has jumped another 30%.

Dangote started building his fortune over three decades ago after taking a loan from Sanusi Dantata and started trading in commodities like flour, sugar and cement.

He became a billionaire after delving into manufacturing these items. He started making pasta, salt, sugar and flour in 1997. But he found his gold mine in cement, when he was awarded a government owned cement business in 2000 and began building his own plant in 2003. He listed Dangote Cement in 2010.

Today, it is Africa’s largest cement company, providing cement to Nigeria and other African countries that otherwise would likely have to pay to import much of the materials.

Dangote told Forbes Wealth Editor Luisa Kroll at Davos in 2011 that he expected his firm to have a market cap of $60 billion within five years. At $20.5 billion, Dangote Cement still has a long way to go to live up to that dream.

The gazette on proscription of Boko Haram, Ansaru

HE Federal Government has issued a gazette on the proscription of Jamaatu Ahlis-sunna Liddaawati Wal Jihad (otherwise known as Boko Haram) and Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi Biladis Sudan (JAMBS).

The gazette, titled “Terrorism (Prevention) (Proscription Order) Notice 2013 was signed by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN).

The gazette reads: “Order declaring the activities of ‘Jamaatu Ahlis-Sunna Liddaawati Wal Jihad and ‘Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladis Sudan ’ as terrorism and illegal, proscribing their existence and restraining any person or group of persons from participating in any manner whatsoever in any form of activities or concerning the prosecution of the collective intentions or otherwise of the said groups.

“Notice is hereby given that by the

by Justice A. Abdu Kafarati on May 25.

The motion ex-parte from the Office of the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation was supported by what a source in the court described as “revealing affidavit sworn to by the Litigation Officer

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

Order of the Federal High Court Abuja, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/ 368/2013 dated 24th May, 2013 as per the Schedule to this Notice, the Activities of ‘Jamaatu AhlisSunna Liddaawati Wal Jihad and ‘Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladis Sudan’ are declared to be terrorism and illegal and that the existence of Jamaatu Ahlis-Sunna Liddaawati Wal Jihad and ‘Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladis Sudan’ are proscribed, pursuant to Section 2 of the Terrorism (Prevention) Act 20111(As Amended).

“Consequently, the general public is hereby warned that any person or group of persons participating in any manner whatsoever in any form of activities involving or concerning the prosecution of the collective intentions or otherwise of the said groups will be violating the provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention) Act

in Civil Litigation Department of the Federal Ministry of Justice, Ballah Alli.

It was learnt that the government obtained the court order so as to be able to enforce the ongoing operation

by Special Forces in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states.

2011(As Amended) and liable to prosecution.

“This Notice shall be cited as the Terrorism (Prevention) (Proscription Order) Notice 2013.”

A top source in the presidency, who spoke in confidence last night, said: “The proscription of the two groups is without prejudice to the ongoing dialogue and amnesty process.

“We have to take legal steps as provided by the enabling Act on prevention of terrorism. If you look at the Act, it has provided a clause that the AGF may withdraw the order if satisfied that such proscribed organization has ceased to engage in act of terrorism.

“So, if they embrace dialogue and renounce violence, the government may deem it fit to de-proscribe these groups in future.

“As it is now, their activities are inimical to the interest of this nation.”

It was also learnt that the government’s application was also informed by the need to overrun Boko Haram and Ansarul and apprehend all their sponsors.

With the court order, any Nigerian who belongs to or professes to belong to Boko

Haram or any terrorist group, is liable to 20 years imprisonment.

Also, any Nigerian who assists, provides logistics, equipment or attends a meeting of either Boko Haram or Ansarul will be Continued on page 5

•Shekau

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

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2013

5

NEWS Five pro-Wike lawmakers allege non-payment of allowances

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IVE members of the Rivers State House of Assembly who are on the side of the Minister of State for Education, Nyesom Wike, have alleged that their monthly allowances and other entitlements have been withdrawn since the political crisis started in the state.

The leader of the group, Evans Bipi, who spoke in Port Harcourt yesterday accused the government of ordering the withholding of their allowances and entitlements.

Bipi, who fingered Governor Rotimi Amaechi, said their allowances and security votes have been withdrawn by the House on the orders of the governor.

He said: “Our constituency projects have been halted.

Senate forecloses creation of states Continued from page 4

stand that clearly. I stand to be challenged.

“I want anybody to tell me a document or a meeting where the governorship of Enugu has ever been zoned since 1999.

“I will be happy if somebody from Enugu North becomes governor but not on the basis of zoning.

•Speaker: they’re lying From Clarice Azuatalam, Port Harcourt

As I speak to you now, go and ask if our allowances have been paid. I hereby use this medium to tell governor Rotimi Amaechi to release our allowances.

“The other 27 members have been paid. Why are they holding our own allowances?”

The lawmaker, who represents Ogu/Bolo constituency, said the move by the governor to challenge his suspension from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in court is a wrong one.

He said: “The party has stated in its constitution that it can expel any member found wanting. So, why is

Amaechi crying foul over his suspension? Did he give the Obio/Akpor chairman, the vice chairman and the 17 councillors a fair hearing before suspending them? This was how he suspended former Okrika Local Government Area chairman.”

But Speaker Otelemaba Dan-Amachree, said the five pro-Wike lawmakers are crying wolf where none exists because no lawmaker has been paid since the crisis started.

The Speaker, who spoke through his Press Secretary, Jim Opiki, denied that the governor ordered the withholding of the lawmakers’ allowances and entitlements.

He said the Assembly has

$23m US reward on Boko Haram chief Shekau, others •Wike

not been sitting due to the security challenges in the state and wondered how their allowances and entitlements will be paid when the Assembly is on recess.

“Nobody in the Assembly has been paid any allowance; everybody will be paid as soon as the House reconvenes.”

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo (middle) during a visit by the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) to him in Abeokuta, Ogun State...yesterday. With him (from left from row) are: Ven. Philip Oyebolu; President NSE, Mr Mustafa Shehu; Fellow, NSE, Mr Habu Gumel; Chairman, NSE, Abeokuta branch, Mr A. Awolana and others.

Northern governors, elders rally behind Niger governor

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OLLOWING plot to remove Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu, no fewer than 10 Northern governors and leaders have mobilised support against moves to destabilize the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF).

They have vowed to prevent forces in the Presidency and some elements within the NSGF from unseating Babangida.

A split has also occurred within the rank of the governors leading to the resurgence of Muslim-Christian or Hausa-Fulani/ Minority sentiments.

The Northern governors are expected to meet on Thursday in Kaduna with plans by some forces in the Presidency to ask

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

Aliyu to step aside.

Investigation by our correspondent showed that Aliyu’s sins border on non-recognition of Plateau State Governor Jonah Jang as the chairman of the Nigeria governors Forum (NGF) by most Northern governors and why power should shift to the North in 2015.

It was learnt that forces within the Presidency believe that Aliyu was allegedly behind Jang’s loss to Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

The same forces were also said to be unhappy with Babangida’s disclosure that President Goodluck Jonathan signed a pact with PDP gov-

ernors to serve one term in office.

A reliable source said: “Ahead of the NSGF meeting on Thursday, horse-trading has started with Northern governors and key leaders in the region questioning the recourse to muzzling down of governors by some forces in the Presidency.

“Aliyu is being blamed for supporting Amaechi. The forces against the Niger State governor alleged that he came up with a wining formula for Amaechi by prevailing on governors Isa Yuguda (Bauchi) and Ibrahim Shema (Katsina) to step down for Jang seen as a weak candidate.

“They are also seeking Aliyu’s removal for demanding power shift to the North

in 2015. Some Northern governors are of the opinion that it will be in the interest of the North to stand by Aliyu.

“In one of the strategic meetings last night in Abuja, no fewer than 10 out of 19 governors have rallied round Aliyu since the winner will emerge through simple majority.

“Pro-Aliyu governors are trying to ensure that those loyal to the forces in the presidency do not have the figure to remove Aliyu.

Another source said: “The NSGF politics is becoming a Muslim-Christian/Hausa-Fulani/Minority politics. This is why some elders have decided to prevail on Northern governors to back Aliyu and save the region from being turned into another theatre of war.”

CPC denies knowledge of Buhari’s 2015 posters

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HE Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) yesterday denied the posters of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari which adorned strategic places in some parts of the Federal capital territory.

The colour posters printed in A4 bold size is emblazoned with a huge picture of Gen. Buhari campaigning for president in 2015 as the All Progressive Congress candidate.

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

The APC, which is a merger of main opposition parties is still in the process of getting registered.

But National Publicity Secretary of the CPC Mr Rotimi Fashakin, said the posters are the handiwork of the opposition and anti-democratic elements.

He said: “please do not reckon with them. Gen. Buhari is a democrat. He believes a transparent direct primaries should bring up the APC candidate.

“The APC is not like the behemoth called the PDP where anti-democratic ideals like automatic ticket hold sway. Gen. Buhari is not aware of these posters,” he added

“Probably they are the only one that has not produced the governor of the state but like I said, it has nothing to do with zoning. There is nothing like zoning in Enugu as at today.

“Until zoning is done, I don’t think anybody who wants to run from other parts of the state can be stopped. But for me, I am not running for governorship.”

According to the posters, General Buhari is the favoured candidate of the opposition come 2015.

The posters came a day to the general meeting of the merging parties’ joint committee meeting and a few days to the expected submission of the Application of the merging parties to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

Continued from page 4

jailed for 10 years.

According to the court records, the government’s ex-parte motion was moved

by Mrs. A.O. Mbamali, SAN and supported by Chief State counsel, B.A Saidu Esq; Principal State Counsel, Mrs. O.V. Nwechukwu; and another Principal State counsel, Mrs. H.U. Chime.

The order of the court, signed by its Registrar, Ashada Babatunde M, dated the May 23, and filed on May 24.

•declare the activities of the defendants (‘Jamaatu Ahlis-sunna Liddaawati Wal Jihad(otherwise known as Boko Haram) and Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi Biladis Sudan in any part of this country as terrorism and illegal; •proscribe the existence of the defendants Jamaatu Ahlis-sunna Liddaawati Wal Jihad(otherwise known as Boko Haram) and Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi Biladis Sudan in any part of this country either in groups or as individuals by whatever names they are called; and •restrain any person or group of persons from participating in any manner whatsoever in any form of activities involving or concerning the prosecution of the collective intention or otherwise of the said group.

The court heard Mrs. A.O. Mbamali, SAN (with her B.A Saidu Esq, Chief State counsel, Mrs. O.V. Nwechukwu, Principal State Counsel, Mrs. H.U. Chime, Principal State counsel for the applicant and declared the activities of the defendants illegal.

It proscribed the existence of the defendants, in any part of this country either in groups or as individuals by whatever names they are called.

“An order is hereby granted restraining any person or group of persons from participating in any manner whatsoever in any form of activities involving or concerning the prosecution of the collective intention or otherwise of the said group,” the court said.

A source said the government applied for the proscription of the two groups based on Section 2 of the Prevention of Terrorism Act 2011.

Section 2(1-6) in the Act reads in part: “Where two or more persons associate for the purpose of, or where an organisation engages in: (a) participating or collaborating in an act of terrorism (b) promoting, encouraging or extorting others to commit an act of terrorism; or (c) setting up or pursing acts of terrorism, the judge in chambers may on an appli-

cation made by the Attorney-General, National Security Adviser (NSA) or Inspector General of Police (IGP) on the approval of the President declare any entity to be a proscribed organisation and the notice should be published in official gazette.

“An order made under subsection (1) of this section shall be published in the official gazette, in two national newspapers and at such other places as the judge in chambers may determine.

“A publication made under subsection (2) of this section shall contain such relevant particulars as the judge in chambers may specify.

“A person who belongs or professes to belong to a proscribed organisation commits an offence under this Act and shall on conviction be liable to imprisonment for a maximum term of 20 years.

“The Attorney-General upon the approval of the President may withdraw the order if satisfied that such proscribed organisation has ceased to engage in act of terrorism (a) the proscribed organisation or person affected by the order made an application on notice; and (b) he is satisfied that a proscribed organisation has ceased to engage in the acts specified in subsection (1) of this section and that there is no likelihood of the organisation engaging in such acts in the future and shall be published in the official gazette.

“A person who (a) arranges, manages or assists in arranging or managing or participates in a meeting or an activity which he knows is connected with an act of terrorism; (a) provides logistics, equipment or facilities for a meeting of an activity which he knows is connected with an act of terrorism; or (b) attends a meeting which he knows is to support a proscribed organisation or to further the objectives of a proscribed organisation, commits an offence under this Act and shall on conviction be liable to imprisonment for a maximum term of 10 years.”

As at the time of filing this report, it was not clear whether the Federal Government has foreclosed talks with Boko Haram leaders.

A source said: “As far as the government is concerned, the two groups are no longer in existence. The government provided a window for dialogue but they have refused to embrace it.

“You should not expect a government to negotiate with illegal groups anymore.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2013

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ACN: PDP is dysfunctional family

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HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is a big-for-nothing dysfunctional family that practises political cannibalism.

The opposition said this is the reason for the ruling party’s “spiralling descent into ignominy”.

In a statement yesterday in Lagos by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, ACN noted that anyone calling the PDP a “big family, united in freedom” may be suffering from hallucination.

It stressed that despite PDP’s continuous dismissal of the All Progressives Congress

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(APC) as a group of strange bedfellows, which it called “a wellworn cliche that has now lost its meaning”, the PDP “can only underrate the merger at its own peril”.

The statement added: “A happy family needs no advertisement, because people know a happy family when they see one. A happy family needs not draw attention to itself because happiness cannot be hidden.

What the PDP is mistaking for happiness if a form of manic disorder.

“As this vanishing family continues to sink, it has now degenerated to consuming its own members for survival.

Nothing showed this more than the recent election of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF).

Ever seen a party that is at war because its member won an election? Ever seen a family in which the father is seeking to devour his own son for achieving success? Our sincere wish is that this sinking behemoth will somehow survive till 2015 so it can receive the drubbing of its life.”

The party said the truth of the matter is that the PDP is pathologically afraid of the APC, even in its yet-to-be registered form, “hence the continuous campaign of calumny and crude attacks on its leaders”.

The opposition wondered why the ruling party is spending the time and energy that should have been focused on mending its tattered umbrella to worry about whether or not the merger will succeed or whether it will soon be in disarray.

ACN said: “There is some truth in the saying that anytime one sees a ‘no thoroughfare’ sign, there is definitely a way there. The PDP knows for sure that the coming into being of the APC signals its death knell.

That is why it has been flailing aimlessly. But the die is cast.

Nigeria needs to be rescued from these cannibals. No

Ex-minister’s request stalls trial of pension fraud suspects From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

•Alhaji Mohammed

amount of blackmail, abuse, attacks or whatever will deter the patriots who have come together for just one purpose: to rescue Nigeria.

“For those who will continue to denigrate this merger or attack the patriots behind the merger, even when there is no reason for it (after all democracy thrives on plurality of opinion), we say, bring it on!”

PDP ready to wield the big stick, says Tukur

HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday warned that it will not hesitate to wield the big stick against errant party members.

Its National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukr, said the party would henceforth invoke relevant provisions of the party’s constitution against those he called “saboteurs and agents of destabilisation”.

A statement in Abuja by his office quoted the party chairman as saying the party’s failure to punish past errant members was responsible for the rising cases of indiscipline in the ruling party.

He added that failure of PDP to enforce its laws for whipping troublesome members into line had accounted for the crisis of confidence among members and the leadership.

Tukur said: “People say we have crises in our party. It may appear so, but that also shows that democracy is at play in the way we conduct our affairs. We are a family and, like any family, we can disagree and then agree. We have mastered the game. That is the reason we have been afloat.

“However, we are talking about discipline here. During the PDP family dinner, I emphasised the necessity for party discipline in line with the

Oyinlola attacks Oyedokun over anti-Obasanjo’s comment THE sacked National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, yesterday blamed a former Deputy National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Shuaibu Oyedokun, for attacking ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo over the former President’s recent comments in Jigawa State.

The former Osun State governor said Obasanjo would not leave PDP, contrary to Oyedokun’s insinuations.

In a statement in Abuja, Oyinlola said he took Oyedokun to beg Obasanjo in 2007 before he could return to the PDP. The statement said: “I have painstakingly found out that what former President Obasanjo said in Jigawa was that he was happy Governor Sule Lamido did not disappoint him, given the role he (Obasanjo) played in his emergence as governor.

“He concluded with a Yoruba proverb: ‘you can help someone get a job, but you cannot help the person to do the job’. We got Lamido the job and he has done it well.

“That was it. There was no innuendo or allusion to President Jonathan in the statement which Oyedokun has now clung to in order to further cause divisions in the polity.”

He said it was “unbecoming of an elder like From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

vision of our founding fathers.

“We have our constitution to guide us in maintaining discipline. Our past failures to up-

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

Alhaji Oyedokun to seek to create a rift between President Goodluck Jonathan and former President Obasanjo through unguarded statements that are based on falsehood”.

Oyinlola said he suspected Oyedokun of being uneasy about the current efforts among PDP stakeholders to resolve the differences in the party, hence the statement.

The statement said: “I am particularly worried that Oyedokun did not agree with our Board of Trustees (BoT) Chairman, Chief Tony Anenih, who, just last week at the PDP family dinner, called for peace and the resolution of all differences in the party. Could Oyedokun be carrying out the usual assignment of throwing spanners in the works of genuine members of the PDP who are working hard to reconcile all its leaders and members and reposition it for the tasks ahead? What could actually be his motive?

“I asked the above questions because in 2007, after Oyedokun abandoned the PDP and joined forces with its opponents to found the Action Congress and then lost out in the power struggle in that opposition party, I begged Chief Obasanjo to accept him back into the fold and to even make him a BoT member of the PDP.

hold discipline with every sense of seriousness has been the reason some members act in very questionable manners.

“The party’s constitution has always been a veritable tool for promoting harmoni-

ous relationship and cohesion among members.

“Everybody is talking about 2015 with the expectations that we must win fairly and transparently. How can we achieve that if certain mem-

bers of the party go against the rules with impunity, while nothing happens?

“We have had enough of inconsistencies and loose conducts. Today, we say that must stop, to avoid distractions in our desire to retain power by 2015.” The PDP chairman said the party has become weary of getting reports of anti-party activities against members in some states.

According to him, the founding fathers were focused on raising the PDP into a formidable party that would promote justice, equity and fairness among its members.

He said party discipline and supremacy, were also parts of the major planks upon which PDP was built.

The chairman said having gone this far in entrenching democracy in Nigeria since 1999, the party’s main pre-occupation was to consolidate on the gains of democracy.

Tukur said the presentation of a Mid-Term Report of stewardship by President Goodluck Jonathan was laudable and necessary.

This, he added, offered Nigerians the opportunity to reflect on what the PDP administration had attained in the past two years to make the government do more.

Journalist condoles with Newswatch

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HE pioneer chairman, Lawyers in The Media (LIM) of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr Gbolahan Gbadamosi, yesterday expressed his condolences over the death of Nurudeen Jewola of Newswatch, who died last Sunday. Jewola’s death following a kidney problem spurred Gbadamosi to insist that media owners should provide better security and insurance cover for journalists.

Last July, the lawyer made a similar call when Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi donated N1 million to an ailing journalist of the African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN) Plc, publishers of the Tribune titles, Tunde Babajide, who had prostate cancer and was on admission at the University College Hospital (UCH).

The former Chairman, The Guardian chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) expressed his gratitude to Ajimobi and Senate Leader Victor Ndoma-Egba (SAN), who recently donated N1.5 million for the treatment of Jude Okwue of ThisDay, who had a kidney-related ailment.

•Vice-President Namadi Sambo (second left) greeting some Nigerians living in Japan during his meeting with them at the Nigerian Embassy in Tokyo, Japan... yesterday. With them is the VicePresident’s Special Adviser on Special Duties, Sen. Isaiah Balat (left).

THE plan by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to open trial in the case involving seven officials of the Police Pension Office was stalled yesterday.

The planned opening trial was stalled by a request by former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Mr Kanu Agabi (SAN), for time to study the case file.

Agabi, a defence lawyer in the case, told an Abuja High Court, Maitama, presided over by Justice Hussain Baba, that he was recently briefed.

He prayed the court to be allowed time to familiarise himself with the case to enable him prepare his client’s defence.

The lead prosecution lawyer, Rotimi Jacob (SAN), who indicated his readiness to proceed with the trial, later conceded to an adjournment that Agabi sought on the matter.

He noted that Agabi’s request was in line with the constitutional provision that an accused is entitled to proper representation - in line with the constitutionally guaranteed right to fair hearing.

Jacob regretted that the accused waited until recently to brief a new lawyer rather than utilise the period between the last date and yesterday.

He promised to resist the antics that might truncate the trial, adding that the nation awaits the speedy determination of the case. Other defence lawyers in the case also agreed to the adjournment.

The accused are: Essai Dangabar, Atiku Abubakar Kigo, Ahmed Inuwa Wada, Mrs. Cyril Attange, Mrs. Veronica Uloma Onyegbula, Sani Habila Zira and Christian Madubuike.

They were earlier arraigned with the convicted pension thief, John Yakubu Yusufu, before the now suspended Justice Mohammed Talba of the Abuja High Court. Upon Yakubu’s conviction on a negotiated charge, the others were re-arraigned before Justice Baba on an amended 20-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust and conspiracy to alleged theft of N39.8 billion belonging to the Police Pension Office.

One of the counts of the charge alleged that the seven conspired and agreed, “between January 2008 and June 2011, to do an illegal act, to wit: criminal breach of trust in respect of the sum of N20.155 billion, an offence punishable under section 97 of the Penal Code Act, Cap. 532, Laws of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria, 2007.”

The trial is expected to begin on July 11.

‘Fake’ NSCDC officer allegedly dupes 54 job seekers of N8.5m

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HE Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested a man, Wasiu Adewale Azees, for allegedly parading himself as the Chief Superintendent Officer of the corps in Offa, Kwara State.

Azees has allegedly made N8.5 million from 54 job seekers.

But the suspect, who

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

claimed to be a former volunteer in the corps, did not deny the allegation but told reporters yesterday that he had been working with some NSCDC senior officers at the national headquarters and Lagos to defraud job seekers.

Parading the suspect in Abu-

ja, the Corps Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mr. Emmanuel Okeh, said Azees was caught following a report and various complaints against “an NSCDC man” who had been collecting money from people in the name of recruitment.

Okeh said: “Unfortunately, Wasiu Adewale Azees, from Offa, Kwara State, in his own capacity, decided to brand him-

self a Chief Superintendent, a senior officer of the corps. He decided to open his own parallel organisation, thereby recruiting job seekers illegally and giving them fake appointment letters upon the payment of the amounts he demanded.”

The NSCDC spokesman explained that the suspect was not only parading himself as a senior officer of the corps in Kwara

State, but was also “going about to impersonate in the name of Civil Defence, attending functions in the uniform of Civil Defence, taking photographs with senior officers of different services, such as the Nigeria Army, Immigration, Police and Navy. So, it was these photographs he showed his victims as a senior officer of the NSCDC.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2013

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Our laws are obsolete, says CJN Aloma-Mukhar

•CJN pledges to stem corruption, impunity in Judiciary •Centenary law summit holds in Abuja

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HE Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mariam AlomaMukhtar, has pledged not to condone corruption and impunity in the Judiciary.

She spoke in Abuja yesterday at the centenary law summit organised by the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) and the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

The theme of the summit is: “Law and society: A century of legal development in Nigeria.” The event is part of the activities marking the nation’s centenary anniversary.

Justice Aloma-Mukhtar promised to sustain the ongoing effort to weed out bad eggs from the system.

She regretted the inadequacy of the country’s laws, a development she attributed to the fact that most provisions in the nation’s statute books are archaic and obsolete.

The CJN urged the Legislature at the federal and state levels to do all they could to ensure that the nation’s laws are reviewed with a view to making them appropriately respond to contemporary socio-economic and political needs.

She urged the Executive to uphold the rule of law and

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

shun arbitrariness as a measure for growing the nation’s democracy.

Justice Aloma-Mukhtar, who assured that the Judiciary under her leadership would not condone indolence, corruption and unethical conduct, said the National Judicial Institute (NJI), which she heads, will sustain its efforts to ensure discipline and commitment to duty among judicial officers.

She said it was regrettable that despite the progress made by the country in the development of its legal institutions since its amalgamation in 1914, its laws were obsolete.

Said she: “Although Nigeria has made giant strides in its legal development in the past 100 years, it is disheartening that many of our laws are still archaic, obsolete, alien and are, therefore, not consistent with the current realities.

“Indeed, many laws, which have either been repealed or substantially modified in Britain, Nigeria’s former colonial master, still operate in the country without any change.

“Unless we take concrete steps in that direction, the society will move on and the law

Jonathan: we’ve raised bar against corruption

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has said his administration has raised the bar against corruption, compared with past administrations.

In his mid-term report presented to the public, the President said his administration pursues a more strategic, comprehensive and effective campaign against corruption.

He said his administration had gone beyond popular sentiments to address the root causes of corruption and enhance the capacity of the institutions to resist and overcome corrupt influences.

The report reads: “President Jonathan’s approach in fighting corruption is to focus on building strong institutions that have the capacity to overcome corrupt influences and not just to sermonise about corruption.

“This approach uses the rule of law as a framework to fight corruption since corruption is a feature of weak rule of law and weak institutions.”

The report said the widespread international perception of Nigeria as a corrupt country has caused damage to the dignity and honour of many honest and diligent Nigerians and to the country’s global competitiveness.

Some of the achievements of the adminiswill be left behind, gasping for breath and suffering from a legitimacy deficit.

“I enjoin the Executive arm of the government to ensure the institutionalisation and

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

tration against corruption, the report said, included: Signing the Freedom of Information Act into law, the uncovering of fraud and deletion of over 73,000 ghost/fake pensioners from the Head of Service/Police Pension Office.

Others were recovery and savings of over N225 billion from the two pension offices, halting the monthly theft of over N4 billion from the national treasury and reducing fraud by saving over N500 million monthly through the police pension releases.

“Another giant stride is the suspension of Justice Abubakar Talba of the FCT High Court, Gudu. The 12 months suspension follows the controversial judgment he delivered in respect of John Yusufu, who was prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged N32.8 billion Police Pension Fraud,” it said.

The recent dismissal of three judges found to have compromised their offices, the report said, is a signal of zero tolerance for corruption in the judiciary.

sustenance of the rule of law.

This is central to the transformation of a civilian government into a democratic government.

“This will, in turn, deepen

democracy and ensure in the words of our national anthem that ‘the labour of our heroes past shall never be in vain’.

“On our part, I assure this distinguished audience and

NLC makes case for workers’ pension remittance From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

THE Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) yesterday urged the management of the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) to ensure prompt remittance of the workers’ Contributory Pension Fund (CPS) to their Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs).

Speaking with reporters in Abuja during the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), the NLC President, Comrade Abdulwaheed Omar, represented by the Acting Secretary-General, Comrade Chris Uyot, said it was surprising that the National Assembly, which enacted the Pension Law in 2004, was in default of staff pension remittance.

Said he: “We are surprised and shocked that the management of the National Assembly has not been complying with the Pension Act 2004.

The Director of Personnel has explained that the workers have not come up with their PFAs and some came with double PFAs. “Well, I find it difficult to believe this. I think those who made the law should also respect it. I believe the management of the National Assembly should take a serious look at this issue and ensure that the remittance of the workers’ pension is made to the PFAs as and when due.”

The PASAN President, Comrade Fatai Jimoh, sought for the prompt remittance of the deducted pension funds to the pension managers.

•From left: Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Mohammed Bello Adoke, Justice Aloma-Mukhtar and President Goodluck Jonathan cutting the tape to declare the Exhibition Gallery open. With them is the Director-General of the Nigeria Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, at the 100 years of Legal Development in Nigeria, Centenary Law Summit, held at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja... yesterday.

PHOTO: AKIN OLADOKUN.

N4.5b fraud: Ex-EFCC worker faces trial for ‘receiving car gift’ T

HE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday arraigned one of its former workers, Abdullahi Ishaq, before Justice Salisu Garba of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja for allegedly receiving a Toyota Camry car gift from a suspect facing trial for alleged N4.5billion pension scam.

The former worker allegedly got the car gift as gratification from a former Director of Pension Accounts, Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Shuaibu Teidi.

According to a statement by the commission’s Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, the accused is facing trial on a two-count charge bordering on professional misconduct, corrupt practices and false declaration of assets.

The statement said: “The accused, a former Detective

•Court remands suspect in prison

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

Inspector with the EFCC attached to the Office of the Head of Operations, Abuja, is alleged to have used his position to fraudulently receive a Toyota Camry car as a gratification from Dr. Shuaibu Teidi, a former Director of Pension Accounts, Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, who is currently being prosecuted by the commission over a N4.5billion pension scam.

“Ishaq also failed to make disclosure in his Asset Declaration Form, a house he built in Yarlemo Naibawa area of Kano State, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 27(3)(a)of the Economic and Financial Crimes Com-

mission Act 2004 and punishable under Section 27(3) of the same Act. “One of the counts reads: ‘That you Abdullahi Ishaq, being an operative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) attached to the Office of the Head of Operations, Abuja on or about the 4th of November, 2010 in Abuja, within the Abuja Judicial Division of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory being a public officer used your position in the Office of the Head of Operations to receive a Toyota Camry car with registration number BG 260 MKA from Dr. Shuaibu Teidi as gratification for yourself and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 19 of the ICPC Act, 2000’.

“Ishaq’s tango with the law started when the ex-Director of Pension alleged that some persons collected money from him with a promise to help him out of the case he had with the commission.

“A forensic analysis conducted on Shuaibu’s telephone number revealed that Ishaq exchanged text messages with him and solicited financial and other materials assistance.

“Ishaq later admitted that he received N380, 000 from Shuaibu. Further investigation showed that Ishaq gave his wife’s international passport to Shuaibu, requesting for Hajj sponsorship, although the request was not granted.

“The accused pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to him.

“Upon the plea, counsel to the EFCC, O.I. Uket, asked the court to fix a date for trial and

the generality of Nigerians that the Nigerian Judiciary will partner other arms of government to make our laws relevant, accessible and responsive to the needs of Nigerians.

“Under my watch, there shall be zero tolerance for corruption in the Judiciary. Zero tolerance for the contravention of the Code of Conduct for judicial officers.

“Zero tolerance for unethical conduct. Zero tolerance for abuse of office. Zero tolerance for subversion of the political process through collusion with unscrupulous politicians.

“Zero tolerance for indiscriminate abuse of the equitable remedy of injunction.

Zero tolerance for incompetence. Zero tolerance for indolence.

“We shall sustain the current efforts of the National Judicial Council, which I chair, in weeding out the bad eggs that smear the image of the Nigerian Judiciary and bring opprobrium to an institution whose role makes the difference between the rule of law and jungle justice.”

Sambo hails Etisalat’s CSR footprints

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TISALAT Nigeria’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts has received an endorsement from Vice-President Namadi Sambo.

The Vice-President, who spoke at the launch of Etisalat Telecommunications Engineering Programme (ETEP), West Africa’s first Masters Course in Telecommunications Engineering at the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, hailed the network provider for its CSR efforts across Nigeria, especially in the education sector.

Sambo, who was represented by the Kaduna State Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, praised Etisalat and its partners for the CSR initiative.

According to him, the development has enhanced Etisalat Nigeria’s reputation as a socially-responsible company with a vision of empowering the society in education.

•The suspect, Ishaq

that the accused be remanded in prison custody.

“In response, counsel to the accused, Edwin Inegebu, prayed the court to grant him a short time to file the necessary papers for bail. He also prayed the court to remand the accused in EFCC custody pending the hearing of the bail application.

Justice Garba remanded the accused in prison custody and fixed July 4 for trial.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2013

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Fayemi dedicates court victory to Ekiti people

KITI State Governor Kayode Fayemi has dedicated his victory at the Supreme Court to Ekiti people.

He thanked them for their support before and since he assumed office.

In a statewide broadcast on Sunday night, Fayemi said the victory has strengthened his resolve to make life better for the people.

He said the Supreme Court’s dismissal of ousted “Governor” Olusegun Oni’s petition has affirmed that he (Fayemi) was elected by the people and called for the punishment of politicians, who steal the people’s mandate.

The governor praised the Justices of the Supreme Court for standing by the truth, adding that the judgment has again proved that the Judiciary is the last hope of the people.

He said the celebration that followed the verdict in Ekiti and beyond was proof that the Supreme Court gave a judicial seal to the wish of the electorate.

Fayemi paid tribute to his former Deputy Governor, the late Mrs. Funmilayo Olayinka, saying she gave all she had to the service of Ekiti. He said: “This victory is dedicated to her and to the good people of Ekiti State, who stood with us through thick and thin.”

The governor said he was

Youths decry Mimiko’s position on NGF election

Lawmaker urges Oni to support governor

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•Fayose: judgment won’t dampen our morale

HE member representing Ekiti Central Constituency I in the House of Representatives, Mr. Opeyemi Bamidele, has congratulated Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi on his victory at the Supreme Court.

Bamidele said the judgment “is a victory for the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and a quantum leap for our legal process and the growth of our democracy”.

He said: “I congratulate Fayemi on the outcome of the suit. No doubt, the judgment is a victory for the ACN and a quantum leap for our legal process and the growth of our democracy.

“In the same vein, I commend Mr. Segun Oni for reposing his confidence in the judicial process as the credible alternative to street action and for his doggedness in pursuing his grievances to a logical conclusion.

“Now that the highest court of the land has finally laid this matter to rest, my patriotic call to Oni, on behalf of well meaning Ekiti sons and daughters as well as stakeholders of our

democracy, is for him to support the Fayemi administration in addressing the critical needs of Ekiti people through good governance, massive job creation, continued infrastructural development, quality education and health care services, agrarian revolution and the growth of the Ekiti economy, among others.

“I urge Fayemi to jettison the idea of probing the Oni administration. As tempting as it might sound, it would be much more distracting than even the law suit. This is moreso when one realises that Ekiti politics in the last decade has been characterised by vindictiveness and retaliatory policies and attitudes that have ended up placing the state in a Barber’s chair that goes round and round ad infinitum without moving the state any inch forward.

“The truth about Ekiti is that in the last 17 years of its creation, many things have happened and stunted its growth to the disappointment of the founding fathers and well

meaning indigenes, many of who have become heart broken and frustrated.

“Beyond rhetorics, this is definitely the time to bury the hatchet and ensure that all hands are on deck to save Ekiti from becoming a failed State. Regardless of our political affiliation and ideological divides, this is the time for all of us to work together to heal the broken hearts and create a new and united Ekiti.

United we stand as a people, divided we fall. The time to heal Ekiti is now!”

Also yesterday, former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose said the judgment would not “dampen the morale” of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirants.

Fayose spoke at his campaign office in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, at the inauguration of Mr. Owoseni Ajayi as the Director-General of his campaign organisation.

Ajayi is a former Chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Ekiti chapter.

Fayose, who is seeking the party’s governorship ticket, said: “The judgment would strengthen the party and our

open to advice and constructive criticisms on how to consolidate on his development agenda.

He said ongoing projects across the state would be completed soon and new ones initiated.

Fayemi said Ekiti people are one and urged all indigenes to support his administration, irrespective of their

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

•Bamidele

resolve.”

He said the ongoing agitation for zoning by a section of the party would not work as far as the 2014 election is concerned.

Fayose said: “It would be stupid for any aspirant to think I would step down for him in the name of zoning. There will be a free, fair and credible primary for every formidable candidate that can withstand the heat to emerge.”

He promised to “organise free overseas medical care for pensioners and pay the 27.5 per cent salary increase demanded by teachers”, if elected.

Ajayi urged Fayose’s supporters to work for his success. He said: “We must not just sit by and think victory would come our way. We must go out and work.” political affiliations.

He said: “Let me use this opportunity to remind us that as a people, we are one indi-

Group backs Amosun for second term

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GROUP, the Oduduwa Youth Council (OYC), has criticised the position of Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko on the controversial election of the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF).

The group said Mimiko “openly acted the presidency’s script”.

In a statement by its National Coordinator, Comrade Festus OmoniyiBello, OYC said the governor “has abandoned his home and is aligning with an Abuja power broker because of his political ambition”.

It said the governor’s rapport with the Pr e s i d e n c y c o u l d b e because of the petition challenging his election before the Court of Appeal.

The group said: “The Labour Party (LP) administration in Ondo State has brought discomfort, pain and abject poverty to residents. The people are lacking in the midst of plenty.

Unemployment and nonpayment of the salary of some workers have become the order of the day.”

The group hailed Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi on his victory at the Supreme Court.

OYC lauded Fayemi’s leadership qualities, describing him as a blessing to the Yoruba race.

It said its members would c e l e b r a t e h i s achievements in Ekiti State.

visible entity, regardless of our different political persuasions. Politics will come and go, but Ekiti will outlive all of us, so we have to be mindful of the judgment of history.

“The vision of our founding fathers is to have a state that we can all be proud of and this has been our guiding principle in our policy choices since the inception of this administration.

“We intend to pursue this noble cause with more vigour. As I stated in my inaugural speech on October 16, 2010, our only choice is to continue on the path of reconciliation and renewal, because this state is bigger than us all.

“On this note, I extend my hand of fellowship to our brothers on the other side.

Our state needs all men and women of goodwill and intellect to develop. As a government, we shall be receptive to suggestions and constructive advice from all and sundry, who show commitment to the development of our beloved state.

“To members of our great party, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), let us be magnanimous in victory. As we celebrate, please eschew unnecessary bickering on account of differences in political affiliations and be mindful of the enormous burden that this victory has further placed on our shoulders.”

•The Lagos State Chief Judge, Justice Ayotunde Phillips flanked by the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos Court of Arbitration (LCA), Ms. Megha Joshi and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Training Consultant, Mr. Olusola Adegbonmire at the second training for judges in Lagos State at the Epe Resort and Spa.

GROUP in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, “SIA Lekan Si”, has endorsed Governor Ibikunle Amosun for a second term.

It said it was impressed with the governor’s performance.

In a statement by Chief Samson Oderinde after the group’s inaugural meeting, the group said Amosun has improved all sectors of the economy, particularly roads, agriculture, education and health.

The group pledged to support the governor for a second term in 2015.

It said: “We are intrigued by his ingenuity and his positive leadership. We unanimously resolved to continue to support him till the end of his current term and for a second term in May 2015, so that he can complete the good work he has started.”

Osun CPC endorses Aregbesola for re-election

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HE Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in Osun State has endorsed Governor Rauf Aregbesola for a second term.

CPC made the decision at the weekend at the main hall of GMT Hotel in Osogbo, the state capital, during a public awareness programme on the merger of some opposition parties.

The programme was organised by CPC in collaboration with a socio-political volunteer group, ‘De Raufs’.

CPC’s Legal Adviser Mr. Segun Oyewole moved the motion for Aregbesola’s endorsement for a second

term and it was seconded by the CPC Chairman in Osun West Senatorial District, Mr. Francis Kayode.

Acting CPC State Chairman Alhaji Hamid Abdulhamid said Aregbesola’s endorsement was in fulfillment of the merger agreement as directed by the party’s national council.

He warned any person or group planning to use CPC as a machinery of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to perish the thought.

Abdulhamid hailed the party’s Youth Leader, Mr. Majeed Yahaya, who was absent at the programme

due to illness, for the “great role he played in fostering harmony in Osun CPC”.

Aregbesola, who was represented by the Commissioner for Cooperative, Commerce and Empowerment, Alhaji Ismail Alagbada, thanked the CPC for having faith in him, pledging that the party would not be left out in the scheme of things.

He said his administration would remain focused on delivering more dividends of democracy to the people.

CPC National Financial Secretary Pastor Folorunsho Longe, who represent-

ed the party’s National Leader, Gen. Mohammadu Buhari (rtd.), delivered a goodwill message from the national party.

The party’s spokesman, Mr. Awwal Kazeem, led the Hausa Community from 30 local government areas to the programme.

Dignitaries at the event included the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Kolapo Alimi; DirectorGeneral of De Raufs Comrade Amitolu Shittu, who delivered the keynote address; Dr. Femi Olufunmilade of the Igbinedion University in Edo State; a rights activist and Executive Di-

•Aregbesola

rector of the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), Comrade Moshood Erubami and a CPC chieftain, Mr. Dapo Oyewumi, among others.

THE NATION TUESDAY JUNE 4, 2013

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NEWS

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•Sales and Marketing Director, Fidson Health Care Plc, Mr. Ogunfunke Ijimakin (left); the General Manager Marketing, Mr. Ola Ijimakin (second right); Mr. Olameji Oduyebo, the Corporate Service Manager (right) and a woman during the 2013 Pharmaceutical Association of Nigerian Student Astymin Night in Lagos…yesterday.

PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLIAM

Orin-Ekiti killing: Victim’s family seek govt’s help T

HE father of the late Miss Tayo Abe, who was allegedly killed by a policeman in Orin-Ekiti on October 20, 2011, has urged the government and well-meaning Nigerians to help him offset debts incured while treating survivors of the incident.

The late Tayo and four of her siblings were harvesting maize at their farm on the Orin-Ido-Ekiti road when a policeman from Ido Police Station allegedly shot at them, killing Tayo instantly and injuring two of her siblings.

The policeman allegedly shot and injured four people who went to the station to protest the killing.

Speaking with The Nation

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

at their Orin-Ekiti home yesterday, the late Tayo’s father, Pa Felix Abe, said the family incurred nearly N800,000 debt during the period, adding that every member of his family has been trying to repay the debt.”

Pa Abe said: “I seem to have lost everything in life with the killing of my daughter.

“I cannot move freely in town again as I am still owing the people I borrowed money from to bury Tayo and pay the hospital bills of

the other children, including Niyi, my son, and Kemi, his female friend.

“I urge the state government to kindly come to our rescue. Despite the fact that I will be 70 this year, I still go to the farm.

“My children also farm because they cannot find any other work and we must eat.

“Niyi and Kemi have continued to feel pains in their arms and have been taking medications. This is a burden I wish someone would take off the family.”

Niyi said: “The policeman that killed my sister has been on bail and the court case has

stopped.

“We do not know what is happening again. We were disappointed when we heard that the policeman had been released.

“This, according to our lawyer, is strange because the policeman is charged for murder, a capital offence.

“We are also not being invited again by anyone in respect of the case.

“Is it possible for us to forget that someone we know, a policeman, killed a member of our family?

“Is it possible for us to forget the case?

“I urge the state government to assist us. All I can say is that some people are trying to cover up the killing. This will not be possible by the grace of God.”

Abiola’s daughter advocates equal rights for women

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HE first daughter of the slain Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, Mrs. Hafsat Abiola -Costello, yesterday said the democracy her mother fought and died for is yet to uphold the rights of women.

She said women lack access to basic social services and the political offices enjoyed by men.

The late Alhaja Kudirat Abiola was the wife of the acclaimed winner of the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election, Chief MKO Abiola, who died in military incarceration in 1998.

Alhaja Kudirat Abiola was gunned down in Oregun, Lagos, on June 4, 1996, by suspected agents of the late military dictator, Gen. Sani Abacha.

In a statement to commemorate the 17th memorial anniversary of her mother, Mrs. Abiola-

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

Costello urged political parties to recognise and protect women’s rights.

She said of the 54 per cent of Nigerians living in poverty, 60 per cent are women and children.

Mrs. Abiola-Costello said: “After marking the most recent military to civilian handover date of May 29, 1999, political parties are preparing for the 2015 election.

“Perhaps for the first time since the historic presidential election of June 12, 1993, the forthcoming election looks to be set for a contest between two strong parties, the Peoples Democratic (PDP) and, if registered, the All Progressive Congress (APC).

“Yet, one question requires an urgent answer from the parties: Will the parties recognise the full

rights of Nigerian women or not?

“More than the other sex, women in Nigeria have borne the brunt of the hollow political pact that the post-colonial state has fashioned out with the Nigerian people.

“In terms of social services, access for women and girls are worse than that of men and boys.

“Ernst & Young recently reported a positive correlation between women’s par-

ticipation in government and good governance. This finding is also supported by the Mo (Ibrahim) Index on Governance.

“So it seems fitting on the anniversary of my mother’s assassination that all lovers of democracy rise up to demand that women be given their rightful place in Nigeria’s democracy.”

Mrs. Abiola-Costello, who is the Special Adviser to Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), said in some parts of the country, 1,500 of every 100,000 women die during childbirth.

She said women fare worse in the labour market, when they are looking for jobs.

Mrs. Abiola-Costello said: “While only 10 per cent of the six million graduates produced by universities yearly will secure jobs, only 30 per cent of this already low figure will be women.”

house in order by following laid down democratic practices.

He said: “As leaders, governors must show quality leadership and strengthen our democracy, not endanger it. I urge governors to beware of some elements in the NGF, who are bent on disrupting the forum for their personal gains.

“Those are the kind of men that can be described as ‘hiding behind one finger to perpetrate evils while pretending to be saints’.”

Abidakun urged Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko to focus on improving the standard of living in the state, rather than battling the progressive forces in the Southwest.

‘Ernst & Young recently reported a positive correlation between women’s participation in government and good governance.’

Put your house in order, ex-lawmaker tells governors

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FORMER member of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Mr. Omotayo Abidakun, has said the All Progressives Congress (APC) will wrest power from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2015.

He said APC would enthrone true democracy and deliver good governance, if it takes over power at the cen-

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

tre.

The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) chieftain urged the people to vote for the APC in the next presidential election to “end the PDP’s over 14 years of misrule”.

Abidakun urged members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) to put their

Funsho Williams: ‘No new forensic report on suspects’

HE prosecutor in the murder of former Lagos State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Mr. Funsho Williams, yesterday told the Lagos State High Court, Igbosere, that there is no new forensic report in the case.

Six men, Bulama Kolo, Musa Maina, David Cassidy, Tunani Sonani, Mustapha Kayode and Okponwasa Imariabie, are on trial for the alleged murder, which occurred seven years ago.

The prosecutor invited a retired Assitant InspectorGeneral of Police, Mr. Adedayo Adeoye, as a witness.

Adedayo was said to be in charge of Police Zone Two Command, comprising Lagos and Ogun, when the PDP chieftain was assassinated.

The prosecutor, Mrs O. Akin-Adesomoju, said the former police chief prom-

By Joseph Jibueze

ised to be in court at the next adjournment date.

Williams, who was campaigning for the 2007 governorship election in Lagos, was murdered on July 27, 2006, at his 34A, Corporation Drive, Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos home.

Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of forensics at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, Mr Movie Oyokomino, said the police have not made any report on the case.

Two persons earlier arrested in connection with the murder were exonerated after a DNA test was reportly conducted in Britain.

Under cross-examination by defence counsel, Okezie Agbara, Oyokomino said: “I did say that the aspect of the DNA test to identify those who committed the crime was not carried by us.

‘Don’t ban us in Ogun’, motorcyclists beg Amosun

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From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

OMMERCIAL motorcyclists yesterday urged Ogun State Governor Ibikuinle Amosun not to ban them from operating in the state.

The motorcyclists, under the aegis of the Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycle Riders’ Association of Nigeria (ACOMORAN), converged in Abeokuta, the state capial, at a seminar organised for them, tagged: ‘Ride to live’ .

They said a ban on their operation would create more security challenges, increase unemployment and affect many homes.

The association’s Chairman, Chief Samsudeen Apelogun, said commercial motorcycling has created jobs for many people and is contributing to the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) .

Adebayo said: “Banning commercial motorcycles is not the solution to the problems associated with commercial motorcycling. At a point in this country, we had serious problems with fake drugs. The pharmaceutical companies were not shut. The war against fake drugs was initiated and fought seriously.

“The banning of commercial motorcycles by some state governments would do us more harm than good. It is obvious that the level of unemployment has increased and many more youths rendered jobless. If care is not taken, more youths will take to crime.

“Do not forget that financial insecurity is very fundamental and if we are truly serious about making our country a secure place for all, we must give the necessary attention to the financial independence of our people.”

House of Assembly Speaker Suraj Adekunbi and the National President of the association, Sheu Maihula Babangida, were at the event.

Ondo Assembly screens commissioner-nominees

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From Damisi Ojoi, Akure

HE Ondo State House of Assembly has screened 12 of the 18 commissioner-nominees presented to it by Governor Olusegun Mimiko.

The lawmakers screened six nominees last week before resuming yesterday to screen six more.

Those screened by the House include Kayode Akinmade, Dayo Adeyanju, Nicholas Tofowomo, Yemi Mammud and Sola Ebiseni.

The remaining nominees would be screened today.

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Professionals hail Ajimobi

GROUP, the Itesiwaju Professionals, has hailed Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi on the composition of a Caretaker Committee for Itesiwaju Local Government.

The committee, chaired by Mr. Adisa Adeniji, will manage the council’s affairs for six months.

In a statement by its spokesman, Mr. Oladejo Olabisi, the group said: “We extend same to the Speaker and members of the House of Assembly for resisting the unholy pressure mounted on them by a supposedly influential member, who obvi-

ously was on an errand for opportunists who are pretending to support the transformation agenda of the Ajimobi administration.

“The House has earned this accolade for clearing Adeniji, whose achievements in the past 18 months shall be brought to public knowledge in our subsequent statements.

“As stakeholders in our community, we hold close to our heart the defence of our long-deprived people and promote individuals, institutions and programmes conceived to improve their living conditions.

THE NATION TUESDAY JUNE 4, 2013

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NEWS LAUNCH OF OPON-IMO IN OSUN

•Tambuwal (left) greeting Atiku...yesterday. With them is Asiwaju Tinubu

•Chief Akande(second right); Mrs Laoye-Tomori (right); Mrs Fayemi and Country Director, United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), Prof Hassana Alidou...yesterday

150,000 Osun pupils to get Opon-Imo •Atiku, Tinubu, others hail Aregbesola’s foresight

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SUN State hosted the cream of dignitaries from across the country yesterday as Governor Rauf Aregbesola inaugurated his pet project – the tablet of knowledge for pupils.

The tablet of knowledge, Opon Imo, is an ipad that contains textbooks, tutorial and practice questions to prepare high school pupils for learning and their school leaving examinations.

No fewer than 150,00 of the tablets, designed to democratise access to learning, will be distributed to high school pupils, Aregbesola said.

Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka said the electronic device would afford the pupils in the state the opportunity to learn faster than their counterparts in other parts of the country.

Dignitaries in attendance were led by House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal, Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi and his wife, Florence, federal and state lawmakers, traditional rulers led by Ooni of Ife Oba Okunade Sijuwade and the Owa Obokun of Ijebuland Oba Adekunle Aromolaran.

There were also former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, National Chairman of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Chief Bisi Akande, National Leader of the ACN Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Mallam Nasir elRufai, Senators Oluremi Tinubu and Sola Adeyeye, who represented Prof. Soyinka, Deputy Governor of Lagos State Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, who represented Governor Babatunde Fashola, House of Representatives Minority Leader Femi Gbajabiamila and Lt Gen Alani Akinrinade.

Also present were the wife of Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, Erelu Bisi and members of the executive council and lawmakers in Osun State.

Other traditional rulers in attendance included the Oragun of Ila, Oba

From Adesoji Adeniyi,

Osogboand Kofoworola Belo-

Osagie

Wahab Oyedotun, the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, the Akirun of Ikirun, Oba Rauf Adedeji, the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdulrasheed Olabomi and the Olufon of Ifon-Osun, Oba Kunle Magbagbeola.

The ceremony was held at the Zanabab Resource Centre in IloIjesa near Ilesa, Aregbesola’s home town.

Prof. Soyinka said Aregbesola has revolutionised the education sector.

Tinubu described Aregbesola as a man of principle, determination, optimism and progressivism, whom he said always believed in achievements and transformation.

Tinubu, who noted that Aregbesola has all it takes to perform wonders, described him as a tested and trusted administrator, who knows his onions.

The ACN National Leader passed a vote of confidence in Aregbesola for the initiative, saying he has proven a worthy choice for governor.”When we were doing this fight, a fight that your stolen mandate should be restored, we knew what we have; we know that you are worthy and thank you for not dissappointing us,” he said.

Tinubu also praised Aregbesola’s first son, Kabiru, whom he invited to the podium, for the role he played in making the project a reality.

“There is one young man who participated on this project, and that is his (Aregbesola’s) son, Kabiru. I know what your contribution to this is. I know your father will not want to say it, but I am very very proud of you,” he said.

An elated Aregbesola said 150,000 Senior Secondary School (SSS) pupils will get the tablet free of charge.

He said his administration embarked on the project to build a knowledge-based society and digital-driven economy to build human capacity to gain competitive advantage to develop the nation.

•Pupils displaying the tablets...yesterday

‘150,000 of these tablets are being distributed to all high school students across state. In a move that is expected to radically democratise access to learning, regardless of means, location or status’ He said: “The Tablet of Knowledge is a standalone e-learning tablet that provides the high school pupils with the contents required to prepare for school leaving examinations. It provides three major contents categories, textbooks,tutorials and practice questions.

“150,000 of these tablets are being distributed to all high school students across the state. In a move that is expected to radically democratise access to learning, regardless of means, location or status. Consequently, the initiative seeks to bring school closer to the students and serve as a silver bullet to the learning challenges facing our continent.

It is one of Osun’s multi-pronged efforts at reforming education.

“The Opon Imo delivers compelling self-placed standalone courses, conducted in a highly interactive computer-based learning environment and synchronised to a library of relevant e-books and a computer-based testing environment.

Opon-Imo is the first of its kind initiative in the Nigeria. Africa and

arguably, world, which tackles the learning problem using contemporary ICTS, indigenous content and taking into account socially embedded factors accordingly.”

Aregbesola described the tablet as a portable electronic device, which is controlled through its touch screen interface, and is available across the open source Android Operating System. He added: “It is an electronic device, first of its kind mobile learning tool that pupils can use in multiple locations, at home, in school and any other location.”

According to him, other things that make Opon Imo ground-breaking were stand alone customised content, which works regardless of data networks, making it suitable for developing countries with unreliable networks.

He said: “Indigenous and customised content like multimedia content that has 56 tutorials and e-textbooks covering 17 subjects, over 40,000 practice questions and answers, seven extra- curricular books. Opon Imo can track academic progress of the pupil. An independent powering communal solar charging systems are installed in the schools for convenience. The device can also be powered by electricity at home.

“First of its kind, stand alone educational tablet, using indigenous content. It will save the state of Osun an estimated N8.4 billion($53 million) annaually in textbook procurement costs.”

Deputy Governor Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori, who is also the Commissioner for Education, described Aregbesola as a special gift , who is passionate about the development and progress of the state.

Atiku described e-learning and digital learning as the way forward for Nigeria.

He said: “In my view, our greatest asset in this country is not oil; it is not cocoa; it is not cassava or groundnuts. And I respect all our farmers and their contributions towards our development. Our greatest asset is our people, the Nigerian people. We have to educate and train our teeming young population if we seriously hope to develop this country.”

The founder of American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola, while underscoring the importance of education, said experience has shown that education and training will open doors of opportunity to students and help in rebuilding the country.

Atiku added: “Education opened doors of opportunity for me and gave me what I have today. Only education can guarantee the future of our young people.”

He informed the gathering that as founder of the AUN, he and the team put together to birth the university recognised the imperative of e-learning and digital learning and that the Yola-based development university is better for it.

He praised the Osun State government for recognising the need for this important investment in a major component of e-learning.

“The education of our children and the overall development of our human capital is something that we can all agree on, irrespective of our political parties or platforms. We may disagree on the details or the how and where. But very few people would ask why we should give our children good quality education.”

BUSINESS

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2013

THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

Naira eases on strong dollar demand

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HE naira eased slightly yesterday on dollar demand from fuel importers and foreign investors repatriating dividends, despite oil firms selling the U.S. currency.

Demand for the U.S. dollar has surged in the last three weeks, exerting pressure on the naira, as fuel importers and investors repatriating their dividends snap up any available hard currency.

The unit closed at N158.28 to the dollar at the interbank, compared with Friday’s close of N158.20.

This was despite the Nigerian units of Chevron selling $28.8 million, Italian oil firm Eni selling $23 million and Chineseowned Addax selling $13 million to some lenders, dealers told Reuters.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) auctioned $350 million at N155.74 to the dollar on its foreign currency auction yesterday, as against $371.7 million it sold at the same rate at last Wednesday’s auction.

The apex Bank doesn’t provide data on dollar demand at its auctions.

Dealers expect the naira to trade at the N158 level this week as more oil firms sell their dollars to the banks in order to fund their domestic obligation in local currency.

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

- Minister of Information, Labaran Maku

RMAFC adopts terrain for new revenue formula

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•December roll-out date confirmed

HE Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) is set to adopt terrain as a formula for sharing revenue for the States and Local Government Councils from the Federation Account.

This policy will be adopted under the Horizontal Revenue Allocation Formula to be included in the on-going review of the current Revenue Allocation Formula Engr. Elias Mbam, Chairman of the Commission disclosed this yesterday in Abuja at the opening of a 3-Day MultiAgency meeting.

He also confirmed December as the roll-out date for the new revenue sharing formula as exclusively reported by The Nation yesterday.

Mbam reiterated the Commission’s ardent desire to ensure fair and equitable implementation of all factors under the Horizontal Revenue Allocation Formula.

He charged participants at the meeting to come up with invaluable contributions that will help in resolving all the contending issues as well as address all complaints arising from there.

Earlier in his remarks, the Commission’s Indices and Disbursements Committee Chairman, Sen. Chris Adighije ob-

From: Onyedi Ojiabor, Sanni Onogu and Nduka Chiejina in Abuja

served that prior to the introduction of Landmass and Terrain as factors on the Horizontal Revenue Allocation Formula, most of the factors used in allocating revenue to the constituent parts of the Federation by the Commission were essentially socio-economic in nature.

He stressed that in applying these twin factors the Commission observed “terrain is a more significant variable of the two since it has primary effect on development costs and sometimes represents a constraint to development, (physical constraints such as steep slopes, rugged terrain and swampy or soft subsoil often present severe construction difficulties).”

On the other hand, he said the size of a State or Local Government area presents not only the total area, which should be developed, but also administrative problems and cost.

Sen. Adighije also explained that the Commission noted that allocation on the Terrain factor was hitherto done on Equality basis instead of the terrain types, which made it possible for some States to earn what they ought not to have earned as the money

•Senate to amend budgeting

under the terrain factor is shared on equality basis. He said this is not fair to those States and Local Governments with difficult terrains.

The RMAFC Indices and Disbursements Committee Chair told participants that this anomaly will be corrected soon as the OSGOF has successfully carried out a survey of Terrains for all the States and Local Governments Areas and submitted a comprehensive report to the Commission.

However, according to him, some of the States and Local Governments had written to the Commission to claim that the figures in the said report did not reflect their actual terrain types, which was why RMAFC assembled experts from the OSGOF and the National Boundary Commission and other stakeholders to sort out the grey areas.

In a related development, Mbam, who spoke at a two-day Public Hearing organised by the Senate joint committee on National Planning, Economic Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, and Finance on a proposed review of National Planning and Budgeting Process in the country, noted that his commission was worried that after 14 years, the country has not formulated

a new revenue sharing structure.

The Public Hearing resulted from a motion sponsored by Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi (Ekiti North) on the need for a radical review of the budgeting process in the country.

The RMFAC boss said that the country has continued to operate the revenue sharing formula prepared by the military.

He said that the commission has appealed to the public and stakeholders to make their memoranda, suggestions and presentation on how they wanted a new revenue formula to be fashioned in the overall interest of the country.

The Chairman of the joint committee, Senator Barnabas Gemade, in his opening remarks, expressed the need for a national budget process that is devoid of the current annual incremental envelope system.

The Benue State lawmaker noted that the envisaged budgeting process should be that which will provide alternative planning policies and strategies for the harmonsation of the activities of government agencies and the private sectors.

He said that in the course of debate of Senator Adetunmbi’s motion, a sharp disconnect between the multi-year develop-

ment plans and the annual national budget under which the Federal Ministry of Finance prepares the budget with little or no regards to ministries, departments and agencies, was discovered.

Gemade, who is also Chairman, Senate Committee on National Planning and Economic Affairs said that the importance of national planning to any nation cannot be overemphasized.

Mr. Martins Oke, who represented the Federal Character Commission, faulted the situation where the Commission is not involved in the budgeting process.

Professor Henry Boyo, a financial analyst, said the need for the current planning and budget process to be overhauled has become over due.

Aside Boyo, other stakeholders at the public hearing include the Vice Chancellor, Various University, Professor Mike Kwanashie, Chukwuma Agu, Institute for Development Studies as well as the Former Director, National Planning Commission, Ayodele Omotosho.

Omotosho in his presentation stated that a budget without a plan is like a river without a course.

DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil -$107/barrel Cocoa-$2,686.35/metric ton Coffee - ¢132.70/pound Cotton - ¢95.17pound Gold -$1,800/troy ounce Rubber ¢159.21pound MARKET CAPITALISATIONS NSE JSE NYSE LSE

-N10.6 trillion -Z5.112trillion -$10.84 trillion -£61.67 trillion

RATES Inflation -9% Treasury Bills -7.08% Maximum lending -22.42% Prime lending -15.87% Savings rate -2% 91-day NTB -15% Time Deposit -5.49% MPR -12% Foreign Reserve $48b FOREX CFA -0.2958 EUR -206.9 £ -242.1 $ -156 ¥ -1.9179 SDR -238 RIYAL -40.472

•From left: Finance Director, Unicontinental International Enginering Company Limited, Rubby Wang, Chairman, Unicontinental International Enginering Company Limited, Alex Wang, Executive Director, Multiverse PLC Ayo Oluwasusi and Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Multiverse PLC, Ayedun Fasina at a joint Partnership Agreement between the firms in Lagos PHOTO: ADEJO David.

Reps, CPC probe banks over malfunctioning ATMs

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HE House of Representa tives and the Consumer Protection Council (CPC) have begun investigation into allegations of wrongful withholding of customers’ monies through malfunctioning Automated Teller Machines (ATM).

The decision of the lawmakers followed the adoption of a petition on the issue presented

by Ali Ahmad (PDP, Kwara).

He noted that the trend is a threat to the country’s transi-

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

tion to cashless economy.

The petition, according to Ahmad, who is also Chairman, House Committee on Justice, narrated how customers went through harrowing experiences through malfunctioning ATMs. Ahmad said: “The petitioner narrated how he went through due process by making formal complaint of reporting the nondispense of his money while his

account was debited. He resorted to the petition and House of Representatives’ intervention two months after the incident to curb further tactical manipulation of the banking system.”

Ahmad, while defending the need for the investigation, noted that withholding customers’ money for more than the stipulated period should not be treated with levity.

The petition reads on part:

“The banks would continue to indulge in this since there is no sanction to make them responsible by ensuring that their ATMs are always in good condition. It may not be out of place that the trend might be deliberate, probably in a bid to use unsuspecting customers’ money to ease their (banks) financial pressure.

“This is because if all the incidences are recorded and the funds aggregated by all the

banks, there is no doubt that we will be talking about millions of Naira being deliberately denied customers while the banks are feeding fat on it.

“These funds are held supposedly for 10 working days, which translates to at least two weeks and the owner of the fund is made to run from pillar to post and at the end of the day, no interest is added to the fund, he said.”

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2013

BUSINESS NEWS

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‘Abandoned projects value hits N8t’

HE Institute of Project Management of Nigeria (IPMN) has raised the alarm over the growing rate of abandoned projects in the country estimated at over N8 trillion.

The institute expressed worry that as at 2011, there were 12,000 abandoned Federal Government’s projects scattered across the country estimated to worth over N8 trillion.

Given that there are increasing cases of abandoned projects every year, the institute said that the figures recorded therefore, represents an incomplete inventory. The correct figure may well be some 20 per cent higher, the Institute added.

Addressing reporters in Abuja on the plans of IPMN, President of the IPMN, Dr. Veronica Okoronkwo, said: “Earlier this year another committee probing the activities of Niger Delta Development

Nduka Chiejina (Assistant Editor)

Commission (NDDC), a recent creation, also alleged that 285 projects were in a state of abandonment in three of the nine oil producing states.”

The implication of this is that projects that would have impacted positively on the economy and overall social development of the nation litter the corners and open spaces of the country.

To check this ugly trend, IPMN she said, will sponsor a bill at the National Assembly to expose this menace of abandoned projects in the country.

Beyond exposing culprits of abandoned projects, the bill will also seek to make the institute a chartered body, she added.

She said: “The Institute has decided to sponsor a bill in the National Assembly to make for

its Charter status as this will help to expose this menace and handle their perpetrators accordingly.”

The statutory recognition of the Institute by an Act of the National Assembly, she said, will give the Institute legal backing in the regulation of project management activities in the country.

If passed, the IPMN Act she said “will imply that all projects will either be performed by professionals or be supervised by a legitimate project management consultancy for the purpose of promoting the integrity of the institute.

“Any such project handled by a fellow or his consultancy that does not meet specification of quality would be in violation of professional ethics, which shall be punishable accordingly and shall serve as a deterrent to others.”

Multiverse, Chinese firm sign mining deal

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Chinese mining , Unicontinental In ternational Engineering Company Limited has signed a multi-million dollar joint venture agreement with Multiverse Plc to commence work on new mining projects in the country.

Speaking after the signing event at in Lagos, Chairman, Unicontinental International Engineering Company Limited, Mr Alex Wang, said the company plans to build quarries that will supply granite and minerals to support infrastructure projects across the country.

He said his company will also extend mining exploration to other states of the country, adding that the project will allow both partners to supply high quality variety of products to the market.

Mr Wang said the company will establish new

Story by Daniel Essiet

mining sites and production facilities using modern exploration techniques and deploying capital.

He lamented that the vast mineral deposits of the country were left largely untapped, adding that the company plans to a c q u i r e e x p l o r at i o n l i cences for exploration.

The Managing Director, Multiverse Plc, Mr Ayedun Fasina, expressed delight a t t h e d e ve l o p m e n t , stressing that the joint venture partnership marked a new dawn in the mining sector of the economy.

He said the two companies will be involved in exploring mineral deposits in every state of the federation. He added that the expected increase in productivity will increase returns on investment (ROI) for shareholders in the medium and long-

term.

Fasina said the construction industry will benefit from the expected major increase in the supply of construction materials. This development he said, will provide employment opportunities to both skilled and unskilled labour.

He said the joint venture has a long-term economic benefit for the country, stressing that it is a demonstration confidence in the economy.

Multiverse, one of the leaders in the production of granite, has expanded into the solid minerals mining with focus on lead ore, barite ore and copper ore.

Its core business line spans through exploring, extracting, prospecting, boring refining and drilling for producing and quarry mining of stones and rocks into different configuration and classification especially granite chipping and stone dust.

NCC floats emergency intervention centre

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S part of the measures to ensure prompt response to distress calls especially in accident cases by Kano residents, the Nigeria communication commission NCC has established an emergency intervention center in Kano .

The center - a multi-million Naira project,according to NCC, will respond to rising cases of accidents and other unpleasant developments leading to loss of lives and properties largely due to lack of adequate and functional emergency center project.

The Kano NCC Emergency Center located in the Nassarawa GRA and well equipped with

A

Story by Kolade Adeyemi

modern communication equipment linking the head quarters of the various security agencies operating in the state including the fire service, the Federal Road Safety, Civil Defense Corps among others.

Speaking while inspecting the project yesterday in Kano, Engr.

Emeshili O. Joseph, Technical Assistant to permanent Secretary who represented the minister of Ministry of Communication Technology, said the Project will soon be commissioned. He pointing out that it will go a long way in saving lives and properties as the relevant agencies would respond

promptly to distress calls which will be channeled to their various head quarters simulteanously through the emergency center.

In addition the complex which has well equipped offices for the security personnel that would form part of the team in the center, it also has stateof-the-art communication equipment that will facilitate communication between officers at the emergency center and their respective offices.

Already, the MTN network has interconnected the center while other communication companies are expected to join before the official commissioning of the project.

Etisalat supports entrepreneurs

S part of efforts to contribe to the growth of young entrepreneurs in the country, telecommunications firm, Etisalat has lent its support to the Rise, Raise and Give (RRG) initiative, which is the maiden edition of the programme.

The networking and shopping event, held in Lagos, according to a statement, is a platform to encourage young entrepreneurs with already established businesses to showcase their products and services in a highly interactive and

relaxing environment. In addition, the event according to a statement, was organized in support of the Down Syndrome Foundation of Nigeria, a non-governmental organization that is committed to bridging the gap between Down syndrome patients with the rest of the society through various support systems.

Head, Events and Sponsorships, Etisalat Nigeria, Modupe Thani, said the company’s decision to come onboard the project was borne out of the need to encourage

young men and women who dared to follow their dreams by converting their passions into profitable business ventures.

“At Etisalat we are committed to spurring young entrepreneurs to maximizing their full potentials. We believe that the future of Nigeria’s economy lies with budding entrepreneurs, as such we consider them an important part of our target audience, designing products and services that speak directly to their needs,” she said.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2013

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2013

ENERGY

15

TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2013

THE NATION

E-mail:- energy@thenationonlineng.net

Institute warns against fossil fuel impact T on climate change HE Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) has cautioned against the consumption of fossil fuels in the country to reduce the destructive consequences of climate change.

Its Director-General Prof Epiphany Azinge (SAN) made this call while declaring open a workshop on climate change at the Institute’s University of Lagos, Akoka campus.

He attributed last year’s flooding which wrecked havoc in various parts of the country to climate change.

The keynote speaker, Director, Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOME) and Co-coordinator, Oil Watch International, Mr. Nnimmo Bassey, said man’s addiction to fos-

By John Austin Unachukwu

sil fuel might be his greatest undoing.

He spoke on the topic: Ambition, selfishness and climate action.

He said such impact could be seen in changes in ocean circulation, rising sea-surface temperatures, crop failures, among others.

He said: “Global warming occurs due to increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Heat come from the sun in short waves, but when bounced off the earth they go up in long waves.

“Whereas the short waves pass

through the atmosphere without resistance, the greenhouse gases trap some of the long waves trying to exit the atmosphere.

“Scientists estimate that without the greenhouse effect the earth would be as cold as minus 18 degrees Celsius. That does sound like we should celebrate the greenhouse gases in the air, right? Well, the trouble kicks in when the concentration of the greenhouse gases gets higher than they ought to be.

“The principal of greenhouse gas is carbon dioxide (CO2). Its level has increased by third since the in-

dustrial revolution while that of methane has doubled.

“As the reports of three conservative agencies have shown, unless the world embarks on a swift energy transition, the course is set for calamitous global warming.

“Rather than seek ways to move from dependence on fossils fuels, rich nations are literally fighting to secure fossil fuels reserves to ensure they can keep guzzling same and not change their high consumption lifestyles.

“So-called emerging nations, like those in the BRICS3 bloc are equally ramping up their consumption levels as they assert the right to pollute so as to grow or as they grow. Thus, growth may now be seen as a measure of pollution.

“Researchers estimate that at the current rate of consumption of petroleum resources, China alone can exhaust the known stock in just one decade. Indeed, it is estimated that by 2030 the USA and China will together generate 45

percent of global carbon emission.”

Bassey said pollutions and the global warming threats notwithstanding, the case to squeeze the last drops of fossils from the earth is on.

According to him, an official US Department of Energy report is quoted to have said “the world has never faced a problem like this.”

“Previous assessments showed that for global temperature to stay within a two degrees Celsius, increased annual emissions ought to average 44 gigatonnes (Gt) or less by 2010.

“UNEP scientist, however, believe that current levels are 14 per cent above what should be the level in 2010 and that if urgent actions are not taken, an emissions gap of eight Gt of CO2 equivalent could happen.

“Although time is ticking fast, the peoples of the world must continually press for climate justice, understanding that no nation, rich or poor, is immune to the challenge of global warming.

“This has been amply illustrated by the tragic weather events that have fairly democratically impacted nations around the world. “

Alison-Madueke: no going back on zero gas flaring

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•From left: Managing Director, Bank of Industry, Ms Evelyn Oputu; former President of Ghana, John Kufuor; Mrs Alison-Madueke; President, Southeast Southsouth Professionals of Nigeria, Emeka Ugwu-Oju and Executive Secretary, Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Ernest Nwapa, at the event.

Fabrication yard to begin operation in August T HE fabrication yard being constructed at the Snake Island in Lagos by Kaztec Engineering Limited, a leading oil service company and a subsidiary of the Chrome Group owned by business mogul, Sir Emeka Offor, will begin operation in August, it was learnt.

The fabrication, which Kaztec is building with its technical partner, Addax Petroleum Limited when operational, will be fabricating jackets, topsides, and other equipment as well as develop a lot of talents in the process.

A Director of the company, Mr Tochukwu Odukwe, who spoke to The Nation at the Kaztec’s stand during the offshore technology conference (OTC) in the United States, said the company showcased its capabilities at the event and attracted numerous international and Nigerian companies that have shown interest to do business with it and also collaborate in different areas.

He said: “We showcased our capacity in engineering, procurement, construction, installation and commissioning in the oil and gas industry. Specifically, in pipeline construction, Kaztec has done tremendously well in this area. We have installed over 145km of pipeline offshore and we have done a lot of heavy leads, which is one of the biggest attributes and capabilities we have, which many companies in Nigeria don’t have.

“On the fabrication facility we are

setting up in Snake Island, it is going to start earnestly at the end of August.

Our first order which is the Anthan platform and jacket, we are starting construction from the first week of September. From August, you will see operation going on at the fabrication yard. Also in 2014, we will be fabricating a 1600 ton jacket for a Gabonese company.” He, however, didn’t disclose the name of the Gabonese company.

Odukwe also dispelled fear of competition in the emerging fabrication and construction sector of the industry noting that Kaztec is the industry leader. “In Kaztec we have the best team. Members of this team came from different companies globally and Nigeria. For instance, the CEOL of Thailand, one of the famous fabricating companies, we have seven experts that we hired from there that are working with us now. We don’t have any problem with competition.

As a matter of fact, we are leading in the area,” he said.

He said the conference opened window that enabled the company to create a lot of synergies. “We met a lot of companies that are interested in Kaztec and are willing to do business with us. Some of the Nigerian companies that don’t know what we do came to have information about us and a lot of international companies have shown interest to do

business with us. We had a rewarding exhibition,” he added.

Kaztec’s consultant, Dr. Njideka Kelley, corroborated Odukwe. She said: This year’s OTC has given Kaztec a platform that is better than what we had last year. There are several international and Nigerian companies that have built collaboration with Kaztec. We have a database that is almost filled to capacity. We are still collecting information and collaborating and partnering and we intend to keep developing that line of work because as Odukwe rightfully said, synergies is what it is all about.

Kaztec is a global company not just a Nigerian company because we are doing great things. We are 100 per cent Nigerian company with global vision. As you can see we believe and implement local content to the highest level but with global vision, standards and practices. That is what drives our business.

Besides, we are dynamic in building our community relations. In the communities where we operate we carry out developmental works and they work with us and in terms of technology, what makes Kaztec stand out is its research and development division. This is a platform we are building and want to use to bring new technology to identify the problems that exist within the market and that we do through collaborative efforts with other companies all over the world, she added.

HE Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, has restated the Federal Government’s commitment to end gas flaring.

Delivering a paper entitled: The future of African energy in a changing world, at St Anthony’s College, University Oxford, United Kingdom, she said the government has begun the implementation of mitigation strategies that will over time compensate for years of carbon emissions arising from gas flaring and environmental pollution.

Nigeria, she said, aspires to achieve carbon neutrality by 2025.

She said the government’s aspiration was being realised with gas flares now at a significantly reduced level relative to previous levels. She said as at 2010, flared gas was 30 per cent, but now it is down to 11 per cent and would be down to two per cent by 2020 and beyond.

Mrs Alison-Madueke highlighted the rising profile of African energy in

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the global energy matrix, citing the numerous offshore and onshore oil and gas discoveries across the continent, which she noted, has placed Africa on the front burner of the global energy industry.

She advised that the continent should rise up to the challenge of the potent threat posed to Africa’s oil producing countries by the embrace of shale oil and gas by the United States and China.

The minister appealed to the global community and the developed economies to invest in the development of the growing African energy economy so as to ensure a win-win scenario for the continent and the rest of the globe.

She argued that while it may make economic and geo-strategic sense for a nation to meet its energy needs from domestic sources instead of imports, it may not make so much sense from the perspective of the broad-based global development necessary to ensure the global stability.

Our production rights intact, says NPDC

HE strategic alliance agreement with Atlantic Energy Drilling Concepts did not include transfer of the production rights of Nigerian Petroleum Development Company’s (NPDC), The Nation has learnt.

This is contrary to the petition by a group called Restoration Niger Delta.

A reliable source in NPDC, which is the exploration and production arm of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), told The Nation that the pact between the two parties was neither divestment of asset nor transfer of operatorship but simply an alternative funding arrangement in order to meet the NPDC’s cash call obligations in the

By Taofik Salako

Oil Mining Leases (OMLs) 26, 30, 34 and 42 in question.

The Restoration Niger Delta in a petition alleged an untoward transfer of 60 per cent of the 55 per cent equity holding in the form of production rights of NPDC in OMLs 26, 30, 34 and 42 to Atlantic Energy Drilling Concepts.

Dismissing the petition, the NPDC source said: “There is no place in the petition where the particulars of NPDC ‘s equity interest in the OMLs were shown to have been transferred whether in part or wholly to Atlantic Energy Drilling Concept Limited in defiance of the intendment of the Procurement Act.”

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2013

ENERGY

I

NNPC: A year after Ajuonuma

T is one year since the ill-fated Dana Air saircraft that crashed in Lagos claimed one of Nigeria’s best public relations practitioner, Dr. Levi Ajuonuma.

While he held sway as the Group General Manager (GGM), Group Public Affairs Division, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), hardly does a week pass without his appearing in national newspapers and television explaining one point or the other in defence of his organisation.

He was always ready to talk on any issue concerning NNPC just to get the public to understand the workings of the oil and gas industry, especially from the perspective of the corporation. He carried out his duties as the spokesman and chief image maker of NNPC with such dexterity, professionalism and wit.

The memories of his hardwork even resonated at the just concluded Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston, Texas,

•Igwe

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AINLAND Oil and Gas Limited, a subsidiary of the Chrisnak Group of Companies, is to invest N2 billion in its first phase of expansion programme.

The phase will focus on construction of mega and normal retail outlets across the country.

The Managing Director of the company, Prince Chris Igwe, who spoke to The Nation during the offshore technology conference in the

United States, where he was given a post-humous Outstanding Leadership Award in recognition of his distinguished and outstanding contributions to the development of the oil and gas industry in Nigeria by the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN), the umbrella body of indigenous service, exploration and production companies. The award was received on behalf of his family by Emy and Michael Ajuonuma, his children.

Ajuonuma was appointed the spokesman of the NNPC in November 2003, and for the eight years he handled the job, he was in charge of organising NNPC’s participation at OTC, a responsibility he discharged with passion and enthusiasm.

For the years he stayed in the office, he was always controlling blows directed at NNPC, explaining to the public to understand the

challenges faced by the corporation, especially in terms of allegations of inappropriate management of proceeds from the nation’s hydrocarbon.

For his outstanding performance in his career, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), the professional body of those in the business of reputation management, honoured him with its Fellowship, the highest award of the Institute.

Long before his appointment as the spokesman of NNPC, Ajuonuma had launched himself into public consciousness as a renowned broadcaster and public relations consultant with his radio and television talk and entertainment shows such as Levi Ajuonuma Live, The Sunday Show and Showtime on NTA Network as well as The Nation Today Live on NTA Channel 10 and Open House Party on Raypower 100FM that ran from the late 1980’s through the 1990’s. His proficiency in deliver-

ing these shows led to his being dubbed ‘Larry King of Nigeria.’

Ajuonuma was also the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Lasom Communications Limited - a consortium of media and public relations consultants engaged in marketing and public relations consultancy for some organisations, including the United States Information Service, Federal Road Safety Commission and Nigerian Institute of Structural Engineers, among others. He also designed and produced corporate marketing and brand promotional television programmes for blue chip companies.

The Group Managing Director of NNPC, Andrew Yakubu and the President of PETAN, Emeka Ene, said the industry will continue to miss Ajuonuma in different ways.

Ajuonuma started his career in 1977 as an announcer/newscaster with the Imo Broadcasting Service(IBS) in Owerri. He left IBS in 1979 and proceeded to the United States for fur-

ther studies at Huntington College, Indiana, where he bagged a Bachelor of Arts in Communications. He later got a Master of Arts and Ph.D in Mass Communication from the University of Minnesota in 1983 and 1987.

He topped these qualifications up with MBA from Plymouth State College of the University System of New Hampshire in 1989.

United States, said his primary objective is to create jobs for Nigerians and open up the rural areas. He said many of the retail outlets would be built in such areas.

He said the firm is expanding its participation in the downstream, adding that it has finished building a storage facility that is about the largest in Calabar with capacity for 70,000 tons of products.

The company, he said, is also building a holding bay and a cargo line in order to take advantage of the impending subsidy removal.

Our next plan is to spread our retail sites by building mega stations across state capitals and major commercial centres of the country. We want to make Mainland a national company, he said.

He said: “We are concerned as a group to take out more Nigerians from the labour market. So in the next two years, we want to employ 10,000 Nigerians. So when we do that we would feel confident that we are smarting up. So that is our starting point. When we create high volume employment, then we know that we have started.

“When we started in 2008, we were touched by what Nigerians go through, especially in the rural ar-

eas before they get petroleum products. So, we started our first fuel service station at Umuoji Road in Onitsha Anambra State. Today, we have over 14 stations carefully and consciously located in the rural areas because of our belief in and passion for the welfare of the rural dwellers. However, we have some of our stations in urban areas.

“So, we are driven by our passion to make fuel available to the ordinary Nigerians. That is the vision behind Mainland Oil, which is a vision that drives our business strategies.”

Explaining how the company bridges products to the rural areas, Igwe said the Chrisnak Group has a strong logistics arm and because the company is also in logistics business, it has been easy to optimise internal synergy in bulk trans-shipment of products.

He said: “We have a robust fleet of haulage trucks, which we readily deploy in products bridging. We also have our tank farm, which happens to be one of the biggest storage facilities in Calabar, Cross River State. Because of our wheeling and storage capacity, we are licensed by the Department of Petroleum Resources to get products allocation

from Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) for direct distribution in the market.”

“We also import directly to meet demand on our facilities in addition to holding strategic reserves to ensure that all our storage facilities are wet with products to continuously and promptly respond to fuel demand from individuals and businesses,” he added.

Expressing his view on fuel subsidy programme and the probe by the House of Representatives’ Ad hoc Committee, Igwe said the subsidy probe is a step in the right direction, but there appears to be little to drive the implementation of the probe recommendations. The spirit with which the probe was pursued appears to be going down.

He said: “From where we are sitting, it is obvious that Nigerians want to see the outcome of the probes so that it would serve as deterrent to those who come to the market to reap from where they did not sow. People should know that there is law in the land and all operators in the business must operate within the ambits of the laws that govern the state but I believe that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other anti-corruption agencies in the state are diligent enough to drive the probes to conclusion.

“So, we await the conclusion of the processes to determine

outcome of the probes. So due process is the word since, as we all know, the law presumes an accused person innocent until it is proved otherwise. I’m not saying this because our company is not involved in the probe. Ordinarily in our group we maintain very high ethical standards than what currently obtains in the industry.

“I’m saying this because subsidy probe is an allegation going on. So, it is difficult to say that those accused in the probe are guilty. It is only the court of competent jurisdiction that would pronounce an accused person guilty or innocent. So, all I’m saying is that I’m not being judgmental. All we are waiting is the outcome of the probe.

“So, from all indications the subsidy resources have not been managed well. In a situation where a nation would use 35 per cent of its annual budget to subsidise fuel consumption is not fair. And at the end of the day, who are enjoying this subsidy?

It is the middle class. The common man does not have a car.

“So, I am of the view as a Nigerian that subsidy should be removed so that there would be level playing ground for all operators to compete. And then at the end of the day, the best would come out of the downstream petroleum industry,” he added.

Stories by Emeka Ugwuanyi

Oil firm plans N2b projects expansion

Offor’s Foundation redeems $600,000 pledge to BFA

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IR Emeka Offor Foundation (SEOF) has redeemed the $600,000 pledge to Books For Africa (BFA), a United States education-focused non-profit organisation.

The donation is part of SEOF’s upport for the development of education in African countries, including Nigeria. It is driven Nigeria’s business mogul and Chairman, Chrome Group, Sir Emeka Offor.

Confirming receiving the funds, BFA Executive Director, Dr. Patrick Plonski, in a letter to SEOF Founder, Sir Emeka Offor, dated May 20, 2013, expressed the organisation’s and the benefits the books reading publics in Africa would derive from the donation.

He said the donation will fund the delivery of well over one million books to Nigeria and other locations in Africa, adding that the money represents the single largest donation BFA has ever received. He noted that the generosity of Offor in promoting education across Africa is not only outstanding, but quite commendable.

Plonski quoted the founder of BFA, Tom Warth, as saying: “The benefits that will accrue to the younger people of Africa through this generous donation are im-

•Ajuonuma

•Carter Centre receives $250,000 measurable. We, at Books For Africa, struggle every day to convince folks of the wisdom of education in the advancement of African nations. Over our 25 years, many have agreed with us, but to have your generous donation as an example in the future will make our task easier. I say a big thank you on behalf of the children of Africa, and the general book reading public across the continent,” he added.

Books For Africa is the world’s largest shipper of donated text and library books to the Africa, shipping over 28 million books to 49 African countries over the past 25 years.

The organisation also said it will be working with SEOF to confirm the final list of countries to be served and the number of containers of books to be delivered to the respective countries.

Also, the Carter Centre, founded by former United Sates President, Jimmy Carter, has expressed appreciation to SEOF, for its generous donation of $250,000 to the Centre.

In a letter dated May 23, the Carter Centre thanked Sir Emeka

Offor, for the “generous contribution of $250,000 to aid the fight against blindness in Southeast Nigeria.”

In the letter, Carter, expressed a desire to meet with Sir Offor, at the Atlanta Georgia-based Centre.

He said: “Your commitment to improve Nigeria will prove invaluable for the prospect of a better future for millions.”

Before Carter’s letter, the Country Representative/Nigeria of the Carter Centre, Dr. Emmanuel Miri, had expressed appreciation for the donation, acknowledging that this generous and humane gesture will signal the beginning of a long and fruitful collaboration/partnership between the Carter Centre, SEOF and the Chrome Group for the benefit of the good people of the Southeast states in particular, and Nigeria in general.”

He said though the funds will be administered from Atlanta, he assured that the Nigerian branch would be committed to the programme and judicious utilisation of the funds in the states in accordance with SEOF/Chrome Group instructions.

•Mr Odukwe (left) and Kaztec Consultant, Dr. Njideka Kelley, at the company’s stand at OTC conference in Houston, Texas, United States.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2013

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2013

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2013

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COMMENTARY EDITORIALS

FROM OTHER LANDS

Weighty indeed

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•NJC should not sweep Justice Okeke’s allegations under the carpet

HE integrity of the National Judicial Council (NJC) and Justice Clara Ogunbiyi of the Supreme Court, was called to question by retired Justice Okechukwu Okeke, formerly the Head Judge of the Federal High Court, Lagos Division, at his valedictory. The retired jurist alleged that Justice Ogunbiyi tried to influence a case before his court, and when he resisted, she instigated petitions against him to the NJC, about a month to his retirement. Speaking before eminent Nigerians, including the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Ibrahim Auta; Justice Okeke said he wants to be remembered as ‘a victim of injustice in the judiciary’.

He dared the NJC to publish, verbatim, the petitions written against him, and his answers to those petitions, for which he was given a ‘serious warning’; so that the public can make their deductions. According to the jurist, Justice Ogunbiyi allegedly communicated her displeasure over his handling of a case to the Chief Judge, and followed up by sending her daughter, Funke, an interested party to the suit, to ask him to discharge an order he made over No 5A, George Street, Ikoyi, Lagos, where the daughter was living; which he ignored. The order that Justice Ogunbiyi allegedly asked him to set aside was made in favour of Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), which resulted in the ejection of Funke and her husband from the premises.

Justice Okeke claimed that his rejection of the overtures infuriated the Supreme Court justice, who instigated three petitions against him, and despite his answers, the NJC went ahead to warn him over the electronic and print media on April 26 and 27. Justice Okeke wondered how the NJC could, byits letter of May 13, wish him a ‘happy retirement after putting in years of dedicated and meritorious service to the judiciary, particularly at the Federal High Court’; just a few weeks after publicly warning him for an alleged misconduct. The incongruity of threatening to sack him barely a month to his retirement, he alleged, was the result of undue influence by Justice Ogunbiyi.

In our view, the allegations by the retired jurist are weighty, and the NJC owes Nigerians an explanation; as the allegations, if not factually debunked, impugn both the integrity of the learned Justice Ogunbiyi and the NJC. Indeed, if the retired justice was threatened for the reasons he claimed at his valedictory, then the NJC owes him a restitution of his integrity, in the overall interest of our judiciary. The least the NJC can do is to meet the challenge posed by Justice Okeke that the council should publish the query and his answers, under the Freedom of Information Act. The greater interest of the public will not be met if that august guardian angel of the nation’s judiciary keeps mum on this occasion.

A similar allegation of undue interfer-

ence was alleged by the suspended President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Ayo Salami, against the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Katsina-Alu. Unfortunately in that case, the wronged person, Justice Salami, was further punished by the NJC then headed by Katsina-Alu when he cried out that the former CJN was trying to influence a matter before him. As we speak, Justice Salami has remained suspended despite the reversal by the NJC of its initial findings that he be suspended. Unless the NJC quickly restores its integrity over Justice Okeke’s allegations, there is the likelihood that a reasonable man can genuinely doubt the integrity of the entire members.

‘Indeed, if the retired justice was threatened for the reasons he claimed at his valedictory, then the NJC owes him a restitution of his integrity, in the overall interest of our judiciary. The least the NJC can do is to meet the challenge posed by Justice Okeke that the council should publish the query and his answers, under the Freedom of Information Act. The greater interest of the public will not be met if that august guardian angel of the nation’s judiciary keeps mum on this occasion’

New Lekki-Ikoyi bridge

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•Another commendable initiative by the Lagos State govt

OVERNOR Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) on May 29 commissioned the Lekki-Ikoyi Bridge. The architectural masterpiece, being the first cable/suspended bridge in Nigeria and the entire West Africa, is replete with aesthetic grandeur. The 1.38km bridge constructed by Julius Berger links Ikoyi-Alexander Street to Lekki-Admiralty Way. The grand construction has a price tag of N29 billion, which, though huge, is worth its while in view of its primary essence of easing traffic congestion in that ever busy strategic part of the country’s commercial nerve-centre.

Construction of the bridge commenced in October, 2008 and was completed and certified for use some weeks back. The engineering ingenuity is a plus to infrastructural yearnings of Lagosians and the nation, especially in the sphere

‘The Lagos State government deserves commendation for this bold attempt geared towards solving the traffic gridlock between Lekki and Ikoyi. However, we cannot feign ignorance that this laudable official initiative; especially that of ceding the place to a concessionaire has been accompanied by reservations by some members of the public who feel that tolling the bridge could be discriminatory. Some even argued that the toll of N300 is exorbitant’

of transportation and traffic management.

The main bridge, ingrained in quality engineering, has a total length of 466m.

The length of its Cable Bridge which is the suspended section is 170m and the height of its pyron is 87m from water level navigational requirement. The clearance average is 9m above high water level. The width of the bridge, which is the carriageway, is 8m by 2; its walkway is 2.0m by 2; road works at Ikoyi end is 338.7m while road works at the Lekki end is 311.5m.

The Lagos State government deserves commendation for this bold attempt geared towards solving the traffic gridlock between Lekki and Ikoyi. However, we cannot feign ignorance that this laudable official initiative; especially that of ceding the place to a concessionaire has been accompanied by reservations by some members of the public who feel that tolling the bridge could be discriminatory.

Some even argued that the toll of N300 is exorbitant.

Their concerns are genuine since we would not subscribe to any government’s idea that tends to price infrastructure out of people’s purse. After all the bridge, some would say, was constructed with the people’s money- for their own good and its use ought to be free, or at least reasonably within what the majority can afford.

The truth, however, is that nothing good and qualitative comes free in contemporary times. There is a price for everything and that of bringing development, through this bridge, as epitomised by the prescribed toll, should be endured by the public in Lagos.

Moreover, the Lekki-Ikoyi axes are in-

habited by well heeled members of the society who should be able to pay the toll.

Also, the governor has restated that there are other routes for those who may find the toll too high since the use of the bridge is optional. If the bridge is indeed funded by government in conjunction with a private concern, it only makes sense that money invested must be recouped. This is the only way by which investment in such infrastructural benefits can easily be encouraged in future. But this is not to say that the government cannot bend over backwards to see if the demands of those who feel the toll is too high can be met half way such that would be fair and equitable to all sides.

Interestingly, this gesture shows responsive governance in Lagos where more cars are plying the roads because of the restrictions placed on commercial motorcycles from plying certain routes in the state.

We note the governor’s reported statement at the commissioning of the bridge that the primary objective of the bridge’s conception is the need to provide a transport infrastructure that would strategically alleviate the intractable traffic gridlock in the Lekki-Ikoyi areas.

However, it is necessary to remind Governor Fashola that it is not only elite areas such as Lekki, Ikoyi and Victoria Island that need bridges to solve their traffic problems. Other areas, including AbuleEgba, Pen-Cinema in Agege and Ajegunle in Apapa need vehicular overhead bridges at their major junctions to reduce traffic situations that motorists encounter daily on such roads.

Shielding journalists, by law Recent overreach by the Obama administration shows the need for stronger federal protection.

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FTER a firestorm of criticism, the Obama administration is suggesting that it will make amends for its aggressive pursuit of journalists suspected of receiving leaks of classified information. But airy affirmations of the importance of a free press and vague promises of a new look at Justice Department regulations aren’t enough. The administration needs to commit itself in specific terms to stronger protections for news gathering that will be embodied in a federal statute.

It was bad enough that the Justice Department seized the records of calls from more than 20 telephone lines belonging to the Associated Press and its journalists without notifying the news agency in a timely fashion — or giving the AP the chance to object in court. But then, last week, it was revealed that in an entirely separate leak investigation, federal agents read the emails of a Fox News reporter. They obtained a warrant for James Rosen’s emails by asserting that there was probable cause to believe he had violated the Espionage Act. (Using subpoenas, investigators also obtained Rosen’s phone records.)

Despite its name, the Espionage Act outlaws not only spying for foreign enemies but the unauthorized receipt or transmission of “national defense” information. The Justice Department over the last five years has prosecuted six government employees for violations of the act (including Army Pfc. Bradley Manning, who is undergoing a court-martial). But until the revelation about the Rosen investigation, there was no suggestion that the Obama administration would depart from the practice of previous administrations and accuse journalists engaged in doing their jobs of violating the act.

In applying for a search warrant for Rosen’s emails, an FBI agent described the reporter as an “aider, abettor and/or co-conspirator” because he asked State Department security contractor Stephen Jin-Woo Kim to share secret material. Apparently, information provided by Kim was the basis of a Fox report suggesting that North Korea would respond to a U.N. Security Council condemnation with another nuclear test.

In his speech on terrorism last week, President Obama implicitly criticized the Justice Department’s actions in the Rosen case, saying: “Journalists should not be at legal risk for doing their jobs.” He also reaffirmed his support for a “shield law” to protect confidential communications between journalists and their sources and said that he would ask Atty. Gen. Eric H. Holder Jr. to review Justice Department regulations and report back by July 12. Holder, who approved the warrant for Rosen’s emails, has acknowledged that “both our laws and guidelines need to be updated.”

He’s right. Current Justice Department guidelines say that before issuing a subpoena for journalists’ records, the department’s attorneys “should take all reasonable steps to attempt to obtain the information through alternative sources or means.” That protection should be stronger, requiring that other possible sources be “exhausted.” And while the guidelines instruct the department to negotiate with journalists before issuing subpoenas for phone records, there is a vaguely worded exception for situations in which negotiations would “pose a substantial threat to the investigation.” Apparently the government relied on that in refusing to give the AP timely notice that it had obtained its phone records. We see no reason for that exception.

Even if the regulations are strengthened, there is always the danger that Justice Department attorneys in this or a future administration will find a way to circumvent them. That is why Congress must enact a shield law that requires government investigators to obtain a judge’s permission before seeking information from journalists that would compromise a confidential source. Though different in some respects, bills recently introduced in the House and the Senate would accomplish that objective (and also require that the department exhaust “all reasonable alternative sources” before seeking information from journalists).

Previous administrations have recognized that the 1st Amendment contemplates a division of labor in which government may seek to keep information secret while the press sets out to uncover secrets in its efforts to keep the public informed about the actions of its leaders. In its zeal to plug leaks of classified information, the Obama administration upended that traditional understanding. It must show by deeds as well as words that it recognizes where it went wrong.

– Los Angeles Times

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

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2013

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CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: Why is it that the only thing Nigerian rulers do quickly is whatever will limit the people’s freedom, even freedoms guaranteed by God? Commercial motorcycles are banned, without any consideration for the pedestrians who patronize them. Many houses and shops are demolished arbitrarily, etc.

The House of Representatives is advocating 14 years imprisonment for anybody caught in homosexual marriage and act. How is that an urgent priority in Nigeria? Are the homosexuals the ones destroying our economy? Why are the legislators refusing to award death sentence to those embezzling pensioners’ entitlements which result in the death of many pensioners? Why no death sentence for those defraud-

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IR: In a country where corruption has eaten deep into the pillars that uphold it, where do we place credibility? The recently concluded examination (Paper-pencil test) has proven the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board culpable, inadequate and inefficient in all aspects.

Students were said to have cheated during the course of the exams; but really, who is to blame? If the examination questions were not leaked by JAMB officials, is it then the candidates that manufactured the papers?

I was at the JAMB office in Ikoyi where a certain science student who wrote the examination for English, Biology, Chemistry and Physics had another subject Government replacing one of these subjects! After complaining, she was asked to change her course but is this possible when she never wrote Government in the West African Secondary School Certificate Examinations?

After seeing my results in the exams and not printing it out immediately knowing that I have at least a minimum of three (3) checks with the scratch-card, I tried to print the result the next day only to be told that it had been cancelled! What a painful experience because I did not cheat. How can JAMB reward hard

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The law on homosexual marriage

ing and misappropriating our national resources, thereby creating mass misery and avoidable deaths?

Who is to be imprisoned for 14 years; adults who find themselves to be homosexually oriented which they cannot explain how it came about? Can the legislators explain how homosexuality ensued? And if not, why legislate on a mystery that you don’t understand? Homosexuality has been in the world

from time immemorial, and found in the most ancient books and anthropological records. Does wisdom not require threading cautiously?

Some scientists have identified homosexuality with genetic disorder, like happens with sickle cell.

Why should the homosexual suffer inordinately for his or her natural sexual orientation? It is a different matter if an adult homo-

sexual is romancing an underage person. Even then, the punishment should be same as with a heterosexual adult seducing an underage person. Otherwise, the Yoruba say, why ask a married woman who owns her pregnancy, when you are not the husband? How can you tell a free adult who to marry or who not to marry?

What solutions have Nigerian rulers found to political disorder,

work with frustration? How shallow can a system be?

I read a report of court granting JAMB seven days ultimatum to remark scripts of students. How can JAMB itself validate the fact that there was truly malpractice? Can their supervisors be trusted because as I have heard in some centres, the supervisors themselves are the backbone of malpractice?

A centre might have as much as 400 students, if only 50 were in-

volved in malpractice, should the remaining 350 go down with them?

What really is the job of the supervisors if they cannot separate the goats from the sheep?

A way out is having JAMB agents disguise as students unknown to none at the exams centres that way, we can really know what goes on there.

There is no use crying when the head is off. In the self-same way, there is no use fighting malpractice

when corruption is deep rooted in the system. The future of the youths should be considered paramount. I do not say JAMB should be scrapped or not, only that the system in the country is ignoble.

Left is two words to the government of this country, not an order but nevertheless must not be left unsaid ‘TAKE ACTION’ and don’t discourage us the more.

• Funke Adeoye Iju-Ishaga, Lagos.

attention. Interested parties are getting even more belligerent. The North is again staking a claim to the much coveted seat while some elements from the South-south are threatening war should President Jonathan be evicted from Aso Rock.

Rivers state is in near crisis, the Nigeria Governors Forum is in crisis.

Both is said to have their roots in the politics of 2015. Governance is taking a back seat; every effort seemed geared towards retaining or capturing power and influence come 2015.

In all of these jousting, however, the people who ostensibly will cast the deciding votes don’t seem to be taken into any serious consideration.

This shows the nature of our democracy. Perhaps the decision of Nigeri-

ans doesn’t really matter. If not why should politicians who are yet to justify their present mandate be concerning themselves with 2015? All over the country abound work to be done and yet politicians who are just at mid-term are dissipating so much energy on a distant election. The country is very sick, our security is dismal, infrastructure in decay, health, education, agriculture in near collapse, unemployment rife and yet political office holders have the effrontery to occupy themselves with 2015. This is tantamount to going after rats while one’s house is on fire.

What irresponsibility!

Woe unto that country whose leaders are children. Nigeria’s political elite remain a major clog in the wheel

A most mediocre JAMB

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election rigging, insecurity, embezzlement of public funds, inadequate infrastructure, and strangulating mass poverty? What is the punishment for liars who say Nigeria’s economy is the fasted growing economy in the world? What is the punishment for those who renege on their election promises, such as President Goodluck Jonathan who promised to spend a single term, and is now scheming renege?

Without any conscience about mounting debts, dearth of infrastructure, and mass abject poverty, Dr. (Mrs.) Ngozi-Okonjo Iweala said international investors are dying to come to Nigeria. She did not say why they are not here.

What punishment for such persons insulting the intellectual integrity of Nigerians? Why distracting Nigerians with homosexuality issue that is personal and private affair?

Yes, witch hunt.

Were Nigerian rulers there when God was deciding the sexual orientation of every individual or what? How many of the world’s mysteries can the legislators explain? Until we respect homosexual right, divine freedom and justice will elude Nigerians as a whole. The country will chase shadows, instead of what really matters.

• Pius Oyeniran Abioje, Ph. D, University of Ilorin.

Politicians and the mad race to 2015

IR: A major danger to democracy and indeed the country is the perception of politics and political power as meal ticket. This has reduced the polity to a market place where every Okeke, Adamu, Tunde etc., flock to hustle for their stomach. The competition is so fierce and no effort is spared in order to achieve success; every means fair and foul is deployed. There is also the case of parvenus who are obsessed with the trappings of power and are ready to do almost anything to have it.

These combine to make our politics and elections truly precarious affairs.

It’s still nearly two years to the 2015 general election but it’s already generating so much heat. As usual the presidential seat is the focus of much

of its development. They have learnt absolutely nothing from history. It was the same irresponsibility of politicians that led to the incursion of the military into our polity from which consequences we’re yet to recover.

They are at it again. In their blind quest for power they place the country on perpetual election mode with all the tension that come with it. It will serve political office holders and the country better if they leave 2015 for now and concentrate on delivering good governance to the people.

If they persist on the present treacherous part they may not have any election to contest come 2015.

• Nnoli Chidiebere Aba, Abia State.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2013

COMMENTS

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HE May 24 Nigerian Governors’ The South East provided Forum (NGF) election, lost (by some of the finest and most President Goodluck Jonathan and committed defenders of June 12: Eastern Mandate Union, his storm-troopers) and won (by Rivers EMU’s Arthur Nwankwo, Governor Chibuike Amaechi and his former Lagos Administrator, coalition underdogs) has sent dangerous Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, ripples through the polity: echoes from Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, and the a reckless past; portents of a dire future. late Chima Ubani of the The usual culprits? Cavalier injustice Olakunle Campaign for Democracy and brazen impunity. Add Governor (CD), to mention a few.

Amaechi’s suspension from the Peoples lordbeek@yahoo.com, 08054504169 (Sms only, please) Abimbola Still, as it was with June 12, it Democratic Party (PDP), after routing the is now with NGF: all the South presidential forces, and you view, in full East governors, except one, Technicolor, the face of avowed nonhave jumped, without thinking, democrats running Nigeria’s pitiable into defending brazen injustice. democracy!

Why do a section of the South East political elite give the For bringing the name of God into clear fraud, mimic NGF interest; and the end, to echo Prof. Wole Soyinka, must justify impression that, when the chips are down, they would rather ‘chair’, Plateau Governor, Jonah Jang, evinces the Biblical Jonah, the meanness! But his foes counter it is nothing but seasoned go with expediency than side with equity and justice? And snoring in the belly of the whale. But the whale of this Jonah, perfidy. how does that penchant strengthen their hands to earn justice a former Air force general, would appear his military past, With Mimiko, a losing NGF vice-chairman hilariously for their people, one of the most traumatised, in the hellish from where he pathetically jangles. Despite his high pronounced one by outgoing vice, Anambra Governor, Peter Nigerian state? gubernatorial office, he becomes an embarrassment to Obi; not on the strength of the election result but on the whim Reuben Abati, ex-Guardian and chief presidential spokesman, everyone with his phantom NGF chair. of bad losers, the real Iroko political persona storms out of the has claimed President Goodluck Jonathan had no hand in the Wake up, Jonah! It is democracy, not military imposition! shadows.

NGF imbroglio. He can tell that to the marines! But even the And in democracies, election winners assume office while Governor Obi himself is a tragic symbol on more fronts than marines must be interested in how Abati, the thundering losers stand down! Even as bad as June 12 presidential one.

But the irony is also clearly lost on him: how can a grand Guardian columnist would have reacted to the claim of Abati, annulment crisis was, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida did not beneficiary of justice to reclaim his stolen governorship be the thundering presidential spokesman! Still, Abati the brandish loser Bashir Tofa as winner, after annulling MKO such a proud votary of swaggering injustice in this NGF case? presidential oracle has spoken. Who can say no?

Abiola’s win. Yet, that is the phony throne Jang jangles about, But of course!

If Mr. Obi could organise a nocturnal But some questions: who was paranoid about Amaechi invoking God’s munificence, in His very temple! Indeed, the convention of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to seeking NGF second term? Jonathan. On whose behalf did Christian God is longsuffering! thwart an anticipated negative court ruling, it can be Godsday Orubebe fire the first shot? Jonathan. Who staked What ails Akwa Ibom’s Godswill Akpabio, for proudly legitimately argued that his latest NGF posturing reflects the his presidential prestige on stopping Amaechi at all cost? leading the gambit to turn winner into loser, and loser into man’s true political essence.

Jonathan. Who told PDP governors he could no longer work winner? Gubernatorial megalomania powered by presidential But Governor Obi presents an even more troubling essence, with Amaechi as NGF chair? Jonathan. Under whose perceived impunity? The telling irony is clearly lost on the governor: a both as déjà vu and as political symbolism.

In raising Dr. charter is Akpabio, emergency viceroy to smash Amaechi, as God’s will purporting to subvert the will of God for that of Mimiko’s hands as the new NGF vice chair, sans election, Mr. emergency PDP Governors Forum chair? Jonathan. Who told mere man. Is the voice of the people not that of God? Obi prattled about South East governors working together. the Kalabari to warn Amaechi to shun NGF second term?

To purport to cancel an election the PDP Governors’ Forum That was no crime, except that the present “working together” Jonathan. And who bosses the Police, so pathetically partisan chair and his gang lost was the height of impunity. To purport for injustice echoed a dire past one. in the Rivers PDP crisis? Jonathan! to install the loser in place of the winner was the height of During the June 12 crisis in 1993, South East governors, with A final question: is the NGF routing of the Jonathan troops a insanity, bordering on absolute contempt for the mental health the exception of Chukwuemeka Ezeife, the then Anambra pointer to what will happen in 2015, if Jonathan is worsted in of other Nigerians. And to resort to empty bluff, brandishing governor, worked together to subvert democracy for clear the presidential poll? Would the commander-in-chief, ala a pre-poll signed list that rippled with fraud and forgery, was infamy. Dr. Ezeife belonged to the victorious Social Democratic Kenya’s Mwai Kibaki, order the electoral chief to announce the height of power delusion. Why, even gubernatorial Party (SDP), while the others belonged to the defeated National him willy-nilly, just as Akpabio and co are purporting to install buffoonery should be made of saner stuff!

Republican Convention (NRC).

Indeed, so boisterous was Jang as winner of an election he soundly lost, even as the PDP Of course, Ondo’s Olusegun Mimiko completes the triad.

Okwesilieze Nwodo, then Enugu governor, that he swore he threatens Amaechi, the winner, with impeachment or worse?

But then, when two or three are gathered; and the discourse is would commit suicide should Abiola be installed president!

More darkly, would Nigeria split on account of Jonathan’s political intrigue, be sure Iroko would be there! His friends call Twenty years after June 12, all South East governors, except loss, as NGF has now split on account of the loss of Jang, the Iroko game real-politik: no friend, no foe, just permanent Imo’s Rochas Okorocha, are proud and preening members of Jonathan’s poodle? united column of brazen injustice, purporting to deny These are troubling questions. But for a country of “anything ‘The telling irony is clearly lost on Akpabio: the Amaechi of his NGF win, on no less infamy. Why, even as the goes” as Gen. Saliu Ibrahim a Babangida-era chief of Army a God’s will purporting to subvert the will of original June 12 gladiators manufactured post-election fibs staff described the army of his day, they are not illegitimate God for that of mere man. Is the voice of the about Abiola, this column of bad losers are manufacturing ones. post-election fibs against Amaechi! Indeed, history is repeating Everyone had better start girding their loins for the people not that of God?’ itself as farce! seemingly impossible!

epublican ipples

Echoes of June 12, portents of 2015

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F anyone needed evidence of the administration’s determined flight to fantasy-land, last week’s exaggerated self-score by President Goodluck Jonathan of his administration’s mid-term performance should be it. Nearly a week after, the hordes of Nigerians that have volunteered opinions on the self-score are still struggling to make up their minds as to what galls them the more: between the heaps of sterile statistics thrown at the faces of the bewildered populace, and the reality etched on the furrows of the ordinary man on the street that the administration emphatically deny.

Never has an assessment been so blatantly deficit in credibility as the exercise staged in Abuja Wednesday last week.

Speaker after speaker spoke glowingly of the administration’s record achievement in two years just as statements were rendered et cathedra. Watching the whole charade on television, I struggled in vain to find the redeeming grave, at least a basic acknowledgment of the painful sacrifices made

by Nigerians in the mission that has delivered more pains than gains. For the self-scorers, the Eldorado is here already!

Some samples of their Eldorado: an economy roaring at an annual 6.7 percent growth; the foreign reserves at a soar-away $50 billion; the Sovereign Wealth Fund with $1 billion seed money despite initial objections by some governors. Inflation (which the spendthrift administration is culpable in fuelling at every turn) is touted as being progressively won with inflation now down to 9.1 percent from 12.4 percent in May 2011. How about the claim of record foreign direct investment inflow at a time local businesses remain in coma? Add to these; the administration’s programme on power is on course; ditto its programme to rehabilitate the railways and the transportation infrastructure.

The administration is, without question, entitled to its claims of achievement – including those bordering on delusions.

Nigerians of course have the duty to point at the hard facts either deliberately suppressed or glossed over in the larger conversation on the economy and by extension, the nation’s future. The issue certainly runs deeper than the administration’s book balances can ever reveal; which explains why the unceasing but cheap seduction by the Jonathan’s book-keepers to their narrow treatise with its distorted reality even when there are other authorities to turn for a more balanced picture has been particularly irksome.

Let’s consider the report of the anguished operators on the Main Street; the whining manufacturers whose operations are constantly threatened or are in the throes of shutdown for the same old reasons of inclement environment. Do they agree that the Eldorado is here?

Put in another way: Is the environment under the Jonathan administration, more clement than it was five, eight or even 10 years ago? Not even the Jonathan administration – in its widest delusions – would dare to suggest that the problems have disappeared. Just as the same old problems have endured, some have in fact metastasized; the only difference is the signature on the promissory notes.

Policy Sanya Oni sanyaoni@yahoo.co.uk 08051101841

My Jonathan scorecard Two weeks ago, I stumbled on an observation by the Senior Representatives of the IMF in Nigeria, W. Scott Rogers which I consider particularly relevant in framing the current debate on the economy. Here is how the IMF chieftain captured what he called the Nigerian “conundrum”: “Income per capita has gone up, yet poverty isn’t improving and we are having a difficult time understanding why that is, or how that could be”.

Now, the IMF couldn’t understand why poverty is on the rise at a time the nation’s per capita income is rising. Do our officials know? I bet – they don’t.

Well, I have some ideas to explain the so-called mystery.

The first is the bazaar of contractocracy at all levels of government. Today, the shortest route to unearned wealth is government business. Our government –at the federal level in particular – has become a huge procurement machine spinning contracts without delivering value. It can afford to spruce up far –flung airports even when there are no aircraft to fly; the same way it retains enough funds to erect monuments in service of the egos of those in power but never enough to fix the craters on the highways. Whoever thought that a government in this day and age could create a department to service the needs of certified deviants and their co-travellers in criminal delinquency? Of course, it can only happen in Nigeria. Under Jonathan presidency, the portfolio has not only enlarged, it has since assumed the status of an industry.

The obverse side of the government profligacy is the continuing asphyxiation of the real sector through the prohibitive cost of lending. Let me offer a simple explanation on why the government is the sole culprit in this. Today, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) rate which sets the benchmark lending rate has been kept at 12% for the MPC’s 10 meeting running. This is of course justified by the need to curb government’s unbridled spending – the expansionary fiscal

activities of government at all levels. That, in turn, hikes the cost of borrowing to everyone – including the small and medium scale business. In other words, it is a case of getting them to pay for the sins of the irresponsible government! It is a vicious cycle.

Now, you know who to hold responsible whenever the real sector complains of prohibitive costs of funds. Does anyone yet see how costly the delinquency of the public sector can be?

Is the Jonathan administration less culpable than those before it in this regard? As for those complaining about the current MPC rate, I say: wait till the third quarter of next year to see the rate head further north as politicians roll out their war chest as the race to 2015 hits the home stretch!

Related to the above is the unemployment situation. The statistics is simply frightening. As for youth unemployment, don’t even dare to go there – It has reached the tipping point.

We herd our children to school hoping that opportunities will somehow open up after graduation. Our government talks about the need to expand the opportunities for youths but does nothing to create them. As it is in the labour market, so it is in the educational system. With only 520,000 spaces available for the 1.7 million candidates who sat for this year’s Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME), are we not preparing the nursery ground for tomorrow militants and Boko Haram recruits? Does that feature on the Jonathan scorecard?

I should not fail to mention another conundrum – our mounting debts at a time of unprecedented incomes. The Jonathan administration insists that the nation is presently under-borrowed. And what is their case for borrowing? That we should, just because we can? And at a time we are supposed to be growing the piggy bank called the Excess Crude Account?

They say the funds are cheap – unlike the Paris and London club of debts? So what? Should anyone be pressing to borrow at 15 percent while stashing away our reserves at JP Morgan at nominal interest of barely 2%?

So, where is the basis for the claim that the Jonathan administration is any different from those that have landed us in the present hell-hole? Only because more money is flowing in and hence it could afford to throw it around?

Still want my score? It would be a D.

‘Our government –at the federal level in particular – has become a huge procurement machine spinning contracts without delivering value. It can afford to spruce up far –flung airports even when there are no aircraft to fly; the same way it retains enough funds to erect monuments in service of the egos of those in power but never enough to fix the craters on the highways’

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 4 2013

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COMMENTS

A

LMOST two weeks after 35 of Nigeria’s 36 state governors met in Abuja to elect a new set of leaders for their association, the Nigeria Governors Forum, and we are nowhere near knowing who actually got the nod of the governors to be their chairman.

Though a winner (Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State) was announced at the end of voting, the loser’s camp led by Governor David Jang of Plateau State is claiming victory.

But while the result declared by the returning officer showed that Amaechi got 19 votes as against 16 for Jang, no other result has been produced, so far, to show that Jang and not Amaechi was duly elected.

So, apart from the usual noise of rigging that we often hear from losers after every election in Nigeria, no concrete evidence has been put in the public domain by Jang and co to back their claim. The allegation of rigging has not been proven either. And his response to a video recording of the event now on YouTube was a tame condemnation that it was immoral for whoever made that recording to do so; the facts contained in the video he could not fault.

And in the face of all this, Jang went ahead to open an office for his faction of the NGF which he says is authentic and even had the gut to lead his gang to the presidential villa in Abuja to pay homage to President Goodluck Jonathan who not only received them but met with them behind closed doors, an action that could only mean his official endorsement. So in the eyes of the president 16 is higher than 19 and the candidate with the least number of votes can actually be declared the winner as long as it helps his own cause. That sadly appears to be President Jonathan’s understanding of democracy.

The implication of this for our democracy is quite obvious, but for those who chose not to see it, giving victory to the loser in an election without recourse to the court or going through due process of challenging the outcome can only mean one thing for our democracy, disaster. What becomes of the time tested dictum that the majority carries the vote?

Next week will mark the 20th anniversary of the June 12 election, when Nigerians voted in a presidential election but their votes were not allowed to count.

With the majority clearly in favor of a particular candidate that the ruling military junta was not comfortable with, the powers

S

IR Mervyn King the outgoing Governor of the Bank of England has had a really tough time battling with a slew of financial scandals and audit failures. His Achilles heels are the dodgy economy of the UK and most of Europe (with even Germany having to struggle). The long and short of it is that the global economy is faltering and Britain has been caught in its slipstream.

Sir Mervyn still has three more months at the Bank of England, a recession at this time would have cast a dark shadow over his tenure even though his worst critics concede that it is the politicians who are to blame – they lost the plot and took their eyes off the ball.

When David Cameron became Prime Minister in 2010, he took a huge gamble by launching a bold slashing of government expenditure. The pointsman was none other than the UK Treasury Chief (Chancellor the Exchequer) George Osborne. He insists that Britain’s economy is on the mend.

On CNN, he declared: “We all know there are no easy answers to problems built up over many years, and I can’t promise the road ahead will always be smooth, but by continuing to confront our problems head on, Britain is recovering and we are building an economy fit for the future.”

At a special service to mark Workers’ Day on Wednesday 1st May 2013, the brand new Holy Father, Pope Francis 1 chose St Peter’s Basilica to deliver a special message of hope not only to workers but also the unemployed particularly those chartered accountants who have been protesting in St Peter’s Square against being deprived of their means of livelihood by the four major accounting firms.

The Pontiff urged them – one and all – not to lose hope.

The Holy Father urged them to remain optimistic and steadfast in their faith amidst record joblessness in the euro area as hundreds of thousands of people demonstrated across Europe against austerity and workers’ rights – in addition to the right of small audit firms to carry out a robust audit without the fear of being removed from office while the four largest accounting firm’s are only too ready to take over their clients. Ac-

Jang and his gang that be then would rather annul that election than allow the majority to carry the day. And so the election of Bashorun MKO Abiola as president and commander-in-chief of the armed forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on June 12, 1993 was annulled by military fiat and with it went the 3rd Republic.

The will of the majority was subverted and Nigeria went into crisis. You know the rest of the story.

It does appear that we have learnt nothing from that experience. No matter how imperfect an election was the outcome must be respected as long as that was the wish of the majority. If the military had allowed Abiola to assume his mandate, it was possible Nigeria could have fumbled and wobbled then (but definitely not crumble, as the anti June 12 forces then wanted us to believe) if he didn’t perform well, but the people would only have blamed themselves for that choice and would have changed him at the next election. We lost that opportunity and it took us a long time to get it back in 1999 and now we are toying with it again.

The NGF election might look small and may be insignificant in the context of the larger politics, but the message we are sending by this long drawn dispute over who won the chairmanship portends danger for our democracy. If in an election involving only 35 electors and we are still alleging rigging then what happens when there are 70 to 80 million voters? An election among state governors who are supposedly members of the political elites and yet we are still disputing the outcome?

All the state governors have been a let down in this matter and they should be ashamed of themselves. What are they teaching the rest of us ordinary mortals? But the greatest let down here is President Goodluck Jonathan.

His denials

notwithstanding, the whole furore over the NGF election is all about his second term bid.

He feels that a Rotimi Amaechi led NGF would be injurious to his ambition to return to office in 2015. How he arrived at his conclusion is still baffling. What can Gov. Amaechi do if Nigerians believe Jonathan deserves another term in 2015? But does the President deserve another term? Has he done enough to earn our votes again in 2015?

I think Jonathan is just a failed president looking for someone to blame for his failure.

Trying to cast Amaechi as the stumbling block to his second term chance, if he has any chance at all, is simple escapism. Jonathan should ask himself this basic question. Are Nigerians better off now than they were when I took over? If he answers in the affirmative, then he should ignore the NGF, both Amaechi’s and Jang’s factions and throw his hat into the ring for the 2015 presidential election and wait for the people to decide. If he deceives himself by saying yes when he knows that he has not measured up to expectation, he will definitely fail at the polls.

Nigerians would reject him and nothing will happen, the threats of Asari Dokubo and his fellow thugs notwithstanding.

But before we get to that election the president and his group have to be very careful about what they say and what they do. Lest they plunge this nation into further crisis. Parading Jang and his gang as the real NGF and threatening any PDP governor that refused to fall in line is not the right way to go. If truly Jonathan is the leader of the country, instead of meeting with a faction of the NGF, he should call a meeting of all the 36 state governors and sit down with them to resolve the crisis in the Forum. This will serve not just his interest but the larger Nigerian interest.

For Governor Jang much more is expected

Freedom of misinformation

By Bashorun J.K. Randle cording to them, there is nowhere in the Ten Commandments poaching, snatching or enticement of clients are forbidden. You kill what you eat and eat what kill is the unwritten law.

The Pope’s message was straight to the point: “I think about those who are unemployed (and auditors who have been replaced by Big Four) often because of an economic conception of society that seeks egoistic profit regardless of social justice.”

Vatican Radio devoted a whole hour to interviewing youths all over Europe and it would appear that the economic downturn has forced young people to reconsider the value of going to university and half of them think a degree is no longer worthwhile. The Future of Europe Project found the confidence of young people (particularly Catholics) has been badly hit. The majority aged between 16 to 24 do not expect to have a job for life.

The Vatican media can barely keep up with the vigour and freshness of the Pope. Indeed, Vatican Radio and TV have been feasting on the editorial of “The Nation” newspaper of March 23, 2013.

Headline: “POPE OF HOPE” v “New Catholic Pontiff starts on a good note” “The formal inauguration the new Catholic Pontiff, Pope Francis 1, on Tuesday, signaled the commencement of a new era in the history of the church at a most critical period.

The galaxy of world leaders who graced the occasion as well as the global attraction it elicited indicate that so much is expected of the new spiritual head of the 1.2 billion Catholics worldwide, both within and beyond the Catholic communion. Pope Francis is the first Jesuit priest to become Pope.

An Argentine, he is the first Pope from outside Europe. He is the first Pope in living memory to occupy the seat when his pred-

ecessor is still alive as Pope Emeritus. He assumes office at a time of grave moral crisis in the church and critical socio-economic challenges confronting humanity. The new Pope’s early gestures indicate that he has the spiritual grace, humility and wisdom to help guide the church to a higher moral pedestal.

Francis is in many ways a Pope of hope.

It is significant that the Pope has assumed the name of St Francis of Assisi, a monk whose commitment to the poor was demonstrated by a life-long vow of chastity, humility and poverty. This is an indication of his identification with the wretched of the earth’ that still constitute the vast majority of humanity in a world that has, ironically, evolved the technology and expertise to make poverty history. As it is well known, poverty is at the root of many of the problems – religious extremism, terrorism, rampant criminality and gross moral degeneration – that threaten the very existence of humanity today. The current economic crisis that afflicts most parts of the world today also underscores the gulf of inequality that separates a microscopic proportion of the opulent from the less fortunate rest of mankind.

Pope Francis was thus right on target in emphasizing the need to protest the poor and the environment in his inaugural homily. He called on Christians “to protect the whole of creation, to protect each person especially the poorest, to protect ourselves” saying further that “This is a service that the Bishop of Rome is called to carry out, yet one to which all of us are called ….. The vocation of being a protector, however, is not just something involving us Christians alone; it also has a prior dimension which is simply human, involving everyone. It means protecting the people, showing concern for people, showing concern for each and every person, especially children, the elderly, those in need, who are often the last we think about.”

These words of compassion have a special resonance for us in Nigeria, where society

of him as an elderly person and he should apply the wisdom of an old man and not lent himself to being used to cause the downfall of this democracy. He should not be a tool in the hands of Jonathan and wife to fight their ‘enemy’ real or imagined. He should let Jonathan carry his cross, fight his battle. If the NGF goes down, Nigerians will neither forget nor forgive Jang. If truly Jang won as he insists, then he should provide the evidence, if not he should keep quiet and not heat up the polity unnecessarily. As for the rest of his gang, particularly Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State, I reserve my comments. Those who know him well say he is just behaving true to type. They say he is a serial betrayal; a man of low or no principle; a fair weather politician. What can one say other than to watch, hoping he doesn’t end up destroying himself politically.

Yoruba can forgive anything, everything and anybody, but not betrayals. He should ask the Akintolas. Yoruba don’t forget, and the time would come one day when questions would be asked about his conduct in this present dispensation. That time is near. And as we say here, a three year old pounded yam can still burn the finger.

The Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi would also do well by reaching out to the other 16 governors who for one reason or the other did not vote for him. I am sure the founders of the NGF adopted the consensus option in choosing the chairman of the forum in the past to avoid this kind of division that an election, especially among a group of equals could bring. Now we have seen the wisdom in that and can appreciate it better.

But that is not to say that electing the chairman was a bad idea, after all we are in a democracy, but governors are expected to be mature enough to rise above the kind of pettiness that often accompany election disputes in Nigeria. We expect a lot better from them and Amaechi should show that he is or can be better by extending a hand of friendship to the other camp, including the President’s and prove that the trust of the majority of his colleagues who preferred him to Jang and indeed that of millions of Nigerians are not misplaced.

The NGF must rally together and remember what brought them together; fighting for the interest of their people.

Anything less will only bring the forum public scorn and hatred, irrespective of who the chairman is. worships at the altar of crass materialism and man is no longer his brother’s keeper. Pope Francis is showing a worthy example to the Nigerian church, where the size of a person’s bank account has become the measure of the salvation of his soul and men of God fly private jets in the name of God, even as millions of their members wallow in hunger and deprivation…

As for the Seventy “Senior Elders from Nigeria” who have for almost six months kept vigil in St. Peter’s Square in fervent prayers for our beloved country – that it may not go the same way as Rwanda; Sierra Leone; Liberia; Egypt; Libya; and especially Somalia, the Italians and the Holy Father have proved to be generous hosts. We are being provided with free biscotti and coffee. Besides, our visas have been extended “indefinitely”. The message is clear – we are welcome to pray for as long as we like.

• Bashorun Randle, OFR, FCA writes from Ikoyi, Lagos

‘As for the Seventy “Senior Elders from Nigeria” who have for almost six months kept vigil in St. Peter’s Square in fervent prayers for our beloved country – that it may not go the same way as Rwanda; Sierra Leone; Liberia; Egypt; Libya; and especially Somalia, the Italians and the Holy Father have proved to be generous hosts. We are being provided with free biscotti and coffee. Besides, our visas have been extended “indefinitely”’

INSIDE

TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2013

Page 25

Website: http://www.thenationonlineng.com

Minister urges military support for democracy

- Page 27

Expert warns against unhealthy diet, lifestyle

New transport policy unsettles bus owners

- Page 27

•Mini-bus owners and drivers protesting at the National Assembly Complex

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‘We’ll continue to fight piracy’ - Page 28

MAGINE a park filled with commuters on a rainy June evening, the torrents of rain pelting the waiting crowd, the icy winds making them shiver to the bone marrows in the approaching night while waiting for vehicles that never came.

Would this be the impending fate of thousands of workers and commuters in the coming days?

From this week what will be the lot of the masses in the Federal Capital Territory in terms of transportation? How much is going to be the amount to be spent by an average worker for daily transportation in Abuja in the coming days? How long would it take people to get to work in the mornings and home in the evenings?

Would people be able to afford taxis or have the energy to trek

From Victor Oluwasegun

long distances everyday to and from their offices and various destinations?

These are the questions currently being asked by concerned citizens in the Federal Capital City of Abuja.

The FCT Administration decided that from that date minibuses shall no longer operate

within the main city. The administration has said that any minibus found in the city after that date would be impounded.

The determination of the FCT administration to enforce the policy has elicited concerns and criticisms from the populace about the fate of the thousands of workers that commute daily from the satellite towns of the

The determination of the FCT administration to enforce the policy has elicited concerns and criticisms from the populace about the fate of the thousands of workers that commute daily from the satellite towns of the FCT to the city centre on a daily basis

FCT to the city centre on a daily basis.

There is also the fear that the stoppage could escalate the current unemployment situation and increase the crime rate in the capital city.

Scores of mini-bus owners and drivers last Tuesday staged a protest at the National Assembly over the imminent ban of the buses in the Federal Capital Territory metropolis.

An earlier test of the policy for a few days in February by the FCT Administration left thousands of commuters stranded across the city.

The Transport Secretariat of the FCT has expressed the intention to confine the operations of the mini-buses to the satellite towns in the FCT and •Continued on Page 26

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2013

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ABUJA REVIEW

•Mini-buses are no longer welcome •Continued from Page 25

stop them from coming into the city and to replace their services with long buses.

The new policy initially thought to have been postponed indefinitely is now the source of apprehension in the city as those who are not car owners believe that the policy would compound an already complex transportation situation.

There are also fears that the cost of transportation will skyrocket and commercial activities in the city would be affected.

The protesters at the National Assembly last Tuesday under the aegis of the Owners and Drivers of Mini-Buses Association in the FCT, described the new policy as “obnoxious policy on transport,” and that it is “not mass-friendly.”

“About 62,000 drivers and conductors will be denied of their daily bread as a result of this inhuman government arrangement,” the association said.

Members of the association carried various banners that had in-

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HE Interior Ministry has convened a meeting of experts and public sector to review laws governing migration, citizenship and marriage matters with the hope to review all obsolete laws and check illegal processes in Nigeria.

Experts at a one-day Stakeholders’ Forum on Citizenship and Marriage Administration held in Abuja made the call were made for a thorough review of existing laws guiding naturalisation, registration of marriages , citizenship application and naturalisation to minimize abuse of the process.

Declaring the workshop open, Minister of Interior, Comrade Patrick Abba Moro, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Anastasia Daniel charged the experts to produce a valuable working document that would highlight how to strengthen human capacity and the knowledge that would lead to improved service delivery at the Department of Citizenship and Marriage Registry.

The minister described the forum as the first of its kind saying: “it

New transport policy unsettles bus owners scriptions like: “We are Nigerians, give us our right to work please,” “We are not in military regime, we are in democracy, hear our cry,” “We’re part of the organised labour, we are not touts, live and let live,” “SOS, SOS, save our jobs, don’t throw us into starvation and death. Save our jobs,” “NASS save our families.”

Other banners read: “We are legitimate drivers and conductors, NASS stop this impending slav-

ery,” “Is government afraid of competition? Live and let live,” “Create jobs not joblessness.”

A member of the association, Prince Paul Omeire, stated that the objective of the protest was to get the National Assembly influence the FCT Transport Secretariat change the policy “We are members of Owners and Drivers Association, and we operate the town service. We own the bus and drive it. Our problem

The new transport policy is that we should stop operation in the city on June 3 and this means that thousands of drivers and conductors with their families and other extension will suffer

is with the Transport Secretariat of the FCT. “The new transport policy is that we should stop operation in the city on June 3 and this means that thousands of drivers and conductors with their families and other extension will suffer.

We create jobs and we don’t know why they want to create joblessness,” he said.

On why they were at the National Assembly, he said “We are here to see our representatives at the National Assembly and see if we can get the FCT Transport Secretariat to change the policy.

“In many cities across the world, small, big buses as well as taxis operate without hindrance, why should it be different in Abuja, all we want is peaceful coexistence.

Omeire said that in the alternative, the FCT could build alternate motor parks and garages in the city where the mini-buses can utilise within the city, “so that the

complaints of disturbance will stop.”

The association enjoined all FCT residents to “Lend your voice and save the situation,” adding that “we are persuaded that the timely disapproval and condemnation by the masses of the FCT of the Machiavellian policy can make the FCT policy makers think twice.”

Clement Acholonu, an FCT resident who stays in Maraba told The Nation that the problem stems from a disconnect of the policy makers from the problems of the people.

“These people do not understand. They have many cars. Do they stand in the sun like we do?

Do they stand in the rain like we do? Do they feel our pains? Do they trek kilometres after a hard day’s job? Of course, the answer is no. Its not enough to sit in airconditioned offices and craft policies that affect the people negatively. That is not governance,” he said.

Govt to amend migration, marriage laws From Gbenga Omokhunu

was aimed at enlightening and sensitising the public on the guidelines and procedures of the administration of the Nigerian citizenship and Marriage Registry to help address inherent challenges and bring the services to conform to global best practices.”

“It is the intention of government to explore the possibility of establishing additional Marriage registries across the country. Furthermore, I wish to inform you that the Ministry has received proposals by two serving National Legislators to establish a marriage Registry at Egbe and Lekki, Lagos State as part of their constituency project.” Moro stated He, however, warned those in the habit of violating rules governing the services provided by agencies under the Interior Ministry that it will soon embark on constant and continuous monitoring of the

administration of the facilities granted applicants with a view to check abuses or disregard of rules guiding the services.

He also said that penalties and punishments will be meted out to violators of the nation’s immigration and marriage laws to serve as deterrent and “essential control measure against further abuse.”

The minister hoped that the workshop would provide government agencies the opportunity to interface with private sector stakeholders to enable the share sensitive security information that would help the country especially now that it is grappling with current security challenges.

Also speaking at the occasion, the immediate past Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Alhaji Mahmud Yayale Ahmed, who was the chairman of the occasion, stated that it has become imperative for laws governing entry and exit of foreigners into the coun-

try and expatriate quota system to be amended because the laws as they are today have been subjected to deliberate abuse by aliens who do not wish the nation well.

Yayale said: “Ways of acquiring Nigerian citizenship and what those who acquire it must do to continue retaining it, must be properly defined to remove ambiguities which have become points of abuse in the process.”

He appealed to the experts to

thoroughly dissect the available documents and relate them to the nation’s constitution and come up with useful recommendations that would assist the ministry in collaboration with the National Assembly to review the laws and make them water-tight as well as simplifying the process for qualified applicants to obtain residency permits or naturalization documents.

It is the intention of government to explore the possibility of establishing additional Marriage registries across the country. I wish to inform you that the Ministry has received proposals by two serving National Legislators to establish a marriage Registry at Egbe and Lekki, Lagos State as part of their constituency project

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2013

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ABUJA REVIEW

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Minister urges military support for democracy

HE Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Bala Mohammed has called on the Nigerian Armed Forces to continue to support democratic institutions as the nation celebrates Democracy Day. The minister made the call while receiving the Chief of Air Staff who paid him a visit.

Mohammed remarked that the call had become necessary, especially with the security challenges being experienced in some parts of the country.

The minister stressed that their support would further strengthen

Stories from Gbenga Omokhunu and Grace Obike

democratic tenets, which by extension, will fast-track the development of the entire country.

He urged the Armed Forces to key into the Transformation Agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan as the agenda is all-encompassing; taking care of even minute sub-sector of the society.

According to him, their keyingin and collaboration would go a long way in assisting even the lead-

Anybody wishing to make transaction on any plot of land in the FCT should first make verifications on the status of such plots from the FCT Administration to reduce scam and corruption pervading the sub-sector; especially as it affects the area councils’ plots

ership of the Armed Forces to leave landmark achievements and legacy for future generations.

He assured that all plots meant for the Armed Forces in the Federal Capital Territory would be sorted out to enable them to commence development in earnest.

While appreciating the security cover the Armed Forces have been providing in and around the 8,000 square kilometres of the Federal Capital Territory, especially the role Nigerian Air Force has been playing at the Abuja Airport, the Minister promised to continue to partner with the security agencies in the Territory.

He said that the sales of the Federal Government houses in the FCT is a continuous process, even as he assured that houses being occupied by military personnel in Apo, Gudu District will be sold to them in accordance with the regulations.

On the 110 hectares of land the Nigerian Air Force allegedly bought from some land racketeers in Kyami District, Senator Moham-

med directed the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority through the Urban and Regional Planning to, within two weeks, provide a better alternative because the District has already been allocated to genuine owners with title documents.

The minister advised that anybody wishing to make transaction on any plot of land in the FCT should first make verifications on the status of such plots from the FCT Administration to reduce scam and corruption pervading the sub-sector; especially as it affects the area councils’ plots.

His words: “Kyami District in the Federal Capital City has already been allocated with people holding subsisting legal titles because the District is not meant for mass housing projects.”

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Alex Badeh complained that the Nigerian Air Force bought some plots of land amounting to about 110 hectares in Lugbe and later discovered that the area coun-

•Senator Mohammed cil allocation could no longer be accessed.

He praised Senator Mohammed for the good work he has been doing in the Federal Capital Territory, promising to collaborate with the FCT Administration by exploiting new frontiers.

Group targets youths in campaign against exam malpractices

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OTHERED by the rising trend in examination malpractices in the country’s schools, a group has devised ways aimed at curbing the menace.

Crusade against Examination Malpractice Initiative (CAEMI) said it hopes to take the problem by emphasising value-based education.

Founder of the group, Chibuike Echem, who announced this in Abuja, regretted that the country’s value system was fast eroding. He also contended that integrity and honesty have gradually become scarce commodities among the people.

“Our main objective is to fight and curb examination malpractice. We aim to create a balance

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ESIDENTS of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have been warned against unhealthy feeding pattern and lifestyle.

An expert on healthy living, Mrs Victoria Kayode, who is the founder of LivinMedia Nigeria Limited, gave the advice in Abuja at a seminar she organised in conjunction with Baytit Investment

From Eric Ikhilae

and let the young people know that it is right to always do the right thing,” he said.

Echem further explained that it has planned value-based education which will target students,

their teachers and parents. It is intended to capture the heart of the students with a view to changing their attitude towards education.

He gave the components of the value-based education to include human, social, moral, ethical and

Our main objective is to fight and curb examination malpractice. We aim to create a balance and let the young people know that it is right to always do the right thing…It is intended to capture the heart of the students with a view to changing their attitude towards education

spiritual values.

Echem said his group has developed courses for school which would serve as an avenue of passing on these values to the students.

He said though the group, founded in 2008, had operated in rural areas in several states before now. It hopes to commence the teaching of these courses in designated schools free of charge soon.

Echem appealed for support from relevant government agencies and well-meaning individuals to help his group achieve and sustain its objectives.

Also speaking, Director, Academic Services, Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB) Mrs. Sonia Ehiogu regretted that lead-

ers who ought to provide the light were not leading by example.

She blamed this development on the decline of morals among the nation’s youths.

Mrs. Ehiogu, who praised CAEMI for its efforts, said she was unhappy with the decline in the quality of education being passed to the students today.

A member of the Board of Trustees of CAEMI, Obioma Ogbulafor explained that the group’s decision to target the youth in its campaign was informed by its realisation that young ones could easily be influenced.

“Our primary target is the students who we also hope to reach by working with their teachers and their families or parents,” Ogbulafor said.

Expert warns against unhealthy diet, lifestyle From Bukola Amusan

Limited. The seminar was tagged ‘Reclaim your Health.

In an interview with journalists at the seminar, which was held at Grace Point Resort Hotel, 7one 6,

Wuse, the expert said she believed that it is better to stay healthy than looking for healing.

Kayode, who lamented that majority of diseases and sicknesses that are prevalent today are as a result of intake of bad diets and bad lifestyle, said her passion to see

people live well and make those that are sick get well, prompted her to go into the field.

Her words: “We see people moving about with many conditions that are in a major way as a result of what they eat, what they do and what they fail to do, so we preach diet and lifestyle change”.

She said her team has been teaching healthy living in churches, schools, mosque, offices, seminars, conferences, among others.

However, it was the first time she was organising a free seminar for the general public in the FCT, while she disclosed plans to reach out to those at the grassroots.

“We have been teaching healthy living as our own quota to bring to the barest minimum(if not to eradicate) sicknesses and diseases in our environment for the past eight years and we believe we still have much ground to cover”, she said.

Highpoint of the event was talks on different health issues delivered by resource persons, blood pressure, height and body mass Index

by experts and responses to questions on health asked by participants.

While speaking on the topic Reclaim your Health, Reverend Tony Akinyemi advised Nigerians not to wait for diseases to strike before making moves.

“We can pre-empt, prevent, be proactive and there are things we can do to stay healthy. There are preventable and avoidable diseases so everybody should be alive and awake to take the various responsibilities they have towards themselves in making sure we maintain a healthy nation because from a healthy nation we will have a healthy, productive workforce so that we can enhance our overall development as a nation,” the reverend said.

Other resource persons who spoke at the seminar are BrigadierGeneral Abimbola Amusa, a doctor in the Nigerian Army who spoke on orthodox medicine and healthy living issues and Pastor Titi Somefun, who spoke on Look Fine but Unhealthy Inside.

We see people moving about with many conditions that are in a major way as a result of what they eat, what they do and what they fail to do, so we preach diet and lifestyle change •Participants at the seminar

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2013

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ABUJA REVIEW

Committee seeks commission for resettlement, compensation From Gbenga Omokhunu and Grace Obike

•Oloye Olajumoke

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HE Ministerial Committee on the Implementation of Apo Resettlement Scheme has recommended the establishment of a commission to handle resettlement and compensation matters in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The committee also called for the funding of resettlement programmes of the FCT Administration under the National Priority Budget.

The chairman of the Ministerial Committee on the Implementation of Apo Resettlement Scheme, Alhaji Yusuf Tsaiyabu, stated this while submitting the committee’s report to the Minister of State

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for the FCT, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide.

Tsaiyabu noted that the establishment of a commission had become necessary in order to prevent the incessant set up of different committees to handle the resettlement schemes in the FCT. “The committee recommended that there should be a commission to handle all matters on resettlement and compensation in the FCT. Every issue on resettlement and compensation can be handled by the commission. It would prevent having numerous committees to handle different resettlement and compensation mat-

ters,” he said.

He noted that the current funding of resettlement and compensation through statutory budget was inadequate.

“The resettlement and compensation of indigenes cannot satisfactorily be funded under the FCT Administration’s statutory budget. The committee found out that the issue of resettlement and compensation is the business of the Federal Government. It involves huge capital resources, even as it constitutes security problems within the territory.

“The committee recommended that resettlement and compensation should be funded through the National Priority Budget. The FCT Administration has to liaise

We can assure you that you will begin to see fundamental changes in the way things are done in resettlement and compensation matters in the FCT. This is democracy at work in line with the transformation agenda of Mr. President…The President is transforming Nigeria into a fully democratic society

with the Federal Government to include the resettlement and compensation of original inhabitants of the FCT in its National Priority Budget,” said Tsaiyabu, who is the Director, Administration and Finance of the FCT Area Council Services Secretariat.

Receiving the committee’s report, the FCT Minister of State assured members of the committee and communities that the FCT Administration has the political will to execute the report and use it as a model for subsequent resettlement schemes.

“We can assure you that you will begin to see fundamental changes in the way things are done in resettlement and compensation matters in the FCT. This is democracy at work in line with the transformation agenda of Mr. President.

“The President is transforming Nigeria into a fully democratic society. This is why the participation and involvement of the people in matters that affect them is very critical. The Garki, Apo and Akpajanya communities fully participated in the committee’s report,” she stated.

Akinjide had, on February 14, 2013, inaugurated the Implemen-

tation Committee on Apo Resettlement Scheme.

The committee was made up of Director of Urban and Regional Planning, Alhaji Suleiman Abubakar; Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council, Hon. Micah Jiba; Director of Security in the FCT, Alhaji Bashir Mohammed; Director of Inspectorate, Planning and Management, Area Council Services Secretariat, Architect J. S. Kaura; Director of Satellite Towns Development Agency, Alhaji Tukur Ibrahim Bakori; Director of Development Control, Mr. Yahaya Yusuf, and Director of Resettlement and Compensation, Mr. Francis Okechukwu.

Other members were Special Assistant to the Minister of State on Resettlement, Mr. Benedict Ogenyi; Director of Lands in the FCT, Alhaji Mainasara Babayo; Special Adviser (Lands) to the Permanent Secretary, Chief Steven Awoniyi; Special Assistant (Lands) to the Minister of the FCT, Alhaji Hussaini Badeggi; Special Assistant (Legal) to the Minister of State for the FCT, Mr. Festus Tsavsar; representative of Public Building, Mr. Momohjimoh Ibrahim; representative of Department of State Service, Mr. Adebowale Sanusi; Deputy Director of Monitoring and Control, Resettlement Department, Alhaji Baba Kura Umar, and Chairman of the FCT Press Corps, Mr. Sam Ogbeifun.

‘We’ll continue to fight piracy’

HE Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has restated its commitment to stamping out the crime of piracy in the country.

This is coming on the heels of some major successes it recorded in its anti-piracy efforts.

The commission, which launched two separate raids on some markets in Abuja, arrested about 10 suspects and seized pirated items worth over N7 million.

In the first operation tagged: “Kubwa Cleansing” led by the Acting Director, Enforcement, Augustine Amodu and the commission raided Kubwa and Zuba markets where pirated optical discs and other items were recovered.

Amodu said seven suspects were arrested during the raid, while 28,000 pirated copies of optical discs, including movies and musical works were retrieved from both markets.

In the second raid at the Durumi 1 Market, three people were arrested in connection with their alleged involvement in the illegal distribution of DSTV signal.

They include Godwin Onyuka, Samuel Nwabueze and Onyuka’s neighbour identified as Chima.

DSTV’s Manager, Piracy, Gozie Onumonu, who led NCC officials and armed policemen on the raid, said the main suspect, Onyuka’s offence was that he was allegedly

From Eric Ikhilae

rebroadcasting DSTV channels to over 500 households in Durumi Community and in the market and allegedly collects N1,000 per shop monthly.

Onumonu claimed that Onyuka also collects N500 from each household that he is not giving football channels.

“And he only pays to DSTV about N13, 000 monthly. DSTV does not give commercial package to people who do cable piracy.

“DSTV Collective package is meant for viewing centres and hotels. It costs N13, 000 monthly and it is called commercial bouquet.

“DSTV does not and has never given anybody any licence to rebroadcast its channels via cables.

Whoever claimed to have been so authorised should produce the licence issued to him or her by the company,” the DSTV official said.

Onyuka denied the allegation, claiming that what he does in Durumi eating place is not illegal.

“DSTV officials came to Durumi eating place and inspected the market sometime last year. The company gave me the right to do what I am doing. An official of DSTV known as Omafo knows about this.

Omafo, who is the Assistant Manager, Piracy, came with some other officials of the company; they came in DSTV’s official vehicle to inspect

We have decided to either stamp out or reduce it drastically. The NCC wishes to warn all those engaged in this form of illegal business to stop…If they refuse to stop, we will surely get them, no matter where they may be in this country…Onyuka, who was arrested in Durumi, will be taken to court soon. We are committed to zero-tolerance of piracy in the country

•Pirated goods pose a huge challenge every shop in the market.

“I have all the documents relating to the transaction. I will provide them at the appropriate time.

The transaction, in relation to my business, was carried out at the DSTV main office at Wuse Zone 2, Abuja.

“My decoders are registered. That was why I could link up others that were registered. DSTV is fully aware of what I am doing. I pay DSTV over N30, 000 monthly subscriptions for this commercial service. I have linked over 40 people.

“My contract with DSTV is called DSTV Collective. Under it, the company registers some decoders with which you are allowed to connect others for commercial purposes.

“If they do their investigation and

find out that my decoders are not registered for commercial, I should be indicted,” Onyuka said.

Nwabueze, the chairman, Durumi 1 Market Traders’ Association, confirmed that the suspect distributes DSTV services to his association’s members.

He said over 40 members are linked by the suspect, who charges N3, 000 for connection and N1, 000 monthly subscription from those he linked. Nwabueze denied knowledge that the suspect’s operation was illegal. He said his only involvement was to assist in the collection of the monthly subscription fee from his members to the suspect to avoid disputation.

Also speaking, Amodu expressed delight that his commission’s efforts

were yielding results with the arrest and confiscation of Onyuka’s operational tools.

“We have warned severally that the NCC will not tolerate piracy in whatever form. We have said that piracy is a cankerworm that is biting deep into the fabric of the economy of this nation.

“We have decided to either stamp out or reduce it drastically. The NCC wishes to warn all those engaged in this form of illegal business to stop.

“If they refuse to stop, we will surely get them, no matter where they may be in this country. Onyuka, who was arrested in Durumi, will be taken to court soon. We are committed to zero-tolerance of piracy in the country,” Amodu said.

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TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2013

‘

How did we come about Plea Bargaining? It is not in our laws, but it is being ingenuously smuggled into our legal lexicon through the back door. Plea Bargaining is evidence of the lack of guts, courage and political will to adequately punish every infraction of the law, no matter how highly placed the offender is. Plea Bargaining means either sharing the wrongful gains of crime with the criminal, or giving the criminal an inexplicable and undeserved rebate on the well-deserved punishment that he should get.

See page 37

’

E-mail:- law@thenationonlineng.net

INSIDE: Forum gets governing council’s chair

-Page 31

Supreme Court begins hearing in Okorocha vs Ohakim, today -Page 32

‘Laws to grow investment in power sector needed’ -Page 33

‘A true jurist leaves the Bench’ -Page 34

Why rights enforcement rule needs further review

-Page 36

‘Good governance key to peace’

In his mid-term report presented last week, President Goodluck Jonathan gave his administration a pass mark.“We have done well,” he said. But some lawyers disagree, saying the administration must buckle up to meet the people’s expectations in the remaining two years of its tenure. ADEBISI ONANUGA reports.

Lawyers to Jonathan: let Nigerians judge H

OW has the Jonathan administration fared in the past two years?

It has done well, says President Goodluck Jonathan in his mid-term report to mark the Democracy Day last Wednesday. Some lawyers disagree with this verdict, urging the administration to do more to better the people’s lot in its remaining time in office. For the President, the Democracy Day was an auspicious time to give an account of his administration. He told a gathering at the International Conference Centre, Abuja that his administration had performed “excellently” in the last two years.

Jonathan launched a document on the performance of his administration at the ceremony. At the event, were former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon; Second Republic President Shehu Shagari and former Head of Interim National Government Chief Ernest Shonekan, among others.

Jonathan said: “Today, we are marking the end of the first 24 months, which is our mid-term review and my duty is to formally present a document that all Nigerians will be able to read and assess us.”

He said the gathering was the perfect platform to formally present the document to all Nigerians on the activities of government in the past two years.

“I plead with all of us, especially those who want to assess and write about it, to develop criteria because without a marking scheme, you cannot mark any student’s paper. Two years of a government, this is what we have done; develop your

•Continued on page 30

• Jonathan

‘Bar leaders must resist interference’

-Page 37

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) is preparing for its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State between tomorrow and Friday. Its President, Okey Wali (SAN), has given an insight into the agenda – the independence of the Bar. In this interview with Legal Editor JOHN AUSTIN UNACHUKWU, he speaks on the Bar leaders’ meeting, which he attended in Geneva, Switzerland and the state of emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states, among others.

The anticorruption war in the Nigerian Judiciary: How far?

How well?

-Page 38

marking scheme and score us”, he said.

Three officials gave a glimpse of what the report card looks like. They are Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Anyim Pius Anyim; Minister of Finance Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala and Minister of National Planning, Dr Shamsudeen Usman, who gave the government a pass mark.

Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala said remarkable progress had been made in the economy.

According to her,Nigeria’s economy was strong and growing, and that foreign reserve is $50 billion, up from $32.08 billion in May 2011. She said due to the level of foreign reserve, foreign exchange had remained stable in the past two years.

Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is one of the fastest growing in the world.

The GDP growth in 2013 is expected to be at 6.5 per cent (NBS) or 7.2 per cent (IMF).

Inflation rate, she said, has slowed down to 9.1 per cent per cent from 12.4 per cent in May 2011. She said the focus of the government was to complete ongoing projects. Stressing the determination of the government to reduce the country’s debt, she said the government had begun retiring existing debts.

“We want to keep our debts at a very manageable level.”

The minister said the cost of government was reducing due to a policy to lower recurrent expenditure and complete unfinished capital projects. Recurrent expenditure dropped from 74.4 per

• Wali

• SEE story on page 31

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2013

30

LAW COVER CONT’D • Continued from page 29

cent of total budget in 2011 to 68.7 per cent in 2013 while annual borrowing has reduced from N852 billion in 2011 to N588 billion this year.

On expenditure, Dr OkonjoIweala said Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) have resulted in N118.9 billion savings on the payroll cost, and that 58 per cent of the budget was being executed through the introduction of the Government Integrated Financial Management and Information System (GIFMIS).

Through the Treasury Single Account (TSA), she said the government’s overdrawn position has dropped from N102 billion in 2011 to N19 billion in 2012.

To prevent corruption in the various pension schemes, she said: “All the pension schemes are now coming under one roof to check abuses.”

On the Subsidy Re-Investment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P), she said last years, the Federal Government got N180 billion, states – N154 billion and local governments – N76 billion for various projects. Speaking on investment climate, the Finance minister said Nigeria had become the highest destination for investment in view of the improvement in the power sector, adding that the ongoing privatisation would boost the power sector.

Usman, who gave an overview of the Transformation Agenda of the government, said: “Mr. President is actually setting a record in Nigeria. He is raising the bar.”

According to him, about eight of the 14 key objectives set by the administration in 2011 have been achieved by the government.

Anyim said the government should not only be assessed by the physical infrasructure in place now but that there are many intangible achievements that have been recorded in the past two years.

To Anyim, there have been stability and no interference with the legislature. He pointed out that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been receiving more funds towards procuring electoral materials, like permanent voters’ cards, among other things.

“We have recorded some progress, but a lot is yet to be achieved,” he said.

Much as the ministers spoke glowingly about the achievements of the administration of Goodluck Jonathnan, many Nigerians and lawyers have a contrary view of his administration, especially against the background of the unending killing of innocent Nigerians by the Islamic sect, Boko Haram, high level corruption, the increasing rate of kidnappings and armed robberies, the reckless spending in government, all which appeared to have defied solution.

They also believe that determining whether a government had done well in office is better left to the people.

Speaking at the opening of the first Jigawa State Economic and Investment Summit at the Sir Ahmadu Bello Hall in Dutse, former President Olusegun Obasanjo said leadership was another cankerworm facing the country.

“You know you can help somebody to get the job, but you cannot help him to do it. If somebody cannot do the job, we have Sule Lamido who we are confident can do the job,” he told a crowd of would-be investors, dignitaries and ordinary folks.

He described the Boko Haram insurgency and the growing unemployment as a time bomb waiting to explode. Obasanjo said the government should have approached the Boko Haram insurgency the way he (Obasanjo) handled Odi (Bayelsa State) and Zaki Biam (Benue State) communities when he

• Aturu

• Obasanjo

• Ofuokwu

Lawyers to Jonathan: let Nigerians judge was the president.

Lagos lawyer Bamidele Aturu said the government had not lived up to the expectations of Nigerians.

His words:“People must understand that democracy is for us to stand up and demand what is right.

This mid-term report that Jonathan has given is his own idea of setting the exam and giving himself marks.

“It is only a very funny student that would set exams for himself and give himself marks. To even give a mid-term report today is a sign of unseriousness from the Federal Government, you don’t mark yourself, let the people asses you.

When you begin to asses yourself, then there is a fundamental problem.

“I am not saying this for Jonathan alone; I say it for all the leaders, even down to the local governments. Our leaders have failed us. My take on this is this: If you say you have achieved and Nigerians are not seeing your achievements who are you achieving for? This is a made up achievement, there is no doubt there are no achievements here. If he says he will shock us with his achievements we cannot be shocked again.

What I want to say is this; our leaders have failed us, not just the President but leadership at all level.

There is no development,” he added.

A lawyer, Ikechukwu Ikeji, said there could be no better marking scheme for performance than what one sees. Performance indicators or indices do not exist on the pages

of a book or in the mouth of the person being assessed.

“Let’s take electricity, corruption, education, manufacturing, roads, to mention a few, as marking scheme.

What existed before the present administration came to power and what exists now? Do we have a substantially improved electricity supply? The answer is no. We hear that they are struggling to achieve a meagre 10,000 megawatts by December 2014. What a shame, when South Africa has a reserve of more than 135,000 megawatts. Why can’t they work out a structured plan of getting the cities lit one after the other, for example, give Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja 24 hours supply, them move to other cities one after the other.

“Are we winning the fight against corruption? The answer is an emphatic no. In point of fact, there is presently no war against corruption, which has become institutionalised in Nigeria. What happened to the Ribadu report on petroleum income? Are our industries growing? The obvious answer is no.

What has happened to the different steel industries? The only area of manufacturing that seems to have some level of relative sanity appears to be the cement industry with the Dangotes, the Lafarges and the Ibetos calling the shots. How about our refineries? They are moribund. What about our roads?

We hear so much noise about plans to open up the rail lines but these exist more on paper than on geound. Opening up working rail lines will greatly boost the economy. Railway towns have his-

torically been known as centres of development.”

Ikeji went on: “Of what use is government policy if the ordinary man on the street does not feel the impart, if it does not help in putting food on the table or providing employment or profitable business environment? he asked Ikeji said what Jonathan presented surely do not measure up as dividends of democracy.

“In terms of doing well, I would say that the present state of emergency going on in three states is a plus. But beyond that, security challenges still remain a real threat”.

He said the government has continued to deceive the masses “and we are all suffering and smiling and the beat goes on. The few who find themselves in government become massively rich and mediocrity becomes a virtue while excellence is thrown aboard... Corruption remains endemic, it remains the rule rather than the exception. Culture of impunity thrives in the land while the poor citizens behold their leaders in overwhelming affluence”, he said.

To him, the President is just going through the motions like other past leaders without really impacting on the Nigerian situation and so the status quo remains and the problems mount.

As a way out, Ikeji suggested that the fight against corruption must take the front seat in all government activities. We should aim at building strong institutions and not strong personalities. If the President is not ready to step on toes, especially those of powerful interests, we should forget about redemption. We will continue to decay as a society, he noted.

Constitutional lawyer Ike Ofuokwu described the mid-term report as an economic abracadabra, that is: the more you look the less you see. The only thing glowing in the report is the audience and the language of the report. Any report that does not translate into putting food on the table of Nigerians is only worth the piece of paper on which it was written, he said.

“We want to see escalating issues of unemployment and insecurity addressed. We want to see all the billions expended on thepower sector translate into lights beyond Aso Rock. Nigerians want electricity in their homes and not lamps.

We want the issues of decaying infrastructures particularly Federal roads properly addressed. We want to see a mid term report that deemphasises swagger of Government Officials and highlights on their role as servants out to serve the people. We want a Government that will see to quality delivery of our health services instead of expending public funds in treating headaches overseas.

“Honestly, I sympathise with this administration because from what is on ground the next two years portrays a situation of hopelessness. The only meaningful expectation from them is a ‘do or die affair’ for 2015 election since all the permutations and activities in Government swings only towards that course,” Ofoukwu said.

Former Publicity Secretary, NBA Ikeja Branch, Samson Omodara, said: “There is virtually nothing to showcase other than weak governance that has permeated the entire national life accentuated by corruption and insecurity that is threaten-

‘People must understand that democracy is for us to stand up and demand what is right. This mid-term report that Jonathan has given is his own idea of setting the exam and giving himself marks. It is only a very funny student that would set exams for himself and give himself marks. To even give a mid-term report today is a sign of unseriousness from the Federal Government, you don’t mark yourself, let the people asses you. When you begin to asses yourself, then there is a fundamental problem’

ing our corporate existence.”

Managing Partner of TC Akanwa and Co., Mr Theophilus Akanwa, said: “What more do you expect from a politician than to blow his trumpet himself even when he knows within himself that he has done nothing, despite the huge financial resources at his beck and call.

“This administration has performed below expectation of the good people Nigeria. What is mid term report that tends to portray excellence in a paper work without physical realities?” he asked.

“The reality on ground is that corruption is not been fought. There is no security hence bokoharam, kidnapping of people even relations of those in the same govt. Imagine a Supreme Court justice’s wife and relatives being kidnapped. It is a shame!

“Cost of running business is so high because there is no electricity.

We only hear of the drop of megawatts despite d huge resources. The roads are still death traps. Unemployment is on the rise and criminality springs up. Hunger is on the land. Nigerians are suffering.

“Let this government allow Nigerian masses to assess them by what we can see and not to venture into paper works”, he said.

Abuja based lawyer, Dr. Ahmed Sanusi remarked that one could be tempted to think that not much has been achieved under this administration in the last two years. This is so, when viewed on the scale of general insecurity in the land, growing unemployment, rising poverty level, poor infrastructure, among others.

He believes that the government has done well in upholding rule of law and human rights and dignity.

“People are no longer being killed unnecessarily by state agents because they share opposing views or are seen as threat to government in any form. You can remember what it was under Abacha and Obasanjo.

The murder of Bola Ige and others have not been resolved till date.

People are also not being arrested and detained arbitrarily for no just cause”, he said.

Sanusi noted that there is less interference in judicial proceedings, unlike what obtained under Obasanjo, where court decisions were subjected to Executive interpretation. In this instance, the Supreme Court decision in the case between the Lagos and the Federal Government over the withholding of the state’s local government allocation comes to mind. There also the Obasanjo government’s reluctance in obeying court judgment on the voiding of the impeachment of Ladoja as Oyo state governor.

He argued that to an extent, there is less federal government’s interference in electoral process. We have seen instances where the ruling PDP has lost election and the Federal Government did not make effort to influence it.

“So, in those areas, the government could be given a pass mark.

But there is a lot to be done, particularly in the areas of power, security, employment, provision of social amenities, among others.

It is my hope that the government should be more tolerance of criticism, indulge in less of politics and focus more of delivering on its electoral promises in the next two years”, he advised.

ANPP National Financial Secretary, Alhaja Fatima Muhammed said that she does not know what is giving President Jonathan the confidence that he has performed in the last two years.

According to her, “things have gotten worse compared to when Jonathan got into power. I am not saying that he should be impeached, all I know is that by 2015, the country will be singing another song of victory. The PDP government has ruled for 14 years without improvement in the lives of the people. Nigerians are not enjoying the dividends of democracy.”

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LAW & SOCIETY

Lawyers must resist interference in Bar’s independence • Continued from page 29

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HAT happened at the meeting in Geneva?

It was a very refreshing experience to watch Bar leaders from various parts of the world addressing issues of common interest such as the problems of regulation, Bar services, generally, regulation is always high on the agenda of such meetings because, all over the world, there are issues of regulation. the legal profession is insistent on self regulation and resisting regulation from government agencies.

How did you address this?

We had to discuss problems of money laundering, terrorism vis-a-vis regulation. The fact remains that one thing is central to the position of Bar leaders all over the world — the independence of the Bar. It was resolved that Bar associations must resist interference in the independence of the Bar, knowing full well that the twin pillars of the rule of law are the independence of the Bar and the independence of the Bench.

On money laundering, the NBA took a position at its NEC meeting in Makurdi to challenge the law which requires every lawyer to report any transaction with his client in which the lawyer is paid more than $1,000 to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Yes, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) was insistent on enforcing that regulation that lawyers must go and register with the Special, Control Unit on Money Laundering (SCUMOL) and had directed the banks not to allow lawyers and other designated Non Financial Institutions operate their bank accounts unless they registered with SCUMOL. So, we went to court and served on the parties and, inspite of that, the threats were still being issued, so we filed an application for injunction. I think that has made them to roll back a bit. We also wrote letters, I remember that I signed letters to almost all managing directors of banks in this country informing them that the NBA was in court over the matter, that their insistent would amount to contempt of court. While the suit and application for injunction were pending, it was only right and proper that they stayed action on the CBN directive. I also wrote a letter to the Governor of Central Bank, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi telling him that, inspite of the service of court processes on him and his organisation, we think that he should not go on and some how, the banks have not been insisting.

The efforts notwithstanding, what is the way forward?

Well, the chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde, came to see me and that was one of the issues he raised and we had a committee of members of the Bar, the EFCC, the MFIU, the SCUMOL which agreed that the requirement is unreasonable — every transaction over $1,000 about N150,000 should be reported to

A

• Wali

the EFCC and SCUMOL. None of them, I believe, has the capacity to take in that magnitude of reports. So, that is where we are right now and I am hopeful that it will be resolved. I have even offered as a mark of good will to drive the process, so the nominations will come in and we will take it from there.

The Director-General, Nigeria Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), led a team of his management staff to your office. What was the purpose of that visit?

We had a very warm meeting with the NIALS DG and his management team when they visited in my office. They donated some books to us and made a commitment to supply copies of every publication of the institute to the NBA towards our drive to build a library that befits the NBA. I assured them that space will not be our problem by the time we are done with the NBA house project . There will be enough space to take in any number of books donated to us.

We also agreed to collaborate. We agreed to work together on the programmes of Continuing Legal Education (CLE) At the NBA fund raising dinner in Abuja, you promised to move to the building site by

the end of this month if you raised enough funds; how far now, have you moved to the site, why not and when do you intend to move?

Yes, we were ready to move to the site by the end of the month, but there were some technical issues that cropped up, the building committee is not set to go with their bids, they had to go through advertisement of bids and so on to get the desired contractor. We are waiting for them and I am sure that as at today, we can find the amount of money they require to go to site, so, we are there financially.

A cross section of Nigerians have picked issues with President Jonathan over the state of emergency in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states; that the president did not transmit a gazette to the National Assembly as required by law and, that the state of emergency ought to be total with the demolition of every democratic structure in those states. What is your take?

Well. I don’t agree that the declaration of state of emergency means the dismantling of democratic structures and institutions in the effected areas. There is not definition of state of emergency that says this.

The President did the right thing. State of emer-

gency means that every law would be relaxed and certain urgent actions could be taken by security agencies which ordinarily they couldn’t have taken in non state of emergency situations.

I do not have the information available to the president, but like I said before, the President premised his actions on certain grounds: one he said that he had intelligence reports that the Boko Haram group wanted to declare a state of their own, they were planning to break away, that they had certain parts of the country where they operate as being controlled by them. No reasonable government in my Judgment will allow that kind of thing to go on.

Why did the NBA call for amnesty for this group?

We did that because we believed that if law enforcement was not working, then they should look at the second angle which is crime prevention and crime prevention would involved intelligence, negotiation and engaging the people that are involved and we called for that. But if the president comes out with a different approach like he has come out with, I have no reason to doubt the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and if that was the position then the government needed to do something more drastic What of the issue of compliance with the provisions of the Constitution?

I listened to the Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma Egba, say the time would start to run from when the gazette is there. Our position at the Bar is that the rule of law must be maintained no matter the provocations. No matter what the position is, the Bar insists that at all times the rule of law must be maintained. Whatever the government needs to do, they must do that according to the provisions of the Constitution, they must do it quickly no matter the pressure on them.

What is your advice for lawyers attending the NEC meeting in Yenagoa?

My word to them is that NEC is a very serious business, that is what we have tried to achieve in this administration with our rule that NEC will be for NEC members only.

This step was not taken for any selfish aggrandisement, it was taken to ensure that we have a conducieve atmosphere for serious deliberations by those who have either been nominated, elected by the positions they occupy in their branches, or by the positions they occupy at the Bar to come and deal with issues.

What issues do you intend to deal with at the meeeting?

We have a lot of issues to deal with at this NEC. Such topical issues include the state, national importance of the Bar, our NBA house, discipline in the profession. Some lawyers’ names were struck off the roll by the Supreme Court because of misconduct. We have the Annual General Conference which is coming and welfare of lawyers. We have a lot of issues to deal with and, in spite of that, I urge all lawyers to find time, sit down and enjoy Yenagoa.

Forum gets governing council’s chair

N Aba lawyer and former Secretary, Eastern Bar Forum (EBF), Mr Ogbonna Igwenyi, has been inaugurated as the forum’s governing council’s chairman.

The EBF had, at its meeting in Omaga, Port Harcourt on April 27, appointed a three-man committee headed by the former AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice in Imo State, Mr Donald Denwigwe (SAN), to oversee the election of new officers into its governing council.

Consequently, the committee issued guidelines for the election, called for nomination of candidates and filing of nomination papers.

At the election which took place at the Bar Centre, Abia State High Court, Aba, the office of the Secretary had only one contestant, Mr. S. Long Williams, who was returned unopposed. Mr UDA Imeh is the treasurer.

Igwenyi and Chief John Iguh stood for the chairmanship.

Mr. Ama Akalonu and Chinedu M. Nze were retuned as council members representing Imo and Abia states, while the house rejected the nomination of two council members by the electoral committee on the ground that they did not meet the

By John Austin Unachukwu

qualification in the guidelines for the offices.

Anambra State Bar leaders urged Iguh to step down for Igwenyi to avoid the rancour in the forum.

The leaders said the EBF was one big family with small units and each unit should from time tom time make sacrifices for the unity of the family.

When the decision was communicated to Igwenyi, he thanked the Anambra leaders for their show of love and brotherhood.

When Iguh informed the house that in the interest of peace and unity, he was stepping down for Igwenyi, he was applauded for what some described as a bold step.

Igwenyi walked up to him and hugged him to the admiration of all. Thereafter, Igwenyi was declared chairman of the forum.

The new officers were inaugurated in Port Harcourt at a workship on partnership.

The official leader of the Eastern Bar and President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Mr Okey Wali (SAN) praised Wodu for a job well done, and urged the new executives to continue the good work.

He thanked Iguh for the sacrifice

•From left:Wodu, NBA Publicity Secretary Mr. Afam Obi and NBA First Assistant Secretary Mr. Paul Ebiala

he made and noted that it was in the spirit of the NBA. The former chairman of the governing council, Professor Ernest Ojukwu, thanked all members for their contributions to the forum.

He praised the outgoing governing council chairman, Mr. Kemasuode Wodu’s administration for introducing a new dimension in the EBF leadership, saying the seminars and workshops improved the skills members.

A delegation of the Mid Western Bar Forum led by Prince Okonta A. O. Ajine and Joe Egun attended the meeting and brought a goodwill message.

•Denwigwe (right) congratulating Igwenyi.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2013

LAW PERSONALITY

Supreme Court begins hearing in Okorocha vs Ohakim, today

Group urges CJN to probe Okeke’s allegation against Ogunbiyi

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From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

By Adebisi Onanuga

HE Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Mariam Aloma Mukhtar has been urged to probe the alleged interference of the course of justice leveled against Justice Clara Ogunbiyi of the Supreme Court by a retired federal high court judge, Justice Okechukwu Okeke at his valedictory ceremony.A statement by a group of Lagos elites, Lagos Collectives ( LC) and signed by its chairman, Professor Tejumade Akitoye-Rhodes, challenged the CJN, to take a bold and immediate step to look into the allegation to save the nation’s judiciary from ridicule.

The group, in its statement issued yesterday in Lagos, said the silence

by Justice Ogunbiyi on a serious allegation coming from a High Court Judge, meant a lot for the reputations of the nation’s judiciary. “We at the Lagos Collectives respectfully demand that Chief Justice Mariam Aloma- Mukhtar should as a matter of public urgency set up a powerful panel of enquiry to carefully look into the allegations and summon those who are mentioned in order to arrive at the truth and clear the highest court itself of possible complicity in the perversion of justice. LC noted that the allegation made by Justice Okeke is “an abuse of office that cannot and must not be swept under the carpet.”

The group emphasised that the Judiciary is a significant leg of the nation’s democratic tripod, “once this leg is vitiated, the doomsday is near” It said adding “this is the only way that the public will take the Chief Justice as being serious and above board in her present crusade of riding the judiciary of corrupt practices. Nothing short of this will “ , the group said.

The LC stated that any further silence on the matter basically call into question the integrity of the Nigerian Judiciary.”If any sitting judge of the highest court in the land can randomly and recklessly interfere in the process of justice to suit personal whim and caprices then this is really a mockery of the so called cleansing exercise that the Chief Justice herself has vowed to pursue.” ”Justice Okeke’s allegation is quite detailed, very exhaustive in narration with specific names, dates and probing circumstantial illustrations”, it said.

Justice Okeke , during the valedictory session in his honour, had claimed that his travail started from Justice Ogunbiyi’s anger for granting an order on March 6, 2013, to the federal government owned AMCON over the forfeited assets of Mrs Cecilia Ibru, which he said invariably affected Justice Ogunbiyi’s daughter.

The judge alleged that Justice Ogunbiyi sent her daughter, one Funke Ogunbiyi to his office with a directive that he should vacate the order granting the take over of the Ibru’s properties, one of which an in-inlaw of the Supreme Court justice lives.Justice Okeke again claimed that on March 8, 2013, same Funke Ogunbiyi , who claimed to be the daughter of the Supreme Court judge came to his chambers telling him to vacate the orders at her mother’s directives.”

These, indeed, are very grave and stunning allegations which were made in public purview. The accused and accuser are very much alive. Justice Ogunbiyi has not publicly denied the allegations,” it added.

• Chief Justice of Nigeria, Aloma Mukhtar

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HE Supreme Court will today entertain arguments from par ties as it opens hearing in an appeal filed by Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha against a Court of Appeal decision in favour of his predecessor, Ikedi Ohakim.

Okorocha is, with the appeal, challenging the propriety of the ruling

by Justice Hussein Mukhtar of the Court of Appeal, Owerri, joining Ohakim as an appellant in an appeal

by Ifeanyin Ararume of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

In what appeared a repeat of history in 2011, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on April 26, 2011 declared that year’s governorship election in Imo State “inconclusive” on the ground that election did not hold in four local government areas namely Ohaji Egbema, Oguta, Mbaitoli and Ngor Okpala.

INEC in exercising it powers conducted supplementary elections in the four local government on May 6, 2011.

Ohakim participated in the supplementary elections, but lost.

Dissatisfied, his party, the PDP, acting for Ohakim challenged the outcome of the election at the tribunal, arguing among others, that the supplementary election was illegal on the ground that it held outside the 30 days

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stipulated by the Constitution for the successor of an incumbent governor to be elected.

The election tribunal held against the PDP, prompting it to appeal to the Court of Appeal and subsequently, the Supreme Court and lost at both courts.

Rather than abide by the decision of the apex court, Ohakim saw an opportunity to re-argue his case in the appeal by Ararume before the Court of Appeal, Owerri and applied to be joined as a party.

Ararume, who was an ACN candidate in the 2011 election, had also challenged its outcome. But rather than go before the election tribunal, he went before the Federal High Court, Owerri.

The court dismissed the suit on the ground that the subject matter of the case was a post-election matter, which ought to have been submitted to election tribunal for adjudication.

Dissatisfied, Ararume and his party appealed to the Court of Appeal in Owerri.

While the appeal was pending, Ohakim sought to be joined, even though he was not part of the suit from the High Court. He urged the appellate court to give him an opportunity to challenge the judgment of the High Court.

Okorocha objected to Ohakim’s application to join on the ground that having not been a party before the High Court, he could not now seek to challenge the decision of the court.

Despite Okorocha’s opposition to Ohakim’s application to join, the Court of Appeall, in the ruling by Justice Mukhtar, dismissed the objection and consequently made Ohakim an appellant in the case.

Dissatisfied, Okorocha, through his lawyer, Adeniyi Akintola (SAN) appealed to the Supreme Court.

Okorocha is by his appeal, arguing that Ohakim, through his party, the PDP, had earlier challenged the subject matter of the suit at the election petition tribunal and lost.

He is contending that the PDP challenged the decision of the election tribunal up to the Supreme Court and lost. And that, to allow Ohakim to challenge the High Court’s judgment on appeal, is to afford him the opportunity to pursue two remedies against the same infraction in two courts at the same time.

Specifically, he wants the court to pronounce on whether a candidate whose case has already been heard and decided by the governorship election petitions tribunal, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court can re-open such a case, and whether such a case constitutes an abuse of court process as the issue that were decided on by the tribunal and Court of Appeal are one and the same.

Okorocha particularly raised two issues for determination:- Whether by the combined effect of Section 233(1), (2) & (7) of the Constitution and Section 133 (1) of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended), as well as the relief sought at the lower court by 1st respondent ( Ohakim) in his notice of appeal, the Court of Appeal has jurisdiction to entertain his appeal and grant the relief sought while not sitting as an election petition appellate court.

The second issue is, whether the lower court has jurisdiction to hear the appeal of the 1st respondent, the subject matter and the relief being sought having been heard and determined by the Supreme Court on March, 2, 2012 in an election appeal No. SC/17/2012 – PDP Vs Okorocha and others.

Responding, Ohakim through his lawyer, Wole Olanipekun (SAN) filed an objection, with which he is asking the apex court to dismiss Okorocha’s appeal.

He argued that it was mandatory for Okorocha to first seek and obtain the leave of either the court of Appeal or the apex court before filing the case, being an appeal against the exercise of the lower court’s discretionary power.

Ohakim contended that Okorocha failed to obtain the leave of either the Court of Appeal or that of the Supreme Court before filing the appeal.

“Being an appeal against the exercise of the lower court’s discretionary power, leave of either the said lower court or this court is mandatory required before filing the appeal,” he argued A similar scenario played out in the state in 2007 which Ohakim incidentally became the beneficiary.

On April 14, 2007, INEC also in exercising its powers, cancelled the governorship election in Imo State. The candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Martins Agbaso, as Ohakim did during the 2011 cancellation, cried foul, but participated in the rescheduled election of April 28, 2007.

With INEC declaring Ohakim winner, Agbaso went to court to challenge the cancellation after he lost the rescheduled election to Ohakim.

Agbaso failed in his attempts to upturn Ohakim’s victory as he lost at both the election tribunal and the regular courts.

It was part of the court’s decision that it was wrong for someone, who took part in an election and lost to turn round to say that the organiser of the election did not have the powers to cancel and reschedule the elections.

In the 2007 election, Ohakim ran under the Progressive People Party (PPP), but later defected to the PDP. But while Agbaso gave up fighting after losing at the apex court, Ohakim now seem reluctant to let go.

Civil society group urges media to use FoI Act

CIVIL society coalition, the One Voice, has urged the media to make more use of the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act to hold the government accountable.

Presenting a survey at a media forum in Lagos, the group said since the Act’s passage in 2011, there has been no report of any media organisation taking government to court over denial of access to information.

The forum had the theme: Media and Democratic Governance: The need for media pluralism.

One Voice comprises groups such as the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP); the Human Rights Law Service (HURILAWS); the Centre for Constitutional Governance (CCG); Access to Justice (A2J); The Network on Police Reform in Nigeria (NOPRIN), among others.

All are supported by the United States National Endowment for Democracy.

Speakers included Executive Director, Media Rights Agenda, Edeatan Ojo; Dr Tayo Popoola of the University of Lagos, Deputy Law Editor, ThisDay Newspaper Mr Jude Igbanoi, and Chair, One Voice Media Committee, Pastor Deji Adeleye, who read the survey report.

The group sought more collaboration with the media, saying: “The Nigerian media needs the civil society organisations as non-state actors to advance the cause of democracy and good governance, just as the civil society groups cannot do it alone without the media.

“The media in a way have become one of the strongest linkage institutions – bridging, as it were, the

By Joseph Jibueze

gap between the state and the citizens.”

One Voice said the survey showed that the level of newspaper report on transparency, accountability and other good governance issues was seen by 65.63 per cent of respondents as low.

The report said most newspaper reports are mostly sensational and lack investigative depth; while others are too patronising of government, even to the point of self-censorship.

It attributed the decline in the quality of newspaper reports the “brown envelope” syndrome, ownership interests, unskilled reporters, poor and unpaid salaries and corruption.

One Voice said: “The media serves as an effective check on those in power. They serve as the eye, ear and voice of the larger society. Indeed, it upholds the right of the public to know.

“However, the ability and willingness of the media to carry out this function effectively depend largely on the form of the state in which the media operate and the character of the media itself.

“This is another way of saying that there is a correlation between the existence of a free media and democratic governance. As a matter of fact, one of the main distinguishing features of a democratic form of government is the existence of free and independent media.

Igbanoi said some of the limita-

tions of media outfits include economic considerations.

“The truth of the matter is that civil society is very critical of the government and understandably so.

“But every media outfit wants to survive and must survive on patronage from the government at all levels, from ministries, government agencies and parastatals.

“Therefore, the economic logic is very simple, ‘publish and be damned!’ So, when a newspaper engages in overtly and openly criticising the government and its agencies, it is tantamount to economic suicide,” Igbanoi said.

He added that a balance must be struck between the media’s survival needs and effectively carrying out the watchdog role.

• Director-General, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) Prof. Epiphany Azinge (SAN), keynote speaker, Director, Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOME) and Co-ordinator, Oil Watch International, Mr. Nnimmo Bassey and NIALS Secretary, Mr James Bathnna at a workshop on climate change in Lagos

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2013

33

LEGAL OPINION LAW AND PUBLIC POWER

with gabriel AMALU email:gabrielamalu1@yahoo.com

• Ighodalo; Managing Partner, Banwo & Ighodalo, Ken Etim; Oni and Femi Olubanwo

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‘Laws to grow investment in power sector needed’

N energy law expert, Ayodele Oni, has called for new laws to create more incentives for investment in the “power value chain.”

He said Nigeria also needs a few new regulations on “renewable” and on other engineering standards, cabling, among others.

Oni, who holds an LL.M in Energy Law from the University of Calgary, Canada, is a Senior Associate at Lagos law firm Banwo & Ighodalo.

He spoke at the presentation of his new book on the power sector: Nigerian Electric Power Sector: Policy, Law, Negotiation Strategy, Business.

He said the problem with the energy sector, and the power subsector in particular, is not the dearth of laws, but the lack of enough action to attract private sector investments.

According to him, if a sector of any economy is not profitable, private sector participants would not invest; and if the structure is not bankable, financiers such as banks would not provide finance to would-be investors.

So, the problem, he said, is not the inadequacy of laws, but the structure of the market, lack of bankability and poor pricing. Other issues, he added, include the insufficiency of gas which is the fuel used by most power plants in Nigeria.

“It is, therefore, my view that the challenge has not got much to do with the adequacy or otherwise of legislation, but other practical issues.

“Indeed, it is the case that the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has been proactive and has been very actively issuing crucial regulations. As such, there is really

By Joseph Jibueze

no issue of inadequacy of laws or statutory instruments.

“At the moment, a committee is currently updating the engineering and equipment standards regulations made pursuant to the repealed NEPA Act and Electricity Act respectively,” Oni said.

He believes it is unnecessary to undertake any comprehensive law reform in the power sector, as that had been done in 2005.

“We already have regulations for the protection of consumers and the challenge is largely that of enforcement. Issues like disconnection of power (de-energisation) of consumers have regulations dealing with them. There is no doubt, however, that we need to strengthen those regulations. We do not need full scale laws a little bit,” Oni said.

On how he thinks Nigeria’s perennial power problem be solved, Oni said the government needs the political will to do so, adding that the strategy of paying lip service to issues relating to electric power should stop.

He said: “The government should continuously provide an enabling socio-economic environment to encourage private sector investments in the sector. Apart from that, the government has made promises to the core investors in the PHCN companies being privatised; it should keep its promises.

“Furthermore, gas supply issues should be properly dealt with so that there is sufficient gas to fire the power plants. The government

should work with the management contractors to develop a robust national grid that can wheel larger volumes of electric power whilst developing a super grid and smart grid solutions.

“Finally, pricing issues should be continually reviewed and the right people should always be given the opportunity to be at the places of authority such as, at the NERC and the Ministry of Power so that the best decisions in terms of policy and regulation are taken. We should not allow such delicate positions to be occupied by people who are merely politicians,” Oni said.

A partner at the Banwo & Ighodalo, Mr Asue Ighodalo, who unveiled the book, praised Oni for “doing something that is truly wonderful.” He said the book has “a lot of fathers” in public officials who laid the foundations for the power sector reform.

“There was a major gap in this sector. Ayodele has bridged that gap with this book. He is a great lawyer and a great mind. He showed that the mathematical skills needed to be a lawyer is in him. His tenacity, focus, analytical capacity and understanding of the sector is unparalleled.

Where he finds the time to write, I don’t know,” Ighodalo said.

The reviewer, Dolapo Kukoyi, described the book as elaborate and well-researched.

“The language is simple, clear and easy to understand. The reader can appreciate both the scientific and technical sides. I recommend it to anyone who wants to know what the power sector is all about. I think it is timely. Thank you Oni for taking that initiative,” Kukoyi said.

Court rejects INEC workers on-case submission

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USTICE A.A. Aderemi of an Ibadan High Court has rejected a no case submission filed by four workers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against charges of conspiracy and unlawful revision of voters register bought against them by the Oyo State Government.

The judge fixed June 10 for the defendants to open their defence.

The defendants are Osunlola Akinyinka, who was the head of Information Communication Technology (ICT) unit of the INEC in Ibadan, Olufemi Samuel, Dauda Oladeji and Salami Adetola.

They were arraigned on a two count charge after being caught and arrested in a hotel room at Davies Hotel, Bodija, Ibadan based on a tip off by members of the public.

By Adebisi Onanuga

They were allegedly caught with six DDC machines, a laptop, 11 G-Glo chargers and 11 external discs belonging to INEC which were tagged Exhibits EE6 and F-F10 by the court.

In a ruling on the application of the defendants, the trial judge said “I hold that the prosecution has made out a prima facie case requiring at least some explanation from the accused persons. The accused persons application for a no case submission fails and it is hereby dismissed” .

The prosecution through its counsel, Shuaib Alaran had called four witnesses, three of whom are staff of INEC and the Investigating Police Officer.

At the end of the prosecution’s case, the defence through its counsel, Rotimi Alli filed a no case submission, stating that the prosecution failed to establish the commission of the crime for which the defendants were charged.

He added that the prosecution has not through its evidence before the court established any criminal offence by the defendants to warrant them calling evidence in defence of the said charge The court, however, after being mindful of the fact that it cannot convict at that stage, held that the defendants has a case to answer.

“The accused persons are hereby called upon to enter into their defence. This is the ruling of the court in respect of this application,” the judge ruled.

LEGAL DIARY

NBA Umuahia elects officers

THE Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Umuahia Branch has elected a new executive to pilot its affairs for the branch for the next two years. The new officers are: Chief A. C. R. Onubugu – chairman; G. N. Oriaku (Vice chairman); Iheanyi E. Marcus (Secretary); H. I. Madu (Financial Secretary); Florence Egwuonwu (Assistant Financial Secretary); A. S. Amaramiro (Publicity Secretary); K.O. Osuagwu (Assistant Publicity Secretary); and Charles Okwudiri (Welfare Secretary).

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Bauchi legislators’impunity

HE despicable impunity of the male members of the Bauchi State House of Assembly survived for nearly 12 months, before the court could intervene. On June 7, 2012, that house of lawless men shamelessly conspired to suspend Mrs Rifkatu Danna, representing Bogoro Constituency, simply because she had the audacity to educate her colleagues on the basic provisions of the 1999 constitution, on whose authority they were elected.

Mrs Danna had told the ignorant men that the House lacks the authority to single handedly amend the constitution of the country. Befuddling in their ignorance, the legislators blackmailed their only apparently female Honourable member to apologise for her temerity, and there after suspending her.

Probably, the only qualitatively educated member of the state House of Assembly, Hon Danna, was suspended by her colleagues and ordered to apologise for publicly criticising the decision of the House to relocate the Headquarters of Bogoro Local Government from Tafawa Balewa to Bununu.

She had correctly argued that the headquarters of a local government is listed in the schedule to the constitution, and as such is a provision of the constitution.

She had also succinctly informed the ignorant men, that to change the headquarters amounts to amending the constitution; and that the Bauchi State House of Assembly lacks the power, to do so.

Instead of thanking her, they fired her.

Now, Mrs Danna is reportedly the only female member of the Bauchi House of Assembly and the only Christian too. Again, Tafewa Balewa the current host of the local council is predominantly Christians, while Bununu is predominantly populated by Muslims. The report is that these reasons were the driving force for the Assembly’s unwholesome attack on the constitution; as they conspired to unlawfully relocate the council headquarters. In their desperation, the all-male members did not spare a thought for gender sensitivity or our country’s secularism as they moved against their only female and Christian member, despite that she is a classical example of a minority. By their discrimination, the legislators also offended the provisions of Section 42 of the constitution, which provides that nobody should be discriminated against based on her sex, religion or place of birth.

Thankfully last week, the state Chief Judge, Justice Ibrahim Zango, restored Hon. Zanna to her legislative duties. The Judge described the action of the Assembly as mere arbitrary show of power, which had infringed on the fundamental human rights of the plaintiff. The learned Chief Judge also directed the House to pay the lawmaker all her salaries and entitlements which accumulated during her unlawful suspension.

The court, however, rejected her claims for damages. I will graciously add that the court and

Zanna’s lawyers should be on standby to send the members of the House to the goal, for contempt, if they refuse to obey the orders of the court, or take any kind of steps to ridicule the clear orders made by the court.

Unfortunately, the court was not persuaded to sanction the lawless men, who by their illegal conducts had undermined our constitution for nearly one year, until the intervention by the court. It is my wish that the High Court had been persuaded to show radical activism, by going ahead to order exemplary damages to be paid personally by the lawbreakers amounting to their one year total emoluments to Mrs Danna; to discourage similar rascality elsewhere. The experience of the Bauchi lawmaker should also precipitate a national discuss on the desirability of legislative houses suspending their members, as a legislative privilege, as against a constitutional question.

It will be recalled that the National Assembly has on a few occasions suspended their members, especially when such members show courage against the leadership of the House. So, it can be argued that the Bauchi House merely aped their colleagues at the national level. The implication across the country are that we have Houses of Assembly and a National Assembly that is oppressive of any in-house dissent, forgetting that opposition is a fundamental necessity for a sustainable democracy. I can wager that the fear of being ostracised by other colleagues may be one reason why none of the members of the national assembly, has risen against the unlawful and unconstitutional enrichment of members, through dubious allowances.

Condolence to Sen. Ben Ndi Obi I met Ojeligbo High Chief Senator (Dr.) Ben Ndi Obi, at the arrival hall of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, barely one week after the death of his amiable wife, Deaconess (Chief) Mrs Collette Ojirhomu Ben-Obi, on the April 14, 2013.

As I warmed up to the Oku-UzuNagbaze-Igwe-Awka, our discussion centered on the preparations for the burial of Professor Chinua Achebe, without the High Chief betraying any personal emotions. True to his name, Ojeligbo was more concerned about the loss by Nigeria and Ndigbo, than his personal loss. Without any inkling about his personal loss, I was also generally interested in his political disposition as one of the foremost Nigeria’s politicians.

So, I was shocked when a few hours later, the Senator’s special assistant informed me, that the Senator was mourning his wife, having lost her a few days earlier. This week marks her final burial rites. Here is wishing the distinguished Senator and their children, God’s grace and the fortitude, to bear the irreparable loss. As Deaconess Ben-Obi, (nee Ejumudo) is buried next Friday, here is wishing her a blissful night rest in the bosom of the Lord.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2013

LAW & SOCIETY A valedictory court session was held for Justice Okechukwu Okeke, who bowed out of the Federal High Court as Administrative Judge, after attaining the mandatory retirement age of 65, reports JOSEPH JIBUEZE.

‘A true jurist leaves the Bench’

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T was not a church service, but for a moment, the valedictory court session held in honour of former judge of the Federal High Court, Lagos, Justice Okechukwu Okeke, seemed like one.

Like a priest, the judge interrupted his speech with a song, and his audience joined in a rousing chorus.

He sang from the Hymn Book (Ancient and Modern 301 by John Bunyan): He that is down needs fear no fall; He that is low no pride; He that is humble ever shall Have God to be his Guide. I am content with what I have, Little be it or much; And Lord’s contentment still I crave, Because thou savest such…

Justice Okeke said he found solace in the words of the hymn. He retired having served as judge of the Federal High Court, first in Lagos (January to December 1993), Kaduna as pioneer judge (19941997), Lagos again (1997-2000), Abuja (2000-2002), Yenogoa, Bayelsa State capital as pioneer judge (2003-2008) and finally Lagos (April 2008 till May 18 this year).

“I give thanks to the Almighty God for his Grace and guidance that sustained me from birth till now, more particularly through the vicissitudes of my judicial life in Nigeria.

“If not for his love, care and protection, some powerful elements in Nigeria who blocked my progress in the judiciary would have succeeded in their evil plot to disgrace me out of the judiciary,” he said.

He thanked past and present judges, lawyers and friends who he said stood by him during his tough times, and praised his wife Lady Uche Okeke and children for appreciating his “predicament as a judge who was subject to normal and punitive transfers.”

“They missed my company, but their comfort was never compromised,” he said of his family.

“Even when some mischief makers carried wicked stories that I abandoned my family at Onitsha, my wife and children dismissed the story, and encouraged me to continue my Herculean judicial duties,” Justice Okeke said with emotion.

The former judge said he would not say all he “saw” while on the bench. He spoke an Igbo proverb about the palm wine tapper who said he would not announce all he saw in his village while on the palm tree.

Federal High Court Chief Judge, Justice Ibrahim Auta, described Okeke as a man of integrity who did not forget his roots.

“Hon. Justice Okeke, above all, is a true Igbo man, one of those Igbo men who truly believe that a true African man and an Igbo man for that matter should be able to use proverbs as oil with which they eat words.

“We are going to miss O. J. and his proverbs. He is a kind man, a loving husband, an admirable

• Ubani (left) and Taiwo

friend, an accommodating brother and a doting father. Perhaps only a few of us know how very religious he is, how very considerate he can be,” Justice Auta said.

Lagos Attorney-General, Ade Ipaye, who represented Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN), said judges deserve praise as they are expected to function under the same stress and strains which society places on its “ordinary members.”

“The hours are long. The physical and intellectual exertions are never ending and the moral responsibility exceedingly heavy.

Yet, our judges are equipped with no extra features that would make them super human.

“It is, therefore, a true achievement to the society at large when a judge completes his tenure with a high reputation for fairness, hardwork and professionalism,” Ipaye said.

Anambra State Attorney-General, Peter Afuba, who did his pupilage under Okeke while he was still a practising lawyer in Onitsha, recalled the “touching kindness” with which the former judge treated him, saying he had “a rewarding career on the bench.”

“I found most beneficial, his advice at that time on how to charge and collect proper fees from clients.

“I wish to state without equivocation that His Lordship has clearly proved himself a worthy son of Anambra State whom we are proud to call and claim as our own,” Afuba said.

Representative of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), Kemi Pinhero, noted that most of Okeke’s decisions are upheld on appeal.

He said legal practice would be made easier if technology is better applied. According to him, Order 58 of the Federal High Court Rules mentions a Communications and Service Centre for e-filing, which does not exists, adding that lawyers should be able to file cases, and matters assigned, electronically.

Pinhero said jovially that God must be looking down on Okeke and saying, “My Pikin, My Pikin, well done.”

He was indirectly referring to the last major judgment Justice Okeke delivered, involving manufacturers of killer syrup, My Pikin Baby Teething Mixture.

Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Lagos Branch, Taiwo O. Taiwo, urged lawyers to stand up in defence of judges.

“Many lawyers are rude and insolent to the court. The judiciary must be restored to its lost glory,” Taiwo said.

His Ikeja counterpart, Onyekachi Ubani, said Justice Okeke was leaving the bench to a well-deserved rest. “Nigeria will certainly look for him in his village – Adazi-Ani,” he added.

• Chief Theodore Ezeobi (SAN), Justice Okeke and Justice Auta (right)

• Former Chief Judges of Federal High Court Rose Ukeje and Mustapha Abdullahi

• Ipaye (left) and Afuba

• Pinhero (SAN), Dr Joseph Nwobike (SAN) and Jibrin Okutepa (SAN)

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2013

35

LAW & SOCIETY Text of a paper delivered by the Director-General, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) Prof.

Epiphany Azinge (SAN) at the 18th Commonwealth Lawyers Conference in Cape Town, South Africa

Courts and budget: Implications for access to justice •Continued from last week

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HIS accounts for 1.8 per cent of the fund.

In 2008, N2,647,492,865,643 was issued and appropriated from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the federation with the NJC having a budget of N78 billion. This accounts for 2.9 per cent of the whole fund.

In 2009, N2,870,510,042,679 was issued and appropriated from the consolidated revenue fund of the federation with the NJC having a budget of N78 billion. This accounts for 2.7 per cent of the consolidated revenue fund.

In 2010, N4,079,654,724,257 was issued and appropriated from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation for 2010 with NJC having 91 billion. This accounts for 2.2 per cent of the total fund.

In 2011, there was an issue and appropriation of N4,226,191,559,259 from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the federation. The budget accorded the NJC was N95 billion. This accounts for 2.2 per cent of the fund.

In 2012, out of the N4,749,100,821,170 issued and appropriated from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation, a budget of N85 billion was made to the NJC. This accounts for 1.7 per cent of the total fund.

In 2013, N4,924,604,000,000 was issued and appropriated from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation. Out of this, N67 billion was budgeted for the NJC. This accounts for 1.3 per cent of the fund.

In the last 10 years, that is, 2004 to 2013, funding from the Federal Government has been on the increase from year to year except and there was a huge increase in the budget in 2008 from N43 billion of 2007 to N78 billion. The budget was at its peak in 2011 with N95 billion but however dropped in 2012 to N85 billion and dropped again in the 2013 budget to N67 billion.

2.3. Allocation to the Heads of court concerned

The fund budgeted for the judicial officers in the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation in respect of their remuneration, sala-

ries, allowances and the recurrent expenditure of their offices is to be disbursed to the heads of the courts concerned. Section 81(3) provides that the amount standing to the credit of the judiciary in the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation shall be paid directly to the National Judicial Council for disbursement to the heads of the courts established for the Federation and the states under Section 6 of this constitution.

In the same vein, Section 162(9) is to the effect that any amount standing to the credit of the judiciary in the Federation Account shall be paid directly to the National Judicial Councils for disbursement to the heads of courts established for the Federation and the States established under Section 6 of the Constitution (the superior courts of record). These provisions are there in order to guarantee the independence of the judiciary and to ensure its autonomy.

At the federal level, it will appear that funds are disbursed as budgeted but there is a departure from this at the state level where funding is at the whims and caprices of state governments.

Proper funding here is affected by budget limitations and it is more visible in situations the judiciary depends on the state government to fund their capital expenditure and supplement their recurrent expenditure. It will appear however that the above provisions concerning funding of state courts is not strictly adhered to by state government. This is unfortunate as the courts are not funded as required. The situation with state courts was captured by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Dahiru Musdapher, (GCON), in a paper delivered at the NIALS 2011 Fellows Lecture where, he said, as follows: It is regrettable that some State chief executives treat the judiciary as an appendage of the executive arm. While it is true that, in some cases, this is selfinflicted (because of the way some judges portray themselves), it does not invariably follow that a distinct arm of government should, because of the actions of a few, be treated with disdain. Sadly, the Judiciary in several States still goes cap in hand to executive begging for funds. By section 162(9) of

tonomy.

According to the Chief Judge of Niger State, Justice Jibrin Ndajiwo, the breach of the constitutional provision by the governors had hampered the quick dispensation of justice in the country and the independence of the judiciary. The chairman of the Conference of Heads of Courts of Northern States, Justice Ibrahim Umaru, also showed his misgivings on the issue. The two judges lamented that some of the governors had reduced the status and prestige of the offices of the heads of the judiciary in the state. According to them, the top officials beg for money from state ministries of finance and justice before they can discharge their duties.

2.4. Analysis of 2013 Budget

• Prof Azinge

the constitution, any amount standing to the credit of the judiciary in the Federal Account is paid directly to the National Judicial Council (NJC) for disbursement to the heads of superior courts, including those at the State level. However, a significant part of the funding requirements of the State judiciary, especially in the area of the provision of infrastructure and welfare of magistrates and other lower Court judges, remain the responsibilities of States. The plight of the State Judiciaries is compounded by the fact that, in spite of the best efforts of the NJC, the processes of appointment and removal of judges/security of tenure is the subject of political theatrics…”

The refusal of some state governors to release funds to the judiciary as provided in section 131(3) of the 1999 Constituttion as amended has been criticised by judges and other senior officials of the judiciary who are no longer comfortable with this occurrence. This act of the state governenors affects the independence of the judiciary as the law was designed to safeguard the judiciary from being teleguided by the state governors and guarantee its au-

A total of N4,924,604,000,000 was issued from the Consolidated Revenue fund in 2013. Out of this fund, N380,020,000,000 is for Statutory Transfers. Statutory transfers are those transfers that must be released directly to the beneficiaries without being subjected to scrutiny by the legislature; N591,764,000,000 is for Debt Service, N2,412,046,000,000 is for Recurrent (Non-Debt) Expenditure while the balance of N1,540,774,000,000 is for contribution to the Development Fund for Capital Expenditure for the year ending on December 31, 2013.

Analysis of appropriation of statutory transfer

The constitution provides for some statutory transfers that must be released directly to beneficiaries. By the 2013 Appropriation Act, the beneficiaries of statutory transfer are the National Judicial Council (NJC), the Niger Delta Development Commission, Universal Basic Education, the National Assembly, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the National Human Rights Commission.

• To be continued next week

LEGAL JOKES

• From left: Mrs Bisi Odumosu, Mrs Bisola Oshodi, Justice Phillips, Mr Tashim Animashaun and Mrs Folashade Iwajomo

Customary court judges urged to preserve family values

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HE Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Ayotunde Philips and the AttorneyGeneral, Mr Ade Ipaye, have admonished judges of customary courts to preserve the social fabric of the family and ensure that the society is not broken in the discharge of their duties as judges.

They told the judges that their role “ is peculiar and communitybased” and that they must understand the people on whom they are going to administer judgments and the social worries of the communities in which they would be operating.

They spoke at a induction for new Customary Court judges at the Law Reform Commission, lkeja (GRA). The workshop has as its theme, Justice at the grassroots.

Justice Phillips, who declared open, the event urged the customary judges to be impartial and dispense justice with fairness in all matters brought before them at the

• 79 judges take oath of office

By Adebisi Onanuga

grassroots.

“The bedrock of justice delivery is the doctrine of fair hearing. You must therefore be impartial at all time because justice must not just be done, but justice must be seen to be have been done,” she said.

She advised the judges to always hear all sides before arriving at decisions in all matter brought before them and to dispose all matters with dispatch in order to ensure quick dispensation of justice “as justice delayed is justice denied”.

She reminded the judges that as the first contact with the law, they may find themselves presiding over cases involving their friends and relations and urged them to be fair to all and remain resolute, upright and incorruptible at all times.

“As customary court judges, you wield enormous powers but I will implore you to use the power judiciously”, she said.

She advised then to ensure that honesty, uprightness, integrity and fairness remain their watchword while discharging their duties.

She warned them of serious sanction if any of them is found to be lacking in any of these qualities, adding that Lagos must continue to take the lead in dispensation of justice and in administration of justice to the citizenry.

The state Attorney-General, Mr Ade Ipaye, whose keynote address was delivered by the Administrator-General of the Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Bisi Odumosu, reminded the judges that the fortunes of Nigeria rest on their shoulders urged them to discharge their duties with exemplary vigour, candour, dig-

nity, patience and integrity.

“Your primary responsibility therefore, according to the enabling law, is to administer justice under customary law. A key component of customary justice is reconciliation and not adversarial or confrontational,” he said.

The commissioner observed that “the nature of the cases the judges will administer and face will be diverse. Without attempting to limit the scope, it will range from matrimonial cases, child custody, health and other minor offences,” she said.

Ipaye charged the judges to give consideration to matters of interest and welfare of the child, pointing out that age and sex of the child are fundamental considerations that must guide their decisions, including matrimonial cases.

A total of 79 customary judges from across the states took oath of office at the occasion.

I want to take money with me As Mr. Smith was on his death bed, he attempted to formulate a plan that would allow him to take at least some of his considerable wealth with him. He called for the three men he trusted most—his lawyer, his doctor, and his clergyman. He told them, “I’m going to give you each $30,000 in cash before I die. At my funeral, I want you to place the money in my coffin so that I can try to take it with me.” All three agreed to do this and were given the money. At the funeral, each approached the coffin in turn and placed an envelope inside.

While riding in the limousine back from the cemetery, the clergyman said, “I have to confess something to you fellows.

Brother Smith was a good churchman all his life and I know he would have wanted me to do this.

The church needed a new baptistery very badly, and I took $10,000 of the money he gave me and bought one. I only put $20,000 in the coffin.”

The physician then said, “Well, since we’re confiding in one another, I might as well tell you that I didn’t put the full $30,000 in the coffin either. Smith had a disease that could have been diagnosed sooner if I had this very new machine, but the machine cost $20,000 and I couldn’t afford it then. I used $20,000 of the money to buy the machine so that I might be able to save another patient. I know that Smith would have wanted me to do that.”

The lawyer then said, “I’m ashamed of both of you. When I put my envelope into that coffin, it held my personal check for the full $30,000.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2013

36

LEGAL OPINION

Why rights enforcement rule needs further review

As the nation awaits the list of those to be made Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) by the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee this year, Rotimi Eghaghe, a Benin-based lawyer, believes that merit and integrity should be the watchword in conferring the title.

A Lagos lawyer, Yejide Olajumoke Akinleye-Martins, in this piece, argues that the Fundamental Human Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules 2009 may open a ‘floodgate’ of litigations to add to the already full court dockets. She suggests further review of the rules.

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T Common Law, a person who approaches the court for relief is required to have an interest in litigation, in the sense of being adversely affected by the alleged wrong.

This principle is known in law as ‘locus standi’. However, with the promulgation and enforcement of the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules, 2009 (hereafter referred to as ‘the Rules’), the rule under the Common Law seems to have taken a different turn.

Clause 3 (e) of the Preamble to the Rule dealing with overriding objectives of the Rules provides that: “The court shall encourage and welcome public interest litigations in the human rights field and no human rights case may be dismissed or struck out for want of locus standi. In particular, human rights activists, advocates, or groups as well as any non-governmental organisations, may institute human rights application on behalf of any potential applicant. In human rights litigation, the applicant may include any of the following: (i) Anyone acting in his own interest; (ii) Anyone acting on behalf of another person; (iii) Anyone acting as a member of, or in the interest of a group or class of persons; (iv) Anyone acting in the public interest, and (v) Association acting in the interest of its members or other individuals or groups.”

The above stated provision particularly clause 3 (e) (iv) seems to allow for plethora of cases in the Nigerian courts and the rule might end up being a burden rather than a blessing to the Nigerian comity. This Article, seeks to explore this Rule, the concept of Locus Standi under the common law, the concept of public interest and the effect of the Rule on Fundamental Human Rights cases.

The concept of locus Standi under the Common Law Under the Common Law, a person cannot sue in a matter in which he does not have an interest.

In the case of Taiwo V. Adegboro Supreme Court stated that Locus standi means standing to sue or competence of a party to sue . The Court went on to say that the two tests for determining whether a person has locus standi are that: (a) the action must be justiciable; and (b) there must be a dispute between the parties The court went further to state what the Plaintiff must show to establish locus standi – “A plaintiff satisfies the court that he has locus standi if he is able to show that his civil rights and obligations have been or are in danger of being infringed. In other words, there must be a nexus between the plaintiff and the disclosed cause of action concerning his rights or obligations.”

The Nigeria Courts have at different times in differing situations defined the term ‘locus standi’. The Court of Appeal, Lagos Division in the case of Financial Merchant Bank Ltd V. Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation noted thus: “The term locus standi simply means standing to sue. i.e. the right to institute legal action in a Court of Law. It is a threshold question which goes to the root of the whole of an action, and is a condition precedent to a determination of an action on the merits.”

The dictum of Belgore J.S.C. (as he then was) of the Nigerian Supreme Court in the case of Odeneye V. Efunuga is quite instructive on how locus standi arises, he stated that: “A person will have legal capacity to sue

in a matter in which it has been clearly shown to the court that his rights or obligations have been or are about to be or are in imminent danger of being violated or invaded or adversely affected by the act complained of ...” (underline mine) “The rule about locus standi developed primarily to protect the courts from being used as a playground by professional litigants, or, and meddlesome interlopers, busy bodies who really have no real stake or interest in the litigation.”

The doctrine of locus standi is designed to adjust conflicts between two aspects of public interest, which are: the desirability of encouraging individual citizens to participate actively in the enforcement of law and the undesirability of encouraging a professional litigant and a meddlesome interloper to invoke the jurisdiction of the courts in matters that may not concern him.

Standing is of great importance as far as access to justice is concerned. It determines the whether an action is justiciable and it has far reaching impact on the jurisdiction of the court.

Where does one draw the line between one’s business and the business of another on the ground of public interest?

One of the questions for determination is: How does one define the term ‘Public Interest’. In my opinion, ‘Public Interest’ is a relative term as what might be public interest for one person might not be the same for another person.

The term ‘Public Interest’ has been defined as: ‘The general welfare and rights of the public that are to be recognised, protected and advanced.

Public interest can also mean more generally what is considered beneficial to the public.

Stroud’s Judicial Dictionary, Vol.4 (4th edition) defines public interest as: “A matter of public or general interest ‘does not mean that which is interesting as gratifying curiosity or a love of information or amusement; but that in which a class of the community have a pecuniary interest, or some interest by which their legal rights or liabilities are affected’……”

Black’s Law Dictionary (sixth Edition) defines public interest as: “Something in which the public, the community at large, has some pecuniary interest, or some interest by which their legal rights or liabilities are affected. It does not mean anything so narrow as mere curiosity, or as the interests of the particular localities, which may be affected by the matters in question. Interest shared by citizens generally in affairs of local, state or national government “.

An American journalist Walter Lippman wrote, “Public interest is generally taken to mean a commonly accepted good. Public interest may be presumed to be what men would choose if they saw clearly, thought rationally, acted disinterestedly and benevolently”.

According to Srinivas Madhav, it is often very difficult to specify exactly what is meant by the “public interest,” especially since “special interests” themselves so often speak in favor of their goals using the language of the public interest.

It has been noted that the term ‘public interest’ is central to policy debates, politics, democracy and the nature of government itself. While nearly everyone claims that aiding

‘Respect merit, integrity in SANs’ appointment’ • Continued from last week

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•Akinyele-Martins

the common well-being or general welfare is positive, there is little, if any, consensus on what exactly constitutes the public interest.

There are different views on how many members of the public must benefit from an action before it can be declared to be in the public interest: at one extreme, an action has to benefit every single member of society in order to be truly in the public interest; at the other extreme, any action can be in the public interest as long as it benefits some of the population and harms none.

Another question raging in my mind is: How then do the courts determine ‘public Interest’? It seems to me that this Rule does not allow the Nigerian courts to sift cases. Does it mean that one has to prove that he or she is acting in the public interest if the Individual’s right is not directly infringed? These are questions that leave a lot to be desired.

It is possible that in some cases advancing the public interest will hurt certain private interests. This risk the “tyranny of the majority” in any democracy, since minorities’ interests may be overridden. On the other hand, we are all a minority in some capacity - thus, protection of minority rights arguably becomes part of the public interest.

Some scholars have contended that other countries have adopted a liberal approach to bringing cause of action in fundamental human rights cases. These views I commend are quite ingenious howbeit laws should be made bearing in mind the peculiarity of the society.

Laws and rules are not made in a vacuum.

The current state of our nation, Nigeria, in my humble opinion is not yet ripe for certain liberalities such as persons instituting action in cases that does not directly affect them (one which encourages influx of cases). It should be noted that most times Nigerians do not really understand the word ‘boundary’ and this rule could pose a great difficulty that allows for plethora of cases.

In my candid view the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules 2009 encourages the so called ‘professional litigants’ and ‘meddlesome interlopers’. A case in point was an instance in this nation where it came to public knowledge that a young woman was slapped and a lawyer decides to take the matter up as an infringement on the lady’s fundamental right. To the best of my knowledge, she did not approach/brief the lawyer to enforce her right on her behalf.

We should not forget that the principle of locus standi was established in law to discourage scrupulous and nebulous actions. I would have thought that a better approach to the rule is to provide that anyone who feels his/her right have been infringed could approach a lawyer where he/she does not have the means to prosecute a case, that is what pro bono services are for and a number of lawyers do that in the spirit of defending human rights.

There is still a long way to go before our nation can mature to the level in which such liberalities in the approach to fundamental human rights can be adopted.

EGAL practitioners desperate to get the rank can go to any length to beat the procedure just to get selected; hence there is need for the LPPC to be careful with staff of Registry and also to indentify those applicants who bought cases or procured same from different states attorney generals offices.

Mention must be made here of the personality cult of member of the Legal practitioner privileges Committee (LPPC). Some members of this elite Committee have totally undermined the Nigerian bar where by they confer the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) on persons with less than 10 High Court Judgements. One can validly ask what does such a person know with only 10 high Court Judgements/cases to be made a SAN? It should be made dear to all and sundry including candidates that wealth; Carriage and media savvy have no meaning rather Competence and Intergirty; Competence is defined as “the ability to do something well, effectively and professional standard” while Intergrity is defined as “The quality of being honest and firm in your moral principles” Need we say more on the Need for merit: Competence and intergrity since those that are awarded the rank represents the N.B.A first eleven.

Academic Senior Advocates of Nigeria-(SAN) The Conferment of the rank of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) on Academics can be said to be anomaly create by the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee (LPPC). The objective, principle and procedure for the appointment of Senior Avocation of Nigeria as contained in of the 2012 Guidelines state thus: “The award of the rank of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) is a privilege award as a mark of excellence to members of the legal profession who: (a) Are in full time legal practice (b) Have distinguished themselves as advocates and (c) Have made significant contribution to the development of the legal profession.”

Now in real meaning, is this not an anomaly? S.A.N simply means Senior Advocate of Nigeria. It, therefore, follow that Academic SAN means Academic Senior Advocate of Nigeria. A professor of law is a very distinguished position that its holders should be allowed to seat at the inner Barr.

• Rotimi

By Rotimi Eghaghe

But this should be distinguished from a Senior Advocate. The word Advocate is self explanatory, as some one who pleads in court of law for others.

Commending the Chief Justice of Nigeria The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar (GCON) is worthy of our commendation for cleaning the augean table of nepotism, corruption and in competence that has undermined the inner bar.

From no where the Hon Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) appeared on stage and in no time since her appointment as a C.J.N, she took actions that had made Legal practitioners and applicants to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria think that the twin pillar of merit and intergrity will be used in the 2013 selection process for the rank of SAN. Although the disciplining action taken so far against some judges were from the Nigeria Judicial Council (NJC), which Justice Mukhtar is heading, those decisions nonetheless owe their origin to the emergence of Hon. Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar as the Chief Justice of Nigeria. We would, therefore, commend her for living up to the promise she made to Nigerians at the time of her confirmation hearing at the senate in July 2012 when she said thus: “There is corruption in the Judiciary just like every aspect of the society. The most important thing is to curb it and lead by example and ensure that others follow” She then added “one thing 1 would do is to embark on internal cleansing of the entire system” adding that her priority would be to reposition the Judiciary and deal with the “bad eggs who are giving the Judiciary a Negative images”.

Judiciary just like every aspect of the society.

The most important thing is to curb it and lead by example and ensure that other follow” she then added “One thing I would do is to embark on internal classing of the entire system” adding that her priority would be to reposition the Judiciary and deal with the “bad eggs who are giving the Judiciary a Negative image”.

The first indication that the honourable the C.JN meant every letter of her word came when on 21st day of February 2013 the National Judicial Council Suspended Justice Charles Archibong of the Federal High Court Lagos, and Justice Thomas D. Naron of the High court of Justice, plateaus State as a first step towards their compulsory retirement from the bench.

The two Judges were interdicted for excesses bordering on abuse of office in the discharge of their duties. It was about the same time that the N.J.C. set up the Committee that investigated Justice Talba for the embrassing verdict he gave in the case of Mr. John Yusufu – a self confessed police pension fund thief. The convict (John Yusufu) was handed over a 2 year sentence with the option of fine in the sum of N750, 000 which he gladly paid on the spot. This verdict no doubt was greeted with National opprobrium.

• To be continued next week

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2013

37

LAW PERSONALITY Mr Mike Edegware was Vice-Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Kaduna Branch (1986-1988) and Vice-Chairman, Isoko South Local Government Council of Delta State. In this interview with JOSEPH JIBUEZE, he speaks on the falling standards in legal practice, insecurity, the award of SAN and sundry issues.

‘Good governance is key to peace ’

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O you agree with the claim by a retired Supreme Court justice that the legal profession is retrogressing?

I am in total agreement with the retired judge. I will like to add, however, that the retrogression is in all professions and all aspects of our national life, not just the legal profession. Somehow, people find their way into and through higher institutions without having the requisite qualifications. At graduation, they are without the expected standard and quality in learning and character. In my time and that was fairly recently (19977-1981), quality was all you needed to gain admission into the university and get through; today, it is a different story. It is more of who you know than what you know. The most effective way to halt the retrogression is to insist on and enforce standards.

Justice dispensation remains slow in Nigeria. How can this problem be solved?

The sluggishness of our justice administration/dispensation machinery is evidence of a system that has collapsed or broken down. In my opinion, justice should not only be done and be seen to be done, it must be done timeously. I equate late or delayed justice to injustice. It is invitation to anarchy to obstruct or frustrate the smooth operation of the machinery of justice. That is the danger we face - a situation where cases go on endlessly. The answer is not in awarding punitive costs or imposing sanctions for frivolous applications, but putting a time frame on cases - a maximum of six months - as in elections petitions.

Do you think specialisation will improve legal practice?

In Nigeria we are in a legal practice environment of jack of all trades and ‘‘master’’ of all. So, lawyers claim to be experts in all aspects of law - constitutional law, criminal law, company law, tax. etc. This is not humanly possible. It is rare to find a lawyer who confesses that he is not too good in an aspect of law. I think this isa reflection of our greedy nature. As we all know, constant practice makes perfect. That is the state of affairs in civilised climes like Europe and America where you have people specialising in immigration law, tax law, constitutional law etc. This is the way to go in Nigeriao enhance quality.

Specialisation will result in the emergence of partnerships with each partner an expert in a specific aspect of the law. The inevitable emergence of mega firms will naturally increase their competitive advantage in their foray into the global legal market.

So, formation of partnerships is the way to go. The challenge, however, will be getting people of the right blend of character and learning together as partners. Most partnerships will find it difficult to stand the test of time because of our very greedy and selfish nature.

How can corruption be reduced on the Bench?

Retiring or dismissing a corrupt judge is not a punishment in my opinion. What is the deterrence in a situation where a judge, by perverting the course of justice finds himself in stupendous wealth and all you do is to relieve him of his position to give him the freedom to openly enjoy his new found wealth? I think such judges should be tried like common criminals. Regrettably, we do not have a People’s Constitution in my opinion.

What we have is a military-imposed Constitution in which the phrase “we

the people’’ is used rather fraudulently. To continue to amend the military imposition we call a constitution is to insist on building on a faulty foundation. That is not in our interest. We should sit down, discuss the Nigerian project and fashion out a constitution that fits our circumstances. But that is talking generally.

In specific terms, as it relates to the legal profession, I think all professions should be self - regulating.

What do you make of plea bargaining in criminal trials?

How did we come about Plea Bargaining? It is not in our laws, but it is being ingenuously smuggled into our legal lexicon through the back door. Plea Bargaining is evidence of the lack of guts, courage and political will to adequately punish every infraction of the law, no matter how highly placed the offender is. Plea Bargaining means either sharing the wrongful gains of crime with the criminal, or giving the criminal an inexplicable and undeserved rebate on the well-deserved punishment that he should get. A bank’s managing director ,for example, loots customers’ deposit running into hundreds of billions, sends people to their early graves, disrupts the economies of numerous families and when brought to trial, the state shares the loot with him and gives him a light sentence to be spent in a cosy fivestar hospital environment and you call that justice? No!. That is a classical example of official endorsement of corruption. Nigeria is too backward and too corrupt to embrace anything called Plea Bargaining.

What do you make of the political crisis involving stakeholders in the ruling party?

What is tearing the PDP to shreds is not leadership failure, but greed and inordinate ambition. Nobody believes in waiting till tomorrow. To some members of the same PDP family, the President should be chased and stoned out of office now because the Presidency must come to them in 2015. That cannot be right. We have a constitution for God’s sake! Let us follow it. We cannot afford not to be guided by the supreme law of the land in our actions if we must make progress as a nation. Everything taken together, I agree that the PDP will pay a huge political price if it continues in this manner into 2015 and I am happy that no less a person than Tony Anenih has warned them of this danger.

What do you think is the solution to the insecurity challenge?

The amnesty to the Boko Haram sect is designed to achieve/restore peace and order and, to that extent, I consider it a laudable step. But let us be clear about one thing: Boko Haram

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•Edegware

is not exclusively responsible for all cases of the breach of the peace all over Nigeria. Look at the new challenge from Nassarawa State. That is not Boko Haram. In my opinion, therefore, restoration of peace should be a wholesale and not selective process. This country is failing and breaking down everyday and only a comprehensive peace plan will see us out of danger. Good and impactful governance holds the key to peace in Nigeria. That is my opinion.

The government was severely criticised over the Baga operation. What is your view?

First, let us remind ourselves that the Baga operation was not strictly a Nigerian operation. It was multi-national or tri-national at least. Secondly, lets be sure that the operation is put in proper context. Let’s be clear about what actually happened at Baga.

When we have the facts, then a decision should be taken on how best to handle the issues. For now, I think the first thing should be an investigation and it is the result of that investigation that should determine the next step. Arraignment before the ICC is a very serious step that should not be hurried into.

The Court of Appeal President, Justice Isa Ayo Salami, will soon retire.

Do you think he has been victimised all along?

I have personal reservation about

the way the Justice Isa Ayo Salami issue was handled. Clearly, the present outcome appears pre-conceived and carefully crafted by those who believe they will be in power forever. At the end of the day, Justice Ayo Isa Salami remains one of the most courageous judges of our time; and, no doubt, history will be kind to him, just as I know that he will go home with his head held high and his honour, integrity and pride intact.

Do you think the government is winning the war on corruption?

You don’t win or lose a war you have not started. A selective war is not a war in my opinion. The Nigerian Government has not started fighting the war against corruption and official sleaze and it may never do so. Whatever you see going on today is selective and it is just child’s play.

How do you think human rights abuses can be checked?

First, we should be careful not to put human rights above national security. Even the Constitution recognises the curtailment or circumscription of human rights in appropriate cases. We are sure to lose some of our rights in a state of anarchy; and we are almost there. The balance we must strike is in subjecting ourselves ‘‘leaders and followers’’ - to the Rule of Law, as opposed to the rule of man.

You have been in active legal practice for 31 years. What has been your experience?

I was called to the Bar in 1982. Our focus and quest then was for knowledge, not money. So I saw my days with my professional mentor – High Chief DKO George-Taylor – as a period of apprenticeship and not money making - a period of equipping myself mentally for the challenges of private legal practice. I started on a monthly salary of N600 in 1983 and left as Head of Chambers in 1990 on a salary of N1,200.00. Today, I don’t think there’s any reason to regret, even though there are challenges. I can defend my credentials anywhere in the World as a lawyer. Most young lawyers of today are of very poor quality and put money before knowledge and professional competence.

Do you remember your first day in court?

Yes I do. While doing my NYSC with the 1 DIV, Nigerian Army Kaduna, I was doing some part-time practice with Chief Oladapo Iwalowo. On a Friday, we reviewed a case file together. It was a case on the undefended list before our then Chief Judge – Justice Shehu Usman Mohammed of blessed memory. My boss asked me to go with the file, promising to meet me in Court on Monday. He never did. But over the weekend, I practically chewed the file and coming from the UNN background, I was more than prepared for my first challenge. So it was not a baptism of fire as most people would expect, but a pleasant experience.

How did you choose to study law?

In 1977, I had two admissions - one to read Business Administration at UNIBEN and the other to read Law at UNN Enugu Campus. At Edo College where I was, UNIBEN held a special attraction for most of us. But all that changed when Chief Gani Fawehinmi of blessed memory came to court in Benin and I went there with some of my classmates. Apart from Gani, I saw some “small” lawyers and I couldn’t wait to be one of them. So, to UNN I went to read law.

There are allegations that the award of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) tainted with corruption. Do you agree?

I do not have evidence of the lack of transparency so I cannot assert that very confidently. But I can observe diminishing quality in many of today’s SANs. Another curious observation I have made over the years is that most SANs these days are related to the old SANs one way or the other.

They are either their children, cousins, nephews, in-laws or juniors in chambers, etc. A lot of people are of the view that the Nigerian factor is beginning to creep into the selection process of Senior Advocates - string pulling and Godfatherism.

How do you relax and shop?

I watch television - mostly football, news and African movies. My favourite sport is football. I am an Arsenal fan – a Gunner. I shop very occasionally myself. My wife does most of my shopping.

If you were to go away for a week with only a piece of item, what would it be?

It would be my phone.

Court declines to hear motorcyclists’ suit on Lagos traffic law

OMMERCIAL motor cyclists popularly known as Okada riders have lost a fresh battle to challenge the validity and constitutionality of the Lagos State Road Traffic Law. A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has declined to entertain a suit filed by some of them challenging the constitutionality of the Lagos State Road Traffic Law. Justice M. B. Idris in his judgment upheld the submission of the Lagos State Attorney-General, Ade Ipaye that the suit constituted an abuse of court processing, a similar suit having been filed by the Applicants’ parent association before the High Court of Lagos State.

By Adebisi Onanuga

Justice Idris agreed with Ipaye’s argument that the first Claimant in Suit No. ID/713M/12 at the High Court of Lagos State is the Incorporated Trustees of All Nigerian Autobike Commercial Owners and Workers Association, the Federal High Court found that all the Applicants before him were also members of the same Association.

The court, therefore, held that, although both the Federal and State High Court concurrent jurisdiction to entertain matters of human rights enforcement.

The trial judge held that the state court in this case was better placed

to handle the matter.

The judge said he arrived at this decision on the premise that the matter in the State High Court was the first one to be filed and that the matter bordered on the constitutionality of a law passed by the State House of Assembly.

The judge condemned the practice of litigants who file processes in different courts in respect of the same matter.

According to him, “We must prevent a situation where we allow litigants to obtain conflicting decisions from courts of coordinate jurisdiction in respect of the same subject. This matter is therefore transferred to the High Court of

Lagos for proper adjudication.”

It will be recalled that Justice Aishat Opesanwo of the High Court of Lagos State in a judgment delivered on December 13, 2012 upheld the validity and constitutionality of the Lagos State Road Traffic Law. Commenting on the decision, Ade Ipaye commended the decision as another progressive step.

“We all have a duty to ensure that the processes of our Courts are not abused through forum-shopping litigation.

“We advise the plaintiffs to partner with the State Government in our quest to provide affordable mass-transit system for all the citizens.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2013

38

LAW REPORT

Will cannot be voided because ‘Igiogbe’ was bequeathed to someone else In The Supreme Court of Nigeria Date: April 19, 2013 SC. 135/2004, 2013(4) LEDLR-16 IBRAHIM TANKO MUHAMMAD CHRISROPHER MITCHELL CHUKWUMA-ENEH SULEIMAN GALADIMA CLARA BATA OGUNBIYI STANLEY SHENKO ALAGOA BETWEEN

EDWARD OMORODION UWAIFO

APPELLANT

AND 1. STANLEY UYINMWEN UWAIFO 2. MRS ELIZABETH EHEZOGHE IGBINOVIA 3. MRS GRACE EBENOVBEVBE KASIM 4. MRS LOVETH AIZE EMOKPAE 5. MRS AGHATISE UWAIFO 6. MISS JOY AGHAMUOKU UWAIFO 7. GREGORY SAMUEL O. IZEVBUHE

RESPONDENTS

8. ATEWE O. UWAIFO 9. BENJAMIN O. EHENUWA 10. THE PROBATE REGISTRY EDO STATE 11. DAVID UWAIFO

• Continued from last week

e.

M

ENSE profits of N655per month from the said rooms/stores and shop from June 1991 until the date of judgment. f. An order of perpetual injunction to restrain the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th Defendants, their children, servants, agents and or privies from

their continued occupation of the compound at Nos. 2 and 4 Ohuoba Street, Benin City or any part thereof or any further acts of trespass therein.”

The case went on to full trial from 22/5/95 to October 2000. On 9/11/ 2000, the then learned trial Chief Judge of Edo State High Court, Hon. Justice C.A.R. Momoh in a wellconsidered Judgment granted some of the Plaintiffs reliefs in paragraph

17 (a) (b) and (c) of the Amended Statement of Claim with relevant modifications on the following terms: “(i) That the Plaintiff as the eldest son of the deceased is entitled under Bini Customary Law of inheritance to inherit the house at No. 4 Ohuoba Street where the deceased lived and died (otherwise known as the lgiogbe). (ii) That the devises in the Will of the deceased dated 26th June 1975 as it relates to the house at No. 4 Ohuoba Street, Benin City declared in this Judgment as the lgiogbe, is null and void having contravened the Bini Customary Law of inheritance and Section 3(1) of the Wills Law Cap. 172 Laws of Bendel State Applicable in Edo State. (iii) That under Bini Customary Law, the lgiogbe cannot be shared to any person other than the deceased’s eldest surviving son (in this instance, the Plaintiff) and consequently the purported devise of the house No. 4 Ohuoba Street, Benin City by the deceased in his said Will to Henry N.S. Uwaifo, Ayenbueze E. Uwaifo.

Egbenodenden E. Uwaifo and Nobunse S. Uwaifo are null and void and of no effect whatsoever’” The Appellant appealed to the Court of Appeal Benin, against the parts of the Judgment of the trial High Court that did not favour him.

The sole issue that arose for determination in the Court below from the totality of all the issues considered by the learned trial Chief Judge and arising from the issue joined and canvassed was that: “Whether the Houses No. 2 and No. 4 Ohuoba Street, Benin City does not form part of the ldiogbe” of Appellant’s late father Pa Daniel Ediagbonya Uwaifo who lived as a Bini Man.” In its reserved Judgment delivered on 21/1/2004, the Court below dismissed the Appellant’s appeal.

Dissatisfied, the Appellant further appealed to this Court. The Appellant first filed in his Notice of Appeal three Grounds. However when his Brief of Argument was settled, Appellant dropped two grounds of appeal. From the sole ground one issue as set out in his brief, for determination reads thus: “Whether the Court of Appeal was

right in affirming the Judgment of the trial High Court to the effect that vacant land under Benin Customary Law cannot constitute Igiogbe and thereby failed to follow its earlier decision in IGBINOBA VS. IGBINOBA (1995) 1 NWLR (PART 317) 375.”

The 1st to 9th Respondents have adopted the sole issue the Appellant formulated for determination of the appeal.

The 10th Respondent only issue formulated for determination is: “Whether a vacant portion of land constitutes an lgiogbe under Bini Customary Law’.

It would appear that no legal representation has been made on behalf of the 11th Respondent; hence no brief was filed on his behalf.

Arguing this issue, Learned Counsel for the Appellant has contended that this issue has never arisen for determination. In other words that this Court has not in his case decided that vacant plot which stands side by side with the house, which constitutes “lgiogbe cannot form part of the said lgiogbe” It is urged on this Court to allow the appeal on this lone issue canvassed in this brief. The learned counsel for the Appellant, however, has conceded in respect of Grounds 2 and 3 of the Appellant’s Grounds of Appeal that since no argument was proffered in support of the said grounds they should be deemed abandoned.

On this point learned counsel for the 1st to 9th Respondents has alluded and made the same observations. The said Grounds of Appeal are therefore deemed abandoned and accordingly struck out.

Learned Counsel for the 1st - 9th Respondents having adopted the lone issue as formulated by the Appellant, submitted that this is a non-issue because, like the ground of appeal from which it was distilled, is unrelated to the appeal in hand.

It was observed that the Appellant’s sole issue in this case is based on the legal principle of stare decisis, which enjoins the lower court to follow the decision of the higher court, was not followed by the two courts below.

Learned counsel has however sub-

mitted that the court below in IGBINOBA v. IGBINOBA (supra) did not decide that vacant land also forms part of lgiogbe under Benin customary Law. That what that case decided is that neither testamentary disposition nor family arrangement can deprive the eldest surviving son of the lgiogbe. In other words, IGBINOBA V. IGBINOBA (supra) did not decide the question of vacant land vis-d-vis, the “lgiogbe” concept under Bini Law and Custom. That Ogundere JCA stated in the court below categorically that the vacant land adjacent to the principal or main house in that case was not in issue and therefore did not pronounce on it. It beats the imagination of the Learned Counsel, how the Appellant in his brief, came to the conclusion that the court below decided that an adjoining land to lgiogbe is inclusive of lgiogbe in Bini Custom. This Court is urged to uphold and affirm the decisions of the two courts below.

On behalf of the 10th Respondent its counsel canvassed arguments similar to those of the counsel to the 1st to 9th Respondents. He submitted that a vacant portion of the land cannot constitute an lgiogbe under the Bini Native Law and Custom.

The learned trial Judge therefore had the opportunity of evaluating the evidence led before him and the various authorities cited by the respective counsel and rightly came to that conclusion. It is urged on this Court to dismiss this appeal because the Appellant misapplied the principle of stare decisis in this appeal, bearing in mind the evaluation of the evidence led at the trial High Court.

I have carefully considered and examined some of the authorities cited in reliance and in support of the various submissions made by the respective counsel. The sole issue raised by the Appellant in this appeal is based on the doctrine of stare decisis, which in essence, enjoins the lower court to follow the decisions of the Higher Courts. Appellant’s main grouse in this appeal is on the ground that the court below failed to follow its decision in IGBINOBA V. IGBINOBA (1995) NWLR (Pt.371) 375 at 381.

• To be continued next week

The anti-corruption war in the Judiciary: How far? How well?

Being the Text of a paper delivered by Mr Femi Falana (SAN) as guest speaker at the presentation of the Law Journal of the Law Students Society, Faculty of Law, University of Ilorin, Kwara State in honour of Chief Folake Solanke SAN on May 21 Introduction

I

FEEL highly honoured to de liver this lecture to mark the launching of the 18th edition of “The Jurist”, the influential Journal of the Law Students Society of the Faculty of Law, University of Ilorin, Kwara State in honour of the respected Chief Folake Solanke SAN, a leading light in the legal profession in Nigeria. The leadership and the entire members of the Law Society deserve commendation for deeming it fit to honour a lady of excellence and sartorial elegance. In a land ravaged by moral decadence and professional depravity Chief Solanke SAN has stood out as a paragon of morality and integrity. I believe, in the words of Professor Wole Soyinka that “age shall never wither her”.

At a recent public event in Ibadan, Oyo State, Chief Solanke (SAN) had pointed out that for corruption to be effectively tackled in the country the fight has to be start with the judiciary. In calling on the judiciary to play a critical role in prosecuting members of the public who run foul of the law the legal luminary said: “The judicial process is the only method

by which erring members of the society can be made accountable and be made to pay the penalty for wrongdoing. Yes, there is corruption in the land, and only the court can purge the society. But alas, what about the judiciary itself?”

The Chairman of this occasion, the Hon Justice Mustapha Adebayo Akanbi, a former President of the Court of Appeal and the pioneer Chairman of the ICPC is a man of extraordinary moral force. His commitment to the defence of the rule of law, good governance and accountability is legendry. As a man of principle his lordship has a penchant for speaking truth to power. The organizers of this event could not have chosen a more suitable personality to chair this occasion than a jurist who has dedicated his life to the struggle for social justice and good governance.

It is public knowledge that the National Judicial Council under the leadership of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the Hon. Justice Maryam Aloma Muktar, is quitely but effectively prosecuting a war against judicial corruption. Since the war has thrown up some challenges for the

legal profession we shall review the strategies adopted by the NJC and explore ways of institutionalising the reforms with a view to repositing the judiciary to serve the interests of the Nigerian. This is the only way to ensure that the reforms survive the relatively short tenure of the Chief Justice. Before making my presentation permit me to enter a caveat: I know that majority of Nigerian judges are not corrupt. The fight against judicial corruption is therefore being waged against the few that have perfected the act of selling justice to the highest bidders and thereby dented the image of the judicary.

The Subversion of Judicial Independence by the Judiciary

In addition to lack of judicial independence in Nigeria some highly placed judges have betrayed their oath of office by engaging in wanton corruption. The removal of some very corrupt judges by the defunct Sani Abacha junta on the recommendations of the Justice Kayode Eso Panel did not deter the others who have continued to dent the image of

the judiciary and thereby erode public confidence in the judiciary. Under the current democratic dispensation some of the heads of the judiciary have recklessly subverted the independence of the judiciary. In fact, one of them is so close to the Presidency that his nominees for the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation have been appointed on two occasions. The crisis of confidence in the judiciary has been compounded by the influence of money bags and politicians.

Thus, upon the conclusion of the 2011 General Elections a plot was hatched by the authorities to remove the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Ayo Isa Salami.

As he was suspected to have sympathy for a leading opposition political party the Federal Judicial Service Commission chaired by the then Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Aloysius Katsina-Alu recommended that Justice Salami be promoted to the Supreme Court.

Not only did Justice Salami reject the recommendation he proceeded to spill the beans when he averred in a suit filed by him at the Federal High Court that the Chief Justice had asked that the

• Falana (SAN)

governorship election petition in Sokoto State be decided in favour of the candidate of the ruling party. Notwithstanding that the suit filed by Justice Salami against his planned removal was pending in court the National Judicial Council decided to place him on suspension pending the investigation of the allegations of misconduct leveled by him against the Chief Justice.

• Continued next week

39

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2013

ABUJA REVIEW NEWS

•From left: Senate President, Senator David Mark, Minister of FCT, Bala Mohammed, Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha and Vice President, Namadi Sambo at the •From right: Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission, Mid-Term Report of the Transformation Agenda during the Democracy Day Cel- Mr. Ekpo Nta; Archbishop of Abuja Catholic Diocese, John Cardinal Onaiyekan; members of the ebration at the International Conference Centre in Abuja PHOTOS: AKIN OLADOKUN commission, Dame Julie Nwariaku and Prof. Olu Aina during the Cardinal’s visit to the commission

•Minister of State for Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide (middle) with members of the Ministerial Committee on the Implementation of Apo Resettlement Scheme during the submission of its report to the minister

•Vice-President Namadi Sambo (right) being received by the Chairman, House Committee on Education, Hon. Aminu Suleiman at the public presentation of three publications by the Federal Ministry of Education at the National University Commission in Abuja. With them is the Education Minister, Prof. Ruqayyat Rufai.

•First Lady Patience Goodluck Jonathan and Minister of Women Affairs Hajia Zainab Maina cutting a cake with children during the 2013 Children’s Day celebration party at the Presidential Villa Abuja

•From left: Director-General of the State Security Service: Ita Ekpenyong, Chief of Defence Sgtaff, Admiral Ola Sa’ad Ibrahim, Minister of State for Defence, Erelu Olusola Obada, Chief of Army Staff: Major-General Azubuike Ihejirika and Major General S.Y. Audu after a security Meeting with the President at the State House in Abuja PHOTO: AKIN OLADOKUN

•From left: Special Guest of Honour, Honourable Commissioner for Education, Niger State, Mr Danladi Umar Abdulhameed; Chairman of the occasion, Director Human Resources, National Orientation Agency (NOA) Mr. David Mayan Dogo and the author of the book, Dr. Rosemary Nwangwu at the public presentation of The Transformational Teacher, a practical handbook for head teachers and principals in Abuja

40

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2013

ABUJA REVIEW

Expert proffers solution to housing problems

R

ESIDENTS of the Federal Capital Territory are going through excruciating accommodation experience. Over 70 per cent of those living in Abuja have one accommodation challenge or the other.

The FCT Administration, on the other hand, had embarked on massive demolition of estates, which has further compounded an already complex problem.

Is there a way out of the logjam?

The Chairman/CEO of Festrut Group, Engr. Festus U. Asikhia, whose subsidiary Festrut Global Shelter owns estates in the FCT expressed optimism that the FCT can rise up to the challenge.

He said that if the right thing is done, the housing problem in the Capital City can be surmounted.

He said: “The FCT Administration should have sincerity of purpose. And one of the ways to do that is to carry out feasibility studies in order to know those that have carved a niche for themselves and are doing credibly well.

“Call them for a Town Hall meeting and ask them of their financial capacity and technical knowhow on how to provide affordable houses. Then, the FCT should carry out a Joint Venture scheme with the developers.

“Let the FCT Administration provide the land and let the developers tell the FCT how much they can use in building a particular house. The FCT should then put a benchmark on the how much the houses should be sold since it has provided the land.

“So, out of the sale of the houses,

U

NITY and Tolerance Initiative (UTI), a nongovernmental organisation (NGO) committed to promoting Nigeria’s unity, has condemned the killing of thousands of innocent Nigerians, foreigners and security officials by the Boko Haram sect.

The organisation made this known during a press briefing during which it unveiled its

•All the residents need is a place to lay their heads From Victor Oluwasegun

we are taking this amount for the land that we have provided. Then, the government would have succeeded in providing a benchmark on how much a unit of house should be sold.

On how Festrut Global Shelter can help to provide affordable houses in the FCT, Asikhia said the company is starting a 36-month repayment plan for houses purchased by people.

“What we do at Festrut Global Shelter is to complement housing solution in the FCT, and by extension Nigeria and beyond through promotion and development of modern estates with first-class infrastructures and facilities in communities which will guarantee adequate comfort, peace and safety for residents.

“We are doing this in the most cost-effective and flexible manner.

From Gbenga Omokhunu and Grace Obike

intention to halt the tide of Nigeria’s internal crises, which have snowballed into dreadful terrorism, religious intolerance and politically-induced killings.

It said that the killings, which have claimed so many lives, destroyed properties worth billions of Naira and displaced

We are starting a scheme in Abuja and Lagos. A prospective buyer could make a 20 per cent down payment for the house and the balance is spread over 24 or 36 months. After paying 50 per cent, you move in and pay the balance as laid out.

That is the scheme Festrut is putting together in this our fourth year.”

He expressed the view that government should not regulate rent.

This, he said, is because one cannot regulate what it has not contributed to.

“Government can’t regulate house rents when they have not contributed their own quota in mass housing development. It cannot do this when they have not contributed provided shelter for the masses. You have power over what you have provided. What you have not provided, you don’t have power over it. There should be sincerity of purpose on the side of government.

“The government should engage intelligent and vibrant professionals. They should engage people who know their onions in the sector and give them the opportunity to serve; to carry out contractual works for them. With that, government can regulate rent.

“On the other hand, can I go and buy land at N400 million and build a house of N200 or N300 million and you will say I should follow your price tag? A whole lot of things will go wrong because some people that are used in charging exorbitant prices on houses will be affected. So, how are we going to solve it?”

On what should be done on the issue of poor quality houses built by developers, Asikhia said the opinion that the only way government can get developers to build quality houses is through joint ventures.

“The only way government can do a project and get standard is to hold somebody responsible. A goat

•Mr Asikhia put in custody of the community will die of hunger. No one will feed it. Let somebody be responsible,” he said.e rent

NGO condemns killing of Nigerians hundreds from their homes, is unacceptable and alien to Nigerians.

UTI firmly supports the emergency rule declared on three states in the nation by President Goodluck Jonathan and said that they are committed to tack-

•From left: Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde; Sub-committee Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Culture and Tourism, Hon. Abiodun Hakeen Muniru and the Director-General/CEO, National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Alhaji Yusuf Abdallah Usman during a visit to the committee PHOTOS: ABAYOMI FAYESE

ling head on the problems that threaten Nigeria’s unity such as religious intolerance, killing and ethnicity by inculcating positive attitudinal change in Nigerians.

The group said: “Our cardinal objective is the promotion of

unity among all Nigerians; irrespective of religious, ethnic, cultural and geographical diversities and take necessary steps to change the mindset of Nigerians from negative and stultifying state to a positive and progress engendering attitude”.

•From left: Head, Logistics, Planning and Business Solution, Shell Petroleum Development Company Ltd, Mrs Justina Oludi; representative, Global Road Safety Partnershiop, Mr Benjamin Van Rooyen and FRSC Corps Commander, Mr Samuel Obayemi, at road safety capacity building workshop for regulatory risk management practitioners (North Central) in Abuja.

42

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2013

POLITICS

43

TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2013

THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

Two years ago, President Goodluck Jonathan unfolded his Transformation Agenda during the presidential election campaigns. AUGUSTINE AVWODE, LEKE SALAUDEEN and MUSA ODOSHIMOKHE examine its implementation in the light of current realities.

Is transformation agenda on course?

T

HE transformation Agenda was a popular catch-phrase during the 2011 presidential campaigns. It was what President Goodluck Jonathan presented to Nigerians. The aim was to change the way things were done and give the country a new sense of direction.

Though there was nothing magical about it, the campaign slogan took on a life of its own. The Transformation Agenda elevated President Jonathan to a would-be messianic figure. Expectations were high. Nigerians went into the election and voted for him.

The President has appealed to Nigerians to be objective in scoring his administration. He was speaking during the presentation of a mid-term report of his administration as part of the programme to mark the Democracy Day celebration. The government, through its functionaries, gave the administration a pass mark. The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Chief Anyim Pius Anyim, the the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Minister of National Planning, Dr Shamsudeen Usman said the government has lived up to expectation.

At the ceremony, President Jonathan, said: “Today, we are marking the end of the first 24 months, which is our mid-term review and my duty is to formally present a document that all Nigerians will be able to read and assess us.

“The idea is to formally present a document to all Nigerians about the activities of government in the past two years. I plead with all of us, especially those who want to assess and write about it, to develop criteria because without a marking scheme, you cannot mark any student’s paper. Two years of a government, this is what we have done, develop your marking scheme and score us.”

Critical sectors Job creation Unemployment has been a major social problem globally. An army of unemployed youths roam the streets in major cities across the country. The government was expected to pursue certain policy measures to reinvigorate important sectors of the economy such that employment opportunities would be created. But from mere observation, aside the indices reeled out by the government as signs of an improving economy, many unemployed youths still roam the streets looking for what to do just to keep body and soul together.

Public expenditure management One common malaise of the government public expenditure has been that recurrent expenses are more than capital expenditure. The argument has been that if the government is desirous of making appreciable impact in infrastructure development, it should be able to free the budget from the vice like grip of recurrent expenditure and so make more funds available for that purpose.

Power Notwithstanding the billions spent by previous administrations on the power sector, the economy remains dangerously dependent on generat-

• Dr Jonathan

• Okonjo-Iweala

ing sets that are imported.

The government has said it will hit 10,000 megawatts by December this year. But for now, the situation is, perhaps, the worst in recent years.

Infrastructure Nigerians have been grappling with several years of infrastructure decay. The transformation agenda was supposed to address this in a holistic way. This sector includes transportation, housing, Information Communication Technology (ICT),Federal Capital Territory ( FCT) and Niger Delta.

These are very critical sectors to national development. The Niger Delta, for instance, has suffered such neglect for many decades that it resulted in militancy against the economic interests of the country. It took the declaration of amnesty for such militants to restore peace in the areas. But as we speak, the issue of infrastructural decay that has plagued the region for so long is yet to be substantially addressed. The West-East Road has become a subject of controversy.

Transportation This is one area in which the government has earned some kudos and knocks.The government has made some investment in railway, roads and inland waterways airports and sea ports. In roads rehabilitation, more is still expected from the government even though it has tried much, particularly, the once notorious Benin – Sagamu expressway. The achievement of the government in the rehabilitation of airports across the country is all well too known. Nonetheless, more still has to be done.

Low score Nigerians, however, have scored the government low on the transfor-

‘There are three basic things that are very fundamental for any transformation to take place anywhere in the world.

Unfortunately, these three things are lacking in our own case’ – Lame

• Ayim

mation agenda.

A chieftain of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and former Minister of Police Affairs, Dr Ibrahim Lame, told The Nation in a telephone interview last week that Nigeria currently lacks three basic things that are fundamental for transformation to take place.

“If you are asking me what I have been able to make of the Transformation Agenda of this administration, sincerely speaking, I will tell you that I don’t know what the transformation programme is all about. But one thing, which I know, is that there are three basic things that are very fundamental for any transformation to take place anywhere in the world.

“Unfortunately, these three things are lacking in our own case. That is, if it is granted that what we are talking about is socio-economic transformation that will make life more abundant for the people. Without them, there can be no transformation. The first is the security of lives and property. But today, we have never witness a period where we have a serious problems of security of lives and property like we are now. Second is what I call the viability of economic infrastructure. In my opinion, our economic infrastructure is not working.

Take the transport sector, take the energy sector or even the social sector.

Have you been to any of our schools lately? Try and go there and see things for yourself.

“What about our hospitals? Just go to our hospitals and see for yourself and come and tell me their performance.

He also criticised the current state of energy supply in the country today as appalling, saying the most critical area where the transformation should have been felt is the energy sector. “It is a very, very serious issue. No society can develop without power or energy and we have always been hearing we

‘What is the value of $50 billion foreign reserves when Nigerians are dying of hunger?

When all local industries have closed shop? When millions of Nigerian graduates are jobless’ - Akintola

• Maku

would give you this today, we will give you that tomorrow. So we don’t know what is being transformed.”

Evading reality A lawyer, Chief Niyi Akintola (SAN), said the self adulation by the administration was expected. He said the judgment of the government cannot be the same as that of the people.

“The self appraisal of the administration is expected, but the people know where the shoe pinches. Lagos and Abuja are the most expensive cities to live in the world. A colleague of mine went to Port Harcourt for a week and when he returned, he said the cost of living is outrageous. How much is flight from Lagos to Abuja in 2011?

And how much is it today?

“I don’t blame Mr President because he flies at the expense of taxpayers, he feeds and clothes at the expense of taxpayers. If he can come down to where people are living, he will know what the ordinary people are going through. What is the value of $50 billion foreign reserves when Nigerians are dying of hunger? When all local industries have closed shop? When millions of Nigerian graduates are jobless. Mr President and the Finance Minister should stop deceiving Nigerians with false statistics”.

“In terms of security, this administration has not fared better and socially, it has not done well. It is actually fuelling instability in the country. The administration masterminded the inability of Timipreye Sylva to return as the governor of Bayelsa State for a second term. And a dangerous scenario is playing out in Rivers State,” Akintola said.

Deformation agenda?

Also, President of Civil Rights of Nigeria (CRN) Mallam Shehu Sani described what is going on as a defor-

‘President Jonathan’s transformation agenda is more of a deformation agenda. The President seems to be cut off from the realities of Nigeria today.

There are three indices by which government can be assessed, namely political, social and economically’ - Sani

mation rather than a transformation agenda. He accused the government of presenting misleading statistics, saying those who presented them are cut off from the reality on ground in the country.

“President Jonathan’s transformation agenda is more of a deformation agenda. The President seems to be cut off from the realities of Nigeria today. There are three indices by which government can be assessed, namely political, social and economic.

“From the political angle, this administration has overheated the polity more than any other administration in the history of Nigeria. His government has progressively dissolved the mutual ties among the divergent religious and ethnic groups in Nigeria. His government has proven to be more interested in empowering exmilitants and political cronies than addressing the basic issues of under development.

“Economically, Nigerians are worse off. Despite the huge oil earning, it has not reflected in the quality of live of Nigerians.

“Socially, the level of poverty in the country is alarming and is threatening the peace and stability of the nation. He has impoverished Nigerians and has created a class of beggars.”

False claims Former President of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) Olasupo Ojo echoed what Lame said. He said the agenda is simply surreal.

“As far as I am concerned, you have to know where you are coming from to be able to decide where you are going to. This administration has not transformed anything and to the best of my knowledge there is no transformation agenda.

“Government is living on false claims; they are not telling the people the truth. They are only pretending that there is a project they are executing which is not real. If anything, it is a strategy at siphoning public funds.

The only thing the administration is concerned about is to be in power.

They do not care whether the people are hungry or not. Between you and me, you know that there is so much hunger in the land, between you and me, you know that graduate unemployment has never been this high, between you and me, you know that crime rate has never been this high.

There are all kinds of criminal acts going on, some we never heard before. I think all they are interested in is just to remain in power. That is why you hear things like ‘I don’t care’. To me, there is no transformation agenda anywhere”, he said.

Lagos lawyer Festus Keyamo said the administration should focus on the two major challenges facing the country. He identified them as security and power.

“I would want to advise the government to focus on two very challenging areas. These are security and power. The government has not been able to transform these sectors that it promised to address”, he said.

The critical question, however, is whether the Transformation Agenda is on course. If it is, where will Nigeria be in 2015? If not, what should President Jonathan do to steer it back on course? Nigerians certainly want answers to these questions sooner than later.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2013

POLITICS Two years to the next general elections, opposition figures are sharpening their arrows. But the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is preparing for the 2015 challenge. Assistant Editor AUGUSTINE AVWODE writes on the issues and personalities that would shape the contest.

The road to 2015 A

PART from ensuring that the normal democratic institutions continue to be relevant, analysts say the roles of some personalities in the polity are crucial to the sustenance of democracy in the country.

These individuals include President Goodluck Jonathan; former Head of State and three times presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari, National Leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria(ACN) Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Attahiru Jega.

Goodluck Jonathan President Goodluck Jonathan has a major challenge. This is ensuring that a level playing field is provided for all and sundry by the democratic institutions in the country. He is the man on whose table the buck ends. Apart from being the President, with a very high probability of seeking a second term, he is in charge of almost everything that has to do with the sustenance and deepening of the nation’s democracy. Balancing his personal ambition with national interest could be very tasking, especially, in the face of his party’s determination to continue to rule.

In 2011, when he was campaigning for the Presidency on the platform of the PDP, he declared that his ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian. He also declared that nobody should rig election for him. Whether those declarations will be repeated, if he chooses to run in 2015, is yet to be known. Already, his party national chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur has said that the 2015 electoral contest is ‘a big war’. Besides, analysts are beginning to express reservation over the readiness of the President to repeat his stance of 2011. Two instances readily come to mind. The emergence of Tukur as the chairman of the PDP and the emergence of the chairman of the Board of Trustee (BoT) of the party, Chief Tony Annenih are often used as the yardstick of measuring how unyielding the President could be when-

• Buhari

• Tinubu

ever he wants anything.

Muhammadu Buhari The former Head of State leads the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC). The Daura, Katsina State-born retired Army General has demonstrated his strongly held views about the need to ‘salvage’ the country for good by contesting the position of Nigeria President for three consecutive times. Described by many as an unrepentant apostle of anti-corruption, Buhari enjoys the largest followership in Northern Nigeria. He has carved a niche for himself as a highly disciplined person. His anticorruption stance is glaring to everybody to see in a society that is reeling under the yoke of corrupt practices.

For a man that has held many ‘juicy’ appointments, as they say here, it is gratifying to see him parade a clean and stainless score-card while in office.

In year 2003, Buhari contested the Presidential election under the platform of All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and lost to Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) a result he challenged in Court but also lost. Not deterred, he re-contested the 2007 Presidential election also under the platform of same Party but against his kinsman, the late Alhaji Umar Musa Yar’adua. Buhari lost again and challenged the result in the Court, as the case was still been heard, the leadership of his party went into accord with the ruling party, PDP, to form a Government of National Unity, he opted out of this marriage of convenience and pursued his case, but also lost again.In another attempt to rule

• Jega

through the ballots, Buhari went into the race for the third time but under the platform of another newly formed party, Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), but also lost.

He is at present one of the arrow heads of a merger of three major opposition parties to form the All Progressives Congress (APC). The planned APC, when it is registered, will also have groups or factions from the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) and the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP).

With Buhari as one of the leaders of the planned APC, analysts believe that the electoral contest in 2015 will be keenly contested and that the pendulum could swing either way between the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the burgeoning APC.

Bola Tinubu Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has established himself as a deft and rare political strategist. In the last two and a half decades, he has built a political bloc that is by far more cohesive, progressive and popular and forward looking than any contemporary Nigerian politician. Tinubu has established himself as a political colossus in the Southwest. He enjoys a large army of followership. Tinubu has redrawn the political map of the Southwest region in a manner that for the first time, the dominant party in the region now has its tentacles all over the country.

His journey into politics started when he joined others to found the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP). In 1992. He was elected senator of to represent Lagos West Sena-

• Tukur

torial District. At the National Assembly, he distinguished himself as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Finance, Appropriation and Currency.

When the June 12, 1993 presidential election was annulled, and a new round of military rule stared the country in the face, Tinubu and others founded the famous pro-democracy group called the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO). The group spearheaded the struggle for the restoration of democracy. He fled the country for safety reasons and teamed up with the group abroad. In 1998, Tinubu returned to Nigeria and in 1999 was elected governor of Lagos State. He won re-election in 2003. It is on record that he was the only governor in the region who survived the massive incursion of the ruling PDP to the Southwest in 2003. He is credited with the restoration of his party’s rebound in the region today.

To his credit, he is the only visible governor in Nigeria since 1999 who was able to produce a successor, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), whose performance and style remain a reference point.

As one of the arrow heads of the merger of the three leading opposition parties there is no doubting the fact that Tinubu will be one of the politicians who will play a significant role in the political developments in the country in the coming years.

Attahiru Jega All eyes are on the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and that is saying the

least. Nigerians are yet to forget the electoral heist of 2007, in which funny and non-existent character in Nigeria, allegedly voted using the names of famous foreigners like the late Michael Jackson and legendary boxer, Mike Tyson. The new battle cry in electoral circle is one man, one vote.

The former university don promised in March that the INEC would conduct freer, fairer and more credible elections come 2015. To the average Nigerian, whose subconscious is totally taken over by cynicism when it comes to conducting free and fair election, this may just be sweet, political talk or mere grandstanding.

Jega gave the assurance in Abuja during the first quarterly meeting of the commission with representatives of registered political parties. The INEC chairman also added that the regular meeting would also make both the commission and the representatives of the political parties “to share information, exchange ideas, discuss mutual concerns and evolve partnership, as well as strengthen the good relationship which exists, in addressing challenges in the electoral process.”

Jega is seen as an ideologically focused intellectual who leans towards the left. To many, he comes across as a radical. When on April 19, 2010, he was guest lecturer for the NLC May Day 2010 celebration, he harpoed extensively on electoral reforms. According to him, “no doubt, the popular aspirations for credible, free, fair and popularly acceptable elections, which are a fundamental requirement for sustainable democratic development, would remain elusive unless and until we pay serious attention to electoral reforms”.

Yet, the electoral body under him, would not be able to play the unbiased umpire. In fact, not long ago, Buhari called for his sack and other top officials of the commission, saying the electoral body, as presently constituted, cannot be trusted to deliver on credible elections. He spoke in London at the 4th British-African Diaspora conference held at the British House of Parliament on the theme “Stable Democracy and Nigeria’s Economy,”. To Buhari, sacking Jega would be a good starting point for fixing Nigeria’s broken electoral system.

In his words: “All the present indications are that INEC, as it is presently constituted, will not be able to deliver any meaningful elections in 2015”.

The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts, Hon. Solomon Olamilekan, spoke with Assistant Editor LEKE SALAUDEEN on recurrent budget failure.

‘Executive lacks fiscal discipline’

• Adeola

T

HE Senate Committee on Pub lic Accounts indicted the execu tive in its report for mismanaging N1.5 trillion Special Accounts Funds. What is your reaction?

I commend the efforts of the Senate Committee on Public Accounts for exposing the executive financial recklessness. There were a lot of diversions.

The purpose for setting up the Special Accounts is defeated. The ecological funds were not used to tackle the ecological and environmental problems threatening the existence of many communities all over the country. Instead, the executive turned the accounts into a pool for granting loans to states which were never repaid. Even more

disquieting is that the executive was selective in granting the loans. A loan of N500 million was released to Edo state government in March 2003 while both Akwa Ibom and Delta states collected N34.8 billion in March 2011. A sum of N142.6 million was released to a publishing company as loan in September 2005. Foreign countries also benefitted from Federal government reckless spending of the fund s specially created to address local problems. Ghana and Sao Tome and Principe received loans from these accounts on September 22, 2004 and May7, 2007 respectively. How can a responsible government loan out funds that are tied to specific projects?

There are several disbursements from the accounts that do not conform to the purpose for which the accounts were established.

It is quite unfortunate that Nigeria finds itself in this mess. The executive is operating the accounts in secrecy.

Look at the stabilisation Funds which are jointly owned by the Federal Government and the 36 states of the Federation, the presidency spends the monies without the knowledge of the

state governments. Nigerians should start asking questions on how government is operating the Special Accounts. For instance, of all loans given to the state governments, not a dime was paid nor deduction from their statutory allocations was made despite the fact that the beneficiary states benefit from 13% derivation. If not for the Auditor General’s report, the Federal government has forgotten that the states have not paid.

As a chartered accountant, how do you view government’s diversion of public funds?

Government went outside the purview of its executive mandate and embarked on reckless spending. It is an offence that is punishable. Where a state requires loan, the presidency should forward it to the National Assembly through supplementary budget. The states would have to justify the reasons why they should be given loans.

In fact, as I am speaking to you, nobody knows the budget the Federal government is operating. We learnt the President is implementing the original budget that he sent to the

National Assembly thereby setting aside the one approve by the Assembly on which he appended his signature. It was learnt that the presidency has sent circulars to Ministries, Departments and Agencies that his budget proposal should be strictly adhered to.

Now, the President has sent back the budget approved to the National Assembly complaining that certain provisions were inflated despite the fact that he has signed the budget.

Against the decision of the National Assembly that no money should be given to the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) until the presidency remove the Commission’s Director General from office for lacking experience to hold the office. SEC workers have been drawing salaries. Who pays them and from what source? The presidency must tell Nigerians how SEC has been operating with zero budget as contained in the Appropriation Law. What mechanism do you think the National Assembly should put in place to forestall the mismanagement of public funds by the executive?

The Federal Government is not do-

ing much to curb the excesses in financial wastages. The fact that government is not weird of diversionary of funds is a confirmation that it’s not adhering to fiscal policy. The cost of running government is very high.

Current expenditure is about 78% compared to capital votes of 22%. If we keep operating this lopsided budget, when will dividends of democracy get to the people? What kind of development are we expecting from government that have decided to implement its own budget. Government is claiming that the rate of inflation and unemployment are coming down contrary to what is on ground.

Government is celebrating that foreign reserve is increasing while common people are living in penury.

Government is not doing much in expanding the urban development.

Government should be pro-active and prudent in the management of resources. It should put in place an internal mechanism that would ensure that money released to agencies are properly utilised and ensure that budget passed by the National Assembly is implemented.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2013

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2013

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Your Sexual Health & You: Novelty Tips, Questions & Answers

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ood day sir. In one of your earlier publications, you said that masturbation is one of the causes of premature ejaculation. Please can you explain? Joe Of course Joe. The way one masturbated as a boy can cause premature ejaculation. When males begin to masturbate early in their lives, they often do so quickly for fear of getting caught and so that they can get relief as quickly as possible. This habit of trying to masturbate quickly eventually conditions the body to release quickly as well. By the time boys get older, their bodies have become accustomed to quick ejaculation, which is difficult to reverse. That is how masturbation can cause premature ejaculation – Uche I was diagnosed as frigid and my doctor recommended getting a vibrator to help me be comfortable with intimacy. But I don’t know anything about vibrators. I need your help – Mrs Rose Dear Mrs Rose, vibrators for women fall into four main categories.

The first category is called the clitoral vibrator. A clitoral vibrator can be in the shape of anything, but with vibrations good enough to pleasure a woman. An example is the Clitoral Pump. The second category is the phallic shaped vibrator commonly known as a dildo. Dildos come in simple shapes and they are also harder, cheap and great for clitoral stimulation. An example of a dildo is the Party All Night Vibrator. The third category is the realistic vibrators known as Dongs. Dongs are softer, bigger, realistic like an erect penis and superior in quality. An example is the Jelly Chocolate Wall Banger. The fourth group of vibrators are called rabbit vibrators. These are the best in the world because they have multiple functions of penetration, internal G spot massage and external clitoral stimulation. Rabbits also have multiple functions of vibration and pulsation. A good example is the Dual Rotation Multi-Function Rabbit – Uche Sir please I don’t have the stamina to go more than one round in bed – Orji Dear Orji, take Wonderland Libido Shots before intercourse. It is a male enhancement drink that will give you hours of stamina,

improve your erections and boost your overall performance - Uche My husband and I are looking for unusual bedroom costumes. We don’t want regular night gowns. Do you have stuff like that here in Nigeria? Jamie Yes Jamie, we have exotic costumes such as the French Maid Costume, Kitty Cat Costume, Naughty Nurse costume and others – Uche Hello. My erection is too weak and I just got married. How can I make it firm enough for intercourse because my wife and I are trying to have a baby? – JIde Dear Jide, you can make your erection stronger with the use of a herbal supplement like Sex Voltz. Just take one capsule of Sex Voltz one hour before intercourse and you are ready to have the best intercourse you have ever had. Infact with one capsule alone, you will get strong erections and stamina to perform as many times as you want and Sex Voltz keeps working in your body for three days – Uche Thank you so much. I have received my order and had the very first orgasm of my life with the Top Cat Remote Control rabbit vibrator.

I wish I knew about you people years ago – Marian You are welcome Marian – Uche Dear Zee, I have a small penis that really embarrasses me so I need a fast penis enlarger. I am in a new relationship – Nonso Dear Nonso, go for the Extreme Penis Plumper Cream or the Liquid Sex Penis Enlargement Cream. They are both instant penis enlargers. For even better results, combine any of these creams with the instant Penis Enlargement Pump as well – Uche I am one of your many readers and have followed your publications for years. Well done. You have taught me a lot - David Thanks David – Uche That’s it for today. Adults in need of the above mentioned treatments and novelties can call 08191978308, 08051924159 to order or they can order online at www.zeevirtualmedia.com. We deliver to you wherever you are in Nigeria. For enquiries, email us at custserv@zeevirtualmedia.com - Uche Edochie, MD, Zee Virtual Media.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2013

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MARITIME Customs cuts tariff on cars

T

HE Area Controller, Nigeria Customs Service, Tin Can Island Command, Zakari Jubril, has reduced the tariff on imported vehicles to facilitate trade at the port.

Jubril, who was redeployed from the Ports and Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Command, reduced the tariff, on assumption of work at Tin Can. Speaking with The Nation, the Chairman, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Mr Uche Nwabude, said importers hitherto diverted vehicles to PTML because of high tariff.

He said: “If you get to Tin Can, there are a lot of changes going on. The issue of high tariff has been addressed. Before now, the valuation issued on vehicles used to be very high, but everything has been normalised.”

According to him, a car that was

usually given at N350,000 has been reduced to N230,000.

The Lagos Industrial Command of the Customs collected N771.05 million in April, the Area Controller of the command, Mrs Nkem Nzeribe, has said.

She said the April revenue figure was N85 million higher than that of March. “This Command made N686 million in March,” she added.

Mrs Nzeribe said the April revenue was made only from excise duties, explaining that no revenue accrued to the command from licence fees.

She said firms producing and importing fruit juice, beverages, recharge cards and cosmetics should be made to also pay excise duty.

She said the government’s policy that “de-excised” so many duty paying factories and products had reduced the revenue generated by the command.

Council chair assures others of cooperation

• The scanner

PHOTO: OLUWAKEMI DUADA

Importers shun scanner I

MPORTERS and their clearing agents are shunning the scanner at the Seme border, The Nation has learnt.

The importers, it was learnt, prefer 100 per cent examination of their cargoes, which enable them to carry contraband undetected.

The scanner, which was installed at the border by Global Scan Systems Limited (GSSL) for $3.5 million (about N700 million) has been underutilised since its installation in 2006.

The scanner was installed to curb smuggling of arms and ammunition and ease the clearance of goods.

Investigation at the border last week showed that the scanner was not used from 8.am to 3.pm daily; the operator claims that it is used between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.

For over six hours last Wednesday and Thursday, no truck entered the GSSL facility for scanning.

Security sources at the border said though the scanner is effective, many importers prefer physical examination of their goods by the Customs.

The machine, sources said, has the capacity to scan more than 160 vehicles in eight hours and 480 in

Stories by Oluwakemi Dauda, Maritime Correspondent

24 hours of three shifts daily.

The highest number of vehicles scanned in a year since the machine was installed is about 1,118 and this was last year.

For instance, it was learnt that between January and December 2010, 83 vehicles passed through the scanner. In January and March, the firm scanned only one vehicle each month. Five vehicles were scanned in February, six in April.

But between May and August, no vehicle was taken to the scanning site. Five vehicles were scanned in September; 14, October; 35, November and 16, December.

Investigation also revealed that in 2011, 407 vehicles were scanned. Between January and last month, the company has so far scanned 838 vehicles.

Most of the vehicles that passed through the scanner were mainly those carrying ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) goods, most of the trucks carrying non-homogenous goods, sources said, prefer physical examination by Customs.

Contacted, GSSL Public Rela-

tions Officer, Ajile Iroajugh, said the size of trucks operating at Seme border are bigger compared to others that operate in the Lagos and Tin Can Island ports.

The scanners, he said, had the capacity to scan all the vehicles coming through the border.

He said the scanner could assess 160 trucks per eight hours, adding that it can scan 20 trucks within one hour.

He said the mobile facility at the ever-busy border takes three minutes to assess a truck.

A fixed scanner, he said, had just been installed by the company for $9 million (about N1.8 billion) to boost its operations.

He said because of some elements in the Smiths Heimann scanning equipment, it must be constantly powered in order not to develop technical hitches, lamenting that the turn out of trucks for scanning is low.

“What we are scanning here mainly are ETLS goods, and those are the goods they put to us for scanning. There are two basic types of imports here; we have general import and ETLS, but when it concerns general goods, they say no to that based on its heterogeneous nature,” he said.

Academy shops for N3b to train cadets

T

HE Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) in Oron, Akwa Ibom State requires over N3 billion to send its first batch of cadets on sea time training abroad, its Rector, Joshua Okpo, has said.

The students, he said, would need to be trained on ocean-going vessels for the mandatory 18 months with some shipping companies in Europe and South Africa.

Okpo told reporters in Lagos that each of the cadets would require between N8 million and N9 million for the training.

He said 100 students from the nautical sciences department had been listed for the pilot scheme.

The Rector said 150 students would be selected from the marine engineering department of the school, adding that the

number of students from the electrical electronics department was yet to be included in the proposed exercise.

He said the proposal sent to the government was aimed at solving the problem of sea time training for cadets.

The problem, he hoped, would soon be solved as the management of the school has decided to commit internally generated funds to sponsor some of the best students for the training.

The academy decided to solve the problem of the mariners, because the mandate of the academy is how to train the mariners; that is the nautical sciences and marine engineer cadets.

“We have initiated a move to get them employed on board ships in Europe and South Africa and what we are doing for now

is to engage a consultant Messrs Bramah to enable us to get the cadets, about 100 mariners from nautical science and 150 from marine engineering cadets to go on board vessels.

“We are going to pay about N9 million for one cadet for 18 months for sea time; so with that, we will handle the issue of sea time for our cadets. Although we have made the proposal known to the government, we are still waiting for the approval so that we can kick start the programme.

“Apart from that, management has decided that we are going to commit some money from internally generated revenue to start a programme whereby 10 or 20 brightest mariners are given the opportunity to board vessels of shipping companies that we have relationship with,” he said.

T

HE Chairman of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Lt. Gen. Salisu Ibrahim (rtd), has assured that the body will work with others to give the Council the necessary backing it deserves to assume its role as the commercial regulator of the ports.

Speaking at an inaugural meeting with the management of the Council in Lagos, Ibrahim said the board would explore all means to ensure that the council takes its rightful palace in the industry.

He assured that shippers would be protected during his tenure.

“The board is here to tackle all the problems bothering the Nigerian Shippers’ Council. We shall explore all avenues to solve most of the problems, if not all on behalf of the Council,” he said.

Although a member of the board, Mr Paul Anikwe, pointed out that the council lacks the requisite powers to ensure strict compliance by terminal operators and shipping companies, Ibrahim assured that the board was ready to give it what it takes.

“Under conceptive political en-

gagement, we will get the National Assembly to pass the required legislations to give the council the teeth so that it can bite,” Anikwe said.

The Acting Executive Secretary of the Council, Mr Hassan Bello, said the appointment of the board was timely and welcomed.

He said the role of the council involves the interface between the various modes of transportation and international trade, among others and that it has over the years been able to discharge its functions commendably.

Bello pointed out that the Council has been constrained to play an advisory role in the industry and that the Act establishing it had been passed since 1974. So, it was due for review.

“The council needs full powers to be more effective in the discharge of its critical role in the industry.

“The appointment of the board is extremely timely and it is hoped that the board will apply its wisdom and experience to ensure a successful restructuring of the legal and institutional framework of the Council,” he said.

Minister urges operators to support firms

T

HE Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar, has urged operators to respect stevedore companies which manage dockworkers operations at jetties and offshore/onshore companies.

He said they are statutory and, therefore, could not be subjected to the whims and caprices of operators.

Speaking at a forum organised for jetty operators last week, Umar emphasised the supervisory role of government and its agencies in achieving the desired result in private jetties’ operations in the country.

The minister said private jetties’ operations will be streamlined for the collectin of benefits of stakeholders and the nation, adding that the ministry in concert with agencies such as Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) are responsible for granting approval for the operations of jetties, onshore/offshore oil companies and stevedore services.

He acknowledged the role of jetty operators, onshore/offshore oil companies are steve-

dore companies to the development of the maritime sector and indeed the nation, also added that large numbers of Nigerian are employed in the sector, bringing about the much needed economic prosperity and stability in the nation.

“In the past, reports of security breaches at private jetties had been received and in view of the security challenges in the country, they cannot be ignored. Let me state that jetties operators are expected to restrict their activities to the approving licences granted them. They are also required to work in concert with relevant security agencies to ensure compliance with the laws guiding their operations. Anything outside these is bound to attract suspicion and appropriate sanctions.

Earlier in his opening address, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Transport, Mr Nebolisa Emordi, emphasised the need for NIMASA to strengthen the criteria for the registration of stevedore companies, insisting that such criteria and standard are to be followed by stakeholders since laws are meant to be obeyed, adding that government could not operate in a vacuum.

PROPERTY

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 4 , 2013

Tuesday, JUNE 4, 2013

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

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

email:- property@thenationonlineng.net

Mandilas House was a popular building on Lagos Island. It was a landmark of sorts used to describe how to locate certain places, especially "quayside", where imported wears and accessories abound in the 70s and 80s. In the past few years, the building has been in ruins. It is now being renovated to restore its beauty, report SEYI ODEWALE and OKWY IROEGBU-CHIKEZIE.

W

HEN Mandilas House was built about 40 years ago, it was one of the defining landmarks in Lagos. It was one of the buildings that defined the character and appearance of Broad Street on Lagos Island. The building predated what would later become the nation’s economic hub, an equivalent of the legendary Wall Street in the United States.

Businesses and corporate offices jostled for spaces on Broad Street because of the springing up of high rise buildings, with Mandilas House taking the lead. The building, as most Lagosians would say, is synonymous with Broad Street.

However, its defining role dipped a few years back when the 16-floor building went to seed. The building, which hitherto served as the Mandilas Group’s flagship, had become a shadow of itself and was begging for attention. The group has taken a proactive step to renovate the building.

In an interactive session with reporters in Lagos last week, Mandilas representatives and the contractor handling the renovation, explained the extent of work to be done and the company’s resolve at restoring the building.

What possibly informed the decision to renovate the building, according to the group, was the need to make the edifice look like its counterparts on the street. Also there is the need to maximise profit, which might have been lost during the time the major part of the building was inhabitable, they said.

The Managing Director of Tabak Construction Nig. Ltd, Mr BabatundeAkinyeye, whose firm got the contract of renovating the building, described Mandilas House as the flagship of the Mandilas Group. He said: “As you can see, the work at hand is to renovate and improve the Mandilas building. The building is the flagship of the Mandilas Group The group has buildings across the nation (Lagos, Port Harcourt, Abuja, Ilorin etc.).

We are privileged to have been invited to put this building back into a tenable condition.

“We have invited the press to let the whole world know about what is happening. That the Mandilas building has changed and a couple of things will change. You can see that where we are, some renovation has been done. Work is still continuing.”

Tabak’s Project Director and the engineer supervising the project, TajudeenAdedayo, explained why the project was given to Tabak.

He said: “In recognition of the fact that most corporate organisations want to concentrate on their core competence, while subletting or contracting their support services, and this support service we are rendering is our core competence.”

He continued: “What we are doing is to change the face of Mandilas House, so that it can be let. The building is 16 floors and we are renovating eight floors and its exterior part. The whole idea is to make the floors look better. What we want to do is make it compete with other buildings around.”

Adedayo noted that occupants of the building have had to contend with seemingly intractable challenge of space to park their vehicles and different characters of different shapes and sizes had terrorised them either by impounding their vehicles or outrightly vandalising them. The good news, according to him, is that all those would be a thing of the past as the renovation would take care of parking space for the occupants and their guests.

The remaking of Mandilas House

•The Mandilas House

“Of course, there are challenges like parking space. All these we have looked at and we have come to the conclusion that the building is going to sell by the time we change its face.

Right now, we have two floors that are supposed to be used as car parks, but they are not fully being used. So, we intend to bring that back into operation. In addition, we intend to provide additional parking space and shuttle buses within the Marina area where people that are going to occupy this building can get buses

that will drop them in front of the Mandilas building,” he said.

On why it was only eight floors that would be renovated out of the 16 floors in the edifice, Adedayo said the first seven floors of the building are being occupied by tenants, whose tenancy has not expired.

“Right now, there are seven floors being occupied. Once the renovations on the eight to 16 floors are done, maybe the next stage can be extended to those on floors seven down to the

ground floor. And not only this, we will work on the lobby as well,”he said.

Asked what the age of the building was and if structural integrity test had been carried out on the building, Adedayo said the building is about 40 years old.

“I think the building is about 40 years. But what is very critical here is that before we undertake the job of changing the face of •Continued on page 50

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2013

50

PROPERTY/ENVIRONMENT Registration of Lagos residents begins July 1

R

ESIDENTS of Lagos State are to be registered to assist the government in executing its policies and plans.

The Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA) will conduct the exercise from the end of this month, according to its General Manager, Ms Yinka Fashola.

Fashola said the registration was mandatory for residents that have lived in the state for at least six months.

She said there was need to integrate the residents into e-government initiatives to enable the services to provide by the government to be fully used.

She noted: “All over the world residents of a particular country have their data captured by biometrics and is available only to security agencies as the occasion arises due to data protection law that protects individual rights.”

Fashola said the state would not be left behind, especially with the level and height of development going and the ever-growing population. She said the agency has started a life pilot programme with the local government and will upgrade it to civil servants and other residents.

Fashola said people will be expected to register online or go to registration points close to them to give full details about themselves and families. She said finger prints and facial features will be captured with means of identification such as utility bills, drivers’ licence, national or office identification card.

The LASRRA boss insisted that people will not be able to transact any business with the government or have access to certain facilities except they show evidence of registration when it eventually kicks-off.

For those who for religious reasons may not come out in the public, she said some female members of staff have been trained to visit such homes and capture the neces-

Stories by Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie Asst. Editor

sary details.

On the reason behind the new law, she said the process is meant to allow the government to determine the overall resources required to formulate and implement policies, projects and programmes, when the number of people to cater for is known.

It also, according to her, allows for proper allocation of resources to the appropriate sectors of the economy that meet the needs of the residents such as classifying neighbourhoods and determining the population thresholds for certain facilities and utilities.

She said population data will assist the state to effectively plan and implement disaster management strategies, allow for the determination of type and grading of roads, so that the design of the road transportation system is durable and appropriate to the use.

Other functions, she said, is that the data allocation will help analyse and identify areas for urban regeneration and actions to be taken, ensure adequate provision of public goods for the rural and urban population in terms of logistics, transportation and market institutions.

The LASRRA chief said there will be better traffic management, when the numbers of potential commuters are known and by extension it would also help to determine the most appropriate transportation system suitable for different parts of the state , such as rail, buses, cars and ferries.

Beside, it will ensure most appropriate location of motor parks, busstops, jetties and terminus across the state while determining the most appropriate and effective refuse collection system for the residents of the state and the amount of waste equipment and refuse collectors required for any specified locality within the state.

Experts hail Fashola on Lekki-Ikoyi bridge

L

AGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola has been praised for his foresight in constructing the Lekki-Ikoyi Bridge.

Former president of the Nigeria Institution of structural Engineers (NIstructee) Kunle Adebajo and an estate surveyor/valuer, Okon Etuk, said the “cable propelled” bridge was well-designed.

He said a cable-stayed bridge relies on the cables that radiates from the main support pier or piers for further support beyond or in between. This, he said, usually results in less support piers being needed, creating a very distinctive look and elegance.

He said: “If you look at the side of the bridge you will see the pattern of cables, which are an integral part of the bridge. Although these tend to define the visual appearance of the bridge, the bridge would not be able to withstand the traffic loading without these cables. That is why the bridge is cable stayed.”

He said the bridge is spectacular and attractive to the eye and certainly

will become a well-known landmark attraction on the Lagos horizon. It will also be a tourists attraction as it can be viewed from quite a few varied locations on the Lagos Island, he added.

“From a design point of view, it looks quite efficiently designed. It is however likely to have come at a cost premium, higher than a more regular bridge design would have been for the span involved, he explained.

On the design concept, he said: “In some cases, wind can be a major design factor and in extreme cases it can rock the bridge side to side, sometimes causing the cables to become lose but this is most unlikely to be the case in this new Lekki bridge, which has relatively modest slenderness proportions.”

On the likely challenges of the cable-stayed bridge, he said that if there is anything that would be of concern, particularly in building such a bridge in Nigeria and in Lagos, near the coast, it is the cables, which are very important

to the stability of the bridge. He said the cable require careful treatment to protect them from corrosion.

He advised that the bridge be regularly inspected and maintained during its life span.

Another concern he raised was that of the impact it will most likely have on traffic volumes on the otherwise fairly serene parts of Ikoyi, which will now be a conduit for the traffic coming from the Lekki axis and beyond.

Etuk cautioned on what he calls the nuisance value of the expected increase on human and vehicular movement on property prices. He however, added that it can work either way.

He argued that almost in all cases, infrastructure provision is an addded advanatge for property development and always helps in its marketing.

He also cited the increase in prices of properties on the Lekki/Ajah axis due to the redevelopment of the road. Furthermore, Etuk said that for all advanatges of the bridge some people living around Alexandria in Ikoyi and its environs may be offended with the sudden build up of traffic in previously reserved aand upscale area.

The remaking of Mandilas House

•Continued from page 49

the building, we have already gone ahead to do structural integrity tests on the building and we are convinced that the building would last for years,” he explained.

On the extent of work done so far, he said heavy partitioning done on the floors before had been removed, the PVC tiles scraped and ceramic tiles put as replacement.

“Now if you had come here before we started working, you would have seen a lot of partitions, which we have demolished because we want each floor to be an open space.

And we want to encourage whoever is occupying the floors to go on light partition. Most corporate organisations are using light partitioning in their offices. Then if you look at the floors you would see that we have laid ceramic tiles on them to replace the PVC that were there before,” he said.

Two out of the three elevators in the building, according to Adedayo, would be replaced to complement the only one working.

“In the next two to three months, we are going to change two lifts out of the three here and they are going to be brand new. We are already working on that. And you know we can’t get them off the shelf.

We have to order for them and that is being worked on,” he said.

The exterior renovation, Adedayo said, would bring out the beauty of the building. “On the exterior, we are going to clad the Broad Street end of the building with Aluco Bond, Aluminium tiles,” he said.

Asked why the renovation is taking place at this time, Mandilas

•The Lekki-Ikoyi bridge

Group Property Manager, Mr Ernest Onyeze said: “Something has to be done at a particular time and building at some point will require rehabilitation and that is what we have started doing and let us not deceive ourselves it’s a matter of money.

When you do not have money, you cannot do anything and when you have money you will begin to do what you should do, and that is why we are doing what we are doing now,” he said, adding that about N300million would be spent on beautifying the building.

“The estimate was put at N300million. All the things the engineer has talked about would cost N300million –the interior, exterior, plumbing, generator (1000 KVA), all have been put at N300million.”

The time frame for the renovation according both the contractor and the property owners, represented by the property manager, is before the end of the year. “Before the end of the year substantial work would have been done. As soon as we finished with the nitty-gritty of tilling

‘

and the painting and other things, we will start with the exterior, that is, the cladding aspect.

“Then the lifts will take a period of three months to be installed. This is because the shaft is in existence and we are using Otis lift. The company will fabricate the cars that match the existing shafts. That is why it will take three months.

This building is one of the strongest buildings around this place,” he said.

On the kind of clientele expected to occupy the building when it is completed, Mr Akinyeye added: ”There is only one client we may not allow here and that is someone who may bring in goods to sell, I mean traders or those who may use the place as warehouse. We don’t want a repeat of Bangladesh incident,” Akinyeye said.

Aside determining the kind of people expected in the building after its renovation, Akinyeye said his firm, apart from renovating the building, has gone a step further to manage the place for at least, 15 years

for its owner. “We are currently working on renovation and after this we will manage the building for at least, the next 15 years,” he said.

He and the property manager also spoke on the expected value of the property when completed. “Current value per square metre is N15,000 and when the project is completed, it will not be less than N20,000 for a start.

You know with the renovation, value has been added to the building and this automatically increases the price tag and considering the location of the property,” Akinyeye said.

On the provision of fire equipment, Onyekenze said the nine floors of 480 square metre space each billed to be renovated, have two exit stairs each in case of an emergency or fire. “We have exits at both ends of the building. We also have dry riser and wet riser. In addition, we have fire fighting equipment. We are looking at acquiring fire fighting equipment like FM 2000,” he said.

People, Akinyeye said have begun to show interests in renting the building, thus giving it a high prospect.

I think the building is about 40 years. But what is very critical here is that before we undertake the job of changing the face of the building, we have already gone ahead to do structural integrity tests on the building and we are convinced that the building would last for years

’

“Recently, we have an organisation that has shown interest in renting the whole building, but we could not give it to them. I think that is about two weeks ago and the whole building would not be sufficient for that organisation.

So the prospects are quite high,” he said.

As regards every I’s and T’s that need to be dotted and crossed concerning the legal work on the building, Mandilas Legal Adviser, Mr Adegboye said the authorisation has been obtained to ease whatever obstacle that might want to obstruct the work.

He was corroborated by Mr Akinyeye, who said: “All approvals have been sought and got. The officials of the Lagos Island Local Government Council were here, they went round and they promised coming back to check from time to time.

And if there is any assistance we may need, they promised they will render it. They are fully aware of the renovation.”

At the end of the chat, reporters were conducted round the floors to assess work done so far. Tiles have already been laid on floors 16 and 15, while the air conditioning cabinet and tunnel are being repaired.

The group reportedly owns another modern eight-storey office building at 35, Simpson Street, Lagos, which serves as its operations headquarters.

It also has other 31 properties in the country, which are either being used by the group or are leased out.

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HEALTH

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2013

52

THE NATION

E-mail:- health@thenationonlineng.net

Diabetes: Nigeria leads in Africa, says WHO W

HICH country has the highest number of people suffering from diabetes in Africa? It is Nigeria, say the World Health Organisation (WHO); International Federation of Diabetes (IFD) and Diabetes Association of Nigeria (DAN).

Nigeria, according to them, also has the highest mortality rate from the disease.

Provost, College of Health Sciences, Osun State University Prof Olutayo Alebiosu made these known at the launch in Lagos of a monitor to check the level of sugar in diabetics.

Also quoting WHO, he said 60 per cent of deaths were caused by chronic non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and heart failures.

With the monitor, there is hope for the over one million people suffering from diabetes and over 3.85 million with low glucose in Nigeria.

The device will help them check their sugar level better.

Bayer Contour Ts Blood Glucose Monitoring device is an easy-to-use metre, which enables individuals and families monitor their blood glucose without any assistance from a health care provider. It can also be used in hospitals by doctors to get instant result for their patients with 100 per cent accuracy.

Diabetes is a chronic condition that arises when the pancreas do not produce enough insulin, or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin produced. Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas that helps ‘sugar’ (glucose) to leave the blood and enter the cells of the body to be used as ‘fuel’. When a person has diabetes, either the pancreas does not produce the insulin it needs (Type 1 diabetes) or the body cannot make effective use of the insulin produced (Type 2 diabetes). According to the IFD, diabetes is the fourth leading cause of death in most developed countries. Each year, three million deaths worldwide are attributable to diabetes-related causes.

Death, Alebiosu said, occurred because of improper diagnoses or the poor management of the disease, “since its management is very expensive and not affordable by majority of sufferers. While sufferers of HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis receive medications and do laboratory tests free, there are no subsidies for diabetes care.

But with Bayer Contour Ts Blood Glucose Moni-

•Prof Onyemelukwe speaking at the event

•Prof Alebiosu speaking at the event

By Oyeyemi Gbenga-Mustapha

toring Device, which is developed by the company that discovered Aspirin over a hundred years ago, then Nigeria is better for it, for its accuracy as recorded in other clinics around the globe.

“Bayer Contour TS (Total Simplicity) Blood glucose monitoring devices are innovative products — from easy-to-use meters to accurate testing supplies that have helped millions of people globally to manage their diabetes for more than 70 years. Diabetes Care with Bayer Contour TS

is dedicated to helping simplify the lives of people with diabetes, empowering them to take charge of their health as well as providing timely information on their blood sugar profile.”

He said: “Living with diabetes can be overwhelming at first, but once the patient learns to manage it, the affected individual can lead a full, active life. And while there is no cure for diabetes, it can be treated. That is where Diabetes care with Bayer Blood Glucose monitoring devices comes in, offering a portfolio of easy-to-use, proven accurate diabetes management products.

Both the patients and health conscious individu-

How diabetes is treated

The treatment of diabetes focuses on keeping the blood glucose at near-normal levels Treatment of Type I diabetes typically includes a carefully calculated diet, physical activity, blood glucose testing and daily insulin injections.

Treatment of Type 2 diabetes typically includes appropriate diet, exercise, home glucose testing, oral medication and or insulin Symptoms of uncontrolled diabetes: Common symptoms of Type 1 diabetes include: •Excessive thirst• Frequent urination• Sudden weight loss• Extreme tiredness• Blurred vision. People with Type 2 diabetes may have the same symptoms but they may be less apparent • Many have no symptoms and are only diagnosed after several years with the condition. Almost 50 per cent of people with Type 2 diabetes are not aware that they have the condition.

Control and management of diabetes

• The effective management of diabetes include careful long-term monitoring and effective early treatment of diabetic complications.

The risk of long-term diabetic complications can be greatly reduced by: • Simple lifestyle changes (healthier diets, increased physical activity, not smoking); • Good control of blood glucose levels, blood pressure and blood fats (including cholesterol and triglycerides• Appropriate healthcare • Improved healthcare education for the general public, particularly those at risk of diabetes • Source: www.idf.org

Fed Govt urged to boost primary health care

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GROUP, World Organisation for Family doctors (WONCA) , has urged the Federal Government to strengthen the primary health care (PHC) system to reduce the cost of treatment.

According to its President for African Region, Dr Sylvester Osinowo, a functional PHC system will prevent loss of government’s revenue.

Osinowo, who spoke during the World Family Doctor Day in Lagos, with the theme: Family medicine: Advocacy and strengthening primary health care in African region, said the PHC system was cost effective, preventive and people-oriented because it is the closest level of care to the community.

He said emphasis had been placed on primary care to tackle serious health challenges, adding that Nigeria should not lag

By Wale Adepoju

behind in tapping from its benefits.

He said WONCA and the World Health Organisation (WHO) have advocated functional primary care for most countries, adding that this was why the body chose this year’s theme to sensitise government and other key players on the need to develop it.

President, Association of General and Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria (AGPMPN), Dr Anthony Omolola, called for a workable public-private partnership (PPP) with the government to ensure that there are adequate doctors in the primary level of care.

He said for the sector to move forward the government need to collaborate with the association so that the level and quality of care in the communities can be increased.

Omolola said no health care system has so far worked in Nigeria.

als can learn to manage their blood sugar effectively. Bayer’s long tradition of product innovation in diabetes care goes all the way back to 1941, so I recommend same to Nigeria.”

Guest lecturer at the launch and a consultant at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital Zaria, Prof. Geoffrey Onyemelukwe, called for a lifestyle change, especially by urban dwellers, from processed foods to natural foods such as fruits, vegetables, fermented drinks like burukutu, palm wine and others to stem the diabetes pandemic. He said regular exercise of up to 150 minutes a week can help in preventing the onset of diabetes.

Onyemelukwe called for the establishment of a National Diabetes Centre to provide a framework for the management of the disease, saying that diabetes has killed more Nigerians than HIV/AIDs, malaria and cancer.

Chief Executive of Abiagait Health Solutions Limited, Mr. Isaac Thompson Amos, said his organisation decided to partner with Bayer Health Care, Germany to bring the Bayer Contour TS Blood Glucose monitoring system to help government in providing quality health care for the people. He noted that the product is the best in the market and is marketed in over 100 countries.

Amos said Abiagait is discussing with the Ministry of Health and other healthcare related agencies to take the products to the grassroots. “As the product can be used in the hospital, at home, work places or even religious organistions to test the blood sugar with instant result,” he stated.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2013

53

MOTORING

Govt advised on cargo truck, tanker accidents L AGOS State Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola has called for minimum standard of safety for all vehicles that carry cargo in and out of the ports including tankers that carry fuel which suddenly fall and erupt into flames.

Fashola said it only means the cargo vehicles and tankers are either not built to the appropriate specification or something is wrong somewhere.

The governor spoke during this year’s edition of the stakeholders’ yearly interactive session with the Lagos State government, entitled “An Evening with Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola.”

The session, initiated by On Wheels Magazine, was held at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Fashola said: “There is a multilevel governance structure (Federal, state and local) and each having its functions. The Federal controls the port and all that happens in it. And so with the structure on ground, the state cannot do anything. I have communicated with the National level, I have written to the Federal Government through the Minister of Transport and the Port Authority through the Ministry of Finance, the supervising Ministry. It all depends on the priority we place on life and safety as against money.

There must be minimum safety in vehicles carrying cargoes in and out

Stories by Tajudeen Adebanjo

of our port. Same can be said of tankers that convey fuel because they just suddenly burst into flames killing and maiming people and destroying properties in the process,” he said.

He said: “There is no city-state in the world that moves the volume of cargo that we move from the ports and tank farms across the

N

country on our roads daily.

The tonnage, he said, is too severe for the survival of the roads.

“So, when we keep Lagosians moving as you see them, it only means that this government is performing only something near a miracle. For us, it is important that transportation is efficient. Yes, we have congestion, problems on our roads, but remember that it is the consequence of over 21 million

people choosing to leave in the smallest land space in the country.

As I tell people, there is no congestion in the desert,” he said.

He described transportation as a linchpin of modern civilisation.

“In fact, transportation assets are shared assets and that means you can’t own the road. The rule therefore is that when you don’t need to be on the road, don’t be on the road because we cannot work our way

out of congestion. We can only work around congestion. But as a people, we still carry on business as usual.

Some people still get into their cars just to go and just with a friend when they can use the phone. Once we recognise that the road is a shared asset and should only be used when there is no alternative.

This will allow all of us who want to use those assets to share them in a very beautiful way,” said.

Nissan to increase market share

ISSAN Motor Corporation has restated its plans to grow market share and consolidated operating profit in Nigeria by eight per cent by 2015, Mr Jimmy Dando, Director, SubSahara, Nissan South Africa has said.

Dando spoke in Lagos during the inauguration of a new national Nissan Sales Company, Stallion Nissan Motors Nigeria Limited.

He said the initiative is part of Nissan’s global mid-term objective, Power 88 designed to reposition and expose the brand to customers in a consolidated and comprehensive way, while also expanding Nissan’s influence to new places.

“Our business expansion plan is expanding Nissan and Nissan’s

influence where we have not previously been present here in Nigeria,” he said.

He also said Nissan will extend her co-sponsorship of the Africa Cup of nations to Nigeria to enhance the brand’s representation and value in Africa.

“Our partnership with Stallion NMN will help us achieve these objectives and we are pleased to be working with a strong team in Nigeria, who is able to understand and serve our customers and respond to a complex market.”

While recalling Nissan models such as the Urvan commuter bus and Datsun 120Y and 180Y saloon cars had in the 1970s and early 80s enjoyed unprecedented patronage, Dando said Stallion NMN is expected to reignite the brand in Nigeria, with a focused product

introduction plan in the years 2013 to 2016.

He said there would be series of launches of new model Nissan vehicles and minor changes including the GT-R and Juke which are coming to Lagos, while next generation Sentra, Tiida, Teana, Pathfinder and Qashqai are to be introduced this August.

These vehicles are packed with innovative features that reflect Nissan’s passion for bringing accessible technology to a broader audience, said Mr. Dando.

Managing Director, Stallion NMN, Mr Pavir Singh, had also noted that the inauguration of the Nissan facility in Gbagada Lagos is the first step in the company’s commitment to providing an extensive and world-class automotive experience to customers in Ni-

geria.

The Stallion Group, owners of Stallion NMN, has contributed immensely to Nigeria’s economy with investments in warehousing, factories, showrooms and workshops, and its automobile subsidiary accounts for 20 per cent of the local automobile market share.

Mr. Singh said: “Stallion NMN has a firm belief in the Nissan brand and wishes to re-connect local motoring public with Nissan’s heritage of solid engineering ingenuity and aesthetic values.”

He added: “Through our network expansion plans and strong focus on ongoing development of our sales and service teams, Nigeria’s customers can expect consistent and innovative sales and service solutions.”

MVAA introduces new scheme

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HE Lagos State Motor Vehicle Administration Agency (LSMVAA) which was recently named the “Most Reengineered-for- Service Agency in the Federation” has introduced a new user-friendly product and a state-of-the-art service.

The product called Temporary Vehicle Tag (TVT) scheme is OneStop Centre for vehicle licensing and documentation in the state.

The centre, according to LSMVAA Permanent Secretary, Mr Akin Hanson, is designed to provide all the services and products of the agency from a single and highly efficient point.

At the centre, which will run on an e-commerce environment, a customer will be able to start and complete all transactions relating to motor and driver products and services without leaving the building.

Hanson said the scheme is first of its type in Nigeria and the West African sub-region. The MVAA plans to build a One-Stop Centre in each of the state’s five divisions.

He noted that the centre will reduce the heavy customer traffic at MVAA’s 46 Vehicle Licensing, Driver’s License Centres and Rider’s Card Issuing Centres which are strategically located across the states.

Hanson said: “All MVAA partners in the service delivery chain such as Courteville Business Solutions (AUTO-NET products), designated Banks, the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), the Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS), the Driver’s Institute and others, will have their offices located within the One-Stop Centre in a sequential arrangement which ensures that customers are able to move seamlessly through the various transaction stages.

“The services will be dispensed from purpose-built cubicles in sequential order thus saving time and improving the efficiency of the process.

Customers and applicants will be able to obtain registration forms, complete the forms, make payments, undergo driving tests, have

their data captured, renew their vehicle papers and undergo other screening requirements within the One-Stop Centre.”

He said well-trained personnel will ensure that customers are guided through their transactions from the screening of documents at the reception areas to the final point at every stage of the process.

Hanson explained that the TVT will serve as a veritable and approved identification for vehicles pending their full registration.

“The concept will allow the capturing of the data of such vehicles on the state’s robust vehicle database thus guaranteeing that tagged vehicles can be tracked in the event of security challenges, including theft. The introduction of the TVT derives essentially from the state government’s resolve to ease the pains of vehicle owners due to the delay they often experience in obtaining Customs papers necessary for full vehicle registration. It will be issued to applicants, sequel to the fulfilment of all approved registration conditions and requirements, except the production of Custom Duty Card,” he said.

The TVT registration document carries a validity period of 30 days from the issuing date, in the first instance.

Hanson said it is the practice in most developed and a few developing countries. “When a vehicle is purchased and before all the necessary documents are ready, it is the TVT that provides opportunity for the registration of such new vehicle to a certain level.

With this arrangement, the items that may not be ready are the number plate and the vehicle licence. You can buy your vehicle, obtain TVT while waiting for the Customs papers instead of leaving the car somewhere at the risk of being stolen. You can get insurance with the TVT for 30 days, renewable for another 30 days after which a renewal will lapse. A vehicle can be bought today and used for a wedding the next day,” he explained.

•Ishikawa (left) receiving a dummy of Quality Key from Honda Chief Inspection Engineer Mr Moriyassu Matsuura authorising Honda Nigeria to begin production of the Dream 110 in the country

Honda unveils new motorcycle

H

ONDA Manufacturing (Nigeria) Limited has launched a new motorcycle - Dream

110.

This is in continuation of the company's determination to take over the two wheelers' market largely dominated by Chinese manufacturer and Bajaj Boxer from Indian. Bajaj's Boxer has a very strong brand name and it commands brand premium over Chinese model in Nigeria. Both Chinese and Indian manufacturer will now have tough fight from Honda, the Japanese auto giant.

The presentation of Dream 110, held at the Ota, Ogun State office of the company, was witnessed by the company's top officials, clientele, private and commercial motorcyclists.

The country Managing Director, Osamu Ishikawa described the new motorcycle as the best for Nigerian market.

Ishikawa said the vision behind the new Dream 110 motorcycle included excellence and user -friendliness.

Honda, he said, has intensified efforts, both high quality and afford-

able products.

"Our study has shown that the demand for personal user of motorcycle is increasing. The best motorcycle must also be affordable, economical and durable to withstand high terrain considering Nigerian road condition," he said.

He boasted that the new bike is elegant, comfortable and fuel efficient.

Narrating the features of the new bike, Honda's Sales Manager, Amos Ogoigbe, said the motorcycle, has 110 CC-engine and developed as a part of the strategy of low price, models for newly emerging markets with focus on ease of handling, fuel efficiency, elegance and durability while leveraging Honda's global network to increase cost competitiveness.

He said there is demand for more private motorcycles due to increase in the nation's GDP yearly, hence the introduction of new product.

Honda Dream 110, Ogoigbe said, is 20 percent better than Chinese models.

"It is designed to take care of cus-

tomers' desire to have the best brand; security and safety are embedded. It has a shield that protects leg and feet from the muddy splash.

It is the best personal motorcycle for lovers of two wheelers," Ishikawa interjected.

Honda has set 10,000 units sales target for the segment.

The Managing Director admitted that the restriction of motorcycles in some parts of Lagos by the state government affected their sale last year but the company has devised means to address the situation.

He, however, said Honda Nigeria is not introducing the 200CC-engine recommended by the state government anytime soon.

"We are still studying the situation to understand its market viability. We have embark on producing products that are affordable compare to our competitors; it will be unwise for us to delve into 200CC-engine segment which will automatically catapulted the price into a thing that will be difficult for average users of the bike to purchase," Ishikawa said.

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EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 3-06-13

Equities start June on modest rally

E

QUITIES started the closing month for the first half (June) with a modest rally as key indices at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) showed a cautious start.

The main index at the NSE, the All Share Index (ASI) inched up by 0.07 per cent to close the first trading day of the month at 37,822.99 points as against 37,794.75 points recorded as closing index for May. Aggregate market capitalisation of all equities inched up by N9 billion from N12.075 trillion to N12.084 trillion.

Both price appreciation and turnover were generally on a modest note. The positive market position was boosted by marginal gains by some blue chips such as the most capitalised stock and the most priced stock in the market Dangote Cement and Nestle

By Tonia Osundolire

Nigeria Plc. The two stocks appreciated by 0.38 per cent and 0.90 per cent respectively.

Redstar Express led the gainers with an increase of N0.45 or maximum 10 per cent change to close at N4.95.

Also on the top 10 were UBN, May & Baker, Stanbic IBTC, Ikeja Hotel, Wapic Insurance, Courtville, Continental Reinsurance, Livestocks and Vitafoam with price growth of 9.97 per cent, 9.95 per cent, 9.37 per cent, 9.30 per cent, 8.99 per cent, 7.14 per cent, 6.67 per cent, 6.52 per cent and 4.02 per cent.

Conversely, McNichols led the losers’ chart with a drop of N0.22 or 9.73 per cent to close at N2.04. Others on the table were RT Briscoe, Costain, UTC, NASCON, Japaul Oil, Okomu Oil, Custodian and Allied Insurance,

Oando and Total Plc. Skye Bank was the most traded stock with 19.261 million shares valued at N91.026 million. It was followed by Unity Kapital Assurance with 18.189 million shares worth N9.095 million. Others on the top 10 most traded were FBN Holdings, Zenith Bank, UBA, Unity Bank, Japaul Oil, Access Bank, Dangote sugar and Fidelity Bank.

The volume of shares traded dropped as 245.783 million shares worth N2.561 billion were exchanged in 6,011 deals. This was against 418.14 million shares valued at N3.56 billion traded in 5,946 deals last Friday.

The financial services sector was the most sought after with 165.668 million shares. It was followed by the consumer goods sector with 29.913 million shares. Others with significant volume were oil & gas, agriculture, services, conglomerates and construction and real estate with 16.419 million shares, 8.160 million shares, 8.093 million shares, 7.506b million shares and 4.046 million shares.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 3- 06-13

55

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2013

MONEY LINK

Nestle sees retail spending at risk from insurgency N

ESTLE Nigeria Plc said an Islamist insurgency in the north will continue to weigh on consumers already buckling under rising food costs.

“There is bit of a depressed consumer feeling at the moment, certainly driven a lot by what’s going on in the north,” outgoing Managing Director Martin Woolnough, 58, told Bloomberg phone interview in Lagos. “There’s definitely stress on the economy.”

President Goodluck Jonathan imposed emergency rule in the northeastern states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa on May 14 to step up the fight against Islamist militants, who he said were taking over parts of the country. The armed forces then began an air and ground offensive against the organisation Boko Haram, which is seeking to impose Shariah law in the country.

Nestle, the largest food company in Nigeria, temporarily withdrew about

10 of its sales staff from the three states for a week, the second time in four years it has evacuated employees since the insurgency began, Woolnough said. The company has about 140 sales staff in the country.

“People still need to eat food and cook their stews, so fortunately we are less affected in the north than other products would be,” said Woolnough, referring partly to the company’s food seasoning Maggi, which he said was a “very strong brand” in some areas affected by the fighting.

Woolnough retired on May 31 after five years as head of the Nigerian unit of Vevey, Switzerlandbased - the world’s largest food company with brands including Nescafe coffee and KitKat chocolate bars. He handed over to Dharnesh

the company said on April 25. Revenue was little changed at 14.2 billion.

Nigerian food prices, which account for more than half of the consumer price index, advanced 10 per cent in April from a year earlier, compared with a 9.5 per cent increase in the previous month, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

“Prices are going up, there’s no doubt inflation is real. I would suggest it’s higher than officially shown, especially when you think about food,” said Woolnough. “It’s bigger than people can accommodate in normal life.”

Nestle has invested 500 million Swiss francs ($524 million) over the past decade in Nigeria, building a second factory in south-western Ogun state, which opened in 2011 and expanding its existing one in Agbara in the southern Delta state.

The company also produces Milo chocolate malt and Golden Morn cereal.

Gordhon, Nestle’s former sales director in southern Africa.

The marketing of products in the north is being hampered, Woolnough said. “We can’t get teams up there,” he said. “That’s likely to impact the middle to long term brand equity in the future.”

Nestle Nigeria’s first-quarter net income fell 3.4 per cent to N5.99 billion ($38 million) from a year earlier, the Lagos-based company said on May 3. Revenue climbed 7 per cent to N30.7 billion. Distribution, administration and other costs rose 5 per cent from a year earlier to 17.5 billion because of an increase in marketing spend, Woolnough said.

Unilever Nigeria, the nation’s second-largest consumer company, posted a 5.3 per cent decline in firstquarter net income to N1.26 billion,

FirstBank is ‘Best Bank in West Africa’

•MD CEO First Bank, Bisi Onasanya

T

HE celebration of the continent’s brightest financial minds and institutions at the African Banker Awards in Marackech, Morroco last week culminated in the emergence of First Bank of Nigeria Limited as the ‘Best

Bank in West Africa.

In a statement, the bank said the organisers’ panel of distinguished professionals adjudged FirstBank as the sub-region’s best financial institution in recognition of its consistent performance, quality of its financial products/services, thought leadership status and contribution to the growth and development of the sector in the region.

Publisher of the African Banker, Omar Ben Yedder, said: “Given its consistently strong performances in the region’s financial markets, FirstBank is indeed a deserving winner of this prestigious and well deserved recognition. The bank’s pedigree indeed continues to soar not just

in Nigeria but indeed the sub-Region.”

Group Managing Director, First Bank of Nigeria Limited said :”It is indeed a great honour for FirstBank to be recognised as the best financial institution in West Africa as we continue to pursue our passion for service excellence and demonstrate unwavering commitment to good corporate governance and support for economic growth and development within Nigeria and the entire African continent. We dedicate the award to our over seven million customers across the globe and assure them that it will spur us on to a higher level of service to our customers.”

Onasanya added that the Bank’s ongoing upgrade of its Finacle 10 bank-

ing platform was another manifestation of the lender’s resolve to enhance service delivery through continuous investment in technology. Organized

by African Banker magazine, IC Events and BusinessinAfrica Events, the African Banker Awards celebrates excellence and best practices in African banking and finance sector.

FirstBank has recently been the recipient of several awards including ‘Best Bank Brand in Nigeria’ (The Banker Magazine); Best Retail Bank in Nigeria (Asian Banker) and Best Bank in Nigeria (Global Finance) as it continues to drive innovation and financial solutions that speak to the needs of various customer segments.

Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

19-05-2014 18-05-2016 19-05-2016

NIDF NESF

OBB Rate Call Rate

Amount Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($) 350m 150m 350m 138m 350m 113m

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2012 “ 14-04-2012

GAINERS AS AT 3-06-13

SYMBOL REDSTAREX UBN MAYBAKER STANBIC IKEJAHOTEL WAPIC COURTVILLE CONTINSURE LIVESTOCK VITAFOAM

O/PRICE 4.50 11.33 2.21 16.01 0.86 0.89 0.70 1.20 3.99 3.48

C/PRICE 4.95 12.46 2.43 17.51 0.94 0.97 0.75 1.28 4.25 3.62

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 Currency

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

CHANGE 0.45 1.13 0.22 1.50 0.08 0.08 0.05 0.08 0.26 0.14

NGN USD NGN GBP NGN EUR NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) (S/N) Bureau de Change (S/N) Parallel Market

Year Start Offer

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

147.6000 239.4810 212.4997

149.7100 244.0123 207.9023

150.7100 245.6422 209.2910

-2.11 -2.57 -1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

152.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

153.0000

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

July ’12

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

12%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate Inflation Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 11.8%

O/PRICE

MCNICHOLS RTBRISCOE COSTAIN UTC NASCON JAPAULOIL OKOMUOIL CUSTODYINS OANDO TOTAL

2.26 1.75 1.59 0.85 11.12 0.56 46.00 1.67 16.65 164.00

C/PRICE 2.04 1.58 1.44 0.77 10.09 0.52 43.10 1.60 16.00 158.00

CHANGE 0.22 0.17 0.15 0.08 1.03 0.04 2.90 0.07 0.65 6.00

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

Rate (Previous) 4 Mar, 2012 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Rate (Currency) 6, Mar, 2012 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

Movement

Amount Sold ($) 150m 138m 113m

Exchange Rate (N) 155.2 155.8 155.7

Date 2-7-12 27-6-12 22-6-12

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX

NSE CAP Index

27-10-11 N6.5236tr 20,607.37

28-10-11 N6.617tr 20,903.16

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

LOSERS AS AT 3-06-13

SYMBOL

NITY bank’s Aim, Save and Win promo has increased the lender’s savings and capital base by over 50 per cent.

Managing Director, Alhaji Ado Wanka disclosed this yesterday at the launch of the second edition of the bank’s “Aim, Save and Win” held in Abuja.

He said the strategy employed and objectives set for implementing the first phase of the promo was to increase the bank’s savings deposits, reactivate dormant accounts to sustain and increase its volume and transactional capacity.

Wanka said that after that first season, the lender succeeded in increasing its savings and capital base by over 50 per cent.

Unity Bank he said spent over N100 million to conduct the first phase of the promo and will be spending more in the second edition, he said. ”This is in order to positively touch the lives of more customers.”

Wanka said the lender had learnt from the last outing and is now well prepared for the second season, which they have made adequate provisions for.

The aim and objective of running this second Season of Aim, Save and Win promo Wanka said “is to get customers more inclined to save, to increase and sustain our savings base and by way of giving back to society/customers, reward our customers with worthy prizes.”

Also, in terms of mileage and visibility, the bank he said, is using the promo to deepen its brand presence by way of increased advertising of its products and services.

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM

MANAGED FUNDS Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

U

By Collins Nweze

DATA BANK

FGN BONDS Tenor

Unity Bank’s savings deposit rises

Offer Price

Bid Price

ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH 9.17 9.08 KAKAWA GUARANTEED 1.00 1.00 STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE INVE 141.93 141.45 AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND 161.27 160.20 LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL 0.80 0.78 BGL SAPPHIRE FUND 1.16 1.16 BGL NUBIAN FUND 1.14 1.13 FBN MONEY MARKET FUND 100.00 100.00 FBN FIXED INCOME FUND 1,000.00 1,000.00 NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. 1,823.39 1,815.04 PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND 14.39 13.69 CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST 1.39 1.33 CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST 1.87 1.80 STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY 11,745.35 11,398.85 • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED • STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUNDARM AGGRESSIVE • OPEN BUY BACK

Bank P/Court

Previous 04 July, 2012

Current 07, Aug, 2012

8.5000 8.0833

8.5000 8.0833

Movement

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2013

56

CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 07059022999

Three drug factories uncovered in Lagos

T

HREE factories where Methamphetamine, a banned narcotic drug more potent than cocaine, is produced have been uncovered by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Ajah, a Lagos suburb.

The drug, the agency said yesterday, is "more destructive than cocaine," adding that its absorption rate in the body is faster than cocaine and heroin put together.

NDLEA's Director, Prosecution and Legal Services, Mr Femi Oloruntoba disclosed this to reporters after the trial of two men charged with the production of the banned substance at the Federal High Court, Lagos.

Olisa Onyebuchukwu and Tony Ebi are facing trial for engaging in the production of the drug.

The agency said the duo, some-

Olumegbon family dissociates self from crisis

T

By Joseph Jibueze

time, in December 2012, on Taiwo Martin Street, Bashorun Village, Majek-Abijon, Lekki, conspired to engage in the production Methamphetamine.

They were also charged with committing the act without lawful authority, unlawfully permitting the premises to be used for storing and concealing the Methamphetamine, unlawful possession of the drug, and financing its production.

The alleged offences contravene Sections 12, 14 (b), 19, 20 (1) (a) and 20 (2) (b) of the NDLEA Act, Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

The defendants had pleaded not guilty during their arraignment and were granted bail.

During their trial before Justice Sa-

liu Seidu, NDLEA's Forensic Analyst, Mr Arikamen Gbadamosi, who was led in evidence by Oloruntoba, said he conducted a laboratory analysis of the drug when it was brought to him on January 14 and confirmed it was Methamphetamine.

Court remands fake vehicle licensing officers

J

By Adebisi Onanuga

HE Olumegbon Chieftaincy family has dissociated itself from the land crisis that recently rocked Ajah, a suburb of Lagos in the Ibeju/Lekki Local Government Area.

Spokesman of the family, Mr. Peter Fowoyo, told reporters in Lagos yesterday that it had no hand in the crisis that left two persons dead and many injured in the community.

Fowoyo described members of the Olumegbon Chieftaincy family as law-abiding people who would not engage in any action that could jeopardise the peace of Ajah and the state.

He condemned the recent attack on the palace of the traditional ruler of the community, Chief Fatai Abiodun Lawal Olumegbon, by gunmen suspected to be land speculators who wanted to use extrajudicial means to take over Ajahland from the family. He described the ploy as barbaric.

According to Fowoyo, the traditional ruler was sleeping when the gunmen struck and was woken up by one of his wives who first heard the sporadic gun shots by hoodlums.

Though the hoodlums could not gain entry into the palace because the gate was locked, they attacked those

• A vehicle destroyed during the crisis ... recently

in the vicinity consequent upon which two of Olumegbon's siblings were killed in the clash, he further said.

He said the intention of the hoodlums was to gun down about four members of the palace to spur a reaction from the Olumegbon, but we maintained our peace because we are the true overlords of Ajah".

The spokesperson, who said the family had since petitioned the police, also called on the security agency and the state government to investigate the activities of Kasim Salami a.k.a 'All Rounder', whom he alleged, led the attacks on the palace.

Fowoyo said that the Ajah land tussle had remained a matter of litigation among Olumegbon, Ojupon and Ogunsemo families since 1987 at a

Council moves against flood, cultism

T

‘Methamphetamine is like any other narcotic drug and affects the Central Nervous System. It is more destructive than cocaine’

HE unpalatable experience of residents of Coker-Aguda Local Council Development Area of Lagos State during last year's rainy season has prompted the council's chief, Hon Omobolanle AkinyemiObe, to initiate plans to tackle flood in the area.

He held a stakeholders' forum to enlighten residents about the impending havoc the flood could wreck if they fail to key into the council's ongoing anti-flood campaign.

After educating the gathering, the council chairman led the stakeholders including council officials, community leaders, religious bodies, youths and marketers to the streets for sensitisation.

The walk featured distribution of leaflets and public announcement, urging residents to come out and learn how to curb flood disaster. AkinyemiObe cautioned residents against throwing dirt indiscriminately.

"We are the cause of flood because

"Methamphetamine is a psycho-stimulant. It works like any other narcotic drug and affects the Central Nervous System.

It is more destructive than cocaine and the speed of absorption is faster than that of cocaine and heroine," he said.

Defence lawyer, Benson Ndakara, during cross-examination, asked the witness if he had ever tasted Methamphetamine to which Gbadamosi replied: "I have never tasted it before, but I am a scientist." The witness said he studied Chemistry and graduated 18 years ago.

Oloruntoba also said NDLEA was short- • NDLEA chief Ahmadu-Giade staffed and would need more hands manpower shortage, NDLEA conto fight the war against illegal drug victed 1,722 drug suspects last year, dealers. "We need at least 20,000 per- while 720 have so far been convictsonnel to combat drug trafficking ed this year across the country. and abuse effectively in Nigeria. The "NDLEA has 52 lawyers across Niexisting staff strength of 3,000 is a geria, which are not enough. We far cry from what we require." need more lawyers in Edo, Port HarThe prosecutor said that despite court and Abuja," he added.

Lagos High Court then presided by Justice G.I. Akinboboye, who finally gave judgment in favour of Olumegbon Chieftaincy family in 1991.

He said that part of the terms of settlement/judgment was "that Ojupon and Ogunsemo families of Aja recognise and accept Olumegbon Chieftancy family as represented by Chief Olumegbon of Lagos as overlord of the said Ajah" and "that a reigning Chief Olumegbon or his representative remains the authority to cap the Baale of Ajah" among others.

Fowoyo also explained that since the Supreme Court judgment of September 9, 2002 declared the Olumegbon of Lagos, as Overlord at Ajah, the hoodlums had sworn to make Ajah ungovernable for them.

USTICE Adeniyi Onigbanjo of a Lagos High Court, Ikeja, yesterday ordered that four men and a woman, who specialised in forging vehicle number plates and particulars, be remanded in Ikoyi Prison till June 9 when their bail application will be considered.

The fake vehicle licensing officers are: Odewole Samson and Ifadah Samson both brothers; Salamotu Sadiq, Tunde Sadiq, and Ganiyu Adebayo.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had arraigned the defendants before Justice Onigbanjo for allegedly forging number plates and other vehicle particulars.

They were arraigned before the court by the EFCC on a charges bordering on conspiracy and forgery.

Counsel to the EFCC, Mr Oluwatoyin Owodunni, alleged that the accused persons had forged various vehicle particulars and number plates

T

By Adebisi Onanuga

between 2012 and this year in Lagos.

The prosecution alleged that some of the number plates forged by the accused persons included MEK 102 QB and WDE 234 QB, both purportedly issued by Ogun State Motor Agency.

The prosecutor further alleged that the defendants forged an Ownership Certificate No. 0997377 in respect of a Range Rover Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), which they claimed, was issued by the Lagos State Government Motor Vehicle Administration Agency.

The EFCC said their alleged offences contravened Sections 409 and 363 (2) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria 2011.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. But Justice Onigbanjo ordered them remanded in Ikoyi Prison pending the hearing of their bail applications on June 10.

LASUTH gets rape victims' centre

HE Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, now has a centre where free services are provided for survivors of sexual violence. It is in conjunction with Partnership for Justice, a nongovernmental organisation.

The personnel that will operate at the centre began a two-week training yesterday, with the theme: Forensic examination and support services for survivors of sexual assault. They are being trained by Dr Sarah Redvers, St Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom.

The 'Sexual Assault Referral Centre

By Oyeyemi Gbenga-Mustapha

(the Mirabel Centre)' located at Family Department, will provide free medical, psychosocial and follow-up support services to women and children, among others.

The LASUTH's Chief Medical Director, Prof Wale Oke, the centre will assist the hospital to expand its medical services and accessibility by survivors.

The Managing Partner, Partnership for Justice, Mrs Itoro Eze-Anaba said the centre would serve as a one-stop service centre for victims.

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

we throw dirt and so many things in the drainage channels. Residents must ensure that their environments are clean; this will pave the way for a flood-free rainy season," she said, adding that the campaign would last one week.

The council boss who also warned youths against fraternising with cult groups, said: "When we were young, our parents worked to maintain the culture of family values. I see no reason parents will say their works don't allow them enough attention to their children; I see no reason a parent will not know the whereabouts of his or her child, and I don't know why a child should leave home without getting to school and the parents are not aware."

According to her, the trait of cultism begins at tender ages when pupils bully their colleagues. "There are some children that bully others in

•Akinyemi-Obe (second right); Vice Chairman, Ismail Bello (right); a Suprintendent of Police, Tina Benardson and a guest ... during the flag-off.

PHOTO TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO

schools but behave like saints at home; so, it is very difficult for you sometimes as a parent to accept the fact unless your attention is called to it; that is why we are starting from the pri-

mary level to the secondary that we have here so that by the time they get to higher institutions, they will know that nobody can pressurise them to do what is illegal," she said.

Akinyemi-Obe said the involvement of security operatives in the campaign was to let the youth know that juvenile delinquency is punishable by the law.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2013

57

CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 07059022999

Why road blocks won’t go, by Manko

A

RE you among those who think road blocks are gone for good in Lagos State? The state Commissioner of Police, Umar Manko, has a message for you: "Perish the thought."

He told reporters on Saturday that his men could mount road blocks in the metropolis when the need arises despite the ban by the Inspector-General (IGP), Mohammed Abubakar.

Saying that road blocks, checkpoints and observation points, are different things altogether, he said the IGP only banned road blocks and not observation points for surveillance in any black spot or crime-prone area or carry out stop-and-search at particular places on reasonable suspicion even in exceptional circumstances.

"In city policing, there might be need to block some points to prevent criminals from escaping. If, for instance there is a robbery at Maryland and a car is snatched and the robbers are going towards Ketu, to connect Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, at that point, we are at liberty to block all likely points of exit for a moment, so that my men can track down the vehicle on the basis of the description and arrest all occupants. That is necessitated by the operational duty we have at that particular point, but it is unacceptable to mount a road block at a point on regular basis", he said.

Manko, who said the police don’t condone extortion, added: "We are at the fore-front of exposing even our men who compromise in this regard.

We have the x-squad that handles vices and unethical issues in the force. In March and April, we arrested 16 corporals, two sergeants and four inspectors for illegal checkpoints, extortion and the rest. They are being tried and they will be sanctioned according to the gravity of their offences".

Speaking on the issue of policemen’s incivility to the public, he said: "It is unacceptable among policemen, and even the military. We police with dignity and respect for human rights.

Nonetheless, there could be some infractions, like when we arrive at crime scene and have to carry out arrest. But the innocent are released after investigation. But when a policeman acts outside the law, he is on his own and shall be punished accordingly".

Manko, who assured residents of the readiness of the police to fight crime, added: "Armed robbers will not send notice to you that they want

C

Foundation donates blood bank to LUTH TO prevent the death of mothers and children, Moses Adekoyejo Majekodunmi (MAM) Foundation, has donated a mini-blood bank to the Labour Ward Complex of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).

According to the Head, Haematology Department, Prof Sulaimon Akanmu, the gesture would help save lives "as emergency requires prompt attention and blood is key to achieving that."

He said any hospital that wanted to salvage life must have a functional blood bank where donated blood should be kept, adding: "No fewer than 2000 expectant mothers enroll for ante-natal care (ANC) but about 300 may require blood due to obstetric bleeding such as burst uterus, and if uterus refuses to contract. Many of them may need between 10 to 15 pints of blood and they should be kept at

the most, six degree centigrade temperature.

"People should donate blood to save the sick. 90 per cent of blood comes from family replacement donors while 10 per cent is through the volunteer or non- remunerated blood donors."

The foundation's representative, Mrs Ayoola Lawson, said her foundation donated the blood bank to ensure reduction of infant and maternal deaths.

She said a similar gesture had been offered another hospital in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, and some other places, saying that mothers and children shouldn't be dying needlessly. She assured that the foundation would continue to support the hospital to preserve lives.

THE Senior Pastor of Evangel Pentecostal Church (Liberty House), Iheanyi Ejiogu, has charged government and other stakeholders to strengthen their commitment towards capacity development of Nigerians as a sure way of developing the nation.

Ejiogu spoke at the 1st Enterprise Summit of the church held at the Protea Hotel, Lekki, Lagos Island.

The programme tagged: "Building the Nigerian Workforce Capacity," brought together students, bank managers, civil servants and the self-employed. It featured a lecture on "Building competitive curriculum vitae, communication skills, savings, information and communication skills."

Ejiogu said: "The need to train and build the capacity of the Nigerian workforce to improve our socio-economic productivity is needed urgently for national transformation.

He noted that "for 30 years, there was no Dubai as all that the country had were the sun and sand," but added that "through visionary leadership and followership, they saw the dream of a desirable beautiful and stable economic future and they worked toward making it a reality that it is today."

The cleric asserted that Nigeria could take its place in Africa if people refuse to remain helpless, but consciously build a platform where they can upgrade their mental and intellectual status for the nation's development.

The Head, Learning and Development, Heritage Bank Plc, Tochi Onuoha, advised Nigerian youths to look inwards and harness the potentials in them as she said, "there are immense opportunities for young people who would dare to dream."

the roll-call and found her name among those that died in that crash.

She was everything to our family. We surely miss her", she said.

RESIDENTS of Iju Ishaga; in IfakoIjaiye Local Government Area of Lagos State have called on government to address the menace of erosion and other challenges facing their community.

Speaking at a forum organised by Ogun State boundary communities, Chief Peter Bajomo, who spoke for them, said: "Despite the problems we face, we have continued to exercise our civic responsibilities to the government. However, we have got nothing in return."

The stakeholders commended the chairman of the council, Mr Oloruntoba Oke for trying to tackle the challenges facing the area and urged him to put Iju Ishaga community on the priority list being the supplier of water to Lagos residents.

"We commend Governor Babatunde Fashola and Hon. Oloruntoba Oke for their efforts, but like the proverbial Oliver Twist, we are still appealing to them to come to our aid," Bajomo said.

• The late Sarah

LAGOS Business School Alumni Association (LBSAA) has concluded arrangements to hold its annual President's Dinner on June 8 at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island.

The President of LBSAA, Mr. Ademola Aladekomo, said the event would attract about 1,500 guests, with the support of over 20 corporate organisations like Swift Networks Nigeria Limited and Airtel Nigeria.

The dinner is also to honour some alumni who have distinguished themselves in their fields and other deserving individuals and organisations.

‘... when a policeman acts outside the law, he is on his own and shall be punished accordingly’

By Jude Isiguzo, Police Affairs Correspondent

to strike at a particular place. Hence, we depend on information from the public. And with the sup- • Manko port of the state governor, the IGP, and the private sector, we have been able to check crime and criminality in Lagos.

"I was a Divisional Police Officer in Lagos in the 90s. I was DPO Alausa, Isokoko and later Ojo Division. I can recall the level of insecurity then, but the situation is very different now.

Time it was when the likes of Hammani Tijani and Shina Rambo and their gangs held Lagos by the jugular, robbing people of their posh cars and the rest. We dealt with the situation and checked cross-border banditry in the Southwest; the current issues are not in any way close to that. So there is no cause for alarm."

"Patrol vehicles in Lagos have increased in the past years and Lagos is given special attention under the "Operation Seven Cities Project." We have the Rapid Response Squad and my officers with other security agencies

I

are trying their best. We just need the assistance of the public on timely information on any suspicious movement from anywhere and we will get the bad guys," Manko said.

"All of us patrol the state with over 15million people. We have the personnel and equipment. My two deputies patrol and also I do and we have made arrests during such operations. There was a day I was in mufti and moved through Ikeja. When my driver dropped me at Bolade Bus Stop around Allen Avenue, I sat in a corner and watched the environment; but I almost invited trouble to myself. A young man approached me and said, "Mr. Commissioner, you people are really trying. I love what you are doing." At that point, I discovered that my cover had been blown. I took a cab, and disappeared leaving my driver. He came to meet me at home," he added.

Dana crash: Family remembers victim

T was all tears for members of the late Sarah Meshelia's family as they joined other victims' families at the one-year memorial service for victims of the crashed Dana aircraft in Lagos yesterday.

The family's spokesperson, Sandra Meshelia, in tears, told The Nation that her sister's death had brought sorrow to the family.

"She was loving, caring and hardworking. But all these are gone with her death. June 3, 2012 will remain the most painful day of my life and that of my entire family. We lost a sister that is irreplaceable.

"It has been hell on earth without her. She was a darling and her place in our hearts will be difficult to fill.

Oh, it dawned on me as I looked at

By Jude Isiguzo

By Joseph Jibueze

been commissioned.

"We have constructed Fadunsi Street in Oke-Ira, which is now fully surfaced with Asphalt. Otuyelu Street has also been constructed and tarred with Asphalt. We have also constructed reinforced concrete drain channels on Iye and Osaye streets, Aguda Ogba; Otuyelu and Ologun streets, Oke-Ira and Adeleye street, Agidingbi," Oloro said.

Oloro said a 24-hour service at Gbadamosi and Ogba Primary Health Centres were started, while the Oke-Ira

•Oloro

'Nigerians need capacity development'

By Adeola Ogunlade

Community seeks help on flood

By Musa Odoshimokhe

LBS alumni hold dinner

My stewardship, by council chief

HAIRMAN of Ojodu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Olumuyiwa Oloro, has said his administration had fulfilled his promises to the electorate, despite various challenges.

Vowing to do more, he urged the people to pay their rates and levies promptly to enable the council carry out more services.

Giving an account of his stewardship on this year's Democracy Day, Oloro said the council rehabilitated two blocks of six classrooms at Ojodu Primary Schools I and II, and a block of six classrooms at Oke-Ira Primary School. A wall to prevent erosion which had ravaged the school, he added, was constructed.

Oloro said 100 indigent students were sponsored to write the last University and Polytechnic Matriculation Examination, while 25 First Aid Boxes, stocked with drugs, were distributed to all schools in the council area.

"Our Vocational Training Centre was renovated and provided with new computers while the old ones were reactivated for computer training. We we also introduced new vocational training modules at the centre and provided a new 5KVA generator for effective performance of the centre," Oloro said.

He said a newly constructed 500-metre Alhaji Bakare Street in Ojodu had

By Wale Adepoju

centre was rehabilitated, adding: "We have participated in all immunisation programmes of the World Health Organisation. We distributed free sterilised mosquito nets through mass campaign of Roll Back Malaria (RBM). The report from our PHCs indicated that malaria cases had reduced drastically in this LCDA." The council boss said the local government union (NULGE) office, a staff clinic and staff canteen were commissioned within the secretariat for improved efficiency.

The council also renovated and equipped its legislative block, purchased a new mace and provided mobility for members of the Executive Council, legislature and its management team.

He said three 500 KVA transformers were distributed and installed to serve Vanni Estate, Ayanleye Street and AKDA Junction by Calvary in Aguda, while a 150 KVA generator was bought for the council secretariat.

Oloro said 60 elderly people across the six wards, with 10 persons per ward, receive N5,000 monthly, and are supported with food items.

On security, the chairman said: "We have worked closely with operatives of all arms of security agencies operating within our jurisdiction. Wee have just recently presented one brand new pick-up patrol vehicle each to Ojodu and Pen Cinema Police Stations."

The Director, Alumni Relations, Mr. Henry Onukwuba, said: 'The high point of this years' dinner is the public presentation of a book on Lagos Business School, written by Prof Albert Alos, who doubles as its pioneer Dean and pioneer Vice-Chancellor of Pan-Atlantic University (formerly Pan-African University).

The event, which is expected to be spiced up by popular comedian, Holy Mallam, will also feature the awardwinning Ekemini Dance Troupe from Akwa Ibom, while music, according to the organisers, would be supplied

by BJ Sax."

'Public buses not for corpses'

THE Chief Executive Officer of D'Cross Funeral Homes, Comrade Adewale Senbore, has urged government to ban the use of public buses for conveying corpses to mortuaries and cemeteries.

He spoke with The Nation yesterday, explaining: "As far as I'm concerned, it is not healthy to use public transport to convey corpses. I witnessed one and I saw the relations of the deceased covering their noses. The implication was that the body was already decomposing.

"Most drivers are always in hurry.

After using their buses to carry corpses, they don't wash them; the implication is that other occupants of such vehicles are infected by diseases through this means."

He said he made efforts to reach out to the late leader of the National Union of Road Transport Workers

By Tunde Awe

(NURTW) in the state, Alhaji Saka Saula, on the need to stop the dangerous trend, but unfortunately, the man died without reaching any conclusion on the matter.

"Lagos State Government is spending a lot of money on health. I will appeal to government to stop the attitude of using public buses to carry dead bodies. There are ambulances that are solely for carrying corpses; let the public patronise them rather than public buses," he said.

Senbore said the association of funeral managers would soon begin an awareness programme on the need to stop this attitude. He said he was concerned about the health of Lagosians and Nigerian in general. He advised drivers not to put people's lives in danger because of money.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2013

NEWS NCC impounds N5.2m equipment

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HE Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) in Akwa Ibom State yesterday said it has seized broadcast equipment and optical discs worth N5.2 million from suspected pirates.

Addressing reporters in Uyo, the state capital, NCC’s Liaison Officer Charles Amudipe said the seizures were made during a raid on illegal broadcast transmitting stations in Ikot Ekpene.

Amudipe said the stations were owned by Ubong Obot, who operates a company called Botex Integrated Services.

He said the suspect transmitted broadcast signals of Multichoice Nigeria, operators of DSTV, to over 500 houses at Ikot Ekpene at N5,000 for installation and N1,000 monthly subscription fee.

His words: “Illegal transmission decoders, transmission

From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

boosters, rolls of installation wires and other accessories worth N2 million were impounded during the raid at two locations.

“The locations are: No. 89 Atan Road; 32 Umuahia Road, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.”

The commission also impounded large consignment of foreign and local VCD/ DVD movies as well as musical works of both foreign and local artistes, leading to the arrest of four suspected pirates.

According to the commission, the consignment was worth N3.2 million.

The NCC said the anti-piracy raid was carried out on four outlets - 2, Abak Road; 29, Abak Road; 30, Oron Road; and 37, Oron Road, Uyo.

21-year-old man ‘kills’ father A 21-year-old man, Samuel Eyo Nsa, has allegedly hacked his 78-year-old father, Eyo Nsa, to death at Eseko village in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State.

It was gathered that Nsa allegedly killed his father for refusing to defend him after he was caught stealing a neighbour’s goat.

A source said Samuel decided to celebrate the Children’s Day with a goat stolen from a neighbour, Otobong, with which he prepared pepper soup to entertain his friends.

From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

The source, who pleaded not to be named, went on: “When Otobong discovered that one of his goats was missing, he searched everywhere for it and someone told him that he saw Samuel carrying a goat.

“Otobong went to Samuel’s father to report the matter and demanded payment for the goat.

“Chief Nsa was tired of appearing in the village square to defend his son and paying fines for things he stole.

“He told the owner of the

goat to report the matter at the police station.”

He added: “After Otobong left the house, Samuel, who was hiding behind the window listening to the discussion, suddenly stormed the living room, threatening his parents for not defending him.

“His mother took to her heels and he attacked his father with a machete. He inflicted several machete cuts on the old man, who died on the spot.

“Samuel attempted to escape as he fled into the bush but was apprehended by

some youths and handed over to the Odukpani Police division.”

He has been transferred to the State Police Headquarters in Calabar, where leaders of the Creek Town community, including his mother, described Samuel as a habitual criminal, who specialised in stealing domestic animals for consumption.

His mother allegedly said her life would be in danger, if the boy was released.

Police spokesman John Umoh said the suspect would be charged to court after investigation.

Lecturer’s son freed

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From Precious Dikewoha, Port Harcourt

HE son of Dr. Godstime Ogbeoleka, a senior lecturer at the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Rivers State, who was kidnapped last weekend, has been

freed.

Thomas Ogbeoleka was released to his family after his father insisted that he will not pay any ransom to his abductors.

Dr Ogbeoleka reportedly told the kidnappers to kill him and drop his body for burial.

A source said: “The lecturer told the kidnappers that he is not going to pay any ransom. When they continued putting pressure on him, he told them to do whatever they wish.

“But he pleaded with them to drop the body for burial. We thank God Thomas has been released to the family.”

Thomas was kidnapped last Thursday in his father’s house at Ihuapa in Ahoada West Local Government by four gunmen.

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Protest over student’s killing

TUDENTS of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) yesterday marched on the streets of Benin, the Edo State capital, to protest the killing of their colleague, Ibrahim Momodu.

Momodu was reportedly killed by the police near his family house at No 1, Igbobawaye Street, off Siluko Road, by Textile Mill junction.

Addressing reporters at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat, the deceased’s elder sister, Ebohon Rebecca Egbe, said: “I was at my office in Port Harcourt when I received a call from a cousin, who is a policeman in Benin.

“My cousin broke the news of the killing to me and I called my mum immediately. She said she has been looking for

From Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin City

him for two days. Normally, it is after 48 hours that you report such thing to the police.

“She went to the police station on May 29 and was told that he was killed by a Divisional Police Officer. His body was buried the next day without the family’s knowledge.

“The police said he was shot in self defence because he had a gun on him. My brother was not a criminal. The family is confused. I am calling on relevant authorities to apprehend his killers.”

Commissioner of Police Folusho Adebanjo and police spokesman Charles Eguavoen could not be reached for comments.

‘Stop dumping refuse in drainages’

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From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

ESIDENTS of Calabar, the Cross River State capital, have been warned to stop dumping refuse in drainages.

The Commissioner for the Environment, Dr Sandy Onor, warned that defaulters will be arrested and prosecuted.

Onor said the penalty extends to people, who fail to caution their neighbours from dumping refuse into the drains.

He advised residents to take precautionary measures to protect their lives and property as the rainy season sets in.

The commissioner warned residents of flood prone areas such as Ebito, Target, Murray, Jebs, Palm Street, Umoh Orok and Ediba by Asi Abang, among others, to be more cautious as the rains set in.

Kidnappers’ buildings for demolition

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NY building used by criminals to harbour kidnap victims in Edo State will be demolished, the government said yesterday.

This was part of the resolution at the meeting of the State Security Council presided over

by Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

Addressing reporters on behalf of the Council, the Commissioner of Police, Foluso Adebanjo said: “The council has resolved that any house used for kidnapping purposes will be demolished.”

Flanked by Bakori Tukur, the State Director of the Depart-

ment of State Security and representative of Brig.-Gen Pat Akem, Commander, 4 Brigade and representative of Air Commodore Umar Atiku, Commander, 81 Air Maritime Group, Adebanjo said: “We have arrested many robbery and kidnap suspects and they are being interrogated.

“This state will not be safe for criminals. It is either they repent or leave. We have resolved to make Edo comfortable for law abiding citizens.

“We will not allow criminals to take over this state and that is our pledge to the people.”

•The head, Ikpa Nnung Assang clan, Etebom Celestine Udia, launching a water project at Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom PHOTO:NAN State…yesterday. With him is the Managing Director of ALSCON, Stanislav Kruglyshov.

Fashola not doing anything in Lagos, says Fed Govt T

HE Federal Government yesterday came hard on Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola, saying there was nothing significant in what the governor is doing in the state.

Minister of Information Labaran Maku, who spoke in Abuja at the 2013 ministerial platform, said most of the revenue generating projects in the state, were federal projects.

Maku said: “Most of the projects in Lagos State where taxes are being collected are federal projects.

“Lagos State does no significant thing other than en-

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vironmental sanitation.”

He added that the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) was running on federal roads, saying the government was collecting taxes on federal infrastructure.

The minister said the aim of initiating the ministerial platform was to avail Nigerians of the progress being made in various sectors of governance.

Maku said the ongoing National Good Governance Tour was in furtherance to the ministerial platform

which began last year.

He said with the tour, Nigerians could match action with what the ministers say they have done.

The minister added that the tour has been revealing as various projects embarked upon by the Federal Government have been unearthed.

Presenting his ministry’s scorecard, Minister of Works Mike Onolememen said his ministry has made significant strides in road develop-

ment, since the inception of the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan.

Onolememen added that on May 29, 2011, Nigerian roads were described as death traps and many road projects were abandoned.

“Today, travel times between origins and destinations on most of these arterial routes have been drastically reduced.

“Also, maintenance costs of vehicles have been reduced as a result of improved driving surfaces, devoid of potholes that hitherto put “holes” in the pockets of vehicle owners.

WHO: Nigerian women lead in skin bleaching

HE World Health Organisation (WHO) has said 77 per cent of women in Nigeria use skinlightening products, the world’s highest percentage.

The figure compares with 59 per cent in Togo, and 27 per cent in Senegal.

The WHO report said the reasons for this are varied but most people say they use skinlighteners because they want “white skin”.

WHO also said skin bleaching comes with hazardous health consequences.

The dangers associated with the use of toxic compounds for skin bleaching include blood cancers, such as leukemia and cancers of the liver and kidneys as well as severe skin conditions.

It said hardcore bleachers use illegal ointments containing toxins like mercury, a metal that blocks production of melanin, which gives the skin its colour, but can also be toxic.

The report said in many parts of Africa, light-skinned women are considered more

beautiful and are believed to be more successful and likely to find suitors.

It also said it is not only women who are obsessed with bleaching their skins.

Some men too are involved in the practice.

WHO investigation showed that lightening creams are not effectively regulated in Nigeria.

Many of the tubes are unlabelled as to their actual ingredients.

Business is booming for shops selling skin-lightening

products.

A trader said: “About 90 percent of my clients come asking for skin whitening products. “I sell it to them and give advice on what product is best for them and how to use them.”

Musician Femi Kuti said the use skin-lightening products have given rise to their own terminology. “When the bleaching propaganda got so negative, they had to come up with toning. Bleaching sounds too hard, now it’s toning. I don’t bleach, they say, I tone!” he said.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2013

59

NEWS

Police warn tricycle operators From Sunny Nwankwo, Aba

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HE Police Commander in Aba , Rabiu Dayi, has warned tricycle operators to operate within the law.

Dayi warned operators, whose tricycles were used to rob, to desist.

“These keke riders are not strangers; they are people who live and drive keke in Aba, Abia State.

“We have placed our intelligence team on alert. Any person caught or any ‘keke’ said to be used in robbery, kidnapping or duping people shall be impounded.

“We shall make sure that the owner of the ‘keke’ is charged to court.

“Aba is returning to normalcy.

The peace we have now is still fragile and we (the police) will not allow it to be jeopardised.

“We shall make sure that the security of Aba people, their property and business are protected.”

Pastor held for allegedly defiling teenage boy

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SELF-acclaimed pastor and General Overseer of the Jesus Army of Salvation Ministry in Ama-Alim Ngugo community, Ikeduru Local Government of Imo State, has been arrested for allegedly practising sodomy with a 14-year-old boy.

The suspect, Prophet Chukwunonso Okudiover, an indigene of Anambra State, was nabbed by aggrieved youths and handed over to the police after the victim reported the act to his distraught parents.

The victim’s elder brother, Francis, who spoke on his behalf, said the prophet, who also runs a patent medicine store, invited his younger brother to his shop for medical check-up, where he allegedly hypnotised him and had carnal knowledge of him.

He said: “My brother went to shave his hair after he came back

•Community banishes randy preacher •Church property set ablaze

From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

from school; he was invited by the prophet to come to his shop.

“When he came into the shop, he started rubbing his chest with a liquid substance after which the boy became unconscious.”

Francis added that the randy pastor thereafter defiled the victim.

“When he came back in the evening, he told us of what happened as he complained of severe pains in his anus. When we accosted the suspect in his church, he confessed to the crime and narrated how he had defiled several other male minors.”

Francis said the youths, who

heard about the incident, stormed the church and burnt all the instruments.

When The Nation visited the community, several villagers who expressed shock over the incident said the prophet had a flourishing prayer ministry which people, especially women looking for children patronise.

The people, however, said the church only holds vigils every Thursday with large turnout from within and outside the community.

The church members, who thronged the police station where the prophet was held, in apparent bid to secure his release, said:

“It was temptation and no man is above trial. People should not rejoice over the fate of the prophet because such can befall any man.”

The traditional ruler of the community, Eze Polycarp Nnaeze Anugu, described the act as a sacrilege.

“The offence is an abomination and he will never return to this community. We want the police to investigate the matter to know how many people he has defiled and to know his collaborators so as to avoid a recurrence.”

Police spokesman Joy Elemoko said she was not aware of the incident as she has not been officially briefed.

Disagreements over council polls From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

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HE Labour Party (LP) and the All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP) in Anambra State have criticised the proposed conduct of local government elections.

The last local government elections were conducted by the military in 1998.

The government had announced that the elections will be conducted in October.

LP Chairman Sam Oraegbunam and his ANPP counterpart, Pat Orjiakor, said the sudden change of action on the poll was suspicious.

The chairmen said the indices to achieve the feat were not on ground.

“Stakeholders of various parties have not held any meeting in that respect.

“The last time we met with Governor Peter Obi he told us that there were several cases in court, debarring the conduct of the election.

“So at what level did these cases disappear in court to warrant elections now?

“Definitely, this is like an election that would be written at Government House,”they said.

Tax default: Govt to close markets

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From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

HE Anambra State Government has warned markets and cooperative organisations that they would be shutdown, if they default in their tax payments.

The Chairman, State Internal Revenue Services Board, Nwanne Ejikeme, stated this in an interview with reporters yesterday.

Ejikeme said: “We’re also in the process of charging those who have refused to pay their taxes.

“Very soon, you will see that it is not just markets that will be closed, but also business centres, chambers, banks and corporate organisations.

“Even residents, who refuse to pay their taxes, will not be spared.

The public ought to know that governance is not free of charge.”

He said of the N12 billion projected earnings from taxes, only about N2 billion had been generated in the first quarter.

“Failure to pay their taxes has resulted in the closure of some stalls at Ose-Okwodu Market in Onitsha.

“These defaulters think they can operate without contributing to the ongoing development of the state,” Ejikeme said.

•A submerged house. INSET: Submerged cars and residents wading in the water.

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PHOTO: CHRIS OJI

Homes, cars destroyed as flood sacks Enugu

OME parts of Enugu East Local Government Area of Enugu State have been sacked by flood. Properties worth several millions of naira were destroyed.

The disaster affected several residential houses, schools, vehicles and household property.

Some ‘lucky’ houses that were not badly touched were submerged, trapping some occupants in and rendering many homeless.

An eyewitness said the threehour rainfall at the weekend prompted the flood.

The worst hit areas include Umuchigbo, Iji Nike, Ugbene I, Ogburugbu and some parts of the Nike Express Road all in Enugu East Local Government Area.

At Umuchigbo, several cars, houses, a school, shops, stores, near the Ava River were flooded, making it impossible for motorists to cross the Ava Bridge.

A patient with a broken leg at the Foundation Gracia Medical Clinic, Livinus Idu, was trapped in the hospital.

It took the intervention of the combined team of the Chairman, Enugu East Local Government, Prince Cornelius Nnaji, the representatives of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the State Emergency Management Agency (ESEMA), the Ministry of Environment and some other agencies to save Idu. He was rehabilitated by Nnaji, who paid his hospital bill, bought

Erosion: Oko residents plead

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ESIDENTS of Oko community in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State have urged the Federal Government and the Anambra State Government over the erosion threatening the community.

They said over 14 houses, including that of former Vice President Alex Ekwueme and his brother, Prof Laz Ekwueme, are in danger.

The community’s spokesman, Caleb Ezeokeke, said: “I have never seen a thing like this all my life. We live in fear of losing our homes, even though we have handed our fate to God. “As you look at this my house, I have counted it out as a belonging of mine because it can go any day; we no longer sleep here.

“You are lucky to meet me because From Chris Oji, Enugu

his drugs and paid his fare to his home town, Eha-Amufu.

At Ugbene I, the situation was the same. The stream in the area rose to an astronomical level and all structures near the water ways were sacked.

The Chairman, Enugu East Local Government, Cornelius Nnaji,

•The erosion in Oko

I just came to pick up something.

We are calling on the government to come to our aid because this is beyond us.”

Another resident, Mrs Adaeze Okeke, said her children sleep with friends and relatives because the family house may cave in any day.

She urged the Federal Government to award the Oko gully contract.

said that his council would address the situation.

“If parts of my council start experiencing this type of flood in May, what would happen in June, July, August, September and October?”

He called on the Federal Government to enlist his local government as an ecological problem area.

Commissioner for Environment

John Agbo called on the Federal Government to expedite action towards handling the ecological problem that resulted in the flood.

Some victims-Mrs. Beatrice Jideofor, Daniel Obetta, Crescent Ibekwe and Mrs. Edenoma Justinablamed the flood on the activities of greedy landlords, who built houses and fences on the water ways.

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka and Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2013

NEWS

Kano to evacuate almajiri from streets •Board removes 120,000 tonnes of refuse From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

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HE Kano State Government has concluded plans to evacuate almajiri (urchins) from the streets and return them to their states or countries.

The government said the move would discourage street begging that has constituted a serious menace in the state.

“All necessary arrangements are on top gear to ban street begging in the state. We have begun the evacuation of almajiri from the streets in our effort to send them back to their states of origin,” said the Hisbah CommanderGeneral, Malam Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa.

Investigation by our correspondent revealed that over 65 per cent of the almajiri roaming the streets of Kano are not indigenes of the state.

Addressing reporters yesterday in Kano, Daurawa said the government was ready to send an Executive Bill to the House of Assembly to enact a law that would ban all forms of street begging in the state.

He said: “Arrangements have been concluded by the government to ban street begging and send away childen begging on the streets (almajiri), who are not Kano indigenes, to their states of origin.”

He described as embarrassing a situation whereby deported beggars from other countries are taken to Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, “and their assumption is that all black street beggars are from Kano”.

Also, the state Refuse Management and Sanitation Board (REMASAB) said it evacuates over 120, 000 tonnes of refuse monthly in the last three months.

The board’s Managing Director, Alhaji Abdullahi Bichi, told reporters yesterday in Kano that about 4,000 tonnes of refuse was being evacuated from Kano streets on a daily basis.

Ahmed seeks disciplined police From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

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WARA State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has urged the police to ensure that the public is kept abreast of disciplinary measures taken against erring officers.

The governor said this would sustain public confidence in the security agency.

Ahmed spoke in Ilorin, the state capital, when he received the Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) in charge of Zone 8, Mr. Chis Dega.

He noted that transparency in punishing erring officers would also serve as deterrent to other policemen who may have the tendency to behave below acceptable standards.

In a statementby his Chief Press Secretary, Alhaji Abdulwahab Oba, the governor said his administration would always ensure that the police and other security agencies get necessary support to protect life and property of the residents.

According to him, this is the reason the government bought vehicles and gives other logistics support to the police.

Ahmed also advocated the development of a peer review mechanism by the states under Zone 8 of the police formation on strategies to fight crimes.

The governor said there would be greater synergy in crime control in the zone, if such approach is adopted.

Dega said he was in the state to assess the condition of a Kwara State Polytechnic student who was shot by a policeman and sympathise with his family.

The AIG added that he had visited the Rector of the polytechnic, Alhaji Masud Eleuthera, over the incident.

•Beneficiaries of Federal Government’s relief fund displaying their cheques in Bauchi...yesterday

Govt’s actions ‘ll conform with rule of law, P says Jonathan RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday said everything would be done by his administration to ensure that government’s actions conformed to the rule of law.

He spoke in Abuja when he declared open the Centenary Law Summit.

President Jonathan noted that law is an instrument for social engineering and political transformation and should be adhered to by organs of government.

Stressing that the government would ensure that human rights norms are observed in the ongoing fight against terrorism, he said armed forces and other security agencies have been directed to observe the rules of engagement in the states under state of emergency.

He said: “Let me take this opportunity to reiterate government’s resolve to ensure that human rights norms

•’Armed Forces should respect human rights’ From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

are observed and the freedom and liberty of the people are not abridged in our war against terror.

“The armed forces and other security agencies dealing with insurgencies and other security challenges in the areas where state of emergency has been declared have been ordered to ensure that they discharge their duties with conformity to the rule of engagements.”

President Jonathan urged the managers of Nigeria’s judiciary to review the country’s laws, as it remains an institution that holds the key of sustaining the confidence of the people

in the rule of law.

Expressing happiness about the efforts by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mariam Aloma-Mukhtar, to sanitise the judicial system, he urged the judiciary to give credible and well reasoned judgments to enhance social justice and fairness.

“We welcome the efforts made by the National Judicial Council under the able leadership of Justice AlomaMukhtar. We believe you can sanitise the judicial system,” President Jonathan said.

The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Mr. Bello Adoke, said the relevant bodies in the legal profession are intensifying efforts to-

Six killed in renewed Plateau attacks

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IX people were killed yesterday morning when gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen attacked Gwande village in Bokkos Local Government of Plateau State.

The gunmen killed four members of the community while the villagers killed two of their attackers when they summoned up the courage to repel the attack.

The attack renewed the wave of killings by suspected Fulani gunmen after a recent peace meeting between native Berom and Fulani herdsmen to stop further attacks.

An eyewitness said residents of the village, in Manguna District of the local government, fled their homes for the fear that the attackers might return.

It was learnt that the attackers were on a reprisal following a recent killing of two Fulani herdsmen.

From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

“When the attackers entered the village in the early hours of today (Monday), they set two houses ablaze and killed two of the inhabitants. They fired their guns sporadically,” a source, who spoke in confidence, told The Nation.

The sounds of gunshots were said to have attracted members of the community who mobilised members of their vigilance group to repel the invaders.

A distress call to the Special Task Force (STF) on Jos Crises, code-named Operation Safe Haven, also spurred the troops into action. They reportedly assisted the vigilantes in repelling the gunmen.

The combined efforts of the villagers and the STF led to the killing of two of the gunmen as they attempted

to escape when they saw the STF operatives.

A former councillor representing the area, Mr. Arut Bulus, confirmed the attack.

He said the villagers were fleeing for the fear thjat the attackers might return at night.

Several residents are said to be taking refuge in Bokkos Local Government’s secretariat.

STF spokesman, Capt. Salisu Mustapha, also confirmed the development. He said the task force received distress calls during the attack and the troops immediately responded.

Capt Mustapha added: “The sector commander has been alerted and, right now, he has mobilised his men to repel the invaders.”

He did not confirm if any arrest was made.

IGP: Ombatse ‘killers’ of 49 policemen won’t go scot free T HE Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Mohammed Abubakar, yesterday said the report of investigation into the killing of 49 policemen in Nasarawa State would be made public at the appropriate time.

Abubakar addressed reporters in Abuja after inaugurating 12 patrol vehicles for the Abuja-Kaduna highway.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that 49 policemen and 10 operatives of the State Security Service (SSS) were killed at Alakyo village in Nasawara State on May 7.

They were alleged to have been killed by members of the Ombatse cult from the ancestral shrine of the Eggon-speaking people of the state.

The IGP vowed that nobody or group of persons operating under any name would kill policemen and go scot-free.

He said: “Investigation is ongoing and the outcome of the investigation will be revealed to Nigerians at the most appropriate time. We cannot keep quiet to allow anybody in this country,

whether individual or group of persons, under whatever canopy they call themselves, to kill officers of the police and go scot-free.

“There has never been speculation, we have always given the number out, that we lost 49 police officers.”

On the closure of Wonderland Amusement Park and Amigo Supermarket, the Abubakar said the action was part of security measures.

He said: “There is nothing new; security is security. You know what is happening in the country. We will go ahead to take any measure that deserves to be taken to ensure that Nigeria is safe and Nigerians are given safe and secured environment.

“We shall do everything humanly possible to ensure that Nigeria is safe and our people are safe and secured no matter what it takes.”

Kebbi Information Commissioner dead

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From Khadijat Saidu, Birnin Kebbi

HE Kebbi State Commissioner of Information and Culture, Alhaji Muhammed Sani Kangiwa, is dead.

He was 54.

The commissioner died after an illness. He had been admitted at the Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kebbi. Kangiwa was a director (Press) under the Military Administrator Col. (later Brig.-Gen.) Salihu Tunde Bello.

The late commissioner was also a chairman of Arewa Local Government.

He is survived by three wives, 17 children and two grand-children.

Kangiwa has been buried according to Islamic rites at Argungu.

Governor Saidu Dakingari was among those at the funeral.

wards early completion of the ongoing legal reforms.

President Jonathan presented to the public a publication, entitled: ‘Nigeria: A Century of Constitutional Evolution 1914-2014.’

It was written by the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies.

The three days summit will witness paper presentations, which include Legislations and Transformative Governance; Rule of Law and Transformation Agenda; Power and Transformation Philosophy of Government and State Governors as partners in Transformation Agenda.

Others topics slated for discussion are: Law, Good Governance and Security; Police and Enforcement of Law and Order; Law and Terrorism and International Security and Human Rights Concerns

Belgore blames NGF division on Presidency From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

A

CHIEFTAIN of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Kwara State, Mr Mohammed Dele Belgore (SAN), has blamed the Presidency for interfering in the affairs of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF).

Belgore addressed reporters in Ilorin, the state capital, at the sideline of a dinner organised for the former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Prof Ishaq Oloyede.

The 2011 governorship candidate of the ACN said: “It is the interference and meddlesomeness of the Presidency that has led to this crisis. I think the Presidency, and nobody else, should be blamed for what has happened.

“The factionalisation of the NGF is disgraceful. It is needless. The NGF is a body that could conduct its affairs. It is the governors’ forum, not a forum for the governors of the President. So, the forum should have been left alone without interference to determine who its chairman should be.”

The senior lawyer hailed the action of Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) for seeking a legal solution to the imbroglio.

He said: “That is what the courts are for. I commend anybody who takes its cause to the court. The problem is that people take the law into their hands.

Some people abuse their positions.

“But when someone has a grievance and takes it to the court, he submits it to the lawful authority and sets an example for orderliness in the society.

So, I commend Governor Fashola’s action.”

On this year’s local government election in the state, Belgore said: “We have not been given a date for the election, but as a political party, we always prepare. Our preparation will not take long time because we have always had the people on our side. So, we do not need any prolonged period of time.

What we need is a level-playing field..”

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2013

61

FOREIGN NEWS

ICC: Kenyan vice-president’s trial to start September 10 KENYAN Deputy President William Ruto will be tried for crimes against humanity on September 10, judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) ruled yesterday, accepting his lawyers’ request for more time to prepare his defense.

Ruto and President Uhuru Kenyatta were elected on a joint ticket in March. Both are accused of orchestrating violence after the previous election, five years ago, in which 1,200 people died.

Ruto has said he would abide by ICC rulings and attend hearings in The Hague if ordered to do so, although he has asked to participate by video link.

The case against broadcaster Joshua Frap Sang, Ruto’s co-accused, will also start on September 10, rather than the original start date of May 28. Kenyatta’s is a separate case, currently scheduled to start in July, though his defense has requested a delay which judges are considering.

All men deny the charges.

The ICC faces growing criticism in Africa, with leaders at an African Union summit in Addis Ababa last week urging the court to refer the cases back to Kenya.

Taiwan ex-leader attempts suicide in jail

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AIWAN’s imprisoned former President Chen Shui-bian has tried to take his own life, the justice ministry says.

In a statement the ministry said the attempt was made on Sunday night in Taichung prison in central Taiwan.

The statement added that he had used a towel in the attempt but was stopped by guards in a prison bathroom. He is now said to be in a stable condition.

Chen Shui-bian, 62, was the island’s president from 2000-2008. He is serving a sentence for corruption offences.

According to the statement, Mr Chen said he tried to take his own life to protest against his conviction.

“No serious abnormalities were found after a health check,” the justice ministry said.

The jail had arranged for a psychologist to see Mr Chen and his mood was “gradually improving”, it added.

Mr Chen had been receiving medical treatment in recent months for health problems, which according to local reports include severe depression.

His office has been seeking medical parole for him.

A

China: Poultry house fire kills 119

BLAZE at a locked poultry slaughterhouse in northeast China killed at least 119 people yesterday with several still unaccounted for, officials and state media said, triggering online outrage in a country with a grim record on fire safety.

The fire broke out just after dawn near Dehui in Jilin province. The provincial government said it sent more than 500 firefighters and more than 270 doctors and nurses to the scene, evacuating 3,000 nearby residents as a precaution.

China Central Television

showed thick black smoke pouring from a low-slung, onestorey building with an arched roof over part of it.

Flames shot through some rooftop vents, and firefighters on the ground and on high ladders poured water onto the roof and onto smoldering debris inside the building.

CCTV showed a backhoe punching through a wall so firefighters could aim more water inside.

“It was so fast - we first saw a flash, then there was a big ‘bang’,” an unidentified employee of the slaughterhouse

told CCTV. “We knew it was bad, so then we all ran. We didn’t know what happened, we didn’t know it was an explosion.”

The death toll prompted President Xi Jinping, on a visit to Latin America and the United States, to issue instructions to care for the injured and vigorously investigate the cause of the disaster, holding accountable according to law all found to be responsible, the television reported.

Premier Li Keqiang called on

firefighters and other emergency workers to proceed urgently to save lives as the top priority, CCTV said.

Local police said ammonia gas leaks might have caused the explosions, prompting the evacuation of residents, the China News Service reported.

More than 300 workers were in the plant at the time, with employees reporting hearing the bang and then seeing smoke, state news agency Xinhua said.

“About 100 workers have

managed to escape from the plant whose gate was locked when the fire occurred,” Xinhua said.

“The complicated interior structure of the prefabricated house in which the fire broke out and the narrow exits have added difficulties to the rescue work.”

The exact number of people missing was unclear, as was the cause of the fire, Xinhua said.

The Jilin government said 60 people were injured and had been rushed to hospital.

Turkish PM, president clash over protests

A

•‘Unite Against Fascism’ demonstrators shout across police lines at ‘English Defence League ‘ demonstrators, during a protest outside Downing Street, organised following the recent killing of British soldier Lee Rigby in Woolwich.

PHOTO: REUTERS

S riot police used tear gas against protesters for a fourth straight day in Istanbul, Turkey’s president and prime minister displayed wide differences yesterday in their responses to those taking to the streets. One death was reported.

Turkey has seen violent demonstrations since Friday, when police launched a pre-dawn raid against a peaceful sit-in protesting plans to cut down trees in Istanbul’s main Taksim Square. Since then, the demonstrations by mostly secularminded Turks have spiraled into Turkey’s biggest antigovernment disturbances in years.

The protests are seen as a display of frustration with Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whom critics say has become increasingly authoritarian. Many accuse him of forcing his conservative, religious Islamic outlook on the lives of secular Turks.

Erdogan rejects the accusations, insisting he respects all sections of Turkish society and has no desire to infringe on different lifestyles. He has also rejected accusations of being authoritarian, saying: “I am not a master but a servant” of the people.

Turkey’s main stock exchange dropped 10.5 percent Monday as investors worried about the destabilizing effect of the demonstrations on the economy. On the ground, a Turkish doctors’ group said one protester died after a vehicle slammed into a crowd in Istanbul.

Mahmoud Abbas appoints new Palestinian PM

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ALESTINIAN Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has appointed a new prime minister following the resignation of Salam Fayyad.

Rami Hamdallah, a Britisheducated academic and political independent, will take over.

He replaces Mr Fayyad who stepped down in April following a long-running and bitter dispute with the president.

The move comes as the US tries to revive the long-stalled peace process with Israel.

Mr Hamdallah, 54, now has the job of forming a new government in Ramallah, the administrative centre of the Palestinian Authority.

He is currently president of

al-Najah National University in the West Bank and seen as close to Mr Abbas’ Fatah party. He has not previously had a high-profile role in Palestinian politics.

Mr Hamdallah will be expected to act as a caretaker prime minister while the two main Palestinian political factions, Fatah and Hamas, continue drawn-out reconciliation talks.

The selection of Mr Hamdallah ends a period of political uncertainty after Salam Fayyad resigned as prime minister in April.

Mr Hamdallah studied for his PhD in linguistics in the UK and has had a long academic career.

However, he has never before held a high-profile po-

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SAMUEL

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All former document remains valid. The general public should please take note.

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PUBLIC NOTICE GIVE-THEM HOPE EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION The general public is hereby notified that the above name Foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: Engr. Sunday Bassey President Barrister Samson Ola General Secretary Mr. Mose Ebitu Assistant General Secretary Engr. Enobong B .Etuk Financial Secretary Mrs. Comfort Bassey Treasurer AIMS AND OBJECTIVES I. To rekindle the hope in troubled youths vocational training such as photography.

2. To encourage and assist the orphan and indigent youths in the country to undertake formal educational pursuits.

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•Chen Shui Bian

•Many trapped

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litical position.

In the immediate future the biggest challenge facing him will be dealing with the financial crisis in the Palestinian Authority (PA).

Shortfalls in its budget have prevented public workers’ salaries from being paid and led to strikes by teachers and doctors.

Several countries, particularly in the Gulf, have failed to keep their donation pledges.

The US recently announced a $4bn development plan to revitalise the Palestinian

economy but has not yet announced details of how the money will be raised through private investment.

The two sides split violently in 2007 with Fatah taking control in the West Bank and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

Last month officials on both sides announced plans to form a unity government

by August that would then prepare for new elections.

However, Hamas has described the appointment of Mr Hamdallah as “illegal”.

•Hamdallah

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2013

62

FOREIGN NEWS

Israel to send African migrants to third country

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SRAEL has reached an agreement to send thousands of African migrants to an unidentified country, according to a court document obtained yesterday, a plan that has elicited criticism over its potential harm to the migrants.

The plan, if implemented, is an attempt to address one of Israel’s more pressing issues: what to do with an influx of roughly 60,000 African migrants who have sneaked into Israel from Egypt over the past eight years.

Their arrivals have put Israel in a bind. Many Israelis believe that the Jewish state, founded in part as a refuge for Holocaust survivors after World War II, has a responsibility to help the downtrodden. But others fear that taking in tens of thousands of Africans will threaten the

country’s Jewish character and question the extent of Israel’s moral obligations beyond those of other nations.

Most of the migrants have come from Eritrea or Sudan, some fleeing repressive regimes and others looking for work.

Over the past year, Israel has taken a series of steps to halt the influx. It built a fence along the border with Egypt that has reduced the number of new arrivals from hundreds each month to just a trickle. Since last summer, it has imprisoned new arrivals while officials determine whether they meet the criteria for refugee status. Last year, Israel offered some migrants cash to leave voluntarily, warning they would be expelled otherwise.

Thousands of Africans still live in slums in Tel Aviv and other cities. Israel has been

unable to deport most of them because they would face harm if they returned to their countries of origin.

According to the document, a state lawyer told the Israeli Supreme Court on Sunday that a deal was reached with an unidentified country to absorb some migrants and that Israel was in talks with two other countries to secure a similar agreement. The details of the arrangement were not disclosed, although the state’s lawyer, Yochi Gnesin, said the return of migrants would be “gradual.”

Later Monday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu voted in favor of a bill prohibiting migrants from removing money from the country before their final departure.

“We have stopped the infiltration phenomenon into

Nigerian-linked Woolwich murder suspect appears in London court

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AISING his arm into a Usain Bolt pose, Michael Adebolajo kisses a copy of the Koran with his eyes closed.

The terror suspect went through this routine as he appeared in court today accused of murdering Drummer Lee Rigby.

Stooping in the dock with a large bandage on his left hand, the 28 year old demanded to be called ‘Abu Hamza’.

In court: Raising his arm into a Usain Bolt pose, Michael Adebolajo kisses a copy of the Koran with his eyes closed.

In court: Raising his arm into a Usain Bolt pose, Michael Adebolajo kisses a copy of the Koran with his eyes closed.

Exchange: Court artist sketch by Elizabeth Cook of a member of the public gallery blowing kisses at Michael Adebolajo in the dock at Westminster Magistrates’ Court

•With theatrics

Exchange: Court artist sketch by Elizabeth Cook of a member of the public gallery blowing kisses at Michael Adebolajo in the dock at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.

Clutching a copy of the Koran in his right hand, Adebolajo repeatedly interrupted the hearing.

At one point he said: ‘I’m only a man. I would like to alleviate the pain if I may.’

Then suddenly he held his hands aloft and closed his eyes before kissing the Koran.

Throughout the 12-minute hearing Adebolajo blew kisses towards a relative in the public gallery, understood to be his younger brother Jeremiah.

Wearing a white t-shirt and trousers, he remained seated when deputy chief magistrate Emma Arbuthnott entered Westminster Magistrates Court in London for

the hearing.

When he was told to stand by the court clerk, he asked: ‘May I ask why?’ The defendant was then told it was customary part of the court process, to which he replied: ‘Then I will sit’.

Addressing Adebolajo, the court clerk said: ‘I understand that you wish to be known as Mujahid Abu Hamza.’

Unusual: Michael Adebolajo made a series of gestures in the dock at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, including kissing the Koran while pointing the the sky.

Unusual: Michael Adebolajo made a series of gestures in the dock at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, including kissing the Koran while pointing the the sky Hearing: Woolwich suspect Michael Adebolajo, whose left arm was heavily bandaged, refused to stand in court this morning and held the Koran throughout.

Hearing: Woolwich suspect Michael Adebolajo, whose left arm was heavily bandaged, refused to stand in court this morning and held the Koran throughout his first appearance before the

Israel. Last month only two infiltrators entered Israel, compared to more than 2,000 a year ago. Now we are focused on the infiltrators leaving,” he said in a statement.

Critics said the deal reflects an abdication of responsibility by Israel and that Israel will not be able to properly monitor the migrants’ conditions once they are deported.

Tally Kritzman-Amir, an immigration law expert at the Academic Center for Law and Business in Tel Aviv, said that Israel could neither effectively supervise the conditions of deported migrants nor guarantee they would not be sent back to their home countries in the future.

“It is possible to transfer the migrants to a third country,” she said, “but the primary responsibility to the rights of the refugees still lies with Israel.”

Under the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, states are obligated not to send refugees to countries where they would face physical or political danger.

It is not clear whether that obligates signatories, of which Israel is one, to monitor the refugees indefinitely after they are deported.

Few other details on the deal were immediately available. Israeli Army Radio reported the country was in east Africa and did not suffer from any unrest that would harm the migrants.

Kritzman-Amir said that would make Uganda and South Sudan, which both have good relations with Israel, likely candidates, but she did not have inside information.

Gnesin said the countries involved in absorbing the migrants were doing so “in

•Netanyahu

exchange for one thing or another,” although it was not clear what they would receive in return. The Haaretz daily said that Israel had agreed to provide agricultural expertise as part of the deal.

The Supreme Court on Sunday ordered the government to provide details of the arrangement, including the name of the African country, within seven days.

Mali government accuses Tuareg rebels of ethnic violence

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•Adebolajo

courts.

The defendant replied: ‘That is correct.’ He was then referred to as ‘Mr Abu Hamza’ throughout the remainder of the hearing.

Adebolajo is accused of killing Drummer Rigby, 25, just yards from Woolwich army barracks in broad daylight on May 22.

Drummer Rigby, who leaves behind a two year-old son called Jack and a fiancée, died from multiple stab wounds and had to be identified by his dental records.

Adebolajo, from Romford, Essex, was shot by police and spent just over a week being treated for his injuries under armed guard in hospital.

HE Malian government on Monday accused Tuareg separatist rebels of violence against non-Tuaregs in the northeastern town of Kidal and said the army would retake it before a presidential election in July.

Tension over Kidal risk turning public opinion against France, which was feted for liberating Mali’s north from nine months of Islamist occupation in February but has come under criticism for allowing the MNLA Tuareg rebels to retain their grip on the desert town.

Mali’s interim government says it must reimpose its authority across its national territory before the July 30 election, which is meant to conclude a transition to democracy following a military coup in April 2012.

A government spokesman said it had received reports that armed groups in Kidal appeared to be carrying out a racial purge, including expelling non-Tuareg residents to the northern town of Gao. “When people are targeted because of their colour and are persecuted...if it is proved to be true, we call that racial purification,” Manga Dembele told a news conference in Bamako.

“The government will do everything possible to make sure the Malian army is in Kidal soon before the elections. The presence of the Malian army in Kidal is not negotiable,” Dembele said.

Malian army spokesman Colonel Souleymane Maiga said on Sunday the attacks mostly targeted the black Songhai, Peul and Bella ethnic groups. Some were seized and accused of being spies for the Malian army, he said.

A resident of Kidal who requested not to be identified told Reuters on Sunday that armed MNLA fighters were roaming the town, warning people from the south to leave.

“The shops are closed. We are ready to leave for Gao when calm returns,” the resident said by telephone.

France condemned the attacks on Monday, saying it had received reports of targeted violence and arrests based on skin colour.

“France condemns this violence and extra-judicial arrests and is calling for the release of the persons concerned,” a French government statement said.

A Paris-based spokesman in charge of human rights for the MNLA denied the detentions were based on race. He said the government was trying to inflame the situation by using what he described as dangerous language.

Over 60 countries sign Arms Trade Treaty

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ORE than 60 countries signed the landmark treaty regulating the multibilliondollar global arms trade yesterday and the United States announced it will sign soon, giving a strong kickoff to the first major international campaign to stem the illicit trade in weapons that fuel conflicts and extremists.

The announcement by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry that the U.S. - the world’s largest arms dealer - will sign is critical, but the treaty’s ultimate strength rests on support by all major arms exporters and importers. While the treaty was overwhelmingly approved on April 2 by the U.N. General Assembly, key arms exporters including Russia and China and major importers including India, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and Egypt abstained and have given no indication yet that

•US will sign, major importers yet to sign

they will sign it.

Signatures are the first step to ratification, and the treaty will only take effect after 50 countries ratify it.

Finland’s Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja, a key treaty backer, predicted that there will be 50 ratifications “within slightly more than a year - but the real test is, of course, getting those who still have doubts or who have not made up their minds, to sign on and ratify.”

The treaty will require countries that ratify it to establish national regulations to control the transfer of conventional arms and components and to regulate arms brokers, but it will not control the domestic use of weapons in any country. It prohibits the transfer of conventional weapons if they violate arms embargoes or if they promote acts of genocide,

crimes against humanity or war crimes, and if they could be used in attacks on civilians or civilian buildings such as schools and hospitals.

What impact the treaty will have in curbing the global arms trade - estimated at between $60 billion and $85 billion - remains to be seen. A lot will depend on which countries ratify and which ones don’t, and how stringently it is implemented once it comes into force.

The seven co-sponsors of the treaty - Argentina, Australia, Costa Rica, Finland, Japan, Kenya and the United Kingdom - issued a joint statement at a news conference Monday morning saying they were “heartened” that on the first day the treaty is open to signature so many countries were signing.

At the morning session, 62 countries signed the treaty.

At least one more, Germany, was expected to sign in the afternoon.

“It is vital that the treaty comes into force as soon as possible and is effectively implemented,” the co-sponsors said. “It is only then that the international community will have an effective tool to address the unregulated and illicit conventional arms trade that causes unspeakable human suffering throughout the world and undermines peace, security, stability and human rights.”

Germany’s Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle said yesterday’s event “sends a strong signal to the international community” of wide support for the treaty but stressed that “more is needed.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2013

63

TODAY IN THE NATION

‘Our government –at the federal level in particular

TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2013 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

I

T was entirely in character that the ruling PDP and its cohorts celebrated their “Democracy Day” in the penumbra of a brazen evisceration of a fundamental tenet of democracy that calls to mind the annulment, with the active collaboration of some of the very elements that now constitute its hierarchy, of the June 12, 1993, presidential election.

They rejected the clear outcome of that election, just as they have now rejected the unambiguous outcome of an election for the chair of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum. The quisling they trotted out in 1993 as head of an Interim National Government they confected to supplant the democratic choice of the Nigerian electorate was again trotted out as one of the stalwarts of their democracy.

So was the civilian president who for just a little more than four years presided over a government so inept and corrupt that the military that had handed power to him after 13 years in the saddle felt obliged to topple him.

Their “Democracy Day” has as its foundation May 29 1999, the day a military that had exhausted itself and driven Nigeria to the edge of ruin handed over the reins to Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, based on a Constitution he had not seen and the content of which he did not know.

It was a false foundation, and since then, Nigeria has been struggling just to muddle through with rare instances of mastery, and a penchant for celebrating mere intentions as if they were actual accomplishments.

For the most part, President Goodluck Jonathan tried to keep that penchant in abeyance when he presented his Administration’s report card on the first two years of his fouryear term and challenged his compatriots to issue their own report cards if they disagreed with the official assessment.

The verdict?

A solid pass on a wide range of metrics. And they reeled out all kinds of figures to back it up.

For the past two years, the economy has been nothing if not superheated, growing at an average. 7 percent yearly. The macro-economic and micro-economic policy environment has been stable, as has the exchange rate. Non-oil exports have almost displaced oil as Nigeria’s chief source of foreign exchange. Inflation has been kept on a tight leash.

A Sovereign Wealth Fund has been created to guarantee Nigeria a stream of revenue from investments. The commercial banks that were teetering on the edge just three years ago have been rescued and are now doing roaring business.

The trains that vanished more than a decade ago are back on the rehabilitated tracks, ferrying passengers and freight on the Lagos-Kano line, with shuttle services between major cities on the route. The re-furbished Kaduna-Port Harcourt line is expected to commence opera-

– has become a huge procurement machine spinning contracts without delivering value. ’

VOL. 8

NO.2,506

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

OLATUNJI DARE

AT HOME ABROAD olatunji.dare@thenationonlineng.net

Their ‘Democracy Day’

•Jonathan (second right); Vice President Namadi Sambo; First Lady Patience Jonathan and Sambo’s wife, Amina during the Democracy Day celebration in Abuja

tion soon.

Work is to commence, finally, on rebuilding what used to be the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway but is now so cratered that long stretches of it might be mistaken for a moonscape. The EastWest highway now has a better chance of being completed than ever. The nation’s inland waterways have been primed for resumed navigation.

Power supply regrettably still falls short of expectation, but that will soon be a thing of the past when the power stations being built are completed.

During the period under review, some 15 new public universities were established, and a good many of them are up and running. The favourable environment created by the Administration has also spawned several private universities, with more projected.

Agriculture is set for a major boost, what with new arrangements for supplying fertilisers directly to farmers rather than to rent-seeking middlemen, setting up industrial-scale rice mills all over the country to process the bounteous harvest expected from improved seedlings provided by the government.

And, yes, the war on official corruption is being waged earnestly and vigorously

And so on and so forth.

It is in the nature of this kind of report to be self-aggrandizing. Much in it belongs in the realm of aspiration. Some of the assertions fly in the face of the facts. The controversial pardon the President granted former Bayelsa Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, who was convicted in Nigeria of corruption and money laundering after fleeing from British justice does not square up with the claim that official corruption is being battled with vigour.

There is no denying, however that much in the report card qualifies as substantive achievement, for which Dr Jonathan and his Administration can justly claim credit.

At the same time, the matter has to be put in the proper perspective The economy has been growing at a fast, almost dizzying speed. But who has been reaping the benefits? Certainly not employees whose wages have remained stagnant, or workers who go unpaid for months on end, or pensioners pining away in the forlorn hope of receiving their stipends. And most definitely not hundreds of thousands of thousands of qualified young men and women able and willing to work but unable to find work several years after taking their degrees and diplo-

HARDBALL

P

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has not availed the country reasons for labelling the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) and the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) as national security threats. He owes the country a full explanation. Does the label have anything to do with the antecedents of the two groups both of which are regarded in many circles as ethnic militias? Or does it have anything to do with their present dispositions? Or perhaps, it has something to do with the lackadaisical manner the Islamist sect, Boko Haram, was at first handled before it snowballed into a full terrorist group. Whatever the considerations were, the country will be puzzled that the president has suddenly considered the OPC and MASSOB security threats almost at par with Boko Haram, the Islamist sect against which a full blown military engagement is underway.

During the presentation of the mid-term report of his administration in Abuja on Democracy Day last week, the president suggested that, “Nigeria faces three fundamental security challenges posed by extremist groups like Boko Haram in the North; the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra in the South-East; and the Oodua People’s Congress in the Southwest.” If this is not strong stuff, then consider his next statement.

SANYA ONI

mas.

The trains may be back on the tracks, but they are shabby and ponderously slow, with the socalled Lagos-Kano Express taking two full days and sometimes longer to chug its way through the 1,020 km (700 miles) route. That train may be preferred to no train at all, but in the age of the bullet train, it is not the kind of transportation any government should be advertising as a great achievement.

In the First Republic, Prime Minister Abubakar Tawafa Balewa used to ride the train all the way from Lagos to Bauchi whenever he was on vacation. None of the government officials touting the return of the trains as a major achievement has boarded the train even for the short trip from Abuja to Kaduna. Not even the Minister of Transport.

Information Minister Labaran Maku has been going round the country on a “good governance” tour to showcase the achievements of the Federal Government. At every stop, he cites the return of the trains as one of its transcendent achievements. But he hops from one top to the next in an executive jet.

In a world of brute empiricism and economism, it is easy to lose sight of the question that really matters when the performance of any government is being assessed. That question is this: To what extent has public policy improved the human condition?

Growth is not enough. It is a measure of the perversity of economic science that the economy can show phenomenal growth even as popular misery deepens. Growth has to be matched by development.

According to the late British economist Dudley Seers, the questions to be asked about a country’s development are these: What has been happening to poverty?

What has been happening to unemployment?

What has been happening to inequality?

“If all three have declined from high levels,” Seers wrote, “then beyond doubt this has been a period of development for the country concerned.”

Conversely, Seers continued, “If one or two of these central problems have been growing worse, especially if all three have, it would be strange to call the result ‘development’ even if per capita income doubled.” (emphasis added.)

This is the line of thinking that should concentrate Dr Jonathan’s mind and indeed the minds of all officials vested with political authority.

At the start of each day, they should ask themselves: What can I do today to improve the human condition in Nigeria? And at the end of each day, they should ask themselves: What have I done today to improve the human condition in Nigeria?

•For comments, send SMS to 08111813080

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

Jonathan’s perspective on OPC and MASSOB “The activities of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra and OPC,” he added tersely, “though not as violently intense as those of Boko Haram, they still pose a serious security challenge to the Nigerian state.” It was expected that the president would say something major on the security challenges facing the country, but no one thought he would make such sweeping statements that are capable of boxing his administration in?

Except the OPC is a sleeper cell of militants, there is nothing to show that in the past few years, it is an active militia able and willing to levy war against the state on the scale or even half the scale of the Boko Haram sect. In fact more than anything else, the OPC has become both a cultural organisation and security consultants to troubled and harassed neighbourhoods insufficiently serviced by the regular law enforcement agencies. Its leaders are not only known, they have also bidden for federal government’s lucrative pipeline security contracts, especially pipeline protection and surveillance jobs. In addition, their leaders are increasingly at the forefront of cultural activities, particularly those with tour-

ism potentials.

MASSOB’s leaders are known, and their offices are not hidden. They send out periodic press releases, grant interviews with their photographs emblazoned all over newspaper pages, and have advanced reasons for the Igbo to receive equitable share of national resources or, failing that, to enter into either a confederal arrangement with the rest of the country or outright autonomy and independence. They have advocated these causes openly through public channels. Admittedly, their advocacy has sometimes been accompanied by violence, but often they have been provoked by or resulted from a misunderstanding with law enforcement agents. In any case, because their members and leaders are known and their grievances understandable, if not legitimate, the state has a responsibility to engage them within the confines of the law. It will be counterproductive to radicalise them.

This is, however, not to say there are no fringe elements within both groups, just as there are fringe elements acting more dangerously and independently in other areas of national life. Indeed, this column had in

the past worried that the elite in both the Southwest and Southeast had engaged in unregulated romance with ethnic militias, a habit it concluded amounted to an abdication of the reasoned leadership they should give conservative and radical elements within their regions. However, it amounts to a hasty and extreme measure to label the two groups as security threats before engaging them in discussions and monitoring their activities to establish a pattern of constitutional subversion. It must be recalled that the federal government also failed to engage Boko Haram until it gradually metamorphosed into a terror group after its leaders were extrajudicially murdered. The same mistake must not be repeated.

By summarily describing the OPC and MASSOB as security threats, the president will face intense criticisms from puzzled citizens.

He will also endure unflattering comparisons between his kind consideration of Niger Delta militants to whom placatory mouth-watering contracts have been given and the heavyhandedness with which he seems prepared to deal with the considerably tame and ostensible militias from other parts of the country.

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