The Nation March 19, 2013

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

Jonathan: hostages may still be alive •‘We’ll get to the root’

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Govt makes $156m from PHCN sale BUSINESS Page 11

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VOL. 8, NO. 2432 TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

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25 die in Kano as bombers attack Lagos-bound bus Blast barbaric, says Jonathan Obi urges calm From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

S

UICIDE bombers struck yesterday in Kano, killing no fewer than 25 people.

Some of the dead included passengers aboard a Lagos-bound luxury bus.

Park workers and traders were also killed at the New Road Motor Park in Sabon Gari, which is predominantly occupied by non-indigenes in the North’s commercial headquarters. Many were injured.

The attack, which occurred at about 4.30 pm during the peak period, was targeted at the 59-seater luxury bus, which was blown up as it was departing the park.

Eyewitnesses said three suicide bombers positioned their Golf car, which had been primed with explosives, between Gobison Luxury Bus and one other before detonating the explosives.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said last night that the death toll had not been decided. NEMA spokesman Yushau Shuaib, in text messages said: “Rescuers and security personnel are yet to determine the source of explosions that occurred this evening at a motor park for long journeys in New Road, Sabo Gari, now, While casualty figure is not available at the moment, the seriously injured have been taken to the hospital and bodies evacuated.”

The scene was immediately cordoned off by men of the military Joint Task Force (JTF) to pave the way for the evacuation the victims, who were SEE ALSO taken to the Murtala Muhammed SpecialPAGES 4&5 ist hospital.

Continued on page 2

•Two of the victims being assisted out of one of the vehicles...yesterday

•One of the buses attacked by the bombers...yesterday

•The scene of the blast...yesterday

2015: Jonathan can’t be PDP’s sole candidate, says Atiku

STORY ON PAGE 2

•Atiku

Ex-VP vows to resist likely constitution change

•MY TRIAL IRREGULAR, SAYS OKAH P53 •PENSION CONVICT YUSUF GETS BAIL P8

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THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

NEWS 2015: Jonathan can’t be PDP’s sole candidate, says Atiku •Ex-VP vows to resist party’s likely constitution change

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•President of Lebanon, Gbereal Michel Sleiman, his wife Wafaa, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) National Leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and his wife Senator Oluremi, at the special dinner held in honour of the Lebanese President at Skyline Restuaranr, Eko Hotel, Lagos…last night

25 die in Kano as bombers attack Lagos-bound bus Continued from page 1

Some of the injured had their limbs cut off. About six explosions were heard in the busy park that accommodates mostly Southeast and Southwest-bound passengers.

Besides the wrecked Gobison bus, 10 others were affected.

There was stampede in Sabo Gari as residents scampered for safety, following the multiple explosions.

Businesses closed abruptly.

The Kano Central Market and other places of business were shut.

JTF spokesman Captain Ikedichi Iweha, said it would be hasty to release a casualty figure, adding that “our interest now is to ensure that the injured are taken to the hospital for treatment while efforts are being made by fire fighters to extinguish the raging flames in the park.

“We are also making efforts to prevent thieves from taking advantage of the situation to steal.”

A survivour, who identified himself as Mr. John, told this reporter: “I went to the motorpark with my family who were billed to trav-

el to Lagos. I had purchased the ticket and wanted my family and I to have some refreshment a few metres away from where the Lagosbound luxury bus was parked.

“As we started taking the refreshments, we heard a loud explosion, the smoke of which enveloped the area. We survived by the grace of God. My immediate family and I are not hurt, but let me tell you, my brother, many people died.”

The Chairman of the Kano Chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Tobias Idika, said from records available to him, many people died and five luxury buses were burnt.

“This is the worst experience of the lives of the Igbo in Kano. We have lost many souls while five buses were burnt to ashes.”

The Assistant InspectorGeneral of Police (AIG) Zone 1, Mr David Omojola, visited the scene of the incident, describing it as tragic and unfortunate. “My men have taken position and doing everything possible to restore confidence in members of the public, as well as to evacuate the dead and

injured to the mortuary and the hospital”, Omojola said.

President Goodluck Jonathan condemned the explosion.

According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Rueben Abati, the President said the barbaric incident will not deter the Federal Government from its strong-willed determination to overcome those who do not mean well for the nation.

The Federal Government, he said, would not be stampeded, for any reason whatsoever, into abandoning its unrelenting war against terrorists in the country.

The statement said: “President Jonathan reassured Nigerians and foreigners in the country that the Nigerian Government will continue to do all that is required to ensure the safety of lives and property, including continued collaboration with local and international partners and stakeholders to check the menace of terrorism.”

“President Jonathan commiserated with the victims of the Kano explosions, their families and friends, and as-

sured the Kano State government of the Federal Government’s continued support.”

Anambra State Governor Peter Obi condemned the bombing.

Obi who said he heard the news as the plane that conveyed him to Rome, where he is in the Federal Government delegation for the installation of Pope Francis I today landed, described it as “barbaric and condemnable”.

He said that no amount of anger for whatever reasons, rightly or wrongly, would justify what he called atavistic throw- back to old and superseded way of settling disputes by blood letting.”

Calling for restraint on the part of those affected, he said he was in the process of contacting his Kano counterpart for detail, since, according to him, the barbarism took place at Sabongari, the home to non-indigenes, especially the Igbo.

Obi prayed for the repose of the souls of the affected and for God to continue to grant wisdom to the President as he works tirelessly for the country to overcome her security challenges.

ORMER Vice President Atiku Abubakar has vowed to resist any attempt to foist President Goodluck Jonathan on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the sole candidate in 2015.

Atiku, who has declared his intention to seek the PDP ticket ahead of the 2015 polls, spoke in Kano yesterday. He was reacting to alleged surreptitious moves to amend the PDP Constitution to pave the way for Jonathan’s sole candidacy.

Elder statesman and Ijaw leader Chief Edwin Clark, in a letter to Niger State Governor Babangida,Aliyu, which he read to reporters in Abuja last week, said there was nothing wrong with a Jonathan sole candidacy.

He said the practice in democratic presidential system of government is that “an incumbent President remains the sole candidate of a political party at the party’s convention, if he or she is willing to contest for a second term in office”.

The former minister said it was the practice in the United States from where Nigeria copied its presidential system for the incumbent President to automatically get his party’s ticket.

He wondered whether the late President Umaru Yar’Adua would not have sought a second term in office if he were to be alive.

Clark said: “To lend credence to the fact that a sitting President is entitled to a second term, the ambitious and unpatriotic governors and some northern conservative politicians confirmed this constitutional provision by saying that it was the second term of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua that the North wanted to complete in 2011.

“In other words, the late President was entitled to eight years in office but Jonathan is entitled to only a single term, contrary to the 1999 Constitution.”

Atiku said: “My position is that as far as PDP Constitution is concerned, any attempt to change the party’s rule to

‘Any attempt to change the party’s rule to favour the President as a sole candidate in the event of his willingness to recontest is unconstitutional’ From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

favour the President as a sole candidate in the event of his willingness to re-contest is unconstitutional. The contest should be open to all with the desire to pursue an ambition on the platform of the PDP. “I don’t think any such amendment of the party constitution will be successful; we are looking forward to a successful transition in 2015.”

Atiku also picked hole in the statement credited to a Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that there would be no election in the North in 2015 due to the security challenges being experienced in the region.

To him, such are uncalled for.

“For me, that is a wrong statement to come from any such office because as far as I am concerned, the entire North is peaceful, except for two states. How can you now say there may not be election in the North with 19 states, just because there is problem in two states.

“We don’t know the man who made the statement is working for; he certainly is not reflecting INEC’s position. It is an inaccurate statement, that we will not go for election in the North.”

On the allegation that INEC and the PDP are working to thwart the All Progressive Congress (APC) registration, Atiku said the allegation was unsubstantiated. He said he conducted a private investigation, which confirmed that the PDP is not behind the registration crisis.

Some hostages may still be alive, says Jonathan

S

OME of the seven foreign hostages declared killed

by Ansaru –the islamist fundamenstalist group that abducted them in Jama’are, Bauchi State on February 16 - may still be alive, President Goodluck Jonathan said yesterday in Abuja.

He said the Federal Government has no conclusive report that they are all dead as claimed

by Ansaru, which is believed to be a faction of the insurgent Boko Haram (Western Education is a sin).

He said if at the end they are dead, the government would recover their bodies.

Dr. Jonathan spoke during a joint news conference he addressed with visiting Lebanese President Michel Sleiman at the Presidential Villa.

There are four Lebanese among the seven foreign construction workers, all of them employees of Setraco, which was building the Bauchi Maiduguri road in the northeast. The rest are from Britain, Italy and Greece.

The governments have de-

clared their citizens dead.

The president, who decried the excesses of the group, said the government was careful not to force a rescue of the hostages.

Dr Jonathan said: “It is quite a sad moment in our history – the issue of the excesses of Boko Haram and related organisations getting involved terrorist tactics. It is quite sad. It is a very ugly phase which we would pass through.

“From the date of the kidnap, various nationals were involved and we’ve been working with our own friendly nations, including the United Kingdom and others, to see that these people are rescued.

“Because of the ugly experience we had when a similar situation happened and about the time we were about to release the people, they were shot, security services were being careful so that if they notice invasion they would not just turn round and kill the people.

“Along that process, the place where they suspected to be holding them is quite a difficult

area – a rocky terrain that you cannot easily access.

“Over the period, they released some information through the social media but analysis of that information does not really give us a conclusive position. So we discuss it every day.

“We really suspect that some probably have died either from health or other related causes or direct killing, but we still believe that not all the seven have been killed; because even the release in the social media did not really show all the seven .So, we are still working on it.

“I briefed my colleague, the President of Lebanon that we are still working on it and will get to the root and if they are killed, I insist that we must get their corpses.’’

The Lebanese President urged the abductors to have a rethink and release the hostages “immediately”.

Also yesterday, in what appears to be a recording heard by Radio France International (RFI), the head of a French family – including four children -

kidnapped by Boko Haram in Cameroon and believed to be held in Borno State, has apparently spoken.

The recording opens with the voice of a man claiming to be a member of Boko Haram, then switches to Tanguy MoulinFournier, the head of the hostage family, who says his he been held hostage for 25 days.

“We have to be cautious with this recording because there has been no official authentication that it is him,” said RFI correspondent Julie Vandal. “But, comparing it with the earlier video, there is no doubt that it’s him.”

Vandal said Moulin-Founier had explained that he was being held in a desert region and that life was very difficult, especially for the children, the youngest of whom is four years old.

“Each day we are losing our strength and we are beginning to become ill,” he said. “We can’t last much longer.”

He repeated demands made in the previous video calling for the release of prisoners be-

ing held in Cameroon and Nigeria.

The recording, believed to have been copied from a video, is addressed directly to Cameroonian President Paul Biya: “They will only liberate us if the men that you have arrested in Cameroon are set free.

“Boko Haram does not want a conflict with Cameroon, but if you continue to arrest its members, there will be kidnappings and suicide attacks in Cameroon.”

The video appears to have been recorded while French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius was visiting Cameroon and Nigeria.

“We have been held for 25 days in a desert place,” says the man, who identifies himself as Tanguy Moulin-Fournier.

Speaking in French and English, he complains of “very difficult” conditions, “especially for the children” and says that the seven hostages will not hold out much longer.

The video was sent to journalists in Maidiguri.

•Dr. Jonathan

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THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

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THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

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NEWS Cardinal Angelo Scola. He is the archbishop of Milan, a good launching•River pad State Rotimi for popes and theGovernor the Amaechi (left), former Patriarch of Venice, which Justice has Mary Odili and aformer Chief also produced many Justice of Nigeria, papal front-runner.

Justice Mohammed Scola, 71, has close Uwais at the Nigeria ties to the conservaInstitute of tive CommunionAdvanced and Legal Studies (NIALS), Liberation moveFounders' Day ment. He is a chamLecture in Abuja pion of immigrants’ ...yesterday. right and has been active in outreach to PHOTO: NAN the Muslim world.

Vatican expert John Allen wrote of Scola: “If you like Benedict XVI, you’ll love Scola; even if you don’t, you’ll find it hard not to be charmed.”

• From left:Oyo State Commissioner for Applied Science and Technology, Mr. Abiola Ladoja, Assistant Director , Oyo State Ministry of Industry Applied Science and Technology and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Industry Science and Technology, Dr. Okesola Olaniyi (right) at the 12th meeting of the National Council on Science and Technology in Ibadan...yesterday.

PHOTO: FEMI ILESANMI

•Special Envoy of the Peoples Republic of China on African Affairs, Ambassador Zhong Jianhua (left) and the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria,Mr Deng Boqing, briefing reporters on the Chinese Policy for Africa in Abuja...yesterday.

SUICIDE BOMBING IN KANO

Kano... an The suicide bombing at a motor park in Kano yesterday, once again, brings to the fore the many tragedies that have befallen North’s commercial nerve centre, writes Assistant Editor OLATUNJI OLOLADE

K

ANO is breathtaking for once and only once; just past noon, while you are perching in the heart of the city centre, in a plane. In that space and at that hour, you get to see what the founders had dreamed many years before: pearl of the north, melting pot of commerce and culture, and long, open avenues forking into an ancient and yet metropolitan paradise – all within the shining veins of a city with warmth like the return of better times.

However, cruising through the city, you get to see the perversion of that dream. Living in Kano is like sleeping in the folded petals of a poisonous flower. Ask Hafiza Shema, a traditional bone-setter. “Life in this place has become very dangerous. Death is around the corner everywhere you go,” she said.

Yesterday’s suicide bombing in the ancient city, which left many dead and scores injured, sure confirms Shema’s view.

The bombings in Kano have seen many desert the city. It has suffered a record high death toll and human casualties as a result of sporadic bomb attacks and gun violence in recent times. On January 20, last year, a series of coordinated attacks on security institutions and federal establishments left over 200 persons dead. In the wake of the attacks, not a few residents of Kano, natives and immigrants alike, fled the city. While many natives fled to seek safe haven with close and distant relatives in neighbouring states, immigrants to the state – from the Southeast, Southsouth and Southwest – relocated to their home states.

The situation has deteriorated with every subsequent attack by the Boko Haram sect and every gun battle between it and the security forces in the state.

An atmosphere of fear prevails among the city’s residents as random attacks and mafia-styled executions render the city uninhabitable.

Not too long ago, the Joint Task Force (JTF) discovered a bomb depot during an early morning raid at Tudun Bayero by Tamburawa in Dawakin Kudu Local Government Council, few kilometers away from Kano metropolis. Shortly after the operation, Bassey Eteng, Director of State Security Service (SSS) in Kano, revealed that three suspected members of the Boko Haram sect were arrested during the operation that lasted several hours.

According to the SSS director, “The operation was successful. We were able to discover 12-primed bomb cylinder, 12 hand held improvised explosive devices, army uniforms, some face masks, 10 electronic detonators, AK47 rifles, two pump action, submachine gun and seven bags of urea. Intelligent information also indicates that plans of these people were to launch attacks on Sallah day. Investigation is still going on.”

Perversion of Kano city

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•First Lady of Adamawa State, Dr. Halimat Murtala Nyako(right), member of the House of Representatives, Hajiya Aishat Ahmed Binani from Yola North/Yola South/Girei Constituency(middle) and another guest inspecting the N18.6m hospital built for Lulu village in Adamawa State by Binani... yesterday.

IFE in Kano city has taken a turn for the worse. Until the first multiple bomb blasts rocked the city, residents lived without fear of being blown apart by deadly bomb devices. Today, however, every little sound causes the resi-

dents to scamper about in panic. The violence has virtually snuffed the once boisterous city of life. Residents lament total collapse of almost every industry in the city as a result of the violence and curfew imposed by the government. The usually busy streets are now deserted as early as 6.00pm. “We have no choice but to close our shops and hurry home. Nobody wants to be harassed or molested by the soldiers on the street. Even with proper identification they still go ahead and molest innocent citizens. And if you are unfortunate enough to be outside seconds after Boko Haram strikes, they won’t ask you questions, they will simply shoot you,” said Bauwa Abubakar, an animal feed dealer.

The commercial business sector in the city has nose-dived. Banks, saloons, shopping arcades and even the local markets, to mention a few, are taking the heat as they are forced to offer skeletal services.

Traders at the popular Kurmi market, for instance, lament very low patronage. This, they attribute to the declining number of patrons that visit the market.

Reality, indeed, corroborates the traders’ complaints. For instance, the 600-yearold Kurmi market, fabled for its labyrinth of skinny alleys lined with stalls crammed with every imaginable object and enterprise, is in the throes of a record lull. Vendors and shop owners at the market blame it on the violence. Some of them, however, accuse security operatives of scaring away their customers by their overzealousness and transferred aggression on innocent citizenry in the wake of any Boko Haram attack.

Local artists and traders at the dye-pits equally complained of their inability to make sales. Many of them complained of having lost their most loyal customers, most of whom have relocated from the city to neighbouring cities and their home states in the wake of the violence.

Impact on agriculture

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HE violence has also affected the state’s trade in Kola. The upsurge in violence has made it difficult for farmers in Kano to market their produce due to persistent insecurity in the capital city. Consequently, lots of Kolanut remain unsold, according to Yaya Haliru, a Kolanut trader. Although many farmers in the state were expectant of a bumper harvest this year, many of them dread the situation whereby they won’t be able to find any market for their crops. “If the current situation persists, it will severely hamper crop sales for many farmers,” stated Anid Bako, a large scale grocer.

The crisis in the North has forced some of the crop farmers and pastoralists to abandon their lands and relocate to the neighbouring countries of Niger, Chad and Cameroun. In March, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said about 65 per cent of northern farmers had migrated to the South because of the insecurity they faced.

The agency warned that the country faced a famine by the end of this year because most of the small-scale farmers and mechanised farmers in the Nigeria’s northeast are threatened by terrorist attacks. “The attacks on these farmers who produce beans, onions, pepper, maize, rice, livestock and catfish in the Lake Chad area for the southern states, have forced them to migrate since the Boko Haram insurgency broke out in Borno State in July 2009,” it said.

A countrywide food crisis, therefore,

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

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NEWS SUICIDE BOMBING IN KANO

ancient city’s many tragedies

•Smoke billowing from the bus invaded by a suicide bomber in Kano...yesterday.

‘

We are working seriously to ensure peace in Kano State, and by the grace of God. I want to assure you that we have seen the first and the last of these attacks in Kano State.

Kano will not explode again • People fleeing the scene of the blast ...yesterday.

looms, considering NEMA’s disclosure.

Since most of the foodstuffs consumed and traded in Nigeria are grown in the north, the agency warned about an impending famine. Incessant bombings and other violent attacks on local markets perpetrated by both the Boko Haram sect and Nigerian armed forces pose grievous risks to northern farmers, livestock breeders and dealers in farm produce, forcing them to migrate to new locations far from their farmlands, while placing additional burden on the transportation of food and farm produce to other states.

Consequently, prices of foodstuffs have skyrocketed, particularly in the southern part of the country. The influx of migrants to the less volatile northern states and the south has made rental accommodation expensive, just as several families have been rendered homeless, and without medical assistance. The forced movements and relocations have devastated communities and disintegrated key social ties and networks. Though difficult to measure, communal support networks and social capital lost as a result of the forced disintegration of communities also comes into reck-

PHOTOS: KOLADE ADEYEMI

oning, according to Victoria Ohaeri, Executive Director at Spaces for Change, a non-governmental organisation.

“It’s a very sad situation. Kano used to be revered as the commercial capital of northern Nigeria, now we are known for violence and bloodshed.

We no longer have the groundnut pyramids and our kolanut business is in the doldrums. I can’t remember the last time I saw our youths gainfully engaged plucking groundnuts or picking kola. All they do now is carry guns and bullets about. Many of us have fled the city. Many are still preparing to flee…I moved my family to Ibadan (Oyo State) in November last year. I stayed back because of business but now I have no choice but to relocate with them,” lamented Danladi Abu, a commercial transporter.

A history of violence THE first host-settler violent eruption in Kano occurred in 1953 following northern opposition to the South-

‘

ern motion in 1953 for Nigeria’s political independence in 1956. The northern representatives believed that the country was not yet mature for self-rule. The South decried this refusal in disparaging language and booed Northern representatives on the streets of Lagos. The campaign for independence sparked off riot in Kano. The rioters attacked Sabon – Gari and at the end, about 35 people were declared dead, while 251 were wounded. In the January 1966 coup d’ tat led by an Igbo major, eminent politicians and high – ranked military men mostly from the North were killed. The North perceived this development as an attempt by the South (Igbo) to dominate them and the promulgation of decree 34 for unification of Nigeria by an Igbo general confirmed their fear. On March 29, 1966, the rioters again attacked Sabon-Gari.

The counter coup d’ tat of July, 1966 produced similar attacks in other Northern cities killing thousands of settlers in the state.

After 1966, conflicts between the

Kanawa and the settlers became more religiously defined. The 1980 Maitatsine riot and the 1996/97 Shiites attacks on orthodox Muslims were intra-religious conflicts with some political undertones between the fundamentalist religious groups and orthodox Muslims in Kano. Kano had played host to many Islamic fundamentalists scholars from Chad and Cameroon from the 1940s. Several clashes between them produced hundreds of casualties. In severe cases, death tolls were high. Intra-religious riots scarcely spread to other parts of Kano.

The 1980s and 90s were periods of inter-religious violence as well. Nigeria opened up to fundamentalist Christian groups in the 1980s. Many of them are found in Kano and their activities, especially their mode of preaching, are often considered provocative by the Muslims. Eruptions were moves to check their excesses and ascendancy of Christianity. The fagge crisis of 1982 was aimed at preventing the reconstruction of a dilapidated church located close to a mosque. Also, the Muslims, in 1991, detested the tone of advertisement for Reinhard Bonnke’s crusade. More so, the permission given to Bonnke to preach in Kano could not be reconciled with the government’s refusal to allow Sheikh Deedat from South Africa into Kano for Islamic revival. Riot broke out October 13 as soon as Boonke arrived in Kano. The1991 riot marked a watershed in the history of conflicts in Kano. For the first time, the Southerners launched counter – offensive against their host. Again, both Christians and Muslims from the South were attacked unlike before when such attacks were restricted to the former. A riotous situation in 1994 following the beheading of an Igboman, Gideon Akaluka, by the Shiites for allegedly desecrating a Koran was quelled by the government.

The lost economy

K

ANO was a major producer of groundnuts. In fact, Kano produced about a half million tons which was about half of Nigeria’s groundnut production. Oil replaced agricultural commodities as the main source of foreign exchange and government revenue.

The oil boom of the 1970’s made the government to neglect agriculture.

Many of the rural dwellers rushed to the cities in search of “greener” pastures now they are fleeing the city for fear deadly bomb blasts.

Commercial activity in Kano received its first encouragement with the establishment of Kurmi Market by Sarkin Kano Muhammad Rumfa in the 16th century. Subsequent leaders made contributions to the emergence of Kano as a leading commercial center in Africa. For example, the first two Emirs of Kano, Sarkin Kano Ibrahim Dabo and Sarkin Kano Sulaiman in the 19th century encouraged traders to move from Katsina because of Maradi raid. This was one of major contributing factors that made Kano the richest province in the Sokoto Caliphate.

The Jihad leaders of the caliphate encouraged Kolanut trade and Kano was the greatest beneficiary with an annual turnover of about $30 million.

Kano merchants were also very innovative and they were able to integrate commerce and craft industry during the pre-colonial period thus making substantial contribution to the prosperity of the province. Kano was producing an estimated 10 million pairs of sandals during that period because of economic harmony. Sarkin Kano Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi estab-

lished the Bompai Industrial Estate which was the first of its kind in the state through a loan guaranty that was later used against him by the Northern Regional Government.

Kano State is the most important and largest commercial centre in Northern Nigeria. With about 10 million people, it provides a stable and continuous market for both manufactured and semi processed goods. The volume of trading activities conducted on daily basis in the markets, notably Muhammadu Abubakar Rimi Market (Sabon-Gari), Kwanar Singer, Kantin Kwari, Kurmi and Dawanau signify the state’s great potentials as a market for various products.

In addition to the large and unique markets, Kano is also blessed with plentiful and various kinds of agricultural products which provide huge raw materials for Agro-Allied industries.

Agricultural products like Maize, Guinea Corn, Rice, Cotton and Groundnut are readily available to serve as raw materials for oil milling, flour and textile industries. Other agro based raw materials are Gum Arabic, Livestock, Hides and Skin, Cowpeas, and Citrus fruits.

A governor’s prayer

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ORRIED by the wanton destruction of lives and property in the state, the Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has promised to ensure peace and stability in the state. His reassurances come at the heel of government officials’ and clerics’ conference to pray for peace in the state.

The prayer gathering which was held in the wake of the January bombings, attracted some 200 Muslim clerics and political leaders to a mosque in the palace of the Emir of Kano, Ado Bayero, for special peace prayers.

“I will pray to God that we should never re-live the catastrophe that resulted in the deaths and maiming in our city…We are working seriously to ensure peace in Kano State, and by the grace of God. I want to assure you that we have seen the first and the last of these attacks in Kano State. Kano will not explode again,” promised Governor Kwankwaso.

Despite his heartfelt prayer, by 5:30 p.m. every day, the ancient city of Kano goes berserk with impatient motorists making hurriedly for home; the air simmers like draft from a stubborn harmattan fire and that is just the subtle city war renewing itself for another day. Unlike the major gun wars and bomb attacks, it is comparatively light on actual violence but intense with dread and bad feeling.

You have to be pathologically insensitive not to sense the impacted rage and despair, impotent gnawing resentment that has turned Nigeria’s “Centre of Commerce” into a bloody battlefield.

There, every bomb blast and gunshot reverberates in the hearts of the natives months after the last boom had gotten silent. Nothing so horrible ever happens in Kano that’s beyond prayer and cheap consolation.

You did either meet an optimism that no violence could daunt or cynicism that eats the cynic empty every day until it turns hungry and malignant on whatever it could, for a bite.

A skilled psychiatrist would call this “lashing out,” but the average Kano resident would call it “survival.” The people are so traumatised that these days, they talk as though killing a man was nothing more than depriving him of his vigour. Thus is the tragedy in Kano.

•Parts of this article were first published in The Nation on September 22, 2012.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

CITYBEATS

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Monarch's son arrested for alleged theft

S

ON of a traditional ruler in Ozoakoli community in Idiato-South Local Government area of Imo State has been arrested for alleged car theft by the police in Lagos.

The suspect, Prince Onyeka, was paraded yesterday by the command's spokesperson, Ngozi Braide, a Deputy Superintendent (DSP), at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Yaba.

The Prince spoke with reporters, confessing that after his deportation from Thailand, a friend introduced him to a place in Benin Republic where a key was made for him that can open any Camry car - 1998 and 2000 models. The suspect said he bought the master key for N120, 000.

Onyeka, who claimed that his father is the traditional ruler of his community, said he was only doing it to save money for his return to Asia.

He said: "I got the key from Port

By Jude Isiguzo

Novo, Benin Republic sometime last year. I have removed like seven cars. I went alone for Toyota Camry between 1998 and 2000 model. I used to sell them for between N400,000 and N500,000 in the street.

I would monitor the owners before moving the cars. I would watch to see if the owners were around. I would stand somewhere and monitor the vehicles for some time for 20 to •Onyeka 30 minutes."

"I take them during evenings or at night from their parks. I do it alone.

Anyone with an alarm, I would know and I would leave it. I would know through the key because it had censor. The person that introduced me

to the deal has travelled to London.

He is Ehis. I came back from Thailand sometime last year; I was deported. I worked in a hotel. I can’t guess how much I have made. I am planning to travel to any Asian country. I was sav-

•The vehicles recovered from him ing the money I made to travel back. I On how he was arrested, he said: "I was do not have much on me because called to come and deliver a car somepeople owe me," Onyeka added. where in Surulere and policemen tracked

Housemaid, friends ‘rob employer with toy guns’

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housemaid who led some people to rob her employer has been arrested by operatives from the Lagos State Command.

The suspect, Mary Francis, allegedly connived with her friends to rob Jane Ashimi.

She was arrested alongside Igwu Ogana Mathew and her master's driver, Anayo Alayefule.

Francis, however, denied conniving with the robbers, saying she became tempted because her employer was not feeding her "often enough".

She denied planning any robbery with the other suspects.

The other suspects, she said, were not her friends, adding that she met them on her way to the market. The suspect explained that when they met, they greeted her in her native language, she listened to them and they became friends.

Police alleged that on the robbery day, Francis left the door open to grant the others easy access to the

By Jude Isiguzo

house. She denied the allegation, saying: "I didn't know that then door was left open that day. Igwe had told me earlier that he planned to rob my boss, but I refused. Even on the day they came to rob, I begged him not to, but he threatened to kill me if I exposed him. I was also tied up along with my Madam which shows that I knew nothing about the robbery.

"I have been working with her for over two months but most times, it was only garri that she fed me with."

However, Igwe, insisted that the housemaid was behind the operation.

He said: "Mary (Francis) and I are both from Cross River and I knew her before coming to Lagos. One day, we met at Sagamu and she told me she wanted to steal her boss' money and run away, but I told her I had a brighter idea.

"With the cooperation of Mary, we stormed her Madam's house with toy

guns around 8pm and robbed her.

We stole a car in order to escape, but we later dumped it somewhere. We sold the jewellery for N400,000 and my share was N200,000. We didn't give Mary anything because we haven't seen her since then. I regret what I did and I wish I could be given a second chance because I have changed my ways and I'm ready to receive God into my life."

Police spokesperson Ngozi Braide, a Deputy Superintendent (DSP), said: "Sometime in the month of December 2012, Mary Francis, to the complainant, met with one Igwu Ogana Matthew somewhere at Sagamu Motor Park, where they discussed about the financial background of Mary's employer. It was confirmed that Mary's employer used to have some dollars and other valuable items.

"Based on the information, Mary Francis, Ogana Igwe Mathew, one John (surname unknown) and Peter, all planned to carry out a robbery in

the house of the complainant.

"On January 4, 2013 at about 1930hrs, the complainant's entrance gate was intentionally opened by the housemaid (Mary Francis) and which gave easy entrance to the armed robbers into the complainant's apartment. She was met in her bedroom while the two armed men attacked her and ransacked her apartment, having tied her legs and hands with a rope. The robbers finally carted away the following: One Honda Civic saloon car marked EG376SMK; a laptop, N200,000 cash and 3,000 US Dollars; gold and other jewellery valued at N2 million and five assorted handsets."

Braide added: "Investigation conducted in this case extended to Iyala in Cross-River State where the principal suspect, Igwe Matthew, initially escaped to, but was later arrested at his Owode Egba, Ogun State home, where some of the items were recovered from him".

Why I robbed my bank, by bullion van driver

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bullion van driver, Segun Fatokun aka Owo Live, 45, who allegedly conspired with five others to steal $100,000 and 10,000 Euros (about N18 million) from a bank, has said desperation led him into the crime.

He said he conspired with the others to steal the money because he was shocked to see such a huge amount forgotten in his bullion van at a time he needed money to complete his house in his village at Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

He said: "We were six in all, including myself, a bullion van driver, four other drivers and the cash officer. Our bank is situated on Adeyemo Alakija Street. When I joined the bank, my first monthly salary was N14,000. I was on contract with the bank.

"With time, I was promoted as head driver and my salary was increased to N70,000 monthly. I had an enviable record with the bank because there was a time the bank forgot big money in my bullion van. The money was so much that up till today, I did not know the amount. They were in bundles of dollars, pounds and naira.

If I had taken it home, I would have been a millionaire today, but I returned the money to the bank and the bank told me, 'thank you good boy you have done well.

"I was not given a kobo out of the whole money I returned. Some of my close friends started calling me a fool-

•Some of the money recovered

•Fatokun

By Ebele Boniface

ish, honest idiot."

Fatokun, who was arrested by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Lagos State Police Command, on March 11, over another offence, went on: "I left my house at 4, Wemimo Street, Bariga at about 5.30am for my office. I got there by 6am and met other drivers. We used to be three escorts. When I entered the office, I searched for the key of the bullion van I would drive so that I would go and buy fuel and prepare for my duty of carrying money from the office to branches.

"As I got near my van, I discovered that it had a flat tyre. I opened the van

to look for the jack, but what I saw shocked me - real cash, both dollars and naira. I became confused and I said to myself, 'you millions in cash again! You are not escaping this time.'

I quickly changed the flat tyre, locked the van's doors and drove off to Ifako area. As I was going, I called my friend, Sule and told him that I was coming to his house to drop a bag, which I would later come and collect.

He said he was at home. I later came back to the office. When my boss, Sege asked me where I went to, I told him that I went to toilet. He asked me whether I did not offload the money in my van, I told him I did.

"The bank suspected me and promised to give me N250,000 if I could help recover the money. The other four drivers had even started suspecting me; they said they did not see any money. The matter was reported at Bar Beach Police Station and nothing

was found. When I was transferred that same day to SARS, the Commissioner of Police Umar Manko told the Officer in Charge, Abba Kyari, a Superintendent of Police (SP) to personally handle the matter urgently."

Upon interrogation, Fatokun led Kyari to locate Sule's house, but when SARS operatives got to the place, they didn't meet him at home. Sule had heard that his friend was in the Scorpion House of SARS at the Police Headquarters, Ikeja. Although, he did not know why SARS operatives arrested his friend, he suspected that they might come after him too.

When SARS men arrived Sule's house, they did not see him but found the bag Fatokun dropped, intact. They opened it and found the N18 million and took it back to the bank. The policemen took him to his Bariga home that same day to see if they could get Sule, but since the money was intact, they worked on the theory that Sule might be unaware of the cash since he did not tamper with it. They arrested the other four drivers and the cash officer for further questioning.

On why he planned to steal the bank money when he was well paid, Fatokun said: "I wanted to show people that I’m not a fool, but luck was against me the other time."

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Deputy Superintendent (DSP) Ngozi Braide said the suspect would be charged to court today.

•Mathew and Mary...yesterday

Lagos hailed on g

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HE Surveyor-General of the Federation, Prof. Peter Nwilo, has hailed the Lagos State Government for embracing the implementation of the green initiatives programme aimed at preventing pollution and other health hazards.

He spoke in Ikeja, Lagos, while presenting a paper entitled: "Implementing Green Waste Management in Lagos State, at a oneday conference of the Nigerian Environmental Society (NES), with the theme: "Green Initiative in Municipal Waste Management in Lagos State".

Nwilo said Lagos had been at the forefront of maintaining a well-

•Bello

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

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CITYBEATS LINE: 07059022999

Man, 31, re-arraigned for 'killing' brother

By Adebisi Onanuga

me down along the way." He added that he was not married, but has a wife in Taiwan who had a baby girl for him.

A 31-YEAR-OLD man, Akinjide Akinsanya, was yesterday re-arraigned before a Lagos High Court, Ikeja for allegedly killing his brother, Idris.

The offence was said to have been committed on October 21, 2009, at 1 Ola Oja Close in Ejigbo a Lagos suburb.

Akinsanya was once arraigned before Justice Habeeb Abiru who has since been elevated to the Court of Appeal.

At the re-arraignment yesterday, the prosecutor, Femi Adamson, told the court that the defendant allegedly murdered Idris Akinsanya, at 4.30pm at 1, Ola Oja Close in Ejigbo 2009.

He said the deceased, who was said to be the younger brother of the defendant, was said to have engaged his elder brother, Akinjide in a fight.

Idris who was living with his brother Akinjide and wife Mariam was said to be in the habit of going out in the middle of the night.

It was said that an argument ensued between the brothers and the late Idris got angry and allegedly broke a bottle with which he stabbed Akinjide.

According to the prosecutor, the crime is punishable under section 319 (1) of the criminal code Cap 17, Vol 11 Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2003.

The defendant, pleaded not guilty to the one count charge. Justice Okunnu, ordered that he be remanded in prison custody and adjourned the matter to June 18.

Man, 23, jailed 21 years

By Adebisi Onanuga

n green initiatives structured, healthy and cleaner environment, which had made the state the envy of others, adding: "There is room for improvement, especially bearing in mind that a mega city like Lagos needs to fashion out faster ways waste can be disposed to avoid epidemic, flood and other wastes-related disasters."

Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello, who was represented by Mr. Lekan Shodeinde, an engineer in the ministry, spoke on "Estate Development and Sewage Management in Lagos State".

He urged landlords to abide by the building rules in Lagos, adding that anybody found guilty would be sanctioned.

Mr. Charles Makoju, a Health and Safety Manager with Chevron Nigeria Plc, spoke about the measures that would ensure a greener Lagos, such as a move to waste recycling, public private partnership, driving at community level, deeper participation and use of low technology-cum-low energy disposal as the area of challenges and solution of solid waste management in Lagos.

Makoju, an engineer, implored the Lagos government to buy additional equipment needed in bulk and use what the communities need to minimise wastes.

HE quietness of a Lagos High Court, in Ikeja was shattered yesterday when a robbery convict, Isah Sheu, 23, shouted "Yeh! La ila ilalau, Lah ila ilalau, Lah ila ilalau" when he was sentenced to 21-year imprisonment.

Justice Lateef Okunnu convicted Sheu for robbing Sunday Oluwole of his laptop and N40, 000 cash with a gun.

Sheu and others now at large were said to have committed the offence on October 20, 2010, at 10pm, on Adekunle Fajuyi Way, Ikeja GRA. They were charged before the court with a two-count charge of conspiracy and robbery.

The convict, who was on the back of a motorcycle which they allegedly used for the robbbery, was said to have jumped down from the bike and accosted, Oluwole, who was on his way home, after closing from work.

According to the Investigating Police Officer (IPO), Geoffery Ogodogba, the convict asked Oluwole to hand over the laptop, but he refused.

Ogodogba said while the convict and the victim were struggling with the bag, Sheu allegedly brought out a local pistol. As soon as he brandished the pistol before the Oluwole, he dropped the bag.

The IPO said two weeks after the incident, the victim went to the Area F Command to report the incident and saw the convict leaving the police station, after being bailed for a similar offence.

Oluwole was said to have pointed Sheu to the police as the person that robbed him of his lap top and money, following which the convict was rearrested and detained. But Sheu claimed he was set up by a friend, Abu Hamar, who according to him, was fighting him over a woman.

In her judgment, Justice Okunnu dismissed the convict's defence as a mere hearsay, adding that it did not contain any truth or fact, regarding the matter.

She upheld the victim's submissions because of the consistency in his evidence, saying she found it to be true and factual. "It is a robbery incident and not armed robbery", Justice Okunnu held.

Hole-in-heart boy needs N5m to live

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EARS rolled down the cheeks of the couple, Mr and Mrs. Ajayi Olatunbosun Miller.

Their voices shook as they bemoaned the fate of their little boy, Matthew, who is suffering from what is described as Cyanotic Congenital Cardiac disease - Truncus Arteriosus Type 1 hole in the heart.

"We don't know where to turn to for succour; maybe God will give us hope through our government, nongovernmental organisations, philanthropists and individuals to save our little son," Miller said as he broke down in tears. , Matthew's parents need N5mllion for a major operation on the baby who has been referred from Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTH), Ile-Ife, Osun State to hospital in New Delhi, India.

Matthew whose parents are indigenes of Akure, the Ondo State capital, was born on August 28, 2012 at the Ondo State Mother and Child Hospital, Akure. Two months after, the parents discovered that the little boy had frequent cough, catarrh and could not breathe properly.

Miller, who spoke with The Nation, said immediately they discovered the baby's abnormal health condition, they rushed back him to the Mother and Child Hospital, very close to their home.

Miller, a farmer, recalled how it all happened: "Though, when his mother was three months pregnant, she had chicken pox , but we treated this before she was delivered of Matthew. After two months, she gave birth to him,

CITYBEATS

By Leke Akeredolu

Matthew always has frequent catarrh, cough and his breathing is very poor.

"We rushed him back to Mother and Child Hospital, but the doctors there could not do anything about it.

They directed us to the State Hospital, Akure, where doctors also referred us to Gani Fawehinmi Diagnosis Centre, Ondo, but unfortunately, the experts there claimed they did not have the equipment to carry out the needed operation on •Matthew Matthew. be 10,100 US Dollar. The boy will spend "They referred us to the OAUTH. 12 days in the hospital (four days in The doctors directed us to a Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and eight Consultation Unit, Biket Medical Cen- days in the room. Apart from the tre, Osogbo, Osun State. We took the above, please budget for 3300 US Dolreport to OAUTH and the doctors lars extra as an amount for extra stay urged us to wait for some weeks in in the hospital (if required in this case)," order to conduct a research into the dis- Miller said, adding: "I have spent all ease. They later sent us a letter, signed the money I have to suppress the disby one Dr. A.B Ogunrombi, the Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon of the ease. Every three days, we would take hospital, that Matthew would need Matthew to Mother and Child Hospisurgical correction abroad. The esti- tal for treatment. I have spent over mated cost for the surgical correction, N500,000 on the baby and I am broke.

We always get a drug for him from including travel, is about N5million.

"We have contacted the hospital in OAUTH everyday. We are begging India through internet and they have government, philanthropists and other replied us through Dr. Ashutosh individuals to assist us. We cannot Marwah, a Senior Consultant and Sur- afford to lose Matthew. We have tried geon-Paediatric Cardiology, Fortis Es- our best."

For any Good Samaritan who corts Super Specialty Hospital, New would like to assist the boy, Miller Delhi, India.

"In his reply, Dr. Marwah said hos- gave his account details as: pital cost for the treatment is likely to 2058807833, United Bank of Africa.

I stole, but I'm not a robber, suspect claims

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security man with Honda Place Company, has said he should not be blamed for conniving with robbers to steal goods worth over N28 million from the company.

The suspect, Garba Sani, who is being quizzed by the Lagos State Police Command, complained that his N12, 000 salary was nothing to write home about. The police, he said, should concentrate on the big thieves at the National Assembly and other government agencies.

Sani was paraded alongside Godwin Okwudili, Obinna Ilojebe , Ndubuisi Ike and Anthony Etemah, at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) by the Command’s Spokesperson, Ngozi Braide, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP).

He said: "I'm not an armed robber. I was on duty and I called them (other suspects) and we took the goods. We did not carry guns. We have a lot of Senators looting and we also need

By Jude Isiguzo

money. There are many thieves in Nigeria and most of us are jobless youths, we have nothing. We just carried what belongs to the company where I work as a guard. It is no big deal. Let them arrest all the real thieves first before coming to us because we were just driven by hunger.

"I earn N12, 000 a month which is too small. What can that amount do for anybody? We are all criminals in Nigeria and we have criminal blood in our body; so nobody should pretend" Okwudili said the police should drop all charges levelled against them since the stolen goods had since been recovered.

"Sani and I live in the same area. He called me that the goods were available and we went to take them. We did not carry guns. I took the goods to my warehouse and we did not sell them.

Everything was recovered intact. So,

what do they (police) want again?" he said.

Mrs Braide, said the suspects were arrested after an eight-month investigation.

She said Sani was the firm’s security guard, adding that he connived with the other suspects to rob the company.

She said: "On June 31, 2012, at about 9pm, four suspects connived with Sani, who is a security guard at Honda Place Company, Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, to rob the company of Honda auto spare parts worth over N23million; an air conditioner worth N77,500; a 150KVA generator worth N3.8million, an 8KVA generator worth N900,000.

"The total value of the goods is worth over N28 million. After painstaking investigations, Sani was arrested. His confession led to the arrest of other suspects. The spare parts were recovered in Maya Village, Ikorodu."

Customs seizes N218m goods in 90 days

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HE Anti-Smuggling Taskforce of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) seized goods with Duty Paid Value of N218 million between January and March, the Taskforce Head, Hassan Shallangwa, a Deputy Comptroller of Customs, has said.

He made the disclosure in a statement on the activities of the force around the Port Harcourt axis in the past three months.

The development, according to Shallangwa, is the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dikko Inde Abdullahi's response to public complaints and seeming insecurity.

He said Abdullahi had re-invigorated the team with a specific directive to complement the Commands and effectively block all loose ends and stop those who do not wish this country well who might wish to smuggle dangerous items into the country.

Among the items seized include containers loaded with pirated books.

"This shows customs relevance on different aspect of the nation's wellbeing and in due course, will be handed over to the Nigeria Copyright Commission (NCC)" he said.

Other items seized include: A con-

tainer of furniture, a container of musical cases and boxes; containers of handbags, plastic plates, rubber slippers, spare parts (false declaration); a container of Juice and one trailer loaded with imported used tyres. Five suspects were also apprehended.

According to Shallangwa, most of the goods, after having gone through judicial processes, will be auctioned while others including used tyres, will be destroyed.

He enjoined the public to shun smuggling, warning: "Stop it or you continue to loose money and possibly bag jail term."

DIG Haruna John remembered

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Former Inspector-General of Police, Mr Sunday Ehindero has called on serving officers and men to emulate the virtues of the late Deputy Inspector General, Haruna John.

He said this on Sunday at the Glory of Divine Christian Church during the one-year memorial service for the police officer who was killed in an helicopter crash in Jos on March 14, last year.

John, until his death, was the DIG in charge of operations.

Ehindero described him as "an officer that could be trusted, the best in Nigeria police force and a great officer" According to Ehindero, whenever there was a difficult situation or any tasking duty, it was always the late

By Jude Isiguzo

John that was always called on. He said because of John’s operational capabilities, he posted him to Lagos and Abuja to clamp down on criminals.

A crime analyst, Mr Folorunsho Atta, who was also at the memorial service, said the DIG was honest, humble and caring and that the police high command could immortalise him through building of police barracks and other facilities that could be named them after him.

Among the serving and retired officers who attended the service are: Mr Agboola Oshodi-Glover, the commissioner of police in charge of cooperative; the Area 'H' Commander, Mr Patrick Kehinde Longe; Mr Zacheus Olusa, a one-time Area 'H' Com-

•The late John mander; retired Commissioner of Police in charge of Medicals (Lagos State Command), Dr Emmanuel Abuah and retired Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), Mr Sunny Allaila.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

NEWS Tambuwal to swear in Rep From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

EMBATTLED former president of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Tony Nwoye, may be sworn in today as member representing Anambra East/West Federal constituency of Anambra State in the House of Representatives, it was learnt yesterday.

According to a source, Speaker Aminu Tambuwal has promised to ensure justice by heeding judicial advice hinged on court pronouncements.

But the incumbent member, Chriscato Ameke has described the development as impossible, saying that being a pre-election matter, it has to be decided by the Supreme Court.

The source said the Speaker’s decision was based on the findings of an independent panel he set up as well as the advice of the Clerk of the National Assembly, Alhaji Salisu Kasuwa and the Head of Litigation and Counselling, Mr. Saleh Abubakar.

“I can confirm to you that Dr. Tony Nwoye will be sworn in on Tuesday (today) by the Speaker. You know, the Speaker is a lawyer and he has studied the contents of all the judgements and has concluded that he will swear in Nwoye today.

“In fact, Mr. Speaker has promised that in compliance with the House Legislative Agenda, which preaches rule of law, he cannot be party to a travesty of justice,” he said.

Ekiti deputy governor on sick leave EKITI State Deputy Governor Funmilayo Olayinka, has proceeded on a three-month leave following her indisposition.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Governor Kayode Fayemi, Mr Olayinka Oyebode, said the deputy governor would use the period to attend to her health.

Oyebode was, however, silent on the nature of the ailment.

The Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mr. Tayo Ekundaayo confirmed that the deputy governor took leave to attend to issues relating to her health.

“We urge all wellmeaning citizens of the state to remember her in their prayers,” Ekundayo said.

Mr. Bamitale Oguntoyinbo, the former Chairman of Oye Local Government, who was recently appointed the Special Adviser in the Office of the Deputy Governor, has since been performing some duties assigned to Mrs. Olayinka’s office.

Senator Tinubu renders account of stewardship

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ITH a promise to work relentlessly until her party’s progressive views on issues of national interests are affirmed, Senator Oluremi Tinubu yesterday presented her report card to stakeholders in Lagos Central Senatorial District.

She also spoke on the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the party that will take Nigerians to the Promised Land.

At the town hall meeting, where the Senator rendered an account of her stewardship were; Lagos House of Assembly Speaker, Adeyemi Ikuforiji, his deputy, Kolawole Taiwo; House of Representatives members, Jide Akinloye and Alhaji Yakub Balogun; former Lagos Deputy Governor, Mrs. Adebisi Sarah Sosan and Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) leader in the district, Prince Tajudeen Olusi.

Others were: ACN state’s Assistant Publicity Secretary, Funsho Ologunde; former Defence Minister Demola Seriki, Princess Abba Folawiyo; Senator Rasheed Shitta-Bey; former Lagos Finance Commissioner, Hon. Wale Edun; Matriarch of the Tinubus, Alhaja Betu Tinubu; and Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Legislative and Political Bureau, Folami Muslim, among others.

Senator Tinubu listed special status for Lagos, devolution of powers, fiscal federalism, justiciability of social and economic rights and gender

R

By Precious Igbonwelundu

issues, as well as the actualisation of constitutional amendment, creation of local governments, true federalism, state police, removal of Land Use Act and provision of constitutional roles for traditional rulers as issues of primary concern.

She said that budgetary allocations have been made to build and equip three classroom blocks in three primary schools in the district. The facilities are to be fitted with ultra-modern toilets and borehole.

The Senator said: “The schools that are to benefit soon are: Victoria Island Primary School, Epe; L.A. Primary School. Kadiri Street, Coker and Irepodun New Settlement Primary School for resettled people in Ajah.

“This year, the federal budget for education has increased to N426.53 billion. I am happy that this includes N6.6 billion earmarked for the rehabilitation of technical colleges where vocational training will be offered to our teeming youths.

“Recently, we secured funding from TETFUND in the sum of N109 million for the construction of School of Primary and Early Child Care Education at the Sir Micheal Otedola College of Primary Education (MOCPE). The Lagos State University also received N108 million from TETFUND to enable it build on teaching and learning fa-

•APC is answer, says lawmaker cilities and resources.

“Additional federal resources were allotted to rehabilitate the following schools; Jibowu Junior High School, Yaba (N21million); Banjo Primary School, Ebute Meta, (N20million); Holy Trinity Primary School, Ebute Ero (N15million); and Ire Akari Primary School, Orile (N15million).

“Under the Universal Service Provision Fund, we are expecting the delivery and installation of information and communication technology (ICT) tools for Aje Comprehensive High School, Yaba. These will include 100 computers, one server, two teacher laptops and 110 charging points among others.

“Presently, we have just begun efforts to distinctly empower several of our women.

When given a little helping hand, many of them can truly excel. Therefore, this year’s constituency intervention project to the tune of N200 million will be utilised for the building of an ultra-modern market spread over about eight plots of land donated by the Chairman, Eti-Osa East Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Isa Imam, to enhance our women’s economic empowerment through availability of affordable shops for trading activities.

“Rents at this ultra-modern market will be collected on monthly basis thereby, making it affordable for petty trad-

Pension convict Yusuf granted bail

EPRIEVE yesterday came the way of the pension convict, Mr. John Yakubu Yusuf.

A Federal High Court, Abuja, granted him N10 million bail with one surety in like sum, who must not be below the rank of a director in the civil service.

The surety who must be a resident in Abuja must show evidence of landed property with the title document submitted to the Chief Registrar of the court for authentication.

The court also ordered Yusuf to deposit his international passport and that he cannot travel without the permission of the court.

Ruling on the bail application yesterday, Justice Bello said: “I have carefully considered the application with due regards to the affidavit evidence.

“It is clear that parties agreed in granting bail, the court must exercise its discretion judicially and judiciously”.

Observing that the prosecution highlighted that Yusuf had been convicted of a similar

National Assembly accuses Fed Govt of plans to hire foreign audit firms

T

From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

crime by an Abuja High Court, the Judge said the two cases were different.

According to him, the accused is presumed innocent in the present case since he pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Justice Bello said he earlier remanded the accused in prison because of the uproar that greeted his earlier conviction and to keep him from the public glare for his safety.

“Considering that investigation had been concluded and trial commenced in this case, I have decided to exercise discretion in his favour”, the Judge said before adjourning till Aprill 22 for trial.

Yusufu, an Assistant Director in Police Pension Office was on January 28 sentenced to two year-jail by an Abuja High Court for conspiring to steal about N23.3 billion.

He was, however, re-arrested and re-arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for false

ers. The market itself will be a facility that evokes hope.”

Senator Tinubu described the merger of progressive parties to form APC as a divine opportunity to correct all the wrongs of the past.

Describing ACN’s ideals as populist and capable of restoring hope across the country, the Senator urged her constituents to work towards turning around the prevailing situation of hopelessness, joblessness, poverty and other hardships inflicted on them by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

She urged them to embrace APC which according to her, is on a rescue mission.

She said: “If you look around the society, there is a lot of restiveness, unemployment, so many ills. But we still believe that if we have good governance, a very strong and capable leader, all sectors of the economy and sections of this country will be positively affected.

“Together, with the unity of purpose, we can all make a change and rekindle hope. We can all work towards achieving progressive goals; pool our strength together with one clear goal of developing our society through good governance, thereby accomplishing a lot for our teeming masses.”

Ikuforiji, who described Senator Tinubu as a pacesetter, said she has demonstrated beyond doubts her mission in the upper chamber of the National

Assembly. He urged other elected officers to emulate her feedback mechanism.

Edun gave the Senator a pass mark. His words: “We have seen senators before but we have not seen any like her. She brings the resources to the doorstep of the masses. We are very proud of you and your performances.”

He urged her to educate the people more on the bill for the special status for Lagos State, which she is sponsoring at the National Assembly, as well as inform them when and how to support the bill.

Olusi said the forum provides opportunity for the senator to give regular account to her electorates as well as for the constituents to ask regular questions, make suggestions and improve accountability in accordance with the dictates of democracy.

He said: “It is the essential rudiment of democracy that we are continuing through the establishment of this forum.

Democracy is very expensive and time consuming but we must all commit ourselves to it because there is no better means of governance today than the democratic principle.

Ologunde , who spoke on behalf of the state ACN chair Henry Ajomale, said Senator Tinubu has exhibited a highly commendable performance since her election into the Senate, adding that her numerous and rich empowerment programmes have enhanced the livelihood of residents in her district.

•Yusuf

declaration of asset after he was given an option of fine by the court.

Yusuf was rearraigned for willfully “failing to disclose his interest in a private company known as SY-A Global Services Limited, a company owned by him and immediate members of his family.

The offence is punishable under Section 27(3) of the EFCC (Establishment) Act, CAP E1 2004.

He was also accused of not declaring about N289 million in his fixed deposit accounts.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge and was remanded in Kuje Prison by Justice Adamu Bello pending hearing and determination of his bail application.

HE National Assembly yesterday accused the Federal Government of plans to hire foreign firms to audit its accounts.

Besides, the federal lawmakers noted that to justify the target, the government has intentionally under-funded the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation to weaken its operations.

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Public Accounts, Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan, spoke at the Management Development Programme (MDP) organised in Abuja by the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation (OAGF).

He said what the government is spending to hire KPMG (a foreign audit firm) and other accounting firms far outweighs the total allocation for OAGF. He vowed that the National Assembly would ensure that OAGF was on first line charge.

According to him, utilisation of the office will ensure its political autonomy and financial independence.

•Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (second right), Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr. Adebiyi Fatai Mabadeje (left), his Education counterpart, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye (second left) and the Chairperson, International Affairs Committee for Africa and Middle East, Ms Poonam Sachdeva at the ninth CII-Exim Bank Conclave on India-Africa Project Partnership in New Delhi, India...yesterday

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

He also noted that if granted the autonomy, the AuditorGeneral would do so much.

The chairman accused some elements in the government of frustrating the activities of OAGF, although he said President Goodluck Jonathan may not be aware of such schemings in the government circle.

“The President may not do it but some elements do it on purpose. The Senate Committee on Public Accounts had planned to see the president on this” he said, insisting to iron out the issue on how the OAGF must be funded with the president.

Lawan saw the underfunding of the office as a challenge to the president if the issue of fighting corruption is anything to go by.

He observed that the National Assembly appropriates much for the office but little is done because some agencies do not feel that they have to be audited.

“The Auditor General is cleverly schemed out from auditing organisations and this has led to so much” he said.

The chairman assured the Auditor General of the Federation of the security of his job, but advised him to do his job well and nobody can remove him.

To this effect, he disclosed that the National Assembly passed the audit bill sometime in September to repeal the audit account of 1956.

“This bill seeks to establish an administartive structure for this place including an Audit Commission so that it will not depend on Civil Service Commission for employment, discipline” he said.

THE NATION TUESDAY MARCH 19, 2013

9

NEWS Afenifere slams Ahmadu Ali for comments on Yoruba

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PAN-YORUBA group, Afenifere, has criticised comments made by a former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Col. Ahmadu Ali (rtd.) about the Yoruba in a newspaper.

Ali described the Yoruba as “ungrateful”.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Yinka Odumakin, Afenifere said: “Ali’s grouse about the Yoruba is that they would not worship his god (former President Olusegun Obasanjo). That was why he demonised them as a ‘totally ungrateful kind of people in this country’.

“This type of remark against a people is totally unbecoming of Ali, who we thought was a cultured man, having come from Igala Kingdom, which has centuries of civilisation behind it.

“We ordinarily would have ignored his vituperations, but for two reasons: (i)Given his profile as a former chairman of the ruling party and a failed aspirant to the chairmanship of its Board of Trustees, the unwary may be tempted to assume that the words he spoke came from a wise and highly informed man. (ii)Ali has touched on a deep cultural value of the Yoruba people - appreciation. The Yoruba value an appreciative spirit to the point of criminalising an ungrateful person in the saying ‘eni ti a se lore ti ko dupe, bi olosa ko ni leru lo ni (an ingrate is not different from a thief)’.

They also link continuous blessings to appreciation of past ones. A saying goes that ‘bi omode ba dupe ore ana, a ri mi gba” (someone who appreciates past blessings would attract new ones).

“From the above, it is crystal clear that Ali has no lesson to teach the Yoruba in the art of gratitude.

“For Ali and those who think like him, the Yoruba do not venerate mere positions, but leadership through service to the community. This explains why the Yoruba adore the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who contested the highest office in the land three times and lost, and resent Ali’s hero, who occupied the same office three times!

“The difference is that as the Premier of the old Western Region, the late Awolowo used the resources of the region to banish ignorance through free education, eliminated diseases through free health, introduced a television culture to the Yoruba even before France and made the Yoruba aim for the sky by building the 25-storey Cocoa House in Ibadan, among others.

“In contrast, the years Ali’s hero spent as a leader of Nigeria institutionalised corruption, which deepened poverty for all Nigerians, including the Yoruba. The poverty index in Nigeria was 45 per cent in 1999 and jumped to 67 per cent in 2007, despite unprecedented oil earnings in the same period. The culture of begging, which was alien in Yorubaland, became pronounced under the leadership of the man Ali wants the Yoruba to worship.

“In the 11 years Ali’s god

spent as Nigeria’s President, Yoruba can point to nothing in their region that rivals the least of Awo’s achievements.

That is why they have no gratitude for a man who was positioned to give quality leadership to his country, but left it worse than he met it.

“Ahmadu Ali is free to build a shrine for his god in his Igala Kingdom, but he would never be the one to choose a hero for the Yoruba. Talking of gratitude, is there anything the Yoruba owe Ali? They remain ‘grateful’ to him in memory of Akintunde Ojo and other promising students who were murdered in cold blood during the ‘Ali Must Go” crisis of 1978, when Ali was Obasanjo’s Education Minister.”

Thugs attack ACN, PDP supporters at Ondo tribunal T HUGS suspected to be supporters of the Labour Party (LP) in Ondo State yesterday invaded the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting at the High Court in Akure, the state capital.

The hoodlums, who were said to be members of a transport union, assaulted supporters of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

An ACN stalwart, Mr. Niyi Ojo, had machete cuts on his head. He is on admission at a hospital in Akure.

It was learnt that the thugs were led by a union official.

The invasion occurred shortly after the counsel to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), told the tribunal that the electoral body would not call any witness.

•Party stalwart hospitalised •Mimiko defends Oke’s petition Awomolo said the commission would rely on the documents before the court.

The tribunal called for a brief adjournment before calling the first respondent (Governor Olusegun Mimiko) to open his defence on the petition of the PDP’s candidate, Chief Olusola Oke. An ACN supporter said: “After the tribunal rose for a short recess, hell was let loose, as LP thugs attacked ACN and PDP supporters.

The policemen around the court could not save the situation.”

A Toyota bus belonging to the ACN governorship candi-

date, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), was vandalised. Those injured were taken to various hospitals.

Police spokesman Wole Ogodo confirmed that thugs attacked people at the tribunal, but said he had not been briefed on the incident.

Mimiko later opened his defence on Oke’s petition.

Four of his witnesses gave evidence that the election was hitch-free.

ACN condemned the attack on the opposition. In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Rotimi Agbede, the party said the thugs were frustrated by the “abysmal perfor-

mance” of the LP at the tribunal in the last one week and decided to take it out on the opposition.

It said INEC’s abrupt closure of its defence without calling any witness must have heightened the desperation of the hoodlums.

ACN said: “Not satisfied with their hopeless situation, the thugs embraced violence.

It is unfortunate that the thugs vented their anger on anybody in sight, injuring many people. But for the intervention of security agents, the story would have been different.”

“We condemn the desecrating of the court with violence and wonder why a government that came to power through the instrumentality of the courts would do everything in its power to undermine the process.”

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THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

NEWS Sympatisers visit ex-Wema Bank MD Adegbite’s home

Proxy APC counterfeit, says Amosun

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GUN State Governor Ibikunle Amosun yesterday said any attempt to frustrate the registration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) would fail because the new party belongs to all Nigerians.

He said prominent members of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have indicated interest to join the party, adding that APC’s membership would cut across ethnic and regional divides.

The governor spoke with reporters after delivering a lecture at the Lagos Business School (LBS) (Pan-African University), Lagos.

He spoke on the topic: “A voyage powered by conviction”.

The lecture was the fourth edition of the “Project What Next”, a mentoring programme organised by MBA students.

Amosun said the acronym of the African Peoples Congress was not genuine.

He said: “Any other APC apart from the All Progressives Congress is a counterfeit. You know who started the real APC. It is not 10 governors. We have about 20 governors.

“As we speak about 11 or 12 governors have signed into it. It is not just going to be about the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN); it is a national thing. It will enjoy national spread.

“The All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) are there.

Some PDP members would join us. They have indicated interest to join us and I am sure they will.

“APC is a Nigerian party.

It is not a regional party. It is for everybody.”

Amosun said APC was not just formed to wrest power from the PDP, but to provide true leadership.

He warned that the new party must be internally democratic to win the people’s confidence.

The governor said: “In

By Joseph Jibueze

any case, what do we want to achieve? It is to change the way we do things. We know Nigeria can be better than it is now. The problem is with the leadership. That is why we said we must gather ourselves together.

“There must be internal democracy, if we want Nigerians to believe in what we are doing. They must know that it is whoever wins that you will present, even in our primaries.”

Addressing LBS students, the governor recalled his childhood in a polygamous home, with his father’s 11 wives.

He said he combined his tertiary education with business as a part-time trader in clothes and electronics before he became a chartered accountant and ventured into politics.

Amosun said: “I have shared these experiences to demonstrate that if we look carefully, beneath every

T

based on strong ethical underpinnings wherever we are.”

During a question-andanswer session, Amosun explained why governors prefer the sharing of the excess crude revenue to saving it in the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) as canvassed by the Federal Government.

He said this is because across the 36 states in the country, there are several developmental challenges waiting to be confronted.

Amosun said governors believe it does not make sense to save the money when it could be used to address the developmental issues affecting the people.

He said: “SWF is good, but if you have all this deficit and you say you want to have the fund there, then one will begin to query what the money is being used for. We believe you should not have money and watch your people suffer.”

From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

T •Amosun

Amosun said the bane of politics in the country is that a lot of the politicians do not have visible means of livelihood outside politics, hence the desire to grab as much as they can when they find themselves in public office.

Also yesterday, the Lagos State chapter of the ACN condemned the alleged efforts of the PDP to frustrate APC’s registration.

It accused PDP of trying to truncate the country’s democracy and urged Nigerians to be wary of it.

•Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi (second left) talking to the Managing Director of Hajaig Construction Company, Mr. Abdulnasir Hajaig (left), during the inspection of ongoing work on the Iworoko-Ifaki road...yesterday. With them are the site engineer, Mr. Hameed Jamel (second right); and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Roads, Mr. Sunday Adumo (left).

CAN alleges plan to Islamise Osun HE Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Osun State yesterday accused Governor Rauf Aregbesola of planning to Islamise the state.

The government denied the allegation.

At a press conference attended by its Chairman, Superior Evangelist Abraham Aladeseye; the Secretary, Rev. Fr. Michael Ajayi and Christian leaders from all denominations, CAN alleged that the government was planning to introduce the use of hijab in Christian-owned public schools.

Reading a statement by the association to the press, Rev. Fr. Ajayi said: “The agitation for the use of hijab got to a climax when a female pupil of Baptist High School, Iwo, was arrested by the police on the order of the school authorities for wearing hijab to school.”

CAN criticised some of the educational policies of

challenge is an opportunity.

“If you require further proof of opportunities disguised as challenges, just remember that I come from a nuclear family of 41 members: One father, 11 wives and 29 children.”

He urged professionals to get involved in politics, saying they can no longer stand aside and watch uninformed people make wrong decisions for Nigerians.

The governor identified inept leadership, weak infrastructure, corruption, imperfect political structure, weak institutions, a warped value system and bad followership as Nigeria’s biggest challenges.

He said change must begin with individuals.

Amosun said: “Leadership is about vision and mission, big or small. Though our sphere of concern will always be larger than our sphere of influence, everyone of us has a responsibility to provide leadership

•Govt:it’s not true From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

the Aregbesola administration, such as the merger of public schools and demolition of some school buildings.

It described them as a plot to erase the names of missionaries from schools established by Christian bodies.

The government debunked the allegation.

The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Chief Sunday Akere, said the administration has always respected all religions and would continue to do so.

Akere said the allegations might be the handiwork of persons trying to undermine the administration’s achievements in the education sector. He said the government would not be distracted from its efforts to improve the state.

HE former Managing Director of Wema Bank, Chief Samuel Adegbite, is dead.

He died on Sunday at a Lagos hospital. He was 73.

Former Minister of Agriculture Otunba Bamidele Dada described Adegbite’s death as a great loss to the country.

Dada prayed to God to grant the family the strength to bear the loss.

Sympathisers have been flooding the late Adegbite’s Oasis of Grace Villa home at Igbo Oloyin in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

One of the deceased’s domestic workers, who did not want to be named, said: “Chief died in a Lagos hospital. His family is not here in Ibadan. He lived more in Lagos than Ibadan. We cannot receive anybody until we get instruction from the family.”

One of the late Adegbite’s aides, who pleaded for anonymity, said the deceased was ill for some time before his death.

Until his death, Adegbite was the Chairman of Intercontinental Homes Savings and Loans Limited; Oasis Group Limited and Oasis Insurance Plc. He was born in Ibadan on January 3, 1940. He attended Mapo Day School, Ibadan and the Local Government Teachers’ College, Ibadan, before enrolling at the West London College in 1963.

The late Adegbite proceeded to the Holborn College of Law, London, between 1967 and 1969 and graduated with L.L.B. (Hons) from the University of London.

He graduated from the Nigeria Law School, Lagos, in 1971 and was called to the bar the same year.

ASP detained for ‘complicity’ in Ekiti robbery

A

N Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) has been detained at the Ekiti State Police Headquartres in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, for alleged involvement in a robbery in Ikere-Ekiti.

It was learnt that he was part of a five-man gang that robbed commuters on the Ikere/IseEkiti road last week Monday.

The robbers, armed with sophisticated weapons, including AK47 rifles, dispossessed their victims of phones, money and other valuables.

They operated for about 30 minutes during the clash between the Ikere-Ekiti and Akure branches of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

It was learnt that the robbers, dressed in plain clothes, blocked the road, giving an impression that they were on a routine check.

On realising that policemen from Ikere had been alerted, they reportedly fled into the bush, but one of them left his phone on the scene.

It was gathered that one of the robbers called the phone

•Family insists student was killed for money ‘They killed my son for a mere N100,000.

Till now, they have not told us the person that killed my child, but we know it was Akobi Esu (devil’s first born) because he boasted that he killed my son. No one compelled him to say this, he just said it’ From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

that was picked up on the scene and asked if the ASP escaped.

Police Commissioner Sotonye Wakama said: “The officer’s number was on the armed robber’s telephone, which was picked up at a robbery scene and we want to ascertain the link between them.”

Also yesterday, the parents of a 400-Level undergraduate of the Ekiti State University (EKSU), Seyi Fayese, alleged

that their son was killed by policemen attached to the OyeEkiti Police Station because of the N100,000 he had on him.

After collecting N100,000 for his school fees from his parents, the late Seyi was returning to school when the vehicle he boarded was attacked by robbers in Oye. It was learnt that the passengers abandoned the bus and ran into the bush in various directions.

Seyi’s parents heard of the incident from a neighbour, who boarded the same vehicle as the late Seyi.

When they did not hear from the late Seyi the following morning, they went to Oye Police Station to report the incident and found his body there, with his hands tied to his back.

The police said he was either part of the gang that robbed a bank earlier or was caught in the crossfire between the robbers and policemen.

But the boy’s parents insisted that he was killed at the po-

lice station.

They said the fact that his hands were tied to his back showed that he was brought to the station alive.

A suspected member of the robbery gang, Jimoh Sadiku, who was arrested by the police, said the late Seyi was not part of them.

In a telephone chat with The Nation, the late Seyi’s father, Mr. Joseph Fayese, said: “They killed my son for a mere N100,000. Till now, they have not told us the person that killed my child, but we know it was Akobi Esu (devil’s first born) because he boasted that he killed my son. No one compelled him to sayit, he just did.

“We appeal to kind-spirited lawyers and Nigerians to help us fight this unjust killing of the only star in our family.”

It was gathered that Sadiku, who was taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Ido-Ekiti, for treatment was discharged on March 8.

A source at the hospital confirmed it.

11

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

‘Govt to slash local debt this year’

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IGERIA would take action this year to slash its domestic debt from around N6.35 trillion ($40 billion), as the double-digit interest rates make the cost of servicing it too high, the Minister of State for Finance, Yerima Lawal Ngama, said yesterday.

Ngama said it cost N699 billion to service the debt last year. He spoke while addressing delegates at a business conference in Lagos.

“The cost of domestic debt is still very high. We are discussing with the bankers’ committee the high cost of interest rates,” he said, adding that governmenthas set up a N100 billion fund that would begin retiring domestic debts from this year.”

The overall debt to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio was 18.2 per cent at the end of 2012, he said, adding that it went up from 16 per cent a year earlier.

Nigeria according to Reuters is growing as an investment destination as fiscal stability improves, its currency stabilises and economic growth remains high. But investors are wary of a long-established tendency to mismanage oil revenues, mostly because of massive corruption.

In absolute terms, the budget deficit was expected to fall to N585 billion in 2013, from 744 billion last year, he said. The budget office said last month the deficit would fall to 1.85 percent of GDP in 2013, from 2.85 percent last year.

“Nigeria has a very strong balance sheet now, compared with a decade ago,” Ngama said.

Nigeria’s debt to GDP ratio is low by world standards but high for a nation that still ranks among the top 10 oil exporters - it pumps out 2 million barrels of oil a day, almost all sold abroad. Much revenue is spent on a bloated civil service, and Ngama said 60 percent of government spending was on salaries last year.

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

- Minister of Information, Labaran Maku

PHCN privatisation: Collections hit $156m F • Govt, union hold severance

IVE bidders have so far paid $156.50 million to the Federal Government, being the mandatory 25 per cent of the bid value of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) Successor Companies they have indicated interest to acquire.

According to the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) in a statement yesterday, the breakdown showed that Amperion Power Company Limited, the preferred bidder for Geregu Power Plc, has paid $33 million; Integrated Energy Distribution & Marketing Company, the preferred bidder for Ibadan and Yola Distribution Companies, paid $42.25 million and $14.75 million for Ibadan and Yola Discos respectively; NEDC/KEPCO, the preferred bidder for Ikeja Distribution Company, paid $32.75 million; and West Power & Gas, the preferred bidder for Eko Distribution Company, paid $33.75 million.

The statement, said this is coming ahead of the Thurs-

package talks today

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

day, March 21, 2013, deadline for all the bidders to make the mandatory 25 per cent payment in line with the Share Purchase Agreement for the transactions.

Other bidders for the PHCN Successor Companies are Vigeo Consortium (Benin Disco) 4Power Consortium (Port-Harcourt Disco); Aura Energy Limited (Jos Disco); Interstate Electrics Limited (Enugu Disco); KANN Consortium Utility Company Limited (Abuja Disco), Sahelian Power SPV Limited (Kano Disco), Transcorp Consortium (Ughelli Power Plc); CMEC/EUAFRIC Energy JV (Sapele Power Plc); Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited (Kainji Power Plc); and North-South Power

Company (Shiroro Power Plc).

The final approval of the preferred bidders by NCP and its announcement for the successor companies was done on October 23, 2012, the release added.

The Nigerian electricity industry has been unbundled into generation and distribution companies, and a single transmission company with a view to encouraging private sector participation and attracting foreign and local investment into the Nigerian power sector, to ensure economic and reliable electricity supply.

Meanwhile, the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies in PHCN, yesterday said the government had invited the union for talks over the sev-

erance package.

Mr Bede Opara, the President-General of the association, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the talks would hold in Abuja, today. He said the invitation is to harmonise the report of implementation committee on the payment of their entitlement.

He expressed optimism that the meeting would put an end to the lingering crisis between the PHCN workers and the Federal Government.

The workers had turned down the N45 billion earmarked by the government to pay the workers in phases beginning from May. The workers refused the government’s mode of payment and insisted on the outright payment of the entitlements amounting to N384 billion.

This disagreement led the workers to hold a national prayer to seek God’s intervention in the matter on Friday, March 15.

NSE JSE NYSE LSE

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

• Approves lease extension to ENL From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

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HE National Council on Privatisation (NCP) has approved the sale of 70 per cent Federal Government’s shares in Egbin Power Plant to KEPCO Energy Resource at the cost of $407.3million, the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), has said.

In a release contained in itsbulletin- Info Privatisation, the BPE asked the firm to pay 51 per cent of the plant’s share currently valued at $670million.

BPE added that the approval was one of the decisions that the NCP reached during its second meeting in Abuja, this year.

The Council has directed that the BPE reserves 10 per cent of the plant’s shares ( equivalent of 30 per cent) should be sold to the public through Initial Public Offer (IPO) at a later date.

The NCP explained that the privatisation of Egbin Power Plc was earlier concluded with KEPCO Energy Resources for the sale of 51 per cent shares via a willingbuyer , willing seller transaction on May 17, 2007 at a price of $280million.

The bulletin also revealed that the NCP has approved the Supplementary Lease Agreement between ENL Consortium, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and BPE , which gives effect to the extension of the concession of Terminals C and D in Apapa Port to ENL.

Samsung wins Total’s $3.1b Egina contract

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

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• Dismissed staff of Aero Contractors protesting at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos...yesterday.

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

NCP approves sale of Egbin to KEPCO

N142b debt: NNPC stalls probe of 16 subsidiaries

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TTEMPTS by the Ni gerian National Pe troleum Corporation (NNPC) to shield the financial records of its 16 subsidiaries from scrutiny by the House of Representatives Committee on Finance was thwarted by the lawmakers.

Notwithstanding, none of the six subsidiary firms of the NNPC that appeared at the session yesterday availed the Committee of the requested financial details of their organisation, claiming that the invitation got to them late.

NNPC made N6 trillion between 2009 and 2012 as internally generated revenue (IGR), but refused to remit N142billion to the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) as demanded by the Fiscal Respinsiblity Act (FRA),

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

2007.

The Committee has however, frowned at the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria’s (FAAN) disposition to spending all its IGR without recourse to the Fiscal Responsibility Act, (FRA) 2007.

FAAN generated N112.3b illion between 2009 and 2011 and N27.8billion in 2012.

FAAN said it could not pay the N6.9billion the Finance committee requested it should be paid to the government from what it generated in 2012. Consequently, the Committee placed the agency under the same category of recalcitrant ones that have shown no sign of remitting government’s share of their IGR to the CRF

At the resumption of investigative session into the remittance of IGR to the Federal government and following the invitation of the 16 subsidiaries of the NNPC yesterday, the Committee declared that the financial records presented by the NNPC on behalf of all its subsidiaries were not satisfactory to the Committee.

The Chairman of the Committee, Abdulmumin Jibrin, said separate accounts of the subsidiaries would have to be scrutinised.

NNPC’s Group Executive Director (Finance and Accounts), Benard Otti, had earlier told the Committee that the entire subsidiaries have no separate accounts of their own.

He said: “Accounts of the

subsidiaries are consolidated with that of the NNPC. There is only one account, there is no different account for the subsidiaries.”

The Corporation’s Legal Adviser, Anthony Madichie, pointed out that the subsidiaries were set up by the NNPC, adding that the law that established the Corporation talked abut NNPC account and not the subsidiaries’ account.

The Committee however, faulted that stand, as the Chairman reminded the organisation that the Committee is constitutionally empowered to carry out oversight functions and in this case, since the records of the NNPC was questionable, the Committee was duty-bound to ascertain the facts.

IGERIAN National Petroleum Corpora tion and Total Upstream Petroleum Nigeria Limited Joint Venture has awarded the $3.1 billion contract for the construction of the floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel for Egina deepwater oil field to Samsung Heavy Industries.

Samsung Heavy Industries, with its shipbuilding capabilities and track record emerged the preferred bidder in the bidding conducted by the National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS).

The multibillion Egina field located in oil mining lease (OML) 130 near Akpo field, is the third deep offshore development project of Total Upstream Petroleum Nigeria Limited (TUPNL) in Nigeria with reserve potential in excess of 550million barrels and a peak production of 150,000 barrels of oil per day (bopd).

The Joint Venture said it took the decision to award the Egina FPSO contract to Samsung after a comprehensive review of the economics, the track records of the bidders and having met all the requirements of NCD including 12,000 - 15000 tons in-country fabrication of topsides.

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

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NEWS SENATOR OLUREMI TINUBU’S SIXTH TOWN HALL MEETING IN LAGOS •Lagos Central Leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Prince Tajudeen Olusi (left); Senator Oluremi Tinubu and former Minister of State for Defence, Chief Demola Seriki, at the Sixth Town Hall meeting of Senator Tinubu with her constituents at the Event Place, Lagos... yesterday.

•Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji;

•Elegushi of Ikateland, Oba Saheed Ademola (left); former Lagos State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Sarah Sosan and member, House of Representatives (Eti-Osa Federal Constituency), Jide Akinloge.

•Otunba Tayo Oyemade (left); Hakeem Apatira and Alhaji R. Alli

•Hajia Abba Folawiyo

•Hon. Wale Oshun (left) and Civil Service Commissioner, Alhaji R.F. Balogun

•Princess Yetunde Onile-Ere (left); Col. R. Ayala (rtd) and Lagos Commissioner for Home Affairs and Culture, Oyinlomo Danmole

•Special Adviser to the Governor on Political and Legislative Bureau, Mr. Muslim Folami (left); former Lagos State Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Olawale Edun and member, House of Representatives (Lagos Island II), Mr. Yakub Balogun.

•House Rep member (Eti-Osa Constituency), Gbolahan Yishau (left) and Chairman, Iru Victoria Island Local Government Development Area, Hon. Yomi Daramola.

•Lagos White Cap chiefs

•Chairman, Yaba Local Government, Jide Jimoh (left); Otunba Moshood Tijani and Masha Hakeem

•Mrs. Patricia Arawore

•Former Commissioner for Home Affairs, Tunde Balogun. PHOTOS: ABIODUN WILLIAMS

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

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THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

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PROPERTY

Tuesday, MARCH 19, 2013

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Counting the cost of sand dredging

•Ibeshe Beach threatened by dredging.

PHOTO: SEYI ODEWALE

In the past 20 years, the Lagos State Government has lost huge revenue to sand dredging. Despite the creation of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources Development in 2007, the dredgers’activities has not abated. But all hopes, says the Commissioner for Waterfront, Adesegun Oniru, is not lost in stopping the illegal dredgers to generate revenue for the government. SEYI ODEWALE reports.

•Lagos slams Fed Govt over climate change issues

- PAGE 16

I

T was a sunny Tuesday, with people feel ing the heat from the scorching sun. To Ben Igwe (not real name), it was another day for business; to attend to prospective house owners, who are in need of sand dredged from the nearby Lagoon in Ibeshe, a satellite of Ikorodu in Lagos State.

Business, according to Igwe, has been dull of late. No thanks to the depletion of dredged sharp sand from the Lagoon. All year round, sand is always available for sale no matter the tonnage and quantity needed, but lately it has not been encouraging following a drop in sale.

His colleagues, who use their individual canoes and motor boats to convey sand from the depth of the Lagoon to the shore, were equally not left out. They were on the beach relaxing in their shacks. Tipper owners, pay loader and excavator drivers were not left out; they also felt the seemingly low patronage. Reason: not much sand. But the drought, they believe, would soon be over with the coming of the rains.

“Of late, business has been very dull. We have not had much patronage; in fact, we are just dredging sand from the lagoon. As you can see, not

much sand is on the ground. But before the week runs out, we would have pumped much sand on shore for our customers,” he said.

To them, the business has sustained them for years. One of them, popularly called Lawori because he hails from Awori stock of Yoruba tribe, said he abandoned a local theatre group some years ago to join those in the business. “There is no day I don’t make enough money to cater for my family. I send my kids to school from whatever I realise from here,” he said in Yoruba language.

Same for truck and pay loader operators; they make their money loading and conveying sand to where they are needed.

Lawori said though Ibeshe is known for dredged sharp sand, soft ones could be got on request. “These types of sand are got from the forests and bushes. We often get requests from land owners who have unlevelled grounds asking us to look for people who need to sand fill their sites. But this is red earth sand, not white ones used for building,” he said, adding that sharp sand are •Continued on page 16

•How Nigeria can develop its infrastructure, by experts

- PAGE 17

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

16

PROPERTY/ENVIRONMENT

Counting the cost of sand dredging •Continued from page 15

usually dredged from the sea bed and the lagoon.”

However, the rains, which they are earnestly waiting for, may likely bring woes to others whose farmlands, rivers and beaches have been destroyed by their activities and those of their colleagues mining sands from farms and forests.

From Epe to Ikorodu; Lekki to Ojo and Badagry, sand dredging along the coast line over the years has been a source of ‘cool’ revenue for those in it, while those in the upland are smiling to the banks with proceeds from sand mining in their domain. People make tremendous fortunes oblivious of the effects their activities may have on the environment and its people.

But the Commissioner for Waterfront, Adesegun Oniru, said no illegal dredging goes on along the coastline of the state.

At the Ibeshe Beach, a cubic of sand, an equivalent of a scoop of the pay loader, costs N1,800 and 20 of such fills a 20-ton tipper, excluding the amount for hiring the truck. Sands, according to those in the business, vary considering where they are got from. Sharp sands are usually dredged from the sea bed and the lagoon, while soft ones used for plastering and smoothing of wall surfaces, are usually mined from farmlands and forests. They are in local parlance called Dagbolu, excavated from virgin forests and bushes. There are others from river beds and banks.

But Lagos State, which is blessed with this natural mineral resources, has over the years, suffered from the activities of illegal dredging. It has lost, considerably, huge revenues to illegal dredging. For over 20 years, in the words of Oniru, the state has lost an unquantifiable amount of revenue. “It was over 20 years of revenue loss to the state, but financially, it is impossible to quantify. I would not want to speculate on the amount that

•One of the mining sites in Ibeshe.

PHOTOS: SEYI ODEWALE

‘

Unfortunately, the sector is poorly monitored. People in this business use the cover of the night to perpetrate their activities. We are not in charge of sand dredging; this is under the supervision of our sister ministry, Ministry of Water Front. But, how can these beaches be monitored?

’

has been lost,” he told The Nation.

According to him, it is not that nobody is monitoring activities in that area, but the office saddled with the responsibility is overwhelmed by the activities of the illegal dredgers.

“It is not that there is nobody controlling or monitoring those activities in the past. There was an office called mineral resources that was meant to control that, but those activities were so many that, that office was overwhelmed. The state was then losing so much revenue to illegal dredging,” he said.

Oniru said since his ministry took

•Oniru

off in 2007, sanity has returned to that sector. “As far as I am concerned, we have 25 companies legally permitted with Category A permit to dredge in Lagos State. Over 120 companies were carrying out what was called illegal dredging until this ministry was created in 2007. Since that time, we have had applications from up to 130 companies that want to dredge in Lagos, but we have about 25 legally permitted companies with dredgers to operate on our waters.

“So far, various arrests have been made throughout the state. People who think they can beat the state and can operate illegally without being noticed are being arrested. We carry out raids; we go out with police units; we make arrests and prosecution then follows.

We have laws to back what we are doing. If we think that no illegal activities are going on, on our waters we would be lying to ourselves. But we are also trying our best to combat these activities. There are some areas where dredging is viable. If you talk of Ikorodu,

Ajah,Awoyaya, Ayun, going towards Epe, where different dredging are taking place. What we have tried to do is to spread them across the state. So, there are some people in Ojo and Amuwo-Badagry axis also dredging there,” Oniru said.

Environmental impacts of sand mining and dredging, experts say, are disastrous. According to them, soil erosion, formation of sinkholes, loss of biodiversity, soil contamination resulting from leakages of chemicals into the soil, deforestation, coastal erosion and loss of aquatic lives are possible effects of dredging and mining. For instance, dredging in some climes has been largely responsible for the near extinction of gharials (a species of crocodiles) and sea turtles, which depend on sandy beaches for their nesting.

The demand for sands for both road and building construction has increased sand mining and dredging leading to a high demand for lowcost sand. Every undeveloped piece of land is made susceptible to mining while the coastal towns and river beds are being encroached upon considerably by dredgers.

A source at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources Development, who pleaded anonymity, said sand mining and dredging in Lagos are being poorly monitored. Making a distinction between sand mining and dredging, he said people involved in the business seemed oblivious of the havoc they cause the environment and the beaches in Lagos.

“Unfortunately, the sector is poorly

monitored. People in this business use the cover of the night to perpetrate their activities. We are not in charge of sand dredging; this is under the supervision of our sister ministry, Ministry of Water Front. But, how can these beaches be monitored? This is because many illegal dredging take place in the night. Although, some are licensed by the government, how much revenue does the state make from this sector?” he asked.

Sand mining, the source said, is worse as there are cases of illegal sites, which are giving the state a lot of headaches. “Take, for instance, the dump site at Olusosun in Ojota. It was as a result of excavation that took place years back when the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway was constructed. Now see how many years it is taking the state government to fill and its impact on the environment,” he said.

On how the sites are monitored, he said the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources Development issues permits to prospective miners and ensures that the sites are not degraded beyond remedy. “Before we issue any permit, we will first visit the site to carry out what we call Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to determine whether it will not degrade the site or cause any harm to those living around there if sand mining is done on the site.

But these days we are often confronted with series of interests that are conflicting, even when we tried to apply the law, some forces seem to hamper our operations and most of these illegal mining are done at night and it is a cause for worry for us,” he said.

To regulate dredging, Oniru said different categories of permits are issued to prospective dredgers. The first category of permit, according to him is A, which is given to dredger owners. It allows people with this permit to only dredge sand for those who stock pile to sell.

Category B, he said, is for those who stockpile sand for sale; the third category is for those who manually dredge sand from the rivers and creeks, using canoes and motor boats.

These permits are renewable yearly.

Noting that measures introduced will enable the state recoup whatever lost through illegal activities, Oniru added: “I want to assure you that at the end of the day, everything the state had lost would be got back. This is because it is a mineral resource that the state is blessed with and there is plenty of it.

We have it in shallow waters, streams and creeks that will need to be deepened.There are enough sands for us to continue dredging for the next 30 years without any problem.”

Lagos slams Fed Govt over climate change issues

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AGOS State Government has sought the Federal Government’s collaboration on how to reduce the effect of climate change.

Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment, Tunji Bello, who made this call, expressed dissatisfaction with the Federal Government’s handlingly of the issue.

He said climate change effects went beyond territorial boundaries and as such, the Federal Government must create more awareness on global warming.

He said: “Nigeria is vulnerable to Climate Change and the impact are already manifesting in the country. We find must find a solution to it now because of the future generations of our country.’’

Bello said the state government would develop a workplan on solutions proffered at the summit to help in achieving set goal.

In his address, Governor Babatunde Fashola said mankind’s biggest war is the war against climate change-induced natural disaster.

For mankind to survive, he said: “We need to change the way we do some things, slow down the way we do some oth-

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie Asst. Editor

ers and stop doing others altogether. Regrettably, however, the unending desecration of our environment by man and the negative consequences of climate change have taught us that it is now necessary to reexamine our relationship with the environment.”

He advocated the need to rise and wish away all unfriendly practices, such as the elimination of green areas, discharge of dangerous gases into the atmosphere, indiscriminate felling of trees, among others etc.

Fashola noted that the green economy is where growth in income and employment is driven by the public invest-

ments that reduce carbon emissions and pollution, enhance energy, resource efficiency as well as prevent the loss of bio and ecosystem.

Sierra Leone’s former Minister for Energy and a Member of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

Prof. Ogunlade Davidson elaborated on the evidence and consequences of climate change

•From right: Chairman NUJ Lagos, Deji Elumoye; Environment Commissioner, Ogun State, Prince Dr Lanre Tejuoso; National Coordinator, Hydrocarbon Pollution Restoration Project (HYPREP), Mrs Joy NuniehOkunnu; Head, Surveillance & Monitoring, Mr Nnaemeka Ojibe; Chairman, Journalists Estate Residents Association, Mr Gbade Shomuyiwa; Head, Community Relations, Mr E. Youndeowei; and Head, Socioeconomic, Mrs Maimuna Shuaibu, when the team visited the vandalised site in Arepo, Ogun State.

in Africa with emphasis on the continent’s vulnerability to the impact of climate change in agriculture, biodiversity, energy, water resources and infrastructure.

Davodson, who presented the keynote address with the theme Climate change vulnerability and adaptation in Africa: Need for sustainable development strategies, said unless appropriate mitigation and adaptation measures are put in place, Africa will continue to be vulnerable to climate-induced extreme events.

He emphasised on the need for Africa to properly identify and exploit opportunities for green economic growth and sustainable development that are increasingly becoming available in the global fight against climate change.

He harped on the need for Africa to put in place regional, institutional, technological and market mechanisms that will enable the continent to advance its development on the path of climate-resilient, green and sustainable path.

He stressed that unless appropriate mitigation and adaptation measures are put in place, Africa will continue to be vulnerable to climate-in-

duced extreme events. The paper emphasised the need for Africa to properly identify and exploit opportunities for green economic growth and sustainable development that are increasingly becoming available in the global fight against climate change.

It harped on the need for Africa to put in place regional, institutional, technological and market mechanisms that will enable the continent to advance its development on the path of climate-resilient, green and sustainable path.

The summit in its communiqué recommended that the government at all levels should properly mainstream climate change into its infrastructural development for resilience and sustainability.

It also urged the Federal Government to provide for the private sector an enabling environment to aggressively pursue climate change mitigation and adaptation initiatives in the interest of green development.

Lagos State Government was asked to ensure a multidisciplinary approach to the planning, design, construction and management of urban infrastructure to make the urban infrastructure climateresilient.

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

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PROPERTY/ENVIRONMENT

How Nigeria can develop its infrastructure, by experts

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O fix infrastructural deficit, Nigeria must expand sources of growth and free funds for infrastructure upgrade, experts have said.

Former World Bank Vice President (Africa), Dr Oby Ezekwesili, said the country is deficient in infrastructure development because of the mismanagement of the economy and over reliance on oil and gas.

Mrs Ezekwesili, who spoke on “Infrastructure development and economic empowerment”, stressed the need to improve the shrinking levels transparency and accountability.”

She spoke at the just concluded 43rd Annual General Meeting of the Nigeria Institution of Estate Surveyors & Valuers (NIESV), in Benin, the Edo State capital over the weekend.

She listed stable political conditions, effective, efficient, transparent and accountable public sector governance and institutions as some of the factors that have helped nations grow their infrastructure.

Others are Public and Private Investment (helped by high savings rate), especially in human development and infrastructure,including sound economic and social policies leadership by the government and a private sector led economy.

She urged the government to work on providing the average citizen with opportunities to lift them out of poverty and improve their incomes through safe, secure and stable environment.

Mrs Ezekwesili chided the Federal Government for the poor road infrastructure, especially the highways that are not maintained and the state and local government roads. These, she said, creates poverty among the rural folks as they cannot easily transport their wares to the urban centres.

She said Nigeria would require about $14.2 billion yearly over the next decade, or about 12 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Project (GDP).

She, however, regretted that Nigeria spends about $5.9 billion yearly on federal infrastructure, equivalent to only

Stories by Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie Asst. Editor

about five per cent of GDP. She added that China spent about 15 per cent of GDP on only infrastructure investment in the mid-2000s.

Mrs Ezekwesili canvassed the removal of obstacles and a policy on national integrated infrastructure model.

To strengthen the country’s infrastructure, she called for effective legal and regulatory frameworks clarifying rules, roles and incentives for the government and private sector participation in infrastructure provision.

She harped on the need for effective public finance management system, especially budgetary allocation and public investment programme with emphasis on operations and maintenance.

She advocted the need to have effective cost-benefit and social impact project selection process, transparent and value for money centered public procurement system as well as analytical evaluation of infrastructure gap at different levels of possible intervention.

President Goodluck Jonathan, in his address, said inadequate infrastructure has continued to militate against the realisation of the nation’s Vision 20: 2020. He said: “Infrastructure development and economic growth/ empowerment are mutually reinforcing as it plays a vital role in wealth creation. As a government, we have decided to develop a national infrastructure master plan from 2014- 2043 as we believe that sustainable infrastructure is needed in Nigeria to serve as a catalyst for economic growth.”

Jonathan, who was represented by the Minister of Works, Mr Mike Onolememen, said the government was aware of the need to bridge the infrastructure gap in the country. He challenged the surveyors to develop enough capacity in the construction sector where there is a huge gap. This led to the importation of artisans and craftsmen from Ghana, Togo and Benin Republic in the execution of skilled tasks.

He promised to collaborate with surveyors to redress this situation that has robbed mil-

•From right: Ezekwesili; Eleh; Onolememen; Mr Stephen Ideheren representing Governor Adams Oshiomhole and Mrs Okolo Ebube representing Minister for Lands, Housing & Urban Development, Ms Ama Pepple, at the event.

PHOTO:OKWY IROEGBU-CHIKEZIE

lions of Nigerian graduates from gainful employment through apprenticeship programmes with the private sector.

President of the Nigeria Institution of Estate Surveyors & Valuers (NIESV), Mr Emeka Eleh, in his welcome address, said the state of the nation’s infrastructure indicates that the deficit runs into trillions of naira. He noted that addressing these deficits remains key to the nation’s development.

He said the massive investment into the sector has the po-

tential to generate multiplier effects in the economy that will impact positively to check unemployment and poverty levels including the dearth of housing.

Eleh also said allied to the issue of fostering investments in this sector, is the management of infrastructure before they collapse.

UN-Habitat Country Representative, Mr Kabir Kyari, said infrastructure is a process of social project and important for the national development

‘Cooperatives central to bridging housing gaps’

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HE widening housing gap, near absence of a vibrant mortgage banking system, rising cost of building materials and land have made the public to embrace cooperative societies, The Nation has learnt.

This was the consensus among participants at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Prime Asset Housing Cooperative and Multipurpose Society Limited (PAHCMSL), a company that has helped several low and middle income earners to own homes.

Owning a house through cooperative societies, according to them, is gaining ground as institutions responsible for providing houses appeared to have failed the nation.They said pooling funds through cooperatives has helped tenants to ‘sack’ their landlords.

The President of Prime Asset Housing Cooperative and Multipurpose Society Limited

Mr. Debo Adejana said a way to stimulate the economy is through housing for the people.

He said two years after it was established, the society was reassigned with broader responsibility of entering into alliances and getting other things necessary to improve its position.

According to him, 2011 signified the beginning of “our real estate project with the commencement of Prime Asset Housing Estate Igbesa with acreage of 20 acres.”

“This feat has further reemphasised our resolve to ensure that every member, ultimately, becomes a landlord.

There have also been very strong alliances with the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) on the National Housing Funds (NHF), Informal Sector Cooperative loan, which we have made available to qualified members as

an option that can be used to purchase either of the two house types we have in our co-operative,” he said.

Adejana said the society has been able to improve on the basic requests and needs of its members through the provision of credit facilities and household electronics.

“To this effect, our Co-operative made a surplus of N3,803,141, which translates to 114 per cent increase when compared to 2010 surplus record (N1,771,211),” he added.

He said the achievement was only possible through dedication and commitment of the team, who tirelessly ensured that the income earning capacity of the cooperative grew.

“We shall be sharing over N2million of this surplus among members who made it happen being one of the cardinal benefits of the society.

“The most delighting thing to me as a person is the takeoff of our housing provision scheme for members. To date, well over 140 of our members have commenced the housing ownership journey in our Igbesa Estate project and about a 100 more are to take possession of our newly acquired site in Epe, Lagos State,” he said.

To realise home ownership dreams for majority of members who believe in the cooperative option of raising funds for housing, he said the society has been positioned to start a Housing Microfinance Scheme while using the FMBN window for informal co-operatives like theirs to the advantage of the members.

He said: “We are committed to providing housing for all our members and prospective ones as our cardinal values as a response co-operative.”

A member, Mr. Tunde Ibitokun, commended the co-

Motorists, FERMA trade words over Omu-Aran-Kabba road

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OTORISTS, residents and the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) are trading words over the deplorable Omu-Aran-Kabba road in Kwara State.

The road links Kwara and Kogi states.

They claim that it has been abandoned by FERMA. Towards the end of last year, the Federal Government ordered FERMA to make the road motorable.

But a commercial driver who plies Ilorin and Odo-Ere lamented the abandonment of the road.

He hailed FERMA for patching critical portions of the road to Araromi-Opin in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.

“In the last three months we have not seen FERMA men on site. We don’t know what is wrong. The Eruku people

process. He said: “In this country, most companies spend over 30 per cent in personal infrastructure development making them uncompetitive in the global economy. In Lagos for instance, infrastructure is used to create high-value land, areas without infrastructure suffer high level hazards.”

He urged the governments at all levels to prioritise infrastructure provision that ensures the economic empowerment of the people.

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

have to communally patch the failed section of the road, which had become a ditch.

From Egbe, Yagba West Local Government Area to Kabba all in Kogi, no work has started. Plying the road is dangerous as one is at the mercy of hoodlums who cash in on its bad condition to unleash terror on travellers.

Wear and tear of your vehicle too is exponential,” the driver lamented.

Chief Abraham Medaiyese, who plies the road said: “Kabba-Ilorin road is the worst road in the whole country. I can conveniently say that. Plying the road now with your vehicle is tantamount to committing economic suicide.

“As a result, so many vehicles have stopped plying that road. It is as if there is no

government. Now this is the time to repair all roads in the country as there is no rain now. If they don’t repair that road before rainy season sets in, they will have another excuse. This means that they have abandoned the road, it is a pity.

“My appeal to the Federal Government through its Ministry of Works and Transport is to do something urgently to rescue the situation as it has affected the people in the area. ‘’Hoodlums both night and day cash in to dispossess passengers and motorists alike on that road. So, nobody is safe on that road. People living around that axis have lost hope in the government. They always query their representatives both at the state and National Assemblies.”

Kwara State FERMA boss, Babatunde Ige, however, disagreed with the people’s sub-

mission.

Ige said: “Serious work has been done at the Kwara end of the road. We are using our pothole patcher to repair some portion while contractors are handling some others.

The Ganmo axi of the road, hitherto accident prone, has been widened.

“From Omu-Aran to Egbe the section of the road was impassable, but now we have effected repairs on AraromiOpin. We have even received commendation from the Osi community in Ekiti Local Government Area of the state for a job well done. We are still working.Work has not stopped. We have written to Abuja that the contractors are regularly mobilised to site.

“The Kogi State FERMA is handling its own end of the rehabilitation of the road. You know control takes time. We have carried out quality con-

trol on the road and it will stand the test. ‘’For our pothole patcher, right now, we are short of 60/ 70 asphalt. But as soon as that is available from Lagos, the patcher will be back on site.

We and the contractors are rushing this job before the commencement of another rain.

“The Federal Government gave us an order that we should ensure free passage of vehicles during the yuletide and New Year seasons. During that period we did a lot of job on that road. Every other day, we are on the road desilting drains and other things to make the road motorable. Before rainy season sets in, we must have covered the bad portions of the road. Currently, we have covered almost 80 per cent of the critical portions of the road.”

operative system, which allowed many of them to own houses in the shortest period possible. He said: “The system is an initiative tailored to make home ownership easy for its members. It has helped and encouraged us to imbibe savings culture. Through this cooperative, it has been easy for people apart from me to have access to land and housing. Before I joined the cooperative, it was not easy for me to get any form of financial assistance in form of loans to carryout housing project.”

Another member, Mr Mathew Obi, said he decided to join the housing cooperative to have access to credit facility to facilitate his housing project. “People in our income bracket cannot continue to wait for the government to provide loans for us to build our houses. The mortgage system we have in the country right now does not even qualify as mortgage. But if we have more of housing cooperatives like PAHCMSL lots of people can secure loans and reap from surplus on investments to solve their housing problems,” he said.

Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Mr. Babajide Bakare, said housing cooperative societies remain a veritable means of empowering a lot of people to own their homes.

Commending PAHCMSL’s achievements in its short period of existence, he urged the public to embrace cooperative as a way of funding housing projects.

According to him, 10 persons of like minds or more with sources of income can come together to achieve a common purpose.

He said Lagos has established a Cooperative College to tackle the challenges associated with cooperative societies, which he said has become a problem solving mechanism in the country.

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

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MARITIME ANLCA, CRFFN end feud

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• From left: Umar, Senior Special Assistant to President Jonathan on Maritime Affairs, Mr. Leke Oyewole, Mr Opeifa and the Acting Executive Secretary of Shippers’Council, Mr Hassan Bello at the event.

PHOTO: OLUWAKEMI DAUDA

Fashola to Jonathan: ship wrecks deface Lagos coastline L AGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola has urged President Goodluck Jonathan to ensure the removal of ship wrecks and abandoned vessels from the city’s coastline.

The wrecks and vessels are defacing the coastline, Fashola said at the Nigeria Maritime Expo (NIMAREX) in Lagos.

Represented by his Commissioner of Transport Mr Kayode Opeifa, Fashola said in Lagos, over 250 metres of the coastline have been eroded in the last three years by abandoned vessels and wrecked ships.

He urged the Federal Government to save over 18 million Lagosians from ocean surge.

Torrential rains in parts of the state last year, he said, were tragic as many lives were lost and properties worth millions of naira washed away.

The wrecks should be removed because they could serve as hide-outs to miscreants, he said.

Fashola said the state,which is the commercial nerve centre of the country, was shut and economic activities grounded to a halt following

Stories by Oluwakemi Dauda Maritime Correspondent

fears of flooding because of failure to remove the wrecks and vessels.

Most of the villages on the Alpha Beach, the governor said, were deserted by the residents because of the last year’s flood, warning that there may be a recurrence unless the Federal Government removed the wrecks and abandoned vessels.

Last year’s ocean surge, the governor said, was terrible because of the wrecks.

Fashola said the incident was a wake-up call for the Federal Government to take climate changes seriously.

He said there were wrecks which were potentially, either dangerous to navigation, decayed or had become hazardous, toxic and could be dangerous to the health of the people.

“We have to look into ways we can tackle the problems of ship wrecks. Ship wrecks have rendered the Lagos coastline not as safe as we intend it to be. They abound all over the state and they have become very, very difficult and expensive for us to maintain.

“The recent ocean surge

along our beach line is a testimony to the problem they posed to our environment.

“It you visit Alpha beach and a lot of Lagos beaches, you will see that they are almost gone. The major cause of this is ship wreck,” Fashola said.

In his speach, the Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar, who represented President Goodluck Jonathan at the event, said the Federal Government is set to remove all the wrecks along the channels.

The Minister assured that the contract for the removal of the wrecks would be awarded before the end of the secon quarter of the year.

Umar also said the contract for the rehabilitation of the rail line linking Apapa would be awarded.

United States’ Consul-General in Nigeria, Mr Jeffrey Hawkins, deplored what he called the high level of insecurity on the waterways.

The Federal Government, he said, is losing about $7 billion annually because of piracy on the nation’s territorial waters and Gulf of Guinea.

Pirate attacks and sea robbery, he said, remained the major obstacles against foreign direct investment.

He claimed that some security officials were privy to some illegal activities off the nation’s coast.

He said from cargo theft to kidnapping for ransom, the Gulf of Guinea was becoming a more dangerous place to do business.

Available data and the anecdotal evidence, he said, showed that the situation is worrisome, adding that Americans do not see any hope that the situation will get better soon unless the government improves its institutional collaboration and shows the political will to tackle the problem.

“The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) recently reported that sea piracy around the globe dropped substantially in 2012, to its lowest level in five years.

Yet, at the same time, the frequency of maritime attacks in the Gulf of Guinea has increased significantly. The IMB reported 10 attacks off Nigeria in 2011, then 27 attacks in 2012, and most people we’ve talked with, have suggested the IMB figures only account for a portion of actual incidents,” Hawkins said.

Senate may pass CEMA Bill before June

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HE Chairman, Senate Committee on Customs, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, has said the Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) Amendment Bill would be passed before June.

Speaking during his committee’s visit to Customs Headquarters in Abuja, Makarfi said the Senate would ensure that the CEMA Bill was passed before the expiration of the contract to service providers on Destination Inspection (DI) in June.

The bill, he said, would address the problem of inadequate funding and ensure “autonomy’’ for the service.

He said senators see the passage of the bill as crucial to the economy.

Makarfi said in terms of priority, the CEMA Bill was second to the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), which has scaled second reading at the Senate.

He assured that the bill would receive presidential

assent because some of the contentious sections in the Bill had been resolved.

The committee, he added, received 38 objections out of 48 submissions on the bill.

“Through discussions most of them (the objections) were settled and only about eight remained for discussion.

“The bill is not for one individual or institution, it is for

the country, and, therefore, we believe that the bill as it is when passed will be a good bill for Nigeria,” he said.

Asked whether Customs would remain under the Ministry of Finance when bill is passed, he said: “Every agency must remain somewhere.

“But the issue is that they will have the autonomy re-

quired.”

On the ability of Customs to take over from service providers, Makarfi said the service has the requisite facility and manpower.

“What is important is that with the facilities we have seen by June they (Customs) should be capable to continue to do their (service providers) job.’’

Board of inquiry sits in Lagos

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HE Marine Board of Inquiry set up by the Federal Ministry of Transport to probe the MT Concept/ Redfferm oil spill at the Tin Can Island, Lagos in 2009 has started sitting in Lagos.

The board, which was inaugurated last month by the Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar, has Chief Nureni Kuranga as president.

Its terms of reference include investigation of the circumstances that led to the incident, authenticate the veracity of the

incident as reported, ascertain the legal status of the MT Concept/Redferm and its tonnage capacity. It is also to find out if MT Concept/Redferrm is covered by the relevant insurance policy as provided for by the International Oil Pollution Compensation (IOPC) Funds convention, determine the legal beneficiaries of any compensation arising and make any other recommendation that the committee may deem appropriate.

Kuranga called on

stakeholders in the maritime sector to work with the Federal Government in establishing a Marine Accident Investigation Bureau as this would ensure that investigation is carried out when evidence is still fresh and victims compensated without delay.

He assured the victims of the oil spillage incident that the Board would make recommendations that would assist the Federal Government in taking a position that would further assist the IOPC London at making a fair and just decision.

HE feud between the Association of Nigeria LicensedCustoms Agents (ANLCA) and the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) has been resolved, The Nation has gathered.

The problem started when ANLCA National President Prince Olayiwola Shittu resigned from the council, following the approval granted CRFFN by the Federal Government to collect transaction fees at seaports, airports, and land borders.

The crisis generated by the approval forced the Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar, to rescind his decision and directed the council to stop the collection of the fees from port operators.

The charges approved by government then, include, N1.50 per kilometre for air cargo, N1,000 per 20 ft container, N2,000 per 40 ft con-

tainer, N500 per car/jeep, N1,000 per truck or 20ft equivalent, N2,000 per truck or 40ft equivalent, N3.50 per tonnes for general cargo and N1.00 per tonnes for dry bulk cargo.

But the ANLCA chief told said on Friday that the group has decided to give peace a chance based on the intervention of the Acting Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr Hassan Bello and meetings they held with the Registrar of CRFFN; Sir Mike Jukwe, to resolve the crisis.

Some grounds, he said, have been shifted by the ‘feuding parties’ to end the crisis.

“We have been meeting with the Registrar of CRFFN and I have no doubt that we shall resolve all the areas of conflict,” he said.

He said the highest hierarchy of ANLCA has endorsed the terms of agreement and assured that the crisis with the CRFFN will ended to promote port business.

Container, vehicular traffic rises

T

HE Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) recorded an increase in container and vehicular traffic last year compared with the previous.

In a report signed by its General Manager, Public Affairs, Capt Iheanacho Ebubeogu and obtained by The Nation, NPA said the empty container throughput was 1,575,194TEUs, representing an increase of 11 per cent over the same period of 2011, which was 1,413,276TEUs Laden container throughput, the report said, was 877,737TEUs, and it was a rise of 7.4 per cent over 2011 figure of 817,246TEUs, while the ports recorded importation of 268,026 units of vehicles, an increase of 16 per cent over 2011 figure of 231,423 units.

The report also showed that there was an improvement in berth occupancy rate, which stood at 44.9 per cent in 2012; which showed an improvement of four per cent over the 2011 rate.

The statement further said: “There was no record of fire incident in all the ports in the year under review,” stressing that the accident-free record is a justification of the various efforts of NPA to ensure that the right safety standards are entrenched in the seaports.

The statement said the Managing Director NPA, Mallam Habib Abdullahi, would remain focused in its determination to upgrade and improve port infrastructures to attract neighbouring countries that are doing business with the ports.

‘Border scanners not foolproof’

T

HE decision to allow importers bring in goods in containers through the Seme Border could pose security risks, Vice President, Association of Registered Freight Forwarders, Nigeria (AREFFN), Mr Innocent Elum, has said.

He said in an era of national insecurity, it would amount to “scoring an owngoal”for the Federal Government to go ahead with the plan.

Elum faulted the scanning system being installed by a service provider, saying it

By Joseph Jibueze

lacked the capacity to detect dismantled arms and subject to human error.

“Our national existence is being seriously threatened by insecurity. The current practice of physical examination of import goods at Seme is the best in view of the prevailing circumstance.

“The scanner cannot detect everything with exactitude. If, for instance, you dismantle a General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) and put the component parts at different places in a container, the scanner cannot see a gun but pieces of metal.”

Customs impounds goods worth N133m

T

HE Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Ikeja, said it impounded 335 contrabands valued at N133.7 million last month.

The Public Relations Officer of the unit, Mr Uche Ejesieme, said 10 suspects were also arrested.

He said the Customs patrol team overpowered the smugglers because of the modern ammunition provided by the Customs management.

The image maker attributed the large volume of seizures made in February to the approach used by the command.

The command, he said, is now a step or two ahead of these smugglers.

“We’ve been able to employ the concept of risk management, profiling, coupled with the use of informants to apprehend

these smugglers.

“The period before now, we were not actually employing any kind of strategy but now the risk management concept is a strategy, which we have employed and it has been helping so wonderfully well.

“That is why you could see that there is a kind of bumper leap in the number of seizures we are having this period when compared with the result of last year.

“We are not stopping at that, this is just the beginning. We will continue to wreak havoc on these people because Alhaji Abdullahi Dikko has motivated us.

“He has also provided logistics to help us achieve result and we are not ready to let the CGC and the management of customs down in while performing our duty.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

19

COMMENTARY FROM OTHER LANDS

EDITORIALS

Decorum, please • Row between Adoke and Oshiomhole unnecessary

I

T was obviously a most unseemly and unbecoming spectacle. We refer to the altercation between the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Adoke (SAN), and Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, at last Tuesday’s National Council of State’s meeting at the Presidential Villa in Aso Rock, Abuja. It was the intervention of some other members of the council that reportedly prevented the face-off between the two degenerating into fisticuffs.

Given the high offices they occupy, which make them role models in society, we expect that both men, no matter the provocation, should be able to keep their tempers in check and comport themselves with decorum and dignity. This is particularly so as the National Council of State is the country’s highest advisory organ made up of current and past occupants of the most exalted executive, legislative and judicial positions in the land.

The issue in contention between the two men was the very sensitive one of the dastardly murder, last year, of Governor Oshiomhole’s Private Secretary, Mr. Olaitan Oyerinde. This has understandably been a very painful and emotional issue for the Edo State Governor. Oyerinde was not just a political aide but a close associate of the governor since the latter’s days at the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

Governor Oshiomhole had consistently and vehemently criticised the handling by the police of investigations into the murder, insisting that this would not be allowed to go the way of the numerous

unresolved cases of high-profile assassinations in the country. Oshiomhole had apparently been irked by Adoke who walked up to him and suggested that the case file on Oyerinde’s murder should not have been referred to him, but to the state attorney-general, since murder is a crime under the jurisdiction of the state.

The insinuation was obviously that the Edo State attorney-general was unaware of his responsibilities – an insinuation Oshiomhole did not take lightly.

This is an emotional matter for the Edo State governor, and the attorney-general should have understood that the matter of his aide’s murder was not just technicality, but human pathos. In Oshiomhole’s words, “The issue is that he was saying my attorney-general should have known what to do; that he has nothing to do with the matter. I simply asked him who referred the matter to him. Was it my attorney-general? The matter was referred to him by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) and I asked him who should know better? If the Deputy Inspector-General of Police referred a matter to the Minister of Justice that he ought to have referred to the state, who is the one dragging him into the matter? Who is the one politicising the matter?”

This scenario illustrates the confusion that characterises the administration of justice in the country, particularly the lack of synergy between the federal and state governments on such a critical issue. The police that are responsible for investigating murder cases report to the Inspector-General of Police and not the governor.

Yet, the state has the responsibility of prosecuting murder cases. Now, if

as happened in the Oyerinde case, the investigation case file was wrongfully sent by the DIG to the Attorney-General of the Federation, what should have been the appropriate response of the latter, especially since this is a matter that involves human life?

The Attorney-General of the Federation should have wasted no time in returning the file to the DIG and instructing him on the appropriate course of action. It is inexcusable for Adoke not to have taken any action on the matter, only for him to tell Oshiomhole at the National Council of State meeting that the file should not have come to him. That was certainly most provocative. We urge Mr Adoke to return the file to the appropriate quarters without delay so that this murder can be resolved and the culprits punished.

‘The Attorney-General of the Federation should have wasted no time in returning the file to the DIG and instructing him on the appropriate course of action. It is inexcusable for Adoke not to have taken any action on the matter, only for him to tell Oshiomhole at the National Council of State meeting that the file should not have come to him. That was certainly most provocative’

Killed hostages?

• The Jonathan administration owes us a clear and emphatic explanation

T

HE militant Islamic group, Jama’atu Ansarul Musilimina Fi Biladis Sudan (JAMBS), popularly called Ansaru has thrown the nation’s security apparati into turmoil since their purported killing of seven foreign hostages (a Briton, an Italian, a Greek and four Lebanese), abducted since February 16, 2013 from a construction camp of Setraco company at Jama’are, Bauchi State. The Islamic fundamentalist sect that is claiming to be “vanguards for the protection of Muslims in Black Africa” has admitted the killing through a video posted on the social media and signed by one Abu Usamatal Ansary on March 9.

Despite public admission by Britain,

‘The issue now has gone beyond asking why the Ansaru sect struck against the hostages. The country should, more importantly, not belabour matters by joining issues with the criminal sect over whether it actually attempted, with affected countries, a rescue operational raid on the hideout of the sect.

All that must be pursued now is how to get at those unscrupulous elements behind this evil plot’

Italy and Greece that their nationals have indeed been killed, there seems to be confusion in the Nigerian government circles, as high-ranking ministers, including Mr. Abba Moro, Minister of Interior, and Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru, Minister of Foreign Affairs, have been giving conflicting signals by either claiming that the hostages are still alive or that the government is searching for their dead bodies.

What is incontrovertible is that the al Qaeda-linked Ansaru group reportedly released a web video footage on March 9 that showed a gunman standing next to a pile of bodies with purported Arabic title: “The killing of the seven Christian hostages in Nigeria.”The face of one of the bodies in the video reportedly resembled that of those hostages already named by the authorities. The Nigerian government has not, till date, provided contrary evidence to support its position that the hostages may still be alive. Yet, the government claims to have intensified the search for the location and whereabouts of their bodies.

Surprisingly, the Joint Task Force, codenamed Operation Restore Order, assigned the task of quelling violence in Boko Haram troubled states of Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Kano and Adamawa, and its coordinating organ, the Defence Headquarters, have been mum on the whereabouts of the abducted hostages.

The inability of government security agencies, including the State Security Service (SSS) to unearth the location of the killed hostages’ bodies amounts to

nothing but a failure of intelligence in a country that spends billions of naira annually on security issues.

The issue now has gone beyond asking why the Ansaru sect struck against the hostages. The country should, more importantly, not belabour matters by joining issues with the criminal sect over whether it actually attempted, with affected countries, a rescue operational raid on the hideout of the sect. All that must be pursued now is how to get at those unscrupulous elements behind this evil plot.

Boko Haram (western education is sin) and the principal body of Ansaru, sometime last year killed a British and an Italian hostage in Sokoto State during a failed rescue mission by the British and Nigerian forces. A German kidnapped by the Islamist sect in January 2012 was also killed in the same year during a raid on his location. The list of barbaric onslaughts by this devilish group, purportedly embarking on Islamic crusade, is endless.

The killing of the hostages has shown that the government is not abreast of realities of the country’s security challenges. Otherwise, it would not doubt what was already known to the outside world. This puts a lie to the government’s aversion for security alerts raised by foreign countries, especially the United States and United Kingdom, to their nationals in the country. We hate to say that the official cluelessness on the whereabouts of the hostages or their corpses is a metaphor of surrender to a criminal gang by a sovereign government.

Awkward choice in Kenya

K

ENYA’s apparent decision to elect a president charged by the International Criminal Court at The Hague for crimes against humanity is deeply unsettling. But if Uhuru Kenyatta withstands an expected legal challenge by his opponent Raila Odinga, the United States and Europe are going to have to find a way to work with the new government, given Kenya’s standing as a vital security ally and a regional economic power.

American intelligence agents work closely with the Kenyans to hunt Al Qaeda cells in Kenya and Somalia. Kenya hosts the largest American embassy in sub-Saharan Africa and a vast United Nations complex and receives $1 billion annually in American aid.

It is a trading hub for Western corporations and has agreed to accept captured Somali pirates and hundreds of thousands of refugees at the request of Washington and other donors.

Defying expectations, Mr. Kenyatta, the deputy prime minister, won 50.7 percent of the vote, against 43 percent for Mr. Odinga, the prime minister. Mr. Odinga contends that the election was rigged, as he did in 2007 when he lost to President Mwai Kibaki, and has refused to concede. But there has been none of the violence among ethnic groups that erupted in 2007, when more than 1,300 people were killed. Mr. Odinga has said he will challenge the results in the courts, not on the streets. That responsible approach is possible partly because of recent reforms to the judiciary, once corrupt but now seen as one of the country’s more dependable institutions.

The charges against Mr. Kenyatta, a son of Kenya’s first president, are grave. According to prosecutors, as hundreds of his fellow Kikuyus were being slaughtered by rival ethnic groups after the 2007 election, he bankrolled death squads that carried out revenge attacks against women and children of Mr. Odinga’s group, the Luos.

Mr. Kenyatta has denied the charges but also exploited them to stoke Kenyan nationalism and anti-Western sentiment. Some analysts say a pre-election warning by a senior American official that “choices have consequences” played badly among many Kenyans and may have helped win sympathy votes for Mr. Kenyatta.

So far the United States and European states have reacted cautiously, praising Kenyan voters while ignoring Mr. Kenyatta. He would be the second sitting African head of state to face serious charges, after Omar Hassan al-Bashir of Sudan, who is wanted on an arrest warrant for crimes against humanity in Darfur. The United States has a policy of no contacts with suspects charged by the court and many countries rule out nonessential contacts. Yet they still deal with other officials in Sudan as needed. Some version of that should be applied to Kenya.

- 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

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THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

20

CARTOON & LETTERS

S

IR: The revelation that other political parties had indicated interest to bear the acronym APC before the All Progressive Congress came to progressive Nigerians as a rude shock. It was as startling as it was disturbing, more like a deadly blow, well-rehearsed and cruellydelivered with seeming utmost precision.

The blow must have been meant for the jaws of the facilitators of All Progressive Congress (APC) to wit, chieftains of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP) and All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) who toiled day and night to put together this awesome ‘toddler’ scheduled to enter the political firmament with a bang. But nay, the rank of forward- looking, progressive Nigerians that had fervently prayed for an intervention that would deliver the country from the crippling grip of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and that had looked forward with infectious enthusiasm and welcoming relief at the coming of All Progressive Congress had felt the blow more. Ultimately, democracy has been hit by something in the form of a ballistic missile!

The fact of the matter is that there exists an urgent need for an alternative to the monster called Peoples Democratic Party. Not a few Nigerians are of the opinion that the PDP needs be dislodged from power before a greater damage is done to the psyche of Nigerians and the country goes deeper into the abyss of economic quagmire.

Not only have Nigerians been totally disappointed that the

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

There’s no killing APC government of Goodluck Jonathan has not been able to significantly address the problems of power failure, infrastructural rot, rising unemployment, excruciatingly high cost of living, closure of local industries and re-location of their foreign counterparts, issues confronting the education sector, the present serious security challenge facing the country looks set to exterminate all Nigerians. In the face of this hullabaloo, Nigerians saw the move by the facilitators of All Progressive Party

to throw up another large party that could dislodge the ruling party in coming elections as a great relief and positive development.

We have heard that a lawyer submitted African Peoples Congress’s application to INEC on behalf of somebody; we have also heared that another party All Patriotic Citizens also with the acronym of APC has submitted its application to INEC, bringing to three parties interested in bearing APC. The big question is “How on earth can one person package and

sign an application on behalf of a political party? Where are INEC’s rules and regulations concerning party registration? Where were these parties on February 6 when the All Progressive Congress was formed?

The promoters of African Peoples’ Congress and any other party struggling with All Progressives Congress and their sponsors definitely have a motive: to whittle down the enthusiasm of Nigerians, frustrate the emergence of a credible alternative and

S

s• Laitan Akinwunmi Ifako-Ijaiye, Lagos

Running Abakaliki varsity by remote control

S

IR: When I heard that the Federal Government would establish a new Federal University in Abakaliki (FUNAI), I was overjoyed because there is little federal presence in Ebonyi State.

With the exception of the massive military barracks in the outskirts of Abakaliki and the federal roads linking Enugu State with Cross River State, there is little to show of any largesse from our federal government.

Since the university was established, I have visited the temporary site of the university nearly 30 times.

I have watched the slow pace of development of the site, the delayed admission of students, and a general sense of apathy in the place.

By contrast, I have also visited the Federal University at Otuoke (FUO) not less than 20 times and seen the hectic pace with which physical structures have sprung up, staff, students and visitors mill around and a general sense of excitement and optimism in that university in spite of problems caused by floods and other natural events.

I kept pondering why FUNAI is progressing slowly while FUO is bubbling until the reason occurred to me. FUO has a full-time, on-thepremises, hands-on vice chancellor while FUNAI has an absentee, parttime vice chancellor who prefers the comfort of Lagos to the parched earth and dry heat of Abakaliki.

It occurred to me that each time I

was at FUNAI and asked if the vice chancellor or registrar was in, the answer was always that the registrar was in but the vice chancellor was away. In all occasions when I asked the question, I got the same answer. On the other hand, any time I asked that question in Otuoke, I was told that the VC was in, or on very few occasions had gone to Abuja.

You may ask what business of mine is it. As a science graduate by training and a contractor by trade, I am eminently qualified to make a living through providing necessary supplies and equipment to universities and other institutions of higher learning in our dear country. All of these must ultimately be

The leader we need in 2015 IR: Nigeria is one of the most blessed countries in the world, with enough resources to develop its citizens and take them to the Promised Land.

But our failure today has been from the corrupt and dishonest politicians we have.

Can Nigeria have honest and upright leaders in 2015? That is a question that’s worth a million naira.

With the present crop of politicians, it will be difficult.

The president we need must be a

perpetuate ineffectual governance.

The National Publicity Secretary of the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP), Osita Okechukwu spoke the minds of many Nigerians when he called on INEC to “investigate the allegation that the proposed APC is being floated by the PDP to foist a oneparty system on the country”.

Some officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have allegedly owned up to a conspiracy deal.

The steely resolve of leaders of All Progressive Congress on this ‘copyright theft’ is note-worthy and heart-warming. All right-thinking Nigerians should prevail on INEC to register the All Progressive Congress with immediate effect.

This great political party must not die.

person who has the experience, is principled and of course who will listen to the people without creating much gap between the high class and the working class. We cannot afford to go for a lucky man but rather a hardworking man. Our leader must know Nigeria; possibly speak another Nigerian language apart from his native tongue; one with literate and working knowledge of Nigeria.

Our next president must have carriage and charisma, charm and fi-

nesse, bold and courageous and above all, he must have confidence and passion. He must be willing to fire any minister who is incompetent and corrupt, deal with economic issues and oil subsidy thieves.

We need a leader that in 2015 that will supervise projects and not commissioning.

How can we identify the honest leader who will take us to the Promised Land? Surely, we can find sincere and upright politicians in the lower echelons of government serv-

ice. There are also non-politicians who do not have the means or people to prepare them for the 2015 elections, especially when it comes to campaign funding.

We need to pray and seek for a God-fearing individual who will consider our needs and provide good education, employment, infrastructural development as well as good health for the people.

•Abdulkadir Zainab IBB University, Lapai, Niger State

approved by the Office of the Vice Chancellor and any supplies made must also be paid following approval from the Office of the Vice Chancellor.

But more importantly, as a Nigerian citizen and Ebonyi indigene, I am and should be concerned about how a new federal university in my state is progressing. When the registrar is always there and working, but the captain of the ship the vice chancellor is always away, how can a new university thrive? How can the relevant culture of scholarship and integrity be transmitted to students, staff and lecturers? How can the essence of university training be imparted to new students and new lecturers? How can Deans and Heads of Department buy into the vision of the university when the leader is not there to ensure buyin? Can a ship or airplane carrying hundreds of young impressionable and pliable Nigerians be piloted by remote control?

I have the greatest respect for the esteemed erstwhile vice chancellor of University of Lagos (UNILAG) who is the current vice chancellor at FUNAI. Perhaps, being vice chancellor at UNILAG sapped all his administrative strength. However, is a tired Vice Chancellor what FUNAI needs at this primordial stage of its development?

•Cassandra Ogbonna Port Harcourt, Rivers State

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

21

COMMENTS

W

ITH two well-timed knockouts delivered on the nation’s anti-corruption pretence all within one week, the hapless citizens of this country may have finally been let into the innards of the goodluck seduction. Of course, you know what I’m talking about; the sensational pardon granted Messrs Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, Shettima Bulama and Chichi Ashwe by the President Goodluck Jonathan. The icing on the presidential infamy was however weekend’s N6 billion cash haul at fund raising event of Jonathan’s church in Lagos.

To imagine that it was not nearly a month that I wrote on this page about winning as both addictive and intoxicating, and how this President, once coy mistress of power has since mastered the intricate game of decoy. Today, those who doubted the President’s resolve to cart all the trophies home, or his determination to carve the field of play in his own image only needs to to look at the streams of trophies rolling in. Unfortunately, it seems that the nation has a lot less to worry about the president’s trophies now as his infinite capacity to bruise the nation’s psyche, something that must be seen as doubly troubling.

Troubling because the nation is being reminded yet again, that those invested with the authority of state have very little appreciation of right and wrong, and the notion of office as public trust.

To start with, it is doubtful that anyone was fooled by the federal character appearance of the pardon largesse.

As we have since seen, not only was the Presidency less

‘What is a deanery and youth development centre that would attract N6 billion cash haul in a single fund-raiser?

What’s in a presidential fundraiser that Corporate Nigeria are routinely dragged into making obscene donations?

What we saw last week obviously sets a new limit in obscenity, another low in public morality?’

I

WRITE as an ordinary Nigerian citizen who loves his country and feels sufficiently concerned that we can do things better in this nation and avoid heating up the polity unnecessarily.

I write in respect if the heat being daily generated by the acronym “APC”.

The simple scenario is that a group of four political parties ACN, APGA, CPC and ANPP met on February 6, and decided to merge into one party. They agreed to change their names jointly to ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS (APC).

Three weeks later a group of faceless people got a lawyer to write INEC, a LETTER OF INTENT, stating their desire to register a certain AFRICAN PEOPLES CONGRESS (APC).

The controversy thus set in: Who owns the acronym, APC? Some of your men have argued that INEC will recognize and register African Peoples Congress because they wrote to INEC first.

The leaders of the All Progressives Congress feel betrayed and angry that INEC officials can reason this way and have indeed established a direct link between those fronting for African Peoples Congress and the ruling PDP, accusing the latter of a desperate effort to provide an excuse to avoid registering the legitimate ALL PROGRESSIVE CONGRESS. Now sir, this controversy is not good for the local and international image of our all-important electoral body.

To start with, it is patently wrong for your men to claim that the African Peoples Congress first put INEC on notice about the acronym, APC. The truth is that the acronym APC is an invention of the group of four merging parties. They invented the acronym February 6, three clear weeks before the illfated group, African Peoples Congress, decided to hijack it –and true to the character of hijackers, decided to hurriedly write INEC. They did so with the hope that if they approached you first, then their collaborators inside your commission can adopt the doctrine of FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED, to deny the real owners of the acronym, its use.

They missed the point. The point they missed is that in the law of intellectual property, it is not he that rushes to the patent office first that owns the invention.

Yours sincerely has been compelled to get familiar with the law of intellectual property rights in over 100 nations. In terms of legitimate ownership, an inventor can disclose his new acronym in one of two ways: Firstly, the four merging parties that invented the acronym, APC, could have decided to disclose it to INEC by secretly writing to the commission.

Alternatively, they could decide not to use the secret method of disclosure. They may decide to disclose their new acronym by making it public. Publicity is another

Policy Sanya Oni sanyaoni@yahoo.co.uk 08051101841

Our new reality than elegant in bunching of “goats” with “sheep”, it has been plain dishonest in the whole affair. Of course, its officials have since given the game away: its all about the the selfstyled Governor-General of the Ijaw nation and the politics of 2015! To make things beautiful and plausible, the have conjured a strange arithmetic of crude: the net difference between 700,000 and 2.4 million barrels of crude daily being more than equal to a DSP pardon!

It seems to me however that this particular pardon not only undermines the very basis of the punishment, it also sets a new threshold in public conduct. This is the the point missed by those who maintain the legality of the president’s action.

Yes, Alams and company have paid for their crimes. Assets said to be proceeds of their crimes have been forfeited to the state. So what? The question is what lessons are we sending to potential, albeit privileged criminals, if not that a presidential pardon can undo all things?

Now, I move on to the presidential fund-raiser for the St Stephen’s Anglican Deanery and Youth Development Centre, Otuoke, the President’s home town. The event, held at the high brow Civic Centre, Victoria Island Lagos at the weekend, was another classic in the display of presidential extortion – and that is to put things mildly.

What is a deanery and youth development centre that would attract N6 billion cash haul in a single fund-raiser? What’s in a presidential fund-raiser that Corporate Nigeria are routinely dragged into making obscene donations? What we saw last week obviously sets a new limit in obscenity, another low in public morality? It is not sufficient that the President merely followed the trail earlier blazed by former President Olusegun Obasanjo when he coralled the nation’s captains of industry to donate into his Presidential Library Project. It is offensive as it is wrong.

Again, just like the Obasanjo donor, it was the familiar donor list: the assortment of friends of those in power, the league of government contractors, the club of influence pedlers and their likes.

Prince Arthur Eze alone is said to have donated N1.8 billion. How much did the business tycoon pay as income tax in the last three years? The Board of Inland Revenue should be interested in finding out.

Jonathan’s Man Friday, Godswill Akpabio would not be overshadowed; he doled out N230 million on behalf of the PDP governors forum. Liyel Imoke, who only recently came back from medical vacation also chipped in N100 million also on behalf of his South-south governors.

Whose money? Tax payers money in the service of the president’s private project?

While I don’t claim to know what a church in a village stands to benefit from a N6 billion youth centre, a village which the President himself conceded that his children may not even live, it seems to me that the project speaks only to the vanity of office. Here, it does not even make things better that God’s name is being dragged into an exercise that speaks of the vanity of men and reeks of the pervasive stench of corruption in the land.

Again, the president may have done no wrong; indeed, it seems inevitable that we are going to be regaled with the defence of the shameful fundraiser. We are sure going to be told of how God loves a cheerful giver, how the amount donated are for worthy causes.

It does not matter. Sure, the hapless Otuoke folks would have something of a memoriam for their beloved son’s sojourn in presidential office, however, it takes nothing from the immorality of it all.

Of course, the nation has a lot to worry about. Today, hunger stalks in the land, the Boko Haram is on rampage in the North-east and the North-central; the power situation has since relapsed. Governance is on firm, steady retreat.

While those in the corridors of power celebrate shadows, the ordinary folks in the street lives with the reality of denial. But these come nowhere near the daily assault to what they know as public morality, their sense of right and wrong.

That, courtesy of GEJ, is the new reality we have to live with.

‘While those in the corridors of power celebrate shadows, the ordinary folks in the street lives with the reality of denial. But these come nowhere near the daily assault to what they know as public morality, their sense of right and wrong’

Open letter to Jega

By Ezekiel Izuogu legitimate way of claiming priority to an invention or copy right.

It is not strange that both the secret and public method are legitimate.

It is like a man is carrying a huge amount of cash through a busy street. He has a choice to convey the money secretly so no one knows he has it in his car booth.

He may also choose the public means by using sirens and armed police, pointing cocked guns in all directions and announcing that he is carrying cash…and daring any intruder to make an attempt and die.

Both methods are legitimate.

There are reasons why an inventor of an idea may decide to choose the publicity option.

Suppose, for instance, that the merging parties feared that if they disclose their acronym secretly to INEC, some partisan INEC officers could be influenced by the ruling party to deny the existence of that secret information. They may have felt, and rightly so, that they were safer making the acronym public so that they would place on notice, not just INEC, but the Nigerian nation and the international community. This they did on February 6. To this extent sir, the acronym belongs to the merging parties, no matter where the case is taken to, including the World Intellectual Property Organisation, Geneva.

The implication of this is that the international community that will be monitoring your elections in 2015 already have this information. They are watching how your commission will handle it. Depending on how you do, they will draw their conclusions as to how much credibility they will place on whatever else you do.

What is more, the four registered political parties that have merged do not actually need a new registration from INEC. What they need is simply a NAME CHANGE. For example, suppose a student had registered in your university for a course which you taught.

Suppose into his second year, he changed his name then all he needed to do was simply to publish a name change stating that “all documents remain valid” and that student needs no NEW REGISTRATION. That is all. It is all the merging parties needed to do. They simply notify INEC of their name change so that they can return their old certificates of registration to INEC, and jointly collect a new one in their new name and acronym.

Provided no other registered political party had been using the acronym, APC, the law does not allow the INEC to refuse their acronym change.

What is more, it was the duty of INEC officials to inform

the lawyer of “African Peoples Congress” that they cannot use APC since this acronym had been publicly announced by a group of four REGISTERED political parties, three whole weeks earlier.

Not to have followed this simple protocol can only mean what within your commission are officers who are willing to play the role of AGENT PROVOCAUTER and wouldn’t mind rubbishing the image and credibility of the commission. You must watch out for such characters and flush them out of your commission, or else they will ruin the good you wish to do for Nigeria.

In spite of what negative stories, I do think that you mean well for this country. I have many reasons for stating this. I will give one recent example: The APGA has problem. There is now the “PDP-APGA and the “APC-APGA”.

My good friend Governor Peter Obi wants to organize a convention for the “PDP-APGA”. The National Chairman (albeit restrained), Chief Victor Umeh is kicking against this for good reasons.

INEC came up with a verdict that gladdened the hearts of many a Nigerian. A governor is a very influential person in our society, by all standards. With all the allegations of Pro-PDP being hauled at INEC, everyone had expected they would rule in favor of Mr. Obi and the “PDPAPGA”. But INEC said “NO”. It is not part of the duties of a governor to organise National Conventions of political parties.

Well done, Sir! It is this kind of action that gives us hope that war will not break out in our nation in 2015.

That the INEC under you, will yet prove to be an impartial umpire and save the nation this madness.

Now I urge you to quickly consign this national tension about APC to the dustbin by simply getting your secretary write the African Peoples Congress to choose another acronym, for the simple reason that the acronym was already taken by no less a group than four REGISTERED political parties that were registered by INEC. The commission must obey her own laws and protocols.

Let’s avoid allowing controversies to fester where none is called for. It is very dangerous for a nation like ours.

What you may consider a storm in a teacup can snowball into a national calamity just like the “little trouble” in Western Nigeria did in 1965. Whoever thought a little regional election crisis would gravitate to a bloody military coup and then a civil war.

We do have a duty to promote those things that make for peace and genuine unity in this nation.

Thank you Sir, and do have a pleasant day.

• Dr. Izuogu writes from Abuja

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

22

COMMENTS

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HE race for the presidency in 2015 has already begun, and if you are in doubt you only need to take a look at what is happening inside the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and what President Goodluck Jonathan is doing with the presidency.

For a start the PDP is in disarray, no thanks to Jonathan’s ambition of a second (or is it third) term in office. Against common sense and good political acumen the President has picked quarrel with the soul of the PDP in the south west and is also at daggers drawn with party leaders and some state governors in the southsouth region where he hails from and which is supposed to be his home base.

His support in the north is tilting towards zero while nobody could say for sure on whose side the middle belt would be in 2015.

And as if these are not enough problems for Jonathan, the President is also picking quarrel with the international community over the stupid decision of the National Council of State to grant state pardon to those who stole public funds like his benefactor and former governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha.

The United States in particular has spoken against the decision to pardon Alamieyeseigha, expressing deep disappointment at the decision describing it as a setback in Nigeria’s fight against corruption. The pardon announced last week and which covered alleged coup plotters against the military regime of one time Head of State, the late General Sani Abacha, also drew a lot of flak from the general public in line with the US criticism.

Jonathan or rather his presidency, displaying a new found nationalism saw the American position as an undue interference and meddlesomeness in the internal affairs of Nigeria, since our president was acting within the confines of Nigerian laws by the granting of the pardons. What a stupid argument. The Presidency even had to call in the US deputy Chief of Mission James P. MacAnulty to protest the US position which came via two short

D

R Emmanuel Uduaghan’s administration is synonymous with success, having embarked on a sports revolution aimed at returning the state to the leadership position which the former MidWest region was known for.

In recent times, hardly any major international or national sports event has occurred without an impressive and dominant showing of Delta State sportsmen and women.

We are all witnesses to the brilliant performance of the Super Eagles at the just concluded Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa. The team led by the Delta State-born Stephen Okechukwu Keshi brought home the gold trophy that has eluded this country since the past 19 years.

The deciding goal in the final march against Burkina Faso players was scored by the home based Sunday Mba of the Warri Wolves in Delta State.

Delta state has a rich history of producing Nigeria’s sports ambassadors. This is made evident by their consistently impressive showing at very major sports event. The laurels and acclaim won by Delta athletes proves their worth and prowess as exceptional athletes.

Though the country did not bring home any gold medal, it is of noteworthy that 12 out of the 78 athletes that represented Nigeria at the 2012 London Olympics came from Delta State, making the state the largest single supplier of athletic talents. At the 2011 All African Games in Mozambique, athletes of Delta state extraction who were on scholarship abroad won six out of the 10 gold medals won by Nigerian athletes At the national level, at the recently concluded National Sports Festival, ‘Eko 2012’ Delta state mesmerized sports lovers by their impressive performance. Athletes from the state won 116 gold, 97 silver and 75 bronze medals to beat the last champions Rivers state to the second place with 76 gold, 71 silver and 71 bronze medals.

Out of the six National Sports festivals held

Before Alams blow tweets published by the American embassy in Abuja.

Now the Americans with their zero tolerance for corruption and related activities, we are told, are considering a whole range of actions to be taken against the Jonathan government. These could include US visa denial to some key officials of the administration and may be their families too. This could spark tit for tat retaliation from Nigeria and before you know it, the cordial relationship between both countries could be put into jeopardy with the likelihood that Nigeria could become a pariah among countries that matter around the world if care was not taken.

This could throw us back to the Abacha era when Nigeria was virtually ostracized because of the policies of the then Federal Military Government. Do we need to travel this route again?

If one may ask, why should Jonathan risk all the goodwill that Nigeria is beginning to garner around the world just to free his godfather and benefactor from a self inflicted injury? I am sure in the United Kingdom where Alamieyeseigha jumped bail the matter has not been forgotten. So if tomorrow the man finds himself in the UK or any country with extradition treaty with the British and he was apprehended and flown to London to face the law, what would be Nigeria’s reaction?

Jonathan may have satisfied and discharged his obligation to his kinsman but his action is a terrible blow to Nigeria’s quest to be among the best countries in the world where no one is above the law.

As expected, his court jesters have stoutly defended the action and one in particular likened it to the state pardon granted Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Dim Chukwuemeka Ojukwu, both of blessed memories by the Federal Government. We all know why Awolowo went to jail and Ojukwu picked up arms against the Nigerian state. None of the two stole public funds or impoverished their people; Alamieyeseigha did, and the law court said so.

Now the argument that Alams as he is fondly called was instrumental to the bringing about of peace in the Niger Delta region is neither here nor there. The fact remains that he stole Bayelsa’s money, jumped bail in the UK and thus impoverished his people and also embarrassed Nigeria. These are criminal acts which I think all his efforts at helping in restoring peace to the Niger Delta are not enough to erase. He knew what he was into when he was filling his pockets with public funds and knew the repercussion. It is bad enough that Alamieyeseigha is not in jail like James Ibori, his co-traveller, but Jonathan has added salt to the injury by pardoning him, thus erasing all his sins and leaving him clean and fit to hold public office again in future if he so desires and his people approve.

Don’t be surprised if the President goes the whole hog in Alams rehabilitation project by appointing him a Minister of the Federal Republic, say Minister of Petroleum or Niger Delta Affairs for instance.

The PDP Senate would surely confirm

him, after all what would the Senators give as their reason for rejecting him if he was nominated by Jonathan. Could this be where Jonathan is headed? And if yes, what would be the reaction of the international community? I am sure the hawks in the Villa will tell him not to mind America and the rest of the western world, after all if the US and co say no, China and Russia are there to support us. But tell me which country had the support of these two nations and survived the onslaught of the rest of the civilized world if and when it comes?

Before the Alams blow and the hammer falls on Nigeria, somebody had better call Jonathan to order and rein in all childish and clannish tendencies because if and when it comes all of us will suffer for it.

But wait a minute. May be there is something we are all missing in this Alams pardon issue. Could this be a sign of a man unsure of his political tomorrow? Like a friend pointed out, may be Jonathan is beginning to see the handwriting on the wall that project 2015 might not be after all and now that he still has the power to pardon his benefactor who stole public funds and was so convicted, he had better do it, even if it is morally reprehensible, because no other Nigerian president, except may be another Jonathan (God forbid) would do it. Can you see what I am seeing?

‘It is bad enough that Alamieyeseigha is not in jail like James Ibori, his cotraveller, but Jonathan has added salt to the injury by pardoning him, thus erasing all his sins and leaving him clean and fit to hold public office again in future if he so desires and his people approve’

Uduaghan and sports

By Onyeka Fidelis recently, Delta has won four providing and grooming athletes for the country and making preparations for the next Olympics in Brazil.

During the National Sports festival of 2009 ‘KADA Games’ held in Kaduna state, Delta emerged winner by winning a total of 110 gold medals to beat Edo and Ogun states to the second and third positions respectively.

It should be noted that all these victories would not have been possible if not for the dogged commitment of Governor Uduaghan with his human capital development policy.

The governor disclosed that his administration was exploring sports as a strategic area of creating employment, peace and building a state beyond oil.

He explained that he was committed to developing the state through sports by positively engaging the youths while adding that the power of sports helps to discipline the society, reduce criminality and promote unity.

And to continue achieving this success in sports and in line with the agenda, the government went into heavy investment in the provision of quality sports facilities, equipments and professional coaches so as to have a conducive atmosphere for competitive training purposes.

The quality sports facilities built by Uduaghan in the state especially Warri could not fail to gain FIFA’s approval when they visited Warri.

Because of the state of the art equipment’s and facilities available at the sports centre, many international sporting events have been hosted by the state including the Confederation of African Football (CAF), women championship. Not just that, the governor went further by planning and making provisions for the retirement period of the ath-

letes. According to him “the decision to give cash rewards is because of the pitiable conditions some athletes who had represented the country and won laurels at international competitions found themselves after retirement”.

Governor Uduaghan has been pivotal to the success of Delta in sports and he has special relationship with the athletes and does a lot to motivate them.

When the Delta victorious team won in the KADA Games, to encourage and motivate the athletes and display appreciation, the governor gave out a cash reward of N500,000 for each gold medal, while silver and bronze medalists got N3000,000 and N200,000 respectively.

Each of the coaches whose athletes won gold was rewarded with N500,000, silver N300,000 while bronze received N200,000.

The governor also doled out N500,000 for each team event. The sum of N100, 000 was given to each athlete that participated but could not win a medal among others.

Scholarship to study abroad and in Nigeria was awarded to some of the athletes while automatic employment was awarded all medalists who were not on the pay roll of Delta State.

This display of appreciation led the victorious team to surpass their performance in the KADA games at the 18th National Sports festival at the Eko 2012. The Delta contingent emerged overall winners at the games, with a total medal haul of 288.

Uduaghan being the motivator he is, rewarded the team with about N291.98 million. At the ceremony held at the events centre, Asaba, he said that Delta had never had it “as good in sports as we did in Lagos”. The cash awards, he said, was for the athletes to invest positively to avoid living in poor conditions when they must have passed their active years. Adding that “we cannot pay the

athletes enough for their great performance and the honour they have given to us”.

Awards of scholarship abroad and within Nigeria was also given out to the athletes while majority of them were given automatic employment in the state.

Toeing the line of President Goodluck Jonathan, he hosted the Super Eagles for their recent performance at the Nation’s Cup, giving out various rewards in cash and landed properties to the football players and their coaches.

He called on sports heroes in the country to give back to the society through mentoring programs and development of sporting talents of the teaming youths of the country.

The Governor who is leaving no stone upturned to see that Delta state wins the forth coming African Youth Athletics championship holding in Warri has already inaugurated an 11-man local organizing committee to successfully organize a hitch-free competitive championship.

Tagged ‘Sapele 2013’, the competition is aimed at promoting sports from the grass root, identify young talents, nurture and expose them to the world.

Delta State had already begun preparations for the next National sports festival tagged ‘Paradise Games’ scheduled to hold in Calabar, Cross River in 2014. “At the Games, we will change our strategies” boasted their governor.

“We are determined to encourage them and from the plans we have, we will have gold medalists from Delta at the next Olympic games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2016” said Uduaghan.

At his level of commitment and at the intensity at which he is building new and budding athletes in the Delta State, there is no doubt the state will produce gold medalists at Brazil in 2016.

• Fidelis is an engineer based in Asaba

INSIDE

TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

Page 25

Website: http://www.thenationonlineng.com

Nigeria’s rising showbiz city - Page 26

‘Light rail’ll ease commuters’ woes’

The burden of awaiting trial inmates - Page 27

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Kuwaitis celebrate freedom day

- Page 28

HAT is the solution to the country’s transportation problems? It is in genuine and committed diversification of the sector, says the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Bala Mohammed.

It is for this reason, he said, that the Abuja light rail project was conceived. The Abuja light rail, when completed, he said, would move about two million passengers in and around the Federal Capital Territory daily.

Senator Mohammed spoke in Gwarinpa I District, Abuja during a Gala Night he organised in honour of the United States Infrastructure Trade Mission to Nigeria.

The minister reiterated that the project is on course, saying the Federal Government is doing everything possible to complete it by 2014.

He said: “The importance of rail transportation cannot be over-emphasised as the project is billed to move about two million passengers daily.”

From Gbenga Omokhunu

Continuing, he said: “Each of the rail stations in the ongoing project is designed to be a business centre comprising shopping malls, offices and other land uses.”

He remarked that when the project becomes operational, its activities will generate thousands of employment and several thousand will also be engaged in auxiliary businesses.

The minister noted that the group’s visit came at an auspicious time as the administration of Presi-

dent Goodluck Jonathan is focused on aggressively attracting direct foreign investment to Nigeria as well as reversing the malaise of collapsing infrastructure, which has dogged the country for decades.

“His administration’s transformation agenda seeks to place Nigeria among the 20 leading global economies by the year 2020,” he added.

Mohammed informed the visitors that the FCT Administration has come up with a Land Swap

The importance of rail transportation cannot be over-emphasised as the project is billed to move about two million passengers daily…Each of the rail stations in the ongoing project is designed to be a business centre comprising shopping malls, offices and other land uses

policy where investors are expected to provide basic infrastructure in exchange for land to reduce the infrastructure deficit in the Federal Capital Territory.

He, therefore, urged them to help invite investors from the US to participate in the new policy.

The leader of the delegation and Executive Vice-President of OPIC, Mimi Alemayehou appreciated the reception accorded her and her entourage since they arrived in Nigeria.

She promised to take the partnership to the next level for the mutual benefits of both parties.

Dignitaries that attended the Gala Night were the member representing the FCT in the Senate, Senator Philip Tanimu Aduda; the Minister of Works Mike Oziegbe Onolememen; Acting Permanent Secretary of the FCT Alhaji Nuhu Ahmed; US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Terrace McCauley as well as other top government functionaries of the FCT Administration.

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

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ABUJA REVIEW

Abuja: Nigeria’s rising showbiz city

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HE entertainment industry in Nigeria is a sector that is fast growing in recent years.

Entertainers are respected as they are regarded as members of the upper class who make their money legitimately.

Almost every young person now aspires to take to entertainment, even as parents encourage their children unlike what obtained in the yesteryear when such children were cursed, literally.

As a result of the fame and money-spinning nature of the entertainment industry, parents are wont to egg-on their children to be involved.

Lagos, from the earliest time, had monopolised the trade for a very long time. Lagos had been the home of early music genres like high life among others. It had also raised older musicians like King Sunny Ade, Onyeka Onwenu, Majek Fashek, Chris Okotie and a host of others.

In later years, younger artistes like Daddy Showkey, Danfoe Drivers, African China and lots more had sprang up from the city of Lagos.

The industry became more appealing when people like 2face Idibia, D’Banj, P-Square, MI, Banky W, Wizkid and a variety of others made the art so lucrative so much so that more people want to either be involved in the industry or be associated with these music stars.

Although many had believed that one needed to reside in Lagos to be part of the music industry, acting or modeling, many cities nation-wide are developing to be home for budding artistes.

However, people have realised that they could actualise their dreams in any part of the country;

From Grace Obike

even though Lagos is still relevant.

Agreed, most of these artistes still shuffle between these cities to make themselves relevant in the industry and possibly get invited to perform in more shows as possible.

Although the city of Lagos, for a long time to come, will still be considered as the centre of the entertainment business in Nigeria or Africa, the congestion in Lagos is beginning to cause people to move to other cities; especially Abuja.

Most of the big names in the entertainment industry in Nigeria like Charley Boy, Francis Duru, Tuface, Iyanya, Jim Iyke and others reside in Abuja, a city that is fast growing as epicentre of entertainment.

Though most of these big names in the entertainment industry reside in Abuja, they began their careers in Lagos.

Most of these stars still make bulk of their money in Lagos and prefer Abuja probably as a place for relaxation.

It could also be that they believe that Abuja residents still respect and honour these stars compared to Lagos residents that no longer regard some of these artistes unless those that are exceptionally prominent in the industry.

Most of these artistes prefer to live quiet lifestyle while others like Charley Boy who has a home in Gwarinpa and Jim Iyke who established a nice clothing store at Garki really enjoy their stay in the city.

Unfortunately, Abuja still recognises Lagos artistes than the Abujagroomed ones. This results in most of the Abuja-bred artistes shuffling between the two cities in order to

•Charly Boy performing on stage gain respect.

Tekno is another fast rising music star who has not only released great singles that are always hitting the airwaves but has also collaborated with great names in the industry to produce some great hits.

Although he constantly travels to Lagos for performances, he says that Abuja is home for him and that he will always reside and perform in the city because it is growing at a very fast pace; a situation that makes artistes begin to get the recognition they deserve. This, he said, encourages them perform more in Abuja.

People in Abuja feel more comfortable being entertained and are

ready to pay huge sums of money to be kept amused.

These days, clubs are sprouting up in every part of the city with people ready to relieve their stress in such places. Shows are organised almost every weekend in different parts of the town where artistes from all parts of the country, continent and globe are invited to perform.

Even though the entertainment industry is fast growing in the city of Abuja, artistes sometimes, are oblivious of the moods of the residents.

Experts in Psychology maintain that the entertainers have to under-

stand the psychology of the city before organising a programme.

Abuja, though, is the nation’s capital city, it is inhabited by people from all parts of the country, the northern mentality is, to an extent, still a force to reckon with and has been keeping the city in check.

People seem to be interested in attending shows that they are sure would not harm their moral values and cultural beliefs.

Lindsay Abudel, a finalist at the 2010 Project Fame singing competition held a live concert in Abuja on March 2, 2013 at the Designers •Continued on page 27

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RANSCORP Hilton Abuja has been named the winner of Hilton Worldwide prize for 2012 Group Conference and Events Sales Team of the Year for the Middle East and Africa (MEA) regions.

A statement from the hotel in Abuja said: “The award, announced at the Europe, Middle East and Asia Pacific Sales Conference in Vienna, Austria recognises the highest performing hotel sales team in specific Hilton Worldwide conference and events sales measurement metrics.”

Transcorp Hilton led the MEA region in all metrics including Business Development Research Consultants (BDRC) test calls, third party transactions, building great relationships for win-win transactions, strong follow-ups and business conversions to win the prestigious award.

The General Manager of Transcorp Hilton Abuja Mr. Etienne Gailliez said: “It is great to see the hard work and dedication of our team recognised by Hilton Worldwide in what was acknowledged as a difficult year.

The award makes a great start to 2013 and we are proud to achieve this important recognition.”

The hotel’s Director of Business Development, Vikram Jamwal who was present in Vienna to receive the award expressed delight that Transcorp Hilton Abuja got the “international recognition for the outstanding conference and meetings product we provide to guests.

“Our team is delighted with the award and determined to keep the momentum to consistently

•Transcorp Hilton

Transcorp Hilton wins award From Nduka Chiejina

exceed the expectations of our guests,” he said.

The award plaque was pre-

sented to Vikram Jamwal by Hilton Worldwide President and Chief Executive Officer Chris Nassetta at a ceremony in Berlin, Germany.

The MD/CEO of Transnational

Hotels and Tourism Services Limited; (owners of Transcorp Hilton Abuja) Valentine Ozigbo and Hilton Worldwide President for Middle East and Africa, Rudi Jagersbacher were also present at

the award presentation ceremony.

In his remark, Mr. Ozigbo thanked Hilton Worldwide for the strong partnership will get deepened with the proposed establishment of more Hilton brands in Nigeria by Transcorp Plc.ence and events sales measurement metrics

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

27

ABUJA REVIEW

The burden of awaiting trial inmates OST people believe that the management of the Nigerian Prisons Service (NPS) has not done enough to address the issue of Awaiting Trial Persons (ATPs). The NPS itself has expressed worries over the huge population of ATPs in its custody which constitute a burden on its finance and the effective operation of the penitentiaries, and a latent danger to the society. The prison is meant for convicted persons, but Nigeria’s case is different as the population of awaiting trial inmates surpasses that of the convicts.

As at September, 2012, the 235 prisons in the country had a population of 54,156 consisting of 38,352 Awaiting Trial Persons, 15,593 convicted males and 211 convicted females.

Though the NPS has different kinds of skill acquisition programmes for inmates, ATPs do not benefit from them as they are not regarded as ‘legal residents’ of prisons. They are thus left to literally vegetate because the system is not ‘responsible’ to them. They are forgotten by the judiciary and are unwanted by the prison system which regards them as nuisance.

The prison service seems to be helpless in this regard. As the Assistant Comptroller-General in charge of Social Welfare, Chuks

M

From Gbenga Omokhunu

Afujie said, the ATPs pose a big constraint to the prison system because they take a lot of space that could be used for other purposes. “Awaiting trial inmates could escape if allowed to participate in training programmes and this could jeopardise an officer’s career. ATPs are not regarded the reponsibility of prison service and they are not usually allowed to participate in training programmes,” he said.

Apart from the awaiting trial inmates, children born to inmates constitute another set of illegal residents in prisons. Afujie said that about 45 children are living with their parents in prison cells, with five babies added to the population in 2012. He, however, said the management was working with the social welfare department of the Ministry of Justice to release the children to family members for proper care.

In the last one year, the system has experienced jail-breaks with many detainees escaping from the harsh conditions in the gulag. Amnesty International, in its 2008 report, condemned the appalling state of Nigeria ’s prison system, saying that Nigeria’s prisons are filled with people whose human rights are being systematically violated. The organisation said that

• One of Nigerian Prisons the criminal justice system is utterly failing the Nigerian people, calling it a “conveyor belt of injustice, from beginning to end.”

In a scathing 50-page report, the organisation reveals how, at least, 65 per cent of Nigeria’s inmates have never been convicted of any crime, with some awaiting trial for up to 10 years; how most in prisons are too poor to afford the service of

•Musicians performing on stage

Abuja: Nigeria’s rising showbiz city •Continued from Page 26 Market Place. The concert was meant to re-introduce her into the music world and rekindle her fans’ interest in her.

In a chat with Abuja Review, she revealed that living in Abuja inspires her in every way. She also said she still loves performing in the city because of the residents’ appreciative and hospitable nature.

The city, she said, has a lot to offer young and old artistes because the people are open-minded.

Meanwhile, the price charged by organisers of shows in the city can determine people’s perceptions of such shows. If the price charged for any show is low, residents could

perceive such show to be an allcomers affairs where hoodlums would be in great attendance. But if the price is too high, it will result in attendance of few numbers of audience. This is because people will assume that the show is meant for the supper rich.

While organising a show, organisers would take into consideration the day of the week. This is so because Abuja is a city where most people travel out of town on Fridays and return on Sundays. Most residents enjoy spending their weekends away from the city. So, programmes organised on Fridays or Saturdays would not be successful unlike in Lagos where most residents do not travel out. This is so because Abuja sleeps while Lagos

doesn’t.

The Iyanya album launch which took place in the city on February 24 illustrates this scenario well.

People paid so much to witness the event. He was late to the event probably forgetting it was Abuja and not Lagos. People complained of incompetence on his part. He worsened the situation by not singing his songs which people had come to listen to. He rather wasted time singing old foreign blues.

Although it is unarguable that Lagos leads in the entertainment business, one believes that in the nearest future, Abuja may take over as the epicentre of entertainment industry in the country.

So, Lagos should get ready for a fierce competition ahead.

a lawyer, with only one in seven awaiting trial having access to private legal representation and how appalling prison conditions, including severe overcrowding, are seriously damaging the mental and physical health of thousands.

“The problems in Nigerian’s criminal justice system especially its prisons are so blatant and egregious that the Nigerian government has had no choice but to recognise them and has pledged many times that it will reform the system.

“However, the reality is that those in prison stand little chance of their rights being respected.

Those without money stand even less chance. Some could end up spending the rest of their lives behind bars in appalling conditions without ever having been convicted of a crime sometimes simply due to their case files having been lost by the police, “ said Aster van Kregten, Amnesty International’s Nigeria researcher, speaking at a press conference in Abuja.

Unfortunately, the situation has barely improved, four years later.

The NPS, however, insists that it has evolved new strategies and reforms to turn the system around. It lays the blame of high ATPs on the doorstep of the police and the judiciary. Acting Deputy Comptroller General (DCG), Operations, Ibrahim Zuru, described the huge number of awaiting trial inmates as “a monster staring at the prison service,” adding that the prison authority has introduced prisoners upkeep management system which involves paying personalised attention to individual inmates in collaboration with some non-governmental agencies, including the Nigerian Bar Association.

The NPS management, Zuru added, was training its armed squads to respond to incidents of jail-breaks and providing security for the prison environment.

Assistant Comptroller-General of Prisons in charge of Research and Publication, Dr. Ifedora Orakwe at a briefing with journalists at the

NPS headquarters in Abuja , stated that the ATPs were the consequence of a malfunctioning judiciary.

“The responsibility of prison service is to reform inmates and not to keep them indefinitely. We can’t perform the function of the police or the judiciary,” he says.

He observed that the congestion in the prisons was caused by the police who dump people in the prisons and the NPS officer has no choice than to accept anyone brought to the facility once there is a warrant from the court.

On what the service is doing to address the problem, Orakwe said that the NPS has deployed its lawyers to assist detainees to get quick justice. He pointed out that long detention of inmates without trial poses a danger to the society as the victims of such treatment often become embittered and frustrated; a situation that could result in their turning against the society when released. According to him, the root of the Boko Haram insurgency in the country could be traced to unjust detention of people who have taken arms against the state.

He said: “Boko Haram resulted from illegally detained people who may have become bitter and frustrated. When they leave their jail cells during jail-breaks, they turn against the society.

“Government must pay attention to those behind the wall because when they are released into the society, they become dangerous, if not well managed.”

To make the inmates useful to themselves and the society, the NPS said it has various self-development programmes which the inmates participated in. Deputy Comptroller-General of Prisons (Training), Alhaji Mohammed Isah explained that the service has agricultural and industrial units where inmates are trained. He stated that 124 inmates were trained on trade in 2012 and 18 had grade A, 80 had grade two and 32 had grade three, while 335 •Continued on Page 28

The responsibility of prison service is to reform inmates and not to keep them indefinitely. We can’t perform the function of the police or the judiciary

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

28

ABUJA REVIEW

The burden of awaiting trial inmates •Continued from Page 27 others were to be tested.

Isah said that his department has acquired new binding machines for welding and the tools have been deployed to Kaduna and Kuje Prisons while plans are on to extend it to Calabar Prisons. According to him, the NPS has a cottage industry for raw materials and also runs a printing press in Lagos which generated over N2million in 2011.

“We have over 1,500 inmates under training in agriculture and we generated over N26million last year. We also set up a shoe factory in Aba , Abia State and we are working with various agricultural research institute to boost our farming techniques and increase our yield and outputs,” the DCG said.

Afujie reeled off the numbers of inmates that had benefited from the literacy programme of the service.

He said that in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State , the service runs primary and secondary schools and 34 inmates sat for the National Examination Council (NECO) in 2012; 34 also sat for the West African Examination Council (WAEC) and NECO in Enugu Prison and 33 others are running the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) programmes.

He further explained that four inmates are running the NOUN programmes in Awka Prison, 53 sat for NECO in Kuje Prison while a study centre was also being considered for the facility. “About 48 inmates were recommended to the Federal Government for release,” he said.

The service, on December 19, 2012, presented works tools to 25 former prison inmates to enable them to be self-dependent, as part of its aftercare programmes. The beneficiaries who were drawn from five states in different geo-political zones of the federation, were

given trade materials for various vocations including tailoring, welding, interior decoration and hair dressing at a brief ceremony at the NPS headquarters, Abuja.

Comptroller-General of Prisons, Mr. Ibrahim Zakari explained that the materials were procured for the beneficiaries after they had learnt various trades while serving their prison terms.

He added that the inmates had made commitments in writing that they would cooperate with the NPS to manage their post-adjustment efforts.

He said: “One of the beneficiaries resides in Dutse Alhaji in Bwari Area Council has gotten a workshop in Utako. He is into interior decoration and was a student of NOUN while in prison. He is continuing with his NOUN programme and is now a 400-level student. He majors in Cooperative Studies. He has equally volunteered to go round our prisons and speak to our inmates as a role model.”

Zakari stated that the prison service runs an entrepreneurial training programme for inmates at the maximum, medium and the female prisons, Kirikiri, Lagos in collaboration with the Prison Fellowship Nigeria, Covenant University, Ota and the Small and Medium Enterprises Agency of Nigeria.

The CG said that about 61 inmates had graduated from the entrepreneurial programme while 21 inmates matriculated in July, 2012.

According to him, 43 inmates at Enugu, Lagos and Port Harcourt prisons Special Study Centres of the National Open University of Nigeria matriculated on November 24, 2012, bringing the number of inmates on the NOUN programmes at the centres to 77.

On behalf of other beneficiaries, Rasheed Sodipo and Chukwuma

The prison service runs an entrepreneurial training programme for inmates at the maximum, medium and the female prisons, Kirikiri, Lagos in collaboration with the Prison Fellowship Nigeria, Covenant University, Ota Okoye thanked the service for the tools and promised to utilise them well. Okoye, who is running a NOUN programme said he was detained for 10 years without trial for assault.

Apart from training inmates, the service is also re-training its personnel. ACG Jafaru Ahmed in

charge of Administration said about 1,263 workers were recently trained while 249 personnel graduated from the Staff College in Kaduna. “Two recently went for courses at the Institute of Security Studies, Bwari, Abuja, 10 are undergoing counter-revolutionary war-

Kuwaitis celebrate freedom day

T

HERE was no other way to celebrate the two important days in the life of the people of Kuwait, the 52nd Independence Day and 22nd Liberation Day. The two days are so significant in the life and history of the Kuwaitis that theyare always celebrated.

So, it was not surprising when the Kuwaitis, led by their Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Saad Al Asousi rolled out the drums to celebrate their days.

•Zakari Ibrahim

From Vincent Ikuomola

They gathered in Abuja and were joined by other foreign diplomats to celebrate the days. The celebration took place simultaneously all over the world.

The Liberation Day aimed at commemorating the country’s libera-

tion from Iraqi occupation in 1991.

The United States of America led an allied force to liberate the country from Saddam Hussein’s armed forces that had occupied the oil-rich country.

The Ambassador said: “The day is a special day for the people as it provides the opportunity for eve-

ryone to celebrate the country’s freedom.

“The people of Kuwait are proud of the day and what the government is doing.”

Besides, he said the anniversary celebration will afford the government the opportunity to inform the people about the positive steps it has taken in the area of development and about its future plans for the people.

The Ambassador also noted that the country’s democracy has come of age as it has experienced over 50 years of democratic practice, saying members of the Parliament are elected on a four-year term while civil rights and obligations have been implemented.

He stressed that the members of the Parliament obtain exclusive rights to monitor programmes of the executive.

He also added that women have equal opportunities like the men in Kuwait.

The Ambassador, who also used the opportunity to speak on Kuwait-Nigeria relationship, assured of an improved trade relationship

fare training at Army College, Jaji; 37 are attending Command Course; 810 attended CPS in Lagos and Kaduna while 2, 285 junior staff were recently promoted,” he stated.

The prison officers were saddened by the apparent neglect of the prison system by the government and they were particularly miffed by the apathy of the state governments who they accused of not bothering about the welfare of the inmates. “State governors donate vehicles and money to the police and other agencies, but conveniently forget the prisons where the criminals and other bad characters are kept. Yet, these inmates may not have been brought to the prisons if the government had embarked on proper social engineering and invested in youths and the people. Prison congestion is a foundation for future calamity,” they warned. with Nigeria.

According to him, both countries have commenced talks which will see many Kuwaiti investors coming to invest huge sums of money in some key sectors in Nigeria.

The Ambassador also disclosed that Nigeria is an investment destination waiting to be tapped, even as he assured of his country’s commitment to improved and better economic relationship with Nigeria.

He said Kuwait has enjoyed immense support from Nigeria and this, according to him, paved the way for the realisation of mutual working relationship between both countries.

He said: “We, at the Embassy of the State of Kuwait, are working according to well-articulated programmes, in encouraging Kuwaiti businessmen to explore investment opportunities that are currently available in Nigeria.

“Consequently, an invitation has been submitted to the Director-General of the Nigeria Investment Promotion Council (NIPC) to pay a visit to the State of Kuwait and meet with the Kuwait foreign investors.

Besides, the Ambassador said that their target is to boost bi-lateral relations.

The day is a special day for the people as it provides the opportunity for everyone to celebrate the country’s freedom. The people of Kuwait are proud of the day and what the government is doing •Kuwaitis cutting their anniversary cake

29

TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

‘ I was not aware prior to the indictment of my client of any legal infractions by her, because the allegations against her were essentially that she took loans from within the bank See page 32 without following due process

’

E-mail:- law@thenationonlineng.net

The National Assembly already has what is known as parliamentary immunity. Whatever is said or done by the lawmakers on the floor of the House cannot be challenged in court. But the House of Representatives seems not satisfied with this provision. It is proposing a bill to provide constitutional immunity for members of the National Assembly. The Senate has dissociated itself from the proposal. In the bill, the Representatives want to be insulated from prosecution over words spoken or written at plenary or committee sittings. Lawyers are divided on whether such a bill is neccessary, amid fears that if passed into law, such ‘expanded’ immunity could be abused.

ADEBISI ONANUGA examines the propriety or otherwise of the bill.

?

Do Reps need ‘expanded’ immunity

Once the Senate has rejected it that’s the end of the bill. My view is that the senate was right in rejecting it. It shows that the senators are more matured than the honourable members in House of Reps. It is very disgusting for a legislator who claims to be a representative of the people to crave immunity for their actions in and out of the hallowed chambers.

-Ngige

I find the alteration entirely harmless...

While there are a plethora of issues on which our legislators may deservedly be chided, I am inclined to accord them some good faith in the instant case. Perhaps to assuage any worries and guard against mischievous and frivolous applications, an additional proviso may be added to expressly exclude criminal conduct and malfeasance...

-Nwadioke

O

N March 7, a bill seeking to give immunity to members of the National Assembly passed second reading at the House of Representatives.

It is described as “A Bill for an Act to alter the 1999 Constitution...by providing immunity for members of the legislature in respect of words spoken or written at the plenary session or at committee proceedings.”

The bill is designed to guarantee that freedom of speech, debates and proceedings in the legislative houses are not questioned in any court or place outside the parliament.

A member of the House, Hon. Ali Ahmed reportedly said the intent of the proposed

• Speaker Aminu Tambuwal

amendment is to alter the provisions of Section 4(8) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The section stipulates that the jurisdiction of the court cannot be ousted by the actions or proceedings of the parliament.

He said the essence of the amendment was to ensure that lawmakers were not held liable or subjected to civil or criminal actions based on their utterance or decisions taken.

Another member, Raphael Igbokwe, argued that granting immunity to lawmakers would strengthen democracy and allow members to speak freely without fear of molestation or litigation.

Inside: ‘How I handled Ocean Bank’s crisis’ P.32

“If the immunity is granted, it will not be alien to Nigeria as even established democracies such as US and other African countries have entrenched it in their constitutions.”

Igbokwe said countries in which lawmakers enjoy immunity include Brazil, Indonesia, Malaysia, Ghana, Tanzania, among others.

According to him, legislators deserve protection, as is the practice universally, to exercise their legislative powers without fear or favour.

He was of the view that with the immunity, the lawmakers would take on issues

frontally.

Another member, Zakari Mohammed, explained that the immunity the legislature was proposing was different from the one being enjoyed by the president and governors.

He said it was only for what transpired in the House, so that no member would be held responsible for his actions or words on the floor of the chambers.

He said when passed into law, the bill would enhance free-flow of debate in the parliament.

•Contined on page 30

NIALS holds seminar on class action litigation P.36

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

30

LAW COVER CONT’D • Continued from page 29

The proposed immunity bill, it is said, is to be included in the on-going amendment of the 1999 Constitution.

Expectedly, many Nigerians have been expressing mixed reactions at the proposal.

The fear is that given the nature of Nigeria, it such immunity could be exploited for selfish ends sooner or later if it becomes law.

The Senate, which the Bill also seeks to benefit, is reported to have rejected it, describing it as unneccessary.

One argument of the bill’s proponents is that the Legislative Houses Powers and Privileges Act of 1953 became irrelevant in 2007 following the decision of the Court of Appeal in Obi v. Balonwu in which the Court of Appeal declared the Immunity law null and void.

The intent, the backers said, is to allow lawmakers to work independently and unimpeded by the threat of intervention from the other branches of government in the discharge of their legislative duties.

However, the bill does not protect them from criminal prosecution, nor absolve them from responsibility for actions outside the floor.

Under the Presidential system of government and even now, it is the responsibility of the legislature to make laws for the country and the courts have the power to affirm the propriety of such laws.

This is why in arriving at its decision in the Obi v. Balonwu suit, the court had relied on section 4(8) of the Constitution, which prohibited promulgation of any law that ousts the jurisdiction of the court and declared that the law on legislative immunity unconstitutional.

The practice of legislative immunity is universal and is granted all legislatures across the world, whether in a Presidential or Parliamentary setting.

However, while executive immunity is determined based on a number of factors, particularly, the nature of political system operative in the given country, the legislative and judicial immunity is universal.

On a daily basis, Nigerians experience abuse of power by those in positions of authority.

Judging by the behaviour of some legislators, with allegations of bribery and corruption rife, the fear is that if such immunity is conferred on them, it would be used to intimidate the citizenry and their political opponents.

Proponents of immunity bill have argued that even in America, the mother of democracy, there are laws that oust the court’s jurisdiction and they were held to be constitutional because they are not general but narrowly targeting exceptional situations.

They said that the US and other countries that have written constitutions inserted this immunity in their constitutions.

According to them, legislators in Nigeria are exposed, are not covered and are all subjected to the prying eyes and actions of the courts.

This, they said, is contrary to the principle of separation of powers and the freedom of legislative speech and debate.

Thus, only by inserting this immunity in the constitution they restore to Nigeria the global practice of protecting the legislature across the country.

The Senate, it appeared does not share the views of the lower house on the issue of immunity.

Also, legal experts experienced in constitutional matters, have dismissed such bill as an ill wind for the nation’s nascent democracy.

The Senate, in its reaction said that any bill seeking constitutional immunity for members of the National Assembly is unacceptable.

Senate spokesman Enyinnaya Abaribe no legislator is supposed to seek any other immunity outside the parliament when the Legislative Powers and Privileges Act has already given legislators immunity for whatever they say on the floor of the chamber. ”That is already a settled fact. I’ll be very surprised if somebody is asking for immunity inside the chambers of the National Assembly.

“Why will anybody ask for such? I don’t think that will pass any floor of the National Assembly because whatever you say right inside there is already covered by the Legislative Powers and Privileges Act,” he said.

Lawyers were divided on the propriety of such a bill.

Chief Emeka Ngige (SAN) said praised the Senate for rejecting the bill outright, saying the House members behind the it must have something to hide.

Do Reps need ‘expanded’ immunity

• Senate President, David Mark

• Ngige (SAN)

• Falana (SAN)

• Agbaka

He said: “Once the Senate has rejected it that’s the end of the bill. My view is that the senate was right in rejecting it. ”It shows that the senators are more matured than the honourable members in House of Reps. ”It is very disgusting for a legislator who claims to be a representative of the people to crave immunity for their actions in and out of the hallowed chambers. ”Today, because of the pervasive effect of corruption, there is a clamour for governors and the President to lose their immunity. ”Our country is gradually turning into a failed state status in view of the choking effect of corruption.

“The House of Reps members craving for immunity are criminals and should be investigated by anti-graft agencies. ”They have skeletons in their cupboards as depicted in the Otedola scandal and the power sector contract scam. ”Any way, with the Alemaiseigha pardon, one can now see why they desperately want immunity to loot the country dry. ”I give thumbs up to the senators for their sense of patriotism and maturity in rejecting the obnoxious bill.”

Activist-lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) described the bill as either a product of ignorance or mischief.

He said: “It may be a surreptitious move to confer absolute immunity on legislators as exclusively enjoyed by the President and state governors.

“Otherwise the bill is totally unnecessary as the Legislative Powers and Privileges Act has provided immunity for federal legislators in respect of statements or comments made by them on the floor of either chamber of the National Assembly.”

Falana reasoned that there is more to “the dangerous bill” and that Nigerians should not allow it to be smuggled into “Decree 24 of 1999, otherwise called the 1999 Constitution” which he said is once again being “panel-beaten by those who are scared of a popular Constitution.”

Another lawyer, Dr. Timothy Oreoluwa described the bill as “taking legislative privileges to the ridiculous.”

“It shows one thing: that the nation’s lawmakers are actuated mostly by ulterior motives. They are only interested in how to twist the system for their selfish gain.

“It beats my imagination that a group of people, elected by their people to make laws for the good governance of the country are now enmeshed in a plot to undermine the system they ought to protect. This is funny.

“It can only happen in a country where people without conscience and integrity man political institutions.

“It is my belief that the right thinking among us will not allow this to happen. Additional immunity provision in the Constitution for the lawmakers is absurd and should be rejected.”

Rights activist, Allens Agbaka said: “The attempt by the federal legislature to alter or

‘Perhaps to assuage any worries and guard against mischievous and frivolous applications, an additional proviso may be added to expressly exclude criminal conduct and malfeasance, thereby equally according constitutional flavor on the exceptions to parliamentary privilege, especially Sections 20 and 21 of the extant Act’

amend the Constitution with a view to inserting an immunity clause, to say the least, is a disgrace. It is a disgrace because many of the lawmakers have cases to answer already.

“Are they also plotting to ensure that the immunity runs in retrospect, so that some of them currently facing charges, and when the bill scales through, that means the end of those cases.

“Although some of these cases are gradually being swept under the carpet through subtle judicial maneuvering, this new effort is now legislative maneuvering. It will amount to a slap on the citizens of this country should they be allowed to succeed on this fraudulent project.

“Even some of us are arguing that the immunity clause, which exists to the benefit of some members of the Executive arm, is unnecessary.

“We can allow immunity for the President and the Vice President, but for the Governors? Immunity clause is not necessary. I am one of those where are advancing the argument that the clause is of no significance in our Constitution.

“Already, there is a form of immunity provision for the lawmakers, which arises from the fact that anything done by this lawmakers during their legislative functions within the National Assembly, cannot be challenged in court. It is limited to their deliberation on the floor of the Assembly.

“The immunity they now seek is that which will extend the existing immunity they already enjoy. They are trying to bring in, through the window, what they could not get through the door. Such move should be opposed by all right thinking Nigerians,”, Agbaka said.

But Lagos lawyer Emeka Nwadioke said there was nothing wrong with the bill.

“I find the alteration entirely harmless, moreso as parliamentary privilege is already secured by the extant Act,” he said.

“Similar provisions abound in several countries. In the United States, for instance, the ‘Speech or Debate’ clause of the US Constitution (Article I, Section 60) provides: ‘The Senators and Representatives ... shall in all cases, except treason, felony and breach of the peace, be privileged from arrest ... for any speech or debate in either House, they shall not be questioned in any other place.’

“It does not seem that the legislators are by any stretch of the imagination attempting to expand the ambit of their parliamentary privilege.

“This will be vigorously opposed as entirely inconsistent with the hallowed traditions of the parliamentary process.

“It seems to me that the fear of the legislators is that the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act Cap L12, LFN 2004 does not enjoy constitutional flavor, thus the tendency for it to be struck down by the courts under Section 4(8) of the Constitution. Effectively then, the legislators do not enjoy parliamentary privilege. This is clearly a misnomer.

“Indeed, there is judicial authority for such fears. In Balonwu v. Obi (2007) 5 NWLR (Pt. 1028) 488 at 546 - 547 Paras. G - D (CA), the Court of Appeal (per Kekere-Ekun, JCA) held that sections 3, 23, and 30 of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, 1958 granting immunity to legislators ‘are clearly inconsistent with sections 4(8) and 6(2), (3), (6)(a) and (b) of the 1999 Constitution’ which vest judicial powers in the courts.

“I do not see how our courts will interpret such an amendment as providing a safe haven for thieving legislators when the extant Act clearly enacts otherwise.

“It is also instructive that parliaments are empowered to punish members who abuse privileges or behave dishonourably, and may incur public odium for shirking this responsibility.

“While there are a plethora of issues on which our legislators may deservedly be chided, I am inclined to accord them some good faith in the instant case.

“Perhaps to assuage any worries and guard against mischievous and frivolous applications, an additional proviso may be added to expressly exclude criminal conduct and malfeasance, thereby equally according constitutional flavor on the exceptions to parliamentary privilege, especially Sections 20 and 21 of the extant Act. “This is to obviate the likelihood of a thieving legislator contending that the proposed alteration – which clearly runs on a very narrow compass – overrides the extant provision on bribes, benefits and rewards.

“By so doing, the necessary comfort will be accorded serious-minded legislators to ventilate their opinions towards making better laws while their wayward confederates will be checkmated.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

31

LAW & SOCIETY

Sanctions, remedies under Nigeria’s merger control law • Continued from last week

H

OWEVER, for all their positive contri butions, mergers also create potential problemsfor competition byincreasing the level of concentration of a given industry.

Depending on whether the merger is horizontal, vertical or conglomerate, it could raise a number of competition concerns. A horizontal merger could eliminate a present competitive force from the market. Generally, a market in which there are 2 competitors from a competitive perspective is worse than one in which there are 3 competitors. To the extent that a merger creates that effect because it leads to a reduction in number of competitors, it is suspect. Vertical mergers may result in a predatory foreclosure effect or profit squeeze which ultimately may lead to the elimination of a competitor, and in the process may lead to the extension of market power from one level of the market to another. Conglomerate mergers though generally very benign may hurt competition, where for example, the introduction of a big company into a market in which it did not operate,through another company which it has acquired operating in that market, may adversely affect the competitive conditions in the market. This could be by raising the psychological barriers to entry in the market, subsidization of predation in the new market with profits from other markets in which the conglomerate is dominant, and creation of potential reciprocity situations where in imperfect markets, the merged entity’s buying power can be used to induce others to buy its products or services in other markets, when ordinarily they wouldnot, thus foreclosing the market from competitors.

It is precisely for the above reasons that in recognizing that mergers could be beneficial and at the same time potentially harmful, competition laws provide, as the ISA 2007 has done, for a mandatory pre-notification of all M&A transactions to the competition bodies, the role which the SEC plays in Nigeria in the absence of a competition authority.

Can there be sanctions for non-notified M&A transactions and if so, what?

In relation to this question, it is important to recognise at the outset that the ISA 2007 has under section 13(p) invested the SEC with the foundational power “to review, regulate and approve mergers, acquisitions, takeovers and all forms of business combinations and affected transactions of all companies in Nigeria.” This foundational power is reinforced by the specific provisions in Part XII, ss. 118 – 128 of the ISA, the most fundamental, as mentioned above,being the obligation for a mandatory pre-notification of qualifying M&A transactions under section 118(1) of the ISA. As mentioned earlier, a noticeable feature of the regime under Part XII is what appears to be a lacuna or gap in the law, in the sense that while the law clearly prescribes an obligation to pre-notify mergers for approval, it does notprescribe the penalty or consequence should parties choose not to heed this obligation. This lacuna therefore creates some confusion as to whether non-compliance is punishable or whether what we have is really a legal exhortation rather than an obligation.

The author is of the view, for reasons proffered hereunder, that the absence of a specific penalty clause backing up the merger notification obligation does not support the conclusion that failure to notify is not punishable or attracts no consequence. First, one must recognise that Nigerian merger control regime, unlike the regime in other jurisdictions,does not exist within an autonomous competition law system, but exists as part of our wider securities regulation system in which the SEC is the apex or super-regulator. In the context of effective regulation, the ISA has invested the SEC with a swathe of sanction powers, from the criminal to the civil and administrative, coupled with the power to impose other remedies such as behavioural and reputational sanctions (see e.g. section 305(3(c) ISA 2007). It is to be stated therefore as a first proposition that where a violation occurs in the context of a merger transaction, there is no reason of principle or law why the SEC cannot impose or activate any of the sanction powers and provisions that exist within the ISA which the SEC enforces. Further, although Part XII of the ISA is silent on the consequence of non-notification of M&A transactions, for the reason stated above, to wit, the fact that Nigerian merger control regime at the moment is part of its wider securities regulation system, it appears that the gap in failing to provide for sanction for not notifying qualifying M&A transactions is filled by a provision such as section 303 of the ISA which provides a default sanction power for violation of any provision of the ISA or any rule or regulation made

By Dr. Nnamdi Dimgba

thereunder.Section 303(1) of the ISA provides: “Except as otherwise specifically provided under the provisions of this Act, any person who violates or contributes in the violation of the provisions of this Act or of any rule and regulations made thereunder is liable to a penalty of not less than N100,000 (about $600) and a further sum of N5000 ($30) per day for every day that the violation continues.”

It is our view that parties who have not notified their merger transactions as the ISA stipulates under section 118 of the ISA are potentially liable to the general penalty regime under section 303 of the ISA. Interesting questions thereby raised, are: whether the section 303 default sanction provisions are sufficient and effective to induce compliance with the mandatory obligation to pre-notify as prescribed under section 118? In practice, are merging parties motivated to do a cost-benefit analysis and assess if the gains from non-compliance, such as the fact that transactions can proceed speedily and not suffer a delay from awaiting a decision by the SEC, outweigh the possible pains of non-compliance. Given the paltry sum provided for under section 303 of the ISA, the attraction not to comply is real and parties may conceive that itmakescommercial sense to proceed with the transaction and damn the financial sanctions.

It appears that the default financial sanction provisions under section 303 of the ISA may not have had the potential pernicious consequences created by bad mergers in mind, but as said, applies only because it is just a default provision. One can contrast this with provisions such as Article 14 of Council Regulation 139/2004 of 20th of January 2004 (the European Merger Regulation) that imposes fines on M&A parties of up to 10% of the annual turnover of the enterprises for failure to notify and get preapproved their M&A transactions to the European Commission, and fines of up to 1 per cent of the annual turnover for supply of incorrect information or generally for failure of merger parties to cooperate with the European Commission in investigating a merger. A similar financial penalty provision exists in almost all merger control regimes in the world, including of recent the supra-national merger control regime of the Common Market of Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) which came into force on 14 January 2013. The COMESA supranational merger control regime provides for a fine up to 10% of the combined annual turnover in the COMESA Common Market of parties who failed to notify their merger transactions.

The problem with the Nigerian system remains the fact that merger control is not really viewed, as it should, from the prism of antitrust or competition protection, but more from the prism of securities regulation. SEC is not an antitrust body but a securities regulator. This then raises the ideological dilemma of antitrust enforcement, as we have it in Nigeria under the ISA, subsumed within securities regulation.

Thus, can SEC at the same time be effectively both a securities regulator and a guardian of competition (the role played by a competition authority)? This is also the dilemma of the hermaphrodite. Can the hermaphrodite effectively be both male and female; that is, effectively use its two sexes, or must one sex bow in deference to the other?

Against the above discussions, on the question of whether SEC can impose fines for failure to notify an M&A transaction, in the absence of specific sanctions to back up the obligation of mandatory pre-notification under section 118, the submission is that indeed the SEC can impose fines; and this is as prescribed under section 303 of the ISA. Beyond fines on the legal entities involved in the transaction, there is no reason why the SEC cannot impose administrative sanctions even on officials and advisers of the parties involved in the non-notified M&A transaction. The basis for the later is section 151(6) of the ISA which gives to SEC the power to “impose administrative sanctions on any person or persons contravening any of the provisions of this part of the Act”; and section 118 imposing mandatory pre-notification obligation is in the same part of the Act as section 151 of the ISA. Will the non-notified transaction

• Dr Dimgba

be dismantled?

A different question relates to whether monetary sanctions under section 303 is exhaustive or if in addition to it, the SEC is empowered to impose a dissolution or reversal of the nonnotified M&A transaction. Although the answer to this question is not explicitly provided for, it is submitted that the power of the SEC to require parties to reverse or dismantle a nonnotified M&A transaction is implied within the provisions of sections 13(p) of the ISA 2007 already cited, section 118 itself which is the obligation prescribing provision, and section 127 of the ISA by which the SEC can revoke a merger approval on a number of reasons, such as where procured by deceit or incorrect information.

Noteworthy is subsection 2 of section 127 which provides that the Commission may prohibit the merger over which it has revoked its approving decision, even if a time limit prescribed in the Act for the Commission to take a decision may have elapsed. Noteworthy also is section 128 of the ISA which empowers the Commission to order the break-up of a company whose business practices undermine competition. On section 128 ISA, it may be argued that it amounts to stretching the language of section 128 too much to apply it to M&A transactions, given that the language of section 128 of the ISA seems geared towards an abuse of dominance scenario and not directed at a merger scenario. However, the counter-argument should be that if the Act recognizes that in deserving circumstances that the SEC can impose radical structural remedies in a market by requiring the dissolution of companies whose commercial practices undermine competition, there is no reason why the Commission cannot also inversely require parties to an M&A to dismantle the transaction where such was implemented without securing the prior approval of the SEC as the ISA mandates, particularly where such an M&A would have serious negative consequences on the competitive structure of the market and on consumers.

Granted, as has been argued, that the SEC has the powers to require the reversal or dismantling of a non-notified M&A transaction, a relevant question is whether the SEC should always at every occasion in which an M&A transaction is not notified to it, upon discovery require dissolution of that transaction? It is submitted that the answer to this question is that, “it depends”. Since the SEC already has fining powers which it may have imposed, proceeding to require the parties to unravel the transaction without more may amount to an overkill. Whether the SEC should require the reversal of the transaction, in our view, should depend on if the particular transaction in question, upon examination, is one which undermines competition and does not enjoy any of the redeeming features under section 121(1)(b) of the ISA. In other words, to decide if the nonnotified M&A transaction should be reversed, the Commission should undertake a consideration of the transaction against the factors listed in section 121 of the ISA as if it were one notified to it. If such a review reveals that the transaction is one that would not have been approved had it been notified to the SEC, then the Commission would be right to require a dissolution or reversal of the transaction, in addition to financial penalties imposed. If on

‘One must recognise that Nigerian merger control regime, unlike the regime in other jurisdictions,does not exist within an autonomous competition law system, but exists as part of our wider securities regulation system in which the SEC is the apex or super-regulator’

the other hand the review reveals that the transaction is one which would have been approved by the Commission had it been notified to it, the Commission should limit its intervention to financial penalties and allow the M&A transaction to stand. The approach suggested here is consistent with best practice as encapsulated under Article 8(4)(a) of the European Merger Regulation, where the remedy of dissolution is not automatically imposed, but only imposed if the non-notified M&A is assessed to be anticompetitive. By the referenced provision, “Where the [European] Commission finds that a concentration…has already been implemented and that concentration has been declared incompatible with the common market…require the undertakings concerned to dissolve the concentration, in particular through the dissolution of the merger or the disposal of all the shares or assets acquired, so as to restore the situation prevailing prior to the implementation of the concentration..”

Miscellaneous matters Power to impose remedies On miscellany, it is worth stating that the SEC as part of its merger control powers, can impose various remedies in order to resolve whatever competition concerns that an M&A may have. These remedies could be either behavioural such as price freeze to address consumers concerns, requirement to grant competitors access to infrastructure, Intellectual Property assets, research and Development (R&D) facilities, production facilities, and key technology.

The basis for this is section 122(5)(b)(ii) of the ISA by which the SEC can approve a merger “subject to any conditions” and also section 123(3) of the ISA which contemplates that a merger may be approved by the SEC “with or without conditions”. The remedy could also be structural by way of requiring a divestiture by the enterprise of a part of the enterprise to enable new entry or to strengthen some other competitors.

Third Party Intervention in the merger process Another interesting question is the extent to which third parties may intervene in or influence an M&A transaction in Nigeria and get remedies. Precisely, is there any room for third parties to obtain prerogative writs against a merger? Starting from employees, a legal basis for their intervention is situated under section 123(2) of the ISA which imposes on the M&A parties an obligation to serve a copy of their merger notice to their registered employee unions or their employees generally. Although the provision in question does not specify what the employees are to do with this notification, it is argued that this provision supplies a basis for intervention in a merger process by employees, otherwise the right to be notified becomes a hollow one. Intervention by other third parties other than employees (such as consumer groups and competitors) will find basis under section 124(3) of the ISA which provides that “any person may voluntarily file any document, affidavit, statement or other relevant information in respect of a merger.” The referenced provisions should be taken together with section 303(4) of the ISA which provides that “notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (2) and (3) of this section, the complainant of a contravention may seek by action, consequential or punitive damages or any other remedy that may be available under the law.”

Can the Corporate Affairs Commission come to the rescue?

M&A transaction parties would be reluctant to disregard the obligation to notify where they assess that chances of detection by the SECis high. This does not appear to be the case since parties are able to assume control of the companies that they have acquired by effecting the necessary share transfer and change of directorship filings with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Nigeria’s companies registry.

In practice, the CAC does usually accept filings without any reference to SEC. Therefore, in considering ways of making M&A parties to comply with the obligation to pre-notify, it may be necessary to think outside the box, and perhaps work out an inter-agency arrangement between the SEC and the CAC, whereby to accept filings of any significant change in shareholdings of companies and their directorships, the CAC could insist on the evidence of SEC approval of those transaction. This suggestion obviously may have its own problems, but it is believed that is one option that could be considered and fine-tuned by the SEC in order to induce compliance with the obligation on M&A parties to notify their transactions as the ISA stipulates, given that at present, the SEC’s powers to impose sanctions and remedies, as discussed above, have not been altogether successful in inducing compliance.

• Concluded • Dr. Dimgba is a Partner, Olaniwun Ajayi LP, Lagos. ndimgba@olaniwunajayi.net

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

32

LAW PERSONALITY Mr Dele Oye is a former prosecutor at the Body of Benchers Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC). A former Vice-Chairman of the NBA Abuja branch, he was the alternate chairman, NBA Annual General Conference Planning Committee in 2004. A graduate of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, he is President, OAU Alumni Association and member of the University Governing Council. It was also President Abuja Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture (ABUCCIMA). In this interview with Legal Editor JOHN AUSTIN UNACHUKWU, Oye speaks on how to improve the legal profession, his role in the Oceanic Bank crises, and sundry issues.

‘How I handled Ocean Bank’s crisis’

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OU have served the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) in various capacities. Which of these was the most challenging?

The one I cherished most was my membership of and later a prosecutor and co-ordinator of the NBA legal team at the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee of the Body of Benchers, which I served continuously and uninterrupted for 11 years.

I strongly believe that every lawyer should serve in that committee.

Why do you say this?

Because it fully exposes you to the basic tenets and norms of the profession. It exposes you to the problems in the profession and also helps you as a lawyer, to be careful in whatever you do, because it is not the big things that put people in trouble, it is little things you neglect. Indeed, I too have been investigated for two thousand Naira. It was that my investigation and clearance that led to my appointment into that committee by the then president of NBA, T. J. Oninmo Okpoko (SAN). When they were setting up the Disciplinary Committee, he said look, Dele Oye should go and serve there. While serving in that Committee, I saw the kind of mistakes that lawyers make, sometimes such mistakes are made out of ignorance of the rules of the profession and sometimes they are made deliberately. I think that every lawyer ought to know the rules, because it is the rule that determines your ability to practise and in dealing with your clients, but most lawyers are not aware of the rules and that is why they run foul of them.

What should be the role of legal education in this?

I think that legal education should start from teaching lawyers the rules of discipline and how they should relate with their clients, because after the duty of the lawyer to the profession, the next is the duty to our clients. Because we have a duty to ensure that in dealing with them, we do so professionally and while serving them, we handle a lot of cases.

What were the challenges that you confronted while serving in that committee?

While serving in that committee, we handled a lot of cases. One of the most challenges that faced the committee was the issue of the jurisdiction of the committee as it related to appellate matters. That matter came up in Okike’s case against Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC). That was the first appeal from the committee to the Supreme Court, because under the rules, appeal goes directly from the committee to the Supreme Court.

Why Supreme Court? Is that the law?

Yes, under the rules appeal goes directly from the committee to the Supreme Court. Under the constitution, appeals go from the court of Appeal to the Supreme Court, but this is the only exception to that rule.

When the matter got to the Supreme Court, the Supreme Court declined to hear it, stating that it did not come from the Court of Appeal and that they could not take it.

What did you do under this circumstance?

Well, I had to request that they raise a legal issue and that I needed a full panel to address the Supreme Court.

After one hour argument, they obliged us and at the Supreme Court, they invited other Amicus briefs. After three hours of rigorous argument, a full panel of the Supreme Court agreed with me and said, indeed, the legal profession is a special profession and there is need to create a different section based on the laws. They did not just do that, but also laws supporting the action because the Section of the Legal Practitioners Act (LPA) changed the word appeal Committee to the Supreme Court for all

appeals from that Committee. So, I was part of that effort and, indeed, I argued most of the cases that have gone from that committee to the Supreme Court. About five or six cases altogether, and I agued about four of them in the Supreme Court. My pioneering effort in this area is well-established and I am proud of it.

What effects did working with the committee have on you?

Working with that committee had greatly helped me personally and a great deal, in the sense that I have learnt all the rules of book keeping in it. This was the main thing that saved me apart from God, in the Cecilia Ibru matter where my client was alleged to have committed some infractions in the management of Oceanic bank. I was a lawyer to the bank and also to the family that owned majority shares in the bank; we were also their nominees in several companies. And you know that there is no way fire will raze a building without touching the people inside. I was directly affected, and when these things happened, I was not in the country and because of the volume of the transactions involved, I was getting calls and threats from all over the place, people thought that I had a lot of money. So, I had to make sure that I secured myself, I had to come back, honoured invitations from law enforcement agencies that were looking for me and explained my role in the transactions. Thereafter, I was cleared of all the allegations within three days of my arrival in the country despite the very huge smoke that was raised about me without fire. So, I am happy and I thank the committee because without what I knew in the committee, it would have been very difficult for me to have survived such very heavy allegations that were mounted against me by members of the public, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and, indeed, my own colleagues.

How did you manage those crises?

What is your advice to lawyers in managing their clients, so that they avoid such untoward experience?

Because of the role we played for our clients, especially as nominees and various businesses, we were required basically to stand as witnesses for the State against our clients. And I don’t think that it is the duty of lawyers to bring down their clients.

Whereas it is our duty to disclose any fraudulent conducts when are aware, I was not aware prior to the indictment of my client of any legal infractions by her, because the allegations against her were essentially that she took loans from within the bank without following due process. But we are not bankers; we were not in a position to know the nature and extent of these loans, or whether they had board approvals or whether they were appropriated or misappropriated. Indeed, like the EFCC report on us showed, there was not a single kobo in our clients accounts. That is why it was easy for first of all, to clear ourselves, because it is not a crime to be a nominee in a company.

It is allowed by law to be a nominee, but it is a crime if you participate in a crime or infraction of the law. As the EFCC report to us shows, we are even requested to be witnesses in case if they decided proceed to trial. That is why we declined and said, look, you have enough evidence to deal with whoever you want to deal with, you shouldn’t make us to be unfair to our clients. It is like your priest telling

your wife your confessions of extra marital relations if you were an unfaithful Catholic. I don’t know what will happen to that marriage. Those of us who are lawyers, at times we pass through this sort of fire, not necessarily because we are involved, but because we are acting for certain people, our clients.

Why did you keep quiet in the heat those crises?

I decided to keep quiet because that incident affected so many people; the public lost a lot of money in their investments, either in shares and even in that entity as a bank. It was not about my justification. That is why I kept quiet; everybody suffered there and I do not think that I suffered far and above other members of the public. Indeed, I was the lawyer in it. That is why I kept quiet.

Indeed, my clients also suffered, one of them was convicted and it was not a time for me to carry drums be dancing as if I was the most pious person.

That is why I deliberately did not respond to all these spurious allegations against me. People were just talking out of point. They were talking without knowledge or better still, they were not engaged by any person.

But most of them were your colleagues?

When a colleague says that he is now a crusader in a matter he was not hired by any person, then such persons were definitely motivated by malice and if you have so much time to waste on writing a jurisprudence about me, then I pity such persons. I now know who my friends are, the Police would say of friends those days, if you don’t think any of them has legal, or judicial powers to sentence you, they can decide to write petitions against you in their private law firms. Indeed, they have written several petitions about me, but in everyone they wrote, it is either they got themselves into trouble or I am cleared of the allegations completely.

What was the role of NBA? They are not bigger than the association; the association in a general meeting has cleared me both at both committee stage and even at the general meeting. So, if they truly believe that they are lawyers and they believe that they are members of the profession, they ought to be bound by the superior wishes of the association than their current efforts to engage in personal malice. I will not respond to them. They are my very seniors. I suspect that they don’t have the facts because of the kind of allegation they are peddling against me, but Indeed, when they eventually get the facts, they will be very proud of me and will apologise. So, I have nothing against them, I have forgiven them and I believe that they are acting out of ignorance.

You were the chairman of Abuja Chamber of Commerce Industries and Agriculture (ABUCCIMA) for three years. What was the experience like and how do you think Chambers of Commerce will catalyse our socio- economic development?

I want to thank God again for that opportunity which I think, as lawyers, leaders, we all need. I had the privilege of serving as the chairman of ABUCCIMA for a period of three years , I will not judge myself on my performance there, the impact I made there is left for the society to judge.

It gave me the unique opportunity to serve and learn, I had to learn so much about business, I had to lead

• Oye

several trade delegation to several countries of the world both in Europe, America, India, China, Singapore and every where. At times, I had to lead the Federal Government delegations. For instance, when we went to Paris with the late President Umar’ Yar’ Adua, I led the Federal Government business delegation and I also led several trade missions, solo, bilateral and multilateral trade missions to Turkey, Cananda etc during my tenure. What I learnt in these things has also made me to know that we as lawyers, should create briefs, so that we can engage ourselves in other spheres. So that we at the middle class, can leave the traditional things that we usually do for the younger ones just entering the profession, so that we become much more specialised in some of these things by creating opportunities that were not hitherto there. We have a duty to both ourselves and to the profession, any lawyer you see who cannot make it in the profession, affects all of us because we all belong to this profession.

What were your achievements at the Chamber?

I am proud to say that after I left the Chamber of Commerce, the 1,000 capacity building which was in progress during my tenure was named after me. It is called Dele Oye Hall in appreciation for my contributions to the activities of the Chamber. Even though I was President at the time of Oceanic Bank crises, they didn’t t remove me as the president. They trusted me; they believed in my honesty because of the way I ran the Chamber. I never made a single kobo for myself personally, I used my own personal money to support the Chamber and to promote its image. I think that it is in realisation of this that the people decided that the only way to show appreciation is to name that structure after me.

How have you given back to society?

Well, they say that laughter is one thing that you cannot enjoy alone. So, if you have anything, you just share with others because the kind of joy you get in sharing is more than what you get when you eat alone. And if you look at billionaires all over the world, you can see that Bill Gates is having all manner of structures and

‘I was a lawyer to the bank and also to the family that owned majority shares in the bank; we were also their nominees in several companies ... I was directly affected ... I was getting calls and threats from all over the place... So, I had to make sure that I secured myself, I had to come back, honoured invitations from law enforcement agencies that were looking for me and explained my role in the transactions. Thereafter, I was cleared of all the allegations within three days of my arrival in the country despite the very huge smoke that was raised about me without fire’

endowments in his honour, while some of his mates are pursuing going to the moon and all the rest just because he is investing in humanity.

Service to God and mankind is part of my life. I have been secretary of various parishes and pastoral councils in the church, even my services there give me opportunity to be very close the church. I have been involved in various church development programmes, in the building of churches and so on. Until the understanding that poverty alleviation is not the sole responsibility of the government but the collective duty of all citizens who are more fortunate than others is well grasped, the poverty level in the country will soar even higher. I have also adopted a village called Ketti which is about one hour drive from Apo in Abuja as my community since 1998.

How did you know the village and why the adoption?

I knew the village when a priest in the Catholic Church, Father Francis Kale, was posted to the village to revive the Catholic Church there. I followed him down to the place and was shocked at what I saw there. I was shocked beyond words to see that a village so close to the seat of power in the country languishing in that level of poverty. When I followed Father Kale to the village, it was impossible to drive our vehicle to the community. We had to park our cars and walk a distance of about 1.5 kilometres to get into the village. When we got there the condition under which people lived was so harsh, there was no water, no healthcare facilities, no schools, and no sense of belonging. This was when I decided to adopt the community as my own and to mobilise help towards improving the lives of those people What has been the outcome?

Having considered the enormity of the challenge that these rural people faced as a community, it was obvious that a one-off borehole or classroom block project may not be a sustainable way to support the community. These efforts have led to the provision of pipe-borne water in the community and a programme under which some members of the community have received employments in the FCT while some of the students have received academic scholarships. Because I have adopted the community as my own, I see them as a part of my responsibility. I may not have enough to give to them as an individual, but I have friends, associates and relatives who I can easily pool together in response to essential needs that need to be met in this place.

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

33

LEGAL OPINION

Immortalise Justice Araka, family urges Obi Stories by Adebisi Onanuga

• Late Justice Araka

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HE family of the former Chief Judge of the old Anambra State, the late Justice Emmanuel Nnanyelugo Oseloka Araka has asked the governor of Anambra State, Chief Peter Obi, to immortalise him in view of his contribution to the development of the judiciary.

The Late Justice Araka, who became a Queens Counsel (QC) in 1963, was chief judge of the old Anambra State from 1978 till 1985 when he retired and died on January 21, this year at the age of 87.

His son, Martin Araka, a lawyer, told a news conference in Lagos, on behalf of the Araka family of Odoje quarters, Onitsha, that the family had forwarded their request to the state

government and that they got a condolence letter from the government in return.

“We have a little wish to ask from the government. We expect the state to immortalise him. A street or a complex could be named after him to immortalise him,” he said.

Justifying the request of the family, Martins argued that the tenure of his late father as chief judge of the old Anambra State was remarkable adding, “as Chief Judge, he held an admirable tenure until his retirement in March, 1985. In 1983, he was conferred with the honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) by President Shehu Shagari.

As a judge, several cases he handled stand out. His legal mind was legendary and always a point of reference.”

Martins argued further that his late father was also a very distinguished and courageous judge while in office and listed some of the landmark cases he decided to include that of Chief Jim Nwobodo versus Chief Onoh, Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe versus FEDECO on payment of tax, Chief Micheal Ajasin versus Chief Akin Omoboriowo among others, to buttress his assertion.

Martins, who is the chief mourner, also named the contemporaries of the late Justice Araka to include Justice

Chukwudifu Oputa, Dr. Dike Nwokedi, Chief M.T. Mbu, G.C. M. Onyiuke and the late Chief Rotimi Williams while his classmates include the late Justice Kayode Eso, Chief F.A. Ajayi (SAN) and Ambassador Haastrup, a lawyer, among others.

He disclosed that the family has fixed April 13 for the burial of the old Anambra State(now Enugu, Anambra and Ebonyi states) while the event would be preceded by a valedictory court session in his honour on April 12, at the Anambra State High Court.

The late Justice Araka was born at Agbor, Delta State on September 16, 1925. He attended Hope Waddel Training Institute, Calabar for his secondary education between 1939 and 1942. He finished his secondary education at Ilesha Grammar School in 1943.

In 1946, he proceeded to Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland and graduated in 1950 and was enrolled as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in March 1951.

In 1962, he was a member of the Federal House of Representatives.

He became a judge of the High Court of the East Central State in 1972 after being sworn in with the likes of Justice Rowland Okagbue,Justice Francis Nwokedi, Justice A.I. Aseme, Justice Abai Ikwechegh and Justice T.C. Umezinwa.

Foundation for protection of girl-child, NEW foundation, the Inter national Charitable Initiative others launched in Lagos for Protection of Girl Child

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and Woman Development Foundation(ICI-GWODEF), has been launched in Lagos to give legal support and provide welfare to the under priviledged girl-child and woman.

Speaking at the event, the group’s President, Helen Nchedo Ibeji, said one of the aims of the organisation is to work tirelessly to ensure that government at all levels pay special attention in the up bringing of the girlchild adding, “training of a girl-child is training of a community”.

Mrs. Ibeji also said it is one of their aims to wage war on child trafficking, child slavery such as house helps, street hawkers, early child marriage, child labour and similar child abuses.

She described the foundation as an advocacy driven non-profit making organisation that seeks to give a voice to the orphans, widows, children and women generally.

By Adebisi Onanuga

“It will provide free legal services to children and women who cannot afford the services of lawyers. It will initiate and commence, prosecute, defend, answer or oppose all actions and other legal proceedings and demands touching children and women who seek for such protection through our foundation”, she said.

Mrs. Ibeji said the foundation intends to use legal instruments to fight social discriminations, injustices and stigmatisation against the girl-child and women so that they can achieve their set goals without social hindrances.

“We want to discourage harmful traditional practices and coordinate a civil society for the vulnerable girl child and woman, that is inclusive of fundamental human rights, freedom, anti-violence against women, equal

opportunity, community leadership, poverty alleviation, economic empowerment, community health services and a genuine partnership with other sectors on a best practice basis as a way for sustainable woman development”,she posited.

To achieve the set goals of the foundation, the ICI-GWODEF president said it would associate with similar international organisations that are engaged in assisting women like UNICEF, Ministry of Women Affairs, Nigeria Prison Service, Community Health Centres, HIV/AIDS Control agencies among others.

She said this would provide a good plastform for women to talk with professionals, counsellors and other relationship experts who may have solutions to their challenges and assist in turning those challenges into opportunities for growth and maturity.

Legal Dairy

NBA holds conference The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Section on Business Law (SBL) holds its seventh Annual Business Conference. Date: June 17 - 19, 2013. Venue: Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Theme: “The legal profession in an emerging economy”

Institute training for tommorrow The Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) holds training for public prosecutors from March 20-22. NIALS /Nigerian Navy training course om Military Law, March 25-27; aviation and space law on April 29-May 3.

Venue: Ayo Ajomo Auditorium, NIALS, University of Lagos (UNILAG) Campus Akoka, Lagos

• From left: Human Resources Executive (MTN), Mrs Amina Oyagbola; General Counsel, Chevron Nigeria Limited, Ned Mojuetan; Justice Opeyemi Oke; President, Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA), Boma Ozobia and B. Ajibade (SAN) at the mentoring programme by Sterlin Partnership law firm for students of Nigerian Law School Lagos campus.

LAW AND PUBLIC POWER

with gabriel AMALU email:gabrielamalu1@yahoo.com

Pardon as abuse of oath of office

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STILL recall the baritone voice of one broadcaster in the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), at the height of political activities way back in 1983. Then, whenever the chap wanted to praise the ruling National Party of Nigeria, he reminded his viewers that though members of his organisation are not politicians, they knew which side of their bread was buttered. Of course the broadcasting authority back then was a propaganda outfit of the ruling NPN. A public relations department if you prefer. Such thoughts came to my mind as the news spread that President Goodluck Jonathan has granted presidential pardon to his political mentor and kinsman, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, in exercise of his constitutional powers.

As the President’s aide, Doyin Okupe, tried to justify the president’s action, it once again donned on me that despite the provisions of the oath of office and braggadocio of swearing to act in the best interest of the country, public power in our clime is essentially for the advancement of private interest dressed in the garb of public interest. To douse the putrid odour of the Alamieyeseigha’s saga, the President sought correlated interests, and willy-nilly dragged them in, to deodorise this political infamy. But as it must be clear to most political observers, President Jonathan thoroughly dose not care, when he has a personal interest to advance. That is why, for example, despite the huff and puff of his political opponents and critical stake holders, certain ministers are untouchable in the present dispensation.

The President in granting the pardon presumably acted within the precept of Section 175(1)(a) of the 1999 constitution which provides that: ‘The President may grant any person concerned with or convicted of any offence created by an Act of the National Assembly pardon, either free or subject to lawful conditions’. To exercise this power, the President is enjoined to consult with the Council of State, which he did. Also in Sub-section 3, he is enjoined to consult the same Council of State, when he wants to exercise his powers ‘in relation to persons concerned with offences against the army, naval or air-force law or convicted or sentenced by court-martial’. A cursory look at the provisions of Section 175 ordinarily shows the extensive powers of an executive President.

Under the section, he also has powers to even tamper with or mellow down a conviction or sentence or damages handed down by a court. But, I believe that as extensive as the powers seem, the powers of the President as created by the constitution can only be exercised in tandem with his oath of office, otherwise he can be accused of abusing his powers.

So, Section 175 and indeed, any provision of the constitution must be exercised so as not to jeopardise another provision of the constitution.

Thankfully, the President took the oath of allegiance in the Seventh Schedule to the 1999 Constitution. A paragraph of the oath, which the President took, provides: ‘That as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I will discharge my duties to the best of my ability, faithfully, and in accordance with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the law, and always in the interest of the sovereignty, integrity, solidarity, well-being and prosperity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria ...’

(Emphasis mine). Further down, he also swore: ‘that I will not allow my personal interest to influence my official conduct or my official decisions ... ’ (Emphasis mine) A combined effect of the emphasised portions of the President’s oath of allegiance shows clearly, that while the President has enormous executive powers, he is under oath, not to turn the country into a personal fiefdom. For instance, the President cannot decide to appoint his family members as the cabinet ministers or high level government officials in exercise of his powers under Section 171 of the constitution, among his other presidential prerogatives. Apart from the political consequences, he will be offending his oath of office and the principles of federal character, which provides for ‘proportional sharing of all bureaucratic, economic, media and political posts at all levels of government’.

Interestingly, Mr President some days ago publicly admitted that Mr Alamieyeseigha is his political benefactor, and few days after granted him presidential pardon over his conviction for gross corrupt practices.

By that action, the President has allowed his ‘personal interest to influence his (my) official conduct or his (my) official decisions…. ’ Again, the President, the National Assembly, the Supreme Court in A. G. Ondo State vs A. G. Federation, and, indeed, the press and general public have all agreed that corruption has become the greatest challenge to the integrity, solidarity, well-being and prosperity of our dear country. By the President’s action in pardoning a convicted corrupt official in the face of these acknowledged national challenges, the President has clearly abused his oath of office and his executive powers.

As many have argued, the pardon granted Alamieyeseigha has dealt a severe blow to the integrity of our country; and pooh-pooh the so called war against corruption. To show how seriously Mr President’s action of elevating his personal interest to influence his official conduct has dented our image within the international community, a United States’diplomatic official has against diplomatic necessities, commented on the depravity of this corruptly permissive conduct of the President.

The inclusion of those convicted for plotting a coup against a government that was also illegitimate among those pardoned cannot justify an act that clearly undermines the integrity of the country. As the President may now realise, this political gamesmanship has clearly backfired. But he can find cold comfort in a similar action of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, when as President he got the charges of corruption against his own kinsman quashed.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

FROM THE COURT

Group targets grassroots in fight against corruption

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Y its nature, the third tier of government is intended to pro vide the people with basic essential services, which is why it is referred to as the government closest to the people.

Today, local governments in the country seem not to appreciate their responsibilities beyond paying staff salaries and serving as appendages of the state governments, a development that serves to further deprive the people the benefits of democratic governance.

Many have attributed the inability of the local government to function for the benefit of the people to corruption. To them, the case is made worst because cases of official corruption at the third tier level of governance are hardly reported and also do not attract enough attention as is the case with the other two levels.

Bothered by this state of affairs, a group, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has commenced move aimed at directing public attention to corruption at the local government level.

Within the last two months, it has launched two initiatives aimed at achieving this goal.

The latest of such initiatives is a text message service, which it said is

By Eric Ikhilae

meant to encourage citizens and local residents, who witness corruption at local government level to anonymously alert it (SERAP) who, in turn, will report any such allegations to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

The group said the initiative, limited to Lagos, is part of its local government anti-corruption project in the state, being executed the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA). Under the project, citizens or whistleblowers – mostly residents in local government areas of Lagos – who witnessed or has information about any corruption case, is expected to send text or SMS 08160537202 or other numbers contained in SERAP’s website - wwwserap-nigeria.org.

SERAP said the project was informed by the realisatgion that although local-level corruption is assessed to be much more widespread than corruption at the federal and state levels, most of the known cases of corruption are at the federal and state levels.

The group said it also observed that allegations of corruption among local government officials frequently go

Family urges court to uphold ownership of land

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HE Oduwole family of Ishashi in Ibeshe community, Ikorodu, Lagos has asked the state’s High Court to uphold its claim to the ownership of an expanse of land in Megun village (Ishashi) and void the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) issued to a businessman, Bashiru Olaide.

The family argued that the C of O and other documents obtained

by Olaide on the land, and purportedly registered at the state’ Land Registry, were allegedly obtained illegally because his claim to the land is being disputed.

This is contained in a counter claim the Oduwole family filed in a suit before the Lagos High Court, Ikorodu, instituted by Olaide, who claimed to have lawfully purchased the land measuring about 66.436 acres.

It is Olaide’s contention in the suit marked: IKD/112/12 that he bought the land from the Olubeshe Palace chiefs, who he believed are the rightful owners of the land.

He prayed the court to, among others, declare him the rightful owner of the land, to which he was issued a C of O dated October 5, 2011 and registered as 45/45/2011T at Land Registry, Alausa, Ikeja.

Mrs Bola Kalejaye, Tabura Anifowoshe, Jamiu Anifowoshe, Rasheed Akanni and Muraina Oduwole, who are representatives of the Oduwole family and named as defendants in the suit, stated that there was never a time that anybody outside the family exercised any possessory right over the land.

They added that although the land has been a subject of litigation since 2005 any other person, who is laying claim to the land, outside “the Oduwole descendant family is a land speculator.”

The family’s representatives stated that the land was vested in the Olubeshe in Council because their ancestors had planted crops on the land in dispute, together with other parcels of land belonging to Shogabi Olutokun Ashashi, the progenitor of the defendants.

They argued, in the 66-paragraph counter claim, that that the large expanse of land was bequeathed to them by their progenitors and that none of the “Oduwole descendants has never sold, alienated, partitioned, or in any way, transferred their interest in title of the vast land area” to anybody.

They stated that they have exer-

unreported, with no actions taken to redress the problem.

It said its investigations show that corruption at the local government level goes beyond outright theft of local resources, and often includes: bribing policemen, doctors, tax officers, council administrators for construction of permits or local market stall.”

SERAP said it believes citizens and local residents will be more likely to report incidents of corruption in their communities if they are able to text details and know that their identity will be safeguarded and confidential, rather than openly speaking about this.

SERAP’s Executive Director, Adetokunbo Mumuni said the project is driven by the belief that many lowlevel cases of corruption that should be sent to the ICPC go unreported, with citizens and local residents being too scared to blow the whistle.

He said to prevent abuse, his group will closely monitor messages on allegations of corruption and carry out appropriate checks to ensure that the allegations made are in good faith, in the belief that the information is true, and that the disclosure is in the public interest.

Mumuni explained that once those conditions are satisfied, his group will send petition on any such allegations to the ICPC for necessary action and follow-up,” “The initiative is designed to encourage greater community involvement and participation in anti-corruption activities, which hopefully will contribute to improved public service delivery such as health, education and other utilities to local residents.

“It is also to address the continuing exclusion of the poor and other

marginalized communities or their lack of participation in their own governance. Addressing corruption at the local government level is critical to comprehensively tackling the endemic and ensuring effective management of Nigeria’s natural resources,” Mumuni said.

Before now, SERAP, working with OSIWA, had launched a book - Citizens’ Guide to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) - meant to encourage Nigerians to report to the ICPC any reports of corruption whether or not it directly affect them.

The book, the group said, was in line with the provision of Section 24 (e) of the Constitution. The section imposes a duty on every citizen to “render assistance to appropriate and lawful agencies in the maintenance of law and order” To this end, every citizen is under a duty to report to the ICPC any form of action, activity, transaction, event, or phenomenon, that portends corruption under whatever guise.

Mumuni said the book, written by written by Professor Oyelowo Oyewo former Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Lagos, is a simplified document which aims to increase citizens’ awareness about the ICPC. The book, he added, contains practical information, including the very important points such as examples of typical incidences of corruption by local government officials, and how a citizen can lodge a complaint before the ICPC. He said the book seeks to complement the Freedom of Information Act, 2011, which confers on the citizens, the right to access public records under section one.

“The book also seeks to encourages

•Mumuni

citizens to take on the role of “whistle-blowers” that can trigger investigations into corrupt practices that will lead to prosecution and conviction of corrupt public officials, in particular at the local government level. The ICPC Act in section 6(f) imposes a duty on the Commission to ‘to enlist and foster public support in combating corruption.’

“Hence a citizen can make a report/ petition about corrupt practices at any of the Offices of the ICPC, to enable any of the officers of the commission to investigate such report/petition as provided by the ICPC Act’. ”While the report (book) can be used by the citizens to lodge complaints before the ICPC on allegations of corruption generally, the report primarily focuses on local government level corruption in order to address the high level official corruption at this level, and as well as the impunity of perpetrators,” Mumuni said.

Lagos residents want court to stop govt from actualisation of the Ijora housing HE people of Badia East, a demolition scheme which is estimated to have slum community in Lagos,

T • Chief Judge, Lagos High Court, Justice Ayotunde Phillips

By Eric Ikhilae

cised continuous and uninterrupted possession of the land for over two centuries, until recently “when the claimant’s vendors forcefully entered the land and began to sell the land to innocent Nigerians under the pretext that they were acting on behalf of Olubeshe-in-council and Balogun family.”

The defendants argued that the land is covered by a registered survey plan carried out by Surveyor O. Olokun dated May 20, 1980 with plan No. LAKS/LA/1980/121.

Members of the Oduwole family therefore pray the court to declare that they are the persons entitled to the customary right of occupancy over the land.

They want the court to declare that they are the persons entitled to exercise acts of ownership and absolute control of the land and that the alleged “forcible entry of the claimant into counter claimants’ said land and purported erection of fence thereon were wrongful and illegal.”

They urged the court to declare that the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy, dated October 5, 2011 in favour of the claimant (Olaide) with respect to the disputed land was wrong, illegal and fraudulent.

The defendants further urged the court to set aside the purported purchase of the land, and the C of O registered at land registry, Alausa, Ikeja. They are claiming N1 million as general damages against the claimant (Olaide) for alleged trespass on the land.

have urged a Lagos High Court, Igbosere, to order the state government to stop the demolition of the community.

The matter, which was stalled last week following the absence of the trial judge, Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye, will be heard today.

Joint in the suit are the state’s Attorney-General; Ministries of Physical Planning, Environment, Agriculture and Housing.

Others include the state Physical Planning and Development Authority; Environmental and Special Offences; Taskforce on Environmental and Special Offences; Environmental Sanitation Enforcement Agency; Bayo Suleiman (SP); Ojora of Lagos, Chief Abdul Aromire; and Baale Lucas Medunoye.

In a motion on notice filed by Social and Economic Rights Action Centre (SERAC), on behalf of the people,

By Precious Igbonwelundu

the applicants sought an order of interlocutory injunction restraining the state government and its agents from demolishing their homes, businesses or facilities located in the community pending the determination of the substantive suit.

They also prayed the court to restrain the government from developing or making use of any lands cleared by way of demolition at the community, as well as an order restraining Aromire, who is the 12 th respondent in the suit, from receiving any payment or other consideration from the state government in exchange for the purported transfer of lands within Badia East.

Lagos on February 23, demolished part of the Ijora-Badia slum community to pave way for the

about 1,008 housing units, as well as to accomplish the first phase of the state’s light rail project from Iganmu to Marina.

However, the demolition of the slum community has generated a lot of dust and attracted the attention of international communities such that the matter formed part of issues discussed at Britain’s House of Lords on March 11.

The British parliament noted that while they support development to improve the living standards of a local population, such exercise should respect the local people’s human rights and should only take place after due consultations with the people.

Moreover, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), recently sent a delegation from Abuja to carryout field investigation on the demolition of the community.

NBA to enforce law on practising fees

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HE Nigerian Bar Association NBA will enforce the law on the payment of Practising Fees (BPF) after the March 31 deadline as prescribed by law.

The President, Okey Wali (SAN), therefore, called on the lawyers to pay the fees before the deadline as contained in the Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC).

Section 3 (2) (a) (ii) provides: ”Another member who fails or neglects to pay the prescribed Annual Practising fees before the end of March in each year, shall as long as he or she remains in default, have no right (a) of audience in court. (b) to prepare, authenticate or frank any legal document including Memorandum and Articles of Association.

(111) A failure or neglect to pay the Annual Practicing Fees, as and when due, shall be deemed to be an act of professional misconduct” Following the upward review of the current fees by the Attorney-

General of the Federation, who is the chairman of the General Council of the Bar, some lawyers in Lagos went to court to challenge the increment. However, due the intervention of the president, the original fees announced by the Bar Council was reduced by 50 per cent, hence NBA calls on lawyers to pay the fees to beat the March 31 deadline.

The president said: “ It is an offence under the law for any lawyer not to pay his Practicing Fees before the end of March every year.

The NBA will enforce the law against anybody who fails to pay the fees within the stipulated time, because that is the position of the law, it is a creation of Statute and there is no going back on that” “Lawyers should not refuse to pay their practising fees because of a matter in court, because there is no order of court or injunction restraining people from paying their practising fees, so

• NBA President, Okey Wali (SAN)

any lawyer who fails to pay the fees as prescribed, is on his own and does so at his or her own risk.

The NBA will definitely enforce the law at the appropriate time.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

35

LEGAL OPINION

Presidential pardon under the Constitution

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HE sudden news of grant of preroga tive of mercy by President Goodluck Jonathan, to some high profile ex-convicts in the country had sparked off angry reactions from well-meaning citizens, from all walks of life, particularly the elites and the civil society groups, principally predicated on the negative implication to the purported war against corruption and the image of the country before the international community, especially for a government that prides itself as a leading bastion of civility, due process and constitutionality, in Africa.

The grant of pardon or prerogative of mercy is a right recognised under the 1999 constitution of Nigeria, as amended in 2011, and should ordinarily, if properly exercised, be greeted with applause and gratitude to the President when such is extended to deserving person or persons who have been tried and convicted of any offence and with no pending appeal against the conviction, irrespective of the gravity of the offence or the severity of punishment meted to the offender.

This practice dates back to the medieval times when the King as imperial potentate in exercise of his temporal and ecclesiastical powers, administered both cannon and civil laws, extolling the divine qualities of mercy and forgiveness, as precondition for salvation.

The reality and necessity for this long standing practice seeking to temper justice with mercy was most profoundly and unequivocally illuminated by the renowned wordsmith, Williams Shakespeare, in his book, The Merchant of Venice, thus, “The quality of mercy is not strained; it droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven upon the place beneath; it is twice blest; it blesseth him that gives, and him that takes;…”

Ever since then till date the exercise of prerogative of mercy has become very popular as a legitimate component of the administration of justice underscoring its incorporation into the laws and constitution of most civilised countries, including Nigeria, which has extant legislations and statutory enactments at the state and

By Frank Agbedo

federal levels making ample provisions for grant of prerogative powers in favour of a convict.

This right provided for under sections 212(1) and 175(1) & (2) of the Constitution for the Governor and the President, respectively, is legally assessable and available to all classes of convicts in Nigeria and is obtainable by a convict applying either personally or through a solicitor, or even through the prison authority where he or she is incarcerated, to a Governor or the President as the case may be, for grant of the prerogative of mercy or pardon, in his favour.

Under the forgoing provisions of the constitution, a State Governor or the President of Nigeria has constitutional powers to grant conditional or unconditional pardon to a convict, or to substitute, reduce, commute or remit the length of sentence and/or the severity or quantum of punishment and penalty or forfeiture, imposed on that person by a court of law.

The legal effect of a pardon is very profound and far reaching to a beneficiary, as it exempts, frees and releases the convict of all liabilities or disabilities flowing from his said conviction and is therefore completely purged and cleansed of the pariah status, infamy and ignoble toga of an ex-convict under the law.

However, as a special kind of power held in public trust by the Governor or President, it ought to be exercised with the highest sense of responsibility, probity and circumspection by the person vested with such powers.

This is to ensure that the critical balance between the rights of the individual concerned and the corresponding right of the public to good order, decency, peace and security, is maintained, to meet the ends of equity, justice and good conscience at all times.

The pristine quest for substantial justice and a wholesome criminal justice system is at the root of the practice of prerogative of mercy. It is therefore a product of genuine desire to remedy or ameliorate

the effect of a conviction perceived not to have reasonably met the standards of justice, the rule of law and due process, having regards to the facts and circumstances of the particular case, especially, where such trials were targeted at perceived enemies of a particular government or military junta, not necessarily for any plausible infractions of the law but as a punishment for speaking the truth to power.

State pardon is a discretionary power to be exercised judiciously and judicially and not meant to be used as an instrument of patronage for political benefactors or for self enhancement and aggrandizement but must be exercised in a reasonable manner devoid of bias and public umbrage and strictly consistent with the letters and spirit of the law and the code of conduct for all public officials.

The fundamental obligation and primary purpose of government under section 15(5) of the 1999 constitution is the abolition of corrupt practice and abuse of power, a provision strongly reinforced in the fifty schedule to the constitution (Part 1) dealing with Code of Conduct for Public Officers. Section 1 hereof forbids any conflict of interest with official duty and provides that, a public officer shall not put himself in a position where his personal interest conflicts with his duties and responsibilities.

The president had with the approval of the Council of State, exercised the powers conferred upon him by the provisions of Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, to extend presidential clemency, amnesty or pardon to his former boss and ex-Governor of Bayelsa State, Mr. DSP Alamieyeseigha and six others, who have been tried and convicted of various offences in the past ranging from official corruption, grand larceny to alleged coup plotting and treasonable felony by Nigerian courts.

The propriety or otherwise as well as the real motive behind the President’s action, has generated so much furor and criticisms in the domain of public opinion, especially in the case of his said former boss and kinsman, and Mr.

• Agbedo

Shetima, the former Managing Director of Bank of the North, both of whom were convicted by the court for official corruption and misappropriation of bank funds.

The public outrage and controversy foreshadowing the above pardon granted to corrupt politicians calls to question the government’s sincerity in its avowed determination to truly tackle the menace of corruption in the country, as the survival of the people including the government itself depends on stamping out this systemic scourge in our body politic.

The government rather than heckle, intimidate and antagonise those opposed to its actions should instead embrace the merits of these well-meaning concerns for positive change, even in the face of emerging fresh facts that most of the beneficiaries of the pardon had earlier been pardoned by a previous regime which undermines the propriety of the entire exercise seen by many as a mere hoax or stratagem foisted on the people to achieve a predetermined end.

• Chief Agbedo of Crown Law Chambers is based in Lagos.

Presidential pardon: Abuse of discretion is impunity

By Udo Jude Ilo

• Ilo

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HE criminal code of every country partakes so much of necessary severity, that without an easy access to exceptions in favor of unfortunate guilt, justice would wear a countenance too sanguinary and cruel. As the sense of responsibility is always strongest, in proportion as it is undivided, it may be inferred that a single man would be most ready to attend to the force of those motives which might plead for a mitigation of the rigor of the law, and least apt to yield to considerations which were calculated to shelter a fit object of its vengeance. The reflection that the fate of a fellow-creature depended on his sole fiat, would naturally inspire scrupulousness and caution;” …..Alexander Hamilton, The Federalist #74, March 25, 1788 In one of the most embarrassing acts of ill-advised ‘self immolation’, President Jonathan on Tuesday, March 12 granted presidential pardon to Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha. The President purported to be acting within his powers under Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution as amended, which grants the president power to grant pardon to individuals convicted by any law made by the National Assembly.

On legal grounds and going by the conventions around the world, the Presidential

power of pardon is discretionary. The Constitution under section 175 did not even require him to provide a reason. However, the exercise of discretion speaks more to the moral authority of the President than his legal authority. In granting discretionary powers to elected officers, the Constitution is not only imposing a grave obligation on them but also calling on their sense of responsibility to help give meaning to the intendment of the constitution as a document designed to ensure rule of law, democracy and the moral integrity of the state.

By the reckless exercise of this power by President Jonathan, he has destroyed the moral foundations of this presidency and undermined the sanctity of his office. It is not enough to follow the law to the letters.

If the constitution intended a zombie-like fidelity to the constitution without the human interpretation of the spirit the Constitution, then the constitution can as well be a computer program that brooks no allowance for human ‘creativity’. Exercise of power under the Constitution answers to three gods. The god of public good, the god of the letters of the constitution and the god of morality from whence power drives legitimacy and credibility.

The defects of this pardon lies not just in its abysmal moral contradictions but also in its inadequacies on legal and conventional grounds. On conventional grounds, after examining the practices around the world democracies and dictatorships, pardons are granted to – cure the defect of judicial process; promote public good; promote repentance by acknowledging extraordinary act of penitence by a convict; ensure national security and promote reconciliation. These lists are not exhaustive but are rather indicative of the altruistic nature of the exercise of presidential pardon powers. Under the current presidential rascality, none of the above is captured by this act extended to Alamieyeseigha . On the legal front, it becomes more problematic.

Alamieyeseigha is an international fugi-

tive with an international arrest warrant hanging over him having jumped bail in the United Kingdom. He also has charges of money laundering against his person in the United Kingdom and the United States.

These realities are peculiar circumstances and carries with it serious legal implications.

How then can the President justify extending pardon to an international fugitive? How can you claim that Alams has repented if he cowardly hides in Nigeria and takes no steps to clear his name in the UK? Never has a presidential pardon in history anywhere in the world to the knowledge of this writer been extended to an international fugitive who is properly so called. Essentially the message Nigeria is sending is its manifest disdain and disregard for the UK justice system or to international conventions on law and order. Hamilton above captures the dangers of presidential pardon and the moral obligation needed in exercising this authority. President Jonathan appears blind to these moral obligations or blindsided to the dangers of executive impunity.

It is important at this point to clear certain misconceptions and share some open secrets about this abuse of power. The decision of granting pardon to Alamieyeseigha was not that of the National Council of State. The Presidency is attempting to couch this insanity with the cloak of ‘legitimacy’ that a suggestion of a collegial decision may give.

Sadly it is not so. Under the section 175 of the Constitution, what the president is required to do under the law is to consult the National Council of State. He is not BOUND by their decision and neither do they have any constitutional powers to stop him. He simply informs them. So the responsibility for this action rests with President Jonathan alone. The second point is that this presidential pardon is primarily for Alamieyeseigha. The other people in the list are just a feeble attempt to legitimize the indefensible. To drive this point home, Diya and Shehu Yar’Adua were both convicted by a military tribunal that falls short of basic requirements under international convention and our constitution of what fair trial

should be. It will be a historical injustice of an unquantifiable proportion to group these men in the class of Alamieyeseigha.

It is necessary also to state at this point that the crimes for which Alamieyeseigha was convicted are in a special class. Nigeria has been defaced by corruption. Since the return to civilian rule, corruption has been the bane of our development as a people.

Now it defines us. From the fuel subsidy fraud to the pension fraud, from the decay of infrastructure to growing poverty, we as a people are under a strangulating hold of corruption with the danger of suffocation if it is not combated. And so for Nigeria, corruption is not just a social ill, it is an existential problem that is more dangerous than violence since violence is just a manifestation of the problems of corruption.

State response to corruption has been grossly inadequate. Our international image has been battered by this virus. Given all these dynamics and existential dangers of corruption, our government cannot be granting pardon to corrupt officials. It is unconscionable to do that at this time, and in this form. This is shamefaced endorsement of corruption. It destroys the faith of the people in government, tarnishes our image home and abroad and undermines our anti-corruption fight if at all there is any.

The Presidency embodies not just legal authority and power but also symbolic of everything that is Nigeria. It is an institution bigger than any individual and must be preserved not so much for itself but for its fundamental significance. What is being destroyed here is not just the spirit of our constitution or the integrity of our already damaged presidency but the legitimacy of the Nigeria state. It is such a steep price to pay to clean the up after an international felon. Hamilton captures the essence and substance of presidential pardon above here and rightly so. Every time an elected official exercises discretion, he is sending a message on behalf of the state. Mr. President, what message are you sending here?

•Ilo writes from Abuja

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THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

LAW & SOCIETY

NIALS holds seminar on class action litigation The Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) has held a roundtable on class action litigation. In attendance were judges, Senior Advocates of Nigeria and law professors, who discussed how it can work in Nigeria. JOHN AUSTIN UNACHUKWU reports.

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LASS action is a form of lawsuit in which a large group of people collectively sue a defendant. It had its origins in the United States With disgruntled consumers in almost, if not all sectors in Nigeria, the concept of class action is finding a lucrative breeding ground and is indeed catching up fast.

With this in mind, the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), as the nation’s apex legal research institute, thought it fit to convene a roundtable of erudite scholars and seasoned jurists to discuss and deliberate on the issue of class action litigation in Nigeria.

Speakers considered its origin, the scope of the subject matter and a comparative analysis of its application in other jurisdictions.

This was to ensure that the principles underlying class action litigation that make it a preferred alternative in other jurisdictions are harnessed.

The forum was chaired by Justice Clara Bata Ogunbiyi of the Supreme Court. She expressed keen interest in the subject-matter in her opening remarks.

Chief Judge of the Federal High Cour, Justice Ibrahim Auta, who was the Special Guest of Honour, stated in his opening remark that

understanding the workings of class action was key to its proper implementation in Nigeria.

Executive Chairman, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Dr. Sam Amadi, who delivered the keynote address, noted the plight of consumers in Nigeria, particularly in the telecommunication sector.

Telecoms users, he said, lose seemingly insignificant amounts of money to dropped calls and unstable network, but when put together amounted to unjustified profit to the companies and regulators and a huge financial loss to the individuals as a whole.

For him, it was time for Nigerians to be properly educated on the options available to them.

Prof Obiorah Okafor of NIALS, considered the theoretical framework, including the advantages and disadvantages of class actions.

Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) in comparing the state of class action litigation in Nigeria to the United States’ noted that a lot still needed to be done to develop class action in Nigeria.

He said cases that could be instituted using class actions, where provided by Nigeria’s rules of court, were limited by to certain types of matters.

Such issues, he said, relate to

• From left: Justice Ogunbiyi, Justice Auta, and NIALS Director-General, Prof Epiphany Azinge (SAN).

Intellectual Property, land held as community property and administration of estates.

Prof Yinka Omoregbe discussed extensively on the myths and realities of class action litigation.

She pointed out that while no system of seeking redress was perfect, class action often present the only means for disenfranchised citizens who have suffered wrongs at the hands of the government or big corporations, to get any justice.

The Pfizer case which occurred in Kano State came when Mr Austine Allegeh (SAN), considered the Problems and Prospects in the settlement of Class Action.

The case, which lasted 15 years over a drug trial which went awry, which the defendant paid compensations to victims, was identified as an example of a collective lawsuit.

Prof Paul Idornigie, in his pa-

Lawyer writes IG over alleged assassination plot

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N Enugu State-based law yer, Elder Oyibo Chukwu, has written the InspectorGeneral of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, overan alleged plot to assassinate him.

He said he uncovered a plan to kill him just before or about Easter this year, and it may be carried out unless the police intervene urgently.

Chukwu, the immediate past Assistant National Legal Adviser of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, said at the expiration of his tenure, there was an alleged bid to illegally extend the tenure of the executive “without passing through the Constitutional crucibles and procedural steps for such an extension.”

Although he would have benefited from the elongation through questionable amendment of the group’s Constitution, he said he felt it was “irresponsible, immoral, illegal and reprehensible” to do so.

The lawyer said his opposition to the bid marked the beginning of the plot to eliminate him.

Meanwhile, he said the Ohanaeze Foundation, registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) for and on behalf of Ohanaeze, has been used as a conduit to misappropriate the group’s assets.

Chukwu wrote: “Piqued by these serial acts of illegalities and criminal activities, one Prince Emeka Onyesoh and I had gone to an Enugu High Court in Suit Number E/435/2012 … to challenge the purported tenure extension as it were and to seek the

• IG Abubakar

whether I would be in Enugu during Easter.

“He refused to identify himself, in spite of my entreaties to disclose same and only cut the conversation when I refused to answer his question.

“I have therefore come to the conclusion that my assassination is impending, and that the danger is real, present and continuing.

“I have come to the honest belief that unless there is immediate police intervention, those planning my assassination will carry it out.

“I also have a very reasonable belief that the life of Prince Emeka Onyesoh who has been my compatriot and partner in the struggle to save Ohanaeze, may also be in danger.

“Sir, my very fervent and humble plea, consequently, is that you use your good offices to arrest my assassination, the impurity and lawlessness about to be unleashed.

“I shall be on hand and available to interact with the police on this matter when invited”.

who decide to engage in class action litigation The round table was well-attended by dignitaries and stakeholders in the Nigerian Justice System, notably Federal High Court (FHC) Justices, private lawyers and members of the public.

Among those present were Justice G.K. Olotu, (FHC, Abuja), Hon. Justice Lambo Akanbi (FHC Port Hacourt), Hon Justice Binta F. Nyako, (FHC Makurdi), Hon. Justice A. M. Liman (FHC, Benin), Justice Anwuli Chikere (FHC Minna) and Hon. Justice Kolawole, (FHC Abuja).

Others are Justice M.I Awokulehin (FHC Kaduna) and Hon. Justice A.A Okeke (FHC, Lafia), Justice M.B Idris (FHC Lagos), Hon. Justice Chukwu (FHC Abuja), Hon. Justice Quadri (FHC Gombe) and Hon. Justice A.M Ademola (FHC Abuja).

Court awards N5m damages against police for illegal detention

A

By Joseph Jibueze

restoration of the Ohanaeze Foundations and her assets.

“This is how my travails started, and the above is the motive to kill me to silence me.

“At 10.32am, on 27th February, 2013, I received a telephone call … in which the caller called to ask me to confirm that I was Barrister Oyibo Chukwu and that I live in Enugu.

“When the caller insisted that I answered his question without disclosing his identity which I had sought, I had retorted ‘The 419 People’ without saying more.

“But I kept listening into the phone without cutting the call.

Then the voice at the other end, which was a male voice, said: ‘He is a dead man’.

“It then became clear to me that the bizarre caller was seeking to confirm that I was a real person and my location.

“My worst fears were however confirmed on February 28, 2013 by 12:31pm when another caller who simply identified himself as ‘good Igbo man’ called me...

“He said: ‘There is a plan to kill you about Easter 2013, any time within two weeks before Easter in March and beginning of April.

Take precautions. I am doing this because you are a good and honest man. You are fighting for our people. The people you are fighting are thieves and bad people.’

“I have also been called on (another) telephone number …on about March 3, 2013 by a male voice who wanted to know

per on the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution in Class Action cases, further revealed the deficiencies created in the recognition of Class action arbitration through Nigeria’s Court Rules.

Transparency in Class Action Litigation was emphasised by Miss Judith Rapu in her presentation on Transparency in Class Action Outcomes: Availability of Class Action Clause.

Thought-provoking deliberations were conducted after the presentations. In the end, it was agreed that class action litigation was a good development in the country’s jurisprudence.

It was observed that such action would help to put producers of goods and services “on their toes.”

Speakers agreed there was urgent need to develop it further to ensure adequate protection of all

LAGOS High Court, Ikeja has declared as illegal and unconstitutional the continuous detention of one Ogbeide Oyakhire alleged to have stolen two vehicles imported by his cousin.

The court, therefore, ordered the immediate release of Oyakhire who has been in the police detention since 2011.

Justice I.O. Kasali made the declaration while in ruling on an application brought pursuant to Order 11 rule 3 of the fundamental human rights enforcement procedures 2009 by Oyakhire against Lagos State Commissioner of Police.

Justice Kasali awarded N5million jointly and severally against the respondents as general damages for the unlawful violation of the applicant’s right.

The applicant through his lawyer, Mr Emmanuel Ogbeche had sued the Lagos State Police Commissioner and two others after several efforts to get his freedom from police detention failed.

Other defendants in the suit are the Deputy Commissioner of Police (SCIB), Panti, Yaba and SUPOL Bamgboshe of D7, Human Rights (SCIB), Panti, Yaba.

The trial judge declared that the continuous detention of Oyakhire for over one year is degrading, unlawful, illegal and a gross violation of his fundamental rights guaranteed under sections 34(1) 35(1) and 41(1) of 1999 Constitution as amended.

The judge also gave a mandatory order compelling the respondents, their officers, agents, servants or privies to produce the applicant before the court in order to be granted bail conditionally or unconditionally.

By Adebisi Onanuga

She however refused to grant the applicants request for an order restraining the respondents, whether by themselves, their officers, agents, servants or privies from further inviting, arresting or detaining him.

She said that the respondents are at liberty to investigate and carry on their duty as police officers without infringing on the fundamental right of the applicant.

Ogbeche had stated in the application that the applicant was arrested and detained by the police on November 20, 2011 for an allegation of stealing two vehicles, a Jaguar and a Honda CRV Jeep inputted by his cousin brother, who is based in America.

Ogbeche said the vehicles in question were left in the custody of Oyakhire by his cousin and when a pressing need arose for the family to take care of, it was mutually agreed for the cars to be sold to enable them offset the financial burden.

“It was after this, he said, that our client was apprehended and incarcerated for stealing the cars, since November 20, 2011 at the Nigeria Police Station, Panti, Yaba, Lagos without being charged to court.

He said the complainant was said to have refused to shown up after the first day he lodged the complaint.”

He also complained that despite court ruling that his client be release from detention, the police had refused to do so.

Ogbeche said efforts to serve the police with the enrolment order has proved abortive as they have bluntly refused to accept the said order.

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

37

LAW & SOCIETY

Nigeria, failing nation: where are the lawyers?

Text of a paper presented by Femi Falana (SAN) at the Eighth Chief Babatunde Olusola Benson yearly lecture organised by the NBA Ikorodu Branch on February 6, 2013.

• Continued from last week

T

HE story of Chief James Onanefe Ibori, the immediate former Governor of the oil rich Delta State, is still very fresh in our minds. A federal high court judge in Asaba, Delta State found Ibori, strangely though, not guilty in a 171-count charge of misappropriation of public funds, outright embezzlement of State’s funds and other grievous offences which can be likened to crime against humanity. In what later appeared like an “outsource” of criminal justice, he was found guilty by a United Kingdom court. Ibori’s case exposed the rot in the judicial process in the country as he was found guilty in London court. A man who through his Nigerian lawyers pleaded not guilty in Nigeria later pleaded guilty in the UK and has since been jailed alongside his collaborators, his wife - Theresa Ibori, sister, Christine Ibori-Idie, mistress, Udoamaka Okonkwo and his London-based lawyer Bhadresh Gohil.

Delivering his address on March 9, 2011 in a landmark judgment, Justice Christopher Hardy sitting at a packed Southwark Crown Court in London told Bhadresh Gohil, a partner at Arlington Sharma Solicitors and James Ibori’s lawyer; “you have brought shame on your family, your profession and your country. You were a solicitor of the Supreme Court and holding out as a man of integrity. It’s sad the real villains are in Nigeria, but this fraud required special expertise and you lent yourself to it”, Justice Hardy concluded. Gohil was sentenced to seven years imprisonment for conspiracy to defraud and money laundering as well as sharing in the proceeds of Crime.

Lawyers being sanctioned by the courts in other jurisdictions in cases like this are a common scenario, but lawyers in Nigeria who commit worse offences in form of unethical practice, more than Gohil are walking freely.

In fact, some of them are paraded as leaders of the Bar in this country!

Not until Nigerian lawyers do what is right, not until Nigerian judges act responsibly, our quest for a better society, rule of law, good governance and justice may be a mirage. The situation requires that the bodies put in place to sanitize the bench and bar become alive to their responsibilities so as to restore the peoples’ confidence in our judicial system. Many cases are taken out of this country because the people no longer trust that our courts are capable of administering justice. Companies and businesses are moving to other African countries that appear to guarantee justice in their system and that should be a concern for any citizen that desires national growth.

We cry of lack of jobs, lack of economic opportunities and general apathy, what the lawyers can do to make the situation better is just to stick to the rules of their profession. Lawyers need to uphold the ethics of the legal profession because that is the only way the justice system can earn the trust that has evaded it.

We have become a laughing stock in the comity of nations due to the precarious situation of the legal system and if we do not arrest the situation now, the country may collapse due to impunity. This has led to situation whereby most commercial agreements that contain arbitration clauses insist on having disputes resolved outside Nigeria. Owing to lack of confidence in the legal profession Nigerian lawyers and judges are no longer given serious consideration in international appointments.

This is particularly embarrassing as many Nigerian lawyers and judges distinguished themselves in a number of countries where they had served in the past.

I am not unaware that some lawyers have made suggestions on how to curb the menace of corruption in the country. For instance, two senior counsel: Yussuf Ali (SAN) and Niyi Akintola (SAN) are curiously involved in the campaign for the amendment of the anti-graft laws to prescribe the death penalty for offences relating to official corruption. With respect, the proponents of the death penalty should be made to appreciate that the death penalty has failed to serve as a deterrent in curbing violent crimes in any society. In the case of Nigeria, the death penalty was prescribed for armed robbery in 1970. That was 43 years ago.

Today, armed robbery is on the ascendancy due to mass unemployment, poverty in the midst of plenty, corruption and moral decadence. I have always maintained that there are enough legislations to deal with corrupt prac-

tices, drug trafficking, human trafficking, terrorism and other dangerous offences. It is the lack of political will on the part of the ruling class coupled with the manipulation of the legal system by powerful litigants and senior lawyers which have continued to frustrate the investigation and prosecution of corruption cases. No society can successfully challenge criminality where impunity is the order of the day.

No doubt, Nigerians were justifiably angry over the light sentence awarded Mr. John Yussuf by the Federal Capital Territory High Court after admitting his role in the N23 billion police pension scam. As far as I am concerned the attack of the trial judge is rather misdirected. Hence, in a recent interview on the criminal justice system I was compelled to observe that: “The light sentence which has angered Nigerians merely followed a consistent pattern. Ex-governor Lucky Igbinedion was charged with stealing N4 billion. He pleaded guilty and was fined N3 million. He paid and went home. Ex governor James Ibori was acquitted as the trial judge dismissed the 170-counter charge. The EFCC and the Delta State government are currently embroiled in a controversy over the ownership of the $15 million with which he bribed the then EFCC Chairman, Nuhu Ribadu. In a deliberate move to free Mr. Ibori, the judge refused to order that the $15 million bribe be forfeited to the Delta State Government which has now come up to lay claim to the money. In her own case Mrs. Cecilia Ibru was convicted of N190 billion fraud and jailed for 6 months. The trial judge even went outside the law to direct that she should spend her prison term in a highbrow hospital in Victoria Island, Lagos. Frankly speaking, I wonder why Nigerians are surprised at the turn of events.”

It was my further observation that a few of our judges who have, in spite of pressures and temptations, continued to discharge their duties in line with their oath of office have been subjected to undue harrassment by the system. Hence I stated that: “I only pity the EFCC and the judges who might have been led to think that the system is committed to the fight against corruption. Justice Olubunmi Oyewole who had the courage to sentence Chief Bode George to a 2-year jail term was posted from the Criminal Division to the Probate Division in Lagos State. The reassignment was designed to stop him from jailing more members of the ruling class. There wasn’t much problem when the judge jailed 419 people like Ade Bende, Mrs. Anajemba, Nwude etc. But he was called to order when he jailed Chief George. Did the Federal Government not roll out the drums for the ex convict? Was he not given a triumphant entry to Lagos from the Kirikiri prisons when he completed his jail term? What the trial judge, Justice Abubakar Talba did in Yussuf’s pension scam case is an act of class of solidarity.”

While Nigerians are critical of the mockery of the criminal justice system exhibited in corruption cases it is sad to note that the handling of drug related cases is by far worse. I am in possession of the report of a Committee set up in 1985 by the Federal Government on the reform of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The Committee found and confirmed that several offenders who were convicted and sentenced to prison terms by the Federal High Court never saw the four walls of the prison as they were illegally freed by a criminal syndicate of NDLEA prosecutors, defence counsel and prison officials. Thus, the Committee found that “out of the 143 drug convicts for the year 2006, 96 of them were never brought to prison. Similarly, another 101 drug convicts for the year 2005 were never brought to the prison, bringing the total convicts evading jail to 197 within this period.”

For some inexplicable reasons the Federal Government has refused to implement the aforementioned recommendations of the Committee which would have repositioned the NDLEA to fight the menace of drug trafficking and consumption in Nigeria. Thus, the unpatriotic officials who were found to have engaged in recycling of confiscated hard drugs, prison evasion by drug convicts, corrupt prac-

tice and other vices have been treated like sacred cows. Consequently, the menace of drug trafficking has been on the increase in Nigeria.

It may also interest Nigerians to know that persons convicted of illegal possession or use of hard drugs or narcotics are freed after paying meagre fines through questionable bargaining plea arranged by the Directorate of Prosecutions contrary to section 11 of the National Drug Law Enforcement Act (CAP N30) Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 which has prescribed imprisonment of not less than 15 years but not exceeding 25 years. I am of the humble view that the NBA ought to set up a Committee Against Impunity to ensure that all indictable offences are prosecuted to a logical conclusion. The Committee should also be tasked with the responsibility to hold a watching brief in certain cases pertaining to corruption, drug trafficking, terrorism etc. This is the only way to stop the government from wasting scare resources and energies on cases that are deliberately programmed to fail.

It is worthy to observe that the judiciary has responded positively to the concern of Nigerians. In the past one week, the courts have committed Mr. John Yussuf, Messrs. Farouk Lawan and Boniface Emenalo as well as Aminu Sule Lamido, the son of the Jigawa State governor to prison custody before ruling on their applications for bail. This has sent a clear message to Nigerians that the treatment of influential criminal suspects with kid gloves has stopped. In the circumstances, Nigerians should keep up the pressure on the judiciary.

The way forward I believe that Nigerian lawyers are in a vantage position to ensure that the country is operated under the rule of law. To achieve the objective the NBA has to be re-organized to take over the management of the legal profession in the overall interest of its members and the society at large. This can only be done if the NBA is truly independent. To ensure such autonomy the natural officers of the NBA should nominate independent minded lawyers to represent Nigerian lawyers in statutory bodies. A situation whereby the national officers appoint themselves and some of the secretariat staff to represent the NBA in statutory bodies should stop. The decision to ban the elected officers of the NBA from accepting any post from the Government was aimed at preserving the independence of the Bar. The ban should be extended to all statutory bodies including the National Judicial Council as the membership of elected national officers in such bodies has compromised the independence of the NBA in recent time.

Over the years, it has been agreed on all hands that the disciplinary machinery of the legal profession is weak and ineffective. To arrest the anomalous situation the NBA should urgently take concrete measures to re-organize and reform the disciplinary committee to deal with cases of professional misconduct without fear or favour. In this regard i have just requested the NBA leadership to reconstitute the Body of Benchers’ Disciplinary Committee to reflect the decision of the Supreme Court in the case of Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee v. Chief Gani Fawehinmi (1985) 2 NWLR (PT 7) 300. Unless the Disciplinary Committee is reconstituted and peopled with members who are prepared to rid the legal profession of bad eggs the impunity that has been associated with lawyers will continue unabated. The NBA should equally demand the reconstitution of the National Judicial Council with a view to removing serving judges from the body. The Katsina Alu\Ayo Salami imbroglio has made a strong case for a judicial disciplinary body that is detached from the undue influence of serving judges.

Both the disciplinary committees of the bench and bar should collaborate and synergies to restore confidence in the legal profession. Individual judges should take control of courts

‘We cry of lack of jobs, lack of economic opportunities and general apathy, what the lawyers can do to make the situation better is just to stick to the rules of their profession. Lawyers need to uphold the ethics of the legal profession because that is the only way the justice system can earn the trust that has evaded it’

• Falana

manned by them and refer cases of professional misconduct by lawyers to the National Disciplinary Committee. Lawyers who run foul of the Rules of Professional Ethics should also be reported by their colleagues and members of the public.

Finally, Nigerian lawyers should go beyond the defence of political and civil rights or fundamental rights which are meaningless to the majority of economically disadvantaged citizens. Nigerian lawyers should team up with the human rights community in the enforcement of all welfare laws made pursuant to the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy. Unless the socio-economic rights of the people are recognized and enforced, law and order cannot be guaranteed in the society.

Conclusion In William Shakespeare’s Henry VI, Part 2, there was a rebellion. Dick the butcher was a leading member of the rebellion. Convinced that lawyers would invoke the law to oppose and put down the rebellion Dick said: “The first thing we do, let’s kill all the lawyers.”

Many Nigerians share the view of Dick that all lawyers ought to be killed to prevent them from standing in the way of the “Nigerian revolution” which they believe is imminent. As far as such Nigerians are concerned lawyers have committed unpardonable crimes against the Nigerian people. In particular, they are accused of resorting to technicalities to perpetrate injustice colluding with judges to justify the rigging of elections, and setting corrupt public officers free while jailing petty criminals.

Although the general perception of lawyers and their role in the society may be erroneous it cannot be denied that Nigerian lawyers have contributed to the imminent collapse of the country. However, I believe that the dangerous situation can be reversed if the Body of Benchers’ Disciplinary Committee and the National Judicial Council are re-positioned to monitor lawyers and judges who subvert the legal system. Unless the Nigerian Bar Association is democratized and freed from the tiny grip of Senior Advocates of Nigeria it cannot discharge the duty of defending the rule of law in the interest of the country. In my study of the crisis of the justice sector I have discovered, rather painfully, that most of the cases relating to election petition and corruption cases which have brought the judiciary to ridicule were handled by Senior Advocates.

Finally, the lack of internal democracy in the Bar has had adverse impact on discipline among lawyers. If the current trend continues the legal profession is doomed. She rule of law is endangered if the practitioners of the law continue to operate in an atmosphere of impunity. Professor Yemi Osinbajo, one of those who believe that the situation can still be remedied has called for “a serious commitment to implementing well thought out, practical and measurable solutions”. As I am not as optimistic as the learned Professor permit me to conclude this lecture with the parting words of Brutus to Cassius in Julius Caesar when he said: “There is a tide in the affairs of men’ Which taken at the flood, leads on to fortune; Omitted, all the voyage of their life Is bound in shallows, and in miseries; On such a full sea are we now afloat; And we must take the current when it serve, or lose our ventures.”

• Concluded

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

38

LAW REPORT

Striking out a suit does not retrospectively affect orders effected while the suit lasted

IN THE SUPREME COURT OF NIGERIA HOLDEN AT ABUJA ON FRIDAY THE 1ST JUNE, 2012 BEFORE THEIR LORDSHIPS Date: 25th October 2012 Suit No. SC.369/2012 2012(10) LEDLR-1

WALTER SAMUEL NKANU ONNOGHEN ….JUSTICE, SUPREME COURT CHRISTOPER MITCHEL CHUKWUMA-ENEH ….JUSTICE, SUPREME COURT BODE RHODES-VIVOUR ….JUSTICE, SUPREME COURT MUSA DATTIJO MUHAMMAD ….JUSTICE, SUPREME COURT CLARA BATA OGUNBIYI ….JUSTICE, SUPREME COURT BETWEEN 1. DR. IMORO KUBOR

PETITIONERS / APPELLANTS

2. CHANGE ADVOCACY PARTY AND 1. HON SERIAKE HENRY DICKSON 2. PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY

RESPONDENTS

3. INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISION • Continued from last week

O

N his part, learned senior counsel for the first respondent Tayo Oyetibo, SAN in the first respondent brief filed on 2nd October, 2012 submitted that it is not open for the appellants to now contend that the first respondent was not validly sponsored by the second respondent or that the second respondent did not conduct primary elections which produced the first respondent because the case of the appellants in their pleadings was that the first respondent was sponsored by the second respondent at the election and that whilst litigation was pending, the second respondent conducted fresh primaries where first respondent was chosen as its candidate for the election. For this learned senior counsel referred to paragraphs 3 and 7(c) of the petition at pages 12- 14 of the record; that the case of appellants was that first respondent was not qualified to contest the election because there was pending litigation at the Supreme Court in Appeal No. SC/9/2012 over the question who was qualified to contest the election on the platform of the second respondent. Learned senior counsel also referred the court to paragraphs 4 and 7(b), (c) and (h) of the petition in further support of his contention and submitted that parties are bound by their pleadings and are not allowed to approbate and reprobate, relying on Ude vs Nwara (1993) 2 NWLR (Pt. 278) 638 at 662; Oredoyin vs Arowolo (1989) 4 NWLR (Pt. 114) 172 at 208.

It is the further submission of learned counsel that there is a difference between publication of the names of candidates for an election by the third respondent and sponsorship of candidates for an election for which learned senior counsel referred the court to Section 221 of the Constitution and Section 31(1) of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended by Section I0 of the Electoral Amendment Act 2010); that first respondent proved that he was sponsored by second respondent for the election vide Exhibit ‘’Q” and ‘’R” which are documents submitted to third respondent by second respondent in manifestation of its intention to sponsor 151 respondent; that a candidate whose name has been submitted by a political party as its candidate for an election has a vested right to contest the said election irrespective of the fact that third respondent did not or failed to publish his name as a candidate for the election because the third respondent has no power to reject any candidate so nominated.

Turning to the provisions of Section 34 of the Electoral Act, 2010 as amended, counsel submitted that failure by the third respondent to comply with the said provision is not a ground for disqualification of a candidate for an election because qualification or nonqualification for an election is governed by Sections 177 and 182 of the Constitution; that an order made by a court of competent juris-

diction must be obeyed as same remains valid until set aside by an appellate court; that even if there was non-compliance with Section 34 of the Electoral Act, 2010, appellants have not shown that it was a substantial non-compliance to justify a nullification of the election of the 1st respondent; relying on Section 139 of the Electoral Act, 2010, as amended.

Learned senior counsel then urged the court to resolve the issue against appellants.

With regards to the submission of learned senior counsel for the second and third respondents on the Issue No. 1 , it is noteworthy that the submissions are very similar to that of senior counsel for 1st respondent.

However, learned senior counsel for second respondent contended that Exhibit “N” is an order of court which the Trial Tribunal and the lower court were bound to obey as its efficacy is not determined by whether it was interim or interlocutory or final; that there was no issue joined on the pleading at the trial relating to the withdrawal of the suit in which Exhibit “N” was made and as such the lower courts were right in giving effect to the said Exhibit ‘’N”.

On his part, learned senior counsel for the third respondent submitted that first respondent was validly nominated by second respondent and his name submitted to third respondent which published same within seven (7) days as required by Section 31 of the Electoral Act, 2010; that the fact that the name of first respondent was later removed by the third respondent but restored by the order of the Federal High Court did not have anything to do with whether or not the first respondent was not qualified at the time of the election; that non-compliance with the

Electoral Act, 2010 is not one of the listed qualifications of a candidate for Governorship Election under Section 177 of the 1999 Constitution; that publications of names of candidates in an election is the domestic decision of the third respondent and a candidate cannot be punished for the default of the third respondent in publication of names of candidates; that the election was not challenged on the ground of non-compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2010; that appellants should not be allowed to continue to change their case from court to court relying on Adegoke Motors Ltd vs Adesanya (1989) 3 NNLR (Pt. 109) 250 at 266; Ajide vs Kelani (1985) 3 NWLR (Pt. 12) 248 at 248.

In their reply on points of law learned senior counsel for appellants submitted that it is true that an order of court need not be final or interlocutory for it to be obeyed but that the order in question must be subsisting for it to be obeyed as an interim order is not binding in perpetuity; that it is predicated on the pendency of a case, which if terminated takes along the said interim order.

I had earlier in this judgment reproduced the grounds on which appellants sought the nullification of the election and the reliefs claimed. The grounds were two initially: (a) non-qualification of first respondent to contest the election and, (b) that first respondent did not score the majority of lawful votes at the election.

Later in the proceedings ground (b) was abandoned thereby leaving only ground (a).

The facts which supported the grounds are stated in paragraph 7 of the petition, also reproduced in this judgment, particularly 7(b)(c)(f)(g) and (h). The main plank on the facts supporting the ground is that there was a restraining order made in Suit No:“FHC/ABJ/CS/931/2011 restraining the second respondent from conducting any fresh primaries to choose a candidate for the said Election, whereof the second respondent appealed to the Court of Appeal Abuja in Appeal No. CA/A/599/2011. While the restraining order of the Federal High Court was still subsisting the second respondent conducted fresh primaries where it purported to choose first respondent as its candidate at the said election; that the third respondent published the list of qualified candidates for the said election in the media, including the interest. The name of the first respondent was not on the list and second respondent had no candidate on the said list ....” and that:“.... The first respondent obtained an order ex parte at the Federal High Court, Abuja in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/3/2012 to include the name of first respondent as the candidate of the second respondent at the said election”.

Finally appellants pleaded in sub-paragraph (h) of paragraph 7, inter alia“that in view of the pending litigation at the Supreme Court in Appeal No. SC/9/2012 over the question of who is qualified to contest the said election on the platform of the second respondent and the said question having not been resolved in favour of first respondent as at the date of the holding of the election on 11th February, 2012, the first re-

spondent was not qualified to contest the said election, and the inclusion of the name of first respondent as a candidate in the said election was against the Rule of Law, unconstitutional and therefore null and void.....”

I have to state from the onset that it is settled law that issues for trial are joined in the pleadings and that parties and indeed the court are bound by the pleadings of the parties.

The appeal haven arisen from the decision of the lower courts on the ground as to whether first respondent was qualified to contest the Governorship Election of Bayelsa State held on 11th February, 2012, it is necessary for us to know what the law/constitution provides as the requirement that a candidate for that office must possess. In that respect, we have to take a look at Section 177 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, (hereinafter referred to as the 1999 Constitution, as amended) which provides as follows;“A person shall be qualified for election to the Office of Governorship of a state if(i)He is a citizen of Nigeria by birth; (ii)He has attained the age of thirty-five (35) years; (iii) He is a member of a political party and is sponsored by that political party, and; (iv)He has been educated up to at least School Certificate Level or its equivalent”.

From the argument of learned senior counsel for appellants, it is clear that they are contending that the first respondent, though a member of a political party was not sponsored by that political party as its candidate for the election in issue, in breach of Section 177(iii) supra.

The other Section of the 1999 Constitution as amended relevant to the issue of qualification or non-qualification of a candidate for the office of Governor of a state is Section 182 of that constitution which enacts as follows: ii. 182(1) No person shall be qualified for election to the office of Governor of a State if:(a) subject to the provisions of Section 28 of this Constitution, he has voluntarily acquired the citizenship of a country other than Nigeria or, except in such cases as may be prescribed by the National Assembly, he has made a declaration of allegiance to such other country; or (b) he has been elected to such office at any two previous elections; or (c) under the law in any part of Nigeria, he is adjudged to be a lunatic or otherwise declared to be of unsound mind; or (d) he is under a sentence of death imposed by any competent court of law or tribunal in Nigeria or a sentence of imprisonment for any offence involving dishonesty or fraud (by whatever name called) or any other offence imposed on him by any court or tribunal or substituted by a competent authority for any other sentence imposed on him by such a court or tribunal; or (e) within a period of less 10 years before • To be continued next week

• From left: Prof Jamie Onwuchekwa, Ayodele Akinkotun, Ademola Oyinlola and Director-General, Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Frank Nweke Jnr, at a workshop on anti-corruption organised by NESG in Ikeja, Lagos.

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

39

ABUJA REVIEW NEWS

•Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Julius Okojie (third left); Chairperson, House Committee on the Diaspora, Hon. Abike Dabiri–Erewa (second right); her colleagues, Ajibola Famurewa(left); Innocent Tirsel and Deputy Executive Secretary, NUC, Akinbode Agbaoye during the committee’s working visit to NUC in Abuja

•Deputy Governor, Operations, Central Bank of Nigeria, Tunde Lemo (left); member, House of Representatives Committee on Public Account, Hon. Pally Iriase and Director, Banking and Payment, CBN, Dipo Fatokun during the CBN’s response to audit query at the National Assembly

•From left: Secretary, Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), Mr Tony Kyunni; Chairman, CCB, Mr •From left: Principal, Jiwa Government Secondary School, Rakiya Iya; Public Affairs Sam Saba and Chief Executive Officer, Financial Intelligence Centre, Ghana, Mr Samuel Manager, Julius Berger Nigeria (JBN), Clement Iloba; winner, Short Story Writing Competition, Maimunah Zakari and author of the book The Great Fall, Mrs Chinyere Thompson Essel during Mr Thompson’s visit to the Bureau in Abuja Obi-Obasi presenting the prize to the winner of Julius Berger Short Story Competition at the Abuja school.

From left: Vice-President, Abuja Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ABUCCIMA), Gen. India Garba; Polish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Przmyslaw Niesiolowski and President ABUCCIMA, Dr Solomon Nyag, when the Polish business delegation visited ABUCCIMA in Abuja

•From left: Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Media, Zakari Mohammed; Chairman, House Committee on Justice, Ahmad Ali; Deputy Chairmen, Committees on the Federal Capital Territory and Media, Nnanna Igbokwe and Victor Ogene at a press briefing on the proposed Speech Immunity for Legislators

•Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs, Nnena Ukeje (middle), and some members - Patrick Ihkariale(left) and Davies Sokonteb during a public hearing at the National Assembly

• Minister of State for Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Olajumoke Akinjide (right) , Minister of State for Health, Mohammed Ali Pate and Executive Director , National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHDA) ,Ado Mohammed during a visit by the Presidential Task Force on Polio Eradication to the Minister of FCT in Abuja PHOTOS: ABAYOMI FAYESE

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

40

QUICK CROSSWORD

With ekpoita :funtreatsvilla@yahoo.com / 08077706130

ACROSS

DOWN

1.Complete (5) 2. Massive(5) 6. Have courage to (4) 7. One who trades (6) 10. Bow (3) 11. Uncooked (3) 13. Specialist (5) 14. Perch (3) 15. Quarrel (5) 17. Liabilities (6) 20. Lobby (5) 21. Epoch (3) 22. Pitcher (4) 23. Expands (5)

1. Mammary Glands (5) 2. Pull Forcibly (5) 3. Mix (5) 5. Thread (6) 8. Recess (4) 9. Bemoan (4) 12. Afloat (5) 14. Influence (4) 16. Stay Upright (5) 17. Sketch (4) 18. Wager (3) 19. Anger (3)

SUDOKU The goal of this game is to place the numbers 1 through 9 into the grid such that each row, each column and each subsquare contains all 9 numbers. There is no math involved.

All you need is patience and logical ability.

TRIVIA

POETRY

sHoWbliTz

Africa, My Africa Africa,myAfrica, A people of great birth, A people with a sweet song.

Africa,myAfrica, A people of beautiful colour And of persistent pain.

Africa, my Africa, No matter what the world thinks about you, Your smile will surely spring forth And like the morning sun,

JUMBLEWORD

Bring life to your children.

-

#5 The Chicago Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup in 2010.

True False

Augustina

Omozokpea

Unscramble the word jumbled in the grid below and place the deciphered word in the blank grid.

S

Lady Gaga spouted off some serious fighting words while under oath quite of late after her former personal assistant accused her of unpaid overtime wages. The Born This Way singer, 26, referred to Jennifer O’Neal as a “f***ing hood rat who is suing me for money she didn’t earn.”

“She thinks she’s just like the queen of the universe,” Gaga said of her former aide during the court battle. “And, you know what; she didn’t want to be a slave to one, because in my work and what I do, I’m the queen of the universe every day.”

The outlandish pop star’s rant didn’t stop there, with her later referring to O’Neil as a “disgusting human being.”

Gaga added, “She knew there was no overtime, and I never paid her overtime the first time I hired her, so why would she be paid overtime the second time? This whole case is bull**** and you know it.”

C

A

L

P

E

N

U

A

T

E

L.O.V.E. L, is for the Laughter I give to you every day

Brain Teaser

knowing you’ll never go away O, is for the Options we’ll have when were together knowing our love couldn’t get any better

Answer

V, is for the Visions I have of you knowing I’ll never find anyone quite like you E, is for Everything that’s true I’ve every said especially when I said “we’ll be together till were dead Denise

I come and I go, more than once in a day.

Yet I’ve always been here; for eons my stay.

A bearer of life, I bring fear and great dread; A destroyer of old, millions by me are fed.

Artists and poets my presence inspires, My moods, they are varied, my journey ne’er tires.

Once I was greater, but my time comes again.

Can you yet name me, my riddling friend?

Branham

The Sea is my name, or Ocean some say, My tides wax and wane twice each short-lived day.

Many a life my waters have seized, But I give back aplenty with food for your need.

My reach was broader many years ago; Melting ice ensures that again I will grow

Lady Gaga Accused of Unpaid Debts

#1 Pluviophobia is the fear of _______.

Chicken Cars Pencils Rain #2 _______ won the 1986 Academy Award for Best Actress.

Sigourney Weaver Jane Fonda Sissy Spacek Marlee Matlin #3 Om is the symbol for the chemical element osmium.

True False #4 Gerty Theresa Cori, née Radnitz won the Nobel Prize in Medicine in _______.

1950 1949 1947 1948

Got wind of a criminal act, plan?

Alert your friend,The Police.

To conquer oneself is the best and noblest victory; to be vanquished by one’s own Pep Talk nature is the worst and most ignoble defeat. - Plato

43

TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

As the plot to shove aside Imo State Deputy Governor Jude Agbaso thickens, Correspondent OKODILI NDIDI writes on the tribulations of an embattled politician caught in the web on 2015 high wire politics.

Can Agbaso escape impeachment?

T

HE storm is gathering. The state is polarised over the sensitive issue. There is a big question mark on the move by the Imo State House of Assembly to impeach the Imo State Deputy Governor Jude Agbaso. But, to the lawmakers, there is no going back.

Agbaso is under investigation for an alleged N458 million bribe. The number two citizen has denied the allegation. His supporters have cried foul, alleging that he was being victimised. But the camp of Governor Rocha Okorocha are insisting that Agbaso’s time is up.

The actions of the House have been dismissed by the supporters of the deputy governor as stage managed to push Agbaso out of the way, ahead of the 2015 general elections.

The proponents of this view were not swayed by the fact that the adhoc committee set up by the House to investigate the financial allegations against Agbaso by a contractor handling road projects in the state indicted Agbaso of the crime and subsequently proceeded to impeach him.

Agbaso, a former Commissioner of Works and Transport, was accused of abusing the privileges of his position by corruptly enriching himself.

But in a spirited attempt to belittle the weight of the accusations brought against him and to curry public sympathy, the deputy governor said that his travail was politically motivated. He alleged that certain people were eager to get him out of the way so that his boss would not be challenged in his second term bid.

He disclosed that the governor, who he accused of witch-hunting him, signed an agreement with his elder brother, Chief Martins Agbaso, to serve only one term and handover to his brother who gave him (Okorocha) the platform to emerge as governor in 2011.

Agbaso also accused Okorocha of inducing the members of the House with financial gratifications to move against him. “The contractor that has been falsely accusing me was actually nominated by Okorocha, who approved the payment of N1.3billion to the contractor for a job not yet done”, he added.

The deputy governor’s brother, Chief Martin Agbaso, described the deputy governor as a victim of political manipulations, ahead of the 2015.

“We are a hard working family and do not indulge in fraud. So, I can state authoritatively that the deputy governor, who is my blood brother, is framed up because of politics. He could not have committed the offence for which he is vilified”, he maintained.

Hard as the deputy governor tries to extricate himself from the allegation, public interest in the ongoing probe of the contract scam by the House has continued to heighten with a call on the lawmakers to ensure that, if Agbaso was culpable of the financial crime, he should be impeached and prosecuted.

The House of Assembly, in a swift response to the deputy governor’s

•Okorocha

•Agbaso

‘Whatever agreement the Agbaso family had with Governor Okorocha on 2015 is not the business of Imo people.

What we are demanding is accountability from our leaders. We are watching to see how this whole drama will end. There should not be any scapegoat in the matter. All parties involved should be brought to book’ claim, restated that he was indicted by the report of the ad-hoc committee, which independently investigated the allegation against him.

In a statement signed by the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Hon Acho Ihim, the House insisted that Agbaso was merely wiping up sentiment by employing cheap political blackmail to divert public attention from the issues of embezzlement and abuse of office.

The Commissioner of Information, Mr. Chinedu Offor, also described his statements as diversionary and unfounded.

“His Excellency, the Deputy Governor, should face the serious issue of corruption raised by the ad-hoc committee, which is investigating him over an allegation of N458 million scam, instead of trivializing the issue.

Governor Okorocha does not interfer with the autonomy of the House and cannot control the on-going probe”, he said.

Although Okorocha has kept mum on the probe, he is said to be embittered by the alleged actions of his deputy, who he trusted with the Works Ministry to give him a sense of belonging.

A source close to the governor, who pleaded anonymity, said that “the governor took his deputy like a younger brother and had to allow him certain privileges, which saw him emerged as the Works Commissioner. This position made it possible for him to negotiate for the award and payment of contracts, but he seemed to have abused the privileges”.

However, the travail of Agbaso started when a construction Firm, JPROS International Nig. Ltd, abandoned the construction of Sam Mbakwe Road, after receiving full payment for the job.

The protests that trailed it prompted the House to set up a six-man committee headed by Hon. Simeon Iwunze to investigate the allegations of fraud and indiscriminate award of contract against the deputy governor.

During the investigation, the Managing Director of the company, which earlier abandoned the three kilometer road after receiving payment, Joseph Dina, confessed that he paid N458 million to the deputy governor as inducement to get more road contracts.

After series of meetings be-

tween the deputy governor and the contractor, the ad-hoc committee, in its report, insisted that the deputy g`overnor has a case to answer in the N458 million contract scam Even, some top government officials who watched the video tape, concluded that, with what they had seen, it will be difficult for the deputy governor to wriggle out.

Many individuals and groups have called on the House to live up to its billing and resist any pressure to abandon the probe.

The Imo State branch of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) expressed worry over the development. Its Chairman, Eze Duruiheoma (SAN), said that “the on-going indictment of the deputy governor by the House shows that all is not well in the state.

“Something is definitely wrong with a system where the governor approves the payment of a whole contract sum without the certificate of performance and what is more worrisome is the speed with which the government embarked on new projects without designs and budgetary allocations.

“The government has commenced one thousand road projects without designs and asked contractors to execute them and majority of those projects were not captured in the state budgets and today, they have not been paid for. Today, everyone has seen what we are talking about the government, which refused to pay indigenous contractors, but paid a Lebanese over a billion naira for a job not done”.

The PDP chieftain however, clarified that the party is more concerned with the volume of fraud that was unearthed by the House than the impeachment of the deputy governor. “Who knows how many of such illegal payments have been made to contractors that have not been discovered? The system is truly sick. The House should dig deeper and it will discover other mind boggling fraud perpetrated

by Okorocha’s government”.

Another group, the Conference of Imo Progressive Youths (CIPY), supported the move by the House to probe Agbaso.

The group, in a statement signed by its secretary, Wilson Ajawara, and zonal coordinators; Jude Oduoma (Orlu Zone),Ifeanyi Onweyiajoa (Okigwe Zone), and Ike Njoku (Owerri Zone), urged the lawmakers to resist pressure from politicians to jettison the probe.

“Any callous criminality against Imo State is unacceptable to us. The use of our mandate to rob us is condemnable and we condemn it in totality”, added the group.

The group charged the legislators to remain focused in the discharge of their constitutional duties, stressing that, “it is the responsibility of the House of Assembly to check the excesses of the other arms of government, hence, our clarion call for the lawmakers to rise to the occasion”.

The Owerri Zone Political Forum (OZOPOF) called for an unbiased investigation to unravel the true position of the matter to ensure that no one is punished unjustly.

The chairman of the forum, Chief Charles Amadi, who led other members of the group in solidarity to the Agbaso’s family, said that, “although they are not in support of corruption, the lawmakers should ensure that no one is punished unjustly, but should extend the investigation to every party mentioned in the allegation”.

A political analyst, Dr Temple Uzoaru, submitted that a financial crime has been allegedly committed by the deputy governor. “Whatever agreement the Agbaso family had with Governor Okorocha on 2015 is not the business of Imo people. What we are demanding is accountability from our leaders. We are watching to see how this whole drama will end. There should not be any scapegoat in the matter. All parties involved should be brought to book”.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

POLITICS House of Representatives member Opeyemi Bamidele spoke with EMMANUEL OLADESU on Ekiti politics and 2015 general elections.

Disregard petition against Akume, Nasarawa ACN urges Senate

My plan for 2015, by Bamidele N

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HERE are speculations that you want to run for the governorship election. Is it true?

I am one man who believes in timing. I am one man who believes in strategy. whatever I want to do, there must be a strategy of doing it. There also must be timing for it. When I feel it is time for me to make an open declaration, I will. I have a passion for Ekiti. Politics is about love. I love this state passionately and I say without fear of any contradiction that Ekiti people love me. They love me genuinely. The only question that I have to answer myself is, as to when am I going to be running, am I running in 2014?, 2018? Whether or not I will or I will not run for governorship in Ekiti, I think have gone past that. Definitely I will. The only thing left to announce is the timing and that is why I say the timing strategy is something that I take very seriously and It is not going to be too long. But I am watching events. I am consulting and very soon, I will let the people know where I stand on this issue.

So, you are not endorsing the governor for a second term?

As far as I am concerned, the issue is not whether or not the two senators and five other House of Representatives members from Ekiti have endorsed Dr. Fayemi for second term. I consider it extremely unfortunate that in the last one year, people have tried to make the possibility or otherwise of Governor Fayemi spending a second term in office as an issue. I feel they have been unfair to the nation and Ekiti State and I also don’t think they are doing Dr Fayemi any good.

We had his one year anniversary in office on the October 16, 2011 and some characters from that ceremony had begun to distribute leaflets and souvenirs announcing the second term bid of the governor. I thought it was immoral. I have no apology, if my objection to this style has attracted the wrath of some people. There has to be a clear line of demarcation between governance and politics. Politics has to do with our own narrow, sometimes selfish political or ideological interest and governance has to do with overriding public interest, regardless of what is political, ideological, religious or ethnic affiliations or origin. And I feel that there should be a time for politics. You cannot convince me that one year into office, you cannot spend the next two, three years making rigorous issues and campaign about second term. If you do that, you will mislead the governed and create a bad image for the administration.

That is my own position on Ekiti. I have no objection for anybody endorsing Governor Fayemi for a second term, but I am convinced that one million endorsements from Senator Ojudu cannot translate to an additional vote for any aspirant.

• Bamidele

Are you aware of the difficulty of challenging a sitting governor and the peculiarity of your party ACN? Well, let me put it this way. Mark my word, when I interchangeably use the word aspiration and ambition. An ambition has to do with the broad understanding of what ought to be, on what you expect to do or what you hope to be able to achieve. Aspiration has to d o with your specific desire, either you want to get to that place yourself or want to help someone get there, or be part of a platform to get there. As to ambition, my ambition in Ekiti is to have a better, united and well developed state where there will be security of life and property and infrastructural development. That is my ambition and that is what people are quarreling with me as far as I am concerned. My aspiration has been consistent and it is going to remain so, regardless of who is governor of Ekiti.It is about Ekiti first. Your question is whether or not I feel I could defeat an incumbent. I don’t think this is peculiar to Ekiti. About the party, I will say this again that I believe ACN as a party. Given the current political dispensation, giving international political best practices and given the much needed desire to have a united front within the party, I don’t think ACN as a party will encourage any kind of imposition. If I chose to aspire, there will be free and fair primaries and at best, the party will be interested in presenting a candidate that is capable of winning a general election for the party. I said that in order not to appear like I am running away from the question. But in the event that I choose to run for election in 2014, I will weigh the various options and come up with my own ideas of how best I feel I can emerge and it may be sooner than you think.

Are you in good terms with the governor and the party hierarchy?

I am in consultation with the party hierarchy and I meet with the governor from time to time. Do I have to

visit the governor? If I find myself in the State House, for instance, it depends on what we called a visit. If the governor calls for a meeting I will attend; if the party calls for meeting I will attend. The governor might be there.I try to take personalities out of this issue, so that the whole thing doesn’t look like i a personality clash.

When last did the governor call you?

The only meeting that I remember not attending was when I was away in South Africa and the governor met with the National Assembly caucus.

That was February, and the meeting was in Abuja and of course, the governor himself knew I was in South Africa. That is the only meeting that I can remember and everybody knew where I was.

What about the speculation that you are planning to contest the governorship under another platform?

I am glad you use the word speculation and I think the speculation has become open. Some people paid for posters announcing that I was running for governorship on the platform of Labour Party. They are trying to make it open. Again, I emphasize that whatever I am running for is going to be under the platform of the ACN, ACN of today, or if tomorrow we get registered as APC, on the platform of APC. Let me put it to you directly. Would you support Fayemi for a second term?

I will put it this way. If this is actually an attempt to put me on the spot, I’d say it is a good one. The question you are asking is as good as asking Dr. Fayemi a similar question. I would say that Governor Fayemi is my person and all the other five governors elected on the platform of the ACN are my persons. Because you asked the governor a question specifically about me and he told you that Opeyemi is my person and I am also confirming to you that Governor Fayemi and all the other governors elected on the platform of the ACN. As far as I am concerned, the issue of second term is much more fundamental than what people are talking about.

I will not talk about the second term of someone, just one year into office or two year into office. I will not celebrate the achievements at a time that I am supposed to join other leaders of the party and other elected representatives of the people to be encouraging the administration to do more work.

When you see yourself as a change agent, it comes with a lot of risk, a lot of denials, but God sees my heart that I mean well for the state. I mean well for democracy and I am not the aggressively ambitious man that some people are trying to portray in different quarters and I am not apologetic for my philosophy, that I carry in my own head and my commitment to change and passion and drive for speedy change.

By Jeremiah Oke

ASARAWA State Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has urged the Senate to disregard the petition on the certificate forgery against the Senate Minority Leader, Senator George Akume.

The party described the allegation as political blackmail aimed at creating a hollow in the good record of the former Benue State governor. The acting chairman of the party, Mr. Bashir Jabiru, a lawyer, lamented the plot by political foes to tarnish the image of the accomplished politician.

He said the allegation was baseless and lacked substance, urging the Seante to ignore it.

The party in the north central warned that they are capable of staging a peacefull protest to the National Assembly complex to present a contrary view if the political enemies of the senate minority leader persist.

In his words: “We wish to condemn in the strongest term, the petition leveled against the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Gorge Akume by a faceless anti progress politician.

“The allegation is mere balckmail of the Senator.We urge the Senate to disregard it, to protect the good image of the Senator.

“If the enemy persist, our chapter is capable of moblising the whole North Central zone to stage a peacefull demostration at the National Assembly complex”, he said.

• Jabiru

Ogun PDP unfolds reconciliation agenda From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

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GUN State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairman Chief Bayo Dayo has waved the olive branch to the faction led by Senator Dipo Odujinrin, stressing that a divided house cannot make progress.

He stressed the need for the aggrieved party chieftains to close ranks ahead of the next general elections in the state.

Dayo spoke in Abeokuta, the state capital, shortly after the party’s national leadership directed the State Executive Committee to start operating from the PDP Secretariat.

The national body also wrote to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) , Mohammed Abubakar, to provide adequate security at the secretariat.

In the last six months, the secretariat has been a bone of contention between the two factions. Thugs have invaded the office last year, sacking Dayo and his team. Later, the secretariat was sealed off by the police.

A party chieftain, Prince Buruji Kashamu, said the directive by the national leadership followed the recognition of Dayo as the authentic chairman.

Kashamu said the IGP has directed the Ogun State Commissioner of Police to guarantee the safety of the party officials., including the police, from harassing or arresting him when he takes charge at the Secretariat.

Dayo urged the members of the Odujinrin faction to sheathe their swords and embrace peace. He promised to be fair to all in the discharge of his duties,.

He said: “We have been going through a lot of problem that is not known to many people after the National Working Committee (NWC) confirmed this present executive in Ogun State. Some people are not happy about it and they have been writing series of letters, telling the police to arrest me; that I have said one thing or the other. But I have gone to the court and the court has restrained them.

“We got an injunction that no police must arrest me , no police must ask me for anything, until the conclusion of the case. I have gone to court to enforce my fundamental human right and the court has granted an junction restraining the police from harassing me anywhere, which means that I am free person”, he said.

Delta leaders hail Dafinone at 86

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ELTA State leaders have praised the leadership qualities Senator David Dafinone, who recently clocked 86, describing him as “the most distinguished Deltan alive today”.

They said that the renowned accountant and astute politician has served his state, country and humanity as an administrator and politician.

Thehe Chairman of Delta Politicians, Businessmen and Professional Forum, Mr. Abel Minna, noted that Dafinone has erected legacies that cannot be destroyed, urging the younger elements to emulate him.

He added:“ His contributions to the development of the Northern Nigeria, defunct Bendel State and the Urhobo nation are impossible to estimate. The home of the renowned accountant and politician for years was a fountain of quality advice, inspiration, encouragement, hope and material support to community leaders, politicians, professionals • Dafinone and businessmen”.

‘No force can frustrate merger ‘

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•Minister of Federal Capital Territory Malam Bala Mohammed (left),welcoming the President of the Republic of Lebanon, Gen. Michel Sleiman, during his visit to Nigeria at weekend.

GROUP, the ‘Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) Total Loyalty’ has said that no force can frustrate the merger of the progressive parties. The group said in a statement by its leader, Alhaji Oluwatoyin Balogun, that the plot by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against the All Progressives Congress (APC) will collapse, urging the merger leaders not to waver in spirit.

Balogun said: “The PDP has lost is political relevance, making the birth of the APC more compelling”. The INEC threat is an empty one. If the electoral commission carries it out, it will be a deservice to democracy”.

The group lamented that 14 years of PDP have been a waste, adding that it has no justification to remain in power beyond 2015.

Balogun said: “If after 14 years of governance, they cannot provide the basic amenities, including good road, electricity, security, good health facility, despite huge resources at their disposal. What the country needs is good leadership.

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

45

HEALTH THE NATION

E-mail:- health@thenationonlineng.net

Lagos State hospitals will not register expectant mothers for ante-natal care (ANC) except their spouses or relatives donate blood. Is this the practice worldwide? OYEYEMI GBENGA-MUSTAPHA, WALE ADEPOJU and OLATUNDE ODEBIYI examine the issue.

Should they be compelled to donate blood?

• Ordeal of expectant mothers’ spouses at public hospitals

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RS Rose Nwachukwu, a 28-year-old expectant mother, chose a general hospital in her neighborhood for her ante-natal care (ANC).

On getting there, she was told that part of the registration requirements as stipulated by the Ministry of Health is for her spouse to donate blood. Her husband declined. Mrs Nwachukwu then settled for ‘arrangee’. She was registered after she got a donor who she paid.

Mrs Bose Amoo, a 34-year-old expectant mother was not so ‘smart’. When she came for ANC registration, she too was told the requirements, with emphasis on blood donation.

Her husband came for screening and was told he could not donate blood. He had Hepatitis B. The brother in-law volunteered. He was screened and found to be anaemic. The family asked the hospital for options, following these developments. They were told that was the standard which cannot be waived by the management of the hospital but “Alausa,”refering to those at the Ministrry of Health in Ikeja the seat of government.

The husband told his wife to enrol with a traditional birth attendant (TBA) and to be using supplements, including Pregnacare and Jobelyn.

Hawa Ibraheem, wife of Alhaji Hassan Ibraheem, a Bureau de Change operator, did not even bother to go to any public hospital for what she described as, “waste of time and insistence on blood donation”. She settled for a private hospital.

But the question is: Is there any law in the state backing the compelling of husbands or relatives to donate blood before expectant mothers can register for ANC? According to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Lagos State, Dr Femi Olugbile, blood donation is a general request but not necessarily mandatory for husbands or relatives of expectant mothers.

One major way to guarantee availability of blood is to request for donation, which the government is currently doing through its blood donation service.

Olugbile said an expectant

mother may need blood during delivery. The blood donated, he added, will go into the pool to meet any emergency needs, without having recourse to buying or looking for donors at that critical time. “If they are asked to donate blood, it ensures expectant mothers get blood when needed without delay,” he added.

Olugbile said: “We are working to ensure we increase the number of non-remunerated voluntary blood donors,” he said.

A front line Haematologist, Prof Sulaiman Akanmu of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi Araba, said fathers are not forced to donate blood during ante-natal care at federal institutions where ANC takes place, rather it is a requirement to forestall haemorrhagic challenge of labour.

He added that it also helps to ensure availability of blood in the blood bank at all times saying this is key to salvaging other non obstetric haemorrhagic conditions.

A Human Right activist, Gbenga Adedeji, said compelling fathers to donate blood as a condition for ANC registration is out of order, “this is because in a democratic dispensation all actions are governed by law and in this case the state House of Assembly has not passed any law to that effect that I am aware of.

“More so, it is arbitrary to deny would-be mothers the privilege of ANC registration. That can directly fuel maternal mortality rate. And the Millenium Developmental Goals (MDGs) won’t be achieved.”

He said for instance, “if these women are not enrolled and they settle for alternatives like TBAs, how would complications be averted? Unlike a conventional clinic that can detect diabetes, high blood sugar through routine screening of urine and blood, can TBAs detect such?”

Co-ordinator, Voluntary Blood Donation, Lagos branch, Nigerian Red Cross Society, Mr Solomon Eka backs the decision, because, “only about 600 people out of a population of over 20 million have donated blood in Lagos State this year. This figure is still very low compared to the number of people who need blood in the state. There is need for more voluntary blood

‘If they are asked to donate blood, it ensures expectant mothers get blood when needed without delay...We are working to ensure we increase the number of nonremunerated voluntary blood donors” donors in the state, if there will be enough blood in the blood bank.

Eka spoke during a blood donation drive organised by the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Committee (LSBTC) in collaboration with the Lagos branch of the Nigerian Red Cross Society to raise awareness on blod

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By Wale Adepoju

cists in maternal and child health.

According to him, there is a lot that pharmacists can do to improve the statistics, especially through training.

He said the college was building capacity to ensure standards across the West African region.

Tayo identified the challenges facing the body as funding, space for infrastructure and acceptance by various agencies across the country.

Chairman, Joint Faculty Board of the college, Prof Mbang FemiOyewo, said the body will ensure pharmacy practice of highest quality and safeguard the lives of the

donation.

He said: “Blood is essential to the body, a lot of people in the hospital are short of it and they need blood to remain alive. Sickle cell disease; cancers, road accident victims that are bleeding to death, bleeding during pregnancy and delivery, surgery patients, malaria patients

•From left: Former Miss Nigeria, Chief Nike Oshinowo,the face of Endonotriosis; Managing Director, Nordical Medical Fertility Clinic, Dr Abayomi Ajayi and Clinic Manager, Mrs Ranti Ajayi at a media briefing to mark this year’s Endonmotriosis months.

PHOTO: OYEYEMI GBENGA MUSTAPHA

Stakeholders brainstorm on cancers

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TAKEHOLDERS have called on Nigerians to prevent cancer, which is gradually becoming an epidemic.

A thoracic surgeon and a cancer epidemiologist at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York, Dr Chukwuma Nworgu, said oncologists and other professionals in medicine were ready to tackle the disease.

Pharmacists worried over maternal, child mortality ratio HE West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists (WAPCP) has expressed concern over the disturbing maternal and infant mortality ratio in Nigeria.

Its president, Prof Fola Tayo, said pharmacists had crucial roles to play to reduce the death of mother and child.

Tayo spoke to reporters on the body’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Scientific Symposium in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

The event was organised by WAPCP and Pharmaceutical Society of Sierra Leone (PSS). It was themed Opportunities and challenges of pharma-

•Dr Olugbile

with low blood level and burns patients are some of the cases that place one on the need for blood.”

He observed that most people don’t donate because of ignorance and superstition. “The blood which is donated is replenished when the person drinks water or any fluid.

Donors have the opportunity to have a mini medical check up because HIV 1 and 2, Hepatitis B and C, Syphills, genotype and blood group will be tested for free.”

Secretary, Lagos State branch of the Nigerian Red Cross, Mrs Ijeoma Nwek said, any adult between the ages of 18 and 65, who is healthy and has no sickness in the body can donate blood. “Blood donation is crucial as it helps to preserve the lives of others.

A Consultant Haematologist, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, Dr Doyin Dosunmu, urged Nigerians to imbibe the culture of voluntary blood donation saying it is a means of saving the sick, which does not require money.

people.

“There is a need to protect lives.

Losing lives through negligence and omission should be prevented, which is what the college is doing,” she added.

Mrs Femi-Oyewo said drugs are the most intervention in any facility, as such there must be total quality assurance (TQA) in everything pharmacists do.

She said the data from the International Pharmaceutical Federation (IPF) and World Health Organisation (WHO) on child and maternal health care show the urgency of the crisis facing the country.

By Wale Adepoju

Nworgu spoke during a seminar/ collaboration on cancer between Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) and the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).

The theme was Collaboration against cancer from the public and private sector, and from different specialists.

He said his organisation contacted the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) to have the workshop focus on cancers in Lagos, as a metropolitan city, and Nigeria at large.

Nworgu said there was a need to discuss cancer and find out the most effective measures that can be taken to prevent cancers, such as diagnosing earlier to be able to treat it better.

Collaborating among specialists and people in general can make a difference in cancer prevention, he added.

Gastrointestinal (GI) specialist, Cancer Section, University College, London, Dr Austin Obitere, said there is cancer epidemic in Nigeria, stressing that it is necessary to have a better means of diagnosing the disease.

“Now, the emphasis is to prevent

the disease. I want to be able to stand in front of my patients and say I can cure you. That is how it is supposed to be. But, unfortunately, there is lack of education and awareness and with this there is very little you can do to help as a doctor,” he added.

He said the workshop was to empower experts in LASUTH through education and information to help develop their own ‘tumour board’ and have in place a Cancer Registry and other aspects of cancer care.

This, he said, will enable them deliver the best care possible to prevent the disease.

He described the ‘tunour board’ as a group of specialists, who have an interest in the management of the disease.

“They come together and work as a team with no exceptional or important person within the group who are working together to deliver the best possible care to the patients based on current evidence,” Obitere added.

Consultant Oncologist, LASUTH, Dr Abiodun Popoola said the rate of cancer patients in LASUTH is high and majority of them present late.

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

46

HEALTH

Experts caution against excessive use of antibiotics

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HE non-prescriptive or excessive use of antibiotics and not completing the prescribed dosage are harmful, health experts have said.

The experts including a Consultant Clinical Microbiologist, Dr Rita Oladele, Senior Registrars, Dr Ochan Ernest and Dr Abdul-Wahab Ettu, of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), said Nigeria is gradually returning to the pre antibiotic era, when any infection means death.They noted that the development is not limited to Nigeria alone, but cuts across the world.

They said not following the required duration for antibiotics, taking antibiotics not meant for an illness and the general abuse of drugs will lead to antimicrobial resistance. This means pathogenic micro organisms invading the body will no longer respond to first-time antibiotics thus ‘once you are diagnosed with an infection it may lead to death’.

The doctors said there was no need to have a prescription for antibiotics in Nigeria since its availability is uncontrolled and can be bought by anybody.

“Dangers lie in taking antibiotics not prescribed by the right person, because you are not sure if the prescription is the right antibiotic for your illness, and if the right dosage is prescribed,” the doctors said.

All these factors push forward to anti microbial resistance, they said.

Anti microbial resistance means the micro organisms in the body can survive despite the presence of the right concentration of anti microbial. Anti microbial are either synthetic or natural substance that prevent the growth of micro organisms. When these micro organisms become resistant to anti microbial, death eventually occurs, the

By Olatunde Odebiyi

doctors said.

Dr Ettu said; “when you have an infection, example, a respiratory tract infection, characterised by cough, and you use an antibiotics for it with prescription from a medical doctor, the cough may stop after a day or two of use of the drug, but you are still required to complete your dosage. This will allow for

complete cure of infection , and prevent antimicrobial resistance, as oppose to stoping the drug by the second day, and then the residual organisms mutate and acquire resistance to that antibiotic and many other antibiotics.”

They said everybody has a part to play if anti microbial resistance will not come to reality in the world.

For Nigeria, they said the National

Resistance to antibiotics risks health ‘catastrophe’ Britain’s health system could slip back by 200 years unless the “catastrophic threat” of antibiotic resistance is successfully tackled, the Government’s Chief Medical Officer (CMD) Dame Sally Davies warns.

In her first annual report, Dame Sally Davies says the problem of microbes becoming increasingly resistant to the most powerful drugs should be ranked alongside terrorism and climate change on the list of critical risks to the nation.

The growing ineffectiveness of many antibiotics against infection is being compounded by a “discovery void”, as few new compounds are being developed to take their place. Dame Sally calls for a string of actions to tackle the threat, which is likely to include tighter restrictions on how General Practitioners prescribe antibiotics for their patients.

In her report, published March 14, this year, she says: “There is a need for politicians in the UK to prioritise antimicrobial resistance as a major area of concern, including on the national risk register and pushing for action internationally as well as in local healthcare services.

Sally Davies “Antimicrobial resistance is a ticking timebomb not only for the UK but also for the world. We need to work with everyone to ensure the apocalyptic scenario of widespread antimicrobial resistance does not become a reality. This threat is arguably as important as climate change.” culled from www.independent.co.uk

Agency for Food, Drugs and Administration Control (NAFDAC) needs to test the quality of drugs and ensure it contains the accurate milligram before it enters the market.

Manufacturers should monitor the movement of drugs down to the final consumer.

Pharmacists are to sell antibiotics with prescriptions and they must be qualified to sell it.

Doctors should not prescribe antibiotics for un-diagnosed conditions.

Government needs to enforce the law in this country on antibiotics distribution.

Dr Ernest said there is the need for people to be more educated on the use of antibiotics of which the doctors are not left out.

He added that farmers also need to be educated on the use of antibiotics on animal products, because micro organisms in animals are also prone to antimicrobial resistance and can be transmitted to humans.

The medical experts said legislation should be enforced to control antibiotics, we should start practising antibiotic holiday, so we can streamline the use of antibiotics. We should agree on the antibiotics to be used while the rest go on holiday. This will make the organisms to have memory loss. With that memory loss, we can start using those antibiotics we have sent on holiday again.

“In the next five to 10 years, we are going to have low sensitivity to antibiotics in a lot of organisms,” Ernest said.

What antimicrobial resistance will lead to is that people may die of an infection which should have being treated, the doctors said.

More Nigerians suffer from kidney failure BOUT 20 per cent of Nigerians are said to be suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD) and require dialysis or kidney transplant.

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Dr Manoj Gunber, a Professor of Nephrology and Transplantation, Institute of Kidney diseases and Research Centre, Ahmedabad, India, said in Lagos at an interactive forum/awareness creation event for stakeholders and doctors to mark the World Kidney Day that the disease is common among people in their middle age and above.

CKD is caused by hypertension and diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes; cardiovascular complications, lifestyle habits such as smoking and taking alcohol also increase the risk of the disease, Gunber said.

“To treat CKD is quite expensive and most people cannot afford it. This is why prevention of disease is key as the only available option to reduce the cost of therapy or treatment. This shows that a coordinated approach is needed to prevent the disease.

“Many people have died of the disease even after the transplant due to inability to go for further treatment, stressing that people suffering from kidney failure should not be neglected or discriminated; they need the love and support of everybody.

He said regular medical check-ups, most especially blood pressure and diabetes screening should be employed as a major preventive strategy against the disease. The cost of medical check-up is affordable compared with the cost of treating kidney diseases, he added. He identified loss of appetite, insomnia, increase in the frequency of urination (especially at night) and swelling on the legs as some of the symptoms of chronic kidney disease.

The don advised that people should have healthy diet, eat fruits and vegetables. “Also, eat moderately, don’t take more calories than needed and exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight to prevent kidney disease.”

“High blood pressure and diabetes are important risk factors for the development of chronic kidney disease if not diagnosed early and properly managed and a lot of people may not be aware of this fact”, said the Medi-

By Olatunde Odebiyi

cal Director Pfizer NEAR, Dr Soroh Kodjo.

Creating awareness on the importance of a healthy Kidney with key stakeholders on WKD is very key at this time to reduce the affliction of the disease.

Over the years, Pfizer has contributed to reduction of Kidney ailments through the cardiovascular screenings.

The Kidney Foundation Founder of the NGO, Dr Bose Peters, a survivor of kidney transplant, done in India, said the goal of the foundation is to support post transplant patients and procur their medication which can be very expensive. “Our ultimate goal is to build a kidney transplant in Nigeria.

“This NGO is a foundation that seeks ways to curb the effect and issues pertaining to the disease and proffers platforms on medical discourse of the disease and its management.

Communication and Public Affairs Director, Pfizer NEAR, Mrs Margaret Olele, said there is need for increased awareness and education on CKD so that it can be detected early or even be prevented, in order to avoid the pain and cost of kidney disease.

•L-R: Ebonyi State Commissioner for Health Dr Sunday Nwangele; Chief Medical Director of Fistula Hospital, Abakaliki, Dr Sunday Adeoye; Consul-General of American Embassy, Jeffery Hawkins and Project Manager, USAID Fistula Care Project, Chief Iyeme Efem, during a tour of the hospital.

MTN Foundation to sponsor 12,000 eye cataract surgeries

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TN Foundation (MTNF), the corporate social investment vehicle of MTN, has unveiled plans for 12,000 eye cataract surgeries for Nigerians this year.

According to its Director, Mr Akinwale Goodluck, the operations will be carried out under a new project tagged MTN Foundation Eyesight Restoration Intervention Scheme (MTNF EyeRIS).

“This is one of the many new projects the MTN Foundation has perfected to flag off this year,” said Goodluck. “It is one that we are particularly very passionate about because of the sheer impact we can already feel it is going to have on people’s lives. As you know, the whole essence of the Foundation is to positively impact the lives of Nigerians.”

By Oyeyemi Gbenga-Mustapha

Goodluck said the Foundation had already selected an indigenous partner, through whom the project would be implemented, adding that the governments of six beneficiary states across the country were working with the Foundation to ensure the success of the project.

“Beneficiaries of this initiative will be drawn from the less privileged who face the grim imminence of sight loss as a result of eye cataract but lack the wherewithal to pursue remedial surgery. Our support for every beneficiary will not be limited to the surgical operation alone, but will cover the distribution of corrective glasses, drugs as well as pre and post-operative care.”

Goodluck said this project and oth-

ers being introduced this year will run alongside existing projects being implemented nationwide by the three portfolios of the Foundation, namely, health, education and economic empowerment.

MTN Foundation currently has 319 project sites across the six geopolitical zones of the country and has spent over N7.5 billion on social projects in the areas of health, education and economic empowerment. Aside from the three major portfolios, the foundation also proactively responds to national emergencies, providing millions of naira worth of urgent relief materials to victims of such occurrences.

Goodluck said the Foundation would continue to seek more ways of adding value to the lives of Nigerians as long as MTN remains in business.

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ENERGY THE NATION

E-mail:- energy@thenationonlineng.net

‘Oil blocks not awarded on geo-political divide’ •Olorunsola

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HERE are no records to indi cate that Nigerians of northern extraction own 83 per cent of Nigeria’s oil blocks, Director of Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Osten Olorunsola, has said.

The chief regulator of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry told The Nation at the launch of NOGintelligence in Lagos, an oil and gas publication, that the DPR doesn’t have such records and besides, oil blocks are not awarded based on whether the bidder is from the north or from the south.

“We don’t give out blocks, or

marginal fields based on where you come from. It is purely based on competitive process and the winner basically takes it. At the point of applying for the blocks and marginal fields, we don’t ask whether you are a northerner or a southerner. So we don’t have records of 83 per cent anywhere. I don’t know where they pulled out that from, but it is not in our records,” he said.

Olorunsola noted that what the Federal Government is doing currently is making policies that would make Nigerians own and control substantial part of Nigeria’s petroleum industry, because presently, contribution from indigenous players is below expectation.

He said that the creation of marginal fields’ policy by the government is to encourage increased indigenous participation.

He said: “We have 388 oil blocks

Stories by Emeka Ugwuanyi

and out the number, 173 blocks have been awarded out to people. Out of the 173 blocks awarded, 90 blocks are held by indigenous companies, while 83 are held by multinational oil companies.

“However, the 90 blocks held by indigenous companies, contribute only six per cent to Nigeria’s production, while the 83 blocks held by the multinational firms, account for 94 per cent of Nigeria’s oil production,” adding that the volume of oil production by indigenous firms is about 150,000 barrels per day.

He explained that what is responsible for the poor contribution to national oil production by indigenous oil firms, is not much different from the challenges faced by marginal fields’ operators. He said out of the 23 marginal fields given to indigenous firms, only a few lic-

ensees have been able to begin operation.

Olorunsola said: “Quite a lot of several reasons have been responsible for the poor contribution. If you look at marginal fields players, they all had problems initially, such as litigations and funding issues, among others, but now they are all maturing and are doing well.

“For those that have blocks in the frontier areas, they have also tried because they have to go through exploration stages, after which comes the appraisal stage, followed by development stage and then to production,” he said, adding that many of them are still going through those stages.

“It is not easy because from exploration to first oil, it could take 15-20 years. Many of them are still trying and hopefully, they will come on stream soon,” he stated.

Olorunsola, said if one looks at

all the policies around oil and gas in this country since oil and gas exploitation, the government has been making efforts to enable Nigerians own and manage substantial part of the industry.

He explained that in the 1950s and 60s, the International Oil Companies (IOCs) were basically dictating the rules and the government was basically collecting rents, saying at that stage, there was nothing like indigenous participation.

He said Nigeria became an active player in the oil industry when it joined the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). It was at that point that Nigeria introduced the policies that led to the acquisition of 60 percent stake in the Joint Ventures, which signaled the first time indigenous firms started to participate in the nation’s oil sector.

NNPC co-operative declares N157.3m dividends for shareholders

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HE Staff Co-operative Multipurpose society Limited of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has declared N157.3 million as dividends for shareholders of the company for the 2012 financial year.

The President of the co-operative, Mr Ojeyemi Adeleke, declared this to shareholders during the cooperative’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos. He called for prompt remittance of deductions from staff emoluments, saying irregular remittance of deductions is one of the main challenges facing the cooperative society.

He said: “This is our greatest challenge. It is hampering our operations and delivery of service to our members. It also puts enormous financial pressure on us. Just as blood is to life, so is prompt remittances of our deductions from our members’ salaries to the society.

We, therefore, on behalf of our society and sister societies in the NNPC Group, appeal to the NNPC

management to regularly remit our deductions together with the payment of salaries.”

He listed the projects carried out by the society as construction of office complex in Lagos comprising a new secretariat, multi-purpose hall, consumer shop and a new parking lot. He said the co-operative is partnering Aqua Production Technology of Israel on agricultural scheme, import replacement with export.

He said the cooperative society’s financial statement showed that year 2011 was better when compared with the dividends of 2012.

He said N201,332,568 dividends was declared in 2011 as against N157,317,832 in 2012.

A member of the co-operative, Mr Ignatius Christopher, blamed the decline in 2012 dividend on capital projects embarked upon by the society. “The management has many projects at hand when compared with previous year and these projects are being financed with mainly bank loans.

•From left: President, Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE), Mr George Osahon; President, American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG), Africa Region, Mr Gilbert Odior; Coordinator, Imperial Barrel Award (IBA) Programme, Africa Region, Mr Oluseye Ekun and IBA Global Committee Member, Adedoja Ojelabbi, at the AAPG-IBA programme Africa region competition in Lagos.

Ogun, firm to assess impact of oil spill in Arepo

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HE Ogun State Government and the Hydrocarbon Pollution Restoration Project (HYPREP) will start assessment of level of environmental damage caused by oil spills in Arepo, a community in the state.

This stemmed from persistent activities of vandals in the area.

HYPREP is an agency of the government established last year to handle restoration of degraded environment arising from oil spillage and activities of oil exploration and production companies.

Arepo has lately become notorious as a haven for petroleum products thieves and pipeline vandals, recording three major incidents in less than two months.

A delegation from the HYPREP led by its National Coordinator, Mrs. Joy Nunieh-Okunnu, visited Arepo following an invitation from the Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Prince Lanre Tejuosho, to start an assess-

ment of the concerns of oil spillage and air pollution in the area.

The commissioner confirmed that the state government would provide HYPREP with offices from where its operations could commence.

During the visit, concerns were raised about the ease with which vandals had access to oil pipelines and the impact their activities were having in the community. A resident of the Journalists’ Estate in Arepo, Mr Gbayode Somuyiwa, and other officials and colleagues in the estate relived their experiences.

Somuyiwa relayed his experience. He said: “On the first night I experienced this, it was as if my fuel tank was left open overnight and by the morning the smell was gone ... we were just inhaling impure air and it has gone on unabated.”

He expressed his concern about the surrounding villages where as a result of the explosion from

vandalised pipes, corpses had been left in the water and this combined with oil spillage had polluted the water. “Some people have diarrhoea and they are not aware of the causes. Those who used to fish can’t fish,” he said. He also pointed out that some Ijaw communities who are active fishermen in the area have disappeared, adding that the oil spillage had destroyed the environment.

Nunieh-Okunnu said the visit of HYPREP, which was on the invitation of the Ogun State Government, was to carry out an environmental assessment of the oil spillage. She said that for the first time in the over 50 years history of oil exploration in Nigeria, the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani AlisonMadueke has set up a specialist unit within the Ministry of Petroleum Resources to ensure that section 8 and 9 of the Petroleum Act was implemented. She noted

that the minister was particularly interested in what was happening in Arepo.

She confirmed that once the office space was available, HYPREP would conduct an air analysis and perform tests on the water in collaboration with the state government. She urged stakeholders to carry out continuous campaign against crude oil theft “as people can’t keep stealing whilst we (HYPREP) keep cleaning.”

She said the boys involved in ‘put fire’ (artisanal refining) activities must understand the impact of crude oil theft on their health and the environment. She also expressed concern about the exchange of crude oil for drugs and arms.

On the question of compensation, Mrs Nunieh-Okunnu clarified that her agency was liable for addressing issues of environmental restoration and exploring alternative livelihoods through

HYPREP’s socio-economic unit programme in impacted communities.

Tejuosho said the state government will pursue compensation with the Federal Government where there have been negative effects of oil spillage in the community. He reassured the community that all areas that needed compensation will be pursued.

The HYPREP delegation also went on to the Diamond Estate in Lagos State, where concerns about oil spillage and pollution had been reported. In a meeting with the President of the Estate, Mr Kolapo Abiodun, Nunieh-Okunnu listened to concerns of the community about pollution of the water around the houses in Phase Two of the estate.

This, Kolapo said, raised concerns about health. He felt that effective remediation had not been put in place.

He assured him that HYPREP would carry out an assessment and make necessary recommendations to address the issue at Arepo.

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ENERGY

NLNG generates $60b revenue, says CEO

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HE Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) generated $60 billion in revenues for the Federal Government in the last 13 years, the Managing Director/CEO, Babs Omotowa, has said.

The CEO, who stated this in Lagos at the Annual Oloibiri Lecture Series and Energy Forum organised by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigeria, also said NLNG accounts for

•Accounts for 7% of global LNG market

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

seven per cent of the global liquefied natural gas (LNG) market.

In a paper, entitled: Emerging Unconventional Hydrocarbon Sources: Implication for Nigerian LNG export, Omotowa highlighted the value additions of the company to Nigeria and its stake-

holders. He, however, expressed fears that natural gas production from unconventional sources will certainly impact negatively on the company.

He said apart from the revenues generated for the government, NLNG has placed Nigeria on the global map as LNG exporter, and also accounts for four percent of

the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

He said NLNG is responsible for 50 per cent reduction of flared gas and contributes 65 per cent of the total liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supply to the market, adding that the company has revitalised the shipping industry. He added that it supplies uninterrupted power in its catchment area, Bonny, Rivers State. It also supplies pipe-borne water across its operational ares.

He said the company has paid over $15 billion to companies on feed gas purchase in upstream joint ventures, and paid paid over $23 billion dividends to its shareholders, while $180 million was paid as Value Added Tax (VAT), among others payments.

He said: “As at today, NLNG is producing seven per cent of global liquefied natural gas and currently contributes four per cent of Nigeria’s GDP. The company had supplied about 150,000 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas,

(cooking gas) into the domestic market, representing about 65 per cent of LPG that has been distributed to the local market.

“Out of the 23 million tonnes of LNG produced annually, 63 per cent goes to Europe, while 32 per cent goes to Asia,” he stated.

He said that reports by United States Energy Information Administration (EIA), showed that there are several trillions of cubic meters of technically recoverable gas from shale gas resources spread across the countries of the world, such as the United States, Russia, China, Australia, South Africa, Argentina, Qatar, Canada and South Africa.

He disclosed that the production of natural gas from shale formations may lead to United States emerging as a net exporter of gas by 2030 as against a net importer of oil and gas.

He said US market demand is no longer sacrosant as long term (25years) sales and purchase agreements are being challenged due to liquidity and indexation of LNG prices to crude.

‘Use of bio-fuels’ll save climate’

L •From right: National Coordinator, Hydrocarbon Pollution Restoration Project (HYPREP), Mrs Joy Nunieh-Okunnu; Commissioner of Environment, Ogun State, Dr Lanre Tejuosho; Head, Socio-Economic Development unit, HYPREP, Mrs Maimuna Shuaibu and Head, Community Relations Unit, Mr Elaye Youdeowei, during a visit to Arepo, Ogun State to tackle the hydrocarbon pollution in the area.

Content Board harps on infrastructure, skills devt

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O meet the challenges confronting the oil and gas industry, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has stressed the need for adequate infrastructure and entrepreneurial skills development in the country.

Speaking during the NigerianBritish Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Meeting in Lagos, the Executive Secretary of the board, Ernest Nwapa, emphasised the need to build infrastructure and empower entrepreneurs who have the capability but lack the resources to build facilities to key into existing opportunities and use their entrepreneurial skills to create value.

He said: “We are focusing on two critical factors of production after which they would now use their skills to leap into the next phase of job creation.”

He said the board is collaborating with international oil companies to educate the contractors and subcontractors on entrepreneurial skills, adding that some of them were already in partnership with the Lagos State Business School.

“We will continue to encourage the entire industry on the need to use what is made in Nigeria. We believe it would now turn some of these people who have been agitating for opportunities into being employers of labour, because we are not only going to give them that environment, we will use the policy to drive the demand for their products. We will say to the industry that these people can make components of the equipment you are using, get them to do it,” he noted.

Nwapa expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the Nigerian content measurement. He said the current statistics had shown that Nigeria measures 90 per cent

By Ambrose Nnaji

in engineering, 50 per cent in fabrication and seven per cent in manufacturing, adding that the ratio was not encouraging to implant legacy for the future generation, which according to him, entails skills acquisition and creation of jobs in the sector to advance the economy.

To this end, he said henceforth building of vessels shall be done by local engineers so as to reinforce the internal man craft of the country. “Every contract awarded to foreign companies, there must be 10 per cent mandatory position for jobs that will train engineers within the country in order to develop indigenous skills and grow local supply chain,” he said.

On industrial parks, Nwapa said though the Nigerian oil and gas industry has the distinctiveness that can drive it speedily and purposefully, he however noted that the board would not hesitate to bring in any state that has an industrial park programme to make

sure it is focused and result oriented “We believe there is a link between the industry and other sectors, so we are very interested in matching on to what other agencies, including the government are doing. We are going to rally the industry to start using Nigerian services and goods,” he added.

The President of the Chambers, Thomas Awagu, lamented that the laws guiding the operations of the petroleum industry have been generally inadequate and inconsistent with modern international tendency.

He said a lot of education is needed to broaden the mind of the populace on matters relating to prospects and challenges of the petroleum industry bill in order to harness sustainable economic development of the sector and the nation in general.

H said the chamber is committed to ensuring the enhancement of trade and investment between Nigeria and British private sector operators, adding that this would in turn increase business and commerce in the country.

AGOS State Deputy Governor, Mrs Adejoke OrelopeAdefulire, has said a new biofuel product which uses neither kerosene nor gas for domestic cooking would help in the fight against climate change.

She made the call at the launch of Kike Green Cook Stove in Lagos.

The Kike Green Cook Stove produces fire by a bio-fuel gel, which is environment-friendly and supports the global campaign against climate change. She also said that the distribution strategy of the product would help reduce poverty, especially among women.

Described as ‘green technology,’ is the product is distributed by the United Nations-supported Carbon Credit Network (CCN), and coordinated by the SME funds.

Represented by Mrs. Oluwakemi Sanni, Mrs. Orelope-Adefulire, said: “Lagos State has always been exploring different strategies to reduce poverty of any kind and empower our women. We are therefore, impressed by initiatives like this one.

We share the passion; we share the commitment.

“I do hope you will remain committed to ensuring that by 2030, more women and people would have access to clean and green energy to support households and increase youth economy in the green sector in Nigeria.

“It is our hope and determination that in Lagos State, many people would find accessible cheap energy for use in their homes to make life worthwhile.”

SME Fund Chairman, Dr Christopher Kolade, said the reality of climate change makes it important to explore the use of renewable energy and clean technology, streesing that

By Joseph Jibueze

the world must either cut down on carbon or lose lives.

He said: “Businesses must invest in clean technologies. The community must embrace the use of these new technologies. Millions of people die every year from indoor air pollution and I commend the work of Carbon Credit Network to help fight this in 2013, as the stage being set.

“More children will have the opportunity to grow and read under a clean, safe lighting. Respiratory problem will decrease and we shall be able to give hope to many women currently cooking under very dangrous conditions using kerosene and firewood filled with soot.

“The time is now to join this action. We all have a role to play to create the future we want to see.”

SME-Funds/CCN Chief Executive Officer, Mr Femi Oye, said CCN makes the Green Carbon Fund available in Africa, using the social network marketing model to distribute wealth for the active poor at the base of the pyramid, especially in developing nations.

“Our growth in membership has been phenomenal – increasing from few green ambassadors to over 8,000 members in less than a year.

CCN has paid over $100,000 in credit bonuses in its first year with a turnover of $2million.

“CCN continues to strengthen partnerships, broker relationship and enhance cooperation between local and international organisations to bring energy loans, education grants and green technology solutions to the people that need them most,” Oye added.

Pipeline rehabilitation: Tanker drivers praise NNPC chief

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HE Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) – an arm of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) - has commended the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Andrew Yakubu, on the rehabilitation and protection of the country’s pipelines.

The union expressed its appreciation during a courtesy visit by a delegation of the national executive of the union led by its National Chairman, Dr. Timothy Ogbu, to the NNPC’s headquarters in Abuja.

Ogbu said the union was very impressed with Yakubu’s effort in

rehabilitating the pipelines and depots, which had been giving all operators in the downstream sub-sector of the petroleum industry nightmares over the years.

Ogbu said: “We want to thank the Group Managing Director for the successes recorded in this area and hope that the tempo will not only be sustained, but also be improved upon in other areas that have been bedevilled in the industry such as the AbaMakurdi-Yola line, the Ibadan-Ilorin line, and that of Warri-Kaduna-JosGombe –Maiduguri.”

He said his union cherishes the cordial relationship it has with NNPC and

promised to ensure that the harmonious relationship is sustained for the good of all Nigerians.

Yakubu thanked the union leaders for recognising the effort of his management in aggressively addressing the downstream infrastructure challenge, adding that the commendation means a call to do more the corporation and him.

He explained that the rehabilitation of the pipelines and depots is only a part of the mandate given to him by the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, which includes the rehabilitation of the refineries for optimum capacity

utilisation.

“We can’t achieve optimum capacity utilisation in the refineries without having the pipelines and depots in good shape for effective product evacuation and distribution, that is why we are fixing them so that by the time we complete the rehabilitation of the refineries we won’t have any problem with distribution and storage,” he said.

Yakubu said the corporation was deploying the horizontal directional drilling technology at all the trouble spots where pipeline sabotage and products theft are rife across the country, adding that the process has already been flagged off at Arepo.

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NIGER DEL TA CONTRA CT ORS CO ALITION DELT CONTRACT CTORS COALITION 45 Sapele Road, Enerhen- Warri Delta State Email : ndcc2001@gmail.com.

OPEN LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA

NDDC’ s 805 ST ALLED PR OJECTS: Q UESTIONS FOR MR. PRESIDENT? (P AR T II) NDDC’s STALLED PROJECTS: QUESTIONS (PAR ART

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r. President in keeping with our effort to bring to your notice the activities of the Niger Delta Development Commission, we had commenced and concluded a detailed survey of all NDDC projects in the Region from 2005 to date. The outcome of our investigation has been alarming and the first list has already been published. We thank you for taking immediate action in summoning the Presidential Committee on Niger Delta which has led to the submission of their report albeit incomplete.

The Presidential Committee you set up has been arm twisted by the Managing Director of the NDDC who has given a standing instruction that no document of the commission should be made available to the committee. The Managing Director and members of the board have ignored several requests for meetings by the JemideCommittee. This absolute disrespect to the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is punishable. While the Presidential Committee was able to visit less than 700 projects in over 18 months of their work, we have been able to visit over 3,000 projects scattered across the Niger Delta, thanks to our state chapters and members.

With over N1.8tr commitment on on-going projects, of which 65% are either stalled or abandoned, the Managing Director, on the February 26, 2013, issued an order for advertisement calling for contractors for more new projects, in disregard to Mr. President’s directive on new projects. Some of the projects are: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Construction of Esit Eket internal roads in Akwa Ibom Construction off 22km link road from Apoi Creek to Coast – Bayelsa state Dualization of Edepie Junction to Kolo/Oloibiri Phase 1- Bayelsa state Shore protection and sand-filling works at Ogan-ama- Okrika- Rivers state Construction of 22km Udo Ofunma Ajakuroma Road in Delta state

These are in addition to the earlier advertised list we called your attention to, which included: 1) 2) 3) 4) 5)

Ndoni-Aboh Road and 1.65km bridge (another bridge across the River Niger) Construction of Afara Ukwu Radial Road/Bridge in Umuahia (32km +45m Span Bridge) Construction of Isuochi-Nneato Road Construction of Idung Atangedem-Ine Akpautong to Atlantic Ocean Construction of Asaba-Ase/Abari Road

Mr. President these projects were advertised on February 27, 2013 in national dailies, but the award letters have already been prepared. The total cost of these projects adds an additional N104 billion to NDDC’s huge encumbrance of commitments, and will eventually join the list of abandoned projects. Mr. President, the question is: why start more mega-projects when you haven’t completed any?

On Thursday, October 25, 2012, Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs, Zainab Kuchi, announced the Federal Executive Council’s approval of the design of the Oron- Calabar road, being section 4 of the East/West Road at a cost of N671.4 million. Mr. President, this Managing Director has already awarded the design of the same road. You may wish to investigate.

These are only possible because top officials of the Bureau of Public Procurement have become NDDC contractors themselves.

In today’s memo we shall be detailing abandoned mega-projects and also the recklessness in the award and distribution of projects with flagrant disregard to the Niger Delta Regional Master Plan. The NDDC has awarded projects for the construction of several infrastructures to the tune of N8 Billion, for the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Project. It is a shame that while almost a thousand projects are stalled and abandoned, the commission is funding projects for Greater Port Harcourt. The NDDC has directed that projects for Greater Port Harcourt be implemented under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) budget of 2013.

The Managing Director without the approval of the board awarded over 30 projects for the renovation and upgrade of police and military barracks in Rivers state. We are flummoxed howfunds for the development of oil producing communities (worth almost N8b) will be used for defence projects, one of them is the renovation of the Nigerian Navy swimming pool which has been awarded at the sum of N202m; others are -

Attached herewith Mr. President is the list of 100 mega projects that are either stalled for lack of funds, or have been abandoned completely due to the recklessness of the current board of the NDDC. The total project amount of these projects is N516.7b. Is it wise to award more?

We will continue to show the recklessness of project awards in our coming memos to Mr. President, and hope that Mr. President will call this incompetent board of the NDDC to order. This is the only board of the NDDC that has not commissioned a mega project since their inauguration.

Mr. President, we pray thee to act now!

Yours Sincerely, Engr. Evwierhurhoma Agbagoro (MNSE) President

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NEWS Fed Govt, PHCN union hold talks today

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HE Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies in Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) on Monday said the Federal Government has invited the union for talks over the severance package.

Mr Bede Opara, PresidentGeneral of the association, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the talks would hold in Abuja today.

According to Opara, the invitation is to harmonise the report of the implementation committee on the payment of entitlements.

He hoped that the meeting would end the lingering crisis between the PHCN workers and the Federal Government.

The workers refused the government’s mode of payment, insisting on outright payment of the entitlements, amounting to N384 billion.

This disagreement led the workers to hold a national prayer to seek God’s intervention in the matter on Friday, March 15.

Gunmen kill four teachers in Borno

G

UNMEN yesterday shot dead four teachers and injured four pupils in separate attacks on two primary schools in Maiduguri.

In the first attack, witnesses said three gunmen stormed Ali-Alaskiri in Mafoni ward of Maiduguri and shot dead a teacher at the school while a pupil was injured by a stray bullet.

In the second incident, three teachers were shot dead by another set of gunmen while three pupils were injured by stray bullets when gunmen attacked Sanda Kyarimi primary school.

Our reporter, who visited the schools, observed that both pupils and teachers have deserted the schools as a result of the attack.

JTF spokesman Lt Col Sagir Musa said that he would issue a statement on the incident soon.

Ex-senator for Anambra governor

A

FORMER member of the National Assembly, Sen. Emmanuel Anosike, has signified his intention to contest the 2014 governorship election in Anambra.

Anosike announced his aspiration at a stakeholders meeting in Umuleri, Anambra East Local Government Area on Monday.

The ex-lawmaker, who is aspiring on the platform of the PDP, lauded the position of the Governor, Peter Obi, that the governorship slot be given to Anambra North Senatorial zone.

Anosike said many stakeholders of the party were in support of his ambition and urged others support.

He recalled that in the past he had contributed to the development of the state.

The politician pledged to contribute more to the speedy development of the state in all sectors if given the opportunity to be at the helm of affairs.

Mark leads lawmakers to IPU conference

My trial is irregular, says Henry Okah ‘ The interests of C justice would be

ONVICTED leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND) Mr. Henry Okah, yesterday argued that his trial in the South Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg, South Africa is irregular.

“This trial goes to the heart of our (legal) system -the right to a fair trial -” his lawyer JP Marais, told the court.

Marais applied for special entries to be made on record in terms of Section 317 of the Criminal Procedure Act. The Act states that if an accused believes that the trial proceedings were irregular, he or she would be allowed to apply for a special entry to be made on the record stating in what respect the proceedings are alleged to be irregular.

The special entry could be made unless the court believed the application was “not made bona fide or that it is frivolous or absurd or that the granting of the application would be an abuse of the process of the court”, Marais said.

“I want to start off by saying the application... is neither frivolous nor absurd,” he told the court.

“The interests of justice would be served if entries are made because the cornerstone of our criminal justice system is based on the right to a fair trial.”

Marais said there were three different irregularities during the trial.

One of the witnesses introduced by the State was not properly identified as having worked for the Nigerian state security service (SSS) and had been involved in cases of this matter in Nigeria.

He argued that other witnesses said they received “illtreatment from the SSS” and said that the witnesses were in the custody of the SSS. Judge Neels Claassen said he had a problem with the argument because the witnesses made statements long before they knew they had to testify.

“The defence had access to those statements and could cross-examine them based on

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor, Abuja

S

ENATE President David Mark will today lead Nigerian lawmaker to in the 128th Inter- Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Quito, Ecuador.

Mark’s Chief Press Secretary, Paul Mumeh, in a statement in Abuja, said the IPU Conference would be convened between March 22 —27.

The statement added that the general debate on the political, economic and social situation in the world would centre on: “From unrelenting growth to purposeful development: New approaches, new solutions” will be held during the plenary session of the Assembly.

He added that the IPU conference would also address the issue of women and children especially in crisis situation.

The statement reads: “Senator Mark will address the IPU Assembly on the Nigerian democracy, the journey so far.

“Others on the Senate President delegation are the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives Emeka Ihedioha, Senators Abdulaziz Usman, Helen Esuene, Ahmed Hassan Barata, Ehigie Edobor Uzamere and Ganiyu Solomon. The delegation is expected back in Nigeria on March 28, 2013.”

served if entries are made because the cornerstone of our criminal justice system is based on the right to a fair trial

’

that,” he said. Marais said his problem was mainly that Okah did not know exactly who the witness was.

His second argument was that Okah was not offered assistance from the Nigerian government.

“Had he [Okah] been given consular assistance, he might not have gone on trial. There might have been another solution - a political solution,” Marais said.

Claassen intervened and said Okah was offered the assistance by the State but did not take it.

Marais argued that taking the assistance would not have stopped prosecution.

His third entry was around getting witnesses to South Africa.

“The court knew of the witnesses the accused wanted for trial,” Marais argued.

“The accused could not get witnesses here.”

Claassen said the court had received letters that some of the witnesses would not have been allowed to come to South Africa or would not have been allowed out of prison to testify.

“What would have been the point of that letter?” he asked Marais.

Marais responded: “Fact of the matter is that is the law...

At least an effort should have been made.”

Prosecutor Shaun Abrahams said the State opposed the application and said he would file papers on Tuesday morning. Claassen stood the matter

•Okah... yesterday.

down until Tuesday morning.

On Monday morning, Okah, flanked by 12 police officers and dressed in a red and blue chequered t-shirt, entered the dock and turned to blow a kiss to his wife Azuka, who was seated in the third row, before taking his place in the dock.

On 21 January, Okah was found guilty on 13 counts of terrorism, including engaging in terrorist activities, conspiracy to engage in terrorist activities, and delivering, placing, and detonating an explosive device.

The charges related to two car bombs in Abuja, Nigeria, in which 12 people were killed and 36 injured on 1 October 2010, the anniversary of the country’s independence.

The court heard Okah intended calling at least five people from the US and Nigeria to come and testify on his behalf.

Claassen said he found no evidence that Okah did not head the Movement for the

Emancipation of the Niger Delta, which claimed responsibility for the blasts. During the trial, Okah denied any involvement in the blasts and said the charges against him were politically motivated.

A protester outside the South Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg yesterday said Okah was innocent.

“Mr Henry Okah is a freedom fighter. He is not a terrorist,” prison rights activist Golden Miles Bhudu said outside court.

“My brothers and sisters wake up and smell the coffee; an innocent man has been prosecuted. Mr Henry Okah is not a bloody terrorist.”

Dressed in orange prison overalls with chains wrapped around him, Bhudu had two posters in his hands.

“Henry Okah is a political detainee and not a terrorist, says Sapohr” and “Henry Okah’s trial re-enacts Rivonia trial of 1964, says Sapohr,” the placards read.

Court strikes out suit seeking Salami’s recall

A

Federal High Court, Abuja yesterday struck out a suit seeking the reinstatement of the suspended President of the Court of Appeal (PCA), Justice Isa Ayo Salami.

Justice Adamu Bello said the plaintiffs lacked the locus standi to institute the action, therefore the court lacked jurisdiction to decide the matter on its merit.

Citing Order 9 Rule 2 of the Federal High Court Rules, 2009, the court held that it would have had the jurisdiction to deal with the controversies surrounding the suspension if Justice Salami had applied as a coplaintiff in the suit.

“Justice Isa Ayo Salami is the one who has the aggregate enforceable rights to bring the action but oddly enough he was

From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

made a Defendant in the suit.

“In other words, the present is not about public interest litigation but involves the private rights of Justice Isa Ayo Salami.

“Having held that the plaintiff lacks the locus standi to institute the action, the court lacks the jurisdiction to entertain it.

In the circumstance, the proper order to make is the one striking out the suit. I therefore grant an order striking out the suit in its entirety. I make no order as to cost.”

The plaintiffs are Mr. Jitobo Akanike, Idris Musa, Allens Agbaka, Ibrahim Bawa, Princewill Akpakpan , Obruche Ayeteni, Nosa Ihaza, Timothy Odumosu, Stewart Salomi, Ego-

go Lawrence and Maxwell Adeniran.

They sued for themselves and on behalf of the trustees of the Centre for the Promotion of Arbitration.

The human rights activists were seeking an order of mandamus to compel the defendants to recall Justice Salami from his suspension.

The defendants are President Goodluck Jonathan, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Justice Minister, Mohammed Adoke (SAN), the National Judicial Council (NJC) and Justice Salami.

They contended that Jonathan breached the Constitution for disregarding the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC) to reinstate Salami.

Akanike said: “We are go-

•Justice Salami

ing to study the judgment and take appropriate action. We are going to pursue the issue of locus to a logical conclusion.”

Ekweremadu advises youths From Sanni Onogu, Abuja

T

HE Speaker of the Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS Parliament), Senator Ike Ekweremadu yesterday called for more youths involvement of youths in the activities of ECOWAS institutions.

Ekweremadu, according to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Uche Anichukwu, spoke when the current Miss ECOWAS Peace Ambassador, Zirra Banu, visited him in Abuja. He noted that the youth and women of the sub region have a pivotal role to play in the actualisation of the ECOWAS Vision 2020, which among other noble ideals, envisages the transformation of ECOWAS from an ECOWAS of states to an ECOWAS of people.

The Speaker, who is also the Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate, said the Parliament would work closely with the ECOWAS Peace Ambassador in achieving the objectives of the Parliament to lift the fortunes of youths and women of the sub-region.

“For us at the ECOWAS Parliament, ECOWAS Vision 2020 is real; we are interested in seeing ECOWAS blossom with the many years of efforts towards integration really impacting more lives of the ordinary citizens; and I believe youths, in particular, have a crucial role to play in this regard because the tomorrow we are trying to build belongs to them,” Ekweremadu said.

The ECOWAS Peace Ambassador lauded the contributions of the ECOWAS Parliament towards defending democracy and stability in Niger Republic, Republic of Guinea, Cote d’Ivoire, Mali, and Guinea Bissau.

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

54

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 18-3-13

NSE rebounds with N94b gains

A

T the close of business transactions on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) yesterday, the market reflected a reverse of over 72 per cent gain of the 407.08 points loss recorded in the last two trading sessions on the index.

According to the closing figures, the All Share Index of the Exchange improved with 293.46 points, an increase of 0.89 per cent from the opening figure of 32,950.08 points.

The market closed at 33,243.54 points. This represented a recovery of 72.09 per cent of the lost recorded in two days.

The market capitalistaion was not left out as it also added N94 billion, 0.89 per cent increase to close at N10.638 trillion. The gain also represented 72.31 per cent of the N130 billion the market shed in the last two trading sessions.

The market recovery, according to market analyst was attributed to the renewed bargain hunting on stocks that had shed moderate values recently. This is

By Tonia Osundolire

said to have set the current week on a positive footing.

Though volume shrink by 46.3 per cent, market price movement indicated a reduction in the gap between decliners and advancers, to equal numbers. Analysts said this pointed to likely bullish run this week as more earnings are expected in the market.

A total of 100 stocks were traded compared with 115 posted last Friday. The number of gainers and losers were equal, 26 stocks each while 48 closed flat.

Bullish sentiments dominated trading with the degree of advanced stocks on totally transacted deals, volume and value standing at 62.8 per cent, 71.9 per cent and 60.2 per cent.

Unity Bank led the gainers list with an increase of N0.05 to close at N0.85. It was followed by Oando with a gain of N0.75 to close at N17.60.

Others on the list were Ashaka Cement, Dangote

Cement, African Prudential Registrars, May & Baker, Okomuoil palm, FTN Cocoa, Skye Bank and UBA. On the losers’ table, RT Briscoe led with a drop of N0.19 to close at N2.08, trailed by Cement Company of Northern Nigeria with a drop of N0.99 to close at N12. Also on the table were Fidson, Livestock, Wapic Insurance, Ikeja Hotel, Paint Company, UB Capital, Japaul Oil and Guinness.

Specifically, investors transacted a total of 230.585 million shares worth N2.561 billion across 4,791 deals. The volume of shares transacted dropped from 429.65 million shares recorded last Friday, a reduction of 46.33 per cent.

Financial services recorded the largest chunk with 157.136 million shares worth N1.580 billion followed by the Conglomerates with 38.589 million shares worth N80.081 million.

Others with significant volume were the Consumer goods, oil & gas, services, health care and industrial goods with 11.180 million shares, 7.493 million shares, 4.977 million shares, 4.133 million shares and 3.643 million shares.

UBA emerged as the most active stock with 38.80 million shares valued at N335.39 million in 476 deals.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 18-3-13

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

55

MONEY LINK

CBN releases credit bureaux operation guidelines

T

HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday unveiled guidelines for licensing, operations and regulation of credit bureaux and related transactions.

In a circular to all credit bureaux and other stakeholders, signed by A. O. Idris on behalf of Director, Banking Supervision, Mrs Agnes Martins, said individuals/entities are at liberty to invest in a credit bureau subject to CBN approval.

However, investment by a bank and its subsidiaries would not exceed 10 per cent of the total paid-up capital of the credit bureau and the lender is not expected to invest in more than one firm.

The guideline also stipulates that maximum number of directors (including executive directors) on the Board of a credit bureau would be 11, one

•Pegs bank’s investment at 10% Stories by Collins Nweze

of which must be an independent director, while the minimum is five.

The non-executive directors, it said, should comprise the majority of the members of the board at any point in time. It added that no individual is allowed to be a director in more than one credit bureau, stressing that the appointment/upgrade of a new director/ management staff shall be approved by the banking watchdog.

“It said an individual or a group shall not operate a credit bureau in Nigeria unless it is licensed by the CBN. The process of licensing a credit bureau shall involve receipt and appraisal of application, issuance

of approval-in-principle (AIP) and issuance of final operating licence,” the report said.

Also, a promoter(s) seeking to operate a credit bureau in Nigeria shall apply in writing to the Governor of CBN while such application for a licence shall be accompanied with non-refundable application fee of N250,000 made payable to the CBN; minimum capital requirement of N500million paid to the CBN, 50 per cent of which would be released upon the grant of Approval-in-Principle, while the balance would be released with the accrued interest on the grant of final licence.

Needed too are sworn declaration of the promoters and

directors attesting to their willingness to adhere to any code(s) of proper conduct and integrity as may be issued by the CBN. The apex bank having satisfied itself with the conditions met by the firm, shall issue an Approval In Principle (AIP) to the credit bureau, which will stipulate the conditions for granting of final licence.

“An AIP granted to a proposed credit bureau shall be for a period of 180 days within which the proposed credit bureau must comply with all the conditions specified in the AIP, at the end of which period the AIP shall be deemed to have lapsed. Should the promoters of a lapsed AIP wish to continue with the establishment of the credit bureau, they will

Lagos Chamber wants monetary policy relaxed

T

HE Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has called on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to relax its Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) to ensure economic growth and job creation.

In a statement signed by the President of the Chamber, Mr Goddie Ibru, the chamber said the MPR has remained unchanged for nine consecutive times since October 2011.

It added that the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) should use its next meeting to address the issue.

“We expect to see the mon-

digit, which is an appropriate condition for the cessation of the tightening cycle.

“As at March 16, 2013, the country’s external reserves stood at $48.17billion. This level of reserves is enough to cover over 11 months of imports, above the critical level of three months. The reserves should support stable exchange rate in the short-to medium term.

Favourable oil price, improved foreign capital inflows and lower demand from oil marketers have contributed to the accretion to the reserves position.

Monetary easing at this time is, therefore, desirable.“

•Apex bank may retain interest rate

By Toba Agboola

etary policy tools - MPR, Liquidity Ratio and the Cash Reserve Requirements (CRR) adjusted appropriately by the MPC to create the conditions that would stimulate growth, boost economic activities and create jobs.

“We have outline the detrimental impact of sustained monetary tightening on the private sector. This is to underscore the need for the CBN to commence monetary easing and focus on stimulation of economic

growth and job creation,” Ibru said.

Ibru said the foreign exchange rate has remained relatively stable since the beginning of the year, adding that the latest inflation rate for last month stood at 9.5 per cent, lower than 12 per cent recorded in December, last year.

“Year-on-year core inflation (all items less farm produce) stood at 11.3 per cent in January from 13.7 per cent in December 2012. The headline inflation rate is now in single

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

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2012 “ 14-04-2012

GAINERS AS AT 18-3-13

O/PRICE

C/PRICE

CHANGE

UNITYBNK OANDO ASHAKACEM DANGCEM AFRIPRUD MAYBAKER OKOMUOIL FTNCOCOA SKYEBANK UBA

0.80 16.85 23.00 141.50 1.83 2.41 55.00 0.58 6.20 8.29

0.85 17.60 24.00 147.00 1.90 2.50 57.00 0.60 6.37 8.50

0.05 0.75 1.00 5.50 0.07 0.09 2.00 0.02 0.17 0.21

RTBRISCOE CCNN FIDSON LIVESTOCK WAPIC IKEJAHOTEL PAINTCOM UBCAP JAPAULOIL GUINNESS

2.27 12.99 1.68 2.21 1.49 0.86 1.76 1.44 0.76 275.50

C/PRICE 2.08 12.00 1.57 2.10 1.42 0.82 1.68 1.38 0.73 265.01

Amount

Amount

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 18-3-13

O/PRICE

N

AIRA declined after inflation accelerated and foreign investments into the country’s bond market eased, according to Standard Bank Group Ltd. Bloomberg report said the currency retreated 0.1 per cent to N158.85 per dollar, bringing its depreciation this year to 1.7 per cent.

Borrowing costs on the 16.39 per cent domestic bonds due January 2022 increased 17 basis points to 11.44 per cent, according to March 15 data compiled on the Financial Markets Dealers Association website.

“The interbank dollar-naira has shifted up as foreign portfolio flows slowed somewhat, which reduced the availability of dollars in the market,” Standard Bank strategists, led by Stephen Bailey-Smith in London, wrote in a report yesterday. “Bonds are likely to trade in a 10.5 per cent to 11.5 per cent range for some time to come until a clearer direction on inflation and thus policy rates materializes.”

Nigeria’s inflation rate climbed to 9.5 per cent in February, the statistics agency said on March 17, accelerating from nine per cent in January. Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Lamido Sanusi said on January 25 it will be “very difficult” to keep it at the regulator’s target of less than 10 per cent for the rest of the year.

The Monetary Policy Committee(MPC) will announce its decision on the benchmark interest rate, which was held at a record 12 per cent for eight consecutive meetings, today. Nine out of 10 economists surveyed by Bloomberg expect the rate to be maintained, while one predicted a 50 basis-point cut.

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12

(S/N)

SYMBOL

SYMBOL

•Interest rate may be retained

Offered ($) Demanded ($)

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

Naira falls as inflation rises

Amount

Currency OBB Rate Call Rate

lines, regulations and circulars as may be issued by the CBN from time to time.

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM

MANAGED FUNDS

NIDF NESF

• CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido

DATA BANK

Tenor

Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

be required to submit fresh application,” it said.

However, where the application for a credit bureau licence is declined, the CBN shall communicate the decision in writing to the applicant.

It said the CBN shall grant final licence to a credit bureau provided it has satisfied all conditions as specified in the AIP; the CBN has conducted on-site verification to ascertain its readiness to start operations and the credit bureau so licensed, shall comply with the provisions of the guide-

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 1.00 137.90 146.54 0.80 1.14 1.11 100.00 1,000.00 1,780.91 14.66 1.39 1.87 10,695.04

9.08 1.00 137.47 146.06 0.78 1.14 1.09 100.00 1,000.00 1,777.05 13.95 1.33 1.80 10,397.87

• KAKAWA GUARANTEED

CHANGE 0.19 0.99 0.11 0.11 0.07 0.04 0.08 0.06 0.03 10.49

• 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

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 19 , 2013

56

NEWS

NEMA: Flooding to affect 28 states

PDP stakeholders to meet Soludo, others From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

S

TAKEHOLDERS in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Anambra State have called for a meeting to address the crisis rocking the party in the state.

The stakeholders have agreed to meet former Vice-President Alex Ekwueme and other stakeholders, including Chris Uba, his brother, Andy, ex- Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Nicholas Ukachukwu and the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metu.

The decisions were taken yesterday at a meeting summoned by Senator Emma Anosike at Umueri in Anambra East Local Government.

The meeting was attended by all serving members of the House of Assembly, former lawmakers both at the state and national assemblies, ex-council chairmen, commissioners, board directors, among others.

Orji calls for more technical training From Sunny Nwankwo, Aba

A

BIA State Governor Theodore Orji has called for concerted efforts to improve technical and vocational skill acquisition in Nigeria.

Orji made this call in Aba during the graduation of 1,000 youths, who were trained by the Industrial Training Fund Institute (ITF) and National Industrial Skill Development Programme (NISP) on garment manufacturing and Information Communications Technology (ICT).

Orji, who was represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Akujuobi Nkoro, said: “As a largely agrarian economy, which depends on crude oil production , it will be perilous indeed, if we continue to pay lip-service to technical and vocational skill acquisition.”

The governor called on stakeholders to work to ensure that the graduates were employed or assisted to set up their own businesses through provision of loan facilities.

APGA inaugurates youth forum

T

WENTY eight states will be affected by flood this year, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said yesterday.

It said all the states affected by flood last year would be affected this year.

The Director-General, Mohammed Sani Sidi, said this at a briefing on Early Warning message and Disaster Management Implication of seasonal rainfall prediction for 2013 in Abuja.

He said: “The states to be affected are: Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Yobe, Zamfara.

“In the central area, there is Benue, Kaduna, Kwara, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“Others are Cross River, Rivers, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Ekiti and Imo. “The forecast cessation period is predicted to be spread over the country from October to December.

“The prediction length of

T

From Franca Ochigbo and Bukola Amusan, Abuja

growing season will vary from 110-300 days, with most of the country experiencing a normal growing season.

“NEMA is mindful of the fact that during the year any flood disaster, even of lesser magnitude, might result in large-scale devastation.

“It has, therefore, become necessary to bring together stakeholders, especially the media, to ensure that the early warning message is conveyed to the grassroots.

“In June, dry spells are expected in Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Yobe and Borno states.

“There is likelihood of late season flooding in Kebbi, Taraba, Niger and Anambra axis.

“As a result , there could be major challenges of food storage, processing and marketing, these could lead to huge post-harvest losses, if

THE STATES •Abia •Adamawa •Akwa Ibom •Bauchi •Bayelsa •Benue •Borno •Cross River •Delta •Edo •Ekiti •Gombe •Imo •Jigawa

•Kaduna •Kano •Katsina •Kebbi •Kogi •Kwara •Nasarawa •Niger •Plateau •Rivers •Sokoto •Yobe •Zamfara •FCT

not handled carefully,” he said.

This year, peak day temperature values are expected to remain too high for comfort, excessive heat resulting from this condition may lead to outbreak of cerebrospinal meningitis, heat strokes and measles.

The National Orientation Agency (NOA), NEMA and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) have signed a

Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on flood control.

The MoU, according to the NOA Director-General, Mike Omeri, would help to enlighten Nigerians on waste control and disposal, flood control and to also sensitise Nigerians on the effects of flooding.

The NESREA DirectorGeneral, Ms Ngeri Benebo, said humans contribute a lot to flooding.

She also blamed it on the lackadaisical attitudes of Nigerians to the environment.

“Building on flood plain, not adhering to town planning regulations and the blockage of waterways also contribute to flooding,” Ms Benebo said.

The NEMA DG promised to coordinate all emergency preparedness as the rains approach.

He urged states and local governments to collaborate on providing safer camps in case of emergencies.

Senate committee visits Lagos ports

From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

HE All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has started what it termed “strategic projection plan” ahead of the November governorship election in Anambra State.

The party’s National Youth Leader, Ferguson Okpara, said this during the inauguration of the party’s continuity youth forum in Awka.

He said the party was committed to having the best formidable youth among other parties to enable it actualise its plan of retaining power in the state.

•Agencies sign MoU on flood control

T

HE Senate Committee on Finance visited the Lagos ports yesterday to access the preparedness of the service providers to hand over the destination inspection scheme to the

By Oluwakemi Dauda

Customs Service.

A source said the committee visited the ports based on the fact that the Customs last year lost N58.7 billion to waivers granted by the Federal Government.

The committee, the source said, was at the ports to protect public interest and stop the abuse of waivers.

Its Chairman, Ahmed Makarfi, said the reason for the visit was to make the Customs Service the

ultimate provider of the service being rendered by three providers.

He said they were at the ports to see the level of the training given to Customs officers and men and the type of equipment that would be handed over to them when the service providers leave in June.

He said the National Assembly was set to accelerate the passage of the Customs Excise Management Act (CEMA) before June and labelled

those criticising the move by the Senate to give Custom the new law as fifth columnists.

He said lawmakers considered the passage of the bill crucial to the nation’s economy.

According to Makarfi, the Bill when passed will address the funding challenges experienced by the Service at the moment, noting that the 48 objections raised against the Bill have been resolved through dialogue.

•The confiscated drums ...yesterday PHOTO:NAN

Army seizes 453 drums of crude products

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OLDIERS from 14 Field Engineers Regiment, Onitsha, Anambra State yesterday intercepted two boats loaded with 453 drums of illegally refined petroleum products.

The products, which is estimated at N16 million, was handed over to men of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Handing them over to the Assistant

From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi Commandant of the NSCDC and Head of Intelligence Unit, Eme Ugwuogo at the bank of River Niger in Onitsha, Brig-Gen Koko Essien said the Federal Government has assigned the NSCDC to investigate and handle cases of oil bunkering.

“This is why we are handing over the products to the NSCDC,” he said.

The Commanding Officer 14 Field Engineers Regiment, Lt. Col. Bayode Adetoro, said the two boats were intercepted on March 12 at 2pm by the soldiers.

He said the operators abandoned the boats after demobilising them.

“But my men used their engineering skills to start the boats.

“They brought the near sinking boats to the jetty and off-loaded the drums.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

57

NEWS

Gunmen kill village head, five others in Plateau S IX people in Barkin Ladi and Riyom local government areas of Plateau State, including a village head, have been killed by unknown gunmen.

Four persons were reportedly killed at Tapo village in Heipang District of Barkin Ladi Local Government by gunmen.

Two others were killed at Torok Rim village in Riyom Local Government.

An eyewitness, who preferred anonymity, said three members of a family were shot by the attackers and an 80-year-old village head, Da Dung Bot Gwom, was believed to have died from exhaustion when trying to escape from the gunmen.

The eyewitness said the gunmen stormed the village

From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

about 11pm and broke into the home of Rwang Davou (71), killing him, his 47-yearold son, Pam Rwang Davou and his six-year-old grandson, Martins Pam Rwang.

Pam’s wife reportedly escaped with injuries and is receiving treatment in a hospital.

The source said the victims were buried yesterday and the body of the village head had been deposited at the mortuary.

A villager said the funeral was witnessed by the Chairman, Management Committee of Barkin Ladi Local Government, Mr. Emmanuel

Loman and a member representing the constituency in the House of Assembly, Mrs. Kaneng Gyang Fulani.

The Media Officer of the Special Task Force (STF) in the state, Captain Salisu Mustapha, said he was yet to be briefed on the incident.

Two persons were killed yesterday by gunmen at Torok-Rim village in Riyom Local Government.

The Nation learnt that those killed were children aged between two and four years.

They died following gunshot injuries.

According to an eyewitness, the incident occurred about 5:30am. The injured have been taken to Vom

Christian Hospital.

The Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Dr. Samuel Dido, who confirmed the death of the two children, said four others were unconscious in the hospital with gunshot injuries.

The Majority Leader and a member representing Riyom in the House of Assembly, Mr. Daniel Dem, who visited the scene, decried the attack and enjoined the STF Commander, Gen. Henry Ayoola, to redeploy the Sector 9 Commander, Col. Jimoh, to ensure peace in the area.

Police Commissioner Chris Olakpe confirmed the incident. He said the command, in collaboration with the STF, was investigating the incident.

Two killed, six injured in Kwara communal clash

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FCT poll: Senator faults results

PUBLIC NOTICE OKWUBUNNE

PUBLIC NOTICE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Okwubunne Uche Vivian, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ogbuji Uche Vivian. All former documents remain valid. N.A.M.A. and general public should please take note.

I,Chief Barrister Lawrence Chukwudi Ezenyi, wish to inform the general public that I have applied to Isolo Local Council Development Area, that the street situated off SALIU MARTINS Street, close to the HALL MAST, be named as Barrister EzudokaNnobi Street, in my favour.

This is for the information of Isolo L.C.D.A and the general public.

PUBLIC NOTICE ALAGBE I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Alagbe Oluwabukola Oluwayemisi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Alagbe- AjagbeO Oluwabukola Oluwayemisi. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CONTAINERIZED ITEMS FOR SALE. •A house torched in the crisis From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

Oluganmo of Ganmo and seeking the relocation of the community market to another place.

The police command confirmed the death of two persons, but said no policeman

died in the fracas.

It said it arrested 15 persons in connection with the crisis.

Police spokesman Olufemi Fabode said the command had ordered that the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) in charge of Opera-

tions should take control of the situation.

He said those arrested would soon be charged to court.

Fabode urged residents and community leaders to ensure peaceful co-existence in the community.

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

needed from me was to build them a clinic. They cried out that their children had nowhere nearby to get medical attention.

“They lamented that as a result of the bad road and distance; pregnant women had miscarriages when being rushed to the nearest clinic, which is about 30 kilometres away.

“I will rather prefer to deny myself comfort in Abuja than allowing pregnant women to die or lose infants to preventable diseases.

“I have built this N18.6million hospital with personal resources to ensure that the people of this community get quality health services.”

She said the hospital has been equipped with a solar borehole and a 10KVA gen-

erator to provide electricity.

Hajiya Binani, who also donated equipment worth N9.8million to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Yola and a specialist hospital said she wanted to assist government agencies to expand their operations.

She added: “We cannot fold our arms and expect that everything we need must be provided by the government. I urge well-meaning individuals, who have the means to undertake community-oriented programmes, to make life meaningful for our people.”

Adamawa State Governor’s wife, Dr. Halimat Murtala Nyako, praised the lawmaker for the kind gesture.

Said she: “I appeal to other legislators to emulate Hajiya Binani. We need people-oriented projects to meet the

MDGs goals. This hospital will complement government’s efforts to provide quality health services to the people.

“This female lawmaker has fulfilled her campaign promises to her constituency. We hope others will do the same thing for the betterment of our society.”

Dr. Nyako said the female lawmaker’s records showed that she “deserves a bigger position to touch the lives of the larger communities in the state.”

She assured the people of Lulu village that government would take over the maintenance of the hospital to ensure that they enjoyed the services of the hospital.

The Chief Medical Director of the FMC, Dr. Aliyu Danburam, said since the centre was established 13 years ago, the lawmaker was the first person to donate equipment to it.

Yobe SIEC releases council poll timetable OBE State Independent National Electoral Commission (SIEC) yesterday released the timetable for local government election.

The commission’s Chairman, Mohammed

they have suffered.

“We are constrained to give measured response to their vitriolic lies. We have advised the Oro people to disregard the report of the people defecting in Oro town to the PDP as it depicts playing to the gallery to please their paymasters. Sooner or later their dangerous vitriol will earn them reprisals from the rightthinking people of Oro, who are not fooled by the newfound roles and the antics of recruitment into the PDP by all means for political singsong before their leaders for monetary reward.”

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Lawmaker builds N18.6m hospital for villagers

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From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

From Sanni Onogu, Abuja

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S part of her campaign promises, a member of the House of Representatives, Hajiya Aishat Ahmed Binani (Yola North/ South/ Girei Federal Constituency), has built and equipped a 17-bed hospital for Lulu village in Girei Local Government Area of Adamawa State for N18.6million.

She also donated equipment worth N9.8million to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Yola to check infant mortality.

Hajiya Binani, who noted that the hospital was part of her campaign promises to her constituents, said: “I believe I owe my constituents a duty to serve them diligently. If you serve your society selflessly, you are serving God too.

“It was during our campaign tour that women of this community pleaded that all they

Group dismisses ACN members’ ‘defection’ to Kwara PDP

ENATOR Adamu Sidi Ali yesterday faulted the collation of results of Saturday’s council election in parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

He alleged that the election results in Abaji Area Council were doctored.

Said he: “Election results were deliberately delayed at some centres.”

•Police arrest 15 suspects HE communal crisis, which erupted at Ganmo in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State on Sunday, continued yesterday as two people – Shifaw Raji and Raheem Kolawole – were allegedly killed.

Six people, including two policemen were said to have been injured. One of the policemen, said to be recuperating in an undisclosed hospital, was reportedly shot in the stomach.

It was learnt that seven houses and three vehicles were torched during yesterday’s mayhem.

The clash was said to have been caused by a dispute over a chieftaincy tussle between two groups claiming ascendancy to the title of

A

GROUP, the Irepodun New Initiative, has dismissed a report of the defection of about 600 members of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oro, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.

It described the report as not only malicious but also unfounded and mischievous, adding: “It is only an imagination that can never become a reality in Oro.” In a statement, the Chairman of the group, Mr. Atolagbe Ayansola, said: “We appreciate the pains some so-called PDP stakeholders in the ward are experiencing following the loss of the control of Oro Ward I and II in the 2011 election.

We equally appreciate the enormity of the personal and political loss of patronage

From Duku Joel, Damaturu

Abdul Jauro, said the poll is scheduled for June 22.

He said in a forum with the registered political parties and other stakeholders that the election would be conducted after three

months’ notice as provided in the electoral law- that is from March 18 to July 7.

Jauro said the commission would deal with political parties instead of individual candidates, stressing that “they have to go through

their political parties and purchase the nomination forms for the election within six days.”

But the political parties demanded three days’ extension that was later approved- April 1 to April 9.

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THE NATION TUESDAY MARCH 19, 2013

58

NEWS

Amaechi: I remain loyal to PDP

RCC clears controversy on road

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HE contractor handling the Akpakpava-5-JunctionUselu-Ugbowo road in Benin City, Edo State, Reynolds Construction Company (RCC), has explained the controversy surrounding the project’s financier.

In an advertorial, RCC said: “We are constructing, for the Edo State Government, service lanes on both sides of Akpakpava Dawson-Uselu-Ugbowo Section of Benin-Ofosu Road.

“In addition, we are executing work at 5-Junction Roundabout for the Edo State Government, which involves concrete works, erosion control, beautification, walkways and street lights as well as laying of asphaltic concrete pavement into connecting streets.”

The firm’s position corroborates that of its Project Manager, Yaniv Dabah, who told reporters in Benin City during a recent inspection by Governor Adams Oshiomhole that the project is exclusively financed by the Edo State Government.

He said: “The Edo State Government is working on the 5Junction. The road, the erosion control, beautification and street lights at the 5-Junction are being financed and executed by the Edo State Government.”

Court stops eviction of UNIBEN staff

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N Edo State High Court has stopped the government from evicting University of Benin (UNIBEN) workers from 18 landed property at the Government Reservation Area in Benin.

The government, in a bid to recover its property put up for sale by the Federal Government, served quit notices on the occupants and demolished some of the buildings.

Among the buildings affected were those occupied by UNIBEN workers.

The university authorities, however, sued the government and sought an interlocutory injunction restraining the government from evicting its workers, pending the determination of the main suit.

A statement by the university spokesman, Harris Osarenren, said the affected

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

buildings were gifts offered to the Federal Government during the administration of Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia.

At the commencement of hearing yesterday, UNIBEN’s counsel Okeaya Inneh and the government’s counsel, O.A Omonuwa, agreed to maintain the status quo ante, until the final determination of the substantive suit.

Justice Esohe Ikponmwen said there was no need to dissipate energy on interlocutory injunction since the counsel agreed to maintain the status quo.

Justice Ikponmwen urged both counsel to exchange issues for determination within three days as they agreed to the accelerated hearing of the case.

The judge then adjourned the matter till Friday.

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IVERS State Governor and Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) Rotimi Amaechi has assured the National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that he and his administration remain loyal and committed to the party.

He said he would continue to deliver accountable, transparent, developmental and people-oriented leadership to the people.

Amaechi spoke at the weekend when he hosted the PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, who led the committee members on a visit to the governor in Port Harcourt.

Amaechi urged the committee to work out modalities to rebuild and

reconcile lingering differences in the party.

“We will remain in PDP...

We support the issue of reconciliation, reconstruction and rebuilding of the party.

“We are in PDP, I have told my executives that if we want to win election, we must work in such a way that the people are happy with us.

“Currently, we are popular in Rivers state, we have to maintain our popularity while in office and thereafter, and the only way to maintain that popularity is to continue to do what we are doing now, putting the people first.”

While taking stock of the achievements of his administration, Amaechi said his administration would de-

‘We will remain in PDP...

We support the issue of reconciliation, reconstruction and rebuilding of the party’ liver steady power supply

by June.

“If you watch my town hall meetings, nobody tells me you have done nothing, what they say is please do more.

“But we are saying that by

the time we leave office, we will be proud to say we have done this and that.

“Currently, if you access governors by the number of bridges and flyovers they have built, we have built five and by 2015, we must have built 15 bridges,” he added.

Tukur expressed satisfaction with the level of people oriented projects put in place by the Amaechi administration in the state.

“You are executing socially, responsible programmesand this has made me to be very happy and proud that our party is working.

“So what we can see today is a testimony of a responsible programme to the people.

Two die in Edo From Osagie Otabor, Benin

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WO persons were confirmed dead in multiple accidents at the Ovia River Bridge on the Benin-Lagos Road.

Vehicles involved in the accident included two trailers, one tipper lorry, one 18seater bus, one Toyota Sienna marked APP 53 BB, one Passat wagon and a lorry.

The incident caused a

gridlock on the road.

It was gathered that the two victims were trapped inside their vehicle and while rescue operation was going on, a lorry rammed into some other vehicles.

The Unit Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ameen Adewale, said three others were injured.

Cross River council polls for Sept 21 From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

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HE Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC) has announced September 21 as the date for local government elections.

The Chairman , Patrick Otu, said submission of list of candidates and personal particulars of candidates would take place from May 17 to June 17.

Sales of nomination forms would be from May 20 to June 21.

Otu said to facilitate the clearance of candidates, all parties shall return CROSIEC for LGE 001 and LGE 002 with personal data forms in respect of chairmanship, vice chairmanship and councillorship candidates for completion.

PDP sues electoral body Benin

Resources can’t meet needs, says Dickson AYELSA State Governor Seriake Dickson has said the resources of the state are inadequate.

He was responding to the rating of Bayelsa ahead of six other states that failed the domestic sustainability analysis conducted by the Debt Management Office (DMO).

Bayelsa polled 1.712 per cent with a domestic debt profile of N162.82 billion.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Iworiso-Marskon, the governor said the debts were inherited from previous administrations and not contracted by the one-year-old

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•’Our debts were inherited’ administration.

The statement reads: “The substantive figures in the document were right; it was an inherited burden which the state government had made much effort to reduce.

“The repayment of the debt had been on-going having established the total debts inherited from the previous administrations.

“There are concerted efforts to liquidate the remaining part of the debt.

“We noted the relative figures in the report, which suggested concern but the

reality is that the debts were solely inherited and we have made efforts to reduce it.

“The Dickson administration has not borrowed a kobo since assumption of office.

“We have rather been saving money to finance development programmes and we can see the results so far.

“Also, we have to put into context the challenges of running an efficient and effective administration and, of course, the numerous chal-

Police seize Indian hemp in Edo, Imo

From Osagie Otabor,

THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has begun a legal action against the State Independent National Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) over nomination form fee.

Chairmanship and councillorship candidates were made to pay N100,000 and N50,000 for the forms to contest the April 20 local government elections.

State PDP Chairman Dan Orbih said the party took the action to compel the electoral body to refund what he called “illegal fees”.

•From left: Igwe Okey Ogbodo, Igwe Romanus Odo and Enugu StateCommissioner for Commerce, Jude Akubuilo at the Enugu State Day at the ongoing 24th Enugu International Trade Fair …yesterday PHOTO:NAN

HE police in Edo State have intercepted a truck loaded with bags of weeds, suspected to be Indian hemp.

The weeds were loaded at Otuo in Owan East Local Government and were intercepted at Auchi, Estako West Local Government.

Commissioner of Police Adebanjo Folusho said the truck, marked AYB 97 XA , was intercepted at 2am.

Adebanjo said though the suspects escaped, the driver was arrested.

The police boss said the driver has helped in their investigation and would soon

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From Osagie Otabor, Benin and Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

be charged to court.

But the driver, who gave his name as Abiodun, said he raised the alarm when he discovered what was loaded in the truck.

He said the owners covered the weeds with fufu and when he saw it, he called a police patrol team.

“I reported the case to the police. It was loaded with fufu on top. I went to eat when they loaded the goods.”

“At Aviele, I smelt the stuff and I called the police.”

In Imo State, the police yes-

terday paraded a fake Army Officer, who was arrested with 40kg of Indian hemp concealed in a black Nissan Pathfinder, with fake registration number LU 366 ABJ. A thirty seven year-old suspect, Fabian Enudi, a native of Abbi in Ndokwa Local Government Area of Delta State, was arrested by the police Ambush Squad on Ohaji road with 35 bags of Indian hemp packed in sacks which were stuffed inside the vehicle.

Enudi, who was dressed in Army uniform, was said to be residing in Abbi close to Abraka in Delta State from

where he supplies his customers.

The command also paraded John Iwuala for allegedly defiling a 13-year old girl.

According to the Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Musa Katsina, the suspect, who disguised as a philanthropist, deceived the victim’s parents that he was going to sponsor her education.

The CP said the victim followed the suspect, who pretended to be taking her to his office for documentation.

“It was in the process that he drove to a hotel, where he defiled the girl.”

lenges of development we met in the state.

“This necessitated that while we continue to reduce the debt profile we inherited, we must also be mindful of the government’s responsibility to the people.

“So, in the face of these challenges, the perceived huge Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) is still not sufficient to finance the restoration agenda of the administration.

“Yet, we are proud to state that while we have some outstanding debt, we have made substantial investments and progress in every facet of the state’s economy; from massive infrastructure to education to tourism and human capital development and job creation which cost so much relative to the IGR in Bayelsa State.

“Overall, we are marching ahead with determination to make a remarkable difference in the development of the economy that has really impacted meaningfully on the people.

“Our books are open to the public, which in any case we have consciously made known to the public monthly.

“We will still continue to deliver on accountability, transparency and the essentials of our manifesto and indeed paying attention to the remaining debt, until it is finally liquidated.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 19 , 2013

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FOREIGN NEWS US says hunger strike grows to 21 at Guantanamo

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GUANTANAMO Bay prison spokesman says 21 men are on hunger strike in a widening protest at the U.S. base in Cuba.

Navy Capt. Robert Durand says eight men are being fed with a liquid nutrient mix to prevent dangerous weight loss.

Two men are at the prison hospital being treated for dehydration. The military says none are in immediate danger from the strike.

Lawyers for prisoners say the men are protesting their indefinite confinement and what they consider intrusive searches of their Qurans.

Durand said previously that only a handful of prisoners met the military definition of hunger strike, which includes missing nine consecutive meals. The number grew to 14 on Friday and reached 21 on Monday. Lawyers say the strike is more widespread than the military acknowledges.

A •Chicago River turned green for St Patrick’s Day celebration on Sunday, a 51-year-Irish tradition. About 40,000 people lined the river banks as the rivers was turned green.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF BALTIMORE SUN

As Obama visits, Netanyahu says Israel wants peace I

SRAEL’s prime minister said Monday that his new government was extending its hand in peace to the Palestinians, declaring that he is ready to make a “historic compromise” if they return to the negotiating table with good will.

Laying out the agenda for his new term, Benjamin Netanyahu said he hopes to rejuvenate peace efforts, which remained frozen throughout Netanyahu’s justcompleted four-year term.

Netanyahu spoke before a ceremony to install his new coalition government,

stitched together after nearly six weeks of negotiations following Israel’s Jan. 23 parliamentary election. The new team, made up of hard-liners and moderates, appears to be focused more on domestic issues than peacemaking.

Netanyahu struck the conciliatory tone on the eve of the arrival of President Barack Obama, who will hold separate meetings with Israeli and Palestinian leaders.

But he spoke only in generalities and gave no details on

any concrete concessions he has in mind.

“We extend our hand in peace to the Palestinians,” Netanyahu said. “Israel has proven time and again it is ready for concessions in exchange for real peace, and the situation today is no different.”

“With a Palestinian partner that is willing to hold negotiations in good will, Israel will be ready for a historic compromise that will end the conflict with the Pal-

estinians once and for all,” he said.

Recognizing the deep gaps between the sides, the White House has already said Obama will not bring any bold new peace initiatives with him, but will instead send Secretary of State John Kerry back to the region in the near future to see if progress can be made.

The Palestinians refused to negotiate with Netanyahu in his last term while Israel continued to build homes in Jewish settlements in the West Bank and east Jerusalem.

Zambia’s ex-president faces corruption charges

Zambia’s ex-President Rupiah Banda has appeared before an official panel to answer allegations of corruption during his three year in power.

Police barricaded roads leading to the national anti-drugs offices in the capital Lusaka, where Mr Banda was questioned for more than two hours behind closed doors, reports say.

Zambia’s parliament stripped him of his immunity from prosecution on Friday. Mr Banda’s lawyer, Robert Amsterdam, says he is the victim of a witch hunt.

He stepped down from office in 2011 after losing elections to President Michael Sata.

He was widely praised for accepting defeat, rather than challenging the result.

Mugabe slips into Italy for papal inauguration

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IMBABWE President Robert Mugabe slipped into Italy on Monday for the inauguration of Pope Francis and officials went to some lengths to play down the technical infringement of a European Union travel ban on Africa’s oldest leader, Reuters has reported.

Mugabe, who has been under the ban since 2002 because of allegations of vote rigging and human rights abuses in Zimbabwe, was whisked straight from his plane to Rome airport terminal in a black van, together with his wife, Grace, and bodyguards.

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

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Dana Air gets green light to fly again

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HE Federal Government has lifted the ban it placed on the flight operations of Dana Air. The development came after officials of the Ministry of Aviation and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), met the management of Dana Air yesterday in Abuja.

Issues fly on the safety of the airlines operations were discussed at the meeting.

But the faulty aircraft that triggered the two-day ban would not fly until further

By Kelvin Osa-Okunbor

checks had been carried out by its manufacturers- Boeing and certified fit.

According to a statement by the Media Assistant to the Aviation Minister, Mr. Joe Obi, Dana Air was cleared yesterday to resume operations.

The statement reads: “Officials of the Ministry of Aviation and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) met the management of Dana Air today (yesterday) in Abuja

and deliberated on some safety issues in connection with the operations of the airline.

“At the end of the meeting, the suspension of the operations of the airline, which took effect a Saturday, was lifted. The airline is to resume normal operations immediately.

“However, the aircraft, which had a snag over the weekend, is to remain grounded until its air-worthiness has been re-certified by Boeing, the manufacturer of the aircraft.”

Reacting, the airline’s

spokesman, Mr. Tony Usidamen, said:”We are pleased to announce that the airline has been given approval to resume flight operations with immediate effect following the temporary suspension of our operations on March 16.

“Scheduled flights will now begin on March 19 on the Lagos-Abuja-Lagos route.

Once again, we thank you for your patience and understanding and we look forward to having the pleasure of welcoming you on board.”

Minister lauds Stallion Group’s VON automobile plant

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HE Ministry of Trade and Investment has expressed satisfaction with the proficiency and quality of manufacturing at VON Automobiles Nigeria Limited, local manufacturers of buses, trucks and light commercial vehicles, including brands, such as Ashok Leyland.

The Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Dr. Samuel Ortom, said this when he and his team visited the plant in Lagos.

He said: “I have inspected and seen what VON Automobiles Nigeria is doing and I am impressed with the quality of work here as well as the capacity of the plant. I have toured other parts of the country and I am saying that what I found here is of international standards. We can now encourage people from other African countries to import from Nigeria. The products are of the best quality and can be used in any part of the world”.

Ortom added: “I am im-

pressed with this and secondly, they are into expansion and they are not just into buses, they are looking at other lines that will produce various types of automobile vehicles.”

The minister, who led a high-powered delegation of members of the Committee on Mass Transportation for Nigerians to VON Automobiles, lauded the vehicle assembly plant for transforming the defunct Volkswagen of Nigeria (VWoN) plant within a relatively short time.

The investors, Stallion Group of Nigeria, showing immense financial commitment and perseverance, has led VON’s successful resuscitation.

VON’s buses are already plying Nigerian roads and have gained appreciation on their quality being better than imported vehicles.

VON is a subsidiary of Stallion Group, which is a 45-yearold multi-billion conglomerate with presence in 18 countries, employing in excess of

10,000 workers and engaged in diversified businesses, including commodities, agribusiness, automobiles, industries, food, FMCG and services. In the automobile industry, Stallion has partnered worldclass brand including Honda, Volkswagen, Hyundai, Porsche, Audi, Skoda, Ashok Leyland and others.

Following the plant tour, the minister said: “I am satisfied with what I have seen and the truth is that you can supply us with the quality and quantity we need and I want to reassure you that I will take this back to the committee and within a very short time, government should be in a position to allow you make offers to the body that requires your products.”

He re-assured VON Automobiles of President Goodluck Jonathan’s commitment to the progress of vehicle assembly plants in the country.

“Mr. President is quite committed and down-to-earth about it

NEWS Ojukwu: Bianca must be properly served with suit, says judge

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USTICE Adedayo Oyebanji of the Lagos State High Court, Igbosere, yesterday ordered that a suit filed against Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu and seven others over some property must be properly served on her.

She said the suit should be published in a national newspaper since she could not be served personally.

The suit, which is one of several others before different judges, was filed by a lawyer and businessman Chief Debe OdumegwuOjukwu.

The claimant was disowned by the Ojukwu family, who insisted he was not a son of the late Ikemba Nnewi.

Mrs Ojukwu was not represented during yesterday’s proceedings.

There was confusion over her current address.

She had claimed in another suit that she lived in Ikoyi, Lagos, with her children.

As Nigeria’s ambassador to Spain, the claimant’s lawyer, Jeff Kadiri, said it was not clear where she could be reached.

He said the Court Sheriffs had executed the judge’s earlier order of substituted service of the papers on Bianca by pasting them on the wall of her Enugu home.

According to Kadiri, “as a politician”, Mrs Ojukwu was deemed to be living in both Enugu and Spain.

By Joseph Jibueze

The claimant and a firm, Silver Convention Nig Ltd are urging the court to declare that he is entitled to the properties of the late Ojukwu.

He said was denied any of the assets by those where supposed to be his brothers.

The defendants include Ojukwu Transport Ltd, Prof.

Joseph Ojukwu, Mr. Emmanuel Ojukwu, Mr. Lotanna Ojukwu, Mr. Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Mr. Patricia Ojuwku and Mrs Margaret Nwagbo (Nee Ojukwu).

Debe claimed he lost “several contracts, business opportunities and goodwill” due to “continuous denigration” by the family.

He also claimed that Silver Convention Nig Ltd., which he claimed to be running on the family’s behalf, financed Ojukwu’s burial to the tune of N100million.

He prayed the court to declare that he, “as the first and eldest son of Dim Odumegwu-Ojukwu” is “entitled to manage or lead in the management and control of all the disposable assets and belongings” of Ojukwu Transport Limited.

Debe claimed that the family did not let him perform the dust-to-dust burial rites in honour of “his father”.

He asked the court to hold that he is entitled to collect the military paraphernalia

used for the burial ceremonies of the late Ojukwu.

According to him, his mother, Magaret, gave birth to him to the late Ojukwu on August 3, 1956.

He therefore sought a perpetual injunction restraining the defendants “from tampering or interfering in any manner” with any of “his father’s” real and personal estates.

He also asked N200million as general damages against the defendants.

The defendants denied that Debe is their brother.

However, Bianca is yet to file a statement of defence.

The other defendants insisted that Debe and Magaret were never known as members of the Odimegwu-Ojukwu family.

According to them, Debe was never mentioned by the late Odimegwu-Ojukwu as a family member.

They said eight people were listed Ojukwu’s Will.

The will, they said, was published in a national newspaper last December 2, but Debe’s name was not in it.

They claimed Debe only got involved in managing Silver Convention Nig. Ltd through his law firm, Ogbonnaa Ojukwu & Associates.

The management, they added, was based on an agreement with the family meant subsist from 1995 and 2007.

Justice Oyebanji adjourned till May 22 for mention.

and he is not paying lipservices and this is why you have seen me here today,” Ortom said.

The Managing Director, VON Automobiles Nigeria Limited, Mr. Tokunbo Aromolaran, told the visiting team that the plant has an installed capacity of 4,000 buses per annum and will shortly take delivery of plants to produce 36,000 vehicles per year.

He said: “One of our biggest hopes is to turn some areas around this location to a components manufacturing village where automobile components can be manufactured.

“VON seeks to be in the forefront of the imminent transformation of Nigerian automotive industry, making the country the regional giant in this sector. In doing so, VON is poised to launch several collaborations with world leading brands, bringing the best of technologies to the country.”

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HE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is to meet political party leaders today.

It is part of plans by the commission to entrench democracy in the country and to plug lapses in election monitoring.

The parties will discuss the modalities on how to enhance their election monitoring abilities and create civic awareness.

After the meeting, the parties are expected to train their agents on the best practices involved in conducting elections.

The Nation learnt that the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) is excluded from the meeting owing to the leadership crisis engulfing the party.

There are three factions laying claims to the leadership of the party.

An Enugu State High Court recently sacked Sir Victor Umeh as the National Chairman of APGA. Shortly after, a stakeholders

INEC to meet party leaders From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

meeting convened by Anambra Governor Peter Obi appointed Maxi Okwu as the National Chairman.

Former Deputy National Chairman Sadeeq Masalla is also contesting that the National Executive Council (NEC) had adopted him as the National Chairman in the wake of the crisis that consumed Umeh.

A source told our correspondent in confidence yesterday that “APGA will not be part of the meeting because it is currently engulfed in leadership crisis.

“There is no clear National Chairman for now because the party is yet to convene a national convention to elect its new leaders. INEC will not want to have a hand in the crisis.”

Aero workers reject sack

O

VER 600 workers of Aero Airlines yesterday stormed the headquar-

ters of the company to protest what they described as unwarranted distribution of sack letters to their homes.

They said they were not allowed to acknowledge the letters and that the decision of the airline is at variance with a court injunction on the matter.

The workers, who took over the road leading to the airlines’ corporate headquarters in Lagos, said the option of sack explored by the management would compound the airlines’ problems, as passengers’ confidence is fast eroding over the inability to resolve workers’

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

welfare.

The workers said the management of the airlines would force them to take the law into their hands, as the blanket sack is an insult to the spirit of collective bargaining and a violation of the laws affecting personnel engagement.

Addressing the workers, the Acting General Secretary of the National Union of Transport Employees(NUATE), Comrade Motajo Abdulkareem, said what the management of the airlines has done is in gross violation of the agreement it reached with the union on how to resolve the impasse.

Lagos govt to build 1000 low-cost houses at Ijora/Badia, says Commissioner

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HE Lagos State Government is to develop 1000 low-cost houses at Ijora/ Badia, in the Apapa/Iganmu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), to replace the shanties recently demolished in the area by the state government.

Commissioner for Environment, Mr Tunji Bello stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday.

The state government had recently demolished shanties at Ijora/Badia, leading to the displacement of over 60, 000 persons in the area.

Bello explained that the proposed housing project would alleviate the plight of residents of the area who lost their homes and properties in the demolition.

He said the demolished shan-

ties were not legitimate houses for which the owners could be paid compensation by the state government.

“If they were legitimate houses or appropriately approved buildings that people were living in, the government normally pays compensation, but when you have shanties all over the place and they are cleared, there is usually no compensation.

The Ministry of Housing has a beautiful plan for the area.

The state government is planning to build over 1000 houses around there and work will soon commence on the project,” he said.

The commissioner said that the houses would be affordable and be placed under a mortgage scheme, for easy assessment.

“The houses are for the poor

and anybody who is not poor can assess them. It is going to be under a mortgage system. It is not a thing that you must have much money before you can buy.

“All the estates that the Lagos State Government has developed, we are putting together under a mortgage scheme, for people to be able to access them. What we are doing is to give the people the opportunity to own their own houses, even with the little money they have.

“The payment system will be stretched out for the convenience of the buyers, for the next 20 to 25 years,’’ he said.

Bello urged Lagos residents to take advantage of such opportunities to help the urban renewal initiatives of the state government to reduce shanties in the metropolis.

Agbaso loses bid to stop his impeachment N Owerri High Court yesterday struck out a motion by embattled Imo Deputy Governor Jude Agbaso to stop the impeachment process against him, by the House of Assembly.

The Presiding Judge, Justice F.I. Duruohaigwe, said it would be unnecessary to grant the motion, since the applicant was not challenging the impeachment.

Agbaso had prayed the court to restrain the state legislature from proceeding with the impeachment process which began last week.

A

He also prayed the court to restrain the Police from harassing him or acting upon the recommendations of the Assembly against him.

The court, however, granted the applicant’s prayer, seeking to serve the respondents processes for the substantive suit through substituted means.

Counsel to the applicant Patrick Ikweto (SAN), told the court that the respondent infringed on the fundamental rights of the deputy governor by investigating and indicting him in its report.

Counsel to the respondent, Chief Akintola Adeniyi (SAN), argued that the court had no jurisdiction to make any order in the matter.

He argued that the matter was primarily a case of impeachment, which the House of Assembly is constitutionally empowered to handle.

He submitted that the applicant contradicted himself by joining impeachment and right infringement in his application.

The court adjourned hearing on the substantive suit to March 27

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

61

SPORT EXTRA BATTLE OF CALABAR

Fans to pay N5000 for Eagles/Harambee clash •Popular side goes for N1000; Covered N3000 •Ticket sales begin Friday metropolis on Friday.

OOTBALL fans within “The tickets will not be sold

F

Calabar and its environs wishing to watch Nigeria’s Super Eagles against Kenya’s Harambee Stars in Saturday’s 2014 World Cup qualifier at the U.J. Esuene

From Uchenna Ajah and Tunde Laidi in Calabar stadium in Calabar will have to cough up between N5000

and N1000 each.

NationSport understands that the match tickets will go on sale in major eatries and hotels within the calabar

11 Eagles train for one hour

S

UPER EAGLES Head Coach Stephen Keshi has charged Nigerians to keep backing the team with prayers as they get set for Saturday’s 2014 World Cup qualifier against Kenya’s Harambee Stars at the U.J. Esuene stadium, Calabar.

In a brief chat with NationSport at the University of Calabar sports ground on Monday, the Big Boss noted that the prevailing hot weather was largely responsible for the 60 minutes session the team had.

“We could have done more but not under this weather condition we have here.

However, I want Nigerians to keep backing the team with prayers as we look forward to Saturday,” the former Mali

From Uchenna Ajah and Tunde Laidi in Calabar coach added.

Interestingly, only 11 players comprising nine home-based and two foreign-

Okonkwo, Ajiboye bear no grudges for Eagles axe

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WO of the Super Eagles invitees dropped by Coach Stephen Keshi on Sunday, Chibuzor Okonkwo of Rangers and Dele Ajiboye of Shooting Stars (3SC) have declared that they hold no grudges against anyone for their exit.

Okonkwo, who was a prominent Eagles right back

CALABAR FANS TO KESHI:

Give us World Cup

F

OOTBALL fans comprising mostly students, lecturers and members of the university community have tasked Super Eagles Head Coach, Stephen Keshi to please deliver the 2014 World Cup to Nigerians.

The fans, who took up all available places in the stands and under trees within the University of Calabar sports ground to catch a glimpse of

based took part in the day’s session that involved mostly ball work and pace exercises which were geared towards putting the boys in shape after arriving from Abuja earlier in the day.

until 24 hour before the match. The reason is simple: we don’t want racketeers to fake it.

“However, with the plans in place, Nigerians wishing to watch the match can easily obtain their tickets from the many outlets in town.

“Already we have mapped out major fast food joints and hotels where they can be obtained,” a top member of the stadium management told NationSport under condition of anonymity.

From Uchenna Ajah in Calabar the Eagles training on Monday since Nigeria’s AFCON 2013 feat, sang in chorus repeatedly: ”Keshi, all we are saying, give us World Cup...Keshi, all we are saying, give us World Cup.” Responding, the Big Boss waved at them as the team made their way to their bus enroute their Transcop Hotel base.

From Segun Ogunjimi, Abuja under former Eagles Coach Samson Siasia, said he would be back in the team. “I am using this opportunity to thank Coach Keshi for calling me back to the Eagles. I will patiently wait for my time and when it comes I will grab it with both hands,” he told NationSport after the final list of nine home based Eagles was announced after breakfast at the Bolton White Apartment, Zone 7 camp of the team Sunday.

Also, Ajiboye disclosed: “If the training is anything to rely on, I think we have a very good chance of winning this match.

We really trained hard for this match and with the addition of our colleagues from Europe, we are stronger and have a very good chance of emerging winners on Saturday. I am confident that we will beat Kenya and Nigerians will be happier at the end of the match”.

Two goalkeepers, namely

Daniel Akpeyi of Heartland and Dele Ajiboye of 3SC were dropped while Chigozie Agbim of Rangers made the cut to join the other Israel-based duo, Vincent Enyeama and Austin Ejide. Okonkwo was dropped for Sunshine defender Kwambe Solomon.

Mini board will popularise T/ Tennis in Nigeria - VSO

V

ALUE SPORT ONE (VSO), a sport marketing outfit based in Lagos has assured that the newly introduced mini table tennis board is capable of popularisingthegameinNigeriaand return the country to its glory days in the ping pong game.

The company which recently introduced the first-ever mini board forchildrenbetweenages4-12tohelp develop the game from the grass roots and for beginners alike, has expressed determination in its quest to improve the game in the country.

Their intention is to have the different states of the federation buy into the innovation, which has the ability to grow children from schools to graduate into the use of the standard boards, and subsequently become world-class players in the future having learnt the rudiments early in life.

In a chat with NationSport, Director of Programmes of the outfit, Adelaja George Ijaodola said as an exinternational, who started playing the game as a primary four pupil, starting with the mini board will help the kids adapt easily to the rudiments of the game.

Ijaodola said what has informed the initiative is the fallen standard of sports in the country, especially table tennis.

“Being exposed to the game at a tender age really helped us in those days. Because of my background it didn’t take much time as a player to

By Innocent Amomoh get to the top of my career. I played in the US Open, competing with the best players in the world like Jan Ove Waldner, Mikael Appelgren, Jörgen Persson of Sweden and Ma Wenge of China and others from great table tennis playing countries.

“Before I went out of the shores of Nigeria, I represented Lagos State alongside Sule Olaleye, Bashiru Abiono and Muyiwa Bashorun. I paired the late Sam Okwaraji to win the bronze in the Omo Cup in 1978, before moving to Imo State.

“I moved to Sokoto State where I schooled and represented the state in so many competitions including the National Sports Festival (NSF). I went to the United States after my secondary school education to commence my professional career and represented Michigan State.

•Adelaja George Ijaodola

Sunshine Stars seek divine intervention

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HE Management and players of Sunshine Stars Football Club of Akure, on Sunday took time off to seek God’s favour and intervention for the 2012/13 Nigerian professional league season at the Hand of God Gospel and Healing Church, Akure.

The delegation included the Ondo State FA led by its chairman Otunba Dele Ajayi, Sunshine Supporters Club led by its chairman, Oduyi Emmanuel and the Ondo State SWAN led by Akintunde Akinsemola. It also included the Secretary of the Ondo State Football Agency, Dele Ologbese in company of other egg-

heads of the agency. Ologbese said in his address that the agency was seeking time with God to show their thanks and appreciation for the past seasons where His grace and mercy saw Sunshine Stars through the league and their CAF continental campaign.

In their message the General Overseer and founder of the Hand of God Gospel and Healing Church, Pastor Bayo Idowu and Prophetess Mary Idowu enjoined the players and officials to be dedicated and thorough in their work as the sky will be their limit.

The executive director of the agency, Mike Idoko gave the vote of thanks by leading the entire

contingent and congregation to a time of praise worship and offering to God which, according to him, had been the secret of Sunshine Stars’ astronomical successes in both the Nigerian domestic league and in their CAF continental campaign.

Idoko said further that they were seeeking God’s favour to surpass the records of Sunshine Stars so far, having come second and third in the Nigerian Premier League in the past two seasons. He prayed God to enable the club lay their hands on the league shield at the end of the 2012/2013 Nigeria Professional Football League season.

Your Sexual Health & You: Novelty Tips, Questions & Answers

H

ello Uche. My husband thinks that I am not interested in intercourse anymore. The problem is that there are things about him that turn me off. When we started dating, he used to be funny and sharp in his dressing. He always made me laugh even though my friends thought that he was below my level.

Years after we are now married, I now believe that he is truly below my level. He has body odour and mouth odour. His clothes look old and he doesn’t even seem to notice these things. I am not sexually attracted to him but I don’t know how to tell him. So I just make up excuses that I have a headache or that I am not in the mood – Margaret Dear Margaret, what you have complained about happens in relationships. I make no excuses for your husband but quite often, when men and women get married, their lives are so taken over by domestic needs that they focus all their attention on their children and family in general while neglecting to take care of themselves. That is why a lot of married people gain weight and stop being fashionable without even realising it.

But this is not a hopeless situation. A life style change is all that is required to fix this problem. It is likely that your husband would rather spend his money on you than on himself. Married men derive more satisfaction from taking care of their wives and children. So this is what I suggest.

Buy him the kind of clothes that you want him to wear.

Buy him a deodorant and tell him about the mouth odour.

Once he realises what you are trying to do, he will start making the effort to take better care of himself. We are often so worried about hurting our partner’s feelings that we say nothing while bigger problems develop. So tell him the truth. Believe me, men will do anything to get regular sex and if brushing his teeth ten times daily and smelling like roses is what it takes, he will do these things – Uche Please can I get Exploding Thunder supplement from you? My friend told me about it and gave me one

capsule to try. It was amazing. Energy and hard erections were in abundance after I took it and I had a good time all through the weekend. Please please get it for me. Some of my friends are also interested – Friday Friday call the numbers here or visit www.zeevirtualmedia.com to order for it. We have it now and I will ensure it is always in stock. Everybody who tried Exploding Thunder liked it – Uche Dear Uche, I think I am fine. My erections are okay except that I cum too quickly and I never have the energy for second round and my wife always wants more. What should I do? Thank you - Samuel Samuel sexual energy varies from person to person. You may not have any major problem. Sometimes stress and tiredness is all that is responsible for lack of sexual energy. I recommend taking a natural energy boosting supplement one hour before intercourse. Wonderland Performance Drink is very good for this. For your premature ejaculation, you can use a penis sleeve like Nasstoys Penis Extender to delay your ejaculation or you can use a delay cream such as Max Control Delay Spray. Both products are very good for premature ejaculation – Uche When I am with my wife, I don’t get an erection. But when I am with my girlfriend, I perform normally. I don’t know what to do – Kevin Kevin such problems are psychological. There are no drugs for it. Try watching an adult movie during intercourse with your wife. It will get your erection up by tricking your mind into believing you are in bed with someone else – Uche That’s all for today. Adults in need of these novelties 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.

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

62

NATION SPORT Aiken targets Avantha Masters title in India

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OUTH AFRICA’S Thomas Aiken today claimed his second European Tour title thanks to some self-professed ‘phenomenal’ golf in the Avantha Masters in India.

Aiken held a three-shot lead going into the final day thanks to a thirdround 62 and was never caught, even though playing partner Liang Wenchong carded a hole in one on the seventh.

India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar also threatened to claim a popular home victory at the Jaypee Greens Golf Club he represents, twice getting within two shots of the lead as he recorded a superb closing 64.

But Aiken held his nerve and finished in style with a birdie on the last, carding a flawless 67 to finish 23 under par, three ahead of Bhullar with Liang (69) a further two shots back in third.

The 29-year-old from Johannesburg, whose previous win came in the 2011 Spanish Open, collected the first prize of £260,000 and is the sixth South African winner on tour this season.

‘They just kept coming at me today,’ Aiken said. ‘I tried my best to get a little bit of a lead but couldn’t get it going, everyone was holing everything; Liang on the front nine and Bhullar made some amazing birdies coming in.

‘By no means was it a walk in the park. Finally I can have a bit of a breather.’

A breather Aiken could certainly have done without came on the 18th tee, where he endured a 12-minute wait due to a prolonged ruling in the group ahead after Australian Scott Hend had driven into the water.

‘It’s not the easiest tee-shot in the world but I managed to hit a fairly decent one,’ Aiken added at the prize-giving ceremony. ‘I didn’t really want to miss the fairway dismiss because I have been getting fliers out of the rough all week and I got another one, but it worked out well.

• Aiken

Bradley survives title bout against T Provodnikov IMOTHY BRADLEY overcame an early beating and a final-round knockdown to win a narrow unanimous decision over Ruslan Provodnikov on Saturday night, defending his WBO welterweight belt in dramatic style.

Bradley (30-0) barely survived a thriller with the unheralded Provodnikov (22-2) in the champion’s first bout since beating Manny Pacquiao in a much-debated split decision last June.

Bradley appeared to be out on his feet at times the first two rounds against his Russian challenger, even tumbling to the canvas in a fall that was ruled an accidental slip.

Bradley then was forced to take a knee with 10 seconds left in the 12th round after one last barrage from Provodnikov.

‘I gave it everything I had,’ Bradley said. ‘Every ounce I had, I gave.’

But Bradley also punished Provodnikov with multiple shots all night, causing huge cuts and swelling on the face of the “Siberian Rocky,” who excelled in

the biggest fight of his career.

Judges Marty Denkin and Jerry Cantu scored the bout 114-113 for Bradley, and Raul Caiz Sr. favored Bradley 115-112. The Associated Press also scored it 114-113 for Bradley on the strength of his middle-round dominance.

‘He’s much more powerful than Pacquiao,’ Bradley said. ‘He hits harder, and has shorter punches.

He’s a great puncher, and I take my hat off to him.’

With steam rising from his shaved head outdoors on a chilly Southern California night, Bradley guessed he might have a concussion after absorbing dozens of big shots from Provodnikov, the Freddie Roachtrained slugger who pressed the action all night.

‘I was the clear winner,’ Provodnikov said through a translator. ‘I hurt him. I knocked him down. I don’t know what else to do.’

Bidding war between Murray, Robson, as agents battle A NDY MURRAY and Laura Robson, Britain’s two biggest tennis stars, are involved in a bidding war between agents battling to represent them.

Robson, 19, is a target of XIX Entertainment, who want to promote her alongside Murray, her London Olympics silver medal-winning partner, in a British tennis dream team.

But the company created by Simon Fuller - the man behind the Spice Girls and the Pop Idol franchise and the current manager to David Beckham and Lewis Hamilton - also face a fight to keep Murray, who became the first British man to win a major championship for 76 years when he was victorious at the US Open last September.

Murray, who earned £10.8million last

year from prize-money and endorsements, continues to be managed

by Fuller’s XIX Entertainment even though his contract with the company ran out at the end of last year.

But he is being courted by rival agency IMG, who have been abandoned recently by three of the biggest sports stars in the global market place - Tiger Woods, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

Robson’s deal with Octagon, an American- owned company with offices in Putney, is nearing its close.

She has been with Octagon for eight years and her next contract will be decided in consultation with her father, Andrew, an executive with Shell.

She earned £285,000 last year, but has the potential to become Britain’s highest-paid sportswoman with annual earnings some way above the £1m mark, depending on her on-court performances.

Robson is regarded as such a hot property because tennis has easily the highest potential for lucrative long-term gains of any solo sport.

The world’s two highest-earning sportswomen last year were both tennis players, Maria Sharapova and Li Na, making £18.6m and £14m respectively, including endorsements.

John Lloyd, the former British Davis Cup captain, said: ‘It’s a very cut-throat world.

Bradley’s heart and resourcefulness could redefine a fighter who got no credit for beating Pacquiao, the former pound-for-pound champion and global superstar. Pacquiao was widely thought to have won their fight, and Bradley couldn’t land a rematch with the Filipino congressman.

Bradley had a reputation as a headfirst, unexciting fighter with little power after stopping just one of his past 11 opponents, but few decision victories in recent boxing history have been more spellbinding than the 12 rounds fought by Bradley and Provodnikov.

‘He’s going to be a world

champion someday,’ Bradley said.

‘He’s a very strong puncher because he steps into his punches and he hits really hard. It was a really difficult fight. I want to show him by those exchanges that I wasn’t afraid of him. That’s why I kept trading with him. I didn’t want to show any fear. I can brawl and box with anyone.’

The pro-Bradley crowd was stunned when Provodnikov repeatedly rocked the champion in the first two rounds, leaving Bradley woozy and wobbly on his feet while the Russian whaled on him. Bradley didn’t lose a point when he fell to the canvas in the first round in what appeared to be a knockdown missed by referee Pat Russell - and the champion appeared to be senseless on his feet again while Provodnikov pounded him into the ropes late in the second round.

England frustrated as victory hope is dashed

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HE combined talents of Kane Williamson and Cyclone Sandra frustrated England here at the Basin Reserve and almost certainly condemned the second Test to a draw. Unless the weather dramatically improves, these teams will head to Auckland for the final Test unusually placed at 0-0.

Only one session and a late six over burst were possible before the tail-end of a cyclone that has caused problems in the Pacific islands finally reached Wellington and in that time England came no nearer making the sustained breakthroughs they needed.

They had only taken one second innings wicket on day three after forcing New Zealand to follow on and there was just the one more today, Peter Fulton edging Jimmy Anderson to slip, before Sandra popped in on the stroke of lunch.

The clouds dispersed briefly to allow six more uneventful overs late in the afternoon but a return of the rain

summed up what was a pretty miserable Wellington day.

It was a frustrating day for England with Anderson looking far from fully fit and Monty Panesar becoming so frustrated that he disagreed with his captain Alastair Cook over field placings. At one stage Matt Prior had to calm Panesar down over his aversion to a leg-slip placed by Cook.

At least Anderson, who had taken no part in the warm-up suffering from back and ankle niggles, was able to take the 295th Test wicket of his career, leaving him just two away from Derek Underwood’s tally. Then only Bob Willis, Fred Trueman and Sir Ian Botham would be above him on England’s list.

It was perilously close to not counting as Anderson had the barest amount of his heel behind the line when he dismissed Fulton for 45, the umpires asking for the wicket to be checked for a no ball before sending the giant Kiwi on his way.

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

63

TODAY IN THE NATION

TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL. 8

NO.2,432

‘‘What is a deanery and youth development centre that would attract N6 billion cash haul in a single fund-raiser?

That obviously sets a new limit in financial obscenity, a new low in public morality.

SANYA ONI

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

I

N another clime, the Council of State would be the repository of the nation’s collective wisdom and experience, a custodian of its most cherished values, a fount of inspiration, comprising men and women who, having given of their best to their country, would stay splendidly above the fray and would never again seek elective office nor descend into the pit of partisanship.

I suspect that it is that kind of body the framers of the 1979 Constitution in which it was first consecrated had in mind; hence its composition: the President and the Vice President, all former presidents or heads of state, all former federal chief justices, the president of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, all state governors, and the federal attorney-general.

Hence also its mandate: To advise the President with respect to his duties on a wide range of subjects in general, and on issues relating to the maintenance of public order in particular “when asked to do so.”

It would be the body to turn to when the country is buffeted by strife and uncertainty – the very kind of period Nigeria is going through now.

If it has not lived up to that expectation, it is partly because the high-mindedness that lies behind it is vitiated somewhat by the constitutional stipulation that the Council advises the President only “when asked to do so.” The Council, it follows, meets at the pleasure of the President, to discuss only such issues as he places before it. However expressed, its advice is nonbinding.

But even on the few occasions it has been convened, the Council has acted more as a rubberstamp that as an advisory body, endorsing decisions already taken – such as hefty increases in the pump price of gasoline under the pretext of ending a bogus government subsidy— rather than helping to formulate public policy.

Aside from a few honourable exceptions, the Council of State is in its higher ranks a conclave of officials who failed when they had all the opportunity and resources to set Nigeria firmly and irrevocably on the path to progress, prosperity and respectability, if not greatness.

For the most part, they fended for themselves and their cronies. When they thought at all about the people in whose name they claimed to rule or to exercise whatever function was delegated to them, they thought of how to rob them of their voices and their votes and their freedom; they thought of how to deny them justice, to subjugate and stultify them in every way, forgetting that with little men,” nothing great can be achieved.

The state governors, majority of them from the ruling party and subject to its whip and other constraints, hardly depart from the official line.

In effect, the Council’s composition is also partly responsible for its near-irrelevance.

At any rate, it has never complained that its name was taken in vain, without corresponding adherence to its values. After perfunctory discussions, the members collect their “sitting fee”and collateral benefits, pose for the cameras, and then go their various ways until it pleases the President to invite them down again.

By all accounts, that was what happened again last week. The Council dutifully rubberstamped a fait accompli that President Jonathan

RIPPLES ALAMIEYESIGHA’S STATE PARDON IN ORDER, says Tukur

Yes, that is one of the SEVEN-POINT AGENDA

OLATUNJI DARE

AT HOME ABROAD olatunji.dare@thenationonlineng.net

In this season of absolution

•Alamieyeseigha

Goodluck placed before it. By the time the business was over, the convicted money launderer, holder of a vast portfolio of property acquired with funds of dubious provenance, and a fugitive from British justice, deposed Bayelsa State Governor Dieprieye Alamieyeseigha, had been washed clean of all transgressions. All that remained was formal canonisation.

To create the illusion of even-handedness in this curious enterprise, Dr Jonathan threw into the list of beneficiaries of his prerogative of mercy the late General Shehu Yar’Adua, the late General Abdulkareem Adisa, and General Oladipo Diya, all of whom were convicted of coup plotting by a kangaroo military tribunal set up by the loathsome Sani Abacha but had been officially pardoned back in 1999.

As a sop to the North, he also threw in

Shettima Bulama, a former chair of the defunct Bank of the North who had been convicted of corruption.

They forgot to add General Olusegun Obasanjo, who was granted state pardon in the same executive act of 1999 along with the persons Dr Jonathan now purports to pardon all over.

And when he is caught in this duplicitous act, his spokespersons strive mightily to outdo one another in sterile hairsplitting.

Did the members of Council of State attending – four of the more prominent members stayed away – did they not see through this transparent subterfuge? Were they blindsided or otherwise inveigled into endorsing it?

Presidential spokesman Dr Doyin Okupe surpassed his own reputation for boisterousness when he claimed that Alamieyeseigha had more than earned his pardon by working quietly to end the insurgency in the Delta, and that this has resulted in the quadrupling of oil exports.

If that is indeed the case, it would be a powerful argument for dissolving with immediate effect the Amnesty Commission for the Delta or whatever the body is called, and replacing it with Alamieyeseigha as sole administrator. It would also mean that recent appeals to the British Government to help police Nigeria’s waters to curtail oil theft, amounting to 50 percent of total production by some accounts, were misdirected.

Why turn to the Brits when Alams is more than equal to the task?

In endorsing the pardon, Chief Richard Akinjide (SAN) lived up to his reputation for brute legalism, utterly bereft of a sociological imagination. Nobody has said that Dr Jonathan acted outside the law. The charge, as I under-

HARDBALL

stand it, is that he acted on the basis of his own narrow political calculations, without giving a damn about the larger social and political ramifications.

For once, I find myself on the opposite side of the learned senior attorney, Professor Itse Sagay, a stalwart of the progressive movement in Nigeria. His endorsement of the pardon is entirely out of character. He must have some principled reasons. I do not believe that he would take this troubling position based on regional solidarity alone.

As Alamieyeseigha’s attorney, Professor Ben Nwabueze deserves nothing but praise for representing his client to the best of his great ability. But when our own Lord Dicey and Lord Denning rolled into one confers sovereign status on his client and argues that British police were in effect putting Nigeria in chains when they handcuffed his client at Heathrow Airport, it has to be said, with the greatest respect, that he is overstating his case.

The Vienna Convention governing relations among nations does not cover the kind of criminal activity for which his client was detained even if the said client is a diplomat but the act occurred outside his official remit.

Alamieyeseigha was no diplomat. At the time of his arrest, he was not on an errand for Nigeria. And he compounded matters by fleeing from justice.

The word in Dr Jonathan’s corner, as always, is that there is no going back. But since he is in such an expansive and forgiving mood, he should widen the amnesty.

I understand that Chief (Dr) Olabode George, the PDP chieftain convicted of contact- splitting at the Nigeria Ports Authority, has since completing his prison term been working quietly to rehabilitate those pesky “area boys” and other categories of social miscreants in Lagos.

As a result, business has been booming in areas they ruled by terror, and every Lagosian now sleeps peacefully at night.

How about a comprehensive pardon and clemency for the Chief?

While at it, Dr Jonathan should not forget James Ibori, the former Governor of Delta State, now serving time in British prison for larceny on a scale almost beyond belief. I understand that he has been an exemplary prisoner and a most worthy ambassador of Nigeria.

Surely, a complete pardon for the Ogidigboigboi of Africa would not be amiss in the weeks leading up to celebration of the Ultimate Redemption.

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•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

Alamieyeseigha: A little more bellicosity in our foreign policy on the issue of the pardon known. We have T will take some time before the hysteria would be in order ings taken note of it… We are prepared to admit the triggered by the state pardon granted Chief

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Diepreye Alamieyeseigha is dissipated. But while the controversy rages, it may unwittingly serve as a barometer of the potency of Nigerian foreign policy. That President Goodluck Jonathan operated within the ambit of the constitution to grant pardons to former Bayelsa State governor and others is not in doubt. That Nigerians feel justifiably enraged by the pardons, and are vehemently protesting the exercise, is also not to be waved aside, for they are protesting within the rights granted them by the constitution. Yet, the truly worrisome part of the whole affair is that the controversy seems to suggest the quality of our foreign policy enunciation has declined.

Indeed, the local reactions to the pardons show in particular that the decline of our foreign policy is almost complete, with the Nigerian government and the populace seemingly inured to the neo-colonial dangers engendered by the controversy. Let us put the problem in context. The Wikileaks scandal of a few years ago showed how flippant top Nigerian officials were in the presence of American diplomats. It was not enough that Nigerian heads of state and elected presidents deeply coveted American and European approbation, with many of them even becoming house Negroes, now senior government officials and the media also think in terms of the white man’s worldview. This probably explains why Nigerian officials are desperate to avoid any misunderstanding with the United States over the Alamieyeseigha pardon, as if the former

governor offended the US more than he offended and shamed Nigeria. Can Jonathan withstand the pressure?

Sadly, the times have really changed. Neither the government nor the citizens, who in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s displayed boisterous nationalism and would not be dictated to by any foreign power, are unsure today of how to respond to the relentless foreign insults triggered by our government’s ineptitude. Rather than seek for ways to punish our criminals, no matter how highly placed, President Olusegun Obasanjo in his time in office was, for instance, willing to let the world humiliate Nigerians, as exampled by the Alamieyeseigha Heathrow airport drama. The current Alamieyeseigha sequel could have been better handled if the government and present generation of Nigerians were more nationalistic and sensitive to the full ramifications of the independence handed over to them by the patriarchs.

Not only did the first US reaction to the controversial pardons come humiliatingly via a twitter posting, even when the US State Department finally reacted, it was to insinuate they would reassess their relationship with Nigeria and look into ways of restricting donor funds.

Has Nigeria become an outpost of the US? Does the US have a viceroy in Abuja? Hear the plaintive cry of the Nigerian ambassador to the US on the controversy: “The American government through the embassy in Nigeria made its feel-

rights of our friends to comment on the issue since it is now a matter of public knowledge.

We understand the furore caused by the inclusion of the ex-governor. The statement recently made by Dr. Doyin Okupe explains government’s rationale. This will form part of the response of the embassy in Washington to questions that might arise in the future.” Hogwash.

The world may be a global village, and money laundering may also be a major component of drug trade and terrorism, but the Alamieyeseigha problem is at bottom a Nigerian problem that should be dealt with fully by Nigeria in spite of our imperfect and sometimes corrupt judiciary and incompetent anti-graft agencies. It is deeply troubling that Nigerians are not conscious of their independence. They have forgotten the story of their country and the stories of how other countries, including the US, jealously guard their own independence and national pride. Nigeria fought a civil war without borrowing. If foreign aids, including Bill Gates’ aid money, must be accompanied by meddling in Nigeria’s affairs, we should be prepared to do without donations, and perhaps go to China for tutorials. With the events in Mali and the creeping recolonisation of parts of Africa, we have an even more urgent task ahead of us to elect a government that would be activist like the Murtala Mohammed government and not display the appalling misjudgement shown by the Jonathan presidency on Alamieyeseigha.

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