June 25, 2015

Newspaper of the Year

•Boko Haram kills 40 in attack on Borno villages •Kwara APC suspends ex-SSG, 17 others for ‘misconduct’ •Nigeria ‘imported N660billion worth of chickens’ •Senate summons NNPC, others over tanker accidents •Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

VOL. 10, NO. 3256 THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

P59 P59 P11 P4

NJC Page 5 ‘punished 64 judges in five years’ NEWS

•www.thenationonlineng.net

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

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•INSIDE: HOUSE PROBES NNPC’S $8BILLION CRUDE SWAP AMID ROW OVER DATA P6

APC governors to Saraki: respect party supremacy Senate President declines to read Oyegun’s letter From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

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LL Progressives Congress (APC) governors yesterday called on the party’s senators and House of Representatives members to stick with the positions of the party in picking their leaders.

There has been tension in the Senate over the remaining key leadership positions after the controversial June 9 elections.

The party is backing Senator Ahmad Lawan (North-East) for Senate Leader, Senator George Akume (North-Central) for Deputy Majority Leader, Senator Olusola Adeyeye (South-West), Chief Whip and Senator Abu Ibrahim (North-West), Deputy Chief Whip.

But members of the Like Minds, the group supporting Senator Bukola Saraki, are opposed to the party’s position.

Sixteen of the 22 APC governors attended a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari on the issue, among others, at the State House, Abuja between Tuesday night and early yesterday.

Speaking with State House correspondents at the end of the meeting, they insisted on the supremacy of the party’s position.

Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole said: “Basically, what we are saying is that the senators should adopt the position of the party. We were all elected on the platform of the party. We are not just a collection of individuals. We are a political party and when the party has spoken, we must listen.

“Otherwise, if it was a game of individuals, like golf, then individuals can go their ways. I think it is very clear at this point that the party has the responsibility

•CLOCKWISE: The vehicles set on fire by the robbers as they escaped from the crime scene... yesterday.

•One of the shops hit by stray bullets from the robbers’ guns... yesterday •The entrance to one of the banks ... yesterday.

Continued on page 4

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WILL THE CHIBOK GIRLS EVER RETURN?

Robbers smash two banks with explosives in Lagos

•SEE PAGE 4

Police offer N5m for information to track down bandits

•INDUSTRY P12 •SPORTS P23 •POLITICS P43 •N/HEALTH P45 •E-BUSINESS P49 •FOREIGN P61

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

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Why Nigeria m

•From left: One-time Lagos Finance Commissioner Olawale Edun; Sir Andrew Pocock; former External Affairs Minister Prof Bolaji Akinyemi and Group Chairman, Tricontinental Conglomerate Chief Bintan Famutimi at a farewell dinner organised by Chief Famutimi for Sir Pocock in Lagos....on Tuesday.

PHOTO: NNEKA NWANERI

Despite the more than a decade notice, Nigeria failed to meet the June 17 digital switch-over deadline of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). Analysts blame the failure on the near-lack of interest former President Goodluck Jonathan administration. Assistant Editor LUCAS AJANAKU examines the implications of the development on the country.

•Set-top boxes

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•From left: General Manager, Corporate Affairs, MTN Nigeria, Ms. Funmi Onajide; Group Enterprise Officer, Mr. Mteto Nyati and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Michael Ikpoki at the Inspiring Business Growth in Africa Forum in Lagos…. yesterday

•From left: Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Livewell Initiative (LWI), Bisi Bright; CEO, Imaginarium Creative, Ferdinand Adeimefe; Area Head, Corporate Affairs, British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF), Seyi Ashade and Founder/Director, Innovation Matters Limited, Ayodele Adebusoye at the BusinessDay CSI Conference on “Poverty Reduction and Youth Empowerment”.

•From left: Acting Director, Chemical Evaluation & Research, National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Pastor Akinwunmi Adedeji; Director, Laboratory Services, Mrs Stella Denloye; Deputy Director, Port Inspectorate/representative of NAFDAC’s Director-General, Rev Beiyamin Haruna and Asstistant Director, Federal Ministry of the Enviroment, Ediris Abdullai at a meeting.

OING by its shoddy preparation, Nigeria’s failure to meet the June 17 deadline, set by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), for digital switchover was one that was waiting to happen.

The Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) – the agency saddled with the responsibility to drive the transition - was ill-equipped. It was starved of funds and could not create awareness for the switch-over and acquire the vital equipment.

Speaking on the sideline of a capacity-building workshop, organised by the NBC for select members of the Seventh National Assembly at Protea Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, last year, a former Commissioner with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Mr. Stephen Bello, expressed concern over the tardy preparation for the switch-over.

Bello was one of the resource persons at the workshop that also had stakeholders in the telecom sector as participants.

He warned that there could be information blackout for 99 per cent of television viewers by the switch-over, which would automatically make analogue television sets obsolete.

The only saving for the country is that its contiguous neighbours also missed the target. Otherwise, there would have been interference in transmission signal.

At the workshop, Bello’s audience was attentive, listening to somebody, who was eminently qualified to talk on issues affecting the industry and proffer solutions.

He said: “Digital broadcasting is coming upstream, but the 2015 target for switch over to digital television is not achievable.

“Transmitting stations may be able to broadcast digital TV signals, but 90 per cent of television sets will not be able to receive the signals.

“If they go digital next (this) year, 90 per cent of Nigerians will be cut off from their TV. If they switch off analogue to digital, there will be chaos.”

Bello hinged his conclusion on the premise that infrastructures that would have facilitated a seamless transmission were not available.

According to him, “there will be need for government to facilitate local manufacture or massive importation of set-top boxes which will enable present analogue TV sets to receive digital signals if there is a switch-over in 2015.”

He spoke on the sideline of a capacity building workshop for the national lawmakers with ICT Infrastructure as a Key Driver for Economic Develop-

•Mba

ment: What Role for the Legislature as its theme. It was held at Protea Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.

And on June 17, Bello was vindicated as the country failed to honour an agreement to which it was a signatory as an ITU member.

In the beginning ITU member-states had at the Regional Radio Communication Conference in 2006, also known as the GE06 Regional Agreement fixed June 17 as the final switch off date for analogue broadcasting.

Nigeria, as a member of the group, signed onto the date enthusiastically.

Back home, stakeholders in the broadcast industry thought they had enough time to do the needful.

So, the authority adopted June 17, 2012 as the nation’s digital switch-over date. The Federal Executive Council (FEC), then chaired by former President, the late Alhaji Umaru Yar’Adua, approved the date and it became Nigeria’s official digital switch-over date.

A Digiteam was constituted and all its members could do was to fritter the scarce resources on seminars and workshops that eventually led the country to nowhere.

Another date of December 31, 2014/ January 1, this year, was set by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the National Council on Information respectively.

Rather than switch-over, the NBC lamented: “Sadly, however, despite our best efforts, we are unable to transit the country by June 17 this year.”

Challenges According to NBC’s Director-General Emeka Mba, paucity of funds was one of the major challenges that deterred his Commission from performing its responsibilities.

He alleged that the Federal Government under former President Goodluck Jonathan did not provide

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

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a missed global analogue switch-off deadline

•Nautel Digital UHF TV transmitters

•Analogue transmitters

Other countries that missed the deadline

•Bello

the required cash.

An interactive session with ICT reporters in Abuja, Mba said the country will require funding in excess of N80 billion to effect the Digital SwitchOver (DSO), adding that the Commission was exploring ways to generate the needed cash.

One of such options, he said, was looking at getting some cash from the auctioning of licences that would be freed up from the exercise. Those licences are referred to as ‘digital dividends’.

The regulator said it was discussing with its regulatory counterpart in the telecoms sector, including the NCC, which hopefully would be given the frequencies by the National Frequencies Management Council with a view to getting a slice of the cake.

Also speaking on the sideline of a Digital Migration Summit in Lagos, the NBC chief said the successful implementation of the programme would be determined by massive funding and industrial collaboration.

He said the DSO required significant collaboration from everybody and faulted the impression that it was government, or NBC’s project as misplaced.

Mba, who urged Nigerians to join hands in achieving the deadline, described the DSO as a global affair.

He said: “We are talking to the NCC but it is a very intricate thing - you want to sell something you do not know the price; it is an auction.

“We are working with them (NCC); they have been magnificent in terms of their cooperation. We are talking with them.

We are looking at all the options; all the options are on the table and that is part of the options; looking at how we can get some form of advance payment.

“These are some of the smart options. These are some of the things that we have done. So, we are looking at those options.

Albania, Algeria, Angola, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, Colombia, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon and Gambia. Others are Georgia, Ghana, Guinea, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mali, Mexico, Montenegro, Myanmar, Niger, “If we have to get there, we must have massive funding; we must have industrial collaboration because there has been this notion before that digitilisation is government or NBC’s (headache).

“It is not. It is a global thing; it is something that is for everybody. For us to really take advantage of this, we have to come together in the industry because the overall advantage of digital ecosystem is tremendous; new jobs to be created, diversity of news sources, more funding to the economy and the fact that we are going to be giving off valuable spectrum that will go into improving broadband penetration in the country is significant.”

Mba may not be far from the truth.

All over the world, countries that have achieved DSO got massive financial support from the government to either domestically manufacture set top boxes, whip public awareness and carry out pilot tests in selected parts of the country before eventual national DSO. For instance, Namibia, Mauritius and Tanzania, the only nations in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and Africa in general that met the digital migration deadline committed substantial funds to attain the feat.

Directot-General of the Namibia Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), Albertus Aochamub, who was tasked by the government to drive the digital migration process, said the country has reasons to celebrate after meeting the ITU dateline that came at the cost of N$400 million ($32 million).

The NBC said: “The Digital Switchover programme in Nigeria was a victim of unfortunate political developments in the country.

“Following recommendations from a broadcast summit organised by the NBC, the government, in 2007, set up the Presidential Advisory Committee, PAC, to prepare the policy document

Oman, Papua New Guinea, Romania, Russian Federation, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, South Sudan, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland and Thailand. Togo, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Armenia, Bangladesh, Belize, Central African Republic, Comoros, Egypt, Eritrea, Guinea-Bissau, Jamaica, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Moldova, Morocco, Namibia, Sao Tome and Principe, Sierra Leone, South Africa and Turkey.

that would guide the transition.

“Just after the submission of the PAC report to government in December 2009, the nation was plunged into a crisis of succession resulting from the illness and eventual death of President Umar Musa Yar’adua.

“Soon after that, the nation went into an election in 2011. Eventually, in December 2012, government issued a White Paper on the PAC report, approving the critical steps needed to achieve the Switch-over, including the setting up of the DigiTeam.

“However, since then, government has not been able to provide the necessary funds to finance the activities of DigiTeam, to finance the Set-TopBox rebate programme, to finance publicity and public enlightenment, to finance analogue transmitters buyback programme, and others.

“With no money to operate the DSO budget, it was impossible to move beyond what the Commission had been able to achieve.”

The agency has asked for an 18month extension, believing the new government will adequately fund the project.

Another challenge was awareness.

Even among the elite, there was low level of awareness among the populace about the programme.

It was ridiculous that a senior-cadre officer on level 13 did not know anything about digital migration.

Implications of missing the deadline Though sector analysts have said since countries contiguous to Nigeria such as Ghana, Niger Republic, Chad and others also missed the deadline, there will be no interference in broadcasting.

The NBC explained posted on its website: “In the digital broadcast environment, digital transmitters are protected from interference from signals coming from analogue transmitters.

“Therefore, the main consequence is that if our analogue transmitters should interfere with the signals of any digital broadcast in any of our neighbouring countries, we can be forced by the ITU to shut down our own analogue transmitters.

“If, however, a digital transmission from any of our neighbours should interfere with any analogue broadcast in Nigeria, we do not get any protection.

“However, the chances of any of that happening are very slim since none of our neighbours is likely to meet the date.”

According to the global umbrella body of telecoms, the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), the sale of released broadcast frequencies as a result of digital switch over (DSO) in the country could reach $2 billion.

The group further averred that through the release of Digital Dividend Spectrum (DDS), sub-Saharan Africa could grow its yearly regional Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by $82 billion by 2025; earning some $18 billion in enhanced tax revenues and creating no fewer than 27 million jobs.

The DDS is the frequency band located in 700megahertz (MHz) spectrum band. It has been internationally adjudged to be very useful in deploying high-speed internet services globally.

The spectrum was approved by ITU, an arm of the United Nations (UN), for mobile broadband deployment about three years ago for its membercountries.

In Nigeria and other countries around the world, this spectrum bands is in possession of the broadcast industry which ought to have implemented the DSO and enable the broadcast industry to use a lower frequency band.

An official of the NCC, who pleaded for anonymity, lamented that this allimportant spectrum bands are still in the hands of the NBC.

“As at today, none of these frequencies has been realised despite the fact that we are on the eve of migration to digital broadcasting. Besides, we are not sure yet whether any of these broadcast media is ready for digital transmission,” the NCC source said.

Mba had assured that the nation would achieve DSO, adding that more than 26 per cent of the population was already doing digital transmission while the huge mass with analogue transmitters and television sets have their fates hanging in the balance.

Inview Technologies of the United Kingdom (UK) and a consortium of indigenous broadcasters, were contracted to provide set-top boxes and to make available the software that will make the provision of key service available respectively.

Since spectrum availability is closely linked with broadband infrastructure development, freeing up of the locked 700 megahertz (Mhz) frequency will no doubt, have complemented current efforts by the country to increase broadband penetration from about eight per cent to 30 per cent by 2018, in line with the Federal Government’s target as contained in the National Broadband Plan (NBP). This is because it will allow the deployment of broadband services using the Long Term Evolution (LTE) or fourth generation, or 4G technologies.

Already, stakeholders are waiting patiently for the digital dividend to be released by the necessary authority since frequency allocation in Nigeria has to undergo certain processes.

If the 700Mhz frequencies had been withdrawn from the NBC, it would have first been handed over to the NFMC, which is the custodian of all frequencies in.

The NFMC then decides what slots it gives out to the NCC for allocation accordingly with appropriate guidelines according to global best practices, especially as stipulated by the ITU. President, Association of Telecoms Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Mr. Lanre Ajayi, said releasing the spectrum bands to investors that will rollout service on them will add a new fillip to the industry, especially now that the next revenue frontier of the telecoms industry has shifted from voice to data.

He said: “It will be an advantage for the country if these spectrum bands are released by the appropriate authority for NCC to allocate to would-be applicants.”

NCC’s Director, Spectrum Administration, Austine Nwaulune, said June 17 DSO deadline is a global phenomenon, stressing that any analogue station that failed to migrate ran the risk of losing ITU’s protection, warning that “and if Nigeria causes interference, it will be sanctioned.”

But digital dividends are not yet available and NCC cannot give what it does not have. In the light of this, the telecoms industry regulator said it has commenced consultation with the stakeholders on the best way to allocate the spectrum bands ahead of the expected release of spectrum from broadcast industry to the NFMC.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

NEWS Senate summons NNPC, others over tanker accidents

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•Progressives Governors Forum Chairman Rochas Okorocha (Imo) speaking to reporters after a meeting of APC governors with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa...yesterday. WIth him (from left) are: Alhaji Muhammad Badaru Abubakar (Jigawa), Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna), Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Tanko Al-Makura (Nasarawa), Umar Ganduje (Kano) and Samuel Ortom (Benue) PHOTO AKIN OLADOKUN

Fireworks at Senate over leadership postions

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HERE were fireworks on the floor of the Senate yesterday.

Motions and counter motions became the order of the day as Senators attempted to win over their colleagues to their sides.

Alleged smuggling into the Senate chamber of an unauthorised Senate Standing Order 2015 also came up for discussion.

Odigie-Oyegun’s letter was also brought to the Senate chamber by Senator Gbenga Ashafa (Lagos East.)

Ashafa specifically requested Saraki to read the letter to guide the upper chamber on how to go about selecting its principal officers.

Ashafa, who came under Senate Standing Orders 15, 28(1), 29(1), 30, 31(1) said he felt that his privilege as a senator had been breached by the refusal of the Senate President to read the letter.

Ashafa said: “A letter written by the Chairman of our great party, the largest party in Africa, the APC, was sent here and by the special grace of God, we expected that that letter which has been received in your office, with due respect, would have been read in order for us to see the resolution of the party’s Senate leadership tussle.

“Let me go to Order 28 (1), Majority Leader of the Senate: There shall be Majority Leader of the Senate nominated by the party with the highest number of seats in the Senate.

“Deputy Majority Leader of

Burying party supremacy

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MINU Tambuwal, now Sokoto State governor, was re-elected member of the House of Representatives in 2011. His ambition was to be Speaker. His then party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saw no sense in his aspiration. The party’s reason was premised on the fact that the party had zoned the office of the Senate President to the North central and as such it would be unfair to have the Speaker also from the North. The party zoned the position to the Southwest and endorsed the candidacy of Mulikat Adeola-Akande. It was as though Adeola-Akande was coasting home to victory.

But, Tambuwal was able to rally the then Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) members and with their block votes, he defeated his party’s choice and emerged Speaker.

Fast-forward to 2015. The governing party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), did not use zoning but it endorsed candidates for the offices of Senate President, Speaker and others. Senator Bukola Saraki and Hon. Yakubu Dogara disagreed with their party and with the support of the opposition PDP, they carried the day. It was a major blow on the party on whose shoulder Nigerians have placed a lot of baggage.

In search of peace, the party licked its wound and accepted Saraki and Dogara. It feels the best way to balance the equation and move forward was to allow its choice for Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, to become the Senate Leader. It From Onyedi Ojiabor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

the Senate: There shall be a Deputy Majority Leader of the Senate. A Deputy Majority Leader shall be a Senator nominated from the party with the highest number of seats in the Senate.

“There shall be a Chief Whip in Senate. The Chief Whip shall be a Senator nominated from the

ANALYSIS

By Olukorede Yishau, Asst. Editor also proposes Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, who ran against Dogara, as House Leader.

From fillers, Dogara has chosen to toe the Tambuwal path by accepting the party’s decision.

Tambuwal, in deference to the party after initially rebelling against it to emerge Speaker, accepted his main challenger Adeola-Akande as House Leader.

But, unlike Dogara, Saraki seems hell-bent on defying the party. To him, party supremacy can as well be dead. Yesterday, his actions showed clearly that he was not willing to buy the party’s idea that Lawan should be the Senate Leader. His supporters argue that the Senate rules do not say the party should decide who occupy principal offices. They say a provision in the rules only says the principal officers will be from the ruling party and not dictated by the party.

Today, Saraki is expected to unfold his choices for the positions. Chances are high that he will not go by the party’s decision. May be only one of the four recommended by the party will have his blessing. If that happens, then party supremacy, which APC governors argue in favour of yesterday after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari, may be on its way to the morgue. Dead.

The consequences? They seem better imagined.

party with the highest number of seats in the Senate.

“Again, 31(4): There shall be a Deputy Majority Whip of the Senate. He shall be a Senator nominated from the party with the highest number of seats in the Senate.

“Mr. President, by virtue of the privilege of being one of the Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and coming from our

party, I believe that that letter should have been read to the hearing of all Senators here present. Perhaps that will be the solution to the leadership tussle in the Senate.”

Hardly had Ashafa sat down when Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah (Kebbi South) offered an “explanation”.

He noted that the Point of OrContinued on page 60

ENATORS yesterday summoned Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) officials over the state of the nation’s four refineries.

Senate President Bukola Saraki said it was time to fully deregulate the downstream sector of the petroleum industry to welcome private operators who are desirous of investing in the sector.

The upper chamber also raised the alarm over the rising incidents of fuel tanker tragedies and resolved that adequate measures be put in place to prevent future occurrences.

These resolutions followed its debate on a motion entitled: “Fuel tanker tragedies on Nigeria’s highway” sponsored by Senator Gbenga Ashafa (Lagos East).

Other co-sponsors of the motion are Senators Oluremi Tinubu (Lagos Central), Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South), Philip Aduda (FCT), Isiaka Adeleke (Osun West) and Adeola Solomon Olamilekan (Lagos West).

Fuel tanker tragedies have recently claimed over 70 lives,

From Onyedi Ojiabor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

destroying property in Lagos and Anambra states.

Ashafa urged his colleagues to note with serious concern the spate of fuel tanker explosions on the nation’s highways.

He observed that within the space of one week, four fuel tanker accidents occurred in two major cities.

The first incident was at Upper Iweka in Onitsha, Anambra State. It claimed over 70 lives.

A tanker conveying 33,000 litres of petrol exploded at Iyana-Ipana, Lagos, injuring no fewer than 14 persons. About 21 vehicles and 44 shops were razed.

Ashafa urged the lawmakers to note that as Nigerians were still lamenting the tragedy at Iyana-Ipaja, another one occurred at Idimu in Alimisho Local Government Area of Lagos.

He said the incident destroyed property worth millions of naira, including 34 buildings, 70 shops, one tricycle, one truck and others.

Continued on page 60

APC governors to Saraki: respect party supremacy Continued from page 1

to keep the system going.

“So we as progressive governors, we have listened to the President and we have discussed extensively and we are clear that the party’s position should be supported by the senators. This is the way it should be and we should start on a note of working closely.”

Oshiomhole added: “We as governors, we listen to the party and we expect our senators to also listen to the party.

“We are going to call them and tell them this is it and explain our reasons. We can’t continue to allow individuals to...it is about party supremacy.”

APC Governors’ Forum Chairman Rochas Okorocha said: “We are worried by what is happening at the National Assembly. We felt we should rub minds with Mr. President and also to commend him on the steps he has taken so far to address the issue of the economy of the nation, which is literally in shambles.

According to him, the

meeting with the President was more reassuring and showed that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

He said: “But with all these achievements we are making, progress we are making, we are worried by the pockets of disagreements going on at the National Assembly and we have resolved that we came from a party and our party’s views should be respected.

“And so we feel that there is room for us to invite our senators and look more into the matter and see how we can all make peace.

“We believe that our party, which we all came from, that everyone should respect our party and for that reason we have decided that we are going to invite our senators and rub minds with them.

“We are saying that there shouldn’t be a winner-takesall, that we should carry everybody along, and accommodate others as suggested by the party.” He stated The APC states not represented at the meeting are Lagos, Zamfara, Ogun, Sokoto, Yobe and Bauchi.

Robbers smash two banks with explosives in Lagos

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T was like a scene from an action-packed movie.

A group of people, among them a lady, shooting indiscriminately, their guns’ smoke clouding the skyline.

Residents scampered indoors, banging their doors. Businesses closes hurriedly.

The scene was no movie, it all happened in Ikorodu the

By Adebisi Onanuga and Precious Igbonwelundu

outskirts of Lagos where robbers struck.

The robbers, armed with sophisticated guns and explosives, hit two banks on Ipakodo Road, Ebute, Ikorodu.

They escaped in a speedboat on the lagoon after setting

ablaze some vehicles, including the ones that brought them.

The cash lost in the early morning robbery could not be ascertained last night.

Witknesses said the robbers might have arrived at the vicinity of the banks at dawn and laid a seige to the area, waiting for them to open for business.

They launched the attacks simultaneously around 8:30am.

The robbers disarmed the securitymen and made straight for the doors, which they blasted with explosives.

While the operation was going on inside, some of the robbers stood guard outside and intermittently fired shots into the air to scare away people.

Witnesses said there was heavy exchange of gun shots between the robbers and policemen who responded to distress calls.

A witnes, who runs a business concern close to the banks, which are opposite a police station, said at a point in the course of the operation, the robbers dared the police to come out and face them.

There was pandemonium in Ipakodo. Pedestrians scampered for safety. Motorists made u-turns to leave the area.

The incident caused a traffic gridlock at Ogolonto and on Beach Road as motorists changed routes to escape from the troubled area.

It was gathered that some pedestrians and customers were injured by stray bullets.

Commissioner of Police Kayode Aderanti visited the robbery scene and met with operatives in the area.

He said the police had launched “full scale investigation” into the robbery, with a view to arresting the suspects.

He also said investigation was on-going on last month’s robbery at another bank in Omitoro, Ijede Road, in the same town.

Yesterday’s attack came barely three weeks after the one at Ijede.

A police source said yesterday that the robbers might have taken a cue from the bank robbery in Lekki two months ago as the mode of operation was the same. Some of the suspects in the Lekki robbery have been arrested by the police.

Lagos Police spokesman Ken Nwosu, a Deputy Superintendent, said investigations had begun into the robbery. He announced a N5 million reward for anyone with useful information on the robbers.

He said: “At about 0830hrs of June 24, some armed bandits numbering 10 stormed banks on Ipakodo Road, Iko-

rodu and carted away unspecified amount of money.

“The armed bandits were engaged by policemen mobilised to the scene forcing them to escape through the Origin Jetty along Kosoko water.

“The command is taking far reaching decisions towards tackling the menace of these hoodlums. Intensive efforts towards rounding up these hoodlums are underway even as the CP assured the banks of the Command’s resolve to ensure the safety of their operations in Ikorodu and indeed the state.

“Three vehicles used by the bandits got burnt under cross fire and empty shells were recovered.”

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

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NJC penalised 64 judges in five years, says CJN

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IXTY-FOUR of the nation’s 1020 judges have been penalised for unethical conduct within the last five years, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mahmud Mohammed, said yesterday.

The CJN said the measure was intended to rid the bench of bad eggs. He regretted that while the Judiciary was doing its best to eliminate its few bad eggs, the larger society was doing less to curb corruption.

EFCC to rectors: curb corruption From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

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HE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has warned heads of higher institutions of learning to curb corruption.

The Chairman of the antigraft agency, Ibrahim Lamorde, spoke in Kaduna yesterday while addressing rectors and provosts of polytechnics and specialised institutions at a workshop organised by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).

The EFCC boss said: “Time does not run out on criminal investigation and prosecution. If you neglect to do what you should today, EFCC may come knocking on your door.

Make transparency and accountability your guiding principles today or you are held accountable for your failure to check corruption in your institution, even long after you must have left it.”

The EFCC boss, who was represented by the Director, Public Affairs of the Commission, Mr Osita Nwojah, told the rectors and provosts that his commission would not condone any form of financial crime.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. MacJohn Nwaobiala, said the number of petitions received on corruption in the polytechnics was alarming.

Nwaobiala was represented by the Director, Tertiary Education Department, Hajiya Hindatu Abdullahi.

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

Justice Mohammed spoke in Abuja yesterday at a conference with the theme: “The fight against corruption: The way forward,” organised by the Anti-corruption Commission of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA).

“While the Judiciary has been in the spotlight of public scrutiny, we continue to take active steps towards sanitising the Bench. Where petitions are received in respect of Judicial officers, they are promptly investigated via internal procedures put in place by the National Judicial Council and where culpable, such officers are disciplined in accordance with established procedures.

“Under my tenure as the chairman of the National Judicial Council, we have not shirked this responsibility but faced it head on. Between

2009 and 2014 of the 1020 Judges in the superior courts, over 64 Judges were disciplined as appropriate by the NJC and some of them are no more within our ranks.

“It is, however, sad to note that public officials and persons, who benefit from corrupting judicial officers, are never investigated, apprehended or even prosecuted, even though the judiciary disciplines its own.

“The basic question, my lords, ladies and gentlemen is, how can we stop corruption when the scale is seemingly tilted in favour of the beneficiaries? While trying to improve discipline within the Bench, the leadership of the Judiciary has also taken steps to enact new guidelines that will see a more transparent recruitment process, thus ensuring that only persons that are intellectually sound with integrity are appointed

as judicial officers ab initio.

“It is important to highlight that the Bench is a product of the Bar and unless we work in synergy to ensure that only fit and proper persons remain in our midst, it will be impossible to expect a different Bench when its origin remains the same.

“I hereby call on the leadership of the Bar to expunge from its ranks, such persons whose conduct may be unfit, improper, dishonest or otherwise unethical. The time has surely come for us all to take concrete, meaningful and lasting action to exorcise the pernicious ghost of corruption from the most noble of professions,” the CJN said.

Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) Sam Sada blamed the problem of corruption on existing legal framework, which discourages openness in the activities of agencies as the CCB. Sada, who was represented

by the Bureau’s Secretary, Kolade Omoyola, noted that legal impediments to the public declaration of assets by public officers had been a stumbling block in the fight against corruption.

NBA President Augustine Alegeh (SAN) noted that despite the establishment of anti-corruption agencies, corruption was growing and remained untamed.

“Successive governments had been quite vocal in their criticism of corruption and had wasted little or no time to draw up road maps and policies, which were claimed to be the final solution to ending the endemic scourge.

“However, little success is recorded in this regard as these policies were either never implemented or when implemented, observed more in breach than in compliance,” Alegeh said.

CU to produce 104 First Class at 10th graduation

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NE hundred and four graduates of Covenant University (CU), Ota, Ogun State will receive First Class degrees in various disciplines at the its 10th convocation tomorrow.

This represents 7.91 per cent of those convocating.

The university will also launch its maiden Industry Partnership Luncheon today.

Of the 1315 graduates, 610 (46.39 per cent) will be awarded Second Class (upper division), 510 will receive Second Class (lower division), while 91 are in third class category.

CU will be graduating 18 PhDs, 109 Masters of Science and seven Post Graduate Diplomas.

Speaking at a pre-convocation news conference at the university’s ALDC auditorium yesterday, its ViceChancellor, Prof Charles Ayo, told reporters that the record of 104 First Class graduates was an improvement over the 82 First Class graduates at the last convocation.

Ayo said: “The university, through CUCRID, has established 21 active research clusters and recorded research

By Adegunle Olugbamila

breakthroughs and products from agricultural produce, non-fuel powered automobile, e-governance, intelligent security system for crime detection and tracking devices, malaria research and alternative low energy cooling devices.”

He added: “Covenant University is hosting captains of industry with the general objective of harmonising industry/academic partnership for national development. This is a strategic approach to finding lasting solutions to the challenges of quality education and nation building.

“At CU, we realise that sectional discourse will not do much beyond highlighting the problems and proffer theoretical solutions. We are out to champion this change hence the involvement of the industry in a collaborative parley to translate research findings into products and to make our graduates aware of the real industry situations and focus their interest in assisting the industry in improving products and services.”

The Vice-chancellor added

•Managing Director, New Horizons Systems Solutions, Mr. Tim Akano (left) and Prof. Ayo at the renewal of partnership on international IT and e-business skills certification at the university campus, Ota, Ogun State.

that the university, which is now 13 years-old, first opened its doors to 1500 new students in October 21, 2002, with a vision to effect transformation in the education sector.

Also at the news conference were: Deputy Vice-chancellor Prof Taiwo Abioye, the Reg-

istrar, Dr Olumiya Oludayo; Director Centre for Learning Resources, Dr Chris Nkiko; and Director, Financial Services, Pastor Deji Okubanjo.

Others are: the Director, Planning and Physical Development, Mr Gbenga Alalade, and Dean, Students Affairs, Mr Azubuike Ezenwoke.

ICPC moves against corrupt officials at airports

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HE war to rid the international airports in the country of corruption got a boost yesterday when members of the Project Advisory Committee on the Corruption Risk Assessment (CRA) in the aviation sector were inaugurated in the office of the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Aviation in Abuja.

The inauguration was a follow up to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Federal Ministry of Aviation (FMA) last December in Lagos.

A member of the ICPC and Chairman of the joint committee, Alhaji Ozi Salami, said the collaboration had yielded several gains, which included public enlightenment campaigns against corruption at the airports, surveillance and intelligence gathering activities as well as a sting operation to arrest perpetrators of corruption.

Salami added that reports since the last sting operation showed that there was an awareness of the presence of the commission at the airports and this had reduced impunity.

He said: “There is a need to continue the tempo of the intervention, so that the anti-corruption message will be consolidated.

“CRA is a corruption prevention tool, which works with organisations’ management to identify vulnerable areas that are prone to corruption, proffer recommendations, and develop integrity plans that would strengthen accountability and transparency towards checking corruption and enhancing service delivery.

“It is focused on studying organisational systems and operational environments with a view to addressing identified corruption risks therein. It is pertinent to emphasise that CRA is not a criminal investigation, but rather a study of systems with a view to recommend a review to reduce corruption.”

Leadership crisis deepens as Reps caucuses kick

•Speaker Yakubu Dogara

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HE leadership crisis in the House of Representatives worsened yesterday, as All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmakers in the Northcentral and Southeast caucuses kicked against the nominations for Principal Officers.

The Northcentral Caucus, in a statement by Haman Pategi, said the party

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

•APC Northcentral, Southeast reject list

usurped the power of the zonal caucuses by sending the names to the leadership of the House.

The statement reads: “The Northcentral Caucus of the APC in the House of Representatives has observed with dismay the position of the party regarding the purported choice of Principal Officers by the APC party leadership.

“It views strongly the total exclusion of the Northcentral Zone of the party from principal positions in the Eighth Assembly.

“We view with utter disbelief and amazement the purported letter published in the media that the party’s position was taken after due consultation, when infact, we were never consulted as a

We, therefore, strongly reject the purported selection by the party, which we see as being in conflict with the principle of federal character as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic. caucus.”

The caucus said it was amazed by the directive of the party to the leadership of the House “ to take necessary action on the purported choice made by the party, which we see as a clear usurpation of the powers of the zonal caucuses as guaranteed by the Constitution and the standing Rules of the House of Representatives.

“We, therefore, strongly reject the purported selection by the party, which we see as being in conflict with the principle of federal character as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic.”

Similarly, APC lawmakers in the House from the Southeast Caucus yesterday expressed displeasure at the Principal Officers’ list from the party, saying they had been left out of equation.

Speaking on the same issue yesterday, Chukwukere Austine Ikechukwu, representing Ideato North/South of Imo State, lamented the situation, saying it was unacceptable.

“Many of you will recall that in a few days now, it has been awash in the press that the party has distributed the remaining positions in the leadership of the National As-

sembly, especially with regards to the House of Representatives.

“And in that arrangement, whether it is true or false, nothing is zoned to the Southeast. And we believe that in the spirit of national character, in the spirit of good connection to the rest of Nigeria, in the spirit of making us belong, in the spirit of ensuring that equity and justice is done, there is no way the leadership of the party will distribute positions of leadership of the National Assembly without giving a slot to the Southeast.”

Ikechukwu, who was at the

briefing with another member, Chile Okafor, said the zone rejected the decision of the party and called on the party leadership to ensure that equity was served.

Also on Tuesday, the Southsouth Caucus in the House-led by Pally Iriase, rejected the proposal of the party, saying they were not consulted.

In a June 23 letter addressed to the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara, the APC sent a list of names approved as Principal Officers.

Femi Gbajabiamila (Southwest) was chosen as the Majority Leader, Alhassan Ado Doguwa (Northwest, Deputy Majority leader, M.T. Monguno (Northeast), Chief Whip; and Pally Iriase (Southsouth) was pencilled down as Deputy Chief Whip.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

6

NEWS

House probes $8b crude oil swap amid row over data D ESPITE conflicting data, the House of Representatives yesterday resolved to probe the $8 billion crude oil swap deals.

Speaker Yakubu Dogara said the House will raise an ad hoc committee to probe the alleged $8 billion discrepancy in the deal.

The crude oil swap was done by the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company (PPMC), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

When the issue was first mentioned, the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) denied the loss of $8 billion from the Crude Swap programme, which was ascribed to it.

Its Director of Communication Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, said: "The media report from that presentation attributed to NEITI that the nation lost $8 billion annually through crude oil swap was not only wrong, but

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

misleading.

"What NEITI presented and explained at that hearing was that there is no cost efficiency in the transactions with the offshore processing organisations."

But the House offered to investigate the veracity or otherwise of the claims of NEITI and some of the oil firms.

This followed the adoption of a motion by a member, Michael Enyong (PDP, Akwa Ibom).

The motion was titled: "Urgent need for a forensic Investigation of the contract known as 'Refined products Exchange Agreement or Swap Contract" between the Pipeline and Products Marketing Company (PPMC), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum

Corporation (NNPC) and Oil Trading Companies.'"

Nnana Igbokwe (PDP, Imo) saw no need for the House's intervention again since Mr. President had already directed the Department of State Services (DSS) to begin investigation of the oil swap deals.

The motion was also opposed

by Obinna Chidoka (PDP, Anambra State), who said there were enough investigative reports on the oil sector, which the House should revisit and take action.

Prof. Mojeed Alabi said the motion was lacking in research and data accuracy. He called for more diligence to make a meaning of the investigation.

Chidoka said the figures quoted were not correct.

Attempts by former Majority Leader, Leo Ogor, through a point of order to truncate the

debate by citing procedural error for the presentation of the motion by the sponsor was countered by former Minority Leader Femi Gbajabiamila (APC, Lagos).

Gbajabiamila reminded his colleagues that it was agreed on Tuesday that due to importance of motion like that, rules should always be suspended to accommodate them.

Emmanuel Oghene (PDP, Lagos State) supported the motion, citing the amount of money involved and the importance of the subject.

Oghene and Razak Atunwa (APC, Kwara), noted that Igbokwe's assertion was not right because the gravity of the consequences of the oil swap arrangement on the nation should make it mandatory on the House to carry out its own investigation.

•Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth (left) presenting an award to Nigeria's Ahmed Adamu, Chairperson, Commonwealth Youth Council, during the Queen's Young Leaders Award ceremony at Buckingham Palace, United Kingdom.

•Denies involvement in talk for subsidy removal

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HE Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) yesterday urged President Muhammadu Buhari to prosecute those that were accused of “stealing oil subsidy fund”.

Its National President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, who sought the prosecution in a statement, warned that “there shall be no selective justice”.

He said: ”In the light of the above, we urge President Muhammadu Buhari to muster the necessary political will by not only opening up the sector to fair competition, but by ensuring diligent prosecution of all the accused.

“We remain convinced that the real solution to the crisis in the sector lies in ensuring that domestic refining is promoted.”

He, however, denied the congress’ involvement in the consultation for the purported plan to remove oil subsidy.

In the statement, titled: “We are not involved”, the congress noted that there was no time that it was consulted for the removal of the subsidy.

Wabba, in the rejoinder to a report in one of the national

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

newspapers (not The Nation), said the NLC recognised that corruption was being perpetrated by government agencies and businessmen in the downstream sector of the petroleum industry.

The NLC boss noted that to be able to deal with this situation effectively, government must break up this cabal by opening up the downstream sector of the petroleum industry to fair competition.

Wabba said NLC, in January 2012, protested increase in prices of petroleum products. He added that it unravelled illegal activities in the sector and prompted legal proceedings against some culprits.

He said in spite of overwhelming and incontrovertible evidence against the culprits, nothing has been heard about the cases.

The NLC president said the subsidy scam would be an opportunity for government to demonstrate its fight against corruption through diligent prosecution.

How Buhari can recover stolen billions, by UK envoy

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‘Intellectual property rights protection ‘ll boost economy’ E XPERTS have urged the Federal Government to protect intellectual property (IP) rights to boost the nation’s economy.

They said its role in economic development in emerging markets like Nigeria remains unexplored or broadly misunderstood.

According to them, an increasing number of policymakers are beginning to recognise the important role of the IP system in encouraging private investment in research and development, especially in the industrial and scientific fields.

They spoke at a media briefing on a workshop with the theme: “The dynamic role of Intellectual Property in promoting innovation and economic development in emerging markets”.

Sponsored by Pfizer Pharmaceutical Company, and others, the event will hold from July 14-16 at the Four Point by Sheraton Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos.

One of the organisers, Uwa Ohiku, said intellectual property should be handled at the policy-making level of government, especially when trade agreements are signed.

According to her, the government was culpable in the signing off the IP rights of Nigerians and companies.

She said: “The textile indus-

NLC to President: arraign oil subsidy scam’s suspects

•Pfizer, others host workshop July 14-16

By Joseph Jibueze and Wale Adepoju

try is gone because its IP was not protected. The Chinese came and copied some of designs, which originated from the country, and made it theirs.

Today, they sell cheap fabrics of our designs. This happened because nobody is protecting the country’s IP.” Ohiku called for a review of laws on IP, adding that the government must be more involved. “When there is no executive understanding, where do we stand? The policy makers do not even understand it,” Ohiku said.

South Africa, she added, was making money from IP because it knew its benefit to the economic, adding that people have not been benefitting from traditional knowledge (TK) because they were only interested in inventions, but did not protect them.

“The TK, especially on adire (tie and fabrics), which originated from Ogun State should be money spinning,” she said.

Director, Corporate Affairs, Health and Value, Pfizer Nigeria East Africa Region (NEAR), Margaret Olele said her organisation’s involvement was borne out of the need to

protect “what is important to the society”. It is also a bid to help fight counterfeiting.

“Also, we look at what affects us in the environment and not just in the pharmaceutical sector alone. We are not satisfied until our products get to the patients, who are the end users,” she said.

Olele said Pfizer would continue to partner with other companies to ensure that the IP rights are protected.

Director, Regulatory Affairs, Pfizer Bunmi Femi-Oyekan said: “The issue of infringement and counterfeiting is important to us. As a company, we try to strengthen the security of our products. However, this is not easily achieved because counterfeiters are very good at what they do. Hence, we support the regulatory agencies.”

A co-organiser, Mr. Obafemi Agaba, said advanced countries took the issues of IP seriously, adding that South Africa has a functional IP policy in place.

This, he noted, has helped to make some of its global brands.

“President Barrack Obama appointed an IP adviser into the Office of President of United States because he understood its importance to the economy,” he said.

He also wants a review of the Patent Act, which he said was passed down by the colonial masters.

In a statement, the organiser, Anadach Group, said: “This workshop will examine the current and potential contribution of IP protection in growing local economies.”

It said it will address the economic benefits of IP e.g. GDP, employment, tax revenues; IP’s role in promoting innovation e.g. in the technology/mobile phone industry, film industry; tts role in quantifying innovations in small to medium enterprises (SMEs) to secure investments, grow market value, and leverage new markets.

RITISH High Commissioner to Nigeria Sir Andrew Pocock has advised President Muhammadu Buhari to break up the system that produced corruption and pick areas of interest “one after the other” to recover stolen funds.

Buhari, during his meeting with the 36 state governors on Tuesday, vowed to recover the country’s stolen funds.

The state governors have been experiencing crises following their inability to pay workers’ salaries in their respective states.

Pocock said rather than addressing corruption as a whole, the President should, for instance, look into the military’s budget in terms of procurement or funds diverted from the Federation Account.

The ambassador, who spoke on a live programme on Channels TV, said the Nigerian military has a yearly budgetary allocation of about $5 billion, which, according to him, was sufficient to equip the armed forces.

He said: “Part of the issue is to trace and return stolen monies; but that is only a tip of the iceberg. The real question is to break up the system routines, organisations and individuals that contribute to the leeching of Nigerian public money overseas. More important is to assault

From Olugbenga Adanikin, Abuja

the mentality of seeing public money as a free gold.”

The envoy, who stated that he was not advising the President, added that Buhari might succeed, if he fights corruption across board.

“The way to do it is to pick areas of primary focus and zero in on that. So, if you are looking at military reform, it might be to look at procurement. If it is to look at the oil sector, it might be revenue diversion; money that never reaches the federation account never mind oil theft. So, to breakup corruption cocoon into project sizes, you can focus on a particular difficulty,” he said.

He added that the Swiss government had been reactive in returning some of the stolen money by former Military Head of State Gen. Sani Abacha.

According to Pocock, the present administration should complement its moves with actions to showcase that impunity was no longer a norm in the country.

On British intervention on insurgency, the ambassador assured of his country’s readiness to partner in the fight.

He said the British government was ready to train Nigerian Army battalion and brigades in Maiduguri.

Forum on U.S. medical residency to hold in Lagos

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MEDIA event management company, Pocket Presents, in collaboration with Business Day, will hold a forum on access to United States (U.S.) Medical Residency programme for Nigerians.

It will take place at the Four Points Hotel in Lagos on July 4, The programme is targeted at helping Nigerian doctors and medical students “to gain their U.S. Residency faster”.

It will also expose applicants to the forces that affect and govern medical education and residency in the U.S. as well as help them to achieve success in their applications.

The event will be anchored by a renowned U.S.-based medical practitioner, Dr. Ngozike Orjioke, who has helped many foreign applicants become medical doctors in the U.S. through the residency programme.

By Tonia ‘Diyan

Orjioke served as Chief Fellow during her pulmonary critical care fellowship as well as Pulmonolgist-Intensivist at Atlanta Medical Centre, Atlanta, Georgia.

She said the number of applicants for the U.S. residency programme has continued to grow over the years and international competition for residency spots increasing considerably.

“The quest to become a doctor in the U.S. has been driven by several things such as the quality of the residency programme, access to better funding for research, access to better medical facilities, and the importance the U.S. government and private organisations have placed on ensuring the U.S. is at the forefront of medical research and development in the world,” she added.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

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NEWS 17 months unpaid salaries: AIT workers shut down Benin station

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ORKERS of DAAR Communications Limited, owners of African Independent Television (AIT) and Ray Power FM station in Benin, the Edo State capital, yesterday shut down the stations over non-payment of salaries ranging from 11 to 17 months.

The workers took over the entrance to the premises of the broadcast outfit on Iqueniro Road, Benin bypass.

They shut down the station’s broadcast, alleging high-handedness by the management.

The aggrieved workers said they were living in penury while some management officials were in opulence.

The placard-carrying protesters said they were miffed that their employers were sacking workers in the face of its failure to pay salaries.

They said a manager allegedly told the Abuja head-

•The protesters...yesterday From Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin

quarters that working with contract workers would be more convenient than having permanent workers.

Efforts to reach the Benin

Station Manager and Head of AIT, Oyeghe Oyarekhua, and Head of Ray Power, Osadolor Igiozee, were unsuccessful.

The station’s Head of Marketing, Baimoh Emozozo, could also not be reached.

Reporters were told that enquiries should be directed to the Abuja headquarters of the organisation.

A worker said: “Everything here is about salaries and these are issues handled

by the headquarters.

“So we will advise that enquiries be directed to Abuja but I can assure you that management is working to ensure all is well.”

The stations are off air.

Oyo deputy governor calls for prayer From Sikiru Akinola, Ibadan

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•From right: Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun, the widow, Mrs. Anubis Cruzata Williams, children David and Samantha, at the wake in honour of the former Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Culture and Tourism, Chief Shina Williams, held at the Cinema Hall, June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta...yesterday.

YO State Deputy Governor Moses Adeyemo has advised Nigerians to pray for the country to survive the current financial crisis.

Adeyemo spoke yesterday during the official presentation of risk management document titled: “Multi-sector Oyo State camp coordination contingency plan” by West African Network for Peace Building (WANEP) in his office.

According to Adeyemo, Nigeria is in a deep financial mess, which requires people with deep financial knowledge to clean up.

He assured that Nigeria will overcome and make a rebound.

Akwa Ibom polls: Tribunal gives INEC 10 days to move materials to Abuja

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HE Akwa Ibom State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, sitting in Abuja, has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to move all polling documents and result sheets used in the April 11 governorship poll from Uyo, the state capital, to Abuja, within 10 days.

Tribunal Chairman Justice Sadiq Umar gave the order yesterday in Abuja in a ruling he delivered at the tribunal’s resumed sitting.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Justice Umar-led three-man tribunal is sitting over a petition filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate, Umana Umana, who are asking the tribunal to nullify the election of the Governor Emmanuel Udom of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In his ruling, Justice Umar said the tribunal judiciously exercised its discretion in granting Umana’s application, that the polling documents, result sheets and oth-

er materials used in the election be moved to Abuja.

He ordered that the election materials be moved to the INEC headquarters within 10 days to allow the petitioner access them.

The tribunal chairman directed the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to provide tight security for INEC when the materials are being moved.

Justice Umar gave Umanna and his lawyers 14 days to inspect the election materials when they arrive INEC

headquarters in Abuja.

The tribunal chairman also ordered the police and the State Security Services to jointly provide security to Umana and his legal team, when they are carrying out the inspection of the election materials.

Umana’s lead counsel Wole Olanipekun had argued that INEC was frustrating the efforts of his client’s forensic team from accessing the polling documents in Uyo. The lawyer sought an order directing INEC to move

the election materials to the tribunal’s secretariat in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court at Maitama, Abuja.

Emmanuel’s lead counsel Adegboyega Awomolo opposed the application on the ground that it was filed out of the time stipulated by the Electoral Act. Awomolo argued that the application was defective because he had filed a motion challenging the directive for moving the tribunal from Uyo to Abuja.

We’re preparing to unseat PDP in Bayelsa, says APC

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State has said it is preparing to wrest power from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2016.

The party’s Publicity Secretary, Panebi Fortune, said the PDP was dead in the state.

He said the ruling party had also accepted defeat, following the exodus of prominent politicians ahead of the governorship election.

Fortune, who spoke yesterday in Yenagoa, the state capital, dismissed insinuations of internal crisis in the APC because of the suspension of some party members

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

accused of anti-party activities.

He said: “What happened was that we discovered that some expelled APC members were recruited and paid huge by the PDP to cause problems in our midst.

“One of the expelled members deceived some APC members, by using them to create a crisis among us.

“We discovered on time and acted fast by suspending those known to have met with him.

“As expected, those people formed what they called ‘The Integrity Group’ to fight

It is a huge joke. We really do not want to dignify these people with our response. But as an individual, after reading the statement, I laughed because the people sounded like comedians back. They embarked on a failed mission of issuing a statement that they have also suspended some members of the State Working Committee (SWC), including our Chairman, Tiwe Oru-

minighe.”

Fortune said the statement was laughable because no group or organisation has the power to suspend members of the party, apart from the SWC. He said: “It is a huge joke.

We really do not want to dignify these people with our response. But as an individual, after reading the statement, I laughed because the people sounded like comedians.”

The spokesman urged other party members and those willing to join it to disregard the activities of the group.

He said the people behind the group were sponsored by the PDP government.

Fortune said: “The APC is intact. We are one family and we are working with one purpose of seizing power from the clueless PDP to better the lots of Bayelsans. We are, however, bent on ensuring party discipline.”

The spokesman said a disciplinary committee had been set up to probe the activities of the suspended members and review their punishment.

He added that if the members were found unrepentant, their suspension could be converted to expulsion.

Fortune said APC would not allow anybody to sow seeds of discord within its fold.

‘Use wives as next of kins’ A former member of the House of Representatives, Mrs. Abike Dabiri, has urged men to write a will and testament in case of eventualities.

Dabiri spoke at the International Widows’ Day held at the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Lagos.

According to her, it is important that men have a legal declaration which covers their wives to manage property and ensure the distribution of such.

“Men should use their wives as next of kin instead of brothers or sisters who often neglect the wife and children in times of need.

Painfully, it is even women who often harass their dead siblings’ widow the most.

“You widows should be bold to report molestation or any form of abuse or harassment and be ready to take legal actions. Especially when your dead husband’s family talk about surrogacy, that is for your dead husband’s older or younger brother to marry you,” she said.

She added that widows should be outspoken about their challenges, assuring that the First Lady, Hajiya Aishat Buhari, is committed to empowering Nigerian women.

‘Akinyele hale and hearty’ FORMER Minister of Information Chief Alex Akinyele is hale and hearty, his Media Adviser, Aliu Mohammed Olurotimi, said yesterday.

In a statement, Olurotimi said: “Our attention has been drawn to publications in some newspapers and the social media that Former Minister of Information, Chief (Sir) Alex Akinyele is ill and needs urgent medical attention.

“We wish to state that the story is not only false and absolutely misleading but a figment of the dirty and wicked imagination of the writers.

“This misleading story has not only caused an unimaginable embarrassment to Chief Akinyele, his children and family members but it has caused great panic among his friends and associates.

“The truth is that Chief Akinyele is in a very good condition of health. He is hale and hearty. It is a known fact that the Ondo high chief celebrated his 78th birthday on April 24 at his Lagos residence with his family members and friends.

“Normally, it should not be expected that a man of this age will be as active and visible at public or social functions and events as it used to be when he was younger.

“As a man who is aging gracefully, Chief Akinyele has decided to take things easy by attending to all his visitors and official matters from his Magodo, Lagos home, a situation which cannot be attributed to ill health in any way.”

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

NEWS ‘Ondo police not extorting’

Lagos opposes sexual offences bill

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

By Adebisi Onanuga

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HE police in Ondo State have said the protest by commercial motorcyclists in Akure, the state capital, last weekend, was not caused by police extortion.

Police spokesman Wole Ogodo said a policeman attached to Ijapo Police Division had a brawl with a commercial motorcyclist.

He said the policemen were on official assignment when the motorcyclist obstructed their way.

Ogodo said in the ensuing melee, the motorcyclist was injured, as minimum force was applied by the police to bring him to the station.

According to him, the Area Commander in Akure, Edward Ajogun, pleaded with the protesters before they dispersed.

Ogodo said: “To further consolidate the peace accord, the commander met all parties and an agreement was finally reached.”

Tribunal: no Card Reader printout From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado Ekiti

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HE Ekiti State Election Petition Tribunal has dismissed the application of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Ekiti Central senatorial candidate, Gbenga Olofin, seeking the release of the printout of the Card Reader used for the election.

Olofin and his party are challenging the election of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Mrs Fatimat Rasaki, in the March 28 National Assembly election.

APC candidate claimed in his petition that the first respondent, Mrs. Rasaki, was not duly elected by the majority of votes cast.

Tribunal Chairman Justice A. N. Erhabor said the APC candidate’s prayer failed because the petitioners did not cite any authority backing their request.

Justice Erhabor also held that the petitioners did not adduce any reason for the application to be granted by the three-man jury.

The tribunal adjourned sitting till tomorrow.

Boroffice: no interest in Senate leadership From Damisi Ojo, Akure

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HE senator representing Ondo North, Prof Ajayi Boroffice, has said he is not lobbying for any position in the Senate.

Rather, he said his priority was to give proactive representation to the people.

He noted that the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress(APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, had sent a letter with the names of the Principal Officers in the Senate and House of Representatives to the Senate President, Bukola Saraki and Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara.

He queried the rationale behind the support given by his counterpart in Ondo Central, Tayo Alasoadura, to the emergence of Saraki as the Senate President.

This action, according to the Asiwaju of Akokoland, was against APC directives.

•Ogun State Deputy Governor Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga (right), her Osun State counterpart Mrs. Titilayo Laoye-Tomori (second right), former Lagos State Deputy Governor Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulure (left) with the couple, Mr & Mrs Abisoye Ademowo, in Ora-Igbomina, Osun State.

Skye Bank explains closure of Ejigbo branch

T

HE management of Skye Bank Plc has explained why it closed its Ejigbo branch in Osun State.

Head, Corporate Communications, Rasheed Bolarinwa said the branch was relocated to Ede, 25 kilometres away, following incessant robbery attacks.

He said before it was finally shut in 2010, the branch was robbed five times.

But the community’s monarch, the Ogiyan of Ejigbo, Oba Omowonuola Oyesosin, alleged that the management wanted to sell the building and land given to the bank by the community.

In a statement explaining the closure of the branch,

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

Bolarinwa was, however, silent on the monarch’s allegation.

Skye Bank said: “The respected traditional ruler addressed a press conference the same day the bank received a letter of complaint from him, thereby foreclosing any form of amicable settlement before the media reports came out. ‘’The bank holds the traditional ruler in high esteem and would continue to explore peaceful avenues to resolve the issue.

“The closure, a last resort, was the only course of action for the bank after the monarch could not give any as-

surance of improved security in the town after several engagements with the bank.

The community was then advised of the nearest branch at Ede or Iwo. “The bank subsequently obtained the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to close the branch on account of the prevailing security threat. ‘’In 2013, the community sought after two competing banks to occupy the facility.

They took the banks straight to Skye Bank’s General Services Department (GSD), to negotiate an exchange.

“This was in view of our assets (building and equipment) on ground. The community was eager to bring

back a bank into the town.

Their efforts proved abortive following their inability to provide evidence of improved security to the potential banks.

“In late 2014, they approached Skye Bank with the possibility of returning to Ejigbo.”

The bank said it has not done anything illegal or unconstitutional by considering the closure of a branch “where security breach and loss of assets, which undermine its continued operations, have become the order of the day. The safety of our employees and assets remains the overriding factor in our business decisions, and this will continue to remain so.”

Pensioners protest unpaid arrears in Ibadan

P

ENSIONERS, under the aegis of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), yesterday stormed the Government House, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, to protest unpaid pension arrears.

The pensioners sang solidarity songs and carried placards with inscriptions: “We reject NLC,TUC and government MOU”; “Muhammadu Buhari bail pensioners out before we die”; “Stop avoidable deaths”; “Please pay us immediately” and others.

The protesters, led by Gbade Akande, who spoke on behalf of the state NUP

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

Chairman, Ganiyu Azeez, said the government owe them six months arrears while that of primary school teachers is between eight to 25 months.

The pensioners demanded, among other things, the payment of February to June pensions, payment of eight to 25 months pension to retired primary school teachers, an increase of fund to the Ministry of Establishment to pay gratuity and payment of gratuity to the retired teachers.

Others are implementation of six per

cent and l5 per cent increase for retired local government workers, payment of arrears of six per cent and l5 per cent pension increase and reinstatement of pensioners, whose names were unjustifiably removed.

The protesters also appealed to the Federal Government to come to their rescue.

Deputy Governor Moses Alake Adeyemo thanked the pensioners for their patience.

He called for more understanding, adding that the situation is not peculiar to the state alone.

PDP BoT to guide party’s National Assembly elections

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HE Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken it upon itself to guide its members in the National Assembly to select the principal officers due it.

The party’s trustees have initiated moves to stave off possible disagreements in the choice of minority slots in the Senate and the House of Representatives.

The slots include the Minority Leader, Deputy Minority Leader, Minority Whip and Deputy Minority Whip.

According to a source, the move is to avoid the disagreements within the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Rising from a meeting at the party’s national secretariat yesterday, the BoT members said they were in the

From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

process of putting the party back on track.

Addressing reporters after the meeting, BoT Secretary Walid Jubril said the party leadership would work in synergy with its members in the National Assembly.

Jubril said: “The Board of Trustees is up to the task of providing guidance not only to the party executives but to members of the National Assembly. That is why we have involved ourselves to ensure that there is synergy among our members in the National Assembly.

“We are calling on all our members to remain calm.

We are doing all our best to ensure sanity is restored.

Our party is going to rise again.

“As we are doing so, we

‘We are calling on all our members to remain calm. We are doing all our best to ensure sanity is restored’ need their cooperation and without their cooperation, I do not think we will succeed. Let them give us time so that we can do our best to ensure that we bring back the prominence of this party.”

The BoT scribe added that the party would set a road map and action plan to han-

dle issues arising from its defeat in the last general elections.

The committee, he said, had sought for and obtained an extension of up to 10 weeks to enable it complete its assignment.

He affirmed the choice of Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko as chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, saying issues arising from Mimiko’s emergence had been resolved.

The meeting was presided over by the Acting BoT chairman, Dr. Mohammed Bello Haliru. Also at the meeting were Senator Ike Ekweremadu; Gombe State Governor Ibrahim Dankwabo; former Senate President Ken Nnamani; Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu; Acting Chairman Uche Secondus, among others.

HE Lagos State government has added its voice to the opposition to the controversial Sexual Offences Bill (2014), awaiting the assent of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The controversial bill is among the 46 bills hurriedly passed by the last Senate and forwarded to the President for his assent.

Addressing a briefing in Lagos yesterday with members of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT), Solicitor General Lawal Pedro said there were certain provisions in the bill considered “offensive, obnoxious, inconsistent and likely to increase the incidences of sexual abuse in Nigeria”.

According to him, the state, which has been championing the fight against sexual violence opposed the bill because “it seeks to introduce a strange defence based on the innocent act of a child (referred to as deceit) and belief of the perpetrator that a child is above 18 years when he committed the act of defiling the child”.

He contended that given this scenario, the National Assembly was incompetent to legislate on general laws, such as sexual offences in a federation save for the Federal Capital Territory.

Pedro said the government would soon forward a memorandum containing “our thoughts and suggested amendments that should be considered before assent is given to the Sexual Offences Bill, 2014”.

He said government would not hesitate to seek legal redress if the President went ahead to assent to the bill without first considering the amendments suggested.

Ekiti verification ends Tuesday

T

HE Ekiti State government has said workers’ verification will end on Tuesday, June 30. It said workers, whose cases of irregularities were rectified lately, would receive their salaries before the end of next week.

Deputy Governor Kolapo Olusola gave the assurance while addressing some affected workers in Ado Ekiti.

Olusola said the delay in payment was due to irregularities discovered in their verification forms and the disparities between the information they supplied and what was on the government payroll data.

He said state workers’ figure was put at 49,066,of which 48,257 have been cleared and their salaries paid, leaving a figure of 809 workers yet to be cleared.

According to the deputy governor, 523 of the 809 workers were absent from the verification exercise; the remaining 286 with various cases of irregularities were being attended to.

Olusola said salaries of 18 workers were returned to the Office of the Accountant General from their various banks due to discrepancy in names and account numbers.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

10

NEWS

RAMADAN KAREEM

Ramadan 8, 1436AH

Commission to wealthy Muslims: pay Zakat

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HE Kano State Zakat and Endowment Commission has urged wealthy Muslims in the state to pay their Zakat, in order to support the needy and reduce poverty.

The Director-General of the commission, Alhaji Safiyanu Gwagwarwa made the appeal yesterday in Kano.

He said that timely payment of the Zakat would enable the commission disburse the proceeds to the needy that were trooping to the commission for support.

“This is the time we normally distribute whatever we

The essence of giving out Zakat is to discourage the poor from begging especially during this sacred month of Ramadan collect from wealthy Muslims, but we cannot start now because we have not collected much. The essence of giving out Zakat is to discourage the poor from begging

It is He who brought you forth from the wombs of your mothers whom ye knew nothing, and He gave you hearing and sight and intelligence and affections. That ye may give thanks to ALLAH.

Qu’ran 16 vs 78 Sponsored by ALHAJI KHAMIS TUNDE BADMUS Asiwaju Musulumi of the Yorubaland

RAMADAN GUIDE WITH FEMI ABBAS e-mail: femabbas@yahoo.com Tel: 08122697498

Tafsir in Nigeria

O

ONE of the undisputable aiding instruments of Tafsir is literacy. The more literate the Muslims are in the relevant language, the more they are likely to understand the Qur’an through Tafsir. And no one who thoroughly understands Tafsir will be ignorant of Islam or even life.

Muslims who are deeply schooled through the Western system of education will discover that virtually all the sciences, social sciences and arts, originated from the study of Tafsir. Even some scientific terminologies confirm this.

It therefore takes real scholars, not just reciters of the Qur’an or speakers of Arabic language, to be exponents of Tafsir. This is a rare factor that is conspicuously missing in Nigeria.

There is a sharp difference between translating the context of the Qur’an and interpreting them in expository manner. The one is shallow. The other is deep. Ordinarily, Tafsir is not supposed to be an annual Ramadan affair. It should rather be a daily practice for scholars who are ardent in it.

Although Tafsir gains more popularity in the month of Ramadan because every true Muslim wants to get closer to Allah through familiarization with the Qur’an, it is not limited to that sacred month alone and it should not be seen as such.

Going by the limit of their knowledge and the extent of their unwillingness to learn more, only a few Muslim scholars in Nigeria are qualified to tutor the populace on Tafsir.

Most of the so-called Nigerian Muslim scholars (Alfas) have turned Tafsir into an annual commercial jamboree which fetches them what they regard as Ramadan booty.

Their motive of engaging in Tafsir is more ulterior than religious.

What most of those Alfas often dish out in the name of knowledge is mere hearsay. And that is why majority of Nigerian Muslim audiences at Tafsir Centres can hardly benefit from what they hear in those Centres.

Tafsir is a special field of discipline meant only for research oriented students and scholars. But unfortunately, it is one area of study which has very few institutions of learning in Nigeria.

Because of this problem, the Qur’an has been translated into very few Nigerian languages so far. And today, copies of the vernacular Qur’an can hardly be found on book shelves even as most of them are virtually out of print.

With this situation, how can Nigerian Muslim populace thoroughly understand the Qur’an? This is a great challenge to truthful Muslims who are blessed by Allah. They can pull resources together and jointly finance the reprinting of reviewed copies of the Glorious Qur’an in appreciation of Allah’s special favour on them. And that can be best done in this sacred month.

especially during this sacred month of Ramadan,” he said.

He said Governor Abdullahi Ganduje had directed the commission to start the collection, and urged wealthy Muslims to respond positively.

He reminded those in a position to pay Zakat that it was an injunction by Allah, which carries enormous blessings.

He said the commission would hold a vocational training for widows to empower them to be self-reliant.

Lagos Secretariat Mosque gets exco

A

NEW executive committee has been inaugurated by the Shuarah Council to run the affairs of the Lagos State Secretariat Mosque, Alausa, Ikeja. It was during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at the Mosque.

The executive succeeded Mr Lawal Pedro-led team that ran the mosque's affairs for three years.

Pedro said his committee improved the infrastructure of the Mosque.

Other achievements, according to the former chairman, include installation of Close Circuit Cameras (CCTV) for security purpose, provision of welfare packages for the needy, among others.

The Shurah Chairman, Alhaji Waliu Onibon urged the new team to build on the achievements its predecessor.

•From left: Asiwaju Musulumi of Oyo State, Alhaji Lateef Oyelade; former Military Administrator of Lagos State, Brig.-gen. Raji Rasaki and Alhaji Gbolarumi at the event ...yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Scholar cautions against dubious wealth

A

N Islamic scholar Sheikh Muyideen Bello yesterday admonished Muslims to be upright in whatever position they occupy.

Sheikh Bello gave the advice in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital during the 12th annual Ramadan Lecture organised

by Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi, the former deputy governor of the state.

The cleric enjoined Muslims to be patient and stop seeking for wealth through dubious means, adding “people who get rich in a dubious means would end up dying in a way they did not expect”.

He said that those who are patient in this world would get whatever they want in a righteous way.

“Whatever challenges you

are facing are tests from Allah and nobody can succeed without going through any challenge.

“If you are patient and you scalp through the test of Allah, happiness will finally be yours,’’ he said.

Also speaking, the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh AbdulGaniyu Agbotomokekere, urged Muslims to abstain from committing sins before, during and after Ramadan.

The chief Imam advised Muslims to always seek for forgiveness of their sins.

He said the month of Ramadan was the month when sins were forgiven by Allah for those who seeks His forgive-

•Bello

ness.

Chairman on the occasion, Alhaji Bayo Oyero, said Muslims should move closer to Allah through various acts of worships.

Oyero advised them to assist the needy especially during this month of Ramadan so as to earn more reward from Allah.

Gbolarumi had earlier said he choose to organise the lecture annually in memory of his deceased parents and pray to Allah to forgive their misdeeds.

Don proffers solution to Muslims’ challenges

By Safiyyah Abdur-Razaq

T

HE Director, Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ilorin, Dr Mahfouz Adedimeji has urged Muslims to return to pristine Islam.

This, he said, is the solution to challenges facing them.

Speaking on Muslims as pioneers of National Rebirth at the maiden Ramadan Lecture of the University of Ilorin Muslim Graduates Association (UNILOMGA), Dr Adedimeji explained that what is called western civilisation today is the product of the heritages of other people like the Arabs, the Romans, the Persians and the Greeks.

He said early Muslims contributed immensely to modern knowledge.

“What then is wrong with us - the heirs of these great pioneers that we now lag behind in all spheres of development? politically, we are in shambles; economically, we are in tatters; culturally, we are disoriented; educationally, we are backward; psychologically, we are inferior; socially, we are wayward; religiously, we are pathetic and generally, we are disillusioned,” he said.

He said the challenges facing the Muslims are not limited to laziness and carelessness in performing acts of worship, breaking the ties of brotherhood, materialism and lots of distractions such as the Internet, gadgets, games and obsession with

•Sayi

sports.

“All these are disorienting youths socially and reinforcing anti-Islamic sentiments even among Muslims themselves. The solution to our backwardness is re-discovering Islam and abandoning our cosmetic, plastic, aesthetic and diplomatic Islam,” he said.

Also speaking, the Director, Clear Path Islamic Foundation, Abdul Raheem Sayi urged Muslims to rely on Allah and be mindful of His laws while pursuing their lives’ aspirations.

Sayi said: “It is only through the fear of Allah and entrusting our affairs to Him while ensuring our means of livelihood does not contradict the dictates of our religion that our lives can be in order.”

He urged the congregation to ensure their Islamic identity is sustained and display a culture of excellence in pursuit of their duty.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

11

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

‘We must explore the off-grid system.

Power generated mustn’t go to Osogbo before it gets distributed. We lose 37% of generated power anytime we do this. Why don’t we remove Egbin and Afam power plants from the national grid and let them serve Lagos or Southwest and Southeast respectively? If this is done, there will be great improvement’ - MD/CEO, Mayok Engineering Works Limited, Chief Abayomi Awodipe

‘Chicken importation costs N660b’

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•From left: Corporate Finance Manager, Fidson Healthcare Plc, Mr Imokha Ayebae; Senior Vice President, Global Sales, Frost & Sullivan, Mr John Ruggles; Operations Director, Fidson, Mr Abiola Adebayo and General Manager, Sales, Fidson, Mr Abayomi AlliBalogun during the Frost & Sullivan 2014 Growth Leadership and Excellence Award’s presentation in London, United Kingdom.

CBN vows to increase items denied foreign exchange T

HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has threatened to list more items to be denied access to foreign exchange to check goods and services import.

Besides, all banks and Bureaux dex Changes (BDCs) will no longer provide foreign exchange for the importation of the listed items.

Addressing reporters in Abuja yesterday on what informed the CBN’s decision to deny importers of certain items access to the foreign exchange markets, CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele said: “The huge amounts of money the country spends on importing things we can produce locally have become a significant drag on our Foreign Exchange Reserves.”

He demanded to know why we should keep importing rice when rice paddy of comparable quality produced by poor hardworking local farmers across the rice belts of Nigeria are being wasted and ignored?

The CBN governor asked what it will “take for these

From Nduka Chiejina, Assistant Editor, Abuja

importers to stop the importation and go into processing these locally produced rice. “Why are these importers not utilising the vast expanses of arable land for rice cultivation instead of taking the easy route of importing rice? Do we, as a people, realise how many jobs we are creating for other countries by ignoring local production and simply concentrating on imports? How can we keep complaining about the depreciation of the naira when all we do as a people is to import everything from ordinary Geisha and toothpicks, to even eggs?”

These, he said, are some of the fundamental reasons behind the CBN’s recent announcement. Emefiele emphasised that the CBN does not have the power to out rightly ban the importation

of the items it listed in its circular but added that what CBN has done “is to simply say that the CBN cannot continue to support the imports of these items using Nigeria’s hard-earned foreign exchange. Importers who may want to continue bringing in these goods or services into the country will have to source their foreign exchange from private sources.”

Emefiele said the apex bank would continue to be vigilant on this policy and will keep reviewing the list “as we become comfortable that items can be produced locally if we apply ourselves sufficiently enough.”

Nigeria’s situation, Emefiele said, “affords us a unique opportunity to embrace self-sufficiency, reduce our appetite for everything and anything foreign, conserve the country’s scarce Foreign Exchange, and create jobs here at home

Firm leads others in $1.5b Badagry dry dock project

T

HE Badagry Ship Re pair Marine Engineer ing Consortium (BSMEC) has emerged the lead investor in the $1.5 billion dockyard project being facilitated by the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG).

The project will be sited in Badagry, Lagos State.

The BSMEC Consortium, which include Sifax Logistics and Marine Services Limited, SIVC Infrastructure, DMCC (Sahara Group Limited), Japaul Oil and Maritime Services Plc, Energy Nature Limited and GMT Energy Services Limited, is expected to take the initiative going forward, in financing and driving progress related to the successful actuali-

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

sation of the project.

The project will also have financial and technical involvement of the two Korean shipbuilders - Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) and Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) investing tens of millions of dollars.

Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) will also be providing financial consultancy and support.

During a courtesy visit to NLNG in Abuja, by a delegation representing the group, the consortium’s Chairman, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, reaffirmed BSMEC’s commitment to the ship dockyard project, adding that the consortium was fully

aligned with NLNG’s aspiration for Nigeria to have a major shipyard that can deliver quality services, while increasing Nigerian content development in the oil and gas sector.

“NLNG, as a pioneer promoter of the Nigerian Content Development remains an inspiration for Nigerian organisations and a testimony of what is truly achievable by Nigerians through vision, patriotic commitment, discipline, shared values and proactive community development. Its organisational structure and processes are worthy of emulation as the fourth largest LNG plant in the world,” Dr. Afolabi stated.

for our people.”

Emefiele assured Nigerians that the CBN “will continue to look out for areas in which the Bank can play a catalytic financial role to helping us achieve these goals in the near future.”

IGERIA spent N660 billion to import 1.2 million metric tonnes (MT) of frozen chicken, National President, Poultry Association of Nigeria Dr. Ayoola Oduntan has said.

This, he said, was four times greater than local output and exceeded the industry capacity of 650,000 MT. Dr. Oduntan, who puts Nigeria’s poultry demand at 1.5 million MT yearly, admitted that the industry produced 300,000 MT in 2014.

He spoke at a workshop in Abuja, tagged: “The Economic and Health implications of Smuggled Poultry Products”.

Dr. Oduntan said: “As at 2014, locally-produced chicken production, estimated at 300, 000 metric tons, a capacity utilisation of 46 per cent in an industry that boasts of 650,000 MT. “Also, 1.2 million metric tons of frozen chicken (N660 billion, equivalent to $2.75 billion) was imported.

“This was four times greater than what was produced locally and exceeding the industry capacity. A clear point here is that local poultry industry is far reaching its growth elastic limit.”

The industry, he said, could create jobs if the activities of smugglers were regulated.

He observed that reducing smuggling by 30 per cent would result in one million

From Frank Ikpefan, Abuja

jobs in 12 months.

Dr. Oduntan said: “Given necessary support, the industry will make significant contribution to the National Gross Domestic Product (GDP), creating jobs and stabilising the food and nutrition needs while also boosting rural economies.

“At the primary production level, the poultry industry presently consumes two million MT of maize and 750 MT of soya beans, thus providing employment for thousands.

“To fully utilise the balance of the industry’s capacity of additional 350,000 MT will translate to significant benefits through 350,000 new jobs in maize production; 100,000 in soya production, 75,000 in processing and 500,000 in ancillary raw materials, products and services.

“Reducing smuggling by 30 per cent will result in the creation of one million jobs. So why not do away with smuggling and stop exporting jobs from Nigeria, by enriching other nations?

“The future of the Nigerian poultry industry hinges delicately on firm decisions by policy makers to reverse the unwholesome trends that tend to tilt the balance in favour of smugglers while putting local producers in jeopardy.’’

2015

12

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

INDUSTRY

LCCI seeks economy’s diversification T

HE Lagos Chamber of Commerce and industry (LCCI) has called on the Federal Government to diversify the income base of the economy by paying necessary attention to the non-oil sector, such as agriculture and solid minerals.

LCCI President Mr. Remi Bello said the need to reposition the economy and correct its dependence on oil has become necessary to ensure that the nation earned more from agric commodities and the solid minerals sector.

He spoke ahead of the public presentation of the prospectus of the 2015 Lagos International Trade

• Plan trade fair in three venues, same day

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie

Fair holding from Friday November 6 to 15. Its the theme is “Enhancing value addition in the non-oil economy.”

He said the daunting economic challenges facing the country are as a result of the fall in the global price of crude oil.

Bello stated that for a country like Nigeria that had over the years relied almost entirely on oil to fund its economy, the implications are dire and frightening. He regretted that already states of the federation

are currently having challenges meeting their basic financial obligations.

According to him, if the Nigerian economy is to survive and the country achieves industrialization, there is the urgent need to diversify its income sources. He said the Chamber is committed to drawing attention to the imperative of non-oil export and harnessing the nation’s human resources with modern technology to add value to the economy.

Bello assured that the 2015 trade

fair will provide a platform to not only identify these alternatives to oil but also draw attention to the opportunities that abound in value addition to enhance earning and profitability.

The investment forum, which is planned to hold at the Muson Centre, Lagos, will provide additional resources for discerning business people, as the forum will serve as a master class and intellectual power house for all that is needed in exploiting the investment opportunities in the non-oil sector.

LCCI, Chairman, Trade promotion Board, Dr. Micheal Olawale-Cole, in his remarks, said the Chamber took another bold step by expanding the scope of the international trade fair with events billed to hold simultaneously at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Muson Centre and the Freedom Square-all on the Lagos Island.

On the preparation to make the three venues a success, OlawaleCole said “We are quite conscious of the enormity of the requirements and the challenges. We have therefore, formed alliances with competent individuals and organisations to improve our capacities. These

added capacities will ensure that the 2015 Lagos International Trade Fair provides the necessary and desired dividends of a truly effective trade show with a corresponding positive effect on the economy.”

Olawale-Cole said the three venues, all within walking distance of each other, creating a huge business hub in Lagos lsland within the tenday fair period has become a reality. “We have therefore, opened the doors of the Lagos international trade fair to attract exhibitors from virtually all sectors of the nation,” he added.

He said the fair is expecting a larger number than last year’s that recorded over 150,000 visitors, noting however, that last year’s fair was hampered by the Ebola scare, which prevented the Chinese delegation from being part of the fair.

According to him, over 90 visitors came for business. He also promised a product diversification as over 70 per cent of last year’s exhibitors indicated interest to participate in addition to new businesses that have shown tremendous interest in participation.

Olawale-Cole also promised that the electricity situation will improve while adequate care has been taken to provide security and other infrastructure services.

PZ Foundation upgrades facilities

A • From left, Managing Director/CEO, Alpha Mead Facilities & Management Services Ltd’ Femi Akintunde, Udo Okonjo, CEO, Fine & Country West Africa, Wale Odufalu, GM Corporate Services, AMFacilities and MD, Fine & Country, Mr. John Strang, at the 2015 Edition of the Nigerian Facilities Management Roundtable in Lagos.

BoI’s automotive fund hits N18.09b

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HE Bank of Industry (BoI) National Automotive Council (NAC) Fund has grown to N18.09 billion since inception in 2003.

The fund is aimed at developing the automotive sector by financing projects in the industry and the annual budgetary approval for capital and recurrent expenditures of NAC. Bol manages the fund for a fee of five per cent per annum on investible fund, payable quarterly and deductible from the balance of the fund.

Similarly, it was learnt that NAC receives management fee of two per cent per annum on investible fund payable quarterly and deducted from the balance of the fund.

For the funding of projects, the fund is broken down into three categories such as, NAC Term loans and Working Capital Financing granted at 7.5 per cent and 10 per cent per annum on term loan and working capital respectively. The second category, NAC Auto Technicians Support Scheme boasts of N1 billion set aside from the main NAC fund for capacity building in repair and maintenance for artisans, craftsmen, technicians and mechanics.

The scheme is provided at 7.5 per cent per annum to the partnering Micro Finance Bank (MfB) and 10 per cent per annum to the final beneficiary. The last one is vehicle purchase credit scheme for individuals and private commercial operators, lease finance for fleet operators to purchase vehicles from local assembly plants in order to enhance their capacity utilisation and those of component manufacturers.

BoI also manages funds for state governments such as Anambra , Niger and Kogi states. For Anambra State the fund is geared towards addressing the dearth of funding support to small business owners in the state. Under the scheme, entrepreneurs of Macro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSME) with production capacities within the state would access to the fund by way of funding equipment supply and req-

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie

uisite working capital.

These entrepreneurs are basically divided into two major categories namely cooperatives and SMEs both with distinct eligibility requirements and loan servicing conditions and terms, the financial commitment of the state to the programme is over a billion naira. For Niger State the government committed over a billion also to support businesses while Kogi state said that under the programme the small business owners with production capacities within the state would have access to the fund by way of equipment supply and requisite working capital.

All the collaborations the bank said is to grow small business who are the engine of growth in the different states and also a vehicle for job creation bearing in mind the millions of youth who roam the street on a daily basis looking for jobs. This intervention by BoI is in addition to a programme recently established to aid SMEs access an online real time request platform to grow their businesses. The bank said it took this path to starve the failure rate of applications and the inconveniences encountered by business owners to come physically to their office to make requests.

BoI Managing Director, Mr. Rasheed Olaoluwa said it will remove the inconveniences suffered by applicants; he spoke to The Nation in Lagos. He said: “We have come up with a loan tracking system in such a way that when you apply for loan we give you a code. We have also appointed 122 Business Development Service Providers (BDSPs) to help the businesses write good proposal that will attract loans from banks.

Our newly introduced SME Customer portal where have value proposals and contact details of all our customers. Currently we have data base for over 400 SMEs. This also makes for easier interaction amongst our customers where they can be encouraged to do businesses together.”

• Olaoluwa

S part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, PZ Cussons Foundation has renovated and handed over fully furnished block of four classrooms and a library to Okuta Dudu High School at Odo Ere in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State Its Chairman and former Minister of Industry, Chief (Dr.) Kola Jomodu, who spoke on the occasion, extoled the contribution of the company to the economy. He said the company has kept faith with the country in good and trying times since it started operation over a century ago.

“PZ will continue to grow and expand its operation and will keep imparting technical and managerial skills on Nigerians,” Jomodu said, assuring that the company will consistently live to its mission of providing goods that will make life better.

A member, Board of Trustee of the Foundation, Engr. Tunde Oyelola, said the Foundation has executed over 48 projects across the country.

He said Kogi State has had its fair share with about five projects located

By Chikodi Okereocha

at Lokoja, Isanlu and now Ode Ere. He urged the beneficiaries to make the best use of the facilities and maintain them for the use of future generation of students. ‘This is the only way you can encourage us to do more’ he added.

The Executive Governor of Kogi State, represented by the Commissioner of Culture and Tourism, David K. Olowomoran expressed great appreciation for the gesture. He thanked the Foundation for taking interest in the educational development of the state and called on other corporate organisations to emulate the gesture.

Communities in and around Odo Ere attended the event and were full of commendation for PZ Cussons.

PZ Cussons Foundation is managed by a 15-member Board of Trustees and funded by PZ Cussons Nigeria PLC. The Foundation has been executing PZ CSR programme in education, provision of potable water, health and road rehabilitation.

Economic prosperity tops agenda at MAN’s luncheon today

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HE need to fundamentally re structure Nigeria’s monetary framework to induce vast expansion in industrial activity with single digit lending rates, increasing employment opportunities and a market-determined exchange rate mechanism, will top discussions at Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) 2015 Business Luncheon for MDs/CEOs, holding today at MAN Centre Complex, Ikeja, Lagos.

Renowned economist and industrialist Mr. Henry Boyo will be Guest Speaker at the luncheon organised by Ikeja chapter of MAN. Boyo, who is Managing Director of Cocosheen Nigeria Limited, will be speaking on the theme, ‘Nigeria: the Sensible Road to Economic Prosperity’ He will be joined by Governor of Lagos State Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode as Special Guest of Honour, while Dr. Frank S.U.Jacobs, President of MAN is Guest of Honour.

In his paper presentation the advance copy of which was made available to The Nation, Boyo will be pushing forward the argument that the economy appears trapped in a para-

By Chikodi Okereocha

dox of deepening poverty with increasing export revenue because of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN’s) practice of capturing export dollar revenue and substituting naira at its unilaterally determined exchange rate of exchange, before payment of consolidated naira allocations to the three tiers of government.

Boyo argues that CBN’s conscious, deliberate and misguided payment policy of substituting naira allocations for dollar-derived revenue results in market imbalance, which ultimately weakens the naira exchange rate. He said the challenge of excess liquidity in the system caused by the obnoxious payment arrangement is responsible for the unacceptably high inflation rate, high cost of funds and interest rates.

“The humongous cash surplus in the system is pitted against less goods and services. The market imbalance drives higher prices, fuel inflation. Inevitably, incomes will buy less and less goods and services. Higher incomes buy less because of the rising general price

level. N18,000 wage can now only buy about half of what it could buy initially,” he said, adding that it is also responsible for high cost of funds because in the process of trying to reduce the excess money the CBN out bids the common man or the real sector.

Boyo therefore, recommended that the earlier Nigeria begins to use dollar certificate or coupons (strictly not cash) for payment of monthly allocations to the three tiers of government the earlier the nation would return to the path economy prosperity.

The paper explained in graphical terms, for easy comprehension, that with the use of dollar certificate, instead of the CBN getting dollar from the government and substituting it with naira, the bank regulator would rather give the certificates to beneficiaries who would go to banks to change the certificate into naira.

The economist said by using the dollar certificate, interest rate, inflation and debt rates would come down.

“It has so many ramifications, and the earlier it is adopted, the better,” he said.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

THE NATION

BUSINESS LABOUR

Govt advises employers on challenges of employment

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HE Federal Government has appealed to employers in the country especially human resource managers to tackle the challenges in new forms of employment to meet global best practice.

Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, Dr Clement Illoh, who spoke at a two-day workshop on the theme, ‘Harnessing the benefits of outsourcing through enhanced regulatory environment.’

At the workshop organised by the Ministry in conjunction with Human Capital Providers Association (HuCaPaN), Illoh said the Ministry was collaborating with the group to tackle the abuses associated with outsourcing of workers to meet international best practice in line with Decent Work Agenda of the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

He said it was necessary for human resource managers to develop and sustain global best practice in

• Practitioners lament activities of quacks

By Chikodi Okereocha

the administration of the emergent forms of employment, (outsourcing).

According to him, since the introduction of the licensing regime in the operations of Private Employment Agencies (PEA), some unregistered recruiters had been operating without meeting the laid down principles.

He said: “It is common knowledge that unregistered recruiters are the bane of the industry. As you know, these faceless operators do not have regard for the core values of the industry especially those relating to the fundamental principles and rights at work.”

He said more than anything else, whenever one the critical stakeholders- the trade unions express concern over the adoption of outsourcing as a preferred mode of

employment, it is actually the abuses perpetrated by unregistered operators that they are poised to fight against.

While noting that the unregistered agencies are the ones encouraging impunity in work places for outsource workers, he expressed government’s intention to work with other stakeholders to ratify Labour Organisation’s Private Employment Agencies Convention 181 of the ILO and urged participants to discuss how to ensure that Nigeria ratified the Convention.

HuCaPaN President Mr. Neye Ochuko Enemigin, in his opening remark, said it was sad that unregistered agencies were in operation in the banking, manufacturing, telecoms and the oil and gas sector.

He said the group must ensure effective collaboration with the Ministry to monitor and checkmate the activities of the quack agencies who had taken over outsourcing of

workers in the country.

Enemigin said if unregistered agencies were eliminated, there would be reduction in the level of unfair practices meted out to outsourced workers. According to him, regulation is the way to “check quacks to ensure that standards are observed and maintained to ensure compliance within laid down rules and procedures and to ensure that professional ethics are observed in line with international best practice”.

Mr. Enemigin added that his association is of the strong view that effective and efficient collaboration between the Ministry and HuCaPan can help eliminate quacks from the industry, reduce unfair practices by some employers of labour and enhance the productivity of outsourced employees.

The ILO represented by Dr. Runo Onasode noted that Nigeria is yet to ratify Convention 181 on the regulation of Private Employment Agencies. She said the Convention

when ratified among other things is aimed at promotion of workers’ rights and the protection of the rights of migrant workers.

Dr. Onasode advised relevant stakeholders to work towards the ratification of the Convention.

In his address, the Director-General of the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA), Mr. Olusegun Osinowo represented by Mr. Timothy Olawale said participants should use the opportunity of the workshop to address issues that are important to them.

He noted that operators have complained about dealing with multiple unions in one sector. He also suggested that HuCaPan should consider training and retraining of its members especially in the area of drafting agreements which he said calls for specialisation. He promised that NECA would continue to support HuCaPan and the Ministry to sanitise the activities of Private Employers Agencies.

TUC warns lawmakers

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• From left, Kaigama, TUC Deputy President, Comrade Sunday Salako and National President, Construction Workers Union, Comrade Augustine Etafo during a briefing by the Congress in Lagos.

Labour advises Buhari not to cut workers’ pay

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HE organised labour has cautioned President Mohammadu Buhari of the implications of listening to unsolicited advice coming from some uninformed quarters to cut salary of poorly paid civil servants as part of the move to cut the cost of governance. They said any attempt by the new government to reduce the salaries of workers will be viewed as an invitation for war by the labour movement.

Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), in a statement signed by its National President, Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama, said it is criminal for anybody or group of persons to contemplate cutting the salaries of civil servants who are already underpaid in a country where the government has reneged in all its responsibilities to the citizenry.

“Any attempt by the new government to reduce the salaries of workers will be viewed as an invitation for war by the labour movement.

As we speak, many states owe civil servants bulk of monthly salaries and other rightful entitlements yet, these workers are expected to come to work by magic, feed their families, stay healthy, and pay children school fees and rent.

“It must be recognised that civil servants pay has lost its value since the last increment done in 2010. The subsidy removal, devaluation of

Stories by Toba Agboola

the naira and the high rate of infrastructural decay has continued to rub innocent civil servants of the value of their money despite being paid peanut,” Kaigama said.

He said what is being contemplated as pay cut for political office holders cannot be extended to civil servants because one cannot compare the two pay structures.

According to him, while a Director in the Civil Service goes home with less than N353,996.94 monthly, a member of the National Assembly collects close to $181,973.75 or N40 million monthly.

This, he said, is made up of basic salary, hardship allowance, constituency allowance, newspaper allowance, wardrobe allowance, accommodation allowance, recess allowance, utilities, domestic staff, entertainment, personal assistant, leave allowance, vehicle maintenance allowance, car allowance, and severance package of 300 per cent of basic salary.

Kaigama said there is no basis to compare the two, adding that while a political office holder can make do with 75 per cent reduction in emolument, a one per cent cut in the salary of civil servants will end up sending them to their untimely death through hardships and miseries. He added that civil servants’ expectations from the

new government are very high after many years of unfulfilled promises by past administrations.

According to the union, if the government wants to truly deliver on its change promise, the fact must be recognised that the existing pay structure of civil servants in Nigeria has failed to reward them fairly and the new government of Buhari must acknowledge that genuine engagement with its workforce can only produce a better and more efficientpublic service which will bring about the change Nigerians desire.

Deputy President of the Joe Ajero-led faction of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Issa Aremu, also warned the state and the Federal Government not to cut the salary of their workers, saying the workers were among the least paid in the world based on either national currency or purchasing power parity.

Speaking with The Nation, Aremu said the crisis of compensation in Nigeria is made worse by the unacceptable gap between the prohibitive tax-free pay of legislators, governors and political office holders on one hand and miserable pay of public civil servants. He made reference to the recent announcement made by the Kaduna State Governor, Nasiru El-Rufai who promised to sacrifice 50 per cent of his salary to the state.

TH Trade Union Congress (TUC) has warned new senators and House of Representatives members not to derail the new government with their huge emoluments.

TUC Secretary General, Comrade Musa Lawal said it beats the imagination that at a time workers in over 23 states are yet to be paid, rumours are rife that about N9 billion was being proposed to be disbursed to the new National Assembly members as wardrobe, car, accommodation and furniture allowances.

“More worrisome is the fact that most governors who are owing were either re-elected in the last general elections or are now members of the red and green chambers,” Lawal said, while charging politicians not to betray Nigerians again because of the grave sacrifice the people made to ensure that the much-touted change was entrenched in all facets of the national life.

According to him, the desired change will become reality only if the leaders make as much sacrifice as the people have done. According to TUC, “If the change we ex-

pect must come, this administration must review the provisions of the constitution that expressly stipulate such privileges for political office-holders. The cost of governance in our country is outrageously high and un- sustainable and we may resort to civil disobedience or other illegal measures to compel a reduction of same if nothing was done about it in the nearest future.”

The labour leaders lamented the display of affluence by politicians even in the social media, explaining that the only difference between the Nigerians who live in the slums and those squandering the nation’s commonwealth is misappropriated opportunity.

He added: “Furthermore, considering the nation’s present socioeconomic realities, it is totally indefensible for Senators and members of the House of Representatives to be paid as much as N2 million and N1.8 million respectively as basic salary every month. Where then lies any justification for their claims to being contributors to the growth of a nation where unemployment and other social vices are the order of the da.y”

SERAP reports states, Fed Govt to ILO over unpaid salaries

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OCIO-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has dragged states and the Federal Government to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), requesting its governing body to establish without delay a commission of inquiry to examine the right of workers to timely payment of salaries.

The organisation said the complaint was brought pursuant to Articles 26-34 of the ILO Constitution.

A statement signed by SERAP Executive Director, Adetokunbo Mumuni, read: “SERAP is seriously concerned that several state governments and the Federal Government of Nigeria are failing and/or refusing to pay workers’ salaries and pensioners’ entitlements, amounting to billions of dollars in arrears.

“SERAP contends that this is a clear violation of the right to work recognized by various ILO instruments and article six of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, to which Nigeria is a state party. The right to

work is essential for realising other human rights and forms an inseparable and inherent part of human dignity.”

Mumuni said failure of states to pay workers’ salaries is tantamount to penalising them, and as the ILO has ruled, menace penalty amounts to forced labour and economic exploitation.

“SERAP also contends that the failure to pay workers’ salaries amount to a fundamental breach of the obligation to ensure the absence of forced labour and economic exploitation, and guarantee workers’ remuneration so as to provide an income allowing workers to support themselves and their families,” he added.

He noted that the right to work contributes to the survival of the individual and to that of his/her family, and to his/her development and recognition within the community.

“Therefore, by failing to pay workers’ salaries the state governments in Nigeria have violated the right of the workers to live in,” he stated.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

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COMMENTARY EDITORIALS

LETTER

NASS: Party supremacy sacrosanct

Envoys’ visits •Britain and US should not have endorsed the charade at the NASS

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ARELY 48 hours after Senator Bukola Saraki was elected Senate President, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Andrew Pocock, visited him to congratulate him on his election which he reportedly described as “well deserved”. His visit to the Senate President was followed, six days later, by that of the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, James F. Entwistle.

Pocock said most things expected during such visits; he spoke of his country’s readiness to support the red chamber in capacity building of the lawmakers to make their job easier. “We discussed capacity building for the Senate both in general terms and also in areas of particular interest and difficulty, complex pieces of legislation”, he told journalists after the visit. He added: “We briefly discussed some of the security inputs that we might make to help with the stabilisation of the security situation in the North East,” and that Britain would assist the country on the economic front as well as other areas where it can be of assistance.

We do not have much on record concerning the US envoy’s visit to Dr Saraki on June 18, about nine days after he assumed duties as Senate President, which, to us, is also an endorsement of his emergence as Senate President.

But we are particularly concerned about these visits, especially coming from the two countries with strong democratic traditions, given the circumstances under which Dr Saraki emerged as Senate President. There is no doubt that Dr Saraki clinched that position in the most contro-

versial manner.

The upper legislative chamber has 109 members. Of this number, the former ruling party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has 49 senators while the All Progressives Congress (APC) has the remaining 59; one of its senators-elect died last month. This leaves the APC comfortable to produce the leadership in the senate.

Unfortunately, Senator Saraki teamed up with the PDP senators and about eight from the APC to get the position at a time that about 51 other members of the APC were at the International Conference Centre in Abuja to attend a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari. As part of the trade-off by Senator Saraki, Senator Ike Ekweremadu of the PDP was elected Deputy Senate President. Not a few wondered how a man could have stabbed his own party in the back the way Senator Saraki did, just to realise his ambition.

Of course, all of these are in the public domain and ought to have served as notice to the envoys to be more circumspect in endorsing Dr Saraki’s election. We are sure none of the two envoys would have seen Senator Saraki’s election as acceptable if it had happened in their countries the way it did here on June 9. The point is, the mandate that Dr Saraki is exercising does not belong to him, it belongs to the political party under which platform he contested and won election into the Senate. And once that party takes a decision on a matter, he is duty bound to abide by that decision.

What we are saying is that nothing would have been lost if the envoys had waited for the fog over these issues to clear before visiting the winner or felicitating with him. There is no doubt that the Senate President met the legal requirement of a simple majority that he needed to occupy the position. In other words, he complied with the letter of the law but unfortunately fell short of the spirit of the law.

Without doubt, it took the APC a long time to decide on the contentious issue of who takes what position in the National Assembly after its victory at the polls; that still, should not be a justification for Senator Saraki to cede what rightly belongs to his party to another political party. Such bad faith cannot be in accord with the spirit of the law which, sometimes, is even more evocative than the letter of the law.

‘Nothing would have been lost if the envoys had waited for the fog over these issues to clear before visiting the winner or felicitating with him. There is no doubt that the Senate President met the legal requirement of a simple majority that he needed to occupy the position. In other words, he complied with the letter of the law but unfortunately fell short of the spirit of the law’

Scornful NNPC •Where is the $1.48bn the firm promised to refund to government?

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HAT could be more contemptuous than for an agency of government to feel bigger than the government that created it?

This question becomes pertinent in view of the conceited disposition and breaches of financial rules, regulations and lawful directives that have become symptomatic of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) over the years. This fact is better underscored by the corporation’s disobedience of presidential order issued it by former President Goodluck Jonathan to refund $1.48bn (N291.56bn) into the Federation Account.

The order was made not less than four months ago and now, about one month into the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

‘Surprisingly, months after and, despite the intervention of the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), the body responsible for sharing of revenues amongst the nation’s component units, over the delay by the NNPC to remit to the government the said sum, nothing concrete has been done’

The presidential directive was a consequence of two major events: one was an allegation by Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) that $49bn of the nation’s oil money was missing from the Federation Account.

Two, it was the outcome of a forensic report of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), an international audit firm, commissioned by the Federal Government to look into the books of the corporation. The report, whatever its shortcomings, came up with scandalous transactions that the management of the corporation engaged in on a daily basis, thereby short-changing the nation of its hard earned oil revenue, usually paid for in dollars.

Samuel Ukura, Auditor-General of the Federation who at the period released excerpts of the report to the media was unsparing. He explained that the report was based on the NNPC costs, ownership of the NPDC revenues and Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) subsidy. He reportedly declared that “based on the information available to the PwC, and from analysis, the firm submitted that the NNPC and NPDC should refund to the Federation Account a minimum of $1.48 billion.”

Surprisingly, months after and, despite the intervention of the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), the body responsible for sharing of revenues amongst the nation’s component units, over the delay by the NNPC to remit to the

government the said sum, nothing concrete has been done. We are compelled to ask: why has NNPC not complied with this presidential directive? Is the corporation going to pay interest on this huge amount illegally kept in its custody? For how long has this corporation been perpetuating this kind of illegality?

What is still keeping security agencies in the country from interceding in this fraud and also bringing those involved before the law? It is high time the administration of President Buhari seized the moment to duly cut the NNPC to size.

Notwithstanding the financial recklessness of some state governors that put most states in dire financial crisis, we still believe that the delay

by NNPC in refunding the money into the Federation Account has eroded the revenue base of most states across the country. Perhaps if it had been done appropriately as directed, the crisis of salary arrears in the states may have been mitigated.

We call on the President Buhari administration to revisit the PwC forensic audit report so as to have a firsthand insight into the odious maladministration going on under the guise of managing the NNPC and its subsidiaries. Except the authorities do something now, the graft and impunity going on in the corporation would continue.

This impunity by the NNPC must stop forthwith.

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IR: The emergence of Senator Bukola Saraki as the President of the 8th National Assembly on June 9, came to many with shock and disbelief. What indeed shocked many including this writer was the way and manner Senator Saraki against all known political decency and in defiance of respect for the office of the President of Federal Republic of Nigeria and the political party he claims to belong entered into an unholy alliance with the opposition PDP to emerge as President. His action has in many ways demonstrated or rather shown him as one that can sacrifice anything to get into power.

This is very dangerous for our democracy.

What further baffles me and all others who follow this NASS crisis was the purported rejection of the party’s position on the principal officers of the Senate and the House by the duo of Saraki and House Speaker Yakubu Dogara. The party leadership was right by coming up of with the list of people from the Unity Forum to serve as principal officers to compensate them over the unfortunate but ugly incident which the election of Saraki came to represent. As both the APC and President Muhammadu Buhari accepted Saraki and Dogara as leaders of the National Assembly, they in turn have no choices then to accept the list sent to them by the party if really they are interested in the unity and progress of the assembly and by extension the progress of Nigeria.

Yes in a democratic setting such as ours, one is free to aspire for any position but then there is a limit to which one can go in the process of pursuing such aspiration. What Bukola did on June 9 was akin to forcing Nigerians to swallow their vomits. Nigerians overwhelmingly rejected PDP at the poll by voting President Muhammadu Buhari massively; by entering into an alliance with the PDP, the Like-minds Group in the Senate was telling Nigerians to go to hell; as such they must not be allowed to get away with it. APC must act now and forcibly instill discipline in minds of the party men. APC must ensure party supremacy now before it gets out of hand.

The problem of the PDP started right from the day it failed to tell former President Jonathan to respect the agreement he signed on single term; therefore APC must learn from the PDP’s mistake. Indiscipline and lack of respect for party supremacy as well as impunity was largely responsible for the PDP’s disgraceful exit. Let no one be made to be above the party. If APC is ready and willing to remain as a party to be reckoned with in future, it must sanction Saraki and all his like minds in the APC. Hiding under the cover of protecting or safeguarding party unity by burying the offence committed by Saraki and Dogara and their like minds can only do more harm than good to the interest of the party. I commend the position taken by the Progressives Governor’s Forum for standing firmly by the party decision over NASS leadership crises.

• Rayyanu Bala, Lafia, Nasarawa State.

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Victor Ifijeh • Editor Gbenga Omotoso •Chairman, Editorial Board Sam Omatseye •General Editor Adekunle Ade-Adeleye •Editor, Online Lekan Otufodunrin •Managing Editor Northern Operation Yusuf Alli •Managing Editor Waheed Odusile

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

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CARTOON & LETTERS

IR: For some inexplicable reasons I am more fascinated by the baritone voice of Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe than his personality; he seems to have a voice more reassuring than really making things happen. The very first time he spoke to me, his eloquence and oratory left me more reassured before finally meeting him. A very colourful politician and diplomat, Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe is 70 today.

The story of Kingibe is one of resilience, commitment, doggedness and of course, grass to grace. For a man orphaned quite early in life (his mother died when he was four and father died when he was 15) to have attained the pinnacle of his career as a permanent secretary and lived a privileged life speaks volume of God’s favour in a life.

Born on June 25, 1945 in Maiduguri, Borno State, he was named after his father’s best friend, Abubakar, a bricklayer who had a great influence on his life. He acquired the name Baba Gana (literally means little father in Kanuri) because those who respected his namesake, could not call him Abubakar. His father, a onetime cobbler, later became a native authority pay clerk during the colonial era.

Kingibe, in many respects is an archetypal Nigerian politician, he has combined politics with the ambivalence of a diplomat; a shrewd and calculating politician (like any politician) who always aimed for the highest prize. A politician with national security background, he speaks with confidence and verbal pyrotechnics of the academic. For Kingibe, networking is a veritable tool in politics. No wonder he had a vast and massive following at the peak of his political power. He is a master and always on top of his game. A quintessential and cerebral politician with the gift of the garb, his audience are held spell-bound during his campaigns. Tall and with a near-permanent smile that lights up his ebony black face, he cuts a picture of a man at peace with himself and at ease with the world.

Urbane and gentle, Kingibe, son

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

Baba Gana Kingibe @ 70 of a cobbler won government scholarship to attend Bishop Stortford College, England for his secondary school education. He later took a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations from University of Sussex, England, in 1968, and a postgraduate diploma at the Graduate Institute of International Studies in Geneva. He later trained at the British Broadcasting Corporation Television Training School, London and started out as a lecturer in the Department of Political Science, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in 1969, but was later appointed Head, Current Affairs Department, Northern Nigeria Broadcasting Corporation. Being an ambitious young

man, he left to join the Nigerian Foreign Service as External Affairs Officer. He was Counsellor, Nigeria High Commission, London; Principal Political Secretary, Supreme Military Headquarters, Lagos and later Principal Political Secretary, Executive Office of the President between 1976 and 1981.

In time, he became Permanent secretary in charge of special services in the Cabinet Office between 1981 and 1984. Kingibe was Nigeria’s Ambassador to Greece with concurrent accreditation to Cyprus, and later, High Commissioner to Pakistan.

He was Secretary Constituent Assembly, Abuja, 1988-1989. Na-

tional chairman, Social Democratic Party, (SDP), 1989-1991, and VicePresidential aspirant in the annulled June 12, 1993 elections.

Thereafter, he was at various times Minister of Foreign Affairs, Internal Affairs and Power and Steel under the military regime from 1993-1999. He brought to bear his diplomatic savvy and intelligence in a troubleshooting platform as the African Union Special Envoy to Sudan and Special Representative of the chairperson of the African Union Commission and head of the AU mission in Sudan, (AMIS) from 2002-2006. Kingibe was appointed Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) in 2007 under the

late President Umaru Musa Yar’adua.

As the SGF, he brought to bear dexterity, diplomacy and strong acumen during negotiations with the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) industrial action in 2007.

He served on the Justice Belgore Committee on the review of the Constitution and more recently as a member of the inauguration committee that midwifed the recent handover of government from former President Goodluck Jonathan to President Muhammadu Buhari.

In almost all his forty years of public service, Kingibe has never been linked to any allegations of corruption or self-enrichment. He is one of the most decent and incorruptible Nigerians in public life.

Fatherly, humane, accessible and generous to a fault, Kingibe is a study in silence and a very detailed personality. He is a friend and friend indeed, and a friend in need to all, including many that he never knew.

Happy birthday Baba!

• Badejo Adedeji Nurudeen Surulere, Lagos

The fuss over road commissioning

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IR: The shrill claim by Valentine Obienyem in several weekend newspapers [June 13 – 14] that the Nkpor – Amawbia old road recently commissioned by Governor Willie Obiano was started and completed by former Governor Peter Obi is incorrect and unnecessarily alarmist. Obi’s credentials as a former governor of Anambra State are not under any danger of assault. His report card is out in the public domain and as a public figure, no one individual or institution has copyright on his record of service.

There are no grounds on which to suggest that Governor Willie Obiano is interested in denying his predecessor the due credit of his stewardship. At every forum, the governor has not failed to admit the integral contributions of Obi’s regime to the developmental strides of the present government.

The implied message in the pro-

test over the commissioning of the Nkpor road by Governor Obiano is that the regime lacks projects ‘of its own.’ This suggestion would seem to gain plausibility on the consideration that the regime is just 15 months old. But beyond the illusions of rhetoric, the evidence of our very eyes is that the administration has been making phenomenal progress in the state’s development; one that does not require appropriating anybody’s credit in order to be reckoned with. Whereas most new governments in Nigeria spend the first six to 12 months learning the ropes and readjusting their programmes based on reality on the ground, here was a regime clear – sighted and mobilized at inception; and engrossed with economic reconstruction as early as the third month. That was when the first in the series of over $1.9 b investment inflow to the state economy achieved by the regime to date was

sealed.

It is possible that the assertion about former Governor Obi’s title to the fixer of the said Amawbia – Nkpor road is hinged on funds having been set aside for the project by the past administration. Making funds available is however only half of the picture. The spectre of abandoned projects in the country is in part about contractors absconding from site after collecting hefty payment sums. Without monitoring and supervision, government contracts would not be done or executed shabbily to the detriment of society. Government is a continuum and any government worth its mandate, will not hesitate to live up to the responsibility of ensuring good value for public money.

Accordingly, the resolve of the Obiano administration to complete the said road, among many others inherited from the Obi administration, is commendable. It is a verifi-

able fact that the road under reference was only completed early 2015.

There is a fundamental statement in the fact that few days after the misguided criticism of road commissioning, Governor Obiano commissioned the Awkuzu – Igbariam – Achalla road begun by the Obi administration but completed by the present state government. The 10 kilometre road had progressed to a distance of 5.5 kilometres at the termination of Obi’s tenure. By going ahead with the commissioning of another completed road in the prevailing circumstances, the Obiano administration effectively and rightly put the issues in perspective.

Project commissioning is not about political capital. In the realm of accountable governance, it serves as formal presentation of what is available for public use.

•Ifeanyi Afuba Awka, Anambra State

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

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COMMENTS

Terrorism: A historical perspective – 3

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T was not until recent times that terrorism became easily identifiable with Islamic religion. This was what influenced the American Political Science Professor, Samuel Huttington to suggest that a clash of civilisations between Christianity and Islam was inevitable. Even though he has not been proved completely right, there is an element of truth in what he has suggested because the worldviews of Islam and the West are different but not necessarily antagonistic.

The Islamic struggle against the West earnestly began when Al-Qaeda (The Base) founded by Ayman alZawahiri, Abdullah Azzam and Osama Bin Laden between 1988 and 1989 championed a struggle against the West. Their ideology was heavily influenced by the Islamic brotherhood that was unhappy about American influence in the Middle-East and was violently opposed to American military presence in Saudi Arabia, the Holy land of Islam. This movement was also opposed to the Russian occupation of Afghanistan.

Initially, some of them were aided by Americans in their fight against Soviet forces in Afghanistan. But when American forces displaced the Taliban and occupied Afghanistan, Al-Qaeda turned against the United States.

They had for some time been involved in targeting American economic interests in the Middle-East until the dramatic event of September 11, 2001 when a young team of 19 Arabs, mostly Saudis hijacked three planes and flew into the World Trade Centre, bringing it down with thousands of people dead while at the same time, hitting the

‘There is no doubt about the terrorist credentials of this regime because it has beheaded hundreds of people, burned people alive, killed Christians and non-Sunni Muslims, raped women as a strategy of war to the extent that the whole world including the Muslim community is coming together to get rid of this cancer from the global community’

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T WAS a problem waiting for him even before he assumed office on May 29. One way or the other, he has to address the matter, especially as the governors are speaking with one voice on it. Many of the governors are hard pressed; their states are facing a cash crunch never before experienced. They cannot pay salaries - in a state or two, workers have not been paid for 11 months. It sounds incredible, but it is true. This is the new face of the Civil Service, a sector where many scramble for job because of the security..

Last Tuesday, the governors poured their hearts out to President Muhammadu Buhari on what they have been going through. As chief executives of their states, they have to make provisions for capital and recurrent expenditure. For now, many of the states do not have the wherewithal to execute capital projects. Is it a state that cannot pay salary - a recurrent expenditure - that will think of embarking on capital projects, such as building roads and hospitals?

Where will the money come from in these lean times?

Didn’t the Federal and state governments have a contingency plan for a day like this? They did.

In order to avoid this kind of prob-

437 DAYS AFTER

STILL WAITING FOR CHIBOK GIRLS’ RESCUE

Pentagon in Washington DC and another trying to hit the White House but after struggling with passengers crashed into the fields in Pennsylvania.

Since the American-British wars of the 1776 to 1783, there had been no enemy attack on the United States mainland until this time. Targeting, the Trade Centre in the New York, the heart of capitalism and the Pentagon, the symbol of American military power all at the same time showed the seriousness of the attack. The world has not been the same since that time. America unfairly accused Saddam Hussein, President of Iraq for state terrorism and stock-piling of weapons of mass destruction for which reasons America invaded the country and later occupied it and went further to occupy Afghanistan.

From that time up till now and in-spite of recent American military withdrawal from both countries, the struggle between the West and Islam has been accentuated. The most dangerous aspect of this war is the possibility of terrorists taking over Pakistan and proclaiming possession of Islamic nuclear bomb since Pakistan is a nuclear weapons state. The Middle-East has become so complicated because of the struggle of the Palestinians particularly HAMAS which the West has labelled a terrorist group occupying the West Bank of the river Jordan and involved in fighting several wars with Israel.

HAMAS is seen by most Arabs and Iran as a Palestinian nationalist movement while Israel is perceived as a terrorist state in the Arab and Islamic world. Until recently the PLO (Palestinian Liberation Organisation) was also seen as a terrorist organisation. Resistance against Israel and the West has fuelled the rise of several terrorist groups such as Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) which thrived in Yemen for many years attacking American economic interest and shipping. It was particularly dangerous under Anwar-al-Aulaqi, an American born Yemeni.

A particularly large and dangerous group regarded as terrorist by the Americans is Hezbollah (party of god) in Lebanon. It is a Shia Islamic militant group and political party under Hassan Nasrallah. This group has been involved in destabilizing Lebanon and fighting against the Sunni and Christian elements in that country as well as confronting Israel in large scale military engagement. The climax of this complexity is the emergence of IS- Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant bringing in as a nucleus of an

Islamic caliphate, some territories in Iraq and Syria under a murderous regime headed by one Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

There is no doubt about the terrorist credentials of this regime because it has beheaded hundreds of people, burned people alive, Jide killed Christians Osuntokun and non-Sunni Muslims, raped women as a strategy of war to the extent that the whole world including the Muslim community is coming together to get rid of this cancer from the global community. Variants of this extremism exists in Africa in form of Al-Qaeda in the Maghreb, FIS (Front Islamique du Salut) in Algeria and in Libya the so-called Islamic caliphate has raised its flags after the disintegration of the country due to the NATO support of insurgents to overthrow the Muhammad Ghadafi regime.

The disintegration of Somalia has also witnessed the emergence of the Al-Shabaab that has been a scourge to countries in the horn of Africa as well as the East African states of Kenya and Tanzania. And recently in the last five years, north-eastern parts of Nigeria have suffered from the same Al-Qaeda-inspired terrorist under the name of Boko Haram- Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’Awati wal-Jihad founded by Ustaz Mohammed Yussuf. This group has recently placed itself under the guardianship of Al-Baghdadi’s IS (Islamic State).

Let me dwell briefly on Boko Haram insurgency. Is Boko Haram an Islamic insurgency? The answer to this question depends on the aspect of Boko Haram one is dealing with. It seems that there are three types of movement coalescing into what is now called Boko Haram.

One is a religious movement, another is a political movement and the third is a criminal component and it seems each is feeding on the other. Unfortunately, there is now evidence that some army personnel who are not loyal to Nigeria are beginning to surface in the ranks of Boko Haram.

Stewing in their own juice lem, both tiers of government resolved to establish the Excess Crude Account (ECA). The ECA was created to hold the excess from the price of crude oil, which is the benchmark for our budget.

For instance, if the budget is based on $65 per barrel and the price of oil in the international market is $80 or $90, the excess, which will be either $15 or $25, will automatically go to the ECA. It was tagged by our economic experts as saving for the ‘’rainy day’’.

Ironically, it is raining today in many states, but the cash in the ECA cannot save them. They cannot draw on the ECA because the account is overdrawn. There is virtually nothing left in the account to bail out the distressed states. $2.078 billion is said to be left in the ECA. Because he was on his way out, former President Goodluck Jonathan chose to ignore the states’ cries for help.

Was it that he ignored them or that he could not do anything in the circumstance because his administration was in the same morass? Under him, the government was borrowing to pay workers, because unlike the states, it had the facilities for obtaining such loans.

Now, the chickens have come home to roost. The Federal and state governments are in dire straits. Though the Federal Government’s case may be a bit better because it has what it takes to weather the storm, but the same cannot be said of the states, many of which are today seeking a bail out from Buhari to meet their ob-

ligations. Did the states find themselves in this quagmire because of their financial recklessness? How come the states cannot today find succour in the ECA, which we were made to believe would be the cure-all for such financial distress?

The problem is the ECA was killed before the states ran into trouble.

It was killed instalmentally by the Federal and state governments through ad-hoc withdrawals. Whenever they ran short of cash, they ran to the ECA for bail out. See where that has led the states. Since ECA is a political arrangement, the Federal and state governments should have been more prudent in utilising the funds; they weren’t because they saw it as free money. What did they use the cash for? Did they not use the money to plan for their states’ future?

Does it not defeat the purpose of ECA if states cannot draw on it when in dire need? Yet, the ECA’s mandate is to act as a stabilisation fund, close budget deficits that are products of oil price volatility and to potentially fund domestic infrastructure investments. The falling oil price exposed the ECA’s Achilles’ heels. If oil price had continued to rise, the Federal and state governments would have continued to live a false life, believing that the good times will continue to roll. Where did all the money collected from the ECA go? The Federal and state governments should be able to tell us what they did with the billions of dol-

lars they shared before the distressed states can ask for bail out.

Where do they want Buhari to get money from? The same ECA, which Jonathan and his Minister of Finance Dr Ngozi OkonjoIweala said was empty because everything had been shared? As the saying goes, you cannot have your cake and eat it. Having exhausted the ECA, the states should devise means of generating funds instead of running to the Federal Government cap in hand, begging for a life-line. I pity the states, but honestly, they cannot be absolved from the misspending of the ECA by the Jonathan administration. They cannot; they are as guilty as that government. he states should not bur den Buhari with their cash crisis early in the life of his administration. They should allow the administration to settle down and face the huge task ahead. The president has his own problems, which he inherited from Jonathan; so we should let him face squarely the task of revamping the economy and not tie him down with the mess the states created for themselves. ‘’With a virtually empty treasury’’, which Buhari said he inherited from his predecessor, where do the states expect him to get money to give them? Ask

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Lawal Ogienagbon lawal.ogienagbon@thenationonlineng.net SMS ONLY: 08099400204, 08112661612

the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to print money and cause hyper-inflation?

The lesson in all of this is that we should not lend ourselves to illegality. Was there any need for ECA? The answer is no because the Constitution in Section 80 (1) provides for a Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) as a special purpose vehicle for keeping excess funds. And the CRF could only be drawn from with the National Assembly’s approval. This provision may have been made to avoid an abuse of the fund. But the Federal and state governments found a way to beat the provision by creating ECA, which they could draw from at will. But see who is crying today!

Unfortunately, our poor workers are being made to pay the price for their leaders’ profligacy.

‘I pity the states, but honestly they cannot be absolved from the misspending of the ECA by the Jonathan administration. They cannot; they are as guilty as that government’

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

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COMMENTS

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UR nation is at the mercy of foxy politicians and their godfathers who daily assault our sensibilities because we are bereft of elder-statesmen who have the moral voice to call a spade by its proper name.

Yakubu Gowon who could have spoken forcefully against what is going on in our society, if only for the sake of our children, is engrossed in endless prayers while those reap where they did not sow contrary to God’s injunction, celebrate fraud as accomplishment.

Bukola Saraki has been going around visiting leaders to justify what his party has appropriately described as a treacherous act.

Ekweremadu has retired to the East to celebrate what was described as ‘snatching victory from the jaw of defeat’ after fraudulently accepting an inducement from a Saraki who was willing to sell the victory of his party.

David Mark and Atiku Abubakar have been wildly celebrated by their supporters and the media as astute politicians. And for PDP and its freeloaders that did not see stealing government monies as corruption, stealing 60-49 Upper House victory Nigerians freely gave APC is a ‘victory for the independence of the legislature…’

Ike Ekweremadu belongs to a segment of Igbo elite with a history of betrayal of uninformed members of their Igbo nation who look up to them for direction. His group including Ohaneze mobilized their people to vote against Buhari and against change. He admitted that much while celebrating his pyrrhic victory in Enugu last week. “Igbo have no regret for the way they voted; if they have the opportunity tomorrow, they will do it again”, he boasted. Then turning to APC

‘What is not in doubt in all this is the fact that Atiku loves neither Tinubu nor Buhari or cares a hoot about APC which he is ready to dump if PDP offers him a platform for 2019. Atiku’s only obsession is to become the President of Nigeria. He will betray anyone that stands in between him and his dream’

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Ekweremadu’s opportunism... whose stolen mandate he was celebrating, he said “We are prepared to work with APC and President Buhari; we will help them to ensure that corruption is reduced to the barest minimum and that the security issue is addressed. We will help them to ensure that our economy will rebound; we will also help them to ensure that there is employment for everybody. But so long as they deviate from this noble principles, and decide to chase shadows, I can assure them, they will get what they are looking for”.

For Senator Obinna Ogba, the re-election of Ekweremadu is “a major victory for the Southeast because ‘there is no way you can share all these positions without taking the Igbo into consideration”. At the end, it is all about sharing. It has nothing to do with Nigerians who have been short-changed after voting for ‘change’ or the Igbo whose name is being used in vain to immorally acquire power.

To further justify his immoral act, Ekweremadu assaulted the memory of Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, a foremost Nigerian nationalist and one of the founding fathers of our nation, by asserting that “in the 1960s when NCNC went to election and lost to NPC, Zik had to negotiate himself back to power and became the President of Nigeria”; and that “In 1979, NPP (Nigeria Peoples Party) that was so dominant in the East lost in the presidential election; Zik and his colleagues also negotiated himself back to power and Edwin Ume-Ezeoke became the Speaker of the House of Representatives”. This is nothing but revisionism and a great disservice to the memory of Zik. From the available literature, we have no evidence that Zik’s NCNC went into alliance with NPC because of what Zik stood to gain personally. If he was driven by personal ambition, a more rational choice of alliance

HERE is a saying in my native parlance to the affect that a dog owned by the entire community usually dies of hunger. This is simply because nobody in particular would take the responsibility of feeding it. That was my first problem with President Muhammadu Buhari’s famous, “I belong to everybody, I belong to nobody”. As attractive and appealing the statement was, I felt that it was merely targeted at the sentiments of Nigerians at least at the point it was made. And not unexpectedly, Nigerians chorused it with enthusiasm. But for purposes of partisan tenacity, I felt the statement was not only too open-ended and populist, it was also fraught with danger, especially as it is not in sync with partisan idiosyncrasy. Of course, sceptics took their positions and it was not long when the first salvo came.

For, shortly after that ‘wise’ saying, President Buhari, ovenfresh and draped in magisterial aura conferred on him for defeating a sitting president, the first in Africa, headed for Germany to attend the 41st summit of the G7. There, according to reports, the Nigerian president, to the astonishment of the whole world, alluded to Germany, the host of the summit, as “Western Germany”; and to the head of government (state) of Germany as “President”. President Buhari was also said to have wrongly pronounced the name of the Chancellor of Germany as “Mitchele” instead of Merkel, Angela Merkel, that is.

The president’s ‘enemies’ went to town through the social media. Understandably, not much mention has been made of the gaffes in the local print media and I am personally of the view that as grave as the slips are, there is no need crying over spilled milk. Fortunately, Nigerians so love their president that they were quick in laying the blames on the door steps of his handlers, some say aides. Did they (aides) brief him properly? Was there a pre-summit debriefing between the president and his handlers?

To avoid a reoccurrence in the future, some analyst say the president should take a briefing on global etiquettes.

Others suggest that he should be shielded from unnecessary (global) exposure. On the latter option, Nigerians, they say, elected Buhari for just one reason: to fight corruption and that as such, he has no business cat-walking on the runaways of every international airport. President Buhari, they say, should get into the trenches to deal with corrupt Nigerians instead of making every international summit. Witness the bizarre counsels to the leader of Africa’s most important country and Africa’s largest economy, indeed Africa’s most populous nation in the proportion of three Nigerians in every five Africans.

In my view, such counselling are coming because Nigeri-

would have been with AG whose leader, Awo had already conceded the office of Prime Minister to Zik. I think history will judge Zik more as a man who sacrificed personal ambition to preserve the unity of Nigeria as well as protect the interest of his Igbo people who like the Jews thrive more in other peoples’ countries.

Similarly it was apparent Zik was dragged out of retirement in 1979 by a group of selfserving Igbo elite who wanted to ride on his back to achieve their political ambition. There was no evidence he personally benefited from the NPP and NPN 1979 coalition. Zik is also on record as calling on Igbo ministers serving in Balewa’s government to resign following the collapse of the NCNC and NPC coalition in the first republic. He did the same following the collapse of NPP and NPN in the second republic. Zik, like most of his contemporaries might have tried to protect the interest of Igbo nation within the greater Nigeria nation, there was no evidence he tried to exploit the Igbo nation for personal political gain.

...and Atiku’s Apostasy Atiku Abubakar is a unique Nigerian who took a shot at the Presidency only three years after retiring from the customs ‘placing third after MKO Abiola and Babagana Kingibe in the Social Democratic Party (SDP) primaries’.

In 1999, Obasanjo found him irresistible and made him his running mate. His ambition to upstage and prevent Obasanjo from his second term forced President Obasanjo who felt betrayed by a trusted ally to swear Atiku would not succeed him. An unforgiving Obasanjo literarily chased him out of PDP.

He took refuge in Tinubu’s AC where he secured a platform to pursue his ambition after the Supreme Court had overruled his disqualification by INEC on the ground that he ‘had been indicted for financial misconduct by an investigating panel set up at Obasanjo’s behest’. He crawled back to PDP, abandoning Tinubu and his ACN after losing the election. APC provided for him a refuge when he once again fled PDP that had shut him out of the 2015 presidential race.

There were rumours he was on his way back to PDP after losing the APC primary to Buhari . On March 17, Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Political Affairs, Rufai Ahmed Alkali. while receiving members of 120 support groups loyal to Atiku who were defecting to the PDP, said “Atiku is a PDP man to the core but he has gone on vacation and I believe one day he too will come back to the part.” Atiku later gave details of the President’s Jonathan surprise visit to his house at midnight on Friday, March 13. According to him, President Jonathan who had pleaded with him on three separate occasions to leave the All Progressives Congress (APC) said “I need to go back to PDP because we built the party together and we are its founding fathers and that we needed to go back and rebuild it.”

Then Atiku refused to attend Buhari’s campaigns claiming he had ‘told General Buhari’s campaign organizers that if they do not invite him to the rallies, he would not attend’. Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa on Friday, March 20, he claimed there are minor irregularities in connection with the system being followed by the campaign team of General Buhari ‘.

Now after giving open support to Saraki accused of disrespect for President Buhari and of trading off his party’s victory, Atiku issued a statement expressing his “unalloyed commitment to the Buhari administration’’.

According to him, “the recent outcomes of the National Assembly elections, contrary to insinuations are products of interplay of politics, (since) “in politics, it is a mistake to expect fixed outcomes”.

What is not in doubt in all this is the fact that Atiku loves neither Tinubu nor Buhari or cares a hoot about APC which he is ready to dump if PDP offers him a platform for 2019. Atiku’s only obsession is to become the President of Nigeria. He will betray anyone that stands in between him and his dream.

Buhari has to belong to somebody

By Ethelbert Okere ans were dazed by the presidential slips but that does not warrant the resort to presidential recoil. Of course, Nigeria must continue to showcase our handsome president with the great poise. I am sure every Nigerian was quite proud to see President Buhari in the crowd of other world leaders, his magisterial gait and elegance. There was this particular photograph where the president was alighting from an open vehicle and I recall one lady saying “Waoo, This president!”

On a more serious note, however, Nigerians are willing to give a pass mark to President Buhari on the things he has done so far at the domestic front. At least his attitude to the issue of the emergence of principal officers of the 8th National Assembly gives him not less than a B+. Still, go to the international arena he must. There are so many things to go and talk about abroad. For one, the nation’s economy is so bad that it needs no exaggeration to state that Nigeria needs a bailout from the international community at least for the next one or two years. And it is not what the president can do from Daura. So, while I disagree that the President should stay put at home and like in 1984 begin to put former governors to jail, there is one thing he must do: he should repudiate the “I belong to nobody…” mantra. In my view, President Buhari has to belong to somebody.

President Buhari has to make himself available. He has to work with Nigerians. Of course, I disagree with those who blame his aides. With my little exposure to top political office holders, most principals get only the advice or assistance they want to have. Most principals, in the Nigerian context, put up body language that freezes all good intentions from their aides. I hear the president is an easy going man but my fear is that he may still be operating with the same mindset as when he was running for his present office.

Majority of Nigerians saw him as stand-offish and a fellow with a “you-can-go-to-hell” disposition.

An example was when the issue of his academic certificate arose. Yes, the election was won and lost but the truth is that Nigerians did not like the seeming arrogance with which he handled the matter. He had referred INEC officials to the military authorities when the latter asked for his academic credentials. Granted that Nigerians did not buy the talk that he had no certificate to show, not a few were piqued by that

attitude because that was another way of telling Nigerians that he owed them no explanation. My hunch is that President Buhari might not have asked his handlers for a presummit briefing. To be quite candid, I do not buy the idea that he should not at his age bother about certain things. For goodness’ sake, he now has to.

In my article, titled “Igbo Did Not Make A Mistake on 2015” published a few days after the presidential election, I argued that most Igbo did not vote for the then presidentto-be because he was not properly presented to them. General Muhammadu Buhari (GMB then) now President Muhammadu Buhari (PMB), as some newspapers now write, was wrongly packaged: as a religious fanatic, a Boko Haram supporter and a fellow who did not possess the minimum educational requirement for the office he was looking for.

Going by his body language then, it seemed all that did not matter to the then GMB. Now as PMB, my fear is that he is yet to believe that he has to make himself to be truly or better understood by the people. His fabled anti-corruption disposition notwithstanding, President Buhari has to know that what he can achieve in that regard will be largely dependent on the extent Nigerians understand him. “I belong to nobody…” is too vague for the social and economic milieu Nigerians currently find themselves in. A dog owned communally usually dies of hunger.

‘His fabled anti-corruption disposition notwithstanding, President Buhari has to know that what he can achieve in that regard will be largely dependent on the extent Nigerians understand him. “I belong to nobody…” is too vague for the social and economic milieu Nigerians currently find themselves in. A dog owned communally usually dies of hunger’

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 24, 2015

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COMMENTS

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OR nearly six decades, we Nigerians have been mangling and wrecking our country. Our leaders and rulers took the God- given resources and wealth in our land and turned them into dangerous weapons for breeding a culture of almost sub-human greed among our powerful and influential men and women, for pushing abject and hopeless poverty into the lives of our people, and for giving our country an image that makes most of the rest of the world fear, hate and despise her. The day of reckoning is here now.

In the past three weeks since President Buhari was sworn in, we have, in various ways, come face to face with the truth of the evil we have done to our country and to ourselves. President Buhari has told us again and again that our country is in serious trouble.

The Nigerian treasury inherited by him is empty. At the same time, he is being shown mountains of debt in all directions. And he is being shown utter confusion in the management of Nigeria’s public accounts. He is finding that nobody can tell him, because nobody knows, exactly how many accounts the Federal Government has.

Some of his political opponents, especially high officials of the ousted Jonathan presidency, are doing all they can to convince us that Buhari is only playing politics, that things are not as bad as he says, and that parts of the debts are not owned by the Federal Government but by the state governments. But the facts are too plainly manifest to admit of politicking. More than 21 states cannot pay their workers’ salaries. Monthly allocations to the states have been slashed lower and lower in the course of the last year of Jonathan’s presidency. Months before Buhari took over, some states have failed to get their allocations when due. And now we are learning that even the Federal Government itself has been unable to pay salaries in certain federal departments and agencies since the final months of the Jonathan presidency.

Of course, none of us can say, honour bright, that Jonathan single-handedly wrecked our country. But it is certainly true that he came, he inherited a country that has been gradually dying for decades, and he made it die a whole lot more. Virtually all the successive governments of Nigeria since 1962 have been motivated to destabilize and weaken Nigeria. Jonathan followed that tradition and intensified it.

And, unfortunately, very unfortunately, the

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RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari, who was recently sworn in as an elected leader of Africa’s most populous nation, ended his last public assignment 16 years ago, when he voluntarily resigned as chairman of the Petroleum (Special) Trust Fund (PTF), on the eve of the take-off of the Fourth Republic with the handover of power by the last military regime of Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar. Those who, therefore, measure Buhari solely by his tour of political duty as military head of state in 1983-85 often miss out on some critical lessons that Buhari most probably learnt during and after his PTF years.

The Nigerian elite were vociferous in calling for the dismantling of the PTF, branding it a parallel government, and arguing that line ministries should be funded with the PTF resources, to deliver on their statutory mandates. Perceptible persons who had gauged the results of PTF urged caution in the hysterical demands to jettison the interventionist agency. Rather than discard PTF, a creature of the late Gen. Sani Abacha, more sober voices urged the civilian administration of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, which was then to assume power in 1999, not to discard PTF, but instead reduce its scope of intervention to infrastructure delivery. In the end, PTF was wound up, not without controversy among some of its undertakers, but the Federal Emergency Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), which emerged much later, was neither in a position to deliver on roads nor even to be anywhere near what PTF had achieved.

The one obvious lesson from the foregoing is: do not cut your nose to spite your face.

Buhari has come into office now on the mantra of change. But he can be certain that the campaign rhetoric, which permitted the unrestrained and unrelenting castigation of the administration of erstwhile President Goodluck Jonathan, does not, and should not imply, that everything, or even most things, done by the Jonathan government must be changed. It appears to me that Buhari’s best bet is to adopt a philosophical disposition that flows naturally from his public acknowledgement of former President Goodluck Jonathan’s rightful place in

President Buhari: This is the moment for change recent stages of Nigeria’s self-destruction have been taking place against a worldwide background of real and fundamental declines.

The mineral oil wealth – the mighty power that led us into the dangerous euphoria in which we gradually abandoned productive enterprises, centralized all resource control,and destroyed all morality in our country – has been falling in the world. From as high as over $125 only a year ago, the price of crude oil fell to as low as just over $50, and now hovers in the range of about $60 – plunging Nigeria into serious difficulties. It is estimated that, for Nigeria to be able to balance its budget, oil prices would have to rise back to $120 per barrel – and nobody thinks that that can happen again.

According to experts on the subject, the worldwide glut that has been causing the fall in oil prices is not likely to end soon. And the development of new oil production technology, resulting in the pumping of oil from shale into the market by American producers, seems likely to continue to drag oil prices down. Even more ominous for the future of oil, the technology and development of renewable energy sources (especially energy from solar and wind sources) are growing very fast in the world. Renewable energy is growing significantly in some countries (like United Kingdom, Australia and the United States) and constitutes a big part of the future energy plans of some developing countries like India and China. Oil is expected to recede steadily in world energy supplies.

But even if oil prices do manage to begin to rise again in the world, Nigeria would still have its own unique problems to struggle with in the oil market. The United States, the largest buyer of Nigeria’s oil, has recently cut off all purchases of Nigeria’s crude oil. When that happened, it was hoped that purchases by China and India would rise to take the place of the lost American market; but that is not happening. Earlier this week, Nigeria had to announce special price reductions of its own in order to attract buyers. The days of the

popularity of Nigeria’s crude oil in the world market seem to be over.

With these developments in the oil market, Nigeria has entered upon an era of serious economic uncertainties. But, sadly, this is a down-turn that Nigeria is grossly unprepared for. We have centralized our resources in the hands of the Federal Government, and thereby seriously depressed local enterprise and taught our people to wait for doles from the Federal Government. We have turned our most dynamic citizens into beggars at the door-steps of politicians. Our politicians, leaders and rulers are addicted to operating in the oil euphoria mode. For them, politics is a profession that yields huge fortunes to the politician – especially to those who win elections to public offices.

In our recent elections, candidates still poured enormous amounts of money into electioneering, in the assurance that these were investments that would yield great fortunes. A friend of mine asked a couple of newly elected National Assembly legislators how they would react if President Buhari brought proposals to the National Assembly for a general reduction in the salaries and allowances paid to political public officials – and their prompt answer was, “We will impeach him”. In our states, governors are addicted to budgeting and mostly stealing large “security votes”, becoming rich from graft, and buying private jets. Political elites that somehow slip into such a disastrous mode never choose to change – it is too sweet to give up.

But that does not mean that change is impossible. One thing is certain immediately – Nigeria must give up this awful culture of Federal Government control of resources, dependence on governments, treating politics as business, and general dependence on politicians for handouts and favours; and we must return to normal life in which everybody’s ambition, hard work and profit build and uplift society.

That is where President Buhari comes in.

He promised change, and most of us trusted

Nigerian thoughts him and voted for change. In view of the drastic conditions that confront him at this beginning, we don’t exp e c t miracles in his “First 100 Banji Akintoye Days”. But we expect to have soon a solid and clear agenda for the changes that our country desperately needs. Oil may never be able to come back strongly as revenue earner. But our country is rich in various other resources, and change must include releasing them to the enterprising hands of Nigerians. Change must include turning our youths into skilled, efficient and dependable modern workers, and opening a wide door to the entrepreneurial ones among us. And change must reduce the emoluments of politics, until political involvement becomes sacrificial service to our country and people. Buhari can lead us to achieve all these.

‘Nigeria must give up this awful culture of Federal Government control of resources, dependence on governments, treating politics as business, and general dependence on politicians for handouts and favours; and we must return to normal life in which everybody’s ambition, hard work and profit build and uplift society’

PMB: Don’t delegate scrutiny of handover notes

By Steve Azaiki Nigeria’s political history.

Former President Jonathan’s good deeds do not reside alone in his patriotic and selfless management of the electoral reforms that have brought about a new dawn in our polity. In several other spheres of our national life, the Jonathan administration had begun, or completed programmes, policies, and projects with positive consequences that many choose to forget, having been bombarded with the negative election propaganda by what was then the opposition party. This is why President Buhari should carefully, and on his own (not by assignment to even his trusted aides), study the handover notes given to him by his predecessor. In the notes, Buhari will find a succinct statement of the state of the nation.

Although the handover notes cover the Jonathan Presidency, they in fact encapsulate the country’s governance experience since 1999. The notes contain the goals and efforts, the mistakes and remedies, the successes and challenges, as well as tips and hints on an agenda for the future. The notes, therefore, roll into one the Obasanjo, Yar’Adua, and Jonathan administrations. In studying the succinct handover notes, President Buhari will discover that there is no point reinventing the wheel. Governments spend so much time trying to carve an identity for themselves, they lose time and goodwill in the process, and leave undone an array of projects and programmes.

President Buhari will discover that the handover notes deal with the areas which he says will engage the attention of his administration: anti-corruption, unemployment, insecurity, and the economy at large. To achieve speedier and more enduring results, President Buhari will find wisdom in taking his

bearing from where his predecessor left off.

For instance, you cannot pursue employment generation through agriculture and seek to ignore the gains and roadmap set by the preceding administration, nor can you ignore the goal of food security so relentlessly pursued in the last few years. Can you fix the economy and create more jobs without industrialisation? Check out the Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan of the Jonathan years. Can you drive the economy without investment in infrastructure? Check out what had been achieved in road, rail, and aviation – not just in terms of projects, but essentially the legal and policy frameworks.

The Jonathan administration had also achieved milestones in the power sector. If Buhari were to start afresh, by abandoning what went on before, he would superintend the building of so many new power plants, work out ownership arrangements, and indeed restructure the power sector. How many years does he have? And can he afford the political cost (of continuing darkness) while he tries out his own brand new game plan?

Even in the petroleum subsector, which has attracted the most negative comments about the immediate past administration, President Buhari will find that there were also new frontiers, and that he does not need to throw out the baby with the bath water, no matter how odiferous the water is.

But, why did I advise that Buhari should personally study the succinct handover notes, rather than by proxy? It is probably the best armour he has, as well as the best source of his bearing that will enable him focus on the areas he has isolated to tackle frontally during his years in office. Make no mistake; President Buhari will be bombarded with all kinds of ideas, proposals, and suggestions – and these are by persons who are outsiders pretending to know more than the insiders.

These may also be persons who lost out in

earlier schemes and are desirous of getting into the new groove. Some will advise President Buhari to jettison what went on before, and present him with new templates that are either conflictual or would amount to reinventing the wheel. If Jonathan had been reelected, a good many of such proposals would have been untenable.

However, by arming himself with knowledge from the handover notes, President Buhari will be better positioned to interrogate some of the proposals he will definitely be bombarded with. It will also help Buhari if he creates a back channel of communication with whoever served in the previous administration, to help explain, clarify, or put in perspective any matter arising from the past and especially as the new influence peddlers sneak in to the President to sell their ideas.

Already, some irredentists are urging President Buhari to disregard the National Conference Report and Recommendations. But in this poor advice, none has articulated any position that the report and recommendations were self-serving for former President Jonathan, who convened the conference and was widely applauded by the conference leaders and participants that he did not interfere with the proceedings or outcome of the Conference. The 2014 National Conference was by far more eagerly attended, and by firstelevens, than the Political Reform Conference of President Obasanjo in 2005, which collapsed upon rejection of the third term bid. Nor was the 2014 National Conference anything like the 1994-95 Constitutional Conference organised by the military regime of Gen. Abacha.

Buhari does not need to organise another conference, nor should he ignore the outcome of the 2014 National Conference.

• Prof. Azaiki is chairman, National Think Tank.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

21

COMMENTS

F

OR nearly six decades, we Nigerians have been mangling and wrecking our country. Our leaders and rulers took the God- given resources and wealth in our land and turned them into dangerous weapons for breeding a culture of almost sub-human greed among our powerful and influential men and women, for pushing abject and hopeless poverty into the lives of our people, and for giving our country an image that makes most of the rest of the world fear, hate and despise her. The day of reckoning is here now.

In the past three weeks since President Buhari was sworn in, we have, in various ways, come face to face with the truth of the evil we have done to our country and to ourselves. President Buhari has told us again and again that our country is in serious trouble.

The Nigerian treasury inherited by him is empty. At the same time, he is being shown mountains of debt in all directions. And he is being shown utter confusion in the management of Nigeria’s public accounts. He is finding that nobody can tell him, because nobody knows, exactly how many accounts the Federal Government has.

Some of his political opponents, especially high officials of the ousted Jonathan presidency, are doing all they can to convince us that Buhari is only playing politics, that things are not as bad as he says, and that parts of the debts are not owned by the Federal Government but by the state governments. But the facts are too plainly manifest to admit of politicking. More than 21 states cannot pay their workers’ salaries. Monthly allocations to the states have been slashed lower and lower in the course of the last year of Jonathan’s presidency. Months before Buhari took over, some states have failed to get their allocations when due. And now we are learning that even the Federal Government itself has been unable to pay salaries in certain federal departments and agencies since the final months of the Jonathan presidency.

Of course, none of us can say, honour bright, that Jonathan single-handedly wrecked our country. But it is certainly true that he came, he inherited a country that has been gradually dying for decades, and he made it die a whole lot more. Virtually all the successive governments of Nigeria since 1962 have been motivated to destabilize and weaken Nigeria. Jonathan followed that tradition and intensified it.

And, unfortunately, very unfortunately, the

P

RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari, who was recently sworn in as an elected leader of Africa’s most populous nation, ended his last public assignment 16 years ago, when he voluntarily resigned as chairman of the Petroleum (Special) Trust Fund (PTF), on the eve of the take-off of the Fourth Republic with the handover of power by the last military regime of Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar. Those who, therefore, measure Buhari solely by his tour of political duty as military head of state in 1983-85 often miss out on some critical lessons that Buhari most probably learnt during and after his PTF years.

The Nigerian elite were vociferous in calling for the dismantling of the PTF, branding it a parallel government, and arguing that line ministries should be funded with the PTF resources, to deliver on their statutory mandates. Perceptible persons who had gauged the results of PTF urged caution in the hysterical demands to jettison the interventionist agency. Rather than discard PTF, a creature of the late Gen. Sani Abacha, more sober voices urged the civilian administration of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, which was then to assume power in 1999, not to discard PTF, but instead reduce its scope of intervention to infrastructure delivery. In the end, PTF was wound up, not without controversy among some of its undertakers, but the Federal Emergency Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), which emerged much later, was neither in a position to deliver on roads nor even to be anywhere near what PTF had achieved.

The one obvious lesson from the foregoing is: do not cut your nose to spite your face.

Buhari has come into office now on the mantra of change. But he can be certain that the campaign rhetoric, which permitted the unrestrained and unrelenting castigation of the administration of erstwhile President Goodluck Jonathan, does not, and should not imply, that everything, or even most things, done by the Jonathan government must be changed. It appears to me that Buhari’s best bet is to adopt a philosophical disposition that flows naturally from his public acknowledgement of former President Goodluck Jonathan’s rightful place in

President Buhari: This is the moment for change recent stages of Nigeria’s self-destruction have been taking place against a worldwide background of real and fundamental declines.

The mineral oil wealth – the mighty power that led us into the dangerous euphoria in which we gradually abandoned productive enterprises, centralized all resource control,and destroyed all morality in our country – has been falling in the world. From as high as over $125 only a year ago, the price of crude oil fell to as low as just over $50, and now hovers in the range of about $60 – plunging Nigeria into serious difficulties. It is estimated that, for Nigeria to be able to balance its budget, oil prices would have to rise back to $120 per barrel – and nobody thinks that that can happen again.

According to experts on the subject, the worldwide glut that has been causing the fall in oil prices is not likely to end soon. And the development of new oil production technology, resulting in the pumping of oil from shale into the market by American producers, seems likely to continue to drag oil prices down. Even more ominous for the future of oil, the technology and development of renewable energy sources (especially energy from solar and wind sources) are growing very fast in the world. Renewable energy is growing significantly in some countries (like United Kingdom, Australia and the United States) and constitutes a big part of the future energy plans of some developing countries like India and China. Oil is expected to recede steadily in world energy supplies.

But even if oil prices do manage to begin to rise again in the world, Nigeria would still have its own unique problems to struggle with in the oil market. The United States, the largest buyer of Nigeria’s oil, has recently cut off all purchases of Nigeria’s crude oil. When that happened, it was hoped that purchases by China and India would rise to take the place of the lost American market; but that is not happening. Earlier this week, Nigeria had to announce special price reductions of its own in order to attract buyers. The days of the

popularity of Nigeria’s crude oil in the world market seem to be over.

With these developments in the oil market, Nigeria has entered upon an era of serious economic uncertainties. But, sadly, this is a down-turn that Nigeria is grossly unprepared for. We have centralized our resources in the hands of the Federal Government, and thereby seriously depressed local enterprise and taught our people to wait for doles from the Federal Government. We have turned our most dynamic citizens into beggars at the door-steps of politicians. Our politicians, leaders and rulers are addicted to operating in the oil euphoria mode. For them, politics is a profession that yields huge fortunes to the politician – especially to those who win elections to public offices.

In our recent elections, candidates still poured enormous amounts of money into electioneering, in the assurance that these were investments that would yield great fortunes. A friend of mine asked a couple of newly elected National Assembly legislators how they would react if President Buhari brought proposals to the National Assembly for a general reduction in the salaries and allowances paid to political public officials – and their prompt answer was, “We will impeach him”. In our states, governors are addicted to budgeting and mostly stealing large “security votes”, becoming rich from graft, and buying private jets. Political elites that somehow slip into such a disastrous mode never choose to change – it is too sweet to give up.

But that does not mean that change is impossible. One thing is certain immediately – Nigeria must give up this awful culture of Federal Government control of resources, dependence on governments, treating politics as business, and general dependence on politicians for handouts and favours; and we must return to normal life in which everybody’s ambition, hard work and profit build and uplift society.

That is where President Buhari comes in.

He promised change, and most of us trusted

Nigerian thoughts him and voted for change. In view of the drastic conditions that confront him at this beginning, we don’t exp e c t miracles in his “First 100 Banji Akintoye Days”. But we expect to have soon a solid and clear agenda for the changes that our country desperately needs. Oil may never be able to come back strongly as revenue earner. But our country is rich in various other resources, and change must include releasing them to the enterprising hands of Nigerians. Change must include turning our youths into skilled, efficient and dependable modern workers, and opening a wide door to the entrepreneurial ones among us. And change must reduce the emoluments of politics, until political involvement becomes sacrificial service to our country and people. Buhari can lead us to achieve all these.

‘Nigeria must give up this awful culture of Federal Government control of resources, dependence on governments, treating politics as business, and general dependence on politicians for handouts and favours; and we must return to normal life in which everybody’s ambition, hard work and profit build and uplift society’

PMB: Don’t delegate scrutiny of handover notes

By Steve Azaiki Nigeria’s political history.

Former President Jonathan’s good deeds do not reside alone in his patriotic and selfless management of the electoral reforms that have brought about a new dawn in our polity. In several other spheres of our national life, the Jonathan administration had begun, or completed programmes, policies, and projects with positive consequences that many choose to forget, having been bombarded with the negative election propaganda by what was then the opposition party. This is why President Buhari should carefully, and on his own (not by assignment to even his trusted aides), study the handover notes given to him by his predecessor. In the notes, Buhari will find a succinct statement of the state of the nation.

Although the handover notes cover the Jonathan Presidency, they in fact encapsulate the country’s governance experience since 1999. The notes contain the goals and efforts, the mistakes and remedies, the successes and challenges, as well as tips and hints on an agenda for the future. The notes, therefore, roll into one the Obasanjo, Yar’Adua, and Jonathan administrations. In studying the succinct handover notes, President Buhari will discover that there is no point reinventing the wheel. Governments spend so much time trying to carve an identity for themselves, they lose time and goodwill in the process, and leave undone an array of projects and programmes.

President Buhari will discover that the handover notes deal with the areas which he says will engage the attention of his administration: anti-corruption, unemployment, insecurity, and the economy at large. To achieve speedier and more enduring results, President Buhari will find wisdom in taking his

bearing from where his predecessor left off.

For instance, you cannot pursue employment generation through agriculture and seek to ignore the gains and roadmap set by the preceding administration, nor can you ignore the goal of food security so relentlessly pursued in the last few years. Can you fix the economy and create more jobs without industrialisation? Check out the Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan of the Jonathan years. Can you drive the economy without investment in infrastructure? Check out what had been achieved in road, rail, and aviation – not just in terms of projects, but essentially the legal and policy frameworks.

The Jonathan administration had also achieved milestones in the power sector. If Buhari were to start afresh, by abandoning what went on before, he would superintend the building of so many new power plants, work out ownership arrangements, and indeed restructure the power sector. How many years does he have? And can he afford the political cost (of continuing darkness) while he tries out his own brand new game plan?

Even in the petroleum subsector, which has attracted the most negative comments about the immediate past administration, President Buhari will find that there were also new frontiers, and that he does not need to throw out the baby with the bath water, no matter how odiferous the water is.

But, why did I advise that Buhari should personally study the succinct handover notes, rather than by proxy? It is probably the best armour he has, as well as the best source of his bearing that will enable him focus on the areas he has isolated to tackle frontally during his years in office. Make no mistake; President Buhari will be bombarded with all kinds of ideas, proposals, and suggestions – and these are by persons who are outsiders pretending to know more than the insiders.

These may also be persons who lost out in

earlier schemes and are desirous of getting into the new groove. Some will advise President Buhari to jettison what went on before, and present him with new templates that are either conflictual or would amount to reinventing the wheel. If Jonathan had been reelected, a good many of such proposals would have been untenable.

However, by arming himself with knowledge from the handover notes, President Buhari will be better positioned to interrogate some of the proposals he will definitely be bombarded with. It will also help Buhari if he creates a back channel of communication with whoever served in the previous administration, to help explain, clarify, or put in perspective any matter arising from the past and especially as the new influence peddlers sneak in to the President to sell their ideas.

Already, some irredentists are urging President Buhari to disregard the National Conference Report and Recommendations. But in this poor advice, none has articulated any position that the report and recommendations were self-serving for former President Jonathan, who convened the conference and was widely applauded by the conference leaders and participants that he did not interfere with the proceedings or outcome of the Conference. The 2014 National Conference was by far more eagerly attended, and by firstelevens, than the Political Reform Conference of President Obasanjo in 2005, which collapsed upon rejection of the third term bid. Nor was the 2014 National Conference anything like the 1994-95 Constitutional Conference organised by the military regime of Gen. Abacha.

Buhari does not need to organise another conference, nor should he ignore the outcome of the 2014 National Conference.

• Prof. Azaiki is chairman, National Think Tank.

22

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

25

THE NATION

EDUCATION

THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

The Federal Government’s plan to stop funding its universities’ staff schools is ruffling feathers.

Workers have condemned the plan, saying it may spark terrible consequences.

•SSANU members during a protest at UNILAG

Teachers to govt: don’t kill staff schools

W

ILL federal universities’ staff schools survive if the government stops their funding? This is the puzzle to which the workers are seeking an answer. To protect its members, the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has taken up the fight for the government to continue funding the schools.

The association’s chapters nationwide have taken to the streets in protest. Tagging it a ploy to privatise the schools, they fear that it would lead to workers’ downsizing fee hike and hardship for the communities they serve.

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie, Adegunle Olugbamila, Oluwatoyin Adeleye, Nicholas Kalu (Calabar), Sunny Nwankwo (Aba), Uja Emmanuel (Makurdi), Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke (Umuahia), Adekunle Jimoh (Ilorin).

Effect on workers With the teachers on the same salary scale with universities’ nonacademic staff, salary cuts, and or sack, would be inevitable if the plan sails through. Some of the schools have no fewer than 100 workers,

‘

into the labour market highly qualified people who are productive - unlike many civil servants.

"You talked about the issue of the loss of jobs. All the dependants of those who will be affected would suffer. So I think it is a bad idea. The

If you say it should be independent, it would mean a hike in school fees and that would mean a lot of children would not have the opportunity of going to school. It would come at a high price INSIDE

School explains why SS3 pupils were sent away

while fees charged on the average is less than N10,000 per term.

Faulting the plan, Federal Universities Staff Schools Association of Nigeria, President Rev Chidi Nwakpa said the government would be throwing

DESPITE a heavy downpour last Saturday, the management of the Federal Science and Technical College (FSTC), Yaba, parents, representatives of old students and other stakeholders gathered to discuss ...

-Page 28

Lad gets scholarship for honesty -Page 39

CAMPUS LIFE OAU is Africa’s best -Page 29

’

Federal Government should think about it and allow it. After all, how much is it? There are federal civil servants who are just there. They go to the office twice or thrice a month and still collect their salary. But these people are training the future generations of tomorrow. A lot of people that have passed through the staff schools are doctors, professors, lecturers and many other areas of life. Why must it be the staff schools that are singled out for this kind of punishment?

Chairman of SSANU, University of Ibadan chapter, Comrade Wale Akinremi added that the job loss would not only affect the teachers but the quality of education in the •Continued on page 26

•A 10-page section on campus news, people etc

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

26

EDUCATION

NANS honours UNILAG VC

T

HE National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has presented an award and certificate of credence to the Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos State, Prof Rahamon Bello.

Justifying the award at the Senate Chambers, NANS Vice President, Oluwatosin Ogunkuade, said the Vice Chancellor was being honoured for his leadership acumen towards the resuscitation of student union activities, academic stability and development of the university.

He also noted that Bello’s administration has graduated the highest number of First Class students ever in the history of the university, provided alternative means of power supply, helped to reduce unemployment by employing the two best graduating students of each programme offered in the university, among other achievements.

Receiving the award, Bello attributed his achievements to support of the management of the institution.

By Oluwatoyin Adeleye

“I accept the honour bestowed on me today on behalf of the management of the University of Lagos.

The event is unusual in UNILAG. We do not normally go all out to get all these kinds of accolades while we are serving. We like people to form their opinions and pool them. When we are out of the office, you can now state it or put it in any form you like. But for NANS, we are happy and we welcome you”, he said.

The Vice Chancellor said the students of UNILAG were never left out, even when there was no student union. However, he noted that the union had to be resuscitated to inculcate leadership and administrative training in the students.

He said: “We never left the students behind while running the affairs of the university, but the leadership was missing. Without the student unionism in place, their education is not complete and we believe that the experience would help them in future dealings and

• From left: Chairman, Joint Campus Committee (NANS), Lagos, Suleiman Sanusi; Ogunkuade; President, NANS, Tijani Usman, presenting the award to Prof Bello; President, University of Lagos Students Union (ULSU) and Southwest Zonal Coordinator, NANS, Sunday Asefon.

know how to administer situations better.”

He noted that his administration

was inclusive of students’ opinions and mindful of their complaints with free and direct access to his

office through telephone lines and email, as well as that of the Dean of Students Affairs.

Teachers to Fed Govt: don’t kill staff schools •Continued from page 25 schools.

"If the school is run independently, it will lead to hike in fees and the staff strength will be downsized, which means that staff will be sacked and even the quality of education in the staff schools will be weak," he said.

Describing the plan to privatise the schools as unfair to the workers, Nwakpa explained that many staff school teachers were interviewed like lecturers but posted to the staff school.

"We have the same qualifications as our colleagues in the university system. Some of us even have higher qualifications. We have those with Masters and PhD. We were all interviewed at the same time and then sent to the staff schools. We did not commit any crime to be posted to staff schools. The Federal Government should have a rethink.

By the time they do that, there could be disharmony and problems and it would not be a good thing for our universities," he said.

Lending credence to Nwakpa's claim, Deacon Mbu Moses Mbu, Deputy Head Master (Administration), University of Calabar (UNICAL) Staff School, said the staff schools are regarded as extensions of the universities and their workers should continue being treated as such.

"The least teaching staff in this school has a first degree. We were employed same as those teaching in the university, because this school is an integral department of the University of Calabar. We are employed by NUC as our colleagues who are lecturers," he said.

When it came to how much staff school workers earn, many interviewed declined talking about their salaries.

Volunteering some information, however, SSANU chairman, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU) chapter, Comrade Ken Njoku, said teachers of the staff schools are engaged under the salary structure of universities on the same cadre of non academic members of staff.

He said the condition of service of the teachers would no longer be the same if the Federal Government removes them from the management of the university structure.

Giving specific figures, Mbu said salaries range between N84,000 and N300,000.

"A first-degree holder who is a starter here is placed on CONTISS 7.

If it is step one, I think it is a minimum of N84,000. Also, it depends on how long the person has been here and his level. The highest is CONTISS 13, who goes home with almost N300,000 everything put together," he said.

UNILAG SSANU Chairman Mr Adekola Adetomiwa added that salaries of the 82 teaching staff at the UNILAG Staff School range from N110,000 to N236,000 per month.

Effect on fees/universities To sustain the kind of salaries they presently earn if privatised, Mbu said the staff schools would have to charge higher fees.

"You can imagine how high fees would be if the school is privatized," he said.

However, increasing the fees would likely make it difficult for the schools to attract enough pupils given that they were set up to provide quality but affordable education for children of workers and members of the host communities of institutions.

Another factor is their location faraway from city centres where many of the upwardly mobile who can afford the fees reside.

Underscoring this point, Njoku said removing the schools from the universities would lead to fee hike beyond the reach of average university worker.

"Now you know that most universities are separated from the city centres in many places. They are far from cities. And now you have these schools specially for them and the immediate environment where they are located and it is subsidized.

"Talking about the schools running themselves would mean making education beyond the reach of parents, just like in the private schools where they charge a lot of money. If you say it should be independent, it would mean a hike in school fees and that would mean a lot of children would not have the opportunity of going to school. It would come at a high price," he said.

Save for a development levy of N5,000, Adetomiwa said children of the workers do not pay fees at the UNILAG Staff School. Outsiders pay

N25,000 per term.

With privatisation, he said the fees would be unaffordable.

He said: "The primary schools are funded by the federal government, 100 per cent, both in recurrent and capital expenditure. That is SSANU's agreement with the government.

But for the International School, UNILAG (ISL), the recurrent expenditure is borne by parents, according to our agreement with them, while the capital expenditure is funded by the government.

"In secondary school, outsiders pay N150, 000, lecturers that have children pay N45,000 and retired staff members pay N125,000, which is 75 per cent of the school fees.

"ISL can run on its own. But the Staff School is completely funded by the government. They do not pay any fees but the development levy of N5,000 for the staff with children there, while outsiders pay N25,000, each per term.

"The issues to consider is that now, the staff are not really paying fees, but if the privitisation takes place, this benefit enjoyed by the staff would be eliminated and they would be paying the same amount as outsiders. That means that the staff school, which is the primary school, staffs would pay close to N30, 000."

Another argument the workers are putting up against the privatization of staff schools is that their role as demonstration laboratories for education faculties would end.

Without such Federal Government funding, they would die, said UI SSANU chair, Akinremi.

"No university staff schools can stand on its own. It was established by the university council to also serve as a laboratory for student of faculty of education," he said.

A senior member of staff of the UNILAG Staff School (names withheld), told The Nation that it would be a great loss to students studying education in the university.

"The staff school serves as a demonstration laboratory for students of the faculty of education, which is an integral part of their degree. Hence, separating the

schools from the universities would deter the system," the source said.

Effect on the schools: The NINLAN case study Njoku warns that if Federal Government's plans sail through, many staff schools "most of the schools may be forced to close down", arguing that they would not break even.

Mr. Adibe Chukwudi, Principal of the National Institute of Nigerian Languages (NINLAN) Demonstration Secondary School, New Umuahia road, Aba, Abia State, understands what Njoku is talking about as his school is facing difficulties without government funding.

Though owned by the Federal Government, NINLAN Staff School has been funded by the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the institute in the past 15 years, which is grossly inadequate.

Speaking on behalf of the principal, Dr I. J Amajuoyi, the Vice principal of the school, said that the fees charged (N30, 000 as boarding fees and N35, 000 as tuition fees per term) is inadequate to cater for 54 teaching and 26 non-teaching staff on its pay roll.

With the difficulties in running the school, he said it would be better the Federal Government continues funding staff school. He also appealed to the government to take over funding of the school like in the past so it can expand facilities and pay better wages.

He said: "I don't subscribe to the running of the school through IGR because the IGR is not really carrying the school. For a very long time, we have been static. There has not been any form of promotion. Some of the legitimate demands of the staff have not been met because we have always been told that the school doesn't have money. If we say, let us increase the fees in such a way that it will carry some of our demands, most students will drop out.

"Our members of staff have also developed themselves such that you have people with higher degrees, but what you are paid at the end of the month is not commensurate with the present qualification. If I

‘To further tell you the need for federal government to take over this place, as it stands now, all of us; both old and new staff are placed on the same salary. The only difference for people like me that have put 19 years in this job with the ones newly employed is just one step with N2000:00 difference

should tell you my salary as a doctorate degree holder, you will be shocked.

"To further tell you the need for federal government to take over this place, as it stands now, all of us; both old and new staff are placed on the same salary. The only difference for people like me that have put 19 years in this job with the ones newly employed is just one step with N2000:00 difference.

"My school in particular has been looking forward to the federal government taking over the running of the school because severally we have talked to the Executive Director of the main institute to integrate the staff of the administration secondary school into the institute's pay roll because presently, we are paid from the IGR the school generates.

"Our school from the inception was part of the institute; we were pay rolled together until 2000 when we were separated from the institute with a separate salary structure being prepared for the secondary school and as years goes by, we seems to remain where we have been.

"We have been lobbying and talking to the executive director to reintegrate us because some Demonstration staff schools like Michael Okpara, University of Uyo, UNN, UNEC amongst others have been integrated. So our case here is very different. So, we are championing for the taking over the running of the school by the federal government".

Head Teacher Lagos State University (LASU) Staff School Mrs Adeoloa Aribike, sees the government's proposed action as a clarion call for universities staff school nationwide to resist what she fears might trickle down to stateowned universities if it eventually succeeds.

"What is the problem they have with us (teachers), what crime have we committed?" Aribike asked rhetorically.

"Is it not the same certificates that we have that people in other professions also have? We even have some of our colleagues doing their PhD yet prefer to stay put here. Now having put in many years into service, government suddenly woke up and said they should go. Does government want to be carrying corpses on the road?

Aribike a foundational member of the 28-year-old school, thanked LASU management for paying the salary of workers whose population she said, currently stands at 31.

"Management also places workers' salary with the same salary structure of the university," she added.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

27

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

28

EDUCATION

TETfund urges Buhari not to sign its bill

T

•. From left: Mrs Elizabeth Akapo, Assistant Head Teacher, Local Government Primary School; Mr. Lampe Omoyele, Managing Director, Nielsen West Africa and Mrs Aina Lanre, Social Mobilization Officer, Public Private Partnership, Ikeja Local Government Area, with two pupils during the inauguration of the school library donated by the Nielsen Nigeria to mark 2015 Nielsen Global Impact Day (NGID).

School explains why SS3 pupils were sent away

D

ESPITE a heavy downpour last Saturday, the management of the Federal Science and Technical College (FSTC), Yaba, parents, representatives of old students and other stakeholders gathered to discuss what led to the eviction of SS3 pupils from the hostel penultimate week.

The issue had generated concern among parents, some of whom had accused the school's management of 'highhandedness' and 'wickedeness' in not allowing the SS3 students to complete the ongoing NECO Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) before de-boarding them.

They complained about the inconvenience of transporting their wards to and from school in a city like Lagos without prior warning.

But the principal, Rev Chris Ugorji, said parents and other relevant authorities were previously informed of plans to send all SS3 pupils in the boarding house back to their homes because they were becoming increasingly unruly as they neared the end of their stay in the school.

He said it was to maintain discipline and prevent damage to school property that the management took the decision.

"We followed due process. The parents were informed two weeks ahead of time about what is happening.

Many of them did not even attend that meeting. And so we are not wicked. We did not chase them (pupils) away to the streets. We still love these students.

"But some of them fly shirts with impunity, destroying the very fabric on which we want the school to stand.

So we are appealing to parents, both for ss3 parents and even parents of year 2, ss2, up to jss1. We love the children," he said.

Vice Principal, Academics (Science, Senior School), Mr Gbolahan Oladoyinbo; Vice Principal, Student Affairs, Mrs Ann Ajisafe; Senior Boarding House Mistress, Mrs Augusta Eke, and Assistant Senior Boarding House Master, Bonaventure Ezeonye, took turns to elaborate on the situation in the school before the pupils were sent away Monday last week.

Mr Oladoyinbo said the decision to send pupils that flout school rules away was first taken at a PTA meeting of June 6.

Mrs Ajisafe said contrary to claims that the children were pushed out, parents were called to pick them.

On their parts, Mrs Eke and Mr Ezeonye chronicled the naughty acts of the pupils before they were sent home, including their refusal to study.

"We do not hate them at all. I have exhibits of handsets seized from girls in the hostels. They put the handsets inside their thighs so in the night, I

‘If the children would continue to be unruly like we have heard, in one way or the other, some might inflict injuries on others. Some might set bad examples for the younger ones’

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

won't sleep, I would be at alert. Even the security gets to see these handsets. We do not know who they are calling," Mrs Eke said.

Defending the school, Mrs Rita Attah, Deputy Director, Federal Inspectorate of Education, Lagos, said the principal did no wrong.

"We set the standard, so nobody from the Federal Ministry of Education, or even any member of staff here would look the other way when students are trying to be unruly and trying to put the school in disarray. What the principal and the staff did was the right thing. They followed the right procedure. They communicated to the headquarters in Abuja. They went further to inform the PTA, SBMC and all the stakeholders of education. So principal, because you followed the right procedure, we are with you," she said.

Chairman of the school's PTA, Mrs Oby Igwillo, urged parents to do more to train their wards properly, saying the problem was a result of a gap in training from the home.

"If the children would continue to be unruly like we have heard, in one way or the other, some might inflict injuries on others. Some might set bad examples for the younger ones. And for parents, it is not just (enough to) bring our children to school, leaving them in the hands of teachers to take care of them. I believe as parents, we have a lot to do in the grooming, inculcating the right morals and values

in our children and I know that in any school, when you pass out, you are supposed to be proud of your alma mater," she said.

Stressing what Mrs Igwillo said further, President of the FSTC Old Students' Association, Chief Adebayo Adeeko, added: "For the parents that are here, let us learn. This school is not meant for just anybody. We want to be proud of this college."

HE Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) is urging President Muhammadu Buhari not to sign the bill on the organisation as it is fraught with many flaws.

The bill titled "Tertiary Education Trust Fund (Establishment etc) Act (Amendment) 2015" was among the 46 bills passed by the 7th National Assembly in 10 minutes before it wound down on June 3, 2015.

Championing the cause to stop Buhari from signing the bill into law is the Executive Secretary of TETfund, Prof Suleiman Bogoro.

Bogoro who spoke in Port Harcourt during the opening ceremony of the 30th Conference of Association of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (AVCNU) said that if signed into law, the bill would kill the agency and Nigerian universities.

Bogoro said that he heard of the passage of the bill in the news like every other person and he was surprised because the lawmakers who passed the bill claimed that about three years ago they had invited TETFund, the unions and other stakeholders to a public hearing after a second reading of the bill. He said that the lawmakers also claimed that it was stakeholders who suggested that the Nigerian law school be included as beneficiaries to the TETFund.

The Executive Secretary said that when he heard that, he asked: "why Nigerian Law School alone, we have other professional institutions and regulatory agencies, why Nigerian law school alone?"

While pointing out that his position is without bias, Bogoro stated that "the last paragraph of the Act was unbelievable - though he did not state what it said.

"The Act sought to redefine what the university ought to be and the final part of that definition is what you cannot believe."

For this reason, Bogoro called on

From Clarice Azuatalam, Port Harcourt

the vice chancellors of Nigerian universities to join him in advocating "that Mr President should not sign that bill because it will kill TETFund and the university."

Declaring the conference open, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike announced plans by his administration to overhaul the education system in the state through effective Information and Communication Technology (ICT) development.

Wike who described the theme of the conference which is: "The Role of ICT in University Administration and Curriculum Delivery" as apt and timely also acknowledged that ICT is one way to guarantee efficiency and transparency in the nation's educational system.

He challenged universities to exploit the potentials of the "info tech" to enable them check administrative hitches, stressing that ICT remains germane if most of the universities are going to survive in the present world.

In his opening remarks, the Chairman of AVCNU and Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Joseph Ajienka, thanked the governor for attending the conference and urged him to support the body to achieve its set objective.

Ajienka also lamented the numerous challenges vice-chancellors are faced with ranging from funding to poor conditions of service, but expressed hope that the governor would use his experience as former Minister of Education to address the problems of the nation's universities.

In his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Prof Barineme Fakae while thanking the governor for gracing the occasion, said the university's transformation was achieved through a robust ICT programme.

•Chief Michael Ade-Ojo, founder, Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State, presenting a trophy to the Rocketers basketball team of the university, winners of the basketball game played in honour of his 77th birthday.

C.A. can show career leaning, says don

T

EACHERS, parents and education stakeholders have been advised to take continuous assessment seriously in order to help students choose suitable careers.

Head of Department, Educational Foundations, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof Guy Ilogu, gave the advice while delivering the ninth inaugural lecture of the university for the 2014/2015 academic session last Wednesday.

The lecture, titled: “Measure for measure: The dimensions and patterns for stock taking in the behavioural sciences”, was based upon researches done to improve educational standard in the country.

Ilogu said rather than try to make their wards excel at all cost, parents

By Oluwatoyin Adeleye

should pay attention to patterns of performances so they can guide them appropriately.

He said: “Continuous Assessment is not working. Parents do not regard the continuous assessment; they influence teachers to give their children marks. The problem now arises when the student is trying to choose career.

The parents insist that the child must be a lawyer or impose their own desires on the child, not minding the child’s strengths or passion. So the continuous assessment can be a tool to determine the strength of a child. But because we do not keep records of what they have in schools, they choose a wrong career, which makes students

uninterested in further studies.”

He faulted government for failure to implement the recommendations made from a commission set up in 2006, the Ministerial Task Team, to determine the correct assessment method for schools. Ilogu said he chaired the commission.

The professor enjoined students to improve on their study habits and engage in self motivation to achieve desired success in higher institution.

“The study habits should be improved upon, because most of them do not have study habits. Achievement motivation is another thing they must engage in, then things like the kind of friends they keep, the condition of parents and the family must all be put in order as well as motivation of par-

ents,” he said.

Ilogu cautioned government against sudden discontinuation of, and change of school programmes without proper evaluation.

He recommended that: “Policy summersault in our programmes should be avoided. Before any programme is discontinued, the evaluation of the programme should have been done to see if they will continue and the funding done. Or, it may need some modification and the funding continued. The programme could be discontinued if it does not meet its goal. The change from the 6-3-3-4 system of education in Nigeria without due process of diligent evaluation to the 9-3-4 system is a policy summersault.”

For a sound mind

Row over hostel leaders’ selection

Page 34

Page 31

THE NATION

*CAMPUSES *NEWS *PEOPLE *KUDOS& KNOCKS *GRANTS

CAMPUS LIFE

0805-450-3104 email: campusbeat@yahoo.com THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

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

email:- campuslife@thenationonlineng.net

Law students of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, did Nigeria proud when they beat their counterparts from the University of Pretoria to win the Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Competition, a regional contest held at the Pretoria High Court in South Africa. CALEB ADEBAYO (Graduating law student) reports.

•The OAU students, John (third left), Toheeb (fourth left) and Peace (second right) with Dr Orifowomo (left) and other officials of the SACSA when they were being presented with certicifates

Y

OU could cut through the tension in the Palace of Justice of the Pretoria High

Court in South Africa that day with a knife.

The courtroom was filled with people who came to watch legal fireworks by the opposing counsel. The outcome of the case was not to jail anyone; it was all part of the thrills and frills at the grand finale of the regional Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Contest held in Pretoria.

Students of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, thrilled members of the audience with their knowledge of the law when they met their counterparts from the University of Pretoria at the final of the competition. OAU students won.

The Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Competition is a yearly contest where law students worldwide show their litigation proficiency in proceedings based on international space law disputes. The contest imitates proceedings at the International Court of Justice.

This year’s edition was hosted by the South

OAU is Africa’s best •Varsity wins regional Law contest African Council for Space Affairs (SACSA), a space science regulatory body affiliated to South Africa’s Department of Trade and Industry, in collaboration with the Aerospace Industry Support Initiative.

The argument centred on dispute between two hypothetical countries - SPIDR and URA. It was to present issues relating to the response to a threat posed by the risk of collision of the earth with Near Earth Objects (NEOs). Counsel from each school addressed the utilisation of natural resources and liability for damages occasioned by the NEOs. Six African universities, including OAU, University of Pretoria, Niger Delta University also from Nigeria, Makerere University in Uganda, University of Juba in

South Sudan, and Mount Kenya University, participated in the competition.

The OAU counsel comprised John Odey, Peace Onashile and Toheeb Amuda, the team’s researcher. All of them are 400-Level students. Their lecturer, Dr Oduola Orifowomo, was their coach.

For three days, the teams argued their cases on the legality of outer space science. The OAU team beat the University of Pretoria and Niger Delta University at the preliminary stages.

Phethole Sekhula, a South African lawyer, Icho Kealetswe, an advocate of the High Court of Botswana and Christopher Okegbe, a solicitor from Nigeria presided over the final.

The grand finale was a show of forensic advocacy and oratorical skills as the counsel came up with their arguments. For every principle of law cited by the South African team, the OAU counsel had an answer.

It was be the fourth time OAU would be winning the regional contest. It won it in 2011, 2012 and 2014. The team also won the Best Written Brief of Argument award.

The OAU students described the feat as “hard-won”, saying they faced many hurdles to win the contest. They praised their coach, whose expertise in space law, they said, helped them to come up with valid arguments.

Peace said: “The competition gave us the opportunity to engage our peers in other parts of Africa in an area of law which is seemingly unregulated. We matched our advocacy acuity with oratorical skills to win the contest.”

Asked about the team’s winning secret, John, the lead speaker, said: “From the onset, we were confronted with vague terms on the •Continued on page 30

•Harvest of Ph.Ds at Bowen varsity•CAMPUSLIFE reporter gets poly award-P33

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

30

CAMPUS LIFE

Varsities and carrying capacity I

N the last couple of years, there has been an explosion of candidates seeking admission into universities at home and abroad - especially public varsities. The reason for this is not farfetched as access to university education has become vital in Nigeria as a result of an increase in the college-age population and an awareness of the role university education play in the development of the individual as well as the nation.

While this in itself should be a positive development, there is a snag. The physical infrastructure and the academic staff that would have made it possible to admit large numbers of students’ are in dire strait; in essence, most of our varsities lack carrying capacities. That, however, is one side of the story.

On the flip side, private varsities have not been able to fill the quota allotted to them by the Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB). At a meeting with the Committee of Vice Chancellors (CVC) and Registrars of Private Universities, the Registrar of JAMB, Prof.

Dibu Ojerinde disclosed that the private universities admitted 19,254 candidates as against 67,009 allotted quota in 2013. According to him this does not speak well of this group of institutions in terms of ratio admissions to allocated quota.

It does not take a prophet to discern why there is this lopsided development – public varsities stretched to their limits and private varsities unable to fill their quotas. It all boils down to resources. How many indigent parents have the resources to send their children to private varsities in Nigeria given the high fees charged? This is the singular reason there are enormous pressure on public varsities which tremendously affects their carrying capacities.

Carrying capacity of institutions refers to the maximum number of students that an institution can sustain for quality education available based on human and material resources. However, over-enrollment is a common practice. Most institutions do not abide by their carrying capacity for reasons best known to them. This is often the reason why some students sit outside lecture halls and

Pushing Out with

Agbo Agbo

some on window sills in order to re08116759750 ceive lectures. Without mincing words, (SMS only) our institutions are overcrowded, and this, no doubt seriously affects the type •aagboa@gmail.com of education our undergraduates get.

Let’s get down to some figures here.

In the 2010/2011 academic session, cumulatively, we had 112 varsities and 1,493, 611 appli- and maintaining quality education since the cants. Out of this number, the carrying capacity world is now one ‘small’ village where there is was only 450,000 or 30.13 per cent of applicants. a global standard. We either conform to this We should note the fact that most of the “re- global standard or remain a mediocre nation.

In it March 28 edition titled: “The world is jected” applicants have the necessary entry qualigoing to university,” The Economist newspafications to gain admission.

For the 2011/12 session, we had a total of 117 per wrote: “In 2014, 19 of the 20 universities in varsities with 1, 503, 933 applicants. Carrying the world that produced the most highly cited capacity rose marginally to 500, 000 translating research papers were American.” This is where to 33.25 per cent. For the 2012/13 session the the world is going. Research has become an infigure stood at 128 varsities, 1, 735, 729 appli- tegral part of any serious university. This is why American varsities are riding the waves at the cants with 520, 000 carrying capacity.

While it is an established fact that most insti- moment. But if we have to tell ourselves the tutions exceed recommended quota; it is also hard truth, most of our varsities have lost touch evident that over 70% of candidates are denied with the real world.

While we are exploring avenues at increasing admission yearly, even though as mentioned earlier, most are qualified. There is just not carrying capacities of our varsities, we should never lose touch with the fact that it is quality enough space to accommodate them.

For this 2012/2013 academic session’s where that matters. The Economist pointed out that 1.7million jostle for 520,000 admission spaces; while America is making strides in the area of over 1.2million were denied admission. In real- research and citations, on the educational side, ity, this is discouraging to candidates and par- the picture is less clear.

“American graduates,” it wrote “score poorly ents. While Governments (Federal and States) in international numeracy and literacy have made modest strides in creating more institutions, it is also very important to increase rankings, and are slipping. In a recent study of academic achievement, 45% of American stuthe capacity and equip already existing ones.

The answer, to me, is not in so much as creat- dents made no gains in their first two years of ing new institutions to score cheap political university. Meanwhile, tuition fees have nearly points, but having a clear cut road map on how doubled, in real terms, in 20 years. Student debt, to increase the capacities of existing institutions. at nearly $1.2 trillion, has surpassed credit-card While this is going on, we should never lose debt and car loans.”

Agreeing that going to university is defisight of the fact that infrastructure does not lecnitely not a bad investment for a student, it ture students’; lecturers do. But in this area we wrote that it isn’t clear whether the growing are already facing enormous challenge as there is a dearth in qualified lecturers. As things stand investment in tertiary education makes sense today, most Nigerian undergraduates pass for society as a whole. If graduates earn more through the system without have the opportu- than non-graduates because their studies have nity of being lectured by professors. Some don’t made them more productive, then university even have the opportunity even at masters’ level. education will boost economic growth and society should want more of it. Yet poor stuMy point is this: focusing on infrastructure dent scores suggest otherwise, as it is in the US, should not take us from the bulls’ eye of setting it is also applicable here. So, too, does the testi-

mony of employers.

This is where things also get interesting. A recent study of recruitment by professionalservices firms – mentioned in the report found that they took graduates from the most prestigious universities not because of what the candidates might have learned but because of those institutions’ tough selection procedures. In short, students could be paying vast sums merely to go through a very elaborate sorting mechanism.

It shouldn’t surprise us that our varsities are no longer recruitment grounds for companies. In the past undergraduates were identified by companies before they complete their studies; but today, those services have been outsourced to recruitment agencies who now recruit for these companies from foreign varsities because of the large number of Nigerians studying abroad. In all these, we may end up churning out hundreds of thousands of graduates going nowhere in a world where ‘Nigerian standards’ have paled into insignificance.

While it may be argued – like The Economist did – that we may all be moving toward imbibing the American university model as more universities in more countries are charging students tuition fees because the “knowledge economy” requires top-flight research, public resources are being focused on a few privileged institutions and the competition to create world-class universities which is intensifying with the issue of global rankings.

But ranking - the American way - has its obverse side as the government rewards universities for research, that would be what professors concentrate on. Good as this is, it may water down that necessary contact with students. Another is that students would be looking for a degree from an institution that will impress employers who are often primarily interested in the selectivity of the institution a candidate has attended.

In some ways, this in itself is not bad because the best universities are responsible for many of the discoveries that have made the world a safer, richer and more interesting place. To however effectively play in this league, we cannot run away from a market-based system that places emphasis on charging tuition fees. But the challenge would be how to operate this system in the midst of wide spread poverty which may exclude a large proportion of mainly indigent students. Bridging this gap, and remaining competitive at the same time, is the hard question begging for answers.

ESSAY CONTEST FOR UNDERGRADUATES The Nation, Nigeria, in collaboration with African Liberty Organisation for Development (ALOD) and Network for a Free Society (NFS), is calling for entries into the 2015 essay competition.

Details are as follows: Topic: Government regulations and controls are the biggest threat to jobs in Africa today. Discuss using practical examples Participants must discuss the topic using contemporary examples.

Qualification: Participant must be a student in any tertiary institutions (university, polytechnic, college of education and technical schools) in all African countries. The format of the text should be in Microsoft Word and not more than 1,500 words.

Interested student can visit: www.networkforafreesociety.org for useful background materials on the theme of this contest. Be informed that no participant is allowed to lift materials directly from works of any author and claim to be his/her own. Plagiarism automatically disqualifies any entry, which contains work of another author.

If any text or sentence is copied from another author’s work, it must be shown in quotation marks and writer must credit the original author at the bottom of the paper.

On the first page of the completed essay, participant must write his/her full names, department, and year of study and name of institution. Also include your email address and functional mobile phone number.

All entries should be sent to: adedayo.thomas@gmail.com •The moot session

OAU is Africa’s best •Continued from page 29

field of law that we were not familiar with. It was our task to break it down to understand the meaning of the terms to present our cases in Space Law. The team was conscious of the responsibility placed upon it and we moved faster to argue our points. The victory was not easy to come by; we fought hard and came out successful at the end.”

Dr Orifowomo hailed the students for the feat, saying his team proved to be formidable with its grasp of the fundamentals of space law as exhibited by the

members. He dedicated the victory to the moot and mock group of its OAU’s Faculty of Law, hailing its commitment to the knowledge of space law.

Dr Orifowomo also praised the OAU Vice-Chancellor, Prof Bamitale Omole, and the Dean of Law, Prof M.O. Adediran, for their support.

The OAU students will represent Africa in the international edition of the contest in Israel in October.

It will be held during the 66th International Astronautical Congress.

Entries will be received between March 26 and June 26, 2015. Late entries will not be accepted.

Winners will be announced on July 29, 2015.

PRIZES 1st-George Ayittey (Platinum Prize): $1,000 and scholarship to the 2015 Liberty Camp in Kenya from August 5 to 9, 2015 OR Students and Young Professional African Liberty Academy (SYPALA) in Ghana from August 19 to 23, 2015 2nd-Anthony Fisher (Gold Prize): $700 and scholarship to the 2015 Liberty Camp in Kenya from August 5 to 9, 2015 OR Students and Young Professional African Liberty Academy (SYPALA) in Ghana from August 19 to 23, 2015 3rd-Franklin Cudjoe (Silver Prize): $500 and scholarship to the 2015 Liberty Camp in Kenya from August 5 to 9, 2015 OR Students and Young Professional African Liberty Academy (SYPALA) in Ghana from August 19 to23, 2015 4th- The Nation CAMPUSLIFE (Media Bronze Prize): $300 and scholarship to the 2015 Liberty Camp in Kenya from August 5 to 9, 2015 OR Students and Young Professional African Liberty Academy (SYPALA) in Ghana from August 19 to 23, 2015 We also have eight consolation prize of $50 each.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

31

CAMPUS LIFE Some National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Moro Local Government Area of Kwara State have donated some items to their host community, reports MODIU OLAGURO (NYSC Ilorin).

•Asa (left) joined by Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) officers to open the bus stop built by Paschal (right)

•Lizzy and Rita during the donation of the furniture

Giving back to their host community T

HE three of them share something in common-the spirit of giving. Lizzy Christopher, Paschal Odinde and Rita Nwaobi, who are National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Moro Local Government Area of Kwara State, have donated life-changing items to their host communities.

Lizzy donated 20 wooden threeseater chairs and white markerboards to UMCA Community High School in Jebba after she learnt of the pupils’ plight. Some of the classrooms in the school are without seats. The pupils, it was gathered, sit on the windows during the school hours. The situation, she said, was resulting in a decline in school attendance.

Lizzy said: “I want a better learning environment for the pupils. When I learnt about their

ordeal, I took it upon myself to ensure that something was done about the situation. As my personal Community Development Service (CDS), I embarked on the donation of three-seater wooden chair and desk.”

Moved by her colleague’s philanthropic gesture, Rita donated another 23 wooden chairs to the school. She initially embarked on donating toilets to the community but changed her mind because, according to her, she identified the critical needs of her host community. She also provided two sound systems for use on the assembly and composed an anthem for the school.

Speaking with CAMPUSLIFE, Rita urged other Corps members to contribute their quota to the development of the community they are serving, saying lack of

facilities remained an obstacle against education in rural areas.

The school principal, Mr Olusegun Okedare, who took delivery of chairs, described the Corps members’ gesture as unforgettable gift. In an emotion-laden voice, he said: “Why do people donate when there is no reward?

Why do we need to do it? It is not easy to donate such an unforgettable gift but these ladies have shown us that we can always help others in any situation.

“For over 20 years, this school struggled to come up with an anthem. But, we can boast of an anthem now because Corper Rita volunteered to compose one for us.

The teachers and pupils are excited about this and we appreciate the Corps members for their gesture.”

Paschal, another Corps mem-

ber, built a bus stop for the residents on Jebba–Ilorin Road. The graduate of Metallurgical and Material Engineering from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) built a bus stop where passengers can stand before getting into a bus.

Pascal said: “The harsh weather condition in Jebba made it stressful for passengers to wait long hours for buses plying the road.

Many suffered while they wait under the sun. A desire to minimise their predicament resulted in building a bus stop shelter on the road.”

Principal of Government Arabic College in Jebba, Alhaji B.S. Ibrahim, hailed Paschal for the gesture. He said the Corps member’s project would lessen the suffering of the people.

During the official opening of

the bus stop, state NYSC coordinator, Mr Mosudi Adebayo, represented by Zone 3 Inspector, Alhaji Ayodeji Asa, praised the community people for creating an enabling environment for Corps members to affect their lives positively.

Adebayo said: “Not only have the projects been the gains to the community for welcoming the Corps members, the community is being rewarded for accommodating the youths. In every community in Nigeria, especially in rural areas, several projects are being built by Corps members.

We have seen Corps members who built schools and medical facilities for the use of their host communities. These are some of the gains of accepting NYSC members to live in our communities.”

Law student, said he could hardly recognise his hostel’s governor to make his complaints to him.

Some students believe the hall governors are useful. Mubarak Abdullahi, a 300-Level Statistics student, said his hall leader had been responding to challenges facing the occupants. “He has been helping us to communicate our challenges to the authorities,” Mubarak said.

On the alleged impoliteness, Kehinde Adeniji, a 300-Level Economics student, said the hall leaders were only doing their tasks and such might offend students who are breaking the hostel rules. She said: “The hall governors are to ensure that students do not use appliances that consume much electrical energy and this sometimes leads to altercations between them and their colleagues. This may have been the reason students say they are impolite.”

Speaking with CAMPUSLIFE, Tasiu Rufai, a 400-Level Microbiology student and a hall governor,

said it was the union’s caretaker committee who recommended them to the management to be hall leaders. He said their duty was not the same as that of the security guards and matrons in the hostels.

Tasiu said there was no way the security personnel and matrons would know what the students do in their rooms. He said: “The hall governors have bridged the wide gap between the authorities and students.”

Prof Aliero said the duty of the hall governors was to bring the management closer to students for proper communication. He said: “We now enjoy good relationship with students because the hall governors give us good information about students’ welfare. Their activities are helpful in terms of maintenance of facilities and keep them clean.” He denied that hall leaders were selected to spy on students but said their purpose was to ensure students comply with the guideline for using the hostels.

The selection of governors for Halls of Residence at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University in Sokoto is generating ripples among the students. While some hailed the process, others condemned it, describing the hall leaders as management’s moles. (UDUS) SARAT ALABIDUN and NAFISA MUKTHAR (200-Level Law) reports.

Row over hostel leaders’ selection

W

HEN the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) called off its almost 11-month strike last year, the Usmanu Danfodiyo University in Sokoto (UDUS) was in a dilemma over admission. The school had yet to complete its 2013/2014 academic session when the university teachers downed tools.

After the strike, UDUS announced the beginning of a new session, which was run concurrently with the previous session. In doing so, freshers were admitted to join 100Level students in the previous session. This development resulted into congestion in the Halls of Residence.

The management, in dealing with the problem, converted an unused library at the hostel area to a female hall. One year later, the make-shift hostel has become a shadow of itself. Because of the dirty condition of the hall, the management selected governors among the students to keep a check on their colleagues.

This development is generating ripples among the students, who described the governors as whistleblowers. But, the Dean of

Students’ Affairs (DSA), Prof Adamu Aliero, had a different view. He said the hall governors were carefully selected by his office to check students excesses in the hostels.

“They are the eyes and ears of the management in the hostels” Aliero said.

The chairman of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) caretaker committee, Al-amin Wushishi, said the reintroduction of hall governors in the make-shift hostels was an initiative to maintain law and order.

While the management and the union leader tried to justify the selection of the hall governors, controversy is trailing their selection.

As some students saw it as a positive step, others were not pleased with the development. There is complaint about the motive and the manner in which the governors are selected.

Ruqayya Musa, a 200-Level Biochemistry student, is not happy with the development. She questioned the process through which the hall governors were selected and the level of liberty they enjoy.

She said: “I do not see the qualities the hall governors possess,

•One of the hostels

which make them to be better than me. I think we should be allowed to choose or elect our hall governors ourselves.”

She added that the hall governors usually acted impolitely to their fellow students, saying there was no way to check their excesses. “What happens when they break the rules?” she queried.

Saliha Diri, a 300-Level Applied Chemistry student, said selection of the hall leaders was unnecessary.

“We already have matrons and security guards who stay in the hostels and keep us in check, I do not see the need for the hall governors,” she said.

Grace Joseph, a student of Economics, said the hall governors do not know their responsibility in the hostels. Giving an instance, she said there were no bulbs in the hall bathrooms for the past four weeks without anybody doing anything about it. “What is the essence of the hall governors?” she asked.

Ahmad Abdulrasaq, a 300-Level

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

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CAMPUS LIFE

Corps member takes pupils on media excursion

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CORPS member in Kaduna State, Kemi Busari, has taken pupils of EHCOWS Discovery Academy on a media excursion as part of his Community Development Service (CDS).

No fewer than 60 pupils who are members of the school’s Press Club, visited radio and television stations owned by the Kaduna State Media Corporation (KSMC) last Tuesday.

They were received at the television station by Mr Musa Muhammad Lawal, who conducted them round the facilities. Some of the sections visited include the control room, library, studio, newsroom and graphics department.

Lawal explained to the pupils how the transmission equipment work. He said: “Every department must work together to create a single picture or video aired on the screen. The transmission process starts from the studio, where audio and video are being sent to the control room. At the control room, some distortions will be made on the audio before it is been sent to the transmitter, which carries it directly to the mast and finally to viewers.”

At the graphics department, the pupils were held spellbound as Mr Jonathan Dauda, the head of the department, explained the task of the section.

Dauda said: “All of you watch cartoon, animations and several other pictures at home. This small section takes care of all the processes involved.”

•Kemi (in NYSC uniform) with the pupils and the KSMC officials during the visit From Kemi Busari NYSC KADUNA

At the station’s newsroom, the company’s News and Current Affairs Manager, Mr Peter Yaro, engaged the pupils in an interactive session. He advised the students to be good ambassadors of their school and pursue their passion for journalism with vigour.

He said: “If a soldier fires gunshots, he may kill one or two people before the bullet get ex-

hausted. But, a sentence by a journalist can destabilise a country in a matter of seconds. This is why journalism is a professional trade.

You must be responsible if you must practise journalism. You must shun bribery and scandalous practice.”

The Corps member took the pupils to Capital Sound, a stateowned radio station. They were received by reporters of the station. They visited the station’s newsroom, programmes and en-

gineering departments.

Some of the pupils had the opportunity to participate in live interviews.

Speaking on her experience, the club’s Editor-in-Chief, Fareedat Muhammad, described the excursion as unforgettable experience.

The Corps member said the trip was borne out of his aim to make the pupils learn journalism skills from the source.

He said: “I have always wanted to impart the knowledge I have

on younger people. I had the opportunity of being part of press club in my days at secondary school and I had opportunity to participate in many competitions.

So, I see this excursion as a payback.

“The main reason for the excursion is to expose the pupils to the practice and make them to see how the profession is being practised. We achieved our aim, because many of the pupils have shown interest to be journalist.”

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HE Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), last week, received free 800 laboratory coats from Edo State branch of Vitafoam, a foam manufacturing company.

The gesture was greeted with excitement among students, who immediately put on the white coats to pose for photographs with the representatives of the company. They hailed Vitafoam for its “profound act of benevolence”.

Receiving the laboratory wears, the Dean, Prof John Akerele, said the faculty was grateful for the donation by the company, saying the gesture would make the beneficiaries to participate more in research because the coat, he said, is one of the requisite materials for students to be admitted into the laboratory for research work.

Vitaform’s Regional Sales Manager, Ayodele Olibamoyo, explained why the faculty was chosen for the gesture. He said: “Vitafoam’s objective is to increase human comfort. We help to create a comfort zone for humanity, which is the reason we decided to reward a profession that also

•Prof Akerele with some of the beneficiaries From Ezekiel Efeobhokhan

UNIBEN optimises comfort of humanity.

Pharmacists have made life worth living through their research work to produce drugs that can cure many illnesses.”

Pharmacy students get free lab coats

The ex-president of Pharmaceutical Association of Nigeria Student (PANS), Samuel Ugwumba, who initiated the move, said he felt fulfilled by the donation. He hailed

the foam company for keeping to its promises.

A 400-Level student, Augustine Aiyebor, who benefitted from the gesture, thanked the company, say-

ing it make students achieve their academic pursuit. The Vitafoambranded laboratory coats came in different sizes.

Final year students celebrate

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•The graduating students during the back-to-school activity

T was all fun and excitement at the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) when the graduating students celebrate the end of academic years. The students said the graduation from the school was worth celebrating after passing through difficult moments in pursuit of first degree.

For five days, the campus bubbled with various activities marking the final year students’ Week. The Week was marked concurrently in all departments of the school.

The event featur e d c u l t u r a l day, during which students appeared in different traditional attires. There was also a colourriot day and back-to-school exercise during which the students dressed in secondary school uniforms and old attires. To make

From Aminat Afolabi

UNILORIN the Week memorable, students took pictures of every moment during the Week.

The event was rounded off with sign out day, which signified they have officially signed out as undergraduates. This was done after attending last lectures in their various departments before the second semester examination.

Their junior colleagues watched in excitement as the graduating students arrived for their final examination in white shirts that had different names and signatures on them. After the examination, the outgoing students engaged in hugs and final ‘baptism’, where they splashed themselves with water.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

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CAMPUS LIFE

Harvest of Ph.Ds at Bowen varsity

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•Mustapha (left) presenting the award to Prof Agunbiade

Cooperative honours past leaders

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CPHERSON University Multipurpose Co-operative Society Limited has held a reception for its past officials.

The event coincided with its maiden Annual General Meeting (AGM).

The Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof Adeniyi Agunbiade, and Registrar, Mrs Adebola Abegunde, who is its patron and the matron, were also honoured for their contributions.

Its pioneer president, Pastor Goke Agbaje, and former Vice President, Pastor Amos Akinola, were among those honoured.

Six others who served in other capacities were presented with plaques. They include Reverend Femi Adebowale, Dr Isaac

From Ayodeji Adesina

McU Onigbinde, Mrs Mary Adeniran, Mrs Abiola Omotoso, Mr Edwin Ofudje and Mr Samuel Popoola.

The Society’s Deputy Director of Services, Mr. S.O. Mustapha, urged members not to convert the organisation to pressure group.

Saying the management was making efforts to improve staff welfare, Mustapha said members must support the move by keeping themselves abreast of development in the organisation.

He urged members to cooperate with the newly-elected executive by showing understanding and attend all meetings. He also advised the

executive to study business environment before investing members’ “hard-earned resources”.

The president of the Society, Reverend Olufemi Adebowale, promised that his leadership would sustain the legacies laid by his predecessors. “The executive would work hard with the three established sub-committees and carry all members along on all business matters,” he said.

The Society’s Secretary, Ofudje, read a five-point resolution of the AGM. The resolution, among others, stated that special loan must be a privilege that should be granted on first-come-first-serve basis.

•Students reading the furnished library

‘Better library’ excites Redeemer’s students

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HE Redeemer’s University (RUN) main Library has been fitted with more funiture, making it more conducive for learning.

The students are excited with their “new improved library”.

Since the school moved to its main campus in Ede, Osun State, few months ago, the library has been without enough reading chairs and tables. Things changed last week when the furniture were supplied.

The development excited students, who described it as a breakthrough for the school.

The school librarian, Dr Emmanuel Adebayo, said manage-

From Maryann Okonkwo,

RUN ment took the step to lessen burden of students, who, he said, had been battling stress because of lack of reading furniture in the library.

He disclosed that the chairs and tables were ordered last year from China but the consignment could not be delivered because of delay.

“Students passed through a lot of stress last semester, because of lack of furniture in the school library.

They could only borrow books, read them in their rooms and return them. All that has ended with the fitting of the library with furniture.

I am happy that the management has

overcome the challenge,” he said.

A staff of the library, Mr Daramola Oluwafemi, said the library could now be used comfortably by students. “The chairs and tables are of high standard and modern design.

The institution is gradually on the path to becoming a world class institution,” he said.

Oluwafemi hailed the management for the feat, advising the school to also provide more books to the library shelves.

A 300-Level of Mass Communication student, Mayowa Oguntade, described the development as good omen. She said: “We can now sit in the library and read our books comfortably.”

T was an harvest of doctoral degree at the Bowen University (BOWEN) in Iwo, Osun State, last week. Fourteen lecturers of the institution have bagged Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D).

The Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof Mathew Ojo, said the feat was product of the school’s investment in knowledge.

The Faculty of Science and Science Education leads with six of its lecturers having PhDs, while the Faculty of Agriculture had three of its lecturers bagging the degree. Also, two lecturers of the Faculty of Social and Management Sciences bagged the doctoral degree, while Faculty of Humanities produced one PhD holder.

Two chaplains of the university also bagged PhD, making a total of 14 staff.

The breakdown of the doctoral degree holders showed that five of them are women. Twelves of them had their PhDs in local varsities, while the remaining two, Dr Omolola Oyeniyi, and Dr Larry Yusuf had theirs from Cape Peninsula University of Technology in South Africa and University of Liverpool in United Kingdom.

Dr Bola Aderibigbe, who is the youngest of all, was among the

•Dr Aderibigbe From Dipo Apejoye

BOWEN university’s pioneer students. He got his PhD in Applied Communication from Babcock University in IlisanRemo, Ogun State.

Aderibigbe, who is now a lecturer at the Department of Communication Arts, urged students to take pride in the institution. He said: “I feel accomplished being a PhD holder, but I am still not fully satisfied as I pray that God give me the grace to do more in contributing to making my alma mater an enviable institution.”

CAMPUSLIFE reporter gets poly award

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OR distinguishing herself in excellent reporting, Jennifer Umeh, a student of Mass Communication Department of the Federal Polytechnic, Offa (OFFA POLY) in Kwara State has been honoured as the Most Outstanding Student of the Year by the institution.

Jennifer, who is a CAMPUSLIFE correspondent, was presented with the award during the Gala Night organised by the Students’ Union Government (SUG) last Friday at Fan Suite Hotel in Offa.

She received the award from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Senate, Oluwatosin Ogunkuade.

The SUG president, Yusuf Olalekan, urged students to be good ambassadors of the institution as he recognised their support for his administration.

He promised to always fight for their welfare.

The event featured musical entertainment by upcoming artistes on the campus, including Starboy Dance group and Olamide of Offa.

This was followed by a lecture tagged: What next after school?, which was anchored by the NANS Senate President.

Ogunkuade, who is a former student of the polytechnic, said students must be up and doing in both academic pursuit and entrepreneurship. He urged them to work hard to achieve their aims, saying: “You must not be seen idle. Always use your head to think about good ideas that will make your life better. You should never be tempted to steal. With good ideas, you can

•Jennifer displaying the plaque From Emmanuel Ahanonu

NYSC Enugu make legitimate money for a living.”

The lecture was followed by award presentation, which came in four categories - certificate award, award of honour, awards of excellence and management award of recognition.

Some of the awardees include, Saliu Olawunmi, Olaito Adelele, Ola Iyana, Lasisi Adams and Babalola Taiwo.

Speaking after she received the award, Jennifer said she saw the honour as a reward for her effort to make the campus a better place to study.

She said: “I am grateful to the management for this honour. I was not expecting it though, because no campus reporter has ever been honoured this way by the school.

Campus reporters are important people not just on campus, also in the larger society. But they are given less attention. But, this award will spur other campus writers to make more efforts for the peace and progress of the school.”

‘I am grateful to the management for this honour.

I was not expecting it though, because no campus reporter has ever been honoured this way by the school. Campus reporters are important people not just on campus, also in the larger society’

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

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CAMPUS LIFE

For a sound mind The University of Calabar (UNICAL) Students Union Government (SUG) has held a Health and Welfare Week to sensitise students on infectious diseases.

FRANK EJEAGBASI (400-Level Physiology) and KINGSLEY CHARLES (Medical Laboratory Science) report.

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EALTH, they say, is wealth. Without good health, student’s performance is likely to be poor. Perhaps, this is why the University of Calabar (UNICAL) Students Union Government (SUG) held a Health and Welfare Week with the theme: Opportunistic infections and youth conduct.

The event started with an awareness rally round the campus. A musical band led by the union’s Director of Welfare, John Alawa, sensitised students on HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases with music.

The health campaign was followed by a symposium at the

•The students during the awareness rally

school’s Conference Centre, which had the principal officers of the institution in attendance.

A public health scientist and Family Health consultant, Dr. Henry Ayuk, defined opportunistic infection as diseases which enter the body as a result of a weak immune system. Such diseases, he said, usually develop because of the body’s inability to resist the infections.

He listed papilloma and chlamydia as some of the microorganisms that cause opportunistic infections among young people between the ages of 15 and 24. He said complications of the diseases were always severe in women.

On ways to stop the diseases, Dr Ayuk identified sex education as the most effective method to stem the infections, urging the government and its agencies to integrate

health education in higher institution curriculum.

There was an interlude, during which members of the audience saw a health documentary by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on ways to prevent and treat of malaria. Participants were advised to go for frequent medical checkup to prevent the spread of highly-contagious diseases.

First aid boxes were given to the representatives of the 12 Halls of Residence on the campus. Presenting the boxes on behalf of the union, the Managing Director of UNICAL Microfinance Bank, Mr John Owan, advised the hostel chairmen to ensure each resident of the halls knows where the boxes are kept.

On the third day, there was a free medical test for all students, where diseases such as HIV, hepatitis and tuberculosis were

•Students scrambling to participate in the malaria test

checked. After the test, free drugs were given to students who had malaria parasite in the bodies.

Some students who were confirmed healthy donated blood at the Calabar Centre of National Blood Transfusion Services (NBTS).

A student of Microbiology, Kennedy Bassey, said: “The free medical test offered students a rare opportunity to know our malaria status. This initiative is laudable because nobody paid any money for the medical test. The Director of Welfare should be praised for showing concern for students’ wellbeing. I hope the union would continue with this initiative.”

The University of Calabar Students Union Government, health/ welfare week was put together by the Union’s Director of welfare John Alawa Adie in partnership

with Benita eye clinic Calabar, United Cement Company, Family Health International (FHI360), and UNICAL Microfinance Bank.

The Director of Welfare, John, said the union held the event because of its conviction that a healthy body nurtures a sound mind. He urged students to prioritise their health, saying it was only way they could improve their academic performance.

His words: “It is only a healthy mind that can engage in strenuous academic tasks we face on campus.

I urge everyone to always visit the medical centre whenever we notice the sign of ill-health. The school clinic has been supplied drugs and other facilities that would hasten treatment.”

The union president, Emmanuel Ajang, hailed John for the event, saying the event would boost students’ health consciousness.

The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) hosted an international conference on how to improve education and promote best teaching method. No fewer than 2,000 scholars were in attendance, OLADELE OGE (NYSC Enugu) reports.

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OOD policies and best method of implementation are needed to improve education, says Dean of Faculty of Education of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Prof Uju Umo. She urged the Federal Government to restore the value of education.

Prof Umo spoke at the opening of an international conference held at the Princess Alexandra Hall of the university. Its theme was: Promoting best practices in education through effective policy formulation and implementation strategies.

Over 2,000 local and international scholars gathered to discuss how to grow in university education.

The Dean said: “It is only through effective implementation strategies that the visions and objectives of education policies being introduced by the government can yield long-term solutions that will improve the standards and values.

“To improve and strengthening quality of education and service delivery, good and effective strategies must be explored by people and agencies charged with formulation of national education policies. This will enhance professionalism and best practice.”

Highlighting the aims of the conference, Prof Umo told the participants to look beyond the paper presentations, noting that the forum was to generate ways policies could be implemented for sustainable growth in education.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Benjamin Ozumba, represented by his deputy for Academic, Prof Polycarp Chigbu, noted that faculty had the capacity to generate ideas that could tackle the challenges facing the country's education.

•Prof Umo and Prof Babalola (standing) with other scholars during the session

How to improve education, by scholars

He said the large turnout to the event underscored the role being played by the institution in championing the cause of effective policy implementation in the country.

He said: “Education is an international commodity and the products find application and employment within local, national and international communities.”

The VC urged the participants to carefully look into the standard of education, particularly the elementary school. He said many youths had passed out from tertiary levels with intimidating cer-

tificates but without good knowledge and confidence to back their qualification.

In his paper, former VC of the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU), Prof Ibrahim Kolo, highlighted some of the problems associated with funding of education, saying government must seek help from experts to stop the decline in education.

Kolo said the conference would identify long-term gains of revitalising education for effec-

tive teaching and learning, urging collaboration with governments at all levels and private sector for the implementation of the experts’ recommendations.

The Dean of Faculty of Education, University of Ibadan (UI), Prof Joel Babalola, said the purpose of education is to combat illiteracy in the society. Without education, Babalola said no country would achieve growth.

He advised the youth to have sincere passion for education and urged schools’ managements to introduce new method that would make teaching easy for the lectur-

ers. This, he said, could be achieved through collaboration with advanced varsities.

In an interview with CAMPUSLIFE, Prof Umo said the UNN had introduced new teaching method to engender academic progress, noting that classrooms had been renovated to complement the effort.

She said inadequate funding remained the bane of education in the country, noting that the challenge was not peculiar to educational institutions alone.

Despite the funding problems, Umo said her faculty had numerous achievements to its credit.

She said the faculty's curriculum had brought about of developmental researches conducted by its undergraduate and graduate students. She added that the faculty publishes e-journals to enhance the visibility of good researches by its scholars.

The conference organisers said the paper presented would not only be recommended for publication in academic journals but will also be made available to policymakers for the provision of education at all levels.

‘Education is an international commodity and the products find application and employment within local, national and international communities’

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

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CAMPUS LIFE

Science and technology as catalyst for growth

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T a time when the nation is stabilising its democracy, and also continuing its projects aimed at accelerating economic development to propel the country to the league of the first 20 world economies by the year 2020, it is pertinent to highlight the role of science and technology in achieving this goal.

Science is said to be “cumulative verifiable and communicative knowledge”. Pure science is the investigation of nature to satisfy the need to know, while applied science is the application of pure science to some practical human needs.

Technology, on the other hand, is a body of knowledge and devices by which man masters his environment.

It is synonymous with applied science, being more empirical in its approach to solving problems. The three major axes of technology – agriculture, medicine and engineering, all made substantial progress before they were wedded to science. Fundamentally, technology is an extension of man’s capacity to see further and clearer; to hear more, travel faster and go to distances considered impossible. Science and technology have, therefore, been key drivers for growth and sustainable development and transformation of nations, which lead always to industrial revolutions.

One way that technology is used to

ensure the industrialisation and development of a nation is through the provision of infrastructure. Infrastructure links all industries together. It is so complex that it seems to evade precise definition. Yet, it is invaluable in the economic transformation of any nation. At a recent colloquium of Nigerian engineers, infrastructure was defined as physical structures that facilitate the production of goods and services, without themselves being part of the production process. They include highways, airports, harbours, utility production and distributive systems, water and sewer systems, communication networks and energy networks.

Generally speaking, infrastructure, in Nigeria, is still poorly developed compared to what is obtained in developed and other developing countries. For example, Brazil, an emerging economy, has a population of 179.1 million and generates 86,020 Megawatts of power, resulting in per capita generation of 480 watts. In contrast, Nigeria currently produces less than 3,000 Megawatts for a population of about 170 million people, giving a per capita generation of less than 21.43 watts, which is not enough to light even a 40 watt bulb. This accounts for the nation’s state of near perpetual darkness.

Similar observations can be made on

our transportation, communication, agricultural and education. Therefore, to achieve rapid scientific and technological development, there must be substantial improvements in infrastructure.

Again, apart from oil and gas, the majority of national industries have gone moribund; it is worthy to note that, if anything is to be blamed for these failures, it is humans not science and technology. It is the responsibility of a nation to apply science and technology to solve its problems in most strategic way.

Human factors are critical in determining the course of socio-economic transformation. Germany, today’s industrial giant, presents a perfect example. Germany was brought together under the inspirational leadership of Otto von Bismarck in 1871.

Before their unification, Germany had states that were loosely united as German-speaking people, each with its own king.

Bismarck’s inspirational leadership launched the transformation of Germany into a nation with relentless zeal for competition with Britain and France in commerce and industry.

We equally hope the Muhammadu Buhari administration would follow these developmental footprints of Bismarck in transforming Nigeria technologically.

We can use our tertiary institutions

By Chukwuka Ibezim to form the basis for the development in science and technologies. This can be done by providing support for the take-off and sustenance of an industrial revolution. However, the nation must be prepared to address specific loopholes in its education and industrial system. This is because, there is not yet a sound foundation established for the development of science and technology education.

Developed nations have set the pace by setting aside, at least, 10 per cent of their countries’ Gross Domestic Products (GDPs) for the development of science and technology.

Countries, such as South Korea sets aside over 10 per cent of their GDP for science and technology. Here, despite proliferation of universities, polytechnics and research institutes, less than one per cent of our GDP goes to science and technology development.

According to the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) in 2007, there were 882,715 patent applications from China, 5,220,327 from the United States and only 699 from Nigeria between 1985 and 2006. It is shown that there is a definite correlation between funding of research and development and progress in science and technology.

Therefore, to enable the nation scale through its developmental challenges, we must tackle the current backwardness in science and technology. This will be achieved by decisive action and progressive policies.

Adequate attention must be given to the equipping of our schools with modern research facilities and technological experimentation devices.

Incentives and rewards must be offered to scholars in relevant fields as a way of attracting the best brains, reversing the brain drain, encouraging excellence and rewarding outstanding achievements.

Chukwuka, 400-Level Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, UNN

Reshaping Nigeria through National Assembly

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T is a general belief that only the executive arm of government should be credited for the success or blamed for the failure of an administration. In doing so, the legislative arm of government is stylishly left out of criticisms when jabs are thrown at the executive for failing to perform. This attitude was palpable during the last general elections when some Nigerians still don’t know the reasons for election of representative to the National Assembly (NASS).

Voters were not bothered; all they wanted is another president. One wonders if the president they wanted can work alone without the support of legislature.

The NASS is bicameral law-making body. It consists of 109 members of the Senate and 360 members of the House of Representatives.

This gives a total of 469 lawmakers.

The legislature is large enough to make laws that would give the country a positive lift. Although, there are many lawmakers who mark attendance to avoid their seats being declared vacant.

The 1999 Constitution gives the NASS power to make laws for the peace, order and good governance.

This expressly stipulates the priority of the National Assembly. In contrast to this constitutional provision, the executive arm, which is

By Ayorinsola Obisanya chaired by the president or governor, shall execute all laws made by the legislature. It is relevant to note that the executive, in no way, can make statutory laws in governing a country.

For the present government to perform above expectation, the executive does not need lawmakers who are onlookers. It is high time Nigerians felt the impact of effective lawmaking and not four years of bench-warming. The 8th NASS can achieve a lot if the legislators can do their work properly.

The 7th NASS was known for its list of numerous bills, some of which are nothing closer to being passed into the laws. It is disturbing that a bill takes four years to be deliberated upon before its passage.

Yet, some won’t ever see the light of the day. In a proper legislative setting, time should not be wasted on a particular bill, knowing that there are many others awaiting deliberation. A bill is either accepted or rejected. Yet, this is not implicitly or explicitly stating that the legislative process should be rushed.

Else, the intention of the legislation would not be achieved.

The 8th NASS should devise a mean not to elongate the process of bills passage. There is no gain in

dragging the process of lawmaking too long. The nation is in dire need of legislations that will result in growth. It would be a good omen if the pending bills from the last assembly are passed within the first 100 days. After all, legislative duty in is not a part-time job.

One of the bills that should top the priority list of the lawmakers is Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB). Up till today, it is inexplicable why the last assembly desired to be slow on the issue. Recently, there are signs that the bill may be rejected. PIB seeks to make oil and gas operation more efficient and transparent. It also seeks to liberalise the management and control of the oil and gas sector, thereby bringing in more investments and improving fiscal prudence.

Another important legislation is the Fly Nigeria Bill which would make it mandatory for public officers to use local airlines in trips funded by the government unless there is no local airline flying to the destination.

The alteration of the 1999 Constitution is not debatable. Nigeria really needs a constitution that will reflect the wishes of the people.

Apart from the fact that the last Assembly amended the Constitution to unbundle the office of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice,

it also provided for the appointment of the Accountant-General of the Federation in order to enhance transparency and accountability in the management of the federation account.

However, there is need to make the economic, social and cultural rights as provided in chapter two of the Constitution more than a mere declaration. The right of a child to have basic education and health services is not debatable.

Also, autonomy for local governments for the development of the grassroots should be strengthened.

This is long overdue. Many local governments are not buoyant financially to cater for the need of the people. Although, the last assembly made a law to grant full financial and administrative autonomy to the local governments, the problem lies in making such policy effective.

Since the 7th NASS was known for its habit of “take a bow and go” in the screening of ministerial nominees and other appointees, the current legislature must stop this culture. This laxity cost the nation a lot, given the appointment of misfits and corrupt men into public offices.

Ministerial nominees should be subjected to rigorous screening.

Though, the major problem is the failure to separate party affairs from national duty.

The current crops of lawmakers should grill ministerial nominees thoroughly to ensure the best get appointed. Rejection of nominees should also be a rule. Let the President know that the Constitution recognises separation of powers.

Collaboration is imperative in the incoming administration considering the situation of the economy and financial status of the country. This will also enable the arms of government to provide solution to national challenges. If there are competent hands as ministers, a lot of things would definitely be in order.

The current legislators must be distinct by not saying ‘Aye’ every time to massage the ego of their parties. They must try every possible means to make the government fruitful. Nigerians are fed up with lawmakers that only appear to mark attendance, sleep or make nonsensical display. Lawmakers are not miscreants. People chose them because they are deemed fit for the job.

The 8th assembly should be prepared to tackle corruption and work towards achieving a better economy.

We should hope that we are not in for another session of lawlessness.

God bless Nigeria.

•Ayorinsola, 400-Level Law, OOU

Nigerian youths and sport betting H

AS it been noticed that gambling has been redefined and repackaged to target more young people in Nigeria? This is a growing trend among the youth in the country. Seventy per cent of them are loyal patronisers of soccer betting. The rise of these gambles is becoming so obvious in the way the media now advertise betting. One of the catchy messages being used to attract the attention of young people to gambling is: “How to become a Bill Gates in just a day”.

In a recent investigative report by News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), about 60 million Nigerians between the ages 18 and 40 years may be spending up to N1.8 billion on sports

betting daily. The report stated that the age group invest an average of N3,000 on sports sweepstake daily.

Dotun Ajekigbe, a bet analyst, said sport betting may be risky but it is also rewarding. Ajekigbe said about 60 million Nigerians place bets on different matches daily across the country. He said most unemployed youths have taken to betting online and in other media to make a living. According to him, these people stake an average of N3,000 on bet every day.

Sport betting is gambling, not investing in bank shares. Almost everything in life is a gamble. But, a gamble comes with risk because it is not 100 per cent predictable.

Ajekigbe said one can dramatically reduce the risk by taking calculated risks only. When a gambler takes calculated risks, he takes his decisions on prediction that may or may not come to reality because betting is by chance. The better informed the player is, the better the chance he/she has to make money.

With the repacking of betting, youths now have to choose which football betting agencies they prefer. Some of the online soccer betting websites include Nairabet, 1960bet, bet9ja, Surebet247, Merrybet and Betcolony, which are modern media for soccer sweepstake which replace the old soccer pool. Only that these new bet

agencies just added ideas, concepts and technology. Now, people can now become millionaires from the comfort of their homes, placing bets online.

But in reality, one personal reason which I could use to testify that football betting has been to the disadvantage of our society is that, it is gradually becoming another crimegenerating avenue. I know many people would not agree with this opinion, but I can justify it with claims by some gamblers.

Mr Ambrose Obialor, who runs Yobo Viewing Centre in Lagos, told this writer that some people bet between N2,000 and N10, 000, depending on how financially buoyant an

By Abibat Awo individual is. He said some people denied themselves of food after spending all they had on a bet. But when they win, they use the money to solve problems they are facing. If •Continued on page 36

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

36

CAMPUS LIFE Law journal hits newsstand

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AW students of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) have published the faculty’s maiden journal. The publication is a forum for the students to practise what they are being taught.

The journal featured articles on topical legal issues. A student, Chijioke Ezenwaka, wrote on the tradition of brutality and human rights abuses by the police.

Another student, Emmanuel Onyeabor whose article was titled: Shall Gods money be taxed, explored a standpoint on whether or not religious institutions should be made to pay tax to the government.

The journal was dedicated to Mr E.E. Egbunonu, a lawyer, and the late Prof G.O.S. Amadi, who was, until his death, the Dean of the Faculty of Law. The late lecturer was said to have contributed unquantifiable journals to the discipline.

The quality of the Journal was applauded by lecturers of the faculty, who also praised the journal’s editorial crew led by Ike Nwora, and Emmanuel Onyeabor, the Editorial Board chairman.

•Some law students displaying copies of the journal From Macdonald Ezenwaka

UNN

gations, Viola Echebima, Academic Coordinator, Nosike Ezebo, a judge on judicial

arm of the Students’ Union and Chris Ani, Principal Partner, Gani Fawehinmi Chambers, among others.

Other members of the crew include Chiderah Azodo, Deputy Director of Liti-

On and Off Campus By Solomon Izekor 08061522600

•The students catching fun on the mountain

Students go mountaineering

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TUDENTS of the Department Political Science of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, on Saturday, went on a mountaineering expedition as part of activities to welcome freshers and returning students back on campus.

By 7am, students converged on Anglomoz Car Park to climb the mountain, which is situated behind Social Sciences Car Park on the campus.

To make the experience memorable, the students set up sound system to entertain themselves on the mountain top. There was also refreshment for the participants.

A 300-Level student, Miftau Adebowale, said the exercise was an avenue through which students would get familiarised to one another.

“We must praise members of executive of Political Science Students’ Association for organising the event,” Miftau said.

A fresher, Alaba Awodeyi, described the trip as educative and interesting, saying he would never forget the experience.

The expedition also featured a dance con-

From Afees Lasisi

OAU test for the freshers; Lizzy Adebayo was adjudged the winner of the contest.

Lizzy said: “I did not believe I could dance the way I did. I started well and ended wonderfully. I thank the association for the event but they should not relent in organising more of this event in the future.”

Oluwatobiloba Elusope, who participated in the contest, said she expected her to win.

“I was surprised I did not win despite my entertaining dance steps. But, it was all fun because I had opportunity to meet people from other backgrounds.”

Paring the association for the mountain trip, Oluwatobiloba said she was not aware there is such a mountain within the university.

“I could not imagine OAU has such a nice and wonderful place to visit. I use this opportunity to plead to the school authorities to make the mountain more beautiful for tourism. If the school can harness the tourist potential of the mountain, I believe it would increase the internally-generated funds of the university,” she said.

Nigerian youths and sport betting •Continued from page 36

they lose, they will lose everything. Now, where would the loser get money to play again?

Afeez Adigun, an agent for 1960 Bet Company in Lagos, said about 200 to 300 youths visit his office to bet on English League fixtures daily. According to him, a betting company can generate up to N20 million monthly and spend between N5 million and N7 million to pay winners. How many of the gamblers win daily?

A representative of another betting company, Betting World, tried to justify the business, saying betting agencies have employed thousands youths in Lagos alone. He said that betting outlets are usually filled with young people. He explained that most people spend as much as N10,000 for their daily stakes, with some of them winning and others lose. But all of them return

the next day for another betting.

But for a jobless youth that did not win, stealing becomes the next option to get money to play the following day. The fact remains that football betting has never helped the older generation and will never be of help to the present generation.

Football betting is now a cankerworm that is eating deep in the fabric of our society. With a clear view, it has tremendously promoted laziness among youths and killed many dreams.

The “quick money” bet promotes unwillingness to work and dormancy among the youth.

This is contributing to erosion of our values and education. Parents must play their role in orientating their children against the modernday gambling.

•Abibat just finished from Mass Comm., UNILORIN

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

37

CAMPUS LIFE ELIZADE FILE

No retrenchment, VC assures workers of new education varsity

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HE Vice Chancellor of the newly established Federal University of Education, Zaria, Prof Ibrahim Kolo, has assured all members of staff of the institution which was recently upgraded from a college of education that they would not lose their jobs.

Kolo, who gave this assurance during an interactive session with journalists in Minna at the weekend, said the workers were apprehensive over their fate following the elevation of the institution.

He said, he had to assure them when he met with leaders of the College of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU) of the institution that no worker would lose his or her job. Instead, he said the elevation will create a window for some of them to

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

undergo further training.

Kolo, who was the immediate past Vice Chancellor of Niger State-owned Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU), Lapai, said: “I cashed on the maiden meeting with the academic staff that nobody will be retrenched, rather the development will open further windows of opportunities for staff career enhancement and development.”

He however said a comprehensive staff appraisal would be carried out in order to ensure that workers are appropriately placed, emphasising that those that have the need for higher qualification would be encouraged.

“All staff would be appraised with

a view to a fair and appropriate placement in the Graduate Specialised Teacher Education Programmes immediately to be developed for the university, while others who cannot fit in immediately will be offered the opportunity and support to either go for relevant higher degrees or be placed in other Teacher Education Training compartments to emerge either in the form of the re-designation of the existing NCE Basic Education Programme or appropriate Teacher Professional Development Programmes also to be put in place,” he said.

Kolo then appealed to the workers to cooperate with him and urged them to suggest how best to take the new institution to a lofty height.

Federal College of Education,

Training for BEDC workers

•Prof Kolo

Zaria, was one of the four colleges elevated to universities of education by the immediate past administration of President Goodluck Jonathan.

Others are: Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo, Federal College of Education, Kano, and Alvan Ikoku College of Education, Owerri.

TETFund exclusion: We feel cheated, says Adeleke varsity VC

Founder clocks 77

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HEN the chief executives of private universities meet in Abeokuta in five days, the issue of non-access to the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) will once again be on the agenda, says Prof Oluwole Amusan, Vice Chancellor of Adeleke University, Ede in Osun State.

Amusan said private universities would not tire of pestering the government to change the unfair regulations that deny the institutions of grants they should rightly access, especially considering that the fund is contributed by the private sector.

In an interview with journalists at the university, Amusan said: "This has been a debate for quite some time now. As the Vice Chancellor of Adeleke University and as an institution, we feel cheated. We believe private universities should have access to TETFund, just like public ones.

And one of the reasons why we say this is because private universities are assisting government in providing education to the populace. And if we are doing this, why should we be denied access to the fund that assists institutions in carrying out a responsibility that government is really supposed to address?

"Secondly, you will discover that the source of TETFund, private organizations contribute to it. If the source is from private organizations, then it is morally wrong to deprive private universities from accessing that fund. That is our stand. And I can speak for private universities in the country."

Other members of the top management of the university joined Amusan in condemning government's stance on TETFund.

Dean, Faculty of Arts, Prof Oguntoyinbo Atere, faulted the Federal Government for charging high

• Prof Amusan (middle) flanked by Prof Tijani (left) and the Registrar, Venerable Olusegun Ojo.

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

taxes yet not giving private universities anything in return.

"We are being highly taxed. They take our taxes. This is a private university; but we are paying so much taxes that go to the coffers of the government. And yet, nothing comes back to us because it is private. This is a clear case of cheating and we are very angry," she said.

On his part, the Dean, Faculty of Law, Prof Johnson Anifalade, described it as an illegality.

Contrary to belief that private universities exist to make profit, the reason many argue that they should not benefit from TETFUND, the Vice Chancellor said Adeleke University proprietor, Dr Adedeji Adeleke, not only subsidises fees to students but also allows them to pay in instalments.

He said: "The fees charged are between N500,000 and N800,000. But mind you, this fee includes feeding and accommodation. The N580,000 being charged includes tuition, feeding, and accommodation. It is a com-

posite fee that is being charged.

"For programmes like engineering, N741,000 is what is being charged.

For Law, the total fee is N830,000.

And I want to say that it even includes fees charged for the partnership we have with New Horizons that is preparing students for different certifications we have in IT. So that is the range of fees being charged in Adeleke University.

"The Pro-Chancellor has given students the latitude to pay in four instalments. When they come in, they pay the first quarter. They stay for some time, and towards the end of the first semester, they pay the second instalment. When they begin the second semester they have the latitude to pay the third instalment and before they do their final exams, they pay the fourth instalment. And it makes it in a way that is somehow comfortable and easy for people to access education here at Adeleke University."

Regarding accreditation, the Vice Chancellor said that of the 13 programmes run by the university, eight are fully accredited, while five

have partial accreditation.

He refuted the notion that universities do window dressing for accreditation, adding that Adeleke University, by virtue of its Christian inclination, does not cut corners.

"I will say that members of accreditation teams have a way by which they know whether or not people are window dressing. We try as much as possible as a faith based institution to be open and to show who we are within the regulations of the National Universities Commission (NUC)," he said.

Lending credence to the Vice Chancellor's claims, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof Ibikunle Tijani, noted that NUC sends a second set of assessors secretly to verify what the first accreditation team did.

"There is what we call a post-monitoring quality assurance in NUC. It is not that you get results. NUC would send people as mystery shoppers to see whether or not what you presented was just a façade or not. I can tell you that a few of us at Adeleke University also serve in this national endeavour to ensure quality education," he said.

UNIJOS still attractive despite insurgency, says VC

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ESPITE the security challenges ravaging Plateau State, the University of Jos (UNIJOS) is among the most preferred institutions for admission seekers.

Its Vice Chancellor, Prof Hayward Mafuyai, said the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) rated the university ninth among preferred universities in the country and third most preferred institution in the north after the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) and Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.

Mafuyai told journalists this after presenting of the Olowo of Owo, Oba Victor Folagbade Olateru-Olagbegi III, with his letter of appointment as

A MEMORANDUM of Agreement (MOA) has been signed between Vigeo Power Academy, a core investor in Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), and Elizade University, IlaraMokin, Ondo State to train workers of the company.

Speaking during the official signing of the agreement, the Managing Director of the Company, Mrs. Funke Osibodu informed that the Agreement was needed to train existing and about 200 newly-recruited analytical graduates as well as non-graduate apprentices to surpass the expectations of customers in the power industry.

Mrs. Osibodu said the choice of Elizade University was prompted by the availability of modern engineering facilities and seasoned instructors in the university.

She emphasised that despite foreign attraction for the training, the seriousness of the Founder of the University, Chief Michael AdeOjo for engineering development and the university's vision of training its students as hands-on professionals also influenced the choice.

From Leke Akeredolu, Akure

Chancellor of the institution.

Mafuyai said though they are worried over the unending crisis in the north but they are also happy that it has not affected the school's enrolment.

"Surprisingly, it has not. If you go

by JAMB statistics for the last admission, University of Jos was the ninth preferred university in the country. That is JAMB statistics, not ours. And in the northern part of the country, we are third most preferred institution after Ilorin and ABU. "So we are quite happy with that.

Inspite of that we think, when the security situation significantly

improves, we hope to be the most preferred institution in Nigeria," he said.

Addressing the new Chancellor on his appointment, Pro-Chancellor of the university, Chief Don Obot Etiebet, who led other members of the Governing Council, said the monarch was chosen based on his wealth of experience in managing particularly human resources.

The Pro-Chancellor recalled that the monarch was once a lecturer in the university, and praised him for the role he played in nurturing its Law faculty even after he had moved to the Nigeria Law School in Lagos State.

"Kabiyesi, we will like to tell you

that your faculty of Law in UNIJOS is one of the most recognised in the country.

"We know you have been a chancellor at the University of Benin, and University of Abuja and we are very glad to have you as our chancellor. We believe that your experience in academic field will have a great impact in our institution," he said.

In his response, Olateru-Olagbegi promised to do more than what he has done in previous institutions he has served.

He counseled lecturers to always show more commitment in anything they do, saying one day the reward will eventually come.

IT was a celebration galore as workers and students of Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State trooped out to honour the founder of the university, Chief Michael Ade-Ojo during his 77th birthday.

They demonstrated their appreciation to the septuagenarian in many ways.

Basketball, football, and tennis competitions were organised by the Institution's Sports Unit in his honour to bring members of the university and host communities together. In Tennis, Ojo Bayode, a 200-Level Business Administration student defeated Mr. Enoch Adeagbo, a Network Engineer in the Information Technology Unit of the university 6-0, 6-3, 6-3 to win the prize.

In football, pupils of Community Comprehensive High School, Ilara-Mokin defended the trophy by defeating students of Wexford College, Akure on penalty.

Students promote culture MEMORIES of the cultural fiesta organised by students of Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State as part of the maiden Students' Week would linger for a while.

The event featured cultural dance competition, inter-ethnic cooking competition and showcasing of traditional setting, the entire university community was entertained as students let viewers into their unique culture.

In the dance competition, Ibo and Yoruba tribes came first. Dressed in traditional attires, the two tribes showed their dancing steps, rhythm and composure to the satisfaction of the judges. Edo/Delta/Rivers came second with Akwa Ibom group coming fourth.

Cooking competition brought a change in fortune to Edo/Delta/ Rivers group, which prepared four varieties of delicious dishes. Yoruba and Akwa Ibom came second with Ibo coming third.

In the exhibition of tradition of setting, it was difficult choosing a winner. Yoruba students built their palace with their King gorgeously dressed on the throne of his forefathers with his "irukere" in his hand and surrounded by his three Oloris (wives).

The Ibo students constructed their palace in a unique way that assigned a strategic portion for their Igwe who sat on the throne with his wife beside him.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

38

CAMPUS LIFE SCHOLARSHIPS APPROACHING DEADLINE 2016 UCT Masters Scholarships in Public Health (Community Eye Health), South Africa UNIVERSITY of Cape Town awards Master of Public Health scholarships for candidates from low- and middleincome African Commonwealth countries. Scholarships are awarded to undertake Master of Public Health (Community Eye Health) program.

Scholarships will cover course fees,

Training for employees WORKERS recently employed at the former Adeyemi College of Education (now Adeyemi University of Education), Ondo, have undergone a one-day capacity building exercise.

The programme, organised by the Directorate of Venture and Linkages, held at Obongawan lecture theatres of the Institution.

In his address, the Director of Ventures and Linkages (DVL) Dr.Peter Akinbile, said the workshop was organised to integrate participants into the institution's policy on staff development, to enhance optimal productivity.

He added that the capacity building workshop was aimed at making the new entrant's, conscious of their security within and outside the campus. He thanked the Provost of the institution, Prof.

Olukoya Ogen, for identifying with the programme and providing all the necessary financial support to ensure its success.

travel costs, and accommodation costs.

The closing date for non-South African applicants is 31 July. The closing date for South African applicants is 30 September.

Study Subject(s): Scholarships are awarded for Masters Public Health, Community Eye Health program.

Course Level: Scholarships are available to pursue master's degree programme at the University of Cape Town.

Scholarship Provider: University of Cape Town, South Africa Scholarship can be taken at: South Africa Scholarship Open for International Students, including Nigeria.

Scholarship Description: To support the training of eye health professionals with strong public health skills, the Consortium offers scholarships for candidates from low- and middleincome African Commonwealth countries that have been accepted to study for a Masters Public Health, Community Eye Health at the

University of Cape Town, South Africa.

The Masters Public Health, Community Eye Health, aims to provide students with the practical skills to develop and manage eye care programmes with an emphasis on meeting eye care needs in Africa. It also enables participants to undertake appropriate clinical and operational research to inform the practical planning and management for VISION 2020: The Right to Sight.

What does it cover? Scholarships will cover course fees, travel costs, and accommodation costs.

• The EKSU management staff and ANAN officials after the donation

ANAN presents books to EKSU, College

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HE study of Accountancy has received a boost at the Ekiti State University, (EKSU), Ado Ekiti and the College of Education, Ikere Ekiti with book donations by the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN).

The donations to the two stateowned institutions was a fulfillment of the promise made by the immediate past ANAN President, Dr. Shakirudeen Labode, when he paid courtesy visits to their managements two years ago.

Although Labode had finished his

From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado Ekiti

tenure, his successor, Mr. Anthony Nzom, ensured that the promise was fulfilled to expand the scope of learning and studying of Accountancy.

Nzom was represented at the event

by Dr. Michael Ayeni, who was also accompanied by other top officials of the body, including the ANAN Chairman in Ekiti State, Mr. Femi Olatilu.

Their first port of call was the College of Education, Ikere Ekiti, where the ANAN team was received by the

Provost, Prof. Francesca Aladejana who was represented by her Deputy Dr. Olu Atunramu.

Nzom who said the books were donated to advance the science of Accountancy as a branch of knowl-

edge, explained that the items are very current and would enrich the college library.

He explained that the books would not only help students acquire knowledge but assist them to de-

‘We do not believe in half-baked accountants because we have our members working in your university here and you can attest to their efficiency and competence’

How to Apply: -Inform the University of your Interest in applying for a scholarship using the Registration of interest form -Apply for a place on the course at the University of Cape Town.

-Once you have received an offer from University of Cape Town they will contact you about your application for the scholarship.

Scholarship Application Deadline: The closing date for non-South African applicants is 31 July. The closing date for South African applicants is 30 September. velop the skills needed to practise Accountancy as a profession by the time they leave school.

Responding, Aladejana described the books as the ‘best gifts’ that could be given to the college at a time which coincides with the institution’s preparation for another round of accreditation. Aladejana hopes the books would not only be useful to students but also lecturers.

At EKSU, the ANAN team was received by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof.

Oladipo Aina, who was represented by his Deputy (Development), Prof.

Olufemi Adeoluwa.

Nzom told Aina that ANAN operates a collegiate system through which its members are trained and examined to ensure that they blend their knowledge with skills.

He revealed that ANAN admits students after they might have adapted with either a Bachelor of Science or a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Accounting before they undergo training for nine months.

He added: “We do not believe in half-baked accountants because we have our members working in your university here and you can attest to their efficiency and competence.

“Students should not turn the books to mirror; we want them to find treasures in these books for them to acquire knowledge.”

He promised that the books would further enhance knowledge of students studying Accountancy in the university. He said the university library is undergoing renovation to make it more conducive to learning and convenient for students.

By ANAN’s gesture, Aina said the body is giving good legacies to be enjoyed by the future generation, especially in Accounting.

Benin Republic varsity SUG takes oath

S

TUDENTS of the Littoral University (Institute Littoral Des Etudes Professionelles Superieures (ILEPS), Porto-Novo Republic Of Benin, have been educated on the difference between Students' Union Government and Students Representatives Council (SRC).

The former sees itself as a law or an autonomy, which can also exercise its power, while the latter is a part of the management and therefore suggests ways by which students' lot can be improved without being recklessly confrontational.

This warning was handed down by Ogunliyi Folorunso Agosu, who was the guest speaker at the maiden inauguration of ILEPS SRC at the university premises.

For the university management however, it was double joy following a final certification the government of Benin finally granted the university last month. With this development, the university which has faced turbulent times in recent past particularly in respect to student enrolment will henceforth, have its graduates mobilised for the mandatory National Youth Service Corps in Nigeria.

Ogunliyi, to this end, therefore,

•ILEPS SRC Vice President Bilau Ibrahim (second right), Miss Senlaja, Mr Lawal, Pastor Stella and Husband/Vice-Chancellor Prof Ayeni and Registrar Mr Emmanuel Ajayi after the inauguration.

chose to tag his speech the 'dawn of a new era'.

The latest achievement of ILEPS, Ogunliyi said, has finally legitimsed studentship, which according to him, should bring more organisation and unity within students activity.

He charged the new leaders to embrace qualities, including knowledge, foresight, courage, discipline, and fairness. Other qualities, he said, are: academic excellence, good representation as well as responsibility and accountability.

SRC, according to him, must not be an avenue for war against manage-

ment but rather a partnership to further develop the young university.

He said: "Webester's Dictionary defines the world 'government' as a group of people who administer, or manage a country, community or a state and making all the decisions about law and services. In the same vein, a 'council' is a group of people who proposes rule, laws, decisions and give advice.

“We expect the Students' Representative Council to keep such status quo in the institution and see itself as being an integral part of Littoral University."

President of SRC Miss Senlaja Lydia praised the management and particularly students that stood in the face of challenges ILEPS went through, congratulating them that it is now time to reap what they had sown.

As pioneer students' representatives, Senlaja promised not to let her colleagues down.

"I hereby accept this great honour and huge responsibility on behalf of my council members. We are the trailblazers. Consequent to our oath of office, we shall dedicate ourselves with all sense of modesty to working assiduously and tirelessly

to take Litttoral University to greater heights. We promise to discharge our duties and responsibilities without fear or favour.”

In his address, Ayeni assured students that the day of uncertainties in ILEPS are over. He urged the SRC not to delegate responsibility to others.

He also reminded them that the success or failure of SRC lies in their hands and they must be ready to take responsibility for either.

ILEPS Legal Adviser Akorede Lawal conducted the Oath of Allegiance on the new executive.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

39

EDUCATION

When application demystifies Maths

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UPILS can now overcome their fear of mathematics with a new internet application that can help them master the subject.

The Mathematics Laboratory Limited has launched the Naija Mathematics Olympiad (NMO), a mathematics application that helps pupils in secondary school to study and pass the subject.

Chairman of the organisation, Andy Akhigbe, said during the launch in Ikeja, Lagos, that the application follows school syllabuses to teach pupils through quizzes, practice questions, mock tests and mathematics competitions, whose solution processes are thereafter explained step by step.

He noted that if people give attention to maths early in life, it would be easier for them to become whatever they want to be, as the subject is central to other courses.

Among the website's advantages are the ability to download practice questions, such that pupils do not need to be connected to the internet every time they need to practice, thus giving them a 24-hour access to the practice questions.

All it takes is the registration payment of N6000, and the application is open to every child for a full academic session of nine months and the child's life is insured with the sum of N500 000 by Mutual Benefits Assurance Limited, a partner with the organisation.

Managing Director of Mutual Ben-

By Oluwatoyin Adeleye and Olatunde Odebiyi

efits, Mr Ademola Fagbeyin, attributed the disdain for mathematics to lack of proper equipment and learning platforms that could help in its learning.

He said the fear of mathematics is a contributing factor to the country's underdeveloped state.

"To be successful, you need mathematics. The idea of this application would transform destinies, add value and change lives. Immediately a child logs on and registers for the first time, there is a life assurance covering the guardian; so in case of casualties, there is a benefit of up to N500 000 to cover the child's education," he said.

A major partner of the firm, Mrs Scholastica Adeniji-Fashola, said NMO was designed to provide pupils with access to questions based on the class they register in the application.

She hopes the NMO would correct the general impression that mathematics is difficult and help pupils love the subject.

"We are here to let students know that mathematics is not so difficult, it is as easy as any other subject. We wanted to make maths a subject that every Nigerian child would love because maths is one of the subjects that form the basic foundation for any discipline at the university level. This is why we developed this app. We see a lot of students using the phone,

•From left: Director, Mathematics Laboratory Limited, Sesan Oguntade, Partner, Scholastica Adeniyi-Fashola, Chairman, Andy Akhigbe and Member, Meseko Dele, during the Launching of the NAIJA Mathematics Olympiad.

Inset: Homepage of the application.

laptop or iPad to play games. We want them to channel some of that energy they use on games to learning, which would be beneficial to them. The students can actually have their phone and learn maths and practise it anywhere they are across the globe," Adeniji-Fashola said.

In the event of any challenges encountered in the process of using the application, she said good support had been put in place to help users in handling the app.

Supporting the firm at the launch, President of Mathematics Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Rasaq Jimoh, decried the increasing rate of failure of

•From left: (back) Mr. Odim Lade, teacher; Kosala Hewamadduma, Regional Brand Director, Oral Care, Unilever; Dr Abu; George Umoh, Brand Manager, Pepsodent, Unilever Nigeria; Mrs Olabode, teacher; and pupils of Cherubim & Seraphim Primary School II, Ikorodu during the Flag off of the programme.

Dentists counsel pupils on oral health

T

HE challenge is on by Unilever in collaboration with the National Dental Association (NDA) to change children's attitude to oral health through a 21-day campaign that would see dentists visit schools across the country with the gospel of twice-daily brushing.

The campaign is part of efforts to reverse the statistics that nine in 10 tooth decay cases are untreated in Nigeria.

Unilever's Pepsodent and Close-Up toothpastes in partnership with the NDA, Ministry of Health and various State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs) hopes to ultimately reach 10 million children with its behavioural change campaign by 2020.

To make the 21-day behaviour change programme interesting, George Umoh, Brand Manager, Pepsodent, Unilever Nigeria said that Super Dentists Comic has been developed along with other educational materials to engage pupils in over 1,000 primary schools nationwide to help them cultivate the habit of brushing day and night and influence members of their families with their healthy oral lifestyle.

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

Speaking at the flag-off of the programme in Lagos, he said: "We are targeting children because we believe that kids can change the world and they can use their pester power to make their parents do the same.

These products, together with the educational materials that we have designed, are handed over to the kids and for 21-days, our instructors and the school teachers are in the schools to ensure that these kids get proper oral health education and go back home with the same exercise to influence and convince their parents to do the same."

This year, Umoh said the aim of the campaign is to reach 600,000 pupils across five states.

"In the 2015 edition, we will be across five different states in Nigeria and will be reaching about 600,000 students and the programme continues every other year till 2020 when we achieve our ambition to influence and improve the lives of 10 million school children in Nigeria.”

While counseling the pupils, Dr Dorcas Abu, former president, Nige-

ria Association of Dental Students, gave the benefits of brushing twice daily with toothpaste that contains fluoride.

"We should use a medium-bristled toothbrush for adult and soft-bristled toothbrush for children. For smokers and frequent consumers of caffeine, they can use the hard-bristled toothbrush. The importance of brushing twice daily is not about how frequently you brush but the techniques in which you use. You should use the roll technique in which you brush the upper teeth down and the lower teeth up in a roll direction while you brush the chewing surface of your teeth in a horizontal manner," she said.

Underscoring the importance of the campaign, Dr Abu said: "It is important to teach children because when you catch them young, it's like you are teaching the next generation and a nation. It is easier that way because they can teach their siblings, peers and even their parents at home. And as we teach them from now, they will teach their own children because they will grow up with it and in a couple of years we will have a cavity-free world."

mathematics by pupils.

He said: "We abuse maths. People are not usually bothered by its failure, whose rate keeps growing every year. It is just a tool for technological development. Maths develops the mind intellectually, physically, emotionally and socially.

Maths is fun."

Jimoh advised parents not to dis-

M

courage their children in the study of mathematics, with negative comments about it.

"Whenever people say maths is difficult, please don't join them so that you can encourage the youths. Even if you did not like it in school, please do not tell them that. If we build manpower to teach maths, it would be a good thing," Jimoh added.

Lad gets scholarship for honesty

ASTER Tunde Ojo, a secondary school pupil of Akande Dahunsi Memorial High School, has been awarded a N100,000 scholarship by L.I.F.E Initiative, a non-governmental organisation committed to raising and empowering teenagers through motivational talks.

The lad, it would be recalled, returned a missing phone to a foreigner who before then had bad impression about Nigeria. Ojo's polite refusal to accept any financial reward from the foreigner as a way of appreciation, a culture that is now rampant among youths of nowadays, also left the stranger agape, changing his once negative impression about Nigeria forever.

"It was as a result of this uncommon show of integrity and honesty that L.I.F.E is awarding Tunde with N100,000 a year for four years’university scholarship. L.I.F.E Initiative is raising leaders, the future is now," said L.I.F.E founder Obafemi George.

"There are not many adults who can do what this boy did. He is a good boy, and should be encouraged," he added.

George belives the money is the NGO's modest way of appreciating the gesture of a young boy whose kindness aligns with the vision of 'L.I.F.E. Initiative.

The NGO's Proggramme Officer, Cindy Ikpe, said: "At L.I.F.E, we are

By Adegunle Olugbamila

about raising great leaders. This young man is to be celebrated, and that is what we are doing. We want to encourage others to live and lead like him."

The Power Teens Success Habits, a motivational book by George was also distributed free to all participants, written by Obafemi George,and foreword by BRF former governor of Lagos State and can be gotten at Laterna Ventures Oko Awo close V.I, Glendora bookshop at Ikeja City Mall and University of Lagos Book shop.

The last edition of the NGO's Leading with Impact programme and tagged: “read to lead” took place at Osborne School Complex, Akande, Dahunsi Memorial High School, with 11 other schools in attendance.

Participants were drawn from: Akande Dahunsi Memorial Senior High School; Government Senior college Maroko; Ilado Community Senior High School; Wahab Folawiyo Senior High School; and Government Senior College, Ikoyi.

Other were: Ireti Senior Grammar School; Aunty Ayo Girls Comprehensive; Girls Senior Secondary Grammar School; Falomo Senior High School; Government College Victoria Island, Victoria Island Senior Secondary School; and Koramo Senior College.

•George embracing Master Ojo at the event.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

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EDUCATION

UNIUYO seeks more medical students •Graduates 172 in five years

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HE University of Uyo (UNIUYO), Akwa Ibom State, has called on the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) to increase its quota of medical students because of its increased capacity.

Provost, College of Health Sciences, Prof Memfin Ekpo in Uyo, made the call during the graduation of 27 new doctors, bringing the number of doctors trained by the university to 172. The Eighth Oath-taking held in the Entrepreneurial Centre of the university's Town Campus.

Re-inviting the MDCN for a reevaluation, Ekpo said the university could take more than the 50 slots allotted it by the council, following improvement in facilities and manpower.

Appreciating God for His mercies, Prof Ekpo, said the agony the college faced during its embryonic years was over.

"Now the road is smoother, we can now know when the next set would graduate, all things being equal. We thank God for not allowing any death to be recorded in the last 14 years," he said.

The Provost thanked the MDCN for its understanding regarding the development of the Medical School.

Registrar of the MDCN, Dr. Abdulmumini Ibrahim, promised to look into the requests.

In her address, Vice Chancellor (VC), Prof Comfort Ekpo said she hosted the first oath-taking on December 8, 2011 and within five years as VC, graduated 172 doctors trained in eight batches.

She noted that all academic programmes run by the college had full or interim accreditation from the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the MDCN. She attributed the successes of the college to what she called the "good foundation laid by committed medi-

From Uyoatta Eshiet, Uyo

cal elders and fathers of Medical School" to whom she remains very grateful.

She thanked workers of the college for fully utilising the improved facilities to achieve the desired results.

To help indigent students, the Vice Chancellor mentioned that the university has established a Student Welfare Scheme code named 'Hope Scheme' which provides financial support to them. She said it has helped some of the new doctors to complete their studies.

She appealed to Nigerians home and abroad to invest in research by instituting chairs and foundations on health care.

Professor of Paediatrics, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of

Paediatrics, University of Illorin Teaching Hospital, Olugbenga Mokuolu, FWACP, delivered the keynote titled: “The oath and the coat."

Mokuolu advised the new doctors to have a positive disposition to the future, be compassionate to mankind, build strong relationships and diversify in career pursuit among others.

Ubom Imaobong, the best graduating student, took the oath along with: Efiok Akwamfon Ezekiel, Oreva Amake, Uti Wisdom Sunday, Asuk-Enim Ejiro Agbor, Aniefiok Ndifreke Udoh, James Paulinus Christopher, Ntukidem Udeme Boniface, Itoro Silvanus Silva, Moses Ubong Etim, Essien Kingsley Antigha, Udioko Mfreke Ime and Okeke Jeunta Oluchi.

Others are Doctors Ofor Edith, Bassey Aniekeme Sunday, Inyang Andrew Christopher, Ogedemgbe Justus Erhumwunse, Okonnah Aniekeme Edet, Okon Etoro-Abasi Aniefiok, Ekpenyong Charles Raphel, Ntia Etifiok Victor, Afanghide Joseph Peter, Nwigwe Nathaniel Chibuzo, Ekanem Uduakobong Donald, Enyiekpon Michael Udongo, Usenekong Henry Edet and Akudinobi Ifeanyi Augustine.

‘Now the road is smoother, we can now know when the next set would graduate, all things being equal. We thank God for not allowing any death to be recorded in the last 14 years’

New publication chronicles education online

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HE Chronicle of Education, an online publication from the stables of Debb Gosean Limited (DGL) has been launched to provide timely education-related news articles to various stakeholders in the education sector.

Its promoters hope that the publication, which can be accessed on www.thechronicleofeducation.com, can support the efforts to improve Nigeria's education system by providing a platform for ideas.

A statement from the firm, noted:

"The Chronicle of Education will therefore be the foremost platform where the diverse groups of stakeholders, whether locally-based or in the Diaspora of the Nigerian education system can freely proffer innovative and constructive solutions to the myriads of challenges in the system."

It welcomed news, reports, analyses, assessments, documentaries, opinions, discussions and blogs for editorial consideration and publication in the paper.

•From left: Usman Garba, Secretary, Humanities, Government Girls Secondary School (G.G.S.S), Maimuna Gwarzo, Tudun Wada, Kaduna; Mr Shakiru Yekeen of Artec Practice Ltd; Rashida Mohammed, secretary, Vocation and Technology; Mrs Rose Auba, Vice Principal (Administration); Malama Umma Ibrahim, Principal; and Mr Ibrahim Kyari of Artec Practice Ltd when the firm presented computers to the school.

Tastee Spelling Bee produces winners

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FTER an intensive competition, the 2015 Tastee Spelling Bee Competition has produced winners from three popular private schools in Lagos.

The event, which took place in the large hall of Tastee Fried Chicken (Festac Town branch) started with 50 schools slugging it out for the ultimate prize.

The winner's trophy went to New Hall International school, Lekki, represented by Isaac Inemesit

By Paul Ukpabio

Abasi.

Imo-Imo Ukpong won the second place for his school, Corona School, Ikoyi, while Eshiotse Hemuagbor of Pampers Private School, Surulere, came third.

The winners went home with juicy prizes which inlcuded IPad, laptops and numerous gifts from other corporate organisations that supported the event.

Pupils from the competing schools cheered up their representatives at the event. The organisers went the extra mile to ensure that they enjoyed every moment of the day.

The competition was anchored by Cool Fm popular presenter, Mannie, while presentations were done by the Acting Managing Director of Tastee Fried Chicken, Mr Bode Ogunsanwo and Dr Fowoke Akinleye a board member of the firm.

EDUTALK

with

An unflattering exit

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AST Saturday, the authorities of the Federal Science and Technical College (FSTC), Yaba, held a meeting to explain to parents why SS3 pupils had to be sent out of the boarding house towards the Kofoworola tail end of their stay in the Belo-Osagie school.

They had been unruly. As the Kofosagie@yahoo.com pressure of writing the NECO 08054503077 (SMS only) Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) waned, they become impatient for freedom. They were tired of studying. They wanted to have fun, so they gave their teachers a hard time. The consequence: They had to go.

Though the school management noted that the pupils were happy to go home, I think it must have been a blow for them to be sent away so unceremoniously. While it was true that some of them caused trouble, many would still have wanted to use the precious few days left to bond with their friends and juniors. But that was not to be.

The incident reminded me of the tail end of my own days in secondary school. We were excited about finally leaving the 'prison walls' of the boarding school. But we were also sad to go. However, the allure of the freedom outside was stronger. And we could not wait to get out to start enjoying it. We started using our freedom before our papers ended. We were allowed to leave school, so we used the opportunity well. We went out to fix our hair, or buy other items for our graduation, or do any other thing we deemed necessary.

The school did not give us a formal graduation party. (I think two sets before mine were the last to enjoy such privilege before it was restored again about three years after we had left). But we knew how to treat ourselves to a good time. There were many groups and associations planning send-forth programmes for us.

One of the most exciting things about the programmes was the opportunity to wear mufti. We had all gone home to bring what we would wear for the different programmes. The more associations one joined, the more programmes one had to attend - never mind that the financial burden was on our juniors; we did same for our seniors too, so we deserved it.

Sadly, as if it was not bad enough that the school was not organising a formal valedictory programme, during which we would have worn anything white, some teachers decided to rob us of the only compensation we had left - the right to wear mufti. They had tried it with our immediate seniors, but it did not work. They then renewed the bid with our set. We were devastated. We did not face our teachers, but we put pressure on our juniors to do the negotiations, since they were the organisers. Somehow, it seemed they did not officially get the permission but we did not know this because we still wore our clothes.

On the day of the final event, a church service, we wore native attires - with colourful head gears reaching the sky. The first sign that something was amiss was that the choir did not sing any special song for us. Secondly, the preacher did not make any reference to our imminent departure from the school - no words of encouragement or admonitions, nothing. Then to complete the disgrace, once the sermon was over and the preacher had departed, our teacher ordered us (all SS3 girls) out of the hall. We were shocked. But it did not last. We waved it away like a bad dream and moved out of the hall to take photographs, laughing.

Luckily for the SS3 pupils of FSTC Yaba, there is a graduation programme for them by the school next month. This meanst they still have an opportunity to return and be sent away honorably, which was better than what we experienced. If we had been unruly, we would not have even had the small consolation parties we organised for ourselves.

The teenage years are indeed the golden era of life. It is that period when you think anything is possible. It is full of adventure, dreams, energy, and fun. I understand why many teenagers get frustrated with adults trying to spoil their fun. But it also pays to listen to advice. In the long run, they almost always make sense.

‘The teenage years are indeed the golden era of life. It is that period when you think anything is possible. It is full of adventure, dreams, energy, and fun. I understand why many teenagers get frustrated with adults trying to spoil their fun. But it also pays to listen to advice. In the long run, they almost always make sense’

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

42

SHOWBIZ

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N an interesting twist of event, Team HAI and Team MeddleLane emerged finalists at the Fayrouz L’Original Expression Show season 2. The two teams stood out in their presentation and style of the six teams that made it to the semi-final after the regional auditions in Ibadan, Enugu, Port Harcourt and Lagos.

Held at the Tinapa Conference Centre, Calabar, Cross River state, the six semifinalists teams- HAI, MeddleLane, SCOG, FIB and Ombre were tasked to make pieces from elements of Fayrouz products. It witnessed presentations from all six teams who gave fantastic interpretations to the challenge of creating a collection that incorporates the physical elements of the drink including its label, tray, crown top and crate and with reference to eco fashion and the unconventional designer, Maison Martin Margiela.

The Eco fashion task saw the teams thinking outside the box to impress the judges. However, Team HAI from Ibadan and Team Meddlelane from Lagos impressed the judges the most with their style, make-up, model and photography.

While Team Meddlelane went for a feisty, edgy and sophisticated look, Team Hai explored the goddess look of Sin, the goddess of the Sinai Island where Fayrouz gem stones can be found. They implemented the design with Fayrouz cans, crowns and bottles.

The teams were judged on originality, creativity, synergy and most importantly, the interpretation of the task given.

“I’m pleased with the creativity of the semi-finalists,” said ace fashion designer Kunbi Oyelese, who was one of the judges. “The six teams tried to interpret the task to the best of their understanding but the finalists were simply impeccable.”

The Senior Brand manager, Fayrouz, Nnnena Ifebigh-Hemeson also stated her

• L-RFayrouz L’Original 2 Finalists Team MeddleLane, Judges Mai Atafo, Rhema Akabuogu, Fayrouz Brand Team Chioma Otisi, other judges Kunbi Oyelese, Kelechi Amadi Obi and second finalists Team HAI at the semifinal

Team HAI, Meddlelane emerge finalists of Fayrouz L’Original 2 satisfaction at the competition so far and expressed confidence in the judges’ choice of the finalists.

“The semi-finalists’ presentation is an affirmation to the amazing talents these young ones possess,” she said. “Their pieces were not only amazing but very creative too and judges were very impressed.

By Joe Agbro Jr.

As regards the results, the judges are grounded in different fields, I have no doubts in my heart they made the best choice of the six.”

The finalists will now move on to Lagos to compete for the grand prize of Four Mil-

lion Naira after exclusive mentorship workshops by the Fayrouz L’Original2 Jury.

The competition kicked off last year and produced winner, Team Elan who have gone ahead to showcase at several fashion shows alongside other popular designers including Mai Atafo, April By Kunbi, Deola Sagoe and others.

Island Universal Records signs Seyi Shay • Seyi Shay

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USIC superstar Seyi Shay has signed a global recording contract with notable record label Island Universal Records.

The signing took place in London at the Universal Offices in South Kensington Tuesday evening.

Island Records, founded by Chris

Blackwell, Graeme Goodall and Leslie Kong, is a major American record label that operates as a division of Universal Music Group. It has been based in the United Kingdom since 1962. The label operates as one of Universal Music’s standalone labels since 2014, also handling Mercury Records.

Seyi Shay who was recently nominated in two categories for the MTV MAMA’s is estatic and looks forward to this formidable venture.

She joins diverse artists such as Nicki Minaj, Taio Cruz, Enrique Iglesias, Calvin Harris, Leona Lewis, Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande and more on the label.

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THURSDAY JUNE 25, 2015

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

A month after his inauguration, President Muhammadu Buhari has put his hand to the plough.

He is reinvigorating the anti-terror war. The President has also vowed to recover looted funds.

Nigerians expect quick action in other sectors.Assistant Editor LEKE SALAUDEEN reports.

• President Muhammadu Buhari (9th-right); Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo (9th-left) and governors after their maiden meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja ...on Tuesday.

Buhari gets down to business P

RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari promised Nigerians critical time like this demands care and diligence. Former to President Buhari only last Friday. that he will hit the ground running immediately he governor of the old Anambra State, Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife A political analyst, Chidi Okoye, advised President Buhari assumes office. Besides the steps he has taken towards asked Nigerians not to use the few days in government so on what he should do to sustain the confidence of the peofar to assess Buhari’s performance. ple who voted him into office. He said Buhari should pick tackling Boko Haram insurgency through regional and gloHe said: “It is not too late to appoint ministers. Buhari areas of concentration. “The All Progressives Congress bal support and the restoration of the country’s integrity in needs time to structure his administration. For instance, he (APC) manifesto was excellent for securing votes, but it is the international community, critics believe he has not done wants to prune down the number of ministries, plan to aptime for it to be cast aside. It is highly doubtful that the counmuch in the past four weeks. point only 19 ministers which I think is a right decision given try’s present economic situation would allow the President But, on Tuesday, the President swung into action. He sent the state of the economy. carry out all the promises contained in that document.” signals to corrupt public officials that there was no hiding “I think God loves Nigeria and that is why Buhari was Okoye said: “Focusing on a core area or two (say fighting place. He vowed to recover stolen funds and prosecute culelected President. Nigerians should have positive minds becorruption and fixing power) for the next four years will prits. President Buhari said the days of theft and graft were cause the President needs positive attitude of people to sucenable the President achieve appreciable results. According over. ceed. I am confident that Buhari will do his best to develop to him, in the long run, Nigerians will begin to experience But, the President has been criticised for the slow pace of Nigeria, given his integrity, pedigree and track record. If he the real change. He noted that the system will fight back, work in other areas. He is yet to appoint ministers, the Secfails, we would have failed as a people. This is why we must “but that is the more reason why any committed reformer retary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), the Chief all ensure that we support him to deliver on his campaign needs to concentrate on specific battles and win them. One of Staff and Special Advisers that will assist him in policy promises. The President needs the support of every Nigebattle at a time weakens the system. All we need to do is get implementation. Social crusader Tunji Adedigba said there rian to succeed.” leaders ready to keep fighting these battles until we have is no sign that the new administration has taken charge as Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on Media, won enough for the system to collapse. Only then can we expected. He was particularly concerned that the burning Mallam Garba Shehu explained why Buhari has not hit the build a new system that consists of things working as they issues in the oil sector have not been addressed. Admitting ground running. He said: “President Buhari did say he are supposed to. that the task ahead of the government is monumental, he would hit the ground running, but he has not been given “President Buhari has made several promises to Nigerisaid the Nigerians are impatient because what they are lookthe chance to hit the ground running because the adminisans and it is the duty of every true patriot to help him sucing for is real change. tration that he succeeded -- the Jonathan administration -ceed. One gets the impression that Mr. President is overHe said: “If we are to assess Buhari on the first few days of did not deliver the handover notes until two or three days whelmed with the level of decay that confronts him and the his administration, I’m afraid not much has been achieved.” to the inauguration; meaning that the handover notes were shackles of politicking that has been thrown around him.

Nevertheless, Adedigba said the predicament of the Buharisubmitted at a time when everyone had been consumed by To free himself and get down to the work, Buhari needs to led government is understandable, “because they got the inauguration activities. assert himself as a political leader and Head of State. If truly transition report very late and there was no platform to work “Unfortunately there was no time to look at them until he desires to fix a few things, he would have to jettison poon.” He added: “I think the Jonathan administration delibafter the President had been inaugurated. The President was litical correctness and trample on many toes to push through erately put this obstacle to slow down the take-off of the left in the dark. He had to understand what the situation his reforms. For example, his alleged disinterest in his parBuhari government. But, even at that some people argued was and what was on ground. That was why he set up a ty’s shenanigans in choosing principal officers of the Nathat the government should have formulated economic polidifferent transition committee. It was only last week that tional Assembly would have to be reversed.” cies that would form the thrust of his administration to atthe committee led by Dr. Ahmed Joda scrutinised the To a public affairs analyst, Ezenwa Nzegwu, Nigerians tract local and foreign investors.” handover notes and handed over the report to President are a people in a hurry for development; we expect things Similarly, human rights activist and social critic, Femi Buhari. to start working very quickly, not minding the circumstance Aborishade, is not impressed with the performance of the “To be fair to him, he would have hit the ground running, the new government found itself. He said the main reason new government. He said: “I will say that I am disappointed if the previous government had handed over the notes early. why people are complaining about Buhari’s pace is because in several ways. By now, the expectation is that one would However, the Jonathan government did not even permit any he has not made key appointments like Secretary to the Fedhave started feeling the impact of change the President promminister to interact in any way with the Buhari Transition eral Government, ministers and Special Advisers, despite ised Nigerians.

Committee. Evidently, we had our hands tied behind our the approval granted him by the Seventh Senate to appoint “The only good thing he has demonstrated is his commitbacks until we took over. Thus, there is nothing shady about 15 Special Advisers. ment to tackle the Boko Haram insurgency. Nobody can take it.”

Nzegwu agreed that if certain key appointments have not that away from him. Nobody doubts that he means busiShehu explained that the ministerial appointments had yet been made after three weeks of inauguration, nothing will ness and is set to flush the terrorists out of the country. But, to be made because the committee needed to conclude its happen. “It is important to make appointments now that in other areas, I expected much more. In the first place, I findings first. The committees 800-page report was presented the National Assembly has been inaugurated, so that the expected him to have tackled the fuel crisis. The crisis started business of governance will start full blast,” he before he came on board and Nigerians were said. The public affairs analysts said Nigerians hoping that once he assumes office, he would are not in the mood to tolerate excuses. “They tackle the fuel crisis headlong. Unfortunately, I think the Jonathan administration deliberately put this want action; they want to feel change as promthe President has not done anything about the obstacle to slow down the take-off of the Buhari government. ised by the President during the campaign,“ he crisis. He has not even said a word about it. It is added. as if to say we don’t have a government in place But even at that some people argued that the government He advised the ruling party to put its house in yet on the fuel issue.” should have formulated economic policies that would form the order.

“The love lost relationship between the But, other observers disagree. They argue that Buhari is moving at the right pace and that re- thrust of his administration to attract local and foreign investors versing the tide in a country like Nigeria at a • Continued from page 44

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THE NATION THURSDAY JUNE 25, 2015

If you are doing the right thing people will support you. I am ‘sure given his age and his antecedent he will deal with corruption decisively and instil discipline in our public life ’

POLITICS Senator Nkechi Nwaogu has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). She spoke with reporters at her Okpulo Umuobo country home, Abia State, shortly after she was admitted into the party at the ward level. SUNNY NWANKWO was there.

Nwaogu: Why I defected to APC

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HY did you leave the PDP for the APC? I decided to leave my former party, the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC) because the leadership of PDP did not play by the rules; they never moved the party as a political party. A party should not be dictatorial or a mono-party. A political party should be democratic in its decisions for the wellbeing of the party.

The PDP lost focus and because it lost focus, and up to the time I switched to the APC, it has still not realised that it has lost focus. I felt that that association was no longer necessary; that it was no longer going to fulfill my political aspiration.

Part of my political aspiration is to add value to my people, to the work I do through politics; to improve the lives of our people. That was why I left the party, because it have not only lost focus; it has also lost the ideology for which I joined them, which is that power belongs to the people.

Your supporters had long expected this move. Why is it coming at this time?

I thought that my former party would realize its mistakes. I had waited and expected the party leadership to accept that they made mistakes, ask for forgiveness and find ways to rebuild the party. But, rather, they felt they would always get their way.

Yes, my supporters had expected this move before now, but it is not just the moment something happens that you react to it. I had waited this long expecting they could retrace their footsteps; the footsteps that brought humiliation on the party and since I saw no remorse, I decided to move on.

But, some Nigerians believe there is no much difference between the PDP and the APC. What’s your reaction?

I don’t believe so. A typical example is when I attended the inauguration of Mr. President on May 29, I saw something different. If it were in my former party, it could have been a funfair of wastages; financial wastages, by making stupid uniforms for people, whose cost

would be inflated at the expense of the nation. I saw nothing like that in Buhari’s inauguration. I saw prudent celebration, I saw sane celebration, I saw sensible celebration and to my mind as someone who is financially-oriented in my background, I said to myself, this party is really conscious of the drain pipes, financial leakages in the nation’s purse and they are very conscious of that; that is why they have done this celebration in the most economic way, in the most prudent manner and yet the celebration went well.

Abians believe if you had left PDP earlier and contested the Senate seat against former governor T.A Orji, you could have won. Do you regret this?

No, I don’t regret it because anything that happens in one’s life, for those of us who believe in Christ, I believe it is the way it has been destined to you. For me, this period is a time for sober reflection. If I had jumped over to another party, obviously I know I would have beaten the former governor. If somebody who didn’t do much (campaign) could beat him in the election, how much more somebody like me?

What should people expect from you now that you have defected to the APC? I alone cannot bring about the needed change. Change starts from your attitude; change as a person and from your attitude, it will influence others; change will start from my political ward. You saw what happened in my political ward the day I formally went to declare at that level that I have moved on. You also saw what happened at the local government where we held our meeting and at the state party office the day I was presented at the state. We will be change agents to Abia State and indeed the whole Nigeria. I will con-

tribute in many ways. I’m going to be fisher of men and women and resources into the APC in my state and in Nigeria. I know that by God’s grace I have a reservoir of experience. I am sure at some point in our party life, I will be found useful in one way or the other.

There is massive corruption in the civil service and the society. I’m not saying we are coming to cleanse everything, but I know where these leakages were coming from and as a person with experience in finance and I can make contribution by identifying and plugging these leakages, so that Nigerians cannot be people living in a country of opulence and at the same time dying in penury and hunger.

We can do that by being prudent in the way we do our things; we can do that by ensuring that material things are put secondary. My former party was truly capitalistic in nature, I’m progressive and by that I mean how many people are in this high societal echelon, less than 10 per cent population of the country, the rest are living in abject poverty. And this 10 per cent are controlling the resources of the nation; we should begin to make sacrifices.

I decided to start my journey with the APC from my ward; I could have stayed at Abuja and do whatever I want to do. But, I’m a grassroots woman and I have the fear of the Lord in my life.

I wanted to be governor to demystify why this art of governance is only remaining in the pockets of the person governing. I believe that if good person stays in there, you will be able to bring about a lot more changes, affect a lot more lives and reduce the art of crime in our state and invariably in our nation.

So, this change is a process and wherever I have found myself now, I will begin to practice the art of

I am not thinking of anything at the moment. All I’m thinking for now is to work for the APC and bring that desired change in the country

• From left: Director of Finance and Administration, Lagos Internal Revenue Service (LIRS), Mr Faramade Ogunsanya; Speaker Mudashiru Obasa; LIRS Chairman, Babatunde Fowler; and Lagos Assembly Deputy Speaker, Honourable Wasiu Eshinlokun-Sanni during the courtesy visit of the LIRS team to the Speaker in his office.

•Nwaogu

change. Change in the way I do things. Change in not being greedy and change in seeing your neighbour as yourself, helping people where you can that is what people should expect from me.

You appear to have much confidence in President Buhari, why is it so?

My confidence is that he’s been somebody who has been tried and tested at some point and found diligent and also found acceptable, although those days were when he was military head of state. We believe that he is the same person that has come here.

Even since after he had left the military, look at his lifestyle, he is very close to not being blemished;

If you look at his lifestyle, you will see that he is a person who is very progressive in nature and one who would want to give even his life for the country. That he contested for four times to be the president of Nigeria shows the level of love he has for the country.

So, I have confidence that he is not going to derail, despite the fact that this is a democratic set up, where people of different background, different interest are coming together all in the name of politics.

I’m sure that Nigerians are praying for him to be focused and to put in his mind those things he has promised Nigerians that he will do and that is, leaving an open life, running an open administration, doing things that will be for the benefit of the people.

If he was able to use good advice to plug a lot of wastages in the system, I can assure you there will be enough money to go around, to touch lives. There will be revival in the private sector which is a great engine of economic development of any nation. Employing people in the public sector; in the ministries, is bloating the overhead cost of the Federal Government and you are not developing the nation.

You will only develop the nation when we see these privatized entities of the Federal Government doing well. When they will begin to do well, they will employ more people, the economy will begin to bounce back, that’s my confidence in him and I know he will do it.

If you had your way, will you like to go back to the Senate?

As I said, I am not thinking of anything at the moment. All I’m thinking for now is to work for the APC and bring that desired change in the country.

Buhari and challenge of governance • Continued from page 43 executive and the leadership of the National Assembly is not good for the party; it is not good for governance and it will not benefit the Nigerian people. The four- year tenure of Buhari has started reading. The performance of the APC government will determine its success at poll in 2019. You can’t voice excuses for too long. If the APC is able to deal with its internal crisis, the party will make a difference.

But, the SSA insisted that the President has so far shown determination to fulfil his electoral promises to Nigerians. He contended that the administration is just coming on board and the President has been busy setting out suitable modalities on how to actualise his plan of restoring Nigeria as contained in the manifesto of the APC. Shehu cited the invitation of President Buhari to attend the G-7 summit in Germany recently as a sign that the international community is obviously acknowledging Nigeria’s significant role in global affairs’ especially with the recent change in government. He said the President would do all within his power to guarantee that the Nigerians would not regret entrusting him with national responsibility by electing him during the March 28 presidential poll.

National Publicity Secretary of

the APC, Alhaji Lai Muhammed is contended with the Buhari’s performance within few days he assumed office. According to him, the Buhari administration has invigorated the fight against Boko Haram by rallying a regional and global front against the terror group. A proof to this claim is the pledge of $5 million made by the United States to the fight against Boko Haram, in addition to other material support. This is apart from the G-7 promise to strengthen Nigeria’s efforts to quell the insurgency. The APC spokesman also mentioned that Buhari has been able to restore Nigeria’s integrity and that many countries were beginning to respect Nigeria again.

Ezeife advised Buhari to overhaul the anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He said the body should be made up of people of high integrity, uncompromised individuals that have what it takes to fight corruption in the public and private sectors.

“Buhari should ride rough shod over obstacles in his way in his anti-corruption crusade. If you are doing the right thing people will support you. I am sure given his age and his antecedent he will deal with corruption decisively and instil discipline in our public life. If he succeeds in his anti-corruption war, he will become a hero.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

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THE NATION

NATURAL HEALTH E-mail:- health@thenationonlineng.net

Want to stay healthy? Take micronutrients

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NATURAL medicine practitioner has recommended micronutrients for the maintenance of good health.

According to the Chief Consultant Biorepair International Centre for Holistic Therapy, Dr Chigoziri Moses, micronutrients are nutrients for humans required in small quantities through out life.

Micronutrients, he said, are present in fruits and vegetables that most people often overlook.

He suggested kale, watercress and green lettuce. Others are cabbage, broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, onions, garlic, mushrooms, pomegranates, berries (all types) and seeds (flax, sesame and sunflower), as super foods for building strong immunity.

People, he said, can have great health through what they consume, adding: “The powerful compounds found in nuts and seeds, berries, and pomegranates are powerful and protective.

“When these food are combined with green vegetables, such as cocked mushrooms and onions in their diet, it boost their immunity, it stimulates the self-healing and self-protective properties already built into the human genome,” he said.

Taking rich micronutrients regularly, he said, can help save lives, adding: “Many health problems have been prevented because people take the right food, which has vitamins and minerals.”

He said these nutrients have antioxidants, which usually help to super-charge the immune system for a vibrant health.

Moses said taking micronutrients is vital, stressing that it is ‘a new door to great health’.

The best way to boost one’s immunity, the natural health expert said, is by consuming micronutrients from raw fruits and vegetables.

“The evidence is overwhelming as you can supercharge your immune system to protect your body against disease. People can get protected from the common cold to cancer.

Nutritional science has made extraordinary strides and discoveries in recent years and when this new research is applied, it enables us to take control of our health as never before. What we eat has everything to do with our health, and, unfortunately, too many of us are living with a severely depleted immune function,” he said.

He continued: “Our dietary choices are making us sicker; shortening our lives and cost us a lot of money in doctor visits, hospital stays and more prescription of drugs as well as surgeries. I do not believe more medical care is the answer. Rather, the solution is to change the way we eat.”

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ESEARCHERS have long been familiar with the presence of unique polyphenols in plants called lignans, and these health-benefiting substances have been studied extensively in cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli or cabbage) and allium vegetables (like onion or garlic). Recent studies, however, have begun to pay more attention to the lignan content of other vegetables, including cucumbers. Cucumbers are now known to contain lariciresinol, pinoresinol, and secoisolariciresinol-three lignans that have a strong history of research in connection with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease as well as several cancer types, including breast, uterine, ovarian, and prostate cancers.

•Fresh extracts from cucumbers have recently been show to have both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. While research in this area must still be considered preliminary-since it's only been conducted on animals in a lab setting-the findings are clear and consistent. Substances in fresh cucumber extracts help scavenge free radicals, help improve antioxidant status, inhibit the activity of pro-inflammatory enzymes like cyclo-oxygenase 2 (COX-2), and prevent overproduction of nitric oxide in situations where it could pose health risks. It's highly likely that cucum-

•Kale

•Akande

•Cabbage

•Tomato

By Wale Adepoju

He berated poor diet, which many people consume today, adding: “The standard diets most people eat these days are nutrient deficient.”

Moses said the erroneously promoted and accepted curative modalities around the world are symptom-focused, and not holistically-focused to address the cause of a disease or disorder.

“Also, there is dietary misguidance compounded by the misleading information on consumer products and services sold in the

market. These are not helping matters,” he added.

Most people, he said, are consuming too much of highly processed foods, especially those laced with sweeteners, animal fats and proteins.

“At the same time, they are not eating enough fruits, beans, seeds, and vegetables, which make them lacking in the most important immune-building compounds. By changing their diets and combing food that contain powerful immune-strengthening capabilities, they will be able to prevent most

Tap into many benefits of cucumbers ber phytonutrients play a key role in providing these antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, supporting health alongside of the conventional antioxidant nutrients-including vitamin C, beta-carotene, and manganese-of which cucumbers are an important source.

•As a member of the cucurbitaceae family of plants, cucumbers are a rich source of triterpene phytonutrients called cucurbitacins.

Cucurbitacins A, B, C, D and E are all contained in fresh cucumber. They have been the subject of active and ongoing research to determine the extent and nature of their anticancer properties. Scientists have already determined that several different signaling pathways (for example, the JAK-STAT and MAPK pathways) required for cancer cell development and survival can be blocked by activity of cucurbitacins. We expect to see human studies that confirm the anti-cancer benefits of cucumbers in the everyday diet.

Health benefits Cucumbers have not received as much publicity as other vegetables in terms of health benefits, but this widely cultivated food provides us with a unique combination of nutrients. At the top of the phytonutrient list for

cucumbers are its cucurbitacins, lignans, and flavonoids. These three types of phytonutrients found in cucumbers provide us with valuable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer benefits. Specific phytonutrients provided by cucumbers include Flavonoids •apigenin •a luleolin •a quercetin •a kaempferol Lignans •pinoresinol •lariciresinol •secoisolariciresinol Triterpenes •cucurbitacin A •cucurbitacin B •cucurbitacin C •cucurbitacin D Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits Cucumbers are a valuable source of conventional antioxidant nutrients including vitamin C, beta-carotene, and manganese. In addition, cucumbers contain numerous fla-

common modern diseases,” Moses said.

He said those who support their immune system with the needed micronutrients from raw fruits and vegetables put disease at bay.

“People are not properly educated on the right ways to eat for optimum health. Your foods are your best medicines made by the life’s creator. Nothing made by man can ever be better, no matter what it may be,” he said.

Moses said people are dying because they have unrelentingly engaged in environmental dietary abuse; skin care abuse, and social lifestyle and ethical abuses. vonoid antioxidants, including quercetin, apigenin, luteolin, and kaempferol. In animal studies, fresh extracts from cucumber have been shown to provide specific antioxidant benefits, including increased scavenging of free radicals and increased overall antioxidant capacity. Fresh cucumber extracts have also been shown to reduce unwanted inflammation in animal studies. Cucumber accomplishes this task by inhibiting activity of proinflammatory enzymes like cyclo-oxygenase 2 (COX-2), and by preventing overproduction of nitric oxide in situations where it could increase the likelihood of excessive inflammation.

Anti-cancer benefits Research on the anti-cancer benefits of cucumber is still in its preliminary stage and has been restricted thus far to lab and animal studies. Interestingly, however, many pharmaceutical companies are actively studying one group of compounds found in cucumbercalled cucurbitacins-in the hope that their research may lead to development of new anticancer drugs. Cucurbitacins belong to a large family of phytonutrients called triterpenes.

Cucurbitacins A, B, C, D and E have all been identified within fresh cucumber.

Source: www.whfoods.com

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

NATURAL HEALTH

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Health and spiritual benefits of ramadan

NOTHER RAmadan wave swept across the Islamic world last Thursday, inviting adherents to new life in body and spirit.

I say New Life because, as given to mankind, the Ramadan should be a lifeline for the salvation of a humanity rapidly sinking into spiritual perdition. That is, it is well recognize, well understood and the help it brings well applied in daily relationships. But just in this, many adherents appear ignorant and fail. For the fast on its own does not confer any spiritual value or benefit or bring any blessing from On High upon the dutiful adherent who observes it as a matter of routine.

What brings blessings is the value of the change which the change Ramadan experience wrought in the adherent who observes it.

To understand this, it is important to appreciate life in Arabia before the advent of Prophet Mohammed, who was called and sent on a Spiritual mission to that region, from which the message he brought was to spread to people in other regions who may need it.

In Arabia before the prophet, earthly existence was brutish, hellish and short. A father could have his daughter murdered in sacrifice to a guest just to prove to the visitor that he was well valued. Distrust, like mischief and treachery, was rife. Robberies were well organized and on large scale. From the book TALES FROM ARABIAN NIGHTS, those days of yore can still be gleaned in stories of Abdul and the Angel, and Alli Baba and the forty thieves. The trade routes were menaced by gangs of thieves Evil filled the land which the Darkness had embraced suffocatingly. Yet it was in this land that hope for the spiritual salvation of mankind was anchored long, long before the prophet.

A pure tribe, like an oasis in the desert, separated itself well enough from this morass to become what we may call a “chosen race”. I am not speaking about the children of Israel.

What we know of them and the anchorage of Jesus the Lord in their midst, happened long after the anchorage of an equally high one among them in the beginning of a monumental spiritual world event. Definitions are important keys for unlocking a code or laying bare of concepts. The world is a concept which, spiritually speaking refers not to this earth.

Man, in his obtuseness, dragged down the concept to mean the earth. The World refers not just to our gigantic universe but to all the seven which comprise the material areas of Creation. Of them, the Bible speaks of “the seven churches of Asia”. Asia is the spiritual name of this World. And each “church” is each of the sevens in our universes. In our own universe; Ephesus is the spiritual name of earth our host.

The Lord Jesus would speak of “my Father’s House” in which there are many “many mansions” How else may one fathom, many mansions in one house except through spiritual understanding of the concept which encapsulates the information?

As I said, a world event was unfolding long ago in Arabian land in which, later, prophet Mohammed would be privileged to participate, having made himself worthy of the call of his Maker, Allah, to serve Him in Arabia. Unknown to many people, including some adherents of Islam, it was not only in the bringing of Islam to Arabia that prophet Mohammed had been involved in Allah’s service.

Not to digress, that pure tribe, an oasis in the hellish Arabian before the prophet, was no more by the time of Prophet Mohammed. It had fulfilled its mission, its ruins buried deep in the Arabian desert, to preserved and to be unveiled in the fullness of time, like all things else, as the cycles of events spurn a long time ago close, alongside the closing of all great cycles of World Events in the Final Judgment.

S the World inches its way towards this end –time, help was sent to man in different parts of the earth to prepare them for this inevitability.

Thus, Prophet Mohammed received instruction which he passed on, and in what it today, we know as Islam. We must appreciate nevertheless to the capacity of some of the followers to distort these pure teachings for their selfish pursuit in the search for power and influence over men. Accordingly, we must approach these teachings spiritually and meticulously fish out grains of truth from the hay stack of their distortions.

Islam, as the great prophet Mohammed taught, comprises Seven Pillars. Ramadan is one of these pillars. Ramadan is a month in the Islamic Calendar set aside for dawn to dusk fast. Some Islamic teachers have tried to locate social deficiencies which the Ramadan is meant to correct. Some scholars believe some Arabians of those days lived in Opulence while a majority lived in abject poverty with little or nothing to eat. The Ramadan, say these scholars, was to teach self deprivation and sharing. I believe, like some other Islamic Scholars that the Ramadan has far deeper origins in the spiritual destiny of those people it was addressed to. And this falls in two dimensions, namely: (1) support for the radiant health of man’s physical body. Without this body, he cannot exist on earth; without this body being in perfect, radiant health, he cannot use it as a tool for achieving the purpose of his existence, especially on earth. As stated, this purpose is self-development, from unconscious to self conscious life, recognition of God, recognition of creation, other species of creation and various worlds they inhabit. Understanding and unconditional fulfillment of His adamantine or unchanging Will in His Creation. But just this Lucifer opposes and ever seeks to prevent. When a man is calm and his body is healthy, he is able to ask such helpful questions as (1) who am I? (2) Where am I From? (3) Why am I here? (4) Where do I go from here? What become of me after earthly sojourn? Only a healthy and calm man asks these questions. But suffering

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Allah five times in one day in prayer sessions during which the forehead is made to touch the earth in “submission” to Him, one should have little or no time for evil thoughts or actions. The ablution reinforces this. Before each of these five prayers, the adherent of Islam must wash hands, feet and mouth. Externally, this symbolizes cleanliness before Allah is approached. It also signifies that, while the “outside” Is clean, the “inside”, too, should be.

One of the reinforcements of the injunction is the admonition that no annoyance or guile survive beyond sunset in the heart (soul). Contravention is rewarded with denial of Divine blessing. These, and more, are great life lines for spiritual development and ascent which, through the Prophet Mohammed has been afforded a true adherent of Islam, as indeed any human being who follows the injunctions. For the Koran makes no distinction among men in this regard. It says in two references to this fact that only three conditions are necessary for salvation. (1) Belief in one God (2) Belief in the hereafter and (3) A righteous life.

HE Koran says any Christian, convert (moslem) or Jew (unbeliever) who fulfils these conditions would be admitted to Paradise. But, alas, today many Islamic scholars lead the adherents on the easy broadway where they teach that, by merely fasting, they please God. This has the tendency to make the Ramadan become a routine, a habit, and not a festival which it should be, when all the rags of the soul are shred and, burned, and the ash buried, and new enabling nature takes root in the soul. It is this inward change which characterizes being born again, not empty, verbal proclamations even among Christians who are quick to utter these words.

During the Ramadan and any organized fast such as the Christian Lent, I strive to observe the season inwardly, that is, in spirit. And I know joy when, at the end of it all, I discover I have taken something good away for the improvement of my earth life. Currently, I have been sharing ideas with one of my sons on the human world. There are no accidents in Creation. There cannot be any in God’s work. And it isn’t accidental that only the human specie form words and speak them the way we do. When I remember the opening words of the Bible, the significance of the human word for the fate or wellbeing of the speaker strikes me powerfully. It says “In the beginning was the Word, the Word was with God and God is the Word. “of course, we know the Word is the Law, and it was the Divine words LET THERE BE LIGHT which brought creation into being under the pressure of the Law. In other words, those words had a creative effect. In other words, the Human word as a gift has a forming effect. When we alter a word, that word exerts pressure on the environment. We are, with the spoken word, like posters forming objects with clay.

Nature beings impress our words on enteric substance, thereby forming them into forms which correspond to the nature of our thoughts or the words we express from them, good or ill, noble or ignoble. These then forms attach themselves to us as their authors, drawing into themselves similar forms. One day, this huge army will cause the nature of their being to manifest in our environment and around our persons. The human word, spoken, derives its origin from thought. And as the forms of those words spoken must bring to us the fate which corresponds to their nature, noone will ever rise beyond his thoughts and the words he utters asked my son and henceforth watch people around him carefully, and see if their lives and well being are different from the nature of words they utter. He is reminded that this is why, while he was growing up, he was forbidden to say certain words. Today, these words fill the music of young people and the vocabulary of many people.

Any wonder, then, that everything is more upside down today than the parents of the people of my generation said our days as young people were dis-arranged? 2015

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and the imminence of death may also help. To make the body unhealthy and unable to support the spirit in this quest, Lucifer’s minions gave to man ideas for the nurture of his physical body which oppose the plan of Mother Nature, through whose activities God speaks to His creations, including man. Thus, cigarette smoking damages the lungs and the respiratory system, apart from inhibiting the immune system, and above all pollutes the gift of fresh air not only for the smoker,, but also of other inhabitants of the earth.

Alcohol suppresses the brain, damages the liver and supports prostate enlargement. Refined sugar, hydrogenated fats and fried foods cause digestive disorders, obesity and degenerative diseases such as Diabetes, hypertension, strokes and even cancer.

Drinking water is polluted. So is the air. Pesticides poison food crops, while fertilizer devitalize and denature foods.

So do carbonated drinks and sodium.

A fast such as the Ramadan fast helps to free the body from the burden of food and digestion and releases energy for the detoxification of poisons it has accumulated from food, air and water over many months or years.

The effects can be noticed on the tongue and the skin, when the fast begins, some tongues exhibit coatings of all sort of colours, indicating the biochemistry going on within. Some people may develop a rash on the skin if the toxin discharge from the cells is so much that the liver and the kidneys cannot cope with it and the skin, ask for a helping hand, is irritated and reacting accordingly. It is unhelpful to suppress such a rash with creams. Like water disturbed in it course, the toxins will find another exit. Or, rather, the body will find another exit route for them. If this is through the respiratory system, another eliminating outlet, the bombardment may cause, say, asthma in the future.

Spiritually, the aim of the Ramadan is to prevent full-scale plunge into materialism, which gives man little or no time for matters of the spirit, his being, and so life beyond this earth, in the vast world beyond senses of the earth body.

When the body rests from food and the stress of work pursuits every day, its currents becomes finer and it is able to loosen its almost suffocating embrace on the Spirit, the tenant within, without dis-engaging from their union. Thus freed, the spirit for a while, is able to soar homewards.

Already, the five daily prayers and the ablution have prepared some grounds for this. When one has to think of

A Ramadan breakfast packed with energy

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RAMANDAN breakfast which packs the body with energy until the fast is broken at sunset isn’t an easy project. To start with, many people eat late heavily when the fast has been broken, with the result that they suffer indigestion and constipation. After sunset, the body’s energy profile goes down and this is not the time to give the body the task of digesting heavy meals. In the morning, food has to be eaten before sunrise when energy from the sun’s rays hasn’t powered the “energies” of the body for serious work. In any case, this is the time the body is struggling to eliminate waste from processes of digestion so, what may one have for breakfast that is light, small in quantity and yet so energy yielding that it can power the body all day, so that, invigorated from sunrise to sunset, those familiar tell tales of a drawn face or weak muscles do not cripple one’s day and business? Every year, I suggest a recipe. This year, the recipe is Golden Mellon with Spirulina and Wheat grass, bedecked with food supplements such as Ginseng, Lecithin and Vitamin E, to mention a few. Golden Melon is in season. Also called Honey dew and Cucumins it is the sweetest of all melons, and parades almost all the nutrients the body requires in adequate proportions. When I have a golden melon breakfast, I am almost certain to skip lunch and have light supper. Green, yellow or golden in colour, the fruit is about the only one in the melon family which continues to ripen after it has been picked. Although it is the sweetest of them

e-mail:johnolufemikusa@yahoo.com or johnolufemikusa@gmail.com

all, it has a low glycemic index. This means its sugar releases slowly, a quality which makes it beneficial for even diabetics.

Golden melon has no saturated fat, is a good source of folic acid and Vitamin C, has no cholesterol. In every 100 grammes it parades about Vitamin A (20 Percent,) Vitamin C (53Percent), Iron (2 Percent,) Calcium (1Percent), it’s mineral content include calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper, Zinc and sodium. Its Vitamins are Vitamins A, B-complex, C, E, k. Potassium prevents muscle cramps, Vitamin C, an anti-oxidant, fights diseases, inflammation and bleeding, folic acid is good for pregnant women and it prevents birth defects, including spina bifida. For people who wish to lose weight, the food cheer is that Golden melon has no fats. It is for this reason that it has been recommended for diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) diseases. Its Vitamin B6 content is a plus for the immune system. I eat Golden melon, diced; you may wish to try the puree or the pure mixed nutrition in a smoothie nutrition power house plant powders such as Spirulina and Wheatgrass.

Spirulina.

This column mention spirulina often. Mrs. Veronica Momoh of Benin knows I have a son who, as a child, hated vegetables and didn’t appear to be growing well for his age. When, after some difficulties, I added spirulina to his diet, he sprang up rapidly.

Tel: 08116759749, 08034004247, 08116759749

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

THE NATION

e-Business e-mail: e-business@thenationonlineng.net

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

lukajanaku02@gmail.com

Improper use of cellphones breaking neck There has been debate over whether or not the radiation emitted from base transmission stations (BTS) of mobile network operators (MNOs) cause health hazards to human beings.

Though the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other experts have said there has not been any conclusive report to confirm it, a new study suggests that the angle at which a mobile phone user holds his head when making calls can affect the cervical spine and result in a condition known as ‘text neck’, LUCAS AJANAKU reports.

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S it has turned out, technology is a double-edged sword. At one breath, it is solving human problems, simplifying hitherto rather complex situations. At yet another, it is creating challenges. That is today’s digital age. It comes with many benefits and different ways of working, but also brings a new set of health issues. The cellphone technology is one of such innovations that have come with its own challenges. One such challenge is text neck.

According to a new study released to the National Library of Medicine in the United States (U.S.), improper positioning of the head while making use of cellphone, tablet and other mobile devices could have a devastating effect on human health.

The study, written by Dr. Kenneth Hansraj, chief of spine surgery at New York Spine Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, in Poughkeepsie, U.S., cautioned cellphone users to be careful about head positioning to avoid text neck.

The relatively new condition, which the report calls an epidemic, is commonly caused when too much pressure is

placed on the spine due to bad posture, especially those positions in which most phone users find themselves when we cell phones and tablets are used.

According to News24, a Johannesburg, South African physiotherapist who has seen the condition far too many times at his Sandton practice, Jonathan Blake, said: “Text neck is the result of the axial skeleton and associated structures (muscle, ligaments, nerves, fascia and others) being exposed to extended period of abnormal and undue mechanical and positional stress caused by electronic devices used in ergonomically compromising positions. Personally I feel that the global term ‘text neck’ is too categorical – it implies that the postural problems caused by poor ergonomics are related to texting only.

“A more encompassing term is clearly needed so that these postural problems can be related to all forms of electronic communication – from screens, to keyboards, to notebooks, laptops and tablets and others.”

Blake says frequent text neck positions cause changes to the cervical spine, supporting ligaments, tendons, and musculature, and bony segments, commonly causing postural change.

It has also been linked to headaches and neurological issues, depression and heart disease.

What’s worse is that if left untreated, the condition could result in permanent damage, including flattening of the spinal curve, onset of early arthritis, spinal degeneration, loss of lung volume capacity and even gastrointestinal problems.

How text neck is developed Hansraj said the human head weighs about a dozen pounds.

But as the neck bends forward and down, the weight on the cervical spine begins to increase. At a 15-degree angle, this weight is about 27 pounds, at 30 degrees it’s 40 pounds, at 45 degrees it’s 49 pounds, and at 60 degrees it’s 60 pounds.

That’s the burden that comes with staring at a smartphone, the way millions do for hours every day. Over time, researchers say, this poor posture, sometimes called “text neck,” can lead to early wear-and-tear on the spine, degeneration and even surgery.

According to Nigeria’s telecoms sector regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), there are 145.4 million active mobile telephone lines in the country with teledensity standing at 103.9 per cent. Though there is no demographic information about the percentage of the over 170 million population, analysts say no fewer than 80 per cent of the population has at least, one cell phone. Most

subscribers in the country use more than one mobile phone because of the challenges of service quality bedeviling the MNOs. With the rise of social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Google Plus+, Tumblr, Instagram, VK, Flickr, Vine, Meetup and others and huge youthful population, today’s phone user spends between three and five hours a day reading mails, sending texts and checking social media sites on their mobile devices.

Similarly, people watch videos while yet a set of others take advantage of the booming e-commerce landscape to place online orders for goods and cars has increased the length of time spent by cellphone users in the country.

“It is an epidemic or, at least, it’s very common. Just look around you, everyone has their heads down.

“Can’t grasp the significance of 60 pounds? Imagine carrying an eight-year-old around your neck several hours per day. Smartphone users spend an average of two to four hours per day hunched over, reading e-mails, sending texts or checking social media sites. The problem is really profound in young people. With this excessive stress in the neck, we might start seeing young people needing spine care. I would really like to see parents showing more guidance,” Hansraj told The Washington Post.

President, American Physical Therapy Association‘s Private Practice Section, Tom DiAngelis, told CNN last year the effect is similar to bending a finger all the way back and holding it there for about an hour.

“As you stretch the tissue for a long period of time, it gets sore, it gets inflamed,” he said, adding that it can also cause muscle strain, pinched nerves, herniated disks and, over time, it can even remove the neck’s natural curve.

Tips To Alleviate/Avoid Text Neck Correct posture, regular breaks and a proper adjustment of equipment can help prevent disorders related to posture such as text neck, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, back and neck pain or vision care when using smartphones.

Be aware of your posture (there are wearable posture-tracking gadgets (such as LumoLift) to help workers identify when they are slouching).

Limit the time spent in compromising positions, take a break and escape lengthy periods of being deskbound.

Instead of bending your neck, try looking down at your device with only your eyes.

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e-Business

How to leapfrog Nigeria to service economy, by MainOne

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HE Chief Executive Officer, MainOne, Ms. Funke Opeke, has said the potential of broadband as an enabler for creating employment increasing Gross Domestic Product (GDP) are almost limitless, adding that its development will facilitate the diversification of the economy from its current natural resource dependence to the labour-intensive service economy.

Opeke, who spoke during one of the sessions at the Commonwealth Broadband Forum organised by the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO) and the Nigerian Communications Commis-

Stories by Lucas Ajanaku

sion (NCC) in Abuja, urged government to work its talk on the implementation of the National Broadband Plan (NBP).

Represented by Mr. Temitope Osunrinde on the occasion, Opeke examined the role of a national broadband policy in driving the nation’s GDP, stressing that in postrebasing of the national GDP, the contribution of the information communication technology (ICT) industry in Nigeria had risen from 5.6 per cent to 8.69 per cent.

She said the ICT sector has also accelerated the growth of the services industry, which showed a post-rebased GDP

percentage growth from 29.04 per cent to 51.59 per cent Opeke said the Federal Ministry of Communications Technology and the NCC had made significant achievements with the NBP specifically with the licensing of infrastructure and spectrum companies, the Nigerian Research and Education Network and the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF). She stressed the need for sustaining the policy initiatives introduced to promote the open access and manage spectrum more effectively to continue to drive economic growth.

“Nigeria needs to move up the value chain beyond dependence on natural re-

sources, and into the labourintensive service economies and implementation of the National Broadband Plan will enable this to happen,” she said.

Its Regulatory Manager, Oluwakemi Adeyanju, who joined regulatory officials from South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago and Nigeria to discuss the role of regulation in achieving innovation in Infrastructure, Services and Applications across Commonwealth countries, highlighted the need for proactive regulation in meeting current and future needs of the ICT industry, specifically for new service areas such as e-commerce and cloud services.

• From left: Group Head, Business Development, eTranzact International, Mr. Adeyemi Adeyemo; Executive Director, Skye Bank, Mrs. Markie Idowu and Managing Director, eTranzact International, Mr. Valentine Obi during a function in London.

HP’s Technology Tour ‘ll boost ICT development, says Lagos

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HE Lagos State government has said the deployment of information communication technology (ICT) tools to businesses and governance has reduced running cost, improve efficiency and enhance productivity.

Its Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology, Mrs. Nike Animashaun, spoke while declaring open, the HP’s 2015 Technology Tour at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos.

He said businesses around the world need advanced technology as a way of reducing the cost of doing business while also churning out high scale productivity that redefines economies globally.

She added that events such the HP Technology Tour will help fast-track the growth of the industry as it would provide stakeholders opportu-

nity to brainstorm.

She said: “As a responsible government, we are aware that with information technology, business transactions have become seamless globally, reducing physical presence and creating breathtaking pace of information exchange. The Lagos State government is happy to be part of the HP Technology Tour 2015.

“An event of this magnitude will boost Nigeria’s ICT sector and enhance greater technological advancements through extensive brainstorming on pertinent issues within the IT industry alongside exhibition of the latest advancements in computer technology.”

The tech firm explained that it is part of its contribution to information technology development in Nigeria.

The event which also held in Abuja, was a gathering of cap-

tains of industry, small and medium scale business owners and IT professionals who were fascinated by the array of products of HP. The technology tour is aimed at providing businesses and IT professionals the opportunity to tap into the latest technology; and improve the performance and overall profitability of businesses while also guaranteeing security of business intelligence.

“Growing with businesses globally, HP recognises the potential of information technology and have consistently re-innovate to ensure its customers are not left behind, especially businesses who dear to survive the very challenging global economic terrain.

“The HP Technology Tour, presently being conducted across the globe is another giant move by HP to bring its customers closer to the latest

in information technology.

“With these new entrants, HP is redefining the style of doing business as a world class company. Investing over 10 per cent of its income on research and development last year, HP is focusing on creating values for businesses, ensuring mobility, cloud with enhanced security features that makes every HP product unique,” an official of the firm said on the sideline of the event.

HP added that cloud, big data, security, mobility are reshaping the IT industry.

HP World Tour offers incredible depth of information and access to experts from HP, HP partners and other professionals. Whether as a business or an individual trying to get the next project off the ground or to bring new ideas back to the organisation, HP World Tour provides the answers.

Improper use of cellphones breaking neck • Continued from page 48

Simple exercises such as standing in a doorway with your arms extended and pushing your chest forward to strengthen “the muscles of good posture” help alleviate pain.

Find an office chair that is built to support your back while sitting at your desk.

A Cape Town, South Africa based ergonomics expert, Angela Hendricks said the key to preventing any musculoskeletal problems is mobility. “Extended periods in any awkward posture can result in neck pain but if you are regularly changing your position and giving your body a break, it gives the muscles time to

recover.” she said.

Cellphone users could also book an appointment with a bio-kineticist who will teach them specific exercises that will strengthen the neck muscles thereby helping to strengthen the neck and protect the vertebrae against degeneration from continuously looking down at mobile devices.

Scared of using your cellphones? Don’t be.

Hansraj said: “I love technology. I’m not bashing technology in any way. My message is: Just be cognisant of where your head is in space. Continue to enjoy your smartphones and continue to enjoy this technology — just make sure your head is up.”

52

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

53

54

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 24-06-15

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 24-06-15

Equities cave in under selling pressure

T

HE tight trades at the Nigerian stock market crumbled into a losing spree yesterday with nearly five losers for every gainer. The selling pressure at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) was highlighted by the simultaneous increase in turnover and widespread decline in share prices.

With 42 losers to nine gainers, aggregate market value of all quoted equities dropped by N39 billion from N11.395 trillion to close at N11.356 trillion.

The All Share Index (ASI), Nigeria’s sovereign equity index that tracks prices of all quoted equities, fell by 0.34 per cent to close at 33,266.87 points as against its opening index of 33,380.84 points.

The downtrend yesterday further depressed the average year-to-date return to -4.01 per cent, strengthening expectations that the equities market may close the first half in the negative.

Traders at the NSE painted a picture of overwhelming selling pressure as investors opted for open market orders to match available buy orders.

By Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

The supply stream may continue to depress the market situation, according to many analysts.

“We expect the current bearish mood to continue,” said SCM Capital, a dealing firm at the NSE. Julius Berger Nigeria, which is undergoing a major divestment by its foreign core investor, topped the losers’ list with a loss of N2.61 to close at N49.78. Conoil followed with a drop of N1 to close at N41.

International Breweries dropped by 73 kobo to close at N19.07. Forte Oil declined by 66 kobo to close at N187.99.

Flour Mills of Nigeria lost 63 kobo to close at N33.57. University Press and Stanbic IBTC Holdings dropped by 60 kobo each to close at N5.90 and N27.40. Cement Company of Northern Nigeria dwindled by 58 kobo to N11.02. Ecobank Transnational Incorporated dropped by 49 kobo to N22 while Guinness Nigeria lost 40 kobo to close at N163.40 per

share.

Turnover volume and value increased by 49 per cent and 173 per cent respectively as investors pumped more shares into the weak market.

Turnover rose above average at 310.34 million shares valued at N6.12 billion in 3,667 deals. Financial services sector accounted for 194.29 million shares worth N1.54 billion in 2,104 deals.

Julius Berger Nigeria was the most active stock with 46.33 million shares valued at N2.39 billion in 17 deals.

On the other hand, Mobil Oil Nigeria meanwhile led the contrarian upside stocks with a gain of N5.54 to close at N158.85. Ashaka Cement followed with a gain of 50 kobo to close at N22.

Unilever Nigeria rose by 33 kobo to close at N45.50.

Vitafoam Nigeria added N14 kobo to close at N5.63. Skye Bank Nigeria rose by 12 kobo to close at N2.55 while Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals gathered 11 kobo to close at N1.45 per share.

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 24-06-15

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

55

MONEYLINK

Delta Steel community accuses Receiver/Manager of neglect • Aribisala: its all digression

T

HE host community to the Delta Steel Company (DSC) Plc has said neglect of developmental projects that cater for community welfare prompted the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) to change Receiver/ Manager for the ailing steel company.

The Ovie of Udu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, E.B. O. Delekpe, alleged that the DSC Technical High School and DSC Camp Extension Hospital were neglected during the time that Chief Ajibola A. Aribisala (SAN) was the Receiver/Manager to DSC. This, he alleged, prompted AMCON to appoint Dr. Joseph Nwobike (SAN) acting for Premium Steel and Mines, a company owned by top businessman Sunil Vaswani, as the new Receiver/Manager.

But when contacted by The Nation, Chief Aribisala said allegations of neglect against him by the community leaders are digression from more serious issues going on.

He said he was appointed the Receiver/ Manager to DSC to pru-

Stories by Collins Nweze

dently manage its assets, pay its debts, and not to serve the community. “I am not appointed to manage the host community. That is digression. That is diversion. The issue here is that I was appointed the receiver/manager by AMCON in 2011. And I have been acting. We went to court, took over the assets.

It has not been easy for me because the company was owned by Indians.

“The Indians used their assets to borrow money from banks and could not pay back. The banks sold the loans to AMCON. That was how I was appointed. I have no business with the host community,” Aribisala said.

Continuing, he said “It is the AMCON MD that he petitioned for gross abuse of office. All the attack is not against AMCON, but against Mustapha Chike-Obi. I am not attacking AMCON. I am working for

AMCON and will keep working for AMCON,” he said.

On the schools, he said: “The school is one of the assets I need to sell to pay the debts. I am supposed to protect the assets of the company prudently, in order to realize the money that is being owed.

I promised to give the host community concession for admission, but they have to pay school fees because no body will give service free”.

Chief Aribisala said the alleged discharge of his appointment as Receiver/Manager of DSC is null and void, since Delta Steel Company, is by law a Public Liability Company and not a Limited Company. He maintained that he is the only one vested with the power to realize the charged assets of the company in receivership.

But HRM Delekpe listed a hike in school fees from N25,000 per term to N40,000 and poor state of the hospital as some of the issues the commu-

FCMB deepens CSR initiatives

Group creates BVN registration awareness

T

HE Consumer Right Awareness Advancement and Advocacy (CRAAAI) has urged Nigerians to go and register for their Bank Verification Numbers.

Registration deadline is June 30.

The Chairman of the CRAAAI, Mr. Moses Igbrude, who spoke at a stakeholders’ forum on identity management in the economy, organised to enlighten Nigeria, said identity management is a broad administrative area that deals with identifying individuals in a particular system. He listed the system to include a country, a network, or an enterprise and controlling their ac-

By Alvin Afadama

cess to resources within that system by associating, user rights and restrictions with the established identity.

He added that the role of technology in modernising the banking sector has witnessed a paradigm shift from the traditional methods of banking to digital channels which involve enormous levels of electronic data capture (EDC) of customer’s information.

“Everybody needs security; if people are identified before they commit any crime, the person will be identified easily. “

nity holds against Chief Aribisala.

Also, High Chief Steve Sokoh said he supports current step taken by AMCON to get the DSC up and running and urged the corporation to ensure that the demands of the community on developmental projects are met at all times.

Likewise, Chief Samuelson Odibo said now is the time to salvage the company, and bring it to the global standard that will not only benefit the immediate community, but the entire country. He complained that preferences are not given to children of indigenes in the school.

“The Udu Traditional Council (UTC) received the news on the appointment of new Receiver/Manager for Delta Steel Company with joy, and opens a better chapter in the management of DSC,” he said.

Also, Principal, DSC Technical High School, Mrs. Mary Rose Ojukwu called for timely payment of teachers’ salaries. There were also calls on DSC managers to improve the condition of the hospital.

F

IRST City Monument Bank (FCMB) has continued to demonstrate its passion and commitment to the welfare of the physically chal lenged in line with its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Sustainability initiatives.

The lender has sponsored Mr. Folawiyo Adisa, a para-badminton player, to participate at the first International Para-Badminton Championship organised by Houston Badminton Centre, USA last month.

This marked the eight consecutive year the bank has been supporting the multiple Africa and world gold medalist in the sport.

According to FCMB’s Group Head, Corporate Communications & CSR, Mrs. Uchenna Mojekwu, the bank’s support to Mr. Adisa stems from its belief that in every disability, there is ability. ‘’We acknowledge his exploits in the game of para-badminton over the years. As a bank driven by the culture of excellence, we will continue to encourage him and other physically challenged individuals to realise their dreams and bring more laurels to the country’’. ‘’FCMB has been a great pillar of support and motivation. The Bank’s support to me since 2008 has encouraged other physically challenged people to believe in themselves through the platform that badminton and other sports provide’’, Adisa said.

•Elumelu

TEEP $100m scheme hosts entrepreneurs

T

HE Tony Elumelu Entrepre neurship Programme (TEEP), a $100 million Pan-African entrepreneurship initiative, will from July 10 to 12, hold a boot camp for 1,000 entrepreneurs.

The participants, selected from over 20,000 applicants from all over Africa are expected to converge in Ota, Ogun State, at the largest ever gathering of emerging entrepreneurs on the continent.

The boot camp, a milestone of the flagship programme of the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), will see an interaction between established entrepreneurs from different sectors of industry, and the 1000 selectees of TEEP. TEEP Founder, Tony Elumelu, who has been vocal about entrepreneurship-led development and the push for a private sector-driven turnaround of Africa says: “In empowering these emerging entrepreneurs, we are providing the capital, the networks, the training and support for them to drive economic and social transformation throughout Africa, providing solutions to its problems as well as securing their future and that of generations to come.”

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS AFRINVEST W. A. EQUITY FUND ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH BGL NUBIAN FUND BGL SAPPHIRE FUND CANARY GROWTH FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CORAL INCOME FUND FBN FIXED INCOME FUND FBN HERITAGE FUND FBN MONEY MARKET FUND FIDELITY NIG FUND • UBA BALANCED FUND • UBA BOND FUND • UBA EQUITY FUND • UBA MONEY MARKET FUND

126.04 9.17 1.12 1.19 0.63 1.39 1,744.73 1,104.77 112.34 121.16 1.67 1.1978 1.3117 0.7319 1.1349

125.82 9.08 1.12 1.19 0.62 1.33 1,744.73 1,104.00 111.75 120.30 1.62 1.1912 0.7203 0.7203 1.1349

SYMBOL

O/PRICE

C/PRICE

NEIMETH

1.34

1.45

0.11

SKYEBANK

2.43

2.55

0.12

153.31

158.85

5.51

VITAFOAM

CHANGE

5.19

5.63

0.14

ASHAKACEM

21.50

22.00

0.50

UNILEVER

45.17

45.50

0.33

UNITYBNK

2.53

2.54

0.01

OANDO

15.83

15.85

0.02

NESTLE

850.01

850.10

0.09

LOSERS AS AT 24-05-15

SYMBOL UPI NPFMCRFBK CCNN CAVERTON JBERGER CHAMPION RTBRISCOE BOCGAS VONO ETERNA EVANSMED

O/PRICE 6.50 1.07 11.60 3.60 52.39 6.65 0.81 5.11 1.26 2.53 1.52

C/PRICE 5.90 1.00 11.02 3.42 49.78 6.32 9.77 4.86 1.20 2.11 1.45

FOREX RATES (NairaVs Dollar) June 22, 2015 Inflation:April

8.5%

Monetary Policy Rate

13.0%

Foreign Reserves

$28.2b

Oil Price (Bonny Light/b)

$67.91

CHANGE -0.60 -0.07 -0.58 -0.18 -2.61 -0.33 -0.04 -0.25 -0.06 -0.12 -0.07

Interbank ($/N)

199.00

$1

Black Market ($/N)

210.00

$1

London Inter-bank Offered Rates (LIBOR)

Money Supply (M2)

GAINERS AS AT 24-05-15

MOBIL

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

N16.42 trillion.

Credit to private Sect1.34

or (CPS) N17.2

trillion Primary Lending Rate (PLR)

Tenor

1 Month 2 Months 3 Months 6 Months 12 Months

12-02-15 Rate (%) Rate (%) 13-02-15 14.683

76.583

1M

15.033

15.977

3M

15.809

17.177

6M

16.493

17.908

Amount Offered in ($) 500m 400m 350m

June 22

Rate)%

Rate (%)

0.1735 0.2147 0.2615 0.3841 0.6709

0.1715 0.2108 0.2626 0.3857 0.6744

Nigerian Stock Market Indices

16.5%

Overnight (O/N)

Transaction Dates 03/02/2015 3/12/2014 1/12/2014

Tenor

June 21

Amount Sold in ($) 499.93m 399.97m 349.96m

Statistics All Share Index Mkt Cap (NGN’bn) Deals Volume (mn) Value (NGN’mn)

21 June 34,649.3 11.8 3,385 564,28 6,087.80

June 22 29,383.93 9,804.36 3,714 377,75 6,568.66

GOVT. SECURITIES YIELD – SECONDARY MARKET

Tenor

June. 22, 2015

Rates

T-bills - 91

12.44

T-bills - 182

13.85

T-bills - 364

13.92

Bond - 3yrs

15.92

Bond - 5yrs

17.22

Bond - 7yrs

16.59

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

56

CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 09091178827

‘My wife is pregnant for another man’

Fire guts bungalow BUNGALOW went up in flames on Tuesday night, leaving a room/parlour and a shop in ruins.

The Nation learnt that no one knew the cause of the fire at House 49, Ayo Afolabi Road, Oke-Ira, Ogba, Lagos.

AbdulFatai Usman, a 53year-old electronic repairer, said he had just broken his fast and was sitting outside when someone noticed the fire in his shop.

Amid tears, Usman said: “I can’t pinpoint the cause of the fire because our transformer has been faulty for close to one week and I didn’t light candle or lantern because the security light of the mast opposite the building reflects into my shop.

“I have been occupying this shop for over 15 years and I have never witnessed such incident in my life. This is where I live with my son. I am glad I had not put him to bed before the incident happened because it would have been a disaster. All our properties, customer’s

•No, my stomach is just like that

“M

A

•Part of the burnt building

By Basirat Braimah

appliances, engines and mixer are gone. I had to sleep in a friend’s house. My son couldn’t go to school today (yesterday) because his uniforms and books have gone with the fire. I have just N5 on me. Ahhh! I need help.”

Occupant of the room and parlour was said to be in her shop when the fire started.

Her son Olajide said: “We own the house and we have

been living here for over 31 years and we never witnessed this situation. I am glad the day was still young when it happened.

She doesn’t cook in the house because she has a shop at the frontage of our house where she does her cooking.

No one knows the cause of the fire but we are glad no life was lost.”

Another artisan, Kehinde Oladele said he had just repaired a Liquid Crystal

Display (LCD) Television on Tuesday and called the owner to come and collet it when the incident occured.

“If we had generating set, I would have said the fuel caused the inferno but we don’t. I had to go to a neighbouring street to repair the television because our transformer has been faulty.

Now, I lost on both sides, No money; No television. I don’t know what to tell the owner,” he said.

Lagos faults Sexual Offences Bill

L

AGOS State Government yesterday joined the fray over the Sexual Offences Bill 2014, which is, awaiting President Muhammadu Buhari’s assent.

The bill is among the 46 passed by the last Senate within 10 minutes and sent for presidential assent.

Addressing reporters in Lagos yesterday with members of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT) , the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice Mr Lawal Pedro (SAN) said it contained certain provisions considered “offensive, obnoxious, inconsistent and likely to increase the incidences of sexual abuse”.

The state, he said, which

By Adebisi Onanuga

is against sexual violence, oppose the bill because “it seeks to introduce a strange defence based on the innocent act of a child (referred to as deceit) and belief of the perpetrator that a child is above 18 years when he committed the act of defiling the child”.

Given this scenario, the National Assembly is incompetent to legislate on general laws, such as sexual offences in a federation save for the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Pedro said.

He said the government would soon send a memorandum containing “our thoughts and suggested amendments that should be considered before the president assents.”

He said government would not hesitate to seek

legal redress if the President goes ahead to assents the bill without considering the suggested amendments.

Pedro said for instance Section 7(5) and other subsections of the bill, which listed when child defilement could be considered an offence and chargeable, were inconsistent with children’s interest and welfare as contained in the Child Rights Act. Section 277 of the Child’s Right Act 2003 described a child as a person under 18 contrary to the bill’s provision of 11.

The distinction in the bill’s Section 7, he said, is irrelevant and should be expunged “because the distinction can lead to an ambiguity and unnecessary uncertainty, especially hav-

ing regard to the fact that this particular bill, if assented to, will be keenly enforced by communities, civil society organisations and nongovermental organisations”.

Acknowledging the reasons advanced for the offence of gang rape in the bill, Pedro said the provision may become problematic during prosecution because of the rules for drafting charges stipulated in the Criminal Procedure Act. “The offence of rape like murder cannot be charged jointly because of the difficulty in proving that each individual person committed the act and must therefore be charged separately in different courts but on the same charge sheet. Consequently, it is therefore suggested that this section be expunged from bill,” he said.

CCC leadership tussle: Olatoso becomes ‘unification leader’

R

EVEREND Olatoso Matthew Oshoffa has emerged the “unification” leader of the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) Worldwide following the removal of his elder brother, Reverend Emmanuel Mobiyina Oshoffa, by a court.

An Ilaro High Court in March 26 removed Emmanuel Oshoffa as the church leader, paving the way for the emergence of his younger brother, Olatoso.

Olatoso, who was his brother’s personal assistant, was named “unification” leader on June 10 at the Imeko, Ogun State headquarters of CCC. Addressing reporters in Lagos with leaders of the church on Tuesday, Rev

By Olalekan Ayeni

Oshoffa said his emergence was ordained by God. He said his appointment was foretold long before the death of his father and the CCC founder Prophet Samuel Bilewu Oshoffa.

He appealed to CCC members nationwide to support him in restoring the church’s glory.

Oshoffa, 45, said his mission is to unite the Celestial family; ascribing past struggles in the church to Satan’s handiwork.

On his emergence as “unification” leader, he said: “On one of my journeys to France, specifically on the May 30, 2015, my father appeared to me and said ‘my son,

Olatoso, the church has diverted from my calling and I want you to stand up, take up my abandoned work and lead my children.”

He went on: “I have met several spiritual leaders in the church, telling them the revelation I received from my father and from God. A lot of them did pray about it and confirmed that the revelation is truly from my father and indeed from God. “Hence, my acceptance of the leadership nomination to come and unite our church, ensure stability and peace in our church and to build our Celestial Church of Christ Worldwide as started by my father and the founder.”

Y wife is pregnant for another man,” a 45-yearold businessman, Mr Sanya Akinsanya, who is seeking the dissolution of his marriage, told an Igando Customary Court in Lagos, yesterday.

The petitioner said Iyabo, his wife of 11 years, was promiscuous and pregnant for her lover.

“My wife is adulterous; she has been cheating on me ever since and now she is carrying another man’s baby,” he said.

Akinsanya claimed that his wife was in the habit of threatening his life, adding that she had on several occasions hired thugs to beat him up.

“I am afraid as she may succeed in killing me one day and I don’t want to die now,” he said.

The petitioner alleged that Iyabo packed his property to an unknown without his consent.

He described his wife as a cantankerous woman, who has made their home unbearable for him.

“Fighting is my wife’s hobby; she fights me in the morning, noon and night and does not get tired. She takes offence on any slight issue.”

He prayed the court to dissolve the marriage because his love for his wife has “grown cold.”

However, Iyabo, 37, a trader, denied all the allegations, including being pregnant.

“I am not pregnant for any man; my stomach is just like that.’’

The mother of two said she was not promiscuous, adding that she has been faithful to her marital vows. She described as false the allegation that she sent thugs to beat up her husband.

Iyabo also refuted the allegation that she carted away her husband’s property.

According to her, what she took from their home belonged to her.

The respondent conceded to the dissolution, saying she was also fed up with the relationship.

The court president, Hakeem Oyekan, adjourned the case till June 30.

Two charged with N465.7m fraud

J

USTICE Lateef LawalAkapo of an Ikeja High Court in Lagos, yesterday remanded two men in Kirikiri Maximum Prisons for allegedly defrauding two persons of N465.7million.

The Judge remained Yerima Suleiman, 57, and Uwem Antia, 55, because of the severity of the alleged fraud.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) preferred a fourcount charge conspiracy to obtain money by false pretence and forgery against the defendants.

They pleaded not guilty.

EFCC counsel Mr Gbolahan Latona told the court that the defendants obtained the money from Mr Dennis Ale and Mrs Gladys Aginwa under the

By Adebisi Onanuga

pretext of giving them its dollar equivalent.

Latona said the defendants conspired to commit the offence on February 5, in Lagos.

To facilitate the fraud, Latona said an acknowledgment receipt dated February 6 purported to have been made by Ale was forged by the defendants.

The EFCC said the crimes contradict Sections1#(3), 8#(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud Act and Other Fraud Related Offences Act of 2006 and Sections 5#(2), 363#(1) and 409 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State.

The judge adjourned the matter till November 9, for the hearing of the defendant’s bail application.

Court remands man for alleged N5.766m fraud HE Police yesterday

T

•Olatoso He said the crisis rocking CCC since his father died in 1985 was foreseen by the late founder.

“It is just a trying time for the CCC,” he said.

arraigned Ibukun Onile, 36, before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court in Lagos for allegedly stealing N5,766,410.

P r o s e c u t i n g Superintendent Emmanuel Nnamonu alleged that Onile fraudulently sold some soaps, sweet and other items valued at N5,766,410 belonging to Tony Tonia Industry Limited.

The defendant was arraigned on a three-count charge of conspiracy, fraud, felony and stealing before Chief Magistrate A.O Komolafe.

Nnamonu said the defendant committed the offence at Oniwaya in Agege, Lagos between April

By Adebisi Onanuga

2014 and June 2015.

The offence, according to the prosecutor, is contrary to Section 361 and punishable under Section 409,278#(1) (a)#(b) and 363(3)(d) of the Criminal Laws.

Onile pleaded not guilty.

Magistrate Komolafe granted him N1,000,000 bail with two sureties in the like sum. She ordered that the sureties must be his relations; show evidence of two years tax payment with verifiable addresses.

She ordered that the sureties must deposit N50,000 with the court registrar and adjourned the matter to July 23.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

57

NEWS NAFDAC seals warehouse for storing counterfeit products

EU decries poor implementation of PHC in Southeast T L

HE European Union (EU) has lamented the poor implementation of Primary Health Care (PHC) in the Southeast.

It said the zone was rated lowest among the six geopolitical zones as at June 17.

Team leader of the EU SIGN Project Dr. Goli Lamiri said this yesterday at the Southeast advocacy meeting on the establishment of PHC. He said the assessent was based on the criteria adopted by the National Health Act and Primary Health Care system, which government agencies must develop for effective quality PHC to the grassroots.

These according to him, included a strong management and governance system, effective legislation, funding of the

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

PHC, minimum service package and mobilisation of human resources required to deliver services to communities.

Lamiri said though the implementation programme started in 2004 with two pilot states of Enugu and Jigawa, and later Ekiti, only Jigawa sustained its programme.

The EU representative said the team was in Anambra State to support the Southeast, in partnership with the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), to establish and strengthen the PHC boards in the three

states of Ebonyi, Abia and Anambra.

NPHCDA’s Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Dr. Mohammed Abdullahi, who represented the Executive Director, Dr. Ado Mohammed stressed the need to bring the PHC under one roof to streamline activities and ensure its efficiency and effectiveness.

According to him, “if a lot of money is spent on tertiary and secondary health care systems without the commensurate expenditure on the PHC, the impact of the health care delivery will remain minimal.

“Bringing PHC under one roof is a strong instrument for effective delivery and it will be easier for states to control allocation of resources, implementation and monitoring”.

Anambra State Commissioner for Health Dr. Joe Akabuike, who opened the workshop said the team’s presence would help government start the implementation of the functions of the agency.

He explained that the House of Assembly passed the bill into law in December 2014 and Governor Willie Obiano assented to it in January.

He said: “This is a project that is very dear to us and that is why the governor assented to the bill soon after it was passed; the board of the agency has since been constituted”.

•From left: Inspector-General of Police Solomon Arase; Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) Mr Ekpo Nta and Secretary to the Commission Mr Elvis Oglafa when the IG visited the commission in Abuja...yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

FRSC official hospitalised after accident

A

N official of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Aba Unit, Mr. Victor Mbakaogu is in a critical condition at an undisclosed hospital after being knocked down by a motorist yesterday.

The incident, it was gathered happened in front of the Aba command of the FRSC on the Aba-Umuahia axis of the

From ugochukwu ugoji-Eke, umuahia

Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway.

Eye witnesses said the victim hit his head on the ground and broke his jaw after the car hit him.

Mbakaogu was said to have been rushed to a private hospital for treatment.

Unit Commander Okora Awassam confirmed the incident. She said Mbakaogu was responding to treatment.

Awassam said the driver had been arrested and in detention.

“The officer didn’t stop the driver. He was standing beside the road in front of our office when the driver veered off the road, hit him and sped off.

“My personnel landed on the road with his head and broke his jaw. He is receiving medical attention and we thank God he is responding to treatment.

“The driver was arrested in a nearby village, not too far from the scene of the incident by a good Samaritan and others who witnessed it,” Awassam said.

‘Let military remain on highways’

A

FORMER member of the National Assembly, Senator Collins Ndu, has appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to rescind the directive removing the military from the country’s highways.

Ndu spoke yesterday in Enugu when he addressed reporters.

The former senator said the President should have considered the security situation in the country before taking such a decision, noting that the directive has compromised security.

He said: “What this means is that robbery, which reduced on our highways, will resurface and Nigerians will be travelling in fear. People like us who have been using the roads because they were safe will now resort to travelling by air. I am appealing to the President to rescind the decision and allow the mili-

From Chris Oji, Enugu

tary to stay longer”.

Ndu gave instances of dangerous flashpoints, which indicated a continued manning by the military. “For instance, the Lokoja Bridge, the one at Ajaokuta and others have to

be properly guarded. And the only people that can secure these bridges are soldiers.”

The former lawmaker said the President should allow soldiers remain on the roads until such a time when insecurity was properly addressed.

“Even if the President has to remove the military from highways, it is not now. He should watch the security situation before sending the military out of the highways.

I am afraid if not rescinded, robbers will resurface,” Ndu said.

ESS than a month after the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration (NAFDAC) uncovered adulterated consumables, 49 unregistered and counterfeit children’s products have been discovered in a Lagos warehouse.

According to the agency’s spokesman, Anslem Okonkwo, enforcement personnel raided the warehouse at 30 Iman Dauda Street, Eric Moore, following a tip-off.

He said intelligence reports showed that the company was involved in importation and storage of illegal food products, particularly snacks and cookies commonly consumed by children.

Among products found in the warehouse belonging to H&H are Mr. Magic Soft Candy, Cracker soda biscuit, milk chocolate wafer roll, non– dairy creamer, H&H fruit Juice, Coklat pasta, sprite candy and Yummy H&H chewing gum.

Others include power milk cookies; twins crisp roll; non diary tea creamer; musical bracelet candy; stick candy milky; mix fruits flavour chewing gum; champion chocolate; Big band; Bufferfly choco; Whistle milk candy strawberry/choco, mini choco bean, spray candy and Centic filled crispy roll.

Also, there are choco stick; nissile green bubble gum; Angry birds bubble gum; Star tattoo bubble gum; lawane waifer; H&H spray candy; power chocolate cookies; Exit pepper mint; Lush choco filled choco pop cream; can bubble gum; mini choco bean Marlboro kent; Dat milk chocolate; Cola tablet candy; A-K 47 gum candy; sweet girl chewy candy; musical bracelet candy; fun o and power chocolate cookies were among.

NAFDAC said that the Managing Director of the company has been arrested for illegal importation, storage, distribution and non-adherence to standard hygienic practices.

By Precious Igbonwelundu

Okonkwo said only one of the 50 products was registered, adding that the products were stored in an unhygienic environment.

Similarly, NAFDAC’s Chief Regulatory Officer, Babatunji Omoyeni said an estimated 1.5 million cartons of various unregistered products running into millions of naira were uncovered.

He said samples of the 49 unregistered products had been taken for laboratory analysis.

“NAFDAC cannot guarantee the quality of these products not only because they are not registered by the agency but due to the poor storage system.

“Nigerians should be aware of what they buy from the markets for their children because when the children are affected, the whole family is involved.

“NAFDAC has been carrying out enforcement activities nationwide in the last three weeks and appropriate sanctions would be meted out on those found wanting.

“Nigerians should stop buying products that are not registered by NAFDAC because we cannot guarantee their safety.

If a product is not registered that means it is not safe for consumption”.

Con-Cord eatery opens

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ON-CORD Eatery and Car Wash has been opened in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. According to the proprietor, Alhaji Isiaka Adekunle, the facility would open up business space in the city.

The eatery, located at Abule Odi, in Oke-Ata Housing Estate, Ita Oshin, Abeokuta, was inaugurated by the Agusi of Gbagura, Chief Taiwo Sobande.

He urged individuals to assist the government to cater for the youth through provision of cottage industries.

Registrar loses brother

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HE death has occurred of Honourable A.I. Uwadiae, a member of the old Bendel State House of Asembly and proprietor of Mid West Secondary School, Benin City.

Uwadiae, who died on June 7, at the age of 83, is survived by 12 children, many grandchildren as well as eight siblings.

His children include Dr. Enobakhare Uwadiae of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital and Mr. Sylvester Uwadiae, who is based in the United Kingdom.

Among his siblings are Dr. Sam Uwadiae, who is also based in the United Kingdom and Dr. Iyi Uwadiae, Registrar of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).

Igwesi hails Ugwuanyi

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NUGU State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has received accolades for setting up a 15-man economic advisory team to enhance the economic fortunes and revenue base of the state.

A former member of the House of Representatives, Chief Uchenna Igwesi, in a statement, said Ugwuanyi was proactive, sincere and frank in his efforts to build on the transformation agenda of his predecessor.

Tribunal strikes out Enugu APGA cases for non-appearance

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HE Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Enugu State yesterday, struck out a petition filed by Mr. Anthony Nwafor of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for non-appearance.

Nwafor is challenging the declaration of Mr. Chukwuemeka Ujam of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the winner of Nkanu East/West in the March 28 National Assembly (NASS) elections.

Chairman of the Tribunal

Justice Michael Edem ruled that since the petitioner did not appear before it, the petition should be struck out.

He awarded N20,000 in favour of the respondent.

Reacting to the ruling, counsel to the respondent, Mrs. Justina Offiah (SAN) said she received an application by the petitioner’s counsel to withdraw the petition.

“I feel that the petitioner lost interest in the case,” Offiah said.

Counsel to the petitioner

Mr. P.M.B Onyia declined comment on the tribunal’s decision.

In another ruling, the tribunal dismissed a petition instituted by Okwudili Ifeanyi of APGA challenging the declaration of Princess Stella Ngwu as the winner of Igboetiti/Uzouwani.

Ifeanyi moved a motion urging the tribunal to declare him winner of the March 28 election.

He prayed the court for an extension of time to enable

him sort out some issues.

Onyia said the petitioner failed to submit its application to the tribunal within the stipulated time of seven days.

He argued that after an expiration of the period required by the electoral act to file an application, the tribunal had no jurisdiction to entertain such application.

Onyia therefore urged the court to strike out the matter as it had become invalid.

Justice Edem, in his ruling,

described the request for extension of time as an ‘abuse’ of court processes.

He said the petitioner failed to apply for a motion within the required time.

Edem dismissed the case without any cost to the petitioner.

Counsel to the petitioner Mr J. O. Udensi said his client’s application was thrashed based on technicalities.

He said: “I will discuss with my client on the next line of action”.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

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NEWS Ayade orders payment of June salary From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

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ROSS River State Governor Ben Ayade yesterday ordered the payment of this month’s salary on or before June 26.

A statement by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mrs. Tina Banku Agbor, said the gesture was in keeping with Ayade’s commitment to prompt payment of workers’ salaries on the 25th of every month.

The statement reads: “Regular and timely payment of wages to workers will, among others, enhance their welfare with the overall objectives of promoting efficiency and productivity in the civil service.”

The governor urged the workers to reciprocate government’s good intention by upholding good work ethics, adherence to rules and regulations and creative discharge of their duties.

•Ayade

Gunmen kill two policemen in Bayelsa

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IGHT gunmen yesterday killed two policemen on the waterside of Onuegbum, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

The bandits also abducted two Lebanese at a sand dredging site owned by a construction company, Pache.

The slain policemen were identified as a sergeant and a corporal.

The Lebanese were identified as Sarki Abi Chmouli and Ibrahim Abi Pherem.

It was learnt that the gunmen invaded the sand dump, close to the community, at 12.20pm.

•Two Lebanese abducted From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

They were said to have stormed the area in two speedboats.

The hoodlums caused panic when they fired repeatedly into the air, apparently to prevent possible resistance.

A source told our reporter that the two policemen fired back but could not withstand the firepower of the gunmen.

The source, who pleaded not to be named, said: “They took the policemen by surprise. The policemen fired back but they were outnum-

bered by the gunmen. The policemen tried their best.

After killing the policemen, the gunmen seized the expatriates and escaped through the waterways.”

Police spokesman Asinim Butswat, an Assistant Superintendent (ASP), confirmed the incident.

He said the bodies of the slain policemen had been deposited at the morgue of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) for autopsy.

Butswat said: Unknown gunmen in two speedboats yesterday attacked Pache Nigeria Limited at Onuebum.

They killed two policemen a sergeant and a corporal.

“They also kidnapped two Lebanese - Ibrahim Adi Phrem and Sarkis Adi. The bodies of the two policemen have been deposited at the FMC. “We were able to recover one rifle. We have launched a massive manhunt for the kidnappers and their victims. The marine police have been alerted and we have also alerted the Joint Task Force (JTF).

“We assure Bayelsans to go about their legitimate duties as the police are on top of the situation. We are committed to the protection of life and property in the state.”

•From right: Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance, Mrs Anastasia DanielNwaobia and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Mr Taiye Haruna, at a special meeting on revenue generating agencies at the Presidential Villa in Abuja ...yesterday

‘Don’t allow Akpabio to ruin your govt’ From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

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GROUP, Concerned Patriots of Akwa Ibom State, yesterday urged Governor Udom Emmanuel not to allow former Governor Godswill Akpabio to pocket his administration for political or economic reasons.

In a statement yesterday in Uyo, the state capital, by its National President Peter Ekwere and Secretary Timothy Inyang, the group warned Akpabio to allow Emmanuel to concentrate on good governance for the benefit of the residents.

It warned Akpabio to desist from selfish political adventures that would destroy whatever political profile he had built over the years.

The Concerned Patriots noted that most of the activities of the former governor since his administration ended on May 29 tended to undermine the powers and authority of the incumbent.

The group urged Akpabio to stop breaching protocol at events that Emmanuel attends.

It advised the former governor to face the reality that his contract with the people of Akwa Ibom State expired on May 29.

The Concerned Patriots said: “Thus, he (Akpabio) has no moral, social, religious and legal justification to continue to act whether directly or indirectly in that capacity (governor). The truth is that Akwa Ibom State and its resources are neither the private estate nor the birthright of the Akpabios.

Rivers council chairmen’s suit: Court adjourns hearing on jurisdiction till July 9

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USTICE Hassan Quadri of the Federal High Court, sitting in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, has adjourned till July 9 hearing in the application by Governor Nyesom Wike challenging the jurisdiction of the court in the suit filed by the elected chairmen of 23 local government areas.

The court was besieged yesterday by members and supporters of Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI), a socio-political group founded by Wike.

They were conveyed to the court by over 70 buses from the various local government areas.

But security agents prevented them from entering the court premises.

The development caused a traffic snarl on the double lane Station Road, through Azikiwe Road, where the state and federal courts are located.

One of the lanes was blocked with security vehicles, buses and GDI members, among others.

About 30 truckloads of men of the Joint Task Force (JTF), comprising the military and police, were at the court venue.

The men and their trucks were stationed at the court gates to keep the GDI members off the court premises and to forestall a breakdown of law and order.

The presence of the GDI members caused panic among lawyers and litigants.

•Group, police, army besiege court •Lawyers, litigants express fear over court’s safety From Rosemary Nwisi, Port Harcourt

The lawyer and litigants deplored the excitement the local governments’ suit, which is still at the preliminary stage, was generating.

The council chairmen, all members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), are asking the court to prevent the 32 members of the House of Assembly – comprising 31 PDP and one APC members - from dissolving them.

Election into the 22 vacant chairmanship and councillorship positions in the 23 local government areas was conducted in May by then chairman of Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), Prof.

C. Ahiazu.

Members of the state PDP boycotted the poll, saying the time given for the process was too short.

But other parties participated and APC swept the poll.

Wike, on assumption of office, sacked the chairmen and members of the commission that produced them.

They went to court to upturn their sack.

The absence of legal representation for members of the House of Assembly at the last sitting, on June 17, stalled hearing on Wike’s motion on jurisdiction.

Their former lawyer, Emma Aguma, is now the

Court restrains Wike from sacking Rivers 23 council chairmen The National Industrial Court of Nigeria, sitting in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, and presided over by Justice J. T. AgbaduFishim, has granted an order of interim injunction restraining Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, the House of Assembly, the Attorney-General and their agents from dissolving, suspending, sacking, terminating or interfering with the tenure of office of the 23 local government areas.

The order, which was granted on June 22, followed a motion ex parte and an affidavit of extreme urgency filed by the 23 local government chairmen and the 23 local government areas.

The order also restrained the InspectorGeneral of Police (IGP) or his agents and privAttorney- General; the House of Assembly has not briefed another lawyer since then.

Efforts by the appellant’s counsel, Abiodun Owonikoko (SAN), to secure an order to preserve the seats of the elected council men, pending the time the court will reconvene for the matter, failed.

Justice Quadri said he would not make any formal order since one of the parties was not in court and some of the other parties had not been served with the processes.

The judge hoped the lawmakers would not undermine the suit before him.

He adjourned till yesterday for hearing.

At yesterday’s resumed sitting, the court was faced

ies from enforcing any purported action detrimental to the existence of the 23 chairmen and the local government areas.

The order, the court held, would remain in force until the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) said Wike and the House of Assembly have been plotting to sack the elected 23 local government chairmen.

APC said: “We believe that, despite the presence of a few bad eggs, the Judiciary remains the last hope of the oppressed.

Therefore, we hail this decision by the National Industrial Court, as specified in the attached order.”

with a report of “an enrolment order of interim injunction” in favour of the local government chairmen, from the National Industrial Court in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, asking the lawmakers and Wike not to dissolve the council chairmen pending the determination of the suit before it.

The applicants had gone to another court to obtain the interim injunction order. They (council chairmen), were represented in that court by another set of Lawyers.

Presenting the report before the court yesterday, Aguma, led other lawyers, including the Permanent Secretary/Solicitor-General in the Ministry of Justice, Rufus N. Godwins, to rep-

resent himself in the matter.

Aguma described the applicant’s conduct as an “abuse of court process”.

He urged the court to dismiss the suit.

Aguma submitted that it was needless for the suit to continue before the court, since the order it sought had been made by another court.

The Justice Commissioner prayed the Federal High Court to throw out the suit to serve as a deterrent to the applicants and other litigants.

Other defendants, including Wike, the lawmakers, the RSIEC, urged the court to dismiss the suit.

But Owonikoko denied knowledge of the suit before the Yenagoa court and

the purported order it made in favour of his clients.

The lawyer prayed the court to disregard the application by the defence counsel and dismiss the suit.

He said: “I do not know of any other matter before any court regarding what we are here for, other than this one here. I am not party to the case the Attorney-General is talking about, and I’m not aware of any process. I was not served with any process, neither have I seen one.

“I am the person handling this matter here. I have not abused any court process here and cannot answer for what I am not aware of. If any court process has been abused and should be vacated, then it is not this one here (referring to the matter before Justice Quadri). It should be the latter and not the former.

Moreover, we have not seen the suit before the National Industrial Court, to know whether the reliefs are the same with this before this Federal High Court. I would rather urge the court not to dismiss the suit. Instead, the parties should come properly before the court with affidavits stating their facts on the abuse of court process so that it can be properly argued and determined on its merit.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

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NEWS El-Rufai hailed on pilgrimage

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CIVIL society organisation, the Independent Hajj Reporters, has hailed Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai for stopping the use of public funds to sponsor pilgrims to Makkah and Jerusalem.

In a statement by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammed and Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Mahmoud, the group said: “We align ourselves with the position of the Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai to stop using state’s resources to sponsor people to perform Hajj, a practice marred by nepotism and corruption in the past.

“The Independent Hajj Reporters had objected to this practice, which goes contrary to religious injunction.

Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, the duty of every Muslim, who is physically and financially able to perform it and a journey different from any worldly travel.

“We are of the opinion that pilgrims who paid for their Hajj seats are those who need the assistance of the state and not a group or an individual. We encourage other states to emulate the step taken by the Kaduna State government towards the abolition of that corrupt-induced practice.”

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OKO Haram insurgents have killed 40 people at Debiro and Hauwul villages in Borno State, witnesses and security sources have said.

The two villages reportedly came under attacks on Monday and Tuesday.

The son of the District Head, Mallam Yakubu Dabiro, said the terrorists torched houses and vehicles and shot dead people.

Our correspondent learnt that when the militants arrived at the villages at night, they killed 17 people and injured many, only to return when the surviving residents were burying their relations, killing more people.

Usman Malgana, who spoke with our correspondent at the General Hospital in

Boko Haram kills 40 in Borno From Duku Joel, Maiduguri

Biu, confirmed that they lost 26 people, while 20 are receiving treatment at the hospital.

Some of the residents, who escaped from the attack, said the militias unleashed terror, killing people with guns and knives.

They said the Boko Haram insurgents carted away the foodstuffs they seized from farmers and traders.

One of the fleeing residents, Danlamin Shehu, told our reporter on the phone from his hideout at TashanAlede village that the gun-

men came from all directions, which caused confusion.

He said: “They shot dead people and also killed residents with knives, cutting their throats.

“I can’t say if more people have died, but according to a local vigilance group, over 20 people including women and children were brutally killed.”

Another escapee from Debiro said: “It was like they came with double mission, which was to kill us and loot our foodstuffs.”

A security officer, who preferred anonymity, confirmed the attacks.

He said: “Debiro village

was attacked yesterday and this morning. The one in Biu was attacked in the afternoon. About 20 persons were killed and many were injured.

“The attack on the second village, which is in Hawul Local Government, occurred on Tuesday morning. It was deadlier that the first attack, as more people were killed.

They killed more people here in Hawul because they met residents sleeping.

Many houses were burnt. The terrorists left with three vehicles belonging to the victims. I am sure over 40 people died in the attacks on the two villages.”

Kwara APC suspends ex-SSG, 17 others

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State has suspended a former Secretary to State Government (SSG), Alhaji AbdulGaniyu Saka Cook Olododo for anti-party activities.

His suspension will last one year.

The party also suspended a chieftain, Alhaji Tunde

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

Saad, for one year.

Other members suspended for six months are Mashood Dauda, Oba Sulaiman Asude, Mr. Lukman Adeloyin, Alhaji Wahab Tobe, Mr. Sa’ad Yero, Mr. Iyanda Olori, Alhaji Amuda Bembe and Alhaji Amuda Musbau.

The rest are Mr. Zafi Saka Adanla, Alhaji AbdulRaheem Adanla, Alhaji Abdrahaman Sa’ad, Alhaji Saliman Rasak, Raimi Akanji, Alhaji Baba Alata, Alhaji Raufu Asude and Fatai Olodo.

APC last month suspended a former lawmaker, Senator Mohammed Ahmed and six others from Baruten Local Government, for anti-

party activities.

The party’s spokesman, Alhaji Sulyman Buhari, said in a statement that the suspension followed the recommendations of an Investigative and Disciplinary Committee (IDC), chaired

by Alhaji Dare Garba, which probed the activities of the affected persons during the last general elections.

From Fanen Ihyongo, Jalingo

From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

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Rotary donates equipment From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

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OTARY International has donated hospital equipment worth thousands of naira to the Kano State Ministry of Health.

It said this is part of efforts to reduce maternal and child death.

Receiving the donation, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Kabiru Ibrahim Getso, expressed appreciation about the donation and promised to use the equipment for the desired purpose.

He urged the hospitals, which benefited from the gesture, to make good use of the equipment for the benefit of the people.

Presenting the equipment to the commissioner, a representative of the Rotary International, Hajiya Aisha Musa, listed the items to include ultra sound machine, sphygmomanometer, caesarean section kits, vacuum extractor, among others.

A BILL establishing the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KSIRS), which is authorised to collect and manage revenue on behalf of state government and local councils, has been signed into law by Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed.

The new law repeals the edict establishing the State Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

Speaking while signing the new law, Governor Ahmed said the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service is a corporate body with the sole responsibility for effective collection and management of state and local council revenue.

According to him, the establishment of KSIRS was necessitated by the need to reduce reliance on federallyallocated revenue and raise additional revenue to ensure the state government continues to meet its obligations to the people.

Ahmed said while KSIRS would not impose fresh taxes on individuals and businesses, the new service is authorised to assess and enforce payment of due taxes, levies, fees, and charges.

Ishaku urged to rename varsity after Suntai

Benue to organise forum ENUE State government is planning to organise an investors’ forum in Makurdi, to attract investment, Governor Samuel Ortom has said.

He spoke yesterday in Abuja when he hosted the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Gu Xiaojie, at the Governor’s Lodge.

Said he: “We’re looking at the framework and if all goes well as planned, it’ll hold in August.

“We’ll invite investors to come and look at the potential we have and discuss with them the possibilities of investing and harnessing them.”

Kwara sets up revenue service

•From left: Vice Chancellor, University of Jos, Prof. Hayward Mafuyai; Comptroller of Immigration, Plateau Command, Mr. Raymond Akra-Jaja and Comptroller-General of Immigration, Mr. David Parradang, at the distinguished alumni lecture to mark the 40th anniversary of the University of Jos... yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Marwa urges youths to support Buhari

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ORMER Lagos State Governor Gen. Buba Marwa has urged youths to be patient with President Muhammadu Buhari, as he unfolds his agenda.

Addressing the leadership of an All Progressives Congress (APC) youth group, the APC Volunteers, who visited him in Abuja yesterday, Marwa said the President was working hard to address the country’s needs, adding that their (youths’) needs would

be prioritised.

He enjoined youths to show ingenuity by contributing their quota to the country’s development, noting that they have great roles to play in moving the country forward.

Gen. Marwa said: “President Buhari is working round the clock to meet the challenges. As things take shape, his agenda for the country will be implemented and I believe your concerns in terms of jobs and other needs will be ad-

dressed.

“Let us be patient and support him to succeed. I urge you to contribute your quota in whatever capacity.

Youths are resourceful and the President needs your contributions.”

He assured the APC Volunteers of his commitment to advance the needs of youths and agreed to be their patron.

The group’s leader, Mr. Olusegun Bamgbose, who led other executive members to the meeting, praised

Gen. Marwa for heeding the calls of his supporters by returning to the APC, “which he helped to build.”

He said he hoped that youths, who looked up to the ex-military governor for inspiration and guidance, would benefit from his return to the APC. Bamgbose, a lawyer, assured that his group would come up with initiatives to support the Buhari administration, urging the country to give him a chance to succeed.

NDLEA arrests 148 suspects in one year

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HE Benue State command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested 148 suspected drug dealers and seized 1,271.529kg of cannabis in the last one year.

Its Commander, Mrs. Florence Ezeonye, who spoke in Makurdi at a news conference to mark the 2015 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, said of

•Seizes 1,271.529kg of cannabis From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

those arrested, 133 are men, while 15 are women.

She said 1,223.329kg of cannabis sativa was seized and 48.2kg of psychotropic substances was impounded.

Mrs. Ezeonye said the command infused the elements of drug abuse education into the relevant subjects in the no-

madic education and senior secondary school curricula, tertiary institution curricula as well as the curricula of adult and non-formal education sector.

She added: “We also have sustainable public enlightenment programmes for target groups and individuals, women, youths in and out of schools, road transport work-

ers, artisans and others.”

The NDLEA commander urged the Benue State government to assist in establishing a standard rehabilitation centre for the benefit of the people.

According to her, there would be endurance trek from Mr. Bigg’s roundabout to IBB square and a drama presentation by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Free Club.

THE people of Taraba State have urged Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku to rename the Taraba State University (TSU) after former Governor Danbaba Danfulani Suntai.

The call was intensified yesterday by members of the Ichen Cultural Development Association (ICDA), who said they wanted the state university to be renamed Danbaba Suntai University (DSU), Jalingo.

They said Suntai deserved this because he established the state university, a polytechnic in Bali, contributed to the establishment of the Federal University in Wukari and built roads, among others.

The group’s leader, Makan Danduba Makan, addressed reporters in Jalingo, the state capital.

Kaduna to take over project From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

KADUNA State government will be handed over the N283million ($1.28million) Pampaida Millennium Village Project (MVP), sited in Ikara Local Government, in December.

The Finance and Admin Manager of the Japaneseassisted project, Elisha Tanuna, who addressed reporters yesterday in Kaduna, said Governor Nasir El-Rufai visited the site of the project and was impressed with “how such a modest amount could be well managed to transform the infrastructure of a very poor rural community and raise about 30,000 villagers out of crippling poverty to improve their overall wellbeing.”

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

NEWS Fireworks at Senate over leadership postions Continued from page 4

der raised by Ashafa cannot stand.

Na’Allah said, “I am proceeding on the same order 28 just to offer explanation. By the popular rules of interpretation of documents that has been agreed by parties, the ordinary letters and words used must be given their effective meaning.

“With your permission, I am going to read sir: ‘There shall be a majority leader of the Senate.

“The Majority Leader shall be a senator nominated from not by.’ What this seems to do is to debar the internally displaced (Peoples Democratic Party) side from nominating the majority leader and to confer it on the APC, which incidentally happens to have the highest number in the 8th Senate.

“So with due respect, the point of order raised by my bosom friend and brother, Ashafa, even goes further to explain the raison d’être, as to why the President shall not proceed to read that letter allegedly sent to this chamber by the APC. “Therefore, we should go ahead with the functions and exercise of this Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria based on what we have accepted as majority party, that change is the platform that we will ride to move this country forward. So, I urge that this matter cannot stand.”

Relying on what Na’Allah said, Saraki ruled Ashafa out of order.

Saraki said: “ I have listened to Senator Gbenga Ashafa and Senator Na’Alla and going by our rules I would just note what Senator Ashafa has said. I think we will leave the matter. In that case, I will rule that point out of order.”

He did not read the letter from

his party.

Senator Kabiru Marafa (Zamfara Central), who raised the issue of two conflicting Senate Standing Rules, 2011 and 2015, called for explanation.

After receiving the particular standing rules, he said: “Mr. President, there is a conflict in these two votes. Which one are we going to use? I think it is time to rule which of the books we are going to use to regulate the 8th Senate.”

There was uproar from other senators on the floor, with Senator Marafa calling for protection from the Senate President.

Marafa said: “I am raising these points of Order to address two or three things. Number one, we need to know which of these books is going to guide our proceedings. If we are going by the Senate Standing orders of 2011 (As amended), which is the genuine book.”

There was disorderliness in the chamber, with Senator Marafa jokingly shouting, “would you shut up! Mr President, I need your protection.”

The Zamfara State born lawmaker was undeterred.

He went on: “Like I said, the events as we witnessed on the 9th of June, 2011, especially as regards the election of the Deputy Senate President were null and void, because they were not in consonance with the provisions of the Standing Orders of this Senate.

“And if you say we are going to use the Senate Standing Orders of 2015, then we need explanation as to who and why we chose our Senate rules without recourse to Order 11 (2).”

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu took the floor.

He said: “I want to probably offer explanation to my friend Marafa.

“He is just four years old in

this Senate and some of us have been here for 12 years.

“From 1999 to today, each Senate has come with its own rules.

“There were Senate rules of 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011 and now 2015.

“The reason is quite simple; if you go to Section 64 of the Constitution, it says the Senate and the House of Representatives shall each time dissolve at the expiration of the period of four years, commencing from the day of the first sitting of the House.

“So the rule he (Marafa) was referring to, ended with the Senate on the 6th day, of June.

“If he is seeking to amend the new Senate Rule, he can only amend the existing one, which is the one for 2015.

“So, between now and 2015, this particular Senate Rule 2015 covers us and can only be amended in the manner he had suggested after 2019.That has been the process and procedures since 1999.”

Saraki ruled that “Mafara raised a point of Order and I think there are two issues here in his point.

“One, he asked which of the rules do we use but there is only one rule before us-that is Senate Standing Order 2015 (As amended).

“The second issue you raised, which I think even in your own address, you mentioned 9th of June, where by virtue of our actions, I will refer you again to Section 53, sub-section 6, which says that it shall be out of order to attempt to reconsider any specific question of which the Senate has come to a conclusion during the current session and bringing that matter again, goes contrary to our rules 53 (6).

“So, I think on this note observed, I rule you out of order in that matter.”

Senate summons NNPC, others over tanker accidents Continued from page 4

He also observed that all the fuel tankers lifting fuel from the tank farms on Apapa- Oshodi Expressway have done incalculable damage to the highways, with attendant deaths, pains and traffic gridlocks.

He said the time had come for the government to seek a permanent solution to the problem as fuel tankers from all states in the North, the SouthEast and the South-South come to Lagos to conve petroleum products.

He said the tankers often caused the type of tragedy that was witnessed in Onitsha and Lagos.

Ashafa insisted that if the refineries were functioning optimally, fuel marketers would not need to send trucks to Lagos for products, adding that the refineries in Port- Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna would have taken care of that.

He said few tankers would be on the road had the railways been operating efficiently.

Most of the senators, who spoke on the matter, supported the motion.

Senator Joshua Lidani (Gombe South) said the tragedies should be blamed on lack of efficient rail system and reckless tanker drivers.

Lidani said: “They do these things with impunity across the country. We should call the attention of the leadership of tanker drivers to ensure their drivers adhere to highway codes.”

Senator Solomon Olamilekan (Lagos West) said it was time trucks were restricted from moving during the day.

Senator George Akume (Benue North West) described tanker drivers as a menace., He said that those who travel by air cannot appreciate the

trauma of those who travel by road.

Akume stressed that “Abuja to Lokoja is a nightmare for commuters and passengers because of tanker drivers”.

Senate President Bukola Saraki described the motion as timely and germane.

He said it had become necessary for the Federal Government to create an enabling environment for the private sector operators to establish private refineries as a step towards solving oil sector problems.

Saraki added that the downstream sector of the oil industry should be deregulated to ensure a permanent solution to the problems.

The motion urged the Federal Government to revamp the refineries, create an enabling environment for private refineries and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to train for tanker drivers.

The prayers were approved through voice vote.

The Senate also resolved to summon the NNPC ”to come

and give account of the state of our refineries and all such structures and urge the Federal Government to create the enabling environment for private refineries to be established and thrive.”

The senators also observed a one minute silence in honour of those who died in tanker accidents.

Also yesterday, Saraki called for proper funding and coordination of agencies responsible for the management flood related challenges.

The Senate President was contributing to a motion entitled: “Managing the challenges of the rainy season”, sponsored

by Senator Andy Uba (Anambra South).

After exhaustive debate on the motion, the senate resolved to refer the matter to its standing committee soon to be constituted rather than set up an ad-hoc Committee to ascertain the level of preparedness of government and its agencies to respond to flood emergencies.

Presidency has ‘not expelled DSS from State House’

T

HE Presidency yesterday denied expelling members of the Directorate of

State Security (DSS) from the Presidential Villa.

DSS personnel are among the security agencies providing cover for the President, Vice President and the seat of power.

But there were stories that President Muhammadu Buhari would replace them with military personnel.

But Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President, Mr. Femi Adesina, in a statement said: "Rumours that personnel of the State Security Service have

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

been expelled from the Presidential Villa are unfounded.

"President Muhammadu Buhari has given no such order.

"While it is true that a reorganisation of security at the Presidential Villa which involves the realignment of personnel from various services is underway, the exercise does not translate to the expulsion of DSS personnel from the premises in any way.

"The changes being made are routine adjustments which are not unexpected in any dynamic environment from time to time."

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

61

FOREIGN NEWS

P

RESIDENT Obama has assured his French counterpart Francois Hollande that the US is no longer spying on France.

Mr Obama spoke to Mr Hollande following reports on the Wikileaks website that the US National Security Agency (NSA) spied on successive French presidents.

The White House said after the two leaders’ phone call “we are not targeting and will not target” Mr Hollande’s communications.

French intelligence offi-

Obama: US no longer spying on France cials are due to travel to Washington for more talks.

Wikileaks reported that the NSA had intercepted communications from President Francois Hollande and former leaders Nicolas Sarkozy and Jacques Chirac between 2006-12.

The allegations prompted a backlash from the French government, with Mr Hollande saying he would “not tolerate” acts that

threaten France’s security.

He called two emergency meetings, the first with France’s top security officials and another with leading legislators.

Prime Minister Manuel Valls urged the US to quickly repair “damage” to its relationship with France.

The US Ambassador Jane Hartley was also summoned to the foreign ministry in Paris to discuss the

latest claims, French officials said.

Politicians and other leading figures are taking turns on television to express outrage at US spying.

The US ambassador was summoned to give explanations.

Mr Hollande has telephoned Mr Obama.

An intelligence chief is being despatched to Washington.

If that is the extent of it, though, it hardly amounts to a major rupture. From previous Wikileaks scoops, the French have known for years that they are spied on by the Americans. Only last month it was revealed that the Germans - acting on behalf of the NSA - were snooping after industrial secrets.

The unwritten rule in all of this is that if you are caught, expect a very public denun-

Sierra Leone reports three fresh cases of Ebola

H

EAD of the National Ebola Response Center (NERC) in Sierra Leone, Maj. Gen Pollo Conteh has described the three new Ebola outbreaks in Freetown as a setback in the fight against the virus in the

West African country.

Conteh said the new cases were expected given the nature of such epidemics, but assured that that it would be managed.

He said NERC yesterday confirmed three more cases

of the virus in one of the city's slums Magazine Wharf, in the eastern part of Freetown.

Conteh said the first of the three new cases was reported on June 17 after a casual labourer, Mohamed Kamara, tested positive of the Ebola

virus and six other people were taken to the holding center.

Conteh admitted that the road to achieve zero cases "would be bumpy" until the Ebola virus was finally defeated.

He condemned the report that burial teams were demanding up to 100 dollars from bereaved families to bury their dead. ``This must stop", he said and promised to investigate the allegation.

Heroin worth $0.5bn seized off Africa

A

N Australian warship has seized heroin with an estimated street value of more than A$520m (US$399m; £254m) in the Indian Ocean, a naval official said.

The haul, weighing 581kg (1,280lbs), was found aboard a dhow that was intercepted by the HMAS Newcastle off the coast of east Africa.

The Australian vessel is

• The heroin...yesterday

Boston victims face ‘cowardly’ bomber Tsarnaev in court

B

OSTON bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev has returned to court to be formally sentenced and he faced his victims as they condemned his “cowardly” actions.

People who lost limbs and loved ones in the 2013

bombings described insomnia, fear of loud noises and other trauma.

Tsarnaev and his brother killed four and injured 264 when they planted bombs at the finish line of the marathon.

He was sentenced to

death last month and is expected to make his first statement since the start of the trial.

Inside the courtroom, Tsarnaev did not show emotion and mostly looked away while victims offered statements.

Rwanda protest over spy chief arrest

S

OME 200 people gathered outside the British High Commission in Rwanda to protest at the arrest of intelligence chief Karenzi Karake in London.

Gen Karake, 54, was detained at Heathrow Airport on Saturday, accused of ordering massacres in the wake of the 1994 Rwanda

genocide.

Protestors have threatened not to end the demonstration in the capital, Kigali, until the general is released.

The Rwandan government has branded the arrest an “outrage”.

Louise Mushikiwabo, Rwanda’s Foreign Minister condemned Gen Karake’s

China ‘seizes 40-year-old meat in crackdown on smugglers’

C

HINESE authorities have seized more than 100,000 tonnes of smuggled meat - some of it more than 40 years old, according to state media.

The frozen meat, estimated to be worth about £300 million (3bn yuan; $483m), was seized in a nationwide crackdown.

“It was smelly and I nearly threw up when I opened the

door,” an official from Hunan province, where 800 tonnes were seized, told the AFP news agency.

Poor standards have made food safety a major concern in China.

According to state newspaper the China Daily, officials from Guangxi, a southern region bordering Vietnam, found meat dating back to the 1970s.

detention on Tuesday, saying that “Western solidarity in demeaning Africans is unacceptable”.

The BBC’s East Africa Correspondent Karen Allen says that the minister’s phrase was echoed by protestors on Wednesday.

“We are here to stand in solidarity with our hero, who was among the people who stopped genocide in this country,’’ Herbert Muhire, a protest leader told The Associated Press news agency.

part of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), an international patrol mission.

The CMF aims to tackle piracy, terrorism and drug smuggling.

The naval partnership, involving 30 countries, patrols 2.5 million square miles of international waters in the Indian Ocean and around the Middle East.

ciation. But behind the scenes life will go on as normal. The fact is that the French and US intelligence services enjoy a degree of cooperation and interdependence that no government in Paris would ever dream of jeopardising.

62

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

63

TODAY IN THE NATION

THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2015

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

W

HAT does an empty treasury look like?

Ask President Muhammadu Buhari. He has just seen one. “The treasury is virtually empty,” he told reporters on Monday, adding that it is a shame that Nigeria can’t pay its workers.

Well said. The situation has been this horrendous since the dying days of the Dr Goodluck Jonathan administration when oil prices kept tumbling and the desperation to remain in power drove Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders and their collaborators to launch a terrific assault on the treasury, hitting it so hard, like a heavyweight pro boxer tearing away in a street brawl. Reckless.

Everywhere you turn, there are talks of debts, huge debts that will take generations to repay. Millionaires are facing extinction.

The figures come in billions nowadays. Delta State is said to be owing N146.62b. Lagos is owing over N400b, Cross River (N28.29b), Bauchi, where Governor Mohammed Abubakar says he has recovered 25 cars from former Governor Isa Yuguda’s wives, has a debt of N17.51b and Enugu’s is said to be N13.79b. The other states’ debts come in various sizes.

How we got into this financial quagmire is a bit clear - massive looting of the treasury amid crashing oil prices, subsidy scam, oil swap fraud, poor budgetary calculations and sheer profligacy, among others. What isn’t clear is how we can get out of the mess threatening to mess up our lives?

As usual, the situation has spawned a bewildering army of charlatans and crooks posing as finance experts and turnaround surgeons. In other words, out of this crippling cash crisis has sprung a huge business for pranksters, fraudsters and tricksters.

Scammers.

I ran into one the other day in Oyingbo, Lagos Mainland. A huge signboard proclaimed his presence. “A.J. Konigba, Londontrained economist and receiver-manager. Liquidation and acquisition. Clearing and forwarding. Come one come all.”

What was meant to be a short comment of an expert turned into a treatise on leadership in times of financial paralysis as we now have.

“How do we get out of this crushing cash crunch?” Our man chuckled excitedly, shook his head and adjusted his jacket, which seems not to have seen a drycleaner for ages. He cleared his throat in a manner that sent his reading table shaking. “President Buhari will have to lead by example by bringing down the cost of running the Villa,” he said, his voice booming in the badly-lit room.

“You see, young man, it is very easy. No more sumptuous state banquets where the menu is a great tribute to the home dishes of the guests, especially diplomats. If there must be one, the menu must be reviewed. No more Chinese dish; Teriyaki beef, stir fried Teriya-

RIPPLES

PDP’LL REGAIN POWER IN 2019–Mimiko

Which POWER? PDP DIED and was buried on MAY 29

‘What is not in doubt in all this is the fact that Atiku loves neither Tinubu nor Buhari or cares a hoot about APC which he is ready to dump if PDP offers him a platform for 2019. Atiku’s only obsession is to become the President of Nigeria. He will betray anyone that stands in between him and his dream’ JIDE OLUWAJUYITAN

VOL. 10, NO. 3256

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

GBENGA OMOTOSO

EDITORIAL NOTEBOOK

gbenga.omotoso@thenationonlineng.net

•Editor of the Year (DAME)

A guide to the new austerity

•President Buhari

ki chicken, chicken fingers, crab rangoons, chicken velvet, Wonton soup, cashew chicken, General T’so chicken, Moon Goo Gai Pan and all such stuff, including expensive shrimps – are shrimps not found here?

“Diplomats should be made to have a taste of our rich culinary culture. We can now have fura dunono instead of Quaker oats and tuwo shinkafa/tuwo masara instead of crispy Chinese rice. In place of canned milk, we can have kunun aya.”

As for drinks, it is all well that neither Buhari nor Vice President Yemi Osinbajo drinks. They are teetotallers. So, farewell to the days of Champagne and sparkling wines.

Cristal. Bollinger. Armand de Brignac. Dom Perignon. These are some of the best money can buy, fit only for the sophisticated palates of our past leaders.

Unfortunately, local drinks are becoming unfriendly. No fewer than 70 people – still counting - have just died in Rivers State, of drinking ogogoro, the gin called kain kain or akpeteshi, push-me-I-push-you or Sapele water.

But then, there seems to be a bright side to

the strange deaths. Sweet, said the bard, are the uses of adversity. Our scientists are rushing back to the lab, poring over materials in a remarkable cerebral exertion to find out why an age-old reliable merriment companion has suddenly turned an agent of death, killing scores. Now, we often hear of methanol, ethanol, methanal and all such exotic nomenclature. Suddenly, a drink that used to be the delight of the common man, helping him to extract his herbs, keeping away the biting riverside cold and simply getting him high has become the subject of discussions in government houses and academic circles.

A professor of chemistry, I am told, is busy seeking grants for his research into this strange phenomenon. The title of his work, said a source with an insight into what he vows will be a huge scientific breakthrough, is “ Nb504-calysed kinetics of ethanol esterification for reactive distillation process simulation in a local gin: A review.”

Social scientists are also busy, battling to explain the lethal situation. Why do people hit the bottle so hard, until it becomes a killer? Is ogogoro fighting back after decades of abuse? Is there some elite conspiracy against this traditional, home-made liquor? Any sense in placing a ban on ogogoro as being suggested in some uninformed circles in the cities?

Hasn’t hunger killed more people than this innocent drink? Has anybody contemplated slamming a life ban on hunger? The researchers clearly have their job cut out for them.

Both the President and the Vice President are of moderate weight. Buhari is slim, rodstraight and tall. I recall the veteran journalist-turned-preacher Gbolabo Ogunsanwo drawing a parallel between Buhari’s waist and beauty queen Agbani Darego’s in one of his articles in The Comet, now rested. The thinking then in 1993 , he said, was that Nigerians might not vote Buhari who could sentence everybody to a diet that would banish obesity – a condition many see as a sign of affluence.

HARDBALL

T

HE sheer oddity of it all made it go viral: a sitting judge calling for the impeachment of a sitting governor! This was one example of new media giving an old media principle a fillip.

Move over, the classic news oddity of a man biting a dog. Take a bow, the neo-classic oddity of a serving jurist calling for a governor’s sack! And extant journalism teachers, take note.

Justice Oloyede Folahanmi, reportedly a serving judge in the State of Osun, just did a 30-page petition, reportedly to the Osun House of Assembly, calling for the impeachment of Governor Rauf Aregbesola and his Deputy, Grace Laoye-Tomori, in accordance with sections 128 and 129 of the 1999 Constitution.

Justice Folahanmi also reportedly copied the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime, Amnesty International (AI), Transparency International (TI) and reportedly “others”, calling for the investigation of those he claimed were responsible for the “deliberate mismanagement of the economy of Osun State.”

Now, is Mrs Folahanmi a judge or a politician?

First, is the oddity of a judge on a state Bench turning activist to politically terminate the tenure of an elected governor — probably unprecedented in Nigerian history, as troubled as it is. Besides, this jars against the culture of professional reti-

Judge or politician? cence, which is the hallmark of the judiciary; not to talk of the rigid separation of power doctrine, the rigour of checks-and-balances, on which the presidential system is anchored.

Then, the list of the agencies the judge copied in her petition. EFCC — understandable, for its forte is investigating sleaze in the public space. But UN, AI and TI? Do Their Lordships too, by training, inclination and professional conduct, play to the gallery, no matter how just their cause? Besides, how does the judge measure as a disturbing portrait of the Judiciary as meddlesome interloper, as her core constituency would, without hesitation, say?

Hardball would really like to read Justice Folahanmi’s petition, because the reportage of the quotes from it is a bit fuzzy and confusing. Samplers: “I declare that in addition to the media-hype [media-hype: if so, why are people being owed salary for months?], I have firsthand experience which constitutes evidence of the unfortunate situation in which Osun currently finds herself [so, experience which is aggregated opinion, now qualifies as hard evidence?]

“Neglecting the welfare of members of the community under the guise of wanting to provide infrastructure,

But, talking seriously, as part of the new belt-tightening measures, many of our public servants will have to reduce their weight – willy-nilly. Consider this hypothesis: Why should the President, slim and trim, have Service Chiefs who are rotund and portly?

Obesity should have no place in military and paramilitary agencies.

A source told me the other day that Buhari would have loved to go after suspected treasury looters, seize them and throw them in detention where they will stay until they surrender their loot, but his associates keep telling him: “Ankali, ankali. You must respect the kanstituchan.”

I do not know now whether the process of recovering Nigeria’s cash will proceed apace, following the President’s announcement that he had secured the support of the West in the recovery drive. Some people are even said to have turned in some cash. When are we going to know who is holding what and who has returned what?

It is only fitting and proper that in the spirit of this austere season, the Senate has agreed to rework its N120b budget. That’s the spirit. This will be some image burnishing venture, coming after the upper chamber’s resentful election in which some members sought help from the rejected Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) to undermine the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), placing it on a perilous path.

Besides, the National Assembly elections have turned the august body into a subject of beer parlour jokes. A colleague sent this: “A dad was flogging his wayward son who stole his money. He asked him to kneel down and raise his hands.

“You this bad boy. If you continue like this, you know where you will end up?” Before the dad could finish asking the question, the boy replied: “Yes; I know.” Surprised, the dad asked: “where?” and the boy replied: “National Assembly.”

In Kaduna, irascible Governor Nasir ElRufai has cancelled Ramadan gifts, saying “super politicians” were getting the contracts, which became an avenue to steal, even as the masses did not feel the impact of the programme. Besides, he has cut his salary by 50 per cent, asking his appointees to do same.

An activist-lawyer, who pleaded not to be named because of what he called the security implications of the matter, told me last night of a huge, vociferous movement that is in the works. It will soon, according to the fellow, who I can confirm is not frivolous in any way, spring up in villages, towns and cities to demand a list of all those suspected to have had their fingers in the till. The battle cry will be, he said, “surrender the loot”.

Will you join?

•For comments, send SMS to 08111813080

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above run contrary to the teaching of Christ, the son of God, Jesus of Nazareth ...” Now what is this — Law, politics or theology?

“Mr. Governor and his deputy are assiduously working against it [ideals of social order], as exemplified by the cruel, and harsh debasement of pensioners and civil servants by DELIBERATELY and MALICIOUSLY (capitalisation Hardball’s) withholding their salaries for months, in an attempt to browbeat, subjugate to take away their God-given free will, and reduce them to mindless robots ...”

Really — and does His Lordship have concrete evidence for these assertions? Besides, is this a judge speaking with forensic evidence or some market folk just mouthing wild allegations?

And the clincher: “Their action ... is as illegal as it is immoral and unconscionable ... There is therefore no legal or moral basis for their continued stay in office. “ Now, what is the judge’s forte: morality or legality?

Well, the appropriate authorities should probe Mrs Folahanmi’s allegations. But so should the National Judicial Commission (NJC), the judge’s disgraceful conduct of exposing the Osun Judiciary to politics and possible odium.

All lovers of democratic institution-building should decry Mrs Folahanmi’s reckless intervention. If NJC does not post-haste call her to order, the Osun Judiciary would soon be swamped in politics — of the most reckless hue. That would be well and truly tragic.

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Editor Daily:08099365644, Marketing: 01-8155547 . Abuja Office: Plot 5, Nanka Close AMAC Commercial Complex, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja. Tel: 07028105302. Port Harcourt Office: 12/14, Njemanze Street, Mile 1, Diobu, PH. 08023595790. WEBSITE: www.thenationonlineng.net E-mail: info@thenationonlineng.net ISSN: 115-5302 Editor: GBENGA OMOTOSO