The Nation March 07, 2013

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

Police arrest suspect with Damoche’s phone

APC convention for next month

NEWS

Page 58

NEWS

Page 61

•Anti-cultism law underway in Lagos

•ACN, ANPP, CPC ‘ll cease to exist

www.thenationonlineng.net

VOL. 8, NO. 2421 THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

N150.00

Revealed: Northerners C own 80% of oil blocks

MTN Nigeria profit drops

Senator names oil barons in PIB debate

S

UPPORTERS of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) pushed their case further yesterday at the Senate, with startling facts on the sector.

Senator Ita Enang (Akwa Ibom North East) described the opposition to the 10 per cent host community fund by mostly northern senators as “misplaced”.

From Onyedi Ojiabor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

Enang, who is also the Chairman, Senate Committee on Rules and Business, said that those opposed to the fund should know that over 83 per cent of oil blocks are owned by northerners.

But he did not give the number of oil blocks Nigeria has.

Senate President David

ONTRARY to previous years, MTN Group has said Nigeria negatively impacted its overall margin performance by 6.2 per cent last year, adding that the firm has enjoyed an improvement in the fourth quarter, which it expects to continue this year.

WHO OWNS WHAT •Mai Deribe (Cavendish Petroleum) OML 110 (average of N4b monthly) •Sanusi Lamido (Seplat/Platform Petroleum) •T.Y. Danjuma S/Atlantic Petroleum •Sani Bello (AMNI Petroleum) OML 112 & OML 117 •Alhaji Indimi (Oriental Energy) OML 115, Oldwork Fields, Ebok Fields Mark, who seemed to have been shocked by what Enang said, said the Akwa Ibom lawmaker should not be distracted (some senators were grumbling) because he was making

Business Page 11

•Aminu Dantata (Express Petroleum) OML 108 •Wahab Folawiyo (Y/Folawiyo Petroleum) OML 13 •Saleh Jambo (Northeast Petroleum) OPC 215, OPC 276, OPC 283 •Mike Adenuga (Conoil) •Emeka Offor (Starcrest Energy) OPC 291

an important point.

Mark asked Enang whether he could substantiate his claim.

Enang promptly pulled out a document from his folder

and reeled out oil blocs and their owners.

He said he did not intend to divide the country but to guide those who wanted to Continued on page 2

My maturity,

by Mikel Obi

S

UPER Eagles and Chelsea of England combative midfielder John Mikel Obi has said that his recent achievements are responsible for the level of maturity he has attained.

Having had a taste of the...

Sport Page 41

Tinubu, Browne ‘tackle poverty’

F

•Vice President Namadi Sambo (left) presenting the Obafemi Awolowo Prize for Leadership Award plaque to Prof Wole Soyinka during the Inaugural Obafemi Awolowo Prize for Leadership Award 2012 in Lagos...last night. With them are Dr Olatokunbo Awolowo-Dosunmu and the Chairman of the selection commitee, Chief Emeka Anyaoku

Eminent Nigerians honour Soyinka at Awo Award

•SEE PAGE 6

ORMER Lagos State Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu has advocated a new economic model to solve Africa’s economic problem.

In a book, entitled: Financialism - Water From An Emty Well, Tinubu notes: “Most of our leaders’ economic knowledge boils down to hearsay and scattered tidbits of information acquired by random incident.”

The book, co-authored with former American diplomat Brian Browne, will be presented today in Lagos.

News Page 7

New Pope may emerge March 24

T IG leads 3000 policemen for Jonathan’s visit to Borno, Yobe •Dr. Jonathan

Defence chief to co-ordinate security

•SEE PAGE 2

HE Catholic Church should have a new pope by March 24, the Palm Sunday, the Vatican said yesterday.

“It is likely,” Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi said.

However, he warned that it was “a wish, an opinion and not a guarantee.

Foreign Page 2

•SPORTS P23 •EDUCATION P25 •POLITICS P43 •N/HEALTH P45 •E-BUSINESS P47

2

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013

NEWS •Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) National Leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu discussing with Gen. Alani Akinrinade (left) at the Awolowo Prize for Leadership Award for Prof. Wole Soyinka in Lagos...last night.

With them is the Orodje of Okpe, Felix Mujakperuo (right)

Defence chief, IG lead security for Jonathan

M

ORE than 3,000 policemen and 100 State Security Service (SSS) operatives have been deployed in Borno State to protect President Goodluck Jonathan, who is visiting the state and neighbouring Yobe between today and tomorrow.

The two states are the epicentre of Boko Haram’s activities. Thousands have been killed in the insurgency launched by the sect, which is pushing for sharia, the strict Islamic code, among others.

The security cover for the President’s first visit since the insurgency began, will be coordinated by the Chief of Defence Staff, Vice-Admiral Ibrahim Ola Sa’ad and Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Abubakar.

Following security advice on restriction of movement, the Borno State government has declared Friday a public holiday.

It was gathered that more than 100 SSS operatives from Gombe, Bauchi and other nearby states were deployed for the President’s visit.

The President will be accompanied by nine ministers.

They are those in charge of Works, Education, Mines and

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja and Duku Joel, Damaturu

Steel, Water Resources, Agriculture, Power, Environment, Housing and Urban Development. The Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Dr. Sani Sidi, is also on the entourage.

“To ensure water-tight protection for the President, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Inspector-General of Police, and other security chiefs are expected to co-ordinate this.

“The President’s advance team is already in Maiduguri as part of the preparations for the visit”, a source said.

Another source in Borno State said: “We are expecting the President to pass the night in Maiduguri on Thursday after his visit to Yobe.

The President will meet with stakeholders at a Town Hall Meeting on Friday in Maiduguri .

“As part of the visit to Borno, there will be tight screening of vehicles and movement will be restricted.

As a matter of fact, the number of reporters covering the trip will be restricted.”

Since these security measures are likely to cause inconvenience for the people of Borno State, Governor Kash-

im Shettima declared Friday a work-free day.

“This holiday will enable most residents of Maiduguri to stay at home and watch the state visit live on television.

“I can tell you that it is the tight security arrangement that has accounted for the public holiday,” he said.

Secretary to Yobe State Government Babagoni Machina said all was set for the visit.

Machina said: “We hope the visit will afford the President the opportunity to appreciate the development that has taken place in the state in the past few years.

“As you can see, all arrangements have been completed and we are ready to receive President Jonathan.

We are also happy to have the president visiting our state and we pray that Allah will bring him safely and take him back safely as well.”

Commissioner of Police Sanusi Rufai said his men were leaving no stone unturned to ensure a hitch-free visit by the commander-in-chief.

He said more reinforcement of men had been brought to the state, adding that “all our men and officers have the operation order and plan which we have since put in place.”

He urged hoodlums not to attempt any breach of the peace during the visit.

Jonathan is expected to inaugurate some projects. Some of the projects include the 300 housing units along Gujba bye-pass, built by the state government, the dual carriage road and the ultra-modern library at the Yobe State University.

Commissioner for Housing Mohammed Ago Dala, said all the houses were built to standard awaiting inauguration.

He described the housing as second to none, adding that “people get houses in Yobe almost free because it is only in Yobe State that houses are subsidised by 65 per cent and in the event of death, all unpaid balances are waived by the government”.

Damaturu, the state capital, is wearing a new look. The Ministry of Environment is battling to keep the town clean.

Posters of President Jonathan and Governor Ibrahim Gaidam have taken over the major streets and electric poles.

The Ministry of Works, through direct labour, has filed the potholes on Damaturu roads.

CAN rejects amnesty for Boko Haram •Sultan criticised

T

HE Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, was criticised yesterday for urging the Federal Government to grant amnesty to repentant Boko Haram sect members.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) vowed to oppose the request.

CAN expressed shock over the Sultan’s statement on injustice to the sect. It said the word “injustice” should have been used for those Christians killed by the Boko Haram sect, adding: “We, therefore, say categorically that we reject any offer of amnesty for members of the Boko Haram sect. We ask government to do same. One group of people cannot continue to pay the price for one Nigeria . We must sit together as brothers and discuss issues.”

President Goodluck Jonathan, CAN said, should reject the call for amnesty and insist that the Boko Haram sect members be unveiled after which they should lay down their arms for peace.

CAN National Secretary General Rev. Musa Asake, in a statement in Abuja, said: “The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, is surprised and puzzled by the statement credited to the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar 111, that the Islamist militant group, Boko Haram, should be granted “total amnesty” for the sake

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

of peace in Nigeria and that “the bottom line of the problem facing us has been injustice meted out to people who are not supposed to.”

“We wonder what the Sultan meant by injustice in relation to the activities of the Boko Haram sect when members of the group are a bunch of fundamentalists who have killed, maimed, deformed Christians and made orphans and widows of otherwise peaceful and lovely families and who have also displaced people, destroyed businesses and livelihoods in their thousands. Would the Sultan sincerely attribute the perpetration of the injustice to Christians?

“If it is injustice, is it not government that should be held accountable? Why would the sect not hold their representatives at the various Continued on page 61

•Sultan Abubakar

New Pope may emerge March 24

T

HE Catholic Church should have a new pope

by March 24, the Palm Sunday, the Vatican said yesterday.

“It is likely,” Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi said.

However, he warned that it was “a wish, an opinion and not a guarantee. We will have a guarantee when we will have seen the new pope from the lodge of Saint Peter’s.”

Pope Benedict XVI resigned

on Feb. 28.

Benedict’s decision to step down as leader of the Catholic Church made him the first pope to relinquish the office since Pope Gregory XII in 1415 and the first to do so on his own initiative since Pope Celestine V in 1294.

The Pope stated that the reason for his decision was his declining health due to old age.

The conclave to select his successor will begin not later than March 20.

Revealed: Northerners own 80 per cent of oil blocks Continued from page 1

contribute to the debate to be truly informed.

He listed northerners who own oil blocks to include Alhaji Mai Deribe, Borno State and owner of Cavendish Petroleum, which operates OML 110 with an average of about N4billion monthly.

He also listed Seplat/Platform Petroleum, operators of the ASUOKPU/UMUTU Marginal Field with Mallam (Prince) Sanusi Lamido, Kano , as a major shareholder and director.

South Atlantic Petroleum Limited (SAPETRO) established by General T. Y. Danjuma, Taraba State , who is also chairman of Eni Nigeria Limited.

SAPETRO partnered with Total Upstream Nigeria Limited (TUPNI) and Brasoil Oil Services Company Nigeria Limited to become operators of the OPL 246.

AMNI International Petro-

leum and Development Company is owned by Alhaji (Colonel) Sani Bello of Kontangora , Niger State.

“They are operators of OML 112 and OML 117,” he said.

He said that a former Petroleum Minister and former OPEC Chairman, Rilwanu Lukman, another northerner manages AMNI oil blocks “with very key interest in the NNPC/Vitol trading deal.”

He said that Oriental Energy Resources Limited, a company owned by Alhaji Indimi, runs three oil blocks - OML 115, the Oldwok field and the Ebok field.

He said that Alhaji Aminu Dantata’s Express Petroleum and Gas Limited, operates OML 108.

Enang said that OML 113 allocated to Yinka Folawiyo Petroleum Limited is owned by Alhaji W.I. Folawiyo. Alhaji Saleh Mohammed Gambo, North East Petroleum Limit-

ed, is the holder of the OPL 215 Licence.

North East Petroleum was awarded blocs OPL 276 and OPL 283 and closing thereupon a Joint Venture Agreement with Centrica Resources Nigeria Limited and CCC Oil and Gas. He said that INTEL is owned by former Vice President Atiku, the late Gen. Shehu Musa Yar’Adua and Ado Bayero. It has substantial stakes in Nigeria ’s oil exploration industry both in Nigeria and Sao Tome and Principe .

He said that Mike Adenuga’s Conoil is the oldest indigenous oil exploration company with six blocks. OPL 291 was awarded to Starcrest Energy Nigeria Limited, owned by Emeka Offor, which was sold to Addax Petroleum.

Enang urged the Senate to cause the immediate revocation of all oil blocks licences

and their redistribution, in accordance with the Federal Character Principle.

He said: “My submission is that when you look at the distribution of those who own oil blocks and the amount of money that comes from the different oil blocks to the Federation Account and you see the owners of these oil blocks, you will agree with me that there is inequity in the distribution of oil blocks.

“The oil is produced in the Niger Delta yet it is the people of the Northeast and the Northwest and a little of the Northcentral, almost nothing of the Southwest and the Southeast, that are the persons owning and controlling these oil blocks.

“Almost nothing for the Southsouth, Niger Delta oil producing areas.

“They are quarreling with the area that takes just 13 per cent when you are producing the entire 100 per cent, you

give some to the Federation Account and they give only 13 per cent of what you give and, of course, it is whatever you declared that you have produced. It is actually produced by you.

“I did not want to introduce something that is divisive.

“It is not intended to divide the country, it is intended to say ‘look, let us be realistic’.

“What some of the oil wells and the owners of the oil wells produce in a month and take as profit is sometimes more than what two or three states receive from the Federation Account.”

Enang noted that “when a group of people are richer than a state and then it is produced by you, then there is so much opposition that even the people who suffer the effect of the oil production should not be give host communities’ fund; and we have explained that the host communities fund is not only for the oil pro-

ducing; it is for any of the communities that hosts oil infrastructure, which includes oil pipelines, refineries, gas pipelines and anything that is capable of causing danger.”

“If we had the host communities fund, the danger that we have been having in Arepo in Ogun State, the area would have benefited from the host communities fund.”

Enag said that other areas, such as Kaduna and some other states, will benefit from it.

He went on: “If you are

Continued on page 61

ADVERT HOTLINES: 08023006969, 08052592524 NEWSROOM: LAGOS – 01-8962807, ABUJA – 07028105302 COMPLAINTS: 01-8930678

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013

3

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013

4

NEWS KENYA DECIDES

Three days C

•Rerun likely •Kenyatta accuses Britain of bias • U.S. warns against violence House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal (left), Deputy Speaker Emeka Iheodioha and the Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma during the secretary-general’s visit to the speaker at the National Assembly... yesterday.

PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE

•Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha (left) receiving the U.S. Consul-General in Nigeria, Jeff Hawkins in Owerri ...on Tuesday.

NAN: PHOTO

• Juju music star Otunba Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye (left), Chief Bisi Adesola (middle) and Mr. Micheal Omoleye, a veteran Journalist at a roundtable with Adegeye at the press centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan ...yesterday.

PHOTO :FEMI ILESANMI

•From left: General Manager, Marketing, Total Nigeria Plc Yahaya Yunusa, Etisalat’s Chief Executive Officer Steven Evans, Etisalat’s Director, Retail Sales Charles Ogunwuyi and Etisalat’s Chief Commercial Officer Wael Ammar during the Etisalat Mini Experience Centre Launch in Lagos... yesterday.

PHOTO: MUYIWA HASSAN

T

HE decision of the Independent Elections and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to include invalidated votes in the final tallies may lead to a clear winner not emerging between Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga.

Less than 50 per cent of the almost 32 000 polling stations had sent in partial results yesterday, with so far just over five million valid votes counted from the 14.3 million registered voters.

Many returning officers were due to travel by road yesterday to deliver them by hand.

Of those counted at 8:15 am yesterday, Kenyatta had won just over 2.79 million or 53% of valid votes cast against Odinga with 2.20 million or 42%, a gap that could still be easily overturned.

A staggering 334 000 ballots were rejected, making up some five percent of votes cast and totalling more than those so far assigned to the third candidate in the race, deputy prime minister Musalia Mudavadi, who has two percent of votes so far.

There have already been multiple complaints at the widespread failure of electronic biometric voting registration (BVR) kits introduced by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to frustrate potential rigging.

The BVR failure meant stations used paper records and manual registration. The votes coming in to be tallied dried up overnight, with electoral officials citing technical hitches in sending results electronically.

Kenyatta, who maintained his lead on the second day of counting, is pissed about the development. He has accused former colonial master Britain of being behind the decision.

Both the United States and Britain have raised concern over Kenyatta’s emergence because of his indictment by the International Criminal Court in The Hague.

To win outright and avoid a second round runoff, a candidate must win “more than half of all the votes cast”, according to the constitution, as well as winning at least 25% of votes in more than half of all counties.

Kenyatta’s party expressed its “surprise” at suggestions it said had been made by Odinga’s party to include spoiled ballots in the vote count.

If these spoiled ballots were included, it would greatly add to the numbers needed for a candidate to overcome the 50% barrier for a first round win, raising the prospect of another round due within a month after the vote.

The Jubilee Coalition of Kenyatta and running mate William Ruto — who also faces trial later this year at the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity — said there was “no precedent” for including invalid votes.

Kalonzo Musyoka, Kenyan vicepresident and Odinga’s running mate, told reporters they were worried at the “failure of the IEBC electronic registers as well as the huge numbers of spoilt votes”, but urged supporters to remain calm.

•Kenyatta, surrounded by fellow voters and election officials, while casting his vote on Monday.

IEBC chairman Ahmed Issack Hassan said the body was investigating complaints of voting irregularities from political parties, and admitted the large number of spoilt ballots was a “concern”.

“I want to assure the candidates and political parties, please don’t jump to conclusions: your job is to contest the election, our job is to organise them,” Hassan said.

In a statement, Kenyatta’s party, the Jubilee Coalition, slammed the “shadowy, suspicious and rather animated involvement of the British High Commissioner to Kenya, Dr Christian Turner, in Kenya’s 2013 general election.”

The party accused the British of pushing the electoral commission to include invalidated votes in the counting, making it harder for Kenyatta to pull off a first round win.

Turner denied the charges on his Twitter account, saying: “Unhelpful (& wrong) claims of international observers interference in election. Observers observing.... Not true that UK has position/view on rejected votes.”

However, the United States (U.S) has urged Kenyans to avoid post-election violence.

In a statement by the Department of State, the U.S. said the events of 2007 must not be allowed to repeat itself.

It applauded the Kenyan people for participating peacefully in the March 4 national elections.

The statement reads: “ Although there were scattered acts of violence in two areas of the country, the vast majority of Kenyans voted in a calm, patient, and orderly manner. The final results are not in. Kenya’s Independent Elections and Boundaries Commission is in the process of tallying the ballots and we expect final results soon. We encourage the electoral commission to continue its work in a thorough, transparent, and professional manner. “ We encourage all Kenyans to come

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013

5

NEWS KENYA DECIDES

after, it's not yet Uhuru C

Bigwigs fall in 2013 polls

ABINET Ministers Amos Kimunya, Chirau Mwakwere, William ole Ntimama, Charity Ngilu, Henry Kosgey, Sally Kosgei, Noah Wekesa and Samuel Poghisio were among those whose political careers took a nose dive as Monday’s general election results began trickling in.

In Tinderet, Industrialisation Minister Kosgey, who contested on an ODM ticket, conceded defeat even before the results for the senatorial race were officially announced.

Agriculture Minister Sally Kosgei lost her bid to defend the Aldai parliamentary seat.

In central Kenya, Transport Minister Amos Kimunya lost the Kipipiri seat to Samuel Gichigi. In Narok North, former KWAL chairman, Moitalel ole Kenta (TNA) ousted long-serving Narok MP and National Heritage Minister William Ole Ntimama.

Jubilee Alliance luminaries Water Minister Charity Ngilu and former Mvita MP Najib Balala lost in their Kitui and Mombasa senatorial bids.

Former ruling party KANU also caused upsets when Gideon Moi (Baringo), Nick Salat (Bomet) and John Lonyangapuo (West Pokot) won senatorial seats.

Former Public Works Permanent Secretary Lonyangapuo defeated Information and Communication Minister Samuel Poghisio of URP. In Cherangany, former MP Joshua Kuttuny (URP) was defeated by Boston marathon champion Wesley Korir, who was running as an independent.

American influence on Kenya

R

•A man with homemade Obama mask asking people to vote in peace

Uhuru and Raila will always need each other

G

OING by Africa’s latest political landscape, election results separating front runners by a slim margin does not augur well for the welfare of the respective country.

Many countries have ended up in civil strife after the leading candidates had almost locked horns. Kenya’s 2007 General Election is a case in point.

Results of the presidential election had polarised the nation immediately after they were announced. They showed incumbent President Mwai Kibaki had beaten his rival Raila Odinga with a small margin.

Thanks to President Kibaki’s swift swearing in ceremony.

The neighbouring country plunged into a bloody skirmish countrywide, killing over 1,000 Kenyans and injuring hundreds, thousands others.

Kenya has just conducted its next General Election after strongly debating and crafting a new Constitution which was agreed that it would tame the 2008 post-election skirmishes.

Barely 12.5 of the provisional results started trickling in by press bed time on Monday, showing the presidential candidate on The National Alliance (TNA) ticket Uhuru Kenyatta claiming an early lead in the race.

His rival on the Coalition for Reform and Development (Cord) Raila Oding closely behind with the remaining candidates trailing far behind.

Although there was no clear indication yet to show who would win the presidency, it was obvious that it was a twohorse battle between Uhuru and Raila.

Chances were either Kenyatta or Odinga would win even if the final results would compel the duo to face off in a runoff.

Whatever the outcome of the Monday election would be, the winner celebrating the results after the first round or the runoff cannot effectively lead the polarised Kenyans.

Each of the two candidates enjoying the support of almost half of the country’s population, the winner will certainly face a strong opposition from almost half of the losers.

Unless the winner wins legitimacy from the losers immediately after the election, he cannot manage the country well.

Will any of the front runners, especially the loser, be bold enough to put interests of his country ahead of his camp together and move forward peacefully to realise the full promise and benefits of the new constitution. We urge that

By Peter Nyanje

and assist the winner in governing the country, it remains to be seen.

An overwhelming turnout of voters during the Monday General Election was among the polls’ surprises.

Any analyst would believe a majority would shun the polls for fear of the 2008 post–election violence repeating itself.

But Kenyans proved the skeptics wrong by trooping to polling stations in large numbers and creating rare scenes in the country latest political history.

Some enthusiastic women pretended to be expectant or breastfeeding mothers to get a favour of casting their vote first and evade long queues.

The Kenya Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) estimated the country’s record turnout in its recent history to be at 70 per cent, posing many questions to observers.

Massive campaigns by almost all candidates for voters to show up in large numbers and vote was partly attributed to the turnout.

Each of the front runners had go beyond the call of duty and encourage his supporters to vote in a bid to beat his rival right in the first round of the neck and neck poll.

None of them being assured of garnering sufficient votes to win in the second round, each had no alternative but to persuade his supporters to vote in a bid to prevent his rival from beating him in the first round.

The politicians also must have feared that a marginal victory would make it difficult for any of them to govern well and pleaded with their supporters to turn out in large numbers.

But the surprise turnout can also be explained to be as a result of Kenyans’ own interest in the rights and powers they now enjoy through their new Constitution.

Some of them said in an interview with Political Platform shortly after casting ballot that they had been waiting for this time for five years so that they could decide the destiny of their country after the 2008 mishap.

After listening to the candidates’ rhetoric for about two months, the suffrage right provided for in their new Constitution was the only opportunity for them to silence politicians, others said.

•Nyanje is The Citizen Political Editor

any election disputes be resolved peacefully through the Kenyan legal system. It is critical that Kenya

avoid the post-election violence that marred the December 2007 presidential contest.”

EPUBLICAN strategist Nino Saviano is not who you would expect to find at the helm of a political campaign in Kenya.

But a Kenyan politician was so eager to win a seat in parliament that he brought Saviano, of Savi Political Consulting, to his dusty, rural hometown to craft an American-style, getout-the-vote push.

There were no voters’ lists. Few people had landlines. Door-knocking was tough because houses were often many miles apart. So they held street rallies and collected the cell phone numbers from people who accepted free buttons, hats, and stickers from the campaign.

“You really have to get creative,” he said.

Washington may be broken, and politics beyond repair, but American campaign culture may well be our most significant export, especially this year in Kenya.

On Sunday, Kenya held an historic presidential election. If you look hard enough, you can find American fingerprints all over it.

Five years after a disputed presidential race ended with politicians inciting their supporters to terrible acts of violence, Kenya passed a new constitution to make its democracy work better. Instead of concentrating power in a winner-take-all presidency, some power will go to elected governors and local assemblies, just like in the United States.

Even the lingo is adapted from US politics, closely watched in Kenya because of President Obama’s heritage. Instead of swing voters, Nairobi pundits speak of “swing tribes” that will determine the outcome in a country that largely votes along ethnic lines.

At the campaign headquarters of presidential candidate Peter Kenneth, the walls are covered in maps and flip charts showing various blocs of voters. Kenneth has read “Audacity to Win,” David Plouffe’s book about the lessons of the Obama campaign, three times. Kenneth — like another candidate, Martha Karua — uses NationBuilder, a software program developed by a former John Kerry campaign aide that helps politicians rally support through Facebook and Twitter.

And this year, Kenya held its first presidential debate ever. All eight candidates shifted uncomfortably onstage and actually stopped talking when the moderator told them their time was up.

Compare that to the days of Daniel arap Moi, who ruled Kenya for 28 years. His idea of campaigning was nodding to a crowd from a kingly chair on a decorated platform, while women’s groups sang to him in traditional garb. Moi rarely subjected himself to the indignity of answering questions on camera, and never to a televised battle of wits.

So is the United States a good influence on Kenyan politics?

Saviano thinks so.

“We tend to make candidates look more appealing,” he said, especially to voters outside of their own tribes.

But Western consultants don’t always play such a positive role.

Five years ago, Dick Morris, a key political adviser to President Clinton in the mid-1990s, offered his services pro bono to Raila Odinga, a presidential front-runner.

After Odinga lost narrowly in a vote that was widely seen as rigged, he called for street protests which quickly turned violent. Members of his ethnic group clashed with the ethnic groups of his top rivals.

One of those rivals, Uhuru Kenyatta, was indicted by the International Criminal Tribunal, for allegedly orchestrating reprisal attacks.

Kenyatta’s defence lawyer, Steven Kay, accused Morris of engineering popular protests instead of accepting the election results. Kay told the court that it was “a copycat production” of the unrest that brought another Morris client, Viktor Yushchenko, to power in Ukraine in 2005. Morris was eventually expelled from Kenya.

But those accusations haven’t stopped Odinga from becoming a front-runner again this year. Nor has the indictment at the Hague stopped Kenyatta from being a neck-and-neck favorite. To repair his image, Kenyatta hired Ed Staite, a British consultant who specializes in “reputation management.”

Karl Rove has nothing on these guys. With front-runners like this, it is easy to get cynical. It’s easy to conclude that politics everywhere is about money, power, and ethnic allegiances. If there is any hope that this crazy exercise will result in better governance — in folks at the top being more accountable to folks at the bottom — then it comes from Kenyans like Boniface Mwangi, a photojournalist who documented the political killings back in 2007.

“Kenyans from all tribes are on the same queue to vote,” he tweeted.

“We should accept the outcome of that vote peacefully.”

•Culled from Boston Globe

6

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013

NEWS N1.5b suit: Maina knows fate March 21 From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

E

MBATTLED Chairman of the Pension Reform Task Force (PRTF), Mr. Abdul-Rasheed Maina will know his fate on March 21, when an Abuja High Court will rule on a suit he filed.

Justice Adamu Bello fixed the date after parties adopted their written addresses.

Maina was recently declared wanted by the police headquarters following an arrest warrant signed by Senate President David Mark and InspectorGeneral (IG) Mohammed Abubakar because he refused to honour the Senate’s invitation to defend himself over alleged pension fraud.

Maina is seeking an order setting aside the warrant of arrest issued by Mark and Abubakar against him on Febraury 2, following a resolution by the Senate.

He is praying the court to quash the purported report of the Senate Committee’s resolutions that led to the bench warrant.

Jonathan, Gowon, others hail Soyinka at Awolowo Leadership Award P RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday praised Prof Wole Soyinka , the first recipient of the Obafemi Awolowo Prize for Leadership.

He described the honour as well deserved and urged Nigerians to emulate the virtues of the late Chief Awolowo.

The award was instituted by the Obafemi Awolowo Foundation.

Dr. Jonathan, who was represented at the ceremony in Lagos

by Vice President Namadi Sambo said: “Let me say that Chief Obafemi Awolowo to whom this award is instituted after, was a foremost nationalist and great patriot of this country. Prof Wole

By Musa Odoshimokhe

Soyinka, who has emerged the first winner of the prize is not only a literary icon and global phenomenon but blessed with immense leadership qualities.

“The inauguration of leadership prize at this time in the history of our nation is very timely. The objectives of the prize tallies with my administration’s emphasis on quality leadership under our transformation agenda.”

President Jonathan said Chief Awolowo worked tirelessly for

the development of the country, which according to him, succeeding generation has continued to benefit from.

He said the Foundation’s selection committee, chaired by former Commonwealth Secretary General Chief Emeka Anyaoku, made the best choice by selecting the literary giant as the winner.

He said Prof Soyinka is an epitome of all that Awolowo stood for. “Throughout his life, he was committed to the greatness of the countryanddidnotrenegeonthose principle he held dearly to. This

stood him out among his contemporaries.”

As a political party leader, leader of the opposition in the federal parliament and vice chairman of the federal executive council, he demonstrated uncommon leadership. He served faithfully and today many politician endeared themselves to the philosophy he lived for by laying claims to his political philosophy,” Sambo said of Chief Awolowo.

Prof Soyinka, in his lecture, titled: Winding down history: religion, and nation, power and free-

Institutes mourn CITN Registrar THE West African Union of Tax Institutes (WAUTI) has sympathised with the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) on the death of its Registrar, Emmanuel Abayomi Jayeoba.

In a letter to CITN President, John Jegede, WAUTI President, Prince Rasaq’Kunle Quadri, said the institute received with shock the passing on of Jayeoba and therefore sympathise with the council, members of the Institute and his family on this sad news.

He described the late Mr. Jayeoba as a gentleman who made invaluable contributions to the growth of CITN while he was alive.

“The same enthusiasm and support was extended to the Union by his active involvement in activities leading to the establishment and eventual inauguration of WAUTI. He will no doubt be missed by his colleagues, friends and family members,” Quadri said.

Police warn vehicle owners THE Commissioner of Police, Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS), Fool Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Adeniji Adele Road, Lagos, has warned owners of accidental and abandoned vehicles parked in its premises to remove them or lose them to members of the public through auction after 21 days.

The vehicles are Honda Accord with registration numbers GU 293ABC, BMW unregistered, Subaru Space Wagon MG 224AAD, Honda Accord Legend AG274GNN, Nissan Quest JE133EKY, Peugeot 306 car AH849FFE, Mazda Bus LND724XA, Nissan Pathfinder unregistered, Toyota Previa DE457JJJ and Honda Accord GR694XA. Others are Toyota Prado MZ200KJA, Nissan Sunny UA334AAA, Nissan Sunny Coupe DD815, Volkswagen Golf unregistered, Toyota Camry Wagon DG395LSR and Toyota Camry unregistered.

•APC GOVERNORS: Rauf Aregbesola (Osun) (left); Babatunde Fashola (Lagos); Adams Oshiomhole (Edo); Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti) and Tanko Al-Makura (Nasarawa), at the unveiling of the party’s logo, slogan and motto in Abuja...on Tuesday.

Newswatch: Court refuses Ekpu’s, others’ objection to Ibrahim’s suit

A

FEDERAL High Court in Lagos has dismissed the objection raised by four pioneer directors of Newswatch Communications Limited (NCL), challenging the competence of a suit brought against them by the company’s new Chairman, Mr. Jimoh Ibrahim.

Justice Okon Abang held in a ruling yesterday that the objection

by Ray Ekpu, Dan Agbese, Yakubu Mohammed and Soji Akinrinade (all defendants) lacked merit. He refused all the grounds raised in their preliminary objection.

He held that contrary to the argument of the defence counsel, Adekunle Oyesanya (SAN), the suit disclosed “reasonable cause of action” against the defendants.

Justice Abang held: “I think the plaintiffs have raised questions against the defendants fit for the court to resolve. Serious issues have been raised. Combination of these will give rise to question to be answered by the court.

“For example the issue raised by the plaintiff that the defendants have resigned their appointments and have been paid their retirement entitlements. I think the plaintiffs have disclosed a reasonable cause of action against the defendants; whether they will succeed will be another issue entirely.”

The judge further held that the plaintiffs possess the right to file the suit, as against the defendants’ argument that the consent of NCL was not duly obtained before the suit was filed.

Justice Abang rejected the defendants’ grounds of objection that the right parties, which could be bound by the court’s orders, were not joined as parties.

He upheld the argument that the suit was competently filed by the plaintiffs. He also held that Ibrahim, as one of the plaintiffs, has sufficient interest to protect by filing the suit.

According to the judge, the defendants’ argument that the suit was not properly commenced was premature, holding that the defendants should have waited to raise the issue in their final written address.

By Eric Ikhilae

Justice Abang fixed March 21 for the hearing of the substantive suit marked: FHC/CS/1054/2012, which has as plaintiffs, Ibrahim, his company - Global Media Mirror Limited and NCL. The plaintiffs are praying the court to restrain the defendants from acting on behalf of other shareholders who own the remaining 49 per cent stake.

They argued that the defendants, with just 6.3 per cent cumulative share holding and having resigned from the company, could no longer act for the company or its other shareholders.

In the substantive suit, the plaintiffs set six questions for the court’s determination and sought six declarative reliefs and an order.

The plaintiffs also want the court to among others decide whether the respondents, having resigned from the company on May 5 last year, could continue to act for the company and parade themselves as directors.

They want the court to decide whether or not the respondents, with just 6.3 per cent equity, could act for the owners of the company’s 49 per cent stake and whether in view of their minority share holding, the respondents could also declare, in law, give notice of trade dispute with the company and its chairman.

dom, hailed Chief Awolowo for his religious tolerance.

He expressed regret that people are being killed and maimed in the country in the name of religion.

Chairman of the occasion, Gen. Yakubu Gowon described Prof Soyinka as a worthy son of Africa who has demonstrated over time, the quality for which he was honoured.

Citing those qualities that stood him out, he said like Chief Awolowo, who was in his cabinet during the period of national emergency , the literary icon has been on the side of the people in moments of great national challenges and did not let the people down.

“Like Awolowo, who was there during the period of the Civil War and ensure government did not borrow money to execute it, our literary icon has ensured that the Nigerian masses are given what they desire by putting the authorities on their toes to wake up to their responsibilities.”

The daughter of the late sage, Mrs Tokunbo AwolowoDosunmu said Prof Soyinka has demonstrated over the years rare courage, doggedness and commitment to the best interest of the people on whose behalf he continues to advocate.

“For us at the Obafemi Awolowo Foundation , the Awolowo Prize for Leadership bring us another step closer to actualising the mandate articulated in our founding philosophy including the aspiration to ensure that Chief Awolowo’s deep concern for our nation, Nigeria under God , shall continue to be of leadership relevance.”

At the event were Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu, his counterparts from Ogun State, Ibikunle Amosun, Rauf Aregbesola, Osun; Kayode Fayemi, Ekiti; Olusegun Mimiko, Ondo; and Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State. Others included Gen. Alani Akinrinade, Prof Adebayo Williams, Prof Itse Sagay, Pastor Tunde Bakare, Mrs Nike Akande, Dr Kalu Idika Kalu, Chief Olabiyi Durojaiye, Dr Frederick Fasehun, Odia Ofeimun, ACN chair Chief Bisi Akande, Chief Supo Sonibare, Prof Ibidapo Obe and former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke.

Others were Prof Sola Adeyeye; Mallam Nuhu Ribadu;Erelu Abiola Dosunmu; Dr Doyin Abiola; Aare Taiwo Alimi; Chief Ebenezer Babatope; Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye; Alhaji Shetima Yerima and Otunba Gani Adams.

Court upholds INEC’s powers to deregister parties

A

FEDERAL High Court in Lagos yesterday upheld the powers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to de-register political parties that failed to win any elective office.

Justice Okon Abang dismissed a suit filed by the National Conscience Party (NCP),

By Eric Ikhilae

which challenged INEC’s powers in that regard.

In a judgment yesterday, Justice Abang held that INEC can deregister political parties in line with the provision of Section 78(7)(ii) of the Electoral Act. The judge held that the suit filed on September 14, 2011 by

the NCP and one of its members, Tunde Agunbiade, lacked merit.

Justice Abang also vacated an interlocutory order he made on September 13 last year, restraining INEC from deregistering the NCP pending the determination of the suit.

EFCC gets $3million technical support •Lamorde challenges others on anti-corruption war From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

•Lamorde

E

CONOMIC and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) chair Mr.

Ibrahim Lamorde, yesterday said the fight against corruption is not solely the business of the agency.

He said there are other institutions connected with the conviction of suspects being arraigned for corruption.

Lamorde made the clarifications at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of a $3 million Techni-

cal Support with Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa(GIABA) in Abuja .

A statement agency’s spokesman, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, said although Lamorde acknowledged the high number of convictions secured by the commission, it needs other institutions to assist it.

Lamorde was quoted as say-

ing: “ The fight against economic crime and corruption is not entirely on EFCC especially as it concerns conviction because this is dependent on other institutions. All we can promise is to increase on the numbers of cases while improving on their prosecution.

“This technical support is a milestone and EFCC is the first institution in Nigeria to get such a backing. We will ensure

the success of the technical support.

“I assure you of the judicious use of the funds by tracking it through an audit trail.”

He expressed appreciation to GIABA’s Director-General Dr. Abdullahi Shehu, who before his appointment, was the pioneer Director of the EFCC Academy for being a good ambassador of the commission.

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013

7

NEWS NACA urges early treatment of babies with HIV

By Wale Adepoju

DIRECTOR-General, National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) Prof. John Idoko yesterday called for the early treatment of babies born with the Human Immuno Deficiency Virus (HIV).

He said: “This is a lesson that should be learned following a major breakthrough in HIV and AIDS battle.”

Idoko, reacting to report on research funded by the National Institutes of Health and American Foundation for AIDS Research in which a baby was ‘functionally cured’ of HIV, said: “If we treat children early we will be able to do a lot better with them instead of waiting for a long time.

“As soon as we diagnose it early in most children’s lives, we should start treatment.”

Prof. Idoko said the breakthrough may not be an outright cure.

“Is it functional cure? We have to understand that. It doesn’t mean that she doesn’t have HIV inside her. There is still HIV inside her but it is just that it ceased to be dividing and multiplying as fast as it should. So, we have to wait and see may be after sometime it may start replicating.

We have to be cautious. It is a functional cure and not an ordinary one,” he added.

He said there is still viruses in the girl but it stopped multiplying.

Prof Idoko said the report which was relayed on CNN needed caution to see whether the breakthrough happened with other early treatment in future.

How to tackle poverty, by Tinubu, Browne •Ex-governor’s book on new economic model for launch today

F

ORMER Lagos State Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu and United States’ Consul-General Brian Browne have advocated a new economic model to solve Africa’s economic problems.

The National Leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and Browne, in a book, entitled: Financialism - Water From An Empty Well, noted: “Most of our leaders’ economic knowledge boils down to hearsay and scattered tidbits of information acquired by random incident.”

The book is to be launched today in Lagos.

The continent’s leaders, according to the book, “promise our people something new yet remain chained to the economic myths and policies of old. Their mouths are free to say anything and that they do.

But their minds are bound and gagged by what they do not know as well as by the false knowledge that possesses

By Ayodele Aminu, Group Business Editor

them.”

The book described the Nigerian masses of being victims of a recurrent betrayal.

“With leaders ignorant or indifferent, the people are bewildered. They realise something is deathly wrong, that a fraud is being perpetrated, but they don’t sufficiently understand the principles of economy enough to know that what is done to them is not only wrong but also unnecessary.”

The book said “Financialism” serves an important purpose because it provides the people with a clear understanding of alternatives, more just economic principles than the ones that currently rule. ”On the scale of scientific objectivity, it lies somewhere between the reading of tea leaves and the 19th century elitist pseudoscience of craniotomy.

Yet, we have been hoodwinked

into seeing these old economic fairy tales as the perfection of the financial markets and the need for government deregulation of the economy as truths inviolate. We have been had, our financial bones have been picked clean by e swindle,” according to the book.

The authors not only delved into the proximate causes of the financial meltdown, they also provided a readable yet intelligent summary of the economic history and evolution of thought that have brought about the transformation of capitalism into its more ruthless progeny, financialism. The authors however, ”warned that if we allow financialism to continue to hold sway, our world will be one of frequent crises and a growing inequality of wealth. The current upheaval in the eurozone is evidence of their prescience.

Theirs is a warning that must be heard and acted upon if African nations are to exit the

gravitational pull of chronic poverty.”

They are not satisfied with analysing the problem. They have taken on the task of offering practical, if at times, radical solutions to what ails our political economy. They are humble enough to know their prescriptions are not a panacea.

Yet this book is a huge step in a corrective direction for it offers important policy insights, such as the creation of a national industrial policy and the reform of government borrowing practice, that would create much greater fiscal policy latitude so governments, particularly those in Africa, can focus more attention and funds on genuine development while steering away from processes that lead toward increased levels of financial speculation.

The book also delved into the 2008 financial meltdown and how it undermined black people.

The authors in the book re-

gretted that while such meltdown lasted, “blacks in the leadership and policy mainstream in Africa and the Diaspora simply wait to be told what to think and then bear down on the rest of us, mouthing authoritatively ideas and words they acquired as intellectual beggars”.

Nasarawa police arrest militias with guns, cutlasses From Johnny Danjuma, Lafia

P

UK holds workshop for oil and gas, others THE British High Commission and UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) will today begin a two-day workshop for the oil and gas, real estate, construction, agriculture and retail industry sectors in Nigeria which at the Four Points Hotel, Lagos.

A statement by the British High Commission said: "The UK-Nigeria Small and Medium Sized Enterprise (SME) Project is being organised by UK Trade and Investment and the Ministry of Trade and Investment to partner UK and Nigerian small businesses to help them gain access to opportunities in Nigeria and the UK. This project links UK businesses in every industry with validated business opportunities being offered by multinational organisations in Nigeria and potential partnership opportunities. This is the perfect occasion for companies interested in internationalising their operations and accessing the vast potential in the African market to do so through a regulated platform with support from reputable government organisations.”

It said the sectors being focused on have been strategically chosen on the basis of current market trends in Nigeria.

The statement said in the oil and gas sector, the programme offers SMEs the opportunity to develop in line with current global best practice.

•Tinubu

•Coordinator, Eko Free Health Mission Dr. Dolapo Fasawe (left) presenting a certificate to Nollywood actor Jide Kosoko (second right) during a one-day workshop for health editors and Nollywood producers script writers and actors at De Renaissance Hotel Alausa Ikeja Lagos... With them are Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation Kayode Opeifa and Head Sustainability and Responsibility Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mrs. Adrianne Nwagwu.

PHOTO: NIYI ADENIRAN

Borno: Governors didn’t steal Jonathan’s plan, says ACN T HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) yesterday denied the Presidency’s claim that progressive governors stole President Goodluck Jonathan’s plan by visiting Borno State ahead of him.

It described as insulting the Presidency’s reaction to last week’s visit of the progressive governors to Borno State.

In a statement in Abuja yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said the presidency is disoriented.

ACN said: ‘’There is no doubt that the visit of the governors was a knock-out for the waffling presidency. Now punch-drunk, the clearly disoriented Presidency has resorted to blaming the courageous and trail-blazing governors whose only offence is that they dared to show solidarity for the people of Borno and Yobe, the two states that have been worst-hit by the Boko Haram crisis. ‘’These governors dismissed the Presidency’s shameless attempt to scare them away from Borno with a cooked se-

By Wale Ajetunmobi

curity report. They walked around the volatile Maiduguri market without bullet proof vests or helmets, to the chagrin of the President and Commander-in-Chief, who has opted to hide behind the Aso Rock fortress.’’

ACN said for the Presidency to choose to denigrate the governors and accuse them of crass opportunism is the height of irresponsibility.

It added: ‘’Most laughable is the accusation that the governors pre-empted the visit of President Jonathan to Borno.

Who did the Presidency inform of his impending visit?

When did it become the business of governors to tailor their movement to that of the President? Where has the President been since 2011 when he assumed office after his election?

What took him so long to visit a troubled part of the country, especially since he claimed to have received a pan-Nigeria mandate? ‘’The truth is that the Presi-

dent was so embarrassed by the visit of the governors that he quickly packaged his own visit.

“Instead of quietly licking its wounds, the presidency opted to dance naked in the market square by accusing those who blazed the trail, who showed the way to a clueless and visionless Federal Government. ‘’Irrespective of what the Presidency may say, the beleaguered people of Borno and Yobe appreciate the solidarity of their fellow Nigerians, as shown by the governors’ visit.

The people of Nigeria also appreciate the courage and compassion of the governors.

Anyone trying to denigrate the visit is attracting more love for the governors and public opprobrium for the Presidency.’’

ACN denied playing politics with the killing of the Commissioner of Police of Kwara State.

It said the fact that the killing of such a top security chief sends a wrong signal about the

state of the country’s security, cannot be faulted by any rightthinking person. ‘’How are we playing politics by calling for reinforced security for those whose responsibility it is to protect others? Where is the politics in calling for the apprehension and prosecution of those behind the dastardly act? What is wrong in calling the attention of a prostrate Presidency to the worsening insecurity in the country? ‘’Contrary to the Presidency’s statement that President Jonathan has performed well in curbing insurgency, the truth is that the Presidency - bereft of ideas on how to curb the insurgency has instead chosen to bury its head in the sand, like the proverbial ostrich. Otherwise, it would have known that the senseless killings by Boko Haram has continued. Only on Tuesday, gunmen killed a DPO and nine others in Borno, in what has been a daily trend in recent days, despite the cease-fire concocted by a desperate and clueless Federal Government,’’ the party said.

OLICE in Nasarawa State have arrested 11 suspected militia members allegedly preparing to attack Burumburum village in Doma Local Government Area.

The police said it recovered from them two single barrel guns, three locally-made pistols, one dane gun, five cutlasses, three cartridges, two 7.62mm ammunition and charms purported to be bullet-proof.

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Michael Ada confirmed the arrest and the recovery of the dangerous weapons from the militia.

They were paraded yesterday.

Ada said the group was led by Suleiman Luka. He added that the commander burst into tears when he realised that the game was up for them.

“The riot policemen who were on a special duty repelled the attacks. The invaders sensing danger, attempted to retreat when they were arrested with dangerous weapons, “he said.

Ada said Police Commissioner Abayomi Akeremale has directed the Assistant Commissioner of Police, in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department( SCID ), Lafia, ACP Ibrahim Tarfa to ensure that the suspects arrested face the full wrath of the law.

The state, he said, cannot continue on the path of lawlessness because of a lawless few.

He added: “ The Commissioner of Police has advised parties involved in the crises to sheate their swords and see reason to place an overall public interest above their own individual interest as that is the only way any meaningful development can take place in any society.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013

8

NEWS

Ogun Assembly resolves crisis •Confirms Akeredolu as commissioner

F

EUDING members of the Ogun State House of Assembly yesterday resolved their differences.

The key actors, Speaker Suraj Adekunbi and Mr. Remmy Hazzan, apologised to the people for Tuesday’s suspension and counter-suspension of some members.

They resolved to hold plenary today. The resolution followed a private meeting at the Governor’s Office in Abeokuta, the state capital.

Those that met were Adekunbi; his deputy, Tola Banjo; Olakunle Oluomo; Majority Leader Israel Jolaosho; Hazzan; Mrs. Tunrayo Oladapo-Adeleye; Job Akintan and John Obafemi with the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Taiwo Adeoluwa and top government officials It was learnt that the peace

•Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun (seventh right); Adekunbi (eighth right) and other members of the Assembly after the peace meeting…yesterday.

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

meeting was initiated and coordinated by the former Speaker, Samson Egbetokun, who prevailed on the warring lawmakers to allow peace to reign in the interest of the state.

Speaking with reporters later, Adekunbi and Hazzan apologised to the people for their conduct on Tuesday.

They pledged to work in harmony to serve the people better and follow due process in their legislative duties.

There was chaos at the As-

sembly on Tuesday when the House suspended four lawmakers. The suspended lawmakers and their supporters regrouped and announced that they had suspended the Speaker and three others, although they had no mace.

Yesterday, the 26 lawmak-

ers reconvened at noon and confirmed the nomination of Mrs. Abimbola Ibironke Akeredolu as a commissioner.

Mrs. Akeredolu was screened last Monday.

Jolaoso moved the motion for her confirmation and was supported Mr. Salmon Adele-

Nigerians celebrate Awolowo E 26 years after T WENTY-six years after the death of the former Premier of the old Western Region, Chief Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo, eminent Nigerians gathered yesterday in Ikenne, Ogun State, to mark his posthumous birthday.

They were received by Awolowo’s widow, Mama Hannah Idowu Dideolu (HID); his eldest daughter, Rev. Tola Oyediran; his son, Segun; grand children and great grand children.

The event was attended by former Lagos State Governor Lateef Jakande and his wife; former Minister of Transport Chief Ebenezer Babatope; Senator Anthony Adefuye; Senator Femi Okunrounmu and Chairman of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) Jide Adeniyi.

Others are Mr. Kayode Anibaba; Mr. Omosanya Solaja; former Ikenne Local Government Caretaker Chairman Femi Adeniyi; Mrs. Mercy Owolana; among others.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, was represented by traditional rulers from Osun State.

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

The guests described the late Awolowo as “a purposeful and visionary leader”, who would be remembered by generations unborn.

The late Awolowo was born on March 6, 1909. He died on May 9, 1987.

Since his demise, his memory has remained cherished and his legacy in the region unsurpassed.

Jakande described Awolowo as a focused leader, whose contribution to the development of the Southwest and the country cannot be glossed over.

He said Awolowo’s legacy would endure in the consciousness of Nigerians.

Mama Awolowo described him as a nice, kind-hearted and loving man. She said their moments together remain evergreen in her mind.

She said: “My late husband was a nice, kind-hearted and loving man. I remember him as if he is still alive. I will nev-

er forget him until I join him.”

Urging politicians and leaders to emulate the virtues of her late husband, Mama Awolowo said: “If only politicians can follow his legacy, Nigeria will be better off.”

Babatope said the late Awolowo always had the interests of Nigerians at heart.

He said the late Awolowo engaged people in intellectual discussion and would continue to live in the minds of Nigerians Babatope said: “He was a great and visionary leader, who always busy finding solutions to the country’s problems. There was never a dull moment with him.”

In his sermon, the Vicar of Our Saviour’s Anglican Church, Ikenne Remo, Ven. Foluso Babatunji, urged Nigerians to imbibe the virtues of the late Awolowo, which he listed as “faith in others, respect for people, quest for the right knowledge and hardwork”.

Ven. Babatunji said some of the virtues and ideals of the late Awolowo are documented in a book, entitled: Awo on the trail of a titan”, written by Mr. Banji Akintoye.

He said the nation would improve, if citizens embrace those ideals and practise them daily.

The cleric said: “How must we remember Baba? What is the Lord saying to us as we gather yearly, in fact we meet twice a year - on his birthday and May 9, when God called him - to remember Baba? Is it just to gather together to sing hymns and talk to one another then go? I think God is expecting more from us.

“Let successive generations know the ideals Baba stood for. I read the book, Awo on the trail of a titan, and many of his ideals are written there. I picked only four of them and if we are able to put these four into practice, by the time we come here next year to remember his birthday again, maybe there would be stable power supply, good roads and our children will no longer be armed robbers.”

Declare me winner, Oke urges Ondo Tribunal

T

HE candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the October 20, last year, governorship poll in Ondo State, Mr. Olusola Oke, yesterday urged the Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Akure, the state capital, to declare him the winner of the election.

Oke said he should be declared winner, based on the fact that the majority of votes recorded for Governor Olusegun Mimiko were illegal.

However, he said the tribunal could order a fresh election if the judges are convinced that strange names were unlawfully injected into the 2012 voters’ register.

Giving evidence in his petition, he insisted that the elec-

From Damisi Ojo and Leke Akeredolu,Akure

tion was marred by irregularities, especially unlawful injection into the voters’ register.

Oke, who is the 34th and last witness, adopted four statements on oath as his evidence to prove his allegations.

The statements were his petition and replies to the three respondents.

Oke compared the 2011 and 2012 voters’ registers and tendered 12 volumes, including the summary and analysis of the unlawful injections.

He said the documents contain names, photographs and details of the unlawful injection into the 2012 voters’ register.

Mimiko’s counsel Mr. Ade-

bayo Adenipekun (SAN) objected to the admissibility of the documents sought to be tendered by Oke on the grounds that they were not signed.

Adenipekun said the documents are not expert reports or evidence, but an analysis made by the petitioner.

He said the tribunal ruled on the documents on February 4 and they cannot be accepted at this stage of the hearing.

Counsel to the Labour Party (LP) Wahaab Egbewole said the documents were not pleaded and listed.

Counsel to the third respondent Hassan Suleiman (SAN) also argued that the documents were not expert reports.

KITI State Governor Kayode Fayemi left Nigeria last night on official visits to South Africa, Belgium and the United States.

According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olayinka Oyebode, Fayemi’s first stop is South Africa, where he would speak today at the Ernst and Young Strategic Growth Forum slated for the International Convention Centre, Cape Town.

The governor will join other international political and economic leaders to discuss “The Infrastructure Deficit and Opportunities in Africa”.

He will speak tomorrow at the Crans Montana Forum for Africa in Brussels, Belgium, on “The Major Global Challenge for Africa: Security and its Impact on International Relations and Economy”.

On Monday, Fayemi will be the Guest Speaker at the

ke.

The state’s Child Rights Law, Road Toll Law, Land Use and Amenities Charges Law passed through their first reading.

The House sympathised with rainstorm victims in Abeokuta North Local Government.

Fayemi off to SA, Europe, US •To deliver lecture at Harvard on Monday Weatherhead Centre for International Affairs, Harvard University. He will speak on “From the Barricades of Resistance to the Verandah of Power: Personal Reflections on Democracy, Governance and State Reconstruction in Nigeria”.

On Wednesday, the governor will be in South Africa to receive Samsung’s Best Governor in Africa for Outstanding Educational Project award.

The award will be given at Samsung’s Africa Forum Conference in Cape Town.

Fayemi returns to Nigeria on Thursday.

NEMA predicts downpour in Ibadan

T

HE National E m e r g e n c y Management Agency (NEMA) has warned residents of Ibadan and Saki in Oyo State to prepare for heavy rainfall this year.

NEMA Southwest Coordinator Iyiola Akande gave the warning yesterday during a telephone interview.

He said the prediction was

based on a recent forecast by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET).

Akande said the rainfall pattern in most parts of the country would be similar to that of last year, but it could be about 283mm higher in Saki.

He said Ibadan is expected to have rainfall of about 9mm higher than that of last year.

Bodies of two men found in Osun

T •Oke

The three-man panel, led by Justice A. Kaka’n, rejected the documents on the grounds that they were not signed.

Earlier, the tribunal accepted Certified True Copies (CTC) of the 2011 voters’ register from Akoko Southeast, Ondo West and Owo local government areas.

HE bodies of two young men have been found dangling from the ceiling in Osun State.

At Oke-Obutu in Modakeke, 20-year-old Oladunni Ayodeji’s body was found hanging from a ceiling fan.

A police source said there was no mark of violence on his body.

A suicide note was found on the scene. In the note, the late Ayodeji urged his mother to take good care of his only child.

His body has been deposited at the morgue of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTH), Ile-Ife. At Ikire, the body of a 30-

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

year-old man, Mr. Adekunle Monsuru Oni, was also found dangling from the ceiling.

Monsuru’s body was discovered by his wife, Monsura, who reported the incident to Ikire Divisional Police Officer Mr. Martins Bamigboye.

The DPO led his men to the scene and they deposited the body at the morgue of the state hospital in Ikire.

Police spokesperson Mrs. Folasade Odoro said the police would get to the root of both cases.

9

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013

NEWS Ikuforiji: Lagos is open to new ideas

Food prices rise in Akure

F

•US group, beauty queens visit Assembly

L

AGOS State House of Assembly Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji has said Lagos is open to new ideas.

Ikuforiji spoke in his office at the Assembly while hosting the Rotary International Foundation Study Exchange Group from Chicago.

He said: “We want to get it right here, so that others can copy us because this is where you have the highest concentration of blacks in the world and practically every family in the sub-region is represented here.”

The speaker urged the group to ignore negative news about Nigeria, adding that every country has its problems.

He said: “Like other developing countries in the world, we have our problems, but we are trying to get our acts together.”

The Majority Leader, Ajibayo Adeyeye, said the aspiration of the House is to be the first in all areas on the continent, adding that there are signs that democracy is finding its root in Nigeria.

The leader of the group, Osei Hutchson, said: “There is a lot of garbage about Nigeria out there and we are here to find out the real story from those who know.”

•Ikuforiji

By Oziegbe Okoeki, Staff Reporter

Other members of the group are Antwane Lee, Lolo Evans and Carl Anthony Bandy.

Their Nigerian counterparts are Lateef Atodu, Martins Olanrewaju, Ayaba Lawson and Kayode Ayeni.

Ikuforiji also hosted the 10 finalists of the Lagos State Miss. Carnival Beauty Pageant, 2013, led by Salau Titi, a Senior Tourism Officer at the Ministry of Tourism and Intergovernmental Affairs.

They observed the plenary session for two days.

The speaker urged the beauty queens to be good ambassadors of Lagos and decried the loss of values in the society.

He said: “Our value system has been turned upside down.

Everything now is about money and this will take us nowhere. We must go back to the value system we inherited, which includes good morals, godliness etc. We must reinvent our values.”

Ajimobi’s aide’s mum for burial

M

RS. Abiodun Iyabo Ologbenla, mother of one of the aides of Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi, Mr. Soji Ologbenla, will be buried tomorrow.

She died on February 23 in London.

The late Mrs. Ologbenla was born to the family of the late Mr. and Mrs. Afolabi Samuel James in Lagos. She

Oyo approves N1.3b for 43 roads

T

HE Oyo State Government has approved N1.3 billion for the repair of 43 roads.

It approved the supply of 50,000 units of furniture to public secondary schools.

They were approved at the State Executive Council meeting.

The supply of furniture is the second of five phases. In the first phase, 17,000 units of furniture were supplied.

Some of the roads will be rehabilitated through direct labour.

The government approved the construction and equipment of eight Physics, Chemistry and Biology laboratories in selected public secondary schools across the three zones.

It approved the promotion of some teachers as well as the employment of 110 education officers and 3,000 teachers.

It also okayed the distribution of free notebooks and textbooks in core subjects as well as instructional materials in schools.

The government approved the construction of neighbourhood markets at NITEL, Old Ife Road, Bode, Eleyele, Sango, Temidire and the Ibadan end of the LagosIbadan Expressway.

was a devout Christian.

The late Mrs. Ologbenla was educated in Lagos before she took up employment in various organisations. Her last employment was at Queen’s College, Yaba, Lagos.

She is survived by her husband, children and grandchildren.

OOD prices have increased in the last few days in Akure, the

Ondo State capital, owing to higher transportation cost.

The increase affects rice, wheat, beans, sugar, gari, tomato and pepper.

This has caused a fall in the demand for these items.

A trader, Mrs. Aderele Mohammed, attributed the price hike to higher cost of transporting goods to Akure.

She said: “The transporters’ excuse is that they spend a lot of money on fuel and they must increase their fares to remain in business.”

A bag of rice, which formerly sold for between N7,500 and N9,000, is now between N9,500 and N11,000, depending on the brand.

A congo, formerly sold for N250, is now N350.

Twenty litres of palm oil, formerly sold for N3,000, now sells for between N7,000 and N7,200. A tuber of yam that used to cost N200 now goes for between N300 and N450.

A congo of the Oloyin brand of beans that used to cost N200 sells for N350,

while the white beans now costs N250 as against N150.

A congo of wheat, which sold for N170, is now N220 and a bag of sugar that used to cost N8,000 now sells for N12,200.

Mrs. Alice Balogun, a trader, said the price of palm oil would likely drop in April.

She said the price of provision has not changed.

At Shasha Market, a basket of tomatoes that was formerly N2,000 is now between N5,000 and N7,500.

Mr. Philip Imode, a student of the Federal College of Agriculture, Akure, said things are no longer easy for residents, particularly students.

Miss. Abike Waheed, a student, urged the government to intervene.

Man dies in Ondo road crash

A

MAN simply identified as Alfa Kabiru yesterday died in a lone auto accident around First Bank in Alagbaka, Akure, the Ondo State capital.

The incident involved a truck, marked LAGOS FKJ

944 XA, said to be heading towards Abuja.

The truck had two occupants, the driver and the deceased, who was his assistant.

Eyewitnesses said the driver lost control of the truck owing to excessive

speed and the vehicle ran into a fence opposite Alagbaka Roundabout.

The injured driver was taken to the State Specialist Hospital, Akure and the remains of the deceased were deposited at the hospital’s mortuary.

Alaafin brokers peace in Oke-Ogun community

P

EACE has finally returned to Irawo in Atisbo Local Government Area of Oyo State, following the presentation of the Staff of Office to the new Ajoriwin of Irawo, Oba Musiliudeen Ademola Olalere, by the state government.

The intervention of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, in the crisis and the state government’s effort, restored peace to the town.

A dispute erupted in the community in 2011 after the demise of Oba Joseph Adegboye Aderinola II, when the search for his successor began.

The dispute, which resulted in the destruction of life and property, split the community into two (Irawoleile and Irawo-oke). Many residents relocated to other communities.

The Commissioner for Local Government and

•New Oba gets staff of office From Bode Durojaiye, Oyo

Chieftaincy Matters, Isaac Omodewu, who represented the governor, presented the Staff of Office to Oba Olalere.

Omodewu urged the people to be peaceful and support the new monarch.

The Alaafin, who is the permanent chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, recalled the bloody clashes in the community.

He described them as “a reckless carnage of no equal proportion in our modern history”.

Oba Adeyemi said: “Irawo has a chequered history as a settlement of the Alaafin.

The Ajoriwin shares the leadership of the traditional council in the area with the Onitede of Tede and the Aare of Ago-Are. You are all sons of Alaafin and under no circumstance should you take up arms against one another.

“As far as I am concerned, it was a needless war and could have been avoided, if the principal actors had heeded wise counsel. The war, fought on both the battle field and in the law court, ended on the same

note that you are one people and that Irawo is indivisible.”

He urged Oba Olalere to respect the position of the law on matters relating to his title and that of titles under him.

Oba Adeyemi warned him against reopening old wounds and gave the head of one of the ruling houses in the community (the Magaji of Edu) 48 hours to bring the insignia (traditional bangles and the leg chains) of the new Oba to his palace in Oyo town.

The coronation process is not complete until the bangles and leg chains are handed over to the new Oba.

THE NATION THURSDAY MARCH 7, 2013

10

NEWS Senate committee hails Uduaghan

T

HE Senate Committee on Education, led by Senator Uche Chukwumerije, has praised the achievements of the Delta State Government in basic and secondary education sector.

Chukwumerije said a tour of some model secondary and primary schools showed that a major transformation had been achieved by the Emmanuel Uduaghan-led administration.

The senator said reports by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and the State Primary Education Board (SUBEB) showed that the cooperation between the state and the Federal Government was producing good results.

Uduaghan said apart from free education at the primary, basic and secondary levels, scholarships for first-class university graduates and others were being executed to prepare the state for the future.

The governor announced that the access road to the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, would be built by the state.

Ijaw appeal to Oshiomhole

I

JAW communities in Edo State yesterday appealed to Governor Adams Oshiomhole to involve them in the governance of the state.

This followed the exclusion of an ijaw indigene on the list of commissionernominees sent to the House of Assembly for screening.

A statement by their leaders, Philip Mabiri and I. Ejemi, said they would no longer be an object of mock-

From Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin

ery in the state as they are being neglected and marginalised.

“The Ijaw view this act with disdain as we voted for the governor during the last election.

“We are Edo citizens and have worked hard across all levels without gratitude and the opportunity to move to the next level.”

Reps give Akunyili, others ultimatum for absconding with official vehicles

T

HE House of Representates has given former Information and Communications Minister, Prof. Dora Akunyili, a week ultimatum to return an official vehicle she failed to return to government after leaving office.

Two others who got a similar marching other are: former Minister of State in the Ministry of Information, Alhaji Ikra Bilbis and the Permanent Secretary, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Anthony Ozodinobi.

The duo also failed to return the Toyota Hillux double cabin pick-up vans assigned to them as official vehicles.

Already, the Public Ac-

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

counts Committee (PAC) has directed its secretariat to immediately forward covering letters to the affected persons.

According to the Committee Chairman, Solomon Adeola said yesterday the law would face its full course is the trio failed to comply with the directive.

The lawmakers said the affected persons would be dragged before the court and charged for stealing of government property in accordance with the law.

Mrs. Kehinde Ajoni, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, said the affected persons refused to

honour the directives sent to them to return the vehicles since 2010.

She was responding to queries raised against the ministry by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation.

According to her, past efforts made by her ministry to recover the vehicles had failed.

She said: “The only result we got was that Prof Akunyuli returned only one out of the two in her possession while Bilbis and Ozodinobi held on to the ones in their possessions without any response to the official letter written to them by the ministry.”

Besides, she explained that the five vehicles in question

were for the National Telephony project attached to the affected officials but discovered missing routine checks by auditors.

Adeola, who described the action as unacceptable, said: “They should all return the vehicles in question within one week, failing which they will be charged to court for stealing.

“The secretariat should write the three of them immediately to convey the decision of this Committee to them. The evidences before us have shown that several letters had been written to them on the need for them to return the vehicles which they ignored.”

ACN condemns lawmakers’ visit

T

HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Rivers State has condemned Monday’s solidarity visit to Governor Rotimi Amaechi by members of the state caucus in the House of Representatives.

It called on the lawmakers to apologise to the people for allegedly failing to represent them well in the National Assembly.

The ACN, through its Publicity Secretary, Jerry Needam, described the visit as uncalled for, unnecessary, sycophantic and ill-motivated.

L

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

“We are dismayed to note that the lawmakers are obsessed with positioning themselves in home matters, but are unconcerned about bringing federal presence to their various constituencies in the state.

“We view the activities of the lawmakers, who are mainly Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members, as act of showmanship, lack of vision and understanding of what their responsibilities are.”

Southwest PDP leaders okay interim body EADERS of the Peoples

Democratic Party (PDP) in the Southwest have endorsed the Chief Ishola Filani-led Caretaker Committee.

In a communiqué at the end of a meeting between the newly inaugurated caretaker committee and the chairmen at the party’s zonal office in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, the chairmen accepted the decision of the National Working Committee (NWC) to comply with the judgments of the court and pledged their loyalty to the National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur and the Filani-led committee.

They also hailed the emergence of Chief Tony Anenih and Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State as chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT) of the PDP and chairman of its Governors’ Forum.

The communique reads: “We accept the National Working Committee decision to comply with the order of the court by inaugurating the caretaker committee.

“We observe that the people of the Southwest have expressed their desire to return

to the mainstream.

“While affirming our belief in the leadership of our National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, we welcome the new BoT Chairman, Chief Anthony Anenih and Governor Godswill Akpabio, the first Chairman of PDP Governors Forum, and wish them a successful tenure of office “The meeting implores the national leadership of the party to accelerate the pace of development in the zone in order to provide opportunities for our teeming supporters.

“The meeting further notes the commendable response of our party leadership to the formation of a merger by opposition parties and urges our people to remain focused and committed to the ideals of the PDP. “Finally, we pledge our loyalty to the Chairman and the Caretaker Committee and reaffirm our commitment to work together and intensify our efforts to reinvigorate the growth of the party and return the Southwest to the mainstream of Nigerian politics.”

•Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole greeting the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Maj.-Gen Ahmed Tijani Jibrin, at the Government House, Benin….yesterday. With them is the Commander, 4 Brigade, Brig-Gen Pat Akem

Edo commissioner-nominee writes test COMMISSIONERnominee, Anena Jemitola, was yesterday subjected to a rigorous reading and spelling test during her screening by the Edo State House of Assembly Standing Committee on Rules, Business and Government.

She was asked to read a section of the 1999 Constitution and spell Philip Shaibu and Edo State House of Assembly.

Ms Jemitola was the only nominee made to face thorough screening as others were merely asked to take a bow and go.

The lawmakers made her take the test after they argued that the basic constitutional requirement to be appointed was the ability to read and write.

A

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

They quoted a section of the fifth schedule in response to a petitioner, Jimoh Lawal, who asked that Ms Jemitola should not be cleared for the post.

Lawal, who presented his petition to the committee, said there were discrepancies in what was contained in Ms Jemitola’s curriculum vitae and the results presented.

The petitioner described the results presented by Ms Jemitola as mere “testimonials and worthless papers.”

He opined that there was no examination body that conducted exam with the heading General Certificate of Examination but General Certificate of Education exam conducted by the West Africa

‘She has the minimum requirement to occupy the office. If your issues are based on forgery, it is another matter’ Examination Council (WAEC).

The Committee Chairman, Philip Shaibu, said they were guided by the constitutional provision and that they lacked the power to investigate the alleged certificate forgery claim.

He said: “She has the minimum requirement to occupy the office.

Delta Speaker faces contempt charge

S

PEAKER of the Delta State House of Assembly Victor Ochei is yet to declare the Ukwani Constituency seat vacant, despite a Federal High Court judgment.

The seat is presently occupied by Alphonsus Ojo, who was sacked by Justice C.M Olatoregun-Ishola of

From Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

the Federal High Court, Asaba.

Justice OlatoregunIshola, last Friday, ordered Ochei to declared Ojo’s seat vacant for leaving the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP) on September 28, last year to the People’s Demo-

cratic Party (PDP).

The judge said: “The third defendant is caught by the extant provision of Section 109 of the Constitution.

“I am under the mandatory obligation to declare his seat vacant.

“Consequently, the seat of the Ukwani Constituency has been declared va-

N500m for Bayelsa civil servants’ health insurance scheme

T

HE Bayelsa State Government has earmarked N500million for a health insurance scheme.

Governor Seriake Dickson announced this when he received the report of the State

Health Committee yesterday at the Government House, Yenagoa.

He said the scheme would cover all civil servants.

“This is a project that we are very passionate about and that is the state health

If your issues are based on forgery, it is another matter.”

But Lawal interjected: “There is no primary school certificate before the lawmakers and I have proven a case of dishonesty.”

Shaibu, however, said they would investigate the results and would not present the report of the screening during plenary session.

Governor Adams Oshiomhole has sent the name of Aihamwa Eregie to the lawmakers for screening and confirmation as a commissioner.

The Speaker, Uyi Igbe, who read the letter during plenary, told Eregie to present 30 copies of his CV to the screening committee.

insurance policy.

“I hope that your recommendations and findings in that regard are exhaustive but we intend to set up a technical committee to undertake the drafting of the legislation that will support

the health insurance scheme.

“We feel that we should not allow our people to bear the brunt of healthcare. It is never done in any decent society.

“Our people deserve government’s support in terms

of health care provisions.”

He said all civil servants are expected to pay a token, assuring that government’s contribution towards the scheme would ensure its sustainability.

cant.

“The Speaker has been ordered to declare the seat vacant. INEC should conduct another election.”

At yesterday’s sitting, the embattled lawmaker was present during the House Committee sitting to deliberate on the Vigilante Committee Bill.

Ojo told reporters that his lawyers will study the judgment before knowing the next line of action to take.

The lawmaker was first sworn in 2009 after a legal challenge against Nicholas Ochor Ochor but defected to DPP during the 2011 general elections.

Ochei could not be reached for comments.

11

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

Naira dips as CBN reduces dollar supply

T

HE naira depreciated for a second day, head ing for the biggest drop in a week, after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) reduced the amount of dollars sold at an auction yesterday.

The currency weakened 0.3 per cent, the most since February 27 on a closing basis, to N158.05 per dollar.

The CBN sold $150 million, down from $234.9 million at the previous sale on March 4, the apex bank said in an e-mailed statement.

The regulator holds dollar auctions on Mondays and Wednesdays to help manage the exchange rate. Oil companies, which sell dollars to lenders to meet local spending needs are the secondbiggest source of foreign currency.

“CBN’s level of intervention wasn’t enough to meet demand at the interbank market, as oil industry month-end sales have declined, after peaking on Monday,” Abubakar Mohammed, Chief Executive of Lagos-based Forward Marketing Bureau de Change Limited, said by phone yesterday.

The CBN held the benchmark interest rate at a record high 12 per cent for an eighth time on January 21 to control inflation and stabilise the naira. The nation’s inflation rate fell to 9 percent in January from 12 percent in December, the statistics bureau said February 18.

Yields on Nigeria’s $500 million of Eurobonds due January 2021 fell 18 basis points to 4.119 per cent yesterday.

Risk management could entail avoiding the risk completely, reducing the negative impact of the risk through risk mitigation actions, transfering or sharing the risks with other parties and retaining the risk; ie, accepting some or all the consequences of the risk and budgeting for it.

- Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, CBN Governor

Foreign interests in Stock Market falls to 56% T

HE proportion of for eign investors’ stakes on the Nigerian stock market has reduced to about 56 per cent of the market’s turnover as domestic investors increased their stakes in Nigerian equities.

Director General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Ms Arunma Oteh, gave the latest update on the proportionate control of foreign and domestic investors at the stock market yesterday in Lagos. She said the proportion of foreign investors’ portfolios on the stock market reduced from 70 per cent in recent period to 56 per cent presently.

According to her, the improving confidence in the Nigerian stock market by Nigerian investors has seen continuous decline in proportionate stakes of foreign

• Unclaimed dividends hit N60b

By Taofik Salako

investors from recent high of 80 per cent to 70 per cent and currently at about 56 per cent.

She noted that on the other hand, Nigerian investors have upped their stakes from 20 per cent to 30 per cent and currently, domestic investors account for 44 per cent of market turnover.

The DG said the Commission would be tougher in enforcing its rules and compliance on quoted companies and operators adding that it would build on the momentum already created with recent bold actions to sustain

market integrity.

Oteh decried the paucity of participation in collective investment schemes, pointing out that with a population of 167 million people, participation level of 168,000 people and funds under management of N103 billion were inappropriate.

She said SEC would focus on development of the collective investment scheme segment this year as a vehicle to minimize the risks of small and retail investors and afford them quality professional management of their investments.

Oteh noted that unclaimed dividend had rid-

den on the back of manual payment process to reach N60 billion in 2012 as against N42 billion recorded in 2011.

The DG said that the manual payment system, lack of investors’ education about capital market processes and the inadequacy in the postal system had enabled some unscrupulous corporate insiders to abuse dividend payment and build up unclaimed funds for their benefit.

She assured that the Commission would work to remove incentives that had fed the increase in unclaimed dividend.

Oteh outlined that the apex capital market regulator would focus on three key themes of innovation, financial inclusion and effectiveness in 2013.

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

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

RATES Inflation -11.7% Treasury Bills -7.08% Maximum lending -22.42% Prime lending -15.87% Savings rate -2% 91-day NTB -15% Time Deposit -5.49% MPR -12% Foreign Reserve $43.5b FOREX CFA -0.2958 EUR -206.9 £ -242.1 $ -156 ¥ -1.9179 SDR -238 RIYAL -40.472

• From left: Niger State Commissioner for Commerce and Cooperatives, Mallam Yahaya Dan-Sallau; Minister of Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga; and Ogun State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, during a stakeholders’ meeting on the National Enterprise Development Programme, in Abuja ...on Monday.

MTN Nigeria profit drops 6.2%

C

ONTRARY to previous years, MTN Group has said Nigeria negatively impacted the Group’s overall margin performance by 6.2 per cent, adding that the firm has enjoyed an improvement in the fourth quarter, which it expects to continue during 2013.

According to the telco’s results for the year ended 31, December 2012 released yeterday, total revenue grew by 7,1 per cent to R41,4 billion (about N716 billion) from R38,6 billion (about N668.1 billion) in the previous year.

“After a challenging year, Nigeria reported a decline in EBITDA of 6.2 per cent,” MTN lamented.

According to the figures, the growth was primarily driven by solid growth in data (excluding short message services or SMS) and airtime revenue, supported by subscriber growth. Data revenue increased by 37,6 per cent and contributed 15,5 per cent to

• Group revenue rises 7.1%

By Lucas Ajanaku

total revenue (excluding SMS).

Data revenue was boosted by the increase in data users to 13,4 million from 10,9 million, and 5,5 million smartphones on the network.

“Revenue for the year increased 10,9 per cent, with the majority of our operations delivering strong organic growth. Organic revenue growth for all operations excluding Nigeria increased 12,3 per cent. Despite a challenging period for Nigeria (revenue **-0.8 per cent) following significant tariff declines amid heightened competition, the last quarter of 2012 has delivered consistent month-onmonth growth, highlighting the strong underlying demand which we expect to continue in 2013,” the statement released by the telco stated.

Reacting to this develop-

ment, Corporate Services Executive at MTN Nigeria, Akinwale Goodluck, blamed the fall in financial contributions from the country, on the 30 per cent decrease in call tariff in the country occasioned by the display of “exhuberance by the operators” in the country.

According to him, the many freebies that were extended to the subscribers on the network in order to acquire more subscribers led to the erosion of value from the industry.

He commended the regulator of the industry, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for stepping in when it did to stop promotion and lotteries on the network, adding that MTN as a buisiness organisation, takes the interest of its customers seriously. “As a business, we have taken

steps to ensure that the interests of our subscribers are protected by not sacrificing quality service on the altar of customer acqusition,” he said.

That notwithstanding, Goodluck disclosed that about 13.1 billion Rand (around $1.583 billion) has been earmarked by the Group as capital expenditure (capex) for Nigeria. He said the figure is about 50 per cent of the Group’s total capex of 29 billion Rand (over $3 billion) for this year and it is the highest alocation in all its 22 countries of operation.

Next to MTN Nigeria in the capital expenditure allocation is South Africa followed

by Iran with 5 billion Rand and less than 2 billion Rand respectively.

Goodluck recalled that capex actually spent in Nigeria last year was $1.65 billion, adding that it comprised 2012 capex plus the balance of capex rolled over from 2011.

KEPCO pays $32.7m balance for DISCO From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

K

EPCO/NEDC Con sortium has crossed the hurdle by paying the $32.7million balance of the $131million they are required to pay for the 60 per cent equity for Ikeja Distribution Company. This is coming 15 days after it signed a share purchase agreement with the Federal Government on February 21.

A source, who spoke in confidence with The Nation, said the consortium made the payment to the Bureau of Public Enterprises on Monday.

Her words: “KEPCO/ NEDC Consortium has paid $32.7million being the 25 per cent balance of $131million they are to pay for 60 per cent equity for Ikeja Distribution Company. They paid to the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) on Monday.”

The IKeja DISCOs was among the firms that signed vesting contract agreements with the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Company Plc. The Federal Government also signed vesting contract agreements with the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Company Plc on February 21 at the Banquet Hall of the State House in Abuja.

Besides, Chairman National Council on Privatisation (NCP), Mr. Peterside Atedo on the occasion, recalled that to qualify for this signing ceremony, all preferred bidders had to post a bank guarantee for 15 per cent of the transaction value within 15 business day of notification from the BPE. He said it was confirmed and verified from the issuing banks that all the firms that signed had posted such bank guarantees.

Crown Agents, NEXIM Bank partner From Nduka Chiejina, (Assistant Editor)

I

NTERNATIONAL devel opment agency, Crown Agents has agreed to assist the Nigeria Export Import Bank (NEXIM) to build its capacities.

A statement from NEXIM Bank said the heads of both organisations met in Abuja yesterday, at which event, the Chief Executive of Crown Agents, Mr Terence Jagger offered to assist NEXIM Bank improve its physical infrastructure, as well as builda sound organisational, financial and legal structure for the institution.

The statement signed by Chinedu Moghalu, stated that “the Crown Agents has agreed to identify sources of financing for some of NEXIM projects targeted at increasing prosperity for sustainable development and growth through their partnership with funding organisations and clients.

12

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013

13

14

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013

15

16

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013

17

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013

INDUSTRY ‘Manufacturing records 7.7% growth’

T

HE manufacturing sector, which has been under intense pressure, seems to be bouncing back. In a report, the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said the sector, which declined to 6.3 per cent late last year has recorded growth of 7.7 per cent.

The NBS attributed the recovery to the slight improvements in power generation, as well as the declining effects of the fuel price increase.

Growth in the manufacturing sector is one of the indices of measuring economic development, and has partly led to creation of the global manufacturing competitiveness index.

The growth in the manufacturing sector of the Nigerian economy is seen as a positive signal for the economic development of the economy.

The bureau forecasts the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of 6.75 per cent in 2013, compared with a provisional 6.61 per cent in 2012, and 7.27 percent in 2014 while the International Monetory Fund (IMF) projects 6.7 per cent GDP growth this year.

The forecasts were informed by the bureau’s macro-econometric model, which is based on linkages between the real, financial and external sectors, and assumption of continuity of economic policy.

Commission seeks return of SON at ports

T

HE Independent Corrupt Practices and Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has asked the Federal Government to allow the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) return to the ports.

ICPC Chairman Mr Ekpo Nta said SON will ckeck the importation of sub-standard products if it returns to the port. He spoke when SON Director-General Dr Joseph Odumodu visited him.

Nta urged SON to set manufacturing standards for foreign companies planning to produce in the country, saying this would make it an offence for any firm to compromise on quality.

He said it had become imperative for stakeholders to work together to fight corruption.

Nta lamented the negative impact of sub-standard products on the domestic market where unbridled importation of pharmaceutical and

Stories by Toba Agboola

other health-related items have continued to cause premature deaths, diseases and losses.

He said the commission’s motive for going to the ports was in furtherance of its new drive to fight corruption through preventive approach.

A study of the ports, quarantine posts, immigration and other entry points into the domestic market, he said, would help to determine how substandard products are coming in and find ways of stopping the illegal practice.

Nta said: “What we cannot export to other countries, we keep in our shops.

“The concern you are raising today has actually come to us. Incidentally, I was in Calabar recently to attend the graduation ceremony of 69 Corruption Risk Assessors that

have been trained for the first time in this part of the world. I think we are the first country in the world to come up with such programme in collaboration with the UNDP. Other countries have requested to have the template.

“They have been given certification by the UNDP and they have been trained in looking at risk in all areas. And the very first assignment they are going to carry out is

‘SMEs need more training than finance’

H

OW can business success be measured? It is by the amount of finance available and level of training, says the Chairman of the Lagos State National Association of Small Scale In-

CPC gets new DG

T

HE Federal Government has appointed a new acting Director-General for the Consumer Protection Council (CPC). He is Mr Emmanuel Amlai.

According to a statement, he replaces Mrs Ify Umenyi, whose tenure has expired.

Mrs. Umenyi, while handing over to Amlai, who is the most senior director in the organisation, thanked the management and staff of the council for the cooperation and loyalty she enjoyed while piloting the affairs of the agency.

She expressed the hope that her successor would find the structures put in place by her administration useful in a renewed effort at taking the organisation to a higher level in the execution of its mandate.

According to her, “One of the greatest assets that will be inherited by the new administration in the council is the unwavering commitment of the workforce to the actualisation of the council’s mandate.”

Until his appointment, Amlai was the Director of Quality Assurance and Development. He was also a former Director, Surveillance and Enforcement.

Amlai, before joining the Council in 2001as a Deputy Director, had worked at top management level with Nigeria Asbestors Industry Limited and Supercor Industry Limited in Bauchi, the Bauchi State capital.

Meanwhile, the Council has bagged the Regulator of the Year 2012 Award of the Verbatim Magazine for its outstanding performance in the protection of consumer rights.

The award was conferred on the Council at an investiture at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.

•From left: Commissioner for Water Resources, Plateau State, Mallam Idi Waziri; Minister of Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga; DG, Industrial Training Fund(ITF), Alhaji Inuwa Abdulkadri and Area Manager, Mrs Lami Dakwak, during the inspection of the fund’s trainees’ products at ITF Centre, Jos.

Chamber pledges to grow non-oil trade by 30% T HE Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce (NACC) will soon unfold strategies to increase trade with the United States, its National President, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, has said. He also promised that NACC would grow the non-oil trade by about 30 per cent in 2015.

Ohuabunwa spoke at the Annual Dinner Dance of the group in Lagos.

He said: “There is no gainsaying that, we at NACC, remain resolute at creating an enabling environment for promoting cordial business relationship between businesses in Nigeria and the United States of America. We cannot but applaud President Obama’s valued focus on increasing trade ties and general economic development of sub-Saharan Africa.

“Our nation remains one of the leading suppliers of oil to the United States. It is not enough to stop there. We will not relent on pursuing expanded and positive

business opportunities that will benefit our dear countries and their citizenry. At the home front, we will continue to provide members with training, educational and robust networking opportunities, accumulate business and trade intelligence as well as other allied services about doing business in Nigeria and across the Atlantic.”

On the event, he said : “The Annual Dinner Dance has, therefore, brought us together once again with all intents and purposes to be truly memorable for all our members, friends and guests of the chambers.

“Apart from the huge networking opportunities it will provide, it is also a great re-union for our members to renew their commitment and foster a buy-in culture for the programmes and activities of the chambers noting that.

“It will interest you to know that

we are also raising funds for the chamber’s permanent secretariat, which is long overdue. Our overall intention is to promote a very vibrant chamber that actively engages all the relevant stakeholders for a win-win partnership not only in Lagos but across Nigeria. We cannot but deeply appreciate the Consulate and the US Mission in Nigeria for their support and cooperation as we embark on this journey of relevance.

The Consul-General of the United States in Nigeria, Mr Jeffrey Hawkins, who was represented by its deputy, Mr Fred Armand, said the US sees Nigeria as partners in business and leader in the sub-Saharan Africa.

“Therefore, there is need to deepen democracy in Nigeria by engaging the civil society group and politicians so that Nigeria can flourish in business and continue to play leadership role across Africa,” he said.

NACCIMA,Niger Republic boost bilateral trade

T

HE National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture of Nigeria (NACCIMA) and the Niger Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Cottage Industry have inaugurated the Nigeria-Niger Chamber of Commerce to promote bilateral relations.

According to the Chambers, the inauguration of the joint institutions

is aimed at enhancing bilateral trade, while serving as a vehicle for promoting cross border trade within the region.

In a communiqué issued at the end of the first General Assembly of the Nigeria-Niger Chamber of Commerce held under the aegis of the Nigeria-Niger Joint Commission for Co-operation in Kano, the Governor, Musa Kwankwaso urged

stakeholders of both countries to work in harmony in concretising business to enhance transactions between the two countries.

He commended the chambers for achieving the goals of the first trade and investment summit between Kano and the Republic of Niger held the previous year.

He noted that there were high expectations on the need for improved

a system study of selected Nigerian ports,” Nta said.

He explained that SON is one of those agencies the Commission would work with to see that any abuses in the import regime is identified and tackled.

“You can’t take any fruit into Israel or other countries, yet everything can come into my country.

This ugly trend cannot be allowed to continue,” he added.

bilateral trade between the countries.

NACCIMA’s President, Dr. Herbert Ajayi, expressed his satisfaction for the establishment of the Chamber, noting that the idea had been on the agenda of the commission for over 25 years.

He praised the stakeholders for their efforts to put in place the bilateral institution for the trade exchange.

By Ajose Sehindemi

dustrialists (NASSI), Mr Segun KutiGeorge.

He said for any Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to grow and survive, its sponsors and workers need knowledge, training and skills acquired from good trainers.

Kuti-George spoke at the end of a seminar/monthly meeting of the group, in Lagos.

He said the modalities of obtaining loans under the FirstBank and NASSI agreement was impressed on the NASSI members by officials of FirstBank, who conducted the seminar.

Kuti-George said the seminar aimed at shedding light on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between NASSSI and FirstBank. He said the training was imperative for SME operators who want to access the fund.

He said: ‘’The loan is not an end in itself, but meant for people and people need to have a clearer understanding of the loan before they can respond, which is what they have been clamouring for and not a question of accessing the fund but understanding the requirement of it.’’

He added: ‘’There is no amount as no pool of fund is kept somewhere, but there is three windows for fund; first is FirstBank window of loans not more than N5million for SMEs; second is NASSI window, where money we ask people to pay for form, will form a pool of fund and it also serve as a security for loan given out and third is government window that is vital as the Federal Government and various state’s government will be asked to counter-pact with First Bank on NASSI’s behalf’.

It should be recalled that in mid2012, First Bank entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), with NASSI, on providing single digit loan for SME’s across the country.

Guinness inaugurates water project in Delta

G

UINNESS Nigeria Plc has launched a water project in Oza Nogogo community in Agbor, Delta State.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr Seni Adetu, said: “We have been operating in Nigeria for over 40 years and as much as we run the business to deliver profit to our shareholders.

We strongly believe that it is also our responsibility to give back to the communities that has opened their arms to us in friendship and allowed us to do business.’’

In a statement, the monarch of the community, the Dein of Agbor, Dr. Benjamin Ikechukwu, thanked Guinness Nigeria for its support.

He implored the indigenes of Agbor community to maintain the facility that has been provided to them by the company, stating that after the inauguration, it was up to them to see that it lasts.

18

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013

19

COMMENTARY EDITORIALS

FROM OTHER LANDS

Clinton’s counsel Again, a foreigner tells us how we fritter away our treasure

T

HE reality that Nigeria is frittering away her oil revenues is obvious to all, even though our leaders have demonstrated a bewildering lack of capacity to halt the trend. In fact, the country’s leadership, over time, has been culpable in this act that has telling effects on infrastructure and the country’s wellbeing.

Ordinarily, there ought to be no need for a reminder on this ugly trend. But since we seem helpless about how to nip it in the bud, it would not be an intrusion if notable figures from around the world, where resources are better utilised for the greatest good of their citizens, come around and counsel us against such avoidable shortcomings.

There were several instances of such wake-up calls in the past. Prime Minister David Cameron and Baroness Lynda Chalker, among others, came to the country at one point or the other to avail us of the truth about how the nation has been mismanaging revenues from her great treasure: oil resources.

The latest of such advice came from Mr. Bill Clinton, former United States (US) President at the18th ThisDay Newspaper Awards that held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. “You haven’t done well with your oil money”, he said. Clinton’s reminder casts serious slur on the integrity of the country’s leaders; past and present, who have contributed to the squandering of the nation’s oil revenue.

Though such admonition is now a routine, it has gradually become an embar-

rassment because virtually everything that ought to be done, to correct this anomaly, has been left undone by those in authority. At the root of this revenue crisis is corruption, especially in very high quarters. The fuel subsidy scam has benefited unscrupulous elements in government as well as greedy independent oil marketers. Hundreds of billions of naira that could have been used to put the nation’s refineries in good condition have been siphoned under the guise of providing fuel subsidy to cushion the effects of avoidable refined fuel imports.

In recent past, several committees were set up by the House of Representatives and the government, which came up with damning reports regarding the charade called subsidy. Yet, the government continues to behave as if nothing is amiss.

Such official position would have been unnecessary if some people in the corridors of power are not benefiting from the scam.

This becomes sad in view of the grim reality that government has become helpless in arresting oil theft that is officially put at about 400,000 barrels of stolen crude every day. The figures could be higher because of the country’s poor record-keeping profile. The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) that is saddled with the management of the nation’s oil matters has become a cesspit of corruption and fraud; accountability and transparency are not in its hierarchy of priorities.

We demand to know from the nation’s leaders why oil that has been a blessing

to many endowed countries has turned to a curse for Nigeria. Several oil producing countries such as Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates, among others, have greatly deployed their oil proceeds to good use for the betterment of their country’s men and women, and to the admiration of the world. Sadly, the truth is that due to greed, oil has remained a problem to Nigeria when it ought to be a blessing.

Constant reminder of the nation’s mistakes such as Clinton’s is a reflection of abandonment of duty by the leaders.

Such admonition goes a long way in letting them know that the problems in the land are self inflicted and they require urgent remedy.

‘The latest of such advice came from Mr. Bill Clinton, former United States (US) President at the18th ThisDay Newspaper Awards that held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. “You haven’t done well with your oil money”, he said. Clinton’s reminder casts serious slur on the integrity of the country’s leaders; past and present, who have contributed to the squandering of the nation’s oil revenue’

Lagos slums Governor Fashola’s plan to redeem the city should be encouraged AGOS State is fast evolving into an exemplar in beautification. The mega-city state is the epitome of lush greenery of example being sought after by other states in the federation. But the menacing nuisance of slums and unkempt markets constitutes the greatest threat to its environment. These evolving slums have, over time, become a major challenge to successive administrations in the state.

The recent demolition of Maroko and some shanties in Iganmu-Alawo community of Apapa, and the closure of markets, including Ladipo Market, that are gradually becoming slums are eloquent testimonies to the fact that Governor Babatunde Fashola’s administration is not treating the matter with levity.

L

‘We have no doubt that if the current onslaught against slums is intensified, Lagos will become the preferred choice for investors because it is more economically vibrant and relatively secure. The reality is that slums should not be allowed to flourish in the centre of any state with a mega-city plan. Lagos should not be an exception to this rule’

Chief Lucas Medunoye, Baale of the demolished Iganmu Community, elevated sentiment by tracing the community’s creation to 1973 when the Federal Government relocated them, to give way to the building of the National Arts Theatre, Iganmu, without producing any document to back up such claim.

The Baale overtly accused the Federal Government of having contributed largely to the emergence of slums in Lagos.

That to us is appealing to emotion which should not be introduced into attempts being made to rid Lagos of slums.

For instance, attempts by the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment to halt the turning of Ladipo Market into a complete slum through closure have been given ethnic colouration. We deprecate such move as it is obvious that the market and others that suffered similar fate actually breached the state’s environmental and physical planning laws.

The way to move forward is for all to altruistically agree that the existing slums are high-risk zones without formal, or most times, with altered title deeds to both land and residence. They are hazardous sites that must be done away with. Hitherto, residential and market slums have become abodes of criminal activities, they contribute to infrastructural degradation or its outright deficit; poor sanitation and nest of contagious diseases, among other social malaise.

The Lagos case becomes a classic in the land because a recent study shows that not less than 600,000 persons annually migrate into the state from different

parts of the country and even beyond, thereby burdening the state’s infrastructure. For Lagos to make a sense out of its status as a mega-city state, there is need for its government to sustain its current efforts at tackling the slum problem.

From Ajegunle, Obalende, Shomolu, Odo Iya Alaro, Iba, Ipaja, Ikotun, Ijegun, Makoko, Maroko, Igando, Apapa, Oshodi and Iwaya, there are not less than 200 other slums requiring urgent attention.

We are aware of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) position which stipulates that by 2020, about 100 million global slum dwellers are expected to access functioning infrastructure, improved health care, potable water and good shelter.

The truth is that even the UN summation acknowledged that the slum phenomenon cuts across countries of the world. The trend is no respecter of even the developed countries as they equally have their fair share of slums. But any responsible government should take the best of initiatives to drastically reduce slums in its territory. This the Lagos State Government is doing through its comprehensive slum upgrade programmes administered effectively by its Ministry of the Environment.

We have no doubt that if the current onslaught against slums is intensified, Lagos will become the preferred choice for investors because it is more economically vibrant and secure . The reality is that slums should not be allowed to flourish in the centre of any state with a mega-city plan. Lagos should not be an exception to this rule.

Another round of sanctions on North Korea

C

HINA’s decision to join the United States in proposing tougher sanctions on North Korea is a welcome step. The new resolution, introduced at the United Nations on Tuesday, would seek to curtail North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs by making it more difficult for that country to move money around the world and explicitly banning the sale of items coveted by its elite, like yachts. It would also increase scrutiny of North Korea’s diplomats.

But there is no reason to believe that the sanctions resolution will persuade Pyongyang — which conducted its third nuclear test on Feb. 12 — to curb its nuclear weapons program. The international community has failed to devise a coherent policy that might reverse or even slow the North’s accelerating efforts to become a full-fledged nuclear state. President Obama’s efforts have been no more successful than those of President George W. Bush.

China, which has more trade and financial dealings with North Korea than anyone, has often protected its ally from the harshest sanctions. The new resolution will do little good if China does not enforce the penalties more effectively than it does now. Perhaps it will respond differently: North Korea humiliated China with the nuclear test, directly challenging the new Chinese leader, Xi Jinping.

North Korea has responded to the proposed sanctions with blustery threats to abrogate the Korean War armistice, cut off a hot line with the American military and strike the United States. The United States, South Korea and Japan, concerned about the North’s nuclear program, are expanding defense cooperation.

Creative thinking is needed to end these cycles of sanctions and threats. South Korea’s new president, Park Geun-hye, has signaled interest in trying to improve relations with the North, and on Tuesday, Secretary of State John Kerry said the administration remained open to dialogue. There should be another high-level attempt by the United States to make clear to North Korea the dangers of its current course and the benefits if it curbs its nuclear program.

In the meantime, China and the United States should be working covertly to disrupt the North’s nuclear program, as the Americans and Israelis did with Iran’s. Washington could invest more in Radio Free Asia to broaden its reach so more information could reach the North’s people. Dealing with North Korea has never been easy, but neglect certainly will not help contain its nuclear and missile capabilities.

- New York 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, MARCH 7, 2013

20

CARTOON & LETTERS

S

IR: It is no gainsaying that the administration of the incumbent chairman of Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area of Lagos State, Hon. Toba Oke, will be remembered for embarking on massive road rehabilitation. This issue was one of the cardinal promises he made to voters in the local government area during his campaign for the local government election that eventually brought him to power in October 2011.

However, residents of Oguns Street are yet to enjoy this important aspect of dividends of democracy as the ever busy street that links with Agbado Road from Iju Ishaga has consistently remained an eyesore and impassable to residents and road users during rainy season. This is due to total absence of gutter on the right and left side of the street.

The street that is wide enough to accommodate a good drainage system runs parallel to Iju-Ishaga/ Agbado Road between Toko-Taya and Olusesi bus-stops. It also links Aliyu Adeshina streets together at the tail end of Aliyu street while approaching Iju-Ishaga/Agbado Road from Balogun Bus-stop via

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

Open letter to Ifako-Ijaiye LG chairman Oguntade street.

Though several appeals were made to past chairmen for provision of drainage on the street since

the return to democratic governance at council level in Nigeria in 1999, all of these fell on deaf ears despite the fact that residents and business

owners on the street have remained good citizens by meeting up with their civic responsibilities through contribution to the internally gen-

Why Bauchi is model of executive/legislative harmony

S

IR: Even though it may be too early in the day to hazard a conclusion, Bauchi State may yet win a prize or trophy as a state where Executive/Legislative relationship has defied all odds to give birth to a child of harmony, peace and tranquillity. So far the relationship between the executive and the legislature is so cordial that the people of the state are wondering the magic behind that rapport.

Actually,there is nothing magical

about it. It is just a question of obeying the constitution and being transparent in handling the affairs of the state. Apart from obeying the constitutional provision regarding the function of the executive and the legislators,Governor Isa Yuguda has also brought a personal touch to bear on the Legislatures.

With the 31 members of the State Assembly comprising of 26 PDP and six CPC members, the state has witnessed stability and productiv-

ity.

Which ever side of the divide one belongs,the ultimate truth lie more with the unique leadership style of Governor Yuguda and the political skills and ability of the speaker Alh. Yahaya Miya in the coordination of the legislative affairs of the state.

Before the emergence of Alh. Yahaya Miya as the 11th speaker, the state assembly had passed through several speakers this in-

Still on Maku’s governance tour

S

IR: In the name undertaking tours and other ingenious devices, public office holders often empty the public coffers. It does not matter that for all intents and purposes, the tour has no direct, indirect, immediate or future relevance. It does not matter either if it is at the expense of basic infrastructure for the people. What matters most is what they stand to gain individually or collectively as we have witnessed in the character of many public office holders.

Though Nigerians have suffered for so long from the malaise, it appears the culture is not about to be retired.

A case in point is the round-thecountry good governance tour being undertaken by Minister of In-

erated revenue of the local government.

It is hoped that the administration of Hon. Oke will embark on provision of drainage on Oguns Street so as to prevent further hardship to the people. The rainy season is here and residents are already apprehensive because of the flood and the fact that the road is rendered impassable after each rain.

• Alhaji Mutiatu Olaideinde Oguns Street, Ifako-Ijaiye LGA Lagos State

formation, Labaran Maku alongside over 120 others. The absurdity of the whole exercise was recently brought to the fore when Edo state governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole told a bewildered audience in Benin City, the state capital, that the minister sent him a proposal to the effect that the state should bankroll the expenses incurred by the group on its cameo trip to the state.

As it is in Edo State, Nigerians, so it is in other states where the people are already aware of what their governments have done or failed to do in terms of good governance. Beyond the possibility of reaping substantial financial largesse from all the states toured, what other impact does Maku’s

good governance tour intend to have on the people?

Despite being harassed by debilitating challenges, Nigerians have not lost sight of the fact that Maku is a federal subject on a federal mission. They are aware that the mission cannot be of any more benefit to the states other than for the federal government using it as a publicity stunt for its vaunted transformation agenda. The federal government is not known to undertake altruistic projects; certainly not for states governed by opposition parties. Nigerians are therefore wondering why it is not only undertaking this unnecessary tour but also coercing the states to fund it.

Maku ought to have answered

this question first before sending funding proposals to state governments.

It is no surprise that Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka expressed profound happiness that Comrade Oshiomhole dismissed Maku and his good governance funding proposals. The time has come for public office holders to stop being frivolous in the manner they handle public funds. The Oshiomhole example is heartwarming and Nigerians expect other state governors who have not swallowed the good governance bait to distance themselves from committing their state resources to fund it.

• Ernest Omoarelojie, Benin City

cludes; Alh. Maigeri Yerima Bappah 1979-1983; Alh. Garba Norma 1983-Dec.1983; Alh. Yau Nababa and Barr. Ahmed Almustapha 1992-1993; while Rt. Hon. Bappah Haruna Desiena was speaker in 1999-2003; Hon. Auwal Jatto and Tanko Jalam served from 2003-2007; Haliru Jika,Babayo Garba Gamawa and Ahmed Ibrahim Faggo from 2007-2011 and now Alh. Yahaya Miya 2011-till date.

But before the election of Alh. Yahaya Miya as speaker,the leadership was usually foisted on lawmakers by the strong men in the state in collaboration with the cabal in the ruling party.The House was consequently under remote control as godfathers called shorts from the outside.

However,for the first time, the state assembly was left alone to freely chose its leadership without interference from the executive.

Today, Miya’s sterling leadership qualities has provided an essential stability in the House and has greatly helped deepen and strengthen our democracy. His wisdom,fairness and dedication to duty have earned the respect and confidence of all of his colleague and the executive.

• John Akevi, Nitel Qters. Bauchi.

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013

21

COMMENTS

ACN governors and infrastructural development

I

F a foreigner were to come to Nigeria and wonders how to identify which party is in government in any state in Nigeria, the best information to be given to him would be watch out for road construction, drainages, youths mobilization as a distinct mark of ACN administration in the states under the party’s control.

This distinction began in Lagos first with Governor Bola Tinubu and further dramatised by the stupendous efforts at the reconstruction of the state by Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola. His example has now become a yardstick of measuring performance of ACN administered states.

In this regard, the whole sale reconstruction of city roads in Ado-Ekiti and Ibadan is a miracle to behold. I went to primary and secondary school in Ado-Ekiti many years ago and now, I am a regular visitor to the city, the Kayode Fayemi administration has so much changed the face of the city that I can no longer recognize anywhere unless I am told where I am.

The crisscrossing of the city by dualised roads has definitely given Ado-Ekiti the much desired appearance of a capital city. What the city needs is for individuals especially those whose houses border on the highways to rise to the occasion and give their homes face-lift so as to synergize with the newly constructed roads of the city.

Ado-Ekiti is much smaller than Ibadan. Ibadan is definitely the largest city in tropical Africa even though through manipulation of figures by the National Census Board, we are now told Ibadan is the third largest city coming after Lagos and Kano. I totally reject this claim on the grounds that there has been no epidemic that has wiped out people of Ibadan and that the population of

‘A country or state that is not in permanent motion is a dead country or state. Transportation is key to economic development and once the ACN states complete their transportation revolution, rapid economic development is bound to follow’

I

T is painful when we lose our loved ones. We mourn; we weep, but in our hour of bereavement, we are consoled by the fact that at least, we know that they are dead. We also know where their remains are buried and can visit their graves, if we so wish. But the reverse is the case if a loved one goes missing.

The pain becomes skin deep because we long to see such a person, but don’t know where to look. In our waking and sleeping, one question keeps nagging at our minds : where can this person be? Is he dead or alive?

This is a question that can drive people crazy because of the pain they feel inside. I can only imagine what people who have had this kind of experience would have gone through because it is just inexplicable.

How do you explain it that a grown man just stepped out of his house and never returned.

Is it ordinary for such a thing to happen or is there a sinister motive behind it? In a society where we believe that things just don’t happen but are propelled by certain esoteric forces, it becomes harder to explain. We are ready to make allowances when children disappear.

We try to rationalise such disappearance as one of those things that the youth engage in.

“He will soon return home”, sympathisers will tell the family, until it becomes crystal clear that he may never return after a long futile search for him. Is it possible for a man to leave home and decide never to return?

What could have pushed him to take such action? Is it marital problem? Is it poverty or inability to discharge his responsibility as head of family? Is it because of a terminal ailment? We could go on and on because it is a mys-

the city could not have contracted dramatically the way the National Census Board claims; that is of course another issue for another day.

Governor Abiola Ajimobi has done what nobody believes could have been done to bring Ibadan, a largely traditional African city to modernity. He has removed or he is removing all the shanties that constitute an eye-sore to every visitor to Ibadan. If the Governor can finish all the projects that he has embarked on in modernising the city, his name would go down in history along with those of Lagelu, Oluyole, Ogunmola and Latoisa as the builders of Ibadan. I cannot but celebrate Ajimobi because Ibadan is my second home. I completed my secondary school in Ibadan and I am an alumnus of the University of Ibadan and I reside in Ibadan, so, I am an Ibadan man by any definition and I should therefore be happy if Ibadan is doing well just as I am very happy that Ado-Ekiti, the capital city of my home state is doing well.

It is not Ado-Ekiti alone that is being opened up by Fayemi, every part of Ekiti is feeling this infrastructural revolution.

The road linking my home town of Okemesi with other towns through Ita-Awure was abandoned for more than a decade but it has now been reconstructed and opened up to traffic. Okemesi is a border town and according to Prof.

Anthony Asiwaju, my colleague at University of Lagos, all border lands whether of state or country should be given special preference and attention in order to encourage the feeling of patriotism and loyalty so as to avoid developing a feeling of separation, alienation and attraction towards their neighbours on the other side of the boundary.

I think Prof. Asiwaju’s theory is correct and my governor has done something about the apparent neglect of border towns in our state. What is good for Okemesi will be good for Moba LGA, Effon- Alaaye and Omuo. But in the meantime, all praise should go to our amiable and indefatigable governor.

In 1967, I was a graduate student in Canada and one of my professors, one Professor Farley was coming to Nigeria for a conference at the University of Ibadan, I decided to send him to my folks in Nigeria and on his return, I wanted to find out his impression, he did not think twice before telling me that Ibadan was the biggest slum that he had ever seen!

Ajimobi’s efforts in Ibadan would change the face of Ibadan forever and I pray that he would have the resources to complete the Ibadan road revolution he has embarked upon.

When one looks at what is going on particularly in Ekiti, Oyo, Edo, Osun and Ogun states, the question one asks him-

self is whether there were no governments before the advent of these ACN governors. It is like foundational infrastructure is newly being built and I hope our people would be sensible enough to continue to elect and elect these governors Jide who having put Osuntokun their hands on the plough would not look back until the work of development is done. Our people should realize that you cannot make an omelette without breaking eggs. In the process of urban renewal, some properties would necessarily have to be pulled down. We should not whine and complain too much because government is only seeking the greater good of all.

Alfred Graf Von Schlieffen, Field Marshal and Chief of Staff of the Imperial German Army in the 19th century developed a defense strategy which envisaged the possibility of Germany being attacked from the East and the West and in readiness, instigated the construction of fast-moving railway lines and roads to move troops back and forth from warfronts in the East and the West so that once an enemy is knocked out in either direction, troops could be moved to where they are needed. Adolf Hitler, the German Chancellor (1933 – 1945) added the building of autobahnen (express roads) to the Schlieffen plan.

In war time, the efficient transportation network was remarkably decisive.

After the collapse of Germany in 1945, this efficient network of transportation grid and German ingenuity proved decisive in what the Germans called “wirtschaftswunder” (economic miracle) of the German recovery. A country or state that is not in permanent motion is a dead country or state. Transportation is key to economic development and once the ACN states complete their transportation revolution, rapid economic development is bound to follow.

Yoruba land ko ni baje; o baje ti ! Nigeria ko ni baje o; o baje ti !

Will they ever be found? tery yet to be unravelled.

It is a mystery because as those considered to be frustrated with life disappear, so do those believed to have no woory in life.

So how do we explain the disappearance of a man satisfied with life? Is it that he just became suddenly frustrated and decided to end it all? Yes, some may have planned their disappearance, but I believe that many would not have wished to vanish into thin air just like that if they could help it. If that is the case, where could these people be? Have they been killed? Were they used for money rituals? It is hard to say what has become of these people, but are the security operatives up and doing in finding them?

The police may have hit a brick wall in their investigation, but these are not cases which files should be closed just like that.

They should not be treated as open and close cases. They are matters that should be kept in

• Uwerhiavwe

view because we don’t know when the break that will give the police the desired lead will come.

In the past few years, many Nigerians have disappeared; some prominent and some not so prominent. On Tuesday, this paper carried the story of a Army lance corporal, who disappeared about 30 years ago.

Lance Corporal Fredrick Uwerhiavwe left home on a fateful day in January 1983 and never returned. His family is looking for him till today. His wife said she went looking for him at work at the 1 Infantry Division of the Nigerian Army in Kaduna, but rather than assist the poor woman in her search, she was reportedly ejected from their quarters. Since then, we have heard about other disappearances. Razak Gawat, a television presenter, went missing last year. So were Aminat Saibu,15 and Olaide Shittu, 38. hirty years is a long time for a person to be missing. By now, you will say the family should be coming to terms with the reaslity of this fact. It is not that easy because Uwerhiavwe disappeared when it seemed there was nobody to ask questions about his disappearance. His children were small then. There was nothing the little brats could have done except to bid their time. The time, to them, has become ripe to

T

demand what happened to their father from his employers. I pray the Army will cooperate with them. A man, the Yoruba say, does not ask for what killed his father until he is strong enough to do so.

It is a good thing that Uwerhiavwe’s children have launched a search for their father, because no matter what, they deserve to know what happened to him 30 years ago when he told his wife that he was going to work. Did he get to work? If he did, was he involved in an accident? What happened to him in the accident? Doesn’t his family deserve to know if anything untoward happened to him? Thirty years after his disappearance, we ought to help his family members answer these questions and more in order to help them overcome this trauma. While at that, the police should step up investigation into the other cases too.

READERS’ TURN RE : Before Maina is sacrificed Can the press tell us that it has investigated all the claims by Maina and where the recovered pension funds are being kept?

FROM : 08094431394.

The piece was awesome. Now, I am convinced that we still have objective people in this nation.

FROM : 08069401317.

A preliminary report of the task

‘Many would not have wished to vanish into thin air just like that if they could help it. If that is the case, where could these people be?‘

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

team was presented to the Economic Management Team on October 23, last year. We, however, await the court to interpret the legality of the Senate’s action against Maina. Why couldn’t the Senate wait for the task team to finish its job before embarking on the Upper Chamber’s so-called investigation? FROM : 07026340888.

It was a touching piece. Poor Maina! Or is it youthful exuberance or poor sense of history that has brought him all this trouble? He should just have submitted his report quietly without opening his mouth too wide in self-glorification, knowing that no panel report, no matter how important to the public has ever seen the light of day in this country! As things have turned out, we may never know the truth, yet our senior citizens are suffering as they cannot access their pension after retirement. FROM : Pensioner, 08059932631.

What is clear is that it is impossible to fight corruption and win under the existing social system.

This is because the system protects the corrupt in high places. The way out is to change the social system.

Which class will undertake the task? The exploited? FROM : Amos Ejimonye, Kaduna, 08039727512

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013

22

COMMENTS

P

DP zero-sum struggle for power without responsibility has begun in earnest. The battle line as it was in 2010 is once again between President Goodluck Jonathan and the northern political class whose current public face is Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State.

Jonathan who has now come of age has taken the battle directly to his political adversaries.

The chairmanship of Nigerian Ports Authority and that of Board of Trustees of the PDP (BoT) considered critical for electoral funding and victory have both been ceded to 80 years old Tony Anenih, the celebrated ‘fixer’. The president has in his pocket, Bamanga Tukur, who is as ruthless as other past PDP chairmen such as Ahmadu Alli whose son like his was involved in alleged fuel importation scam, Prince Vincent Ogbuluafor, taken to court by Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for aiding three bogus companies who claimed to have executed jobs worth over N2.2billion’, and Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo.

Tukur has also effortlessly caged Jonathan political enemies in the South-west, neutralized the influence of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) headed by Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State and installed Godswill Akpabio of Akwan Ibom as the chairman of newly formed PDP Governors parallel forum.

The president has ignored the claim by Governor Aliyu, the chairman of the Northern Governors Forum that he signed a document with the northern governors back in 2010, to the effect that he would do only one term. Dr Doyin Okupe the president’s spokesman has however dismissed Babangida’s claim as diversionary. He says the president considers such claim as “an invidious attempt to sway him from his chosen pursuit of the set out constituents of the transformation agenda which form the basis upon which Nigerians overwhelmingly elected him to steer the ship

‘The president is aware of the international community’s warning of possible collapse of the Nigerian economy in the next three years with the dwindling oil fortunes arising from US drive for self-sufficiency in energy coupled with the massive corruption of Nigerian ruling class’

I

READ a couple of newspaper reports including a piece in The Nation early in the week that left me wondering about the future and the quality of our politics. The more I have tried to shrug it off, the more my mind has continued to insist it is one occasion that silence can’t be seen to be golden.

Sadly, it is the president saddled with responsibility of governing Nigeria and taking her to the land of promise who is at the centre of it all. Of course his war, if it is real, is allegedly against those that the loquacious governor of Akwa Ibom State refers to as Judases within the governors’ forum. I will come back to this later.

The press has even quoted the President as saying he does not want to work with Amaechi. This is in addition to other emotional remarks that I have no intention to reproduce.

As Nigerians follow unfolding developments - the move to remove Amaechi as the head of the Governors Forum, the invitation of PDP governors to the Presidency and the emergence of what is today seen as the PDP Governors Forum - one is at a loss to understand why there is a deliberate attempt to personify what in real terms is obviously the existence of differences between the Federal Government and the States.

Why is Amaechi the target? What has he done? Why is there a desperate effort to pull him down, using all kinds of strategies as well as the famed EFCC? Amaechi for those who know him is blunt.

He is a man who says it as he sees and that is why what he utters resonates. He is not one to treat any one with disrespect.

Jonathan may be at the helm of affairs, but this doesn’t in the main suggest he is the government of the Federal Republic or that any attempt to restructure the administrative, political or social structures of state amounts to an affront too.

Amaechi as chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum may have spoken severally

What Nigerians demand of Jonathan and PDP of the nation in 2011.” Whatever that means.

But the president’s wife not known for any form of obfuscation has along with other PDP women of goodwill started to count the chicks before the eggs are hatched. For Patience Jonathan, ‘100 opposition cannot defeat PDP’. And as for the PDP Women Leader, Kema Chikwe, her group she says “is confident that when President Jonathan returns in 2015, women would be talking about 50 per cent, no longer 35 per cent affirmative action”.

Indeed, other Jonathan strategists have moved beyond whether Jonathan would run or not .They have plotted how he would effortlessly capture 11 of the 19 states in the north and five of Southeast and six of South-south.

Now that we have been told our input may not count for much in President Jonathan’s return to Aso rock in 2015, we can at least remind him of other pending issues beside his uncompleted ‘transformation agenda’ Dr. Okupe so romantically talked about.

May we remind the president that in spite of his chest-beating about achievement on electricity, 150m Nigerians still have to ration 4,600MW after PDP’s 13 years in power and frittering away of close to $20b compared to 150,000MW South Africa generates for her 35m population.

That our roads are in worse state of disrepair than PDP met them 13 years ago. (Governor Fashola of Lagos only last week threw a challenge at the federal government to identify a 100 kilometre road they have completed anywhere in the country this past 13 years.)

But far more than decay in infrastructure, the president is aware of the international community’s warning of possible collapse of the Nigerian economy in the next three

years with the dwindling oil fortunes arising from US drive for self-sufficiency in energy coupled with the massive corruption of Nigerian ruling class. This was long before the recent ACN alert.

We may also wish to remind the president that even if he and the PDP do not give a damn about Nigerians who they assume suffer from collective amnesia, they can on account of Nigerians having become the butt of expensive jokes by players in the international community such as David Cameron, Prime Minister of Britain and Bill Clinton, former US President who literarily told Jonathan to his face that Nigerian ruling class are thieves, to revisit the following outstanding issues before his foreclosed return to Aso rock in 2015.

On the Lawan Farouk House committee report of alleged theft of N1.7trillion by fuel importers, Okupe had said we should praise the president for insisting the son of his party chairman fingered in the scam faces the law.

Today while he and his accomplices are flying around the world, Nigerian SANs and judges have told us they are busy discussing ‘plea bargaining’ on their behalf in absentia.

We may need to remind the president that his Ribadu Petroleum Revenue Special Task Force discovered N10 trillion was lost to crude oil theft, from a yearly loss of 250,000 barrels per day or N1 trillion yearly. But Shell Nigeria’s Managing Director Mutiu Sunmonu said only on Monday that “The volume stolen, today, including over 60,000 barrels per day from Shell alone, is the highest in the last three years.” He did not forget to add the obvious: that government should confront the big men behind oil theft. In

PDP choristers and the nation

By Ogbonna Nwuke on a number of national issues. I think there is need to differentiate between what he says as chairman of forum and what he says as governor of Rivers State.

Most of the comments for which he has apparently been placed on the slaughter slab are decisions reached by the governors forum and no governor has said to the knowledge of Nigerians that those views are Amaechi’s.

The Presidency however, has a grouse against Amaechi for privately addressing his own people over the row between Bayelsa and Rivers States in the wake of the sudden take over of oil wells belonging to the Rivers people.

What would he have done? Keep quiet and be loyal whilst that which belongs to Rivers people is taken away with impunity and given to their neighbor under the watch of this president? Given the history of past attempts to snatch those oil wells, can the president ever imagine his name would not be linked to it?

Is it possible to imagine that the Vice President who presides over boundary adjustment matters could have acted without briefing the president? When did the bugging of our public functionaries become the norm?

George Owen warned of the intrusion into man’s life of Uncle Sam. It does appear for Nigeria those days are here.

For me, the points at issue are very clear.

They are issues of state that require reason to deal with. They are not issues for the sledge hammer and certainly not issues that should be left to sugar-tongued sycophants.

Let us take the issues one by one. Every one agrees there are serious defects in what we have come to inherit as our brand of a federalist state. Many equally agree that there

is a need to redefine the relationship between the federal government and the states as well as the relationship between the ethnic nations whose consent the nation needs to thrive.

These internal contradictions, including how revenue accruing to the nation should be shared, who should control what and how power should be shared has led to years of agitation for a sovereign national conference.

Some of these issues explain why on the floor of the National Assembly, moderates who believe such a conference is not necessary at this time are calling for constitutional amendments.

Viewed from this perspective, it is clear to a great number of Nigerians that what the governors seek as much as possible is to mobilize public opinion in favour of changes that might cure the ailments introduced by the imbalances that threaten our federation.

There may exist differences on the political level over who should lead when 2015 comes, especially given the power rotation clause that is embedded in our constitution. This shouldn’t generate the kind of furor and bad blood that we are witnessing.

I have always wondered why those who seek to lead us at the highest level fall prey to primitive instincts, why more often than not they demonstrate how very little they have learned to exhibit maturity.

Nobody packs the kind of punch that the US president carries about and around him. He is the world’s strongest man and the controller of an arsenal that should naturally ward off opponents at home, not to talk of abroad.

We all watched the US elections and the extent the opposition went to deride President Barak Obama. Obama took all kinds of knocks, including personal insults from Republicans and their allies. But he kept his cool and remained presidential until the very

2011, Nigeria lost $7b to oil theft.

The same Ribadu Committee reported that N178 billion worth of refined petroleum products was stolen from the pipelines, through vandalism orchestrated by thieves. That has continued unabated even with the substitution of our ill-equipped naval men with companies owned by repentant militants that have secured mouth-watering contracts. Shell claims it spent $1.1m to repair damaged pipes in Nembe Creek in 2012.

We have also only seen cosmetic changes in NNPC which the report claims incurred $5 billion (N785 billion) short-payment from sale of domestic crude and recorded a deficit of N298 billion from the accounts of its 16 subsidiaries.

The report has more. $183 million (N28.7 billion) remained outstanding from signature bonuses.

And still outstanding is Oby Ezekwesili’s recent claim that the regimes of late President Umaru Yar’Adua and that of President Jonathan squandered $67bn from the country’s foreign reserve.

In spite of Okupe’s wild claim that it was an attempt to bring the Jonathan administration down, Nigerians believe Ezekwesili’s challenge for a debate is a step in the right direction.

Nigerians are also interested in knowing the number of aircrafts and helicopters President Jonathan intend to add to his current fleet of 10 since 2015 is settled. Sahara Reporters had alleged in its edition of December 5, 2012 that while most major countries in Europe and Asia maintain mostly two aircraft in their presidential fleet, the Jonathan-led administration spends estimated N9.08bn annually on 10 Presidential jets.

And finally, I also think Nigerians will also want the president and PDP to give account of all recovered loots from their indicted party members and sympathizers. This is in view of the claim of an Anti-Corruption Network that the N191bn assets seized from the Managing Director of the defunct Oceanic Bank Plc, Cecilia Ibru cannot be accounted for. According to them, their “investigation and physical visits to some of the properties in the United States and United Kingdom revealed that some of the properties claimed to have been forfeited are still in her custody directly or indirectly.”

Perhaps our story would have been different if only President Jonathan and PDP had dedicated half of the energy currently deployed towards how to share spoils of office comes 2015 to serving Nigerians like Obafemi Awolowo and his AG party once did for the West and Ahmadu Bello and his NPCparty replicated in the North in the 1960s.

The above few demands therefore, contrary to the conclusion Okupe will most predictably reach, are not designed to bring down PDP and Jonathan administration we are told is already destined to return to power in spite of 13 years dismal record, but to aid those who have started to question the sanity of Nigerians.

end. That’s what leadership is all about - the ability to control self, the ability to lead by example and demonstrate that the frontiers of free speech and indeed democratic ideals can be extended for the benefit of society.

It is saddening that in our setting, the issue of political succession has become the source of growing tension within the polity, to the extent that a serving governor can afford to describe his colleagues as Judases.

His comments remind of the Crucible and the excesses of the puritan fathers whose holier than thou attitude shook the very foundation of American society years ago.

I refuse to believe that President Jonathan could have said publicly that he has no desire to work with Amaechi. That would be rather unprecedented and unpresidential, if you ask me.

For the avoidance of doubt and without joining the ranks of those regarded as being insolent, especially to the President, Amaechi was elected to work for Rivers people and their interests and not the president’s.

What Rivers people look forward to is performance or what as a nation we have come to see as the dividend of democracy. And the records show Amaechi has done that to the glory of God. • Hon Nwuke is member, House of Representatives

‘I have always wondered why those who seek to lead us at the highest level fall prey to primitive instincts, why more often than not they demonstrate how very little they have learned to exhibit maturity’

25

THE NATION

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

THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013

INSIDE

Namibian wins debate at OBJ Library

email:- education@thenationonlineng.com

After graduation comes the mandatory one-year National Youth Service. It used to be that simple. It is no longer so because of a policy that graduates must produce their Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) number before they get their call-up letters.

Those who could not produce the letters have missed being part of the first batch of the 2013 service year which opened nationwide on Tuesday.

SPEAKING during a debate one is prepared for is challenging. Being told what side to argue for at the last moment is another ball game.

-Page 27

Unemployed grads develop e-UTME software

CANDIDATES who have chosen the Computer-Based Test (CBT) option for the 2013 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) can prepare better with a new software which its creators have promised would improve their computer skills and test their knowledge.

-Page 40

CAMPUS LIFE •An eight-page section on campus news, people etc

Who killed them?

IT was meant to be peaceful protest to draw attention to their plight, but it turned out bloody. Students of Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK) took to the streets last Monday, protesting water shortage on their campus. As they were marching round town, the unexpected happened. Shots rang out from nowhere. There was pandemonium. By the time the dust settled, three students lay dead.

-Page 29

• Graduates queue for their call-up letters at UNICAL

Hurdle before prospective Corps members F

OR many graduates, there is still an hurdle to clear before being allowed to participate in the mandatory one-year National Youth Service. It is not enough that they passed through the university, polytechnic or any other corps producing institutions (CPIs); they must show evidence that they have authentic registration numbers from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

With the introduction of this policy, many graduates were not mobilised for the Batch A NYSC, which took off nationwide on Tuesday.

Only those with JAMB’s authentic registration number, which is evidence that they were admitted after passing the board's Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), were mobilised for the exercise.

Those whose names appeared on the NYSC call-up list pasted on the notice boards of universities, polytechnics and other CPIs were simply lucky. Others whose names were on the error lists - who either

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie, Adegunle Olugbamila, Medinat Kanabe, Sampson Unamka, Bukola Amusan (Abuja), Osagie Otabor (Benin), Sulaiman Salawudeen (Ado-Ekiti), Nwanosike Onu (Awka), Nicholas Kalu (Calabar).

had problems relating to their UTME registration numbers or names, or others they could not identify - coughed out various sums, which on the average was N5,000, before they could be mobilised.

Many are complaining that the fee is too high.

NYSC Director-General Brig. General Nnamdi Okorie-Affia said the policy was introduced to ensure that only graduates, who passed through duly accredited, full-time courses in higher institutions, are mobilised for the 2013 Batch 'A' scheme.

Gen Okorie-Affia said any prospective corps member, whose admission status is not known to JAMB, which organises the UTME, would be deemed to have been im-

Schools

Amount charged

Rivers State polytechnic Lagos State University (LASU) University of Lagos (UNILAG) Covenant University, Ota Federal University of Technology Owerri NnamdiAzikiwe University, Awka Rivers State University of Education Kogi State University University of Maiduguri UNICAL Kwara State Polytechnic Ekiti State University Yabatech Auchi Polytechnic Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti UsmanuDanfidio University, Sokoto properly admitted. The policy, he said, would also check the practice of tertiary institutions admitting students beyond the stipulated quotas.

NYSC, he said, has started collaborating with relevant regulatory bodies of CPIs, such as the National Universities Commission (NUC) for universities and degree-awarding institutions, and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE)for monotechnics/ polytechnics and the JAMB. He said: "Accordingly, the data of all prospective corps members, as submitted for mobilisation by their respective institutions, are subjected to screening for conformity with

4, 500 nil 5, 000 nil 5, 300 nil 5, 200 5, 000 nil nil 5, 000 5, 000 5, 150 4, 600 5, 000 5, 000

the requirements of these regulatory/examination bodies.

"In this regard, all prospective corps members whose admissions are not known to JAMB will be deemed to be improperly admitted. The admission status of such students will require the affected CPIs to regularise same with JAMB. Similarly, all CPIs have been advised to abide by the extant admission quota approved by NUC and NBTE respectively in making submission for mobilisation.

"Any submission in excess of quotas approved will not be ac• Continued on page 26

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013

26

EDUCATION

The benefits of projects' monitoring

O

VER the years, several projects in the basic education sub-sector of the nation have been abandoned due to the absence of political will and the required high level supervision to drive government officials, contractors and consultants to deliver on their respective assignments.

As at 2011, all across the Federal Unity Colleges and other basic education institutions in the country, several uncompleted and some abandoned projects greeted visitors to these institutions of learning.

More than anything else, these uncompleted and abandoned facilities formed the premise of the criticisms and deep seated loss of confidence in the basic education set up of the nation.

At the inception of his stewardship, Minister of State for Education Ezenwo Nyesom Wike committed himself to changing the face of the sector and ensuring that the Federal Government's goal of increasing access to quality education for Nigerian children is realised.

To achieve the fundamental objective of the administration, the minister right from the beginning de-

By Simeon Nwakaudu

clared that he would not be an armchair minister who sits in the office to receive reports without personally supervising and monitoring the implementation of projects on the field.

The first leg of on-the-field inspection and monitoring of projects across the six geo-political zones of the federation led to the discovery that the numerous uncompleted projects in the Federal Unity Colleges were due to the budgetary formula previously adopted, which led to piecemeal execution of projects. This conclusion was reaffirmed by the needs assessment committees set up by the minister of state for education. The budgetary challenge was addressed and the principals of the Federal Unity Colleges had direct access to funds for phased rehabilitation of facilities.

The approved facilities for 2012/ 2013 included hostels, classrooms, libraries, school fences and laboratories. For schools not included in the phased rehabilitation, the Federal Ministry of Education through her parastatal, the Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, approved the construction of comprehensive

libraries.

In order to create access to quality education for disadvantaged groups, the Federal Government committed to the construction of special girlchild model colleges and almajiri schools. One hundred of the almajiri schools are being constructed, whilst 16 girl-child schools are under construction in different parts of the country.

Since the third quarter of 2012, when the Minister of State for Education Ezenwo Nyesom Wike introduced monthly meetings with contractors and consultants handling different basic education projects across the states of the Federation, sustained improvement have been witnessed.

At these meetings attended by journalists and other interest groups, the minister scrutinises the details of project execution as provided by UBEC officials, Federal Ministry of Education supervisors, independent monitors, consultants and the project contractors.

The data examined at these meetings include percentage of work done, amount of work released by implementing agencies, quality of work as assessed by project consult-

•Wike

ants and expected project delivery date.

The January meeting led to the decision that the Minister of State for Education should lead another round of nationwide inspection of projects to pull through the completion of the schools and facilities by the contractors and the onward

hand-over to the beneficiaries and respective state governments.

The scheduled inspection of projects for the South-South commenced on February 18 in Rivers State and was concluded on February 25 in Edo State. Through the seven days of the inspection, the minister visited about 30projects spread across the six states of the zone.

On the average, the projects awarded in the first and second phase of the Jonathan administration's intervention in the basic education subsector have reached 90percent completion. The contractors of these projects are presently involved in putting finishing touches and concluding external works. However, the projects awarded in third phase are still at infancy level, with the minister resolving to engage the contractors to speed up work at the affected sites.

Generally, the close monitoring of basic education projects by the minister has been quite productive. The benefitting states have keyed into the programme with the understanding that the Federal Government is intervening to strengthen basic education in the country.

•Nwakaudu is Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of State for Education

Hurdle before prospective Corps members • Continued from Page 25

cepted. Graduates of courses not duly accredited by these regulatory bodies will not be mobilised for service."

Gen Okorie-Affia added that the regularisation of admissions with JAMB is the duty of institutions, while the confirmation of approved admission quota for each course and the determination of their accreditation status is the prerogative of the regulatory bodies.

NYSC, he said, would not interfere in the workings of the regulatory/examining bodies.

"It is imperative to state that the NYSC will not act as a liaison office between the CPIs and these regulatory/examination bodies," he said.

This policy threw up a lot of challenges for prospective corps members as they were asked to present their JAMB registration numbers.

Those who gained admission through remedial programmes or direct entry from other institutions could not produce the numbers and as such they found their names on the error list. Some Higher National Diploma (HND) graduates, who got the degree from institutions other than where they obtained their National Diplomas (ND), and those who got into university through remedial and foundation courses, were affected.

Ironically, some who gained admission through UTME also found their names on the error list.

NYSC Director of Public Relations, Mrs Abosede Aderibigbe, said for those admitted through direct entry or remedial studies, their institutions only need send their names to JAMB to be given admission numbers.

Mrs Aderibigbe said all graduates of Nigerian schools must have JAMB registration numbers; foreign graduates must have credits in English and Mathematics, to qualify for the service. She explained that some schools were in the habit of sending the names of unqualified students to NYSC for mobilisation.

To effect the corrections of their names and generate new registration numbers from JAMB, many whose names were on the error list paid between N4,600 and N6,000. They blamed NYSC, JAMB and their institutions for not keeping their records since they gained

admissions.They were unhappy it cost so much to rectify a seemingly simple error.They wondered why they had to pay.

Clarifying JAMB's role in the policy, its Public Relations Officer, Mr Fabian Benjamin, said the body is just generating registration numbers for students admitted through remedial programmes and direct entry. He explained that many of them were admitted before government policy stipulated that all admissions must be through the UTME. "You know for you to enter the university you must write the UTME. But some go through remedial programmes and do not do any examination and they gain admission.

That is why government is now insisting that everybody entering the university must write the UTME. Even if you entered through remedial programme, you must sit for the examination and pass. But the policy cannot be implemented retroactively for those who gained admission years ago. Universities will compile their names, bring it to JAMB and JAMB will generate numbers for them.

“Whatever they (graduates) are paying is administrative charges by the universities - perhaps for the cost of coming down to the JAMB headquarters to correct the problems," he said.

At the Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo State, the graduates who were asked to pay N5,200 said they were shocked. Some graduates said they were asked to pay a compulsory N4,600 as mobilisation fee and N600 for NYSC Identity Card.

The affected graduates numbering over 200 were at the Rector's office where they were told that their callup letters were ready for collection the next day.

One of the affected students who gave his name as Oseni Alidu said

• Prospective corps members wait for their letters at EKSU

the payment was necessary because some students produced fake JAMB registration numbers to enable them go for service.

"Those who could not provide their JAMB registration numbers were those asked to pay the compulsory N4,600 along with the N600 for NYSC Identity Card," he said.

Findings at the Student Affairs section of Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti, showed that out of 660 graduates mobilised, 389 had problems with their UTME registration numbers.

Dean of Student Affairs (DSA), Prof Isaac Adunlayo, said the students were asked to pay N4,600.

But the graduates said they were directed to pay N5,000 which they had all paid. Ola Olumide, an affected candidate, said: "JAMB and NYSC are just making us suffer their own lapses."

According to him, there was nothing they were made to do after paying the N5000.

Most of those interviewed explained that it was likely a failure on NYSC’s part to inform the schools that their requirements for

mobilisation had changed.

A respondent said: "I think it is the fault of NYSC which should have informed the schools early so that they would know what they should do for their students."

An affected student said: "I cannot say this is what I had not done that I had to do after paying the money into their account. Nothing at all.

Either JAMB or NYSC needed money and saw an avenue to milk the hapless lot that we are.

Explaining why the graduates had to pay, Adunlayo said when notified by the NYSC, the university did not wait for the graduates but raised a draft of over N2million to enable the Student Affairs Unit take care of the correction.

"On getting to NYSC we discovered that 389 students were without JAMB registration numbers. The school gave us a bank draft for the money so they could meet up with NYSC. If we waited for the students to pay the money, they would have missed service," he said.

The situation was a bit different at the Federal Polytechnic, AdoEkiti where 734 graduates were mobilised; 25, exempted mostly for

‘Even if you entered through remedial programme, you must sit for the examination and pass. But the policy cannot be implemented retroactively for those who gained admission years ago. Universities will compile their names, bring it to JAMB and JAMB will generate numbers for them. “Whatever they (graduates) are paying is administrative charges by the universities - perhaps for the cost of coming down to the JAMB headquarters to correct the problems’

age reasons and 25 were not mobilised because of discrepancies in information and others.

According to the Public Relations Officer of the school, Mr. Adeyemi Adejolu, there is no way hiccups can be avoided in respect of mobilisation of students for the NYSC programmes. It is a yearly experience.

Pastor Afolabi Olu-Samuel, Dean, Student Affairs of Crown Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, which just mobilised its first set of graduates for the national service, said none of its corps members suffered hitches.

Blaming the institutions, Afolabi said NYSC had always interacted with the schools on what they need to clear their graduands for service.

“I recall that NYSC at the beginning of the processing of the mobilisation procedures had requested for their JAMB registration numbers which we gave them. Perhaps we too would be experiencing hitches now if we had failed.”

He added: "I am aware that other schools across the country are having troubles mobilising their students. In Crown Polytechnic, we did not experience such at all.”

Graduates of the University of Lagos, who were affected by the “error” issue were so upset at having to pay N5,000 that they called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the school authority for charging them.

A graduate, Shola Justice, said: “On February 27, they told us the amount is N4,600 and we almost beat up the DSA for it but this morning when • Continued on Page 27

27

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013

EDUCATION Namibian wins debate at Obasanjo Library

S

PEAKING during a debate one is prepared for is challenging.

Being told what side to argue for at the last moment is another ball game.

That was the challenge before Emilia Uupindi at the finals of the African Regional Inter-Collegiate and Inter-University Debate on Human Security organised by the Institute for African Culture and International Understanding unit of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta last week.

The event was part of activities to mark former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo's 76th birthday.

Although Uupindi was not an alien to debates as she had represented her school, the University of Science and Technology in Namibia many times before, she was not so confident last week when moments before her turn, it dawned on her that she would be speaking against the motion contrary to her earlier preparation for the motion.

"Though it's not my first time participating in debates, I did have butterflies in my stomach to the effect that I initially prepared to speak in support of the motion but later realised I had to speak against the motion. So, it took me a few minutes to start to think fast on how to reorganise my thoughts without having to revisit any book or material online. And I didn't think I could articulate my points. I was really nervous," she said.

But Uupindi surprised herself and impressed judges with her oratorical prowess, articulation and good command of the English language

By Adegunle Olugbamila

as she marshalled her points on the poser: "Threats to human security in Africa are self-inflicted and not induced by the west", at the main auditorium of the institute.

Uupindi in three minutes argued that the West uses media propaganda as a weapon to subjugate Africa, defining the continent's challenges as well as solutions to them.

She said: "Basically, everything that is inside Africa; our success and problems are defined by the West via media propaganda. But the question is: 'Is it for our own benefit or theirs?'

Then the other is that Africa is very rich in terms of the economy, in terms of resources, but we don't have the skills, and equipment. We don't have the machines to further process the minerals that will give us those products that will further boost our economy. So, we are actually dependent on the West and with that they control us, and control our leaders."

She added further that foreign aids are being granted African countries by the West with strict conditions to further impoverish, enslave her people rather than help them, and make them perpetually subservient to Western whims and caprices.

Her performance put her past three other debaters representing Nigeria, Ghana and Botswana.

In the collegiate category, the duo of Oduselu Tolulope and Sofarasin Temitope representing Tai Solarin University of Education Secondary School, Ijebu-Ode beat the Federal Government College Odogbolu, Trinity Montessori School, Cotonou, Republic of Benin, and Zuarungu Se-

•Uupindi (left) recieving her trophy from Prof Mabogunje

nior High School, Ghana, to claim the trophy.

Oduselu attributed their success to God's favour and the drilling from their school ahead of the competition.

"Our school is known for excellence and hardwork. They (school) make us to believe in ourselves that nothing, however tasking, is impossible.

Of course I experienced a little bit of stage fright when I mounted the stage, but once I started speaking, my fear eloped," said Oduselu to The Nation.

Adressing the participants, Chief Obasanjo, who said he was reluctant when the idea of a debate was sold to him, thanked the Chairman of the Centre, Prof Akin Mabogunje, and its Director, Prof Peter Okebukola for

their thoughtfulness which he said, kept him and his wife, Bola, on their seats while the finals lasted.

He said the debate highlighted the leadership deficit on the continent and the need to prepare the young ones for it.

"This observation has reinforced me to start thinking that perhaps our next edition of this competition should centre on leadership in Africa. We must start preparing the young ones for leadership challenges in the future because they will definitely take over from us. Nobody can start to readdress the issues of insecurity and bad leadership in Africa in future than you. If you do not start now, we may become second class citizens in the near future," he said.

Prof Mabogunje equally spoke on

the essence of the contest.

He said: "With this contest, we are forcing our youths to conform these twin generational challenges -insecurity and bad leadership. Threats to life has become a more serious issues though our act of omission or commission.

"We are also trying to tackle the issue of corruption that permeates Africa; and we strongly feel that to succeed, there must be a renaissance of our cultural values which I believe can protect us from Western domination. We must break the cycle of war, insecurity and bad leadership on our continent."

The competition kicked off February 5 with over 64 schools (32 secondary/college and 32 universities) participating.

Hurdle before prospective Youth Corps members • Continued from Page 26

we got here we saw that the money is now N5, 000. It is as if we are paying for our call-up letter. I was affected for a fault that I know nothing about. JAMB offers full-time students admission, I did direct entry. I was given a matriculation number which qualifies me as a student. But now if I buy a scratch card and I open the JAMB website, I will see my name but after I have graduated and have my certificate, JAMB is telling me 'admission status: no admission yet'. The fact remains that there is corruption in our system. For four years they could not see that admission letter has not been given to some students. I am done with UNILAG only to come and see that they have not given me admission."

Another UNILAG graduate, Onanuga Adewale, said JAMB, NYSC, and the university are supposed to be inter-connected "so I don't know what they are doing.

Why should they make students pay for their error? Even if they want us to pay, should it be as high as 5,000?"

Onanuga added: "I have a friend, her name is Mitchell; she entered through JAMB. Her name was wrongly spelt, instead of two 'l's, they spelt her name with one l. For a computer error, she was asked to pay N5,000. Students should not pay for their error. We have almost 80 students with error here and in University of Ibadan (UI), I heard that there are about 1,500 with errors and they are paying N6,000. You should not make profit from such things."

Mayowa Abayomi, a Sociology graduate, described the payment as unjustifiable.

"I don't care about their policy; the point is that students should not be made to pay for their error. I am not ready to pay for some people's inefficiency," he said.

However, for another graduate who declined to give her name, the cost did not matter as long as she was mobilised.

"The problem is not the money, I

‘So, for JAMB to produce JAMB letters for the student, JAMB asked the institution to pay N4,600 for each student, which they did. So after adding administrative charge of N400, it rounded up to N5000 and the university had to surcharge the students’ will pay any amount, I just want them to mobilise me with this Batch A. I will pay any amount they want," she said.

Defending the amount charged, UNILAG’s DSA, Prof Olukayode Amund, said the charge was from JAMB. Amund said: "We discovered that most of the graduates that were supposed to be mobilised couldn't be mobilised because they couldn't find their JAMB admission records and when we took it up with the JAMB Registrar, he said they would be able to sort it out but the university must pay N4,600 per student and the university had to pay the amount.”

He said the school asked the students to pay N5,000 and not N5,000 plus. He said students who misplaced their JAMB details, credentials and also students who came in through direct entry were the only ones affected.

“These were the only students asked to pay because they couldn't produce their admission letters.

“So, for JAMB to produce JAMB letters for the student, JAMB asked the institution to pay N4,600 for each student, which they did. So after adding administrative charge of N400, it rounded up to N5,000 and the university had to surcharge the students.

“In other words, after the payment, JAMB produces these admission letters and sends to the NYSC for them to send the call up letters to the school.”

Amund said 875 students were involved on the main campus and the College of Medicine, Idi-Araba. He said the university mobilised 2700 graduates for the Batch 'A' scheme.

"Today, all of them have sorted out

the JAMB letter issue. Students were affected because of error in their registration numbers or because they didn't have admission letters and it was mostly those that came in through direct entry. So we now advised our students that once they are admitted they should pursue their admission letters and it’s there on the JAMB website. So, it is a lesson to the would-be Youth Corps members in subsequent years to come, that they should tidy up their admission status once they are admitted in the university," he said.

The story was not different at the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), University of Ilorin and the Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin.

Spokesperson of the Kwara Poly, Mallam Yunus AbdulKadir told our reporter on phone that affected students were made to pay between N4,500 and N5,000 before the release of their call-up letters.

Adenigba Ajibade, a graduate of Electrical/Electronics Engineering, YABATECH, said he was forced to pay N5,000 when others started paying.

He said: "I felt really bad about paying that money because a friend of mine who is not working who is asked to pay this money will find it difficult to pay. For me it's not because am working; let's now look at other people that are unable to pay such amount what will happen to them? What will be their fate? Do you expect them to go and steal? Or do you expect them to turn to a beggar because of N5,150?"

Atoyebi Shola, a Civil Engineering graduate also complained that he did not know where the money was

going to.

"Students that have passed their final year exams should go for the NYSC. We are made to understand that it is automatic but what we are paying this money for is not explainable. We don't know what we are paying for; we don't know who we are paying to whether JAMB, the school or NYSC because we just saw the memo. Even when I got there I didn't really want to pay but the moment I saw people paying I could not tell them not to pay because it won't work out. Even the past Student Union Government (SUG) president and other executives had all paid," he said.

At the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, the DSA Prof Oliver Onyali, said the policy may delay some corps members from serving.

He told The Nation that majority of the students whose problems are not sorted out for the "Batch A" would wait to be mobilised for "Batch B''.

He said the university has been working hard to meet the challenges, adding that such issue had before now caused a lot of headache in many institutions.

"The necessary corrections in the school which are giving us some headaches, we have been able to sort them out, those of them in Batch A, we have mobilised them; any other outstanding cases especially in Batch B will soon be taken care of," Onyali said.

The DSA at the Lagos State University (LASU), Prof Akinyemi Kabir, said the policy has created a challenge for tertiary institutions nationwide.

"It has mounted more pressure on universities to ensure that their ma-

triculation and, registration and all other processes are captured at the appropriate time," he said.

The University of Benin, University of Calabar (UNICAL), Nnamdi Azikiwe University, and Covenant University, Ota, did not charge any money to rectify the errors.

When The Nation visited UNICAL, it was discovered that those with errors had the mistakes corrected for them at no fee.

Mix up over names and registration numbers were corrected through an urgent notice to prospective Corps members through the NYSC Directorate Headquarters in Abuja last month.

Those affected were directed to submit original and photocopies of the JAMB offer of provisional admission or the temporary letter of admission into UNICAL. An affected student, who simply gave his name as Kekung, said he had issues with his registration number which was wrongly written.

According to him, he just did as was instructed and he had the correction effected in his call up letter at no extra cost.

"Why would we charge them? So long as you have fulfilled all the requirements, that is doing your bursary clearance and others you don't have a problem," an official of the Student Affairs Division,who pleaded anonymity said.

Nwane Ejike, a graduate of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, said the university rectified the problem for many at no extra cost.

"A lot of my friends were affected; their call-up number didn't come out and it caused a lot of problem for them. They didn't even get ready for the camp because they were not sure if their names will come out. When the call-up letters came out their names also came out and they are serving with us now. Almost everybody in an entire department in my school was affected but it has been rectified and all of them got the letter. They didn't pay anything," he said.

28

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013

EDUCATION

PLAPOLY finalists launch N10m beautification project

T

•From right: Prof Rufa’i; Vice-Chancellor UNILAG, Prof Rahamon Bello; Mr Ude and Mr Obire at the inauguration.

Behind are: Director Tertiary Education, Federal Ministry of Education, Abuja, Dr Jemila Suara (right) and Dean Faculty of Business Administration Prof Ben Oghojafor.

New laboratory teaches business skills

P

RACTICAL training for business development and entrepreneurship has assumed a new meaning at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) thanks to the business simulation laboratory (BizSimLab) endowed by Beloxxi Industries Ltd in partnership with the African Institute of Business Simulations (AIBS).

The laboratory, which was one of the five projects inaugurated by the Education Minister, Prof Ruqayyat Ahmed Rufa'i in commemoration of the Golden Jubilee of the university recently, would help students practicalise the business theories learnt in the classroom. It is housed in the Business Administration Department of the university.

‘The private sector is initiating this but it is the primary responsibility of government to fund initiatives such as this. TETFund has a lot of money’

A

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

The BizSimLab is an initiative of AIBS founded by Mr Richard Obire to equip undergraduates of tertiary institutions, starting with UNILAG, with business and entrepreneurship skills in preparation for life after graduation. Using digital tools, the students learn to manage various aspects of businesses in a simulated environment.

In an interview with The Nation, Obire said the laboratory would be useful, not only for students of Business Administration, but in helping institutions deliver the entrepreneurship programme that all undergraduates are meant to take and urged the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to provide similar laboratories for other institutions.

He said following the endowment of the laboratory which cost Beloxxi N30million, the institute would train lecturers in the use of simulation tools to teach the students, and take a step further to encourage institutions to develop local simulation content to teach various subjects.

"The private sector is initiating this but it is the primary responsibility of government to fund ini-

tiatives such as this. TETFund has a lot of money. This is one area it can fund and set up simulation labs for schools. The vision is for us to provide the physical infrastructure for the laboratories; provide capacity building for university and polytechnic lecturers to use these tools; and fund universities to develop local simulations for teaching.

"UNILAG can be given a grant to develop simulation for teaching Economics for the students. Imagine the size of industry we are talking about and such can be replicated in Medicine, transportation, among others," he said.

Commending the initiative, Managing Director of Beloxxi Industries Limited, Mr Obi Eze Ude, said his firm endowed the laboratory because of its potential to prepare industry-ready graduates that can compete globally.

"The students that pass through the simulation class have knowledge of what obtains outside the country. And if they are employed, they will know how businesses work. In Nigeria, many students graduate from universities without knowing how to operate a computer and this have to change," he said.

HE final year students of the Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi, have launched a N10 million landscaping project to beautify the campus.

The initiative, the students said, was conceived out of zeal to help in providing basic infrastructural development to their school and also show appreciation for the knowledge they acquired in the course of their studies.

President of the Students’ Union Government(SUG) of the institution, Jesse Rotgindang disclosed this during the launching of the new initiative at the Jos campus of the polytechnic.

He said: "We are on our way out, but we have observed that the school is in dire need of some development and we feel we have a role to play to help the school that has trained us in various skills that will make us great in life.

"The project we are embarking upon is to landscape the school premises, we want to commence the beautification of the school environments to make it conducive and

From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

attractive to students and staff as well.

He said: "The initiative is ours as students union, but we will execute the project in collaboration with management and staff of the institution, we final year students will raise some parts of the fund, the academic and non-academic staff of the school will also bring their contribution as well as the management of the school" He expressed hope that the sets that would graduate after theirs would continue the project wherever their own funding stops.

In his remarks, Rector of the Polytechnic Mr Dauda Gyemang praised the initiative, saying it is the first of such gesture from students of the institution.

"Management staff and I are proud to be associated with the landmark efforts of my students because it is in line with the policy of the state government of devising an alternative sources of funding for the institution," he said.

Sanusi: Islam supports education

C

ENTRAL Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Malam Lamido Sanusi Lamido, says historically Islam has supported education, urging Muslims to sustain the practice.

Delivering the convocation lecture at the Second Convocation of the Fountain University, Osogbo entitled: Islam and the culture of education, Sanusi said knowledge transfer, promotion of literacy, establishment of schools were embedded in the practice of Islam. He noted that Islamic cities like Baghdad and Cairo started schools that evolved into world-class universities.

In modern times, he said Muslim countries that promote education are among the fastest growing.

"Recent development among countries and societies in the Muslim world are showing positive signs of improvement in human development, key to which is education. Six out of 10 countries that registered the fastest progress in human development index (HDI) are Muslim-majority countries.

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

They are: Oman, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco, with Oman being the fastest," he said.

During the event, the university conferred an honorary Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) on the wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Amina Namadi Sambo, who had earlier turned the sod of a multi-purpose hall and 360-bed hostel.

Other recipients were philanthropist, Alhaji Sulaiman Adegunwa and the pioneer NASFAT President, Alhaji Abdul Lateef Olasupo.

One hundred and twenty-eight students graduated from the Colleges of Management and Social Sciences, Natural and Applied Science. Among the graduating students, there were 12 first class grade, 39 second class upper, 61 lower class and 16 3rd class grades.

The Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof Bashir Raji, said Fountain University remained committed to academic excellence.

TEPO identifies with GED pensioners who spent their active years in the ser- retired teachers

vices of the Lagos State Teaching Service Commission have benefited from the welfare programme organised by Teachers Establishment and Pension's Office (TEPO) at Immaculate Hearts High School, Maryland, Ikeja.

Permanent Secretary of the establishment, Mrs Eniola Yonwuren, while speaking at the event, disclosed that the welfare programme is an annual event specifically designed to remember and appreciate the pensioners, who had contributed immensely to the development of the education sector while in active service.

She said the welfare programme will take place in the six education districts starting from Education District II, Maryland. She praised the state government for its sensitivity to their plight through the prompt payment of monthly pensions.

"We always appreciate our pensioners, particularly who are over 70 years, to let them know that we appreciate their contributions to the development of the education sector while they were in service.

We also let them realise that the government will never forget them. This is why we always want

By Sampson Unamka

to identify with them from time to time," she said.

Later in the year, Mrs Yonwuren said TEPO intends to host all the pensioners at a bigger ceremony so they can interact with those who are still serving. She said it would also serve as a platform for them to share ideas with the state government or ask questions on any issue.

Mrs Yonwuren expressed her profound gratitude to the present administration for the continued support to TEPO. One of the pensioners, Pastor Ojajumi, thanked TEPO for the gesture but lamented the embezzlement of pension funds.

He said: "It is a nice programme given to us by the state government and I think God has actually put it into their heart to be pay a little compensation to us. There are so many challenges we are facing. Nigeria is a country we should tell God to take control of. Look, this is a country where they said somebody embezzled N27 billion belonging to pensioners and they were taken to court and asked to pay N175,000. Is that a country we

• Prof John Obafunwa, Vice-Chancellor, Lagos State University, LASU, (right) presenting the Sterling Bank Prize of N100,000 to Adisa Olugbenga, the best Banking and Finance graduate(left) during the convocation of the university.With them are (from left): Tolu Bamgbowu, Branch Manager - Sterling Bank, LASU, Uchenna Umeugochukwu and Bose Olayiwola, Relationship Officers of the bank.

should be proud of?"

Also speaking, Mrs caroline Osinowo complained about irregularity of federal pensions.

"We pensioners have problems we are facing. As for me since last April last year, I didn't get any salary from the Federal Government; but for the state they are doing

their own. The Federal Government did mago mago for us. Even I went to the bank to collect my statement of account and I submitted it to them, they didn't even do anything on it. When I went there two weeks ago, they said they were working on it. Last week, I got an alert for January payment. After that

they didn't pay us since last year and I didn't go to the bank to take it.

That is the problem we are facing, not only me but we are many," she said.

Mrs Adeyinka Oyemade, Chairman, Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board (LASTVEB), emphasised on salary increment for pensioners.

29

‘Ghost’s protest’ stuns students

Fighting Unemployment

*CAMPUSES *NEWS *PEOPLE *KUDOS&

KNOCKS Last week, all hell was let loose at the Ekiti State University (EKSU) following the death of a final year student of Accounting, Teslim Adebola Ibrahim. OLATUNJI AWE reports. *GRANTS

Page 31

Page 34

THE NATION

CAMPUS LIFE 0802-4550-354 email: campusbeat@yahoo.com THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013

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

email:- campuslife@thenationonlineng.net

The circumstances of their death remain hazy, one week after the bloody protest. Three students of the Nasawara State University, Keffi (NSUK) died during a protest against water scarcity. Their colleagues and the army are arguing over who killed them. KAMALUDDEEN ABUBAKAR (200Level Geography) reports.

•NSUK gate

Who killed them?

•Row over protesting students’ death

I

T was meant to be peaceful protest to draw attention to their plight, but it turned out bloody.

Students of Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK) took to the streets last Monday, protesting water shortage on their campus. As they were marching round town, the unexpected happened. Shots rang out from nowhere. There was pandemonium. By the time the dust settled, three students lay dead.

The dead were Emmanuel Buba, 300-Level Physics; Aminu Usman, 400-Level Geography and yet to be identified student.

Who fired the fatal shots? To the students, their colleagues were killed by a combined team of soldiers and riot policemen, who were deployed to disperse the protesters.

The army has since denied the allegation. There has been no comment from the police. NSUK Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mallam Jamilu Zakari said the management did not know how the troops got to the scene.

The protesters blocked the AbujaKeffi-Akwanga road, keeping motorists in the traffic for hours.

As early as 7am, the students had gathered at an off-campus location

for the protest. The crowd moved to the highway, carrying placards, with inscriptions, such as: “No water, no road, no lecture”, “Management and government must provide water” and “Provide water or no lecture”.

The students complained that there had been no water for two weeks. Keffi residents depend on water from the Water Board.

CAMPUSLIFE gathered that the water shortage has become a recurring decimal in the city. Last October, the campus experienced water scarcity a few days before the second semester examination.

As the protesters rose in number, CAMPUSLIFE gathered that the Students’ Union Government (SUG) president Rabiu Tijani and an official of the Students’ Affairs Unit, popularly called Papa Aluta tried in vain to calm them.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof Shehu Rahman, and the Registrar, Alhaji Dalhatu Mamman, also intervened, pleading with the students to return to their hostels. They rejected the plea and proceeded to the highway.

About 30 minutes later, riot policemen and soldiers from Shittu Alao Barracks were reportedly drafted to

the scene. They arrived in batches.

They were said to be civil until it got to a point when the security agents ordered the protesters to leave the highway.

“We resisted the move to force us away from the highway. The soldiers started beating some of us and, in return, students pelted them with stones. We told the soldiers that our university is not located in their cantonment,” a student said.

Our correspondent learnt that the soldiers went wild, beating the students and shooting into the air. In the ensuing melee, Rabiu and Papa Aluta were attacked by the soldiers.

In the twinkle of an eye, three students lay dead, hit by bullets. Fourteen others were also injured. The injured were immediately taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Keffi by officials of the Nigerian Red Cross.

An asthmatic 100-Level Chemistry student, Fatima Abubakar, who inhaled tear gas fumes, was also hospitalised.

Ishagye Yusuf Dauda, project coordinator of the Red Cross in NSUK, who was injured, said the death toll was three, adding that one of the dead students was taken to his home •Continued on page 31

Chiwendu Nwankwo is studying Biochemistry at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State.

The 400-Level parttime student ekes out a living by driving a commercial cab on the campus. She told UCHE ANICHEBE (500-Level Law) that she is the butt of her colleagues’ jokes.

‘My parents don’t believe I am a taxi driver’

•Chiwendu •Continued on page 30

•Protests rock YABATECH •Police rescue student abducted by Facebook friend-P33

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013

30

CAMPUS LIFE

Another mindless killing

B

ARELY a year after the Mubi massacre of more than 20 students of Federal Polytechnic, Mubi and other tertiary institutions in the town and the gruesome lynching of four undergraduates of University of Port Harcourt, we are at it again. This time it is the killing of four (we are not sure because of conflicting figures, some reports say two) students of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nasarawa State on February 25. The four Students were reportedly shot dead by security operatives during a demonstration that started within the vicinity of the institution but later spilled into the street. The students were protesting the lack of electricity and water supply which had made reading and continual stay in the institution a harrowing experience. The crisis later compelled the authorities to shut down the institution.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the Nasarawa State Police Command, Mr. Michael Ada, said two students died, while seven others received gunshot injuries. About 17 other students were arrested by security agents, including the institution’s President of the Students Union. The students of the institution were said to have blocked the Abuja/Keffi road in protest.

In a swift reaction, the police denied shooting the students, saying they only cleared the highway blocked by the protesting students.

Ada, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, absolved the police of involvement in the killing of the students. He said any question relating to the incident should be directed to the Army.

Hear him, “The policemen that went to the scene only cleared the expressway that was blocked by the students. Two students were killed and seven others were hospitalized for injuries sustained during the violent protest.

Any question on the killing should be directed to the Army. They have their Public Relations Unit; the police were not involved in the shootings.”

In the buck passing that later ensued, the

Pushing Out with

Agbo Agbo 08052959489 (SMS only)

•aagboa@gmail.com Army actually spoke for itself through the Director of Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen Ibrahim Attahiru who denied the claim of the Police that soldiers did the shooting. He said soldiers were not deployed for the purpose of stopping the protest in the university and could not have gone to the scene of the protest to shoot the said students, as there was no deployment.

He explained that soldiers were on patrol duty during the demonstration at Keffi but did not have any altercation with the students whatsoever.

“What these people are writing is not correct”, says the Director, “soldiers were not deployed and couldn’t have carried out the shooting. Our men were on patrol duty at Keffi. The students, who were protesting, had blocked the road but soldiers did not have any altercation with them.

There were the police and other security agencies that were on the ground to handle the situation”.

Now that both the Police and Army have denied firing the lethal shots the big question remains who killed these students? In its determination to get to the root of the matter, the House of Representatives mandated its Committees on Army, Security and Police Affairs to undertake a thorough investigation into the incident. In the same manner, other stakeholders, like the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) condemned the shooting. “We are shocked at this barbaric action by the university authorities”, said the organization through a statement, “especially deploying military officers to attack the unarmed students during their peaceful protest.”

Kingsley Chinda, a member of the house representing Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency of Rivers State, should be commended for raising

the issue which was swiftly adopted without a debate. The House later observed a one-minute silence in honour of the dead students. We are eagerly awaiting the report because this is one unresolved killing too much.

Before the submission of the report I want to raise some salient issues from this unfortunate incident. What did the institution’s authority do to address the grievances of the students before it snowballed into a crisis? Who called in the Police and later the Army? Do those in university administration take courses in crisis communication and management? What communications channel did they deploy to assuage the students? Shouldn’t the university authorities have contacted the water board and PHCN to seek for some sort of preferential treatment?

The Police cannot just appear from nowhere and the Army couldn’t have been on “patrol” and happen to “stumble” on protesting students, somebody must have invited them. Since both of them have denied killing the students we must know who called them and what made that person do so.

I heard the Registrar of the university on African Independent Television (AIT) giving the authority’s position on the incident. According to him, the authority provided water tankers to supply water to the school following the inability of the public water supply to meet its obligations; he also said the scarcity has lasted for only one week. But two students who were later interviewed by the same reporter said the authorities were insensitive to their plight which has lasted for more than three weeks, this according to them, has taken a toll on their lean resources and the only way to get the attention of those in authority is to demonstrate – which to all intent and purposes is legitimate in a democracy, if its peaceful.

If one carries out a research it would not be out of place to discover that a large proportion of the students may have struggled to pay their school fees and the little they have left may have been set aside to maintain their 0-0-1. 1-0-1, or 0-1-1 meal time table. To now use part of this to buy water and perhaps fuel “community” generators to be able to read at night will be unthinkable to them. It is not a piece of cake to pass through the university system successfully in Nigeria of today. Our undergraduates deserve more than mowing them down like common criminals, these are the future leaders of this country.

On the issue of crisis communication and management, I want to believe that anybody in management worth his salt must take courses in this critical area of management because crisis can emanate from any angel, if they do not then at least they have a Public Relations/Student Affairs department that is supposed to serve as the bridge between students and authority.

In this regard I believe the university authority failed in their responsibility to nib the crisis in the bud before it happened. Agreed, undergraduates by their nature are finicky and tempestuous, but a good manager will know how to handle them. If the Registrar is right in his assertion that the authorities provided water tanker, why would students’ protest if they have alternatives? Without holding brief for the students’ I’m compelled to believe their angle because more than one spoke.

What should a good crisis manager do in this regard? He must maintain connectivity with those he is managing, be readily accessible to and show empathy for the people involved.

Unlike in the past, it is now relatively easy to reach people as there are now multiple channels of communication. Many of us have several phone numbers, more than one email address, and can receive SMS (text) messages.

Instant Messenger programs, either public or proprietary, are also very popular for business and personal use. We can even send audio and video messages via email. Depending on how “techie” we choose to be, all of these type of communication — and more — may be received on or sent by a single device! This should’ve been done rather than releasing a statement expressing regrets over the “unfortunate incident”.

It is absolutely essential, pre-crisis, to establish notification systems that will allow you to rapidly reach your stakeholders using multiple modalities. Having passed through the university myself I know how challenging it can be for administrators, it should therefore be in their DNA to always anticipate crises so they have to be proactive in their approach and think out solutions before they happen.

For those institutions facing, or are likely to face such scenarios, I’d like them to ask the authorities of University of Lagos how they “pulled the strings” and are able to have between 16-18 hours of electricity and water supply daily (I am not holding brief for UNILAG authorities, I am only stating the obvious). This is where forward thinking and responsible management comes to play.

‘My parents don’t believe I am a taxi driver’ •Continued from page 29

C

•Adesanya (third right back row) with members of the union executive after the seminar

Alumni body tutors union leaders

T

HE alumni association of the Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED), Otto-Ijanikin, has held a seminar for members of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the college on public conduct and diplomacy as tool for nonviolent agitation.

The workshop tagged: Building a lasting relationship between the Students’ Union, management and the government: The role of students’ union representatives was held at the college’s annex last Saturday. It featured three speakers.

Mr Ashade Oladimeji, first speaker, spoke on Writing Memos. Mrs Ladipo Bada, another speaker, spoke on opening communication channels between SUG officials and management while the last speaker, Mr Babajide Joseph, tutored on how to build a lasting relationship between SUG, management, local and state governments.

From Sampson Unamka LAGOS

The alumni president, Mr Adeyemi Adesanya, said the workshop was part of the body’s contributions to improving the status of SUG in the institution. Adesanya noted that students’ union played significant role in tertiary institutions, saying no management dared ignore students’ opinions.

He said: “The workshop is organised by the national executive council of the AOCOED alumni based on the fact that students are stakeholders in university administration and they must be lectured particularly on modern-day method of agitation.”

The SUG president, Hassan Odutayo, who praised the alumni body, said the forum was an eye opener to members of the union to achieve their programmes for students.

AN you tell us about your educational background?

I grew up in Asaba, where I still reside. And I love to do activities men do. I attended Asaba Girls’ Grammar School. I was the captain of the school’s female football team.

Now, I am a student of Continuing Education Programme (CEP), which is known as part-time programme in UNIZIK. I am also the General Secretary of my departmental association.

Driving for commercial purpose is considered a man’s job. Why did you develop interest in it?

I like driving. When I was young, to the surprise of my family and neighbours, I would drive my parents’ car to far distances. I love to be different all the time by doing things, which people consider unsuitable for women.

At what point did you start driving a taxi?

It was when my aunt, who had financial challenge, needed money and converted her car to a cab. She needed a commercial driver that would drive the car and bring money every day. Out of pity, I took the car to school with the hope of getting a dependable driver for the purpose.

Sadly, I discovered that no student was interested. After a few weeks, I started considering driving the car myself. The thought of being branded a taxi driver scared me at first. But one day, I told myself I could do it, being a part time student. That was when I resolved to become a taxi driver. I told my parents of the decision. Till today, they still don’t believe I drive a taxi. They believe it is a joke.

What were the challenges you faced when you decided to take to taxi driving?

I was advised against it. Most of my friends scoffed at the idea and refused to support me.

Some even threatened to stop being friends with me if I remained adamant. They saw it as unbefitting for a young woman like me. Again, I feared the work would affect my academic performance adversely. However, I was motivated

by the desire to fulfil my promise to my aunt, and to earn a living for myself.

So, when you began, how was the experience?

I started after I registered and painted the car in UNIZIK taxi colour. On the first day, I went to the bus stand and joined the queue with other drivers, most of whom were older men. They did not believe me. Some of them even mocked my intentions. Even students thought I was joking when I called for passengers into my taxi.

That first day, it was difficult getting passengers, so I thought I could not go far in the business. A few days later, I enjoyed patronage from students, who were surprised a girl could be driving a commercial cab. Some took my pictures and uploaded on Facebook. Gradually, the business became encouraging and that was when it dawned on me that I had become a taxi driver.

Have you overcome the challenges of being a taxi driver?

As challenges are solved, new challenges come. My friends, who did not buy the idea, now encourage me. Even my lecturers and passengers praise my effort. I drive from 8am to 4pm. Most days, my car, being an aged one, would break down on the road, with passengers in it. This is where the other drivers come in. They have been helpful in such cases.

What values have you learnt from driving a taxi?

I have learnt about human relationship. To me, there is nothing like a male’s job or men’s profession. What matters is conviction that one can do what he or she desires and derives joy from it. I have come across women photographers, contractors, engineers and petty workers. I believe that there is dignity in labour and whatever anyone conceives; he or she can achieve, irrespective of gender. I am convinced that Nigeria will soon have a female president. I advise women to do what they have resolved to do.

Good or bad, people will always laugh at them but they must never do anything to please people.

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013

31

CAMPUS LIFE Unemployment is rising by the day, with many graduates roaming the street in search of jobs. How can this problem be tackled? This was the focus of a symposium held by a non-governmental organisation (NGO), Afterschool Graduates Development Centre (AGDC), at the University of Benin (UNIBEN). GILBERT ALASA (400-Level Foreign Languages) reports.

Fighting Unemployment

O

VER the years, unemployment has risen to an alarming proportion. Today, many graduates are roaming the street in search of jobs. While official data states that Nigeria churns 4.5 million school leavers into the labour market annually, about 23 million Nigerian youths are said to be out of job.

But how can the nation make graduates employable and self-reliant? This was the thrust of discussion at a symposium held at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) by the Afterschool Graduates Development Centre (AGDC).

The forum, which was attended by over 1,000 students and graduates, took place at the Akin Deko Auditorium. Representatives of the Edo State government and Theophilus Danjuma Foundation were also in attendance.

The centre was formed in 2007 and accredited as a National Career Centre by the Federal Ministry of Education. Part of its objectives is to achieve national rebirth and social change through investments in employability and entrepreneurial capacity of the youths.

Among its series of programmes are the Samsung Real Dreams, Goldman Sachs Spring Internship 2011, Workplace Intelligent Nigerian Graduates (WINGS), Corona

•Participants at the seminar

i-Teach Graduate Teacher Training Programme and Lagos Ignite, which is organised in collaboration with the Lagos State government.

During the symposium, AGDC’s projects team leader, Mr Brian Oji, said a university degree was no longer a guarantee for success in the competitive labour market. He urged participants to acquire skills and relevant competencies that would make them outstanding.

Oji took participants through the

dynamics of feasibility studies, business presentations and how to succeed at job interviews.

He said there must be a relationship between what the school is impacting on students and the demands of employers. Oji added: “With that, you begin to get graduates who can do the shift from school to work and having all the skills required.”

The Internship Officer, Mr Godbless Otubure, said the programme was aimed at solving the

challenge of youth unemployment and increasing the human competitive index of the Nigerian graduate. He spoke on personal branding for results and resume writing.

In his keynote lecture, the Principal Transformation Strategist of Olakunle Soriyan Company, Mr Olakunle Soriyan, harped on entrepreneurship, urging participants to train themselves in sellable vocations in order to be independent after graduation. He re-

•Continued from page 29

town in Taraba State without documentation.

When CAMPUSLIFE visited the school clinic, Fatima, Aaron Achanja, 400-Level English Education; Emmanuel Williams, 400Level Business Administration, and Abdulmajid Abubakar, 100-Level Mass Communication, were being attended to.

About 11:45am, CAMPUSLIFE gathered, soldiers combed off-campus hostels in Angwan Lambu and High Court areas, flogging students with sticks and cables. Some students were also whisked away by security agents.

Bilkisu Liman, 500-Level Civil Law, who was injured on the arm and leg, said: “I was in my room having some rest, when the soldiers broke my door and pounced on me.

You can see (pointing to her arm and leg) the injuries I sustained as a result.”

Rabiu said: “I was pacifying the protesting students when suddenly the soldiers came and started shooting. I pleaded with them to stop shooting but they pounced on me and started beating me. Even the Red Cross officials were not spared.

Some of them were beaten up.”

Chibuzor Ihenekwu, a Biochemistry student, said he saw soldiers shooting at students. Laurat Abdullahi, 100-Level student, said: “Is it not our right to protest? Water is life and without it, we cannot continue with our academic works.

To get water to cook and bathe is a problem and yet these people don’t want us to protest to let the world know our grievances. Government must account for the harm done to innocent students.”

When our correspondent visited the Federal Medical Centre, a doctor, who craved anonymity, said the late Aminu was hit by a bullet between his kidneys and liver.

•The late Aminu

•Hajiya Rabi....the deceased’s aunt

Who killed them?

“During the medical operation to remove the bullet that pierced the deceased body, he gave up the ghost,” the doctor said.

The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, said it took the combined efforts of the Army's 177 Guards Battalion troops with other security operatives to disperse the rampaging students.

Gen. Attahiru said: “On February 25, students of the Nasarawa State University came out en masse and barricaded the Keffiyeh-Akwanga Expressway, which is part of the 177 Guards Battalion patrol routes.

“This road was blocked with logs of wood and burning tyres, which hampered vehicular movement, leaving travellers stranded for hours. Vehicles were vandalised by

the violent crowd.

“It was also reported that the irate crowd looted travellers’ belongings and threw stones, bottles and metal objects at the security operatives on the scene of the incident. However, it is believed that the protest was hijacked by some hoodlums and cult memos, who are students of the university.

“As a result, the violent crowd burnt down two vehicles at the police station located near the campus and seized a tanker loaded with fuel with the intention of burning down the station.

“The combined efforts of the 177 Guards Battalion troops with other security operatives prevented the hoodlums from carrying out this act. The violent action of the crowd led to three soldiers sustaining in-

•Fatima receiving treatment

juries, following the stones, bottles and metals thrown at them.”

The atmosphere was moody in Obi community in Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State last Monday. Osoku compound, which is the late Aminu’s family house, was in mourning. The late student was described as a promising son of the family. He was buried in the family compound around 10pm last Monday.

The late Aminu was an orphan and the 12th in a family of 13. His mother died 10 months ago; his father died two months ago.

Isma’il Usman, his older brother, said: “Aminu was our father’s favourite because of his gentle and polite nature. He was deeply religious, hardworking and down to earth. The most unfortunate thing is the short interval between his death and that of our parents.

“Aminu always went to the grave of our parents to offer prayers for them on Fridays. I personally enrolled him

called his personal experience as an undergraduate, advising the students not to be wayward. He said he began to achieve success after he decided to drop his extravagant lifestyle as a youth.

Soriyan told participants to take charge of their lives, noting: “In life, what determines people’s future are the people they meet, happenings around them, places they are habiting and God. How one channels his behaviour and energy around these things determines how he will achieve success.”

Participants lamented the harsh business climate in the country.

They called on government and corporate bodies to create a conducive business environment for young entrepreneurs. “Many of us have a knack for business but the environment is not friendly. So, it has been like a tug of war getting my business to the next level,” said a 500-Level Law student.

In her speech, Director-General of the Information and Communication unit in the Edo State Government House, Mrs Yemi Keri, urged the participants to avail themselves of the new technology, adding that no establishment would hire a graduate who is not computer-literate.

Participants, who spoke to our correspondent, praised the initiative. A 400-Level student of Foreign Languages said: “This seminar is coming at a time when everyone believes Nigerian graduates are unfit for employment. I have learned so much today and I want this programme to also be held in other campuses.”

in Government Science School (GSS), Lafia for his secondary education and I brought him back to Obi to complete his education and to take care of our father after the demise of our mother.

He came out with good results when he sat for WASSCE. That shows he was brilliant.”

Asked about the possibility of the family taking legal action against the government, Isma’il said: “We believe Aminu’s death is an act of God. It was his time to die; legal action cannot bring him back to life. We can only pray for the repose of his soul.”

The deceased’s aunt, Hajiya Rabi Yahaya, who could not control tears, said: “Aminu could not even hurt an animal, let alone his fellow human being. His death is a tragedy to the family but as a Muslim, we take solace in the fact that God is the giver and taker of life.”

Aminu’s course mate and close friend, Mustapha Dalhatu Umar, described him as hardworking and a friend to all. He said: “I knew him since 2009 when we were admitted into remedial programme of the university. After the programme, we were admitted into the same department.

Up till the moment he was killed, I never saw him quarrell with anyone.

He even spoke against the protest in the mosque.”

Mallam Zakari told our correspondent that the university was only aware of the death of two students, adding that the management had contacted the bereaved families.

When students led by officials of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) visited the Nasarawa Government House to protest the killing, Deputy Governor Damishi Barau Luka, who spoke on behalf of Governor Tanko Almakura, denied that the government deployed the soldiers.

The NANS delegation condemned the students’ death and called on the government to bring the perpetrators to book.

The university remains shut.

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013

32

CAMPUS LIFE Rector demands more investment in education

T

•Freshers at the orientation seminar

I

T was all excitement at the Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, University of Calabar (UNICAL), last week as the faculty welcomed freshers.

There are four departments Medical Laboratory Science, Public Health, Radiography and Nursing Science – that make up the faculty.

The orientation, which was held in the Medical Laboratory Science Room II, was attended by members of staff of the faculty, who were led by the sub-Dean, Dr Olaide Edet, who represented the Dean, Prof Anne Asuquo. Others were Faculty Officer, head of department of Nursing Science, Dr Essien Umoh, and his Public Health counterpart, who was represented by Dr Bendin Ekpeyong.

In her address, Prof Asuquo congratulated the new students for scaling through admission hurdles, which she described as strict. She urged the freshers to be studious, saying their stories of success depended on their seriousness. She told them to desist from acts that

Faculty welcomes freshmen From Stanley Uchegbu UNICAL

were capable of jeopardising their academic pursuits.

Asuquo harped on excellence in learning and in character, stressing that the institution only awarded certificates in the two virtues, saying anyone found wanting in character would not be issued the university’s certificate.

Telling the freshmen about the activities of the Nursing department, Dr Umoh advised them to participate in all academic exercises of the department, adding that punctuality to lecturers and practical classes were part of requirements that qualified students to write examination. She emphasised 75 per cent attendance of lectures.

Dr Ekpenyong of the department of Public Health advised the freshers to work closely with lecturers, saying anyone who failed to do so

had started planning to fail. She advised them to read other relevant literature on their courses, stating that no single textbook could claim knowledge in all fields.

The president of the faculty association, Umoh Usenobong, stressed the need for the improvement of relationship between lecturers and students. In his speech, he urged the freshers to always show respect towards lecturers and advised them never to allow extracurricular activities derail their purpose of being in the university.

Bassey Effiong, one of the freshers, said the orientation was an eye opener to the realities of campus life. He added that his knowledge about the university and its activities had been increased.

Another student in Nursing department, Esther Umoh, said she would put everything she learned in the orientation to practice to graduate on top of her class.

HE Rector of the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO), Prof Igbekele Ajibefun, has called for more investment in youth education to enable government achieve its developmental programmes.

He spoke at the Excellence and Leadership Award Night organised by Sunshine State Youth Movement. The event was held at the conference hall of Solton International Hotel, Ijapo Estate, Akure, Ondo State.

In his paper titled Leadership and youth development: The critical nexus, Ajibefun stated that investment in education was investment in future, stressing that education was crucial to socio-economic transformation and nation building. He noted that some developing nations were not releasing money to fund their tertiary education system, stating: “achievment of a functional education system requires heavy investment.”

Ajibefun, however, praised the resolve of the Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, to provide fund for education at all levels, pointing to emergence of mega schools across the state and the massive infrastructural development going on in RUGIPO and state-owned institutions.

He noted that youth develop-

Council’s scholarship lifts students

T

O fulfil from its promise to students from Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State, the council’s leadership has disbursed millions of naira as scholarship to them.

Indigenes of the council in the University of Calabar (UNICAL) under the aegis of National Association of Yala Local Government Students (NAYLOGS) gathered at the security unit of the council last week to get their scholarship.

CAMPUSLIFE learnt that the last time students got scholarship from the local government was 19 years ago when Greg Ngaji was the president of the association.

The secretary of the council, Mr Boniface Okache, said: “For many

From Stanley Uchegbu and Emmanuel Ogar UNICAL

years, the council has not been able to give the students bursary due to its financial challenge. But now, things have turned around for good; the present chairman has brought out blueprint and cardinal priority, which is education.”

Okache said the council held meeting with all NAYLOGS members and came to a resolution that it would assist all Yala students in tertiary institution in Nigeria and abroad. “We engage the association so that we can get an accurate statistics of Yala students. It is on the basis of that we will know how

much to pay and how much that will go round,” he said.

NAYLOGS president, Patrick Wonah, said the restoration of the bursary scheme by the chairman of the council was commendable.

One of the beneficiaries, Anthony Afufu, a graduating student of Pure and Applied Chemistry, appreciated the council for the gesture. “Though we expected handsome amount because for many years, we were not paid. However, we appreciate the local government for this gesture. I urge the council not to stop the scheme as it was done in the past. They should also increase the amount to a reasonable sum,” Anthony said.

RUGIPO

ment was a policy perspective that emphasised provision of services and opportunities to support young people in developing a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and empowerment, which education must play a key role.

The Rector said availability of opportunities for youth would help them navigate through the social, political and economic realities of the 21st century. He also recognised honour, honesty, courage, integrity and loyalty as values required for youth development. According to him, the values remain the platform to pilot youth vision for their future.

The award night was attended by dignitaries among who were the wife of the Ondo State Governor, Mrs Olukemi Mimiko, representative of the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Prof Tolu Akinbogun, Chief Rotimi Olusanya, Asamo of Akure Land, who represented the Deji of Akure, Vice-Chancellor, Adekunle Ajasin University, AkungbaAkoko (AAUA), Prof Femi Mimiko, and Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Dayo Adeyanju.

‘Achievment of a functional education system requires heavy investment’

ICAN pledges support for students

T

•Okache addressing the beneficiaries during presentation exercise

From Olumide Olugosi

HE Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) has pledged N500,000 in aid to PhD students, who are its members and Accounting students of the University of Calabar (UNICAL).

Its National President, Mr Owolabi Adedoyin, made the pledge when he led an ICAN delegation to visit Vice-Chancellor, Prof James Epoke.

Adedoyin said the body observed that some students were hindered in their academic pursuit by financial challenges, a situation that made ICAN to decide to encourage the indigent students, especially those in their final years of study and postgraduate.

The 48th president of ICAN used the occasion to disclose that there would be a scholarship scheme for students who make First Class in the discipline and other related courses, who registered as bonafide members of ICAN. He ex-

From Sam Ibok UNICAL

plained the rule that all Accountancy and Accounting students must have credit pass in Mathematics and English in either WAEC or NECO was to ensure proper regulation of the profession.

He praised the management of the university for the excellent performance shown by its graduates of Accounting, while equally thanking the VC for the warm reception accorded the ICAN team.

Responding, the Deputy ViceChancellor (Administration), Prof James Utsalo, who spoke on behalf of Prof Epoke, expressed appreciation to the body for its choice of UNICAL as one of the universities to benefit from ICAN’s scholarship scheme.

Utsalo said the Accounting programme of the university was vibrant because of the demands placed before the students, which included orderliness from staff and students.

The chairman of Calabar District of ICAN, Mr Tony Ayie, said it was the body’s pleasure to choose the university among institutions to be accorded the honour of courtesy visits by the ICAN national leaders.

The highlights of the visit were the presentation of copies of academic journals to the Vice-Chancellor.

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013

I

II

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013

III

IV

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013

33

CAMPUS LIFE Police rescue student abducted by Facebook friend From Damilola Olayemi ASABA

A

•Cross section of matriculating students at the ceremony

Be practical in learning approach, students told

S

TUDENTS have been advised to be dynamic and practical in their approach to knowledge and learning. Provost of Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education (AIFCE), Owerri, Imo State, Dr Blessing Ojioma, gave the advice during the matriculation of students admitted for degree, National Certificate in Education (NCE) programmes.

The event, which was held at the college pavilion, was attended by lecturers, parents and students.

In her address, Mrs Ojioma described the freshmen as “blessed” because they were admitted when the institution is celebrating its 50th anniversary. She explained that the jubilee anniversary was formally kicked-off with the induction of the freshers.

From Johnpaul Nnamdi AIFCE OWERRI

She told the students to consider themselves privileged, warning them to report to any lecturer, anyone may want to extort or intimidate them. She said: “Privilege comes with sacrifice. You must endeavour to work hard in your studies; eschew exam malpractice, cultism, indecent dressing and conducts that are inimical to your academic pursuit. You must be well behaved and follow right procedures to make your complaints.”

The Vice-Chancellor, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Prof Barth Okolo, who was a guest at the occasion, urged the freshers to regard the ceremony as a solemn one that called for sober reflection.

“Aim high, be the best in extracurricular activities and recognise challenges in order to overcome them,” Okolo said.

One of the freshers, who spoke to CAMPUSLIFE, said: “I am very happy because this is one of the experiences I have looked forward to. Being a bonafide student has inspired me to start building my career.

A 200-Level Biology Education student, Vincent Okereke, said: “Though I did my matriculation two years ago, I will advise the incoming students to be focused, work hard and abstain from vices that will jeopardise their future.

One thing they should have in mind is that they must be punctual at lectures if they want to succeed in this school.”

STUDENT of the Kogi State University (KSU), Ayingba, identified as Samuel Bamidele Oludoyi, disappeared from his parents’ house in Enugu when a friend he met on Facebook lured him to Warri, Delta State.

Samuel was, however, lucky as he is alive to tell the story of how his supposed friend, identified as Michael (surname unknown) arranged for his abduction.

A kidnap gang seized Samuel for three days before police from the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) stormed the hideout of the suspected kidnappers at Uzor Street, Agbarho, and arrested three of the suspects.

The kidnappers demanded N5 million as ransom from Samuel’s parents to effect his release. They were moving the victim to another location when the police accosted them.

The Delta State Commissioner of Police, Mr Ikechukwu Aduba, gave the names of the arrested suspects as Anibor Oghenekparabo, Onoriode Omamowho and Kelvin Orotoma. Others are still at large.

The police said the intention of the kidnapper was to extort money from Samuel’s parents. Aduba, who said Samuel had reunited with his Enugubased parents, explained: “Samuel was invited by a friend identified as Michael, who he met on Facebook for a birthday party in Warri. They have not met face to face before this incident, but have been chatting on the internet.

He must have found out his background through his interaction with him on the social media.

“So, they plotted how to abduct him and make money. Samuel, the only son of his parents, whose abductors believe are well-to-do, left his parents in Enugu without telling them where he was going to and travelled to Warri.

“Samuel was discussing with Michael on phone and called him on when he got to Warri, but his so-called friend had ulterior motive. He had arranged with others to kidnap him. Samuel was whisked to a house along Uzor Street, Agbarho, where he was held hostage for three days.”

Aduba wondered why people could leave their homes to visit strangers they met on Facebook without proper security check. “I do not understand this; I am warning young men and women to stop this behaviour. How can you leave your home to go a birthday party by somebody you do not know, all because both of you met on social media? This is ridiculous. People should help the police by being security conscious,” he warned.

NANS appeals to Plateau lecturers, govt From Esther Mark JOS

T

•Representative of the Lagos State Governor and Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon. Wale Ahmed, presenting State Honour Award to Dr Abiodun Awosusi, who recently completed his National Youth Service. Awosusi was honoured for his exemplary performance in Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA).

F

OR the second time in two weeks, Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) has been embroiled in crises. Penultimate week, students of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) led by the Speaker of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), Simiat Arikawe, in protest to the office of Man ‘O’ War on the campus over the maltreatment of a female student.

CAMPUSLIFE gathered that a Man ‘O’ War cadet slapped a female student accused of stealing N30,000 belonging to her class governor, who helped a lecturer to sell textbooks. The money was kept in a bag, which was left in a class where the student was reading.

When the owner returned, he discovered the bag had been opened and the money had disappeared.

Our correspondent gathered that

Protests rock YABATECH From Mark Orgu YABATECH

the owner immediately reported the matter to the cadets, who swiftly swung into action by inviting the suspect. She was dragged to the cadet office to write a statement. But the girl was said to have refused to write anything.

CAMPUSLIFE gathered a cadet slapped the girl on the spot.

A friend of the suspect reported the incident to the union. Simiat was said to have abandoned legislative sitting to stage a protest to the cadet office.

The management could not control the crowd. In the process, the office of the Man ‘O’ War was vandalised

and the cadets’ properties destroyed.

This prompted the Rector, Dr Margret Ladipo, to move to the scene and address the irate students. Ladipo closed down the cadet office and ordered an investigation.

Last Friday, students besieged the hostel of the SUG president, Afeez Babalola, carrying different placards to draw the union’s attention to their plight. The protesters complained about epileptic power supply in the hostels, scarcity of water on the campus and inadequate accommodation.

Afeez addressed the students, saying urgent steps would be taken to remedy the situation. The Dean, Students affairs Unit, Mr O.T. Rasheed, assured that management would look into the issue.

HE Plateau State axis of the Joint Campus Committee (JCC), an arm of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), has called on the striking lecturers in state-owned tertiary institutions to accept the offer made by the government and return to work. The call came as the state awaits the court judgment on “no work, no pay” labour law.

The JCC made the call during a press briefing in Jos, following the decision of the state lecturers to resume strike action due to non implementation of the demands already granted the union by the state government.

In a press statement jointly signed by the NANS Zone C co-ordinator, Henry Pam, and president, National Association of Plateau State Students (NAPSS), Promise Yatu, the student body called on the government to speed up the implementation process while appealing to the lecturers to reconsider their position and return to their campuses.

The JCC said having cautiously assessed the issues at stake and the demands placed before government by the lecturers, it urged both parties to consider students, whose future was being affected by the strike.

The statement reads: “We are aware that the three months salary and other underpaid arrears are the first two demands by the tertiary staff.

These demands are now affected by the legal framework of ‘no work, no pay’. The court’s decision should be the final for both parties. Furthermore, the centralisation of salaries of all workers in the state is to correct anomalies caused by ghost workers. Opposition of lecturers to this cannot be a ground for protest. We urge them to support the government’s effort in sanitising public sector and protect public funds.”

Since some of the demands of the lecturers union have been consented to by the government, the student body urged the teachers to get back to work.

“This is a nation governed by the rule of law. We believe that National Industrial Court’s decision shall be binding on both government and striking workers. Neither government nor workers will overrule the decision of the court.”

The Committee also called on the students to remain calm and resist attempts by anyone or group to use their plight for evil motive. “We caution all those that want to incite students into acts of violence to desist from such evil machinations; they should deploy their energies for the good of our state,” the NANS said.

34

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013

35

36

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013

37

38

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013

39

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013

40

EDUCATION EDUTALK

with

FME, monitor Unity Schools

T

HE Federal Ministry of Education (FME), Abuja, owner of the 104 Federal Government Colleges, aka unity schools, needs to correct some anomalies in the running of the Kofoworola institutions.

As the proprietor of the colleges on behalf of the Federal Kofosagie@yahoo.com Government, it should be concerned about how they are 08054503077 (SMS only) managed and the unwholesome practices in the colleges.

Of a necessity, the government needs to do more about funding. I attended a PTA meeting in one of the colleges, where the principal complained that there was insufficient fund to feed the boarding pupils because the government does not send money on time, and when it does, it comes "anyhow" to use her words. She appealed to parents to supplement with foodstuff. From then, parents started paying N1,000 to supplement feeding. I do not know whether the pupils now feed better.

Before, I learnt that they got only one piece of yam to eat with stew when the meal was served on Sunday morning.

Parents who wards attend these colleges, are carrying more burden than they should. While it is okay that they support the schools, it is should be something they do voluntarily to add value to the colleges, not because they are forced to intervene because things are going bad.

Nowadays, they have no choice but to intervene or watch their wards learn in over-crowded classrooms, treat STIs as a result of bad toilets, get ill from drinking bad water, or sleep on the floor because there are no beds. Parents now build hostels, pay teachers, provide water, school buses, and supplement feeding budgets.

Many Parents/Teachers Associations (PTA) of the colleges have had to employ teachers because the ministry failed to replace teachers redeployed to other schools. On the average, the unity schools have more pupils compared to other public and private secondary schools.

Some colleges have more than 2,000 pupils, taught in as many as 10 arms per class. As a result, they need more teachers. But, when the FME decides to reshuffle the teachers, the colleges lose more than they gain.

The numbers posted out are less than those sent in. To help their wards, the PTAs have to employ teachers in subjects that are lacking. Their salaries are funded by levies paid by the pupils each term - and are far poorer compared to what the full-time teachers employed by the ministry earn. Some PTAs employ as many as 30 teachers, which is quite high.

Some of these teachers earn as little as N20,000. We can guess how motivated they would be about their jobs.

It is true that the fees charged by the school for tuition and boarding is very low, however, what parents now contend with is that they are paying as higher as, and in some cases, higher than charges in private schools without the commensurate facilities. When coming in as fresh intakes, the pupils pay for so many things including tuition, boarding, uniforms, books, bunk beds, desk and chairs, lockers and other sundry items. While fees for subsequent sessions are not as high, the PTA levies they pay remain relatively high, especially as the association almost always have projects to implement. New pupils are made to buy bunk beds despite the fact that a set graduates every year and they do not carry the bunks and lockers they used away from the school. Does the school really purchase bunks for all new intakes every session?

I also do not understand why pupils are made to provide items like hoes, cutlasses, plates, cutlery, brooms, disinfectant, and toilet cleaners every session. Unlike before when items such as plates, hoes, cutlasses and brooms were the personal properties of the pupils that bought them, now, they are made to submit it to a pool every session. If 2,000 pupils are asked to provide cutlasses and hoes every year, I think a school will not have space to keep all the cutlasses and hoes. There are insinuations that these items are resold to the pupils at the beginning of every session as the schools make arrangement for traders to sell the items to the pupils just outside its gates.

These are just some of the practices the FME could investigate as it increases the running cost of the schools and provides them with quality infrastructure and teachers.

Belo-Osagie

•From left, Ogundiji Tolulope, Olaniyi Samson, Kolawole Fajobi and Ayoola Falola

Unemployed grads develop e-UTME software

C

ANDIDATES who have chosen the Computer-Based Test (CBT) option for the 2013 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) can prepare better with a new software which its creators have promised would improve their computer skills and test their knowledge.

The developers, four unemployed graduates, said Avalanche UTME has the capacity to test the candidate's ability for the UTME and post -UTME in a simulated environment.

They are: Samson Olaniyi (Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, LAUTECH, Ogbomoso), Kolawole Fajobi (Federal College of Agriculture, Ibadan), and Ayoola Falola and Tolulope Ogundiji (both of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, FUTA. Speaking at the launch of the software, Olaniyi, who is the Head of Operations for the quartet, said they developed the software under a company they registered, Avalanche Nigeria, to assist prospective

By Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

candidates get prepared in a simulated environment that mimics the actual examination hall.

Olaniyi said a lot of candidates fail woefully when faced with a computer asking them questions although they may be brilliant. "If such applicants are not groomed on the basic usage and function of computers, hundreds of thousands of them, especially those in the rural areas, will fail and may never see the inside of a tertiary educational institution," he said.

Explaining features of the software, Fajobi said the new product comes in two forms-Student Version and Enterprise Version.

He said: "The Student Version is for home or individual use while the Enterprise Version is to be used by schools and business centres for large number of pupils at the same time and you don't need internet connection to use them.

"The Enterprise Version will enable schools and computer centres create an examination environment for applicants who come for the simulated test. Applicants will buy a pass or pin code. Once they enter the password they will be asked for their subject combination and later questions will come out.

"After three hours and 15 minutes which is the standard time for UTME examination conducted by JAMB, the computer will stop displaying the questions and results and total marks scored by the applicants will be displayed in three seconds."

On his part, Ayoola said that the eexamination software was the first product of the group.

Also speaking, Ogundiji said the group wants the public to know that it had come out with an effective solution to preparing for e-examination, especially the UTME and postUTME, and appealed to schools, cyber cafe and prospective dealers to try the product.

The Lagos State Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Mrs Oluranti Idiat Adebule, was awarded PhD in Curriculum Education at the Lagos State University's 18th convocation. She speaks with ADEGUNLE OLUGBAMILA, on her rough road to success.

‘Hard work breeds success’

H

OW do you feel that a new feather has been added to your cap?

As an academic, it is indeed a feeling of fulfilment and satisfaction that I was able to surmount the odd because acquiring PhD is not a cup of tea. It is a very important requirement for any academic to reach the pinnacle of his career because it is the gateway to higher lights and achievements in the tertiary education environment. It is the key that opens all available doors and opportunities in a university environment because there will be no limitations.

Therefore, there is no gainsaying that I feel elated to join the academic circle.

What new challenges has your new status thrown up?

The new challenges are numerous, but they are not insurmountable once you are prepared to take them on. The foremost is that you become more visible with resultant higher expectations in terms of publications, conferences and seminars, contributions to knowledge and practice and contributions to the university and the society at large. There is the notion that PhD holders know everything and therefore the big challenge is for you to continue to expand your knowledge in order to meet this ever expanding expectation. Indeed, it is a whole lot of challenges to keep with.

How are you able to combine your duty as SSG while doing your PhD? In actual fact, I have almost concluded my PhD work before my appointment as Secretary to the Lagos State Government. Most of the rigorous work of writing, field work to the Southwest states, analysing and interpreting the results had been concluded before my appointment; and this was why I was able to submit my thesis to the department of Language Arts and Social Science Education in September 2011, two months after my appointment as SSG. Although, the final defence at the School of Post-Graduate Studies didn't take place until June 19, 2012 due to so many months of strike action by LASU staff. Really, I didn't have to combine my schedules as SSG with the PhD work.

What are the lessons the rigour of your PhD work taught you?

I don't know if there are lessons to be learnt. But if there is any, one of it will be that hard work breeds success. There is no easy way to PhD; it involves a whole lot of hard work, sleepless nights, networking and in my case, travelling to the six Southwest states to get approval to administer research instruments and subsequently going to administer them.

It is after this that the work starts, which includes collation, recording, analysing, interpreting, and recommending. In my case, my supervisor

•Mrs Adebule

modified my topic twice after going far on the previous topics and I had to start all over. But with determination and hard work, I was able to successfully complete the programme.

After your PhD, what next?

I always put Almighty Allah first in everything I do and that I will not change Insha Allah. So, the Almighty leads the way and I follow. That is what I have done all my life. Despite this submission, looking forward is natural for me and this implies that I will have to continue to publish in local, national, and international journals because as an academic, you either publish or you perish. The implication is that through hard work and dedication, I hope to reach the pinnacle of my career as an academic, that is, become a professor in the near future no matter in what capacity or level I might have been called to serve my state, country or humanity.

‘Nowadays, they have no choice but to intervene or watch their wards learn in over-crowded classrooms, treat STIs as a result of bad toilets, get ill from drinking bad water, or sleep on the floor because there are no beds. Parents now build hostels, pay teachers, provide water, school buses, and supplement feeding budgets’

From My Inbox Re: e-UTME: Last minute campaign (Thursday, March 7, 2013) It is unfair for JAMB to expect candidates, many of who are just teenagers, to travel to another state just to sit for the UTME. JAMB should rather create more PPT (Paper and Pencil Test) centres in any state which needs them which are mainly states in the South. Since CBT is optional, JAMB should not force students to use this method because of lack of PPT centres. It is not candidates' fault that JAMB underestimated the number of candidates that would require PPT. Why should a teenager have to travel all the way from Lagos to Jigawa just to write UTME? This is another way to put lives of our youths at risk.

The Federal Ministry of Education should call JAMB to order. From 08077375.

42

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013

43

THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

• Ajimobi

• Ladoja

• Lanlehin

• Mrs Jumoke Akinjide

• Folarin

Governorship aspirants for the 2015 elections are on the track in Oyo State. The competing political parties have also intensified their mobilisation at the grassroots. BISI OLADELE writes on the gladiators’ struggle for power in the Pacesetter State.

In Oyo, race for 2015 gathers storm P

OLITICS is always hot in Oyo State. It may not be different in 2015. Three par ties-the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Accord Party (AP)-are on the prowl. Who wins the governorship race in the Pacesetter State?

Many factors will shape the forth-coming poll in the State. TheACN has endorsed Governor Abiola Ajimobi for a second term. The implication is that the ruling party has devised a method of putting its house in order.

If there is no serious objection to the governor’s adoption and if he sustains the tempo of performance, then, ACN is a party to beat.

However, the PDP is not in slumber. Unlike ACN, it parades the largest number of contestants. This may reenact the crisis that rocked the party, ahead of the 2011 elections.

The third party, AP, cannot also be ignored.

Although it lacks the capacity to garner the majority of the votes, it can play either a supportive or spolier’s role in Oyo politics.

It is expected that the only towering figure in the party, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, will still emerge as its governorship candidate.

For Ajumobi, the Agodi State House will not be vacant in two year’s time. He is not just mouthing it. The governor has doubled his efforts at turning the state around in the build up to 2015. Many people believe that his tenure ended an era of brigandage, political upheavals, dirt and lawlessness in Oyo State.

But the power of incumbency is only meaningful in the politically conscious state, if the chief executive has justified the confidence reposed in him by the masses.

Between now and the critical year, it is expected that more politicians will declare their ambition in the PDP, which is the major opposition party. Party sources said that both ACN and PDP chieftains are still wooing the AP strongman, Ladoja, to join forces with their parties..

Senator Teslim Folarin (PDP) Folarin, who was the Senate Leader until 2011 under the PDP, has been a major governorship contender. Since he left office on a crisis note, the politician has been consistent in his underground moves to succeed Ajimobi in 2015.

He failed to seek renomination for the Senate and forfeited his governorship ambition in 201, following his detention over the alleged killing of Alhaji Lateef Salako (aka Elewe Omo), the leader of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

Folarin was locked in a battle with former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala for the seat.

But the former governor, who was itching for a second term, pulled the rug off the

senator’s feet. The murder charges preferred against Folarin prevented him from participating in the party primaries.

But since the exit of Alao-Akala, who was believed to have roped him in the murder case, Folarin has worked hard to hijack the PDP structure in the state, using his influence at the national level. He has been building his own structure with the hope of launching a strong campaign for the 2015 election.

However, top members of the factionalised PDP believe that the embattled senator lack the political clout to dislodge the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), confront the Accord Party (AP) under the firm leadership of Senator Ladoja beat other stronger PDP contenders are the primaries.

Jumoke Akinjide (PDP) Chief Jumoke is the daughter of the Second Republic Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Chief Richard Akinjide.

A brilliant lawyer and witty politician, Jumoke, who is currently the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), is another candidate eyeing the most exalted seat in Oyo State.

Jumoke contested against Senator Femi Lanlehin for the Oyo South seat in the Senate in 2011, but she was defeated. She came third behind the AP candidate, Mr. Bayo Lawal, a lawyer. It is believed that her current appointment was a compensation for her loss in the election and a reward for her father’s staunch support for President Goodluck Jonathan during the 2011 elections.

The minister is pulling strings in the PDP in Oyo State. She is a candidate that may be very acceptable to President Jonathan, due to her current relationship with him as a minister and her father’s intimacy with the President.

Jumoke built a good structure during the last election and she is still oiling the structure in preparation for future elections. She is not relenting in her ambition to emerge the first female governor of the state.

However, the odds are many. The state seems to have bidden farewell to the PDP, owing to the party’s inability to make an impact on the people during its eight years in power.

Also, the party is factionalised along the camps of Alao-Akala, Senator Lekan Balogun ,

Elder Wole Oyelese and Teslim Folarin. Other leaders may not surrender their years of labour in building and controlling the party to Jumoke, moreso when her father is considered to be operating in his own world as a party gerontocrat.

Since the last election, the PDP has lost many supporters to the ACN and Accord Party due to the protracted crisis and lack of continued reward for loyalty.

Since the PDP lost power to Ajimobi’s ACN, it has made fruitless efforts to foster internal harmony and rise above intra-party squabbles.

The party is bedeviled with the failure to instill discipline into the its operational structures.

Azeez Gbolarunmi (PDP) Gholarunmi served as the deputy governor under Alao-Akala, when Ladoja was shoved aside. He is a native of Ibadan. He was the political son of the late Ibadan strong man, Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu. But the people do not see him as a formidable aspirant.

Taofeek Arapaja (PDP) Arapaja was the deputy governor under Alao-Akala. A native of Ibadan, he was a member of the House of Representatives.

He is popular in the party.

Rashidi Ladoja (Accord) Former Governor Ladoja is eyeing the governorship for the third time. The 68-year old business mogul crossed to the Accord Party in early 2011. Along with his followers, he built a formidable party that came third in the election.

Some aggrieved members of the PDP have decamped to the AP to swell its ranks in recent times. With four members of the House of Representatives and six House of Assembly members, AP is like a major opposition party in the state.

Since Ladoja was illegally impeached in 2006, he has been enjoying sympathy from residents, but the sympathy could not earn him victory in the 2011 election. Ajimobi defeated him with over 40,000 votes.

As he throws his hat into the ring again for the 2015 election, the state will be left to see the

‘Many factors will shape the forth-coming poll in the s tate.

TheACN has endorsed Governor Abiola Ajimobi for a second term. The implication is that the ruling party has devised a method of putting its house in order. If there is no serious objection to the governor’s adoption and if he sustains the tempo of performance, then, ACN is a party to beat’

outcome of another keen contest that may reveal the poor strength of the AP in the larger part of Ibadan and other major towns in the state.

Many analysts are also of the opinion that Ladoja should rather stay behind as an elder statesman and face his potential rise to the throne of the Olubadan of Ibadanland.

Besides, the Oyo State government has been calling on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to speed up the trial of the former governor over alleged misappropriation of funds at the twilight of his administration in 2007. This may be another albatross on the neck of the AP leader .

Abiola Ajimobi (ACN) He is the man currently occupying the seat.

The governor has not declared his intention for second term, though some party members and leaders have openly adopted him as the candidate of the party..

Ajimobi has not disappointed voters who voted him for change. Since 2011, the man has been pursuining his urban renewal and transformation agenda, gradually restoring the glory of the state. From the dirtiest city in Nigeria, Ibadan, the state capital under Ajimobi, is wearing a new look of neatness and orderliness. As “We shall be the founder of a new Oyo State by the end of our tenure”, the governor told reporters last week.

The ACN is strong in Ibadan and other major towns. But it is weak in Ogbomoso where the top leaders of the party are gradually breaking the grip of former governor Adebayo AlaoAkala.

Ajimobi’s construction of neighbourhood markets, beautification projects and a promise of interest-free loans to traders are, however, marking him out as a man with the determination to make positive change more acceptable to his people.

If he stands as a candidate in the next election, it is doubtful if any other candidate can upstage him, given his landmark achievements.

Femi Lanlehin (ACN) The senator currently representing Oyo South at the Senate is interested in the race. He was a credible aspirant in the last election.

The senator is a core politician who knows his onions and has a good standing in the state. He won his senatorial election convincingly, defeating Jumoke Akinjide and Mr Bayo Lawal. He is still doing well in his constituency and the state as he still connects with the ,in spite of serving in Abuja.

But Lanlehin will have to contend for the ticket with Ajimobi again in 2015, if both of them choose to contest. That may pose another uphill task for the politician.

44

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013

45

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013

THE NATION

NATURAL HEALTH E-mail:- health@thenationonlineng.net

CLINIC DAY A consultant magneto therapist and homeopath, Dr Cyril Omisande, the Medical Director, Cyrillic Holistic Health Clinic, writes on treatment of Hepatitis through Homeopath. The super highway, www.care2.com provides answers to the second and third questions.

Homeopathy medicine for hepatitis S

AMUEL Hahnemann (1755-1843) is the founder of homeopathy. A German physician, chemist and medical translator, he was discouraged with the harsh, often dangerous medical methods commonly used in his time. He discovered a more gentle and effective type of medicine. Homeopathy is an art and a science. Queen Elizabeth 11 of England never travels anywhere without her homeopathic medicines.

Homeopathy is an alternative medical practice which originated over 250 years ago.

The basis of homeopathic medicine is a philosophy called the “Law of similar”, otherwise known as “Like cures like”.

This means a substance that produces symptoms in a healthy person can cure a person suffering with the same symptoms, for example if eating a certain herb causes people to cough, that same herb is used to treat a sick person whose main symptom is a cough. The goal is to stimulate the immune system so that the body heals itself. The orthodox medicine

1. Red What: Tomatoes, watermelon, red peppers, pomegranates, cranberries, raspberries.

The pigment that gives most red fruits and veggies their signature hue is called lycopene – an antioxidant that may reduce the risks of cancer and cardiovascular disease.

2. Orange and yellow What: Carrots, cantaloupe, apricots, mango, oranges, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, papaya, bananas, corn, summer squash, lemon and grapefruit.

You can thank beta-carotene for that vibrant orange hue found in carrots, sweet potatoes and the like. The body converts beta-carotine into vitamin A, which helps your eyes, your bones and your immune system stay in tip-top shape. Citrus fruits, like oranges and lemons, are full of vitamin C, of course, but they’re also rich in bioflavonoids, and the two work together to help your bones, skin and teeth, and reduce your risks of cancer and heart disease.

3. Green What: leafy vegetables, kiwi, lime, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, zucchini, artichoke and avocado.

The source of green’s vegetables colour may sound familiar to anyone who ever took biology: chlorophyl. Though green is certainly the colour with the most variety, most green vegetables are high in fiber, many vitamins, calcium, iron, and a whole slew of beneficial antioxidants. Not all greens are created equal, however: iceberg lettuce is not nearly as nutrient rich as, say, kale. As a general rule, the darker the green, the better. Cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli and cauli-

uses the law of opposites e.g. antibiotics, anti inflammatory, anti hypertensive etc.

The premise is similar to that of vaccines. To fight the flu for example, a mild form of a flu virus is administered in the form of a vaccine. It sensitizes your immune system so that it recognises and destroys the real germs before they make you sick.

Homeopathic medicine is made from plants, herbs or animal extracts into dilutions and mother tinctures. The poetized remedy acts as a catalyst to set healing into motion. Homeopathy treats the whole person as a unique individual.

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, usually of viral origin, but it may also be caused by drugs or alcoholism. Hepatitis is transmitted by contact with contaminated water or food, stool, blood or secretions.

Hepatitis is transmitted primarily through blood transfusions or contaminated needles.

Hepatitis occurs mostly after blood transfusions, causing acute hepatitis that may become chronic.

Hepatitis causes severe liver dysfunction with jaundice, bloating, and diarrhea, and may be fatal in extreme cases.

Hepatitis may become chronic, causing long-term liver damage that can be fatal.

Pointers for finding the right homeopathic medicine for hepatitis 1. If there is considerable right-shoulder-blade pain, Chelidonium is the answer, a prominent liver remedy covering many of the direct reflex systems of diseased conditions of the orga n.

2. If the person has a history of gonorrhnea or Chlamydia, he probably needs Natrum sulphurium, a liver remedy, especially indicated for the so called hydrogenoid constitution.

3. If perspiration and the breath smell bad and there is excessive saliva, give Mercurius, which is for enlarged liver sore to touch and jaundice.

4. If the person has a strong craving for cold drinks, look at phosphorus, which is used for fatty degeneration and congestion of the liver.

QUESTIONS 1. My cousin is down with hepatitis and insists on homeopathy for treatment. Please, what is homeopathy and how beneficial is it?

Taiwo Adigun, 42, vulcaniser, Lokoja, Kogi State.

2. I understand that the colours of vegetables and fruits can aid healing. Do give me more insight.

Viola Fowler, 28, Florist, Victoria Garden City (VGC), Lagos.

3. What are the basic ways of preventing breast cancer?

Ikuomola Jumoke, 18, student, Isolo, Lagos.

Nutrition by colour

Ways to reduce breast cancer risk THERE are many great anti-cancer foods and lifestyle changes that can reduce your risk of getting breast cancer, but here are some simple ones you can incorporate into your life right away: 1. Increase the fibre in your diet.

High fiber diets have been shown to decrease breast cancer risk by up to 54 per cent. That could be because fiber binds to harmful substances in the intestines and escorts them out of the body. Increasing fiber in your diet is easy: sprinkle flax seeds on your toast or cereal, choose whole grains over refined, add beans to soups and stews, and snack on almonds through the day.

2. Add sea vegetables to your diet.

Research by Jane Teas, Ph.D., of the Harvard School of Public Health shows that rats fed kelp had less breast cancer than rats who were not fed kelp. Kelp and other forms of seaweed are full of nutrients, reduce radioactive waste in our bodies, and strengthen the glands.

3. Eat more cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and cabbage.

They contain sulfur compounds called indoles, which help eliminate excess estrogen from the body and prevent it from triggering the growth of breast cancer.

Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) is particularly powerful at inhibiting cancer cell development in the breasts. Cruciferous vegetables convert cancer-promoting forms of estrogen to protective forms according to Dr. Gaynor, author of Dr. Gaynor’s Cancer Prevention Program One particular indole, indole-3-carbinol (13C), inhibits the development of potentially cancerous cells in the breast.

4. Reduce animal fat in your diet.

In a British study, researchers found a high consumption of animal fat was linked to more cases of breast or colorectal cancer, while fish oil was linked to fewer cases. Additionally, excess amounts of animal fat in the diet causes the production of chemicals in the intestine that bacteria can convert to carcinogenic estrogens.

5. Eat more Omega 3 fatty acids.

•Yellow pumpkins

•Green leaves

flower, also contain properties that have been shown to reduce cancer risk.

4. Blue and purple

•Red pepper

Omega 3s been shown in many studies to inhibit the effects of inflammatory substances called prostaglandins. These substances not only depress the immune system, they weaken its ability to identify tumors. Omega 3 fatty acids in flax seeds, flax oil, raw walnuts, and fish, reduce prostaglandins and inflammation, reducing the breast cancer risk. In a study in Finland, breast cancer victims were found to have lower levels of two types of omega 3 fatty acids in their breast tissue than women without the disease.

•Varieties of fruits

What: Blueberries, blackberries, eggplant, grapes, plums, beets.

Blue, purple and deep red fruits and vegetables get their colour from a

pigment known as anthocyanin, and are rich in antioxidants that are beneficial to the brain, your heart and your immune system.

6. Choose organic produce as much as possible.

Many pesticides have been linked with an increased risk of breast cancer. They also have an affinity for fatty deposits in the body, including the breasts.

THE NATION THURSDAY , MARCH 7, 2013

46

NATURAL HEALTH

Swollen foot may signal brewing heart disease F OR about 20 years, I have known a woman burdened with one foot which swells on and off. I have a brother-in-law who, for about 10 years, has lived with a swollen foot which, like that woman's, improves and worsens off and on. A few months ago, a young man in the food supplements business told me about his wife. She had one swollen foot which was causing her discomfort serious enough to make her wish to seek medical advice. I told him to ask her to check with her doctors if her naughty foot had anything to do with heart or kidney function insufficiency, a blood vessel blockage or weakness of a non-return valve in the blood vessels, from which policemen and soldiers often suffer due to long hours of standing on the parade ground or in their work as sentries. We often think the police force has become decadent when we see police guards expected to be at the alert 24/ 7 lower their guards by sitting under the shade of a tree or in a make shift kiosk. We do not know what is going on in the legs of those fellows which makes them conclude, as they say in Nigeria's Niger Delta Region ... boo, body no be wood!

Inside their legs are blood vessels (arteries) which bring blood from the heart to every cell in the leg, and another set of blood vessels (veins) which take used blood from the cells back to the heart. As intermediaries between these sets of blood vessels are the tiniest of vessels called capillaries. Altogether, they form the vascular system. Inside the veins which return blood to the heart are non-return valves. Literally, they prevent the blood from "falling" back as it travels upwards. We stand for too long or sit for too long, with the leg muscles not exercised to help the upward blood flow. When the body is nutritionally ill-maintained, the non-return valves cannot easily resist the blood load, and seepages pass them or a "falling down" occurs. If these seepages' become significant enough, the tissue becomes fluid-logged and, soon, this common swelling of the foot establishes itself. Like the woman I've known for about 20 years, many people with one swollen foot ignore it after a while, especially if it causes no pain, without realising that it may be the preparatory ground for a heart attack or a stroke!

Back to the wife of the gentleman who sells nutritional supplements in Lagos. I asked him to give her CAYENNE and the biochemic cell salt FERRUM PHOSPHATE, which are known to break congestious and free blood circulation. I suggested to him, also, the condition may be a DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS (DVT). A DVT is a more serious blockage, not simply because the blockage is deep within the body and may be more difficult to reach or dislodge, but more because this is a signal that a similar blood vessel and heart disease (Cardio Vascular Disease) may be going on in other parts of the body. The first doctor this woman saw applied the rule of the thumb and diagnosed DVT. Back at a teaching hospital, the same verdict was pronounced after tests, which ran up to N250, 000 she was placed immediately on war farmin, an anti-coagulant and advised to eliminate vegetables in the diet, as these are a rich source of Vitamin K, which coagulates (thickens) the blood to prevent bleeding. What that means is that you can't be putting out a fire and stoking it at the same time.

Dehydration?

W

HEN I spoke to Dr. Sam Asemugha of Lagos this week while I was writing this column, he said he saw an average of two or three women with swollen foot in the last month and wondered if the weather had anything to do with it.

The weather has been hot, and everyone is sweating profusely. I wondered if dehydration may have anything to do with it. Of course, dehydration would leave in the blood vessels a higher than normal ratio of solute which will thicken the blood and, depending on what is thickening the blood, sludges clinging to the wall of blood vessels may sediment and cause damage and blockage of blood flow which may result in a swollen foot.

Contraceptives?

Other doctors believe contraceptives are the culprits, especially as more women than men are involved. But they seem to have no clue about the possible connections.

Heart or Kidney?

When a foot swells, the tendency is to suspect failing kidneys or the heart. Some doctors employ a simple rule of the thumb to eliminate kidney or heart involvement. When the heart is weak and pumps out blood, it may lack sufficient vigour to bring back the blood, causing congestion downstream. But in that case, both limbs are involved, not one, and the problem escalates during exertion it subsides if the leg is raised when the sufferer sits or lies down. If the kidneys are weak, it doesn't filter the blood well, and a similar development occurs. The golden rule is to check whether the swelling occurs while the sufferer is asleep at night, in which case it may not be the heart's fault, since it has less work to do pulling blood up against the force of gravity. In this case, the kidney must be the culprit if both feet are involved, otherwise blockages, deep or superficial, deserve a query.

Intermittent Claudication

and does the job. On a Lufthansa plane flight to Lagos from the Netherlands about 20 years ago, I suddenly developed terrible pains in both eyes that I thought they would explode in a minute.

I called the cabin crew who gave me aspirin. In about 30 minutes, it was as if nothing had happened. The pain was a warning signal.

But I was careless and did nothing about it afterwards. I wasn't surprised when, a few years later at 45 in 1995, I was diagnosed with glaucoma and advised to undergo corrective surgery, which I declined, preferring to fight it nutritionally. But aspirin is dangerous. It lacerates the stomach and intestine and, perhaps, the blood vessels, causing internal bleeding. What if such bleeding occurs in the brain! The aspirin industry has responded to aspirin detriments by making "safer brands" but I won't touch them with a long pole. I'd rather take the small-flowered willow herb, the prostrate shrinking herb from which the aspirin chemical was extracted! Warfarin can be dangerous if it becomes like a sledge hammer smashing an ant. Dosages have to be gradually increased to optimal level. Some of the side effects include difficulty in breathing, vomiting and nausea, hair loss, fatigue, bleeding, skin rash, stomach pains and swelling of the face.

Alternative Options

M

cardiologist, make an appointment to see one. If a person comes in and has symptoms of a lack of blood flow in the legs, there is a strong possibility that he or she already has blockages in the heart, or in the carotid arteries going to the brain. So, it's very important that such a person be evaluated not only for problems with the vessel, but with the organs those vessels are feeding".

Editors of this book add the following rider "The reason for that warning becomes apparent when you examine the statistic. The incidence of coronary artery disease in people with peripheral vascular disease is about 75 to 80 per cent.

Intermittent claudication is a symptom of peripheral vascular disease"

Causes of blockage

W

HEN many people are diagnosed hypertensive, they hardly realise one of the possible causes is blockage of blood flow in any organ or blood vessel anywhere in the body which forces the heart to pump harder to push blood past the blockage. Hardening of organs and blood vessels are another leg, of the course. They may not know, also, that a blockage may induce accumulation of germs, cause infection and inflammation of the blood vessel due to the irritation of the infection or toxic wastes in the blockage which cannot be easily moved away for evacuation from the body. Many people know of cholesterol blockage and damage, for which Statin drugs are used.

Unfortunately for the users, statin drugs cause a deficiency of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) which this column gave elaborate mention last week. Without CoQ10, the heart is good as dead. In other words, statin drugs may aim to save the blood vessels from damage but it ends up killing the heart as well. Not many people know that Homocysteine deposit in blood vessels can cause blockage as worse, if not worse than cholesterol's. Homocysteine is a greasy by-product of the metabolism of methionine , an amino acid. But, like ice in the tropical African sun, methionine is liquefied in the presence Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12 and folic acid.These are the frontline remedies in a good anti-homocysteine formula such as Bell's Homocysteine Control. What about triglycerides blockage? Many people see the triglycerides (TG) entry in their blood work but do not know what to make of it.

Well, triglycerides are a dangerous fat, like LDL cholesterol, when over produced as the body converts excess carbohydrate to stored body fat. Some doctors set a safe triglycerides blood level at less than 150miligramms per decelitre (mg/dl) 150199mg/dl is borderline; high is from 200 - 499 mg/dl, very high 500mg/dl and over. A high triglyceriles blood level is a risk factor in vascular clogging, heart disease and strokes. But by far the worst scenario in the clogging of blood vessels appears to be blood clots. Women who are prone to having blood clots in their menstrual discharge need to pay attention to this development.

The blood is meant to flow like a stream. If, for example, a river begins to develop into chunks of ice or to silt when it is not meant to, something must be amiss. In special conditions, though, the body permits blood clots to form. Such an occasion is when an injury leads to bleeding. To arrest blood loss, special cells called platelets clump to form a barrier to the leakage, while the healing process provides new tissue or scar tissue. A special mechanism which depends on certain chemical substances supplied by diet prevents the blood stream from coagulating or forming clots unnecessarily. When this mechanism breaks down, conditions, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), arise such as the wife of the man who sells nutritional supplements is challenged with. Clots may also form outside the deep veins to cause pain in the legs, as blood and oxygen cannot be easily supplied past them. When the arteries which supply the brain with blood are clogged by blood clots, less blood reaches the brain, thinking becomes slower, memory loss occurs, the brain shrinks and some cells may die, lost forever, the hairs on the scalp may gray prematurely and vision may become dim. Ringing in the ear is also a sign of poor blood circulation. If a blood clot lodges in blood vessels of the brain, a stroke may arise. A blood clot in the heart is a risk factor in heart attack.

OTHER Nature offers a wide array of food substances which prevent unnecessary blood clot formation and dissolves those already formed. Where it is a simple matter such as menstrual blood clots, Cayenne, Lecithin, Apple Cider Vinegar, Magnesium, Niacin, fish oil (Omega- 3) and a host of others do the job. In blood clot formation, a substance known as thromboxane is released. This makes the blood platelets develop spike-like projections which they plug into one another to become sticky. Dr. Jerry L. Nadler, M.D., of the City of Hope Medical Centre, Duarte, California, carned out studies which show that Magnesium prevents the release of thromboxane. In other words, it may be assumed that blood clothing occurs in a magnesiumdeficient environment. Blockages cause elevated blood pressure.

Happily, Magnesium relaxes smooth muscles of blood vessels, thereby increasing the space for blood flow and lowering blood pressure. Newer studies are linking blood clot formation and other degenerating diseases to inflammation and inflammation to high blood levels of insulin and blood sugar. It is a tricky scenario. We know insulin resistance or rejection by the cells keeps more sugar in the blood than is safe since it is insulin that drives blood sugar into the cells. We know, also, that unnecessary large amounts of insulin are produced when there is a deficiency of chromium in the diet, as the more the chromium in the diet, the less the insulin produced, the more effective the smaller amount of insulin and the less rejection of insulin. But, now, it is coming to light that cell membranes formed from the wrong types of fats because the right ones are not available in the diet are as culpable as calcium infiltration of the cell walls which hardens it, raising the surface tension, in the absence of magnesium. It would, therefore, appear that, by supplying these nutrients, not only would we be able to reverse inflammation (of the pancreas, for example) and normalize all mechanisms as established by Nature. I have seen terrible cases of diabetes which defy the highest dosages of all blood sugar-lowering agents, herbal or drug, drug and herbal combined, and wonder if the cell wall did not reject them like excess insulin with little or no Glucose Tolerance Factor. Modern medicine knows inflammation is a curse upon the modern man.

Yet it is a natural procedure of the healing process. But inflammation becomes damaging if it is prolonged. Prolongation has been caused by modern diets which supply more proinflamation fats vis-Ă -vis anti inflammation fats. The pros are Omega 6 and Omega 9 found largely in vegetable oils. The antis are the Omega 3 oils found in fish and some plants, especially flax seeds. Today, a ratio of about 1:1 in favour of Omega 3 has altered to 20:1 against, according to many studies. Thus, modern medicine talks of arthritis (inflammation in the joins), Caarditis (heart), uveitis (eye), nephritis (kidneys), hepatitis (liver) bronchitis (bronchioles), sinusitis (sinusis), colitis (colon) and phlebitis (veins).

S these studies advance our knowledge of natural healing agents, we must express gratitude to the arrow heads of this expanding new frontier. Dr. Joseph C. Maroon, M.D., Professor and Chairman of the Department of Neurological Surgery of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Dr Jeffery Bost, Neurological Physician at the same University, co-authored FISH OIL, sub-titled Natures Safest Most Effective Anti-Inflamatory in which they urge their colleagues to abandon dangerous anti-inflamatories such as Prednisone in favour of the simple Omega-3 fish oil. How wonderful they have found fish oil for treating diseases such as asthma, diabetes, high LDL, Vascular disease, thrombosis, stroke, heart attack, rheumatoid, arthritis, oesteo arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosies, multiple sclerosis, macular degeneration e.t.c. Now, many studies are showing that people who eat oily fish once or twice a week are at less risk of developing killer diseases. Dr. Robert Grayhon wrote The Carnitine Miracle which shows indispensability of LCarnitine in these matters. There is about 100 times more carnitine in the heart than in the blood, and only the adrenal glands have nearly as much concentration of it. Carnitine moves fat from the blood into the cells, thereby preventing an opportunity for vascular blockage and damage which may trigger inflammation and ... the rest of the story, including swollen foot. Carnitine is like the passenger bus. If there are no buses, the bus-stops will be overcrowded. In the blood vessels, fats would gather, waiting for "buses" or "train" that won't come, degenerate under oxidation and from clogs or blockages. We cannot forget Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Selenium, Nattokinese, Curamin and the proprietary systemic enzyme complex NEPRINOL for the cleaning up of the arteries. The bottom line is that foot swellings may be a distant echo of an early warning signal that forces which eventually damage the heart and the vital organs are already gathering storm.

A

Sometimes, a single foot swelling is a mere case of intermittent claudication in which pain is experienced in the calf when one is walking. Trust our women. They resort to hot foot baths and massage with fire-spitting liniments or the heating pad. But just this Dr Jess Young says is wrong. He was at one time chairman of the Vascular Medicine Department at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Ohio. He says the aim of heating the area is to get the blood flowing. But what if the blockage doesn't break and blood isn't flowing? The heat would damage the skin, he says.

Freezing the blood circulation would even appear to be a small part of a larger picture, going by the warning of Dr. Robert Aspirin and Warfarin Ginsburg, M.D., director of the Center for International Vascular Therapy at Stafford University Hospital, California, who says in Arthodox medicine relies on either of these two agents, among The Doctors Book of Home Remedies: others, as the drug of choice to dissolve the clots. Aspirin is cheap "If you have intermittent claudication and haven't seen a e-mail: femi.kusa@yahoo.com or olufemikusa@yahoo.com Tel: 08034004247, 07025077303

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013

47

THE NATION

e-Business Battle for Spectrum allocation Globally, the radio frequency spectrum is a unique resource from which society benefits. It provides access to a range of private, commercial, consumer, defence, national security, scientific and public safety applications. LUCAS AJANAKU writes on the intrigues that will trail the allocation of the 2.3 Ghz band by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

T

HE Executive Vice Chairman / Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Communications Commision (NCC), Eugene Juwah, set the tone for the stakeholders’forum on the best option for licensing the remaining slots in the 2.3GHz band on Monday at the Lagos Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Ikeja.

Represented by NCC’s Executive Commissioner, Okechukwu Itanyi, he said: “The objective of this forum, in line with the commission’s policy of participatory regulation, among other things, is to provide an avenue for stakeholders and users of the 2.3 GHz band to discuss, criticise, exchange ideas and proffer options that will help the Commission in arriving at a decision on the further licensing of the remaining 40 MHz bandwidth in the band for the benefit of all Nigerians.”

According to computerhope.com, gigahertz (GHz) is a unit of measurement for alternating current (AC) or electromagnetic (EM) wave frequencies equal to 1,000,000,000 Hz; while megahertz (MHz) is, according to searchnetworking.techtarget.com, is a unit of alternating current AC or electromagnetic (EM) wave frequency equal to one million hertz 1000000 Hz. Making a presentation on behalf of Mobitel, Spectranet and DOPC, Atel Ajha, Chief Operating Officer of Spectranet, did not mince words when he delared that fresh auction of 30 MHz is not advisable, adding that using 10 MHz to provide for five guard bands has no meaning as each it would be 2 MHz. He aruged that at the end of 2.3 GHz band would require larger guard band due to uncontrolled emissions in 2.4 GHz. According to him, globally wireline networks provide primary network reach and wireless as secondary reach, lamenting that in Nigeria, there is no significant primary wireline network, hence, wireless become the primary network with extra capacity requirement.

Ajha said to roll out advance wireless network in the country, larger spectrum is a basic need.

Speaking on Front End (Access network)- Capacity Bottleneck, he said access network is front end of local, national and international carriers net-

•Cross section of participants at THE stakeholders forum in Lagos.

works.

He added that higher bandwidth at access network will result in more capacity uptake and resultant drop in prices.

“Without sufficient bandwidth at front end, even carrier networks are not doing well. Today, Nigeria uses only 10-15 per cent of its installed international bandwidth capacity.

“Similar case with national networks, number of empty ducts, number of unutilised fiber, all underutilised due to no front end outflow,” he said.

On ISP operators cost towards international bandwidth and tower rental, he said in Nigeria, a huge portion of ISP revenue goes into connectivity charges and tower rentals, because international bandwidth rates are one of the highest in Nigeria compared to the rest of the world; national long distance and metro network cost is exorbitantly high; tower rental cost is also much higher compared to other developing countries because infrastructure providers have unique problems, such as power, theft and security.

He said NCC’s advertisement to “auction 1x30 MHz to one new operator”would lead to an unfair practice in the industry, insisting that the proposed offering of 30 MHzs to one bidder instead of 20 MHzs to an operator is unfair and reduces the competition. “The communication regulations do not allow undue advantage and lessening of competition,” he argued.

Another unfair competition scenario he painted was that of one operator that has extra infrastructure, such as international carrier’s licence, as well as metro and national long distance fiber owner ship leading to cross subsidy on ISP business creating unfair competitive advantages.

Again, he blamed the uneven frequency allocation between Global System for Mobile (GSM) and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) operators played a vital role for CDMA operators’ failure, though there are other additional reasons.

“It is safe to assume that all future spectrum allocations shall provide the adequate guard band. This will lead to uneven playing field in data access network,” the Spectranet chief said.

He argued that there is no guard band in 2.3GHz unpaired spectrum allocations, causing interference between adjacent operators using different Time-division duplexing (TDD) TDD ratio, causing throughput loss for operator and poor end-users experience and additional sites required to cover similar area, resulting in additional cost on operators.

On interference impact on network coverage and capacity, he said transition is taking place from WiMAX to long term evolution (LTE) or 4G globally, arguing that there is severe interference if WiMAX & LTE-TDD network to co-exist.

He said due to interference, cell radius shrinks, which reduce the coverage area of a site while heavy interference causes throughput loss for operator’s and poor user experience, adding that more site need to deploy to cover the similar area, resulting in additional cost on operators.

On ways to eschew interference, he said this could be achieved through either customised /specialised filters, guard band allocations between existing operators or field synchronisation.

He submitted that while external filters capable of providing desired attenuation to mitigate interference are extremely expensive, such filters are not

The operators suggested that instead of auctioning the slots, 2.3GHz Spectrum should be increased from 20 MHz to 30 MHz for three operators while guard band 10 MHzs between 2.3GHz and of 2.4GHz should be provided.

extensively deployed in any commercial network globally.

He said guard band allocation is not a viable solution, adding that while field synchronisation is a workable solution, it will result in throughput degradation.

The operators suggested that instead of wholesale auction of the slots, 2.3GHz Spectrum should be increased from 20 MHz to 30 MHz for three operators while guard band 10 MHz between 2.3GHz and of 2.4GHz should be provided.

“Operators should adjust TDD ratio synchronisation, provided the allocation is increased from 20 MHz to 30 MHz to manage throughput degradation and interference,” they averred.

In his contribution, Chief Executive Officer, Mobitel, Jonhson Salako, said there are other slots that could be put on sale.

He said there are the 2.5, 2.6 and 700 for auction. He said the 2.3GHz should be optimised and benchmarked against international best practices, adding that interference is real.

For Nkechi Newton-Denila of Vodacom, stakeholders should take a hard look at the issue. Broadband is cheap in Victoria Island, Lagos. It is also cheap on the mainland, but when it is being extended to the far north, it becomes a big issue because of cost, she said.

According to her, Vodacom operates in about 35 states, providing wireless broadband services at an expensive cost.

She wants the operators to hearken to the demand of the operators, adding that all that is needed to be done was to extract a commitment from them.

Kemi Adeyanju from MainOne Cable Company lamented that three years after the berthing of the undersea cable, capacity uptake still remains at less than five per cent in the country while the Managing Director of Swift Networks Limited, Mr Charles Anudu, charged the NCC not increase the misery of the operators by licensing fresh operators.

“What they are asking for is not inordinate. The more we fragment this segment, the more your misery,” he said.

The ball is in the court of the NCC that has the power to determine the direction to which the pendulum swings.

48

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013

49

50

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013

51

52

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013

THE NATION THURSDAY MARCH 7, 2013

53

NEWS Chime signs 2013 budget

E

•Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke flanked by Deputy Governor Efiok Cobham (left) and the Secretary to the State Government, Mike Aniah, at the state executive council meeting in Calabar… yesterday.

Court strikes out suit against Dickson

A

FEDERAL High Court, Abuja, has struck out a suit by a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) member, Austin Ogionwo, seeking to nullify Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson’s ticket for the February 11, last year, election.

The plaintiff urged the court to declare the November 19, 2011, party’s primary election won by Dickson as null and void, “having failed to comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) and the Electoral Guidelines for primary elections of the PDP”.

He also asked the court to restrain the PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from submitting and accepting the name of Dickson as governorship candidate in the February election.

He also sought an order restraining Dickson from parading himself as the governorship candidate for the election and an order directing the PDP to organise a fresh primary election for

From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

the state.

The matter could not be decided within the time frame because the plaintiff had difficulties serving the respondents before the court granted him service by substituted means.

The PDP and Dickson, filed a motion for preliminary objection to the suit.

Delivering judgment in the suit yesterday, Justice Adamu Bello dismissed their submission that the suit was incompetent because Dickson was served the originating process on February 17, after he had been sworn in as governor on February 14, last year.

The judge observed that the plaintiff’s efforts to serve Dickson were frustrated until he obtained an order for substituted service.

Besides, he held that there was no time-limit within which a person can bring an action on pre-election matters by the provision in Section 87(10) of the Electoral

‘The plaintiff lacks the locus standi to activate the jurisdiction of the court. The suit is hereby struck out’ Act. Justice Bello also disagreed that Dickson was covered by the immunity clause under Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution in the case.

He said “Section 308 of the Constitution does not protect a governor from the suit challenging his election.

“Election matters are different from civil and criminal matters, so the provision cannot avail a governor.

“It does not extend to election matters but limited to civil and criminal matters.”

On claims by the defendants that the suit constituted

an abuse of court process due to alleged multiplicity of actions, Justice Bello said Dickson did not file any affidavit to establish the case.

The judge held that the parties in the three suits referred to by Dickson were different.

On whether the court has the jurisdiction to hear the matter, Justice Bello observed that the plaintiff did not participate in the primary election complained of as required by Section 87(9) of the 2010 Electoral Act (as amended).

This, he said, robbed the court of jurisdiction as the plaintiff does not have the locus standi to initiate the action having refused to participate in the primaries by his own admission in his affidavit.

“The plaintiff by his own showing has proved that he did not participate in the primary election as a mark of protest”.

“The plaintiff lacks the locus standi to activate the jurisdiction of the court. The suit is hereby struck out”.

Police rescue kidnapped Spaniard

A

SPANIARD, Jose Anthonio Murili Tureillo, who was abducted at a hotel in Benin City, has been rescued by the police in Edo State.

Tureillo was abducted last month after he was lured into the country by his Nigerian girlfriend.

Commissioner of Police Foluso Adebanjo, who announced this at a briefing gave the name of the girlfriend as Okafor Ada Joy, aged 28.

The police commissioner said Ada arranged Jose’s kidnap and made him with-

•Man freed in Anambra From Osagie Otabor, Benin and Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

draw all the money he had in his account.

Adebanjo said the suspects forced their victim to call his sister in Spain to send •2000 to them before he would be allowed to return to Spain.

He said the sister contacted INTERPOL which, in turn, got in touch with the Nigeria INTERPOL and the state police command.

The state police boss said

Okorocha, Orji seek closer ties with US From Ugochukwu Ugoji-Eke, Umuahia

A

BIA State Governor Theodore Orji and his Imo State counterpart, Rochas Okorocha, have called on the United States Government to explore opportunities for business in their states.

Speaking in Umuahia when the US Consular General, Jeffrey Hawkins, visited the state, Orji said the state has a lot of untapped areas America can access.

Orji said he expects the United States to find Abia a veritable ground for direct investment in agriculture, education, science and technology.

Okorocha, who spoke in Owerri, said Imo has a lot of agricultural potential that is yet untapped and that the American government could partner the state to harness these potentials.

He appealed to Hawkins to encourage American business men to invest in Imo State, now that crimes such as kidnapping and robbery have been reduced.

the victim has been handed over to INTERPOL while the two suspects would be prosecuted in Lagos State.

A 22-year-old man, who allegedly killed his fatherin- law three years ago at Afuze in Owan East Local Government , was paraded.

Also paraded was a 20year- old Fulani herdsman, who allegedly conspired with his colleague to kill Idirisa Jubril, a co-herdsman, to enable them steal his cows.

P

EOPLE of Egita community in Egiland, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State have fled their land, following environmental devastation in the area.

Last April, there was an underground gas eruption from the oil pipelines of Total Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited in Egita land.

A statement in Port Harcourt yesterday by an environmental activist, Sampson Abiala, said soldiers sent by the oil company to keep surveillance allegedly “tear-gassed the people,

Two suspects, who allegedly raped their 16-year-old Facebook girlfriend after drugging her, were also paraded.

Others paraded were said four kidnapped suspects, seven armed robbery suspects and four cultists.

In Anambra State, a businessman, Michael Mogbu, has been rescued by the police.

Mogbu was kidnapped on Sunday at his home in Oraifite Street, Awada, in Idemili North Local Government.

Egita people flee community From Clarice Azuatalam, Port Harcourt

manhandled innocent women and imposed a restriction order to ban the women from harvesting their crops.”

Abiala said the fear of the soldiers and Total’s refusal to compensate the people have made them to flee the land.

The activist called on international organisations as well as the Senate Committee on Environment to visit the area.

NUGU State Governor Sullivan Chime has signed the N83.78billion Appropriation Bill into law.

The ceremony, which took place inside the Executive Council Chambers at the Government House, was witnessed by principal officers and members of the House of Assembly and the Executive Council members.

The governor praised the Speaker, Eugene Odo and the lawmakers for ensuring the speedy passage of the bill.

The governor said the upward review of the budget was a clear demonstration that both the Executive and

From Chris Oji, Enugu

Legislature were working together in the interest of the people.

He hailed the cooperation and working relationship between the Executive and Legislature during his “vacation”.

Odo said there was an increase of more N 8 5 3 . 4 m i l l i o n , representing 1.05 per cent, of the original N82.9 billion presented to the House last year.

The Speaker said the increase was necessary to accommodate some key projects.

20 displaced in Calabar fire From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

T

WENTY persons have been rendered homeless and property worth millions of naira destroyed in a fire, which gutted residential apartments at 9/13 Edem Odo Street, Calabar, the Cross River State capital.

Eyewitnesses said the inferno, which was caused by an electrical fault, lasted over three hours due to the inability of fire-fighters to access the buildings due to bad road.

It razed three apartments destroying household appliances.

An undisclosed amount of money was burnt.

The victims said the area had been in darkness for over three weeks.

The landlord, Patrick Edem and his tenant, who is also the Imam of Bogobiri Central Mosque, Calabar, Garba Dandali Kano, said they were not around when the incident.

They said the items they had left were the shirts and trousers they had on.

‘We’ll vote out governor’ From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

A

CATHOLIC Priest in Ahiara Diocese of Imo State, Rev. Patrick Ogwu, has said the Church would vote out Governor Rochas Okorocha in 2015, if he fails to deliver on his campaign promises.

Ogwu said the strength of the Church in deciding who governs the state was proved in 2011 when it mobilised and frustrated the second term ambition of Ikedi Ohakim.

The priest, who spoke with reporters in Umuhu Eyiogugu community in Owerri North Local Government, said the former governor fell out of favour with the people as a result of his anti-populist policies.

He said: “Okorocha should not restrict infrastructural projects to the capital and his senatorial district at the detriment of the rural communities.

“He should strive to develop the rural communities as he promised. He should also prove that he is governor of the entire state and not just Orlu senatorial zone where he comes from.”

Compass Features editor loses dad

T

HE father of the Features and Commune Editor of the Nigerian Compass, Mr. Jonathan Eze, Pa John Nwodo Eze, is dead. He was 75.

He died on February 27.

The late Pa Eze was the Chief Medical Director of Eze Hope Rising Clinic, Agbure in Ogun Waterside Local Government of Ogun State.

Dr. Eze was an obstetrician with over 30 years experience.

He was, until his death, a member of the Jehovah’s Witnesses.

The late Pa Eze was popular in Ogun State and Nsukka, his country home.

He is survived by his wife, Stella, seven children, namely: Ngozi, Shedrach, Faith, Jonathan, Sarah, Deborah and Ruth and his

•The late Eze

brother, Augustine Chukwuma Eze. A statement by his eldest son, Shadrach, said Pa Eze would be buried on April 13 at his country home, Aju-Ona Obukpa, Nsukka.

Funeral rites hold at his home in Ngboko, Obukpa, Nsukka, Anambra State.

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE SOTOLA

EKEMEZIE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Sotola Oluwakemi Oreofe now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ajose Oluwakemi Oreofe. All former documents remain valid.

NYSC and the general public should please take note.

I formally known and addressed as Miss Ekemezie Ngozi Thelma, now wish to be know and addressed as Mrs Akpa Ngozi Thelma. All former documents remain valid NYSC and the general public should please take note.

AUCTION! AUCTION!! AUCTION!!!

IKORODU LOCAL GOVERNMENT (IJEDE LOCAL COUNCIL DEV. AREA) There would be a public auction of unserviceable vehicles of above named Council on 8th March 2013 by 12.00 noon at the council Secretariat.

AUTHORISED AUCTIONEERS 1) Chief Akinyemi 2) Colexbayworld Nig. Ltd

=> =>

08037117093 08023069021

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013

54

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 6-3-13

NSE: Equities’ price change now to move by 10 per cent

M

ARKET considerations of all equities quoted on the Nigerian stock market would in the next few weeks be allowed to move within a daily limit of 10 per cent as against the current general market daily allowable price change of 5.0 per cent.

Executive director, operations, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Mr Munir Gwarzo, who disclosed this yesterday in Lagos, said that the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) would spread the 10 per cent daily allowable price change currently being enjoyed by only stocks in the market-making basket to cover all equities.

Under the rules of the NSE, market values of stocks in the portfolio for market making could witness maximum daily change of 10 per cent as against maximum daily allowable percentage change of 5.0 per cent for the general market.

The market making function subsequently kicked off on September 18, 2012 with 16 stocks selected for the take-

By Taofik Salako

off phase. The NSE has since continuously been increasing the coverage of market making. It last week added Flour Mills Nigeria Plc, Unilever Nigeria Plc, Royal Exchange Plc, and Wema Bank Plc to the list, bringing the number of stocks that have been rolled into the initiative to 43.

Other market-making stocks included Oando, Unity Bank Plc, Seven-Up Bottling Company Plc, United Bank for Africa Plc, Access Bank, PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc, Nigerian Bag Manufacturing Company Plc, Presco Plc, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI), International Breweries, Lafarge Wapco Cement Nigeria, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Dangote Flour Mills Plc, Academy Press, Fidson Healthcare Plc, Redstar Express Plc, Ashaka Cement Plc, Skye Bank Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, Dangote Cement Plc, UACProperty Development Company, Custodian & Allied In-

surance, Sterling Bank Plc, Prestige Assurance Company Plc, FBN Holdings, DN Meyer, Stanbic IBTC Holdings, Nestle Nigeria Plc, Diamond Bank, Dangote Sugar Refinery, Fidelity Bank Plc, Union Bank of Nigeria, National Salt Company of Nigeria (NASCON), Nigerian Breweries Plc, Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc, Airline Services & Logistics Plc, AIICO Insurance Plc, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc and UAC of Nigeria Plc. Gwarzo allayed fears that the market-making might be disruptive to the price discovery at the market pointing out that the initiative has been more beneficial to the market.

Meanwhile, the stock market recorded its third consecutive decline yesterday as with the mian index at the NSE, the All Share Index (ASI) slipping by 0.16 per cent to close at 32,731.08 points. Market capitalisation declined marginally by N17.11 billion to close at N10.47 trillion. The decline yesterday pushed the average year-to-date return down to 16.57 per cent.

With 33 decliners to 24 advancers, the decline was further orchestrated by losses by some highly capitalised stocks. Total turnover stood at 278.97 million valued at N3.67 billion in 5,794 deals.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 6-3-13

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013

55

MONEY LINK IFC’s portfolio in Nigeria hits $1.1b

Fitch: Nigerian banks’ risk weight rises

T

HE higher risk weights introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) are likely to add to pressure on bank capital ratios, Fitch Ratings has disclosed.

It however said that if successful in reducing sector concentrations, the changes could benefit asset quality and risk management.

Capital has been tightening at some banks as they expand their loan books following the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) clean-up of the sector.

Fitch Core Capital (FCC) ratios at end of September 2012 were 10 per cent to 30 per cent. Speaking with Reuters, Fitch said that some Nigerian banks have lower

Stories by Collins Nweze

FCC than is appropriate for their growth in a difficult operating environment (Nigeria is rated ‘BB-’/Stable). This is reflected in their low Viability Ratings (mostly in the ‘b’ range).

The generous dividend policies demanded by Nigerian investors mean internal capital generation is unlikely to support sustainable growth in the medium-term.

It said excessive credit expansion has been temporarily subdued by higher interest rates on government securities following the expiry of the interbank guarantee from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in 2011.

“But we still expect loans to grow 18 to 20 per cent this

T

year, close to the rate of inflation-adjusted economic growth as banks focus on increasing lending to government-sponsored projects, especially in the power sector,” it said.

Fitch said there is little appetite for fresh equity issuances in the market as some banks may want to fund growth with long-term subordinated debt. “This does not count as loss-absorbing capital in our analysis, so further growth together with higher risk weightings would put core capitalisation under pressure. The Nigerian banks continue to report capital ratios based on local GAAP equity rather than the IFRS adopted for financial reporting in 2012,” it said.

Fitch noted: “This is the

• CBN Governor Sanusi Lamido

same approach as taken by some European regulators.

We estimate the regulatory capital ratios for Nigerian banks would be 60 basis points to 120 lower if based on International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

Courteville’s capital rises to $250m

T

HE worth of shares of Courteville Business Solutions Plc listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has risen to $250 million, five years after the initial listing of the company.

Its Group Managing Director, Mr. Adebola Akindele disclosed this during a meeting with the Caribbean Trade Mission, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. The meeting, according to a statement, was meant to expand the firm’s operations into international markets and also on the request of Caribbean Enterprise Network UK (CENUK).

Also on the trip were Deputy Managing Director (AutoReg

Maritime secures $500m Skye Bank loan

S

KYE Bank Plc has granted facilities amounting to $500 million to operators in the maritime industry in recent times.

The bank’s General Manager, Corporate Banking (Maritime and Aviation sector), Mr. Segun Opeke, explained that the loan was part of the lender’s commitment to the development of the maritime industry in the country.

He said the amount represents money provided to in-

digenous ship owners and other stakeholders for the acquisition of ships and other critical work tools needed to strengthen operation of the sector.

Speaking at a forum of maritime stakeholders, Opeke said the bank was prepared to expand its credit lines to the operators to further develop the industry.

According to him, the bank was responsible for the provision of credit facilities to indigenous ship owners for

the acquisition of an estimated 50 per cent of the entire fleet in the country.

He said the bank has played key roles in maritime financing, which has been recognized for that purpose.

Recently, the bank won the “the most progressive maritime bank” award in recognition of its pioneering role in maritime banking as well as for its contributions to the growth and development of the maritime industry in Nigeria.

FGN BONDS Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

19-05-2014 18-05-2016 19-05-2016

Amount

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2012 “ 14-04-2012

CUSTODYINS FIDSON CORNERST DANGFLOUR ABCTRANS NIGERINS FTNCOCOA OANDO NEM AFRIPRUP

O/PRICE 1.91 1.65 0.50 9.05 0.53 0.53 0.59 14.90 0.87 1.76

C/PRICE 2.00 1.72 0.52 9.40 0.55 0.55 0.61 15.40 0.89 1.80

CHANGE 0.09 0.07 0.02 0.35 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.50 0.02 0.04

ACADEMY PRESTIGE ROYALEX EKOCORP LEARNAFRCA PAINTCOM CONTINSURE CUTIX IKEJAHOTEL CILEASING

O/PRICE 2.26 0.93 0.83 5.05 2.04 1.85 1.05 1.90 0.93 0.70

C/PRICE 2.05 0.85 0.76 4.80 1.94 1.76 1.00 1.81 0.89 0.67

Exchange

Sold ($)

Rate (N)

Date

350m

150m

150m

155.2

2-7-12

350m

138m

138m

155.8

27-6-12

350m

113m

113m

155.7

22-6-12

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Year Start Offer

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

NGN USD

147.6000

149.7100

150.7100

-2.11

NGN GBP NGN EUR

239.4810 212.4997

244.0123 207.9023

245.6422 209.2910

-2.57 -1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

Bureau de Change 152.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

NSE CAP Index

27-10-11 N6.5236tr 20,607.37

28-10-11 N6.617tr 20,903.16

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) (S/N)

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

Parallel Market

153.0000

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

July ’12

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

12%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate Inflation Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 11.8%

LOSERS AS AT 6-3-13

SYMBOL

Amount

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12

(S/N)

GAINERS AS AT 6-3-13

SYMBOL

Amount

Offered ($) Demanded ($)

Currency OBB Rate Call Rate

poration (JAMPRO) in Kingston, Jamaica where they were received by Mr. Claude Duncan, the Vice President Investment Promotion.

Mr. Akindele, the GMD of Courteveille Business Solutions unvieled Courteville’s profile and indicated his confidence that with his seven year tenure and the listing on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, the firm could be a credible partner to Small Business Association of Jamaica.

He said that the firm has also been effective in providing business solutions with a specialty in Information Technology in Nigeria and Sierra Leone.

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM

MANAGED FUNDS

NIDF NESF

Franchise), Mr. Wale Sonaike; Executive Director Projects , Strategy and Research, Mr. Femi Niyi and Director of Priority Group International, Denis St Bernard and Courteville’s Communications consultant, Mr Wole Oyewo.

He said that Courtevilles’s AutoReg franchise is currently in use in 22 states in Nigeria and would be expanding to eight more states within the year. He said the company is also working with Serria Leone and is discussing with other African countries that are interested in leveraging on its services.

He said his team first met with Jamaica Promotions Cor-

DATA BANK

Tenor

Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

HE International Finance Corporation (IFC’s) committed portfolio in Nigeria stands at $1.1 billion, the largest country portfolio in Africa and the eighth-largest globally, Bloomberg report has said.

The IFC recently issued a Nigerian local currency bond totaling N12 billion, about $75 million to support domestic capital markets and increase access to local-currency finance.

The issue, called the “Naija” bond, is IFC’s first naira-denominated bond. It is also the first placement by a nonresident issuer in Nigeria’s domestic capital markets. “Vibrant domestic capital markets create access to long-term, local-currency finance for the private sector—the key engine of job creation in emerging markets,” said Jingdong Hua, IFC Vice President and Treasurer.

“The IFC Naija bond supports our efforts to deepen domestic capital markets in Africa, so they can sustain a thriving private sector in the region.”

Solomon Adegbie-Quaynor, IFC Country Manager for Nigeria, said: “The IFC Naija bond supports the efforts of the government and authorities to deepen domestic capital markets and grow the corporate bond market in Nigeria. A welldeveloped corporate bond market in turn can provide affordable, long-term naira funding to meet the financing needs for critical sectors such as power.”

ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH KAKAWA GUARANTEED STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL BGL SAPPHIRE FUND BGL NUBIAN FUND FBN MONEY MARKET FUND FBN FIXED INCOME FUND NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY • ARM AGGRESSIVE

Offer Price

Bid Price

9.17 1.00 137.30 147.01 0.80 1.13 1.02 100.00 1,000.00 1,756.93 14.66 1.39 1.87 10,616.45

9.08 1.00 136.89 146.64 0.78 1.13 1.00 100.00 1,000.00 1,753.94 13.95 1.33 1.80 10,305.95

• KAKAWA GUARANTEED

CHANGE 0.21 0.08 0.07 0.25 0.10 0.09 0.05 0.09 0.04 0.03

• STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

Rate (Previous) 4 Mar, 2012 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Rate (Currency) 6, Mar, 2012 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK

Bank P/Court

Previous 04 July, 2012

Current 07, Aug, 2012

8.5000 8.0833

8.5000 8.0833

Movement

56

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013

57

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013

OYO STATE GOVERNMENT

PUBLIC NOTICE OYO STATE GOVERNMENT Ministry of Trade, Investments and Cooperatives INVITATION FOR BID TO TENDER FOR CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION WORKS AT OYO COLLEGE OF COOPERATIVES AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP STUDIES Application is hereby invited from reputable and interested contractors with relevant experience and good track record for Tender on the construction and renovation works at Oyo State College of Cooperatives and Entrepreneurship Studies, Ilora, Oyo State.

BID FORM REQUIREMENTS: 1.

Experienced and reputable contractors are required to submit the following: i.

Evidence of Company Registration with Corporate Affairs Commission. ii.

Evidence of Registration of Business Premises with Ministry of Trade, Investments and Cooperatives. iii.

Tax Clearance Certificate for the last Three Years. iv.

Memorandum and Article of Association. v.

A checklist of similar and other jobs successfully Executed with their location. vi. Evidence of Registration with Bureau of Public Procurement Office of Oyo State.

COLLECTION AND SUBMISSION OF BID FORM: 2.

Interested bidders are also expected to collect Bid form from the Office of the Director, Finance and Administration, Ministry of Trade, Investments and Cooperatives, Secretariat, Ibadan, Oyo State upon payment of N20,000.00.

Duly completed bid forms should be neatly packaged for the review of the State Tender Board. Form collected and completed should be delivered not later than 13th March, 2013 to the Cabinet Office, Office of the Governor, Secretariat, Ibadan.

3. i.

PLEASE NOTE: The State Government is neither Committed nor obliged to shortlist and award contract to any Contractor or Agent.

ii.

The State Government reserves the right to reject any or all Bill packages.

iii.

The State Government will only authorize office of the Building Company and not through individual or Agent acting on their behalf.

iv.

This advertisement for invitation to Tender shall not be considered as neither a commitment on the part of the State Government nor entitle any contractor to make any claim whatsoever and seek any indemnity from the State Government.

4.

SUBMISSION OF BID DOCUMENTS Tender documents, with accompanying relevant documents which must be signed and duly sealed, should be submitted to The Cabinet Office, Room 27, Office of the Executive Governor, Secretariat, Ibadan in wax sealed envelopes and marked on top left corner “Tender Contract Award” on or before 12 noon Monday 25th March, 2013. Bid envelopes will be opened by 1:00 pm on the same day at the same address in the presence of bidders or their representatives who choose to attend.

Signed: HON. ADEBAYO OLAGBENRO Honourable Commissioner Ministry of Trade, Investments and Cooperatives Secretariat, Ibadan

INVITATION TO BID FOR CONSTRUCTION OF NEW NEIGHBOURHOOD BUSINESS COMPLEX IN OYO STATE A. INTRODUCTION In furtherance of the three-point agenda of restoration, transformation and repositioning of the current administration in Oyo State, interested private concerns are invited to bid either on contract basis or pubic-private partnership basis for construction of neighbourhood markets in already identified locations within Ibadan Municipal.

2. Bid applicants are expected from competent and qualified private concerns with established pedigree in respect of the following: LOT 1: Construction of Modern Neighbourhood Market/Open Stalls at Old Plank Market, Temidire, New Ife Road, Egbeda LGA (Public Private Partnership Basis) LOT 2: Construction of additional shops/open stalls at Aleshinloye Market, Ibadan South-West LGA (Public Private Partnership Basis) LOT 3: Construction of Modern Neighbourhood Market/Open Stalls, beside BCOS Facility, Old Ife Road, Ibadan North-East LGA (Contract Basis) LOT 4: Construction of Modern Neighbourhood Market/Open Stalls, Toll-Gate (Side A) Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Oluyole LGA (Contract Basis) LOT 5: Construction of Modern Neighbourhood Market/Open Stalls, Toll Gate (Side B) Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Oluyole LGA (Contract Basis) LOT 6: Construction of Modern Neighbourhood Market/Open Stalls, Eleyele, Iddo LGA (Public Private Partnership Basis) LOT 7: Construction of Modern Neighbourhood Market/Open Stalls, Old RCC Construction Camp Ground, Bode, Ibadan South-East LGA (Contract Basis) LOT 8: Construction of Modern Auto-Mart, Molete, Ibadan South-West LGA (Public Private Partnership) LOT 9: Construction of infrastructures at New Plank Market, Ajoda Housing Scheme along Ibadan-Ife Expressway, Egbeda LGA (Contract Basis) B. BID REQUIREMENTS Interested and competent contractors are expected to provide the following documents: • Evidence of incorporation by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) • Evidence of registration with Oyo State Bureau of Public Procurement • Evidence of registration of business premises with Oyo State Ministry of Trade, Investments and Cooperatives • Evidence of payment of Companies Income Tax Clearance in the last three (3) years • Evidence of Personal Income Tax Clearance by at least two (2) Directors covering the last three (3) years • Evidence of similar projects executed in the last five (5) years (Letters of Award and Certificates of Completion) • Proof of Financial capability and Bank Support • Evidence of payment of Non-Refundable Tender Fee of N50,000.00 payable in Certified Bank Cheques issued in favour of Ministry of Trade, Investments and Cooperatives, Oyo State at Zenith Bank into Account Number 0103278639 C. OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION: (i) Early submission of bid documents will be an added advantage (ii) The State Government reserves the right to take final decision(s) on any of the documents received and no further correspondence will be entertained thereupon.

D. Pre-qualification and tender documents should be collected from Room 44, Ministry of Trade, Investments and Cooperatives, Secretariat, Ibadan.

C. SUBMISSION OF BID DOCUMENTS Tender documents, with accompanying relevant documents which must be signed and duly sealed, should be submitted to The Cabinet Office, Room 27, Office of the Executive Governor, Secretariat, Ibadan in wax sealed envelopes and marked on top left corner “Tender Contract Award” on or before 12 noon Monday 25th March, 2013. Bid envelopes will opened by 1:00 pm on the same day at the same address in the presence of bidders or their representatives who choose to attend.

Signed: HON. ADEBAYO OLAGBENRO Honourable Commissioner Ministry of Trade, Investments and Cooperatives Secretariat, Ibadan.

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013

58

CITYBEATS Skills centre opens

THE Chairman of Apapa Local Government, Lagos, Hon Ayodeji Joseph, has promised to sponsor the technical education of some graduates of the newly commissioned Apapa Skills Acquisition Centre.

He made the promise during the commissioning recently. He explained that the 6-3-3-4 educational system is premised on the fact that while some learners may be very versatile in pure academics, others may have the flair for non-formal education, which was why the council established the centre.

The centre, which he said could accommodate 144 students, had already received applications from 110 students for courses in computer, dress making, hair dressing, barbing, cosmetics, beadmaking and catering.

Joseph said that apart from the council's engagement of seasoned instructors, efforts were being made to add 'tie and dye' and production of insecticide to the courses on offer at the centre.

According to him, "payment for all these courses will be borne by the council," adding: "The programme is tuition-free. No trainee will be required to pay anything."

While insisting that the project would outlive his administration, he enjoined the host community to "jealously guard it and prevent its misuse and vandalism."

The programme was wellattended by residents and members of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the state including Senator Muniru Adekunle Muse and exchairman of Lagos Mainland Local Government, Otunba Ayodeji Oyemade.

Man arraigned for defiling minor

By Sulaiman Salaudeen, Ado Ekiti

A 50-YEAR-OLD MAN, Joseph Abiodun, was yesterday arraigned before an Ekiti Magistrate's Court for allegedly raping a 12-year-old girl.

He allegedly committed the offence in January near a palm wine bar on Ilawe Road, Ado-Ekiti.

The victim, according to the prosecuting police officer, Enabulele Curtis, confessed that Abiodun had "raped her three times before she spoke out."

Curtis said the offence is contrary to and punishable under section 359 of the Criminal Code. Cap C16 Vol. 1 Laws of Ekiti State of Nigeria 2012.

The defendant pleaded not guilty and his counsel, Batubo Bright urged the court to grant him bail.

Curtis opposed the application because "it is established that the defendant is an habitual offender. He had committed the offence in the past."

Magistrate Funke Ajibade granted the defendant N50,000 bail with two sureties in the like sum, one of whom must be the defendant's wife.

The defendant has no wife and has been remanded in prison.

Lagos Assembly gets committee on alleged assault LAGOS State House of Assembly (LAHA) has set up a four-man adhoc committee to investigate the alleged victimisation of Miss Aisha Alabi, a JSS 1 student of Kadara Junior Grammar School, EbuteMetta by her principal, Mrs E.C Ukpaka, over hijab.

The ad-hoc Committee, which comprises Hon. Balogun; Chairman, House Committee on Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Wahab Alawiye-King; Mrs. Adebimpe Akinsola and Mrs. Muhibat Rufai-Adeyemi, has one week to report back to the house.

LAHA Speaker, Adeyemi Ikuforiji announced the setting up of the committee after the house discussed the petition forwarded on the issue by the Muslim Students' Society of Nigeria (MSSN) Lagos State Area Unit during plenary.

CITYBEATS LINE: 07059022999

Student caught with songster Damoche's phone •Lagos Assembly considers anti-cultism law

T

HE police have made a headway in their investigation into the death of Damino Damoche, a pop star and final year Banking and Finance student of Lagos State University (LASU).

A student, Durojaiye Olaleye, was arrested yesterday for allegedly being in possession of the late Damoche's mobile phone.

Olaleye was arrested by operatives from the Lagos State Police Command who stormed the institution's Ojo campus, following the confessional statements made by the 34 suspects arrested earlier.

Police spokesperson Ngozi Braide, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), said the suspect had been handed over to homicide detectives at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Yaba, for interrogation.

It was gathered that when the policemen got to LASU, some students tried to stop them from arresting the suspect. Their action reportedly led to a clash between the suspect's loyalists and those who wanted him arrested.

Unconfirmed reports said some students were killed and some injured.

Braide dismissed the claim, saying the atmosphere was only charged. "There was no clash and nobody was killed or injured," she said.

The late Damoche a.k.a Obotshe was shot dead in front of the school's gate last Thursday. Seventy persons were ar-

By Jude Isiguzo and Oziegbe Okoeki

rested on Sunday by the police over the incident.

Thirty-six of them were released, leaving 34 others who are helping the police in their investigation.

Meanwhile, Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji yesterday said a law would soon be enacted to tackle cultism in higher institutions.

Ikuforiji said while fielding questions at the maiden edition of Legislative-Civil Society Parley with the theme: "Leveraging good governance through the legislative process: The roles of stakeholders".

The programme, initiated by Chairman, House Committee on information, Strategy, Security and Publicity, Hon. Segun Olulade, would be held quarterly.

Describing the recent killings at LASU as barbaric, Ikuforiji questioned why some students would turn a citadel of learning to a combat ground and said that an anti-cultism law was long overdue.

"We will start the process of putting such law in place that will ban cultism in our higher institutions," he said.

On the restriction of commercial motorcycles' operation, he debunked the notion that the government banned Okada.

He said: "We did not ban Okada from operating. There are just certain rules; we don't want Okada to ply the Express-

•The late Damoche

ways. Sincerely, we are aware that the police excesses are becoming too much and unbearable. And as we all know, it is impossible for us as lawmakers to go on the streets and drag the issue with policemen; we just hope that with time, things will get

better."

While noting civil society groups' role in nation building and entrenchment of democracy, Ikuforiji hailed them for maintaining the same commitment even after the return to democratic rule.

Arepo: Ogun govt, agency partner against pollution

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie, Assistant Editor

•Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun GUN State Government and Hydrocarbon Pollution Restoration Project

O T

(HYREP), the agency that investigates and evaluates all hydrocarbon-polluted communities and makes recommendations to government, have promised to make Arepo safe.

Arepo, a community in Ogun State, has been having a running battle with vandals that siphon petroleum products from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) pipelines that traverse the community. The vandals through their activities have degraded the environment.

On a visit to Arepo on Tuesday, the National Coordinator of HYREP, Mrs. Joy Nunieh-

Okunnu said the team came to assess the extent of damage to the environment in terms of pollution and air quality, caused by vandalism.

She said her team had the mandate to restore communities and sites established as impacted by hydrocarbon pollution.

Mrs Nunieh-Okunnu pleaded with the host government to provide them with an office where the agency will do the necessary analysis on air and water quality to protect the lives of residents and the community.

By Segun Balogun

training and workshop room, and conference rooms to accommodate the institute's mission of regulating the practice of human resource management in Nigeria, as well as promotion of excellence in the acquisition and application of knowledge and skills of HR Practitioners.

He said the institute's present office complex has become extremely limited in space for its operations, adding that "as the scope of the institute expands, there is increasing pressure on our current office facility, prompting us to initiate the process of developing a modern office complex large

Group congratulates Commissioners summoned over FemiAdesina demolition

By Oziegbe Okoeki

CIPM to commission office

HE Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) has said its new office complex due to be commissioned next week is a sign of growing capacity.

In a statement, the building project's publicity sub-committee chairman, Venerable Olawole Omotuyi, said "the new office complex, to be called Millennium Building, will accommodate the expanded activities and operations of the institute and would also be open to use by interested players in corporate Nigeria and the general public."

The five-floor complex, according to him, boasts of a modern e-library,

Her agency, she said, does not pay compensation in whatever form, but is only mandated to preserve and restore the environment for sustainable livelihood.

Ogun State Commissioner for the Environment Dr Lanre Tejuoso pledged to support the agency on its needs. He said the Ibikunle Amosun administration was concerned with people's health and would support any initiative to improve their lot.

enough to accommodate all the institute's activities.

"We are thrilled to begin the process of moving into a new, creative, modern and contemporary home for our staff, members and other stakeholder which is part of our desire to rebuild the institute to what is obtainable internationally".

Expected at the commissioning of the event on Thursday March 14, 2013 are: the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Mr. Emeka Wogu, Head of Service of the Federation, Alhaji Aminu Bello Sali, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Adejoke OrelopeAdefulure, and past presidents of CIPM.

LAGOS State House of Assembly has summoned two commissioners and a permanently secretary over the demolition exercise carried out in Epe Odo Iragbushi.

Those summoned were the Commissioner for Physical Planning, Toyin Ayinde; his Environment counterpart, Tunji Bello and the Permanent Secretary of Lands Bureau.

Hon. Segun Olulade, who raised the motion under Matters of Urgent Public Importance on Monday, said that he received a call from Odo-IrAgbushi about the demolition, despite the fact that investigation on the issue was going on in the House of Assembly.

He said a "Stay Action" order had been pronounced on the issue, but that the agencies ignored the order.

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013

59

C ITYBEATS Police re-arraigns lawyer for fraud

CITYBEATS LINE: 07059022999

A

Blind widower attempts suicide

blind widower, Ikenna Onuah, yesterday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, attempted to kill himself over the death of his wife.

Onuah, who waited until his children had left for school to carry out the act, was rescued by a neighbour, Charles Dick, who came to return a kitchen knife earlier borrowed from him.

Dick said: "God wanted it this way. I collected kitchen knife from him yesterday night, but while retuning it this morning, I saw Mr. Onuah about drinking a strange mix-

From Precious Dikewoha, Port Harcourt

ture."

Then, I immediately made to seize the bottle which contained detergent and kerosene. And as we were dragging it, he opened up with tears, urging me to allow him to die; that the burden his late wife left behind was too much for him to bear considering his physical challenge."

Dick said since Onuah lost his wife, he has been behaving strangely. "He

‘The woman would cook, wash and take care of him ...

She would also carry him around ... but now, he does not even know how to begin his life; he is frustrated’ has never been the same after the death of his wife. I knew it was not going to be

easy for him because the wife was everything to him," he said, adding: "The woman would go to market, cook, wash and take care of him and their children. She would also carry him around if he wanted to visit friends, but now, he does not even know how to begin his life; he is frustrated."

It was also gathered that the widower has three children; the first being 11.

Apart from the money he gets from friends and sympathisers, he has no other means of livelihood.

Beninnois, 21, docked for N2.9m theft HE police have charged a 21-year-old man, Saidi Dorsa, before an Ejigbo Magistrate's Court in Lagos for allegedly stealing cash and properties valued N2.92 million.

He is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing before Magistrate M.B. Folami.

Prosecuting Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Nicholas Atumonye told the court that the defendant hails from Benin Republic.

He said the defendant with others still at large committed the offence in September last year at 5, Ekund Street, Idimu, at 1:30pm.

Atumonye said: "The defen-

T

•41-year-old faces trial for 'stealing' sureties in the like sum.

N5.9m

By Precious Igbonwelundu

dant stole two generators valued at N130, 000; pumping machine worth N30, 000; gold chains valued at N870, 000; a brief case and clothes valued at N120, 000; and a cash sum of N1.8million belonging to Rufus Ogbidi."

He said the offence contravened Sections 409 and 285 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos, 2011.

Dorsa pleaded not guilty and was granted N1 million bail with two

The Magistrate adjourned the case till May 8 for trial.

Also, 41-year-old Akeem Akinola was arraigned before the Magistrate for allegedly stealing N5.9 million belonging to a company, Yem Kem International.

Akinola, a marketer with the company, was alleged to have obtained goods in March last year without remitting the money.

Atumonye said Akinola, at 10:30am, at 205, Egbeda-Idimu Road, ob-

Council to open N100m secretariat •Tinubu's commitment to grassroots lauded new secretariat valued at N100 million will be commissioned for use by the Lagos Mainland Local Government on March 13, the council's chairman, Hon. Oladele Adekanye told reporters yesterday.

It is a three-storey edifice which comprises staff offices, senate building, conference room, legislative chamber, federal agencies' offices, hall, and a mini library, among others.

At a media briefing at the council's secretariat, EbuteMetta, yesterday, Adekanye recalled that said the council had continued to make giant strides in the areas of health, education, environmental protection, sports and upgrading of existing facilities including roads, among others.

He said: "Before the elections in 2009, we went around the council and identified some of the areas, including projects that needed urgent attention. When we eventually came in, we felt duty-bound to fulfill our promises to the electorate.

Today, I am happy to tell you that substantially, our administration has lived up to people's expectations."

tained goods worth N5.9 million under the pretence of selling same and remitting the proceeds into the company's bank account.

He said the defendant's failure to either remit the money or return the goods, amounted to stealing from the company.

Akinola pleaded not guilty and was granted N1 million bail with two sureties each in the like sum.

The Magistrate said one of the sureties must not be below a magisterial position, adding that both sureties must depose to affidavit of means of livelihood as well as show evidence of tax payment from 2009 to 2012. She adjourned the matter till May 8 for definite trial.

A lawyer, Victor Otuyemi was re-arraigned yesterday before a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos for allegedly defrauding a client, Titilayo Okuyiga of N5.5 million.

Otuyemi was earlier arraigned on a two-count charge of fraud by the Special Fraud Unit (SFU) of the Police before Justice Charles Archbong who is now retired.

The matter started afresh yesterday after it was transferred to Justice Nasir Yunusa. Otuyemi pleaded not guilty and Justice Yunusa allowed him to remain on his bail.The defendant was accused of obtaining N5.5 million under false pretence and stealing a property belonging to Okuyiga. He

By Eric Ikhilae

allegedly committed the offences between September 10 and March 19, 2009.

The police said Otuyemi obtained the money from Okuyiga "with the pretence that you were going to re-sell a family land situated at No12, Church Street, Lagos, to her, a representation which you know was false."

The offences, the police said, are contrary to Section 1(1)(a) of the Advanced Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act, Cap A6 Vol.1, Laws of Nigeria, 2007 and Section 390(8)(b) of the Criminal Code Cap C 38 Volume 4 Laws of the Federation 2007. Justice Yunusa adjourned the matter till May 15.

Group congratulates Editors’ chair THE Yoruba Ronu Leadership Group has congratulated the newly-elected President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Mr Femi Adesina.

In a statement, its Secretary General, Mr Akin Malaolu, said: "We are glad that the Nigerian Guild of Editors has got through its election successfully and we hope they clearly understand that the Nigerian

people are obviously behind them.

"Femi Adesina is a conscientious individual who is wholly out of sympathy with the tradition of treachery which is the strength of our political class today. We therefore congratulate our Femi Adesina for taking up this new burden as the President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors."

Lawmaker empowers 2,000 students A member of House of Representatives, representing Oshodi/Isolo federal constituency, Hon. Moruf AkinderuFatai, has trained over 2,000 students on Information Communication Technology.

The lawmaker, speaking at the graduation ceremony, said he established the ICT centre to ensure that youths in his constituency are not left behind as the world evolves.

According to him, many

By Jeremiah Oke

products of the centre, which was established in 2007, have harnessed their skills into profitable ventures.

The lawmaker therefore urged the graduates to be productive with the skills they have acquired in a way that will benefit members of their communities.a better advantage to access opportunities globally.

OYO STATE GOVERNMENT OYO STATE RURAL ELECTRIFICATION BOARD (OYSREB)

A

1.

INVITATION TO TENDER FOR: LOT A: CONSTRUCTION OF 33KV FEEDER AT ISEYIN TRANSMISSION STATION OF PHCN

•Adekanye speaking with reporters during the tour.

Photo: Adegunle Olugbamila

By Dada Aladelokun and Adegunle Olugbamila

He, however, added: "We must thank the vision of our leader and former Governor Asiwaju Bola Tinubu in standing his ground despite all odds when he created 37 development areas out of the 20 councils in the state. It has paid off by bringing governance to the grassroots people and that is why we are celebrating our modest achievement now."

He said the menace of social miscreants which is ubiquitous across the state had been reduced to the barest minimum on the Mainland as no fewer that 900 jobless young men and women had been integrated into the

council as a stop-gap measure towards arresting joblessness and insecurity.

Another achievement of his administration, according to Adekanye, is the rise in the council's internally generated revenue (IGR) which he said, currently stands at N60 million per annum against N18 million at the inception of his administration.

"This increase has made us happy and we are determined to consolidate on this. We hope we will be able to hit N85 million marks by the end of the year. We believe that the confidence engendered by our performance motivated compliance on the part of our people vis-à-vis payment of their dues," he said.

LOT B:

IMPROVEMENT OF ELECTRICITY SUPPLY TO ITESIWAJU, KAJOLA AND IWAJOWA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS OF OYO STATE.

2.

BID REQUIREMENTS: Interested contractors are to submit the following requirements: Evidence of Registration with Bureau of Public Procurement, Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan.

Certificate of Incorporation with the Corporate Affairs Commission Tax clearance Certificate of the company for the last 3 years.

Evidence of current Registration of Business Premises with Oyo State Government.

Evidence of similar projects successfully executed in the past.

Evidence of Registration with the Federal Ministry of Power.

(i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) (vi)

3.

TENDER FEE: Interested bidders are expected to pay a non-refundable fee of Fifty Thousand Naira (#50,000.00) for Lot A and One Hundred Thousand Naira (#100,000.00) only For LOT B in favour of OYO STATE GOVERNMENT TENDERS ACCOUNT NO. at Wema Bank, Agodi Ibadan.

4.

METHOD OF APPLICATION: Tender documents are obtainable from the office of the General Manager, Oyo State Rural Electrification Board, Agodi Ibadan between the hours of 8.00am and 4.00pm every working day. Completed bid application must be submitted in sealed envelopes clearly marked (OYSREB/001/OKOG) within a week of this advertisement from 8.00am to 4.00pm daily to: The Permanent Secretary Cabinet and Special Services Dept., Office of the Executive Governor, Secretariat, Ibadan.

Bids will be opened in the presence of representatives of Bidders on the 15th day of March 2013 at 12noon at the conference Room of the office of the Governor.

5.

NOTE: that shortlisted contractors will be contacted and LATE APPLICATION SHALL NOT BE CONSIDERED Government is not bound to accept lowest tender.

Signed: DR. BAYO OGUNDELE The Chairman (OYSREB)

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013

60

NEWS

Kano to tackle begging with education

Army discovers bomb factory in Kaduna T HE Army yesterday demolished a building suspected to be a bomb factory in Kawo, Kaduna, a few metres from the headquarters of the 1 Mechanised Division of the Nigerian Army.

The house, said to belong to a chieftain of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) in the Federal Capital Territory, was pulled down about 4.30 pm on Tuesday after the Army had barricaded the area. Weapons and Improvised Explosive Devices were recovered.

Briefing reporters on the operation, the Commander of 1 Mechanised Division Internal Security Force, Brig.-

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

Gen. Tagbo Chuks Ude, said the operation followed a tipoff by some people. The search was carried out by soldiers from the Internal Security Force of the 1 Division.

Gen. Ude said the owner of the house, two women and five children, were arrested during the operation.

He said: “During the operation, six AK 47 rifles, one light machine gun 27 loaded and 17 empty AK 47 magazines and 58 rounds of 9mm ammunition were recovered.

Other weapons recovered included 275 rounds of

PUBLIC NOTICE This is to inform the general public that I Mr. Raimi Balogun of No 2 Babasola Anwoju street oworonshoki is the husband of Mrs. Nuratu Balogun (nee Salami), that the said person has been missing since 12th April 2000, and all effort to locate her proved abortive. This public notice is for record purpose and claiming of her share certificate with the coco-cola company. Coca cola and general public take note.

SIGNED: Mr. Raimi Balogun FOR THE FAMILY.

PUBLIC NOTICE THE OVERCOMERS PROPHETIC AND CARE CENTRE This is to notify the general public that the above named ministry has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration in accordance with the provision of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE 1. PASTOR JOHN OLUSOGA FASAN 2. PASTOR HELEN JUMOKE FASAN. 3. PASTOR (BAR.) SAMUEL FOLORUNSO. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To preach and spread the gospel of Jesus Christ.

2. To engage in the care ministry like prison visits and establishment of Orphanages.

3. To conduct public meetings such as outreach and open air crusades for the purpose of evangelizing.

Any objection to the above registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed SAMUEL FOLORUNSO Akins and Akins Solicitors Ondo

7.62mm NATO ammunition, one loaded light machine gun, nine prepared cans of Improvised Explosive Devices, one reel of firing cord and 125 pieces of detonator.”

The Army Commander said the recovered weapons were buried inside septic tanks in the compound.

He hailed well-meaning Nigerians, who reported the matter.

FCT poll: CPC to partner INEC, others THE Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) yesterday expressed its willingness to collaborate with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other political parties to set up structures to prevent electoral malpractices.

The former FCT Minister, Malam Nasiru el-Rufai, a CPC chieftain, said this in an interview in Abuja.

He said: “We are going to work with INEC and other political parties to set up deterrent structures to prevent rigging in the FCT councils’ elections slated for March 16.

“I am warning anybody that thinks he will write results in the FCT elections to desist from doing so. Anyone that tries it, the structures will prevent him.” el-Rufai urged the Resident Electoral Commissioner in the FCT to ensure free, fair and transparent elections.

CAN probes killing of 13 Christians in Kano From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

THE headquarters of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Abuja has begun investigations into last Saturday’s killing of 13 Christians by unknown gunmen suspected to be terrorists in Kano.

The CAN Chairman in Kano, Bishop Ransom Bello, said this in an interview with reporters yesterday.

He said the list of the 13 Christians shot dead in one compound at Sheka in Kumbotso Local Government had been sent to the CAN headquarters for further action.

Bishop Bello, who is also the General Overseer of Calvary Life Assembly, alleged that 13 Christians, all factory workers living in a compound near Sharada Phase 111, were killed by gunmen, who stormed their home about 7:30 pm.

He said the only survivor of the attack, now in hiding, recalled that the gunmen stormed the compound in two cabs and separated the men from the women and children before killing the men.

PUBLIC NOTICE OKARA I, formerly known and addressed as Michael Adewole Okara now wish to be known and addressed as Mike Ubani Adewole. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

•JNI: street begging giving Islam bad name From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano and Tony Akowe, Kaduna

•Kwankwaso

T

HE government of Kano State is to establish an interim policy on the Almajirai system of education, pending the implementation of the Justice Wali Committee on Almajirai Report, Governor Rabi’u Kwankwaso has said.

He said the government has adequate resources to feed, clothe and educate children in the state, hence there is no reason for some children to scavenge for food on the streets of Kano.

Speaking during the beginning of the Secondary Schools Sports Competition and distribution of car loan cheques to the tune of N200 million to 1,584 primary school teachers, at the Government House,

Kwankwaso said his administration had shared the Justice Wali Committee’s report with other state governments in the North, with a view to stopping begging by children under the guise of Qur’anic education.

He said no right thinking government would allow its citizens to become beggars when it had the means to educate them for a brighter future, stressing that governments and other stakeholders must do something fast to make children in the North become responsible citizens.

“We are worried when we see our children roaming the streets begging. That was why we reintroduced the feeding programme in our primary schools so that parents could be encouraged to send their children to schools. We also established schools of Arabic and Islamic Studies to ensure those with bias for religious knowledge are formally educated,” Governor Kwankwaso said.

He said government would initiate policies that would revive the education sector. Ac-

cording to him, his administration has invested N5billion for the procurement of furniture and teaching materials in primary schools, in addition to the millions of Naira spent on schools’ rehabilitation.

At the event, the governor distributed cartons of chalk and footballs worth over N100 million to the head teachers.

The Muslim umbrella body in the North, the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), said in Kaduna yesterday that street begging has dented the image of Muslims in the country.

In a communiqué at the end of its Annual Central Council Meeting in Kaduna, the JNI also expressed concern over the vilification of Islam and Muslims through various campaigns of calumny as well as the controversy and misunderstanding associated with the polio campaign in the North.

The communiqué, which was signed by the Secretary General of JNI, Sheikh Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, appealed to Islamic scholars and preachers to foster the spirit and mechanism for cooperating mutually and working together in the interest of Islam.

Rector denies N4.5m call-up letters’ fraud

T

HE Rector of the Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi, Mr. Dauda Gyemang, has denied the rumoured sale of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) call-up letters totalling N4.5millioon to its 2012 graduates.

The denial followed allegations by some parents that the polytechnic authorities defrauded about 900 students, who graduated from the school in 2012 session, of N5,000 each before collecting their call- up letters.

Mr. Gyemang, who confirmed the payment of N5,000, said: “Money is involved. But this does not mean the school is selling callup letters. The polytechnic is making the students to pay N5,000 before collecting their NYSC call-up letters because it has already paid N4,500 to

From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) on their behalf.

“The money was paid to JAMB for the regularisation of the students’ matriculation numbers. The N5,000 we collected is not meant for the polytechnic. Some of the students had paid earlier. But for those who could not do so, the school paid on their behalf and we have to collect the money from them when they want to collect their NYSC call-up letters.

“The cost of regularising a student’s matriculation number with JAMB is N4,500. The polytechnic is charging the students N500 extra to take care of bank charges and transport fare to the JAMB head office in Abuja.”

Some parents of the affected students had cried out that their children were being compelled

to pay N5,000 before collecting their NYSC call-up letters.

One of the parents in Jos told The Nation that his son paid N5,000 before collecting his call-up letter, with no receipt to back up such payment.

He said: “When we got information that the call-up letters from the headquarters of the NYSC were ready, my son went to the school to pick his own, but was turned back because he had no money to pay and the school authority insisted he would not get the call-up letter unless he paid.

“When my son returned to the school with the amount, they directed him to pay into Highland Micro-finance Bank in Bukuru and bring back the teller as a proof. He was not given any explanation why they collected the money. This is why I suspect a foul play.”

ASUU slams police, UNILORIN for harassment of delegation

T

HE national leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has decried the use of the Police and other security personnel to harass and prevent an ASUU national delegation from entering the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN).

A release signed by the leader of the ASUU visitation panel to UNILIORIN, Dr. Kola Babarinde and UNILORIN ASUU Chair-

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

man, Dr. Taiwo OloruntobaOju, made available to reporters in Ibadan yesterday, berated the odious, anti-intellectual and retrogressive conduct of the police and other security men at the university, who barred 32 ASUU delegates from entering the institution to hold a congress.

While demanding an explanation from the police and university authorities for

trying to prevent a lawful congress, ASUU condemned all forms of lawlessness and violation of court orders by the UNILORIN authorities.

It urged Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Abubakar to order his men in Kwara State not to be used by the UNILORIN authority to frustrate the implementation of a court order, which dissolved the illegal ASUU executives recognised by the management.

Court strikes out suit against Wada

K

OGI State Governor Idris Wada yesterday earned another legal victory in the battle for his office.

A Federal High Court, Abuja, struck out a suit challenging his eligibility to govern the state.

Justice Adamu Bello said the suit is a post-election matter, which the court lacks

From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

jurisdiction to hear.

The court, which observed that the suit was filed after the governorship election, refused to go into the merit of the case.

The plaintiff, Yunusa Omagada, who is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), through his

counsel, Bola Aidi, sued the governor, the party and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In a writ of summons by his lawyer, Bola Aidi, he prayed the court for a declaration that Wada was not a fit and proper person to be nominated by the PDP as a candidate for the December 3, 2011 Governorship Election in Kogi State.

61

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013

NEWS

Anxiety at Immigration over likely shake-up

T

HIRTY senior officers in the ranks of Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG) and Deputy Comptroller-General (DCG) of the Immigration Service may be eased out, if the Presidency appoints a junior Assistant Comptroller-General as the Comptroller-General (CG).

It is feared that such decision to compulsorily retire them would worsen the crisis of confidence already rocking the Immigration Service prior to the untimely exit of the former Comptroller-General, Mrs. Rose Uzoma.

Three people were said to have been short-listed by the Minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Moro and sent to the Presidency as possible candidates.

Top on the list is the Act-

•Presidency to appoint new CG

By Jude Isiguzo ing Comptroller-General, Mr. Rilwanu Bala Musa, who hails from Bauchi State. Second on the list is Mr. Ayo Tunde Oredipe, an ACG from Ogun State.

The third is Mr. Mohammed Babandede, also an ACG. He is from Jigawa State.

While Musa, who took over from the immediate past CG in acting capacity by virtue of being the most senior Deputy Comptroller-General is said to be enjoying the support of many senior colleagues, there is the question of what criteria were used in the shortlisting of Oredipe and Babandede.

Babandede is said to have been recommended by the Minister of Interior, Moro, despite being a junior Assistant ComptrollerGeneral.

The fear in top Immigration quarters is that if President Goodluck Jonathan goes ahead to approve the minister’s recommendation, it means all the officers, who are senior to Babandede, may be compulsorily retired as it would be abnormal for them to serve under him.

This move, it was learnt, would spell a doom for a service that already has serious security challenges to contend with, as more terrorists are infiltrating the country from neighbouring nations.

According to top Immigration sources, there are many ACGs and DCGs, who are better qualified administratively and intellectually, and can assume the position of CG. Special Adviser Media to the Minister, Mr. George Udoh, said: “The rumour is the work of mischief makers. There is nothing like that. The current CG has a robust relationship with the minister.

“The appointment of a CG is not in the purview of the ministry. It lies with the Presidency. There is no iota of truth in that information.

The minister cannot even nominate because these people are service chiefs and it is only the Presidency that can appoint.”

Insecurity: North may go under, says Aliyu

N

IGER State Governor Babangida Aliyu has warned of the consequences of insecurity in the North. He said he is worried that the region may soon become irrelevant unless something is done to stop the trend.

The governor said the region should not expect solution to its problems from outside, but should look inward for solution.

Aliyu spoke yesterday in Minna when he opened the 39th Joint Conference of Chief

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

Judges, Grand Khadis and Presidents of Customary Courts of Appeal of Northern States and Abuja.

He said: “We are the only solution to our problems; we must stand up and I’m begging everyone, especially the Judiciary, to bring sanity to the 19 Northern states so that we can compete with other regions. If we allow the situation to continue like this, in the next few years, we may not be talking of northern

states.”

Apparently alluding to the adverse effects of the security challenges caused by the Boko Haram insurgency, bombings and sectarian killings in the last three years, Governor Aliyu said the North stands to lose out if sanity is not restored.

Aliyu, who is also the chairman of the Northern State Governors’ Forum (NSGF), expressed doubt if there would ever be any development in the North in the face of insecurity. He said

the region would only develop in a conducive environment.

Said he: “We have allowed our situation to worsen. If we continue like this, we may experience what the Northern Cameroun went through.

“Northern Cameroun was almost ostracised. Problems were created; the people were not treated fine and they lost the initial grip they had on government. Till today, they have not found their feet. Is this what we want the North to become?”

APC to hold convention in April From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

T

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) will hold its National Convention from next month, the National Publicity Secretary of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said yesterday. He told reporters in Abuja that each of the three major parties – AC N, Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) – that make up the APC would cease to exist after the first APC National Convention in April. The convention will ratify the formation of the new party Mohammed said the parties had ratified the draft of the APC’s logo, manifesto and constitution as proposed by its INEC/legal compliance committees, which were inaugurated a fortnight ago.

He said the logo, slogan and motto were unanimously adopted after Tuesday’s meeting of the larger committee with the governors elected on the platform of the parties in the merger.

He said there were no objections to the logo, slogan and motto of the APC when they were presented for adoption at the meeting.

Said he: “Only the Merger Committee has the final authority on any issue about the proposed merger. All the decisions the governors arrived at in their meeting

were presented to the larger committee for approval and we all deliberated on them and arrived at a consensus on the grounds that there must be give and take by all the political parties. On Tuesday, there was no dissent from any group after the meeting of the governors with the Merger Committee.

The proposal of the governors was endorsed by the chairmen of each of the merger committees of the political parties.

“This is a process, before you write to INEC of your intentions to merge; you must accompany the letter with the name of your party, the logo, slogan, manifesto and constitution of your party. This is why it is important the sub committees are set up because it is part of the process of the merger.

“The first thing to do is for each of the merging parties to write to INEC of its intention to merge, after which the parties will call a convention to secure the mandate to merge. It is after that mandate is given at the party’s convention, to which INEC will send observers that the process of winding up will begin so as to join the merger.

“Then, those parties will have to surrender their certificates of registration and identity to INEC, which means the ACN, CPC, ANPP and others will cease to exist as registered political parties.”

NEWS

Revealed: Northerners own 80% of oil blocks Continued from page 2

producing and declaring only what you like and only the 10 per cent now being provided for the host communities and the 13 per cent which is after deducting everything, that cannot be in the interest of the country.

“What I am asking now is that oil blocs in the whole country should be revoked and redistributed according to Federal Character Principle.

“We are not saying that we in the Southsouth should have all or the Southeast should have all or the Southwest should have all.

“In fact, if there are 18 oil blocs or 36 oil blocks, we don’t mind that you give us at least four, Northeast four, Southeast four, Northwest four.

“At least, let there be equity, but then there should be the principle of who owns it and then you give us more.

“But at this time, we don’t even have it. The 13 per cent is what we are even suffering to sustain.”

Senator Olufemi Lanlehin (Oyo South) praised the maturity of Senators in considering the bill.

He urged the Senate to look at the “absolute and sweeping powers” granted the President in Section 191 of the bill.

The Section, he said, gives the President absolute and unqualified powers to grant petroleum licences to whoever he pleases.

Lanlehin prayed the Senate to use the opportunity of the bill to design a template that would grow the economy.

Senator Adegbenga Kaka (Ogun East) said he was supporting the bill with mixed feelings.

He noted that the trend of the debate seemed to indicate that senators were more concerned about how to share the cake and not how to bake it.

Kaka said the power granted the minister of petroleum in the bill should be reconsidered “so that we don’t give too much power to the minister.”

The lawmaker who insisted that the bill should be finetuned, said certain percentage of earnings should be set aside to fix electricity, agriculture and other infrastructure.

Senator Mohammed Goje (Gombe Central) said before the debate, he was completely against the bill.

He said the trend of the debate showed that the Senate was poised to do justice to the bill by removing offensive sections.

To him, it seems a consensus is being built around certain sections of the bill.

He noted that most contributors agreed that the power of the minister should be reduced, such that the minister will just be like any other minister.

Goje said: “We should not create a super minister.”

He said that definite provision should be made for frontier exploration, especially adequate funding.

He opposed 10 per cent host community fund.

Senator Barnabas Gemade (Benue North East) described the bill as very important and

long overdue.

Gemade said an adage says: “Wherever you find oil, corruption creeps in and wherever you find diamond war emerges.”

He said the adage had been proved to be true.

Gemade said the bill contained good and bad provisions. He listed the good sections to include development of the gas sector, increase in promotion of local content and the unbundling of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

The bad sections, he said, include the minister’s economic power.

On the host community fund, Gemade said efforts should be made to ensure that it does not degenerate to very poor management of resources as it is, according to him, in the Niger Delta Development Commission, 13 per cent derivation and others.

On the frontier exploration, he said more effort should be geared towards discovering oil in other places.

Senator Akin Odunsi ( Ogun West) described the bill as the most important legislation before the National Assembly.

Odunsi noted that the bill becomes even more important when it is recognised that the country runs a mono economy based on oil.

The lawmaker cautioned against undue sentiment in the consideration of the bill.

He agreed that the bill was not perfect but posited that it could be fine-tuned to engender development.

Senator Abdulahi Adamu (Nasarawa West) said he was giving the bill “a reserved support”.

Adamu expressed worry about the absence of transparency and accountability in the oil sector.

He said the bill appears to contradict the Constitution (as amended), especially when it is recognised that oil and gas as well as other minerals are in the Exclusive List and under the control of the Federal Government.

The lawmaker cautioned about the unbundling of the NNPC in order not to put up the corporation for outright purchase by wealthy Nigerians.

On the host community fund, Adamu said the provision would create the fourth tier of government.

To Senator Gbenga Ashafa (Lagos East), the bill will be counter productive in its present form. He demanded the definition of host community.

Ashafa said pipelines burst at times not because of vandalisation but because of the integrity of the pipes.

Senator Ayogu Eze said his support for the bill stemmed from the realization that the oil sector should be reformed.

Eze highlighted issues of details in the bill, which, he said, should be addressed at the committee and public hearing levels.

It was obvious that most northern Senators were not comfortable with what Enang said.

CAN rejects amnesty for Boko Haram Continued from page 2

tiers of government responsible? The Sultan should be told that we have since found out that the attacks are primarily targeted at Christians and their churches.

Who then is suffering injustice? Who needs justice?

Christians or those killing and bombing churches?

“The injustice to Christians killed, maimed and rendered helpless by the sect is underscored by the payment of the sum of N100 million to the late sect leader’s family by the Borno State government without any assistance to any of the Christian victims of Boko Haram. Who is going to compensate the families of the victims of the sect? Where is the justice to these Christian victims?

“It is worth reminding the Sultan at this juncture that a few days ago, Shekau, the leader of Boko Haram, appeared in a video, claiming responsibility for all the violence, including the ones allegedly committed by suspected criminals and denying any relationship with Sheikh Muhammad Ibn Abdulazeez, the man who has repeatedly claimed to be his second in-command who announced a ceasefire bid?

Shekau had said: ‘….we have seen how our members who were out on holy mission are being attacked and killed…what we are doing now is what is prescribed for

us by Allah and his holy prophets. We are workers in the vineyard of Allah.’

“Clearly, Shekau, the Boko Haram leader, has never talked of injustice. He has been unremorsefully insistent on the fact that they will not relent until Nigeria is made an Islamic nation. We need to also remind the Sultan and others on the same page with him that terrorism is not about justice. It is about ideology. In this case, Boko Haram is founded on the premise of extreme Islamic ideology. It is, therefore, mischievous for those who understand this to hoodwink the President into actions that would be futile in the end.

“We believe that for the talk about amnesty to hold water, the Islamist militant group must first of all renounce their extreme ideology and embrace the ceasefire plan. What President Goodluck Jonathan should do is to give the sect members a deadline within which they should organise a ceasefire, failing which the sect members should be confronted vigorously, in line with what was done to the Niger Delta Militants who refused the amnesty offered by the late President Umar Musa Yar’Adua. Otherwise, how can government grant amnesty to faceless people?

“We wonder the kind of amnesty contemplated by the Sultan. This is why we are puzzled. God bless Nige-

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013

62

FOREIGN NEWS HUGO CHAVEZ (1954-2013)

Venezuelans, world leaders mourn Hugo Chavez •To be buried tomorrow

V

ENEZUELA has announced seven days of mourning for Hugo Chavez, who has died aged 58 after 14 years as president.

Thousands of Mr Chavez’s supporters took to the streets of Caracas to express their grief.

Mr Chavez had been seriously ill with cancer for more than a year.

A self-proclaimed revolutionary, he was a controversial figure in Venezuela and on the world stage. A staunch critic of the US, he inspired a left-wing revival across Latin America.

BBC reported hundreds of supporters started gathering around the hospital where the president died, and in central Caracas, to mourn Mr Chavez together.

Many had tears in their eyes.

Some hugged each other. Most gathered sombrely to share their memories of the president.

For many, it was like having lost a family member.

“A great leader has left us, a father. A man that taught us how to walk down the path of revolution,” said Ali Dominguez, a student.

But In Los Palos Grandes neighbourhood, inhabited by wealthier pro-opposition people, streets were already deserted in the early evening.

People took to Twitter to express their sentiments.

“I’m not celebrating at all, I just feel we have a new opportunity to have a better future,” said Sharon Fandino.

Latin American leaders have begun arriving in Caracas to pay their respects - among them President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner of Argentina, Jose Mujica of Uruguay and Evo Morales of Bolivia.

His body was taken in a procession with a mounted escort to the Military Academy in Caracas

Hugo Chavez: Time line •July 28, 1954: Born in Sabaneta •1975: Graduated from College • 1992: Led failed coup attempt •Feb 1999: Takes office after winning 1998 election • July 2000: Re-elected under new constitution for a six-year term •April 2002: Abortive coup.

Chavez returns to power after two days • Aug 2004: Wins recall referendum on whether he should serve out rest of his term • Dec 2006: Wins another six-year term with 63% •Dec 2007: Loses constitutional referendum which included proposal to allow the president to run indefinitely for office • Feb 2009: Wins referendum that lifts term limits on elected officials • Sep 2010: Chavez party wins majority in National Assembly elections but opposition gets some 40% of seats • June 2011: Reveals he is being treated for cancer • February 2012: Undergoes further operation in Cuba • October 2012: Re-elected for further six-year term •Announced tumour in pelvic area • Started chemotherapy and treatment in Cuba.

•March 5, 2013 died in Venezuela

•Hugo Chavez’s body is moved from hospital to Caracas’s military academy. Footage courtesy of VTV.

where it will lie in state until a funeral on Friday.

Military units across the country have fired a 21-gun salute in his honour.

They will fire another cannon shot each hour until he is buried, the armed forces said.

All schools and universities have been shut for the week.

Announcing the president’s death on Tuesday, Vice-President Nicolas Maduro called on the nation to close ranks after its leader’s demise.

“Let there be no weakness, no violence. Let there be no hate. In our hearts there should only be one sentiment: Love.”

Police and troops would be deployed nationwide “to guarantee the peace”, he added.

A statement from the military said it would remain loyal to the

vice-president and to parliament, it added, urging people to remain calm.

There were isolated reports of violence after the news, with attackers burning the tents of a group of students who had been demanding more information about Mr Chavez’s condition. Nobody was injured in the incident.

Vice-President Maduro will assume the presidency until an election is called within 30 days.

Foreign Minister Elias Jaua told state television that Mr Maduro would also be the candidate of the governing United Socialist Party (PSUV).

Opposition leader Henrique Capriles, whom Mr Chavez defeated in October’s election, called on the government to “act in strict accordance with its constitutional duties”, apparently referring to the country’s constitution which de-

ferred succession to the Speaker of the National Assembly on an interim basis until a new election in 30 days.

The opposition has yet to confirm who will be its official candidate for the presidential election, but Mr Capriles is widely expected to be chosen to stand against the vice-president.

Born Rafael Chavez Frias on 28th July 1954 in Sabaneta, Barinas state, the son of schoolteachers. He went on to study at Venezuela’s military academy and served in the armed forces for a number of years.

After founding a revolutionary unit within the military, he led an unsuccessful coup against President Carlos Andres Perez in 1992.

This launched him onto the political scene but also earned him two years in prison.

Maduro, ‘the bus driver,’ to succeed Chavez

W

HERE Hugo Chavez was a charismatic whirlwind, his deputy has always come across as just the opposite: a quiet man.

It fell to Nicolas Maduro to announce to Venezuelans that their leader was dead.

President Chavez named his 50year-old vice-president and foreign minister as his preferred successor following the recurrence of his cancer.

“He is a complete revolutionary,

a man of great experience despite his youth, with great dedication and capacity for work, for leading, for handling the most difficult situations,” Mr Chavez said.

Analysts said that by naming Mr Maduro as his successor, President Chavez appeared to be trying to boost the vice-president’s standing ahead of any potential rivals within the “chavismo” political system built up around the Venezuelan leader.

Mr Maduro, a former bus driver

with a bushy black moustache, became one of the president’s closest advisers. He was made foreign minister in 2006 and in October last year, following Mr Chavez’s election victory, he was chosen by the president to serve as his deputy.

Their friendship goes back to when Mr Chavez served time in prison for the attempted coup of 1992. Mr Maduro campaigned for Mr Chavez to be released - which happened in 1994. Nicolas Maduro is one of Hugo Chavez’s closest allies

...His legacy

P

RESIDENT Chavez would probably be remembered as the man who reformed Venezuela. He was at various times described as controversial, irrepressible, garrulous, theatrical.

But in all of these, his socialistic credentials, ingrained in his love for his people and desire for equality were never in doubt.

His government has implemented a number of “missions” or social programmes, including education and health services that benefited the poor in his almost 14 years as the helmsman in this Latin American nation of 29 million people.

His main energies were channeled towards tackling economic inequality among the downtrodden through massive yet radical wealth redistribution schemes in all strata of the economy.

In continuation of this, Chavez nationalised several industries in 2007 and 2008 to the chagrin and disenchantment of several multinational Corporations whose influence were enormously diminished.

Jonathan, Obama: Chavez gave his best

P

RESIDENT Jonathan in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media & Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati noted that Chavez gave the very best that he could to uplift his people and his country in his 14 years tenure.

The statement reads: “On behalf of himself, the Federal Government and the people of Nigeria, President Goodluck Jonathan extends sincere commiserations to the government and people of Venezuela on the death yesterday of President Hugo Chavez.”

“President Jonathan and Nigerians join the brotherly people of Venezuela in mourning President Chavez who greatly endeared himself to the ordinary people of his country with his admirable efforts to improve the living conditions of underprivileged Venezuelans.”

Also, United States President Obama said: “At this challenging time of President Hugo Chavez’s passing, the United States reaffirms its support for the Venezuelan people and its interest in developing a constructive relationship with the Venezuelan government.

As Venezuela begins a new chapter in its history, the United States remains committed to policies that promote democratic, principles, the rule of law, and respect for human rights.”

LENTEN TALK Rev. Henry O. Adelegan

His knowledge and the edge Text: Daniel 11:32b

L

IFE is not supposed to be endured but to be enjoyed. It is difficult to enjoy life without having an understanding of

its dynamics. 3 John 2 says that prosperity and health are products of knowledge development.

From our text, the Bible says that there are two key advantages of knowing God. Firstly, it will give you an edge of strength, meaning that you will be immovable, unshakeable and untouchable. Secondly, you will experience an edge of prosperous life. Where others are failing, you will succeed like Isaac who during the time of famine in Philistines heard God and that year, reaped a hundredfold and was envied by the entire city ( Genesis 26:1-13).

No wonder Hosea said that “ My people perish for lack of knowledge” ( Hosea 4:6a). What he meant was that ignorance is a major highway to destruction and sudden death. Prophet Isaiah shed more light on that spiritual axiom when he wrote that “ my people are led into captivity because they have no knowledge; their honorable men are famished, and their multitude dried up

with thirst.” ( Isaiah 5:13).

It is not knowledge of powers of wickedness or the terrible things they are able to do that avails but knowledge of Jesus Christ, His powers and the weapons of warfare that are available to us to counter and destroy the schemes and attacks of the wicked (Ephesians 6:10-12).

The armies of Israel were in bondage of fear for many days as a result of Ignorance until a young man of knowledge called David came to the battlefield. He heard the threat of Goliath but juxtaposed it with what he had experienced as a shepherd boy who partnered with God, and knew that the battle was a small one ( 1 Samuel 17: 32-37). The end result was that God went ahead of him and the shame of many days was halted with a stone ( I Samuel 17:40-50).

Beloved, the knowledge of God, and not fear, is very principal to success and living a life of victory over the devil and his agents.

During this season of Lent, devote more time to studying the word of God as stated in Joshua 1:8, meditate in the word and observe to do what He commands and you shall have good success in Jesus’ name.

THE NATION THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013

63

SPORT EXTRA 32 teams jostle for Ogunnusi Youth Unity Cup

INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY

Eagles to play Mexico May 31 A T HE Federación Mexicana de Fútbol (FMF) and Soccer United Marketing (SUM) have announced today that the Mexican senior national team will face the current Africa Cup of Nations champion, Nigeria, on Friday, May 31, at Reliant Stadium in Houston United States.

The match, presented by Allstate, will be the third of five

games as part of Mexico’s annual U.S. tour, now in its 11th year.

The upcoming May game against Nigeria will be crucial for Mexico head coach, Jose Manuel de la Torre, as it will be the team’s final preparation match before two June Hexagonal CONCACAF World Cup qualifying round matches.

Following the qualifiers, Mexico

– the reigning CONCACAF Gold Cup champions – will then head to Brazil to participate in the FIFA Confederations Cup. In Brazil, El Tricolor will face the home team, Italy and Japan in the group stage. Mexico will return to U.S. territory to defend their title in the bi-annual CONCACAF Gold Cup, which Mexico will inaugurate on July 7

AFRICA YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP

Obuh picks Ajagun, 20 others for title defence

N

IGERIA has picked a final list of 21 players to fly the country’s flag at the 2013 African Youth Championship holding in Algeria between 16th – 30th March, 2013. The Flying Eagles are the defending champions.

On Wednesday, Head Coach Sam John Obuh, who also led the team to triumph in South Africa two years ago, picked three goalkeepers, seven defenders, six midfielders and five strikers as the team intensified its final preparations in Tunis.

At the top of the list is Skipper Abduljeleel Ajagun, who was part of the squad that lifted the trophy in South Africa on May 1, 2011. There are also FIFA U-17 World Cup silver medallists Mohammed Goyi Aliyu, Aigbe Oliha, Edafe Egbedi and Olanrewaju Kayode.

Nigeria play Mali, Gabon and Democratic Republic of Congo, in that order, in Group B of the 12th African Youth Championship.

Host Algeria, Benin Republic, Ghana and Egypt clash in Group A. The Flying Eagles will play all their group phase games in Oran, with their first match against Mali’s Junior Eagles coming up on March 17 and the clash with Gabon on March 20. Three days later, they trade tackles with the Democratic Republic of Congo, who eliminated Cameroon’s Lionceux to reach their first African Youth Championship finals.

THE FINAL LIST Goalkeepers: Samuel Okani (Enyimba FC); Jonah Usman (ABS FC); Emmanuel Daniel (Rangers FC)

Defenders: Aigbe Oliha (Esperance Sportive de Zarzis); Goyi Aliyu (Nigeria); Abdullahi Shehu (Kano Pillars); Chizoba Amaefule (Dolphins FC); Ikechukwu Okorie (Enyimba FC); Kingsley Madu (El-Kanemi Warriors); Abubakar Hassan (Wikki Tourists FC Midfielders: Aminu Umar (Wikki Tourists FC); Abduljeleel Ajagun (Dolphins FC); Ovbokha Agboyi (Bayelsa United); Chidi Osuchukwu (Dolphins FC); Uche Agbo (Enyimba FC); Moses Orkuma (Lobi Stars) Forwards: Bright Ejike (Heartland FC); Olanrewaju Kayode (Ansfed Utd, Turkey); Abdullahi Gero (Rangers FC); Christian Pyagbara (Sharks FC); Edafe Egbedi (AGF-Aarhus, Denmark)

at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.

Nigeria was crowned champion of the 2013 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations after a 1-0 victory over Burkina Faso in the final, and will also travel to Brazil in July to participate in the FIFA Confederations Cup where they will face Spain, Uruguay and Tahiti in the group stage.

Nigeria, currently leading Africa’s World Cup qualifying, has won the Africa Nations Cup on three occasions and also has participated in four World Cup tournaments. Mexico and Nigeria have met three times with a 1-0-2 record in favor of Mexico. The two teams last met in October of 2007 in an international friendly, with the match ending in a 2-2 tie at the Estadio Olimpico Benito Juarez in Chihuahua, Mexico.

T

From Segun Ogunjimi, Abuja Rangers International.

There have been tussle for the ownership of Mba who last played for Warri Wolves Football Club in the last NPL season before rejoining Rangers prior to the 2013 AFCON where he shone brightly in the colours of the Super Eagles of Nigeria that eventually emerged 2013

AFCON winner in South Africa on February 10th, 2013.

The NFF set up a 4-Man Committee to look into the case which commenced yesterday and will continue today at the NFF Secretariat. The committee headed by the NFF Director of Competitions, Dr. Sanusi Mohammed also includes Christian Omeruo, Okeh O9biand Nasir Jubril Falana told

By Paul Oluwakoya of the tournament said: “We witnessed what our national team did in South Africa as well as the positives that attracted the AFCON feat and this singular effort can also help to discover top football stars that will do the nation proud. Most importantly, empowerment of youth will be taken care by this competition and we hope that others will take a cue from this and encourage the youth by organising more sporting activities in the area.

The preliminaries matches have commenced with the teams drawn into groups while the top two teams progress to the knockout stage.

Agege Stadium will host the final match on April 20, which also coincides with the birthday celebration of Ogunusi.

PREMIER LOTTO ATHLETIC CHAMPIONSHIP

Oshodi, Idowu laud athletes’ performance

T

HE performance of athletes at the maiden Premier Lotto Lagos Schools Athletics Championship have attracted accolades from the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development, Wahid Oshodi as well as the chairman, Nigeria Academicals Sports

MBA’S TRANSFER: Falana storms NFF HE transfer saga of 2013 Africa Cup of Nations revelation, Sunday Mba will surely go to history books as one of the most celebrated saga in Nigeria Premier League as celebrated Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Femi Falana stormed the Zone 7 Abuja Glass House Secretariat of the Nigeria Football Federation yesterday to argue the case on behalf of

S part of efforts to promote grassroots football at Ifako/ Ijaiye Local Council Development Area, Federation Constituency Member, House of Representatives, Yomi Ogunnusi has kick-started a annual football tourney in Lagos with 32 teams participating in the maiden edition The competition, which kicked off recently at Agege Stadium is part of the promise made by the lawmaker to engage youths in meaningful activities and has been embraced by teams in Lagos Chairman of Ifako-Ijaiye Local Council, Apostle Oloruntoba Oke, has, lauded the competition, saying such gesture would help to eradicate vices among youths in the area.

Oke, who represented Ogunnusi at the opening event

NationSport he had to come to the aid of Rangers and Mba because he was sure of Rangers position on the matter and he also wanted to save the football future of the player.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE RESULTS Juventus 2 - 0 Celtic (agg 5-0) Paris S.G. 1 - 1 Valencia(agg 3-2)

Committee (NASCOM), Yemi Idowu.

Oshodi and Idowu watched the finals of 100metres yesterday at the Teslim Balogun Stadium and they both concluded that that with more competitions more talents would be unearthed from schools.

“I think this is the beginning of every athlete that must have made it to the top and with what we are watching now, some of these athletes will in near future represent Nigeria at world level. This is what we are preaching in Lagos and we believe other states will take a cue from this because the future of sports is at the grassroots level. Imagine some of these athletes discovered making it to the top. We believe in Lagos that more sponsors will understand what we are trying to do and come on board to

support sports at grassroots level. We will remain grateful to Premier Lotto for sponsoring this competition and we believe athletes that will come out of this tournament will one day win an Olympics medals,” Oshodi said.

Like Oshodi, Idowu, who was impressed with Lagos state, believes others should emulate the state in terms of developing sports from schools.

“I want to say that Lagos has always being at the forefront of sports development in this country and we are not surprised with the staging of this competition because we believe that with more of this, we can boast of quality athletes that will rub shoulders with the world’s best. At this level, the athletes are still raw and it will be easy for any coach to identify and groom them to become stars,” Idowu said.

Your Sexual Health & You: Novelty Tips, Questions & Answers

H

ello Uche, i have been dating this married man for a long time. He has really helped me and put me through school. Now i am about to finish school and get a job and he says he wants to marry me this year. But the thing is that i have a boy friend who is just one year older than me and he wants to marry me as well. Now i dont know which man to settle for – Sandra Sandra I am sure that you don’t need me to remind you that you cannot be dating a married man. That is just wrong on every level. I am actually shocked that you can talk about it so casually. Do you really understand the implication of marrying him? For him to marry you, he will have to abandon his wife and children. And then both of you will organise a wedding in which you will go to the altar and ask God to bless your own marriage after you just wrecked another woman’s marriage and stole her husband? If you actually do care to listen to advice, then i am telling you that you cannot steal another woman’s husband. If any man who is still married ever tells you that he will leave his wife for you, run for your life. If you marry him, your marriage will be cursed. There is a special punishment reserved for home wreckers and when things begin to go terribly wrong in your life, you begin to wonder why.

There are many other men in this world and already, one of them wants to marry you. Get your life together and if you really do care about this other young man that loves you, then love him back by staying with him and him alone. But you cannot wed the married man. You should be breaking off that affair right about now – Uche I had surgery seven months ago and after it, I lost my erection permanently. I have taken all kinds of drugs with absolutely no results. I feel so bad but I am more worried about my wife. She has been very supportive but

it is only a matter of time before she starts sleeping outside. I need any help I can get – David David i am sorry to hear about your condition. If all those drugs didnt work for you, I won’t recommend another drug.

The only option now is for you to use a penile extention for intercourse just so that your wife can at least have a sex life.

A penile extension is an artificial penis that a man wears over his own penis for intercourse. It is hard like a real erection and realistic. It comes in sizes of 6, 7, 8 and 10 inches and can be used by men with problems like yours or just by men who want to keep having intercourse after ejaculating. Sorry again. I wish you the best – Uche Please i need Exploding Thunder supplement. I bought it from you during the Christmas period for my weak erection problems and it really helped me. I have checked everywhere but I cannot find it – Chamberlain Chamberlain you will not find it. Exploding Thunder is a rare gem and we have been looking for it too. But check back on Thursday Match 7. We should have it by then – Uche Please is the marathon delay cream for premature ejaculation used once a day or every three days? I just bought it and enjoyed using it. But when I wanted to have sex again that day, I wasnt sure if I could still use it – Olamide You can use marathon delay cream as many times as you want. It is a cream, not a supplement - Uche That’s it for today. Adults in need of these novelties and treatments can call us on 08027901621 or 08051924159 or any other number here to order or they can order online at www.zeevirtualmedia.com. We deliver to you wherever you are in Nigeria. For enquiries email us at custserv@zeevirtualmedia.com - Uche Edochie, MD, Zee Virtual Media.

TODAY IN THE NATION

THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

W

ILL the police ever find Commissioner Chinweike Asadu’s killers?

To many Nigerians, who have lost faith in the system, the answer is simple – no.

Inspector General Mohammed Abubakar has vowed to bring the killers to justice. In fact, there has been a whirlwind of arrests in Enugu, the city in which the Kwara State Commissioner of Police was cut down in a hail of bullets last Saturday. Doctors are battling to save the lives of his orderly and driver.

Asadu was driving home after dropping a lawyer-friend of his who came visiting. A bus carrying four armed men blocked his car. He was ordered out of the car. He did. His orderly also came out. The gunmen found Asadu’s driver, Oliver Omeh, a corporal, in uniform and opened fire, killing the commissioner and leaving the others injured. By the time Asadu’s guards rushed to the scene, the gunmen had vanished into the thick, dark night, perhaps never to be seen again.

Did Asadu underestimate the security situation in Enugu? Why did he not take enough guards, knowing that trouble blows no siren?

Who was the visitor? Were the gunmen after the Camry and fired the lethal shots out of panic? Can Omeh and Aloha Olaniyi, the driver, identify them? Were the gunmen robbers or contract killers?

The puzzles are as numerous as the number of unresolved assassinations that the police say they have been tackling. What is clear is that the police have lost a fine officer and a good man, going by the tributes that have been pouring in since the tragedy occurred- less than three months to Asadu’s retirement date, a date to which he was excitedly looking forward. But are these accolades genuine? We may never know.

With Asadu’s murder have come more troubles for the police, who are yet to find the Pension Task Force Team leader, Ibrahim Maina, a man they protected with a battalion for months as if he was the most important of all our VIPs. The Senate issued a warrant of arrest for Maina to come and explain how billions of pension cash went missing. Maina ran to the court to seek protection. He got none. Then he went underground. From his hiding place, he kept organising protests, pushing the authorities to leave him alone. He will surely show up again, perhaps for a bigger assignment, when everything is calm.

Should Senate President David Mark see police chief Abubakar today, his first question is most likely to be: “Where is Maina?” “We are looking for him sir. Rankadede sir,” the IG will, most likely, reply. Both will smile, shake hands, crack some jokes and move on.

Farouk Lawan – I’m sure you remember him – is facing bribery charges in court, after a long, winding and grinding investigation that went everywhere but, in the view of many, got nowhere. The lawmaker confessed to collecting some $620,000 bribe from businessman Femi Otedola, but vowed not to surrender the evidence to the police (He doesn’t trust them?). He was hauled before the court after so much noise from those who felt that even Mr. Integrity needed to prove his integrity- if indeed he had any. The case is on, but the question remains: “Where is the cash?” We may never know.

The popular thinking is that if these seemingly simple cases remain unresolved, how much more murder, murder under the cover

RIPPLES 18 MILLION NIGERIANS ARE MENTALLY SICK-Expert

Yes, POVERTY-INDUCED insanity

‘The president is aware of the international community’s warning of possible collapse of the Nigerian economy in the next three years with the dwindling oil fortunes arising from US drive for self-sufficiency in energy coupled with the massive corruption of Nigerian ruling class’ JIDE OLUWAJUYITAN

VOL. 8, NO. 2,421

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

GBENGA OMOTOSO

EDITORIAL NOTEBOOK

gbenga.omotoso@thenationonlineng.net •Winner, DAME Award for Informed Commentary

Who will stop the gunman?

•The late Asadu of darkness, and assassinations. The Igwes.

Bola Ige. Odunayo Olagbaju. Isiak Mohammed. Jafaar Adam. Theodore Egwuatu. Harry Marshall . Layi Balogun. Funsho Williams. And many more.

The police have lost so many men, unsung and, most likely, unmissed by the force they served and died for. They are never remembered. In some cases, their families get thrown out of the barracks soon after their deaths, left alone to fend for themselves in a beautiful country troubled by ravenous wolves in sheep’s clothing.

The Asadu murder has ignited many thoughts on crimes, criminals and crime fighters. Among us are men who live in the past, in the dark past when life meant little and people were slaughtered in a savage world of brutes and bullies. These are ritual murderers, who believe human blood and body parts can, by some mystical powers, yield money.

A newspaper reported on January 30 the case of a man who found a human head on the road opposite his home in Jos. A headless body cut into many parts was recovered on Tafawa Balewa Road, also in Jos. The body was later identified to be that of a resident of the city.

These are just two among many. We may never know who these savages are.

Almost two months after some bodies were

found floating on the Ezu River in Anambra, there is still no clue to who the dead were.

The police vowed to resolve the mystery; they are yet to. Politicians have been visiting the community to offer the residents “pure water” and make inciting statements that can never aid the resolution of the mystery, but deepen the kind of animosity that may have led to the problem. Did the bodies drop from heaven? Is there a big conspiracy among those who lost their loved ones to keep quiet for fear of being given the same treatment? Was it a mere expression of our callousness and loss of humanity? We may never know.

The other day in Kano, a 42-year-old woman was arrested for selling dogs. There was a song and dance about her arrest. According to the law enforcers, that was the second time she had been arrested. The woman said she knew no other trade. What happened to her eventually? We may never know.

Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole has been accusing the police of complicity in the

Jonathan goes to Borno, Yobe

T

HE President will be in Maiduguri, the beleaguered Borno State capital, and Yobe State today and tomorrow. There will be no excited school pupils lining the road and waving the national flag. Markets will be shut and residents will stay indoors. A strange visit.

The Borno State Government has declared a public holiday, apparently after considering the massive security implication of the official visit. The Inspector-General is leading 3,000 policemen. There will be no fewer than 100 secret agents and an army of Civil Defence personnel. The Chief of Defence Staff, Vice Admiral Ibrahim Ola, will coordinate the operation.

The visit is coming after that of nine All Progressives Congress (APC) governors –

HARDBALL

T

HE Senior Special Adviser to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, is giftedly verbose, among other lofty talents he exhibits, sometimes to our surprise, and at other times to our dismay. This column once said this special spokesman, whom some media outfits lavishly described as President Goodluck Jonathan’s attack dog, was capable of defending two contrasting positions with equal plausibility, or attacking them with equal venom. We obviously underrate him. He is in fact capable of so much more. In attacking the nine governors of the proposed All Progressives Congress (APC) who visited Borno State last week, Okupe showed his other talent for arguing without logic and saying nothing in a grand manner. Hear him: “The APC Governors’ visit was hurriedly packaged to preempt the visit of Mr. President, which had been planned and scheduled several weeks ago. This is surely an act of crass opportunism and political desperation on the part of these governors and the party they represent. We regard that visit as a media circus, stunt and photo-ops by these governors who were apparently in Maiduguri to feather their political nests.”

Try as hard as you can, you are never going to find rhyme or reason in Mr Okupe’s statements.

murder of his private secretary, Olaitan Oyerinde. The police have denied this, alleging that the comrade-governor is using his position to hurl abuses at them. Oshiomhole’s case is simple. He says the gun used by Oyerinde’s killers had been with the police since April 24, 2012, before the murderers struck. It was, according to the governor, retrieved from the police exhibits room and presented as the one used to kill Oyerinde, whose activist-friend was initially arrested for the crime, but let off the hook by a court that found that the police were tampering with his rights.

Besides, the suspects arrested by the police are different from those being held by the State Security Service (SSS). Now, who is to face trial for the crime? Who killed Oyerinde? We may never know.

As we reflected on the Oyerinde murder, a colleague recalled a joke that once appeared on this page to reinforce his belief that the police will surely find Asadu’s killers because, according to him, he was one of them, their own man.

Here goes the joke, once again, dear reader: “In an effort to determine the top crime fighting agency in Nigeria, the President narrowed the field to three finalists: SSS, Army and Police.

The three contenders were given the task of catching a rabbit that was released into the forest. The SSS went in, placing informants all over the place. They questioned all plants and mineral witnesses. After three months of extensive investigation, the SSS concluded that rabbits do not exist. The army went into the forest.

After two weeks without a capture, they burnt the forest, killing everything in it, including the rabbit. They made no apologies. The rabbit deserved it.

“The police went into the forest. They came out two hours later with a badly beaten hyena.

The hyena was yelling: `Okay, okay; I agree!

I’m a rabbit! I’m a rabbit!`” Will the police find Asadu’s killers? Who will save us from the gunman?

and a deputy. They visited the city’s biggest market, drawing applause. Presidential aide Dr Doyin Okupe said Dr Goodluck Jonathan planned to visit this week and that the governors merely took the wind out of his sails in what he derogatorily called a stunt and a circus.

Must Okupe talk? If the President’s visit isn’t a show of bravado against the Boko Haram insurgency, what is it? Should there be any big deal in the President visiting any part of the country? What message will the visit bring us – that the Federal Government has made Borno and Yobe safe for all? Who will believe that?

Anyway, au revoir, President Jonathan.

•For comments, send SMS to 08082036515

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

Okupe’s excuse for presidential lethargy Assuming the president planned his visit earlier than the governors, and he needed all of the more than 21 months he has been in office to get round to it, why blame the enterprising opposition for seizing the moment? In any case, the president’s security agents knew the opposition planned to visit Maiduguri; why didn’t the president’s advisers coax his immobile majesty into bringing his own plans forward? The essence of opposition politics is to always take advantage of the ruling party’s or president’s lethargy by stealing, subverting or adapting their plans. It is a sensible and perfectly legitimate enterprise.

But Okupe does not normally stop at bad; he must proceed to worse as unalterably as he sleeps at night. Hear him again: “If I may ask, where were these governors in the last 18 months that they had been in office? It is obvious that it is part of their mobilisation drive that took them to Borno State rather than any patriotic call to duty. These are desperate power mongers who flock together in spite of their obvious conflicting political philosophies and inordinate ambitions.” Only Okupe is capable

of drawing a line in Maiduguri between mobilisation and patriotism. No one else can; not even Pythagoras.

Yet, as everyone knows of politics, mobilisation is an integral part of winning elections.

And as if justifying the pejorative label the media gave him, the presidential spokesman then abusively described the APC governors as desperate power mongers. In addition, he gleefully announced that the governors, whom he called opportunists, could not agree on a unifying philosophy nor moderate their ambitions. He gives the impression the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has agreed on a philosophy and does not suffer from inordinate ambition. Apart from not having an explanation for the president’s delay in visiting Borno State, and rather than conceding they’ve been trumped, Okupe instead added the incredible fatuousness that whenever elected officials worked, they did us a favour. Well, let Okupe continue to put his nose to the propaganda grindstone; for as his service under Chief Olusegun Obasanjo showed, he is unlikely to ever rise beyond the level of the intolerably mundane anyway.

Published and printed by Vintage Press Limited. Corporate Office: 27B Fatai Atere Way, Matori, Lagos. P.M.B. 1025,Oshodi, Lagos. Telephone: Switch Board: 01-8168361.

Editor Daily:01-8962807, Marketing: 01-8155547 . Abuja Office: Plot 5, Nanka Close AMAC Commercial Complex, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja. Tel: 07028105302. Port Harcourt Office: 12/14, Njemanze Street, Mile 1, Diobu, PH. 08023595790. WEBSITE: www.thenationonlineng.net E-mail: info@thenationonlineng.net ISSN: 115-5302 Editor: GBENGA OMOTOSO