The Nation June 12, 2012

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

News Gunmen kill policeman, 26 others in Zamfara village P60 Sports My experience with abductors, by Eagles star Obodo P24 Business Fed Govt invites ICAO to audit domestic aircraft P12 www.thenationonlineng.net

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

VOL. 7, NO. 2154 TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2012

N150.00

THE JUNE 12 ANNIVERSARY...PAGES 3,4, 5, 6, 7, 8 & 9

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Today, our dream and struggle for democratisation...is fading away.

Instead of free and fair elections, we have sham elections and scientific rigging; instead of true federalism, we now have creeping unilateralism; instead of an independent judiciary, we have executive impunity...

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Monarchs urge Jonathan to fight insecurity

I believe President Jonathan has started well...but he needs to conclude this positive beginning and consummate the process to immortalise a man who died while protecting the integrity of this nation and her people by declaring a public holiday in his honour

•Tinubu

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•Amosun

•President seeks rulers’ help From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

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RADITIONAL rulers yesterday told President Goodluck Jonathan to fight insecurity and corruption.

They spoke at the opening of their three-day summit in Osogbo, the Osun State capital.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, spoke on behalf of the over 250 first class traditional rulers participating in the summit. The government of the State of Osun is the host.

Governor Rauf Aregbesola called for a role for traditional rulers in the Constitution. Besides, he sought a posthumous recognition for the late Chief Moshood Abiola as the winner of the June Continued on Page 2

•From right: Oba Sijuwade, Ogbeni Aregbesola; Gen. Azazi , Sultan Abubakar, Ogun State Commissioner for Local Government Muyiwa Oladipo, representing Governor Ibikunle Amosun and Aregbesola’s deputy, Mrs.Titi Laoye-Tomori rising for the National Anthem...yesterday

Police to Lawan: surrender $600,000 bribe cash Rep vows not to release ‘evidence of bribe’

T •Lawan

HE police have stepped into the cash-for-clearance controversy rocking the House of Representatives.

House member Farouk Lawan is accused of collecting $600,000 bribe from businessman Femi Otedola.

The lawmaker, chairman of the House Committee which probed the

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

fuel subsidy scandal, insists that he reported to a House official that he got cash from the businessman who, he said, wanted his company’s name removed from the list of those who collected money from the Federal Government but imported no products.

But, Otedola maintains that he was blackmailed into parting with the cash and that he told security agencies who, in fact, gave him the dollar bills that Lawan got.

The police have directed Lawan to surrender the “marked” cash. The lawmaker insists he will not because, according to him, it is the only proof

he has that he rejected a bribe from Otedola.

Inspector-General of Police M. D. Abubakar has asked a Special Task Force(STF), headed by a Commissioner of Police, Ali Amodu, to examine the issue.

Continued on Page 2

•SPORTS P23 •PROPERTY P25 •AVIATION P37 •MARITIME P33 •ENERGY P46

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2012

NEWS Reps, AGF question diversion of N2.8t PTDF fund

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•From right: Chairman Dangote Group of Companies Alhaji Aliko Dangote, conducting President Goodluck Jonathan, Kogi State Governor Idris Wada, Bauchi State Governor Isa Yuguda and Kaduna State Governor Patrick Yakowa round during the inauguration of Dangote Cement Factory at Obajana, Kogi State...yesterday. Story on page 11 PHOTO AKIN OLADOKUN

EMBERS of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts and the Auditor-General of the Federation (AGF) yesterday expressed concern over the diversion of over N2.8 trillion accrued to the Petroleum Trust Development Fund (PTDF) from signature bonuses.

The committee has summoned the Managing Director of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) over a N3billion debt it owed the Federal Government from a N7.3billion loan it took between 1997 and 2001.

It threatened to use the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to recover N56billion non-performing loans incurred by the government following the change of ownership of some companies

Monarchs urge Jonathan to fight insecurity Continued from Page 1

12, 1993 presidential election, which anniversary is being marked today. The election – Nigeria’s fairest and freest ever – was cancelled by the Gen. Ibrahim Babangida regime for no cogent reason.

President Jonathan was represented by National Security Adviser (NSA) Gen. Owoye Azazi (rtd) at the ceremony.

The President urged the traditional rulers to use their influence to address fundamental challenges facing the nation.

He said: “You are key players because of your overwhelming influence and closeness to the people. This general assembly is the best place to address and proffer solutions to general issues in the country. Though security is everybody’s business, your voice will always be important.

“Security is a serious busi-

ness. And your role in managing it is always very paramount. In anything that we do, dialogue must always be the ultimate. As you know, I take the matter of traditional rulers serious. I therefore, anxiously await your deliberations.”

The traditional rulers said their meeting could not have come at a better time than now to discuss security and corruption.

“If the nation can tackle the twin challenging problems of security and corruption, other things would fall into line. A nation cannot develop in the face of corruption and pervading insecurity. Fight against extremists should not be equated to a fight against Islam or its tenets. It is not the actions of the extremists that matter but what we do individually and collectively in shaping the fate of humanity.

“We must ask ourselves why we have arrived at this state of

insecurity. We must discuss and identify what are the causes so as to find solutions to it.

The fight against extremism should not be construed to mean a fight against Islam and Islamic tenets.

“It is not what the extremists did by their action that is our concern. It is the action that we take individually and collectively that will save the face of humanity,” the Sultan, who is the chairman of the National Council of traditional Rulers of Nigeria, said.

Aregbesola urged the traditional rulers to prevail on President Jonathan to recognise the victory of the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.

He noted that the late Abiola should be accorded all rights and privileges befitting the office of the President he sacrificed his life for.

Appealing to the royal fathers over the recognition of

Abiola’s victory, Aregbesola said: “As we commend the present will to immortalise Basorun MKO Abiola, we demand for recognition of the victory of Nigerians over disunity, backwardness, poverty and primordial sentiments which MKO’s sweeping victory on June 12, 1993 represented.

“Therefore, for the complete restitution of the nation’s battered psyche, MKO Abiola must be recognised as a President-elect and given all rights and privileges deserving of his presidency. That is when his immortality can be complete.”

To the governor, what Nigeria urgently needs to douse the socio-economic and political tension in the land is a quick return to true federalism.

Aregbesola also attributed the elusive peace and protracted virulent conflicts and vio-

lence bedevilling the country to the absence of true federalism.

The governor observed that the First Republic was the most developed, inspiring and progressive period in the political annals of the country.

He described it as the “glorious portion of our history” when Nigeria actually practised true federalism, which gave the regions substantial political autonomy.

Aregbesola said skirmishes in some parts of the country are not in any way the reflection of the wishes of the people but rather corollaries of defective political system operating as federalism in the country.

While reiterating his advocacy and commitment to regional cooperation, integration and interdependence, he said: “Indeed, given the dire strait our country is in now, what we need is true federalism.

Continued on Page 57

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

and those that are no longer in existence.

In the 2006 audit examination of the statement of Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF), the committee reportedly uncovered N81,904,469,177.27 revenue shortfall on eight heads of recurrent revenue.

The discoveries were revealed yesterday during the committee’s meeting with the AGF, Jonah Otunla, and a team from his office to queries on the audit report of 2006.

The committee mandated the AGF to furnish it with the mandates, inflow and outflow statements on the N94billion fund that accrued to the Ecological Fund account as the AGF could not offer any explanation on the matter.

Committee Chairman Solomon Adeola said the unilateral diversion of N250million for the registration of Galaxy Backbone, besides another N625million for operational activities, was not in consonance with the Act that set up the organisation.

Adeola said: “The sum of N593million, deducted from N2.5trillion fund domiciled with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and diverted by the management of the PTDF, which used it to finance departments of government for outsourcing programme, is also wrong. This is because the detail of the outsourcing programmes was not in the books.

“From what we heard, and from very reliable source, the signature bonus account is meant for who? I agree with the AGF that there are a lot of problems in the PTDF and the account, as reported by the AGF, has been shrouded in secrecy and that particular account is not made known to us.”

Police to Lawan: surrender $600,000 bribe cash

Continued from Page 1

The STF began investigation on May 9, but the police have been having difficulties in retrieving the cash from Lawan.

The Nation yesterday stumbled on some documents, including details of the interaction between the police and Lawan.

In a May 9 memo to Lawan, entitled “Re: Criminal Conspiracy and Attempt to Offer Gratification to Pervert the Course of Justice”, Amodu said: “Consequent upon the publication in the Leadership newspaper of Saturday 28/ 04/2012 captioned ‘Marketers offered subsidy committee plane load of dollars’, the IGP directed a discreet investigation into the matter.

“The Task Force on the investigation will require meeting with you to assist them in the ongoing investigation at your earliest convenience.

Your cooperation will be highly appreciated, please.”

In a follow-up letter to Lawan on May 16, (Re: Criminal conspiracy and attempt to offer gratification to pervert the course of justice), CP Ali said: “Further to my letter dated 9th May, 2012 in respect of the above subject matter, and the recent meeting you held with DCP Peace Abdallah, you are requested to avail this office with the following requests: Monetary exhibit; Names of

Reps speak on $3m subsidy bribe allegation

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ON. Rose Oko- PDP (Cross River) “My take on the bribery allegation is that democracy is developing. I am not devastated. These are positive developments that these things are coming to light. Rather than see it as a regression for the anti-corruption crusade, these are progressions. We’re all passing through a crucible in this whole exercise.

“I believe that eventually, we should come out of this better for it. That we have watchdogs now that can come out to say, even those that are probing are also corrupt is good for the system.

“The job that the committee did should not be jettisoned. Let us not take our eyes off the ball. The corruption that is in the Oil and Gas sector is a major one. We must not jettison it.

“Let us not come into conclusions. There are two issues here. One is the corruption endemic in the Oil sector that went through a process, an investigation, and we had a report. This is an allegation, so I will not jump to the conclusion that it is conclusive, until it is verified. When we verify it, we will take it from there.

“But of course, as I have said, we should not be disillusioned. These kinds of development are expected. This is Nigeria.

People offered and people are constantly trying to “tempt” all situations.

the vital witness; and any other material evidence that may be of use to this investigation.

Your usual co-operation would be highly appreciated.

Accept the best wishes of the Inspector-General of Police

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

“It’s incumbent upon us to ensure that the proper thing is done. But those who put us in a position to compromise should also be held accountable.”

Arua Arunsi PDP Abia (Deputy Chair Police Affairs Committee) Let no one think of rubbishing the report “The scandal cannot mess up the Subsidy report. The reason is that the Chairman of the committee is not the only member; there are other members in the committee. Assuming that he has done something wrong, that does not invalidate what the committee has done. And besides, the same person that said he gave the bribe, was he not indicted? I can’t see the correlation between someone who is not indicted giving a bribe.

“If the allegation is found to be true, we have Ethics and Privileges they will handle the situation. Let people not think about rubbishing that report. The House took its time and did what it was supposed to do, if one person decided to do something else, that is the person’s cup of tea, not that of the House.”

Hon. Idris Mohammed (PDP, Niger) “If it is true, then it is very sad but we

please.”

But Lawan, in his response on May 31 (Re: Criminal Conspiracy and Attempt to Offer Gratification to Pervert the Course of Justice) said: “I refer to your letter of 16th May,

do not have to per-empt the work of the security agencies if they are involved. I believe that as representatives of the people, we have to maintain our integrity and as well as the openness and consistence with which we have been conducting our businesses.

“So far it remains as allegation between two parties and we should not pass judgement yet. As representatives of the people, we would be seen to be fair to all parties.

Hon. Usman Bawa (CPC, Kaduna) -Let us be patient “I want to believe that the report of the ad hoc Comittee should be taken into cnsideration when we are going about the allegations that are flying around. We should not jump into conclusion until the truth is verified by the professionals, that is if we have to consider the magnitude of the job carried out by the ad hoc committee. This is a job that everybody can relate with irrespective of party affiliation. So, I want us to be patient and find out the truth before we make our judgement. And as said by the House Spokesman, whatever happens next should not affect the implementation of the report’s recommendations because that is fundamental to the deepening of our democracy”.

2012, and wish to inform you that as DCP Peace Abdallah was briefed, the subject matter was referred to the relevant Committee of the House of Representatives for further legislative action. You shall

be availed of the outcome in due course.”

Ali replied Lawan on June 4, in a memo which was entitled “Investigation activities: Letter of invitation in a case of criminal conspiracy and attempt to

•Abubakar

pervert the course of justice by offering gratification.”

The letter said: “I refer to a letter dated 31st May, 2012 addressed to this office by Hon. Farouk Lawan, the Chairman of House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on the Monitoring of the Subsidy Regime on the above subject matter (copy attached) and to inform you that the Inspector General of Police has directed a detailed criminal investigation into the matter.

“Consequently, the Hon. Speaker is requested to ask the Chairman, Hon. Farouk Lawan and the Secretary of the Committee to have a meeting with the under-signed on Thursday 7th June, 2012 at 100hrs at Force Headquarters, Room I.D 068, First Floor, Louis Edet House, Abuja .

Continued on Page 57

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2012

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NEWS JUNE 12 ANNIVERSARY The late Chief MKO Abiola played crucial roles in Nigeria’s return to democratic rule and there has always been a clamour for him to be immortalised. But it took the Federal Government 19 years to acknowledge his place and contribution as the symbol of June 12, Nigeria’s fairest and freest election , to this country’s democratic evolution.

Assistant Editor AUGUSTINE AVWODE presents the views of Nigerians on the best way to immortalise the late Abiola, in view of the rage that greeted the renaming of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) in his honour.

Abiola: Politics of immortalisation In the beginning

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T is 19 years today. Yet, it seems just like yesterday. June 12, 1993, was a day of great significance to all Nigerians of adult age when the events that have made it notable took place. It was the climax of a convoluted, tortuous and complicated seven year transition programme. But it turned out to be historic, a watershed and an epic event, unfortunately, tragically so.

Nigerians had managed to keep faith with a regime that had deceived, dribbled and manipulated them in the name of transition for so long until that fateful Saturday. They trooped out, jettisoning age long primordial sentiments that had nearly always kept them divided, and voted overwhelmingly, in a presidential election, for a business mogul, a first class philanthropist, sports promoter and pan-Africanist, the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola.

But for some inexplicable reasons still considered by many a Nigerian as purely diabolical, that electoral mandate was annulled by then Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida.

On June 24, 1993 the national dailies reported the annulment of the election through an unsigned statement distributed at the Villa.

The statement read in part: “The Federal Military Government declared that: •All court proceedings pending or to be instituted in respect of the June 12 presidential election be stopped.

•The Transition to Civil Rule Decree No. 52 of 1992 and the Presidential Election Decree No. 13 of 1993 repealed; and •The National Electoral Commission (NEC) suspended and all its acts of commission or omission nullified.

It also declared that a decree backing the above decision had been signed into law.

As the news broke, an ominous pall descended on the hitherto vibrant and effervescent political landscape in the country. With heads and hopes forlorn, Nigerians were back to square one, but not for long. They rallied from the precipice to which the military junta had elbowed them and instantly drew a line of resistance and mounted a campaign for the revalidation of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election.

The heat generated by the tango forced Gen. Babangida to, in his own words, “step aside” just as he installed the Government of National Unity (GNU) headed by Chief Earnest Shonekan. The contraption soon collapsed and General Sani Abacha installed himself as the new Head of State after a palace coup.

The opposition continued and on June 11, 1994, exactly a year after the historic election, MKO Abiola in a statement titled “Enough is Enough”, declared himself president at Epetedo in Lagos.

He was subsequently declared wanted for charges of treason. On June 23, 1994, he was arrested by the government which had sent about 200 police vehicles to bring him to the Villa. MKO Abiola was detained for four years and on the day he was to be released, died in very controversial circumstances on July 7, 1998.

Less than a year later, precisely on May 29, 1999, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, then Head of State who took over from the late Gen. Abacha who had died earlier on June 8, 1998, alleg-

• University of Lagos named after late Abiola by the Federal Government.

edly atop some oriental women of easy virtue in Aso Villa, returned the country to the path of democratic government by handing over to the Presidentelect, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.

Today, everybody is in agreement that without the tragic but ironically inestimable value of June 12, Nigerians could still have been reeling under the jackboots of military dictatorship.

And whereas the Federal Government has come to terms with May 29, which it has regarded as Democracy Day, it has all along sidelined and overlooked June 12 and the symbol of that day, the late MKO Abiola by deliberately refusing to acknowledge his contributions towards the return to democratic rule and even the significance of that date by appropriately honouring and immortalizing him.

A step in that direction The refusal of the Federal Government to acknowledge the significance of June 12 made many states in the South West to establish the practice of observing June 12 as a holiday in their states.

But even then, many people are of the view that it would command greater respect if the Federal Government treats the day the way many pro-democracy activists across the country want it treated.

But at last, as a step in that direction, the Federal Government two weeks ago re-named the University of Lagos as Moshood Abiola University. The announcement was contained in President Goodluck Jonathan’s address to the nation on the occasion of the 13th year of un-interrupted democracy in Nigeria was on.

The president had dropped the unexpected when he said: “It is also in this regard that the Federal Government

has decided that (the) late Chief M.K.O. Abiola be honoured, for making the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of justice and truth. Destiny and circumstances conspired to place upon his shoulders a historic burden, and he rose to the occasion with character and courage. He deserves recognition for his martyrdom, and public-spiritedness and for being the man of history that he was. We need in our land, more men and women who will stand up to defend their beliefs, and whose example will further enrich our democracy. After very careful consideration, and in honour of Chief M.K.O. Abiola’s accomplishments and heroism, on this Democracy Day, the University of Lagos, is renamed by the Federal Government of Nigeria, Moshood Abiola University, Lagos. The Federal Government will also establish an Institute of Democratic Studies and Governance in the University”.

Protests galore This first of its kind gesture by the Federal Government was, however, criticized largely for its ‘attempt to localize Abiola’ and being ‘mere tokenism’ of what Abiola represents.

Besides, it was criticized for taking the form of military fiat as it appeared that the announcement was made without thorough consultation, particularly, the legal import of the renaming of the University of Lagos. But in a bid to correct the anomaly, the President has since sent a bill to the senate for the change of the institution’s name.

Better options With the first known move by the Federal Government to immortalize Abiola rebuffed and greeted with scorn, the question is how best should the

symbol of June 12 be appropriately immortalised?

From the aggregate of views expressed by Nigerians, three things stand out. First is the consensus that MKO Abiola is very deserving of being immortalised. Second, that such act must not be localised or restricted in interpretation and finally that it must be commensurate with the enormity of the sacrifice he had paid for the sake of democracy in Nigeria.

Former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu said this much while receiving protesting students of the University of Lagos, who had gone to his Freedom House office, on Idowu Taylor, Victoria Island, Lagos. Tinubu suggested three things – the naming of a national monument, situated at the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, after Abiola; his posthumous declaration as president and setting aside of a day in his honour.

While commending the president for the effort, he nevertheless called for the right thing to be done.

Tinubu said: “We must congratulate the President for attempting to do it, but we say: ‘Do it right’. MKO was elected by the entire country, not just by the Yoruba. He was arrested and taken to Abuja.

“He was tried, incarcerated and eventually died in very controversial circumstances in Abuja under the custody of federal agents. Abiola’s mandate was a national mandate, which he tried to reclaim.

“But we must be careful not to localise or sectionalise MKO. Without Abiola, without June 12 elections, we would not be enjoying this democracy now or even the freedoms we now have.

“The seed for what we enjoy was sown by Abiola’s victory on June 12 and millions of Nigerians who voted.

“There are preliminary options for

‘From the aggregate of views expressed by Nigerians, three things stand out.

First is the consensus that MKO Abiola is very deserving of being immortalised. Second, that such act must not be localised or restricted in interpretation and finally that it must be commensurate with the enormity of the sacrifice he had paid for the sake of democracy in Nigeria’

President Jonathan. There is a pending resolution by the National Assembly that recommended that the National Stadium be named after Moshood Abiola.

“Let the President go ahead and name the Abuja stadium after Abiola – a Pillar of Sports and political icon. Then, we will celebrate and respect that.

“Before now, various excuses were given over the inconclusiveness of the elections. Some of us were incarcerated and suffered during the June 12 struggle. Since then the various actors, especially the umpire or head of the Electoral Commission, Prof.

Humphrey Nwosu, in his book declared the result of the election and that Abiola duly won.

“The President can on the basis of this go to the National Assembly to declare him winner, enter it into record and posthumously declare Abiola as the democratically elected president of Nigeria. We will support the President on this and recognise this”, he had argued.

Interestingly, other Nigerians who spoke to The Nation yesterday agreed that anything that seem to restrict the image and influence of MKO Abiola to the South West would amount to a disservice than an honour.

Constitutional lawyer and Senior Advocate, Prof Itse Sagay (SAN) said: “I would suggest that attention should be paid to areas where the late MKO performed very well and he was very effective. For instance, we all know that MKO was a lover of sports; we can name the national Stadium Abuja after him. I mean a proper edifice.

“We can also look at democratic institutions in Abuja like the one Prof Omo Omoruyi used to head, that is the Centre for Democratic Studies (CDS) considering what Abiola did for democracy in Nigeria.

“As for the University of Lagos, the protest that greeted it is not because of lack of appreciation per see. UNILAG was already an established institution with a distinct name, image and a universal symbol. Let the government look at the capital, Abuja, for this thing”, he counselled.

Another constitutional lawyer, Chief Fred Agbaje argued that what the Federal Government has done was a show of hypocrisy and playing political ostrich with Abiola.

“They know that Abiola is not just a South West hero as the federal government wants us to believe. Therefore, only a monument in the federal capital territory which has both local and international flavour, befitting of a national hero of the stature of MKO Abiola would be good enough “The National Stadium, Abuja, is one.

The Eagles Square, Abuja, is two. Even Aso Villa is another because what Abiola did for the country through the struggle for his mandate and his eventual martyrdom are all for the sake of the democracy which we are all enjoying today. And that makes it apposite that he should be so honoured.

“Lastly, the June 12 as a date can be set aside as a national holiday. You could call it MKO Abiola Day. We are all aware of what has been done for Martin Luther King Jr in the USA. We can do same here for Abiola and June 12.

“Any attempt to demean June 12 is to show the highest level of ingratitude to the martyrs of democracy with Abiola and his dear wife, Kudirat at the fore front. It is the fruit we are all enjoying today”, he stated.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2012

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NEWS JUNE 12 ANNIVERSARY

NANS praises Fed Govt for honouring Abiola

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•Speaker, ECOWAS Parliament, Senator Ike Ekweremadu (left) and a member of the Parliament from Niger Republic, Mr Ali Amadou at the opening of the 2012 first extraordinary session of the third legislature of the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja...yesterday

ESPITE the raging controversy over the renaming of 50 –year-old University of Lagos (UNILAG) after the late Chief MKO Abiola by the Federal Government, the decision got the endorsement of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) yesterday.

The association urged the students and the authority of UNILAG to take government’s action as a step taken in the right direction.

The students’ nod came on the 19th anniversary of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, adjudged to be Nigeria’s fairest and freest.

The election, won by the late business mogul, was annulled by the military administration of former President Ibrahim Babangida.

President Goodluck Jonathan in his “Democracy Day” broadcast on May 29, announced the renaming of the Ivory Tower after the late politician in recognition of the supreme price he paid for the enthronement of democracy.

But the decision sparked protests, forcing the closure of the varsity when the students disrupted public peace.

NANS said the immortalisation of MKO Abiola was overdue.

In a statement after its Southeast/ Southsouth zonal convention held at the Township Stadium Umuahia, Abia State capital yesterday, NANS’ National President Dauda Muhammed, said there is no better way of celebrating Abiola.

The statement described the late Abiola as an accomplished businessman, politician and an unparalleled

•From left: Administrator, National Judicial Institute, Justice Umaru Eri, former Justice of Supreme Court, Justice George Oguntade, Justice of Supreme Court, Justice Mahmud Mohammed and the Acting President, Court Of Appeal, Justice Dalhatu Adamu at the induction course for newly appointed judges and kadis in Abuja ... yesterday

By Adegunle Olugbamia

philanthropist, who sacrificed his life for freedom and democracy.

It reads: “There is therefore no better way we can celebrate the remembrance of June 12 than for us as a nation to always acknowledge the ultimate sacrifice that the acclaimed winner of the June 12 election Chief MKO Abiola made with his life which today has in turn given birth to the present democracy being enjoyed in our country.

“It is in lieu of the above that we want to once again appreciate the Federal for honouring Chief MKO Abiola by renaming the former University of Lagos after him (Abiola).

“We sincerely want to appeal to our colleagues and other stakeholders in the university (of Lagos) to use the occasion of this June 12 celebration to appreciate the essence of the Federal decision to rename the university of Lagos after MKO Abiola.”

“While restating its belief in the sustenance of democracy, NANS lamented that then nations leaders have not fully appreciated the virtues exhibited by the late Abiola in his lifetime, and urged them to use today open a new leaf towards a better governance.

“We want to urge all Nigerians particularly our political leaders to concentrate on the task of developing our nation and ensuring further peaceful coexistence among our people rather than being preoccupied by the politics of 2015 elections that are still far ahead.”

How June 12 struggles will not be in vain, by Ojudu

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•From left: Permanent Secretary, Ministry Of Aviation Ms Ann Ene-Ita, Minister of Aviation Princess Stella Oduah and Chairman, Technical and Administrative Review Panel, Group Capt. John Obakpolor at the Inauguration of Technical and Administrative Review Panel on Domestic Airlines in Abuja...yesterday

ICE-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Service and Establishment Babafemi Ojudu has said the struggles of June 12 will be in vain, without the enthronement of true democracy in Nigeria.

In a statement in Abuja, the lawmaker said: “Our achievements, our struggles, our sweat will be in vain if we do not totally and sincerely give room for true democracy founded solely on honesty and a desire to serve our people with sincerity. Also, the sacrifice and memory of Moshood Abiola, the martyr of our democracy, will be rubbished if we continue on the path we are currently travelling.”

He stressed the need for all Nigerians, particularly those in authority, to recommit themselves to the country in a manner devoid of ethnicity, fraud and corruption, adding that some leaders to know the enormity and urgency of the issues at stake.

Ojudu, who represents Ekiti Central, added that the only way the late Abiola could be truthfully honoured is if political office holders start seeing the wellbeing of the masses as their priority and would go to any length to defend the people.

He said: “History happens every moment, but it is not the tales of the history that is more important, but the strength and lessons we derive from such history, to ensure that we do not repeat the mistakes of the past, rather we learn from the deeds of heroism therein.

“As we mark another anniversary of June 12, a day that gave Nigeria its freest and fairest election, let us all look back and ponder on our miss-steps and then take action not to repeat them. Let us also draw strength from the heroes of the struggle, some of whom at the expense of their well-being continued to fight on until the military were sent back to where they belong.”

Jonathan ‘should pronounce Abiola president’

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•From left: Chief Corporate Networks Unit, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Dr. Alain Nkoyock, Director-General, Bureau of Public Procurement, (BPP) Mr. Emeka Ezeh, Chief Economic Adviser to the President Prof. Nwanze Okedigbe and Perm Sec. Carear Management Office Mrs Kehinde Ajoni during the presentation of the National Database for the Registration, Categorisation and Classfication of Federal Contractors, Consultants and Service Provider at the State House, Abuja....yesterday PHOTO: AKIN OLADOKUN

HAIRMAN, Conference of Alumni Associations of Nigerian Universities (CAANU), Chief Richard Oma Ahonaruogho, yesterday urged President Goodluck Jonathan to declare the late Chief Moshood Abiola winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.

Ahonaruogho, in a statement, said Jonathan deserves commendation for having the courage to honour the late Abiola 19 years after the election.

He said: “Now, what is needed is the official declaration by government of the result of that election and the official pronouncement of Chief MKO Abiola as the winner of that election (and not the presumed winner) and the declaration of Chief MKO Abiola as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, posthu-

mously with the highest National honour, GCFR, while the Vice-President elect, Alhaji Baba Gana Kingibe, be given the National honour, GCON. “All the benefits due to the previous holders of the Offices of President and Vice-Presidents of the Federal Republic of Nigeria be bestowed on Chief Abiola and Alhaji kingibe. This must be followed by an Executive Bill by Mr. President to the National Assembly declaring June 12 a public holiday in Nigeria, as MKO Abiola Democracy Day. “It will do well for Alhaji Bashir Tofa, the opponent of Chief MKO Abiola in the 1993 elections to also accept the results of the election.

“The naming of any edifice in Chief MKO Abiola’s honour pales into insignificance to the above. It is not too late to getting it right.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2012

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NEWS JUNE 12 ANNIVERSARY HAVE watched with keen interest the raging debate over the May 29 announcement by President Goodluck Jonathan renaming the University of Lagos, Akoka (UNILAG), as Moshood Abiola University. The decision by the President was made to honour the hero of our present democracy, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, who won the June 12, 1993 presidential election but was denied the opportunity to exercise the mandate freely given to him by the Nigerian people.

My interest in the debate is best understood by the fact that though Chief Abiola is a nationalist whose popularity and support base transcended Ogun State where he hailed from and where I happen to be presently serving as governor, I also had the privilege of representing his senatorial district, Ogun Central, in the Senate between 2003 and 2007. I therefore feel obliged to contribute my own viewpoint to the debate.

For some obvious reasons, any honour done to Chief Abiola’s memory should not generate any controversy. There is, in my view, a national consensus that he made the supreme sacrifice to enable us have democratic government. His decision not to fold his arms after the unjust annulment of the results of a free and fair election jolted the nation and called world attention to our situation in Nigeria.

He mobilised our people to stand for their democratic rights to choose their leaders. In the process, he and one of his wives, Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, died in controversial circumstances. The nature of his nationwide support as exemplified by the results of the annulled election also indicated that it was not impossible to build a national mandate, even in Nigeria, with our different diversities. It is unfortunate that some of the positive and patriotic symbolisms derivable from that election were not allowed to be entrenched in our system.

It should also be stated at this point that one of the greatest constituencies which formed the pillar of support for Bashorun Abiola during the pre and post June 12, 1993 election was the university population. The students solidly voted for Abiola and were constantly on the streets to protest the annulment of the election. We should also remember that student bodies at various levels had demanded that Abiola should be honoured by the Federal Government, to immortalise him and

I

IBIKUNLE AMOSUN

GUEST COLUMNIST Honouring M.K.O. Abiola - Substance over Form institutionalise the ideas and ideals that he lived for.

While Abiola was alive, he was arguably the greatest donor to the cause of developing the university system. These facts therefore help to put the various arguments on the renaming of UNILAG in a proper context. I have read opinions by students and lecturers in UNILAG who stated that they were not opposed to Abiola being honoured but they were unhappy about the manner and the choice of honour done in his memory by President Jonathan. The students, their lecturers, alumni of the university as well as their supporters believe they ought to have been consulted before the announcement. They further argued that the announcement came as a disruption to the then on-going mourning period for their late vice chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Sofoluwe, another prominent son of Ogun State and Abeokuta, like Abiola. Some of them also canvassed that Abiola could have been honoured by renaming other national institutions like the National Stadium in Abuja or the National Theatre in Lagos in his memory.

These arguments make me to conclude that the controversy is just a question of form and not substance.

Therefore, the question is not whether the man, MKO, deserves to be honoured. While I

respect the emotional attachment all the past and present great Akokites, and their lecturers attach to the name UNILAG, I want to plead with them as well as call their attention to the fact that what made UNILAG and its products great is not only the name. Rather, it is the quality of teaching, learning and research, the creativity, ingenuity and innovation for which the institution is known across the globe. Renaming the institution will definitely not change or demean any of these qualities. It can only enhance them. Abiola himself represented brilliance in our leadership. He represented ability of a Nigerian to conquer poverty. He represented entrepreneurship, the decision and determination by one man to uplift his society by conquering the challenges posed by his environment and background.

Chief Abiola was one tree that arguably made the forest.

It is my belief that UNILAG under its new name will continue to grow like Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Cornell and other world renowned universities renamed after individuals, once we are all determined to sustain its greatness and support its development. Even if we retain the name UNILAG and refuse to do what is needed for the growth of the institution, God forbid, it will turn into a source of shame to all of us.

It is with this conviction that I, on behalf of the good people of Ogun State, commend President Jonathan for hearkening to the voice of Nigerians to give national recognition to the role played by Basorun MKO Abiola in entrenching democracy in Nigeria. He has chosen to honour a true hero of our democracy. I am sure all democrats who appreciate the gains we have made in the last 13 years of the longest democratic era in our country will support the fact that we can do with positive symbolisms to celebrate our tortuous journey to where we are today.

However, while one sincerely appreciates the positive gesture of President Jonathan, I want to urge the President to go the whole hog and give Chief Abiola the ultimate recognition and honour. The President should immediately commence consultation with the National Assembly towards declaring a national public holiday in honour of Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola. In doing this, President Jonathan may declare June 12 as a national public holiday. In the alternative, Abiola’s birthday or even the day he died may be considered.

Declaring a day in honour of Chief Abiola will help to etch his memory in the minds of present and future generations of Nigerians who will be spurred and inspired to want to know about the importance of the man to our country. Many years down the line, Nigerians who were not around when the June 12 election took place will be compelled to ask question about who Abiola was and his significance in our national history. They will then know about how the man abandoned the comfort that his money could guarantee to offer public service. They will equally learn that Chief Abiola galvanised Nigerians to resist repression when some anti-democratic forces sought to stifle and stultify his noble goal.

I believe President Jonathan has started well on the journey to right the wrongs in our national history. History will be kind to him for this big initiative but he needs to conclude this positive beginning and consummate the process to immortalise a man who died while protecting the integrity of this nation and her people by declaring a public holiday in his honour. In the final analysis, as the lawyer will say, this should be substance over form.

•Amosun, a chartered accountant, is governor of Ogun State.

Declare Abiola president post-humously, says Tinubu OR Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) National Leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the most honourable thing for the Federal Government to do is to posthumously acknowledge the late Chief MKO Abiola as Nigeria’s second duly elected president.

In a statement to mark the 19th anniversary of the presidential election won on June 12, 1993 by the former Social Democratic Party (SPD) candidate, but annulled by the administration of ex-military president Ibrahim Babangida, the former Lagos governor said the late Abiola should be accorded the privileges due to ex-Heads of State.

The statement reads: “Nineteen years ago today, precisely on June 12, 1993, Nigerians put aside their different tongues, tribes and religions to vote for a man who embodied their dreams, aspirations and hope for a new Nigeria.

“On that day, millions of Nigerians voted for democracy in what remains the best elections ever conducted in the history of this country. However, the then military dictatorship, goaded on by anti-democratic forces annulled the people’s will. Thereafter Chief Moshood Abiola, the winner of that historic election who fought for the actualisation of his mandate was hounded into detention and eventually died.

“The annulment of that free and fair election punctured Nigeria’s journey towards establishing a democratic society and aborted our boldest attempt at nationhood. Since

F

then, we have had several false starts and have conducted national elections that have failed to meet the very high standard set by the 1993 election.

“June 12, no matter how hard some people try to bury it, ignore it or seek to diminish it remains a watershed in Nigerian politics. Rather than just dwell on it, we must seize upon the spirit of June 12 to birth the Nigeria of our dream. The spirit of June 12 is that of patriotism, that of a burning desire to join hands to build a better country, June 12 was a rejection of religious and tribal politics, a demonstration of commitment to the ideals of a free society and that of a dogged spirit to vote for the best candidates. These are the goals we are still trying hard to achieve but have failed till date.

“Today, as we look back on that tumultuous yet revolutionary chapter in our journey to achieving a truly democratic society, we are forced to interrogate how Nigeria has fared.

What has happened to the Nigeria of our dream? Why have our votes being repeatedly stolen and why has Nigeria failed to come up with an electoral system that guarantees every vote cast counts and protects the rights of all? Nineteen years after Nigerians through their votes and support for Chief Abiola put our leaders on notice about the kind of nation they want, we are still unfortunately stuck in our march to a truly fair and democratic society.

“I remember those heady days of the struggle shortly after the annulment. Yes, how can I ever forget the

limbs and lives lost and our freedoms and rights that were trampled upon? Today, our dream and struggle for democratisation and the establishment of a free and just society guided by the rule of law is fading away gradually. Instead of free and fair elections, we have sham elections and scientific rigging, instead true federalism, we now have creeping unilateralism, instead of an independent judiciary, we have executive impunity putting our liberty and lives in danger. Rather than build democratic institutions, we are busy decimating them. This time around, election riggers must be put on notice that Nigerians will no longer tolerate any form of electoral fraud.

“Today, as we mark the June 12 anniversary, we must salute the man who made June 12 possible and who died prosecuting the struggle to regain the peoples’ mandate. More than anything else, we must realise that the greatest monument we can build in honour of M.K.O Abiola that will immortalise him is not in the hurried sectional and tokenist naming of an institution after him as recently announced by the government, but in every Nigerian vowing never again to let our votes be stolen or our electoral rights trampled upon. Abiola undoubtedly numbers among Nigerian greats that have made sacrifices to birth a modern nation. We do not seek kingdoms for Abiola but we seek justice.

We seek for him what he more than deserves and has earned. Chief Abiola’s victory as elected President is now a settled matter. Prof.

‘

We should declare M.K.O’s birthday a national public holiday, just as it has been done in the United States for Martin Luther King.

Or June 12, the date of the election could be declared a public holiday •Tinubu

Humphrey Nwosu, then Chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC), declared the result in his book published in 2008. Nothing and no one can be more authoritative than the umpire who saw it all.

“Now, the most honourable thing to do is for the government of President Goodluck Jonathan, to recognise M.K.O. Abiola as the second duly elected executive president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria posthumously. We should accord him, even if posthumously, the recognition and all the rights and privi-

‘

leges due to that office. Finally, we should declare M.K.O’s birthday a national public holiday, just as it has been done in the United States for Martin Luther King. Or June 12, the date of the election could be declared a public holiday. I call upon all Nigerians, particularly politicians to imbibe the lessons of June 12 and by so honour the man, Abiola, who made it possible. The man who revealed to us all what we never knew about ourselves that though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we can still stand. “

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2012

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NEWS JUNE 12 ANNIVERSARY

ACN: rename State House after MKO

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OR the Lagos and Osun states’ chapters of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the supreme sacrifice paid by the winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, the late Chief MKO Abiola, paved the way for the enthronement of democracy.

Describing the winner of the election, acclaimed by local and international observers as the freest and fairest ever in Nigeria, as the martyr of democracy, the party pushed for the renaming of the State House, Abuja after the late businessman.

According to a tribute by the ACN spokesman in the state, Mr. Joe Igbokwe, the election, which was annulled by ex-military President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, remains a watershed in the history of electoral polls in the country.

Igbokwe said the party felt the country “still owes monumental debts to the late Chief Abiola for the solid manner he stood against the military, which ultimately led to the ouster of military rule in 1999.”

The party asked the Federal Government to rename the Aso Rock State House after the late Abiola for the monumental sacrifice he paid for democracy.

The tribute reads: “June 12 remains a metaphor of the greatly lacerated unity of the various people and sec-

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

tions that make up the country.

“We remember that on that historical election, Nigerians forsook the dividing factors of religion, tribe and tongue to vote massively for the late Abiola in an election that is yet to be rivaled in its credibility and pan-Nigerian nature of the mandate it delivered.

“We remember that despite all efforts made to ensure the type of collective national approval the annulled election wrought, the June 12 election survived to give a poignant picture of the desire of the Nigerian people to live together, under a competent leadership, trusted to bring about the rapid development and progress of the much-abused country and her people.

“We recall how Nigerians shunned the divisive tendencies the then military government promoted to frustrate June 12 and how Nigerians stayed firm and determined to deliver an election that is still the most credible, freest and fairest in the chequered history of electioneering in Nigeria.

“We remember the crude, callous and insensitive manner the infamous military government annulled the election, to the conster-

nation of Nigerians and how this wanton act signaled the beginning of a long and protracted war between the junta and Abiola, with the full backing of the pro-democracy forces in Nigeria.

“We recall that the late Abiola lost his wife, his business, his freedom, many of his associates and supporters in the ferocious war the departing junta levelled against him for laying claim to his mandate and refusing to trade it off in the process.

“We recall that the late politician lost his life in the most conspiratorial manner when he had almost succeeded in ousting the military out of our political stage.

“Lagos ACN is sad that 19 years after the historical watershed that was June 12 election, democracy is tottering on the false landings it has been operated from by the same forces that neither believed in, nor fought for it as the late Abiola and his associates engaged the military.”

The Osun State ACN said: "The event that we celebrate today has not been replicated on a national basis since 1993. There was no dispute on who won the presidential election of that year. It was on that day that Nigeria experienced for the first time in her history, the quintessence of democratic freedom of choice on a national scale.

•ALL SET FOR JUNE 12: MKO Abiola Garden, Ojota... yesterday

"The Abiola's victory was so apparent that even a person of the stature and status of Alhaji Adamu Ciroma had to admit that Chief MKO Abiola won the June 12, 1993 presidential election fair and square.

But the conspiracy which aborted that glorious event could only replace it with a faltering contraption with the misnomer of democracy that was installed on May 29, 1999.

This is why the country has been faltering in the last 13 years.

"June 12 is a standard for democracy which was prevented and it's still being prevented from taking root in Nigeria. The alternative that the military installed on May 29, 1999, has had the tragic consequence of bringing Nigeria to the edge of the precipice.

"That event will continue to hang around our necks as an albatross on our conscience. Until and unless we atone for the criminality perpetrated against the epochal event of June 12, 1993 and restore true democracy in its honour, freedom of choice could freeze and eventually fizzle out in Nigeria.

"However, that tragic possibility is what the ACN stands determined to prevent, it is also the reason the party recognises and celebrates June 12 as the actual democracy day in Nigeria."

PHOTO: RAHMAN SANUSI

Abiola’s aide urges Fed Govt to declare holiday

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INETEEN years after the annulment of Nigeria’s freest and fairest election ever, the Federal Government has been urged to declare June 12 a national holiday. It is to honour the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, the late Chief MKO Abiola.

An ex-aide of the late politician, Lisa Olu Akerele, in a statement, said the late Abiola must be acknowledged as a key pillar in Nigeria’s drive to democracy.

He said: “Next only to the military government that annulled the freest and fairest election in Nigeria, which the late Basorun Moshood Kasimawo Abiola – MKO fairly and squarely won; and next only to the other military Junta that incarcerated, tortured and killed the late June 12 icon, was the unforgivable dragging of the late icon’s name right in the mud of political-seeking by the present administration when it unilaterally renamed the University of Lagos as Moshood

Lagos declares work-free day

L

AGOS State government has declared today a public holiday in commemoration of the 19th anniversary of the annulled June 12, 1993 election won by the late Chief Moshood Abiola.

In a circular by the Head of Service, Mr. Adesegun Ogunlewe, the government said the decision will allow its workers join their counterparts in the Southwest to mark the day.

The government urged all workers to attend events organised by groups in commemoration of the day.

Ogunlewe said work will resume tomorrow.

By Miriam Ndikanwu

Abiola University.”

Pointing out that though honouring the late Abiola was “one of Jonathan’s right decisions albeit implemented wrongfully,” he said renaming UNILAG MAU was “ill conceived, unilateral and politically motivated.”

He maintained that the renaming of a wrong establishment had made an otherwise noble intention to go awry.

Akerele said: “In fact, the Jonathan

administration has become famous for being its own worst enemy; clueless yet unconsulting, adventurous but uncalculating, covetous but non-provident; arrogant and therefore unheeding.”

He said only a political administration abandoned by “providence” and rejected by “the divine” will fail to grasp the political capital inherent in appropriately – even if posthumously – restoring the late MKO to his rightful place in the history of Nigeria.

Akerele, who suffered incarceration with the late Abiola, argued that “renaming UNILAG MAU is certainly not on the long list of the politically-desirables. “ Abiola, who selflessly martyred himself and courageously watered the very tree of the democracy that we enjoy today with his blood, nothing short of declaring him presidentelect posthumously and recognising the day that symbolises his political struggle will assuage the anger of the political gods.”

He argued that to kill an intellectual brand (UNILAG) that has taken 50 years to ferment into a national and international acceptance, is a callous way to immortalise a towering icon like MKO. “The late MKO not only won the freest and fairest election, he symbolises the struggle to end military dictatorship and the crusade to install democracy in Nigeria. He built bridges across ethnic, regional, religious and political divides.”

Lagos PDP hails Abiola LAGOS State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday lauded the late Chief M.K.O Abiola, describing him as a politician that united the nation.

In a statement in Lagos, the state chairman of the party, Chief Tunji Shelle, said the relevance of the June 12, 1993 election could not be underestimated in the history of Nigeria.

He said: “We cannot but remember the date in our history because the events therein facilitated the agitation that eventually ushered in the current democratic dispensation.

“More particularly because the acclaimed winner of the said presidential election, Chief M.K.O Abiola, exhibited nonviolence throughout his quest to claim his mandate.”

Shelle praised President Goodluck Jonathan for changing the name of the former University of Lagos (UNILAG) to Moshood Abiola University (MAU) in honour of the late politician.

According to him, no effort will be too much at immortalising Abiola.

SNG, Arewa group seek national day THE Arewa United Association (AUA) and the Save Nigeria Group (SNG) yesterday urged the Federal Government to ensure that every June 12 is observed as a national day in honour of the late Chief M.K.O Abiola.

The National Coordinator of AUA, Alhaji Ado Dansudu, said: “Abiola was a great Nigerian and should be remembered with a national day.

“The June 12 election was the best Nigeria ever had. It was the fairest and freest. The election united Nigeria.”

The SNG said making June 12 a national day would be the best way to honour Abiola.

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the SNG spokesman, Mr Yinka Odumakin, said Nigeria was redefined by the June 12 annulment.

“June 12 was about cementing Nigeria’s nationhood as it erased tribal differences.

“Today, Nigeria is torn apart by ethnic and religious differences. Abiola’s campaign was based on eradicating poverty and uniting the nation,” he said.

‘They killed him but not his spirit’

By Damilola Owoyele

PROTESTERS yesterday staged a rally in Lagos to mark the 19th anniversary of June 12, 1993 annulled election.

They said though the late Chief MKO Abiola was killed while trying to retrieve his mandate, his spirit lives on.

The June 12 Coalition for Democratic Formations (June 12 CODEF) and other democracyadvocacy groups organised the march.

The procession, made up of mainly activists, youngsters, the common folk and a sizeable number of the downtrodden, commenced from Allen Roundabout, Ikeja, to the late Chief MKO Abiola’s house, where prayers were said at his grave for the repose of his soul.

During the merely they sang and from gave passers-by handbills.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2012

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NEWS JUNE 12 ANNIVERSARY On the ‘June 12’ battle field, democratic forces were scattered at home and abroad. Many lost their lives and property. Some deserted the battle when it was too hot and betrayed the cause. Others endured the heat and fought to the end. Deputy Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU writes on the heroes and martyrs of the titanic struggle, whose persistent agitations heralded the restoration of civil rule in 1999.

Heroes and martyrs of ‘June 12’ N

•Chief Tinubu

• The late Kudirat Abiola

• The late Gani Fawehinmi

INETEEN years ago, the nation confronted the very question of its existence as a democratic entity through the ballot box. Voters declared a legitimate war against the military marauders, who had prolonged the national lean years. Across the nation, there was collective determination to restore civil rule under a credible leadership freely elected by citizens.

On June 12, 1993, nobody had a premonition of a looming tragedy.

On long queues, people endured the tedious accreditation and voting process. There was no violence. On that fateful day, master riggers were checkmated by the transparency of the open ballot method under the two party system.

In the evening, it was clear that the election was successful and soldiers had no excuse to extend their stay in power. Nigerians, irrespective of their tribe and religion, thronged the polling booths across the nooks and crannies to elect Chief Moshood Kasimawo Olawale Abiola of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) as the President after a long and boring period of military rule.

However, the prediction of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo came into fulfillment. When Nigerians imagined that the new democratic era had arrived, they were terribly disappointed. The historic presidential election, described by all and sundry as the most credible poll in the history of Nigeria, was annulled by former President Ibrahim Babangida.

It was the greatest act of betrayal by the military.

The June 12 saga unveiled the hypocrisy of progressive leadersturned military collaborators and antagonists of the popular will.

Many of them are still fighting hard to redeem their dented image, 19 years after. Some fighters retraced their steps, following pressure by Abacha. Indeed, the retired General who hosted the first meeting of the National Democratic Coalition (NEDECO) in his Ikeja residence declined to participate further. A naval commodore, who was one of the brains behind the cause, demurred.

Several others used June 12 to bargain and trade with military authorities in expectation of juicy appointments, oil blocs and huge contracts.

Almost two decades after, fond memories of the singular event that united the highly heterogeneous country has not fizzled out. Its cancellation has failed to wipe out its importance as a reference point in the nation’s quest for free and fair elections and political stability.

On June 23, 1993, when the election was annulled, the journey to democracy was crippled. It was a dark moment of national history, which heralded a chain of events, including prolonged political crises, liquidation of the pro-June 12 forces, setting up of the interim contraption, enthronement of Abacha regime, death of General Sani Abacha and Abiola in the cell, and the renewed clamour for popular rule by pro-democracy forces in the country.

The following people played significant roles.

Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola The greatest symbol of the struggle for democracy was Abiola, the billionaire businessman, who wanted to use power to abolish poverty in Nigeria. Before he joined the race, he had established himself as a friend of top military brass and philanthropist who extended a duty of care to the poor and needy.

Disclosures by men of power revealed that the ruling military class underrated him as a presidential material, until it was too late. His credential was highly intimidating. Largely perceived as the liberator of the people from the military cage, Abiola received massive support, beating his rival, National Republican Convention (NRC)’s Bashir Tofa in his native Kano State. He pulled 8,341,309 votes, representing 58.36 per cent of total votes. When former Military President Ibrahim Babangida annulled the election, there was sporadic protest. Up to now, the ghost of the cruel annulment still hunts the retired General. Abiola declared himself President-elect at Epetedo, Lagos Island. He was later arrested and detained by the Abacha regime. He fought on until he die in detention under Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar regime which took over from Abacha.

Kudirat Abiola The late Alhaja Kudirat Abiola was one of the many wives of the SDP presidential flag bearer. The annulment forced Kudirat into the pro-democracy movement. She developed a steely determination that dared military bullets. When her husband was in solitary confinement for claiming his presidential mandate, Kudirat confronted military dictators. Her leadership motivated other pro democracy groups to spring up and seek the actualization of the election. In 1994, when the struggle got to a head, Kudirat was actively involved in sustaining the oil workers strike which succeeded in crippling the nation’s economy and weakened the military government. Kudirat had frictions with courts over her stance before her eventual release on bail.

Despite this harassment, she continued her campaign. She and the late Chief Alfred Rewane funded the pro-democracy activities which unsettled the military. When protesters were detained, she would promptly visit police stations to secure their release. Kudirat knew that she was operating in an atmosphere of danger. She was planning to process her visa to leave the shores of Nigeria before she was killed.

On June 4, 1996, a few days to the third anniversary of the June 12 election, Kudirat was shot dead by assassins in Oregun, Lagos State.

Bola Tinubu In the Third Republic, he was a senator. In the Upper Chamber, he was the rallying point for senators seeking an end to military rule. He challenged IBB to a duel. When the military leader annulled the poll,

he demanded for explanations.

Tinubu dared the military, urging the masses to resist the brutal act.

He was briefly detained and released. After escaping abroad, he became one of the leaders and financial pillars of NADECO abroad.

Chief Adekunle Ajasin Chief Adekunle Ajasin, former governor of Ondo State, doubled as Afenifere and NADECO leader.

He was a principled fighter and moral voice who offered inspiration to the democratic forces. Already an old man, Ajasin, despite the threat to his health and safety, never wavered. The Owo politician had objected to the participation of progressives in Abacha government, but Abiola, in his naivety, prevailed on him to give his consent. His bedroom was invaded by former Governor Ibe Onyearugbulem, who had the mandate from Abacha to make Ondo State uncomfortable for the NADECO forces. In August 1995, he took ill and on his return from his foreign medical trip, he renewed his quest for the revalidation of the June 12 mandate. In June 1995, he was arrested by the military alongside others for holding a meeting, but was released 24 hours later.

Eventually, he passed on when the battle was still hot.

• Musa

Alfred Rewane During the dark days, Pa Alfred Rewane used his pen and money to fight the military to a standstill.

He was a pillar of financial support for all NADECO and many human rights activities. His motive was the de-annulment of the June 12 election. He also personally campaigned against official graft in high places, lack of accountability and gross violation of human rights by the military.

But in October 6, 1995, he was murdered in curious circumstances which elicited wide outcry.

Abraham Adesanya The late Adesanya, elder statesman, lawyer and former senator became the leader of Afenifere after the death of Ajasin.

Adesanya’s compatriots in the group who also fought the military were Chiefs Ganiyu Dawodu, Bola Ige, Lam Adesina, Ayo Adebanjo, Olaniwun Ajayi, Solanke Onasanya, Femi Okunrounmu, Olabiyi Durojaye, and Cornelius Adebayo. Some of them suffered bruises. Adesanya’s personal assistance, Rev. Adebiyi was bearing a letter from NADECO leaders in Lagos to Ajasin at Owo when he was arrested at 10 pm at Maryland by the police. Persistent pleas by Mrs. Kudirat Abiola secured his release. Adesina was captured by soldiers during a protest at Ibadan as “prisoner of war”. Durojaye, Adebanjo and Dawodu were detained. Assassins were also trailing Aremo Segun Osoba. He escaped been hit by bullets by whiskers. Death came calling in January, 1997, but Adesanya also miraculously escaped assassin’s bullets. He remained undaunted to the end.

•Continued on page 9

• The late Enahoro

•Carrington

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2012

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NEWS JUNE 12 ANNIVERSARY

Heroes and martyrs of ‘June 12’ acclaimed human rights crusader.

He was an advocate of deannulment. For daring the military, he was detained for a long period by the military government. He provided legal, moral and financial support for freedom fighters. He was a target of liquidation by the military.

Gen. Akinrinade

• Soyinka

Gen. Alani Akinrinade (rtd) was one of the leaders of NADECO abroad, who committed enormous time, energy and resources to the struggle for justice. His private residence at Ikeja was torched by suspected government agents. The same tribulation befell his compatriot, Dr, Amos Akingba, a former university don. He was harassed by the military. His residence was also attacked in Lagos.

Prof Wole Soyinka

• Akinyemi •Continued from page 8

Under his leadership, Afenifere intensified the battle for promoting the virtues of minority rights, equality, federalism and nationalism.

Chief Anthony Enahoro Chief Enahoro, nationalist and elder statesman was, no doubt, one of Nigeria’s foremost prodemocracy activists. He was the chairman of NADECO’s Steering Committee. In 1995, he was detained for almost three months without any charge by Abacha.

Before he escaped abroad, he was a torn in the flesh of the military. He also chaired the Movement for National Reformation (MNR) and the Pro-National Conference Organisation (PRONACO).

Enahoro was actually the leader of NADECO abroad.

Gani Fawehinmi (SAN) The late Chief Fawehinmi was an outstanding lawyer and world-

Nobel Laurete Professor Soyinka, was one of the brains behind Radio Kudirat. Other frontline activists behind the opposition radio were Enahoro and Dr. Kayode Fayemi, who made broadcasts leaking plans by the soldiers to wipe out freedom fighters from Nigeria. It was the radio that alerted people to the plot to assassinate Ajasin and Adesanya. In 1994, Soyinka lived in exile in the US and France after leaving Nigeria. When the June 12 election was annulled, Soyinka played a key role in pressurising Abacha to rescind his decision.

With his influence, he mounted a strong international campaign against Abacha’s dictatorial regime. In 1997 he was tried in absentia with other opposition members for a phony charge of bomb attacks against the army. The Abacha regime sentenced Soyinka to death in absentia. He still lives to tell the story.

Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi Among those who offered intellectual support for NADECO activities were Professors Akinyemi, former Foreign Affairs Minister, Segun Gbadegesin, Ropo Sekoni, Ade Banjo and Adebayo Williams. They wrote numerous incisive articles denouncing the annulment, military rule and rights violation. They were targets of attacks by the military. They fled the country to continue the onslaught abroad. Banjo had purchased 3,000 riffles to launch a guerrilla war against Abacha. He was caught and detained before he escaped to Ghana. If the asylum proposed by Prof. Akinyemi had been accepted, Abiola may not have been killed. But the chief rejected the asylum, saying that the

President-elect of the most populous nation in Africa could not be seeking asylum in American Embassy.

Frank Kokori The oil workers strike rattled Abacha. The credit goes to Kokori, a fearless Labour leader and former Secretary-General of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG). In 1994, the pro-democracy activist led Nigeria’s oil workers to a sustained strike over the annulment of the June 12, election, leading to the paralysis of the social and economic lives of the nation, to the embarrassment of Abacha’s junta.

He was arrested on August 20, same year by security operatives and was moved round different prisons, mostly in the northern part of the country. The incarceration, however, did not stop his activism. After regaining his freedom, he did not refrain from civil rights struggle.

Walter Carrington An American diplomat, who served as United States Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Nigeria between 1993 and 1997, Carrington lent support to the fight for democracy in Nigeria. He stood resolutely with pro-democracy activists during the pro-June 12 agitation.

He condemned Babangida for annulling the election widely adjudged free and fair. He expressed great concern over the abuse of human rights and the steady descent of Nigeria into a police state under the military.

His remarks were weighty and they influenced America to mount pressure on military to vacate power.

Chief Ayo Adebanjo Adebanjo is a fearless politician who does not hide his principled views, no matter whose ox is gorged. He was a staunch member of NADECO who has played opposition politics for many decades. Despite the threat to his life and property, he was resolute in the fight for the restoration of Abiola’s mandate. It was ironic, because Abiola and his leader, Awolowo, never saw eye to eye politically. He is also an advocate of Abiola’s immortalisation.

Ayo Opadokun Opadokun, a respected sociopolitical commentator and human rights crusader, was General Secretary of the Afenifere and NADECO. He fought the military

to a standstill for democracy to flourish in Nigeria. For five years, he was in detention. By the time he was released, he had become a poor man. It is painful to him that, after the restoration of the civil rule, charlatans, military apologists and collaborators became the beneficiaries of the battle in 1999.

Wale Oshun Osun is a former Chief Whip of House of Representatives. When the IBB regime cancelled the election, he was among the legislators who denounced the criminal act. When Opadokun was seized by the military, he became NADECO secretary. He was later released, after which he fled abroad to continue the fight. He wrote his book, ‘Clapping with one hand’, in detention.

• Kanu

Ebitu Ukiwe Ukiwe, a retired Commodore in the Nigerian Navy, who served as the second in command during the Babangida’s military government from 1985 to 1986, was one of the notable actors in the pro-democracy struggle in the beginning. Most Nigerians believed that Ukiwe lost his post due to his principled nature.

Knowing that Ukiwe could not be pushed around, Babangida replaced him with Augustus Aikhomu.

However, Ukiwe reduced his participation when his life was on line. He resumed full prodemocracy activities after Abacha’s death.

Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu Kanu, former governor of Lagos State, joined the democracy groups in retirement and was in the forefront of the agitation for the actualization of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election.

Abacha was particularly worried at his involvement in the agitation to halt his inglorious rule. He once told him to deck his khaki and face him with his gun, instead of joining forces with civilians to rubbish him.

When he persisted in his NADECO activities, his businesses were crippled by the military.

Clement Nwankwo Among the organisations that formed NADECO was the Eastern Mandate Union (EMU) led by the irrepressible advocate of human rights and good governance, Nwankwo. He shared that virtue of consistency and bravery with Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife and Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, who were prominent NADECO chieftains. A fierce speaker and prolific writer,

• Opadokun

Nwankwo was never afraid of detention camps.

Dan Sulaiman

A gallant soldier, Sulaiman, a former Minister of Communications, joined the democratic forces in decrying the annulment and incarceration of the symbol of the struggle.

Balarabe Musa The former governor of Kaduna State refused to join the bandwagon of tribal egoists. He believed that June 12 offered a redemptive option to the country in its quest for legitimate leadership. To him, the annulment was a national calamity and the struggle was not a sectional affair as wrongly projected by military spin doctors. On few occasions too, prominent northern leaders, including the late Dr. Ibrahim Tahir, spoke forcefully against Babangida regime for foisting an avoidable crisis on the country.

June 12 was ultimatum to the military, says Kokori Frank Kokori, a former Secretary- General, National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, Delta State Correspondent spoke with OKUNGBOWA AIWERIE on June 12, democracy and sundry national issues.

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• Kokori

HAT is the relevance of June12 to the achievement of this democratic dispensation?

June 12, as you know happened 19 years ago. June 12, 1993 is important because that was the first time, after so many years of military dictatorship, Nigerians rose to vote with one accord. They went to the polls, which was adjudged to the freest and fairest in the annals of elections in Nigeria and someone emerged with the mandate of the people. That election was won by Chief Moshood

Abiola but somehow the military with contempt and disdain annulled the elections. That was the first time Nigerians came out united to fight the impudence of the military. The struggle was very severe. Many civil society groups stood up against the tyranny of the military; including organized Labour who led the first charge, especially the oil unions (NUPENG). We decided to break off from the tepid Central Labour Union. I was fortunate to be leading a more nationalistic labour

movement NUPENG and our sister group PENGASSEN .We took that battle to tell the military dictatorship that enough is enough.

Nigerians felt this was an affront that must be withstood. Many innocent people lost their lives, suffered imprisonment and went on involuntary exile. The civil groups and the Nigerian masses told the military that notwithstanding its huge military arsenal, it cannot ride over the will of the people all the time. The military authorities could not believe it was being issued an ultimatum

June 12- was a watershed in the history of the country .It is relevant as it showed the folly of clinging on to power. Today, I still believe that it is that lesson that the military has carried until this moment. That is why they have not dabbled into politics under any pretext, in a way they were humiliated out of power by the masses Can we safely say the ghost of military intervention in national politics has been finally rested?

•Continued on page 10

, 2012

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2012

9

NEWS JUNE 12 ANNIVERSARY Chief Olawale Oshun, chieftain of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), chairman Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG), was Chief Whip of the House of Representatives and former Secretary of NADECO in the short-lived Third Republic. In this interview with MUSA ODOSHIMOKHE, he reviews the June 12 phenomenon and says to immortalise M.K.O Abiola, one needs political courage.

Political courage is needed to accord Abiola due honour, says Oshun I

T has been 19 years since June 12. If you were to review it, what would you say?

Well, all Nigerians acknowledged that June 12, presidential election was the freest, fairest and until today appears to be that single election where there was unanimity of purpose.

That the candidate who emerged who was widely accepted across the country and in fact defeated his only opponent in his home state remains the indisputable. So far, no other election has come close to what we had on June 12. The imperial dictator General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd) of course annulled the election. Again, it also led to the recall of the military to the barracks because Nigerians agitated for their return to the barracks.

The annulment of that election made Nigerians to rise up in defence of democracy which forced the military to go back to the barracks.

But asking me what has transpired so far, of course, we have had the return to civil rule in the sense that the governments are headed by civilians. But many of the elections were suspects, there was no real assurance that people were democratically elected since there has been allegations of widespread rigging. To that extent, we are back to civilian rule but can we really say we are back to democratic rule? I will not answer that question affirmatively.

Government has decided to honour Abiola by naming University of Lagos after him but the reaction against it was high, why?

There are two clear issues involved. The issue of immortalising Abiola, I mean no Nigerian in his right sense will say that Abiola should not be immortalised may be except the man who annulled the election, Babangida and may Chief Obasanjo who benefited greatly from that annulment. Who in fact records ultimately revealed, gained in that annulment but will not want to immortalise him. But practically, all other Nigerians will want Abiola immortalised which is the first issue. The second issue is how did you immortalise him? Afenifere has taken a firm position that immortalising Abiola is something that could have been done with a lot of more courage. We must acknowledge that he the president has taken the right steps; it is the content of his action that is now being criticised not that he has taken the action. For instance, he spoke about the winner of the election and we all know that Abiola won. The statistics and election results are with the government, so Jonathan as the president could have been more courageous in honouring Abiola. He has shown courage even by acknowledging him;

• Oshun

Obasanjo in his eight years did not.

Babangida did not want that, Abacha did not want that, that he has even acknowledged it showed some courage. That is not to say that because he has done that the man does not deserve more. What I am saying here is that he has even shown the courage to initiate the process, he must be commended. Having said that there are so many ways to immortalise Abiola, he should first of all release the result of that election to acknowledge the fact that Abiola has won the election, it is quite important. The second one is that another June 12 is there, he can take the opportunity to name June 12 as the democracy day. The third one which is the naming the great University of Lagos after him, people have placed the issues of localising Abiola on the table. There are issues of legality that the process for changing the name of the university was faulty. Rather than get embroiled in all of that why not change the name of Eagle Square where most democratic activities are taking place. If he can do this, he will be remembered as that president who is brave enough to tread where others dread.

The students agitating for the maintenance of the status quo, hinged their complaint on brand, why?

Actually it is more than that, even when you name a child there must be precedence.

Abiola funded education and you already have a Moshood Abiola Polytechnic in Ogun State. Apart from that people like Wole Soyinka said in his speech that even changing University of Ife to Obafemi Awolowo University disturbed him a great deal, so you must and take into consideration that in renaming an institution where you have the academics, where you have the Alumni associations, they must have preferences. There must be consultations, they are not against Abiola and I am sure they are aware of his contributions, so why not do something much more enduring in relations to democracy where he laid down his life. And given that there are many institutions that can be so named. The National Assembly can name it complex if they are genuine democrats. The federal government can also name the National Stadium if they are to look at his worthy contribution in sports and now you are talking of Eagle Square. So, there are many ways, but which one speaks eloquently about his contributions. I think what the university students are saying is the naming the university after him does not truly portend what he died for.

Will Nigerians welcome the posthumous recognition of Abiola given that those who annul the election are still around?

Sure, because there is so many ripples facing the country today. Anything that can further unite the country is welcomed at this point. More people voted outside the Yoruba speaking areas for Abiola than those who voted for him here. People voted for him in Kano more than they did for Tofa, are you saying that those who voted for him then will now be unhappy to be involved in honouring a man who died so that democracy can thrive. I am sure that it can further cement the country because it shows that there is a recognition coming from somewhere. And if the other presidents have not done it somebody else can do it. That person has come but let him do it properly.

But Chief Obasanjo the major beneficiary of June 12 cast aspersion on Abiola as not

‘Jonathan President could have been more courageous in honouring Abiola. He has shown courage even by acknowledging him; Obasanjo in his eight years did not. Babangida did not want that, Abacha did not want that’

being the messiah; do you think that was a good judgment?

Well, Obasanjo was driven by his own personality, if possibly he didn’t want another person to come from his own area. For all intent and purposes a president emerged in this country through election which he did not want to acknowledge, so there is an ego issue. I can tell you this because Abiola mentioned this when he was alive, Abiola said ‘don’t mind him because he was head of state, he does not want the president to come from his area.’ And I think I recorded this somewhere in one of my books, Abiola used to say that the man was so enveloped in his personality cocoon that he felt that if he does not have it nobody else can have it. Otherwise, he benefited from June 12 , yet there was no reference to Abiola by his government. He was the brain behind the Yar’Adua Foundation, yet he could not name an institution or even mentioned him once in all his eight years in office, what kind of a man is that?

How will Afeniferi honour Abiola?

All we can do is to ensure that what he stood for thrives. Abiola stood for the spirit of philanthropist and of course he fought a democratic duel and stood by his victory. If he was not courageous, probably he would have accepted any of the many deals that people brokered just to go and enjoy. But he stood courageously and at the end of it all he lost his wife and his life. All we can then do is to assist democracy to thrive, encourage the competitive spirit in business and ensure there is growth not only in development but in human capital. We have to endure growth in terms of capital, resources and employment generation. And in ensuring that governance is about a better Nigeria and improved quality of life. That is where ARG has concentrated in the past three years and encouraging those who were elected, who are presently holding offices in the Yoruba speaking areas.

May 29 or June 12 which is best qualified for democracy day?

There is no pretence about that, what we had on May 29 was mere elections which cannot be compared to June 12 which remains the freest. What they are doing is that they are only trying to run away from history. May 29 has absolutely nothing in reality and commonsense when compared to June 12. That was day the country as a whole stood and spoke with one voice. But if you are moving away from that day then you can have the Independence Day which has it own unique features. The democracy day is June 12 and both are significant but the democracy day is quite important.

June 12 was ultimatum to the military, says Kokori •Continued from page 9

I want to believe that if not on many occasion during this period with the insecurity and terrorism they may have since staged a return. Since 1999 till date, this has been the longest time since the military has been out of power in the history of this country; They have refrained from dabbling into politics having lost face due to the June 12th battle due to lesson learnt from e battle. June 12th struggle also taught Nigerians that they can fight to assert their rights when it becomes necessary and that the military is not invincible.

How do you assess the present democratic dispensation?

Those of us who were in the vanguard of the struggle we thought Nigeria will be a better place after the military might have gone and politicians have learnt their lessons. I will tell you that I am terribly disil-

lusioned with what is happening in Nigeria .In the first few years we thought we were learning the ropes but after 13 years nobody will tell me we are still learning the ropes. Unfortunately we do not have good, selfless leaders. If we had good leaders most of the corruption going on should have been checked. Corruption has become the albatross on the neck of the Nigerian people. The police is corrupt, the judiciary is corrupt and our leaders are rotten .Ina situation like this it is very difficult to have progress or development. Corruption can be tackled if have a strong special leader, a man above board..My prayer is for children yet unborn to take this country out of the hands of inept politicians and set it on the right track.

In what way do you think we can deepen democracy in Nigeria?

When I talk about corruption it has

eaten into every facet of our life. It is evident in the electoral process. All the elections we have had over the years have grown progressively worse. Only the South-West in the last election had a modicum of free and fair elections. During the NRC and SDP days when I was active in politics, elections were close. But in the South/South where I come from electoral malpractices are rampant. But we can deepen democracy if we begin to create strong institutions, rebuild the police, the judiciary and the legislature.

What role would you have civil society groups play in our nascent democracy?

After fighting the military dictators, one would thought they will have as prominent role in molding democracy, but the greedy politicians will not allow them.

How many of those enjoying the fruits of political office today are prepared to lay down their lives for democracy apart

from a few people in the South-West.

Great men like Gani Fawehinmi Femi Falana ,Wole Soyinka and others in the oil unions who made great sacrifices. But do not be mistaken the battle was fought by the oil workers. That is why some of us spent five and six years in some of the worst prisons in the land How can Nigeria get out of the political quagmire?

Many say leadership is difficult, I say leadership is not difficult. You must open clean hands to your people. You do not cheat them; you call your constituents for consultation. There must be proper representation of the people .It is not a situation where the most unpopular candidate in a community wins an election because of money and connection .Take a look at democracy in action in some African nations like Ghana, Senegal , and in Europe.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2012

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2012

11

NEWS

Fayemi blames insecurity on loss of dialogue culture

E

KITI State Governor Kayode Fayemi yesterday said the loss of the culture of dialogue, caused by the long years of military rule, is at the root of the rising violence in Nigeria.

He listed unemployment and poverty as the immediate causes.

Fayemi spoke in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, at the opening of the 2012 Biennial Law Week of the Ilorin branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

In a lecture entitled: “Federalism and the quest for national integration and development in Nigeria”, the governor said “Nigerians lost the culture of dialogue in a period when militarisation and the primacy of force had become state policy”.

He advocated the return to the culture of dialogue, adding that “this may not necessarily culminate in a sovereign national conference, although some perceive this as the only solution to the crisis of governance in the state”.

Fayemi said: “Any indication that the government is willing to create the conditions for dialogue in the

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin and Sulaiman Salawudeen, AdoEkiti

country will reduce the increasing level of tension, since many deprived communities believe the only language the government understands is violence.

“The need, therefore, for a national conference as a means of reducing tension in the country is not only desirable, but necessary.”

“As a panacea to the ground-swell of agitations and the recurrent outbreak of conflicts in the country, there is the need for a national conference, where various constituencies and groups will come together to renegotiate the terms of the Nigerian union and deal decisively with the nagging and contentious issues that have been animating the country in a negative manner.

“Issuing from this is the necessity of instituting a comprehensive constitutional reform process, in which the responsibilities and preserves of the various levels and tiers of government will be fundamentally reviewed and questions pertaining to the Federation Account, the Fed-

•Ekiti flags off ‘Kero-Direct’ eral Character principle, state police, fiscal federalism etc would be sorted out.

“What has compounded the recent crisis and underplayed the need for dialogue has been the influence of years of military rule in Nigeria and the exclusive personality driven projects of current civilian rulers. The militarisation of the national psyche also affects individuals in their daily lives.

“Nigeria witnessed, especially under the last military dictatorship, intense communal conflicts that disrupted peaceful relations in several communities. Some of the conflicts have antecedents in old animosities, but many were resource-driven, spurred by impatience of unequal distribution of government resources.

“Incidents of aggression, impatience and competition arise in domestic violence and other family disputes, over petrol queues, in the conduct of motorists and in the behaviour of the armed forces and police in dealing with ordinary people.”

Ilorin NBA Chairman Rafiu Balogun decried the level of insecurity in the country.

He said: “The Boko Haram insurgency is worrisome. Many bombings attributed to the group or claimed to have been orchestrated by the group are alarming and devastating.”

Also yesterday, the Ekiti State Government flagged off the Eyiyato Kero-Direct Enterprise in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

Restating his administration’s determination to ameliorate the sufferings of the masses, Fayemi said the state government bought into the kero-direct initiative of the Federal Government to make kerosene available for the people at N50 per litre.

He said: “This project is designed to make the product available across all local government areas of the state. It is not a profit making venture, but a mass-oriented programme with numerous benefits to our people. The state has committed substantial funds to the project to

ensure its success.

“The product will be sold at all selling points at N50 per litre to the populace and on no account should anyone sell above the recommended retail price.”

Fayemi said the distribution of the product would be handled by the Ekiti Enterprise Development Agency (EEDA) in conjunction with the Governor’s Office.

He also warned against giving the distribution a “political colouration”, adding that the product is meant for all residents and not for members of a particular political party.

The governor said: “The sight of the people on endless queues at filling stations dispensing the product at prices far higher than the recommended pump price is common in our localities and very undesirable in decent societies.

“Excessive profiteering by dealers puts more burden on the populace, thereby putting more pressure on the little disposable income they have.”

The first batch of the product will be distributed in each of the senatorial districts.

Lagos police get spokesman HE Lagos Police yesterday appointed its first woman spokesman.

Ngozi Braide, a deputy superintendent of police, became the 16th spokesman of the Command since the office was created in 1971.

Braide is the third spokesman this year. Mr. Samuel Jinadu exited in January. His successor, Mr. Joseph Jaiyeoba, was redeployed on Monday.

Jinadu was transferred to the Human Rights section of the State Criminal Investigation Department while Jaiyeoba has been transferred to Mosafejo Police Division where he will be the Divisional Police Officer.

Braide joined the Police on August 15, 1996 as a Cadet Inspector. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Language from Lagos State University (LASU) and has attended various professional courses.

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CHANGE OF NAME MANSOUR I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Samiha Mansour, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Samiha Acmond Akaninyene Umoren. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

•The permanent secretaries taking their oath of office…yesterday.

Ajimobi: no place for corrupt civil servants

O

YO State Governor Abiola Ajimobi yesterday said corrupt and indolent civil servants have no place in his administration.

Ajimobi spoke at the swearing-in of 12 Perma-

LOSS OF DOCUMENT Loss of Acknowledgement in respect of Plot No. 203, within Dutse Layout, Abuja belonging to Mr. John Jokotoye of Transport Unit, FCTA – Abuja.

•Oyo ACN: Alao-Akala is shameless From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

nent Secretaries.

He said although his administration had no plan to sack workers, corrupt civil servants cannot be part of it.

Ajimobi said: “As much as this administration recognises hard work and competence, it will not tolerate indolence under any guise.

At the inception of this administration, we promised to evolve an efficient and robust civil service with renewed focus on performance and quality service delivery, as well as design and implement an optimal performance management framework to drive it.

“This is in line with our genuine intention to correct the visible flaws in the state’s drive for socio-economic development. This has been evident in the constitution of a robust State Executive Council, made up of men and women of high quality and proven integrity, who are not only ready to serve but have also proven their mettle in their respective fields.”

Urging civil servants to be

more dedicated and diligent, he said: “While the government has restrained from meddling in the service’s affairs, civil servants should also reciprocate by steering clear of partisan politics.”

The governor urged the new Permanent Secretaries to bring the best out of their ministries.

Also yesterday, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) condemned former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala’s defense of 3,000 civil servants, who were sacked for certificate forgery, age falsification and contravention of service rules.

It said Alao-Akala was shameless.

The party was reacting to a statement credited to one of Alao-Akala’s aides, Prince Dotun Oyelade, which described the sack as “premeditated”.

In a statement by its Publicity Director, Mr. Dauda Kolawole, ACN said: “Have people lost all sense of shame in the name of playing politics? Alao-Akala appointed the consulting firm which compiled the list of

the affected workers, but due to his spineless disposition and desperation to be re-elected, he kept the list under his pillow.

“But Ajimobi would not allow the cancer of fraud and forgery in the system and he implemented the recommendation. And now, the former governor is shamelessly queuing up behind the fraud that his administration was notorious for.

“We thought he would say those who were billed for sack did not forge their certificates. That would have been a logical thing to say. But to say that corrupt people should be allowed in the system, what is this country turning into?

“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) thought we would keep fraudulent people in the system, just as they did, but we cannot.

“We encourage the former governor to engage his former aides productively in one of his several ventures, which he is a proud owner of since he left government. They are apparently thirsty for action and, in their thirst, cannot differentiate between constructive and destructive criticism.”

Ogun holds Democracy Walk HE Ogun State Government will today hold a Democracy Walk by 7am. The people of the state are expected to gather at the June 12 Cultural Centre in Kuto, Abeokuta, the state capital, where the walk will take off.

According to a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Yusuph Olaniyonu, from the take off point, the procession will move through Lalubu Road, the new six-lane Ibara-Totoro Road, Enu Garder Lafenwa, Ago-Ika to Oke Ido, where the people will be addressed at the family house of the acclaimed winner of the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election, the late Chief MKO Abiola.

After that, the walk will continue to Odo Oyo, Itoku, Sapon, Ago Oko, Ake, Oke Ejigbo, Ijaye, Iyana Mortuary, Abiola Way and converge at the stadium, where Governor Ibikunle Amosun will address the people before they disperse.

Motorists are advised to avoid the route.

Participants are to be dressed in white.

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12

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2012

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

‘We are ready to cancel certificates of any insurance company or insurance broker that fails to pay genuine claims as and when due. We insist that cheques must be given within the 90 days stipulated period.’

- Fola Daniel, Commissioner for Insurance

‘Nigeria requires 4mbpd crude for stability’

Govt to review duties on aircraft

From Nduka Chiejina Assistant Editor, Abuja

O ensure safety and security in aviation, the Federal Government is to review customs duty on aircraft and aircraft maintenance spare parts.

The Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah disclosed this yesterday at the inauguration of the Technical and Administrative Review Panel on Domestic Airlines Committee in Abuja.

Oduah said: “President Jonathan is, indeed, committed to the revivalisation of the domestic airline operations in Nigeria. In this regard, a number of palliative measures have been initiated. Among these is the setting up of a (CME) and Minister of Finance to review customs duty on importation of aircraft and aircraft maintenance spare parts with a view to reducing the financial burden on domestic airlines.”

Oduah added that the Ministry is planning to invite the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) to provide thorough technical and oversight of the aircraft and airlines operating in the country.

The panel is chaired by Group Captain John Obakpolor. Other members include Capt. Mfon Udoh, Capt. Dele Sasegbon, Capt.

Austin Omame, O.O. Agboola, Fidelis Onyeyiri, Capt. Ibrahim Mshelia and Dr Anthony Anuoforom as Secretary.

From Olugbenga Adanikin, Abuja

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N

IGERIA has been advised to increase her crude oil exports from 2.3 million barrels per day (mbpd) to about four million barrels.

Managing Director, Citigroup, Dr David Cowan, gave the advice at the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC’s) Nigeria Learning Series Lecture in Abuja.

The increase in crude oil production, he said, would ensure the judicious use of incomes on key areas.

He pointed out that there was the need for the government to address key challenges, such as inflation, propensity for expenditure and infrastructure to protect the country from their negative effects on the economy, particularly oil market volatility, as the uncertainty in the global economies assumes a more worrisome dimension.

He argued that the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) would help Nigeria bridge the gap to create a strong infrastructure base to drive ongoing programmes for sustainable growth of the economy.

He noted that the monetary reforms initiated by the regulatory authorities were the best for the country’s economy, but added that one of the major areas Nigeria could leverage her investment drives for development is to borrow when interest rates in Europe and the American countries are getting to their lowest.

DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil - $123.6/barrel Cocoa - $2,686.35/metric ton Coffee - ¢132.70/pound Cotton - ¢95.17pound Gold - $1,800/troy ounce Rubber - ¢159.21pound MARKET CAPITALISATIONS NSE JSE NYSE LSE

-N6.503 trillion -Z5.112trillion -$10.84 trillion -£61.67 trillion

RATES Inflation -12.6% Treasury Bills -7.08% Maximum lending22.42% Prime lending -15.87% Savings rate -2% 91-day NTB -14.18% Time Deposit -5.49% MPR -12% Foreign Reserve $34.6b CFA EUR £ $ ¥ SDR RIYAL

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• Former Super Eagles player, Mr Victor Ikpeba; Media & Public Affairs, Nigerian Breweries PLC, Mr Edem Vindah and former Super Eagles keeper Peter Rufa’i, at a briefing on Gulder 5 Aside Football in Lagos.

PHOTO: ISAAC JIMOH AYODELE

Dangote Cement a success story, says Jonathan P

RESIDENT Goodluck Ebele Jonathan yesterday said Nigeria is on its way to becoming selfsufficient in cement production, given the success so far recorded by Dangote Cement.

Dr Jonathan, inaugurating the third phase of the - 5.25 MMTPA of the Dangote Cement Industry, Obajana, Kogi State, said the success of the Dangote Cement is a “signal of Nigeria’s march towards self-sufficiency”.

He said with the addition of the three million metric tonnes line, the cement company is capable of producing 6,000 tonnes per day, and ranks among the biggest in Africa and one of the largest in the world.

The President, while underscoring the backward integration policy of the Federal Government as a catalyst for the rapid development of Dangote Cement, encouraged well-meaning Nigerians to emulate the Dangote Group by investing in Nigeria. He said the government would repli-

From Mohammed Bashir Lokoja

cate the policy in the textile, garment, automobile, sugar and rice sectors.

Dr Jonathan described Dangote as a worthy ambassador of Nigeria, noting that with the completion of the third and fourth phases, in tow, the cement plant “will strengthen its global competitiveness and fast-track its becoming one of the eight largest cement companies in the world”.

Speaking earlier, the President, Dangote Group of Company, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, said the firm’s target is to join the league of world-class companies, adding that with the completion of the Senegal plant, it will be producing 60 million metric tonnes per annum.

He expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for having faith in local

manufacturers and its backward integration policy, pleading that it should be extended to other sectors.

As part of the company’s corporate social responsibility, he also promised that Dangote Cement would spearhead the cost of building the dilapidated Obajana-Kabba 45 Km road.

Kgi State Governor, Captain Idris Ichalla Wada, said the event signposts “one of the several success stories in the life of the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan”, adding that Dangote Cement has placed the state on the world map.

He praised Dangote for his silent economic revolution in Africa, pointing out that the fact that his plants are in 14 countries is commendable.

Wada said Kogi State is blessed with abundant mineral resources waiting to be harnessed by investors,

adding that the state is free of rancour and suitable for investment.

He urged the President to facilitate the early completion of the dredging of the River Niger, and the rehabilitation of the Ajaokuta Steel Company to enhance business.

Wada pledged the continued support of the state government to the company and other investors, saying the state favours private-public partnership.

The event attracted dignitaries from within and outside the country, among whom were Vice-President Namadi Sambo; Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Waziri Tambuwal and some members of the House of Representatives.

Others are Bauchi State Governor Isa Yuguda; Kaduna State Governor Patrick Yakowa; Delta State Governor Emmanuel Udughan; Katsina State Governor Ibrahim Shema, ministers and Kogi State House of Assembly members; among others.

Fraudulent contractors risk ban, prosecution

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ONTRACTORS have been warned to stop making false claims in their tenders or face the wrath of the law.

Director-General, Bureau for Public Procurement, Emeka Ezeh, gave the warning in Abuja yesterday during the presentation of the national database for contractors, consultants and service providers.

He said any contractor who registers more than one firm without revealing them, falsifies claims on job executed, among others, to gain undue advantage in the award of contracts by Ministries, Depart-

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

ments and Agencies (MDAs), would be banned for 10 years.

He said: “Part of the challenge we had was that a lot of people make false claims about their capabilities and that tends into misleading MDAs to giving them jobs that they cannot ordinarily handle and at the end, we have problems of delay in execution, partial completion and even noncompletion.

“Anyone who makes false claims with the commencement of this national data base will automatically be debarred from doing business in

Nigeria for 10 years, if the claims made are verified to be false. We will also recommend them to EFCC or ICPC under our Act and give them all the necessary facts with which they are going to prosecute you.”

On the national data base, he said: “As has happened in civilised societies, the advantages of this exercise should not be lost on our system. It is our fervent hope that the programme will reduce the cost of doing business in Nigeria through the elimination of multiple registration and pre-qualifications in the various MDAs.

“Other than this is the fact that the quality of pre-qualification and the tendering process should increase at the end of the day, coupled with the better grouping of contractors, consultants and service providers of equal competence and capabilities.

“Furthermore, with the classification of contractors and consultants, there should be increased discipline in the Federal procurement processes, added with the fact that only capable and competent contractors and service providers would become identifiable and considered for deserving jobs.”

Okonjo-Iweala warns on EEG From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

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HE Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has warned that the Federal Government will weed out any exporter benefiting from export expansion grant (EEG), who is not adding value to his exports.

Okonjo-Iweala, who gave the warning yesterday, in Kano, during a town hall meeting organised by the Entrepreneurship Support Committee (ESC), said the government is determined to ensure that only exporters who are adding value to their commodities would enjoy the incentive.

The warning is coming on the heel of a recent controversy, which the scheme is generating among stakeholders in the country.

She, however, said the scheme was floated to support firms that are disadvantaged as a result of the prevailing difficult environment, to remain competitive globally.

Okonjo-Iweala, who is also the Co-ordinating Minister of the Economy, said the government has given the scheme a pass mark.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2012

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IBEJU LEKKI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA NOTICE FOR TENDER 1.

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CONSTRUCTION OF ONIBEJU PALACE CONSTRUCTION OF IGANDO-OLOJA/AYETEJU DRAINAGE CONSTRUCTION OF AKODO GENERAL MARKET CONSTRUCTION OF MARKET AT OKOOBA CONSTRUCTION OF 2 (TWO) PUBLIC TOILETS CONSTRUCTION OF ELEMORO, OKE-ODO ROAD CONSTRUCTION OF 6 (SIX) CLASSROOM BLOCK (PROTYPE) AT MOPO IJEBU CONSTRUCTION OF 3 CULVERTS at ; (A) AJEGBENWA (B) ARAPAGI LOGUN (C) IRAPA CONSTRUCTION OF 6 CLASSROOM BLOCK (PROTYPE) AT AKODO PRIMARY SCHOOL SINKING OF BOREHOLE AT IBOMIDO SINKING OF BOREHOLE AT OKEGUN ODOFIN ELECTRIFICATION OF MUSEYO/IBEREKODO ELECTRIFICATION OF ABULE OLUWA FENCING OF ONIBEJU PALACE FENCING OF COUNCIL SECRETARIAT FENCING OF OKO OBA P.H.C Signed: SAMSONDEEN ELEMORO Secretary to the Local Government

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2012

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2012

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EDITORIAL/OPINION EDITORIAL FROM OTHER LAND

COMMENT

Libya takes steps toward democracy

19 years on…

•The grand, self-abnegation of June 12, 1993 continues without atonement

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N June 12, 1993, Nigerians rose in one accord and voted overwhelmingly for a certain Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola as their president. It was an act that was at once, transcendental and unprecedented. The election, the very conduct of it, the candidature and the proclamation of the results bore such divine imprints that it was easy to conclude that June 12 was Nigeria’s tipping point: that point at which she was to break the shackles and encumbrances of her dark past and exfoliate into a truly independent modern nation-state. That point of rebirth.

But this was not to be: June 12 was extirpated in a most devious and pernicious manner.

This is the brief narrative of June 12; the story of Nigeria in the last 19 years. Nigeria has continued to wobble and fumble, groping existentially and unable to run her affairs or manage her resources in a decent, fair and equitable manner. In fact, whatever was left of her system and institutions seem to have been sundered to the point that the ship of state may have been cast adrift.

This is what happens to a country when leaders act narrow• M.K.O Abiola mindedly at the critical point of nationhood.

The June 12 story For the benefit of the post-June 12 generation who may not be familiar with this national epic, Tuesday, June 12, 1993 was most memorable in Nigeria’s history because it was on this day that the freest and fairest election was held in the country. This election was however, crudely and viciously nullified by the military government led by General Ibrahim Babangida, in defiance of the wishes of the Nigerian people and the entire civilised world.

Several twists in the June 12 saga make the day truly historic:. First, M.K.O. Abiola and his running mate, Alhaji Babagana Kingibe, ran a Muslim-Muslim ticket for the first time in Nigeria’s electoral epoch,

yet they won across the land – east, west, north and south. The victory was to be described a pan-Nigeria mandate, as voting defied religion, tongue or tribe.

Second, the Abiola-Kingibe ticket of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) defeated its opponent, (Alhaji Bashir Tofa and Dr. Sylvester Ugoh of the National Republican Convention, NRC) so resoundingly, down to their wards. This made Alhaji Tofa to concede defeat and congratulate the winner. Eminent Nigerians attested to the integrity of the poll and notable northerner, Alhaji

Before the June 12 debacle, Babangida had shifted the handover dates, which he set voluntarily, twice dredging up spurious excuses and prolonging the return of the country to civilian rule. But June 12 turned out to be his waterloo; it took a life of its own and seemed to defy all the machinations of Babangida, the “evil genius”. Attempts to stop the poll through the instrumentality of a midnight court ruling on the eve of June 12 failed, as the then chairman of the electoral commission, Professor Humphery Nwosu, held his ground and carried on with the poll, adopting a unique “open ballot’ system which made voting visibly transparent.

Blinded by his ambition

Adamu Ciroma, had the most memorable line on the election when he declared that Abiola won “fair and square”.

Most noteworthy about June 12, 1993, was that on this day, the then self-styled military president of Nigeria, General Babangida, had ruled the country for almost eight years, during which he had taken the country through a tortuous and expensive political transition process which, from hindsight, seemed to have been designed to fail. Regardless of his assertion that his colleagues in the Armed Forces Ruling Council (AFRC), which he headed and manipulated, had coerced him into annulling the June 12 election, Babangida actually sought to perpetuate himself in office. This was the crux of the matter that the wily general has refused to come clean up till today.

‘We suggest an honest and comprehensive review of the June 12 crisis with a view to carefully situating it and initiating the proper amends and recompense. June 12, we daresay, represents a national turning point and living in denial of it will continue to rob Nigeria of her much needed national rebirth. The day should be declared a national holiday’

Blinded by his desperation and unmindful of history and legacy, Babangida aborted the counting of the votes even though it was clear that Abiola had a landslide victory and on June 23, 1993, he annulled the election in its entirety… thus began Nigeria’s journey to perdition.

Nigeria has not been the same since June 12, 1993. Babangida, who annulled the election was himself consumed in the after-shock of his action. He had to scurry out of office and has not been able to live down June 12. Abiola died in the struggle to reclaim his mandate, his wife Kudirat, was assassinated in cold blood, and his business empire collapsed. One misbegotten government has followed another since then. For eight years, President Olusegun Obasanjo, the chief beneficiary in the June 12 saga, would not even utter the Abiola name, not to mention any kind of reparation. Indeed, the insult on the injury was the naming of May 29, Democracy Day for Nigeria, by Obasanjo, in open repudiation of the June 12 watershed.

What to do However, in the bid to make some amend to an injury that has long festered, President Goodluck Jonathan, during his last Democracy Day national address on May 29, 2012, renamed the University of Lagos (UNILAG) to Moshood Abiola University (MAULAG), after M.K.O. Abiola. This has only earned the president a vicious backlash as many consider the action self-serving and halfhearted.

We suggest an honest and comprehensive review of the June 12 crisis with a view to carefully situating it and initiating the proper amends and recompense. June 12, we daresay, represents a national turning point and living in denial of it will continue to rob Nigeria of her much needed national rebirth. The day should be declared a national holiday.

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HE CLAIM that the NATO-backed overthrow of Moammar Gaddafi has produced little but chaos in Libya got a boost on Monday when gunmen briefly took over Tripoli’s international airport, fired a few shots and grounded the international airliners that only recently had begun to arrive. Less well-reported was the follow-up: The dust-up ended in a few hours without fatalities, and the airport was back in business Tuesday. Such is Libya: a country awash in militias and weapons and almost entirely lacking in institutions that nevertheless appears to be taking a couple of steps toward a new democratic order for every step back.

Among the recent steps forward: The interim government registered 90 percent of the country’s eligible voters for what would be the first elections in 60 years; 47 percent of those who signed up were women. Some 4,000 candidates have presented themselves for the election of a 200-member national assembly that will be charged with writing a new constitution, appointing a new interim government and overseeing another election a year from now.

Local elections have already been held in the cities of Benghazi and Misrata. In those big cities and in Tripoli, policemen and the regular army keep order, and daily life has mostly returned to normal. So has the engine of the economy: Oil production has reached 90 percent of its prewar level. The government has recovered more than $100 billion in frozen reserves, giving it ample resources for a population of 6 million people.

That still leaves plenty of dangers. Militias control parts of the country and hold hundreds of prisoners — alleged accomplices of the Qaddafi regime — in detention centers where human rights groups have documented abuses.

Fighting among tribes and between Arab and sub-Saharan peoples has destabilized several southern cities. Al-Qaeda is seeking a foothold, and a militant Islamist militia leader, Abdel Hakim Belhadj, has formed one of the larger of the 140 new political parties.

The greatest danger is that the muchpromised elections will not take place soon enough. The interim government promised them by June 19; senior officials are now saying they won’t complete the process of vetting candidates and printing ballots by then.

Mustafa Abushagur, a deputy prime minister visiting Washington this week, said the vote would be delayed by at least a few days but added that it would be held before the beginning of the Ramadan holiday in late July.

The sooner Libya can stage elections, the sooner it will have authorities with sufficient legitimacy to complete the work of extending the government’s rule, dismantling militias and providing sufficient security to attract foreign investment. Until then, incidents like Monday’s airport takeover can be expected.

Yet even now, the evidence is against those who argue that the overthrow of Libya’s dictatorship has produced only another Somalia-like failed state. Said Mr. Abushagur: “This is a country, and there is a central government operating.”

– Washington Post

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

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 5, 2012

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EDITORIAL/OPINION

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IR: I have never believed and will not believe that Nigeria is an artificial creation. When Lord Lugard was approving the union 98 years ago, there was already a divine amalgamation programme that he (Lord Lugard) was probably unconsciously executing. Just as ‘unidentical’ twins do not come together by chance, all the different ‘unidentical’ tribal groups in this country did not come together by accident.

Those things that seem to divide us in this country today are selfinflicted and self- imposed. We have many countries in the world that are far more heterogeneous than Nigeria and they have been existing for centuries without problems associated with their heterogeneity. There are about 645 district tribes in India. Indonesia has over

EDITOR’S MAIL BAG SEND TYPEWRITTEN, DOUBLE SPACED AND SIGNED CONTRIBUTIONS, LETTERS AND REJOINDERS OF NOT MORE THAN 800 WORDS TO THE EDITOR, THE NATION, 27B, FATAI ATERE ROAD, MATORI, LAGOS. E-mail: views@thenationonlineng.net

Nigeria is no Lugard mistake 1,000 ethnic groups while in Malaysia, there are hundreds of tribal groups too.

Yet, though, they have their various challenges, they are not as divided as we are in this country. God has decided to bring us together by a divine edict no one can alter; we are therefore duty bound to stay together no matter what.

We must therefore accept the fact that we are not together by chance but because God wanted us to be.

We need divine intervention in this country. The proliferation of religious organizations especially churches seems to even create more problems than solve. While our worship houses reproduce at arithmetic progression, our problems are growing in geometric proportions. It is obvious we have missed the road. We are short of ideas and our situation seems hopeless and pathetic. It is one problem one day.

As we quench the fire of one trouble

today, another one kindles the next day.

A leader’s sin is a leading sin.

When our leaders at every level of governance do not have the fear of God in their heart, when a good number of them assume power on the wings of occultism, demonic covenants and electoral malpractices, what will they offer when they get to positions?

I am particularly concerned about the youths of this country. I

Fajuyi deserves to be immortalised

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IR: Born Francis Adekunle Fajuyi in Ado-Ekiti in 1926, he joined the Army in 1943 as a non-commissioned officer.

Trained at the now defunct Eaton Hall OCS in the UK from July 1954 to November 1954, this young officer soon became the toast of his superiors and colleagues alike FOR his brilliance, bravery and commitment to duty.

He was awarded the British Empire Medal in 1951 for helping to contain a mutiny in his unit over food rations and in 1961, as the ‘C’ Company Commander with the 4QONR under Lt. Col. Price, Major Fajuyi was awarded the M.C. for actions in North Katanga and for extricating his unit from an ambush. He was the first indigenous Battalion Commander of 1st Battalion in Enugu until January, 1966 when he was re-assigned to Abeokuta as a Garrison Commander. Upon the emergence of General Aguiyi Ironsi as Nigeria’s Head of State on 17th January, 1966, he became the first Military Administrator of the Western Region.

On July 28, 1966, the Head of State and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces had come to the

Ibadan, headquarters of the Western Region, to address a conference of traditional rulers in the region.

He was through by evening and wanted to head back to Lagos, but Fajuyi would not let him. He requested that he spent the night in Ibadan. Unknown to Ironsi and his host (Fajuyi), Major TY Danjuma and his men were lurking in the dark, ready to swoop in.

July 29 1966 was the last day Ironsi and Fajuyi spent on earth. For Ironsi, it was for lack of choice, but for Fajuyi, it was out of choice, loyalty and heroism. Danjuma and his co-mutineers would have left Fajuyi alone, but he, Fajuyi insisted that if the coupists must kill Ironsi, then they had to kill him (Fajuyi) also, as he would never consent or allow the killing of Ironsi. Both were then killed.

Such was the tale of heroism and loyalty to the point of death - loyalty at the expense of his life. Never in this land have I heard a similar story of commitment and loyalty.

Today, this tale is fast being consigned to the dustbin of history, no thanks to our leaders who have neglected to immortalise him. Save for a small park in Ado-Ekiti, that

could pass for a beer joint, nothing tangible has been named after this heroic son of Ekiti State. Thanks to the likes of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu who built a house for his widow and Segun Oni who renovated the Fajuyi Park to at least make it look comely, no other thing has been done in honour of this man. Not by the Ekiti State Government or any Ekiti indigene. This must be the reason that the Federal Government has continued to scorn Adekunle Fajuyi’s memory.

Governor Kayode Fayemi should make history. We cannot only be debating the immortalisation of MKO Abiola or the rightness or otherwise of Federal Government’s decision to rename University of Lagos after him when we have not honoured our very own. Charity begins at home. Adekunle Fajuyi sure deserves Ekiti State University (EKSU) to be renamed after him. The name is a national brand that is synonymous with loyalty, commitment, boldness and courage, those attributes Ekitis were respected for.

Governor Kayode Fayemi can right the wrongs that has been done to the memory of Adekunle Fajuyi by renaming Ekiti State University af-

ter him. Definitely there would be dissenting voices; that’s normal in any enlightened society, but most of these voices are given to politics and envy. Let us honour this heroic son of Ekiti once and for all. Maybe, just maybe, the Federal Government will then look in our direction and immortalise Fajuyi. Like I said, charity begins at home!

• ‘Dimeji Daniels Ado- Ekiti

am this disturbed because I belong to the group too. What hope have we? If one looks at how those in power toy with our future, then, one may be forced to ask this question: are we not in trouble?

There is a portion of the bible that says, “The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom”. But, when those in power who need wisdom most do not fear God, where would the wisdom come from? No wonder they have always lacked the needed initiative and wisdom to govern.

Not that some of them do not have the potentials to lead, but because there is no fear of God in them.

Some of them came to power with sincere heart and genuine intention but were consumed in the process by the consequences of their rebellious heart.

The call for separation, disintegration or dissolution of the Nigerian state will not solve the problem.

Nigeria is so heterogeneous and ethnically diverse that if our heterogeneity and our diversity are the reasons we adduce for disintegration, we will continue to split in this country until a village becomes a nation and a street her federal capital. What we should do is to find a way of resolving our differences.

Then, with strong and God-fearing leaders in power, our hope will be restored back again.

• Kesene, Moureen Ndidi, Federal Polytechnic, Bida, Niger State.

This, for Governor Rochas Okorocha

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I want to draw your attention to a deplorable/bad spot at Akabo, along the Owerri-Okigwe road.

Yes, it is a federal road.

I have even contacted the Controller of FERMA, Imo State about this road.

She is on top of the situation. It seems protocol is involved. Time now, is of essence!

The suffering encountered on this road is becoming unbearable.

In the spirit of the Rescue Agenda, please intervene urgently.

I give you a hint: There is a Petrol

Station to the left of this road at the bad spot. It is alleged that it’s where the flood water is supposed to be channeled.

As you did at Okigwe, where you personally supervised the removal of buildings blocking the construction of urban roads, this spot need your personal intervention.

God bless you and continue to give you the wisdom to govern Imo State.

• Chukwuma Dioka.

Owerri, Imo State

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2012

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EDITORIAL/OPINION

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’M personally worried that this recImagine them claiming “right ognition is not necessarily about thing but wrong time” – no Abiola but the same old politics of conmeaning! You hammered the nail right on its head! venience. I’m afraid that the not-so-inno+2348076155201. cent Jonathan is on the prowl again, preGod bless you, God bless you, tending to be one of us and speaking our God bless you. Men, I am short language – S! – Nseabasi King, Uyo, Akwa of words! Excellent and keep it Ibom State, +2348055584237. up. From today onward, I am I just read your column and I am really Olakunle one of your biggest fans. – impressed by the pains you took to do a Saheed, Kano, +2348057072838. lordbeek@yahoo.com, 08054504169 (Sms only, please) comprehensive analysis of the president’s Abimbola This is not about the Pharaoh decision to honour the memory of MKO that knew not Joseph or youth Abiola by naming the University of Lagos that were still wearing diapers after the slain patriot. Your write-up exin 1993. Jonathan lacks that proamined all the pros and cons of the matter pensity to inquire from the law. in a most dispassionate way and your con- +2347032234492. clusion can hardly be faulted. It is the first I am sure MKO would have time I have seen a columnist write that loved it much better if Jonathan way. I salute your courage and urge you had respected the laws that creto continue that way. That way, you will Last week on this page, it was quite some shellacking for anti-MAUL forces. But as it is clear ated Unilag. - +2347032234492. be honouring the memory of Abiola and I liked your piece. Really, what ensuring that the democracy that he died from this feedback, the battle rages on, as the controversy gets hotter. That today is June 12 for will long endure. My prayer is that makes it all the more exciting. On that historic day in 1993, MKO won the historic election is the fuss about? Other universities have been renamed. So, your tribe increases. – Oladele Ajala, Adelaja Street, Mokola, Ibadan, Oyo since which annulment Nigeria has known no peace. Enjoy! what’s the big deal with Unilag? – Suzan, Jos, +2348033659501.

State, +2348138338581.

It is obvious you are a sentimental person. Was Abiola the first move. With this this piece, you have really done more honour to More ink to your pen. You captured my mind. In fact, a great man Nigeria has produced? What eminent place in history the memory of MKO than the government that may have ju st writer of your breed with an objective mind is rare. Kudos to did Abiola fill? When we cry, we see as the Yoruba say. With the woken from the slumber. – Adey Corsim, Oshodi, Lagos, you. – Adesola, Ado-Odo, Ogun State, +2348079661714. arbitrary renaming of Unilag, what happens to the university’s +2347057631041.

For the very first time, I want to disagree with you. Yes, founding law? What happens to rule of law, when even our Excellent and thought-provoking write-up.

However, it is not MKO is the symbol of our democracy. Yes, he won a free, fair president usurps it? You don’t know more than the lawyers, huMAUL but MAULAG, since the original name was never UL. Nothand transparent mandate. But where do we place the moral man rights people, educationists and even the students. ing has changed as far as the location of the university is concerned. issue of June 12 vis-a-vis May 29? What is the relevance of May +2347036569487.

So, it is still Great Akokites, as it is Great Ife. OAU [Obafemi 29 to our democracy today? What happened to the 1962 Act of Are you wiser and more knowledgeable than Chief Afe Awolowo University] are proud of that name now because they Parliament that established Unilag? Can’t Jonathan do the right Babalola, Prof. Taiwo Osipitan, Prof. Gabriel Olawoyin and Lagos have got another slogan for OAU – Oba Awon University!

Maulag thing at the right time? Must it be Unilag in the South? What is Attorney-General, Ade Ipaye? Besides, where were you when the students should think outside the box so as to get fresh strength in this about 2015? – Blankson, +2348036820306. student of Unilag and Chief Femi Falana, insisted that Jonathan’s the new name.

God bless you.

– Dele Oyewole, Lagos, Ripples got it all wrong today. The furore over MAUL is very action was illegal? You are a pure politician not a democrat. +2348063228012. realistic. Why not name one of the nine new federal universi+2347054674802.

Is Abiola greater than Obafemi Awolowo, Tafawa Balewa, ties after MKO, especially the one at Otuoke? There is already I appreciate you again. A university named after Abiola is far Ahmadu Bello and Usman dan Fodiyo?

They did not see any Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta. PDP wants vote, pegreater and more honourable than a stadium that people are ‘sectional issue’ when monuments were named after them.

To me, riod! But they have failed – let’s bet! - +2348036820306. clamouring for. About five administrations have ignored his we progressives are confused people, yet they agree there is need Thought-provoking opinion: incisive, frank and educative. memory. But at least, Jonathan has done something. Let us take for Abiola to be immortalised!

It was no wonder then that the late Some of those students read handouts of half truths. They canthis one, while waiting for something higher. - +2348033372398.

Gani Fawehinmi failed electorally in Lagos and elsewhere.

They not read books or research, so how can they be constructive?

On the MKO University, you are one of the few honest comnever loved MKO. – Balogun, A.A, Ife, Osun State, 2348076155201.

Please keep it up. Pen is indeed mightier than sword. – Daniel mentators. I don’t understand the points being raised by those I totally agree with your views.

The hood doesn’t make the T. K, Kafanchan, Kaduna State, +2348034349411. who are against it. The university is owned by the federal govmonk. Thanks. – Prince Emma Igboaja, +2348062293298.

Yours is about the most sane and most sensible opinion/ ernment and it can decide what to do with it, at any time. I have concluded the the so-called progressives are noise makers. comment since our shoeless boy from Otuoke renamed Unilag +2348033372398. to MAUL – very incisive! Keep it up. – Dokun Adekanye, First I think you are far from good thinking, with what you wrote in “I’m personally worried that this recognition Bank, +2348034225250. your column today. - +2348038565455. is not necessarily about Abiola but the same It is pertinent to let you know how much you spoke my mind God bless you for your piece, “Furore over MAUL”. It was old politics of convenience. I’m afraid that the highly educative and food-for-thought for those criticising the vide your “Furore over MAUL”. There is nothing to add. The protestation is not only incomprehensible but sheer emotional not-so-innocent Jonathan is on the prowl president for his action. What saddens me in the whole matter is outburst. – Ilom Chukwuji, Lagos, +2348023386488. the position of the Unilag alumni and some top lawyers. again, pretending to be one of us’ Furore over MAUL is a misdirected agitation against a right +2348072137908.

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Unilag vs MAUL: controversy rages Feedback

W

ITH the rather rude awakening from the unfortunate crash of Dana Air Flight of June 3, we may have just enough time left to ponder on the penchant by the Nigerian state to reduce her citizens to expendables and the poor citizen culture that has become its ugly companion. While the judgment as to what caused the unfortunate tragedy is at the moment premature – and as it is – better left for those saddled with the messy business, it seems apt even now, to reflect on that other ugly derivative.

Anyone who has bothered to read this newspaper’s leader of Thursday June 7 would agree that it is an apt portraiture of the Nigerian dalliance with chaos, indifference and criminal opportunism during moments of tragedies. There was something uncannily familiar in this newspaper’s description of the gory events moments after the Dana Air flight came down in Iju-Ishaga, a Lagos suburb.

Here is how it was captured: “No sooner did the plane plunge into the neighbourhood than the spot became a ‘tourist’ site; a ghoulish carnival ensued in which nearly the entire populace of Iju-Ishaga literally emptied onto the crash site...while a few of the people genuinely wanted to help, the majority of them mainly gawked at, and relished the gory scene while yet another group sought to make capital out of the calamity through looting and thievery...”

Now that was a scene in which some 153 souls had just perished. Obviously, the unseemly sight of mangled flesh amidst the mass of twisted metals would not suffice to deter the sub humans from staging the craft – a case of man at the lowliest state of nature.

Sounds familiar isn’t it? Reminds of the Bellview Air disaster at Lisa village, in the outskirts of Lagos in 2005 where moments after the crash, an army of scavengers swooped on the crash site helping themselves to whatever they could find from the victims of the unfortunate disaster.

Now, I don’t want to make a song about what the poor, unprepared people of Iju-Ishaga or their Lisa kiths did or failed to do in that eerie moment. What could they have done? Call 911 or some distant agency that they hardly know exist? How about the thieving, corrupt and utterly inept officials who left undone the very things that ought to have been done to prevent the tragedy in the first place?

Here, I bring up the matter if only to highlight the obverse side of the same coin of pathetic anomie that defines our existence. It seems that part of the consequence of living with anomie is that the most sensitive of souls are not just bewildered when tragedy occurs; his humanity is assailed and badly compromised when confronted with a situation in which he is either unpretentiously unprepared or utterly helpless.

Policy Sanya Oni sanyaoni@yahoo.co.uk 08051101841

Nation of expendables I move to the other species of expendables; the products of mass murder by tanker drivers on the highways –derivative of the same ineptitude, indifference, and criminal complicity by an uncaring state and its institutions – something increasingly commonplace on the death corridor described as the Lagos – Ibadan expressway. Does anyone reckon that the fatalities toll on this corridor in just five years may have surpassed the number of victims from air disasters in two decades combined?

Yet, what we see daily are deliberate denials by those who should act to stem the carnage.

For instance, in the last fortnight alone, we have had two major incidents on that highway occasioning losses of lives and destruction of valuable property. One incident recorded a dozen lives wasted after a tanker burst into flames on the bustling traffic corridor. Barely 48 hours after, another tanker also burst into flames – this time, mercifully no lives were lost.

Suffice to say however that in the two cases, over 50 vehicles were lost to the conflagration.

And just last Saturday, another tanker, also carrying fuel careered off the road somewhere around the Berger area of Lagos, again, emptying its flammable contents. These are aside the countless others reported in preceding months, which in almost every case has occasioned loss of lives, property not to talk of the economic losses in man-hours.

Now, we know what our traffic corridors have become, courtesy of the ubiquitous tanker drivers. The other fact perhaps now lost in distant memory is that things have not always been like this. I mean, once upon a time, we had an outfit called the Petroleum Pipelines Marketing Company (PPMC) which ensured even distribution of petroleum products across the country with tankers merely providing buffers to the system.

We had Ejigbo Depot in Lagos feeding Mosinmi in Sagamu.

Mosinmi, of course fed the Ore Depot in the eastern axis; the former also pumped products to Ibadan which in turn supplied Ilorin, Suleija and elsewhere, up North.

Today, one direct consequence of the national regression is that the beautifully designed network of pipelines was not only allowed to collapse, the death of the railways has brought with it the dangerous, dysfunctional system of hauling products via tankers. What was conceived as a temporary bridging plan has now assumed the status of permanence to the extent that the tankers now rule the roost. Now, every Dick, Tom and Harry of a fuel marketer own tank farms along the Apapa axis choking up the corridor and constituting a menace to the rest of society. This is precisely what makes government culpable in what is now the daily ritual of carnage and bloodletting on the highways. That is what makes the crocodile tears, the overdrive and empty grandstanding by officials who had all the time in the world to do all that needed to be done, but chose not to do what they are paid to do, very amusing.

Now, just about every alibi has been bandied as to why the ageing pipelines cannot be fixed; why the railway infrastructure cannot be revamped to take the pressure off the roads; the same obviously applies to the aviation sector even with the so-called Category 1 certification. As for the latter, we may have done well to assemble the best gadgets that money can buy; the evidence out there is that we have done pretty little about the soft infrastructure of the human mind, not to talk of the systems needed to guarantee its sustenance. That is what makes every citizen, potentially, an expendable. That, unfortunately is the depth to which governance has sunk. It could hardly get worse.

‘This is precisely what makes government culpable in what is now the daily ritual of carnage and bloodletting on the highways.

That is what makes the crocodile tears, the overdrive and empty grandstanding by officials who had all the time in the world to do all that needed to be done, but chose not to do what they are paid to do, very amusing’

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2012

22

EDITORIAL/OPINION

B

EFORE the departure of an aircraft, the mind of the passengers are always prepared by the cabin staff for any eventuality in the course of their journey. I am sure that was the case with Dana Air flight 9J-922 before it departed the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on Sunday, June 3, 2012 for the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

As you already know, the 153 passengers and crew on board never made it to their intended destinations. The McDonnell Douglas (MD) 83 air plane crashed into a building around Iju-Ishaga area, a Lagos suburb, on its final approach into the Lagos airport, killing all on board including no fewer than ten others on ground.

As precise as the information from the cabin crew are supposed to be, nobody mentions the dreaded word-Death, even when it is right there at the back of the mind of everybody on board.

All air passengers pray to get to their destinations safely and even assume this will be so. In most cases it is, but Dana Air flight 9J-922 was an exception. Nobody would have prepared those passengers, may be the crew was prepared, to face and confront death if it ever came up in the course of their flight.

So, when it did come up they didn’t know what to do. And they all died. What a tragedy.

But could their death have been averted? I do not know and would not want to speculate, but if indeed, as some reports suggest, there was about twenty minutes window of opportunity after the crash, for them, at least most of them to be rescued, then we killed them by letting them down.

‘I’ve been part of aviation reporting in this country for over two decades now and each time we were unfortunate to experience an air crash our reaction had always been emotional. We never put the right things in place.

Our search and rescue effort has always been found wanting.

We always pay lip service to this vital area.

H

OUSING, clothing and foods are the basic needs of every human being. Of the three, housing problem has become a recurring decimal in Nigeria since independence.

The cost of housing has continued to skyrocket in the face of poor economic growth.

There are not enough houses for Nigerians to lay their heads.

After the Second World War, the British government in their wisdom built more than two million houses. That is why till today in Britain, people do not look for where to build houses, but houses that they will buy and the houses are always there for sale because they are enough.

But in Nigeria, the reverse is the case because of the neglect of the housing sector by successive governments, especially over the argument whether private sector should take over the sector or should government continue to get involved in it.

Some state governments have hidden under this argument to abandon the sector completely in the developmental agenda. That is even when it is clear that in developed economies of the world, governments are still deeply involved in housing programmes.

This is because their involvement will make the houses affordable, unlike when the sector is being left in the hands of private investors only.

During the Second Republic in Lagos State, the then governor of the state, Alhaji Lateef Jakande built a lot of estates especially for the low-income earners. Till today, the estates have saved a lot of people the problems of accommodation in the state at affordable rate.

It is one monumental achievement, which Jakande is still being remembered and respected for in the state and country today, many after he has left office as governor.

It appears the Abia State government under Governor Theodore Orji is toeing Jakande’s footstep in the housing projects in

Waiting for accident investigators When I say we, I mean the Nigerian nation.

When these people needed their country most, Nigeria was not there for them. What a pity?

This is a let down.

And yet there are supposed to be specialized agencies of government in charge of rescue operations in times of emergencies/accidents. There is the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) specifically saddled with this responsibility.

Though the Southwest Zonal Coordinator of the agency, Iyiola Akande denied that rescue operation got to the crash site late, he blamedl the large crowd of sympathisers that thronged the site for preventing easy access.

The fact remains that rescue operation in Nigeria is seriously lacking.

Even if they got there within 20 minutes of the crash and the air plane exploded before rescue could commence as he is claiming now, what did they do when they got there?

There are two issues involved in this matter; what happened before the crash and what happened after. Did DANA Air and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) do enough to prevent the crash and was our rescue operations up to the task after the unfortunate event? These are the issues we should look at in our efforts to understand what happened and how to prevent a repeat of accidents like the ill fated flight. Looking at these issues require clear headed thinking and not emotional reactions from all manner of experts including the politicians at the Presidency and the National Assembly.

Agreed that the accident is a national tragedy, yet we must react in a most professional way for us to get to the root of the problem that led to the crash and ensure it never happens again. Agreed also that the guilty, in this case, those that knowingly or unknowingly contributed to the crash must be punished,

but then we should not rush to judgment.

Aviation is a highly technical area that only those knowledgeable in this area should be allowed to talk and take decisions as appropriate. No room for speculation. While the pre-crash activities of the NCAA regarding the crashed aircraft on one hand and the airline on the other should tell us what the regulatory authority did to prevent or encourage the crash, it is only the report of accident investigators that can tell us what happened during the flight, especially in the run up to the crash. This should become clearer when the black box is analyzed. The report of the Air Traffic Controller on duty at the airport that black Sunday afternoon should also assist in this regard, at least he had voice communication with the Captain of the aircraft before the crash. Those who also picked up/heard the May Day (distress) call of the pilot before the crash would need to step in here as well. There are some other agencies in the aviation and allied industry, I think, apart from the control tower at the airport that would have picked up that distress call, What did the pilot actually say was the problem and what assistance did he request for?

Those who allege that the aircraft was defective, ought not to have been flown, or lost the two engines are just saying rubbish.

How would they have known that? Were they the pilot or the aircraft engineer? Do they think the pilot was stupid or on a suicide mission? Would he have flown that aircraft if he wasn’t convinced it was air worthy? I am sure he had a family he wanted to return to. What do they think he would embark on a journey he knew he was not likely to return.

This was an accident and nobody plans for an accident. That is why it is an accident, but every sensible person/nation prepares for

it in case it comes. Sadly we don’t do this in Nigeria, Nigerians don’t prepare for the worst case scenario. All you hear is God forbid or don’t wish me bad, if you tell them to take life insurance for instance, as if they would never die.

It is our preparation for accidents that gives one the worry. I’ve been part of aviation reporting in this country for over two decades now and each time we were unfortunate to experience an air crash our reaction had always been emotional. We never put the right things in place. Our search and rescue effort has always been found wanting. We always pay lip service to this vital area. Accident will happen when it will, but then what do we do when it does happen? We have NEMA, but how equipped is this agency and to what extent has it been able to coordinate other agencies of government critical to search and rescue in case of accident?

Search and rescue effort requires a multiagency approach. It doesn’t make sense to equip NEMA with helicopters to locate a crash site and rescue the victims for instance while the hospitals are not prepared to receive and treat the injured or take care of the dead. How would NEMA get there on time when the road are not good or access blocked by a crowd of sympathisers. Sky News (TV), a British broadcaster in reporting the crash blamed ‘Nigeria’s narrow roads’ for the late arrival of the rescue team. Why can’t we improve on this type of roads that can hardly take heavy duty vehicles like fire fighting trucks? Many homes have been burnt in our cities because fire fighters couldn’t get their trucks close enough to the scene of the inferno.

The attitude and mentality of Nigerians to this kind of accident is another problem. Can you imagine people crowding the crash site and pouring water on the aircraft ostensibly to put out the fire. What stupidity? This is not the way to help the victims.

You see accidents on our roads and all of a sudden a long convoy of vehicles are packed haphazardly on the road by people who want to help, but they end up endangering other road users and even crowding/suffocating the victims. I think Nigerians need a reorientation here. Eagerness to help is not enough. We must do the right thing to get the intended right result.

Back to the DANA crash, I still think we should wait for the accident investigators before we draw any conclusion, and this goes to both President Goodluck Jonathan and his Aviation Minister Stella Oduah. Let the experts do their job.

Housing in Nigeria; the Abia example

By Benson Onyekwe the state with his target of 3000 residential housing before the end of his second term in 2015.

Presently, some housing estates have been developed in Aba and Umuahia, the state capital. At Aba, there is the Unity Garden Estate in Osisioma where already some buildings have been allotted to some people.

In Umuahia, there are Amauba, Adelabu street/ Amaokwe and Isieke Ibeku estates.

At Amauba Estate, there is provision for 300 houses out of which 55 have been long completed comprising 30 one-bedroom bungalows and 28 three, four and five bedroom ones. There are also low-income units, which have been sold out. The remaining three, four and five bedrooms duplexes are in the process of being sold out at slashed prices At Adelabu street/Amaokwe Estate located in the heart of the state capital, there are 56 duplexes already completed with additional four under construction. The most modern of the estates is the Isieke Ibeku where works are ongoing on the 300 housing units comprising 225 three-bedroom bungalows and 75 duplexes and modified duplexes.

Apart from residential housing, there are also some non-residential housing projects being undertaken by the state government as part of its developmental agenda.

Among them are four dormitory blocks at the state National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp in Umunna, Bende Council Area, four new duplexes for commissioners at the Commissioners’ Quarters, the multimillion naira most modern 3,000 capacity International Conference Centre in the state capital and the new ultra modern state secretariat in Umuahia that will house

about 12 ministries with modern facilities to include lift.

At Amachara General Hospital, four building complexes have been completed for the School of Midwifery and a model students dormitory at Santa Crux High School, Olokoro.

At the State Broadcasting Corporation, 48 rooms office complex is under construction.

Also not left in the massive housing renovation and construction by the state government is the judiciary, the last hope of a common man. The State Customary Court of Appeal Umuahia has been fully remodeled and expanded and a two-storey building is under construction at the state Ministry of Justice. The old structures at the ministry have been given a facelift. The Abia State Planning Commission office complex has also been completed. Also at Aba and Umuahia, the government has embarked on the construction of six additional court halls at the High Court complexes.

On the issue of using estate developers in developing the estates, the state government has before now lamented on the challenges of getting credible developers that will deliver according to specifications and set deadline with affordable limits. That is why instead of abandoning the projects, they have continued to carry on with it with the meagre resources that accrue to the state monthly from federal allocation and Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

To ensure proper maintenance of the estates after completion and handover to beneficiaries, the government has established Estate Maintenance Management Systems.

This is to avoid ugly experience in the past where some estates built by governments across the country are left unattended to or unmaintained. In such situation, some of

them ended up as economic waste even when majority of the people have no house to live.

Already people in the state are already opening mortgage accounts to make themselves ready to qualify to be funded by the various mortgage institutions in operation, as the state government has concluded arrangements with some financial institutions to assist buyers under a mortgage scheme.

Under the Site and Services Scheme, the state government has, rather than build and sell houses, gone into allocation of the lands, determining the type of house an allottee shall erect within a time frame.

The scheme has been hailed and commended by the people, as it will fast-track the development of the state. It will ensure that those who are ready to build will be allocated with lands, not those who will get it to trade with it as land speculators.

With the scheme, if a land is allotted to somebody, such person has a specific time frame to start development. Failure to do so allows government to reclaim the land and re-allocate it. Abia state government model should serve as reference point for governments across the country.

• Benson Onyekwe, an architect wrote from Owerri, Imo State

‘Under the Site and Services Scheme, the state government has, rather than build and sell houses, gone into allocation of the lands, determining the type of house an allottee shall erect within a time frame’

25

PROPERTY

Tuesday, JUNE 12, 2012

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

* The Environment * Mortgage * Apartments * Security * Homes * Real Estate

email:- property@thenationonlineng.net

Is Nigeria ripe for social housing?

•Luxury flats at Parkview

The concept of social housing is controversial. A school of thought believes the government should drive it by making housing available and free for certain people as is done in Britain. The government disagrees, insisting that it would rather formulate the policy and provide an enabling environment for the private sector to drive the concept, writes OKWY

IROEGBU-CHIKEZIE •MDGs: Govt pledges better policing of funds,programmes - PAGE 26

•CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

•Aregbesola, others for •Ogun compensates victims with homes, cash Abuja housing award - PAGE 39

- PAGE 39

26

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2012

PROPERTY/ENVIRONMENT

Is Nigeria ripe for social housing?

•CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25

F

OR many Nigerians, housing is a big problem.They cannot afford to rent a house let alone build one. Presently, there is a housing gap of 16 million. How does the country bridge the gap?

This is the thorny issue to which the government seems not to have an answer.

Those who cannot afford a roof over their heads are those who don’t earn income. These are the elderly, single parents, orphans and the unemployed.

In the United Kingdom(UK), such people are catered for under the concept, they are provided free housing. Can Nigeria adopt the same concept.

Going by officialdom, it is not likely.

Rather than do that, it is yeilding the ground to the sector to drive the process.

Minister of Land, Housing & Urban Development Ms Ama Pepple said in Lagos at the induction of 97 registered surveyors by the Estate Surveyors Registration Board of Nigeria (ESVARBON).

She said the Federal Government is set to revitalise the housing sector by coming up with policies and a regulatory framework to enable the private sector to operate.

Ms Pepple disagreed with those who refer to social housing as the delivery of free houses to the public, especially as the nation is concerned.

She argued that the place of government is to provide an enabling environment for the private sector to excel.

The minister, represented by the Federal Controller of Lands, Housing & Urban Development in Lagos, Mr Onaeko Olayinka, said the government is supporting social housing by ensuring that houses are produced in large numbers, cheaply and at the highest quality to the benefit of the low income group.

On the types of house the government is looking at that can ensure

mass housing, she said the government is looking at the options available in alternative materials that will de-emphasise the use of cement.

She said: “We are testing stabilised bricks from South Africa in our pilot scheme in Kuje, Abuja.Our building material testing laboratory in Yaba, Lagos is also coming up with solutions to cement based materials. This will not only lead to the crash of cement price but also drastically bring the price of houses down.”

But Principal Partner, Akin Olawore & Co, Mr. Akin Olawore, disagreed with the position of government on the idea of social housing. He said the concept worldwide is about government providing housing free to the disadvantaged section of the populace which in this instance may include single mothers, orphans, elder citizens and the unemployed. He said another way the government can deliver social housing is by giving land free to developers and also going ahead to peg how much it can be sold or rented to the public when completed.

He said: “Government may decide that 25 per cent of the houses constructed should be deployed for social housing while 75 per cent will be at a cost. It is only in such scenarios that anybody will say the government is actually delivering social housing in the real sense of it.”

President, Nigeria Institution of Estate Surveyors & Valuers (NIESV), Mr Emeka Eleh recalled that the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), an agency of government, was set up to provide social housing years ago but regretted that it has deviated as it has gone commercial making the houses they build unaffordable to the common man on the street.

He called on the government to come up with an agency that can deliver social housing in the true sense of it to take people from the street.

Eleh observed that if properly motivated every local government can be encouraged to build 100 houses

•From left: Ven Ladipo Ladapo, Olatunde Adegbemile Ayodele Sangosanya and Eleh

yearly to add to the nation’s housing stock. But above all he called for the provision of infrastructure insisting that only effective infrastructure can deliver social housing.

Chairman of ESVABON, Mr Ayodele Sangosanya pledged the support of the board to the Federal Government, especially in formulating the new National Housing and Urban Development policies and the Bill on Social Housing before the Senate. He stressed the need for social housing, especially regarding the magic year “2020”.

He pointed out that while the institution will support the implementation of social housing by the government, the board, he said is determined to find ways and means of producing many more registered surveyors as quickly as possible

without lowering standards.

To achieve this, he said, necessary machinery has been put in motion in collaboration with the relevant law enforcement agencies to check the spread of pseudo-practice and bring to book culprits found guilty of the offence.

He said: ‘’It is worthy to stress here that the board has instituted actions in courts against quacks who would not heed its warnings.”

Senior Special Assistant to Governor Babatunde Fashola on Housing, Mr Michael Akindele charged estate surveyors and valuers to ensure standard practice of the profession while adhering to the ethics of the profession to sanitise the practice. He said the administration in the state is set to deliver housing to the low to middle income group in the state

‘An estate surveyor must declare relevant facts to his clients to avoid conflict of interest and also ensure that he does not act on behalf of two or more parties with conflicting interest or conduct yourself in such a manner as to prejudice your professional status’

through HOMs, a programme set to make housing available to first time home owners.

A fellow of the institution, Mr Olatunde Adegbemile, in his charge to the inductees, said no estate surveyor and valuer is expected to be connected in any way with any occupation or business which is incompatible with his professional status.

He said: “An estate surveyor must declare relevant facts to his clients to avoid conflict of interest and also ensure that he does not act on behalf of two or more parties with conflicting interest or conduct yourself in such a manner as to prejudice your professional status.”

He also discouraged the offer of inducement to prospective clients for the purpose of securing an instruction or supplanting a colleague to secure an instruction or buy the property of one’s client or mix the accounts together.

According to him, care should be taken to ensure that an estate surveyor separates account from his clients while rendering account of transaction on behalf of his client as and when due.

MDGs: Govt pledges better policing of funds, programmes

S

ENIOR Special Assistant to the President on MDGs, Dr. Precious Gbeneol has declared her resolve to ensure that all funds and policy commitment to the attainment of the goals in the country are well monitored.

She made this known while addressing the United Nation’s Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon at the launch of the Integrated Implementation Framework (IIF) in New York last Wednesday.

The IIF is a unique framework and web-based tool designed specifically to track financial and policy commitments made towards the achievement of the MDGs. It is also expected to serve as an efficient peer review mechanism that will foster accountability and increase transparency when all international commitments made in direct support of the MDGs since inception have been made visible by the website that is being set up.

According to Mrs Gbeneol, the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on MDGs is more than ever before committed to ensuring efficiency, accountability and increase transparency in discharge of the statutory responsibility in the

quest to the attainment of the set global goals.

“I wish to reassure you that Nigeria will render the support needed to make this initiative a success.

Although there is a challenge with current and accurate data, my office is leading the drive to improve the availability of reliable disaggregated data for national planning.

We are populating the Nigeria MDGs Information System (NMIS) with results from a nationwide Needs Assessment, Baseline Facility Inventory, DRGs mapping and the on-going poverty mapping.

The Nigeria MDGs Information System will no doubt be useful as Nigeria adopts the Integrated Implementation Framework to benchmark progress against the MDGs thereby accelerating their attainment. Your initiative will enable Nigeria track commitments it has made that pertains directly to the MDGs to ensure the country makes good such pledges,” Mrs Gbeneol stated.

She also added that the new framework will also allow Nigeria follow up on commitments made by other countries to ensure donor countries fulfill them.

“The IIF will help Nigeria

track delivery on commitments by signaling prevailing gaps while demonstrating inconsistencies between pledges and delivery,” she said.

In his remarks, the UN Secretary General, who specifically praised the MDGs office in Nigeria for its commitment to the attainment of the goals, noted that the IIF will provide an overview of all international commitments made in direct support of the MDGs since 2000.

He added that it will also provide information on the nature of the commitments, track their delivery, expose inconsistencies and identify gaps between the support provided and the support that is required for achieving the MDGs. “The time is right. Member states have made numerous commitments to support the MDGs,” Ban said. “Yet, delivery has not been satisfactory on all fronts.”

He added that while the IIF will not solve the challenge of ensuring delivery on commitments, it will help to “increase accountability and strengthen global partnerships.”

In addition, the website will serve as a resource for policymakers, academics, researchers and civil society

groups interested in what governments have done in support of the achievement of the MDGs, and as a springboard for discussions on the post-2015 development agenda.

The UN chief also noted that the IIF will also help to monitor commitments made by countries at the UN Sustainable De-

velopment Conference Rio+20, which will take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, later this month.

“The IIF will help us continue to monitor the progress of our efforts, including the commitments made in Rio,” he said. “It will also provide insight into the impact of our collective efforts.”

• Ki-moon (right) and Mrs Gbeneol during the event

TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2012

27

‘ E-mail:- law@thenationonlineng.net

A lawyer should do all he honourably can to defend the interest of justice for his client; he should always remember that he holds allegiance to the call of truth and justice. In a society bedeviled by corruption and moral decadence, a lawyer can only maintain high ethics by practising with integrity.

• SEE PAGE 33

’

•The plane after the crash.

How to make the skies safer Last Sunday’s crash of the Dana Air flight 9J-992 shook the nation, raising the need for a stricter regulatory framework in the aviation sector. Some experts say it is better to wait for an official report after an analysis of the plane’s black box to know the cause of the accident, but lawyers are of the view that strengthening the extant aviation legal framework, tightening regulations and dealing with corruption will go a long way in averting air disasters. ADEBISI ONANUGA, JOSEPH JIBUEZE and PRECIOUS IGBONWELUNDU sought their views.

•STORY ON PAGE 28

Inside: Court frees manager of N3m theft charge - P.31 Appeal Court okays Aromire as Ojora - P.36

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2012

28

LAW COVER CONT’D

•Fagbohungbe (SAN)

•Ali (SAN)

•Akintola (SAN)

•Captain Ore

How to make the skies safer T

HE crash of the Dana Air flight 9J992 in Iju-Ishaga on the outskirts of Lagos, sadly, is one of several plane crashes in last 20 years in Nigeria, in which thousands have lost their lives. All 153 on board the DANA plane died. Several others died on the ground as the plane crashed into buildings.

Relatives have been identifying their loved ones among the pile of bodies, while DNA tests have begun on the retrieved bodies from the scene of the crash, especially those burnt beyond recognition.

On May 4, 2002, an EAS Airlines BAC 111 crashed in Kano, killing 148 people comprising 75 on the plane and at least 73 on the ground.

On September 26, 1992, A Nigerian Air Force C-130 crashed minutes after taking off from Lagos airport. About 200 people died. On June 25, 1995, a Harka Airlines Soviet-era Tupolev Tu-134 crashed at Lagos airport, killing 15 people.

On November 13, 1995, a Nigeria Airways Boeing 737 crashed on landing in Kaduna, killing nine people. A Boeing 727 operated

by Nigeria’s ADC crashed on its way from Port Harcourt to Lagos on November 7, 1996. All 142 passengers and nine crew died.

A Nigerian Sosoliso Airlines DC9 from Abuja crashed on landing in Port Harcourt, killing 106 people, half of them schoolchildren on their way home for Christmas on December 10, 2005.

On September 17, 2006, 12 Nigerian military personnel, mostly high-ranking officers, were killed in a plane crash in Benue state. Six survived. On October 29, 2006, an ADC airliner with 114 passengers on board crashed and burned after take-off from Abuja, killing 96 people.

Experts say perhaps one or two lives may have been saved had the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reacted more promptly. According to them, immediately a pilot makes a May Day (distress) call, all search and rescue systems ought to be put on alert and ready to mobilise.

Some have called for investigation into how long it took NEMA to react from the time the air craft disappeared from the radar and when its men reached the crash site.

Beyond declaring three-day mourning as done by President Goodluck Jonathan, observers say a thorough investigation into the crash and the implementation of the recommendations of previous reports are the panacea to a recurrence.

While some experts say it is better to wait for an official report after an investigation of the plane’s blackbox to know the cause of the accident, lawyers are of the view that strengthening the extant aviation legal framework, tightening regulations and dealing severely with corruption in the aviation sector will go a long way in averting future air disasters They urged the government to get to the

root cause of the problem, adding that it must, of necessity, tighten regulations, ensure standards, revalidate the operational licences and aircraft worthiness of all operating aircraft and enforce compliance in all aspects of air operations.

Some senior lawyers said the regulatory framework must be strengthened, while corruption in the aviation sector, which give rise to cutting corners, must be severely dealt with.

Those who spoke on how to prevent a recurrent include Mallam Yusuf Ali (SAN), Chief Niyi Akintola (SAN), Chief Felix Fagbohungbe (SAN), Mr Dele Ore, Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association, Lagos Branch, Mr Samson Omodara, and Mr Joe Nwokedi.

Ali (SAN) said: “First things first. We must strengthen all the regulation that deal with aviation. Secondly, we must put round pegs in round holes. Aviation is too sensitive to put politicians at the helms of affairs.

We should look for technocrats, tested people, tested hands who will be superintending the various areas of our aviation industry.

“Thirdly, that is one area in which our national malaise – corruption – should not be allowed to come in at all, because we are dealing with an institution in which a small fatal error, as it happened on Sunday, could lead to the death of hundreds and throwing of thousands and millions into sorrow.

“So, that is one area in which corruption should have no place at all. To achieve that, it will not be out of place to ensure that anybody who is involved in that sector of our economy and national life – if he falls foul of the rules of corruption should undergo more stringent punishments.

“Of I have always advocated that capital punishment should be imposed for corruption, but it is even more telling in that area.

I think we should just get it right.Let’s strengthen the law, put round pegs in round holes, and let’s ensure that aviation sector is corruption-free.”

Chief Akintola (SAN) said the problem with Nigeria is not in the inadequacy or quantum of laws but systemic corruption.

“The aviation industry should be manned by qualified people irrespective of their geopolitical origin, but in Nigeria everything is quota.

“Corruption is borne out of lack in politi-

cal will; ask yourself if the people heading the aviation industry are the best hands we have in the country? All systems of our national life had been corrupted,” he said.

Akintola said to get things right in Nigeria, the quota system of employing people into key sectors particularly must stop in order to allow the best hands run the sectors irrespective of their ethnicity or state of origin.

Chief Fagbohungbe (SAN) said the problem is not with the laws or regulations, but strictly applying them.

He said: “The aviation industry is an international industry as such is regulated both internationally and locally. So, we have adequate laws that guide, protect and regulate the sector.”

He added: “As a result of corruption and negligence, people in the industry instead of insisting that rules are kept, look the other way.”

Chief Ore, a former captain at the Nigerian Airways, who later became a lawyer in 1994, said the problem is not with the laws.

He said: “The regulation is already there, to the extent that three-four weeks ago, some operators in Abuja, Ilorin during the presention of road maps, they were calling for relaxation of this regulations that we have, that they are too strict.

“Of course, the answer was that it is better to tidy it up because that is the basic thing that you can rely on to have at least a respite for smooth and safe operations. It is what allowed us to enjoy accident free period from 2006 to 2010. Up till that time, there is just one beach craft that got missing. So, regulations have been very adequate.”

On the age of aircraft, he said: “It is only in this country that we here people saying ridiculous things about old aircraft. An aircraft is only as old as how competent the operators are, and what maintenance programme that has been out in place and whether there is strict adherence to it.

“An aircraft is only as old as the metal corrosiveness or corrosion protection check.

Has it carried out all the mandatory Air Worthiness Directive (AD)? The age of an aircraft is very irrelevant.

“What is relevant is, this aircraft, since the first day they flew the aircraft and till today, do they have a record of all that has

‘It is only in this country that we hear people saying ridiculous things about old aircraft. An aircraft is only as old as how competent the operators are, and what maintenance programme that has been out in place and whether there is strict adherence to it’

happened to the aircraft? Do we know all the operators and who are they? An aircraft, brand new, one year or two years old in the hand of an incompetent operator is more dangerous than a 30-year-old aircraft that is well-maintained and in the hand of a competent operator.

“I am telling you that by the time they came out and dreamt about that age of aircraft that it should be 22 years or so, it was a big embarrassment to all of us because it is never done anywhere.”

On the state of the aircraft that crashed, he said: “Whatever you are hearing people saying is speculative. Has anybody gone to the records? Has anybody seen the technical details of the records? Have they seen exactly what they fear as the factors of every unit of that aircraft? Millions of parts!

“People forget the fact that an aircraft could have one or two faulty units in the system, but there are backups. Aviation is still the safest mode of transportation.”

On the grounding of the airline, Chief Ore said: “If they have two types of aircraft on their fleet, let’s say some airbus, or they have Boeing aircraft, not only this MB 83 aircraft, it is only the type involved in the accident that should have been grounded.

“But it is international standard that once investigation is completed and it is pointed in the direction that it is not the aircraft that is inherently faulty – that is why the manufacturers and everybody is interested – once it is not the aircraft, there is no reason why they should not be airborne again.

“The regulatory authority that has the right to ground under our laws is the NCAA. There must be no unnecessary interference from government. That is why we are talking about the autonomy of this system.

“Everybody is clamouring to get the Director-General (DG) out and take over. The DG has sustained this industry up to Category A. It is not easy to get it. Ghana got it and in one year they lost it. The industry is under a capable leadership.

“The world would laugh at us when we do the wrong thing of pushing the DG out of office prematurely.”

Omodara said: “Stricter laws on maintenance are needed and the heads of the regulating departments should face the music where there is negligence or dereliction of duty.”

Mr Joe Nwokedi, said: “The major problem of our country since independence is that we treat only effects and not the root causes of our problems. That is why we keep having repeated disasters and misfortunes in this country.

“Not only that our aviation chiefs should be seriously queried, if not outright sacked over the last mishap, stricter laws, rules and regulations guiding licensing, operation and day-to-day safety assurance and mechanical soundness of our aircraft should be put in place with immediate effect.

“Also, aircraft with certain age bracket should not be allowed to operate in our country. Its so sad.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2012

29

LAW PERSONALITY When she became Chief Judge of Lagos State in 2009, nobody including her colleagues gave Justice Inumidun Enitan Akande, now retired, any chance of success. Many did not see the direction she was going. But she remained focused, setting her eyes on her goals. One thousand and four days after, Justice Akande can beat her chest and say she had ran a good race. She retired on Sunday leaving behind worthy legacy. In this interview with ADEBISI ONANUGA and JOSEPH JIBUEZE. Justice Akande, also known as “madam separation of powers”, in an emotion laden voice, speaks about issues that pained her most.

‘The greatest price I ever paid’ I

N all these, what risk have you had to take to get to where you are and what price have you had to pay?

The risk have been very unpalatable. The most difficult thing in life is change. The same people who have been benefiting from a wrong would not want that wrongs removed by any change. So if somebody comes out and try to remedy all these injustices in the industry, that person would find it very difficult. Of course, they told a lot of lies against me, to the extent of wanting to turn the governor against me, including the House of Assembly. There were all sorts of petitions written against me.

What are the allegations they made against you considering that you were still young on the bench then?

They said the independence of the judiciary I was trying to bring about and fighting for, that it was because I want to be doing contract on my own. In fact, they wrote petitions against me to the EFCC, lying. That is the greatest price I have paid. They lied against me, in that petition to the EFCC, which they knew it was all lies, right from the inside, including my colleagues. So, that is the price I have to pay and I paid it and it cost me a lot. It was so painful that even the people you are fighting for, who have benefitted, they now turn against you because they have been used to that thing, the injustice that you want to change. That is the only thing that is painful to me.

But looking back at your successes, how do you feel?

I feel fulfilled and I thank God. I really thank God for bringing me this far.

When you came in some three years ago, the judiciary you met, what was it like?

When I came in, I did’nt meet anything on the ground. Like handing over. You see, I am handing over all these things. Whereas I did not meet anything on ground. I didn’t know what to do at the start. The only thing I knew, that just came by divine intervention. Okay, you have come into this office, and you are thrown into the ocean, you know how wide the ocean is? How do I go about this work, and the decadence was there? So, it just occurred to me divinely that I should go on the tour of our infrastructural facilities which has never been done before. My predecessors just sit down in the office, they won’t tour. We had to tour and it took us almost three weeks to complete all these. We went as far as Epe, even on the lagoon here and there. We took some journalists and with the permission of the governor, I didn’t do anything until I get the governor’s consent. He said it was okay to go.

When we all came back and I went to tell him, I said you have asked me what do I want from you, that you would give, that you would assist me. As at that time, I said I didn’t know.

So, when I went on that tour and I came back and I went to him, I said, look at what I met on the ground. That the greatest thing you could give me by way of assistance is to uplift the judiciary- renovate all these things and allow us to do our things.

You were appointed about three years ago.

Did you ever imagine that you would rise to the position of the Chief Judge?

I prayed to God that I should reach the pinnacle of my career. That is your answer.

The judiciary we have today is not having it easy and in the estimation of the common man, has gone low. What advice would you want to give to your colleagues on how to rebuild the judiciary?

They have to be God-fearing in their work.

That is all. When it is black, they should say so and when it is white, they should say so. They should not allow external influence to influence their judgement.

You only told us a little about the relationship you had with the government. What was it like?

Yes, very cordial.

Was there ever a time that you were under pressure by the executive arm of government to do certain things that are against your judgement?

No, not at all.

What was the most embarrassing moment you ever experienced in the job?

The magistrates’strike. It was about three months into my tenure then. They were the ones I was trying to fight for when I went on that tour and I saw how bad the situation was.

Later on, because of that, I was clamouring for change, that the judiciary should be controlling its affairs. So, those that were not happy about it, they went as far as possible to influence the magistrates. So, the things that I brought out, that were lacking in the judiciary, particularly, as it affects the magistrates, they are the ones they had against me. That the magistrates were fighting for so many things that had been there before I came. Somebody said in 15 years. We had chief justices before I came, they did not complain. So, when I was in the third month of my tenure and these things came up, everybody rose up, including the judges and some of the magistrates, they said, give this woman a chance, even the governor. He said it openly when we were swearing in the seven judges, that any time I saw him, it was to discuss matters of the magistrates and judges that were uppermost in my mind.

So, your accomplishments, in the face of oppositions, on the welfare of the magistrates and judges and, most importantly, separation of power , how would you react to it?

In fact, I am so happy, and the credit goes to

•Justice Akande (rtd)

‘They lied against me, in that petition to the EFCC which they knew it was all lies, right from the inside, including my colleagues. So, that is the price I have to pay and I paid it and it cost me a lot’ the governor in the sense that of all the judiciary that we have in Nigeria, it is only Lagos and I think Rivers State, that really comply with the concept of separation of powers. So, when we catalogue all these, it would be a source of judicial policy that other states in the federation has to emulate. If you go back and complain to the National Judicial Council or the National Judicial Institute, that these governors are not co-operating with us, they would look at that booklet and say, this is one of you, CJs, how come she was able to accomplish all these! You better go back and try as much as possible to do as she has done. I think in spite of the large number of the judges and magistrates we have in Lagos State, we still have to cope. If you look at what we have achieved within 33 months, some of the chief judges who spent so many years in office, some 19 years, some 15 years , some five, they could not bring out anything. This is why I said a good actor should leave when the ovation is the loudest.

You were a lawyer before you became a judge. Can you remember your first appearance in court, not led by a senior, how did you feel that day?

In our days then, we were never allowed to appear alone. It is such that you will never be allowed to appear alone. You will be attached to a senior for three months to one year who will be taking you to court. You will be understudying him. That is pupilage. So, after a year, I served in the Ministry of Justice, Lagos State and I was going to court alone. In the Ministry of Justice, they leave you. You are on your own. And the judges were very, very nice. They tried as much as possible to put you through.

During your days on the bench, which of the 3,500 cases you handled did you find very challenging?

They are many. I can’t say which one. I can only say they are cases challenging people, cases that would appear as if you are colluding with the powers that be. I do not know how these cases were assigned to me then. But I dealt with them as I saw them.

Did you ever receive any threat on some of the cases you handled?

That is private.

For the period you were there, were you ever intimidated in any way for one reason or the other?

No.

•From left: General Secretary, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Olumuyiwa Akinboro; NBA President Joseph Daudu (SAN); Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Dahiru Musdaphar; Deputy Governor, Delta State Prof Amos Utuama (SAN), who represented Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan; Chairman, Criminal Justice Reform Conference A. B. Mahmoud (SAN); Prof Deji Adekunle (who represented the Attorney-General/Minister for Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN) and Yusuf Ali (SAN), at the Criminal Justice Reform Conference in Asaba, Delta State.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2012

30

LAW & DEVELOPMENT LAW AND PUBLIC POWER

with gabriel AMALU email:gabrielamalu1@yahoo.com

As National Assembly celebrates •Chief Judge, Federal High Court, Justice Idris Auta (left), presenting an award of excellence to Justice Sanyaolu (rtd), while his wife, Mojisola watches

‘Hard work pays, no matter how long’

F

OR Justice Emmanuel Oladeinde Sanyaolu (rtd.), there is no substitute to hard work no matter the delay in rewards.

He said this after he was honoured and presented with a plaque at the venue of the 12th Maritime seminar for judges at the Sheraton Hotel, Abuja, last week.

By John Austin Unachukwu

He was honoured for his invaluable contributions to the development of the maritime sector in the country.

In a chat with The Nation, Sanyaolu said: “I feel great. I feel highly elated, that I am honoured by my colleagues in my life time because of my contri-

butions to the development of the maritime sector.

“It will encourage me to do more work. It will encourage me to work hard on the condition that hard work pays, no matter how long. I feel proud to continue to assist all these parastatals that are serving the government. I am, indeed, delighted; am happy.

Group seeks Shari’ah courts in Lagos

T

HE Muslim Lawyers’ Association of Nigeria (MULAN) has called for the establishment of Shari’ah courts in Lagos to adjudicate on Islamic issues such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, paternity and other aspects of family law.

At its National Executive Meeting (NEC) in Lagos, the group’s President, Tajudeen Oladoja, said the inability of Muslim families in a dispute to resolve it in any Shari’ah Court other than at the Customary Court or High Court violates their right to religion.

Oladoja, who was represented

by MULAN’s 1st Vice-President, Abdul-Ghaniy Bello, said: “MULAN frowns at and deprecate the non-establishment of Shari’ah Courts by the Lagos State government to adjudicate in Islamic personal matters.

“We have observed with regret

By Emmanuel Udodinma

that the unfair adjudication of matters involving Muslim family life by the Customary and High Court between Muslim litigants in Southern Nigeria amounts to denial of their constitutional rights as enshrined in Section 38 (1) of the 1999 Constitution.”

The association hailed the Lagos State government for the enactment of the Customary Court Law, of which Section 23 (3) allows the designation of a court to adjudicate on Islamic Law and family matters.

In a lecture entitled: Stimulating the Muslim lawyers toward the emergence of future leaders, the Chief Imam of Lagos State House Assembly and Chairman Muslim Pilgrimage Board, Mr AbduHakeem Abdul Lateef, condemned the spate of violence,

killings and sectarian disturbances in some parts of the country, saying they pose danger to Nigeria’s peace and stability.

He said the political class must avoid inflaming religious and ethic passions with their incendiary comments, and urged Muslim lawyers to be worthy ambassadors of Allah.

Lagos Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Ade Ipaye, said Shari’ah has always been a part of Lagos’ laws.

He said by virtue of amendment of the Customary Court Law, Islamic courts will be established within the customary court structure.

MULAN’s Lagos State Branch Chairman, Mr Musoddiq Sanni, said they have been able to prevent religious riots in Lagos by intervening when there had been cases of provocations, and by representing Muslims in court.

•A cross-section of participants at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Criminal Justice Reform Conference in Asaba, Delta State.

B

UT for the heart-rendering tragedies of the penultimate weekend, the Seventh National Assembly would have celebrated the end of their first legislative year last week, with pomp and pageantry.

Expectedly, the two chambers of the Legislature shelved their planned celebrations in solidarity with a distraught nation that lost well over 200 people, in a weekend, for reasons that many believe bother on poor governance.

There was the Dana Air crash in Lagos, which claimed not less than 177 lives, including those living within the site of the crash. Earlier, there were 10 deaths in the Nigerian registered plane that crashed in Ghana; 21 victims in the Boko Haram attacks on churches in Bauchi, and several casualties in over 20 vehicles burnt on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in two separate multiple car crashes, within 48 hours. In all the cases, there are questions of efficiency in governance, such as the regulatory capacity in the airline industry, failing national security and neglected infrastructure across the country.

Thankfully, members of the National Assembly appreciated the pains of Nigerians to shelve the wastage and self-adulations usually associated with such celebrations. The Dana Air tragedy was yet another monumental loss to the country, and as we mourn with those who lost their loved ones and bread winners, it is important that as President Goodluck Jonathan and the National Assembly have stated, a thorough investigation be carried out and those found guilty of any dereliction of duty that may have contributed to the crash held accountable. The claim by passengers that previously flew in the crashed Dana aircraft or any other aircraft of the airliner that there were several emergencies involving the aircraft of the company should be thoroughly investigated and findings made public. It is also important to conduct a thorough audit of the aircraft that are registered in Nigeria, and continuous emphasis paid by the Ministry of Aviation on technical evaluation of the industry.

As to how well the Seventh National Assembly has performed, I believe that while there may have been comparative improvement in legislative capacity and delivery, the members have also grown audacious and rapacious in their selfish and unlawful appropriation of national resources to themselves. According to reports, in the House of Representatives, some 273 bills have gone through the first reading, with 32 of the bills passed within the last legislative year. Also, significant is the report that 33 of the bills are seeking to amend provisions of the 1999 Constitution. No doubt, the passage of that number of bills within a legislative year is quite commendable.

Also, the National Assembly has done quite a lot in exposing corruption and inefficiency in the government, through public hearings and probe panels. The most spectacular of such within the last legislative year was the House of Representatives’public probe of the criminalities of those masquerading as fuel management agencies, importers and dealers; while in truth they are sundry criminals. In the legislative report, now threatened, they demanded a recovery of over N1 trillion, stolen from Nigeria, but euphemistically called fuel subsidy. There was also the pension scam exposure at both chambers of the National Assembly, and several other whistles blowing actions by members of the assembly.

So, to a large extent, the National Assembly has worked to meet one arm of the responsibilities placed on it by the provisions of Sections 4 and 88, among other sections of the 1999 constitution. By the provisions of Section 4(2) of the constitution the National Assembly shall have power “to make laws for the peace, order and good government of the Federation ...”

Under Section 88 of the constitution, the National Assembly has the power to direct or conduct an investigation on the execution and performance of laws made by the National Assembly. It is in the exercise of this latter provision that the National Assembly conducted the public hearings and probes that gained it notoriety in the last one year.

Conversely, there are, however, serious instances of the National Assembly using their constitutional powers for selfish aggrandisement. One such constitutional power, albeit misguidedly, that they have used very devastatingly to the detriment of the country is the power to authorise expenditure from the consolidated revenue fund as provided by Section 81 of the constitution. Misrepresenting the intendments of that provision, the National Assembly has seen it as an authority to share among their members as much of the national resources as they wish.

In exercising their powers over the revenue of the federation, the National Assembly ignores the special provisions of the same constitution in the Third schedule, Sections 31 and 32 creating a special revenue body and imbuing it with power to determine the revenue of certain public officials. Obviously to any fair-minded person, the idea for the creation of that body is to prevent the National Assembly from exploiting its powers under Section 81 of the constitution for selfish ends. Disregarding this body, the National Assembly went ahead to appropriate unconscionable portion of the national resources to its members.

The result is that the available national resources are no longer enough to attend to the greed of a rapacious political class. Though the members of the National Assembly may think otherwise, that singular conduct has remained the greatest inhibiting factor to our national growth; and until they have the courage to revert to lawful conducts on their members’ welfare, all their legislative achievements amount to little. They must realise that the Legislature is the guardian angel of any democratic enterprise, and so legislators cannot hope to enforce transparency in governance, while also engaged in clearly self-serving unconstitutional conduct.

31

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2012

FROM THE COURT

Court frees manager of N3m theft charge U

NTIL late 2009 Amos Oluwarotimi Olorunmola was the Manager, Administration at the Greenwood House School, Ikoyi, Lagos. Owing to allegation of breach of trust, the school’s Proprietress and his boss, Mrs. Margaret Iyabo Durand invited the Police, he was apprehended on allegation that he stole for the school and his boss.

Upon the completion of investigation by the Police, Amos was arraigned on December 4, 2009 on a four-count charge of stealing before Magistrate Yeside Balogun of the Lagos Magistrates’ Court, Igbosere. The charge marked U/81A/2009 was, on June 18, 2010, amended to read 10 counts.

He was accused of stealing five Skye Bank cheque leaves from Mrs Durand’s cheque book; impersonating and fraudulently withdrawing N2.410million from Mrs. Durand’s account with the bank. He was further accused of stealing stationery worth N500,000 from the school.

Amos was arraigned, but he denied the allegations by pleading not guilty to the charges. His trial, which started on July 7, 2010 and ended October 25, 2011, saw the prosecution calling four witnesses and the defence calling one witness – the defendant.

In reviewing the evidence adduced by parties, Magistrate Yeside Balogun observed that the third prosecution witness, a Skye Bank official/Account Officer of Mrs Durand’s account told the court that the bank’s limit for confirmation was N250,000, but gave no evidence to the effect that he confirmed the fraudulent withdrawals of March 31, April 14 and July 31, 2009 (all of which were above N250,000) from the account owner before the withdrawals.

The court also observed that the prosecution failed to give reason the witness was not asked to give evidence as to whether or not he confirmed from account’s owner before allowing the withdrawals.

The Magistrate also observed that, while the bank official claimed that a copy of the electronic recording of the person who allegedly made the withdrawals was obtained during investigation and that the said copy was shown to Mrs. Durand, and

MTN charged with alleged encroachment

By Adebisi Onanuga

T

By Eric Ikhilae

from which she identified the person as a former staff member of her school, copies of the electronic recordings were not tendered.

The magistrate also noted that Mrs. Durand, who the witness claimed to have identified the person who carried out the alleged fraudulent transaction, was not invited by the prosecution as a witness to “give a direct testimony of her identification of the person.”

Balogun also observed that the bulk of the testimony of the first, second and fourth prosecution witnesses related to how they tried to arrest the defendant after their initial investigation confirmed that he was the culprit.

The magistrate further observed that the cashier, “who was in a position to give direct evidence in respect of this case, was conspicuously absent and was never mentioned in the entire case of the prosecution despite the fact that it was evident that the withdrawals were made over the counter and not transferred into an account.

“That it was based on Mrs. Durand’s identification of the defendant in the copy of the regiscope that prompted the search and arrest of the defendant as a suspect of the alleged offences committed.”

‘The court also observed that the prosecution failed to give reason the witness was not asked to give evidence as to whether or not he confirmed from account’s owner before allowing the withdrawals’

•Olorunmola

In concluding, Magistrate Balogun discharged and acquitted Amos on the ground that the prosecution failed to discharge the responsibility of proving its case beyond reasonable doubt.

She held that though the prosecution was able to establish that a crime was committed to the effect that there were repeated fraudulent withdrawals from Mrs. Durand’s account with Skye Bank, it failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt the nexus between the defendant (Amos) and the crime committed.

Balogun further held that though the prosecution accused the defendant of stealing books and stationery estimated at N500,000 from the school, as reflected in counts nine and 10 of the charge, it failed to give evidence in respect of the counts.

She said the prosecution has “therefore failed beyond reasonable doubt to establish a case of stealing of these items against the defendant.

“It is trite that where there is even an iota of doubt in the mind of the court as to the guilt of the defendant, it should be resolved in favour of the defendant. Consequently, in respect of all the 10 counts against the defendant, this court finds the defendant not guilty and he is accordingly discharged.”

CBN sued for allegedly withholding information

By Adebisi Onanuga

•CBN Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi

T

HE President, Progressive Shareholders Association Mr Boniface Okezie has sued the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for failing to provide him information on its banking reforms and the proceeds therefrom.

Okezie, who sued under the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act 2011, also sued the CBN for withholding information on the amount spent on the prosecution of the former Managing Director of Oceanic Bank Plc (now Eco Bank) Mrs Cecilia Ibru and the amount realised from the properties recovered from her.

In an originating summons filed by his counsel, Mr Chuks Nwachuku, at a Federal High Court, Lagos, the plaintiff asked the court to determine “whether having regard to the provisions of the FoI Act 2011, the defendant is not under a duty to make available to the plaintiff the information requested for in a letter dated January 26, 2012.”

Okezie is seeking an order of the court to compel the CBN and the government to disclose to Nigerians the amount paid to the firm of Olaniwun Ajayi LP on the prosecution of Mrs Cecilia Ibru and how much was for commissions on the properties recovered from her.

The plaintiff also asked the court to compel the CBN to make public the total cash and value of properties recovered from Mrs Ibru; the whereabouts of the money and properties recovered and what part of the cash and properties has been returned to the defunct Oceanic Bank and, or its shareholders.

Okezie also asked the court to compel the apex court to disclose the amount incurred so far on the banking reforms instituted into the financial sector.

He also prayed the court for an order directing the CBN to disclose how much was paid “as legal fees and other fees paid and to be paid to professionals and professional bodies that handled issues relating to the prosecution of the former boss of the defunct Oceanic Bank boss.”

The shareholders’boss urged the court to direct the apex bank to declare the amount paid to the individual chamber of Olaniwun Ajayi LP and Kola Awodein.

He also asked the court to make any order as it may deem fit in the matter.

In a seven-paragraph affidavit, deposed to

by Kingsley Isicheli in support of the originating summon, the plaintiff stated that the suit was filed consequent upon the failure of the CBN to make available the information requested for as contained in his letter dated January 26, this year, which was duly ac-

knowledged by the CBN but which the apex bank refused or failed to make available to the plaintiff, despite that the information sought was in its custody.”

Isicheli averred that the CBN is a public body, agency and institution of the government, created by law and as such falls in the government establishments that should not hoard information from the public.

In its letter, dated January 26, this year and addressed to the CBN Governor, Mallam Lamido Sanusi Lamido, the shareholders’ boss had also made similar demands.

He had based his requests on the grounds that it was tax-payers’ money that was being used for the prosecution of the ex-bank chiefs and to carry out the banking reforms, alleging that the reform process has turned to “a drain pipe on the economy, benefitting only a few.”

The letter frowned on the concentration of CBN cases in the hands of two law firms, urging the CBN to make public the financial implication of such commitments.

“Our client observes that the two law firms mentioned above have almost completely dominated representation of CBN and its related bodies in the litigation sparked by the reforms.

“The same law firms have been engaged by the CBN in other capacities, such as advisers, to the banks the CBN intervened in and consultants to the CBN and other related bodies and also for the criminal prosecution of the former executives of the said banks,” Okezie lamented.

The plaintiff had, in its written address, in support of the originating summon, urged the court to grant the orders prayed for and as requested.

ELECOMS giant MTN Communications Limited has been taken to court for allegedly erecting its mast on two plots of land at Oke-Awori, Ibeshe town in Ikorodu.

In the originating summon filed at a Lagos High Court, Ikeja by their counsel, Chief Edwards O. Ayo-Odugbesan, the claimants, Mr Olubunmi Idowu Aina and Mr Adeyemi Adeboye Adefarakan are seeking the court’s declaration that they “are entitled to the grant of the statutory right of occupancy in respect of all that two plots of land within Oduntan family land, Ibeshe, Ikorodu, measuring approximately 1226.938 Sq. metres, situated on the Alhaji Adigun Owolabi Street, Oke-Awori, Ibeshe town in Igbogbo/Bayeiku Local Council Development Area, Ikorodu and described and contained I survey plan LAL/2256/97 dated May 13, 2007 and drawn by L.A. Animashaun (sueveey registration 327 of New Garage, Gbagada, Lagos.”

Joined as defendants in the suit are Mr Alade Oduntan, Mr Yemi Oduntan, for himself and on behalf of the Oduntan descendant family of Ibeshe, Ikoeodu, Commissioner of Police, Lagos Sate.

The claimants sought the order of the court for a perpetual injunction restraining the defendants, their agents, family members, servants, attorneys, privies and or workers, from further trespass to the land in dispute, purportedly belonging to the claimants.

They also asked for an order of the court to set aside any purported sale or lease or agreement executed by or between any of the defendants and or person unknown or any purported purchaser or allottee and N1 million for what they described as unlawful, wilful and malicious damage done to the short fence on the land in dispute and for cost of the court action.

In their statement of claims, the first claimant, Aina averred that he purchased the two plots of land from the second claimant, Adefarakan, who was the original owner of the land, having purchased same from the Oduntan descendants family, also known as Aminatu Tinuola Balogun Family of Erelu Street, Ibeshe Balogun, Ikorodu.

Adefarakan explained that the land was later sold to Aina, who was issued with a receipt for the purchase of the land dated January 27, 1997 after which the first claimant further obtained a family purchase receipt dated June 23, 2003 and a family letter of acknowledgement dated June 25, 2003 from the family.

According to their counsel, AyoOdugbesan, the first claimant further obtained a deed of assignment dated January 22, 2008 in his favour, which was executed by accredited representatives of the Balogun family of Ibeshe after which he erected a short fence at a cost of N1million over the land before travelling overseas.

It said Aina returned to the country early this year only to find out that his short fence had been destroyed and found some workers of MTN contractors digging foundation for MTN mast on the land in dispute.

The claimant said he subsequently petitioned the Area Commander, Ijede Police Station and reported the matter to the Onibeshe of Ibesha land and that the claimants and defendants appeared before the monarch and presented their claims and documents after which the matter was decided in favour of the first claimant.

Not satisfied with the decision of the Onibeshe of Ibeshe, the solicitors to some of the defendants and the solicitor to the first claimant exchanged correspondence consequent upon which the first defendant further instructed his solicitor to forwarded a petition the Deputy Commissioner of Police, State C.I.D., Yaba against Alade Oduntan, Jelili Oduntan, Baale of Oke-Awori, Baba Lekan and others for disruption of peace and threat of violence.

Counsel to the first claimant, on the instruction of his client, also wrote the Director, Legal Department of MTN Nigeria Communication Limited for illegal and unlawful erection mast on the claimant’s land.

He averred that despite repeated warnings, the defendants have failed to abate their trespass and remove their MTN mast alleged to be illegally and unlawfully erected on the disputed land.

The State High Court, Ikeja is yet to fix a date for the hearing of the suit.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2012

LAW & SOCIETY THE NIGERIAN LAW SCHOOL 88 CALL SET MEETING AND RE-UNION DINNER AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE, UYO, AKWA IBOM STATE

•From left: Aisha Umar; Class Chairman Chibudom Nwuche and former Minister for Information, Chief John Nwodo (Jnr)

•From left: Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim; Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola; Governor Godswill Akpabio and Dimeji Sofowora (standing)

•From left: Uwaila Alonge; President, Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA), Boma Ozobia and Class Co-ordinator, Nkechi Mba.

•Prof A. D. Badaiki and his wife, Christy at the event

•Acting Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, (ICPC) Ekpo Nta and his wife Eno

•From left: Andy Igbokwe, his wife Rosemary and Toun Omisore

•From left: Chief Justin Ezeala; P. U. Nnoli and Godson Okoye (Okosisi)

•Prof. Lanre Fagbohun (left) and Justice Adegbola Adeniyi

•Henry Ojuole (left) and I. G. Umar

•Niyi Ayoola-Daniels, his wife Leticia;Tomi and Tobi Ayoola-Daniels at the event PHOTOS: JOHN AUSTIN UNACHUKWU

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2012

NATIONAL BAR The Lagos Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has held its yearly Law Week. The members examined the state of the nation and explored new areas of law practice. Over 20 resource persons presented papers on criminal law and prosecution, arbitration, oil and gas, among others. JOSEPH JIBUEZE, PRECIOUS IGBONWELUNDU and FISAYO IGE report.

Lawyers move against corrupt colleagues

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AWYERS have vowed to expose their colleagues who are corrupt, calling for “strong punishment” for graft. They called for the imposition of disciplinary measures against those who work to delay quick dispensation of justice.

The lawyers condemned the practice of prosecutors “rushing” to court with improperly investigated cases in the name of anti-corruption campaign, saying such can do more damage than good to the campaign.

These were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of this year’s annual law week of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Lagos Branch held last week.

The week-long event had the theme: New frontiers, challenges and opportunities of legal practice in a growing mega-city.

It began on Monday with a legal clinic, a visit to an orphanage and Ikoyi prison, and a meeting of the Young Lawyers Forum with bar leaders and senior lawyers.

Opening ceremonies were held on Tuesday, which included a keynote address by former Lagos AttorneyGeneral and Commission for Justice Prof Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), a showcase session, and bar and bench forum.

From Wednesday, breakout sessions began, with papers presented by experts in areas such as maritime law, general practice, oil and gas, criminal law, infrastructure law, family law, capital market, energy law, banking, among others.

There was a bar dinner and an award night, in which individuals, such as Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN); his predecessor Bola Tinubu; Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola; former Chief Judge of Lagos Justice Inumidun Akande, were honoured.

A press conference/reading of the communiqué were followed by a closing party on Friday, with lawyers dancing to both old and newschool tunes. They felt even more elated sharing the dance floor with former Law School boss Dr Kole Abayomi.

In the communiqué, signed by Chairman Taiwo O. Taiwo; Secretary Alex Muoka and Law Week Committee Chair Hannibal Uwaifo, the lawyers said there is the need to encourage and sustain interaction and dialogue between the bar and the bench to ensure integrity in the judicial system.

They resolved to encourage lawyers to develop specialist skills in specific areas of law, and to pull their resources to form 21st century law firms as the era of sole practice is gradually drawing to a close.

NBA said governments should take immediate steps to improve infrastructure and invest in technology for effective and timely dispensation of justice.

It urged President Goodluck Jonathan to inaugurate the new leadership of the National Human Rights Commission, adding that lawyers should approach the court to challenge any law or regulation that

•Law Week Committee Chairman, Hanibal Uwaifor and members of the committee briefing the press after the event.

By Precious Igbonwelundu and Fisayo Ige

tends to discriminate against any person.

The lawyers want quick passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill, a review of the Investment and Securities Act to strengthen the oversight functions of the Securities and Exchange Commission and reduce the cost of listing in the capital market.

They spared a thought for women saying: “In view of the effect of modern-day life on women and children in families, legislatures should make laws that would enable mothers to close early if they so wish to attend to their families.”

On electricity, they said: “We support government’s attempt to improve the power sector through deregulation. However, every effort must be made to ensure that deregulation creates a fair balance between investors and customers.”

Fashola, who was represented at the opening session by the AttorneyGeneral/Commissioner for Justice, Mr Ade Ipaye, said his government’s increased capital expenditure on infrastructure has provoked a commensurate increase in private sector investment.

He said: ‘’However, there can be no meaningful and lasting capital development in any mega-city without the instrumentality of the law and the assistance of lawyers.

“That is where our challenges as legal practitioners lie. In the 70s and 80s, the most complicated transactions lawyers were called upon to advise on commercial contracts, mortgages and perhaps some mergers and acquisitions.

“Now, new vistas have opened up in legal practice. Nigerian lawyers have to compete on the same terms with their counterparts in the world.

On our part, Lagos State has enacted the Partnership Law to encourage law firms and other professions to migrate from sole proprietorship to limited partnership.”

Speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly, Adeyemi Ikuforiji, in his goodwill message, praised the lawyers for their contribution to the rule of law in the state, and urged them to desist from filing “frivolous cases.’

He said: “I crave your indulgence

to remind you that the challenges of a growing mega city like Lagos are enormous enough without the added burden of frivolous court cases which are a clog in the wheel of justice and serve as conduit for state resources.

We are partners in progress.”

Former Chief Judge of Lagos, Justice Inumidun Akande, who retired on Sunday, said a cordial and harmonious interaction between the bar and the bench are essential for effective justice delivery, as it is difficult for one to exist without the other.

Ipaye urged lawyers not to jettison the ethics of the profession in blind allegiance to a client’s interests and to push disparately for victory in court.

Should that happen, he said: “There can be no doubt that society will assume a rapid run to disintegration, with lawyers, God forbid, as the arrowhead.”

He added: “If on the other hand, we hold aloft the ideals of justice, equity and ethical practice, then we can surely take on the role of stabilisers in society, using our renowned learning to enthrone law and order and to steer our society towards civilisation.

“We must, therefore, find time to look back on what we do in court.

What we do in chambers and how we advise our clients generally, making sure that we have only a positive influence on events around us.”

Former World Court judge, Prince Bola Ajibola (SAN), , said more integrity is needed in the judiciary, which can be achieved through dialogue.

Ajibola, who was also an NBA President, said: “Between the NBA and the judges, we need some fora whereby we should be able to discuss with our judges matters of particular interest.

“If we don’t call a spade a spade, we may lead this country into chaos.

We should be ready to put our houses in order. We can’t let things deteriorate without taking any action whatsoever. We should wake up. There is need for dialogue,” he said.

A lawyer, Pa Tunji Gomez, called on the government to create special courts to dispense cases that are above 10 years in court, describing the situation where cases lingered in

court for 10 years and above as “justice for the dead”.

He said courts should be created purposely and solely to clear old cases, adding that such courts should be manned by retired judges or senior lawyers.

Pa Gomez berated lawyers who raise preliminary or other objections to delay cases, even as he called on the NBA to institute disciplinary measures against such lawyers.

“I recommend that lawyers who deliberately raise objections that will delay the hearing of cases contrary to constitutional provisions should be punished because it is an attempt to disrupt justice.

“We need a commitment by the bar to ensure that cases are not delayed because people suffer unduly.”

On the issue of courts hearing cases of Senior Advocates of Nigeria before others, Pa Gomez noted that such a practice also encourages delay in judicial process, even as he insisted that cases should be heard on merit and age.

He fingered oppression of the SAN title on junior lawyers and non-SANs as part of the delay. Recounting an experience, he said: “When I was over 48 years at the bar, I had a case in court and there were about six SANs in court that day. My matter was adjourned for six months and after six months, a similar situation occured and my matter was adjourned for another six months because I am not a SAN, making one year. So, to discontinue the endless adjournment of my matter, I had to get a SAN, who happens to be my classmate and my matter was heard first on the next adjourned date because he was the oldest SAN in court.”

He said the constitution provides for speedy dispensation of cases, but there are cases lingering for over 10 to 15 years in courts.

“I can show you a list of over 2,000 cases that are over 10 years in courts, and I think Lagos, particularly, should be provided with more courts.”

He maintained that the legal profession is a matter of conscience and urged lawyers to disengage from acts that make rubbish of the profession. “This is a profession for honest, dedicated people. We must not allow charlatans, nouveau rich,

‘I recommend that lawyers, who deliberately raise objections that will delay the hearing of cases contrary to constitutional provisions should be punished because it is an attempt to disrupt justice. We need a commitment by the bar to ensure that cases are not delayed because people suffer unduly. ... The lawyers want quick passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill, a review of the Investment and Securities Act to strengthen the oversight functions of the Securities and Exchange Commission and reduce the cost of listing in the capital market’

and impostors to take the profession away. It is a matter of conscience and we must protect it,” he stressed.

On ethics and law practice, Chief Mary Bassey admonished young lawyers to uphold moral and professional duty towards their clients, colleagues and the court irrespective of debased values and orientation in the society.

“A lawyer should do all he honourably can to defend the interest of justice for his client; he should always remember that he holds allegiance to the call of truth and justice. In a society bedeviled by corruption and moral decadence, a lawyer can only maintain high ethics by practising with integrity.

“The values have changed, lawyers believe it is either you join the rest of the society or you’re left behind because some clients will dump lawyers who hold onto ethics for those who will do their bidding. So, young professionals need to decide not to belittle their standards for what ever reason.

“Do not allow yourselves stray from the path of truth and justice expected of you so that you do not lose your respect.”

For the maritime session, President, Maritime Arbitrators Association of Nigeria, Chief Gbola Akinola was chairman; Prof. Akin Oyebode; legal adviser Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Matthew Egbadon, as well as Director-General, Nigeria Chamber of Shipping, Ify AnazonwuAkerele were speakers.

Oyebode said the key element of bill of laden runs through maritime practice. He acknowledged maritme lawyers to draw a distinction from goods and cargoes and that the risk of destruction of a property falls on the owner.

He said understanding of the sector would help lawyers draft necessary legal documents for companies and called on practitioners to train in maritime as it is lucrative.

Combating piracy was the thrust of Egbadon’s discussion, noting that its incidence on the waters has been a cause of concern to maritime practitioners, especially NIMASA, which has a responsibility for safety and security of the country’s maritime domain. He said the country relies on cross border trade to sustain its domestic economy, saying it is imperative to protect the maritime domain against acts that are inimical to the her economy.

He noted that though Nigeria is a signatory to the United Nations Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982, there is no stand alone legislation underlying piracy and hence providing for the prosecution outside.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2012

34

NATIONAL BAR

Maritime seminar participants canvass severe sanctions against oil pollution Participants at the just-concluded 12th edition of the Maritime Seminar for judges have scored the seminar high.They stated that the organisation, quality of resource persons and papers presented at the three-day event were world class. They, however, canvassed serious sanctions against oil pollution. Legal Editor, JOHN AUSTIN UNACHUKWU, reports.

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ADI Kwali Hall of Abuja Sheraton and Towers was filled to capacity, on Tuesday last week. It was the opening of the 12th edition of the Maritime Seminar for Judges by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Dahiru Musdapher (CJN).

Stakeholders in the maritime sector were represented at the event, which has turned out to be one of the most remarkable events

in our maritime calendar.Legal practitioners, legislators including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Aminu Tambuwal, were present at the ceremony.

The seminar was organised by the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute (NJI).

The seminar series, which started in 1995 was conceived to serve as a brainstorming

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On how local legislations could fill the gaps in international conventions and protocols, which regulate shipping business, Griggs said: “I think that international conventions are prime, but what states have to concentrate on is the legislations, which put those conventions into effect within their countries. We were not able to talk enough today about pollution from oil rigs, exploration and exploitation rigs offshore.

“At the moment, I can say that it can be done by local regulation and not by international agreement.

“I can’t see international agreements developed, in the near future anyway, but much can be done by national governments may be in conjunction with government of states, which own the agencies. It is the duty of national governments essentially.”

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ORMER Minister of Interior, Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho said: “It is a very important seminar, which is hosted biennially by the Nigerian Shipper’s Council.

This is the 12th edition and you can see that with each passing edition, the quality improves both in organisation, attendance and the quality of issues canvassed.

“Here we have discussed a member of very important issues, such as the pollution from ships, arrest of ships etc from diverse and different perspectives. This enriches the knowledge and capacity of the judges.

So, it is an indispensable tool for training our judges and bringing them up to date in the dispensation and resolution of maritime disputes”.

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•Captain Iheanacho

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ATTHEW Egbadon said: “It is obvious that this is, indeed, going to be a very rewarding exercise. The truth of the matter is that most of our judges, due to no fault of theirs, are not in the full grip of the provisions of the admiralty laws and they are the ones that are charged with administering this law from day to day.

So, this is part of the continuing legal education that we are doing, trying to bring them up date, up to speed with recent developments in maritime law; so, it is worth the efforts.”

•Bello

•Griggs

•Capt Biu

IELDING questions on how we can use laws to reduce the in cidence of pollution from ships, a former president of Commite Maritime Internationale (CMI) Patrick Griggs said: “It is all a matter of regulation, the flag states could do more to control the way in, which ships operate. It is getting better, but there are still a number of tankers out there, which should not really be out there. As far as they are sailing, we shall continue to have the problems of oil pollution.”

This year, over 400 participants attended the seminar, and over 10 papers presented.

Participants were thrilled that this year’s edition has the spectacular feature of building a strong nexus between the courts and the maritime industry through the high level of presentations and interactions among the stakeholders.

OUIS Mbanefo (SAN) said: “Well, the essence is to sensitise judges, to make them to understand the subject better. To that extent, I think that we have done extremely well. The seminar has been very successful, very well organised. The only plea I will make is that they cut down the opening ceremony and the lot of time they spend on protocol, which distracts from the main intellectual exercise.

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HE Executive Secretary, Nige rian Shippers Council, Capt.

Adamu A. Biu, said: “Our expectations are really met. You could see the level of attendance, which includes the Chief Justice of Nigeria, (CJN). It is, indeed, very high.

“And we have representatives of the CJ of Ghana; we have British nationals, who came here to give us insight into what is happening globally and I think that the issues raised would definitely improve our perception about the maritime industry and legislation.

“We do believe sincerely that this is our way of contributing to the upliftment of not only the legislative and the judicial aspect of the maritime industry, but the economy generally.

“Somebody spoke this morning about the kind of pollution that occurs in the Niger Delta. But before now, I didn’t think anybody had really sat to think that the level of pollution in the Niger Delta, in this country, is at an alarming rate compared to what happens globally. But you could see that gentle man, who spoke to us this morning.

The former president of CMI Patrick Griggs told us that what is happening in the Niger Delta is of global concern because of the magnitude and the level of pollution. “ We need to do something about it. That is itself is a great achievement. There are so many such issues that came to the fore during this exercise. It is left for us as Nigerians to get our acts together and move forward.”

event, a forum of interaction for stakeholders to keep judges abreast with developments and trends in the sector, which is one of the pillars of economy.

Since then, the seminar has waxed stronger, with each edition surpassing the previous ones in terms of organisation, quality of papers and attendance, the knowledge and skills it imparts on the participants.

est, common history, commonwealth and common law nations, there should be a sort of integration in international law.The maritime seminar for Judges should be the platform to do that.”

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•Mbanefo (SAN)

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ECRETARY to the Board/ Legal Adviser, Nigerian Ship pers Council, Hassan Bello said: “Well, what is remarkable about this 12th edition of the seminar is the reinforcement of the nexus between the organised private sector and the Judiciary.

“Another element is the participation of the legislators, who were represented at the opening ceremony by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal.

“It is very important that judges realise the commercial and international nature of admiralty law.

To bring out the much-needed symmetry. We have seen the active participation of the organised private sector, owners of the ships, the insurance companies, the banks and other providers of shipping services. So that they come, and make comments on their experiences, make comments on their financial interpretation of things, so that the judges become more aware of the financial and economic implications of their judgments.

“Secondly, there is the internationality of this seminar, which has been reinforced. We have the participation of the Supreme Court of Ghana represented by Justice Sule Gbadero, who, in his speech, also advocated the participation of more judges from the West African sub-region. “ We have been talking of the integration of the transport system, the integration of the region because transport is about rapid integration and the so is the legal system.

“Because we have common inter-

IKE Igbokwe (SAN) said: “The organisers of this seminar are doing a great job, because not only are the stakeholders in the maritime justice sector being sensitised by this kind of seminar. We also have a situation where legal practitioners and also judges that are involved in this area of practice rob minds together.

“As you can see, the paper on arrest of ships was looked at from different perspectives, from ship owners perspective, cargo owners perspective, even from the public authorities perspectives and at the end of the day, the moderator, who is a seasoned legal practitioner, came and wrapped up the entire discourse.

“So, you can see a lot of exchange of ideas, but don’t forget that maritime law is a specialised area of law that a lot of our judges are not familiar with, only very few of Nigerian universities offer such courses; so, we see a situation where only very few graduates of Nigerian universities have knowledge of what this industry is all about, except those who go abroad to do LL.M Maritime Law, the majority of our graduates do not know much about the industry and these are the ones who, after about 10 years, are appointed justices of the Federal High Court, which has the exclusive jurisdiction to entertain maritime or admiralty matters and determine them”.

•Igbokwe (SAN)

•Egbadon

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RS Bridget Gold said: “The topics discussed here really relate to issues that concern us in Nigeria today. The various presenters have looked very thoroughly into them and have presented solutions that we, the participants and the government will definitely see what we can use to enhance our legislations as well as our legal jurisprudence.

“Since 1995, when this programme started, it has really increased the knowledge of our judges and stakeholders in the maritime sector. If you pick up the publications on the previous editions of this seminar, you will find out that they are full of vital information and insights into the maritime sector. Like the issue of pollution we are discussing, you know that it is a burning issue in the Niger Delta, not only from the tankers and so on, but from the pipelines and so on. So, if we are able to make use of the suggestions made here, you can imagine the extent to which it will go to help us solve most of the problems that we are having”.

•Mrs Gold •Continued on page 35

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2012

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NATIONAL BAR can give their best in dispensing justice in the maritime sector.”

•Continued from page 34

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HE Director, Legal Ser vices (DLS) Nigerian Navy, Cdr. Emmanuel A. Enemor said: “I would like to align myself conveniently with those who have applauded this seminar. I am doing so because it is a wellknown fact that in Nigeria today, we don’t have higher institutions or universities that teach maritime law as dedicated courses in their faculties.

“I am aware that a few universities like the University of Lagos, Lagos State University (LASU) and a few others have tried to introduce the course in their Law faculties, but by and large, it is not wide spread as it should be in a coastal state such as Nigeria.

“So, when opportunities such this seminar comes around, every lawyer, every Nigerian practising law in Nigeria, jumps at it because it provides a veritable ground for advances in the theory and practice of maritime law. It is on these grounds that I join the teeming lawyers here who have raised their voices to applaud this seminar.”

• Enemor

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HIDI Iluogu said: “This event has consis tently been on the upward move. You can see that there is increased participation, more interest and awareness among our judges, the quality of papers is rather high, and that is quite commendable. Mr Patrick Griggs, who presented a paper on oil pollution from ships is, indeed, an expert in that area and has several years of experience. I want to suggest that Nigeria should look more positively in that direction, to improve our jurisprudence on oil pollution and issues concerning the administering of our coastline.Without that, the continuing increase on the offshore production of oil would constitute much of a problem for our environment and our ecology and it is important that we do something before they get out of hand.”

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•Chiazor

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EAN Chiazor said: “Incidentally, you are asking from a biased mind because I am also a member of the committee that organises this biennial maritime seminar for judges.

“We chose the topics and we also decided on who should speak on those topics. We have chosen the topics because we have been able to appreciate that these topics are relevant; these are issues that have arisen in the course of our practice, majority of us are maritime lawyers and bringing these issues and challenges to bear. We have been able to formulate questions, issues, topics out of them and invite speakers who are very knowledgeable on these topics.

Appraising the seminar, she said: “We are very happy that despite the national tragedy, which we had, we have been able to have this huge turn out that you see here. It is encouraging. The opening ceremony was wellattended and this has continued and it was like that till the end of the event. This is very encouraging.”

On the relevance of the topics of the seminar, she said: “They are very very relevant. Let’s talk about the registration of foreign judgments in Nigeria, which is based on the doctrine of reciprocity. If they can do so to Nigerian judgment in England, then we can do so their judgments here.

It is important for us to know that we have certain loopholes in our domestic laws, which we need to amend now that our judgments can be registered in other countries apart from the UK and vice versa. We had another presentation on oil pollution. You know that Nigeria is one of biggest oil producing countries in the world. The Niger Delta is always facing this challenge because there is bound to be spillage.But with what we were taught today in this seminar, the challenge is no more only from ship spillage, but also operational spillage, from the big oil exploration companies.

“It is also interesting to know that there are international legislations that talk about funds for compensation, which Nigeria has ratified. But it does not cover the act of pipeline spillage, which is key to us.

“So, the national legislation is what we are canvassing. All that we can do here is an enlightenment programme.

Our judges are here, members of the National Assembly are here, so that they will be able to pass the right laws, and the judges will be able to deliver the right judgments whenever these issues come before them.”

•Lady Debbie

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HE Chairman, Indigenous Ship Owners Association of Nigeria, Chief Isaac Jolapamo said: “Well, from what we have gathered, from the perspective of a ship owner, the seminar is bringing better fortunes to us, because most of our judges do not know much about most of the topics discussed here.

“The ship owners are in the most disadvantaged position; so, once you begin to educate both the lawyers and the judges in the maritime industry on issues on the arrest of ships, detention of vessels, and how a ship functions, it becomes better for all of us.

“Take, for instance, if a ship worth $40 million is arrested just because it is owing somebody $100,000 and it is detained for days.This amounts to a colossal loss to the economy.

“The paper presented by Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho represents the ship owner’s point of view.

“This seminar is very educative.

You can see that the consistency has been maintained in the last 12 years and, of course, we are beginning to feel the impact.”

ADDY Debbie Obodoukwu said: “Admiralty law and prac tice is a specialised area that demands proper knowledge and understanding from all practitioners.

“The lawyers, the judges, the shipowners, even the law makers and so on needs to understand the challenges of the industry and address them.

“You must understand who the ship owners are, who are the stakeholders in the industry.

“This course is very good; our judges must understand and be abreast with developments and trends in the industry so that they

WIDOW, Mrs Perpetua Nwufo, has accused the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) and the police of disobeying a court order to compute and pay her late husband’s pension and other benefits.

The deceased, Samuel Nwufo, was a staff member of the NCS when he died intestate while in active service.

A Federal High Court, Lagos, presided over by Justice M. I. Shuaibu on June 5, 2006, ordered the Comptroller-General, NCS, the Customs, Immigration and Prisons Board; the Minister of Finance and the Attorney-General of the Federation to compute and pay the administrators of Nwufo’s estate the benefits.

They were ordered to pay within 21 days “the whole entitlements including death benefits accrued and due the estate of the said Samuel Nwufo with accrued interest at the rate of 22 per cent.”

The order was not obeyed, nor was it appealed.

Five years after, Mrs Nwufo, through her lawyer, Chief Theodore Ezeobi (SAN) applied that the defendants be committed to prison for disobeying the order.

They also prayed that the Secretary, Customs, Immigration and Prisons Board; the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance and the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice, who were joined in the suit, be committed to prison.

Justice Charles Archibong of the Federal High Court, on March 27, made an order directing the Customs Service “settle by cheque or electronic payment other damages and cost ordered in the judgment of this court also within 30 days of this order.”

Following non-compliance with the order, the judge made another order on May 30.

He ordered the court’s Sherrif to “seal the Customs, Immigration and Prison Service Board Offices at Gwagwalada, Abuja, upon service of this Court Order.”

Stories by Joseph Jibueze

The judge added: “The offices are to remain sealed until personal appearance in court of an officer not below the rank of a Deputy Director in that office to show cause why the court’s orders in regard to the subject-matter of this application have not been obeyed and upon payment to the applicant of N1million in costs.”

On May 31, Justice Archibong made another order, saying: “It is hereby ordered that the Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory Abuja or such other appropriate officer of the Nigeria Police at Abuja is directed to delegate such number of officers as requisite to accompany the Sheriff of this Court in ensuring due execution of the orders of the court in this matter of May 28, 2012.”

A source said when the Sheriff asked the Commissioner of Police for officers to accompany him, the request was refused.

The police was said to have used an appeal by the NCS as an excuse to execute the order against a different respondent.

But the police denied disobeying the order, saying it was not aware of it.

Spokesman of the Abuja Police Command, Mr Jimoh Moshood, said: “The command is not aware of such an order.”

Meanwhile, the ComptrollerGeneral, NCS has filed a notice of appeal at the Court of Appeal, Lagos, challenging Justice Archibong’s decision of March 27.

The appellant said Justice Archibong erred in law and was without jurisdiction when he made the order.

“The Court had no jurisdiction to review the judgment of the Federal High Court, Lagos.

The appellant urged the court to allow the appeal and set aside Justice Archibong’s ruling.

Customs also filed a Motion on Notice at the Federal High Court, asking for a stay of execution of the consequential order made by Justice Archibong on March 27.

Firm launches Blackberry law library

A

•Chief Jolapamo

T

HE Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr Ignatius Nweke, said: “In myassessment, the success of this year’s seminar is very unprecedented, in terms of participation by the learned gentlemen. To say the least, all our expectations from the seminar are met; the quality of participants, the resource persons and the papers presented here are world class.

“The topics listed for discussion are very interesting, topical and timely to enhance the socio-economic development of our country.

“The seminar has indeed met our expectations.”

L

• Ilogu

Widow accuses police, Customs of disobeying court orders

•Nweke

FIRM, GIT Limited, publishers of Law Pavilion, has launched a new legal research software for Blackberry devices.

The Law Pavilion Black Berry Application was unveiled at the opening ceremonies of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Law Week programme last week.

Former Lagos Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), hailed LawPavilion’s brilliant contribution and innovation towards the advancement of legal practice in Nigeria.

Lawyers were thrilled by the product and, especially the affordability of the new BlackBerry version. Subscription starts from N10,000 per annum.

Managing Director of GIT Limited, Mr Ope Olugasa, said the company is proud to be the pioneer in using recent technologies to enhance and advance the practice of law in Nigeria.

He said the firm’s ultimate goal is to export these and other technologies outside the shores of Nigeria, adding that they will not rest on its oars in making legal practice in Nigeria more intellectually rewarding and significantly reduce the expenses involved in maintaining an up to date law library.

Olusaga said the Law Pavilion Blackberry application (BB App) is like a well-furnished and equipped law library, available at the finger tips of the Nigerian lawyer on his blackberry device.

For intending subscribers to this

App, there are two versions - Law Pavilion Smart (Basic) priced at only N10,000 per annum and Law Pavilion Smart (Pro) costing 25,000 only per annum with annual renewals.

“LawPavilion has become known within legal circles as the premium research tool that any serious minded member of the Bar and Bench must acquire to significantly enhance their practice or quality of rulings.

“Hitherto, the Law Pavilion application has been available for installation on personal devices such as laptops or desktops, office servers and more recently, the Ipad.

“With the innovative technology deployed for the BlackBerry Application, Law Pavilion has made access to relevant authorities on any issue of law, the latest Supreme Court judgments (within 48 hours of release), latest Court of Appeal decisions, Civil Procedure Rules of State High Courts and oftused Laws of the Federation very cheap and affordable (from as low as N10,000 per annum) to all lawyers, especially young and upwardly mobile lawyers, who are eager to bring their practice to par with contemporary global legal practice.

“The LawPavilion Blackberry software application means that lawyers can conduct their research on the go without any hindrance or having to contend with heavy luggage occasioned by carrying books around or even other personal devices like the laptop,” Olusaga said.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2012

36

LAW & DEVELOPMENT

•Governor Aregbesola (centre) flanked by members of the commission

‘I repose great hope in Judiciary’ O

SUN State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has said he believes the judiciary will save democracy.

He stated this at the swearingin of the newly constituted seven-man Osun State Judicial Service Commission at the Secretariat in Osogbo, the state capital.

At the event, Aregbesola, who observed that the judicial arm the world over has a role to play in fostering social harmony,

justice, democratic ideals and due process, charged the members of the commission to uphold rule of law, constitutionalism and professionalism in their duties.

He added that while every organ of government, as well as democratic institutions face many challenges, members of the commission should strive to perform their roles without fear or favour and show great commitment to their duties.

He urged members of the commission to show impartiality, independence, honesty and transparency in their assignment.

He promised that his government would not interfer with the independence of the commission.

He further enjoined the members of the commission to make objectivity and merit their watchwords and not to allow their discretion to be fettered by any external pressure that might

•Digital Brass Band entertaining guests at the Nigerian Law School 1988 Call Set Re-union / dinner at the Government House, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

PUBLIC NOTICE BILLIONAIRE BELIEVERS’ CLUB Notice is hereby given to the general public that the above mentioned Club has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “c” of the Companies and Allied Matter Act No 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. KAFILAT LORRAINE OSHIONE KATHRYN GARUBA 2. BASHIRAT LILIAN GARUBA 3. PORTIA EDEBIRI 4. EMMANUEL OKONKWO 5. BARR. ZULFIKA GARUBA 6. REV. EMEKA NWAKPUDA AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To provide a place for believers to relax and have fun in a spirit filled environment.

2. To reach the unreached, the less privilege, homeless, widows with food, clothings and the Word of Christ.

3. To build a generation of people that are God fearing and Spirit filled.

Any objection to the registration of this club should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja.

Signed: Joyce Oduah (Mrs.) Joyce Oduah & CO, 30 Bombay Crescent, Apapa, Lagos.

compromise their independence, stressing that an important institution, such as a state Judicial Service Commission requires freedom to operate effectively, efficiently and impartially.

The members of the commission are Justice Olaniyi Ojo, Chairman /Chief Judge, Osun State); immediate past National Publicity Secretary, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr Murtala Abdulrasheed; Mr Ismail Jaiyeola and Oluwole

Adebayo.

Other members are the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Adewale Afolabi; President, Customary Court of Appeal,Justice Gloria Olagoke and Chief Wuyi Adeyemo.

In his response, Justice Ojo promised that members would not disappoint the trust reposed in them and that they are ready to collaborate the state government in promoting justice.

•Chief Frank Agbedo displaying the award given to him by the Nigerian Law School 1988 Call Set during their last Re-union/Dinner in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Appeal Court okays Aromire as Ojora

T

HE Court of Appeal, Lagos, has affirmed the selection and installation of Oba Fatai Aromire as the Ojora of Ijoraland in Lagos.

This was contained in its judgment on an appeal filed

by Alhaja Risikat Dabiri Oyegbemi and Amidu Oreluyi (for themselves and on behalf of Oyegbemi Ojora family), challenging Aromire’s installation.

Justice Helen Moronkeji Ogunwumiju, in the lead judgment, upheld the judgment by Justice Ibitola Sotuminu of the Lagos High Court, delivered on Septem-

By Eric Ikhilae

ber 7, 2001 on the ground that Aromire’s selection and installation was valid.

“If the trial court had found the nomination and installation irregular, it would have been set aside without any hesitation since parties cannot present the court with fait accompli to overreach the other party.

“The sole issue submitted to this court for determination is resolved in favour of all the respondents. The judgment of the trial court delivered on September 7, 2001 is hereby affirmed. I

award N50,000 cost to each respondent against the appellants,” Justice Ogunwumiju held.

Justice Ogunwumiju held that the sole issue for determination in the appeal – whether the doctrine of “law suit pending nothing new to be done,” - was identified by the appellants, was not applicable to the facts of the case.

She further held that the application of the doctrine will render all activities and ceremonies leading to the installation of Aromire as the Ojora invalid.

“I am bound by the Su-

preme Court authorities herein cited before me to hold that the doctrine can only be invoked in relation to a real property in litigation.”

“As at the time of the meeting and subsequent nomination and installation of Fatai Aromire, there was no restraining court order against any parties. Thus, no contempt charges could have been activated against any of the parties,” Justice Ogunwumiju said.

The other Justices on the three-man panel - Sidi Dauda Baje and M.A. Danjuma – endorsed the judgment.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2012

37

AVIATION

•Balami

•Mahonwu

•Joji

•Wason

Does the age of an aircraft have anything to do with its fitness? Many Nigerians believe it does, but aviation experts say it does not. The question arose from the revelation that aircraft in the fleet of most airlines are over 20 years old. Yet, there is a law stopping planes that are 20 years old from coming into the country. KELVIN OSA- OKUNBOR reports.

Between age and aircraft fitness F

OR many air travellers, these are times to make some hard decisions. With the revelation that many planes are old, passengers are left with little or no choice on which airlines to fly. But experts are telling them that there is no cause to worry.

According to experts, an aircraft’s age has nothing to do with safety as long as the operators keep to the plane’s maintenance schedule.

National president of the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) Isaac Balami , said an aircraft not regularly maintained is far more dangerous than an old aircraft that is well maintained.

He said: “I want Nigerians to feel free to fly, it is not easy, it is not going to be easy but we are going to get over it, the government is interested; Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has been trying but they are going to do more, we will all sit up.”

He said:“I want to guarantee the Nigerian flying public that the age of an aircraft is important but in the aviation sector because of what you call Time Between Overhaul (TBO) whereby a manufacturer of an engine or a particular aircraft can zero the hours of a particular aircraft and you start from one and after 10,000 hours, you start again afresh, so I want Nigerian to feel free and fly.”

The ante over the satefy of our skies was upped following the crash of a DANA Airplane in which all the 153 passengers on board died. Six others on the ground also died.

Chairman of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), Dr. Steve Mahounwu said in Lagos that the report over aircraft age was capable of creating psychological problems for intending air travellers.

Mahonwu insisted that if an airline regularly goes for all the mandatory checks, such as “C” and “D” checks during which the whole aircraft is overhauled, “it will come back like a new one”.

OAN Secretary-General Captain Mohammed Joji, corroborating Mahounwu, said the fact that an aircraft is still relatively new is not a factor in determining its airworthiness, “but how regularly all the checks are done.”

Apparently not happy with some happenings since the DANA crash, Joji said it was wrong for the Senate to have set up a panel to probe the airlines, adding that aviation is a technical sector that should be handled by professionals.

Another expert and retired pilot, who pleaded for anonymity, said: “It goes beyond what the media is publishing”, asking rhetorically: “Has the media made any attempt to check the records of maintenance of all these aircraft, especially the supposedly new ones?”

According to him, “some preferred airlines, which the newspaper publications made the passengers to believe have new fleet, have actually not done their mandatory checks in recent times.

“Some are in the last lap of the minimum time allowed for such checks, yet they were

said to have new aircraft. It’s unfair to airlines that are regularly maintaining their aircraft, because those with new ones may take some things for granted, believing that, after all, the planes are still new.

“We need to go beyond publishing the age of aircraft to digging deep into when last each airline carried out the mandatory maintenance on each of their aircraft.”

Meanwhile, some passengers are lamenting what they referred to as the chaotic situation at the General Aviation Terminal (GAT).

Mrs. Sarah Idowu, an Abuja-bound passenger, expressed shock, over the weekend, at the state of the terminal.

“I’m shocked with the chaos going on here.

Can’t we for once do something decently in Nigeria? This is my first time of coming here to board a plane. I have always used the more decent MMA2 (Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two). What is happening here is incredible.”

Another passenger, Alhaji Jubril Garba, was angry that despite the fact that his flight was delayed, “I don’t have any comfort here; I can’t breathe fresh air, the whole place is in disarray.”

Mrs. Emily Okon, a Port Harcourt-bound passenger, was livid, saying that “after today, I won’t have anything doing here (at GAT) and the airline operating here. Touts have taken over the whole place. The construction too is adding to the chaos “Somebody should tell the people doing this that we deserve a better treatment. This kind of environment is not good for our image.”

It will be recalled that General Aviation Terminal is currently being rebuilt by the Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah, as part of her Airport Remodelling Project.

While, faulting the grounding of DANA Air MD 83 aircraft on account of the crash, Joji affirmed that there is no correlation between safety and the age of an aircraft, as the decision to retire aircraft are basically

•An MD83 Aircraft.

economic.

He said : " A well maintained old aircraft is better than a poorly maintained new aircraft. New aircraft are often purchased to add capacity to the existing fleet not to immediately replace existing fleet. Imposing a 22year ban on aircraft is not consistent with the ICAO standard and recommended practices. It was one of those draconian policy decisions taken without recourse to the actual industry practice.

He affirmed that the NCAA has kept regular maintenance checks on DANA Air aircraft, as inspectors from the regulatory agency, from time to time come to the apron to inspect their aircraft without any notice.

Wason said DANA Air has been sourcing its spare parts for all its MD 83 aircraft for major repairs at a maintenance repair and overhaul facility at Mytechnic Engineering in Instanbul in Turkey, where Turkish Airlines carry out its own checks, in addition to a facility in Madrid, where Iberia Airlines carries out its checks.

He further explained that nothing is wrong with the aircraft type : MD 83, that DANA Air flies, as there are over 900 of the aircraft type older than the ones in its fleet flown by both American and Delta Airlines in the United States .

While, faulting the grounding of DANA Air MD 83 aircraft on account of the crash, Joji affirmed that there is no correlation between safety and the age of an aircraft, as the decision to retire aircraft are basically economic.

He said : "A well maintained old aircraft is better than a poorly maintained new aircraft.

New aircraft are often purchased to add capacity to the existing fleet not to immediately replace existing fleet. Imposing a 22year ban on aircraft is not consistent with the ICAO standard and recommended practices. It was one of those draconian policy decisions taken without recourse to the actual industry practice.

“This policy should be corrected now that

the NCAA is autonomous."

He further explained that the over N3 billion investment of domestic operators could go down the drain with such drocanian policy, even as he said government has failed to come to the assistance of operators, without implementing the waiver on spares, as the high cost of import duties is taking a huge toll on the running costs of airlines.

Contrary to the belief that most Nigerian airlines fly old aircraft in the nation’s airspace, age of a plane is not a barrier to its airworthiness, according to experts.

Experts are of the opinion that older aircraft are flying well even in the developed countries by some of the giant airlines in the world.

The likes of Delta, United, Lufthansa and other leading airline operators are flying 20 to 40 years old airplanes but with good maintenance schedule for those planes as well as the crew, they said.

Basically, what is important in aviation business globally is the non compromise of safety through the observation of continuous maintenance and certification of air planes and qualifications of the operating personnel both the pilots, flight officer, engineers and the cabin crew.

Captain Mohammed Joji, the Secretary General Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), affirmed further that there was no correlation between safety and the age of an aircraft, saying a decision to retire an aircraft was basically economic.

He said: “An ageing aircraft requires more frequent maintenance than new aircraft and that a well maintained old aircraft is better than a poorly maintained new aircraft.”

Similarly, the Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of Zenith Travel, Olumide Ohunayo, said age of an aircraft was not as important as its maintenance and certification and the cabin crew.

People, according to him, were just making comments out of context with high emotions because of the unfortunate crash.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2012

38

MARITIME Customs seizes N100m goods Stories by Uyoatta Eshiet

•Some Tokunbo cars at Lagos port

‘Why Tokunbo car import soars’

I

MPORTATION of fairlyused cars, popularly called Tokunbo, by the middle class has increased.

Investigation by The Nation revealed that most old car importers make more profits from fairly used cars hence they prefer Tokunbo cars.

According to statistics by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), a total of 5,685 imported vehicles were delivered at the nation’s ports last month.

The vehicles, which came in 13 vessels, arrived the country through the Lagos ports between May 18 and May 31, this year.

The figure, which translates into 11,370 vehicles a month, and 136,440 vehicles annually, however, represents about 50 per cent drop in the number of vehicles imported last year.

While 4,000 new vehicles

Stories by Oluwakemi Dauda, Maritime Correspondent

are imported monthly this year, importers brought in in 7,370 used vehicles during the same period.The number of the used vehicles almost doubled the total vehicles imported in a month.

The General Manager, Public Affairs, NPA, Chief Michael Ajayi, said new vehicles represent 35 per cent of the total vehicles imported in a month.

But last year, he said, the average of 6,666 new vehicles were imported monthly; these represent about 28 per cent of the total vehicles (23,332) imported in a month.

The Director-General, National Automotive Council, MrAminu Jalal, had said 280,000 vehicles were imported last year.

According to a ciircular by the NPA, 3,865 of the ex-

pected vehicles are second hand, while 2,000 are new.

A consultant in the auto industry, Mr Seun Adeniyi, said the economy could be another reason for the increase in the importation of used vehicles.

New car sales in Nigeria, he said, rose in 2009, but went down after the initial $4 billion bail out of nine banks by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) stopped.

Major importers lamented that though the auto industry performed well by increasing local content up to 1985, it declined from 1986 onwards because of lack of adequate infrastructure.

Investigation also revealed that some Nigerians spend millions importing Tokunbo vehicles because of the high cost of new vehicles. Not left out are corporate organisations.

Last Saturday, the Manag-

ing Director, Luseyi Motors Mr Yakub Elias lamented that the country does not have a functional rail system. Moreover, successive governments, he said, have failed to use the nation’s water ways, noting that the public transport system is in a mess and that the roads are bad.

Another importer, Mr Sunday Afolayan, said some of the fairly-used cars can compete in terms of durability and other attractive value-added components such as phones, GPRS, DVD player, among other fascinating features with the new cars.

According to findings, most Japanese, American and European cars are in high demand in Lagos, Abuja, Kano and other parts of the country because they are rugged and easily available.

Freight forwarding group to arrest non-members

T

HE Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) has planned to enforce the CRFFN Act 2007 by dealing with illegal clearing agents at the ports.

Investigation by The Nation revealed that the Council has planned to send its monitoring team to the ports to arrest any one doing illegal freight forwarding.

A senior police officer at NPA head office in Lagos, who craved anonymity, said some top officials of CRFFN led by its Chairman, Mr Hakeem Olanrewaju, visited the Commissioner of the Ports Authority Police Command, Mr Kola Shodipo, in Lagos last week, to help the Council in weeding out touts and illegal practitioners from the ports.

When contacted, the Registrar of CRFFN, Mr Mike Jukwe, confirmed the development.

He said top officials of the group led by Olanrewaju visited the police chief to solicit the co-operation of the port police in ensuring that erring clearing agents and freight forwarders are apprehended at the Freight Forwarders Tribunal.

He said they told the Police Commissioner that President Goodluck Jonathan’s Transformation Agenda aimed at increasing efficiency, improving transparency and adding value to the economy has been extended to the freight forwarding sub-sector through the CRFFN. On why the council is taking the action, he said: “The Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria Act No. 16 2007 was enacted into law on April 30, 2007. The council is charged with, among others, regulating and controlling the practice of Freight Forwarding in

Nigeria, and promoting the highest standards of competence, practice and conduct, among members of the profession.

“The vision of the Council is to become Nigeria’s leading transport player committed to the development of a modern globally competitive freight forwarding system in Nigeria. The council is dedicated to achieving sustainable economic development in Nigeria through responsible transport initiatives in freight forwarding development and management,” Jukwe said.

The Police boss, he said, received a copy of the CRFFN Act, CRFFN Regulation and

Register of Freight Forwarders from the CRFFN Governing Council Chairman to study it and fashion out an effective collaboration strategy with the group.

“The police boss told us that he would take his time to study the Act and other documents that we gave to him and assured us that he would enforce the law if it bars anyone who has not registered with CRFFN from practising,” Jukwe said.

The National President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) Alhaji Olayiwola Shittu was said to be at the meeting.

NPA to install e-gate to boost security

T

O boost security and checkmate authorised visits to the port, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) is set to install electronic access gate at the TinCan port.

The Lagos Port Complex Port Manager, Mr Joshua Asanga, disclosed this during an interview with The Nation.

“There are two levels that we are willing to complete;

the printing of cards that would be given to port users, which they can use to access the port. But pending that time, we are manually doing it to get the people in tune with what is to come,” Asanga said.

According to him, after three months of test-running, it would become easy.

The LPC boss said: “This system can achieve a lot for us, even on the part of the

employees. You can also track when somebody came to work. The camera can capture the people and what they do and things like that.

It is a very robust development.”

Acknowledging that there were challenges, he said: “But if you know the concession agreement, you will know that NPA (Nigerian Ports Authority) is a responsible regulator.”

THE Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said it has intercepted various contraband items worth about N100 million in Duty Paid Value (DPV) in the last two weeks.

This is coming a month after the unit seized 364 contraband items with duty paid value (DPV) of N208 million.

In a statement, the Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Dan Ugo, stated that, not only were the seized items under the Import Prohibition List, they pose health hazards to Nigerians.

He reiterated the unit’s readiness to continue combating smuggling and facilitating legitimate trade, noting that the latest circular from the Customs Headquarters on zero tolerance for importation of contraband goods, particularly poultry products, would be executed.

He attributed the successes recorded by the unit to the modalities it put in place to checkmate those he described as “unpatriotic elements,” whose attitudes of non-compliance with the Federal Government’s fiscal policies have been a cog in the wheel of economic progress.

“There is a renewed vigour in our approach to antismuggling which is intelligence-based,” he added.

He vowed to sustain the war on smuggling. He called on Nigerians to shun smuggling because of its effects on the nation’s economy and its security.

Some of the items seized included bales of second-hand clothes, handbags and shoes, tyres, mosquito repellent coils and used refrigerators.

Others are two brand new Toyota Camry cars and a sports utility vehicle (SUV), which were cleared as used vehicles.

Container line loses $246m THE French container line CMA CGM has recorded a net loss of $248 million in its first quarter results.

But it said despite the loss, it is encouraged because its turnover grew by 13.4 per cent yearly to 2.6 million TEU and consolidated revenue rose from 2.6 per cent to $3.6 billion during the period.

In a statement, the firm said: “The first quarter was particularly difficult for the maritime container shipping industry. In a market shaped by persistent over capacity, freight rates fell to new lows during the period, while oil prices climbed sharply until mid-March, with Rotterdam bunker prices rising to nearly $720 per ton.”

It added, however, that it recorded savings of $96.5 million over the quarter because of a cost reduction plan.

The company also said it has deployed the partnership with MSC on the Asia/Northern Europe trades and with Maersk on the Asia/Mediterranean lines.

The first quarter results, though a net loss, represents one of the best financial and operating performances in the container shipping industry for the period, the company stated.

“Since the end of the first quarter, the market has significantly rebounded with several successful freight rates increases.

“On the Asia/North Europe trade, for example, the benchmark Shanghai Containerised Freight Index (SCFI) stood at $1,666/TEU as of June 1. This, the company is a three to four fold increase from $490/TEU in December 2011. Similar gains have been observed on the other leading trade routes, particularly the Asia/Mediterranean, Asia/USA and Asia/Latin America lines.”

As a result, CMA CGM Group’s performance has improved sharply since the beginning of the second quarter. In particular, the group broke even in its profit in April, adding that it would pursue its cost reduction plan, which would result in $400 million in savings by yearend. The group also expects to return to the black this year.

‘Why Nigeria may not be hub’ THE clamour for Nigeria to be the transshipment and hub centre for maritime trade in West and Central Africa may not materialise, stakeholders have warned.

The National President, National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), Lucky Amiwero, said neighbouring West African countries, such as Ghana, Benin Republic, Cote d’Ivoire are also pushing for the completion of their transshipment/ hub and transit trade centre in their countries.

He warned that the establishment of transshipment centre in any of the regional ports could alter the distribution patterns of carges in the sub-region to the detriment of Nigeria.

He told The Nation that the spate of ports development in these countries is an indication of their seriousness to make their ports the transshipment/hub in the sub-region.

He said about 70 per cent of cargoes that comes into the West and Central Africa emanate from Nigeria and that should any of the neighbouring countries succeed in launching their ports as hubs, indigeneous goods will be taken there, adding that we would be forced to go there and pick our goods.

He revealed that ports used to host land-locked countries such as Niger, Chad, Burkina Faso and Cameroun in the 60s and 70s, but regretted that Nigeria has lost that opportunity to Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire because of their ports processes which conform to FAL Convention.

39

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2012

PROPERTY/ENVIRONMENT

Ogun compensates victims with homes, cash

O

GUN State Commissioner for Works and infrastructure Mr Olamilekan Adegbite has said the government has paid cash running into hundreds of millions to families affected by the ongoing expansion and construction of Ita-Eko, Sokori, Totoro road in Abeokuta, the state capital.

He said some families, who opted for new houses instead of cash payment, were also granted their desires.

He said: “While owners of the demolished properties were identified and adequately compensated in cash some families due to internal dispute asked that governement build houses for them which has been completed in several cases and delivered to the rightful owners.

Adegbite said the government took time to build modern houses to the affected families in fulfilment of government’s promise to adequately compensate the affected families in order to encourage the public to freely give up their houses or land in future for development purposes.

He praised Governor Ibikunle Amosun for the prompt payment of compensation to families. He said the six lane road was built on record time to ease the inconvinience encountered by the public who had to endure the months the construction and expansion of the road was going on.

The commissioner said the government also constructed a flyover from Ibara to Sokori to ensure free flow of traffic on Ibara round -up, which has become a major challenge to people living in the area as far as the smooth flow of traffic is concerned and a link road from MKO Stadium with the cultural centre.

On other infrastructure provision, Adegbite said the state is on the verge of introducng BMT buses on the newly constructed six-lane road and other newly constructed roads scattered across the metropolis to move people from one point to the other.

He disclosed that road construction and rehabilitation remains an integral part of his administration’s urban renewal programme as it is meant to not only open up Abeokuta, the state capital, as a commercial and industrial hob but for easy access to the other parts of the state to engender total development.

He said: “ “We are setting a new standard because we believe that for any society to attain a metropolitan status, there is the need for urbanisation in accordance with certain procedure, which can meet up with the internationally acceptable standards.”

When The Nation visited Abeokuta last week, it discovered the N1.3 billion 2.4 kilometre Ibara-Ita Eko-Sokori -Totoro road

•A house built to compensate some of the victims

•The Ita-Eko, Sokori, Totoro road, Abeokuta, Ogun State

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie Asst Editor

has been been completed while the award for the contract for the construction of the 32 Kilometre

Sango-Ijoko-Agbado-Oke AroAkute-Ojodu Abiodun has been awarded to a Brazilian construction firm, Messrs Prado E. Mercedos.

On other jobs on the pipeline, he

said contracts to be awarded include the 5.6 kilometre SomorinAjebo Road, 20 kilometre Obalende- Lagos Garage- Oke Owa-Ilese road in Ijebu-Ode, 60km

Ilara- Ijoun- Eggua- Oja- Odan road and seven kilometre SagamuBenin Expressway junction - Remo secondary school roundabout and Isale Oko- Akarigbo road.

Aregbesola, others for Abuja housing award

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OVERNOR Rauf Aregbesola as well as other notable Nigerians who have made a mark in terms of provision of affordable housing are to be awarded at the sixth Abuja Housing Show/Award scheduled for June 27 and 28 at the Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja.

The theme of this year’s event is Transforming Nigeria through the development of Nigeria Housing Sector.

The Abuja housing show is an annual platform for players in the real estate industry to showcase their housing projects, prod-

From Bukola Amusan, Abuja

ucts and services and interact on major issues that can promote government’s attention to housing development.

The housing development award is an annual programme for honouring, recognising and encouraging those who have unequally contributed to the development of housing in Nigeria.

The Co-ordinator, Festus Adebayo said this year’s event is the sixth in the series This year’s event is organised with the support of Association

of Housing Corporations of Nigeria (AHCN), Housing News (newspaper) and is coordinated by Fesadeb Communication Limited.

The Co-ordinator said the show’s aspect will focus on the challenges of building collapse, state government performance in Housing, transformation agenda among others.

Guest speakers expected at the event include Mr Emeka Eze, Director General, Bureau for Public Procurement(BPP), Chairman, CORBON, Prof. Akin Akindoyeni, among others.

The event will be declared open

by Minister for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Ms Amal Pepple, while chairmen, committees on Housing in the House of Reps and Senate will be guests of honour.

Presidents of housing related professional bodies such as Nigeria Institute of Building (NIOB), Nigeria Society of Engineers ( NSE), Nigeria Institute of Town Planning ( NITP), Nigeria Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS), Nigeria Institution of Estate Surveyors & Valuers (NIESV), Nigeria Institute of Architects ( NIA )and Nigeria Institution of Surveyors ( NIS ) are

•Aregbesola

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2012

PROPERTY/ENVIRONMENT Building Issues

Home buying tips for parents, senior citizens

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F there is one culture that will be with us for a long while, it will be that of respecting and taking care of our parents and elderly relations.

Any person that fails to do this is simply planning and arranging a bleak future for himself and his off-springs, this is our belief, even the Holy Books support it. It is wise to take of in any way we can because everybody prays to live long and asks God to bless him or her with responsible children and relations who will take care of them at old age.

Our development as a nation has not gotten to the point that people find their parents as burden and confine them to old people’s homes. There is no doubt there may be exception to this where some people cannot be bothered with the upkeep of their parents.

•Ogombo housing estate, Lekki Phase II

‘No title for most land in Nigeria’

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OST of the land in Nigeria do not have title, the President, Nigeria Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) Emeka Eleh, has said.

Eleh, who disclosed this at a press briefing in Abuja, also said that only five per cent of the land in the entire country have title.

Besides, he said only five per cent of this land can be used to raise loans. “ It’s really bad because if you are going to the bank, you will have to go with title documents.

“Ninty-five per cent of land in this country cannot be used for anything else beyond subsistence farming. Wealth can be created at multiple levels on land ownership and the only way this is possible is by title. So, there is need for the government to simplify the pro-

From Franca Ochigbo, Abuja

cess of land registration.

“We want to lead an advocacy for land reforms and the review of the Land Use Act, because we believe that this is cardinal and fundamental to wealth creation.

“Land is a very important asset but you know that in this country we don’t pay a lot of importance to it, but then how do people create wealth if they don’t use what they have.

“Every effort the government makes to give someone a loan requires collateral and we are saying that the best collateral anyone can have is the land he has.

“We want to encourage the public not to deal with quack estate surveyors, it is better to deal with

professionals because for any of our members that you deal with, you are sure of good professional services and if you have shortcomings in terms of services, you can come back to us and we will bring that member to book.

“We have also come to find out that estate agency is a profession that has been bastardised, the institute is going to float an estate body to bring everybody under one umbrella so that every estate agent will come and register.

“It is not for our members alone because this will help us to bring this profession under control and regulation,” he stressed.

Eleh assured the body will play the role of a consumer protection function for the institute and that is how it is done across the world.

Local govt spends N119m on projects

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WARE Local Government Council in Sokoto State has spent more than N119 million on the construction of various capital projects in the last nine months, its Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Zamau, has said.

Zamau said the council had also paid N77.2 million to various contractors handling the projects.

He said the projects included

roads construction, provision of health care facilities and construction of Ismaliya schools and mosques across the area.

The chairman said three rural feeder roads and 43 mosques were also constructed while 18 cemeteries were fenced in different parts of the area.

Zamau said the local government embarked on the projects to im-

prove on the standard of living of the dwellers irrespective of political party differences.

He said more development programmes had been initiated for implementation in all parts of the local government area.

Zamau called for support from the people by living in peace to ensure rapid development.

UN-Habitat trains female Pakistani lawyers on land rights N-Habitat is conducting hand knowledge on housing, land

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training sessions on Housing Land and Property Rights in Pakistan for women lawyers at 11 different cities.

The first one-day session was held in Islamabad on June 1, 2012 in which 30 female lawyers have been invited to participate.

The training sessions are based on a newly published guide by UNHabitat on Land and Property Rights in Pakistan. The main objectives of the training is to raise awareness

A

among development partners, humanitarian actors and students of law about the importance of land related interventions. Fifteen master trainers conduct the training by sharing practical experiences of UN-Habitat in the particular sector of land to help increase their interest and commitment towards this focal area in the future.

The objective of the Phase II training report is to bring more women into the pool of those having first-

and property rights in Pakistan.

This training initiative is aimed at enhancing the capacity of government officials, especially those working in the revenue department at district and provincial levels. It is an important step in enabling female lawyers to learn through knowledge sharing the complex land and property rights system in Pakistan and extend their expertise to women in Pakistan. The last session will be held on July 27th.

Exhibition opens in Nairobi

RT lovers, critics, members of the public and a presidential aspirant all converged at a Nairobi lounge last Wednesday to witness the official opening of a unique exhibition.

The exhibition by a talented Kenyan photographer, Mutua Matheka aims to portray the

Kenyan capital in a positive light.

He has taken artistic images of the major buildings forming the Nairobi skyline and he says he wants to inspire fellow Kenyans to appreciate the beauty of their city.

In an interview, Matheka said for a long time the pictures he had seen of Nairobi, especially in the

international press were depressing. “All you see are pictures of malnourished children, slums and such negative images,” he said.

Matheka has hooked into UNHabitat’s ‘I’m a city changer’ campaign and says he would want to showcase positive pictures of even more cities across the African continent and beyond.

As people age, their circumstances sometimes change dramatically. For instance, children leave home, income sometimes shrinks, and the body does not seem to function quite as efficiently as it once did. For these reasons, seniors are sometimes better served to leave the large family home and purchase one more suited for their sunset years.

It’s true that Nigerian’s love large homes and

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie Asst Editor

cessible, or will ramps (for wheel chair) have to be made in place of steps?

If the kitchen or rooms are fitted you will have to ascertain If the shelves and cabinets in the kitchen can be accessed easily accessible without bending or reaching for either a stool or a stick? Are doors wide enough to accommodate assistive devices, such as wheelchairs or walkers? Does the house have a balcony where the oldie can occasionally come out to take fresh air, read papers or simply talk to passer-byes?

You don’t want them to feel trapped if they do not have opportunity to interact with outsiders.

Is the bath equipped with hand rails beside the shower, tub, or toilet? If you ask me l will prefer an oldie to have a shower rather than a tub because of a slip which can be deadly.

Care should also be taken to ensure there is steady supply of water; you don’t want your old parents to go and start fetching or buying water from vendors?

The exterior surroundings and neighborhood of the new home under consideration is almost as important as the inside. Seniors do much better with homes that are centrally located, and safety is always an issue.

Don’t give them a house where it will be difficult to reach them in case of emergency besides since they can hardly defend themselves against an aggressor it is advisable to locate them centrally where they will not a target for theft by armed robbers or petty thieves.

Serious consideration should also be given to ensure there is sufficient lighting around the perimeter for entering the house after dark and deterring criminals?

Additionally, are shops, markets, chemists, hospital, places of worship and even school for a grandchild or house help nearby? Is the yard small enough to manage easily, are there other seniors living in the area who could provide companionship?

While it may be a tall order to find a home that fits all of these qualifications, some houses can be adapted quite inexpensively.

For example, ramps (for wheel chairs) and handrails are easy adaptations that cost very little compared to the safety they provide.

Modifying a home that fits most of a senior’s needs could make finding the right place much easier. By using the suggested questions and adding any that are a matter of personal preference, you can be confident that you are buying a place that will cause less worry during the golden years ahead.

‘In this scenario maintenance of the edifice and taking the stairs daily becomes an issue for the oldies. It is desirable to make life as comfortable as possible for them by looking out for a convenient accommodation though they may reject the idea initially’

not uncommon to see a couple living in a twin-duplex with no kids around with occasional visits by relations or their kids if they in the country or same town. In this scenario maintenance of the edifice and taking the stairs daily becomes an issue for the oldies. It is desirable to make life as comfortable as possible for them by looking out for a convenient accommodation though they may reject the idea initially.

To some living such large homes for a more manageable one is a sign of retrogression but far from it, you are only been realistic and wise at the same time. You really do not want your parents to trip on the stairs and come down with a broken head or rib?

A good way to begin the search for a new home is through using a checklist of questions to make sure that the new environment will be more conducive to aging than the current one.

The following list of questions could be useful in making this determination. The idea is not to bring them from their comfortable place to squalor because you are picking the bills. Some pertinent facts you must have behind your mind are if you can afford the cost of a new house or rental payments and if the house is well built and properly ventilated.

Lest we forget old age usually come with some ailments such as poor sight, arthritis and rheumatism, the question here then is are the entrances easily ac-

•Contributions, questions? e-mail: quichi3cities@yahoo.com

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2012

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HEALTH THE NATION

E-mail:- health@thenationonlineng.net

Causes, treatment of delayed ejaculation

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ELAYED ejaculation — sometimes called impaired ejaculation — is a condition in which it takes an extended period of sexual stimulation for a man to reach sexual climax and release semen from the penis (ejaculate). Some men with delayed ejaculation are unable to ejaculate at all.

Delayed ejaculation can be temporary or a lifelong problem. Possible causes of delayed ejaculation include certain chronic health conditions, surgeries and medications.

Treatment for delayed ejaculation depends on the underlying cause.

It’s normal for men to have delayed ejaculation from time to time. Delayed ejaculation is only a problem if it’s ongoing or causes stress for you or your partner.

Symptoms Some men with delayed ejaculation need 30 minutes or more of sexual stimulation to have an orgasm and ejaculate, or they may not be able to ejaculate at all (an ejaculation). In the most common form of delayed ejaculation, a man can’t reach orgasm during sexual intercourse — but can ejaculate with oral or manual stimulation of the penis. Some men can ejaculate only when masturbating.

Delayed orgasm is divided into the following types based on symptoms: Lifelong vs. acquired. With lifelong delayed ejaculation, the problem is present from the time a male reaches sexual maturity. Acquired delayed ejaculation occurs after a period of normal sexual functioning.

Generalised vs. situational. Generalised delayed ejaculation isn’t limited to certain sex

partners or certain kinds of stimulation.

Situational delayed ejaculation occurs only under certain circumstances.

These categories help in diagnosing an underlying cause, and determining what might be the most effective treatment.

Treatment and drugs To find the best treatment for you, the doctor will first need to determine whether your delayed ejaculation is due to an underlying medical condition, a psychological issue or another concern. Delayed ejaculation treatment depends on the underlying cause but may include taking a medication or making changes to medications you currently take, undergoing psychological counseling, or addressing alcohol abuse or illegal drug use.

Medications Medication may be a treatment option, particularly if you’re taking an antidepressant that’s causing the problem. Sometimes reducing the dose of a medication or switching medications may help. In some cases, adding a medication may do the trick. There aren’t any drugs that have been specifically approved for the treatment of delayed ejaculation.

Medications used to treat delayed ejaculation are used primarily to treat other conditions.

Medications sometimes used to treat delayed ejaculation include: amantadine (Parkinson’s), Buspirone (antianxiety), Cyproheptadine (allergy).

• From left: Lere Baale, guest speaker/CEO, Business School Netherlands; Lara Adeyemi of WHO; Director, Pharmacy, LUTH, Mrs Oluranti Adedeji and former Health Secretary, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, at the Excellence in Hospital Pharmacy conference at Sheraton Hotel, Lagos.

• Culled from www.mayoclinic.com

‘Mentally challenged children need support’

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OME children on the streets are mentally challenged. There is, therefore, an urgent need to rehabilitate them, the Head, Department, Social Welfare Services, Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Mrs Felicia I. Akhidenor, has said.

She urged the federal and state governments, individuals, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), philanthropists and corporate organisations to support her suggestion.

“These groups of people faced numerous challenges; the most prominent is inadequate manpower, facilities and infrastructure. The few ones available are poorly equipped to tackle the enormous medical, social educational and economic challenges posed by this condition, she added.

She identified challenges facing mentally challenged children to include stigmatisation, superstition and beliefs. “The stigma attached to this illness leads to neglect, maltreatment

By Oyeyemi Gbenga-Mustapha

and rejection or ostracising those suffering from these conditions, hence many find themselves on the streets or in a spiritual home.

“High cost of treatment is another challenge faced by this group of people. The hike in medical facilities made it difficult for their caregivers to sort for medical care. Another problem militating against these groups is the poor government policy and uneven distribution of health care system. The Mental Health Bill, which would have taken care of these challenges, has not been passed by the National Assembly,” she added.

She said: “Mental Retardation can be described as failure of the child to achieve intellectual and behavioural skills at the appropriate time for the age of the child. This varies in severity and may exist from birth or start at an early age. The retarded child’s developmental stage is very slow.”

•From left: Mr Isaac Thompson Amos, Managing Director/CEO Thompson & Grace Pharmaceutical Ltd, Mrs. Taiwo Lasisi, Superintendent and Mr Michael Vatter, Area Sales Manager, Sebapharma, Germany at a media product launch in Lagos.

‘Nigeria winning war against counterfeiting’

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IGERIA is winning the war against counterfeit drugs, the Director-General, National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dr Paul Orhii, has said.

He said this at this year’s World Anti-counterfeiting day organised by the Association of Nigerian Representatives of Overseas Pharmaceuticals Manufacturers (NIROPHARM) and Health Writers Association of Nigeria (HEWAN).

He said the country recorded 16.7 per cent through the efforts of NAFDAC, Department for International Development (DFID) and World Health Organisation (WHO), according to a research done in 2005/2006, adding that 40 per cent was recorded in 2001.

He said NAFDAC also recorded another 10 per cent reduction and, “we are not resting on our oars”.

Orhii, who was represented by the Director, Nacotics, Hashim Ubale-Yusufu, identified challenges facing the agency to include weak and obsolete laws, “and that is why the agency is advocating stiffer penalty like life jail and death penalty as exemplified by China and India in order to serve as a strong deterrent to fakers and peddlers of counterfeit and other regulated products.”

By Oyeyemi Gbenga-Mustapha and Wale Adepoju

Community pharmacists draw the attention of the agency to how its enforcement agencies and operatives harass them whenever they go for routine check ups or following on tips, and take away genuine drugs for testing without anybody paying for compensation.

They stated that the agency should respect pharmacists as men of honour and investigate their premises by following proper ways of doing same, instead of giving their clients and others in their neighbourhoods the impression that their pharmacies are filled with fake drugs, which could amount to loss of revenue and low patronage.

Members of Niropharm said they are encouraging their indigenous colleagues to embrace the pre-qualification by WHO in drugs for malaria, tuberculosis and HIV and AIDS to supply direct to demands and cut middle links, which is a vital link that counterfeiters cash on to supply their unhealthy products into the open drug market.

HEWAN representative, Mr Sola Ogundipe, said health reporters have always been up and doing and can improve on their reports.

• From left: Ace musician Tee Mac, Chairman, Allied Minerals Ltd; Lekan Asuni, President, NIROPHARM and Alhaji Hashim Ubale Yusuf, Director, Narcotics and Controlled Substances, NAFDAC, during the World Anti-counterfeiting Day. PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLIAMS

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Seven paediatricians off to US

ROCTER and Gamble’s brand Pampers has sponsored seven Nigerian paediatric doctors to the United States (US) for observership and research.

It was part of a partnership between the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC) and Pampers to improvement in the healthy development of infants and children.

Six would benefit from the ‘observership scholarships’ while the remaining one would take part in research.

The programmes is meant to enable these doctors share knowledge on medical advances and administrative innovations at the Cincinnati Children’s and other hospital institutions in the surrounding area.

According to P&G West Africa’s Associate Marketing Director for Baby Care, Jaweria Ali,

“Pampers is committed to advancing the happy, healthy development of infants and children. This is why the brand entered into this partnership. By giving these seven Nigerian doctors the opportunity to enhance their medical expertise through the research and observership programmes in CCHMC, Pampers would be helping Nigerian children have access to even better health care.”

Head, External Relations for Procter and Gamble West Africa, Mrs. Temitope Iluyemi, said: “As a company we are inspired by our purpose to touch and improve lives.

“This programme aimed at nurturing child health and development provides an excellent platform for the transfer of global best practices in child health care and management from CCHMC - to the benefit of the Nigerian child.”

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TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2012

ENERGY THE NATION

E-mail:- energy@thenationonlineng.net

Nigeria has been a member of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) since 1971. At some point some stakeholders in the oil industry were pushing for Nigeria’s pullout from the organisation. But has the membership been of advantage or disadvantage to Nigeria?

EMEKA UGWUANYI, Assistant Editor (Energy) examines the development.

Why Nigeria’s OPEC membership is needful

• El-Badri

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HEN the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) was formed in 1960, the founding member countries had three main objectives in mind. They include securing a steady income through control of oil price for the benefit of the producing countries and particularly members; ensuring an efficient, economic and regular supply of petroleum to the consuming nations; and bringing about a fair return on capital for those investing in the petroleum industry.

Hence OPEC’s mission statement is “to co-ordinate and unify the petroleum policies of Member Countries and ensure the stabilisation of oil markets in order to secure an efficient, economic and regular supply of petroleum to consumers, a steady income to producers and a fair return on capital to those investing in the petroleum industry.”

The fundamentals underlying the formation of the organisation assure any member of safe shelter. Besides, if the global energy market had been left to be determined by the market forces of demand and supply in an industry controlled by the developed economies of consumer countries, the producer countries couldn’t have benefitted as much from their resources as they do with OPEC in place.

If it were the multinational oil companies of the developed economies, that have the technology and expertise to explore and produce the oil and still determine the volume that goes into the global market today, the producer countries especially the OPEC countries that are yet develop capacity in this sector, would have been getting a pittance as returns on their God-given resources.

The stakeholders who have been pushing for Nigeria’s withdrawal

from OPEC principally hinge their reason on freedom from OPEC quota system to enable Nigeria produce and export for sale as much hydrocarbon as possible. However, those that hold this view, tend to forget that oil market is very volatile with a little incident in a producer country causing a sharp rise in price or a little downturn in any of the economies of the consumer countries leading to sharp drop in price.

This situation has been witnessed several times. By 2004, the price of oil was about $36 per barrel and by mid 2008, a barrel was heading toward $150 but by end of 2008, the price had crashed to below $40 for a barrel, signifying the level of fluctuation and unreliability of oil price.

Following the Euro zone economic crisis and doubt on the strength of the United States economic recovery, oil price fell last week to $83 per barrel as against over $128 in March and OPEC is being expected to trim its output to

guard against continued drop in price and supply glut.

Nigeria being a country run on proceeds from oil sale, will run into serious crisis should the price of oil drop to $70 per barrel or less and stay there for a long time. Nigeria’s oil benchmark for 2012 is $72 per barrel and the implication of oil price dropping much below this benchmark at the international market, means that the government would not be able to implement the budget, which consequently will result in inability to pay salaries, executive development projects and cater for maintenance of public institutions and most of all, job loss.

Nigeria’s membership of OPEC is vital especially if the present administration would be able to implement to the hilt the reform agenda in the oil and gas sector, which it has enumerated especially the enactment of the Petroleum In-

dustry Bill, implementation the Gas Master Plan, increasing in-country refining capacity through building of new refineries and proper rehabilitation of existing ones and other initiatives geared toward optimizing the hydrocarbon resources.

OPEC has been in the forefront to ensure that its members maximize proceeds from their resources, for instance, when oil price goes up, it allows its members to exceed production quotas and tightens the noose when price begins to fall beyond tolerable levels.

The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani AlisonMadueke had mentioned several efforts of the government and planned collaboration with foreign companies to achieve the set goals.

During OPEC’s 50th anniversary in 2010, the Secretary-General of the organisation, H.E. Abdalla el-Badri, said the milestone the organization

achieved include ensuring that its member countries secure a steady income for their peoples, as well as ensuring efficient and regular supplies of petroleum to the consumers at prices that are fair and acceptable.

He said OPEC was founded on September 14, 1960, in Baghdad, Iraq by five oil-exporting countries that decided to join forces to safeguard their legitimate rights and exercise control over their petroleum resources after years of manipulation. Few could have imagined at that time that this small group of developing states – Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela – could evolve into an organisation that today has such influence and recognised acclaim within the global energy community. Over the years, other oil exporters became aware of the benefits of joining this intergovernmental institution and today the Organisation’s membership numbers 12.

•From left: Director, Finance and Personnel Management, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Alhalji Mustapha Mamudu; Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Ernest Nwapa; Deputy Group Chief Executive, Oando Energy Services (OES), Mr Mofe Boyo, Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, NCDMB, Mr. Daziba Patrick Obah and General Manager, Operations, OES, Mr Sola Faladun at a meeting in Yenagoa.

‘Marginal fields’ crude production hits 22,000 bopd’

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IL production from Nigerian indigenous independent producers including the marginal fields’ producers has continued to increase and currently crude production from the marginal fields’ producers stands at 22,000 barrels of oil per day (bopd).

The former Special Adviser on Petroleum Matters to the late President Umaru Yar’Adua Dr. Emmanuel Egbogah, disclosed this at the inaugural lecture entitled: Nigeria oil and gas: Yesterday, today and a guide for the future.

Egbogah, who is Chairman, Emerald Energy Resources Limited, delivered the lecture at the inauguration of Abuja chapter of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) in Abuja.

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

He highlighted government’s policies geared towards encouraging indigenous participation in the upstream sector of the oil and gas industry, said the government’s marginal field development programme, Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Local Content Act of 2010 and the Petroleum Industry Bill promised by President Goodluck Jonathan to be passed into law before end of the year, are some of the policies that would make Nigerians take their right place in the exploration and production segment of the industry.

He said Dubri Oil is Nigeria’s oldest independent producer having been in operation by 1987 while the indigenous programme

started between 1990 and 1991 but true major step to encourage Nigerians began in 2007 when 52 indigenous companies were given licenses to operate leases in the Niger Delta and Anambra Basins.

In 2004, to further encourage increased indigenous participation, Egbogah said the government licensed 31 Nigerian indigenous companies to operate 24 marginal fields but only seven marginal fields operators produce about 22,000 bopd with about two of them accounting for 60 percent of the production.

Some of the beneficiaries of the marginal fields awarded at that time, it was learnt, could not produce because of lack of funds to develop the fields. Government even went a step to drastically re-

duce the signature bonus yet the reduction didn’t yield result.

Egbogah, however, believes that the ongoing work programme would lead to produc t i o n i n crease to between 40,000 bopd and 50,000 bopd by 2014 or 2015 by marginal fields’ operator. He also noted that oil production from Nigerian independents peaked about 110,000 bopd in 2005 with Conoil and Moni Pulo accounting for 70 per cent of this output.

He said the greatest obstacle to growth of Nigerian independents to making significant impact on the national production, which currently stands at an average of about 2.5 million barrels of oil per day, is lack of ca-

pacity and capital.

He agreed with the Managing Director of Seplat Petroleum Development Company, Mr Austin Avuru, who had said at the Offshore Technology Conference held in Houston, United States last month, that apart from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and its subsidiary Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), the key game changer in the affairs of the enterprising independents is the ability to build operational capacity and raise adequate funds to finance their growth.

Avuru noted that if these are achieved, production from Nigerian independents could hit 250,000 bopd by 2015.

2012

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2012

47

ENERGY

‘Tariff review possible only after four years’

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URTHER review of the electricity tariff may not be likely by next year.

Rather it would take another four years to effect any increase going by the provisions of the Multi Year Tariff Order (MYTO).

The Managing Director, Toptech Engineering Limited, Adekunle Odeyimka, hasdisclosed.

He was reacting to a recent report that electricity consumers should brace up for harder times as the tariff may likely be jerked up again next year.

He said the report is nothing but a misrepresentation of facts.

Odeyimka said what the MYTO template stipulates is that there can only be a review every four years, arguing that on that premise, it is impossible to have a review a year after the recent one that came into operation this month.

He said the tariff review as provided by the MYTO is necessitated by many prevailing factors or variables including but not limited to the price of gas.

He said: “In order to accommodate any change in the prevailing factors for electricity generation, the MYTO has provided that the tariff is reviewed every four years.

“If you take for instance the issue of the price of gas, anytime the price of gas fluctuates, MYTO stipulates that there may be a corresponding review of the tariff. This is to serve as incentive to gas producers who supply the product to fire gas turbines for electricity generation, he said.”

Odemyinka noted that the new tariff, which took effect from June 1 is the best bargain for the power sector as it would turn out a winwin situation for both the consumers and the would be power producers.

By Bidemi Bakare

He said although the decision to raise the tariff may be unfavourable in the short term, the benefit of doing so in the long run is going to be immense.

The Toptech boss said consumers especially the low income earners ought to be less apprehensive as the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) is taking care of their interests through its Power Consumer Assistance Fund (PCAF) set up for that purpose.

On the proposed plan to distribute free pre-paid meters to consumers, Odemyinka described it ‘a right step in a right direction’ because most revenue losses and power wastages is caused by inadequate and improper metering.

He said: “We must commend NERC for its intention to deploy pre-paid meters for adequate metering of consumers. Though there might be some misgivings in some quarters that the meters may not be sufficient to go round all the households in Nigeria, the truth is that we can start with what is available now and later consolidate on it. Besides, I think there are still communities and places in this country that do not yet have access to electricity and so may not deserve the pre-paid meters just yet. People need not be in a hurry to get the pre-paid meters as every consumer who is deserving of it would get his if the assurance by NERC is anything to go by.

“Eventually, when every consumer is properly metered, it would be possible to end all the arbitrariness that is currently associated with the determination of the consumption pattern of the consumers.

“Consequently, the huge revenue losses and wastages once recorded in electricity distribution would have been reversed.”

Incident unites Nnaji, Save Nigeria chieftain

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EPORTERS were surprised at the weekend, when the Minister of Power, Prof. Bart Nnaji was accompanied to the scene of the DANA plane crash at Iju in Lagos by a leading Save Nigeria Group chieftain and human rights activist, Yinka Odumakin.

Save Nigeria Group, a leading civil society coalition group, has been hitting the government, especially the Petroleum and Power Ministries citing inefficiency and corruption but the usual rancour that characterises Nigerian party politics was absent during the visit, as Nnaji and Odumakin related to each other and spoke about the tragedy in a congenial manner.

Odumakin is believed to be the closest adviser to Pastor Tunde Bakare, the leader of the Save Nigeria Group (SNG). Odumakin and Nnaji addressed the press jointly on the tragedy.

Odumakin said: “I think that it’s a moment of grief for us as a nation. I’ve come here to see things for myself because they’ve been too horrendous for me to bear. And meeting the minister here also coming to pay a visit to these people, I think it also shows that we care about our fellow human beings, that we show feelings to our people. And that in this moment of grief we’re all united as a nation, both those in government and those outside the government,” Odumakin said.

They described the crash as a big tragedy that befell our nation. “I think that we must do what we can to ensure that it does not happen again. Disasters do happen, but

there are avoidable disasters.

“The quest for safety in our airspace, on our roads, in every sector, we must take very seriously. I also think that generally we must make sure that we make life better for our people. That’s the message at this moment when we’re mourning our compatriots who have died.”

Reacting to the measures already taken by the government to avert a repeat of such tragedy, they said: “We need to go to the question of certifying that all planes that ply the Nigerian airspace are safe. I’ve seen a situation where today we have planes that are 40 years old, 30 years old, 22 years old. Our regulatory agencies must ensure that we certify these planes to be in good condition.

“We must overhaul the entire system. So it’s not just enough to say we have set up a panel. It’s good. We must know what happened but we must take far-reaching measures. And of course we must bring out all the reports of the past crashes, because if we had investigated those ones and had done the needful, perhaps we would have avoided this one. And so it’s important that we go holistic in ensuring that we have safety in our air.”

Odumakin also obsrved that the Nigerian electric power sector is in dire straits and needs a highly reputed and committed technocrats like Prof. Nnaji to reposition it.

“This critical sector is far above partisan politics,” he stressed.

Responding to Odumakin’s re•Continuedon page 17

•Prof. Nnaji (right) and Comrade Odumakin at crash site.

‘Why govt should provide steady power to industrial areas’

R

ATHER than providing electricity supply to those who are wasting it and not converting it to productive use to generate money for the country and companies, the government has been urged to develop enough capacity to produce power that would first of all take care of the industrial areas.

This is expected to create employment opportunities for the people living in the rural areas.

The government has also been urged to build gas storage tanks that would be spread across the country where power generating stations are located so that when the generating plants run out of gas there could be an immediate alternative source of gas supply to keep the plants running.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Power Systems Limited, Bimbo Onafowokan disclosed this.

He said providing electricity to the people in the rural areas when the productive sector of the economy that creates jobs for the people in the rural areas doesn’t get enough power supply to keep employment, is waste of the country’s resources.

By Ambrose Nnaji

He said: “Though the rural people certainly deserve to be supplied power, they deserve it at a cost and they must pay for.

He added that power cannot be supplied for nothing.

He said the rising cost of energy in the country has called for the urgent need to develop alternative sources of power generation in the country including coal, thermal and solar power generation.

He said the private sector operators due to the rising cost of energy, spends over 20 percent of their turnover to provide alternative power generation including buying of diesel to maintain their plants.

He said the organized private sector people even though provide their own power, yet they provide it to make goods that are competing with both those that come from across West Africa, Africa and the world.

“You spend 20 per cent of your profit that’s very huge. It’s a waste of resources that cuts across the small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) and the organised private sector (OPS),”

he said, adding that these are monies that could be used to provide very cheap power.

The organised private sector is believed, to be the major contributor to the growth of the economy of any nation. Therefore, industry operators are of the view that if urgent steps were not taken by the government to support the organised private sector, by way of giving them access to cheap funds to build excess gas reserves, the economy of the country may be in jeopardy.

Onafowokan said that developing capacity on coal exploration and mining in the country would further encourage the organised private sector to employ their own forms of generating power.

He said although coal has its environmental challenges, it still remains one of the most reliable sources of power generation in the world, noting that more than forty percent of power generation in America is from coal.

He said some of the power generating plants built by the National Independent Power Project (NIPP), don’t generate power because of lack of gas supply. There is need to build enough storage for gas so that if there is a problem in the pipeline there is something to fall back on.

•Minister of State for FCT, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide (left) receiving copies of the NIPC Report from the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Mustafa Bello, during the visit of the management of NIPC to the minister.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2012

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ENERGY

T

PIB: Fact, fiction or Illusion?

HE delay in passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) is seen by many Nigerians as postponing the inevitable.

This is so because Nigerians in Diaspora who have gone through the document consider it holistic as seems to be the balm that could soothe the pains of the Nigeria economy since the past several years but many, however, have doubts.

That piece of legislature has been called “ambitious, surreptitious, over achieving and even downright corrupt.” Many attribute the bill as another ‘Nigerian’ venture by the few to divert funds from Nigeria and Nigerians into their private coffers. But be it as it may, economists say it is the way to go forward and that Nigeria and Nigerians will eventually thank President Jonathan for pushing this venture through his lawmakers.

Jonathan in this year’s May 29 Democracy Day broadcast assured Nigerians that the newly drafted PIB would be submitted to the National Assembly this month for consideration and passage into law within this year.

But; is this law the saving grace?

Is it fact or fiction? Nigerians are waiting to find out soon. As we enjoyed the offshore technology conference of this year, which held in Houston, Texas in United States and watched several companies in the oil and gas industry from all parts of the world, we couldn’t help but ask: are Nigerians fully aware of the impact of this bill on their economy? Do they fully understand the influence of the local content on the PIB? Does the PIB really benefit Nigerians or is just another bureaucratic move on the part of the government to create several agencies where funding budgets can be tucked away.

Of all the world class machinery, equipment and facilities exhibited at the conference that are used in different operations of the oil and gas industry, none was by a Nigerian company despite being a top rated oil producing and exporting country in the world.

The PIB is projected to function as an all-inclusive legitimate structure for the Nigerian oil and gas industry, which will propel varied government goals and aims as they are associated to the sector. Some of those goals are: enhancing the procurement of state revenue; breaking the chain of dependency of NNPC on the Federal Government, thereby making it generate its own revenue, among other benefits Deregulation of the downstream sector Deregulation is believed to lead to increased production of natural gas as it relates to the Gas Master Plan of 2008. At the moment, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) remains Nigeria’s dominant hydrocarbon regulatory body. It also remains the national oil and gas company, which has under its auspices several responsibilities in the energy sector of the nation. One might say that NNPC is the greatest bureaucratic entity in the history of the present day Nigeria.

The argument is that the PIB would craft stand-alone entities from a number of existing NNPC divisions, redistributing responsibilities for policy-making; technical matters; upstream, midstream and downstream operations; natural gas regulation, and research and development. Also, joint ventures between international oil companies (IOCs) and the NNPC would then be altered to form incorporated joint ventures, with the NNPC centring solely on commercial operations. The bill is supposed to include a revised taxation and royalty regime that would measurably increase the

By Njideka Kelley

government’s revenue. Accordingly, these agencies will be created from the existing NNPC under the PIB: the National Petroleum Directorate (NPD) to take the place of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and would primarily focus on policy formulation. It is hoped that this new entity will provide and procure complete benefit of the industry for Nigeria.

The National Petroleum Inspectorate (NPI) is provided in the PIB to replace the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and will become the regulator on technical issues within the industry, while the Petroleum Products Regulatory Authority (PPRA) will be focused primarily as regulator for the downstream sector and the Nigeria Petroleum Assets Management Agency (NAPAMA) which will replace the National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS) and monitor and regulate the finances of the upstream sector through proven and tested benchmarks.

The Nigerian Midstream Regulatory Agency (NIMIRA) will regulate midstream and gas operations, while the National Petroleum Research Centre will be the research and development (R&D) institute of the entire industry and will have world class standards.

The PIB is billed to transform the NNPC from a bureaucratic organization with major overhead and no tangible profits into a national oil company with profit and capital gains as its core objective. The intended new structure under the PIB will encompass all the existing subsidiaries, which will be governed by a board of directors under a nonexecutive chairman. The new name is likely to be called the National Petroleum Company of Nigeria.

The NNPC will, therefore, serve only as operator and no longer serve as both regulator and operator as NAPIMS and the Crude Oil Marketing Department will form the new National Petroleum Assets Management Agency (NAPAMA).

This law when passed could wear the new face of Nigeria amid new policies and regulations in the industry. It will introduce reform, change and restructure a major bureaucratic organization as never seen in the history of Nigeria. The problem though is; can it become sustainable to the economic forum?

Can restructuring and transformation speak to the many issues that have subjugated the oil and gas industry in sub-Saharan Africa’s second-biggest economy? The division of NNPC into several units and agencies while promising to deregulate and decentralize power and authority from NNPC also promises to create smaller, manageable entities whose core objective is to increase profits. This would mean that the NNPC would be incorporated as a limited company, operating in accordance with company law and subject to the same governance as other similar companies.

The local content aspects of the reforms are supposed to improve indigenous involvement in the industry. It boasts of encouraging the participation of Nigerians in both the exploration and the production sides of the petroleum industry.

The IOCs will then be forced as part of their involvement to train Nigerians to take over these jobs after a specified time. That in and of itself is a good move for Nigerians. The question though is concerning the availability of appropriate manpower from the Nigerian Content and Management Development Board (NCDMB) to oversee its own mandate as well as the several agencies now carved out of NNPC. Can the board as it is manage these multi-faceted entities created out of

NNPC and still govern and regulate the Local Content Act? Who will monitor and confirm that the board meets its obligations? In other words, can the board itself maintain credibility?

The PIB aims to bring sanity to the long felt inefficiency of the NNPC, create order in the oil and gas sector of Nigeria as well as earn traceable and tangible money from the soon to be defunct organisation. Many are hopeful that the PIB will achieve all of its aims and live up to the view that it will establish a better regime than the one currently in place. But, are we satisfied that this bill and all it is billed to be, would be transpar-

ent? Can Nigerians be truly reformed? Can they shun corruption? Who is watching? More importantly who is ensuring that the Federal Government will act in the best interest of Nigerians? The issue of transparency in light of the past occurrences will be fundamental to its success.

The answer all Nigerians are waiting is the enactment of the bill.

At New Generation Consulting, our team of experts has their antennas up waiting, listening and watching to see how it all pans out.

•Dr. Kelley, is Principal Consultant, New Generation Consulting, Resource and Solution (NGCRS), Cresco, Pennsylvania, US.

•Kelley

•From left: Commissioner for Education, Lagos State, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye; Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Taofik Tijani; Deputy Governor, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire and Tokunboh Durosaro, Director, Oando Foundation, during a courtesy visit by the foundation executives to the deputy governor in Ikeja,Lagos.

OPEC can prevent price drop, says Total chief

T

HE Chairman/Chief Executive of Total, Christophe de Margerie said he expects the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to act to avert a slide in oil prices when oil ministers meet next week in Vienna, underscoring the company’s concerns about the sharp drop in crude.

According to MarketWatch, de Margerie said: “OPEC has all the means to prevent crude oil prices falling too low. de Margerie spoke to Dow Jones Newswires, on the sidelines of the World Gas Conference in Kuala Lumpur.

With Europe facing a major economic crisis that threatens to engulf the European single currency, and with the latest data casting doubt on the strength of the United States economic recovery, it is unlikely that OPEC will announce any plans to cut production to boost the crude oil prices, Mr. de Margerie said.

Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest oil producer and OPEC’s eminent member, has already substantially increased its production to compensate for the drop in output resulting from the implementation of an embargo against Iran, another OPEC member, which will come in full force on July 1, said Mr de Margerie.

The Saudi’s move created a temporary oversupply of the market which should be reabsorbed as geopolitical tensions remain acute, he said, in a reference to the sanctions against Iran and the civil unrest in Syria which forced the French major to stop production there earlier this year.

Yet, “the fundamentals plead for higher oil prices, as underlying demand is still high and the geopolitical tensions are higher than ever,” Mr. de Margerie said.

A balanced price which supports

long term investments is around $100 a barrel, he said, adding that Total has also estimated $80 a barrel as sustainable for short term investments.

The situation in Europe isn’t that worrisome, Mr de Margerie said, as he believes that the single currency won’t disappear. Yet he didn’t rule out that the scope of the euro zone (and, therefore, of the euro) might change, in a veiled reference to a potential exit of Greece from the bloc.

Such an event is unlikely to dent the group’s business directly, he said.

But any strengthening of the euro does dent the group’s refining margins, which are expressed in U.S. dollars and have been suffering from overcapacities in Europe. “When the euro is lower to the dollar, it’s better for our margins,” he said.

Asked if the group would consider further cutting its refining capacities in Europe, Mr. de Margerie noted that the group was turning its refinery in Rome into a storage plant, after having recently transformed its Dunkirk plant in Northern France into a storage unit and cut some capacities of its Normandy refinery, also in Northern France.

“We’ll adapt our refining capacities to the market,” he said, noting that European governments were all pushing for lower gasoline and diesel consumption. “If there is less consumption, less capacity will be needed.”

As for the dividend, the group will resume proposing one from the second quarter, after the gas leak at its Elgin North Sea platform stopped production and forced Total to suspend any dividend announcement in the first quarter, he said, noting that the payment of a dividend is fully covered by the group’s cashflow.

The group, which has increased its capital expenditures to boost its production profile in the coming years, has also divested around $15 billion over the last two years, he insisted.

“Our policy is of course to have shareholders taking part in the group’s expansion,” he said.

Mr de Margerie will travel to Vienna ahead of the OPEC International Seminar (featuring some of the OPEC ministers and other industry players), which takes place tomorrow and Thursday.

Incident unites Nnaji, Save Nigeria chieftain •Continued from page 16

marks, Nnaji assured that a lot of measures are being taken by the government to prevent any new air disaster in the country. “A lot of measures are being taken now. And I can tell you that I know the details, that some of the things that may come in a nutshell actually have a lot of details that capture what he’s talking about,” Nnaji said.

“Definitely, the government’s goal is to be holistic and to ensure

that this never ever repeats itself, because it’s too traumatic and a lot of measures will be put in place to improve things, especially as regards the age of our aircraft.”

Nnaji proceeded from the crash site to Ikorodu to open power transformer repair facility of GTA Engineering Nigeria Limited and to the Nigeria Customs terminal at Ikorodu, where he inspected various power equipment containers abandoned at the facility for three years.

THE

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2012

ENERGY

Nnaji lauds transformer manufacturing firm T

HE Minister of Power, Prof.

Barth Nnaji, has praised an Indian company, Skipper Group, which manufactures and repairs faulty electricity transformers, transmission equipment and other distribution facilities.

He gave the commendation while inaugurating of the firm in Lagos.

He said apart from creating jobs, the company would save the country over N1.5 billion because foreign exchange spent by the government on shipping damaged transformers outside the country for repairs would be retained incountry He said the establishment of the manufacturing and repairs of distribution and transmission equipment plant by Skipper Group in

•India’s $100m investment coming

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

Lagos would boost the ongoing reforms in the power sector.

He assured that the Federal Government would support investors that are willing to invest in Nigeria’s power sector.

He said: “We are willing to support you in investing in Nigeria but you should ensure your price is affordable. We like to support local manufacturer in Nigeria, which is part of the present administration’s campaign towards improving the local content initiative.

“This project is in line with the power sector reform, which President Jonathan is carrying out in

Firm wins Shell’s award

F

UTURE Concerns Nigeria Limited (FCNL), suppliers of safety equipment to the oil and gas industry in Nigeria, has received the Shell Nigeria Local Content Innovation Award for this year.

The award ceremony, which took place at Port Harcourt, Rivers State, was in recognition of the company’s innovation and sustained excellence in its service delivery.

The General Manager, Nigerian Content Division (NCD) of Shell, Mr. Igo Weli while congratulating Future Concerns on the award, said that the company had distinguished itself from all other oil servicing companies in the country.

He said: ‘We hereby congratulate Future Concerns for their innovation and excellence service delivery. We urge you to continue to maintain the track record of excellence, as this will enable you to compete favourably with your counterparts in other parts of the world.”

In an acceptance speech, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Ejiofor, Assistant General Manager, Port Harcourt Field Office, Future Concerns, thanked Shell for recognising the

company as the best quality service providers in the oil and gas support industry.

She said: “We, at Future Concerns, have always had a passionate commitment to excellence in the profession, to our clients, partners and staff. We are continually in a passionate pursuit of excellence as the ultimate goal and we are at the point of producing world class safety and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in Nigeria.”

Ejiofor further stated that the forthcoming inauguration of the Future Concerns MSA Service Centre, Lagos, which is the first of its kind in West Africa, was one of the company’s innovations, as this facility brings with it the latest technology in maintenance, service, training, spares and latest gas detection and instrumentation systems to the industry.

Future Concerns Nigeria Limited is in partnership with MSA, a US based safety equipment manufacturing company, to build Nigeria’s first safety service centre that will provide quality safety service solutions for the oil and gas industry in Nigeria.

Nigeria. What we want is to quickly improve power supply in Nigeria.

“Whenever a transformer is spoilt in Nigeria we have to ship it to India, South Africa or other countries but now that the repairs facility is here, it has become possible for us not to do that because repairing it here will cost us less money.”

He said the Skipper Group’s initiative would also develop our (Nigeria’s) local content by employing Nigerians in various aspects of the company’s operations.

He said: “We are planning to indigenise equipment of the power sector in Nigeria, which is part of the present administration of President Jonathan. We are at the vanguard that private sector must take the lead in power sector to ensure efficiency and in doing so, Nigeria will have more workforce and value addition.

He also commended the company for its plans to build distri-

bution and transmission facilities repairs plants in other parts of the country.

He urged more investors to come into the power sector and implored other companies to follow the steps of Skipper Group in investing in the power sector .

He also lauded the Indian Government’s contribution to the economy of Nigeria. Nigeria and India, he noted, have very good working relationship.

The Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Mahesh Sachdev, said the Indian Government has committed about $100 million to support the Nigeria power sector, adding that the memorandum of understanding (MoU) will be signed shortly.

He announced that 12 large companies have expressed interest in the power sector privatisation programme. “We have also been engaged in supporting Nigerian power sector through professional capacity building in India under our ITEC training programme.

“India is Nigeria’s second larg-

est trading partner and has both the capacity and expertise to support Nigeria’s ambitious development plans in the power sector,” he said.

He said the Skipper Group has over the years invested in the country to create manufacturing, repair capacity, transfer of technology and generate employment adding that the Indian company has shown faith in Nigeria’s power sector.

He said the company in conjunction with Bharat Heavy Electricals signed MoU with the Ministry of Power in November 2009 for putting up three 500mw coal-based power plants in Nigeria. “Thus this state-of-the-art plant is not only first of its kind in Africa but it is potent symbol of an Indian company’s commitment to Nigerian power sector.

“This inauguration can also be seen as relevant input to the transformational agenda of President, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, in which power occupies a pride of place,” he added.

•Mrs. Ejiofor (left) receiving the award from Mr Usman Baba of the National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS).

LPG retailers get national new officers

T

HE Liquefied Petroleum Gas Retailers Association of Nigeria (LPGRAN) has elected new national executives.

LPGRAN is the body of gas retailers who sell cooking gas to endusers.

They were nominated at its first national delegates’conference in Lagos. The event brought together many of its members from various parts of the country.

Present were delegates from Imo, Kano, Osun, Enugu, Delta, Edo and Anambra states. All the positions were separated to reflect federal character and Lagos had a very virile character because of its commitment to the growth and development of the association, and a lot of positions were zoned to Lagos.

The election was presided over by the association’s Legal Adviser, Uka Nwandu. The voice vote, as is used in the National Assembly, was adopted. The post of the National President, which went to the Southwest was unopposed. It was clinched by Michael Umudu who was the only nominee.

Others are Deputy President, Alhaji Aminu Uba Waru; National Secretary, Comrade Ayobami Olalekan Olarinoye; National Treasurer, Comrade James Ikhielia; National Financial Secretary, Comrade Basil Osuji; National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Omo Tunde; National Product Inspection Officer (PIO), Mr Ifeanyichukwu .C.

By Nneka Nwaneri

Okoli ; Vice-President (Southsouth), Comrade According Ekokoruo, Vice President (South east), Chief Pious Chuma Okafor; Deputy National Secretary, Comrade Uchenna Ofoegbu; National Internal Auditor,Comrade Mohammed Omede; National Social Secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Nwofor and ProvostGeneral, Comrade Melody

Ogunsuyi In his speech on behalf of the new executives, Umudu thanked the members for their support and solicited their continued support, assuring that their decision to vote them will not be regretted.

The Deputy President, Nigerian LPG Association,Mr Dayo Adeshina said, among the challenges of the industry, is the enormous, and because the use of gas

needs extra care, Nigerians have opted for the use of kerosene and firewood.

“We have to intensify effort to ensure that LPG doesn’t go into extinction. Be conscious of the very first rule of LPG - be safety conscious. Make safety your watchword,” he said.

He urged that the end users be told about safety at all times, saying an incident can destroy the group.

•Umudu

Energy prices

Domestic prices of petroleum products

Energy & Oil Prices OIL ($/bbl)

Companies

PMS

AGO

DPK

Conoil

97.00

160.00

140.00

AP

97.00

160.00

140.00

Total

97.00

160.00

140.00

Oando

97.00

160.00

140.00

Mobil

97.00

160.00

140.00

Texaco

97.00

160.00

140.00

PRICE* CHANGE % CHANGE TIME Nymex Crude Future Dated Brent Spot WTI Cushing Spot OIL (¢/gal)

84. 10 99. 64 84 10

Energy

97.00

160.00

140.00

Fagbems

97.00

160.00

140.00

Nipco

97.00

160.00

140.00

- 0. 85% -0. 54% -0. 85%

06/08 06/08 06/08

PRICE* CHANGE % CHANGE TIME Nymex Heating Oil Future 267.21 Nymex RBOB Gasoline Future 268.52 NATURAL GAS ($/MMBtu)

0.50 0.02

0. 19% 0. 01%

06/08 06/08

PRICE* CHANGE % CHANGE TIME Nymex Henry Hub Future 2.30 Henry Hub Spot 2.23 New York City Gate Spot 2.37 ELECTRICITY ($/megawatt hour)

INDIGENOUS

-0.72 -0.54 -0.72

PRICE*

0.03 -0.09 -0.09

1.10% -3.88% -3.66%

06/08 06/08 06/08

CHANGE % CHANGE TIME

Mid-Columbia, firm on-peak, spot 13.23 12.74 2600. 00% 06/08 Palo Verde, firm on-peak, spot 28.23 3.49 14. 11% 06/08 BLOOMBERG, FIRM ON-PEAK, DAY AHEAD SPOT/ERCOT HOUSTON 47.13 20.75 78.66% 06/08 • Bloomberg Oil Buyers Guide

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EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 11-6-12

Equities recover with N96b gain

T

HE Nigerian stock market broke its recent streak of losses with substantial gains yesterday as highly capitalised stocks rallied the overall market situation to positive after nine consecutive days of losses.

Aggregate market value of all quoted companies rose by 96 billion to N6.762 trillion as against its opening value of N6.666 trillion. The benchmark All Share Index (ASI), which tracks the prices of all quoted companies, recovered by 1.44 per cent to 21, 183.34 points as against its opening index of 20,902.95 points.

The uptrend yesterday pushed the year-to-date return at the Nigerian Stock

By Taofik Salako and Tonia Osundolire

Exchange (NSE) to 2.18 per cent.

The uptrend was orchestrated by gains by highly capitalised stocks including Nigerian Breweries, Access Bank, Dangote Cement, Dangote Sugar Refinery and UAC of Nigeria, Guaranty Trust Bank and United Bank for Africa (UBA).

On activity, investors traded 161.269 million shares worth N1.221 billion across 3,462 deals. The financial services sector contributed the highest volume with 103.594 million shares worth N659.621 million in 1,965 deals.

Other actively traded sec-

tors were Conglomerates, Oil & Gas, Service, Health Care, Industrial Goods and Consumer Goods; with 14.008 million shares.

Transcorp led 19 other stocks with a gain of N0.06 to close at N1.27. This was followed by Presco with a gain of N0.73 to close at N15.48. Also on the table were Ikeja Hotel, May & Baker, RT Briscoe, Neimeth, Nigerian Breweries, Law Union and Rock, Access Bank and Oando among others.

On the losers’ table, Custodian and Allied Insurance led with the highest drop of N0.08 to close at N1.53 followed by Dangote Flour with a drop of N0.29 to close at N5.60. Also on the list were CCNN, Phama Deko, Eterna Oil and Gas, Union Bank of Nigeria Plc, DN Meyer and Forte Oil among others, which traded 8.184 million shares, 7.840 million shares, 6.612 million shares and 6.595 million shares respectively.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 11-6-12

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2012

MONEY LINK

Naira may hit N170/$ at parallel mkt, say analysts

T

HE naira may fall to N170 against the dollar at the parallel market in the coming months, analysts have said.

At the parallel market the Nigerian currency closed at N164 yesterday as against N163.50 last Friday.

The naira currency had eased further against the dollar at the interbank market last Wednesday, down to its weakest since December 29, as demand for the dollar outpaced supply, traders had said. The naira traded at N163.05 to the dollar, weaker than the N162.56 it closed on Tuesday – before firming up to close at N162.80 yesterday.

At the official market (Dutch Auction System), the naira closed at N157.95 yesterday.

Speaking at the June Executive Breakfast Meeting of the Lagos Business School, Managing Director, Financial

oil price and government revenue. If oil price declines to $90 per barrel, a 20 per cent probability, revenue will decline 34.7 per cent from $4.6 billion in January 2012 to $3 billion in August,” he said.

Besides, he noted that refinancing of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) bonds, import tariffs and exchange rate depletion will increase inflationary threats. Consumer prices may surge further to 14 per cent in May/June but demand for dollar increased by 58.82 per cent to $1.62 billion in May from $1.02 billion.

Meanwhile, as the N1.17 billion fine imposed on telecommunications operators by the NCC enters its first month with no reprieve from the regulator, Rewane has proposed compen-

•Want telecoms to compensate subscribers

By Collins Nweze and Adline Atili

Derivatives Company (FDC) Limited, Bismark Rewane, noted that the naira had in May, depreciated against the dollar by 3.15 per cent but appreciated against the basket of currencies by 1.75 per cent.

This he said, translates to a nominal depreciation against the dollar but an effective appreciation against the major trading partners.

The financial services analyst linked the woes of the naira to oil market jitters, currently taking the shine off the local currency.

He added that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is probably using this as an alternative to an interest rate hike.

The naira weakened by 0.04 per cent to N155.75 to a dollar month to month, while year to date, the local currency has appreciated by 0.61 per cent.

He said that the external reserves will deplete to $29 billion by December with inflation hitting 15.5 per cent.

Rewane said banks’ non-performing loans ratios now average 6.5 per cent down from 15 per cent, with monthly Wholesale Dutch Auction System (WDAS) supply levels now at $1.62 billion.

The external reserves accretion has been sustained, reaching $37.68 billion or 12 months of import cover, even as there are early signs of speculative pressure on the naira. “Our regression shows a positive correlation between

Standard Bank puts Nigeria-Singapore TANDARD Chartered Bank trade at $451m says the Nigerian- Singapore’s

Cashless: Banks deploy 100,000 PoS terminals ANKS have rolled out 100,000 Point of Sale (PoS) terminals to ensure the success of the cashless policy programme.

The Head, Shared Services Department, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Chidi Umeano, who disclosed this in Lagos recently, said banks are expected to have deployed over 150,000 PoS terminals by the end of this year.

He said banks have continued to roll out more innovative electronic payment platforms to meet customers’ expectations, adding that banks would deploy 150,000 PoS before the end of the year if things go as planned.

“The cash-less project is on course and the initial challenges are being overcome,” he said.

Umeano also said the CBN is set to

B

By Akinola Ajibade

acquire a new fraud prevention system, payments system oversight and anti-fraud system, to tackle fraud in the electronic payment (e-payment) system.

He said the goal of the system is to provide the facility to distinguish fraudulent and legitimate transactions based on redefined checks in online payments. This will allow only legitimate transactions to be processed.

The CBN ,he said, believes the adoption of the system will boost the cashless initiative by strengthening the protection against fraudulent payment activities. “ Fraud has always been one of the biggest challenges of any online payment system. Increasing fraud rates around the world has dampened the

S

growth of electronic payment by exposing merchants to substantial losses and unnerving security-conscious customers. The fraud detection system will help detect potential fraud situations through the generation of online alerts as a result of transaction analyses,” Umeano said.

He said this would help the apex bank in the efficient documentation of potential fraud situations, as well as facilitating identification and capturing of fraudsters.

Umeano noted that CBN, as part of measures to manage fraud on the e-payment landscape, had in 2010, effected migration from the magnetic stripe-based payment tokens, to the Chip and Personal Identity Number (PIN)-compliant channels and tokens, thereby recording over 90 per cent drop in card-related fraud incidents.

bilateral trade has risen by 25 per cent to $481.5million, with exports from Nigeria accounting for 83 per cent of the total trade value.

Primary exports include refined petroleum products, heating and cooling equipment, and ship and boat parts, with Singapore’s main imports being base metal ores, followed by oil seeds and telecommunications equipment.

The bank, in a statement, said it would be hosting representatives from 15 Singapore companies in Nigeria, part of the Singapore Business Federation’s (SBF) official tour to two West African economies, Nigeria and Benin.

“With our strong presence in both Singapore and Nigeria, we are ideally positioned to facilitate key business introductions for the visiting delegates, as well as provide valuable insight into the dynamics of doing business in Ni-

FGN BONDS Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

19-05-2014 18-05-2016 19-05-2016

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM Amount Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($) 150m 150m 138m 138m

MANAGED FUNDS

NIDF NESF

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

7.9-10% 10-11%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2011 “ 14-04-2011

GAINERS AS AT 11-6-12 SYMBOL

TRANSCORP PRESCO IKEJAHOTEL MAYBAKER RTBRISCOE NEIMETH NB LAWUNION ACCESS REDSTAREX

O/PRICE

1.21 14.75 1.10 1.78 1.38 0.72 96.00 0.52 6.03 2.80

C/PRICE

1.27 15.48 1.15 1.86 1.44 0.75 100.00 0.54 6.25 2.90

113m

NGN USD NGN GBP NGN EUR NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) (S/N) Bureau de Change (S/N) Parallel Market

Current Before

O/PRICE 1.61 5.89 5.12 3.50 2.92 3.17 0.65 10.44 2.00 24.50

C/PRICE 1.53 5.60 4.87 3.33 2.78 3.02 0.62 10.00 1.92 24.00

CHANGE 0.08 0.29 0.25 0.17 0.14 0.15 0.03 0.44 0.08 0.50

29-2-12 27-2-12

113m

155.7

22-2-12

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

147.6000 239.4810 212.4997

149.7100 244.0123 207.9023

150.7100 245.6422 209.2910

-2.11 -2.57 -1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

152.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

153.0000

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

Dec ’11

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

12%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate Inflation Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 12.6%

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

NSE CAP Index

27-10-11 N6.5236tr 20,607.37

Date

Rate (Previous) 4 Mar, 2012 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Rate (Currency) 6, Mar, 2012 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

28-10-11 N6.617tr 20,903.16

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

LOSERS AS AT 11-6-12

SYMBOL CUSTODYINS DANGFLOUR CCNN PHARMDEKO ETERNAOIL UBN DNMEYER FO BAGCO CAP

Exchange Rate (N) 155.8 155.8

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Year Start Offer

CHANGE

0.06 0.73 0.05 0.08 0.06 0.03 4.00 0.02 0.22 0.10

113m

Amount Sold ($) 150m 138m

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 Currency

INTERBANK RATES OBB Rate Call Rate

By Collins Nweze

geria and more broadly, West Africa,” Bola Adesola, CEO of Standard Chartered Nigeria said.

According to her, the bank has deep, local knowledge of both Africa and Asia and will continue to provide the necessary financial tools and strategic advice to Asian companies doing business in Africa – assisting sustainable economic development in both regions.

“This is an excellent opportunity for us to showcase Nigeria and West Africa’s investment and growth opportunities. Standard Chartered is perfectly placed to facilitate and support Africa-Asia trade and investment corridors, and we are delighted to host Singapore business representatives in Nigeria, promoting business partnerships which stand to benefit the economies of both regions for many generations to come,” she said.

DATA BANK

Tenor

Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

sation of subscribers for poor services.

He pointed out that in other markets; operators usually compensate users for service failure, sometimes discounting charges for a limited period, so consumers get a break.

Describing the fine as ‘arbitrary,’ Rewane said penalising the operators in favour of the commission would not be of benefit to victims of service quality deterioration.

“Money paid to the regulator is neither reinvested nor improves the network and service,” he said.

Rewane noted that amid slow growth of the economy, rising inflation, network vandalism, the telecoms sector emerged one of the fastest growing sectors, growing 32.83 per cent in first quarter of 2012, compared to GDP growth rate of 6.1 per cent.

Offer Price

Bid Price

ARM AGGRESSIVE 9.17 KAKAWA GUARANTEED 1.00 STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE 124.28 AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND 105.00 THE LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL 0.75 BGL SAPPHIRE FUND 1.08 BGL NUBIAN FUND 0.95 NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. 1,710.94 PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND 8.95 CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST 1.39 CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST 1.87 STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY 7,446.88 THE DISCOVERY FUND 193.00 FIDELITY NIGFUND 1.67 • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED • STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND

9.08 1.00 124.16 104.34 0.73 1.08 0.93 1,703.76 8.51 1.33 1.80 7,250.53 191.08 1.62

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK Previous 04 July, 2011

Current 07, Aug, 2011

Bank

8.5000

8.5000

P/Court

8.0833

8.0833

Movement

56

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2012

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2012

57

NEWS Don urges progressives to live up to expectation •Awo Institute DG Prof. Agbaje visits The Nation

By Emmanuel Oladesu and Wale Ajetunmobi

•Prof. Adigun...yesterday

T

HE Director-General of Obafemi Awolowo Institute of Public Policy and Governance, Prof. Adigun Agbaje has urged progressive politicians to live up to expectation by making a difference in the administration of the country.

He said: “Progressives must go beyond their ideological label and allow their actions to speak for them. Once we know that progressive is not just a label, but their governors, senators, assemblies are different, then, we will move forward”.

The foremost political scientist visited the Lagos headquarters of The Nation yesterday.

Accompanied by two board members of the institute, Prof.

Adebayo Williams and Mr. Ibukun Fakeye, the DirectorGeneral was received by senior

editors.

Prof. Agbaje, who assumed duty in April, said the institute was set up as an independent research centre by the Lagos State government to propagate the welfarist programmes and people oriented ideas of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

Already, the institute has its secretariat at Lekki, Lagos. There plans to expand the structures with the erection of a two-storey building, a museum, lecture hall and library within the next one year.

Prof. Agbaje, a former deputy vice-chancellor of the University of Ibadan, said that the institute would elevate public discourse about governance, conduct research into contemporary political problems and organise training on strategic leadership succession.

He added: “It is an in-depth think-tank and an independent centre, although it is set up by Lagos State government. We want to build a world-class institute”.

Lamenting the derailment of critical institutions in the polity, Prof. Agbaje said there is a re-

current tension between the private and public faces of the institutions run as government parastatals by government appointed officials. He said that is why the anti-graft bodies merely exist in form, but substantially empty in content.

The university don said corruption has also discredited most institutions in the country, adding that parliaments which should engage in over-sight functions are easily compromised.

Agbaje stressed: “That accounts for the inability to build institutions that operate independently because they are built around persons”.

Prof. Williams, who also shed light on the goal of the institute, said it would propagate the “left of the centre” ideas and focus on the workability of cardinal progressive policies and programmes of education, health and poverty abolition.

He added: “Awo Institute will not be run like other centres where everything revolves around the executive secretary and when he is not around, the work at the centre stops. Even, the board will not so interfere in the activities of the institute beyond its meetings”.

Sultan, Ooni, others urge Jonathan to fight insecurity Continued from page 2 The shimmering conflicts and violence tearing the country apart are not the true reflections of the wishes of the people of this country. Rather, they reflect the failure of the oppressive unitarism pretending to be federalism in our country.

“My advocacy, therefore, is that we must engender development from the regions, the way it was done in the past in order to build a great country from bottom up and not the futile way we have been trying to do it since the demise of the First Republic.

“Of course, I admire the strident efforts of the North to create a monolithic identity for the region, in spite of its heterogeneity, through economic, polit-

ical and social cooperation. I am also enthralled by the resurgence of regional cooperation in the East. I am aware that the people of the Southsouth have also created a distinct identity, the basis of which they are now agitating for resource control, regional development and ascension to political power.

“This is healthy. What is wrong is if this regional cooperation threatens national unity. Indeed, a strong regional government engendering healthy regional competition equals national development.

However, irrespective of the antics of agents provocateur, it is incumbent on us all to ensure peace and national cohesion.

The governor, who decried lack of specific roles for traditional rulers in the Constitu-

tion, said the omission has led to calls from prominent traditional rulers for concrete constitutional roles for the monarchs.

He lamented that colonialism and modernity conspired to take away the primordial constitutional roles of the monarchs, which has since not been returned till day.

He argued that the awe and respect associated with the traditional rulers can never diminish as the institution, built over several millennia, has been etched into the consciousness of the people.

Amonth the traditional rulers at the meeting are the Shehu of Borno; Alhaji Dr. Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe, the Obong of Calabar and Chief Alfred Diete-Spiff, among others.

Police to Lawan: surrender $600,000 bribe cash Continued from page 2 “This is to enable detectives to conduct further investigation into the matter.

“While awaiting the Hon. Speaker’s kind consideration of this request, do accept the assurances and esteemed regards of the Inspector- General of Police, please.”

A highly-placed source said: “The butt of the investigation has been on the retrieval of the bribe sum from Lawan by the police. I think some people are planning to relieve him of the evidence in his possession.

“But it was alleged by Otedola that the SSS gave out the money for a sting operation. Why are the police worried about the bribe sum?

“Lawan is prepared to lay the bribe sum only before a court. He does not want his evidence tampered with.

“In the last few days, Lawan has been receiving threat messages from some quarters. And for him to release the evidence he will rely in court to prove his case will amount to suicide.

Why are they not disturbing the bribe giver?”

The decision by the House leadership to get to the root of the allegation may, however, slow down the police investigation According to the documents obtained by our correspondent, the bribe was actually offered on April 24.

Some of the documents contain the transcripts of calls between Farouk and Otedola during the sitting of the committee.

In a hand-written memo to the Chairman of the House Committee on Drugs, Narcotics and Financial Crimes, Adams Jagaba, which is dated April 24 and timed 3.47am, Lawan gave details of what he said transpired between him and Otedola.

The memo said: “You may please recall that I intimated you of the persistence of Mr. Femi Otedola, Chairman Forte Oil, Zenon Oil and AP

Petroleum to offer monetary inducement to influence the outcome and Consolidation of the report of the Ad Hoc Committee on Petroleum Subsidy.

“Attached is the sum of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) only offered to me with another promise of two million, five hundred thousand dollar ($2.5m). I had considered bringing this issue as a matter of privilege on the floor of the House later today when the House sits, but I am concerned the controversy it will generate will dwarf the content of the report which needs public attention so that the necessary reforms in the sector could be effected.

“I however believe that given the desperation of Mr. Otedola, handling this matter in a furious but diplomatic manner is necessary as he has also made some vested threats which put me and members of my Committee in a delicate situation.

“While reporting this matter to you and hoping that appropriate action will be taken, we shall continue to monitor him and if further offers are made, we shall duly handover to your committee.”

The Secretary to the Ad Hoc Committee, Mr. B. C. Emenalo, who also wrote a memo to Lawan on April 24, explained his encounter with Otedola.

The memo, entitled “Consistent Pressure to Compromise by Managing Director and Chairman, Zenon Oil and Gas, AP and Forte”, reads: “My earlier report/discussion with you on the above subject matter and your directives refer.

“I wish to inform you that I was on his invitation, at the residence of their(Zenon Oil and Gas, AP, Forte) Chairman, Mr. Femi Otedola in Maitama, (Aso Drive) this morning and he offered me the sum of One hundred thousand US dollars in two bundles of $50,000 each. The money is hereby forwarded as evidence.

That This Day governors’ scorecard

By Chris Gyang

I

n a democracy, the media is reputed to be the Fourth Estate of the Realm because it is deemed to be, first, the fourth organ of government in principle and, second (and most importantly), it is expected to serve as a watchdog over the other three arms – executive, legislature and judiciary. To that extent, therefore, the media has the moral and constitutional obligation of ensuring that all players in the democratic space live up to the expectations of the electorate and meet the stipulations of the constitution.

The periodic assessment of the performance of governments is one of the means through which the press presumes to carry out this watchdog role. Which was what This Day newspaper thought it carried out in its May 31 edition, ostensibly to mark the first anniversary of governors elected into office a year ago. Compartmentalizing the governors into four categories (the outstanding performers, the above average performers, the average performers and the under performers), the paper attempted to present briefs that purportedly captured the performance of each of the 34 governors to back This Day’s ratings.

While introducing that ‘special report’, the newspaper, among others, assured readers:”… our correspondents across the states took a clinical look at what the governors have done, been doing, or trying to do vis-à-vis the governance impact on the people.” However, This Day predicted the failure of that ‘clinical’ assessment right from that fluid prologue that woefully failed to announce to readers one most critical point – the criteria they used to arrive at their conclusions, which, to a large extent, were at best flawed and lacked depth.

Naturally, for such a sensitive work to bear the requisite hallmarks of authenticity, credibility, fairness and a true reflection of the tangible reality on ground, the newspaper should have outlined the benchmarks against which it assessed the governors instead of using blanket, haphazard, amorphous and self-serving considerations such as ‘expectations from the people’, governor’s ‘works’, ‘visible signs of development efforts’, etc, which, in the context of that exercise, were vague and offered no insights into what This Day offered and expected readers to believe. Sadly, this fell short of the ‘clinical look’ the paper patronizingly claimed its correspondents took at the governors’ performances. But, above all, the scorecard did not meet the standard scientific approach of strict empiricism required of such a serious exercise. For a paper that lays claim to being a flagship of the Nigerian newspaper industry, this should ordinarily not be beyond the capacity of the This Day stable.

It is common knowledge that each and every state has its own distinct socio-economic and political peculiarities. A state like Plateau, for instance, which has been in the grips of one crisis or another in the last five years, cannot in all fairness be placed on the same scale with others that have had relative peace all that while. Moreover, the resources at the disposal of states are not the same. Granted, while This Day makes a show of deliberately stating and explaining the income that accrued to every state in the past year they deliberately refuse to take the logical step of practically applying those figures to measure the extent of success or perceived underperformance of each governor. Pray, what type of conclusion did This Day wish to arrive at when it took undue delight in comparing the level of development achieved by a governor who collects a monthly allocation that is a mere one-quarter of what his other colleague(s) receive? Surely, it could only result in the highly subjective and jaundiced scorecard that the paper so callously dished the nation.

A closer look at the scorecard revealed even more embarrassing, curious and lamentable loopholes.

You find instances where government programmes that were still at the drawing board being outlined and lauded as achievements by governors. Also, one of This Day’s correspondent’s source of information about a governor’s achievements was the claims he made in an interview granted a radio station! In the same vein, the discerning reader is expected to accept this when it is stated that a certain governor “is believed to have done creditably in the area of….” Apparently, the reporter’s judgment in this matter of projects execution is based on other peoples’ largely subjective views. And to further belittle the score card, an increase in the budget of a state in the current fiscal year over that of the preceding year is listed as one of the achievements of a state government. As if a budget is an end in itself.

Furthermore, it is strange that a governor like Abdul Fatah Ahmed of Kwara State is rated among the so-called ‘average performers’ when the achievements credited to him appear in substance and form to surpass those of some of his colleagues grouped way up among the ‘above average performers’? In fact, he had worked with a relatively paltry federal allocation of N50.04 billion that accrued to his state. There are states that received five times that amount that, going by that scorecard, did not have much more to show for such staggering resources. This inevitably begs the poser, should a state that is able to purchase two tractors with an income of N4 million be rated lower than that which achieves same with an income of N16 million?

For us in Plateau State, the distortions and fallacies made This Day’s presentation very suspicious and laughable to people familiar with the realities on ground. For a start, the correspondent and editors betray their obvious sloppiness when they jumble up the governor’s names. Instead of Jonah David Jang, he is referred to as David Jonah Jang. Then, in a sentence that is left hanging, the reader is misinformed to the effect that the governor has built three science secondary schools in the state. For the avoidance of doubt, those projects are just a tip of the iceberg as far as the governor’s achievements in education are concerned. Had the newspaper actually done just a little more serious work, it would have also found out that Governor Jonah David Jang’s projects had since gone beyond roads construction to big time power and water supply, youth empowerment, transportation, the transformation of Jos into a mega city and, to boot, modernizing rural areas into well laid out mini cities, complete with modern amenities and social services, among others.

Anyway, This Day’s assessment is by no means a total wash out. As a matter of fact, there are flashes of truth here and there that are worthy of commendation as they point to a new trend in governance at the state level. Actually, we are not averse to exercises such as the one the newspaper undertook as we are keen believers in the core values inherent in the peer review process as they keep leaders on their toes and broaden their horizons.

However, we deplore the antics of armchair journalists who are comfortable with dishing out conjectures, hearsay or their individual perceptions of reality rather than taking the professional path of painstakingly verifying the reality on ground first hand. I daresay, only God knows how many This Day correspondents practically went round their respective states to see for themselves the projects governors truly executed. When journalists refuse to be principled, they tend to lend credence to the cynical thinking that most journalists are guided in their work by base motives other than professionalism and altruism. If that be the case, then, surely, our democracy is imperiled.

GYANG is the Personal Assistant to the Plateau State Governor.

He can be reached at Gyel25@yahoo.com

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2012

58

NEWS Ex-militants plan protest

•Oshiomhole addressing the women at the rally...yesterday

Why we want Oshiomhole back, by PMAN

T

HE Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) in Edo State yesterday said Governor Adams Oshiomhole must return for a second term.

Prof Victor Uwaifo, who led the musicians to the Government House, said: “Be rest assured that you have many supporters. Your scorecard is impressive and excellent. Nobody will change a winning team.

“When music is sweet, people will shout ‘encore’, which means repeat. The Roman empire gave democracy to the world, and they have a common adage in Latin which says ‘Vox populi, vox dei’, that is, the voice of the people is the voice of God. “All we are saying is that we want Oshiomhole to carry on.

“We are preaching politics of love and reason and not parochialism.

“The stars, elders forum and

T

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

EDO State Governor and candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the July 14 governorship election Adams Oshiomhole yesterday cautioned President Goodluck Jonathan against what he termed “lending unethical support to the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).”

Oshiomhole, who spoke at a rally organised by the women’s wing of the ACN, told Jonathan that the people voted for him and not the PDP in the last presidential election.

He said: “The President must be seen to believe in his promise of transformation, and the basis for transformation is One man, One vote.

“Edo is our own, we are not looking for external forces. He (Jonathan) should not summit to the forces of manipulation and darkness. In any event, I am ready to fight against the forces of manipulation. No amount of Abuja oxygen can put them on their feet.”

The governor, who alleged that the PDP is involved in voters’ card racketeer, said the party is aware it can’t win the election.

He promised to repeat the ACN winning streak in the election. The governor thanked the women for the large turnout, saying the rally “was unprecedented in the history of politics and electioneering in Nigeria.

Oshiomhole said it is gratifying to note that the women are united by the common idea fired by a commitment and determination that Edo state must be taken to the next level. the executive of PMAN are here to say you have done well. We want you to continue so that you can finish the good job you started.”

State Chairman Richard Okhomina said Edo PMAN decided to break away from

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

its non-partisan tradition.

Okhomina said they would use music to mobilise votes for the governor.

“You are a worthy governor who in spite of cheap propa-

ganda against you has made Edo the freest in the country with a government that is democratic,” he said.

Oshiomhole said their evaluation of his report card will propell him to do more in his second term.

He said the people will mob anyone who wants t reverse the development in the state.

In a related development, the governor will be conferred with the Peace and Good Governance Award by the organisers of the first Adams Oshiomhole International Wrestling Championship.

The initiator, Prince Hammed Olanrewaju Mohammed, said the award is in recognition of Oshiomhole’s administrative acumen.

“Comrade Oshiomhole has served the people of Edo like no other.”

“The massive development witnessed since he came to power has been unprecedented.”

Also to receive Good Leadership Award is former Minister of Information and Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) chieftain, Chief Tom Ikimi.

ICAO to audit aircraft operating in Nigeria

HE Federal Government has invited the International Civil Aviation Authority (ICAO) to audit aircraft flying in the nation’s airspace.

Minister of Aviation Princess Stella Oduah said this in Abuja while inaugurating the technical/administrative panel to investigate the June 3 Dana Air plane crash.

The ICAO is the international body governing aviation activities worldwide.

The panel, headed by Group Capt. John Obakpolor (rtd), has six weeks to submit its report.

The minister said: “The Federal Government is committed to doing whatever is humanly possible to prevent a recurrence.

“The ministry is inviting ICAO to assist and support Nigeria to undertake technical and

T

Governor cautions Jonathan, PDP

From Olugbenga Adanikin, Abuja

safety oversight of aircraft and airlines operating in the country.”

She said the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) will assisted by PricewaterHouseCooper (PWC) to audit all domestic airlines.

The auditing will be done in line with NCCA Act of 2006 and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulation.

Ms Oduah noted that the Federal Government will set up a committee to review customs duty on importation of aircraft and spare parts.

She said the initiative would ensure safety and security in the aviation sector.

The minister said: “President Jonathan is indeed committed

to total revivalisation of the domestic airline operations.

“A number of palliative measures have been initiated.

“The Minister of Finance will help review customs duty on importation of aircraft and spare parts to reduce the financial burden on domestic airlines.”

Ms. Oduah said the mandate of the panel was distinct from the statutory accident investigation by the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) which had commenced work.

“The task of this panel is geared towards the intensification of the ongoing reform of the aviation industry.

“We expect that the panel will make recommendations that will enable us overhaul the industry for greater functionality.

“This panel is not set up to indict anyone or any organisation,

rather, the panel will be factual in carrying out the assignment.

“The accident that has occurred was tragic and most unfortunate.

“It was a setback on our improved track record of safety and the rising profile of the Nigerian aviation sector,’’ she said.

But Obakpolor said six weeks is insufficient.

He urged the minister to allow the panel to sit in Lagos and move to Abuja should the need arise.

Obakpolo said: “We will go through the log book and see what went wrong with the plane.

“We’ll unravel the cause of the crash. At this time, it’s not going to be from answer to question but from question to answer.

“The government knows

Osoba, Odumakin decry threats to journalists, others

HE President of the Campaign for Democracy (CD), Dr. Joe OkeiOdumakin, yesterday bemoaned the increasing killing of Nigerians in sectarian bombings and the seeming helplessness of the Federal Government to reress the situation.

Mrs Odumakin said the security challenge in the country is caused by poverty which “bad governance of Nigeria” has brought on the nation over the years.

The CD President spoke in Abeokuta, the Ogun State cap-

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

ital, on: The media and the search for good governance in the midst of insecurity.

He expressed worry that the media has become the target of the wave of terror attacks in Nigeria.

The lecture was organised by Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council.

Mrs Odumakin noted that despite the huge budget allocated to security, the people’s lives and property have been under increasing danger.

She said: “A breakdown of the 2012 budget shows that we are spending N3billion on security daily. But never have we been so unsecured than we are today.

We are assailed daily with horrendous tales of assassinations, kidnappings and bombings.

Even places of worship have become killing fields in the war that is going on in Nigeria.

“As in every sphere of war, the media in Nigeria has become the target in the war of terror ravaging our country directly and indirectly. Threats are hanging over media houses and their workers by terror groups, even

as we speak.”

She decried what she described as the “idleness” of the Presidency.

A former Ogun State Governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba, decried that journalists were being attacked, even by law enforcement agencies that ought to protect them.

Osoba, who was represented by a former General Manager of Ogun State Broadcasting Corporations (OGBC), Chief Jare Dada, noted that bad governance could breed insecurity.

what I can do because this sector deals with fact. By the time I am finished, there will be no room for insinuations.”

Members of the panel are Capt. Mfon Udom, Capt. Dele Sasegbo, Capt. Austin Omame, Mr O. Agboola, Mr F. Onyenyiri, Capt. Ibrahim Mshelia, Air Commodore Samson Akpasa and Dr Anthony Anuforom as Secretary.

Dr O. B. Aliu and Capt. Musa Usman are to serve as resource persons when necessary.

SOME ex-militants are planning a two-million man protest march in Abuja to protest the Federal Government’s nonimplementation of the amnesty programme.

Speaking in Port Harcourt under the aegis of the Leadership Forum for Peace in the Niger Delta, the ex-militants berated the Minister of Niger Delta, Godswill Orubebe and the Presidential Adviser on Amnesty, Kingsley Kuku, for failing to address the development challenges of the Niger Delta.

They said though they had been trained under the amnesty programme, virtually all of them are jobless.

According to the ex-militants, there was the need for the Federal Government to empower them in order to dissuade them from returning to their former ways.

Obodo’s mum hails Jonathan From Polycarp Orosevwotu, Warri

THE mother of kidnapped exSuper Eagles midfielder Christian Obodo yesterday lauded President Goodluck Jonathan and Prophet Jeremiah Fufeyin for their support over her son’s rescue in Warri, Delta State.

Mrs. Elizabeth Obodo said she was happy her son was rescued without any ransom.

The footballer is said to have gone to Asaba to meet Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan.

Ghana’s Vice President for Lagos Assembly’s lecture

By Oziegbe Okoeki

GHANAIAN Vice President John Dramani Mahama will today deliver a special parliamentary lecture for the first year anniversary of the Seventh Lagos House of Assembly.

The lecture coincides with the 19th anniversary of June 12, 1993 presidential election, which the late business mogul, Bashorun Moshood Abiola, won.

In a statement yesterday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Strategy, Security and Publicity, Segun Olulade, the Assembly said former governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, will be the guest of honour at the event.

The lecture will hold at the Assembly’s complex.

Foundation gives N3m to NGO From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

T

HE TY Danjuma Foundation yesterday gave N3 million to Fahimta Women and Youth Development Initiative (FAWOYDI).

The Founder/Chairman, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd) gave a cheque to the Non-Governmental Organisation for emerging the best grantee.

He said: “Our grantees are the engine room driving the work we do at the Foundation. It is in recognition of this that we have decided to honour the Most Oustanding Grantee of the Foundation for the first year of structured grantmaking (2010).

“After thorough screening, FAWOYDI emerged as the overall best performing grantee of the 2010 grant cycle.

“In 2010, the Foundation funded the NGO to construct a block of two classrooms each and gender-based toilet facilities in two communities.

“It completed the construction in record time. It also achieved one of TYDF fundamental objectives of engerdering government participation.

“Following the commissioning of the building, the Bauchi State Universal Basic Education Board deployed seven qualified teachers to the school and the government built an additional classroom block,” he said.

FAWOYDI’s Director Hajiya Mariam Garba said: “It is a special honour to me and I had never expected it.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2012

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NEWS

Ondo ACN aspirants to Mimiko: stop destroying our billboards

Osun warns environmental law offenders From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

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HE Osun State Government yesterday said it would henceforth punish residents who violate its law on environmental sanitation day.

Addressing reporters in Osogbo, the state capital, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment and Sanitation, Bola Ilori, warned that the government would no longer tolerate disobedience to its sanitation day law.

Reviewing the last environmental sanitation exercise, Ilori noted that some residents, despite the announcement on radio and television that everyone should participate in the exercise, still refused to observe the day.

He said many residents engaged in commercial activities during the sanitation hours.

According to him, the government will henceforth be tough on environmental sanitation offenders.

Ilori said the government wants the residents to imbibe the culture of cleanliness and healthy living.

The special adviser promised that the government will not witch-hunt or persecute anyone who obeys the rules and regulations guiding the exercise.

He said: “Our observation on the last sanitation day is that people did not comply with the rules and regulations of the exercise. We saw people roaming about the streets. Some of the commercial motorcyclists embarked on business, despite the road barricades across the state.

“Many of the sanitation offenders even fought the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (OYES) cadets and officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in some areas, such as Osogbo and Ikirun, when they were cautioned during the exercise...”

A

CTION Congress of Nigeria (ACN) governorship aspirants in Ondo State have accused the ruling Labour Party (LP) of directiing its members to pull down their billboards.

A statement by the DirectorGeneral of Aketi Campaign Network, an arm of the ACN, Mr. Banji Ayiloge, on behalf of the aspirants, alleged that the

E

order came from Governor Olusegun Mimiko at LP’s caucus meeting in Akure, the state capital.

The statement reads: “We have come to notice that thugs, suspected to be loyal to the LP in the state, have been mandated to pull down the billboards of all governorship aspirants of the opposition party in the

state.”

The statement noted that persistent destruction of ACN aspirants’ billboards was not only meant to intimidate and frustrate the party’s members but also to cow other opponents in the state.

The opposition warned of the consequences of allowing the LP to take the law into its hands.

It urged law enforcement

agents to restrain the ruling party’s thugs from destroying opposition ACN members’ property.

ACN, which frowned at the intolerance of the Mimiko administration to the opposition, warned that the party would hold the governor responsible for the destruction of its billboards and any breach of the peace in the state.

• Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi (middle) dispensing kerosine to some residents at the flag-off of Eyiyato Kero-Direct Enterprise in Ado-Ekiti...yesterday.

Senator Tinubu to open new constituency office today •Presents first year scorecard

By Olamilekan Andu

Ekiti commissioner eulogises Olashore KITI State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology Dr Eniola Ajayi yesterday eulogised the late Owaloko of Iloko-Ijesha, Oba Oladele Olahore.

In a statement in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, the commissioner noted that the late monarch deserves all the encomiums he could get because of the worthy legacy he has left behind.

She said the late Oba Olashore touched the lives of many people and should be remembered to make those he left behind to emulate his kindness and large heartedness.

The statement reads: “Oba Olashore (CON), Owaloko of Iloko, Ajagbusi Ekun of Iloko Ijesha, has joined his forefathers in the great beyond. A quintessential monarch has exited at 77. What a loss! Words cannot begin to express the grief that I feel at this time. As I pondered on the reasons for this, it became apparent why, as thoughts of him came tumbling down my mind and tears rolled into sobs. I realised that it is because Oba Olashore, having given so much already, still had so much to give.

“Kabiyesi loved building things. His latest project is a botanical garden at Iloko. He only just completed another set of staff quarters, a hostel for Lancaster University foundation students at Olashore International School (OIS) and the building he donated at Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU).”

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

•Mrs Tinubu

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HE senator representing Lagos Central, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, will today inaugurate her new constituency office, Rehoboth House, and present the scorecard for her first year at the National Assembly.

The National Chairman of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Chief Bisi Akande, will lead other eminent personalities to inaugurate the new office in Yaba, Lagos Mainland.

The wife of former Lagos State governor, Asiwaju Bola

Tinubu, will also hold an interactive session with her constituents at a town hall meeting at Rock View Hotel, Apapa.

A statement by the senator’s office in Abuja said both events are being held today to show the significance she attaches to June 12 “as a special day for Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement”.

Mrs Tinubu was sworn in on June 6, last year, as a senator.

Other eminent personalities expected at the occasion are: wife of Lagos State goveror, Dame Emmanuella Abimbola Fashola; the Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the ACN, Otunba Henry O. Ajomale and Prince Tajudeen Olusi, among others.

Emphasising the significance of June 12 anniversary in

•‘June 12 is special’

Nigeria’s political history, Senator Tinubu noted that despite the Federal Government’s nonchalant disposition, pro-democracy activists, including communities and civil society groups, can entrench the date in the annals of the nation’s political history.

She said: “The significance of June 12 and what it represents to us in the ACN reminds us always of the price paid to pave the way for the present democratic dispensation that we have had in the past 13 years.”

Highlights of today’s town hall meeting include the presentation of N10,000 bursary award cheques to 624 indigent students, who applied for assistance under Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s Post-Secondary School Scholarship Scheme (PSSS), to defray the cost of their textbooks.

Under the senator’s PSSS scheme, launched during her maiden town hall meeting on August 16, last year, 26 recipients of the four-year scholarship scheme received N100,000 each for this year’s academic session.

Also, under her Petty Traders’ Empowerment Capital Scheme (PETECS), which was launched during her second town hall meeting on March 9, 624 beneficiaries received N20,000 each to recapitalise an existing petty trade.

Senator Tinubu, a philanthropist and founder of New Era Foundation, is the Vice-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Labour, Employment and Productivity.

She supports social responsibilities to the poor, the needy and indigent students to enhance the development of the society.

Aregbesola’s wife organises free health care for elders

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HE wife of Osun State governor, Alhaja Sherifat Aregbesola, yesterday decried the neglect of senior citizens.

She described their condition as frustrating.

The governor’s wife spoke in Osogbo, the state capital, at a special programme for the aged, tagged: Omoluabi cares for the aged. It was held at the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding.

According to her, it is not in tandem with African culture that the aged loiter the streets to beg.

She said the Rauf Aregbesola administration would change the trend and bring well-meaning Nigerians on board.

At the programme, the aged were tested for high blood pres-

•Decries their neglect sure, sugar level in the blood and other ailments associated with ageing.

Mrs Aregbesola noted that the present administration in Osun State would not relent in caring for the aged and would incorporate them into the developmental agenda of the government.

She said: “Today’s event, therefore, is a step forward through practical provision of care and support, including free medical examination, especially for ailments associated with old age.

“We cannot truly claim to be modern and developed when we fail to show respect and care for our elders who have sacri-

ficed so much to make us who we are today. Until we come back to appreciate and appropriate your knowledge and experiences, our society is certainly heading for doom.”

The governor’s wife said the Aregbesola administration is willing to listen to the contributions of the elders towards the realisation of its revolutionary agenda for the state.

She added: “Ours is a listening government. We are open to your elderly advice. Our desire is to return our society to the path of Omoluabi (thoroughbred) ethics of virtue, hard work, sincerity and productivity. We acknowledge, without mincing words, that

you are the custodians of these ethos.

“We also acknowledge your invaluable contributions to the development and civilisation of our society. You have endured at your time to build a legacy for us. You were there when proceeds from agriculture were used to develop our society, as evidenced in the infrastructure in place, including Odua Industrial Complex, the first television station in Africa, Cocoa House, universities and other institutions that have stood the test of time.”

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Mrs Temitope Ilori, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth, Sport and Special Needs, Mr Biyi Odunlade, delivered lectures on how to care for the aged.

Oyo cautions residents against disasters From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

OYO State Deputy Governor Moses Alake Adeyemo yesterday urged Oke-Ogun residents and others to imbibe environment-friendly practices to prevent disasters.

Adeyemo spoke at the distribution of relief materials to victims of a rainstorm which occurred in Ago-Are and Ilero in Atisbo and Kajola local government areas.

He noted that indiscriminate felling of trees by timber and charcoal merchants, desert encroachment as well as global warming make the environment to become susceptible to disasters.

The deputy governor urged the residents to “gear up efforts at reclaiming the environment from the vagaries of disasters by shunning unfriendly practices in the environment”.

Adeyemo restated the commitment of the Abiola Ajimobi administration to improving the lives of the residents.

He said the government is committing enormous resources to disaster reduction and management, adding: “The State Emergency Management Agency (OYSEMA) has started to enjoy the confidence of the people because of its prompt and proactive disposition to emergency situations across the nooks and crannies of the state.”

The deputy governor expressed appreciation to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for its collaboration with the government to mitigate the loss the residents suffer during disasters.

Ogun PDP alleges ‘plot to blackmail judiciary’ THE Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday decried the alleged attempt by those it described as “serial contemnors” to blackmail the judiciary.

In a statement by its Director of Organisation, Mr. Segun Showunmi, the party said it had uncovered plots by some “desperate and unscrupulous politicians to blackmail the judiciary and judicial officers through frivolous petitions”.

The party wondered why those who have earned “unrivalled reputation for disobeying court orders and judgment would turn round to seek protection from the same institution that they derided through frivolous petitions against fearless and upright judicial officers who are merely doing their jobs, based on the evidence before them”.

The PDP said the “contemnors’ resort to petitioning” is an uncanny plot to avoid the consequences of their actions.

The party urged the National Judicial Council (NJC), particularly the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), to be wary of such petitions and avoid acting on them “just on the face value”.

It added: “After all, it is said that he who must come to equity must come with clean hands.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2012

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NEWS

Gunmen kill 27 in Zamfara T

WENTY seven persons, including a policeman, were killed by gunmen early yesterday in Dangulbi village in the Dansadau Emirate of Zamfara State.

An eyewitness, Alhaji Lawalli Dangulbi, told reporters at the Gusau Specialist Hospital that there was confusion in the village when the gunmen struck.

He said the assailants shot sporadically, killing 18 persons instantly.

Dangulbi is the chairmanship candidate of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP)

for Maru Local Government Area in the council election slated for this month.

He said the other dead bodies were discovered in neighbouring villages of Biya, Guru and Sabuwar Kasuwa.

The party stalwart said he managed to carry eight injured persons from the scene of the attack which, he said, was over 100 kilometres from the state capital, Gusau, for treatment.

Zamfara State Commissioner of Police Usman Gwary was, however, not available for comments.

He was said to have gone to the scene of the crime with Acting Governor Ibrahim Wakkala.

They went there to see things for themselves, sympathise with the people and attend the mass burial of the victims.

Police spokesman Sanusi Amiru confirmed the incident but declined to give further details.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) learnt that the attack might be a reprisal for an earlier ambush on the criminals’ enclaves in

the emirate by security operatives and vigilante groups.

The attackers were reported as not having taken anything from their victims during the attack.

Governor Abdul’Aziz Yari donated operational vehicles with communications gadgets to security operatives in the state last month, bringing the number of such vehicles to 74.

The vehicles were donated in a bid to combat armed robbery and other criminal activities in the state.

Court admits documents against Bankole A

N Abuja Federal High Court yesterday admitted some documents tendered against former House of Representatives Speaker Dimeji Bankole by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Bankole is facing a 16-count charge of contract inflation and awards without due process slammed against him by the anti-graft agency before Justice Donatus Okorowo of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

The contracts include 400 units of 40-inch Samsung TV sets, supplied at N525,000 each instead of N295,000; 800 units of HP Compaq Desktop computers, at N330,000 each instead of N160,000; 100 units of Sharp digital copiers

From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

5316, at N270,000 each instead of N160,000; and 400 units of HP Laser jet ink, at N150,000 instead of N60,000.

The alleged contract scam includes two units of Range Rover bullet proof vehicles; two units of Range Rover vehicles without bullet proof; three units of Mercedes Benz S-600 cars and 400 units of DSTV systems, all purchased without due process.

The documents include minutes of series of meetings purportedly held in the conference room of the former Speaker, which contained details of the contract.

Through his counsel, Wale

Akoni (SAN), the former Speaker challenged the document, saying they were not numbered serially.

The prosecution counsel, Festus Keyamo, attributed this to typographical error, which he argued did not affect the contents of the documents.

Admitting the documents as evidence, Justice Okorowo held that since their validity was not in contention, the court had no option than to rely on it.

He advised the defence counsel to address the issue in his final address.

Under cross-examination, a prosecution witness, Adeboye Adeniyi, tendered letters containing details of the contract entered into by the House with some compa-

•Bankole

nies.

After he was discharged, the prosecution counsel, Oghenovo Otemu, asked for a long adjournment to enable him subpoena other witnesses.

The court granted his prayer, despite the objection by the defense.

The trial was adjourned till September 24, 25, 26 and 27.

Igbo traders flee Borno over Boko Haram attacks

F

OLLOWING the constant attacks on Christians by the Boko Haram sect in Borno State, Igbo traders have begun to relocate to the Southeast.

On Sunday, the sect attacked the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria at Biu, allegedly killing one person

and injuring others.

One of the traders, who has just returned to Anambra State, 42-year-old Ebele Okpala, told The Nation yesterday that it had been hellish living in Borno.

The returnee, an indigene of Umuideke village in Anaocha Local Government

Area, came back with all his belongings, wife and five children.

He said he lived in Maiduguri for 28 years.

Okpala said: “Though they are equally killing their people, their targets are Christians, especially people of Igbo extraction and the Yoru-

ba.

“They kill people everyday. That was why we decided to return home. I want to be alive to train my children.

“I arrived with my family on Monday. Apart from killing the Igbo, they have written letters to some of us saying we should relocate to our states immediately.”

JNI seeks investigation in Jos

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HE Muslim umbrella body in the North, the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), has asked the Federal and Plateau State governments to investigate the constant reprisal attacks on innocent Muslims in the Northcentral whenever there is a suicide attack, and the allegation of gun running against a senior Customs officer from the state.

In a statement made available to The Nation in Kaduna yesterday and signed by the Secretary-General of JNI, Dr.

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•Experts hail institute From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

than impacting positively on the society.

They hailed Ikechebelu for using his specialist training to improve the lives of the people.

Addressing participants at the closing of the Sixth MAS Basic, Ikechebelu, who is the Course Director, said the institute was established in 2010 to increase the number of MAS practitioners in the country.

He said: “This session’s

training was spiced with a team of surgeons from India and was powered by OM Surgical Company, a recognised manufacturer of laparoscopic equipment in India. We performed five laparoscopic surgeries, including the first Laparoscopic Myomectomy in the Southeast.

The participants included Ayodele Okwuosa, the Best Participant/Resident Obstetrics and Gynecology, NAUTH; Okeke Chijioke, Medical Officer, Life Special-

ist Hospital, Nnewi; Dr. Solomon Avidime, Consultant Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Teaching Hospital, Zaria; Maduka Wilson, Consultant Obstetrics and Gynecology, Federal Medical Center, Keffi; and Ayo Ojo, Medical Director, Ayo Specialist Hospital, Akure.

The participants said the training was worth while and urged ministries and organisations concerned with maternal and child health to partner the Life Specialist Hospital to improve the knowledge of their staff on MAS.

ACN lawmaker meets constituents today

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N Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) lawmaker representing Mushin Constituency II in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Bolaji Yusuf Ayinla will today hold a village square meeting with his constituents at Bishop Aggrey High School, Mushin.

Ayinla, who is the Chairman of the Public Account Committee, said the purpose of the meeting is to present his scorecard and point to what he has done or

embarked upon to improve their lives, and the projects he has in the pipeline.

He said: “Today’s meeting is the first village square meeting I will be holding with the people of this constituency. Henceforth, I will hold village square meetings every three months. The BYA Foundation will carry out the projects which will be beneficial to the people of Mushin Constituency II, and the BYA Ambassadors are put in place to find out

the needs of the constituents and monitor the projects carried out by the Foundation.

“I want to give the people that voted for me, the dividends of democracy. I want to give them what I promised them during the electioneering campaign. I intend to sink 50 boreholes in my constituency. I’ve already sunk 11. At the meeting today, I will distribute raincoats to the pupils in my constituency, because we are now in the rainy season.”

Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, the body also condemned Sunday’s suicide attack on the Christ Chosen Church in Rukuba, Jos and the attack on worshipers at Biu in Borno State.

The organisation said the attack on innocent Muslims in Jos was uncalled for, urging the Plateau government to live above board and check such reprisal attack. It added that if left unchecked, it might escalate in future.

Reps to Fed Govt: intensify airline HE House of Represupervision sentatives yesterday

T

urged the Federal Government and aviation regulators to go beyond issuing paper instructions to airlines and supervise their activities.

Jones Chukwudi Onyeneri spoke in Abuja when he led members of the House Committee on Banking and Currency on a condolence visit to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on the death of eight of its workers in the June 3 Dana Air plane crash in IjuIshaga, Lagos.

The lawmaker noted that increased supervision by the Federal Government and its agencies would pre-

From Nduka Chiejina (Assistant Editor), Abuja

vent future air disasters.

He said it is only in Nigeria that airport security agents ask travellers for money.

According to him, the practice is a big challenge and an indicator that airport workers can be compromised in the discharge of their duties when they receive gratifications.

Onyeneri said: “Instructions are not enough. Regulators should go and supervise and inspect, to see that instructions are carried out.

Mere paper instruction is not the way to go.”

Commissioner dropped from Edo exco

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DO State Governor Adams Oshiomhole has dropped the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Inumidun Idehen, from the State Executive Council (Exco).

The governor said Mrs Idehen’s exit is to enable an administrative panel investigate allegations of misconduct against her.

A statement by the Spea-

cial Adviser to the governor on Media Affairs, Tony Iyare, said the allegations include unauthorised the closure of orphanage homes and unwholesome interference in the running of some charity organisations.

Mrs Idehen has been directed to hand over government property in her possession to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.

Dakingari appoints two perm secs

First Laparoscopic Myomectomy recorded in Anambra TEAM of laparoscopic surgeons from India and their Nigerian counterparts yesterday in Nnewi, Anambra State, performed the first Laparoscopic Myomectomy (the removal of Fibroid through Minimal Access Surgery (MAS).

The surgery was performed to mark the graduation of 51 doctors from the Life Institute for Endoscopy, Nnewi.

The institute was founded

by Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, a Consultant Obstetrics and Gynecologist with the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, and Medical Director/ Chief Executive Officer of Life Specialist Hospital, Nnewi.

It is the first in the Southeast and among the best in the world on MAS. While many others that existed before it are still analogue, the Life Specialist Hospital is computerised.

Renowned Indian MAS experts, Dr. Prashant Bhamare and Dr. Gite Ramchandra Kasiram, in their separate speeches, lamented the decay in the medical profession.

They said many doctors seek additional knowledge just for the certificates, rather

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

From Khadijat Saidu, Brinin Kebbi

•Dakingari

G

OVERNOR Usman Saidu Dakingari of Kebbi State has appointed two permanent secretaries.

According to a statement issued and signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Alhaji Abubakari Muazu, the new permanent secre-

taries are Alhaji Labaran D. Mohammed Kalgo and Dr. Usman Shehu Umar Dakingari.

Kalgo, until his appointment, was a director in the Kebbi State Emergency Management Agency. He is a graduate of Sociology from the Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto. While Dakingari, a graduate of Veterinary Medicine from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, until his new appointment, was a programme manager at the Kebbi Agriculture and Rural Development Authority.

Nigerians urged to donate blood to UTHORITIES of the Plateau victims Bingham University

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Teaching Hospital, Jos, Plateau State where 90 of the victims of Sunday’s suicide bombing at Christ Chosen Church of God, Jos are admitted, have urged the public to donate blood as many of the victims lack blood.

The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the hospital said none of the victims has died, adding that his team is working round the clock to ensure

lives are saved.

The CMD hailed the Nigerian Red Cross for assisting the hospital with first aid drugs.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has decried the attack on worshippers, saying enough is enough.

The Plateau State CAN Chairman, Rev. Philip Dafes, enjoined security agencies to stop attacks on Christians.

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www.thenationonlineng.net

TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2012 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL. 7

NO.2,154

WHO SAID WHAT ‘The Federal Government is committed to doing whatever is humanly possible to prevent a recurrence. The ministry is inviting ICAO to assist and support Nigeria to undertake technical and safety oversight of aircraft and airlines operating in the country.”’

STELLA ODUAH

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

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HE transition (from military to democratic rule) may yet end with a bang, but the build-up to the presidential election that was supposed to be its high point has been mired in desultory march of intrigue, disinformation, and all manner of skullduggery.

As I write these lines at 7:30 in the evening of Thursday, June 10, just 48 hours to polling day, it is by no means clear that an election will actually take place.

The High Court in Abuja is yet to determine whether the National Electoral Commission (NEC), Federal Attorney-General (Clement Akpamgbo) and President Ibrahim Babangida have furnished compelling reasons as to why the election should not be stopped, as demanded by Arthur Nzeribe’s Association for a Better Nigeria (ABN). The Association has followed up its petition with a huge demonstration in Kaduna urging Babangida to stay on for four more years.

S. G. Ikoku’s self-styled Council of Elder Statesmen is still busy calling for what amounts to a scuttling of the transition process, Curiously, its advocacy, dripping with contempt for the two official political parties and their presidential candidates and indeed for the entire political class, is described not as a proposal but a “Report.’’

The ‘’Report’’ is received in Abuja with all the pomp and circumstance of a commissioned job.

Newspapers are awash with unsigned advertisements excoriating the SDP candidate, Moshood Abiola, and the NRC candidate, Bashir Tofa, for all manner of misconduct, ranging from alleged purloining of an opponent’s letter to religious fanaticism. The country is awash in rumours of dark plots and dire warnings.

From his base in London, fugitive Second Republic minister Umaru Dikkko, no longer fearful of being shipped home in a crate, is reported to have written to the Kaduna Mafia, warning that under no circumstance should a southerner be allowed to win power.

As if to add poignancy to the rumoured Dikko epistle, allegations surface that Abiola and a conclave of Yoruba elders have complete plans to transfer the federal capital back to Lagos if Abiola won the election.

And if he did not, Igbo property in Yorubaland was marked for destruction.

Such were the doubts and distrust sowed in the week before the election and watered assiduously every passing day. Long and disorderly queues formed by panic-stricken motorists in the wake of a strike by petroleum workers strengthen doubts about the election. A breakdown in electric and water supplies further reinforces the doubts.

NEC chairman Humphrey Nwosu comes

RIPPLES I’D RATHER RIDE IN KEKE NAPEP THAN TRAVEL BY PLANE TO LAGOS-Granny who missed Dana flight

Yes even if IT TAKES THREE WEEKS FROM ABUJA

OLATUNJI DARE

AT HOME ABROAD olatunji.dare@thenationonlineng.net

‘June 12’: Days of intrigue and suspense (1)

•The late Chief Abiola

on the television screen as I write these lines, ebullient as ever, and reeling out in a singsong, combative voice, a trainload of things that must not be done on election day and assuring a national audience that all was set for the historic poll.

I was immediately reminded of what someone who should know told me long ago: Never mind the histrionics. Good old Humphrey is not actually in charge, and does not know what is really going At any rate, no polling booths have been erected, and no voters’ list has been put on display in Lagos, 48 hours to the poll. It requires a degree of credulity bordering on naiveté to wager that the poll will indeed hold on June 12.

NTA’s network news has just ended. There is no indication at all of developments in the ABN’s legal battle to scuttle the election. The doubts remain. The electoral laws state cat-

egorically that no court action can stand in the way of the election. If this means anything at all, it means that no court can entertain any petition that seeks to stop the election. Abuja High Court has not only entertained the petition, it allowed it to drag on for one full week, and to cast grave doubts on whether the election will be held At this point, I break off and go to bed, hoping to complete this piece the next day, Friday, June 11, to meet my copy deadline.

At 11:05 p.m., the doorbell rings.

Who can it be at this time of day?

It is Femi Kusa, The Guardian’s director of publications and editor-in-chief. He has a message, and it is for my ears only, the night guard tells me. I go downstairs to meet Kusa.

Without the slightest trace of agitation or surprise, Kusa tells me, first, that the Abuja High Court has ruled that election scheduled for Saturday, June 12, must not hold as demanded by the ABN; second, that the court has reserved ruling for one month on NEC’s counter-motion, and -third, that the police had granted the ABN a permit to stage a Babangida-Must-Stay rally in Abuja. He says he thought I should not have to read the newspapers the next day before learning of these developments.

Even those of our countrymen (and women) who have maintained all along that the transition programme bears the markings of a cruel hoax and of a prologue to tragedy could hardly have believed that matters would come to such a desultory pass. But such, alas, is the level of triviality to which the final phase of the transition programme has been reduced.

No sooner were the presidential primaries concluded than rumours spread that the candidates of both parties would be disquali-

HARDBALL

F

ROM all indications, especially going by the unhappy controversy over how best to honour Chief MKO Abiola, winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, the ghost of that election is unlikely to rest until the reputations of many important people have been shattered. It will be recalled that shortly after the election was annulled, the first reputation to be destroyed was that of Gen Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, the head of state at the time. Then after a few twists and turns, Chief Ernest Shonekan was handed the reins of power without legitimacy of any kind attached to it. He was neither perceptive enough nor did he have the character to deny himself the sham luxury of profiting from another man’s misery. Soon after, Gen Sani Abacha took over from Shonekan and ran rings round some Southwest politicians who had prided themselves as progressives.

The biggest loser was, however, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe, Abiola’s vice presidentelect. Unable to read his crystal ball well, he opted for short term gains by capitulating to military pressures to throw in his lot with Abacha. He never regained credibility; and all his talents, his diplomatic skills, his resonant voice, his eloquence, and his effortless ability to make friends, were all lost in that one careless throw of the dice. Like a haunted man, he only ventured out in public guilt-ridden and

Had MKO Abiola been president with his head bowed. Now, thanks to President Goodluck Jonathan’s misadventure in conferring controversial honour on the slain president-elect, many otherwise serious and progressive analysts have fallen on their swords, quite unable to appreciate the kind of honour that befits the fallen hero, and even appearing to endorse presidential illogic.

But by far the most evocative aspect of the Abiola victory and annulment is the thought of what might have been had Abiola’s victory been upheld. If the military under Babangida had not played God by presuming to anticipate what they described as the fearful consequences of validating the 1993 presidential election, by 2001, Abiola would have completed two presidential terms, and by now, all other things being equal, we would have had almost 20 years of democracy. In view of the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket that swept the polls that year, we would probably have overcome our religious and ethnic artificial divides, knocked the future ogres of Boko Haram into a cocked hat, and

fied. Damning dossiers on both candidates were said to have been compiled, with generous help from the intelligence services of Western nations. Since then, it has been one dark hint of gloomy portents after another.

Was this the ‘’hidden agenda’’ finally unravelling?

A hidden agenda exists all right, weighs in Vice President Augustus Aikhomu. But it belongs to the self-appointed messiahs and who held a widely publicised meeting at General Obasanjo’s farm the other day and their confederates, not to the Babangida Administration.

As I conclude this piece at 1:05 a.m. on Friday, June 11, 1993, NEC has not indicated whether it will go ahead with the election as planned, the Abuja injunction notwithstanding. The authors and managers of the transition programme have made no statement.

Perhaps they are satisfied that the transition is still ‘’on course,’’ and that the ‘’solid foundation’’ they have been laying for democracy these past seven years is, if anything, stronger than ever. Or it may well be that they regard the latest developments as just another phase of the “learning process’’ that is the transition.

Others of a different cast of mind cannot be blamed if, on waking up today and hearing the news, they felt, like Jacob, that they had for seven years been sleeping with an illusion.

For the next 16 hours or so after Justice Ikpeme’s ruling, there is no clear indication that the election will hold. It is well past lunchtime on Friday, June 11, when NEC finally announces that the election will go on as scheduled, Justice Ikpeme and the ABN notwithstanding.

The Federal Government’s affirmation that the election will hold comes only indirectly, in response to a statement issued by the United States Government through the United States Information Service in Lagos to the effect that any postponement of the election would be “unacceptable” to Washington.

The election holds as scheduled. Minor hitches are reported here and there, the type that can be expected even in the best-ordered poll. For the most part, NEC and everyone connected with the election gets high praise for a job superbly executed.

-EndsThis article was adapted from columns first published in the June 15 and June 22, 1993, editions of The Guardian. The writer, a professor of journalism at Bradley University, Illinois, previously served as editorial page editor and chair of the Editorial Board for that newspaper.

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More dividends would have followed.

There would have been no Shonekans, no Abachas; Chief Olusegun Obasanjo himself would not have gone to jail, and would certainly not have been inflicted on us in 1999.

There would have been no Major Hamza alMustapha, nor any of the phantom coups that destroyed the careers of many military officers, and Shehu Yar’Adua would probably still be alive. And consider the blissful fact that had Obasanjo not emerged, we would not have had Goodluck Jonathan and his brainstorms, not to talk of the fact that the University of Lagos – sigh, sigh – would have kept its name, peace and, in a manner of speaking, its chastity. After all, it is written that: For want of a nail the shoe was lost.

For want of a shoe the horse was lost.

For want of a horse the rider was lost.

For want of a rider the message was lost.

For want of a message the battle was lost.

For want of a battle the kingdom was lost.

And all for the want of a horseshoe nail.

See what one seemingly small injustice has caused to so many people and the country itself! And all these problems and consequences because Babangida, citing extenuating circumstances, lacked the character and courage to uphold the cause of justice.

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