The Nation June 25, 2013

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

Court remands two Kwara monarchs NEWS

Page 5

•Four-count criminal charge levelled

Reps kick against UK £3,000 visa bond

NEWS

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•‘Govt ‘ll protect Nigerians interest’

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VOL. 8, NO. 2527 TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2013

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

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Jonathan, Amaechi in battle to host governors President’s planned dinner clashes with NGF meeting

‘ Why power crises persist’

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HE Minister of Power, Prof.

Chinedy Nebo, yesterday explained that the flurry of system collapses and the fall in the amount of generated electricity were caused by poor maintenance habit, vandalism, sabotage and...

FromYusuf Alli and Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

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HE battle for the control of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) resumed yesterday, with elected Chairman Rotimi Amaechi summoning a meeting of members for tomorrow in Abuja.

In what was seen by observers as an apparent bid to frustrate the meeting, President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday invited all governors for what a source termed as a “curious” dinner.

The timing of the presidential dinner coincides with the NGF meeting’s time. The agenda remained unclear, as at press time last night. But there was the suspicion that it was meant to break the rank of the 19 governors who re-elected Amaechi.

But the Amaechi group has vowed to go ahead with the NGF meeting instead of the “emergency” presidential dinner.

This is the first meeting Amaechi is calling after last month’s disputed NGF election.

Amaechi won 19 votes to beat Plateau State Governor Jonah Jang, who got 16 votes. Yobe State Goveror Ibrahim Gaidam abstained from voting.

But Jang has continued to lay claim to the chairmanship, claiming that he won because Northern governors chose him as their con-

Business Page 11

Emenike targets Malawi clash

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I T AGAIN striker Emmanuel Emenike is targeting a return to the Super Eagles in their crucial World Cup qualifier against Malawi in September.

Emenike has only..

Sport Page 24

Seven-year jail for Berlusconi

Continued on page 4

PDP convention under threat

•Oyinlola protests to Gana From Yusuf Alli, Abuja ATHER than going away, the crisis that has gripped the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) seems to be expanding by the day.

The party’s forthcoming mini-National Convention, which is expected to smotheen the rough edges of its National Working Committee (NWC), ran into a legal obstacle yesterday, with the sacked National Secretary of the party, ex-Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, insisting that his seat is not vacant.

He urged President Goodluck Jonathan, the Chairman of the mini-National Convention Committee, Prof. Jerry Gana and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to stop PDP from conducting a fresh election into his office.

The same protest letter was sent to Senate

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Continued on page 4

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ORMER Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi was handed a seven-year jail sentence yesterday for abuse of office and paying for sex with a minor.

He will not have to serve any jail time before he has exhausted...

•The two suspects...yesterday

Police kill abductors of Lagos council chief

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News Page 61

Mandela: South Africans sober

By Jude Isiguzo

EVEN among the suspected kidnappers of the Chairman of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Lagos State, Mr Kehinde Bamigbetan, have been killed by the police , it was learnt yesterday.

Two others were arrested alive by the crack team that carried out the operation.

Those arrested are: Ogbonna Emenike, 27 and Uchenna Nwanyu, 25, who were paraded alongside the bodies of their deceased members by Lagos Police chief Umar Manko in the afternoon, yesterday.

Continued on page 7

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OUTH Africans adopted a mood of sombre resignation yesterday to the inevitability of saying goodbye to former President Nelson Mandela after the 94-year-old antiapartheid leader’s condition in hospital deteriorated to critically.

•Chagrani

•Bamigbetan

Foreign Page 2

•CITYBEATS P7• PROPERTY P17•SPORTS P25 •POLITICS P43 •ENERGY P47

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2013

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NEWS

Mandela: •South Africans resign to faith

•From left: Company Secretary, Chemical and Allied Products (CAP) Plc Mr. Godwin Samuel; Finance Director Mrs. Adeline Ogunfidodo; Chairman Mr. Larry Ettah; Managing Director/CEO Mrs. Omolara Elemide and Non-Executive Director Mr. Solomon Aigbavboa, during the company’s 48th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos...yesterday.

After 17 days of being told his condition was improving, the condition of former South African President Nelson Mandela seems to have nosedived. Will he live or leave?

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•Emir of Zazzau Dr. Shehu Idris (middle), receiving gifts from the General Manager, Marketing (North), Royal Salt Limited Munir Khan when the management of the company visited him...on Sunday. With them are Human Resources Director Alhaji Jibrin Kolo-Doko (left), Executive Director Alhaji Lawal Idirisu (second right) and Marketing Director Mr. Nitesh Srivastav.

ORMER President Nelson Mandela remains in critical condition in hospital last night. But his family said no matter what, it would not give up. The 94year-old former South African president suffered a sudden deterioration in his health Sunday night. He was taken to the hospital over two weeks ago for treatment for a recurrent lung infection.

Many South African have resigned to faith over his worsening health condition. They are praying to God to prolong his life and also acknowledging the fact that the end may not be far away.

His eldest daughter Makaziwe told CNN the family would not end his medical treatment.

She said: “In our culture, the Tembu culture, that I know, the African culture that I know you never release the person unless the person has told you ‘please my children, my family release me’. My dad hasn’t said that to us. So these people who want to talk about, you know, release him, he hasn’t said we should release him and we haven’t come to the end yet. It is only God who knows the end.”

She added that she believed her fa-

•Journalists waiting outside the Medi-Clinic Heart Hospital in Pretoria where Mandela is staying... yesterday.

PHOTO: AFP

ther was at peace. She said: “Yes, I believe he is at peace. He is at peace with himself. He has given so much to the world I believe he is at peace.”

His granddaughter Ndileka added: “His fighting spirit is what amazes me. I don’t know what keeps him fighting and he is stoic and determined, that I will end things my way.

Not any other person’s way. I strongly feel that whatever covenant he has made with his ancestors and god has not been fulfilled, when that is fulfilled he will bow out in a way that he chooses.”

Two of his granddaughters Swati Dlamini and Zaziwe Dlamini-

‘Obama to visit •Nollywood actor Desmond Elliot (second right) presenting a cheque to Roselyn Monday, one of the winners of the Legend Dubai Shopping experience (middle),at the third Legend Real Deal promo raffle draw in Lagos...at the weekend. With them are officials of Nigerian Breweries Dafe Okpaleke (left), Emmanuel Agu (second left) and Funso Ayeni.

• From left: Secretary-General, Organisation for Economic Cooperation, Dr. Seyed Mousavi;Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Trade and Investment Mr Dauda Kigbu and Director of Trade in the ministry Mr David Adejuwon, at the D-8 meeting in Abuja... yesterday.

United States Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes, Senior Director for African Affairs Grant Harris and Senior Director for Development and Democracy Gayle Smith, via a conference call, briefed reporters on President Barack Obama’s trip to South Africa, Senegal and Tanzania, which begins tomorrow. Excerpts:

Overview of the trip and the schedule The first stop will be Senegal.

We’ll be flying there on Wednesday, arriving Wednesday night in Senegal time... And the President will begin his programme on Thursday with a bilateral meeting with the President of Senegal. Following that, we’ll have a joint press conference. Then, the President will attend an event that he’ll be hosting at the Supreme Court there with regional judicial leaders.

And this will be an opportunity for the President to speak to the importance of the rule of law and the role of the independent judiciary as a part of African democratic institutionbuilding. So the President will have a chance to have a dialogue with judicial leaders from the region.

Then he and the First Lady will take the trip to Goree Island, obviously a deeply important site both for Africans and African Americans.

This is the site of the “Door of No Return,” and the President will be

visiting the House of Slaves museum there on Goree Island. Then he will also visit with civil society leaders at the Goree Institute. Goree Island has been a home for a very vibrant civil society, which is also a key part of the democratic development taking place in Senegal and across the continent, and so he’ll have a chance to hear directly from civil society leaders there. Then, that night, there will be an official dinner that the President of Senegal will be hosting.

The second day, the President will begin in the morning by joining an event focused on food security.

Then the President will fly with his family to South Africa that day. The next day, the President will be in Pretoria and Johannesburg. And he’ll begin the day with a bilateral meeting with President Zuma of South Africa, clearly a key partner on a whole range of our issues on the African continent to include some of our significant development priorities but also a range of peace and se-

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2013

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NEWS

Will he live or leave now?

•A picture released by South African broadcaster SABC showing Mandela as at April 29.

•Police standing outside the Medi-Clinic Heart Hospital in Pretoria...Sunday.

Manaway yesterday tweeted in support of their ill grandfather, describing him as their ‘rock’.

They wrote: “He is our rock, we are firmly glued together because of him. We are UNITED!” Their message came just a few hours after they asked supporters to pray for him. They posted: “Let us never forget to pray. God lives. He is near. He is real. He is not only aware of us but cares for us.”

News of Mandela’s condition emerged after he was visited by South African President Jacob Zuma Sunday night. The South African president yesterday urged his coun-

trymen to pray for the ‘father of democracy’.

He said: “Madiba (Mandela’s clan name) is critical in the hospital, and this is the father of democracy. This is the man who fought and sacrificed his life to stay in prison, the longest-serving prisoner in South Africa. He is one of those who has contributed to democracy. All of us in the country should accept the fact that Madiba is now old. As he ages, his health will ... trouble him and I think what we need to do as a country is to pray for him.”

Speaking at a news conference, he added: “The doctors are doing everything possible to ensure his well-be-

ing and comfort.”

Pressed for further details on Nelson Mandela’s health, President Jacob Zuma said: “I can’t tell you what is wrong with him ... I am not a doctor.”

He confirmed that he had seen Mandela in hospital last night, and that he had been asleep at the time.

He said he had discussions with the doctors and with Mr Mandela’s wife.

Zuma said he was briefed by Mr Mandela’s medical team and told that his condition had ‘become critical over the past 24 hours’.

Zuma, in a statement, said: “The doctors are doing everything pos-

sible to get his condition to improve and are ensuring that Madiba is welllooked after and is comfortable. He is in good hands.”

Despite previous claims that Mandela’s health had been improving after battling a recurring lung infection, it emerged in the early hours of Saturday that he had become unresponsive.

It was reported that his liver and kidney functions were down to 50 per cent and he had not opened his eyes for days.

Mandela recently underwent two procedures at Pretoria Hospital, one to repair a bleeding ulcer and an-

other to insert a tube into his body.

Last night, his immediate family was said to be discussing whether to withdraw treatment.

It followed revelations that the ambulance which took Mandela to Pretoria hospital earlier this month broke down en route, leaving him stranded on the roadside for 40 minutes in winter temperatures.

South African government officials have said ‘great care was taken to ensure that Mandela’s health was not compromised and that his doctors were satisfied the former president suffered no harm.’

Mandela has been hospitalised four times since December but last night’s confirmation of his grave condition is by far the most downbeat report ever given about his health.

The status of Mandela is likely to overshadow the visit later this week to South Africa by US President Barack Obama. But Zuma said the vist would go on.

“If it's his time to go, he can go. I wish God can look after him,'' said nurse Petunia Mafuyeka, as she headed to work in Johannesburg.

“We will miss him very much. He fought to give us freedom will ensure forever. We will remember him every day. When he goes I will cry,'' she said.

There were some concerns among the public about doctors trying to prolong the life of South Africa's first black president, one of the 20th Century's most influential figures.

“I'm worried that they're keeping him alive. I feel they should let him go,'' said Doris Lekalakala, a claims manager. ``The man is old. Let nature take its course. He must just rest.''

The news of his condition has led to increase in the number of reporters hanging around the hospital not wanting to be beaten to the great story of the decade. More security men have also been drafted to the area.

The question on many lips now is: will he leave now or live?

Robben Island in honour of Madiba’ curity issues, from our efforts to deal with the situation in Sudan and South Sudan to some of the security challenges in Central Africa, and of course, to the promotion of democracy on the continent. There will be a bilateral meeting and then the two Presidents will have a joint press conference. Then later that day, the President will host a town hall at the University of Johannesburg in Soweto. This is going to be a continuation of the President’s Young African Leaders Initiative.

Visit to Mandela

Robben Island The next day, the First Family will fly to Cape Town in the morning.

They will visit Robben Island and have the opportunity to take in the remarkable history there and pay tribute to the extraordinary sacrifices made by Nelson Mandela in his pursuit of freedom for the people of South Africa as well as so many other figures in the anti-apartheid movement.

Following the visit to Robben Island, the President will visit a community center with Archbishop Desmond Tutu — a community center that focuses in part on health, and this will be an opportunity for the President to hear firsthand about the important efforts that are being made by the Archbishop, but also by people across South Africa that come up with community-oriented solutions to health care challenges, but

•Obama and his wife Mitchelle: due in Senegal tomorrow

also to discuss our own global health agenda, much of which has been focused on combating preventable diseases, HIV/AIDS, and carrying forward the very good work that’s been done for many years to improve not just — combat disease, but to improve public health systems in South Africa and across the continent.

Tanzania The next day, the President will fly with the First Family to Tanzania, also a strong democratic partner of ours in East Africa. He’ll have a bilateral meeting there with the President and then they will host a joint

press conference.

I should add that in addition to this event and the food security event with the private sector in Senegal, members of the President’s economic team — Valerie Jarrett, Mike Froman, Fred Hochberg, and Raj Shah — will be participating in an event with the private sector in Cape Town as well, independent of the President. And they’ll be discussing these issues there as well.

So the President will speak to business leaders and CEOs about these issues. And then, that night he’ll attend an official dinner hosted by the President of Tanzania.

On the Mandela question, I should have added, we, of course, while we’re in South Africa, are going to be very deferential to the Mandela family in terms of any interaction that the President may have with the Mandela family or with Nelson Mandela. Ultimately, we want whatever is in the best interest of his health and the peace of mind of the Mandela family. And so we’ll be driven by their own determinations in that regard.

We’ll be in touch with them. The President wants to support them in any way. He’s supporting them with his thoughts and prayers as it is. And if he has an opportunity to see the family in some capacity, that’s certainly something that we may do.

And he’ll be going to Robben Island as well, which I think will be an important and powerful symbol at this time when the world has Nelson Mandela in their prayers.

I would just add that the President has always seen Nelson Mandela as one of his personal heroes. And he was honored — well, first of all, his first political activism, when he was in college, was driven by the AntiApartheid Movement and the inspiration of Nelson Mandela. And carrying that forward, he was honored to meet him in Washington in 2005.

He was very moved that Nelson

Mandela called him after the 2008 election and spoke to him several times in the years that followed.

Nigeria missing on the list With respect to Nigeria, we certainly believe that Nigeria is a fundamentally important country to the future of Africa. We’ve put a lot of investment in the relationship with Nigeria through their leadership of ECOWAS, through the significant U.S. business investment in Nigeria and through our security cooperation.

Obviously, Nigeria is working through some very challenging security issues right now. And in that process, they’re going to be a partner of the United States. We certainly believe we’ll have an opportunity to further engage the Nigerian government through bilateral meetings going forward. But at this point, we just were not able to make it to Nigeria on this particular itinerary.

Kenya too We also as a country have a commitment to accountability and justice as a baseline principle. And given the fact that Kenya is in the aftermath of their election and the new government has come into place and is going to be reviewing these issues with the ICC and the international community, it just wasn’t the best time for the President to travel to Kenya at this point.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2013

NEWS Man shot dead at Osun PDP meeting

Jonathan, Amaechi in battle to host governors Continued from page 1

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

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25-year-old man Kunle Olagoke, was on Sunday shot dead at a factional meeting of a political party believed to be the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edunabon, Ife North Local Government Area of Osun State.

It was gathered that he died during a clash of rival factions of the party in the area.

Sources said there had been a leadership tussle between the two factions since last year in Ife North Local Government.

The PDP in the area had been allegedly enmeshed in crisis since the assumption of office of the chairman of the party in the council, Mr. Sam Oyetade.

A leader of the party in the state, who is also a governorship aspirant was not favorably disposed to the emergence of Oyetade as chairman and had made several efforts to get him impeached to no avail.

Trouble started at the ward meeting of the party at the LoContinued on page 60

•Cameroon President Paul Biya (left), welcoming President Goodluck Jonathan to the summit of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) in Yaounde…yesterday PHOTO: NAN

PDP convention under threat as Oyinlola protests Continued from page 1

President David Mark, House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal, Board of Trustees Chairman Tony Anenih, PDP National Chairman Bamanga Tukur and PDP Governors Forum Chairman Godswill Akpabio.

In the June 24 letter Oyinlola said INEC cleared his election as the PDP National Secretary as valid and the party could not have declared it vacant.

He said it would amount to subjudice to the ongoing court action challenging his “unjust” and “unconstitutional” removal by a January 11, 2013, ruling of the Federal High Court, Abuja delivered by Justice Abdu Kafarati.

He said events in the party in the past few months have suggested that he is unduly being persecuted.

Oyinlola wrote as the party plans by the Mini-National Convention Committee to

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PDP swears in NWC, promises justice

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said it would always follow the path of justice in order to take the country to greater heights to compete favourably in the comity of nations.

National Chairman Bamanga Tukur, made the pledge in Abuja yesterday while swearing in members of its Interim National Working Committee (NWC) According to him, the PDP believes in equity and justice.

He explained that the swearing in followed the resignation of the former members of the NCW. “The former national officers had to leave their respective offices because of INEC’s observation about irregularities that characterised the National Convention held in March 2012.

“We decided to replace members of NWC who resigned their respective positions immediately in order not to allow a vacuum.

hold a fresh election into the office of the National Secretary on July 20.

The letter states: “It is abundantly evident that INEC cleared my election as the PDP

“This is the usual practice in the party since it came into existence as a political party in Nigeria.

“They are here to move the party forward and to ensure that things are done the way they should be done.

“They also promised to abide strictly by the party’s Constitution and the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended),” Tukur said.

Tukur said PDP had been a responsive and responsible party that always insisted on good governance, adding that the party vowed not to involve itself in anything illegal.

He appealed to Nigerians to have confidence in the party and the ability of its leadership to provide good governance.

Deputy National Chairman, Chibudom Nwuche, National Secretary, Dr Remi Akintoye, Deputy National Secretary, Sen. Emma Agboti, National Organising Secretary, Alhaji Yusuf Abubakar among others, took oath in acting capacities.

National Secretary, a position from which I assert and maintain that I was unjustly and unconstitutionally removed by a January 11, 2013, ruling of the Federal High Court, Abuja de-

livered by the Hon. Justice Abdu Kafarati.

“I have read series of media reports which indicate that the position of the National SecreContinued on page 60

sensus candidate. He has the backing of the Presidency and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Jang, who has rented an office in Abuja for his faction of the NGF, last Monday called a meeting. Only 16 governors attended.

A Press Officer of the NGF Secretariat, Chidimma Onyenalim, in a notice of the meeting yesterday, said: “There will be a meeting of Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) on Wednesday 26th June, 2013.

Time: 8.00pm prompt. Venue: Rivers State Governor’s Lodge, No. 5 Justice Mohammed Bello Street, Asokoro, Abuja.”

The agenda of the meeting: Chairman’s brief on NGF in the news, fresh and subsisting litigations; visit to the NGF secretariat, update on Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC), Excess Crude Account (ECA) and Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF), update on State Peer Review Mechanism (SPRM) and other issues.

The meeting will also deliberate on polio eradication initiative: Structuring a programme to address emerging challenges, Post election disagreements, NGF and its partners, NGF strategy plan 20132015 and AOB. A governor told our correspondent last night that the Governor’s Forum meetings are held once a month on the eve of the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting.

He said there was no need to meet “until it is time, which is now”. Those calling meetings every week are those looking for legitimacy,” he said.

The NGF meeting will precede the NEC meeting on Thursday.

Following a likely boycott by some governors branding Jang as their leader, some proAmaechi governors, who went on official trip abroad, have been recalled.

Another governor, who spoke in confidence, said: “This is our major meeting after the election of the NGF chairman, Governor Rotimi Amaechi and we will make sure that all of us are there to

prove that we are standing by Amaechi.

“As a matter of fact, some G19 members scheduled to travel abroad have suspended it.

And those currently overseas for investment drive have been recalled. For instance, Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido is expected to fly into the country tomorrow to be part of the meeting.

“The sacrifice we are making underscores our agitation for untainted democracy, not only at the NGF level, but in all facets of our national life.”

Another governor said: “When they heard that the authentic NGF meeting would hold, all the 36 governors have been invited to the Presidential Villa for a curious dinner.

The dinner is fixed for the same time we are expected to start the NGF session. No governor can really say the motive of the dinner.

“Well, we prefer the NGF meeting to a dinner. The Presidency is trying to use the dinner to divide the Forum. We know the other 16 governors following Jang may opt for the dinner but we will prefer to go hungry to protect the nation’s democracy than go for food.”

To the governor, the Presidency is being jittery that the Amaechi group will have the majority of the NGF members at our meeting. The design is to deplete our ranks with dinner but it will not work,” he said.

“Well, we see the NGF meeting convened by Amaechi as our normal session on a monthly basis before the meeting of the NEC. Until the Presidency meddled in the affairs of the NGF, we used to meet normally once in a month,” he said.

Asked whether the NGF meeting could disrupted by forces opposed to Amaechi, the governor replied: “We do not envisage that; they won’t go to such a ridiculous level.

But if they do so, Nigerians will now know their intention.

“You know they have been sponsoring some suits against the authentic NGF but they cannot go far. All the 19 governors backing Amaechi will be in Abuja on Wednesday.”

Reps kick against UK’s planned £3,000 visa bond for Nigerians

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INISTER of Foreign Affairs Olugbenga Ashiru said yesterday that the Federal Government will defend the interest of Nigerians on consular related issues with foreign countries.

Ashiru spoke in Abuja following a proposal by the United Kingdom to introduce a bond of 3,000 pounds (N750, 000) for intending visitors from Nigeria and five other countries.

Speaking at the 2013 Ministerial Platform, Ashiru reiterated that the UK government was yet to officially notify Nigeria on the proposal scheduled to start in November.

“Really, we have received no official communication from the UK government.

“When we receive communication from them, we will study whatever proposal they are trying to do but I can assure all Nigerians that President Jonathan’s government will defend the interest of Nigerians by whatever means it can.’’

The House of Representatives Foreign Affairs committee kicked against the policy. Chair

From Yusuf Alli and Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

of the Diaspora Committee Abike Dabiri –Erewa asked Nigeria to adopt the principle of reciprocity if the UK insists on the visa bond from Nigerians traveling to Britain. She suggested a N5million bond for any Briton seeking Nigerian visa as a visitor.

Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs, Ms. Nnenna Elendu-Ukeje described the visa bond as discriminatory and unacceptable. She said the House of Representatives would take a critical look at the policy as it affects Nigerians and come up with a way forward. Dabiri-Erewa said: “Nigeria should adopt the principle of reciprocity. If they ask us to pay £3,000, let their citizens also pay N5million visa bond.

“This is a discriminatory policy and it is unacceptable. Do not forget that we are a member of the Commonwealth, what are we going to enjoy if they could impose such a discriminatory policy?

“I am quite sure that France

will not impose visa bond on their former colonies. The UK Government should reverse it or else we should pay them back in equal measure.

“The Federal Government should not allow the situation to lie low; it should reject it and make it reciprocal.

“When South Africa said we should be paying N100, 000 visa bond and we reciprocated, it quickly stopped the policy.

“If Nigerian and Indian doctors withdraw their services in the UK, their health sector will collapse.

Elendu-Ukeje described the new UK visa bond as discriminatory and unacceptable.

In a statement in Abuja, the lawmaker said such policy was not in the best interest of Nigeria and Nigerians.

She said: “This is totally discriminatory and unacceptable.

It is target to non-white Commonwealth.

“They should realise that it is not in the best interest of UK. We will as a country, going to look at it vis-a- vis our citizens and come up with a decision.

“We agree totally with our

Foreign Minister that the policy is totally unworkable and impractical’’.

“It is contrary to the commitment made to our President by Prime Minister David Cameron during their last meeting. We believe it is for political reason ahead of general elections.

“We seek that our long historical relationship should take precedence over political expediency.”

The minister admitted that the biggest challenge facing the present administration’s foreign policy thrust was the welfare of Nigerians abroad.

He said Nigeria missions abroad had been directed to pay utmost attention to the needs of Nigerians abroad, particularly the plight of Nigerians in various prisons abroad.

He acknowledged that many Nigerians were stranded

abroad in prisons and that the affected Nigerians had continued to suffer various forms of discriminations in their host countries.

According to the minister, over 9000 Nigerians are currently serving prisons terms abroad, with the largest number of 752 in the UK. “Most of the remaining prisoners are concentrated in the Asia – Pacific region and a good number of them are on death row.

“We are concluding Prisoners’ Transfer Agreement (PTA) with all those countries, such as United Kingdom, Thailand, Japan, China, Indonesia, Switzerland, South Africa, Mozambique, Angola and Hong Kong, so that we can bring home these Nigerians to complete their prison terms.

“I wish to seize this oppor-

CORRECTION Alhaji Tafawa Balewa was Nigeria’s first and only Prime Minister. He was not the Premier of the North as erroneously published in our front page story “Lesson of Tinubu’s mum’s life, by clerics”, yesterday.

•Ashiru tunity to appeal to members of different groups; the media, civil societies, religious groups, traditional rulers, etc, Continued on page 60

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2013

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NEWS

2015: Jonathan ’ll divide Nigeria, says Fani-Kayode A FORMER Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, has alleged that President Goodluck Jonathan would attempt to split the country, if he does not win the 2015 general elections.

The former minister said the President has divided the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF).

He said the interference of the Presidency in the internal affairs and the subsequent division of the NGF were part of

Court restrains AGF, others from blocking NLNG’s operations

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Federal High Court, sitting in Lagos, has restrained the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation (AGF), Global West Vessel Specialists Nigeria Limited (GWVSNL) , the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and other government agencies from detaining or preventing the chartered vessels of the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) from importing and exporting gas through the Bonny channel or elsewhere in Nigeria, pending the hearing and determination of a motion on notice for interlocutory injunction filed by the NLNG. The court, presided by Justice M. B. Idris, also restrained the defendants (AGF and GWVSNL), NIMASA, all government agencies and organisations, from charging, imposing, demanding or collecting the three per cent of the gross freight earnings, tax, charges or dues on any international inbound and outbound cargo aboard the ships owned or contracted by the NLNG, its agents, contractors or subsidiaries, pending the hearing of the suit.

Also, the gas company has approached a Lagos Federal High Court, seeking judicial clarity and interpretation on the legality or otherwise of the various levies imposed on it.

Hearing in its application has been adjourned till July 4.

Fed Govt files fresh charges against Leadership reporters From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

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IFTY days after withdrawing an alleged forgery charge against two Leadership journalists - Mr Tony Amokeodo (Group News Editor) and Mr. Chibuzor Ukaibe (Political Correspondent) - the Federal Government yesterday made a U-turn and re-filed the case before an Abuja High Court, Kubwa.

The government’s lead lawyer, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), on Friday, filed an 11–count charge of alleged forgery of presidential directive against Amokeodo, Ukaibe and Leadership Group Limited before Justice U. A. Musale.

The judge adjourned the matter till June 27, for the arraignment of the two journalists.

Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on May 2, struck out the case, following the withdrawal of a six-count charge by Awomolo (SAN).

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

a game plan and a “clear indication that should President Goodluck Jonathan lose next election, he will plot for the division of the country”.

Fani-Kayode, who addressed reporters yesterday in Minna, the Niger State capital,

wondered why a loser of an election would declare himself the winner because he enjoyed the backing of the Presidency, thereby splitting the NGF. Fani-Kayide expressed optimism that opposition parties would terminate the continued reign of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the next general elections.

The former minister, however, said the nation should prepare for a possible attempt to split the country when the PDP government fails at the poll.

He said: “It is only in Nigeria that a loser with the backing of the Presidency can declare himself the winner, leading to the splitting of NGF. This is a prerequisite for 2015.

When the President is defeated, he will declare himself winner, the same way it hap-

Reps summon IGP over 57,000 missing live ammunition From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

M

•Fani-Kayode

pened in the NGF. He will try to split the country the same way he did to the NGF.”

Six killed in Fulani, Plateau communal clash

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IX people, including a village head, Muhammad Abubakar, have been killed in a clash among Tarok, Fulani and Jukun ethnic groups of Wase Local Government of Plateau State.

Several other residents were injured.

A member of the community told our correspondent that but for the prompt intervention of men of the Special Task Force on Jos Crises, code-named Operation Safe Haven, the casualties would have been more.

It was learnt that one person was killed and three others injured in Wase town when armed youths attempted to invade the community between 6am and 11am. They were reportedly repelled by the task force.

STF spokesman Capt. Salisu Mustapha said the clash was linked

From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

to an earlier attack on Friday night in Taka Lafiya, a village under the same Wase Local Government.

The village head was reportedly killed during the Friday attack.

In an earlier attack at Nin Duwi on Sunday night, two other persons were also killed and 16 huts set ablaze.

The late Abubakar and an elderly blind man, who was simply identified as Umar, were allegedly shot dead on Friday night when suspected militants invaded and set the village ablaze.

Capt. Mustapha said a group of youths, also suspected to be from Wase town, launched a reprisal attack in Duwi village, killing two persons. He said this led to yesterday’s attack on Wase.

EMBERS of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts yesterday expressed anger over 57,000 (5.6mm) live ammunition sold by three officers of the police command’s headquarters in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, in 2008.

The committee said it was interested in who the ammunition were sold to and those who collaborated in selling them.

The committee, headed by Solomon Adeola, invited Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Abubakar to explain how the internal control mechanism of the police permitted such act.

Adeola said the committee will investigate the incident, adding that it is such acts that cause the proliferation of firearms in the country with its attendant security implications.

Absence of EFCC witness stalls trial

By Precious Igbonwelundu

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•From right: Prof Ayodele Ogunye, President, Nigerian Academy of Engineering; Dr Eugene Ikemefuna Juwah, Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC); guest speaker and former President, The Nigerian Academy of Engineering, Mr Vincent Maduka and Mr Adebayo Sanni, another former President of the academy, during the academy technology dinner, organised by the academy, at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

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Communal clash: Court remands two Kwara bril, Kosamat Yusuf and SaliMAGISTRATE’s Court monarchs in prison mon Bakare of Oniganmo’s comsitting in Ilorin, the pound.

Kwara State capital, has

remanded in prison custody two traditional rulers of Ganmo, Ifelodun Local Government Area.

The two monarchs are: Oniganmo of Ganmo and Oluganna, Alhaji Anafi Zubairu and Alhaji Abdullahi Atanda Kolawole.

The rival traditional rulers, who claim ancestry with Igbomina and Ilorin in Kwara South and Central, also claim rights to the traditional stool of the community.

The development has over

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

the years thrown the community into crises resulting in loss of lives and property.

The arraignment of the two monarchs and seven others before the Magistrate’s Court followed last week’s renewed clash between their supporters during which three people died and property worth millions of naira were destroyed.

The latest clash started last Monday with the alleged kill-

ing of two persons from Oniganmo’s compound. A reprisal followed, in which two aged persons belonging to Oluganna side, were killed two days later.

The traditional chiefs were arraigned on a four-count charge of criminal conspiracy, disturbance of public peace, mischief by fire and culpable homicide.

Others remanded with them are: AbdulGaniyu AbdulKadir, Kadir Alao and Ganiyu Kolawole of Oluganna’s compound and Yekeen Eleshinla, Nafiu Ju-

The offences contravene Sections 97, 113, 337 and 221 of the Penal Code Law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Counsel to Oniganmo, led by Salman Jawondo and his Oluganna counterpart, J. S. Bamigboye, pleaded for their clients to be granted bail.

They argued that the accused would not jump bail and would provide reliable sureties.

Magistrate Olawoyin adjourned the matter till July 7 for further mention.

Alleged N25b scam: EFCC to close case against Igbinedion September 23 T HE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday said it will on September 23 close its case in the ongoing trial of Michael Igbinedion, the younger brother of former Edo State Governor Lucky N. Igbinedion.

Igbinedion, Patrick Eboigbodin and four companies Gava Corporation Limited, Romrig Nigeria Limited, PML Securities Company Limited and PML Nigeria Limited - are facing trial at a Federal High Court sitting in Benin, Edo State, over N25 billion scam.

A statement yesterday by the Head of Media and Publicity of the anti-graft commission, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, said three witnesses had testified for the commission.

From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

The statement said: “At the resumed hearing on Friday, June 21, 2013, EFCC called three witnesses. The first witness, Mr. Ajoyo Sowale, an Accounts Officer with Guaranty Trust Bank, identified various account statements and account opening documents of the accused and confirmed the lodgements made into the various accounts.

He also told the court that he printed the various account statements and got them certified.

“The EFCC counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), further led

the second witness, Mr. Eriyo Amadiayagbon David, who was a Personal Assistant to Micheal Igbinedion, in evidence. David told the court how the second accused, Michael Igbinedion, instructed him on several occasions to make lodgements into his GTB accounts and those of Romrig Nigeria Limited and Gava Corporation.

“According to David, he usually received cash from the Accountant at the Government House and paid into the account of the second accused ‘and after paying the government entourage, the remaining cash

is usually given to the ADC (Aide-De-Camp) to the Governor’.

“The witness further identified his name on the printed account statement of Michael Igbinedion, which is part of the exhibits before the court.

“During cross-examination, counsel to the first accused, Mike Ozekhome (SAN), asked the witness if he ever stole government money with the first accused, Mr. Patrick Eboigbodin, and the witness told the court that he never did.”

Justice Liman adjourned the matter till September 23 and 24.

HE absence of an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) witness yesterday stalled the trial in a N178.9 million fraud case against former Ecobank Customer Service Manager, Mrs Tosin Lawal, and her husband, Michael.

Justice Christopher Balogun, at the last hearing, adjourned for hearing of a substantive criminal charge after listening to the defence and prosecuting counsel. But counsel to the EFCC, Ayokunle Fayaniu, who said he had no witness in court, averred that he thought the case was adjourned for mention.

He prayed the court for an adjournment to enable him produce prosecution witnesses.

AMCON: Court cites Ogboru for contempt

By Joseph Jibueze

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FEDERAL High Court, Lagos, yesterday cited former Democratic Peoples Party (DPP) candidate in Delta State, Chief Great Ogboru, for contempt over his alleged disobedience of a court order.

Justice Okong Abang said the defendant and his company, Fiogret Limited, flouted an order he made on January 30.

He said there was no doubt the businessman was served a notice of the order, as there was an affidavit of service.

But the judge could not issue a bench warrant for Ogboru’s arrest because the plaintiff did not comply with the law in prosecuting the contempt proceedings.

“The plaintiff has not strictly complied with what the law says,” the judge said.

The judge made a consequential order to the effect that the Inspector-General of Police, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone II Police Command, or the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Police Command, should expel anyone found on any of the property in receivership – the subject-matter of the action.

He adjourned till July 2 for mention and “to take any applications that may be filed”.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2013

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NEWS Doctors begin warning strike tomorrow

‘New aviation policy has not threatened NCAA’s autonomy’

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

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HE National Association of Resident Doctors of Nigeria (NARD) yesterday instructed its members nationwide to begin a threeday warning strike.

It is to protest poor budgetary allocation for Residency Training programme for members in the 2013 budget by the Federal Government.

This followed the expiration of the 21-day ultimatum given to the President Goodluck Jonathan administration to "urgently correct the gross budget deficit inherent in the budgetary appropriation for residency training in all training institutions" and its subsequent reluctance to act upon the demand.

In a statement issued following the meeting of the National Executive Committee of NARD last Saturday, the President, Dr. Ismail Lawal, said the warning strike is also to express their "disaffection" over the ill-treatment of members at the Irruah Specialist Hospital, Irruah, Edo State, by the hospital management headed by Prof. George Akpede.

Dr. Lawal, therefore, called for the suspension of Prof. Akpede as the Medical Director of the hospital.

He said the Residency Training Programme (RTP) of members may collapse with the attendant setbacks in skills development in Neurosurgery, Pathology, Gynaecology, among others, following "inadequate funding" by the Federal Government.

According to him, the paucity of funds allocated to the RTP in the 2013 Appropriation Bill is inadequate and will cripple the scheme as "update courses, exams and other course fees" for members are not being settled by the Federal Government.

Alleged $1.69m fraud: Ajudua’s bail verdict today

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

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•Members of the medical outreach team organised by Senator Babafemi Ojudu (Ekiti Central) at Igede Ekiti, headquarters of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area... yesterday.

ACN to Fed Govt: come clean on state of economy T HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has urged the Federal Government to be honest with Nigerians on the state of the nation's economy. It said from all indications, things are not as rosy as they are being painted by the government.

In a statement in Abuja yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said coming clean on the state of the economy would enable the government to carry the people along in whatever measures it might take to avoid the collapse of the economy.

"On February 24, we issued a statement in which we alerted the nation to 'an impending collapse of the Nigerian economy, unless the Federal Government cuts the astronomical cost of running a bloated government and takes urgent measures to diversify the economy and shore up the production of oil, which remains the mainstay of the country's economy'.

"Although the Federal Government quickly denied that the economy was in danger,

By Adebisi Onanuga

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LAGOS High Court, Ikeja presided over by Justice Olubunmi Oyewole will today rule on an application for bail filed by a lawyer and an alleged fraudster, Fred Ajudua.

Ajudua, who has been remanded in the prison custody by the court since June 11, is asking the court to quash the charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The EFCC is prosecuting Ajudua for allegedly defrauding two Dutch businessmen – Messrs Remy Cina and Pierre Vijgen, of $1.69 million (N252.8 million).

At the resumed hearing of the matter yesterday before Justice Oyewole, Ajudua’s counsel, Mr. Alex Agba, urged the court to quash the charges brought against his client.

He also prayed the court to treat each charge on its own peculiarity.

In a Motion On Notice dated June 7, which is supported by a 16-paragraph affidavit, Agba argued that since the complainant has withdrawn the case and filed an affidavit before the court towards this purpose, the court should quash the charge.

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it is now clear that it (government) was being economical with the truth. The clearest indications yet of this choreographed deceit are the contradictory statements credited to the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, in recent time.

"According to published report, on June 10 in Abuja, the minister said at a ministerial briefing that the fundamentals of the economy were strong and that the economy was buoyant beyond danger.

However, a day later, the same minister was quoted as saying, at a closed-door session of the Federal Government Economic Implementation Team that the Nigerian economy is shaky despite the official fundamentals and that drastic steps are needed to save it from collapse.

"She was further quoted as saying that there was an urgent need for 'stringent budgetary measures' to arrest the downward slide; that crude oil production now hovers

around 1.3 million barrels per day (far lower than it was at the height of the protracted militancy in the Niger Delta); and that crude oil theft, which costs Nigeria US$6 billion annually, is now severely hurting the economy," the party said.

ACN said while it has no reason to doubt that the reality of the gloomy situation facing the country's economy has now dawned on the government, it is still worried that those in authority are speaking from both sides of their mouths, publicly giving the impression that all is well while privately preparing to unleash belt- tightening measures on the same hapless citizens, who have borne the brunt of their poor governance.

"When the falling crude oil production and massive oil theft are placed side-by-side the impact of the rising Shale oil production in the United States (which we also warned against in our earlier state-

ment), the regular declaration of Force Majeure by oil firms, the fact that oil firms are divesting instead of investing in the sector and the freewheeling spending by a profligate government, one needs not be a Harvard-trained economist to know that the dark clouds are gathering over the economy.

"Since it is a truism that everything revolves around the economy, a government that cannot get it right with the economy cannot get it right with anything else. This is why we are again raising the alarm, with the belief that the government will level with Nigerians and shun the same 'political' reactions that it is used to.

"It is urgent to act now. As many concerned citizens have said, the highfalutin economic growth figures have not translated to development.

Poverty has remained high while unemployment has become a time bomb. Therefore, against the background of a tottering economy, delay could be calamitous," the party said.

Why Nigeria didn’t appeal ICJ ruling on Bakassi, by Jonathan

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has given reasons why Nigeria did not appeal the ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which awarded the oilrich territory of Bakassi to Cameroon in 2002.

Speaking during an interactive session with the Nigerian community in Yaounde, Cameroon, on Sunday night, he said Nigeria did not appeal to ensure the protection of its citizens living in Cameroon.

According to him, when two countries are friendly, the citizens also tend to be friendly, but when two countries disagree, their citizens also tend to disagree.

President Jonathan said Nigeria had no new evidence within the period given that would make a difference in the judgment.

The President is in Cameroon for the Summit of Heads of States and Governments of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Gulf of Guinea Commission (GGC), which started yesterday and is focusing on maritime safety and security in the Gulf of

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

Guinea.

While the area has been guarded by Cameroonian soldiers since their country took control of the territory from Nigeria on August 14, 2008, there was a deadline for Nigerians there to decide to become Cameroonians latest

by August 2012 or leave the territory.

Jonathan said: “You all

know what happened in Bakassi. There is no need to go back on why we couldn’t appeal. We had no new evidence within the period of time given that would make a difference in the judgment.

“Our people should live a good and decent life in Cameroon. The forces of animosity are dying down and the relationship is improving.”

He assured the citizens that his administration was committed to their welfare and

that their concern on the high cost of residence permits, high cost of tuition fees for students, among others, would be tabled before his host, President Paul Biya, to find a solution to them.

Hailing the good reports on Nigerians in Cameroon, President Jonathan assured that the concerns raised on security, power and infrastructural deficits in Nigeria are being tackled.

He said progress has been made in key sectors during two years of his administration’s tenure.

‘Power generation drops to 2,290mw’

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HE Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has said that the country’s power generation dropped to 2,290megawatt (mw) on Sunday after a loss of 1,598mw, following gas pipeline vandalism.

TCN analysis gave an indication that the nation’s power generation had dropped from 4,500mw to 3,888mw before the Sunday gas pipeline vandalism.

The company said with the low level generation, the operation and control of the system is a major challenge.

TCN said the massive load shedding experienced nationwide is caused by vandalism of two major gas pipelines supplying gas to eight power generation stations, namely Egbin/AES

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

thermal stations, Olorunsogo, Omotoso, Geregu NIPP, Afam IV and VI thermal power stations as well as River State Independent Power Station, resulting in reduction of power supply by 1,598 megawatts.

In statement by the company’s General Manager (Public Affairs), Mr. Dave Ifabiyi, TCN said: “One of the vandalised gas pipelines takes supply from the Okoloma Gas Plant, the other takes from Escravos.

“With the disruption of gas supply through the lines, the Nigerian Gas Company (NGC) is unable to move gas to Afam IV, Afam VI and the Independent Power Plant in Rivers State, resulting in generation loss of 593MW.”

HE Acting DirectorGeneral of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Dr. Joyce Nkemakolam, has said the new aviation policy has not threatened the autonomy of the agency.

He said the new policy has also not impacted negatively on its functions, rather it has created a template to strengthen its roles as a regulator of civil aviation.

Speaking to reporters at the Aviation House in Ikeja, Lagos, Dr. Nkemakolan said what is enshrined in the new policy has been in operation overtime.

He said the grounding of airlines could be avoided if operators adhered to the regulatory requirements without violations.

“If there is no violation or flouting of these regulations, of course, there will be no sanction. We want to eradicate the culture of impunity, which some operators have penchant of taking liberty of. This has got to stop.”

He said the agency is planning to invite operators and sensitise them to adhere to the regulations guiding their operations.

On private jet owners, Dr. Nkemakolam said there were limitations and restrictions to the use of private jets for leisure, adding that anybody flying with friends should be captured in their insurance policy.

“If you have a third party insurance policy, you can fly with them. However, if you don’t, you are working outside the realm of your licence. You must make sure those you intend to carry are covered,” he said.

Poly lecturers may call off strike tomorrow From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

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CADEMIC Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) may call off its over two-month strike tomorrow during its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting at the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State.

This indication emerged yesterday during the congress of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko chapter of the ASUP. Chairman of ASUP, Federal Polytechnic, Oko, branch, Comrade Onyeka Uwakwe, said academic staff of polytechnics in Nigeria would gather in Oko from tomorrow for their NEC meeting.

He said they have prepared for the hosting of the 74th NEC meeting and urged all to lend support.

“With regard to ASUP national strike, congress urges the Federal Government to show more commitment to matters concerning the education sector and polytechnic system in particular. Congress expresses readiness to begin full academic work as soon as the national strike is suspended in view of the absence of any local chapter problem,” Comrade Uwakwe said.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2013 CITYBEATS LINE: 07059022999

Police kill seven ‘abductors’ of Bamigbetan

Continued from page 1

Those arrested are: Ogbonna Emenike, 27, and Uchenna Nwanyu, 25, who were paraded with the bodies of their killed accomplices by Lagos Police chief Umar Manko yesterday.

Men of the State Special AntiRobbery Squad (SARS) led by Superintendent (SP) Abba Kyari killed the suspects at Agbara, a Lagos suburb, shortly after they abducted an Indian, Vivex Chagrani and brought him to the hide-out.

The Indian was kidnapped in Ikoyi on his way back from a night outing. He was rescued unhurt during an exchange of gunfire with the police when the two were arrested. Two other suspects were shot in the leg.

The suspects, however, said they were not members of the gang.

Nwanyu said: "I am not a kidnapper. I have been managing a restaurant in Ghana for two years now. I came with my

F

IVE Chinese and 109 other illegal immigrants were arrested last Saturday by operatives of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Lagos State Command.

Its Rivers State counterparts have also screened 106 others for repatriation to their various countries.

The Lagos Command Comptroller, Rasheed Odupeyin, said the five Chinese had over-stayed in the country.

Odupeyin explained that the other illegal immigrants from neighbouring countries were arrested from two different locations in the state.

He said those arrested included 25 Nigeriens, 33 Guineans, 10 Togolese, 11 Beninoise and two Ghanaians. Odupeyin said they would undergo biometric screening to get their data so that when they return illegally into the country again, they would be easily detected. He said they would be deported within the next 24 hours to their various countriesn assuring: "The raid continues."

Rivers Command Comp-

By Jude Isiguzo, Police Affairs Correspondent

boss, China, his wife and their two kids on Sunday when they said they wanted to renew their passports at FESTAC. "Later, China invited me to his house at Agbara. On getting there, they told me that they had an Indian guest in the room and I should keep him company. I did not know that he had been kidnapped. It was after I was arrested that I knew that China was a kidnapper."

Emenike said he was not part of the gang, adding: “He said: "I was released from Kirikiri Maximum Prison last Monday.

I am a footballer and I have been looking for money to buy sporting equipment. I met one guy at a bus stop last week who told me he was an importer. He invited me to his house to discuss business. It was while I was

there that policemen arrested me."

Changrani identified the suspects as his captors. He praised the police for rescuing him in less than five hours.

He said: "I have been living in Nigeria for seven years and I work for a plastic-manufacturing company. On Sunday night, around 12am, I was on Gerrard Road, Ikoyi, when men in army uniform flagged down my vehicle. They jumped in and pushed me to the back seat.

"An hour later, they pushed me into their vehicle and blindfolded me. After some hours of driving, they took me into their house, locked me up in a room and asked me to sleep. They promised to release me if my employers paid a ransom.

Around 5am, I started hearing gunshots and when the police identified themselves, I screamed for help and they res-

cued me. The police did a fantastic job."

Recovered from them include four AK 47 rifles, 28 AK 47 fully loaded magazines, over 1,000 live ammunition, army uniforms, one CRV Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) marked, ABC 106 AE and a Nissan Pathfinder marked, AGL730AZ. Manko said: "Based on painstaking follow-up and surveillance on Ghana-based Nigerian kidnappers of Ejigbo Local Government Chairman, Bamigbetan, detectives stormed Agbara, Ogun State, where the kidnappers have their camp.

"After 72 hours of waiting in an ambush, Kyari and his team stormed the house where the kidnappers had gathered at about 3am. Seven of them were killed during heavy gun battle between them and SARS operatives".

He said the two suspects were arrested with arms, charms and operational vehicles among others.

Honour for Senator Tinubu IRU-Victoria Island Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Lagos State, yesterday named a banquet hall in its newly office complex after Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

Chairman of the council, Hon Abayomi Daramola, said it was in appreciation of her enormous contributions to the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the country.

Also, the council will tomorrow commission the new office complex, according to Daramola, to create a suitable working atmosphere for workers and political office holders for improved productivity.

The edifice, he said, is part of

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

dividends of democracy to aid people's welfare, adding: "Our feat would not have been possible without the doggedness and perseverance of the political colossus, an icon of democratic activism in Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who defied the Federal Government to insist on the birth and sustenance of 37 additional LCDAs in the state. Today, our people are better for it because governance has been brought closer to them. I also acknowledge the immense support of our amiable governor, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN)."

Court reinstates ex-Nigerdock chief A Federal High Court in Lagos has nullified the dismissal of a former Managing Director of Nigerdock Nigeria Plc, Dr. Victor Ozobia.

Presiding Judge, Justice Okon Abang, ruled that the dismissal of Ozobia in 2001 was in conflict with the Public Service rules and therefore ordered his reinstatement.

Justice Abang also ruled that all salaries, entitlements and promotions due to Ozobia should be given to him, in addition to the N100,000 awarded in his favour.

Ozobia, pioneer MD of Nigerdock, was also dismissed as a civil servant in pensionable cadre of the Federal Civil Service.

Prior to his movement to Nigerdock, Ozobia was an en-

By Tunde Awe

gineer in the Federal Civil Service Commission, which later deployed him to the Federal Ministry of Transport.

He was both the site engineer and project manager during the construction of Nigerdock and subsequently appointed its pioneer managing director upon completion, a post he held until 2001, when Chief Ojo Maduekwe, then Transport minister, set up a panel of enquiry which indicted him.

Sequel to the report of the panel, Ozobia was dismissed on NTA News and charged to the Magistrate Court and Federal High Court on criminal charges. He, however, defended himself in the criminal trials until the charges were terminated in his favour.

US agency lifts construction sector

• Some of the ‘illegal’ immigrants ... yesterday

Chinese, 109 other illegal immigrants held

By Jude Isiguzo and Precious Dikewoha

troller, Mr. Mike Longe, said yesterday at the Command's headquarters, Port Harcourt, that their recent success was a response to a new directive by its new leadership.

Relaxation haven ready for retirees

•Rivers screens 106 others "The 106 illegal immigrants were from Gabon, Ghana, Cameroon and Niger Republic. We arrested and later screened them. Those found worthy will stay, while the

rest without the requisite documents will go," he said.

The comptroller said the exercise would assist in tackling Nigeria's security challenges.

A UK Aid Agency, Growth & Employment in States 2 (GEMS2) has introduced a novel batch mixer to grow employment, market and labour in the nation's construction sector.

Technical Director, GEMS 2, Mr. Ronald Ashkin told The Nation that the batch mixers are beneficial in creating strong, uniform and consistently high-quality concrete blocks for durable housing and other constructions.

He said: "Traditional methods use shovels, head pans, and wheelbarrows to measure, resulting in quality variations from batch to batch. The batch mixer ensures a uniform and thoroughly mixed concrete.

Usually, mixing is done by hand, using shovels which

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie, Assistant Editor

takes more time and results in a less thoroughly mixed and thus poorer quality block."

Ashkin said the machines bought from Cart-A-Away Systems of Oregon, USA, have a generator and thus, do not rely on public power supply.

According to him, they increase the efficiency of concrete block production by utilising a well-engineered, robust batch mixer with price advantage.

He encouraged stakeholders, especially the National Association of Block Moulders Association of Nigeria (NABMON), to buy into the new technology to produce high quality blocks to enable them tap into the huge potentials of the sector for increased incomes.

Firm holds free cancer screening

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HE era when retires Senior Citizens - suffered neglect after years of active civil service, especially in Lagos State, appears to be over. Reason: A new haven for their relaxation and recreation has been built. It is named, Retirement Villa.

The project, a sprawling mansion, erected on Road 45, Lekki Phase II, Lagos, has been completed and will soon be commissioned.

The project is the brain-child of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), chaired by the state governor's wife, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola. COWLSO is a community-based gender organisation founded in 1974 by the wife of the first Military Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Funmilayo Johnson, to complement government effort to provide recreational centres, mobilise grassroots support for child health care, canvass for resources to empower women and preserve the envi-

CITYBEATS

ronment.

The project was initiated by a former chairperson of the body, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, before Mrs. Fashola took over.

The project costs N300 million and was built with proceeds from the National Women Conference (NWC) held between 2006 and 2009.

A masterpiece, it provides retirees with the opportunities for sporting activities. Besides the serenity of its environment, the villa has several facilities, such as the main club house, which comprises reception, ad-

ing for men and women from 18 years.

The group seeks to acquire 37 mobile cancer clinics at N95 million each in the 36 states of the federation for the screening and early treatment of cancer.

In the mobile clinics, there will be screening, follow-ups, and surgical operations.

DEAN, Post-Graduate Studies, University of Lagos, Mr Chukwu Obinnaya, has said that for Nigeria to tackle human trafficking, its anti-trafficking efforts should be focused more on strengthening the borders and preventing irregular migration between Nigeria and other countries.

He spoke at a workshop: "Human trafficking: Reality, dangers and implications. It was organised by the Centre for Correction and Human Development (CCHD) for school pupils around Lagos.

Speaking at the Afe Babalola Auditorium, University of Lagos, venue of the workshop,

he said trafficking is a crime against individuals that transcends culture, class and geography.

He explained: "Thousands of our youths, especially girls, are being abducted, tricked, drugged, beaten, starved and ensnared through this crime, internally and internationally."

Besides growing unemployment, gender inequality and violence against women, he said poverty is the major cause of the problem in the country.

Executive Director, CCHD, Mrs Obioma Agoziem, said the workshop was to sensitise children on human trafficking.

By Nneka Nwaneri

'How to end human trafficking'

• The newly constructed Villa

By Dada Aladelokun, Assistant Editor

THE Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy (CECP-Nigeria), a non-governmental initiative of mass medical mission, is set to hold a memorial in honour of some Nigerians who died of cancer.

It is billed for June 29 between 12noon and 5pm at 30, Ishaga Road, Surulere, featuring free cancer lecture and counselling as well as screen-

ministrative offices, lounge/ games rooms, restaurant/ kitchen, toilets, bookshops and laundry room. It also has 240metre square multi-purpose hall with toilets and store.

There are also four split shops and doctors' clinic with three consulting rooms and pharmacy. The villa has 12 chalets for guests at reasonable costs; a staff quarter, restrooms and its caretaker's two-bedroom apartment.

Recreation facilities, including gymnasium, sauna, massage room, two hard-surface tennis courts, swimming pool, changing rooms, pool-side bar and barbeque, are also there.

Others include a 55-capacity car park, paved private garden, courtyard, a generator, water treatment plant, security room and service yard. Mrs Fashola said: "We started the project in 2010 to provide a place where the elderly can fellowship.

There are also chalets for those who may want to stay overnight. The senior citizens will be charged a token for the maintenance of our facilities."

Chairman of the project's Building Committee, Mrs. Bimpe Martins, said as soon as COWLSO fine-tunes the modality for its operations, Governor Babatunde Fashola will commission the project.

By Medinat Kanabe

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2013

8

NEWS 70 Lagos roads for repairs

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By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

HE Lagos State Government has awarded contracts for the rehabilitation of 70 roads.

Governor Babatunde Fashola announced this yesterday while hosting the Lagos and Ikeja branches of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), led by Mr. Monday Ubani and Mr. Taiwo Taiwo, at the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja.

He said this has increased the number of road contracts awarded in his second term to 230.

Fashola said: “We set a target in this second term to complete about 450 roads. Last year, we awarded contracts for about 160 roads. This year, we have awarded about 70 roads. This shows that we are more concerned about road construction this year.

“We have completed about half of the roads we set out to achieve. But again, we can only award that much if we complete that much. That is why this year’s projects are focused on completing inner roads. The decision on which road to deal with first is based on the road that has the most traffic.”

•Fashola (third left); his deputy, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire (right); Ubani (second left); the Auditor of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja branch, Mrs. Nelly Silver-Ajaloye (left) and the Welfare Secretary, Mr. Samson Omodara...yesterday.

PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES.

LAUTECH student found dead

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HO killed Miss Adaramoye Oluwaseun, a 100-level student of the Department of Management and Accounting, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Oyo State?

Was she murdered by ritualists?

These are the questions on the minds of students and policemen handling the case.

The mutilated body of the Ondo State-born Oluwaseun was found in a building under construction around Jastok Guest House last

From Bode Durojaiye, Ogbomoso

Thursday.

Her skull and stomach were open. Her brain and some organs were missing. Her private part was shaven.

It was learnt that Oluwaseun left home two Sundays ago and her whereabout was unknown until last Wednesday, when she was absent at an examination.

It was learnt that her family picked up her remains last Friday for burial.

Students have urged the police to expose her killer(s).

One of them, who pleaded for anonymity, said: “We have had enough of these dastardly acts. We appreciate efforts by the police to fish out those involved in the murder and prosecute them. Our lives are not safe.

“We are often attacked by armed criminals, with nobody to come to our rescue. Several reports have been lodged in the past, but nothing was done. We are at the mercy of God.”

Tokyo’s case: Court disqualifies ex-attorney-general

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HE Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan yesterday disqualified a former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Oyo State, Mr. Michael Lana, from representing the Caretaker Committee of the state’s branch of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in a suit filed against the union by Alhaji Lateef Akinsola, a.k.a. Tokyo.

Justice Abimbola ObasekiAdejumo said it would be morally wrong for the former Attorney-General to continue with the case because he (Lana) must have had an insight of it.

She said: “You have the facts and this would put the plaintiff at a disadvantaged position.”

Akinsola’s counsel Abiodun Amole told the court that Lana earlier represented Akinsola in a “sister” case decided by the same court, but presided over by retired Justice Jonathan Shakaraoh.

Amole said: “Lana appeared for him in the case and he cannot now appear against him.”

Lana denied ever representing Akinsola, saying: “My clients were once on the same side with Akinsola, as he was then their chairman. We

T

From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

won the case and the court ordered the governor to reinstate the sacked administration of the union.

“Akinsola, thereafter, removed his members and this resulted in violence. Subsequently, the union was proscribed and a caretaker committee was appointed, made up of Akinsola’s former men.”

Amole presented a copy of a letter emanating from Lana, “which implied that Akinsola was among his clients”.

Lana withdrew his representation and the court ruled for a new counsel to take up the brief.

Justice Obaseki-Adejumo said: “It is more honourable to pass on the case and I praise the honourable withdrawal of the counsel. I adjourn the case till September 30 in order for the defense to get another counsel to take up the brief.”

Akinsola sued the 14-man caretaker committee set up by the state government for contempt of the court judgment that reinstated him as the union’s chairman.

Speaking with journalists after the proceedings, Akinsola said he was pleased with the disqualification of

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

Sotayo reportedly has a bullet wound on his right leg, “which was sustained in a gun battle with the police after the attack on the vigilance group”.

Following the instruction of the Commissioner of Police, Ikemefuna Okoye, that the suspects be fished out, policemen attached to Onipanu Division, Ota, trailed the other suspects.

This led to a gun battle at Oko Bale, Ilogbo and Otta, in which the three

•Court grants defendants N2b bail

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By Joseph Jibueze

HE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday rearraigned Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji on amended charges bordering on money laundering.

The speaker is facing 24-count charges. His personal assistant, Oyebode Atoyebi, was also re-arraigned on 49 counts.

They pleaded not guilty.

Justice Ibrahim Buba granted them N1 billion bail each with two sureties.

He said they would be remanded in prison unless they meet the bail conditions.

The court refused to adopt the bail conditions granted them by the former trial judge, retired Justice Okechukwu Okeke.

Justice Buba surprised the courtroom when he first pronounced a bail of N5 billion each for the defendants.

He said he was not bound by the former judge’s bail conditions since the case was beginning afresh before him.

Ikuforiji’s lawyer, Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), requested that the bail conditions be varied and the judge reduced it to N1 billion each.

Justice Buba said the sureties must file an affidavit of means and the defendants must undertake to always be present in court.

In the amended charges, Ikuforiji and Atoyebi were accused of accepting cash payments from the House of Assembly on or about April 27, 2010, without going through a financial institution.

EFCC said the “various cash payments” amounted to about N338.8 million.

Justice Okeke, before he retired, adjourned proceedings in the trial indefinitely, after accusing the prosecution of delaying the trial.

Justice Buba adjourned the case till September 25.

Christ’s School walks for glory •Akinsola

the counsel.

He said: “It is unethical for Lana to have appeared for us, only to turn around and appear for another party in the same issue. Unlike the general belief that I am associated with violence, I am a law-abiding citizen seeking justice against illegalities.

“It was illegal for the government to have set up a caretaker committee against the decision of the Federal High Court, Ibadan, and the National Industrial Court, Lagos, which ruled in my favour.”

Akinsola urged his supporters to be law-abiding and await the court’s decision on the matter.

He said: “We strongly believe the court is the last hope of the common man.”

Police kill three robbery suspects in Ogun

HE police yesterday killed three robbery suspects and arrested one in Ota, Ogun State.

It was learnt that on Friday, the suspects shot and killed four members of a vigilance group, who were manning a filling station at Onihale.

Those killed include Nurudeen Kasali and another man identified as Akeem, a.k.a. omo Iya Lajatwo.

On Saturday, policemen attached to the Ota Division, led by Gabriel Dibie, arrested one of the suspects, Babatunde Sotayo, in a church in Ota.

EFCC re-arraigns Ikuforiji, aide

suspects were killed.

Police spokesman Olumuyiwa Adejobi said one made-in-Ghana triple barrelled gun, seven live cartridges, one rod, a rope and cellotape were recovered from the suspects.

He said their bodies had been deposited in the mortuary.

Dauda Yekini (33), a herbalist; the alleged armourer of the gang, Quadri Adeosun and Matthew Abiodun were arrested with Babatunde’s help.

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From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

HE weeklong celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti, yesterday continued with a ‘Walk for Glory’ round the Ekiti State capital.

Officials of the school, decked in branded vests and fez caps, teachers, pupils and other categories of workers gathered at the school gate by 7am.

They walked through Dallimoore, Okeyinmi, Ojumoshe before heading back to the school around 9am, singing songs that extolled the founder of the school, Archdeacon Henry Dallimoore, and others, whose influence contributed to the institution’s growth.

The Headteacher, Christ’s School (Boys), Prince Adewole Akinyede, said the walk was held simultaneously in Ibadan; Lagos; Atlanta and Georgia in the United States (US); the United Kingdom (UK); Benin; Abuja; Port Harcourt and other places where old students of the school were concentrated.

He said the celebration began with a service at the Emmanuel Cathedral, Ado-Ekiti.

Akinyede said: “This walk is to sensitive the people on the weeklong event, which will feature literary and debating activities, career talks, inter-house sports competition, inauguration of a commemorative brochure, award ceremony as well as an anniversary lecture, to be delivered by former Nigerian Ambassador to the UK, Dr. Christopher Kolade.

“All activities will be rounded off on Sunday at the school’s chapel. Christ’s School has produced eminent Nigerians, including Governor Kayode Fayemi.”

Ajimobi gets kudos for flyover

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From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Oyo State has hailed Governor Abiola Ajimobi on the completion of the flyover at Mokola roundabout in Ibadan, the state capital.

The 640-metre flyover is the first to be built by a civilian administration in the state. The first flyover in Oyo, situated in Molete, was built 34 years ago by the military administration of Gen. David Jemibewon. The Mokola flyover is the second.

In a statement yesterday by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Dauda Kolawole, ACN said the bridge will aid the movement of goods and services and ease traffic. The party expressed delight at the completion of the motor park at Podo and the Scout Camp Business Complex at Molete, which will accommodate over 3,000 traders. The Podo motor park is expected to bring sanity to the activities of road transport unions.

THE NATION TUESDAY JUNE 25, 2013

9

NEWS

Ondo CPC candidate petitions CJN, NJC on alleged denial of justice D

ISSATISFIED with the handling of his petition at the State Election Petitions Tribunal, the candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in the October 20, 2012 governorship election in Ondo State, Prince Olusoji Ehinlanwo, has petitioned the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and the National Judicial Council (NJC).

In a petition dated June 22, Ehinlanwo urged the CJN and the NJC to probe the Justice Andova Kaka’n-led tribunal, adding that it denied him and his party fair hearing.

According to Ehinlanwo, he had earlier petititioned the President of the Court of Appeal (PCA) on April 14, following the tribunal’s verdict on his party’s petition and the subsequent Appeal Court judgment.

He said a copy of the petition, which was also sent to the CJN, asked the panel, chaired by Justice Kaka’n, to excuse itself from adjudicating further on our petition.

Besides, he demanded that the panel be disallowed from dealing with the CPC’s matter and a new panel constituted as soon as possible.

The petition reads: “We indicated clearly in the petition the basis for our position. Our position was premised on views expressed by the panel in its earlier judgment, which we believe foreclosed the possibility of a fair trial on account of manifest bias reflected in the pro-

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Court hears Ondo ACN’s appeal today

HE Court of Appeal sitting in Akure will today hear the appeal filed by the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and its candidate in last October’s governorship election in Ondo State, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) challenging the judgment of the Election Petition Tribunal.

The party is praying the court to set aside the judgment of the Justice Andova Kaka’n-led Tribunal, which declared Dr. Olusegun Mimiko of the Labour Party (LP) winner of election.

The briefs by both parties will be adopted today.

ACN is alleging that the tribunal caused a miscarriage of justice when it rejected its expert’s evidence, which were earlier admitted by the tribunal.

It said the tribunal failed to evaluate the evidence of its 41 witnesses, whose evidence were unchallenged by the respondents, particularly the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and LP, which did not call any witness.

ACN said even though its evidence of irregularities and non-accreditation of voters were corroborated on crossexamination by Mimiko’s 14 witnesses, the tribunal ruled that it lacked sufficient evidence to cancel the election.

It said despite the tribunal’s “finding of fact” that there were injection of strange names into the 2012 From Damisi Ojo, Akure

nouncements.

“Like we argued in the petition, we do not understand how the panel came to the conclusion that the first petitioner ‘has admitted’ that he scored 1,931 votes.

“We also do not understand how the panel could base its conclusions on the votes ‘allocated’ at that election, as if they were accepted by it without allowing evi-

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

voter’s register used by INEC, it refused to void the register and declined jurisdiction to adjudicate on the matter.

The party said Section 131(5) of the Electoral Act, which was heavily relied on by the tribunal to decline jurisdiction, does not exist.

It alleged that the judgment was full of inconsistencies, saying at one length, the tribunal ruled that the 118 documentary evidence tendered by ACN was demonstrated before the tribunal, and in another part, ruled that they were not demonstrated but dumped on the tribunal, thus appropriating and reprobating its judgment.

ACN and Akeredolu are urging the Court of Appeal to order a fresh election “since the respondents failed to defend the allegations”.

The first respondent, Mimiko, is challenging the jurisdiction of the Court of Appeal to hear the ACN’s appeal.

He said some of the grounds of appeal are argumentative, repetitive and “sometimes without particulars”.

Mimiko is praying the Court of Appeal to strike out the ACN’s Appeal. LP and INEC, who are co-respondents, have filed their briefs.

dence from us.

“We also find the position of the panel that the ‘petitioner is a daydreamer and the petition a huge joke’ unwarranted and without basis and insist as before that it appeared a calculated political statement meant to undermine the petition and the first petitioner by creating a demeaning perception in the eyes of his supporters and the public.

“It was on the basis of the afore-

mentioned points and other grave issues raised in our petition, which we believe reflect manifest bias on the part of the panel before we were allowed to adduce evidence, that we refused to further present our case before the panel and called for the constitution of a new panel.

“We feel it is important, on account of public perception of the propriety or otherwise of the action of judicial officers, for the CJN and the NJC to determine whether or not what we consider as the curious and unwarranted pronouncements credited to the panel are indeed utterances that are expected from judges of this calibre, especially

•From left: Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi; Catholic Bishop of Ibadan Diocese Rev. Felix Alaba Job; Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi and his wife, Florence, at the 75th birthday thanksgiving service for the bishop in Ibadan...yesterday.

‘Bode George should not be member of PDP BoT’

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WO groups in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are challenging the membership of the former Chairman of the Board of the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), Chief Olabode George, in the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT).

The groups are the Movement for Change and Empowerment (MCE) as well as the Forum for Equity and Justice (FEJ).

In a statement yesterday, MCE’s National Publicity Secretary Mr. Dele Awopoju and FEJ’s National Coordinator Mr. Enitan Ayelabowo said: “Given George’s con-

viction for financial impropriety and corrupt practices, it is repugnant for such a character, who ought to bury his head in shame, to be parading himself as the leader of the PDP in Lagos State and the Southwest.

“More than ever before, the PDP is now better positioned to win Lagos State, hence, we do not want George’s moral and political deficit to rob our great party of its bright chances of winning future elections.

“Come to think of it, if the PDP won all states of the Southwest in 2003 except Lagos, where George has been

calling the shots for close to 15 years, is it now that he is an ex-convict that the sophisticated people of Lagos State and indeed the Southwest will listen to him?”

The groups hailed the PDP’s national leadership for denying George the privilege of moving the motion for the vote-of-confidence passed in President Goodluck Jonathan at the party’s recent National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja.

They urged the PDP’s leadership to “either remove George from the BoT or render him redundant to

avoid embarrassment.”

The groups said: “The Yoruba are decent people who will not give any position of responsibility to a questionable character, more so when the reason for the personality cum moral deficit has to do with financial impropriety and corrupt practices.

“It will be an insult to the sensibilities of the sophisticated people of the Southwest if he is allowed to remain in the BoT, which is the conscience of our great party, and lay claims to the PDP’s leadership in the Southwest.”

when evidence has not been accepted, and whether these statements were not clear manifestations of blatant bias against the CPC and its candidate.”

Ehinlanwo “urged the CJN and the NJC to determine whether the CPC and its candidate acted rightly in concluding that the possibility of fair trial was foreclosed from the panel and requesting a new panel to deal with its petition.”

He said: “The response to our petition was given to us on May 11, after the panel we complained about had wound up, and we were faced with a situation where, rather than achieving a resolution to the issue we brought to the notice of the PCA, it appeared to had been compounded.

“The other important issue we urge the CJN and NJC to resolve is that given the urgency implied in our petition and the overriding need to ensure that justice is not only done but is seen to have been done, the available time frame of over three weeks from April 14, within which we felt a new panel could have been constituted, has expired, due to the unfortunate administrative inaction at the Appeal Court.

“Based on the aforementioned points, we are at the risk of being denied justice through a combination of events that appear to be pushing us away from the temple of justice.

“We have no doubt whatsoever that the CJN and NJC are committed to ensuring that no individual or group is made to suffer injustice on account of weaknesses and lapses which are no fault of theirs.

“We implore your Lordship and the NJC to urgently intervene in this matter, so that we are not denied our right to present our case and the associated evidence.”

10

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2013

BUSINESS

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 25 , 2013

THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

Naira pares loss after CBN dollars sale

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HE naira pared its biggest loss since September after the Nigerian Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) sold the most dollars in 20 months at its regular auction yesterday.

According to Bloomberg report, the CBN sold $500 million, the highest amount since October 12, 2011, according to data on its website. The regulator auctions dollars on Mondays and Wednesdays to support the local currency. Foreign investors were said to exit the country, according to CSL Stockbrokers Ltd., boosting dollar demand that earlier weighed on the naira.

The currency traded less than 0.1 per cent stronger at N159.38 per dollar, paring its earlier decline of as much as two per cent.

“The central bank is signaling its willingness to defend the exchange rate amid less favorable external and market conditions,” Samir Gadio, an emerging-markets strategist with Standard Bank Group Ltd.’s London-based unit, said.

“The pressure on the currency will persist in the absence of foreign capital inflows, and especially if there are further outflows.” ”The naira is under pressure from a combination of falling oil production and portfolio outflows as foreign investors adjust their positions in light of Fed comments last week,” Alan Cameron, an analyst with CSL Stockbrokers in London, said.

Yields on Nigeria’s $500 million Eurobonds due January 2021 rose three basis points, or 0.03 percentage point, to 6.2 per cent. Borrowing costs on localcurrency debt due January 2022 fell 15 basis points to 13.85 percent on June 21, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

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

- Minister of Information, Labaran Maku

Why power crises persist, by minister T HE Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, yesterday explained that the flurry of system collapses and the fall in the amount of generated electricity were caused by poor maintenance habit, vandalism, sabotage and poor funding.

Nebo, who admitted that Nigeria is undergoing very difficult moments in the power sector, spoke at the headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Power while receiving a report containing recommendation on how to address the incessant system collapse that had characterised the power sector in recent times.

The Minster said: “For instance, we lost close to 1,600megawatts of power at the weekend on account of vandalism. Our gas pipelines were vandalised and this knocked off our power plants. We urge our compatriots to stop such acts and behaviours that undermine the growth and develop-

•Fed Govt begins payment to DISCOs From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

ment of our nation.

“We are facing very difficult times in the power sector. It will interest you to know that some of the problems are manmade, such as poor maintenance habit, vandalism, sabotage and poor funding.”

The Minister also confirmed that the ministry had commenced the disbursement the Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO) to Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOs) and Generation Companies (GENCOs to enable them solve their problems.

Minister of State for Power, Ms. Zainab Kuchi, in her address, lamented that Nigeria’s power situation was very bad.

“Power situation is very

bad in this country and we need to run faster than we can to meet up. We will give the recommendations our best shot and hope to address the issues as soon as possible,” she said.

The Chairman of the 13member Technical Investigative Panel on System Collapse, Mr. Fatai Olapade, said unqualified personnel at the Transmission Company of Nigeria were also liable for the problems in the sector.

“TCN for the past 17 years has not been employing people. Most of the operators are old and some of them are inexperienced; they need to be trained. So there should be capacity building.

“But all other issues are purely technical, like communication and others. The

most important part of it is the vegetation. We are in the raining season and there are some trees that grow so fast that when wind blows they can touch the lines and cause transient fault.”

The panel two weeks ago by Federal Government and mandated it to come up with recommendations on how to deal with the problem in the sector.

Commenting on the payments to disco, the Minister, who did not mention the amount released to the companies, noted that although the fund would not be sufficient for funding the 11 DISCOs and six GENCOs but it will make a significant impact.

Olapade noted that p art of the reasons for system collapses was due to the zero allocation to the DISCOs and GENCOs in the 2013 budget.

He said Nigeria’s power sector recorded three system collapses within the period of the panel’s assignment.

MARKET CAPITALISATIONS NSE JSE NYSE LSE

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

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

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HE Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natu ral Gas Workers (NUPENG) yesterday said it would begin its proposed three-day warning strike tomorrow, if the Federal Government does not intervene.

In a statement signed by the General Secretary, Comrade Isaac O. Aberare, NUPENG said the Union appreciates the intervention of the Federal Minister of Labour, Chief Emeka Wogu in a meeting at his instance two weeks ago with the Chevron and Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC). He however, said it was disappointed that nothing had so far been done in the agreements reached at the meeting.

The union said that it should not be blamed if it carries out the action as proposed on tomorrow, as nothing concrete has been done on the part of Chevron and SPDC to address the issues.

They called on the Federal Ministry of Labour to call Chevron and Shell to order and start the implementation of the agreement reached at the meeting that was conveyed by the Minister of Labour two weeks ago or face the industrial action.

The union also noted that

Proliferation of ATMs favours higher notes, says CBN Nduka Chiejina (Assistant Editor)

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

NUPENG begins warning strike tomorrow

•Sitting from left, Sheik Mohammed Zayyad, Islamic financial institute of South Africa; Professor Monzer Kahf, member of Qatar Foundation and Jaiz ACE; Usman Hassan, acting Managing Director, Jaiz Bank; and Momodou M Joof, Managing Director/CEO, Takaful Gambia Limited. Standing left from behind, Attahiru Maccido, Director, Metropolitan Skills Limited; Muhammed K Muhammed, Financial Controller, Jaiz Bank; Hajia Zara Musa, Head, Human Capital Development, Jaiz Bank; Rukayat O Salaudeen, Company Secretary, Jaiz Bank; Omar Shaikh, Executive Board Member, Islamic Finance Council, Uk; Idris Salihu, Head, Corporate Communications, Jaiz Bank, at a meeting yesterday at the Jaiz Bank head office in Abuja, ahead of a non-interest finance conference holding today in Abuja.

41 insurance firms yet to submit 2012 financials, says NAICON W

ITH less than five days to June 30 submission deadline required by the National Insurance Commission (NAICON) for insurance companies to submit their 2012 financial statement, 41 companies are yet to comply.

This was disclosed yesterday by the regulatory body, NAICOM in a status report of Insurance Companies 2012 Financial Statement as at Monday, June 24, 2013.

It noted that only three

Stories by Omobola Tolu-kusimo

companies, which include Mansard Insurance Plc, ADIC Insurance and Wapic Insurance Plc have submitted and gotten approval on their 2012 financial statement.

The commission reported that financial statements of companies such as FBN Life Assurance Ltd, AIICO Insurance Plc and Oasis Insurance Plc are presently been queried and are as such await-

ing their responses.

Meanwhile, Consolidated Hallmark insurance whose statement has been queried by the commission and responses made is currently undergoing review.

In the same vein, Continental Re, Law Union and Rock Insurance and NEM Insurance Plc have just submitted their statements, which are being reviewed by the commission.

NAICOM has in recent

time’s maintained strict reporting standard in the financials of insurance companies.

Commissioner for insurance, Mr. Fola Daniel said the commission would never approve any account that fails to meet the required standard.

There are 59 insurance companies in the country with 17 operating as life, 32 as non-life and 10 as composite.

HE proliferation of Au tomated Teller Ma chines (ATMs) is making banks to stock higher naira denomination notes over smaller notes, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has said.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the West African Institute for Financial and Economic Management, (WAIFEM)/Currency Research regional workshop on banknotes and currency management in Abuja yesterday, the CBN governor Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi said ATMs have had considerable impact on note design and sharpened the focus for both commercial and central banks.

“The growing network of ATMs has affected the compositional shift from lower denomination notes to higher denomination notes,” he said. The governor explained that in most cases, “the banks do not find it commercially viable to stock their machines with lower denomination notes because they run out sooner and increase both the capital cost and operating costs. Hence, the demand for higher denomination notes.”

Sanusi lamented that currency management has become “not only cumbersome with the attendant complex logistical arrangements but also very expensive.”

12

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2013

BUSINESS NEWS

Africa loses $300b to oil theft, T A illegal fishing

Infrastructure master plan execution begins next year, says Minister

FRICAN countries have lost about $300 billion to oil theft and illegal fishing in the continent, the Chairperson of the African Union, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma has said.

She spoke yesterday at the opening ceremony of the first summit of Heads of States and Governments of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Gulf of Guinea Commission (GGC),in Yaounde, the Cameroon.

Dlamini-Zuma said the continent has lost $200 billion in five decades to illegal fishing and $100 billion to illegal bunkering since 2003.

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

”We cannot allow this incursion of resources to continue”. She warned.

President Goodluck Jonathan according to a statement, was among the 25 African leaders that were at the opening ceremony of the summit, which focuses on maritime safety and security in the Gulf of Guinea.

The leaders gathered under the UN Resolution 2039 of February 2012, for the Gulf of Guinea region where 200 million people are living under threat of piracy and transnational

maritime crimes.

The summit is to provide a coordinated regional and international response to the scourges of piracy, drug trafficking, armed robbery and other illegal maritime activities in the Gulf of Guinea.

At the meeting, the leaders according to the statement, will review and adopt a series of measures that were previously reviewed at the March 2013 inter-ministerial conference held in Cotonou (Benin).

The Nigerian Navy disclosed that the country records between 10 to 15 attacks monthly on its stretch

of the Gulf of Guinea.

According to statistics released at the summit, in the year 2012, 45 per cent of the crimes were committed on Nigeria’s borders, Togo 25 per cent, Ghana three per cent, DRC three per cent, Cameroon five per cent, whi;e Sierra Leone was two per cent. Benin recorded three per cent while Cote d’ Ivoire had two per cent.

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) also broke down the attacks recorded to 58 in 2011, 45 in 2012, 34 of which occurred between January and September of the same year as against 30 in 2011 during the same period.

The attacks have resulted to insecurity, threats to economic growth and political stability in neighbouring countries.

The UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon in his message delivered by Abou Moussa, commended the leaders of the ECCAS, the ECOWAS and the Gulf of Guinea Commission (GGC).

The host, President Paul Biya, called on his colleagues to make sacrifices to reverse the negative trend.

HE implementation of the National Inte grated Infrastructure Master Plan that would help to tackle unnecessary duplication of infrastructure among the three tiers of government would commence next year.

Minister of National Planning, Dr Shamsuddeen Usman said this in Abuja yesterday while presenting a midterm report on the performance of his ministry.

He said the master plan would also form the basis for the preparation of the 2014 budget.

President Goodluck Jonathan had in July 2012, approved that the National Planning Commission coordinates the preparation of the NIIMP for the country.

The map will be implemented over a period of 30 years from 2014 – 2043 and will among others, address lack of linkages in the infrastructure sector.

The minster said: “National Planning Commission is responsible for the development of a 30 year NIIMP 2014 to 2043 and we have been working with all relevant stakeholders including the Development

From: Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

Partners.

“The final NIIMP document would be ready by August 2013 but an interim NIIMP has been produced to harvest quick win infrastructure projects to feed into the 2014 budget.

“The NIIMP is a 30 year plan which would be broken up into three ten year strategic plan and six five year operational plan. “The focus we are giving now is for the first five years of that 30 years and therefore it is a lot more detailed would be involved in the five year operational plan.”

On whether moving the budget office from the ministry of finance to the National Planning ministry would ensure better coordination, Usman said this might not achieve the desired result with the country’s current budget process.

Within the last two years, Usman said the ministry has been ensuring effective formulation and coordination of national development plans that are in line with international best practices.

NDIC frets over MfBs’ poor rendering HE Nigeria Deposit In proposed tripartite agreeof returns has surance Corporation ment whereby the correspond-

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(NDIC) has expressed concern about poor rendering of returns by some of the 880 microfinance banks (MfBs) operating in the country.

NDIC Managing Director, Umaru Ibrahim raised this alarm yesterday at a workshop organised by Corporation for MfBs in Lagos. He noted that since the extension of deposit insurance to MfBs in 2008 to date, only N1.1 billion has been collected as premium by regulators from the sub-sector.

He said that so far, N2.5 billion had been paid to depositors of the closed MfBs, out of total insured deposits of N4.5 billion. The NDIC boss said, the figure is by far, lower than the insured deposits in the sub-sector, citing the case in September 2010 when 103 MfBs were closed by the regulatory authorities.

By Collins Nweze

Ibrahim, who was represented by Bashir Dada Umar, NDIC Director Special Insured Institutions Department, said regulatory authorities will continue to take measures to enhance their effectiveness in the discharge of their mandate to the sub-sector to ensure the realisation of policy objectives.

“We are concerned that many MfBs are not operating as they should, neither are they playing by the rules. As many as 15 per cent of the over 880 MfBs operating in the country fail to render returns to the supervisory authorities, as and at when due, while as many fail to pay their annual premium as required by law,” he said.

However, he said that to tackle failure to pay premium by some MfBs, the corporation

ent banks of the MfBs will be required to debit their accounts and credit the corporation with the premium due.

The NDIC boss said the regulators are however, not unaware of the challenges facing the MfB subsector in the country.

He cited issues relating to undercapitalisation, illiquidity, high cost of funds, high operating cost, poor infrastructure, false life style of managers, among others.

Ibrahim said the regulators are taking appropriate measures to provide relief to the sub-sector.

He said that with an estimated 160 million population in the country, 70 per cent of whom are involved in the informal sector and 76.8 per cent of the rural residents unbanked, it shows that there exists a huge untapped potential for financial services at the micro level of the economy.

Fed Govt plans new job creation programme

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HE Federal Govern ment is planning to launch another job creation initiative to create one million new jobs annually.

The Special Adviser to the President on Youth Empowerment, Mr Obi Adim and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Job Creation, Josephine Washima said this to newsmen in Abuja.

They said their offices would join forces with other partners to launch the annual million job creation programme.

The initiative they explained would be called the Integrated Youth Development Programme and it would be designed to address the country’s high unemployment rate using a web-based platform to match skills with available jobs.

Details of the job creation programme Adim said, would be released before the end of next month, adding

Nduka Chiejina (Assistant Editor)

that the programme had already “received a lot of buyin from stakeholders.”

The duo said:”The Integrated Youth Development Initiative is a web based platform where youth development would be monitored and processed.

We discovered in Nigeria that we lack data from the various agencies. As youth go through the various stages of the programme from registration we will be registering the youths and managing the development processes stage by stage, to giving them employment.

“We are looking at creating about one million jobs a year. We have various sectors we are looking at such as Information and Communication Technology, agriculture, entrepreneurship, and skills acquisition. Those with-

out access to the Internet can register for the Integrated Youth Development Initiative with their mobile phones.

“The offices of the Special Adviser to the President on Youth Empowerment and that of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Job Creation will work as a team with other job creating and youth empowerment agencies of government.”

To realize their goal of creating one million jobs annually using this initiative, the pair said they have done their home work and visited over 25 countries to look for partners who in turn have demanded to know the development processes involved with one youth to the end point of getting a job.

These partners they said are asking for audit trails from them before committing to the programme.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2013

PROPERTY

Tuesday, JUNE 25, 2013

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

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

email:- property@thenationonlineng.net

Land of crises, bloodbath

•A portion of the land.

Ajah, situated in the neighbourhood of Lekki in Lagos, has always been a hotbed of trouble. There have been many fights over land in the area. Last month, another fight broke out there, leaving some people dead. What is the cause of these perennial crises? SEYI ODEWALE examines the claims and counter-claims of some families on the ownership of the land.

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HEN on May 25, Idowu Olumegbon and Musibau Olumegbon, siblings of Chief Fatai Olumegbon, the Olumegbon of Lagos, woke up in the morning, they never knew that they would not see the end of the day.

They were killed in a land fracas, which has become the trademark of Ajah, near Lekki in Lagos.

At a press conference on behalf of Olumegbon of Lagos on June 1, his spokesman Peter Fowoyo, accused the police of not nipping the fracas in the bud, despite being tipped off.

“On May 22, we received a call, with the caller threatening to ‘kill’ at least, three people in order to spur the Olumegbon family into positive or negative action,” Fowoyo alleged.

He said a Save Our Soul (SOS) was sent to the Area Commander, Area J, Elemoro in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area of Lagos State. The Divisional Police Officer of the area and the Commissioner of Police, Umar Manko were copied.

“It was only the Commissioner of Police that said he received the petition and ordered the Area Commander to take positive steps by preventing the ugly situation,” Fowoyo said.

He alleged that a businessman in the area sponsored the fracas.

The area, the residents said, has witnessed more than six communal crises this year, claiming several lives and destroying properties worth millions of naira. But why the recurring crisis, one asked? “It is not unconnected with the land in Ajah. Ajah is a gold mine. The cost of land and property in that community is making kith and kin to go for one another’s jugular. People are being killed over land ownership here,” said a resident who wished to be anonymous. “I live here and I would not want to endanger my life by mentioning my name. The truth of the matter is land ownership is the bone of contention in Ajah,” he added. On investigation, a plot of developed land goes for about N60million, although negotiable depending on the location and accessibility.

Bone of contention Olumegbon, Ogunsemo and Ojupon families, it was learnt, are laying claim to ownership of the land. “The Olumegbon family is basing its claim on the Supreme Court judgment of 2002, which made it the overlord in Ajah and Okun Ajah communities, but the Ojupon family would have none of that. “ But Fowoyo said there was nothing to contend with the other family. “The Olumegbon family is not in contention with anybody on any land in Ajah or any issue, as all land in

Ajah and Okun Ajah belong to Olumegbon family vide the judgment of the apex court.

There is no doubting that fact. Ajah is owned by the Olumegbon family, the head of the Idejo Chiefs in Lagos. This is not contestable. Idejo Chiefs are the land owners in Lagos. That has not changed,” Fowoyo claimed, adding that the recurring crisis in Ajah is not unconnected with some people who are bent on making the community uninhabitable.

“If you check a copy of the statement we released on June 1, we said without mincing words that some elements like Kazeem Salami (a.k.a ‘All Rounder’), are not helping the situation in Ajah,” he said.

But Salami took exception to this statement, especially when being tagged a ‘terrorist’.

Reponding through his lawyer, Saka Abdulkadir, he said a seven-day ultimatum had been given to Fowoyo and his principal to apologise to Salami, who considers the statement derogatory and an affront.

Speaking with The Nation in company of his lawyer, Salami said he was not in contention with Chief Olumegbon and wondered why he would be dragged into last month’s crisis. “I’m into oil and gas he is into land business. Let us look at it this way, when you came to my Ilaje branch filling station here in Ajah, did you see any thugs here?

Those you are seeing are my staff attending

to customers. Anybody familiar with land business in Lagos knows that it is the practice of omo-onile to use thugs to disturb those they collect owo omo-onile from. The nature of his business shows that he can be violent. I wonder why he referred to me as a terrorist. Anyway, I have my business, I’m a law-abiding citizen of Lagos. I come from Baba-Isale Chieftaincy family and my family was not part of those he dragged to court, whose case he claimed to have won.

We are not in the same business, why should I harbour thugs to attack him?”

Salami asked.

He said Olumegbon was fond of using others to speak, a tactic which complicates issues for him. “Let him come out to deny or debunk all I have said. I don’t have any issue with him, but he should stop using people to call others names,” he said.

A source at Olumegbon’s palace in EnuOwa, Lagos, said the reason Olumegbon does not want to join issues with anybody is simple: “He is not happy with the negative image the crisis has given him. Why would everything that happened in Ajah be attributed to him when everyone knows that he is not culpable? The truth is that there are those hell-bent on making Ajah uninhabitable on account of the position •Continued on page 18

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PROPERTY/ENVIRONMENT

Land of crises, bloodbath •Continued from page 17

of the law on Ajah. What the apex court did in 2002 was to endorse what was already on the ground, which the other parties challenged.”

Previous judgments The source said Olumegbon from time immemorial has been the owner of Ajah and Okun Ajah. “As the head of the Idejo Chiefs in Lagos, he was then more pre-occupied in Lagos. He delegated the two families, Ogunsemo and Ojupon, to look after Ajah while he was away in Lagos. This was how the two families came in to contention over the land years after. The two families, however, failed to realise that the 1896 judgment in favour of Olumegbon against Ojomu and 1960 judgment against Onibeju gave the land to Olumegbon.”

Two cases establish this fact; the issue between Olumegbon and Onibeju and the consent judgment of March 4, 1991. “The case that led to the consent judgment was filed before Justice J. Akinboboye and after the preliminaries, which included settling and amendment of pleadings, the trial commenced on November 22, 1989. The plaintiffs then (the late Chief Lamidi Yesufu Kalefo, the then Olumegbon of Lagos and the late Chief S. S. Ola Abereoje stood for themselves and Odugbese, Abereoje and Olumegbon families), while the defendants were the late Baale of Ajah, Amida Adedeji Kareem, Olatunji Apelehin Ojupon and Alhaji Sule Ogunsemo,” the source said.

The case, accordingly, produced the consent judgment where terms of settlement were drafted and endorsed on February 12, 1991. The

terms read in part: “The parties to this suit representing the Olumegbon Chieftaincy family on one part and the community of Ajah represented by the Ojupon and Ogunsemo families on the other part have resolved and hereby agree to settle this suit upon the following terms: 1. That various actions now pending before this Honourable Court and / or elsewhere in Lagos between both parties over land situate, lying and being at Ajah in EtiOsa Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria be withdrawn and be finally discontinued; 2. That Ojupon and Ogunsemo families of Ajah recognise and accept the Olumegbon Chieftaincy family as represented by Chief Olumegbon of Lagos as overlord of the said Ajah as reflected in the judgments in suit numbers: (a) 97/ 1896-Chief Olumegbon versus Chief Ojomu and (b) 1/302/55-Oba Onibeju Versus Salumonu Oyebola; 3. That the Ojupon and the Ogunsemo families shall disclose to the Olumegbon Chieftaincy family whatever area of the land at

Ajah that has actually been sold or leased to any third party and the correct amount collected in each case; 4. That the Ojupon and Ogunsemo families shall disclose to the Olumegbon family the area of land at Ajah which is now free, undeveloped and unencumbered; 5. That the parties shall jointly manage ... matters affecting the rights and interests of Ajah under a Committee to be known as Ajah Management Committee; 6. (a) That both parties shall have representatives on the committee in the manner following: (i)Ojupon and Ogunsemo families-five representatives (ii)Olumegbon Chieftaincy family-five representatives including Chief Olumegbon or his representative; (b) That Chief Olumegbon or his representative shall preside on such committee; (c) That in case of parity of votes Chief Olumegbon or his representative shall have a casting vote; 7. A reigning Chief Olumegbon remains the authority to cap the Baale of Ajah and three other terms.

These terms were signed by four persons: Chief Lamidi Yesufu

lower court or tribunal has the ‘No jurisdiction to alter or nullify the

decisions of the apex court. Consequently, the government rejects the report of the Tribunal of Inquiry into Ajah land disputes

’

Kalefo, Olumegbon of Lagos for the plaintiffs, Amida Adedeji Kareem for the defendants, witnessed by their counsel Alaba Okupe for the plaintiffs and W.A. Oseni for the defendants.

It was the non-recognition of these agreements by the defendants, according to Olumegbon, that made them to proceed to the Appeal Court, claiming that their counsel misled them in endorsing the terms. It, however, draggedthe matter to the apex court, which in 2002 upheld the lower court’s consent judgment. The five justices of the Supreme Court: Justices Modibo Alfa Belgore; Michael Ekundayo Ogundare; Uthman Mohammed; Samson Odemwingie Uwaifo and Akintola Olufemi Ejiwunmi, upheld the lower court’s decision.

When The Nation spoke to Chief Olumegbon, he said his spokesman had said all. The head of the Idejo Chiefs, however, did not mince words at the turn of events in Ajah. According to him, the apex court pronouncement is sacrosanct and as such, should be upheld.

“There is no gainsaying, Ajah belongs to Olumegbon and the facts are there. The other parties in the suit have agreed to that, only a handful of them are kicking against that,” he said.

A member of the Ogunsemo family, Chief Kehinde Adeniyi Osisanya and the Aro of Ikorodu, who claimed to be the head of that family, said Ogunsemo, immediately after the Supreme Court judgment, agreed to abide by the terms of settlement.

“We actually do not have any problem with Olumegbon. We have agreed to the terms of settlement immediately the Supreme Court upheld it. Initially, before the apex court’s verdict, we were against it, but after that, we have agreed to go by the terms and between us and the Olumegbon, there is no problem,” he said.

Proffering solution to the imbroglio, Chief Osisanya said the solution lies with the Olumegbon whom the court has pronounced as overlord. “The solution lies in Olumegbon’s hands. This is because that family is the one on the ground. They know the place more than we do. I don’t think any of our children is there and if they are, I am sure they would not be many.

“As regards ratification of land, it’s Olumegbon that does that and we have no issues with that. The court has made them the overlord in Ajah and to be fair to that family, they do carry us along.”

But Osisanya’s stand was countered

by Jamiu Ojikutu, who said Osisanya was not qualified to speak for the Ogunsemo family. “Who made him the head of the family? I am the bona fide head of the family, make no mistake about that,” he said on phone.

He enjoys the support of another member of the family, Rev. Olatunde Ayotunde Alashe.

Lagos State’s intervention •Fifty-five units of houses built by UPDC, the property development arm of UAC Nig. Plc, during their unveiling at Ladipo Omotosho Cole Street, Lekki Phase I, Lagos.

As a way out of the crisis, the Lagos State Government, in 2007,

Govt needs N600b to build 14,000km roads, says Minister

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IGERIA needs N600 billion to build 14,000km of roads yearly to meet its Vision 20:2020 goals, the Minister of Works, Mr Mike Onolememen has said.

He spoke in Abuja at a lecture organised by the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), with the theme: Road sector reform for sustainable roads development.

He said for the country to achieve Vision 20:2020, it must increase its

From Bukola Amusan, Abuja

total road network from 200,000km to 300,000km by 2020.

The Minister said the paved network also needed to be increased from 65,000km to over 200,000km by 2020.

This, he said, required the construction or paving of an average 14,000km of roads yearly at N600billion per year.

“The point has been made several times that Nigeria cannot overcome

its road infrastructure development challenges unless necessary reforms are embarked upon to reposition the road sector to meet up with the world.

“The Vision 20:2020 requires that Nigeria attains a Gross domestic Product (GDP) of, at least, $900 billion by 2020 and per capita of at least $4, 000; experience has shown that there is a direct link between economic growth and the size and condition of road networks.

“Thus, for every one dollar spent on road maintenance, there is a corre-

sponding increase in the nation’s GDP. “The nexus between road development and economic growth made it imperative for the improvement of road network in new ways.

“This requires a paradigm change in the institutional structures that will separate policy, regulate, operation and management of roads as pivotal to roads sector reform.”

Onolememen explained that the roads are over-burdened because other means like the railways were not working well.

set up a Tribunal of Inquiry into Ajah land disputes. The committee was headed by a retired Justice of the Court of Appeal, Justice Moronkeji Onalaja. Mr Igbekele Alaba; Prof. Imran Smith (SAN); Mrs Morenike Nedum and Mr Fariudeen Akodu were the members. They were directed to look into the causes of the land disputes in Ajah; identify those responsible; determine the damages; look at the documents of the parties in the dispute and inquire into matters incidental to the disputes to assist the government in coming to a conclusion.

The tribunal made an eight-point recommendation, which neither obliterated the Supreme Court’s pronouncement nor added to it. All it did was to find a middle way around the dispute. Concerning the title of Ajah land, the panel said: “It should be recognised that the people settled in Ajah since about 300 years ago. However, as title over Ajah land cannot be determined by this tribunal because of the Provisions of Section 39 of the Land Use Act, which vests exclusive jurisdiction to determine title to land in the high court, the tribunal recommends that the Chief Judge of Lagos State be implored to advise the various judges handling pending cases on title to the various parcels of Ajah land to accord those cases accelerated hearing.”

The Supreme Court’s judgment, the tribunal said, should be resolved in favour of the Ajah community as highlighted in the body of its report. To them, the inadequacies in the terms of settlement, which the apex court upheld, were the main cause of the dispute.

But the government said it observed the 2002 Supreme Court judgment in Suit No. SC.148/1997, upholding the Terms of Settlement of 1987,which confirmed the Olumegbon of Lagos as the overlord of Ajah and Okun-Ajah in EtiOsa Local Government Area.

It “noted that no lower court or tribunal has the jurisdiction to alter or nullify the decisions of the apex court. Consequently, government rejects the report of the Tribunal of Inquiry into Ajah land disputes”.

It said: “However, in order to facilitate genuine rapprochement and lasting peace in the community, government directs that the Olumegbon Chieftaincy family should release 50 hectares of land at Ajah to the various aggrieved families. In addition, the Olumegbon Chieftaincy family should release one-quarter of whatever parcel of land is reclaimed within the contiguity of the waterfront to the aggrieved families.”

The Olumegbon family, Fowoyo added, has agreed to comply with the directive from the government. “The family initially was not happy with that decision, but it had no choice. Unfortunately, about 600 hectares given by the government to augment the settlement are on the water. The place has to be sandfilled and the other families are aware of this. About three years ago, the Olumegbon held a meeting with them to assure them that as soon as the land is reclaimed the 50 hectares directed would be excised to them,” Fowoyo said.

But Alashe said the recommendation was not fair to the other parties. To him, the Olumegbon is not the problem in Ajah, but the government.

“The government actually is the problem in Ajah. They gave the land to those who have no roots in Ajah, either paternally or maternally. We have not got the 50 hectares. In fact, we are not taking it. Although he (Olumegbon) has been going around with the Supreme Court judgment, we know that one day the truth will prevail,” he said.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2013

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COMMENTARY FROM OTHER LANDS

EDITORIALS

Madiba and a nation’s pride

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•That ailing Nelson Mandela is in a South Africa hospital underscores the confidence that country’s elite has in its health system

INCE June 8 when he was rushed to the hospital for reported lung infections, news coming from the ward of Nelson Mandela, the iconic first democratic president of post-apartheid South Africa, has been mixed.

The latest bulletin talks of a “critical condition”. Earlier reports talked of improvement in his condition. Other reports said his health was “stable”. There were even wild rumours of his “death”, which later turned out to be hoaxes, to the relief of most: not because, at 94, the near-universally loved Madiba is too young to die, but because his bitter-less essence and regal spirit is too rare in a world of dogkills-dog.

All through all of these, there has not been even a whimper to suggest Mr. Mandela must be “flown abroad”, as the elite here often emptily crow, “for better treatment”.

Even with the latest not-so-reassuring medical bulletin on the former South African president and hero of colour-blind new Republic of South Africa, President Jacob Zuma’s comment was instructive: “The doctors are doing everything possible to get his condition to improve,” the president said in response to the latest rumours that Mr. Mandela had suffered alleged cardiac arrest, “and are ensuring that Madiba is well-looked after and is comfortable”. He, President Zuma emphasised, “is in good hands.”

Now, how many Nigerian presidents, governors or even the money and privileged class can talk so confidently about this country’s health system, which the president and governors are charged to

develop, and which the moneyed and privileged class are supposed to help build?

Indeed, a disturbing revelation by a retired army medic alleged many of Nigeria’s medical victims, proudly rushed abroad for “better medical treatment”, were actually despatched to death, faster than their time, no matter how grave their conditions were perceived.

Brig-Gen. Otu Oviemo Ovadje, retired from the medical services of the army and internationally medical inventor, suggested that President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, who died in office after an abortive stint in a South Arabia hospital, could perhaps have gotten a better medical deal had his condition been stabilised before despatching him abroad. Gen. Ovadje claimed because of this mismanagement, the late president’s condition became irreversible. He died.

The army medic also spoke of a former military governor who was rushed posthaste abroad, despite his professional advice that the man be held back for stabilisation. By the time the doctor rushed to Lagos to get his travel documents, having committed to travelling with the patient to build confidence, the patient had been rushed abroad. He died too – rather prematurely.

The Nigerian elite lack of innate confidence, in institutions (health and others) the power segment of this elite is charged to fix, is scandalous. If those in government have no belief in local hospitals (and that rings true of local schools, among others), how would they commit to investing scarce resources to make these hospitals

provide world-class services?

And if they are so sure the local health facilities are useless, how would they not fritter away scarce resources on health tourism, thus creating double jeopardy for the longsuffering people. They have no access to good medical facilities and are forced to pay, from the public purse, for the costly medical tourism of their prodigal leaders, even with no guaranteed result?

South Africa has made a point: other things being equal, a country is best placed to care for the medical needs of its citizens, starting with the president to the lowest and humblest of citizens. Nigeria must follow suit.

But for Nigeria to attain this patriotic height, a radical change of thinking is called for. Jumping abroad at the latest medical threat is no high fashion. On the contrary, it is the height of dumbness.

‘Now, how many Nigerian presidents, governors or even the money and privileged class can talk so confidently about this country’s health system, which the president and governors are charged to develop, and which the moneyed and privileged class are supposed to help build?

Maltreatment of children

•We agree with UNICEF that the plight of the African child needs special attention

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ESPITE the fact that the Day of the African Child has been celebrated annually since 1991 when the then Organisation of African Unity (OAU) initiated it in honour of those who participated in the Soweto Uprising in South Africa, the plight of the African child remains deplorable. The day was set aside to raise awareness of the continued need for improvement of the education given to the African child.

This was a fitting remembrance for the uprising in which about 10,000 black school children marched in a column more than a mile long, to demand high quality education as well as the right to be taught in their mother tongue. The protest which began on June 16, 1976 contin-

‘Social crimes are most common in child abuses, like turning children into slaves by foster parents and caretakers; some of these sadists have been reported to have put hot iron on the bodies of children, or sometimes beat them to death on flimsy excuses, even after the children had been starved almost to the point of death’

ued for about two weeks, during which hundreds of the students were shot, the most talked about being Hector Peterson.

More than 100 people were killed and a thousand others injured during the protests.

This was a huge price to pay for education by the African child. The tragedy though is that more than 37 years after this sad incident, education is still far from becoming a right of the African child. And this is true of many African countries.

Rather, the children are subjected to all kinds of harmful practice, including those involving violent discipline in schools and daycare centres. There are also economic crimes, the most common of which are child labour and parents selling their children for financial gains. Social crimes are most common in child abuses, like turning children into slaves by foster parents and caretakers; some of these sadists have been reported to have put hot iron on the bodies of children, or sometimes beat them to death on flimsy excuses, even after the children had been starved almost to the point of death. Children who have been denied education often turn out to be street hawkers and street beggars who are easily amenable to rape and form the majority of hands that terrorists and other criminals recruit for their operations.

There is also the social crime associated with female genital mutilation, and the branding of children as witches who are sometimes tortured or stoned to death, to name a few.

We agree with the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), that communities,

irrespective of their religious or traditional beliefs have a major role to play in eliminating these practices. Its director of programmes, Nicholas Alipui, hit the nail on the head when in commemoration of The Day of The African Child stressed the need for communities to lead in the campaign against the continued dehumanising of children, noting that nothing is as powerful as the communities themselves seeing the harm being done to their own children and making a strong decision to stop the harmful practices.

But this does not in any way imply that governments have no role to play to reverse the trend. Indeed, the escalation of these crimes against children is a perfect demonstration of government’s nonchalant attitude towards all sorts of harmful practices against children. This is an area where the civil societies must sharpen their swords to wage war against harm being done to children. The governments must wake up and take decisive actions through appropriate policy reforms and legislations that will not only put the would-be offenders under severe censure but also prescribe heavy punishments for any person or groups of persons caught in these harsh, harmful and primitive acts of subjecting children to dehumanising experiences.

The world will be a pleasant place if more care and attention can be paid to the children who are leaders of tomorrow.

A situation where the African continent has many children out of school is ominous, not only for tomorrow, but even today.

America’s shameful shakedown of BP • Gulf settlement should be fair, not an exercise in extortion

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HEN BP’s Deepwater Horizon rig exploded with devastating force three years ago, the tragedy did more than kill 11 unfortunate crew members who were on board at the time. The resulting oil spill blighted the environment and damaged people’s livelihoods around the whole of the Gulf of Mexico. BP has a clear obligation to make this right. This does not, however, amount to a licence for a corporate shakedown.

BP has attempted to settle with those damaged by the spill in good faith. The group entered a settlement last year which acknowledged the validity of claims around five states along the Gulf and fixed a formula for their compensation. It did so without knowing precisely the number of business and individual claimants that might come forward. The aim of the settlement was to bring swift and certain closure to those who might otherwise have to prove their losses laboriously in court. This was no miserly deal: $8bn was set aside to fund it.

The settlement, subsequently blessed by a judge, had a clear purpose. This was fairly to compensate those who had lost money because of BP’s actions. It was not designed to be a honeypot for ambulance-chasing law firms. Yet the deal appears to have opened the door for anyone with chutzpah to lodge a claim and succeed – as the rising number and level of awards would suggest. According to a letter sent to potential claimants by a law firm set up expressly for the purpose of pursuing BP’s money, “the craziest thing about the settlement is that you can be compensated for losses that are UNRELATED (sic) to the spill”.

BP’s lawyers may have been somewhat lax in the way they drew up the settlement deal.

But that is no excuse for stretching unduly the interpretation of what constitutes a valid claim or for calculating compensation in ways that opens the door to grotesque gaming by claimants, as the administrator seems to be doing. This not only goes against the spirit of the whole agreement; it also leads to an unjustifiably skewed distribution of compensation towards the brass-necked rather than the deserving.

BP’s attempts to get the Louisiana courts to uphold the spirit of the deal have thus far been unavailing. Cynics will just shrug and say that you cannot expect justice from the US tort system. But that is not good enough, either for the honest claimants whose fairdealing is mocked, or for BP investors, whose money and goodwill are being so sorely abused.

– Financial Times

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

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2013

20

CARTOON & LETTERS

S

IR: In the recent past, I have read series of write-ups - the good, the bad and the ugly about the Minister of Interior, Patrick Abba Moro, and I wish to crave the indulgence of all to leave this man alone to focus on his job in our national interest.

Much as this piece is not intended to hold brief for the Hon. Minister in any way over his actions and/or inactions, I think it is of utmost importance that we take into consideration the enormous task of maintaining the internal security of the country before him, particularly now that we are beset with so many security issues like never before in our history as a country.

Gradually, Nigeria is scaling negative heights in terrorism against efforts by the Federal Government to tame this man-made monster. Apparently defying solution, President

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Leave the Interior Minister alone Goodluck Jonathan was recently compelled to declare a state of emergency in the northern states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa. Also towards this end, a new Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service has just been sworn in.

What could be more germane to a nation than an issue that threatens the safety of the citizenry and ultimately her national unity? As it stands today, youth corpers, other natives and even natives dread parts

of Northern Nigeria. Imagine Jos that was hitherto the number one choice city of so many Nigerians and foreigners alike, has become ‘a no go area’.

While Boko Haram constantly showcases man’s inhumanity to fellow man in the North, kidnapping is becoming a big business for hoodlums in the East and spreading like wildfire across the nation. The costs of these security challenges bedeviling the country are manifold:

difficulty in attracting foreign investors, unwarranted security budgets, distraction from President Jonathan’s transformation agenda and many more.

It stands to reason that it is difficult if not impossible to find a lasting solution to these challenges without the active involvement of the minister charged with the responsibility of maintaining the internal security of the nation. It is on record for instance, that the minis-

to the safety of lives of lorry drivers. These criminals who masquerade as agents of the government have been causing sleepless nights for motorists plying major roads, especially the Onitsha- Port-Harcourt route. They claim that they were hired by the state governments of Anambra, Imo and Rivers to collect dues and levies from lorry drivers. These lorry drivers are groaning under the exploitation of the so-called road workers. The monies or profits they realise from hauling goods from Onitsha to Port Harcourt are used to appease those men who

harass them daily on the roads.

From bridge-head, Onitsha to Portcourt, these lorry drivers are coerced to pay illegal money to people who claim that that they are agents of government. They print many different tickets, which thy issue to motorists.

Sadly, the crime happens in the full glare of policemen and soldiers. So, it is an indisputable fact that those touts work in connivance with policemen to brow-beat lorry drivers into parting with their money.

As we are in a democratic era, no Nigerian should be exploited and

denied his human rights. These lorry drivers have been suffering indignities and abuse of their rights for a long time. However, being law –abiding citizens who do not want to create anarchy, they have not resorted to violence to redress the ugly situation.

So they are beseeching the government to investigate the activities of those hoodlums who perpetrate crime under the guise of collecting levy for the government. A stitch in time saves nine.

• Chiedu Uche Okoye Obosi Anambra State.

Understandably, “the very people that voted” refers to Jang and his co-losers, including Governor Olusegun Mimiko of the Labour Party.

Did Oshiomhole lie? No, he simply confirmed what every conscious and conscientious person already knew. From the end of the election until now, only 16 governors recognise Jang as their chairman, while all the others remain with Amaechi. Oshiomhole rightly chided the NLC for appealing to the two parties to behave, instead of telling the losers

point blank to repent. But, why did Oshiomhole himself not identify President Goodluck Jonathan as the one beating the drum for the reed dancing on the ocean, while (rightly) expecting the NLC to call the spade a spade?

Most Nigerians saw nothing wrong with rotational presidency among the six geopolitical zones, as good for order, equity and stability, until President Jonathan’s inordinate ambition in 2011.

Yes, my hope is the All Progressive Congress (APC), and I pray all reasonable and well-

Plight of drivers plying Onitsha-P/Harcourt road

S

IR: Who does not know that good roads play a vital role in the transportation system of a country? Efficient modes of transportation are incentive to the economic growth of a country as cash crops and goods are transported from remote areas to markets in urban towns.

Road transportation is the commonest type of transportation in Nigeria, although most of our roads are death- traps that are filled with pot-holes and craters, which cause road mishaps. Not a few drivers have lost their lives while conveying goods and passengers from one major city to another.

Lorry drivers in Nigeria encounter problems while engaging in their business. In the past, policemen would mount roadblocks on major highways to extort money from commercial lorry and bus drivers. Thankfully, the Inspector General of Police, M.D. Abubakar ordered the dismantling and removal of roadblocks on major highways and thoroughfares in our major cities.

This measure has led to the easing up of traffic on our roads.

Just when the drivers thought that their problems were over, another problem has cropped up.

Now, jobless and violent touts have constituted menace and threat

ter has made remarkable progress in the various agencies under his ministry deserving national commendation. These achievements include but are not limited to the following: deportation of over 19,000 illegal immigrants, efforts towards the deployment of modern electronic surveillance equipment to help man our porous borders, provision of facilities for e-passport in Lagos and in our missions abroad, training of over 1,000 officers and men drawn from public and private organizations across the country to combat fire and his initiative to construct 227 fire service stations across the country.

Others include significant reduction in cases of pipeline vandalism across the country, his initiative to implement the expatriate quota (part of the labour law of 1963) aimed at creating more jobs for Nigerians and the prison reform which led to the construction of modern block of buildings for prisoners in so many states of the federation. Interestingly, it also charts a course for inmates. Whoever thought in this country that serving prisoners could go to University, write WAEC, farm and accumulate salaries to be paid after serving their terms?

It is in the light of the aforementioned responsibilities placed on the minister, the glaring achievements so far recorded and in recognition of the fact that safety comes first, that I am imploring all patrotic Nigerians to leave Comrade Abba Moro alone to focus on his job as he has capacity to do more.

Godwin Otache Abah Lagos

Point missed by Oshiomhole on NGF election

S

IR: Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, will be remembered as one of the best Presidents of the Nigeria Labour Congress. Oshiomhole explained, recently, how 35 governors were present for the Nigeria’s Governors’ Forum (NGF) election.

“They counted 35 papers; we voted one by one in the open ballot, and counted the votes one by one; Jang got 16 votes and Amaechi 19.

However, immediately, the very people that voted said no, no, no, we are going to walk out.”

meaning Nigerians will unite to reposition Nigeria along the path of order, peace, and stability.

Those who brought the rotational idea meant well. Every zone certainly has presidential materials, and rotation connotes equity and inclusion. It will end arbitrariness in our highly heterogeneous society.

Muhammadu Buhari, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Audu Ogbe, Oshiomhole, and all of us must reinstate it.

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

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2013

COMMENTS

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HIEF Jerome Udoji, late patriot paradox of Patience Jonathan’s and exemplary civil servant, First Lady activism; in the titled his no less exemplary context of spousal support in public office. By unrepentantly memoirs, Under Three Masters. If Alhaja blundering into the public Abibatu Asabi Mogaji (16 October 1916space with unguarded 15 June 2013) were to write her own comments and illiterate power memoirs, what would she have titled it? projection, Mrs. Jonathan Certainly not, Riding the Crest with diminishes her husband’s Three Masters – the “masters” being the legitimacy, harvests him British colonial powers, the succeeding Olakunle needless enemies and earns the Civilian Order at Nigeria’s independence presidential office citizens’ lordbeek@yahoo.com, 08054504169 (Sms only, please) Abimbola and the rampaging military regimes, resent, if not outright contempt. shortly after.

But the grandest paradox of She probably would not have titled her all: the Babangidas were memoirs that because of her trademark military usurpers that modesty and humility. But despite her nevertheless consummately unassumingness and quiet grace, Alhaja Lagos. You should not forget us because you are part of us.”

Mogaji, Iyaloja of Lagos and President-General of the understood the dynamics and metaphysics of power. The Sure, Alhaja Mogaji was much older than the Babangidas.

Association of Market Women and Men, was servant to no Jonathans are supposedly democratic players, but are at sea But it took more than mere age for a barely lettered matriarch one, except her market flock. with the nuances of democratic power, to earn respect, authority to talk with such intimacy to a “military president” and spouse: She was no civil servant like the distinguished Chief Udoji, and influence. the one, not only in government but also in power; the other, professionally bound to serve the government of the day. So, But the most telling contrast of all, that made Alhaja Mogaji with larger-than-life influence on her husband’s government. she never subordinated the interest of her market folks to any an exemplar in “woman” power: whereas both Mrs Babangida Behind that intimacy must be the “soft power” of one who had other interest, no matter how powerful. and Mrs Jonathan parasite on hubbies’ “hard” power – for something the power-consummate couple badly needed.

Therefore, if her quiet grace allowed it, she probably would public good or evil – Mama Mogaji wielded the most potent of Now, the IBB era adds interesting dimensions to this have titled her memoirs, Partnering with Three Masters, a powers, “soft” power, with an enduring grace and generosity discourse.

IBB’s was the age of “settlement”, a euphemism for partnership that lasted all through her exemplary adult life, of mind that earned her deep affection and respect till she cynical “buy-offs” of any dissonance, otherwise labelled even with little or no formal education, culminating in a breathed her last. subversive generosity; before the notorious military headlifetime of service.

That should be abiding lessons for Nigeria’s power Philistines, butting of irredeemable irritants.

Her direct testimonies, when she turned 93, courtesy of a as rude and crude, as the nouveaux-riches of poet Mathew The goodly Mrs Maryam Babangida, of golden memory, fact-filled report by Emmanuel Oladesu, The Nation political Arnold’s England (1822-1888). and her First Lady activism, adds an even fresher perspective. editor: “I have seen it all. I have interacted with Zik, Balewa, Nor did Mama Mogaji speak to women alone, which makes Gen. Babangida, for all his posturing as “military president” Sardauna, Ironsi and Gowon. I have played my role and served an interesting link between her political durability and her had no mandate, except one stolen at gun point.

The exquisite my people. All I have been saying is that market women and son, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s political emergence.

Mrs Babaginda, therefore, needed to rally the populace for her the masses should be catered for.”

In the heat of the Action Group (AG) schism in the early husband, by doing some public good. Enter then, Maryam The moral? Leadership is nothing, unless and until it is 1960s, Mama Mogaji pitched her tent with the Awolowo bloc, Babangida’s Better Life for Rural Women. immersed in the interest of the led. Commonsensical, isn’t it? against the Ladoke Akintola bloc, which though gained power For the Babangida couple to succeed in their power striving, Yet, most of today’s power elite, legit politicians or militaryby federal conspiracy, lost the soul of the Yoruba. She therefore they needed Mama Mogaji’s extensive market network, her era power rogues, seem not to understand this simple dictum. reigned with the progressive majority in Awo’s post-1966 mobilisation acumen and her moral authority over her flock.

Common sense isn’t common, after all! political heaven than perish with the Akintola fallen angels.

The general needed to keep the masses under his thrall happy, Devoted leadership builds mutual respect, trust, reverence In the heat of the 12 June 1993 presidential election annulment as every benevolent dictator is wont to do. The general’s wife and awe (in that order); and eventually climaxes in “soft crises, Tinubu broke ranks with the Shehu Yar’Adua People’s needed to energise her rural women’s programme that had a power”, which often trumps hard power, even with the office Front (PF) faction of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) that distinctly urban temper; thus earning the snicker of many. that drives it; and the coercion that enforces it. signed away MKO Abiola’s historic mandate. For aligning However the symbiosis worked out, it would appear Mama The potency of soft power, otherwise called influence, is with truth and justice, not many remember the Asiwaju’s Mogaji did not sell her soul, or the essence of her market flock, again reinforced in this reported open discourse with Gen. political nativity was in one of IBB’s many wayward tricks he to help the Babangidas. That could not be said of most that fell Ibrahim Babangida, self-named “military president”, on the dubbed “political new breed” – whatever that meant! In for IBB’s subversive charm. eve of his Abuja departure, at the commissioning of Third contrast, many of his superiors, back then, politically perished But Mrs Babangida’s intervention pushed First Lady activism Mainland Bridge, again courtesy of Oladesu’s report: “Ibrahim with the anti-MKO conspiracy. into harsh public glare: a force for good or evil? That depended and Maryam, as you are going to Abuja, you should not forget As Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Mama Mogaji’s remarkable on which side of the divide you stood. Still, the principle was daughter-in-law, busy building her own log of stellar public clear-headed enough: IBB had no mandate; and Mrs Babangida, “Mama Mogaji, exemplar of the service, always prays, Mama has ended well; the envy of many with panache, did what she had to do to gain her husband public good, you have ended well. badly needed legitimacy – and even her bitterest enemies a public figure. But how many of them can pay Mama’s stiff price? admit she had class.

Now, rest well in the bosom of your would Mama Mogaji, exemplar of the public good, you have ended But reverse that position: an elected president with a formal well. Now, rest well in the bosom of your creator. creator” mandate – what does his spouse add to the menu? That is the

epublican ipples

Abibatu Mogaji as exemplar

T

HOSE who have followed my thoughts on this page would understand my general skepticism about the unceasing but clearly outlandish claims of Foreign Direct Investment inflow by our federal government. It’s hard not to be, in a situation where the government at the centre does very little else than stage those never-ending high-octane affairs in five star hotels in Abuja; never mind that few of those shows ever get beyond the elaborate ceremonies staged to put pen to the MoUs complete with their photo-sessions; or, the fact that a good number of the proposals are no more than ‘legal’ Ponzi schemes to fleece the local economy. Or still, when claims about FDI are not always what they seem. One only needs to look back to 2008/9 to see how quickly how the gains of the celebrated $4 billion investment haul by foreign portfolio investors would later become pain for the local economy, when soldiers of fortune, disguised as “investors” exited with their capital and all – an experience the capital market has barely recovered from.

Against this background, you can understand why the ground-breaking ceremony of General Electric’s $1 billion manufacturing and training facility at Calabar, the capital of Cross River State would evoke both curiosity and scepticism at the same time. First, GE is a world class player – the kind of company that any country would love to have around. The second is the scale of the investment: an initial $250 million capital expenditure and another $800 million incremental spending on local sourcing of goods and services.

The third is the projected jobs estimated at 2,300. Part of the package, I later understand is to make Nigeria the regional hub for GE’s manufacturing service and renovation in Africa; and, if it seems a piece of icing on the cake, the proposed facility is said to be one of two of its kind in the world under the corporation’s Greenfield investment drive.

Just as the achievements can hardly be understated, one lesson that should not be lost is how the state has managed to transform from being a wholesale civil service state to a global tourist haven. Only a few years ago, if the world took any notice of the state, it is probably when reference is made to the beautiful and serene Obudu as well as Tinapa; today, it seems to have marched on, determined as it were, to earn its place as an industrial hub. The arrival of GE and a few other Fortune 500 companies in the state may have changed all of that for good. And from all indications, there is no stopping the march. There are great lessons here.

I need to make the preliminary point here. Surely, the government and the people of Cross River surely have reasons to be proud of the coming of General Electric.

More than mere tonic to diversify its productive base,

Policy Sanya Oni sanyaoni@yahoo.co.uk 08051101841

Good news from Cross River the training facility proposed for Calabar should in fact serve as springboard for the transfer of critical skills for its citizens; the other derivatives of employment and value addition are as good as given.

The first lesson is that is that the GE investment is neither magic nor the choice of Calabar happenstance. It is a choice consciously made by the leadership. Indeed, I suspect that the one-time oil-producing state may have finally come to its own after the bitter experience of loosing its erstwhile pots of fortune to Akwa Ibom. Evidence is the record number of investors now seeking to make Calabar their home. Today, whereas the state may not have those whited sepulchres of its oil-drunk neighbours to boast of, it has a number of world-class investments going for it. Notable examples are Wilmar Limited’s on-going $400 million investment in agriculture and agro-processing; Brentex Petroleum $300 million pipe mills manufacturing and the $700 million Essar Power Limited 660MW Integrated Power Project; Southgate Cocoa, and the Artee Group’s investment in shopping malls.

Driving round the city, it is hard not to see the evidence of a state roaring to go – a state with its eyes firmly set on the future and, which according to its Governor, Liyel Imoke is set to wean itself of dependence on oil and gas while actively striving to provide enabling environment for the private sector to thrive.

Gerald Ada, Imoke’s special adviser on investment and promotions would, in the course of interaction with yours sincerely, supply the factors which make the state tick for investment. I have elsewhere identified the factor of leadership on which the entire quest is anchored. That is critical. The other factor is the enabling institution to

deliver the quest. This is where the role of the Cross River State Investment Promotion Bureau – a surprisingly lean agency that is pivotal to the state’s investment drive comes to play.

Ada describes the bureau, a creation of the State Investment Promotion Bureau Law No. 4 of 2008, as providing not only the legal instrument for investment promotion, but also serving both as one-stop shop as well as clearing house for investment matters. The issues could range from access to land; to taxes and applicable rates and even to relations between the would-be investor and the local governments; and where it becomes necessary, the bureau facilitates access to the governor.

He would also explain why on the coming of the bureau, the erstwhile Ministry of Trade and Commerce had to be scrapped: to eliminate the typical tardiness associated with the non-responsive bureaucracy- a major headache for would-be investors.

Now, I do not here suggest that Cross River State has found the magic formula to the exclusion of other states.

Indeed, I am aware that some states have done quite well in the area of streamlining procedures for new businesses. What I have tried to do is to acknowledge the modest efforts by the government – particularly those that seems to me to be working. The point about venture capitalists is that they are able to spot investment opportunities even without the meaningless road shows that have become fashionable in these parts. What available evidence seems to suggest is that the Cross Rivers State may finally be getting it right. The good news is that this is already being acknowledged. Which means that the journey to economic renaissance has since begun.

‘I suspect that the one-time oil-producing state may have finally come to its own after the bitter experience of loosing its erstwhile pots of fortune to Akwa Ibom. Evidence is the record number of investors now seeking to make Calabar their home.

Today, whereas the state may not have those whited sepulchres of its oil-drunk neighbours to boast of, it has a number of world-class investments going for it’

By

(The

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2013

22

COMMENTS

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OT a few from my generation and above should be able to recall events in old Oyo state in the second republic, particularly in 1983 as the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) engaged the ruling Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) in a political battle for the right to occupy the government house at Agodi.

The NPN you’ll recall was the ruling party at the centre and had among its ranks party bigwigs from Oyo State such as prominent Ibadan indigenes, Chief Augustus Meredith Adisa Akinloye (now late), national chairman,Chief Richard Osuolale Akinjide (SAN) Attorney -General and Minister of Justice and Dr Omololu Olunloyo, among others.

So with so many political heavyweights in its rank coming from the state, the NPN did not see any reason why it should not be in control at Agodi, and so the federal government of President Shehu Shagari deployed every resources at its disposal, notably the Nigeria Police and the Federal Electoral Commission (FEDECO) to rig the party into power and denied Chief Bola Ige (now late) of the UPN a second term in office as governor. Dr Olunloyo, the NPN candidate was declared elected by FEDECO. Of course the people of Oyo state didn’t take the electoral robbery lightly as there were clashes here and there between the opposing political parties, even before the election, but Chief Ige opted to pursue his grievances against the result at the tribunal, but he failed. The federal might had spoken.

In all of this, there was a certain police officer named Umaru Omolowo, remember him? He was the Commissioner of Police in Oyo state and his role was more than despicable. He did his part very well in ensuring that the NPN had its way.

He wasn’t really acting alone as the Police in the second republic, under Sunday Adewusi as Inspector General operated more like the armed wing of the NPN than a security agency serving the interest of Nigeria. So as a member of this armed wing of the ruling party Omolowo was a “good” officer and acted his script very well.

I remember a particular incident when a chieftain of the UPN, himself a prominent Ibadan indigene was attacked in his vehicle and seriously wounded by some hoodlums believed to be NPN thugs. He had machete cuts on his head. The man ran to a television studio and he was shown live with blood dripping from his forehead, but to the surprise of the general public Omolowo said nothing of such happened and the man sustained the head injury in a vehicle accident. Incredulous you say, coming from a commissioner of police without any investigative evidence to back his claim?

That was not all, every other similar incidents the man either waved aside as not true or looked the other way as the NPN thugs had their way.

Everything he saw through the prism of the NPN

[…] It is only when the minds of men have been properly and rigorously cultivated and garnished, that they can be safely entrusted with public affairs with a certainty and assuredness that they will make the best of their unique opportunity and assignment. —Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

A

NYONE who conscientiously observes the policy initiatives of the current administration in the State of Osun since inception may not be hard-pressed to aver that it is increasingly working its fingers to the bone in order to make the effects of governance felt in all households in the state.

Through many of its “O’projects”, the Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola administration is unusually raising the bar of governance. Indeed, here is a governor who with uncommon hardihood and ideas is making life more meaningful for the generality of Osun citizens.

What I personally find incredible is that in less than three years of assuming office, this O’Governor (as some people warm-heartedly brand him) has initiated a highly comprehensive reform that the Philistinic and rapacious PDP administration deemed impossible in the education sector of the state for an unbelievably uninterrupted seven years! In various aspects of the education sector of Osun today is striking evidence of how structured thinking and judicious use of resources can make a huge invaluable difference in the life of a people. As clearly stated in the epigraph to this piece, only rigorously cultivated and garnished minds can make the best of the opportunity availed them to serve the public.

One of those beneficial projects Governor Aregbesola’s government will be forever remembered for is the newly launched computer tablet, an I-pad-like learning device christened Opon Imo. It was reported that about 150,000 units of the device would be given free of charge to both students and teachers in the state’s public schools – 20,000 for teachers and 130,000 for students in the high schools. With the introduction of this learning device, there is no doubt that the lacuna

Mbu Joseph Mbu and what every other person saw he didn’t see. To him they were fictions. Chief Ige and his supporters cried foul but the CP played dumb and when he spoke he did according to script.

No sane policeman should be proud of what the Nigeria Police did then. There were even people confirmed to be NPN thugs who were armed and given police uniform, by who? Nobody could tell, but the police did little or nothing to arrest them. What these thugs did to political opponents of their masters is better imagined than experienced. The scars are still there at Oke Ado and other areas inhabited by non indigenes that were attacked in the NPN’s government vow to rid Ibadan of people from certain parts of Yoruba land believed to be supporters of the UPN. The role the Nigeria Police played in the south west especially in Oyo and Ondo states in support of NPN’s desperation to wrestle control of the region from the UPN contributed largely to bringing about the demise of the second republic. The story is still fresh in the memories of those old enough then to appreciate what was going on at that time, and they are quick now to draw inference between what CP Omolowo was doing then in Oyo state and what Mbu Joseph Mbu is doing now as Commissioner of Police in Rivers state.

There is indeed heightened political tensions and security challenges in Rivers state now and what is happening coincided with the appointment of Mr Mbu as the head of the Nigeria Police Command in the state. While it might be difficult to blame him solely for this, what is undeniable is that there is no love lost between him/his command and the government of Rivers state.

The government is of the belief that the CP is part of an agenda by the opposition (within the ruling PDP in the state) and some Abuja politicians to bring down the administration of Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and therefore wants him removed/redeployed. The governor has been crying out over this for sometime now alleging bias by the Commissioner of Police against his administration and the majority of the people of Rivers state. He said crime rate in the

state is going up, kidnapping returning to the streets of Port Harcourt and militants are beginning to have a field day again. These he said had been long forgotten in the memory of the people of the state, but recent and on going happenings in the state (political/security) could throw the people back to those dark days of the recent past when people had to raise up their hands to pass through the streets of Port Harcourt. He said the government hasn’t been able to hold any internal security meeting for some time now because decisions taken often find their way to politicians in Abuja some of whom are opposed to his administration. He strongly suspects Mbu as the leak.

In fairness to Mbu he didn’t respond to these allegations until recently, but even before then, he had acted in such a way and manner to suggest that the governor is probably right.

In a clear interference in the political crisis in the state, the CP deployed his men to the secretariat of Obio/Akpor local government to “secure” the place against alleged planned attack following the suspension of the leadership of the council by the state House of Assembly (acting legitimately) and appointment of a caretaker committee. Against all pleas, even by the government, Mbu refused to vacate the premises even after a court had ordered him to remove his men.

He bluntly said his men will remain in defiance of the court. The local interpretation of this was that he was doing so to protect the inerest of Minister of State for Education Nyeson Wike, a former ally of Amaechi, but now with the Abuja group, who hails from the area. You can imagine, a law enforcement officer disobeying the order of a court of law and record, with competent jurisdiction, and even doing so with impunity. But after a strong public pressure including demonstration by women wearing black, he did withdraw his men, but almost immediately the generator house of the secretariat was bombed and pronto, he returned his men, claiming the bombing as justification. But then conspiracy theorists have claimed that the attack on the council was with

Appraising Osun’s tablet of knowledge

By Pelumi Alawode

between teaching and learning, and access to requisite materials will be greatly reduced.

It is noteworthy that the tablet is preloaded with different tutorial notes, past questions, and textbooks on 17 subjects that students register for in the West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examinations (WASSCE), the National Examination Council (NECO), and the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). This is a potent elixir for students; they will be motivated to settle down for business as the tuneless music of lack and dearth of necessary learning materials would have been taken care of. Experience has shown that where students are availed of the required learning materials, their capacity to excel is greatly enhanced. I am confident that the use of this device will greatly increase the capacity of our students for remarkable performances in their studies. Also, with Opon Imo, it is certain that public schools in the state will no longer produce students who are happily alien to the use of computer, which every young adult in current time can only neglect to their own disadvantage.

For the government, parents, and teachers, it is all the way a win-win situation. In other words, while government saves money from buying textbooks (each computer tablet has about 65 textbooks), the teachers as well will no longer be tortured with teaching students who know nothing about the unsullied joy of possessing textbooks. Let me observe here that those who whoop and whine about the substantial billions of naira that the government will save from not having to buy textbooks because students can now access them on the tablets are only being mischievous. Only asinine kind of opposition

politics would inspire anyone to condemn and howl negatively against a prudent government, which has even demonstrated in more ways than one, that it is committed to allocating resources across the various sectors of the state astutely. I think it is a sensible and laudable move for the Aregbesola government to even recognise in the first place that it can make savings from the huge investment it is making in the education sector. What is more, even parents, especially those with financial challenges, now have their burdens significantly crashed as they may not have to worry about how to buy textbooks for their children. Whether the nagging nabobs of notorious negativities in Osun find it palatable or not, the different households in the state are firmly convinced that they have a government which adds lasting values to their lives.

The Opon Imo device is also said to contain six extra-curricular subjects, to wit Sexuality Education, Entrepreneurship, Yoruba Proverbs, Civic Education, Yoruba History and the Yoruba Traditional Religion. This is a welcome development as it will go a long way in equipping the minds of the students with knowledge in other useful areas other than their school subjects. The fact that the students may not be examined on these areas suggests to me that the government is directly awakening the consciousness of the students to the inexorable need for them to stuff their minds with knowledge not purposely for the sake of examination. Their capacity for dialectical thinking will be developed and they will not suffer from the malaise of insular and shallow thinking mostly favoured by charlatans and pedestrian souls.

Surely, as they furnish their minds with the knowledge from those diverse subjects, they will know something about everything and

the knowledge of the Police and was allowed to be carried out by opponents of the government just to prove a point. What point? Your guess is as good as mine. Since then nobody has been arrested for the attack and the police are still at Obio/Akpor council secretariat even as the court order subsists. What a law enforcement officer.

Mbu also didn’t do much to convince his accusers of his impartiality when he gave permission to a group of opponents of the administration who besieged the premises of the House of Assembly to protest the suspension of the leadership of Obio/Akpor, and even allegedly led the team of policemen to give protection to the protesters some of whom were reportedly armed.

And yet he reportedly vowed not to give permission to rival protest in support of the government.

In the face of the shadow boxing between the police command and the state government, Mbu came out last week to reply Governor Ameachi’s accusations and did so in a manner that called to question his integrity, training and may be competence as a public officer. This is not a defence of the governor as he probably took the liberty of the privilege of his exalted office to say certain things about the police command and the CP that the ordinary members of the public knew or suspected but couldn’t say.

So, may be the governor was speaking the minds of the silent majority in Rivers state who are not comfortable with the deteriorating political and security situation in the state and the seemingly biased role of the state police command, especially CP Mbu. But for the CP to call the governor dictatorial smacks of insubordination and was insulting. He should be called to order and sanctioned appropriately. No public officer, especially a member of the security forces should behave or be allowed to behave that way to a democratically elected leadership. Sure, no CP would have spoken like that about a military governor during the days of military dictatorship. Yes, we in a democracy but it also has its own rules and culture, and nobody should be allowed to brach them. There is need for decorum, albeit on both sides. But as the Yoruba would say, wherever is called the head, you don’t walk with it.

Back to the management of the security situation in Rivers state, the governor is crying out now that things are getting bad and some people are committing security infringement with impunity and the CP is saying he is crying wolf.

That was the position of CP Omolowo in the second republic on the political and security crises in Oyo state than and we all know what happened to that political dispensation. We should not open our eyes and allow this republic to go that way. Together, let’s safe this democracy.

everything about something. That is how to produce sound and round students. Precisely, the aspect on Yoruba, history, traditional religion, and proverbs are part of the effective ways of imbuing these students with the understanding of their culture.

Surely, with its manifold brilliant and remarkable initiatives in the various sectors of the State of Osun, especially the education sector, the Aregbesola government is not unmindful of the tested and true view that the extent to which a government accords attention to its educational system will determine the level of the socio-economic development of the state or country, after all it has been proven again and again that there is a direct relationship between education and development. As the computer tablet affirms, the State Government of Osun knows what is at stake if it does not modernise its learning system.

I can only cheer parents, teachers, and other stakeholders to help in ensuring that the students make valuable use of the device. The government must also continue to deepen this ICT-compliant learning system, even as it allows the worrywarts to keep clutching their permanent crutches of baseless bellyaches.

• Alawode, a retired secondary school teacher, lives in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

‘Only asinine kind of opposition politics would inspire anyone to condemn and howl negatively against a prudent government, which has even demonstrated in more ways than one, that it is committed to allocating resources across the various sectors of the state astutely’

INSIDE

TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2013

Website: http://www.thenationonlineng.com

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New face of Abuja

Minister promises peace

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‘Rail stations to be operational soon in Abuja’

- Page 27

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22 concessionaries for waste collection

- Page 28

HINGS are looking up in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

That was the submission of the Minister of the territory, Senator Bala Mohammed, at the Ministerial Platform in the nation’s capital city, where he made a presentation.

The territory is developing at a fast pace, he said. A good network of paved roads has replaced what used to be. Travel time has been remarkably reduced and comfort enhanced.

He spoke about the lift in the FCT shelter profile, stressing the impact of the well-funded land-swap deal.

Senator Mohammed left no one in doubt that he believes the nation’s capital has a new and beautiful face, thanks to his ministry.

He explained that his administration is working on an ultra-modern integrated transportation system, including a light rail linking different parts of the Federal Capital Territory, which is 22 per cent completed.

He also mentioned the rapid bus

From Grace Obike

transit which was implemented to replace the smaller buses and the SURE P taxi scheme which was created to ease the transport situation, enhance security and decongest the roads.

He also said that his administration has embarked on the maintenance and construction of several roads, saying: “We have opened the roads through Bwari where you can travel to Kaduna without taking Suleja and this has

reduced travel time by 30 minutes.

We have also put in place traffic lights with solar panels all over the city, removed the speed bumps on the highways, reconstructed and maintained the roads to reduce accidents and reduce travel time just like is found in other countries around the world.

“The housing deficit in the city that was started by my predecessors has been made better by the land-swap system, where private investors, within and outside the country are involved

We have put in place traffic lights with solar panels all over the city, removed the speed bumps on the highways, reconstructed and maintained the roads to reduce accidents and reduce travel time

in the development of housing units which will be sold at affordable prices and the administration has spent about N150 billion since inception for resettlement and compensation cost.”

Bala explained that about 30,000 jobs has being created through Agricultural activities and the FADAMA project which through the involvement of expatriates, has educated a lot of farmers and helped them grow. He added that the FCT policy where the administration buys farm produce from farmers, stores it and sells back to them for cheap rates during scarcity.

He concluded by saying that in order to realise the dream of making the FCT the model city that it is meant to be, his administration has rid the city of beggars and the destitute, by returning them to their states or rehabilitating them. He further warned that all those people that sell on pedestrian bridges or along the roads will be evacuated.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2013

26

ABUJA REVIEW

Minister promises peace

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HE Minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Moro, has assured Nigerians that the nation will soon start experiencing peace, adding that the emergency rule declared by President Goodluck Jonathan is yielding the expected result.

Moro stated this in Abuja at the ongoing Ministerial Platform, stressing that the emergency rule was part of government efforts to restore peace to the areas affected by the insurgency.

The minister, who reeled out the achievements of the Ministry of Interior during the period under

Moro hailed the efforts of NSCDC to ensure the protection of major assets of the nation which include oil pipelines, and prevention of oil theft through bunkering

From Gbenga Omokhunu

review, noted with satisfaction the superlative efforts of NSCDC to ensure the protection of major assets of the nation which include oil pipelines and prevention of oil theft through bunkering, among others He also noted that NSCDC has also embarked on aggressive training and retraining of its standing armed squad, adding that a sizeable number of its armed personnel trained are and working jointly with the Nigerian Army to enhance their capacity to face head on the present security challenges facing the nation.

On the nation prisons, the Minister revealed that the NPS has completed arrangements to use the PPP model to manage the prisons farm centres in partnership with Messrs Konsult Rabboni Limited for an initial pilot phase of five years.

He further disclosed that the bill to amend the Prison Act has passed through the second reading at the National Assembly The Federal Fire Service, the minister said, will soon be wearing a new look with the approval to set

•Comrade Moro up 265 fire service stations across the country The NIS,the minister disclosed, will soon begin the construction of border control plazas. He also revealed that to further police the nation borders, the mobile border patrol unit is being strengthen ed for effective surveillance.

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HE revenue accruing into the coffers of the FCT Administration has been increased to between 30 and 40 percent with the introduction of e-payment for its services.

The FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed disclosed this while receiving the Governor Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi who paid him a working visit.

Mohammed remarked that epayment has blocked leakages of revenue coming into the coffers of the FCT Administration.

He emphasised that the cashless policy will surely remediate and rehabilitate the ills of the society thereby boosting economic and social activities in the country.

He, however, called for very serious and aggressive enlightenment to ensure that the commonman is well educated to derive the utmost benefits, which the new policy promises to reduce especially, crimes like robbery and kidnapping.

The minister thus appealed to the management of the Central Bank of Nigeria to assist the FCT Administration build capacity to perfect the new policy.

E-payment boosts FCTA’s revenue From Gbenga Omokhunu

While expressing his support for the new policy, Senator Mohammed said that such assistance should be in a form of training and orientation.

Sanusi, who was represented at the occasion by the Deputy Governor (Operations), Tunde Lemo, stated that the team was in FCT Administration to preach the gospel of cashless Nigeria that is expected to take off in FCT

by July 1, 2013.

The governor reiterated that the Central Bank of Nigeria has introduced the policy to modernise Nigerian economy in line with the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan.

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HE tough challenges faced by farmers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) may soon be over if feelers from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture are anything to go by.

With improved mechanised methods, the farmers will no longer have to till the land from dawn till dusk to cultivate limited farm produce while the nomadic Fulani herdsmen will not need to walk for miles to feed their livestock.

The Federal Capital Territory through the Ministry of Agriculture and the FADAMA III project, our correspondent gathered, have intensified efforts in reducing the hardship faced by such farmers and educate how to make farming a lucrative business.

FCT natives who are mostly farmers are being assisted by the administration to learn and adopt the mechanised system of farming which is more productive and less stressful.

According to the Minister of Agriculture Akinwumi Adesina, “The Ministry will invest N3.5 billion for mechanised agriculture because farming must be modernised to renew the structure of the demographics that is involved in agriculture.”

With this new development, FCT farmers will benefit from the units of tractors and centres for distribution in the country and with the policy, farmers get coupons that is in their cell phones which they use to rent the tractors at such centres.

Through the FADAMA III project in Kwali Area Council of the FCT, which was visited by the Minister of State for the FCT Olajumoke Akinjide on June13, it is interesting to note that natives of Bonugu in Kwali who are basically Fulani farmers and herdsmen are being trained in different groups comprising of men, women and youths on large ruminant upgrading, where they are taught on the process of artificial insemination to upgrade their cattle.

They are also trained on small ruminant production like the sheep, on how to preserve their milk (the Nono), fish production, poultry management and also feed processing for their livestock.

The Fulani community who came dressed in their best and excited to showcase their

•Mechanised farming in progress

Abuja farmers for training From Grace Obike

achievements, insisted that they developed a special interest in the large ruminant upgrading through artificial insemination after witnessing the success recorded by the FCT FADAMA III project in its programme with some groups at Paikon Kore Grazing Reserve.

According to Jeodal Gondal, president of the FADAMA Community Association in Bonugo Kwali, “before the intervention of FADAMA during the dry season, we moved our cattle as far as Ankpa in Kogi State in search of pasture and water. However with the borehole and drinking trough provided through FADAMA’s support, the problem of water for

our animals is now a thing of the past. The project has also supported us with feed crushing machine which we will use to crush grains stuck for the feeding of our animals during the dry season.”

In another community in Kwali

called Bukpe, women were trained in cassava production and ways of producing the cassava flour in large quantity.

The FADAMA programme trained them on processing, frying and the best ways to preserve and package their

Before FADAMA, during the dry season, we moved our cattle as far as Ankpa in Kogi State in search of pasture and water.

But with the borehole and drinking troughs provided through FADAMA’s support, the problem of water for our animals is now a thing of the past

cassava flour for the wider markets. One of the women leaders of Bukpe community after their presentation to the Minister of State Olajumoke Akinjide was so excited for the progress she had made and ran to hug the minister without permission but was restrained.

The minister praised the participants for their commitment and said that the future is bright for agriculture and can provide the much needed employment that the country craves for. She also discouraged the farmers on the mismanagement of wealth by marrying more wives when they realise that they are making more money because those wives will produce more children that will further put a strain on the wealth.

According to her, “when men make money, they marry more wives but the woman make money, she takes care of the family.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2013

27

ABUJA REVIEW

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REPARATORY to the completion and commissioning of the abuja rail project, the FCT administration will soon perform the ground-breaking ceremony of 14 rail stations across the federal capital city and some satellite towns.

The FCT minister, Senator Bala Mohammed disclosed this in Abuja at the 2013 Ministerial Platform at the National Press Centre, Garki 1 District.

Mohammed praised President Goodluck Jonathan who directed that this mode of transportation be urgently implemented to reduce the over-dependence on the road transportation which has been characterised by traffic congestion and chaos.

The minister reiterated that the contract for the construction of the Abuja rail, though awarded in 2007, has progressed from 21.12 to 25.57 per cent with 4.38% of that percentage achieved between May 2012 and April 2013.

According to him, the federal government has practically shown its commitment to complete this project during its current transformational period, thereby signing a $500 million loan agreement with chinese firm Exim to facilitate the implementation of the project.

He emphasised that the project has positive multiplier-effects on Nigerians as 600 formal and informal jobs have so far been created and would be doubled as work progresses on the vital areas.

Mohammed revealed that the project comprises design and construction of 45.245 kilometre standard gauge railway tracks and associated permanent way, station buildings, bridges and culverts, communication among others.

With the clamour for more highcapacity buses, Mohammed said that the FCT administration has increased the number of participants in its operator license

•A rail station

‘Rail stations to be operational soon in Abuja’ From Gbenga Omokhunu and Grace Obike

scheme to seven and that currently the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has 40 buses, AUMTCO 250, FABREM 40; SHAAXI 40, AUTOSTAR, SECDA as well as REITN newly licensed to add a minimal of 50 buses each before the end of the year.

The minister recalled that Vice President Namadi Sambo last week commissioned 160 brand new taxis under the Abuja taxi scheme, adding that the number

is expected to be increased to 1,000 before the end of the year.

Mohammed assured that the on-street parking programme

The on-street parking was introduced to tackle some of the traffic problems especially during peak hours in the Abuja metropolis, ensure orderliness, increase IGR, reduce congestion; it has so far created 1,130 jobs

Centenary beauty pageant coming

A

S part of the nation’s 100 years celebrations, there will be a Miss Centenary Nigeria Beauty Pageant and Fashion show staged in Abuja before the end of the year.

The show is being organised for young women between 18 and 25 years of age as a unifying tool in the country.

National Coordinator, Mr. Kolade Oludare, Miss Centenary Beauty Pageant and Fashion Show, disclosed this to reporters at a press conference in Abuja.

He said the beauty pageant is not a bikini show but one that will showcase Nigeria’s culture as it marks its 100 years of existence.

Miss Centenary Pageant project was unveiled as part of activities to mark the country’s 100 years of existence.

Oludare said that the project would further strengthen the cultural, ethnic and religious background of the people.

His words: “The show will be a strong foundation that is deeply rooted in the national unity and peaceful coexistence of the country, thereby acting as a unifying tool.’’

He said that Miss Centenary Nigeria was to promote the beautiful culture of the country and the different ways of dressing, while also promoting the peaceful coexistence of the nation.

“The Nigerian woman is a key player in the sustainability of the

would be reorganised due to several complaints from residents to satisfy the yearning of the people in line with the vision and aspi-

FCTA establishes new schools

From Bukola Amusan unity and development that the country has enjoyed in the last 100 years, “ he added.

Oludare said that the woman, who emerges as the centenary queen would have the opportunity to project “a great, vibrant and progressive nation that is ready to be a world leader’’.

The “no-bikini’’ event is billed for December 14, in Abuja ahead of the January 2014 Centenary event.

The winner of the pageant is expected to participate fully in the general celebrations to showcase how the Nigerian womanhood has evolved in culture and tradition in the last 100 years.

According to him, the pageant will parade Nigerian designers and fabrics to showcase the decency that Nigeria is known for.

He said that the programme would be aired live on television.

He explained that the winner of the pageant would go home with a Nigerian assembled SUV car to promote made in Nigeria brand alongside cash and other prizes.

According to Oludare, the ultimate goal of the event is to contribute toward peace building, irrespective of ethno-religious diversities.

Activities for the pageant will include talent hunt, cooking competition of Nigerian dishes, workshops, debates on issues of national development and fashion competition.

ration of president jonathan administration. his words: “The on-street parking was introduced to tackle some of the traffic problems especially during peak hours in the Abuja metropolis, ensure orderliness, increase IGR, reduce congestion; it has so far created 1,130 jobs”.

The minister said that a total of 126 intersections have been signalised in the city, 74 of them with the old incandescent technology, 32 with solar backup, while 26 intersections are currently being upgraded.

From Gbenga Omokhunu and Grace Obike

•Minister of State for FCT Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide

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HE Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has established nine new Junior and two Senior Secondary schools in the last two years to accommodate the influx of pupils into the territory.

The FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed said this in Abuja.

Mohammed said that the everincreasing population of Nigerians from all parts of the country trooping into Abuja has made the FCT Administration to expand its educational facilities to take care of their children and wards.

The minister reiterated that the constant demographic changes is over stretching the infrastructure and facilities in the Federal Capital Territory and that his administration in consonance with the transformational dreams of

President Goodluck Jonathan has been striving to meet up with such onerous challenge.

According to him, the FCT Administration during the same period has construct six new prototype of a storey building of eight classrooms with toilets, office and store in four basic schools across the territory.

The minister revealed that his administration has been able to complete 1,215 classrooms for basic schools in all the six area councils of the territory.

He disclosed that the administration has also built six classrooms, seven staff quarters, landscaping, boys hostel, fence, drainages and sporting facilities at the School for the Handicapped, in Jabi, Abuja.

Mohammed further disclosed that during the period, his administration was able to build two staff quarters, playground, landscaping and drainages at School for the Blind, Jabi-Abuja.

“Two new Science Laboratories were constructed and furnished and three were fully renovated at the Senior Secondary Schools; while 40 Science and Intro Tech Laboratories were completed at Basic Education Level,” he

added.

His words: “Eighty sets of furniture were provided for Primary and Junior Secondary Schools while five libraries were constructed and furnished in Junior Secondary Schools across the territory”.

The minister stated that 1,308,780 pupils/students textbooks and instructional materials were distributed to Basic Education Schools this year alone.

Senator Mohammed also stated that the FCT Administration has set-up a Sustainable Energy Resource Centre in Karu, a suburb of Abuja.

Apart from the completion of District Library at Bwari and Teachers Development Centre at Kwali, he further revealed that 1,697, Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Senior Secondary School (SSS) teachers were trained in ICT during the same period under review.

The minister noted that his administration has provided borehole as well as electricity installations at the Abuja University of Technology, Abaji (AUTA) site. ”At the FCT College of Education, Zuba, Early Child Care Education Block; Youth Friendly Centre have been completed, and ICT Centre established”, Senator Mohammed stressed.”

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2013

ABUJA REVIEW

Fed Govt inaugurates centenary committee From Grace Obike

•Senator Mohammed

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HE Federal Government has inaugurated a committee for the grand finale of the centenary celebrations in Abuja.

The committee which is chaired by the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Senator Bala Mohammed, has as members the Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Minister of lands, housing and urban development.

Also on the committee are the Minister of Labour and Productivity; Minister of Communication Technology; Minister of Sports; Minister of State, Works; Minister of State 1, Foreign Affairs and the Director, General Service Office.

Senator Anyim Pius Anyim who inaugurated the committee, spoke on the importance of the centenary day celebration, saying that, “Mr

President considers the centenary a unique opportunity for us as a people to re-inspire the unity of Nigeria”.

The centenary day celebration will take place on the 1st January 2014 and has the theme of; “One Nigeria,Great Promise”.

Senator Anyim also said that, “Mr President and indeed the whole people of Nigeria are looking forward to a grand finale of the centenary celebration that will not only be memorable but also a testimony to our renewed commitment to live together in peace and harmony, to collectively work for the upliftment and development of our dear country.”

The chairman of the committee Senator Bala Mohammed in his speech said that, “the centenary celebration offers us an auspicious opportunity to re-affirm the obvious truth that, Nigeria is not a his-

torical accident.”

Bala further stated that, “Some even unimaginatively go further to compare Nigeria to the United States of America or Great Britain.

But the truth is, there is no plausible basis for comparing Nigeria with America which is enjoying over 200 years of independence or Britain which was never colonized.

Modern-day Nigeria came into being only on January 1, 1914, which is 100 years ago.

“As a matter of fact, Nigeria is just going to be 53 years old this year as an independent nation. The early years of the two so-called “model countries” were worse than ours and we must therefore never lose sight of the...historical facts.”

Senator Bala on behalf of the committee pledged that they will do the utmost to ensure that Nigeria is bequeathed with a landmark and memorable Centenary Day Celebration come 1st January 2014.

Mr President and the whole people of Nigeria are looking forward to a grand finale of the centenary celebration that will not only be memorable but also a testimony to our renewed commitment to live together in peace and harmony

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HE FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed has approved the immediate establishment of the FCT Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The minister has also approved the appointment of Mr. Abbas Idris as the pioneer Director-General of the Agency.

According to a statement issued by the Asst. Director/Chief Press Secretary to the FCT Minister, Muhammad Sule, the new agency

The new agency is saddled with the responsibility of overseeing all emergency and response matters in and around the territory

FCT gets emergency agency Stories from Gbenga Omokhunu

is saddled with the responsibility of overseeing all emergency and response matters in and around the entire 8,000 square kilometres of the Federal Capital Territory.

It also has the mandate for swift and efficient management of all emergency challenges across the territory.

The establishment of this new agency is guaranteed under the umbrella of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Act 1999, which provides that all states of the federation and the FCT should establish similar agency.

‘Bad society makes for mass failure’

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REVALENT vice in today’s society is part of the reasons for mass failure in schools, Chairman, Governing Council of the National Examination Council (NECO), Dr. Paddy Njoku, has said.

While supervising the National Examination Council (NECO) examination which began in Abuja last week, he said the students have been distracted by the various crisis and negative reports in the society.

He blamed parents and every other stakeholder in the education sector for the mass failure as they have not created a good society for the children to live in.

While addressing the candidates, Njoku urged them to shun every form of malpractices because it will not bring the best out of them but make them corrupt leaders in the future.

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INISTER of State for Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, has disclosed that 22 concessionaires have been certified to begin waste collection in area councils and satellite towns in the FCT. Akinjide, who made this known at a meeting with the leadership of the Trade Union Congress, FCT Council, said the administration has delineated the area councils and satellite towns into 22 lots for the purpose of daily waste collection from households in the six area councils.

The move is aimed at ensuring a clean environment in these areas.

The minister said: “The selection process for the licensees has been done in line with the National Procurement Act. The Administration has shortlisted 22 concessionaires and award letters have been issued for them to start as soon as possible.”

She disclosed that the administration through the Satellite Towns Development Agency (STDA) would acquire heavy equipment and trucks as part of measures to ensure effect waste management in the area councils and satellite towns.

“The STDA is already providing infrastructure in the area councils and also supporting the councils in the area of capacity building in line with Mr. President’s Transformation Agenda,” she added.

She assured residents of the territory that more high capacity buses would be provided by the FCT Administration to enhance the transportation system.

“The FCT Administration carried along stakeholders in the transport sector in the implementation of the new transport policy. More high capacity buses are to be provided to support existing ones,” she explained.

•Waste collection truck in business

22 concessionaires to begin waste collection From Gbenga Omokhunu and Grace Obike

The FCTA had on June 3 commenced the new transport policy in the territory which restricted mini-buses to the area councils and satellite towns. There are over 300 high capacity buses and 160 Abuja taxis currently operating Earlier in his address, the Chairman of TUC FCT Council, Comrade Aliyu Musa, had expressed the labour union’s support for the new transport policy,

saying that it was for the overall interest of residents and visitors to the federal capital city.

Musa praised the FCT Administration for being proactive in the management of the transport system in the nation’s capital.

“We, however, will advise that the administration should provide more high capacity buses as well as enforce the use of designated bus-stops by commuters.

“Buses should no longer be allowed to stop at irregular places.

The new transport policy is necessary for the security of the residents,” the TUC chairman stated.

22 concessionaires have been certified to begin waste collection in area councils and satellite towns in the FCT...the selection process for the licensees done in line with the National Procurement Act

29

TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2013

‘

Lawyers should uphold corporate governance and investors, keep corruption and money laundering under check and they should hold government to account over the provision of legal framework that guarantees access to justice, enforcement of contracts, protection of private property rights

’

E-mail:- law@thenationonlineng.net

INSIDE: Subscribers seek N5b compensation over demolition of houses -Page 31

Govt plans law to woo foreign investors

See page 32

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has devised a plan to identify for prosecution electoral crimes and their perpetrators between 2007 and 2011. But experts say the job should be that of the National Assembly. ERIC IKHILAE reports

Quest for credible elections •Rights Commission seeks to try riggers

-Page 32

Adoke, others seek mortgage laws reform

-Page 33

Unlicensed printers to be prosecuted

-Page 34

Courts and budget: Implications for access to justice

-Page 35

The anti-corruption war in the Judiciary: How far? How well?

-Page 36

•Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Abubakar

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ANY believe that the con duct of a credible election, societal peace and socio-economic growth are interwined.

Where there are credible elections, which ensure the upholding of electoral choices, development is assured.

But, where elections are manipulated, uncertainty pervades the land; the struggle for political space becomes heightened and development takes a back seat.

The latter has been the case with the Nigeria since the return of democracy in 1999. A perverted process, that supplants the people’s electoral wishes with individuals’ aspirations, is creating a struggle for power while socio-economic development the perpetrators and societal peace suffer.

Observers argue that until viable structures are put in place to discourage election manipulation, by sufficiently punishing those involved in rigging and allied crimes, attaining a transparent process will remain a mirage. Despite this realisation, no serious efforts have been made in the past to erect barriers against election manipulation by providing a process that subjects those indicted for election offences to appropriate punishment. The most the National Assembly had done is to criminalise certain offences in the Electoral Act, and impose weak sentences of between 12 and 24 months.

Another provision in the law that the tenure of the winner of a rerun election begins when he/she first took the oath of office is insufficient

to deter election criminals.

Today, what obtains are only tribunals, with the sole mandate of determining winners and losers of elections. Even where, in the course of its proceedings, perpetrators of electoral crimes are identified, the tribunal lacks the powers to prosecute them.

This, therefore, calls for the creation of structures, in the form of Electoral Offences Commission and Tribunals specifically charged to deal with electoral crimes so as to curb rigging and put the perpetrators out of business.

It is in this light that an initiative by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is commendable.

Tagged: A research project on fair trial and the right to effective participation in government, the project will electoral crimes between 2007 and 2011 (in the first instance) with a view to ensuring that those indicted are prosecuted.

Chairman, NHRC, Prof Chidi Odinkalu said the initiative is in-

•INEC Chairman Prof Attahiru Jega

tended to combat electoral impunity and ensure that culprits are held accountable.

“In addressing impunity for electoral crimes, we are trying to remedy the problem of accountability, for why the will of the people was subverted.

“Those are crimes under the Electoral Act. At the moment, no body pays any price for such crimes. We want to ensure that people begin to pay for this because, if people do not pay a price, it will continue to happen,” he said.

The NHRC has constituted a seven-man team to execute this project.

Its members include Prof Nsongurua Udombana, Faculty of Law, University of Uyo (as Project Chairman); Prof Mohammed Mustapha Akanbi of the Faculty of Law, University of Illorin; Prof Oluyemi Bamgbose, Faculty of Law, University of Ibadan and Prof Ifeoma Pamela Enemo, Faculty of Law, University of Nigeria.

‘

Cases exist where persons, some in high places or institutions and groups have been indicted for engaging in electoral frauds; for infracting electoral laws; for violating fair trial norms in relation to pre or post election petitions, or electoral panel members indicted by appellate courts in connection with unethical dealings in electoral petition cases.

‘

Others are Prof Tawfiq Ladan, Faculty of Law, Ahmadu Bello University; Dr. Abubakar Muazu, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Maiduguri and Dr. Solomon Ukhuegbe of the Department of Public Law, University of Benin.

Udombana said the initiative seeks to focus on an aspect of the nation’s democracy that has not been properly documented, let alone implemented.

He noted that cases exist where persons, some in high places or institutions and groups have been indicted for engaging in electoral frauds; for infracting electoral laws; for violating fair trial norms in relation to pre or post election petitions, or electoral panel members indicted by appellate courts in connection with unethical dealings in electoral petition cases.

“What we have not heard or read of is when and how such indicted persons were made to account for their infractions.

“Over the years, no one dared or cared enough to demand accountability for these infractions. We believe that no rule of law can germinate from such a barren posture,”Udombana said.

He explained that the project, which will cover 2007 and 2011 will undertake independent review of evidence of crimes in •Continued on page 30

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2013

30

LAW COVER CONT’D • Continued from page 29

the election petition processes in the country within the period; document the cases of criminality and make it public, through the NHRC, for “possible prosecution, advocacy and mobilisation.”

As laudable as this initiative seems, observers are agitated by issues that could undermine the realisation of the its core objective.

This mostly revolves around the issue of legitimacy: Does the NHRC has such mandate under its Establishment Act? Does the Electoral Act sufficiently criminalised electoral offences and define acts constituting electoral offences?

How can those involved in electoral offences be successfully prosecuted in view of the inadequacies inherent in the nation’s criminal justice system and the non-existence of a prosecutory body?

Experts are, however, of the view that although there is no express provision empowering the NHRC to investigate and prosecute electoral offenders, the commission could find legitimacy in the fact that, having been empowered to take steps to protect citizens’ human right, this project also seeks to protect the people’s right to electoral choices; to vote and have their votes count.

They urged the National Assembly to work towards providing the necessary structures to allow for electoral accountability.

This, they said, could be achieved if the National Assembly make laws empowering the Executive to establish an Electoral Offences Tribunal; sufficiently criminalising electoral

•Odinkalu

•Raji (SAN)

•Ikeji

Quest for credible elections offences and imposing stiff penalties of even, life imprisonment.

Lawyers, including Ahmed Raji (SAN), Dr. Timothy Olukotun, Ikechukwu Ikeji and the Second Vice Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Steven Abbah, spoke in the vein.

Raji said having an Electoral Offences Tribunal as recommended by the Justice Mohammed Uwaisled panel on electoral reform would solve the problem.

On how to ensure prompt and effective prosecution, he cited the case of the Federal High Court that has amended its Rules to fasttrack criminal trials and suggested that other courts take a cue from this.

He argued that, if the rules are faithfully implemented, the prob-

lem of delay in the criminal trial process will be resolved.

Olukotun said the NHRC should be commended and that the initiative should be given a trial.

“Let us watch them go about it first. If there are need for legal assistance, the National Assembly should not hesitate to make the necessary laws.

“We need to be serious about electoral crimes if we want free and fair elections in this country,” he said.

Ikeji argued that the Electoral Act does not sufficiently address the problem of electoral crimes and malpractices given the voluptuous nature of irregularities that usually trail all elections in Nigeria.

“It does not sufficiently address the issue of ballot box snatching or change of figures or even violence during elections.

“Apart from Sections 23, 24, and 96, other sections that provide for electoral offences are found under Part V111 encompassing Sections 117 to 132.

“These sections provide for punishments of 12 months and 24 months ceiling making it too soft given the serious nature of election rigging in Nigeria. Stiffer punishments are recommended,” Ikeji said.

He suggested the enactment of a separate electoral offences legislation, which will create an Electoral Offences Commission or Agency solely for the purpose of combating electoral offences.

Ikeji said what is required of the government is the political will and sincerity of purpose “Our judges have to be more up and doing with sufficient amount of proactive tendencies. Corruption must be tackled both from its roots and its manifestations.

Government has to lead the way here.

Civil society also has to be alert all the time. There may be need to create a specialised Electoral Offences Tribunal to specifically tackle the challenge of electoral offences, he said.

Abbah said what was required was for the law makers “to make laws that invoke public confidence and respect for the electoral process.”

The National Assembly seemed to have realised that much of the burden rests on it. Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Senator Umaru Dahiru and his House of Representative counterpart, while speaking at the launch of the project in Abuja last week, assured the NHRC of both houses’ commitment to the project.

Dahiru said aside making sure that the funding of the NHRC was reflected under the first line charge, the Senate was willing to amend the Electoral Act provide for stiffer penalties for electoral offenders and aid their swift prosecution.

He said the Senate would also work with the Federal Government to strengthen the Judiciary by appointing more judges if necessary.

His counterpart in the House of Representatives, Benin Lar, was represented by Blessing Omaku.

NBA seeks better funding of judiciary

N

IGERIAN Bar Association (NBA) President Okey Wali (SAN) has called for an improved funding of the judiciary.

Inadequate funding, he said, delayed adjudication, thereby discouraging investors from coming to Nigeria.

Wali spoke at the foundation laying of the NBA House in Abuja.

According to him, there will be no rule of law without an efficient, effective and well-funded judiciary that is truly independent.

He said: “An investor will not come into a country where he is not confident about the rule of law. Why do we want the judiciary to be funded? It is because we want a system that will work.

“You won’t take your money to a country where you know that if there is a dispute, you will not resolve it in 10 years. No investor will go to such a country.

“So, this is part of what the NBA is calling for and this is why we are asking that the judiciary be well funded so that the system will work, so that everybody will believe in our system because it works and democracy also will be sustained.”

Wali urged lawyers to support the building, saying: “The contractors are set to go. We are mobilising them immediately to go to site. We have appointed contractors; all the documents are in place and we expect them to hit the ground running. The contractors have cleared the site, they have taken over the site and are ready to go.

“The NBA is the largest professional body in Africa, South of the Sahara and with 100 branches spread across the 36 states, the NBA deserves a magnificent edifice of its own. This building project is going to cost a lot of money to complete it, but we believe it is doable, we can raise the money.

“I, therefore, use this opportunity to call on all our members, both in the public sector and private practice to support this laudable project. I assure all our members that all the financial

By John Austin Unachukwu

assistance, which we will receive from them, shall be prudently managed and accounted for.

“Our dream is that the NBA House Building Project is completed within the life span of this administration. I have no doubt in my mind that we can do it.

“To get it done, it calls for sacrifice and commitment. Nobody builds in comfort; building is a task that calls for sacrifice.

Therefore the NBA House Building Project will call for sacrifice from the National Officers of the NBA and the Members of Secretariat staff,” Wali said.

He praised NBA Property Development Building Committee for their commitment, as well as House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal and Attorney-General of the Federation Mohammed Adoke (SAN) for their support for the project.

He said the building will be made up of 10 floors. Three to four floors will be for the NBA use and all its committees.

NBA Sections and fora will be housed there to ease communication among them.

Adoke praised NBA leadership for initiating the project, pledging his support for it.

He said: “The NBA represents one of the most dynamic and progressive professional associations in the country and has over the years contributed immensely to the socio-economic and political development of this country.

“This 10-storey building located in the central business district of Abuja with a 2,000 capacity auditorium satisfies in every respect our collective desire to uplift and maintain the status of NBA as a foremost professional association in Nigeria.

“I, therefore, charge all those involved in the project to ensure its early completion to avoid cost overrun and ensure that all those involved in the construction works, scrupulously adhere to the building specifications.”

NBA General Secretary Emeka

•From left: 1st Vice President NBA, Osas Justy Erhabor; Co-Chairman, NBA Building Committee, Obi Okwusogu (SAN), General Secretary, NBA, Emeka Obegolu and Adoke at the event.

Obegolu described the ceremony as a momentous event in the history of an association.

“I am proud by the grace of God to be the General Secretary of the NBA during this event and by the grace of God we will work very hard as the president said.

“Every hand must be on deck to ensure the completion of this project within the life-time of this administration. So, to God be the glory,” Obegolu said.

Chairman of the NBA building committee, Dr. Theo Osanakpo (SAN), said the members would do their best to ensure prompt completion.

“There is a lot of initiatives embarked upon by the president and he has also inaugurated a financial committee that

will drive the raising of the funds,” he daid.

The Co-chairman of the Building committee, Obi Okwusogu (SAN), added: “I feel very elated because it is like a dream come true. When it was in the conceptual stages, we had doubts whether we would even take off; we have been waiting virtually every other week in Abuja.”

Chairman, NBA Abuja Branch, Mr Desmond U.M. Yamah, said the project will be pursued vigorously “to bring it to a glorious completion within the shortest possible time”.

Chief Solomon Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) called it a landmark achievement of the Bar. “By the grace of God, we will all be

alive to see this house occupied and used.

One of the things I believe in is for an association to make progress. It may be gradual, it may be slow, it may be fast, but you must be making progress.

“The present president of the NBA has ideas and he demands to be supported; he is a man who has the passion to develop the NBA as a body to international level.

And so whatever he does, I will support him and I urge all our members to support him. He means well for the NBA and for the legal profession generally.”

Former Katsina State Attorney-General, BashirYusuf,said:“Ifeelelated.Ifeelhappy and glad that I am part of this process. We hope that we will all be here to witness the inauguration of the completed building.”

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LAW AND SOCIETY

Contest for NBA Lagos Secretary’s office hots up

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AMPAIGN for the secre taryship of the Nigerian bar Association (NBA), Lagos branch, has hot up ahead of its July 18 election.

Mr Babatola Akpata and Mr. Chukwuma Ezeala are in the race, which sources say is full of intrigues.

Below is the profile of the contestants.

Babatola Sunday Akpata and Chukwuma Ezeala

•Akpata

Akpata holds LL.B (Hons) Second Class (Upper Division) from the University of Ilorin. He also graduated from the Nigerian Law School, Nigerian Law School, Bwari, Abuja with a Second Class Upper Division.

Akpata is an an Associate in the law firm of G. Elias &Co. He is a member of several professional groups, including the NBA, Nigerian Environmental Law Society (NELS), Young International Arbitration Group (YIAG) of the London Court of International Arbitration, Young Arbitrators Forum of International Chamber of Commerce.

He is a Notary Public, Associate Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (ACiarb), United King-

By John Austin Unachukwu

dom, Associate, Business Recovery and Insolvency Practitioners Association of Nigeria, Associate Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria.

Apart from the short period he worked with Shendam Local Government (October 2002 - August 2003) Akpata has worked with leading commercial law firms in the country, including Aluko & Oyebode, where he was an Associate (June, 2002 - September 2002) and G. Elias & Co., (Associate) (September, 2003 - date).

He has such international exposures and experiences of a contemporary lawyer, not only in law practice, but in other fields of professional endeavour.

He attended seminars and workshops organised by such globally acclaimed consultants as Smith Consulting: Accounting and Finance Course for Lawyers (2002) Newman Module: Nigerian Petroleum Profit Tax Act: Structure and Administration (2003), Bripan: Banks’ Loans Documentation and Recovery (2004). Admiralty Resource Services: Marine Insurance Seminar (2005) IBA: Developing Energy and Mining Projects in Emerging Markets (2006) MAAN: Arbitration in the Marine Industry (2010)

E

ZEALA holds an LL. B.) BL. and ( LL. M.) (Lagos), is the Managing Partner, Chancellor Chambers, based in Victoria Island, Lagoss.

He is a Notary Public and a Chartered Arbitrator/Mediator and Conflict Resolution Specialist.

He works with the Civil Society Organisation ( CSO) of Develop-

ment for Good Governance.

Ezeala has developed expertise in several aspects of practice, having cut his legal teeth as Counsel in Shitta Bay Law Office, Lagos.

He has expertise in company matters, capital markets, negotiations, arbitration and litigation.

As the Managing Partner of Chancellor Chambers, Ezeala recruits, trains and manages young and middle management lawyers and mentors young lawyers.

A consummate Bar man, he has served the Bar in several capacities. He was a Member of the NBA Lagos Executive between 2009 and 2011; Secretary, Law Summit 2011; Vice Chairman, 2009 Conference Planning Committee, Secretary, Human Rights Committee, Assistant Social Secretary, Ex-Officio Member; Member, NBA National Welfare Committee, and Member, NBA Delegation to Pro Bono Conference, Berlin, Germany.

A member of the International Bar Association (IBA) and Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA), he has received worldclass training in leadership at the Leadership Training Institute, Arlington, Virginia, USA. A Christian, Ezeala has served the National Association of Catholic Lawyers, Lagos, as Secretary (2003 – 2005), Vice President (2007 – 2011) and President (2011 – till date).

In similar capacity, he has served as the In-House Counsel of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria as well as the National Coordinator of the secretariat’s Justice, Development and Peace Commission (JDPC). Much of his early experience in facilitating engagement with government agencies, in conflict mediation and peacebuilding was gained during this assignment.

•Ezeala

He has also served on the boards of some Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), which had sought to address institutional and social impediments to full democratisation in Nigeria.

Under his watch, the Democracy and Good Governance in Nigeria project of the JDPC engaged in capacity building for the 50 diocesan branches for better engagement of the populace, in fostering democratic ideals and structures, and in peace building initiatives.

Ezeala was the team leader and co-editor of JDPC’s Final Statement on the 2003 general elections. He co-developed manuals for its domestic observers in Nigeria’s 2007 Elections. He has gained substantial capacity in good governance and conflict resolution, especially on electoral process. He has considerable experience in training and building the capacity of civil society organisations in initiatives aimed at deepening democratic values.

Between 2006 and 2007, Ezeala was on leave-of-absence as the National Programme Manager/ NACOREV campaign coordinator (Nigeria Office) for a South African NGO IDASA in its DFID-

funded programme on ‘Reduction of Violence in Nigeria’s Elections.’

As Researcher/Consultant with International IDEA (South Africa), Ezeala helped to deepen Nigeria’s electoral practice jurisprudence through his seminal work, The Legal Framework and the Conduct of Tribunals in the 2003 Nigerian General Elections. He was between 2004 and 2006 the Executive Director of Salamafrika International. In this capacity, he was Technical Advisor to NGOs working on peace, good governance and parliamentary advocacy projects. He also advised civil society monitoring and observation groups, provided technical support in the design and implementation of strategic plans, trained educational institutions personnel in good governance and human rights legislation, and designed public participation processes.

Aside facilitating the resolution and management of community conflicts, Ezeala provided technical assistance to communities dealing with democratic/transitional issues. It was in this capacity that he developed model constitutions and bye-laws aimed at reducing conflicts in trade and town unions. As a consultant on election matters, He has assisted organisations and public agencies to develop conflict mitigation strategies.

These experiences have exposed Ezeala to diverse persons, groups and management systems, enabling him to hone his skills in capacity building, personnel management, and financial management/budgeting. Also thanks to these experiences, his network of contacts in the governmental, professional, NGO and civil society sectors are outstanding.

Ezeala is married and has children.

Estate subscribers seek N5b compensation over demolition HE Federal Capital Deof houses velopment Authority

T

(FCDA) has been faulted over its demolition of about 500 houses in Minanuel Estate in Abuja.

Subscribers to the estate on Airport Road, demolished last October by FCDA officials, who allegedly acted with the support of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), said due process was not followed in the demolition.

Their lawyer, Chris Uche (SAN), argued last week, at the resumed hearing of his clients’suit instituted by the subscribers, that the demolition was “punitive, discriminatory and inhuman”.

He further argued that the Minanuel Estate project was singled out for demolition. He noted that other similar ongoing estate projects in the area were not demolished.

Uche cited the Royal Fort Estate, Set Time Estate and NNPC Cooperative Society Ltd Estate that were not demolished.

He spoke while cross-examining a defence witness, Abubakar Suleiman before Justice Danladi Senchi of the FCT High Court, Wuse.

Sulaiman, a Zonal Land Manager FCDA, who had earlier admitted seeing some approval documents in relation to the Minanuel Estate project, denied seeing letters conveying approval for the development of the estate.

He also denied that the demolition was discrimina-

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

tory. He said other estates in the area were spared on the intervention of the National Assembly.

The subscribers have denied a claim by the defence that it served them with notices of demolition.

They also opposed move by defence lawyer, Joe Gadzama (SAN), to tender documents to support its claim, arguing that the documents were not pleaded.

Led in evidence by Gadzama, FCDA’s District Officer in Charge of Town Planning, Adamu Garba, told the court that his colleagues served “Stop Work”, “Quit” and “Demolition” notices on Minanuel estate owners long before the demolition was effected.

Gadzama sought to tender invoices for advertorials published by his client in some national dailies and on a radio station, in respect of the estate.

His move was opposed by Uche, who argued that the documents were not pleaded.

On Thursday, Justice Senchi admitted the documents and photographs on the ground that they were relevant to the case.

The plaintiffs, who named FCDA, FCTA and FCT Minister, Bala Mohammed as defendants, are among others, seeking N5billion compensation.

•Gov Obi (second right), handing over the keys to Justice Umeadi (first right). With them are Commissioner for Housing, Patrick Obi (left), an engineer and Deputy Speaker Chukwudi Orizu.

Obi inaugurates judges’ quarters

A

NAMBRA State Governor Peter Obi has inaugu rated an ultra-modern residential quarters built for judicial officers at Onitsha.

It is made up of six five-bedroom duplex buildings with boys’ quarters and gate houses reportedly valued at N242, 913,994.

The Chief Judge, Justice Peter Umeadi, said the house was the first of its kind since the state was created 22 years ago.

By Joseph Jibueze

He said the joy of all Anambra people is that beyond the judiciary, the Governor was working in all sectors.

For better and quicker dispensation of justice, he said a new Judicial Division was bring created.

Obi said it was in line with his administration’s strategy of working in all sectors simultaneously for ultimate benefit of

the people of the State.

He said more quarters for the judiciary would be built at Awka, assuring that he would deliver that before leaving office.

The governor said a functional judiciary was necessary for the peace and order in the society.

Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Legal Matters, Mr Alex Ejesieme, praised the governor for the gesture.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2013

LAW AND SOCIETY Lawyers and other professionals attended the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Section on Business Law (SBL) International Conference in Lagos last week. Legal Editor JOHN AUSTIN UNACHUKWU, ADEBISI ONANUGA, JOSEPH JIBUEZE and PRECIOUS IGBONWELUNDU report.

Govt plans law to woo foreign investors

I

S the country’s economy still emerg ing? Why have its citizens remained largely poor? Why is wealth concentrated in few hands? What role can lawyers play in an emerging economy?

These were some of the questions speakers sought to answer at the Seventh edition of the Annual Business Law Conference of the Section of Business Law (SBL) of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Lagos with the theme: The legal profession in an emerging economy.

Speakers included NBA President, Okey Wali (SAN); Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN); Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, who declared the conference open; Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio; Chairman of the Section on Business Law, Mr Gbenga Oyebode and the Chairman International Issues Committee of the Law Society of England and Wales, Mr Harold Paisner, who delivered the keynote address.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Miriam Aloma Mukhtar, was represented by Justice Mahmud Mohammed of the Supreme Court; the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Ayotunde Phillips was represented by the Head Judge, Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade.

Adoke, represented by Dr. Taiwo Ogunleye, said the Federal government was planning a new legislation to help bring foreign investment into the country.

He said his office is collaborating with the Ministry of Trade and Investment and other stakeholders in reviewing relevant Business and Investment Laws to draft a legislation aimed at simplifying the legal regime for doing business and reduce legal impediments to the inflow of investments and the smooth running of business in the country.

He said he had through an EightPoint Strategy Plan articulated wide ranging reforms in the justice sector identified as needful for the improvement of business and investment laws, policies and regulations in Nigeria.

“We are living witnesses to the positive impact of democratic governance on the polity and its salutary effect on Nigeria’s investment climate, particularly the concerted reform initiatives being implemented at the Federal and state levels to make our investment climate not only conducive for business but competitive for the reception of foreign investment,” he said.

According to him, there is no doubt that a nation’s legal system provides the context, the means and methods of regulating business practices as well as defines the parameters within which companies and individuals conduct business transactions He said: “The legal system specified both the rights and obligations of parties who are involved in business transactions and prescribes the methods of legal redress to those who believe they are entitled to some type of recourse in the legal system.”

The role of lawyers Fayemi said the legal profession has a big role to play in entrenching the rule of law and fighting bribery and corruption if Nigeria must join the emerging economies of the world.

He believed that there are certain provisions in our law that has not been helpful to investment climate and challenged lawyers to rise up to the occa-

sion adding that our laws should be developed in tandem with the situations around us if the country must be in the league of emerging economies of the world.

The governor remarked that the Vision 20: 2020 programme of the Federal Government is not just a wishful thinking, but that there are grounds for the country to nurse such aspirations.

According to him, there is for the country to improve on those factors that make investors prefer other climes other than Nigeria.

Mr Paisner said bribery and corruption undermine not just democratic values, but also public accountability and the rule of law, adding that this is why national and international efforts to combat the vices are important for emerging economies.

Paisner observed that in many emerging economies, problems arise where laws poorly drafted give regulators too wide a discretion without adequate accountability to interprete and apply the law.

“So lawyers do have a role to play in promoting good economic growth whether as private practitioner or as members of the judiciary.

“They should uphold corporate governance and investors, keep corruption and money laundering under check and they should hold government to account over the provision of legal frame work that guarantees access to justice, enforcement of contracts, protection of private property rights,” he said.

The Chairman International Issues Committee of the Law Society of England and Wales, who described lawyers as major catalyst of growth in emerging economies of the world, counselled Nigerian lawyers to broaden their educational background by combining law degree with business degree, stressing that a good legal education and training equips lawyers to become good policy makers, legislators and regulators in emerging economies.

Wali said the section on business law was introduced as a platform for professionalising the Bar in Nigeria, adding that the section also accommodates lawyers who desire to specialise in the profession.

The NBA President called for the strengthening of sections and committee system in the association so that lawyers can avail themselves of the opportunities they provided to specialise in diverse areas of professional practice.

Wali frowned at the politicalisation of some NBA’s committee activities by chairmen with ambitions for future political offices at the Bar. He warned that overheating of the system has negative effect on the programme of the Bar and that henceforth, it will not be tolerated.

Oyebode said there was a correlation between good governance and the emerging economies.

He said Nigeria can only witness growth in her economy if human rights are respected, corruption is eradicated and rule of law is allowed to reign supreme in the country.

Oyebode stressed that there was the need for legal practitioners to be attuned with development around the world to be in good position to provide good legal advice to their clients.

Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank Plc, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, urged lawyers to see the legal profession as busi-

•From left: Former President of NBA, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN); President, NBA Okey Wali (SAN) and former President NBA OCJ Okocha (SAN)

•From left: Justice Atilade, Hon. Olivia Agbajor; General Secretary NBA, Emeka Obegolu and Chuka Agbu (SAN)

•Oyebode

• Gov Fayemi

•From right: Dr. Gbolahan Elias (SAN), Theophilus Emuwa and Asue Ighodalo.

ness that can help grow the economy.

He said doing so would help “accelerate” the rate at which those at the top, such as Senior Advocates, “pull up those at the bottom.”

Aig-Imoukhuede, who spoke at the closing session, said the legal profession, in resolving disputes, should also focus on how to create wealth.

“I find that the legal profession

seems to be more active in issues of dispute resolution, so this is the first time I am seeing lawyers putting interest in economic issues.

“It is important that lawyers understand the political economy and basis micro-economics. I would love to come next time as a partner in one of your law firms,” Aig-Imoukhuede said.

Akpabio said the impressive growth

of emerging economies creates new demands for legal services.

“Law, as we know, is undeniably the foundation for the promotion of business. Business is all about transaction, agreement, policy formulation and regulations and all these fall within the ambit of the legal profession.

“Beyond this, the provision of professional advice to clients regarding

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2013

33

LAW AND SOCIETY LAW AND PUBLIC POWER

with gabriel AMALU email:gabrielamalu1@yahoo.com

•Presiding Justice Amina Augie of the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division; Prof Ilegbune and Prof Smith

Adoke, others seek mortgage laws reform

N

IGERIA’S mortgage laws need reform to bring them up to date with modern needs, experts have said.

The Attorney-General of the Federation Mohammed Adoke (SAN); Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Lagos, Prof Imran Smith (SAN), and National Legal Adviser of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) Dr Muiz Banire said the existing laws were old.

But the Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Ms Amal Pepple said the government had proposed amendments to some of the laws.

They spoke in Lagos at the Real Estate Lawyers Association of Nigeria (RELAN) 2013 Summit. It had the theme: Foreclosure Law and processes in Relation to Mortgage Security in Nigeria.

Other speakers were lawyer and International Land/Mortgage Finance expert Ms. Carol Rabenhorst and Managing Director, Aso Savings and Loans Limited, Mr Hassan Usman.

Pepple, represented by her ministry’s Director Legal Services Ifenyinwa Njokama, believes even the foreclosure law requires amendment.

She said: “It is pertinent to inform this august gathering that the Federal Government of Nigeria has proposed amendments to the provisions of the Land Use Act which, amongst others, are considered as inimical to efficient and effective mortgage transactions.

“The process of obtaining consent, which has been considered lengthy and arduous, results in considerable delays in commercial transactions.

“The attendant negative effect is discouraging investors as well as retarding mortgage transactions in the country.

“Most players in the industry are of the view that foreclosure law is not helpful to the lender and weighs heavily against it, thereby giving latitude for borrowers to default in the repayment of their loans.

“Foreclosure processes are also seen to be cumbersome and timeconsuming,” the minister said, adding that the government was work-

By Joseph Jibueze

ing to correct the lapses.

Adoke, represented by his Special Assistant Victoria Mbu, said housing laws must not be complicated.

According to him, ease and clarity in the process of enforcing mortgages, particularly the foreclosure process, are significant catalysts for achieving the country’s housing targets.

The minister of justice said it is, therefore, important that investors are able to take possession of their collateral and recover their loans as quickly as possible.

“The current complicated procedures in our law courts and the unduly slow pace of proceedings cast a dim pall on the chances of achieving growth in these areas.

“Several options have been canvassed, such as specialised property courts and the de-mutualisation of mortgages, to facililate non-judicial foreclosure.

“In my view, there is also need to focus on manpower and technology deficits in land registries and cognate institutions to complement any reform in the legal framework,” Adoke said.

RELAN President Prof Charles Ilegbune (SAN) said lawmakers must re-examine legislations governing mortgage transactions and foreclosure, adding that global challenges call for innovations.

“There is no better time in our legal jurisprudence to have such as discourse and reflect on a number of questions.

“Today, Nigeria is at crossroads of its legislations governing mortgage transactions and foreclosure.

“Did we have the right legislations in this regard in the light of the Land Use Act and the Lagos State Property and Mortgage Law? “Have our recovery modes had the intended effects? How can we secure lasting and sustainable growth in the real estate section while restoring the confidence of investors?

“The continuous growth in the world’s population and the global economy, as well as the increasing demand for mortgages as a form of secured lending will continue to

•Banire; Rabenhorst and Segun Ajibola (SAN)

place a huge demand on real estate transactions,” Ilegbune said.

Smith, who is RELAN Vice-President, said present foreclosure law paradigms are ill-equipped to address borrower, lender and third party concerns.

He criticised inadequacies in High Court rules and limitation laws which hamper real estate growth.

Complications, he said, arise from legal provisions for re-opening of foreclosure proceedings, slow judicial process and co-ownership of property as subject-matter of security.

The UNILAG law dean called for legislations on anti-deficiency, redemption statutes and foreclosure moratoria, and sought more judicial activism regarding constructive trusts and unjust enrichment.

“There should be an institution to take records of all foreclosure proceedings. Transactions must be registered,” he said.

Smith further suggested regulation of foreclosure processes that would take cognizance of the interests of the borrower, lender and the public.

He believes factors to be taking into account by courts when making order should be streamlined, saying: “The court must be guided.”

Smith also proposed removal or amendment of Section 22 of the Land Use Act “to exclude foreclosures to obviate any doubts as to its non-applicability.”

He also wants a revisitation of the application of consent in the Lagos State Property and Mortgage Law. Smith said a law should be enacted to regulate foreclosure proceedings to allow a mortgagee to recoup their investment.

Banire said all property laws need a review, adding that they must address present realities.

“From the international speaker, we have been able to have some hint about what is obtainable in other jurisdiction which we can take into consideration when reforming our own law.

“Most of our laws on mortgages are obsolete; most of them. Definitely we need to look at them again,” he said.

Lessons from Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji

T

HE passage rite of Alhaja Abibatu Asabi Mogaji, the Iya Oloja of Lagos, President-General, Association of Nigerian Market Women and Men, and mother of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the penultimate week, turned to an unprecedented carnival. From all parts of the country and the diplomatic community, there has been an overflow of condolence visits and encomiums, as distinguished personalities seek to outdo each other, in honour of the departed grassroots leader. From the stories of the life and times of Alhaja Mogaji, as told from the Presidency to the ordinary folks, lessons in leadership and sagacity can be gleaned.

From what has been written and said, it is clear that the Iya Oloja of Lagos made her own marks and was a distinguished leader, decades before her son became the pre-eminent opposition political leader in the country. For several decades Mama Mogaji, remained the undisputed leader of the association of market women and men in Nigeria, both during the military and civilian regimes. As relayed by eminent Nigerians, including the Sultan of Sokoto, her savvy and adroit leadership started well before the modern actors were weaned from their mothers’ breast. Apparently selfless and capable, she was accepted, respected and adored by her constituency, thus, they never revolted against her, all those long years.

That was no mean achievement, particularly in Lagos, the economic and political nerve centre of the country, several years, before Abuja took over, as the political capital of Nigeria. What could have made that possible was sincerity in leadership. For in the peculiar Nigerian scene, particularly during the military interregnum, political intervention by the military regime and its henchmen in the leadership of professional associations and pressure groups were very rampant. Nigerians will recall that friends of the regime were encouraged to infiltrate various organisations, take them over and run them as personal fiefdom of the puppets. Among the victims, were the Nigerian Bar Association, the Nigerian Medical Association, the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, and several others, who all became engendered species, under the roaring military regimes.

Alhaja Mogaji, from the encomiums, also had integrity and foresight, very early in her career. She was reputed to be an arch follower and mobiliser for the pre-eminent Yoruba politician in the first and second republic, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. She was also reputed to have stood firmly on the side of the political legend and his group, when the Action Group, suffered internal political crisis, which saw the party split into two. Considering that many jumped ship, while Chief Awolowo was incarcerated, it is a measure of her integrity and foresight that she stood with her political leader, until he triumphed. She was reputed to have continued her grassroots political odyssey, during the Second Republic, marking her out as a leader of an influential pressure group, within the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN).

Mama Mogaji was also sagacious. One particular story stood out. That was when the leadership of the students of the Lagos State University (LASU) went to complain to her that her son, Asiwaju Tinubu, then the Governor of Lagos State, had despite their best efforts, refused to see them; threatening that there would be a show down. The story line was enthralling, as she was reported to have calmed the students down, reminding them that they were all her children and grand children; while assuring them, that she would intervene. And she did. As stated by the students, few days later, they had an audience with the Governor, and their demands were met, well beyond their imagination. And when Asiwaju, as Governor, had political challenges, ‘the student enemies’ his mother had smothered for him, stood firm in support. It will be fair to imagine how many more political differences that Alhaja Mogaji, subtly settled for her loving son, and her wide political family.

Alhaja Mogaji, no doubt, was humane and powerful, but humble. It is uncommon that despite her son’s political ascendency since 1999, she never caused any scandal or obtrusively interfered in the affairs of Lagos State. No fuss as First Mother. In their testimonies, the political associates and opponents of her son, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, have testified to her uncommon humanity. Reputed to be wealthy, on her own merit, she was reputed to be humane, humble and highly sociable. As leader of an influential group, the market women and men, she rubbed shoulders with powerful political leaders across the country; yet she never lost connection with the ordinary folks that are the majority of her primary constituency.

It is, therefore, understandable that her passage to eternity has become a dingdong affair between the rich and powerful, and the less privileged majority. No group wants to be left out. They include religious leaders from all faith, politicians from opposing camps, traditional rulers from all ethnic groups, political jobbers and sycophants across board, students, the poor and not so poor, all converged to mourn the uncommon mother of an uncommon politician. One interesting fall out, was the glaring attempt by disenchanted leaders within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to turn visiting the Ikoyi home of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as a political warning, that they may willingly ‘port’ to the emergent All Progressive Congress (APC).

When the political odyssey of Nigeria is written, Alhaja Abibatu Asabi Mogaji (1916 – 2013), will receive an honourable mention, for she continues to exert influence even at death. Obviously, many memorable political deals would have been sealed since June 15, as politicians converge on Lagos, to condole with her son and celebrate her memorable life. As Alhaja journeys to Al Jannah, here is wishing the Asiwaju and his indubitable clan, the grace to emulate the virtues of Mama Mogaji.

‘Reputed to be wealthy, on her own merit, she was reputed to be humane, humble and highly sociable. As leader of an influential group, the market women and men, she rubbed shoulders with powerful political leaders across the country; yet she never lost connection with the ordinary folks that are the majority of her primary constituency’

34

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2013

LAW & SOCIETY Firm seeks dismissal of suit

A

•From right: Lawal; Deputy President, Nigerian Copyright Commission Chris Nwata and Rev Nnorom Okechukwu at the event.

Unlicensed printers to be prosecuted

P

RINTING houses which op erate without licences issued by the Chartered Institute of Professional Printers of Nigeria (CIPPON) will face prosecution at a special tribunal.

The tribunal, created by the CIPPON Act, will be overseen by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Miriam Aloma Mukhtar.

At a forum in Lagos, with the theme: Corrective regulatory measures, CIPPON President Mohammed Lawal warned printers to get registered or face the law.

He said offenders would be made to face the tribunal, while other agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), will be engaged to rid the profession of quacks and fraudsters.

Lawal said any printing press that refuses to be licensed will be sealed.

Printers who have not registered will be made to face the law be-

By Nneka Nwaneri

cause the Act was enacted to make things better for all, he said.

He said registration of printing firms will help ensure standard in printing, while eliminating forgery and printing of fake documents used to perpetrate corruption.

The forum explored how print professionals can contribute more to the economy, while curbing the activities of quacks.

Printers were introduced to a standard uniformed system of operation in the printing industry.

These include a standard job acceptance/order form, which serves as proof of legal award of printing contract to be given to customers by the printer.

It also serves as a proof of legally getting jobs done. This can be used to obtain a court injunction to collect monies from customers.

Another is a quotation form, which has identification marks, and a seal with unique pin numbers. The Traceable Identity Register

of customers was also introduced.

“These are the newly introduced products that have set a standard for all printers to abide by.

“The seal should also be placed with the identification marks on complimentary cards to show that print professionals are licensed to practice printing in Nigeria,” Lawal said.

The CIPPON boss said there was no regulation in the printing industry until 2007, when an appropriation bill was signed on the need to change the pattern of printing that has existed for over 150 years.

Citing Section 5A and B of the Act that empowers the council to formulate policies to ensure an effective performance of the industry, Lawal said it is now mandatory for every printing press to use and uphold the new innovations.

This, he said, means no form of printing will be done except by CIPPON-licensed individuals who are registered members of the council.

He said certificates and licences not renewed are as good as not having them at all.

Ex-worker sue PENGASSAN for N8.4million

T

HE Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has been sued over its alleged refusal to pay the terminal benefits of a disengaged worker.

In the suit marked: NICN/LA/280/ 2012 filed at the National Industrial Court, Lagos, the claimant, Douglas Atagamhen, is claiming N8,354,294.74 as unpaid benefits owed to him by PENGASSAN having worked for 11 years.

He particularly pray the court to order the defendant to pay the outstanding benefits to him, with 15 per cent interest from March 2012 till judgment is given and 10 per cent thereafter, until the judgment sum is paid.

Atagamhen, in a statement of facts, stated that he was employed by the defendant as an Accountant in January 2001 at its headquarters in Lagos, but was latter transferred to the association’s Kaduna Zonal Office as Senior Organising Secretary.

He averred that while on annual vacation in the United States, he got admission for a Masters Degree in Busi-

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

ness Administration in the Strayer University, USA. He stated that in line with Clause 38 of the then extant Collective Agreement between PENGASSAN and its employees, he applied through the association’s General Secretary for study leave.

Clause 38 of the agreement, a copy of which the claimant tendered in court, provides that “staff who have put in a five years of continuous service and willing to further his/her educational pursuit, shall on application, be considered for study leave for the duration of his/ her course.

“At the discretion of the association, the application may be granted and the employee placed on half pay for the duration of the course. The employee will however report for duty during school holidays.”

The claimant stated that he equally had a telephone conversation with the General Secretary, who having reiterated that he could not be granted study leave with pay, assured him that should

he insist on the leave, his furniture and housing allowances would be paid to reduce the effect of the non-payment of salary during the leave.

Atagamhen stated that based on the General Secretary’s assurance, he commenced his study only to be issued a letter on March 17, 2009 indicating that he had been “away without leave,(AWOL).”

He said he responded to the letter, denying being absent without permission.

The claimant stated that the defendant failed to honour the pledge made, through the General Secretary, to pay him some allowances, a development that forced him to abandon the educational pursuit.

He further stated that since he could not continue with his educational programme due to lack of funds, he returned to the country and resumed work on March 8, 2010 where he last worked at the Kaduna Zonal Office.

Atagamhen averred that he remained in the defendant’s employment until July 14, 2011 when a letter, terminating his appointment, was served on him.

N engineering firm, Muslac Techno Company Limited, has urged an Igbosere High Court in Lagos to dismiss a suit filed against it and three others by the Nigerian Wire Industries Plc. It said the action is “highly reprehensible, fraudulent, illegal, frivolous, vexatious and incompetent,” and should be dismissed with substantial cost in Muslac’s favour.

Nigerian Wire is urging the court presided over by Justice Deborah Oluwayemi, to restrain the defendants, including the Inspector-General of Police, from “indulging” in any act capable of restricting the movement of any of its officers.

It prayed the court to stop the defendants from further investigation, interrogation and invitation of its workers on the basis of fraud, criminal breach of trust and cheating.

The claimant is seeking a declaration that the transaction between it and Muslac Techno “is one which is not tantamount to, or suggests any criminal activity whereby the Inspector-General of Police can investigate on the basis of fraud being alleged by the second defendant.”

Muslac Techno is the second defendant in the suit, while Mr Adeniji Kabiru and Somuyiwa Atanda are the third and fourth.

But Muslac Techno, through its lawyer Mr Theophilus Akanwa, who is Principal Partner of Lagosbased law firm T.C Akanwa & Co, insists Nigerian Wire owes it.

The firm, in a counter affidavit deposed to by its Project Manager Olugbenga Oketogun, said it reached an agreement with Nigerian Wire for the purchase/sale of 5,711.25 sheets of BRC mesh.

Following the agreement’s perfection, Muslac Techno, through its First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Plc account, transferred N22,845,000 to Nigerian Wire’s First Bank of Nigeria Plc account.

The money, the firm said, was for the purchase of the BRC mesh sheet at the official rate of N4,000 each.

Muslac Techno said rather than abide by the contract, Nigerian Wire has only sold 1,992 sheets of BRC mesh to it since April 5 last year rather than the 5,711.25 sheets.

Besides, it said all of the 1,992 BRC mesh sheets supplied were transported by a truck belonging to Muslac Techno.

The firm said it never instructed Nigerian Wire to transfer to the third defendant or anybody the sum of N5,795,000 or any amount at all for the transportation of the products.

It further stated that there was no contract between it and the claimant for the supply of binding wire, none of which has been sold to it.

Muslac Techno said its efforts to persuade Nigerian Wire to supply the remaining 3,719.25 sheets of BRC mesh or refund the balance of about N14.8million proved abortive, despite writing a demand letter dated July 13, 2012.

“The claimant has instituted this suit against the second defendant rather than supply the said prod-

By Joseph Jibueze

ucts or pay the balance of the money to it,” the firm said.

Following Nigerian Wire’s refusal to refund the money, Muslac Techno said it petitioned the Inspector-General of Police “to investigate the fraudulent acts of the claimant.”

“Instead of the claimant to discharge its obligations as per the contract, it has brought this action to use my Lord’s Court as a shield,” Muslac Techno said.

The firm denied being a customer of the third defendant, saying it did not pay money to Kabiru nor did they enter into any contract.

“There was no agreement between the claimant and the second defendant (Muslac Techno) that the claimant was to pay part of the money to the third defendant for transportation of the goods,” Muslac said.

The firm said the Inspector-General of Police (the first defendant) has a legal duty to investigate and question the claimant, particularly with Nigerian Wire’s alleged admission that it received Muslac Techno’s money for the supply of the products but failed to do so or make a refund of the balance.

According to Muslac Techno, Nigerian Wire’s refusal to supply the materials which were fully paid for, nor make a refund of the money, has caused it severe hardship and huge economic and financial losses since April last year.

“The claimant’s application and suit is aimed at wasting the precious time of this Honourable Court, frustrate the investigation…and to further cause hardship on the second defendant.

“It will serve the interest of justice to refuse the claimant’s suit/ application with substantial cost in favour of the second defendant,” said Muslac Techno.

The third defendant, Kabiru, also urged the court to refuse the declarations sought by the claimant.

He denied parading a false identity card claming to be a Nigerian Wire employee.

According to him, although his employment with the industry was terminated, he was offered a special distributorship status via an April 23, 2004 letter, which he accepted.

Justice Oluwayemi adjourned till July 2.

•Akanwa

Govt plans law to woo foreign investors •Continued from page 32 issues like intellectual property law, employment law, tax law, securities law, anti-trust law, outsourcing and laws pertaining to the sale of goods, etc is also the prerequisite of the legal profession in an emerging economy.

“The legal profession had traditionally operated primarily within the confines of individual nations, but, with globalisation, economic and cultural relations have transcended nations and are affected by multiple legal orders.

“An emerging economy, therefore, needs to implement and institutionalise a rule of law regime to attract for-

eign investors as well as protect its interests and that its citizens in the global market place.”

An expert in admiralty law, Ame Ogie, said to develop admiralty practice and the law relating to carriage of goods by sea, there is an urgent need for the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court to identify Judges who have some experience in admiralty practice or who are disposed towards admiralty practice and are willing to learn.

“The bulk of admiralty/maritime matters should be assigned to these judges who can be further trained by

attending seminars and by retired judges of the FHC who have experience in admiralty/maritime matters.

“Admiralty practice, unlike others areas of practice, has international ramifications which affects every aspect of the nation’s economy,” he said.

An energy law expert, ‘Sina Sipasi, criticised certain clauses and provisions of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), especially the provision of a Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Agency to regulate both the technical and commercial activities of the downstream sector.

“These clauses can scare gas utilities that have based the economics of their

projects on the pricing policy and pricing regulations.

“If these provisions refer to the existing policy and regulations, then the provisions are unnecessary.

Instead, the provisions could be drafted in a way that will preserve the existing pricing framework,” he said.

He identified challenges faced by the energy sector as including no clear licensing regime for downstream gas; no stable legal framework to underpin policy objectives and achievements made so far, and an overstretched regulator.

Speaking on aviation, Assistant Chief Legal Officer, Regulatory Matters, Ni-

geria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Ahmadu Diemkwap Ilitrus, said the laws obligate airlines to display at their check-in desk a written statement of passenger’s rights in the event of any unusual development.

“If you are denied boarding or your flight is cancelled or delayed for at least 1 hour, ask the airline officials for a written statement of your rights particularly with regards to compensation or assistance,” he said.

The Commissioner for Insurance, National Insurance Commission, Mr Fola Daniel, said it plays a valuable role in an emerging economy.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2013

35

LAW & SOCIETY A paper delivered by the Director-General, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), Prof. Epiphany Azinge (SAN), at the 18th Commonwealth Lawyers Conference in Cape Town, South Africa

Courts and budget: Implications for access to justice •Continued from last week

In the same vein, capacity building is necessary for court staff.

Staff need to be continuously developed mentally to be able to face for instance, training on the use of ICT is important. Court budgeting should be able to accommodate capacity building for Judges and court staff.

4. Access to Justice According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), access to justice is the ability of people from disadvantaged groups to prevent and overcome human poverty by seeking and obtaining a remedy, through the justice system, for grievances in accordance with human rights principles and standard. Access to justice is viewed in the sense of normative protection which is the existence of a remedy, the capacity to seek the remedy and the capacity to provide an effective remedy. The existence of a remedy will not be featured in this paper as it is legislative and not court related.

This paper will focus on the capacity to seek the remedy and the capacity to provide effective remedy. Capacity to seek the remedy and capacity to provide effective remedy will include the awareness of the legal remedy, exposure to legal counsel or representation and capacity to access formal and informal justice services, effective adjudication and enforcement.

There must not be any hindrance whatsoever in approaching the law courts, whether physical or financial.

4.1. Limitations to Access to Justice 1.

Poverty Poverty is a challenge to the affordability of legal fees and other incidental fees such as filing fees. Access to court and legal aid to citizens are considered fundamental rights by Section 46 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria. However, the high rate of poverty in the country has made this impossible. The poor in the society often have their rights encroached upon everyday but since they cannot afford legal representation, they resign to their fate and suffer in silence.

There have been reports of police brutality and victims are unable to access the courts as a result of lack of economic power. Research shows that as it stands today, about 80 per centof the population in Nigeria is poor. It is unlikely that the poor who find it difficult to feed daily will be able to afford legal fees. A report released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reveals an increase in poverty rate over the years, this is shown in the table below and represented in the graph that follows.

Figure 5 Year poor 1980

72.8

21.0

6.2

1985

53.7

34.2

12.1

1992

57.3

28.9

13.9

1996

34.4

36.3

29.3

2004

43.3

32.4

22.0

2010

31.0

30.3

38.7

Non- poor

Moderately poor Extremely

Figure 6 2. Illiteracy, lack of awareness and lack of legal knowledge.

Illiteracy and lack of knowledge prevents citizens from knowing the law and their rights as laws in Nigeria, especially the Constitution, are written in English language which an illiterate does not understand. Hence they are ignorant of when their rights are violated and what to do in such situations. An illiterate will find it challenging to understand proceedings in court as English language is employed during proceedings which in turn will be too complex and uninteresting to an illiterate. Illiteracy is thus an impediment to access to justice. A National Literacy Survey (2010) conducted by the National Bureau of Statistics in Nigeria estimates the adult literacy rate as 56.9 per cent which means that about 43% of the population are illiterates.

3. Lack of access to services such as courts and police due to procedural complexities.

Access to courts for people living in remote areas may be quite challenging as courts are not be located in those areas.

satisfied with police handling of their cases.

Slightly less than one half of them were satisfied (48%), 39% were not satisfied and 14% were neither satisfied nor not satisfied. Satisfaction of victims has however increased from 29% in 2011 to 48% in 2012. Those who were not satisfied were asked to state the reason. Nearly 2 in 3 of them (66%) sighted police ineffectiveness.

Other reasons were corruption (17%), inadequate feedback (12%) and police insensitivity (5%). The 2012 survey also showed that bribery and corruption among public officials including police officers, court personnel, and anti corruption agencies were higher in States like Kebbi (61%), Ebonyi (50%), Kwara (45%), Ondo (43%), Edo (42%), Bauchi (39%), FCT (37%), Ekiti (34%), Sokoto (34%) and Gombe (34%) which data is far above the national average. The lowest were recorded in Taraba, Adamawa and Kaduna, which were all 10% respectively.48

4. Corruption For proper administration of justice to take place in any country, the judiciary must be independent. Corruption relates to challenges of judicial integrity and alleged payment to court staff. The gratification is directed at influencing the outcome of a case in favour of a party which can come in numerous forms. Faking of court processes by corrupt court officials and malicious acts of court bailiffs in the service of court processes are also forms of corruption which stand in the way of justice.

5. Court delays Inordinate delay is the order of the day in our courts as litigations are unnecessarily prolonged.

The reasons for this include limited number of judges with heavy workload, lack of infrastructure, lack of adequate equipment such as computers, well equipped library and research assistance, and non-conducive working environment characterised by constant power outage.

Justice delayed is justice denied, in the criminal administration of justice in Nigeria, delay has caused a number of accused persons to languish in prisons while awaiting trial. It is not strange to find cases being litigated over a period of ten years or more. For instance, cases such as Wakino v Ade John (1999) NWLR 9 619, took eleven years in the High Court alone due to series of adjournment. That of Ariori & ors V Elemo & Ors (1983)1 SC 13 took twenty two years to reach the Supreme Court where unfortunately an order for trial de novo was made by the apex court. In many cases, parties are substituted for as a result of death of a party, such was the case of CBN & Ors v. Igiwillo SC 83/2002 which took 10 years and the plaintiff / respondent died before judgment and had to be substituted by his wife.

The 1999 Constitution of Nigeria provides for the composition of the courts. The Constitution provides that the Supreme Court shall consist of such number of Justices of the Supreme Court, not exceeding 21, as may be prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly. There are 15 Justices of the Supreme Court including the Chief justice. The Court of Appeal shall consist of a President of the Court of Appeal; and such number of Justices of the Court of Appeal, not less than 49 of which not less than three shall be learned in Islamic personal law, and not less than three shall be learned in Customary law, as may be prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly. The Justices of the Court of Appeal are 66 in number including the President of the court. The National Industrial Court shall consist of-the President of the Court who shall have overall control and supervision of the administration of the Court; and not less than twelve Judges: The court is manned by the president and nine other judges.

Information available on the official website of the National Industrial Court The Federal High Court shall consist of a Chief Judge of the Federal High Court; and such number of Judges of the Federal High Court as may be prescribed by the an Act of the National Assembly. There are, however, 35 Judges at the court. The number of Judges in the other superior courts of record namely: the sharia court of Appeal, the Customary Court of Appeal, State High Courts, Sharia Court of Appeal of states and the Customary Court of Appeal of the states is left to the national assembly and state houses of Assembly respectively to determine. The composition of ‘other courts’ or inferior courts of record is determined by each state establishing them. There are approximately 871 judicial officers in Nigeria.

The appointment of the required number of judicial officers especially at the state level will be dependable on the ability to fulfill the financial obligations such as remuneration and allowances, and also the ability to provide the required amenities such as court rooms and ancillary facilities. Thus, where there is a low budget, it may be impossible to appoint the required number of judicial officers needed for speedy dispensation of justice.

5.1. Distribution of Courts at the federal and state levels There is only one Supreme Court which is the Apex court in the country. It currently has a number of fifteen Justices. The Court of Appeal which is next in line has 10 divisions with each division serving an average of three states. The court has 66 Justices nationwide.41 The Industrial Court has seven divisions nationwide which is about one-fifth of the 36 states. The court is presently manned by the president and nine other judges. The Federal High Court has 35 divisions

• Prof Azinge

across the country with Sokoto and Kebbi states sharing a division. Each of the 36 states in the country has a High Court with a number of divisions. For instance, Lagos state has 4 Divisions with 50 Judges 6. Implications for access to justice i.

Low court budget has a negative impact on the administration of criminal justice system in the country.

The inadequacy of the courts and judicial personnel has been identified as responsible for delay in the administration of criminal justice. It is noticed that there is a preponderance of civil cases over criminal cases in our courts despite the high rate of arrest of accused persons. The civil cases which nature are usually political, matrimonial, chieftaincy, labour and commercial cases are instigated by persons having the required resources to do so. For instance, political cases are instituted by political parties or politicians and these set of people possess the required resources to gain access to justice. The same goes for matrimonial cases and chieftaincy cases, these are matters instigated by persons who already have access to justice. Labour and commercial cases are also often brought before the courts as they are instituted by persons or institutions having the economic power to do so.

This cannot be said of criminal cases as most people involved in criminal cases lack the economic resources to either obtain legal representation and there have even been instances where accused persons plead guilty as a result of persuasion by scrupulous police personnel.

Persons accused of committing one crime or the other often find themselves in prisons awaiting trial longer than necessary instead of being charged to court. According to the Abuja - The Minister of Interior, Mr Abba Moro, 38, 000 of the 54, 000 prison inmates across the country were awaiting trial. He stated that out of the 54, 000 prisoners that we have across the country, 38, 000 of them are awaiting trial and only about 16 000 have actually been convicted. This situation is caused by high level of poverty as a substantial number of inmates often languish in prisons because they cannot afford payment of legal fees. This amounts to a denial of access to justice. ii. Corruption of court officials as a result of low court budget is an obstruction to access to justice for many people who as a result have lost confidence in the system.

According to crime victimisation surveys, the findings of the survey revealed that most crimes are unreported. Only about 21 per cent of people who suffered crime victimisation reported to the police. In a 2011 survey only 16 per cent of victims report to the police revealing an increment by five per cent in 2012, which is still far below expectation. When analysed by States, the least reports were made in Sokoto (six per cent), Oyo (six per cent), Nasarawa (seven per cent), Kaduna (eight per cent), Plateau (nine per cent) and Niger States (nine per cent). The highest reports were made in Yobe (50 per cent), Benue (43 per cent), Zamfara (41 per cent ) and Cross River (38 per cent).

Those who reported were asked if they were

iii. Challenges of accessibility Lack of infrastructural development as a result of low budgeting will bring forth challenges of accessibility as people at the remotest part will be disadvantaged to go to court at the earliest convenience. Most courts are situated in cities which may be a great distance from some small towns and low budget will make it impossible for court divisions to be set up in those small towns. iv. Insufficient number of courts The number of courts in Nigeria is too small when compared with the population of the country. Nigeria can be said to have approximately 871 courts and the population currently stands at 170 milllion so, the ratio of the number of courts to the population is 1:195177. This means that for a court, there are 195,177 people; this does not guarantee accessibility to justice. v. Lack of research assistance for Judicial officers Low budgeting for courts results in the nonavailability of ICT in and research assistance for judicial officers. This is capable of causing delay in administration of justice as judges will have to take their time to write in long hand, also, judges will have to look for necessary materials themselves as there is no research assistance available to them. vi. Hike of legal fees The delay encountered in the disposal of a case affects legal fees. Legal practitioners will necessarily charge higher fees based on the knowledge of the time frame a case is likely to take.

Also, in situations where legal representation is charged based on the hours spent in court, the fees tend to be higher because longer hours are spent in the courts as a result of lack of ICT facilities in the courts. Affordability of legal fees thus becomes challenging. vii. Hike of filing fees Low budgeting affects the cost of litigation from the perspective of filing fees and other fees incidental to institution of actions in court as litigants will be required to pay for all services rendered to them since there is no subsidy from the government. Affordability of litigation costs becomes a challenge to a number of people. viii. Challenges arising from state governance Other challenges of state governance such as poor power supply, stuffy court rooms, high cost maintenance of court system militate against speedy dispensation of justice.

Judges are unable to write and conduct research in their homes as a result of discomfort in the homes due to lack of basic amenities such as power supply. ix. Noticeable Constraints As A Result Of Poor Budgeting Poor or low budgeting leads to poor performance of Judicial officers in dispensation of justice. As a result of lack of necessary amenities in the court rooms, cases allocated to courts Performance Evaluation are not disposed of on time which is a denial of access to justice. According to the Nigeria’s judicial Performance Evaluation for the years 2008 - 201149 which was a performance evaluation of courts of superior record conducted by the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Superior courts of record were not able to dispose up to 50% of the cases allocated to them.

•To be continued next week

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2013

36

NATIONAL BAR Paper delivered by Mr Femi Falana (SAN) at the presentation of the Law Journal of the Law Students Society, Faculty of Law, University of Ilorin, Kwara State, in honour of Chief Folake Solanke (SAN)

The anti-corruption war in the Judiciary: How far? How well?

• Continued from last week

D

URING the screening of the Chief Justice designate, Hon Justice Aloma Mukhtar by the Senate on July last year, some Senators took her to task on the disturbing rate of corruption in the judiciary.

Without any hesitation whatsoever, she was quick to admit that the situation “is very bad and I am saddened by it. I will try as much as possible to ensure that as for the bad eggs that are there, there will be a cleansing by the NJC based on petitions” .

It is doubtful if the Senate members were convinced that she could muster the courage to rid the Judiciary of corruption. But based on her impressive performance at the screening session coupled with her solid credentials the entirety of the senate members unanimously confirmed her appointment.

Having had promises of reforms made by political leaders and judicial officers broken in the past Nigerians took Justice Muktar’s undertaking to reform the judiciary with a pinch of salt.

But since she took over the leadership of the nation’s judiciary she has repositioned the National Judicial Council to take up the urgent task of restoring confidence in the judiciary.

Thus, in less 10 months of her tenure the CJN has made it clear to judges and Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) that it is no longer business as usual.

Disturbed by the loss of confidence in the judiciary by Nigerians, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Aloma Mukhtar has resolved to take remedial steps to restore the image of the judiciary. The National Judicial Council under her leadership held an emergency meeting on February 21, 2013 to review the pending cases of judicial misconduct against some judges. At the end of its deliberations, the NJC recommended the compulsory retirement of two judges namely, Justice Charles Archibong of the Federal High Court and Justice Thomas Naron of the Plateau State High Court for judicial misconduct.

According to a statement by the NJC, Justice Thomas Naron, the Chairman of the dissolved Osun State Election Petition Tribunal was found to have regularly communicated with exGovernor Olagunsoye Oyinlola’s counsel-Otunba Kalejaiye (SAN) through telephone and SMS messages while the election petition filed by Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola was being tried by the Tribunal.

With respect to Justice Archibong it was established that he dismissed the 26-count charge against Mr Erastus Akingbola, former Managing Director of the defunct Intercontinental Bank without taking his plea; made caustic and reckless remarks on the competence of four Senior Advocates of Nigeria and refused to release a certified true copy of his ruling to the lawyers; convicted some PDP leaders for contempt when the contempt application was not served on them, gave judgment in a case commenced by original summons without written addresses filed by parties.

Owing to such litany of errors the NJC concluded that Justice Archibong did not have any grasp of the law and procedure.

Another judge, Okechukwu Okeke J. of the Federal High Court was given a stern warning three weeks to his retirement from the Bench. Mohammed Talba of the Federal Capital Territory High Court has been placed on 12month suspension while the Chief Judge of the same court, Justice Lawal Hassan Gumi has opted to resign in-

stead of waiting for the investigation of the allegations of misconduct leveled against him. The Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee headed by the Chief Justice has suspended a Senior Advocate of Nigeria sine die while the NJC has referred another one to the NBA for discipline on account of allegations of profession misconduct.

To prevent judges from embarking on foreign trips at the expense of their judicial duties no judge can travel out of the country any longer without a written permission of the Chief Justice while judges cannot leave their stations without the authorization of the appropriate heads of courts. The NJC has warned judges to stop compromising themselves by issuing orders or giving judgments that cannot be defended on the basis of the available facts and the applicable law. With the sanctions imposed on erring judges a strong message has been sent to judges and lawyers that it is no longer business as usual. Even the corrupt cabal that took over the award of the rank of Senior Advocates of Nigeria has discovered that the game is up.

The Chief Justice has asked judges who cannot deliver at least four judgments in a year to be prepared to call it quits with the judiciary as the nation cannot continue to keep indolent judges on the bench. She has directed that courts the sitting of courts should commence at 9 am instead of the usual practice whereby many judges walk in leisurely to court at noon without any justifiable reason. It is hoped that the heads of courts and the Nigerian Bar Association will monitor and drive the reform agenda of the Chief Justice in order to restore the confidence of the Nigerian people in the courts. It is gratifying to note that the National Disciplinary Committee of the Body of Benchers has been reactivated to deal with erring lawyers. Last week, five lawyers were removed from the roll of legal practitioners for having been convicted of sundry acts of professional misconduct. The NBA leadership under deserves commendation for this feat. It is however hoped that the NBA will beam its search light on senior lawyers who have been linked with serial violations of the rules of professional ethics.

In a country where impunity has become the order of the day the forces of darkness that have profited maximally from the judicial rot are understandably not comfortable with the courage and determination of the Chief Justice to clean out the angean stable in the judiciary. They have therefore

decided to resort to subtle blackmail with a view to turning back the hand of the clock. But having lived above board like Ceaser’s wife the Chief Justice should forge ahead with the purge which is going to enhance the image of the judiciary and lead to the restoration of the confidence of Nigerians in the institution. Since the principalities that are behind the destruction of the judiciary are stupendously rich and well connected they are going to continue to fight dirty. In other words, the CJN and the NJC should expect a sustained attack from the forces of retrogression as corruption has a way of fighting back.

However, the NJC should strive to give adequate time and opportunity to judges accused of misconduct with a view to confronting the allegations made against them. The manner of appointment should be reviewed to prevent lawyers of questionable character or who lack the knowledge of law from finding their way to the bench.

The reports and comments of the Nigerian Bar Association on all short listed candidates for the bench should henceforth be given serious consideration because the body is well suited to recommend those among its members that are qualified to be appointed judges. The NJC should refrain from applying illegal laws and policies capable of frustrating the elevation of competent lawyers to the higher bench.

Happily for the legal profession and the country, concerned judges and progressive lawyers have declared their unalloyed solidarity with the CJN. A few days ago, Justice Akanbi spoke glowingly of the Chief Justice when he said “Corruption, talking frankly, is endemic. It has gone to a level that it has affected the judiciary.

There was a time you would never talk anything against the judiciary. I am glad to say this is a great moment when Maryam Aloma Muktar, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, is doing quite a lot in fighting the menace. We should support her in fighting the battle to see that we get a better Nigeria. I know Muktar, she served under me. She is a courageous woman and a core professional with high integrity and commitment to uprightness and justice. She is a person who abhors corruption and is determined to rid the country of corruption. Nigerians should support her in her efforts to sanitize the judiciary and rid Nigeria of corruption.”

However, a foremost legal practitioner and a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) has called for the setting up of a

• Falana (SAN)

judicial commission of inquiry to purge the judiciary of alleged corruption. According to the learned Senior Advocate “unless and until a commission of inquiry is set up to look into all these corrupt and bribery allegations against judges and lawyers alike, where names will be named and particulars supplied, where reservations will be expressed openly, where instances will be given etc I doubt if our judiciary will ever be cleansed”. With profound respect, there is no basis whatsoever for the setting up a commission of inquiry which is going to usurp the constitutional functions of the NJC. In the case of Chief Gani Fawehinmi v General Ibrahim Babangida it was held

by Uwais CJN (as he then was) that “though the Tribunal of Inquiry Act is an ‘exiting law’, its application is limited and has no general application” outside the Federal Capital Territory. The effect of the judgment is that President Jonathan lacks the vires to institute a commission of inquiry to probe judges in the Federal and State public service. In any case, the National Judicial Council is currently dealing with all allegations of corruption and other complaints of misconduct raised against judges while the Nigerian Bar Association has revitalised its own disciplinary machinery to bring erring lawyers to book. In the circumstance, there is no legal or moral justification to opt for the establishment of a judicial commission of inquiry to probe corrupt judges.

It is pertinent to note that in spite of the on-going efforts to sanitize the judiciary a few judges have continued to issue frivolous and illegal ex parte orders and deliver judgments that are totally devoid of justice. Last month, a Federal High judge in Lagos prohibited the police from arresting, investigating and prosecuting a criminal suspect accused of economic sabotage. The trial judge went as far as quashing the report of the police investigation into the crime. A few days later, a judge of the Abuja judicial divi-

•From lef to right: Ama Akalonu, a representative of Imo State, Governing Council, Eastern Bar Forum Governing Council;Chinedu Nze (a representative of Abia State); Treasurer, U.D.A. Imeh; Secretary S. Long Williams and Chairman Ogbonna O. Igwenyi at the inauguration of the Eastern Bar Forum Council in Port Harcourt.

sion of the Federal High Court issued an ex parte order restraining the EFCC from proceeding with the investigation of the same suspect over his alleged involvement in the fuel importation scam. It is hoped that the NJC will move speedily to put an end to such abuse of judicial powers by a few judges who are in the habit of conferring illegal immunity on some rich criminal suspects.

Conclusion While saluting Chief Justice Aloma Muktar for the on-going cleansing in the judiciary she should ensure that effective measures are put in place to institutionalize the reforms. This is of urgent importance as she is due to retire late next year. The vested interests who have sworn to destroy and discredit the judiciary should not be made to believe that what is unfolding before our eyes is a passing phase. It is therefore pertinent to call on the Nigerian Bar Association to collaborate with the NJC to save the legal profession from perdition.

In particular, the NJC should mobilise our judges to deliberately extend the frontiers of justice to the majority of Nigerian citizens who have no access to the temple of justice due to poverty, ignorance and fear. If our judges are not prepared to re-event the wheel like their Indian counterparts have done by making socio-economic rights justiciable through judicial activism they should be prepared to discard the reactionary doctrine of locus standi in order to allow public interest litigators to enforce the very many welfare laws that have been enacted by the Parliament but which are not breached with impunity by the government.

Finally, members of the legal profession who fail to support the reforms and the internal cleansing in the judiciary may be exposing Nigerian judges to the revenge of litigants . Those who think that English judges have always been models of judicial integrity may wish to read David Pannic’s book, Justice, where he writes: “Some judges have received more than their just deserts for injudicious behavior. In the thirteen century, Andrew Horn alleged that in one year (four centuries earlier) King Alfred caused forty-four judges to be hanged as homicides for their false judgments. In 1381 a mob pursued the Lord Chancellor, Simon de Sudbury, and cut of f his hand. One year later, Lord Chief Justice Cavendish was killed after being apprehended by a mob and subjected to a mock trial in which he was sentenced to death. In 1688 the infamous judge Jeffreys, by then the Lord Chancellor, went into hiding when James II fled the country. Jeffreys was captures in Wapping when he was recognized in a tavern by a man who had been a dissatisfied litigant in his court. (The man had won his case but Jeffreys had been rude to him and kept him waiting). Jeffreys was put in the Tower of London, where he dies in 1689.”

• Concluded

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2013

37

LAW REPORT

‘Courts have power to formulate issues for parties in cases when justice of case so demands’ In the Supreme Court of Nigeria Date: April 19, 2013 SC. 135/2004, 2013(4) LEDLR-16 Before their Lordships CHRISTOPHER MITCHELL CHUKWUMA ENEH IBRAHIM TANKO MUHAMMAD SULEIMAN GALADIMA NWALI SYLVESTER NGWUTA STANLEY SHENKO ALAGOA BETWEEN ALHAJI RASAKI ABIOLA EKUNOLA

APPELLANT

AND CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA

RESPONDENTS •Third Vice President, NBA, Francis Ekwerre receiving Award on behalf of the NBA President Okey Wali (SAN) from Justice Kate Dabiri, Chief Judge Bayelsa State/Chairman of occasion, during the Eastern Bar Forum Legal Workshop in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

ALHAJI SAIDU MOHAMMED (Director of Personnel, CBN) SUPREME COURT OF NIGERIA

Issues: Whether the learned Justices of the court below were right on the facts of the case when they held that the complaint of lack of fair hearing by the trial Judge has not been made out and/or that the learned trial judge did not breach the principle of fair hearing in not calling upon counsel to address him on the two issues formulated suo motu.

Facts: The plaintiff (appellant) was employed by the 1st defendant/respondent in 1965 as a Technician and had risen to the post of Assistant Director, Building Engineering Services Department at the time of his dismissal in February 2000. He filed an action against the defendants/respondents in the Federal High Court, Lagos claiming a number of declaratory and injunctive reliefs. Pleadings were filed and exchanged between the parties.

At the conclusion of evidence the plaintiff tendered Exhibits ‘A’ to L1' and the defendants tendered Exhibits ‘M-M3’. The trial court in its judgment dismissed the plaintiff’s claim in its entirety and struck out the 2nd defendant/respondent in the matter. The plaintiff appealed to the Court of Appeal Lagos which in its judgment also dismissed the appeal.

Dissatisfied the appellant has further appealed to this court.

Ratio: 1. The courts have the power to

formulate issues for the parties in appropriate cases when the justice of the case so demands.

2. This court has no duty to interfere with the concurrent findings of the High court and the Court of Appeal unless the appellant shows that the findings are perverse. See Okafor v. Idigo (1994) 1 SCNLR 481 3. A Ground of Appeal which is incompetent for any reason is liable to be struck out.

4. A right of appeal or any other right granted by law cannot be exercised without compliance with the law granting the right, or any other law or rule regulating the exercise of the right.

5. Where a Ground of Appeal raises an issue of mixed law and fact it is important that the leave of court must be first sought and obtained. See: Nwadike & ors. v. lbekwe & Ors. (1987) 11-12 SCNJ 72 at 98 - 99; (1987) 4 NWLR 718.

6. Where the grounds of appeal are of mixed law and facts or facts simplicita for which no leave of either the Court of Appeal or the Supreme Court has been obtained, are incompetent and the Supreme Court has no jurisdiction to entertain same. See: Ogbechte & Anor. v. Onochte & Ors (1986) 2 NWLR (Pt. 23)484, 7. The real issue or complaint centrally encompassed in a ground on the backdrop of its particular decides whether the ground is one of law or not.

8. It is trite that a single ground of law is sufficient to sustain a Notice of Appeal in an appeal. See:

Niger Construction Ltd. v.

Okugbeni (1987) 2 NSCC (vol.18) 1258

PER CHRISTOPHER MITCHELL CHUKWUMA.ENEH LEGISLATION

Notable Dicta From the forgoing temporary aberrations, there can be doubt that the appellant with respect having departed from concentrating on the nature of his case and the applicable law has gone too casual over the serious discussion of the competency of his grounds of appeal vis-a-vis the provisions of Section 233(a) (supra) and has totally derailed in submitting that the law governing leave to appeal is a matter under Order 6 Rule 2(1). I think that the appellant in the exercise of rambling about in presenting his case in the appeal has thus committed unpardonable error in law in so submitting. I can find no connection between the purport of the provisions of order 6 Rule 2(1) of the Rules of this court and questions raised as to the competency of the said sixteen grounds under Section 233(3) Supra). PER CHRISTOPHER MITCHELL CHUKWUMA.ENEH The appellant has challenged the dismissal as being wrongful; this cannot be so on the peculiar facts of this case; it is clearly found that the appellant has grossly misconducted himself and has gotten what his gross misconduct deserves that is a summary dismissal.

His dismissal even though without notice or any payment of salary in lieu of notice is not wrongful and cannot therefore in the circumstances constitute a breach of the conditions of his contract of employment.

SECTION 233(3) OF THE 1999 CONSTITUTION AS AMENDED SECTION 36(1) OF THE 1999 CONSTITUTION AS AMENDED ORDER 12 RULE 3 OF THE FEDERAL HIGH COURT CIVIL PROCEDURE RULES 2000 SECTION 137 0F THE EVIDENCE ACT ORDER 10 RULE 1(1) OF THE SUPREME COURT RULES. ORDER 6 RULE 2(1) OF THE SUPREME COURT RULES Judgment: CHRISTOPHER MITCHELL CHUKWUMA-ENEH, JSC- The

plaintiff (appellant) has been employed by the 1st defendant/respondent in 1965 as a Technician and has risen to become Assistant Director, Building Engineering Services Department by the time of his dismissal in February 2000.

He has filed this action against the defendants/respondents in the Federal High Court, Lagos claiming as per the amended statement of claim a number of declaratory and injunctive reliefs.

Pleadings have been filed and exchanged between the parties. At the conclusion of evidence at the trial the plaintiff alone has testified in person and has tendered Exhibits ‘A’ to L1' and the defendants have called two witnesses and have tendered Exhibits ‘M - M3’.

The crucial documentary exhib•To be continued next week

LEGAL JOKES

A

N Amish man named Samuel was injured when he and his horse were struck by a car at an intersection. Samuel sued the driver of the car. In court, he was cross-examined by the driver’s lawyer: Lawyer: Samuel, you’ve told us all about your injuries. However, according to the accident report, you told the investigating officer at the scene that you weren’t injured at all, isn’t that true?”Samuel: Well ... let me explain.

Lawyer: Go right ahead (thinking he now had the plaintiff on the ropes).

Please tell the jury. Samuel: When the officer arrived at the scene, he first looked upon my fallen horse. Finding him injured, the officer said to me, “Looks like he has a broken leg,” and then he took out his weapon and shot my horse dead. The officer next looked upon me and asked how I was doing. Suffering from the same injury as my horse, I of course immediately replied, “I’m OK!” A farmer walks into an lawyer’s office wanting to file for divorce. The attorney asks, “May I help you?” The farmer said, “Yeah, I want to get one of them that divorces.” The attorney said, “Well do you have any grounds?”

The farmer said, “Yeah, I got me about 140 acres.” The attorney says, “No, you don’t understand. Do you have a case?” The farmer says, “No, I don’t have a Case, I have a John Deere.” The attorney says, “No, you don’t understand. I mean do you have a grudge?” The farmer says, “Yeah, I got me a grudge, that’s where I parks me John Deere.” The attorney says, “No sir, I mean do you have a suit?” The farmer says, “Yes sir, I got me a suit. I wear it to church on Sundays.” The exasperated attorney says, “Well sir, does your wife beat you up or anything?” The farmer says, “Oh no sir. We both get up about the same time, around 4:30.” Finally, the attorney says, “Okay, let me put it to you this way. “Why do YOU want a divorce from your wife?” To which the farmer replies, “Well,” says the farmer, “I can never have me a meaningful conversation with her.”

A millionaire informs his attorney, “I want a stipulation in my Will that my wife is to inherit everything, but only if she remarries within six months of my death.” “Why such an odd stipulation?” asked the attorney.

“Because I want someone to be sorry I died!” came the reply.

In questioning potential jurors for an upcoming trial the Judge inquired, “Is there any reason why any of you cannot see this trial through to its conclusion?” A lone juror spoke up, “I can’t!” stated the woman, “Why, just looking at the woman I’m convinced she’s guilty!” “Madam,” said the Judge, “that’s the prosecutor.”

An attorney ran over to the office of his client. “I can’t believe it!” said the angered attorney, “You sent a case of Dom Perignon to the judge in your case? That judge is as straight as an arrow. Now we’re certain to lose this case!” “Relax,” said the client, “I sent it in the prosecutor’s name.”

•IBB Benebe (left) and Chief Registrar, FCT High Court, Toyin Yahaya at the inauguration of NBA, Abuja branch Standing Committees.

•To be continued next week

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2013

38

With ekpoita :funtreatsvilla@yahoo.com / 08138168825

Words & their Origin Malaria n. Infectious disease characterised by chills and fever and caused by the bite of an infected anopheles mosquito.

This word comes from the mediaeval Italian mal (=bad) and aria (=air), describing the miasma from the swamps around Rome. This ‘bad air’ was believed to be the cause of the fever that often developed in those who spent time around the swamps. In fact the illness, now known as malaria, was due to certain protozoans present in the mosquitos that bred around these swamps, and which caused recurring feverish symptoms in those they bit.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ACROSS

DOWN

1. Finalised (9) 7. Employ (3) 8. Tear (3) 9. Succeeded (3) 10. Consumed (3) 12. per Unit (4) 13. Bird (4) 14. Beer (3) 16. Imitate (3) 18. Bed (3) 19. Resort (3) 21. Justly (9)

SHOWbitzz Brown, Rihanna Rekindle Romance

For the first time, Chris Brown acknowledged his rekindled romance with Rihanna, and expressed regret for the infamous 2009 assault on his pop star girlfriend.“Sometimes you row, you fight, with the one you love and things get said, stuff spirals,” he said. “That night was the deepest regret of my life, the biggest mistake. But she loves me - what can I say? I’m forgiven … but, yes, I worked hard for it.”Standing by her man, Rihanna recently told Rolling Stone magazine that her relationship with Brown is “different now. We don’t have those types of arguments anymore.”Speaking at Elton John’s Aids Foundation Oscars after-party Sunday night, Brown told the Mirror that he has “grown up” and has since learned how to deal with the unrelenting criticism and backlash he has received.“I was very young and I took a lot of stuff, fame, for granted,” he said. “I didn’t understand it. The support from those who do know me and the fans, who are incredible, got me through.”Brown also dismissed Oscars host Seth MacFarlane’s joke during the ceremony, in which MacFarlane referred to “unspeakably violent” film “Django Unchained” as a date night for Brown and Rihanna.“People attack me and criticize me,” he said. “It happens all the time. But they don’t know me, and they don’t know us. It doesn’t bother me anymore.”Since the assault, the general public has been firm in calling out Brown’s behavior and outbursts of violence, including his destroying of a “Good Morning America” dressing room, his nightclub spat with rapper Drake, and most recently - a reported parking lot brawl with singer Frank Ocean.“He’s not the monster everyone thinks.” Rihanna said to Rolling Stone. “He’s a good person. He’s giving and loving. He’s fun to be around and he has a fantastic heart.”

Pep Pep Talk Talk

PEOPLE & CULTURE Kenya

The first known inhabitants of present-day Kenya were Cushitic-speaking tribes that migrated to the northwest region from Ethiopa around 2000 B.C.E. In the 900s. Kenya has a fairly large Indian population, mostly those who came to East Africa in the early twentieth century to work on the railroad. Kenya has a fairly large Indian population, mostly those who came to East Africa in the early twentieth century to work on the railroad. Many Indians later became merchants and storeowners.

About 70 percent of the population is rural, although this percentage has been decreasing as more Kenyans migrate to the cities in search of work.

Corn (or maize) is the staple food of Kenyans. It is ground into flour and prepared as a porridge called posho, which is sometimes mixed with mashed beans, potatoes, and vegetables, to make a dish called irio.

Among herders such as the Masai, wealth is measured in the number of cattle one owns. Having many children is also a sign of wealth. In urban areas, most people dress in Western-style clothing.

Among some ethnic groups, such as the Rendille, a woman’s hairstyle indicates her marital status and whether or not she has children. A man’s stage of life is revealed by specific headdresses or jewelry.

Despite the disproportionate amount of work that women do, men usually control the money and property in a family. Wife beating is common, and women have little legal recourse. Another women’s issue is clitoridectomy, or female genital mutilation, which leaves many women in continual pain and vulnerable to infection.

Polygamy is traditional, and in the past it was not uncommon for men to have five or six wives.

Kenyans are generally friendly and hospitable. At death, Kenyans believe that one enters the spirit world, which has great influence in the world of the living. Many Kenyans believe in reincarnation, and children are thought to be the embodiment of the souls of a family’s ancestors.

Kenya has a strong oral tradition. Many folktales concern animals or the intervention of the spirits in everyday life; others are war stories detailing soldiers’ bravery. Ngugi wa Thiong’o, a Kikuyu, is Kenya’s most prominent writer.

His first novels, including Weep Not, Child (1964) and Petals of Blood (1977) were written in English.

1. Correspond (9) 2. Pinch (3) 3. Sexual Desire (4) 4. Ourselves (2) 5. Moisture (3) 6. Discourage (4) 10. Expression of Surprise (3) 11. Get with Difficulty (3) 15. Enumerate (4) 17. Bird (3) 18. Taxi (4) 20. Father (2)

SUDOKU Sudoku is simply a game of logic and needs no mathematical skills to play. All you are required to do is to fill in the blank spaces in the grid to ensure that every row, column and 3 by 3 box contains the numbers 1 to 9.

WORDWHEEL Form as many words as you can with the letters in the wheel below.Proper nouns and 2-letter words are not allowed.

Every word must use the letter ‘E’.There is a 9-letter word with an ‘orbicular’ meaning hidden in the grid. This is the star word.

Success in the affairs of life often serves to hide one’s abilities, whereas adversity frequently gives one an opportunity to discover them

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2013

39

ABUJA REVIEW NEWS

•Minister of State for FCT Oloye Olajumoke AkinJide (fourth right) with Trade Union Congress FCT chapter executives after a visit to the minister .

PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE

•Executive Secretary of Petroleum Technology Development Fund, Dr Oluwole Oluleye •From left: Member, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Anti Corruption, Mr. Kazeem Olaniyan, (right) with Project Manager, Julius Berger Plc, Martins Von Lom during the inspection of Chairman, Anti Corruption, NBA, Mr. Yusuf Alli (SAN), Chairman, Code of Bureau (CCB), Mr. Sam Saba , and another member of the anti corruption outfit , Mr. Victor Ihekweazu, PTDF projects across the country in Abuja PHOTO ABAYOMI FAYESE during their visit to CCB Chairman, .

F

AVOUR Abdulazeez, who claimed to be the mother of a baby girl that was abandoned at the backyard of an apartment in Kuje, Abuja, has solicited for financial assistance from the public to enable her claim and take care of the baby.

Abdulazeez told journalists that she abandoned her baby because she was jobless, divorced and had no means of fostering the child.

Mother of abandoned baby seeks help She said that when she kept the carton with the baby inside the bush, she did not go away but hid in the bush to know who would pick the baby.

She stated that she did this to enable her know the person who

would pick the baby girl to enable her to do a follow-up.

“All along, I was monitoring the baby’s situation, I know those who picked the baby and took her to the police.

“I was listening to their conver-

Fire destroys property in Galadimawa

F

IRE has damaged a block of five shops with goods worth thousands of naira at Galadimawa village,Abuja.

The shops include a provision store, salon, a patent medicine and interior decoration facilities as well as mattresses and rugs mini depots.

A correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) who witnessed the incident, reports that the fire, which started at around 1a.m.on Sunday, lasted for an hour and was later put off by fire fighters from the Federal Fire Service.

The fire is suspected to have been caused by electrical faults from one of the shops.

Mr Emeka Obi, an eye-witness, told journalists that the owner of the mini depot got supplies twice a year.

According to him, the proprietor of the depot recently got supplies for the second half of the year and everything had been destroyed by the fire.

Obi said: “Only God can intervene in my friend’s business.”

Residents of the village, who praised the Federal Fire Service for

its prompt response, called for well known emergency numbers for the public to reach the department.

Mr Paul Ikyado, a resident of the village, said the level of destruction caused by the fire would have been averted to a reasonable level if the firemen were reached on time.

“When the fire started, we were helpless, we had no emergency number or contact of the fire service.

“The rugs and mattresses caused more fire and the electrical fault from the ceiling made the fire spread faster.

“The items lost in this fire would have been less if we got the fire men on time,” he said.

Ikyado called on government to enhance the services of the fire service by providing short, prompt and popular emergency numbers for citizens’ safety.

Some of the shop owners were not residents of the village and could not be contacted immediately.

Confirming the report, Mrs Eugenia Osuagwu, Chief Fire Assistant, Federal Fire Services Command Headquarters, said that no life was lost.

When the fire started, we were helpless, we had no emergency number or contact of the fire service

sation from my hideout, I even followed them from a distance when they were taking my baby away,” she said.

Abdulazeez, who turned up at the police outpost in Gwagwalada on Friday to claim ownership of the baby, added: “I told the police that I would take care of my baby if only the government would assist me with a job or a trade no matter how small,’’ Inspector Yahaya Musa, the Police Area Command in Gwagwalada, FCT, had on Friday declined comments on the matter, saying that he was not authorised to speak to newsmen on the matter.

Musa instead referred newsmen to the social welfare unit of the Gwagwalada Area Council for fur-

ther enquiries.

Mrs Hanatu Turu, Head of the Social Welfare Department of Gwagwalada Area Council, said that she was aware of the incident.

She said police should be allowed to conclude their investigations.

Abdulazeez was said to have been delivered of the baby girl on June 13 and secretly put her in a carton and took her to a nearby bush behind her house at night, where she abandoned the baby.

A resident in the area, who pleaded anonymity, told journalists that Abdulazeez is her neighbour, adding that it was the cry of the baby that drew the attention of passers-by who later took the baby to the police outpost.

Council chief places appointees on probation

T

HE Chairman of Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Ibrahim Daniel, has said that all the newly appointed political appointees in the council will be on one year probation in order to asses their performances.

Daniel, who made the declaration at the swearing-in of political appointees, said their appointments were in

recognition of their zeal to move the council to greater heights.

Replying on behalf of the appointees, the new council scribe, Abdullahi Wakili Ashara, thanked the council chairman for finding them worthy of the assignment and pledged their support and loyalty to the chairman in order to ensure rapid development of the council.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2013

40

NEWS

L

AGOS Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) Managing Director Dr Dayo Mobereola has said the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) extension from Mile 12 to Ikorodu is 20 per cent ready.

Mobereola made this known at the second stakeholders’ forum by LAMATA last week.

He assured that the rest of the job would be completed on schedule barring any hindrances.

The event, he said, was to ensure that everyone was carried along as well as address any contentious issues that might arise.

Many of those in attendance praised the supervisory agency, the LAMATA and the contractor; Messrs China Civil and Engineering Construction Company (CCECC), for keeping with the engineering design of the road. They vowed to cooperate with the contractor and ensure the removal of all impediments towards its timely completion.

The Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Salaudeen Oyefusi, who was represented by the Odofin, Prince Kayode Shotobi, thanked the governor for the project.

Former Commissioner for Information Comrade Ayodele Elesho urged the government to deemphasise the demand for Certificate-of-Occupancy (C of O) from those whose houses were affected by the project.

Elesho said: “I want to implore the government to have another rethink concerning the demand for Cof O for buildings affected by this project. Most of those affected are already in a dilemma as to how they could get compensation. This is because most of the houses on the road did not have C-of-O. Many of these houses were built 70-80 years ago, and have become hereditary, asking the present owners to bring a document, which was not in existence when these buildings were

‘BRT extension road is 20% completed’

•From left: Dr Mobereola; Otunba Olukoga and Mr Dairo at the event

By Yinka Aderibigbe

constructed might amount to denying them their entitlement, so I would suggest that government should find a way round this sort of dilemma.”

He urged LAMATA to hasten work on the alternative market for traders affected at the Ayangburen Market, adding that though an alternative space has been obtained by the people at Oluwo-Idikan, work is yet to start and this is affecting the rate of work around the roundabout where the Ayangburen market is located.

Chairman, Ikorodu Oga Develop-

ment Association Alhaji Lamidi Gbadamosi, complained that the agency never consulted with his group, which, according to him, comprised of 250 autonomous Ikorodu associations.

Gbadamosi, a retired permanent secretary and ex-clerk of the House of Assembly, said the proposed road would not serve the purpose if there is no provision for a flyover.

He urged the contractor to employ more youths, wondering why qualified youths from the area, would be denied employment, while such jobs are given to people from outside.

LAMATA Director of Public Transport, Mr Gbenga Dairo, said though the road design does not accommodate a flyover, it still did not preclude its construction in future as some sections of the road might experience population growth in the next two decades.

He urged commercial drivers on the route to bear the discomfort arising from the ongoing construction. He said the government was determined to bring development to Ikorodu to improve quality of life of residents of the area.

Earlier, Governor Babatunde Fashola commended the people for

bearing the pains of the project with equanimity. He said the government was determined to enhance development on the Ikorodu corridor, adding that the BRT would not only make transportation affordable, it would improve the road network, and ensure that public transportation becomes faster, secured and reliable.

The governor, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Education, Otunba Fatai Olukoga, said the job would upon completion create 2,000 direct jobs and 5,000 indirect jobs, and lead to a better environment with less pollution.

Firm presents free traffic flow strategies to Fashola A

•Mr Dare Lawal (left) presenting ‘Budget Car of the Year’ award, a Kia Picanto - to Kayode Adejumo of Dana Motors during the Nigeria Auto Awards (TNAA) at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

TEAM of IBM experts has presented recommendations to the Lagos State Government to ensure an efficient flow of traffic in the state.

The team and Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, Lagos State Ministries of Transportation (LASTMA), Works & Infrastructure, Science and Technology some proposed technology-driven strategies to make travel easier.

They included better co-ordination among agencies responsible for traffic management, police, fire and medical care.

More efficient decison-making would be based on data gathering and analysis from a variety of sources, such as cell phones, call centres, cameras, and global positioning systems devices. This accurate and up-to-date information would assist the agencies to better manage traffic flow. It would also enable them to wirelessly pro-

By Olatunde Odebiyi

vide travellers with information such as road and traffic conditions, as well as bus, boat and toll schedules.

The introduction of roadway toll rates based on traffic density would also help encourage the use public transportation, bringing less pollution and increased revenue. The state was also advised to create a single platform for all its traffic and transportation-related data, integrating all agencies and modes of transport, allowing seamless passenger transfers.

Lagos State Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola hailed the team’s efforts, saying the need to deploy innovative approaches that address civic challenges in state has never been greater.

“Keeping up with the state’s growing appetite for services and resources is a herculean and continuous process. Our ability and growing success in attracting home-grown and international trade and investment activity, is generating a need for better governance and management practices.

Technology is the key to the future, and we welcome IBM’s support in this regard,” he said.

IBM’s Country General Manager for West Africa Taiwo Otiti said Lagos will continue to be a significant element of Africa’s economic success story.

“An intelligent, interconnected logistics and transportation management system is a crucial must-have for any modern city, and this engagement with IBM’s Executive Service Corps team will further enhance the state’s ability to deploy technology-driven solutions in a timely and strategic manner,” Otiti said.

SAFE DRIVING

Preventing road accidents in Nigeria

W

ITHOUT doubt, the rate of road crashes and fatalities is still very high in Nigeria despite all the laws and activities of the various governments and their agencies.

There is, therefore, an urgent need to look into the reasons and take proactive actions to arrest the growing monster. I hereby proffer the following as workable approaches to stem the tide.

•That Driver Safety Training should be more intensive than it used to be in Nigeria. This has become expedient because most of the drivers did not go through the conventional driving schools.

•Re-training of drivers (in-

cluding of vehicles) should be compulsory even if it is not as regular as expected.

•The Federal and state governments and their traffic agencies should not be involved in the training and re-training of drivers.

Rather, they should concentrate on traffic law enforcement. I am not saying this out of any selfisfness.

For example, I witnessed the training programme of a government agency for drivers. We were about 50 in the class. At the end of the training, the instructors ( who were officers of the agency) gave the trainees (drivers) their telephone numbers to call for help whenever we’re arrested for any traffic offense by their fellow officers.

This is the common practice among the officers of the govern-

ment traffic agency as an appreciation for participation in their training. In fact, they have only succeeded in making the trainees become fearless, ready to break traffic laws and to be disobedient to traffic officers because they have the phone numbers of those that can prevent them from facing the law. I tried it and it worked. No wonder, the training programmes by the government agencies have not been yielding the desired reduction in the rate of road accidents.

Rather than taking up the retraining of drivers because of the monetary gains, they should focus mainly on the training and empowerment of Driving School Instructors, who will be charged with training and re-training the drivers, enact and enforce the traffic

laws and regulations as well as handle traffic management for free flow of traffic and compliance.

Let’s face the facts.

How easy is it for any government agency to arrest, prosecute or fine drivers of companies that are paying them on regularly for the re-training of the same drivers?

The best practice, which is even in operation in the United Kingdom (UK), which is renown for safety standard is the empowerment of driving schools by the government’s road safety agency (DSA) to handle the foundational training and re-training of drivers of public and private sector organisations.

It is the duty of the government road safety and traffic management agencies to set and enforce

Jide Owatunmise •Registrar / Chief Executive, Professional Driving and Safety

standards for the driving schools as well as set and enforce traffic laws and regulations for drivers. This promotes fairness and effectiveness in their operations.

•To be continued next week

42

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2013

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2013

43

POLITICS As the Kwara State Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) chieftain, Mr. Dele Belgore (SAN), celebrates his birthday today, ABDULLAHI ISHAQ examines his contributions as a legal giant and irrepressible progressive opposition leader.

Belgore: A challenge to status quo T

HE unrelenting attacks on Mohammed Dele Belgore (SAN) are self-inflicted. They are to be expected. But anyone that is familiar with real politics should know that such unceasing attacks, authored by different faces of the political status quo in Kwara State, are never directed at a political featherweight. They signal the relevance of and the threat that Belgore poses to the ‘old order’ in the peculiar politics of the state.

Whatever happens in 2015, he has made a point.

For the first time in the history of post-election Kwara politics, the people of the state are now guaranteed alternative views from an opposition political figure on almost all policies of the government and issues affecting the public.

Belgore, flag bearer for the opposition ACN in the 2011 governorship poll, had long been expected to disappear from the political scene, to reappear in 2014 or 2015 when the next election is just few months away.

Having, therefore, proved the bookmakers wrong by sticking around, even after the Supreme Court judgment which upheld the election of PDPs Abdulfattah Ahmed, the political establishment rightly deems Mr Belgore a political risk, who must be checkmated.

Clearly jittery about what the future holds, the pro status quo elite are not challenging MDB at the level of idea. They are not accusing him of lacking the intellectual content or constitutional right to govern Kwara State. Instead, they are appealing to pedestrian sentiments and scaremongering. Indeed, they once dismissed the opposition as nonexistent, then they graduated to saying the opposition should be constructive and alleging that opposition was behind the rage that greeted the perennial nonpayment of workers salary and the minimum wage. All of it is understandable, placed against the fact that the political establishment had never been used to consistent opposition, which insists that things must be done the right way and stays the course.

But the establishment politicians are honing their attack skills. Hiding under numerous names, they are accusing Belgore of dumping his support base after the election and waiting

till election time to identify with the people. That was a misfire, a terrible one that questions their credentials.

Since Belgore’s voice is heard again and again on Kwara (and national matters) as they affect the masses, whose collective wealth and investments, made with their funds, are daily being converted to private estate, it is safe to interpret these fellows’ understanding of ‘identify with the people’ to mean a call on Belgore to descend to their level of bread-and-butter politics, which makes even pundits loyal to them, to aver that the state politics is shaped by poverty. If Kwara politics has not shed the toga of it being shaped by poverty, for which it is known some decades ago, does it not say something worrisome about the much-glorified political establishment? If that is not enough reason to do away with such political machinery, then every Nigerian state is invited to adopt Kwara as their development model.

Now, here is the issue: Belgore should never be stampeded into compromising his personal principle of respecting the poor by keeping to his chest, as much as practicable, whatever gestures made in community development.

Perhaps, except the government which has a responsibility to account for how every penny of public fund is spent, individuals reserve the right to keep to themselves whatever personal goodwill they have extended to the less privileged. I am aware that the most rewarding gift is that given in secret. We are told that the righthand should give without the left-hand knowing. And as Belgore himself has repeatedly stated in the past, it is never a good thing to humiliate fellow human beings by publicising their names/status in the name of offering them aids.

This in fact conflicts with our moral belief. Besides, whatever anyone gives to the next persons ought to be from the conviction that the recipients deserve it - and not to give the impression of politically-motivated philanthropy.

Indeed, the education support (extramural classes) Belgore gave last year became a public issue (as far as I can tell), only when the government was playing politics with it. We neither heard him nor his media office announcing it in

• Belgore

the media. I was to learn later that the lawyer, well before the 2011 poll, gave scholarship every year to at least five law students, among other gestures, I’m told, he does in his own way.

But we don’t hear of these in the media. It is his own style. Whoever wishes to announce his philanthropic gestures is absolutely free to do so, but it will be unfair to expect everybody to join the indecent charade of exhibiting/mocking the helplessness of our people by showing on TV or sponsoring some newspaper articles containing scenes of where ankara/garri/UTME forms are being shared to the ‘poor’ and to students deliberately, not exposed to qualitative primary/secondary education to give them solid beginning.

Maybe I should say here that this article is provoked partly by a recent article in THISDAY entitled Ilorin Elite and the Sarakis, authored by one Arowolo. The writer undid himself through and through. And in trying to clad the Sarakis as the messiah of Kwara people, he did much to indict them. Having been in government and calling the shots for decades, a genuine propeople effort would have been to push for an institutionalised social security net for the people - one that would make such pro-people gesture a matter of right for the recipient and not something designed to keep them perpetually loyal to any individual political dynasty. That’s what has been done in the United States that Arowolo referenced. No American recipient of that gesture is duty bound to belong to the GOP or the Democratic Party! And quite interestingly, we have seen the social security system now gradually being institutionalised in Osun and Ekiti whose governors, being ACN chieftains, are Belgore’s associates. In these two states today, once you are aged 60 and above, you are entitled

to some naira at month’s end. You need not belong to ACN/Aregbesola/Fayemi’s camp to get it. That’s the sort of empowerment that is without any ‘string attached.’

Also, Arowolo failed to tell the public that the sort of philanthropy he laboured so much to compare with the US social security system is in fact unacceptable in that society. That society, not only rejects individuals not known with legally-identifiable sources of income, it in fact, does not reckon with politicians with no personal record of professional/trade excellence.

They celebrate individuals who can inspire the young generations to attain dignified success!

It is questionable that Arowolo does not see anything wrong in repeating the innuendo that the Kwara State politics is defined by poverty and cronyism. If somebody had been privileged to remain in power for four decades, as Arowolo rightly said of the Sarakis, is it not self-indicting that the same Ilorin people still don’t have access to good water more than 30 years after personal fund was used to distribute water? The Ilorin Water Reticulation Project, which we understand has now gulped over N4b, has not resulted in a drop of water. Instead the government said it is still digging boreholes (in 21st century) to address the water problem.

Also, it is in the interest of the sarakites not to launch a debate comparing Senator Bukola Saraki to Belgore. Occasionally, I see them touting on the social media the former’s divine right to lead Kwara the same way Thomas Hobbes regaled the British society with the ‘divine right’ of the King to, not only rule over them, but to dictate what religion they practice. To be sure, both men (Saraki and Belgore) are miles apart if leadership should be judged by personal discipline, integrity and professional excellence. And in the years to come, the good people of Kwara, not least the youth, would need to decide who leads them politically, keeping in mind what grave implications such decision has for their future and the future of the generations yet to be born.

One final thing: Belgore is a year older today.

He was born on June 25, 1961, and, according to records accessible online, he was educated in Capital School (Kaduna); Offa Grammar School, Offa; and University of Hull, London where he read law. He has a Masters Degree in Law from the University of Bristol, England. At 28, in 1989, he co-founded what is today one of Nigeria’s leading law firms Sofunde, Osakwe, Ogundipe and Belgore (SOOB). At 40, in 2001, Belgore became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, one of the youngest holders of the title.

His detractors are genuinely worried that his voice has refused to go away since the April poll.

They had thought he would fizzle out after the Supreme Court ruling. By not keeping quiet on Kwara matters, Belgore has kept faith with his pledge to keep the flag of the struggle flying.

HBD MDB! • Ishaq wrote from Ilorin, Kwara State.

Former Enugu State Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate Okey Ezea is now a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He spoke with EMMANUEL OLADESU on the prospects of the the new party and other partian issues.

W

HAT is the solution to insecurity in the country?

The security situation in Nigeria has become a very big challenge to all of us. I guess the primary purpose of government is to provide security for life and property. And it is becoming clearer everyday that this is becoming difficult to achieve. In most parts of Nigeria, the story is the same.

Part of the problem really, is that we have a unitary police system for a federal polity. It therefore become virtually impossible for the police to do their job effectively in a situation where somebody from Katsina State is the officer in charge of patrol and guard in one little village in Nsukka.

He neither understand the locality nor the language and nuisances of the people. Criminals can stand before him to plot the next criminal activities without him knowing because he does not understand their language.

Therefore, we believe we should have a compromise between the federal police and the locality. I understand the fears of the people that if you set up a state police command, the governors would turn it into instrument of oppression and victimization of the opponents. So, how can we set up a police system that no one can abuse. And I must tell you, even the Federal government abuses the use of police because I am a victim.

And there is no way Nigeria can grow like this.

So, the starting point for Nigeria to tackle insecurity effectively is to have

‘APC will rule Enugu in 2015’

free fair and credible elections.

I want to emphasise that the issue of corruption of the judicial process is much more a grievous offence than armed robbery. This is because once you have somebody in office who is not to be in that office, the chain consequence would be much more than somebody coming to rub you of millions of naira. We are talking of life of a people. The life of a nation. Therefore, if we have authentic leaders, these leaders would go to the parliament and make sure they make laws that are for the betterment of the Nigerian society not for their individual self or for their individual party.

You find out sometimes that laws that come out of the National Assembly or State Houses of Assembly are laws that promote the narrow interest of political parties in charge of that area or the narrow interest of the governor or narrow interest of the President. Then, where are we going from here. It is a much more complex problem that we need to tackle from foundation. And what is the foundation?

It is free and fair election.

True federalism is part of what I am talking about. There is no true federalism in Nigeria. And of course, true federalism cannot even be sustained without having these institutions owing their allegiance to the state and not to any incumbent President or governors.

Why are you still in court over

•Ezea

2011 governorship election in Enugu State?

I want to hope that the Court of Appeal would do the right thing in Enugu State by declaring me governor, because we have a new leadership in the judiciary now. And we want to think that the court of Appeal would do the right thing because the law is straight forward on my matter.

The issue is very simple. It is that the Electoral Act, Section 8 (7) says that before any candidate would emerge for any election under Electoral Act

2010 (as amended), the party must conduct free and fair primaries either directly or indirectly. And before the party conducts the primaries, under Section 8 (5) (1), the party must give INEC, 21 days notice. In Enugu State the PDP primaries were fixed for January 9, 2011. Or the 7th, the primaries in Enugu were cancelled or suspended. Then, all of a sudden, on the 11th of January, three days later, it was announced that Chime has emerged the PDP candidate for the election without any primaries and without any notice.

Unsatisfied with the development, I went to the Labour Party and got nominated duly as its governorship candidate. I went through the election and scored the majority of the valid votes.

Mark my words, the majority of the valid votes. I mean the legal votes.

The votes scored by Silvan and his PDP were illegal votes, they were invalid, null and void and therefore should be of no effect based on the fact that they did not go through the primaries.

Therefore, without the PDP votes, I won the election. I got 25 per cent vote cast in 2/3 of local governments of the 17 local governments in Enugu State. So, the important constitutional provision there is that you should score 25% of the total votes cast in not less than 2/3 of the local governments in the state. And I achieved that.

Therefore if the court of Appeal should

do what is proper, I should have long been declared the winner of the governorship election in Enugu State in 2011. But they are foot dragging. It is taking four years to finish a particular court case! I wonder what is happening!

So, we thought that in 2011, the court would say either PDP was not supposed to contest that election and do the right thing in which case the PDP would have no governorship candidate or in 2015 there will be free and fair election. And if that happens, the progressives would win. I mean all the progressives under the banner of All Progressives Congress (APC). All other parties have merged and APC Enugu unit is very strong. We hope that, if election is free in 2015, the progressives would win Enugu State.

What are the issues that will shape the elections in 2015?

Well, if there is governorship election at all, issues that will shape 2015 contest in Enugu State would be between those who want change and those who want the status quo. It will be between those who want election to be held and those who want to impose people on others as leaders. But, I think that with the new image INEC is exhibiting that they would conduct a free and fair election, things may be different. But as I had said, the security apparatus in Enugu State are always being used against non PDP members. In 2011, a platoon of soldiers was drafted to my father’s compound to keep me at house arrest on the day of the election.

44

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2013

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2013

45

HEALTH

The Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC) is the first public tertiary health institution to carry out renal transplant in the country. Its Chairman, Matthew Urhoghide, wonders why many Nigerians are still seeking financial assistance to travel abroad for such treatment when they could do it at home at reduced cost. OYEYEMI GBENGA-MUSTAPHA met him.

‘We can do kidney transplant’ I

N 2002, the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTH) Complex, Ile Ife, Osun State, blazed the trail in renal transplant among public tertiary health institutions. Since then, it has done more than 12 other transplants. This is not its only feat. It has separated Siamese twins many times and also done cochlear implantation for the deaf or hard in hearing OAUTH’s Ophthalmology Unit has also been up and doing. It uses techniques like the small incision cataract surgeries and is developing its Vitreo-Retinal Surgery unit.

With over 250 laparoscopic surgeries performed since 2009 and a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic gastrointestinal, respiratory and urological endoscopic procedures performed on routine basis, the hospital leads in minimal access surgery and surgical endoscopy. Open heart surgery in the Department has been done as well.

Yet, the hospital is underutilised despite having one of the best Nephrology Units in the country. The unit offers Haemodialysis and Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis, with the latter introduced in September, 1992 with the collaboration of the Renal Unit of the Manchester Royal Infirmary, United Kingdom and the Nephrology Unit of the University of Cairo, Egypt.

The institution has been training health care personnel for its kidney centre. A new kidney ward was opened in September 1992. The ultimate objective is to develop a kidney centre with comprehensive services that will include Kidney Transplantation. The Chairman, Matthew Urhoghide, a pharmacist, told The Nation during a tour that most modern equipment needed for nephrology care and renal transplant were available.

Availability Urhoghide said setting up the kidney centre was a great challenge to management. Already the Federal Government has designated the OAUTH Complex as Centre for Renal (Kidney) care. All the subspecialists: Nephrologists, Tissue Typing Officer, Renal Nurses, Renal Radiologist, Pathologist and Transplant surgeons were trained overseas in Manchester and Egypt to meet the challenges.

“Modern sophisticated diagnostic, haemodialysis and CAPD equipment give finest and accurate result in the management and treatment to kidney patients. The ultimate in renal replacement therapy is the kidney transplant.

This hospital started to perform kidney transplantation from May, 2002. It has become routine procedure and all Nigerians are enjoined to take advantage of this highly specialised health care provisions.”

According to him, “The Federal Government has a transformational agenda for health; instead of our people going to access healthcare abroad, we should have specialised services in our hospitals. For instance, OAUTHC has the best facility in the area of kidney transplant.

Most Nigerians are unaware that the teaching hospital as far back as early 2002 has done successful kidney transplant. There are other

institutions that do kidney transplant in Nigeria, but they either depend on this teaching hospital or access foreign assistance. But for us, we are 100 per cent indigenous in kidney transplantation. Like Ilorin Teaching Hospital that does transplant, we take our specialists there to assist them.

“Again, ours is the only place where we have organ transplant theatre. Kidney transplant is not just taking someone to the theatre and harvest the kidney. The process that is required is that you’d use the right theatre and the specialists required are kidney surgeons. Before they can remove a kidney and replace it, there are other specialists, like the Nephrologists that must be present.

We also have a Tissue Typing Laboratory where you first have to do some preliminary work of taking a part of the tissue, not necessarily the kidney, to match it with other person’s to see if the donor kidney will be compatible. Ours is the only hospital that has the Tissue Typing laboratory in Nigeria. Today, we’ve developed ours. We used to send samples to Egypt, but since our technology had improved and the specialists are in place to render such services, we have stopped sending samples abroad; rather, people send their tissue samples to us.

“More on daily basis, we now see Nigerians complaining of kidney diseases and asking for help. They would say they have opened an account and in need of N8 million to go to India for kidney transplant.

The truth is that renal disease has become so rampant in Nigeria that we are looking at a statistic that one out of every 10 people has a compromised kidney. So, because of that problem, the government wants us to help Nigerians.”

Affordability According to Urhoghide, it actually cost between N2.5million and N3 million to have a kidney transplant in OAUTHC.” The cheapest in India is about N7 million. The problem that goes with transplant in India, unlike when at home is that the patient has to be accompanied there. There is need to buy ticket for the person. By the time you are through, you have spent close to N10 million. But this is what we offer here. Medical services forbid advertising, but we need to create awareness on services that we now have here.

“In line with the objective of President Goodluck Jonathan’s transformation agenda in the health sector, we want to try as much as possible to reduce medical tourism because capital flight is involved. With overseas medical care, a patient spends up to two or three times of what is require here. It is no longer an excuse that the health facilities are not available here, actually they are. Instead of our political appointment holders going abroad or sponsoring people for foreign treatment, they can spend small fractions of the money and get the same services here in Ife. The benefit is not just in the wellness of the patient, though not less important, but also the wellness of the nation. Again, it can improve the economy of this whole community, Osun State and Nigeria as a whole. But before we can do

What we do in teaching hospitals, unlike private hospitals, is that we don’t want a doctor to manage a patient; rather a full complement of the medical team. This makes wrong diagnosis impossible. Teaching hospital is indeed the place to go.”

Challenges of sustaining the kidney programme

•renal unit

‘Don’t let me die’

E

MMANUEL Odutola has end stage kidney disease (ESKD). He is soliciting for financial assistance to have a kidney transplant in India. At the moment, he has N3million from public spirited individuals but he needs additional N4 million.

Odutola, who is frail and sickly, is calling on wellmeaning people of Nigeria and c o r p o r at e o r gan i s at i o n s t o come to his aid.

•Odutola When Odutola was born, he

By Wale Adepoju brought joy to his family, especially his late mother.

But his story changed last December when he was diagnosed of chronic kidney disease (CKD). His kidneys have been badly damaged.

The nephrologists attending to him said he has end stage renal disease (ESRD), which is the last stage of CKD. They said he can live through it, if he undergoes a kidney transplant as soon as possible.

He needs N6 million to have a kidney transplant, but how can he raise such an amount? He doesn’t work; neither does his grandmother, Mrs Florence Balogun, who has been staying with friends when the house she rented at Ebute Metta was razed many years ago. This was why Emmanuel had to put up with friends, while on holidays.

Emmanuel is undergoing dialysis at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).

Each week, he spends about N120,000 on dialysis and drugs. Three times a week, he must be under the machine to flush out waste from his system. This is quite expensive.

An account has been opened in his name: Save Emmanuel Odutola: Zenith Bank: 1013320882. He can also be reached on 08053283932.

that, people must be aware of what we can do. It is not the money we can make from it that is important but the value that we can add to human lives.”

Cost of haemodialysis The Chairman said: “In every hospital in this country, up to University Teaching Hospital (UCH),s Ibadan, it costs between N30,000

B

and N40,000 to do a session of dialysis. Here, we charge N15,000.

Why we charge that low is because of a tradition to charge the locals low to help them afford it. Again, we know that majority of the people who use this facility are not from here, but attracted by our lower prices. Besides transplantation, we also do endoscopic surgery, with minimal incision on the body. It is a highly specialised surgery and we have had 100 per cent success rate.

Urhoghide said though the tertiary hospital is set and awaiting patronage, its success and sustenance largely depends on prompt payment. “The first challenge is raising the money for transplant; N2.5 million is much but N8 million for Indian care is far more traumatic. Second, we don’t have kidney donor readily. This is because the procedure is being done rampantly. By the time people come in and see what we are doing, it will get better.

There was a time when people were so afraid to donate blood. But now, people freely walk to the Hematology Department to donate blood. We believe that after sometime, people will have the awareness and the humanitarian disposition to donate their kidney, because it can save anybody’s life.

“Somebody told us a pathetic story of how a young man was having kidney problem. The father wanted to donate his kidney, but after the tissue typing, they found that his kidney would not be compatible being far older than the young man. They tested the mother, and found that her kidney is just perfect for the patient.

But the mother refused to donate her kidney. The marriage eventually collapsed because the boy died. Our people are ignorant that they can survive on one kidney. Someone can have one functional kidney that will carry him or her throughout life. We believe that if we are able to increase the public awareness, we will reduce kidney-related death rates in Nigeria.

“People are trouping to India, but they are not better than us. Our experts are everywhere including the United States where we have over 4,000 Nigerian specialists. People who have gone to India would tell you that even the environment is not better than what we have here,” he stated.

•Urhoghide

‘Blind seek AIDS enlightenment’

EING blind and living with HIV/AIDS can be terrible. But some blind people are actually living with HIV/AIDS. This condition, according to the Coordinator, Nigeria Association for the Blind (NAB), Ms Ejiro Okotie, is “double tragedy” for her members, stressing that the country’s programmes are not set up to include the blind.

Okotie spoke at NAB Advocacy Committee meeting in Lagos to

By Wale Adepoju

sensitise policy makers and corporate organisations on the body’s HIV/ AIDS Advocacy Project.

She urged the Federal Government to include the blind in HIV/AIDS enlightenment programmes, stressing that many blind people have contracted the disease out of ignorance.

Awareness, she said was vital to HIV/AIDS prevention and Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) of the

blind.

“We have produced audio awareness campaigns in the three main local languages in the country and in Braille.The group is soliciting support to train peer educators in communities to raise awareness on the disease among the visually impaired and adolescents.

At the moment, 30 peer educators have been trained in Lagos, Ogun and Oyo States, additional 30 would be trained in Osun, Ekiti and Ondo states.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2013

46

IN THE HIGH COURT OF LAGOS STATE OF NIGERIA PROBATE REGISTRY, IKEJA DIVISION WHEREAS the person whose names are set-out in the first Column under died intestate on the date and place stated in the said Column. AND WHEREAS the person or persons whose names and addresses and relationship (if any) to the deceased are set out in the second Column here have applied to the High Court of Lagos State for a Grant of Letter of Administration of the Real and Personal Properties of the deceased. NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Letters of Administration will be granted to such persons unless a NOTICE TO PROHIBIT THE GRANT is filed in the registry within (14) days from the date hereof.

S/N

NAMES OF THE DECEASED PERSON:

S/N

1. Okparaukoma Paulinus Chibuike late of No. 5 Mathew Street, Surulere, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 13th day of July, 2011 2. Mr Arthur A. Aror (Otherwise known as Mr Arthur Avbonaghoyo and Aror Arthur A.) late of 11, Abdul rasaki Street, Oshodi, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 10th day of February, 2005 at Benin City.

3. Mr Emmanuel Balogun (Otherwise known as Balogun Emmanuel ) late of 8, Ayodele Ige Street, Agbenaje, Ikola Ige Estate deceased who died intestate on the 4th day of June, 2010 at Lasuth Ikeja Lagos.

4. James Olumgoni Aghedo (Otherwise known as James Aghedo) late of Mopol Barracks 20 Block 3 Flat 20 Ikeja deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of January, 2011 at General Hospital Agbor.

5. Daniel Oyelayo Agboola (Otherwise known as Mr Daniel Agboola ) late of 1, Olorunfemi Street, Kaka Igesu, Ayobo Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 11th day of October, 2012 at Lagos.

6. Gabriel Idika (Otherwise known as Gabriel Ude Idika) late of 12, Ambrose Street, Ijegun Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of January, 2013 at General Hospital Ebonyi State.

7. Timothy Olabode Asabi (Otherwise known as Ashabi Timothy) late of 12, Oluwagbemi Street, Ijoko, deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of July, 2012 at Lasuth Ikeja Lagos.

8. Dr Bashir Olabuntu (Otherwise known as Dr Olabuntu Bashir ) late of Ibereko Low Cost Housing Estate, Badagry, deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of March, 2012 at Lagos.

9. Michael Edokhagba Imanah late of 9, Akanbi Street, Tapa Town, Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of September, 2010 10. Mr Michael Babatunde (Otherwise known as Babatunde Michael) late of 6, Dele Obilade Street, Mafoluku Oshodi, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 16th day of July, 2012 at Lasuth Ikeja.

11. Pa Oriola Samuel Ogunenika late of 18, Olaoluwa Street, Ojodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 31st day of August, 2012 at Akute Ogun State.

12. Ayandiran Mulikat (Mrs) late of 62, Shyllon Street, Ilupeju Palm Grove Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of April, 2012 at Ikeja Hospital.

13. Mr Felix P. Akubor (Otherwise known as Mr Felix Peter Akubor and Felix Akubor ) late of 7, Iya Ijebu Street, Ilogbo, Elegba Ojo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 14th day of July, 2012 at General Hospital, Lagos.

14. Olugoroye Kehinde Olusola (Otherwise known as Olugoroye Kehinde) late of 24 Road H Close Block 2, Festac Town, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of December, 2007 at Lagos.

15. John Olayinka Ojikutu late of 27, Alhaji Yussuf Street, Isasi Akute, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of August, 2012 at Lagos.

16. Ezengwa Ada Uchendu (Otherwise known as Ada Umah Ukpai and Ezengwa Odo Uche) late of 10, Hassan Oyo Close, Dopemu, Agege, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day of September, 2009 at Isolo General Hospital, Lagos.

17. Owodunni Kabiru (Otherwise known as Mr Kabiru Owodunni) late of 2, Giwa Street, Fadeyi Igbobi, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of May, 1999 at Plato Hospital Shogunle, Lagos.

18. Zacheaus Samuel Babablola (Otherwise known as Zacheus Samuel Babalola ) late of 13/15 Ibidunni Street, Itire, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of April, 2011 19. Mr Amaechi Obi (Otherwise known as Amechi Obi Anonde) late of 76, Yaya Crescent Olodi Apapa, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day of June, 2011 at Lagos.

20. Ijeh Uzoamaka Assumpta (Otherwise known as Ijeh Assumpta) late of Block 31 flat 5, LSDPC Estate , Ebute Metta, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of August, 2012 at Federal Medical Centre Ebute Metta.

21. Mr Salami Tunde late of 14, Caroline Olaniran Crescent, Ayobo, Ipaja, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of July, 2012 at Lagos.

22. Mrs Dorcas Mepelola Adebiyi (Otherwise known as Mrs Dorcas Mopelola Dahunsi ) late of 38, Okesanya Street, Papa Ajao Mushin, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of October, l996 at Lagos.

23. Mrs Eke Chioma Celine late of 7, Oluwabukunmi Close, Shasha Egbeda, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of April, 2010 at Fasanmi Clinic Shogunle, Lagos.

24. Odika Eugene Sunday (Otherwise known as Odika Sunday Eugene) late of Kilometer 19, Agege Motor Road, Ikeja Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 11th day of August, 2012 at Lagos.

25. Olatokunbo Ajurojo late of 1, Mustapha Street, Olodi Apapa Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of July, 2011 at Lagos.

26. Okpako Joseph late of 5, Ikale Street, Ijeshatedo, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of January, 2013 at Delta State.

27. Mrs Josephine Momodu (Otherwise known as Mrs Momodu Josephine ) late of Block 7, Flat 10, 52 Road, E Close, Gowon Estate, Egbeda, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of January, 2004 at Benin 28. Mr Anthony E. Iribhogbe (Otherwise known as Mr Anthony E. Iribhogbe Irebhogbe) late of 13, Adewunmi Close, Tipper Garage Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of August, 2011 at Ogun State.

29. Ayinde Ayoade Yekeen (Otherwise known as Ayinde Yekini Ayoade) late of 25, Oba Falabi Street, Ojodu Ikeja Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of March, 2008 at Ibadan.

30. Nwador Kingsley Uku-NNe (Otherwise known as Mr Kingsley Nwador and Mr Nwador ) late of 3A Balogun Erikin Tola Street, Abule Egba, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of December, 2011 at Lagos.

31. Alabi Samuel Folorunso (Otherwise known as Alabi Samuel) late of 6, Salvador Close, Kola Adeyeye Street, Ikosi Ketu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of February, 2011 at Lagos.

32. Ojekere Ayo Adeoye (Otherwise known as Madam Ayo Adeoye and Ayo Adeoye Ojekere) late of 48, Adetola Street, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of July, 2002 at Lagos.

33. Lawal Mufutau (Otherwise known as Lawal Muftau and Mr Mufutau Lawal) late of 5, Oludayo Crescent, Iju Ishaga, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of September, 2010 at Lagos.

34. Jegede Bosede Blessing (Otherwise known as Jegede Bosede Adekunle ) late of 3, Adekunle Street, Off Atanda Oshodi, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of August, 2012 at Lagos./ 35. Talabi Adewale M.(Otherwise known as Mr Adewale M. Talabi) late of 4, Abayomi Talabi Street, Ojodu, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 6th day of October, 2009 at Lagos State.

36. Abel Falola (Otherwise known as Falola Abel ) late of 5, Azolibe Street, Ipaja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of June, 2010 at Betta Hospital, Agege.

37. Chief Timothy Ladipo Segun (Otherwise known as Chief Timothy Ladipo Shegun and Pa Tmothy Ladipo Segun) late of 12, Kayode Street, Onipanu, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 13th day of January, 2011 at Lagos.

38. Mr Olawunmi Samson late of 6, Mustaphar Street, Igando, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of October, 1998 at Lagos.

39. Nwafor I. Charles (Otherwise known as Nwafor Ihiekwumere Charles) late of 7, Olufowobi Street, Lawanson Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 23rd day of March, 2010 at Lagos.

40. Taiwo Olakunle Yekini (Otherwise known as Mr Yekini Taiwo) late of 3, Aromasodun Street, Lekki, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 13th dayof September, 2012 at M.H. A. Clinic Lagos.

41. Mr Samuel Olasunkanmi Aderibigbe (Otherwise known as Aderibigbe Samuel Olasunkanmi) late of 6, Onifade Crescent, Agbado, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of July, 2005.

42. Akinnawonu Akintayo Olabisi Richard (Otherwise known as Akintayo Akinnowonu) late of 46, Apena Street, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of March, 2013 at Lagos.

43. Mr Gbadamosi Yekini Owolabi (Otherwise known as Y. Owo Olowo- Oke Company) late of 17, Shonaike Street, Ikosi Ketu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of November, 2009 at Ogun State.

44. Falomo Abiodun Abayomi (Otherwise known as Abayomi Falomo) late of 8, peace Avenue Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of November, 2011 at Lagos.

45. Mr Napoleon A. Ikheloa (Otherwise known as Mr Augustine Ikhelua) late of 11, Taiwo Way Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 13th day of March, 2011 at Lagos.

46. Alatise Musibau Amoo (Otherwise known as Alatishe Musibau) late of 5, Fagboola Street, Agege, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of November, 2007 at Lagos.

47. Alh. Sulaimon Muhammed Saba (Otherwise known as Alhaji Sulaimon Muhammed Saba) late of Plot 2, Omole Layout Ogba, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of August, 1991 at Lagos.

48. Ojuawo Timothy Olufemi (Otherwise known as Ojuawo Timothy Oluwafemi) late of A Close, House 3TB3 LSDPC Isheri North Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of July, 2012 at Ilorin.

49. Isiaka Idris late of 22, Ebun Oloyede Street, Mazamaza Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of May, 2009 at El Bethel Hospital 50. Felix O. Attah late of 14, Okoh Close, Obele Lawanson deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day of October, 2010 at Lagos.

51. Mr Onabanjo Godwin Olajide (Otherwise known as Onabanjo Godwin) late of 30, Tafawa Balewa Crescent, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of April, 2008 at Lagos.

52. Adelaja Falilu Adebayo (Otherwise known as Mr Adelaja Adebayo) late of 6, Olanrewaju Street, Mushin, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 25th dayof August, 2011 at Luth.

53. Pastor Isreal Ojapa (Otherwise known as Israel O. Ojapa and Onimisi) late of Lifeway Chapel, Shagari Estate, Ipaja Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of July, 2012 at Lagos.

54. Osuji Joseph Nneji (Otherwise known as Mr Joseph Nneji Osuji) late ;of 10B, Dan Ajayi Street, Ashiribo Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of November, 2012 at Lagos.

55. Mrs Iyabo Ajeigbe (Otherwise known as Ajeigbe Iyabo) late of 20, Odofin Boundary Road, Ajegunle Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of October, 2011 at Lagos.

56. Adekunle Baanu (Otherwise known as Adekunle Michael Bannu ) late of 19, Irewole Street, Shasha, Agege, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of February, 2012 at Lagos.

57. Mr Adeleke Gbemisola late of No 1, Olowookere Ilasa Abule Igbeyin Cele Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 16th day of July, 2009 at Lagos.

58. Chief Micheal Olaolu Metilolu (Otherwise known as Metilelu Michael Ola-Olu) late of No. 10, Ogunsami Street, Ijesha Itire Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 14th day of November, 2012 at Ogun State.

59. Deniga Oluranti Adelakun (Otherwise known as Oluranti Deniga) late of Block 25, Flat 14, Oladele Kadiri Close, Phase II Ogba, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day of January, 2012 at Lagos.

60. Bishop Seth Irunsewe Kale (Otherwise known as Kale Seth Irunsewe) late of 86, Femi Ayantuga Crescent Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of November, 1994 at Ogun State.

61. Olori Olufunmilayo Olutamuwa Awolesi late of 56, Lagos Road Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of June, 1985 at Lagos.

62. Abosede Anthony A. (Otherwise known as Mrs Bosede Anthony) late of 17, Church Street, Off Fola Agoro Shomolu, Lagos deceased who deid intestate on the 26th day of December, 2012 at Lagos.

63. Cosmos Geoffry Alika Okoh late of 17, Ekololu Street, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 10th day of August, 2008 at Prime Hospital, Lagos.

64. Williams C. Ahanonu (Otherwise known as William Ahanonu) late of No. 1, Kosemani Street, Iju Gate Ishaga Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of January, 2012 at Lagos.

65. Mr David Olonode (Otherwise known as Mr Olonade David) late of 5, Alhaji Shobola Street, Agbado Station Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of September, 2012 at Lagos.

66. Sabinus Emeka Igbo (Otherwise known as Sabinus Igbo) late of 5, Ibitoye Street, Ilasa Lagos deceased who died intestate intestate on the 4th day of April, 2008 at Owerri Ifakala Imo State.

67. Justus Olaniran Olatunji late of 23rd , Road W Close, Block 5, Flat 2, Festac Town, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of January, 2006 at Lagos.

68. Olatunbosun Adeola (Otherwise known as Adeola Olatunbosun) late of 7, Mojasiola Street, Iyana Ipaja Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 4th day of October, 2008 at Azare Bauchi State.

69. Lewis Sidikat Olayinka Abake (Otherwise known as Sidikat Olayinka Lewis) late of 26, Mureni Street, Isolo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of January, 2012 at Lagos.

70. Jones- Mensah Laurelmore Francis (Otherwise known as Laureh More Fracnis Jones Mensah) late of Block 460, Flat 2, Mile 2, Estate, deceased who died intestate on the 10th day of December, 2000 at Lagos.

71. Madam Odono Lucy (Otherwise known as Odono Lucy, and Madam Odono Lucy Christian) late of Block 4 Flat 2, 411 Road F.H.A Gowon Estate, Ipaja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 10th day of June, 1992 at Lagos.

72. Patrick Enih (Otherwise known as Patrick Enakend Enih) late of 12, Alhaji Lawal Street, Ketu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of February, 2010 at Lagos.

73. Bodunrin Amos (Otherwise known as Adeniyi Amos Bodunrin Adeyemi and Mr Abodunrin Amos) late of 108, Tapa Road, Oke Oko Isawo, Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of November, 2007 at Lagos.

74. Mr Tobias Amanfo (Otherwise known as Tobby Amanfo ) late of 5, Ore Close, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of August, 2001 at Lagos.

75. Ogunsesan Felicia Funso(Otherwise known as Felicia Ogunsesan) late of 12, Gbagba Crescent, Ifako Ogba, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of January, 2012 at Lagos.

NAMES OF APPLICANT APPLYING FOR THE GRANT

1. Chimezie Peter Okparaukoma and Mr Chukwudum Okparaukoma both of No. 5, Mattew Street, Surulere, Lagos two brothers of the said deceased.

2. Mrs Esther Aror and Mrs Joy O. Aigbe both of 11, Abdul Rasaki Street,Oshodi, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

3. Mrs Christiana Oluwafunmilola Balogun and Mr Ayodele Michael Balogun both of 8, Ayodele Ige Street, Agbenaje, Ikola Ige Estate, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

4. Mrs Mary James , Israel James and Martins James all of Mopol 20, Barracks Block 3 Flat 20 Ikeja , Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

5. Risikat Olanike Agboola , Deborah Olubunmi Agboola and Babatunde Emmanuel Agboola all of 1, Olorunfemi Street, Kaka Igesu Ayobo, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

6. Mrs Ijeoma Idika of 12, Ambrose Street, Ijegun and Mr Chijioke Idika of 18, Eziama Street, Tedi, Ojo, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

7. Professional Executors Trustees and Invest. Ltd of 30 Ibezim Obiajulu Street, Surulere, Lagos, the trust company appointed by the beneficiaries.

8. Sherifat Olayinka Olabuntu and Mariam Olayemi Olabuntu both of House 5, Street AG Federal Low Cost Housing Estate, Ibereko Badagry, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

9. Imanah Ohiteme Paul, Imanah Michael Ohikhomouan and Imanah Josephine Blessing all of 9, Akanbi Street, Tapa Town, Ikorodu, Lagos, three of the children of the said deceased.

10. Mrs Oluwakemi Babatunde of No. 6, Dele Obilade Street, Mafoluku Oshodi, Lagos and Mr Olugbemiga Babatunde of 2, Banire Street, Olorunsogo Mushin, Lagos , widow and brother respectively of the said deceased 11. Mr Oladele Ogunenika and Maria Ogunenika both of 18, Olaoluwa Street, Ojodu, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

12. Ayandiran Shakiru of No. 36, Aromire Street, Mushin, Ayandiran Sodiq of No. 44, Oyewole Street, Ilupeju Ayanidiran Lekan and Ayandiran Shadiat both of No. 62, Shyllon Street, Palm Grove, four children of the said deceased.

13. Mrs Vera Akubor and Mr Gabriel Akubor both of 7, Iya Ijebu Street, Ilogbo, Elegba Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

14. Olugoroye Gabriel of 2nd Avenue 24th road, H Close Block 2 Flat 5, and Oduguwa Taiwo Olubunmi of 1, Soremekun Street, Mushin, Lagos, widower and sister respectively of the said deceased.

15. Ojikutu Elizabeth Omotoke and Ojikutu Ibikunle Oluwole both of 27, Alhaji Yussuf Street, Isasi Akute, Lagos, widow and the only child respectively of the said deceased.

16. Ezengwa Uchendu and Ben Umah Ukpai both of 10, Hassan Oyo Close, Dopemu, Lagos, widower and brother respectively of the said deceased.

17. Owodunni Muritala A. and Owodunni Abdul Rahman both of No. 2, Giwa Street, Fadeyi Igbobi Lagos, two brothers of the said deceased.

18. Mrs Johanna Iyabode Omole, Mrs Morenike Okunubi and Mrs Iyiola Ezichi all of 13/15 Ibidunni Street, Itire, Lagos, two daughters and grand child respectively of the said deceased.

19. Veronica Aronde and Patience Anonde both of 76, Yaya Crescent Olodi Apapa Lagos, two sisters of the said deceased.

20. Ijeh Fidelis of Block 4, Indian Quarters Railway Compound Ebute Metta and Ijeh Ifeanyi Lawrence of 5, Opeoluwa Street, Off Apapa Road, Ebute Metta, Lagos, two brothers of the said deceased.

21. Funmilola Adeola Salami of 14, Caroline Olaniran Crescent, Ayobo Ipaja, Lagos, and Mrs Mary Ogundijo Oluwanifesimi of No. 8, Wole Owoeye Street, Onikanga Ayobo , Lagos, widow and sister respectively of the said deceased.

22. Dr Adebisi Adebiyi ,(Nee Mrs Oladimeji ) , Taiwo Dahunsi and Idowu Dahunsi all of 38, Okesanya Street, Papa Ajao Mushin, Lagos, three of the children of the said deceased.

23. Amaechi Eke and Merit Chiemeriem Eke both of 7, Oluwabukunmi Close, Coker Estate, Orisunbare Shasha, Egbeda, Lasgos, widower and the only child respectively of the said deceased.

24. Mrs Odika Victoria Peace and Mr Odika Jonathan both of Kilometer 19 Agege Motor Road, Ikeja Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

25. Mrs Yemisi Ajurojo of 1, Mustapha Street, Olodi Apapa, Lagos, and Mr Ajurojo Kolawole Romanus of 7, Ajayi Close, Ijora Badia Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

26. Mrs Esther Okpako, Mr Okpako Bob Peter and Okpako Thompson Ano all of 5, Ikale Street, Ijehsatedo Surulere, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

27. Roland Momodu and Femi Joseph both of Block 7, Flat 10, 32 Road E Close, Gowon Estate , Lagos, widower and cousin respectively of the said deceased.

28. Mrs Iribhogbe Omamen Mary and John Ogbeide Iribhogbe both of 13, Adewunmi Close, Tipper Garrage, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

29. Mrs Ramota Aderonke Ayinde and Ayinde Adedayo both of 7, Wakajaiye Atolowa Iyana Church Ibadan, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

30. Mrs Nwador Helen Deborah and mr Nwador Emmanuel Tobi both of 3A, Balogun Erikintola Street, Abule Egba, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

31. Alabi Yemisi and Alabi Babatunde both of 6, Salvador Close, Kola Adeyeye Street, Ikosi Ketu, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

32. Mrs Elizabeth Agbongbohielu of No. 5, Yakoyo Road, Ojodu, Lagos, and Mr Emmanuel Adeoye of BRT Ventures Nigeria Ltd, Ibadan, two of the children of the said deceased.

33. Lawal Tawakalitu and Lawal Lateefat both of 5, Oludayo Cresent Iju Ishaga, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

34. Safunat Abdul E. and Jegede Sunday Emmanuel both of 3, Adekunle Street, Off Atanda Oshodi, Lagos, sister and brother respectively of the said deceased.

35. Olufunmilayo Idowu Talabi and Abiodun Idowu Talabi both of 4, Abayomi Talabi Street, Ojodu, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

36. Mrs Adebanke Badmus, Olusegun Falola and Temitope Falola all of 5, Azolibe Street, Ipaja, Lagos, three of the children of the said decased.

37. Mrs Olabisi Banjoko (Nee Segun) and Mrs Adejoke Adageje (Nee Segun) both of 12, Kayode Street, Onipanu Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

38. Olawunmi Olusegun Olalekan and Olawunmi Taiwo both of 19A, Diran Alake Street, off Ogundele Street, Sogunle, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

39. Nkem Nwafor and Frank Nwafor Stella both of 5, Ijora Orogun Street, Lawanson Surulere, Lagos, brother and sister respectively of the said deceased.

40. Mrs Biliqis Olamide Taiwo of 3, Aromasodun Street, Lekki Lagos, and Mr Richard Abimbola Taiwo of 10, Vina Street, Badore Ajah Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

41. Mrs Comfort O. Aderibigbe of 6, Onifade Crescent, Agbado and Mrs Yetunde O. Epebiyi of 12, Fola Akinsanya Street, Matogun, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

42. Temitope Akinnowonu and Fredrick Folorunsho Akinnowonu both of 46, Apena Street, Surulere, Lagos, widow and father respectively of the said deceased.

43. Mrs Silifatu Gbadamosi of 5, Olowoke Road, Sabo Odogbolu Ogun State, Mr Rasaki Gbadamosi and Mr Akeem Gbadamosi both of 17, Shonike Street, Ikosi Ketu, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

44. Falomo Feyisetan and Falomo Oluwatobi both of 8, Peace Avenue Ikorodu , Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

45. Miss Rosaline Ikheloa and Mr Innocent Ikheloa both of 11, Taiwo Way Surulere, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

46. Alatise Bukola Ganiyat and Alatise Yomi Rasheed both of 5, Fagboola Street, Agege, Lagos, the only surviving child and brother respectively of the said deceased.

47. Mr Waidi Saba and Mr Abiodun Saba both of Plot 2, Omole Layout Isheri Ogba, Lagos, two of the children of the said decased.

48. Oluseeke Adeola Ajuawo and Eniidunnumi Eniola Ajuawo both of A Close House 3TB3 LSDPC Isheri North , widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

49. Mrs Shakirat idris and Simbiat Oyindamola Idris both of 22, Ebun Olojede Street, Maza Maza Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

50. Ifeanyi Attah of 14, Okoh Close, Obele Lawanson and Ebele Nkemadu of 39, Ishaga Road, Itire, Surulere, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

51. Babatunde Olusegun Onabanjo and Gbenga Onabanjo both of 69, Akinola Cole Crescent, Adeniyi Jones Ikeja, Lagos two of the children of the said deceased.

52. Fausat Akinde (Mrs) Sadiku Fatima (Mrs) and Adelaja Abdul Hafeez Babatunde all of 13, Ojurayo Street, Oshogun Bus Stop, Alapere Ketu, three children of the said deceased.

53. Mrs Ojapa Rebecca I. and Jemimah Onyize Ojapa both of 16, Engr. Roy Street, Isefun Ayobo, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

54. Ndidi Osuji, Emeka Osuji Johnson Ndubuisi Osuji Francis and Ifeanyi Osuji Daniel all of 10B, Dan Ajayi Ashiribo Street, Lagos, widow and three children respectively of the said deceased.

55. Mr Oba Ismaila Sulyman, Mr Oba Toyin Sulyman and Mr Ajeigbe Saheed Olasunkanmi all of 55, Apongbon Street, Lagos, three of the children of the said deceased.

56. Baanu Elizabeth Toyin and Baanu Michael Segun both of 19, Subuola Street, Cement Bus Stop, Dopemu, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

57. Mrs Adeleke Sariyu of 1, Olowookere Ilasa Abule Igbeyin Cele and Mrs Adeyinka Nasiru of Ewunowa Gberigbe Ikorodu, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

58. Sunday Metilelu, Funmilayo Adewuyi Seyi Metilelu and Toyin Metilelu all of 10, Ogunsami Street, Ijesha Itire Lagos, four of the children of the said deceased.

59. Idowu Olubunmi Deniga and Babatunde Sobayo Deniga both of Block 25, Flat 14, Oladele Kadiri Close, Phase II Ogba, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

60. Chief Olusoyi Ayodele Kale and Prof. Oladele Olusoji Kale both of 86, Femi Ayantuga Crescent Surulere, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

61. Alhaja Silifat Solebo, Miss Sikirat Solebo both of 3, Solebo Street, Ikorodu, Lagos, Alhaji Muri Solebo of 6, Godwin Omonua Street, Isolo and pastor Samson Solebo of 2, Kehinde Ogunboye Street, Ikorodu, Lagos, nieces and nephews respectively of the said deceased.

62. Anthony Benjamin Olakunle, Florence Yetunde Adedeji and Adeola Adedeji Adegbenro all of 17, Church Street, Off Fola Agoro Shomolu, Lagos, widower, mother and sister respectively of the said deceased.

63. Rebecca Antoinente Ogboru, Patrick Willie Okoh and Peter Okoh all of 29, Rasaq Balogun Street, Surulere, Lagos, the three of the children of the said deceased.

64. Gladys Williams O. and Williams I. Williams both of 7, Unity Estate, Oke Aro Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

65. Mrs Elizabeth Olonode, Mrs Eniola Olumuyiwa and Mr Ebenezer Olonode all of 5, Alhaji Shobola Street, Agbado Station Lagos, widow and two children respectively of the said deceased.

66. Rose Igbo of 5, Ibitoye Street, Ilasa Lagos, and Victor Kelechi Igbo of 3, Mabinuori Street, Ilasamaja Lagos, widow and the only surviving child respectively of the said deceased.

67. Mrs Esther Olaitan Olatunji of 2, Kayode Adeoba Street, Idimu, Mrs Olaniregun Adetola T. of 7, Ogunrombi Estate, Idimu and Mr Olatunji Olumide F. of 2, Kayode Adeoba Street,Idimu, widow and two of the children respectgively of the said deceased.

68. Mrs Yemisi Adeola Oluwabunmi and Abubakar Adeola Emmanuel both of 7, Mojasiola Street, Iyana Ipaja, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

69. Lewis Obi Patricia, Lewis Peter Olugbenga, Adebayo Onanuga O. and Lewis Adebola all of 26, Mureni Street, Isolo, Lagos, four children of the said deceased.

70. Fredrick Jones of Block 460, Flat 2, LSDPC Estate, Mile II, and Mrs Theresa Akerele of 15, Eniyansoro Beyioku Street, Surulere, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

71. Odono Iboroakam Chris and Odono Esang Ubong G. Chris both of 17, Idoani Street, Egbeda Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

72. Micheal Ife Enih and Goodluck Enih both of 12, Alhaji Lawal Street, Ketu, Lagos, two children of the said decased.

73. Mrs Adefileji Adeniyi and Mr Adeniyi Oluwole Babatunde both of 108, Tapa Road, Oke Oko Isawo Ikorodu, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

74. Mrs Florence Tobias Amanfo and Miss Ifeoma Josephine Amanfo both of 22, Alh. Animashaun Street, Surulere, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said decased.

75. Akingbade Adekola and Akinade Akinropo both of 8, Abike Akanni Street, Akute, two brothers of the said deceased.

A.O.ISAACS PROBATE REGISTRAR

ENERGY

TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2013

47

THE NATION

E-mail:- energy@thenationonlineng.net

Since last month, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) have been quarrelling over levy. NIMASA is insisting that it has right to collect levy from NLNG, which claims it enjoys a levy holiday. How can this issue be resolved? EMEKA UGWUANYI Assistant Editor (Energy) writes.

NIMASA,NLNG unending levy quarrel T

HEY are government children with a difference.

While the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) is fully owned by government, the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) is a public-private initiative, with government owning 49 per cent of its equity.

They next highest shareholder has 25.6 per cent interest.

The duo early last month reopened an old conflict, on payment of levies by the NLNG. However, the Federal Government through the relevant agencies intervened appropriately and arrived at a resolution that NLNG should pay its levies, including the arrears from 2009.

The two organisations, it was learnt, were asked to discuss on modality of payment. The stakeholders in the petroleum and maritime industries hailed the resolution as a welcome development considering the roles and importance of the two firms to the economy.

But barely a month into the settlement, a fresh conflict has begun to brew between the two institutions resulting in court action and disruption of operation.

The disagreement may have arisen as a result of non-compliance with the resolution by the government and taking of NIMASA to court last week by NLNG, which sought injunction to prevent NIMASA from imposing any charges or taking any steps to block, detain or prevent access by NLNG’s owned or chartered vessels, whether inbound or outbound from Bonny channel or elsewhere in Nigeria.

NLNG’s position NIMASA had at the weekend prevented some NLNG’s vessels from operating, which the NLNG saw as violation of court order.

NLNG’s General Manager, External Relations, Kudo EresiaEke, in a statement said on Fri-

•Director-General, NIMASA, Ziakede Patrick Akpobolokemi

day June 21, two NIMASA boats with 15 naval officers on board, ordered that one NLNG vessel (LNG Imo) and one chartered vessel (Torm Thames), remain at NLNG’s loading bay, while another NLNG Vessel (LNG Oyo), remains outside the Bonny Channel until further notice.

NIMASA, she said, subsequently issued Ship Detention Orders on June 22, specifically detaining three NLNG ships (LNG Enugu, LNG Oyo, LNG Imo) and barring them from accessing or leaving the Company’s loading bay.

She said: “These developments are in flagrant disregard of the court injunction issued by the Federal High Court in Lagos in Suit No FHC/L/CS/847/2013 by Hon. Justice M.B. Idris, presiding, on Tuesday, June 18, 2013, against the Attorney-General of the Federation, Global West and any other parties including Nigerian Maritime and Safety Agency (NIMASA) from imposing any charges or taking any steps to block, detain or prevent access by the company’s owned or chartered vessels, whether inbound or outbound from Bonny channel or elsewhere in Nigeria.

“It will be recalled that on May 3, 2013, NIMASA blocked the Bonny Channel preventing entry and exit of NLNG vessels. This led to a series of meetings at the instance of the Federal Government, which eventually ordered that the company should pay NIMASA its purported levies.

“In deference to the Government, NLNG made a payment, under protest, in the sum of US$20 million (approximately N3.2 billion) into NIMASA’s designated account and subsequently approached the court to seek proper judicial clarity and a lasting resolution to the conflict between the NLNG Act and NIMASA Act. “The potential implications of this current action by NIMASA on NLNG operations are enormous and would impact negatively on its international LNG buyers, the international financial market, Nigeria to which NLNG contributes four per cent of the country’s GDP, its shareholders and the investment climate in Nigeria, let alone the reputational impact this may have on Nigeria’s image within the international investment community.”

On the reason NLNG went to court, Eresia-Eke said it was instructive to note that Nigeria LNG Limited and its shareholders still firmly believe in the rectitude of their earlier position that NLNG is duly protected by the provisions of the NLNG Act against the payment to NIMASA of the Sea Protection Levy, the three per cent freight levies on cargo exports shipped by NLNG, and that the two per cent Cabotage Levy on LNG carriers is inapplicable because NLNG’s LNG vessels are not involved in coastal trade or

•NIMASA’s Yar’Adua patrolling NLNG waterfront

cabotage.

She said “NLNG is a Nigerian company involved in, almost exclusively, international export business and is thus subject to all relevant national and international laws, standards and ethos with which it must comply. This, amongst others, requires that all its dealings are governed and premised on the universal principles of the rule of law to which the Nigeria Government also affirms its commitment.

“The company has often clarified that the issues it has with payment of any levy, charge or impost has little to do with the amounts involved, but more with the principle of the rule of law, so that it can safeguard its international business, which rests squarely on its reputation as a law abiding company, as well as Nigeria’s reputation in the global community.”

NIMASA’s stance NIMASA’s Deputy Director/ Head, Public Relations, Isichei Osamgbi, said payments of the levies demanded of NLNG have been long overdue. He said the Act that established NLNG exempted it from paying levies as incentive to enable the shareholders recoup their investment.

However, it stated clearly that the incentive was not meant to last forever. He noted that Section 2 of the NLNG Act also limits the tax holiday of the company to 10 years “or when the cumulative average sales price of LNG reaches US$3 in million metric British Thermal Units (MMBTU) as calculated in the First Schedule to the Act, whichever is earlier.”

But as of January 2004, the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) indicated that the price of gas stood at US$9 per million metric British Thermal Units, indicating that the milestone for the expiration of the exemption granted to NLNG had been surpassed by 200 per cent in the cu-

mulative average sales price.

Besides, he noted that NIMASA is funded by money accruing to it through the three per cent of gross freight from all international inbound and outbound cargo from ships or shipping companies operating in Nigeria as stipulated in NIMASA Act of 2007. Also refusal to pay NIMASA levies by one company may induce others to follow suit, he explained.

On the blockade and alleged of violation of court order, Osamgbi said: “The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), in its enforcement of Nigerian laws, served detention notices/orders on vessels belonging to/chartered by the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas Company Limited (NLNG).

“This course of action was forced on NIMASA by the NLNG’s subsequent refusal or/and failure to abide by the outcome of the negotiated settlement arrived at through the mediation process it willingly instigated and subscribed to, after reaching agreement with NIMASA on its outstanding debt and paying US$20million out of it and its continued flagrant disregard for Nigerian laws.

“Contrary to NLNG’s position, NIMASA is not aware of any court order against it or any suit brought by NLNG against NIMASA. “By its action, the NLNG has trivialised the mediation process and the position of the Federal Government of Nigeria whose Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation owns and holds 49 per cent of the shares in NLNG and which endorsed the agreement reached that NLNG should pay its taxes/ levies and observe all its obligations under the laws of Nigeria in which it is operating.”

Osamgbi also explained that besides being a regulator and ensuring safety of the Nigerian waters, NIMASA has other responsibilities.

For instance, he noted that about $6 billion is raked in as tax by Fili-

pinos that operate vessels in Nigeria. Also Nigerians, he said, don’t own vessels, adding NIMASA is trying to develop capacity and competence in these areas.

He said: “Iin these areas, NIMASA plans to give up to 50 per cent support, while banks can give up to 35 per cent and the person or firm will provide 15 per cent but the banks have to guarantee our support and that of the firm or person by conducting or carrying out due diligence on the person or firm to confirm if such beneficiary is qualified.”

On training aimed at human capacity development, he said NIMASA has three programmes.

The agency, he explained, sponsors one of the programmes wholly while the second programme is sponsored jointly by agency and the state government of the beneficiary on the ratio of 60:40 per cent and the cost of the third programme is wholly borne by the beneficiary while NIMASA gives the necessary guides.

He said it is only the Oron Academy that develops human capacity for the maritime industry and it doesn’t award degrees. Consequently, he said the agency wants to enter into partnership with some institutions including the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, University of Lagos, and Niger Delta University, among others to produce the right personnel for the industry.

NIMASA, he noted, needs funds to meet its obligations of developing the right skills among Nigerians, create employment and most of all, ensure Nigeria waters is safe and operations carried out with best global practices and in conformity with laws.

NLNG is owned by four shareholders, namely, the Federal Government of Nigeria, represented by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) 49 per cent; Shell Gas BV, SGBV, (25.6 per cent); Total LNG Nigeria Limited (15 per cent); and Eni International (N.A,) N. V. S. a. r. l (10.4 per cent).

48

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2013

ENERGY

Aba Geometrics Power begins distribution July T HE $460 million indigenous private power generation company, Geometrics Power Limited, is to start generation and distribution of power next month.

Speaking with reporters at the plant’s premises at Osisioma near Aba after hosting the leaders and members of National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), and inauguration of a chapter of the union at the plant, the Chairman of Geometrics, Prof Barth Nnaji, said all is set for the take off of the power plant.

Nnaji, a former minister power, said the inauguration will be performed by President Goodluck Jonathan in August.

He said there are three firms under Geometrics, which include power generation, distribution and marketing, adding that after generating power, distribution will be done by Aba Power Limited.

He also explained that the power plant will generate 141 megawatts (MW) of electricity daily, adding that Aba, which is the main target, will get substantial quantity that would meet the power needs of its residents, while the excess will be supplied to Nnewi in Anambra

T

From Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

State.

Nnaji said the major aim of his company, which was started in 2004, is to upgrade the economic potentials of Aba in particular and the Southeast in general. He said Aba has the opportunity of becoming the industrial capital of Nigeria.

He noted that one of the problems facing small, medium and large scale industries in the area is the issue of power.

“Once this power plant comes on stream, the issue of power failure and wastage of man hour by the workers will be a thing of the past as the problem will be eliminated,” he added.

The Geometric boss described the project as a huge statement for Nigerian investors, stressing that the company is a private sector company with local content and committed to bring revolution in the power sector in the country.

On the number of employees the plant will engage, Nnaji said only 400 people will be employed “but when companies get connected to the plant, they will create thou-

granting the company waivers, saying that Governor Theodore Orji has remained a great source of encouragement to the power plant.

Earlier, Joe Ajaero, the National Secretary of NUEE, applauded the

‘Once this power plant comes on stream, the issue of power failure and wastage of man hour by the workers will be a thing of the past as the problem will be eliminated’

courage of Nnaji in venturing into the sector, which he described as highly capital intensive and with many hurdles. He called on other indigenous entrepreneurs to emulate him.

Ajero expressed satisfaction with the massive work and quality of facilities at the power plant, and appealed to government not to completely withdraw from the power sector, arguing that the government has the cardinal responsibility in the some sectors of the economy.

The new NUEE executives are Comrade Ubaka Edeh, chairman; Oluchukwu Chiegbu, secretary; Christopher Nwaobasi, treasurer, and Nonye Aniji, Woman leader.

‘Why there is power failure in Ibadan’

HE Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) in Ibadan has explained the reasons for the poor power supply in the state capital and its environs in the past few days.

The Principal Manager, Public Affairs, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, Tokunbo Peters, said the poor power supply was as a result of a sharp drop in supply to Ibadan.

He said in most cases, a Business Unit, which requires 45 megawatts (MW) for its customers is restricted to just 10MW, while in some cases the six Business Units were placed on zero allocation.

The management of the company, he said, appeals to the company’s customers in Ibadan and the surrounding towns to bear with it during this critical period as it is not unmindful of the discomfort and inconvenience, which the load-shedding may have caused them.

It implored members of the public to refrain from invading PHCN offices or molesting its employees

on account of the load-shedding since the company does not generate electricity, but only distributes whatever megawatts it receives from the source.

The management said: “Mass protest and invasion of PHCN offices would not translate to improved power supply. Customers should be mindful of the fact that PHCN employees live amongst them and they also endure whatever hardship or discomfort that is created by the poor power supply situation.

“Concerted efforts are being made to improve power supply to customers at Felele, Challenge, Odo-Ona area of Ibadan and environs as PHCN has constructed another 33kv Feeder from Ayede 132/33kv Transmission substation to the interchange 33/ 11kv Injection substation. As soon as the new 33kv Feeder is commissioned, there will be much improvement in power supply to customers in Felele, Odo-Ona, Idi-Ayanre, Elewura, Orita-Challenge and environs.”

SPE to hold conference July 30

T

sands of jobs, which will have a multiplier effect in the labour market.”

He commended the Abia State Government for its continued supports particularly for constructing an access road to the plant and for

HE Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigeria Council will hold its yearly International Conference and Exhibition (NAICE) between July 30 and August 1, in Lagos.

It has theme: To grow Africa’s oil and gas production: Required policy, funding, technology, techniques and capabilities.

The Chairman of its Nigeria Council of the association, Mr Osayande Igiehon, told reporters in Lagos that the council will introduce two novel programmes - a workshop, which will focus on marginal field development best practices, and women development network.

He explained that the organisation is concerned with the increasing crude oil theft, depleting reserves and dwindling revenues from crude oil sales and would extensively brainstorm on these issues with a view to proffering solution.

He explained that the theme was chosen because it was observed that crude oil reserves in the region has continued to decline.

The conference, he noted, aims to provide a platform to help governments, industry and academia position for the aspired production growth, which will be crucial to achieving needed economic growth

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

in Africa and meeting the world’s growing energy needs.

He said: “As exploration of crude oil never ceases, there is need for further discoveries of more reserves to replenish those already extracted from oil wells. So, the challenge of inventing new technologies to aid new crude oil discoveries and to reduce cost of operation would be discussed in order to find lasting remedy to it.

He said the marginal field best practices workshop will feature seasoned experts who will proffer valuable ideas on how to improve the success rates and increase the contribution from marginal fields to meet the overall production growth aspirations, he added.

Expected at the three-day event are Governor of Lagos State, Minister of Petroleum Resources and the SPE International President who will be special guests.

During the conference, short courses will be offered on reservoir modelling, communication skills, petroleum geomechanics & wellbore Stability, Strategic Leadership and Monte Carlo Simulation Approach and well and reservoir management.

•From left: External Communication Lead, SPE Nigeria Council, Francis Nwaochei; Igiehon; Vice-Chairman/ Chairman-elect SPE Nigeria Council, Bernard Oboarekpe, during the press conference in Lagos.

Schneider Electric pledges smarter energy for Africa

S

CHNEIDER Electric, a Global Fortune 500 company and market leader in energy management, has pledged smarter energy in Africa at the just concluded Africa Energy Forum in Barcelona International Convention Centre (CCIB), Spain.

The forum is the yearly meeting where global players from the energy industry meet with African governments, utilities operators and regulators to engage in dialogue aimed at collectively driving forward the development of Africa’s power sector.

In a statement, it said according to UN HABITAT, African urban population will grow to one billion in 2040, and to 1.23 billion in 2050, by when 60 per cent of all Africans will be living in cities.

As African growth will be driven

mainly by existing and new cities, electricity will be a key factor to sustain urbanisation and growth on the continent.

“The challenge is not only to produce more electricity but to produce intelligent energy for smart growth in Africa.Schneider Electric’s solutions are aimed to increase the available electricity in Africa with limited investments,” said Mohammed Saad, President Africa, Schneider Electric.

Through its solution, smart cities, Schneider Electric brings together the technology to improve the efficiency of the urban systems, delivering “urban efficiency.”

“By modernidsing the existing grid, developing renewable energy, exploiting the huge solar

potential Africa receives every day, and helping companies, industries and public authorities to be more energy efficient, Smart Cities approach delivers the shortterm, visible, measurable, low-investment results that cities need,” Saad added.

Smart Cities solution allows up to 30 per cent energy saving, 15 per cent reduction of water losses, 20 per cent reduction of travel time and traffic delays, as well as tremendous social and economic benefits.

“As a market leader in energy management and renewable energies, Schneider Electric is the only company being able to provide a comprehensive solution to produce intelligent energy for smart growth in Africa,” said Jean-Marc Darboux, President Schneider Electric International.

Compressed gas: Dangote to convert 5000 trucks

S

UBSIDIARIES of Dangote Group, Borkir Energy and Sagas Energy, which opened a centre in Lagos to convert vehicles that run on diesel (automotive gas oil) to use Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), said their target is targetting 5,000 trucks by December.

The launch of the conversion centre, according to the Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Sani Dangote, marked the beginning of a 20-year agreement between the Nigeria Gas Company (NGC) and Sagas and partners.

The NGC will ensure uninterrupted supply of CNG to the company, while Sagas and partners, including Prins Auto Gas, which is responsible for assemblage of the conversion kits, cylinders and connection to the vehicles, will do the remaining part of the deal, such as construction of refill centres, among

others, he said. He added that the Dangote firms will also be responsible for distribution of the product and awareness creation.

He said the launch of the centre signals the beginning of the revolution in use of gas in the country. He said 1,000 trucks have already been converted while 5000 trucks are expected to be converted before end of the year. Besides, the vehicles can use both CNG and liquid fuels, he aded.

He said the product would be of immense benefits to commercial vehicles and cars in the country, as it is cheaper than liquid fuels, cleaner and environment-friendly. He said the firm would open more conversion centres in strategic locations across the country so that a user in Enugu doesn’t need to come to Lagos to meet his need. Besides, he said the project would create

substantial jobs for Nigerians.

He said the firm has trained over 30 engineers to work in the centre, adding that more engineers would be trained as it increases the conversion centres nationwide.

He said the company’s conversion kits are safe, environment-friendly and comply with the standard requirements of the United States, Canada and other European countries.

He stated that the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has also given the kits pass mark.

The Managing Director of Nigeria Gas Company, Saidu Mohammed commended the Dangote Group’s subsidiary for the giant stride it took adding that the project is good for Nigerians, environment and the economy. He assured the firm of NGC’s commitment to ensuring steady supply of gas.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2013

49

IN THE HIGH COURT OF LAGOS STATE OF NIGERIA PROBATE REGISTRY, IKEJA DIVISION WHEREAS the person whose names are set-out in the first Column under died intestate on the date and place stated in the said Column. AND WHEREAS the person or persons whose names and addresses and relationship (if any) to the deceased are set out in the second Column here have applied to the High Court of Lagos State for a Grant of Letter of Administration of the Real and Personal Properties of the deceased. NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Letters of Administration will be granted to such persons unless a NOTICE TO PROHIBIT THE GRANT is filed in the registry within (14) days from the date hereof.

S/N

NAMES OF THE DECEASED PERSON:

S/N

1. Alhaji Abdulasalami Mufutaudeen (otherwise known as Mufutaudeen Abdulsalami) late of 12, Moronike Street, Mushin, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 10thn dayof May, 2012 at Abuja.

2. Lucas Oluwafemi Raphael (Otherwise known as Lucas Raphael Oluwafemi) late of 8, Oyekunle Street, Ajegunle Agbado, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of June, 2012 at Ajegunle.

3. Yusuf Salamotu late of 25, Desalu Street, Apapa Road, Ebute Metta, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 24th day of January, 2013 at Lagos.

4. Mr Isaiah Shodipo (Otherwise known as Shodipo Isaiah ) late of Block 474 Flat 4, L.S.L.C.H Estate Abesan, Ipaja Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of December, 2010 at Orile Agege General Hospital.

5. Amaefule Adindu Bidwell late of 29, Alhaji Jimoh Street, Adeniji Jones Ikeja Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of June, 2011 at Lagos.

6. Adebola Adekunle Abolaji late of 21, Ogunnaike Street, Off Adealu Dopemu Agege, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of April, 2008 at Lagos.

7. Mrs Phebean Oladunni O. Osunmakinde (Otherwise known as Madam Akinnigbagbe and Phebean Oladunni Oshunakinde ) late of Block 734 Flat 2, LSCH Estate Clinic Abesan Ipaja Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 23rd day of April, 2010 at Holy Bethany .

8. Modupeola Adewunmi Adeolu (Otherwise known as Adeolu Adewumi Modupeola ) late of 7., Pipeline Road, Baruwa, Ipaja Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 20th day of November , 2010 at Lagos., 9. Ogungbade Kingsley Ifeolu (Otherwise known as Kingsley Ifeolu Ogungbade) late of Plot 1, Close A, Site J Satellite Town, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of September, 2012 at Lagos.

10. Stephen Adeleye Ayoade (Otherwise known as Stephen Ayoade ) late of Plot 13 Olateju Oluwole Close, Ajao Estate, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of November, 2009 at Lagos.

11. Christopher Onukaogu (Otherwise known as Mr Onukogu Christopher ) late of 6, Oluwakemi Street, Ojodu Berger, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 20th day of May, 2009 at Aba. 12. Mr Ugochukwu Akano (Otherwise known as Ugochukwu Akamo) late of No. 38, Kayode Street, Ogba, Ikeja Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 31st day of July, 2010 at Good Hope Clinic & Maternity Hospital 13. Dr David Oye Moomo (Otherwise known as David Moomo ) late of 7, Bolade Street, Mafoluku Oshodi, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of December, 2009 at Lagos.

14. Oludare Olusegun Adebayo (Otherwise known as Mr O.A.Oludare and Segun Oludare ) late of Civil Service Model College Compound Igbogbo Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of October, 2011 at Ikorodu.

15. Onwuliri Patricia (Otherwise known as Mrs Patricia Chika Onwuliri) late of 23 Bamgboye Street, Ejigbo, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of January, 2012 at Lagos.

16. Godwin Omavowan Shanomi late of 3A, Palace Road Onigbongbo Maryland Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 10th day of March, 2010 at Lagos.

17. Olubanwo Ajoke Adeleye (Otherwise known as Adeleye Joliana Olubanwo ) late of 4, Arowojolu Street, Boystown Ipaja, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of Septemebr, 2009 18. Mr Gbenga Abayomi Odusanya (Otherwise known as Odusanya Gbenga Abayomi) late of 8, Oladoyinbo Street, off Oguntolu Street, Ijaiye Ojokoro Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of February, 2013 at Lagos.

19. Mr Emmanuel Azolike late of 1st Avenue Q Close, House 12A, Festac Town, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of April, 2010 at Lagos.

20. Mrs Bolawunmi Arikawe late of 231 Lagos Abeokuta Express Road, Alimosho Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 11th day of April, 1999 at Lagos.

21. Mr Olanipekun Amos Kayode late of Block 537, Flat 3, Abesan Estate Ipaja Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 24th day of February, 2012 at Ilorin.

22. Igbinola Olabanji late of 17, Owolabi Avenue Akute Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of August, 2012 at 23. Fabunmi Muraina late of 10, Alhaji Ota Street, Mushin, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of November, 2012 at Lagos.

24. Adedokun Emmanuel Adegbite (Otherwise known as Adedokun Emmanuel Sekerewi and Mr Emmanuel Adegbite Adedokun) late of House 20, F Close, 3rd Avenue Festac Town, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of April, 2010 at Lagos.

25. Edhughe Origho Jonathan (Mr) late of 4, Akpowowo Street, Ilogbo Elegba Ojo, Lagos , deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of May, 2012 at Lagos.

26. Adeite Adeleke Magnus late of 4, Sikiratu Yusuf Street, Ori Okuta Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 11th day of December, 2005 at Enugu 27. Chief Patrick Igboejesi Conleth Agbaso (Otherwise known as Chief Patrick Agbaso Igbojesi and Agbaso Patrick Igboejesi Conleth) late of 512 Road, C Close, Block 1 , Flat 7, Festac Lagos, deceased who died ikntestate on the 25th day of February, 2008 at Imo State.

28. Mrs Fausat Olusola Bolorunde (Otherwise known as Mrs Bolorunde Fausat Olusola and Mrs Fausat Bolorunde ) late of 4, Balogun Street, Ejigbo, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of November, 2009 at Ogun State Teaching Hospital Sagamu.

29. Martha Ugoaru (Otherwise known as Ms Ugoaru Martha ) late of 10, Tapa Street, Orile Iganmu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of March, 2013.

30. Nzekwe Raphael late of 70, Odogbolu Street, Aguda, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of December, 2011 at Lagos.

31. Enwereuzor Nwogu Wilson (Otherwise known as Ewereuzor Wilson) late of 83, Oluwa Street, Olodi Apapa , Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 24th day of November, 2012 at Lagos.

32. Israel Idowu Salako (Otherwise known as Salako Idowu Israel) late of 379, Herbert Macaulay Street, Yaba, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 4th day of October, 1968.

33. Mrs Maureen Onyeka Usoro (Otherwise known as Usoro (Nee Azodo) and Usoro Maureen) late of 15, Zainab Street, Medina Estate Gbagada, Lagos, deceased who died intestate oln the 7th day of December, 2011 at Luth.

34. Mr Gooday Ezekiel Adah (Otherwise known as Mr Godday Ezekiel Adah) late of 1B, Agugu Street, Boundary Ajegunle Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 16th day of May, 2008 at Ajegunle, Lagos.

35. Olabode Olatomiwa late of 16, Kayode Shokunbi Street, Ikorodu, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 4th day of April, 2012 at Ibadan 36. James Emefiena Onukwuli late of 2nd Avenue 23 Road, M Close Block 3 Flat 12, Festac Town, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 24th day of July, 2012 at Lagos.

37. Mrs Florence N. Okehie (Otherwise known as Florence Nwanganga Okehie and Okehie Florence ) late of 3, Adisa Ogunwemimo Street, Williams Layout Akowonjo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of September, 2011 at Lagos.

38. Obi Emmanuel Obioma late of 21, Sule Dada Street, Off Musa Bulum, Iba New Site Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of October, 2006 at Emekuku , Owerri 39. Mr Joseph Omotosho (Otherwise known as Mr Omotosho Joseph) late of 13, Lawson Street, Ogba Ikeja, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of May 2010 at Lagos.

40. Mrs Siwoku Beatrice Adebisi late of 9, Ayiga Street, Christ Apostolic Church Orile Agege, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of June, 2012 at Federal medical Centre Abeokuta.

41. Fans Justina Olasumbo (Otherwise known as Fatoyinbo Justina ) late of 24, Fagba Street, Iju Road, Agege, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of May, 2009 at Lagos.

42. Mr Augustine Igbokwu Nwaubani (Otherwise known as Mr Austin Madumere Nwaubani) late of Bobby Street, Ajara, Topa, Badagry , Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of January, 2004 at Gradol Rapha Hospital 43. Odufeso Raymond Olusegun (Otherwise known as Olusegun and Odufeso Raymond ) late of 他 Alli Layout Apete lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of April, 2011 at Ibadan.

44. Akinlusi Ajibola Olusegun (Otherwise known as Akinlusi A.O.) late of 58, Kolawole Street, Kanyi Okokomaiko Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 11th day of August, 2011 at Lagos.

45. Mr Garba Suleiman (Otherwise known as Sulaiman Garba) late of 34, Olusanya Street, Agege, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of December, 2010 at Apapa Lagos.

46. Adekola Adewale Raiph late of 18, Lamina Lawal Street, Isolo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of April, 2012 at Lagos.

47. Mr Ekpenyong Friday Fidelis (Otherwise known as Ekpenyong Friday) late of 7, Isaac Street, Off Old Lagos Road, Opposite State High School Ibereko Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of May, 2011 48. Mr Adebowale Muritala Olalekan (Otherwise known as Adebowale Muritala) lated of 39, Kogberegbe Street, Isolo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of May, 2012 at Lagos.

49. Mr Emmanuel Biu (Otherwise known as Biu Emmanuel) late of No. 4, Kolawole Street, Abaranje Ikotun, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 14th day of April, 2008 at Lagos.

50. Ignatius Ewelike late of Room 11, Highway Patrol Barracks Ikeja Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of July, 2011 Ngor Okpala, Imo State.

51. Green Bintu Fatimoh (Alhaja) (Otherwise knolwn as Alhaja Green ) late of 14, Fadiya Street, Ketu, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 20th day of February, 2013 at Elegbeleye Special Hospital Ketu.

52. Mr Akintoye Adebayo late of 37, Fatusi Street, Ejigbo, Lagos deceased who died intestate ond the 30th day of May, 2007 at Lagos.

53. Akingbola Grace (Otherwise known as Akingbola Grace Yemi (Nee Ogundipe) late of 40, Adisa Akintoye Street, Ketu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 16th day of December, 2011 at Lagos.

54. Mr Ihenacho Kingsley O. Ikechukwu late of 16A, Sadiku Street, Iponri Ebute Metta, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 24th day of January, 2008 at Lagos.

55. Anthony Linus Onyeji Rev.(Dr) (Otherwise known as Anthony Linus ) late of 4, Ayinla Adams Avenue Ijaiye Ojokoro, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 10th day of April, 2012 at Lasuth, Ikeja.

56. Omokhodion Wilson Abumere (Otherwise known as Omokhodion Wilson) late of 30, Olusegun Street, Ajangbadi Ojo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of July, 2010 57. Odumesi Abayomi James late of 26, Olusegun Adegbuyi Street, Ijegun Ikotun Lagos, deceased wsho died intestate on the 21st day of May , 2012 58. Raji Nejeem Adekunle late of 2A, Estate Road, Araromi Ikorodu , Lagos, deceased who died intestate ond the 29th day of October, 2012 at Lagos.

59. Miss Bisiriyu Temidayo Abidat (Otherwise known as Bisiriyu Temidayo A. (Miss) late of 3, Adeleye Street, Mile 12, Ketu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of April, 2011 at Ijebu Igbo, Ogun State.

60. Supol Effiong John (Otherwise known as John Effiong ) late of 15, Omo Oba Adekunle Street, Agric Fishpound Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 16th day of October, 2012 at Akwa Ibom.

61. Fayomi Taiwo Abubakar (Otherwise known as Taiwo Abubakar Fayomi) late of 1, Tawakalitu Street, Igando, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of August, 2009 at Lagos.

62. Jimoh Joseph (Otherwise known as Joseph Jimoh ) late of 17, Garuba Street, Shogunle Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 13th day of July, 2012 at Lagos.

63. Good Esegine (Otherwise known as Captain Good Esegine ) late of 6, Oluwajoba Ijanikin Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day of March, 2012 at Cross River.

64. Olatunji Ope Bakare late of 21, Olabisi Nana Street, Ijegun Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of February, 2012 at Lagos.

65. Mrs Charity Ugheighele (Otherwise known as Ugheighele Charity) late of 32, Layi Oyekan Street, Mushin, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of June, 2012 at Lagos.

66. Ikebude Paul late of 32, Idofian Street, Ikosi Ketu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of February, 2010 at Eboa Medical Centre Ketu, Lagos.

67. Anyanwu Ohanele Boniface (Otherwise known as Anyanwu Boniface Ohanele ) late of 3, Dispensary Street, Amukoko, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of June, 2012 at Lagos.

68. Mr Okureva Theophilus late of 19, Fashiro Street, Kuje Amuwo Maza-maza Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of December, 2002 at Lagos.

69. Mr Abraham Odekunle Attiko (Otherwise known as Mr Abraham Attiko) late of 2C Agboyin Avenue Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 14th day of March, 1996 at Lagos.

70. Christopher O. Ibeh (otherwise known as Christopher Onyeanu Ibeh) late of 4, Ademola Olawaye Street, Orile Iganmu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 14th day of March, 2011 at Lagos.

71. Mafoitan Lawrence Godspower late of No. 53B, Mafoitan Way Ajegunle Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 20th day of November, 2012 72. Ogunyemi Afusat late of 15, Olorunkemi Street, Somolu Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of July, 2012 at Luth.

73. Mr Umenne Justine Emeka (Otherwise known as Mr Emeka Umenne) late of 7, Aliu Street, Egbe, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 31st day of March, 2012 at Lagos.

74. Olowookere Ishola Mutalubi late of 16, Fabukonola Street, Shogunle, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of August, 2011 at Lagos.

75. Felicia Uchenwa Agoha late of 2nd Avenue 201 Road C Close, Block 1, Flat 4, Festac Town, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of April, 2011 at Lagos.

NAMES OF APPLICANT APPLYING FOR THE GRANT

1. Abdulsalami Rashidat and Amokun Mosa Abdulsalami Baliguos both of 12, Moroluke Street, Mushin, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

2. Lucas Ganiyat Adeola of 8, Oyekunle Street, Ajegunle Agbado, Lagos, and Lucas Oluwafunke Celestina of 64, Buba Marwa Road, Ijegun , Waterside Satellite Town, Lagos, widow and sister respectively of the said deceased.

3. Mrs Ganiyu Balolgun Yusuf of 7, Obun Eko Street, Lagos and Mr Fatai Balogun Yusuf of 25, Desalu Street, Apapa, Road Ebute Metta, Lagos two children of the said deceased.

4. Mrs Alice Ayodeji Shodipo and Abimbola Shodipo both of Block 474, Flat 4, L.S.L.C.H Estate Abesan, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

5. Catherine Amaefule and Emmanuel Amaefule both of 29, Alhaji Jimoh Adeniyi Jones, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

6. Adebola Modinat Adeshola and Kabiru Olorunkemi Momodu both of 11, Adeboye Street, Mende Maryland, Lagos, widow and cousin respectively of the said deceased.

7. Mrs Alice Ayodeji Shodipo of Block 474 Flat 4, L.S.L.C.H Estate Abesan Lagos, the only surviving child of the said deceased.

8. Adebowale Babatunde Adeolu and Tolulope Mobolaji Adeolu both of 7, Pipeline Road Baruwa Ipaja, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

9. Oritsetimeyin Ogungbade and Akinola Ogungbade both of Plot 1, Close A, Site J. Satellite Town, Lagos, widow and the only surviving child respectively of the said deceased.

10. Mrs Adenike Ayoade of Plot 13, Olateju Oluwole Close, Ajao Estate, Lagos, and Mr Adefusika Ade-Ojo of 218, Ikorodu Road, Palmgrove Bus Stop, Palmgrove Lagos, widow and family lawyer respectively of the said deceased.

11. Mrs Maureen Onukaogu and Mr Chinweuba Onukaogu both of 6, Oluwakemi Street, Ojodu Berger, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

12. Chibuike Stanley Akano and Chijioke Godswill Akano both of 38, Kayode Street, Ogba, Ikeja, Lagos, two brothers of the said deceased.

13. Mr Deborah Alade Moomo and Jonathan Moomo both of 7, Bolade Street, Mafoluku Oshodi, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

14. Mrs Oludare Bukola of Civil Service Model College Compound Igbogbo Ikorodu, Lagos and Mrs I. Adeneye of 9, Abiola Street, Oworonsoki Bariga, Lagos widow and sister respectively of the said deceased.

15. Onwuliri Chijioke Joseph and Mrs Theresa Eboh both of 23, Bamgboye Street, Ejigbo, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

16. Gloria Shanomi and Blessing Ederin Sharomi both of 3A, Palace Poad Onigbongbo Maryland Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

17. Mrs Olutosin Modupe Esivwose-Evans of 3/5 Babafemi Dada Street, Lasu Road, Lagos and Mrs Tolu Fashuwape of 11, Ihechiowa Close Badore, Lekki , Lagos, two nieces of the said deceased.

18. Omoniyi Odusanya and Bamidele Odusanya both of 8, Oladoyinbo Street, Off Oguntolu Street, Ijaiye Ojokoro Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

19. Mrs Azolike Uju Roseline , Azolike Lotanna Neville and Azolike Emeka Fortune all of 1st Avenue Q Close , House 12A, Festac Town, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

20. Dele Odumeso, Oludare Jaiyesimi, Biola Olakudu and Kola Jaiyesimi all of 231 Lagos Abeokuta Express Road, Alimosho Lagos,three of the children and one grand child respectively of the said deceased.

21. Mrs Olanipekun R. Kehinde and Mr Olasopo Joseph Kehinde both of Block 537, Flat 3, Abesan Estate, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

22. Mojisola Igbinola and Omoyemi Morenike Igbinola both of 17, Owolabi Avenue, Akute , Lambe Ogun State, widow and one of the children respectively of the said decased.

23. Rabiat Fabunmi, Kazeem Fabunmi, Yusuf Fabunmi both of 10, Alhaji Ota Street, Mushin, Lagos and Sule Okunade of 10, Wey Street, Mushin, Lagos, widow , two of the children and brother respectively of the said deceased ; 24. Peter Adesegun Adedokun of 16, Afariogun Street, Ikeja Lagos, and Sunday Bamidele Adedokun of 147, Old Ojo Road, Agboju Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

25. Mr Israel Ajirioghene Edhughe and Mrs Betty Erezina Imadoja both of 4, Akpowowo Street, Ilogbo Elegba Ojo Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

26. Mrs Simiat O. Adeite, Olusegun Adeite, and Joshua Adeite all of 4, Sikiratu Yusuf Street, Ori Okuta Ikorodu, Lagos, widow and two children respectively of the said deceased.

27. Mrs Elizabeth Akusu Agbaso and Dr Anthony Chukwuma Agbaso both of 512 Road C Close, Block 1, Flat 7, Festac , Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

28. Mr Shola Bolorunde and Mr Jide Bolorunde both of 19, Taiwo Road, Ejigbo, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

29. Jude U. Ugoaru and Rev. Sister May Lawrence Ugoaru both of 10, Tapa Street, Orile Iganmu, Lagos, brother and sister respectively of the said deceased.

30. Mrs Evangeline Nzekwe and Mr Chukwuemeka Nzekwe both of 70, Odogbolu Street, Aguda, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

31. Enwereuzor S. Chijioke and Teresa Enwereuzor both of 83, Oluwa Street, Olodi Apapa, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

32. Stephen Adebowale Salako, Bashiru Sanni and Augusta Adeteju Adams all of Block 456, Flat 2, Mile 2, Estate, Lagos, three grandchildren of the said deceased.

33. Mr Nsikan Usoro and Mrs Linda Nkwo both of 15, Zainab Street, Medina Gbagada Lagos, widower and sister respectively of the said deceased.

34. Mrs Yamienyefa Adah, Mr Alex Adah and Mr Sunday Ezekiel Adah all of No. 1B, Agugu Street, Boundary Ajegunle Lagos, widow, one of the children and brother respectively of the said deceased.

35. Pastor Ayo Olabode and Christiana Oluwasola Olabode both of22, Opayemi Street, Abule Ijesha, Yaba, Lagos, father and sister respectively of the said deceased.

36. Mrs Josephine Onukwuli and Mr Ogonna Onukwuli both of 2nd Avenue 23Rd Road, M Close, Block 3 Flat 12 Festac Town, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

37. Mr Fidelis E. Okehie and Cmdr. Chiedozie D. Okehie both of 3, Adisa Ogunwemimo Street, Williams Layout Akowonjo, Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

38. Julius Obi of 7th Avenue, W Close, Block 2 Flat 5, Festac Town, Lagos, and Franklin Obi of 21 Sule Dada Street, Iba New Site Ojo, Lagos, two brothers of the said deceased.

39. Mrs Mary Omolade Omotosho and Mr Ayodele Samuel Omotosho both of 13, Lawson Street, Ogba, Ikeja, Lagos, widow and the only child respectively of the said deceased.

40. Foluke Kehinde (Nee Siwoku ) of No. 4, Babarinsa Street, Nawarudeen Abeokuta, and Mrs Opesusi Victoria Titilayo of 13, Olaleye Street, Oko Oba Agege, Lagos, the only surviving child and sister respectively of the said deceased, 41. Fatoyinbo Oluwaseyi of 24, Fagba Street, Iju Road, Agege, Lagos, the only child of the said deceased.

42. Mrs Peace Onyinye Nwaubani and Mr Emmanuel Enyinna Nwaubani both of Bobby Street, Ajara Topa Badagry Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

43. Cecilia Yetunde Odufeso and John Olufemi Odufeso both of 他 Alli Layout Apete Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

44. Julius Akinlusi and Bukola Akinlusi both of 58, Kolawole Street, Kanyi Okokomaiko Lagos, father and sister respectively of the said deceased.

45. Mrs Ummu- Kulsum Suleiman and Mr Awwalu Suleiman both of 34, Olusanya Street, Agege, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

46. Adekola Lateefat Jumoke of 18, Lamina Lawal Street, Isolo, Lagos , and Bishi Usman Abiodun of 9, Olagbaiye Street, Ilasamaja, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

47. Mr Ettido Friday Ekpenyong and Miss Unyime Friday Ekpenyong both of 25, Second Avenue Oke Ira, Oko Afo Badagry Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

48. Mrs Tawa Babatunde, Mrs Rasheedat Adenike Musibau and Mr Lateef Adebowale all of 39, Kogberegbe Street, Isolo, Lagos, three of the children of the said deceased.

49. Mr Sunday Biu and Mr Raphael Biu both of Block 460, Flat 6, Jakande Estate, Mile 2, Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

50. Mrs Blessing Ewelike and Theophilus Ewelike both of Room 11, Highway patrol Barracks, Ikeja, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

51. Sulaiman Rasheedat Abidemi and Green Simbiat Ajoke both of 14, Fadiya Street, Ketu, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

52. Jacob Akintoye and Seyi Akintoye both of 37, Fatusi Ejigbo, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

53. Ogundipe Philip Akinola of 40, Adisa Akintoye Street, Ketu, Lagos, the only brother of the said deceased.

54. Mrs Juliana Ihenacho and Mr Ihenacho Simon Ifeanyi both of 1, Tejuoso Surulere Rail Compound Estate, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

55. Mrs Paulius Onuigbo Anthony and Pastor John Uchenna Anthony both of 4, Ayinla Adams Avenue Ijaiye Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

56. Patience Fulani Omokhodion and Enakhe Patrick Omokhodion both of 30, Olusegun Street, Ajangbadi , Ojo, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

57. Odumesi Olusesan Daniel and Odubayo Nureni both of 26, Olusegun Adegbuyi Street, Ijegun Ikotun, Lagos, one of the children and cousin respectively of the said deceased.

58. Raji Oluremi Benedicta and Raji Yusuf Ademola both of 2A, Estate Road, Araromi Ikorodu, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

59. Mrs Ronke Mistura Adebisi and Mrs Shakiratu Adenuga both of 3, Adeleye Street, Mile 12, Ketu Lagos, two sisters of the said deceased.

60. Victoria Effiong John and Oto Obong Effiong John both of 15, Omo Oba Adekunle Street, Agric Fishpound Ikorodu, Lagos widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

61. Mrs Abosede Fayomi of 1, Tawakalitu Street, Igando , Lagos, and S.A. Olatunji of 19, Anomo Street, Abaranje Ikotun Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

62. Rose Asabe Joseph and Thank God Joseph both of 17, Garuba Street, Shogunle, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

63. Igho Esegine and Glory Esegine Philip both of 29, Owolowo Street, Ikorodu, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

64. Mrs Ope Risikatu and Ope Kehinde Dosumu Shamusideen both of 21, Olabisi Nana Street, Ijegun, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

65. Mr Lawrence Inegbenehi Ugheighele and Ebosetale Ugheighele both of 32, Layi Oyekan Street, Mushin, Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

66. Mrs Ikebude Patience and Ikebude Rachael both of 32, Idofian Street, Ikosi Ketu, lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

67. Cyril Anyanwu and Fidelia Anyanwu both of 3, Dispensary Street, Amukoko, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

68. Mr Cyril Okureva and Mr Henry Okureva both of 19, Fashiro Street, Kuje Amuwo Mazamaza Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

69. Miss Dorcas Ojuolape Atiko of 6, Adetola Street, Papa Ajao Mushin, Lagos, and Olusegun Attiko of 7, Olubode Street, New Oko Oba Ifako Lagos, brother and sister respectively of the said deceased.

70. Judith Olise of 98, Obaderu Ola Street, Iyana Oba Lagos and Chima Onyeanu of 3, Bode Owolabi Street, Isheri, Lagos, the only child and nephew respectively of the said deceased.

71. Mafoitan I. Lawrence and Mafoitan Henry both of Mafoiktan Way Ajegunle , Lagos, father and brother respectively of the said deceased.

72. Alhaji Abdulkareem Akinyemi and Mustapha Kabiru both of 10, Ring Road, Imota Lagos, two brothers of the said deceased.

73. Mrs Ifeoma Evelyn Umenne, Mr Kenechukwu Umenne and Mrs Chiemerem N. Ikokide (Nee Umenne) all of No. 7, Aliu Street, Egbe, Lasgos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

74. Fatimoh Olowookere and Olowookere Ismail Adeola both of 7, Olowookere Osunusi Close, Owode Ijoko, Ogun State, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

75. William Ubadire Agoha and Stanley Ugochukwu Agoha both of 2nd Avenue 201 Road C Close, Block 1, Flat 4, Festac Town, Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

A.O.ISAACS PROBATE REGISTRAR

50

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2013

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2013

51

IN THE HIGH COURT OF LAGOS STATE OF NIGERIA PROBATE REGISTRY, IKEJA DIVISION WHEREAS the person whose names are set-out in the first Column under died intestate on the date and place stated in the said Column. AND WHEREAS the person or persons whose names and addresses and relationship (if any) to the deceased are set out in the second Column here have applied to the High Court of Lagos State for a Grant of Letter of Administration of the Real and Personal Properties of the deceased. NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Letters of Administration will be granted to such persons unless a NOTICE TO PROHIBIT THE GRANT is filed in the registry within (14) days from the date hereof.

S/N

NAMES OF THE DECEASED PERSON:

S/N

1. Fabian Akenko Ekwueme (Otherwise known as Fabian Anele Ekwueme and Ekwueme Fabian anele ) late of 29, Sadiku Street, Olodi Apapa, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of October, 2012 at Lagos.

2. Oduonye Fidelis Douglas (Otherwise known as Oduonye Douglas) late of Plot 3120, Amuwo Odofin New Road, Mile 2, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of March, 2011 at Lagos.

3. Mr Adewale Ajayi Jacob late of 8C, Boundary Road, Ajegunle , Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of November, 2011 at Lagos.

4. Chief Olalekan Ojuawo late of 15/19, Ola Ayeni Street, Ikeja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of August, 2002 at Ibadan.

5. Essien grace William late of 36, Akinhanmi Street, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 31st day of December, 2011 at Ikot Akpaden, Akwa Ibom State.

6. Ifie Matthew late of 21 road C Close, House 74, Festac Town, Lagos, deceased who die dintestate on the 23rd day of September, 2011 at Federal Medical Centre, Ebutte Metta.

7. Lawal Jeje Kazeem (Otherwise known as Mr Lawal Kazeem Jeje ) late of Flat 8, Block M, Millennium Estate, Ijaiye Ojokoro Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day of September, 2010 at Ikeja, Lagos.

8. Ishola Emmanuel Dosa late of 24, Soglo Way Jegba Quarters Badagry Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 14th day of August, 2005 at Badagry.

9. Mr Olusegun Babatunde (Otherwise known as Babatunde Olusegun) late of Elijah Village Araromi, Badagry, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of April, 2011 at Badagry General Hospital 10. Alhaji Ganiyu Lamina Aremu (Otherwise known as Lamgan Enterprises Ltd and Alh. Lamina Ganiyu, Lamina Ganiyu ) late of 3, Lamina Ganiyu Crescent, Alakuko, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of July, 2011 at Lagos.

11. Oba Idowu Simeon Padonu (Otherwise known as HRM Oba Simeon Padonu Idowu) late of Oba Palace Apasa Quarters Ajido Badagry Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of March, 2012 at Lagos.

12. Mr Herbert Ogechi Okere (Otherwise known as Okere O. Herbert) late of 61, Sunmonu Alonge Street, Ikotun, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day of December, 2011 at Owerri.

13. Idiok Akpan Isaac, late of 132, Oke Agbo Road , Ilogbo Elegba , Lagos, Ajangbadi, Lagos, deceased who died intestate lon the 30th day of May, 2009 at Lagos.

14. Samson Ukandu Ubiaru late of 8, Ola Ayeni Street, Ikeja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of April, 2007 at benin City.

15. Mr Chukwuemeka Uzuegbunam, late of 4, Sunday Adigun Street, Alausa, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of March, 2001 at Lagos.

16. Adekola Kazeem Abiola late of 18, Kaka Bakare Street, Okokomaiko , Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of July, 2012 at Lagos.

17. Onyebuchi Chukwuma Cyril (Otherwise known as Onyebuchi Chukwuma) late of Prince Gabson Agu Street, Akesan, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 9th day of January, 2013 at Igbo Ukwu.

18. Mrs Idowu Theresa (Otherwise known as Mrs Idowu Theresa Modupe) late of 3, John Street, Mushin, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 13th day of August, 2012 at Lagos.

19. Ife Jaaineeth Adelayo (Otherwise known as Pa Ife Jaanimets Adelayo) late of 384, Ikorodu Road, Ojota, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of June, 2012 at Ogun State.

20. Adekunle Samuel Moses (Otherwise known as Moses Samuel Adekunle) late of 42, Adegbola Street, Alakuko, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 13th day of December, 2011 at Ilogbo, Ogun State.

21. Mrs Kudiratu Tolulope Biobaku (Otherwise known as Mrs Kudirat Biobaku) late of 30, Raji Oba Street, Alimosho Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 31st day of October, 2009 at Lagos.

22. Ibidun Modasola Adetunji, late of 10D, Adebayo Munis Close Gbagada, Phase 2 Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 14th day of May, 2012 at Columbia.

23. Mr Collins Ugonna Obi (Otherwise known as Ugonna Collins) late of 47, Frank Agboju Amuwo Odofin, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day of October, 2011 at Lagos.

24. Sowemimo Adebayo (Otherwise known as Adebayo Sowemimo (Mr ) late of 11, Abiodun Ogunleye Street, Solomade Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 24th day of July, 2010 at Ikorodu.

25. Lawrence O. Nwachukwu late of 2nd Avenue 22 Road, A Close Block 5 Flat 10, Festac Town, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 10th day of April, 2010 at Lagos.

26. Mr Emmanuel Adegoroye Aladesoyin (Otherwise known as Aladesoyin Emmanuel) late of 17, Ojomo Street, owode Ajegunle , Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 11th day of March, 2011 at Lagos.

27. Mrs Oluwayemisi Abiodun Aletan (Otherwise known as Mrs Aletan Oluwayemisi Abiodun) late of Plot 3, Bamidele Aletan Street, Ishefun Road, Ayobo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of July, 2012 at Ekiti State.

28. Lambe Wahab Olayiwola Adio (Otherwise known as Lambe Abdulwahab ) late of 2B, Adamolekun Agunlejika Ijeshatedo Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of December, 2012 at Abuja.

29. Engr. Bolanle Lashengbe (Otherwise known as Westover Agencies Ltd, Maboni Investment Ltd, GCN Limited , Kelle West Ltd and Lashengbe Bolanle ) late of 3, Bolanle Close Off Allen Avenue, Ikeja Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 13th dayof October, 2010 at Lagos.

30. Onwudiegwu Okoli Elias (Otherwise known as Elias Onwudiegwu) late of 60, Ladipo Street, Mushin, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of March, 2010 at Houston Texas.

31. Aibangbe Joyce (Mrs) late of 14, Ajumobi Street, Agidingbi Ikeja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of January, 2009 at Lagos.

32. Mrs Blessing Ochole Ode (Otherwise known as Mrs Blessing Ochole Eru) late of 1, Mabi Street, Ogijo Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 11th day of July, 2012 at Ogijo Ikorodu.

33. Mr Inyang Raphael Etim, late of 13, Ogedon Street, Abulaka Bus Stop, Okoko, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of August, 2012 at Akwa Ibom State Uyo 34. Mr Alfred Chukwuneye Mbadiwe, late of 1, Ifesowapo Street, Ori Oke Ogudu Ojota, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of March, 2007 at General Hospital Okigwe, Imo State.

35. 63NA/416972, W.O.Adedamola Ogunleye (Otherwise known as No Play M.W.O. Adedamola Ogunleye) late of 43, Community Road, Mile 12, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of June, 2011 at Lagos.

36. Mrs Margaret Mojisola Ogundowole (Otherwise known as Mrs Ogunowole Mojisola) late of Block 275, Flat 4, Abesan H Estate, Ipaja, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 24th day of July, 2012 at Lagos.

37. Alhaji Abdulsalami Mufutaudeen (Otherwise known as Mufutaudeen Abdulsalami) late of 12, Moroluko Street, via Wey Street, Agege, Motor Road, Mushin, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 10th dayof May, 2012 at Abuja.

38. Nuhu Shaibu late of No. 27, Capitol Road, Agege, Lagos deceased who died intestate on the 6th day of January, 2013 at Lagos.

39. Ovoh Benjamin late of 8, Balogun Street, Ajah deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of May, 2012 at Lagoon Hospital .

40. Mr Felix Oluwatomisin Akinniyan (Otherwise known as Mr Akinniyan Felix Oluwatomisin ) late of Plot 19, Flat 4 Ijaiye Housing Estate, Agege, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 23rd day of March, 2013 at Lagos.

41. Mrs Fadare Molly Ann (Otherwise known as Mrs Molly-Ann Fadare and Fadare Molly-Ann ) late of 18, Airways Road, Ijesha Tedo Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 16th day of January, 2006 at Lagos.

42. Mr Oluwagbenga Aina (Otherwise known as Mr Aina Oluwagbenga ) late of 309, Herbert Macaulay Street, Yaba, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of May, 2012 at G. Ayola Clinic Lagos.

43. Mr Austin Onuoha (Otherwise known as Augustine Nduamaka and Mr Augustine Onuoha) late of 5, Binuyo Close Off Bamako Street, Ojudu Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of October, 2009 at Owo, Ondo State.

44. Miss Elizabeth Okafor (Otherwise known as Okafor Elizabeth , Betty Onye Okafor and Lizzy Onye Okafor) late of 39, Okota Road, Okota, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 12th dyof January, 2012 at Lagos.

45. Danjuma Benjael (Otherwise known as Danjuma Bejael) late of Odo Kekere Road, Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 24th day of November, 2011 at General Hospital Ikorodu.

46. John Oyeniyi Fadipe (Otherwise known as Mr J. O. Fadipe) late of 97, Ikorodu road, Fadeyi Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of Decemebr, 1979 47. Mr Muyideen Banmeke Aremu (Otherwise known as Mr Muyideen Bameke Aremu and Banmeke Muyideen Aremu) late of 17, Edagbeja Street, Ejigbo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 19th dayof March, 2013 at Lagos.

48. Abuaja Callistus Nwabueze late of Close 67, House 8, Satellite Town, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of September, 2012 at Lagos.

49. Mrs Henrietta Ibironke Kuforiji (Nee Taylor ) (Otherwise known as Kuforiji Ibironke ) late of Block 431, Flat 3, Isolo Low Cost Housing estate, jakande Oke Afa Isolo, lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of August, 2009 at Lasuth.

50. Mr Emmanuel Friday Obuseh (Otherwise known as Obuseh Emmanuel ) late of 4, Fadairo Street, Itire Odo Eran Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of January, 2011.

51. Ebugobe Ogechukwu (Mrs) (Otherwise known as Ogechukwu B. Ebugobe) late of No. 1, Elete Street, Ilemba Awori Alaba Ojo, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of December, 2012 at Lagos.

52. Ajayi Adebisi (Otherwise known as Ajayi Joseph ) late of 2, Saliu Lawal Street, Egan , Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of August 2011 at Lagos.

53. Mr Lateef Lawal (Otherwise known as Abdul and Mr Abd Lateef Lawal) late of 85, Ishaga Road, Idi Araba Mushin, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of June, 2011 at Lagos.

54. Kade Chioma (Mrs) late of 16, Kola Adeyeye Street, Ikosi Ketu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of November, 2010 at Royan Hospital Lagos.

55. Mrs Stella Boardman (Otherwise known as Stella Nwayinbuife Winful and Stella Nwayinbuife Boardman) late of Close 65 House 9, Satellite Town, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of June, 2010 56. Mrs Falujo Oluwaseyi Oluwakemi (Otherwise known as Mrs Oluwakemi Oluwaseyi Falujo ) late of 43, Mayowa Olakanye Street, Egbeda Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 20th day of June, 2012 at Lagos.

57. Alhaji Bakare Ramoni (Otherwise known as Alhaji Ramoni A. Bakare Olugbode ) late of 30, Boundary Road, Ajegunle, Apapa, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of October , 2010 at Ibadan.

58. Ojo Samuel (Otherwise known as Ojo Samuel Sunday and Samuel Ojo) late of Zone 2 Obada Estate, Badagry Express Way Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of September, 2011 at Obisesan Naval Medical Centre Apapa.

59. Ajetunmobi Ogunteju Grace (Mrs) (Otherwise known as Ajetunmobi Grace ) late of Block 6, Flat 11, Millineum Estate, Afonka Shasha Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 11th day of January, 2013 at Lasuth 60. Oso Emmanuel Olusanya (Otherwise known as Olusanya Osho) late of 7, Olagoke Street, Abule Egba Agege, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of February, 2011 at Lagos.

61. Ngozi Ekeleme late of 21, Alh. Ibrahim Ayodele Avenue, 1st Gate Bus Stop, Iba Ojo L.G.A. Lagos, deceased who died instate on the 15th day of June, 2012 at Luth.

62. Joseph Oyebola Akinwunmi (Otherwise known as Chief Joseph Oyebola Akinwunmi ) late of 12B, Olushi Street, Lagos Island, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of July, 1975 at Lagos.

63. Francis Sunday Jarikre (Otherwise known as Francis Uduoghoronye Sunday Jarikre ) late of 7, Mortune Avenue, Valley Estate, Ikeja, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 4th day of May, 2009 at Lagos.

64. Jawo Johnson Olakunle (Otherwise known as J.O.J. and Johnson Olakunle Jawo) late of Block A2 Flat 6, Highrisen Navy Town, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of May, 2002 at Abuja.

65. Mrs Luka Pinta (Otherwise known as Luka Binta) late of Block 246, Flat 6, L.C.H.E. Mile 2, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of May, 2013 at Lagos.

66. Adeyemo Justina Bunmi (Otherwise known as Adeyemo Justina ) late of 116, Ikotun Road, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of December, 2009 at Lagos.

67. Ajoko Lammy Inemo late of 2, Lanre Odukoya Street, Ewedogbon Bus Stop, Akesan, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 31st day of July, 2012 at Lagos.

68. Fayeku Ayoola Oluyemi (Otherwise known as Oluyemi Ayoola Fayeku ) late of 25, Durojaiye Street, Agbelekale Abule Egba, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of May, 2012 at Lagos.

69. Moshood Adetayo Akinola (Otherwise known as Akinola Adetayo Moshood) late of 18, Alh. Oladipupo Street, Oko Oba Agege Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of May, 2011 at Lagos.

70. Obasuyi Moses Osaretin (Otherwise known as Obasuyi O. Moses and Moses Osaretin Obasuyi) late of 13, Tejuosho Road, Western Avenue, Surulere, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of September, 2011 at Lagos.

71. Mrs Laguda Basirat (Otherwise known as Semiat ) late of 60, Ladipo Street, Mushin, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of March, 2013 at Lagos.

72. Shittu Oyewole (Otherwise known as Oyewole Shittu) late of 23, Arolawun Street, Onipanu , Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of July, 2002 at Lagos.

73. Mr James Ogbuo (Otherwise known as Mr J. Ogbuo) late of No. 38, Tapa Street, Orile Iganmu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 16th day of September, 2012 at Lagos.

74. Ede Moses Okoha (Otherwise known as Ede Moses) late of 24, Oluwaseyi Street, Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 20th day of July, 2012 at Lagos.

75. Ms Edet Maria Joseph (Otherwise known as Edet Maria) late of 11, Olowolaiyemo Street, Odogunyan Ikorodu, Lagos, deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of April, 2011 at Lagos.

NAMES OF APPLICANT APPLYING FOR THE GRANT

1. Lolo Elizabeth Ekwueme , Ifeanyi Ekwueme and Ikechukwu Ekwueme all of 29, Sadiku Street, Olodi Apapa, lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

2. Oduonye Maureen Ifeoma, Oduonye Alexander Ifeanyi and Oduonye Benjamin Ugochukwu all of Plot 3120, Amuwo Odofin , New Road, Mile 2, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

3. Mr Temitope Jacob and Mr Rotimi Jacob both of 8C, Boundary Road, Ajegunle, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

4. Mr Olanrewaju Ojuawo and Mrs Felicia Orji (Nee Ojuawo) both of 57, Felele Layout Ibadan, two of the children of the said deceased.

5. Mfon Jimmy Ufot of 1, Odunlade Street, Shomolu, Lagos, and Grace Jimmy Ufot of 36, Akinhanmi Street, Surulere, Lagos, brother and sister respectively of the said deceased.

6. Kate ifie and Emmanujel Ifie both of 21 Road, C Close, House 74, Festac Town, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

7. Jeje O. Saheed, Ali Shehu and Adenowo Kudirat all of Flat 8, Block M, Millennium Estate, Ijaiye , Lagos, two brothers and sister respectively of the said deceased.

8. Mrs Alice Bamidele Ishola Ogabi and Mrs Senami Joyi both of 24, Soglo Way Jegba Quarters Badagry, Seme Boarder, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

9. Sunday Babatunde and Joel Babatunde both of Elijah Village, Araromi Badagry, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

10. Muinat Anike Ganiyu, Mariam Iyabode Ganiyu , Fatai Ganiyu all of 3, Lamina Ganiyu Crescent, Alakuko, Lagos and Rashidat Ajoke Awosanya (Nee Ganiyu). Two widows and two of the children respectively of the said deceased 11. Mrs Grace Nohoesu and Prince Solomon A. Idowu both of Lasu Quarters Ibereko Badagry, Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

12. Regina Chizoma Okere Praise and Christopher Chigozie Onyewuchi both of 61, Sunmonu Alonge Street, Ikotun, Lagos, widow and cousin respectively of the said deceased.

13. Roseline Idiok, Inyang Isaac Idiok and James Isaac Idiok all of 132, Oke Agbo Road, Ilogbo, Elegba, Ajangbadi, Lagos, widow and two children respectively of the said deceased.

14. Mr Nwachukwu Ubiaru and Mr Godwin Ubiaru both of 6, Oremeji Street, Aguda Ogba, two of the children of the said deceased.

15. Mr Okechukwu S. Uzuegbunam, Mr Franklin Uzuegbunam, Mr Chinedu Uzuegbunam and Mr John Chikwuka Chukwuemeka all of 4, Sunday Adigun Street, Alausa, Lagos, four of the children of the said deceased.

16. Mr Adekola Ibrahim and Mr Tajudeen Adewale both of 66, Akodu Street, Mushin, Lagos, brother and friend respectively of the said deceased.

17. Mrs Onyebuchi Faith Ebele and Mr Onyebuchi Patrick Ikechukwu , both of 1, Prince Gabson Agu Street, Akesan , Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

18. Idowu Adeyinka and Idowu Adejuwon Joseph both of 3, John Street, Mushin, Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

19. Adelayo Akintunde Ogirima and Adelayo Oluwakemi Anave both of 384, Ikorodu Road, Ojota, Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

20. Adekunle Abayomi of 5, Alade Street, Shomolu, Lagos and Adekunle Kayode of 15 Yemi Adekunle Street, Megida Ayobo Ipaja, two children of the said deceased 21. Miss Tanwa A. Smith, Miss Comfort A. Smith, Miss Rukayat T. Idris and Mrs Olabisi Otegbade all of Block 326, Flat 3, Abesan Estate, Ipaja, Lagos, four children of the said deceased.

22. Omotayo S. Adetunji of 10D Adebayo Munis Close, Gbagada, Phase 2, Lagos, Ajoke Braithwaite of 18, Maithama Sule Street, Ikoyi Lagos, and Tope Olunakin of 9B, Badagry Road, Apapa, GRA, Lagos, widower , sister and cousin respectively of the said deceased.

23. Mrs Ijeoma Eyinna of 5, Olayemi Street, Amuwo Odofin , Lagos, Mr Chinedu Obi and Onyeka Obi both of 47, Frank Street, Agboju , Amuwo Odofin Lagos, and Mrs Lovelyn Chinyere Nwakandu of 41, Joe Ayika Street, Ejigbo, Lagos, two brothers and two sisters respectively of the said deceased.

24. Muyideen Adebayo of 11, Abiodun Ogunleye Ikorodu, Lagos and Tawakalitu Sulaiman of 17, Basorun Street, Igbogbo Ikorodu, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

25. Felix Nwachukwu Stephen Nwachukwu, Christian, Nwachukwu and Christopher Nwachukwu all of 2nd Avenue, 22 Road, A Close, Block 5, Flat 10, Festac Town, Lagos, four of the children of the said deceased.

26. Mrs Helen Dupe Aladesoyin and Mr Olusegun Jimoh both of 17, Ojomo Street, Owode Ajegunle, Lagos, widow and cousin respectively of the said deceased.

27. Bamidele Aletan and Deleoba Kehinde Aletan both of Plot 3, Bamidele Aletan Street, Ishefun Road, Ayobo, Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

28. Lambe Muritala and Lambe Kabir both of 2B, Adamolekun Agunlejika Ijeshatedo Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

29. Mrs Tinuola Olasengbe and Mrs Oluwabunmi Lar both of 15, Michael Otedola Crescent, Ikeja, Lagos, Mr Bamidele Ogunsakin of 38, Olori Street, Sogunle Oshodi, Lagos, widow, one of the children and cousin respectively of the said deceased.

30. Mrs Margret Onwudiegwu and Ugonwanne Onwudiegwu both of 60, Ladipo Street, Mushin, Lgos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

31. Rapheal O. Aibangbe and Mr Ighodaro O. Aibangbe both of 12, Community Road, Owode Mile 12, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

32. Mr George Friday Ode and Mr Sunday David Eru both of 1, Mabi Street, Ogijo Ikorodu, Lagos, widower and the only child respectively of the said deceased.

33. Mrs Inyang Etim Akon and Gift Etim Inyang both of 13, Ogedon Street, Abulaka Bus Stop, Okoko, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

34. Mrs Mercy Kemjika (Nee Mbadiwe) and Mr Sunday Mbadiwe both of 1, Ifesowapo Street, Ori Oke Ogudu Ojota, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

35. Ogunleye Raphael of 43, Community Road, Mile 12, Lagos, Ogunleye Oluwasegun of CBQ 149, Flat 10 Ikeja Military Cantonment Ikeja, Lagos, Ogunleye Rachael Opeyemi and Ogunleye Israel both of 43, Community Road, Mile 12, Lagos, four children of the said deceased.

36. Mrs Morenike Simbo Adesemoye, Mrs Lara Ojo , Mrs Funlola Kalejaiye all of Block 275, Flat 4, Abesan Housing Estate, Ipaja, Lagos, three children of the said deceased.

37. Abdulsalami Rashidat and Amokunmosa Abdulsalami Baliqees both of 12, Moroluke Street, Mushin, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

38. Nuhu Salome and Nuhu Oche Gideon both of 27, Capitol Road, Agege, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

39. Mrs Josephine Benjamin Ovoh of 8, Balogun Street, Ajah and Mr Osimera Thomas of Jattu Uzairue, Auchi Edo State, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

40. Mrs Adebowale Stella Akinniyan of Plot 19, Flat 4, Ijaiye Housing Estate, Agege, Lagos, and Mr Afolabi Akinniyan of 9, Osho Agoro Street, Iju Ishaga, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

41. Babatunde Fadare of 18, Airways Road, Ijeshatedo Lagos and Olukoya Osikoya of Ikeja Hotel Lagos, widower and brother respectively of the said deceased.

42. Mrs Sumbo Aina and Mr Oluwagbenga Omotayo Aina both of 309 , Herbert Macaulay Street, Yaba, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

43. Mrs Augustina Onuoha and Mr Akachukwu Onuoha both of 5, Binuyo Close, Off Bamako Street, Hotel Bus Stop,Omole Ojodu, Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

44. Mrs Veronica Chukwudoziem Idegwu of 1, Oyebajo Street, Fadeyi Lagos and Mrs Bridget Nwaloko Omiye of 22, Ibrahim Ogunmefun Street, Ikorodu, Lagos, two sisters of the said deceased.

45. Vincent James of 7th Avenue I Close, Festac Lagos, and Paul Abdul of Odo Kekere Road, Ikorodu, Lagos, two brothers of the said deceased.

46. Bola Ogunbiyi, Olateju Fadipe and Ebun Adeyemi all of 97, Ikorodu Road, Fadeyi, Lagos,three of the children of the said deceased.

47. Banmake Olabode Ganiyu and Musiliu Banmeke both of 61, Ogboye Street, Ejigbo, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

48. Mrs Chika Abuaja and Mr Abuaja Raphael Iheanacho both of Close 67, House 8, Satellite Town, lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

49. Anthony Olatunde Kuforiji and Philip Olakunle Kuforiji both of 24, Raufu Williams Crescent , Adelabu Surulere Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

50. Mrs Kehinde E. Obuseh and Mr Monday E. Obuseh both of 4, Fadairo Street, Itire , Odo Eran , Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

51. Edwin Ebugobe and Chinedu Ebugobe both of Block 11 No. 4 Ojo Alaba, Ojo, Lagos, widower and the only surviving child respectively of the said deceased.

52. Ajayi Esther and Ajayi Samuel both of 3, Saliu Lawal Street, Egan Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

53. Lawal Kareem Babatunde , Lawal Jamiu Oladimeji both of 85, Ishaga Road, idi Araba Mushin, Lagos,and Gafar Wosilat Ajike of 3, Kinntio Alafia Lane Mushin, Lagos, three of the children of the said deceased.

54. Nwosi Chinyere of 18, Ndikeoha World Bank Estate, Owerri , Imo State and Mr Ifeanyi Kade of 17, Gbadebo Street, Magodo Isheri, Lagos, widower and brother respectively of the said deceased.

55. Victor Boardman and Alfred Boardman both of Close 65, House 9, Satellite Town, Lagos, two children of the said deceased.

56. Mr Falujo Adebisi and Mr Falujo Adegboyega both of 43, Mayowa Olakanye Street, Egbeda, Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

57. Rafiu Bakare, Akeem Bakare, Nurudeen Bakare and Kafilatu Bakare all of 30, Boundary Road, Ajegunle , Apapa, Lagos, four of the children of the said deceased.

58. Ojo Oluwatoyin and Ojo Oluwatosin both of Zone 2 Obada Estate, Badagry Express Way Lagos, widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

59. Ajetunmobi Sunday Femi and Ajetunmobi Oladele Olukunle both of Block 6, flat 11, Millineum Estate, Afonka Shasha, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

60. Ajoke Caroline Oso, Oluwole Oso and Abiodun Oso all of 7, Olagoke Street, Abule Egba, Agege, Lagos, widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

61. Mr Peter Ekeleme of 21, Alh. Ibrahim Ayodele Avenue, 1st Gate Bus Stop, Iba Ojo L.G.A. Lagos and Theresa Alaukwu of No. 65, (Old) 50 (New) Uzor Street, Ajegunle , Lagos, widower and mother respectively of the said deceased.

62. Mr Olawale Akinwumi and Mrs Olusola Oseni both of 12B, Olushi Street, Lagos, Island, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

63. Mrs Cordelia Oritsegbubemi Eghorieta, Chief (Mrs) Grace Oboriyovwiritovwobo Jarikre, Mrs Eseroghene Joan Eworitselagha Oghenejode and Mr Tobore Charles Jarikre all of 7, Mortune Avenue, Valley Estate, Ikeja Lagos, widow and three children respectively of the said deceased.

64. Adeleke Funmilola O. (Nee Jawo) of 15, Ogungbaye Street, Mushin, Lagos, Abayomi David Jawo of Block 307, Flat 6, Ipaja Estate , Lagos, and Mrs Comfort Omorinsola Akinmosun of 66, Adebayo Street, Bariga, Lagos, two of the children and sister respectively of the said deceased.

65. Luka Suleiman and Luka Dlama both of Block 246, Flat 6, Jakande Estate, Mile 2, two of the children of the said deceased.

66. Adeyemo Adeyinka and Adeyemo Seyifunmi both of 116, Ikotun Road, Lagos, widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

67. Mrs Biboyo Loreta Ajoko and Amaeba Tonny Odosu both of 23, Acimi Busari Street, Ajangbadi, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

68. Mr Bola Fayeku and Fayeku Omolara both of No. 25, Durojaiye Dosunmu Street, Agbelekale Abule Egba Lagos, father and sister respectively of the said deceased.

69. Wunmi Akinola of 52, Amoo Street, Oke Koto Agege, Lagos, and Taiwo Akinola of 18, Alh. Oladipupo Street, Oko Oba Agege, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

70. Mrs Blessing Obasuyi and Mr David Obasuyi both of 13, Tejuosho Road, Western Avenue, Surulere, Lagos, widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

71. Azeezat Adeosun, Kehinde Adebiyi and Taiwo Adebiyi all of 60, Ladipo Street, Mushin, Lagos, three children of the said deceased.

72. Lateef Oyewole of 11, Ike Olu Street, Idi Oro, Mushin, Lagos, and Rafiu Oyewole of Bashorun Compound Imeke Badagry, Lagos, two of the children of the said deceased.

73. Mr Uzochukwu Jude Ogbuo and Mr Ugochukwu Donatus Ogbuo both of 19A, Mercury Close, Raji Rasaki Estate, Amuwo Lagos, two brothers of the said deceased.

74. Ede Boniface Ogbonna , Ede Sunday and Israel Obasi all of 24, Oluwaseyi Street, Ikorodu, Lagos, three brothers of the said deceased.

75. Paul Edet and Martina Edet both of 11, Olowolayemo Street, Odogunyan, Ikorodu, Lagos, brother and sister respectively of the said deceased.

A.O.ISAACS PROBATE REGISTRAR

52

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2013

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2013

53

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2013

54

EQUITIES

CAP to enhance growth with new investments

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 24- 06-13

•Bears hit hard as equities lose N194b

C

AP Plc will focus on and invest in plant efficiency and continue to break new innovations to improve customers’ satisfaction and enhance profitability in order to sustain improved returns to shareholders.

At the annual general meeting of the company in Lagos yesterday, chairman, CAP Plc, Mr. Larry Ettah, said the company would sustain its impressive performance by continuing to introduce innovative products while enhancing the efficiency of its delivery channels.

According to him, with the support of its technical partners, the company would continue to grow and reinforce its brand equity and its distribution channels will be geared towards reaching the under-served retail end by opening more Dulux Colour Shops to make the brand more accessible to the aspiring consumers across the country.

“We will focus on, and invest in, plant efficiency to improve customer service delivery and reduce operational costs,’’ Ettah said.

He noted that the company was able to drive its growth in 2012 through new products and strategic marketing activities including the launch of an environment-friendly variant of its flagship brand, Dulux Trade Ecosure and the introduction of the Dulux brand website, which offers the consumer greater interaction with

By Taofik Salako

the brand.

He pointed out that the company’s products were again certified to meet global quality standards as they retain the NIS ISO 9001:2008 certification of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON).

He noted that in spite of the challenging operating environment in 2012, the company ended the year with a commendable performance with 21 per cent growth in sales and 22 per cent increase in profit before tax.

Audited report and accounts of CAP for the year ended December 31, 2012 showed a turnover of N5.23 billion in 2012 as against N4.31 billion in 2011. Profit before tax rose from N1.36 billion to N1.66 billion while profit after tax increased to N1.12 billion as against N1.05 billion in previous year. Earnings per share closed 2012 at N1.99 compared with N1.87 in 2011.

Shareholders yesterday approved a final dividend of N392 million, representing 70 kobo per share. The company had paid interim dividend of 125 kobo per share earlier in November 2012, bringing total dividend for 2012 business year to N1.092 billion or N1.95 per share. In addition, the meeting approved a bonus issue of one ordinary share of 50k each for every four ordinary shares of 50k each.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian stock market continued on the downtrend yesterday as most equities lost substantial values to close at lower prices. Aggregate market value of all equities dropped by N194 billion to close at N11.521 trillion as against its opening value of N11.715 trillion.

The All Share Index (ASI) dwindled by 1.65 per cent to 35,861.59 points as against its opening index of 36,464.39 points. The average year-todate return at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) declined to 27.72 per cent.

With 43 losers to nine gainers, the market was overtly bearish with preponderance of losers and widespread losses across sectors and categories of stocks. GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria topped the losers’ list with a drop of N5.98 to close at N62. Guinness Nigeria trailed with a loss of N5 to close at N255. Okomu Oil Palm declined by N4.70 to close at N43.10. Ashaka Cement lost N2.35 to close at N21.50. Dangote Cement dropped by N2.20 to close at N189.80. National Salt Company of Nigeria dropped by N1.19 to close at N11.66. Union Bank of Nigeria lost N1.13 to close at N11.90 while Zenith Bank dropped N1.12 to close at N19.10 per share.

Total turnover stood at 414.03 million shares valued at N4.08 billion in 7,184 deals. Banking subsector accounted for a turnover of 289.77 million shares valued at N2.69 billion in 3,776 deals. United Bank for Africa (UBA) was the most active stock with a turnover of 181.3 million shares worth N1.54 billion in 410 deals.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 24- 06-13

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2013

55

MONEY LINK

Mobile payments record N64b transactions, says CBN

T

HE cumulative transactions by the mobile payments operators in the last one year are worth over N64 billion, more than 60 per cent of which were done in the last three months, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said.

The apex bank’s Deputy Governor, Operations, Tunde Lemo disclosed this at the conference on cash-less policy held in Lagos yesterday, with theme: Transiting to a cash-less Society- Charting the way forward.”

He said the CBN has licensed about 18 mobile payment operators to offer payment services via the mobile phone, adding that over 100 million Nigerian are using the platfoem. This, he said, will help promote financial inclusion and by extension, make the nation cash-less one.

Stories by Collins Nweze

Lemo said the CBN has released the guidelines on agent banking to guide banks and other financial service companies who may wish to offer financial products and services, on how to appoint and manage the agents.

He said that central banks all over the world are usually at the centre of the development of the banking and payments system. This, he said, is imperative, given that they perform the role of facilitating the exchange of goods and services among the economic agents.

Besides, he explained that an efficient payments system enhances financial inclusion and effective transmission mechanism of monetary policy, as well as overall fi-

nancial stability of the economy.

The Deputy Governor said the apex bank has been at the forefront in the reformation of the banking and payments system development in the country, adding that this has been amply demonstrated in various ways, including the development and launching of the Payments System Vision 2020 document in 2007, aimed at providing a roadmap for efficient payments system infrastructure that would be nationally utilised and internationally recognised. One of such payment initiatives, he added, is the cash-less economy policy, a brainchild of the CBN and the Bankers’ Committee.

He said the cash-less economy policy was designed to promote financial intermediation, financial

inclusion, minimise revenue leakages and thus increase Internal Generated Revenue. Besides, he said the initiative will also reduce incidences of robbery and the amount of cash payment while encouraging electronic payments.

“This is because the cost of cash and associated risk of a cash-driven economy to Nigeria’s financial system is high and increasing. It is in an attempt to reduce these challenges that the CBN, in collaboration with the Bankers’ Committee initiated the “Cash-Less Nigeria” project with the aim of encouraging Nigerians to adopt e-payment.

This project commenced with the pilot run in Lagos, tagged Cash-less Lagos, since January 2012,” he explained.

Also, after a year of implementa-

tion in Lagos state, Lemo said the CBN/Bankers’ Committee will be rolling out the cash-Less policy implementation to five additional states namely; Abia, Anambra, Ogun, Kano, Rivers and the Federal Capital Territory come 1st July, 2013.

He said the policy on withdrawal allows individual customer to make cumulative withdrawal of N500, 000 daily across the counters and the Automated Teller Machine (ATM). Withdrawal above this limit will attract the payment of a processing fee of three per cent for the amount above the limit. Corporate customers are allowed to make cumulative withdrawal of N3 million daily. Withdrawal above the limit will attract a processing fee of five per cent.

Keystone Bank eyes 15% loan book growth

•Ikeazor

K

EYSTONE Bank Limited has projected 15 per cent growth in its loan book this financial year.

The lender also intends to improve in other key financial indicators such as profit and balance sheet size.

Managing Director of the bank, Mr Philip Ikeazor disclosed this during an interactive session with newsmen in Lagos.

He said the institution had returned to profit in the 2012 full year, and that the results would soon be released after regulatory approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The top flight banker listed other snippets of the result to include a stable and growing deposit base.

He said: “We are focused on growing quality risk assets but in doing so the board and management is being careful not to repeat the mistakes of the past. We intend to grow deposit base and focus on low cost deposits.”

Ahead of plans by the bank’s shareholder- the Asset Management Cor-

poration of Nigeria (AMCON) recapitalise the bank along with the two other bridged banks (Mainstreet Bank and Enterprise Bank) in the coming months, the bank chief assured of the enormous value that had been added to the three banks.

Commenting on Keystone Bank, he noted that the 200 branches of the lender across the country and the possibility of growing the outlets to 250 outlets within a very short time, makes the institution a Tier 2 bank and a very good prospect.

“If you inherit a bank that the balance sheet has been cleaned up, and which has low deposit base, you can conveniently grow the bank. It is better than a green field institution, where you have to develop everything from the scratch,” he stressed.

To acquire a new banking licence, he explained, takes quite some time as there would be approvals to build each branch, marketing for customers and deposits, and skilled manpower, among others, all of which could be avoided if a bank is bought.

He noted that the process of further strengthening a bank with new capital could take up to between 12 and 18 months to get the right type of investors to take over the institution, beginning with the appointment of experts, due diligence and the bid process to ensure the right calibre of persons emerge.

Ikeazor also noted that Keystone bank has significantly upgraded it electronics and cashless banking transactions to a world class standard that provide services to its customers outside the banking hall and

DATA BANK

FGN BONDS Tenor

Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

19-05-2014 18-05-2016 19-05-2016

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM Amount Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($) 350m 150m 350m 138m 350m 113m

MANAGED FUNDS Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

NIDF NESF

OBB Rate Call Rate

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2012 “ 14-04-2012

GAINERS AS AT 24-06-13

SYMBOL MAYBAKER PAINTCOM PRESTIGE ETERNA UNITYBNK OANDO UBA UNILEVER UAC-PROP

O/PRICE 2.32 1.72 0.59 3.01 0.60 12.85 8.40 56.12 15.14

C/PRICE 2.55 1.85 0.61 3.10 0.61 13.05 8.50 56.39 15.20

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 Currency

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

CHANGE 0.23 0.13 0.02 0.09 0.01 0.20 0.10 0.27 0.06

NGN USD NGN GBP NGN EUR NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) (S/N) Bureau de Change (S/N) Parallel Market

Year Start Offer

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

147.6000 239.4810 212.4997

149.7100 244.0123 207.9023

150.7100 245.6422 209.2910

-2.11 -2.57 -1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

152.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

153.0000

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

July ’12

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

12%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate Inflation Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 11.8%

NEIMETH FIDSON WEMABANK ASHAKACEM OKOMUOIL JOHNHOLT IKEJAHOTEL CUTIX SKYEBANK FIDELITYBK

O/PRICE 1.30 2.30 1.11 23.85 47.80 1.43 0.82 2.26 4.71 3.16

C/PRICE 1.17 2.07 1.00 21.50 43.10 1.29 0.74 2.04 4.26 2.86

CHANGE 0.13 0.23 0.11 2.35 4.70 0.14 0.08 0.22 0.45 0.30

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

Rate (Previous) 4 Mar, 2012 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Rate (Currency) 6, Mar, 2012 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

Movement

Amount Sold ($) 150m 138m 113m

Exchange Rate (N) 155.2 155.8 155.7

Date 2-7-12 27-6-12 22-6-12

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX

NSE CAP Index

27-10-11 N6.5236tr 20,607.37

28-10-11 N6.617tr 20,903.16

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

LOSERS AS AT 24-06-13

SYMBOL

ensures that the bank’s numerous customers enjoy seamless transactions within and outside the country. This he said, has endeared the bank to the hearts of big corporate, which now rely on Keystone’s robust E-Business platform to transact their businesses.

The Keystone Bank boss listed the various products designed by bank to meet the needs of its teeming customers to include International Trade Products and E-Business products such as paperless form M and forex processing from any location by accessing the Trade Portal on the bank’s website, Internet banking, “PayDIRECT, EasyREMIT and an array of e-cards - Naira Credit Card (NCC), MasterCard, VISA and other partner services for merchants.

Offer Price

Bid Price

ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH 9.17 9.08 KAKAWA GUARANTEED 1.00 1.00 STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE INVE 139.16 139.16 AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND 165.11 163.93 LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL 0.80 0.78 BGL SAPPHIRE FUND 1.16 1.16 BGL NUBIAN FUND 1.16 1.15 FBN MONEY MARKET FUND 100.00 100.00 FBN FIXED INCOME FUND 1,000.00 1,000.00 NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. 1,817.23 1,808.06 PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND 14.39 13.69 CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST 1.39 1.33 CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST 1.87 1.80 STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY 12,214.81 11,854.08 • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED • STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUNDARM AGGRESSIVE • OPEN BUY BACK

Bank P/Court

Previous 04 July, 2012

Current 07, Aug, 2012

8.5000 8.0833

8.5000 8.0833

Movement

56

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2013

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2013

57

NEWS

•Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima (middle) with members of the Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security Challenges in Northeast, in Maiduguri...yesterday.

Kano arms discovery: Court reserves judgment J USTICE Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has reserved judgment in the suit filed by the three Lebanese being held over their alleged involvement in terrorism activities.

Abdullahi Thaini, Mustapha Fawaz and Tahal Roda are being held by the State Security Service (SSS) over the recent discovery of a cache of firearms and ammunition in a house at Kano.

They had filed a fundamental rights’ enforcement application challenging their arrest and continued detention.

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

The suit has the SSS, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) as defendants.

The suspects faulted the closure of their business premises by security agents.

They are also demanding a public apology from the defendants, which they want

published in three national newspapers and N50 billion compensation.

The lawyer to the suspects, Robert Clarke (SAN), yesterday replied to the argument by state’s attorney, Clifford Osagie. Clarke averred that the SSS observed due process in the suspects’ arrest and continued detention.

He faulted Osagie’s argument on the grounds that the

warrants for detention, on which basis his clients were being detained, were allegedly obtained from incompetent courts.

The lawyer also said the Magistrate’s Courts, from which the warrants were obtained, have no jurisdiction on terrorism, for which his clients were arrested.

Clarke averred that by taking his client before Magistrate’s courts, in Kano and Abuja, they were held on holding charges, which are illegal in the country.

DSS arrests two Chinese for alleged illegal mining

T

WO Chinese and a suspected Nigerian collaborator have been arrested by the operatives of the Department of State Security Services (DSS) for alleged illegal mining of gem stones at Kotugba, Paikoro Local Government Area of Niger State.

Parading the suspects yesterday in Minna, the state capital, the State Director of DSS, Dr. Larry Obiagwu, gave the names of the Chinese suspects

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

as Lu Xiaoyong and Huaiming Gene and their Nigerian “collaborator” as Mohammed Bello.

Also arrested but granted bail were 10 local diggers allegedly employed and paid N3 million by the foreigners for the excavation of precious stones.

Obiagwu said the activities of the suspects violated the Minerals and Mining Act of

2007, which prohibits exploration or exploitation of minerals without authorisation by the statutory bodies.

The DSS director explained that the Chinese and their suspected collaborator have no permit or licence to back their mining activities.

Obiagwu said when his men apprehended the illegal miners, they already had a 10tonne truck, with registration number (Kaduna) XD928KA, to

Truck collides with Kano-Lagos passenger THE Nigerian Railway train in Kaduna Corporation (NRC)

T

has confirmed that its Kano–Lagos inter-city passenger train was involved in an accident with a truck that was illegally obstructing the rail track.

A statement by the NRC’s Assistant Director Public Relations, Mr. David Ndakotsu, said the accident occurred at 3pm on Monday, between Barkin Kasua and Kakau section of the track in Kaduna

By Yinka Aderibigbe

State.

The train was returning to Lagos when the accident occurred.

Few passengers were reported to have been injured and have been taken to the hospital for treatment. No death was reported at the time of filing this report.

The corporation has sent a

high-powered team of its Engineering, Operations and Safety officials to the site of the accident.

Another accident involving a passenger train shuttling between Iddo and Agbado Station and a truck was recorded on Saturday evening in Lagos.

The accident occurred near the level-crossing at PWD Bus Stop, Ikeja.

NDLEA arrests 148 drug suspects in Kwara

T

THE Kwara State Command of the National Drugs Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested 148 suspected drugs peddlers in the last one year.

The agency seized 898.715 kilogrammes of cannabis sativa (Indian hemp) in about 60 operations.

The State Commander of the NDLEA, Segun Oke, gave the figures when he addressed reporters yesterday in Ilorin, the state capital, to mark this

year’s United Nations (UN) Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking.

The theme of this year is: New Psychoactive Substances.

Oke explained that the agency convicted 18 persons, counselled 178 and rehabilitated 28 prsons.

He said: “To mark this year’s event, week-long activities have been put in place by

•The late Achumuba

HE remains of a prominent businessman, cleric and community leader, Deacon Emmanuel Achumuba Obi, will be interred on Saturday at Okpanam, Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State, after a funeral service at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Rehoboth Model Parish,

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

T

the NDELA in the state. They include raids of flashpoints, a Juma’at service, a Sunday service, a public rally and the grand finale on June 26 (tomorrow).

“This theme is for year 2013 and, therefore, will guide our programmes until June 2014,” Oke said.

The NDLEA commander hailed the state and federal governments for their relentless war against drug trafficking and abuse.

Tycoon for burial June 29 Okpanam.

The burial will be preceded by a Christian Wake on Friday at his residence in Ogbe Ojei Village, Okpanam.

A statement on behalf of the family by Mrs. Nkem Oladesu said a reception will take place at the same venue after the interment. Obi is survived by children and grandchildren.

pack the excavated gem stones for exportation to China.

But the suspects claimed that they were engaged in a legitimate business, adding that they buy precious stones with a duly incorporated company.

NUPENG to begin warning strike tomorrow

B

By Dupe Olaoye-Osinkolu

ARRING last minute intervention by the Federal Government, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) will begin a three-day warning strike tomorrow.

In a statement by its General Secretary, Comrade Isaac O. Aberare, NUPENG said if the Federal Government does not intervene by the end of today, it will begin the strike tomorrow.

The union expressed appreciation for the intervention of the Minister of Labour, Chief Emeka Wogu, two weeks ago with the Chevron and Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).

But it expressed disappointment that nothing has been done about the agreements reached at the meeting.

NUPENG said it should not be blamed, if it begins the action tomorrow, as Chevron and SPDC have failed to address the issues.

The union urged the Ministry of Labour to call Chevron and Shell to order and start the implementation of the agreement reached at the meeting.

It added that Wogu promised to liaise with the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Dieziani Alison-Madueke, to convene a stakeholders’ meeting before the end of the month.

NUPENG said it was surprised that nothing has been heard about it.

IJERO LOCAL GOVERNMENT Oke-Ayinrin Street, P.M.B. 302, Ijero-Ekiti, Ekiti State of Nigeria Tel: 030-580145, 030-850175, 030-85109

REQUEST FOR BIDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A MODERN MARKET The Ijero Local Government of Ekiti State, Nigeria has proposed to undertake the construction of Modern Market at Ijero Ekiti.

Reputable firms interested in the construction of the project should send in their bid/tender for the construction of the project REQUIREMENTS: Tenderers are required to submit their proposal with the following requirements which shall be used as criteria for preliminary selection.

Mandatory (without which the firm will be disqualified): i.

Evidence of incorporation with the Corporate Affairs Commission. ii.

Evidence of Professional license to execute a construction of such magnitude. iii. Evidence of payment of tax by the firm for the last three (3 years) as at when due; iv. Evidence of payment of overhead tax and development levy by the CEO of the company in Ekiti State, Nigeria for the last three (3 years) v.

Evidence of registration of Business Premises in Ekiti State Nigeria. vi. Six (6) months bank statements and reference letter from the bank vii. List of verifiable documentary evidence of at least two (2) similar jobs not less than N10,000,000:00 successfully executed within the last 3 years including their letters awards, completion certificate and relevant certificates of valuation where the job(s) are on – going. viii. Sworn Affidavit that; - The Company is not bankrupt - The Company does not have Directors convicted by any court in Nigeria or other countries for any criminal offence in relation to fraud of financial impropriety.

TENDER PROCEDURE Tenderers are required to pay in sum of One Hundred and Forty Thousand Naira (N140,000:00) only to Ijero Local Government.

SUBMISSION Applications accompanied by the relevant documents should also be forwarded in sealed envelope marked at the top left corner and boldly written; BID FOR IJERO LOCAL GOVERNEMNT PROJECT and addressed to: The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Barracks Road, Ado-Ekiti.

(Attention: Director of Planning) CLOSING DATE All submissions must be received at the above Officer not later than 1:00p.m on Friday, 28th June, 2013 IMPORTANT NOTICE • Submission should be made in the order specified in this advert: • Applicants are invited to the bid opening ceremony schedule for 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday 2nd July, 2013 at the Ministry of Local Government, Barracks Road, Ado-Ekiti • Nothing in the advert shall be constructed to be a commitment on the part of Ijero Local Government of Ekiti State, Nigeria.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2013

58

NEWS

Youths protest neglect by local content board H

UNDREDS of angry youths in Bayelsa State yesterday stormed the headquarters of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) to protest what they described as “neglect” by the board.

They said the board neglected them in the implementation of local content.

It was gathered that the youths, who protested under the aegis of the state chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), stormed the

area at about 6am.

They were said to have barricaded the gate of the building, preventing workers and visitors from entering.

Their activities reportedly created panic among the workers.

The Federal Government board occupies a state-owned building, popularly called the Revenue House, on Lambert Eradiri Road in Yenagoa, the state capital.

The youths, who carried no placards, sang solidarity songs.

Over 12 police vans were deployed in the area.

The youths used two plastic tables and four blue plastic chairs to block the entrance to the building.

Beverages, loaves of bread, many plastic cups and a laptop were placed on the tables. Bags of sachet water were kept under them.

The leader of the state

NYCN, Bright Igrubia, said: “The board is not involving the locals in its projects and activities in the state.

“We want capacity-building and training. We are worried because the NCDMB is not carrying youths along, particularly in the Southern Swamp Associated Gas Gathering System (SSAGGS) project in Ekeremor Local Government Area contracted by Shell.”

He said the youths were ready to start a hunger strike, if the board failed to address their plight.

Officials of the agency said they were not authorised to speak to reporters.

Ex-militant warns of arms N ex-militant leader, build-up Kennedy West, has

A

warned that the Niger Delta may experience another spate of violence given the heavy arms buildup in the region.

West, who is the President of the Association for NonViolence in Niger Delta (ANND), urged the United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon and the United States President, Barack Obama, to pressurise President Goodluck Jonathan to embark on a second phase of disarmament.

He said: “We want to tell

Groom, grandma, two others die in road crash

A

MAN, who was on his way to his prewedding introduction , has died in an accident on the Benin-Auchi road in Edo State.

He was said to be heading from Iruekpan village to Uromi, headquarters of Esan North East Local Government Area.

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

Three other relatives-his grandmother, uncle and aunt- died in the accident, which occurred last week.

Sources said they were travelling in a Toyota Sienna , which had a head-on with a heavy duty truck con-

veying sawdust.

It took some time before the trapped bodies were removed from under the truck.

The bodies have been deposited at a morgue.

The Toyota Sienna was damaged beyond repair, as its engine and body flew in

various directions when the collission occurred.

The Head of Operations, Iruekpen Unit Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr. John Omokandugba, said the accident occurred as the Sienna was trying to overtake.

The identity of the victims could not be confirmed.

Ilupeju crisis: Monarch justifies chieftaincy appointment

T

HE monarch of IlupejuEkiti, Oba Olaleye Oniyelu, has said due process was followed in the selection of Mr. Ojo Kayode as the Olugbosi.

Oba Oniyelu spoke with yesterday in his palace in the presence of the Apeju-inCouncil on the violence that erupted in the community, in which five persons were shot and property vandalised, over Kayode’s selection.

Noting that the process was made open to all parties who laid claims to the chieftaincy title, the monarch described the masterminds of the violence as “disgruntled elements, who lack the barest

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

grounds to raise opposition”.

Oba Oniyelu cautioned Mr. James Aseperi, “who was installed by Chief Adegboyega Ojo, against the popular choice” to “check his unguarded lust for a post which legitimately belong to another ruling house”.

Yesterday, gun-wielding and stern-looking soldiers were stationed across the town and an Armour Personnel Carrier (APC) was positioned at a vantage point.

The monarch said only three ruling houses, namely Ebioba, Ajagbinle and

Ebiomoyun, could claim the Olugbosi title.

He said Ojo from Ebioba, whose turn it is to produce the War Chief.

Oba Onyelu said Aseperi, having come from the Ajagbile Ruling House, could not be considered for the Olugbosi.

He said: “The House robbed Ebioba of the right to the position twice in the past, according to history.

“Ojo was the choice of Ebioba Ruling House and on that I stand.”

The monarch condemned the violence by the youths.

He said: “I acted on the advice of the Council of Tradi-

tional Rulers in Oye Local Government that I should follow the constitution and tradition in installing the right person.”

Supporting the monarch’s claims, 93-year old Michael Omooba, who is the head of Ebioba ruling house, said “Ojo remains the family’s choice”.

The Chairman, Council of Traditional Rulers in OyeEkiti and the Onisan of Isan Ekiti, Oba Sunday Ajiboye, equally condemned the opposition of Oba Oniyelu’s choice, saying Aseperi risked threeyear jail term with the option of fine, if tried and found guilty.

From Clarice Azuatalam, Port Harcourt

you that the arms in the Niger Delta are more than what people think.

“The arms in this region now are twice more than what was submitted in 2009.

“We are pleading with the UN Secretary-General and US President to impress on President Goodluck Jonathan to do the final phase of disarmament in the Niger Delta, or else, there will be problem.”

Itsekiri leaders slam Chevron, Seatruck

A

•Lawmaker wades into families, company dispute

GROUP, the Itsekiri Leaders of Thought, in Warri, Delta State, yesterday slammed the management of Chevron Nigeria Limited and Sea Truck Groups over the handling of the Jascon 4 tugboat accident, which claimed 11 lives on May 26.

The group regretted that nearly one month after the incident, the companies were yet to officially inform members of the grieving families.

Jascon 4 sank off the coast of Escravos, Delta State, while on a routine tension tow of a crude oil tanker at the SBM #3 owned by CNL. The ILOT, in a statement, called on the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to conduct an independent inquest into the incident.

The statement was signed

by Pa. JOS Ayomike, Chair-

From Shola O’Neil, Port Harcourt

man/leader; Isaac Jimide; Elemi Rewane and the Secretary, Edward Ekpoko, a lawyer.

They called for a postmortem on the 11 victims 10 Nigerians and a Ukrainian - to ascertain the cause of death.

Mrs. Joy Egbe, wife of one of the victims, said nearly one month after the incident, the management of West Africa Ventures, a subsidiary of STG, has not visited the family to console them.

The member representing Warri Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Daniel Reyenieju, has waded into the tension between the families and STG. It was gathered that Reyenieju invited the parties to a meeting in his Warri office today.

Your Sexual Health & You: Novelty Tips, Questions & Answers

D

ear Uche, I read your article in the paper and was enthused by how you solve people’s problems. I thank you for that. I am 27 year old man and I have been masturbating since I was a teenager. The problem now is that I don’t have sexual strength again. I cannot have sex for up to five minutes before ejaculating very little sperm. Also, I don’t go many rounds in bed anymore and after having sex, I usually get ill. I cannot feel the pleasure of having sex again. In short, I can say that I have lost my libido. I don’t know if masturbation can be the cause of these and I fear that I have a problem with my manhood. Another problem I have is that despite the fact that I have a huge penis, my testicles are too small like pal kernels and I feel shy undressing in front of my fellow men. Am I still man enough? Edwin Dear Edwin, thank you for the compliment. You raised a lot of issues, some of which are a bit unusual. You said that you fall ill, after having sex. What do you mean? What kind of illness are you talking about? I have never heard this before. It is normal for men to experience temporary weakness of the body after ejaculation, such that they feel like going to sleep. This feeling is common because sex is a mild sedative that induces sleep. Is this experience what you mean by falling ill after sex? If it is not, then you need to see a doctor immediately.

You have also complained about low sperm volume, lack of sexual enjoyment, premature ejaculation and the inability to have several sessions of intercourse. To increase your sperm quantity, you need either the Explosion supplement or Max Load supplement.

Any of these supplements will increase your sperm volume and sexual enjoyment as well. To stop your premature ejaculation, you can use a variety of products. I always write about delay creams but you can also make use of ejaculation delay Condoms (Pasante Delay Condoms) and Wipes (Sex on the Go Delay Wipes). And to enable you have sex as many times as you want,

you need a natural performance supplement such as Xzen 1200. It gives performance energy, hard erections and the ability to have multiple sessions of intercourse within a short period of time.

Regarding the issue of your testicles, yes the average size of a testicle is like a palm kernel. There is nothing wrong with you there. Take care – Uche I have never had an orgasm and that is why I don’t enjoy sex – Martha Martha an orgasm is possible for every woman. While it is more difficult for some, it comes easily for others. But a sure pathway to orgasms involves the use of a Vibrator and an Orgasm Gel. You can also learn more on becoming orgasmic from the movies Incredible Orgasms and The Big O Erotic Guide to Better Orgasms. Explore some of these novelties and your sexual experiences will turn around for the better – Uche Hello sir. Please what else can help arouse a man if he is unable to take drugs? Thanks – Olatunde You can use Dickalicious Penis Arousal Gel or Instant Erection cream. You can also use a penis pump to get an erection. The Remote Plunger Pump is very good for this – Uche My husband and I are looking for unusual bedroom costumes.

Any suggestions? Thanks - Jamie There are many of them. There is the Club Bunny Stretch Teddy costume and there is also the French Maid Costume, Kitty Cat Costume and Bedroom Nurse Costume – Uche That’s it for today. The names of the people featured here have been changed for their privacy. Adults in need of these treatments/novelties can call 08027901621 or 08051924159 or any other number here to order or they can order online at www.zeevirtualmedia.com. Zee Virtual Media delivers to you wherever you are in Nigeria. For enquiries, send your emails to custserv@zeevirtualmedia.com Uche Edochie, MD, Zee Virtual Media.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2013

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NEWS

IPMAN shuts petrol stations in Imo

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ANY vehicles were grounded yesterday in Imo State, following the closure of petrol stations.

The stations were closed by protesting members of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), following the N1million levy imposed on petrol station operators by the government.

Commuters were stranded as transport fares rose astronomically, forcing some government workers to trek to their offices.

Motorists, who were caught unawares, resorted to buying from the black market at exorbitant rates.

A litre of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) sold for as much as N700.

•Motorists groan as fuel sells for N700 per litre From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

A taxi driver, simply identified as Okey, said: “I don’t know how to explain this. Last night there was fuel everywhere so most of us did not bother to buy. We woke up to find the petrol stations locked.”

An IPMAN official, who pleaded for anonymity, said the government, through the Owerri Council Development Authority (OCDA), imposed a non-negotiable levy of N1million for business registration and other conditions.

He said: “The government threatened to seal off any petrol station that fails to pay the money.

“This is aside other levies

and tax we pay to government.”

He maintained that the stations will remain locked, until the government rescinds the directive.

“In as much as we are sensitive to the plight of our customers, we will not allow agents of government to impose illegal levies on us,”the official said.

When our reporter visited some petrol stations, some of the attendants were seen in groups discussing with some motorists.

The usual traffic gridlock on major streets in Owerri, the state capital, disappeared as most vehicles were forced off the road.

Commissioner for Informa-

tion, Culture and Tourism Chinedu Offor said: “The government will no longer tolerate any person or business operating in the state without meeting the conditions for doing business.

“Henceforth, the government will clampdown on businesses operating illegally in the state, including hotels, media outfits and other smaller enterprises.”

But the Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Uche Nwosu, whose ministry supervises the OCDA, has directed the parastatal to suspend the levy, until a better agreement is reached with the aggrieved operators.

Anambra council polls holds Oct 5

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From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

NAMBRA State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC) yesterday fixed October 5 for local government elections.

The Acting Chairman, Sylvester Okonkwo, at a meeting with party chairmen, traditional rulers and stakeholders in Awka, said: “Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC), in accordance with Section 7 of the Constitution of State law, shall hold local government elections on October 5.

“All nomination and completed forms by political parties and candidates should be submitted on or before August 15.”

But political parties accused ANSEIC of deceit. They spoke of court cases instituted by individuals and groups, especially the one by the former chairman of the commission, Prof Titus Ezeh,who is challenging his removal.

Achebe’s books for distribution

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From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

HE Anambra State Government yesterday announced its readiness to distribute the collection of the late Chinua Achebe’s works to schools.

Governor Peter Obi spoke to reporters in Nnewi yesterday.

Obi said it was not encouraging that despite the international acclaim of Prof. Chinua Achebe’s works, some pupils, especially in Anambra where he hailed from ,do not know about them.

He said the government would buy container-loads of books and distribute to schools.

Police rescue 75-year-old woman

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Anambra State Governor Peter Obi inspecting Bida, Okwei and Moore streets in Onitsha ...yesterday. PHOTO: ODOGWU EMEKA ODOGWU

Youths apologise to Okorocha for convoy attack

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OUTHS from Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State yesterday apologised to Governor Rochas Okorocha for the attack on his convoy.

The attack was allegedly spearheaded by a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in a House of Assembly re-run election.

Over 1,000 youths stormed the Government House at 10.30am.

They said their visit was to demonstrate their support for Okorocha and his administration ahead of the June 29 election.

The leaders of the delegation- Dennis Nwachukwu,

•N500m trust fund for youths From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

Jeff Nwaoha, and Prince Eze Solomon- described the attack as an embarrassment to the people and not Okorocha.

They described the PDP candidate as a “prodigal son” whose desperation to win the forthcoming election at all cost made him to defy every caution and unleashed attack on the convoy.

The youths said: “With Oguta benefiting so much from your benevolence, you deserve better treatment than the attack by the PDP

candidate and his thugs.”

They promised to ensure that the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Walter Uzonwanne, wins the rerun.

Okorocha praised the youths for their support and reiterated his commitment to sustain the ongoing transformation championed by his administration.

He appealed to the youths to remain lawabiding even in the face of provocation, adding that the forthcoming election in Oguta should not be seen as a do-or-die affair.

The governor said any vote cast for the APGA candidate is a vote in support of his administration and for the liberation of Oguta Local Government Area.

He lamented the level of neglect of the oil producing area by previous PDP administrations.

Okorocha vowed to ensure that the people are liberated from bondage.

He said the government planned to launch a N500 million Trust Fund for direct empowerment of youths from Oguta and Ohaji/Egbema, both oil producing areas of the state.

HE Anambra State Police Command yesterday confirmed the rescue of a 75-year-old woman, simply identified as Mrs Edeh, who was kidnapped by a four-man gang at Ihiala Local Government Area.

Police spokesman Emeka Chukwuemeka told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka that the victim was kidnapped yesterday at 8am.

Chukwuemeka said the woman was rescued after a 30- minute gun duel with the hoodlums.

The spokesman said the hoodlums, who abducted Mrs. Edeh from a 190 Mercedes Benz car at Umunamehi in Ihiala, shot sporadically into the air to scare away people.

He said the shooting attracted passers-by, who alerted the police.

Chukwuemeka said policemen, who were drafted to the scene, chased the suspects toUli where they challenged the police to a gun duel.

“The duel resulted in the arrest of one of the suspects while the other three escaped by running into the bush and abandoning their victim in the car.

“The suspect, a 25-year-old man, is assisting the police in its investigations,” he said.

CHANGE OF NAME PUBLIC NOTICE Tamuno-Baraemi A . A. Ekine and Amah Ophelia Chikodinaka refers to one and the same person. Now wish to be known as Mrs. Bedford Ophelia Chikodinaka. All former documents remain valid general public please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE I formerly known and addressed as Miss. Eze Chidinma Lucia, now wish to be known as Mrs. Okereke Chidinma Lucia. All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE Confirmation of Name OKON FRANCIS IWATT and OKON FRANCIS UFOT, refers to one and the same person. Now wish to be known as OKON FRANCIS UFOT. All former documents remain valid general public please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE EDURU

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Francisca Uzuazo-Oghene Eduru, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Francisca Uzuazo-Oghene Eduru-Ewah. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE AJIH

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS AJIH CHINENYE MONICA now wish to be addressed as MRS. OBINNA CHINENYE ABRAHAM. All former documents remain valid.

NYSC and the general public please take note.

Church accuses Enugu of withdrawing 54 schools

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HE Anglican Church in Enugu State has accused the government of withdrawing 54 primary schools and 10 secondary schools previously handed back to the church.

Eight bishops, who addressed a briefing yesterday, said other churches were not affected by the action.

The bishops said they perceived discrimination among church denominations in the state and asked the government to resolve the impasse by returning all their schools back to them.

From Chris Oji, Enugu

Led by the Archbishop of Enugu Province and Bishop of Oji-River Diocese, Rev. Amos Madu, the bishops called for the sack of the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Simon Ortuanya, who they alleged was directly responsible for the “marginalisation and humiliation” of the Anglican Church.

He said: “Some communities were incited against the Anglican Church while some have been taken over by the Catholic Church.

“Later, we got a letter from the Commissioner for Education that a school at Awkunanwu was wrongly handed over to us. The commissioner is working against us.

“The commissioner also denied us allocation of school buses. We have written to the government but nothing is forthcoming yet.

“We urge Governor Sullivan Chime to intervene in the matter.

“The commissioner’s list should be ignored and we

ask for his immediate removal. We pray for the government every Sunday and we wonder why this kind of treatment should be meted out to us,” the church lamented.

But Ortuanya said it was not only the Anglican schools that were withdrawn but all other mission schools.

He said the government has set up a committee to look into conflicts emanating from the handover of schools , adding that the committee is yet to submit its report.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Sequel to our publication of 14th June, 2013 calling for Bids, we wish to draw the attention of all prospective bidders to the need to comply with section 5(1) – (3) of the amended ITF Act No. 19 of 2011 which stipulates among others that “Any supplier or contractor or consultant biding or soliciting contract(s), business(es) goods and services from any Federal Government Ministry, Department and Agency (MDA) as well as commercial, industrial and private entities must fulfill statutory obligations of its employees with respect to payment of its Training Contributions.

Similarly, prospective bidders should comply with the provisions of the Public Procurement Act 2007 as they relate to Pensions (section 16(6)(d).)

Signed: Mr. A. O. Akinwa Provost Federal College of Land Resources Tech.

Kuru – Jos, Plateau State.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2013

NEWS Four prisoners executed in Edo

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OUR prisoners on death row were executed yesterday by officials of the Nigeria Prison Services in Edo State.

One of those also to be executed is to die by firing squad.

The four prisoners were killed after a Federal High Court rejected a lawsuit file by some Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) against signing of the execution warrants by Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

Edo State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General,

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

Henry Idahagbon confirmed the execution but said it was an affair of the Nigeria Prisons.

He said a notice of appeal was brought to him but whether it was served on prisons officials were not his concern.

The names of the executed prisoners could not be confirmed as at press time.

Deputy Director for Africa at Amnesty International, Lucy Freeman, in a statement, called for the halting of the executions and described the court deci-

sion as a major setback for justice and human rights in Nigeria.

“The Nigerian authorities must immediately halt the execution of these five men and allow them to appeal their cases in the courts.”

According to Amnesty International’s Death Sentences and Executions 2012 report, Nigeria has not carried out any known executions since 2006, but sentenced 56 people to death last year. Approximately, 1000 people are reportedly on death row in the country.

PDP convention under threat as Oyinlola protests Continued from page 4

tary would be contested at the upcoming national convention of our great Party. Let me say that I was taken aback by the pronouncement of the former National Publicity Secretary of PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh, who declared, in a briefing of journalists after a meeting of the National Working Committee with His Excellency, Mr. President last week, that the position of the National Secretary was vacant, giving indications that it would be contested.

“I state with every humility that Chapter VII (3) of the PDP Constitution states that ‘’the guidelines for elections to any office of the Party shall be approved at the National Executive Committee of the Party, in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.”

“This implies that even if PDP NEC or any other body decided that an election should be conducted into any office of the Party, such an election must be conducted in accordance with the provisions of the extant PDP Constitution.

The PDP Constitution does not give room for the emergence of national officers from the

zones of the country; but from the national convention.

“It is most regrettable that some occurrences of the past few months at the national secretariat of our great Party have given cause to suspicion that I am being unduly persecuted for no just cause.

“I wish to remind you that I was removed by a Federal High Court order which is being vigorously contested and pursued at the Court of Appeal. I am constrained to point out that I have the constitutional right to go up to the Supreme Court in exercise of my fundamental human rights, which I am fiercely and vigorously protecting.

“My modest submission is that the National Convention Committee would be trampling on some provisions of not only the PDP Constitution, but also the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999) as amended, if it goes ahead to conduct an election into the Office of National Secretary, which is still in contention.

“Validly and meekly put, it would amount to contempt of court for your committee, the PDP, or whichsoever body is

interested in filling the position of National Secretary, to take such a pre-emptive step which would be disrespectful to the Judiciary.

“More importantly, such an action would portray the PDP as a lawless political organization, not only in the eyes of right-thinking members of the society, but also in the estimation of the international community.

“Allow me to point out that it is the position of the law that once an indication of an appeal to a higher court of competent jurisdiction is given and all the parties have been duly served and put on notice that I have appealed against the judgment of the Federal High Court which nullified my election as National Secretary, all actions should be allowed to be determined by the higher court.”

In his view “it would amount to pre-empting the ruling of the Court of Appeal and a breach of the principles of natural justice, should the National Convention Committee, or any organ or creation of the PDP go ahead to fill the position of National Secretary of the PDP, which is still a subject of judicial arbitration.”

By Emmanuel Oladesu, Group Political Editor

by Prince Oyinlola, who has written to the national party leaders about his claim to the national secretaryship of the party. Oyinlola has been protesting that he was wrongly shoved aside by the National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, pointing out that his election as the secretary was not voided by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Southwest PDP meets over mini-convention

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OUTHWEST Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders will meet in Lagos today to discuss the proposed mini-national convention to be held next month in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Party sources said the meeting will take place at the Ikoyi home of the former National Deputy Chairman, Chief Bode George.

Expected at the meeting are: former Deputy Chairman, Alhaji Shuaib Oyedokun; former Governors Ayo Fayose and Segun Oni (Ekiti), Olagunsoye Oyinlola (Osun), Adebayo Alao-Akala (Oyo); Caretaker Chairman, Chief Ishola Filani; Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, Dr. Yomi Finnih, Senator Seye Ogunlewe, Mr. Adebayo Dayo, Dr. Tayo Dairo, Chief Dayo Okondo, Dr. Lekan Balogun and Prince Kashamu Buruji.

The party sources said the meeting will discuss the crises in the six chapters in the zone and preparations for the mini-convention scheduled for Abuja next month.

It will also discuss the Southwest stakeholders’ forum and Southwest Stakeholders Coordinating Council recently inaugurated in Lagos by the Caretaker Committee.

However, it is not clear whether the members of the Olusegun Obasanjo camp in the Ogun State PDP will attend the meeting.

The source added: “The PDP leaders are holding a crucial meeting at Ikoyi and it will be hosted by Chief Olabode George.

We have two crucial elections holding in Ekiti and Osun states.

The President Dr. Gooluck Jonathan has advised the zone to put its house in order, resolve its

crises and opt for consensus candidacy as we prepare for the next governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun. He reasoned, and rightly so, that primaries in the PDP usually brings crises which may proof fatal during the election”.

Also, the PDP leaders are expected to discuss the complaint

Reps kick against UK visa bond Continued from page 4

to join hands in the education of our youths in an enlightenment campaign against trafficking in drugs, in particular, and other social vices in general. ``This assignment should not be left alone to Governments at different levels to handle.’’

On the much-talked about reopening of Information Centres abroad, the minister appealed to the Federal Ministry of Information to ensure

proper funding for the centres.

“All I will appeal is that when it starts, they must be well funded; I do not want cases where you send information officers abroad and after nine months or six months the funding will be tied.

“You must ensure proper funding and we in the ministry of foreign affairs are in favour of this move because three or four heads are better than one’.

Man shot dead at Osun PDP meeting Continued from page 4

cal Authority Primary School, in Edunabon at about 4.00pm on Sunday when some loyalists of the governorship aspirant allegedly stormed the venue of the meeting and called for the removal of Oyetade as the party chairman.

However, loyalists of Oyetade were said to have resisted attempts to remove him and this resulted in a bloody clash between the two factions.

It was gathered that the de-

ceased died before he getting to the hospital.

A police source, who did not want his name in print, confirmed the incident.

The Publicity Secretary of the state PDP, Prince Bola Ajao, said the state secretariat of the party was not yet briefed on the matter.

He said that the matter would be properly investigated by the state executive council of the party.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2013

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NEWS Somalis depend on remittances from U.S. SOMALI money transfer businesses asked the British government to stop Barclays bank from closing their accounts in Britain, a move Somali officials and bankers said threatens remittances.

Diaspora remittances are Somalia’s biggest foreign currency earner and many of its 10 million people rely on the $1.2 billion or so sent to the nation every year.

A Somali official yesterday said cutting that “lifeline” could hurt fragile efforts to stabilise a nation battling an Islamist insurgency. Somalia analysts said it could encourage the use of illegal and untraceable routes if other channels were blocked.

Barclays said in a statement it was stopping offering banking services to some Somali transfer firms due to fears funds might end up in the hands of “terrorists” in a nation that is slowly emerging from two decades of civil conflict.

Court sentences Berlusconi to seven years in jail

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ORMER Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi was handed a seven-year jail sentence yesterday for abuse of office and paying for sex with a minor.

He will not have to serve any jail time before he has exhausted an appeals process that could take years, but the conviction angered members of his centre-right party who questioned whether he should continue to support the coalition.

The 76-year-old media tycoon expressed outrage at the verdict which he said was politically motivated.

“An incredible sentence has been issued of a violence never seen or heard of before, to try to eliminate me from the political life of this country,” Berlusconi said in a statement.

“Yet again I intend to resist against this persecution because I am absolutely innocent and I don’t want in any way to abandon my battle to make Italy a country that is truly free and just.”

Berlusconi’s lawyers an-

nounced they would appeal against the ruling that also banned him from holding public office.

Berlusconi was found guilty of paying for sex with former teenage nightclub dancer Karima El Mahroug, better known under her stage name “Ruby the Heartstealer”, during “bunga bunga” sex parties at his palatial home near Milan.

The panel of three women judges also convicted him of abuse of office by arranging to have El Mahroug released from police custody when she was held in a separate theft case.

The verdict closes a two-year trial that has mesmerised Italy with its accounts of wild sex parties at the billionaire’s villa outside Milan while he was premier in 2010.

Several members of Berlusconi’s People of Freedom (PDL) party have urged him to withdraw his backing for the government of centreleft Prime Minister Enrico Letta, which needs the PDL’s

support.

“It’s disgusting, a disgrace,” one of his most faithful lieutenants, senior party official Daniela Santanche, told reporters in front of the Milan court.

She said the ruling would not impact the functioning of the government, but other Berlusconi allies were less conciliatory.

“It is absurd to think that the current government can continue to work calmly while the leader of one of the parties backing it is being massacred politically,” said PDL senator Sandro Bondi.

Letta’s Democratic Party (PD), which was dealt its own blow on Monday by the resignation of Equal Opportunities and Sports Minister Josefa Idem over a tax evasion scandal, said the Berlusconi verdict should be respected and called on the PDL to show restraint.

Berlusconi says the purported sex parties were elegant dinners where the female guests performed “burlesque” shows. El Mahroug

denied having sex with Berlusconi.

In the verdict, the judges said around 30 witnesses in the case, including Deputy Foreign Minister Bruno Archi, should be investigated for perjury for their testimony in favor of Berlusconi.

In May 2010, the then-prime minister called a Milan police station to instruct officials to release El Mahroug, who was being held on suspicion of stealing a 3,000 euro ($3,900)bracelet.

A Brazilian prostitute who lived with El Mahroug had called the premier on his mobile phone to tell him she had been arrested, prosecutors said.

Berlusconi’s lawyers have said he made the call to avoid a diplomatic incident because he believed that El Mahroug, who is actually Moroccan, was the grand-daughter of Hosni Mubarak, then the Egyptian president.

The prosecution said he was anxious to cover up the relations he had with her at his sex

Brazil: Rousseff meets activists DEMONSTRATIONS have broken out again in Brazil, as President Dilma Rousseff holds talks with protest leaders.

The president is trying to find ways to end the unrest which has erupted nationwide since 11 June, and has seen one million people take to the streets.

In one of yesterday’s demonstrations, hundreds of people blocked the main road to Brazil’s busiest port, Santos.

Meanwhile, two women were killed in the state of Goias when a car hit a protest barricade. The driver fled the scene.

The two were part of a group of around 300 protesters setting up an early morning road block in Christalina.

Police say both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.

Protests continued in Brazilian cities over the weekend, albeit on a smaller scale The deaths bring the total number of lives lost because of the protests to four. Further demonstrations are due later on Monday in the cities of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo.

Brazil is due to host both the 2014 Fifa World Cup and the Olympics in 2016, and many of those demonstrating are unhappy at the cost of building stadiums in a country where many live in poverty and ticket prices for such prestigious international competitions are out of reach.

37 dead as CAR gold mine collapses

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T least 37 gold miners died in Central African Republic when a pit in which they were operating collapsed after heavy rains, the country’s presidency said yesterday.

The incident happened on Sunday at a gold mine in Ndassima, some 440 km (273 miles) east of the capital, Bangui. “The toll of 37 is provisional as there were many injured,” said Prosper Ndouba, spokesman for the president’s office.

Lebanese Army soldiers taking cover behind their armoured vehicle as they entered the Abra neighbourhood on the eastern outskirts of Sidon, where fighting is now concentrated between the army and supporters of a Sunni Muslim radical cleric....yesterday. PHOTO: AFP

Egypt’s shiite killings raise alarm on hate speech

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GYPT’S Islamist president on Monday condemned the brutal killing of four Shiites by a cheering Sunni Muslim mob while the police looked on, saying the culprits must be swiftly brought to justice.But opponents of President Mohammed Morsi said he was in part to blame for implicitly supporting his hard-line allies as they stir up incitement against Shiites in response to Syria’s civil war.

A week earlier, Morsi appeared on stage with hard-line clerics denouncing Shiites as “filthy.” Critics warn that mili-

tant Islamists are acting with dangerous impunity.Sunday’s attack in the village of Zawiyet Abu Musalam, near the Pyramids of Giza, came as about 30 Shiites were having a meal to mark a religious occasion.

Hundreds of young men descended on them in the house.In online videos of the killings, young men armed with metal and wooden clubs, swords and machetes, beat the Shiites on the head and back, trapping them in the narrow entrance of the house.

The Shiites beg for mercy as blood streams down their heads and soaks their robes. A

crowd pressing around them triumphantly chants “Allahu akbar” or “God is great.”

Others screamed “You sons of dogs!” One video shows a young man dragging the motionless and bloodied body of one victim by a rope.The videos appeared genuine and conformed with Associated Press reporting on the attack.Among those killed was a prominent Shiite cleric, Hassan Shehata.

Afterward, the attackers congratulated each other, one witness, local activist Hazem Barakat, said in written and video account of the events he posted online. He said that in

the weeks preceding the attack, ultraconservative Salafi clerics in the area had been speaking out against Shiites.

A two-paragraph statement

by Morsi’s office condemned the killings. It said the culprits must be found quickly and brought to justice, vowing that authorities will not be “lenient” with anyone who interferes with the nation’s security and stability.Police identified 13 suspects but have not yet made any arrests, security officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the press.

Managers want AU to institutionalise project management

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ROJECT and programme managers have called on the African Union to institutionalize the practice of project management on the continent.

Project and program managers were in Accra Ghana, for the inaugural African Project and Program Management Conference (APPMC).

A statement from the body signed by Dr. Donald Agumenu, Program Director African Project and Program Management Conference (APPMC)said participants drawn from various African countries, have called on the African Union (AU) to put the

parties.

The media magnate has recently used his own television stations to promote his version of events, with his flagship Canale 5 channel broadcasting a prime-time documentary on the so-called “Ruby Trial”.

The verdict is only part of Berlusconi’s legal problems.

Last month an appeals court upheld a four-year jail sentence against him for orchestrating a tax fraud scheme in his business dealings - leaving him just one more appeal, at the Supreme Court, which could come within a year.

Despite Berlusconi’s professions of loyalty to Letta, he may eventually prefer to gamble on another election, in which he could potentially become prime minister once again.

Even if he opts to keep backing the government, the verdict could make parts of Letta’s PD party highly uneasy and increase the coalition’s instability, according to Giovanni Orsina, professor of contemporary history at Rome’s Luiss University.

issue of good project management practices at the top of its development agenda for the continent.

The participants lamented the huge volume of abandoned projects on the continents and urged African governments to formulate project continuity laws to steam the tide.

The Conference particularly praised the National Planning Commission and the government of Nigeria for formulating a project continuity bill and urged the Nigerian “National Assembly to live up to its legislative duties and pass the bill in the interest of the country’s quest to join the league of

twenty industrialized nations by the year 2020.”

According to the communique jointly signed by APPMC Project Director, Dr. Donald Agumenu and Conference Chair, Mr.Nutifafa Kuenyehia, the delegates also called for greater discipline in project management on the continent.

The communique identified lack of character as a major problem with project management in Africa.

It also identified some of the challenges to effective project management in Africa to include “bad estimates/deadlines, scope changes and poor resource planning. Political in-

stability, ethnic considerations are also among the major problems identified in project sustainability.”

“Participants noted that project policy sustainability policy is needed in each African country to ensure continuity and ensure that projects are not abandoned by successive governments,” the communique said.

The participants at the conference observed that the African continent has inadequate number of competent and certified project managers and until competent project managers handle capital projects, failed projects and poor imple-

mentation will remain a talking point for a very long time in Africa.

The statement observed the lack of motivation for project managers on the continent, noting that many projects fail in Africa because of lack of motivation.

Like most advanced continents of the world, the participants at the conference noted that “Africa needs to add motivation to its project management culture. We need to change our orientation to projects. Change in societal value is required for effective project management in Africa.”

Syria: Bomb attacks kill eight

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UICIDE bombers targeted security compounds in Damascus and a car bomb exploded in a pro-regime district there Sunday, killing at least eight people, the latest in a surge of civil war violence in the capital.

In northern Syria, a car bomb killed 12 soldiers in Aleppo, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which relies on a network of activists in Syria for information. It had no other details, and the government did not comment.

The state-run news agency SANA said three suicide bombers blew themselves up while trying to break into the Rukneddine police station in northern Damascus, killing five people and wounding several others. SANA said three would-be suicide bombers also tried to break into the Criminal Security Branch in the southern Bab Mousalla area but were caught by security forces before they could detonate their explosives.

SANA said a car bomb exploded in Mazzeh 86 district in the capital, killing three people, including a 3-yearold boy. Residents of the district are mostly Alawites, an offshoot Shiite sect that President Bashar Assad's family belongs to. The opposition forces fighting against Assad's regime are mostly Sunni Muslims.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2013

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NEWS ALHAJA ABIBATU MOGAJI (1917-2013)

•Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (third right), his wife, Senator Oluremi and others.

•Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (third left), his wife Senator Oluremi with some Lagos White Cap chiefs during a condolence visit to Tinubu at his Ikoyi home over the death of his mother, Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji...yesterday.

•From left: Olotu Layi Labode; Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Chief Ganiyu Babayeju Alemo; Balogun Musulumi of Ijaye, Alhaji Yunusa Adesina; and Agbaakin of Ijaye, Alhaji Aminu Omodara...yesterday

•Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (second left); his wife Senator Oluremi; Lagos Chief Judge, Justice Ayotunde Philips (right); and Head Judge of the Lagos State High Court, Justice Funmilayo Atilade...yesterday.

•From left: Danlami Mohammed; Prof. Sale Mohammed, Senator Joshua Dariye, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; his wife, Senator Oluremi; former Plateau State Speaker Simon Lalong; and former Plateau State lawmaker, Amos Gombi Goyol...yesterday

•Former ministers Femi Fani-Kayode (Aviation) (left) and Demola Seriki (Defence)...yesterday.

•Former Interim National Government (ING) chair, Chief Ernest Shonekan, signing the condolence register... yesterday

PHOTOS: SOLOMON ADEOLA

•Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (fourth left); his wife, Senator Oluremi with the Body of Council Managers...yesterday.

Mogaji was a mother for all, says Labour Party

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HE leadership of the Labour Party (LP) yesterday commiserated with the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on the death of his mother, Alhaja Abibat Mogaji.

Describing the late leader of the Nigerian Market Women and Men as a philanthropist whose leadership was void of discrimination, the party hailed her motherly virtue.

LP’s condolence was contained in a statement issued yesterday in Abuja by its National Chairman, Chief Dan Nwanyanwu.

He said the late Alhaja Mogaji successfully nurtured the former Lagos State governor as an active

From Olugbenga Adanikin, Abuja

political leader.

The statement reads: “The leaders and members of the LP received with sadness the news of the death of your beloved mother, Alhaja Abibat Asabi Mogaji.

“Your (Tinubu’s) mother was a virtuous woman, who lived a fulfilled life that spanned over a period of 90 years.

“In her life, she touched many lives as the leader of the Nigerian Market Women and Men. She proved herself as a natural, progressive mother of all. No wonder, she nurtured an active political leader like you.

“The LP family commiserates and shares with you the pain of losing a beloved mother, irrespective of the fact that she enjoyed God’s grace of longevity.”

Also yesterday, youths under the umbrella of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) sent their condolences to the National Leader of the ACN, Asiwaju Tinubu, on the death of his mother, Alhaja Mogaji.

In a statement by the forum’s President, Mallam Shettima Usman Yerima, the youth asked the former Lagos State governor to “take heart,” saying, “your consolation must lie in the fact that Mama lived a fulfilled life, putting smiles on the faces of those

who came across her.”

While congratulating Asiwaju Tinubu on his luck to have the likes of the late Alhaja Mogaji as a mother, the AYCF said: “It is not everybody that can have such a rare luck and grace from God to have such a loving woman as a mother.

“Although Mama was old enough to go and rest and also old enough to be confident, nobody would want to lose his dear ones.”

The group prayed the Almighty to grant Mama eternal rest and Tinubu and the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Kogi APC holds special prayer for Tinubu’s mum

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From Muhammad Bashir Lokoja

HE All Progressive Congress (APC) in Kogi Central has held a special prayer for the repose of Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji’s soul.

Speaking at the end of the prayer, the organiser, Prof. Yusuf Aliyu, described the deceased as a great woman-activist, a democrat and a philanthropist, who championed the cause of market women in Lagos State and the country in general.

Prof. Aliyu, who is the APC leader in Kogi Central, described the late Alhaja Mogaji as an industrious woman, who lived a good life worthy of emulation.

Other APC leaders at the session were Enesi Jimoh, Dr. Yusuf Adinoyi, Prince Mahmoud Sanni Atta and Alhaji Ahmed Adoke.

THE NATION TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2013

63

SPORT EXTRA MISSED CHANCES

I‘ll work harder, says Ideye From Uchenna Ajah, Fortaleza, Brazil

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•A Super Eagles player signs an autograph for a fan while others await the rest of the team.

PHOTO: Uchenna Ajah

2013 FIFA CONFEDERATIONS CUP

Fans mob Eagles for autographs T

HE Super Eagles departed their Seara Praia hotel camp in Fortaleza, Brazil yesterday at 11.30am local time for Sao Paulo en route Lagos, Nigeria after being knocked out by Spain in the ongoing Brazil 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup. After presenting souvenir jerseys signed by both players and the technical crew to the hotel

•Team presents jerseys to hotel mgt.

•Arrives in Lagos this evening From Uchenna Ajah, Fortaleza, Brazil management, the team was cheered on by football fans alongside tourists present at the gate of Seara Praia hotel

as they made their way to the team’s bus.

Screaming “Nigeria!

Nigeria!! Nigeria!!!, the fans broke protocol by asking some of the Eagles stars to sign autographs before they joined the bus.

Eagles skipper Vincent Enyeama, presenting the team’s autographed jerseys to Seara Praia hotel management and staff, thanked them for their hospitality during Nigeria’s three-day stay at the five-star

‘Keshi should recall Osaze, Ike Uche, Anichebe’

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ORMER Nigeria leftback Benedict Iroha has advised Super Eagles Coach Stephen Keshi to strengthen the team by recalling the likes of Osaze Odemwingie, Victor Anichebe, Ikechukwu Uche

•Ike Uche

From Segun Ogunjimi, Abuja and Kalu Uche.

Reflecting on the Eagles’ ouster in the ongoing FIFA Confederation Cup, Iroha disclosed that it was high time Keshi re-invited these players.

"I don't think it is a difficult issue for Keshi to bring back Osaze Odemwingie, Victor Anichebe, Ikechukwu Uche, Kalu Uche to complement the good work of Emmanuel Emenike, Victor Moses and others.

"I know Keshi is gradually working on this team so that we can blend the young and talented players that have done well so far. I am so sure that Keshi will recall them to the team. We need Osaze and others and I am happy that Osaze himself said it on his Twitter handle that he wants to play for the Eagles again. So, this a good omen," the Tunisia ’94 Nations Cup winner said.

Iroha also defended Nigeria’s performance in Brazil despite the 0-3 loss to World and European Champions Spain on

Sunday.

"To be honest with you, I am very impressed with the performance of the boys in the Confederations Cup. They were never disgraced in all the three matches they played before being eliminated.

"They played a good match against Tahiti and also played beautifully against a star-studded Uruguay. They could have even won the game if not for poor marksmanship, especially in the first half. This was later

repeated in the third group match against Spain.

"Eagles could have wrapped up things in the first half but couldn't convert the chances created against the world champions. In all, I think Nigeria played impressively and showed the world that we have quality. As we know, Team Coach Stephen Keshi is still building this team and the Eagles can only get better with time", Iroha told NationSport in Abuja yesterday.

hotel.

“Words are not enough to show our appreciation for the way we enjoyed out stay as we look forward to being here again next year,” he said.

Speaking with NationSport moments after the team left, a fan, who simply gave his name as Carlos, stressed that it was sad to see Nigeria leave after failing to progress to the semi-final of the on-going FIFA Confederations Cup. He was, however, quick to add that he was looking forward to the Eagles’ return for the 2014 World Cup. “Nigeria should not have gone home today if they had scored against Uruguay and Spain. Your team is young and very good at ball play.

Painfully, they don’t score goals that win matches,” he added.

Nigeria finished third in Group B with three points from three games after garnering a win against Tahiti alongside two losses to Uruguay and Spain.

Rep Your Club holds sports-fashion affairs July 6

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HE third edition of the Rep Your Club show will hold on 6 July at the Ember Creek Lounge, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi.

This time round, the show will combine sports entertainment with fashion with the aim of bringing together young people in an interactive and fun way. This event has been designed to provide an avenue for peer networking and socialising in a safe and fun environment.

Coordinator of the event, Tony Dafe Ighofose, said: “Rep Your

Club is patterned after the UEFA Champions League with an intention of having the youth rep their clubs in their various club colours in a game of play station soccer and table games. While the competition is on, various celebrity deejays would be dropping hot tunes from their turntables.

"Our entire guests would be entertained and served with finger foods and drinks. The event is designed to run once every three months and would serve as a foundation for other events

created to thrill the youths in sports entertainment throughout the year.

“Though there are no cash prizes, free gifts would be given to winners that emerge from any game. There would be playstation3 games for guys to play on a projected screen and a pool for people to swim in. There would also be a Fashion Exhibition and Miss ‘REP YOUR CLUB’ competition to include the ladies in the fun. The winner would also be given a gift for being the best dressed club representative of the day.

UPER EAGLES forward Brown Aide Ideye says he will continue to work hard to ensure Nigeria qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup despite his failure to score in the FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil.

Nigeria failed to progress to the semi-finals after Sunday’s 0-3 loss to Spain as the Eagles could only garner three points from three matches to finish third on the group log, but the Dynamo Kiev top goal poacher is upbeat he will return to scoring form for the Stephen Keshi-tutored side.

“It was very sad not to be among the goal scorers here in Brazil, but I will continue working hard in training and ensure I always give my best at all times to return to scoring form and winning ways, especially the 2014 World Cup qualifiers,” Ideye told NationSport before joining the rest of the squad for the return trip to Nigeria.

Lagos Country Club Tennis Clinicends •Holmes sisters shine

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HE Holmes sisters, Ololade and Reya were the cynosure of all eyes among the over 80 kids that featured in the Lagos country Club Tennis Clinic which was held recently.

The sisters, who made the headlines when they featured alongside Serena and Venus Williams in an exhibition match during the American superstars' visit to Nigeria in 2012, demonstrated a high level of understanding of the game to the delight of parents who turned out to see their kids in the final day of the threeday clinic which was conducted by former Nigerian tennis player Paul Moses.

Moses, a UK Professional Tennis Registry certified coach, expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the clinic stating that Nigeria can produce global stars in tennis if government, corporate bodies and individuals show support for the sport.

"The clinic has really helped the kids as they were introduced to some of the latest rudiments of the sport.

Tennis, like other sports, has gone scientific and the earlier we get them familiarised with what other kids are being taught at this stage in countries like the USA, Russia, Spain and other countries, the better for them as individuals and the country.

"I'm sure that this set of generation of Nigerian players will be competing at the highest level with their counterparts from the top tennis-playing countries," he enthused.

TODAY IN THE NATION

‘I suspect that the one-time oil-producing state may have finally come to its own after the bitter experience of loosing its erstwhile pots of fortune to Akwa Ibom.’

TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2013 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL. 8

NO.2,527

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

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ONTROVERSY has been its constant companion since the “National Good Governance Tour” was launched last September by the Minister of Information, Labaran Maku.

“A lot of work has been done by this administration in the past two years which has not been adequately reported in the media. So, this tour will expose a lot of things for everyone to see,” Maku said.

To correct this alleged failing of the media, Maku would lead a team to the states to explain olatunji.dare@thenationonlineng.net what “the government” is doing or intends to do to better the lives of the people, and thus somehow “increase their participation in governance” Nigerians from all walks of life, using conventional and non-conventional media plathighway to the point that anyone so inclined forms, would have the opportunity of asking can actually spread out a mat on it and enter questions and expressing their views on the into blissful sleep. It is almost as if what the projects the team would be inspecting. people need is a veritable invitation to suicide By “the government,” Maku probably meant rather than a first-class highway. the Federal Government, since his ministerial The Okene-Lokoja-Abuja expressway Maku brief does not include reviewing or passing claimed the Federal Government had rehabilijudgment on projects undertaken by the states. tated had witnessed only “skeletal works” along It now seems in retrospect that he had used that a small stretch, Abudah wrote. term in a much broader context, and had thus So, there you have it. unwittingly set the scene for the controversy Charging Maku with “lying” and “advertisthat has been dogging the NGGT. ing falsehood” as the spokesperson for the Edo I will dwell on that and other issues presState Government did is un-parliamentary, to ently. be sure. But Maku himself is an improbable The NGGT train – or more appropriately, the candidate for a prize in civil discourse, despite NGGT executive jet, since Maku has never his exquisite tailoring and fine grooming. deigned to travel by the trains, the rehabilitaThat much was evident in comments credited •Maku tion of which he has been trumpeting as a tran- •Fashola to him that he has to the best of my knowledge scendental feat – has since touched down in almost a dozen state capitals, with a retinue of way Maku has been running his road show not disavowed on the pace of developments in political officials and news reporters and infor- and suspicious of the entire scheme, declined Lagos State under the administration of Govermation officers, in what has increasingly to accord him a welcome. Governor Adams nor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) who, like his Edo State counterpart, had refused to have anything seemed like a touring circus.

Oshiomhole probably had more important do with the NGGT, insisting that the visitaThe team “inspects” some on-going and com- things on his plate anyway than giving aid to tion would serve no useful purpose. pleted projects in and near the state capital, Maku and comfort to a jamboree.

Fashola, so went the comment, had “somelustfully sings praises of Federal Government Maku soldiered on, undaunted. The outcome thing to hide.” for real achievements and mere intentions, usu- was a fiasco.

Hide from whom? ally the latter. He goes into a rhapsody about Perhaps misled by federal officials and local This is the language of the colonial inspector contracts that have been awarded, giant rice PDP stalwarts, Maku appropriated to the Fed- from the metropole, and it does not square with mills that will be installed, tens of thousands of eral Government projects financed and executed any of the advertised objectives of the NGGT. It jobs that will be generated by the cassava plan- by the state government, moving a spokesper- is downright condescending. tations, based on feasibility studies the govern- son for the state government to charge him But Maku’s spokesperson was merely warmment has recently commissioned, and of course with “lying” and “advertising falsehood.” ing up. the breathtaking transformation the country In this matter, I would rather cast my lot with He went on to say that Fashola was an idle has witnessed in just two years, with much more a commentator who knows the area quite well, governor with nothing on his plate except trafto come.

Usman Abudah, of The Guardian (June 20, 2013). fic management and environmental sanitation; He says some kind words for the state gover- He described Maku’s visit to Edo State as an the Federal Government was taking care of nor, especially if the governor belongs to the “eye opener” to the Federal Government’s “pe- everything else, in its great benevolence. ruling PDP or is not perceived by Abuja as un- riodic wasteful exercise through which it dazHaba, Labaran! sympathetic to Jonathan’s Project 2015, and zles the citizenry,” adding that “its claims to You have to be practically unconscious to takes off in the executive jet for his next stop. performance usually reveal non-performance.” believe such twaddle.

How this perfunctory visitation, conducted Abudah pooh-poohed Maku’s claim in Benin Is the Lagos light rail a federal project? Or amidst a great deal of dining and wining, leads that the Federal Government had fixed the per- Eko Atlantic City? Or the scores of sparkling to or enhances “good governance” or “carries ennially dysfunctional Benin-Ore-Sagamu new model schools in Lagos? Or the network the people along” or makes them participants in governance as envisaged in the NGTT’s prospectus is rarely addressed.

Maku claims that the Nigerian Governors Forum – presumably before Jonah Jang, with blessings from on high, reconstructed that body, ATE last week, the State director of the superfluity and all, in his own image, Directorate of State Security (DSS) in endorsed the scheme. one of the Southeast States made yet Yet, Edo State, perhaps not unmindful of the another discovery of a baby factory. He arrested a medical doctor who was running a foundation that keeps girls and even women who apparently make babies for a D&C or abortion, but that one too was not living. The doctor was of course arrested and forthcoming. We later found out that some according to the DSS, he will face smart people now warehouse pregnant I DIDN’T SAY NIGERIAN LEADERS FAILED prosecution. young girls, nurse them to delivery and buy TO PUNISH CORRUPT POLITICIANS – Hardball, using his special device, listened the baby off them. They found that babies Rawlings in to the proceedings of the interrogation of are in high demand all over the world. In the doctor: Why have you, a trained medical fact new born babies are the hottest doctor, decided to delve into this heinous merchandise you can ever have today. and immoral act? The doctor delved into a Between us, this business is far bigger than long, winding explanation to the effect that: you know and new methods are devised See officer, this is between us and I am talking daily. It is like drug peddling, the money in to you as a friend and brother. I will give it is too tempting so it is not going to stop you the low down because I have not soon. But one point you must realise is that committed any offence against the law. I am some of these pregnancies could have been only helping these people and helping myself flushed out with the attendant complications too. and even deaths because young girls who He continues, I have left medical school get mistakenly pregnant in our society are for nearly two decades now and I could not treated like taboo, nobody cares for them; make any head way. Even when I set up my not even the government that is shouting own hospital, nothing tangible was coming about baby factory. in because of our crushing operating But the reality today my brother is that a environment, even the little you make goes factory is a factory o. Things are so difficult to overhead like diesel and generator repairs. in Nigeria today, especially in the hinterland Then the local herbs vendors took over as that any factory at all will help. You must more people patronize them and fewer still have noticed that there were even women, came to the hospital. You remember we used 35 to 39 years old women in my foundation PLEASE SAY SO AND YOU ARE VERY CLOSE to make up with what is popularly called (please don’t call it factory again) when your TO THE TRUTH

OLATUNJI DARE

AT HOME ABROAD

Haba, Labaran!

HARDBALL

L

RIPPLES

A factory is a factory

SANYA ONI

of roads and bridges that compare favourably with the best anywhere? Or a raft of housing schemes in various stages of completion? Or the ambulance units positioned in strategic sections of Lagos to respond swiftly to emergencies? Or dozens of other innovative projects that make Abuja look like an unimaginative plodder by comparison?

The NGGT is only the latest derogation in a long line of derogations of the federal principle. It was conceived in double misapprehension, the first being that the PDP-controlled Federal Government, by virtue of that fact, has the power to supervise and second-guess and perhaps even discipline state governors, whether elected on its platform or other party platforms.

That is a throwback to the dark days of military rule. Then, the military head of state related to military governors in the states like officers on military posting, which they indeed were. The practice must stop. To continue it is to subvert not just federalism, but democracy itself.

The second misapprehension stems from the belief or assumption that inadequate reporting on what the government has been doing or intends to do for the people is the problem.

That is the theory of national development by propaganda writ small for impact.

If government programmes and projects have significant impact on the lives of the people, that impact will be their best advertisement. Propaganda, however skillful, cannot be a substitute for impact.

But these are not the only things wrong with the NGGT. The Ministry of Information has at its behest one of the largest communication networks in the world. Its portfolio includes, to cite just a few of its organs, the Nigeria Television Authority, the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria and its external broadcasting arm Voice of Nigeria, and the News Agency of Nigeria.

Maku therefore indicts himself and his office when he charges the media with failing to report adequately on what the government is doing for the people.

Finally, the NGGT’s execution is flagrantly partisan – reeking of bad faith, I am almost prepared to assert, judging from its misadventures in Edo and Lagos.

It is a costly distraction that raises more questions about the Minister of Information’s credibility the more he claims for Abuja landmark achievements that only he and his team can see, or appropriates unto it the solid achievements of state governors who decline to be coopted into a circus.

•For comments, send SMS to 08111813080

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above men came. Some of them are widows. Do you think I forced them to come; they need the money. Some of them have not touched N50,000 in their entire lifes. In fact some of them will not be able to count N100,000 if you hand it to them, they can even go crazy if they see such money.

So when you people shout baby factory, baby factory, we just laugh at you because you do not know the good we are doing the society. We are saving new born babies, we are giving succor to traumatised young girls, we are providing ‘employment’ for virile young men who could have turned to kidnapping or robbery. By the way, when was the last time any government opened a factory in the Southeast? All these teeming youths how are you going to engage them?

When was the last time you saw any economic activity in any local government around here?

You see officer, this so-called baby factory is just the symptom of a dying society. Even if you manage to close down all the baby factories around here (which is impossible) other kinds of factories will spring up. As they say, nature abhors vacuum. When a few people cart away funds meant for the generality, the generality will have to make a way for themselves…He went on and on.

Officer was short for words just as Hardball, the eavesdropper, was dumbfounded.

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