June 05 2015 by The Nation

10 die in Ondo tanker accident

NEWS Page 9

Newspaper of the Year

•Houseboy steals Bolaji Akinyemi’s N11m watch P51 •Kidnappers demand N20m to free Ondo regent, aides P9 •ICPC grills PSC chair Okiro over N275.5m polls cash P4 •Kashamu: NDLEA challenges court’s jurisdiction P7

•Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

VOL. 10, NO. 3236 FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2015

•www.thenationonlineng.net

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

•INSIDE: SENATE RATES PERFORMANCE HIGH P5

N150.00

DEBT: FIRM SUES JONATHAN CAMPAIGN P6

Senate president: Lawan group in push for ranking •12-man team visits Oyegun From Yusuf Alli, Abuja and Musa Odoshimokhe

ANKING will determine who becomes Senate President – should All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders embrace a suggestion by a 12-man delegation pushing the Lawan/Akume ticket. The group has presented the Senate Rules to the APC chairman, Chief John OdigieOyegun, insisting on ranking. On the floor of the Senate yesterday, Senate President David Mark ruled out the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the race. Mark, responding to Akume’s comment at the final session of the seventh Senate said: “Because Senator Akume thanked me, let me also thank him and remind him that we are in the PDP and election of incomContinued on page 4

•Policemen look at burnt vehicles at the scene where at least 90 people were killed in a petrol station fire in Ghana's capital, Accra ... yesterday. The fire broke out at the filling station in the Kwame Nkrumah Circle area of the city late on Wednesday night and is thought to have spread from a nearby residence. PHOTO: AFP

U.S. team for Nigeria to join Boko Haram fight Nigeria, Chad ‘to pursue sect everywhere’ Sect kills 27 in Borno, Adamawa

‘N8b fraud’: Six more bankers arraigned From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

HE last batch of six Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) staff and 16 other bankers were yesterday arraigned before Justice Adeyinka Faaj of a Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. The stage is now set for the trial of the accused persons in the alleged N8billion currency fraud. Docked yesterday at the resumed arraignment of the bankers were three CBN officials – Kolawole Babalola, Olaniran Muniru Adeola and Toogun Kayode Phillip. The others are Ajuwon Bolade and Samuel

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

HE United States (U.S.) is set to join forces with the Muhammadu Buhari administration in the battle against Boko Haram. The Obama administration will send a team to Nigeria in the next few weeks to discuss with the government ways to renew cooperation in the fight against the sect, a senior U.S. diplomat said yesterday. In N’Djamena, the capital of Chad yesterday, President Buhari and his host President Idris Derby pledged to pursue the sect members “everyWILL THE where”. CHIBOK GIRLS They spoke after a biKIDNAPPED lateral meeting on the acON APRIL 15,

LAST YEAR EVER RETURN?

Continued on page 4

•President Buhari and President Derby (right) at the N'Djamena airport ... yesterday.

PHOTO: AFP

Continued on page 60

•POLITICS P17 •SPORTS P24 •MESSAGE P44 •SOCIETY P45 •FOREIGN P59

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2015

NEWS

‘We shall overcome’

•From left: President/Vice Chancellor, Babcock University, Prof J.A. Kayode Makinde; Keynote Speaker/Chairman, Heirs Holdings, Tony O. Elumelu; former governors Babatunde Fashola (Lagos); Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano) and Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti) at the Fourth Post-Graduate Convocation/conferment of Honorary Doctorate Degrees of the institution at IlishanRemo, Ogun State...yesterday.

Many states are finding it difficult to pay salaries and it is no longer news that Osun is one of such states. Its helmsman Governor Rauf Aregbesola explains that his administration’s inability to pay as at when due is not because of financial recklessness and profligacy. The problem, he insists, began in 2012 with the spike in a minimum wage unilaterally imposed on states by the Federal Government. Besides, the governor says the unending drop in statutory allocation and the dwindling oil prices at the international market have not helped matters. But, in his address at the inauguration of the Sixth Assembly in the Living Spring state, the governor foresees light at the end of the tunnel.

•From left: Dirctor of Finance, P&G Nigeria, Mr. Marco Colachia, Managing Director, George Nassar, President, India, Middle East & Africa, Mohammed Samir and Director, Global Government Relations, Mrs. Temitope Iluyomi at the opening of a new P&G Corportate Head Office at Isaac John, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos. PHOTO: JOHN EBHOTA

•From left: Acting Managing Director, Vitaform Nigeria Plc., Mr. Taiwo Adeniyi; Company Secretary/Legal Adviser, Mr. Lekan Sanni and Chairman, Dr. Dele Kakanjuola at the company’s Annual General Meeting at NECA House, PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLIAMS Ikeja...yesterday.

•From left: Head Corporate Publications & Conferences, First Bank Plc., Mr. Oze K. Oze; Head, Brand Management, Mrs. Bukie Oluyadi; Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications, Mrs. Folake Ani- Mumuney; Secretary-General, African Public Relations Association (APRA), Yomi Badejo-Okusanya and APRA Coordinator, Kayode Yeku at a Thank You visit by the association to First Bank’s Corporate Headquarters, Marina, Lagos...Wednesday. PHOTO: ADEOLA SOLOMON

T gives me great pleasure to declare open the Sixth State Assembly of Osun. Exactly four years ago, I had the privilege of inaugurating the Fifth Assembly. It has pleased God Almighty to entrust into my hand for the second time this sacred duty and I give Him all the praise. I congratulate all the honourable members of this house for your election and the unique privilege to be of service to your people and the Osun State. But I must first thank the Speaker of the Fifth Assembly, Rt. Hon Najeem Salaam, the leadership and other distinguished and honourable members of the house for their understanding, diligence, cooperation and unalloyed service to their people and the state. Before I proceed further, please permit me, as is my custom, to sing the first stanza of my old school anthem titled: ‘Moment of Decision’ written by J Russel Lowell (1819-91). Once to every man and nation, Comes the moment to decide In the strife of truth with falsehood, For the good or evil side: Some great cause, God’s new Messiah, Offering each the bloom or blight: And the choice goes by for ever ‘Twixt that darkness and that light. Your inauguration came at a very critical period in the annals of our state. This is a paradox of a sort. The general elections of late March and early April were a revolution as they, for the first time, saw a genuinely progressive government sweep through the country in most states and the Federal Government. This is a thing of great joy to us, but it also met our state in the condition of a very gripping financial challenge. Here again, I must salute and thank our people for their unshakable faith in us and for giving us absolute majority in this house. Your election (and inauguration today) is a resounding vote of confidence in us that we will surmount our challenges and overcome our problems. You cannot disappoint them. History will vindicate us. When our administration was inaugurated over four years ago, we met many daunting challenges, including debt burden and infrastructure decay. We set to work, especially with the cooperation of the Fifth Assembly, and began to restore hope for our people, make government meaningful and put the state on a sound and sure footing. You will recall that in less than 100 days, we engaged 20,000 youths in public works through Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (OYES). Also, through financial engineering, we were able to restructure the debilitating loan we met and put the state on a sound financial traction. We then embarked on an aggressive infrastructure development drive never witnessed before in this state.

You will recall again, that for nearly a year, we did not constitute a cabinet. This was to enable us make considerable savings. We set about our duty with uncommon vigour and courage. This saw us touching every area of life in education, agriculture, job creation, road construction, culture and tourism, environmental sanitation and beautification, flood control, rural development and so on. We were also able to execute the most ambitious and biggest social welfare programme in this country; programmes that impacted directly on every family and household in the state. We were able to integrate government’s spending into the local economy in a way that our spending reflates the economy – enhances productivity, creates jobs, sustains families and households and significantly boost the GDP of the state. These social welfare programmes also constitute a sizeable portion of our recurrent expenditure as we put in place O’YES, O’UNIFORM, O’MEALS, Agba Osun, destitute rehabilitation, O’REAP, O’HUB, cattle ranch, school construction, flood control and so on. We have invested in our people’s development and have sown good seeds into their today and tomorrow. In the process, we not only lived within our means, we also made huge savings in two and a half years. We fulfilled our financial obligations to not just to workers and retirees, but to every person doing business with us. When it was time to raise the level of capital projects in the state, we approached financial institutions and within the bounds of best practices, we secured facilities at favourable terms. We never exposed the government unnecessarily. This is contrary to the claims of scoffers and traducers who maliciously painted us as financially reckless and profligate.

Minimum wage From the records, problem began in 2012 when our expenditure increased as a result of the spike in minimum wage. This was when we applied the increase to junior workers only. Then, our total emoluments rose to N2.7 billion from the N1.4 billion I met in November 2010. By December of that year, it hit N3.5 billion. At the same period, our statutory allocation (from where we are required to pay salaries) increased marginally from N2.1 billion in 2010 to N2.5 billion in December 2012. By July of 2013, our total emoluments hit N4 billion while our statutory allocation was N2.1 billion. By then we had extended the increase to other workers. The summary of five years reveal that in the two months of 2010, we received a net allocation of N4.2 billion and paid a total emoluments of N3.6 billion. This left us with a net gain of N573 million

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2015

NEWS

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This is contrary to the claims of scoffers and traducers who maliciously painted us as financially reckless and profligate. • Governor Aregbesola with House of Assembly Speaker Najeem Salam at the Assembly Complex in Osogbo... Tuesday.

from our statutory allocation.

Dwindling allocation In 2011 also, we got N29.9 billion net statutory allocation and spent N25.8 billion on emoluments with a net gain of N4 billion. However, in 2012, we got N28.4 billion and expended N31.6 billion on emoluments. This left us, for the first time, with a deficit of N3.2 billion. The following year, 2013, our statutory allocation had dropped to N26.4 billion while our emoluments rose to N36.9 billion. This gave us a whopping N10.4 billion deficit. In 2014, our statutory allocation fell further to N19.3 billion and by which time we were already defaulting on some of our obligations on emoluments, which had also dropped to N22.4 billion, but still left us with a deficit of N3 billion. In summary, between November 2010 and December 2014, we got a total statutory allocation of N108.3 billion and our expenditure on emoluments was N120.4 billion. It left us with a total deficit of N12 billion. The above scenario only covers our expenditure on salaries and other emoluments, if we are to include other recurrent expenditure, it will give us another scenario. In the period under review, our total recurrent expenditure was N206 billion while our statutory allocation was N108.3 billion. If we add other accruals from Abuja to our income, it will only add up to N176.5 billion and we will still be left with a deficit of almost N30 billion, which means that the state would not have been able to run government. Even when we add our internally generated revenue, we were still only able to muster N204 billion and still short

by N2 billion. It simply means that all our earning from all sources between 2010 and 2014 could not carry our recurrent expenditure.

Falling oil prices The drop in statutory allocation in 2013 was attributed to theft of over 400,000 barrels of crude daily but later, the fall in oil price from over $100 to about $50 per barrel only compounded the crisis. In 2015, the net statutory allocation in January was N1.25 billion, in February, it was N1.12 billion, in March, it dropped scandalously to N624 million while April figure dropped further to N466 million. As I said earlier, our statutory allocation began a precipitous fall in 2013 while our salaries and emoluments began a steady climb. The contrasting state of our allocation from the federation account is highlighted by the peak of our allocation of N5 billion we received in February 2013 against the N466 million we just received for April. These details will put a lie to the accusation that we were profligate. How could we have been profligate when our statutory allocation alone cannot meet our obligations on salaries and other emoluments? The financial challenge we faced was enormous and daunting and a disaster was mitigated by our prudent management and sheer financial wizardry that made us to get so much from so little. It could have been worse. We should see the cup as half full, instead of half empty. Another factor that raised our emoluments expenditure was our commitment to pensions. When we began in

November 2010, we were paying N200 million pension monthly and so for 2010, we committed N400 million. However, in 2011, we increased our monthly pension obligation to N250 million and we had to pay N3 billion in that year. By March of 2012 our pension obligation has risen to N300 million monthly which cost us N3.5 billion for that year. But in December 2012, about 5,000 retirees were added to the 9,000 strong army of pensioners in the state and in the following year, 2013, we increased our monthly pension bill to N520 million and paid out N5 billion in that year. That same year, another set of 3,500 workers retired at the local government to enlist in the local government pension brigade. By the time we started defaulting in 2014, we had already committed a total of N4.9 billion to pensions. It is on record that I was the first to raise the alarm in 2013 that the mysterious drop in allocation amounts to waging war against the states. I was vilified then by a section of the press and the Federal Government was not even ready to listen to our cry. No fiscal instrument of succour in stabilisation, augmentation and other assistance was extended to us, even as our allocation continued to drop. It was like they were mocking us by saying: ‘Good for them, their financial ruination will make us to easily defeat them in the coming elections’. But we survived this by the infinite grace of God and the unflinching support of our people to emerge triumphant in the governorship election of 2014 and the general elections earlier this year.

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Great challenge, huge opportunity Distinguished honourable members of the House, you are coming in at a time of great challenge, but with great challenge also comes an opportunity for greatness. While our capital expenditure for the period we are reviewing was N85.3 billion, our total recurrent expenditure was N206 billion of which emoluments alone constitute N120.4 billion (58.5 per cent). This makes capital expenditure only 29.3 per cent of our total expenditure. This is anomalous and it calls for creativity and astuteness in raising our revenue profile, balancing our books and reverse the capital-recurrent expenditure ratio, in order to bring development to our people and justify the mandate given to us. We have been able to shock and awe our opponents, critics and traducers in the past four years with outstanding performance in all areas. We were able to do this partly because we got facilities from bonds and loans at favourable terms but we still have an outstanding debt of N75 billion. Our outstanding mandatory expenditure in salaries and pensions for 2014 is N13.1 billion. Between January and May this year alone, we have accumulated mandatory expenditure of N16.5 billion in arrears. But we must run the government, provide infrastructure, develop our people through qualitative education, good healthcare services provision and recreation facilities and bring prosperity through job creation and enabling entrepreneurs. The parliament is the first refuge of

the people because it is composed of lawmakers elected directly to represent their constituencies – make good laws for their governance, secure their welfare and protect their interest. It is from parliament, though under a parliamentary system, that Chief Obafemi Awolowo launched on January 7, 1952 the welfarist and progressive government that kick-started the second stage of Yoruba civilisation with the attendant prosperity and development of Yorubaland in all facets. This challenge is therefore your opportunity to be great and write your name in gold, irrespective of your political party. The parliament is also noted as a symbol of the legitimacy of government as expressed in its support by people paying tax. James Otis, it was, who said that taxation without representation is tyranny. This was in protest of the British occupation of the Americas and forcible exaction of taxes from the subjects without political representation at the British Parliament. This led to the rebellion that culminated in American independence in 1776. The converse of this principle is that if it is immoral to exact taxation without representation, by the same token, it will be inappropriate to have representation without the supporting taxation. The time has come for our people to brace up and support the government with their taxes.

Improving IGR base Indeed, the only way we can survive, or any government for that matter, is to generate our own revenue and be self-sufficient. Long before this crisis came, I was the first to make the case for self-reliance and severance of our dependency on allocation from Abuja. We have abundant human and material resources and we can sustain ourselves if we look inwards. The difficult can be done at once; while the impossible only takes a little longer. This is our finest hour. We will overcome this challenge. We will fulfil our mandate. We will serve our people. God, who was with us in our first term, will not desert us. We will emerge from this triumphant and stronger and our people will have cause for singing and rejoicing. Distinguished lawmakers, ladies and gentlemen, permit me once again, to close with the last stanza of my school anthem. ‘Though the cause of evil prosper, Yet ‘tis truth alone is strong; Though her portion be the scaffold, And upon the throne be wrong, Yet that scaffold sways the future And behind the dim unknown, Standeth God within the shadow, Keeping watch above his own.’ Finally, let me thank the honourable lawmakers – the returning members, the outgoing ones and new members. I wish you a successful tenure and good service to your people and the state. To the distinguished audience, I thank you all for your kind attention. Osun a dara!

Issues facing President Buhari, by Brookings scholars

UST last week, President Muhammadu Buhari was inaugurated at the Eagle Square, Abuja, as part of a historically peaceful and democratic transition of power in sub-Saharan Africa’s most populous nation. And this new president has his work cut out for him: slowing growth, low oil prices, and subsequent declining government revenues are threatening its economy, which is the biggest in the region. In addition, the Boko Haram insurgency still rages on in the north, though Nigeria and its neighbours have made recent strides in fighting the group. To address these challenges, President Buhari has already offered a blueprint for his administration: Shortly before his inauguration, he released his 100-day plan, what he calls “My Covenant with Nigerians,” in which he states commitments to supporting agriculture, stamping out corruption, tackling insecurity, and boosting health, among many other objectives. But to what extent is his plan achievable? What are the realistic expectations for the Buhari administration? What are the biggest obstacles in his way? And, as Brookings Africa Growth Initiative Non-resident Senior Fellow Richard Joseph put it, with this peaceful transition, has Nigeria’s hope for democratic development

been renewed? Next Monday, the Africa Growth Initiative (AGI) is convening a panel of Nigeria experts to discuss these (and other) opportunities and challenges President Buhari is facing at a public Brookings event entitled: “Nigeria in transition: Prospects and challenges for the new government.” In the build up to this event, AGI scholars and colleagues have produced a number of briefs on the economic, political, and security developments in the country over the past few years. Here is a recap of some of this work:

Oil and Nigeria’s economy Nigeria’s economy depends heavily on oil. In fact, crude oil accounts for over 70 per cent of its government revenue — so, the past year’s major decline in oil prices has hit the country hard. In a piece on the consequences of falling oil prices on the continent, Amadou Sy discusses how these dropping commodity prices caused the naira to depreciate, making it even harder for the country to service its debt. In times of low prices, many experts, like AGI’s Non-resident Senior Fellow Vera Songwe, recommend that policymakers take advantage of the opportunity and remove fuel subsidies. The subsidy system, along with strikes by fuel

marketers and unions, has also been blamed for the oil scarcities and widespread power outages just last week. These are not the only problems related to oil: Inquiries over accusations of embezzlement of $20 billion from crude oil sales have been taking place for months. Nigeria’s political transitions The first quarter of the year saw Nigeria’s most closely fought election in its history. Nigerian politics are particularly complex, as AGI’s Foresight Africa 2015 explored: Religious, geographic, ethnic, and security issues, among others, create a multi-faceted political landscape. The recent emergence of President Buhari’s new political party — the All Progressives Congress (APC) — through a merger of disparate parties created a true competitor for the former ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP). According to AGI Senior Fellow Mwangi Kimenyi, the results of this election were a “surprise” to many — and not necessarily in that Buhari was the winner. For example, unlike many Nigerian watchers’ predictions, there were relatively few incidences of violence, even though the six-week postponement of the elections made many nervous. Also, and, perhaps most importantly, Buhari’s rival, former President Goodluck Jonathan, defied re-

cent trends in the region and quickly respected the election results and agreed to step down. For more information not only on historical political transitions since the end of colonialism, but those of other sub-Saharan countries too, check out AGI’s new interactive the “African Leadership Transitions Tracker.”

Security and Boko Haram President Buhari, a former military leader, still faces an uphill battle in the fight against Boko Haram, whose frequent attacks remain a consistent threat to peace and security, especially in the north of the country. While Nigeria and its neighbours Cameroon, Niger, Benin and Chad have made in-roads into Boko Haram territory, the group continues to perpetuate kidnappings, bombings, and other violence. In the wake of the 2014 kidnapping of some schoolgirls in Chibok, Bornu State, and as Western forces and actors contemplated heightened involvement in the region, Richard Joseph, highlighted key issues for policymakers as they consider their choices and strategies. At the same time, and as part of a wider AGI study on the impact of conflict on agriculture in West Africa, AGI posted a series of blogs examining the origins, goals, and potential trajectory of the continuing conflict with Boko Haram.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2015

NEWS Suicide bombers kill 27 in Yola, Maiduguri

•Senate President David Mark (sixth left) Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu (fifth left) and other principal officers from (right): Senators Ganiyu Solomon, PHOTO: NAN Ahmed Yerima (third right), Ndoma-Egba, Abdul Ningi, George Akume, Abu Ibrahim and others at the end of 7th Senate in Abuja ... yesterday.

ICPC quizzes PSC chair Okiro over N275.5m polls training cash

HE Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) yesterday quizzed the Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), Sir Mike Okiro, for over six hours over alleged mismanagement of N275, 525,000 million to train staff of the PSC to monitor the conduct of policemen during the general elections. Okiro, who was interrogated with five others between 9.51am and 4.10pm, was not detained, but granted an administrative bail. The N275.5m was said to be extra-budgetary and its source has been kept secret.

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

The vote was beyond the N151, 739, 280 approved by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP). The BPP also described the application for approval by the PSC as a deliberate attempt to circumvent due process. Clad in a Niger Delta attire, the former Inspector General of Police, got to the antigraft commission’s headquarters in a black Toyota Land Cruiser (SUV), marked T 98 01 FG (PSC) He was ushered into the investigation unit at about

9:51am with some top officials of the PSC including Chief Accountant, Bisala A. A., the Director of Administration and Finance, Ibeh E. C and his Police orderly, George Todonu. Some officials of the PSC like Bello B. and Raymond Imiobo joined the grilling session at about 11.20am. A top official of the ICPC said: “Okiro and some officials of ICPC were invited for interrogation. They made some useful statements. They will still appear before our investigators because investigations are still ongoing.”

The row over the management of the funds led a Principal Administrative Staff, Mr. Aaron Kaase, to write a petition to ICPC and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Although Kaase’s petition is dated May 21, 2015, the PSC suspended him from service on May 27 and backdated the letter of suspension to the same day he blew the whistle on the fraud. Investigation by our correspondent revealed that the PSC secured approval to spend the huge funds to train its staff in Abuja, Kano and Lagos on March 23, which was five days to the general elections.

•Okiro

The said controversial cash of N275.5m was spent between March 28 and April 11. In two separate letters to the Bureau of Public Procurement, the PSC sought for approval to spend the money on training of staff.

U.S. team for Nigeria to join Boko Haram fight Continued from page 1

tivities of the sect, which has been operating across the borders. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry was at Buhari’s inauguration last week. This underscores U.S. interest in working with his government. Tensions emerged between the former government of President Goodluck Jonathan and the Obama administration last year over corruption and human rights abuses by the military in its campaign to crush Boko Haram. In his inauguration speech, Buhari vowed to defeat Boko Haram and called the group, which pledged allegiance to the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq in March, “mindless” and “godless”. ”With the new government, we are optimistic we can reset the relationship,” U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Africa Linda Thomas-Greenfield told a congressional hearing. “We want to work with him and have expressed that to him.” She said Buhari had committed both publicly and privately to “do everything possible to address the situation in terms of resources and staff” to tackle Boko Haram, which launched its insurgency in 2009.

U.S. officials have said the United States could send more advisers to Nigeria to train its military and help boost the economy, the largest in Africa, through more investment in its oil and gas sector. Thomas-Greenfield said the United States was encouraged that Buhari’s first trips were to neighbors Niger and Chad, which are part of a multi-national force being set up to fight Boko Haram’s insurgency in the Lake Chad region. Nigeria’s Major-General Tukur Buratai has been appointed to head the new force, which will be funded partly by the international community. ”He is someone we have worked with and someone we feel will be a positive force on the multinational task force,” she said, adding that Buhari was still studying options to fund a stepped- up effort to tackle Boko Haram. A communiqué issued at the end of President Buhari’s oneday visit to Chad said both leaders agreed on the need to quickly make the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) fully operational to effectively combat terrorism in Northeast Nigeria and “everywhere” that Boko Haram operates. The two Presidents called on

the international community to The President said when it besupport the Lake Chad Basin comes fully deployed and funcCommission and neigbouring tional, the MNJTF, which comcountries to combat terrorism prises Nigeria, Chad, Niger and and insurgency. Cameroon, will secure and “Both Heads of State agreed stabilise all the areas affected by that the war on Boko Haram the Boko Haram insurgency. should be supported by emerHe reaffirmed his conviction gency development initiatives in that with greater cooperation areas affected by this insurgency among Nigeria and group. neighbouring countries, the “This will help to overcome Boko Haram insurgency will be the harmful effects faced by lo- brought to an end very soon. cal populations,” the Buhari thanked Chad for her communiqué said. invaluable support in the fight President Buhari paid tribute against insurgency and terrorto the gallantry of Chadian sol- ism. diers who have engaged in opHe said: “Your troops have erations against Boko Haram stood shoulder to shoulder and and condoled the families of fought gallantly with ours in the their comrades who were killed fight against the forces of evil. in action. “This is a remarkable show of While in the Chadian capital, good neighbourliness, which President Buhari also met with we must reinforce in the years Gen. Buratai, who has just been ahead.” appointed Force Commander of The President said the harthe MNJTF whose headquarters rowing images of displaced citiwill be in N’Djamena. zens of both countries, in search Yesterday’s visit was the sec- of safety and succour must spur ond of the two-leg trip by Buhari their governments and others in to neigbouring countries to the sub-region to do more “to galvanise them for the final on- restore their dignity and give slaught against Boko Haram. them the relief they need”. Buhari was in Niger Republic on On the bilateral relations beWednesday. Buhari noted that the security of Nigeria and her neighbours were intrinsically linked, adding HE death toll from that it is very essential that they Wednesday’s blast in cooperate on security issues in Maiduguri has risen to a robust and sustained manner. 18, a civilian vigilante assisting the military against Boko Haram told AFP yesterday. “We retrieved 18 dead bodLawal Shuaibu, the National ies from the scene and many Vice Chairman (South), Chief people with injuries,” Olusegun Oni, the National Danlami Ajaokuta said of the explosion on the city’s Baga Secretary, Mai Mala Buni, A source in the team said: Road, which happened at “We met the National Chair- about 17:30 on Wednesday. Explosives are believed to man and some of the national officers and demanded that have been left near a garage ranking should be followed opposite a military unit, with in choosing the next presi- many of the victims, roadside dent of the Senate. This is the mechanics, taking a break convention all over the from work. No fewer than six people world. who died were recovered in Continued on page 60 the immediate aftermath,

Senate: Lawan group pushes for ranking Continued from page 1

ing leaders is the matter for APC and not for PDP. The APC will meet with Senators-elect tomorrow on how its members could forge a united front on Tuesday. The party may also dump plans to conduct a shadow election for the two leading aspirants – Sen. Ahmed Lawan and Sen. Bukola Saraki. The 12-man delegation, which was led by Sen.

Barnabas Gemade, met with Odigie-Oyegun on Wednesday night in Abuja. Other Senators-elect on the team were Adamu Aliero, Abdullahi Adamu, Abu Ibrahim, Sola Adeyeye, Gbenga Ashafa, Kabir Gaya, Bukar Abba-Ibrahim, Abdullahi Gumel, Jibrin Barau, Paullen Tallen and Nafiz Suleiman. Those with Odigie-Oyegun at the session were the National Chairman (North), Sen.

tween Nigeria and Chad, Buhari noted that both countries were bound by “nature’’, adding that they must therefore work together to find lasting solutions to border management, migration and movement of goods and services. The President also thanked President Deby for attending his inauguration ceremony on May 29 in Abuja, adding that he would return to Nigeria with the assurance that Nigeria and Chad are poised to intensify their cooperation. President Deby praised Buhari for his “wise decision’’ to relocate the Nigerian Military Command centre from Abuja to Maiduguri. The Chadian President said that the decision, which was announced in President Buhari’s inaugural address, was a right step towards restoring peace and security to states affected by terrorism, and the sub-region. He assured President Buhari that Chad will continue to work with Nigeria to achieve lasting peace and security in the subregion, given their historic, cultural and economic ties.

HERE were two explosions through suicide bombers last night in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital and Yola, the Adamawa State capital. A female suicide bomber killed eight soldiers and injured three others at a checkpoint in Maiduguri, military sources said yesterday. A fighter with a civilian defence group, Bashir Malam, said the bomber exploded the car as soldiers were checking it outside Brigadier Maimalari Barracks on bustling Baga Road during the evening rush hour. Malam counted the bodies of eight soldiers. In Yola, 19 people reportedly died from explosions in the town after evening prayers. The explosion, at around 1615 GMT, struck near army barracks and followed a spate of bombings in the city by Boko Haram. The sect has killed around 80 people in the last few days. The female bomber, who wore a veil and concealed explosives on her body, detonated the bomb beside a checkpoint on the outskirts of the city, said military sources. A resident of Yola Salihu Aliyu, was quoted by Premium Times as saying that the blast happened in front of the Jimeta main market at about 7:45pm. “We just finished observing the Maghrib prayer when we heard a loud blast in the direction of the market,” he said. He said the casualty figure is likely to be high because the explosion occurred as many traders closed their shops, and started rushing home. “You know many traders also come out of the market and display their wares outside the main market to also observe the night market,” he said. “There was even traffic gridlock in the area with many Keke Napep operators jostling for passengers when the bomb exploded.” One witness said at least 10 people were killed and about 30 injured. Some policemen at the scene, said up to 19 people died. They however did not want to be quoted because they were not authorized to speak to the media.

Borno blast death toll now 18

Ajaokuta said on Wednesday. He said “many people” were injured, some of them seriously, and were taken to hospital for treatment. “The death toll may rise further,” he added. Early on Saturday morning, Boko Haram fighters shelled the city but were repelled by the military and a suicide bomber later killed 26 at a mosque. On Tuesday morning, suburbs again came under fire from rocket-propelled grenades and at least 13 people were killed in a suicide attack at a cattle market. About an hour before the Baga Road attack, residents in the village of Tunkushe,

some 12km north of Maiduguri, said a car exploded at a checkpoint. There were no immediate indications of casualties. Boko Haram, which was founded in Maiduguri in 2002, has been pushed out of captured territory and towns in northeast Nigeria by a coalition of troops from Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroon. But sporadic attacks continue. President Buhari has made ending the six-year insurgency a priority for his administration.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2015

NEWS

Ex-militants, soldiers clash on East-West Road

ROTESTING ex-militants yesterday clashed with soldiers attached to the Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Pulo Shield, on the Mbiama axis of the East-West Road. They trooped to the road about 7am to protest the nonpayment of their allowances by the Presidential Amnesty. The protesters led by the Bayelsa State Third Phase Amnesty Chairman, Mr. Ebi John, were said to have obstructed free traffic flow. Travellers and motorists were stranded. Shortly after they barricaded the road, military patrol vans and two Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) driven by armed soldiers arrived. The soldiers were said to have shot into the air many times to dislodge the youths from the road. But the youths persisted in their protested and the armoured carriers went after

Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa and Bolaji Ogundele, Warri

them and in the process hit a woman who was caught up in the protest. The timely arrive by some members of the Bayelsa State Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) led by the Chairman , Mr. Tiwe Oruminighe brought to situation under control. Oruminighe appealed to them youth to leave the road to avoid violence and bloodshed. He said blocking the road was not a solution to their plight, promising that the leadership would seek to resolve the issues. He said the Federal Government is concerned about the problems of the Niger Delta problems, pleading out President Muhammadu Buhari be given time to solve them. He said notable APC leaders such as former governors Timipre Sylva, Rotimi Amae-

We came here to talk with you to leave the road. It is a federal road and does to belong to Bayelsa State. If you block that road you are not helping the government at the centre which has come to create wealth for us. chi and Edo State Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshomhole, would not let down the region under the Buhari administration. Addressing them, he said: “We came here to talk with you to leave the road. It is a federal road and does not belong to Bayelsa State. If you block that road you are not helping the government at the centre which has come to create wealth for us. “As brothers, I want you to understand that we need to join hands together to give

small time to the government to create what we want. “We have some notable sons and daughters that are already in this government such as Timipre Sylva, Amaechi, Oshomhole and many others who will be taking our matter to the President. “I want to promise you that your matter will be taken to the highest level and will be addressed in the shortest possible time”. Also yesterday, activities around the PTI Junction end of the East-West Road in

Warri, Delta State were grounded as members of the third phase of the Amnesty Programme took over the road while protesting the non-payment of their stipends for two months. The protesters they would not located the Director of Finance and Accounts Ayoola Peter to pay them. The ex-militants, led by the National Secretary of their phase of the programme, Tam Odogwu, alleged that Peter’s cellphone went dead the moment the funds for the payment of the monthly stipends were released to him. The protest, which started around 7:30am, lasted about one hour, until the protesters were dispersed by a combined team of soldiers and mobile policemen. The rowdy situation disrupted both commercial and vehicular activities. Addressing reporters, Odogwu alleged that there were still over 10,000 ex-mil-

Reps approve Buhari’s 15 Special Advisers

Senate performed excellently, says Mark

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

•Ndoma-Egba faults calls for cut of lawmakers’ pay

UTGOING Senate President David Mark yesterday praised the senate for its performance in the last four years. Mark, in his contribution at the valedictory session to mark the end of the 7th Senate, said the red chamber recorded landmark achievements. Mark said: “Let me in all modesty say that the 7th Senate achieved some measure of success in the areas of the number of bills that were passed, motions moved, in our oversight functions and in our legislative duties. “Some landmark bills passed by this Senate include but not limited to; Pension Reform Act 2014, National Health Act, Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act and the Terrorism (Prevention) Act. “In addition, we received parliamentary delegations from Gambia, Benin Republic and the China while over 27 delegations from the Senate attended international conferences and seminars. We also honoured invitations from the Parliaments of Czech Republic and China. “In spite of the difficult political and economic climate within which we worked and despite our own internal challenges, we can end this Senate convinced that we represented our constituents and Nigerians with the most noble of intentions and to the best of our abilities. “I must confess that within the last four years, we matured politically. That was why when some Senators defected from one political party to the other, we still maintained one united Senate. “Even though the political intrigues of the last four years sometimes slowed down important legislative

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

business, they nevertheless enriched our democratic understanding and I consider them equally important to the democratic process. “It is also important to note that we gave maximum support to the National Institute of Legislative Studies (NILS). “I am happy that the institute has made remarkable progress in such a short time with its influence extending to other African countries.” Despite these achievements Mark, the 7th Senate could not say it fully achieved its goals. He said: “We gave a nod to the clarion call for a national conference but the report unfortunately came very late. “However, as much as we tried, we did not meet all the target we set for ourselves. “For instance, we were not able to pass the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) and our constitution amendment is stalled. “Whatever our achievements are, we are all well aware that we are yet to attain our goal. However, the 7th senate has laid a solid foundation which the 8th senate can build upon. “I desired and worked for a National Assembly that would have its own Radio and Television Stations, a Specialist Hospital and relocation of the National Institute of Legislative Studies to its permanent site. These projects are ongoing.” Outgoing Senate Leader Victor Ndoma-Egba noted that between June 2011 and June 2015 591 bills were introduced out of which 123 were passed; others are at various stages of legislative processing and consideration. According to him, among the bills considered and passed are bills that have far reaching impact on the polity.

•Mark (right) and Ekweremadu...yesterday.

Some landmark bills passed by this Senate include but not limited to; Pension Reform Act 2014, National Health Act, Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act and the Terrorism (Prevention) Act. The 7th Senate confirmed a total number of 429 persons between 2011 and 2015 Ndoma-Egba said within the same period, 115 motions were considered with concomitant resolutions approved. He added that despite the penchant of the former President Goodluck Jonathan-led Executive not to comply with National Assembly resolutions, the various resolutions nevertheless served as a mor-

itants awaiting their various reintegration trainings at both home and abroad. He said they were upset over the demeaning treatment which he claimed, may returned them to return to the creeks if nothing was done to redress situation. He pleaded with President Buhari to expedite payment of their outstanding allowances and make provisions for their trainings. ‘’We are fully in support of President Mohammadu Buhari’s administration but will not tolerate anything that will work contrary to his good plans for Niger Delta Amnesty Programme beneficiaries and we also beg Mr President to continue the programme until the end of his tenure in office,” he said. The Amnesty Office, in a statement on Wednesday, said the delay in payment had nothing to do with Peter. It blamed it on the change of government and urged the ex-militants to be patient.

al compass of putting the Executive in check. He stated that notwithstanding non-compliance with its resolutions, the Senate effectively collaborated with the Executive in the overall national interest, stabilising the polity without undermining the integrity and independence of the Senate. He observed that the 7th Senate, is remarkable for a number of reasons which helped to ensure stability in the polity. Ndoma-Egba said: “For once, a party in government lost to a party in opposition; a milestone in our democracy.” He noted that there are lessons to be drawn from the last elections, saying: “A second term is no longer taken for granted, incumbency has its limitations, impunity is unsustainable anywhere and internal party democracy is the only assurance to electoral victory.” He lamented that effort to give Nigerians a constitution of their dream was frustrated by the Jonathan administration. He said: “Even though the review of the 1999 Constitution which is a military con-

PHOTO: NAN

traption was paramount in the legislative agenda of the 7th National Assembly, its effort to bequeath an acceptable constitution was enmeshed in a legal quagmire induced by the Executive, the entire process, efforts and resources needlessly dissipated.” Ndoma-Egba cautioned incoming Senators championing the cause of reducing the salaries and allowances of legislators now perceived to be on the high side, to thread with caution. He said: “For those who will soon be members of this hallowed chambers, who believe that they will be gaining mileage by championing long worn fictions of imaginary pay, let me remind you that you will not be the first in this purposeless crusade. “Like those before you, you will soon go quiet.” Those who witnessed the session included a delegation from the House of Representatives, former Senate Presidents Joseph Wayas, Ame Ebute, Ken Nnamani, former Deputy Senate President, Ibrahim Mantu, and former Senate Leader Teslim Folarin.

HE House of Representatives yesterday approved the request of President Muhammadu Buhari to appoint 15 Special Advisers. The motion for the approval was moved by the House Leader Mulikat AkandeAdeola. In the motion titled: “ Appointment, renumeration, etc of Special Advisers to the President pursuant to section 151 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended,” the leader noted that Section enables the President to appoint any person as Special Adviser to assist him in the discharge of his function. She stated: “That Section 151 (2) of the Constitution empowers the National Assembly to, either by law or by resolution, prescribe the number of such Special Advisers, their renumeration and allowances,” adding that the President has requested the National Assembly to approve 15 Special Advisers to assist him in the performance of his functions. Akande-Adeola noted that the National Assembly had previously approved renumeration and allowances for the Special Advisers of former President. She urged the House “approve 15 Special Advisers for the President who shall to be paid renumeration and allowances enjoyed by previous holders of the office.” The motion was passed without any debate after acting Speaker Emeka Ihedioha called for a voice vote.

•Akande-Adeola

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2015

NEWS

Jonathan’s campaign chief Alli, PDP sued over N70m debt

HE Director-General of former President Goodluck Jonathan’s Presidential Campaign Council, Ahmadu Ali, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and some others have been sued over their alleged refusal to pay for services rendered by some organisations engaged for the campaign. Silon Concepts Limited, in a suit filed before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), alleged that Ali, the PDP and former Finance Minister, Senator Nenadi Usman, who served as the Director of Finance in ex-President Jonathan’s campaign orgnisation, have refused to pay an outstanding N70million balance for a campaign contract awarded it. The firm averred that it was engaged to provide “voice SMS campaign broadcast,” which it sent to eligible voters on behalf of the PDP’s presidential candidate, former President Jonathan before the March 28, 2015 presidential poll. The plaintiff stated that the defendants were unwilling to pay the N70m balance of the N100m contract sum. It urged the court to, among others compel the defendants to pay the outstanding sum and

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

N15m as the cost of the suit. Silon also seeks “an order compelling the defendants to pay N15m as cost of the suit and an order compelling the defendants to pay the bank an annual interest rate of 10 per cent on the sum of N70m until the said sum is fully liquidated”. Silon claimed, in its originating processes, that the PDP, through Alli, agreed to pay it N100m for a contract of sending ‘Voice SMS campaign broadcast’ to eligible voters as part of the campaign for the party’s presidential candidate. Silon claimed that it successfully executed the project with continued assurance from the defendants that the balance would be made available in no distant time. Silon’s Managing Director, Sylvester Odion stated in a statement of claim that the PDP only paid N20m as initial payment instead of N30m as agreed and that the ex-Finance Minister, Nenadi Usman paid the N20m through a cheque in the name of a company, Joint Dimension Nigeria Limited, whose account Usman serves as the sole signatory. Odion stated that the PDP had agreed to pay the full bal-

ance for the contract to his company before the election. He added that following consistent demand for payment by his company, the PDP only issued a cheque of N10m to his company on May 19, 2015, remaining a balance of N70m. “That I know the plaintiff’s offer was accepted by the defendants on March 5, 2015 wherein it agreed to pay the plaintiff the sum of N100m only for the project. “That I know that the terms of its engagement as clearly highlighted in the defendants letter of engagement, the approved sum of N100m only was to be paid before the kickoff of the project but only the sum of N20m was released to it for the takeoff with the promise to pay the balance before the 2015 presidential election. “That I know the said sum of N20m was paid to the plaintiff by 3rd defendant (Usman) through a cheque of a company known as Joint Dimension Nig. Ltd of which the 3rd defendant is the sole signatory. “That considering the caliber of the persons involved the plaintiff had no cause to doubt the credibility of the offer. That the plaintiff went ahead and executed the project

Ogunsakin vows to deal with corrupt officers

A •Alli

successfully with continued assurance from the defendants the balance will be made available in no distance time. “That the defendants failed to honour their words and could not pay the balance and the plaintiff made demand (letter dated March 26, 2015) for payment of the balance through the office of the then 1st defendant’s chairman Board of Trustees and adviser, presidential campaign organisation (Chief Tony Anenih). “That the defendant could not pay the balance notwithstanding the said demand but only issued another cheque of N10m to the plaintiff on May 19, 2015. “That I know the plaintiff held series of meetings with the defendants before and after the issuance of the last cheque demanding the payment of the balance but the defendants remained adamant.” The case is yet to be assigned for hearing.

SSISTANT Inspector General (AIG), Zone 2 Tunde Ogunsakin has vowed to deal with corrupt officers in his zone. Zone 2 comprises of Akwa Ibom, Cross Rivers, Ebonyi and Rivers states. He spoke at the command headquarters in Calabar during an address to the four commissioners under his command. Ogunsakin said: “I have an allergy for corruption and will therefore deal decisively with officers who indulge in corrupt practices. You must warn all your officers and men to eschew any sharp and corrupt acts that will drag the image of the Nigeria Police Force into disrepute. My “X” Squad Team has commenced monitoring within the Zone and the names of all officers and men found wanting in their conduct is being compiled for appropriate disciplinary actions. I must emphasize that bail remains free for all cases.” He urged them to intensify stop and search. Ogunsakin said: This must be intensified and geared towards the recovery of arms, ammunition, explosives and other incriminating items that may have been stocked for the purpose of perpetrating violence during the electioneering period. “Raiding of black spots and criminal hideouts: This should be intensified and reports made to my office. All the arms lost by our Policemen before and during the electioneering period must be recovered forthwith.” He added that Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and Heads of Formations must wake up to their responsibilties. His words: “I am closely monitoring the performance of every DPO and Heads of Formations in your respective commands. No officer should allow his domain to be made a hide-out for criminals. They must be seen to dominate their jurisdictions and exude convincing crime prevention and detection skills. There may be need for me to carry out inter-state transfers within Zone 6 Command to change officers that are not performing up to my expectation.” On professional conduct, he said:”You must enjoin all officers and men under you to be professional in the performance of their Police duties. The members of the public that we serve must be treated courteously and not be brutalised.” The zonal Police chief also seized the opportunity to seek for cooperation of members of the public in the fight against crime and criminality. He urged all law abiding citizens to go about their business without let or hinderance and warned all perpetrators of crime to expect the full wrath of a rejuvenated Nigeria Police.

Activists, children seek honour for Kudirat Abiola •19th anniversary marked in Lagos

•ALL FOR KUDIRA T: •From Left: Deputy General-Secretary, Trade Union Congress, Comrade Simeso Amachree; Chief Gani KUDIRAT Fawehinmi’s widow, Ganiyat; President, Campaign for Democracy Woman Arise, Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin; Chief Mko Abiola’s son, Abdulmumuni; Chairman, NADECO, Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu and Others, during a commemorative rally and wreath laying to mark the 19th Anniversary of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola’s assassination in Lagos...yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

Wike becoming sole signatory to govt accounts sad, says APC

HE Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Rivers State chapter, Chief Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, has described as bad the decision of Governor Nyesom Wike to become the sole signatory to government bank accounts. Ikanya said it is one of the signs that Wike was not prepared for governance. He said: “Apart from dreaming of Amaechi anytime he closes his eyes, which he does at most of the public functions he attends, Wike is busy intimidating banks, permanent secretaries and civil servants in Rivers State and allotting to himself the status of sole signatory to the bank accounts of all the government agencies in the state, including local government councils’ accounts. These steps, apart from being inimical to the peace and progress of Rivers State, have put the state in bad light, both nationally and

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

internationally.” He described Wike’s one week as governor as a disaster foretold, accusing him of running a motor-park administration. Ikanya, yesterday in Port Harcourt, through his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Media and Public Affairs, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, expressed optimism that Wike would soon be thrown out by the election petitions tribunal sitting in Abuja, over the massively-rigged April 11 election. Rivers APC chairman said: “The first one week of Wike’s administration has vindicated our well-known stand that he is not prepared for governance and will be a disaster if he accidentally finds himself in power, which has now hap-

pened, through his unjust declaration as governor by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). “What is being witnessed in Rivers State under Wike’s watch makes the heart to bleed. While it is true that Wike never had a programme for Rivers State, we had expected him to attempt to implement the Roadmap for Rivers Development, which he copied from our governorship candidate, Dr. Dakuku Adol Peterside, but he could not, as a poor student, demonstrate an idea of what governance is all about. All that Wike is busy doing since he assumed office is telling the world that Amaechi did this and Amaechi did not do this. “If the immediate past Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, is the sole agenda of Wike, then INEC

has done an irrevocable damage to Rivers State and its people, by imposing Wike, who lacks a basic understanding of what it takes to govern a complex state like Rivers. “If one considers the seriousness which many newlyelected governors in the country have demonstrated by setting out targets to achieve within their first one hundred days in office, then it becomes obvious that a great tragedy has befallen Rivers State in the person of Wike.” Ikanya also pleaded with the people to bear whatever pains Wike might inflict on them, which he described as temporary. He urged the governor to stop chasing shadows and cease his unwarranted attacks on Amaechi. The Rivers APC chairman warned that any further disparaging attack on Amaechi would no longer be tolerated.

OME activists and non-governmental organisations yesterday in Lagos called on the Federal Government to immortalise the late Alhaja Kudirat Abiola. They spoke at her graveside in Ikeja, at a programme organised by Campaign for Democracy (CD), Women Arise and Kudirat Initiative for Democracy (KIND) to mark the 19th anniversary of her death. Kudirat, the wife of the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, late Chief MKO Abiola, was shot dead by gunmen on June 4, 1996, on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. Her death occurred while her husband was still in detention. The President of CD, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, said 19 years after Kudirat’s death, the perpetrators of the heinous act had not been brought to book. “It is an indictment of the criminal Justice administration system in Nigeria that 19 years after the dastardly act, a closure is yet to be brought to the gruesome murder. “The anniversary of her assassination is a moment to recall her heroic deed and to demand justice for her by putting the justice system in Nigeria to task on the culprits of the barbaric act,” Okei-Odumakin said. She called on the Federal Government to immortalise Kudirat, saying at the moment, only the Lagos State Government had named a road after her. Mrs. Ganiyat Fawehinmi, widow of late human rights activist and lawyer, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, called on the Federal Government to strengthen the judicial system and bring Kudirat’s killers to book. “Until those who killed Kudirat Abiola are brought to book, her spirit will continue to hunt them. “Kudirat stood for democracy and lost her life; that fight that she fought should not be in vain.”

Don lists criteria for growth From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

PROFESSOR of History, Toyin Falola, has said for Nigeria and the rest of Africa to develop, mismanagement, bad politics and corruption must be eliminated. He spoke at a conference organised by the Postgraduate School, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso with the theme:” Sustainable Development in Africa in the 21st Century”. Falola said: “Since 1960, our problem has been centred on economic hardship, poverty, hunger, poor infrastructures among others. The underdevelopment of Africa is a product of the same people that developed europe. “I think it would be better to measure a country’s growth and development by its Gross National Happiness(GNH) than the mathematical flow of cash.” The Vice Chancellor of LAUTECH, Prof Adeniyi Gbadegesin, said Africans must be more preoccupied with creating a society in which “we make prudent use of conserve and invest in our God-given. Resources for societal developmental advantages, especially to guarantee sustainable developmen”. The Dean Postgraduate School, LAUTECH, Prof Frank Ebijuwa, poverty and diseases must be tackled.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2015

NEWS amendment: Senate Reps pass PIB, 10 reports, others Constitution fails to override president’s veto on last day T T HE Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) has been passed by the House of Representatives on the last day of the Seventh House of Representatives. After the passage of 11 reports and 14 of 15 bills sent for concurrence by the Senate, the House adjourned sine die (indefinitely), barring any unforeseen circumstance. The Oil and Gas Export Free Zone Act (Amendment) Bill, 2015 passed by the Senate was deleted from the 15 bills sent for concurrence. The House said there was a need for further scrutiny of the Bill due to its importance on the nation’s economy. The others scaled second and third reading following the suspension of relevant House Rules. Taking a cue from the backlash that followed the passage of 46 Bills within minutes by the Senate the previous day, Acting Speaker Emeka Ihedioha said the House must go through the right legislative procedure to pass the bills. According to him, it was lack of understanding of legislative procedures that resulted in the

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

editorial headlines that greeted Senates passage of the Bills. He said the Senate was in order but that the House would take its time to ensure that relevant procedures were adhered to. “It is important the people understand us and that is why we need to explain how we arrived at this juncture. “What the House is going to do is not unusual, but if any member has a reservation about a particular bill sent for concurrence from the Senate, it is to raise it so that we defer it and pass the rest,” he said. Chairman, House Committee on Rules and Business Albert Sam-Tsokwa said time was not on the side of House but that the House is empowered to suspend relevant rules to address such issue when it occurs. The bills include the Nigerian Army Institute of Technology and Environmental Studies (Establishment) Bill, National Social Welfare Commis-

sion (Establishment) Bill, Labour Safety and Health Bill, Acts Authentication Act, 1962 (Amendment) Bill and Nigerian Football Association Act, Cap. N110, LFN, 2004 (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill. Others are Corporate Manslaughter Bill, 2015; Animal Health and Husbandry Technologists (Registration) Bill, 2015; Criminal Justice (Release from custody) (Special provisions) Amendment Bill, 2015; Border Communities Development Agency (Amendment) Bill, 2015; Hydro-Electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2015; Nigerian Automotive Industry Development Plan (Fiscal Incentives, Assurances and Guarantees) Bill, 2015; Engineers (Registration, etc) Amendment Bill, 2015 and Proceeds of Crime Bill, 2015. The bills scaled second and third readings successfully, except one that was deleted. The 422-clause PIB was also passed after the House ad hoc panel had realigned contentious clauses that had caused

several suspensions of the consideration of the bill. However, no lawmaker opposed the solution found to the contentious clauses by the ad hoc panel as consideration continued from clause 347 to 422. On the passage of the PIB, Ihedioha said: “We took deliberate steps in passing the third reading of nine bills. These were done painstakingly. “On PIB, we took our time with an ad hoc committee that was in all the geo-political zones. “These actions were taken because we believe we have one Nigeria. “Now, the bulk of the job is left for the Senate, but if they cannot deal with it, we believe that the 8th Assembly would know the extent of work that has gone into it. Ten other reports were also considered and passed. At the end of the day’s business, Ihedioha asked the House Leader, Mulikat AkandeAdeola to move for the adjournment of plenary sine die (indefinitely) barring any unforeseen circumstance. He said the life of the 7th House would terminate on Saturday, June 6, 2015

•From right: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) LtGen. Kenneth Minimah, Corps Marshal and Chief Executive of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Boboye Oyeyemi and Deputy Corps Marshal Charles Theophilus, when Minimah visited the FRSC Headquarters Abuja... yesterday.

Kashamu: NDLEA challenges court’s jurisdiction on extradition

HE National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) yesterday challenged the jurisdiction of a Federal High Court in Lagos to entertain a suit filed by Senator-elect Prince Buruji Kashamu against plans by the agency to extradite him to the United States of America (USA). At the resumed hearing of the committal charge before Justice Ibrahim Buba, counsel to NDLEA James Sunday drew the court’s attention to a motion asking the court to set aside its order of May 26, restraining the agency from arresting Kashamu. He informed the court that the agency has not been served with originating summons and submitted that the court ought not to have made the order. Following the siege on Kashamu’s Lekki home by operatives of the NDLEA as a result of an alleged extradition request sent by the USA for the senator-elect to answer drug trafficking charges, he approached the court to stop the agency from arresting him. Arguing before Justice Buba yesterday, counsel to Kashamu, Ajibola Oluyede, told the court his client spent six days in his toilet hiding from men of the

NDLEA. He told the court that men from the NDLEA only vacated Kashamu’s residence after he (Oluyede) was compelled to sign an undertaking. He added that without signing the undertaken, they would not have left the building. ‘’The only reason they left was because I signed an undertaken. My client was in a toilet for six days with 20 masked armed men in his bedroom. So, I signed the undertaking before they left, they should not claim to have obeyed the order of the court’’, he said. Oluyede prayed the court to declare as illegal, any fresh moves by NDLEA to extradite Kashamu to the U.S., given that there are subsisting judgments. He also urged the court to nullify any warrant of arrest that might have been obtained through any source in an attempt to extradite his client. Oluyede also prayed for an order directing the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to provide police security to protect the applicant from any attempt on his life.

But, in a Bench ruling, Justice Buba held ‘’that the only matter before the court is the committal proceeding, but it appears all the parties are not ready to address it’’. Justice Buba held that although the court’s attention has been drawn to the motion on notice filed by NDLEA seeking to set asides the orders of the court made on May 26, but added that the motion is not ripe for hearing. Reiterating his earlier orders, Justice Buba said: ‘’At the expense of being repetitive, the defendants who are alleged contemnor are once again ordered not to do anything that will undermine the suit before the court. It is the duty of all parties to obey the order of court. ‘’Therefore, counsel should note that the motion to set aside the order of court and the main application has not been argued. So, the court has to adjourn this matter in order for parties to be served appropriately so that justice can be done.’’ Justice Buba held that “the judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction subsists”, adding that there are options

HE question whether the National Assembly will override the veto of former President Goodluck Jonathan on the Fourth Alteration of the 1999 Constitution was laid to rest yesterday. Senators of the Seventh National Assembly, at their last session, finally failed to override the former president’s decision. The upper chamber, which ended the Fourth Session of the Seventh Senate yesterday, decided to postpone the touted veto override. Although the motion titled: “Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Fourth Alteration) Bill 2015 (SB.547) Veto Override”, was listed as the first business of the upper chamber, it was curiously dumped by the senators. The item was against the name of the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, who was chairman, Senate Ad-hoc Committee on Constitution Review. Senate Leader Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba moved that the item should be taken in another legislative day. Unfortunately, another legislative day for the Senate would be the inauguration of the Eight Senate probably on June 9th, 2015. It is not clear why the Senate decided to defer the veto override to another legislative day. But observers were worried that the billions of naira spent to prosecute the constitution amendment would have been a waste of resources. Former President Jonathan had, while withholding assent to the Constitution Amendment Bill, claimed that the National Assembly did not follow laid down constitutional procedures in passing the Bill. The matter later went to the Supreme Court, which asked parties to the suit to settle out of court.

EU appeals death penalties in Nigeria

HE European Union Delegation in Nigeria has appealed to Federal Government to reconsider cases of people on death row in the country. It urged Nigeria to commute or, where appropriate, pardon the death sentences of many death row prisoners. The body, in a statement, argued that such magnanimity would help enhance respect for human life. EU, which was reacting to the recent pardon granted to Moses Akatugba by former Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, said such a gesture would avoid the harsh and irreversible consequences, if it was later discovered that there was a miscarriage of justice. The statement reads: “The pardon of Moses Akatugba sentenced to death for an offence committed when he was 16 years old - by outgoing governor is a commendable decision and significant step forward for Nigerian justice and

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

the human rights of its citizens. “The EU and its member states oppose the death penalty. We commend the Governor of Delta State for his actions in this case; and appeal to the Nigerian authorities to commute or, where appropriate, to pardon the death sentences of the many death row prisoners across the country.” The 24-year-old Akatugba was sentenced to death by execution for stealing three phones eight years ago and has spent eight years in prison. He was 16 years when he committed the offence. The decision to pardon him was made known shortly after the last executive meeting of the governor at the Government House, Asaba, the state capital, on May 28. Aside granting pardon to Akatugba, Uduaghan also commuted death sentences of three others to various terms of imprisonment.

Nasarawa poly management, HE management of unions clash

•Judge orders status quo

By Precious Igbonwelundu

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

T •Kashamu

open to alleged contemnors to set them aside by going to a superior court. He said whether the orders were made rightly or wrongly, parties are bound by that order of the court no matter how perverse the order seem to be. “Therefore, the orders of the court made on May 26 still subsist. The alleged contemnors are hereby ordered not to do anything to undermine the hearing of the committal suit before this court,” he added. Consequently, Justice Buba adjourned the suit to June 19, for hearing of the contempt proceedings filed against the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Mohammed Adoke (SAN) and the NDLEA Chairman, Ahmadu Giade. Kashamu sued Adoke and Giade to court after the move to extradite him to the U.S.

Nasarawa State Polytechnic and the institution’s union, comprising the Joint Action Committe (JAC), Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) and Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics (SSANIP), are now quarrelling over some policies, which the unions are frowning at. One of the contending issues is the refusal of the heads of the unions to back the rector’s plan to downsize the workforce According to a statement made available to The Nation yesterday in Lafia, such decision, the union said, “is hostile” to their interests. The JAC chairperson, Mrs. Benedicta Njoku, and some of the heads of the unions accused the management of not promoting workers. They aslo accused the institution of buying cars and spending money on hotels. Mrs. Njoku alleged that the institution’s management bought cars worth over N30 million and spent more 45 million on hotels.

From Johnny Danjuma, Lafia

The JAC chaiperson acknowledged that the relationship between the management and the unions was “cordial right from time”. But she said “emerging developments have forced them to part ways”. According to the JAC boss, the workers’ grievances on welfare, unpaid and inherited claims, non-payment of 2014 arrears, and non-implementation of 2015 promotion are yet to be addressed. The workers said the management’s attitude forced them to speak to the media. But the polytechnic’s Deputy Rector, Dr. Hassan Sani, explained that although the Federal Government was yet to give financial backing for the 2014 promotions, “efforts are being made to address the issue and some other ones raised by the unions”. Registrar of the institution Mrs. Fatu Sabo, however, faulted the claims by the union that the management was hostile to union matters.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2015

NEWS New president for League of Imams From Bisi Oladele and Sikiru Akinola, Ibadan

HE League of Imams and Alfas in Yoruba land, Edo and Delta states yesterday announced Sheik Jamiu Keulere as its new president. It made the announcement after its general meeting in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. The meeting was preceded by that of the Executive, where the decision was initially taken. The announcement was made by the General Secretary, Sheik Hammed Aladesawe. He presented the new president to the larger house, saying he was promoted to the new position having served as the Deputy President. The former President, who was the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheik Suara Haruna, died in April. The announcement was greeted with applause by all members in attendance. Keulere is the Chief Imam of Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital. He is also the first Ekiti indigene to lead the league. He will be turbaned in Ado-Ekiti at a later date. Keulere called on President Muhammadu Buhari to appoint capable individuals, whowill render selfless service to the nation. The league offered special prayer for the Buhari administration with emphasis on defeating Boko Haram.

‘Aregbesola’s son wasn’t arrested’

HE Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos Command of the Nigerian Customs Service has said it did not arrest the son of Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, Kabiru, for alleged money laundering on May 12. The Acting Public Relations Officer, MMIA Command, NCS, Victor Ogagbo, said yesterday that the report was false. Ogagbo said some people inquired about the “arrest”. “I told them that the governor’s son was not arrested at the Lagos Airport. “The report is false. We did not arrest him. People made enquiries and we told them it was false,” Ogagbo said. The Osun State government also refuted the claim. In a statement by the Director, Bureau of Communication & Strategy, Office of the Governor, Semiu Okanlawon, the government said Kabiru neither travelled nor was he detained by security agencies for money laundering.

The statement reads: “It has become pertinent to inform Nigerians that there is no iota of truth in the story, claiming that Kabiru Aregbesola was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. “We have discovered that the authors of the wicked and malicious lie are doggedly pursuing their agenda by engaging in an aggressive push for the falsehood to reach a larger population, especially using the social media. “The younger Aregbesola neither travelled nor did he have any encounter with any security personnel. “It is obvious that these evil minds are out to tarnish an innocent young man’s image in order to get at his father. “Governor Aregbesola is a disciplined family man with well-behaved children. “The public are therefore urged to dismiss this falsehood.”

Fashola to leaders: re-dedicate ORMER Lagos State yourselves

Governor Babatunde Fashola has urged leaders to rededicate themselves to serve the nation. Fashola spoke yesterday at the postgraduate convocation of Babcock University, Ogun State. Former governors Fashola Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano) and Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom) were awarded honorary degrees. He said: “Honorary degrees, such as this, would achieve the purposes I assume they were meant to achieve. “Those purposes as I understood them are to spur recipients to do more; to commit those who are serving to re-dedicate themselves; to inspire those who have not served to aspire to do so and perhaps to focus the attention of all on the value, virtue and honour that intrinsically lie in serving the people.” Fashola thanked public servants and those who supported him during his tenure. He described his adminis-

By Oluwatoyin Adeleye

tration as a privilege and an honour. Kwankwaso said he will cooperate with his successor, Governor Umar Ganduje, to ensure the continuity of the free education policy and scholarship in the state. He said his administration sponsored over 2,600 students to study abroad and is sponsoring 1,195 students in various private universities. He gave the breakdown as 300 in Bells University, Ota, 200 in Crescent University, Abeokuta, 250 at Igbinedion University, Okada, 400 at Caleb University, Lagos and 45 in American University of Nigeria, Yola. Fashola was awarded Doctor of Humane Letters, Honoris Causa and Kwankwaso Doctor of Science in Global Economic Development, Honoris Causa. Akpabio was absent at the event. One hundred and ninety one students were conferred with postgraduate doctorate degrees.

•The Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh AbdulGaniyu Agbotomokekere (second left) raising the hand of Sheikh Keulere...yesterday

Ekiti indebted to election contractors, says ex-bank chief A FORMER Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, Chief Samuel Bandele Falegan, has said Ekiti State owes an “election contractor” N650 million. Falegan, who is a former Director of Research in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), said the deduction of the N650 million from source to pay the unnamed contractor is partly responsible for the government’s failure to fulfill its financial obligation to workers and contractors. The elder statesman, in a statement yesterday, described recent media attacks on former Governor Kayode Fayemi as mischief borne out of bile, envy and an attempt to halt his rising political profile. He also lampooned some

•N650m paid monthly to unnamed contractor From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado Ekiti

columnists for their scathing attacks on Fayemi, accusing them of allowing jealousy, and hatred to becloud their sense of reasoning. He said: “I know it is a conspiracy, but I pray that one day those behind it will regret their actions. “It is regrettable that his critics conveniently forgot all the circumstances that led to the loss of the governorship election. “Fayemi’s critics allowed envy, jealousy, hatred, conspiracy, inordinate ambition to cloud their sense of judgement in their attacks on an innocent man, who fell vic-

tim to federal might.” Falegan, who holds the traditional title of Atoye of Ado Ekiti, also took a swipe at critics who are rating Governor Ayodele Fayose above Fayemi. “It is mischievous of critics to praise a man who has mortgaged the state above a successful man like Fayemi”. “How many sons and daughters of Ekiti know that the governorship election was contracted? “The contractor has been taking N650 million from the state treasury since October 2014 after Fayose’s swearing in. “Mind you this money is deducted from source. This

is a standing order exclusive of recurrent benefits in contract awards. Records existed for an agreement of resignation over failure to fulfil contract terms. “The monthly deductions explained why Ekiti workers are not being regularly paid in the last seven months, but which was mischievously blamed on Fayemi’s debt.” Reminding All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders that Fayemi’s detractors were not doing them any good, he said South West APC leaders should be careful in the handling of attacks on the former governor. Falegan said Ekiti elders were not comfortable with masked individuals in Ekiti, who are bent on damaging the former governor’s reputation.

Oyo Assembly passed 61 bills in four years

HE seventh Oyo State House of Assembly closed business on a joyous note yesterday with the disclosure that it passed 61 bills in the last four years. Members cracked jokes and threw banters at one another as they reflected on their experiences since June 10, 2011, when the Assembly was inaugurated. The 32 lawmakers, who belong to three parties, worked in harmony throughout the period, a clear departure from previous experience. The Assembly closed indefinitely with a valedictory service at the chamber.

•Lawmakers wind up on joyous note From Bisi Oladele and Jeremiah Oke, Ibadan

Presenting the score card, Speaker Monsurat Sunmonu reeled out the achievements of the seventh Assembly. Mrs. Sunmonu, who is the senator-elect for Oyo Central, said the Assembly considered 85 bills but passed 61. She added that the Assembly mediated in several disputes. Her words: “We considered 85 bills in the last four years - eight are at the first reading stage and 16 at sec-

ond reading stage. Sixty one bills have been passed into law. We have passed both executive and private members bills to provide legal framework for government business and activities. “We have also passed 387 resolutions. These records are testament to the character of the individuals who comprise this Assembly. You are congratulated individually and collectively. “A key contributor towards our productivity was the various trainings and

workshops we attended. “We attended leadership training in the United Kingdom at the inception of this government, functionary training in South Africa and also had legislative training at various points. “We also created jobs by employing an additional 102 junior staff. “The creation of the House of Assembly Service Commission, which is responsible for personnel functions, has brought Oyo State at par with other assemblies. The commission has promoted 28 junior staff and has gradually increased its workload with time.”

No vendetta against APC lawmakers, says Fayose

•Fayose

KITI State Governor Ayo Fayose has said he would not seek vendetta against the 19 All Progressives Congress (APC) law-

makers. Describing the last few months as a “very traumatic period for him”, the governor, who spoke in a broadcast yesterday, said he would not waste his time on revenge but face the business of governance. He praised the peoplefor their “unflinching support during his travail”. The governor hailed his supporters for standing by him to protect the mandate that brought him to power. According to him, the period of the crises could have been used for the develop-

From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado Ekiti

ment of the state. Fayose promised to fulfill his campaign promises, despite the state’s financial situation. He said the welfare of the people will continue to be his priority. His words: “The last few months have been traumatic, especially this week. “I was allowed to concentrate, but I left the battle for God to fight. “I told those planning to impeach me that they will succeed if they can impeach

God. “ I did not bring myself back to power, my coming back after eight years is ordained. “I will now squarely face the business of governance.I will not waste time on revenge, I am not ready to muscle anyone since God had given me victory on every side. Fayose urged the people to gather at Ijigbo junction today from where he would lead them on a victory walk to the House of Assembly for the inauguration of the new members.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2015

NEWS

FRSC man, nine others, die as tanker rams into market

EN persons, including a presenter of the Special Marshal radio programme for the Federal Road Safety Commission in Osun State, Chief S.O. Adewale, were killed when a petrol tanker rammed into a market in Owena, near Akure, the Ondo State capital, on Wednesday. Scores of others said to have been injured are in nearby hospitals.

•Tanker falls at AAU From Damisi Ojo, Akure, Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo and Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin

An eyewitness said the tanker was coming from the Ilesa end of the Akure/Ilesa Road. It was gathered that the tanker’s brake failed, a few meters to the roadside market. Some of the victims were

said to be traders, artisans and drivers who parked on the road side. The victims were taken to a hospital in Akure, where some of them were confirmed dead. The tanker was still on the road at press time. It was, however, not certain if the tanker driver has been arrested. It was gathered that Ade-

wale, who died on the spot, was making a purchase at Owena market when a fuel truck lost control and rammed into his car. His wife and son were injured. They were rushed to the emergency unit of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital in Ile-Ife. The Sector Commander of the FRSC in Osun State, Mohammed Husaini, said the accident involved three

vehicles but only Adewale died. Tragedy was averted in Ekpoma, the administrative headquarters of Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, when a pterolladen tanker spilled its content in front of the Ambrose Alli University. Some soldiers, police and officials of the civil defence corps prevented what could have been a disaster . They apprehended those

‘Be fair in your reporting’

GUN State Governor Ibikunle Amosun has called on members of the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to be fair in their reporting of government activities. The governor spoke when he donated an 18seater bus to the Chapel. He urged the reporters to always crosscheck their facts before going to press. Represented by the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga, Amosun said the bus was to appreciate the union’s commitment and support for his administration. The governor described journalists as partners in progress, noting that they have contributed to the smooth running of his administration in the last four years. The Chapel Chairman, Kunle Olayeni, thanked the government for the gesture.

Advice for Ekiti lawmakers-elect

OUSE of Representatives memberselect from Ekiti State have told members of the fifth House of Assembly to be loyal to the state and Governor Ayo Fayose to ensure peace, progress and development. In a statement, the six members-electAyo Oladimeji, Segun Adekola, Akin Awodumila, Olamide Oni, Thaddeus Aina and Kehinde Agboolasaid the incoming lawmakers must serve the people. The lawmakers-elect who are all members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) advised their colleagues to take a cue from the All Progressives Congress (APC). “Please, don’t lead the state to crisis. Always remember your past. Let the fate of the APC lawmakers serve as a lesson to you.” The National Assembly members-elect said the incoming lawmakers should always remember the ladder with which they climbed up. “The in-coming lawmakers should remain loyal to the state and the governor, on whose back they rode to the House of Assembly,” they said.

who came with jerry cans and basins to scoop the fuelin front of the university’s main gate. There was traffic gridlock for some hours as motorists were told to avoid the accident scene. The owner of the product, who identified himself as Mr. Ehiguese, said the truck was coming from Warri depot and heading for Uromi in Esan North East Local Government Area. He said the driver wanted to avoid a flooded area but was unaware of a ditch on the road. Ehiguese thanked security operatives for their quick intervention.

Kidnappers demand N20m From Damisi Ojo, Akure

•Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode (second left) with former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly Adeyemi Ikuforiji (second right), former Deputy Speaker Kolawole Taiwo (left) and a member of the Assembly, representing Kosofe Constituency I, Adebayo Osinowo during their visit to the Governor’s Office at the Lagos House, Ikeja.

Deji of Akure’s stool: Nomination begins today

HE Ondo State government has directed race the Osupa ruling house to nominate a candidate for the aDeji of Akure stool. Sources said Governor Olusegun Mimiko on Monday sent a letter to the ruling house to start its nomination process to initiate the process for picking a candidate. But the deposed monarch, Adesina Adepoju, who is still interested in the stool, sued the ruling house. He is seeking an injunction restraining the government, the ruling house and the kingmakers from approving any candidate, pending the determination of his suit.

•Ruling house meets today From Damisi Ojo, Akure

The deposed monarch said he was wrongly removed. Fourteen others are eyeing the stool. Among them are Princes Olu Ogunsuyi, Aladetoyinbo Falodun, O.Adejuyigbe, A.Arimoro and Air Commodore Akinwumi Agbebi(rtd). Adepoju, who is also from Osupa ruling house, lives in the United Kingdom (UK). Mimiko dethroned Adepoju on June 10, 2010, for allegedly assaulting his wife, the late Olori Bolanle. The deposed monarch was banished to Owo, the home

town of his late wife, where he was for one year. Olori Bolanle died in 2012 after reportedly confessing that the incident that led to her husband’s banishment was exaggerated. She said the deposed monarch did not touch her during the misunderstanding. The late Oba Adebiyi Adesida from Ojijigogun ruling house was installed in 2010 as the 46th Deji of Akure. He died on December 1, 2013. His daughter, Princess Adetutu Adesida, is the regent of Akure. Market women and shop owners at Erekesan Market

are groaning over the closure of their shops since 2013 when Oba Adesida died. This, observers believe, may have spurred the government to have a substantive Deji to facilitate the opening of the market. The Secretary of Osupa ruling house, Prince Olu Adegboro, confirmed to The Nation the reception of the government’s approval to fill the vacant stool. Sources said the ruling house has begun the nomination, adding that all stakeholders have been invited to a meeting today at noon at the Chairman, Chief Aladejana Ogunleye’s house in Akure.

APC, IPC condemn attack on The Punch reporter

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has condemned the attack on t The Punch correspondent, Kamardeen Ogundele. Thugs suspected to be working for Governor Ayodele Fayose attacked Ogundele on Secretariat Road in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital. He was attempting to take pictures of a group of women, who had gathered on the road, leading to the House of Assembly complex. APC’s Publicity Secretary Taiwo Olatunbosun, in a statement, said the incident was shameful and unlawful. “We have on various occasions raised the alarm over

From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado-Ekiti

Fayose’s intolerance to anything or anybody who does not carry his stamp of approval. It is unfortunate that anyone who does not carry the PDP flag is the enemy of the government. “What is the offence of an innocent journalist doing his legitimate duty? If the thugs do not want to be photographed, the least they can do is to stay away from the camera. “But to resort to attacking an innocent journalist is the height of irresponsibility, which unfortunately is the hallmark of Governor Ayodele Fayose’s administration.

“This assault is a continuation of a reign of terror that the governor began in the run up to the June 21, last year, election when he used his thugs to attack political opponents across the state. “The governor should spare Ekiti people all the negative publicity he is presenting to the world about our people. The judiciary and legislative arms are under the jackboot of Fayose who now wants to add the media to his list of conquests,” he said. Also, the International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos, has condemned the spate of attacks on journalists across the country. IPC Director Lanre Aro-

gundade said in a statement that at least three journalists have been assaulted in the last one week. “Hir Joseph of Daily Trust was beaten by political thugs during the swearing-in ceremony of Governor Tanko Almakura in Lafia, Nasarawa State on May 29; Ogundele of The Punch was beaten by political thugs in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State on June 3 and Victor Akinkuolie of Hope was beaten by policemen in Ondo, Ondo State on June 2. “The assault on the journalists was so violent that they had to be hospitalised. These incidents should be condemned by all lovers of freedom of expression and democracy.

IDNAPPERS of the Regent of AkungbaAkoko in Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State, Princess Toyin Omosowon yesterday demanded N20million for her release. She was abducted on Tuesday. Residents were in a pensive mood yesterday when our correspondent visited the community. A community leader and Seriki of AkungbaAkoko, Chief A Awesu, urged youths to be lawabiding. According to him,they should pray for the quick release of the regent. Interdenominational prayer sessions were going on in churches and mosques within the community. A detachment of police officers patrolled the town.

Group advises Ambode By Sina Fadare

GROUP, Progressives Movement, has urged Lagos State Governor Akinwumi Ambode to check street urchins before they cause more havoc. Its coordinator, Saheed Olalere, in a statement in Lagos said the activities of area boys should be checked before they constitute themselves into security risks. Olalere congratulated the governor on his inauguration. He urged Ambode to start from where former governor Babatunde Fashola stopped. Olalere called on the governor to listen to the complaints of market men and women on the activities of law enforcement agencies. “Some market products and materials are sometimes being unlawfully destroyed to the detriment of their owners. “This gives bad impression about the APC government which should not be so.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2015

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

I always like to emphasise that I am never too keen on bailouts because they are always fraught with malpractices just like waivers and things like that. It’s always better to have a level playing field. -Managing Director of Cocosheen Nigeria Limited, Henry Boyo

Fed Govt ‘committed to OPEC’

Rice waiver: Reps tell Customs to call in EFCC • Quota allocation cancelled

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

HE Federal Govern ment under the admin istration of President Muhammadu Buhari has pledged its commitment to playing more proactive and effective roles in the affairs of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Speaking in Vienna, Austria at the ongoing OPEC International Seminar, Head of Nigeria’s Delegation to the 167th OPEC Meeting Dr. Jamila Shu’ara, stated that Nigeria under the leadership of Buhari, a one-time Minister of Petroleum Resources, will continue to work for the realisation of the aims and objectives of the organisation. A statement endorsed yesterday by NNPC Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Mr. Ohi Alegbe, explained that Dr. Shu’ara’s remark was followed by an incisive presentation to the 6th OPEC International Seminar by the Group Managing Director, NNPC, Dr. Joseph Dawha uwith Technology and the Environment as its theme. “I am here to covey to all Heads of Delegation of OPEC member countries, and indeed representatives of other countries, President Muhammadu Buhari’s gratitude, that of the government and the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to member countries of our organisation, and indeed the international community, for the keen interest shown and, in some cases, the support given to Nigeria towards the implementation of what has become a very successful political transition programme,’’ Dr. Shu’ara said. She noted that the Buhari administration is committed to prosecuting the amnesty programme in Nigeria’s Niger-Delta with vigour with a view to bringing about lasting peace and stability in the area as well as in other parts of Nigeria; thus making the operational environment safe and attractive once again. “Nigeria is committed to tackling corruption especially in the extractive industry and will strive to bring back transparency and accountability in public life especially in the petroleum industry which is the mainstay of national economy,” she said. On the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), she noted that although the Bill is still in the National Assembly, the Buhari administration will take a critical look at it with a view to effecting necessary changes that will facilitate its early passage. “I would like to assure industry players that government will work assiduously to ensure the speedy passage of the Bill and even speedier implementation of the related programmes,’’ she said.

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

• From left: Managing Director, Vodacom Business Nigeria, Mr Guy Clarke; Principal, Federal Science and Technical College, Yaba, Honourable Chris Ugorji and Vice Principal, Academics, Technical, Federal Science and Technical College, Yaba, Mrs Dasoye Opute, during the handing-over of Internet Access and 220KVA Standby Generator donated to the institution by the firm in Lagos….yesterday. PHOTO: LUCAS AJANAKU

Liquidator, creditors at war over N543b NITEL/Mtel debt

REDITORS to liqui dated NITEL/MTel are at war with the liquidator, Otunba Olutola Senbore & Co over discrepancies in the claims they submitted and the amount they were paid the liquidator. The over 350 creditors, who were expecting marginal cut in their claims settlements, were shocked to discover that their monies were slashed down to less than between five and 10 per cent at the point of payment. From a total debt of about N543 billion submitted by the creditors, the liquidator approved only N137 billion, slashing off N406 billion from the bill, a development the creditors described as unacceptable. In some instances, a creditor with N76 million claims had only N15 million cleared for payment. Another with N27

From Gbade Ogunwale, Asst. Editor, Abuja

million had only N5 million cleared, while one with N7 million got approval for only N1 million. More disturbing to the creditors was the mode of payment adopted by the liquidator, as only 15 per cent of the approved sum is being paid to them, in what the liquidator termed “first liquidation dividend of 15 percent”. Piqued by the liquidator’s action, some of the creditors have rejected their cheques, describing the entire exercise as “daylight robbery” and “criminally reprehensible”. But the liquidator, Otunba Olutola Senbore defended his actions, citing the uniqueness and peculiarity of the laws guiding payment of liabilities under liquidation. Senbore told our reporter

that he arrived at the various amounts after a committee had verified the claims’ documents submitted by tshe creditors and after cross checking the various claims. He said: “First of all, we have to check the claims; we have to audit them and verify them because people can make spurious claims. They can make claims that are not valid. “They can tell us that they have all the invoices but the invoices are not approved by the management of the companies by the time they supposedly rendered the service. “The general criteria which we used are that we first of all ensured that they actually met the procedure of procurement of NITEL and M-Tel. They must have their manual and details of when they reordered. “Did they meet those that are supposed to approve it? Where are they supposed to drop the

equipment? Of course, we have the list in the last 15 years of key officers that are specimen signatory. “So when they bring the documents to us, we want to know that the contract was signed by authorised or approved people. We need to know again the type of good they are supplying; is it in anyway related to what NITEL and MTel would ever use during the period when they were really alive? “We need to check whether the contract amount and the claimed amount corresponds with what we have. We need to know the difference between the two. If for example, the LPO or the contract agreement says N2 million and you are making a claim of N3million, we want to know what is responsible for the difference.

Dangote to invest $16b in Africa

FRICA’s largest inde pendent cement pro ducer, Dangote Cement Plc, plans to invest $16 billion in new projects and existing cement plants across Africa within the next three years, its President/CEO, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has said. Speaking at the inauguration of Dangote Cement Plant, Ethiopia, yesterday, he said the investment is in line with the company’s long term vision to become one of the world’s biggest cement producers. “We envisage that by the time we complete all our ongoing African projects, we will be on track to achieving

By Chikodi Okereocha (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia)

our target,” he said. To achieve the target, he said the company is currently simultaneously setting up new cement plants and terminals across 16 African countries, including Ethiopia, which is the sixth offshore plant that has commenced operations outside Nigeria. Other countries where the company’s plants are currently running include Senegal, Cameroon, Ghana, South Africa, and Zambia. While the company’s cement plant in Tanzania is set for commissioning in few

months time, he said other plants in other countries are in various stages of construction, and are scheduled for completion next year. He said construction on the new 2.5 million metric tonnes per annum (mmtpa) Dangote Cement Plant in Mugher District in Ethiopia started in March 2012. While promising that the company would double the capacity of the plant starting from this year, he explained that the choice of Mugher, a village located about 85 kilometers from Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital, for the $480 million project was informed by the availability of abundant natural

resources required for the manufacture of cement He listed them to include limestone, gypson, clay, silica sand, and ferrogeneous basalt. Besides, Mugher, he said, is a major cement hub in Ethiopia. “The plant will produce our premium 42.5 cement quality grade that has raised the bar as far as cement usage in Africa is concerned because of its superior qualities that include extra strength, extra yield and extra life,” he said, adding that the plant will create direct employment for about 2, 000 people in the main plant operations and logistics with a fleet of about 600 trucks, as well as over 5, 000 indirect jobs.

HE House of Repre sentatives has advised the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) to seek the help of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to recover monies owed the Federal Government by companies and other investors that have evaded payment of import duties on imported rice. The House also said the NCS should recover every outstanding monies and seal up their ware houses and other businesses “until the very last kobo is recovered to the government coffers in line with the Customs Act.” These are some of the landmark recommendations of the Leo Ogorheaded House ad hoc Committee on the evasion of the payment of import duties on rice, which was adopted by the House yesterday in the Committee of the Whole House. The lawmakers also called for the “ immediate cancellation of the entire quota allocation system and suspension of the 2015 quota allocation.”

IPMAN urges deregulation of downstream oil sector • Blames NNPC for fuel scarcity From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

HE Independent Petro leum Marketers Asso ciation of Nigeria (IPMAN) has urged the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari to deregulate the downstream sector of the petroleum industry. IPMAN also blamed the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) for the perennial scarcity of premium motor spirit (petrol) and kerosene in the country. IPMAN chair, NNPC Ilorin depot, Alhaji Okanlawon Olarewaju told reporters yesterday in Ilorin, Kwara State capital, adding that the solution to perennial fuel scarcity in the country is for the NNPC products to be supplied directly to depots. He said: “The lasting solution is deregulation, but in the meantime, NNPC should stop supplying its products to private depots. If products go to the depots there is no excuse for anybody to play smart game on Nigerians. “That is why many marketers are quitting the business. Politicians are the ones owning most of the filing stations in the state.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2015

FRIDAY JUNE 5, 2015

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

It was with pomp and ceremony that Akinwunmi Ambode was ushered in as the 14th governor of Lagos State. MUSA ODOSHIMOKHE, who witnessed the swearing in at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, relives the occasion.

Ambode: I ’ll be governor of all’

HE grounds where the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) is located in Lagos, which used to be known as the Race Course, has witnessed a lot of celebrations in Nigeria’s chequered history. For example, this was the place where the Union Jack was lowered over 54 years ago, when the country became independent. Subsequently, the country’s independence anniversary used to be marked with fanfare at the same venue in the days when Lagos was the federal capital. Since the capital was moved to Abuja on December 12, 1991, attention has shifted to Eagle Square, within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Nevertheless, TBS continues to be centre of attraction, because it hosts other important ceremonies and festivities. The complex hosted one of such ceremonies last Friday. Gaily-dressed ladies and gentlemen poured into the venue as from 8am to witness the important occasion. Security men stood at strategic locations, watching over the expansive complex, as stakeholders and guests trooped into the venue. People were allowed access to the parade ground unrestricted. Nevertheless, security operatives wielding their patrol dogs, sniffing the length and breadth to ensure nobody’s life was put at risk. The occasion was the swearing-in of the 14th governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, who was elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). It was a ceremony which had in attendance crème de la crème. Those who witnessed the event include: former governors; Brigadier-General Mobolaji Johnson (rtd.), Alhaji Lateef Jakande, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, and former deputy governors, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire and Mr. Femi Pedro. Others are the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Osun State First Lady Sherifat Aregbesola, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, the state APC Chairman Otunba Henry Ajomale, Cardinal James Odunbaku, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (rtd.) Ayo Opadoku, Lagos State Commissioner of Police Kayode Aderanti, Oba Saheed Elegushi, Ojora of Lagos Oba Fatai Aromire, Justice Ishola Olorunimbe, Chief Folarin Coker, Chief (Mrs.) Kemi Nelson, Hon. Rotimi Agunsoye, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the Igbo community, students, traders and others. But, activities did not get underway until about 10.30am, when the Deputy Governor Dr. Oluranti Adebule and her husband Saheed Adebule arrived the venue. The husband wore white Agbada, while the Deputy Governor adorned a cream-coloured lace. A few minutes afterwards, Governor Ambode and his wife Bolanle arrived. Former Deputy Governor Adejoke OrelopeAdefulire and her husband, Abiodun, followed almost immediately. In conformity with protocol, former Governor Babatunde Fashola was the last to arrive at 10.40am, with his wife, Dame Abimbola Fashola. With Fashola’s arrival, the ceremony got underway, with the rendering of the National Anthem. One of the scenes that attracted attention was when Gen. Johnson, now an elder statesman, arrived. He has grown feeble with age and was visibly unable to climb the podium. He had to be assisted by Fashola to get to his seat. Indeed, his seat had to be moved forward to reduce the rigour of movement. The business of the day started with the remarks of the Lagos State Head of Service, Mrs. Shade Jaji. She gave a brief account of what the government has done over the years under Fashola and thanked Lagosians for their support and cooperation. Within a short space of time, the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Olajumoke Atilade, administered the oath of office to the governor and his deputy. Ambode later inspected the combined parades of the Nigerian Police, paramilitary groups, voluntary organisations and school children. In his inaugural address, he restated the need for unity, irrespective of religion or tribe, calling everybody without discrimination or political

•Justice Atilade (left) swearing-in Governor Ambode

‘

As we collectively face the challenge to make Lagos a better place to live in, we must recognise our strength in diversity, a common national identity where everybody counts. I shall run a government of inclusion that will not leave anybody behind

’

affiliation to join hand to take the Centre of Excellence to greater heights. He promised to run an inclusive administration, which will give every stakeholder a sense of responsibility. Ambode also promised to continue with the pace of development in the state, adding that his administration would maintain the Lagos State Development Plan of 2012 to 2015 in the spirit of continuity. He said the plan would prioritise social security, infrastructure and economic development. He said the plan is structured into four pillars; social development and security, infrastructure development, economic development and sustainable environment. The governor explained that the challenges people face are enough ingredient bring out the best out of them. He said: “As we collectively face the challenge to make Lagos a better place to live in, we must recognise our strength in diversity, a common national identity where everybody counts. I shall run a government of inclusion that will not leave anybody behind, no matter you sex, tribe or any status, as long as you reside in Lagos, we shall make Lagos work for you.’’ The governor commended Lagosians for being hard working. He said their undying entrepreneurial spirit has put the state ahead of others. He added: “However, we must realise that there are no short cuts to success. To our youths, we must nurture good family value to succeed

in any endeavour. I want our younger ones and children to draw some lessons from my story.’’ Ambode urged Lagosians to embrace new thinking and be determined to succeed all the times, stressing that he was ready to encourage the hard working ones who crave for success. ‘’We would reward merit, hard work and loyalty to the state. The future is for those who dare to dream and find courage to pursue their dreams,” he said. Although, he commended Lagosians for their commitment towards the betterment of the state, he nevertheless” reminded them that it was not time to be complacent. He urged them double their effort, noting that the dwindling fortune at the centre has negatively affected most states in the country. He said: “We are all witnesses to the economic downturn and the dwindling revenue at the national and state levels. The present economic situation has affected the financial profile of most states in the country. “The state is blessed that the foundation of its financial autonomy was designed and implement by our visionary leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. Thus, the state has been partially shielded from the negative trend flowing from the federal level.” He maintained that all hands must be on deck to sustain the financial stability of the state, adding that the people must live up to their civil responsibilities by paying their taxes as at when due. He added: “For us to sustain the radical transformation, on-going in the state, we have to redouble our efforts on all fronts for our commitment to excellence. While we must be creative and innovative, we are not citizens until we become responsible tax payers. “I want to assure all of us that I will make your tax work for you. You will surely get a transparent and incorruptible government that will give you good value for your tax paid. Creativity is the most valuable asset in any public institution. Progressive government must reward contributors of good ideas.” He said his administration is prepared to take the decision needed to promote merit and professionalism. These, according to him, would restructure and eliminate poor human resources.

He noted that it would accelerate the pace of reform in the spirit of good governance. Ambode further stressed that he would create job opportunities for the youths, who are mostly affect by government reforms both at the centre and state level. To nip the trend in the bud, he said two ministries would be put in place to address the concerns as a matter of urgency. He said: “I want to assure the business community and corporate Lagos that the ease of doing business in Lagos will be improved upon earnestly. Lagos is open for greater business. To this end, a new office of Overseas Affairs and Investment (Lagos Global) shall be created under the Governor’s Office. “We want you to fly into Lagos, start your business, find your way, live, work and enjoy in Lagos. As part of the reforms, a new Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment shall be established. This would specifically address the promise I made during the campaign on employment trust fund, labour exchange and entrepreneurship.’’ The governor left no one in doubt that some people worked relentlessly to ensure that he emerged governor. Paying glowing tribute to those who supported his ambition, he said: ’’To our leader Asiwaju Tinubu, you have laid an enduring foundation for what we are building on today. When the history of the political economy of Nigeria is being written, surely it would be kind to you. “To our distinguished Senator Oluremi Tinubu, your support and commitment to our state and to me personally during the election are well appreciated. To former Governor Fashola, you have fought the good fight. You came, you saw and you conquered. I have been at close quarters as a student, you as my teacher and mentor. On behalf of my family and other good people of Lagos State, we say thank you all.’’ Some youths from Badagry used the occasion to draw government attention to their plight. The group, known as Gbagi-Seme Border Youth Initiatives, complained of negligence over the years. The leader of the group, Samson Tome, said they have not been connected to the national grid in the last 16 years, in spite of the contribution of the Seme border to national development.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2015

COMMENTARY EDITORIAL

LETTER

Tanker disasters •It’s high time our governments called the owners and drivers to order

ITH four tankers falling within 48 hours in two states of the federation, it is indeed high time our governments did something about the menace of the tanker drivers on our highways. This is the position of the Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, when he visited the scene of the tanker fire which occurred in the Iyana-Ipaja area of the state at about midnight on Tuesday. “It will also mean that we have to start doing something about our tanker drivers. We cannot continue to have losses of properties and lives just because our tanker drivers have become undisciplined.” Ambode said. Although there was confusion about the remote causes of the incident, it was obvious that the spilled petrol from a 33,000 – litre tanker with registration number KJA 238 XN, which fell from the tail of

‘Those responsible for ensuring roadworthiness of vehicles, particularly articulated vehicles, should take their job more seriously. The owners of the trailers and their drivers should be enlightened on the dangers of putting faulty vehicles on the road or overworking the drivers. It would also not be a bad idea to make them pay for any damage they caused in the course of duty’

the Iyana Ipaja Bridge onto the new Iyana-Ipaja Road ignited the fire. Mercifully, no lives were lost but many people were injured. Similarly, many houses, cars, shops and other property were burnt. Many residents of the affected areas ran out naked when the fire started. The Lagos incident occurred less than 48 hours after a similar incident in Onitsha, Anambra State, when a trailer carrying petrol lost control and exploded into the Asaba Motor Park at the Upper Iweka area of the city on Sunday. The truck was descending from the Army Barracks side of the Onitsha-Enugu Express Way. It is difficult to ascertain the actual number of fatalities recorded in the incident as the casualties keep increasing due to the severity of the injuries sustained by some of the victims. At least 11 commuter buses and two motorcycles inside the Park caught fire together with the 40foot tanker. Such was the severity of the incident that Governor Willie Obiano broke down in tears when he visited the scene. But for Governor Ambode who broke the news of two similar incidents at Badagry and Ojo areas of Lagos State “overnight”, when he was at the scene of the Iyana-Ipaja disaster, not many people were aware any such incidents occurred. The first impression one gets from these unfortunate incidents is that there are too many tankers plying our roads. And this is correct, even if saddening; saddening because it is a misnomer. We would not have needed such a huge number of tank-

ers carrying fuel across the country if we had an efficient rail system. Apart from constituting grave risks to other motorists, they also reduce the lifespan of our roads. It is therefore high time the Federal Government began to consider modernisation of our rail system to enable us move fuel by rail. When this is done, we would have succeeded in substantially reducing the number of tankers on our roads, thereby reducing the risks they constitute to other motorists. This, however, is the long term solution. In the interim, we must do everything to ensure the safety of road users generally since we appear stuck with the trailers, at least for now. It goes without saying that one of the causes of accidents involving these articulated vehicles is inadequate maintenance of the vehicles. Many of them move about with worn-out tyres, etc. Those responsible for ensuring roadworthiness of vehicles, particularly articulated vehicles, should take their job more seriously. The owners of the trailers and their drivers should be enlightened on the dangers of putting faulty vehicles on the road or overworking the drivers. It would also not be a bad idea to make them pay for any damage they caused in the course of duty or get them prosecuted whenever their actions lead to deaths, injuries or destruction as we witnessed in recent times. While we commiserate with the families of the dead, we urge the two state governments to keep to their promise of assisting the victims to enable them get over the incidents as quickly as possible.

Battering Blatter •Blatter’s stand-down is welcome. But global football’s salvation lies in FIFA’s systemic revamp

N the army, there are no bad soldiers — only bad officers. So, even if Sepp Blatter, FIFA president, has not suffered a personal indictment in the alleged corruption swamping the organisation, he lacked the moral right to contest the May 29 election, in Zurich, Switzerland. That he even contested and won, defeating Jordan’s Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein, is a nauseating signal of how callously indifferent FIFA, as a body, had become to its thick whiff of alleged sleaze. Pray, how can FBI investigators, in full glare, round up no less than six high ranking FIFA executives, making a total haul of 14 arrests, and yet Mr. Blatter still went on to win the election? If that had stood, FIFA would have been an eternal joke; and it would be only a matter of time before the bubble bursts on what the Brazilian Pele calls the “beautiful game”, as we know it today. So, just as well, Mr. Blatter is offering to step down. But he should have made the offer immediate. Still, will Mr. Blatter’s exit solve FIFA’s problem? Not a chance. Though sleaze appears the surface of the current intraFIFA manoeuvres, what really is playing out is two dramatically conflicting world view: a Euro-centric FIFA of the pre-Joao Havalange (the Brazilian who was FIFA’s 7th president), years; and the more inclusive global FIFA, which the embattled Mr. Blatter has tried to maintain, in his 17 years as president, though he just won a futile four more years. Pre-1974 FIFA was basically Europe and South America, in that order. But Post1974 FIFA has been more inclusive, spreading what Mr. Blatter loves to call the “FIFA Family” (but which his European rivals scoff at as global football cronies) to Africa and Asia; and even to the football innocents of Oceania. Because every FIFA member-country has one vote

at the Congress, this Havalange-Blatter innovation has whittled down the power and influence of the traditional football European powers, thus often setting Blatter’s FIFA against UEFA, the richest, most dynamic and most advanced of the FIFA continental affiliates. What is more? Blatter, a former Swiss sports journalist who joined FIFA in 1975 as a marketing executive, is credited with radically growing the non-for-profit organisation’s financial chest, thus making it a humongous global mart, using football as enchanting and additive platform. Indeed, FIFA is said, in the past four years, to gross some 3.7 billion British pounds in yearly revenue, boasted another one billion British pounds in cash reserves and a probable 100 million British pounds a year as salaries and emoluments, on its pampered executives. The FIFA president’s salary is however alleged to be a trade secret. These years of soggy cash has regrettably come with alleged wanton corruption. So, at the May presidential election, the politics of football trumped the UEFA campaign for more transparency in FIFA. Despite the ooze of alleged corruption, the Third World affiliates of Africa, South America, Asia and Oceania still backed Blatter, who has spread FIFA’s cash their way. That left Europe, minus Russia which supported Blatter, in the lurch. But with the high-profile arrests, the business of football simply fought back. With Visa and other top-rank sponsors threatening to pull the plug, Mr. Blatter’s victory was pyrrhic. That explains his offer to stand down. Still, the stalemate subsists. FIFA may well be an alleged den of sleaze under Blatter, but no one is in a hurry to collapse that mega-mart — not FIFA, not the sponsors; not even the crusading UEFA, who all happily savour football’s global cash

flakes. What to do? FIFA, with or without Blatter, needs a systemic overhaul. To start with, the organisation should break its paternalistic culture, expressed in unusually long presidential terms. The French Jules Rimet, was president for 33 years (1921-1954). The Brazilian, Mr. Havalange, was president for 24 years (1974-1998). Mr. Blatter himself has served for 17, and was gunning for 20 years, before the present rupture. FIFA should impose term-limits on its officials. That way, no single person would be in office long enough to be dysfunctional. We suggest a maximum of two four-year terms. Then, FIFA stakeholders should embrace a new confidence-building protocol that would give Europe its due without necessarily alienating the confederations of Africa, Asia, the Americas and Oceania. Such all-inclusive re-tinkering would give less reasons for alleged subversive favours, which could be injurious to football as we know it today: the largest and happiest family in the universe.

‘What to do? FIFA, with or without Blatter, needs a systemic overhaul. To start with, the organisation should break its paternalistic culture, expressed in unusually long presidential terms ... FIFA should impose term-limits on its officials. That way, no single person would be in office long enough to be dysfunctional. We suggest a maximum of two four-year terms’

Letter to my President

IR: “I take responsibility for whatever happened under my watch. I cannot change the past but I can change the present and the future. So before you is a former military ruler and a converted democrat who is ready to operate under democratic norms ...” These were your words unto millions of us while canvassing for our votes during the last electioneering process and all have now become history as the baton of leadership of this great nation has been handed over to you. We voted you into power because we know you to be a man of integrity and never a pushover when it comes to your belief and conviction and that is why we charge you today never to succumb to the selfish desires of some political parasites whose ambition is to plunge this nation back to the dark and gloomy days of impunity, corruption and wanton killings of innocent souls. And going by what you said after being sworn in as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that “I belong to everybody and I belong to nobody.” We will enjoin you to put an end to the custom of ‘sacred cow’ in the country and allow equity and fair play be your watchword. Really, we would not mind at all, if you shut the gates of Aso Rock to every hawk, wolf, pig and dog that flirts with every government of the day. We know them by names and we believe you know them as well This brings us back to the issue of our young and innocent school girls which you raised in your inaugural speech, but are still in the snares of the fowlers. Though the immediate past government failed woefully to rescue them, our minds are still on them as we hereby beseech you by the mercies of God to please bring back our girls as promised so that our joy may be full. In your words earlier quoted, you claimed to be a converted democrat yet we strongly believe that there are some unscrupulous elements who have been proven guilty and need to be rehabilitated in Kirikiri Maximum Prison just to conform to the norms and values of this new Nigeria that you represent. This is hardly about being vindictive, neither is it because you are still kitted in the uniform of a General nor paying off old scores, it is only a measure to serve as deterrent to criminally-minded Nigerians. At this juncture, we want to plead with you to carry on with your genuine transparency as regards the governance of this nation as well as your sincerity to turn around the captivity of Nigeria so that every doubting Thomas and critic of your government as well as those who were influenced by the ‘Dollar rain’ will still come back to say, “Sai Baba; Sai Buhari” at the end of your administration. And lastly, our dear President, we urge you to remain committed to all of your promises so that over 15 million Nigerians who voted you into power will never regret this action of theirs and will be able to say unto you in year 2019, “Well done, good and faithful President”. • Mojisola Ogunniran, Lagos.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2015

CARTOON & LETTERS

IR: Tunji Bello’s surprise appointment to the lofty office of Secretary to Lagos State Government (SSG) stridently attests to God’s position that a man who is diligent in his ways shall sit with princes and not with mean men. The little I heard about his undergraduate years is that he made time, in spite of the huge academic workload at the nation’s premier university to offer active students’ unionism service. With his team they constantly pressured varsity authorities to canvass students’ position for improved welfare and better learning environment…. The wise says when a person selflessly wages a battle for the good of all, God’s attention is drawn to him as a possible candidate for leadership. Indeed, of his first few years at work I was a witness. When in the early 1980’s he took up employment at the National Concord, he was constantly coming to work with a fellow-graduate who was yet to get a job. Soon, this friend of his was also taking assignments and turning out brilliant feature-articles like Tunji Bello. For the salary of one man the Concord was enjoying the services of two workers. In no time the friend amassed sufficient cognate experience to land a job of his own. That friend has become one of the leading journalists in Nigeria today…. The wise also teaches that those who help others overcome their limitations invariably attract divine help. Loyalty is a characteristic by which Tunji Bello can be defined. As the Lord Jesus teaches, you strike the shepherd and the sheep will scatter. As soon as Bashorun MKO Abiola was denied his mandate in 1993, many workers began to leave the Concord. Many more resigned when the Are-Ona-Kakanfo was incarcerated. And the exiting became a deluge when the greatest philanthropist Nigeria has ever known died in 1998. But Tunji Bello remained persistent in his loyalty to the Concord, coming forth as one of the editors that helped the Concord to survive into the first decade of the 21st century. Surely, Tunji Bello’s prime test of

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Lesson from Tunji Bello’s appointment as SSG loyalty emerged in 2007, when by Governor Tinubu’s exit, ex-Commissioner Tunji Bello was in limbo or in a wilderness of a sort. Those who should know say it was at this point that an invitation came from a Presidential hopeful for Tunji Bello to come establish a newspaper for him. Of course, this invitation should have presaged an abandonment of the Tinubu camp which has today become by far the most formidable political camp in the country. The former editor promptly turned down the offer. But for that loyalty, there wouldn’t have been this glorious celebration of the ascent to the office of SSG, or remaining a key player in the

camp. The affable and personable personality that he has always been, the young graduate came highly recommended to the Concord. Dr. Doyin Abiola, the Editor-in-Chief was in the know. The Editor, the late Ben Onyeachonam, came with the candidate to my office for my opinion, as he would be working in the department I headed. I only remembered the huge burden of academic work I had to shoulder for my B.A and M.A at the university from which he had just graduated. So without looking at his papers or even knowing his name, I simply recommended that he would be vastly learned and suit-

able. My superiors approved my recommendation and Tunji Bello became a Concordman. I have watched the young man of yesteryears become today’s prodigy and giant. He came with a degree in Political Science. Over the years he has added Journalism. And he has also gone ahead to cream his scholarly versatility with a degree in Law. But what has amazed me the most in his political ascendancy is how Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and his governors have always posted Tunji Bello to man positions unrelated to the Press from whence he hails. Twice he was appointed Commissioner of the Environment. Once he

was made head of Lagos Signage department. He was also once appointed Director-General of Governor Babatunde Fashola’s re-election. And, now he is the SSG. All thanks to God, all these powerful assignments outside the purview of the Press profession have prophetically confirmed my own humble characterization of today’s grandee, way back in the early 1980’s, as versatile and suitable. It should be conceded too that he has become a major credit to the journalism profession. By his excellent performance outside of the Press environment that has seen him climbing from one promotion to another, means a lot. It means that if given the opportunity, the journalist can excel in other fields other than the confinements of the Press Secretary, Assistant on Press and Publicity, Commissioner for Information and Minister of Information. Congratulations! • Ola Amupitan Lagos.

Bye Shema, welcome Masari IR: For Ibrahim Shehu Shema, former Governor of Katsina State, Friday May 29, signaled his exit from Katsina Government House, where he held sway for eight years. It ended the era of impunity, avarice and arrogance that was the hallmark of his administration. His immediate concern should be on how to manage life after leaving office. He would no longer play host to the revered Katsina monarch who once threatened to sue him should he not declare his intention to contest 2011 polls. He would no longer preside over the sharing of SURE-P ‘booty’ and Local Government allocation under the guise of ‘joint account’. He must by now start to ruminate on how history would judge him on his stewardship. He must also by now start to undergo the pains of anticipated betrayal by supposed friends, in-laws, political associates, contractors, etc. We would ‘sorely’ miss his cosmopolitan mien and flamboyant outlook. We would equally miss his ‘know-it-all’ posture. Civilization mission over, let us not burden our

remembrances with heaviness that is hopefully gone forever. Aminu Bello Masari, Governor of Katsina State is today the most beautiful bride in the state. He has become the darling of the good masses of Katsina state, the opportunists, and the ugly (economic saboteurs). Although, Masari can never be said to belong to progressive politics, his political disposition was that of a conservative stock. He turned progressive, when he could not realize his gubernatorial ambition in the PDP. Let us all pray and hope that his ‘accidental progressive’ would live up to the expectations of President Muhammadu Buhari’s anti-corruption zeal and that of the electorate who voted for change and anxiously hope for a better tomorrow. In Katsina State, poverty level is unacceptably high. There is a grim picture of unemployment, high maternal and child mortality rate and a low level of human development. The recent National Living Survey (NLS) indicated that 75.16 percent of Nigerians are poor (mostly in the rural areas). It was reported that

Katsina State is one of the worst hit. The APC government in the state should make deliberate effort to fund education and training as a panacea for unemployment. Our dams should also be revitalized, because currently, their operations are below capacity. In addition to that, special attention should be paid to the intensification of livestock and poultry production. Our elites should do something about poverty level in their respective villages. As Professor Charles Soludo once suggested, it is easy to open micro-finance with just about N20 million. So how many microfinance banks have been set up by our elite to empower thousand of the unemployed? The new government should also source for capable hands that would determine the direction of the government. The state civil service should also be re-oriented for effective performance. Those who have no business in governance should not be seen in government. The Masariled government should beware of sycophants, praise singers, political jobbers and smugglers, who always

seek to take advantage of their closeness to the governor for their personal gains. Governor Masari should borrow a leaf from the progressive and dynamic former governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola who once declined the honour of a chieftaincy title from a royal father in Lagos. He told him politely: “Kabiyesi and his chiefs can continue to lead us, let them deal with all those traditional and chieftaincy issues. At appropriate time, we will come and join them, but for now, leave us in our suits, boots, overalls and helmets, because this Agbada is not good for clearing refuse and tarring the roads”. It is our hope that the Masari-led administration would remain committed and focused in addressing the staggering socio–economic challenges facing the state. This is the season of change. This is the season of hope. Welcome Masari. • Ibrahim Sani Kofar Bai, Katsina

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2015 16

COMMENTS

A dream full of scars Email: tunji_ololade@yahoo.co.uk 08038551123, 08111845040

HAVE seen the godly mock God by his verses. I have seen the delicate veins of the compassionate hand curl lovingly to pull a trigger. Let us leave religion out of humanity, the Nigerian heart confounds even evil. We have become that fugitive quirk we can find no word for. How curious a land this is? Like a veteran virgin with a history of abortions, our hearts and privates are full of scars – scars of tragedy, scars of laughter, scars of luxury, scars of want…every scar a luscious testament to our poverty of life. Nothing ever changes. Nothing ever gives. Beneath the parks and groves we lay out, within our mansions, shanties and worship houses, a lot we do is sordid, a lot we do is forced; a certain feverishness and unrest varnishes our world. And all our show and tinsel are built upon a groan. Lest you begin to think that I’m inclined to spurious generalizations, I have searched carefully and I find that there is nothing barbaric and savage about anyone in this nation except that everyone gives the title

of barbarism to everyone else and every thought that are not in consonance with truth, as they would like to see it. Goaded by such erroneous belief, every Nigerian considers himself the quintessential patriot capable of the fairest truth and reason. And from this perception emerges the contemporary Nigerian with the perfect politics, perfect economics, perfect religion and the most exact and accomplished approaches to all things. Thus our nation abounds with perfect tyrants and looters, our homes with perfect batterers and paedophiles; our industries pulsate with perfect quacks and the slovenly, our schools with perfect dullards and numbnuts. Lest we forget the perfect rapists, kidnappers, hooligans and assassins prowling our streets, baiting the unforgiving second, when ruthless neurosis pulsates with will, at a price. Our much vaunted norms have begun to peer above our ego. The harder we flaunt, the more carelessly we reveal the swollen belly of our pride. Yet our talk is of the Golden

‘In search of the Golden Fleece, crime has become our cotton field; it sprouts frightful stamens of violence and blood. Thus this minute, a gubernatorial elect pounds a day old child in a mortar for goodluck charm. Next minute, a European widow will lose her life-savings to a street-smart, internet-activated Nigerian kid. The widow will slit her wrists and her scammer would retire to the blessings of his parents and family pastor’

ITH the successful inauguration of President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice-President Yemi Osibanjo, Nigerians cannot but look back on the tension that preceded the elections and thank God for dousing the violence that would have engulfed the country had the elections gone wrong. With President Buhari in office as President, the country now has a new First Lady, Hajiya Aisha Buhari. Speculation is rife on what becomes of the Office of the First Lady under the new government. The ‘Office of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria’ has no place in the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) but has however become so ingrained in the country’s political process that it can almost be considered a norm. The country has since independence on October 1, 1960, had a total of 13 indigenous leaders. Before 1985, Nigeria had presidents and Heads of state whose wives engaged in one form of charity project or the other, though not under the formal office structure as seen today. In 1985, however the glamorous structure now known as Office of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was birthed by beautiful dark skinned Maryam Babangida. It was with her as First Lady that Nigerian women learned to identify the term ‘Better Life for Rural Women’ (BLRW) programme with an office created by the wife of Nigeria’s Head of State. Through her project, Late Maryam Babangida gave a face to problems rural women faced while trying to effectively manage their reproductive and productive roles in the family. With the exit of Babangida’s administration on August 26, 1993, ‘Better Life for Rural women programme’ faded into oblivion but the Office of the First Lady magically survived and was inherited by pretty but demure Maryam Abacha who initiated her own pet projects in 1994 called Family Support Program (FSP) and Family Economic Advancement Program (FEAP). With Honourable Justice Fati Lami Abubakar in 1998, the story was different. The term ‘First Lady’ was legitimately hers to answer during her husband’s tenure as Head of State but culture of loads of staff and logistics almost collapsed. The office was not visible because General Abdusalami Abubakar had one of the shortest tenures as Head of State. It may not be wrong however to assume that Justice Fati Lami Abubakar, being first, a lawyer and then a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria understood the unconstitutionality of the office and did not want to uphold a legacy of impunity. The Learned Justice Abubakar also had her pet project called Women Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA), a project that has continued to promote women rights in the country. General Olusegun Obasanjo’s second coming as Nigeria’s President on May 29, 1999 brought back the Office of the First Lady with his amiable wife, Stella Obasanjo creating a fresh pet project called Child Care Trust (CCT); a programme that ended with Stella’s death. Hajia Turai Yar’Adua also had her pet project called Women and Youth Empowerment

Fleece; goaded by greed and spurred by desperate tendencies to stand out, we traverse our land and foreign lands spreading degeneracy, insolence and vile. In search of the Golden Fleece, crime has become our cotton field; it sprouts frightful stamens of violence and blood. Thus this minute, a gubernatorial elect pounds a day old child in a mortar for goodluck charm. Next minute, a European widow will lose her life-savings to a streetsmart, internet-activated Nigerian kid. The widow will slit her wrists and her scammer would retire to the blessings of his parents and family pastor. Our factories die but crime remains a major industry in Nigeria. That is because it’s the surest path to the Nigerian dream. But what is the Nigerian dream? Swift, sudden reprieve from all that tragedy and despair ever gave? Comfort taken for granted because it comes too easy and cheap? For whom is the good life? The insane market women of the sidewalks? Child-thugs and teen-rejects dying to be park thugs? The veteran who becomes drunkard and jester in our court of random realities? Perhaps the faithless who keeps the empty store on the lonely road, by the crossroads where the best of hopes lay famished. Maybe the privileged for whom the paths turned rose-beds, ever before they startled to a second pat. What would you do for the good life? Everything and anything that gets you to sleep at night happily and fulfilled, perhaps. Now that everything and anything amounts to nothing, we do everything and anything to sustain the life that pleases. We who have become treasury looters, armed robbers, advance fee fraudsters, mediocre teachers, unconscionable journalists, doctors and law enforcers, have learnt to espouse

morals birthed where deeds run afoul the mouth. Every Nigerian is a moralist even as we sow sodden seeds of decadence at sunrise through sunset. And still we manage to misunderstand the true essence of our mystery; the tragedy of the picture, and all that treachery and folly ever gave. We who couldn’t handle the truth profess to seek it. Here is the shadow of truth: our dreams have murder in the eye and we fete murder in the heart claiming to be “only human,” as if being human requires that we are inhuman. Thus is the kernel of our folly; that blind, savage, ghastly unreality that inspires our maddened souls to debris. Nothing works still, because we are incapable of making anything work. Politicians make hard calculations in the interest of the ruling class; multinationals depart our killing fields for lack of security, basic infrastructure, and desperately sought “excellent” returns. Capital and operating costs belie hope and prosperity as we have learnt to have it. But even doom has nuances. In our motherland, it has a thousand layers of meaning. Hence we cry for separation, true federalism and insurgencies contrived where the blood froths hottest. Forget our platitudes; many would die not to be part of the bloody revolutions they incite. I moot no bloodshed folks for it is hardly the path to the epoch of our dreams. For all our troubles, it is the tenor of our thoughts that sickens. We seem to be defective in reason. And the solutions we propound can neither loosen nor bind tragic knots we blow on the threads of history…our history, back when it used to be golden. Now we trust our hopes to prevail violence and malevolence we espouse even as you read. Truth has become a cliché, when it’s spoken,

our ears hurt. Truth has become what we wouldn’t say to get our hearts to lighten. And so do our hearts harden. Bet you are beginning to wonder: “Where are his solutions to our crises?” Let it be known at this point that, I seek to profess no mean truth neither do I portend some wild and infernal analysis; the solution we seek defies logic and grit as we have learnt to flaunt it. Let us simply shun corruption and perhaps institute death penalty for it, just like the Chinese did. Besides that, education is the only thing that should wholly never fail but we have learnt too little and we have too little to pass on, save Ivy League mediocrity, insolence, and greed. For all the honours we flaunt, the knowledge we affect is shorn of insight. Until we mature in grace; until we learn to live the cliché and apply ourselves to passionate pursuits for the love of the good, our pains shall run amok where we seek ease and bliss, always. It’s a matter of choice; to which system of thought should we commit our lives to? Is there anything in our norms worth saving? Shall we define the Nigerian dream in the language of humanity? Shall we begin to officiate for posterity and humanity’s sake? Shall we begin to affect the honesty to which we pay lip service? Shall we begin to reject the same old intrigues…the same old analysis, every minute, every hour, everyday? Perhaps we would learn to refine the subtleties that would make the Nigerian dream something more than the dream of thieves, prostitutes and looters. The Nigerian dream: dream of assassins, arsonists, urchins, human parts dealers, child traffickers, religious fanatics, ethnic warlords, internet fraudsters…hypocrites.

Office of the First Lady and Nigerian women By Nkechi Jane-Frances Odinukwe Programme (WYEP). With the swearing into office of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, in 2010, Patience Jonathan (Dame), was not left out of the pet project cycle as she initiated her own project called Women for Change Initiative (WCI). It appeared that with each president, came a pet project that had to be executed through the ‘Office of the First Lady’ with the support of political appointees and administrative staff that had to be paid. These projects were allegedly funded by donations and grants made through processes that were neither open nor transparent so much so that the manner in which most first ladies operated left a lot to speculation. One thing the Office of the First Lady has however showcased is the personality of each occupant and the effect their attitude and mannerisms have had on Nigerian women in particular and the country in general. With the creation of the office came expectations from the public on what a Nigerian woman should represent - how she should act, speak and what she could or could not do. Through the lives of our various first ladies, women in Nigeria were sometimes grouped, assessed and stereotyped into boxes of all shapes and sizes. If a First Lady always appeared too glamorous on television, women in other African countries sometimes mistook the affluence seen on television as good standard of life for every woman in the country. If the First Lady was never seen at public functions or seldom seen, it was generally assumed that women in Nigeria are not free to express themselves or hold an opinion. Even within the country, it could be said that the glamour associated with various first ladies spread the erroneous impression that women are wasteful with public funds and therefore inept at holding public offices. With the neglect of due process by some first ladies in the manner they purchased government buildings and assets for family members, came another erroneous notion that women when placed in positions of authority never know how to separate public from personal interest. With overzealous protection of what may have been speciously considered personal family information by some first ladies, another flawed impression was created in the mind of the public that an average Nigerian woman who finds herself as wife of a leader may ill-advise or support her partner to hold onto power until forcefully removed. Some have brazenly interfered with governance at federal and state levels and created a wrong impression of female leaders as power hungry ty-

rants who should not be allowed to hold decision making positions; through some of them, women have been adjudged emotional, incapable of any sense of control and reasonable judgment. As erroneous as such assumptions are, women are frequently seen in such light in Nigeria. One wonders whether women in leadership have forgotten the duty on us to ensure that unflattering stereotypes about women are not born out of our individual actions as leaders. With the change in government on May 29, expectations are high; Nigerians want an end to Boko Haram insurgency, corruption, unwarranted waste of public funds and a collapse of wasteful political structures that are unconstitutional. President Buhari’s inaugural speech has raised hope everywhere. Before his inauguration, President Buhari is muted to have said that his administration may not create or retain the Office of the First Lady; a statement given credence by Hajia Aisha Buhari who expressed the preference to be addressed as ‘Wife of the President.’ Whether this means Hajia Aisha Buhari will not maintain the Office of the First Lady is still too early in time to tell but the question to ask is ……Has the Office of the First Lady unveiled valuable lessons for women in Nigeria? From the person of late Maryam Babangida to Dame Jonathan, women should be able to learn a lot about being in the limelight. From some of our first ladies, women have seen what it means to be graceful. We have equally seen how easy it is to be wasteful with public funds. From some of them, we have learned what it means for a woman to face constructive or disparaging criticism. From some, we have learned how dreadful excessive quest for power and control of others can be. From others like Justice Fati Lami Abubakar, we have learned how a woman’s reproductive and productive roles could be juggled while at the same time supporting a husband in political office; still from her, we have learned how modesty and respect for rule of law could play a vital role in political decisions our partner takes as a leader. The lessons are many but have not been all bad. One fact is clear at this point….Whether the office of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria magically survives again or not, Nigerian women look forward to new lessons from Mrs Aisha Buhari. We wish our First Lady well and pray she gives Nigerian women good reasons to remain proud of womanhood in the coming years. • Nkechi Jane-Frances Odinukwe is a Legal Practitioner and Gender Activist based in Abuja.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2015

COMMENTS ‘Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others’ — Marcus Tullius Cicero

AST Friday was a great day across the country. Indeed, it was a swell moment for the progressives among the political class. That was an epoch-making day when the progressives, for the first time in the annals of the nation, through their political party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) took over the reins of government at the centre. Not just that, the APC is now in control of 22 out of the 36 states in the country. This national electoral feat calls for intense celebration because some few months back, most Nigerians erroneously believed that the leadership of the progressive party was wasting its time because the centre’s reactionary party since independence had, through electoral gimmicks, remained inviolable. But the 2015 general elections put a lie to that overrated assumption with the emergence of the Buhari/Osinbajo presidency at the centre. At a time that other states were falling to the dictates of Olusegun Obasanjo and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) political chicanery, Lagos State stood against the rampaging reactionary elements like the rock of Gibraltar. Undoubtedly, this was made possible by the political ingenuity and doggedness of one man - Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Upon reflection, his toughest political battles as far as this column is concerned was the electoral battles he fought to win reelection in 2003 and more importantly, his bid to ensure that the conservative PDP under Obasanjo’s obnoxious leadership did not produce an unworthy successor to succeed him as governor of Lagos in 2007. The latter battle was the hallmark of Tinubu’s political sagacity as a great political risk taker for he went for an unknown political and widely rejected entity called Babatunde Raji Fashola. Many of his then inner cabinet rebelled

'Fashola consciously missed during Ambode’s inauguration, being his last public official opportunity, to show the entire world that he is capable of showing gratitude to whom it is robustly due. What a repulsive example and indeed a bad signal from a supposed former governor of example!'

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Fashola’s signal of ingratitude against this decision but he stood his ground and opted to push for the then inconsequential Fashola alone. He deployed huge resources, time and immense energy against Obasanjo-contrived odds, including the federal government’s seizure of Lagos council’s statutory funds and using of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to attempt to circumvent governance in the Centre of Excellence under Tinubu. To the chagrin of rampaging reactionary PDP elements, Fashola won the election to the glory of God and the sole efforts of Tinubu. Fashola didn’t spend his money for he could then not be described as a rich man. The party’s primary was a foregone conclusion for him through Tinubu’s clout, and the logistics, he knew nothing about because his first major exposure in life was when Tinubu made him his Chief of Staff - that opportunity that Tinubu gave Fashola kick-started his great leap to political prominence. His second term election was made easy through the same Tinubu. And any reasonable man from any continent of the world would have thought that at any opportune time like his formal handing over last week to new Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Fashola would seize that auspicious occasion to publicly show gratitude to the man that God used to catapult him to fame from the position of a once proletarian lawyer, that was hardly known to his next-door neighbour. Fashola did not do this; he merely send a worrisome index of ingratitude to the man that God used to fulfill His promise in his life when in his remark at the Tafawa Balewa Square last Friday, he said: ‘‘The great people of Lagos, from our very first governor, Brigadier Mobolaji Johnson, to Alhaji Lateef

HIS topic has generated a lot of commentary of late that one wonders if this might not be the beginning of the end for the All Progressive Congress (APC). As I write, the APC has not made any categorical statement as regards the zone that would produce the leadership of the Eighth National Assembly. But we all know that it’s a battle royale between the North Central as represented by Senator Bukola Saraki and the North East as represented by Senator Ahmed Lawan. In my opinion, this issue has been over-flogged and the political horse-trading is totally unnecessary when certain variables come to play. Some of such variables include but not limited to ranking, experience, respect and support from both chambers of the National Assembly. This is where the ticket of Sen. Ahmed Lawan and Sen. George Akume comes in handy. And I know for certain that the returning senators, likewise new senators would settle for their experience portfolio. In my candid opinion, a senate with Lawan as president and Sen. Akume as deputy would experience stability and robust legislative activities. I do not know many senators in the National Assembly that enjoys the kind of support these distinguished senators have amassed since they signified interest in the race to head the senate. For clarity purposes, I would like to highlight on some of the factors that makes the Lawan/Akume ticket tick. Who is Sen. Ahmed Lawan? He is a fifth timer in the National Assembly; he has been in the National Assembly since 1999 as member of the House of Representatives 19992003, 2003-2007; Senator 2007-2011, 2011-2015 and he is returning to the Senate again 2015-2019. He has been in the opposition his entire political career which started in 1998. In 1998, he was elected the pioneer vice chairman of the All Peoples Party (APP), Yobe State chapter, and in 1999, he served as the secretary of the Electoral Committee of APP National Convention in Abuja. In the House of Representatives, he served in various capacities, including: Deputy Chairman, Committee on Environment; Deputy Chairman, Committee on Gas Resources; Chairman, House Committee on Agriculture; Chairman, House Committee on Education; and representative of the House of Representatives in the Joint Parliamentary Assembly, ACP/EU. In the Sixth Senate he served as Chairman, Senate Committee on Public Accounts; Member, Constitutional Review Committee; President, West African Association of Public Accounts Committees (WAAPAC); and member of five other standing committees of the Senate. In the Seventh

Kayode Jakande and all of those who have served; your royal majesties, former deputy governors and those who truly make Lagos what it is, I say thank you. Thank you; thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve all of you….’’ At this point at the venue of inauguration of the new governor, the mood of the crowd and facial expressions of many showed stern disagreement to the ungrateful posturing of Fashola by skipping Tinubu’s name which could not have been an oversight. This column appreciates the founding contributions of Brigadier Johnson and the penetrating efforts of Lagos first civilian governor, Alhaji Jakande. The column holds these great leaders in highest esteem but the contemporary contributions of Tinubu to Lagos’ political and infrastructural development can only be downplayed or overlooked by a mischief maker and more sadly, an ungrateful beneficiary of Tinubu’s large-heartedness and benevolence like Fashola. At a juncture while at Ambode’s inauguration, this column remembered the edifying statement of former American President John F. Kennedy. He once said: “We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives.” Permit yours sincerely to satisfy his curiosity by asking: What could Tinubu have done for Fashola to make him maliciously skip his name while listing names of those that made Lagos what it is today, according to him? Apart from being a great benefactor of his, Tinubu was that farsighted politician of global standard who was the architect of the policy foundation that made Fashola’s administration what it is today in the public gallery. Is it the BRT idea that was completed by the then governor

Tinubu and selflessly left for Fashola to commission to kick-start his government? Yet, Fashola futilely tried to commission all projects, both completed and uncompleted, before leaving office. Tinubu left very sound financial foundation for Fashola before leaving office but Fashola left a debt of well over N400billion and had even spent a reported figure of over 75 per cent of the budget by May when he left power, leaving virtually nothing for his successor to meet in the public till. When Tinubu backed Ambode for the governorship slot of APC, Fashola failed in his surreptitious sponsorship of Shashore, his friend and Femi Hamzat, his commissioner for works against his benefactor’s choice at his party’s primaries. Yet, in Fashola’s vying time, Tinubu managed everything for him without any serious opposition. Under Fashola, the greatest crime any officer of state can commit was to be perceived as very close to his benefactor or to be a buddy of somebody that was close to his great patron. To Fashola, the game of malice continues. Yet, at the time Asiwaju appointed Fashola to vie for the governorship, he made a hundred and one people unhappy only to be repaid now with ungratefulness by the beneficiary of his choice. How would Fashola feel if all those relations of his and close friends that he reportedly made heads of emergency agencies that he created while in power turn around to snub him publicly? This should be serious food for thought for him! The simple act of publicly acknowledging benevolence of another is a demonstration of gratitude to an experience that was meaningful which affirmatively was what happened when Tinubu made Fashola governor from nothing. But when a beneficiary does not show gratitude in return, definitely, something vital has disappeared from his humanity. This is because a person would certainly be defined by his wilful desire to show gratitude to a benefactor, which Fashola at that auspicious inauguration time surprisingly failed to do. On that occasion, history has recorded Fashola’s act as that of an avoidably mischievous beneficiary of Tinubu’s benevolence that reminds one of William Arthur Ward’s words when he pronounced: “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” What a calamity of immeasurable proportion that Fashola consciously missed during Ambode’s inauguration, being his last public official opportunity, to show the entire world that he is capable of showing gratitude to whom it is robustly due. What a repulsive example - and indeed a bad signal - from a supposed former governor of example!

Imperative of Lawan/Akume ticket By Yahaya Etila Senate, he was re-appointed as Chairman, Senate Committee on Public Accounts and also appointed Chairman, Ad-Hoc Committee to Investigate the Privatisation and Commercialisation Activities of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) from 1999 to 2011. His portfolio is quite intimidating you will agree with me. Senator Lawan is a ranking member of the Senate, and he commands respect from other senators, especially the set of 2003. He has been in the opposition since 1999 and won elections, which somewhat translates to grassroots support and political dexterity needed to handle the office of the Senate President. He also understands the inner workings of the National Assembly better than others that have shown interest in the race. Having been there since 1999, his support base would cut across both chambers, which will in turn pave way for a harmonious working relationship between both chambers. He may not be the most popular candidate for the seat, but that is because of his unassuming nature. He is not the loud and overtly flamboyant type. And for that reason, some see him as weak. But that is far from the truth. On the other hand, Senator George Akume is a former governor of Benue State and a delight any day and time. He is a third timer to the Senate having won elections since 2007 after his eight years stint as governor of Benue State. He was elected senator under the platform of the PDP in 2003 but soon left the fold to an “unpopular” party in the North Central and still won elections despite the fact that the PDP was at the helm of affairs in his state. He became Senate Minority Leader from 2007 till date. Akume’s contributions on the floor of the Senate since 2007 have been phenomenal. As a fact he was a top contender for the position of Senate president in 2007. It was on record the he was a victim of the Senate rule on ranking. It’s also on record that as the Senate Minority Leader, he carried himself with such comportment that gave rise to the opposition having a strong voice in the Senate. Be that as it may, there is an important factor that the APC must put into consideration, which is the standing rule of the Senate. The rule gives preference to seniority for positions of Senate President and Deputy Senate President because it’s

just common sense that only senators with substantial legislative experience can effectively lead. The seniority factor was first put to test in 2007 when the outgoing Senate President, David Mark, made his first bid for the number three post in order of protocol against the present senate minority leader, George Akume. Senator Mark clearly defeated Akume even though ranking was not yet included in the Senate’s standing rules. However, the Senate, under the leadership of David Mark, considered it important to insert the clause in the standing rules of the red chamber in order to properly guide lawmakers and perhaps limit the contest to only experienced senators. It turned out to be an informed move, considering the stability in the leadership of the Senate since then. In conclusion, the APC would do itself good to as a matter of sensibility and ask the other contenders to step down their ambition and present a common candidate to the Senate. The essence of this piece is to let the hierarchy of the APC know that the Lawan/Akume ticket has no equal. As a fact, this is one combination that highlights everything from experience, ranking and focus. And there is just one certainty, robust legislative direction in the National Assembly. The party would do itself good to rally support for these distinguished senators. We are watching, and the world is watching. • Etila wrote from Abuja

‘The APC would do itself good to as a matter of sensibility and ask the other contenders to step down their ambition and present a common candidate to the Senate. The essence of this piece is to let the hierarchy of the APC know that the Lawan/Akume ticket has no equal. As a fact, this is one combination that highlights everything from experience, ranking and focus’

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2015

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 5 2015

COMMENTARY

FEMI ABBAS ON

REAMBLE In a few days time, a unique guest will arrive in the world with the grandeur of integrity. Its arrival will be the divine catalyst with which the long awaited human respite will be ushered in. Guests, everywhere in the world, are of different types. Some are of honour and treated with integrity because of their acknowledged dignity. Some are bereft of honour but merely tolerated for their nuisance value. Each time we talk of guests, people invariably think only of humans in the erroneous belief that no other creature could be qualified for that title. What they don’t seem to know is that humans are just a fraction of Allah’s creatures. There are millions of others not often noticed by man. One of such creatures is environment of which season is a part. The phenomenon called season comes in different forms with different intensity and at different times of the year. Seasons are like the tides of an ocean. They roll out spirally in quick succession and reshape the world’s environment from time to time as they come in multiples of months. No one measures a season in the absence of months as there can be no seasons without months.

femabbas756@gmail.com 08115708536

Guest of integrity festival with the Ummah in a festive mood.

Anticlimax The first day of the month of Shawwal immediately after Ramadan is the anticlimax traditionally spent in great celebrations with rejoice and observed as ‘FastBreaking Festival’ (Eidul Fitr). Where else can one find a guest like Ramadan? Where else can one meet a guest that hosts his supposed host and heals him of ignorance and diseases? It was probably more to Ramadan than to man that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) referred when he said: “whoever believes in Allah and the ‘Last Day’ should venerate his guest” That guest is Ramadan. That is why Muslims often say in this unique month: ‘RAMADAN KARIM’ which means ‘Venerable Ramadan’.

August Visitor Europeans have so much respect for seasons that when they have an important guest they call him an ‘August visitor’. The month of August is the peak of summer season and the most comfortable month of hospitality for the Caucasian race of Europe hence the term. In Islam, the most venerable guest is Ramadan. Its visiting time is not restricted to any particular season or Gregorian month. Its arrival in the world may coincide with that of any season. It is therefore a guest of all seasons. With Ramadan as a guest, not only the Muslims but the entire humanity is consciously or unconsciously engaged in hospitable activities. Those who cannot fast in it do take advantage of its presence to sell or buy some relevant needs and wants. Thus, there can be no indifference to the awful presence of Ramadan in any part of the world. I recall the vivid description given this sacred month in ‘THE MESSAGE’ column sometime ago which is still as relevant now as it was then. It went thus: Once every year, something creeps into the world like the early morning light. It moves kaleidoscopically into an arena where the centre becomes its stool. It lifts its veil and beams a focus on the world with an arresting attention in the days. It envelops the nights in a shroud of covenant linking the dream of man with his fulfilment.

Its journey No one knows Ramadan’s port of embarkation. No one knows its destination. All we know of it is that of a guest that is so vividly present in our world and yet so invisible. RAMADAN is the name by which it is divinely christened. Its coming is often heralded by a retinue of envoys. The months of ‘Rajab’ and ‘Sha’ban’ are the immediate escorts that alert mankind of its imminent arrival. Like the sun in the midst of stars, Ramadan ascends the throne in full regalia and all other months, (lunar and solar) quickly take their bow. Call it the king where other months are chiefs and you will be dead right. Call it the doctor in a world of sick people and you will not be wrong. Call it the compass in the wilderness of straying humanity and you would have spoken the truth. Call it the reformer of human soul; the sterilizer of human spirit as well as the purifier of human body and you will not be disputed. In its entourage are equally invisible ministers like piety, knowledge, truth, justice and peace all of which usher it into the world with splendour. Deriving its name from a natural healing phenomenon, this ninth lunar month is truly baking in effect. The word: Ramadan is derived from the Arabic word ramd (meaning baking). The name had been in existence before the advent of Islamic calendar. It was coined from a baking summer that immediately followed a freezing winter. Ever since, Ramadan’s mission has been to firm up all loose ends in the life of man. And it does that with a

touch of perfection.

Its mission In Ramadan, the entire month of 30 or 29 days is spent fasting from dawn to dusk. Such fasting is not about abstinence from foods and drinks alone. It is also about self restraint from all sinful acts. More importantly, it is about repackaging one’s destiny through a new but sincere resolution. Fasting during this month is believed to figuratively burn away all sins. It was in this glorious month that the revelation of the Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad (SAW) first began. In this month, all gates of paradise, according to the Prophet, are open while those of hell are closed. The first ten days in it are blessings galore for those of the Muslim Ummah who need blessings and seek for them. The next ten days personify forgiveness for those who realize the gravity of their sinful acts, repent on them and resolve never to return to such acts again. Thus, Ramadan is far beyond a month. It is a season.

Its anchor leg The last ten days constitute the anchor leg of Ramadan which is meant for the liberation of mankind from the manacles of Satan. Whoever is so liberated automatically becomes like a new born baby arriving in a new world with a tabula rasa (clean slate). In these last ten days is a particular night (called Laylatul Qadr) in which the secret of human destiny is encapsulated. It is otherwise known as the ‘Night of power’. Meeting that night consciously and spiritually is like securing the key to one’s own apartment in Paradise. But one needs to remain awake throughout those nights to be fortunate to meet the D night. Allah did not disclose even to Prophet Muhammad (SAW), which particular night it is. But by asking the Muslims to look for it in the odd nights of the last ten days, the Prophet has helped us tremendously. However, who can be so sure of the odd nights when the issue of sighting the crescent before starting Ramadan remains controversial? Also, during the last ten days of Ramadan, some willing Muslims, in accordance with the tradition of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), do go for Umrah in Makkah or take to I’tikaf (spiritual seclusion) locally, to reaffirm their total submission to Allah. Following this is a session of charity made compulsory for all Muslims irrespective of age, gender and status, to give to the poor and the needy. This is called Zakatul Fitr or Sadaqatul Fitr. It is given in the very early morning of Ramadan Festival Day or the night before it to enable the poor and the needy celebrate the

Preparation To start or end fasting in Ramadan, sighting of the crescent is just symbolic. The indices of recognizing when to start or end the month are naturally vivid to those who care. Ramadan is not preceded by two glorious lunar months of Rajab and Sha’ban for fun. The number of days in those two months is to enable any serious Muslim know the time of arrival of Ramadan and prepare for it. No lunar month exceeds 30 days and none is less than 29 days. Crescent or no crescent, it is very possible and easy to know when to start Ramadan every year. The confusion often created by the sighting of the crescent is therefore avoidable. If Rajab is 30 or 29 days, no one looks for the crescent before starting Sha’ban. As soon as Rajab ends, Sha’ban starts.

Dynamism Islam is a dynamic religion and nothing should be rigid about the sighting of the crescent before starting Ramadan. Sighting the crescent is not the only condition for starting the great month. After all, the new crescent is not necessarily visible to all eyes at any given time in any locality. That is why a few who may be privileged to sight it are implored to invite some others to witness it and then inform the recognized authorities who will in turn, announce the arrival of Ramadan to the Muslim community in the locality or region. Besides Faith (Iman) and Hajj (which are the first and last pillars of Islam), nothing else is really globally uniform in practical terms with regards to timing. The variation in the geography of the earth has legitimsed the variation of time in the observance of Salat, Sawm and Zakat. Iman is global because it resides permanently in the hearts of the believers irrespective of their localities. Hajj is equally global because it is performed in only one place at a particular time.

Geographical factor Where a gap of about nine to eleven hours exists between one part of the world and another, talking of global uniformity in starting or ending Ramadan can only border on sheer ignorance. For instance it is impossible for the Australian Muslims living in Australia and their South American brethren residing in Brazil or Argentina to start Ramadan on the same day. Even within Nigeria, all Muslims can start Ramadan on the same day, only if they have equal access to information. And even with that, it is not possible for them all to start or end daily fasting at the same time

of the day. That is why the announcement or publication of Ramadan timing according to the various localities is necessary.

Universality of Ramadan That Ramadan fasting is prescribed as a universal obligation for all Muslims in a particular month is deliberate. Allah who did the prescription is not oblivious of the geographical variations in the world. Neither is He unaware of the possible invisibility of a new crescent to most eyes. The design is to allow for the reverberation of the effect of Ramadan across the world. And time variation in worship or celebration of festivals is not peculiar to Islam. Even in Christianity, neither Easter nor Christmas is globally celebrated in one day. And, there is no media noise about it. What is global about Ramadan fasting is the month and not the time. Dawn and dusk vary from locality to locality. It is therefore possible for the Muslims in one part of the world to be breaking their daily fast at a time when their brethren in another part are commencing theirs. Thus, the genuineness or otherwise of Ramadan fasting is not to be judged by man. That is why Allah is reported by Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as saying in a sacred Hadith (Hadith-ul-Qudsi) that: “Fasting is mine and I am the One to grant rewards on it.” Welcome to the coast of Ramadan. This sacred ‘ship’ must not leave the coast without you on board. Ramadan is like an institution of learning. A good Muslim must not just pass through it he must also allow it to pass through him. Who knows when the last time to witness the month will be? RAMADAN KARIM!

Where is Gawat? Retrospectively, Tuesday, July 10, 2012 can be described as a shocking day for Nigerian Muslim Ummah. That day, the Nigerian electronic media waves throbbed with a shocking and unbelievable news saying: the popular Islamic programme (e dide e mu sari je) presenter was missing. The waves added that whoever knew his whereabouts or heard any information about him should report to the nearest police station or any other relevant authorities. The breaking news sent jitters to millions and puzzled millions of others. Here was a well known human being and not a chattel. Where and how do you start looking for him?

Action and Rumour Brothers and sisters immediately went into action by taking up the matter as a knotty task that must be unravelled. Text messages and phone calls, e-mails and facebook communications began in earnest. In less than one hour after the outbreak of the news the entire world had known of it. And that evidently confirmed the global village created by the modern technology called internet. Thus, the search for ‘a golden fish’ in a turbulent ocean became a task for all and sundry. Thereafter, the Nigerian factor set in. Rumours began to fly across boundaries as evil agents added their inputs. First, we heard that Gawat had been found and taken to his family. Then, a devilish rumour came in insinuating that the episode was a complicity in which his wife’s hand was vivid. The evil rumour mongers even had the audacity of sending text messages to me saying that his wife was already in police gulag. I immediately called the innocent woman (Hajiya Fatima Gawat) to inquire about her whereabouts. And when she told me that she was in her husband’s home with her children I heaved a deep sigh of fervent relief. It was one moment of embarrassment at its topmost peak.

Mysterious Puzzle It is possible to be dead suddenly by whatever means but the body will be seen and the grave will be a witness. However, in a jungle-like country like Nigeria, it is possible for a prominent person of Gawat’s status to be kidnapped for a ransom by hoodlums and their godfather. But in this case, what is unimaginable and which remains a puzzle is for a person of Gawat’s personality to suddenly disappear so mysteriously within the city of Lagos without any trace. And now, all said and done, three years after that agonizing episode, the common question that remains on the lips of all well-meaning people is: ‘where is Gawat? And the answer lies with Allah.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2015

PEOPLE THE NATION

A THREE-PAGE SECTION ON SOCIETY

The prestigious Island Club held a valedictory party for its outgoing chairman, Prince Ademola Dada, reports NNEKA NWANERI.

OR three years, he was chairman of the prestigious Island Club. In those years, Prince Ademola Dada distinguished himself, leading men of various professions and backgrounds. So, penultimate Friday, at a valedictory party for him, the high and mighty` rose to celebrate him. The blue blooded, businessmen and women were also in attendance. The club members wore uniform blue and white stripped aso oke cap and white agbada to match. It was another opportunity for them to unwind and campaign for the coming elections. Those who supported the chairman during his tenure were given the club highest award of Grand Commander of the Peacock (GCOP). They included Elegushi of Ikateland Oba Saheed Elegushi; Skye Bank Chairman Tunde Ayeni; Oba Tijani Akinloye; Osile Oke-Ona Egba Oba Adedapo Tejuoso; Oba Idowu Oniru of Iruland; Eko Club president Alhaji Babatunde Brino and others. In his valedictory speech, Prince Dada said he first contested for Assistant Social Secretary 27 years ago. He, however, recalled agonising whether being the club’s chairman was worth it. There were times, according to him, his business suffered because of his absence. He added: “It’s been three glorious years full of meritorious service. I could not have wished for a better team.” He prayed that his successor completes the car park; a project he initiated to enhance the club financially. Oba Tejuoso, who came with his three wives, said he would cherish the award forever. He said he was introduced to the club by his late father. “I qualified as a medical doctor in 1964. Since then, my late father never let me rest until he brought me to the club.” Another awardee, Chief Bisi Olatilo, a polyglot, said the award has wiped tears off his face. Olatilo lost all his work of 16 years when fire razed his studio. The award, he said, would spur him to more action. King Sunny Ade and his African Beats entertained guests. In attendance were the former Lagos State military administrator, Ndubisi Kanu; Chairman Chisco Transport, Chief Chidi Anyaegbu and Dr Yomi Finnih, among others.

‘It’s been three glorious years full of meritorious service. I could not have wished for a better team’

Bye, ‘the chair’ •Prince Dada flanked by Oba Tejuoso (left) and Dr Ayeni

•Bisi Olatilo (left) and Chief Anyaegbu

•Prince Alaba Abiodun Oniru (left) and Rear Admiral Kanu (rtd)

•Oba Elegushi (left) and Asoya of Ile- Isoya Ife, Oba Adebanjo Adedini

•Siji Olowosuko displaying his award

•Former President Institute of Charted Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) Bashorun Jaiyeola Randle (left) and former President Institute of Directors Nigeria (IOD) Chief Olusola Dada

•From left: Chief Lanre Razaki; Aare Kamorudeen Danjuma and Mr Femi Oyenuga

•Erelu Abiola Dosunmu

PHOTOS: NNEKA NWANERI

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2015

SOCIETY A thanksgiving service was held former Governor of Lagos State Babatunde Fashola and his wife, Dame Abimbola, at the Trinity House Church, Victoria Island. It was tagged: 8 Years of Grace, reports NNEKA NWANERI.

N appreciation of his eight-year service in Lagos State, former Governor Babatunde Fashola last week received a rare honour from the Trinity House Church. The church held a thanksgiving service for him and his family at its Landmark Village on Victoria Island, Lagos. Friends, associates and family members gathered to honour the Fasholas. They sang and danced to their hearts’ content. Ace comedian Holy Mallam was the Master of Ceremony. He and another comedian, First Born, dished out ribcracking jokes amid soul-lifting songs by Dupe Ige. Gospel artistes Buchi and his reggae band, Lady Evangelist Tope Alabi and the Trinity Voices were also on hand to spice up the event. There was a presentation on Fashola achievements and how he was able to transform Lagos. There was a session for people’s views and opinions on the former governor and their expectations of him after office. Dame Abimbola, who came with her children, Demola and Olayinka, sister-in-law and mother-in-law radiated joy, saying: “This is all I love to do - giving thanks and praises to God. I will hold on to these songs that inspire me into being the best.” She thanked Lagosians for supporting her husband, describing the last eight years as beautiful. She prayed for a peaceful tenure for the new governor, adding that she is happy that her kids would now have her and her husband back. Representative of Ogun State Governor and Commissioner for Commerce and Industry Otunba Bimbo Ashiru read the Bible passage from Psalm 147. He also gave a goodwill message, thanking Fashola for remitting the taxes of those living in Ogun and working in Lagos. Describing Fashola as the

COMMUNICATE YOUR IDEAS Look within you

“Y ‘He was a jolly good governor’ •Church honours Fasholas •From right: Pastor Ighodalo; Otunba Ashiru; Dame Abimbola and Mrs Ibidun Ighodalo

•From left Evang Franca Emekobun; Bimpe Ishola; Bola Awokoya and Yetunde Austen-Peters

‘Class Captain’ of other Southwest governors, he urged him to go and have some rest for now and be ready to come back for more work. Nigerians, he said, still need him, having shown what he is made of which he will be remembered for. The Fasholas rose and the men of God stretched their hands towards them in prayer. Senior Pastor Ituah Ighodalo preached on the gains of eternal life. He presented Fashola, represented by his wife, with a bouquet of colourful flowers.

‘This is all I love to do-giving thanks and praises to God. I will hold on to these songs that inspire me into being the best’

FUNERAL

•From right: Amb Ayo Olukanni; his wife Yemisi and Omolara Euler-Ajayi

•Princess Yewande Onile-Ere and Mrs Abba Folawiyo (right)

CONJUGAL BLISS

Managing Director of Fujib Universal Concept Ltd, Lagos, Mr Sunday Adeyanju and his wife, former Miss Chekwube Onwudimegwu, during their traditional marriage in Ota, Ogun State •Former governor of Abia State Dr Ogbonnaya Onu flanked by his wife, Dr Chinyere Onu and former Anambra governor Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife at the burial of Late Senator Uche Chukwumerije in Isuochi Abia State

OU'VE got greatness within you!" These are the words of Les Brown, one of the world's leading motivational speakers. But before you dismiss this statement as another sugar quoted, empty, and make-peoplefeel-good speech, you need to read the story of Les. One of my most revered mentors LANRE OLAOLU AMODU says that the secret of people ( Ph.D) sospeak2lanre@yahoo.com. is in their stories. So, let's find 07034737394 out if Les has the right to tell @lanreamodu us to look within. Leslie Calvin "Les" Brown was born in 1945. Les and his twin brother, Wesley, were born on the floor in an abandoned building, in a low-income area of Miami, Florida. They were later adopted at the age of six weeks by Miss Mamie Brown, a cafeteria attendant and a domestic assistant. In the fifth grade, Les was labeled "educably mentally retarded" (EMR) and he became a child no one thought could amount to anything. One day, Les was in a class, waiting on a friend who was to rehearse for a play. The teacher told him to go and write something on the board but he declined. When he was asked why, he explained to the teacher that he was in a special education class. The teacher asked him what that meant and insisted that he should write on the board. Still, Les decline. Again the teacher asked him why, then he said he was educably mentally retarded. The teacher came from behind his desk and said, "Don't ever say that again. Someone's opinion of you does not have to become your reality". That statement changed Les' life forever. Les Brown never had a college degree, never worked for a major corporation, and never had any MBA or Ph.D; yet, he became one of the world's most renowned motivation speakers and a highly-sought-after resource for Fortune 500 Companies. What happened to Les? Was there a magic in what that teacher told him? I don't think so. What happened was that the teacher redirected his attention from outside to within. He had previously been confused by people's opinion about him that he never looked inward to discover himself. Several people are too focused on external factors that they think very little of the internal factors. How can we believe other people over our own mind? How can we accept external verdict that we are a failure when our hearts are screaming that we can make it? When it comes to our personal success, majority does not carry the vote. We as the minority should determine the outcome of our lives. This is particularly important when it comes to public speaking or communication generally. We need confidence to perform excellently. There is something very interesting about opinion; people state what is on their mind, but we are left to act it out. If we are called a failure, it is required of us to fail for them to be correct. The fact that they said it does not seal our fate; our action or non-action is required. So, our action is what either proves people right or wrong. If we are called a failure, but we live out success, we will find people changing their minds. Les Brown was labeled EMR. For as long as he convinced himself that he was not good at anything, even something as simple as writing on the board, the label remained with him. He had to change his mind before he could change his life. Supposing someone meets him now and calls him EMR, won't the person look like a fool? Of course. Les' life has proved the person wrong. In the same way, what people say about us is not what matters; it is what we think, say and do about ourselves that makes the difference. It is very important for us to look within us. We have a lot of potentials that we are not bringing out. Why should we deprive the world of our skills as among the most outstanding speakers, business person, inventor or influencer that the world has ever known? According to Les, "Most people fail in life, not because they aim too high and miss but because they aim too low and hit". The only reason we aim low is that we fail to have confidence in our abilities. Some people's disposition to life can be summarized by this statement, "Blessed are those that expect nothing for they shall not be disappointed". A lot of times, the reason we play safe is not because we are being strategic but because we don't think we have what it takes to succeed. A proverb says, "If there is no enemy within, the enemy outside can do us no harm". It's time to deal with the enemy within. Let's face our strengths and weaknesses with courage. Why run away from ourselves. It's time to look inside us and explore the resources that God has planted therein. Les Brown says, "Feed your faith and your doubt will starve to death". Faith is an inside force that manifests on the outside. If we look within, we will discover that there is more to us than what people say about us. In this series "Look Within You", we shall explore how we can become less distracted by outside noise and how we can bring out the best in ourselves. I believe you will find this journey a worthwhile experience. Let's make it a date next week, by the grace of God. Dr. Amodu teaches at the Department of Mass Communication, Covenant University, Ogun State.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2015

SOCIETY

•Bride's parents Mr Olawale Taiwo and his wife Seyi

•Groom's parents Mr Akin Ige and his wife Dr Temisan

•The couple, Omorinsola and Ajibola

‘That little girl of yesterday’ A teacher, former Miss Omorinsola Temiloluwa Taiwo, got married to a lawyer, Ajibola Eyimofe Ige, last Thursday in Lagos, reports NNEKA NWANERI

OR mother and daughter, it was a day of joy- their birthday and wedding came up the same day. Omorinsola, a teacher, got married to Ajibola Eyinofe Ige, a lawyer, on the day her mother, Mrs Seyi Taiwo added another year. It was a Thursday, yet the wedding was well attended. Family members and friends turned out in large numbers to share in the couple’s joy. The event held at the The New Estate Baptist Church (NEBC) in Surulere, Lagos. With the hymn: “My hope is built on nothing less”, the pretty bride was led to the altar by her father. The couple took turns to exchange marital vows. Ajibola stepped out first; his voice steady and confident. Omorinsola, after a chuckle, recited hers. The officiating minister and pastor of NEBC, Revd Amos Achi Kunat, blessed the rings. He urged the couple to always wear their ring as a symbol of their commitment to each other. In a sermon, the cleric described love as an active word. He implored the couple to be broadminded. He said: “Examine your paradigms and be open to each other’s perspective, judging it from the word of God. Listen to each other and do not let the way you see things make you act in a certain way.” The couple told The Nation how they met five years ago during Nigeria’s Independence Day Fair in London.

Ajibola had gone to London for his postgraduate studies; Omorinsola just finished her teacher’s training. According to Omorinsola, their parents are friends. She said they met when her mother sent him to her in London. They began dating a year later. Describing Ajibola as the love of her life, she said she became convinced that he was her man six months into their dating. On how they have been coping, she said: “We talk a lot on what is going on and how we feel. He’s such a good listener, so, there is no problem we can’t deal with.” Ajibola said he was attracted by her simplicity and character. “She was so free that day. I also must mention that she is smart and great company,” the groom said. He proposed to her on their second outing which fell on her birthday. The Bishop Howells Memorial Church Hall in Surulere, where the reception was held, was decorated in light green and dark red fabrics. A white carpet lined the walkway with red rose petals adorning it. An all-white court was set up at the far end of the expansive hall with LOVE boldly inscribed above the couple’s seat. The groom’s mother, who teaches Teachers Education at the University of Ibadan, described her daughter-in-law as the little girl of yesterday who has become a woman.

‘Examine your paradigms and be open to each other’s perspective, judging it from the word of God. Listen to each other and do not let the way you see things make you act in a certain way’

•Prof Adebayo Williams (right) and Mr Olatunde Bello

•Mr Olusegun Ketiku (left) and Mr Adeboye Ketiku

•From left Prince Adegoroye Tytler; Taiwo Taladon and Tokunbo Dada PHOTOS: ABIODUN WILLIAMS

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2015

How to boost food production, by experts To increase food production, experts say Buhari’s administration should make agriculture a top priority to meet the needs of a growing population. This, however, will require building on the foundation of the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) and navigating current resource limits, DANIEL ESSIET reports.

HE agricultural sector is facing an exciting future. The sector is reviving, helped by positive policy actions that have improved confidence in agriculture. To continue on this trend, experts said there was the need to accelerate structural reforms as the sector is the bright spot in the economic landscape. While there are many challenges ahead, the good news, however, is that enormous opportunities exist to turn the situation around, create profitable farms that produce an abundance of healthy food while improving the soil, enhancing biodiversity, and protecting habitats. To this end, they urged the President, Muhammadu Buhari to find ways to increase food production. Speaking with The Nation, Prof Daniel Gwary, of the Crop Protection Department, University of Maidugari, Borno State, said bolstering agriculture sector health would support growth going forward. He believes farmers and agribusinesses could create a food secure economy if they can access more fund, electricity, better technology and irrigated land to grow high-value crops. Gwary said the agriculture sector has capacity to boost growth rates, create more jobs, significantly reduce poverty, and grow enough cheap, nutritious food to feed its families. He urged the government to carry out the reform of the food production system to make it more efficient, effective and to be more relevant to the mandates. The agric development blue print, he noted, should aim at restoration of high economic growth. Nigeria, he noted, has great potential for expanding food production but that the sector is facing a lot of challenges including slowing yield growth of major food crops, land degradation and water scarcity issues, and a changing climate. His concerns is shared by other experts with the report that postharvest losses run 45 per cent for perishable products due to poor storage and other farm infrastructure. His position is that the government could support farmers to boost food production without punishing the environment. This will require experimenting with less harmful farming practices. According to him, rural underdevelopment has been the main drag on the potential and prospects for growth in agricultural production and productivity, adding that inadequate infrastructure such as electricity, roads, and potable water, account for the lag in agricultural development. To him, poor and inadequate infrastructure, among other problems, increase operational expenditure in agriculture and wants the administration to address it. In addition to inadequate infrastructure provision, he noted that there is scarcity of a myriad of required direct farming inputs and needs for productive and profitable agricultural business. Inspite of the identified problems that inhibit growth and productiv-

• A farmer ploughs the field in Saulawa village, Kaduna.

• Ogunwale

• Gwary

ity in agricultural production and food security, Gwary expressed optimism regarding current scale and enthusiasm of foreign direct investors in the sector following the efforts made by the outgone Minister of Agriculture, Dr Adesina. This has prompted the global momentum in the support for agriculture in Nigeria from outside. The Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Uyo, Prof Ini Akpabio, urged President Buhari to put agriculture and agribusiness at the top of the development and business agenda. He pointed out that productivity in agriculture in Nigeria remains relatively lower, suggesting the need for incentives for farmers to produce more food. He argued for support of the government in the sector for expanded growth in production and a greater coordination of public ministries, departments and agencies that have linkages to the agriculture sector. According to him, Nigeria needs a standard policy towards agriculture improvement. In this regard, he identified with the move to support the production of viable agri-

cultural commodities to facilitate economic and industrial growth. These measures, he noted, would help the nation utilise its potential and the comparative advantages in agricultural production. To address the economic growth objective, World Bank Consultant, Prof Abel Ogunwale, called for the strengthening of the macroeconomic framework, a more responsible fiscal stance, increasing the role of private sector in economic development and improvement in physical infrastructure. To reduce poverty, he urged the government to focus on expanding productive capacity in agriculture, development of rural areas, and upgrading the living conditions for urban dwellers that had suffered from poor urban infrastructure and social services arising principally from high urbanisation rates. Ogunwale called for clear plans for agricultural development. Farmers, he noted, need support to enable them to acquire critical inputs such as fertilisers, insecticides, pesticides, storage facilities, tractors and other modern farming tools, hybrid seeds, to increase pro-

ductivity. He urged Buhari’s administration to construct dams and irrigation projects to enhance agriculture development with many rivers flowing through the country. This, he said, could lead to selfsufficiency in the production of some critical food crops and the national food security programme, which must necessarily be a component of the national security programme. He said that one way of addressing its food security problem is to move from the present over-dependence on the weather for food production, and also promote agro-processing and good storage facilities to reduce the current high levels of food losses. This aside, he said the sector requires good transportation network to facilitate agricultural activities and a vigorous transportation programme to build more highways, railways and improve water transport to enhance agriculture development. Ogunwale said there is also the need to provide basic infrastructure and facilities such as roads, hospitals, water, electricity and other basic facilities in the rural areas. This would prevent the exodus of youths from the farms in rural areas to the cities and the industrial centres in search of jobs. Ogunwale said the sector needs more investments, especially in water, agri-R&D, farm mechanisation. For him, the industry should improve in terms of gross capital formation. But much of this, he said, should come from the government and also from the private sector. According to him, considering a stable mandate for the government, backed by strong political will, the government should be able to turn around the economy, through the agricultural sector.

‘Buhari administration should construct dams and irrigation projects to enhance agriculture development with many rivers flowing through the country’

For him, the government may walk the extra mile to boost growth through infrastructure development. According to him, the government needs to increase capital expenditure on agricultural infrastructure to make it an important contributor to GDP growth and job creator. He urged the government to accelerate policy reforms and invest in transport and storage infrastructure to encourage more participation in agribusiness. Experts stated that agribusiness has potential to lift Nigerians from poverty. They urged the government to empower farmers through training, exposure to new markets and provision of subsidised inputs such as seeds and fertiliser. They challenged the government to invest in training for farmers and partner with banks to extend to them affordable credit. To experts, however, the importance of the agric industry to the economy has been recognised by the outgone Federal Government in its economic Strategy 2011 to 2015. Demonstrating this, the government through the former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Akinwumi Adesina developed a strategic action plan for the industry through the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA). The plan recognised the need to target those areas which have the greatest potential for growth. To some experts, his initiatives have empowered more than six million farmers across the country to embrace agriculture as a business as he has been relentless in unlocking opportunities for farmers and changing Africa’s narrative on agriculture to wealth creation, away from poverty reduction. His Growth Enhancement Support Scheme (GES) ended four decades of corruption in the fertiliser sector, eliminating the middlemen and scaling up food production by nine million metric tonnes in the first year -almost half of the 2015 production target. To further enhance this process, he introduced an Electronic Wallet System which allows smallholder farmers to receive electronic vouchers for subsidised seeds and fertilisers directly on their mobile phones and enable them to pay for farm inputs from private sector agricultural input dealers. The system has reached over six million farmers and enhanced food security for 30 million persons in rural farm households. With the success of the electronic wallet system, Nigeria has become the first country in Africa to reach farmers with subsidised farm inputs through their mobile phones. The impact is already being noticed beyond Nigeria with several African countries, Brazil, India and China now expressing interest in adopting the electronic wallet system in their agriculture sector. The World Bank, African Development Bank and other global development finance institutions have put up over $2 billion in support of his bold initiatives.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2015

• A farmer ploughs the field in Saulawa village, Kaduna.

• Ogunwale

• Gwary

‘Buhari administration should construct dams and irrigation projects to enhance agriculture development with many rivers flowing through the country’

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2015

‘Livestock identification ‘ll reduce spread of diseases’ L

IVESTOCK expert, Dr Ademola Adeyemo, said the establishment of a livestock identification programme will help the government to track livestock in cases of disease outbreaks. Having recovered from the attack of Ebola and bird flu, Adeyemo,who is Deputy Director, General Management,Agricultural and Rural Management Training Institute(ARMTI), said there was the need for a registry to track animals’ movements so that agriculture and health officials can quickly establish quarantines and take other steps to prevent the spread of disease. He said livestock producers need to affix identification to their animals, while there should be records of medical treatments such as vaccinations, medications and feed requirements. At the nation’s stage in development, the don said animal identification should be required and producers accept the concept to save

Stories by Daniel Essiet

the industry from diseases occurrences. According to him, tracking cows should be a concern as identification will make investigations faster and easier. Meanwhile, Sub-Saharan African countries have adopted a declaration on animal identification and recording, a move that is expected to improve food security, livestock genetics and better flock management as well as manage animal health and disease control. “By adopting the Pretoria Declaration on Animal Identification and Recording Systems for Traceability and Livestock Development, the countries have affirmed their commitment to identification of animals and recording of their movements and health and put in place measures such as surveillance, early detection and notification of outbreaks, rapid response, control of animal movements, and

• Dr Elemo presenting a certificate to Salau.

HE Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi has received the West Africa Agricultural Productivity (WAAPP) Supervision/Support Team who were on a working visit. The team was led by Dr. Sheu Salau who is the WAAPP Regional Task Team Leader from the World Bank. Also in the team were: Dr. Lucas Akapa, WAAPP Coordinator from CORAF/WECARD; Prof. Chikwendu Damain, National Coordinator, WAAPP – Nigeria and Dr. Kadir Osman Gyasi, the National Coordinator, WAAPP Ghana. Dr. Gloria N. Elemo, the Direc-

zoning or compartmentalisation,” said Food and Agriculture Organisation( FAO) Representative in South Africa, Tobias Takavarasha. Livestock is one of the most important and fastest growing agricultural subsectors in developing countries, fuelled by increasing demand for animal products. Livestock accounts for 37 per cent of agricultural Gross Domestic Product and it continues to grow. Despite the rapid growth globally, animal production (meat, milk and eggs) in Sub-Saharan Africa is increasing at a slower pace. A substantial and sustained increase in animal production and productivity is therefore required and animal identification, performance recording and traceability can significantly contribute to the much needed growth. The Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme targets an annual growth rate of 4.2 per cent for the livestock sector by enhancing the role of livestock in

agricultural intensification and promotion of market-based livestock development. Animal Identification and performance recording systems are also key to genetic improvement and to better herd and flock management and, thus, enable sustained productivity gains. This has been demonstrated in many countries where decades of performance recording and selection have resulted in remarkable improvements in animal productivity, particularly in the commercial sector. “Africa needs investment in animal identification and performance recording to become competitive in the markets for breeding animals as well as animals for consumption,” said Irene Hoffmann, Chief of FAO’s Animal Genetic Resources programme. Presentations and group discussions during the Symposium provided ample examples for the integrated approach and multipurpose benefits from animal identification and recording.

“This holistic approach is nicely illustrated in the FAO guidelines for the development of integrated and multipurpose animal recording systems that were designed to support countries in the development of such systems”, said Badi Besbes, FAO Animal Production Officer. About 130 participants from 30 countries met in Pretoria, South Africa, at the occasion of the international symposium on ‘Animal Identification and Recording Systems for Traceability and Livestock Development in Sub-Saharan Africa’.

• Dr Elemo presenting a certificate to Chikwendu.

WAAPP support mission team visits FIIRO tor-General/Chief Executive Officer, Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi (FIIRO) in her welcome address, alluded to the objective of WAAPP team’s visit, saying it was review the progress of implementation of WAAPP projects with the various collaborating organisations with WAAPP of which FIIRO is a major stakeholder. She also stressed that WAAPPNigeria has been a very strategic partner to FIIRO because of her mandate most especially in the

• Adeyemo

R&D on food and agro-processing technologies which is in tandem with the objective of WAAPP while stating that no other institution in Nigeria can serve this purpose better than FIIRO. She also appreciated WAAPP for the approvals the institute got from the organisation to execute some projects. These include training in high quality cassava flour, odourless fufu flour industrial starch, fruit juice, instant pounded yam flour, kunu production and preservation, fish smoking, tomato

processing, and zobo production and preservation in the six geopolitical zones. Mre Elemo thanked the team for their various comments and suggestions and promised that she would set up a committee to look at the various suggestions made by the team with a view to implementing them to enhance the performance of the institute to make it deliver effectively and efficiently on its mandate. Regional WAAPP Task Team Leader, World Bank, Dr. Sheu

Salau, stressed that FIIRO is a very serious result-driven institution and alluded to the fact that WAAPP and FIIRO have a lot in common thereby assuring of the readiness of World Bank and WAAPP to collaborate with the institute. He promised to link the institute with various other donor organisations that are relevant to efficient and effective delivery on its mandate. The team expressed satisfaction in the institute’s activities and leadership and concluded that the institute has all it takes to execute all the approved WAAPPP projects.

Stakeholders score Cassava Weed Project high

EADS of implementing partner institutions comprising the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike; Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta(FUNAAB), and the University of Agriculture Makurdi (UAM) are proud over the progress made towards the implementation of the Cassava Weed Management Project (CWMP)—a project that is led by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA). In a briefing with the Project Coordinating team in Makurdi, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture Makurdi, Prof

Emmanuel Kucha, thanked the team for a good job and reiterated the support of the University to the project. Kucha who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor of UAM, Prof John Ayoade, said the equipment donated to the University by the project were of great help to research. He praised the team for efficient and effective sharing of information on the activities of the project through the newsletter and social media, and also called on other projects to emulate the IITA-CWMP. At the NRCRI, the Executive Director, Dr Julius Okonkwo, also lauded the milestones and praised

the capacity building efforts of the project. He promised that his institute would continue to provide the necessary support to ensure that the project attains its goals and impacts positively on the lives of farmers. Dr Okonkwo pledged to ensure that the project’s assets and research trials were protected and secured. Demonstrating his commitment to the Project, the NRCRI boss promised to release additional four hectares to the IITA-CWMP for trials this season at Utobi in Benue State. The Vice-Chancellor, Federal

University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Prof. Olusola Oyewole, said his university was glad to be part of the IITACWMP. He emphasised that the results from the project would be useful to the society, and the advancement of the productivity of cassava in Nigeria. Earlier, the Principal Investigator of the IITA-CWMP, Prof Friday Ekeleme and the Communication & Knowledge Exchange Expert, Mr Godwin Atser, made oral presentations on the activities of the project in the outgoing year and plans for the year 2015.

Prof Ekeleme said the successful implementation of the activities of the project last year was a joint effort involving partners from NRCRI, FUNAAB, UAM and IITA under the leadership of the Project Coordinator, Dr Alfred Dixon. Prof Ekeleme called on partners not to rest on their oars but to redouble their efforts and commitment to attain the project’s milestones this year. The visiting team, which also had the Project Administrator, Mrs Ezinne Ibe, took time to visit experimental farms across the various partner institutions.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2015

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 04-06-15

New pricing rule: Weak stocks can drop to one kobo

T least a quarter of quoted companies may drop to as low as one kobo as the Nigerian capital market regulators approved a new pricing rule that will remove the stopgap that had supported several stocks at their nominal value of 50 kobo. The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) yesterday stated that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved the Exchange’s proposal to change the base price for any stock at the stock market from the current par-value based system to a general minimum price level of one kobo. According to the amendment to the pricing rule, notwithstanding the par value of a company, the price of every share listed on the Exchange shall be determined by the market, except that no share shall trade below a price floor of one Kobo per unit. Par value is the nominal value of a share as stated in the Memorandum of Association of an issuer while the price floor means the amount below which the price of one unit of a share shall not be permitted to trade, and the minimum amount which must be paid for a share in the event of a drop in the unit price of that share. The Nation’s check indicated

•50 stocks may drop below par value By Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

that more than 50 companies, especially in the non-bank financial services subsectors, may be affected by the new pricing rule, which favours market forces to determine share price, irrespective of the nominal value of the company. Nearly all the 50 companies have been stagnant at their nominal value for more than a year and are currently on supply, a market euphemism for shares glut and sell pressure. They had been supported at the nominal value by the previous par-value system. “Definitely, it is going to affect the market capitalisation because you will have many stocks that will fall below par value. There may be negative market sentiments for such stocks and investors may not really like the idea of their stocks falling as low as one kobo. But looking at it from the global perspective, I think it is good for the market as market forces will now determine the price base for stocks,” Mr. Omololu Ajediran, fund manager, Sterling Capital Markets Limited, said. Most insurance companies, which have so far stagnated at

50 kobo, may be affected by the new rule These include African Alliance Insurance, Cornerstone Insurance, Equity Assurance, Great Nigeria Insurance, Guinea Insurance, Consoldiated Hallmark Insurance, Investment and Allied Assurance, International Energy Insurance, Lasaco Assurance, Law Union & Rock Insurance, Linkage Assurance, Prestige Assurance, Regency Alliance Insurance, Sovereign Trust Insurance, Standard Trust Assurance, Standard Alliance Insurance, Unic Insurance, Unity Kapital Assurance and Universal Insurance Company. Other companies that may initially be affected by the new rule include UTC Nigeria, Mutual Benefits Assurance, Niger Insurance, Omatek Ventures, Japaul Oil Maritime & Services, Tantalizers, Daar Communication, Secure Electronic Technology, Afromedia, Beco Petroleum, Multiverse, Nigerian Wire and Cable, IPWA, First Aluminium Nigeria, Mass telecommunication Innovation, Chams, Union Diagnostic & Clinical Services, Resort Savings and Loans, Aso Savings and Loans Plc, Multi-Trex Integrated Foods, DN Tyres & Rubber, FTN Cocoa Processors, Rak Unity, Capital Oil, Anino and Afrik Pharmaceuticals.

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 04-06-15

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2015

FOREIGN NEWS

Ghana petrol station inferno kills scores

T least 96 people have died in a fire at a petrol station in Ghana’s capital, Accra, the fire service says. The fire started as people in the city are trying to cope with two days of heavy rain, which has left many homeless and without power. The flooding hampered rescue efforts and may have led to the fire, the BBC’s Sammy Darko reports from Accra. There are fears that the number of dead could rise as the search of the site continues. It is thought that people were in the petrol station sheltering from the downpours when the fire broke out, our

correspondent says. The petrol station was totally destroyed by the fire The flooding helped cause the fire, the Ghana fire service said. The waters “caused the diesel and petrol to flow away from the gas station, and fire from a nearby house led to the explosion”, spokesman Billy Anaglate said, the Associated Press news agency reports. Blood was seen on the road under the tuck which was carrying away the dead bodies President John Mahama has visited the burnt-out petrol station and appealed for calm as the authorities try to cope with the aftermath of the fire

and the flooding. He praised the rescue workers for the lives they had saved but said he was lost for words to express his feelings for those who had died. One of those who died in the blaze was a child The child’s mother was consoled by bystanders Two days of heavy rain has brought much of the city to its knees. There are chaotic scenes with cars being carried away by the water and many roads blocked off. Hundreds have been trapped in their offices and some have been forced to spend the night in their cars as traffic came to a standstill.

Ukraine warns of ‘full-scale’ Russia invasion

RESIDENT Petro Poroshenko has told MPs the military must prepare to defend against a possible “full-scale invasion” from Russia, amid a surge of violence in eastern Ukraine. Russia has denied that its military is involved in Ukraine, but Mr Poroshenko said 9,000 of its troops were deployed. Clashes involving tanks took place in two areas west of Donetsk on Wednesday. There was a “colossal threat” that large-scale fighting would resume, the president told parliament in Kiev. The outbreak of violence, in

the government-held towns of Maryinka and Krasnohorivka, was among the worst in eastern Ukraine since a ceasefire was signed in Minsk in February. International monitors from the OSCE said that in the hours before and during the fighting around Maryinka a large amount of heavy weapons was spotted moving towards the contact line in rebel-controlled areas.. Ukraine said it had lost five soldiers in the past 24 hours, while the rebels said 15 people including civilians had been killed.

The separatists denied Ukrainian claims that they launched a major offensive in violation of a truce. The OSCE said that for more than an hour on Wednesday they had tried to contact separatist leaders to halt the fighting, but they were either “unavailable or did not wish” to speak to the monitors. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, however, accused the authorities in Kiev of jeopardising the Minsk agreement, by placing it “under the constant threat of disruption” and by refusing to engage in direct dialogue with separatist leaders.

Greece delays IMF debt payment

REECE has told the International Monetary Fund it will delay todays’s •300m (£216m) debt repayment and bundle all four of its June payments together. The Athens government will have until 30 June to pay the •1.5bn total, which is also the day on which its bailout deal with the EU and IMF runs out. Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras is trying to reach a deal to unlock final bailout funds before Greece runs out of money. But Greece’s creditors say differences remain between the two sides. IMF spokesman Gerry Rice

said that under a precedent dating back to the late 1970s, governments could ask to bundle together “multiple principal payments falling due in a calendar month... to address the administrative difficulty of making multiple payments in a short period.” Mr Tsipras said after talks in Brussels in the early hours of Thursday that an agreement with Greece’s international creditors was “in sight”. However, the head of the eurozone’s finance ministers Jeroen Dijsselbloem, who was involved in the negotiations, said later the gap was “still quite large”. High-level talks were ex-

pected to resume on Friday, although Mr Tsipras was due to brief the Greek parliament rather than return to Brussels. Mr Tsipras rejected elements of proposals put forward by his country’s international creditors in talks with Mr Dijsselbloem and European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker. He said the sides were now “very close to an agreement” on the key sticking point of primary surpluses - the amount by which tax revenues exceed public spending. The head of the Eurogroup said key differences still remained between Greece and its creditors

Burundi elections postponed

RESIDENTIAL and parliamentary elections have been postponed in Burundi, an official said Thursday, following weeks of unrest in the capital over President Pierre Nkurunziza's bid for a third term in office. Regional bloc East African Community on Sunday

asked the Burundian government to postpone elections for at least 45 days and to use the time to ensure that there is a conducive environment to hold the polls. More than 90,000 Burundians have fled the country fearing violence. Burundi has had a long history of political upheaval that has been characterized by

political assassinations and coups. Officials are waiting for a proposal from the electoral commission on the new dates for elections, said Willy Nyamitwe, presidential adviser for media and information. Nyamitwe said the latest date the presidential poll can be held July 26.

Egypt: Mubarak for retrial over killings of protesters

N appeals court in Egypt has ordered former President Hosni Mubarak to stand trial again over the killing of protesters in 2011. Mubarak was cleared in a retrial in November 2014 after originally being jailed for life over the death of 800 people during the revolution. He was separately convicted of corruption and sentenced to three years in jail earlier this year.

Mubarak, 87, is currently in the Maadi military hospital in Cairo. The judge at the Court of Cassation said Mubarak would be retried on 5 November. It will be the third time the case has been heard. Mubarak had been convicted of conspiracy to kill in June 2012, but a retrial was ordered on a technicality the following year. The decision to drop the charges sparked protests, with dem-

onstrators clashing with police near Tahrir Square. The former president, who was in power for nearly 30 years, stepped down in February 2011 after mass protests against his rule. He has faced a series of trials and retrials over the killings and corruption and the time he has spent in custody means he has already served his three-year jail term for embezzlement.

EXPRESSO

PMB: LGAs must be made accountable •Continued from back page

In the last 16 years, the concept and objective of the LGA in Nigeria have been damaged. The 3rd tier has been hijacked by state governors and or godfathers who install the occupants and control their funds. They will raise all sorts of arguments and go to any length to see to it that this aberrant status-quo remains. The result is that governors - all of them - run from pillar to post as if they are bionic, trying to do everything in their various states and claiming credit for every slab cast over every gutter. Since they usurp the functions of the LGAs they wear themselves out trying to carry out rudimentary statutory functions of the grassroots tier. After 16 years of a ruinous farce, we certainly cannot live with this any longer. Most of us know too well the dangers and consequences of this sustained rape of our LGAs. They have already manifested by ways of increased wave of crimes and social maladies like terrorism, kidnapping, cultism, neighbourhood gangs, human trafficking, baby factories, dilapidated primary schools and primary health facilities, influx of youths to the urban areas and pernicious rural poverty.

Most LGA headquarters across the country have long become comatose with a good number overgrown by weeds. Some are so derelict and so reptiles-infested that the ‘stakeholders’ dare not go there anymore. They meet in hotels to share the monthly ‘booty’ from Abuja. Most LGA chairmen don’t live in their locale anymore; they live in hotels in the cities and only visit occasionally. Most of us do not remember anymore that once upon a time, LGAs were wellstructured, organic units of governance with chairman as head, councilors as lawmakers/executive secretaries and they had annual budgets that are presented publicly, ratified by the body of councilors and implemented. There were councilors in charge of wards and various socio-economic arms of government like health, education, security, works, utilities, agric, etc. Unlike in this age of locusts when LGAs have become wastelands, every LGA used to be a fledgling economic unit reaching deep into every nook and cranny of hinterland. Today, we have lost all this. It is uncanny that most of us fail to see the connection between moribund LGAs and Boko Haram insurgency. No

‘baby factory’ would find space where councilors are on ground and work with landlord associations and town unions. So much mischief has been introduced into the debate: States are terribly jittery over the word, autonomy – you cannot have an autonomous tier of government in a federating unit, they are quick to claim. Nice point but what is the alternative? Sixteen years of purloining funds meant for the people and converting such for private use? One cannot find one state that showed example by devising a system that made the LGAs work or gave proper account of the LGA funds. If the LGAs cannot be autonomous they could at least be accountable and functional. Not even one state could hold a credible election in the LGAs in 16 years. The critical point is that the tier be properly organized and that allocated funds deployed for the good of the people. Nigeria will never grow if we sustain a system that allows about one quarter of our resources to be mismanaged by a few people. We are simply talking about giving account; about making sure the cash hit the target. President Buhari would be within his right to insist on this.

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2015

NEWS

Senate: Lawan/Akume group pushes for ranking Continued from page 4

“We made a case for Lawan-Akume ticket because by ranking, they are the most experienced among the senators-elect. “We told the party clearly that we have 40 senators-elect behind the Akume-Lawan ticket.” Responding to a question, the source added: “At a point, Odigie-Oyegun asked the delegation why Akume was made Minority Leader in the 7th Senate when Lawan was the most ranking. “We told the session that Akume was of the defunct

Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) while Lawan was of the ANPP. The ACN had more senators than the ANPP and it was the lot of the ACN to produce the Minority Leader.” Thirty-five senators who are members of the 40-member Unity Forum yesterday gave reasons why they are backing Lawam for Senate President and Senator Akume as his deputy. The thirty five members of the Unity Forum signed the letter, which carries a fivepoint resolution in which they informed the party of their support for the Lawan-

Akume ticket. They also assured the party of their determination to abide by the extant Standing Order of the Senate during voting, when the eighth Assembly is proclaimed on Tuesday. The letter was signed by Senators Gemade, Ibrahim, Adeyeye, Adamu and Ibrahim. There are also signatures of other members which premised their resolutions as follows: That “Senator Ahmed Lawan shall be the highest ranking APC Senator and George Akume the second highest ranking APC Senator

‘N8b fraud’: Six more bankers arraigned Continued from page 1

Ogbeide. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday concluded the arraignment of the 22 bank officials at the Federal High Court, sitting in Ibadan. They were said to have conspired with other two suspects, Onabanjo Olumayowa and Tijani Olusoga, who are at large, between 2011 and 2012 in Ibadan, and delivered on false pretence N1,060,000,000 to the CBN, with an intent to defraud, conspired, and commit an offence contrary to Section 8(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act,2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act. A 14-count charge was preferred against the accused, who pleaded not guilty to all the charges. Responding to the charge read out to him by the court Registrar, one of the accused persons, Ajuwon Bolade, said: “I am not guilty my lord because I am still living in a rented apartment.”

Justice Faaj, who was amused by Bolade’s response, quickly corrected his impression that what the charge meant was that “he was in possession of the currency in question”. After taking the plea from the accused, Justice Faaj fixed June 12: for the hearing of the motion on bail applications. He ordered that the five accused be remanded in Agodi Prisons. The first two batches of the accused had been arraigned before the court on Tuesday and Wednesday. Hearing of motions on their bail applications will be heard by Justice Ayo Emmanuel and Justice Faaj next week. Justice Emmanuel will on June 9 hear the bail applications of the first batch of the accused arraigned on Monday. Justice Faaj will on June 8 and 12 hear the motion for bail application of the second and third batches of the accused arraigned on Wednesday and Thursday. The court remanded in prison 21 of the 22 accused who have been arraigned. It

directed that the nursing mother among the accused be kept in the custody of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Ibadan, where she would have access to her baby. Speaking with reporters after the court session, the lead counsel to EFCC, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), said the proceedings have been going on well and the judges giving the cases priority attention, which the law enjoined them to do. He, however, cautioned the defence counsel for the accused against delaying antics after the court’s ruling on the bail applications next week. On some suspects that are presently at large, Jacobs said: “The EFCC is making great efforts to get the accused that are on the run. Before the next adjourned date, something would be done about them.” One of the defence counsel, Mr. Olalekan Ojo, said he supported the court’s decision not to accept oral bail application, saying it was desirable “where the documents like in the present case are voluminous”.

in the 8th Assembly. This is so as Ahmad Lawan has spent 16 years in the National Assembly; eight years in the House of Representatives and another eight years in the Senate. While Akume has so far spent eight years in the Senate. The next behind the duo in terms of ranking who is also in the contest is Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki who has spent only four years in the Senate. Thus, Senator Ahmad Lawan is the most qualified to be the Senate President while Senator George Akume is the most qualified to be the Deputy Senate President of the 8th Assembly in accordance with Rule 3 Order (2) of the Extant Senate Standing Orders which states as follows; “Nomination of senators to serve as Presiding Officers and appointments of Principal Officers and other Officers of the Senate or on any Parliamentary delegations shall be in accordance with the ranking of Senators. In determining ranking, the following Oder shall apply(i) Senators retiring based on number of times reelected; (ii) Senators who had been members of the House of Representatives; and (iii) Senators elected as Senators for the first time.” Alluding to the results of the election to buttress its resolution, the Unity Forum said: “Since the Northwest zone which gave the APC the highest votes in the 2015 general elections is represented by the President in this government

and the Southwest, which gave APC the second highest votes in the same election is represented by the Vice President in this same government, then the Northeast zone which gave the APC the third highest vote in the 2015 general elections should for the sake of equity be allowed to produce the Senate President and the North central Zone which gave the APC the forth highest vote in that election should be allowed to produce the Deputy Senate President.” The group contended “ that there were three identified voting blocs that ensured the victory of the APC in the 2015 elections: The Hausa-Fulani bloc, the Yoruba bloc and the Northern minorities bloc. Thus, the Hausa-Fulani bloc is represented by the President in this government. The Yoruba bloc is represented by the Vice President. It has therefore become appropriate and equitable that the Northern minorities’ bloc be given the positions of the Senate President and the Deputy Senate President to be occupied by Senators Ahmad Lawan and George Akume respectively who are of Northern minorities.” They resolved “that Ahmad Lawan as Senate President will give our compatriots in the Northeast zone a sense of full integration into the heterogenous Nigerian polity.

“That the duo of Senators Lawan and Akume maintained clean records throughout their stint in the public service. This attribute will put them on high moral pedestal to lead the 8th Senate to bring about a corrupt-free Nigeria,” they said. Tomorrow’s meeting, which was scheduled for yesterday, was postponed because of the valedictory session of the 7th Senate. A party leader said: “Some senators-elect made representation that it was not ripe for APC leaders to meet with them because the timing clashed with the valedictory session of the 7th Senate. “Also, some senators-elect had travelled abroad and there was need to recall them to be part of the consensus building by the party.” As at press time, it was learnt that the APC might drop plans to conduct primaries or shadow election for Lawan and Saraki. “From the way things are going, the party might not conduct shadow poll for the two aspirants for the Office of the President of the Senate. The two groups do not seem to be ready for consensus. “Some senators-elect believe it is not within the jurisdiction of the party to conduct shadow election since the Senate is a multi-party setting. They said senators from other parties must have a say on who will lead them.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2015

SPORT EXTRA

Inter wants Isaac Success for 5 million euros I

NTER Milan has made contact with Udinese over the transfer of Nigeria Under 20 international Isaac Success. T h e B i a n c o n e r i is p r e pared to allow the Flying Eagles’ star leave FriuliVenezia Giulia in the summer on the proviso that an interested club meets his asking price thought to be around 15 million euros. Inter Milan had made an initial offer of five million euros which fell short of Udinese’s valuation of the

striker. There is a four - year deal on the table that Success will append his signature to if Inter Milan agrees terms with Udinese. The Nigerian youth international has been linked to Ligue 1 moneybags Monaco, but it appears the Italians are frontrunners to secure his signature. The 19 - year - old continued his scoring streak in FIFA tournaments by netting against North Korea on Thursday.

• Success

Glasgow Celtic denies Oshaniwa link

LASGOW Celtic have rubbished reports linking them with a move for Nigeria’s fullback Juwon Oshaniwa. The MS Ashdod defender

• Oshaniwa

has claimed that the Scottish Premier League champions, Hearts plus Sheffield Wednesday are monitoring his transfer situation. A Celtic insider, who contacted CEO Peter Lawwell, has said that The Bhoys are not interested in Oshaniwa. “According to the main decision maker at Celtic, the story is utter rubbish,” the top source told allnigeriasoccer.com. Juwon Oshaniwa’s agent Ladi Salami, who also handles the affairs of Man City’s Ashinme Kigbu, refused to comment on his client’s link with Celtic when he was contacted on Thursday afternoon. The former Sharks left back would be playing in the Israeli second - tier next season except he signs for a new team this summer.

Saviour can do more — Manu

IGERIA'S two-goal hero against North Korea at the FIFA U20 World Cup in New Zealand Godwin Saviour is capable of far bigger things, according to his coach. After a goalless first half, Saviour, 18, finally got the Flying Eagles going on Thursday against the resolute North Koreans with goals in the 47th and 50 minutes. Coach Manu Garba said the hard working forward from Nigeria National League side Plateau United can do a lot more than he showed inside the Stadium Taranaki in a must-win Group E match. “He did well during our training tour of Germany, but

I tell you he was not at his best even today. He was on the squad when we won the FIFA U17 World Cup two years ago and I know he can do far more,” said the coach. “He shoots very well with both legs, has the energy to also cover up when the attack has broken down. “I am very happy for him to have scored two goals, that can only boost his confidence to do more.” Saviour, who did not feature at the African Youth Championship in Senegal in March, justified his first start at the U20 World Cup after he was a late substitute in the 4-2 loss to five-time champions Brazil on Monday.

NIGERIA VS CONGO

Siasia calls Le Roy old school

• Le Roy

OACH of Nigeria’s U23 team, Samson Siasia has described the CAF U23 Championship qualifier against

Congo as a battle between new school and old school coaches. Claude Le Roy’s Congo edged Ghana’s Black Meteors on penalties and Siasia suggests they will not be underrating their opponents. The 67-year-old Frenchman has spent over a decade coaching African teams including Cameroon and Ghana. ” This is a new school Coach coming up against an old school coach, so we’re learning new tactics to see how to better them. ” We respect him, but its going to be 11 against 11 and I think it’ll come down to creating chances and taking them,” Siasia told www.footballlive.ng.

Nomination opens for 2015 Nigerian Sports Award • Organisers call for sponsorship

HE nominations for the 2015 edition of the prestigious Nigerian Sports Award are now open as the organizers- Unmissable Incentives Limited unfolds the plans for the 4th edition of the awards. Speaking at a press conference held in Lagos yesterday, the chairman of the award panel, Ikeddy Isiguzo discloses that the 2015 edition of the award promises to be more eventful than the previous editions. He noted that the panel is set to introduce some new activities, which include the Nigerian Sports Dialogue and Legacy Project for the winners of the Lifetime Award to further promote sports development in the country. Isiguzo who is also the chairman, editorial board of Vanguard Newspaper, described the proposed Nigerian Sports Dialogue which is scheduled to hold sometime in August 2015 as an avenue for the Nigerian sports stakeholders to converge and deliberate on issues bothering on sports development in Nigeria. The General Manager, Unmissable Incentives Limited, Sope Durodola revealed that the awards has 19 categories hinting that the Award ceremony would be held in Lagos on November 13 at a yet to be disclosed venue. According to Durodola, the

• Omonode

categories includes; Ball Sports Person of the Year (Tennis, Table tennis, Basketball, handball) ,Coach of the Year, Combat Sports Person of the Year (Karate, Judo, Taekwondo, Wrestling, Boxing ),Discovery of the Year, Footballer of the Year (Women),Footballer of the Year (Men) ,Special Sports Person of the Year, Sports Administrator of the Year and Sports Governor of the Year. Others are; Sportsman of the Year, Sportswoman of the Year, Sports Journalist of the Year (Radio), Sports Journalist of the Year (TV), Sports Journalist of the Year (Print), Sports Photo Journalist of the Year, School Sport Award, Team of the Year, Track and Field Star of the Year and Weightlifter of the Year. On the nomination process for the 2015 edition, Durodola announced the inclusion of the social media platforms of Twitter and Facebook in addition to the nomination via the award website to enable more participation. “In the last three editions of the award, the nominations were only through our website , but this year, we have expanded the platform for nominations to include Twitter and Facebook, while we will also print some hard copies of the nomination forms , which will be submitted at the Sport Ministry (State & Federal) and Sports Federations for the interest of people who may prefer hard copy nominations”. Ejiro Omonode of MasterSports International called on sports loving Corporate Organizations, Government, well-meaning individuals and Sports philanthropists to throw their weight behind the Nigerian Sport Award by sponsoring the 2015 edition He noted that their contributions in supporting the Nigerian Sports Award will go a long way in sport development by motivating Nigerian Athletes by rewarding excellent performance while leveraging on the platform to promote their products and services.

'Breaking into Eagles’ squad a dream come true'

INGSLEY Sokari has played in both of Nigeria’s preliminary matches at the FIFA under-20 World Cup in New Zealand. He was a second-half substitute in Nigeria’s opening game -- a depressing 2-4 defeat to Brazil at the Stadium Taranaki, in New Plymouth. On Wednesday, Nigeria coach Manu Garba decided it was time he unleashed his midfield pearl on the world stage from the start as he was thrown into the fray ahead of Manchester City starlet Kelechi Iheanacho. Sokari did not disappoint. He bossed the midfield and scored a stupendous goal as the Flying Eagles put Korea to the sword in emphatic fashion (The Nigerians won 4-0). The midfielder, who is also a member of Nigeria’s senior men’s national team (the Super Eagles), the under23s, and six-time Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) champions Enyimba FC, participated in an interesting Q&A session with supersport.com on Thursday. Tell us about your favourite food. I will go for Rice or Yam. Let me have either with egg sauce plus noodles and you have a happy man. Who is your best friend in football? That has to be Christian Pyagbara. We are both Port Harcourt boys and started together. Which is your favourite car? That will have to be the latest model of BMW X6. I think it is the best car in the world. Best memory in football? Breaking into the Super Eagles squad during the qualifiers for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) will always be special to me. And the worst? The red card I picked up in Egypt when Enyimba played against Smouha in the (2015) Caf Champions League. We conceded two goals after I was sent off and crashed out of the competition after I got dismissed. It was painful because I did not deserve to be sent off as the officiating was so bad.

Who are the best dressed members of the Super Eagles, U23s, U20s and Enyimba? For the national teams, it will be hard to give a name because we never dress in casual clothes while in camp. For Enyimba, I will go with Ugwu Uwadiegwu. And the worst? Danlami Umar….shocking dresser. Who is the best coach you have ever worked with? (Grassroots coach) Joseph Egbu also known as coach Zico. Who is the hardest defender you have ever faced? Heartland defender Nelson Ogbonnaya. I think he’s one of the best in the NPFL. Th one celebrity you would love to date? (thinks long and hard)….none yet to be honest. What would you do if you found a million US dollars in your account? (Laughs). Well, that cannot happen now unless I join a European club which should happen one day by the grace of God. Which European club do you support? In England, it’s Manchester United while FC Barcelona is the club for me in Spain. Who is the best footballer in the world today? Cristiano Ronaldo. He’s strong, intelligent and a born winner Do you keep pets? No. I-pad or I-pod? Laptop. If you were to be abandoned on a deserted Island, what one possession would you take with you? My phone. The contacts I have in that phone are just priceless. Favourite holiday destination? None yet. Can the Flying Eagles win the World Cup in New Zealand? Yes we will conquer. People talk about Brazil and other teams but we are not worried. We know that with the quality of players we have in this team, other teams are scared of us. Thanks Kingsley. You are welcome.

TODAY IN THE NATION

FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2015 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

'Fashola consciously missed during Ambode’s inauguration, being his last public official opportunity, to show the entire world that he is capable of showing gratitude to whom it is robustly due. What a repulsive example - and indeed a bad signal - from a supposed former governor of example!' VOL.10 NO. 3236

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

UST as morning shows the day, the first week of the Buhari administration is a signal to what to expect in the next four years. It is not too early to identify the resolve and operational style of the engineer and conductor as the Buhari/Osinbajo train takes off in full speed. We cannot afford to miss the import of the president’s inaugural address. Those who complain that the address doesn’t contain a laundry list of policy items misjudge its intent. Its goal is to present the president’s governing philosophy to the nation, to remind the people of their proud heritage and thus call them into a fruitful partnership, and to reassure the global community of Nigeria’s readiness to take on the mantle of leadership for Africa’s economic and political development. On these important areas, the President delivered a powerful message which was not lost on the assemblage of leaders and dignitaries around the world. Five special messages are clear and distinct in Buhari’s inaugural address. First is the deliberate effort to reaffirm his campaign pledge to govern with the fear of God and serve as the president of all Nigerians. “I belong to everyone and I belong to nobody” is more than a sound bite. It is a powerful message to all, including the doubters. It is to allay the fears of those who demonised him and terrified prospective voters with baseless claims of prison time for opponents that Buhari declared that “the past is prologue.” For a president with a mission to rally the nation to confront the very difficult issues she faces in these trying times, Buhari doesn’t have time for revenge. This is change. Will he remain true to this pledge? A good question, the answer to which the president himself has provided, not in words but in action. Shortly after the inaugural, the president declared that his government has not banned anyone from travelling, and warned overzealous officials that ministers and other officials of the Jonathan administration must not be “subjected to any undue harassment and intimidation at the airports or at any other points of entry and exit.” He urged that fellow citizens must be treated with courtesy and respect, and that due process must be followed by officials at the border. This is as firm and clear as he can get to demonstrate fidelity to his pledge. The second message that came out forcefully was Buhari’s zero tolerance for terrorism in general and Boko Haram insurgency in particular, which he declared as the most immediate of the national challenges. For a start, the president directed that the command centre be relocated to Maiduguri “until Boko Haram is completely subdued” and Chibok girls and other innocent persons held hostage are res-

SEGUN GBADEGESIN gbadegesin@thenationonlineng.net

The first week

•President Buhari

cued. This is a General’s insight. Buhari has since met with the Service Chiefs and must have given them the marching orders to prosecute the fight and “avoid human rights violations in operations” as he pledged in his address. The President’s Wednesday visit to the President of Niger Republic was a further demonstration to the doubting Thomases, of his resolve to tackle the security challenge frontally. The third message of the address is on the economy, with the president fingering the epileptic power situation as the major culprit of the nation’s poor economic performance. To those for whom the economy has performed superbly, especially since rebasing, this assessment must be bitter to taste. But for the millions who live in abject poverty, and for industries performing at sub-par and millions of youth without job, it is the commonsense de-

T is most salutary that President Muhammadu Buhari did not disappoint in his inaugural speech on May 29. The address was short, affirmative and inspiring. Without mincing words and shone of any obfuscation, he set the tone for his administration and government in the next four years. This column is particularly buoyed by his stance on the question of the state of the local units, our third and grassroots tier of government. Readers of this page would have noticed that one is particularly passionate about this level of governance where the poorest and the highest number of our people reside. It has been a near-crusade here to stop the anomaly of the last 16 years that has seen state governments across the country (without a notable exception) taking liberty on the LGAs funds and grossly abusing it. On May 1st, in a piece here titled: “Five quick points for General Buhari,” one had written: “Four, he MUST ensure that the 774 LGAs across the land come back to life. This will be a long-drawn battle but it is important that he makes the statement from day one that anyone pocketing allocations meant for any LGA anywhere in the land would be incurring his wrath. All sorts of evil have infested the land because LGAs are virtually shut down across the land; few people pocket their allocation and the entire economy of this units of government is vitiated.” It is most heart-warming that the president did not disappoint on this most important score. Despite the cries from ALGON and numerous concerned Nigerians, previous presidents could not muster the courage to

piction of reality. The president rightly noted the close to $20 billion expansion in the power sector since 1999 which have only “brought darkness, frustration, misery and resignation among Nigerians.” The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and expecting different results. Therefore, “we will not allow this to go on” is the president’s firm resolution that Nigerians will certainly find reassuring but for which they will also hold him and his administration accountable. With the disclosure of careful studies that are already “underway during this transition to identify the quickest, safest and most costeffective way to bring light and relief to Nigerians”, I suspect that Nigerians will not have to wait for long. The fourth message is to the international community, which has waited patiently but in frustration for Nigeria to take its rightful leadership position in the comity of nations, globally and in the African region. The challenge is reconciling domestic strength or lack of it with international expectations without being embarrassingly compared to the physician who is unable to heal himself. You cannot claim to be partners with others in the war against terrorism if you half-heartedly prosecute the war within your border. You cannot honestly pledge cooperation with the international community in financial crimes if you cannot confront financial criminals in your backyard. Buhari can faithfully make the pledge because he has confidence in his ability and will to fight corruption in the public and private sectors. And he knows that the overwhelming majority of Nigerians have his back in this important war. The key to the success in this fight is the collective resolve of our people. Buhari has vowed to get to the root of corruption even at the local government level. But since he is not an omnipresent being, he cannot be expected to know what goes on in the 774 local governments plus more local development areas around the country. The final message is a presidential call to unity and greatness. In light of the foregoing

STEVE OSUJI

EXPRESSO

steve.osuji@yahoo.com

•Columnist of the Year (NMMA)

PMB: LGAs must be made accountable Governor Ayade’s paradigm

ITH the economy squeezed of cash and multi billion naira in salary arrears plaguing most states of the federation, you would wonder why so many people still jostled to be governors. Well, elections are over, governors have been sworn in and fresh terms have commenced. This, of course, is the easy part. Running the state is the job and it will be tougher now. Not only will it not be business as usual, an entirely new template is required. Any state that cannot earn far more than the federally-allocated funds is doomed. This is why reading Ben Ayade, the new governor of Cross River State declare that he would run the state like a business, one thought it’s the way to go (Vanguard May 29, 2015). My government will do business, he said. It is a fallacy that government cannot run business; his government will run big businesses. He will restructure the civil service to make it businesslike. He will commoditise and commercialise government. His Ministry of Works will have to do the work; his permsecs must be ready to don jeans and T-shirt and get on the shop floor, get on the pay-loader. We will have fewer white collar jobs and more green collar (agric) and blue collar (factory) jobs… Wow, great idea but carrying out such mass reorientation will take some doing; a paradigm shift.

face the governors on this matter. But that this president can set the tone from day one will help tilt the scale on this problem.

Let’s have it from his inaugural speech: “Elsewhere, relations between Abuja and the states have to be clarified, if we are to serve

MOBOLAJI SANUSI

paragraphs, it is perhaps the most important message. It’s a lofty appeal to the better angels of our people, and a reminder of the great heritage of a proud people who despite the divisions of tongue and religion, have so much in common. We must “remind ourselves that we are heirs to great civilisations” the president says. And “the blood of those great ancestors (of ours) flows in our veins.” In other words, we are the children of our forefathers and mothers. They were known for greatness in various ways. Our brothers and sisters outside the borders of Nigeria in faraway America and the Caribbean continue to relate to their homeland with pride, invoking the names of our ancestors. The president’s message is that we must look inward to the strength in our diversity and combine our cultural resources to fashion a great civilisation for ourselves and our descendants. Hitherto, we have only perceived our differences as weakness. The blame for this can go round. There mustn’t be a superiority or inferiority complex on the part of any section of the country. There cannot be a deliberate attempt to marginalise any section politically, culturally, or economically. If we want a united and progressive nation, we must treat every group as an integral part of the whole. We must rethink our ideal of politics and ensure that every part of the country matters. Surely, there have been occasions when division and disintegration appeared the only solution to our challenges. We have sometimes entertained reasons to go back to pre-colonial or colonial times. We may have been moved by the political principle of ethnic or national separatism. However, we are now at a place where this principle cannot be effectively implemented without bloodshed, and we must go for the second best. That is what the idea of true federalism is all about. It has worked well in the other places with our sociological complexity. There is no reason it cannot work with us. People rightly fear domination by others they don’t trust. Grant them some cultural, political and economic freedom within a federal system and they can be fully integrated into the multiethnic or multinational political community. This is a challenge for President Buhari to take up. The call for true federalism is a reasonable call in light of our past. The founding fathers whom the president praised for “establishing a viable and progressive country” embraced true federalism. The independence constitution was a true federal constitution. Let us take our cue from their wisdom.

•For comments, send SMS to 08111813080 the country better. Constitutionally, there are limits to powers of each of the three tiers of government but that should not mean the Federal Government should fold its arms and close its eyes to what is going on in the states and local governments. Not least the operations of the Local Government Joint Account. While the Federal Government cannot interfere in the details of its operation, it will ensure that the gross corruption at the local level is checked. As far as the constitution allows me, I will try to ensure there is responsible and accountable governance at all levels of government in the country. For I will not have kept my own trust with the Nigerian people if I allow others abuse theirs under my watch.” Very well spoken, most beautifully laid out. Worried by our mired LGAs, one had made it a duty to take the matter up with governors in the course of interviews with them in the past few years. What I have deduced from these enquiries is that governors consider local governments part of their ‘kingdom’ which they reserve the right to ‘manage’ as they deem fit. One governor retorted dismissively that “LGA is job for the boys”; meaning that it is just one of the ways to ‘settle’ political hangers on. Many are so suffused with disdain they will tell you that local government chairmen would mismanage the LGA funds! Thus only the all-wise and all-prudent governor can disburse the funds.

•Continued

on page 59

•For comments, send SMS to 08111526725

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