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Boko Haram ready to swap 219 girls with 70 detainees Hajiya Wakil: sect seeks amnesty

By Olukorede Yishau, Assistant Editor (News)

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OKO Haram has demanded the release of 70 of its members in detention as a condition to free the Chibok girls, it emerged yesterday.

The sect is also asking the government to give amnesty to its members.

A lawyer close to the armed group, Hajiya Aisha Wakil, told AlJazeera English that the sect said only when these conditions are met would it release the abducted girls.

No fewer than 276 girls were abducted from the Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok, Borno State on April 15.

The Boko Haram leaders deceived the girls that they were soldiers who came to protect them from attack.

There are 219 girls in their custody following the escape of 57 from their enclave.

In spite of the support from an international coalition, including the United States, Britain, France and Australia military personnel and the use of a negotiator, the girls remain in the sect’s custody.

Hajia Wakil, who is also known as Mama Boko Haram, because of her closeness to members of the sect, said: “And they want to be given amnesty, rehabilitated, and allowed to come back

?

SEE PAGES 2&3

WHERE ARE THE CHIBOK home and move freely. I GIRLS told them not to hold the KIDNAPPED girls as ransom and to give ON APRIL 15?

Continued on page 4

•An operative of the Sharia police called Hisbah holds a plastic bag of human flesh collected at the scene of the blast …yesterday.

I

Suspect arrested as explosion kills eight in school

T was bloody yesterday in Kano. A bomb ripped through the School of Hygiene, killing eight and injuring 20.

Soldiers search Tambuwal’s car

•‘Govt owes Speaker apology’

H

OUSE of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal was stopped yesterday by soldiers in Kaduna for security checks.

According to the soldiers, they were acting on “orders from above”.

Tambuwal was on his way to an international conference where he was to deliver a speech but was delayed when the soldiers insisted that his official car be searched before he could be

PHOTO: AFP

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna, Victor Oluwasegun, Abuja, Joseph Jibueze and Precious Igbonwelundu

allowed into the venue.

The incident is coming five days after security agents, acting on the orders of the Federal Government, prevented Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole and his Rivers counterpart Rotimi Amaechi from travelling to Ekiti State for an

All Progressives Congress Continued on page 4

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

The school is opposite Sabon Kofar on the Bayero University (BUK) Road. The ex-

plosion occurred at about 2:05 p.m., damaging eight vehicles parked in the premises.

Commissioner of Police Adenrele Shinaba told report-

ers at the scene of the incident that a suspect had been arrested.

“We are yet to establish Continued on page 3

•Ekiti State Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi (left) and Governor-elect Ayodele Fayose at the Ekiti Government House... yesterday STORY ON PAGE 4

Fayemi is an unusual Nigerian, says Fayose

•EXCHANGE TO DELIST STARCOMMS, DAARCOMM, BIG TREAT, UTC, OTHERS P55

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014

2

NEWS

How to get our g

•From left: MD/CEO , International Distilleries Limited (IDL), Esijolomi Rewane, Brand Manager, Chapeau Wine, IDL,Patrick Anegbe, Mrs. Chioma Alonge and President, Lagos Country Club, Chief Kayode Moradeyo during the unveiling of Chapeau Wine in Lagos.

A lawyer close to Boko Haram tries to negotiate for peace, and the return of the Chibok girls, writes AL JAZEERA

B

•Chief Executive Officer, Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, Mrs. Sola David-Borha (left) greeting the Managing Director/ CEO, Nigeria Commodity Exchange, Mr. Yusuf Abdurrahim at a news conference in Lagos to announce the imminent launch of a pilot electronic warehouse receipt system for the Exchange in Lagos...yesterday. With them is the Managing Director, Bank of Agriculture, Dr Mohammed Santuraki.

PHOTO: BOLA OMILABU

•From left: MTN Ambassador, Praiz, Director, Lagos State Ministry of Education, Mrs. Olayinka Bello, CEO, MTN Nigeria, Michael Ikpoki and Corporate Services Executive, MTN Nigeria, Mr. Akinwale Goodluck, at the closing ceremony of the 2014 edition of MTN 21 Days of Y'ello Care themed, "Education in a Digital World", in Lagos...yesterday.

•General Manager, Commercial, Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited, Patrick Olinma (right) speaking at a stakeholders engagement forum on the path to sustainability of the Domestic Gas market in Nigeria in Abuja...yesterday.

With him are from left: Manager, Department of Petroleum Resources( DPR), Mohammed Alaku, General Manager, LNG, Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation( NNPC), ; Mohammed Bashir, Commercial Sales Manager, NLNG, Muhammed Buba Manager and General Manager, Gas Business, Total, Ronnie Aker.

ARRISTER Aisha Wakil is quite literally caught in the middle between Boko Haram fighters and the government of Nigeria - and has nearly died because of it.

For the past five years, “Mama Boko Haram” - the name given to her by locals - has been negotiating a peace agreement between religious fighters and Nigerian authorities in Maiduguri, the main city in the troubled northeast.

From her home in Maiduguri’s Shehuri North district, the former stronghold for Boko Haram, Aisha recalled how she first became acquainted with the hard-line group, which has received global notoriety for recently abducting more than 200 schoolgirls from the town of Chibok, and its violent programme to implement strict Islamic law across Nigeria.

Thousands of people have died more than 2,000 so far this year and an estimated 750,000 Nigerians have been driven from their homes in the five-year-old conflict.

Barrister Aisha has a lot of contacts and personally knows many who are in the group. She instigated dialogue through her contacts and nearly died trying to facilitate talks.

In April 2013, Aisha was one of two women appointed to the government-initiated Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security Challenges in the North.

She was also named as a must-have participant by Boko Haram representatives.

A lawyer and human rights activist, Aisha along with 25 other committee members consisting of politicians and northern community leaders were given the task of identifying and engaging key leaders of Boko Haram, and developing a framework for amnesty and disarmament of the group.

Sheathed in a full black niqab with only her light brown eyes peering out from behind her spectacles, the 44-year-old told Al Jazeera about how she first became involved with Boko Haram, including its slain chief Mohammed Yusuf who was shot dead allegedly while trying to escape police custody in 2009.

“I would visit his house regularly and always cooked food to bring to the almajaris (pupils) of the Quranic school,” Aisha said.

“Yusuf would always be there preaching and he liked my cooking very much, especially my egusi soup. He prayed that Almighty Allah would reward me because so many were eating from my pot, and that was how we established a close relationship. The boys called me ‘mum’. Many of them didn’t have mothers.”

Killed in custody Aisha described the cult of personality that Yusuf developed among his followers.

•Hajia Wakil

“Yusuf would attract a large crowd whenever he preached, especially the youth. He was a very good orator and he knew the Quran very well. I think that was what really carried people away with him,” she said.

But as the number of his supporters began to grow and his rhetoric intensified, Nigerian authorities began to run out of patience.

“Yusuf was giving a sermon insulting the government. They wanted Sharia law implemented across the entire country. That was when Yusuf started getting dragged into the police net. They would arrest him for one thing or another,” said Aisha.

Yusuf confided in her that Boko Haram was planning to “wage war” amid increasing repression and government violence. “It had got serious … He said, ‘Mum you were here when they shot and killed my followers and as we were carrying the bodies they shot us again. My hands are tied, but if we’re able to meet governor Ali Sheriff [former governor of Borno state] and talk things over, the war will not happen.’”

That meeting did not take place, however, after Yusuf died in police custody on July 30, 2009. Since then, violence in the region has dramatically escalated, and the government later turned to Aisha to use her influence as “Mama Boko Haram” to initiate peace talks.

She has risked her life to communicate with Boko Haram, and was nearly killed in the crossfire of a gun battle between soldiers and fighters as she entered a remote region under their control for talks.

“Barrister Aisha has a lot of contacts and personally knows many who are in the group,” said Bulama Gubio from the Borno Elders Forum, and a member of the Presidential Advisory Committee on National Dialogue.

“She instigated dialogue through her contacts and nearly died trying to facilitate talks between Boko Haram and the government. The process of dialogue can only be successful if those who are involved in the grass roots level are included.

Boko Haram trust her and she is a vital key from their community.”

Fight for Islamic law Nigeria’s 170 million people are nearly evenly divided between Christians, who dominate the south, and the primarily northern-based Muslims. Boko Haram - which means “Western education is prohibited” in the local Hausa dialect has called for the enforcement of Islamic law even among non-Muslims.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014

3

ur girls back, by Mama Boko Haram

•Video grab of some of the abducted girls

Sharia law has been implemented in 12 of Nigeria’s 36 states - all in the north - after Nigeria returned to civilian rule in 1999 following years of military rule.

As Aisha recounted her story, a gurgling baby boy crawled around her feet and rested two chubby fists on her ankles, lifting his head up to shed a smile. In her humble home, men sit on the floor eating food. They do not meet her eyes as she passes, and instead smile at the floor and greet her as “mama”.

“I know all the boys from here,” she said, picking up the infant in her arms. “I held them when they were born.”

As a married Muslim woman, Aisha could be considered an un-

likely associate of West Africa’s most notorious rebel group. But Nigerian women have been at the forefront of Boko Haram’s activities, not only as victims of abduction but also as galvanisers of political action.

In April, a “million woman march” protested the mass kidnapping of the girls and was accompanied by the hashtag #BringBackOurGirls campaign organised in the capital, Abuja, which rapidly spread throughout the country and across the world, eventually reaching the US White House.

Even before the mass abduction, women in Maiduguri under the aegis of “Concerned Mothers of

•A girl asking for the release of the Chibok girls

Borno” marched for peace back in 2009.

“Women should be included in all talks and the peace process in northern Nigeria,” said Hamsatu Allamin of the Nigeria Stability and Reconciliation Programme.

Aisha said Boko Haram had separated the more than 200 kidnapped girls into “many groups”.

Asked how the schoolgirls were being treated, Aisha said, “I know that Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awatiwal-Jihad (original Boko Haram fighters led by Mohammed Yusuf) don’t touch women or elderly ones.”

But she added that Boko Haram has evolved over the years and the girls were abducted by members

who have deviated from its original teachings.

“I have spoken to them about the girls and the situation to plead for their release. When this first happened they told me the girls are well but some are sick. They need medication. They are giving them antibiotics but they cannot buy food to feed them. They are attacking villages for supplies.”

Aisha said she asked Boko Haram what they wanted in return for the girls’ release, and was told the government must free about 70 of their fighters from prison.

“And they want to be given amnesty, rehabilitated, and allowed to come back home and move freely,” she added. “I told them not to hold

the girls as ransom and to give me the sick ones - and that was where we ended up. The girls are a growing burden to them, and if the demands are not met ...”

Aisha paused and closed her eyes tightly, trying to hold back tears.

“I don’t agree with what they are doing, but I speak to them because I am their mother. Sometimes they call me Um el Salam (Arabic for mother of peace). These are Nigeria’s lost boys. My hope is that the government listens to them and let them have dialogue.

“I’m still with them after all these years because I didn’t betray them.

I didn’t betray the government, I didn’t betray the military - I’m just in the middle grasping for peace.”

Suspect arrested as explosion kills eight in school

•Policemen examining one of the damaged cars...yesterday.

Continued from page 1

“We are yet to establish whether the bomb was planted inside the school premises or was primed inside a vehicle; but all we can say is that an explosion occurred in that school at about 2:05 p.m.”, he said.

The bodies of the dead and the injured have been evacuated to Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital.

The students came for registration. Most of them had concluded it and after afternoon prayers, and they were about moving out of the premises when the deafening explosion occurred.

Eyewitnesses said among the dead was a Fulani woman who had come to sell Fura Dai Nono in the school.

The Personal Assistant to the School’s Provost, Malam Abdulkarim Umar Bashir, said his boss, Dr. Ado H. Bello, escaped death by the whiskers.

Bashir said: “I just left the mosque after the afternoon prayer and I saw the Provost in his blue Matrix car, trying to park. I immediately went to remove the packing signboard. On removing it, the provost moved to his parking lot. Within the twinkle of an eye, an explosion occurred, but we thank God that

•Another car shattered by the explosion...yesterday.

the provost and I are alive.”

The area has been cordoned off with Anti-Bomb Squad men wnet combing the area and evacuating the bodies.

Shinaba said: “As I am talking to you, the wounded have been taken to the hospital. We are doing our best to put the situation under control.”

He urged residents to remain security conscious and report suspicious movements to the police and other security agencies.

The branch executive secretary of the Red Cross in Kano, Alhaji Musa Abdullahi, told this reporter that seven people died and 20

‘

I just left the mosque after the afternoon prayer and I saw the Provost in his blue Matrix car, trying to park. I immediately went to remove the packing signboard. On removing it, the provost moved to his parking lot. Within the twinkle of an eye, an explosion occurred, but we thank God that the provost and I are alive were injured. “They have been evacuated to Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital,” Abdullahi

‘

said.

No group has claimed responsibility for the incident.

4

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014

NEWS

•Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar (seventh right) with some children of the late Aare Musulumi, Alhaji Abdul Azeez Arisekola-Alao during the condolence visit of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chief to the Arisekola-Alao family house in Ibadan…yesterday

Soldiers stop Tambuwal for security search Continued from page 1

(APC) rally.

Oshiomhole’s chartered helicopter was prevented from departing the Benin Airport.

Amaechi and his convoy were stopped by security operatives from entering Ekiti.

APC national leader Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s chopper was grounded at the Akure Airport. He returned to Lagos by

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road.A source said Tambuwal was barely 200 meters from Hotel 17, venue of the conference on Security and Development Challenges of Pastoralism in West and Central Africa, organised by the Office of the National Security Adviser, when he was stopped by the soldiers.The speaker arrived at the venue at about 9.16 am and was stopped even though the seal of his of-

fice was conspicuous on the vehicle.

The soldiers rebuffed protests

by Tambuwal’s security aides, insisting that they must search his car before being allowed into the premises.

Tambuwal was said to have come out of the car and walked to the venue when it became apparent the soldiers meant what they said.

However, other important guests, including governors, invited to the event were allowed in without a search, The Nation learnt.

A security official at the scene, who did not want to be named, said: “Initially, we never knew it was the Speaker coming, but on getting closer, I discovered Continued on page 62

Boko Haram abducts 91 villagers in Borno

O fewer than 91 people including 60 women were feared abducted by suspected Boko Haram insurgents between Thusday and Sunday in Kumanza,Yaga and Dagu villages in Damboa local government area of Borno State.

A local vigilante official told reporters yesterday that four villagers were killed while attempting to escape from their abductors.

Chairman, Sector 5 of local vigilante group in Borno State, Mr. Abb Aji Khalil, said: “over 60 women were among the villagers abducted.

“Some suspected Boko Haram members invaded

• 90 sect members shot dead

Kumanza,Yaga and Dagu villages and kidnapped 91 persons.

“More than 60 married women and young girls and children were forcibly taken away by Boko Haram terrorits.

Four villagers who tried to escape were shot dead on the spot” Khali said on the telephone.

It was learnt yesterday that the military shot dead no fewer than 70 suspected Boko Haram terrorists that attacked Chuha I and Chuha II, and Korogilim villages in Chibok Local Government Area of Borno State over the

weekend, during which more than 40 people were killed.

They were killed by air strikes and the ground troops of the Army’s Seventh division.

A resident of Korogilim Mr. Joshua Yakubu said the insurgents were killed on Sunday when the military responded to emergency calls.

According to him, the convoy of vehicles used by the terrorists were bombed.

“I want to inform you that we are happy with the gallant efforts displayed by the military with the quick intervention, which led to the killing of dozens of terrorists.

“Initially when we started hearing some deafening sounds of explosions at the outskirt of our villages, we thought the end of the world had come, but interestingly, we later confirmed that the explosions were from troops targetting the fleeing terrorists that attacked and killed many of our people.

There were more than 100 bodies and the scattered food items they looted during the attacks at the scene. People were trooping in to see things for themselves,” he said. Director of Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Chris Olukolade in an sms response yesterday said: “Yes it happened.”.

Boko Haram ready to swap 219 girls with 70 detainees Continued from page 1

me the sick ones - and that wa s where we ended up.

The girls are a growing burden to them, and if the demands are not met ...”

Speaking on her relationship with the sect, she said: “I don’t agree with what they are doing, but I speak to them because I am their mother. Sometimes they call me Um el Salam [Arabic for mother of peace]. These are Nigeria’s lost boys. My hope is that the government listens to them and lets them have dialogue.

“I’m still with them after all these years because I didn’t betray them. I didn’t betray the government. I didn’t betray the military I’m just in the middle grasping for peace.”

Asked how the schoolgirls were being treated, Hajiya Wakil said: “I know that Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awatiwal-Jihad [original Boko Haram fighters

led by Mohammed Yusuf] don’t touch women or elderly ones.”

But she added that Boko Haram had evolved over the years and the girls were abducted by members who deviated from its original teachings.

“I have spoken to them about the girls and the situation to plead for their release. When this first happened, they told me the girls were well but some sick.

They need medication. They are giving them antibiotics but they cannot buy food to feed them. They are attacking villages for supplies.”

Hajia Wakil said she knew many members of the sect, especially those born in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

“I know all the boys from here. I held them when they were born.” She was a member of the Presidential Committee on Conflict Resolution led by Sheikh Ahmed Lemu.

Fayemi an unusual Nigerian, says Fayose at Ekiti Govt House

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KITI State Governorelect Mr Ayodele Fayose yesterday described Governor Kayode Fayemi as an unusual Nigerian.

Fayemi congratulated Fayose, saying “we have to consider the interest of Ekiti people”.

Both leaders spoke in AdoEkiti during a visit to Dr Fayemi by the governor-elect.

Fayemi on Sunday conceded victory to his opponent.

His action has attracted plaudits from many quarters.

Yesterday’s meeting was to set the stage for a transition plan.

Fayose was accompanied

by Ekiti PDP chair Makanjuola Ogundipe and Ministerdesignate Dayo Adeyeye.

Fayemi pledged to sustain his programmes and policies for the state’s development till the end of his tenure in October.

He said: “They said my congratulatory message to the governor-elect is un-African or un-Nigerian; I don’t think it was so, because that was what I was expected to do as a democrat.”

Fayemi added: “As an

U.S. hails election as credible

T

HE United States yesterday congratulated Nigeria on the successful conduct of Saturday’s governorship election in Ekiti State.

In a statement by the United States Embassy, the U.S. said: “We congratulate the many electoral stakeholders for the successful conduct of the June 21 Ekiti gubernatorial elecFrom Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

elected official, I have no choice than to respect the wishes of the people. Our democracy is fragile and we have to do whatever we can as leaders to strengthen and deepen it the more.

“Ekiti is also unique. We all have ties dating back to centuries, so we are not disagreeable in any way.”

On the violence during electioneering campaigns by the leading parties, Fayemi noted: “What caused those things was the fact that we were playing politics. All is power struggle. We wanted to take from the same basket.

But today, we have taken the

tion. The Nigerian Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) oversaw a credible, efficient process, and by all accounts the result reflected the will of Ekiti’s voters.

“The security forces collaborated effectively and provided a safe and secure environment free of major incidents. The parties and their support-

outcome with equanimity.

“So, I congratulate the governor-elect because what we are doing today is a lesson for us that in whatever we do as leaders, we have to consider the overall interest of Ekiti people.

“Today, Ekiti is victorious.

We have shown the world that politics can be played with decorum and restraint.

But I have to continue to deliver the dividends of democracy to our people until October 16, so we have to plead with our supporters to exercise restraint.”

Fayemi urged Fayose to caution his supporters to exercise restraint, saying this was the only way to sustain mutual love among political

ers acted responsibly during and after the election, and the magnanimity exhibited by all candidates afterwards speaks highly of them and the people of Ekiti.

“That more than fifty per cent of registered voters turned out to make their voices heard bodes well for the future of Nigeria’s democracy.”

leaders.

Fayose said: “I got a call from the governor, our leader, Dr Kayode Fayemi and he told me expressly of his readiness to ensure that the state moves forward by accepting the result in the outcome of the June 21 governorship election. I consider and I know that only a statesman can do that, without being immodest.

“I want to equally understand the fact that as a leader and governor of a state, when such gestures are made, it behoves on people like me as a leader on the other side to meet with him and acknowledge the fact that he conceded in the overall interest of Ekiti. It is unusual; it is not

Nigerian or African-like for leaders to concede readily.”

The governor-elect, urged his supporters to shun acts that could jeopardise the peace of the state, saying it was time for reconciliation in order to build upon what Fayemi had done. “ I hope this meeting will further strengthen the peace in our state, and I want to add that our supporters must help us to help this State. Some came to my house yesterday singing all sorts of songs, I had to wake up and stop them. This is not a time to sing such songs. It is a time for reconciliation and love, to learn from the past and ensure that we have a wonderful future ahead of us. This

leadership calls for us to live according to the rules of the game and ensure that tomorrow, we will be made accountable.

“Dr Fayemi has demonstrated commitment to peace and I am going to complement his effort. I am going to take it up from wherever he stops and make sure that immediately after office, he still continues to enjoy his rights and benefits of a leader that has served his own people.”, he said.

Fayemi said: “Politics should be treated separately from governance and that politicians by their very nature would want to behave in a particular way but we as leaders must ensure that we handle that with restraints so that Ekiti people are the beneficiaries at the end of the day. We don’t want anything that will heat up the polity simply because we have a process of transition in Continued on page 62

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014

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NEWS

Jonathan: criminal herdsmen waging war against Nigeria C

RIMINALS in the guise of herdsmen have been waging war against Nigeria, President Goodluck Jonathan said yesterday.

The President also said the activities of insurgents are overstretching the nation’s security and pulling down economic growth.

Jonathan spoke in Kaduna at the opening of an international conference on security and development challenges of pastoralists in West and Central Africa.

He noted that all stakeholders in the nation’s future need to work together for peace and stability, instead of resorting to violence.

Represented by Vice-President Namadi Sambo, the President said it was necessary for Nigerians to ensure that the evil plans of the herdsmen do not come to pass.

According to him, the objective of the “enemies of the state” will have dire consequences on the nation, if al-

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

lowed to materialise.

Jonathan said his administration was committed to developing agriculture into a big business.

The President said the Agricultural sector had been undergoing massive transformation with the main focus of turning the nation into a global agricultural power house.

He said: “The frequency of drought in the North has caused the constant movement towards the South in search of greener pastures. The movement has exposed pastoralists to lots of challenges and loss of herds due to rustling, diseases and associated conflicts.

“The intensity and diversity of conflicts over the last few years has reached an alarming proportion with attendant loss of lives and property. This has, unfortunately,

been more predominant in Plateau, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Benue and Taraba states. Other Northern states are also not free from these security challenges.

“Such challenges have also been reported in some states in the South. The seed of conflict has continued to pose serious challenges to the nation’s security and economic growth. We are all aware of the threat posed to the nation by the activities of insurgents, some relying on the lingering pastoralist/ farmers clash and masquerading as pastoralists to wage war against the state.

“Lately, this objective is yet to be fully realised owing to resilience by the pastoralists, and if that objective was to be realised, it would have at a great cost to our country. I call on stakeholders, community leaders, religious leaders, youths’ groups and political

leaders to provide an atmosphere for peace and brotherhood rather to resort to conflict and violence which serves no useful purpose.”

Jonathan said the Agricultural sector contributed an average of 40 per cent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) between 2011 and 2012.

He add: “It currently employs about two-thirds of the nation’s labour force and has sustained a position as the highest non-oil export, contributing 47.17 per cent in 2011 and 45.49 per cent in 2012.

“In an effort to boost production in the country, no fewer than 10 million farmers have so far been registered under the Growth Enhancement Scheme of the Federal Government’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda. The huge government investment in agriculture, as shown in the 2014 budget, will expand opportunities for the private sec-

tor to drive the government’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda.

“In recognition of government’s effort in the Agricultural sector, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has approved $88.5 million (about N14.16 billion) in support of Nigeria’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda. Again, the Transformation Agenda has attracted another support from the World Bank of $150 million.

“The Ministry of Water Resources has also attracted a loan of about $450 million to develop irrigation schemes and sundry activities. The funding is for the Agricultural Transformation Agenda and support employment generation and wealth creation within the agricultural value chain.”

Agriculture Minister Akinwunmi Adesina said there was the need for a regional solution to the constant clashes between farmers and herdsmen.

APC UK hails Odigie-Oyegun’s emergence

By Olamilekan Andu

T

HE United Kingdom (UK) chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has congratulated the party’s National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, and other members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) for their victory in the recent National Convention in Abuja.

The UK chapter encompasses members and leaders of the legacy parties in the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

The chapter said it was satisfied with how the APC leadership conducted a successful and peaceful maiden National Convention.

It expressed joy at the emergence of OdigieOyegun as the pioneer National Chairman, adding that he was favoured “for his ideological purity” and for being a morale-booster” for the chapter’s members.

APC UK Chairman, Alhaji Garba Sani, promised his loyalty and other members’ to the chairman.

According to him, OdigieOyegun represents the ideals of the party and the aspiration of its members.

Sani noted that the national chairman’s credentials as a democrat, with the role he played in the days of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), put him in good stead for his leadership role.

He alluded to OdigieOyegun’s speech after his victory at the National Convention: “…For us to succeed, dear brothers and sisters, we must pledge this night to work together as a team.

We must embrace the ideals of unity, oneness and harmony, and the spirit of giveand-take. We must learn to let go of past grudges and previous grievances and move forward together as members of the same family.

•From left: Alhaji Sanusi; Alhaji Abubakar III and Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar El-Kanemi, at the Sultan’s palace during PHOTO:NAN the visit...yesterday

Sultan: monarchs, politicians should be partners in progress

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HE Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has said traditional rulers and politicians should be partners in progress and not enemies or competitors.

The monarch said both should work as partners for the development and unity of the nation.

“Politicians and the traditional rulers should avoid unnecessary acrimony and

E

From Adamu Suleiman, Sokoto

bickering to the detriment of the people,” he said.

Abubakar spoke yesterday in Sokoto when the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II, visited him.

The Sultan noted that there is need for monarchs and politicians to work together to improve the lives of the people.

He said: “We are all leaders who have been entrusted with various leadership roles.”

Abubakar noted that Nigerians need the support of their leaders, adding that the leaders should not waiver in the effort to meet the demands of Nigerians.

He said: “Leadership is crucial in Islam and it is a trust that we will account for before the Almighty Allah.”

The monarch urged Sanusi to be grateful to God for making him an Emir.

“God gives and takes leadership. We traditional rulers will continue to conduct ourselves as ordained by God,

in line with the Islamic injunctions,” Abubakar said.

Sanusi, who was accompanied by his senior councillors, told Abubakar that he was in Sokoot to pay homage and respect to the Sultan in line with tradition.

He said: “I am also here to condole with you over the demise of late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, and pray for the repose of his soul.

“We also commend your eminence for your unequalled leadership role you play in Nigeria and abroad.”

EFCC urges youths to shun corruption •Agency inaugurates anti-graft club in school From Precious Dikewoha, Port Harcourt

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HE Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ibrahim Lamorde, has urged Nigerian youths to shun acts of corruption and indiscipline to safe their future and the country.

The EFCC chairman spoke yesterday at the inauguration of EFCC Integrity Club at the Police Comprehensive Secondary School in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

Lamorde, who was represented by the agency’s Head of Enlightenment and Re-Orientation Unit, Hajia Aisha Larai Musa, said EFCC envisioned the youths’ club to instil honesty, respect, fairness and responsibility among the young generation.

He said the initiative would form the foundation for a national integrity movement that would foster ethical behaviour, accountability and care youths modelling with teaching of good character through emphasis on universal shared values.

He advised the students to demonstrate a lifestyle of integrity as their contribution to the development of the country.

Lamorde said: “The students have an important role to play in shaping the destiny of Nigeria and to ensure that integrity starts with you. We must imbibe it in our lives and then encourage individuals in our families, especially your parents and friends.

“For the integrity club to work effectively, the teachers are not left out of this war.

Their behaviour and character must be worthy of emulation and the purpose for which the Integrity Club was established must be realised.”

The Commandant of the Police Comprehensive Secondary School, Mohammed Bunu, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), said the collaboration with EFCC to “catch them young” in the fight against corruption was imperative.

He said: “Corruption in schools are of different shades, including cheating during examinations, bullying of junior students, telling lies and hoodwinking teachers who arrange pass mark for students to go home, among others. So, the Integrity Club is a welcome development and another credit to the EFCC...”

I was inspired by Azikiwe, says Afe Babalola

MINENT lawyer, Aare Afe Babalola (SAN) has said he was inspired by the late Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe.

Babalola spoke on Sunday in Lagos at the 2013 edition of the Zik Leadership Prize, where he was honoured with eight others for their contributions to humanity.

The Zik Award was the initiative of the Public Policies Research and Analysis Centre (PPRAC), which was established in 1994 as a nonpolitical and non-governmental body for making input into public policy formulation in Nigeria.

Babalola said: “I have always been a great fan of Azikiwe while growing up. I have always regarded Zik as

By Adegunle Olugbamila

one of the greatest Nigerians ever. As a young man, I remember how I would travel several miles in Ado-Ekiti to the District Office at Oke Bareke to read The Pilot Newspapers published by Zik. I also had a soft spot for the Weekend Catechism, which was written by Dr Mbonu Ojike.

“The writings of these two individuals inspired me and instilled in me the spirit of nationalism, leadership and philanthropy for which I am being honoured today.

“On the Zik award, I am greatly inspired. It shows the world is still watching me and interested in me. “This award simply means I’m

now ranked as one of the world leaders who, in one capacity or the other, is making efforts to impact on humanity and promote peace.”

The eminent lawyer dedicated the awards to his parents who he said worked hard to see him through school, despite being peasant farmers.

Former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, who was the chairman of the occasion, congratulated the awardees for deserving of “one of the most treasured prizes in Africa”.

The elder statesman noted that the awardees were not only prominent citizens but outstanding achievers.

The nation’s challenges,

he said, were almost non-existent during the time of the late Azikiwe and other nationalists.

Anyaoku said: “This event, once again, brings to the fore a reflection of the era of Zik, Obafemi Awolowo, Tafawa Balewa and Dr Dennis Osadebey. In those years, the youths were full of hope, while the four regions were developing and progressing socially and economically.

“We are talking of an era where corruption had not become a monster as it is now; when there was security in virtually every part of the country. “There seems no way we can tackle our challenges for a federal restructuring. Let us all chal-

lenge our leaders to discard self-interest and restructure governance so that Nigeria can return to peaceful economic progress, which it once enjoyed before the military takeover in 1966.”

Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Patrick Obahiagbon, got an award for Good Governance, with Cross River and Gombe states’ Governors Liyel Imoke and Ibrahim Dankwambo.

A former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman, Dr Bamanga Tukur, was honoured for contributions to Public Service and Babalola for Humanitarian Service.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014

6

NEWS Pharmacists Council gets Registrar

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From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

HE Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) has appointed Nurudeen Mohammed as its Registrar.

The appointment was made at the 36th regular of PCN’s Governing Council.

The PCN is a Federal Government agency established by Act P17, LFN, 2004. It is charged with the regulation and control of pharmacy education, training and practice in all aspects, including the regulation of Patent and Proprietary Medicines Vendors.

Mohammed is a 1984 Pharmacy graduate of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Edo State. He also holds a Master of Science in Health Management from the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and Master in Business Administration (MBA) from Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, Edo State.

He is a certified Professional Manager of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM).

‘Remove Land Use Act from Constitution’

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By Joseph Jibueze

HE Land Use Act should be removed from the Constitution and placed on the Concurrent Legislative List to make its amendment easier, professional bodies at the National Conference have said.

According to them, certain sections, such as the requirement for governors’ consent, need amendment to make the Act work smoothly and remove unnecessary bottlenecks in land transactions.

The Act, which is part of the 1999 Constitution, by virtue of Section 315 (5), is difficult to amend because its alteration must follow the rigorous Constitution amendment requirements.

A member of the professional bodies at the National Conference, former Nigeria Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) President Emeka Eleh, in a statement, said the Act, when removed from the Constitution, would remain a Federal law.

The group said: “Placing land matters in the Concurrent Legislative List will make it possible for states to be able to make necessary enactments that will make for the smooth operation of the Act in their respective states without altering the main provisions or the main essence of the Act. “It will also make it possible for the National Assembly to effect amendments to the Act as may be appropriate following their laid down procedure.”

The delegates urged the conference to ratify it.

According to them, the Land Use Act, promulgated in 1978, has not achieved its objectives as access to land remains a major problem to Nigerians, hindering economic development; land titling remains at a low level, with only three per cent of the land mass being titled.

Besides, they said the Act causes a lack of fluidity in the land market due to the governor’s consent requirement for all transactions; adding that the power of compulsory acquisition vested on them has in most cases been used arbitrarily without payment or adequate compensation to land owners.

“Nigeria is today ranked 185 out of 185 countries assessed by the World Bank on the difficulty of registering properties. This is a major impediment to business transactions which adversely affect all sectors of the economy.

“Removal of the Act from the Constitution is not intended to dilute its provisions but will only make it easy to be amended to enable it achieve its set goals. The rights and authority vested on state governors to administer the land in their respective states will remain unchanged,” they said.

N47.1b ‘theft’: Akingbola asks court to stay proceedings

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HE former Managing Director of the defunct Intercontinental Bank Plc, Erastus Akingbola, yesterday urged a Lagos High Court, Ikeja, to stay proceedings on the N47.1 billion theft charges against him.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) charged Akingbola with alleged stealing of the bank’s money.

Charged with Akingbola is Bayo Dada, the General Manager of Tropics Securities Limited.

Dada filed a similar application, asking for a stay of proceedings before the court, presided over by Justice Lateef Lawal-Akapo.

At the resumed hearing of the matter yesterday, Akingbola’s lawyer, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), said the defence had filed an application, asking the court to stay further hearing on the trial.

Olanipekun said the application followed Akingbola’s appeal against a ruling delivered

by Justice Lawal-Akapo on May 2, where the court assumed jurisdiction on the matter.

The lawyer said the notice of appeal was already before the Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal.

He said the record of proceedings had been transferred

By Adebisi Onanuga

to the appellate court.

The Appeal Court, Olanipekun said, had fixed July 3 for hearing.

Counsel to the co-defendant, Prof. Taiwo Osipitan (SAN), aligned with Olanipekun’s submission.

He urged the court to adjourn proceedings pending the hearing and determination of Akingbola’s appeal.

But EFCC counsel, Mr Godwin Obla (SAN), objected to the request of the defendants for an adjournment, based on their fresh application.

Obla said he was just served the application yesterday.

The lawyer said he was ready to give an oral argument in order to accelerate proceedings.

“The court cannot hear the application through the back door. The business of today is for the trial to commence,” he said.

To support his submission, Obla referred the court to the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State 2011, which he said prohibited the court from entertaining such applications.

The trial judge granted the request of the defence counsel and adjourned the matter till July 11 for argument.

•From left: Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mr Edem Duke; former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku; legal luminary, Aare Afe Babalola (SAN) and his wife, Yeye Modupe, during the conferment of leadership award on Babalola

by The Zik Leadership Prize at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos...on Sunday

Delegates reject secession clause

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ELEGATES to the National Conference yesterday rejected a proposal that the self-determination clause should be inserted into the Constitution.

The rejection followed the delegates’ consideration of the report of the Committee on Law, Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Reforms, chaired

by Justice G. A. Oguntade.

The proposal stipulates that a clause of right for selfdetermination should be added to the Constitution.

Most Southsouth delegates pushed for the insertion of the self-determination clause in the Constitution.

An acceptance of the clause would have given ethnic nationalities seeking to opt out of the country to easily do so.

There are many disgruntled groups in the Nigerian project campaigning for self-determination.

A delegate noted that an approval of the proposal would have been a sure way to give fillip to those who seek to balkanise the country.

Delegates accepted a proposal for the abolition of plea bargain, which most of them said breeds corruption.

Col. Tony Nyiam proposed that the National Conference should kick-start “the long overdue process of replacing the military dictatorimposed 1999 Constitution with the peoples of Nigeria’s referendum-approved democratic federal Constitution”.

No vote was taken on the

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Order of protocol divides delegates

ROCEEDINGS were temporarily stalled yesterday evening until a recommendation on order of protocol was concluded.

The Justice George Oguntade-led Committee on Law and Human Rights recommended that the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) be listed as number four, as against the extant number five position.

But an amendment that the CJN be made the number three man caused a commotion as the leadership could not ascertain the voting pattern.

A former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman, Dr. Ahmadu Ali, noted that since the constitution recognises three organs of government, the head of the Judiciary should be the number three state official.

He said the arrival of the heads of the Executive and the Legislature and their deputies should be regarded as one and not counted individually.

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Dele Anofi, Abuja

proposal.

Deputy Chairman Prof.

Bolaji Akinyemi said the debate on the modality of the conference recommendations, referendum or new constitution would be decided on July 3.

The conference accepted the proposal that the Attorney-General of the Federation be appointed by the President for a single term of six years subject to the confirmation of the Senate.

Delegates accepted the recommendation that the Office of the Attorney-General and Minister/Commissioner of Justice be separated.

The conference accepted that State Court of Appeal should be established to serve as a terminal court in each

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Dele Anofi, Abuja

A former House of Representatives Speaker Umaru Na’aba said the question was contentious because the proposal of the committee was rather seeking for the solution to a problem.

He said the matter should be left and not debated, suggesting that the status quo, whereby the CJN was the number five, be retained.

Deputy Chairman, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, put the question again but it was also close.

His attempt to continue with the proceedings by reserving the issue for another was greeted with shouts of disapproval.

He eventually got his way, insisting on proceeding with the day’s business.

state.

Delegates agreed that serving judges should preside over electoral matters while Electoral Offences Tribunals be set up in the country.

The conference accepted that election petitions involving governors should terminate at the Supreme Court rather than the Court of Appeal.

The conference agreed that education rights should be made justiticeable.

Delegates accepted that the minimum period to appoint a judge is 10 years.

They agreed that the 35 per cent affirmation principle should be added to the Constitution and should read: “Not less than 35 per cent.”

They pegged 70 years as the retirement age for judges of superior record.

The conference proposed that special anti-corruption courts be established where preliminary objections or interlocutory injunctions should not be entertained.

Delegates proposed that alternative dispute resolution should be institutionalised while the President of the State Appeal Court be made the head of the Judiciary in the states.

The conference proposed that the number of Supreme Court Justices should be increased for quicker dispensation of justice.

Delegates accepted the recommendation that High Court judges should not be members of any social club.

They proposed that the Chief Justice of the Federation be the number three person in order of precedence.

No new airport projects’ll be built, says minister

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HE Supervising Minister for Aviation, Dr Samuel Ortom, said yesterday the ministry will not begin a new project until those in progress are completed.

Ortom spoke in Lagos during a tour/inspection of the airport remodelling at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja.

He said none of the projects would be abandoned because most of them had almost been completed.

This comes as Ortom denied collecting N25 million each from three aviation agencies for his “governorship ambition” in Benue State.

The minister said as a grassroots politician, if he indicated interest in the governorship race, his supporters would fund his ambition.

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

He urged Nigerians to dismiss insinuations that he was putting aviation agencies under pressure for cash requests.

Ortom explained that despite the huge debts - running to over N174 billion – the Federal Government would continue with uncompleted airport projects.

The minister said the new five international airport terminals under construction with $500 million loan from Chinese Exim Bank and $100 million Federal Government counterpart funding, would be completed soon.

He urged the contractors to expedite action on the construction of the new terminals.

Ortom explained that some projects were recently sus-

pended because of lack of fund.

The minister added that work had resumed on them when the Federal Government signed the 2014 budget into law.

He said: “We have to prioritise our work here. We have being operating through internally generated revenue (IGR) and we will continue to operate with it. We have done a lot.

“During this inspection, we identified some works we have to tidy up. We intend not to go on any new project until we tidy up these ones.”

Ortom said the ministry would also build new cargo terminals to enhance agricultural export.

According to him, the ministry will address human capacity and upgrading and the Federal Airport Authority of

Nigeria (FAAN) will be directed to reabsorb some workers that are due for retirement.

He said: “We will take due process to temporarily reabsorb some FAAN fire service retirees across the country to occupy some posts. In aviation, we take issue of safety and security as priority.”

FAAN’s Managing Director Saleh Dunoma said the major challenge the authority was facing bordered on inadequate fire fighting personnel.

He said FAAN had 600 fire service workers across the country, less than the 160 approved by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

Dunoma said new air-conditioners would soon be installed at the international terminal for passengers’ comfort.

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THE NATION TUESDAY JUNE 24, 2014

NEWS

June 12: Obasanjo secretly supported pro-democrats, says Kokori •Tinubu, Atiku, others for book launch

By Precious Igbonwelundu and Oluwatomisin Amokeoja

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•Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola (right), National Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun (third right), former Osun State Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola (second left), his wife Omolola, former Lagos State GovernorAsiwaju Bola Tinubu and APC Woman Leader Mrs. Alhaja Ramotu Tijani (second right) during a visit toOyinlola in his Okuku home... on Sunday.

‘Over 900 LASU students now pay A reduced tuition fee’

UTHORITIES of the Lagos State University (LASU) Ojo yesterday said over 900 students had complied with the payment of the new tuition fee as directed by the management.

The University Governing Council on June 20 released a new tuition fees to be paid by students, which ranges from N76, 750 to N158, 250.

The tuition fee was increased in 2011 from N25, 000 to N198, 000 for humanities and education, while medical students were made to pay N350, 000.

Following the new development, the management of the institution recalled the students from recess, and directed them to start paying the reduced tuition fee for the

2013/2014 academic session.

The institution’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Kayode Sutton, told NAN in Lagos that students had started complying with the payment and registration process as directed.

“As at today, over 900 students have paid the new fees as directed by the management,” he said.

Commenting on the low turnout of students in the campus, Sutton said the population of the students on campus should not be used to determine the number of students who had paid because the payment and registration

process were done online.

“You do not need to see the presence of students on campus before one can ascertain that they have complied,” he said.

The spokesman said the management would refund the balance of those students who had paid the old rate if they showed a receipt of payment for confirmation.

The Students Union President, Mr Nurudeen Yusuf, told NAN that the union was still not satisfied with the new tuition fee.

Yusuf said the union was still pressing for the proposed N46, 500 for the returning stu-

UI VC to students: stay away from cultism

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HE Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan (UI), Prof. Isaac Adewole, has urged the institution’s new in-takes to shun cultism.

Adewole spoke at the International Conference Centre of the university yesterday while matriculating the 3,171 candidates selected out of the 50,068 candidates who applied to the university through the Joint Admissions and Matriculating Board (JAMB) for the 2013/

•UI matriculates 3,171 From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

2014 session.

Adewole urged the new intakes to cultism, adding that they must be wary of the associations they keep and should be careful of invitations to social or religious gatherings.

The UI VC said:” I congratulate you for this unique op-

Senator, chieftain trade words over Oyo PDP

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From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

chieftain of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, Alhaji AbdulRasheed Adebisi Olopoenia and the lawmaker representing Oyo North Senatorial District, Senator Hosea Agboola are trading words over alleged plot to destablise the party.

Olopoenia said Agboola’s moves were not in the party’s interest.

He said: “It is very wrong for Senator Agboola to call a meeting of all chairmen of the party in the 33 local government of the state on the 17th of this month’s at a secret venue in Sango area of Ibadan, which is not a party office. This was done without the consent of the state chairman, Mr Yinka Taiwo. What right does he have to be informing the party council bosses that Abuja has picked Senator Teslim Folarin as the Oyo PDP governorship candidate and they must also support him?”

Olopoenia said about 21 of the 33 local government party chairmen were at the meeting Agboola convened.

Speaking with The Nation at his Bodija home, Agboola said he called the meeting with the party council chairmen to seek their support for Folarin to be the next governor of Oyo State.

He said: “ Senator Folarin and other governorship aspirants in the party are my friends, but I have my personal opinion to choose whom to support and that is why I am supporting Senator Folarin. I didn’t tell them that Abuja has nominated Senator Folarin, but I told them I am the one who is supporting him.”

portunity of studying in Nigeria’s premier university. You should be security conscious at all times and if you have any inclination that you are being lured, harassed or threatened, do not hesitate to report to the university administration.”

He went on:” The total number of candidates who applied to UI in JAMB for the first and second choices is 50,068.

The total number of first and second choice candidates with JAMB scores above 200 was 9,119. The total number invited for post UTME was 7,767. The total number that wrote postUTME test was 7,064. The total number recommended for JAMB admission was 37630. The total number accepted by JAMB was 3,630 and total number that showed up for clearance and matriculation today is 3,171.”

UI former Dean of Social Sciences, Prof Adedoyin Soyibo , while delivering the matriculation lecture entitled:” The Ibadan Brand of University Education: Making The Best of Its Opportunities”, urged the students to make good use of the ultra-modern facilities and opportunities of the university.

“Take your studies serious from the onset, decide to see? all courses as important, seek to be creative and innovative in all you do and watch the friends and associations you keep,” Soyinbo said.

dents and N65, 500 for the fresh students by the union.

He said that the union would hold a congress on June 24 to determine its next line of action on the fees.

Sutton said that the university community had enjoyed a gracious opportunity, and got a fair deal from the state government on the reduction of the fees.

ORMER President Olusegun Obasanjo secretly supported pro-democrats during their protests against the military regimes, former General Secretary, National Union of Petroleum and National Gas Workers (NUPENG) Chief Frank Kokori said yesterday.

Kokori spoke in Lagos, at a pre-launch conference of his memoir: Frank Kokori: The struggle for June 12.

The book launch, which is slated for tomorrow at the Muson Centre, Onikan, will have in attendance Senate President, David Mark, All Progressives Congress (APC) national leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

He recalled that Gen Obasanjo had encouraged Labour and NUPENG to keep up the struggle against the military dictatorship and the annulment of June 12 presidential election, which has been acclaimed the freest and fairest in the country’s history.

“Obasanjo was secretly encouraging us in our move against the military but he failed to acknowledge and compensate pro-democrats activists like me for our sacrifice,” he said.

The former NUPENG scribe said some of the regrets he nursed following the June 12 1993 annulment, have been highlighted in the memoir.

He said the book became necessary because many Nigerians under the age of 40 had lost sight of how the democracy the country enjoyed today came about.

According to Kokori, the book took this long to materialise because he felt disillusioned by the death of Chief Moshood Abiola in detention, as well as his wife’s illness, which made him stayed at home to nurse her.

“My wife’s sickness was a great blow to me. This was a woman, when after the NLC under Paschal Bafyau abandoned the June 12 struggle following my incarceration, suffered to ensure I was well-catered for in prison.

“She was a singular voice, apart from NUPENG and PENGASSAN, which continued to champion my cause and that of June 12,” he narrated.

Kokori, who clocked 70 in December, also, noted that prodemocrats failed to take over power because they did not trust the military to return back to the barracks, despite assurances by himself and General Abdulsalami Abubakar.

“Despite my revealing to them Abubakar had assured me that he would hand over, those in the forefront of the June 12 struggle failed to seize the moment. That left room for these charlatans who now occupy the executive and legislative arms of government, people who knew nothing about the struggle. That remains a great regret and sorrow for me,” he said.

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THE NATION TUESDAY JUNE 24, 2014

NEWS

Fashola urges public servants to sustain Lagos’ gains after exit

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AGOS State Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) has urged public servants to sustain the standard recorded under his administration after his exit from office.

Fashola gave the charge yesterday at a lecture and award ceremony to commemorate the grand finale of the 2014 Public Service Week at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium in Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja.

He pleaded that the workers should not allow his exit by May 2015, affect the standard of service that has earned the Lagos Public Service accolades across the country.

The governor, who thanked the public servants for their cooperation since the inception of his administration, said the achievements recorded couldn’t have been possible without their input, stressing that he was proud to be the head of the team.

According to him, “It has been a pleasant journey, which is on its final curve into its eighth year. I’ve enjoyed working with you. You’ve shown impossible means nothing, here impossible is the excuse for not trying, and we have become the team to beat.

“There is competition; other states have woken up. They want to see what Lagos is doing. What they do not tell you is that they want to overtake Lagos.

“The competition is now close. We must continue to innovate and raise the stakes for ourselves, and we must never lie at ease”.

He noted that Lagos holds the key to the growth of the African continent, hence the state cannot afford to rest on its oars, but seek to better its achievements year in year out.

“Some people believe that if La-

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•Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola SAN (fourth left); jointly cutting the 2014 Public Service Week Celebration cake with his deputy, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire (third right); Head of Service Mrs. Oluseyi Williams (third left); Commissioner for Home Affairs and Culture Oyinlomo Danmole (third right), his Health and Justice counterparts, Dr. Jide Idris (right) and Mr. Ade Ipaye (second right), Special Adviser on Works and Infrastructure, Ganiyu Johnson (fourth right) and other Lagos Executive Council members during the celebration...yesterday.

By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

gos makes it, Africa will make it. If we continue to believe that nobody is superior to us, no goal will be beyond our reach.

“Being in the public service is a real privilege to serve. We constitute less one percent of the 21 million people in Lagos, yet the privi-

lege is that we decide how the society will get water, where there would be a new road. Never abuse the privilege, never underestimate the value and impact,” he added.

The governor, who spoke on the theme “African Charter on Values and Principles of Public Service and Administration: A Tool for Enhanc-

ing Governance in the Open Government Era,” noted that it was a call on the public servants to brace up to respond to the new challenges and demand from the people they serve.

About 74 senior and junior public servants were recognised and presented plaques for their outstand-

Lagos judge flays police for collecting defendant’s N700, illegal torture

USTICE Adeniyi Adebajo of a Lagos High Court, Igbosere has lampooned the Nigeria Police for collecting N700 belonging to a defendant.

While setting free two men who were unlawfully arrested, detained for alleged armed robbery and incarcerated for eight years, Justice Adebajo said the only evidence of robbery before the court was the forceful collection of N700 belonging to one of the defendants.

Amen Daniels, 30, and Friday Saturday, 26, both from Akwa Ibom State, were remanded in prison in 2006 by a Magistrates’ Court for conspiracy and armed robbery under Sections 402(2)(a) and 403(a) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos, 2003.

They were abandoned in Ikoyi Prisons without trial till 2010 when a lawyer, Charles Okungbowa, accepted to represent them pro bono.

Subsequently, on March 16, 2011, they were brought before Justice Adebajo and trial commenced on July 17, 2012.

In the course of the trial, the defendants, who were arrested at Ajah and Oyingbo while engaging in their lawful businesses, told the court that they only got to know themselves on the day of their arraignment at a Yaba Magistrates’ Court as co-suspects.

The prosecution witness, Sergeant Eroegbu Ibeabuchi, had claimed he was at Ajah Police Station at the time of the incident and worked in a team called Distress 99.

“On December 14, 2006, there was a distress call by a man who said he had been robbed. The team visited the area of the incident at about 1a.m and checked the bush there.

“We heard voices of people conversing in Akwa Ibom language, which we could not understand. Then, one of them said, ’Thank God, today is bad, tomorrow may be better’.

“The statement is convincing that they were the persons being sort. They were pursued and the police held

By Precious Igbonwelundu, Staff Correspondent

Amen Daniel,” Ibeabuchi said.

But countering the police’s evidence, Daniel told the court he was arrested in broad day light along Lekki-Epe expressway, while returning to his mechanic workshop.

The second defendant, Saturday, who said he was selling his puff-puff before his arrest at Oyingbo Market, told the court that the N700 he had in his pocket was collected by the officers. He added that the policemen also collected N30,000 from his brother as money for his bail, yet refused to release him.

Delivering judgment, Justice Adebajo noted that although the police collected the said money from the victim, there was no evidence (receipt) to back it up.

He said the prosecution failed to prove its case against the defendants, just as he wondered why the complainant in the matter was never brought to court, neither was his statement recorded at the various police stations.

The judge also found it spurious that the police did not provide either the two locally made guns allegedly found with the defendants nor the five live cartridges.

He lambasted the police for shooting the defendants while in custody.

Justice Adebajo revealed that the court carried out an inspection of injuries on the defendants, which were confirmed by court registrar and both counsels.

“At no time in the course of the prosecution evidence was there a mention of anything being stolen or the person whose property was stolen.

“The only evidence of robbery before the court was the taken of N700 from the second defendant by men of the Nigeria Police who are usually armed when going on patrols or raiding,” said Adebajo.

The judge said: “I have looked at the evidence before me and it is my consideration and opinion that it will neither be safe nor reasonable to infer or presume conspiracy. Thus, the issue whether the prosecution has been able to prove the offence of conspiracy to commit armed robbery against the defendants beyond reasonable doubt is negative.

“It is of profound importance that the victim was not a witness in court and did not make a statement to the police either at Ajah Police Station or State Criminal Investigation Depart-

ment (SCID) Panti.

“Further, the prosecution’s sole witness stated that they recovered two home-made pistols and two GSM telephones that were not exhibited.

“In the circumstance of this case, I find that the production or otherwise of the weapons in evidence is of importance as the case of the prosecution is so slight, it need all possible hedging.

“The non-production of weapons are in my opinion, indicative of the fact that there was no armed robbery.”

Dismissing the purported confessional statement of the defendants, Justice Adebajo said: “There is no sufficient evidence before the court and I am of the opinion that in the course of the defendants’ incarceration at the police stations, they suffered gunshot wounds and the first defendant was further tortured. No statement that purports to be confessional would stand in the light of police brutality.

“I am satisfied that there is an absence of sufficient evidence against the defendants such as to live the court convinced that they had taken part in any crime.

“I find the defendants not guilty of the offences for which they were charged. The charge against the defendants is dismissed. They are discharged and acquitted,” Justice Adebajo said.

LASAA set to host Africa’s biggest exhibition

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VER 4,000 visitors and more than 200 exhibitors in the signage and outdoor advertisement industry would converge tomorrow at the Eko Hotel Convention Centre for the Signage and Outdoor Conference Exhibition organised by the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA).

A statement by Managing Director of LASAA Mr. George Noah said the three-day event, which ends on Friday and billed as Africa’s biggest outdoor advertisement exhibition,

By Adeyinka Aderibigbe

will have participants from Europe, Asia, America and Africa.

According to the statement, participants from Holland, Belgium, China France, United Kingdom, Dubai, South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, and other neighbouring African states have started arriving for the event.

The conference and exhibition will offer signage and billboard owners a platform to display their creative innovations to the world.

Nigerian exhibitors and delegates will have the added advantage of participation on home turf, in what is expected to become a yearly event on the outdoor industry’s calendar in Lagos State.

LASAA said the maiden edition is geared towards creating a convergence of stakeholders within the out-of-home advertising industry.

It added that the edition will focus on trends, best practices, innovations and challenges within the Nigerian and African contexts.

ing performance in service to the state government.

Earlier, the State Head of Service, Mrs. Oluseyi Williams, thanked the governor for commitment and support to the general welfare and wellbeing of public servants.

She pledged more dedicated service to the upliftment of the state.

Ogun, NHIS sign MoU on health insurance

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HE Ogun State government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) towards improving the Community-Based Health Insurance Scheme “Araya” in the state.

Signing the MoU on behalf of the government in Abeokuta, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Olaokun Soyinka, said that the collaborative efforts and commitment of stakeholders on health would make universal health coverage a reality.

Soyinka emphasised the need to improve on healthcare services rendered to the people, adding that the Community-Based Health Insurance Scheme would be an avenue to solve health challenges.

“Our people need qualitative and sustainable healthcare that will be accessible to them anytime, anywhere and this scheme will definitely cater for all these,” Soyinka noted.

The Executive Secretary of the NHIS, Dr. Femi Thomas, said that the health needs of the people must be attended to in a pragmatic way devoid of sentiments.

He praised the state for the giant strides, adding that the initiative would drive the health sector forward.

“We want to register the support and enthusiasm of our organisation with Ogun State Government on the successful take-off, towards implementation and sustenance of this scheme while all arrangements have been concluded to subsidise the scheme for three years, “ the NHIS boss said.

Representatives of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Health Management Organisations (HMOs) Board of Trustee (BOT), among others, reiterated their commitment to the scheme successful implementation.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014

9

NEWS Afe Babalola: other states should learn from Ekiti

By Adegunle Olugbamila

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EGAL luminary and philanthropist Aare Afe Babalola (SAN) has urged other states nationwide to learn from the spirit of sportsmanship displayed by Ekiti political actors after Saturday’s election.

The lawyer was alluding to the governorship election which produced Governorelect Ayo Fayose ahead of the incumbent Governor Kayode Fayemi.

“The noise about Ekiti election is over. We must now work together to move Ekiti forward,’ Babalola said.

Babalola spoke on Sunday at the 2013 Zik Leadership Prize in Lagos, where he and eight other personalities were honoured.

The senior advocate described the Ekiti election as a battle which was won by one side and lost by the other, noting that Dr. Fayemi displayed the spirit of sportsmanship by congratulating the winner.

The election, according to Babalola, shows that the people’s wish must be sacrosanct and not generate any confusion following the election’s endorsement by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“The Ekiti people have spoken and I think it (the election) will also lead other states in sportsmanship. The loser has congratulated the winner and vice versa. We must put that behind us now and face current challenges.” Babalola said.

Poll is turningpoint, says Gbajabiamila From Victor Oluwasegun, Abuja

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HE Minority Leader in House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, has declared that Nigeria’s election has finally matured with last Saturday’s poll in Ekiti State.

The lawmaker, in a statement in Abuja, described the poll as turning-point in the country’s political history.

His words: “The Ekiti governorship election of June 21, marks a watershed in our political history. Perhaps for the first time, we all witnessed the gallantry and magnanimity of opponents after a keenly fought electoral contest.”

Gbajabiamila congratulated Ayodele Fayose, the governor-elect, for his victory, saying sovereignty belongs to the people.

The lawmaker urged that the milestone recorded in Ekiti to be extended to other parts of the country in 2015 without the drafting of military personnel out of the barracks.

While commending the outgoing governor, Kayode Fayemi, for upholding utmost decency and firm democratic ideals, Gbajabiamila said: “For Governor Kayode Fayemi, I say thank you for being a decent human being and showing others the way.

“Naturally, I would have loved a different outcome, but I see a bigger picture and the implications of what happened in Ekiti can and should only be for the greater good and long-term political development of our country.”

EKITI 2014

AIG, civil society groups praise INEC, others

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HE leader of police team deployed in Ekiti State for governorship election, Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Mogaji Nasarawa, has praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the general conduct of the poll.

Civil society orgnisations (CSOs), including the Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room, the Cleen Foundation and Democracy Vanguard, which monitored the conduct of the poll, also hailed INEC for “the credible, fair and transparent exercise”.

The AIG noted that officers would remain in the state to monitor situations for necessary post-election interventions.

Nasarawa spoke at a media briefing in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, which was attended by other five Commissioners of Police.

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

The Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar, had disclosed that a total of 12,000 officers and men were deployed for the election monitoring.

Nasarawa also praised the electorate for their peaceful conduct, civility and tact shown during the exercise, warning whoever was still nursing plans to foment any form of violence “would be made to face the full weight of the law”.

Also, the Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room, a coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs), hailed INEC, saying the election was “a significant improvement in the management of the electoral process and outcome of the poll”.

The Situation Room’s Programme Coordinator, Clem Nwankwo, in an interim re-

port on the election, said: “Our assessments of the merits was the outcome of preelection, election and postelection processes. That is all that bothered us. Largely, the election held in peaceful manner.”

Tunji Lardner, a partner in The Situation Room, noted that the election had also broken what he called “the myth of the incumbency.”

The Situation Room, which consisted over 60 observer groups, noted: “The election represented a significant shift away from the irregularities and logistical failings that had consistently characterised previous elections”.

The groups included Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre, Abuja; WANGONET, Lagos; Partners for Electoral Reform, Abuja; Proactive Gender Initiative, Abuja; Spaces for Change, Lagos; Enough is

Enough Nigeria, Lagos; CLEEN Foundation, Abuja; Development Dynamics, Owerri, and Stakeholders Democracy Network, Port-Harcourt.

In another statement made available to The Nation yesterday, they claimed that timely arrival and early start of accreditation of voters was observed in more than 90 per cent of polling units across the state.

“Despite irregularities in a few places, voting and counting processes were transparent and fair. The improved logistics ensured that the trained ad-hoc personnel were stationed in place to guarantee that most polling units were open at the proper commencement time of 8.00a.m,” the statement read.

The groups expressed concern at the poor welfare arrangements made for securi-

PDP, Ndoma-Egba, Ogboru praise Fayemi for conceding defeat T HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Chief Great Ogboru have praised Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi for his rare show of patriotism and sportsmanship in conceding defeat and congratulating the PDP candidate and governor-elect, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, for his popular victory at the election.

Its National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, in a statement yesterday, said: “This exceptional show of statesmanship has indeed earned Governor Fayemi the respect and admiration of Nigerians as a man of honour, a true democrat and a patriot.”

From Sanni Onogu, Abuja

Metuh said Fayemi “exhibited the spirit of sportsmanship propagated and practiced by the PDP and President Goodluck Jonathan,” calling on politicians in the country to “imbibe the same spirit and jettison all forms of bad loser syndrome, especially ahead of the 2015 general elections.”

The party added that credit must be given to President Jonathan for his insistence on free, fair and credible election at all levels.

It noted that the PDP and the President had never hesitated in congratulating other parties and their candidates whenever they win in an election.

Senate Leader Victor NdomaEgba (SAN) yesterday described Fayemi as “a rare breed politician” for conceding defeat.

Ndoma-Egba also congratulated Fayose for his victory.

The Senate Leader, who spoke to reporters in Abuja, hailed INEC for the successful conduct of the poll.

Ogboru , the 2011 governor-

Orji, Yuguda, Olubolade, Agboola BIA State Governor Chief congratulate Fayose Theodore Orji and the

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former Police Affairs Minister, Navy Captain Omoniyi Olubolade (rtd), have congratulated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, for his hard-earned victory.

The Deputy Senate Whip, Senator Hosea Agboola, also described the victory of Fayose as the triumph of people’s will.

He stated that Fayose has shown the superiority of being a grassroots man, reaching out to the people at all levels.

Orji, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Charles Ajunwa, expressed happiness over Fayose’s landmark victory and thanked the Ekiti people for remaining peaceful during and after the governorship election.

From Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke (Umuahia), Austine Tsenzughul (Bauchi) and Tayo Johnson (Ibadan)

The governor also thanked officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the police and other security agencies for the professional manner they discharged their duties.

He said the Ekiti people made the right choice by voting massively for Fayose.

Bauchi State Governor Isa Yuguda has congratulated the Ekiti State Governor-elect, Jonathan and the entire PDP family over the outcome of the election.

He described it as a sign of more good things to come the party’s way in 2015.

Isa Yuguda, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ishola Michael Adeyemi, described the victory of Fayose as a victory for the Ekiti people, who expressed their choice at the polls.

He added that democracy was gradually getting its root in the country.

Also, Olubolade (rtd) praised President Goodluck Jonathan for creating a conducive atmosphere for a free and fair election in Ekiti State.

Olubolade, a former military administrator of Bayelsa State, also hailed security agents deployed to Ekiti State for the election for their efforts.

• Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola SAN (right) congratulating Mr. Folorunsho FolarinCoker after his swearing-in as a Special Adviser at the Executive Council Chamber, Lagos House, Ikeja...yesterday. With them is the Chief of Staff, Mr. Lanre Babalola.

ship candidate of the Democratic Peoples’ Party (DPP) in Delta State, tasked politicians to emulate the sportsmanship shown by Fayemi in the just concluded Ekiti governorship election.

Ogboru, in a statement in Lagos, said Fayemi deserved praise for readily accepting the outcome of the election.

“While I congratulate Fayose, I commend Fayemi for his courage to readily accept the outcome of the election and also for his achievements as governor.

“Fayemi’s show of sportsmanship is uncommon in the nation’s polity,” he said.

ty personnel involved in the elections and called for an institutional change of attitude.

The groups urged the INEC to effectively address reported incidents of disenfranchisement of voters in a number of polling units in EkitiWest and Irepodun-Ifelodun LGA. Also, the Media for Ethnic Equality (MEE) has commended the people of Ekiti State for the peaceful conduct of the weekend’s election.

Its Publicity Secretary, Iyiola Johnson, in a statement in Lagos, said Ekiti people, has once again demonstrated their sophistication in the handling of issues that concern their lives “We also commend the statesmanship of the incumbent governor who has accepted the polls result and congratulated the winner . We expect this trend to continue in the future elections in other states,” MEE said.

•Dr. Fayemi

Dickson, TMG, others hail ‘true democrat’

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AYELSA State Governor Seriake Dickson and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Miriki Ebikibina, have poured encomiums on Ekiti State Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi, describing him as a true democrat.

To the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), the spirit of maturity displayed by the incumbent Fayemi after losing the election shows that politics is no longer a do-or-die affair.

Dickson and Ebikibina said Fayemi, who was defeated in last Saturday’s governorship poll by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Ayodele Fayose, accepted the outcome of the election in a rare display of sportsmanship.

The governor noted that Fayemi’s conduct was rare in the nation’s democracy and called on the political class to emulate him.

He said: “Dr. Fayemi has by this singular action, endeared himself to every true believer in the nation’s democracy. He will remain a referent point for the political class in Nigeria, who hardly accept defeat.

“He has simply proved that, he is different from the rest and posterity will remember him and even give him the opportunity to serve our nation, even at a higher capacity”.

Dickson described the peaceful conduct of the election and the victory of Fayose as a victo-

From Mike Odiegwu (Yenogoa), Bukola Amusan (Abuja) and Damisi Ojo (Akure)

ry for democracy and the people.

The governor, in a congratulatory message by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel IworisoMarkson, commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the transparent manner in which the election was conducted.

The Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Alhaji Ali Olanusi, also praised the Ekiti State Governor for the maturity he displayed.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Daisi Ajayi in Akure, the deputy governor said this singular act was a testimony to his leadership credentials and an indication that there is still hope for Nigeria as a nation.

The TMG also said the conduct of the election has set the tone for the Osun State and the 2015 general elections.

TMG’s Chairman, Comrade Ibrahim Zikirullahi, who spoke with reporters in Abuja on the polls, said: “We commend the spirit of sportsmanship demonstrated by the contestant on the losing side who has been reported to have made a call to congratulate the winner.

“This is the spirit of electoral competition that would take Nigeria to the point where elections would no longer be a door-die affair.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014

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NEWS

UN: 650,000 IDPs in North THE Head of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) Representative in Nigeria, Ms Angele DikongueAtangana, said yesterday that there were about 650,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the Northeast.

Dikongue-Atangana told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that: “An intelligence assessment of Northeastern Nigeria showed at least 650,000 persons are displaced within the boundary of Nigeria.

“And what is of most concern to the UNHCR in Nigeria today are these internally displaced persons.’’

The UNHCR chief said her organisation was working to establish a regional office in Gombe that would take care of many of the victims.

She said the international community and the UN systems in Nigeria were working to provide protection and care for the affected persons.

Three youths killed in Jos night party

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UNMEN, suspected to be soldiers serving with the Special Task Force (STF) on Jos crisis, allegedly shot three youths at a disco party in Jos. Several others were injured in the Sunday night shoot-out.

It was gathered that some boys were celebrating their friend’s birthday party at JoeNice Bar, Nyago Gyel, Bukuru Lowcost, Jos South Local Government.

One of the youths, who escaped, Bulus Monday said:

•Soldiers deny involvement

From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

“The shooting followed a disagreement by youths at the party.

“There was a brawl among some youths; so the owner of the bar called in soldiers to “scare” the boys.

“But on reaching the bar, I don’t know what the owner told the soldiers. Before we

knew it, the soldiers opened fire and all of us ran in various directions. In the end, we saw the bodies of three boys on the ground.

“I can swear it was the soldiers who killed the boys. I was there and I saw it all. “ But STF spokesman Capt Iweka Ikedichi said soldiers did not shoot anyone and no one died.

But a victim’s father, Nantel

Miri, claimed his son, Timshak, died as a result of shooting by the STF soldiers.

Miri said: “Those around the bar told me it was the soldiers invited by the owner of the bar who killed the three boys. People heard the gunshots, so it is funny that the soldiers are denying the shooting.”

It was gathered that officials of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Bukuru evacuated the bodies from the scene.

Polio in Kano From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

HEALTH officials in Kano State have reported a polio case in Sumaila Local Government Area.

Tarauni, Gaya, Minjibir, Tudun Wada, Fagge, Bichi and Rogo local governments are also at risk of the Wide Polio Virus (WPV), the state Immunisation Officer, Dr. Sherrif Yahaya Musa said.

Musa attributed the new case discovered in Sumaila Local Government to the parents’ refusal to allow their wards access to houseto-house polio immunisation campaign and routine immunisation.

He said the situation made the child vulnerable to polio virus and also pose risk to others.

Musa said the government is working to curb the spread of the virus.

•From left: Director, Co-operatives and Agricultural Insurance, Lagos State, Mrs. Zulikha Ibrahim; Commissioner for Agriculture and Co-operatives, Prince Gbolahan Lawal and President, State Co-operatives Federation (LASCOFED) Limited, Oriyomi Aiyeola, at the Ministry of Agriculture and Co-operatives briefing on the 2014 International Co-operative Day Celebration...yesterday.

PHOTO: SOLOMON ADEOLA

Six killed in separate Kaduna attacks

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IX persons have been reportedly killed in three separate attacks in Southern Kaduna.

Two of the victims were said to have been killed during a violence that erupted at FadanChawai in Kauru Local Government Area, following the appointment of a new chief for the Chawai people by the government.

The others were reportedly killed by unidentified gunmen in two villages.

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

Police spokesman Aminu Lawan said he was not aware of the incidents.

Property worth millions of naira were reportedly destroyed by rampaging youths in the chiefdom crisis.

In Rikarwan village of Zangon Kataf Local Government Area, Ayuba and Sarah Kure were reportedly killed by unidentified gunmen.

Another couple, Dauda and Alheri Maidawa, who were said to have gone to their farm at Fadan- Karshi in Sanga Local Government Area at the weekend were found dead.

National President of Chawai Development Association (CDA) Augustine Audi said at a briefing that the governor’s directive that the Chawai Council of King Makers should nominate and send to him the name of the son of the late Res Tsam for

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appointment was responsible for the crisis.

Audi said: “As a result of the appointment and announcement of the new Res Tsam by Governor Ramalan Yero, violence erupted in the chiefdom, leading to the killing of two people.

“We do not see the need for the urgency in appointing the next Res Tsam when the customs and tradition of the Chawai people do not support the hurry.

“There are traditional rites that are to be performed before the appointment, which is why unlike the Hausa or Emirate system, it takes time before a new Res Tsam is appointed.

“Moreover, there has been a distortion and mutilation of the history, culture and laws of the Chawai people by the government, which published in its official gazette appointing two hitherto unknown houses as the Chawai Ruling

Houses: Kingwai and Kuka instead of the originally known six ruling houses: Zambina, Maizanko, Pari, Kizakoro, Baduru and Kidundun .

“Ascension to the throne, according to Chawai history, native law and customs is not hereditary.

“We wish to inform the world that so long as the governor took the decision at the pendency of our action in court and so long as the court had ordered him to stay action, pending the hearing of our motion on notice, which he is aware, we wish to put it on record that no Res Tsam has yet been appointed, until the determination of the case in court”.

Audi urged the youths to exercise restraint and wait for the court.

Yero’s media aide Ahmed Maiyaki denied the report.

He said no one was killed as everything has returned to normal.

EFCC detains Adamawa SSG, two others From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

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HE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained the Secretary to the Adamawa State Government, Kobeis Aris and commissioners for Finance and Local Government.

The three officers, who were invited to the EFCC headquarters last Friday, were still being grilled.

It was gathered that the House of Assembly resolved to advertise the impeachment notice against Governor Murtala Nyako in some national newspapers.

The Assembly has been finding it difficult to serve Nyako the notice.

But Adamawa Progressive Movement (APM) warned the Assembly against the impeachment plot.

An EFCC source said: “The three officers, who were earlier interrogated at the Gombe Zonal Office, had to be relocated to Abuja.

“The officials were quizzed on curious cash withdrawals by some state officials between 2011 and 2012.

“Some of the funds came from Joint Local Government Account. Others were through the Special Projects Unit.

“We are looking into alleged diversion of these funds. So, it became imperative to invite these three officers on Friday.

They are still in custody and may be admitted to bail, pending the conclusion of investigation.”

While the grilling was going on, the House of Assembly resolved yesterday to advertise the impeachment notice against Nyako in some national dailies.

Another source said: “The Assembly has not been able to serve the notice on the governor but it opted for advertising in some newspapers.”

The APM said the plot could create chaos and destabilise the state.

The group spoke through its National Coordinator, Abdullahi Danlami, after its emergency meeting in Abuja Danlami said: “It is not surprising to us that this shenanigan plot by the lawmakers is unfolding. This is because the plot to bring down the state through frivolous emergency is fading so quickly.

“As concerned Adamawa citizens, we want to use this medium to warn lawmakers to desist from the path of impunity and choose the good path that will bring about peace and tranquility. We call on the lawmakers to sheath their sword.”

Kano Assembly probes Shekarau’s men

HE Kano State House of Assembly invited yesterday two former commissioners, who served under exGovernor Ibrahim Shekarau, to explain why a N7 billion road project was not executed after payment was made.

With this development, the House may have begun probing questionable contract awards made during the last administration.

A source said the contract was awarded without due process, because “it was a verbal directive, which is against the working of government”.

The probe has generated tension between Governor

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

Rabiu Kwankwaso and Shekarau’s camps as the House has summoned Sarki Labaran (Works and Housing) and Musa Illiyasu Kwankawso (Rural Development),.

The House, which also invited former permanent secretaries, alleged that the Shekarau administration awarded the over N7billion project but the job was not done.

Reading the Notice of Motion, Deputy Majority Leader Yusuf Babangida alleged that money was paid to the contractor even before he mobilised to site.

The roads, according to the House, are Tattarawa-Jalli which was allegedly awarded at N1.5 billion; Konar Kira, Ungogo -Fanisau at N3.5 billion.

The other road is Takai, Rimi -Magami which was said to have been awarded at N 2.5 billion.

The House accused Shekarau of awarding the contract verbally without the consent of relevant bodies.

Kwankawso, who spoke after he left the Assembly, said: “What is happening is nothing but politics. They are not happy that Shekarau is getting a ministerial post, but they

cannot do otherwise.

“All they are asking are nothing but speculative issues and we are fully ready for them, they should come with concrete evidence then we know they are serious. The projects followed due process and we executed them within the ambit of the law.

“You can see they are not even comprehensive in their actions because they were asked to tarnish Shekarau’s image, but they have failed and the greatest failure will come in 2015, when we will chase them and their redcaps away from the Government House.”

BUSINESS

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014

THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

Naira appreciates against pound, dollar at forex

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HE naira yesterday appreciated against the Pound Sterling and the dollar at the three segments of the foreign exchange market.

The naira traded at N282 against the Pound Sterling as against N284 which it traded on June 20 at the Bureau De Change (BDCs).

At the official market, the currency sold for N261.54 to the Pound Sterling, the exchange it was since last Friday.

The naira, at the black market stood against the Pound Sterling at N283 where it had been since June 20.

It also appreciated against the Dollar at the BDCs as it gained N2 to sell at N165, compared with the N167 it traded on June 20.

Similarly, at the official market, the currency remained stable against the Dollar at N155.23 since last week.

At the black market, the naira was sold against the Dollar at N167 from the N167.50 it sold on June 20.

It gained N6 at the BDCs against the Euro trading at N224 from N228 it sold last Friday.

The naira at the official market was exchanged for N210.94 from the N211.39 it traded at the close of the market last Friday.

11 ‘The June deadline is by the corner; Mr. President’s word is a bond. We must generate more power; we are prepared to assist all our agencies in making sure that the ball keeps rolling. We can’t afford to fail in our duties.’

•Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo

President approves 20,000MW Chinese project

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HE Minister of Power, Professor Chinedu Nebo has assured the visiting delegation from Power China that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in July last year will be implemented, as the directive for the realisation of 20,000megawatts (Mw) generation and 10,000Km transmission lines has received Presidential nod.

Speaking yesterday when the Minister received the delegation led by its Vice-Chairman who oversees Management Development of Power China, Du Chunguo, he said

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

a more legalistic approach in the implementation of the MoU will be to take those projects in bits, as such incremental strategy will gradually but steadily ensure that other ancillary services like the transmission lines are built alongside the projects so as to ensure adequate provision for wheeling.

He assured the delegation that the Ministry and his team are committed to the content of the MoU, just as he identified its realisation as critical to the attainment of govern-

ment’s target of enhanced generation capacity.

On nuclear contribution to energy mix, Nebo said government has not foreclosed nuclear, promising an interagency collaboration with the regulatory body. He however said owing to abundance of coal reserves, he wants the Chinese to explore “Coal as a significant part of the whole energy to be delivered.”

The Minister assured the delegation of the sincerity of the government stressing that “there is no dissenting voice, we are on the same page, all of us are concerned about this

project, government is most committed to this”.

Also speaking at the occasion, Chairman Presidential Task Force on Power, Engr.

Beks Dagogo-Jack counseled the Chinese to ensure their design is workable, pointing out that engagement in data sharing on gas field availability data, ownership and licencing are important in the realisation of the projects.

Group Executive Director, Gas at Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. David Ige, raised issues with the funding mechanism proposed by the

American, Nigerian investors move to benefit from rebased GDP From Grace Obike, Abuja

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•From Left, Director, Channel Sales, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Ken Ogujiofor, Regional Distribution Partner and National Winner, Chief Executive Officer, Multinet System Nigeria Limited, Dr. Uzoma Obiyo and Acting Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Matthew Willsher, at the 5th Etisalat Heroes Award held at the Intercontinental Hotel, in Lagos ... Tuesday.

•CBN Governor, Godwin Emefeile

DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil -$117.4/barrel Cocoa -$2,686.35/metric ton Coffee - ¢132.70/pound Cotton - ¢95.17pound Gold -$1,396.9/troy Sugar -$163/lb MARKET CAPITALISATIONS NSE -N11.4 trillion JSE -Z5.112trillion NYSE -$10.84 trillion LSE -£61.67 trillion RATES Inflation -8% Treasury Bills -10.58%(91d) Maximum lending -30% Prime lending -15.87% Savings rate -1% 91-day NTB -15% Time Deposit -5.49% MPR -12% Foreign Reserve $45b FOREX CFA -0.2958 EUR -206.9 £ -242.1 $ -156 ¥ -1.9179 SDR -238 RIYAL -40.472

Chinese, insisting that they have to make their model clear on the proposed investment framework.

Earlier, Guo had informed his audience that Power China is committed to creating and assisting to deepen the electricity market, describing it as important to the future development of the consortium.

The Chinese are convinced that on-going power sector reform is deep enough for genuine investment; “we are ready to do business with Nigeria and its power sector”, he added.

Shareholders query NSE for de-listing 20 firms

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OME shareholders yesterday in Lagos accused the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) of being insensitive to the contributions of retail investors’ in the nation’s economy.

They told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in separate interviews that the scheduled de-listing of 20 companies from the NSE without consultation and protection of investors was a disincentive to portfolio investment.

The NSE had in an advertorial issued yesterday in Lagos announced plans to de-list 20 companies from its board in September for failure to meet post-listing requirements.

According to some of the shareholders’ leaders, retail investors had in the past lost billions of naira to the market due to de-listing.

National Coordinator, Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN), Sunny Nwosu, said “the NSE has failed to protect the interest of retail and minority shareholders which contributes to loss of confidence in the equities market”.

Nwosu, who queried the delisting move, said the NSE should give the companies more time to restructure their businesses, adding that some of them were sourcing for strategic investors.

He said the NSE should not concentrate on collection of listing fees but work with the shareholders to ensure sanity, sustainable returns on investments and deepen the market.

Nwosu said shareholders will lose their investment in the scheduled companies delisting, noting that such investment risks should be shared

by NSE, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the shareholders.

According to him, it is illogical that trustees that brought the companies to the market have never been sanctioned by the exchange for deceiving investors.

He said the NSE did not have an operational investor protection fund that would compensate investors when such delisting of quoted companies occurred.

Founding member, Nigeria Shareholders Solidarity Association (NSSA), Alhaji

Gbadebo Olatokunbo, blamed the NSE for the companies’ failure to comply with postlisting rules and regulations.

He said the companies’ inability to adhere to listing requirements questioned the NSE’s due diligence conducted on companies before admitting them on its official list.

He said the de-listing process had compelled some shareholders to seek legal action against SEC and NSE over investors’ deceit.

“This de-listing is becoming too much and shareholders are the ones who suffer at the end,” Olatokunbo said.

He also suggested the need for NSE to compel companies seeking listing to provide a funded window on how to protect investors’ in the event of de-listing.

“The move is to minimise investment deceits and unjustified de-listing of companies based on procedural infractions.”

NAN reports that the Quotations Committee of the National Council of the NSE on June 2, approved the de-listing of 20 entities from its daily

official list.

It said the de-listing was pursuant to the provisions of the Greenbook (Listing Rules) of the NSE, specifically Clause 15 of the General Undertaking.

The NSE said the de-listing was because of their failure to file quarterly and annual financial statements as required under the listing rules and failure to regularise their listing status.

It said the regulatory action was necessary to protect the investing public from trading in the securities of entities with no current information regarding their financial status.

The companies penciled for delisting are Investment and Allied Insurance Plc; Goldlink Insurance Plc, Pinnacle Point Group; Adswitch Plc; Afroil Plc, Rokanna Industries Plc and IPWA Plc. Others are West Africa Glass Industry, Nigeria Wire and Cable Plc, Starcomms, Daar Communications, Mtech , Big Treat, G.Cappa and UTC Plc. The others scheduled for delisting are Jos International Breweries, Golden Guinea, Stockvis, Capital Oil and Nigeria Sewing Machines.

OME Nigerian and American investors are poised to take advantage of the rebasing of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

A statement from an investment group, Kaleiodoscope Business Project LLC Atlanta GA, noted that “there are myriad opportunities to invest in the Nigerian market, creating an atmosphere for delegates to meet and interface with potential partners from the private sector and public sector in the United States.”

Coordinator of the group, Mrs Linda Middleton stated that a forum for both Nigerian and American investors is being organised with the objective of opening “the window of opportunity for Nigerian business to embrace new innovation and technology that will shape the future and change the conventional way of doing things and creating a strong back bone for economy growth.”

According to her, “with Nigeria’s natural and human resources empowered, the 26th largest economy in the world coupled with its robust GDP, enormous market potentials, it offers a very attractive business destination for US companies. Nigeria possesses essential ingredient in all economic endeavours.”

The forum which hopes to leverage on the Nigeria’s recent rebased GDP she said “will enhance the spirit of friendship and cooperation between two countries and further develop mutual trade relations with a view to embrace New Innovation, in line with the objective of present administration of Nigeria.”

New Innovation and Technology she said “is centred to accelerate economic growth and secure long shared prosperity.

Embracing new innovation is the only way to create a prosperous and exclusive economic growth driven by continuous innovation.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014

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BUSINESS NEWS

Porting: 27,000 subscribers crisscross networks

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AJOR Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) operators, recorded about 27,000 subscriber movement in-and-out of their networks between March and April this year .

This is contained in the Port-Out Activities of Mobile Network Operators’ report, made available by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in Lagos yesterday.

The report said Globacom lost a total of 6,930 customers in April and 3,280 subscribers in March.

According to the report, MTN also lost 3,835 subscribers to other networks in April, as against the 5,489 lost in March.

The report said Etisalat lost 1,817 subscribers to other networks in April, as against the 3,157 it lost in March.

It stated that Airtel lost 1,601 subscribers to other networks in April, as against

By Lucas Ajananku

the 1,457 it lost in March.

A total of 14,183 telecom users engaged in porting-out activities across the networks in April, as against the 13,383 recorded in March.

It however, said Globacom enjoyed the exercise as it led the gainers’ list with an additional 7,955 customers joining its network in April.

Etisalat came second on the gainers’ list, as it added 3,280 subscribers to its customer strength in same period.

Also third on the line of the gainers’ list was Airtel with 2,816 subscribers in April, while the MTN network had just 552 additional customers.

The report disclosed that 14,603 customers participated in the port-in activity in April, as against the 13,757 recorded in March.

The porting activities showed that telecom users were not comfortable with the services of the operators,

•Minister for Communication and Technology, Mrs Omobola Johnson

hence, the movement from one network to the other.

The Mobile Number Portability (MNP) was flagged off on April 22 last year by the NCC with the aim of deepening competition in the industry by giving subscribers complete freedom to dump inefficient service providers.

•President, ExxonMobil Development Company, Mr. Neil Duffin (left) and Advisor, Public & Govt. Affairs, ExxonMobil, Nigeria, Ernest Omo-Ojo, during the 21st World Petroleum Congress (WPC) held in Moscow, Russia

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Stanbic IBTC discusses trade finance options for Nigeria

LTERNATIVE options for financing Nigeria’s domestic and crossborder trade formed the thrust of a stakeholders’ forum in Lagos with experts and policy makers advancing proposals to support the transformation of the economy.

Organized by Stanbic IBTC Bank, the event, with the theme ‘New sources for financing domestic and cross-border trade in Nigeria,’ attracted a large audience of business leaders, importers and exporters, policy makers and regulators.

Chief Executive Officer, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Yinka Sanni, said apart from forging closer ties with clients, the forum was meant to provide an opportunity to interact with regulators for a better understanding of government policies, while also helping to share and shape thoughts on developments in trade financing.

He described the forum as another in a series of thought leadership initiatives being organised by Stanbic IBTC in different sectors of the economy

By Collins Nweze

to facilitate networking among stakeholders, and to share information on evolving trends in the economy while obtaining feedback that would lead to the creation of financial solutions to support businesses and the attainment of Nigeria’s developmental goals.

Head, Financial Institutions and Trade, Standard Bank, Stephen Meintjes, said that 80 to 90 per cent of trading activities require some form of trade finance, with financial institutions providing the bulk of such trade finance. He emphasised, be they payment for and receipt of goods, shipping and haulage, insurance, cross-market regulations, foreign currency variations, operational risks as well as commercial and counter party/bank risks.

However, the increasing trade ties between Africa and the rest of the world, particularly Asia, will spin off a significant increase in trade, foreign direct investment, aid and other forms of economic coop-

eration. Such partnerships will broaden the options for growth in Africa and present sufficient basis to x-ray the future of trade, Meintjes stated.

Executive Director for Corporate and Investment Banking at Stanbic IBTC Bank, Victor Williams, noted that though Nigeria’s economy is dominated by oil, the recent rebasing of the country’s economy clearly illustrates the growing importance of the other sectors.

Trade is an important part of the mix, he said, a situation that highlights the imperative of trade finance as the lifeblood of cross-border trade.

He said there has never been a more important time for business leaders and regulators to discuss both the new ways in which trade is being managed and financed as well as the increased focus on evolving opportunities in the markets. “Crucial here is getting feedback from stakeholders on how they are managing issues related to funding, regulation and new market opportunities,” he said.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014

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TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014

THE NATION

BUSINESS

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TRANSPORTATION

HEN he won the maiden edition of the Be Road Friendly competition in 2009, Victor Oyedeji was a starry-eyed SS 2 pupil of Keke Senior High School, Ifako-Ijaiye, Lagos. Now 18, Oyedeji, a 300-Level student of the Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan (UI), says he is full of gratitude for the life-changing exposure of the programme.

Victor’s progress in his academic pursuit is just one of the many success stories of the talents discovered by this “Catch Them Young” initiative, which was launched with the aim of instilling early in the lives of these young minds, the basic knowledge in traffic safety so that they would be able to develop the right road user attitude and behaviour.

As winners of the competition in 2009, Victor and five others had travelled to London and visited among other places, the UK Department of Transport Studies, where he learnt useful lessons on traffic safety and how to move the transportation industry in Lagos forward.

Just like Victor, Miss Maria Anifowose who won the competition in 2010, was also exposed to the innards of transportation and stewed in traffic advocacy. Miss Anifowose thanked Governor Babatunde Fashola for exposing the youth through the overseas travel exchange programme which she described as eye-opening. She said she and her peers are now better informed about road safety campaigns and are now change agents.

Busari Adams, another winner of the competition, described the United Kingdom trip as one gift he would forever cherish. “I never thought the promise of an overseas trip could materialise at all. But it’s been an honour as a past winner to be a safety ambassador among my peers.”

LASTSAP’s five-year existence as an advocacy programme which has the aim of nurturing and deepening knowledge of road safety regulations among school children, remains a model which has helped not only the winners, but the entire participants in the programme to be strong advocates and good ambassadors of safe driving, and proper road conduct.

LASTSAP is premised on four- key components. One of such is the institution of Traffic Safety Clubs in primary and secondary schools. Traffic Safety Clubs are conceived as extracurricular clubs where games such as the Road-User-Friendly (RUF), are learned and played. RUF is structured in a monopoly-like format to help children learn, appreciate and get better understanding of traffic rules and regulations. There is also the ‘Traffic Safety Children on Patrol,’ which is an aspect of the first component where school children embark on enlightenment campaigns on specific school days and carry out road safety advocacy at motor parks and bus stops. Past winners and participants in Traffic Safety Curriculum also join at such enlightenment campaigns Another critical component is the Safe Traffic Area Round Schools (STARS) Project. This resource cen-

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E-mail: ynotaderibigbe@gmail.com

•The students being taken through traffic management drills by LASTMA officials

Five years of building young change agents on the roads

Stories by Adeyinka Aderibigbe

tre, also known as the Safety Lab is located within school premises where children can learn basic principles of traffic safety in relaxed, yet educationally conducive environment. These Traffic Safety Labs are fitted with simulated traffic lights, signs and symbols, Zebra Crossings and a RUF game board. The third component is the School Bus Driver Safety Training programme. It involves essentially a programme of retraining for school bus drivers, especially on evolving traffic safety measures on the roads.

The statewide Annual Be-RoadFriendly (BRF) Competition for primary and secondary schools is the last of the critical elements of LASTSAP. It is a contest designed to further engage the younger members of the society as change agents of traffic safety advocacy in Lagos State. Activities are designed to involve all key players in child’s development- the family, school, peers as well as local communities. Winners in the Primary, as well as Junior and Senior Secondary School categories are availed the opportunity of undertaking an all-expense paid International Transport Education Trip with the main goal of exposing them to global perspective of traffic safety projects and programmes.

Within five years of its existence, LASTSAP has witnessed the exceptional growth of functional Traffic Safety clubs in schools from about 100 clubs in 2009 to over 1,000 in 2013.

Traffic Safety Labs have been established in over 70 schools across the six educational districts and Local

Education Authorities. The programme has also witnessed an increase in the number of participants, from less than 300 children at the inaugural edition, to over 8,000 participants in 2013.

Adoption of LASTSAP by the state government, two years ahead of the launch of United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety has also made Lagos, a leading vanguard in safety and traffic advocacy campaign. The global body had canvassed the introduction of advocacy of traffic and road safety education to the future generation, which are the children, as a critical part of the Action Plan and Lagos State initiated this crusade two years before the UN Resolution.

An international mark of recognition of this achievement also came the way of LASTSAP, as the team was invited to Brisbane, Australia in 2011 to share the experience of its success within a short time frame.

According to Fashola, the LASTSAP represents a potent tool in equipping the mind, noting that while the government could build halls, bridges and highways, such infrastructure did not save lives themselves as only committed and reformed people would put them to work.

“Getting the mind of the people ready is the hardest job any government can have. I call it building infrastructure of the mind. It is the toughest to build,” he said, adding that the children were sending a message about the responsibility on the roads which was the aim of the

government in bringing about the programme, stressing that the programme was not about the old people who were already in their comfort zones and found it difficult to change.

He said: “For the past five years, the participants at the various yearly editions have told the old ones to act more responsibly by putting on their seat belts, using pedestrian bridges and control their speed.

“For me it is no longer about the children and what lies in the future.

This message has already been internalised by the children and it is for you and I to listen more to them and learn from what they already know,” he added.

Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Kayode Opeifa said LASTSAP is all about the future of the state and the nation and how the children could be change agents, adding that soon, the governor would be able to look back, and thank God for initiating the programme.

Yearly, participants drawn from the six educational districts in their thousands, turn out for the BRF contest, with the active collaboration of the Ministry of Education and the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB). Outstanding contestants are determined in the primary, junior and senior secondary school categories in such events like essay competition, project defence and presentations, following a dispassionate selection process carried out by a team of judges. Thirty winners

have emerged in the BRF competitions over the five year period.

LASTSAP initiator, Dr. Mariam Masha, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport Education said the programme launched by Governor Fashola on February 24, 2009 at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, was designed to imbue in children, traffic safety values, so that they might be informed, safe and responsible road users; with a resultant effect of the children being agents of change and the voice of attitudinal change within their families and communities.

“With a modest 248 participants in 2009, to 4,400 participants in 2010, 6,800 in 2011, 9,018 in 2012 to 7,088 in 2013, the competition has grown to 15,250 participants in 2014. Statistically, while we would have impacted 992 people in 2009, 17,600 in 2010; 27,200 in 2011; 36,072 in 2012; 28,352 in 2013 and 61,000 in 2014. The programme has evolved producing additional programmes such as Children on Patrol (COP) and Peer Education, where they take the lead in educating their peers.

“We can see therefore that beyond being empowered with knowledge and skill to be safe road users, they learn research skills, confidence, art of public speaking and presentation and importance of friendship. The programme prepares the children for life and the challenges and opportunities it may present them. The 2014 competition beyond assessing the children on the knowledge of traffic safety also focused on building team spirit among the children as they worked and made presentation as groups as opposed to individual presentations,” Masha said.

National Conference urges Fed Govt to revamp transportation

ATIONAL Conference delegates have asked the Federal Government to revamp transportation for sustainable development.

This was part of the recommendations made at plenary, while delegates deliberated on the report of the Conference Committee on Transportation, last week.

They called on the Federal Government, states and local governments to work on revamping the railway, roads, airports and seaports to ensure a seamless transportation sys-

tem as contained in the committee’s report.

A delegate representing North East, Ambassador Adamu Aliyu, harping on the haulage capacity of the trains, urged the Federal Government to buy more tank wagons for the railway system to enable trains carry more bulk fuel to the various depots in the country.

He said using articulated vehicles to convey petroleum products had wreaked havoc on the roads and destroyed several lives.

Aliyu also called for the imple-

mentation of all recommendations in the committee’s report.

He advised that the recommendations should not be allowed to die like similar ones.

“Our biggest problem is implementation. We have come to realise that many laudable recommendations from previous conferences are yet to be implemented.

“We hope the Federal Government will give priority attention to the report of the committee on transportation because of its laudable recommendations,’’ he said.

Former Governor of Akwa Ibom, Obong Victor Attah, urged the Federal Government to construct “not more than eight roads in the country, comprising four vertical roads and four horizontal roads.’’

Attah also called for a proper mass transit system to tackle the problem of transportation in most mega cities.

He said: “Every mega city like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt must be aided to have proper mass transit system. There is no way you can move the volume of people we have in those cities on wheels.

“For instance, people who live in Nyanya and Mararaba in the FCT wake up at four O’clock in the morning to go to work in the city.’’

Similarly, Amb. Laurence Ekpebu, representing South-South, said states should be made to maintain and secure ports in the country rather than leaving the task to the Federal Government alone.

He said: “Sea ports have been run by the Federal Government; it is important that we begin to involve states in the maintenance and security of these vulnerable ports.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014

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THE NATION

BUSINESS AVIATION

Why Lagos, Abuja airports can’t be regional hubs, by experts

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HE absence of a national carrier will stop the international airports in Lagos and Abuja from becoming a hub for West and Central Africa, aviation experts have said.

There are plans to make the Murtala Muhammed International and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airports in Lagos and Abuja regional hubs.

But, this, it was gathered, is being stalled because Nigeria does not have a national carrier.

Nigeria Airways was liquidated in 2003.

In an interview with The Nation, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Managing Director Dunoma Saleh said the Lagos andAbuja airports may not emerge hubs until the government raises a national carrier.

Saleh said having such a hub would be difficult without a strong carrier that will drive traffic as transit gateways for passengers.

He said the government was worried over this challenge. It has continued to provide operational airport infrastructure as a prerequisite to drive the pursuit of a hub.

Saleh said when there a national carrier, the agency would improve on its yearly revenue generation.

As long as the country does not have a national carrier like Ethiopia, Kenya, Egypt and South Africa , a hub is out of it, he said.

Saleh said: “This is a tall order which can only be achieved

Stories by Kelvin Osa Okunbor

through a national carrier, which we don’t have here. Development will be very difficult for us without a national carrier, which is key, but we as an agency are trying to provide infrastructure in our airports.”

The Supervising Minister of Aviation, Dr Samuel Ortom, has said a national carrier is on the way.

He said: “Very soon, the national carrier will start operations. We are making necessary contacts and putting everything together to ensure that we have a national carrier of our own. Very soon, we will launch our own carrier.”

Last year, attempts by the government to convert indigenous carrier, Aero Contractors, into a national carrier by taking up majority equity in the cash trapped airline failed.

The Managing Director of Medview Airlines, Alhaji Muneer Bankole, said Nigeria needs a national carrier for reasons other than positioning its airports as hubs.

Bankole said: “Nigeria Airways was the national carrier many years ago. But, for some reasons the government liquidated the airline.

Today, Nigeria is losing out in the global arena in aviation.

“When there was a national carrier, the airline covered not only the country but also the West African region.

“Nigeria Airways would bring passengers from Senegal, Ghana to

• Absence of national carrier stalls dream Lagos before flying them to United Kingdom and other destinations in the world. The Lagos Airport became a hub.

“The shame that the nation is having today would not have been there, if it had a national carrier .

Imagine a country of 170 million people without a national airline; it is a shame.

“In the past, when you see greenwhite-green colours on any aircraft in any airport in the world, even if you were at the airport for sight seeing, seeing it made you feel as if you were back home.

I think we deserve to have a national airline.”

Group Managing Director of Arik Air, Dr Michael Arumemi Ikhide said the existence of a national carrier would reduce capital flight by foreign carriers.

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He said: “There have been some discussions about the national carrier. As far as Arik is concerned we are not troubled. At the end of the day we have a huge market.

In a country of over 170 million Nigerians the market penetration is limited, it is for this reason that we need a national carrier.

“As the aviation sector develops; as Nigerians have more opportunity to travel, the establishment of a national carrier would help the socio-economic and political integration of the nation.

“It will also assist to develop major international airports in Nigeria into regional hubs.”

However, an aviation analyst, Chris Aligbe, has described the dominance of foreign airlines and its attendant loss to the

Workers threaten strike over NCAA DG

HE Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association Of Nigeria ATSSSAN) is worried over the appointment of a substantive Director-General for the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). Captain Mukthar Usman has been its acting director-general for almost five months.

The association has given the government a 21-day ultimatum to act or it would halt activities in the sector.

‘We are constrained but have to do what we have to do for the survival of the industry and NCAA in particular.

In view of the above, we hereby give the Federal Government through your office, 21-day ultimatum to do all the due diligence and give us a substantive director general or we will have no other option than to ground all operations in the aviation industry in Nigeria’ In a petition to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation ( SGF ) Senator Ayim Pius Ayim, the association said the appointment of a substantive directorgeneral for NCAA, is dragging too long.

In the statement, its Deputy National Secretary, Captain Tar Tanongo said the Civil Aviation Act does not recognise ‘acting appointment’.

According to the ATSSSAN official, several legal and vital documents and activities are being performed that may become issues of contention and litigations in the future.

He said the aviation industry is still suffering from decisions taken by the government that cause the

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•From left: Operations officers of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN): Emmanuel Chidera, Vivian Memyanga; Managing Director, Saleh Dunoma; Kabir Mohammed and Director of Human Resources, Salamatu Eluwa parading their certificates after graduation from an International Airport Managers' Course in Lagos.

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Dana Air connects flights to Uyo

ANA Air has concluded plans to recommence direct flights between the Murtala Muhammed Airport Lagos, and the Akwa Ibom Airport Uyo, as well as link the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, from Uyo. The airline said it is committed to encourage air travel by offering an introductory online webfare starting at N9,000 for one-way booking across its existing route network to stimulate both leisure and business travels.

Announcing the development in Lagos, Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Obialor Mbanuzuo, noted that Dana Air is working with the objective of integrating most major cities in Nigeria into its route network.

He emphasised that Dana Air is reviewing its operations to exceed the high expectations of its guests.

“At Dana Air, we recognise the importance of Akwa Ibom State in the socio-economic development of Nigeria as a tourist destination and oil producing state,

economy as “incalculable”.

“What we are losing to the dominance of foreign routes by international airlines is incalculable because we do not have a national carrier, “ Aligbe said.

He said: “In fact, the fact that Nigeria does not have her own national carrier is actually a disgrace to us as a nation and the largest econmy in Africa. It takes something out of our pride.

He said if Nigeria had a national carrier, the Lagos and Abuja airports would naturally become regional hubs for West and Central Africa.

Aligbe said the country should invite an airline of repute even if on a consultancy to help set up an airline. Such an airline would have the government owning not more than 10 per cent equity; the remaining 90 per cent would be shared by Nigerians and institutional investor.

and the need to offer choice of travel to open up accessibility.

“We are confident that our recommencement of flights between Lagos and Uyo as well as onward connections between Uyo and Abuja will make the state even more attractive to investors,”Mbanuzuo said.

He also disclosed that the decision to recommence operations into Uyo is hinged on the airline’s commitment to offer comfort and convenience to passengers in Akwa Ibom and adjoining cities.

agencies billions of naira to remedy.

“We are constrained but have to do what we have to do for the survival of the industry and NCAA in particular. In view of the above, we hereby give the Federal Government through your office, 21-day ultimatum to do all the due diligence and give us a substantive director general or we will have no other option than to ground all operations in the aviation industry in Nigeria. This, sir, serves as a 21-day notice of strike.”

ATSSSAN said it had waited patiently, hoping the issue would be corrected, adding: “Aviation is not an industry to toy with as any negative decision can mortgage safety of operations.”

Group to train 2, 000 air traffic UNITED States-based controllers non-governmental

organisation, National Black Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees (NBCFAE), has pledged to support the training about 2,000 Nigerian air traffic controllers per year in the next six years.

NBCFAE President, Mr. Roosevelt Lenard Jr. made this known at the launch of the Nigerian chapter of the initiative in Ikeja tagged ‘First NBCFAE Annual Aviation Career Education (ACE) Programme Nigeria 2014’.

He said the event was aimed at educating the students on the requirements for taking up a career in aviation.

“We are looking at an average of 2,000 controllers per year for next six years. Then, there will be more. We are retiring now and we want to see people come behind us to take over as we leave” he said.

Lenard Jr. said the coalition promoted racial and gender diversity in the aviation agencies across United States but had decided to extend its activities to other parts of the world.

“We are here because we know that aviation is not only Americanbased. It is world-based. We be-

lieve that Africa should attract what the world is experiencing at the moment. We feel that we can play a part in making that happen. We want to bring it close to everybody including our kids. We have to expose the kids to it and develop the passion.

My perception about aviation career in Africa is that I see a great promise. I see a commitment to it. This is why we don’t select our leaders just from America,” he said.

He said NBCFAE was developed to bring more blacks into air traffic control and had since inception, focused on career opportunities in aviation for all disciplines. He also said the organisation has 40 members in Nigeria and hoped to expand membership and scholarship offers to children interested in aviation careers.

“We don’t want to just talk about the problems. We want to have our own solutions and part of our solutions is training. We are training members,” he said.

The event attracted participation by hundreds of students drawn from schools in Lagos and featured presentations by air traffic controllers, pilots, aircraft maintenance engineers and other professionals.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014

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COMMENTARY EDITORIALS

FROM OTHER LANDS

Lessons from Ekiti election •Fayemi’s grace in conceding defeat in Ekiti is recommended to all parties and politicians in future elections

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AST Saturday’s governorship election in Ekiti State might have been concluded and a winner elected.

The lessons must however be brought out, learnt and imbibed by all, in order to deepen the democratic culture in the country. While three major contenders were identified in the run-in to the D-Day, only two, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, the incumbent who contested on the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Mr. Ayodele Fayose on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform, made appreciable impact in the election.

This is perhaps the first lesson. Mr. Opeyemi Bamidele who obtained the ticket of the Labour Party (LP) failed to rise to the occasion as the people could not place the candidate who, until early this year, was an Action Congress of Nigeria member of the House of Representatives. Mr. Bamidele did not realise that the people wanted a simple contest in which you are either for or against the incumbent. His platform, too, despite being the ruling party in neighbouring Ondo State, is strange in Ekiti. The message was lost and the battle was never really joined.

Then, the ruling party lost. Dr. Fayemi had campaigned vigorously all over the state. He held up the scorecard of his administration and asked to be assessed on the basis of the Ekiti State Roadmap. The voters, including those sympathetic to his main opponent, admitted that he had worked hard to change the face of the state.

He was reputed to have strived to bring honour and integrity into politics; yet they resoundingly voted against him and his party. He lost in all the 16 local government areas.

Here lies the poser: Did Dr. Fayemi lose because he was perceived to be aloof and elitist in his conduct in office? Did he lose because he failed to play the game according to the peculiar rules of politicking in Nigeria? Or, did he lose to the populist tactics and agenda of his main opponent, Mr. Fayose? What role did the Federal Government controlled by the PDP play in the election? These are questions that political scientists and sociologists would have to answer in studying the political behaviour of the Ekiti voters.

It is however instructive that if an incumbent governor could be defeated, no one, including an incumbent president, is beyond defeat at the polls.

That is another lesson to learn from the Ekiti State governorship election.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that had failed to get it right with previous elections deserves to be commended for proving that it could conquer the logistics hurdle that has always stood in the way of conducting free and fair elections in the country. All over the 177 electoral wards in the state, materials were promptly deployed and voting commenced on schedule. We hope the commission could take this to the Osun State governorship election and the general elections next year.

The same may however not be said of the security forces who laid a siege to the state, abducted some leaders of the APC in the early hours of election day and chased away journalists from media considered sympathetic to the APC. Their action betrayed their mindset and mission. It has been said that despite those overzealous reactions, the people’s

choice was clear. But, going forward, it must be pointed out that security officials on duty need reorientation to realise that their loyalty should not be to the government in power but the Nigerian state.

Besides, security men on duty who went beyond their mandate should be punished to serve as deterrent to others.

Mr. Fayose deserves a pat on the back for bouncing back to reckoning in the state. So does Governor Fayemi who, in unprecedented manner, was swift in conceding defeat and congratulating his opponent. By that singular action, the governor has proved to be gracious in defeat.

He has therefore doused tension and shown that he represents the deserved future for politics in the country.

The Fayemi example is commended to all politicians in the country as the 2015 polls approach.

‘Mr. Fayose deserves a pat on the back for bouncing back to reckoning in the state. So does Governor Fayemi who, in unprecedented manner, was swift in conceding defeat and congratulating his opponent.

By that singular action, the governor has proved to be gracious in defeat. He has therefore doused tension and shown that he represents the deserved future for politics in the country’

No, doctors, no!

•The threat by doctors to embark on strike from July 1 is unfortunate

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HE threat by medical doctors to embark on another nation-wide strike from July 1 calls for concern as it portends many Nigerians losing their lives unnecessarily, once again. Doctors under the aegis of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) served notice after their June 10 meeting that they would be withdrawing their services from the hospitals if their 24 demands were not addressed before the deadline. Soon after, the Medical and Dental Consultants of Nigeria indicated that they would team up with the other doctors to shut down public hospitals.

This would be happening for the umpteenth time. Towards the end of last year, doctors similarly paralysed healthcare as they called on the Federal Government to approve enhanced, discriminatory salary scale for them. The strike was only called off after an agreement was reached on

‘We therefore call on the Federal Government to create an avenue for interaction between the professionals in the sector, with a view to promoting understanding and harmony. It is obvious that governments at all levels have paid so much attention to the sector than others, and this should be rewarded with diligence and commitment to service ... The proposed strike should be shelved’

January 3.

In serving notice for resumption of the strike, the doctors observed that some critical aspects of that agreement duly signed by representatives of the government and the NMA had not been implemented.

This is unfortunate. This government has continued to demonstrate that it cannot be trusted. It freely enters into agreements it has no intention of abiding by. We call on the Federal Ministry of Health to clear the air on this and, if it is true, proceed to implement the deal.

However, the frequent resort to industrial action by the doctors calls for concern.

The medical sector is so sensitive and critical that professionals should feel more empathy for the hapless patients who are victims of their action than the gain that would come consequently. Long after the issues would have been resolved, complications that could have arisen from failure to promptly treat patients could linger. Others not so fortunate would have died with the attendant social and economic consequences.

It is particularly disheartening that the threatened strike has led to an open confrontation among the professionals in the sector. While the doctors are calling for relativity or disparity in the conditions of service applicable to them as against other professionals, the pharmacists, nurses, medical laboratory scientists, radiographers, information managers, physiotherapists, optometrists, among others, have insisted that the gap should be closed. The doctors want the position of chief medical directors of tertiary health institutions and medical directors of the

Federal Medical Centres reserved for them, but the others see it as an administrative position that should go to experienced professionals who have distinguished themselves and have requisite experience as is the situation in other countries such as the United States of America.

The threatened strike is believed to be principally fuelled by the outcome of negotiations between the Joint Health Sector Union, comprising the other professionals and the Federal Government, which tended to close the wide disparity that had existed in the sector for a while.

It is our view that bickering over whether there should be a Surgeon-General of the Federation to be exclusively reserved for doctors, or opportunities made available to the other professionals to become consultants in their chosen fields is not enough to breach the Hippocratic Oath that places premium on saving human lives.

We therefore call on the Federal Government to create an avenue for interaction between the professionals in the sector, with a view to promoting understanding and harmony. It is obvious that governments at all levels have paid so much attention to the sector than others, and this should be rewarded with diligence and commitment to service.

Other issues such as establishment of a Hospital Development and Intervention Fund, expansion of the Health Insurance Scheme to cover all Nigerians and ailments, and passage of the National Health Bill should be pursued without sacrificing the interest of patients and the general public.

The proposed strike should be shelved.

A message to YouTube: Don’t be evil

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OOGLE’S YouTube is such a rich repository of material from so many sources — global news broadcasts and TV shows, short films, live performances and amateur recordings — that it has become the Internet’s unofficial video archive. That’s why the company’s threat to remove videos uploaded by independent record companies because of a dispute over a forthcoming YouTube service is so alarming. YouTube is no longer an upstart in a crowded market; it’s a dominant player whose decisions have enormous consequences for its users. And the threat it has leveled against indie labels suggests that the company has lost touch with that reality.

A different set of rules applies to companies once they start wielding enormous power in a market. Those rules now apply to YouTube.

YouTube ranks as one of the world’s most popular online destinations for music. The site has countless official and unofficial music videos, covers, clips from concerts and karaoke performances of the work of practically every artist to use a microphone. Over time, the vast majority of the industry has teamed up with YouTube to try to turn fans’ interest into cash by adding advertisements to their uploads. The main shortcoming is that the ads yield a microscopic amount of revenue per video played.

To generate higher per-song royalties, the music industry has long urged YouTube to launch a service such as the ones Spotify, Rhapsody and Rdio offer, charging users a monthly fee to play an unlimited amount of music. The company is now preparing to do just that, and says that 95% of its label partners have signed on to the new service, including all three major record companies. Among the holdouts, though, are some smaller labels and notable artists. And in order not to have the current free service compete with the new subscription-based one, YouTube has told these labels and artists that it will take down their music videos and no longer provide a home for advertiser-supported uploads. That means if fans upload videos using these labels’ recordings, the labels will be able to ask YouTube only to remove them, not monetize them.

The holdouts have complained to regulators on both sides of the Atlantic that the terms YouTube is offering are skewed in favor of the big labels. That’s an issue they’ll have to resolve in private negotiations. But YouTube shouldn’t be able to use its dominant position in advertiser-supported video to coerce labels into supporting a new product, even if it would understandably prefer not have that new product compete with its current offering.

Similarly, Amazon’s apparent bullying of Hachette Book Group raises hackles because the e-commerce king seems to be using its huge share of the printed book market to force the publisher to accept its terms for e-books. The lesson the tech world should have learned from the Justice Department’s pursuit of Microsoft in the 1990s and 2000s is that a different set of rules applies to companies once they start wielding enormous power in a market. Those rules now apply to YouTube, whether the company likes it or not.

– Los Angeles Times

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 24,2014

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CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: I stumbled on the paper delivered by former Governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu, on his retirement experiences at the 4th Retreat of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), recently held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

In the paper, published in not a few print, electronic and online media, the former governor expressed his disappointment with the Nigerian society when he declared that “it is head you lose, tail you lose. Public service is truly a thankless job in Nigeria”.

On the burden of public officers, the ex-governor disclosed that “even if you leave office poorer than when you went in, a cynical public would never believe you.

They believe that half of the public treasury is kept in your house, so they will come daily to line up, telling one tale of woe after the other.

If you give then, they will say they only came to collect what belongs to them. If you don’t, they will say you are selfish and stingy. So, know that for life, you will carry the cross of having been a gover-

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Kalu on life after public office

nor. Therefore, if you don’t replenish your purse through investments and businesses, you will soon become poor. And when you become poor, the same people will abuse you of being a foolish man.

So, it is head you lose, tail you lose.

Public service is truly a thankless job in Nigeria”.

While, I am not neither a politician nor a supporter of Kalu, his worries and regrets are worth reflecting upon within the context of understanding the challenge of leadership in a complex country such as ours. To begin with, leadership means many things to different people in Nigeria. To some, it is an opportunity to amass stupendous wealth and live flamboy-

antly. For others, it is a ladder to attaining higher social class and oppress the ordinary man while another school of thought believes that grabbing power enhances their status symbol and become relevant at all cost. But for a few, it is a call to selfless service. It is in this part of the world that those who once occupied leadership positions are treated with disdain once they are out of power. Those who used to hail you now treat you with utmost disrespect and contempt. You begin to wonder if you are dealing with strange people. No. They are still the same faces that you were dealing with only that their true identity is being revealed. That is why people would rather prefer to

sive PDP government come 2015. I could never have imagined that the people would give their mandate to the party that has impoverished its people; that watch as citizens are being killed daily by terrorists; a party under whose watch the educational system continues to flounder; one that continues to divide citizens along ethnic, religious and group lines; a party that has failed to guarantee steady electricity supply.

For how long are we going to continue to deceive ourselves because of a token amount they give to us? We should ask ourselves how they intend to recover the gargantuan amount they expended during the campaigns.

We are all aware of the level of unemployment in the country; the

level of impunity in the country and the support that criminals, thieves and bandits have enjoyed and are enjoying under the leadership of the PDP. We should all know and understand that the battle and struggle to save our dear Nigeria can not be left only in the hands of few individuals; it has to be a collective struggle. Infact, it is the downtrodden masses that should be at the forefront. The PDP has declared war against the country and its people by using the military and other security agencies to intimidate and frighten them. We need to rise to the occasion and put a stop to the reign of the merciless PDP. • Waziri Mohammed IBB University, Lapai-Niger State.

Lessons of Ekiti guber poll

IR: I was shocked on learning of the victory of Ayo Fayose of the PDP in the just concluded governorship election in Ekiti State.

I had believed that the people of Ekiti would set the pace for other states to follow given the number of intellectuals that Ekiti is blessed with. To my surprise, they voted Fayose who is currently answering to corruption charges in court.

Given the enormity of the problems facing Nigerians most of which are traceable to PDP’s ineptitude and insensitivity, I could not but wonder that people still voted en masse for the party.

I was optimistic before the Ekiti governorship election that the APC was going to retain its leadership there, thereby adding to the nation’s hope of sweeping away the oppres-

die in office by trying all manners of sit-tight tricks.

The greatest enemies of many political office holders today is the disease called sycophancy. These crops of people (sycophants) are just like communicable diseases, found everywhere. They surround the leader without a breathing space. Oftentimes, they peddle falsehood, lies and discredit others to remain relevant. Unfortu-

nately, many leaders easily fall prey to the antics of these parasitic fellows and at the end of the day; they create more problems and enemies for them. These same bedfellows decamp to the side of anybody in power without thinking twice. They create enmity between allies to their selfish interest. That could have been the lot of leaders like former Governor Kalu, who has been made to ironically look like a serpent that should be avoided. And the cycle goes on and on. That is the plight of many Nigerian leaders.

• Adewale Kupoluyi Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta,

Battling our crippling defeatism

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IR: “A battle is won by the side that is absolutely determined to win…but we had told ourselves early in the day that the battle was lost, so it was lost.” Leo Tolstoy Nigeria is a nation of defeatists.

We’re all about eternal forbearance; a nation of hopers waiting for ‘the beautiful ones’ to be born. We get smacked around by unjust laws. We accept corrupt people in public offices. We do nothing about the louts that hike the cost of transportation by taking money from drivers who in turn charge more from us to recoup the money.

We are accepting of fast foods that give us meals prepared anyhow while taking a lot of money from us.

In our homes, we pay money to the local government for “Television and radio use notices (what does that even mean)’. We pay exorbitant light bills that we know not how those who have never entered our homes to see what we actually use, who do not read our meters and who give us light only when the month is about to end, present to us. We do not make

noise when we contribute money for the repair of our streets and ‘it disappears’.

We are very accepting. No one wants to be the troublemaker and so, injustice becomes the status quo.

And this is the land that our sons and daughters will be born into and they in turn will await the birth of ‘the beautiful ones’-those who in the events of protests, bullets will bounce off their bodies, teargas will not affect their nostrils, and whose voices will ring through the corridors of power…probably.

The Nigerians of today want to TALK fashion and celebrities and sex and machismo and football. And then pepper the TALKS with politics, corruption, oppression, injustice etc…all from within the comforts of their homes and keypads.

But defeatists die too. Maybe not today but death must happen. But while we still live today, maybe…just maybe we can quit the talks and for once, act.

• Adaobi Okwy, Lagos.

THE NATION TUESDAY,JUNE 24, 2014

COMMENTS

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ceded it.

OR embattled Nigerians, it is a tale The moment Gabriel of two Harams: Boko Haram, whose Selekenkere, that local Mopol murderous notoriety is well estabcommander, humiliated Goverlished; and Power Haram, whose state nor Fayemi, threatened to arcriminality, against democratic institurest him and declared him a tions and innocent citizens, is in full ruthnobody because the vice-presiless play. dent was in town, the governor Between the two, the ironies are strikstayed symbolically dethroned. ing — for locked between the two Haram Selekenkere remains unpunstrains are Nigeria’s security agencies.

Olakunle ished till date. And the killed Boko Haram started as a ragtag group of lordbeek1@gmail.com, 08054504169 (Sms only, please) Abimbola APC partisan in the row? Anequal-opportunity anarchists, throwing other campaign statistics! bombs at lone police personnel and razThen, issues of the Peoples ing remote police posts. But it has since Democratic Party (PDP) having morphed into a formidable adversary, their full compliments of partiwriting notices to putative victims; and daring Nigeria’s federal might to bring on its most formidable. sans, led by the president, at their mega rally. If that was good Two: The Travails of Democracy and the rule of Law. Against Boko Haram, the security forces appear infuriatingly for the PDP, why did “federal might” block APC partisans, Rivers Governor, Chibuike Amaechi, en route to Governor defanged, with the military high command mouthing a litany including no less than four governors, from joining Dr. Fayemi’s Kayode Fayemi’s last campaign rally, was blocked from enterof excuses for the odd situation. The result? The continued final rally? ing Ekiti. His plane was also grounded. A mere captain leading capture of the Chibok girls as a national emblem of incompeTo put the impunity in bold relief, as soldiers were threatena band of soldiers, according to him, even threatened to shoot tence and shame. him, should he contest his illegal restriction. ing to allegedly shoot Governor Amaechi, Musiliu Obanikoro, Power Haram, on the other hand, started as lawful and legitiDefence minister of state and Jelili Adesiyan, minister of Police Edo Governor, Adams Oshiomhole was prevented from takmate coercion of the Nigerian state. Under President Goodluck Affairs, had a smooth ride into Ekiti. ing off to Ekiti. So, reportedly were Sokoto Governor, Jonathan, however, especially with the election season apSo, whereas an APC governor, even with his immunity against Magatakarda Wamakko and Kano Governor, Rabiu proaching, it has acquired the unconscionable, ragtag mentality Kwankwaso. arrest and restriction, was illegally barred, mere appointees of of Boko Haram. the president, because they are PDP members, gained free ac“Order from above?” Keep them off Ekiti, at all costs!

It is the criminal manifestation of state terror, even with the cess. So, the law and its applications, and security agencies, are After years of “corrective” but clearly ruinous military rule, extant democratic order, developing a humongous appetite to now subject to partisan considerations?

President Jonathan is game at the strong arm tactics that ruined crush citizens’ rights, citing “orders from above”. the 1st Republic; and veered this country from promise to perdiEnter gun boat democracy, courtesy of the Jonathan PresidenUnder Power Haram, the security forces have suddenly recy’s Power Haram! That is why the Ekiti election was not, and tion. found their groove, crushing civil liberties; and caging elected could not have been, fair — for the licit coercion of state was Even after the failure of two republics, and the stillbirth of governors, egged on by “orders from above”. turned into an illicit rod bludgeoning the Ekiti incumbent govanother, the Jonathan presidency is busy using the army as parIt is indeed the season of distemper in a purported democratic ernor and his interests. tisan rod, forgetting the woe such past fascist conducts have republic!

Nigerians are notorious for short memories. But let everyone inflicted on the country. Talk of not learning from history!

Of course, President Jonathan has the democratic right to adopt be alerted to different tactics by the Jonathan Presidency to skew That brings the matter to the freeness and fairness of the June the tortoise’s proverbial oath: to go on a journey and not to elections, even when hypocritically showing off the final exer21 gubernatorial polls in Ekiti State. return until it is thoroughly disgraced. That much is clear from cise as free.

First, Governor-elect Ayodele Fayose deserves congratulathe reckless manoeuvres of the security forces under him, in the In Anambra, it was election-day mass disenfranchisement of tions for his victory. Though Ripples endorsed Governor Fayemi build-up to the Ekiti gubernatorial elections.

APC’s Senator Chris Ngige in his stronghold. In Ekiti, it was — and still feels he did enough to earn a second term were But he certainly does not have any right to subvert the demousing the military and other security agencies for illicit partisan systematic and sustainable governance to decide (and they should cratic order by resorting to executive lawlessness, for partisan ends. In Osun, what would it be? in any sane society), to have thrashed the incumbent in every ends. That, however, is the path his presidency is treading.

To those who gloss over the brazen misuse of state apparalocal government (including the governor’s capital, Ado and his Still, such undemocratic behaviour goes way back to the very tuses, as President Jonathan did in Ekiti, simply because it fahome council, Oye), he would appear the true choice of the peobeginning of independent Nigeria — and that would explain vours them, let them know what goes around always comes ple. the country’s progressive unravelling. around.

Mr. Fayose was even more impressive, with his first postThe Jonathan politicisation of Nigeria’s air space is eerily simiIn the days of innocence, skewed elections risked failed reelection win press conference. He was reconciliatory, gracious lar to Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s 1st Republic electioneering publics. Now, with the military thoroughly burnt out on sterile and level-headed. It is welcome that he declared himself older experience. His helicopter was refused landing in both Sokoto power; and a segment of it now merrily pressed into service on and wiser; and pledged to try his best, to the collective glory of and Onitsha, from accounts in his book, Adventures in Power Book illegal orders, skewed elections point to nowhere but a failed all Ekiti. Whether this new magnanimous temper would change state. But the incumbent order would appear too far gone to his rather pedestrian approach to governance is in the belly of care.

‘Enter gun boat democracy, courtesy time.

Still, let everyone know that Power Haram is as much a grave Was the election free? On the day, no doubt it was. From news of the Jonathan Presidency’s Power reports, voting went on smoothly. No report of stolen ballot, or danger to the Federal Republic as Boko Haram. As Boko Haram broke the mystique by challenging the Nigerian state, Power violence. The outbreak of celebration at the outcome showed Haram! That is why the Ekiti election of Haram would unravel when an irate people start challenging its the people had had their choice. was not, and could not have been, fair’ claimed divine right to put legal force to illegal use.

Was the election fair? Hardly, particularly with the ugly But things need not get to that sorry pass. militarisation and projection of brazen federal power that pre-

epublican ipples

A tale of two Harams

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HEN the ‘present’ battles the ‘past’, the ‘future’ suffers; when the ‘present’ argues with the ‘past’ the future is nourished!

The recently concluded guber polls in Ekiti threw up many things and indeed I am impressed by the quality of the analyses which characterised the whole electioneering process. Admittedly many things have been said about the election already, but it is for posterity that some of us must endeavour to put things in the proper perspective, devoid of as much bias as we can, looking dispassionately at the issues so that we can distil certain lessons from this experience.

My reasons for embarking on this ‘distillation’ are twofold.

First, Ekiti, small as it is, has all the ironies symptomatic of Nigeria’s problems: Highly educated indigenes, criticallyilliterate indigenes, scantily-few rich indigenes, a very large number of incurably-poor indigenes, and an iron-cast apathy towards politics by the negligibly-few competent indigenes etc. A critical study of the Ekiti sociology which has emerged in this election therefore will undoubtedly help to unravel the mystery shrouded in the outcome of the election, or at least help us understand why the people of Ekiti behaved the way they did.

Secondly, this election has once again demonstrated that our politics still remains, and largely too, individuals-driven.

It has never been about parties or manifestoes or lofty political ideas.

The people of Ekiti are not a perfect people and I believe they don’t expect perfection from their leaders. They just want a leader who cares and shows it; a leader who identifies with them and knows where the shoe pinches. They want a leader who dances to their music all the time and even when he chooses not to, must tell them his reason without fail and

‘Fayose must subdue every gladiatorial trait in his DNA and pursue purposeful governance. He must realise that drinking soaked gari in the stall of a market woman, as populist and endearing as it might be, does not necessarily translate into a better life for the woman or her children’

When Ekiti decided

By Abayomi Samuel Ojo without weariness.

Fayemi to every unbiased observer will remain in the annals of political history in Ekiti as a leader who meant well. He came full of ideas and was ready to turn his state into a ‘New York’ of sort. He had dreams, as did Martin Luther King, but unlike MLK, his immediate audience didn’t understand the political utopia that he so eloquently always talked about. As far they were concerned, he spoke Latin, ate Greek, dined French and breathed London!

There was an apparent gap; a communication failure and Fayemi omitted to do something about it! Somehow he just assumed that they’d tag along, or that they’d just miraculously grow a pair of binoculars to see how much of paradise he was building for them in some not too distant future! The people of Ekiti stubbornly refused to see the future castle that he was bent to build. They want their cake, and they must have it now!

Yet both Fayemi and the people of Ekiti; who have now become his Achilles’ heel are neither right nor wrong. There is nothing wrong in having lofty ideas and ideals upon which a leader wants to pursue his agenda, neither is there anything wrong in the fact that the people want immediate gratification, given their long years of neglect and suffering.

However, in politics, perception is everything. Elections are always a game of numbers and a leader must always seek to speak to the heart of the people. He must show genuine concern when they feel disconnected, he must strive beyond his comfort zone to comfort those who have been negatively impacted by his lofty ideas. He must understand that you cannot truly lead a people with whom you are disconnected. In the end, regardless of how good his ideas seem, a leader always needs a platform to execute his ideas.

And as stupid as a people’s desire for immediate gratification might seem, he must constantly engage them to drive home his vision. They must see through it and envision the outcome almost as badly as he does; If not all them, at least a large percentage of them. He must be so firmly established and entrenched in their hearts that they’d go to any length to convince a friend, a neighbour or even a foe to join his side.

Fayose is man of the people. He is loved by almost everyone. He knows what the people want, and he always

gives it to them in an intoxicating dose. In his first term, he performed to the best of his ability; Ado-Ekiti and some parts of the state are developed courtesy his effort.

However, he must realise that the people of Ekiti, like Greeks and Romans are insatiable. They want, always want and will remain ever wanting. Popular support is usually fuelled by a thirst for something different: a different taste and song. He must be a visionary and use the overwhelming support he enjoys now to push for an agenda that will place the state on the path of future glory.

His greatest undoing will readily come upon him when he begins to assume that they massively voted for him because of their desire to join the ‘mainstream’ Jonathan politics or to have a good riddance to ‘Tinubu’.

Fayose must subdue every gladiatorial trait in his DNA and pursue purposeful governance. He must realise that drinking soaked gari in the stall of a market woman, as populist and endearing as it might be, does not necessarily translate into a better life for the woman or her children. He must also realise that the British weather, as unstable as it might be, is even more stable than popular support. The fact that you are loved in the morning doesn’t mean you can’t be stoned before dusk’. Popular support confers a serious sense of sublime responsibility, not to be taken lightly. It is to be worked at. He must constantly outperform their expectation and carry them as he does. It doesn’t mean he cannot disagree with them but he must always provide a superior explanation to justify his action, or bow to theirs’ when it is more cogent and logical.

On a final analysis, the people have spoken, they have demonstrated a preference for immediate gratification and as angrily as some of observers might want to kick against their choice, who can blame the people?

Until corruption ceases to be the only thing which unifies the people, until campaigns cease to be dominated by how many plates of rice a candidate can out-serve the other candidates, the people will continue to choose a leader with whom they can identify, even if their choice is clearly at the detriment of their future!

Until this happens, we’ll continue to hope and expect that age and time when our politics will be issues based, when the ‘present’ and the ‘past’ will ‘argue’ rather than ‘battle’ to produce a nourished and not a malnourished future!

• Ojo writes from University of Northampton, UK

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014

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COMMENTS

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NE could imagine the atmosphere in the living room of the president at the villa in Abuja as results of an overwhelming victory for the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in last Saturday’s governorship election in Ekiti State were trickling in.

And the champagne must have flowed in abundance as the Super Eagles recorded their first world cup final victory since France ’98 with a narrow win over debutants, BosniaHerzegovina.

The double celebrations, one must admit, are well deserved as anyone in President Goodluck Jonathan’s shoes would pop the champagne. After so many bad news on all fronts, the president and his men deserve to smile and rejoice. But in their moment of happiness they should remember the Chibok girls who are spending their 70th day in captivity today. The girls also deserve to be at home with their parents/families to celebrate Super Eagles victory, even if the PDP victory in Ekiti could sound like a tale from a foreign land to some of them.

Since 15th of April when Boko Haram terrorists struck in Chibok and abducted no fewer than 276 secondary school girls and took them to God knows where, their parents expectedly have not been sleeping well if they sleep at all, but same, it does appear, cannot be said of the federal government.

Lest we forget, it took President Jonathan close to three weeks to openly acknowledge the girls’ abduction and this was after per-

‘If Governor Kayode Fayemi could accept that the people actually voted for his opponent, then every loser (especially incumbents) in any transparent and credible election in Nigeria as in all sensible democracies should accept the verdict of the electorate and congratulate the winner’

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Don’t forget the Chibok girls sistent public pressure, particularly mounted by the #Bring Back Our Girls campaign. And the pressure became too much when foreign voices were added and the federal government began to act, albeit belatedly.

But in the last couple of weeks the tempo of activities in terms of information from government on how close or far we are from bringing the girls home seem to have gone down and the case of the girls is fast going the way of the series of unresolved murders of our recent past. Nigerians seem to be adjusting themselves to life without the girls and recent good news on the political and sporting fronts for government is not helping the cause of the campaign to bring the girls back.

Of the 276 that were abducted in April, 57 have found their way home while the fate of the 219 still in Boko Haram captivity remain unknown. Are they still in Sambisa forest as we were made to believe at the beginning, or scattered in camps in neighbouring countries around Nigeria’s north east region?

Even when the Military High Command said the country’s security forces are aware of the exact location of the girls but would not risk their lives by using force to rescue them, nobody seems to believe, especially after many previous claims by the military in the past were found to be untrue.

Before the Jonathan administration gets carried away by the Ekiti and Super Eagles victory, it is worth mentioning that there is an offer on ground by some eminent Nigerians,

notably former President Olusegun Obasanjo to help broker a deal with Boko Haram to bring our girls back. Like him or hate him, Obasanjo is a factor in Nigeria and has remained so and would most likely remain so until he joins his ancestors, so it is better to listen to what he has to say if it will ensure freedom for the girls and a reunion with their parents/families. Playing politics with the offer or any similar ones as the government seems to be doing will not only deepen the wounds in the hearts of the girls’ parents but also endanger the future of the girls.

The current good news would not last forever and by the time the euphoria die down the problem of the Chibok girls and the other seemingly unsolvable problems confronting the nation would still be there, one of which is the fall out of the Ekiti election.

In what has been likened to the June 12, 1993 election still venerated as the best ever in the history of elections in the country, Ekiti electorate went out last Saturday and peaceful cast their vote for a governor of their choice; Ayodele Fayose of the opposition Peoples democratic Party (PDP). And in a rare show of sportsmanship, the incumbent governor, Kayode Fayemi not only accepted defeat but quickly congratulated the winner.

This is about the first time in the history of party politics in Nigeria that a government is voted out peacefully and it accepted the result.

As we approach the 2015 general election, especially the presidential polls, the challenge

before President Jonathan and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is to ensure a peaceful, hitch-free, fair and credible election as we had in Ekiti. When elections are free, fair and credible, the candidates would accept the outcome and move on from there. But where the process is less than transparent, room is created for doubts and the result contested. But can and will Jonathan provide the kind of security on display in Ekiti all over the country on election days next year? If the answer is yes, that would be good for our democracy. And if that happens, the onus would then be on INEC to put up the kind of spectacular showing it had in Ekiti all over the country next year. If Professor Attahiru Jega and his team can deliver credible election in 2015, it would now be the turn of the candidates and their parties to accept the result. And if the result is truly a reflection of how the people voted then nobody would fight but rather there would be celebrations on the streets across Nigeria as we had in Ekiti last Saturday.

If all the above scenarios are created next year would President Jonathan accept the result of the election if he was not declared winner by INEC? This is the question that should agitate the minds of Nigerians now.

If Governor Kayode Fayemi could accept that the people actually voted for his opponent, then every loser (especially incumbents) in any transparent and credible election in Nigeria as in all sensible democracies should accept the verdict of the electorate and congratulate the winner. This is one of the ways we can build an enduring democracy in this country. Governor Fayemi deserves commendation for this and I think President Jonathan should do the same if he should lose the next presidential election. And if he wins in a transparent manner, nobody should threaten fire and brimstone. My fear however is whether President Jonathan would accept any result that does not favour him. I doubt.

Well, that is a matter for the future which is a matter of a few months from now, but what is important now is how to bring back our girls. And if the president fails to bring them back before the election, I think it would be immoral of him to still want to occupy that presidency.

Why Aregbesola deserves four more years

IKE most Nigerians, I am utterly disenchanted by politics.

After spending two and a half decades outside the shores of this country and having seen good governance in action in other climes, I should be forgiven for regarding our politicians as liars, egotistic parasites, feeding off our collective ignorance and apathy, and our current political system as nothing more than crass bureaucratic channels of formalising the embezzlement of our common wealth by the corrupt political class.

I can’t but marvel at the uncanny similarity between our current political system and the corrupt state of politics in Britain some 360 odd years ago. The difference is that they had the likes of Oliver Cromwell who was prompted to deliver a scathing attack on the Rump parliament on April 20, 1653 in which he bawled out the whole House of Commons as “…you have dishonoured (the House of Commons) by your contempt of all virtue, and defiled by your practice of every vice. Ye are a factious crew, and enemies to all good government. Ye are a pack of mercenary wretches, and would, like Esau sell your country for a mess of pottage, and like Judas betray your God for a few pieces of money. Is there a single virtue now remaining amongst you? Is there one vice you do not possess? Ye have no more religion than my horse. Gold is your God. Which of you have not bartered your conscience for bribes? Is there a man amongst you that has the least care for the good of the Commonwealth? Ye sordid prostitutes, have you not defiled this sacred place, and turned the Lord’s temple into a den of thieves, by your immoral principles and wicked practices? Ye are grown intolerably odious to the whole nation. You were deputed here by the people to get grievances redressed, are yourselves become the greatest grievance”.

It will not be out of place to surmise that the above description refers to present day Nigeria. I wanted to set this article in context as a political observer and commentator who has no party political affiliation. In a country bereft of credible and genuine servant-leader politicians, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has caught my fancy and is a refreshing exception to our so-called leaders to whom the above sweeping but apt opprobrium should be directed. As a social entrepreneur and a student of politics, I can’t but make reference to the key social evils of most societies like ours which any well-meaning government would seek to tackle with every ounce of energy and resource at their disposal.

Aregbesola, from his programmes and published plans, has a vision of social reconstruction and social progress.

The most debilitating and crippling of all the dreaded evils that are ravaging our society today is poverty. This is the key social problem which affects all the others and aggravates their effect. Aregbesola, through his “banish hunger and poverty programmes” as part of the implementation of his six point agenda programme is addressing this giant evil. The provision of a safety net for vulnerable older people in the form of welfare support under the “Agba Osun” programme is a laudable

By Akin Olukiran initiative. I was pleasantly surprised when my uncle in Ilesa showed me his share of a heap of corn grains (seeds for growing) which the government distributed to all farmers in his cooperative.

Adopting a preventive approach to health through the “Walk to Live” and the “Bi-monthly sanitation” initiatives are good measures to encourage a healthy living lifestyle amongst Osun state indigenes. With this positive start, I will be disappointed if the government does not adopt the National Health Insurance Scheme in order to improve health outcomes for the citizens of Osun state – especially for the most vulnerable. The provision of meals for primary school pupils through the O’Meal programme is also another preventive initiative in addressing health inequality and wellbeing.

Education is the main antidote to ignorance. The government’s commitment to accessible quality education is evident in its various programmes on education. In the words of Aregbesola himself, “Well-educated children will have the confidence to face the future and remake their world in their own image.

Uneducated or badly educated children on the other hand are not only easy recruits for violent gangs, they are incapable of conceiving beauty and all that is good about man, the environment and the good life. They are naturally predisposed to nihilism” The introduction of “Opon Imo” is a brilliant and laudable initiative which promises to open the imagination of the state’s secondary school students to technical advancement and encouraging them to become technological whizzes.

Computer skills have become a fundamental part of education and despite the inevitable potential of abuse and misuse, Opon Imo provides that high level interactivity between students, teachers and subject matter whilst at the same time developing the students’ cognitive and creative abilities.

Given the unacceptably high level of unemployment in the country, the government of the State of Osun is making strides in the creation of employment. The openness of the government to new ideas and to think outside the box in order to create employment and improve the economy of the state is there for all to see. Most importantly, the recognition that the government needs to work in partnership with the private and the voluntary sectors to create job opportunities and attract investment into the state is one of the outstanding leadership qualities that the administration has displayed.

Many of our inner cities and towns are looking like slums as a result of poor planning, unauthorised buildings and outbuildings and our poor attitude to environmental sanitation.

The government’s renewal and regeneration strategy is therefore bound to be unpopular since they involved the demolition of

some of these aesthetically unpleasant structures within our inner cities. I do hope however, that the government will seek out private property developers to partner with in order to provide affordable social housing for the growing population of the state.

The government’s commitment to physical infrastructure development and maintenance is visible in terms of road works.

I was at first critical of the government’s slow start in this area but I have been impressed – as with millions of others who have visited the state recently - with the pace and geographical spread of road construction in the state. Amongst the projects in the government’s infrastructure strategy which I hope will be jettisoned because I remain unconvinced of its economic and commercial viability is the MKO Abiola International Airport.

A joint project to expand the airport in Ibadan or construct one with Ekiti and Ondo State located between Ilesa and Akure would be a better idea and better way of spending the state’s resources.

A government that encourages innovation, promotes socially inclusive policies and thinks outside the box is what any progressive state needs. One that cares about job and wealth creation, security of its citizens, social justice and a general enterprise! In a federal system like ours where there is too much reliance on the centre for monthly federal allocation and its attendant whimsical arbitrariness of the sheer weight of presidential power, the need for state generated income cannot be overstated. Aregbesola is doing a lot in this regard in calling for, and supporting business and social ideas with transformative potentials for the state – as is typified by the cultural sector.

The first four years of Aregbesola are a good pointer to what lies ahead in the next four – if given the chance. In my personal view, he deserves to be given the chance – he has earned it!

Given the state of affairs of the state when he took over, especially the state of the education system and the road infrastructure and what he has been able to achieve, he should be allowed to continue. He has succeeded in creating a feel-good factor in the state which he should be allowed and supported to sustain and translate to improved economic, social, health and educational outcomes for all and sundry in our beloved state of Osun.

• Olukiran, is a London-based Management Consultant

‘A government that encourages innovation, promotes socially inclusive policies and thinks outside the box is what any progressive state needs. One that cares about job and wealth creation, security of its citizens, social justice and a general enterprise!’

TUESDAY, JUNE 24 , 2014

25

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The problem we faced as a country is that we have a federal government without a federation because if there is need to have a proper federation, there must be true federalism; there must be true fiscal procedure; there must be devolution of powers to the federating units

’

See page

E-mail:- law@thenationonlineng.net

The clampdown on the media; the arrest of over 480 Rivers State bound northerners in Abia on suspicion of terrorism; the restriction of opposition party members’ movement and the shutting of Adamawa airspace: Is President Goodluck Jonathan tending towards dictatorship? PRECIOUS IGBONWELUNDU asks .

Abuse of federal might I

INSIDE:

T was not the first time, nor the second that security agencies will be stopping some governors from boarding their chartered flights. Last Thursday, they went a step further. They ambushed Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi after his aircraft landed at the Akure Airport in Ondo State.

He was on his way to the neighbouring Ekiti for the final rally of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in last Saturday’s election, Dr John Kayode Fayemi. The soldiers said they were acting on “orders from above”.

In Benin, Edo State, Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s chopper was not allowed to take off. He too was on his way to AdoEkiti.

Is this not a violation of the freedom of movement of the governors? Rivers State has been a theatre of the absurd as the Federal Government picks on Amaechi owing to political difference. Security agencies have continually trampled on Amaechi’s right to free movement, with a former Commissioner of Police, Mbu Joseph Mbu, as the arrowhead.

On June 6, the government clamped down on the media under the guise of looking for bombs in newspaper distribution vans.

For several days, the affected newspapers lost millions as their parcels were intercepted across the country under the guise of national security. But when the forces of oppression realised that gagging the hardcopies had little effect on readership as Nigerians were still being fed online, and following the wide criticisms that greeted their actions, they retreated.

Nigerians were yet to recover from that shock when the government in a bid to frustrate APC members, who had gone to commiserate with Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwakwanso on the death of the former Emir, Alhaji Ado Bayero, shut the airspace. Again, Amaechi was among them and had to drive from Kano to Abuja after he was said to have escaped being held hostage at the Aminu Kano Airport.

Within the same period, over 480 Nigerians from the North, who were travelling to Rivers State, were arrested by security personnel in Abia on allegation of being suspected terrorists. Although, the military labelled about 87 of the detainees as Boko Haram members, the arrest and detention of that large number generated an outcry with observers accusing the government of infringing on citizen’s right to freedom of movement under the guise of taming terrorism.

The masses’ anger snowballed last Thursday following security agent’s restriction on the APC governors.

A source close to the governor told The Nation that after spending about two hours at the airport, Oshiomhole put a call across to President Jonathan, who told him that

Will rule of law prevail?

I

N a federal system, the government is char acterised by a central (federal) government and states or regional governments that are partially self-governing. Logically then, what is referred to as ‘federal might’ should refer, not to the central government alone, but “a unity of might” of the entire federation, including the federating states.

Such “might”, analysts say, ought to be for the good of all in the federation. In effect, every citizen ought to be a beneficiary of “federal might”, either in unitedly fighting external aggression as a people, tackling insurgency within, or even achieving social transformation.

However, in the Nigerian parlance, “federal might” has an entirely different meaning. It connotes “the government against the people”; “the powerful, mighty central gov-

•Continued on page 26

he (President) gave no such orders and was not aware of it.

However, Amaechi successfully landed at Akure Airport, but he was allegedly waylaid by armed security personnel at Iju, a boundary town between Ondo and Ekiti. While he

was told that there is an ‘‘order from above’’ that no one should be allowed in or out of Ekiti, Amaechi recounted that he saw two ministers drove pass unharrassed.

While the ministers got easy ride into Ekiti, Amaechi was neither allowed to proceed nor

Law and transformation: NIALS forensic empiricism and legal pragmatism -Page 37

By Joseph Jibueze

ernment against the powerless, feeble states and citizens”; which goes against the very principle federalism.

In Nigeria, the Federal Government, run by elected representatives, controls the armed forces. So, the abuse of “federal might” is usually manifest during elections. For, in developing democracies such as Nigeria’s, election is still seen largely seen as “do or die affairs” where state resources are deployed for the benefit of the ruling party’s candidate.

So, it is not farfetched to hear of a candidate having the “federal might” behind him.

A candidate of the opposition is not just fighting against the candidate of the ruling party

Life jail for sexual offenders?

-Page 38

return to Akure. He alleged that the plane that brought him to Akure was also grounded. After five hours of delay by the security personnel he had to head to Lagos as an alternative.

Meanwhile, in order to actualise the planned impeachment of Adamawa State Governor, Murtala Nyako, the airspace was shut to prevent the governor from travelling out of the state for the state House of Assembly to serve him impeachment notice. Unfortunately for the masterminds, the governor made alternative road arrangement to a neighbouring state from where he boarded an aircraft to his destination. Then, less than 24 hours after the state assembly ordered the service of impeachment notice on Nyako and his deputy, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) froze all the state bank accounts for alleged financial misconduct. Do these developments not violate the constitutional rights of those involved?

Do the federal government agencies’ actions not amount to abuse of power by the government? How can such acts be prevented in a democracy?

Observers are of the view that the federal government is only paying lip service to adherence to the rule of law, a corroboration of the APC’s claim that the nation is gradually sliding to fascism. Like the opposition party, analysts have tongue-lashed the government for using state institutions to oppress perceived enemies, a practice, alien to democracy.

To them, the security and law enforcement agencies’ disregard for constitutional provisions are unpardonable, just as they wondered why no one has been punished for the unlawful actions despite the President’s and military hierarchy’s denial of issuing such orders.

They argued that the central government out of desperation was over abusing its powers to the detriment of the unity and stability of the country and without regards to the rule of law. They are also of the view that harassing and coercing opposition vocies to submission, which was the tactics used by Obasanjo during his reign, has assumed a more deadly dimension under President Jonathan.

To them, the fundamental rights of every Nigerian as enshrined in Chapter Four of the Constitution are non- negotiable, not to talk of molesting sitting governors, who enjoy immunity from criminal prosecution while in office under Section 308.

What does the law say?

Section 41 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended expressly states that every Nigerian is entitled to move freely throughout Nigeria without restriction or refusal. ‘‘(1) Every citizen of Nigeria is entitled to move freely throughout Nigeria and to reside in any part thereof, and no citizen of Nigeria shall be expelled from Nigeria or refused entry thereby or exit there from.

(2) Nothing in subsection (1) of this section shall invalidate any law that is reasonably justifiable in a democratic society-(a) imposing restrictions on the residence or movement of any person who has committed or is reasonably suspected to have com•Continued on page 26

Who is disenfranchising Nigerians -Page 39

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014

LAW COVER CONT’D •Continued from page 25

mitted a criminal offence in order to prevent him from leaving Nigeria; or (b) providing for the removal of any person from Nigeria to any other country to: (i) be tried outside Nigeria for any criminal offence, or (ii) undergo imprisonment outside Nigeria in execution of the sentence of a court of law in respect of a criminal offence of which he has been found guilty: ‘‘42 (1) A citizen of Nigeria of a particular community, ethnic group, place of origin, sex, religion or political opinion shall not, by reason only that he is such a person:- (a) be subjected either expressly by, or in the practical application of, any law in force in Nigeria or any executive or administrative action of the government, to disabilities or restrictions to which citizens of Nigeria of other communities, ethnic groups, places of origin, sex, religions or political opinions are not made subject; or ‘‘(b) be accorded either expressly by, or in the practical application of, any law in force in Nigeria or any such executive or administrative action, any privilege or advantage that is not accorded to citizens of Nigeria of other communities, ethnic groups, places of origin, sex, religion or political opinions.

According to Section 308: ‘‘(a) no civil or criminal proceedings shall be instituted or continued against a person to whom this section applies during his period of office; (b) a person to whom this section applies shall not be arrested or imprisoned during that period either in pursuance of the process of any court or otherwise; and (c) no process of any court requiring or compelling the appearance of a person to whom this section applies, shall be applied for or issued: ‘‘Provided that in ascertaining whether any period of limitation has expired for the purposes of any proceedings against a person to whom this section applies, no account shall be taken of his period of office. (2)The provisions of subsection (1) of this section shall not apply to civil proceedings against a person to whom this section applies in his official capacity or to civil or criminal proceedings in which such a person is only a nominal party. (3)This section applies to a person holding the office of President or Vice-President, Governor or Deputy Governor; and the reference in this section to “period of office” is a reference to the period during which the person holding such office is required to perform the functions of the office.’’

Similarly, the constitution in Section 188 stated the conditions and procedures for the impeachment of a state governor or deputy, which does not include the freezing of state bank accounts by anti-graft agencies as exhibited by the EFCC 24 hours after the Adamawa Assembly ordered Nyako and his deputy be served.

Lawyers react Lawyers see the actions against the governors as unfortunate and worrisome. They advised them to seek legal redress. They called on the president to fish out whoever gave such orders and sanction the person to avoid a reoccurrence.

Those who commented on the issue include constitutional lawyers Norrison Quakers (SAN), Dr. Fred Agbaje, Bamidele Aturu and Monday Ubani, Prince Segun Ajibola (SAN), Ikechukwu Ikeji, Abayomi Omoyinmi, Jude Anyanwu among others.

Activist lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN) said: “The state governors whose movement has been restricted in recent time should not hesitate to approach the relevant high courts to ask for a perpetual injunction to restrain the federal government and its agencies from further abusing their right to freedom of movement.

“The increasing partisan role of the security forces in the country should be redefined by all stakeholders in the collective interest of the Nigerian people.

“Otherwise, many innocent Nigerians stand the risk of being maliciously prosecuted on trumped up charges of terrorism by the federal government.”

Quakers described the restriction of Oshiomhole and Amaechi as embarrassing, saying that the illegality was being orchestrated by persons who have access to state machinery of enforcement including the military, police and other security agencies. ‘‘It is rather unfortunate and embarrassing that two state chief executives were subjected to such treatment. I do not want to attribute “order from above” to the President but to the presidency. I have listened to the President say that the re-

‘

•Quakers

•Ajibola

‘‘There is more to it than meets the eyes. We advise our political elite to learn from our history and spare us and our generation the trauma of fatal consequences that may be the fall out of unlawful and unconstitutional acts of government at the centre using security institutions created by the constitution to serve everyone

‘

•Ubani

•Omoyinmi

Abuse of federal might Will rule of law prevail? by presenting better programmes or projecting alternative ideas. He is fighting against the electoral umpire, whose chairman is appointed by the President. He is also up against the military, who is at the President’s service; against the police, whose head is beholden to the President, and against unlimited state resources. It is he who has the resources who can buy the most votes and have the farthest influence.

To some observers, “federal might” means the Federal Government deploying its massive powers to achieve its aim, and not even the opposition parties, and its members, sympathisers or supporters are spared should they stand in the way of that “federal” ambition.

A constitutional lawyer and social commentator, Jude Anyanwu, said it is unfortunate that Nigeria still remains backwards while other nations are marching towards realising their dreams of a free state.

“Until we begin to realise that power is transient and should, therefore, be used for the benefit of the people; until our government begin to realise that they exist, not for themselves, but for the people irrespective of party affiliations; until we purge ourselves of the mental attitude that the federal government belongs to a few individuals; until we correct the poverty of ideas that bedevil us at the highest level, the concept of ‘federal might’ will remain a synonym for abuse of power,” he said.

Prince Adesegun Ajibola (SAN) said Federal Government’s restriction ofany citizen’s movement is a gross abuse of power.

“Though matters of national security are

quite sensitive all over the world and may at times incur unusual actions in dealing with it effectively, nevertheless there is nothing primarily harmful or apparently challenging to the peace and security of Ekiti State in terms of an attempt by persons, nonetheless Governors, in their effort to express political support and solidarity with their party and or candidate contesting an election.

“Therefore, a level playing field where there is freedom for all concerned within the limits of the law, to further their collective, though divergent political aspirations, without let or hindrance, augurs well for the development of a democratic society.

“We must always bear in mind that a situation, and not necessarily the present, where a section in a contest is unjustifiably restrained and invariably in shackles, while their opponents are running wild, free and unfettered, could be a recipe and undesirable opportunity for discord and potential anarchy, inimical to the enthronement of true democracy,” Ajibola said.

A member of the Ogun State Judicial Service Commission, Abayomi Omoyinmi, said recent development would continue until there is respect for rule of law.

“The security agencies have no power under any law or the Constitution to have prevented the movement of the governors in the manner of their operation. This is clear abuse of power by the government.

“Our courts has made it clear that such violation is unconstitutional and has also awarded damages against agencies of the government concerned in the past,” he said.

alisation of his ambition cannot be at the price of bloodletting. ‘‘I think this illegality is being orchestrated by persons having access to state machinery of enforcement-the military, the police and other security agencies.

These persons because of the political party at the centre will do anything to perpetuate themselves in government to include using governmental apparatus to

subjugate perceived political enemies of another political party. ‘‘We must as a people move away from conducts that may have serious consequences. The winner takes all syndrome must be jettisoned and the state apparatus for enforcement and control including security agencies must remain non partisan but professional.’’

Agbaje said Nigeria’s democracy had

•Continued from page 25

since become a gun pointing one where the rights of the citizenry have been thrown overboard by overzealous security agents. ‘‘Instead of going to Chibok to rescue abducted girls, they prefer the cool comfort of peaceful Ekiti to exhibit their lack lustre military bravado. Militarized democracy or what are we practising? ‘‘The soldiers’ ambush of Governors Amaechi, Oshiomole and other APC chieftains was clear violation of their right to freedom of movement in a democracy. Why should Ekiti State be under siege because of a simple governorship election? God save Nigeria! Why not deploy those fierce looking armed men in Borno State to help retrieve our stolen girls?’’ asked Agbaje.

Aturu said the violence done to the principles or doctrines of the rule of law and constitutionalism was quite worrisome.

He said: ‘‘It is simply unbelievable that some law enforcement agents, apparently acting on orders from above, could actually prevent serving governors or anybody for that matter from flying or driving into Ekiti as it happened on Thursday preceeding the election. ‘‘If the newspapers are to be believed, not less than three governors were prevented from addressing the APC final rally in Ado Ekiti on Thursday. The Constitution guarantees all Nigerians freedom of movement. It is, therefore, unacceptable that the right would be curtailed in such a shameful and unwarranted manner. Whoever gave the order certainly did not mean well for our democracy. I condemn the violation of the right of the governors and expect all who love democracy to do so. This sort of nonsense should never take place again.’’

Ubani wondered why the restriction was limited only to opposition APC members and not extended to People’s Democratic Party (PDP) bigwigs who plied the route as well. ‘‘If it is for security reasons or for the interest of the country to so restrict them, then, the procedure adopted and selective method (mainly governors of the opposition) leaves a sour taste in the mouth.

Why was this measure of restriction not extended to the bigwigs of the ruling party? ‘‘There is more to it than meets the eyes.

We advise our political elite to learn from our history and spare us and our generation the trauma of fatal consequences that may be the fall out of unlawful and unconstitutional acts of government at the centre using security institutions created by the constitution to serve everyone. It is an advice,” Ubani said.

A Lagos lawyer Ikechukwu Ikeji said: “It may not be straightforward to say that the security agencies’ action amounts to abuse of power. It can only be so upon hearing the other party and upon a court of competent jurisdiction so declaring.

“It must be borne in mind at all times that security agencies have some form of responsibility to prevent a breakdown of law and order and to give effect to a lawful order of a competent authority.”

27

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014

NATIONAL BAR

NBA election: Arewa adopts candidates T

HE Arewa Lawyers Forum (ALF) has adopted candidates for next month’s Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) election.

Those adopted are Steve Abar, who aspired for the post of General Secretary; Ibrahim Y. Umar (First Vice-President); Muheeb I. Komolafe (Third VicePresident); Amina M. Ibrahim (Treasurer); R.O. Balogun (Legal Adviser) and Mas’ud Alabelewe (Welfare secretary).

Presidential candidates who addressed the meeting are Osas Justy Erhabor; Funke Adekoya (SAN); Dele Adesina (SAN); Chief Niyi Akintola (SAN) and Augustine Alegeh (SAN) Other contestants at the meeting were Andrew Ashong, Akintokunbo Oluwole (Third Vice-President aspirants); Francis Ekwere (Vice President aspirant); Taiwo Taiwo (Second Vice-President); Barth Okoye-Aniche and Afam Osigwe (General Secretary); Wilson Oruma (Welfare Secretary), Kunle Edun, Gbolahan Gbadamosi and John Austin Unachukwu (Publicity Secretary);

By John Austin Unachukwu

Chinwe Nwadike (Treasurer) and C. C. Onwuzuluike (Legal Adviser).

ALF Chairman M. A. Abubakar said: “Except for two offices where we had to choose one candidate over the other, other candidates were adopted unopposed because we had only one candidate for each of them.”

He said the names of the adopted candidates would be forwarded to the other regional fora for recognition and possible adoption by them.

On their position on other non Arewa candidates, he said the Forum would hold its meeting on July 13, and are likely adopt non Arewa candidates for other offices that day.

Also at the meeting were leaders of the forum, including the Minister of Special Duties, Kabiru T. Turaki (SAN); Chief JoeKyari Gadzama (SAN); Mamman Mike Usman (SAN); Hassan Liman (SAN); Dr. Garba Tetengi and Prof. Maxwell Gidado among others.

•From left: Dr. Tetengi, Liman (SAN), Usuman (SAN), Abubakar, and Garba Pwul (SAN)

•From left: Turaki (SAN), Gadzama (SAN), Secretary ALF, Sani H. Garungabas and former chairman of NBA Makurdi branch, T. T. Hundu.

Lawyers elect officers

T

HE Calabar chapter of the Young Lawyers Forum has elected new officers to run its affairs for the next two years.

The new executives, headed by Idongesit Mark Anana, was officially presented to the Calabar branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), during the week-long Bar Week of the branch, which ended at

the weekend in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.

Other executives are Jennifer Etu (Vice Chairman), Tony Adinye (Secretary), Daniel Kip (Treasurer), Ettah Okonko (Director of Welfare), Enome Amatey (Publicity Secretary) and Janet Duke (Finacial Secretary).

•From left: Publicity Secretary ALF, Junaidu Abubakar, Ibrahim Y. Umar and Prof. Maxwell Gidado

Imo Speaker sues ex-aide

Court retrains Ondo, police from arresting oil firm’s directors

T

HE Federal High Court in Lagos has re strained the Inspector-General of Police; Commissioner of Police, Ondo State; Ondo Chief Magistrate Johnson Adelegan and Ondo State Attorney-General from arresting the directors of a firm, Owena Oil and Gas Limited.

Justice James Tsoho said the order will subsist until the applicants’ main suit is determined.

In the fundamental rights suit, the plaintiffs are demanding N25million damages from Ondo for alleged violation of their rights.

They are Mr Samuel Kolajo (Executive Vice Chairman), Mr. Bankole Oluwajana (Executive Chairman), Mr. Victor Eburajolo (Director) and Mr. Segun Agoi George (Director).

They are urging the court to declare the arrest and detention of their legal adviser, and the continued threat to arrest them, as an infringement on their fundamental rights.

Owena Oil and Gas, in another suit before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, is challenging Ondo’s alleged conversion of its assets.

It is seeking an order restraining the state from laying claim to 100 percent shareholding of the company. According to the firm, Ondo owns only 30 percent. The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) is the first defendant in the suit.

Owena Oil and Gas is jointly owned by Ondo State and Integrated Mineral Development

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

I

By Joseph Jibueze

Company Limited (IMDC), a firm of mineral development consultants.

Kolajo, in a supporting affidavit, said Owena Oil and Gas was originally fully owned by the Ondo State.

He said following a Memorandum of Understanding (MUO) of March 22, 2001, the government divested 70 percent of the company’s shares to IMDC and its partners.

Kolajo said he was appointed a director in Owena Oil and Gas after IMDC, which owns shares in Owena through nominees, restructured its board.

He said he petitioned the Economic and Financial Commission (EFCC) on August 23, 2012, due to an alleged fraudulent conversion Owena Oil and Gas’ assets by alleged agents of the state.

According to him, N700million was allegedly withdrawn from Owena Oil and Gas’ accounts with UBA Plc by Mr Goke Adeniyi and a company, Owena Energy Ltd. The alleged withdrawal, Kolajo said, was authorised by the state in a bid to take over Owena Oil and Gas’ assets.

The plaintiffs’ lawyer Mr Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), led by Dr Koyinsola Ajayi (SAN), said he had a motion for consolidation of the suit against CAC and Ondo; and another one numbered FHC/AK/CS/38/12, filed by Ondo State

•IGP Mohammed Abubakar

against Kolajo and others. The latter suit was transfered from the Federal High Court in Akure .

At the last proceedings, Pinheiro sought to move the application, saying consolidating the two cases would enable court reach a single decision.

But Ondo’s lawyer Dr Oladapo Olanipekun, said the state had filed notice of preliminary objection seeking to dismiss the suit on the basis that the court lacks jurisdiction to entertain it.

He argued that the application for consolidation could not be taken until the issue of jurisdiction is determined.

Justice Aneke adjourned till October 9 for hearing of all pending applications, while Justice Tsoho adjourned the fundamental rights suit till September 29.

•Participants at the Annual Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Aguata branch at the High Court premises, Ekwulobia last week

MO State’s House of Assembly Speaker, Benjamin Uwajumogu has sued his former Special Assistant on Special Duties, Ikenna Samuelson Iwuoha for libel, accusing him of making defamatory publications against him in the media.

The Speaker, in two separate suits filed before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, is seeking N2billion in damages against each of the defendants – Iwuoha, Newsbearer Publications (publishers of the Newsbearer weekly magazine) and Trumpet Son Investment Concept Limited (publishers of the Trumpeta newspapers).

The first suit marked: CV/1780/2014 has Iwuoha and Newsbearer Publications as defendants, while the second marked: CV/ 1781/2014 has Iwuoha and Trumpet Son Investment Concept Ltd as defendants. The suits were filed by his lawyer, Sunday Olabode.

The plaintiff stated, in a supporting affidavit, that Iwuoha, who also once served as his media aide, but now works as a freelance writer, allegedly caused to be published in the Newsbearer magazine, Trumpeta newspaper and the internet on March 24 this year, reports which portrayed him in bad light, particularly as a corrupt person, who has abused his office.

He averred that days after the publications were made, his colleagues in the state’s House of Assembly were urged to look into the matters and investigate allegations made by the defendants.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014

LAW & SOCIETY

‘Judges need special training on maritime law’

A

TTORNEY-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN) has urged judges to acquire specialised skills for better adjudication of maritime cases.

He said judges without specialised knowledge in such complicated aspect of law are likely to be more susceptible to manipulation by unscrupulous lawyers and litigants.

Speaking at the 13 edition of the Maritime Seminar for Judges jointly organised by the Nigerian Shippers Council and the National Judicial Institute (NJI), he said judges, therefore, need specialised training in the diverse areas of law that come before them for adjudication.

“You would agree that Maritime Law, around which this seminar is organised, is one of the specialised areas of law, which requires constant training and re-training in order to keep pace with the constant changes and developments in the shipping industry.

“It is my belief that without the requisite knowledge and training, judges may become susceptible to manipulation and misdirection by experts or ill prepared to deliver well-reasoned judgments in the specialised areas of law when called upon to resolve intricate and complex commercial disputes.

“The near absence of Special Court Divisions in Nigeria to ensure consistent exposure and experience in dealing with such specialised issues makes seminars such as this, compelling.”

Shippers Council Executive SecretaryMr. Hassan Bello said the seminar has become a landmark event in international maritime calendar.

Former Interim National Government Head, Chief Ernest Shonekan, who chaired the event, said issues discussed at the seminar, such as maritime law and admiralty jurisdiction, piracy, armed robbery at sea and maritime boundaries in Nigeria are crucial factors for development.

“In addition, globalisation, technology and the internet have revolutionised economic activities across the world resulting in higher volume of trade among countries, bigger vessels for carrying cargoes and quicker turnaround of ships.

“It has also resulted in complexities of trade among countries and among trading partners from across the world and the need for legal interpretation of many provisions of the Admiralty law,” he said.

The Minister of Transport, Senator Umar Idris said the seminar’s objection was to

By John Austin Unachukwu

continuously update senior judicial officers and other stakeholders on “the complex and dynamic subject of Admiralty law in Nigeria and indeed, globally.” ”The Ministry of Transport is fully committed to providing all the necessary support to ensure this initiative is sustained for the benefit of the maritime industry,” he said.

Chairman, Committee of the Maritime Seminar for Judges and Chief Judge, Federal High Court, Justice Ibrahim Auta said the seminar has attained international status with participants coming from different parts. ”The seminar seeks to put on the front burner contemporary issues in maritime law for discussion among diverse individuals from across the globe with a view to imbibing international best practices prevailing in the industry in order to achieve optimum development in this all important sector in Nigeria’s economic development and at the same time expose our judges to the rudiments of contemporary maritime law.

“This is in line with the underlying objective of the Maritime Seminar series which is, to update the knowledge of Judges of our superior courts of record, maritime law practitioners and other stakeholders in the maritime industry about international maritime law and conventions as they relate to maritime law and practice in Nigeria.

“The maritime seminar series has indirectly provided a very strong platform for continuing education of judges amongst all strata of courts in Nigeria which is in line with the vision of the National Judicial Institute.

“This has become important especially with the Federal Government’s appointment of Nigerian Shippers’ Council as an interim economic regulator for the ports, introduction to Maritime Law and Admiralty Jurisdiction, which is important for Judges of the Federal High Court, being a court of first instance for all maritime matters; Section 20 of the Admiralty Jurisdiction Act 1991 and Arbitration Classes’ among others.

“These I believe will stimulate the thirst for knowledge of maritime law amongst judges and maritime law practitioners in Nigeria.

“It is also my sincere wish that the seminar will continue to promote a healthy interaction between the Bench and the Bar as Judges and Practitioners alike have contributed immensely to the development and understanding of maritime law in Nigeria through scholarly and erudite presentations in past and present maritime seminars.”

Stakeholders seek better education on humanitarian law

A

BOUT 40 Law teachers, drawn from over 20 universities, met in Abuja for three days last week to among others, seek ways of enhancing the teaching of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) in the country’s tertiary institutions and assess the progress made so far since the introduction of the course over 17 years ago.

The event, tagged: “Workshop on IHL for university teachers,” which held between June 17 and 19 also had in attendance, representatives of the Directorate of Legal Services, Nigerian Army and the Federal Ministry of Justice. It was organised by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

The gathering, which has become an annual event, is a product of the ICRC’s collaborative efforts with Nigerian Universities since 1996 on ways of ensuring a systematised teaching of IHL in universities and other higher institutions of learning.

Representatives of the various universities who gave progress reports on the teaching of the course in theirs schools, identified existing challenges and sought assistance where necessary. Many spoke of need for teaching materials, particularly books.

Head of Delegation, ICRC in Nigeria, Zoran Jovanovic was excited about the progress made so far since 1998 when the National Universities Commission (NUC) accepted the ICRC’s proposal to develop a distinct IHL course in the country’s universities and related institutions.

“The ICRC, in its role as the guardian and promoter of IHL, took it upon itself to propose an IHL course curriculum, which was published in a book titled: ‘Teaching of IHL in Nigerian

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

universities.’ The uniform course outline was finally adopted by lecturers at the 2009 workshop,” he said.

Jovanovic said to date, the ICRC has sponsored 36 lecturers to attend specialized training in IHL outside of Nigeria, while at the same time encouraging independent research on IHL. He added that students and lecturers have also benefited various books and publications which his organization has given to universities over the years.

He explained that the workshop represents a highlight if ICRC’s activities with Nigerian Universities because it serves as a forum for discussing recent developments in the teaching and research in IHL. ICRC’s Communication Coordinator, Aleksandra Matijevic Mosimann said the workshop was one of the many ICRC’s activities aimed at assisting in the promotion of IHL in the country.

“IHL is a set of rules aiming to preserve the minimum humanity in times of armed conflict.

It offers protection to those who do not or who no longer actively participate in armed conflict, such as civilians, the wounded, the sick or detained,” she said.

She explained that the workshop aims?to keep teachers abreast of recent developments of IHL; to promote and support the teaching of IHL in faculties of law and other institutions of higher learning and to encourage research into various aspects of IHL and give opportunity to Nigerian academics to present papers in an academic environment.

•From left: Chief Shonekan; Justice Mukhtar; Justice Joseph Bawa Akambe representing the Chief Justice of Ghana; President, Court of Appeal, Justice Buka Chuwa and Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN).

•From left: Bello; Justice Auta; Administrator (NJI) Justice Umaru Eri (JSC) (rtd); Lt. Gen. Salihu Ibrahim; Senator Umar and Gov. Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State.

•From left: Chief Justice, (CJ) Yobe State, Justice GM Nabaruma, CJ Anambra State, Justice P.C.N. Umeadi, CJ Benue State, Justice I. Hwande, CJ Delta State, Justice Z.A. Smith and CJ Nasarawa State, Justice S.U Dikko .

•From left: Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama (SAN), Jean Chiazor, Mrs Mfon, her husband Paul Usoro (SAN) and Mrs Bridget Gold.

•From left: Mr. Nebeolisa Emodi; Isaac Jolapomo; John Aluya; Mike Igbokwe (SAN) and L. Chidi Ilogu (SAN)

•Mr. Olumo Abdulazeez, W. A. Adeagbo, Emeka Okereke, Gordian Ihuoma and Ignatius Nweke

Newspaper of the Year

AN 8-PAGE PULLOUT ON NORTHERN STATES TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014

Enter Sarki Muhammad Sanusi II

H

E hit the ground running, leaving no one in any doubt as to the direction of his re-

gime.

After making his first appointment, new Emir of Kano, Sarki Muhammad Sanusi II, said his reign will prioritise education and job creation, among other things.

Ascending the ancient Kano throne was dramatic. Shortly after the 7th day prayer for the repose of the soul of the late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Abdullahi Bayero, his successor, Sarki Muhammad Sanusi II, who conducted the prayers at Kano Government House Mosque on Friday, 13 June, made a triumphant entry into the Emir’s Palace.

Almost the same size of the unprecedented crowd that besieged the palace for over five days, protesting his emergence as the Emir, hailed the new king as his convoy majestically meandered through the busy Kano streets and settled into the Palace. Sarki Sanusi II entered his Palace at exactly 4:30pm amidst cheers and jubilation from thousands of people who lined up to hail him. Security was also tight during his movement from Government House, Kano where he had been operating for close to a week, following the protest that greeted his emergence.

The Emir, who rode in his official Rolls Royce car, was seen happily waving to his subjects who were in return cheering and praying for his long reign. As the tradition entails, before the new Emir made his way into the palace, walls were broken and instantly amended by Palace Guards through which he gained entrance, a ritual which attracted traditional chanting and songs from his subjects.

After the breaking of wall rituals, the Emir rode on his white-horse and entered through the Kofar Kudu where gun shots were fired and traditional trumpets blown to welcome him.

On entering the inner chamber, he headed straight to the graveyards where he prayed for the repose of the souls of the departed Emirs. Also on his long convoy included title holders, district heads, Kano State Deputy Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje; the Special Adviser on Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Tijani Mailafiya Wambai Kano and Senior Counsellor of the Emirate, Alhaji Abbas Sanusi, among others, escorted the Emir to the Palace.

The Emir was officially received at the palace by the four kingmakers Alhaji Yusuf Nabahani, (Madakin Kano); Alhaji Sarki Abdullahi (Makaman Kano); Alhaji Bello Tuta (Sarki Dawaki Mai-Tuta), and Alhaji Mukhtar Adnan (Sarki Bai).

Our correspondent reports that since that Friday, the Palace has become a beehive of activities against the dull moment that had enveloped the ancient kingdom following the death of Alhaji Ado Bayero. The Emir on a daily basis receives both sympathisers and those coming to congratulate him. They are visitors ranging from all classes—from the peasants to the poor, the rich and the influential personalities. A series of Council meetings with District Heads, title holders and first class chiefs have also been held and all machineries in the Palace have been oiled to propel.

Leaders of communities resident in Kano have also been paying homage

PAGE 29

Hope as youths acquire skills

•All hail Emir of Kano Kingdom

•PAGE 31

Life returns to Ilorin General Hospital •PAGE 31

Jang inspects projects

•PAGE 33

Battle for clean environment •PAGE 34

•Sarki Sanusi takes charge From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

to the new Emir. For instance, Eze Ndigbo in Kano, His Royal Highness, Sarki John Chiejina Nnaji, (Ezedioramma IV) who visited the Palace with his red-cap chiefs described the emergence of Sarki Muhammad Sanusi II as a good omen and the dawn of a new era. The Igbo king said going by the profile of the new Emir, there is no doubting that

fact that he is bound to use his wealth of experience to lift Kano up in terms of development and promotion of traditional norms and values. He described the late Emir Ado Bayero as a detribalised traditional ruler and a bridge builder among various ethnic groups, hoping that the new Emir will build on his coveted legacies.

However, the intrigues, innuendos and political permutations that characterised the emergence of the vet-

eran banker as the Emir of Kano was enormous. A few hours after the burial of the late Sarki Ado Abdullahi Bayero on Friday, June 6, the four kingmakers on Friday night held closed-door meeting that dragged close to dawn to choose who will succeed him.

Three names were on their table, namely: the former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Malam •Continued on page 30

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014

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Sarkii Muhammad Sanusi II takes charge •Continued on page 29 Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, the eldest son of the late Emir, Alhaji Lamido Sanusi Ado Bayero, and Alhaji Yahaya Inuwa Abbas, son of the late Emir Muhammadu Inuwa Abbas, who reigned for six months before his death in 1963. The Nation recalls that it was the late Emir Ado Bayero who succeeded Muhammadu Inuwa Abbas.

Even during the meeting of the kingmakers, there were anxiety and apprehension over who will succeed Ado Bayero. Kano indigenes, members of the Ruling Houses, and other interested stakeholders in and outside Kano, were all anxious to know who will be mentioned as the successor of Ado Bayero.

On Saturday, June 7, the kingmakers met with Governor Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso to brief him on the outcome of their meeting, after which they deliberated on the credentials of each contestants, thereafter, Kwankwaso intimated them that they will meet again to finalize who may eventually emerge.

After the meeting, to douse tension on who succeeds the late Emir, Kwankwaso who spoke to newsmen at the Government House, said that

by Sunday, the name of who succeeds the late Emir will be announced.

That Sunday morning, rumours started making the rounds that the first son of the late Ado Bayero, Alhaji Lamido Sanusi Ado Bayero had been favoured, but at the last count, other rumours started milling around that the name of the new emir, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi was not among the list of the other two contestants.

While insinuations also came up that the APC leadership must have influenced the candidature of Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the preferred Emir.

At about 5:40pm on Sunday, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr, Rabi’u Sulieman Bich alongside the four Kingmakers, at the AnteChamber of the Government House announced that the former CBN Governor, Malam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi had been chosen as the new Emir of Kano.

Dr. Bichi said as it is customary to the Emirate Council, relevant stakeholders sat down and discussed the issue. After painstaking deliberations, three names were forwarded to the state government to enable them choose the successor of the late Emir of Kano Ado Bayero.

He said out of the three names sent, the state government chose Sanusi Lamido Sanusi who was the Dan Maje Kano.

Immediately the announcement of the New Emir came on air, pockets protests sparked off in the ancient city over the emergence of the new Emir of Kano, Malam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi. Hundreds of aggrieved Kano residents, mostly youths, took to the streets. The protesters who were carrying leaves, sticks and some dangerous weapons, were chanting war songs demanding a reverse of Lamido’s choice.

Reports within the city indicated that already, some structures within the city were torched, while it was also gathered that bonfires were lit within the vicinity of the main palace.

The protesters advanced towards Government House where billboards were destroyed, before Government House security men dispersed them.

For two days running, youths, in

•New Emir of Kano Sanusi Lamido

•Emir of Kano, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, takes over his palace

their thousands continue to barricade the gate of the Emir’s Palace and some streets leading to the Emir’s Palace ostensibly in reaction to the turbaning of Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the new Emir of Kano. A visit to the Emir’s Palace by this reporter indicated that fierce-looking soldiers and anti-riot police are still stationed to prevent the irate mob from vandalising the Palace. However, some youths who spoke to this reporter vowed and threatened that they were ready to die in their cause of preventing the new Emir to gain entrance into the Palace.

“We have been sleeping here for the past two days since the announcement of Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the new Emir by Governor Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso’s government. We oppose it and we will not accept it because this is gross injustice to Kano people,” Ibrahim Abdullahi told our reporter.

Security men used vehicles to block the gate leading to the Palace so as to prevent the protesters from moving in to destroy things.When contacted on phone, Kano state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Adenrele Shinaba said, “ours is to take control of security and that is what we are doing.”

However, the family of the late Emir Ado Bayero is still living inside the Palace contrary to reports that they have been relocated. Our Reporter, however, learnt that four people may have lost their lives, while several people sustained different degrees of injuries during a clash between supporters of Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi and those who oppose his candidature. It was learnt that both groups made bonfire on both sides of the road leading to the Emir’s palace and Kofar Nassarawa, which the police on arrival put off and dispersed the crowd,

only for them to promptly regroup and engaged each other in a trial of strength.

Governor Kwankwaso while presenting letter of appointment to Sarki Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, explained why he chose the former CBN Governor as the new Emir, among the three names that were brought to him by the King-makers. The governor said that Sanusi Lamido Sanusi was chosen because of his exposure, competence and experience, “Allah in His Infinite Mercy, chose the name, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the new Emir of Kano was among the three people nominated by the king-makers, contrary to insinuations that Sanusi’s name was not on the list submitted by the King-makers.

“We chose him because of his exposure, competence, experience and having lineage to the throne. As the culture and the norms of the Emirate provided, the Kano state Government to select him as the new Emir of Kano.

As you have seen and heard, our meeting on Sunday, June 8 followed the previous one held on Saturday, June 7, with the king-makers where we decided to meet again the next day.

“But some enemies of this state went before we even met; and they politicised this issue by airing it on the television and radio stations even when we have not even sat down and discussed the issue of contestants to the throne.

“My attention was drawn to the development when we were about to enter into the meeting with the kingmakers. In my capacity as the Governor of Kano State, I studied their recommendations and selected His Royal Highness, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the new Emir of Kano.

“The appointment has nothing to do with politics as being peddled; some people thought the appoint-

ment of the Emir is politics while it is not; only Allah knows who has large numbers of supporters among those who indicated their interest on the throne, because the contest doesn’t require a vote as done in electing a governor.

“The laws and rules of selecting an Emir don’t require the people to cast their vote. It is the kingmakers that can advice the governor and the governor, as Allah wishes, selected the one chosen by Allah as the Emir of Kano. I therefore call on the District Heads, Village and Ward Heads to accept the appointment of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the will of Allah.”

The Governor also announced that the Government of Kano State has built a new home to relocate the family of the late Emir, Alhaji Ado Bayero from the Palace.

On the protest over the selection of the new Emir, Kwankwaso said, “I am advising those paying this young children to be setting bonfires on the streets to desist from this calumny.

For the past 20 years that I have been in politics; and governed the state twice, I never sponsored anybody or somebody to be a thug. We are warning them to desist from doing so.

“Some people are saying that His Highness’ name was not on the list. I will like to inform them that his name was not only in the list, but among the top names in that list.”

Speaking, Sarki Sanusi Lamido Sanusi said his installation as the Emir of Kano was designed as the will of Allah, insisting that the Kano Royal Family is one indivisible family, adding that the protest that greeted the selection were not the children or other princes.

Sarki Lamido Sanusi thanked “Allah who spared our lives to witness this day in His infinite mercy, making it possible for us to be selected with

the truth that we inherited from our forefathers.

“They have nothing to say beyond what the first Caliph, Abubakar Sadeeq (RA) said when he was as a Caliph of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). He said, ‘you selected me as your leader, even though I’m neither the most pious man among you, nor the most noble, but it’s as decreed by the Almighty Allah. Obey us in whatever we did in accordance to the teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah of our noble Prophet, Peace Be upon Him. If we disobey Allah and His Prophet, there is no obedience in that regard.”

Sarki Kano also said, “we thank all those that made this appointment possible even as we believe that all blessings and mercies are from Allah. But as the prophet said, who so ever is not thankful to people is not thankful to Allah. Therefore, we are expressing our gratitude to those that made it possible for our appointment.”

He also noted that there are no divisions in the Ruling Family of the Kano Emirate.

“Whenever we here some insinuations in some quarters about the Kano Emirate, we are always taken by surprise because we are we are all united as one family. It is from outside that people are making insinuations about the Royal House, but for us, we are one family.

“I grew up under the care of the late Ado Bayero. I am more close to the late Emir than my father who was outside the country. The late Emir trained me. My first wife with whom I spent over 25 years with is the daughter of the late Emir.

“I shared the same bed with his son, Turakin Kano, Alhaji Nasiru Ado Bayero for over 10 years. Therefore, we are calling on those people from outside the Palace to stop interfering on the things that they didn’t understand.

“The Kano Emir Palace is one united family. Therefore, I am assuring the Governor that all these riots and protests are not from our house.

None of our relatives are behind these things; and none of our relatives will sponsor such thing or be happy because of it. The way we grew up, we all know that all prince’s nurture the same ambition of becoming Emir one day, but it is Allah who chooses who will be the Emir. The day an Emir is selected, all the Prince pay their homage which is our tradition as nobody from the Royal Family is behind this riots.”

However, normalcy has finally returned to the city of Kano. Our Reporter observed that there is now relative peace as people are going about their normal business activities without tension.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014

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THE NORTH REPORT

Hope as youths acquire skills L

ILLIAN has always wanted to be a caterer and event manager. But circumstances kept her away from her dream. That changed when she was selected by her community to participate in the Youth Empowerment and Skill Acquisition Programme (YESAP) organised by the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company Limited as part of their corporate social responsibility.

She and 149 others have been given an opportunity to acquire new skills that will see them becoming selfreliant in life.

They are participating in the sixth edition of the skill acquisition programme initiated by the KPRC in 2008 to put a smile on the faces of youths and also assist government in creating employment.

The company’s Executive Director, Services, under whose office the programme was initiated, said the programme was introduced to ensure that youths are employed in order to reduce the negative implications of joblessness on peace, security, economic and social activities in the firm’s host communities.

He noted that a lot of innovations were introduced into the sixth edition, adding that the recommendations of the Joint Community Relations Committee towards improving the quality of participation in the programme have been put into effect. Mukhtar said that participants were increased from 120 in the last edition to 150 this year despite the present harsh economic climate which has forced most presumably buoyant organisations to suspend or cancel their community relations projects or at the best, down size them.

He said further that tremendous innovation was introduced in the selection process of the beneficiaries while qualitative trade has been introduced by the company. Such trades include welding and fabrication, electrical installation, carpen-

•Participant at the YESAP 6 training at the commencement of their training in Kaduna...Akowe youths From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

try and wood work, plumbing and pipe fitting, plaster of paris (POP), fashion design, auto-mechanic, screen printing, photography and visual imaging among others. Part of the innovation for the sixth edition of the programme was taking the participants through a very rigorous selection process including writing a test and having to pass a medical test conducted by the Medical department of the organisation.

Mukthar commended the community leaders for their cooperation and understanding during the selection process, while soliciting their support and cooperation towards the success of the training at the end of which, the participants will be given started packs to establish them-

‘All efforts have been made to make the learning process easy for the participants within the duration of the programme. We hope that you will reciprocate this by putting in your best to the pride of KRPC that sponsored you and your communities that nominated you’ selves.

Managing Director of KRPC, Engr.

Saidu Aliyu Mohammed said that the company was committed to improving the standard of living of its host communities through the execution

of various projects of which YESAP was one. He said “as you are aware, our society is driven by the desperation to acquire certificates. The KRPC YESAP has deliberately steered away from this to concentrate on embed-

ding demonstrable skills that are marketable and self-sustaining into the future”. He expressed the hope that the youths will take advantage of the opportunity offered them to change their lives and those of their families. He said further that “all efforts have been made to make the learning process easy for the participants within the duration of the programme. We hope that you will reciprocate this by putting in your best to the pride of KRPC that sponsored you and your communities that nominated you”.

The joint Chairman of the Joint Community Relations Committee and District Head of Kamazou, Deacon Auta Makama pay glowing tribute to the company for considering •Continued on page 32

Life returns to Ilorin General Hospital

O

N the day of the inauguration, all roads led to the Ilorin General Hospital in the Kwara State capital. Everybody was happy. Why? The Ilorin General Hospital used to be derelict after the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, which once occupied it, moved to to its permanent site. The administration of Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed brought it back to life.

Former military head of state, General Abdulsalam Abubakar was on hand to cut the inauguration tape.

Governor Ahmed had earlier launched the upgraded Omu-Aran and Offa General Hospitals in Irepodun and Offa local government areas to commemorate his third year in office.

The monarchs of Offa and OmuAran, Olofa of Offa and Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba Mohammed Mufutau Gbadamosi and Oba Charles Oladele Gbadamosi and others graced the launch of the two hospitals which are in their domains.

Speaking at the launch of the Ilorin General Hospital, Ahmed said: “It is on record that this is the most extensive upgrade and expansion of this hospital since its establishment about 30 years ago. From the shell that the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital left behind with the move to its permanent pre-

‘According to the WHO, a functioning health system responds in a balanced way to a population’s needs and expectations by improving the health status of individuals, families and communities, and defends the population against what threatens its health’ From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

mises in 2009, we now have a stateof-the-art Ilorin General Hospital that stands out as one of the most modern in this zone if not the whole

•Gen. Abubakar (third right), Gov Ahmed (second left) and Ahmed’s wife (left)

country.

“Having remodelled and upgraded Offa, Share, Kaiama and Omu-Aran General Hospitals, we open this hospital today as a further testament to our resolve to bring functioning healthcare system to the doorstep of every Kwaran.

“According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), a functioning health system responds in a balanced way to a population’s needs and expectations by improving the health status of individuals, families and communities, and defends the population against what threatens its health.

“Such a system also protects the people against the financial conse-

quences of ill-health, provides equitable access to people-centred care and makes it possible for people to participate in decisions affecting their health and health system.

“With the opening of this Hospital, the expansion of our globally applauded Community Health Insurance Scheme, the establishment of the first rate medical diagnostic centre and the continuous enhancement of our primary health system across the state, I make bold to state that the dream of a functional and quality health system is a current reality here in Kwara State.

“This hospital and indeed those at Offa, Share, Omu-Aran and Kaiama, will further strengthen our

secondary health system by ensuring access to quality health for the people of the immediate and neighbouring communities as well as reduce pressure on tertiary health institutions.

“Furthermore, our innovative Community Health Insurance Scheme has provided 80, 000 individuals and families access to yearround quality healthcare for a token premium of N500.

“To enhance our people’s health through early detection and diagnosis, our Advanced Medical Diagnostic Centre has not only made otherwise expensive diagnostic ser•Continued on page 32

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014

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•The remodelled Ilorin General Hospital

Life returns to Ilorin General Hospital •Continued from page 31 vices affordable but has also attracted patronage from states as far as Bayelsa, Edo and Ekiti.

Thanks to our surveillance efforts, advocacy programs and targeted interventions such as free medical care for pregnant women and under fives, we have reduced maternal and child mortality and also created in our people the need to better take care of themselves and their environment through simple everyday measures.

“Our primary health systems are now better equipped with modern facilities and infrastructure following our supply of drugs and equipment to 43 primary healthcare centres.

The reasons for this programmatic emphasis are obvious.

“First, a functional health system ensures the welfare of our people by keeping them in good health and providing access to quality healthcare when required. Second, it is an incontrovertible that we cannot improve our people’s human capital unless they enjoy optimum health and can actively participate in socio-economic development.

Therefore, the ultimate objective of our drive to bring quality

healthcare within 500-meter radius of our people is to ensure that they are healthy enough to create and participate in our individual and collective prosperity.

“At this point, it is pertinent to note that aside from the structural renovation and installation of modern medical equipment, the ultramodern General Hospital boasts of qualified and committed medical personnel that can compete favourably anywhere in the world.

“It is appropriate to also mention that the hospital will complement health services rendered by the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Sobi Specialist Hospital and other health facilities in the state.”

In a remark, General Abubakar (rtd) hailed Ahmed’s dogged determination to positively impact on the lives of Kwarans.

His words: “Your determination to put this hospital back to shape is a clear confirmation of your love for the people of Kwara State and determination to positively affect their lives.

Furthermore, your efforts to create Shared Prosperity in your state and that of other state governments that have shown a commitment to improving the lives of their people, is a silver lining in the cloud hov-

ering over our country at this time.

“As someone who has watched our country triumph over a civil war and several other crises and had the privilege of supervising our country’s return to democracy, I am troubled by the challenges that currently confront our country. However, I have no doubt in my mind that our country will overcome these transient challenges and take its rightful place in the league of prosperous nations.

“Indeed, acts of good governance such as demonstrated by your government’s youth development efforts and today’s opening of this beautiful edifice as well as the entrenchment of equity and justice can hold the promise of restoring our people’s faith in this country and strengthening our preparedness to work together to build the Nigeria we all desire and deserve.”

The former Nigerian leader urged government at all levels to carry out programmes that affect the living standard of the people.

“In closing, let me call government at all levels to continue to implement programmes and projects that will elevate our people and provide them with sustainable standards of living,” he said.

•A newly dualised road in the state

•A flyover under construction

Jang inspects projects P

LATEAU State Governor Jonah Jang has gone round the state to ascertain the extent and quality of work done on his administration’s projects. The inspection tour became necessary considering the fact that his tenure will expire in the next 10 months.

The tour achieved two major things. One, it became clear that the Jang administration undertook massive infrastructural projects. Two, the tour revealed that some contractors do not take their jobs seriously even after receiving some down payments.

During his first tenure between 2007 and 2011, Jang mobilised various contractors to build a 5km road in each of the 17 local governments of the state. Some of the local governments with peculiar transportation challenges were also made to enjoy construction of new roads to open up the localities to their neighbours.

However, the governor was shocked to discover that some of the contracts he awarded years ago were still unfinished on the eve of his

From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

departure. The 5km Amo-Katako road is a classic case in disappointment. Its two bridges were also uncompleted.

Residents of the communities staged a protest as Jang visited the project site. They pleaded with him to revoke the contract and re-award it to a committed contractor. A youth leader of the village Ajang Musa said, “The government had the intension of alleviating our suffering by awarding the contract for this road, but the contractor has abandoned the work for years; rather than working, the contractor kept asking for upward review of the contract sum every year. We are tired of him.”

Governor Jang told the contractor, “You have been paid all your money for this work long ago, I am disappointed with what I am seeing, I thought I will cross the bridge to the next village today, but now you have not even started anything.

If income here next month and find you have not improve, I will have

Hope as youths acquire skills •Continued from page 31 it necessary to empower their youths with skills that will make them self-reliant in life.

He said the host communities were pleased with the KRPC for sustaining the programme which he said has witnessed an increase in participation over the years, while expressing confidence that there will be further increase in participation in the future. He noted that looking at the quality of participation and innovations introduced yearly, one is tempted to conclude that the economic downturn has not in any way affected the company.

Makama said further that services being rendered to the host communities will further cement their relations and guarantee security, and assured them that the communities will continue to create the enabling environment for their operation.

The lead consultant to the project, Dr. Musa Bawa was full of appreciation to the company for the opportunity to be part of the training and to help transform the youths in future entrepreneurs. He assured that the trainers will do everything possible to transform the youths to better citizens within the six months

‘Those who participated in the training in the past have since established themselves and started earning a living, adding that the past graduates of the programme have become ambassadors of the company. He urged the participants to emulate them’ duration of the programme. Dr. Bawa said that the first four weeks of the programme will be dedicated to general orientation, career guidance and character moulding and will afford the participants the opportunity to

•The youths

make a choice of career. According to him, there is a lot of wisdom learning and acquiring skills, pointing out that even though the participants will be given certificates at the end of the training, the skill acquired is expected to be useful to them and give them headway in life.

Head of Public Affairs Department of KRPC, Idris Abdullahi said those who participated in the training in the past have since established themselves and started earning a living, adding that the past graduates of the programme have become ambassadors of the company. He urged the

participants to emulate them.

The consultants to the programme include Kaduna Polytechnics, College of Animal Science of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Topdeck limited, De-Bakars and Excel School of Beauty Therapy.

‘The government had the intension of alleviating our suffering by awarding the contract for this road, but the contractor has abandoned the work for years; rather than working, the contractor kept asking for upward review of the contract sum every year. We are tired of him’ •Gov. Jang...

no option than to ask for the refund of my money, I will get another contractor to do the job” However, at Maza village, the 10km road liking the village to the state capital Jos was almost completed. Impressed with the quality and speed of work on the road and the bridge, Gov. Jang ordered for the extension of the contract for an additional 21 kilometer road to link the Maza village to Angware, headquater of Jos East local government.

Giving an insight into the road construction embarked upon by Gov Jang, the state commissioner for Works Mr. Chris Hassan said, “Determined to keep his promises with the people of Plateau state, Gov Jang, on resumption of office in 2007 set up a committee to draft a blue print for his administration. The transport infrastructure sub-committee drew up action plan for road construction” According to Mr. Hassan, “As at the time Gov Jang took over as governor of the state, there were 2,000km of road across the 17 local governments of the state. This comprises of five dualise road and no single Flyover.

“But with the aggressive efforts of the government to put the entire state on the line of economic prosperity, Gov. Jang embarked on massive bridge and road construction.

From the original 2000 kilometer road in the entire state as at 2007, we currently have a total of over 853 kilometer of road across the state. This is apart from other road projects been supervised by the state ministry for Urban Development.

If you ask Plateau citizens as well as visitors to the state, they will tell you Gov is only popular by his desire for massive road construction.

He believe that there are more vil-

lages in Plateau state that has no access to one another or has no access to the state capital due to lack of access road. Bearing this in mind, Gov Jang has renovated existing roads and open up new roads in all the 360 electoral wards across the state under his rural development program.

At the same time, Gov Jang holds firm belief that for the state tourism potentials to readily available to potential investors, there is the need for massive road network at the state capital Jos and all the local government headquarters. For this reason Gov Jang awarded contract for the construction of all roads that leads to all its tourists site across the state.

Another reason behind the massive road construction of Gov Jang has to do with security. The security agencies found it difficult to access several villages when they are invaded by gunmen due to the rough terrains of Plateau. This made it a necessity for most Satellite villages around the state capital to be considered for new roads so as to solve their security needs.

However, farmers in the rural areas and those along all the roads constructed by Gov Jang are the ones singing hallelujah. They said due to the massive road networks in the rural areas especially bridges, their economic status has improve because they can now move farm produce to major markets without tears.

Amos Izam from Angware, Jos East local government said, “That road that link Angware to Jos has changed my life, from my farm I now transport my harvest straight to any market I like in Nigeria. In our village here, women in labor can now get to major health centers in Jos instead of our local clinic in

Angware that cannot handle complications” Another farmer in Maza village, Thomos Gwom said, “I was born about 70 years to ago to meet our road they way it was, many of us in this village did not know Jos our state capital since we lived in this village because there is just no road, we can cross the river with loads so farmers like us cannot reap from our sweat since we cannot access any market. But the happy thing is our children will not suffer like us now that the road and the bridge has been completed by Governor Jang.”

At the moment, Jos, the state capital is now a construction site, the last federal road yet to witness renovation is currently under construction. The road that passes BritishAmerican Junction down to Mararaba Jamaa, a federal road is currently been constructed. Meanwhile the second major flyover is almost completed and the third one is likely to commence soon.

During his recent tour to project sites, HIV Jang has restated his resolve not to leave even one project uncompleted by May next year. He said, That is why I am on site, I don’t want any contractor to mess me up, I am not owing any contractor so I expected all of them to work and meet up my time, I don’t have time to waste that was why I paid them upfront so as not to experience any delay” The desire to fast-track development at the rural areas of Plateau state and curb wastage of scarce resources has led to initiate a financial management retreat for the newly elected local government chairmen of the state.

The 17 council chairmen, who were elected on the 25th of February this year have been tasked by Jonah Jang to make sure they repli-

cate his transformation agenda in their respective domains to enable rural dwellers enjoy dividend of democracy.

Governor Jang believes that the newly elected council boss are bound to waste scarce resources meant for grassroots development if they are exposed to funds without equipping them with knowledge of prudence management of funds.

Jang asked, “Why development have eloped the rural areas in the past was because the council chairmen were given funds to manage without telling them the technique of managing those funds. I am not ready to repeat such mistakes, most especially as the funds are scarce in the face of challenging social infrastructural deficit at the rural areas.

My administration is driven by prudence management and I give priority to grassroots development and improved life of rural dwellers. Hence, the need to train these new council managers to enable them make maximum use of both human and capital resources of the local governments.

The three-day retreat was for council chairmen and some senior officers of the local governments.

It is tagged, “Strategic thinking retreat for newly elected local government chairmen and other senior staff in Plateau state. It was organized by the Plateau State government in collaboration with GIZ. Governor Jang, while declaring the retreat open said, “The transformation agenda of this administration is not restricted to the urban areas, the development plan is meant to cover all the local governments. I therefore expected the local government chairmen to be drivers of this trans-

formation agenda at the grassroots, we cannot afford to leave the rural areas behind in our quest to develop the state.

Jang, who was represented by the commissioner for Science and Technology, Dr Paul Wai said, “A comprehensive rural development plan has been designed by our German development partner (GIZ), it is government desire that all council chairmen adopt the strategic plan as their own and implement it in full.

“Rural transformation is an area of priority of this administration and government will not hesitate to sanction any council chairman who deviate from this focus, that is why government has come up with this development road map to guide all local government chairmen.

Earlier in his welcome address, commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. John Dadu’ut said, “The retreat was meant to set develpment agenda for the council chairmen, saying “without planning, human and capital resources can be mismanaged” Mr. Eckhard Heine of GIZ said, “The German government is already in partnership with the plateau state government as it try to stabilize after recent internal security challenges.

Some of the papers discussed during the 3-day retreat are, ‘An overview of local government System in Nigeria. Budgeting and a effective budget implementation. Strategic planning for development of the local governments. Balancing Power with Responsibility. Peace, Security and Stability. Result Based Planning and Management. Resource Mobilization and Management at the local government level.

Transparency and accountability in governance at local government level, etc

TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014

Page 34

Website: http://www.thenationonlineng.com

•This is what the FCT is turning out to be

T

Battle for clean environment

HE leadership of Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has attributed the mounting heaps of refuse and pervading dirty environments in some parts of the council to the nonchalant attitude of residents to wholesome living.

It was pointed out that this unhygienic profile continues to hurt plans to keep the FCT clean.

While speaking with journalists during the evacuation of waste and drainage in the area, Mr. Abdulrazaq Abdulkarim,

M

INISTER of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Bala Mohammed has reconstituted the FCT Urban and Regional Planning Tribunal to protect the Abuja Master Plan.

The new tribunal, Senator Mohammed said, will be responsible for protecting the Abuja Master Plan and to ensure that it was developed to serve as a comprehensive framework for the orderly development of a new Federal Capital Territory and also ensure that all hands must be on deck to preserve its sanctity.

He said despite the success story of Abuja, it has not been able to attract people across the globe. According to him, the situation has resulted in unauthorised developments,

From Gbenga Omokhunu

Head of Department of Environmental in the council, also said the indiscriminate dumping of refuse in strategic areas in the council, is due to neglect and ‘I don’t care’ lifestyle exhibited by some residents.

Abdulkarim further said despite the efforts of present administration led by Hon. Shaban Tete to ensure a clean environment by ensuring that waste and refuse dumps are evacuated from the

council, some residents of the council are still shying away from their responsibilities by not assisting the council in maintaining a healthy environment.

He maintained that the council is doing all it could in terms of creating awareness, even as he lamented that when the council cleans up the area, residents would litter the area with refuse immediately. He noted that recently, a mobile court sitting in Kuje convicted some people for allegedly violating sanitation rules.

The indiscriminate dumping of refuse in strategic areas in the council, is due to neglect and ‘I don’t care’ lifestyle exhibited by some residents…That the council is doing all it could in terms of creating awareness, even as he lamented that when the council cleans up the area, residents would litter the area with refuse immediately

He emphasised that sanitation exercise should be observed daily in individual homes, adding that sincere approach to sanitation ex-

New tribunal to protect Master Plan From Grace Obike

changes in land uses, traffic congestion, inadequacy in waste management; thereby exerting a lot of pressure on the city infrastructure and the maintenance of the integrity of the Master Plan.

Mohammed said this at the swearing in of members of the tribunal by a representative of the FCT Chief Judge, HON. Justice Salisu Garba of the FCT High Court. He added that the move is aimed at protecting the Abuja Master Plan and encourage harmonious development in the Territory.

He said: “The FCT Urban and Re-

gional Planning Tribunal was established under the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Act of 1992 Cap 138 LFN 2004” and must be given leverage to operate”.

“The functions of the tribunal is essentially to adjudicate on matters of contravention of the land uses between developers and the FCT Development Control Department, to assist in enforcement of standards / regulations, settle disputes arising from resettlement issues and act generally as an alternative dispute resolution institution in development matters.”

Mohammed added that in a re-

newed effort to put in place the necessary safeguard for the Abuja Master Plan, the FCT Administration reconstituted the tribunal in 2005 and in 2008, a new framework for its operation was finally approved and gazette by the then Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice as the FCT Urban and Regional Planning (Procedure) Rules 2008.

The reconstituted tribunal is to be chaired by Ebenezer Lufadejun,.

Sani Haliru, Akhigbe Irenen, Gabe Adimorah and Aliyu Yawuri as members representing Engineering, Architecture, Survey and Bar

ercise is panacea to the health of the society. He called on residents of the council to desist from indiscriminate dumping of refuse. professional bodies respectively; while Zaliha Ahmed will serve as the tribunal’s secretary.

Responding, Chairman of the tribunal expressed his appreciation to the Minister for appointing him as member/Chairman, saying that he has never seen or spoken to the FCT Minister before this appointment.

“We are fully aware that the tribunal would work to complement the efforts of the FCT Administration in the enforcement of standards and regulations in line with the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Act,” he said, promising, on behalf of members of the tribunal, to discharge their duties without fear or favour.

35

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014

ABUJA REVIEW

Residents alarmed over ‘breach of agreement’ From Gbenga Omokhunu

I

•Dutse Market

P

OLICE have fired teargas at some protesters in order to disperse them after they had blocked the road near the Dutse Market. The protesters were demontrating against the proposed demolition of the market.

Eyewitnesses who spoke with our reporter, said what was supposed to be a peaceful protest turned into chaos as the protesters refused to adhere to police directive to leave the road and free it up for vehicular movement. He added that the refusal by the protesters made police to fire teargas on them, leading to their immediate disperse.

The Vice-Chairman of the Dutse Market Traders’ Association, Mr. Nicholas Mgbemena, however, stated that the protesters were not traders from the market but hoodlums who came to disrupt and cause havoc in the market.

He further explained that some officials from the Bwari Area Council came on Monday and gave the traders 48 hours to vacate the market, adding that though they were aggrieved, they had wanted to use dialogue to resolve the matter.

“We went to meet with the chairman at the council headquarters and we were told that the chairman was not in his office. We went there again today. We also went to the chief of the community to complain but they said the chief wasn’t around.

“We also went to the police station where we were advised to see the chairman of the council which we did. But

Police teargas protesters at Dutse Market From Gbenga Omokhunu

unfortunately, we are still on our way when we saw the teargas from the police. We didn’t plan a protest. It was hoodlums that hijacked it,” he said.

Mgbemena, who stated that the market was closed in order for them to show their grievances, lamented that the cost for the new shops were expensive and that the traders needed more time to make arrangement on what to do with their wares.

Also speaking, the secretary of the association, Mr. Chibuzo Akunna stated that traders were not against the upgrade of the market, adding that the council has promised to give them a temporary place to stay till the new market was ready. The promises have not been fulfilled.

“There is no human face in what the council is doing. We are not here illegally. We pay our annual rents. We pay for business premises and other rentals.

“Our grouse is that they knew that this market will be demolished and they didn’t tell us last year. They dubiously told us to go and update our records at the council. Some went there and paid huge sums of money,” he said.

‘The market was closed in order for them to show their grievances, lamented that the cost for the new shops were expensive and that the traders needed more time to make arrangement on what to do with their wares…Traders were not against the upgrade of the market. The council has promised to give them a temporary place to stay till the new market was ready. The promises have not been fulfilled’ He added that the traders were law abiding citizens who simply want a dialogue with the authorities involved. He added that they were not against development but wanted them to keep the agreement and the promise that were made to them for a temporary place.

“We are not selling orange for crying out loud. We have shops and before we are able to evacuate our wares, we need time to arrange for were to

take them. The 48 hours ultimatum is not enough. We need temporary place and more time. That is all we want,” he said.

Residents of Dutse who spoke with our reporter called on the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Bala Muhammed through the council administration to help resolve the crisis in the market.

Over 20 police men were drafted to the market to restore law and order.

NDIGENOUS residents of Garki, Akpanjeya and Apo communities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have raised the alarm over what they described as a breach of agreement by the Federal Capital Development Authourity (FCDA)’s Resettlement and Compensation Committee. The committee is headed by the Minister of State for FCT Oloye Akinjide.

Mr. Joel Jezebe, the Magajin Garki, in a press briefing, expressed the dissatisfaction of the indigenes over the slow pace of work by the implementation committee set up by the FCT minister of state, saying that the recent threat by the minister to forcefully move the community in two months will not be realistic. He added that there is no sign to show that she meant what she said.

According to Jezebe, Garki indigenes will not be moving in two months time, that the statement is not correct and the people have not seen any arrangement that would warrant the movement, saying that if the Minister of State has put anything in place, they would have seen practical results that the movement would be a reality.

“We are not chickens or animals that you can move any how you like, even at that, if you want to move animal from anywhere, there must be a process. In fact, we have lost total confidence on FCT administration, because, we have not heard from them.

“The administration has nothing serous to offer our people and if the government did not stop the developers in our communities, we will mobilise our youths to stop any further work on the commercial plot at Garki resettlement area,” he said.

He since the government has stopped the indigenes of Abuja to build any structure, they should provide alternatives for their upcoming children, saying that the indigenes do not know their fate any more and their children are growing up, asking what they would tell them if they want to build.

“We have finished our work with the Committee set up by the FCT Minister of State, and since then nothing has been had about the resettlement issue. We have been entirely cut off from the exercise and some strange people are busy developing the commercial plots allocated to our communities to build churches, mosque, Parks, markets, hospitals and mall,” he said.

Jezebe further said that the indigenes are peace-loving people, but that they will no long accept injustice and illegality against their land, saying that they would be forced go back to court and fight for their right.

NGO pledges new deal for rural communities

T

HE Soroptimist International (aka Best Sisters), a non-governmental organisation in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has pledged to provide potable water supply for residents in rural communities of the FCT. This, it said, is in order to eradicate water-borne diseases in rural communities by the provision of hygienic water for domestic use.

The newly sworn-in President of the NGO, Ms Anthonia Okoli, who listed provision of potable water in rural communities in the FCT as her most important agenda, said since the NGO specialises in humanitarian services through provision of basic needs to the less-privileged people in the society, there is the need to ensure that basic necessities of life are provided for the people to enhance their well-being.

From Gbenga Omokhunu

Okoli, who revealed this at her insignia and installation ceremony in Abuja, as the 13th President of the organisation, said the NGO would also provide free medical services to indigent people in rural communities, embark on women empowerment and the continuous scholarship programme for the lessprivileged people in the FCT. “The organisation’s primary duty is to provide succour to the lessprivileged people in the society and make life meaningful for the poorest of the poor, especially for women and girls. Our aim is to create a society where there will be equity and ensure that people live decent life. I will do all within my power, by God’s grace, to touch lives as much as possible. I enjoin well-meaning

•Water supply schemes

Nigerians, friends and relations to key into this vision,” she said.

Earlier, the immediate past President of the organisation, B.S Medinah Huthman, describes Soroptimist’s mission as inspiration that create opportunities to trans-

form the lives of women and girls through a global network of members and international partnerships.

Former Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Dame Pauline Tallen, who was Mother of the Day, expressed satisfaction at what mem-

bers of Soroptimist have done in rural communities, even as she urged them to always pray for the success of the new President of the NGO. She promised to revive her Plateau State chapter of Soroptimist International.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014

36

ABUJA REVIEW

N

IGERIA'S move to join the top 20 economies in the world by the year 2020 is said to be not only on course, but on a fast lane.

If the achievements said to have been recorded in the last three years under Vision 202020 programme are sustained for the next six years, the government said the country’s economy may even do better than what has been projected under the Vision.

While the government projected to attract N13 trillion worth of investment into the Nigerian economy between 2010 and 2013, it disclosed that over N28 trillion worth of investment was, in reality, attracted to the economy within the period.

This is definitely a good news to Nigerians who are hoping that the country, in the soonest future, will really become a true 'Giant of Africa' through infrastructural and other key development indicators.

No wonder the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meetings last week and some weeks back were partly devoted to the review of the implementation of the first development plan of the Vision 202020 from year 2010 to 2013.

Last week, the Minister of Information, Labaran Maku said: "Today's council was devoted to the review of the implementation of first development plan of the Vision 202020. The report is very rich. It shows very clearly that the President has achieved significantly the goals set out in the first implementation plan.

"And not only in terms of sectors' review which shows clearly ?the progress we have made in agriculture, in the economy, in industry, in flow of investment.

"One of the highlights of what we saw today was that under this period, because of the present reforms that were really encapsulated ?in the take-off of the first national implementation, we have overshot by more than 100 per cent the inflow of private sector investments in the economy."

Continuing, he said: "We targeted that we needed N13 trillion investment plans by the private sector to be able to reach our goals in the first plan. But the initial report we saw today was that the private sector actually invested over N28 trillion in the economy in the period between 2010 and 2013, which was over

Still on Vision 2020 100 per cent above the initial target of N13 trillion.

"What the report shows is that the Nigerian economy is growing in leaps and bounds and that, in spite of the challenges we have had in the Northern part of the country, investments are continually flowing into the economy. The economy is growing and we have moved from 30th position in the global economy to 26th position by the end of 2013.

"We are now 26th from 30th when we started in 2010. This shows that by the time we now implement the second plan which we are already working on between 2013 and 2017, we will be itching closer to the 20th position on the global economy by the size of GDP. "And by the time we cross over from 2017 to 2020, all things being equal, this nation will realise its dream of being among the 20 largest economy of GDP by 2020."

On inflation, Maku said: "The report also shows inflation has come down. We were almost double digits about 2010 but now

From the Villa

By Augustine Ehikioya

we are slightly below eight per cent in terms of consumer inflation.

"And this also shows that the macro-economic policies of government are working and the idea of bringing down inflation is to stabilise economic growth and eventually bring down interest rate. This will come as we drive the implementation of the transformation agenda forward.

"It is so evident and heartwarming that if we continue the progress we have made in the last

three years, we believe ?what is being done through the Economic Management Team to ensure that the economy is properly managed and the macro-economic policies that have been implemented so far on the deep reforms.

"We assure this country is moving forward and we will ensure it continues to move not only as the number one economy in Africa but also to join the league of advanced economies," he added.

Even with all these, some observers noted that the benefits have not started to flow down as there are many Nigerians who cannot afford three square meals per day while some go to bed without any meal.

Millions of unemployed Nigerian youths, they say, roam the streets in search of employment, despite some of them having graduated from tertiary institutions over seven to 10 years back.

So, it can only be hoped that the over N28 trillion worth of investment attracted in the past three years and the next programmes towards Vision 202020 and other economic reforms will really translate to tangible impact and benefits for the ordinary man on the street.

It will be of no use if we remain the largest economy in Africa and move from the 26th in the world to the first position when some Nigerians cannot take good care of their basic needs of food, clothing and shelter.

Emergency committee for area councils

T

From Grace Obike

HE Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) is planning to set up a local emergency committee in the six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) effective disaster management.

Director-General, FCT Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Alhaji Abbas Idriss revealed this while donating relief materials to Sabongari Bassa community, in conjunction with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

Idriss said the local emergency committee will be a representation of FEMA in the community and will liaise with it to ensure reduction in disaster in the localities.

A statement issued by the Public Relations Officer (PRO) FEMA, Josie Mudasiru, Idriss appreciated the Chairman of Kwali Area Council, Hon. Daniel Ibrahim for his unflinching support to FEMA. He pleaded for his assistance to set up the local emergency committee in Kwali Area Council.

He said: “This exercise shows that the FCT Administration and the Federal Government have the interest of the community at heart.”

Hon. Ibrahim expressed his appreciation to the FCT Administration which has deemed it important to address the hardship being experienced by the Sabongari Bassa people of Kwali Area Council.

He further appealed to the beneficiaries to make judicious use of what has been provided for them.

The Zonal Coordinator, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mr. Ishaya Chonoko said residents of Sabongari Bassa to plant more trees in their domain.

Chonoko said the windstorm that destroyed their homes and farmlands can be prevented if the community imbibes the culture of tree planting.

The relief materials donated included mattresses, pillows, bags of rice, garri, beans, roofing sheets, wrappers, nails, blankets and bags of cements.

•The Ologidi of Ogidi, Oba Rabiu Sule (left) acknowledges obeisance from traditional chiefs during the Ogidi-Ela Day in Kogi State

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014

37

NATIONAL BAR Mr. Wahab Shittu is a constitutional lawyer and public commentator. In this interview with ADEBISI ONANUGA, he spoke on a number of national issues and the forthcoming election of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). Excerpts:

We need a legal framework for national conference

•Shittu

H

OW do you see Nigeria, 15 years of de mocracy?

It is important to appreciate that Nigeria may have gained in terms of transition to civilian rule. But in terms of dividends of democracy, not much has been achieved. When we are talking like this we are talking in general terms. Some states may have gained, but most states have not.

For example, Lagos has gained, likewise Oyo, Ekiti, Osun and other states in the southwest. In the southsouth, you may want to look at states like Delta, Akwa Ibom, Imo and Kwara where some progress are being recorded. So, there is a semblance of development in those states. But in spite of that, we want to say that we have not gained much in our march to democracy. What we have in place now is democracy without democratic culture. We have the semblance of democracy without the actors being democrats. It is important if we want to reap democracy for the practitioners to be democrats.

So, what do they need to be democrats?

There must be respect for constitutionalism, rule of law, accountability and transparency in government. There must also be zero tolerance for corruption and all key parameters for election to be credible among others. These are the fundamentals of democratic institutions. But what you see are that these fundamentals are honoured more in breach than in observance. For instance, across all the parties, there is only a near sense of democracy and most of these political parties emerging on the political scene are not necessarily being run on any ideological leaning. You would see their campaigns being run on the basis of mudslinging and character assassination. The polity generally is virulent. All of these are testimonies and in recent times they have added terrorism, particularly Boko Haram insurgency which is a major threat to democratic practices.

Again, there is always the issue of poverty, unemployment and corruption. But in spite of that, Nigerians have been tolerating. In some states like I said there have been provision of physical infrastructure, and agriculture, telecommunication among others. But I want to see a democracy that

would not necessarily be influenced by monetisation of the process. What we have is cash and carry in most cases. It is very difficult for people who do not have the wherewithal to ascend power. To that extent, we do not have democracy because it is cash and carry democracy.

Today you find out that our election reflects in most cases elite’s conspiracy.

What do you mean by elite’s conspiracy?

Elite’s conspiracy in the sense that rather than allow sovereignty to reside in the people, these elections are populated, in most cases, by crooks at the expense of the people.

Again, you find out that rather than allow internal democracy to thrive, you have democracy by anointing by a clique of individuals. Except you are anointed by these individuals, you are not likely to enjoy their support. So, our democracy to the extent that we want to see it as a process, is evolving and maturing. We have not yet arrived at the destination, but we’ve got to arrive at that destination. There must be increased political education so that people are made more aware of their political rights as a citizen. There must be a democratic culture so that our politicians play according to the rules and not necessarily to the whims and caprices of a select few.

Again, we must create the necessary enabling environment for democracy to thrive by ensuring that such divisive elements of thuggery and violence are reduced to the barest minimum.

Some people have also argued that until we have democracy in the true sense of it, in terms of government of the people, by the people and for the people, we may still be far from being democratic. But people have turned the doctrine to government of the politicians by the politicians and for the politicians because the interest of the Nigerian people, which ought to matter in a democratic tradition, are short changed.

So, rather than promoting their interest, what you have is the promotion of the interest of the political class. That is not what democracy ought to be. So, in the years to come I want to see a democracy that would translate into goals; a democracy that would translate into development and a democracy that would have a deep relationship with a good governance. A democracy where there would be respect for constitutionalism, the rule of law, due process and be credible.

One that would be free and fair elections where the votes would count because it is an important integral part of democratic institutions.

For the goals of the electorate to count, incidence of rigging must be reduced in the society because we have cases of what is happening around the world. They were able to fight because the votes of the people count. So, I think Nigerians should begin to ask critical questions when people throw themselves up for elective offices. You need to know where they are com-

ing from, you also need to ask critical questions about their manifesto and their programmes. So when people also talk of change, you need to also ask what kind of change. Nigerians deserve better given the fact that as a country, we are richly endowed with a lot of natural and human resources.

Very soon the national conference would wind up. How do use see its performance so far?

Well, the quality of the debate has been very high. The quality of the delegates is also very high.

We have delegates across the board coming together to engage on issues. But in spite of that, I still have my fears. I am particularly worried that even as the conference is winding up, it still doesn’t have any judicial frame work in place to deal with the outcome. The issue of a legal frame work ought to have been addressed before the commencement of the conference. Because it is not only important to come out with resolutions, but it is far more important to stipulate the criteria for dealing with the outcome. As it is now, the entire resolutions of the conference are just mere paper works because if there is no machinery for enforcement, and people don’t see that lacuna as constituting a serious danger to the national conference.

If there is no legislation to deal with decisions of the conference, does that not lend credence to the suspicions that the conference is a ruse?

Yes. I believe there is a serious attempt to take advantage of the resolutions of the conference.

So, how do we prevent this?

There must be a legal mechanism in place to stipulate how those resolutions would be dealt with. Secondly, there is also a key element which is also missing. That is the issue of referendum.

Unfortunately, we have discordant tunes about whether the resolutions of the conference would be subjected to a referendum. As it is now, there is nothing on the ground to suggest so. Again, they want to take the resolutions to the National Assembly, when the NASS itself is going to be affected by the restructuring being contemplated.

So, the issue of referendum too is key. Again, if we look at the procedures of the conference, you would see that generally, there has not been a deliberate attempt to address the critical issue of referendum even by the contending parties. They seem to be merely glossing over the issue.

The problem we faced as a country is that we have a federal government without a federation because if there is need to have a proper federation, there must be true federalism; there must be true fiscal procedure; there must be devolution of powers to the federating units. Again there must be autonomy. There must be state police. The issue of state police which is also key to a federal system is being handled childishly. The committee to handle issue of security is mainly populated retired Inspector General

of Police who have bias for state police. It is very key if we want to have true federation because crime everywhere is localized. You cannot put people in places to combat crime without the knowledge of the area. Then you put people who are in position, by virtue of ancestry who understands the tradition and custom of the area, the geography of the area that can effectively police the area. People have raised the issue of abuse of state Police by the ruling party. If the federal police is not abused, the state argument goes for state police. So, it is neither here nor there. It is either we want to operate a true federal system of government with all its implications or we want to run away from it. Given the diversified multi-lingua and multi-ethinic of the country, we cannot run away from federalism. It is the ideal way and we must be able to live with its outcome.

Given this analysis, what would you say Nigeria has achieved something from the conference?

Yes. Some achievement may have been recorded. The reality today is that our country grapples with the crisis of survival. There is crisis everywhere. If you look at the North, there is the Boko Haram insurgency.

If you at the south-south, we have he urpsurge in kidnapping, the militants of the Niger Delta, pipeline vandalisation, in the south-east, rising wave of kidnapping and in the south-west there is armed robbery.

Given this background, there must be dialogue to answer the basic questions as well as determine the underlining cause of these grievances that has led to the entire crisis.

So, convening the conference is not something that is very wrong or unnecessary because it is better to jaw-jaw than to war-war.

But if you want to convey a conference, it must be a conference of Nigerian people.

All the ground rules must be in place so that someone somewhere would not just wake up and decide to jettison resolutions of a conference without dire consequences which is what the present circumstance tend to portray. There is no legal framework. So it is a booby trap. Again what has happened to previous conferences? Why are the resolutions of previous conferences not being implemented? So, I want to see what is going on now as “work in progress”. If they really want to tackle the problems of the country, the issue of structure is key.

We also have crisis of values. In line with federal principles, we can then begin to address the issue of enthroning a culture of credible leadership; we should begin to address the culture of impunity as well as corruption.

Text of the lecture delivered by Prof. EPIPHANY AZINGE (SAN) on the eve of his bowing out of office as the Director-General of NIALS.

Law and transformation: NIALS forensic empiricism and legal pragmatism

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HE step used in carrying out the re search includes: (1) Literature Review (2) Defining proposal for the study (3) Research outcome.

There were series of stakeholders meetings to deliberate on various stages of the research and highlight areas of disagreements. The research outcome is therefore backed by the views and opinions of major stakeholders on the subject.

The outstanding features of this research project are the carefully crafted draft unified laws produced by NIALS and submitted to the appropriate authority. Again, this is a milestone achievement that sums up NIALS philosophy of Law Uniform customary court laws and rules37 Flowing from NIALS ground breaking scholarly expositions in the area of customary law, there was need to also interrogate why there should not be uniform customary court Laws and rules in the country. The reason is that the legislative autonomy of states which necessitates the enactment of customary court laws by each state has brought about

variances in provisions of customary court laws in Nigeria. This has led to diverse practices in the customary courts all over the country. While there is nothing wrong with this. it is noticed that some of the practices in the customary courts are not in accordance with current trends. In line with this, NIALS undertook a desk research into the customary court laws and rules of the various states in Nigeria with the aim of identifying those practices which run contrary to modern day practices. The main objective of the research was to come up with a model customary court law and rule which will contain the best practices and to propose same to relevant authorities.

The model law and rule produced by NIALS is a great improvement in substance of existing customary court law and rules. It contains the best practices that have been identified in all court laws and court rules considered and is also in line with current trends in customary jurisprudence. The customary court law and rules which was the end result of NIALS research project is a leg-

islative proposal which state legislatures are enjoined to adopt. This again is in keeping with NIALS philosophy of legal pragmatism Annotation of treaties and conventions in force in Nigeria38 The collation of Treaties and Conventions applicable in Nigeria is yet another ambitious research project of the Institute. As the treaties and conventions are not available in one document or sets of document, NIALS research fellows were faced with the daunting task of using hand-on approach in collating more than 300 treaties scattered all over the place. This makes the research work unique in the sense that future researchers will find the work very helpful in assessing in one document all the treaties. But even more profound is the idea of annotation of the treaties. As the only Institution in Africa with special training in Annotation of legislations, the skills acquired in the last 20 years by staff of NIALS came in very handy. What we have produced in one document is a collation of treaties and conventions and a clearcut annotation of Articles and sections of the

•Azinge

treaties. This undoubtedly is another milestone achievement in promoting NIALS philosophy of law.

•To be continued next week

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014

38

LAW & SOCIETY In spite of government efforts to combat the trend of domestic and sexual violence, rape cases have been on the increase. The issue was the focus at the conference of women judges in the southwest held in Lagos, ADEBISI ONANUGA reports

Life jail for sexual offenders?

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IRST Scenario: Elizabeth (not real name) is a 400-level student in a Nigerian Uni versity runing an extra session due to her failure in one course. Her lecturer, Mr. Ojukokoro, threatened her that no matter how hard she studied, she would continue to fail the course since she refused to share the same ‘bed’ with him.

Second Scenario: A 16-year-old Adeola (not her real name) moved with her mother to her step father’s house after the latter divorced her father two years earlier. Her ordeal started the first night she spent in the house when her 56year-old step father crept into her room at midnight and started fondling her breasts. Every time she attempted to tell her mother, she would shut her up and tagged her the witch on a mission to destroy her new marriage.

Third scenario: Chika (also not her real name) has just ben raped by her boyfriend in his apartment. She was aware of a nearby Police Station, which she rushed to, to lodge a complain.

However, on getting to the station the policemen on duty, in a sarcastic interrogation session and amidst jeers, asked her if she was sure she wore pants to the boy’s house.

The three scenarios above were related by Justice Helen Ogunwumiju, the President of the National Association of Women Judges of Nigeria (NAWJN) as examples of the various inhuman treatment women, particularly the girl child, go through in the hands of their abusers and the law enforcement agents, who are supposed to protect them and investigate the assault.

The occasion was a three-day conference of NAWJN, Southwest Zone held the penultimate week at the Vining Hall, Arch Bishop Vining Memorial Church, GRA, Ikeja. The theme of the conference was “Justice For All”. The conference held as part of the initiative of the International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ) Global Leadership of Women Agenda (GLOW) programme.

The women judges, expressed their worry over the increasing rate of domestic and sexual violence particularly, rape of the girl child.

They consider ed life jail for offenders as part of the efforts to end gender based violence.

NAWJN President, Justice Oguwumiju would not see any reason why judges should not impose maximum punishment on sexual offenders to serve as a deterence to those who might be contemplating it.

To butress his position, she cited a decided case of Posu versus the State (2011) in which the trial judge, Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour

“held emphatically that since the purpose of criminal law is to prevent harm to society, inadequate sentence for sexual offenders where the law provides for life imprisonment should be discouraged. A light sentence for rape as in the instant case must never be imposed. This may have unsavory effect of turning rape into a past time by flippant youths”.

Justice Ogunwumiju remarked that rape and defilement are violent offences, which are usually perpetrated against vulnerable members of society, the girl child and women.

She noted that the perpetrators of these offences are usually powerful, by reason of physical strength, use of offensive weapons or by virtue of their relationship with their victim.

She lamented that the increase in rape and defilement has grown in recent years because such incidents were not reported and successfully prosecuted even when reported.

Justice Ogunwumiju remarked that the situation is made worse when the victim is not encouraged by family and friends to report the crime to the police.

Quoting from a research conducted by N.A. Adeleke and others in 2012 in Osogbo titled: “Sexual Assault Against Women” to buttress her views, Ogunwumiju said 81 per cent of victims of sexual assault are less than 18 years of age and were abused in day time; another 79.6 per cent of them knew their assailant or were abused by men who are closely related to them, while inhuman act constitutes 2.1 per cent of female on consultation outside pregnancy in the hospital.

She said a similar one conducted in Benin for a year revealed that only a total of 85 cases were reported out of 1,028 assault cases. She said in over 88 per cent of the cases, the assailants were known to the victims, but that only 7.2 per cent went to court. While in 14.1 per cent of the cases, the violators used weapons to subdue their victims.

She said the conclusion of such researches was that the pattern of sexual assault in Nigeria has remained unchanged for decades.

She, however, lamented and identified the deafening silence of victims and the society to the prevalence and havoc of the crime, and the laxity with which perpetrators are penalised as part of the factors that necessitated the conference. “When we talk about justice, there must be justice for all, both for the offender and the victim,” she said, noting that most times the courtroom battle is most times limited to gladiating lawyers while the rights of the victim is completely obscured by the dust of the

•From left: Justice Ogunwumiju, Justice Phillips and Oba Rilwan Akinolu of Lagos.

•Justice Kekere-Ekun (left) and Ms. Goldstein

•From left: Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olaseinde Kumuyi, Mrs. Risikat Akinyode and Mrs. Rhoda Ayinde.

•From left: Mrs. Laila St. Matthew -Daniel, Mrs. Folasade Ogunnaike and wife of the S.S.G. Ogun State, Mrs. Folashade Adeoluwa.

PHOTOS: By Moses Omosehin.

battle. “The victim’s rights not to be raped and isolated is not seen as one of the issues in contention, rather the accused right to fair trial is seen as the only issue”, she said. To her, it is the

duty of the women judges to ensure a victim friendly courtroom so that a complainant is not unduly subjected to harassment and intimidation during trial.

The annual public lecture of the Law Faculty, University of Ibadan held on June 13. Tagged: “Federalism and national unity: optimising the richness of diversity”, it focused on the need for the enthronement of true federalism. PRECIOUS IGBONWELUNDU reports.

‘How to achieve true federalism’ •From left: Dr. Ajogwu, Chief Solanke, Prof. Adewole and Prof. Bamgbose at the event

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AWYERS have advocated the need to use Nigeria’s diversity as a formula for true federalism in order to drive the nation forward.

The suggestion was made by speakers at the Law Faculty, University of Ibadan annual public lecture tagged: “Federalism and national unity: optimising the richness of diversity”.

Speakers and renowned legal practitioners, who attended the event, noted that unless Nigerians consciously make a u-turn from the current practice of ethnic and religious sentiments in handling issues to being more nationalistic, the country may never recover from underdevelopment, poverty and corruption.

They urged leaders and followers to embrace discussions on diversity in a way that would not diminish its uniqueness, which defines the country, but improve it.

At the event were Chief Folake Solanke (SAN); Dr. Fabian Ajogwu (SAN); Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof. Isaac Adewole and Dean of Law, Prof. Oluyemisi A. Bamgbose, among others.

Solanke, who chaired the occasion, urged Nigerians to show patriotic disposition to nation building and ensure that all hands are on deck in propagating the desired Nigerian dream.

Delivering the lecture, Ajogwu decried the current faulty federal structure, attributed same to lack of oneness and nationalistic tendencies. He maintained that the nation’s diversity ought to be its major strength, noting that if truly embraced with the realities of diversity considered, federalism will enhance the common good and promote a utilitarian society.

Ajogwu explained that the propagation of oneness and nationalistic orientation is the

sure way to the development of the nation’s nascent democracy. He called on Nigerians to rise above the parochial bases of allegiance and integrate on the basis of common interest for the good of the society. “We should join hands against anything that threatens the common good,” he said.

Highlighting the challenges of true federalism, he stated that apart from the identity politics and ethnic allegiance, the issue of fiscal federalism and resource control has been a major challenge to Nigeria’s federal structure.

Ajogwu, who donated a 3.5KVA inverter as well as money for equipping the faculty library, argued that starting from the Phillipson Commission of 1946, the country seem not to have an apt revenue allocation formula. He advised leaders to optimise the utilisation of allocated resources instead of chasing a perfect revenue allocation formula, which is not tenable.

“There are bound to be conflicts among federating units in a nation with about 350 ethnic groups and over 470 languages. Diversity in

any organized or democratic society like Nigeria should be more of a resource than a source of conflict. It should propel a strong competitive platform for economic, social and political development in the country.

“The nation’s diversity is also witnessed with the endowment of different mineral and natural resources, which constituted majority of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the pre-crude oil era. If this diversity is properly harnessed in addition to the Nigerian oil and gas industry, Nigeria would emerge as one of the world’s economic drivers. “There is an urgent need for the practice of true federalism in the country to ensure that federating units co-exist without acrimony and bad blood. Nigeria being constitutionally recognized as a secular state, there is need for tolerance and freedom of religion, and her people should be bound in the spirit of brotherhood culminating from their identity as being part of the nationhood– Nigeria.

Only then can we have the Nigerian dream,” said Ajogwu.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014

LEGAL OPINION

‘Amend laws on crude oil theft’

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SENIOR Advocate of Ni geria (SAN), Lateef Fagbemi, has advocated an amendment of the laws regulating crude oil theft to accommodate stiffer punishment. He said the laws in their present state “are too soft to act as deterrence for crude oil theft.

Fagbemi, at the 9th Chief Babatunde Olusola Benson (SAN) annual public lecture organised as part of the Annual Law Week 2014 of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikorodu Branch, asked the government to impose stiffer sanctions on those who are engaged in crude oil theft to serve as deterrent to others.

“Crude oil theft involves huge sums of money and it is only reasonable that the punishment applicable must equally be severe.

“A situation where a crude oil thief steals crude oil worth millions of dollars, only to be fined a paltry sum of N2,000 or sent to two years in jail is too ridiculous and makes a mockery of our judicial system,” he said.

The senior lawyer said activities of the crude oil thieves threaten the very existence of the country.

“When one considers that the economy of our country depends entirely on these incomes, there-

By Adebisi Onanuga and Toyosi Babatunde

fore anything that tends to disrupt that delicate balance must be fought with all the arms in our arsenal until same is roundly defeated,” he said.

The time, according to the guest lecturer, had come when crude oil thieves must be treated as economic saboteurs rather than ordinary criminals.

He frowned at a section of the criminal justice system which allows an option of fine as a penalty for a convicted crude oil theft.

He said: “It must surely be a prison term or something much stiffer. A fine of N2, 000 or N10,000 can never atone for the destruction that the activities of these disgruntled criminals cause to our economy.

“A situation where they are stripped of their right to engage in political activities or contest for electoral posts on our land will not be out of place, considering the fact that they are enemies of the land whose criminal activities are primarily aimed at preventing all of us from enjoying the good things of life,” he said.

He called on the government to focus more on the activities of the Joint Task Force in the Niger Delta to ensure that they carry out

their primary activities.

“The issue of securing our crude oil must not be left to the whims and caprices of the security chiefs alone. Where there are lapses, the security chiefs and those fingered in same must be made to pay for it,” he said.

The Chairman of the occasion, Hon. Senai Agunbiade, said it was wrong for some people to be appropriating what belongs to the country to themselves.

Agunbiade said about $1billion is lost to oil theft monthly stressing, “we can’t close our eyes to criminals collaborating with expartriates and denying us of what rightly belongs to Nigeria”.

He wondered why the country has not won the war against oil theft, urging for intensive investgation into where such stolen oil are taken, refined, where they are sold and the account the proceeds was paid into to unveil those behind the theft.

The branch chairman, Mr. Sahid Shillings, remarked that the theft of the national resource is not an issue that should be swept aside.

Shillings explained that the issue of oil theft was chosen as topic for the lecture in realisation that oil is the life wire of the economy and must not be allowed to continue to be stolen.

•Chief Benson, (middle), his wife Dame Olabisi (first left) and Hon. Agunbiade.

Politician charged with alleged N48.1m theft

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HIEF Magistrate of Court One, Igbosere, Mrs Adedayo will on July 16, begin trial in the theft charges brought against a former aspirant to Lagos State House of Assembly under the Labour Party, Nimota Olayemi.

The police alleged that Olayemi, defrauded her former company, Lanre Bhadmus Industries Limited, to the tune of over N41.8 million.

The case was adjourned as a result of the absence of Mrs Adedayo last week.

The magistrate was said to be on the entourage of the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Ayotunde Phillips, whose team visited the prisons in the state.

Clad in white traditional iro and buba and a white headgear, Olayemi was accompanied to court last week by her lawyer and a relative.

She may be facing a three-year

By Adebisi Onanuga

jail term if found guilty of the offence of conspiracy and theft of N41, 856,311.00 belonging to her former employer, Lanre Bhadmus Industries Limited.

The defendant was earlier arraigned before the court on a twocount charge of conspiracy and theft, on December 2, 2011.

She then pleaded not guilty and was released on bail on the order of the Chief Magistrate.

The charge No. F/77/11 reads in part: That you, Olayemi Nimota ‘f’ and others now at large, staff of Lanre Bhadmus Industries Ltd, between January and December 2010 at Lanre Bhadmus Industries Ltd of 20/22, Jimoh Faronbi Drive, IreAkari Estate, Isolo, Lagos, in the Lagos Magisterial District, did conspire among yourselves to commit felony to wit: stealing and thereby

committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 516 of the Criminal Code, Cap C17, Vol. II, Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2003.

“That you, Olayemi Nimota ‘f’ and others now at large, staff of Lanre Bhadmus Industries Ltd, between the months of January to December 2010, at the aforesaid Magisterial District, did steal the sum of N41, 856,311.00 (Forty One Million, Eight Hundred and Fifty Six Thousand, Three Hundred and Eleven Naira only) property of Lanre Bhadmus Industries Ltd, part of which you used in building your house located at No. 14 Oguntoyinbo Street, Ilasamaja, Lagos and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 390 of the Criminal Code, Cap C17, Vol.II, Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2003.

•Left to right: Justice Ayotunde Phillips, Justice Funmilayo Atilade and Deputy Controller of Prisons, Ikoyi Prisons, Mr. Emmanuel Bamidele during a visit to the prison.

LAW AND PUBLIC POWER

with gabriel AMALU email:gabrielamalu1@yahoo.com For comments: 08033054939 (sms only)

Who is disenfranchising Nigerians

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HE disagreements over the Ekiti State governorship election are mere prelude to the crisis that will overwhelm the 2015 general elections, unless there is a change in tactics, by institutional actors. Many believe that at the root of all the warmongering is the desperation by a political tendency to control in advance, the outcome of the elections. Notably in a strategic build up to the programmed implosion come 2015, we have seen the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) wobbling and fumbling to produce a credible voters’ register. While INEC insistently says only those with permanent voter’s card will vote at elections, the commission has failed to conduct the registration of new voters and the distribution of the permanent voters’ cards, with the same zeal.

The outcome is that a sizeable number of potential voters are left out of the process. Ekiti state is just the first victim, considering that the recent test-run of the process in selected states of the federation was a substantial failure. In Enugu state for instance, there was a near unanimous agreement, among the people, that the program failed in many parts of the state. My personal enquiries showed that many people were not able to obtain their permanent voter’s card, because their names were not in the INEC’s register, even when they had voted in previous elections. The same experience was witnessed in most of the other pilot states, according to news reports. So who is responsible for this failure by INEC, in the most basic requirement for the conduct of a free and fair election? Is it the INEC leadership that is programming the failure, or is it moles within the commission, that are acting for a political tendency, to hand Nigerians a pre-programmed election outcome, regardless of their choices?

Acting like a disingenuous robot, INEC is programming the 2015 elections to fail, before it takes off.

Again, the Ekiti state governorship election witnessed a complete militarization of the state, in the run-down to the polls. From the reports, it was as if the national security agencies had been subpoenaed to act for a certain political tendency. Such conducts are not helpful to our fledging democracy. Indeed, if our democracy is to survive and thrive, the security agencies must see themselves only as national institutions, and not as purveyors of the political interests of the party that is holding sway at the center. It must distinguish itself as a national institution and not an agent of the central government; for to act otherwise, is to invite catastrophe on our country.

The shame of the last Thursday before Ekiti elections, which saw many leaders of the All Progress Congress (APC) harassed and harangued, while on their way to Ekiti, to campaign for their party’s candidate must be avoided, if we desire a free and credible elections in our country. It is inconceivable that the national security agencies could be mobilized to act as armies of occupation, infringing with impunity the fundamental rights of senior members of the opposition party, against the provision of section 41 of the 1999 constitution. What happened to Governors Rotimi Amaechi and Adams Oshiomole on their way to Ekiti state last week has no place in any democratic environment. It does not matter whether the presidency likes the faces of the Governors or not; what was at stake was their fundamental right to move freely within the country.

While Governor Amaechi who landed at the Akure airport en route Ekiti, was reportedly unlawfully detained at the Ekiti boarder with Ondo state, Governor Oshiomole’s chopper was denied clearance to leave the Benin airport, denying him the opportunity to proceed to Ekiti state to join others to campaign for their brother Governor, of the APC. This unconstitutional strong arm tactics of the security agencies was also extended to the leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was denied the opportunity to fly out of the Akure airport, after the campaign for Governor Fayemi, forcing him to travel back to Lagos by road. A similar maltreatment, leading to the death of one person, had earlier been extended to the supporters of Governor Fayemi, who tried to engage in a symbolic sweeping off, of the feet of the PDP’s candidate and his presidential supporters, before the last flawed election.

As if a choreograph, the military started this run down to the last Ekiti election with the unconstitutional infringement of the right to freedom of expression and the press, as enshrined in section 39 of the 1999 constitution. In the days to the Ekiti election, Nigerians woke up to a clamp down on the press, in many parts of the country.

While I acknowledge the dire times our country face arising from acts of terrorism, particularly in the northern parts of the country, the reasons and the modus operandi adopted by the military in searching and detaining for hours the vehicles conveying newspapers across the country, was untenable. While the military claimed they were acting on intelligence reports, many believed they were intimidating the media, which had been reporting glaringly their challenges in the face of Boko Haram insurgency.

With INEC accused of partisanship in the run-up to the Ekiti elections, arising mainly from inadequacies that can be ameliorated, it will be in our common interest for them to sit up. The presidency and the national assembly owe Nigerians the responsibility to ensure that the commission is unflinchingly programmed to succeed.

On its part the national security agencies must guide their conduct, to avoid any perception of being a partisan in the run up to the 2015 general elections. Indeed, if our democracy is to survive, key institutions of state, must strive like Caesar’s wife, to be seen to be above Board.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014

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LAW REPORT Trial judge’s conduct should be challenged at court of appeal, not supreme court IN THE SUPREME COURT HOLDEN AT ABUJA ON FRIDAY, THE 13TH DAY OF JUNE, 2014 BEFORE THEIR LORDSHIPS MAHMUD MOHAMMED, J.S.C. JOHN AFOLABI FABIYI, J.S.C. MARY UKAEGO PETER-ODILI, J.S.C. MUSA DATTIJO MUHAMMAD, J.S.C. KUDIRAT MOTONMORI OLATOKUNBO KEKERE-EKUN, J.S.C. SC.158/2012 (2014) LPELR-23064(SC)

Between

SUNDAY UDOR …………………….…… APPELLANT And THE STATE …………………………... RESPONDENT Lead Judgment delivered by Mahmud Mohammed, J.S.C.

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HIS was an appeal against the judgment of the Court of Appeal, Ekiti Division af firming the conviction and sentences passed on the Appellant and his co-accused persons.

The Appellant was arraigned with three other accused persons, Sunday Jegede, Oluwatoyin Anokoluanro and Olarenwaju Ayan before the trial High Court on a three count information of conspiracy to murder, murder of one Mayowa Adeleye and the attempted murder of one Falade Ojo. The Appellant and his co-accused pleaded “Not Guilty” but before the commencement of hearing, one of them, Sunday Jegede, the then 1st accused died and the Appellant became the 2nd accused throughout the trial.

The case of the prosecution was that on 29th November, 1998, the deceased Mayowa Adeleye was sent by his mother, PW1, to deliver food to his father, who worked as a guard at Fiyintolu Odundun Comprehensive High School, OkeAyedun-Ekiti and on coming back home, to bring three-leaves yam from their family farm. The Appellant who was a tenant in the house of PW1, was present when the deceased was being sent on the errand to his father and the farm of the family. However, the deceased boy Mayowa Adeleye never returned home and as a result of that a search party was organized in the town on the alarm raised by the parents of the deceased.

In the course of the search, PW2, Falade Ojo was confronted in the bush at night by the late Sunday Jedege, who was charged along with the Appellant and three others for the offence for which the Appellant was convicted. The Appellant and his group prevented PW2 from searching the building where they were found and attacked PW2 who managed to escape from the building

used by the Appellant and his group unhurt. On reporting this incident to the Oba of the town, the Oba ordered the search for the missing boy, and also ordered the immediate arrest of the Appellant and the other persons found with him. The following day, the headless body of the deceased boy Mayowa Adeleye was eventually discovered in the bush near the house of the late Sunday Jegede who together with the Appellant had attacked PW2 the previous night and prevented him from searching the house where they were found. The corpse of the deceased was partly covered by curtains belonging to the late Sunday Jegede. At the trial Court, the prosecution called 6 witnesses while the Appellant gave evidence in his defence but called no other witness. At the end of the trial, the learned Judge after very carefully considering the evidence before him, found the Appellant and 2 other accused persons tried along with him, guilty of the offences of conspiracy, murder and attempted murder.

Consequent upon the findings of the trial Court, the Appellant was sentenced to death for offence of murder while the conviction for the offence of attempted murder, earned him life imprisonment. The Appellant’s appeal against his conviction and sentences was heard by the Court of Appeal Ekiti Division and in unanimous judgment delivered on 25th March, 2011, that appeal was dismissed. Still aggrieved with the decision of the Court of Appeal, the Appellant further appealed to the Supreme Court by his Notice of Appeal containing 4 grounds of appeal from which his learned Counsel distilled 2 issues in the Appellant’s brief of argument, for the determination of the appeal. The 2 issues which were also adopted by the Respondent in the

‘Save NBA from collapse’

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HEAD of the July 15 Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) elections, a former President of the association, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) has urged bar leaders to save NBA from collapse.

According to him, the NBA is strategic, not only to lawyers, but to Nigeria.

Olanipekun said the association’s presidency, zoned to the Southwest, has generated controversy among lawyers and Bar leaders with the Midwest claiming to the part of the Southwest in the zoning arrangement.

“Things aren’t right and there is no association that is better-placed to talk about ills of the society and correct them than the NBA, and I believe care should be taken. I know what it means, I have passed through this path before.

“We must guard the NBA jealously, consciously and deliberately. We must ensure that we don’t have a repeat of the debacle of 1992 and I keep on saying it that if someone like me could step down for O.C.J Okocha in 2000 and to the glory of God, I became president in 2002 at God’s own appointed time. There is no need to hurry. There is no need for this rat-race, there is no need for do-or-die within the NBA. “My position is that we keep faith with honour, we keep faith with covenant, we keep faith with integrity, we keep faith with reality, truth and fear of God. “Leaders of the Bar must speak the truth, that is what Olisa Agbakoba is doing, that is what O.C.J Okocha is doing, that is what God is encouraging me to do, that is what Bayo Ojo stands for.

“It will be ungodly for anyone who has benefitted from the zoning arrangement of NBA by becoming the NBA president to now want to truncate it, to aid and abet how to scuttle it.

I also want to plead with our brothers from the Midwest, that there is time for everything.

Let us do it according to this arrangement. We should not try to mount the leadership of NBA

•Olanipekun

through conspiracy.”

Olanipekun said NBA’s second zoning circle began with OAgbakoba (Southeast) from 20062008; followed by Akeredolu (Southwest) from 2008-2010 and Joseph Daudu (North) from 20102012.

“We (Southwest) we agreed to take them (Midwest as part of Southwest), but that for 2014 NBA Presidency, let the West take the slot.

It would be the turn of the West again in 2020, and no Yoruba man from the Southwest would contest it with the Midwest,” Olanipekun said.

On the allegation that he has a preferred candidate among the Presidential contestants from the West, Olanipekun said: “Now, there are three people from Southwest and I as a leader have a right to support somebody and other leaders in the Southwest have right to support somebody, but I don’t have a right to say that Mr. A or Mrs A can’t get there. I am not God and nobody has a right to play God. “I would not be a party to any congregation that says, decides or harbours the thought that instead of a particular person from the SouthWest becoming the president, he or she would prefer somebody from outside. I will not do that, I am not a tribalist, but if the agreement says we should produce the president, I will not support an outsider simply because I don’t want someone Southwest to be president.”

Respondent’s brief of argument are – “1. Whether the learned trial Judge was right in holding that the prosecution proved its case against the Appellant, when the identity of the deceased for whose death the Appellant was charged was never established at the trial.

2. Whether the learned trial Judge was right in holding that the prosecution proved a case of murder and attempted murder against the Appellant beyond reasonable doubt and whether the Court of Appeal was right in upholding that decision.”

Starting with the first issue for determination, the Court noted that it is quite plain that the issue was not complaining against the decision of the Court of Appeal or any part of the judgment of that Court which was now on appeal before the Supreme Court. The Court further noted that the issue also did not complain against the conduct of the Justices of the Court of Appeal in their decision dismissing the Appellants, appeal.

Rather, that the issue was only complaining of the conduct of the learned trial Judge in his judgment finding the Appellant guilty of murder of the deceased in the absence of evidence properly identifying the corpse as that of the deceased, the subject of the charge of murder against the Appellant. The Court held that this issue can only be properly raised at the Court of Appeal for resolution as the Appellant had already and that, the issue having been properly raised and appropriately determined by the Court of Appeal against the Appellant, that issue cannot be raised again before the Supreme Court, the jurisdiction of which under Section 233 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, is to hear appeals from the decisions of the Court of Appeal. In other words, the Court held that the Supreme Court has no jurisdiction to entertain any issue in an appeal complaining of the decision of the trial High Court. The Court referred to the case of Francis Nwanezie v. Nuhu Idris and Another (1993) 3 N.W.L.R. (Pt.297) 1 at 12; (1993) LPELR-2014(SC) where Karibi-Whyte, JSC, in the lead judgment of the Court faced with similar situation with the 1st issue for determination in that case stated the law thus “The determination of 1st Respondent’s first issue is outside the jurisdiction of this Court. This Court can only exercise jurisdiction in respect of decisions of the Court of Appeal. The first issue is questioning the correctness of the judgment of the High Court. The ground of appeal filed is concerned with the error of the Court below. The formulation of the first issue, therefore did not arise from the grounds of appeal filed.”

The Court stated that this observation was exactly what happened in the present case where the first ground of appeal in the Appellant’s Amended Notice of Appeal, complained of the errors of the learned Justices of the Court of Appeal in their judgment now on appeal but the learned Appellant’s Counsel in framing the first issue for determination of the appeal, turned his complaint against the judgment of the trial Court over which the Supreme Court does not have jurisdiction. Consequently, the 1st issue raised for determination in this appeal being incompetent, is accordingly struck-out by the Court.

On the 2nd issue, the Appellant contended that the prosecution did not prove any ingredients of the offences of conspiracy, murder and attempted murder against the Appellant beyond reasonable doubt as required by law. It was argued for

the Appellant by his learned Counsel that the evidence adduced by the prosecution at the trial Court, was riddled with fatal inconsistencies and contradictions to the extent of making the conviction of the Appellant founded on mere suspicion, thereby justifying the appeal being allowed.

For the Respondent however, it was argued by its learned Counsel that the prosecution had adduced sufficient direct and circumstantial evidence to prove the offences for which the Appellant was charged and convicted.

In determining this issue, the Court stated that the law is indeed trite that suspicion, no matter how strong it is, cannot take the place of legal proof. Items of evidence raising suspicion, which put together, do not have the quality of being corroborative evidence to ground any conviction for a criminal offence. See the case of State v.

Ogbubunjo (2001) 2 N.W.L.R. (Pt. 698) 576; (2001) LPELR-3223(SC). However, in the present case, the Court held that the evidence put in place by the prosecution against the Appellant in support of the offences the Appellant was charged and convicted, was far beyond the level of suspicion.

That, there was direct and circumstantial evidence beyond reasonable doubt, properly appraised and relied upon by the trial Court in finding the Appellant guilty of the offences of murder and attempted murder in particular. See Ogba v. The State (1992) 2 N.W.L.R. (Pt.222) 164; (1992) LPELR2273(SC). The Court further stated the position of the law that the prosecution may prove the guilt of an accused person by the confessional statement of that accused person, by circumstantial evidence or by the evidence of eye witnesses of the crime. The Court emphasized that the prosecution does not always need an eye witness account to succeed in proving the case of murder against the accused, if the charge can otherwise by proved.

The Court stated that circumstantial evidence is sufficient to ground conviction for a criminal offence only where the inferences drawn from the whole history or facts of the case, are such that they point strongly irresistibly to the commission of the offence by the accused to the exclusion of all other persons. See Nwaeze v. The State (1996) 2 N.W.L.R. (Pt.428) 1; (1996) LPELR2091(SC) and Akinmoju v. The State (2000) 4 S.C. (Part 1) 64; (2000) LPELR-351(SC). The Court stated in the instant case, that apart from the fact that the circumstantial evidence on record points to no other person than the Appellant and his co-accused persons as having caused the death of the deceased Mayowa Adeleye whose corpse was found wrapped in curtain cloth of the house of the Appellant’s co-accused late Sunday Jegede, there was also the direct evidence of PW2, the victim of the vicious attack by the Appellant and his group which clearly supported the Appellant’s conviction for the offence of attempted murder.

In the final result, the Court found the appeal devoid of merit. The appeal was accordingly dismissed and the judgment of the Court below delivered on 25th March, 2011, affirming the conviction and sentences of death and life imprisonment imposed on the Appellant by the trial High Court of Ekiti State, for the offences of murder and attempted murder respectively, were further affirmed.

•LawPavilion Citation: (2014) LPELR23064(SC) Compiled by:LawPavilion

Pan African Lawyers (PALU) elects Obegolu, others into executive committee

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HE Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU) has elected the General Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Mr. Emeka Jude Phillipe, as its Vice-President, West Africa. Obegolu was elected at PALU’s triennial General Assembly and Conference, which held in Yaunde, Cameroun between, June 5 and 8.

Other members of the executive are: President – Mr. Elijah Chola Banda, SC (Zambia); Vice President–Central Africa, Mr. Gabriel Sinarinzi (Burundi); Vice President–Eastern Africa, Mr. Eric Kyalo Mutua, (Kenya); Vice President–Northern Africa, Mr.Rached Barkache (Tunisia); Vice President–Southern Africa, Ms. Maureen Kondowe (Malawi); Vice President–Western Africa, Mr.Emeka Jude Phillipe Obegolu (Nigeria); Secretary-General, Mr. Kari Abdoul Bagui (Cameroon); Deputy Secretary-General, Ms. Gigi ReidMills (Swaziland); Treasurer, Mr. Bruce Kwarisiima Kyerere (Uganda) and Chief Executive Officer (Ex Officio), Mr. Donald Omondi Deya (Kenya).

The election, members said, was a milestone as it was the first time women lawyers would be elected into the PALU Executive

•Obegolu

By John Austin Unachukwu

Committee.

Meanwhile, PALU council also appointed chairpersons for two of its committees. They are Ms. Fatima Hassan Elmulik (Sudan)– Chairperson of the Council Committee on Human Rights and Gender and Mr. Roland Abeng (Cameroon)–Chairperson of the Council Committee on Relations with foreign bar associations, law societies and international organisations

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014

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Your Sexual Health & You: Novelty Tips, Questions & Answers

used to be a top homosexual in demand and I have slept with a lot of big shots in this country and even travelled with some of them. But now that I have repented, I want to share my story in the newspapers. I can even give names of my bed mates who mostly are celebrities – Hard Boy It is good to know that you are no longer prostituting but why are you so desperate to reveal the names of your lovers? This column is designed to help people and families with sexual and relationship difficulties.

It seems to me that you are more interested in gossip and destroying people’s lives and that is not what we do here – Uche I got married as a 19 year old teenager and I have been married for 12 years now. But my marital experience of sex has been horrible until recently. I never enjoyed sex and I was a very angry woman until I read about some of your products. I decided to try a Vibrator and 69 Orgasm Gel and for the first time in my life, I enjoy sex and I have an orgasm up to five times a week. You really helped me and I am grateful – Hauwa You are welcome – Uche I have started using my Rhino 5 supplement for hard erections and performance and it is very very good but I also want a penis enlarger - John Rhino 5 is a very good erection supplement that also enlarges the penis. But of course you have to use it constantly over time to see the enlargement results. But if you want faster enlargement, you can use a penis enlargement pump with your Rhino 5. Get the Machismo Pump and use it several times a week as directed. The results will show faster with it – Uche I am 55 years old and I used to lose my erection sometimes during sex. You advised me to use a Cockring to stop the erection loss and it helped. And then I started taking Rhino 5 to improve my performance and that was when I noticed that I no longer lose my erection. So

do I still need the Cockring? Babajide Babajide if you are using Rhino 5 supplement, then you don’t need anything else. Rhino 5 is so powerful that it fixes all performance related problems such as lack of stamina, weak erection and premature ejaculation.

Cockrings are a cheaper alternative to fixing erection loss especially for men who cannot take drugs – Uche My problem is weakness during sex. Once I come the first time, I just want to sleep but my wife wants to keep having sex. I need to be able to keep up with her – Benjamin For stamina during intercourse, the Wonderland Performance Drink can help you with the energy you need. So you can try that – Uche Hello Mr Edochie, my friends and I are big fans of your column and we never miss it. But I am not happy with you.

You focus mainly on the men and it is always about erection this and erection that. What about the women? We need help to perform too – Ronke Sorry o madame Ronke. Most of the questions we get are from male readers but when women write, we attend to them as well. So tell your female friends to send us questions too. We reply to everything. If you are interested in a female performance enhancer, get the Pink Elevate Female Libido booster. It is a powerful libido booster that helps women with arousal, lubrication and performance energy. Orgasm gels are also good for arousal but for sexual performance, oral supplements are best – Uche I just wanted to say thank you. Rhino 5 is the best. My erections are now strong - Mazi You are welcome. The names of the people featured here have been changed for their privacy. Adults in need of these treatments can call us on 08027901621 or 08051924159 or any other number here to order or they can order online at www.zeevirtualmedia.com. We deliver to you wherever you are in Nigeria. For enquiries email us at custserv@zeevirtualmedia.com - Uche Edochie, MD, Zee Virtual Media.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014

NEWS

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S the Benue State Commissioner for Lands and Survey, what have been your experiences so far?

Being a commissioner has been taxing because when I was appointed, my age was an issue.

I was 34 years old at the time I was appointed and some skeptics didn’t want to give me a chance. Several times in the course of discharging my duties, rather than people seeing me as a professional, they mull over my age. It was also challenging because expectations were high on me.

This is because I was appointed a commissioner into a ministry that I have experience about.

I have a degree in Survey from the University of Technology, Yola and a Master’s degree in Survey and Geoinformatics from the University of Lagos. Thus, I have a burden to deliver to avoid much criticism.

Also, the Ministry of Lands is a sensitive one because almost everyone has something to do with land.

Some other challenges include people’s unwillingness to accept change. People, who have gotten used to doing things in a particular fashion, wouldn’t want to accept new ways of doing things even though those methods are unworkable.

In the circumstances, would you say you have proved your critics wrong by your performance?

As a surveyor appointed to oversee the ministry, I believe I have done well. When I assumed office, I appraised the situation on ground and looked at the law, particularly the Land Use Act of 1978 which

‘We have sanitised land matters in Benue’

John Tondo is the Benue State Commissioner for Lands and Survey. In this interview with OKWY lROEGBU-CHIKEZIE, he speaks about land grabbing allegation against him and the Benue GIS scheme, among others. Excerpts

•Tondo

is critical to my ministry. The Land Use Act was enacted because government was finding it difficult to carry out developmental projects as a result of resistance from citizens who are land owners.

So, government had to take total control of the land through the Act so that it can carry out developmental projects unhindered. Even though government would take the land, it still compensates those who

customarily own the land.

When I assumed office, I realised that in Benue State, especially in Makurdi and other urban areas, we had issues of disjointed development.

In some areas, people walked up to two or three kilometres before they could access their homes; they couldn’t drive in because people had erected structures indiscriminately, even on streets. So, for us to have an

orderly development; planning was critical.

What I saw on ground was that development was far ahead of planning. So, I felt that, for us to stop this haphazard way of development, we had to do a comprehensive plan of our urban areas.

In the course of ensuring that, we move planning ahead of development. People who were involved in illegal land transactions felt their illegal businesses had been tampered with.

They became antagonistic.

There was this practice where people just go to the locals to acquire lands on the pretext that they want to build schools, hospitals or some other social services. They usually would get the land very cheap and without certificate of occupancy (C of O). They would, in turn, parcel the land and sell at huge cost to other members of the public. So, when we began planning, these illegal businesses were affected and those who are involved in these illegal businesses felt we were tampering with their businesses and became hostile.

But being a commissioner is not to serve specific interests but the Benue people. So, I have placed the interest of Benue people far above individual interests. I was determined to do what is right and this wasn’t easy. I also realised that most of the properties in Benue State that were previously surveyed, were still operating on local origins and the positions of the properties weren’t precise. You couldn’t determine the exact positions of the properties on the ground. But as a surveyor, I know that you must start from a position of known to unknown and not the other way round.

The known position means that you must establish controls and controls are the basis for survey. So, we established 776 controls across the 23 local government areas in Benue State. Because of the level of planning we embarked upon and because we didn’t have the resources to compensate those that would be affected, we opted for compensation in kind rather than cash.

Thus, when we plan an area, we carry out enumeration and determine the number of plots on the farm land; government then takes 30 per cent and gives the customary land owners 70 per cent of the plots.

Government then sells the 30 per cent to members of the public. In doing this, we deal with those who customarily own the land, not land speculators.

Why are you revisiting the developed part of the state capital, Makurdi?

First, we want to be sure each property is properly surveyed.

Second, we want to ensure that people can have titles to their lands to enable them to do business with the land if they wish. We are carrying out a project under public-private partnership called As-Built Survey with a company called Land and Water Partnership Limited.

We are now surveying the properties already on ground.

This is an achievement because government isn’t spending

one dime on it. The promoters are using their resources and they hope to get return on their investment after the survey is done.

I know that some people have applied for land titles in Benue State and cannot get them in the past 15 years because the areas have not been planned. Unplanned areas cannot get titles and these people have been bribing people to get titles on their lands.

But those taking money from them wouldn’t tell them why they can’t get their land titles. Even in the ministry, I have been opposed by those who had benefited from the fraud.

Today, in the area that we have planned, if there is a dispute, you don’t need to go to the field; you just take the plan and take instant decisions.

We have also tried to create awareness so that people will know what the government has been doing. Take a tour to the rural communities and interact with them, they will tell you what government has done to empower them through lands. They give us every support. We never used police in doing what we are doing, we only negotiate with the locals and they appreciate what we are doing. I can beat my chest and say I have planned Benue State. If you want to build any facility in Benue today, you have the exact location where you can site it; be it school, hospital, recreational facility or residential apartments, among others.

On the public-private partnership arrangement, could you give specific details on how this would work and how this would help people get C.of.O faster?

The public-private partnership arrangement is for 12 months period only and we hope to achieve our aim within this period.

When the As-Built Survey project is completed, you don’t need to beg government for C.of O. It would be automatically generated once your area is planned. You only need to pay the necessary charges to get it.

Under the circumstance, for residential development, we are charging N30,000 for recertification but this applies to those who already had title on their land and need to be reissued. But if you never had a title, you will pay the professional charge which is N150 per square metre. Once you pay the necessary charges, I can assure your certificate can be ready in three weeks. With the As-Built Survey, you have all the information about every parcel of land and this makes it easy to get C. of .O. Now we are encouraging people to come up quickly before some impostors would take over their land, especially in cases where the land is in dispute.

In terms of revenue, how much was the balance sheet of the ministry before you assumed duty and how much is it now?

I have done a lot to generate revenue for the state. First, when I assumed duty, I discovered that people would do business with the ministry, pay for it and the payment wouldn’t be documented. I

check the books and saw that four years before my appointment, the government didn’t even realise up to N10 million from the ministry. I realised the massive fraud in the system and I immediately asked that all payments to the Ministry of Land and Survey be paid directly into the ministry’s bank account.

We banned all banks from stationing their representatives in the ministry because even the representatives were not lodging the money in the ministry’s accounts. I had to stop the conspiracy. We also discovered that a Youth Corps member was involved in this fraud. I can assure you that there is significant improvement in our revenue generation. But I don’t have the figures right now.

Some citizens of the state have accused you of land grabbing. Some also had made some insinuations that as you grab, those you don’t keep for yourself, you allocate to your friends and political associates? How true are these allegations?

Change is a very difficult thing for people to understand. Once you decide to do the right thing, those people benefiting from the old system would resort to blackmail just to distract you.

Once you get discouraged and yield, they’ve achieved their selfish purpose. But I’m determined and not discouraged by blackmail. So long as I know that what I’m doing is right, I remain focused.

When people say I have grabbed lands and given them to my friends and associates, where are the evidences? In the first allocation that I did, 98 per cent of people that I allocated land to, I didn’t know them.

They got land based on application. They accused me of giving land to my friends; as a commissioner, if you know me, it’s a privilege and if you genuinely apply for land, should I deny you land because you know me?

Ironically, on a daily basis, my friends accuse me that though I have been a commissioner for four years, I didn’t give them land. I don’t consider politics in land allocation because my appointment is to serve the public, not political interests.

Whatever political party you belong to, I will treat you fairly. I give land to those who apply for land. Recently, my wife even accused me of not giving her land as a commissioner. The records are there; she doesn’t have. If people have documents about my illegal land deals, let them bring them forth.

In the course of doing the right thing, some people who were benefiting from a corrupt system and found their interests threatened, would naturally cry foul. However, those who are genuinely interested in the state are commending our reforms.

As a commissioner in charge of lands, I have worked in the bush physically for one year.

In the whole of 2013, I was involved in field assessment. I owe no one any apology because I believe I have done the right thing and I will continue to do what is right irrespective of who is involved.

HEALTH

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014

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THE NATION

E-mail:- health@thenationonlineng.net

No woman should die of cervical cancer, S says expert HOULD any woman in Nigeria die of cervical cancer, a disease which is preventable, treatable and curable? No, says a Professor of Radiation Medicine at the College of Medicine, University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), Ifeoma Okoye.

Prof Okoye, who spoke at the Breast Without Spot (BWS) Schoolbased Cervical Cancer Vaccination Awareness Initiative, said there

By Wale Adepoju

were vaccines for preventing cervical cancer, a disease caused by human papilloma virus (HPV).

She said the disease is curable if detected early because it takes many years to develop into the fi-

NHIS adopts Mobile Health Insurance

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EALTH care services will soon go digital, courtesy of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

Through its Mobile Health Insurance (MAI), subscribers can register and enjoy care on-line.

NHIS secretary Dr ‘Femi Thomas, spoke at a skill development workshop for zonal and state coordinators of the scheme in the 17 Southern States in Enugu, said the MAI for which a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed with an indigenous mobile financial services aggregator, Salt and Einstein MTS, would be the first of its kind in the world.

He described it as the game changer in the health sector.

He said with the programme introduction, Nigerians would be able to register for the NHIS from their mobile phones.

According to him, the programme will simplify opportunities and processes for Nigerians to register, make payment and choose the healthcare provider of their preference, all at the touch of a button. This, he said, would enable an enrollee to begin accessing

nal stage of cancer.

Prof Okoye urged women to go for early screening to check for the disease, as a preventive measure.

She identified being sexually active before 18 as a factor that predisposes women to cervical can-

• Dr.Thomas (right) handing over the MoU pact to Dr Soyinka

nitely cater for all these”, Soyinka said.

Thomas said the people’s health needs must be attended to in a pragmatic way devoid of sentiments.

they were told to take him to a laboratory for an echocardiogram (ECG) to know the state of his heart.

“This was when the reality stirred us in the face because we couldn’t afford the N50,000 the laboratory demanded for the test,” he said.

Mr Ibrahim said when the condition became aggravated last January, they took their son to Igando General Hospital, an outskirts of Lagos.

“It was from there that he was referred to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH),” he said.

He said it was at LASUTH that the doctors again confirmed that he was suffering from a heart problem.

“We were told to come back in July 2015 because many patients are already on the waiting list for surgery,” he said.

Mr Ibrahim said it was after they were told to come back next year that they approached Kanu Heart Foundation (KHF).

He said it was at KHF that their son did the echocardiogram which revealed that he had come down

Hesaid the initiative would drive the health sector forward, adding: “We want to register the support and enthusiasm of our organisation with Ogun State government on the

successful take-off and towards implementation and sustenance of this scheme while all arrangements have been concluded to subsidise the scheme for three years“.

‘Don’t treat malaria by yourself’

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Boy, 3, needs N2m for heart surgery in Canada

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Once a girl is sexually active, she said the screening method to check for the disease should be conducted yearly from age 20.

“The screening can be Pap smear or visual inspection with acetic acid or lugol’s iodine (VIA/ VILI).

Both are recommended for use in developing countries by the World Health Organisation (WHO) because they are available and cheap,” she said.

By Oyeyemi Gbenga-Mustapha

care after a strategic waiting period of 30 days.

The enrollees, he said would be able to pay, depending on their convenience, on a yearly, monthly or weekly basis, stressing that the manual operations and bottlenecks associated with referrals between Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs) and Healthcare Providers (HCPs) would disappear under the arrangement.

HMOs will, however, be required to work 24 hours to take care of referral cases arising at any time.

Meanwhile, the Ogun State government has signed an MoU with the NHIS to improve the community-based Health Insurance Scheme “Araya” in the state.

At the ceremony in Abeokuta, the capital, Commissioner for Health Dr. Olaokun Soyinka said the collaborative efforts and stakeholders’ commitment would make universal health coverage a reality.

“Our people need qualitative and sustainable health care that will be accessible to them anytime, anywhere and this scheme will defi-

A toddler is in need of N2 million for a heart surgery in Canada. His parents are seeking support to fund his treatment because they cannot afford it, reports WALE ADEPOJU.

HREE-YEAR-OLD Master Azzez Balogun needs N2 million for surgery in Canada to correct a hole-in-the-heart.

His parents cannot afford the amount.

He cannot play like children of his age as he is always sick and pale.

His father, Mr Abdulsalam Ibrahim, a bricklayer, says his income is not sufficient enough to foot the bill.

“My wife’s meagre income from her tailoring business can’t fetch the lump sum our boy needs for treatment,” he said.

Mr Ibrahim, 34, who hails from Saki in Oyo State, said the mother noticed the boy was breathing heavily through the mouth when he was about 11 months old.

He said they thought their son was suffering from a cold but when he was treated, the problem persisted.

“Sometimes, he will fall and be crying because of the pain he was experiencing. He is not also growing like his mates,” he said.

He said they took their son to Messy Street Hospital, Lagos, where

cer.

This, she said, could be addressed if a girl between nine and 17 is vaccinated before having her first sexual contact.

Cervical cancer, she said, could be reduced by preventing the infection of HPV. “But for those who have started having intercourse, the goal is to find the disease early when the lession is still treatable to ensure it is cured,” she said.

•Mr Ibrahim and son

with a heart problem.

“They even asked us if we have any wealthy person in our family that they can approach but we said none,” he said Any financial help can be received through this bank account: Abdulsalam Ibrahim:First Bank: 3040438211.

AGOSIANS have been cautioned against self-medication, especially when treating suspected cases of malaria.

The Health Commissioner, Dr Jide Idris gave this advice when a non governmental organization (NGO), Didi Oparaku Health Foundation in conjunction with Ifako Local Government Area, Association of Civil Society on Malaria Immunisation and Nutrition (ACOMIN) held a community awareness programme on malaria prevention and treatment in commemoration of World Malaria Day at Imola Estate, Ifako-Ijaiye, Lagos.

The programme tagged Invest in the Future-Defeat Malaria brought together over 100 persons drawn from the Community Development Association, traditional rulers, Market women, representatives from the Lagos State Ministry of Health. The programme was sponsored by Mobil Producing Nigeria, Roll Back Malaria, NEROS and Green Life Pharmaceutical.

Dr Idris represented by an officer of the Advocacy Communication and Social Mobilization, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Ronke Akintunde advised patients to go for medical checkup in any primary health care service within their community to ascertain their medical status anytime they feel feverish.

“We have carried out research on the types of mosquitoes in different communities in the state and the chemical needed to kill those mosquitoes are available for use”,

By Adeola Ogunlade

he said.

He cautious that against self medication and advise patients to go for medical checkup in any primary health care service within their community to ascertain their medical status. “It is the right of every resident in Lagos to visit the public health centre for check up for malaria parasites and obtain quality treatment, anytime they suspect they might have malaria.”

The Chief Executive Officer of the Health Foundation, Mrs Didi Oparaku, said that although, there have been considerable level of awareness about malaria parasites in Lagos State, but the need for practice, adhering, adopting, adapting and complying to practice and available information early given on malaria prevention, treatment, control and sustainability is imperative. “With just one more year before the 2015 United Nation Millennium Development Goal of halting and reversing the growth of malaria incidence, now is a critical time for malaria professionals to come together to make malaria elimination a reality,” she stated.

Mrs Oparaku said malaria is not just a disease commonly associated with poverty but also a cause of poverty and a major hindrance to growth and economic development in the world, most especially subSaharan Africa. “We need continued investment and sustained political commitment for malaria prevention and control.”

46

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014

HEALTH DENTAL TALK with Dr Samuel Awosolu 08108155239 (SMS Only); email- samawosolu@yahoo.co.uk

Glossary of common dental terms C “Curettage : A deep scaling of that portion of the tooth below the gum line.

Purpose is to remove calculus and infected gum tissue.

“Cuspid: See canine tooth.

“Cusp(s) : The protruding portion(s) of a tooth's chewing surface.

•Provost of College of Medicine Prof Folasade Ogunsola giving an award to Mrs Fashola at the event. PHOTO Everistus

Onwuzurike

Genetics key to maternal health •Mrs Fashola bags award W HAT has genetics got to do with women’s health?

A Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL)/ Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Dr Bosede Afolabi, has said there is a lot connecting genetics to women’s health, especially in reproductive and maternal health.

Dr Afolabi, Guest Speaker at the inaugural lecture of the Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL) entitled: ‘Genetics and Maternal Medicine: Journeys and lessons in a changing environment’, said genetic has a large role to play in maternal medicine.

She said there are genetic disorders which affect reproduction, “such as sickle cell disorder, thalassaemia, Turner’s syndrome, Factor V Leiden mutation and balanced translocution among others.”

According to her, Genetics refers to the passing of hereditary characteristics from par-

By Wale Adepoju and Everistus Onwuzurike

ents to offsprings. “That is, some offsprings have certain traits which they inherit from their parents, for example, sickle cell disease, which about two per cent of the country’s population has. It is something that people inherited as a genetic disease. When women with sickle cell disease (SCD) get pregnant, for example, they have all sorts of medical challenges.’

The Associate Professor said genetics and genetic disorders play a large role in maternal health because genetic disorders can affect pregnancy adversely by causing disease complications in the pregnancy.

“There are a lot of researches that have been done around genetic disorders and pregnancy. When research is done normally, it can lead one to greater things such as ways out of the medical complications.”

Dean, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, CMUL, Prof Afolabi Lesi said the essence of the programme was to celebrate clinicians who are doing very well in their profession.

He said the lecture is “an inaugural one where somebody comes and give a lecture on a research. And ideas on how that research impact on the people are shared so that we can draw a lesson from it. The theme for this year and other sub-themes are holistic, for instance, environment and pollution play a role in genetic disorders.

“Genetics is a topical issue that should not be treated with a kid’s glove. Across the world people are talking about genetic diseases, even autism that we don’t know the cause.

People postulate on genetic basics. It is time we look at it to see if we are asserting the knowledge of the university.”

He said the management of University of Lagos is trying to make the school a centre for

excellence for genetic research.

LUTH, Lesi said, has built a molecular genetics laboratory, “Genetics plays a role in trying to identify bodies in unfortunate plane crashes where they can’t be identified.

It is an interesting field that proffers answers to medical challenges,” said Dr Lesi.

Meanwhile, the wife of the Lagos State Governor, Mrs Abimbola Fashola, has been presented with an award of excellence for her immense contribution to the growth and welfare of the Faculty of Clinical Science, College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL) She was honoured with the award at the opening ceremony of the 11th edition of the faculty’s conference and annual gathering. The venue was The Old Great Hall, IdiAraba, Lagos.

Mrs Fashola thanked the faculty for recognising her and promised to continue with the support she was giving it.

Firm produces Antacid for diabetics

F

OR people with diabetes and ulcers or any of the Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, there is a respite.

Fidson Healthcare Plc has come up with a sugar-free antacid drug, Gascol (Magaldrate and Simethicone).

According to the General Manager, Marketing, Ola Ijimakin, Diabetes is a systemic disease that may affect many organ systems, and the GI tract is no exception.

Ijimakin said: “As with other complications of diabetes, the duration of the disorder and poor glycemic control seems to be associated with more severe GI problems. GI problems in diabetes are common but not commonly recognised in clinical practice. The duration of diabetes and the degree of glycemic control are major determinants in the incidence and severity of GI problems.

The entire GI tract can be af-

•From Left: Marketing Manager, Mr Enaholo; General Manager, Marketing, Mr Ijimakin and Corporate Services Manager, Mr Oladimeji Oduyebo at the presentation of the new Gascol Sugar-free Variant.

PHOTO ABIODUN WILLIAMS

By Oyeyemi GbengaMustapha and Adedeji Ademigbuji

fected, including the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, liver, and pancreas, leading to a variable symptom complex.

“That is why Fidson Healthcare Plc came up with the first antacid specially formulated for people on low sugar diets. It does not contain sugar or any artificial sweeteners; which is ok for persons on sugar restricted

diets. It is suitable for all health-conscious persons.

The antacid is more rapid and sustained symptom relief than conventional antacids.”

The Marketing Manager, Fidson Healthcare Plc, Mr Friday Enaholo said Gascol Sugar free is indicated in the relief of gastric pain associated with hyperacidity in heartburn, gastric reflux and indigestion; relief of hyperacidity-induced pain associated with gastric and duode-

nal ulcers; gastritis and peptic esophagitis; pregnancyrelated acid reflux.

Enaholo said a few dose is required, that is 5ml to 10ml to be taken 30 minutes after a meal or at bed time as and when required. “Gascol is sugar free and is ideal for all health conscious persons; it combines rapid and sustained symptom reliefs with excellent safety profile.There are now four variants of Gascol in the market-Classic; banana; strawberry and sugar-free.”

D “Decay : see caries “Deciduous : See primary teeth “Dental Floss : A thin, nylon string, waxed or unwaxed, that is inserted between the teeth to remove food and plaque.

“Dental hygienist : A dental professional specializing in cleaning the teeth by removing plaque, calculus, and diseased gum tissue. He/She acts as the patients guide in establishing a proper oral hygiene program.

“Dentin : The part of the tooth that is under both the enamel which covers the crown and the cementum which covers the root.

“Dentition : The teeth in the dental arch.

“Denture : A removable appliance used to replace teeth.

A complete denture replaces all of the upper teeth and/or all the lower teeth.

“DDS : Doctor of Dental Surgery or DDS, Doctor of Dental Medicine. Degrees given to dental school graduates.

Both degrees are the same particular dental schools identify at their discretion their graduates as DMD or DDS. “Diastema : A space, such as one between two adjacent teeth in the same dental arch.

“Distal : Farther from any part of reference.

“Direct pulp cap : The procedure in which the exposed pulp is covered with a dressing or cement that protects the pulp and promotes healing and repair.

“Dry socket (osteitis) : A localized inflammation of the tooth socket following an extraction due to infection of a blood clot.

E “Enamel : The hard, calcified (mineralized) portion of the tooth which covers the crown. Enamel is the hardest substance in the body.

“Endodontics : The dental specialty that deals with injuries to or diseases of the pulp, or nerve, of the tooth.

“Endodontist : A dentist who deals with the cause, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment or injuries and diseases that affect the dental pulp , tooth root, and periapical tissue.

“Equilibration : (occlusal adjustment) The achievement of a balance between opposing teeth or forces by adjustive grinding of an interfering tooth structure during the functional stroke.

"Extraction : The removal of a tooth.

“Excision : Surgical removal of bone or tissue.

“Extosis : The overgrowth of normal bone.

“Extracoronal : The outside crown of the tooth.

“Extraoral : The outside of the mouth.

F “Facial : Pertaining to or toward the face (Buccal, Labial).

“Filling : Material used to fill cavity or replace part of a tooth.

“Fissure : A deep ditch or cleft in the surface of the teeth.

“Floss : see dental floss.

“Fluoride : A chemical compound used to prevent dental decay, utilized in fluoridated water systems and/ or applied directly to the teeth.

“Frenum : Muscle fibers covered by a mucus membrane that attaches the check, lips and or tounge to associated dental mucous.

“Frenectomy : The removal of a frenum.

G “Gingiva : The soft tissue that covers the jawbone. Also referred to as the gums.

“Gingivectomy : An inflammation or infection of the gingiva (gum tissue); the initial stage of gum disease.

“Gingivitis : An inflammation or infection of the gingiva; the initial stage of gum disease.

“Gingivoplasty : A surgical procedure to reshape or repair the gingiva (gum).

“Graft : A piece of tissue or synthetic material placed in contact with tissue to repair a defect or supplement a deficiency.

“Gum : see gingiva.

“Gum Disease : see gingiva.

•To be continued next week.

47

TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014

THE NATION

BUSINESS ENERGY

E-mail:- energy@thenationonlineng.net

Firms query NEITI’s planned data automation O

IL companies have raised concern over the security of the planned automation of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) work.

NEITI is planning to automate its data collection processing and auditing to facilitate its operation.

The oil firms, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), supply NEITI with information for the auditing of their books - in line with its mandate. NEITI’s mandate is to ensure, among others, the development of a framework for transparency and accountability in the reporting and disclosure by all extractive industry companies of revenues due to or paid to the Federal Government.

But over the years, NEITI’s reports, which are supposed to be done yearly, are released late, sometimes, by about four years.

To address the anomaly and re-

Stories by Emeka Ugwuanyi

lease the reports yearly, the agency decided to automate its audit systems.

But oil firms are concerned that if the information given to NEITI, which is supposed to be confidential, is put on a portal that can be accessed by the public, hackers may feed on it.

At a workshop organised by NEITI for stakeholders in Lagos, the agency said of the questionnaires sent to 27 entities, only five responses had so far been received. It said with that poor response, findings may not represent the true picture of things because recommendations are built on findings.

The responses centred on the firms’complaint of information leakage.

But, has promised to ensure the security of oil information.

Its Executive Secretary, Mrs

•Mrs Ahmed

Zainab Ahmed, said the agency’s desire for automation is to ensure timeliness of the reports and also reduce cost of the audit.

•From left: Former Minister of Defence Prince Adetokunbo Kayode; Consultant, EEDC, Dr Steve Dike; Prof Soludo and Offor during the stakeholders’forum.

‘Enugu Disco critical to Southeast growth’

F

ORMER Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Charles Soludo has said the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) is critical to the economic growth of the Southeast.

In a statement, Chrome Group, the owners of EEDC, said Prof Soludo spoke at a stakeholders’ dinner in in Enugu.

Soludo said: “The Disco is a critical economic game changer for the Southeast and a key infrastructural component for rebuilding the region.”

He said EEDC inherited an environment where the cost of doing business is high and the rate of return low when compared to other parts of the world.

What the Southeast needs is something that breaks out of the vicious cycle in which it is locked.

This, he added, is the context for the business of Enugu DISCO. EEDC, he said, has a challenge of maximising shareholders’

value in the short and mediumterm and building the pillars for sustaining business continuity in the long term. These two, he said, though seemingly daunting, were mutually reinforcing and tied to the growth and transformation of the region. He said if their efforts were successful, the economy of the southeast and the people would prosper.

He said the Southeast was one of the leading economies prior to the discovery of oil, with its abundant export of palm oil.

Soludo said EEDC inherited burden in addition to what he termed as a classic business problem; noting that as a DISCO, it distributes a product which generation and transmission are outside its control.

The Chairman of EEDC, Sir Emeka Offor, charged the management team to understand that the organisation is engaged in serious business. He admonished the team to do the right things

and avoid a laxity.

He implored the management and staff to ensure satisfactory services.

C

She said: “What motivated us to embrace the automation project is to fully meet the requirement of our mandate, which has to do with conducting audit of mining timely. The essence of this automation is to make the process more useful, reliable and effective. When we automate the audit process, we will be reducing cost because audit process takes a long time.

About 60 per cent to 70 per cent is data collection. We will reduce the burden on the auditors because they will now be provided with more current data instead of data that are four to five years old.”

Mrs Ahmed added: “To us in NEITI, the major problem is security too. We need to make sure that the system that is designed and deployed has enough security not

because of the entities but because of NEITI itself. These days, automation has advantages but the major disadvantage is that of security. People that do not have access to the data hack into the data.

But the purpose is to make it more convenient and more reliable. That is the area we have to address collectively. That is why we are here today, to listen to their complaints and look for ways to best protect the data.”

The automation, she said, would start by 2015, noting that no specific date can be given as of now because “what we are doing is designing the system and getting an IT firm that will install it and commission it. We are starting with the pilot scheme that will cover the whole oil and gas, after which it would be expanded to other parts of the economy”.

No longer business as usual, BPE tells electricity consumers

B

UREAU of Public Enterprises (BPE) chief Benjamin Dikki has urged companies that acquired the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) to work with security agencies to check vandalism and harassment of their officials over unpaid electricity bills.

Dikki,who spoke through the Director, Post Privatisation Monitoring Department of BPE, Mallam Ibrahim Kashim, when the post-privatisation monitoring team visited the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC), said it was no longer business as usual.

According to the BPE spokesman, Chigbo Anichebe, Dikki, the Director-General, was reacting to complaints by the Managing Director of 4Power Company, the core investor in PHEDC, Mr. Mathew Edevbie, that the workers were being molested by military and paramilitary officers. He said if Nigerians expected reliable power supply from the core investors, they must be prepared to pay their bills.

He expressed delight that PHEDC was managed by professionals who are determined to make a difference, urging the management to collaborate with the Bureau to tackle the challenges facing the company.

Dikki said the monitoring was to assess the performances of the companies to ensure compliance with all the rules.

Edevbie told the team that the company had evolved a master plan to give quality services to its customers. He appealed to consumers to be patient with the firms as effective power supply would not be achieved overnight.

He decried the attitude of some highly placed persons who refuse to pay their bills or order their security men to beat up the firm’s officials who go to disconnect their light over unpaid bills.

According to him, contrary to consumers’ understanding, electricity is consumed by volume and not the period of consumption, hence oftentimes, bills are issued to consumers for previous consumption when they have black out for a given time.

Edevbie appealed to BPE and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to review some of their laws in order not to strangulate the power companies.

The Chief Executive Officer of PHEDC, Mr. Jon Abbas, said the company was working on a pilot scheme where selected areas in its states of coverage, including Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River and Akwa Ibom, would have uninterrupted power supply 24-hour, adding that, for a start, Ahoada in Rivers State has been picked.

CAMAC Energy drills Oyo-8 well

AMAC Energy Inc., the operator of Oyo field located offshore Nigeria in Oil Mining Licence (OML) 120, has drilled oil in its Oyo-8 well.

According to a report by Offshore Engineer, the Oyo-8 well, in which CAMAC Energy has 100 per cent interest, lies within the Oyo field, located about 75km offshore at 300m water depth.

Northern Offshore’s Energy Searcher drillship–under a twoyear contract–will drill the Oyo-8 well to 1800m and produce from the Pliocene reservoir. It is expected to start production in the last quarter of this year.

The Oyo-7 well, which was drilled in last quarter of last year also by the Energy Searcher, found 115ft net oil pay and 93ft net gas pay, CAMAC said. The company

expects to achieve a production rate of 7000 barrels of oil per day (bopd) from Oyo-7.

Last month, CAMAC entered into a SURF contract with Ceona on the CAMAC’s Oyo Phase One expansion project. The project covers installation and recovery of umbilical and flexible pipe and light subsea construction in waters up to 500m deep.

In February, CAMAC Energy announced it signed a long-term contract for the Armada Perdana FPSO to produce the Oyo field. The initial contract is for five years with options to extend. The Oyo field was originally discovered in 1995

by BP and Statoil. It contains light, sweet crude with 33°-34° API. CAMAC Energy is owned by business mogul, Kase Lawal, also Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the company. Last month, he an-

nounced the sealing of AN oil field deal with Ghanaian Government.

CAMAC Energy is an independent oil and gas exploration and production company focused on energy resources in Africa. Its asset portfolio consists of nine production and exploration licenses in four countries covering an area of 43,000 square kilometers (10 million acres), including existing production and other major projects offshore Nigeria, as well as exploration licences with significant hydrocarbon potential onshore and offshore Kenya, offshore Gambia, and offshore Ghana.

The company is based in Houston, Texas, and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol CAK, and on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol CME.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014

48

THE NATION

BUSINESS MARITIME

e-mail: maritime@thenationonlineng.net

Customs restructures to realise N1.2tr revenue target T

HE Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has restructured its operation to realise its N1.2 trillion target for the year.

Some Deputy Comptrollers-General (DCGs) and Assistant Comptrollers-General (ACGs) have been named to drive the process, sources told The Nation.

The DCGs, said to be from the six geo-political zones, and the ACGs will operate from the Customs Abuja Headquarters.

A source said some of the officers will coordinate the activities of the Query and Amendment Seat (QAS), which has been directed by the Comptroller-General (CG), Alhaji Dikko Abdullahi, to take over the Valuation Units of the various commands.

Stories by Oluwakemi Dauda Maritime Correspondent

QAS was asked to take over the Valuation Units to block leakages and boost revenue the source said.

In a May 27 memo, the CG said his action became necessary to boost revenue.

The memo reads: “To further enhance the revenue profile of the Service, the ComptrollerGeneral has approved and directed that Valuation Unit takeover value related functions being covered by (Query and Amendment) Q&A seat in the commands.

“It is in this regard that I have been directed to request all Area Controllers to disengage the

Q&A seat in their various commands from this function with immediate effect.”

The memo urged the officers to comply to avoid sanctions. The CG, it was learnt, has warned that he would not tolerate revenue evaders.

“The remaining part of 2014 is going to be difficult for duty evaders, as they will be prosecuted to serve as deterrent to others. The CG has put in place stringent measures that will closely-monitor revenue performance and block leakages,” the memo said.

The automation of excise payment procedures, it was gathered, has helped in blocking leakages.

Govt donates to anti-piracy fund THE Federal Government has donated $100,000 to the West and Central Africa Maritime Security Trust Fund as part of efforts by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to tackle piracy, armed robbery against ships and illicit maritime activities in the Gulf of Guinea.

The Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar, who led Nigeria’s delegation to the ongoing IMO Council meeting in London, also pledged $50,000 to IMO’s General Technical Cooperation Fund.

The IMO’s strategy for implementing sustainable maritime security measures in West and Central Africa outlines IMO’s undertaken and programmed work to implement all of the key areas identified in the Code of Conduct concerning the repression of piracy, armed robbery against ships, and illicit maritime activity in west and central Africa, adopted formally in Yaoundé in June 2013 by Heads of State or their representatives from 25 West and Central African countries, including 13 Presidents, as

well as implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) developed by IMO and the Maritime Organisation for West and Central Africa (MOWCA).

IMO’s initiatives take place within the wider context of United Nations Security Council resolutions 2018 (2011) and 2039 (2012); United Nations General Assembly resolutions including resolution 67/78 on Oceans and the law of the sea; the Zone of Peace and Cooperation in the South Atlantic; the maritime strategies of the African Union, the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Gulf of Guinea Commission (GGC).

The 28th session of the IMO Assembly in December 2013 unanimously adopted resolution A.1069(28) on Prevention and suppression of piracy, armed robbery against ships and illicit maritime activities in the Gulf of Guinea.

N88m goods seized in Owerri THE Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘C’ Owerri, has arrested six suspects who specialised in the importation of contrabands, and also seized goods worth N88,932,485 from them.

The zone has also instituted 13 cases at High Courts in Calabar, Owerri, Benin and Enugu against those who circumvent the laws and engage in illegal trade in the area.

Its Area Controller, Mr. Victor David Dimka, told The Nation that the seizures were made last month.

He said 34 seizures with Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N88, 932,485 were recovered from smugglers, adding that items seized by the command included 17 vehicles with a DPV of over N24 million.

He said the vehicles were confiscated around Benin in Edo State and others in Agbor and Asaba in Delta

State.

The Area Controller said other items seized by the officers of the command included a container load of 294 bales of textile materials with DPV of N18,874,800 and three trailers loaded with 1,357imported rice with DPV of N32.415 million.

Others were 48 pieces of imported furniture valued at N5,135,250.

Dimka urged intending car buyers to always contact the closest Customs formation for verification and clearance of the vehicles before making payment to avoid seizure and prosecution if proven that Customs duty was not paid on such vehicles.

He decried the nefarious activities of the smugglers, warning those still engaged in the act to desist or be prepared to face the law if apprehended.

NIMASA: cabotage’ll create jobs •Comptroller, Port and Terminal Multipurposes Services Limited, Mr Folorunsho Adegoke (right) and the Public Relations Officer, Mr Steve Okohma, addressing reporters after parading a suspect who imported military PHOTO: OLUWAKEMI DAUDA uniforms.

African countries urged to collaborate on cargo movement T HE Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has urged landlocked countries in Africa to collaborate on cargo movement.

Its Executive Secretary, Hassan Bello, who made the call when the Director-General of the Shippers’ Council of Niger Republic, Oumarou Issoufou, and some of his officials visited him in Abuja, said there was the need to establish a forum that would strengthen transit trade infrastructure on the continent.

In this regard, he said the Council has urged the Nigerian Cus-

T

toms Service to remove tariff barriers to enhance transit trade.

Bello told the delegation that Nigerian ports were efficient, adding that the clearing system has improved.

For proximity and common economic progress, the landlocked countries should come together for the mutual benefit of Africans, he said.

The Federal Government, Bello s a i d , i s ke e n ab o u t s h i p p e r s

councils’ role in the transit trade, adding: “We have to come together under such platform to tackle critical issues bordering on international maritime activities.”

Issoufou said he supports the cooperation between Nigeria and his country to improve maritime trade between both countries.

“W e w i l l l i ke t o l e ar n an d share experience with Nigeria in areas that would enhance maritime activities in Niger Republic,” he said.

Pass Railway Bill, Assembly told

HE Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Nigeria has urged the National Assembly to pass the Railway Bill.

Its Executive Director, Mr. Francis Ehiguese, said the passage of the bill would facilitate quick transformation of the sector and help evolve a functional rail system that would answer the yearning of Nigerians.

“The rail system is still epileptic because the National Assembly has failed to pass the Railway Bill into law, which could have wooed lots of investors into it. The passage is going to mark the beginning of making rail respond to the needs of the society and Nigerians,” he said.

He said the Federal Government has done the right thing by concessioning the ports,

which, according to him, has increased cargo and vessel throughput; improved their efficiency and created jobs for Nigerians.

He also said the existence of the ports regulatory policy had made a huge difference in port operations, urging the lawmakers to facilitate the passage of the Railway Bill to reposition the port sector.

THE Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Patrick Akpobolokemi, has said the agency is committed to providing employment for Nigerians through the Cabotage Law. Speaking with The Nation, the NIMASA boss said the agency’s investment in seafarers’training and facilitation of the establishment of institutes of maritime studies in four universities were indications of its commitment to building capacity for the industry.

Akpobolokemi appealed to stakeholders to encourage youths to seek careers in the sector.

He said: “The overwhelming interest showed by youths in seafaring calls for support from stakeholders in the maritime sector to assist in capacity development, especially in onboard training.

“We, at NIMASA, have been placing cadets’ onboard Cabotage vessels as part of mandatory requirements for obtaining their Competency Certificates.”

He described the submission of Nigeria’s instrument of ratification of the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) as an indication to his agency’s commitment to the welfare of seafarers.

Terminal gets new CEO, five cranes TIN Can Island Container Terminal (TICT) has appointed Etienne Rocher as the new Chief Executive Officer of of the company.

Rocher, 48, takes over from Yehuda Kotik, who has been appointed the Chairman.

Rocher, a French national, has over 25 years management experience in shipping and ports and has diverse cultural environments in Europe, India Sub-Continent and Africa, including leading TangierMed/Morocco greenfield Container Terminal development and start of operations from 2005 to 2011.

He worked in Bollore Africa Logistics headquarters in Paris before his new appointment in Nigeria.

“I look forward to a great work experience here in Nigeria. Our company is committed to investing in the port and making significant contributions to port development in Nigeria,” the new TICT CEO, who has assumed office, stated.

He said the company’s investment at its terminal at Tin Can Island Port Complex, Lagos has grown to over N16 billion in the past eight years.

Rocher also disclosed that TICT has taken delivery of five new additional Rubber Tyre Gantry (RTG) cranes, bringing the total number of RTGs at the terminal to 15.

“This will certainly boost productivity and assist us in serving our customers better,” he said.

49

TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014

THE NATION

BUSINESS PROPERTY/ENVIRONMENT

* The Environment * Mortgage * Apartments * Security * Homes * Real Estate Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.com 08062722507

property@thenationonlineng.net muyiwalucas2002@yahoo.com

• A collapsed building in Lagos.

The rains are here again. There are fears of collapsed buildings. Some experts say this shouldn’t be if the right mix of cement and sand is used during construction.But, others blame it all on low grade cement. MUYIWA LUCAS examines both sides of the argument.

How to avert buildings collapse, by experts

F

OR those staying in the coastal areas, the rainy season is not the best of times. This is because of the hazards associated with this period, prominent among which is building collapse.

Some of these incidents happened during construction, while others collapsed with people living in them.

But why would buildings collapse with such ease?

While some blame this on the quality of cement and materials used during construction, others link it to improper building and construction regulation.

The Secretary, Coalition Against Building Collapse (CABCO), Clement Orimade, is one of those who believe that cement quality is a major cause of buildings collapse. He wants Nigerians to change their orientation that “cement is cement” and as such any cement could be used for any type of construction work.

Orimade, who said it is not surprising that numerous construction failures have been recorded in the country, expressed the view that it is not unlikely that it may be the consequence of inappropriate application of cement grade, adding that he is relieved that the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), has in the public interest, reviewed the cement standards in the country, stipulating the various grades of cement and their applications.

“There is no doubt that the new standard on cement will contribute to averting the incessant construction failures in Nigeria as have been proven globally. Our position in all these is that on no account should the lives of Nigerians be sacrificed on the altar of

pecuniary interest,” the CABCO scribe, said in a statement.

Though the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), through its President, Kashim Abdul Ali, noted that the problem of low-grade cement and importation of poor-quality materials have been addressed through the concerted efforts of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) and Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), some stakeholders have been presuring government to outlaw the use of 32.5 grade of cement in the country.

This grade, which enjoys good patronage in the country, is believed to have been prohibited in some countries. To this school of thought, the 32.5 grade cement is mainly good for plastering, whereas many contractors use it to build pillars, columns and beams, thus causing structural failures and eventual collapse.

Similarly, SON’s Director-General/Chief Executive, Dr Joseph Odumodu, in a memorandum, urging the House of Representatives’ Ad-Hoc Committee to investigate

the composition and pigmentation of cement in the country, explained that “at the moment, two cement types are prevalent in the Nigerian market: 32.5 grade and 42.5grade, with the former constituting about 50 per cent of the cement produced in Nigeria”.

He said two years ago, it accounted for over 85 per cent, stating that the 32.5 grade is suitable for plastering, block making and light concrete activities, while 42.5 grade and above are for more solid structures and heavy concretes.

He said using 32.5 grade type of cement for works that require 42.5 type of cement would amount to inappropriate application.

The Managing Director of LaFarge WAPCO, manufacturer of Elephant Cement, Joe Hudson, however, disagrees with the call for the restriction of 32.5 grade cement to plastering. According to him, the controversial grade of cement is the best cement for multipurpose use. He told The Nation that globally, there are 27 different grades of cement, therefore, saying one is substandard may not

‘Using 32.5grade type of cement for works that require 42.5 type of cement would amount to inappropriate application.’

‘Because the country is in very hot, tropical, with a low heat of hydration, the 32.5 grade becomes very suitable because it does not cause cracking’

be right.

Defending the 32.5 cement grade, Hudson said it is the best multi-purpose cement for Nigeria based on some factors. For instance, he explained that because the country is in a very hot tropical environment, with a low heat of hydration, the 32.5 grade becomes very suitable because it does not cause cracking.

“It (32.5 grade) is good for workability because we have grinded it fine, meaning that if you add sand and water to it, then it has good workability and use for the mason; it also has a very good environ-mental impact, because with a little bit of extra limestone, or other addictive added to it, it reduces correspondingly the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions,” he explained.

He stressed that there is no correlation between cement quality and building collapse.

He sighted the Oriental Hotel as a showpiece of the quality of 32.5 cement.

In 2010, there was a national dialogue on building collapse, and another one this year, where core professionals established that there is no link at all between cement and building collapse.

One important area to focus on is the enforcement of the building code, which would ensure that the proper building materials are used in the right quantity, supervised by the right people, and with the correct design.

Indeed, Nigerians said the time had come for appropriate government agencies to be interested in the quality of materials used across the country today.

Particular interest should be focused on the suburbs and interiors where the awareness is still low, they added.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014

51

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014

53

MONEYLINK

T

CBN issues new requirements for BDCs

HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has increased the minimum capital requirement for the operation of Bureaux de Change (BDCs) in Nigeria to N35 million from N10 million.

This is contained in the new requirements for BDCs released yesterday by the apex bank in Abuja.

It noted that while the required minimum paid-up capital of BDCs is set at N10 million, “the capital requirements of all other CBN-regulated entities have been reviewed upwards over the years, the one for BDCs has remained the same.”

Other changes made to the operations of BDCs include the upward review of the mandatory cautionary deposit to N35 million which “shall be deposited in a non-interest yielding account in the CBN upon the grant of Approval-in-Principle.”

The regulator also stated that the “following fees shall apply to the li-

A statement from the CBN signed

by Isaac Okorafor, for, Director, Corporate Communications Department said these changes became necessary “in a bid to correct observed deficiencies in the operation of Bureaux de Change (BDCs) in Nigeria which have led to gross inefficiencies and sharp practices in the foreign exchange market.”

He also said the CBN took these steps “to check the growing incidence of rent-seeking, depletion of external reserves, financing of unauthorised transactions and dollarisation, among others.”

According to the statement, the bank licenses and regulates BDC operations to achieve the following objectives: Provide access to foreign exchange to small-scale end-users; serve as tools for the management of ex-

change rate; Assist in the fight against illegal financial activities; Facilitate economic activities; and Provide economic data for policy decisions.

However, the CBN said it had “observed with grave concern the deficiencies in the operational effectiveness of BDCs, which runs counter to the aforementioned objectives. In particular, the Bank has observed the following unintended outcomes.”

The apex bank specifically lamented what it called an “avalanche of rentseeking operators only interested in widening margins and profits from the foreign exchange market, regardless of prevailing official and interbank rates; weak and ineffective operational structure, resulting in the subsector completely abandoning the objectives for its establishment; depletion of the country’s foreign reserves, in view of the unusually large number of BDCs; potential financing of unauthorised transactions with

eral High Court, Lagos in respect of the assets of a company in which she has interest Sidochem Industries Limited – on the ground that the company was indebted to defunct Oceanic Bank.

It is her contention that AMCON did not disclose material facts to the court in Lagos as regard its consent to the plea bargain and settlement agreement where she, the Ibru Group and the other plaintiffs in the suit forfeited properties listed under the forfeited assets part of the plea bargain.

She argued that the debts owed Oceanic Bank by Sidochem formed part of the issues resolved in the plea bargain agreement which formed the judgment of the court.

Ibru wants a Federal High Court in Abuja to among others, compel the AGF and AMCON to limit their deal-

ings within the confine of the 2010 agreement.

She is equally praying the court for a declaration that the plea bargain and settlement agreement that she entered with the Federal Government in 2010 is a valid and enforceable agreement between the parties and more particularly valid against the Federal Government and its agents, including AMCON. Ibru also seeks a declaration that the striping of the assets and the subsequent sale of Oceanic Bank to Access Bank Plc was not part of the plea bargain and settlement agreement she signed with the government, and to declare the sale of the bank “a sham, misconceived, mischievous and of no legal consequences.”

•Increases minimum capital requirement to N35m From Nduka Chiejina (Assistant Editor)

censing of BDCs; application fee— N100,000; licensing fee—N1 million; and annual renewal fee—N250,000”.

Ownership of multiple BDCs has been banned and would be punishable if detected.

In addition, all existing BDCs and those currently operating with a Final Approval Letter are required to comply with the requirement on mandatory cautionary deposit by 15 July 2014 while all current applications are expected to comply with these new requirements.

Furthermore, the apex bank has directed that “compulsory membership of the Association of Bureau De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON) is no longer a requirement for the licensing of BDCs.”

• CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele

foreign exchange procured from the CBN window; gradual dollarisation of the economy with attendant adverse consequences on the conduct of monetary policy and subtle subversion of cashless policy initiative; and Inadequate level of minimum paid-up capital.

Prevailing ownership of several BDCs by the same promoters in order to buy foreign exchange multiple times from the CBN window was frowned at by the regulator because it is clearly related to the low level of capital requirements for licensing BDCs. Okorafor said the CBN’s expectation is to have BDCs that are properly structured, effectively regulated, and well-capitalised to meet the objectives for which operators are licensed.

In particular, the CBN he said envisages the emergence of well-capitalised and structured entities that can effectively perform the roles of BDC in the economy; partnership between BDCs and renowned companies engaged in inward and outward money transfers in Nigeria. It is in expectation of this collaboration that the CBN as at 18 June, approved the “Guidelines for International Money Transfer Services in Nigeria”.

Ibru faults AMCON’s takeover of Aero, Oceanic Bank’s sale

F

ORMER Managing Director of the now defunct Oceanic Bank of Nigeria Plc, Mrs. Cecilia Ibru has accused the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Asset Management Corporation (AMCON) of acting outside a plea bargain agreement she entered with the government on her conviction in October 2010.

She was, upon the plea bargain arrangement, convicted by a Federal High Court in Lagos, which sentenced her to six months imprisonment. She was made to forfeit assets worth N191 billion comprising 94 choice properties across the world including the United States of America, Dubai and Nigeria to AMCON. Ibru has also faulted AMCON’s alleged plot to take over Aero Contractors Company of Nigeria, a company

•Urges court to void actions

under the Ibru Group and sale of Oceanic Bank to Access Bank Plc on the ground that the takeover and sale of both companies were outside the scope of the plea bargain agreement.

In a suit she filed through her lawyer, Dr. Ted Iseghohi-Edwards, Ibru argued that the properties she forfeited by virtue of the agreement were clearly stated in the agreement. She said the AGF and AMCON have by their recent conduct, acted in breach of the agreement. Other plaintiffs are Sidochem Industries Ltd., Edgar Sido and Dr. Francis Sido.

Ibru also faulted an ex-parte order AMCON granted last November by Justice Mohammed Idris of the Fed-

DATA BANK

FGN BONDS Tenor

Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year

35m 35m

11.039 12.23

19-05-2014 18-05-2016

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM Amount Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($) 400m 400m 400m 400m 400m 400m

MANAGED FUNDS Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33

NIDF

OBB Rate

Price Loss 2754.67

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Tenor 91-Day 182-Day

Amount 30m 46.7m

Rate % 10.96 9.62

Date 28-04-2012 “

GAINERS AS AT 23-06-14

SYMBOL JBERGER OANDO ETERNA JAPAULOIL IKEJAHOTEL TRANSCORP MRS WAPIC CILEASING STANBIC

O/PRICE 69.35 30.37 4.58 0.56 0.82 4.89 64.00 0.72 0.50 25.80

C/PRICE 76.45 33.37 5.04 0.50 0.86 5.12 67.00 0.75 0.52 26.81

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 Currency

Year Start Offer

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

NGN USD NGN GBP

147.6000 239.4810

149.7100 244.0123

150.7100 245.6422

-2.11 -2.57

NGN EUR 212.4997 NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) 149.7450 (S/N) Bureau de Change 152.0000 (S/N)

207.9023

209.2910

-1.51

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

CHANGE 7.10 3.10 0.46 0.04 0.04 0.23 3.00 0.03 0.02 1.01

DISCOUNT WINDOWx Feb. ’11

July ’11

July ’12

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

12%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00%

SYMBOL

O/PRICE 1.02 20.78 6.06 2.85 2.24 4.57 2.52 2.54 4.72 0.88

C/PRICE 0.93 19.75 5.76 2.71 2.13 4.35 2.40 2.42 4.50 0.84

CHANGE -0.09 -1.03 -0.30 -0.14 -0.11 -0.22 -0.12 -0.12 -0.22 -0.04

Exchange Rate (N) 155.75 155.8 155.7

Date 2-5-14 2-3-14 1-29-14

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX

NSE

6-2-14

28-10-11

% Change

CAP Index

N13.07tr 40,766.16

N6.617tr 20,903.16

-1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH BGL NUBIAN FUND BGL SAPPHIRE FUND CANARY GROWTH FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CORAL INCOME FUND FBN FIXED INCOME FUND FBN HERITAGET FUND FBN MONEY MARKET FUND FIDELITY NIGFUND INTERCONTINENTAL INTEGRITY FUND KAKAWA GUARANTEED INCOME FUND

Offer Price Bid Price 157.99 157.07 9.17 9.08 1.09 1.08 1.18 1.18 0.68 0.68 1.39 1.33 1,664.78 1,661.81 1,087.24 1,086.78 119.02 118.19 1,087.30 1,087.00 1.67 1.62 1.05 1.03

LEGACY FUND NIGERIA INTER DEBIT FUND PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND STANBIC IBTC ETHICAL FUND • UBA BALANCED FUND • UBA BOND FUND • UBA EQUITY FUND • UBA MONEY MARKET FUND

LOSERS AS AT 23-06-14

NPFMCRFBK NNFM BOCGAS JOSBREW TRANSEXPR UPL EVANSMED AIRSERVICE VITAFOAM AIICO

Amount Sold ($) 399.9m 399.9m 399.9m

143.11

142.62

0.78 1,944.64 13.62 1.07

0.76 1,936.31 13.28 1.05

1.3496` 1.3598 1.0204 1.1825

1.3404 1.3598 1.0023 1.1825

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days

Rate (Previous) 4 Mar, 2012 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917

Rate (Currency) 6, Mar, 2012 10.17% 11.46% 11.96%

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK

Bank

Previous 04 July, 2012

Current 07, Aug, 2012

8.5000

8.5000

Movement

54

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 23-06-14

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 23-06-14

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014

55

EQUITIES

Electronic Commodity Exchange kicks off July 10 •Stanbic IBTC to act as settlement bank T HE Nigeria Commodity Exchange (NCX), Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, Bank of Agriculture (BoA) and Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) are spearheading efforts to launch a pilot electronic warehouse receipt system (eWRS), in a landmark initiative that will jumpstart the operations of the commodity exchange and open up vast opportunities to Nigerian agricultural sector.

At a press conference in Lagos, the major stakeholders in the electronic commodity exchange said arrangements have been concluded for the launching of the e-WRS on July 10, this year.

At the briefing were Managing Director of Nigeria Commodity Exchange (NCX), Mr. Yusuf Abdurrahim, managing director of Bank of Agriculture, Dr. Mohammed Santuraki; chief executive officer,

Stories by Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, Mrs. Sola David-Borha and a representative of the CSCS among others.

Stanbic IBTC Bank will act as the settlement bank for the electronic commodity exchange while CSCS will serve as clearing and depository agent. The e-WRS is also being undertaken in collaboration with other banks and relevant stakeholders including the Federation of Agricultural Commodity Association of Nigeria (FACAN).

Under the e-WRS, farmers will be able to place their commodities at an NCXaccredited warehouse in different parts of the country and will be issued an electronic receipt stating details such as commodity type, quality and quantity, owner

and other relevant information. The depositor will have the choice of using the receipt as collateral to obtain bank loans or for trading on the Exchange. Another option is to keep such commodities in the warehouse until their prices stabilise or appreciate.

Abdurrahim said the new initiative would encourage the provision of standard storage facilities for operators in the agricultural value chain and make the warehouse receipts a prime tool of trade while facilitating access to finance.

According to him, the E-WRS would also strengthen small scale farmers and agro-allied businesses while creating jobs and sustainable economic growth.

He outlined that an active commodity exchange would significantly help in unlocking Nigeria’s agriculture

potential pointing out that agriculture is a game changer for the country if the sector receives the desired level of commitment by both the private and public sectors.

David-Borha said the commodity exchange and the warehouse receipt system would be instrumental in opening up Nigeria’s farm produce to the global commodity market.

“The transparency it will engender is crucial in ensuring participation from across the world. And with transparency comes improvements in efficiency and pricing. It also makes it easier for banks to provide financing for operators in the agricultural value chain,” Mrs DavidBorha said.

She said Stanbic IBTC considers agriculture to be a very strategic sector for Nigeria and it would continue to deploy its expertise and products towards the development of agriculture business

Stock Exchange to delist Starcomms, Daar Comm, Big Treat, Goldlink Insurance, UTC, 16 others

T

HE Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) is to delist 21 companies that have failed continuously to meet the corporate governance standards at the stock market.

In a notice of delisting obtained

by The Nation, the NSE said it decided on the delisting to protect investors from trading on securities with serious corporate governance failures.

The affected companies included Investment and Allied Insurance Plc, Goldlink Insurance, Pinnacle Point Group, Adswitch, Afroil, Rokana Industry, IPWA, West African Glass Industry, Nigeria Wire and Cable, Starcomms, Daar Communication, Mtech, Big Treat, G.Cappa, FTN Cocoa Processing and UTC Nigeria.

Others included Stockvis, Nigeria Sewing Machine, Jos International Breweries, Capital Oil and Golden Guinea.

However, Adswitch had earlier filed for voluntary delisting while Pinnacle Point Group is in the process of being wound up.

M

According to the Exchange, while the five of Stockvis, Nigeria Sewing Machine, Jos International Breweries, Capital Oil and Golden Guinea were being delisted because they failed to regularise their listing status, other companies were being delisted because they have failed to submit requisite financial and operational statements.

“The regulatory action is necessary to protect investing public from trading in the securities of entities with no current information regarding their financial status,” the NSE stated.

The NSE stated that the delisting of the companies would take effect in September, in line with three-month notice required for such action.

All the companies slated for delisting had been dormant and mostly at their nominal values. Companies such as Big Treat, Starcomms, Capital Oil and Afroil have been subjects of regulatory investigations.

Since listing on the NSE, Starcomms has struggled with mounting debts and operational losses, leaving shareholders with losses on two fronts as negative bottom-line impacts on share

price.

Audited report and accounts for the year ended December 31, 2011 showed that net loss more than doubled from N7.66 billion in 2010 to N17.56 billion in 2011. Pre-tax loss had tripled from N5.16 billion to N15.62 billion. Turnover dropped from N29.03 billion to N20.16 billion.

Indicating the worsening impact of the operational losses, the company’s shareholders’ funds dipped from N23.6 billion in 2010 to N6.02 billion in 2011. With bank loans of N16.51 billion in 2011, the negative working capital worsened from N17.6 billion to N27.7 billion.

The Board of Directors of Adswitch Plc had earlier decided to delist the electrical switchgears company from due to what the directors broadly described as harsh operating environment.

The company, which was listed as a second-tier stock in 1991, had filed for voluntary delisting at the NSE. Sources in the know indicated that the reference to harsh business cli-

mate was to operational challenges due to influx of fake and substandard products and uncompetitive manufacturing costs in Nigeria as well as the costs and requirements of maintaining the listing.

Adswitch had struggled with dwindling margins and sales in recent years, with net losses over the past two years undermining the capital base of the company. Shareholders’ funds dropped from N25.42 million in 2011 to N14.7 million in 2012.

Audited report and accounts of Adswitch for the year ended April 30, 2012 showed that turnover dropped from N32.72 million in 2011 to N30.7 million in 2012. It posted a loss before tax of N10.34 million in 2012, albeit a better position that loss of N19.04 million recorded in 2011. Loss after tax also stood at N10.73 million in 2012 as against N19.69 million in 2011.

Adswitch, a wholly owned Nigerian company, was incorporated in 1982 and it has a close relationship with Cutix Plc, an electrical and telecommunications cables manufacturer listed on the main board at the NSE.

Morgan Capital launches online trading platform

ORGAN Capital Securities Limited, a stockbroking member of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), has launched an online trading platform that will provide investors with real-time trading access to the stock market.

Speaking on the new product known as ‘Morgan Capital iTrade’, managing director, Morgan Capital Securities Limited, Mr Ayoleke Adu, said the new product would provide investors in the Nigerian capital market opportunity to trade at their convenience.

According to him, the trading platform empowers investors with direct access to the NSE to execute

sell and buy mandates online, realtime and anywhere in the world.

“The introduction of the Morgan Capital iTrade platform is another way the company ensures that its customers enjoy world-class stockbroking experience. Customers enjoy the full view of real time market data and analytics at an astounding brokerage fee of just 0.25 per cent,” Adu said.

He noted that it took two years to develop the platform, which made it to be different from others similar products that had been introduced into the market.

According to him, unlike other platforms, where the investors send the orders to stockbrokers, who in turn key them into the system, with Mor-

gan iTrade, the investor can key in orders directly by themselves.

“With Morgan Capital, you are seeing the orders yourself. When you click on any equity, you see all the orders, all the people who want to sell or buy that equity. With that you already know whether you have more buyers or sellers and at what prices. That will assist you to take decision by yourself. It makes your decision taking to be very fast and in transparency manner. So there will not be complaints of brokers short-changing you,” Adu said.

He pointed out that the new trading platform would complement efforts to improve the standards of the Nigerian market adding that the

new NSE trading technology has made it possible for operators to introduce many innovative products and services.

Adu said the decision to introduce the new trading platform was in furtherance of Morgan Capital’s vision of leading the global investment path to Africa.

According to him, having slashed brokerage fee towards the end of 2013 from 1.35 per cent to 0.25 per cent, Morgan Capital has taken another giant stride with the introduction of iTrade.

“You cannot lead investments into Africa without making Africa markets world-class. With the products like iTrade, the market is becoming worldclass,” Adu said.

in the country.

According to her, agricultur, which was hitherto seen as a subsistence activity, is increasingly becoming middle-level businesses and people are getting involved in it.

She said Stanbic IBTC aims to become one of the top agriculture financing banks in Nigeria by making available bespoke schemes and initiatives that would help in the realization of agricultural transformation agenda of the Federal Government, which among others seeks to create improved market integration and significant reduction in post-harvest losses.

“Stanbic IBTC has a well-structured business unit that focuses on agriculture. We have developed a number of schemes and products that will have significant impact on the entire agricultural value chain. Stanbic IBTC Bank is one of the leading financial institutions contributing to the growth of agriculture in Nigeria, with products and services customised for the sector. The bank is accessible to all operators in this sector. We are also working with a number of government agencies and multilateral organisations to spearhead a true agricultural revolution in Nigeria leveraging on the Standard Bank Group’s experience and expertise in agricultural financing,” Mrs David-Borha said.

According to her, the Standard Bank Group, the parent company of Stanbic IBTC Holdings, would bring it global expertise and resources to continue to support opportunities in strategic sectors of the Nigerian economy to grow its business while helping to create sustainable prosperity for the people.

“As an institution that is in Nigeria for the long run, we are committed to helping the country achieve her developmental aspirations. We will continue to identify partnership opportunities towards the sustained development of pivotal sectors of the economy,” Mrs David-Borha said.

Caverton to build Africa’s first aviation training centre

N

EWLY listed Caverton Offshore Support Group (COSG) Plc has received all regulatory approvals to build Africa’s first aviation training centre in Nigeria as it seeks further opportunities to diversify its income base and ensure better returns to shareholders.

Chairman, Caverton Offshore Support Group (COSG) Plc, Mr. Aderemi Makanjuola, told shareholders yesterday at the annual general meeting of the company in Lagos that construction of the aviation training centre would begin in the next few weeks.

According to him, the company has also obtained relevant regulatory approvals to commence its maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) centre alongside the aviation training centre on a 40,000 sq meters facility at the Muritala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), both of which will house original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

He outlined that the centres were part of the group’s medium-term strategy aimed at diversifying its revenue stream and insulate Caverton from the vagaries of contract awards.

He noted that the venture partnership of Caverton Marine and RK Offshore Management PTE Limited owners, suppliers and operators of marine equipment based in Singapore, is now well positioned to convert opportunities for full participation in the provision of logistics to both national and international oil companies within SubSaharan Africa.

“Our plans in 2014 include the vigorous promotion of its AIM 4 ZERO campaign in all our operations,” he said.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014

56

CITYBEATS

‘Why I buried mother, daughter alive’

A

64-year-old herbalist, Alhaji Olatunji Azeez, is in police net for allegedly burying a retired customs officer and her adopted daughter alive on May 10.

The suspect, who was paraded by Lagos State Commissioner of Police Umar Manko yesterday, said he did it to protect his “professional integrity and good name”.

He was arrested by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Lagos Command, following a report by the relations of the late Mrs Angela Kerry (68), whose body and that of Obralulum (10) were exhumed in his Ajuwon, Ogun State home.

The suspect, who claimed to have been in herbal practice for 30 years, said the late Mrs Kerry came to him, complaining of barrenness, adding that she had some landed properties to sell.

Azeez allegedly asked the woman to pay N10 million to make her pregnant. But after four years without pregnancy, she demanded a refund but Azeez could not pay.

Azeez said: “I killed her because she first threatened to kill me. I knew that if I didn’t kill her, she would be the first to kill me because of the money! I didn’t want to kill her daughter, but she caused the death of her daughter. When I planned to kill her, I told her not to bring her daughter along, but she refused, saying that she would always go everywhere with her.”

He was said to have constructed a new house where he would kill the woman. In the middle of the house, he dug a pit which he covered with a mat. He lured the

By Jude Isiguzo and Ebele Boniface

woman and her daughter into the house, under the pretence of trying to make her pregnant.

“Immediately Mrs Kerry and her daughter walked into the house, which they mistook for a shrine, he urged them to kneel on the mat.

As they did, the mat carved in. The daughter attempted to climb out, but he stoned and pushed her back inside. He poured sand on them, despite their wailings and pleas,” source said.

Azeez, however, said: “I didn’t build that house or dug that pit with the plan to kill her there. I built it as a soak-away pit for flood which was always disturbing me.

When I came back after I covered them with sand, I noticed it had rained and there was water on top of the sand. I later called some Hausa men to cement it.”

Investigation showed that Azeez and the late Mrs Kerry were lovers. She was said to have given him N200 million to buy a home for her in his name.

Azeez said he met the late Mrs Kerry five years ago through her friend, Lizzy, adding: “Lizzy is my patient. She brought Kerry, who had a spiritual attack. I charged her N5million and she paid. Later, she came back, saying that she wanted a baby. I told her that since she had passed menopause that it would be impossible, but she wouldn’t listen. She kept troubling me. To dissuade her, I told her that if I must prepare a charm for her to get pregnant, she must pay N10 million, and she agreed to pay. She paid N2

•Angela

• Obralulum

million and started paying the rest by instalments. I prepared a concoction for her, but I knew she would never get pregnant.

“She called one day and said that the medicine was not working. I told her that I had earlier warned that someone who had passed menopause would never get pregnant. She was angry and she demanded a refund of N6 million to facilitate her planned trip abroad.

Suspecting that I was not showing any sign that I would pay the money, she said she could kill right there and nobody would know.

And I knew if I didn’t kill her, she would kill me; then I killed her first!”

Azeez added: “I have three wives and five children, but they were not in. When they fell inside the well, they were shouting for help.

I went to where I had a heap of sand and began to cover them with sand. The girl was struggling to come out and I kept pouring more sand until they were buried in the well. I later called two bricklayers to cover them with cement and they did. Now I’m regretting my action. Government can kill me if it wants; I have no choice.”

The late Mrs Kerry’s family reported at Oko-Oba Police Station

in Lagos when they could not locate her.

A detective said: “After killing the victims, he didn’t know what to do with Mrs Kerry’s car and travelling bag. He took the bag and buried it with her. He took Kerry’s car to a car dealer to sell for him. A relation of Mrs Kerry recognised the car where it was placed for sale. He went back to the police station. The car dealer was arrested and he took • The suspect with the victim’s bag policemen to Azeez; detectives to 9, Wadoye Street, from there Azeez was transferred to SARS. But right from Oko-Oba Pipeline, Ajuwon Area of Ogun Police Station, Azeez repeatedly State where SARS operatives dug denied knowing about the disapand exhumed the decomposed pearance of the woman.” bodies from a 40-foot well he purIt was gathered that Azeez atposely dug for burying the victims. tempted to bribe the police with Family members of the victim conN5 million and a hectare of land firmed that he sold her landed with Certificates of Occupancy. property worth over N200 million The Nation reported on Sunday and converted the proceeds to his that the younger sister of the the personal use.” late Mrs Kerry, Susan, reported to Confirming that the bodies have the police. been deposited at the Yaba MainManko said Azeez confessed to land Hospital for autopsy, Manko have buried the victims in his added: “We have concluded inveshouse on May 10. He added: “On tigations; the suspect would be June 20, at about 2pm, he led SARS charged to court for murder.”

NEWS (SHOWBIZ)

I

T was a moment of joy for budding Hip hop and highlife singer, Nnochiri Charles Ugo, aka Charlae, when he was signed on to DC Records led by Mbataku Chimaobi Clark last Friday in Lagos, amidst pomp and circumstance.

At the official signing ceremony witnessed by the management of the record label, the 27-year-old singer also delighted the audience with a performance of his single, Longer Night, which has been rated a potentially award-winning song by music critics.

In an interview with The Nation, Charlae, who obtained a degree in History and International Studies from the Imo State University, recalled his journey into the nation’s music industry. “I grew up in a family, where everybody was in the choir. So, it was just something I grew up doing.”

Although his late parents wanted him to either be a medical doctor or an engineer, Charlae, however, followed his heart, after embarking on some self-discovery. “I tried to find out what I love to do and I discovered it is music.”

Charlae, who described himself as a versatile musician, explained that he would be doing a collabo with wave-making rapper, Phyno, on the single off his forthcoming 18-track album.

When asked to explain the inspiration behind his new single, Longer Night, he said: “A friend of mine once organised his birthday party at night. But that day, my car broke down, so I got to the venue about 2.00a.m. So, I felt I had missed out a lot from the fun. Therefore, I wished the day would never break and even wished for a longer night.”

• Singer Charlae (m) during the official signing ceremony

Charlae joins DC Records

By Babatunde Sulaiman

According to him, his threeyear-old music career took a dramatic turn after he dropped his first single, Bad Girl, in 2012.

It was widely accepted by music buffs. Obviously, he had wormed his way into the heart

of Chimaobi Clark, the Australia-based CEO of DC Records with that single. “In 2012, I dropped a single called Bad Girl produced by Paul P. It was done in my own little capacity. It didn’t, however, get into the streets because there was no

platform. So, I was surprised when De Clark( DC Records boss) called me up from Australia and said he downloaded my song on the Internet. He is into show promotion in Australia. That was how it all started.”

•Yeka

Yeka Onka returns with Help video

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INNER of the maiden edition of Nigerian Idol competition, Yeka Onka, who is putting finishing touches to her new music video, Help, has said she will change the music scene in Nigeria.

Edi Okri to organise music, food festival

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HE United States-based Nigerian singer, Edi Okri, has revealed plans to organise a music and food festival in December.

Making the announcement recently, Okri, CEO of Afro Eccentric Band, said the festival would erase the negative impression about Nigeria.

“I have been able to speak with Access Bank, the Federal Government and other organisations. It will be a good branding for Nigeria, if realised. The American embassy knows me as a Nige-

By Dupe AyinlaOlasunkanmi

rian/American with plans to bring in over 200 international artistes from all over the world. With the issue of security being the main aspect of the event, we are also in talks with the Lagos State government about the project. We have also started receiving patronage from other corporate bodies too,” he stated.

Okri, who disclosed that a number of embassies will be involved in the project, further said: “It is like bringing back

light to Nigeria because it has been tagged a haven for crimes. So, I feel the only way to change that impression is through music. Again, it is high time we stopped taking our investments outside by investing in what we have here. We have all the natural resources to do that. So, the festival is like a music Olympic. With our slogan, Eko Oni Baje, we will not allow anybody to come around and destroy what portrays the good image of the state. We are working as a union; so, if you

• Okri

have an idea or a contribution that will make the project a success, it is welcome.”

By Dupe Ayinla-Olasunkanmi

The song has been enjoying airplay on radio stations in Nigeria.

Yeka, as she is simply called, said Help, which is inspired by the pains and sufferings of children in the world, will be a total takeover.

The artiste is currently signed on to 2 Flames Entertainment owned by Don Lulu.

According to her management, “Yeka is the new revolution to the Nigerian music scene and it’s only a matter of time before she is fully crowned in the entertainment industry.

“Yeka has been uniquely different and much focused on her music career, since she won the 2011 edition of Nigerian Idol. Surprisingly, those who should know disclosed that the airwaves would soon experience a new hit with her coming single entitled Help.”

THE NATION TUESDAY JUNE 24, 2014

57

NEWS Obiano to build three flyovers •Umeh: I bear no grudge against anybody

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From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

NAMBRA State Governor Willie Obiano launched yesterday the building of three flyovers in Awka.

Commissioner for Works Calistus Ilozumba said they would cost N5billion.

The governor also launched the construction of the three arms zone located at Agu-Awka.

Addressing a crowd at the popular Arroma Junction in Awka, Obiano said it was part of his campaign promises to make Awka number one in Africa.

Said he: “This is what I promised the people. I promised to transform Awka.

“One of these flyovers has a tunnel. The Awka Capital Development Authority will bring a master plan to see how to make the city the number one capital in Africa.

“A shopping mall covering about four football fields will be ready in nine months, so also a modern conference centre that will seat 5,000 persons.

“A five-star hotel will soon be built in Awka to make it a befitting capital. Every road in the city must have electric light. The projects will be completed in one year.”

Viju Milk promo ends June 30

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HE customer reward promo put in place by Viju Milk will soon come to an end, the firm said in a statement.

The firm said the prmo is now in its last phasethat will end on June 30, urging customers to take advantage.

“Keeping Nigerians healthy and putting smiles on their faces are twin matters that can never be over emphasised.

This is the reason Viju Milk industries decided to design a consumers’ promo to the delight of all customers both old and young,” the statement read in part.

It added that to qualify to participate, the customer will gather 15 bottles of Viju Milk drinks dated April 1 - June 30, cut out the aspect of the label that bears the manufacturing date; wrap the 15 pieces with name and contact details in an envelop and post to Viju Milk Industries, Ikeja, Lagos.

It said the raffle draw will come up on July 12 while winners will be announced subsequently.

It said 32 inches flat screen Tv will be won by the first 10 people. STV decoders for 100 other people, and yet two bags of rice each for 300 people.

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Lawmaker gives stewardship

HE lawmaker representing Ikorodu II Constituency in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Adebimpe Akinsola, will be meeting her constituents tomorrow to render stewardship. The event, holding at Homat Event Centre on Oba Molaja Ogunlewe Road, Igbogbo,

will also feature a town-hall meeting and empowerment programmes.

A statement by the Planning Committee chairman, Mr Ola Abdulahi said Akinsola will also donate items to members of the constituency to support their business.

Vehicle owners warned

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HE Lagos State Police Headquarter and Railway Police Station Abeokuta has warned owners of abandoned vehicles parked at Ipakodo Division, Ebute, Ikorodu Abeokuta, Dugbe, Bodija Railway Police Station to remove them or lose them

to members of the public through auction two weeks after this publication.

The vehicles are Mazda Salon Car DZ452EKY; Jakande Colour Faragon XE 734 AAA; five Jinchen Motorcycles; Qlink with No OY54973YF; Honda Motorcycle No WWD 866 QA

Hundreds stage fitness walk

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By Tokunbo Ogunsami

VER 400 rural dwellers in Lekki, Lagos State staged a walk for fitness at the weekend.

It is part of the quarterly “Walk for Fitness” programme of the Lagos State Ministry of Rural Development to encourage rural dwellers to exercise to keep fit.

The five-kilometre walk began from the New Era Youth Camp near Akodo and ended at the Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, where health talks were delivered.

Commissioner for Rural Development Cornelius Ojelabi said the essence of the programme was to educate the grassroots people on the importance of regular exercise.

“Those in urban areas have gyms, but the rural dwellers do not have such facility. We all have the same body chemistry and we need to exercise to keep fit,” he added.

Ojelabi said the walk for fitness began in Badagry early this year, adding that the essence was to ensure that the message was carried to the grassroots. He urged local governments and community development associations to mobilise people for the fitness walk on a monthly basis.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Health, Dr. Yewande Adeshina, who delivered the health talk, noted that engaging in exercise would help the heart to beat faster and keep the body in shape.

A 13-year-old student of the International School, University of Lagos, who walked five-kilometre, Habeeb Ileyemi, said he was happy to have embarked on the fitness walk as it would help him to be healthier.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Development, Babatunde Hunpe, enjoined rural dwellers to exercise regularly “because it will reduce dependence on drugs.”

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development, Olatunde Agoro, said the walk was beneficial to the participants, adding that government would take the “Walk for fitness” programme to Ikeja Division in the next quarter.

•Permanent Secretatries and Directors all: Miss Olaolu Martins (left); Mrs Ganiyat Dauda; Mr Ogunyemi Samuel; Mr Rasheed Ayinde; Mrs Kaka Olajumoke; Mr Ogunmuyiwa Ajani; Mr Wewe Ganiyu and Mr. Saibu Akeem–with their plaques at the Lagos Public Service Week celebration at the Adeyemi Bero Hall, Alausa, Ikeja...yesterday PHOTO:OMOSEHIN MOSES

Judge summons Okorocha, A-G over disagreement on choice of lawyer

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FEDERAL High Court in Abuja has directed Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha and Attorney-General (A-G) Chukwuma-Machukwu Ume (SAN) to appear before it for their inability to agree on who should instruct a lawyer to defend the governor.

Justice Ahmed Mohammed gave the directive yesterday when the lawyers instructed by Okorocha and Ume could not agree on who should represent the governor in a suit brought against him by his former party, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

When the case was called, Adeniyi Akintola (SAN) an-

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

nounced appearance for Okorocha. Sunday Olabode, also announced appearance for the governor.

Akintola insisted that the governor instructed him to handle the case. Olabode claimed to have also been instructed by Ume to handle the case.

The judge enquired why both lawyers announced separate representations for the governor.

Akintola, who held out a letter from the office of the governor (with which he said he was instructed to conduct the case), expressed surprise about Olabode’s continued insistence that his firm, Theolice Solicitors, was

instructed by the A-G to represent the governor.

He told the court that the governor instructed him to handle the case for him (Okorocha), as he had done in most political cases involving him.

Akintola showed the court a copy of the letter containing the instruction from the governor, written on the government’s letter-head, dated May 5 and signed by the Principal Secretary to the Governor, Dr. Pascal C. Obi. He drew the court’s attention to a letter he wrote to the A-G dated June 12, informing him that his firm (Akintola’s) has been instructed by the governor to handle the case, and that it is

a private suit brought against the governor in personal capacity.

Akintola argued that the AG was wrong to have sought to impose a lawyer on the governor in a case against the governor in his personal capacity and not against the government.

He described Ume’s conduct as ambulance-chasing, which he said was unethical.

Akintola queried the legitimacy of the A-G’s insistence on imposing a lawyer on the governor in a case not involving the government.

Olabode said he was instructed by the Imo State government, through its AG. Justice Mohammed adjourned till July 3 for the two men to attend court.

of the children, Ibuchi Nwangele, 8 and Oruomachi Nwangele, 2 were discovered about 8pm last Friday in a stream.

He said the community embarked on a search for weeks when the children were declared missing.

The traditional ruler said the community suspected

foul play.

The police have arrested a suspect, Mrs. Felicia Nwangele, for interrogation.

Elechi said government would probe the deaths.

He directed the police commissioner to ensure autopsy was conducted and gave money to the deceased’s mother.

Siblings found dead in stream

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ESIDENTS of Ephuenyim village, Ndegu Okpuitumo community in Abakaliki Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, wailed at the weekend as two girls of Mrs. Chinyere Nwangele were found dead in a stream.

Governor Martin Elechi, Police Commissioner

From Ogochukwu Anioke, Abakaliki

Maigari Dikko and the lawmaker representing Ebonyi North, Senator Chris Nwankwo, have visited Mrs Chinyere Nwangele, the girls’ mother.

The monarch, Eze Pius Nwangele, told the governor and his team that the bodies

Terror scare: Imo begins screening of traders from North

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MO State government has begun the screening of northern traders to ascertain their identities.

This followed the discovery of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) on the premises of the Living Faith Church (aka Winners’ Chapel) in Owerri.

The Senior Special Assis-

T

From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

tant to Governor Rochas Okorocha on Northern Affairs, Mr. Faisal Lawal, said the screening, aimed at identifying every northerner, would be extended to security guards, labourers and beggars.

He said it was in line with

the government’s “Operation Know Your Neighbour”, put in place by the governor to check Boko Haram infiltration.

Lawal said during the exercise, the name of the northerner, state of origin, type of trade, endorsement by his chairman, business location, among others,

would be documented, adding that at the end, an identity card bearing the person’s passport photograph and the signature of the chairman of his business association (Sarkin) would be issued.

The governor’s aide said the exercise would enable every northerner have a record.

government alone cannot do it. Private individuals must also support government in this aspect. In the developed world, they place so much value on animals but here people place little or no care on it.

“Quack veterinary doctors should be checked with the laws governing this profession. Government needs to employ more

veterinary doctors in all the local government to curb quackery.”

The chairman of the occasion, Prof Wole Akinboade, urged governments at all levels to fund and create a healthy environment for animals.

He urged veterinary doctors to uphold the ethics of the profession.

Don urges govt to fund veterinary medicine

HE Dean, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan (UI), Prof. Matthew Oyeyemi, has appealed to the government to fund veterinary medicine to meet international standard.

He spoke yesterday at a ceremony to mark the faculty’s 50th anniversary.

Oyeyemi noted that non

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

availability of modern equipment for veterinary education and promotion has set back the discipline. He said: “We need to value our animals because a healthy animal is a health man. Veterinary medicine equipment must be replaced every five years because it will be obsolete by that time, but

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014

58

NEWS

2015: Jonathan’s silence worries kinsmen, Ijaw youths

Counsel’s ill-health stalls ex-Edo SSG’s trial

•‘Truncating Jonathan’s Presidency will end Nigeria’

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HE absence of the counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Peter Larry, yesterday stalled the trial of former Secretary to the Edo State Government Dr. Simon Imuekhemen and three others.

Imuekhemen and three former officials of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Sir Joseph Emoabino (chairman), David Eson Igbinoba (secretary) and Aghator Gaskin (director of Finance and Accounts) are facing an eightcount charge of fraud.

The EFCC counsel wrote to the court that he was absent owing to ill-health.

Counsel to the first accused Charles Adogah said they would wait for an adjournment date, however it takes.

“Requests for adjournment based on ill-health are

I •Imuekhemen From Osagie Otabor, Benin

usually granted by the court. We won’t object but there is no time frame.”

Imeukhemen’s counsel Omonuwa Omoruyi said: “We cannot allow this case to be hanging on our clients for so long. EFCC is a big institution. Assuming this man remains in bed, are we going to be waiting for him?”

Justice Esther Edigin ordered the court to write the EFCC to reassign the case to another counsel.

She adjourned sitting till October 27 and ruled that the prosecution would call its witnesses for five days.

Man jailed for driving unregistered car

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From Osagie Otabor, Benin

32-YEAR-OLD man, Bright Ehiwenman, has been sentenced to six months imprisonment by an Oredo Magistrate’s Court for driving an unregistered car.

Ehiwenman, who pleaded guilty, said he wanted to return the car to the owner, when the police arrested him. He appealed for leniency.

Police prosecutor Samuel Ogah told the court that the convict was arrested at Third East Circular and was taken to Central Motor-Traffic Division, Benin.

The Chief Magistrate, Peter Edo-Asemota, said the sentencing was because the convict pleaded for leniency.

Also, a Magistrate’s Court in Egor has remanded Chukwudi Nwakor (28), in prison custody for allegedly defiling a two-year-old girl.

The victim was said to have been attracted into the room of the accused by a song.

The prosecutor, Aburimen Akhere, said the offence was committed on May 24 at 13, Egharevba Street, off Uwelu Road, Benin.

JAW youths and President Goodluck Jonathan’s kinsmen are worried about his delay in declaring his political intention.

The kinsmen are said not to be comfortable that Jonathan is yet to indicate his interest, a few months to the 2015 election.

Issues bordering on Jonathan’s presidency and reelection were said to have topped the agenda of a convention organised by the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) at Ofunama in Ovia South-West Local Government Area of Edo State.

Thousands of Ijaw youths, who attended the gathering, were said to have called on Jonathan to stop wasting time and announce his re-election bid.

A statement by IYC’s spokesman Eric Omare said the youths reiterated their support for Jonathan and implored him to contest next year.

From Mike Odiegwu,

Yenagoa and Osagie Otabor, Benin

They described the 2015 presidential election as the right of the Niger Delta people to have a non-negotiable second term in office.

They also warned against any plot to truncate Jonathan’s leadership through a coup d’état, saying such moves would spell doom for the country.

“President Jonathan should go on and formally declare to contest for a second term in office in response to the call of the Niger Delta people and Nigerians in general,” they said.

The youths also observed what they described as clandestine moves by those they described as “disgruntled and power-hungry politicians” to truncate democracy.

They said their attention was

drawn to a report in a news channel, The Cable, which said Senate President David Mark would take over as acting president should Jonathan be removed from office.

“We condemn this report and warn that any attempt to truncate the President’s leadership would spell doom.”

The youths reinstated their demand for true federalism to enable the Niger Delta control its resources and pay tax to the central government.

The statement said: “It was observed that the continuous flaring of gas has damaged the Gelegele environment as the community is no longer habitable.

“The IYC Convention, therefore, calls on the Federal, Edo State governments and Dubril Oil Company to relocate the flare site from Gelegele and develop the community or relocate and rebuild a new town for

•Dr. Jonathan

the people.

“That if these demands are not addressed, Ijaw youths would be forced to take steps to address the injustice against the Ijaw people of Gelegele community.

“The convention mandated the IYC national leadership to bring this demand to the President’s attention through the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Kingsley Kuku.”

The youths also decried the neglect of the Ijaw in Edo State and asked the federal and state governments to address the development.

Suspended lawmakers fail to quash court orders

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HE stalemate in Edo State House of Assembly entered its third week yesterday. All the members reported for sitting.

There was a scuffle in front of the gate as All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmakers attempted to stop the four suspended lawmakers from entering the chambers.

The suspended lawmakersFriday Ogierakhi, Patrick Osayimen, Jude Ise-Idehen and Festus Ebea- and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members also tried to stop the APC lawmakers from entering the chamber, claiming that some of them were also under suspension.

The four lawmakers have failed to quash a court order which restrained them from entering the Assembly’s premises and the legislative quarters.

Three applications by their lawyer at the State High Court were thrown out because an appeal was filed at the Court of Appeal.

The applications, filed by their counsel, Ferdinand Orbih, were an order for continuous proceeding, order for setting aside the interim injunction and stay of execution.

The claimants’ counsel, Ken Mozia, urged the court to reject the applications since the defendants had appealed against the interim injunction.

Justice V. Eboreime ruled that hearing of the applications would amount to turning the law on its head.

The judge declined jurisdiction on hearing the applications and adjourned sine die, until the Court of Appeal rules.

Mozia said: “Activities will now shift to the appellate court.

What happens depends on the

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Tel: 08068347273, 08055929326.

Police: robbers attacked lawmakers

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HE police in Edo State have said the attack on the suspended Deputy Speaker, Festus Ebea and two Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers were carried out by robbers and not assassins.

Reports were rife on Sunday that the lawmakers, including the Minority Leader, Emmanuel Okoduwa and Patrick Iluobe escaped assassination at Abudu on the Benin-Agbor road.

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

Police spokesman Noble Uwoh said the lawmakers’ convoy ran into the robbers and a police escort attached to the deputy speaker killed one of the robbers.

Uwoh said one of the drivers in the convoy was shot while 44 rounds of AK47 lives ammunition were recovered from the dead robber.

•Bailiff ‘serves’ contempt proceeding From Osagie Otabor, Benin

processes filed at the Court of Appeal.

“This court can no longer entertain any matter for setting aside or stay of proceeding. This court has agreed it has no jurisdiction to hear them, until the Court of Appeal decides the matter, the matters remained as they are which means the interim order remains.

“The lawmakers are attempting to attend sitting and we are also attempting to have them committed for violating court orders.”

A court bailiff was at the Assembly premises to serve Form 48 on the suspended lawmakers.

All the lawmakers, including those of the All Progressives Congress (APC), were sitting outside the premises, when the bailiff arrived.

Assembly workers were also locked out but the lawmakers, led by Speaker Uyi Igbe, resolved to sit outside, since the suspended lawmakers insisted on entering the premises, despite a court order restraining them.

The police averted a possible bloody clash as the APC lawmakers vowed to stop the sus-

pended lawmakers from entering the Assembly.

The presence of the court bailiff further heightened tension as the Chairman Committee on Information, Youths and Sports, Kabiru Adjoto, pointed out the lawmakers to the bailiff.

Contents of the contempt proceeding titled: “Notice of Consequences of Disobedience to Order of Court, reads: “Take Notice that unless you obey direction contained in this order, you will be guilty of contempt of court and will be liable to be committed to prison.”

The bailiff threw the contempt proceedings at the feet of the lawmakers and walked away.

For over 13 hours, the lawmakers sat outside eating groundnuts and talking in groups.

Adjoto alleged that the inspector general of police ordered the police to protect the suspended lawmakers and cause problems.

He said: “We will not sit with the suspended lawmakers. Till now they have continuously disobeyed the court order. The most unfortunate thing also is that we have the information that the orders are coming from the presidency. But as responsible people we said we will not

Petrol scarcity in Calabar

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From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

ESIDENTS of Calabar, Cross River State, are complaining of petrol scarcity, following a strike by the Petrol Tanker Drivers Association.

The drivers said their grievance was due to a squabble with the government over parking lot for their tankers.

Many stations in Calabar were closed and the few which opened, sold petrol for as high as N150, yesterday.

Black market operators, who have also taken advantage of the situation, were selling the product for as high as N200.

Fares also doubled and many commuters were stranded, owing to fewer taxis and buses on the roads.

sit with them.

“The police are supposed to protect the law, life and property, but in this case they refused to implement the court order.

“The police said they can enter but we said no; we will sit outside. We are saying that as lawmakers we will not be seen disobeying the order.

“The four lawmakers have been served with Form 48, that is a contempt process. We will patiently wait and see what happens.”

The senator representing Edo North, Domingo Obende, described the action of the suspended lawmakers as an abuse of the rule of law.

In a statement, Senator Obende regretted that the crisis was being “sponsored from Abuja”.

“I have watched with dismay the happenings in our House of Assembly and I am embarrassed by what some supposed members have been doing.

“They have turned themselves to dishonourable lawmakers by not complying with a suspension order duly carried out in accordance to the house rules and they have also disobeyed a valid court order restraining them from entering the Assembly.

“This is a deliberate ploy to destabilise the House and delay legislative activities at the detriment of the people. I urge the APC members to be steadfast and continue to be on the side of the law and the people.

“All these are to cause crisis in the state and our great party APC. I urge all members of our party to be vigilant and continue to support the good works the comrade governor is doing.”

POLITICS

59

TUESDAY JUNE 24, 2014

THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

IMO POLITICS

• Okorocha

• Agbaso

• Ararume

• Ihedioha

• Ohakim

Three major parties-the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)-are battling for the soul of Imo State. Their governorship aspirants have also intensified their consultations with stakeholders, ahead of the next year’s election. OKODILI NDIDI reports.

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2015: 23 for governor in Imo

OLITICS is in the air in Imo State. What will make the next governorship unique is that the governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, is seeking a fresh term on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which has vowed to retain power in the Southeast state.

The contest will not be a walk over for the governor. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) are not in slumber. The two parties are also working assiduously to form the next government.

No fewer than 23 aspirants across the three parties are eyeing the number one seat. They parade intimidating credentials.

Many factors will shape the contest. One of them is zoning. Already, some politicians are calling attention to the ‘Imo State Charter of Equity,’ which stipulates that the slot should rotate among the three zones-Owerri, Orlu and Okigwe.

However, political analysts point out that some aspirants are pretenders planted to divide the strength of their perceived opponents and boost their chance of getting political appointments, if their parties win the governorship election.

Prominent aspirants include former Minister of Interior Captain Emmanuel Ihenacho, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, Chief Jerry Chukwueke, Senator Ifeanyi Ararume, and President of Pan African Parliament Bethel Amadi.

Others are Chief Humphrey Anumudu, Senator Hope Uzodinma, Hon. Charles Onyeagbakor, former Governor Ikedi Ohakim and Owelle Okorocha.

Ihenacho Ihenacho is a former Minister of Interior, Managing Director of Genesis Worldwide Shipping Company and Chairman of Integrated Oil and Gas. Few months ago, he defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). He complained that he was marginalised in the PDP. Ihenacho is a versatile politician. He is also a philanthropist. When he was a minister, he facilitated the recruitment of many people from the state into the Federal Government agencies.

The zoning appears to be in his favour.

The former minister is from Owerri Zone. A successful and accomplished businessman, Ihenacho has the financial war chest tosuccessfully fund his campaigns. Since he defected to the APGA, Iheanacho has galvanised the party structures at the grassroots.

But, he has not been able to unite the divided state executive comittee.

However, the aspiranthas one hurdle to cross. There is no evidence that he is in the

good book of the APGA leader, Chief Martins Agbaso, the elder brother of the impeached deputy governor, Sir Jude Agbaso. The elderly Agbaso weilded much influcncein the party. Besides, the division in the national leadership is worrisome to Ihenacho camp.

The camp has not identified with any faction.

During the 2011 governorship election, Ihenacho was accused of working against the PDP because he among the actors who frustrated the re-election bid of Chief Ohakim.

Ihenacho, it was alleged, supported Okorocha. The bitterness unleashed by that scenario has not fizzled out. Now, there is the agitation for zoning to Okigwe Zone by the indigenes. Their claim is that Ohakim, who hails from the district, did not complete his second term before he handed over to a governor from Owerri Zone.

Chukwueke The Chairman of the Germaine Group is another major contender on the platform of the PDP. He had contested for the slot in 2007.

But, he lost at the primaries. But, Chujwueke has remained one of the strongest financers of the party. When the party was in crisis, following its defeat at the 2011 polls, Chukwueke was appointed as the Chairman of the PDP Mobilisation Committee, which facilitated the return of its pioneer members, including former Governor Achike Udenwa, Senator Ifeanyi Ararume, and Mike Ahamba (SAN), who had left the party in anger after the 2007 general elections.

One of the factors working for him is his close relationship with the National Woman Leader of the party, Ambassador Kema Chikwe, who is backing his ambition. Although he has opened campaign offices in Owerri, the state capital, Chukwueke Campaign Organisation appears to have retired to the backgrounds after few public outings. A source said that the politician and his strategists have returned to the drawing board. But, since the campaign group has mellowed down, stakeholders thought that he has abandoned his ambition.

Ihedioha If there is one politician, who is likely to give Okorocha a run for his money next year, it is .

Ihedioha.

Ihedioha is popular. He has supporters. He has connections. He is also respected at the grassroots. Many believe that the PDP has a chance of bouncing back, if the legislator emerges as the flag bearer. Ihedioh is the most visible politician from Owerri Zone, who may likely clinch the ticket, owing to his connection with the national leadership of the party.

The Deputy Speaker is waxing stronger on the field. As a legislator, he has attracted dividends of democracy to his constituency. He is also perceived as a patriot. On many occasions, Ihedioha has reiterated his readiness to take over power from the Okorocha.

He has described himself as the most experienced contender for the seat. Observers contend that, judging by the number strategic projects, especially road projects, that he has attracted, he will develop the state, if elected as the governor.

Since he unfolded his ambition, Ihedioha has left no stone unturned in his efforts to realise it. He is the only the PDP aspirant, who has visited all the local governments to consult with stakeholders about his plans to rule the state. The Deputy Speaker is also a crowd puller. The large turnout that greeted the visits is a strong indication that his ambition is beginning to enjoy widespread acceptability.

However, one of the major fears expressed by political pundits is that the PDP is no more popular in the state. This is attributed to the failure of past PDP administrations to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people. The impression that has been created is that the PDP ruled for 12 years without concrete achievements. Also, the PDP is still divided. The reconciliation in the party has not yielded good fruits.

Ararume Senator Ararume is from Okigwe Zone.

He is a popular actor. He has many supporters. He is also rich. His supporters are fanatically loyal to his cause.

The senator is a veteran governorship aspirant. Thrice, he has been in the race. When he felt that he was shortchanged in 2007, he left the party in anger. Today, many are of the opinion that he should be compensated with the slot because he was deprived in

‘Many factors will shape the contest. One of them is zoning. Already, some politicians are calling attention to the ‘Imo State Charter of Equity,’ which stipulates that the slot should rotate among the three zones-Owerri, Orlu and Okigwe’

the past.

Another factor that may count in his favour is his closenes to the Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), Chief Tony Anenih, the acclaimed ‘Mr. Fix it.’

However, the major obstacle to Ararume’s ambition is the clamor by political leaders from Okigwe Zone for the governorship in the spirit of fairness, equity and justice.

Ohakim Ohakim is another contender that could spring a surprise. His fall from power was fatal. Humbled by the 2011 defeat, Ohakim returned to the drawing board. He embraced the fact that he made some mistakes while in office. According to sources, he has regretted his mistakes and resolved to learn from them. Although he has not publicly unfolded his aspiration, he is holding consultations with traditional rulers, party leaders and other important persons in the state. The Okigwe-born politician is determined to bounce back. But, not many people are rooting for him in Imo. But, he is courageous.

Ohakim has one thing in his favour. This is the sentiment that he was anot allowed to complete his tenure. Thus, some elders feel that he should be given a second chance.

But, those who felt that they were betrayed in his first term have not pardoned him.

Ohakim has been under attack for his style of governance. They have not forgotten how the administration implemented the Oguta Wonder Lake Project. To them, the poor implementation underscored government’s ineptitude.

Okorocha Okorocha has not unfolded his second term ambition. But, his body language speaks volumes.

After his victory in the 2011 election, which was the turning point, he swung into action. Having placed his hand on the plough, he has not looked back. The governor introduced the ‘Rescue Mission Agenda’. Today, he is fighting the infrastructure battle. He has rebuilt the people’s confidence in government through the provision of good roads, hospitals, free education at all levels, improved security, and employment for youths.

The major hurdle for those eyeing Okorocha’s job is how to convince the electorate that he does not deserve a second term. The reason is not far-fetched. For instance, there is no community that that has not savoured developmental projects em•Continued on page 44

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THE NATION TUESDAY JUNE 24, 2014

POLITICS All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Adewale Ogunniran is an aspirant for the House of Representatives in Egbeda/OnaAra Constituency, Oyo State. In this interview with MUSA ODOSHIMOKHE, he speaks about his ambition, the Ajimobi Administration and the next general elections.

Edo crisis: Elders flay Deputy Speaker

‘Ajimobi ‘ll break second term jinx’ T

W

HY are you contesting for the House of Representatives on the platform of the APC? As you know, the APC is a progressive party and you can see the developments in the Southwest since the APC took over. You can see a lot of changes and transformation. In Oyo State, you can see that Senator AbiolaAjimobi is doing an excellent and wonderful job. The man has really impacted positively on the citizens. He has been able to eradicate thuggery in the state. All the APC states have changed drastically, in terms of developments. Therefore, one would like to be part of positive change.

Is that why you want to go to the National Assembly?

I sat down and thought about everything. My people are not getting the best. Hence, they need change.

Most of the constituents don’t even know who is representing Ona-Ara/ Egbeda Federal Constituency. I am here to make a change in my people’s life and to compliment the effort of our indefatigable governor.

People are even saying that your governor has a hurdle to cross to secure second term...

I don’t see any battle ahead. I want to serve and my people are with me. So, I don’t really see any battle ahead. If you look at the opposition, who can beat the APC? What has the present representative of my constituency done? So, I have a better vision and mission, coupled with the excellent job that Governor Ajimobi is doing.

Concerning my excellency returning to Agodi Government House in 2015,that one has already been sealed.

That Ibadan will not allow any governor to serve for two terms is the creation of political jobbers.We are talking about Oyo State and performance throughout the state and some people are narrowing it down to Ibadan. Is Ibadan a state?Even, in Ibadan, I have not seen any past or aspiring governor who is more credible and well acceptable than Ajimobi.

So, what are they now talking? Our late sage Chief ObafemiAwolowo, ruled the Western Region from the same Agodi in Ibadan between 1952 and 1959 for two terms. And senator Ajimobi is following the foots.

GovernorAjimobi’s victory in 2015 is going to be a landslide.

Running for an office is expensive. Where would you get funds to prosecute your political activities?

I agree with that it’s expensive to run.

But, it’s not expensive as people think because there are a lot of people who are not rich. But, with the support of the people, they can make it. When I visited my elders recently, I did not give them money. Yet, they

•Ogunniran

accepted me. I told them my plans for the constituency. They were impressed.

Our elders and leaders in the party always support people with good intention. We went there to officially inform them about my ambition and my supporters and I were well received. I was also surprised because it was not a situation where I gave them money. I have to appreciate our leaders and elders in the constituency for being true patriots of the party. As a cultured man, before you do anything, you have to inform your elders and that was what I did by going to them.

One thing that was also surprising to me was that they had to break their meeting to attend to us. And my followers and I were glad. I met our able chairman, Pa Oladele, Pa Bankole, Alhaji Ore, our Local Government Caretaker Chairman in Ona-Ara, Chief SulaimanAkanni, our Liaison Officer, Mr. Adeagbo. They were very warm.

How strong is the APC in your constituency?

There is no doubt that the APC is

‘There is no doubt that the APC is the party to beat in Oyo State now. GovernorAjimobi has created a lot of goodwill for us, which we are enjoying. This is through his unprecedented performance’

the party to beat in Oyo State now.

GovernorAjimobi has created a lot of goodwill for us, which we are enjoying. This is through his unprecedented performance in the state. You can go and verify that. Is there any Accord Party in our state again? The answer is no. People are wiser now than in 2011 and the APC will sweep the poll in the forth-coming elections.

We have to give kudos to our amiable governor, Senator Ajimobi, who is performing well. When you get to Ibadan today, you will see that there is change and things are now done orderly, unlike before. His government is now a challenge to young ones like us to perform well when we are given the chance to represent or lead our people. If you go to my local government, in Ona-Ara, you will find out that the Accord Party is not in existence. Let me say that the party and the man who leads it are no longer relevant in the Oyo State politics and we have to give kudos to Governor Ajimobi for this. His performance has swept opposition parties away in the state and we are ready to accommodate them, if they join the winning party. I can assure you that my party, the APC, will have 100 per cent votes in the elections in my constituency and in the state at large.

What is your change of getting the ticket at the primaries?

Without being immodest, I can say my chances are very bright. That was what led to my coming to meet with party elders and leaders. I must say here that they are solidly behind me.

I must also say that the support I have been receiving from our party supporters has been fantastic and tremendous. You can go to my area and ask about me and wait for what they will tell you.Their unflinching support has encouraged me. It shows that we need a change in my constituency and, by the grace of God, we shall be the change that they want. You know that the slogan of my party is change and that is what will happen in the constituency in 2015 when I emerge as their representative in the House of Reps.

How prepared are you fo the primaries?

Our party is one of the greatest things to have ever happened to this country. The party has its own mechanism that brings peace and progress.

Look at the party congress that we held. Everything went on peacefully and there was no problem whatsoever. It is left to the leaders in the party to adopt their methods of selecting flag bearers. If it is primaries, fine; if it is consensus, it is also good.What I know is that I am the choice of the people, the party and the elders.

HE All Progressive Congress (APC) Elders’ Forum in Esan South East Constituency of Edo State has disowned the embattled Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Festus Ebea, describing him as an ingrate.

The Deputy Speaker has recently defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) along with other legislators.

A member of the forum, Elder Samuel Eboigbe, said: “ When the issue of who will represent the people of Esan South East in the House of Assembly came up and Festus Ebea and Larry Aghedo showed interest, some leaders vehemently kicked against the candidature of Festus Ebea because of his antecedents.

“In one of our numerous meetings at leader Victor Eboigbe’s house, at about 2 am, with all the leaders in attendance, some leaders said that they knew little or nothing about Ebea in Ubiaja politics. Some leaders reminded the people about Ebea’s role in the nomination of Adam Oshiomhole during the congress.”

Eboigbe alleged that Ebea attempted to subvert the nomination of Adams Oshiomhole in Esan South East.

He added: “Then came the House of Assembly election, Festus Ebea showed interest to contest, but many people kicked against his candidature. Some leaders refused vehemently knowing his antecedent. Before then even as secretary, Edo State Rapid Response Agency, Festus Ebea, was still hobnobbing with PDP. The APC elder recalled that the accident had left the Deputy speaker’s leg broken. “The first set of persons that took him to the private hospital at Uromi were his PDP friend but during his stay at the private hospital at Uromi it was the office of Rapid Response Agency that came to his rescue with cash and other needs.”

He disclosed that three months after the accident he was discharged from the hospital, “but his broken leg was almost rotten, he could no longer move with the leg and so could not go to the office. “Despite this his salary was going on, well paid, as at when due for over one year. Again, a time came when the suspended Deputy Speaker Festus Ebea could no longer get out of his rented apartment. He cried to leader Victor Eboigbe and Managing Director Edo State Rapid Response Agency, for help”.

In response, the Managing Director Engineer Stanley Dako wrote a very powerful and sympathetic letter to the same Governor whom he worked against, during the congress and who appointed him the secretary of Rapid Response Agency despite all odds for assistance. The Kind Oshiomhole, who does not look back at any one’s antecedent, approved that request and gave Festus Ebea the sum of Four Million, Two hundred Thousand naira to go for treatment abroad. Today he no longer limps, He walks with his two legs, that was to be amputated.”

According to him, “some persons told our leader that Larry was a better promising man to be trusted, and that we should support him, but our stand at that time almost caused a rift between some leaders. For instance, Victor Eboigbe, who incidentally is the youngest among the leaders was able to manage the situation and the ticket for the House of Assembly was given to Festus Ebea.”

He said: “Festus Ebea did not even campaign one day on his own. The people of Esan South east did the campaign for him .The Comrade Governor crowned it all by going round the Local Government Area to ask for the support for Festus Ebea.

“Next Year, is the House of Assembly Election, and Ebea knows very well that he cannot win the primary, hence, he think his defection to PDP will help him out. Since he became a member of the House, Festus Ebea has no consistency office. He has never visited his people to tell them what is going on in the house, The people of san South East who he represents, do not know what he is doing. The constituency fund! No one knows about it and the supposed project that follows.”

The APC elders explained that it was for the fear of the questions that will followed very soon, so Ebea decided to defect to PDP but he forgot that wherever he goes with the people’s money, he will be invited to account for it when the time comes. To cover up, he alleged that there was no single project in his consistency that is why he opted to move over to the PDP. “If Festus Ebea is sincere, or is a man of conscience, he should be able to say the number of projects he as a member of Edo State Assembly since he assumed office executed in Esan South East. our people are not fools. There are many more qualified politicians, but for the luck and the opportunity he had, he would not have been elected. This is a man who could not host people during his appointment as a secretary of Edo State Rapid Response Agency.”

APC chieftain cautions against politics of exclusion

By Musa Odoshimokhe

A APC, PDP, APGA battle for Imo

•Continued from page 43

barked upon by the administration.

To analysts. it will be difficult to convince the people to vote out a performing governor and return the cabal that ruined the state for 12 years to power.

An elder statesman and member of Imo State Elders’ Forum, Sir Edmund Onyebuchi, described the plot to sack Okorocha in 2015 as a “mission impossible”.

“After the late Sam Mbakwe, no governor has done what Governor Okorocha is doing in developing the state. I think the evidence is there for all to see. It is unlike before where projects only existed on the internet and newspapers.

The people are aware of this and they won’t make the mistake of allowing those people who plundered the wealth of the state in the past to return to power,” he added.

Also, market women, students, youths, civil servants, artisans and peasants are rooting for Okorocha.

A trader, Mrs. Chinyere Obumu, said the free education programme of the government cannot be sacrificed on the altar of political, religious or ethnic sentiments.

“Ihe free education programme of the Okorocha Administration is a project that must be jealously protected. So, we want the governor to continue and consolidate on

his good programmes. This is the first time we are seeing a thing like this and no one can sway us against such administration,” she said.

Another factor that has kept the aspirants on their toes is that Imo electorate are enlightened and they cannot be enticed with money. The 2011 governorship election, which brought Okorocha to power, has showed that people vote according to their conscience. After voting, they also defended their votes.

However, the fact that the governor is from Orlu Zone, which is not favoured by the ‘Charter of Equity’ to produce the next governor, may affect Okorocha’s chance.

CHIEFTAIN of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Kola Okesanjo, has urged the party to give every member a sense of belonging. He said that those who lose election should also be accomodated in the scheme of things.

He said the era of ‘winners-takes-all’ politics is over, advising the leadership of the party to promote the culture of inclusiveness, reconciliation and crisis resolution.

Okesanjo, who spoke with reporters in Lagos, advised the APC leadership to wade into the crisis in Adamawa,Edo,Ogun,Kwara and Sokoto states where party members are at loggerheads.

Okesanjo said an all-inclusive administration would forge unity and harmony and prevent division in the fold.

He advised the APC to use the ‘grassroots fire brigade approach’ to address the situation in the affected states, noting that proportional representation would provide the platform for party cohesion.

The APC chieftain urged the leaders to learn from the mistake of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidates, the late Femi Agbalajobi and Dapo Sarumi, which led to the emergence of the the National Republican Convention (NRC) Governor Michael Otedola in Lagos State.

He said the endorsement of a governorship aspirant, Akinwunmi Ambode, by the Olowo-Eko of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, was a mere royal blessing, which can also extend to other contestants.

Okesanjo said that religion should be detached from politics, adding that the APC has many Christian and Muslim aspirants to rule the state. the stttparades enough governorship aspirants that can move Lagos State to the next level.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014

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FOREIGN NEWS

Sudan death sentence woman ‘freed’

Outrage as Egypt jails Al-Jazeerah journalists

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A

SUDANESE woman sentenced to death for abandoning her religious faith has been freed from jail, her lawyer has told the BBC. Meriam Ibrahim’s death penalty was overturned by an appeal court, the official Suna news agency reported.

She is married to a Christian man and was sentenced under Sharia law to hang for apostasy in May after refusing to renounce Christianity.

Her husband told the BBC he was looking forward to seeing her.

The death sentence for Meriam Yahia Ibrahim Ishag, who gave birth to a daughter in prison not long after she was convicted, sparked international outrage.

“We are very very happy about this - and we’re going to her now,” Ms Ibrahim’s lawyer

•Meriam

Elshareef Ali told the BBC. “They have released her... she’s on her way to home,” he said.

Born to a Muslim father, Ms Ibrahim, 27, married Mr Wani, a Christian, in 2011.

She has been in jail since February, along with her young son.

Sudan has a majority Muslim population. Islamic law has been in force there since the 1980s.

Even though Ms Ibrahim was brought up as an Orthodox Christian, the authorities consider her to be a Muslim.

Displaced Iraqis seek shelter amid 40 degree heat

D

ISPLACED children sit inside a UNHCR tent on June 17, 2014 at a temporary camp set up in Aski Kalak, west of Arbil, to shelter people fleeing violence in northern Iraq On a dusty patch of land off a highway in northern Iraq, Faisal watches his three-weekold son cry in the tent that is now his home.

The temperature hovers around 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit), and aid being distributed to those at the camp, including mattresses and fans, has yet to reach Faisal’s tent.

He brought his family here days earlier, fleeing the strate-

gic Shiite-majority town of Tal Afar when Sunni militants swept in.

“We left after they arrived.

I’m Sunni, but I knew that there would be fighting and killing and I didn’t want to do either,” he says, his bare feet covered in grit.

Standing next to him is 25year-old Mohammed, who fled his home in Mosul, the first city to fall to a major militant offensive that began last week and overran swathes of Iraq in a matter of days.

“They came to me and told me, even though I’m Muslim, that I had to pledge allegiance to them and go to the mosque to redeclare my faith!”

HE seven-year jail terms handed out to three alJazeera journalists accused of supporting Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood have led to an international outcry.

US Secretary of State John Kerry described the sentences as “chilling and draconian”.

James Harding, the BBC’s Director of News, said it was an “act of intimidation against all journalists.”

Peter Greste, Mohamed Fahmy and Baher Mohamed were convicted of spreading false news on Monday.

The trio had denied the charges and are expected to appeal against the verdict.

The White House said that jailing journalists because their reporting did not fit the government “narrative” was “a blow to democratic progress in Egypt”.

Mr Kerry said he had called the Egyptian foreign minister immediately after the sentence, and that he discussed these cases with President Abdul Fattah

al-Sisi on Sunday, during his visit to Cairo as part of a regional tour.

Mr Kerry added it was now critical for the Egyptian president to move quickly to address international concerns on this.

But Egypt’s foreign ministry rejected criticism of the ruling and insisted there had been no government interference. “[We] strongly reject any comment from a foreign party that casts doubt on the independence of the Egyptian judiciary and the justice of its verdicts,” it said in a statement.

The BBC’s Bethany Bell in Cairo says that while the case has been condemned around the world, it has been presented differently by the Egyptian media.

Al-Jazeera, which is based in Qatar, was banned from operating inside Egypt after being accused of broadcasting reports sympathetic to former President Mohammed Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood. AlJazeera has consistently denied

the allegations.

Human rights group Amnesty said the trial was a “vindictive farce” and part of the “ongoing row” between Egypt and Qatar, which backs the Muslim Brotherhood.

Philip Luther, the group’s Middle East and North Africa director, said it was “a dark day for media freedom in Egypt, when journalists are being locked up and branded criminals or ‘terrorists’ simply for doing their job.”

Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop told reporters she was “bitterly disappointed” by the outcome. Greste, a former BBC journalist, is an Australian citizen.

“We are deeply dismayed that a sentence has been imposed and appalled at the severity of it,” she added.

Peter Greste’s brother Michael - who is in Cairo - said he had spoken to his parents in Australia by phone shortly after the verdict.

“It was a very difficult phone call to make. They’re especially

Iraq crisis: Kerry vows ‘intense support’ to counter Isis

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S SECRETARY of State John Kerry has vowed “intense and sustained support” for Iraq after meeting key politicians in the capital, Baghdad.

He said attacks by Sunni militants were a threat to Iraq’s existence, and the next days and weeks would be critical.

The insurgents are expanding their control of towns in the north and west.

They are bearing down on a vital dam near Haditha, and have captured all of the border crossings to Syria and Jordan from government forces.

The key airport in the north-

ern town of Tal Afar has also fallen, with some reports saying the town itself has been captured.

Heavily armed Iraqi troops are protecting the dam near Haditha. Its destruction would damage the nation’s electricity grid. Residents told BBC Arabic that rebels had surrounded the town but had not yet entered it.

An Iraqi military spokesman said that hundreds of Iraqi soldiers had been killed by Sunni Arab militants in the offensive that began with the capture of the second city of Mosul on 9 June.

On Monday Mr Kerry met Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki to discuss the crisis and also held talks with key Shia and Sunni figures.

John Kerry has been pressing Nouri Maliki for a more inclusive government urdish security forces guard an oil refinery near Mosul Jordanian helicopters fly near the border as regional tensions rise Iraqi forces patrol the Saudi border as they try to tackle Isis militants The secretary of state said later at the US embassy: “The support will be intense, sustained,

NEWS Soldiers stop Tambuwal for security search Continued from page 4

that it was the speaker, but I heard one of the soldiers saying they must search the car. But the security officials attached protested, but their protest fell on deaf ears. I saw the Speaker came down and walk away,” he said.

The Special Adviser to the Speaker on Media, Imam Dalhatu Imam who confirmed the incident, told The Nation that it was highly unusual for security operatives to search the Speaker’s car “What they are doing is undermining the legislature as a whole. It is not about the speaker, but the institution. We are just urging them to be mindful of the fact that the institution must be protected at all times. The constitution provides that the integrity of the legislature and the executive be protected at all times.

If it cannot be protected, then it is unfortunate,” he said.

Imam said that the soldiers subjected the Speaker’s car to a search, using anti-bomb detectors, adding: “If the number four citizen of this country can be subjected to such treatment, only God knows what will happen to others.

“It is not about the person of the Speaker, but the office he is occupying. What we expect is for the security agents to show respect for the office of the Number 4 citizen of the country.”

According to him, Tambuwal had since departed for Ibadan to commiserate with the family of the late Alhaji Abdulazeez Arisekola-Alao.

Lawyers condemned the embarrassment caused the Speaker, saying it amounts to abuse of authority.

A professor of law, Akin Oye-

bode, said: “I have not heard of it, but I will be surprised if the Number 4 citizen is subjected to such embarrassment, coming shortly after that of some governors. It shows all is not well with Nigeria. The embarrassment is inexplicable and indignifying and President Goodluck Jonathan and his boys owe Aminu Tambuwal an apology.

Nigeria should not be turned into a lawless state.”

Mr Norrison Quakers (SAN) said: “Though nobody is above the law, it is wrong to subject the Speaker to reoutine security screenings. However, in the situation we find ourselves in the country at the moment where everybody is suspected of terrorism, it is not bad if the screening was not politically motivated, unless it was done in an embarrassing manner.

“After all, we all travel, and we are subjected to various forms of screenings. But this ‘order from

distraught and very upset by the decision. We’re all very confused about the ruling that was made today. To us it defies all logic,” he said.

“They just ruined a family,’’ said Fahmy’s brother, Adel, who attended the hearing, adding he had little faith in the system. “Everything is corrupt,” he said.

Peter Greste has spent six months in a 4m (13ft) cell with his two al-Jazeera colleagues, locked down for 23 hours a day with only a small window for light. The Tora prison is a “hell hole” says Greste’s brother, Michael. “But he is strong and he will survive.”

That resilience was on show when the prisoners came into court. They waved at friends and family and hugged each other, hoping their ordeal was now ending.

The judge, wearing sunglasses, looked unmoved by the scores of cameras there to record the verdict. Last week he sentenced 14 people to death, including the father of one of the students now standing in the cage. and if Iraq’s leaders take the steps needed to bring the country together it will be effective.”

He said the US support would “allow Iraqi security forces to confront [Isis] more effectively and in a way that respects Iraq’s sovereignty”.

Mr Kerry said Iraq’s leaders faced a “moment of decision”.

He said: “Iraq faces an existential threat and Iraq’s leaders have to meet that threat. The very future of Iraq depends on choices that will be made in the next days and weeks and the future of Iraq depends primarily on the ability of Iraq’s leaders to come together and take a stand, united against [Isis]. Not next week, not next month, but now.”

above’ has become a recurring decimal in our polity. There can only be one ‘above’, which is the Presidency, and that itself is a challenge, because the Presidency is not constituted of only the President,” he said.

Quakers said it had become clear that some people in the Presidency were taking advantage of their relationship with the President to issue directives against perceives opponents, adding that “we must move away from name-dropping and political witchhunts”.

A former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ikeja Branch chairman Onyekachi Ubani, said any public official critical of the president should expect such a treatment.

“There is no other reason other than that they are acting on orders from above. You know the Speaker has not been in their good books. They have accused him of romancing with the op-

position. Anyone that belongs to the opposition or has any affiliation with the opposition or has anything to do with the opposition is a Boko Haram suspect.

“So, it is obvious that the speaker is seen as a Boko Haram suspect and they have to subject him to that, having had some relationship with those they tagged opposition and who they also regard as sponsors of Boko Haram insurgency. So, anyone that has anything to do with the opposition is a number one crime suspect.

“Recently, they had to prevent governors from getting into Ekiti State and even newspaper distribution vans were also searched for incriminating materials. So the point is that the moment you have any dealing with the opposition or they suspect that you are with the opposition, you are a Boko Haram suspect,” Ubani said.

•Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso during his visit to victims of yesterday’s blast at the hospiPHOTO: KOLADE ADEYEMI tal in Kano.

Fayemi an unusual Nigerian, says Fayose Continued from page 4

place”.

Reacting to Fayose’s surprise at his concession, he said.

“For me, leadership is about service. It is about sacrifice. It is not about personal aggrandizement, not about personal benefit but the duty that we owe our people is to ensure that Ekiti continues to progress. Anything that will make the state progress is what I will be associated with. People have said my gesture is strange, it is unafrican, well I am a democrat

and the will of the people is the basis of democracy. If it is the will of the people, we do not have a choice than to respect their will, and to do everything to ensure that we deepen this democracy not just for Ekiti but also for Nigeria”, he said.

Deputy Governor Prof Modupe Adelabu; Secretary to the State Government, Dr Ganiyu Owolabi; head of Service Mr Bunmi Famosaya; Adeyeye and Ogundipe among others, attended the meeting that followed the public session.

Urhobo union’s chief kidnapped near Warri

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HE National Treasurer of the apex Urhobo socio-cultural body, the Urhobo Progressive Union (UPU), Chief Mike Ederiwhevwe, has been kidnapped by unknown gunmen.

It was gathered that Chief Ederiwhevwe, (65) was allegedly kidnapped on Sunday evening around Ugolo community in Okpe local government area of Delta state.

Sources said Ederiwhevwe attended a meeting at the home of the National President of the UPU, Major General Patrick Aziza (Rtd.) and was returning to Warri when he was forcibly taken away by the hoodlums.

There was, however, no

Bolaji Ogundele, Warri

information last night about any ransom demand.

National Assistant Publicity Secretary of UPU Alhaji Mumakai- Unagha confirmed the kidnapping.

Unagha condemned the abduction and urged the Delta State Government and the Police to intensify efforts to flush out the criminal elements.

“Government should intensify efforts in ending insecurity in. We condemn the abduction in its entirety.

Kidnapping is alien to our (Urhobo) people and we must not condone criminal activities”, Unagha stated.

Delta police spokesman Celestina Kalu, said investigation was ongoing.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014

63

SPORT EXTRA

OBOABONA back in training

ITTF LAGOS WORLD TOUR

Edem Offiong ‘ready to rumble’

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•Eagles land in Porto Alegre •Yobo prefers victory to 100caps

I

T was a smooth one hour, thirty minutes flight for the Super Eagles and its officials from Campinas to Porto Alegre, as the team prepared for tomorrow’s group decider against former World Champions, Argentina.

On the flight with the Eagles was the Vice President of the NFF, Chief Mike Okeke Umeh, House Of Reps members led

by Vice Chairman, House Committee on Sports, Alhaja Ayo Omidiran, Coach Stephen Keshi and his crew and all the 23 players registered for the tournament.

The team is quartered at the Holiday Inn Hotel, about 10minutes drive from the airport and the good news for the team is that defence Trojan, Godfrey Itama Oboabona, was back in

training on Monday afternoon. “I am ready to resume training today and the medics have given me a clean bill,” Oboabona said smiling as the team alighted from the TAM flight that brought them from Campinas.

The team departed for training immediately it settled down at about 2:15pm local time, which is 6:15 in Nigeria, with Team Skipper, Joseph Yobo, saying he prefers a win tomorrow to his much advertised attainment of a 100 caps if featured in the match against Argentina. “It’s good news that I will reach that milestone but what is uppermost in my mind is for the team to win and for us to advance to the next stage. The rest will be a bonus”, he said on Monday.

•Godfrey Oboabona left the field on a stretcher during Nigeria game against Iran

Beat Argentina for me, Maigari begs Eagles

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RESIDENT of Nigeria F o o t b a l l Federation(NFF) Aminu Maigari has charged the Super Eagles to go all out against Argentina on his birthday tomorrow and ensure a place in the World Cup Round of 16.

Speaking in Sao Paulo on Monday, Nigeria’s football supremo said he would be the most delighted with a favourable outcome as the match-day falls on his birthday.

WORLD CUP RESULTS Australia 0 - 3 Spain Netherlands 2 - 0 Chile Cameroon 1 - 4 Brazil Croatia 1 - 3 Mexico

“My birthday is on the day we are playing Argentina, and I would feel very special if we defeat the Argentines,” Maigari said.

“But more than that, a place in the Round of 16 at this World Cup would bring joy to the entire NFF delegation and the good people of Nigeria back home.

“We have so many reasons to go all out on Wednesday.

The Argentines have always beaten us at the FIFA World Cup, though narrowly each time. We also need to show our true strength as the champions of Africa.”

Victory over BosniaHerzegovina took the African champions to second

place in the pool with four points, but they must still avoid defeat against the two – time world champions in Porto Alegre to be certain of a place in the knock–out stages.

Nigeria lost 1-2 to Argentina in Boston, USA on June 25, 1994, and were then pipped 1-0 courtesy of a Gabriel Batistuta goal in Ibaraki, Japan on June 2, 2002.

When both sides met in South Africa four years ago, an early goal by Gabriel Heinze condemned the Eagles to a 1-0 defeat.

However, Nigerians retain sweet memories of the 4-1 defeat the Eagles handed to Argentina in a friendly in Abuja on June 1, 2011, and a step

down the ladder, the U-23 team edged Argentina 3-2 to claim Africa’s first Olympic football gold, in Atlanta 18 years ago.

“It will not be easy, but then, we did not come here thinking any match would be easy. One philosopher once said that when the going gets tough, the tough gets going,” Maigari continued.

“Our commitment is to continue to pump up the spirit of the players so that they will get better as we move ahead in the tournament.

“With the win over BosniaHerzegovina, we have now reclaimed our winning mentality and it would be difficult to stop the Eagles flying all the way.”

20,000 sign petition to oust Nigeria/Bosnia referee

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•New Zealand referee Peter O'Leary talks to Nigerian goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, background right, following Nigeria's 1-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina.

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N online petition to remove Peter O’Leary, the man who refereed the World Cup Group F game between Nigeria and BosniaHerzegovina has already drawn 20,000 signatures.

The petition was put online by a fan, after a picture appeared of the referee allegedly ‘celebrating’ with Nigeria goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama after the game.

O’Leary drew widespread criticism after wrongly disallowing an Edin Dzeko strike after 21 minutes in the Bosnia-Herzegovina defeat.

Petition - Fire Peter O’ Leary from his Referee job and change result on BosniaHerzegovina v Nigeria to 1

Emenike to stay at Fenerbahce

N a swift reaction to a story carried by respected Turkish newspaper Skorer linking Super Eagles’ striker Emmanuel Emenike to Tottenham, Arsenal and Zenit St Petersburg, Fenerbahçe manager Ersun Yanal has revealed that he would like to keep hold of Emenike even though the board will listen to offers in the region of •20 million.

“If you were to ask me to

make a choice between Cardozo and Emenike, I would always go with Emenike,” Yanal said when asked about the possibility of Cardozo being signed.

“Emenike is younger, stronger, faster and far more explosive.”

The 27-year-old has lead Nigeria’s attack at the World Cup 2014 and has 10 goals in 21 internationals.

The Yellow Canaries signed

Emenike from Karabükspor for •9 million in 2011 but the Nigerian international was sold to Spartak for •10 million without playing a single game for the Yellow Canaries.

The Nigerian international re-joined Fenerbahçe last summer from Spartak for •13 million, and has scored 12 goals as well as provided 9 assists in 28 appearances this season.

v 1.

Eight minutes later Peter Odemwingie fired the Super Eagles in front, but Emmanuel Emenike appeared to clip the heels of Emir Spahic in the build-up.

That went unpunished and the appearance of the picture has prompted a Bosnian fan to send a petition to FIFA asking for the removal of O’Leary and the match to be changed to 1-1.

In the aftermath of the game Manchester City striker Dzeko, who also hit the post late on, said O’Leary’s performance was “shameful”.

When asked what happened in the game he said: “The referee happened.

We are going home, we are sad because of that, but the referee should go home too, because he changed the result, he changed the game, and that’s why we lost.

“We tried to come back after the goal where there was obviously a foul on our captain and before when I scored a goal it was not offside. Nigeria played good as well, but the referee was shameful for this competition.”

Bosnia-Herzegovina were eliminated from the tournament as they needed at least a draw.

HE only Nigerian seeded in the women event of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Lagos World Tour tagged Nigeria Open, Edem Offiong says she is in good shape as the competition serves off today at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of Teslim Balogun.

In a chat with NationSport, the five time All Africa Games gold medallist said she is ready to take stake in the top prize against other seeded players including Xialian Ni of Luxemborg, Dina Meshref of Egypt and Xing Han of Congo Brazzaville.

“I’m well prepared for this championship. I have played about 4 or 5 tournaments this year just to be in good shape for the Lagos World Tour.

Compared to the last time, this time around, I’m more in good shape as per tournament fitness.

“We just came back from the World Championships in Japan and I was in Spain too for the World Tour. So with all these tournaments and experience, I believe I’m going to do better this time and come out number 1.

“I’m not scared to play the foreign players because I have been playing against them before. I just have to put in my best and also pray to God because you can’t do anything without

By Akeem Lawal Him. I believe with Him, all things are possible. With God by my side, I will be victorious.

Offiong also believes Lagos World Tour will help in preparing the country’s representatives ahead of the Commonwealth Games which will be held in Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom from 23 July to 3 August 2014.

“The tournament is part of preparations for Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, because it is just a month away. This Nigeria Open is going to help us a lot in winning medals in Scotland.

“I have been seeing or playing against most of our possible opponents at the Commonwealth Games and this time I don’t want to go to Scotland and returned without a medal. I really want to put in my best and win a medal this time”.

•Edem Offiong

Emzor endorses Eagles

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MZOR Pharmaceutical Industries has signed an endorsement deal with the Nigerian Football Federation(NFF). This definitive step between the company and the nation’s football governing body, has,consequently, brought about the choice of Emzor’s flagship brand, Emzor Paracetamol as the “Official Paracetamol of the Super Eagles”.

On why her company decided on partnering with the NFF, at this time, Dr. Stella Okoli, OON ,the GMD/CEO, Emzor said ‘the game of football is loved by all Nigerians and it emphasises wellness. Just like Emzor Paracetamol, our household brand, which is loved by the young and old’ . Above all, according to her : ‘The vision driving Emzor is to see a world

where unlimited wellness is made available to all and is affordable by all. For this reason, the company has consistently provided high quality healthcare products made available at prices which create value for all stakeholders.’

Speaking further, Okoli gave the rationale behind the concept of ‘Wellocracy’ which Emzor has espoused and a run-down of the company’s product profile: “ We believe in a world where Unlimited Wellness is Available to All and Affordable by All. We call it Emzor Wellocracy. At Emzor, we have about 100 brands including OTC Medicines, Prescription Only Medicines (POM) as well as hospital equipment and consumables.

Falcons remains 34th in FIFA ranking

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IGERIA remained at number 34 in the latest FIFA rankings for the month of June released on Friday.

The Super Falcons garnered a total of 1623 points in the month under review despite securing a place in the 2014 African Women’s Championship billed for Namibia.

Black Queens of Ghana are now rated second best team with 1467

points (48th, up 2) while the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon dropped to third and 49th in the World.

South Africa moved a place up to be ranked number 51 in the world with Equatorial Guinea staying at the 52nd position. The top three teams in the world are USA, Germany and Japan.

The next FIFA ranking for women will be released on 19 September 2014.

TODAY IN THE NATION

‘Enter gun boat democracy, courtesy of the Jonathan Presidency’s Power Haram! That is why the Ekiti election was not, and could not have been, fair’ TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2014 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL.9

NO. 2887

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

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T is all over now in Ekiti, bar the wailing and the gnashing of teeth in Governor Kayode Fayemi’s camp, and the exuberant rejoicing in Governor-elect Ayo Fayose’s circle.

There is no way to finesse or spin this one: Fayemi and the All Progressives Congress (APC) took a comprehensive shellacking.

No major public affairs analyst, among whom I number myself, saw this coming.

This will therefore have to be accounted one of the most egregious failures of perception in the annals of political journalism in Nigeria.

When we placed Fayemi and Fayose on the scale, we saw in the one an incumbent whose record spoke eloquently for a second term, as did his overall approach to the business of governance: deliberative, steeped in the detail and nuance of policy, goal-oriented, and unobtrusive for the most part.

In the other we saw a challenger who had had his chance as governor and blown it spectacularly, a showboat and a con-artist whose idea of governance consists in stagingstunt after tawdry stunt, given to cheap populism and not a little demagoguery, and withal not foresworn to violence as a means of winning and retaining support.

When we surveyed the field, we saw an electorate populated for the most part by sophisticated and discerning men and women of much learning – several holders of university degrees in every home, plus a formidable array holders of doctorates in every specialism under the sun, to say nothing of professors, of whom, household by household, Ekiti probably boasts the largest number in Nigeria.

Given a choice between Fayemi and Fayose, surely, the learned, sophisticated and discriminating people of the “Fountain of Knowledge”, who know only too well the antecedents of the twain, would heartily renew the mandate of the one and indignantly reject the advances of the other.

The only problem was that we analysts attended for the most part to people like ourselves; we read for the most part what they wrote and heard for the most part what they said. So that, for all practical purposes, we did not see what was out there; instead, we saw only what we wanted to see, heard only what we wanted to hear and believed only what we wanted to believe about the candidates and the electorate.

We were not “on ground,” to employ a peculiarly Nigerian coinage.

That feeling first struck me when I saw the picture of the mammoth crowd at Fayose’s campaign rally with President Goodluck Jonathan and the PDP’s grandees.

Given Fayose’s reputation for pulling all

RIPPLES ONLY GOD CAN STOP CORRUPTION IN NIGERIA-Cleric

I BEG, GOD HAS BETTER THINGS TO DO-EFCC SHOULD DO THEIR WORK

OLATUNJI DARE

AT HOME ABROAD olatunji.dare@thenationonlineng.net

Ekiti: The morning after

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Fayose’s return to power eight years after he was disgraced out of office is one of the most amazing political comebacks not just in Nigeria but anywhere. He deserves to be congratulated •Fayemi

•Fayose

manner of stunts, it was tempting to dismiss the throng as a rented crowd. But if it was indeed a rented crowd, it must have taken a great deal of organisation and resources to put it together. And the people behind it could not be dismissed as inconsequential.

As I drove through Ekiti en route Kogi six days to the election, the feeling that we analysts might have misread the Ekiti political terrain stirred somewhat. Many campaign billboards with pictures of the candidates had been vandalised. But billboards bearing Fayemi’s pictures seem to have been marked for special treatment. Was this the work of commissioned thugs, or an indication of public feeling toward him?

But perhaps the clearest indication of the situation “on ground” came from a resident of Ekiti in the early stage of the vote count. Fayose was going to win and win big, he said with the utmost confidence.

What of his less-than-savoury first coming, especially the scandal-plagued Integrated Poultry Project that gulped billions

H

ARDBALL had canvassed the issue of finding succour for the victims of the Boko Haram insurgency until he was wearied out by the Federal Government’s seeming rope-a-dope tactics. You remember the legendary pugilist, Mohammed Ali, in his heyday perfected this fighting stratagem in which he leans against the boxing ring ropes, shields his face and goads his opponent to pound the rest of his body. Because a great boxer’s body is as tough as a mass of polythene, you would badger at his body only to your peril. To drill our point home, the Federal Government may (unbeknown to it) has adopted a rope-a-dope style of governance to the effect that it is almost impossible to canvass alternative policy options today.

The Boko Haram insurgents have launched intense war on a large chunk of the North in the past five years without let. No arm of government is seriously taking records, but an estimated 5,000 Nigerians may have been killed, while about 15,000 may have been inflicted with various levels of bodily injuries. There are huge material losses too in terms of property, businesses, goods and cash. But nobody is keeping tab, which is bad enough, but worse is that government

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of Naira without producing an egg, and the rusted remains of which are strewn over the countryside?

“The people have forgotten,” he said.

“Those who haven’t forgotten don’t care.”

By “the people,” he obviously meant the okada bikers, artisans, street vendors, shopkeepers, motor-part touts, unemployed persons who don’t know where the next meal will come from, or when, and of course rural dwellers.

But Fayemi has transformed Ekiti through building new infrastructures and rehabilitating the old ones.

“The people are yearning for infrastructure of the stomach,” he rejoined.

What of the murder rap he is facing, arising from the killing of two political opponents?

“Even if Fayose were to kill off one-half of the population, the other half would still vote for him,” he said. “They love him.

They adore him.”

Fayose himself would confirm this mys-

HARDBALL

Rope-a-dope governance has not considered any response to these hapless collateral outcomes of our current hate and terror regime.

This callous indifference may have pushed visiting United States lawmakers to make a strident call to the Federal Government to spare a thought for these victims. Being Americans and extant lawmakers for that matter, perhaps government would be apt to listen to them and act upon their appeal faster than it would hearken to a ranting and disgusting Nigerian columnist. But let it be done all the same and quickly. The US congress men and women who came mid-June said they were in town as part of the global effort to ensure the release of the teenage school girls kidnapped in Chibok, Borno State since April 14. Having assessed the atmosphere of disquiet in Nigeria, they opined that the larger victims of terror need urgent help.

Steve Stockman, who led the delegation to Nigeria, puts it this way: “The best thing that

OLAKUNLE ABIMBOLA

terious hold on “the people” when he said at his post-election interview that if he raised his hand high, they would cheer vehemently; if he lowered the hand, the cheering would subside. And if he pointed in one direction, they would go in that direction.

Is this what they call charisma?

By whatever name, it is at once fascinating and disturbing. It was missing entirely from our analyses. And now, we have mud on our faces.

We should be prepared for the taunts and the jeers of the other side, given the triumphalism arising from the Ekiti verdict and the vindictiveness that is their trademark.

One of their standard responses is to dismiss whatever I write as the bidding of a “paymaster,” by which they obviously mean Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, feigning ignorance of the well-advertised fact that I earn my living as a university professor in the United States and need no “paymaster,” real or imagined, to practise my art and craft.

Personally, I will not be surprised if, henceforth, they reflexively dismissed those of us who got Ekiti wrong as “failed analysts,” or even more damnably as “failed and discredited analysts.” Some of them may pivot on the build-up to my 70th birthday to excoriate those “spent old men who should have long ago left the serious and exacting business of journalism to younger and fresher minds.”

I hear you all.

If there is any redeeming grace in this matter, it lies in recognising that the right to comment on public issues – indeed, freedom of speech itself – implies the right to be wrong, so long as one is not deliberately and irresponsibly wrong.

I do not believe that those of us who called Ekiti for Fayemi were deliberately and irresponsibly wrong. We were wrong all the same; flat-out wrong.

The Ekiti people have spoken. Those who do not like what they said must in the spirit of democracy respect their will, as must those who regard it as the triumph of style over substance.

Fayose’s return to power eight years after he was disgraced out of office is one of the most amazing political comebacks not just in Nigeria but anywhere. He deserves to be congratulated.

His challenge is to prove as adroit in governing as he has been in vote harvesting.

With Ekiti now back under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) umbrella, President Jonathan should for once redeem his pledge and unleash the Federal Might on the state, its transformational magic to work.

•For comments, send SMS to 08111813080

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above could happen is if we have a fund set up for those that lost their lives and for the families that remain here on this earth.”

Another member of the delegation, Sheila Jackson Lee, said: “Today, we call upon the government of Nigeria to establish a national victim fund for the victims who are suffering in the hands of the Boko Haram.”

Nigerians, including this columnist, have shouted themselves hoarse on this matter, which seems rather straightforward and commonsensical. Why has the Federal Government or any government for that matter not deemed it fit to set up a committee and a fund to begin to sort the numerous victims and grant them reprieve? What we have experienced since 2009 is that after each attack, the dead are evacuated and often poured into a mass grave, while the injured are taken to hospitals and largely abandoned to their fate.

While kowtow and bend over double to appease the terrorists as was done for the Niger Delta militants, we must track and manage the poor victims in order to heal not only the physical wounds, but also emotional and spiritual wounds. It is called atonement.

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