June 27, 2013

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

Aliyu on NGF: conscience won

Mandela on life support in hospital NEWS

Page 4

NEWS Page 4

•Zuma cancels trip to Mozambique

•Uduaghan: we should apologise

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VOL. 8, NO. 2529 THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2013

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Amaechi, Jang to renew NGF battle at NEC today VP Sambo faces test over NGF chair’s seat

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HO occupies the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) chairman’s seat at today’s National Economic Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja?

Today’s meeting is the first since the disputed NGF election, which was won by Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, who scored 19 votes to beat Plateau State Governor Jonah Jang, who had 16.

It will be a challenge for Vice-President Namadi Sambo, who is the chairman of the NEC. While majority of the governors were last night pushing for Amaechi as the right-

From Yusuf Alli and Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

ful occupant of the seat, the 16 governors supporting Jang were lobbying the Presidency to concede the seat to the Plateau State helmsmen.

It was learnt that pro-Amaechi governors may walk out of the NEC meeting if Jang is recognised as the NGF chairman.

A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “The governors have shifted the battle over NGF chairmanship to the NEC meeting.

“As the chairman of NEC, the VP will face a major test today on who to recognise as the chairman of the NGF, who plays a pivotal role at the coun-

•Sambo

•Amaechi

cil meeting.

“If Sambo recognises Jang, it could cause a split in NEC and if he does not, he will be working at cross-purpose with his principal.

“The alternative is for Sambo to rely on the ongoing case

in court and assume full control of the NEC session but some forces in the Presidency will not like it.”

A governor, who spoke with our correspondent last night, said: “The real battle for the NGF chairmanship will be at

the NEC meeting. Nigerians will now see the two camps in their true colours.

“Apart from the fact that Amaechi was validly elected as the chairman of NGF, it will be subjudice for the VP to recognise Jang. There is a subsisting suit against Jang for claiming to be the NGF chairman.”

Another source in the Presidency said: “The government is trying to address this issue; we envisage a smooth session at the NEC meeting.”

Amaechi, who left the Presidential “Mid-tern dinner for tansformation team” before it closed last night at the Villa, spoke with reporters.

He said it would be undemocratic if he was suspended by the PDP because he won the NGF election.

Amaechi said: “If the PDP is suspending me for that reason, too bad. We must learn to be democratic. I am not aware

that the party has given any reason for suspending me; if that is the reason, too bad.

The party is yet to give any reason for my suspension. I am not aware that the party suspended me for winning an election.”

The governor said he was not aware of any faction in the NGF as he is the forum’s authentic chairman.

“Was NGF sick? I don’t know about factions. We are holding NGF meeting and we agreed that those of us who were there should honour the President and attend the dinner. We have attended; you saw all of them; some have left and I am leaving too.”

On the way forward, Amaechi said: “That is the question to ask Jang and those who are supporting him. Those with me are in the majority.”

Three Lebanese in court for alleged terrorism From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

T

HE three Lebanese being held for alleged terrorism were arraigned yesterday on a six-count charge before the Federal High Court, Abuja.

Mustapha Fawaz (49), Abdullahi Thahini (48) and Tahal Roda (51) were arraigned with two of their companies - Amigo Supermarket Limited and Wonderland Amusement Park Resort - before Justice Adeniyi Ademola.

The three men were in counts one and two charged with belonging to Hezbollah miliContinued on page 4

Reps reject N4.9tr budget revision

Continued on page 4

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

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HE House of Representatives yesterday snubbed the 2013 supplementary budget sent to it by President Goodluck Jonathan.

It described the bill as an “alien”, “a stranger” and indeed, “an interloper” in the constitutional arrangement.

According to the lawmakers, the preparation and, presentation of the document failed all constitutional processes.

The lawmakers said Section 81 of the Constitution is clearly against them amending the bill. They advised President Goodluck Continued on page 4

•Ekiti State Governor Dr Kayode Fayemi and his deputy, Prof. Modupe Adelabu, surrounded by pioneer students of the Ikogosi Graduate Summer School at a dinner in honour of Laureates and Faculty of the School in Ado-Ekiti... on Tuesday.

•OANDO EXCEEDS PROJECTED DIVIDEND P11 •EXPLOSION AT ATLAS COVE P11

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2013

2

NEWS

Mandela...

•Division over final resting place South Africans and many across the world spent yesterday in anxiety over the state of health of former President Nelson Mandela •Senator Oluremi Tinubu (right), Col. Tunde Akogun and his wife Tumini during a visit to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s Ikoyi, Lagos home over the death of his mother…on Tuesday.

PHOTO: ISAAC JIMOH AYODELE

•From left: Director- General, Federation of Construction Industry (FOCI) Mr. Tijani Adekambi, Senator 'Gbenga Ashafa, FOCI President Solomon Ogunbusola and the Ambassador of Philippines to Nigeria Mr. Alex Lamadrid at FOCI ‘s exhibition in Abuja... on Tuesday.

• Representative of the Minister of Communications & Technology Mrs. Moni Udoh; Chairman, Idea Board Mr. Adedotun Sulaiman; Chairman, Techlaunchpad Board Mr. Kyari Bukar and the Vice-chairman, Idea Board Mr. Pius Okigbo at the PHOTO: ADEOLA SOLOMON Techlaunchpad induction ceremony for software developers in Lagos.

•Category Manager, Oral Care, Unilever Nigeria Plc Mrs. Oiza Gyang (middle) speaking at a at a news conference on the World Record Teeth Brushing Challenge in Lagos...yesterday. With her are Brand Manager, Close Up Mr. Dexter Adeola (left); and Head Protocol, Lagos World Record Teeth Brushing Challenge Dr. Bimbo Oyedokun.

A

FTER hours of vigils and secret family meetings, South Africans awoke to another day of unease yesterday as ailing anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela remained hospitalised in critical condition.

“Former President Nelson Mandela's condition remains unchanged in hospital and doctors continue to do their best to ensure his recovery, well-being and comfort,” the government said in a statement late Tuesday night.

As the nation remained on edge, police barricaded the street leading to the hospital's main entrance.

Well-wishers hung balloons, stuffed animals and messages of support along the wall outside his Pretoria hospital . Crowds hovering nearby sang "where is Mandela" as they matched toward the entrance.

Mandela has been hospitalised since June 8 for a recurring lung infection, and authorities have described his condition as critical in the last few days.

"We need you!," one sign read.

"We love you tata, get well soon!" said another, referring to Mandela by the Xhosa word for father.

Mandela's former physician and the nation's ex-surgeon general, Dr Vejay Ramlakan, visited the hospital yesterday, said the national news agency, South African Press Association.

Considered the founding father of South Africa's democracy, Mandela became an international figure while enduring 27 years in prison for fighting against apartheid, the country's system of racial segregation.

He was elected the nation's first black president in 1994, four years after he was freed from prison.

"He is our hero. He is my mentor, my father. He is everything to me," said Kuda Nyahumzvi, 36.

"But when it is his time, we wish his soul could just rest. He spent so long in jail and struggling."

Even as he has faded from the spotlight, he remains popular and is considered a hero of democracy worldwide.

As South Africans steeled themselves for the worst, details emerged of the family's meeting in his boyhood home of Qunu on Tuesday. An archbishop also stopped by the hospital and conducted prayers calling for "a quiet night and a peaceful, perfect, end" for the former president.

Archbishop Thabo Makgoba joined the family at the hospital where the anti-apartheid icon remains in critical condition, the South African Press Association reported.

"Fill them with your holy courage and the gift of trusting faith, and take away their fears so that they may dare to face their grief," he said, according to a copy of the prayer posted on the bishop's website.

"And uphold all of us with your

•A vendor displaying South African newspapers with frontpage reports on Mandela... yesterday.

PHOTOS: AFP

‘

Fill them with your holy courage and the gift of trusting faith, and take away their fears so that they may dare to face their grief

‘

steadfast love so that we may be filled with gratitude for all the good that he has done for us and for our nation, and may honor his legacy through our lives.”

During the meeting in Qunu, funeral arrangements were not part of the talks, family friend Bantu Holomisa said, according to SAPA. As a former head of state, plans for Mandela's funeral are spearheaded by the government, according to Holomisa.

A report in India Times yesterday said the family was divided over where his remains should be buried.

The family is reportedly divided between his grandson Mandla Mandela, who wants the anti-apartheid icon buried at his birthplace in Mvezo village, and the rest of the family who want to respect his wish to be buried next to his children, The Star newspaper of South Africa reported on Wednesday citing three sources.

Mandla is the head of the Mvezo Traditional Council.

The controversy arose as Mandla had exhumed the bodies of his father Makgatho, uncle Thembekile and aunt Makaziwe from the family grave at Mandela's homestead in Qunu and reburied them at his birthplace Mvezo in 2011.

Makgatho died in 2005 due to a AIDS-related illness, Makaziwe had died in 1948 when she was just nine months old, and Thembekile was killed in a car accident in 1969.

All three were children from Mandela's first wife, Evelyn.

According to the report, the family had gathered at the Qunu homestead on Tuesday for an "ibhunga"

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2013

3

NEWS

the waiting game continues

•A man driving a bicycle past a banner of yesterday’s front-page of Daily Sun of South Africa.

•Josina Machel, the daugther of Graca Machel, the wife of Nelson Mandela, arriving at the Medi Clinic Heart Hospital in company of a man…yesterday.

Mandela’s sickness to ‘overshadow’ Obama’s trip

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RESIDENT Barack Obama yesterday set out on an eight-day trip to Africa aimed at reviving U.S. engagement with the continent but that will be overshadowed by the uncertain health of South African hero Nelson Mandela.

Obama’s trip, his second to the continent as president, will take him to Senegal, South Africa and Tanzania. While the president hopes to spotlight trade and economic development themes, his visit would be dwarfed if Mandela’s condition takes a turn for the worse.

The 94-year-old former South African president remained hospitalised in critical condition after being admitted more than two weeks ago with a lung infection, the government said on Tuesday.

Air Force One carried Obama, his wife or a meeting to discuss an important family matter.

Among those who attended the meeting were Mandela's another daughter from Evelyn, also named Makaziwe, his daughter from second wife Winnie, Zenani, Mandla and his brother Ndaba.

Michelle, their daughters Sasha and Malia, as well as the first lady’s mother, Marian Robinson, and an Obama niece, Leslie Robinson.

Africans feel a special bond with Obama, the first African American U.S. president, and have been impatient for him to make an extended visit to the continent. Africans are also disappointed that the Obama administration has not engaged with the continent as much as the administrations of George W. Bush and Bill Clinton.

Administration officials say the trip is an opportunity to jump-start the relationship.

Obama’s first stop will be Senegal, where he will visit Goree Island, the site of a monument to Africans who were sent to slavery in the Americas.

His next stop will be in South Africa,

Bantu Holomisa, leader of the United Democratic Movement, Lindwe Sisulu, South Africa's minister for public service and administration, and chief Bhovulengwe of the abaThembu Royal Council were also present in the meeting.

Mandla reportedly stormed out of

where aides say he will be available to visit Mandela but will defer to the wishes of the Mandela family to determine whether the former South African leader is up to such an encounter.

In South Africa, Obama is due to make a speech outlining his Africa policy at the University of Cape Town, where Robert F. Kennedy gave his famous 1966 address comparing the struggle against apartheid in South Africa with the struggle for civil rights in the United States.

The president will also visit Robben Island, where Mandela and other political prisoners were held, and visit a health clinic.

Obama’s last stop will be in the East African nation of Tanzania, where he will take part in events with business leaders and visit a power plant.

the meeting as the family members sought that the bodies of Makgatho, Makaziwe and Thembekile be moved back to their original burial sites in Qunu.

“This is making it impossible for Mandela to be buried next to his children because they are buried in

•Winnie Mandela arriving at the hospital...yesterday.

Mvezo. Mandela is going to be buried in Qunu. Mandla did this without consulting the elders,” The Star report quoted one of the sources as saying.

When the newspaper called Mandla on his phone, he did not answer it, Holonisa refused to di-

vulge what happened in the meeting and instead suggested that Makaziwe be contacted as she had called the meeting, and Makaziwe, on her part, said she doesn't "talk to The Star".

Tuesday's family meeting lasted from 11am to 2pm.

Madiba deserves a peaceful, perfect end, says Archbishop

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RCHBISHOP of Cape Town (Anglican Communion) Thabo Makgoba has offered prayer for “a peaceful and perfect end’’ for former South African President Nelson Mandela.

Makgoba led some Christians and some members of Mandela’s family to the Mediclinic Heart Hospital in Pretoria on Tuesday night to offer prayer for the man fondly called the Madiba.

The copy of the prayer read by Makgoba, which was made available to reporters yesterday, said: “During this hard time of watching and waiting, May we be filled with gratitude for all the good that he has done for us and for our nation.”

It also said his legacy should be honoured through our lives. “‘Grant him eternal healing and relief from pain and suffering.

“Grant him, a quiet night and a peaceful, perfect, end, we pray,’’ the prayer read.

During these 19-day vigil, his family and the world, have watched as the 94-year-old slipped from what the presidency called “a stable to a critical condition’’.

The members of Mandela’s ex-

•School pupils offering prayers outside the hospital. PHOTO: REUTERS

tended family held what they called urgent and important meeting’’ at his Qunu country home in the Eastern Cape to discuss his state of health on Tuesday.

Two of Mandela’s daughters and at least two grandchildren were seen gathering for a meeting in the village of Qunu, where the charismatic former leader spent his childhood

tending cattle for his parents who lived in a mud hut.

A senior member of Mandela’s extended family told newsmen that the meeting was called “to discuss delicate matters’’, amid speculation that the location of his eventual grave was on the agenda.

Meanwhile, a South Africa national newspaper, “Beeld’’ reported

•Archbishop Makgoba

yesterday that two hours after the meeting between Mandela’s family and government officials in Qunu, a machine digger was driven to the community just as the family members prepared to take a decision on the planned gravesite for the anti apartheid hero.

On Tuesday, Mandela’s family members, local clan leaders and na-

tional government officials arrived at Mthatha airport and held a meeting at Mandela’s home for two hours before leaving again for Mthatha.

Those who attended the meeting include Public Service and Administration Minister Lindiwe Sisulu and United Democratic Movement (UDM) leader Bantu Holomisa, Holomisa, it is believed would be involved in any future funeral arrangements for the South African Icon, a local newspaper ‘Beeld’ reported.

Beeld also reported that “after the meeting, Madiba’s grandson, Ndaba Mandela, went to inspect a proposed the grave site for the South African leader.

“A digger arrived about two hours later driven to Qunu in a truck. It is parked in Qunu about 150 metres from the proposed grave site,” the newspaper added.

“Chief Mfundo Mtirara, a relation of Madiba, and head of the Matyenenqgina community near Qunu, said the family meeting held on Tuesday was called to discuss “very sensitive issues” and that the subject of the discussions was only known to members of family’’ the paper said.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2013

NEWS Niger Governor: recognise Amaechi as NGF chair •Uduaghan: we should apologise

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•From left: Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, Niger State Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu and the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar during the turbaning of Aliyu’s deputy, Ahmed Musa Ibeto, at the Wadata Palace, Bida…yesterday

My 2015 elections fears, by Amaechi

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IGERIAN Governors Forum (NGF) Chairman Rotimi Amaechi is worried about the 2015 general elections.

Nigeria needs to “be careful” and the people should be ready to defend democracy for there to be free and fair elections in 2015, the Rivers State governor said.

Amaechi urged the Judiciary to be prepared to rescue the country from disputes that would result from unfair elections, as it had done in the recent past. He alluded to the NGF election, which polarised the forum.

“Let us put it on record that the way things are going, we should be careful 2015 does not end in this manner, where people will win democratic election and those in power will not accept the result of a free and fair election,” Amaechi said, adding: “My lords, be prepared because we shall soon be coming to your court. We must defend democracy. We must defend Nigeria because we don’t have any other country.

“My Lords we must be prepared. As you did in 2007. We must be prepared.

“We have started again with tyranny and oppression. We must be prepared as a people to defend our rights. We must be prepared as a people to hold government accountable. We must be prepared to demand for accountability.”

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

Amaechi spoke in Abuja at a symposium on “Review of the 1999 Constitution and its impact on the much-needed judicial reforms”, organised by a group, the Rule of Law Foundation.

At the symposium were two former Chief Justices of Nigeria, Mohammadu Uwais and Dahiru Musdapher, Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, Justice Sylvester Nguta, former Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) President Joseph Daudu and Ekiti State Attorney General Wale Fapohunda.

Amaechi denied the claim by Plateau State Governor Jonah Jang that the NGF election was not transparent and that he (Jang) never participated.

He said Jang voted, noting that the Plateau governor was among the first set of voters.

The Rivers State governor described the Jang faction of the forum as another faction of the PDP forum.

The governor, who faulted the position taken by the NBA on the dispute, described those supporting the Jang faction as “undemocratic”. He said all the governors at the NGF meeting where he was elected as chairman agreed to participate in the election.

Said Amaechi: “NBA cannot afford to lose its voice. NBA has lost its voice. For NBA to see a

free and fair election, where 35 governors that govern 35 states and make decisions for hundreds of million of people and for NBA to say ‘if you can not organise yourselves dissolve’. Then you have lost your voice.

“I want to say it and I want to be put on record, anyone who supports the Jang faction is undemocratic.

“We chose who should be the Returning Officer. We appointed our Director General to be the returning officer for the election.

And we voted. Everybody voted, including Jang.

“In fact, Jang was among the first persons to vote. And when I won, they were there. We were to commence voting for the chairmanship when my brother and colleague from Akwa Ibom got up and said ‘there is a document I had where 19 governors had signed’. And Jang said Northern Governors Forum supported him, but the same northern governors voted. They should have, therefore, voted for him. “He said PDP governors supported him at a meeting before the election, so they should have voted for him.

“What Jang is leading is another faction of PDP Governors Forum and not the NGF, because there are no two governors forum “Therefore, anyone - NBA or government that supports Jang’s faction is undemocratic.”

On the reported friction be-

tween him and his state’s Commissioner of Police, Mbu… Amaechi said: “ We must resist a situation where public officers without statutory authority would call the Inspector General of Police to change commissioner of police; we must resist it.”

Ekweremadu, the Chairman, Senate Committee on the Review of the Constitution, said the review would not be submitted to referendum.

He noted that the Constitution specified how it should be amended and that it did not include referendum.

Ekweremadu stressed the need for urgent reform of the judiciary.

He said: “With a morally upright and well-reformed judiciary that applies the letters of the law fairly and timely, the systems manipulation, overheating of our polity, reign of impunity in high and low places, the blatant disrespect for the law, and the rape of public treasury would abate considerably.”

He said the proposal for judicial reform submitted by former CJN Musdapher was being considered.

Ekweremade said the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution had presented a Bill and Report on proposed amendments to the Senate for consideration.

The Deputy Senate President Continued on page 60

IGER State Governor Babangida Aliyu yesterday called for the recognition of Rivers State Governor Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi as the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF).

He said Amaechi was duly elected at the May 27 election and wondered why any other person would be laying claim to victory in the association’s election.

Aliyu, who is the Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF), debunked the claim by Plateau State Governor Jonah Jang that he was betrayed by his colleagues from the North, who picked him as the consensus candidate of the North only to dump him during the NGF poll.

Speaking in Bida at the turbaning ceremony of his deputy, Ahmed Ibeto as Wali Raya Kasar Nupe by Estu Nupe Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, Aliyu said the election was conclusive and a

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

leader was elected.

He said: “We were united and elected a chairman. If another people recognised another person as a chairman, we will solve our problem. The fact is, we must recognise Governor Amaechi as Nigeria Governors’ Forum Chairman”.

Aliyu insisted that in democracy, superior argument and people’s wish must prevail, saying there must be room for negotiation and dialogue.

Giving an insight into the emergence of Jang as the candidate of the North, the NSGF chair said the undercurrent between Bauchi State Governor Isa Yuguda and Katsina State Governor Ibrahim Shema forced them out of the race to pave the way for Jang.

Admitting that the northern governors agreed on Jang’s consensus candidacy, he added Continued on page 63

Mandela on life support as Zuma cancels trip

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OUTH Africans lit candles outside the hospital where anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela lay last night as an official who had been briefed in detail on his condition reported the former president was on life support.

Considered the founding father of South Africa’s multiracial democracy, the 94-year-old Mandela has been hospitalised since June 8 for a recurring lung infection.

Authorities have described his condition as critical since Sunday.

President Jacob Zuma said earlier Wednesday that Mandela’s condition remained unchanged,

South Africa’s national news agency reported.

After visiting Mandela late last night, Zuma canceled his visit today to Mozambique where he was supposed to attend a summit on infrastructure investment, the presidency’s website said.

South African government spokesman Mac Maharaj told CNN that officials are unable to comment on reports that Mandela was on life support, citing doctor-patient confidentiality rules.

In a statement issued late Tuesday, the government said Mandela’s doctors “continue to do their best to ensure his recovery, well-being and comfort.”

Three Lebanese in court Continued from page 1

tary wing and knowingly agreed to receive training in preparation to engage in the commission of a terrorist act.

In count three, Fawaz and Fuazi Fawaz (now at large), owners of Amigo Supermarket, Abuja, were alleged to have “know-

ingly permitted a meeting connected with an act of terrorism” to be held on the premises of the supermarket.

In count four, Thahini, accused of “being the coordinator of Hezbollah in Nigeria”, was charged with involving himself Continued on page 60

Reps reject Jonathan’s N4.9tr budget amendment Bill Continued from page 1

Jonathan, being the only authority constitutionally empowered to initiate a money bill, to resubmit a proper bill.

The consideration of the Appropriation Act (Amendment) Bill 2013 that seeks to appropriate N4,987,382,196,690.00 was listed for the third time for second reading yesterday, following the conclusion of work on it by the Committees on Rules and Business, and Justice/ Judiciary that were mandated to ascertain the constitutionality of the bill.

Yakubu Dogara (PDP, Bauchi) on June 5 raised a constitutional point of order, citing Section 81 (1), (2) and (4) of the 1999 Constitution as amended. He observed that the Appropriation Act 2013 (Amendment) Bill is more of a new 2013 Appropriation Bill than an Amendment Bill 2013.

Dogara described it as 2013 Appropriation Bill No. 2 as the amendment bill was in three volumes and N161,771,089 in excess of the 2013 Appropriation Act. The Chairman, Committee on Rules and Business, Albert SamTsokwa (PDP, Taraba), presenting the report, said though the President was constitutionally empowered to initiate such bills, it failed constitutional due diligence in both its preparation and presentation to the Nation-

al Assembly.

Speaker Aminu Tambuwal did not entertain debates on the issue - in line with House rules - after Sam-Tsokwa’s presentation. The Speaker sustained Dogara’s point of order, jettisoning the consideration of the bill.

Sam-Tsokwa, in his presentation jointly prepared with Ali Ahmad (PDP, Kwara), Chairman, Committee on Justice, said the constitutionality of the supplementary budget bill was examined from two fronts.

According to him, the Committees wanted to verify whether an Appropriation Act is amendable.

Citing Sections 4, 5 and 6 of the Constitution to defend the position of the report, he said: “In a constitutional democracy such as ours, the power to do or forbear the doing of an act by any of the arms of government, especially and particularly the Legislative and Executive Arms, is donated, demarcated, circumscribed and or prescribed by the Constitution.

“While Parliament is empowered to make laws generally through Bills initiated from within or without, the Constitution explicitly imposes solely on Mr. President, in section 81 thereof, the duty to initiate an Appropriation Bill.

“It is very clear, therefore, that an Appropriation Bill or its vari-

ant, a Supplementary Appropriation Bill, can only be introduced in Parliament by Mr. President or in the case of the state, the governor.

“A community reading of section 81 (1) (2) and (4) of the Constitution creates a very strong impression and feeling in the mind that the Constitution does not favour, admit of or even contemplate the amendment of an Appropriation Act, save vide a Supplementary Appropriation Act. “It would appear, therefore, that while the Constitution contemplates and envisages a situation where there may arise a need to supplement the funds appropriated in an Appropriation Act, it does not do so with respect and regard to reducing or diminishing the funds appropriated in an Appropriation Act by way of an amendment.

“On a strict and austere reading of Section 81 (1), (2) and (4) of the Constitution, therefore, it will be difficult to conclude that the Constitution admits of an amendment to an Appropriation Act, save by way of a Supplementary Appropriation.

“However, it may legitimately be observed and even argued that an Appropriation Act, not withstanding its special constitutional flavour and colouration bestowed on it by section 81 (1), (2) and (4) of the Constitution,

is, and remains like any Act of Parliament, an Act of Parliament.

“Being an Act of Parliament, therefore, an Appropriation Act, by the general powers of Parliament under section 4 of the Constitution and Order 12 of the House. Standing Orders, 7th Edition 2011, no doubt, be subject to Amendment.

“Of course, we have noted earlier that a Supplementary Appropriation Act is an amendment Act, for all intents and purposes to the Appropriation Act it seeks to supplement.

“The answer to our question is, therefore, in the affirmative”.

However, the lawmakers were keen on the constitutionality of the amendment bill and sought answers from the constitution itself. “Now, is the Appropriation Act 2013 Amendment Bill constitutional in the circumstance?”, Sam-Tsokwa asked, He said, in this circumstance, the National Assembly would be working against the Constitution if it attempts to amend the bill as there was nothing to amend or repeal in the 2013 Appropriation Act. Besides, he noted that Mr. President, being the only authority constitutionally empowered to initiate a money Bill, may wish to resubmit a proper Bill as Section 81 clearly ties the hands of Parliament.

He explained the flaws inher-

ent in the presentation of the bill, saying the document communicated to the House of Representatives, apart from carrying the title “Appropriation Act 2013 Amendment Bill” and the Bill’s Long Title, has nothing to show that it is a document seeking to amend or repeal and re-enact the 2013 Appropriation Act. He said: “The purported Amendment Bill, a five clause Bill, is completely and totally silent on what and which sections of the 2013 Appropriation Act it seeks to amend and or repeal. So also is it silent on the schedules or what aspects of the schedules to the 2013 Act it seeks to amend and/or repeal.

“Members may wish to note that while the 2013 Appropriation Act appropriates the total sum of N4,987,220,425,601.00 for the financial year 2013, the purported 2013 Appropriation Act (Amendment) Bill 2013 seeks to appropriate a total sum of N4,987,382,196,690.00.

“Clearly, what the Amendment Bill 2013 seeks to appropriate is more than what was appropriated for the 2013 fiscal year in the 2013 Appropriation Act, that is to say, the Executive would appear to be seeking additional funds.

“Obviously, this cannot be achieved through an Amendment Bill. The answer lies in a Supplementary Appropriation

•Tambuwal

under Section 81(4) of the Constitution.

“At best, the Appropriation Act 2013 Amendment Bill of Mr. President, for want of a better description and or expression, is, Continued on page 63

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2013

5

NEWS

$4,095 SEC ‘fraud’: Hembe, Azubogu fail to stop trial A FORMER Chairman of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Capital Market, Herman Hembe, and his erstwhile deputy, Chris Azubogu, yesterday lost the bid to stop their trial.

Justice Peter Kekemeke of the Abuja High Court refused their prayers that the charges against them be dismissed for lacking in merit.

The judge, in a ruling, held that the prosecution sufficiently made a prima facie case against them.

They are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

Crimes Commission (EFCC) for $4,095 alleged estacode scam.

They are accused of allegedly converting the money given to them as estacode to personal use, instead of attending a conference in Dominica Republic.

The accused also allegedly failed to attend the conference, an offence the EFCC said is contrary to Section 308 of the Pe-

nal Code Act, Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1990.

Their lawyers, J. S. Okutepa (SAN) and Onyenchi Ikpeazu (SAN), who argued that the case was without merit, averred that an estacode is money meant for a public servant who travels overseas.

They said once the money is approved and the officer embarks on the journey, the money becomes his.

The lawyers wondered

how a man can misappropriate what belongs to him. They prayed the court to dismiss the charge preferred against their client because it is lacking in merit.

Prosecution lawyer Chile Okoroma urged the court to discountenance the argument of the defence lawyers.

He averred that the fundamental issue for determination in the case is whether or not the prosecution has established a prima facie case against the defendants to warrant an explanation from them.

He adjourned proceedings till October 21.

•Chief Executive Officer, Mindplus and guest speaker, Mr. Noruwa Edokpolo (middle) with Deputy Corps Sector Commander, Head of Operations, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Mr. Adeoye Irelewuyi (left) and Zonal Head of Operations, FRSC, Ayodele Kumapayi, during a motivating work force training for FRSC commanders, organised by Mindplus at Ojodu, Lagos...yesterday PHOTO: ISAAC JIMOH AYODELE.

UN DAY AGAINST DRUG ABUSE Minister, Tambuwal call for attack on drug trafficking cartels

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

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HE Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN), and House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, have called for persistent raids ofn drug trafficking cartels.

They spoke yesterday at this year’s International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking organised by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Women Development Centre, Abuja.

Jagaba Adams Jagaba, the Chairman, House Committee on Narcotic Drugs and Financial Crimes, called for improved funding of the NDLEA to enable it effectively discharge its functions.

He said: “Drug production, trafficking and abuse are responsible for crimes, such as terrorism, armed robbery and other forms of violence that subject humanity to untold suffering and pain. It is, therefore, logical that funds be made available to the agency to perform well.”

Kano NDLEA records 1,389,457 drug seizures in six months From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

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THE Kano Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) said yesterday it recorded 1,389,457 seizures of assorted illicit drugs, while 278 suspected drug addicts and peddlers were arrested between January and June.

Addressing reporters in his office, Alhaji Garba Ahmadu, the state Commander of the NDLEA, explained that of this, 143 persons were convicted to various jail terms by the Kano Federal High court.

According to him, 1200kilogrammes of weeds, suspected to be Indian hemp was intercepted while 220kg of psychotropic substances, were seized by the agency in various raids within and outside the commercial city.

He said over 200 grammes of cocaine and 80 grammes of heroin were also ceased by the agency, besides counselling 127 drug addicts, who were arrested during raids.

46 persons convicted in Ogun, 84 others arrested, says NDLEA

GOC: Army arrested 1,492 suspects since February 8

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HE General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division Nigerian Army, Gen. Obi Umahi, yesterday said 1,492 suspected criminals were arrested by the division since he assumed office on February 8.

Umahi spoke in Lagos at his maiden media briefing.

He noted that acts of criminality and lawlessness have reduced in the division because the Army was cracking down on criminals.

Giving a breakdown of the arrests, Umahi said Operation MESA, Quick Response Group (QRG) and the Anti-Terrorist

By Precious Igbonwelundu

Operations of the division made the arrests.

He said: “Operation MESA has had 18 operations and made 1,361 arrests; QRG has recorded 115, comprisng 71 men and 35 women, who were arrests in eight operations. The Anti-terrorists opeartion has recorded 15 suspects and a kidnapper.”

On the number of equipment seized, Umahi said the anti-terrorist operation seized 14 improvised explosive devices (IEDs), 13 AK 47 maga-

zines with 30 rounds each; an AK 47 rifle, three packets of explosives construction pipes, 200 units of 8.2mm live ammunition and a red Gold car.

“Through Operation MESA and QRG, N250,000, a vessel, two barges, two loaded tankers with AGO (diesel), four empty tankers, a Honda Civic car, a locally made pistol, large quantities of Indian hemp and 50 litres of PMS (petrol) were seized.

“We also have Operation Checkmate, which is fashioned to check the excesses and indiscipline of service personnel.

The operation is geared to as-

sist the state government to enforce its new traffic law, where Okada (commercial motorcycle) has been banned from plying certain routes.

“Military and police personnel arrested with motorcycles on these routes were handed over to their various units for internal discipline, while the motorcycles were handed over to the state government and the police.

“Disobedience with impunity by uniform personnel has grossly reduced. Only those engaged in courier services are allowed to use motorcycles on these routes.”

Lawyer outlines shortcomings of PIB

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LEGAL expert on oil and gas, Emeka Okwosa, yesterday outlined some shortcomings of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) 2012.

He called for the emplacement of proper measures to ensure the effectiveness of the bill.

Okwosa spoke at a lecture he delivered at this year’s annual Law Week celebration, organised by the Lagos

By Precious Igbonwelundu

branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

President Goodluck Jonathan, on July 18, last year, presented the PIB to the National Assembly for consideration and enactment. The bill has scaled the second reading in both chambers of the National Assembly.

Okwosa said the PIB, originally introduced in December

2008, had undergone numerous revisions which have been the subject of intense debates.

The lawyer said there were myriad of shortcomings in the bill, which need to be redressed to forestall hindrances in implementation.

He said: “The new PIB empowers the President to unilaterally grant discretionary oil licences under special circumstances, without a competitive bid process.

“It also gives wide powers to the Petroleum Minister to revoke leases unconditionally and to do ‘all such other things, incidental to the performance of its function’.

“The bill does not provide any mechanism to check the abuse of these powers.”

Okwosa noted that the PIB mandates oil companies to remit 10 per cent of their net profits to host communities as compensation.

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

F

ORTY-six persons were convicted and 84 others arrested in the last six months for committing drugs offences in Ogun State.

Also, 73 hectares of land, which were found to have been devoted to the cultivation of cannabis sativa (Indian hemp) in various forest reserves in the state, were destroyed.

The State Commander of the National Drug law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr Bala Fagge, spoke in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, during the United Nations (UN) Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

He urged the Ibikunle Amosun administration to support the agency with operational vehicles to ease its fight against use and distribution of illicit drugs in the state.

According to him, this would enable the NDLEA to “conduct raid operations and dislodge drug dealers across the state” as well as “reduce crime and simplify governance”.

NDLEA convicts 60 for drug abuse From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

S

IXTY people have been convicted and sentenced to various jail terms for drug trafficking offences in Benue State.

The State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mrs C. N. Obuuru, spoke yesterday at this year’s United Nations (UN) International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking.

She said 170 suspects have been arrested, adding that they comprise 152 men and 18 women.

The NDLEA commander said 61 suspects were prosecuted and only one acquitted.

The state commander said 21,636 hectares of cannabis farms were destroyed at various locations in Konshisha, Buruku, Logo and Katsina Ala Local Government areas of the state.

She explained that 59 addicts were counselled and released to their families while 21 visa clearance were treated by the agency.

NDLEA arrests 70 in Enugu

Fed Govt, states partner on food security

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HE Federal Government has said it is commited to food security through partnership with state governments and the private sector.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Ibukun Odusote, spoke yesterday at the beginning of the meeting of the 40th National Council on Agriculture (NCA) in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

She noted that realising the value-chain programme of the Agriculture Transformation

From Ernest Nwokolo and Olugbenga Adanikin, Abeokuta

Agenda (ATA) would pave the way for increased productivity and enhance easier management of farm input.

The permanent secretary said the meeting would review past policies on agriculture as well as develop a new framework to enable the nation realise its agricultural programme.

The NCA is the highest policy-making body on agriculture and rural development. It

is an avenue for the Federal Government, states, the private sector and other stakeholders to review and direct agricultural policies to ensure food and nutritional security.

Mrs Odusote said: “This meeting is coming at a time when the Federal Government is pursuing a robust transformation agenda in the agricultural sector.

“Accordingly, the task before us at this meeting is enormous, as we gather in the next five days to share experiences arising from the policy implementation and chart a new

course for the sector.”

The permanent secretary noted that the challenge before the sector is more daunting but exciting because the Federal Government has taken some far-reaching policy decisions through its stakeholders to ensure the success of food security in the country.

Mrs Odusote added: “The meeting is, therefore, expected to develop an implementation action plan towards actualising the agenda and realising the government’s short, medium and long-term food security goals...”

From Chris Oji, Enugu

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HE Enugu State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) said it arrested 70 persons between January and June this year.

Among those arrested were 62 men and eight women.

The state commander of the agency, Anthony Ohanyere, gave the figures yesterday during the United Nations (UN) Day Against Drug Abuse and Trafficking at the 82 Division Nigerian Army, Enugu.

He said within the period, 595.717 kilogrammes (above half a tonne) of substances, suspected to be Indian hemp, were seized.

Also seized were 6.2 grammes and 0.5 grammes of substances suspected to be cocaine and heroine.

Ohanyere also said 13 persons were prosecuted and convicted at the Federal High court, Enugu, while 35 addicts were counselled and rehabilitated during the period.

He said new psychoactive substances have been discovered. They include goskolo, commonly found in the North, rubber solution, petrol, thinner used by panel beaters/painters, inhaling of fumes from pit latrines and excessive abuse of cough syrups.

THE NATION THURSDAY JUNE 27, 2013

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NEWS

N25.7b ‘theft’: Atuche, others urge court to quash charges T

HE former Managing Director of Bank PHB (now Keystone) Mr. Francis Atuche and two others yesterday urged a Lagos High Court, Ikeja to quash the 27-count charge filed against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The other defendants are Atuche’s wife, Elizabeth and the former Chief Financial Officer of the bank, Ugo Anyanwu.

The request was contained in a no case submission filed through their counsel, Chief Anthony Idigbe (SAN) and brought pursuant to sections 35(3), 36(5) of the Constitution and Section 239 of the Administration of Criminal Laws of Lagos State.

Atuche, his wife Elizabeth and Mr. Anyanwu were arraigned before Justice Lateefat Okunnu on allegations of stealing N25.7 billion belonging to the bank.

The defendants urged the court to strike/dismiss or acquit them of the charges.

In the motion supported by a

By Adebisi Onanuga

five-paragraph affidavit and a written address filed by their counsel, Chief Idigbe, the court was urged to dismiss the charges against the first and second defendants for being “duplicitous.”

“Counts one to 10 as listed and counts 11 to 27 are similar charges that are duplicated, which means that one cannot commit the two sets of count the same time,” he said.

Idigbe argued that the evidence provided by the prosecution did not warrant putting the defendants in the witness box because they were circumstantial and contradictory.

He also told the court that the evidence by the witnesses were unreliable, adding that there were noticeable contradictions of facts as it concerns issues of the actual money allegedly stolen and the acceptable banking procedures.

Chief Idigbe cited several authorities to buttress his submission on why Atuche and his wife should have the charges brought against them discharged.

He submitted that the over-generalisation of the facts by the prosecution, which is sacred and the absence of vital witnesses, such as Peter Ololo, was a serious lacuna in the prosecution’s case.

Idigbe said there was no evidence linking Atuche’s wife, Elizabeth, directly to the charges against them.

According to him, the only evidence before the court was that she was a director and a shareholder of the companies alleged to have benefited from the loan transaction.

“The only offence against the second defendant was that she was a housewife to the first defendant, who was the managing director of

the bank and a director of the companies,” Chief Idigbe said.

In a similar vein, counsel to the third defendant (Anyanwu), Mr. Sylva Ogwuemor, urged the court to be bold in doing justice by discharging the charges against his client as there was no evidence sufficient enough to warrant his trial.

He described the evidence by the prosecuting witnesses as speculative and that they did not show that his client was a beneficiary of the money allegedly stolen from the bank.

According to him, the only link to his client was signing a letter and sending an e-mail, which he described as a legitimate duty associated with his position as the chief financial officer of the bank.

Ogwuemor said the prosecution had failed to lay before the court

impeachable evidence against his client as the statement of his client was inadmissible in law with regard to the administration of criminal justice laws for failing to video his confession or take his statement in front of a legal officer.

But counsel to the EFCC, Mr. Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), opposed the defence and urged the court to discountenance their submissions.

Pinheiro claimed to have provided enough potent, cogent and forensic evidence of the action of the defendants on the charges of which they are accomplices.

Mr. Pinheiro argued that it was a misconception of the law for the defence to state that the charges were duplicitous since the doctrine of double jeopardy had no place with respect to counts or offences.

Justice Okunnu adjourned the matter till July 1 for ruling on the no-case submission applications of the defendants.

Ogun makes case for agric

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ARTICIPANTS at the on-going 40th National Council on Agriculture and Rural Development in Abeokuta, the OgunState capital have been urged to come up with policies capable of impacting positively on the agricultural sector.

The Commissioner for Agriculture, Mrs. Ronke Sokefun, who gave the advice while welcoming them, explained that this would enhance the activities and works of concerned stakeholders in the sector.

The commissioner also added that such policies would have positive bearings on the country’s efforts to achieve thepoverty alleviation component of the Millennium Development

• Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs. Ibukun Odusote (left) and Ogun State Commissioner for Agriculture, Mrs. Ronke Sokefun, during the Technical Session at the ongoing Conference of National Council of Agriculture and Rural Development in Abeokuta.

Goals (MDGs).

Mrs Sokefun explained that in OgunState, government places a high premium on agricultural development as it believes that the sector remained central to its aspiration on food security and industrialisation.

“The commitment of this administration to rebuilding the economy of the state through agriculture is on the understanding that agriculture is the only sustainable source of livelihood. The commitment is expressed in the third cardinal programme of our State Government; Increased agricultural production and industrialisation with a view to ensuring food security”, Mrs Sokefun said.

Army to enlist tradesmen, women

Senate okays Kekere-Ekun as Supreme Court Justice T HE Senate yesterday confirmed Justice Kudirat M.O. KekereEkun as a justice of the Supreme Court.

It considered the report of the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Legal Matters, which screened Justice Kekere-Ekun.

Before she was unanimously confirmed, Senator Olufemi Lanlehin (Oyo South) described her as hard working and articulate, saying her erudite judgments were a source of joy to Nigerians.

The lawmaker noted that as a lawyer, he had appeared before Justice Kekere-Ekun, who started in private practice.

Lanlehin said the Screening Committee asked Justice Kekere-Ekun how the judiciary could be improved through the use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) and she answered correctly being ICTcompliant.

The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) senator said there was no doubt that the appointment of Justice Kekere-Ekun as a justice of the Supreme Court would enhance the apex court and

•Akinkuotu confirmed NCAA’s DG From: Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

the country.

Senator Ita Enang (Akwa Ibom North East) noted that Justice Kekere-Ekun attained her position on individual merit.

He said the National Judicial Council should increase the number of Supreme Court justices to ensure equity in the country.

Enang insisted that no part of the country should be made to feel that it is not represented.

Senator Heineken Lokpobiri also raised the issue of equity in the appointment of justices.

He said in the past, some zones in the country always dominated appointment in the Supreme Court.

The Bayelsa lawmaker said people of integrity, who could convict their children, should be appointed Supreme Court justices and merit should be the yardstick for appointments.

Senator Chris Ngige

‘Senator Chris Ngige (Anambra Central) described Justice KekereEkun as one of the judges whose judgments always go down well with Nigerians’ (Anambra Central) described Justice Kekere-Ekun as one of the judges whose judgments always go down well with Nigerians.

Justice Kekere-Ekun, he said, “is a fit and proper person” to serve as a Supreme Court justice.

Ngige hailed the Screening Committee for not overemphasising the federal character, saying: “If three justices from Lagos State will give the country justice, so be it.”

He also said contrary to the picture painted by the committee, the Southeast zone has only two justices in the Supreme Court instead of

three as stated by the committee.

Senate Leader Victor Ndoma-Egba said Justice Kekere-Ekun was not appointed because she is a woman.

He said the female justices of the Supreme Court were appointed on merit.

Ndoma-Egba hailed Justice Kekere-Ekun for a deserved appointment.

Senate President David Mark congratulated Justice Kekere-Ekun on her appointment.

He noted that as testified by senators, Justice KekereEkun’s appointment would enhance the Supreme Court and the country.

Mark said he believes the country can find other qualified Nigerians in every zone.

He said efforts should be made to appoint Supreme Court justices from the Northeast zone.

The Senate also confirmed Captain Fola Akinkuotu as the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

Mark urged Akinkuotu to go to NCAA “with a clear mind to achieve the purpose for which you are appointed.”

N

IGERIAN Army has begun the sale of scratch cards for the 70th regular recruit intake for tradesmen and women in the fields of engineering, communication, medical science, catering, driving and others.

According to a statement by the Army Public Relations Officer Lt. Ojo Adenegan, interested candidates are to purchase their scratch cards at N1,000.00 at the Union Bank Plc and Unity Bank Plc branches nationwide.

He said the basic qualification requirements are credits in three subjects including English language, at not more than two sittings in WASC/NECO/SSCE/NABTEB. The Army spokesman said applicants, who must be between 18 and 26 years by July 31, should possess OND/ TRADE TEST/CITY and GUILD Certificate.

He said the registration would end on July 16 and prescreening examination would hold on July 20 at designated zonal centres nationwide.

Lt. Adenegan said candidates are expected to check the website on July 25 for the list of shortlisted candidates to attend a zonal screening.

According to him, shortlisted candidates must attend the zonal screening at designated centres in their states from July 29 to August 2.

2015: TMG urges internal party reforms From Bukola Amusan, Abuja

HEAD of the 2015 general elections, the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) yesterday urged major political parties to embark on internal reforms and create a well- nuanced system.

This, TMG said, would help to build a country where corruption is minimised, the views of the minorities are taken into account and the voice of the most vulnerable in the society are heard in decision-making.

The group said recent cases of internal wrangling in major political parties should be tackled and averted so that the country could move forward.

The TMG Chairman, Ibrahim Zikirullahi, spoke at a oneday participatory meeting on roadmap to sustainable electoral reforms.

He said: “It is sad that under a civilian-based governance, Nigerians have grappled with an unsatisfactory system that includes inappropriate allocation of resources, inefficient revenue system and weak delivery of vital public services.

“The across the board poor governance system has led to slow access to public services by the poor and other disadvantaged members of the society, such as women, children and the minorities.”

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THE NATION THURSDAY JUNE 27, 2013

NEWS

Sambo: democracy can’t survive with weak parties

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ICE-President Namadi Sambo has said any democracy without strong and dynamic political parties cannot survive.

He spoke in Jos, Plateau State capital, yesterday at the inauguration of the Political Party Leadership and Development Centre.

The Vice-President, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Special Matters, Senator Isaiah Balay, lamented that too often, little attention was paid to the development of strong political parties.

According to him, “political parties are crucial to de-

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From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, JOS

mocracy as they serve to bring like-minded people together to strive for a common goal.”

He went on: “Parties provide policy ideas about how a society should be governed, identify and train political leaders, and also act as links between citizens and their government.

“Too often, little attention is paid to the development of strong political parties.

Rather, more concern is shown to the establishment of government bodies and civic organisations.

“These institutions are important. However, without strong and dynamic political parties, democracy cannot survive.

“Political parties, like other institutions, should enhance their capacity in response to changing circumstances. Political parties will decline over time if they do not make efforts to strengthen themselves.

“Leaders of political parties owe themselves the obligation to take advantage of the opportunity offered by this important centre for selfimprovement.”

The Director- General of

Akpabio, Mark, Ndoma-Egba hail KWA IBOM State Mogaji Governor Godswill

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•Sambo

the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos, Prof.

Tijani Muhammed Bande, said the centre was established for research, training and capacity building for registered political parties.

Anxiety over planned retirement of Immigration chiefs

ALPABLE fear and tension have gripped the top hierarchy of the Nigerian Immigration Services (NIS) on plans to retire some Deputy Comptroller Generals (DCGs), who should have been elevated.

According to laid- down civil service regulations, a level 15-17 officer must have spent at least four years as Assistant Comptroller before he can qualify as a Deputy Comptroller.

In an interview last week

by the Civil Defence, Fire, Immigration and Prison Board, eight of the 24 shorlisted Deputy Comptrollers are said to be qualified for the position, while 18 are not qualified since they have spent only more than one year in their current positions.

Of the lot, the two most senior are due to retire in July and September, which should clear the coast for any of the other most senior of-

ficers to be appointed.

Part of the conditions for promotion is seniority and merit, conditions which had previously been abused.

In March, two most Senior Deputy Comptrollers were nominated to act as DG in contravention of the Federal Character Commission regulation.

The retirement of the former Comptroller Rose Uzouma has led to a long drawn battle of succession.

Of the 36 state commands, five comptrollers are said to be from Benue State. Seven vacancies exist in the position under dispute with even those not qualified pulling political strings to get the position.

According to the provisions of the board’s scheme of service, for candidates to be eligible for promotion to the post of Deputy Comptroller, they must have spent four years in the post of Assistant Comptroller- General.

Nigeria‘ll be better, says Afe Babalola

•Chief Babalola

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HE Founder and Chancellor of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), has said

Nigeria would be a better place for all if those who should make it better are ready to apply themselves to make it better.

Receiving members of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria in Ado-Ekiti yesterday, the legal icon reiterated that with the monumental achievements of the university in less than four years of existence, “we are poised to challenge any institution in the world and stand side-by-side with them. We have the master plan and the time table to catch up with them in no dis-

tant future.”

Babalola recalled that ordinarily, a three-and-a-halfyear-old university should still be crawling, but due to a dint of hard work, dedication and determination, ABUAD, which has been described as the fastest growing university in Africa, is not only standing, but outstanding and already running, ready to catch up and beat those in existence before it.

According to him, education in ABUAD is not only

about learning, it is also about industry, discipline and character moulding as well as inculcating decency in the heart of future leaders of the country.

The President and Chairman of Council of the institute, Mr. Ganiyu Koledoye, said what members of the institute have heard and seen in ABUAD propelled them to want to partner the university so that students graduating in Social Sciences could take the institute’s professional examinations to become Chartered Marketers.

Nigeria ratifies MLC with ILO

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IGERIA has taken a major step towards the domestication of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006 with the submission of the instrument of ratification to the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

This was made known by a statement from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

The Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu, presented Nigeria’s instrument of ratification of the MLC 2006 to the Director-General of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Mr. Guy Ryder, during the just-concluded 102nd Session of the ILO Conference in Geneva, Switzerland.

With this submission, Nigeria became the fifth country from Africa and 38th among the 185-member organisation to ratify the convention, which provides comprehensive rights and

By Uyoatta Eshiet

protection at work for the world’s over 1.2 million seafarers.

The convention also aims to achieve decent work for seafarers and secure economic interests in fair competition for quality ship owners.

Before handing over the ratification instrument to the DG ILO, Wogu noted that the quest to provide productive and decent jobs for the teeming youth population in an environmentally sustainable manner made the ratification of MLC 2006 more compelling.

He said the provisions of the MLC 2006 are in line with the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan administration, which has human capacity development particularly youth empowerment as its focus.

Mr. Ryder hailed the Nigerian government for ratifying the convention and described the submission of the ratification instrument as the

‘With this submission, Nigeria became the fifth country from Africa and 38th among the 185-member organisation to ratify the convention’ highpoint of the 102nd session of the ILO Conference in Geneva, adding that the 38 countries that have ratified the convention account for 69 per cent of global ship tonnage.

Speaking shortly after the instrument was submitted to the ILO boss, the DirectorGeneral of NIMASA, Mr. Ziakede Patrick Akpobolokemi, who was represented by the Executive Director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, Callistus Nwabueze Obi, a lawyer, described the ratification of the MLC 2006 Convention as a major milestone in the quest

to enhance the maritime labour industry in Nigeria.

“The ratification of MLC 2006 is a defining moment for the Nigerian maritime sector. It comes with a whole lot of activities that will impact on the maritime sector in terms of labour and in terms of crewing. As a matter of fact, it opens a new vista entirely. Today we’ve just finished with the submission of the instrument of ratification; when we get back home, we will begin an entirely new process that will turn the sector around,” Obi said.

Chairman, House Committee on Treaty and Agreements, Dayo Bush Alebiosu and Chairman, House Committee on Labour, Employment and Productivity, Essien Ekpenyong Ayi, who were part of the official delegation to the event, assured of their commitment to work with other stakeholders for prompt domestication of the convention.

Akpabio has described the late Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji as a phenomenon, who left her footprints on the sands of time.

The governor visited the home of the National Leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) Asiwaju Bola Tinubu yesterday to condole with him.

He said: “Mama Mogaji was a mother of all. Her influence transcended Lagos State. She was a role model to many struggling women in Nigeria.

She lived long enough to see her siblings blossom and particularly her son Asiwaju Tinubu, who served as Lagos State Governor for eight years. May her soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.”

Senate President David Mark said in a message he sent that the late Alhaja Mogaji was

By Musa Odoshimokhe

an ideal mother, who contributed her quota to the peace and development of the society.

He said: “She was a great businesswoman and a leader, whose philanthropic gesture cuts across ethnic and religious boundaries.

“As a great leader, who brought dignity and honour into administration and purposeful management in commerce and industry in Lagos and environs; the late Alhaja Mogaji would be remembered for her leadership quality.”

Senate Leader Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba also said in a message he sent: “My family, the people of Cross River Central and I join you in celebrating the life of your dear mother Alhaja Mogaji, who recently died at a ripe age of 97.”

Oronsaye Report: Fed Govt moves to place research agencies under varsities From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

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HE Federal Executive Council (FEC) yesterday concluded a review of the work of the White Paper Drafting Committee on the Presidential Committee on the Rationalisation and Restructuring of Federal Government parastatals and commissions.

It was headed by ex-Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Steve Oronsaye.

Briefing State House correspondents at the end of the meeting presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan, the Minister of Information Labaran Maku said the final decisions would be made public after a clean-up of the council’s review work in the past three week has been concluded.

He said the two committees headed by the Minister of National Planning, Dr. Shamsudeen Usman, have been set up to look at the research agencies with a view to placing them under existing universities.

The second committee, he said, is to look at commercialising the National Theatre since many Nigerians have opposed its privatisation.

Court quashes charges against USTICE Mudashiru Elumelu, others

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Oniyangi of the Abuja High Court yesterday quashed the 62-count charge of financial embezzlement brought against Senator Nicholas Ugbane and Ndudi Elumelu, a lawmaker in the House of Representatives.

The judge in a ruling also freed former House of Representatives member Mohammed Jibo.

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

Justice Oniyangi held that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie evidence linking the lawmakers with the allegations.

The judge further held that there was no basis for the leave initially granted the prosecuting agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to arraign them.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2013

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Man held for 'raping' varsity student

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man, who allegedly kidnapped and raped a 22-year-old female undergraduate of the University of Lagos, Akoka, for refusing to date him, has been arrested by the police.

The suspect, Babajide Bashorun, also 22, is a dog breeder. He was said to have raped the student, took pictures of her nudity and posted them on the Internet, with the victim's academic details.

The Nation learnt that the victim was unaware of the development until her colleagues told her.

The matter was reported at the Adeniji Adele Police station from where operatives moved to arrest Bashorun.

Detectives are also hunting for two undergraduates of the university - Aje Mayowa and Babajide Ademuyiwa - both 400 level students of Architecture, for their alleged complicity.

Narrating her ordeal, the girl (names withheld), said: "Jide came to our house to treat our dog. He asked for my Black Berry pin and phone numbers, which I gave him because I saw him as a friend. When he suddenly said he wanted to date me, I told him that I already had somebody that I love. But he insisted.

"I deleted him from my BB and phone. I was returning home for the weekend one day, when a car drove and blocked me at Idumota bus stop. Jide was in the car. When I saw Jide, I hissed and made to walk away. He held my hand, dragged me closer and showed me a gun under the waist band of his trousers. He dragged me into the car and took me to his house. He started beating me and tore my clothes. He and his friend raped me."

She recounted further: "He asked me to unlock my phone.

My password is my boyfriend's name. He started beating me again because I used my boy friend's name as my password.

He gave me his phone to speak with his cultist friends. They threatened to kill me. He hit my head and back with a bottle. When he wanted to take my picture, I tried to cover my face, but he started beating me again. He took different shots.

When I was bleeding, he

'Mogaji was a devoted Muslim'

By Jude Isiguzo and Precious Igbonwelundu

begged me, that he didn't know what came over him. His friend, had left."

"I cried. He asked me for what I would eat, I said I was not hungry. He did not allow me call my mother. I begged him to delete my nude pictures, but I guessed he didn't. He covered my face with a shirt. In the morning, he made to get me some drugs.

"I was surprised that the door was unlocked ... I ran out.

When I got home, my brother saw blood on me. I told him I had an accident and told my mother I fought with a fellow student, who used to smoke Indian hemp."

"When Jide discovered I had escaped, he called and said if I told anybody, he would kill me. Because he is a cult member, I didn't. His friends also threatened me."

The girl's mother said: "When Jide discovered that we had been informed of the

• Bashorun

crime, he threatened that he and his co-cultists would come to burn our house down! We couldn't sleep. We embarked on a vigil."

Bashorun said: "She is my girlfriend. We fought in April and settled. I have begged her and she has forgiven me. What happened in April was that she asked me for money, that she wanted to buy I-Pad. The costs is about N100,000. She was always asking for money. And I always tried my best to satisfy her.

"I raised about N70,000 for her. She came to my house to collect the money. I told her to desist from going to

• The victim’s wounded back

clubs for prostitution. We fought. I used floor mop to hit her back. I took her pictures, sent them to my friend, but I didn't tell him to distribute them on the Internet."

Bashorun was charged to Tinubu Magistrates' Court, Lagos lsland before Magistrate A.O Awogboro on a six-count charge of kidnapping, rape, conspiracy, attempted murder, indecent assault, and assault occasioning harm.

He pleaded not guilty. He was granted bail with three sureties in the sum of N250, 000 each. The case was adjoined till July 10.

THE departed President-General of Market Men and Women in Lagos State, Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, was yesterday described as a devoted Muslim who did her best to make her society better than she met it.

The view was expressed by the family of the National Publicity Secretary of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Alhaji Lai Mohammed in Oro, Kwara State, in its condolence message to the party's National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

Jointly signed by Alhaji Ganiyu Mohammed, Alhaji Mudashiru Mohammed and Alhaji Fatai Mohammed, the family described the woman as "a mother par excellence, a great merchant and truly devoted Muslim who lived for Allah through her life time."

It urged Tinubu to take her death as Allah’s will, noting that though she died at the ripe age of 96, the country, needs her services, especially politically. It described her as an ideal leader and a woman of

strong character who contributed immensely to peace and good governance in Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole.

The family said she would be missed by millions of those who benefitted from her generosity because she was always on the side of the poor.

"We condole with Governor Babatunde Fashola, his Osun counterpart, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and the families of Mogaji, Tinubu and Onikoyi of Lagos over the great loss. May Allah grant her eternal rest and protect those she left behind," the family added.

•Mohammed

Monarch hosts Obasanjo, Amosun ON Saturday, dignitaries from all walks of life will converge on Agbado, an Ogun State community, for the official commissioning of the ultramodern palace of the town's monarch, Oba Richard Adedayo Shyllon, the Alagbado of Agbado land.

The edifice, built by the monarch, will be opened by the state governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun.

Other dignitaries expected at the event include former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who is the special guest of honour; Prince Segun Adesegun, Ogun State Deputy Governor; Rt. Hon. Suraj Adekunbi, Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly; Hon. Muyiwa Oladipupo,

By Wale Ajetunmobi

Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Titles, and his Environment counterpart, Dr Lanre Tejuosho.

The week-long ceremony, which coincides with activities marking the 50th birthday of the monarch, started on Monday with a visit to the palace by the chiefs and the Olorisha group in the town. There will be cultural and Egungun displays by youths and some cultural groups.

After prayers by Muslims and Christians at the palace after which the Amosun will open the palace.

Elated Oba Shyllon said the edifice is among the legacies he would bequeath to his people.

Dangote Group fetes children • Chairman, Surulere Local Government, Lagos State, Hon Tajudeen Ajide ... at an empowerment forum with some women in his domain

Arota Orogun family condoles with Tinubu

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HE Arota family of Orile Oshodi, Oshodi, Lagos, yesterday sympathised with the former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, over the death of his mother, Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji.

The family's condolence message was contained in a statement signed by its Olori

Ebi, Chief Teslim Adeola Almaroof.

Almaroof said the death of Mogaji, the President -General of the Nigerian Market Women and Men Association, was a great loss to the nation.

He remarked that the woman touched many lives positively during her life time, contributed to the liberation of many from the shackles of poverty and remained dog-

By Adebisi Onanuga

gedly on the side of the masses and in her relentless fight for the rights of market men and women.

He said she stood for, and on the side of the needy in the society till end as a philanthropist.

He, therefore, urged women across the country to emulate the late Mogaji, describing her as a role model.

Police arraign 21 over market crisis

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HE police in Lagos yesterday arraigned 21 suspected miscreants, who allegedly fought themselves and others with dangerous weapons while sharing the money they collected from markets.

The accused appeared before an Ogudu Chief Magistrates' Court on a four-count charge of breach of peace, assault, causing damages and using charms.

The Prosecutor, Cpl. Adekemi Adeniran, told the court that they committed the offences on June 21 between 4.00pm and 7.00 pm at the Ketu and Ikosi markets in Lagos State.

"The accused were fighting over money collected at the two markets. They resorted to using dangerous weapons such as

cutlasses, hoes, bottles and charms to assault themselves and innocent people," Adeniran said.

She said that the value of property destroyed by the accused was yet to be ascertained.

The prosecutor said that the offences contravened Sections 45, 171, 166 and 248 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The accused, all resident in Ketu and Ikosi, however, pleaded not guilty.

Chief Magistrate Omolade Awope granted each of them bail in the sum of N50,000 with a surety in like sum and ordered that the sureties must provide evidence of two-year tax payment to the state. The case was adjourned till July 17 for mention. NAN.

AS part of its effort to give back to children, major consumers of its products, Dangote Paster, a subsidiary of Dangote Group, has organised a party for over 200 pupils from over 20 schools across Ikorodu, a Lagos suburb.

The chairman of the occasion and Managing Director of Tiger Heads Brand, owner of Dangote Noodles, Pasta and Deli Foods, Mr. Vasu Moodly, urged the children to see the programme as token payback to the public and a means of showing love to them.

"I want you to see this as a token payback to you. I also

By Jeremiah Oke

want to use this medium to tell you that you are the future of this nation and you need to do everything to attain greatness.

We embarked on this Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to show our appreciation to you children as our major consumers," Moodly said.

The organisation's head of marketing, Miss Adetokumbo Dosunmu, said the organisation brought the children together to motivate them, adding that the programme would be turned annual.

Saudi prunes down pilgrims OVER 700 intending pilgrims from Lagos State may not perform this year's hajj as a result of a reduction in their number from all countries, Commissioner for Home Affairs and Culture, Mr Oyinlomo Danmole, has said.

He said that Saudi Authorities had reduced the pilgrims by 20 per cent. He spoke during the presentation of the 'Best Hajj Operation in Nigeria Award' to one of the hajj operators, AlHajaaj International Umrah and

By Musa Odoshimokhe

Hajj Services Limited.

He explained that the state's Pilgrims Board "now faces the challenge of how to reduce the number of intending pilgrims."

He stated that though some of the intending pilgrims were yet to fully pay fares, the board would carry out stiff screening to reduce their number.

He described Al-Hujaaj's award as well-deserved and urged it to serve people better.

Church holds service DEEPER Life Christian Ministry has concluded plans to stage its mid-year special miracle celebration slated for June 29 and 30 at Km 42, Deeper Life Conference Centre, Ibadan-Expressway.

The programme, tagged, "When Mountain Move," expected to attract thousands of Christian faithful, will fea-

By Adeola Ogunlade

ture bible teaching, thanksgiving, seminar, rendition of songs and prophetic ministration.

The General Superintendent of the church, Pastor William Kumuyi and other pastors will minister at the event.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2013

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NEWS Bank donates bus, gifts to Ibadan orphanage From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

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•Wife of the Ekiti State governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi (middle) presenting a plaque to the Project Director, Miss Nigeria Beauty Pageant, Connie Nnachetam-Agu, during the Miss Nigeria, 2013, team’s visit to the governor in Ado-Ekiti...at the weekend. With them is the.Commissioner for Culture, Arts and Tourism, Mrs. Ronke Okusanya.

Fayemi urges teachers to end strike

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KITI State Governor Kayode Fayemi has urged striking teachers to accept the 15 per cent of the Teachers’ Peculiar Allowance, which the government is offering them.

Teachers are demanding 27.5 per cent payment of the allowance.

The governor spoke on Tuesday during a monthly live media chat, tagged: “Meet Your Governor”.

He urged the teachers to end the strike “in the interest of the pupils, who have been at home for over three weeks”.

Fayemi said the 12.5 per cent balance would be paid “when the state’s finances improve”.

Explaining that the ongoing recruitment of teachers was not aimed at replacing the striking teachers, he said: “The process of employing more teachers to fill vacancies in the Teaching Service was already on before the strike began in

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

June.”

The governor urged the striking teachers to emulate their counterparts in Ogun State, “who showed understanding with their state government and ended the strike when offered 15 per cent increase”.

He said Ogun State, which earns N5 billion monthly, could only offer 15 per cent because of the heavy burden the demand would put on its finances.

Fayemi said the salary of teachers had been increased twice since he assumed office to motivate them.

He said: “Teachers were on a minimum wage of N8,500 when I became governor and they have enjoyed both the 33 per cent relativity pay and N19,300 national minimum wage.

“At the time the 33 per cent relativity pay rise was packaged for core civil servants, teachers showed interest and were included in the package, which they believed was higher than the 27.5 per cent special allowance.”

Fayemi said the implementation of the 27.5 per cent allowance would increase the state’s monthly wage bill by N172 million, which would translate to over N2 billion annually.

He said the current monthly wage bill is N2.2 billion and the state is left with N400 million for capital projects.

The governor said: “My attitude is to continue to appeal to them because all of us are stakeholders. We are talking to them and we believe that good sense will prevail in the end.”

On ongoing projects of his administration, Fayemi promised to complete them as

scheduled. He said they are being financed with the N20 billion bond sourced from the capital market.

The governor said the State Pavilion to be used for ceremonial events would be completed before the year runs out, adding that work has reached an advanced stage at the Funmi Olayinka Civic Centre.

Dismissing claims in some quarters that the new Government House is not a priority, Fayemi argued that the structure presently being used as the Government House was designed to be a guest house.

He said: “Ekiti is not a second-class state. I have visited other Government Houses in the country and I know what obtains there. This is not my personal building and when I finish my tenure, I will not carry it to Isan-Ekiti. That is why all these projects are called legacy projects.”

Nigeria lacks moral infrastructure, says Fashola

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AGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola has said Nigeria lacks moral infrastructure.

Fashola spoke while inaugurating the Centre for Political Parties and Policy Development at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, Jos, the Plateau State capital.

The centre was established by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and its international partners for the capacity-building of registered political parties in Nigeria.

It is one of UNDP’s Demo-

From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

cratic Governance for Development (DGD) projects.

Fashola, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Special Duties, Dr. Aderemi Defalo, said: “The missing condiment in our present democracy is moral infrastructure. Politicians can build roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, etc, but all that will become nonsense if the society lacks moral infrastructure.

“The government needs to

establish three types of infrastructure to have an ideal society. One is physical infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, etc.

“The second is intellectual infrastructure, such as science, research, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), computers, etc. But the most important is moral and social infrastructure.

“Physical and intellectual infrastructure are useless without a strong value system. As far as I am concerned, moral infrastructure is lacking in our polity and I am urg-

ing leaders to build it, else our democracy becomes a laughing stock in the eyes of the world.”

The governor said the centre would promote democracy.

Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Government House, Mrs. Ngozi Okeke, urged UNDP to include conflict management in the centre’s curriculum.

Obi decried poor management of internal conflict, identifying it as the bane of political parties.

‘Akande, Adebayo good choices for APC’ From Damisi Ojo, Akure

•Akande

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EADERS of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have been lauded for appointing Chief Bisi Akande as the Interim

National Chairman and Otunba Niyi Adebayo as the National Vice-Chairman (Southwest) of the party.

A chieftain of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Ondo State and son of former Governor Adebayo Adefarati, Otunba Gboyega Adefarati, described Akande, who is the ACN’s National Chairman, as “the right choice”.

Adefarati said Akande is a pragmatic leader and seasoned administrator.

In a statement, Adefarati

said Akande is one of the most versatile politicians in Nigeria today with experience in administrative and political affairs management.

He said: “When he was the governor of Osun State, he showed humility in power and as ACN’s National Chairman, he worked tirelessly to raise the profile of the progressive party from producing one governor to six, as well as other elective offices outside the Southwest.

“Akande’s style of leadership endeared him to the younger generation and that is why we call him ‘Father of

the youths (Baba omo kekeke)’.

The Asiwaju of Ila-Orangun is a pride to the Yoruba race as he is an embodiment of the core values of an Omoluabi.

“With Akande as APC Chairman, the days of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are numbered in Nigeria.”

Adefarati described Adebayo as “a great mobiliser and a politician who knows his onions”.

He said as the first Governor of Ekiti State, Adebayo’s political experience will come handy in his new assignment.

IDELITY Bank Plc has donated a school bus and gifts worth millions of Naira to Total Parental Guidance Orphanage in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The firm also renovated the orphanage.

It donated the gifts through the Fidelity Helping Hands Programme (FHHP). Handing over the gifts to the orphanage’s management, the bank’s General Manager in the Southwest, Mr. Tobi Lawal, said the donations were part of the company’s social responsibility.

He said the government cannot cater for all citizens, adding that it is the responsibility of every Nigerian to help abandoned children.

Lawal adopted one of the abandoned children, Segun Akomolafe and donated N100,000 to the home.

The proprietor of the orphanage, Mr. Segun Ogungbe, said one of the objectives of the home is to build the future of abandoned children and thanked the bank for its continuous support.

Listing the challenges of the home, Ogungbe said: “One of our main problems is pipe-borne water. We need a borehole, an electricity generating set, dining table, computers, printers, educational books and other supporting materials.

“We take care of the children’s education and ensure that they know how to read and write. Some of them are in various primary and secondary school.”

He urged organisations and individuals to assist the home.

A Chief Judge, Justice Olajumoke Aiki, donated N50,000 to the orphanage and adopted one of the children.

Justice Aiki urged Nigerians to cultivate the habit of helping the less-privileged.

68 communities enjoy Oyo agency’s projects From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

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BOUT 68 communities in 21 local government areas of Oyo State have benefited from the micro projects of the State Community and Social Development Agency (OYCSDA).

Speaking with reporters yesterday in his office at Bodija in Ibadan, the state capital, OYCSDA’s Acting General Manager Mr. Babatunde Christopher said the agency has completed 228 projects and 96 are ongoing.

Christopher said communities identify the projects they want and set up a Community Project Management Committee (CPMC) to implement it.

The agency was established in June, 2009, to implement World Bank Assisted Community and Social Development Projects (CSDP) Christopher said: “OYCSDA builds the capacity of communities to implement the projects and is not involved in the procurement of materials. It provides Community Development Plans (CDPs), funding, training, supervision, monitoring and evaluation to ensure that the project plans are strictly adhered to.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2013

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NEWS

•From left: Wife of the Dean Emeritus, Lagos West Anglican Church of Nigeria, Mrs. Oluranti Ademowo; author of The Goodness in Problems, Ms. Ufuoma Iseh; the Chief Sponsor, Mr. Gabriel PHOTO: NNEKA NWANERI Oramasionwu; his wife, Nne and the book presenter, Mr. Okey Arinze at the launch of the book at Our Saviours Anglican Church, Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.

Four arraigned for Ilupeju violence From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

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OUR men were yesterday arraigned at the Ekiti State Magistrate’s Court for their alleged involvement in last week’s destruction of the palace of the Apeju of IlupejuEkiti, Oba Emmanuel Oniyelu.

Police prosecutor Curtis Enabulele said Salami Temitope, Bamidele Asoge, Ikan Ilesanmi and Arowojobe Sunday also vandalised a police van.

Counsel to the accused Mr. Emmanuel Adedeji urged the court to grant his clients bail.

Magistrate Adefunke Ajibade granted them N50,000 bail and one surety each in like sum. She adjourned the case till July 12.

Last week, some youths protested the choice of Mr. Ojo Kayode for a chieftaincy title by Oba Oniyelu.

They set some property on fire and allegedly shot five people.

Ajimobi to attend UK summit

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YO State Governor Abiola Ajimobi will tomorrow attend a two-day investment summit in London, the United Kingdom (UK).

The summit, organised by the Nigerian High Commissioner in the UK, Dalhatu Sarki Tafida, will inform investors of investment opportunities in Oyo. It is also aimed at exchanging ideas with Nigerians in the Diaspora on how to improve the state’s economy.

Entrepreneurs from Oyo, Kaduna, Kogi and Bayelsa states are expected at the summit slated for the Grand 8, Northumberland Avenue, London.

Jega, Afonja for Olivet’s dinner

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NDEPENDENT National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega and the Chairman of the Board of Directors, First Bank Nigeria Ltd, Prince Bola Afonja, will meet with old students of Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo, on Sunday at the annual dinner and awards night slated for the Lagos Sheraton Hotel & Towers, Ikeja.

The event is being organised by the school’s National Old Students’ Association.

The National President, Mr. Olusegun Ahmadu, said eminent personalities would be honoured with various awards.

The recipients include: Oyo State House of Assembly Speaker Alhaja Monsurat Sunmonu; President, Nigerian Baptist Convention, Dr. Olasupo Ayokunle; Director-General, Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, Mr. Ayo Shamonda; Registrar, Samuel Adegboyega University, Ogwa, Edo State, Mr. Adeleke Adeboye; Prof. Taiwo Osipitan (SAN); Permanent Secretary, Osun State Civil Service, Mrs. Bidemi Agbedahunsi and Dr. Biodun Layonu (SAN), among others.

Soldiers uncover illegal cement factory in Abeokuta

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OLDIERS of the 35 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Alamala, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, have arrested eight persons operating illegal cement factories at Ewekoro on the Lagos-Abeokuta dual-carriageway.

The brigade’s spokesman, Capt. Adamu Nguide, said the suspects were arrested by troops of the special squad around 5am on Monday at the factory, while packing adulterated products into bags of Dangote cement.

He said the suspects were found in possession of four trucks belonging to Lafarge Cement Factory and hundreds of empty Dangote cement bags.

Capt. Nguide said: “The suspects normally buy cement from Lafarge and Dangote and mix it with sand and sawdust at their illegal factory, before repackaging it into Dangote cement bags for sale to the unsuspecting public.”

Nguide said the suspects would be handed over to the police.

Nigeria needs N4.3tr to tackle shoreline erosion N IGERIA needs about N4.3 trillion to tackle coastal erosion and ocean surge in 853km shorelines in nine states.

Lagos State Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development Prince Adesegun Oniru gave the figure on Tuesday while delivering a lecture at the 2013 Annual Distinguished Lecture organised by the Nigeria Institution of Civil Engineers (NICE) at the Eko Hotels and Suites.

The lecture was on: “Nigeria’s Coastal Erosion: A Case Study of the Lagos State Coastline”.

Oniru said Lagos, Bayelsa, Delta, Ondo, Edo, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers and Ogun states need urgent in-

By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

tervention to protect coastlines serving as national boundaries.

He urged the Federal Government to set up a special budget to avoid disaster in coastal states.

Oniru said the Federal Government has made little effort to address coastal erosion, leaving states to bear the entire burden of funding coastal protection interventions.

He said Lagos has strived to bring a lasting solution to the surge at the Alpha Beach in 2011 and Kuramo Beach in 2012.

Oniru said President Goodluck Jonathan, Minister for Trade and Investment

Olusegun Aganga and a delegation from the Ecological Fund Office visited Alpha Beach in 2011 after the surge and promised that the Federal Government would assist Lagos to address the challenge.

He said: “As I speak, we have not received any form of assistance in any way from the Federal Government.”

Oniru said the state government has spent about N39 billion on intervention works to protect the 7.5km coastline from the end of the Eko Atlantic City to Alpha Beach, while N440 billion is required to save the coastline from the end of the Eko Atlantic City to the

coastline boundary in the state.

He said the Eko Atlantic City project was initiated to preserve Victoria Island and its environs.

Oniru said: “The Federal Government needs to recognise that littoral states are our national boundary. A special budget should be made available for states and legislation put in place to avoid coastline disasters.”

He urged ecological experts to continue to speak out about the dangers of paying lip-service to the protection of coastlines, adding that preventive measures would be easier to contain that the devastating effects of ocean surge.

Activist condemns Ondo lawmaker’s suspension

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CTIVIST lawyer Dr. Tunji Abayomi yesterday criticised the Ondo State House of Assembly for suspending the lawmaker representing Ose Constituency, Mrs. Fola Olaseinde.

She was suspended for allegedly keeping fetish objects in her former apartment.

Abayomi said native medicine is acceptable in Africa and Yorubaland.

In a statement, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) chieftain said the Assembly violated the constitution, which protects the rights for privacy, culture and belief.

He said: “In my view, we have an unserious case which should not have led to her suspension. Her former land-

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

lord, Sir Ogunbadejo, did not contest her claim that she left his house at least nine months ago. This obviously accounted for the legal process initiated by the landlord.

“Does common sense not tell us that native medicine abandoned in someone else’s house for over nine months can barely command any efficacy or carry any value to the owner or to others?

“In Africa and Yoruba cosmological thinking, native medicine is an acceptable and respectable way of protecting oneself or loved ones against diseases and death. There is scarcely a Yoruba person who does not know or hear about oogun, (traditional medicine).

“Even in this advanced age of science, movies remind us of their place in our life. They highlight their significance in our ontological thinking. If Mrs. Olaseinde made native medicine either nine months ago or today, she is exercising her right to privacy, culture and belief.

“She has done nothing wrong and it was inappropriate of the House to humiliate her with an unwarranted suspension. The House abandoned its responsibility to the legislator.

“Mrs. Olaseinde is one of the three women in the Assembly. Women in politics, in this heavily-male dominated constituency, face diverse challenges, ranging from marginalisation to

sexual harassment. They often walk on a lonely path. It is worse in the case of widows like Mrs. Olaseinde.

“We need to respect and protect women’s right to seek self-security through means that conform to their beliefs.

The institution that employs them has a greater duty not to injure them psychologically, emotionally or spiritually through wrong decisions.

“Mrs. Olaseinde should have been protected by the House. The Assembly’s failure to do so greatly reduces its dignity, honour and prestige.

“Now is the time for the Assembly to make amends by recalling her and restoring her rights as the representative of Ose Constituency.”

‘Institutionalise Ekiti Summer School’

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ARTICIPANTS at the ongoing Ikogosi Graduate Summer School in Ekiti State have urged the state government to institutionalise the programme through an enabling law.

They said this “would ensure its continuity and sustainability.”

The participants said the law would make it impossible for successive administrations to discard the programme, which they described as “laudable”.

They spoke on Tuesday at a banquet hosted in their honour at the Jibowu Hall of the Government House Complex in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

The 50 participants, who began the twoweek retreat last week, hailed Governor Kayode Fayemi for initiating the

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

programme.

They said it has made them better scholars and citizens. The participants thanked the government for the opportunity to be taught by renowned world scholars.

At the dinner were Deputy Governor Prof. Modupe Adelabu; House of Assembly Deputy Speaker Adetunji Orisalade; Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Dr. Ganiyu Owolabi; the Co-Director of the Summer School, Dr. Wale Adebanwi; Dr. Ebenezer Obadare; Prof. Adetola Alabi of the Mississippi State University, United States (US); Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Policy and Strategy Dr. Femi Akinola, members of the Assembly and

the State Executive Council.

Speaking on behalf of the participants, Mr. Ebenezer Oni said the programme has “exposed them to a variety of research skills, which the university curriculum cannot avail them”.

Oni expressed confidence that the participants, who are postgraduate students of various universities across the country, “would leave the school better equipped to face the challenges of knowledge acquisition in a globalised world”.

He further urged the governor to allow his wife, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, to return to the academics, stressing that she gave them “a brilliant lecture”.

Oni said “her expertise will benefit Nigerian students”.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 27 , 2013

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BUSINESS E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

Pipeline explodes in Lagos

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JOINT Task Force yesterday saved the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) pipeline at Atlas Cove from an early morning inferno caused by the activities of vandals.

About 200 kegs of 50 litres of crude oil as well as three jetties were recovered.

The explosion, which rocked the Akinbo Jetty, Ilado area, started at about 1am when some suspected pipelines vandals attempted to siphon products from the pipelines.

The spokesperson of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Southwest, Ibrahim Farinloye, said: “Rescue efforts from NNPC, NIMASA and other specialised agencies put out the fire at about 10:48am.

“The fire did not start from the main pipeline rather the valves supplying the product exploded. The first batch of our team reached there around 7.30am and the fire was put out at the Akinbo Jetty of Atlas Cove.

•200 kegs of crude oil recovered

By Precious Igbonwelundu

“Cooling and pegging process have begun and it was not a barge but vandalism of NNPC pipeline.

“About 200 50 litres jerry cans were recovered as well as three burning boats. The boats got burnt beyond repairs.”

Farinloye said naval officers were on ground to save the situation. He said he was not sure if there were casualties but maintained that the boats were burnt.

The Command Information Officer, Western Naval Command (WNC), Lt Jerry Omodara, confirmed the incident but insisted there was no casualty.

He said: “The situation has been brought under control. I spoke with the Commander, NNS Beecroft, Cmd Chris Ezekobe, who confirmed that he had deployed some officers to the area.

“Contrary to speculations, he confirmed that there

was no casualty but at the moment, we are yet to identify the cause of the explosion but it happened around the police surveillance post area in Atlas Cove.

“The fire started about 4am and burnt till about 10am and preliminary investigations revealed that vandals broke the pipeline valve to siphon the products when it exploded.

“The explosion aborted their attempt to steal some products and they disappeared before rescue team comprising of NEMA, Police, and other security agencies came.

“It was also gathered that the fire was put out by the NNPC fire service. What they did was to stop the flow of products and extinguish the fire. Again, the navy responded quickly when the information filtered in.”

Police spokesman Ngozi Braide could not be reached for comments.

Oando exceeds projected dividend

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HE board of Oando Plc has recom mended distribution of N5.1 billion as cash dividends for the year ended December 31, 2012, translating to an increase of 59 per cent over the N3.2 billion projected as cash payouts for the year in the recent forecasts of the integrated energy company.

The positive dividend recommendation followed impressive growths across key performance indicators in 2012 as the company rode on the back of increased cost efficiency to grow net profit by 527 per cent. Basic earnings per share leapt by 532 per cent from 75 kobo in 2011 to N4.74 in 2012, providing adequate ground for the current increase in payout and sustainable future payouts.

Key extracts of the audited report, prepared in line with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), showed that all indices surpassed earlier management estimates.

Net profit stood at N10.79 billion in 2012 compared with N1.72 billion in 2011.

•Grows profit by 527%

By Taofik Salako

The bottom-line performance underscored the courageous decision of the company to once and for all deal with nagging extraordinary item in the previous year.

The report showed that profit before tax rose from N12.97 billion to N17.55 billion. Gross profit lept from N65.83 billion to N81.62 billion. Turnover stood at N673.18 billion in 2012 as against N571.31 billion in 2011.

The earnings report justified the show of confidence by shareholders during the recent rights issue, which was oversubscribed. Oando had raised about N55.2 billion from the rights issue to existing shareholders, slightly above the initial target of N54.6 billion. The company had issued 4.548 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each to existing shareholders at N12 per share between December 2012 and February 2013 with the intention of raising N54.6 billion.

However, details of the allotment showed that a total of 11,714 acceptances for 4,596,055,622 ordinary shares, valued at N55.153 billion were received in connection with the rights issue. All 11,714 acceptances were found to be valid under the terms of the rights issue and were all processed, leading to a subscription of 101 levels.

In the forecasts to the rights issue, shareholders were expected to receive about N3.2 billion for the 2012 business year. Gross dividend is expected to more than double to N8.83 billion in 2013 and N17.83 billion in 2014. Shareholders are projected to receive about N17.06 billion in 2015.

Market analysts see Oando as a low cost route into Nigeria’s attractive energy sector, citing the company’s investments in the high margin upstream division that will transform the business significantly and increase value creation for the shareholders.

Naira falls on dollar supply shortage

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HE naira fell against the dollar to its weak est in over a week on the interbank market as Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) failed to intervene in the market yesterday, traders said.

The local currency closed at N161.55 to the dollar, its weakest since June 14 when it closed at N162.7 to the dollar. The naira closed at N160.50 to the dollar the previous day.

“Demand for the greenback remains strong in the market, while the sales of $12 million by Agip were

too little to support the naira,” one dealer said.

Traders said the CBN failed to sell dollars directly to some banks outside its regular twiceweekly auction as it had done in the last two weeks, causing the naira to lose value.

The apex bank had sold about $3 billion between May 22 and June 24 at its twice-weekly foreign exchange auction, plus an unspecified amount sold directly to banks, in its bid to reduce pressure on the local currency.

“We expect the naira to continue to lose value in the near term unless the CBN sustains its intervention in the market,” another dealer said.

At the regular forex auction, the CBN sold $300 million at N155.75 to the dollar, compared with $500 million sold at the same rate on Monday.

Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves fell 0.16 per cent month-on-month to $48.33 billion by June 24, the lowest level in more than three months, data from the banking watchdog showed yesterday.

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COMMENTARY FROM OTHER LANDS

EDITORIALS

Undiplomatic discrimination •The bond pre-condition for British visa is condemnable but we caused it too

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XCEPT diplomatic wisdom prevails, Britain seems to have concluded the plan to attach cash bond to bind prospective first-time visitors from specified countries seeking her visa. Nigeria is slated as target of the pilot scheme that would commence in November. Other countries considered as “high risk” for their perceived immigration abuses are India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Ghana. Nationals of these nations of 18 years and above would be compelled to pay a bond of £3,000 (N750, 000) to obtain a six-month visit visa to Britain.

Britain reportedly came up with this obviously bigoted policy to deter visitors’ overstay and to recover incurred costs if a foreign national used her public services during such visits. The bond is expected to be forfeited if they allow their visa to expire before leaving Britain.

We have no grudge against the free will of any country, not the least Britain; to come up with a policy that Prime Minister David Cameron’s Conservative Party believes will show its seriousness about cutting immigration and abuses of the system.

Britain’s government is reportedly planning an annual net migration cut down of below 100,000 by 2015. Theresa May, Britain’s Home Secretary puts it frankly: “This is the next step in making sure our immigration system is more selective, bringing down net migration from the hundreds of thousands to the tens of thousands while still welcoming the brightest and the best to Britain.” But why must the policy be selective, more so against Nigeria? Even if Nigeria and

these other countries have what she calls “the most significant risk of abuse,” the fact remains that this policy runs contrary to the spirit of the Commonwealth family.

Despite Britain being home to 752 of the deplorable 9,000 Nigerians in prisons around the world, this policy cannot be justified because nationals of other countries outside the affected Commonwealth six had also reportedly abused the system in Britain in the past. Since 1985 when Britain stopped, without cogent reasons, Nigerians’ free movement into her territory without visa, this last policy of cashbond marks another diplomatic pummelling geared towards impeding the historical and waning cultural ties between the two countries.

We are happy that Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru, Minister of Foreign Affairs had summoned Mr. Andrew Pocock, British High Commissioner in the country to intimate him of government’s exasperation against the inimical diplomatic policy against Nigerians. Save for a retrace of steps by Britain, the Nigerian government should not hesitate, consequent upon receipt of official communication of the policy, to promptly repay her back in her own coin. No country, not even Britain, should feel that the interests of Nigerians can be impeded with impunity.

All said however, the hullabaloo over this draconian diplomatic policy would have been unnecessary if successive leaders in the country have made it liveable and conducive for Nigerians. If this had been done, the incessant influx of Nigerians to Britain and other countries would

have ceased. We note that Nigerian emigrants do not necessarily love Britain or other overseas countries but for the unpardonably avoidable bad situation at home that compels them to seek succour in foreign lands. Will British citizens have been bothered if Nigerian government comes up with a similar policy? This is unlikely because the system over there works.

This British policy should remind us of the need for the country to talk to itself. The alacrity with which the National Assembly and the presidency reacted to this policy is confounding.

Perhaps most of the country’s problems would have been solved if they had received such timely official attention.

‘We note that Nigerian emigrants do not necessarily love Britain or other overseas countries but for the unpardonably avoidable bad situation at home that compels them to seek succour in foreign lands ... This British policy should remind us of the need for the country to talk to itself. The alacrity with which the National Assembly and the presidency reacted to this policy is confounding. Perhaps most of the country’s problems would have been solved if they had received such timely official attention’

Benedict Odiase’s exit •His story reminds us of the disconnect between us and our anthem

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N the context of the ongoing public debate about Nigeria’s nationhood, the death of Benedict Odiase, 79, who composed the country’s current National Anthem, is an event for contemplation. It is noteworthy that he departed in his sleep 35 years after his May 1978 composition that became the new national hymn from October, that year.

Also interesting is the fact that he belonged to the police force, which remains heavily challenged in terms of professional integrity and patriotic orientation.

Odiase, who joined the Nigeria Police Force in 1954, retired in 1992 as a Deputy Commissioner of Police and was a former Director of Music, Nigeria Police Band.

His exit in Lagos on June 11, apart from

‘It is heart-warming and motivating that Odiase, who in 2001 was eventually honoured with a national award, Member of the Order of the Niger (MON), also enjoyed the fruits of his creative labour before the end ... Indeed, Odiase earned his place in the gallery of national icons. His contribution to the Nigerian dream is a historical reality that will remain in the collective memory for generations.

its relevance to the question of nationhood, also prompted emotionally charged discussions in various quarters concerning the appropriateness of the change that produced the present anthem. It is remarkable that a good number of Nigerians still cling to the old anthem, Nigeria, We Hail Thee, which was in use from the country’s Independence from the British in 1960, and was regarded as an inappropriate colonial inheritance by the ruling military government. At the psychological level, therefore, this understated absence of a general acceptance of the new anthem has subtle implications for citizen connection.

Unfortunately, there is no doubt that the country is yet to come to terms with the noble vision encapsulated in the National Anthem, Arise O Compatriots. The sense of unity, patriotism and good citizenship that the anthem seeks to promote has yet to manifest effectively in the country’s affairs. The reigning schisms across social, political, economic and religious spaces, threatening to tear the country apart, certainly could not have been the intention of the anthem.

By its very essence, a national anthem encodes a country’s finest aspirations; it is an inspirational statement that should be moving in text and tune. Against this background, it is disappointing and a sad commentary on the state of the nation that large numbers of citizens view the lyrics of its anthem as just a song, and the tune as mere beats. If the country’s anthem is treated as uninspiring, it reveals a disturbing disconnect between the people and the hymn that is meant to provide a sense

of national identity. This is a huge blow to the concept of nationhood.

However, it is to Odiase’s credit as a music composer that he created the tune to go with the lyrics of the anthem which came from the shortlisted entries of five people in a nationwide contest, namely, John A. Ilechukwu, Eme Etim Akpan, B.A.Ogunnaike, Sota Omoigui and P. O Aderibigbe. Odiase’s composition was, interestingly, rated above entries from perhaps better known composers, Laz Ekwueme and Akin Euba.

It is heart-warming and motivating that Odiase, who in 2001 was eventually honoured with a national award, Member of the Order of the Niger (MON), also enjoyed the fruits of his creative labour before the end. In an interview that coincided with the country’s independence anniversary celebration last year, Odiase said, “I have transferred my intellectual/copyright interest in the work, Arise O Compatriots, being used as the Nigerian National Anthem to the Musical Copyright Society Nigeria (MCSN) from the Performing Rights Society of United Kingdom, for protection since 1998.” He added, “This decision to accede my rights to MCSN has paid off handsomely as the society has protected my work and paid royalties to me in hard currencies from the exploitation of my composition around the world and locally.”

Indeed, Odiase earned his place in the gallery of national icons. His contribution to the Nigerian dream is a historical reality that will remain in the collective memory for generations.

The right to remain silent is still golden – Despite bashing by conservatives, the 50-year-old Miranda warning for crime suspects serves us well.

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OU have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you. Do you understand the rights I have just read to you? With these rights in mind, do you wish to speak with me?”

Those words are uttered thousands of times a day in this country, and one hardly needs to have been arrested to recognize them. They are a staple of police dramas from “Dragnet” to “CSI.” They are a ubiquitous part of American culture, as familiar as the Pledge of Allegiance. They are, of course, the Miranda warning, which suspects have been read ever since the United States Supreme Court in 1966 mandated it.

Written by Chief Justice Earl Warren, who began his public career as a prosecutor in Northern California, Miranda recognized the coercive nature of police interrogations and sought to ensure that the constitutional rights of suspects in custody were protected. Moreover, it was an expression of the court’s egalitarianism: Sophisticated suspects already knew to ask for a lawyer or to remain silent, so those who tended to incriminate themselves under police questioning were more likely to be poor and uneducated.

Since its inception, Miranda has stood as a hallmark of judicial overreach in the minds of conservatives. They like to note that the warning does not appear in the Constitution.

And even though the rights it enumerates are explicitly mentioned — the right to remain silent is guaranteed by the 5th Amendment, the right to counsel is protected by the 6th — critics complained at the time of Miranda that informing suspects of those rights would cause them to clam up and thwart law enforcement. It would, the claim went, empty the prisons.

Well, it didn’t. Miranda is now nearly 50 years old, and the prisons are full of criminals who were convicted despite it.

Some were read the warning and talked anyway; others got the warning, demanded lawyers and were convicted on the evidence. Indeed, one of the striking things about Miranda today is that the law enforcement establishment no longer objects to it. The warning is simple and easy for officers to deliver. It gives them clarity, and it rarely interferes with an investigation. When Miranda faced a direct challenge in 2000, Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist, who criticized the original ruling, voted to uphold it, in part because of that clarity and in part because it had become such an established piece of police practice.

Yet Miranda continues to agitate. Just last week, the Supreme Court upheld the conviction of a Texas man who was being questioned by police before his arrest but who then refused to answer when police asked whether shells from his gun would match those found at the scene of a homicide. Rather than respond, he looked at the floor, clenched his hands and bit his lip. Prosecutors told the jury those details, and Genevevo Salinas was convicted of murder.

A divided court concluded that because it was his actions, not words, that were presented to the jury — and because the exchange occurred before his arrest — his Miranda rights were not violated even though he had not been issued the warning.

And it was just two months ago that the surviving brother of the two Boston bombing suspects was taken into custody, and conservatives loudly argued that he should somehow be treated differently from any other criminal suspect and denied a reading of his Miranda rights. The shoddy reasoning in that instance is that somehow terrorism is different — as if planting a bomb is a crime outside constitutional law while shooting a gun would not be. He was eventually read his rights and stopped talking, but no one seems to have much doubt about the strength of the evidence against him.

The strange state of Miranda as it approaches 50, then, is that it no longer poses the threat that police and others once feared it would, but it remains a source of political irritation to conservatives. That’s hardly the only example of people putting ideology over common sense in today’s America, but it’s a particularly noxious one. Today’s conservatives would be wise to follow Rehnquist’s lead and acknowledge Miranda for what it is: an intelligent, workable doctrine that helps police and protects the rights of those in custody.

Los Angeles Times

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Victor Ifijeh • Editor Gbenga Omotoso •Chairman, Editorial Board Sam Omatseye •General Editor Kunle Fagbemi •Editor, Online Lekan Otufodunrin •Managing Editor Northern Operation Yusuf Alli •Managing Editor Waheed Odusile •Deputy Editor Lawal Ogienagbon •Deputy Editor (News) Adeniyi Adesina •Deputy Editor (Nation’s Capital) Yomi Odunuga •Group Political Editor Emmanuel Oladesu •Group Business Editor Ayodele Aminu •Sport Editor Ade Ojeikere •Editorial Page Editor Sanya Oni

• Executive Director (Finance & Administration) Ade Odunewu • Gen. Manager (Training and Development) Soji Omotunde •Chief Internal Auditor Toke Folorunsho •Senior Manager (sales) Akeem Shoge •Advert Manager Robinson Osirike •IT Manager Bolarinwa Meekness •Press Manager Udensi Chikaodi •Manager, Corporate Marketing Hameed Odejayi • Manager (Admin) Folake Adeoye

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2013

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CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: Just like the now rested Lagos Municipal Transport Service (LMTS), pioneered by Lagos Town Council in 1958, the much admired Lagos Bus Rapid Transit system, initiated by former Lagos State governor, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu and launched by the current governor, Babatunde Fashola (SAN) some five years ago is heading towards an open brand pit. A brand, which has been applauded by all and sundry, for bringing some resemblance of respect for orderliness and bringing us close to what is obtainable in other metro city is being threatened by neglect and decadence.

The BRT system established with the intention of easing time and money spent commuting in yellow buses popularly known as danfos, has betrayed all indications of being a salvaging point to Lagos’s traffic gridlock, the time wasting of conventional commercial buses and their

EDITOR’S MAIL BAG SEND TYPEWRITTEN, DOUBLE SPACED AND SIGNED CONTRIBUTIONS, LETTERS AND REJOINDERS OF NOT MORE THAN 1000 WORDS TO THE EDITOR, THE NATION, 27B, FATAI ATERE ROAD, MATORI, LAGOS. E-mail: views@thenationonlineng.com

Lagos BRT fast losing its allure astronomical increases in transportfare at the slightest excuse. The inability of the management to strategically make sure there is timed and chained flow of buses at their respective terminals have made commuter lose valuable and unquantifiable human time queuing for never arriving buses! An average pilot time to wait at BRT terminals today stands between 30minutes to one hour. It is even a disaster during rush hours.

Since Lagos BRT is taunted to be “the first of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa, and the first example of a com-

prehensive and an integrated approach to improving public transportation”, one would have expected some standard in service delivery.

Despite monetary review in the area of ticketing from N50 to N70 and N100 to 120, the quality of service has spiralled downwards and persistently moving below acceptable level. One thing the handler of the scheme must realize fast is that service delivery is what determines brand optimization.

And brand failures are by-products of daunted service, breach of trust and capacity to deliver in record time.

If a service fails, it’s the brand which produces such service that is having perception problem. Human dynamics have contributed largely to the fragility of perception, and as Nigerians, we have a value placed on service, and are always willing to pay even if we would complain about charges later. We value our time and money, thus, get easily dissuaded when there is no corresponding benefit for time, money and services we pay for. Unlike its usual self, the Lagos BRT brand is fast deteriorating beyond comprehension. And when

Number portability: NCC’s silver bullet

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IR: History was made in the telecommunication industry on Monday, April 22, when the new number portability policy was launched in Lagos by the Nigerian Communication Commission. With the introduction of this laudable policy, the Eugene Juwahled NCC has not only succeeded in restoring back the power of choice to Nigerian subscribers, but has gone a long way in setting the transformational ball rolling in the industry which will ignite a positive revolution in the telecommunication sector.

Before the conceptualization of this policy by NCC, Nigerian subscribers have been subjected to economic slavery by the service providers whose sole aim is to keep on maximizing profits by exploiting Nigerians at the expense of good service delivery. The service providers have not only beaten Nigerians like the proverbial child through fraudulent and unwarranted excessive charges, but made sure that the child did not complain or even cry!

Imagine a situation whereby the service providers makes a mindboggling and whopping sum of N1.5 billion on daily basis from poor Nigerians subscribers struggling to survive on less than two

dollars a day without providing quality service that were being paid for; is nothing to write home about!

I am not blinded to the challenges being faced by network service providers in Nigeria on daily basis; like power crisis, insecurity, environmental issues, etc, which are not witnessed in other countries, but Nigerian subscribers should not be over-burdened by making them to be paying exorbitant tariffs in other to cover up for the inefficiencies and deficiencies of Nigerian system which they are also victims of;

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rather they should be made to enjoy quality telecommunication services as obtained in other climes of the globe, especially when compared tariffs charged in Nigeria with what is being offered by the same service providers in other countries.

Since the firing of this proverbial silver bullet by the NCC, network service providers have been running helter-skelter in order to retain their subscribers.

Network service providers are now strategising on how to expand their network coverage; improve

on the quality of their services; reduce their tariffs, re-brand their networks in other to attract new subscribers that are ready to port.

The NCC has, by the portability initiative, proved beyond reasonable doubt that it does not take a rocket science or miracle to create a positive change, but with the power of a tested and trusted idea; because ideas they say rules the world!

• Comrade Nwobodo Chidiebere Abuja.

a brand gets tarnished via public perception and exposes same to media decimation, it quickens such brand’s burial.

Lagos BRT handlers needs to see this handwriting on the wall, no brand disregard the satisfaction of its clients/customers and remain in business, not even a brand trusted with the responsibilities of promoting other brands. With over 300 high capacity buses worth over 300 million in advert placement per annum, it would be insensitive on the part of Lagos State government not to salvage this enterprise before a postmortem is required.

LAMATA, LAG Bus, NURTW, EcoBank and all other partners need to understand that strong service delivery, in this case, time management, help to protect a brand. The slightest decrease in quality of service, hint of mismanagement or customer dissatisfaction portends a great danger to the survival of the brand.

Can’t we just get things right for once? What could be the hindrance to Lagos BRT? Is it the participation of the refined “Agberos” - National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW)? One cogent point that needs to be noted is the disparity of service delivery between the conventional Blue-Line BRT and the Red Lag bus. The red buses seem neater and a little bit coordinated though their frequency of breakdown is at par!

It is not yet uhuru for the visionary masterpiece called Lagos BRT... This brand must not wither!

• Sulaimon Mojeed-Sanni Lagos

Adekunle deserves better treatment

IR: After reading about the pathetic condition of the former commander, Third Marine Commando of the Nigerian Army during the civil war, Brigadier-General Benjamin Adekunle in The Nation of June 13, I asked myself is it a mistake to serve one’s country selflessly? The question becomes imperative because there are many people who gave selfless service to Nigeria but ended up in penury and neglect by Nigerian government.

Conversely, there are many who did not even serve the country in the real sense of the word but just were civil servants, politicians, et al, who have looted the country and got the pat

on the back when caught and thereafter enjoy their loots.

His contributions to the corporate existence of this nation, particularly his exploits during the civil war are so well documented that he does not deserve to be treated shabbily by the successive administration in Nigeria. As General Alabi Isama (retired) correctly noted, what sense does it make to set aside a day to remember soldiers who fell during the war while those who were fortunate to survive are neglected and living in abject poverty?

This is food for thought for our decision makers. The above make me to think that our compatriots

who see service as a mean of enriching one’s pocket might not deserve blame in view of the plights of those who gave selfless services to the country. My submission should not be misconstrued to mean that people should corner Nigerian resources for their selfish interests. Far from it, my position is that Nigerian government at all tiers should reward selfless service as means to encourage people to be more patriotic to the cause of the nation.

The Nigerian Army alone does not deserve blame for not taking proper care of Gen. Adekunle; this is because he did not serve the Nigerian army alone but Nigeria as

a country. Nevertheless, this is not to exonerate the army of its neglect of a duty to a selfless leader.

Coming home to Oyo State and Ogbomoso his state and hometown respectively; are they waiting for his funeral to send condolence messages to his family and eulogize him? Leaf should be borrowed from Asiwaju Tinubu, Governor Babatunde Fashola and Otunba Gbenga Daniel who at various times in Lagos and Ogun states took care of people who are not even fit to untie Adekunle’s shoes.

• Adewuyi Adegbite Apake, Ogbomoso.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2013

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COMMENTS

Planned 3,000 pounds British visa indemnity

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T is the sovereign right of every country to control immigration into its territory. The British are not an exception.

I personally have sympathy for the British because of the exploitation of the social welfare state in the UK by unscrupulous people from all over the world. Enoch Powell, the Conservative Minister of Health, from 1960 to 1963 and Shadow Defence Minister, 1965-1968 issued the statement referred to as the ‘Rivers of Blood’ speech sometimes in 1968, when he foresaw what unlimited immigration could do to Great Britain in terms of racial conflict.

Powell was a former Professor of Classics and a one-time war hero with a bright political future in front of him, but he lost all these because of his intemperate language against immigration, although not necessarily against immigrants.

Powell was branded a racist by his opponents and Edward Heath, the then leader of the Conservative Party had to get rid of him as Shadow Minister of Defence and this brought to an end, a glittering political career of an effective conservative minister.

When the young English soldier was killed in broad daylight by two people of Nigerian ancestry, some people may have suggested that the prophecy of Powell is coming true.

There has also been race riot in places like Bradford and Wolverhampton and the violence that sometimes happens in areas inhabited by visible minorities in the greater London area is sometimes caused by racial resentment. This is unfortunately seen as the inevitable result of non-white immigration into England.

At the height of British power, its empire spread all over the world and among a multitude of different races. At the end of the British Empire, some of these people have followed the British home. Of course the British themselves have left their physical imprints on virtually all the continents of the world, from Australia, to New Zealand, to Canada, to the United States, to South Africa, to the Falkland islands and even to places where the British did not directly rule such as Brazil, Argentina, and several other Latin American countries to which the British have contributed immigrants. The British are therefore not a people who should be running away from their history and one of the positive contributions of the British people towards civilization is their tolerance of other peoples. Of course this has not always been so, because as an empire builder, the British have always imposed themselves on others by brutal force, but that was in the past. And the future of Britain lies in its multi-racial approach to life. As the most senior member of the Multi-racial Commonwealth, the British cannot walk away from their legacy. And as a trading nation, they cannot afford to damage their relations with other

H

IS name conjures fear.

When many hear the name Benjamin Adekunle, they look behind their shoulders to see if he is coming.

As the legend goes, Brig - Gen Benjamin Maja Adekunle aka Black Scorpion was a brave and ruthless soldier. Many heard the tales of his exploits during the 1967-70 civil war.

Gen Adekunle’s fame grew during the war. As small as some of us were then, we heard how he handled the enemy and treated his soldiers who fell out of line.

There was a myth surrounding Gen Adekunle. It was said that he could disappear and reappear to wreak havoc on enemy territory. Of course, many of the stories were embellished, but the people chose to believe them because they suited those times.

People believed anything thrown at them so far the Nigerian side was winning the war. The Adekunle myth grew as he was said to be a soldier that the enemy could not touch because he wielded certain powers.

The Adekunle myth followed him home after the war. Many wonder till today if he actually did all that people said he did during the war. The man is tough no doubt and he showed early in life that he is going to be a nonconformist. For a boy to run away from home at the age of nine to fend for himself is enough evidence that he will not allow people to trample upon him anyhow when he becomes an adult. This rebellious streak in him stalked him all the way. At military training schools in the United Kingdom (UK) and India; in the Nige-

countries because of a discriminatory immigration policy.

We have not seen the details of the new law, but a law that would target certain countries such as Nigeria, India, Bangladesh, Ghana, and Pakistan, which may make sense because perhaps these are the countries from where illegal immigrants flock into the UK, but it is likely to be misunderstood by the nationals of these countries that the policy is racially motivated. This policy to me is an advertisement of the failure of British Immigration policy. Is there no other way that the policy can be made to work without asking people to deposit three thousand pounds before being granted a tourist visa that expires after six months? How would the money be returned to the owner? Would this money be paid into the coffers of the various British High Commissions and Embassies all over the world, and then collected from them whenever the visitor returns to his own country of origin? Will interest be paid on the three thousand pounds deposited for six months? And what would happen to somebody who just wants to spend a week or less in the UK? What would also happen to people who have been visiting the UK for years without overstaying their welcome and whose track records are known? There are so many questions begging for answers. As an Anglophile, I would not want anything that would damage our relations with Great Britain to be done.

Yes, these are difficult times economically for the whole world and particularly for Europe, but these difficult times would pass. We should be very careful in beginning a process which may lead to ill-feeling and reciprocity by other countries affected; because after all, reciprocity is the kernel of diplomatic relations.

Some of us who are old still remember with fondness and nostalgia those days when our passports said we were Nigerian citizens as well as commonwealth citizens. I remember my student days in England and in Canada without having to get a visa. That is a long time ago. The world is definitely more complicated than before and things are changing rapidly, not necessarily for the better, but also not necessarily for the worse. We should try and manage our relations in order not to do incalculable damage to existing friendly relations among nations. I remember trying to get a visa to Germany some years ago and the humiliation I went through before being granted a one entry visa to Germany for a duration of two weeks, not even six months or a year; and this is a country where I was an ambassador for five years. Since the visa was a Shengen visa, I took the Euro train from London to Paris return and then try to go to Germany by air from London, and after having been checked in and was about to board the flight, my passport was checked and I was told that I had

used my one entry visa to Germany to another Shengen country, France and that my visa was no longer valid for entry into Germany.

This was after my luggage had been checked into the plane and I had gone through immigration. I now had to be returned to Jide London, and my Osuntokun luggage removed from the plane.

This is a story that I hate to tell and on my return to Nigeria, I told my German friends in Abuja and they were very apologetic about what was done to me in Lagos. Since that time, I have never tried to travel to Germany and I have no intention of ever going there, even though I had beautiful memories of my stay there. First as a research student and later as Ambassador Extraordinary and plenipotentiary and I still remember Germany’s role when the Abacha government detained me because the German Embassy protested about my detention. This should make me remain a friend to Germany forever. I believe that the love between me and that country is not lost. I remember mentioning my treatment in the hands of the German embassy to my brother and friend, Professor Jubril Aminu, former Ambassador to the United States and then Chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, who jokingly said, “Jide, we should stay in our own country and stop going to other people’s countries”; this to me was a good advice which I think most of us should keep. But for some of us who have children abroad, what do we do?

It is a pity that in a globalised world, we are having to face this kind of problems of discrimination essentially based on how one looks and the pigmentation of one’s skin. This does not augur well for global peace which we spend a lot of time and energy in building. As somebody who for a long time has been involved in the foreign policy formation of my country, I would hate to advice on policies based on race in our relations with the outside world. Let us hope things don’t deteriorate to that level.

The world is too fractured already with religious conflict and incipient clash of civilisations. It would not be wise to add racial divide into this complex situation.

Travails of a war hero rian Army; as aide-de- camp (ADC) to the former Eastern Region Premier, the late Sir Akanu Ibiam and at the war front, Gen Adekunle played by his own rules.

But he could not be ignored by his bosses because, according to those who should know, he was a damn good soldier. The Black Scorpion fought the war as if his life depended on it. Those in his command remember him as a commander’s commander. Hear one of them, Brig - Gen Alabi Isama, who was Adekunle’s chief of staff during the war : ‘’What did these people (Adekunle and others) do wrong to the society?

They went to the war and came back alive. But what did they get out of it? Nothing! Today, Adekunle is forgotten by the country. That is the hero of the civil war. He won all the battles...’’ Yes, as Gen Isama said, the Black Scorpion ‘’won all the battles but not the war’’.

By that statement, Gen Isama was referring to the parlous condition of Gen. Adekunle, who is lying critically ill at home.

Should a person in such a condition be kept at home? The answer is no, but the Black Scorpion is being treated at home because an air ambulance is not readily available to fly him to Ghana. When I read his story in last Saturday’s edition of this paper, I shook my head in belief that a thing like this is happening to someone of Adekunle’s calibre. No matter what some may consider as his

‘Adekunle or any other retired officer for that matter should not beg for bread. They should not be made to see their service to the country as a curse after retirement’

eccentricities then, Gen Adekunle does not deserve to be treated as a nobody in this country.

Our country owes a lot to people like him for fighting to ‘’keep Nigeria one’’. If they did not make that sacrifice, we may not be where we are today. The war in which he played a leading role ended 43 years ago, but it seems some people are still holding that against him. What could he have done to warrant being treated like this at the old, ripe age of 77. He was 77 yesterday. Happy birthday sir. But the best birthday gift we can give him as a country is to assist his family in getting him to Ghana fast for further treatment. All the family needs to do that is an air ambulance. The family says it has written to the army to assist in that regard without success. The army worldwide does not abandon its own. It rallies round its operatives and does everything to protect them.

Where they are ill or wounded in battle, the army ensures that they get the best of treatment. And here, we are talking of Adekunle.

Does he have to beg before he gets his right? This is the tragedy of our country. We treat our heroes with contempt and give looters of the treasury red carpet treatment, thereby sending a wrong signal to those coming behind.

The Adekunle family seems to be at it’s wit’s end in its bid to get the authorities to help in flying its patriarch out of the country.

Hear Abiodun, son of Gen. Adekunle : ‘’He is very weak and not in control of his memory. It is more of memory problem. He is not able to recognise people around him or anything. But, at some other times, he recognises people. So, it is an on and off thing. I have tried very hard to get the Nigerian Army to come to

his aid without luck. Here is a man who spent his youth fighting a war to keep the country one.

In other organised societies, he would be treated as a hero. But unfortunately, here in Nigeria, he has been forgotten by all’’.

Let those in authority listen, whatever is done for the Black Scorpion today cannot be too much. As they say, he has paid his dues. Many, if not all in Service today, are his juniors. Will they watch and allow their superior to die all because of his family’s inability to get an air ambulance to fly him to Ghana? It is Gen Adekunle that we are talking about today, we don’t know what may happen tomorrow to those still in office. God forbid, if they become seriously ill after leaving office and help is not forthcoming as in the case of Gen Adekunle, how will they feel about their country? In Gen Adekunle’s present position, he cannot be happy that a country he fought to preserve seems to have abandoned him at his hour of utmost need. o those in authority, I com mend, Gen Isama’s re marks in this paper last Saturday. He said: ‘’Everybody is aware that he (Adekunle) is battling to stay alive. But, should we wait until he dies and then roll out the drums, shouting that he was a hero and start marching round the town? Every January 15, the whole country gathers to remember our fallen heroes. What about our living heroes?...As the Commander of the Third Marine Commando, he captured Calabar...he sent me to capture the whole place. We captured the whole of what is today known as Cross River State...So, Adekunle was our leader. But, unfortunately for him, he was not a thief

T

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

like many of them. If he were a thief like many, his condition would not have been like this today. Can’t you see the others?

Don’t you see where they live?

Adekunle’s house was renovated

by Ogbomoso people...Let this country rise and help this man to live a little longer in comfort because he has denied himself such comfort while fighting in the war.

There was no commander of the Nigerian Army that is better than Adekunle. Why should he be the worse off today?’’

Indeed, Adekunle or any other retired officer for that matter should not beg for bread. They should not be made to see their service to the country as a curse after retirement otherwise we may start breeding officers, who will be more interested in making money rather than serving the country.

There is still room to make amends in Adekunle’s case; it is not too late to do that. The country awaits the Chief of Army Staff’s prompt response to this matter. Whatever he does, he should remember, he will be doing for a senior colleague and only God repays such a kind gesture.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2013

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COMMENTS

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AST week, the social media was suffused with youth messages about their resolve to fight for their rights. Their new resolution they claim stemmed from the discovery that many PDP men have occupied the political space for far too long. Bamanga Tukur, current PDP chairman, they said was old Gongola State governor back in 1983. Bello Halliru a commissioner in old Sokoto State in 1980 is today, 33 years after, Minister of Defence; General David Mark, who was governor of Niger State in1984 has continued to monopolise the senate presidency. David Jonah Jang who was governor of Benue in 1985 is today governor of Plateau and trying to add the chairmanship of NGF he lost to Amaechi in an election; Murtala Nyako governor of Niger State in 1976, 36 years ago, is now governor of Adamawa State etc. They are keeping their battle strategy a secret.

The reawakening of our youths is a welcome development. After all, Nigeria youths were in the forefront of the battle against colonialism.

But before our youths, who are now university graduates at 19s and 20s embarked on an unwinnable war against politicians who recently publicly declared they would rather die than lose power, I think they first need to understand how the past, when some soldiers of fortune claimed they were sacrificing their present for our future, has come to shape the present ‘cash and carry democracy’ and a recycled leadership.

Let us start with Ibrahim Babangida, the master of political subterfuge. He rode on the back of civil society groups and the press that detested Muhammadu Buhari’s tyranny following his palace coup against him in 1985. He introduced the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) which destroyed our economy and legitimized corruption. In an effort to teach Nigeria that had engaged in party politics since the 1920s how to form political parties, he self-conceitedly decreed two government political parties, National Republican Convention (NRC) and Social Democratic Party (SDP), wrote their constitutions and manifestoes, appointed Tom Ikimi and Tony Anenih to run them as parastatals. His institute for democracy became the breeding ground for many of today’s PDP leaders. After eight years of ‘transition without end’, and billions down the drain, he annulled the landslide victory of Moshood Abiola, his friend.

Arthur Nzeribe. He is the leader of government sponsored shadowy Association for Better Nigeria(ABN), declared illegal and banned from canvassing for ‘four more years’ for Babangida by the court. It secured a midnight judgment from Justice Bassey Ikpeme’s Abuja court to derail the Babangida’s eight year transition despite the existence of Decree 53 which shielded the National Electoral Commission (NEC) from court interference.

O

June 12: History lesson for our youths Professor Humphrey Nwosu was the author of much derided “Option A4” which turned out to be Babangida’s nemesis as the method produced the most credible election acclaimed by local and international observers but faulted only by Babangida. He remained faithful to the transition by exploiting Decree 53 which shielded his NEC from prosecution until Babangida committed political suicide writing his name on the wrong side of history.

Abiola made his fortunes through his military friends. Fela Anikulapo-Kuti described him as ‘international thief thief’. He set up a newspaper to fight Awolowo, the most prominent Yoruba politician who had mooted the idea of probing the military and their civilian fronts. He launched into politics, made a failed attempt at securing the NPN presidential ticket but was rudely told

by Umaru Dikko that Nigerian presidency was not for sale. He stormed out of NPN and deployed his immense wealth to the services of the people all over the country without discrimination. He took on the West insisting it must make reparations for about 400 years of slavery. He was lured back into politics by Babangida who later betrayed him. He died in prison trying to protect the mandate freely given to him by Nigerians.

Alhaji Bashir Othman Tofa of the NRC who during the presidential debate said he wanted to be president because “our nation is divided by issues of suspicion, distrust and the fact that most Nigerians have lost faith in the country’s leadership whether military or civilian”, was initially chief campaigner for ‘four more years’ for Babangida. He was an oil consultant under the military making thousands of pounds daily before he was lured into politics.

Tony Anenih was the chairman of a victorious

BVIOUSLY, the last has not been heard about the can of worms opened by retired Justice of the Federal High Court, Okechukwu Okeke on the judiciary. The more intriguing aspect of Justice Okeke’s revelation relates to his lamentation that he was ‘a victim of injustice in the Nigerian judiciary’, by virtue of the ‘warning letter’ he received from the National Judicial council (NJC).

The Council, the apex body for the country’s judiciary is a creation of the 1999 Constitution as amended, and is vested with powers to exercise disciplinary control over judges and other judicial officers nationwide. Justice Okeke had accused the council of issuing him a warning unjustly over a petition against him and apparently without giving due consideration to his response. His observation pitted him directly against the NJC, which had considered it necessary to publicly issue a statement it titled ‘setting the records straight’, and in which the council counter-accused the retired judge of allegedly misleading members of the public. An offshoot of this episode has equally become messy for the judiciary’s image. And that is Okeke’s charge, while speaking at a valedictory held in his honour last month that a serving justice of the Supreme Court allegedly tried to influence a case involving a Managing Director of a bank. According to him, the Supreme Court Justice sent his daughter to him (Justice Okeke) with a directive that he should vacate the order granting Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) the takeover of a property of the bank, one of which the daughter and son-in-law to the Supreme Court Justice lived in. Justice Okeke claimed that the daughter again visited him in his chambers on March 8, 2012 with the same instructions from the judge. The retired judge, overall, accused the Supreme Court Justice of being behind his travails with the NJC. If anything is clear from this trading of blame, it is that all is not well within the judiciary. And that the head of that institution, Justice Mukhtar, still has a lot to do, in fulfilment of her promise to stamp out corruption. Said Justice Mukhtar to the Senate Committee that screened her appointment at the time: “Corruption is in every system of our society and I can’t pretend that it is not in the judiciary. What I intend to do to curb this is to lead by example and hope that others will follow. As chairman of NJC, I will encourage internal cleansing based on petitions…”

The justice Okeke’s can of worms is a veritable excuse for the CJN not just to abide by her promise to lead by example, but to also go beyond hoping for others to follow. She needs to put in place strict measures to ensure that others follow.

The first of this of course is to fully investigate and make

SDP who bargained away the victory of his party.

He has a larger than life image of ‘Mr Fixer’, a euphemism for election rigging. He is currently PDP BOT chairman and chairman of Nigerian Ports Authority.

Tom Ikimi was one of Babangida’s ‘new breed’ creations and the government-appointed chairman of the defeated NRC. He succumbed to pressure from his military masters in their conspiracy against our nation.

Nduka Irabor was the press secretary to Augustus Aikhomu, Babangida appointed vicepresident. It was Irabor who read an unsigned statement, hurriedly scribbled on a piece of paper which confined the June 12 election to history.

Nduka Obaigbena, a failed senatorial candidate under NRC from Delta was on CNN barely 12 hours after the June 12 election calling for cancellation of the results because Abiola went into the polling booth wearing a dress with the stallion picture of SDP logo. His argument was the one adopted by government.

Okey Uzoho was the NRC publicity secretary who on June 16, 1993, four days after the election signed the NRC document that formally called for the cancellation of the election on the grounds that there were ‘intimidation of voters, falsification of results in most states and monetary inducement by the rival SDP. And quoting Obaigbena, the statement concluded that ‘Abiola breached electoral law by wearing a dress bearing SDP logo’ Walter Ofonagoro as Tofa’s campaign director of organization in a 14-point statement insisted that the election was not free and fair. And citing the Abuja court injunction, and quoting Obaigbena’s MKO’S alleged contravention of decree 13 of 1993 for parading himself before

The judiciary on trial

By Folabi Atobatele public findings in all petitions made against judges. It is true that the country’s current democracy is permissible of many expressions, including petty and frivolous ones aimed, often, at scoring cheap political points. Yes, the CJN must sift these, but she must not throw away the substance with the flimsy.

In its advertorial, the council admitted that newspapers’ publication of Justice Okeke’s speech (How I became a victim of judiciary’s injustice) “cast aspersions’ on the council in particular and the judiciary at large”. But according to it, the NJC received five petitions written against Justice Okeke while he was serving as a judge. After obtaining his responses to the allegations contained in the first three petitions, the NJC considered them at its meeting of April 24 and 25.

“In the course of deliberation, Council noted that Hon. Justice Okechukwu Okeke would be retiring from service on 19th May, 2013. At the end of deliberation, Council noted the three petitions and the reactions by Hon. Justice O. Okeke and decided to warn him to desist from such acts that are prejudicial to the integrity of the judiciary and administration of justice. It is to be stressed that Hon. Justice Okeke’s responses to the remaining 4th and 5th separate petitions did not form part of the decision of the Council at its meeting which was held on 24th and 25th April, 2013.”

The NJC went on to observe that the 5th petition against Justice Okeke relates to the AMCON case where the judge gave an exparte order in favour of AMCON. “By the provision of Rule 2(2) of the Code of Conduct for judicial officers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, ‘a judicial officer must avoid the abuse of the power of issuing interim injunctions, ex-parte. A meticulous examination of the 5th petition and the response by Hon. Justice Okeke has shown that the exparte order granted by His Lordship in favour of AMCON established a case of misconduct contrary to Code of conduct for Judicial Officers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. However, the said petition and reaction were not considered by Council because of time constraint. Council is therefore constrained to state that Hon. Justice Okechukwu Okeke misled members of the Nigerian public into believing that the Na-

voters in Lagos in the colours and emblem of his party… he demanded “the disqualification of Chief Abiola, and Tofa declared duly elected or in the alternative, the June 12 election cancelled and a fresh poll conducted.”

Clement Apamgbo, the Attorney-General of the Federation, was privy to Section 19 of the Presidential Election (Basic Constitution and Transitional Provision) Decree 13, of the 1993 which says “no interim or interlocutory order by any court or tribunal shall affect the date or time of the election” . But Nwosu, the NEC chairman confirmed that “The commission was served with a writ of summons through the honourable Attorney-General of the federation to show cause why the commission should not be charged for contempt of the said Abuja High Court for conducting the said election in defiance of the court order.”

Duro Onabule, Babangida’s chief press secretary, while all this was going on, refuted foreign media reports that the federal government was interfering with the results of the presidential election. According to his statement: “NEC has been saddled with the responsibility of conducting the election; and it is left to it to bring to government’s attention any problem that tended to adversely affect its patterns. Government was yet to get any complaint from NEC.” General Adulsalami Abubakar, another major player in the June 12 debacle emerged following the death of Abacha to rescue the totally discredited military from final humiliation.

Abiola died under his custody. In 1998, the embattled military wanted someone that would protect them out of government. They reached out for jailed Obasanjo who had during his own transition in 1979 opposed Obafemi Awolowo for threatening to deal with individual military officers that looted state treasuries.

General Obasanjo was the main beneficiary of June 12 tragedy. He had said at the onset of the crisis that Abiola was not the messiah Nigerians were waiting for. He helped in installing an illegal Interim National Government headed by Ernest Sonekan, Abiola’s Egba kinsman. When the military zeroed on him as their candidate in 1998, Babangida, Danjuma, David Mark and other military ex- office-holders and their contractors including Kalu Uzor Kalu sponsored his candidacy. Obasanjo served two terms without acknowledging the contribution of Abiola to the enthronement of democracy. In an attempt to obliterate June 12 1993, Obasanjo and PDP fraudulently imposed May 29, the day the military was humiliated out of power as ‘Democracy Day’.

This abridged history of June 12 and its enemies is important for our youths because none of the above men except Humphrey Nwosu has bothered to write his memoirs.

tional Judicial Council issued him a warning letter based on the exparte order he gave in the AMCON’s case: the fifth petition.”

The council concluded that from the totality of the facts as stated, Justice Okeke’s speech was not correct, and it was “nothing but a figment of his imagination, as the warning letter issued to him by Council was not as a result of the exparte order he granted in respect of the AMCON’s case.”

There is a vacuum begging for filling in the NJC’s action to set the records straight. Why and how did it arrive at the conclusion that the AMCON’s case established a case of misconduct, contrary to the code of Conduct, against Justice Okeke; when it declared, in just the next breadth that “the said petition and reaction by Hon. Justice Okeke were not considered by council because of time constraint.” The only avenue where a prima facie case can be said to be established against an accused person is in court; and then after the court has duly considered a relevant application and response against it by the parties. The NJC not being a court (never mind that its head is actually the Chief Justice), cannot in good conscience give a publicized ‘ruling’ as it did in its advertorial. Nevertheless, Justice Okeke will be free to counter the NJC, except that by their professional culture, judges, whether in or out of service, do not normally join issues publicly.

A judge’s character should not be smeared on mere suspicion or on allegations that are less then substantial. But the brickbats being thrown raise public curiosity, and call for a thorough inquiry. As it is, the NJC has been drawn into the arena, not as an umpire, but an interested party. Tongues definitely will wag, and the CJN is tasked as to how to handle it. She cannot be seen to be protecting the personal interest of her fellow judge at the apex bench; nor can she afford to conduct a secret investigation that will further raise more eyebrows. She needs tact, courage and wisdom to handle this can, and she cannot pretend that all is well and therefore keep quiet, hoping that Nigerians will soon forget.

The entire episode is an unhealthy development for the judiciary, which has been in the limelight for the wrong reasons of corruption, slow pace of justice delivery, a dearth of basic infrastructure and tools; and a need for a cleansing.

Critically, the development portends some effects on the court system, and ultimately, the judiciary institution suffers, along with the country’s credibility to the outside world.

This is one case that should not be allowed to adorn the toga of the justices Salami – Katsina –Alu crisis. Again, the ball is in the court of Chief Justice Mariam Aloma Mukhtar.

• Atobatele, a consultant in legal affairs, wrote from Abuja.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2013

COMMENTS

I

ENDED my last message by saying that we Yoruba people can turn our life around – that we can easily and quickly become able, not only to feed ourselves, but also to feed other people in Nigeria and the world.

Our food exports can pour a lot of money into our pockets as a people. Our ventures into the processing of food and other agricultural products can create factories all over our Southwest, and provide thousands of jobs for the crowds of our youths who are now jobless in our streets. In short, modern farms on our rich farmlands, various businesses that accompany modern farming, and factories that process farm products – all these can quickly banish poverty from our homeland and make us again the prosperous and confident people that the world knows us to be.

We already have the tool. Education is the tool for making progress in all directions in the modern world. We have made ourselves one of the most educated peoples in the world.

Education is today’s sharp tool – and we hold it in our hand. Oh yes, we do. The Nigerian situation tends to communicate to us the message that our heavy investment in education is of no value! But that is arrant nonsense altogether. Education is the opener of all roads.

The first step into our farming revolution is to spread the word around – in our governments, among our leaders and politicians, in our schools, colleges and universities, in our social clubs and sports clubs, in all our towns and villages and farmsteads, everywhere. And the word is that we as a nation are returning very seriously to winning the gold in our soil.

For those who have become used to thinking that farming is not an occupation for the educated or the rich – and that it is an occupation fit only for the illiterate, the aged and the poor, here is some information to chew on.

Successful farming is a major pillar of the economic prosperity of almost every one of the leading countries of the world. The United

‘The beautiful grasslands of the northernmost parts of Yorubaland must turn into cattle ranches, and we must become a net exporter of meat products.

We must recover our position as the world’s largest exporter of cocoa’

J

OHN Campbell’s piece in The Nation on Friday, May 17, titled “Escaping a Cycle of Violence” was an attempt by a foreigner to shed more light on Nigeria’s dreaded terrorist organization known as “Boko Haram” with the hope, I suppose, that Nigerians in general and her government in particular may know what formidable religious insurgents they’re up against. Campbell is no ordinary foreigner, he probably knows Nigeria inside out, which is primarily due to his position as a high ranking US diplomat.

He was a former US ambassador to Nigeria, to be specific. Therefore, it can be said that Campbell is an authority especially when events occurring in Nigeria has significant bearing on international politics, global security or more specifically US interests.

While there is no doubt that his piece in the op-ed page of The Nation was illuminating and instructive, a careful analysis of his commentary in relation to Nigeria’s presidential election in 2015 and the effects of the Boko Haram insurgency on Nigeria’s domestic politics visà-vis the country’s military, reveals a disturbing undercurrent. While some readers of this article may not see anything to it, one can only appreciate the weight and importance that ought to be attached to the piece as a former diplomat who attained the highest position of US foreign mission in Nigeria. He is one of those that the US government will likely listen to in formulating its policy on Nigeria. And this is why.

Campbell is currently the Ralph Bunche Senior Fellow for Africa Policy Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) in New York. He served twice in Nigeria, first as political counselor from 1988 to 1990, and as ambassador from 2004 to 2007, with a stint in South Africa. Of another particular importance is a book titled “Nigeria Dancing on the Brink” whose author is none other than Campbell. This book, I should say, is a must read for Nigerians interested in how they are being governed, who the major players that shapes their lives are, and why the country may never aspire to much, if anything, because of the entrenched “patron-client net-

Gbogun gboro - 2 States of America is the leading technological and industrialized country in the world. But it is also the world’s leading producer and exporter of food. Britain is one of the best educated and one of the most prosperous countries in the world, and farming is a big part of its prosperity. Farming is a big part of the growing prosperity of Third World countries like Brazil, China, Argentina, India, etc. Israel is a small desert country, a young country founded only in 1948. The Israeli leaders knew from the beginning that their country must make a success of farming if it was to prosper at all. They put a lot of their people and their national energy into farming. Today, Israel is one of the leading exporters of fruits and vegetables in the world. Starting from the prosperity in farming, Israel has now become one of the leading technological and industrial countries in the world.

In the US, the two richest states are New York and California. Both are homes of great education, great technology, and great wealth. We are used to thinking that they are homes of technology and industries alone. When we think of California, we immediately think of Silicon Valley and the miracles of computer technology. But both New York and California are homes to very prosperous farming.

Among American states, New York is the greatest producer and exporter of certain farm products. California is one of the leaders in farming in the world. No part of the earth, with a population equal to California’s, produces or exports as much of farm products as California.

It is therefore almost certain that if we do not make a success of farming, we will not make a success of our economy. In other words, if we want to conquer the poverty that is now buffeting us, if we want to be as comfortable and prosperous again as we have been throughout most of our history, the place to start is to make a success of our farming right away. It is that clear and simple. Waiting for the oil of the Niger Delta is, for more than 99% of Yoruba people, waiting for more poverty and more suffering. Waiting for our state governments to provide employment for most of us from the handouts that they get of the oil money from Abuja monthly, is inviting disaster for us as a people –as individuals, families and nation. Our governments will try, but, in the circumstance, they can achieve no more than some sort of equitable distribution of poverty.

In short, we must immediately begin to in-

vest in farming a considerable part of the assets that we already have. Almost all of us (all of us of the younger generations) are educated.

That is an asset. Quite a good number of us who are educated have some education in some aspect of agriculture or business. That is another asset. Many Yoruba men and women (professionals, businessmen, political leaders and civil servants) command some financial resources or some access to finance. That is a great asset. To make immediate success with farming, we must immediately encourage and entice some of these assets into farming.

In Third World countries, encouraging and enticing these kinds of assets into farming and into food processing is usually the way to start succeeding. Here are a few examples. For Ivory Coast to become a very successful agricultural products exporter (exporting vegetables, pine apples and other fruits and cocoa) from the 1950s on, the country’s first president, Felix Houghuet-Boigny, went into very big farming. (I visited his extensive farms in the 1970s). Many prominent citizens followed his example, and then many common folks.

The first Prime Minister of Israel, Dr. Ben Gurion, gave up political leadership and became a farmer in a settlement that was turning a desert into farms – and thus contributed much to the Israeli farming miracle. In Brazil, there are many factories processing and exporting farm products. In one such factory – an enormous tomato processing factory outside Sao Paulo – I watched farmers coming to deliver truck-loads of tomato for a whole day. Then I asked whether the factory was built because these farmers were already growing a lot of tomatoes. “Not really,” was the answer.

“There were some farmers growing some tomatoes, but the big expansion in tomato farming came after we set up this factory. For many miles around here now, countless farmers grow a lot of tomatoes for this factory. And we export a lot of canned tomato paste to many countries, including your country Nigeria”. It was the same in a company that I visited in the Philippines – a company exporting fresh and canned pine-apples to the United States. Argentina is a major exporter of beef because many in the Argentinian elite invest in cattle ranching.

For those of us who already command some assets, the opportunities are virtually limitless in crop farming, crop packaging, crop processing, livestock raising, meat processing, various export businesses, agricultural machin-

Campbell and Nigeria’s democracy

By Femi Odere works” in attaining political power, a relationship that has very little, if not completely devoid of the needs and aspirations of the vast majority of Nigerians.

This is just one of the startling revelations from the book about the Nigerian state.

From the aforesaid, Campbell is an extremely important person to pay attention to when the subject is Nigeria, nay Africa as well as the institutions his likes are attached to practice their crafts after retirement. By virtue of his position before or even after retirement, one may also say without any fear of contradiction that he will tend to know more than even the Nigerian authorities about the country because of his implicit affiliation with, if not an integral part of the US intelligence community. Therefore, failure or the unwillingness by the political class and/or those with interests in Nigeria to pay attention to his opinions on such a pathetic weakling like the Nigerian state may be regrettable later.

The piece, just as in his book, was illuminating and instructive because of the glaring contradictions that Campbell pointed out about the country’s political and economic conditions that continue to set the nation on reverse rather than advance it. Calling into question the effectiveness of the emergency declaration when “the security services are already doing what the state of emergency would permit them to do” and where Jonathan will find “more troops for the three states as the military is already overstretched” as confirmed by the country’s Chief of Army Staff Gen. Ihejirika was on point. Campbell’s assertion, based on the Centre for Foreign Relations’ Nigeria Security Tracker (NST) that “the insurgents’ tactics are evolving toward the style of internationalist jihadism” should seriously worry the Nigerian president.

But it’s extremely doubtful whether President Jonathan has the leadership quality or intellectual acuity required to appreciate the enormity of the national security powder keg sitting on his lap. He would rather pay attention to petty state politics and hunt down perceived political enemies wherever they are.

Campbell’s advice that “the federal government should reform the security services, including better pay and training, and end their impunity from legal prosecution” as well as the “decentralization of government authority, outlined in the country’s constitution but never really implemented would be a step in the right direction” is likely to fall on the deaf ears. It won’t happen anytime soon, if it ever happens in the future.

But Campbell’s tripod opinions about another possible Jonathan presidency come 2015, his insinuation that the military may not have been permanently excommunicated from the country’s chaotic struggle for power and what he believes the US should do about the current Nigerian situation are quite disturbing. His assertion that formal politics in Nigeria is almost detached from reality may be an indictment of the political class. But his postulation that even though “Goodluck Jonathan is widely regarded as feckless…but is still favoured to win in the national elections scheduled for late next year” should no doubt leave the discerning to wonder if this is not a subtle and indirect endorsement of Jonathan for 2015 and, by extension, a tacit support of the US government despite the recent declaration by the current US ambassador to Nigeria that the United States is not interested in who becomes Nigeria’s president in 2015. Although it’s what is expected of the ambassador to say, but reality and history has always pointed to a different direction.

Gbogun gboro ery importation, sales, rentals, and servicing, etc. Agricultural machinery are the tools of modern farming. It is important to realize that the age of hoes and cutlasses has mostly passed.

Men who import agricultural machinery, and those who sell, rent out, service, and operate the machinery, are the life-blood of modern farming. For our educated youths, the door is also open for inventions of various kinds of farming tools and food processing tools, as well as for various new kinds of processed foods, snacks, spices, etc, for home consumption and for export. A businessman whom I met in South Korea made his wealth through packaging and exporting South Korean native spices and herbs (notably the herb called ginseng).In such ventures, our country is virgin land – a land in which the enterprising and sagacious can quickly amass a fortune.

The beautiful grasslands of the northernmost parts of Yorubaland must turn into cattle ranches, and we must become a net exporter of meat products. We must recover our position as the world’s largest exporter of cocoa. We must expand cocoa acreage in our forestlands, and replace our old and tired cocoa trees with new and better quality trees. And we must reenergize our Cocoa Produce Marketing Unions.

Our state governments are, of course, our frontline assets in this revolution. It is they who must chart the plans, lay out the rules, and do most of the motivating of our people.

Happily, they are already awake to these tasks.

In their agenda for Regional Integrated Development, agriculture leads the way. They deserve our enthusiastic cooperation. As they call, we must rise and push to the frontiers.

The second leg of Campbell’s tripartite argument is that “there is some sentiment in favour of a military takeover” while he says almost in the same breathe that “…but there is little evidence that the upper reaches of the military have the stomach for a return to power.” This is a diplomatic double-speak. It is disturbing that Campbell still sees the military as an option in solving Nigeria’s seemingly perennial political quagmire. The military must never be encouraged under any guise in any national discourse especially from an expert like Campbell as an alternative to solving Africa, let alone Nigerian political problem in light of the devastations in material and psychological terms that this institution wrought on the continent and its people. It is said and there is a truism to it that the worst civilian administration is better than the best military government. One hopes that this is not a coded signal for junior military officers to think about a takeover since the upper echelon does not seem to have the stomach for a return to power.

United States and other advanced democracies have the responsibility to nurture and encourage the democratic experiments of fragile countries like Nigeria. The US government must continue to engage the Nigerian government to do the right thing by way of free, fair and transparent elections, and upholding the rule of law.

• Odere is a media practitioner. He can be reached at femiodere@gmail.com

‘The US government must continue to engage the Nigerian government to do the right thing by way of free, fair and transparent elections, and upholding the rule of law’

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2013

25

THE NATION

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

THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2013

email:- education@thenationonlineng.com

The maiden edition of the Ikogosi Graduate Summer School (IGSS) organised by the Ekiti State Government ends tomorrow. For the 50 pioneer graduate students, it has been a rich experience.They came hungry for knowledge; they are leaving charged to face the rigours of researches they must undertake to become successful scholars. KOFOWOROLA BELO-OSAGIE reviews the two-week programme.

• Prof Oka Obono taking a class on Methodology.

Summer school of academic rebirth T ‘ HEY came hungry for knowledge. Many had questions about how to navigate the fast flowing and deep river of scholarly research - questions that had plagued their theses, stalling their completion; questions their supervisors and teachers back in their schools neither had the time nor patience to answer.

Many of their questions were answered during the two-week Ikogosi Graduate Summer School (IGSS), which ends tomorrow at the Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort, in Ekiti State.

The IGSS was initiated by Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi in collaboration with two Nigerian-born scholars, Dr Wale Adebanwi of the University of California, and Dr Ebenezer Obadare of the University of Kansas, both in the United States, to expose young scholars to the nitty-gritty of conducting and reporting research; publishing in reputable international journals and writing to attract funding.They also learnt about gender issues, literature, society and culture, political economy, globalisation and international finance and other areas of interest in the arts, social sciences and humanities.The uniqueness of the programme was the use of seasoned Nigerian scholars teaching abroad as facilitators. They worked with some of their counterparts at home.

Wife of Ekiti State governor Mrs Bisi Fayemi, also took part in the exercise. She spoke on the

"Theory and Practice of Feminism in Africa." The Chief Consultant to the United Nations Economic Commission on Methodology in Afirca, Prof Oka Obono, handled how to determine the right methods to use to research social problems.

One of the government's objectives in floating the programme is to reverse the brain drain syndrome by leveraging on the expertise of the scholars, particularly those whose talents have only benefited foreign students in the past because they do not work in Nigeria.

The 50 participants, who are Masters and PhD students of Ekiti origin, were selected from various universities, notably the University of Ibadan, which had 17 participants. Others came from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State (8); Ekiti State University (7) University of Lagos (6); National Open University of Nigeria (3) University of Benin, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State (2), and University of Jos (1) to name a few. They won a place on the programme based on their ability to convince the organisers of their quest for knowledge and its applications.

The programme gave them the platform to rethink their research proposals, fine-tune their ideas, learn how to source data, adopt the right methodology, and present their research in a logical format.

Mrs Modupe Ala was excited when she learnt of

When I get back to school, I am loaded. I will have little stress in dealing with my thesis.

I have learnt about research methodology, how to consult literature, how to assess other research works and others

-Page 27

•Continued on page 26

CAMPUS LIFE

INSIDE

Graduands show love to school

‘

the IGSS. After many years of doubts, she believed, attending the programme would help her face her PhD in Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Ibadan with confidence.

"I have been seeking such opportunity for a long time. That is why I refused to start my PhD. I have seen supervisors rubbish the presentations by PhD students who were unable to do good work and I did not want to experience the same. I actually prayed to God for this kind of opportunity. So, when it came, I grabbed it," she said.

The school, she said, demystified postgraduate research, adding that the programme was an answer to her prayers for divine guidance in her academic pursuit.

"My experience is like that of Elijah who after the destruction of Baal on Mount Carmel became afraid of another battle at the sight of Jezebel. But thank God for the Juniper tree and the divine intervention that saved Elijah with food for the journey for many days. Sincerely, IGSS has fed us with what is adequate for postgraduate studies. It has demystified postgraduate studies," she said.

In future, Olalekan Ayooade, a Mass Communication graduate of Redeemers University would like to learn how to help youths forced into the wrong careers by their families to regain lost ground through his research work. Ayooade, who is pursuing a Masters in Mass Communication at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), came to the school seeking to learn about the theoretical aspects of his research that were giving him hitches.

"My major experience here has been good. I have gained a lot in respect of my research work as it relates to my field. I have noticed certain areas that I am having issues. This programme has opened up my ideas and knowledge in many

UNESCO trains UNN dons to teach with cell phones

No fewer than 100 lecturers of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) have been trained on how to use mobile phones and other digital equipment in delivering lectures courtesy of United Nations, Educational Scientific Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

-Page 38

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

‘I never attempted to kill my baby’ -Page 29

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2013

26

EDUCATION

Teaching without learning is waste, says provost

T

EACHERS have been enjoined to make their work have an impact on their students.

The Provost Michael Otedola College of Primary Education (MOCPED) Noforija, Epe Lagos, Prof Olu Akeusola, gave the advice at this year’s National Conference of School of Education, Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED), Otto/Ijanikin, Lagos, where he gave the keynote address.

Speaking on the theme, Competencies and strategies of teaching in the 21st century learners, he said: “Any teaching exercise that does not lead to learning is a wasteful exercise”.

He argued that the 21st century development requires sound education grounded in virtues such as commitment, passion, competence, and updating of knowledge, among others.

Akeusola, who was represented by Dr Popoola Olaosebikan, a lecturers in MOCPED, stressed that the development in society and economy require that education systems equip young people with new skills and competencies, which allow them benefit from the emerging new forms of socialisation, and actively contribute to economic development under a system where the main asset is knowledge.

He said new standards for students’ abilities are replacing the basic skill competencies and knowledge expectations of the past, adding that to meet this challenge schools must be transformed in ways that will enable students acquire the creative thinking, flexible problem solving, collaboration and innovative skills to be successful in work and life.

At the centre of this challenge are teachers, whom Akeusola said must be equipped to deliver.

Said Akeusola: “The task of meeting the needs of the 21st century teachers and learners is enormous. It thus requires all hands must be on deck; the government, the private sectors and the parents must collaborate and provide the infrastructural facilities to train and retrain the teachers and make them absolutely competent and skilful; motivate them by paying them good salaries and fascinating welfare packages, the learners (students) should be assisted at home to take their studies serious,” he said.

Akeusola said teachers of 21st century skills need to be expertise in their careers, and will have to take conscious efforts to communicate and collaborate with each other and with students by becoming flexible in managing new classroom dynamics, with willingness to support and adapt their teaching styles to accommodate new pedagogical approaches to learning.

In her address titled: ‘Developing the future ready educator in Nigerian

By Adegunle Olugbamila

colleges of education and Universities’, a Professor of Educational Technology and former Dean, Faculty of Education, Lagos State University,(LASU), Ojo, Cordelia Nwaboku, said teachers are supposed to be ‘change agents’ for the transformation and development of the society; hence the need for overhaul of the training curriculum, review of the admission requirements and procedures, train the trainers and change in the assessment strategies.

Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Education, Mr Abdul Fatai Olukoga who was represented by Mrs O. R. Oyedele, the Director of Monitoring and Investigation, Ministry of Education, observed that the 21st century learners have the advantage of ICT, which Olukoga describes as the gateway to the new world. He called on teachers to help students discover their talents and interests as well as create a learning environment where they can use those gifts to learn more.

“Just like parents, teachers should come to understand each student’s strengths, what their interests are and how they can learn best. Good teachers have always had this capacity, one of the ways teachers gain this insight is through ongoing informal classroom assessments,” he said.

Earlier in his welcome address, the college, Dean of the School of Education, Mr Ige Nelson, said the theme of the conference aimed at advancing the frontiers of teacher education while generating issues and ideas for the development of teaching and learning.

The occasion was attended by stakeholders comprising deans, provosts, curriculum developers, school administrators, policy makers, lecturers and students .

•Dr Adebanwi

•Dr Obadare

Summer school of academic rebirth

•Continued from page 25

areas and widened my horizon in such a way to help other people get back into their lost areas of education or profession, especially undergraduates in Nigerian universities.

"I have benefited so many ideas which will add to my knowledge for my Masters and PhD in the nearest future," he said.

Before Abiodun Ajibola applied for the IGSS, he had completed the course work for his Masters programme in Geography at the University of Lagos.

But it remained his thesis.

"I am at the stage of writing my project; I am through with my course work. I believe that at the end of this programme, it will help me come up with quality research for my thesis," Ajibola said.

Now, he is raring to go after days at the summer school.

"When I get back to school, I am loaded. I will have little stress in dealing with my thesis. I have learnt about research methodology, how to consult literature, how to assess other research works and others," he said.

For Mrs Folashade Ifelogun, a PhD student at the Lead City University, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, the programme exposed a lot of mistakes many postgraduate students make in conducting research, starting from the choice of topic. She praises the state government for mobilising the class of scholars who served as facilitators, agreeing with Governor Fayemi's speech at the beginning that the programme paraded a calibre of academic that would make other institutions green with envy.

"This is a very good programme.

Where else will you get the likes of Adebanwi, Obadare, Dr Adetayo Alabi, Prof Oka Obono in the same place at the same time? I have benefited a lot about choosing research topics. I just discovered that most topics in the university are not actually worth writing on. When you want to write a research there are some basic things you need to know. Some people start and later get hooked because of such mistakes," she said.

Mr Folu Ibirinde, a PhD student at the University of Ibadan, said the aim of initiating the programme has been fulfilled as the participants are now

better informed.

"I think the programme has actually achieved the purpose for which it was organised. The programme has taken us from the local level we were in terms of global discourse. Apart from what we have learnt, the programme has provided a platform for mentoring.

Any of us doing Masters or PhD can reach out to the scholars and seek clarifications about our work, how to attract grants and publish in journals," he said.

At the opening on June 17, Governor Fayemi asked for feedback from participants and suggestions on how to make future editions better.

While scoring the government on organisation, including the quality of scholars, logistics and lodging, participants noted that subsequent editions can be better with slight modifications.

Ibirinde said the programme should be expanded to take more participants and called for a legislation that would ensure its survival beyond the present administration.

"Government should legislate on it so that successive governments can also continue the summer school. We are just 50 people from Ekiti participating this year but there are thousands of others out there that need this kind of exposure. The programme should be included in the annual budget so that it does not suffer from lack of funding," he said.

Mrs Ifelogun thinks future editions should be opened to academic from a wide variety of disciplines considering the knowledge gap needed to be filled.

She said: "I suggest that more scholars should be brought in. The scholars here are fantastic, but there are a lot of areas to be covered in other disciplines," she said.

Mrs Jumoke Owoola, who is studying for a Masters in Indigenous Communication and Development at the University of Ibadan, thanked the government for implementing the programme free. She is seeking participation of more women in future editions.

"I want more women to be involved.

We have about 10 women compared to 40 men. It is not the government's fault per se but lack of information on the part of women. After this programme, I will sensitize women on the importance of participating in this kind of programme," she said.

•Prof Akeusola

PTI honours Uduaghan, Alison-Madueke, others today

T

HE Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, Delta State, will confer Honorary Fellowships on the Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, Minister of Petroleum, Mrs Deizani AlisonMadueke today.

They will be honoured along with the former Chairman, PTI Governing Council/Director, DPR, Mr Mac Ofurhie and Vice Chairman/Managing Director, Eni Group Mr C.A. Pagano, as part of activities lined up for the graduation of the institution.

Briefing reporters, the Acting Principal and Chief Executive, PTI, Mrs. Nnenna Clara Dennar said the graduation coincides with the 40th Anniversary of the development of competent technical manpower for the nation’s oil and gas industry.

Mrs. Dennar said apart from the institution training over 25,000 tech-

From Polycarp Orosevwotu, Warri

nologists and technicians for the oil and gas sector as part of its role to fulfill the Federal Government’s Nigeria Content development law, it serves as an industrial training centre and has offered job-oriented training aimed at meeting specific needs of the industry. As a result, many of its graduates already have jobs.

She said: “In this convocation, a total of 4,820 technicians and technologist will be awarded National Higher Diploma and out of this number, 109 passed distinction. And it may please you to know that about 75 per cent of them have been employed because they were developed to fit into the industry with little or no orientation.”

•Lagos lawyer and activist Dr. Tunji Abayomi (second left), Mrs Aliu (left) and Mr Femi Alade (right) celebrating with Oluwasayo Ibukunde, Abayomi’s daughter when she was conferred with a PhD at Howard University, United States.

V

Firm to introduce educational tablet

ERY soon, many candidates of public examinations will have a hand-held device to assist their preparations thanks to a firm, Mobile Knowledge Solutions which has packaged the product based on research to address poor performance.

The educational solution called the Personal Education Tablet for Secondary Schools (PETSS), will deliver into the hands of secondary school pupils all the tools they need to pass

By Yinka Aderibigbe

the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination administered by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO), as well as the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

A statement from the firm noted that the product will launched and introduced to the market soon in Lagos.

It stated that the tool is being embraced by some state governments and Federal government agencies.

PETSS is a tablet-based solution designed to make learning easier and available anywhere and at anytime. It comes preloaded with all the learning materials in the school curriculum. The contents provided include the following: Complete classroom lessons (Video)

27

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2013

EDUCATION

Wike to open NECO stakeholders’ forum

M

INISTER of State for Education, Mr Nyesom Wike will on Friday declare open a Stakeholders’ Forum organised by the National Examinations Council (NECO) for the Southwest Zone in Lagos.

The theme of the Forum, “Repositioning NECO for more Effective Service Delivery: A Collective Approach” is aimed at involving stakeholders in the task of taking the council to the next level.

Chairman, NECO Governing Board, Dr Paddy Njoku, in an interview said stakeholders expected at the forum include all the Southwest Governors and their Commissioners

for Education, the National and Southwest Chairmen of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), as well as the National Parents Teachers’ Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN).

Others include the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), secondary school principals under the umbrella of the All Nigerian Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS) and pupils, particularly those in SS 2.

Njoku further disclosed that NECO Registrar, Prof Promise Nwachukwu Okpala, Prof Pai Obanya and Prof Nuhu Yakub are among the eminent scholars speaking at the event.

Group condemns homosexuality on campuses

T

HE Nigerian Fellowship of Evangelical Students NIFES, a faith-based indigenous nongovernmental organisation and student ministry has condemned homosexuality in tertiary institutions.

The National Director of the group, Bala Usman, addressed reporters in Abuja in preparation for the Mission’s conference tagged ‘WITNESS’ with the theme: The Ambassadors,” schedule for October 28 – November 3, 2013.

Bala, however, praised the National Assembly for standing against homosexuality.

He said: “We are in no doubt that our youths are facing crisis today. Crisis of what to believe in, crisis of confidence, crisis of capacity, crisis of unemployment, crisis of faith in themselves and in our country, crisis of ungodliness, crisis of unpatriotism, crisis of ignorance, crisis of mo-

From Franca Ochigbo and Frank Ikpefan, Abuja

rality and warped social values.

“It is in line with this that NIFES strongly commends the National Assembly for prohibiting homosexualism and lesbianism through the passage of the gay rights Bill in spite of external pressures.

“NIFES, particularly, wishes to commend the Senate President’s position on this matter and are glad for the strong courage displayed in this regards. NIFES has strongly campaigned and stood against gayism and lesbianism which seek to ravage our youth and their future. To us this is the zenith of immorality and immoral impunity which should not and never be allowed in our nation. We therefore call on the president not to delay his assent to that Bill.”

•Folakemi (with microphone), her classmates and Mrs Phillips (second right) presenting the table tennis board to teachers and pupils of the school.

Graduands show love to school

A

S part of their community service, the outgoing pupils of Edgewood College, Lekki, Lagos decided to present a table tennis to a public school, Victoria Island Primary School, VI, Lagos.

The presentation performed by Folakemi Oduwole, outgoing assistant head girl, formed part of Edgewood’s graduation last weekend.

Speaking at the presentation, Folakemi said presentation of gifts to the beneficiary school is an annual ritual. Last year, she said Edgewood gave uniforms, stationery, and text books among other items, a gesture she describes as a bond of love they have always shared with the school.

In his keynote address, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Odein Henry Ajumogobia (SAN), gave the graduands, some of who already had their ‘A’ Level results as well as those that had completed University Foundation Programmes, tips on how to prepare for the next step in life.

Ajumogobia, who was the guest speaker at the event, said their freedom began now, but warned that they must start taking responsibili-

S

•Iyontoluwa Akinkugbe (left) and OreOluwa Obe after collecting their B Sc scrolls, after four years of studying Business Administration, at the Ashesi University, Ghana.

By Sampson Unamka

ties for their actions or inactions.

“From here, you students will be free and accountable for your actions to yourself and the law,” he warned.

He further warned that freedom at the tertiary level can be intoxicating, admonishing them not give in to it, because temptation of not attending class might occur.

He urged them to embrace qualities such as good manners, decency, and good sense of humour, remorse, knowledge and sportsmanship.

“Remember that your qualities as a person will be more important than your qualification,” Ajumogobia said.

He also counselled them to prepare for hard times.

“Explore your gifts and talent because they might bring you fame and fortune. Embrace hard work and humility, focus on others around you, challenge yourself and above all fear God.There are setbacks, difficulties and obstacles, embrace them because they are part of life. Keep your eyes on the goal; life is like a marathon; learn something new every day, follow

God as you take these confident steps” he said.

In his valedictory speech, the outgoing head boy Maxwell Jack, said his heart goes out to his classmates of Year 2013 for the fortitude they demonstrated all through the year.

He said: “I also commend you for allowing me to lead you and yet teaching me so much. As we leave Edgewood to pursue degrees in various part of the world, i implore that we don’t forget the invaluable lessons we have learned at Edgewood. The sharp edge that we have should not be allowed to go blunt, the same determination we have shown here should be present in all our endeavours in our various universities.”

In her goodwill speech the school’s Executive Director Mrs Kehinde Phillips told her pupils to be the best.

“The difference between extraordinary and ordinary is that extra.

Never hesitate to attempt that little extra that can bring change in your life,” she said.

Thirty-two graduates were presented with certificates, plaques, and prizes.

Schools urged to adopt IB

CHOOL owners and education experts have been enjoined to adopt International Baccalaureate (IB) as a method of education to enable their students gain global recognition and other advantages of this system over others.

The IB Regional Manager in Africa, Mrs Adzo Ashie, gave the advice at a seminar for parents, educationists and students at the Greensprings School, Lekki campus, Lagos.

Listing the merits of IB, she said: “The IB is a futuristic programme; its products, especially the Diploma holders, are global citizens with very good knowledge of the local environment. They get good jobs on graduation.”

The programme gives an international perspective on education, involves critical thinking, independent research and uses inter and intra-disciplinary approach, groups and personal projects, she further said.

She continued: “The IB was founded in 1968 in Geneva, Switzerland as a non-profit education foundation. We are in 160 countries. The IB Diploma is now offered by 2,215 schools. They include those in Argentina, Zambia, Ghana, and three in Nigeria, including Greensprings School.

Mrs Ashie said the characteristics

By Joseph Eshanokpe

of the IB Diploma are strong desire to learn; students have the ability to express themselves orally and in written words, develop and successful study ad time management skills, think critically, work well with themselves and with others and participate in various activities.

According to the IB, the main components of the programme are: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), creativity, action and service. The students are expected to prevent an extended assay as part of their graduation requirement.

She said the IB partners about 600 universities, which include Harvard and the London School of Economics, and that have testified that its students are better than those from other institutions.

Greensprings Director, Mrs Lai Koiki, said the aim of the school is to be unique. “We love to do new things. Quoting philosophers, she said the objective of education in is to train a child in a proper way that could help him be a better citizen. Founded in 1985, she said Greensprings’ aim is to impact on the educational system. “Our vision is o promote life-long leaning in a severe environment. Our

core values: child centredness and integrity.

She said came across IB in 1989 during a visit abroad and since then, she fell in love with it and integrated it into the school’s curriculum. “In the 21st Century, information is at our finger tips. We don’t need to memorise. You only need to teach children the skills to use to get the facts well. The students should think critically, discern what is good and put it to use; focus on deep meaning of things,” she said.

The Head of School, GreenSprings, Lekki Campus, Harry McPaul, said IB is for everyone. “You don’t need to send your children abroad or far away places.

There are good schools around. IB programs are for the young too,” he said.

The school’s Principal Mrs Ruth Bello-Giwa, said: “The IB education inspires and can be used to change the world. It is not just about books.

It is about making the students to make a difference in the community. It develops knowledge and understanding. It is indept. It is about skills and knowledge, value and character, mental cognition and reflection to develop students to be happy, successful and fulfilled. The intention is to change the world.”

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2013

EDUCATION ‘Be spiritual’

UNILAG FILE

VC hosts South African varsity

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

T

HE Immanuel College of Theology and Christian Education, Ibadan has graduated 75 students.

Speaking at the event at Samonda, Ibadan, Oyo State, the Dean of the college, Ven Benjamin Adedapo, urged the graduates to ensure their training goes beyond paper qualification to being spiritual.

“Be informed that there are many clergyman in the field today who only acquired chains of degree without corresponding spiritual and moral condiment to back up their claims,” Adedapo said.

The cleric urged the graduates to remember their roots, accord dignity and respect to superiors and shun any form of atrocities that may discredit the church.

Of the 75 students who took part in the three-year programme, Adedapo said seven graduated with the Upper Credit; 22, Lower Credit; 36, Merit; seven, Pass; while three had certificate in Theology and one failed.

A TEAM from the University of Cape Town, South Africa have visited the University of Lagos (UNILAG) to discuss areas of mutual interest.

The University of Cape Town delegation led by the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Max Price was received by the UNILAG ViceChancellor, Prof Rahamon Bello; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics & Research), Prof Babajide Alo; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services), Prof Duro Oni; Registrar, Mr Oluwarotimi Shodimu; Bursar, Mr Lateef Odekunle; Librarian, Dr Olukemi Fadehan, and Dean, Faculty of Law, Prof Imran Oluwole Smith, among others.

Welcoming the delegation, Prof Bello, highlighted the history, academic programmes and staff strength of UNILAG. He expressed the institution’s readiness to collaborate with the University of Cape Town in International Law, Joint Research Venture, Staff/Student Exchange Programmes, Science and Communication.

10 students for business contest TEN UNILAG students have qualified for the grand finale of the 2012/2013 UNILAG Business Plan Competition billed for today at the varsity’s Main Auditorium.

The top three finalists, who scaled through the elimination stage of the competition held May 30 focused on fashion and garment businesses. They are: Chidinma Onyebuchi (Law), Nosiru Abidemi (Accounting), and Anuoluwapo Olopade (Law).

Fafiolu Olushola (Electrical/ Electronics Engineering) and Prudence Okoilu (Physics) focused on Information Technology, while Johnson Adewunmi (Fisheries) and Awala Velly (Law) focused on Agri-Business.

Others are: Segun Anifowose (English) who focused on Food Processing, Mene Boritsefere (Law), whose plan was on Tourism and Hospitality, and Peace Omoruyi (Mechanical Engineering) who focused on Environmental Preservation.

Twenty-nine students qualified for the elimination stage after the proposals submitted for the competition were evaluated.

Five students win trip FOR emerging tops at the Impact Your World Leadership Initiative, five UNILAG students will attend the One World Conference holding later this year in South Africa.

The trip will be sponsored by Akin Odumakinde, an engineer and President of Impact Leadership Academy.

The five winners are: Usman Mohammed Camara (Education), Abdul Hakeem Buhari (Social Sciences), Bilikis Giwa (Social Sciences), Rukayat Opoola (Social Sciences), and Oluwaseun Jegede (Engineering).

A total of 45 UNILAG students were awarded various scholarships at the end of the leadership programme which ended with a colourful ceremony attended by the Director, Academic Planning Unit, Prof Oluwatoyin Ogundipe; Sub-Dean, Faculty of Science, Dr Muminu Adamu; and Deputy Dean, Student Affairs Division, Dr. A. K. Adebayo.

•Osun State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Titi Laoye-Tomori receives a scarf, an emblem of the Highest Honour of the Martin Luther University, Halle / Salle, Germany from Prof Peter Wyzeck, Dean, Department of Geology and Agriculture when she visited the university.

New Rivers teachers for training

T

HE three-month training for the 13,000 new teachers that have been employed by the Rivers State Ministry of Education is part of an induction recommended during the education summit in Port Harcourt, March this year.

Drawn from a template recommended by one of the summit speakers, Prof Joshua Aisiku and others, the induction was part of the continuous teacher development pro-gramme they will undergo while in the employ of the Rivers State government.

Prof Aisiku said the training will prepare them for classroom management and fill gaps in their pedagogical and knowledge skills such that when they are distributed to the over 100 model primary and secondary schools the state government has built and equipped in September, they will be able to offer the pupils quality education.

“New teachers must know how to meet the varying needs of students in their classrooms,” Aisiku said.

He added that though all the newly-employed teachers may not be First Class graduates, they can be groomed to become very good teachers.

Mr Charles Magbe of PriceWaterCoopers, the firm that handled the recruitment for the state, said the grooming is necessary for the teachers to deliver on the state’s objective of providing access to quality education for all school-aged pupils irrespective of socio-economic background.

“Post recruitment, government must continue to invest heavily in developing the teaching capacity of teachers. A rigorous programme of induction must be pu in place for the new hands; and close monitoring

•Mrs Lawrence-Nemi

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

and appraisal of performance is important,” he said.

The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Country Director, Prof Hassana Alidou, Rivers State Commissioner for Education, Dame Alice Lawrence-Nemi said the recruiting was in recognition of the important roles teachers play in the school system.

Since Governor Chibuike Amaechi declared a state of emer-

recruitment of ‘The 13,000 teachers will

reduce the burden of teachers teaching several subjects at a time, when in actual sense, they are meant to teach only one subject each.

The 13,000 teachers will be distributed to the primary, junior secondary and senior secondary schools

‘

gency in the education sector in 2008, the government has completed 264 of the 750 model primary schools it plans to build, 100 of which have been equipped and now in use.

However, Dame Lawrence-Nemi said the government recognises that infrastructural development alone will not automatically translate to good performance, hence the decision to recruit and train teachers to meet this important need.

With their employment, she added that the teachers will be filling a shortfall numbering tens of thousands as the rehabilitation of infrastructure had led to increased enrolment.

She said: “The recruitment of 13,000 teachers will reduce the burden of teachers teaching several subjects at a time, when in actual sense, they are meant to teach only one subject each. The 13,000 teachers will be distributed to the primary, junior secondary and senior secondary schools.

“The plan is aimed at boosting the manpower in the educational sector and reversing the poor performance of students in external examinations like WAEC and NECO.” Mrs Lawrence-Nemi noted that this recruitment marks the end of the era of cutting of corners in terms of quality. She noted that the government wants to instill professionalism in the teaching profession.

Of the 13,000 teachers recruited, 90 per cent (11,700) are indigenes of the state, while 10 per cent of 1,300 are from other states.

The Commissioner said teachers already in the teaching force are not left out of professional development as the state has organised programmes for their training.

“The Ministry of Education is devoted to continuous teacher training and re-training in order to enhance specialisation and efficiency. The Ministry in partnership with the British Council and Cambridge University introduced the TKT Essentials training and certification. Today, well over 9,000 teachers across the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State, 75 per cent of who are in primary and junior secondary schools, have received in-service training.

“We also embarked on the re-certification and verification of teachers’ credentials in order to ascertain the current numerical strength of teachers in the state to ensure that only qualified teachers are allowed to teach in the Schools,” she said.

Union boss lauds ACE

T

HE National President of the Senior Staff Union of Colleges of Education, Nigeria Comrade Mohammed Uwaisu, has commended the Management of Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo for creating a good relationship between it and unions in the College.

Comrade Uwaisu spoke during the South West Zonal Delegates’ meeting in the college.

According to him, the college was a preferred venue of the Delegates meeting because conducive environment in the college and smooth working relationship between management and unions.

The Provost represented by the College Librarian, Dr. Rotimi Egunjobi, commended the College branch of the union for putting up a structure in the College.

AAUA gets 57 boxes of books

T

HE Ondo State Association in Atlanta (OSAA), United States, has donated 57 boxes of books to Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA).

The books were handed over to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Femi Mimiko by the representative and Secretary General of OSAA, Mr. Sola Olorunsola at the AAUA Council Chamber, Wednesday last week.

Mimiko, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof.

Rotimi Ajayi, appreciated the donor describing books as “the most essential resources in any university”.

He thanked the University Advancement Office, UAO, under its Acting Director, Prof. Francis Oyebade, for making efforts to ensure the realisation of its mandate.

Ajayi called on well-meaning Nigerians to complement government’s funding effort in education.

“This is the type of what we need in this country to grow our education sector. Funding of education should not be left for government only,” he said.

Earlier in his address, Prof.

Oyebade reiterated the core mandate of the Advancement office, which included facilitating global support, especially, in terms of fund raising, building relationship, institutional marketing, communication networking, partnership with industries and endowment administration.

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Candlelight for NANS Five

Help... student needs N10m to fight cancer

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*CAMPUSES *NEWS *PEOPLE *KUDOS& KNOCKS *GRANTS

CAMPUS LIFE

THE NATION

0805-450-3104 email: campusbeat@yahoo.com THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2013

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

email:- campuslife@thenationonlineng.net

The news spread like wildfire. The sight of a new baby and placenta shocked the crowd of staff and students that rushed to Moremi Hall of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, where a student reportedly gave birth in the toilet.

Did the mother attempt to flush her baby down the toilet? No, she says. DHIKRU AKINOLA (400-Level Political Science), OLUWAFEMI OGUNJOBI (400-Level Language Arts) and KEMI BUSARI (400-Level Political Science) write.

‘I never attempted to kill my baby’ A

SHRILL cry shattered the peace of the night at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

It was Wednesday and some students, who had exams the following day, were returning from studying to their hostels. Others, who had no papers, were relaxing in their hostels.

At 6:55am, the peace in Moremi Hall, a female hostel, was shattered.

Mrs Cecilia Ologbenla, a cleaner, who had come to wash the toilet, found a newborn baby in the water closet.

With the body still covered in blood, the cleaner was sure the baby was born a few minutes before her arrival.

She raised the alarm, calling the attention of the hostel’s occupants and security personnel.

The baby was delivered by Oyinlola Rotimi Diana, a student, who was going to write her exam; students rushed to the scene, using their camera phones to take shots of the baby and the placenta. In no time, the news went viral on the social media.

Students accused Oyinlola of attempting to “flush” the baby into the sewer because “she did not want people to know she was pregnant”.

Oyinlola, 22, it was gathered, is in 300-Level Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, and a squatter in Room 103 of Block B in Moremi Hall. She was allegedly impregnated by a 400-Level Engineering student.

Oyinlola’s friend, Dayo Satope, who was with her at the sudden delivery, wrote in a statement made at the university security unit that she came to the campus on Tuesday evening to prepare for an exam fixed for 8am.

“Getting to the campus late on Tuesday night, Oyinlola could not immediately get something to eat but she later resolved to buy moin-moin (bean cake) at the hall’s buttery. After she ate the food, Oyinlola complained of running stomach throughout the

night, urinating and stooling at regular intervals. She felt she was having stomach turbulence because of the moin-moin she took the previous night,” Shatope wrote in the statement.

The following morning, it was learnt, Oyinlola’s friends told her to visit the school’s health centre for medical attention. She consented. The story, however, changed when Oyinlola told her friends that she wanted to visit the toilet again. She was ushered into the toilet and told to inform her friends when she was done.

After waiting for her for several minutes, Shatope wondered what could have kept Oyinlola in the toilet for so long. She then decided to check on her ‘ailing’ friend. On getting to the toilet, Shatope found that Oyinlola had locked herself inside, but saw blood on the toilet floor.

Scared, Shatope called on Oyinlola to know if everything was alright and she begged her friend to “come inside to assist me”. Shatope could not gain access into the toilet because Oyinlola was “too weak” to open the door, which was locked from behind. At this point, Shatope said she heard the cry of a baby.

Oyinlola was said to have fainted after delivering the baby whose cry attracted Ologbenla. The baby and the mother were immediately rushed to the university’s health centre.

When CAMPUSLIFE visited the OAU Health Services Centre, the Director, Dr Adebayo Irinoye, told our correspondents: “The girl and the baby are feeling very fine and the parents of the girl are around to also take care of their daughter and the baby.”

Irinoye explained that self-labour cases were not new in medical field, saying there were instances of patients delivering babies in the toilet.

•Continued on page 30

•Oyinlola and her baby...last Thursday

•CAMPUSLIFE student organises symposium-P32 •Tree’s fall scares students -P33

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2013

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CAMPUS LIFE

Pushing Out

The supermarket dialogue (3)

I

with

CONCLUDED last week with the crisis of leadership, which has permeated almost all facets of our system. If we are serious about retracing our steps it has to start from here. My fellow supermarket discussant agreed that throughout human history, the centrality of leadership in charting positive direction has been established; the ancient and modern history of leaders is replete with stories of vision, courage, enterprise, capacity, tenacity and originality. While several factors - physical, non-physical and human - are almost always at play in determining the fate and fortune of societies, the role of leadership is fundamental.

Leadership, particularly political leadership, whether good or bad, can determine the destiny of a nation.

Without dwelling on the elaborate and multidimensional aspect of leadership, I am interested here in identifying the role leadership plays in human capital development and how this can be used to address the challenges of tertiary education in Nigeria. With vision, integrity, dedication or commitment, competence, discernment, creativity, assertiveness, fairness, openness and humility, a good leader can create a vision of a good society, recognising what needs to be done to build one, mobilising human and material resources to build such a society and confronting every challenge that is encountered in the process.

Bernard Montgomery, the British Field Marshal who accepted the German surrender in northern Germany at the end of World War II, stated: “Leadership is the capacity and will to rally men and women to a common purpose and the character which inspires confidence.”

The capacity to rally men and women to a common purpose and inspire them with confidence cannot be achieved by anyone who does not - fundamentally speaking - believe in humans as the bedrock of society. A leadership that recognises this and have the vision to transform society would make the development of human capital the centre-piece of its development paradigm. This is because strategic leadership involves the ability to

•Continued from page 29

“I guessed it was inexperience because she obviously was not aware of her due date which, medically, would have been July,” Dr Irinoye said, assuring that the baby was not delivered prematurely.

The university’s Chief Security Officer, Mr Paul Ogidi, debunked the notion that Oyinlola wanted to flush the baby based on Shatope’s explanation.

He said: “She was not attempting to flush the baby but looking at the circumstances surrounding the birth of the child, one might likely think so.

When I visited the Health Centre on Thursday, she was breastfeeding her baby. If she had the intention to kill or flush the baby, she would have aborted the pregnancy a long time ago.”

Oyinlola denied she wanted to kill the baby. She told our correspondents that her pregnancy was not unknown to her, but she confided only in some of her friends and the father of the baby, a Mechanical Engineering student.

She said: “Why would I flush or kill my baby after going through pains of carrying it for nine months. I am not heartless and I thank God for my life and for the safe delivery. I know God has the best for me and my baby. I appreciate the cleaner for her help because it was here (health centre) that I understood everything that happened to me when I was in labour.

“It is overwhelming and unexplainable. I don’t know how I feel, but it is really wonderful. Seeing the baby was terrifying because I was not expecting the baby to come out yet I didn’t know the pain I was feeling was a labour pain because I went into the toilet to defecate. There was a force from within me and I discovered that the baby came out and entered into the closet. I was just there standing

Agbo Agbo 08116759750 (SMS only)

•aagboa@gmail.com

anticipate, envision, maintain flexibility, think strategically, and work with others to initiate changes that will create a viable and lasting future.

As I got home from the supermarket that day, I reflected on one key issue: what if we never had visionary leaders at independence who invested massively in education, where would we be today? Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile Ife, University of Nigeria Nsukka, University of Lagos and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, were all conceived and set up by these leaders, I deliberately left University of Ibadan (UI), Ibadan out because it existed before independence. Until decay started setting in from the late 1980s, these were institutions of repute that attracted visiting professors from across the world.

For example, by 1980, Nigeria had established one of the best higher education systems in the developing world which offered direction at an international standard in diverse disciplines. For instance, the UI and Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) earned global recognition for research in tropical health and agriculture, respectively. But since then, under successive military administrations, these achievements, through lack of funding and policy inconsistencies, were not allowed to be improved upon.

Driving through these campuses anytime and looking at the infrastructure back then, a visitor will be left without an iota of doubt that visionaries planned these. The sad aspect is that many of the products of the finest decades of these varsities - up until the early-1990s - who were expected to become an essential part of a new middle class and the engine rooms of social, political and economic change and progress were forced out of the country. Today, many of these people who were trained in these institutions –

like my discussants - are now not able to send their own children to these same institutions that produced them. They now send their kids to Ghana, South Africa, Europe or America.

What went wrong then? Let’s make no mistake about this: the original crisis of higher education in Nigeria is entangled with the political crisis in Nigeria which brought the military to power. The military in power constituted the greatest threat, not just to the advancement of human freedom and justice, but also to knowledge building, knowledge sharing and human capacity development. The military destroyed higher education in Nigeria, as they destroyed many other institutions of society.

Starting from 1966 when they first seized power and ending with the Babangida-Abacha era, where the military simply buried an ailing university system, Nigeria has witnessed leaders who are the very anti-thesis of human capital development and progress.

With higher education destroyed by the military, aided and abetted by their civilian cronies, it was no surprise that virtually every other institution of society, including the moral fabric, which hitherto held us together was virtually wiped out, in essence we lost our soul and have continued in a downward spiral ever since.

Fourteen years into our democratic dispensation, we still face many of the old challenges in area of higher education in Nigeria – as illustrated in the capital flight and brain drain which attend the outflow of students from Nigeria to foreign universities, without the expected inflow of trained manpower or “brain gain” and financial resources. This is the depressing reality we face today. It is evident from developed societies that substantial investment in human capital is needed for economic progress, social transformation and political stability. This we lack as the system is so hostile that those that left are not willing to come back.

A large percentage of Nigerians now attend Ghanaian universities. Why Ghana? we may ask.

Because they put their house in order and returned to the glory of the past and are now marching on to a more glorious future; they embraced their challenges and learnt from them. But it seems that in Nigeria, our leaders are yet to identify a problem, let alone think about the solutions. The establishment of nine new federal universities last year is a classic example of the absence of strategic thinking at

the national level. A Federal Government that is yet to develop the understanding of the need, let alone the capacity, to sufficiently fund the existing federal universities should not have embarked on another round of creating new universities.

They could have used the resources to expand the facilities and recruit more lecturers and staff in the existing universities so that they could accommodate more students.

Now that we love foreign lands so much for education, leisure and other frivolities, we are not realising that we are becoming a nuisance to some countries. Only on Monday, reports had it that the British Government is planning to ask visitors from Nigeria and five other countries whose nationals are deemed to pose a “high risk” of immigration abuse to provide a 3,000 pounds (about N750,000) bond before they can enter the country.

Home Secretary Theresa May said the David Cameron administration is serious about cutting immigration and abuses of the system. The Sunday Times said from November, a pilot scheme would target visitors from Nigeria, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Ghana, Pakistan and India. Visitors aged 18 and over would be forced to hand over £3,000 ($4,600, 3,500 euro) from November for a six-month visit visa. They will forfeit the money if they overstay in Britain after their visa has expired.

The Federal Government said although it had not received any communication to that effect, such a policy, if implemented, would be discriminatory. Perhaps we need such policies to enable us to really sit and think of creative and productive ways of tackling the numerous challenges confronting us . Britain has a right to put forward whatever policy it deemed fit to protect its interests. This is where I agreed with one of the discussants who said we always have an “escapist mentality” about issues in Nigeria.

A cartoon in one of the national dailies captured what we should expect if the policy is implemented by the British. It depicted a politician congratulating the High Commissioner for coming up with such a policy because London should not be an all comers affair; in fact, he promised to pay double the fee as a status symbol because “Britain is not for every riff raff”. We know that this cartoonist hit the nail on the head, forget about the wolf cry from the National Assembly. Isn’t it time our leaders got down, their hands and dirty make Nigeria work?

‘I never attempted to kill my baby’

•The newborn baby being taken to the health centre by Mrs Ologbenla.

‘It is overwhelming and unexplainable. I don’t know how I feel, but it is really wonderful. Seeing the baby was terrifying because I was not expecting the baby to come out, yet I didn’t know the pain I was feeling was a labour pain because I went into the toilet to defecate’ and bleeding. That was the last thing I remembered. I am happy that I am alive and my baby is alive too.”

The Public Relations Officer of the university, Mr Abiodun Olanrewaju, in a statement, also dismissed the ru-

mour that Oyinlola wanted to flush the baby. The statement reads in part: “There was a delivery of a baby boy by an inexperienced mother who, in her naivety, thought she was pressed by the call of nature while she was

actually in labour pains. Prior to the child’s delivery, the young, inexperienced mother had experienced the urge, which she thought was to defecate. When she got to the toilet, she gave birth to the baby.”

•Mrs Ologbenla...the cleaner, who rescued the baby from the toilet

A close friend of Oyinlola, who attends the same fellowship with her, said she was surprised on hearing the news. She said: “Oyin is a cool and courteous student. I have been observing changes in her for quite a while. I didn’t want to confront her yet I found it hard to accept she was normal.”

The Health Centre matron, Mrs Mary Oyeleke, said Oyinlola and her baby were discharged last Friday.

Efforts to reach Samuel, the baby’s father, were futile as at press time. He was said to be busy with his examination.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2013

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CAMPUS LIFE

A Corps member’s lending hand Augustine Okorodudu left a mark in the community where he did his National Youth Service and won the people’s hearts. He undertook 47 projects, ODOGWU EMEKA ODOGWU reports.

S

TAFF and pupils of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Secondary School, Abagana (NASSA) in Njikoka Local Government Area were moody as a Corps member, Augustine Okorodudu, bid them farewell. The school was Augustine’s place of primary assignment.

Some of the pupils fought back tears as Augustine packed his personal effects to leave the school after the completion of his Youth Service.

The pupils trooped to Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, where the passing-out ceremony was being held for Batch “B”2012 Corps members. Augustine was among the outgoing Corps members honoured by the Anambra State government for outstanding service to the state during their service year.

The Igwe of Abagana, Obi Mbamalu Okeke (JP), with his council of chiefs, NASSA Principal Mr Clems Ofoedu, and men and women wings of Abagana Welfare Union led the crowd of people, who joined Augustine to receive the state award.

CAMPUSLIFE gathered that Augustine did not only leave behind a good legacy and projects, he impacted his host community positively. He was the toast of the day when it was announced that he executed no fewer than 47 projects

•Deputy Governor Sibeudu (left) presenting a certificate for Anambra State Award to Augustine

during his service year.

Augustine, with state code number AN/12B/0575, hails from Ebu in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State. He is the first on the list of 12 outstanding Corps members of 3,200 Batch “B” 2012 set, who rendered meritorious service to the state. The 27year-old studied Mass Communication at the Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka.

Governor Peter Obi lauded the “excellent performance” of Augustine, stood him out from the crowd, assuring him that the state would continue to appreciate his service.

Urging the youths to learn from Augustine’s achievements, Obi said dedication and commitment of the Corps member to sacrifice his time and resources for the benefit of his community must be recognised.

The governor, represented by his Deputy, Emeka Sibeudu, lamented the attitude of some Corps members, who he said, were not committed to the primary goal of the Service. Such

youths, he said, always left their host community the way they met it.

Co-ordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in the state, Mrs Bassey Inyang Ekpe, praised the awardees, describing them as good ambassadors of the scheme. She singled out Augustine for rendering unparallel service, urging him not to relent in his future endeavour.

Igwe Okeke and Ofoedu appealed to the Federal Government to grant Augustine an automatic job, saying his innovative skills would be a waste if he was not immediately engaged after the service year.

Augustine left a lasting legacy in his host community by developing a vast cassava farmland to cater for indigent widows and organising Students Productive Life Initiative (SPLIN) in 11 schools across the council. He donated copies of the Bible, food items, brooms, waste baskets, toiletries to the prison inmates at Amawbia in Awka South Local Government Area.

He renovated the NYSC signboard at the state secretariat in Amawbia,

PHOTO: ODOGWU EMEKA ODOGWU

which was pulled down when the road was being rehabilitated. He participated in the rural rugged evangelism organised by the Nigeria Christian Corpers Fellowship (NCCF) Anambra chapter at Awba Ofemili Community, a disaster-prone zone where relief materials and free medicare for men and children were rendered free.

Other projects he executed included immunisation against polio for children in Abagana, and skill empowerment training for women in cosmetics production in the three local government areas.

His initiatives and projects attracted over 17 recommendations and commendations from prominent community members, corporate organisations, government agencies, the academia, churches, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and NYSC officials.

CAMPUSLIFE learnt that the inauguration of each project attracted dignitaries in the state.

Speaking on his motivation, Augus-

tine said his drive stemmed from the purpose of the scheme, which is to imbibe the spirit of selfless service to the nation in the youths.

He said: “Widows are weighed down by myriad challenges, which bring them sorrow, pain, suffering, confusion and put them in distress.

Widowhood comes with trauma and I believe hunger is the main problem they grapple with. Farm for Widows project is part of my personal contributions to the realisation of the scheme’s objectives and the attainment of food sufficiency in the country.

“I wish to convey my heartfelt gratitude to the transition chairman of Njikoka Local Government Area, Chief Dazza Udeozo, his deputy, Hon. George Okaro, and all staff of the council for their support and encouragement.”

He also appreciated Mr Chris Okonkwo, principal partners, Save the Youth Empowerment Foundation (SAYEF) and his wife, for supporting his projects.

Students of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, have held a candlelight procession for officials of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), who died in an accident in a village in Abia State. OLUWAFEMI OGUNJOBI (400-Level Language Arts) reports. on all Nigerian students and our

I

T was an emotion-laden scene last Wednesday when students of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State gathered to mourn five officials of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), who died in an auto crash on their way to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital, to mediate the crisis at the University of Uyo (UNIUYO).

Donald Onukaogu, a student of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) and Senate President of NANS, on June 14, died alongside Abdulazeez Kabir Oladimeji, University of Ibadan (UI); Jerry Sorkaa, Benue State University (BSU); Japhet Duru, Federal Polytechnic, Nekede (NEKEDE POLY) and Asa Ejiate, Delta State University (DELSU).

Joined by NANS officials from other campuses, the students held a candlelight procession for their fallen leaders. The procession started at the OAU gate with a minute silence. Afterwards, the mourners moved round the campus, singing dirges.

Student-leaders and NANS

Candlelight for NANS Five •The grief-stricken students during the rally

officials from OAU led the tributes’ session, which made the procession emotional.

NANS President Yinka Gbadebo

of OAU was absent, but he was represented by the Secretary General of the association, Daniel Momodu, 300-Level Political Sci-

ence OAU. In his tribute, ‘Daniel said: “Their death is our collective loss and it is on this note that we call

colleagues at the University of Uyo to always remember these martyrs, who lost their lives in efforts to protect the interest of the students.”

The mourners urged the Federal Government to compensate the families of the late students’ leaders, because “their death is irreparable”. The deceased were described as heroes, who fought for the oppressed.

The National Co-ordinator of Education Rights Campaign (ERC), Taiwo Hassan, said the students’ death should be seen as a nudge for NANS to unite and convene a national congress to tackle what they called police brutality against students.

Present at the event were Samuel Adegbola, former president of Association of Campus Journalists (ACJ), his successor, Aderemi Ojekunle, chairman of OAU Students’ Union Transition Committee, Ayo Shedrach, and Steven Olajide, General Secretary of the committee. Others were Sheyi Babaeko, Tunde Badmus, Jamal Oladapo and Oluwatobi Omisakin, among others.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2013

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CAMPUS LIFE

Osun students celebrate Omoluabi Day

T

HE Geology Lecture Theatre of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) was filled to capacity as students of Osun State origin and their friends from other states gathered to celebrate the Omoluabi Day. The event was organised by the UNILORIN chapter of the National Association of Osun State Students (NAOSS).

Welcoming participants, Mojeed Fasasi, the President of the association, who said the students were poised to reflect the rich cultural heritage of the state.

Dr Abdulrasheed Adeboye, Head of Performing Arts Department, who was the guest speaker, gave a lecture on the concept of Omoluabi (responsible citizen) and its effects on the development of the nation.

The lecturer said monuments and tourist attractions, which dotted the landscape of the state made it to be respected among Yoruba state. He mentioned Oluminirin Waterfalls, Ooni’s palace, Ife museum, Enuwa Square, Ile-Ife City Walls, Oranmiyan Staff and Osogbo Arts Metal Works among others as historical monuments that distinguished the state.

•Some of the students in their Aso Ebi (uniform) after the event.

From Wale Bakare UNILORIN

The association also used the occasion to inaugurate leader who was recently elected. The incoming executive was led by Tolulope Awoyinfa, a

300-Level Linguistics students. There was also drama presentation to mark the day.

Prof Ronke Olademo, a lecturer who witnessed the occasion, admonished the students to promote the good image of the state and to desist from vices

that could terminate their studentship.

Dignitaries at the event included Prof Deremi Abubakre, a lecturer in Faculty of Art, Dr Mahfouz Adedimeji, representative of the Federal Commissioner of Public Complaint Commission, Osun State chapter, Prof Ronke

I

T was a memorable day for students of higher institutions across Lagos State, who attended the maiden Annual Campus Symposium organised by Mcnext Intellectual Property in collaboration with the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH).

The event was held in Yusuf Grillo auditorium.

Guests at the event included the Rector, YABATECH, Dr Margret Ladipo, who was represented by the Dean, Students’ Affairs, Mr O.T. Raheem, President-General, World Peace and Unity Organisation International, Ambassador Solomon Oke Eke, EATSAT Inventor, BrigGen. Oviemo Ovadje (Rtd) and Online Editor and Special Publication, The Nation newspaper, Mr Lekan Otufodunrin.

Others were Head, Employee Transformation and Culture of First Bank of Nigeria, Mrs Helen Ogboh, former Head of Guidance and Counselling Department, St Augustine College of Education Dr Obiageli Modebelu, Dean, School of Technical Education, represented

by Dr Lucas Ojo, and Mr Wale Ajetunmobi of the CAMPUSLIFE of The Nation.

The theme for the symposium was: Nigeria: Where we are in the world context.

The SUG President, Afeez Babalola, described the programme as unprecedented in the technological advancement of the country.

The convener and initiator, Mcnext Intellectual Property, Mark Orgu, a CAMPUSLIFE correspondent, said the programme was a new in-

T

HE Multi-Purpose Hall of the Kongo Campus of Ahmdu Bello University, Zaria was turned to a mecca of sort as the Attorneys Chamber, one of the seven Law students’ chambers in Faculty of Law of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria launched its maiden magazine. The ceremony also featured award presentations.

Lecturers and students trooped into the hall to witness the launch-

Olademo, Head of Religion Department, Prof Babatunde Adeleke, Dean Faculty of Science and Dr Raji Abdulgafar, former Head of Economics Department, among others.

•Some of the organisers with the guests at the symposium.

CAMPUSLIFE student organises symposium warning against the scrapping of the scheme. What the scheme needed, she said, was a change of strategy and re-organisation.

Otufodunrin, speaking on The media and the society: What hope for Nigerian students, corroborated the Rector, saying NYSC should be stay despite its shortfall among which included killing of Corps members and hostility of host community.

He hinted that the media remained the mirror of the society,

urging the youths to use the opportunity provided by new media to contribute to nation building.

According to Ogboh, students must take up the challenges if they wanted a change. She said they must be ready to sacrifice to achieve success in their chosen career.

Brig-Gen Ovadje (rtd), who spoke on the theme of the symposium, focused on defence technology, agriculture and medicare, saying Ni-

Law students honour judges

making, people are looking up to you in the society, so you have to be hardworking so that you will contribute your quotas to the society.”

The 62-page magazine was a compilation of articles written by lecturers, legal practitioners and students to recognise the efforts of the judge in propagation of justice. The magazine featured topics in law, politics, philosophy, poem and comedy.

Ten others were equally honoured

From Mark Orgu

YABATECH novation aiming towards changing the mindset of youths positively in other to equip them for the future.

In her address, Dr Ladipo, who spoke through Raheem, said the achievements of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) as catalyst for national development far outweighed its disadvantages,

From Awwal Mijinyawa

ABU ing of the magazine, which was in honour of Justice Shehu Ibrahim Ahmad of the Shari’ a Court of Appeal, Kaduna.

In his remarks, Justice Ahmad thanked the students for the

honour. He expressed gratitude to the lecturers and other guests who graced the occasion.

The Hon Justice enjoined the students to be of good character, saying: “As Law students, you have to behave impeccably so that others will emulate you; as lawyers in the

geria’s defense and security remained in doldrums despite being established on promising note.

The medical doctor cum army General regretted that Nigeria used to be a frontline producer of palm oil worldwide, adding that the nation had lost out in the scheme of things.

The highpoint of the event was the presentation of excellence awards to Ovadje and Oke Eke by the students. The Ambassador appreciated the students for honouring him with the award. by the chamber. The awardees included Justice M.S.M Commassie of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Hon Maccido Ibrahim, Grand Khadi Shari’a Court of Appeal, Kaduna and Dean of Law, ABU, Prof Y.Y Bambale.

The chairman of the occasion, Prof Shafiu Abdullahi, Registrar, Institute of Education, ABU, thanked the awardees and participants for gracing the event.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2013

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CAMPUS LIFE

Honour for UNN librarian

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•Some members of the club with Ademola (fifth left) and Ajetunmobi (sixth left) after the lecture.

UNILAG students honour Ngozi Agbo

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HE second Memorial Lecture in honour of the former CAMPUSLIFE Co-ordinator, the late Mrs Ngozi Agbo, has been held at the University of Lagos (UNILAG). The lecture, which was organised by the Press Club of the university, took place in the board room of the Faculty of Social Sciences with the theme: Becoming a successful campus writer.

The guest lecturer and the Editor of The Nation, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, spoke on how students can be successful writers. He was represented

by Wale Ajetunmobi, the Coordinator of CAMPUSLIFE. Ajetunmobi , who recalled how he met the late Mrs Agbo, noted that CAMPUSLIFE is a life-transforming platform floated by the newspaper.

The Industrial Chemist turned journalist said the late Mrs Agbo carved a niche for herself in discovering and building the youths for a better future, saying there would not have been a platform where undergradu-

From Modiu Olaguro

UNILAG ates would converge to air their views if the honouree did not initiate CAMPUSLIFE project.

He described campus journalism as a nascent form of journalism being practiced by students of higher institutions across the world. He added that campus journalists write on issues related to campus life and people, including student-lecturer, student-student, lecturer-lecturer, student-management and student-host community relationships.

He said: “To be credible, a campus writer must discharge his role within the purview of campus with courage and openness, without compromising his responsibility to the students on whose side he must always be.”

According to the speaker, the ethical code binding a professional journalist, such as objectivity, fairness, openness, credibility and accountability, also applied to

a campus journalist, which he described as interface between the students and management. He, however, cautioned that campus journalists should not write to paint the management as the devil all the time.

Mr Damilola Ademola, a graduate of Microbiology, UNILAG, and former CAMPUSLIFE reporter, who is a post-graduate student of Mass Communication in the university, took the audience through his adventures and the reasons why he left the field of natural sciences to pursue a course in journalism at the post graduate level.

According to him, the late Mrs Agbo inspired and nurtured him through CAMPUSLIFE platform during his undergraduate days.

Ademola said the inspiration he got from the gesture prompted his decision to veer into journalism.

The event was attended by students and some staff of the university.

EMBERS of the League of Democratic Students (LEADS), a students’ body in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), have honoured the university Librarian, Prof Charles Omekwu, with an award of excellence.

The award was tagged: “Icon of Nation Building Through Library and Information Science”. The Librarian was honoured as a result of his dedication to students’ empowerment, as well as his commitment to the realisation of the world-class aspiration of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Library, UNN. LEADS Nigeria, an umbrella body for democratic students’unions in Africa, was established in 1985 at the Bayero University, Kano (BUK) with the objectives of sensitising its members on democratic practices and enthroning the ideal culture of democracy in campuses.

Presenting the award, President of the group, Morgan Ochekwu, said that Prof Omekwu was selected for the award based on his outstanding contribution to education in Nigeria by promoting the growth of the

From Inya Agha

UNN library and using his position to guide students to achieve their academic aspirations.

“Prof Omekwu has made his marks; he has driven UNN library to a high standard that Nigerians can be proud of,” Morgan said.

Morgan, a student of the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT MINNA), called on government at all levels to pay attention to the development of libraries in the country, saying the facility remained central to the realisation of President Goodluck Jonathan’s Transformation Agenda in the education sector.

Reacting, Prof Omekwu expressed gratitude to the group for the honour, commending the efforts of the association in pursuing democratic ideals. The librarian remarked that he brought passion and dedication to his work, knowing that his effort would make lasting impression on the people he serves.

•Morgan (left) presenting the award plaque to Prof Omekwu

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Tai Solarin varsity shines at debate

ASS Communication students of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijagun, Ogun State, have defeated their counterpart from the Lagos State University (LASU) and Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH) to clinch the first position at the Inter-collegiate Debate and Awards Ceremony organised by LASPOTECH chapter of Mass Communication Students Association (MACSA).

The Engineering Hall of the polytechnic, where the event was held, was quaking by intellectual fireworks when the representatives of the participating schools argued for and against the topic, Advertising is more cost effective than Public Relations. There was also a quiz contest to test the knowledge of participants on general issues.

President of the association, Oluwatoyin Fanegan, explained that the event was meant to engender cross-fertilisation of ideas to promote professionalism and to test the knowledge of students on

By Kunle Akinrinade

attributes of the two media careers.

“The event is first of its kind in the history of our department and we felt that there was a need to exchange and generate ideas on best practices in the advertising and public relations arms of the media. More importantly, we also believe that this will serve as a platform to bring ourselves together, so that we can engage ourselves on intellectual issues that can strengthen our knowledge properly and we intend to make this an annual event,” Oluwatoyin said.

Prizes were later presented to the university that came first and the runners-up.

Some of the guests honoured for excellent leadership and professionalism included the LASPOTECH Registrar, Mrs Olufunke Ige, Head of Mass Communication department, Dr Ifedayo Daramola, Secretary to Ikorodu Local Government Area and publisher of The Factor, Hon. Japhet Odesanya, The Nation’s Kunle Akinrinade, among others.

•Students discussing at the scene.

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HERE was pandemonium in Adekunle Fajuyi Hall, a male hostel in the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), IleIfe, when a giant tree in the hall fell.

Students residing in the hostel scampered for safety when branches of the tree ripped through a wall of the hostel before it fell where the hostel’s reservoirs were located.

Though nobody was injured, the incident shocked students, who witnessed the scene. It almost stirred an uproar as a Law student in the hall pointed fingers at the hall management.

Tree’s fall scares students From Tosin Alawode

OAU A supervisor in the hall told CAMPUSLIFE that the tree was supposed to be felled the following day.

“When I assumed duty over a year ago and I saw the state of the trees and how hazardous they could be to the structures of the hall, I wrote a letter to the Parks and Gardens Department of the university. We were given approval to cut the trees considered injurious to

residents of the hall,” he explained.

Responding to an allegation of negligence by students, the supervisor described the incident as nothing short of a natural disaster.

He said: “Natural disasters are mostly inevitable and uncontrollable. We should give thanks to God that no one sustained any injury and no life was lost.” He, however, promised to see to the repair of the water pipes affected by the crash.”

• The TASUED students receiving their prize from the Grand Patron of MACSA, Hon. Ademola Oladeinde. With them is Mrs Olubunmi Adedoyin, a lecturer.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2013

CAMPUS LIFE

Members of the Africa Regional Centre for Information Science Students’ Association (ARCISSTA) have held a dinner in honour of their colleagues and lecturers, who helped the group’s cause. STANLEY IBEKU reports.

•Prof Tiamiyu (left) with wife receiving the award from Abimbola

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HE setting did not look like the usual lecture theatre, library or computer laboratory. It was not a gathering for group discussion or seminar presentation. But the atmosphere was full of glamour and glitz. It was the dinner and award night of research students of the Africa Regional Centre for Information Science, University of Ibadan (UI).

The centre, which was conceived by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in 1973 and revived by the Canadian International Development Research Centre in 1980, provides expertise in the establishment, update and application of standards for the construction, maintenance and effective utilisation of computerised databanks in Africa.

It began operations in Nigeria in 1990 and undertakes research, trains high-level manpower and provides

•Other awardees at the event

Rewarding excellence

consultancy services in information science.

The yearly event was held at the Sultan Bello Dome on campus. From the red carpet that covered the entrance of the venue, through the sparkle of the lightings to the exquisitely decorated walls and seats, students filed into the hall with joy.

As guests made their entry, they were welcomed by loud music blaring from powerful speakers stationed at four sides of the hall. The students, who were still writing their second semester exam, looked resplendent in their attires.

It was also a forum where students and staff related and spoke their minds on academic issues. Students and lecturers, who distinguished themselves in some activities, were

honoured.

In his address, the immediate past president of the Africa Regional Centre for Information Science Students’ Association (ARCISSTA), Abimbola Ademola, said it was a stock taking event of the past year and also to reward outstanding personalities. Recalling the beginning of his tenure, Abimbola thanked God for the successes recorded during his time.

During the award session, the Director of the Centre, Prof Muta Tiamiyu, was awarded a fellow of the students’ body. He was described as a father and frontline academic whose contributions in the training of information professionals and growth of the discipline could not be quantified.

Prof Tiamiyu appreciated the stu-

dents for the award and pledged to do more for the centre. He also hailed the students for upholding the institute’s ideals .

The sub-Dean of the Centre, Dr Wole Olatokun, was recognised as the Most Outstanding Lecturer. According to the organisers, Olatokun’s mastery of the course, delivery styles and relationships with students stood him out among other lecturers.

As he stepped out to receive the plaque, all the students rose to welcome Olatokun to the podium. Responding, the recipient appreciated the students for the award and pledged to do more. He urged the students to be committed to their research activities to ensure the nation’s growth.

Other awardees are Abimbola, who received both the Most Outstanding

Executive and the Most Friendly Student (male category), Ibikunle Opeyemi, Most Friendly Student (female category), Ademola Olayiwola, Best Dressed (male) and Temitope Babatunde, Best Dressed (female).

The new executive members of the association were inaugurated on the occasion. Olatokun administered the oath on the officers, who included Towo Adeyemi, President, Similoluwa Olugbebi, Vice President, Biodun Olasebikan, General Secretary and Rashida Aligiwa, Assistant General Secretary.

Others are Stanley Ibeku, Public Relations Officer, Dotun Aremu, Speaker, Adeola Olatunji, Financial Secretary and Treasurer, Chioma Sebastian, Director of Socials and Dapo Babalola, Director of Sports.

Towo promised to uplift the association. He pledged that his executive would build on the legacy of the outgoing executive.

Some medical students of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) have organised a concert to raise money for their colleague, Vincent Nwokedi, 600-Level Pharmacy, who is suffering from cancer of the blood. GILBERT ALASA (400-Level Foreign Languages) writes.

Help... student needs N10m to fight cancer

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TUDENTS of the Department of Pharmacy, University of Benin (UNIBEN), have held a concert at the Hall 2 Car Park to raise money to save a c o l l e a g u e , wh o i s suffering from cancer of the blood.

It was tagged: “Let’s save Vincent.”

The campaign is a fund-raiser by students and friends of Vincent Nwokedi, a 600-Level Pharmacy student, who was diagnosed of acute lymphocytic leukaemia, cancer of the blood.

A medical practitioner at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), who pleaded anonymity, because he was not authorised to speak to the press, told our correspondent that the treatment cannot be handled in Nigeria.

“As a matter of fact, Vincent needs N10 million for bone marrow transplant in India. But, for now, he undergoes chemotherapy here in UBTH. We are confident he would go through the process successfully,” he said.

During the concert, a popular comedian, Efosa Iyamu, joined other entertainers and students in

•Medical students at the concert organised to save Vincent’s life.

raising funds. He said all hands must be on deck to save the Vincent’s life.

“I don’t know Vincent personally. But I am inspired to join other entertainers in saving the boy because he deserves the love and respect. Perhaps, this is my way of giving back to a society that raised me. I believe if my

success cannot put a smile on others’ faces, it means I have failed,” he said.

Joshua Chibo, a classmate of the ailing student, described Vincent as one of the brilliant students in the faculty.

“Vincent is a great leader and a role model to many of us. That informed the large number of per-

sons participating in this campaign. His impact on the faculty is overwhelming and that is the more reason we don’t want to lose him to cancer.

CAMPUSLIFE learnt that Vincent led a group of Pharmacy students last year to wage war against drug abuse on the streets of Benin.

“As Chairman of Anti-Drug Misuse and Abuse Programme (ADMAP) Vincent made a great impact by turning around the lives of abusers of drugs, especially in Edo State. That is why we want well-meaning Nigerians to save this boy from untimely death,” a student of the department said.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2013

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CAMPUS LIFE

Nigeria: A sleeping giant in darkness T HEN, I was not born but history has it that by the time of Nigeria’s independence, the colonial masters had high expectations from the country they were leaving. It was predicted that we would become one of the leading economies in a few years and a force to reckon with in Africa after independence.

Perhaps, revelling in its potential to be a great nation, Nigeria prides itself the “Giant of Africa”. I am not a believer in forecasting, but I know most forecasts are as a result of extensive research and analysis. Nevertheless, I would not have expected anything less than fact from scientific forecast.

With such an overwhelming population, Nigeria is blessed with human resource. Then talk about the black gold – petroleum - one of the world’s most widely-used and expensive resources, was found in addition to favourable weather and welcoming temperature; we could not have wished for more blessing from God; we are blessed.

With the reality of today, Nigeria seems to have moved many centu-

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HE idea of this country was conceived before 1960 that we gained independence. On October 1, 1960, we were given freedom to govern ourselves and grow as a nation. However, things did not go as planned.

Before oil was discovered in Nigeria in 1958, agriculture was the main source of our income.

Through this, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the then Premier of the defunct Western Region, built the first television station and a functional university among other things he did. When the geologists came to Oloibiri in today’s Bayelsa State, the story changed for the country.

For years, Nigeria and its people wandered in the wilderness. The oil boom of 1960’s has now turned to oil doom in 2013. Instead of using the profit accrued to the nation from the sales of oil to develop and provide infrastructure such as electricity and good roads, the country witnessed unbridled official profligacy and fraud, which perhaps have not been witnessed in history.

In 1999 when the military handed power to civilian regime, we had the opportunity to change our misfortune for good. Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo, a former head of state, came in as the civilian president.

Hopes and expectations were high.

But at the end of Obasanjo’s eight years of misrule, Nigeria remained where it was during the Gen. Sani

ries in backward direction. The promising statistics of the late 50’s and 60’s have all become a myth.

But where did we get it all wrong?

In essence, there are so many aspects of our stagnant development in which we have terribly failed. I have chosen to dwell on the problem of electricity ravaging the nation. Since my childhood days, Nigerians have not enjoyed uninterrupted power supply; instead of improving and provide more turbine to generate more megawatts of electricity, the fact is that the nation’s total power output has gone worse. As a student, I am schooling in one of the hottest parts of the country and as a result, I’m not finding it easy to cope with heat.

Michael Faraday would be laughing at us, for if the scientist were to be a Nigerian, we would not have built on this excellent invention.

For many years now, Nigerians have been left to suffer the consequences of erratic power supply.

We are socially, economically and industrially weakened because we do not have a stable power supply.

Most people cannot cope with this

again.

If this was to be happening in the 60’s or 70’s when only a few countries could boast of stable power supply, it would have been better; the we-are-not-alone syndrome, which the government usually brings to bear whenever it is being criticised, would have been aptly.

Alas, these are times when small countries such as Ghana have dwarfed the sluggish giant called Nigeria in the provision of power supply.

It is unimaginable that for the past 52 years, we have not been able to achieve an uninterrupted power supply. Ours is the case of one step forward and two steps backwards.

Every successive government puts up elaborate plans on reviving our comatose power sector but efforts end up in futility and most times, the situation is left to go worse than before.

Recently, when our power generation dropped from 4,517 megawatts to 3,443 megawatts, government officials were everywhere, begging us that the situation would be fixed. But how

many megawatts of electricity are we talking about here? It should be a shame to us that Narita Airport in Japan generates about 6,000megawatts for its operation.

This figure is above the useless 4,517 being celebrated by the government.

Our government most times claims not to have enough funds but the fact is that most of these countries that now have stable electricity do not posses half of the resources at our beck and call.

However, I won’t be a critic without appraising some of the bold steps taken by the government to save the situation such as the recent privatisation of P o w e r Hol d i ng C om pa ny of Nigeria (PHCN). We must also explore other electricitygenerating means.

Other countries use wind turbines, solar electricity and more recently, nuclear reactor.

Furthermore, the Federal Government should relax the constitutional provisions barring federating states from generating their electricity. It is really not going to work that

Building a nation we want

By Oluwatobi Salami Abacha’s regime.

Fourteen years after the return of democracy, nobody can answer if the nation’s fortune has changed for good. I have come to understand that Nigerians are great but desperate people, because we are ready to do anything just to get rich. We are best known in the Western part of the world as Internet fraudsters and money launderers.

As I write this, many Nigerians are rotting away in foreign prisons for one crime or the other. But when one comes to think of it, most of our countrymen in jail abroad left the shore of this nation as a result of poverty in the land; without being allowed to work, some Nigerians believe that the only way they can survive is to engage in illegal business.

The so-called elected democratic leaders, who got to office through our mandate – or should I say stolen mandate - pay little or no attention to the cries of the masses.

The present administration of a man with no shoes is making now difference. Rather, through his policies, the president has made many Nigerians to suffer his fate while growing up by making a lot of us shoeless. The last time I checked, majority of Nigerians are still wal-

lowing in poverty, a situation that has aggravated the security problem in the country.

In all parts of Nigeria, criminallyminded people go on killing spree without anybody stopping or preventing them from committing the crime. A lot of lives have been lost to ethnic clashes. Recently in Sokoto State, 20 people were killed in a remote village because a cow of a Fulani man was slaughtered. Other parts of the country have not been left out in the bloodbath.

The Federal government has not been sincere in tackling the root cause of crimes being committed on our land. Our destiny is in our hands. Up in the North, Boko Haram members hold sway. After declaring state of emergency, the criminal using religion to kill came back through the back door to attack secondary school, killing pupils and teachers in the process.

When will this country of 52 years that prides itself as Giant of Africa starts intelligence gathering? Most of the killings in the North are sometimes targeted at selected individuals to settle personal or political scores. I once heard of a story of a man, who killed his boss by paying the assassins just N2,000 (equivalent of $20). This is the price of a life in Nigeria.

It must be noted that poverty is the cause of these crimes being committed daily on our land. Presently, employment has reached unprecedented level; no job is being created despite huge funds that go into employment generating parastatal and agencies. It is only in Nigeria that we fight corruption using corruption.

The truth is that the federal and the state government are not sincere about the plight of the people. In a level unimaginable, flood wrecked its havoc last year and two years ago, submerging some states and rendering people homeless and impoverished. This year’s raining season has begun but how many states governments and federal agencies are preparing for the consequence?

When there is another flooding incident, perhaps the president might be on a tour of Asian countries, scouting for investors for a country where safety of human and businesses is not guaranteed.

Nigeria is on the brink of collapsing; we must all stand up and fight for this great nation by tackling injustice, insecurity, corruption and vices, which have constituted cogs in the wheel of our nation’s progress. If Nigeria is to break today, it is the common men

By Sarat Alabidun just a company controls the electricity supply of a vast country like Nigeria. Let states come up with their own plan to reduce pressure on PHCN. Finally, the government and corporate bodies should invest in human resource, which is abundant in Nigeria. We have able youths across the country; these are the ones who will work for change since the future of their motherland dangles on balance.

•Sarat is 200-Level Applied Chemistry, UDU, Sokoto that would be worst hit, which is why we must act to save the country.

Nigeria, as a nation, has a lot to offer its peer in leadership and economy. Ours is a country of great people but the onus lies on us to develop our country in order to provide the needed leadership for the rest of the African countries to follow. We must let go our religious and ethnic differences and work together as a united people to make this country better.

The 2015 general elections is approaching; it is the time every Nigerian will get the chance to refresh his mandate and vote for progressive leaders that will have the interest of the country at heart. It is about time that we do away with selfish interest and do vote wisely to deserved leadership.

Nigeria is a great country only if the people work in unity. That is when the world will know we are building a country and not a mere geographical entity where nothing works.

If we don’t change who we are now, 2015 will come but there won’t be any difference in our politics, leadership and wellbeing. The change we have been waiting for won’t come if we don’t change our individual belief in thinking that we cannot get the government we deserve.

Oluwatobi, 200-Level FUTA student

Traits of godfatherism on campuses

By Damilola Olayemi

T

O say that godfatherism has eaten deep into Nigerian politics is to restate the fact.

Our politics has always been defined by who a candidate knows.

Before anybody can occupy public office, he must have a godfather.

Such candidates, who ride on the back of godfathers to clinch political offices, will only be loyal to the person(s) that help them win

elections.

Such is the ugly side of godfatherism. In higher institutions, the trait is rearing its ugly especially in students’ politics.

Historically, godfatherism can be traced to the old Catholic Church when youths and children looked up to elderly persons and emulated them to be responsible. This practice is still in operation till today in some Anglican Churches and Pentecostal churches.

In Nigerian politics, the likes of Nnamdi Azikwe, Obafemi Awolowo and Tafawa Balewa, were seen as as political godfathers in the First Republic; politicians, who wanted to be elected invoke their names and banked on their influence to be elected.

Operationally, a political godfather is a term used to describe a merchant who acquires the state as a client to further his personal economic and political empire, which

will be maintained by a godson, through an unbroken pact of remitting the state resources before ascending the throne of power.

Godfatherism is firmly establishing itself as a phenomenon in contemporary Nigerian politics.

These godfathers are rich and have so much influence within their individual domain. They decide who becomes the governor, legislator, and local government chairman in their consistencies.

These political godfathers ensure they get into politics through whatever means, whether legitimate or illegitimate and employ unconventional methods to achieve their aim of political relevance. Their formidable political structures, if positively used, can strengthen democracy and improve the political process.

But what we have is contrary; political godfathers have continued to make life unbearable for the citizens

because they stand between elected officials and the people, who should be served. Their activities have made politics in Nigeria a difficult process and this has hampered development both at the local and national level.

However, the inability of political godsons to continuously grease the financial wheel of their godfather has resulted to the removal of some of them from office because godfathers will not hesitate to bring down their disloyal godsons to prove their political supremacy.

Like other forms of political corruption, godfatherism is a major threat to Nigeria’s democracy and it has eaten deep into the political structure of higher institutions in Nigeria, including private institutions. Some students plead with their colleagues to get their favourite aspirants elected into the students’ union body. They would support their aspirants with cash to print

campaign posters and buy other materials needed for the election.

Candidate elected this way will eventually embezzle the funds of the union to enrich the people, who assisted them to get to the position. This unfortunately tells us that young people of this generation are also into this despicable practice of getting into power and positions on the back of godfathers.

The cliché ‘youths are leaders of tomorrow’ has been ringing into the ears of many for a long time but the question now is: if these young people, who engage themselves in this despicable act of godfatherism, later become the leaders in reality, what hope do we have in becoming one of the greatest countries in the world?

•Damilola, recently graduated from Mass Comm., REDEEMER’S

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NGOs train youths

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BOUT 105 youths made up of graduates and undergraduates have completed training on employment and enterprise skills organised by Afterschool Graduate Development Centre (AGDC) and TY Danjuma Foundation.

The programme, which lasted for three weeks, was held at the Precious Palm Royal Hotel, Benin City, Edo State.

The Managing Director of the hotel, Jude Nosagie, charged the trainees to imbibe good values, noting that discipline was crucial for anyone who wanted to live a successful life.

In her address, the Chief Executive Officer of AGDC, Mrs Detoun Ogwo, lamented the high level of unemployment in the country, urging the trainees to see the programme as a platform to distinguish themselves from the crowd.

She urged participants to learn to communicate their skills and competencies, saying no employer would underestimate value.

Participants were also taught

From Gilbert Alasa

UNIBEN practical skills in writing resume, business development, presentation skills, personal branding, self management and problem solving proficiencies among others.

Speaking at the graduation, Projects Officer of the Centre, Mr Godbless Otubure, admonished the trainees to approach life with a renewed vigour and to constantly strive for excellence in their various careers. He said: “I want you to go out there and showcase what you have learnt. I want you to become the agents for building the local economy.’’

A 400-Level student of Foreign Languages at the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Joyce Chidi, who participated in the training commended the organisers. “I believe the centre has prepared me to take on the world. In three weeks, I learnt what I could not learn in school for four years,’’ she said.

Meanwhile, the training was followed with a community develop-

•From left: Mr Brian Oji, Mrs Funmi Adeyemi, Nosagie, Otubure and a staff member of the Foundation

ment exercise in seven local gove r n m e n t a r e a s i n B e n i n .

During the exercise, career development sessions were

held and learning materials were also distributed to secondary schools in the state.

Principal of Edo Boys

Colleg e, Mrs Emokpai-Ogbebor Mariana, lauded the gesture when one of the teams visited her school on Friday.

On and Off Campus By Solomon Izekor 08061522600

•Dr Baba speaking on the occasion. Sitting are Musa (left) and John.

NDLEA club recruits members

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EMBERS of the Drug Free Club at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, have inducted new members into its fold at Marquis Lecture Theatre, Faculty of Pharmacy, OAU. The event was graced by the Deputy Ife Area Commander of the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr Abdulai Musa; Head of Drug Demand Reduction, NDLEA, Dr Ibrahim Baba, and Assistant NDLEA State Commander in Osun State, Tunde John, who conducted the swearing-in rite at the event.

From Samuel Afolabi

OAU The club is a non-political and nonprofit students’ organisation, which partners with NDLEA in its campaign against drug abuse, misuse, addiction, trafficking, sales and production of fake drugs.

The induction ended the recruitment embarked on by the club in the academic session.

The event was also marked with a lecture titled:Drug Abuse and the Rule of Law in Nigeria delivered by John, a lawyer.

•Prof Eyong (right) with Bassey and Rejoice after the commissioning of the board

Student donates notice board

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TUDENTS are known mostly for demanding one thing or the other but Rejoice Eziedo, a final year student of Education Administrative and Planning and the former coordinator of Female Leadership Forum (FLF), University of Calabar (UNICAL), demonstrated uncommon courage when she donated an ultramodern notice board to the Students’ Affairs Division.

While unveiling the board, Rejoice echoed the words of Abraham Lincoln, saying: “Don’t leave any environment the way you meet it, always bring a positive change to make it better.”

She said the quoted sentence in-

From Stanley Uchegbu UNICAL

spired her to embark on the project.

The Dean of Students’ of Affairs, Prof Eyong Eyong, who was very excited by the project, commended Rejoice for the gesture. He said: “It is a thing of joy that a student could have the wisdom to think of having what to add to the system, we commend you for the presentation and we promise to make good use of the board.”

The Students’ Union President, Bassey Eka, eulogised the donor for her benevolence, saying with the gesture, Rejoice had demonstrated attribute of a good leader.

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Alvan Ikoku college to award degrees T HE Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Owerri, is soon to award degrees, its Provost Dr Blessing Ijioma, has said.

Speaking at the inauguration of an eight-man committee to work out modalities for degree-awarding status as well as strengthening the institution ahead of its golden jubilee in Abuja, Dr Ijioma said the college scored 100 per cent at the last accreditation conducted by the National Universities Commission (NUC) for its degree affiliation programmes.

She said: “The College of Education will soon be a degree-awarding institution. The college has the requirement; we are better than most degree-awarding institution in the tertiary system. Our utmost desire is for Alvan Ikoku to be converted into a university.

“We are more experienced and more equipped than some third generation universities. We have

From Franca Ochigbo and Frank Ikpefan, Abuja

full accreditation in all our courses when the National University Commission (NUC) came to conduct the accreditation exercise; we are fully accredited in all our courses.”

She attributed the undue preference for university education to what she called the ‘Nigerian factor’.

“Most Nigerians prefer to attend the university because of the Nigerian factor. Somebody will want to be known as a university graduate even if that person will end up getting better equipped in the college of education. Though the college has a lot of challenges, it is still performing very well.

“Funds were a major challenge of the college before the Federal Gov-

ernment took over. We now have improved facilities, trainings, and structures because of the intervention of the Federal Government. In fact, members of staff now go on training abroad, which is good for the college,” she said.

The provost charged the members of the committee to perform wonders.

“We are looking at them as the mustard seed in Abuja that will soon grow to work miracles. We are the oldest college of education in Imo State. We are still growing up.

We expect a lot of support from you even if it is not financial support. It is not in the numbers but the effort put into Alvan Ikoku,” she said.

The members were: Uzoma Ihedirimadu Abudu, chairperson; Mrs Eunice Awu; Dr Ngozi Nwosu; Mrs Stella Anunobi, Mr Jude Anokwu, Mr. Ugochukwu Okorie, Mr Nze Kingsley and Dr Young Durakor.

FUTMINNA FILE

Pro-Chancellor tasks dons

•Dr Ijioma

FUTO VC laments poor facilities

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•Prof Asiabaka

HE Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Technology (FUTO) Owerri, Prof Chigozie Asiabaka, has identified inadequate library and laboratory facilities as the greatest challenges confronting the institution.

He said the development has hindered the vision of elevating the university to world class standard.

Asiabaka spoke at a briefing to mark his second anniversary as the sixth Vice-Chancellor of the university.

He listed that inadequate funding, inadequate experienced teachers to take courses, particularly technology courses, staff accommodation, transport, lecture rooms and hostels are some of the challenges threatening the growth of the institution.

However, he said the management has engaged several government agencies, private institutions

From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

and individuals, as well as international funding institutions and the FUTO alumni, to assist the university in addressing its infrastructural deficiencies.

The challenges not withstanding, Asiabaka said the university has made progress in the past one year.

“No country can develop without technology institutions such as FUTO, which against all odds had witnessed unprecedented infrastructural transformation in the last one year. We have, indeed, made remarkable and commendable progress towards re-positioning the university to world class standards,” he said.

New buildings, the vice-chancellor has said completed in the period, include: Department of Dental Technology building, department of optometry, postgraduate school, Chevron ICT centre, centre

for entrepreneurial studies, and the 1,000-seater lecture theatre.

Asiabaka promised that his administration would not stop in its determining to institutional transformation until FUTO becomes an excellent vehicle for technological emancipation of the nation.

He noted that as much as the university has continued to develop its infrastructure, its relationship with the host community has remained a great source of worry.

“It is sad to note that despite our determined efforts at improving relationship with our host communities, the issue of encroachment is yet to be amicably resolved because some unscrupulous members of the host communities are still encroaching on the university land for pecuniary benefits,” he said.

He called on the major stakeholders of the host communities to collaborate with the university to ensure a peaceful co-existence.

Philanthropist donates car, cash to UNIZIK

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NAMDI Azikiwe University Awka (UNIZIK) was agog last Saturday when a famous philanthropist and founder, Adadioramma Foundation, Dr Nkolika Imoh, extended her largess to the Department of Education Foundation of the institution.

Mrs Imoh, from Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State, donated a brand new Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) and N1 million to the department.

She also awarded a scholarship to a student of the faculty for four years.

The event was for the maiden Departmental National Conference of the Department of Education Foundation.

The donor stole the show by attending in grand style.

She was decorated as the first Grand Patroness of the university by the Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof. Boniface Egboka represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics) Prof Joseph Ahaneku, who said Dr Nkoli’s name would be written in gold in the institution.

Thanking her for investing in education, the VC urged other Nigerians to emulate her gesture.

“On behalf of the institution, we thank you Adadioramma for extending this love and kindness. Your name has entered into the annals of the university. We will capture the donation in our periodicals,” he said.

The Adadioramma Foundation is targeted at achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in edu-

THE Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council, Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMinna), Prof Ahmed Rufai Alkali, has urged lecturers in the School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology (SAAT) to embark on commercial farming and research to curb unemployment and generate funds for the university.

Alkali spoke when he led other members of Council and Principal Officers on a familiarisation tour of schools, centres and facilities of the university.

The Pro-Chancellor noted that with its potential, agriculture could replace oil as the mainstay of the economy.

“I do not believe that Nigeria’s future should be dependent on political structure or oil but the main focus should be agricultural development”, he said.

URP Dept best in Nigeria THE Department of Urban and Regional Planning (URP), FUTMinna, has emerged the best in the country after a nationwide accreditation exercise of URP departments conducted by Town Planners Registration Council of Nigeria (TOPREC) in September 2012.

The Chairman, TOPREC Accreditation Committee, Mr Ralph Adebisi Kumapayi, during the “First Studio design and regional planning workshop.”

Kumapayi said the department satisfied all the requirements set

by TOPREC with the quality of its facilities and lecturers.

He urged participants at the workshop to imbibe the new computer based method of studio design which he noted would enhance professionalism.

According to him, TOPREC has remodeled the character and content of the URP syllabus to reflect the changing forms of urban development while tackling the increasing problems of continuously evolving economy, societal and environmental needs.

Varsity committed to entrepreneurship

•Chief Nkolika Imoh (middle) presenting the car keys to DVC (Academics), Prof Ahanekwu. With them is Dr. Elibie Eyiuche From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

cation.

In her speech, Mrs Imoh told the audience that activities of her foundation is focused on providing opportunities and economic empowerment for the less privileged.

“What we are doing is purely on humanitarian service. I feel for the youths and children who are suppose to be leaders of tomorrow when I see them roam the streets without jobs,

indulging in cyber crime and hawking which exposes our young girls to rape. Our aim of doing all these is to touch the lives of the less privileged and turn the dreams of brilliant students into reality through scholarship awards, with special interest in the girl child. We have given scholarship to over 120 Anambrarians from primary to university level and we hope to do more,” she said.

Speaking on the purpose of the conference, Chairman organising committee, Dr Bekky Ngozi Adirika, said

it is to determine how education can help solve various societal problems.

“Our aim is to see how education can be used to sustain our environment, create peace and have security.

We gathered people from far and wide so that we can think about it together. We have a benefactor who thought that education could be used to foster a better society,” she said.

The conference also featured a workshop on research methods, writing and reporting for postgraduate students.

THE Vice-Chancellor, FUTA, Minna, Prof. Akanji, has reiterated the management’s commitment to entrepreneurship training of students to address unemployment problems.

Akanji spoke when he received Competency Based Economy through Formation of Enterprise (CEFE) officials from Germany.

The VC said the aim is to ensure that students are trained to be job creators irrespective of the programmes they run.

“With the establishment of School of Entrepreneurship and Management Technology (SEMT), we have made a statement of intent that we are committed and hope it would help curb unemployment in the country,” he said.

The Coordinator of CEFE, Mr. Barrent Peter, said CEFE is concerned about the training of entrepreneurs in Nigeria. He added that their collaboration with the university would facilitate technology and knowledge transfer from Germany to Nigeria.

He further pointed out that multiple taxation, poor business decision making and energy are some of the major problems affecting the growth of enterprises in Nigeria.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2013

CAMPUS LIFE SCHOLARSHIPS

AUN FILE

APPROACHING DEADLINES

Two dons promoted THE American University of Nigeria (AUN), has promoted two professors, Charles Reith and Linus Osuagwu, to major positions.

Reith, who serves as the AUN’s Director of Sustainability Initiatives, will take on the additional responsibility of Interim VicePresident for Academic Affairs (VPAA).

Osuagwu, who had served as Acting Dean of the School of Business and Entrepreneurship is now the official Dean of SBE. The promotions were recommended by the university’s Search Committee and approved by its Board of Trustees.

AUN President, Margee Ensign said: “The Board accepted the recommendations of AUN’s search committee by approving an interim Academic Vice-President position and by elevating Prof Osuagwu. We are very pleased by their decision as well as the well-deserved recognition of Reith and Osuagwu.”

Rotary honours President THE AUN President, Dr Margee Ensign, has been honoured at the Rotary International District 9125 conference in Abuja.

Rotary is a worldwide organisation of business and professional leaders that provides humanitarian service and encourages high ethical standards in all vocations. The 1.2 million Rotarians, who make up more than 34,000 Rotary clubs in nearly every country share a dedication to the ideal of service above self.

Ensign, who gave a talk on Pathways to Peace, was named a Paul Harris Fellow “in appreciation of tangible and significant assistance given for the furtherance of better understanding and friendly relations among peoples of the world.”

Ensign received the Rotary’s Distinguished Service to Humanity Award “for your wonderful support to our District in terms of financial, moral and developmental projects during the ‘Peace through Service’ Year.”

Globacom G-BAM Quarterly Scholarships for 1000 Nigerian Secondary and Tertiary students Course(s) Offered: Any field(s) Course Level: Undergraduate (secondary, tertiary) Provider: Globacom Nigeria Country to Study in: Nigeria Scholarship Description The GBAM Scholarships, a major aspect of Globacom’s youth program - the G-BAM Hi5ive program, empowers both the Secondary and Tertiary (University, College of Education, Polytechnic) student community in Nigeria by offering a scholarship of $5 million for 1,000 students.

The G-BAM Hi5ive program offers the lowest call tariff ever in the Nigerian market, allowing subscribers call five special numbers at only five kobo per

second, and offers a unique proposition to Nigerian youths by making the immensely popular social networking site Facebook free. It also offers subscribers several other attractive benefits including free airtime and free night calls.

Through the G-BAM Hi5ive program, Globacom Nigeria joined large companies like ABC Transport, MTN, Shell, Total and other company-funded financial aid providers to award scholarship offers to Nigerian students since 2012.

Eligibility Criteria To be eligible: • You must be a Glo G-Bam Hi 5ive customer (To migrate, dial *100*5*1#) • You must recharge at least a cumulative of N500 in a month.

• You must be enrolled in either a secondary school or a tertiary institution in Nigeria.

Eligible groups All aspiring Nigerian students

Number of Awards One thousand (1,000) every year 250 students will be selected every quarter Scholarship Benefits 5000 US Dollars ($5,000) worth of scholarship for 250 students every quarter.

Other benefits to be made known later.

Method of Application You must complete and submit an online application and questionnaire to be considered for the award of the Glo G-Bam scholarship.

Hardcopy submissions will not be accepted.

Globacom reserves the right to cross check any personal and educational information you submit on the form with relevant bodies including officials of your institution. Incomplete and/or inaccurate submissions will be disqualified. If you are selected for the award of the G-Bam scholarship,

you will be notified.

Contact For further enquires: • All general enquiries about Globacom Limited should be made via: • Phone: +234(0)8050020121; or +234(0)8050020200 E m a i l : customercare@gloworld.com; or corporatecare@gloworld.com • To visit or mail the Corporate Headquarters: Globacom Limited, Mike Adenuga Towers, 1, Mike Adenuga Close, Off Adeola Odeku, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria Scholarship Application Deadline: rolling (varied / ongoing) Open to International students: No (ONLY Nigerian students) Read more: http:// www.studyandscholarships.com/ 2012/01/g-bam-scholar-glo-scholarships-for.html#ixzz2WUP5kurN

UNESCO trains UNN dons to teach with mobile phones N O fewer than 100 lecturers of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) have been trained on how to use mobile phones and other digital equipment in delivering lectures the courtesy of United Nations, Educational Scientific Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and technology firms Microsoft, Intel and Nokia.

Experts at the training held at Nsukka tutored the trainees on how to prepare and deliver lectures using Java 2 Micro Edition (J2ME) and Android-enabled mobile phones.

In one of the presentations, a UNESCO facilitator from the University of West Indies, Jamaica, Dr Permanand Mohan, guided participants on what he called Mobile Maths, which he defined as the use of mobile phones to generate mathematical equations and also pass instructions to students outside a classroom setting.

The title of his presentation was, “Building scientific e-learning appli-

cation using J2ME and Android.”

On the health implication of using mobile phones, the Research Head for Mobile and Communication Advancements, GC University-Lahore (Pakistan), Dr Fareeha Zafar, explained that human skin magnates electromagnetic radiations from phones the way television antenna attracts visual signals.

She warned that such radiations could have adverse effect on the brain and genital organs of phone users, especially those with low defence system and low level of calcium and magnesium in their blood.

Dr Zafar cautioned that as Nigeria remains one of the highest users of mobile phones worldwide, Nigerians could be vulnerable to mobile problems if users do not take adequate pre-

cautionary measures. She added that such dangerous trends were prevalent in Pakistan that has 118 per cent phone users against 70 per cent in Nigeria.

She, therefore, advised Nigerians to keep phones far from their heads while making or receiving calls. She suggested the use of ear piece and headsets as safety devices.

Meanwhile, some participants at the training had started counting their blessings. Ogechukwu Omeje of Pharmaceutical Sciences said the workshop “has improved my lecture delivery skills”.

He stated further: “I now understand a better way to use my mobile phone, and the safety precautions I need to take. What we are learning is an improvement on the traditional method of learning. I am going to, systematically, apply the knowledge I have ac-

quired in lecturing my students”.

Dr Nicolas Obike, another participants, said: “The workshop is a great one and very rewarding. It is a great move by the university authority to improve on the pattern of lecture delivery.

“I have benefit a lot and hope to still benefit from other presentations that will be made. When we apply what we learnt here, learning will be easier for our students because they will have the materials in their phones. Instead of playing games or watching movies, our students can use their phones to revise their lectures.”

Scientific Mobile-Learning Workshop is one of three streams of the Science Technology Exposition and Fair billed for this month. UNESCO is collaborating with the International Centre for Theoretical Physics and Engineers Without Borders to deliver the three-in-one fair and workshop at UNN, with additional 1,600 students drawn from secondary schools in Enugu State.

“As public servants occupying the ‘engine room’ of government’s machinery, we have a very critical role to play, individually and collectively, in the transformation of our dear country. Indeed, as the principal and central organ responsible for the formulation and implementation of government policy, plans, programmes and projects, the success of the transformation agenda rests squarely with the public service and public servants.

However, for the public servants to provide the requisite support and assistance to government to successfully

realise the results of the transformation agenda, it must attain a high level of organisational efficiency and effectiveness with a ‘critical mass’ of highly professional, result-oriented, ethical and accountable public servants. This means that the public service itself needs to be transformed,” he added.

Two of the participants Mr Babangida Muhammad Akuyan and Mrs Udenze Iheaku Udeaku, both shared their experiences with The Nation.

While Akuyan is the Operations Manager, Community and Social Development Agency, Bauchi State, Mrs

Udeaku is a Public Operations Manager of the Nigeria Shippers Council, Apapa, Lagos.

“I studied Conflicts and Management Resolutions, he said, adding: “I found the coursemoreinterestingbecauseIwasmade to realise during the course that conflicts is inevitable to mankind. It’s a daily occurrence in organisations and homes. So therefore, one must learn to manage it if it cannot be totally eradicated.”

For Udeaku, her experience during the field trip, which formed a part of their programme, would remain unforgettable.

From Chris Oji, Enugu

ASCON boss urges students to apply training

S

TUDENTS in in-service training have been urged to put their training to use in their work place.

The Director-General, Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON) Mr Ajibade Peters, gave the advice at the graduation of 79 participants for Third Regular Course of the institution in Badagry, Lagos.

He was represented at the event by the college’s Director of Programmes, Mrs Cecelia Gaya.

He said: “In the past, I have had cause to remind graduating participants on occasional like this that one of the major challenges participants face after the completion of their programmes is to make deliberate effort to transfer their learning to the work to improve their performance and that of the sponsoring organisations. If they can’t make these efforts, two things will happen; they would lose the opportunity to add value to their organisation and at the same time, lose what they have learned.

I therefore urge you to make every effort to put whatever knowledge, skills, insights and ideas that you have

•The participants at the event.

By Adegunle Olugbamila

acquired from your courses to use for the benefit of your organisation and the country at large.”

Peters noted that Nigeria faces a lot of challenges. He stressed the government’s determination in a three-pronged agenda, namely, strong inclusive and non-inflammatory growth with Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of 11.7 per cent; employment generation and poverty alleviation; as well as value re-orientation of the citizenry.

39

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2013

EDUCATION

Dansol surprises public school T HE Day of the African Child meant nothing to pupils of Ojodu Primary School I until Dansol Nursery and Primary School drew their attention to it.

Select pupils of Dansol, a private primary school in the Akinyode, Ojodu, a Lagos suburb, visited the public primary that caters for the education of over 1,625 pupils with some of their parents and teachers to share the story behind the day and some goodies as well.

They distributed school bags, exercise books, biros and Ribena drinks to all the pupils of the school, as well as their teachers and told them why June 16 was dedicated to the African Child.

Mrs Love Ogundipe, Head Teacher of Dansol Nursery and Primary School said the decision to give out school materials to less privileged pupils in the public school was initiated because – like the South African children who died protesting poor education during the 1976 Soweto uprising – many children today still do not have access to quality education.

“I was touched when I learnt that children were killed and many injured because they were asking for quality education. After so many

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

years quality education is still a far cry. I see children going to school with nylon bags and I felt we should extend a hand of fellowship. Our parents contributed to the success of the programme and we also got sponsorship,” she said.

Mrs Ogundipe urged the teachers to take good care of the children so their future can be assured.

For the recipients, it was a very pleasant surprise. Many pupils who were not in school were called to come and partake of the largesse.

The teachers and pupils described it as wonderful.

Assistant Head Teacher of Ojodu Primary School I, Mrs Justina Oshun said they were surprised Dansol came prepared for all of their pupils.

“This is beautiful; wonderful.

They gave us a surprise package.

Initially we were scared the bags won’t go round because our population is so high. But they had more than enough. They were patient.

They waited; we have been calling those who were not in school to come,” she said.

Head Teacher, Mr Adebowale Adaranijo, said the bags would come handy.

“This is a welcome idea because

•The Ojodu pupils with their bags.

there is no such celebration in public schools. The pupils need the school bags. This school is densely populated. It is the only public school that feeds localities around Ojodu up to Alagbole and Akute in Ogun State,” he said.

Some of the pupils are already keeping the bags for their secondary education.

An excited Titilayo Oyebanji, a Primary Six pupil, said her old bag will still be on duty until the ses-

sion ends next month.

“We thank them so much because we did not expect them to give us all that they did. I will use my old bag for this Primary Six and the new bag for JSS 1,” she said.

After the distribution, Dansol invited pupils of the school for a celebration of the African Child’s Day held at the Dansol High School, where pupils from various schools paraded in the fashion of various African countries, and educated the audience about their culture, dance, food and the like.

Dansol pupils represented Nigeria, Liberia, and Algeria; Ojodu pupils represented Kenya, while

other schools represented Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Uganda.

In her speech, Director of Dansol School, Mrs Adun Akinyemiju urged governments to ensure all African children have access to quality education and are protected from harm.

“Until African children are given world class education irrespective of gender, creed or background, there will be no meaningful progress. I use this opportunity to call on the government of African nations to rise up to the task of protecting, defending and providing quality education for African children,” she said.

Firm launches Digi School

A

•From left: Pupil of Government Senior College, Ikoyi, Nlemogu Nnaemeka receiving the winning trophy of a quiz competition during the closing ceremony of 21 Days of Y’ello Care from Chief Education Officer, Lagos State Ministry of Education, Mrs. Okikiola Adegoke with them are Vice Principal, Government Senior College, Mrs. Dupe Adelakun (2nd left) and Project Manager, MTN 21 Days of Y’ello Care, 2013, Mr. Felix Omojola (R) at Golden Plaza, Ikoyi, Lagos.

Ex-pupils to improve alma mater

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HE 1992 sets of Oluwole Primary School, Akoka, Lagos, under the aegis of OPSA 92, have pledged to make their alma mater compete with private-owned schools within the environ.

The association’s President, Ikechukwu Nwanna, made the pledge when he led other members of the association to donate a set of three drums to the school.

Nwanna explained that his set, is very much concerned about the development of the school, “hence our reason for coming together to start this association upon which we intend to take the school to a level in which it can compete not only with other government but privateowned schools within this area.

“We are starting with the donation of drum set, because we are still having the challenge of bringing a lot of our people together. It is only few of us that are still showing interest and we hope to bring others

By Oziegbe Okoeki

to the fold as time goes on. By the time we get enough membership, we are sure of executing bigger projects that will attract a large number of people to this school.

“We are appealing that you accept this little we have brought, it is a way of giving back to our source.

This is our foundation and we should not forget it. We have a lot in mind to give back and we hope that with time, we will be able to do more for the school,” Nwanna said.

He, however, advised the pupils to be good ambassadors of the school. Nwannan explained that he and many of his colleagues are making progress in their various fields of discipline.

“Though we are not where we wish to be now, but we know that we are going places. So you all should also strive hard to become someone in life,” he said.

Headmistress of the school, Mrs Medoh Elizabeth Uzo, expressed appreciation to the association, saying: “I am glad that this is happening while I’m still here. It is very rare to see old pupils of public schools remember their alma mater.

“I really commend your set for this gesture, though, you are seeing it as small, but this is something we really appreciate. We know how much it will cost if we want to acquire this on our own, but you have come to our rescue. We pray that God will help you to accomplish all your aims for the school,” she said.

Uzo, therefore, urged members of the association to liaise with the local government chairman whenever they have any massive project to execute, noting: “Such move will assist you a lot. If there is any bigger project you have in mind, get in touch with the Yaba Local Council Development Area (LCDA) chairman.

E-LEARNING provider, The International Data Management Services Limited, has introduced a new product for schools called Digi School.

The outfit’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Atul Kshetry, said the company is focusing on Information and Communication Technology (ICT), training and digital learning in schools.

He said IDM focuses on high quality ICT training in schools rather than in private organisations, adding that ICT today is diversified and it is beyond the scope of one or two teachers in a school to cover the entire curriculum.

He explained that there are lots of software and data which students must be empowered with, in addition to having practical workshops that will enhance their computer literacy.

Kshetry describes Digi School as one of the largest platforms of e- learning content for all classes from preschool to senior secondary school and across varying subjects includ-

By Adegunle Olugbamila

ing Sciences, Mathematics, English language and Basic Sciences.

The system, according to him includes assessment engine, testing engine, inbuilt white board facilities, and interactive facilities which enables teachers concentrate more on the assignment at hand.

“It also has administration area which helps the school to keep track of what is being held, what time and when the subject was held,” he added.

He said IDM is also diversifying into high level vocational training, which will include how to fix mobile phones, computers or printers, noting that the company will be more interested in young secondary school leavers wishing to aquire such knowledge.

On the benefits of the new product, Kshetry said it is learning and teaching aid that enables teachers carry out their duty better, while being able to monitor their students’ performances.

School tops Games Challenge

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OYAL Family Academy, Abuja, has emerged winner in an inter-primary school challenge organised by the Olashore International School, Osun State for schools in Abuja.

The challenge, which included games, such as cross word puzzles, scrabble and word changes, took place in Blooms Academy, Abuja with over 20 pupils across primary schools in the FCT. The Head boy of Royal Family Academy Munachimso Akwali, who spoke on behalf of his team, said they had been looking forward to the competition. Akwali also described their victory as ‘awesome’ Speaking at the event, the Principal Olashore Cchools Mr Derek Smith charged the pupils to always work together, adding that teamwork is very important for success.

“At Olashore, we believe that children’s ability to apply the

By Medinat Kanabe

knowledge gained in the classroom to a range of challenges is one of the things which allows our graduates to be successful.

Meanwhile, as part of efforts to brush up its French language, the JSS 2 students of Olashore International School recently embarked on a one-week education trip to the Benin Republic.

The trip, which on another part, was to undergo leadership training was in conjunction with Academie Internationale de Langue Francaise (AILF), a French institution in Cotonou.

While in Cotonou, the students indulged in leadership challenges, and French lessons. They also took a tour to notable places in the city including the Red Star roundabout, the Statue of reconciliation, Ouidah where they visited other historic sites.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2013

40

EDUCATION

BUK cancels sub-degree programmes

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AYERO University Kano (BUK) has cancelled the admission of students into subdegree or diploma programmes, beginning from this year.

Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof Abubakar Adamu Rasheed, who disclosed the development in Kano said the open and part-time degree programmes were introduced to compete with other universities across the country and from other parts of the world.

Rasheed explained that the open

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

and part-time degree programmes would be held at the Institute of Continuing Education (ICE), at the Dala campus of the university.

However, the Vice-Chancellor disclosed plans to add Dentistry, Allied Medicine Sciences, Communication Engineering, Fisheries, Forestry/Agro Forestry, Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, and Food Science and Technology to the league of new programmes it has started run-

ning, the first being Mechatronics Engineering.

To help in tackling the menace of Almajiri (street beggars), Rasheed said the university is building a Centre for Qur’anic Education, courtesy of Khalifa Sheik Isyaka Rabi’u, Leader of Tijjaniyyah Islamic sect.

The Centre, according to the Vice Chancellor, would concentrate on research on almajiri institution to assist the policy makers in implementing the almajiri phenomenon.

•From Left: Commercial Director Promasidor Nigeria Limited, Mr Kachi Onubogu, Akindele, Dr Adebibu and Chief Richards at the ceremony.

Maths contest opens chances for winners

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INNING this year’s Cowbell National Secondary School Mathematics Competition (NASSMAC) has opened up some opportunities for the 20 finalists rewarded at a prize giving ceremony at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, last Thursday.

In addition to the cash, trophies, plaques, laptops, textbooks and product prizes given them by Promasidor Nigeria Limited, organisers of the contest, the winners will represent Nigeria at different international mathematics Olympiads holding between August and September.

The Director/Chief Executive Offocer, National Mathematical centre (NMC), Abuja, Prof Adewale Solarin announced that all of them would be invited to the training camp for selection of the candidates to represent Nigeria in the Pan-African Mathematics Olympiad (PAMO) holding later in the year. Also, the top four winners of the competition will have the privilege of forming the Cowbell team for the competition.

To top it all, the winner of the junior category of the competition, Iyoha Omonzokpia of Loyola Jesuit College, Gidan Mangoro, Abuja, was offered a scholarship worth N3 million for his senior secondary education at the NMC Interna-

tional Model Science Academy, Abuja.

A deputy director at the Federal Ministry of Education, Abuja, and International Coordinator, Mathematics Competition, Dr Abbas Adedibu, also said the top four winners in both categories will represent Nigeria at the World Mathematics Competition holding in South Korea and Beijing, China this year.

On its part, Promasidor, sponsors of the competition, will be taking Iyoha and senior category winner, Akindele Oyedele, of Iganmode Grammar School, Ota, Ogun State, on an all expense paid holiday outside Nigeria.

This is in addition to cash prizes of N300,000 for Akindele, and N250,000 for Iyoha; five desktop computers and a printer each for their schools, and cash awards for their teachers.

Second placed winner in the senior category, Lois Adegbohungbe of Reality High School, Ilesa, Osun State was rewarded with N250,000, and three computers and a printer for her school; while the third placed winner, Nnamdi Obasi of the University of Nigeria Secondary School, Enugu got N200,000 and two computers and printer for his school.

In the junior category, Samuel

Omojola of Reality High School, Osun State came second and won N200,000, while Caleb Amulah got N150,000 for coming third.

However, no matter the success they would enjoy because of their brilliance, Managing Director, Promasidor, Chief Keith Richards (OBE), counseled the pupils to value their integrity better.

Speaking at a welcome dinner on the night before the award, Richards said passing exams is not enough.

“Being a successful human is not about passing exams; it is about being a honest person; respecting integrity; being truthful. If you can combine your love for mathematics with integrity, honesty, transparency, I think I will be happy to visit you when you become the president,” he said.

In his speech at the ceremony, Richards added that Promasidor is very proud of the competition, particularly because it has achieved a malpractice-free record in its 13 years of existence.

“It might interest you to know that we have not had a leakage of NASSMAC question papers since inception and the participating schools completely trust our body of examiners who are responsible for grading the results. We are very proud of this feat and we pledge to sustain it,” he said.

everyday life, and to showcase the many ways that satellites already impact on the development of the African continent.

According to Nico Meyer, Chief Executive of MultiChoice Africa, the awards are aligned with the objective of WTISD, namely to raise awareness of the impact of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), and in particular satellites, on society.

“The new edition of the Star Awards challenge high school student from over 42 African countries to propose how they would use the satellites in space to address three community, country or African continental priorities,” he said.

Country winners, besides local prizes, will go on to compete against each other for the overall continental awards. Like their 2011 and 2012 counterparts, this year’s overall essay and poster winners will win a trip for two to the Eutelsat facilities in Paris, with the essay winner traveling onwards to witness a live rocket launch. Runners up will win a trip to South Africa as guests of MultiChoice Africa.

Schools attended by the overall winners will also receive a DStv installation, including dish, television, state-of-the-art PVR decoder and free access to the DStv Education Bouquet.

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

DStv seeks entries for Eutelsat awards

A

TTRACTIVE prizes await winners of this year’s edition of the DStv Eutelsat Star competition, which is organised to commemorate the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD).

Students aged 14-19 can enter for the essay and poster competition by completing hard/soft copies entry forms provided by the organisers online or in their office and submitting their work by the September 19 deadline.

The awards inspire innovative thinking among secondary pupils and undergraduates in Africa, on how science and technology can be applied to

EDUTALK

with

Evil genuises worsen Nigeria’s woes

T

Kofoworola HE proposed policy by the United Kingdom, UK, that would require Nigerians to pay a bond of £3,000 (N750,000) to Kofosagie@yahoo.com discourage them overstaying their 08054503077 (SMS only) visas evokes sadness about the discrimination we suffer from foreign countries.

The misdeeds of some have been allowed to affect the way all of us are perceived and treated - like the way oil from a morsel of food spreads from the fingers to the palm and wrist. Nigerians are not the only immigrants in the UK and other countries that commit crime. As distasteful as the policy is, however, this is not a diatribe to bemoan how badly we are treated outside our shores but to check ourselves and dedicate our bountiful energy and talents to productive endeavours.

From interviews with agents of many foreign universities in the UK and other places, I have learnt that Nigerians are brilliant and resourceful.

They make good grades, win awards and join in many worthwhile projects. However, the bad deeds of our countrymen are in the news more often. If some Nigerians are not duping people, others are involved in fights, robberies and recently, terrorism and murder. Our reputation has suffered a battering because of these bad conducts.

The sin for which we are most notorious is fraud. Our unfortunate popularity in that field is so great that an author, Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani dedicated her novel, I do not come to you by chance, to the subject and won an award for it. It takes so much intelligence to plan fraud that if Nigerian youngsters were to dedicate their energies to more useful purposes, we would have solved our electricity problems by now.

As these fraudsters seek ways to defraud foreigners, others ply their trade locally. Almost on daily basis, I am bombarded with scam messages in my email box telling me to take advantage of some huge amount of money somebody from God knows where left to a family member I do not know who suddenly wants to share some of it with me; or that somebody deposited N640,000 in a bank account I do not have or that I should update my internet banking details.

I always thought I could not fall for such scams. After all, I do not expect to reap where I have not sown. However the latest scam mail I got and almost fell for left me quite shaken. I marveled at the brilliance behind the attack. Last year, about this time, my email was hacked into.

By the time I regained access to it, all my contacts had been deleted as well as over one year's worth of emails, which was painful because I used my box as some sort of archive that can be used research past stories we have investigated or published; and obtain photographs and other useful details.

That was why when I could not access my email from my office desktop computer on Sunday, I was worried. I remembered a mail from Yahoo that I neglected to read on my blackberry phone. When I could not sign in on my desk top, I went back to read it. It stated that I had applied for the cancellation of my yahoo mail and as a result the providers had started the process which would last three days. To terminate the cancelation in case I wasn't the one that made the request, I was told to click on a certain link. Failure to do so would mean I would lose all my mails, contacts, draft and others in my box.

Because of my previous experience, especially as I couldn't access my box from my desktop, I clicked on the link. It redirected me to another website which look genuine that I was to input my email and password.

I typed my email. I was required to type the password twice. Each time I wanted to do it, I was distracted by another activity such that the task would be terminated. I tried again. All of a sudden, it dawned on me that I should not disclose my password online. It was then I noted that the website name, kaiedoaccessories.com had nothing to do with Yahoo.

When I conferred with a colleague, I decided against it and opted to change my password on my desktop instead. That was how I narrowly escaped the scammers.

But the thought that I was nearly deceived, and so close to losing my details a second time did not leave me easily. I wondered at the intelligence the fraudsters used to nearly convince me to give up my password. I wondered why they could not use their brains to think up solutions to our country's myriad problems. I could not stop thinking of how much we are losing when our bright young minds would rather use their intelligence and talents for evil, to cause agony rather than development. I pray they have a change of heart.

Belo-Osagie

‘As these fraudsters seek ways to defraud foreigners, others ply their trade locally.

Almost on daily basis, I am bombarded with scam messages in my email box telling me to take advantage of some huge amount of money somebody from God knows where left to a family member I do not know who suddenly wants to share some of it with me; or that somebody deposited N640,000 in a bank account I do not have or that I should update my internet banking details’

42

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2013

THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2013

43

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

• Senator Mark

• Tambuwal

• Ekweremadu

• Ihedioha

Will the proposal for the financial autonomy for the Houses of Assembly see the light of the day as the National Assembly is set to review the 1999 Constitution? ONYEDI OJIABOR writes on the controversy surrounding the proposal.

Will Houses of Assembly get financial autonomy?

A

S the Senate resumes for plenary session one of the items on the agenda is the report of its committee on the review of the 1999 Constitution.

Expectedly, the recommendations of the Constitution Review Committee (CRC) have continued to attract mixed reactions.

Intense lobbying by interest groups, geopolitical zones and political blocs is in top gear. While some stakeholders have given their nod to most of the recommendations, others have picked holes in some of the recommendations.

The recommendations covers the devolution of powers, creation of more states, recognition of the six geo-political zones in the constitution, constitutional role for traditional rulers, and local government.

The need to expung the Land Use Act, the National Youth Serve Corps Act, and the Public Complaints Commission Act from the Constitution, and the National Security Agencies Act, fiscal federalism, amendment of provisions relating to amendment of the Constitution and boundary adjustment are other areas the committee covered in its report.

The Immunity Clause, Nigerian Police, judicial reforms, rotation of executive offices, gender and special groups, mayoral status for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) , residency and indigene provisions and autonomy for state assemblies also received the attention of the committee.

The opinions differ sharply on most of the recommendations of the committee.

However, one recommendation which appears to have received maximum support is the proposal for financial autonomy to the State Houses of Assembly.

Section 121, which deals with creation of first line charge for certain bodies and offices at the state level said, states that: “To engender accountability and efficient service delivery, a provision is made for State Houses of Assembly, State Independent Electoral Commissions, Auditor-General of the State and the Attorney-General of a State to get their funding directly from the State Consolidated Revenue Fund.”

Instructively, the Constitution Review Committee decided to revisit the issue of financial autonomy to state assemblies, maybe to give the state assemblies a second chance to gain their independence.

During the last amendment of the Constitution, there was a proposal to ensure that the State Houses of Assembly get their funding directly through first line charge.

The two chambers of the National Assembly adopted the clause after due deliberation of the need to strengthen the workings of the state assemblies.

The aim was essentially to give the legislative arm in the states some level of financial independence and empower them to serve their people better.

The clause was applauded by most Nigerians who saw financial autonomy to state assemblies as a move to deepen the principle of separation of powers at the state level.

Rather than seize the opportunity with both hands, it was bungled by the same people the clause was designed to empower.

Some governors were said to have mobilised and recruited members of their state assemblies into willing tools to shoot down the clause.

The clause required the support of the two-third of the state assemblies to pass the law.

The implication is that 24 out of the 36 Houses of Assembly must support the clause to pass. Curiously, only 23 State Houses of Assembly supported it. It failed to the perpetual shame of those who opposed freedom. State Houses of Assemblies gained notoriety by this singular act of voting to remain in bondage.

As most issues in the country, the true story of state assemblies that voted to remain under the jackboot of their governors is not known.

The only thing known is that a certain State House of Assembly in the North West geo-political zone, which had already endorsed the clause, rushed to the National Assembly, a day before the consideration of returns from state assemblies, to withdraw its endorsement.

The governor of the particular state was said to have threatened to “deal” with the speaker of the House if he failed to withdraw the endorsement of the clause. It was laughable you may say.

But this is Nigeria , the wonder land, where the unthinkable and absurd hap-

pen; a place where a show of shame is glibly glossed over.

Observers have been asking what went wrong. Ever seen a slave granted unconditional freedom on a platter of gold, who rather than embrace his independence, prefers to be in chains. Another opportunity for the state assemblies to free themselves from the apron string of state governors has come calling.

The National Assembly has once again come to the rescue by unanimously proposing financial autonomy for state assemblies in the ongoing constitution amendment. Will the state assemblies take the opportunity?

Will they choose to remain the official rubber stamp of the governors at the expense of the electorate? Will they through some bogus and spurious vote, elect to act ignominiously like they did during the previous constitution review exercise? These are the questions begging for answers? Only time will tell.

Already, the State Assemblies Speakers Forum has thrown its weight behind the clause.

The Forum stated its position at the Asaba retreat and during the zonal hearing on Constitution amendment. There are indications that the Forum has constituted a lobby group to prevail on the National Assembly to ensure that the clause sails through.

The Forum has assured Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora that it will no longer be business as usual. Opportunity, they say, comes but once. For the state assemblies, they have a second chance. Second chance to say, yes we concur to be free from being manipulated by governors.

If feelers from the Speaker, Abia State House of Assembly, Chief Ude Oko-Chukwu, are any thing to go by, the state assemblies may have woken from their deep slumber.

Oko-Chukwu was reported to have assured that the State House of Assembly would vote in favour of financial and political autonomy of state assemblies as proposed by the Na-

‘The National Assembly has once again come to the rescue by unanimously proposing financial autonomy for state assemblies in the ongoing constitution amendment. Will the state assemblies take the opportunity? Will they choose to remain the official rubber stamp of the governors at the expense of the electorate? Will they through some bogus and spurious vote, elect to act ignominiously like they did during the previous constitution review exercise? These are the questions begging for answers’

tional Assembly.

He was also quoted to have said that Abia House of Assembly is favourably disposed to other areas of amendment such as granting first line charge to the state electoral commissions, auditor-general of the state and Attorney General of the state.

Before now, these are no go areas for State Houses of Assemblies.

Oko-Chukwu was reported to have spoken when members of the State Accountability and Voice Initiative visited the House in Umuahia, the State capital.

He agreed that these were vital areas to the development and growth of democracy as such autonomy would strengthen democratic institutions.

The speaker gave insight into why the first attempt to grant financial autonomy to State Houses of Assembly failed.

For him, the first attempt failed because the state assemblies felt they were not properly carried along by the National Assembly in the exercise.

But he added that the House he presides over, voted for financial autonomy of state assemblies because they realised its importance and the need to vote in favour of the clause.

Will the recalcitrant state assemblies take a cue from Abia State House of Assembly and others like it?

While presenting the report of the committee, Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, said constitution review is a continuous process and has been on the front burner of national discourse since 1999.

“This has been so, especially after the last National Assembly successfully passed three sets of alterations to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999.

“It is in this light that the Senate Committee on the review of the 1999 Constitution adopted an incremental approach to constitutional changes.

“Previous alterations have undoubtedly deepened our democratic ethos by confronting outstanding problems and addressing glaring omissions. At the same time those alterations have generated momentum for continuing review,” Ekweremadu said.

The purpose of the exercise, he said, is to remove contradictions and ambiguities, supply omissions, and make the Constitution more practical and relevant to the needs of Nigerians in the twenty-first century.

The members of the review committee, he added, were at all times motivated by what is best for Nigeria .

44

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2013

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2013

45

THE NATION

NATURAL HEALTH E-mail:- health@thenationonlineng.net

Why feet are easily infected during rains D

URING the rainy season, the feet get easily infected because germs thrive in a damp environment, Registrar, Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board (LSTMB) Dr Bodunrin Oluwa, has said.

According to him, infection of nails during such season is not peculiar to Nigeria; it is worldwide.

He said nail infections and Athlete’s foot, among other infections caused by bacteria, can be prevented and treated.

To manage the nails, he enjoined people to identify at what level they are growing, especially those infected.

He said there are many don'ts that should be observed when it comes to nails, even when the salon is visited. “Resist the urge to shave your legs before receiving a pedicure. Freshly shaven legs or small cuts on your legs may allow bacteria to enter. If you are receiving a pedicure and manicure, don't use the same tools for both services as bacteria and fungus can transfer between fingers and toes.

“Although certain salons offer this technique, don't allow technicians to use a foot razor to remove dead skin. Using a razor can result in permanent damage if used incorrectly and can easily cause infection if too much skin is removed. Don't round the edges of your toenails. This type of shape increases the chances that painful ingrown toenails will develop,” he added.

Oluwa, a Podiatrist, called attention to the use of tools in the care of nail. He said: “Emery boards are extremely porous and can trap germs that spread. Since they can't be sterilised, don't share nail files with friends and be sure to bring your own to the salon, unless you are sure that the salon replaces them with each customer. Don't use any sharp tools to clean under nails. Using anything sharp makes it easy to puncture the skin, leaving it vulnerable to infection.

“Be sure that you don't leave any moisture between toes. Anything left behind can promote the development of athlete's foot or a fungal infection. Because cuticles serve as a protective barrier against bacteria, don't ever cut them. Cutting cuticles increases the risk of infection. Also, avoid incessantly pushing back cuticles, as doing so can make them thicker.

“If you suffer from thick and discolored toenails, which could be a sign of a fungal infection, don't apply nail polish to cover up the problem.

Nail polish locks out moisture and doesn't allow the nail bed to ‘breathe’. Once you fix the underlying issue, then it is safe to paint nails. If the problem persists, be sure to visit your podiatrist. Cut each nail across and soak cotton in antiseptic. Then lift the nail and cut it. But there should not be friction.”

And if you are experiencing itching between the toes, he suggested: "Before going to bed, sufferers should get lukewarm water; add sodium chloride (salt), not ordinary salt but crystal salt, to

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‘Whenever people are cutting their nails, they should cut each of them across to avoid cutting the cuticles, which cause in-growing nails and infection. In-grown nails grow into the flesh and cause discomfort to the sufferers. When people wear tight shoes, there is pressure on the nails. There can be ingrown nails as a result of that.

And they can grow into the flesh and cause inflammation’

•Oluwa Stories by Wale Adepoju it. Let the water get to the ankle. Then one can soak his feet in the solution for 25 minutes daily.

A towel can be used to wipe it after the expiration of the time or they may allow it to get dry before they apply a mixture of Shea butter and coconut oil on their feet. This should be applied gently in between the toes and the rest should be light massage on the feet. During dry season, it should be done once weekly.”

Oluwa said the feet are prone most to infection

during cold weather and it usually lacks ventilation across and in-between the toes.

Berating people's negligence of their nails, he said: "Majority of people also walk bare-footed.

That is why they get infected easily during rainy season because there is water everywhere.

People's inability to cut their toenails properly often results in infections and other diseases. The feet are moist most of the time during this season.”

The Podiatrist said athletic or sore foot is common because people put on open shoes, such as

Vegetables can prevent cancer

T

HE regular consumption of certain vegetables can prevent cancer, Provost, Federal College of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (FEDCAM), Lagos, Dr Idowu Ogunkoya, has said.

He listed breadfruit, ginger roots, cucumber, lemon balm and red leaf lettuce (Yorubaefo yanrin pupa) as vegetables for cancer prevention.

Others are red cabbage (Yoruba elegede pupa), asparagus (Yoruba epa ikun and albasar kwadi in Hausa) and purple cauliflower.

He said: “Breadfruit can kill cancer cells while cabbage increases people’s immune against diseases as well as reduces the risk of lung, stomach, colon and prostate cancer. Cucumber fights cancers and aids indigestion while carrot prevents cancer.”

Ginger, he said, has properties which are useful in the treatment of ovarian cancer.

“A study conducted at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Centre found out that ginger powder induces cell death in all ovarian cancer to which it was

applied.

“Another study at the University of Minnesota found that ginger may slow down the growth of colorectal cancer cells.”

He said avocado is rich in foliate and glutathione, adding that the fruit is also high in vitamin E and increases nutrient absorption.

It is equally high in sitosterol (plant fats) and protects against macular degeneration and cataract, Ogunkoya added.

“Avocado known as alligator pear provides oral cancer defense. Also, it ensures prostate cancer. It is rich in potassium. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties. It also cleanses the intestines and reduces bad breath.

It nourishes the skin and regulates the blood sugar level. It is rich in fibre and provides natural fats. Avocado prevents free radicals and boosts the immune system,” Ogunkoya said.

He said: “Curcumin (atale pupa in Yoruba, gangamau in Hausa and nwandumo in Igbo) and omega-3 have been identified as natural products that can put a stop to cancer. Women

•Ogunkoya are advised to put this in their diet. Omega-3 fatty (alpha-linolenic) acids help prevents osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.”

slippers and sandals. This makes them susceptible to diseases. “Sandals, slippers and other kinds of open shoes are not advisable during wet season. Majority of those who put on open shoes do so because they couldn't afford a cover shoe,” he added.

He advised: "Whenever people are cutting their nails, they should cut each of them across to avoid cutting the cuticles, which cause in-growing nails and infection. In-grown nails grow into the flesh and cause discomfort to the sufferers. When people wear tight shoes, there is pressure on the nails. There can be ingrown nails as a result of that. And they can grow into the flesh and cause inflammation.”

Dos for feet

W

HETHER you like to get a pedicure in the nail salon or at home, follow these easy dos to keep your feet looking and feeling their best.

If you have diabetes or poor circulation in your feet, consult a podiatrist so he or she can recommend a customised pedicure that both you and your salon can follow for optimal foot health.

Schedule your pedicure first thing in the morning. Salon foot baths are typically cleanest earlier in the day. If you're not a morning person, make sure that the salon filters and cleans the foot bath between clients.

Bring your own pedicure utensils to the salon.

Bacteria and fungus can move easily from one person to the next if the salon doesn't use proper sterilization techniques.

When eliminating thick, dead skin build-up, also known as calluses, on the heel, ball and sides of the feet, use a pumice stone, foot file or exfoliating scrub. Soak feet in warm water for at least five minutes, then use the stone, scrub, or foot file to gently smooth calluses and other rough patches.

When trimming nails, use a toenail clipper with a straight edge to ensure your toenail is cut straight across. Other tools like manicure scissors or fingernail clippers increase the risk of ingrown toenails because of their small, curved shape. See a podiatrist if you have a tendency to develop ingrown toenails.

To smooth nail edges, use an emery board.

File lightly in one direction without using too much pressure, being sure not to scrape the nail's surface.

Gently run a wooden or rubber manicure stick under your nails to keep them clean. This helps remove the dirt and build-up you may or may not be able to see.

Maintain the proper moisture balance of the skin on your feet by applying emollient-enriched moisturizer to keep soles soft.

Use a rubber cuticle pusher or manicure stick to gently push back cuticles. If toenails are healthy, you can use nail polish to paint toenails. Make sure to remove polish regularly using non-acetone nail polish remover.

When trimming nails, use a toenail clipper with a straight edge to ensure your toenail is cut straight across. Other tools like manicure scissors or fingernail clippers increase the risk of ingrown toenails because of their small, curved shape. See a podiatrist if you have a tendency to develop ingrown toenails.

To smooth nail edges, use an emery board.

File lightly in one direction without using too much pressure, being sure not to scrape the nail's surface.

Gently run a wooden or rubber manicure stick under your nails to keep them clean. This helps remove the dirt and build-up you may or may not be able to see.

Maintain the proper moisture balance of the skin on your feet by applying emollient-enriched moisturizer to keep soles soft.

Use a rubber cuticle pusher or manicure stick to gently push back cuticles. If toenails are healthy, you can use nail polish to paint toenails. Make sure to remove polish regularly using non-acetone nail polish remover.

Source: www.apma.org

46

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2013

NATURAL HEALTH •Many people have a bad physical posture and, so, do not sit, stand or walk straight, and that may be the reason they suffer from many aches and pains and degenerative diseases.

Lordosis, head, leg and hand, neck, back and waist pain… and The Law of Balance (1) in which the same Law Operates. If Christians would appreciate this, they would understand better the opening sentence of the Book of Revelations (i.e TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES IN ASIA.) A CHURCH in this regard is a Universe, and ASIA the spiritual name of the entire CREATION, in which all the Universes are housed. EPHESUS is the name of our own universe! The Earth is not the world, as we often say.

• Scientists have found out, but cannot explain why these movements which occur inside the great universe also happen in the atom which is so small that it cannot be seen with the unaided eye. For the atom, too, has a core, the nucleus, around which electrons are arranged in shells and move like the planets and dwarf planets which move around our sun.

• Since our bodies are composed of atoms, it means we all are subject to the same Law. • Since I was born, I have not heard of planetary collisions in our solar system. Or of the galaxies colliding.

What makes this happen is a simple yet complex process in which one planet attracts the others and simultaneously repels them to create a gravitational force field or energy which keeps them away from the others. In other words, there is a BALANCE OF FORCE under the LAW OF BALANCE.

“With your back against a wall, stand with your head, heels, shoulders and the calves of your legs are touching the walls, hands hanging by your sides. Flatten the hollow of your back by pressing the buttock down against the wall. There should be hardly any space between the wall and the small of your back. If the gap is more than the thickness of your hand as you place it between your back and the wall, you have bad posture…”

O

NE of my departed professional colleques I always remember is DUROSIMI IROJA. Mr. Henry Odukomaiya, as Editor of The Daily Times, employed us on March 8, 1971, he as a trainee proof reader, I as a trainee sub-editor. About three years after, we set out for the University, I for Nsukka, he Zaria. Duro returned with a First Class Honours bachelor’s degree in English and was posted to Kaduna as northern correspondent of The Daily Times, while I returned as a senior sub editor to the sub-editor’s desk of the newspaper on Kakawa Street, Lagos, its head offices. From this newspaper, both of us were to journey to The Guardian in 1983, he, again, as the ‘northern star”, I as Assistant Editor. I do not remember if we both made it to The Comet.

In 1979, many people knew Duro as a hard smoker and drinker. But few of them knew how health conscious he was, even if he couldn’t get rid of these habits.

Editorial work in the formative days of The Guardian was hectic. We worked round the clock six days a week.

And, soon, I developed spondylosis (wearing) of the neck bones and frozen shoulders for which Professor Sofola, our company doctor, gave me a neck collar, among other things.

WRITING DESKS IN NIGERIA Do not support the health of the neck. Writing desks are better if they slant like the architect’s drawing board, to make them friendly to the neck. When the neck has to be bent forward all the time while writing or reading, one set of neck muscles are constantly overworked, they outgrow the resting ones, and this may lead to neck muscle imbalances which soon, misalign the neck bones and shoulder muscles, causing pain. I had developed tingling pairs in the left index finger at Kakawa Street. They made my left arm so sore I couldn’t lie on it. If I accidentally hit this finger on something, say while washing clothes, I experienced a painful electric-like shock run up my arm. Different doctors gave me different explanations for it. But it would appear none really hit the mark. One said I may have a “cervical rib”.

That meant I may have an extra rib, a 10th. X-rays showed my rib cage was normal. Another doctor said a muscle may be resting on or compressing a nerve ganglion (nerve junction box) in the soft tissue between the neck and the shoulder, and that surgery may be required to free the nerves from the suffocating muscles encroachment. When I asked for the implications, he was kind enough to say the surgery was delicate and could lead to paralysis of the arm if the nerves were damaged in error. I opted out of surgery, naturally. I was later to discover from my photographs that my head did not always sit straight but bent or tilted all the time, in the same direction. And when I began, consciously, to pull back the neck and the head, by improving my posture, I found that the pain and the tingling subsided, and I abandon the neck collar. Professor Awudu, a homeopath and osteopath now of blessed memory, tried to correct the tilt. But I was so frightened of the therapy that I thought my head could come off in this hands, and I stopped seeing him. It was a book Durosimi Irojah gave me which enabled me understand this challenge, and to it I refer copiously today to address a case of hyper-lordosis which one of the readers of this column presented two weeks ago. Written in 1974 by KEKIR SIDHWA, N.D, D.O., and titled FIT FOR ANYTHING, Duro signed it into his Library on February 2, 1979.

In all ways, lordosis is related to THE LAW OF BALANCE, a law of Mother Nature, and is better understood in this context. In summary, it is excessive inward curvature of the spine in the lumbar (lower back) region, that is above the buttocks, which may cause not only lower back pain, but, also, disorders in the organs in the pelvic region, shoulders and arms. As I said, this condition is better understood as a breach of or, if we like, a sin against The Law of Balance. Therefore, please excuse a little digres-

sion into this law.

Balance

Muscles

We all must have learned something about the solar system in high school. At that time, we were taught that there were nine planets which orbited the sun in elliptical cycles. They included Mercury, Venus, Earth, Saturn, Jupiter Neptune and Pluto among others. Some of these names, according to revealed spiritual knowledge, are the names of leaders of elemental beings, that is the creative fores or servants of the Almighty Creator who produce what we call Nature. But about 2005, the discovery of yet another planet in our solar system sparked off a debate and controversy which is still raging and has led to the demotion of Pluto as a planet. Many Planetary scientists say there are only eight planets and five dwarf planets in our solar system, and relegated pluto as one of the dwarfs.

The details of this isn’t the concern of this column today.

Where we are heading is as follows: • These planets and dwarf planets hang out in space and behave intelligently by not colliding.

• The earth, for example, not only revolves around the sun once in 365 days to produce the seasons, but, also, rotates on its axis, as it is revolving around the sun, to produce day and night scenarios.

• In addition to these two motions, the earth, together with all the other planets which are also revolving around the sun, are moving, along with billions and billions and of other solar systems to a destination we all do not know, giving us the impression that the universe is expanding.

• The sun of our own solar system, as I was taught in high school, is 93 million miles distant from the earth, and is the core around which its planets and dwarf planets revolve.

• Our solar system and the billions and billions of other solar systems form a GALAXY. Our own galaxy is located in the MICKY WAY of the Universe. This galaxy revolves around a central core, just as the planets and dwarf planets of our solar system revolve around the sum.

• Billions and billions of galaxies which are behaving also like ours form the Universe which, again, exhibit similar motions.

• From revealed knowledge, there are seven universes

e-mail: femi.kusa@yahoo.com or olufemikusa@yahoo.com

This 96-page book says more than half of the human body is made of muscles, and that pain or other health problems arise often when the muscles do not work in unism to produce a balance of forces and misalign the body’s structures. We return, inevitably, to the LAW OF BALANCE. This is a law of Nature which holds the entire universe together. We do not need to venture too far to see the Law of Balance at work. When we take in air and refuse to exhale, the need for necessary healthy balance between taking and giving strikes us clearly. The same goes for constipation (eating and defecating) or edema, drinking and irritation. Months ago, this column mentioned the need for balance among substances in the body’s biochemistry such as that between calcium, magnesium and phosphorus, potassium and sodium, zinc and copper etc. People who suffer from glaucoma, a condition of the eye which may cause blindness, disobey not only the Law of Balance inside the eye but another Law also… The Law of Motion. By the Law of Motion, everything, including the clouds, the rivers and the seas and oceans, the air and even our lungs and hearts must be on the move. Anything stagnant atrophies, decays and passes away. In glaucoma, fluid does not flow and drain properly and, thereby, creates a flooding of delicate organs which get damaged or killed in the process. The flooding is a breach of The Law of Motion which compels everything to be on the move as well as it is a brealy also, of The Law of Balance, which counterbalances forces to maintain equilibrium or stability and peace. In glaucoma, there is an inbalance between dialator and Constrictor muscles of the Iris. The Iris is the coloured part of the eye. It is an adjustable opening around an opening for light into the eye called the Pupil.

If the lighting is too bright, the Iris blocks or covers more portions of the pupil to decrease the amount of light admissible into the eye in dim lighting, such as at night, it allows pupil space to widen for more light to enter.

Two sets of muscles carry out these functions, and their malfunctioning may cause glaucoma. One set is called dilator muscles, the other the constrictor or sphincter muscles. The sphincter muscle forms around the edge of the pupil and contracts in bright light to constrict the pupil. The dialator muscles form radially, like the spokes of a bicycle wheel, through the Iris. In dim light, the dialator muscles make the Iris larger and dialates the pupil to admit more light. It would seem that overdilation of the dialator muscle, due to whatever reason, including heavy metal and other toxic irritation, pulls the Iris forward, towards a position which blocks the drainage canal to cause close angle glaucoma. In such a case the ophthalmologist prescribes pharmaceutical agents which stimulate the constrictor muscle to pull back the dialator muscle and allow free drainage once again.

The imbalance in the action of the dialator and constrictor muscles, which some authorities link to imbalance between the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathelic nervous system of the Autonomic Nervous system, which is responsible for involuntary body activities, may occur in any part of the body. An occurrence in the eye may signify similar ongoing events elsewhere or a problem brewing for harvest some other day.

This imbalance may help to explain… lordosis.

•To be continued

Tel: 08116759749, 08034004247, 07025077303

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2013

47

e-Business The registration of subscriber identification module (SIM) cards has been on for over two years.The exercise ends on Sunday, but many subscribers are yet to be registered. Even those who registered long ago are getting what they describe as “disheartening messages” from their service providers. Will the exercise achieve the desired result? LUCAS AJANAKU and DEJI FAKOREDE ask.

SIM registration blues I

N 2008, the Boko Haram insurgency had not become frightening, but there were reports that some unscrupulous elements were using their mobile phones to send short service messages (SMS) and making threat calls.

Inundated with these reports, the security agencies approached the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for help because the calls could not be traced.

NCC moved swiftly, convening a consultative forum involving telecoms operators, consumer groups, security agencies, telecoms associations, dealers, the Nigerian Identity Management Commission (NIMC), National Population Commission (NPC), National Census Commission, the media and other interest groups.

The forum agreed that phone users be registered. A committee was set up to further look at the details of the implementation of the registration and submit its recommendations to the NCC. The report was reviewed and the NCC gave its blessings to the exercise.

On March 28, 2011, amid pomp and celebration, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Execuitve Officer, NCC, Dr. Eugene Juwah, launched the SIM card registration in Abuja.

The exercise, according to the NCC, ends on Sunday. It warned that unregistered SIMs would be deactivated by the end of the month, adding that new subscribers would continue to join the network but their cards must be registered before their activation.

Subscribers are expressing concern over conflicting reports from their service providers.

“Officials of some of the operators actually came down to my offfice and did the registration of subscribers on their network by themselves. I am amazed that few days to the end of the exercise, I am getting reports that my SIM card registration failed. I was advised to go to the nearest customer care centre to do the registration,” a journalist lamented.

According to him, with officials of the telcos coming with all the paraphenalia of SIM card registration to his office, he had gone to bed, concluding that nothing could shake the infallibility of the exercise. “I am so shocked with the sudden twist in the tale almost at the 11th hour. I cannot leave my job and start looking around for the telco’s customer care centre which is neither close to my house nor office.

And in the office, I have enormous responsibilities around my neck that would prevent me from driving to Ikeja, Berger, Mushin or the Island for the exercise,” he added.

His plight is similar to that of thousands of others, especially those whose service providers found it extremely difficult to come out with a code which would give them an opportunity to know early the status of their SIM card regsitration. Moreover, the number of agents carrying out the exercise has paled into insignificance as they are hardly seen. “The agents are no longer as ubiquitous as they used to be when the exercise began over two years ago,” Richard Adeyeye, a Lagos-based businessman said, adding that the agents now operate in clusters.

A SIM registration agent, who identified himself simply as Yinka, said money is collected from those registering their SIM cards because they are poorly paid by the people that hired them. His colleague, Ahmed, also confirmed that money changes hands when SIM cards are

•A SIM card registration centre

registered. According to him, they have formed an association to protect their interest.

According to the agents, the money they charge people is used to pay for the space where they carry out the exercise. “All manner of people come here to disturb us. So, we use part of the money we make to settle the area boys and keep the rest for our fare,” one of them explained.

NCC has dissociated itself from the moneyfor-SIM-registration racket. Its Director, Public Affairs, Tony Ojobo, said the agents were only doing their principals a great disservice by extorting money from subscribers. He urged subscribers not to pander to the whims and caprices of those trying to fleece them.

Some experts in the industry have questioned the sanctity of the exercise, especially the data collated, wondering if they could serve as yardsticks for planning for the citizenry.

A source at the NIMC deplored the exercise.

According to him, the original design for the exercise was drafted by the NIMC. He claimed that when exercise began, the NCC started doing what it liked despite collecting N6.2 billion in.....

“Based on what we did and most of the people who did it are (still around), we worked on the SIM register project; it was designed by the NIMC. We followed the standard that we felt if they adopt and implement, the data will meet our own standard and our own standard are benchmarked on the basis of international standard for such identity data base.

“The moment we stopped being part of that project, rather than (settle for) 10 finger prints, they settled for something less and rather than the number of demographic data base we recommended, they settled for something less.

Obviously, it is no longer a perfect exercise.

Secondly, the background when you are doing the face shot capture, some of us have been to the high commission for visa, you know they tell you the type of background and the size of the passport photograph. There is a reason for that,” the source said.

According to the source, there are locations where the kiosk attendants just ask the person willing to register SIM to stand well regardless of what the background is and just do the face capture.

The source said said that practice fails to meet international requirement. “That is just an ordinary passport photograph. If you want to convert it into something that can be used to conduct face recognition, it is useless. They just asked me to stand and I did and they took my shot in their office. The place was not well lit and I shook my head that this is not what we recommended. There were certain parameters for all these,” the source added.

Investigation shows that the face capture has since stopped. According to one of the agents, who spoke on condition of anonymity, it had to stop because the data capturing machine is not resilient enough to withstand the elements, especially the sun. The designers failed to factor the tropical sun of Africa into the machine, thus, it malfunctions at the slightest exposure to the sun.

Corporate Services Executive, MTN, Akinwale Goodluck, admits that the exercise may not have produced an error-proof national data base. He said the operators had succeeded in handing down a data base, for the first time, to the government for security and national planning.

Realising the importance of a dependable national database for the country, former President Olusegun Obasanjo mooted the national

‘The moment we stopped being part of that project, rather than (settle for) 10 finger prints, they settled for something less and rather than the number of demographic data base we recommended, they settled for something less. Obviously, it is no longer a perfect exercise’

identity card idea in 1978. Obasanjo, then a military ruler, felt that with a credible database, economic planning will be made easy but about 36 years after, the country is still searching for a reliable identity for her citizens.

The scheme was re-introduced in 2001 and several years later, the project failed to deliver cards to millions of Nigerians, who did all they could, including weathering the elements to register.

The first attempt at implementing the project landed some politicians in police net 23 years ago. In 2002, another set of politicians was tried for alleged corrupt enrichment under the scheme.

Following failed attempts, the National Identity Management Commission Act 2007, came into being towards the end of the Obasanjo administration. The NIMC management said it is prepared to hand over a dependable, foolproof national database to the country.

The Act provides for the establishment of NIMC, National Identity Database, assignment and use of General Multipurpose Cards (GMC), the National Identity Number (NIN) and harmonisation and integration of identity database. It repealed the law creating the Department for National Civic Registration (DNCR), a conduit through which government officials lined their pockets.

The need for a national identity for Nigerians cannot be over-emphasised as most countries, including Pakistan have computerised identity card system with bar coding to make details of the holder available with all the intelligence, police and civil departments. The residential details of holder can easily be ascertained if these computerised cards are issued.

The absence of this facility prompted the Bankers’ Committee’s decision last year to approach the Pensions’ Board for its harmonised customer identification management. This is because the Pension Board’s biometric scheme appeares full-proof. The Independent National Election Commission (INEC) is also seeking to use information at its database to issue permanent voter’s card.

48

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2013

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2013

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50

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2013

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF NIGERIA FEDERAL MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES UPPER BENUE RIVER BASIN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (U.B.R.B.D.A), YOLA. MBAMBA-FUFORE ROAD, P.M.B. 2086, YOLA, ADAMAWA STATE, Email: upperbenue@yahoo.com

INVITATION TO THE OPENING OF FINANCIAL BIDS FOR PROJECTS UNDER YEAR 2013 CAPITAL APPROPRIATION. 1.

This is to inform the general public that the under listed companies who submitted bids for Technical qualification have been found to be technically qualified to proceed to the next stage of the FY 2013 Procurement process of the Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority (U.B.R.B.D.A), Yola.

2.

Accordingly, they are, by this notice, invited to the opening of their financial bids scheduled for Tuesday 2nd July 2013 in the Conference Hall of the Authority along Mbamba Fufore Road in Yola, Adamawa State by 10:00 am.

Lot 3: 1 Mamias Global Services Ltd 2 Great Corals Ltd 3 Omtal Inter-Med Serv. Ltd Lot 6 1 Great Anthony & Bros. Vent. Ltd 2 Hanaks Investment Ltd 3 L & T Hydrogeo Com. Nig. Ltd 4 Oat Livinstone Ltd 5 Derokna Invest Ltd 6 Panamco Nig Ltd 7 Mongo Hydro& Geo Consult Nig. Ltd 8 Mamias Global Services Ltd 9 Divine Assisted Ltd 11 Bahbalu Interg. Res. 12 Mohtas Consult Ltd 13 Mykereente Nig Ltd Lot 8 1 Abima 2 International Ventures 2 Hanaks Investment Ltd 3 Kjax Phadox Consultants 4 L & T Hydrogeo Com. Nig. Ltd 5 Oat Livinstone Ltd 6 Devine Assisted Ltd 9 Adeaka Civil& Water Engr. Ltd 10 Great Corals Ltd Lot 10a 1 Yekco Nig. Ltd 2 Great Anthony & Bros.Vent. Ltd 3 Hanaks Investment Ltd 4 Kjax Phadox Consultants 5 L& T Hydrogeo Com. Nig. Ltd 6 Oat Livingstone Ltd 7 Ceylon Construction Services Ltd 8 Cgc Nig. Ltd 9 Ub Water Engr 10 Nuhu Abe & Sons Nig. Ltd 11 New Imagination Vent. Ltd 12 Lawrenag Engr. Services Ltd 13 Futa Jalon Global Res. Ltd Lot 10b 1 Lama Drilling Co Nig 2 Oat Livinstone Ltd 3 Cgc Nig. Ltd 4 Tektrans Ltd 5 Umar Bahago Water Engr 6 Pearl Green Crystals Ltd 7 New Imagination Vent. Ltd 8 Abs Kol Nig. Ltd 9 Adeaka Civil & Water Engr. Ltd Lot 10c 1 Jay B Ventures Ltd 2 Lama Drilling Co Nig 3 Oat Livingstone Ltd 4 Ceylon Construction Services Ltd 5 Cgc Nig. Ltd 6 Ub Water Engr 7 Nuhu Abe & Sons Ltd 8 Asoma& Associates Ltd Lot 13 1 Kjax Phadox Consultants 2 L & T Hydrogeo Com. Nig. Ltd 3 H. Phalco Global Nig. Ltd 4 Obyz Global Res. Ltd 5 Abs Kol Nig. Ltd 6 Albarka Spare Parts & Gen Services 7 Great Corals Nig Ltd 8 Qed Global Ltd Lot 14 1 L & T Hydrogeo Com. Nig. Ltd 2 Helvic & Sons Co. Nig. Ltd 3 Hill Water Resources Nig. Ltd 4 Ayudidibe Mega Vent. Nig Ltd 5 Nafan Nig. Ltd 6 Tatic Construction Comapany Ltd. 10 Qed Global Assoc. Ltd 11 Naiwa Global Links Ltd 12 Techno-Cat Global Const. Ltd. Lot 15 1 Madugu Comm.& Const. Co. Ltd 2 L & T Hydrogeo Com. Nig. Ltd 3 Absamu Global Invest. Ltd 4 H. Phalco Global Nig. Ltd 5 Mashey Yet Waves 6 Albarka Spare Parts And Company Nig Ltd 7 Ama Yaro 8 Shamruf Engineering Services Ltd 9 Techno-Cat Global Const. Ltd. Lot 16 1 L & T Hydrogeo Com. Nig. Ltd 2 Rajis Engr. Nig. Ltd 3 Adaeka Civil& Water Engr. Ltd 4 Ayudidibe Mega Vent. Nig. Ltd 5 H. Phalco Global Co. Nig. Ltd 6 Naeema Worth Vent. Ltd 7 Uratu Serv. Nig. Ltd 8 Mohammed Modibbo Enterp. Nig. Ltd 9 Mondu Energy Resources Ltd 10 Tatic Construction Comapany Ltd Lot 17 1 A A G M. Obute West Africa Ltd 2 Great Anthony & Bros Vent. Ltd 3 Joaco Nig. Enterprises 4 L & T Hydrogeo Com. Nig. Ltd 5 Devine Assisted Ltd 6 Hill Water Resources Nig. Ltd 7 Goyam Global Serv. Ltd

8 9 10 11 12 Lot 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Lot 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Lot 1 2 3 4 5 6 Lot 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Lot 1 2 3 4 5 Lot 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Lot 1 2 4 5 6 Lot 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Lot 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Lot 1 2 3 4 5 6 Lot 1 2 3 Lot 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Lot 1 2 3 4 5 6

Mashey Yet Waves Uratu Ser. Nig. Ltd Akumbo Nig. Ltd Alshetiza Nig . Ltd Mondu Energy Resources Co. Ltd 19 L & T Hydrogeo Com. Nig. Ltd Hill Water Reources Ltd Al- Hamsar Nig. Ltd Uratu Serv. Nig. Ltd Mondu Energy Resources Co. Ltd Albarka Spare Parts Co. Nig Ltd Great Corals Ltd Dimu Rock Vent. Ltd Ayudidibe Mega Vent. Nig. Ltd 20 Great Anthony & Bros Vent. Ltd Hanaks Investment Ltd Joaco Nig. Enterprises Lokee Global Resourses Ltd L & T Hydrogeo Com. Nig. Ltd Absamu Global Investment Ltd H. Phalco Global Nig. Ltd Barare Global Services Ltd New Imagination Vent. Ltd Uratu Serv. Nig. Ltd Auwal Bin Hayas Nig Ltd Mohammed Modibbo Entr. Nig. Ltd Akumbo Nig Ltd Al-Shetiza Nig Ltd 21a Great Anthony & Bros Vent. Ltd L & T Hydrogeo Com. Nig. Ltd Barare Global Services Ltd Nafan Nig. Ltd Neema Worth Vent. Ltd Auwal Bin Hayas Nig Ltd 21b Madugu Commercial & Const.

L & T Hydrogeo Com. Nig. Ltd Rajis Engr Barare Global Services Ltd New Imagination Vent. Ltd Nafan Nig Ltd Dect Engineering Ltd Naeema Worth Vent. Ltd Think Engr. Ltd 22 Castle Gate Int’l Nig. Ltd Absamu Global Investment Ltd Mamias Global Services Ltd Nafan Nig. Ltd Mohtas Consult Ltd 23 Castle Gate Int’l Nig. Ltd L & T Hydrogeo Com. Nig. Ltd Grid Construction & Investment Ltd. Kabag Inter. Invest. Ltd Haisa Tech& Allied Serv. Ltd Ned-Invest. Co. Nig. Ltd Futa Jalon Global Res. Ltd S & C Environment Ltd. 24 Hanaks Investment Ltd Gonabros Global Links Nig. Ganare Engr. Nig. Ltd Great Corals Ltd Omtal Inter- Medium Services 25 Al Tam Services Ltd Libral Intergrated Global Ltd Sanusi Paris& Co. Nig Ltd Absamu Global Investment Ltd Regional Engineering Nig. Ltd Mohtas Consult Ganare Engr. Nig. Ltd Great Corals Ltd 26a Great Anthony & Bros Vent. Ltd Hanaks Investment Ltd Aquavic Investment Co .Ltd Ceylon Construction Services Ltd Tektrans Ltd UB Water Engr Pearl Geer Crystals Ltd A.S Galadima Global Concept Ltd Abaha Integrated Concept Adeaka Civil & Water Eng. Ltd 26b Kjax Phadox Consultants Hanaks Investment Ltd L & T Hydrogeo Com. Nig. Ltd Ceylon Construction Services Ltd Jokiatosam Engr Ltd Abaha Integrated Concept Ltd 27 Charlim& Associates Ceylon Construction Services Ltd Nuhu Abe& Sons Ltd 28a Abima International Ventures Kjax Phadox Consultants Lama Drilling Co Nig Libral Intergrated Global Ltd Derokna Invest Ltd Tektrans Ltd Dect Engineering Ltd Bukang Nig. Ltd Gudusisa Nig. Ltd 28b Northocean Engineering Ltd Abima International Ventures Kjax Phadox Consultants Aquavic Investment Co .Ltd Nile Drill Tech Ltd Derokna Invest Ltd

7 8 9 10 11 12 Lot 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Lot 1 2 3 4 5 Lot 1 2 Lot 1 2 3 Lot 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Lot 1 2 3 4 5 Lot 1 2 3 4 5 6 Lot 1 2 3 4 Lot 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Lot 1 2 3 4 5 Lot 1 2 3 4 5 6 Lot 1 2 3 4 5 6 Lot 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Lot 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Lot 1 2 3 4 5 6

Rajis Engr. Ltd Mofaash Tech& Engr Kabag Inter. Invest. Ltd Nafan Nig. Ltd Dect Engineering Ltd Bukang Nig. Ltd 28c Abima International Ventures Lama Drilling Co Nig Ub Water Engr, Serv Ltd Derokna Invest Ltd Mofaash Tech& Engr Mohtas Consult. Ltd Nafan Nig. Ltd Gudusisa Nig. Ltd Bukang Nig. Ltd. 28d Abima International Ventures L & T Hydrogeo Com. Nig. Ltd Goyam Global Serv Mashey Yet Waves Nafan Nig. Ltd 29a Adak Sunshine Mech. Works Lakuza Nig. Ltd 29b Adak Sunshine Mech.Works Great Anthony & Bros Vent. Ltd Lakuza Nig. Ltd 29c Mc Oraxis& Co. Nig. Ltd Madugu Commercial Mashey Yet Waves S & C Environment Ltd Palala Petro Gas & Services Ltd Gudusisa Nig. Ltd Kind Ventures Nig. Ltd 30a Gonabros Global Linknig. Ltd Northocean Engineering Ltd Aquavic Investment Co .Ltd UB Water Engr, Serv Ltd Rajis Engr. Nig. Ltd 30b Ub Water Engr, Serv Ltd Lakuza Nig. Ltd J. C.Ozor Global Wide Nig. Ltd. Dect Engr Ltd Abs Kol Nig Ltd Mohameed Modibbo Enterprises Nig. Ltd 30c Ub Water Engr, Serv Ltd Devine Assistd Ltd Adaeka Civil& Water Engr. Ltd Nafan Nig. Ltd 31a Great Anthony & Bros Vent. Ltd Tamusa Nig. Ltd Noyivie Constructions Ltd L & T Hydrogeo Com. Nig. Ltd Ceylon Construction Services Ltd Hill Water Resources Nig. Ltd Yekco Nig. Ltd Goyam Global Serv.

Richwell Design & Building Nig Ltd Awush Nig. Ltd A. S Galadima Global Concept Engr. Standard Const & Co. 31b Hill Water Resources Nig. Ltd Richwell Design & Building Nig. Ltd G.M Global Multi Links Bajo Commercial Vent Ltd Nafan Nig. Ltd 31c Ceylon Construction Services Ltd Mamias Global Services Ltd Richwell Design & Building Nig. Ltd Syrex Nig Ltd Engr. Standard Const. & Co. Shamruf Engineering Services Ltd 32b Kjax Phadox Consultants Lama Drilling Co Nig Absamu Global Investment Ltd Ceylon Construction Services Ltd Capcon Project Ltd Usmac Mega Concept. Nig. Ltd. 32c Kjax Phadox Consultants Abima International Ventures Majidadi Mult. Ltd. Aquavic Investment Co .Ltd Sanusi Paris& Co. Nig Ltd Divine Assisted Ltd Havage Engr Tektrans Ltd Goyam Global Serv.

Capcon Project Ltd Ceylon Const. Serv. Ltd. 32d Ab & Ah Nig. Ent. Ltd Abima International Ventures L & T Hydrogeo Com. Nig. Ltd Grid Construction & Investment Ltd Ceylon Construction Services Ltd Divine Assisted Ltd Goyam Global Serv.

Castle Gate Intl. Ltd 33a Hoina Co. Ltd Majidadi Multi-Trade Aquavic Investment Co .Ltd Ub Water Engr, Serv Ltd Cgc Nig. Ltd Naeema Worth Vent. Ltd

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2013 7 8 Lot 1 2 3 4 5 6 Lot 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Lot 1 2 3 4 5 Lot 1 2 3 4 5 6 Lot 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Lot 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Lot 1 2 3 4 5 6 Lot 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Lot 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Lot 1 2 3 4 5 6 Lot 1 2 3 4 5 6 Lot 1 2 3 4 Lot 1 2 3 4 Lot 1 2 3 4 5 6 Lot 1 2 3 4 5 6 Lot 1 2 3 4 5 Lot 1 2 3 Lot 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Hendon Engineering Ltd Sab Agro Allied Co. Ltd 33b Yekco Nig. Ltd Ub Water Engr. Serv Ltd J C Ozor Global Wide Ltd Richwell Design & Building Nig. Ltd Sab Agro Allied Co. Ltd Omtal Inter- Medium Serv. Ltd 33c Lama Drilling Co Nig Grid Construction & Investment Ltd Ub Water Engr, Serv Ltd Mongo Hydro& Geo Consult Nig. Ltd Yekco Nig. Ltd Richwell Design & Building Nig. Ltd. Mohtas Consult Ltd. Naiwa Gloabal Links Ltd Sab Agro Allied Co. Ltd 34 Doro Services Nig. Ltd G M Global Multi Link Nig. Ltd Blackstone Construction Ltd Mc Oraxis& Co. Nig. Ltd Al Hamsar Nig Ltd 35 Ppu Emmacoson & Associates Ltd Blackstone Construction Ltd Molinari Const. Co. Ltd Abs-Kol Nig. Ltd Cox-A Interg. Ltd Nguroje Global Vent. Nig. Ltd. 36 Deinna Integrated Concept Ltd L & T Hydrogeo Com. Nig. Ltd Divine Assisted Ltd Eke De Mac Int. Ltd J C Ozor Global Wide Syrex Nig. Ltd Baisenga Vent. Nig. Ltd Naeema Worth Vent. Ltd Multi Option Nig. Ltd. Cox-A Interg. Ltd Nguroje Global Vent. Nig. Ltd. 37 Doro Services Nig. Ltd Sankowa Investment Ltd L & T Hydrogeo Com. Nig. Ltd Libral Integrated Global Ltd Eke De Mac Int. Ltd Aduke Hope Ent. Ltd Nguroje Global Vent. Nig. Ltd. 39 Doro Services Nig. Ltd Sankowa Investment Ltd Parmaco Nig Ltd Rajis Engr. Nig. Ltd Paradab Vent. Ltd Nguroje Global Vent. Nig. Ltd. 40 Doro Services Nig. Ltd Parmaco Nig Ltd Paradab Vent. Ltd Multi Option Nig. Ltd Nafan Nig. Ltd Great Coral Nig. Ltd Nguroje Global Vent. Nig. Ltd. 41 Jillahi Int’l Ltd Gonabros Global Link Nig. Ltd Sankowa Investment Ltd L & T Hydrogeo Com. Nig. Ltd Libral Integrated Global Ltd Absamu Global Investment Ltd Eke De Mac Int. Ltd Al- Hamsar Nig. Ltd Aduke Hope Ent. Ltd Rabu Gate Nig. Ltd 42 Kjax Phadox Consultants Libral Integrated Global Ltd Smart & Smart & Sons Ltd Eke De Mac Int. Ltd Aduke Hope Ent. Ltd Nafan Nig. Ltd 43 Deinna Integrated Concept Ltd L & T Hydrogeo Com. Nig. Ltd Smart & Smart & Sons Ltd Eke De Mac Int. Ltd Aduke Hope Ent. Ltd Neema Worth Ventures Ltd 44 PPU Emmacoson Jillahi Int’l Ltd Blackstone Construction Ltd Sankowa Investment Ltd 45 Akustan Nig. Ltd Al-Hamsar Nig. Ltd Neema Worth Resources Nig. Ltd Auwal Bin Hayas Nig. Ltd 46 Gonabros Global Links Ltd Yasacoma Ltd. Al Hamsar Nig. Ltd. S & C Environment Ltd. Auwal Bin Hayas Nig. Ltd. Multi Option Nig. Ltd. 47 D D Top Front Nig Ltd Sh & Kamthal Const. Ltd Isanuhu Engineering Services Nig. Ltd Naiwa Global Links Ltd Omtal Inter-Medium Serv. Ltd S & C Environment Ltd. 48 Libral Integrated Global Ltd Eke De Mac Int. Ltd Isanuhu Engineering Services Nig. Ltd Appts Nig Ltd Lawrenag Engineering Serv. Ltd 49 Ethel Property Dev. Co. Ltd Isanuhu Engineering Services Nig. Ltd. Heriprom Eng. Ltd 50 Sankowa Investment Ltd L & T Hydrogeo Com. Nig. Ltd Divine Assisted Ltd J C Ozor Global Wide Ltd Eke-De Mac Int. Ltd Gargajiga Nig. Ltd Syrex Nig. Ltd Neema Worth Resources Ltd Hoina Co. Ltd Futa Jalon Global Res. Ltd Dabarak Nig. Ltd

51 Lot 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Lot 1 2 3 4 Lot 1 2 3 4 Lot 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Lot 1 2 3 4 5 6 Lot 1 2 3 Lot 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Lot 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Lot 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Lot 1 2 3 4 5 6 Lot 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Lot 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Lot 1 2 3 4 5 Lot 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Lot 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Lot 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

51 Jillahi Int’l Ltd Sankowa Investment Ltd Parmaco Nig Ltd J C Ozor Global Wide Nig. Ltd Awush Nig Ltd Aso Gema Nig. Ltd Bahbalu Inter. Res. Ltd 52 Deinna Integrated Concept Ltd Parmaco Nig Ltd Yasacoma Ltd Himmad Nig. Ltd 54 J M. Ogodo& Sons Invest. Ltd Aso Gema Nig. Ltd Isanuhu Engineering Services Ltd Co Resources Nig. Ltd 55a Mc Oraxis& Co. Nig. Ltd Sankowa Investment Ltd L & T Hydrogeo Com. Nig. Ltd Yasacoma Ltd Mofaash Tech Engr Ltd. New Imagination Vent Ltd Naiwa Global Links Ltd Tatic Const. Co. Ltd Universal Water Engr. Ltd Tonny -Iwenz Concern Ltd. 55b L & T Hydrogeo Com. Nig. Ltd Mongo Hydro& Geo Consult Nig. Ltd New Imagination Vent. Ltd Barare Global Serv. Ltd Bahbalu Inter. Resources Daji Global Res. Nig. Ltd. 57 Isanuhu Engineering Services Ltd Muslac Techno. Co. Ltd Universal Water Engr.

58a Great Anthony & Bros Vent. Ltd L & T Hydrogeo Com. Nig. Ltd Helvic & Sons Co. Nig. Ltd Oat Livingstone Ltd Derokna Invest Ltd Panamco Nig Ltd Sanusi Paris& Co. Nig Ltd Divine Assisted Ltd Gonabros Global Links Nig. Ltd Fieldrill Nig. Ltd Hoina Co. Ltd 58b Great Anthony & Bros Vent. Ltd Oat Livingstone Ltd Sanusi Paris& Co. Nig Ltd Divine Assisted Co. Ltd Adaeka Civil& Water Engr Ltd Ndu- King Vent. Nig. Ltd Mondu Energy Resources Co. Ltd Omtal Inter-Medium Serv. Ltd Mofaash Tech. & Engr. Ltd 58c Madugu Commercial &. Co Great Anthony & Bros Vent. Ltd Lama Drilling Co Nig Ub Water Engr, Serv Ltd Oat Livingstone Ltd Sanusi Paris& Co. Nig Ltd Tektrans Ltd Mohammed Modibbo Entrp. Nig. Ltd 59 M. C Oraxis& Co. Nig. Ltd Kjax Phadox Consultants Derokna Invest Ltd Panamco Nig Ltd New Marks Engr Services Ltd Asogema Nig. Ltd 60a Aquavic Investment Co .Ltd Hill Water Res. Nig. Ltd A D H Nig Ltd Haisa Tech& Allied Serv. Ltd Impuda Global Vent. Ltd Bajo Comercial Ventures Ltd Bahbalu Inter. Resources. Ltd 60b L & T Hydrogeo Com. Nig. Ltd Ub Water Engr, Serv Ltd Sanusi Paris& Co. Nig Ltd Yekco Nig. Ltd Yasab Nig Ltd Tektrans Ltd Ndu-King Vent. Nig. Ltd Fieldrill Nig. Ltd 60c Aquavic Investment Co .Ltd Ub Water Engr, Serv Ltd Nafson Global Investment Ltd Fieldrill Nig. Ltd Bajo Commercial Ventures Ltd 61a Yekco Nig. Ltd Great Anthony & Bros Vent. Ltd Abima International Ventures Oat Livingstone Ltd Gonabros Global Links Nig Ltd Daji Global Res. Nig. Ltd Regional Engineering Nig. Ltd Richwell Design & Build Nig Ltd Quartz Solar Energy System Ltd Njigha Ltd Garada Water Engr. & Const. Ltd Futa Jalon Global Res. Ltd Tony- Iwenz Concerns Ltd Tektrans Ltd. 61b Awush Nig. Ltd Charlim& Associates Nig Ltd Lama Drilling Co Nig Grid Construction & Investment Ltd Oat Livingstone Ltd Gonabros Global Links Nig Ltd Yekco Nig. Ltd Regional Engineering Nig. Ltd Richwell Design & Building Nig Ltd Quartz Solar Energy System Ltd Lawrenag Engr. Serv. Ltd 62a Northocean Engineering Ltd Gonabros Global Links Nig. Ltd Al Tam Ventures Services Ltd Charlim& Associates Aquavic Investment Co .Ltd Oat Livingstone Ltd Aqua-Gem Miniag -Engr Ltd Quartz Solar Energy System Ltd Bazim Intl.

Investment Ltd

Lot 62b 1 Gonabros Global Link Nig. Ltd 2 Lama Drilling Co Nig 3 Oat Livingstone Ltd 4 Sanusi Paris& Co. Nig Ltd 5 Rajis Engr. Nig. Ltd 6 Quartz Solar Energy System Ltd 7 Geosolved Consults Ltd Lot 62c 1 Gonabros Global Link Nig. Ltd 2 Great Anthony & Bros Vent. Ltd 3 Aquavic Investment Co .Ltd 4 Oat Livingstone Ltd 5 Sanusi Paris& Co. Nig Ltd 6 Smart & Smart & Sons Ltd 7 Mofaash Tech& Engr 8 Kabag Inter. Invest. Ltd 9 Quartz Solar Energy System Ltd 10 Ama Yaro Assoc. Ltd Lot 63a 1 Sanusi Paris& Co. Nig Ltd 2 Yasacoma Ltd 3 Aqua- Gem Miniag & Engr 4 Regional Engineering Nig. Ltd 5 Richwell Design & Building Nig. Ltd 6 Mashey Yet Waves 7 Ayudidibe Mega Vent. Ltd 8 A. S Galadima Global Concept Ltd 9 Rollsman Technical Ltd 10 Pepil Nig. Ltd Lot 63b 1 Awush Nig. Ltd 2 Sanusi Paris& Co. Nig Ltd 3 Smart & Smart & Sons Ltd 4 Regional Engineering Nig. Ltd 5 Richwell Design & Building Nig. Ltd 6 Ayudidibe Mega Vent. Ltd 7 Palala Petro Gas & Services Ltd 8 A. S Galadima Global Concept Ltd 9 Pepil Nig. Ltd 10 Mondu Energy Resources Co. Ltd Lot 64a 1 L & T Hydrogeo Com. Nig. Ltd 2 Hill Water Res. Nig. Ltd 3 Capcon Project Ltd 4 Mashey Yet Waves 5 Nafan Nig. Ltd 6 Quartz Solar Energy System Ltd 7 Fieldrill Nig. Ltd 8 Palala Petro Gas & Services Ltd 9 Uratu Services Nig. Ltd 10 Hoina Co. Ltd 11 Shamruf Engineering Services Ltd Lot 64b 1 Great Anthony & Bros Vent. Ltd 2 Al Tam Ventures Services Ltd 3 L & T Hydrogeo Com. Nig. Ltd 4 Mongo Hydro& Geo Consult Nig. Ltd 5 Yasacoma Ltd 6 Capcon Project Ltd 7 Nafan Nig. Ltd 8 Quartz Solar Energy System Ltd 9 Palala Petro Gas & Services Ltd Lot 64c 1 Al Tam Ventures Services Ltd 2 L & T Hydrogeo Com. Nig. Ltd 3 Hoina Co.Ltd1 4 Ndu-King Vent. Ltd 5 Quartz Solar Energy System Ltd 6 Haisa Tech.& Allied Serv. Ltd 7 Fieldrill Nig. Ltd 8 Palala Petro Gas & Services Ltd 9 Neema Worth Ventures Ltd 10 Pepil Nig. Ltd Lot 64d 1 Al Tam Ventures Services Ltd 2 L & T Hydrogeo Com. Nig. Ltd 3 Masey Yet Waves 4 Quartz Solar Energy System Ltd 5 Syrex Nig. Ltd 6 Himmad Nig. Ltd 7 Naeema Worth Ventures Ltd 8 Image Vibes Ltd. Lot 65c 1 Yasacoma Ltd 3 Syrex Nig Ltd 4 Bajo Comercial Ventures Ltd 5 A. S Galadima Global Concept Ltd Lot 65d 1 Great Anthony & Bros Vent. Ltd 2 Wakshal Contractors Nig. Ltd 3 Syrex Nig. Ltd 4 Bajo Commercial Vent. Ltd 5 Pepil Nig. Ltd Lot 65e 1 Wakshal sxContractors Nig. Ltd 2 Palala Petro Gas & Services Ltd 3 Abs-Kol Nig. Ltd Lot 66a 1 Yekco Nig. Ltd 2 Awush Nig. Ltd 3 Abima International Ventures 4 Charlim& Associates 5 Lama Drilling Co Nig 6 Oat Livingstone Ltd 7 Mongo Hydro& Geo Consult Nig. Ltd 8 Ceylon Construction Services Ltd 9 Smart & Smart & Sons Ltd 10 Regional Engineering Nig. Ltd 11 Richwell Design & Building Nig. Ltd 12 Gona Gen. Merchants Nig. Ltd 13 Lawrenag Engr. Serv. Ltd 14 Garada Water Engr & Consults Nig Lot 66b 1 Abima International Ventures 2 Aquavic Investment Co .Ltd 3 Oat Livingstone Ltd 4 Mongo Hydro Geo. Construction Nig. Ltd 5 Regional Engineering Nig. Ltd 6 Tunal Resources Ltd 7 Geosolved Consults Ltd Lot 69a 1 Hoina Co. Ltd 2 Deinna Integrated Concept Ltd 3 Ogun-Asu Co. Ltd 4 Abs Kol Nig. Ltd 5 Aso Gema Nig. Ltd Lot 69b 1 Deinna Integrated Concept Ltd 2 Hanaks Investment Ltd 3 Yasacoma Ltd 4 Asogema Nig.Ltd Lot 70 1 Veco Scientific 2 El Sarf Consult Ltd 3.

By This Advert, The General Public Is Hereby Invited To Witness The Opening Of The Financial Bids.

Signed: Management

52

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2013

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2013

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2013

54

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 26- 06-13

Experts cautious on outlook as equities rebound

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HE Nigerian stock market still has headroom for considerable gains but investors would need to be wary of global and domestic macroeconomic risks and political changes, investments experts have said.

Economists, investment advisors, researchers, fund managers and institutional investors met yesterday in Lagos at the Second Technical Session for Institutional Investors organised by Investment One Financial Services Limited.

Experts were almost unanimously positive about the overall prospects of the Nigerian capital market in the context of competing emerging and advanced markets but they were cautious that the government’s finances, fiscal and monetary responses to emerging situations, political transition, succession at the apex bank, human capital deficiency and the lopsidedness of the market structure and investor’ base could prove decisive for the market direction in spite of good fundamentals of quoted companies.

The interactive session between investment experts and investors came as the equities made a remarkable rebound yesterday. Aggregate market value of equities on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) rallied N108.65 billion in capital gains on the back of widespread demand for equities, breaking a spate of successive declines that had brought back the ghosts of the recent recession.

Experts said market correction globally could be expected based on the quantum of quantitative easing undertaken by the governments across the world but the impact on each market would be determined by responses by financial authorities in each market.

Frontline economist and member of the Monetary Policy Committee of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr. Doyin Salami said Nigeria can handle possible outflow of

By Taofik Salako

foreign portfolios in three ways that each may lead to different consequences.

According to him, Nigerian financial authorities can respond to foreign portfolio outflows by raising rates and further tightening of monetary policy, supporting the markets with the foreign reserves and thus depleting it and allowing the markets to adjust to the emerging situation.

He noted that Nigeria is susceptible to economic shock because of decline in crude oil output and the current global price fluctuation. He however pointed out that Nigeria’s biggest challenge is its acute human capital gap.

He advised that in projecting outlook for the stock market, investors should be concerned about the differences in premium in the global markets, pointing out that investors would always move funds to the market with relatively higher premium.

Salami said Nigeria must be concerned about how to mobilise internal savings and investments as inflows from foreign direct investments, foreign portfolio investments and diaspora funds are subject to global vagaries.

Head, Strategy, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Ms Yvonne Emordi said there was nothing to panic about on the current market situation, noting that the market correction still looks normal.

She said the political outlook was affecting the market performance, citing the reluctance of companies to list their shares pending the certainty of the political environment.

She however, flayed inadequate fiscal supports for the capital market.

Former managing director, ARM Pension, Mr. Funso Doherty, advised investors to avoid certain behavioural traps including the tendencies to fix their minds on certain reference points or previous

highpoints irrespective of changing market conditions and overstating the importance of recent events.

According, to him, the 2008 index highpoint is irrelevant and will only constitute stumbling block to any investor whose expectations are anchored in that region but overtime, Nigerian capital market can get back to that highpoint.

Divisional Head, Investments, Investment One, John Ogar, said the stock market might see futher outflows but the market’s fundamentals are supportive of further future growth.

“We believe Nigerian equities still offer good relative values, even though investors need to be cautious,” Ogar said.

Managing director, Investment One, Mr. Nicholas Nyamali, reiterated the commitments of the company to provide investors with a one-stop investment shop where they can meet all their financial needs.

He said Investment One, formerly GTB Asset Management Limited, remains committed to achieving client’s objectives while providing timely and insightful market information that assist stakeholders to make informed decisions.

Meanwhile, aggregate market capitalisation of all equities on the NSE rose to by N108.65 billion to close at N11.404 trillion. The All Share Index (ASI), the main index at the NSE, recovered by 0.96 per cent to close at 36,095.27 points.

Average year-to-date return at the stock market thus improved to 28.55 per cent.

With 40 gainers to 21 losers, the market benefitted from substantial gains by highly capitalised stocks and widespread bullish sentiments. Nigerian Breweries led the gainers with a gain of N5.09 to close at N155.10. Cadbury Nigeria trailed with addition of N5 to close at N55. Okomu Oil Palm rose by N3.25 to close at N43.25.

On the other hand, Flour Mills of Nigeria led the losers with a drop of N9.10 to close at N84.50.

Lafarge Cement Wapco Nigeria followed with a loss of N6.75 to close at N84 while Dangote Cement dropped by N1.95 to close at N188.

Total turnover stood at 448.98 million shares valued at N5.91 billion in 7,030 deals.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 26- 06-13

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2013

55

MONEY LINK

Analysts bullish on Nigeria’s $1b Eurobond

A

NALYSTS have forrecast a successful outing for Nigeria’s $1 billion Eurobond offer expected to be issued by the Federal Government this year.

Speaking yesterday at the Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria (FICAN) monthly forum held in Lagos, General Manager, Treasury Services, Consolidated Discount House Limited (CDL), Bolanle Okunubi said there is high possibility that the Eurobond offer, meant to fund power projects, will be successful like previous offers by the Federal Government.

Nigeria issued a debut $500 million 10-year Eurobond two years ago, which was oversubscribed, with investors spanning 18 countries from Europe, the United

Foreign reserves fall to lowest in three-months

By Collins Nweze and Akinola Ajibade

States, Asia and Africa.

The expert said that for investors, investing in bonds is less risky, adding that there is high level of confidence on Nigeria’s sovereign bonds.

He said the ongoing one-week road show to Britain, Germany and the United States, which started on June 19 is a welcome development.

The meeting is being led by the Finance Minister, Ngozi OkonjoIweala, and other senior government officials from the Debt Management Office (DMO).

Noting that a bond as a loan or debt security, he said the investor or holder of the bond is the lender while the issuer remains the borrower.

N

IGERIA’S foreign exchange reserves fell 0.16 per cent month-on-month to $48.33 billion by June 24, the lowest level in more than three months, data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) revealed yesterday.

Reuters said the reserves, however, were up 30.86 per cent yearon-year, compared with $36.93 billion the same time last year.

The apex bank had sold $3.02 billion at its twice-weekly foreign exchange auction between May 22 and June 24, in its bid to support the naira currency, foreign currency traders said.

holders are expected to identify and manage associated risks.

An Executive in CDL, Emmanuel Ebuk, also corroborated Okunubi, described risk as the divergence between anticipated outcomes and actual results.

He said that just like other investors, those investing in bonds will have to face and manage some of the inherent risks – one of which he listed to include market risk, which occurs as a result of risk of losses due to movements in financial market variables. Others include equity risk, which is the risk that stock prices will change; Interest rate risk, which is the danger that interest rates will change while currency risk is the fear that foreign exchange rates will change.

He also said that strategic risk is the current and prospective impact on earnings or capital arising from adverse business decisions, improper implementation of decisions, or lack of responsiveness to

“When you purchase a bond, you are lending money to the Issuer who in return promises to pay you a specified rate of coupon during the life of the bond and to repay the face value of the bond when it matures. Bonds are “fixed-income securities” because the amount of income the bond will generate each year is “fixed” or set when the bond is sold,” he said.

Whether one is holding a “riskfree” securities (sovereign bond) or corporate bonds, there are some risks that are associated with investing in bonds. Risk, in this context, means the possibility of losing some or all of the original investment. It is chance that an investment’s actual return will be different than expected.

He advised that since risks cannot be entirely eliminated, bond-

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HE Small and Medium Development Enterprises Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) has pledged to support the Students Advancement for Global Entrepreneurship (SAGE) Nigeria, by training Nigerian youths in entrepreneurship and financial skills.

The Director General, SMEDAN Mr Bature Masari, gave this assurance during a courtesy visit by SAGE President, Mr. Agwu Amogu in Abuja.

He said that SAGE will be given

“SAGE will be given the necessary awareness and encouragement.

We are committed to ensuring that business development starts from the scratch.

“Amogu said the security situation in the country almost affected the competition, even though more than 20 countries indicated interest in participating in the competition that would feature 300 students worldwide.

The countries, he said, included South Africa, Zambia, Uganda,

From: Franca Ochigbo, Abuja

all the necessary support. SAGE led a delegation of Local Organising Committee on SAGE 2013 international competition, to be hosted by Nigeria in August and to seek the support of SMEDAN. Masari said: “SMEDAN would incorporate the vision of SAGE in its programme to complement the agency’s efforts in promoting entrepreneurship skills among youths.

Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

19-05-2014 18-05-2016 19-05-2016

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM Amount Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($) 350m 150m 350m 138m 350m 113m

MANAGED FUNDS Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2012 “ 14-04-2012

GAINERS AS AT 26-06-13

SYMBOL NASCON CADBURY CCNN TRANSCORP UBN REDSTAREX NAHCO HONYFLOUR NEIMETH SKYEBANK

O/PRICE 10.50 50.00 9.50 1.10 10.71 4.45 5.47 3.10 1.15 4.09

C/PRICE 11.55 55.00 10.45 1.21 11.78 4.89 6.01 3.40 1.26 4.48

CHANGE 1.05 5.00 0.95 0.11 1.07 0.44 0.54 0.30 0.11 0.39

AIRSERVICE UPL ACADEMY FLOURMILL MANSARD IPWA WAPCO UAC-PROP PZ COURTVILLE

O/PRICE 5.20 5.59 2.26 93.60 1.98 0.68 90.75 15.20 40.50 0.80

C/PRICE 4.68 5.04 2.04 84.50 1.79 0.62 84.00 14.50 38.70 0.77

NGN USD NGN GBP NGN EUR NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) (S/N) Bureau de Change (S/N) Parallel Market

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

147.6000 239.4810 212.4997

149.7100 244.0123 207.9023

150.7100 245.6422 209.2910

-2.11 -2.57 -1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

152.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

153.0000

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

12%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate Inflation Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 11.8%

July ’12

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

NSE CAP Index

27-10-11 N6.5236tr 20,607.37

Date 2-7-12 27-6-12 22-6-12

Rate (Previous) 4 Mar, 2012 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Rate (Currency) 6, Mar, 2012 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

Movement

28-10-11 N6.617tr 20,903.16

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

CHANGE 0.52 0.55 0.22 9.10 0.19 0.06 6.75 0.70 1.80 0.03

Exchange Rate (N) 155.2 155.8 155.7

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Year Start Offer

LOSERS AS AT 26-06-13

SYMBOL

Amount Sold ($) 150m 138m 113m

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 Currency

Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

South Korea, Brazil, Tanzania, Rwanda, Philippine, Russia, Kenya and Germany.

He added that one of the purposes of hosting the competition was to attract investors to the country, adding that South Africa would be coming with 15 business delegates.

Amogu said the programme was aimed at helping to make future dreams come true for Nigerian youths by teaching them entrepreneurship and financial literacy skills needed to be successful.

DATA BANK

Tenor

OBB Rate Call Rate

industry changes.

He said that strategic risk is the risk associated with the financial institution’s future business plans and strategies. This risk category includes plans for entering new business lines, expanding existing services through mergers and acquisitions, and enhancing infrastructure among others.

SMEDAN to support young entrepreneurs

FGN BONDS

NIDF NESF

•Finance Minister, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

Offer Price

Bid Price

ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH 9.17 9.08 KAKAWA GUARANTEED 1.00 1.00 STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE INVE 139.16 139.16 AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND 165.11 163.93 LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL 0.80 0.78 BGL SAPPHIRE FUND 1.16 1.16 BGL NUBIAN FUND 1.16 1.15 FBN MONEY MARKET FUND 100.00 100.00 FBN FIXED INCOME FUND 1,000.00 1,000.00 NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. 1,817.23 1,808.06 PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND 14.39 13.69 CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST 1.39 1.33 CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST 1.87 1.80 STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY 12,214.81 11,854.08 • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED • STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUNDARM AGGRESSIVE • OPEN BUY BACK

Bank P/Court

Previous 04 July, 2012

Current 07, Aug, 2012

8.5000 8.0833

8.5000 8.0833

Movement

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2013

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57

NEWS The Nationman’s mum dead

Suntai speaks with Jonathan, Sambo, says Suswam

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A

ARABA State Governor Danbaba Suntai on Tuesday spoke with President Goodluck Jonathan and Vice President Namadi Sambo.

He also received Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam in New York, where he is recuperating.

The North America correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Suntai was beaming with smiles and excitement as he spoke with the top Nigerian leaders and interacted with Suswam.

Suntai is at the Sea View Hospital Rehabilitation Centre and Home, where he is recuperating from the injury he suffered after the aircraft he flew crashed near Yola, the Adamawa State capital, last October.

Suntai, who was described

by Suswam as gaining more weight, on sighting his guest and wife, Yemisi, immediately stood up for a quick handshake and an exchange of pleasantries.

The two governors later joked and held conversations about happenings in the country.

Within the period he was with his visitors, Suntai also had telephone conversations with President Jonathan and Vice President Sambo.

“When he saw me, he greeted me, he smiled. You know, we have a name we call each other.

I call him, Mallam Suntai; he calls me Alhaji Suswam. When I called him Malam Suntan, he burst into laughter.

“He was quite excited seeing me, because the last time I saw him was when he was in Germany. At that point, he was still in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

“We shook hands (on Tuesday), he stood up; we cracked jokes, we discussed generally.

Like I said, I made a phone call to the vice president, who spoke with him.

“I was quite excited that I met him in very good condition. We held discussions about the country, about his health. My interactions with him showed he has recovered substantially. We are just waiting for him to actually get back to Nigeria and resume work.

“For someone whose condition was quite critical from a

Senator assures the masses of affordable housing

Court dismisses suit against UNILORIN VC

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HE Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Housing and Urban Development, ‘Gbenga Ashafa, has said efforts are being made for the development of the nation’s construction industry.

The senator spoke at the 57th annual general meeting and construction industry exhibition of the Federation of Construction Industry (FOCI) at Sheraton Hotel, Abuja.

Declaring open the threeday exhibition, Ashafa stressed that construction, unlike mere buying and selling, requires much diligence, dexterity and determination He said: “It is pertinent to state here that the Senate, through its Committee on Housing and Urban Development, is working hard to bring about the needed development in the construction industry in Nigeria, particularly the provision of decent and affordable houses for Nigerians.

“We all know that shelter is one of the three physiological needs of man. Without it man cannot function efficiently and effectively.”

The senator advised stakeholders in housing and the construction industry to always use the best materials to build.

A

FEDERAL High Court sitting in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, has affirmed the constitutionality of the appointment of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Prof AbdulGaniyu Ambali.

The court dismissed the suit filed by one of the contestants to position, Prof Rasheed Ijaodola, challenging the ap-

• Taraba State Governor Danbaba Suntai (right) welcoming Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam (second right), his wife, Yemisi (second left) and Suntai’s wife, Hauwa, to the Sea View Hospital Rehabilitation Centre and Home in New York... on Tuesday.

plane crash, it is a miracle, because people hardly survive plane crashes.

“That he survived and that he had recovered thus far is the mercy of God. I think he is taking it easy too and thanking God

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

pointment of Prof Ambali as the UNILORIN vice chancellor in 2012.

In his reliefs, Prof Ijaodola sought an order of injunction restraining President Goodluck Jonathan, the Minister of Education and the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC) from recognising or

for what God has done for him.

“But generally he was eager to know how the country is and I just briefed him on politics and development in the country generally.

“I called the vice president

recognising Prof Ambali as the vice chancellor.

Other reliefs the plaintiff sought included “an order restraining the former vice chancellor, Prof Is-haq Oloyede, from recognising Prof Ambali as the new vice chancellor; a declaration that the short-listing, selection and appointment of Prof Ambali as the new vice chancellor of the university

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have recruited and engaged malleable newspaper columnists, hack-writers, propaganda merchants and rumour vendors to spread rumour, raise false alarm and publish deliberate misinformation about the state and the Chief Executive with a view to imposing hate, fear and terror, thereby scaring the citizens, residents, visitors and genuine investors from engaging in peaceful, productive and legitimate business in the state.

“The government is pleased, however, to inform the good and peace-loving people of the state that it is adequately on top of the situation, courtesy of our competent security officers who are collaborating with patriotic and loyal members of the public. The government is in possession of closely-guarded documents detailing the sponsors, sources and strategies of the plotters, including their collaborators within the state.”

The government said it was

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

M •Yuguda

still studying the details of the plot and that its investigations revealed the involvement of ‘three wealthy, highly-placed and influential persons’.

“These three arrowheads of the plot have held clandestine meetings in some capital cities within and outside the country, especially in the high-brow districts of Maitama and Asokoro in Abuja, where no fewer than five meetings have taken place with some top politicians, opposition figures and media persons in attendance. None of the meetings in Abuja lasted less than four hours,” it added.

NUJ honours Rep, trains reporters on conflict reporting

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HE Northeast Zone of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (UNJ) will soon train 24 reporters in conflict and political reporting.

The union has also floated a “Give Back To The Society” charity, to be funded with members’ professional dues.

The NUJ Zonal Vice-President, Hajiya Aisha Ibrahim, spoke on the initiatives at the presentation of the Best Law-

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

maker Award in the Northeast to a member of the House of Representatives, Hajiya Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed (Binani), in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital.

The honouree was represented by the Special Adviser to Adamawa State Governor on Judiciary, Hajiya Hadiza

Aminu.

The NUJ said the award would encourage the people of the zone to strive for excellence in their calling.

Hajia Ahmed said: “In spite of the precarious situation we have found ourselves in the zone, we are ever determined to forge ahead. With God on our side, we will succeed.

“We intend to train at least

were irregular, improper, unlawful, null and void; a declaration that the interview conducted by a board chaired by Alhaji Saka Sa’adu is irregular, improper, wrongful, unlawful, null and void.

Justice Olayinka Faji dismissed the plaintiff’s claims as lacking in merit, saying it “is accordingly hereby dismissed”.

Bombing of media houses: Court to rule July 2

Bauchi alleges plot to destabilise govt HE Bauchi State Government yesterday said it had uncovered a plot to cause anarchy in the state and discredit Governor Isa Yuguda’s government.

It said the masterminds of the plot would be tackled as soon as it got the details of the plot.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Ishola Michael Adeyemi, said: “The Bauchi State Government has uncovered a plot by some misguided and antiprogress elements to plunge the state into a crisis, using agents of destruction within and outside the state to cause disharmony and disaffection among the people of the state towards discrediting and destabilising the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administration of Mallam Isa Yuguda.

“It has also been discovered that the brains behind this evil plot against the government and good people of Bauchi State

and he spoke with him as well.

I strongly believe that once the doctors give the go-ahead, he will come back home. This is because he is strong and doing some things by himself.’’

four members from each of the six states in the zone in conflict and political reporting.

“Those selected will be trained outside the country at Fourah Bay College, Sierra Leone and Ghana.”

Hajia Ibrahim also announced the establishment of a “Give Back To The Society” charity initiative by the zonal NUJ.

USTAPHA Umar, a man who is being tried for allegedly attempting to bomb a building occupied by three media houses in Kaduna, has asked a Federal High Court in Abuja to dismiss the charges against him.

In a written address in support of his “no-case” submission, Umar argued that the prosecution failed to make out a prima facie case against him.

He also argued that all evidence led by the prosecution did not link him to the charges preferred against him.

Umar’s lawyer, Nureini Sulaiman, adopted the written submission yesterday and prayed the court to free his client.

The prosecution, led by the Acting Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Simon Egede, also adopted a written counter-argument by the state.

The prosecution urged the court to discountenance Umar’s submission. It advised him to open his defence.

The prosecution argued that it has brought sufficient evidence establishing the culpability of the accused. It also averred that it has made out a prima facie case against Umar.

Justice Adeniyi Ademola has fixed July 2 for ruling.

Umar, a suspected Boko Haram member, is charged with terrorism-related offences following an explosion which partly damaged the building, SOJ Plaza. The building, on Kontagora Road, Kaduna, is occupied by ThisDay, The Sun and The Moment newspapers.

COMMUNITY and Christian women’s leader, Mrs. Winifred Olanike Omonijo, is dead.

She died on Tuesday morning at Wesley Guild Hospital, Ilesa, Osun State.

She was 75.

Mrs. Omonijo, who was a retired school teacher, died after a brief illness.

A statement by his eldest son, Mr Mobolade Omonijo of The Nation, said her remains would be interred on Saturday, July 20, at St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Isona, Ilesa.

A service of songs will hold on Friday, July 19.

The late Mrs. Omonijo is survived by her husband of 54 years, Canon Gamaliel Omonijo, a retired Anglican cleric, as well as three sons - Mobolade Omonijo, Bolaji Omonijo, of Soul Mate and Soladoye Omonijo, a businessman.

Muslim community holds meeting

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HE Kasumu/Isokan Muslim Community of Orita Challenge, off Ojo-Ekun Road, Odo-Ona Elewe, Ibadan, Oyo State, will hold a general meeting and special prayer on June 30 from 10 am.

Its Secretary Ustaz Abdulraham AbdulAziz said the event would hold at the Central Mosque’s praying ground.

He said the prayer would be conducted by the Chief Imam of the community, Alhaji Abdulraham Oluwakemi.

AbdulAziz urged members to attend the meeting/ prayer with their families.

He added that the community would deliberate on issues and pray for Allah’s blessings.

Community leader for burial

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IR Edmund Igbokwe Obiemeke of Umuigwe Ndiezike Village, Odoata-Amuamu, Ihiala Local Government Area, Anambra State, is dead.

He was 76.

The late Obiemeke was a community leader, a devout Catholic. He was also a Knight of St. John International in Ihiala.

He is survived by many children, including Lady Anderline Chukwudebelu.

A funeral programme released by the family said a vigil mass would hold today at 5pm at Sir Obiemeke’s compound in Ihiala. At 10am tomorrow, a funeral mass will hold at St. Martin’s Catholic Church, Odoata, Amuamu, Ihiala, opposite Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Ihiala. This will be followed by interment at Sir Obiemeka’s compound.

•The late Obiemeke

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2013

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NEWS Four students held for ‘kidnapping’ From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

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OUR students of the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Imo State, were yesterday paraded by the police for allegedly kidnapping a student, Anthony Enoh.

The Commissioner of Police, Katsina Musa Muhammad, said the suspects were arrested while trying to collect ransom from the victim’s family.

Enoh is a student of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO).

He said the victim was held in a hostel for about two weeks before he was rescued by policemen, following a tip-off.

Muhammad gave the names of the suspects as: Ezenwa Chiddozie Alex (25), Njoku Nnamdi (26), Chikwendu Nkemjika (19) and Uba Okechukwu (26).

The school authority could not be reached for comments.

Uduaghan: Shell’s absence won’t affect us From Polycarp Orosevwotu, Warri

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ELTA State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has said the exit of Shell Petroleum Development Company from Warri will not end economic activities in the oil-city.

The governor spoke at Enerhen junction, Ovwie Local Government Area while inspecting ongoing projects.

Uduaghan, who spoke in Pidgin, said jobs would soon be available to residents when new companies move in.

He advised the host communities to be hospitable and create an enabling environment for the companies to operate.

The governor said: “Una no why Shell commot? Na una community cause am wey dem commot. Shell don sell its facilities.

“Na the way we take behave to them naim make dem move. But dey fit sell crude oil wey dey our ground?

“People dey call me for the oil.

Dem go come, but make una no give them wahala o. You must cooperate with them.”

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HE Rivers State Government yesterday said it has saved over N1.4billion from the ongoing salary verification in the public service.

The Head of Service, Samuel LongJohn, said this when the state chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) visited him.

LongJohn said the exercise was not to reduce anybody’s salary but to correct irregularities discovered in the system.

He said: “It is unhealthy for any worker, who is supposed to earn N160, 000 to earn N500, 000.

It is affecting projects and recruitment of workers.

“There are other instances where in a ministry of 330 workers, 154 of them earn salaries of over N500, 000 whereas only 10 of such workers should earn about N350, 000.

“If this abnormality continues, it would come to a time when the government would be unable to pay salaries.

“Though, the inability of the respective departments to provide correct information was our major challenge.”

I’m finished, says man who lost wife, four children

HY? Oh God why me?

This has been the lamentation of Celestine Onwuliri, who lost five members of his family, including his wife, Magdalene, on May 29.

Onwuliri’s wife and four of his children, including his first son, died in their sleep after inhaling generator fumes.

The 48-year old contract worker in a bank is yet to recover from the incident.

The distraught Onwuliri continuously peered into the sky with his arms folded across his chest when our reporter met with him in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

He again muttered: “Why?”. He shook his head many times.

Onwuliri wondered why he had to bury his first son, Emmanuel, 13, his nine-year-old daughter, Blessing, and his four-year old twins, Mike and Mark, on the same day.

The body of his 35-year old wife, who he married 14 years ago, is still in the mortuary.

Onwuliri sometimes blamed himself for not being around when the incident happened.

He was in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, working when he was hit by the nasty blow.

The widower rued his transfer from Yenagoa to Port Harcourt by the bank where he worked on contractual basis as a technician.

“If not for the transfer, I would have been around my family and would have prevented the disaster.

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

I don’t know whether I will be able to survive the disaster.

“How do I survive without my wife of 14 years? “ He recalled the last conversation he had with his late wife.

Onwuliri said: “On the night of May 28, I was discussing an issue with her on phone around 10pm, but due to bad network, we said we would talk in the morning, I never knew that was the last conversation I was to have with my wife.

“The following morning, I called again around 6am as we agreed. I called her five times but she did not pick. I then called my first son, his phone also rang severally, he did not pick.

“I felt they may be having devotion, so I decided to wait for some time. I called again, but still nobody picked. I decided to call my neighbours and asked them to go and help me check what was wrong.

“My neighbours called me back to say they have knocked and checked but did not see or hear anybody. I then told them to break the window to know what was wrong.

“I was still on phone when I heard a shout from my neighbours. It was then it became clear to me that something terrible has happened.

“I was told to come immediately to Yenagoa, but I never thought of generator fumes.

“All the seven persons in my house

were taken to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa. I went straight to meet them,”he said.

But only his 12-year old second son, Chris, and a relative, Chidera Opara, survived but they are in critical condition.

Members of the family inhaled the carbon monoxide fumes from a generator that emanated from a room next to their bedroom.

The incident occurred at a time Yenagoa experienced a three-week power outage after thunderstorms destroyed major power transmission equipment.

He lamented the lack of oxygen in the hospital and said his twins would have survived.

“When my neighbours came to FMC, Yenagoa, with my family, the health personnel said there was no oxygen to revive my children. The neighbours said the twins were still breathing.

“Assuming there was the needed equipment, the story wouldn’t have ended this way. I have to battle to save my second son and my in-law’s daughter,” he said.

Onwuliri also grappled with erratic power supply in the hospital.

He was compelled to buy fuel to power the generator in the hospital from midnight till the next morning.

“The FMC starts its generator from 7pm till midnight, from that midnight, I will buy fuel that will serve till morning.

“I am still talking to you because

of help from friends, co-workers and other individuals.

“I have buried the children and have also transferred my wife’s body to a hospital in my state, Imo, where she will be buried on July 20.

“I have also relocated the two survivors to the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri.

“I only came briefly to Yenagoa to see whether I could get help from the government. Right now I don’t have money any more.

“The condition of my second son is still worrisome. He is talking but his head is not yet normal. I am told I should take him to a specialist to examine his brain. I had to leave FMC, Yenagoa in search of such specialist in FMC, Owerri.

“The girl on her own is not even better; she is only breathing but has not opened her mouth or eyes. The burden is too much for me.

“I plead with the government to help me. My wife’s body is still in the mortuary. I have spent almost all I have, and don’t know if I still have enough strength to carry on.”

The Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Non-Indigenes, Anayo Edwin, said he would meet with Governor Seriake Dickson on the issue.

He said he has also been speaking to individuals and groups, including Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo, to assist Onwuliri.

“I have been helping in my own little way. This is one situation you won’t wish your enemy,” he said.

19 years after marriage, couple gets triplets

Rivers saves N1.4b From Precious Dikewoha, Port Harcourt

•Onwuliri with his only surviving son, Chris

•One of the survivors, Chidera.

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N 1994 when Mr. and Mrs. Chris Ekweozor got married, they looked forward to the day they would hold their first child; they never knew it would take 19 years for the day to come.

In those long years, an unhappy Mrs. Ifunanya Ekweozor severally asked her husband to take another wife.

Their faith and commitment to each other finally yielded fruit with the arrival of not just a child but triplets -two boys and a girl - Somtochukwu, Nmesomachukwu, Kosisochukwu.

The babies’ dedication was held on June 23 at St. Andrews’ Anglican Church, Rumuobiokani in Obio/ Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Expectedly, the ceremony attracted friends, relatives, family members and well-wishers, who trooped in their numbers to rejoice with the couple.

Recalling the trying times, Mrs. Ekweozor praised her husband, whose faith and trust in God helped her get through her pain and suffering.

She said: “After waiting for 18 years, one day as my husband was sleeping I woke him up and said please my husband, you have tried waiting for me but I am not a good

Wife: I asked my husband to get another wife From Precious Dikewoha, Port Harcourt

friend because I could not get you a child, from today go and re-marry.

“I will support you and I will be with you. But my husband responded and said, ‘you are my wife; I will not marry another woman, don’t worry you will have a baby for me and it will be triplets then you will have rest. I am telling you now be-

•Mrs. Ekweozor with the children

cause it is a prophecy from God. “But his reply didn’t make sense to me, so I moved away from him and went to the other room, locked myself inside and started crying.

“I didn’t know that God was about to listen to me,” she said with a smile that lit up her face.

Continuing, the happy woman said: “Another lesson I have learnt from this experience is the need to

wait on God. “It was not easy but we must wait upon the Lord, the encouragement of my husband gave me more courage because if I were to be in his position, I wouldn’t have been able to handle this issue the way he did, he is indeed a real child of God. “Nineteen years is not 19 days; no man or woman can restore your hope, except God. “I want to use this opportunity to thank my in-laws for their understanding throughout my trial, if I have the opportunity of coming to this world again I will definitely get married to this family. They are wonderful.”

The father of the triplets, who also presented a book titled: “The Essence of family altars”, said as a child of God he decided to enter into a covenant with God. “I was in a programme last year when God reminded me of his promises and said He will grant my heart’s desire but I must do His own part and then I said okay I will.

“I told my wife about my prophecy that she is going to deliver triplets and she didn’t believe it. As a covenant child of God my life is full of testimonies.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 27 2013

59

NEWS

INEC unveils election action plan •Admits sharp practices among some workers

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HAIRMAN of the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega accepted that there could be some corrupt officials in the commission.

He admitted that some INEC employer were culpable in the rigging and other electoral malpractices during elections.

Senate Committee on INEC did not rule out the possibility of some changes in certain provisions of the Electoral Act, including the provision prohibiting Electronic Voting System.

Jega spoke at a meeting of political Parties and stakeholders who converged on Abuja for the unveiling/Public Presentation of Strategic Programme of Action of INEC covering 2012 to 2016.

The INEC boss was reacting to some bashing from some stakeholders present at the meeting. He said: “INEC officials are not immune to prosecution. In fact, since we came here, as a Commission we have prosecuted INEC officials, probably it was not well advertised but prosecuted INEC officials who have beenclearly found guilty of breaching established laws, rules and regulations and we have also quietly shown people the way out. There were many people that were indicted who were not faith-

From Vincent Ikuomola and Nike Adebpowale, Abuja

ful due to be doing criminal activities which clearly were incompatible with the objectives and responsibility that were supposed to be bring to this job. We have retired people. We have dismissed people and asked people to withdraw their services. We have done a lot quietly and it is not something that really should have been advertised in our view.

“We made it very clear as a Commission when we came here and I think in one of the interactive sessions we had with staff of INEC and as a Commission, we made it very clear to them; said we are drawing the line. We said we were not looking for fault. We will not do anything wrong or ask anybody to do anything wrong and if anybody should do anything wrong, he will have him or her herself to blame. And that has been our guiding principle. It has helped tremendously.

“No doubt, I must share with you that my own assessment to what has happened is that in INEC previously, certainly there were a few bad eggs who had done things and things they had done have more or less damage the image of the entire members of the Commission.

It is really a terrible thing that

has happened. And it is very, very clear that substantial majority staff of INEC are honest people doing honest job under very difficult circumstances. All they required was motivation and encouragement and inspiration from the conduct of those who are placed in positions of responsibility.”

Chairman, Senate Committee of INEC, Senator Andy Uba who was represented by his Deputy, Senator Abdukadir Jagere, said that Democracy can only be said to have been sustained in Nigeria if INEC improves on the gains of 2011 general elections.

This is why we want to deal with all the proposed amendments to the Electoral Act, in a good time. Section 8 of the Electoral Act for instance needed to be tinkered with. Also section 13 that deals with transfer of voters, will have to be looked at because a lot of persons have moved from the North-East because of the security challenge and these people may never return.

“We did not approve Electronic Voting because of the fear of the fact that we don’t have the infrastructure to support it. If you take it to where there is no electricity, it will not work. But we will do our best to make the laws more flexible to allow INEC

issue guidelines on election matters, so as to see if we can implement the Electronic Voting system in phases, the way CBN is doing with cash less policy.

“2015 will be a litmus test for this country, if we make it, then we would have stabilized as a democracy. If we can achieve anything, nor matter how little in 2015, we will congratulate INEC and congratulate ourselves.”

INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Strategic Planning, Dr. Nuru Yakubu, said five years Action Plan seeks to achieve the over all mandate of INEC. The strategy also proposes what needs to be done for INEC to achieve its mandate over the years.’

The five years INEC Programme of Action Plan features include: •To provide electoral operations, systems and infrastructure to support delivery of free, fair and credible elections •To improve voter education, training and research •To register political parties and monitor their operations •To interact internationally and nationally with relevant stakeholders •To re-organise and re-position INEC for sustained conduct of free, fair and credible elections

•Chairman, House of Reps Committee on Foreign Affairs, Ms Nnena Ukeje; her deputy,Saleh Dahiru(middle) and a member, Yakub Balogun, at a meeting with Foreign Affairs Ministry over UK bond policy on Nigerians at the National Assembly Abuja... yesterday PHOTO ABAYOMI FAYESE

Stop distracting Dickson, court orders Sylva

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ORMER Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva has been ordered to stop his endless litigation against his successor, Governor Seriake Dickson.

The Federal High Court gave the order yesterday in Yengaoa, the state capital.

The court made the declaration while ruling on a preliminary objection filed by Dickson and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which challenged the jurisdiction of the court to hear Sylva’s suit.

Sylva had, through his lawyer, Robert Clarke (SAN), filed a fresh suit seeking to be declared the authentic PDP candidate for the February last year governorship election which Dickson won.

But Justice Lambo Akanbi stopped Sylva from further

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

challenging the election that brought Dickson to office.

Akanbi, who ruled that “there must be an end to litigation”, declared that the lower court would not entertain a matter that had been clearly decided upon and struck out by the Supreme Court.

He said it amounted to judicial rascality for Sylva and his lawyers to bring a matter that had been rested by the justices of the apex court before the lower court.

Akanbi minced no words as he maintained that it would be ridiculous and a journey in futility for him to toe a different path from the decision of the apex court.

“It is an abuse of the court process for the plaintiff (Sylva)

to approach this court on a matter already decided by the Supreme Court. I shall not encourage any journey in futility,” he said.

In a judgment that lasted for an hour, Akande traced the history of the matter and concluded that Sylva lacked locus standi.

He further perused through the pronouncements of the Supreme Court on the matter and adopted the position of the apex court.

Akanbi knocked out Sylva’s postulation that since he won the January 2011 primary organised

by PDP, the party had no right to organise another primary that produced Dickson as its candidate in November 2011.

Quoting Justice Mahmud Mohammed of the Supreme Court, he said: “It is important

to take into consideration that although the first respondent (Sylva) contested and won the primary election that was held in January 2011, which produced him as the candidate of the PDP for the governorship election that was to hold in Bayelsa State then scheduled for April 2011.

“That election did not hold in Bayelsa State, following the order of the Federal High Court. That order of the court was made at the instance of the first respondent, who complained that the tenure of his office as the governor should end last year.

“The termination of that election by the order of the court has swept away all rights of the first respondent on the result of the primary election of January 2011.”

Tension in Imo over rerun •APGA, PDP trade words

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HERE is tension in Imo State ahead of Saturday’s House of Assembly rerun election for Oguta Constituency.

Parties involved in the election are accusing each other of planning to incite crisis.

The election between the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) candidate, Eugene Dibiagwu and All Progressive Grand Alliance’s (APGA’s) Walter Uzonwanne, according to observers, is a test of might between the ruling party, APGA and the PDP. APGA chieftains have raised the alarm over alleged pile-up of arms by the PDP. A source, who pleaded for anonymity, claimed the PDP has camped thugs in Oguta ahead of the election.

“We have it on good authority that the PDP has concluded plans to incite crisis during the election, especially in areas where they cannot manipulate the votes.

“We are also aware that the PDP has mopped-up funds to buy over security agents to intimidate the voters,” the source alleged.

But the PDP through its Publicity Secretary, Blyden

From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

Amajirionwu, debunked the allegation, insisting that the party does not need thugs to win the election.

He said: “Oguta belongs to PDP and we will record a landslide victory; all we need is a free and fair election.

“APGA should not undermine the process and at the same time cry foul.”

A PDP member, who spoke in confidence, accused the government of overheating the polity by showing unnecessary desperation in the election.

He said: “APGA is taking the election as a do-or-die affair but we are waiting for it because we won’t allow the government impose its candidate on the Oguta people.

“It should allow the people to decide who represents them through their votes.”

Oguta is the hometown of maverick politician, Arthur Nzeribe and an oil producing area in the state.

The June 29 rerun will be the third election holding in the constituency after previous elections were cancelled by the court.

Court orders Ajimobi, others to maintain status quo in land case From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

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USTICE Adegboye Gbolagunte of an Ibadan High Court yesterday adjourned hearing of the suit instituted by some families against the Oyo State governor, the attorney-general/commissioner for Justice, the commissioner for Land, Housing and Survey and two others till October 28.

The families accused the respondents of not releasing 404.74 acres of land formerly acquired by the Federal Government.

The land is worth over N16 billion.

Justice Gbolagunte ordered all parties to maintain status quo in the matter.

Earlier, counsel to the claimant, O.A Abiose, called the court’s attention to a publication in a magazine, where it was reported that the government had completed the layout plan of the land.

Abiose, who led Dele Akinmusuti and four other lawyers for the claimants, said the publication, “which was published to mark the governor’s second anniversary and titled Abiola Ajimobi Atunluse at Two years” is worrisome and confirmed the initial position of the claimants.

He urged the court to extend the order that parties in the case should maintain status quo.

Counsel to the governor and two others Nuru Abiola said the publication was not from the government and urged the court to discountenance it.

Counsel to the other two defendants S.B. Ajayi said that it was not stated in the magazine that any activity was going on in the land.

Ajay, who led Niyi Ajewole and two others, said that making a layout of the land does not make it the government’s property. He said the layout would be a waste if the court ruled against the government.

Justice Gbolagunte told parties to file necessary papers before the next adjournment date.

PDP advises Oshiomhole From Osagie Otabor, Benin

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HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has advised Governor Adams Oshiomhole to re-think its handling of the strike by members of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT).

It said it was shameful that the government approved the 27.5 per cent Teachers Special Allowance (TSA) for secondary school teachers and left out primary school teachers.

PDP Chairman Dan Orbih spoke at Ehor, headquarters of Uhunmwode Local Government where a former Commissioner for Agriculture, Joe Atohengbe joined the PDP. Orbih urged Governor Adams Oshiomhole to have a re-think on what he described as a ‘Divide and Rule System’ that is deployed into solving the problem.

According to him, “The strike has been called off in Borno, Sokoto, Niger, Benue and Cross River states but the situation in Edo remains the same.

“As a former president of e Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), one will expect Governor Oshiomhole to give priority to workers’ welfare but he has decided to neglect workers completely.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2013

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NEWS My fears for 2015 polls, by Amaechi

NGF shifts meeting for presidential dinner

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ESPITE moves to divide their ranks, members of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) maintained their unity yesterday. They reported at the Rivers State Governor’s Lodge, Abuja for their scheduled inaugural meeting since the re-election of Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

The session was, however, symbolic as the meeting was later shifted last night to attend a dinner organised by President Goodluck Jonathan.

The governors were at the Lodge between 7pm and 8.18pm to defer to the President.

It was gathered that there was a heated debate on the invitation by the President, especially why it clashed with the NGF meeting.

But the NGF members decided to bend backward to prove that they have no personal grudges against the President.

A source at the session said: “At the meeting, some governors insisted that they should not attend but others wanted the Forum to honour the President.

“After a consideration of the arguments for and against, most of the governors asked the Forum

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

to honour Jonathan.

“But what the meeting achieved was that we have succeeded in holding the first NGF meeting after the re-election of Governor Rotimi Amaechi as our chairman.

“They thought that we won’t be able to sustain our support for Amaechi but we have proved that we are certainly behind him.

Another source said: “The NGF members were of the opinion that the Office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria should be respected. We have decided to defer to this office and postpone our meeting tonight.

“Since we are in the majority, if we go ahead with the NGF meeting, we will be ridiculing the Office of the President. We are not at war with Jonathan, we want to prove to him that the NGF battle is not personal, it is about the sanctity of the ballot and democracy.

“We also want to show that neither Amaechi nor any of the 19 governors backing him is after a do-or-die battle.”

Asked if the shift was not in

connection with alleged division of the NGF by the presidency, the source added: “Not at all. We want Nigerians to see that we are democrats who have respect for the nation’s constitution and the President who is the number one symbol of the nation’s democracy.

“Any of us could also be the nation’s President; we believe we should postpone the meeting in deference to the presidency. We will old our meeting soon.”

Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, who briefed newsmen, said: “We are honouring the president’s invitation to dinner. If the dinner ends in good time, we will be back for our meeting. If it stretches longer than we anticipate we would stick with the President.”

The governors at the Rivers Lodge are Rotimi Amaechi (Chairman); Adams Oshiomhole (Edo); Fayemi (Ekiti); Sule Lamido(Jigawa); Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto); Tanko al-Makura (Nasarawa); Murtala Nyako (Adamawa); Babangida Aliyu (Niger); Rabiu Kwankwanso (Kano); Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun); Babatunde Fashola (La-

Continued from page 4

•Amaechi

gos); AbdulAziz Yari (Zamfara); Rochas Okorocha(Imo); the Deputy Governor of Borno, Zannah Umar Mustapha; and the Deputy Governor of Osun State, Mrs. Titi Laoye-Tomori.

Amaechi said: “There was no meeting, we decided to defer to the President. We agreed that the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and that as compatriots and as governors of different states, we must honour and respect the president and having invited us to a dinner, we decided to go for the dinner.”

On when the meeting would be re-convened, the NGF chairman said, “the next meeting will be at the next National Economic Council (NEC) meeting.”

Senate to military: recruit more personnel to battle Boko Haram

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HE Senate yesterday asked President Goodluck Jonathan to direct security agencies in the country to carry out urgent recruitment to curtail activities of the Boko Haram sect.

It said the Armed Forces, especially the Army, should carry out urgent recruitment of soldiers and officers to increase the size of the forces because it believes that the Boko Haram insurgency has overstretched the military.

In Akure, Chief of Army Staff Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika said yesterday that the military is winning the terror war.

But gunmen, believed to be members of the sect attacked a police station in Gombe State on Tuesday night. The authorises said the attack was quelled and that no policemen died.

The Senate’s decision fol-

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Sanni Onogu, Abuja Vincent Ohonbamu, Gombe and Damisi Ojo, Akure

lowed the adoption of the report of its Joint Committee on Defence and Army, Police Affairs and National Security and Intelligence on loss of lives in Baga, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

Though some Senators kicked against sections of the report as not representative of the massacre in Baga on April 16, the recommendations of the Joint Committee were adopted with minor amendments.

Senator Garba Gamawa (Bauchi State) described the report as “incomprehensive.”

He noted that the investigative committee should have established the actual number of casualties, the number of houses burnt and the number of mo-

torcycles destroyed in Baga.

Senator Olugbenga Kaka (Ogun East) was worried that nobody talked about how to refund Borno State Government that claims to have spent between N200 million to N300 million monthly to maintain the Joint Task Force (JTF) troops.

Senator Umaru Dahiru also described as worrisome the huge resources being spent by the Borno State government to maintain JTF. Dahiru said Borno and Yobe State governments should be reinbursed by the Federal Government.

He noted that since it had been established that 80 per cent of members of Boko Haram are Nigerians, Borno and Yobe State Governments should embark on house-to-house-search to fish them out.

Senator Uche Chukwumerije

(Abia North) wondered why the Federal Government had not taken the issue of installation of electronic fencing seriously to secure the country’s borders.

Chukwumerije lamented that the country had lived with the problem of porous borders for a long time.

He noted that since it had been established that Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau hails from Niger Republic, efforts should be made to secure the country’s borders.

He also suggested that effective mobilisation of the people should be adopted by the Borno and Yobe State governments to tackle the issue of Boko Haram.

Those mobilised, he said, should be formed into vigilance groups.

Senator Mohammed Magoro, Continued on page 63

gave snippets of some of the recommendations of the committee to include: separation of the office of the Attorney General (AG) of the Federation from that of the Minister of Justice; Seven years tenure for Attorney General; financial autonomy for the AG as funds for the office will be made from the Consolidated Revenue Fund; Conferment of powers on the AG to investigate certain crimes and removal of the CJN and other serving judicial officers as members of the Federal Judicial Service Commission.

He observed that it was not all the challenges facing the judiciary the require constitutional amendment but rather a change in mentality and attitudes.

“It is not for lack of laws that some anti-corruption and other serious criminal cases involving the high and mighty have remained stagnant.”

Daudu, who is also the coordinator of the Rule of Law Development Foundation, said the level of impunity in the country was worrisome.

Justice Musdapher, in a key-

note address, said there was no denying the fact that the judciairy had problems and needed to be reformed.

The former CJN argued that the breakdown of law and order in the Nothereast might not be unconnected with the fact that people had lost faith in the nation’s laws and the justice delivery system.

He observed that there was a disconnect between the people and the justice system.

Justice Musdapher suggested that senior lawyers be appointed as judges so as to address the declining capacity in the judiciary.

He advised that appointment of judges be made more transparent so that members of the public could appraise and make comments.

Justice Musdapher said there was an urgent need to pass the bill for amendment of certain provisions of the constitution that affect the judiciary.

Justice Musdapher and Ekweremadu praised the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Aloma Mukhtar, for her efforts at reforming the judiciary.

Lebanese arraigned for terrorism Continued from page 4

“in an arrangement to facilitate the acquisition of terrorist funds by removal out of jurisdiction, the sum of $61,000”.

Fawaz, Thahini, Roda and Fauzi (now at large) were, in count five, accused of withholding from law enforcement agents information that would have assisted in the arrest of another suspect.

The three, their two companies and the fleeing Fawaz were, in count six, accused of “directly rendering support to a terrorist group” by allegedly providing their premises in Abuja and Kano for terrorist activities.

Their alleged offences are said to be punishable under Sections 5(1), 7(c), 8(1), 12(a), 13(2) and 16(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention) Amendment Act 2013.

The accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Their lawyer, Ahmed Raji (SAN), told the court that he had

filed two applications for his clients. They include a motion for bail, pending trial and another challenging the competence of the charge.

The lead prosecution lawyer, Simon Egede (the Acting Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation) prayed the court for time to enable the state respond to the applications served on him yesterday.

Upon the request by both parties, particularly Raji, who urged the court not to remand his clients in prison but to return them to the custody of the State Security Service (SSS), Justice Ademola ordered the accused remanded in SSS custody.

The judge also directed parties to file and serve all processes before the next date. He adjourned the matter till July 8.

The Federal Government has freed the fourth of the Lebanese held over the Kano arms discovery.

Your Sexual Health & You: Novelty Tips, Questions & Answers

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s it okay if one cheats for a good cause, such as to save one’s marriage for instance? I ask because I love my family and my husband, but I have been unhappy for a long time. My husband travels a lot. He is never around and I miss sex. I feel so lonely sometimes that I cry every night. It became so unbearable that three months ago I started a sex only relationship with one of my co-workers. I have never felt better. The relationship is purely physical and I don’t plan on leaving my husband or family. This other man just fulfils my sexual needs and that’s all. I think this is a sensible solution because if not for it, I would have left my husband this year – Jessy Dear Jessy, what you are doing might sound clever but it doesn’t make it right. Anybody can justify cheating. But that doesn’t make them right. I understand that you are in a difficult situation and I am the first to admit that long distant relationships are impossible. But will you be okay if your husband did the same thing to you? You see, it is easier for us to justify the things we do when we are the ones cheating. But if our lovers are cheating on us, there is no excuse for what they are doing. Tell me….what will happen when your husband finds out? Will you be feeling clever after he abandons you and your kids? I don’t think so.

There are other options that you can explore such as moving with him to wherever he is working. It won’t be easy but at least you will be together. Alternatively, he can get another job that does not require travelling so you can all be together. You can also get yourself a vibrator and learn to chat with your husband on skype. These are things that a lot of couples do.

None of this is easy but these are sacrifices worth making for family. I just know for certain that if you tell your husband that you are having an affair in order to save your marriage, he won’t be hugging you in celebration of your clever idea – Uche Hello. What vibrators for women give the most satisfaction?

I want the best – Sasha

Hi Sasha, rabbit vibrators offer more to women than all the other vibrators because of their multiple functions. So for the best vibrators, get the Daffy Deep Stroker rabbit vibrator or the Thrusting Butterfly Stroker – Uche Dear Uche, I have completed two sets of Extenze Plus penis enlarger and about to complete two bottles of Maximus Enlargement Cream. I have recorded some appreciable results.

I have noticed equally that I can now maintain an erection for much longer than before. Should I stop now? – William That’s great William. The average course of treatment for penis enlargement is six months. That way you will grow to your biggest size and the results will last too. So continue treatment until the sixth month – Uche Please what is the best artificial penis for a 61 year old man who cannot get an erection and cannot take drugs because of hypertension? Chike Hello Chike. The Penile Extension is the firmest of them all. It looks just like a real erection and comes in sizes of 6, 7, 8 and 10 inches – Uche I lack sexual energy to perform for long and sometimes I lose my erection half way into sex – Luke Hi Luke. You can take Sex Shots performance drink minutes before intercourse. It will enable you perform for hours and it is natural. To maintain your erection, wear a Cockring during intercourse. Basic Essentials Bunny Enhancer Cockring is the best and it vibrates too – Uche That’s it for today. The names of the people featured here have been changed for their privacy. Adults in need of these treatments/ novelties can call 07086754515 or 08051924159 or any other number here to order or they can order online at www.zeevirtualmedia.com. Zee Virtual Media delivers to you wherever you are in Nigeria. For enquiries, send your emails to custserv@zeevirtualmedia.com - Uche Edochie, MD, Zee Virtual Media.

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2013

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NEWS African states tackle Gulf of Guinea piracy WEST and Central African nations have agreed to create a regional center to coordinate the fight against a sharp rise in piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.

They noted that the development is jeopardising shipping activities and maritime oprations in the region.

The Gulf of Guinea, which includes Nigeria, Ghana and Ivory Coast, is a major source of oil and cocoa and increasingly metals for world markets.

Pirate attacks in the region, mainly carried out by armed Nigerian gangs, have almost doubled from last year, jacking up insurance costs.

The main purpose of the new centre, to be based in Cameroon, will be intelligence gathering and research, according to an agreement signed at a summit of regional leaders in the Cameroonian capital Yaounde.

“No country can withstand the growing challenges individually. That is why we agreed to put our efforts together to end the illicit activities in the Gulf of Guinea,” Chad’s President Idriss Deby, who chairs the Economic Community of Central African States, told a news conference.

US Supreme Court in historic rulings on gay marriage

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HE United State Supreme Court has struck down a law denying federal benefits to gay couples and cleared the way for same-sex marriage in California.

The justices said that the Defense of Marriage Act, known as Doma, discriminated against same-sex couples.

They declined to rule on California’s prohibition of gay marriage, known as Proposition 8, in effect allowing such unions to resume in the state.

Opinion polls indicate that most Americans support same-sex marriage.

Wednesday’s decisions do not affect the bans on gay unions enshrined in the constitutions of more than 30 US states.

But the California ruling means that 13 US states and the District of Columbia now recognise same-sex marriage.

The Doma opinion grants legally married gay men and women access to the same federal entitlements available to opposite-sex married couples. These include tax, health and pension benefits and family hospital visits.

Narrow victories perhaps, but there was evident delight among the overwhelming majority of those gathered in the hot sun outside the Supreme Court. After today, public and legal opinion are more closely aligned. No consensus yet, but narrow majorities in favour of gay couples being allowed to marry and enjoy the same rights as their fellow, straight citizens.

The practical implications of today’s rulings may be narrow (they only involve 13 states and the District of Columbia), but it was the symbolism of the moment that thrilled the crowd.

They know there will be lots of battles ahead. But for the first time, the Supreme Court has attempted to make sense of the rules around gay marriage. For most of those who gathered in the heat outside this great temple of law, today’s results suggest the tide of history is with them.

The landmark 5-4 rulings prompted celebrations from gay rights advocates outside the Supreme Court in Washington DC and nationwide.

The legal challenge to Doma was brought by New York resident Edith Windsor, 83.

She was handed a tax bill

of $363,000 (£236,000) when she inherited the estate of her spouse Thea Speyer - a levy she would not have had to pay if she had been married to a man.

“Doma writes inequality into the entire United States Code,” Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote in the ruling.

“Under Doma, same-sex married couples have their lives burdened, by reason of government decree, in visible and public ways,” the decision added.

“Doma’s principal effect is to identify a subset of statesanctioned marriages and make them unequal.”

Lower courts had also de-

Clashes in China leave 27 dead

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NEW outbreak of violence in China’s far-western Xinjiang region, home to its Muslim Uighur minority, has left 27 people dead, according to state reports – the area’s deadliest According to state media, “riots” broke out in Lukqun, a township about 120 miles southeast of the regional capital, Urumqi, during which police opened fire on “knife-wielding mobs,” reports Agence France-Presse.

Police shot at “mobs” who had attacked police stations, a local government building and a construction site, the Xinhua news agency said, citing local officials.

“Seventeen people had been killed ... before police opened fire and shot dead 10 rioters,” it said. The mobs were also “stabbing at people and setting fire to police cars”, the report said.

Nine police or security guards and eight civilians were killed before police opened fire, the report said, adding that three other people were taken to hospital with injuries.

AFP adds that Xinhua did not explain the cause of the violence, and that state officials were unresponsive to requests for comment.

The Associated Press reports:

•Joyous celebrating after a historic victory for gay/lesbian rights by the U.S. Supreme Court ...

PHOTO: AP yesterday.

Syrian war: Death toll now 100,000

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ORE than 100,000 people have been killed since the start of the Syrian conflict over two years ago, an activist group said yesterday.

Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which has been tracking the death toll in the

conflict through a network of activists in Syria, released its death toll at a time when hopes for a negotiated settlement to end the civil war are fading.

It said it had tallied a total of 100,191 deaths over the 27 months of the conflict, but Observatory chief Rami

Brazil riots raise questions over sporting mega-events

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RAZILIAN anger against the cost of staging the World Cup could undermine the argument that host countries benefit from sporting megaevents as they become too big for most countries to handle.

UEFA’s idea of splitting the Euro 2020 championship into mini-tournaments hosted in 13 different countries could be one of the alternatives which organizers could follow in the future, analysts say.

Brazil has been hit by a wave of nationwide protests as it hosts the eight-team Confederations Cup, a dryrun for next year’s World Cup which will be staged in 12 different cities.

Although the protesters have a multitude of grievances, one of their main complaints has been the contrast between shiny new stadiums and shambolic state of public services including health, education and transport.

They are also angry that Brazil has broken a promise not to spend public money on stadiums, while failing to build many of the planned infrastructure projects.

“The stadiums for the World Cup will be built with private money,” Orlando Silva, sports minister at the time, said in

ANALYSIS 2007 when Brazil was confirmed as the host nation.

“There will not be a cent of public money for the rebuilding of the stadiums.”

Instead, building work fell behind schedule and the state and federal governments had to come to the rescue.

Meanwhile, at least five host cities will miss out on promised bus lanes, metro lines or tram services and cities are now likely to declare public holidays on match days to reduce traffic, a move which critics says reeks of typical improvisation.

“What is happening right now in Brazil should be a watershed for FIFA and the World Cup,” said Simon Chadwick, professor of sports marketing at Coventry University in central England.

“It should respond by working more strategically to ensure that future World Cups are not just two-week showcases, but have a longerterm legacy for host nations.

“It some ways, it’s an acid test for FIFA and its ability as an organization to adapt, respond and learn.”

Swiss Rejection “FIFA has never been especially open, direct or vociferous in accentuating legacy as an element of

bidding and hosting,” he added. “Such discussions are often centered on the number of people playing the game and the development of grassroots and competitions.”

While Brazil, which also stages the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, struggles to cope with the World Cup, other countries appear to be losing the appetite to stage major sporting events.

Switzerland, one of the world’s most prosperous countries, backed down from bidding for the 2022 Winter Olympics after residents of the proposed host cantons voted against it in a referendum.

The 2020 Olympics games drew only five formal bids, from Istanbul, Madrid, Tokyo, Baku and Doha.

“It is showing that major sporting events have reached a point where you need to rediscuss what is being done and what is really a legacy,” said Sylvia Schenk, senior advisor for sport at anticorruption watchdog Transparency International.

“Even the bidding itself has become very expensive and costs millions of euros.”

Chadwick warned of “industrial concentration” where “the same small group of nations repeatedly host sporting mega events.”

Three dead in Somali port clash

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T least three people were killed in a brief skirmish between rival militias in southern Somalia, witnesses said, the second deadly flare-up so far this month in the disputed strategic port of Kismayu.

The clash between the Ras Kamboni militia and Marehan clan fighters has heightened tensions in a city already divided by rivals claiming the presidency of Kismayu and the southern Jubaland region and raises worries of a broader conflict.

Somalia has been slowly emerging from two decades of war that have left the Horn of Africa nation in ruins, but Western governments and analysts say renewed fighting between warlords or resurgent Islamists could swiftly reverse the fragile gains.

Witnesses speaking to Reuters by telephone from the port said Ras Kamboni fighters opened fire on a car used by members of the Marehan clan in central Kismayu, where boundaries between rival factions have been drawn after the last bout of fighting.

Abdul-Rahman said he expected the real number was higher as neither side was totally forthcoming about its losses.

Of the dead, 36,661 are civilians, the group said.

On the government side, 25,407 are members of President Bashar Assad’s armed forces, 17,311 are progovernment fighters and 169 are militants from Lebanon’s Hezbollah, who have fought alongside army troops.

Deaths among Assad’s opponents included 13,539 rebels, 2,015 army defectors and 2,518 foreign fighters battling against the regime.

Entry of the foreign media into Syria is severely restricted and few reports from the fighting can be independently verified.

Earlier this month, the U.N. put the number of those killed in the conflict at 93,000 between March 2011 when the crisis started and the end of April this year.

cided in Ms Windsor’s favour.

US President Barack Obama, who is on a state visit to the West African country of Senegal, said: “When all Americans are treated as equal, no matter who they are or whom they love, we are all more free.”

Proposition 8 is a ban on gay marriage passed by California voters in November 2008, just months after the state’s supreme court decided such unions were legal.

Two same-sex couples launched a legal challenge against Proposition 8. As the state of California refused to defend it, the group that sponsored the measure stepped up to do so.

But on Wednesday, the US Supreme Court said a private party did not have the right, or “standing”, to defend the constitutionality of a law.

“We have no authority to decide this case on the merits,” Chief Justice John Roberts wrote in the ruling, which was not split along ideological lines.

The court also said the party defending the ban could not demonstrate that they would suffer injury if the law were to be struck down.

Their opinion leaves in place a ruling by a lower court, in San Francisco, that struck down Proposition 8.

California Governor Jerry Brown is ordering county officials statewide to comply.

The four dissenting Supreme Court justices said they believed they should have addressed the constitutional question of same-sex marriage before them in the Proposition and case.

PUBLIC NOTICE CHANGE OF NAME AYADU I, formerly known and addressed as MISS MAYEN GULBERT AYADU, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS MAYEN OSATARE IMAGUEZEGIE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AYOMIDE I, formerly known and addressed Miss Ibikunle Mariam AYOMIDE now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Oshodi Mariam Ibikunle. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

KAREEM I, formerly known and addressed MISS. MISS KAREEM ADEOLA KAFAYAT now wish to be known and addressed as MRS TOWAKENNU ADEOLA KAFAYAT. All former documents remain valid. Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) and general public please take note.

EZIKE I, formerly known and addressed MISS. Miss. EZIKE EDITH CHINELO now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. ENECHI CHINELO EDITH. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2013

INVITATION TO TENDER FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A MODERN MARKET IN IDO/OSI LOCAL GOVERNMENT

REQUEST FOR BIDS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A MODERN MARKET

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:Tenders are required to submit their proposals with the following requirements which shall be used as criteria for preliminary selection.

Mandatory (without which the firm will be disqualified) i.

Evidence of incorporation with the Corporate Affair Commission ii.

Evidence of professional Licence to execute a construction of such magnitude iii.

Evidence of payment of tax by the firm for the last three (3 years) as at when due iv.

Evidence of payment of overhead tax and development levy by the CEO of the company in Ekiti State, Nigeria for the last three years (3 years); v.

Evidence of registration of Business premises in Ekiti State Nigeria; vi.

Six (6) month bank statements and reference letter from the bank; List of verifiable documentary evidence of at least two (2) similar job not less than N10,000,000.00 successfully executed within the last 3 years including their letter of awards, completion certificates of valuation where the job(s) are on-going. vii. Sworn Affidavit that: The company is not bankrupt: The company does not have Directors convicted by any Court in Nigeria or other countries for any criminal offence in relation to fraud of financial impropriety.

SUBMISSION Application accompanied by the relevant documents should also be forwarded in sealed envelope marked at the top left corner and boldly written; BID FOR IDO/OSI LOCAL GOVERNMENT Market project and address to: The Chairman, Ido/Osi Local Government, Ido Ekiti, Ekiti State (Attention: Director of Planning) CLOSING DATE All submission must be received at the above office not later than 1.00p.m. on Tuesday 2nd July, 2013 IMPORTANT NOTICE: Submission should be made in the other specified in this advert: Applications are invited to the bid opening ceremony scheduled for 10:00am on Monday 15th July, 2013 at the Local Government Secretariat Ido - Ekiti Nothing in the advert shall be constructed to be a commitment on the part of Ido/Osi Local Government of Ekiti State, Nigeria.

Moba Local Government of Ekiti State, Nigeria has proposed to undertake the construction of modern market at Otun - Ekiti.

Reputable firms interested in the construction of the project should send in their bid/tender for the construction of the project.

REQUIREMENTS:Tenders are required to submit their proposal with the following requirements which shall be used as criteria for preliminary selection.

Mandatory (without which the firm will be disqualified) i.

Evidence of incorporation with the Corporate Affairs Commission ii.

Evidence of professional licence to execute a construction of such magnitude iii.

Evidence of payment of tax by the firm for the last three (3 years) as at when due; iv.

Evidence of payment of overhead tax and development levy by the CEO of the company in Ekiti State, Nigeria for the last three years (3 years) v.

Evidence of registration of Business premises in Ekiti State Nigeria vi.

Six (6) months bank statements and reference letter from the bank vii. List of verifiable documentary evidence of at least two (2) similar jobs not less than N10,000,000.00 successfully executed within the last 3 years including their letters of awards, completion certificate and relevant certificates of valuation where the job(s) are on-going. viii. Sworn Affidavit that; The company is not bankrupt: The Company does not have Directors convicted by any court in Nigeria or other countries for any criminal offence in relation to fraud of financial impropriety.

TENDER PROCEDURE Tenders are required to pay in sum of One hundred and forty thousand naira (N140,000.00) only to Moba Local Government SUBMISSION Applications accompanied by the relevant documents should also be forwarded in sealed envelope marked at the top left corner and boldly written; BID FOR MOBA LOCAL GOVERNMENT PROJECT and addressed to: The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Barracks Road, Ado - Ekiti.

(Attention: Director of Planning) CLOSING DATE All submissions must be received at the above Office not later than 1.00p.m. on Friday 28th June, 2013 IMPORTANT NOTICE: Submission should be made in the order specified in the advert: Applicants are invited to the bid opening ceremony scheduled for 10:00am on Tuesday 2nd July, 2013 at the Ministry of Local Government, Barracks Road, Ado - Ekiti Nothing in the advert shall be constructed to be a commitment on the part of Moba Local Government of Ekiti State, Nigeria.

OLUWASOLA AKINTUNDE Director of Administration For: Chairman, Ido/Osi Local Government

OJO R. A., Ag. HOD BPR & S Department, (Secretary, Tender’s Board).

Ido/Osi Local Government is hereby inviting interested and reputable building contractors with relevant experiences to submit their bids for the construction of modern market in Ido/Osi Local Government, Ido - Ekiti State.

S/N 1.

TITLE OF PROJECT Construction of modern market

LOCATION OF PROJECT Orin Road, Ido - Ekiti

THE NATION THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2013

63

NEWS ABIBATU ASABI MOGAJI (1917-2013) •Asiwaju Bola Tinubu (third left); AkwaIbom State Governor Chief Godswill Akpabio (second left); Mr Adekunle Oyesanya (left), Minister of Agriculture and Water Resources, Dr Abba Ruma, former Minister of Defence, Chief Demola Seriki and Sir Sylvester Okonkwo, when they visited Asiwaju Tinubu to condole with him on the death of his mother,Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji in his Ikoyi, Lagos home...yesterday PHOTO: ADEJO DAVID

•Senator Felix Ibru (left) condoling with Asiwaju Tinubu when he visited the former governor’s Ikoyi, Lagos home...yesterday PHOTO: ADEJO DAVID

•Col. Tony Nyiam (left), National Co-ordinator, Coalition of Democrats for Electoral Reform (CODER), Chief Ayo Opadokun, former Military Administrator of Lagos State,Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu; Asiwaju Tinubu; Mr Lewis Egwatu; Linus Okoroji and Mr Fred Agbeyegbe– all members of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) when they visited Asiwaju Tinubu in Lagos.

PHOTO: NIYI ADENIRAN

Senate to military: recruit more personnel to battle Boko Haram Continued from page 60

a member of the team that went to Baga said the committee visited the grave yard in the town.

Senate President David Mark noted that once there is a crisis, there is always disagreement on the casualty figure between the government and the people concerned.

Mark said he is a bit baffled about the difference between the figure of 185 deaths initially reported and 37 deaths contained in the report.

He wondered why the Baga community did not take members of the committee to more than nine graves if they claimed that those who died were up to 185 people.

Mark said that part of the solution to Boko Haram menace should be effective border patrol and finding jobs for the unemployed.

He noted that before the declaration of state of emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa, the Borno State Governor Kashim Shetima was genuinely worried that if nothing was done the sect members would likely over run his government house in Maiduguri.

He insisted that though Nige-

ria should respect ECOWAS Protocol, it should not be to the detriment of the security of the country.

According to him, Nigeria could only continue to play the role of a big brother if the country remains one entity.

Underscoring the importance of training and retraining by the military in order to be effective in the fight against terrorism, Mark noted that “a person who is a terrorist might be sitting in the Senate and if he has decided to die, he can blow himself up, it becomes difficult to handle it.”

The 185 deaths reported in Baga was exaggerated as well as the quantum of destruction of houses, vehicles and motorbikes were also exaggerated.

On April 16, 2013, insurgents believed to be members of Boko Haram were said to have laid siege to Baga, a town noted for it fishing and attacked a MNJTF patrol team killing a soldier popularly known as Corporal “Yellow.”

The patrol team was said to have retreated and got re-enforcement and launched a counter attack on the insurgents. This reportedly led to the death of many people and

the burning of many houses.

The report said that “the death toll of 185 people was exaggerated” but there may be more than 37 deaths as reported by the MNJTF directors and collaborated by the SSS director.

It said “This is possible as there is no documentary evidence from either the natives or the military to ascertain the figures quoted.

“Although the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in the company of some community youths counted 32 graves seven days after the incident, yet it is difficult to ascertain the actual number of casualties.”

It said that the operation to flush out the Boko Haram members between 2030HRS and 2100HRS on April 16th, 2013 was carried out hastily.

The MNJTF, it said, should have cordoned the area till day break and carry out house to house checks to reduce the number of casualties and damages.

On the number of houses burnt during the unfortunate incident, it said that “There was an actual physical count

of 115 houses burnt as against the figure of 2,000 houses given by the Governor and 3059 houses given by the District Head of the area.

It said that the burnt houses most of which are clustered together may be as a result of exchange of gun fire between the military and the Boko Haram members, use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and other explosives by the Boko Haram members.

The committee noted that the failure of the District Head and his Council to transmit the requested list of names of casualties and actual number of destroyed houses and other properties for over 21 days could be seen as lack of proper evidence of claims made.

The committee said that members visited the grave yard where they saw freshly dug graves numbering nine and were informed of one grave in a faraway grave yard.

Borno State Governor, Alhaji Shetima was quoted to have told the committee that the state government spends between N200 to N300 million monthly on maintenance of Joint Task Force (JTF) troops.

Recognise Amaechi as NGF chair Continued from page 4

“when the election took place, the conscience of the people prevailed over consensus”.

He said, “Thirty-five governors voted. Nineteen for the other and sixteen for a particular candidate. Those who go around destroying reputation should just bury the hatchet; we cannot go to 2015 with a faction and disunited. There will be no progress, we must unite and come as a group.”

He advised his colleagues, especially those from the North, saying; “we must articulate our position as a state, region and as a people. Whoever offer us the best we will go with him, that is beauty of democracy; recognising the equality of other people”.

Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar stressed the need for good leadership and followership as the guarantee for a better society.

He advised leaders at all levels to work for the good of the common man and avoid any form of intimidation and harassment of the common man.

Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan said yesterday that the governors are full of re-

grets over the crisis that followed its election.

Speaking during a phone-in programme on Delta Rainbow Television, Warri, on Tuesday evening, he said: “What happened in the NGF election is very unfortunate and I think every governor, not just the 35 but the 36 governors, owe Nigerians apology, all of us, not just one person, because all of us collectively did not handle the issue properly.

“It should not have gotten to where we are now if we actually thought about the implication of what we are doing, so we owe Nigerians apology.

“I want to emphasise that there is no need for us as governors to make statements that are inciting, either to incite the public or incite others.”

Uduaghan recommended a way forward, saying: “I think what we should do and what some of us are trying to do is to see how we can bring our forum back as one. The truth is that the way we are now, it is difficult to get things properly done.”

He denied that President Goodluck Jonathan had any hand in what is happening in the NGF.”

House of Reps reject Jonathan’s N4.9tr budget amendment Bill Continued from page 4

in the words of Hon. Dogara a “2013 Appropriation Bill No. 2, an alien, a stranger or, indeed, an interloper in our constitutional arrangement.

“Mr. President’s intents and purposes are well communicated and conveyed in his letter of 14/3/2013 but the companion of the said letter, voluminous as it is, in three fat volumes, seeking to amend the 2013 Appropriation Act failed in that mission and therefore amends or attempts to amend nothing.

“Mr. President, being the only

authority constitutionally endowed and empowered to initiate a money Bill, may wish to resubmit a proper Bill as section 81 clearly ties the hands of Parliament” Spokesman of the House, Zakari Mohammed (PDP, Kwara) had, shortly before the House went on the recess noted that the scope of the amendment made it seem the budget had not been passed in the first place.

“Amendment means there was a law on ground that has defects but with the level of amendment requested, it is as if

a new budget is to be passed. Do not forget that a budget had been signed and if someone is saying that because an amendment has not been passed he won’t implement the budget, then there is a problem,” he said.

Sam-Tsokwa recalled that Speaker Tambuwal on March 19 read a communication dated Wednesday 14th March 2013 from President Jonathan to the House.

He said: “The communication forwarded what Mr. President described as “a copy each, of the 2013 Amendment Budget Pro-

posal and 2013 Subsidy Reinvestment Programme (SURE-P) Amendment Budget Proposal”.

“Being a Money Bill, at least so the communication declared, the document passed for First Reading in keeping with our Rules. The Bill was subsequently scheduled for Second Reading.

“Thus, on Wednesday the 5th day of June 2013, the Leader of the House, Hon. Akande-Adeola moved that the Bill be read a second time.

“Interrupting the debate on the motion in line with our

Rules, Hon. Yakubu Dogara rising to a constitutional point of order, drew attention to section 8 1(1), (2) and (4) of the 1999 Constitution as amended and’ observed that the Appropriation Act 2013 (Amendment) Bill is more of a new 2013 Appropriation Bill than an Amendment Bill 2013.

“Mr. Speaker entertained comments on the constitutional point of Order from some Members and ruled that being a constitutional issue, the matter be and was referred to the House Committees on Rules and Business, Justice and Judiciary for the further guidance of the House”.

CLARIFICATION Niger Global Engineering Limited owns 46.7 per cent of Calabar Channel Management Limited and not 53.3 per cent as reflected in paragraph 3 of our story on page 5 of yesterday’s edition. Nigeria Port Authority (NPA) has 53.3 per cent.

TODAY IN THE NATION

THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2013

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

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HAT was a show we should all be glad that many missed. Some of the few who saw it – those who can still find a way to power their television sets – may not have thought of its import. Others may just have shaken their heads and hissed in a typical show of peaceful resentment that is uniquely Nigerian.

I speak of the award handed Dr Goodluck Jonathan at the Villa the other day. A seemingly forced smile playing on his lips, his hands stretched out in some slow, reluctant motion to receive a plaque from his loquacious Minister of Agriculture, Dr Akinwunmi Adesina, the President showed no excitement about the matter at hand. Wasn’t the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) prize worth it?

According to Adesina, the award was for Nigeria’s reduction of hunger under the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). He told the President: “You’re feeding Nigeria and the international community recognises your efforts and leadership in feeding Nigeria. The FAO of the United Nations (UN) has just given a special recognition to Nigeria for the achievement of reducing the number of people suffering from chronic hunger and for making notable progress in guaranteeing food security for our citizens.”

He went on: “Your Excellency, according to FAO, the number of Nigerians suffering from hunger reduced from 19.31million in 1990 and 1992 to 13.38 in 2010 to 2012.”

Now, shouldn’t such hyperbolic obfuscations have their limits even in a country where deception is a big feature on the menu at every meal? How many homes did FAO officials visit in compiling these amazing figures? Isn’t this a clash of figures and reality? Or mere humbuggery?

But, Adesina wasn’t done. All smiles, he said: “The prevalent of undernourishment in our country declined from 19.3 per cent in 1990/1991 to 8.5 per cent by 2010/2012. This is below the MDG target of 9.7 per cent, which was set for 2015. Therefore, Nigeria has been recognised for achieving the MDG1 for hunger two years ahead of schedule. We are proud of the achievement, Mr President, because of your passion and leadership in pushing for food security in the country.”

Are we talking about Nigerians’culinary propensity in such superlatives? Many are struggling to fill up their stomachs and now the FAO is talking about nourishment. Bread prices have gone up several times. Forget about the superficial cassava loaf road show.

Many kids have refused to stop begging for food in the North, with some governments finding excuses for this obscenity in the almajeri system. How many Nigerians eat well, the kind of meals nutritionists call balanced diet? How many eat three times daily? Beans is threatening to quit the menu list in some homes – no thanks to the Boko Haram madness that has sent farmers fleeing their trade in the Northeast.

There is so much hunger - and anger - in the land. Such duplicitous figures, no matter how credible the organisation churning them out,

VOL. 8, NO. 2,529

‘ It is a pity that in a globalised world, we are having to face this kind of problems of discrimination essentially based on how one looks and the pigmentation of one’s skin. This does not augur well for global peace which we spend a lot of time and energy in building.’

JIDE OSUNTOKUN

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

GBENGA OMOTOSO

EDITORIAL NOTEBOOK

gbenga.omotoso@thenationonlineng.net

•Winner, DAME Award for Informed Commentary

Let’s watch the amber lights

• Dr. Adesina will not help. They will only fuel the resentment that is pervasive in the country where factories are closing down, where many jobs have been lost and electricity to power machines and run basic appliances of comfort is not available, where some states, such as Ekiti and Oyo, have started feeding their indigent citizens.

If the world has chosen to deceive us, must we deceive ourselves? Even our professional sycophants, servile flatterers and palace jesters are yet to see an opportunity in the award.

No congratulatory advertorials on national television and in newspapers. No billboards in major cities proclaiming the rare feat. No delegations visiting the Villa. No medals for the phantom farmers who may have made this possible. This must be a rather strange award indeed.

The poor are getting more desperate even as the rich and powerful get more ravenous in their despicable assault on the common till.

The pension fraud is as alarming as the brigandage in banking before the reforms. But, does anything still shock Nigerians? What has become of the Maina matter? The Senate issued a warrant for his arrest but the police claimed that they could not find the man who had an army of police guards around him. Many pensioners – part of those whose chronic hunger has been reduced, presumably – are dying of

frustration after queuing up endlessly for their due.

A few weeks ago in Port Harcourt, road traffic officials arrested a motorist and insisted on towing his vehicle, his only source of livelihood, to their office where he would pay a fine. The poor motorist begged the officials to spare him. They refused. As they got set to tow the car away, the motorist fell under it and started shouting that he would rather be crushed than see his car towed away. Stalemate. The officials, thankfully, realised that they would not win the battle; they let go. Such is the desperation of many Nigerians, who have lost hope in the system.

I do not have the figures but stories of people committing suicide because they have lost the battle against poverty are common in the newspapers. When hunger lashes the stomach, depression sets in and, if help fails to come, suicide seems an attractive alternative.

The Arab Spring story is still fresh in our memory. Tarek al-Tayeb Mohammed Bouazizi was an unknown Tunisian street vendor who set himself on fire when a policewoman seized his wares on December 17, 2010. His self-immolation sparked wide protests that eventually forced then President Zine El Abdine Ben Ali to abdicate his office, which he had held for 23 years. He fled. The protests spread like wild fire in the harmattan, hitting other Arab countries.

I remember Prof Wole Soyinka warning that no matter how much benevolent a dictatorship is, it is no alternative to the people’s right to choose and freedom of expression. The Nobel laureate was delivering the African Development Bank’s Eminent Speaker’s Lecture in Tunis. That was in October 2010. The riots broke out in January 2011. How prescient.

The other day in Lagos, a friend of mine watched as a council official grabbed a motorcyclist and snatched him off his bike. He accused the commercial motorcyclist of plying an unauthorised route. He insisted on taking the okada away, but the motorcyclist was begging frantically for mercy. The mean council official called for reinforcement. Two others stormed the scene. They overpowered the mo-

HARDBALL

M

Y people had an ancient but tricky saying which when interpreted, has two meanings: the one literal and the other metaphorical. Wise, doughty, old people, they say that when a matter becomes too troublous and defies all antidotes, we must go ahead and point at it. But this is the literal part of it; those sages didn’t mouth banalities like this did they? They were actually saying that when a spirit (a malevolent spirit, of course) starts acting up, the community would ‘elect to point at it’. Hardball has elected to point one grubby, little, finger at the ongoing Jangian comedy.

There you go; bet you missed that. Governor Jonah Jang (JJ) as we all know has undergone a rather cataclysmic unraveling since May 24, 2013 when 35 governors in Nigeria held an election which he and 15 of his colleagues insist they won. If they had left it at that and gone home quietly to their tricky tasks of running small portions of this ‘animal’ kingdom, we would have ignored that episode as a minor brain-box blip of an overheated tokunbo car. But

Introducing: Jangian lexicon Jang and the gang are dressed for a dirty fight.

They are dead to their cause or dead serious if you like. It was as if Jang was looking for an opportunity to run away from his blighted Plateau State (do you blame him?). He has become the governor of the Nigerian Governor’s Forum (NGF) more or less; having relocated to Abuja where he hurriedly set up a secretariat of the renegade NGF, convened several meetings, led his presidential posse to the seat of the President perhaps for presidential blessing for a job well done.

Why retired General Jang would elect to be the gossamer in another man’s rubber device is not the concern of Hardball here. He is rather keen on establishing some new entries into Nigeria’s complex political lexicography. Thus if a man elects to make himself a foot mat in the corridors of power, we can caution him for being jangian. Then if a politician begins to exhibit some way out weird behaviour like

going to court to contest an election we all know he clearly lost, we can say he has become jangrened (that is gangrene has set into his folly!). If your friend or associate goes off the hook and you cannot put a handle on him anymore, you can describe him as having gone jangoid. Lastly, you could call someone a bloody jango when he acts like a political bingo, a popinjay or a stringed marionette.

But why is Hardball particularly provoked to elect to point to this jang gremlin besetting the polity? Here: recently, the 36 states’ commissioners of finance had worked out on Yerima Ngama, the Minister of State, Finance, who oversees the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC). An outstanding of N160 billion had been hanging since February and the Federal Government would play pranks and hee-haw thus the revolt by the commissioners and subsequent stalemate. Major constitutional and fiscal crises loomed. Dan-

torcyclist and took away his bike. Frustrated, the poor man sprang up and flung himself on the ground, crying, kicking and screaming. His bike – most likely his only source of income – was gone. Gone for good.

Who would have thought that soccer would ever be a source of acrimony in Brazil? The carnival, the samba and the scantily kitted belles swinging their waists. For ages, soccer created a veneer of Eldorado for Brazilians.

Everyday was like Christmas. Now, there is a popular revolt against the god of soccer – to the consternation of the world. Crowds have gathered for about two weeks, railing against the system, their protest sparked by a bus fare hike. Coincidentally, the Confederations Cup – a dress rehearsal for the 2014 World Cup – is on. Now, the people are saying enough of soccer stadia; give us jobs, food and better education.

In Turkey, the government’s seemingly innocuous plan to redesign a park in the beautiful city of Istanbul has caused a nationwide protest. The protesters complained of lack of consultations. The government replied with an iron fist, unleashing the full might of the police on them. Now, the action has engulfed most of the major cities. The government has apologised, but the fire rages on as the protesters demand more freedom of speech, right to assembly and resignation of the Erdogan government.

It is as clear as a sunny day that the park matter was only a springboard to launch a massive attack on a system that many consider not good enough. The anger had been there for long, even in a country where the economy is doing fine. The global economic downturn did not hurt Turkey; trade is growing and the prospects of joining the European Union (EU) looked great – until the protests.

Tunisia, Turkey and Brazil are a few exhibitions of the limits of human patience and ability to endure pains, physical and psychological pains inflicted by the very people who swore to make life easy for the ordinary man by implementing policies that promote justice and better living conditions for all.

The government is overwhelmed by domestic problems –some of them self-inflicted.

Boko Haram continues to ravage some parts of the North, despite the state of emergency.

Armed robbers and their cousins, the kidnappers, are on the rampage – the illequipped and poorly motivated police are fighting with their bare hands even as the Federal Government would brood no idea of a state police – and diseases are killing many who would have survived in better places.

Amid the rot, the government is embroiled in running battles over 2015 . Like a novice, it mixes politics with governance. The ruling Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) is like a demonic mother hen killing its own chicks. Rivers. Adamawa. Sokoto. And others.

Caution. Caution. The amber lights are on.

Will the government notice this?

•For comments, send SMS to 08111813080

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above ger was clear and present thus the Federal Government rushed to clear its mess. It released the fund which belongs to the common purse in the first place and shared it. Everybody was happy and every thing was normal once again.

But not for Jang who seems to have developed fervour for relentless peregrinations. He swiftly claimed credit for the release of the outstanding allocations. According to a national newspaper, “Jang said he was able to achieve this by using diplomatic means to convince President Goodluck Jonathan on the need to release the funds when his faction of the forum (NGF) met with the president a few days ago.”

Even illiterates know well enough that the federation revenues are not the property of the president’s to keep, withhold or release.

Hardball can therefore, find no word anywhere to describe Governor Jang’s statement than to call it jangoid. And Hardball drops a tear for the good people of Plateau State if this is what they’ve had to put up with for so long.

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