The Nation March 27, 2012

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

US alleges shots fired near embassy

•Police deny arrests

EFCC invites three OSOPADEC men •Chair Ajimuda gets bail

NEWS – Page 2

NEWS

Page 8

www.thenationonlineng.net

VOL. 7, NO. 2077 TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2012

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

N150.00

Hembe, deputy admit collecting estacode for trip •Commission probes Oteh’s N30m hotel bill From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

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WO key actors in the N44 million fraud allegation rocking the House of Representatives – former Chairman of the House Committee on Capital Market and Other Institutions Herman Hembe and his erstwhile deputy, Chris Azubogu - have confessed that they did not attend a workshop for which they got money from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Hembe and Azubogu told Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) interrogators that they collected estacode from the SEC to attend a capacity building Continued on page 2

ORS: From left: Former Ireland Prime Minster Mr Bertie Ahern; Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun; his wife, Funsho; INVESTORS •ALL FOR INVEST Kaduna Governor Patrick Yakowa; former Governor of Ogun State Aremo Olusegun Osoba and Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola during Ogun State Economic Investors Forum in Abeokuta ... yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

N4.56b ‘fraud’ trial: EFCC seizes ex-director’s houses Ex-Pension director loses hotel, filling stations

THE SEIZED PROPERTIES

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HE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday seized six properties, including a hotel and four filling stations, from a former Director of Pension Administration in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

Dr. Sani Teidi Shuaibu is standing trial over a N4.56 billion pension scam in the disbanded Pension Unit in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

According to a statement by the Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, the properties, which were seized at the weekend, included two choice buildings and four filling stations.

He said the seizure was in line with a July 11, last year order of interim forfeiture by Justice Adamu Bello of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

Uwujaren listed the properties/ assets which the court ordered taken over by the EFCC as follows: (a) No 24, Ahmadu Musa Crescent, Jabi, Abuja; (b) Brefina Hotel at plot 1106

•The eight-bedroom twin duplex at No 1 Shuaibu Close, Idah, Kogi State, one of the properties From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation, Abuja

(Beside MTN) warehouse, adjacent to Vines Hotel, Durumi, Abuja; (c) A house at No 1, Shuaibu Close, opposite Governor’s House, Idah; (d) Riba-Ile Petroleum Ltd; (e) M.R.S

Ajaka (registered as Riba-Ile Oil Ltd; (f) M.R.S Idah station, Idah, registered with Hammo Oil, Nigeria; (g) NNPC Mega station, Idah junction, Ayingba, registered with Hammo Oil, Nig. Ltd. (h) MRS Filling Station Continued on page 2

•Dr Shuaibu

•No 24, Ahmadu Musa Crescent, Jabi, Abuja; •Brefina Hotel at plot 1106, (beside MTN) warehouse, adjacent to vines Hotel, Durumi, Abuja; •A house at No 1, Shuaibu close, opposite Governor’s House, Idah; •Riba-ile Petroleum Ltd; •M.R.S Ajaka (registered as Riba-Ile Oil Ltd; •M.R.S Idah station, Idah, registered with Hammo Oil, Nigeria; •NNPC Mega station, Idah junction, Ayingba, registered with Hammo oil, Nig. Ltd. •MRS Filling Station at Ganaja, Lokoja; •Registered with A.Y Ted oil Ltd; •A mansion at Idah, opposite Federal Polytechnic, Idah; •SunTrust Properties Company Ltd; •Plot B59, Dawaki Extension Layout, Bwari Area Council, Abuja; •An Estate of about 10 bungalows, lying and being at Dantata Street, Nyanyan, FCT, Abuja.

•POLITICS P17 •SPORTS P23 •PROPERTY P25 •AVIATION P48 •ENERGY P51

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THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2012

NEWS Hembe, deputy admit collecting estacode for trip Continued from page 1

•President Goodluck Jonathan with the President of South Korea, Lee Myung-Bac, at the opening PHOTO: STATE HOUSE of the 2012 Seoul Nuclear Security Summit in South Korea ...yesterday.

•Prof. Wole Soyinka at the Ogun State Investors Forum Abeokuta ... yesterday.

PHOTO: BOLA OMILABU

US alleges shots fired near embassy

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HE United States (U.S.) yesterday alleged that shots were fired at its Embassy’s vicinity in Abuja.

A one-paragraph statement issued by the Information Office of the Public Affairs Section of the Embassy claimed Nigerian authorities have apprehended two persons in connection with the alleged shootings.

“We believe there were shots fired in the vicinity of the U.S. Embassy. The Nigerian authorities have two individuals in custody. We refer you to the police for further information,” the statement said.

From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation, Abuja

The statement, which did not give any other information on the issue, referred reporters to the police for further information on the matter.

But the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the police and the Force Headquarters yesterday denied any knowledge of the shootings.

Speaking on the issue yesterday, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Nigeria Police Force, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, Mr. Moshood Jimoh, said

that the command was not aware of any shooting near the US Embassy.

He said: “We are not aware of any shooting or arrest. The police went there but could not confirm any shooting at the US Embassy.”

In the same vein, the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Mr. Olusola Amore, said that the headquarters had not received any information from its officers to support the claims of the US embassy.

Amore said: “We have not received any report from our officers at the site to confirm any shooting at the US Em-

bassy.”

All was calm in the evening at the US Embassy yesterday. The security personnel and vehicle usually stationed at the two entrances to the embassy were there.

A police pick-up van usually stationed at the entrance close to the Chinese Embassy was the only vehicle at the entrance. Three policemen and one US security official were seen discussing at the time of the visit.

There were also no noticeable changes in the security arrangements at the second entrance.

workshop in Dominican Republic but never did.

Their confession came on a day the EFCC launched a probe into the N30 million hotel bill allegedly incurred by SEC’s Director-General Ms. Arunma Oteh.

But the anti-graft agency is still trying to ascertain who between SEC and the House Committee actually initiated the N30 million bribe.

The two parties have persistently accused each other of initiating the scandal.

Hembe’s and Azubogu’s confessions were the highpoints of the interrogation of former House Committee members and Oteh.

The EFCC obtained a statement from Oteh last Thursday.

It grilled Hembe, his deputy and three members of the committee, including the Clerk, Mr. Femi T. Ogunsanya, last Friday for about seven hours.

A source, who spoke on what transpired during the drilling of Hembe and the others, said there were “frank confessions”.

The source said: “Hembe and his deputy admitted that they were sponsored by SEC to Dominican Republican for a capacity workshop but could not attend. They also confirmed that they collected all allowances accruable for the four-day capacity training.

“Hembe said he travelled to the United States (U.S.) and by the time he arrived in the U.S., he realised ‘I will miss the conference. I informed SEC and returned home’.

“Azubogu also admitted that he did not attend the workshop in Dominican Republic but he collected the estacode.

“Azubogu said although he

N4.56b ‘fraud’ trial: EFCC seizes ex-director’s houses Continued from page 1

at Ganaja, Lokoja; (i)Registered with A.Y Ted Oil Ltd; (j) A mansion at Idah, opposite Federal Polytechnic, Idah; (k) SunTrust Properties Company Ltd; (l) Plot B59, Dawaki Extension Layout, Bwari Area Council, Abuja; (m) An Estate of about 10 bungalows, lying and being at Dantata Street, Nyanyan, FCT, Abuja.

The statement said: “The EFCC has seized six properties belonging to Dr. Sani Teidi Shuaibu, a former Director, Pension Administration in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, standing trial over a N4.56 billion Pension scam.

“The interim forfeiture is sequel to an order of Justice Adamu Bello of the Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja made on July 11, 2011.

“The court granted the order restraining all persons, including persons hereinafter referred to as RECEIVERS in the Schedules hereto attached, by themselves directly or through another (whether natural or otherwise), including, but not limited to all parties listed in all the schedules hereto attached, whether or not named in Charge No FHC/ ABJ/ CR28/2011, that is to say and such other persons yet to be identified, from removing, alienating, disposing of, “Dealing with or Di-

minishing the value of, assets or properties being suspected proceeds of crimes or otherwise, held or owned by or in the names of persons suspected of the alleged Financial crimes in Charge no.

FHC/ABJ/CR/28/2011.

“That the Executive Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is hereby permitted to seize and retain custody of all such properties or assets of persons listed in the schedules attached to this Motion, which assets are suspected proceeds of crime or the value thereof, until the final determination of Charge no.

FHC/ABJ/CR/28/2011.

“The court also granted an order permitting the executive chairman of EFCC to seize and retain custody of all the properties or assets of persons (as listed in the attached schedules) though not yet charged but found to be connected with the transaction or allegation contained in charge.”

The statement gave further details of the assets in question.

It added: “The properties which were taken over by the Asset Forfeiture Unit of the EFCC during an operation at the weekend included two choice buildings and four filling stations.

“One of the buildings located at No.1 Shuaibu Close, G.R.A. Idah, Kogi State is an

imposing eight-bedroom twin duplex, a 5-unit twobedroom apartment, tworoom security house and a mosque all scattered in the expansive compound.

“The property at the Polytechnic Road, directly opposite Federal Polytechnic, Okenya, Idah, Kogi State is an unpainted one story duplex with multiple sitting rooms and apartment built within.

“The third property that was seized was a non-functional filling station, located 100 meters away from Ajaka Police Station. It has a small office building with four rusted and non-functional fuel pumps and a Leister generator in a small generator house.

“At Agbeji in Ayingba, Kogi State, a thriving MRS filling station located at Agbeji along Ayingba Road, a few meters from Confluence Fertilizer Company Limited was also seized from Shuaibu.

“An NNPC Mega Station along Lokoja-Enugu Highway, Ayingba and a Texaco filling station with a shopping mall along Ganaja Road, opposite Ibra Petroleum and Petrochemical Limited, Lokoja, Kogi State was among the properties seized from Dr. Shuaibu.”

Shuaibu, Mrs. Phina Ukamaka Chidi and 30 other suspects are facing trial on a

134-count charge bordering on diversion of pension funds, abuse of office, using ghost pensioners to pay N2 million and N3 million into their accounts monthly and diversion of the same amount through award of fictitious contracts to companies which they manage. Ukamaka Chidi is a former Deputy Director (Finance and Accounts) in the Pension Office.

Aliyu Bello was a Personal Assistant to Dr. Shuaibu.

Other accused persons are: Garba Abdullahi Tahir, Emmanuel Olanipekun, Abdullahi Omeiza, Computer Plaza and Essential Gadget Ventures.

Also accused are Mobis Point Investment Ltd, Obista Enterprises, Shallow Well Ventures, Mof Investment Ltd., Zumba Resources, Pam Investment and Properties Ltd., Moshfad Enterprises, Newgate Projects Ltd, RedWings Energy Ltd, RedWings Procurement Services Ltd and Woodland Industries NIG Ltd. There are also Nwab Tessy O Enterprises Nigeria, Chris J. Junior Ventures, Uthaka Nigeria Ltd, Bashinta Nigeria Ltd, Haleath Enterprises, Gozinda Enterprises, Omozua Ventures, S.S Badejo Enterprises, Lopee Ventures, Fafama Oil and Gas Ltd, Fafama Estate Developer Ltd and Riba-Ile Petroleum.

Count one of the 134 count charge reads: “That you Dr.

Shaiubu Sani Teidi, Phina Ukamaka Chidi Computer Plaza, Essential gadget Ventures, Mobis Point Investment Ltd, Obista Enterprises, Shallow Well Ventures at various times, between 2008 and 2010 within the jurisdiction of this honorable court, conspired among yourself to induce the Pension Department, office of the Head of Service of the federation of Nigeria, to deliver to you, various sums in the aggregate N176, 910, 650 (One hundred and seventy six million, nine hundred and ten thousand, six hundred and Fifty naira) property vide the medium of a contract induced by false pretences, thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 8(a) of the Advance Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006”.

did not use the air ticket, he got the accruing allowance from SEC.” Asked why he did not return the estacode, said the source, Azubogu told the interrogation team: “I collected estacode for the workshop but I did not go…I was expecting SEC to demand the return of the estacode before I do so. It is still intact with me…’

But there are more hurdles ahead for Hembe as his trip to Dominican Republic has forced the EFCC to raise fresh posers.

The posers, according to the commission’s source, are: “How did Hembe route his ticket? Shouldn’t his ticket take cognisance of the days set aside for the workshop? Is it necessary for Hembe to fly to Dominican Republic through the U.S.? Assuming he preferred to go to Dominican Republic through U.S., why did he arrive in the U.S. late?

“We will certainly re-examine Hembe’s itinerary, stamps on his passport, flight schedule and movement in the U.S. I think we may still interact with Hembe after meeting with travel agency and SEC staff.”

The source explained that a major challenge of the probe is getting to the roots of which of the party actually initiated the bribe scam.

The source went on: “We are talking to other staff to see at what stage the bribe was demanded. Each party is accusing the other of initiating the bribe. We will certainly unravel who made the request.

Investigation can lead to any direction; we are conducting it with an open mind.

“We have invited more staff of SEC to appear before our investigation team on Monday. We have interacted with the Clerk of the House Committee and other staff. We will get to the root of how the bribe was offered.”

Responding to a question, the source said: “The EFCC has granted Hembe, his deputy and the staff of the committee administrative bail.

“But we have asked the House Committee to bring documents; we are awaiting their response.”

On Oteh, the source said: “We took her statement on Thursday, based on her bribe claim but she needs to also respond to counter-allegations from Hembe and others. So, we may still take more statement from her.

“But we have started probing the N30 million she allegedly incurred on hotel bill.

That is another vital angle to the row.

“The EFCC has retrieved some documents relating to Oteh’s hotel and feeding bills.

More SEC employees have also been invited for questioning.”

CORRECTION In an obituary published on page 60 of this newspaper yesterday for the Late Comrade Kuyebi Akeem, a cross which is associated with Christianity, was used. The family of the late Comrade Kuyebi Akeem takes exception to the use of a symbol associated with Christianity for the obituary of the Muslim brother. The error is highly regretted

APOLOGY Justice Victor Ovie-Whiskey, chairman of the Federal Electoral Commission (FEDECO) in the 1980s is very much alive, contrary to the impression given in our editorial titled ‘Strange find’ of Monday, March 26, that he is dead. We sincerely apologise for the error. – Editor.

ADVERT HOTLINES: 01-280668, 08070591302, 08052592524 NEWSROOM: LAGOS – 01-8962807, ABUJA – 07028105302 COMPLAINTS: 01-8930678

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2012

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THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2012

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NEWS TUSSLE OVER SOVEREIGN WEALTH FUND

Supreme Court

•Vice-President Namadi Sambo exchanging pleasantries with IGP Mohammed Abubakar at a conference organised by the commission in Abuja...yesterday. With them is INEC Chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega PHOTO: AKIN OLADOKUN

Months after the 36 governors dragged the Federal Government to the Supreme Court over the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF), the apex court yesterday shifted the goal post to May, an indication that the parties have to exercise more patience, reports KAMARUDEEN OGUNDELE.

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•President, Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) Joseph Daudu exchanging pleasantries with Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) boss Osita Chidoka at a public hearing on the commission...yesterday PHOTO: NAN

•United States Ambassador to Nigeria Terence McCulley and Managing Directtor, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Dr. Christian Oboh during the ambassador’s visit to PortHarcourt.

• This photograph was first published yesterday but with the wrong caption. Here is the correct caption: (From left) Lagos Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji, wife of Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, Sherifat, Speaker’s wife, Mayowa, Governor Babatunde Fashola's wife, Dame Abimbola, Fashola's mother, Cecilia, Lagos monarch Oba Rilwan Akiolu and 'Birthday Boy' Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Lagos lawmaker Mrs. Funmilayo Tejuoso and wife of the late Kafaru Tinubu, Alhaja Fatimo, cutting a cake to kick off the Health Walk to mark Tinubu's 60th birthday…on Sunday

HE Supreme Court yesterday fixed May 21 for report of settlement in a suit between the 36 states and the Federal Government on the Excess Crude Account.

The states are challenging the legality of the Excess Crude Account and the decision of the Federal Government to transfer $1 billion from the account to the Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWF).

Counsel to the Federal Government, Mr. Austine Alegeh (SAN) informed the apex court of the term of settlements received from the plaintiffs. He asked for an adjournment to enable parties hold further discussion and resolve the dispute amicably.

He said that almost all the issues had been resolved and that outstanding issues could still be resolved out of court by the parties.

But the Plaintiff’s counsel, Mr. Yusuf Ali (SAN) who expressed doubt about the Federal Government’s disposition to amicable settlement asked for a short adjournment.

Recalling that they have been discussing out of court settlement since 2008, Ali said “My clients wanted the issue resolved once and for all”.

Expressing concern at the inability of both the Federal Government and the states to reach amicable settlement, Justice Dahiru Musdapher asked, “if states and the Federal Government are not ready to uphold the sanctity of the constitution, who else will?”

The Supreme Court had earlier granted a request by the parties to settle the matter out of court and to explore an amicable resolution of the disagreement.

The governors had gone to court to among others seek for an order compelling the Government of the Federation to pay into the Federation Account the sum of N5.51 trillion being the balance of the sum which accrued to the Government of the Federation during the period 2004 and 2007 from the proceeds of crude oil sales, petroleum profits tax

•Dr. Okonjo-Iweala

and oil royalties which the Government of the Federation classified as “excess crude proceeds” and “excess PPT and Royalties” and paid into an account which was styled “Excess Crude Account”.

They also asked the court to order the Federal Government to transfer to the Federation Account all sums standing to the credit of the “Excess Crude Account”.

The governors went to court to challenge the action, conduct and activities of the Federal Government of Nigeria with respect to the management and operation of the Federation Account.

The parties in this suit have exploited avenues of out of court settlement and indeed agreed on a settlement but the settlement so reached could not be implemented and was also not entered as the judgment of the court.

Consequently, the case was set down for trial and parties were directed to exchange briefs.

In a counter affidavit filed by the law firm of Alegeh and Co., the Federal Government said efforts to find a common ground did not succeed.

In an affidavit in support, Uchena Njoku, a lawyer said: “I know as a fact that subsequent to the institution of the substantive case, the parties explored the possibility of an amicable settlement of the issues discernible in the case and mutually sought several adjournments of the case to enable them to conclude the settlement option and report same to the court.

“That when it became clear the plaintiffs/applicants were not amenable to the settlement options, discussions in this regard were called off and parties accordingly informed the court.”

The federal government also accused the states of mischief because they took part in the deliberation of the National Economic Council where the decision to transfer the $1 billion from the Excess Crude Account to the SWF was taken.

It added that the states had also been receiving their shares from the

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2012

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NEWS FUND

TUSSLE OVER SOVEREIGN WEALTH FUND

urt fixes May 21 for settlement report

•Jonathan

money and accused them of insincerity.

In response, the states insisted that they had shared only the legitimate funds deposited in the Federation Account and not from the funds illegally deposited in the Excess Crude Account.

While asking the Supreme Court to refuse the application by the states to stop the federal government from transferring $1 billion from the Excess Crude Account to the SWF, the federal government’s counsel said his client would run into problem if the application was granted.

He said the day-to-day running of the nation’s economy would be put in danger if the application is granted.

The governors through their lawyer, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) have asked the Supreme Court to restrain the Federal Government from making any withdrawals howsoever from the “Excess Crude Account” (or any account replacing same by any name howsoever) pending the hearing and determination of a suit they filed in 2008.

They are bitter that the Federal Government in disregard of the suit has continued to withdraw from the account and had nearly depleted about N5.51 trillion being the balance on the account as at 2008 when the case was instituted.

To check further withdrawal, the governors are asking the apex court to order that all sums standing to the credit of the contentious “Excess Crude Account” be paid into court or be otherwise secured as the court may deem fit.

The motion was brought pursuant to Order 3 Rules 1 and 14 of The Supreme Court Rules (As

•Justice Musdapher

•Aliyu

•Amaechi

What is SWF? A Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) is a state-owned investment fund composed of financial assets such as stocks, bonds, property, precious metals or other financial instruments. Sovereign wealth funds invest globally. Most SWFs are funded by foreign exchange assets.

Some sovereign wealth funds may be held by a central bank, which accumulates the funds in the course of its management of a nation’s banking system; this type of fund is usually of major economic and fiscal importance.

Other sovereign wealth funds are simply the state savings that are invested by various entities for the purposes of investment return, and that may not have a significant role in fiscal management.

Amended), Order 28 Rules 1(1) and 2(3) of The Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2009, Section 22 of The Supreme Court Act and the inherent jurisdiction of the Court In the application, Awomolo said the Federal Government and its officers had consistently withdrawn utilized, disbursed and allocated funds from the Account and had nearly depleted the sum of N5.51 trillion being the balance on the account as at 2008 when the case was instituted.

He stated that the Federal Government had announced its intention to withdraw, disburse and utilize another one billion U.S Dollars from the credit balance.

The accumulated funds may have their origin in, or may represent foreign currency deposits, gold, special drawing rights (SDRs) and International Monetary Fund (IMF) reserve positions held by central banks and monetary authorities, along with other national assets such as pension investments, oil funds, or other industrial and financial holdings. These are assets of the sovereign nations that are typically held in domestic and different reserve currencies such as the dollar, euro and yen. Such investment management entities may be set up as official investment companies, state pension funds, or sovereign oil funds, among others.

Describing the conduct of the Federal Government as “executive lawlessness and impunity”, the governors said unless the order of injunction was granted, the Federal Government would continue to disregard, disrespect and ignore the pending suits.

They said: “The conduct of the Government of the Federation and her officials is a violation of the principle of the Rule of Law and breach of the Independence of the Judiciary and constitutes a violation of the principle of Rule of Law handed down by the Supreme Court in the case of Governor of Lagos V Odumegu Ojukwu (1986) pt 1 NSCC 304 and Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi

V INEC (2008) 5 NWLR (PT 1080) 277.”

“The proposed disbursement of One Billion United State of America (USD)Billion Dollars by the Respondent- The Government of the Federation, her Minister of finance and other officers will create a state of fait accompli and helplessness, if not stopped immediately.

“It is in the Interest of Justice, preservation of integrity of the Supreme Court and the Rule of Law that this application be granted.

In an-18 paragraph attached to the application, deposed to by Mr. Ephraim Ajijola, a lawyer in the chamber of Awomolo, the governors said: At a press briefing held

on 18th October 2011 and reported same day on the “Network News” broadcast by the Nigerian Television Authority, the Government of the Federation, through the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, announced its intention to withdraw US$1 billion from the “Excess Crude Account” to start off a national sovereign wealth fund.

“That the said sum of US$1 billion sought to be withdrawn by the Government of the Federation from the “Excess Crude Account” to fund the national sovereign wealth fund forms part of the subject matter of the substantive suit.”

The governors reminded the court that one of the main issues in dispute between the parties in the substantive suit was whether the payment of revenue which accrued to the Government of the Federation from the proceeds of crude oil sales, petroleum profits tax and oil royalties into any account other than the Federation Account by the Government of the Federation was illegal and unconstitutional notwithstanding that the proceeds from the aforesaid sources were in excess of the Government of the Federation’s estimate of the revenue that would accrue from the said sources.

While urging the court to grant their application, the governors said they had satisfied all the requirements of law to entitle them to the relief sought.

According to them, there is a substantial issue of law bordering on the constitutionality of the Federal Government’s power to create separate account as against the spirit and letter of the Constitution in so far as it related to the revenue of the nation in the substantive suit.

World Bank race: Okonjo-Iweala warns emerging economies will “lose interest” if voice not heard

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INISTER of Finance and World Bank President hopeful Ngozi OkonjoIweala has warned that emerging economies will lose interest in multi-lateral institutions if they are not given more of a voice at the top of them.

“The balance of power in the world has shifted and emerging market countries are contributing more and more to global growth - more than 50pc - and they need to be given a voice in running things,” Ms Okonjo-Iweala told Reuters. “If you don’t, they will lose interest.”

Ms Okonjo-Iweala, who was nominated by South Africa, Angola and Nigeria, is one of three candidates vying to replace Robert Zoellick, the American who steps down in June. The White House picked public health expert Jim Yong Kim as the US candidate on Friday, a surprise choice for some given he is not an economist. And after the deadline for candidates officially closed last Friday, Brazil threw its weight behind Jose Antonio Ocampo, a former Colombian finance minister.

The US has held the presidency

of the World Bank since the institution was created alongside the International Monetary Fund (IMF) after World War Two in an unwritten convention that has seen Europe keep a grip on the top job at the IMF. China said on Monday that the “voice of developing countries” should be heard in the race.

As the US remains the World Bank’s largest shareholder, Dr Kim, who is currently head of Dartmouth College, a prestigious university on the US east coast, is favourite to succeed Mr Zoellick as the top of an institution founded

to combat global poverty.

However, in coming less than a year after former French finance minister Christine Lagarde took the helm at the IMF, the call for the US to relinquish its hold on the World Bank presidency may intensify.

Analysts say that Ms OkonjoIweala’s background as an economist and familiarity with the World Bank, where she worked as a managing director, do strengthen her hand. “I don’t have a learning curve because I know how the institution works and I know what needs to be done to

make it work better and faster for developing countries,” she said.

This year is the first time the succession at the World Bank has been contested and may provide a fresh opportunity for the organisation to redefine its purpose in an era in which emerging countries are growing in economic muscle.

The World Bank’s executive board, which will need to approve the candidate, has said it plans to make an appointment before it and the IMF hold their semi-annual meetings in Washington DC on April 21.

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2012

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NEWS

Court orders Dokpesi, Daar Communication A to pay Fidelity Bank N7.5b debt FEDERAL High court in Lagos yesterday ordered Chief Raymond Dokpesi and his company, Daar Communication Plc to repay a debt of N7.5bn debt owed Fidelity Bank Plc. In a judgment on a suit by Fidelity Bank, Justice Mohammed Idris also ordered Dokpesi and his company to pay the bank 21 per cent per annum on the amount owed from May 31, 2011 until judgment and 21 per cent interest per annum from the day of judgment until final liquidation.

The bank, had through its lawyer, Joseph Nwobike, sued Dokpesi and his company seeking the recovery of an outstanding debt of N7,524,772.25 of a loan said to have granted the company to enable it broadcast the FIFA Under-17 World Cup hosted by Nigeria in 2009.

By Eric Ikhilae

In its writ of summons, the bank described Daar Communications Plc as the parent company of the Independent African Television and Ray Power, a radio station.

The loan was said to have been secured by Dokpesi’s personal guaranty and by all assets debenture on the fixed and floating assets of Daar Communications valued at N21.3bn.

The added that the defendants also secured the loan with a legal mortgage over a property located at 34, Creek Road, Apapa, Lagos belonging to Baldok Shipping Limited.

The judge held that having reviewed evidence adduced by parties and submissions of their lawyers, he believed the bank was entitled to be paid the said indentedness.

“I am of the view that the plaintiff thereby is entitled to judgment against the defendants.”

As against claim by Dokpesi that he only owed Fidelity Bank about N3bn and not N7.5b, the judge held the claim of the plaintiff relates to principally, simple uncontested liquidated monetary claim for interest which is within the formal agreement of the parties.

He held that the case appeared

noncontentious and suitable for judgment in favour of the plaintiff.

“In conclusion judgment is hereby entered in favour of the plaintiff against the defendant in terms contained in the writ of summons filed herein.”

The plaintiff’s writ of summon claims against the defendants is as follows: “The sum of N7,524,772.25 being the outstanding indebtedness from the credit facilities granted by the plaintiff to the defendant.

“Interest on the sum of N7,524,772.25 at 21 per cent per annum from May 31, 2011 until judgment and thereafter at 21 per cent

• Dokpesi

per annum until final liquidation.”

The bank also has two more cases pending against the defendants before the court. One is a bankruptcy case and the other seeks the closure of Daar Communications.

EFCC may arraign Permanent Secretary, others over N14.3b pension cash From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

THERE were strong indications yesterday that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission may arraign a serving Federal Permanent Secretary and six others in court for allegedly stealing about N14.3billion Police Pension cash.

The six others include two directors and four top officials of the Police Pension Funds Unit.

It was also learnt that once the Permanent Secretary is put on trial, he might be placed on suspension by the Federal Government.

Investigation by our correspondent revealed that the EFCC has established a prima facie case against the Permanent Secretary and the two directors.

A top source in the anti-graft agency, who spoke in confidence, said: “We will charge the seven suspects to court this week because most of them have admitted tampering with pension funds.

“We have established a prima facie case against some of these bigwigs who looted pension funds. Charges are being filed in court preparatory to their formal arraignment.

“For instance, the Permanent Secretary and two directors confessed under caution that they diverted over N14.3billion.

“During interrogation, one of them admitted embezzling N1.9billion; the second said he mismanaged over N3billion and the third confessed to fiddling with N8billion.

The Permanent Secretary and the two directors were at various times Director of Police Pension Funds.”

As at press time, it was gathered that the Federal Government is already aware of the findings of the EFCC against the said Permanent Secretary.

A source in government said: “As a matter of fact, the affected Permanent Secretary was redeployed from a Ministry to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

“This is to lessen the effect of his trial on the morale of civil servants working under him and to avoid a stain on the presidency.

“Once the Permanent Secretary is arraigned, he will immediately be suspended by the Federal Government until his fate is determined by court.

“This is in line with the Civil Service Rules and Regulations. A Permanent Secretary or civil servant cannot be on trial and still be in service.”

•From Left: Senate President David Mark, Senate Deputy Leader Ahmed Ningi and Chairman, Senate Committee on Sports Adamu Gumba at the public hearing on sports administration in Abuja...yesterday

CBN, NNPC bicker over Federation Account charge

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HE Federal Government has expressed reservations over the attitude of states to the N51 billion refunds it made to the London Club on their behalf.

It lamented that no comprehensive clarification had been made on the balance of the debt to the Federation Account.

Commenting on the update on the N79.97 billion loan granted as refunds to states for the London Club debt buy-back from the Federation Account, the chairman of the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) and Minister of State for Finance Dr. Yerima Lawan Ngama noted “the amount had not been credited to the Federation Account so as to reflect the true balances of the amount standing in the account.”

On the N79.97 billion granted to states from the London Club debt

•Fed Govt flays states’ attitude to London debt

By Nduka Chiejina, Assistant Editor

buy-back, Ngama sought explanation “because London Club debts were private sector loans which the Federal Government was paying for being the guarantor.”

He suggested that the sub-committee report on the loan be stepped down for more clarification.

About N51.27 billion was deducted from the Federation Account in February, 2011 as loan for the refund of London Club debt buy-back to states.

But, the states expressed concern that the terms and conditions for the payment of the loan were not

specified.

At the May 2011 FAAC meeting, the Office of the Account-General of the Federation (OAGF) and the Federal Ministry of Finance had promised “to look into the issue and report back to the FAAC.” However, the matter featured again at the June FAAC meeting where it was agreed that the OAGF and finance ministry should be reminded about the need to inform the FAAC about who borrowed the money and its term of refund to the Federation Account.

At last week’s FAAC meeting, Echesi had in his contribution informed the meeting that the report presented was based on the analysis of the sub-committee, which

comprises of some commissioners, accountants-general, revenue generating agencies and federal agencies and stepping it down would not be right.

His Edo state counterpart suggested that the issue should be looked into technically and discussed before reaching a conclusion while the Kaduna state finance commissioner also suggested that “the sub-committee should revisit the issue and meet with the chairman for reconciliation before representing the issue at the next FAAC meeting.

FAAC members were said to have unanimously agreed with the suggestion made by the Kaduna finance commissioner.

Lagos Speaker, aide query court’s competence to try them

L

AGOS State House of Assembly’s Speaker, Mr. Adeyemi Ikuforiji, and his aide, Oyebode Atoyebi, have queried the jurisdictional competence of the Federal High Court in Lagos to try them on charges of money laundering brought against them by the Economic and Financial Commission (EFCC).

In separate applications yesterday, the duo prayed the court to either quash the 20-count charges against them or strike it out.

Ikuforiji hinged his application on the ground that since he was charged in his official capacity as the Speaker, his acts are deemed to have been done by the House, hence, he enjoys the immunity from criminal prosecution bestowed on the House by the Constitution.

He is also contending that the charge amounted to criminal indictment of the House of Assembly, which only acts through its Principal Officers, including the Speaker.

Ikuforiji argued that in so far as he was charged in his capacity as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, the charge amounts to a criminal indictment of the House of Assembly of Lagos State.

He argued that since all the counts contained in the charge alleged that the he accepted cash payments from the House of Assembly of Lagos State, the constitutional immunity enjoyed by the House of Assembly from criminal prosecution attached to the transactions.

In his application, Atoyebi also insisted that the charge instituted against him in his capacity as the Personal Assistant to the Speaker, also amounts to

By Eric Ikhilae

criminal indictment of the House of Assembly.

Other ground raised by the accused persons is that the House of Assembly of Lagos State cannot be subjected to the criminal jurisdiction of the Federal High Court.

They prayed the court to strike out the charge, insisting that the court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the charge.

They also argued that the prosecution’s proof of evidence did not disclose a prima facie case against them.

Yesterday, lead defence lawyer, Tayo Oyetibo (SAN) informed the court about the pendency of the applications by the accused persons and applied that parties be allowed to file written submissions in support of their processes, a request that was not opposed by prosecution lawyer, Aderemi Adekile.

Justice Okechukwu Okeke directed that the accused persons should file a joint written address in support of their applications while the prosecution files similar written address in support of its response.

He consequently adjourned the case to April 26 when parties are expected to adopt their written addresses in respect of their processes, following which a date will be chosen for ruling.

The EFCC arraigned Ikufori and Atoyebi before Justice Okeke on March 1 for alleged offence of laundering about N501m belonging to the House. They pleaded not guilty to the charge.

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2012

7

CITYBEATS

08033054340, 08034699757 E-mail:- ynotcitybeats@gmail.com

Trailer crushes man to death on Apapa-Oshodi Expressway A MIDDLE aged man was yesterday crushed to death by a trailer under the pedestrian bridge at Ijesha bus stop on Apapa-Oshodi express way.

The accident occurred about 9.20 am while the man was trying to cross the road.

Witnesses said the man had crossed one of the lanes and was about crossing the other before he was hit by the trailer.

Some passersby said the accident might have been avoided if the man had used the pedestrian bridge.

“The whole thing happened so

By Miriam Ndikanwu

fast and you really cannot blame the trailer driver because he was on the fast lane and on high speed as well. I was standing on the opposite side waiting for a bus to Apapa, I saw when the man crossed the first lane and just suddenly I heard this loud noise and turning towards his direction, I realised that he had just been hit by a trailer.

“This is so sad; this accident

would have been avoided if he had used the pedestrian bridge rather than cross the expressway.

I have always told people that it is better to get to where ever you are going late than not to get there at all. His family members will be waiting for him to come home only to receive the news of his death,” said a sympathiser at the scene.

Another sympathiser said: “I can understand when people

cross the expressway where there is no pedestrian bridge, but to choose to do so when this is in place is attempting suicide.

“We are fond of blaming everything on government, since we find it difficult to use the pedestrian bridge we should ask government to provide plane to fly us across the bridge. This is really sad and I think it is high time we addressed some of these little things that affect us collectively.

Ojota and Palmgrove is the worst; you need to see how people cross there like cattle and keep blaming government; God help us all.”

Lagos repairs 298 roads

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HE Lagos State Government has completed the maintenance and rehabilitation of 298 roads.

Executive Chairman of the State Public Works Corporation, Gbenga Akintola, made this known while inspecting some projects at Ojo and Amuwo-Odofin local government areas.

He said the completed projects marked the first phase of road maintenance embarked upon by the corporation for the year. The job was done between December and February.

According to Akintola, government is targeting about 1,200 roads for completion before the end of the year.

According to him, the corporation has split road maintenance for the year into phases.

He said there is a specific number of roads to be rehailitated across all council areas.

Akintola said for the second phase, which runs from March to May, the corporation intends to repair about 400 roads; while another 400 would be added before the end of the year.

“One major reason why you can see our men in the nooks and crannies of Lagos State in recent times is that we have further increased the number of our maintenance

T

•A road repair gang at work...yesterday

By Miriam Ndikanwu

gangs from 30 to 48,” he said; adding: “our presence shall be felt in about 50 locations on a daily basis, especially in places far from our operational base, such as Epe, Ikorodu, Ibeju-Lekki, Badagry, Ojo, Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Alimosho

and Amuwo-Odofin axis of the state.

Earlier, Chairman, Community Development Association of Olugbemi Community in Ojo Local Government Area, Mr. Chucks Igwilo, praised the government.

Igwilo pledged residents, support in ensuring that public prop-

By Chukwuemeka Adeyemo

erties are protected.

Some of the roads inspected are Olugbemi, Olojo Drive and Old Ojo. Work has reached various stages of completion on Alaba International Market Road, Anifa Road, Oto-Ijanikin, LASU Road Network and Ojo-Igbede Road among others.

By Joseph Jibueze

tiated by a human rights group, Access to Justice (AJ), and the law firm of Femi Falana.

Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc had disagreed with the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) on the cause of the accidents in which over 40 persons were burnt to death.

FRSC published a report that a Dangote truck, laden with sugar,

had a brake failure and rammed into other vehicles in a gridlock, an allegation the company denied.

Workshop Manager in charge of vehicles maintenance at Dangote Sugar, Jibrin Baba, said the FRSC report was false.

Eyewitnesses testified that there was a roadblock which caused the gridlock, but the police denied that there was a check-

point there that day.

“Since the accidents and the multiple losses of human life caused by it, none of those reported to have contributed to the accident has, to the best of our knowledge, lifted a finger to look for, engage or commiserate with, or assuage the losses suffered by the surviving victims or families of late ones,” said AJ’s Director of Programmes, Mr Leonard Dibia.

Baba Suwe’s case a mystery, says NDLEA

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HE Baba Suwe saga re-echoed yesterday with National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Chairman Alhaji Ahmadu Giade describing the case as “still a mystery”.

Popular comedian Babatunde Omidina (aka) Baba Suwe was arrested in October, last year by NDLEA for alleged drug trafficking but after weeks in detention, he did not excrete the substance he was believed to have swallowed.

He sued NDLEA and the court awarded him N25 million for illegal detention.

Reviewing the case, Giade said it remained the most difficult matter the agency has handled since he became its head.

He said analysis done in the

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

THE heat wave in some parts of the country has been attributed to global warming.

To avert danger, the public has been urged to protect the environment.

Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria, Lagos State Council Chairman, Comrade ‘Femi Daini, said at a press briefing to herald the union’s week in Lagos that global warming is the creation of mankind, hence, it has to live with the consequences.

“The consequence of our action is this unfriendly weather inconveniencing everybody. We need to be proactive to forestall further occurrences,” he said.

He lamented the rise in the use of generating sets because of power failure and lack of adequate ventilation.

“These are new trends of damaging the ozone layer.

Let’s not forget that the emissions emanating from our vehicles especially, public transport, industrial smoke and burning of refuse are invitation to climate change,” he said.

Daini said the week was meant to sensitise health workers throughout the federation on their responsibility towards quality healthcare service delivery.

‘Please, save me from this woman’

Verdict tomorrow in Black Sunday’s accidents HE Ikeja District Coroner, Mr Tajudeen Elias, will tomorrow deliver judgment on the inquest into the multiple accidents that occurred near the Michael Otedola Estate on LagosIbadan Expressway on August 15, 2010.

The inquest lasted 16 months, with the Coroner holding 18 sittings between September 2010 and this year. The inquest was ini-

Heat wave: signs of global warming

By Joseph Jibueze

agency’s office at the international airport, and at three other independent laboratories where elaborate tests were conducted, showed that he had drugs concealed in his system. “But why he did not excrete the drugs is what the agency cannot understand, he said.

Omidina was in the custody of the NDLEA for 24 days for observation but did not excrete drugs during the period.

Subsequently, he sued the agency and was awarded N25million damages by an Ikeja High court.

Giade said he had never seen anything like it, adding that the agency has since appealed the said judgment.

He explained that despite the

covert nature of the trade in narcotics, the country is making significant stride in drug control.

“The estimated value of narcotics seized in the country rose astronomically from about N990million in 2000 to about N31billion in 2011. Shipment of narcotics meant for export to America, Asia and Europe were promptly detected and intercepted by the NDLEA at the border posts, seaports and airports. Our planned counter-narcotics operations have disrupted the activities of drug syndicates operating in the country”, he said.

According to him, the agency last year apprehended and invited for investigation 8, 639 suspected drug traffickers made up

•Omidina (Baba Suwe)

of 8,072 males and 567 females.

About 195,283.917 kilogrammes of various drugs were also seized.

He explained that cannabis sativa otherwise known as hemp constituted the largest seizure of 191,847.91 kilogrammes.

A MIDDLE-aged man, Collins Nwamadu, has prayed the Mushin Customary Court to disolve his marriage to Cordellia, who allegedly deserted him 17 years ago.

Collins, who alleged that the union is childless, said he suffered untold hardship from hir wife’s family’s harassment and threat.

He said the dissolution of the marriage contracted under the traditional law and customs of Abia State is the only way to free him of the impediment that Cordelia constitutes to his life.

He told the court that he remarried a year after Cordellia left him and his new wife has bore him four children.

The Court President, Dr Abayomi Ipaye, who noted that Cordelia was not in court, asked the petitioner to see her family for a possible resolution of the care.

Responding, Collins said he is afraid of going to see her family because of threats to life. He added that he had already lodged a complaint with the police over the said threats.

“They have threatened me severally in the past. I cannot go to them for anything as they are after my life. I don’t even need to go there as I do not need to marry their daughter again,” Collins said.

The President of the Court adjourned the case to January, 2013 for further hearing.

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2012

8

NEWS Group urges Oyo workers to return to work

Alleged N61.63b fraud: EFCC invites three OSOPADEC officials A NTI-GRAFT agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has invited three more suspects in the alleged N61.63 billion fraud rocking the Ondo State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (OSOPADEC).

The commission yesterday said it has moved all the 15 exotic vehicles retrieved from OSOPADEC’s chairman Mr Debo Ajimuda to the State Police Headquarters in Akure, the state capital.

Ajimuda, who has been in detention in the last one week, was granted bail yesterday by the anti-graft agency.

But as he was regaining freedom, three key offivials in the Accounts Department of OSOPADEC were summoned for interrogation

•Embattled chairman Ajimuda granted bail •15 exotic vehicles moved to police hqtrs From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

yesterday by the EFCC. A source in the commission, who confided in our correspondent, said: “As part of our investigation, we have retrieved 15 state of the art cars from the suspect’s massive mansion in Akure. The street value of each can may not be less than N10million.

But a few others could be about N20million.

“We moved the vehicles to Ondo State Police Command headquarters pending the conclusion of investigation.

“The suspect has made useful statement but we have granted him bail today (Monday) accordingly, in line with the new policy of the Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde.

“His movement is however restricted to Nigeria to enable us complete our findings.”

Responding to a question, the source added: “There was no way the OSOPADEC chairman could have embezzled such a huge amount alone. We are after other accomplices.

“Already, we have sum-

moned some key workers of the Accounts Department of OSOPADEC for interrogation. They are about three.”

Ajimuda and two other officials of the Commission were picked up by the EFCC over a case of alleged criminal diversion and embezzlement of public funds.

Their arrest followed a petition on the alleged sleaze in OSOPADEC. The petitioners alleged that the projects claimed to have been executed by the Commission were either abandoned or do not exist at all.

Lagos ACN calls for implementation of Uwais Report

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HE Lagos State chapter of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) yesterday called for the implementation of the Justice Muhammadu Uwais Report on Electoral Reform.

It noted that this has become expedient following the conduct of “the Senegalese election where an opposition candidate defeated an incumbent president, who has conceded defeat”.

The party noted that with the way the electoral system is structured and how the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) con-

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

ducts its affairs, Nigeria is walking several miles away from free, fair and credible elections.

The Lagos ACN added that this was happening when other African countries have sanitised their processes and conducted credible elections.

In a statement by its Publicity Secretary Joe Igbokwe, the party said it could not undertsand why the Uwais Panel’s report has been left on the shelf when cases of shoddy elections and election manipulation have been prevalent in Nigeria.

It noted that Nigeria would

totter on the brink of disaster, if electoral systems were ignored, while neighbouring countries make progress in credible electoral conduct.

The statement reads: “We have had cause to raise our fears about the country’s shoddy electoral body and the composition of INEC, which is still being filled by the Presidency, in utter violation of principles of fair and just electoral conduct.

We know that the Uwais Report was very straightforward on the constitution of INEC by independent mem-

bers that will ensure fairness to all parties in every election.

We note that after a strident effort by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to relegate and ignore the recommendations of the panel, the reports were thrown to the dustbin while the PDP continues nominating people with deep allegiance to the party as members of INEC in the hope that elections would continue to be fraudulent and it (PDP) will continue gaining from it.

“In the light of the free and transparent manner the election in Senegal, where an incumbent contested was handled, we state that this partisan composition of INEC will ensure the conduct of elections in Nigeria remain a huge parody that mocks free and credible electoral processes.”

•Ajimobi

A

N Ibadan-based group, the Asiwaju Leadership Forum, has urged Oyo State workers to suspend their ongoing strike and return to work.

In a statement by its Director of Publicity, Research and Strategy, Sikiru Akinola, the group advised Oyo State residents to remain law-abiding.

It noted that the Abiola Ajimobi administration was working hard to redeem the lost glory of the state.

The group noted that Oyo State had been battered by the outgone Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administration, alleging that the former government squandered the state’s resources and undeveloped Oyo for 48 months.

It berated the former PDP government for dividing the workers, adding that the former government planned to attack the incumbent administration under the pretext of fighting for the workers.

According to the group, the PDP plans to discredit Ajimobi’s achievements, despite the governor’s good

leadership.

It faulted the decision of the PDP leadership to play politics with important issues, noting that the party’s “coffin would soon be nailed not only in Oyo State but also in the entire Southwest”.

The statement reads: “The people of the state are undeterred by the calculated attempt by the PDP in our dear state to launch destructive attacks on the state government under the pretense of fighting for the masses with the aim of discrediting the monumental achievements of the incumbent governor, who has been busy redefining leadership since he assumed office.

“One of the attacks is the media onslaught against the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) government in Oyo State through a newspaper, which used to be objective till the last decade. But it has derailed due to its epileptic financial status…

“We would have loved to remain silent but the recent media war against ACN governors - which will not succeed - prompted our action.”

“Though their plans to divide the civil servants, who have been enjoying the masses-oriented government of Abiola Ajimobi, coupled with the unprecedented “13th-month salary” did not succeed, their next plan is to mobilise some cultists, who are parading themselves as students of the state-owned tertiary institutions to stage a protest so that the ACN government in the state would be painted badly.”

Aspirant criticises governor for misusing council funds

A

SECOND Republic senator who represented Ondo State Central, Olorunimbe Farokanmi, yesterday criticised Governor Olusegun Mimiko for taking over the duties of local governments and using their funds to build markets.

He said political parties, and not the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), are responsible for electoral fraud in Nigeria.

Farokanmi, an Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) governorship aspirant, addressed reporters in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

The aspirant blamed Mimiko for failing to conduct a local government election in the

From Leke Akeredolu, Akure

past three years, saying the governor has been spending council funds to build markets.

He said: “In the Constitution, local governments are supposed to build markets, not state governments. Mimiko has failed to conduct local government election since three years he became governor. He has abandoned his duty as governor, thereby doing what he is not supposed to do.”

The politician noted that the Mimiko government has failed to provide jobs for unemployed youths, saying all the industries in Ondo State have been abandoned, thus causing unemployment.

“Mimiko has failed in resuscitating the industries established by the late Pa Adekunle Ajasin. The life style of people must be changed positively. We saw what Ajasin did when he was in government; all the industries left behind now are moribund,” he said.

Farokanmi said political parties should be reoriented on their constitutional duties.

He said: “Our political parties need orientation. When you have bad people within the parties, then you will have problems. It is the people in the parties that dictate to the INEC.” The aspirant urged governments at all levels to provide jobs for unemployed youths.

Family has no pact with Mimiko, says IDOW of the late Adefarati’s widow Ondo State Governor Adebayo Ade-

W

farati, Adetutu, has said there was no pact between the Adefarati family and Governor Olusegun Mimiko on the governor’s second term ambition.

Mrs. Adefarati said: “It was Mimiko, who stampeded and stabbed my husband in the back by colluding with the opposition to deny him a second term bid in 2003.

“Mimiko should not be surprised that majority of the people are warning him against being too desperate for a second term since he is

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

an apostle of one governor, one term.”

Mrs Adefarati spoke when she hosted the former President of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) and Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) governorship aspirant, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), in Akungba-Akoko.

Akeredolu noted that the late Adefarati would remain relevant in Ondo politics because of the legacies and development projects he left behind.

The aspirant said the late governor’s projects are different from those of the Mimiko administration, which he said cannot stand the test of time.

The former NBA chief said his visit to the Adefarati’s home was to identify with his family.

He eulogised the late governor for the peace and progress he embraced to develop Ondo State between 1999 and 2003.

According to him, the residents will continue to remember Adefarati’s virtues and achievements for a long time.

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2012

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THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2012

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2012

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BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

Going by the stories recorded by some countries, which had undertaken the process of demutualisation, it was important for the regulators in the market to speed up the process.

- Mr Oscar Onyema, CEO, NSE

• From left: Mr Wale Edun; Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Akinwunmi Adesina; Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and •Prof Wole Soyinka .. at the PHOTOS: BOLA OMILABU event Group Managing Director/CEO, Union Bank of Nigeria Plc, Mrs Funke Osibodu, at the Ogun investors forum in Abeokuta...yesterday.

Jonathan promises more incentives for investments T

NCC raids bank

Fed Govt seeks bidders for oil contracts

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FRICA’s top oil pro ducer Nigeria has opened a tender process to sell its oil via multibillion dollar annual term contracts beginning in June, an official notice showed.

Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) invited refiners, trading houses and local Nigerian oil companies to submit bids by April 5, according to the notice.

The notice, according to Reuters news, did not specify the volume of oil to be awarded in this year’s contracts. NNPC said it planned to maintain“regional balance” in the distribution of oil to Africa, Europe, Asia and North and South America.

Nigeria, a member of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is under pressure to fight oil industry corruption after strikes and protests in January, sparked by a hike in state-subsidised petrol prices.

DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil -$123.6/barrel Cocoa -$2,686.35/metric ton Coffee - ¢132.70/pound Cotton - ¢95.17pound Gold -$1,800/troy ounce Rubber -¢159.21pound MARKET CAPITALISATIONS NSE -N6.503 trillion JSE -Z5.112trillion NYSE -$10.84 trillion LSE -£61.67 trillion RATES Inflation -12.6% Treasury Bills -7.08% Maximum lending-22.42% Prime lending -15.87% Savings rate -2% 91-day NTB -14.18% Time Deposit -5.49% MPR -12% Foreign Reserve $34.6b FOREX CFA 0.2958 EUR 206.9 £ 245 $ 156.4 ¥ 1.9179 SDR 241 RIYAL 40.472

From Chris Oji, Enugu

N

IGERIA is reviewing its incentives to in vestors to encourage international firms willing to invest in the country, it was learnt yesterday.

President Goodluck Jonathan said he has ordered the Ministry of Trade and Investments to review trade incentives for investors who want to come to Nigeria.

He also reiterated his administration’s plan to replicate the Asian Tiger with the transformation of the economy.

Jonathan disclosed these while speaking to a delegation from Samsung Heavy Industries, Korea, during a courtesy call on the sidelines of the Nuclear Security Summit in Seoul.

• To replicate Asian Tiger From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

He said: ‘We are willing to support you to establish industries in Nigeria, and I have instructed the Ministry of Trade and Investment to review the incentives available for investors coming to the country’.

President Jonathan said the government was diligently implementing the local content law to build the capacities of Nigerians, strengthen the industrial base, and provide jobs.

Earlier, Mr In Sik Roh, President/Chief Executive Officer, Samsung Heavy Industries, had expressed appreciation for the privilege to construct the Bonga Oil platform. He added

that the firm will start the training of 20 Nigerians next month.

In a separate audience, President Jonathan told Daewoo Engineering and Construction Company that Nigeria’s gas infrastructure must be upgraded to meet the urgent power needs for speedy industrialisation of the country.

He urged Korean investors to take advantage of the good returns on investment to come and invest in the country, stating that Nigeria’s economy has the best prospects of growth in Africa.

Jonathan said his administration’s policies and programmes have been clev-

erly designed at launching the country into the club of the top 20 world economies by 2020.

To attain this height, the President said his government was working on diversifying and transferring the economy from government to a privatedriven one.

He called on leading Korean firms and those represented at the presentations to heed his invitation and get returns on the investments in the economy.

Citing the successes recorded in the telecoms sector, Jonathan said such could be replicated in other sectors of the economy, such as power, energy, oil and gas, and the manufacturing, especially with Nigeria’s population of over 167 million and a readymade market.

HE Nigerian Comm u n i c a t i o n Commission’s (NCC) enforcement team from Abuja yesterday stormed the Enugu branch of the GT Bank Plc and shut down its operations.

It impounded the bank’s radio adapter which, they said, was transmitting on the 5.4 gigahertz illegally.

The raid was to enforce the law against the use of 5.4 gigahertz spectrum for radio and internet transmissions licence.

The commission threatened to sanction the defaulters, particularly banks operating in different parts of the country.

The commission’s Head of Enforcement, Mr. Efosa Idehen said: “We have since commenced enforcement against many illegal users.”

Ogun unveils new package for investors

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OREIGN and local in vestors desirous of achieving quick returns on their investments now have an opportunity to do so in Ogun State as the state government yesterday unfolded new incentives under its economic revival agenda.

Speaking at the Ogun Investors’ Forum in Abeokuta, the Governor, Senator Adekunle Amosun, also said the state has reviewed the unwieldy and obsolete processes relating to land allocation. “We have reviewed the cumber-

By Toba Agboola

some and outdated processes relating to land allocation.

Indeed. We have begun the process of clearing the backlog of issuing Certificates of Occupancy, which saw some property owners waiting many years to obtain their land titles,” he explained.

Effective from this month, Amosun said the state would give prospective investors 80 per cent incentive on land use for agricultural investment; 60 per cent for manufacting;

40 per cent for commercial tank farms, real estate and logistics; 75 per cent for community organisations, including religious educational institutions.

He explained that these incentives were structured to supply immediate impetus to the state’s development drive.

“These conditions essentially require that development occurs within 180 days of the issuance of the Final Letter of Allocation. These discounts remain valid until

December 2012. We do not want land speculators in Ogun State. We want partners, genuine long term investors. We believe that these incentives will enable us to rapidly demonstrate the exciting investment opportunities our state,” he said.

The governor disclosed that the state has already rehabilitated over 100 existing roads and embarked on opening new roads and upgrading and widening existing roads. “Also, we are at advanced stages of an initia-

tive for the development of a new town. This is a unique project, giving us a platform to create a planned environment. This ‘New Town’ will provide unrivalled opportunities to live, work and play within easy commutable distance to Lagos,” he said.

Amosun said his administration has resolved to create an enabling environment for investors to ensure a continuous industrialisation of the state.

He assured investors of adequate security.

Customs: Destination inspection lacks legal backing

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HE destination inspec tion method for clearing goods at the ports lacks legal backing, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Alhaji Abdullahi Inde Dikko, has said.

Dikko disclosed this yesterday in Abuja when he led a team of senior Customs officials on a courtesy call on the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission

• Boko Haram ‘affecting operations’ From Nduka Chiejina, Asst.

Editor and John Ofikhenua

(RMAFC).

Consequently, he said Nigerian Customs Service is lobbying the National Assembly to pass the law legalising destination inspection at the ports.

The Customs boss lamented the law, which set N200 as

penalty for a breach of importation rules, saying it was capable of undermining the revenue generation efforts of the Service to the Federation Account.

He said: “Today, with the efforts of the management of the Nigeria Customs Service, we adopted a fully automated system, which plugs many of

the revenue leakages and raised revenue collection to between N70 and N80 billion a month. But I want to inform the Commission that we need their support. The support we need from the Commission is political.”

In his remarks, RMAFC Chairman, Elias Mbam, assured the Service of the Commission’s continued support for its various initiatives targeted at enhancing its effi-

ciency and improved revenue for the country.

Meanwhile, Customs said the activities of the Boko Haram sect is affecting the operations of some of it commands. But Dikko, who made this disclosed at workshop entitled: Fostering effective Customs media relations in Owerri, the Imo State capital, said as a result of the onslaught, the Customs has strengthened its operations.

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BUSINESS NEWS

World Bank must mirror global shift, says Okonjo-Iweala

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MERGING economies must be given a fair shot at leading the institutions at the heart of global finance or they will end up going their way, a challenger for the top job at the World Bank said.

“The balance of power in the world has shifted and emerging market countries are contributing more and more to global growth more than 50 per cent - and they need to be given a voice in running things,” Finance Minister and Co-ordinating Minster of the Economy Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala told Reuters. “If you don’t, they will lose interest.”

Okonjo-Iweala, 57, was nominated last Friday by African power houses Nigeria, South Africa and Angola to lead the poverty-fighting

institution when its current president Robert Zoellick steps down in June.

She is going up against Jim Yong Kim, a Korean-American health expert whose name was put forward by US President Barack Obama on Friday, and former Colombian finance minister Jose Antonio Ocampo, who was nominated by Brazil.

It’s the first time the post has ever been contested.

Under an informal agreement between the United States and its allies in Europe, Washington has laid claim to the top post at the World Bank since its founding after World War Two, while a European has always led the International Monetary Fund, its sister Bretton Woods institution.

Okonjo-Iweala, a re-

spected economist and diplomat, painted the convention as a vestige of a bygone era.

“We’re not asking the US not to compete, we’re just asking for a level playing field where candidates can be evaluated on their merits,” she said.

A former World Bank managing director known for her colourful African head wraps and dresses, Okonjo-Iweala contrasted her experience with that of Kim, who made his mark battling disease in some of the poorest corners of the world.

She noted that she has hands-on experience running one of Africa’s largest economies, as well as a proven track record at the World Bank helping nations

in Asia, Africa and the Middle East tap financial markets to fund development.

“I don’t have a learning curve because I know how the institution works and I know what needs to be done to make it work better and faster for developing countries,” she said.

“I know what its strengths are, its weaknesses and importantly I know what policymakers need. I’ve actually done it.”

US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner told Reuters over the weekend that he was confident that Kim, president of Dartmouth College, would win global support for the job. Through his work in fighting HIV/ AIDS, tuberculosis and getting health care to the poor,

Kim had shown an ability to get things done in tough environments, said Geithner.

Okonjo-Iweala admitted that if the United States, the nation with the largest World Bank voting bloc, and Europe held together, her candidacy would be doomed. But she expressed hope the World Bank’s 187 member nations would hold true to their pledge for an open, merit-based process.

“We are not just going into this saying to ourselves we are already defeated,” she said, speaking by telephone from Abuja. “We are hoping that the Bretton Woods institutions and their shareholders will keep their word.”

“My biggest hope is that this will be a fair contest.”

Okonjo-Iweala, who was

named by Forbes magazine last year as one of the world’s 100 most powerful women, said African leaders would be discussing her nomination with other developing and emerging economies including China, the World Bank’s third-largest shareholder.

Her political situation in Nigeria is difficult. She left the World Bank last year to become the lead economic architect in Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan’s cabinet.

A long-time anti-corruption campaigner, she immediately sought to implement politically tough reforms.

One of her first moves was to remove fuel subsidies, a step that sparked widespread protests that forced the government to back down in January.

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TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2012

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

Deputy Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU highlights some of the challenges that will confront the new National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Alhaji Bamanga Tukur.

PDP: New leadership, new challenges A NEW chapter opened in the life of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), following the coronation of the shrewd businessman and politician, Alhaji Babanga Tukur, as the national chairman. He had fought many battles in the past and won. In business, as governor of the defunct Gongola State, Transport Minister, and party stalwart, Tukur has always survived political vicissitudes and maintained his integrity.

In the past, he was part of a legitimate rebellion to bad leadership in the ruling party. His push for reforms earned him temporary rustication. He triumphed over the drawback. When he bided for the topmost party position, it was evident that he was the candidate to beat. Presidential preference was an added advantage that eventually sustained him at the controversial national convention in Abuja, last weekend.

Tukur is an experienced politician. He has inherited a lot of challenges. In fact, the way he assumed the reins, despite partisan objections from certain quarters, also enlarged the burden of leadership on his shoulders. He emerged through guided consensus, another way of describing leadership imposition, which now pales into a peculiar and permissive party dictatorship. Although he is largely perceived as President Goodluck Jonathan’s man, the new chairman is expected to be a father figure and leader.

Observers believe that when a party chairman is the lackey of the Commander-InChief, the two-man show would be a prelude to the tyranny of the minority over the majority.

Reconciliation Tukur’s emergence may have divided the party, instead of unifying it. But his ability to forge reconciliation across board will make him stand out as a good leader.

The support of the President is not enough. The new chairman needs the support of many PDP stakeholders to succeed. Among the aggrieved chieftains, who should be target of peace moves, are the governors, chairmanship aspirants who lost out at the convention, excluded chieftains who did not make the delegates list, contenders for the secretaryship who bowed to presidential pressure, and party leaders who have lost their sense of belonging.

In his congratulatory message to the chairman, Abia State Governor Theodore Orji advised him to make reconciliation an urgent task. For Tukur, reconciliation should be in five stages. Sources said that he lacked a home base, a fact underscored by the rejection of his candidature by his root, the Northeast caucus, which expressed preference for his rival, Alhaji Musa Babayo. Therefore, he should kickstart reconciliation from home.

The Governors’ Forum is the next point of call. The President had broken the bone of the forum by his logical persuasion. Dr. Jonathan had insisted on installing Tukur as national chairman because the governors also installed their trusted allies as state chairman. However, a gang up against him by the governors during critical times may frustrate his leadership.

In addition, Tukur should also move swiftly to promote inclusive participation by carrying his co-contestants along. Some of them are seasoned politicians and founding fathers of the party like him.

This is the third layer.

At the state level, many PDP founding chieftains have been sidelined, owing to the politics of exclusion by the governors.

Some of them, who left the party, have been firing salvos from outside. Others have continued to subvert the party from within, working in concert with opposition. Others are downcast as they are rendered politically immobile. There is need for Tukur to restore their confidence and re-integrate them as integral part of the fold. He should be a team player.

Above all, the new chairman should reconcile the North, his region, with the Presidency. Already, there is tension between President Jonathan and some northern leaders who loathe the prolongation of the power shift from the north.

Crisis resolution Experience has shown that PDP is weak in crisis resolution. This has been the premise for the mass defection from the fold. One of the problems of the party is that it lacks an ideological compass, hence, no particular idea unites members.

The collective goal is power hijack, power retention and power consolidation. The mad rush for power have fueled intrigues, politics of disaffection and destruction.

Therefore, there is escalation of crisis.

When crisis breaks, more energy is dissipated on crisis resolution by governors than governance. A new, fair and transparent crisis resolution mechanism will surely assist the new leadership in building a stronger party.

Internal democracy Tukur’s selection, observers argued, may have constituted a breach of internal democracy. This is debatable. However, there is a persistent tension between party supremacy and internal democracy. The sanctity of ballot box in an in-house election is old-fashioned. The new trend is the selection and imposition of candidates by holders of party power under the guise of party supremacy.

This is an affront on democracy.

For many years, freedom of choice had been killed during intra-party contests as the President and governors have consistently edged perceived foes out of legitimate contest. In PDP, the words of the President and governors are law. Consequently, state chapters are treated as the extension of State Houses and personal property. Party offices and tickets are not meant for members outside the caucus.

Other parties have no exceptional virtue to copy from the leading party. This is worrisome to the national chairman of the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA), Mr. Sam Nkire. He said: “Whatever the PDP does is capable of influencing the system, either positively or negatively. Most political parties in Nigeria are offshoots of the PDP and naturally, they still maintain the political culture of the PDP. So, there is the need for the new leadership to show the light”. Nkire also advised Tukur to shun the bad style of

•Tukur

‘Experience has shown that PDP is weak in crisis resolution. This has been the premise for the mass defection from the fold. One of the problems of the party is that it is that it lacks an ideological compass, hence, no particular idea unites members. The collective goal is power hijack, power retention and power consolidation. The mad rush for power has fueled intrigues, politics of disaffection and destruction. Therefore, there is escalation of crisis’ his predecessors, who saw politics through the prism of ‘winners-take-all’ and seek the cooperation of other parties.

Party caucus and discipline In the Second Republic, party caucus was the vogue. It was the highest decision-making organ. the national chairman presided. The President was a member. All matters were decided at the caucus, which was an assemblage of party leaders, governors, federal parliamentarians and elders. Painstaking debates were encouraged. In the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN), the decision of the party caucus, not the President’s, was final.

Party discipline was also rigorously enforced. There was party hierarchy, rules, ethos and bounds. Can Tukur, the Second Republic governor of Gongola State, re-enact that experience?

Polarisation of state chapters Tukur has inherited many polarised state chapters where factions of the party do not recognise the leadership foisted on them. Many chapters, including Oyo, Ekiti, Delta, Bayelsa, and Edo, are in disarray. In Delta, party elders are fighting the governor. In Ekiti, there is a battle of supremacy going on between ‘Abuja politicians’ and colleagues at home. In Edo, Chief Tony Anenih and Prof. Osahermin Osunbo are at loggerheads. In Oyo, AlaoAkala’s camp and his foes have not fully

reconciled, despite the electoral tragedy that befell them last year. While Senator Rashidi Ladoja, the PDP leader of Accord Party, wanted to retrace his steps, insincerity of the party made him to regress back to his shell. Polarisation usually takes its toll on the party during electioneering. The party and state are heated up as theatres of war.

Party reforms The goal of reforms in the PDP should be three-fold. A reformed party should embrace the rule of law, shun rigging and promote internal democracy. PDP has maintained that curious reputation of violating the rule of law and due process. In the past, the party cleverly ignored court orders. Will Tukur’s tenure make the difference?

Apart from being described as a nest of killers, PDP has also gained notoriety for massive electoral malpractices. It is because its manifesto has not appealed to many Nigerians. To bridge the gap, party leaders resort to rigging. This has dented the image of the party.

2015 elections The greatest challenge is the 2015 presidential contest. The north is pushing for power shift. Yet, the President is entitled to a second term. The battle line is drawn.

How will Tukur ensure that his party does not disintegrate?

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2012

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POLITICS ASIWAJU TINUBU AT 60 Deputy Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU writes on the personal attributes, political antecedents and philanthropic activities of Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who has been a pillar of support for her illustrious husband, Senator Bola Tinubu, who turns 60 this week.

Oluremi: An Amazon behind the throne A

S a teacher, she had moulded thousands of lives.

As former First Lady of Lagos, she was formally inducted into politics to play behind the scene roles. Yet, in that capacity, she was not idle as the founder of the trail-blazing New Era Foundation. Now, as politician, she is learning the ropes and making an impressive mark.

Behind the successful political megastar, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, is her delectable and colourful wife, Senator Oluremi.

As the Jagaban Borgu rolls out drums for his 60th birthday this week, the Senator from Lagos Central District is the chief hostess. In both periods of peace and war, she has been the shield of the politically exposed family.

Like her husband, Oluremi’s quest for service is legendary.

The couple shares the same virtue with the late Chief Moshood Abiola and his wife, Simbiat, which is extending a duty of care to a neighbour.

As a public figure, Oluremi affects, and she is also affected by the inevitable forces of socio-political pressure. Perhaps, this is her greatest asset and contribution to the political family.

Asiwaju is a clever politician and it is gratifying that he is not detracted by the burden of any troublesome wife, because Oluremi has led a life devoid of scandals.

There is a lot to learn from the lives of the female Senator in a world that is perpetually full of ups and downs. On her lips are tales of victories, successes and sometimes, drawbacks. But Oluremi had learned to convert difficulties into challenges. As a moral teacher, role model, initiator and cultivator of values, and exemplary leader, her experience can be recorded for posterity.

Her 35-paged book titled: “The Journey of Grace: My Faith Walk” captured her life, philosophy, vision and mission, projections and essence of womanhood. Oluremi dedicated the book to God, her creator, her husband and her crown head, and her children, who remain her joy and consolation. To her, God, Asiwaju and the children have made her life meaningful.

The narrative, said former Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), is warm and inspiring, adding that Mrs. Tinubu “is not afraid of sharing her lows and challenges, alongside her incredible successes”. Hailing the small book, eminent cleric, Pastor Folu Adeboye, the Redeemed Christian Church of God MotherIn-Israel, prayed for Oluremi and Asiwaju as they continue to advance the welfare of humanity, at home and abroad.

Life has been kind to Oluremi from infancy. She may not have descended from a clan of millionaires, but basic things of life were not in short supply. Childhood was beautiful for the last daughter and 12th child of the Ijebu chief, John Ikusebiala, who taught her the principles of focus and strong will. Reminiscing on her early experience, she said: “The first principle I learnt from him is that there

•The Tinubus at a traditional ceremony in Ile-Oluji, Ondo State.

is nothing impossible, if we are determined.” Instructively, this same principle, and others like hardwork, spirit of commerce and service through politics, were taught her husband by the market women leader and Action Group (AG) chieftain, Alhaja Abibat Mogaji, who in her early life, learned the virtue of duty and diligence from the market matriarch, Madam Pelewura.

Other virtues Oluremi learned from his father were contentment, avoidance of ostentatious lifestyles, and background consciousness; “Ranti omo eni ti iwo nse”. But her mother complemented the domestic teaching of courtesy and etiquette. She taught her precious and promising daughter how to pray and seek the face of God at all times. Oluremi’s role models, who also influenced her upbringing and growth processes, were women of note and substance; Mama Oye Williams, Mrs. Adetoun Mustapha and the late Pastor Bimbo Odukoya.

However, the greatest influence on her life at adulthood is her heartthrob, Tinubu, accountant and corporate guru-turned politician. For her, fame and pleasure are accompanied by obvious denial of time and privacy at all times by the colossus, who since his foray into politics in the aborted Third Republic, has become a national property always thinking

about Nigeria, politics, political parties, party members, alliances and people generally.

Oluremi takes solace in the innumerable feats of the most colourful Yoruba politician in post-Bola Ige era. “I thank the Lord for the partner He gave me, to walk hand in hand through life’s journey”, she said, adding: “My marriage has been quite fulfilling and I am now resting in the knowledge that we have more reward for our labour. I thank God that our labour has not been in vain”.

The marriage has not been a bed of roses. At 26, she jumped into the life journey, which she did not plan for. She was only optimistic about eventual success. She put her heart into it, leaning on the promise of God which never fails.

Today, it is not a story of multiple sadness and little joy. The wear and tear, she pointed out, were joy, sorrow, death of a child and surprises.

Power has added value to the couple’s life, just as it has imposed some burdens. When her husband became the governor of Lagos State, the couple had to send the children to boarding school. That adjustment to the requirement of motherhood was dictated by the compelling need to assist in state duties. But the glamour of office did not becloud her sense of judgment. Neither did it alter her ster-

ling qualities as a simple and modest woman. For her, the corridor of power was not a convenient avenue for primitive accumulation.

Throughout the eight years, she conducted herself with grace, decorum and decency. Her life as the First Lady was devoid of scandal and controversy, and this has endeared her to many people. “I grew and matured”, she recalled, pointing out that being born again assisted her to cope.

Her husband has remained her pride. Mrs. Tinubu spoke with fondness about Asiwaju Tinubu, saying: “My life with my husband, in reality, is too fast for my pace.

My husband has such a great mind, that it takes someone who could sacrifice everything to have.

Despite the fact that he is a Muslim, I found in him so many qualities expected of a good Christianforgiveness, love for people and blessing your enemies”.

Oluremi’s initial preference for a private life, reminiscent of when her husband was in the corporate world, was annulled by politics. It is difficult for one to eat his cake and have it. What was required then, was adaptation. She recalled: “With politics and its diverse needs and expectations, one’s life becomes public property.

Sometimes, one feels like a morsel of food waiting to be shared by many. I do not mean to sound offensive, but it feels like that tiny piece of meat with so many hands

‘My life with my husband, in reality, is too fast for my pace. My husband has such a great mind, that it takes someone who could sacrifice everything to have. Despite the fact that he is a Muslim, I found in him so many qualities expected of a good Christian-forgiveness, love for people and blessing your enemies’

tugging at it. Your life is no longer yours and what belongs to you belongs to all”.

It is an under-statement. When she mounted the rostrum as a senatorial aspirant, street urchins, popularly called “area boys” swarmed her. Women encircled her. Youths bombarded her. How many requests would she meet?

Her entreaties to them that she came out to serve fell on deaf ears.

The chorus was: “give us money”.

Oluremi had parted with more valuables in the furtherance of her principle of service. Like her husband, she hates poverty. As a giver, she had put smiles on the faces of many. Worried by the plight of people in war-torn Liberia, she built a school for the devastated capital, Moronvia. Her pet project, New Era Foundation , survived her ‘tenure’ as the governor’s wife. Today, the Spelling Bee Competition is waxing stronger. Winners are still accorded the privilege of being “one day governor”. All the money she realised during her 50th birthday were channeled to the non-government organisation to advance the cause of education, social development and wellbeing of youths.

The foundation’s Centre along Ibeju-Akodo Road is a masterpiece; a home away from home with recreational facilities for youths on holidays.

When Yeye Asiwaju entered the soap box, other hidden qualities unfolded. Oluremi became a researcher, party leader, effective political and public speaker baring her mind on national issues, including electoral reforms, integrity of the ballot box, increased roles for women in democracy, voter registration, women empowerment and social security for the elderly.

As a senator, she had pursued these goals in the interest on Nigerians. In the hallowed chamber, Tinubu’s wife is not a bench warmer. Having placed her hands on the plough, she is not looking back. Currently, she serves on many committees in the senate, including Education, Employment and Productivity. Her bill on social security for the elderly had passed the third reading. She is active during s and oversight functions.

In Lagos Central District, she had held Town Hall meetings to render her accounts of stewardship.

At the Muson Centre, Onikan, and Balux Events Place, Yaba, he also collated views on aspirations and needs of the district. These would shape her representation of the zone in the Upper Chamber. She has also not forgotten her pastime, the care for the needy. On the two occasions, she gave scholarship to indigent students and cheques to assist petty traders.

These acts were lauded by the Lagos Central ACN leader, Prince Tajudeen Olusi. The Second Republic House of Representatives member said: “Lagos Central has produced many senators; Oba Monsediku Adeniji-Adele, Sikiru Shitta-Bey, Kofoworola Bucknor, Tokunbo Afikuyomi, Musiliu Obanikoro, and Adekunle Muse.

Oluremi is the first senator from Lagos Central to hold a town hall meeting to render accounts of her stewardship”.

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2012

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EDITORIAL/OPINION EDITORIAL FROM OTHER LAND

COMMENT

Militant as watchdog •Award of waterways contract to Tompolo’s firm is an unpardonable blunder

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HE award of waterways monitoring contract by Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to dreaded Niger Delta militant, Government Ekpemukpolo (a.k.a. Tompolo) is scandalous. The contract, according to Sen. Idris Umar, Minister of Transport, was given to Tompolo’s company, Global West Vessel Specialist Agency (GWVSA) to execute. The company is expected to ‘only provide platforms, security boats, equipment and expertise to help in securing the nation’s waterways and thereby raise revenue.’

The minister said that GWVSA staff will not bear arms. But having concessioned the waterways to Tompolo’s company, we wonder what the duty of the Nigerian Navy will henceforth be on the nation’s waterways.

We consider as arrant nonsense the position that the company will provide as investment for the contract the sum of $103million. How can the company invest such a colossal amount only to wait for a specified target to be exceeded before recouping its money”? What is the antecedent of the company to warrant the approval of such a sensitive contract to it? Moreover, Tompolo is never known to have engaged in or embarked on any known adventure other than his leadership of an illegal militant group that inflicted pain and anguish on the people.

He has also alongside fellow militants, extorted money from the government through kidnappings and abductions of Nigerians and foreigners.

Are proceeds from this kind of illicit trade what the government expects Tompolo to use in executing a lawful and sensitive contract? Or could it be that the ex-militant is merely fronting for some powerful elements in government?

The contract itself is fraught with inconsistencies. The government, through Umar, has failed to be explicit on what the revenue targets of NIMASA for 2010 and 2011 were. The entire figures were left by the minister in the realm of conjecture - a mere assumption of $100million.This is unacceptable and we demand full disclosure of the exact target that should be surpassed before GWVSA can be entitled to payment from the government.

Furthermore, why should the government allow NIMASA to award the contract to Tompolo’s company without due process? Up till now, the government has not announced names of other companies that bided for the contract with GWVSA. Could it be taken that contrary to provisions of the procurement laws in the nation, NIMASA’s enabling Act allows it to award contracts with impunity, as was the case in the prevailing circumstance?

The MoU purportedly signed between the Navy and NIMASA is inconsistent to the extent of its undermining of the territorial water security of the nation. We ask; can the Navy not be funded to purchase all the equipment and other instruments needed to effectively protect the nation’s territorial waters? What could be responsible for the Navy’s acquiescence to this affront on its integrity and competence?

The government’s initial denial of existence of this contract and the latest confirmation show that there must be something immoral and fishy in the entire deal. Militants in the Niger Delta region, past or present, should not be entrusted with the nation’s territorial waters because of their proclivity, over time, for committing illegality on the waters.

We consider the contract award to Tompolo’s company as one of the most unpardonable decisions ever taken by the President Jonathan administration.

To cede the nation’s marine security to a company owned by a militant is questionable. It constitutes an insult to the sensibility of Nigerians and we doubt whether such decision can pass the security scrutiny of any decent and well governed country.

‘The government’s initial denial of existence of this contract and the latest confirmation show that there must be something immoral and fishy in the entire deal. Militants in the Niger Delta region, past or present, should not be entrusted with the nation’s territorial waters because of their proclivity, over time, for committing illegality on the waters’

Aregbesola’s demonisation •Regional integration should be the issue and not how the governor delivered the message HE sum total of the ongoing media demonisation of Rauf Aregbesola, governor of Osun State, is less about what he said or did not say; but more about diverting attention from concrete issues at hand.

The motive is crystal clear: should South West integration succeed, and the ruling party now at the helms is seen to claim the credit, that would signal the political death of a generation of politicians – and of course, their media backers. That explains the virulence with which the rather passionate governor is being attacked.

To be sure, the incident that sparked the whole controversy is to be decried.

The Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG) had packed the elite in Yorubaland, cutting across party lines and the cream of Yoruba professionals and intelligentsia at City Hall, Lagos, for the public presentation of its integration document, Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN). That itself showed the cross-

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‘That the current South West opposition are not bold enough to come out to frontally reject regional integration shows its mass appeal to the Yoruba, after nearly 10 years of barrenness in the so-called federal “mainstream”. Aregbesola is the most vocal voice of this new vision.

And that explains the media manoeuvrings. But that takes nothing from the integration agenda’

section of the Yoruba were thirsting for change; and how badly they wanted the present South West to reclaim the glory of the old Western Region.

The icing on the cake was the telling symbolism of the date: March 6, 2012, the 103rd anniversary of the 1909 birth of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the development avatar, who performed great wonders as Premier of the old Western Region. The ARG claims no direct franchise of Awo, as do some old dandies. But it claims free kinship with his transformational and development agenda. That itself makes a section of the Yoruba mainstream political elite edgy; for the fresh ideas of ARG may well consign many to irrelevance.

That is the background from which the unfortunate face-off between Governor Aregbesola and Sola Ebiseeni, Ondo State Commissioner for the Environment and Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko’s representative at the event must be viewed.

For Aregbesola, it was sheer hubris.

But the hubris was not what he said or what he did not say. It was not even how he said it. It was rather his bluntness and his consuming passion on how best to go about implementing the regional integration formula, complete with symbols, images and metaphysics of the Yoruba political worldview, not to mention his partisan political fervour.

All these are combustible stuff that could easily be skewed in his disfavour.

That has provided ample ammunition for his demonisation – and his media enemies are having a field day. Perhaps the governor should learn to be less emo-

tional on such occasions, even if the general logic of his brilliant submissions could not be faulted.

For Mr. Ebiseeni, it was sheer siege mentality borne out of the discomfort of being at an occasion that should be his principal’s by right but at which the governor, for whatever reason, feels ill at ease. Mr. Ebiseeni, from the subsequent media demonisation of the Osun State governor, got away with the underdog sympathy. But that sympathy is pyrrhic, when the fundamentals are examined.

What are the fundamentals? There is an integration agenda of which some partisan political interests would claim credit.

It is in the interest of those to earn the credit to start the programme in earnest and secure their political hegemony, based on the greatest good of the greatest number.

But this is sure death for the opposite camp – and it is in their interest too to try and stall the momentum, even if that would translate to the greatest harm of the greatest number, to adapt Jeremy Bentham’s immortal expression.

That the current South West opposition are not bold enough to come out to frontally reject regional integration shows its mass appeal to the Yoruba, after nearly 10 years of barrenness in the so-called federal “mainstream”. Aregbesola is the most vocal voice of this new vision. And that explains the media manoeuvrings.

But that takes nothing from the integration agenda. Regional integration along productive lines is the elixir to save the Nigerian federation. That is what the Osun State governor stands for and no amount of demonising can negate that sobering fact.

Jim Yong Kim, the right choice for the World Bank

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IVEN THE CALLS for the elimination of the informal international personnel system that awards the presidency of the World Bank to an American, President Obama was under some pressure in selecting a replacement for Robert Zoellick, the capable executive who is retiring in June. The president needed to find a nominee known not so much for political connections in Washington as for a demonstrated ability to carry on the bank’s mission of fostering development, especially in the poorest countries. We believe Mr. Obama has done just that in choosing Jim Yong Kim, a physician who has dedicated most of his career to delivering health care to destitute people worldwide.

Dr. Kim, who has been president of Dartmouth College since 2009, is a departure from the World Bank’s previous presidents in more ways than one. He is the first person of Asian descent to be nominated; Dr. Kim was born in South Korea and immigrated to the United States at the age of 5. Previous presidents have been bankers, politicians or, like Mr. Zoellick, technocrats who have previously served in government. Dr. Kim is the first nominee who has dedicated himself to development work, both in academia and in practice.

With fellow physician and Harvard professor Paul Farmer, Dr. Kim founded Partners in Health, an organization created to deliver quality health care to some of the world’s poorest people, including in Haiti, Peru and Rwanda.

One of its innovations was to enlist the poor themselves in the delivery of their own health care. Later, at the World Health Organization, Dr. Kim oversaw an expansion of the delivery of anti-retroviral drugs to combat HIV to 3 million more people in the developing world.

Under Mr. Zoellick, the World Bank has demonstrated that it still has a role to play in a world where some developing countries attract abundant private capital. It remains a vital resource for the poorest nations; Mr. Zoellick saw through a capital increase that allowed the bank to help some of those countries through the global recession. As Columbia University economist Jeffrey Sachs, a candidate for the World Bank position, pointed out, “at its best, the bank serves as a powerhouse of ideas and a meeting ground for key actors who together can solve daunting problems of poverty, hunger, disease and environmental degradation.” Mr. Sachs withdrew his candidacy on Friday, strongly endorsing Dr. Kim. The U.S. nominee may still face challengers from other nations; three African governments are backing Nigeria’s finance minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. But those who would reject an American nominee ought to consider whether the United States should be entirely excluded from leadership roles in international organizations. As it is, Americans are ruled out in competitions for the head of the International Monetary Fund and secretary general of the United Nations. While it would be well if the top jobs at international organizations were treated as open to all candidates, it’s also important that highly qualified nominees not be ruled out — even if they happen to be American.

Washington Post

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THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2012

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EDITORIAL/OPINION

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IR: I have never met Tinubu one-on-one, but I do not need to know him to know about him. One does not need to be close to a good man to verify his goodness; a good, humble people-loving trait is one that cannot be hidden or silenced. It will be time-tested and when all is said and done, people would know if it is just a pretence for a prize or to appear good, for sooner than the prize is secured, he would revert to his old usual self.

Bola Ahmed Adekunle Tinubu is one man that has been consistent in doggedness, humility and above all, kindness. Everyone I know who has a close ( or intimate) contact with Tinubu has spoken of him in glowing terms, not just because they have benefitted from his kindness, but his humility, they say, awes them.

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Tinubu at 60: the man the masses know Tinubu sees humanity as one chain that must be tended as every link in the chain plays a great role in its wholeness. Such is Tinubu’s belief.

Tinubu did not have to be prompted to build a befitting abode for late Lt Colonel Fajuyi’s wife. A kind man does not have to be begged, wooed, persuaded, notified or praised before he renders a favour

because favour is the blood that flows through his veins. His words are favour. His walk is favour. His composure and comportment are favour. He understands no other language besides favour. That is the Tinubu I know, the Tinubu I have been told about, the Tinubu that millions would see live older than Methuselah for how would they fare

without this bank of blessings.

Leadership does not consist in brilliance and intelligence alone; a greater part of leadership, which is the most important, is how kind you are to people. But Tinubu has all traits in large doses; brilliance, intelligence, humility, foresight, love, kindness. Heaven doles it out to him without measure because

National Assembly should get serious IR: Politics is a fascinating behavior concerning disputes and decisions about human ideals and interest. It is supposed to provide answers to several social, political and economic questions in society, but most people view politics as a form of manipulations and the struggle for power for private advantage. The legislative arm of government in a democracy is saddled with the responsibility of making and passing laws for smooth running of the democratic space, and to check excesses of the other arms of government, particularly the executive arm.

Since the commencement of the fourth republic in Nigeria in 1999, the legislature appears to be falling progressively in standard, of personel and debate. This has become so manifest that the executive, and indeed Nigerians no longer take them seriously. In the build-up to the nationwide strike to protest the arbitrary increase in price of petrol on New Year day, 2012, the House of Representative summoned an emergency plenary session, on a Sunday, and resolved that the Federal Government should suspend the planned in-

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crease in fuel price, and that labour should suspend the planned strike. It was interesting to observe that both parties ignored the resolutions. In fact, the executive described the resolution as an expression of the collective opinion of members of the House of Representative. It is that bad!

Of recent, it has become obvious that some members of the National Assembly are either ignorant of their roles in the legislative chambers, or simply incapable of engaging in any intellectually robust debate. Recently, Hon. Friday Itula, a PDP member of the House of Representative from Edo State moved a rather laughable motion to prevent ordinary Nigerians from soliciting pecuniary assistance from privileged members of the society. Watching the man argue so laboriously to push this motion looked so pitiable.

The same Honourable Itula, some days later, was seen arguing in favour of the return of police checkpoints to roads. How do these, impact on the lives of his constituents?

The upper chamber is not any better. On Wednesday March 14, a group of senators sponsored a mo-

tion seeking to amend the Trade Union Act to create conditions that labour unions should meet before embarking on industrial action.

They specifically suggested a kind of election by members before such decision is taken. This was obviously a fall out from the last protests.

In a plural society, diversity is predominant in the process of decision making, and interest groups are the basis for conflicts in societies. These groups strive to influence government through activities of their members, and it is anti-democratic to attempt to stop them from carrying out that function. It was refreshing to see senators, like Smart Adeyemi, Lanlehin and Chris Ngige rise to sound the death knell on that unpopular amendment.

Recently, the House of Representatives committee on capital market, chaired by Hon Herman Hembe commenced probe on the capital market. Their engagement with the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Ms Aruma Oteh turned out to a “theatre of the absurd” as members displayed ignorance and mediocrity,

asking irrelevant questions, it was simply a show of shame. At the end, the purpose of the probe was not realized as allegation and counter allegations of corruption took centre stage. The committee had to be dissolved.

Legislative debates should express certain pedagogical values, and motions and debates should be geared towards the greater good of the majority. This is the only reason our lawmakers can be taken seriously.

• Kadiri Abdulrahman, Kubwa, Abuja

Tinubu is God’s true representative on earth. Why? One of the reasons man prays to God is to seek his kindness and God, most times, answers through human beings. If you would permit my grammar, this is one assignment of God that Tinubu has ‘over-carried’ out.

I have read so many books about how a leader should behave: Niccolo Machiavelli’s The Prince, Robert Green’s Art of Seduction and 48 Laws of Power, just to name a few, none is as apt as the Bible in Matthew 20:26 ‘Whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant’. This is one law Tinubu has fulfilled; he has served and served and continued to serve. It does not matter what some call him; what matters is that it would be on record that a certain man called Bola outclassed all that was before him in kindness, and it remains to be seen if anyone after him would break that record.

As you clock 60 this week, Asiwaju, don’t bother to defend this claim that you are ill anymore, for those of us who love you are not bothered. Not bothered because too many prayers go to God from hitherto hopeless people on your behalf.

Not bothered because you have not accomplished the greatest reason for which you were created, a reason I hope you know. So even if you are indeed ill, heaven’s got your back because you are God’s priority.

• Dimeji Daniels Fiyinf’Oluwa Street, Ado-Ekiti

Aregbesola right on S/west integration IR: Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s persistent agitation for South-West economic integration and development is laudable. Apparently, he aims at bolstering the vision of the late Obafemi Awolowo for the region.

It is therefore not unreasonable to say that Aregbesola, like Awolowo, is telepathic and, he understands that only through a homogenised will and aspiration from all South-

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west states could that be achieved.

Sadly, this goal appears to have been welcomed with sustained bitterness by his Ondo State colleague, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko.

A word of advice: let us bury past hurts and indiscretions, and pool resources to make the vision of a wealthy, self-sustaining South-west achievable in our generation.

• Wale Ashorobi Akilo Road, Ikeja

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THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2012

EDITORIAL/OPINION

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political career-defining war HE IBB train snaked along, as the that has thrust Tinubu into the former self-named military ascendancy. Many battles president stepped inside the Shell would follow.

Hall, MUSON Centre, Lagos, venue of He also broke ranks with the launch of the book, Segun Osoba, The some NADECO veterans, who Newspaper Years, on March 22. felt queasy about taking part in The train would halt – but it never Gen. Abubakar’s transition profully stopped – with General Ibrahim gramme, given no especial Babangida pumping hands with friends Olakunle guarantees; and seeing the hash and admirers, all through the left aisle lordbeek@yahoo.com, 08054504169 (Sms only, please) Abimbola IBB and Abacha had made of of the packed hall from where he came previous efforts. in, through the front row of seats and up That decision would give on the stage, which extended high table Tinubu a toe-hold in governwas as long as the stage was high. ance, and launch him into other But the train stopped when it reached Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. And the general stood beside Tinubu, But unlike the fine-spirited Titans who quickly surrendered titanic battles: the right of Lagos State to create its own local with Aremo Segun Osoba, the celebrator, Chief Bisi Akande, their sceptre, dazed by the beauty of the Olympian gods, as governments, fiscal rights of the states in a federal republic, former governor of Osun State and ACN national chairman, captured in John Keats’s uncompleted long poem, “Hyperion”, crusade for state police as an integral part of true federalism, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, sitting governor of Ogun State the Nigerian political titans would not go down without a fight. and campaign for a national conference to restructure the counand Mrs Derin Osoba – and the paparazzi clicked away, so So, as the two tangoed, IBB would step in – and Nigeria’s ver- try, aside from innovative judicial reforms, modernisation of long that Osoba gestured, half-earnestly, half jocularly, to sion of Argentine Gen. Juan Domingo Peron would have been governance and renewal of infrastructure in Lagos, all hallthem to stop! born! After pacifying the “undisciplined” and “fractious” politi- marks of his tenure as two-term governor of Lagos (1999-2007).

With the paparazzi done, the IBB train resumed its slow crawl, cians, he would perhaps have ruled happily ever after, in the For the umpteenth time, Tinubu broke ranks with his fellow so slow the impatient and tad irreverent Baba Ali, ace comelatest banana republic!

Alliance for Democracy (AD) governors (1999-2003), and a secdian who co-compeered the event with Gbenga Adeyinka, But he did not reckon with a certain Bola Ahmed Tinubu hap- tion of the Afenifere grandees, who got conned by Obasanjo’s had to remind IBB his seat was still empty! pening on the scene! The June 12 crisis that followed IBB’s annul- 2003 electoral perfidy to take the South West. But Tinubu’s Why did IBB stop at Tinubu’s side? Because he loved him ment of the 1993 presidential election, claimed many casualties, sole survival as governor eventually led to Obasanjo’s politimore than the others he had greeted and walked past, includold breed and new breed: Shehu Musa Yar’adua, Tinubu’s leader cal waterloo: the crushing defeat of his term extension maing Gen. Abdusalami Abubakar, a former head of state, or in the People’s Front (PF) faction of the Social Democratic Party noeuvres, the judicial onslaught against the grand electoral even Ernest Shonekan, head of the Interim National Govern(SDP), Dapo Sarumi, the face of Primrose, the group that plotted heists of April 2007 and the pathetic crumbling of his South ment declared illegal by a court of law but revalidated by the razing of Alhaji Lateef Jakande’s political empire in Lagos; West political empire, secured with brazen electoral robbery Sani Abacha’s lawless decree? Hardly! even the late Dr. Femi Agbalajobi, Sarumi’s fierce rival, from and in-your-face impunity.

Why didn’t IBB enjoy his photo-ops with Gen. Abubakar the SDP People’s Solidarity Party (PSP) faction, for the Lagos Between 1989 (when he entered partisan politics) and 2012, a and Mr. Shonekan, both, in a way, victims of the former SDP gubernatorial ticket. Agbalajobi later served as commis- spate of 23 years, Asiwaju Tinubu has distinguished himself general’s winding transition programme? sioner under Col. Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Abacha’s Lagos mili- with amazing consistency and fidelity to his political convicAbubakar tried to redeem the military by a short transitary administrator. tions, even if many are quite unnerved by his tactical play of tion, after the wayward IBB years; and the grim Abacha years.

Of course, among the old breed were the likes of Ebenezer small chess-like losses in political compromise for grand straThat effort nevertheless planted Olusegun Obasanjo, another Babatope and Alhaji Jakande, who lost their political lustre for tegic wins. For navigating the political minefields of the IBBgruff old soldier via Army Arrangement, (apologies to Fela) serving under Gen. Abacha, though Alhaji Jakande retains some Abacha era, the most dangerous period in Nigeria’s political to invest a troubled democracy with all the wrong temper. public affection by virtue of his superlative performance as 2nd history – and remaining unscathed – he has earned his epauShonekan was the tragic ethnic sop, the very Judas to the Republic governor of Lagos. lettes as a battle-tested and trusted political general. democratic cause, that IBB used, as he “stepped aside” from That Tinubu broke ranks with the PF faction of the SDP, on the Still, at 60, he cannot afford to grow the Napoleon syndrome, power, in a futile bid to divert attention from MKO Abiola’s inviolability of the June 12 mandate, gave him political life; just that terrible hubris of going from victory to victory, developpresidential mandate. as it gave countless others of his political generation and before, ing a false sense of invulnerability and running into a sucker Tinubu could easily have been yet another IBB transition political death. But that was only the opening battle in a long punch. Every Napoleon after all has his waterloo! casualty, the fate the wily former army general plotted for So, at 60, Tinubu must be more reflective, more calculative, the Tinubu generation of “new breed” politicians. Of course, even more committed to his principles than hitherto and must ‘For navigating the political minefields sharpen, even more, his already ultra-sharp political antenna. “new breed” or “old breed” was unconscionable cant to clear out the political class to make way for IBB, who was dreamof the IBB-Abacha era, the most danger- That is the only he would continue to renew himself. ing a Peron-like transmutation from military to civilian presiAs he turns 60 on March 29, here is wishing the quintessential ous time in Nigeria’s political history, he man of the people a happy birthday, without the dark satire of dent.

Not unlike the Titan-Olympian celestial coup in Greek myAchebe’s fictional Chief Nanga, MP, in his politically has earned his epaulettes as a battle-tested Chinua thology when the younger and more nimble Olympians overprophetic novel, A Man of the People. and trusted political general’ threw the giant but clumsy Titans, the Nigerian “new breed” At 60, Tinubu is solid, sparkling diamond. May that sparkle were to overthrow the “old breed” in IBB’s special coup. never fade!

epublican ipples

Solid diamond at 60

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HIS week, this column celebrates one outstanding Nigerian, an enigma whose politics and political philosophy arguably approximates the elements of the nation’s quest for development and aspirations to nationhood. You guess right – I write of no other than Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu – former Governor of Lagos State who turns 60 – on Thursday.

For the doughty fighter that many fondly call “the Lion of Bourdillon”, there are perhaps more than a dozen reasons to celebrate the attainment of the diamond age. Primary of course is the unprecedented rally of the progressive club after the devastating capitulation to forces of opportunistic mainstreamers and their federal backers, first in the brazen onslaught of 2003 and later, in the unprecedented heists of the 2007 elections. That the same dispirited forces are in full ascent in what is arguably one of the most daring manouvres in politics must go as tribute to the arrowhead of the charge. Today, with Rauf Aregbesola in saddle in the state of Osun, Kayode Fayemi in Ekiti, Abiola Ajimobi in Oyo, Ibikunle Amosun in Ogun and of course, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole in Edo, in the unlikelihood of a tectonic shifting of forces, the question of the direction of politics in the South-west seems somewhat settled – thanks to the doggedness of a man once famously described as the last man standing.

As for Ondo, it seems a question of how long the proud, reflective and progressive people would withstand the lure of political osmosis given the strange brew being served by Olusegun Mimiko’s shrinking Labour Party.

The second reason to celebrate the man is the continuing relevance of his ideas. At the moment, it is hard to find a single Nigerian whose breath of ideas approximate the proverbial national question as the Jagaban Borgu. Whether the issue is federalism –which he has championed its defence sometimes at great costs to himself and the government that he led, or the strident clamour to rework the basis of the Nigerian union through the avenue of a Sovereign National Conference of which he is an incurable believer, Asiwaju has always been a clear leader when it comes to setting the agenda in national discourse. His tribe of dogged fighters are even rarer to find.

A whiff of the Asiwaju phenomenon is what my friend and brother Tunji Bello – the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment aptly captures in the book of tribute on his principal titled Asiwaju: Leadership in Troubled Times due for launch tomorrow. To quote: “In the history of Nigeria, no leader has tested our federal constitution more than Asiwaju. Throughout the second and third republics since we adopted the

Policy Sanya Oni sanyaoni@yahoo.co.uk 08051101841

This Diamond is forever Presidential system of government, only two matters concerning the power of states vis-a-vis that of the federal government were tested in the Supreme Court. In the present fourth republic, at least 13 matters concerning federalist principles have been resolved by the Supreme Court and they were all initiated by the Asiwaju-led government in Lagos State between 1999 and 2007”.

No doubt, the image of Asiwaju as dogged fighter, defender of federalist principles and stickler to constitutionalism is one that Nigerians are familiar.

Nigerians today recall his principled “no retreat, no surrender” stance over the 57 local government councils at the pain of Obasanjo’s financial scorched-earth policy on Lagos State – a position that would later be vindicated by the apex court. That Asiwaju carted home victories in all major strategic engagements with the Obasanjo-led federal government is not only an attestation of the soundness of the philosophy which drove his politics, it is also tribute to his discipline and commitment to principles even when short-term gains appear expedient.

It is therefore no coincidence that his ideas have come to approximate what is now framed as the national question.

Today, no one argues anymore about the fact that the nation’s ship is adrift; if the Boko Haram onslaught in the North-east and the pervasive atmosphere of insecurity and the inability of the federal government to reign in the forces of destabilisation isn’t enough proof of how choking the federal apparatus has become; what about the structure of the government with its derivative of indolent, uncreative bureaucracy that is as corrupt, anti- development as it is stifling of innovation and creativity?

How about the so-called two-layered federal structure under which true federalism is effectively supplanted by a

stifling centripetal arrangement in which federating entities are perennially looking up to the centre? As if to compound the nightmare of a do-nothing federal behemoth, the nation is saddled with malformed private sector, which other than their mastery of the art of survival on rent and government freebies, do very little than can be described as productive.

At 60, even with all his many battles and heroic interjections, Asiwaju’s job – unfortunately, doesn’t even appear to be nearly half done. At the dawn of this republic in 1999, his administration blazed the trail in championing a novel partnership between Enron and the state government to deliver uninterrupted power to Lagosians. Like the proverbial dog in the manger, the federal government, in its typical arrogance, scuttled the initiative only to resurrect its own version called National Integrated Power Projects, NIPP, some five years later.

Now, we know where that – with all the billions of dollars sunk – went.

Today, his home base, the South-west is leading the battle charge to wrest development initiative from a federal government that has long lost its bearing. With a population more than that of Ghana and nearly about the size of South Africa, there can be no question about the promises of integration in addressing the thorny issues stifling development in the region. Just as there can be no question that the development will sorely test our federal practice to its limits, it may well be the tonic needed to rouse the Nigerian Leviathan from its Rip van Winkle sleep. With the battle to reshape and re-configure our imperfect union now at hand, the dawn of the diamond jubilee may have signalled the final battle cry.

See why the man will be here for a very long time? Happy birthday, the Great Asiwaju of Africa!

‘Today, his home base, the Southwest is leading the battle charge to wrest development initiative from a federal government that has long lost its bearing. With a population more than that of Ghana and nearly about the size of South Africa, there can be no question about the promises of integration in addressing the thorny issues stifling development in the region’

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THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2012

EDITORIAL/OPINION HE month of March is a special one for me. On the 10th of this wonderful month every year, for many years now, I have been woken up every morning by a melodious birthday song rendered by Alhaja, my beautiful wife and our children, wishing me many happy returns of the day.

From Mohammed-Sodiq and his siblings, its happy birthday Daddy, while from Hajia, it’s simply Ebony, happy birthday. This year’s was not different.

I don’t normally dwell on personal issues or things when I am in the public domain, but I can’t but point out that God has a special reason for sending some great people to the world, especially to Nigeria in this wonderful month called March. I am not in any way equating myself to the people I am going to mention shortly who came into this world in March, but who knows what tomorrow has in stock?

Chief Obafemi Awolowo, you remember him? That great man who was described as the best president Nigeria never had by the late Eze Ndigbo Gburugburu, Chief Emeka Odumegu Ojukwu, was born on March 6, 1909. He was indeed a great man, a great politician, a great nationalist and perhaps more than any other attribute, a man who saw tomorrow, so to speak, when he realized ahead of his contemporaries, the importance of education in the life of a person and by extension, a people. Awolowo had a vision for Nigeria and probably had a role for his kinsmen in that Nigeria of tomorrow that can only be achieved through sound and superior education/knowledge. This he facilitated when he was at the helm in the old Western Nigeria, (even before independence in 1960) with the introduction of free and compulsory education. Today, we all know where the Yoruba are in the scheme of things in this country, our recent setbacks notwithstanding. Awolowo affected our lives positively in this part of the country such that we can never forget him. He was a great leader.

Since his death in May 9, 1987, the Yorubas have been on the look out for another leader of his stature, experience and discipline, not just to lead them, but also to give leadership and direction to our dear country Nigeria as we continue to wobble and fumble in the handling of our affairs as a people and a nation.

Chief MKO Abiola of blessed memory came close to filling the void created by Awo’s

dear compatriots, we are March people.

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ODIBBO Ishaq Kawu is a columnist and an illustrious son of the

Ilorin Emirate, the voting bloc that most times determines who governs Kwara State.

In an article titled “M. D. Belgore and the unfinished work in Kwara State”,published in the Vanguard March 15, Kawu pointed out what he said inhibited the governorship ambition of Mohammed Dele Belgore (SAN), the governorship candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the 2011 ballot.

Kawu got many things right in his article which has expectedly ignited heated debates online, in Kwara and beyond. These includes that the emergence of MDB, as most youths have come to identify the senior advocate, has helped to finally demystify the myth of invincibility long built around the Sarakis. It was also true that the MDB phenomenon has brought the youth to the centre stage of the state politics – a feat attributable to his massoriented campaign strategy. And Kawu was also right in his claim that the MDB phenomenon almost made the Sarakis bankrupt!

But Kawu equally got many things wrong in the same article. His claim that ACN is loathed in Ilorin runs afoul of the electionday reality and the clear pattern of voting.

Belgore, lacking any rigging machinery, scored a clean 82,152 votes from Ilorin alone, compared to Ahmed’s 100,014 dubious votes.

Why did I say so? ACN presented to the tribunal several INEC Forms that showed vote swapping and eye-popping discrepancies.

Take the case of Asa Local Government, one of the local councils in the Emirate. I will cite just an instance to save space. Form EC8B (result sheet for ward) for Afon Ward in Asa showed that ACN polled 836 votes as against PDP’s 808. But the tally changed on EC8C (result sheet for the whole council) for the same Asa Local Government as 245 was recorded for ACN, while 920 was given to the PDP! If Kwara people were really against ACN because Kwarans are affiliated to the North and would not support a South-west party, why didn’t the majority vote for CPC which filed a guber candidate in the poll? After all, by the same token that ACN may be described as a South-west party, so can CPC be de-

Let’s celebrate exit but the powers that be, those I call the enemies of progress in this country; yes, the enemies of the Nigerian people prevented him from assuming the mandate freely given to him on June 12, 1993, by the Nigerian people, to be their president and commanderin-chief. His election was not only annulled, he was arrested for proclaiming his mandate and died in the custody of the then Federal Military Government. The annulment and his death set Nigeria back several decades. We are still grappling with the consequences of that experience in spite of our present ‘democratic’ dispensation.

Before one is accused of wrongly claiming Chief Abiola as one of us born in March, he was not a March person, I know, but he came in between two great March men, the first one I had mentioned, the other one I am going to mention shortly.

Can you recollect what Nigeria was after the annulment of Chief Abiola’s election?

Chaotic! Yes you got it. Our country was in absolute chaos. General Ibrahim Babangida, the military president that plunged us into that chaos did not know what to do with the country anymore; Nigeria was drifting, Nigerians in their millions were calling for the validation of Abiola’s mandate but the ruling military cabal would have none of this, they set their dogs on ‘fellow’ Nigerians, killing them in their tens and hundreds.

Nigeria became a police state and everyone but the military junta and their friends was living in fear. Even the change in leadership by the military government did not change anything on ground, not even the Interim Government contraption of Chief Ernest Shonekan.

From that atmosphere of fear came out a group of patriotic Nigerians cutting across

our society, who were bent on restoring democracy to this country. They formed a body called National Democratic Coalition or NADECO as the group later became famously known. They were operating both within and outside the country. There were so many of them and they became a thorn in the flesh of the military junta. Though they suffered physically (as some of them were killed) economically and even emotionally as most were separated from their families, especially those who went into exile to continue the battle for democracy in Nigeria, they remained resolute and fought the military to the end. Today we have civilian rule, or you may want to call it democracy.

Thanks a million to these honourable Nigerians. One of them is the other March man I am talking about: Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a one time distinguish Senator of the Federal Republic, two-term governor of Lagos State, Governor-Emeritus, Lagos, Jagaban Borgu, Agbaakin Adini of Ijesha land, the voice of the voiceless majority (masses), the leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Nigeria’s main opposition party and a great leader of the people.

Asiwaju Bola Tinubu will be 60 on Thursday, March 29, 2012. There is nothing more for me to say about this great man that those who know him more closely have not said. My only wish is that one day he will inherit the political kingdom left behind by Papa Awolowo and become the Asiwaju of Yoruba land, and go on to serve Nigeria in higher capacity.

Happy birthday in advance, the Asiwaju (leader) of our time and many happy returns of the day Jagaban Borgu.

Now you know why when I said March people are great people. Let’s celebrate my

Kawu got it wrong on Belgore/ACN/Tinubu

By Ishaq Abdullah scribed as a North-west party. Assuming the PDP actually won the election, did the voters vote for Ahmed because his party is a northern party?

As Kawu himself pointed out, votes recorded for Ahmed were borne out of intimidation, threat of demotion or removal of Obas, thuggery and violence, outright bribery before and on the day of election, sacking of rebellious top civil servants and compromise of corpers. As shown during the legal challenge, total votes cast often did not tally with the number of ballot papers used. Results, in many cases, exceeded accredited voters! The PDP candidate fared worse among the youths during the poll. For instance, at the two polling units in the permanent site of the University of Ilorin where I voted, just as it was across all the higher institutions here, Belgore got more than 80 per cent of the votes. In Offa, Omu Aran, Oro, Ajase, Igbaja, it was Belgore all the way. Don’t ask me how Ahmed was eventually announced the winner based on votes manufactured from villages. It is one of the tragedies of our time.

Whereas the Supreme Court has spoken on the matter – and it is final – the truth remains that Ahmed’s victory defies all demographic theories as he lost in most of the hugely populated cities. If, in spite of these manipulations, Belgore could come neck and neck with Ahmed in the Ilorin Emirate, Kawu’s antiACN theory remains imaginary. As he himself admitted, the youths in the Emirate constitute the bulk of the voting bloc. If the largest voting bloc in the emirate had decided to pitch their tent with ACN’s Belgore, how correct then is his claim that ACN is loathed in the Emirate?

A part of Kawu’s article reads: “MDB (Belgore) is my cousin and I was strongly linked to his campaign, but for me, (and oth-

ers), the most difficult issue all through, was the choice of the platform, the ACN, as vehicle for the ambition of providing an alternative to the Saraki domination of the state....

A central issue in Ilorin, even amongst the modern elite, is the deep suspicion of south west- based ACN....They are fed up with Saraki hegemony but they do not want a state where Bola Tinubu will come to determine our lives, or a situation where our governor, as a member of the ACN will begin to attend meetings of Southwest governors.”

Again, Kawu missed it. His claim that ACN platform is loathed for being a South-west party is a veiled reference to the so-called Hausa/Fulani-Yoruba rivalry in Ilorin. This position erroneously gives our people away as backward folks still trapped in primordial ethnic chauvinism, at a time we should de-emphasise ethnic bickering and embrace the concept of human brotherhood and pursuit of good governance. We are no longer interested in these backward sentiments which had taken us nowhere over the years.

What should matter to us is the quality of the human person anybody brings on board.

Poverty makes no distinction between a Yoruba person and a Nupe person.

The dreaded Tinubu factor is a non-issue.

‘Personality cult’ in politics is rooted everywhere in the world: the Kennedys, the Ghandis and the Nkrumahs and if you like the Mandelas and now our own Buhari in Nigeria. In the U.S., the Democratic Party was almost synonymous with the Kennedys.

Look at the record high endorsements Obama got minutes after the patriarch of the Kennedy Family endorsed him to be the democratic flag bearer in 2008. Yes personality cult should not be exploited for the wrong reasons. But even nature somewhat endows certain individuals more than the

Tiger is back Finally, the long wait for another title has ended for one of the world’s greatest golfers, Tiger Woods. Woods ended 30 months of hurt Sunday night and returned to winning ways by claiming the Arnold Palmer Invitation in the US, thus setting the stage hopefully for another major at Augusta next week, where he would be chasing his 15th major title, the first after his victory at the US Open in 2008.

Coming so sweet on Mother’s Day, I think, the victory after 30 months of agony, pain and humiliation for Tiger, should be enough to appease the women folk to forgive Woods for whatever he must have done wrong to one of their own, his ex-wife. To err is human.

To those who thought Tiger will never return, take this from one of the fans at the Bay Hill golf course last Sunday. “This is the day, baby- the day you quieten all those critics”. And this was greeted by a tumultuous roar of approval by the crowd. Welcome back Tiger, looking forward to more majors. We are celebrating here.

Okonjo-Iweala for World Bank?

I will be one of those Nigerians that would celebrate if Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Nigeria’s Finance Minister, becomes the next President of The World Bank, after the incumbent exits later in the year. Even if she failed to make it as the US seem poised to frustrate her candidature, I would still be satisfied that Nigeria is beginning to play big in the international arena by putting her best foot forward. And it is more satisfying to note that South Africa is one of her sponsors. Good for African brotherhood did you say? Well, we are waiting for Abuja to know whether to celebrate or not.

‘Today, we all know where the Yoruba are in the scheme of things in this country, our recent setbacks notwithstanding. Awolowo affected our lives positively in this part of the country such that we can never forget him. He was a great leader’ rest. We therefore cannot run away entirely from having certain individuals having some advantage and good will in a particular set up. If MDB goes to Buhari’s CPC today, the Igbominas in Kwara South are certain to say “he wants to sell us to the Hausa Fulanis again”. Such sentiments will always exist, as baseless as they are.

This is another example, which also punctures Kawu’s arguments: The PDP is a successor party to the defunct NPN - a Hausa/Fulani party, as some would say. But the same PDP ruled the South-west between 2003 and 2007.

Were South-west PDP governors attending Northern Governors Forum’s meeting? No. And didn’t they attend PDP meetings bringing together governors from both regions?

They did. Did they cede the South-west to the North? No. Oshiomhole is an ACN Governor. He attends South South Governors’ meetings as he does ACN’s. When last did the Edo people, who interestingly had the same ethnic rivalry with the Yoruba as was the case with the Ilorin matter, say Oshiomhole will sell them to Tinubu? And, where is the evidence that Tinubu has sought to exert any influence in any of the ACN states other than in Lagos?

Tinubu having been Lagos Governor for eight years, still reside there while his former chief of staff is governor, it is foolhardy for anybody not to expect that he will have some influence.

It is negative thinking in this day and age to view a party on the basis of where it is said to come from as opposed to what it can do.

Kawu’s writings in other contexts has condemned President Goodluck Jonathan on the basis of “South-south parochialism”; is he not guilty of the same thing in the views he is expressing now?

For me, the issue ahead of us in Kwara should be how to strengthen our capacity to rout the rapacious and parasitic Sarakites and their underlings in 2015. As Kawu correctly argues, the man Belgore is in our best 11. The best we could do is for all of us thirsty for positive change, North, South and Central, to rally round him.

• Abdullah writes from University of Ilorin

25

PROPERTY

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

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

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

email:- property@thenationonlineng.net

•1004 Estate, Victoria Island, Lagos

PHOTO: OKWY IROEGBU-CHIKEZIE

1004 Estate residents seek dialogue to resolve contentious Service Charge 1004 Estates on Victoria Island, Lagos, used to be something of a status symbol. It was a well-planned, purpose-built residential facility for top government officials, including members of the National Assembly, during the Second Republic. But after the government’s divestment, it was bought by a private consortium which brought in tenants. Now, there is disagreement over service charges between the landlords and tenants, reports OKWY IROEGBU-CHIKEZIE. •STORY ON PAGE 26 •‘Badagry Master Plan is targeted towards westward development’ - PAGE 26

•Jonathan challenges surveyors on land administration, others - PAGE 39

•‘Good governance, leadership panacea to environmental ...’

- PAGE 40

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2012

26

PROPERTY/ENVIRONMENT

1004 Estate residents seek dialogue to resolve contentious Service Charge L IVING in1004 estate in the its heydays was a status symbol.

It was then the place to live. It was an upscale abode for top government functionaries and the rich then. But after the seat of government moved to Abuja, the government gave up its holdings through a bidding process that eventually threw up its new owners - 1004 Estate Limited.

After the deal, worth N7 billion, the core investors redesigned the complex, giving it a facelift. The complex had become a shadow of its self. It was completely run-down, without electricity, no water, recreational facilities were non-existent and dysfunctional elevators were the order of the day. The estate suffered from recurring sewage and waste management challenges. It got so bad that people cooked with fire-wood and all its upscale trappings were completely gone. It was, therefore, a relief when UPDC consortium, under the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), called 1004 Estate, bought it and completely remodelled it.

The estate, built on 11-hectare piece of land, became the hottest property with two bedroom maisonette going for as much as N15m in the primary market, while the three bedroom attracted a higher price. Investors fell over each other to buy the units, and then let it to tenants. But, presently, there is unease over service charges demanded by the estate managers.

When The Nation visited the estate, the General Manager, Facilities, Oni Olushola, explained that it takes a lot to manage an estate of that magnitude to function effectively. The estate boasts of 12 elevators, four swimming pools, two basketball courts, one tennis court, 10MVA generators and over 100 security officers, among other provisions.

He said: “We cannot operate below a particular level of standards, and the minimum cost must be covered. The challenge here is that over 96 per cent of owners are investors and not residents, and they simply pick-up their checks without obligation on their tenants to pay, while the residents themselves have short -term interest.

“Currently some landlords do not remit service charges paid by their tenants, and, as we speak, some monies are outstanding. At the end of the first quarter, people have not deemed it fit to pay their service charges, they strain us to go a-borrowing”.

Olushola said the intention is to make 1004 estate a place to live, with comforts far beyond other estates in terms of service delivery. On some of the services provided, he said they have achieved a 24-hour water supply with one million litres daily capacity straight to the 14th floor, electricity supply round the clock, efficient waste management, 24-hour security, including an ambulance service, in addition to a comprehensive insurance cover for residents.

•24-hour 10MVA generating plant at the estate

He said the estate manager was in the process of implementing access control with residents accessing the estate biometrically to check the present security challenge in the country.

He noted that the services cost a lot, and to continue to provide them, the residents would have to pay, not only their outstanding, but also negotiate the new charges. On the bone of contention, the manager said they proposed a slight increase in the service charge from N450,000 to N750,000 yearly, because of the topof-the-range services provided and current realities.

He lamented that they are servicing the estate with bank loans which attract high interest rates while some tenants have been adamant about the outstanding payments. He regretted that some cheques received from some residents turned were dud cheques, adding that some

others were involved in illegal electricity connection, thereby overburdening loyal tenants.

Olushola further said the disagreement would soon be resolved. He appealed to residents and owners to do what they contractually assented to.

He said: “The management of 1004 Estate Limited is still meeting with the residents association to have a win-win solution to the issue the service charge has generated and we are hopeful. The residents are proposing N350,000 which is even below what they were paying before. But we are hopeful that all the arranged meetings would be fruitful.”

But a resident, Mrs. Bose Akinjide (not real name), said the residents are not insisting on not paying but are resisting the mark-up which they consider high. She acknowledged the top-of-the-range facilities in the estate but appealed to the

PHOTO: OKWY IROEGBU-CHIKEZIE

managers to scale the service charge down. She frowned at those the management of the estate accused of tampering with electricity connection and sued for its stoppage. She acknowledged the opening of communication channels between the residents and the management and was hopeful the contentious service charge issue would be sorted out in no distant time.

A landlord, Amobi Ikechi, said he would encourage his tenant to pay his service charge but called for a reasonable rate that would be convenient for both parties. He argued that if there are continuous defaults, the standard of the estate may fall which will not be in the interest of the tenant, landlord or the management of the estate.

“As a landlord and investor, my interest is to see the continuous appreciation of property in the estate,” he said.

‘Badagry Master Plan is targeted towards westward development’

T

HE consultant handling the Badagry Regional Master Plan and the Lagos Mainland Model City, Messrs Dar Al Handassah, has assured that the preparation for the project is on course.

The assurance was given at the seven-day capacity building training for officials of the Lagos State government at the Centre for Management Development (CMD),

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie Asst Editor

Magodo. It was organised by the consultant, in collaboration with the Ministry for Physical Planning and Urban Development (MPPUD).

The preparation of the regional Master Plan for Badagry, he said, is not only to promote development, but to ensure large-scale

westward development from central Lagos in the future and to provide a framework for the promotion of tourism. It is also to provide the right framework for the delivery of essential utilities.

Besides, the Mainland model city plan is to ensure efficient use of land densification, to provide a framework for addressing the challenges in slum areas and develop one for essential utilities and ser-

•From left: Secretary General Ayo Adejumo; Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Lagos State, Toyin Ayinde; past-President Dr Femi Olomola and Vice-President, Association of Town Planning Consultants of Nigeria (ATOPCON), Moses Ogunleye at the 2012 Professional Development Workshop of the association in Lagos.

vices, as well as address perennial transportation problems.

In his address, the Director of Operation, Dar Group West Africa, Nicholas Rizk, while acknowledging the need for the training, said it formed part of the contract with the government, on offshore and onshore trainings.

Drawing from the success of Lekki Regional Master Plan, Rizk said Dar Al Handazzar has come to ensure that it leaves an indelible mark in Nigeria, especially in Lagos, by making City of Excellence a model megacity in Africa. He hinted that the Lekki Regional Master Plan has been completed, “ready to become law”.

He cleared the controversy that trailed the firm some time ago over non-registration with the Town Planning regulatory bodies in Nigeria, hinting that the firm has completed its registration.

“At the initial stage when the allegation came up, we had commenced the process of registration then but we could not conclude on time. But we have eventually completed the process and we are enjoying a good relationship with the recognized regulatory bodies in Nigeria”.

In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Ajayi, said the award of the consultancy services for the preparation of Mainland Central Model City Plan and Badagry Regional Master Plan to the Dar Group, formed part of the

government’s vision to make Lagos a model megacity in Africa.

She said: “This project is in pursuance of the 10-point agenda of which environment and physical planning is a key strategy”, adding that the completion of Lekki master plan has been helpful to the Lagos State government in the implementation of the strategic programmes and projects in the region.

She said the contract for Badagry and Mainland regional plans were awarded in 2009, with a view to addressing the urbanisation challenges and providing guides for development.

“The process has gone through various stages including meeting the technical committee and stakeholders in the affected planning areas, noting that the preparation of the plans are now at the final stage report.”

The Director, Regional Master Plan Department, Mr. Ayo Adediran, said he hoped for the success of the training and the eventual completion of the regional master plan and the model city plan for the mainland.

According to Adediran, with the participants at the training cutting across major professionals, such as architects, engineers and town planners, “it is my belief that the success of the project is assured”, he said, urging the 40 participating staff to make use of the opportunity for present and future engagements.

TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2012

27

E-mail:- law@thenationonlineng.net

In introducing time limitation in election disputes, the legislature intended to solve the problem associated with protracted electoral litigation. The Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the 180 days limit for electoral cases, which formed the basis on which tribunals dismissed pending petitions, has ignited calls for a review of the provision.

ADEBISI ONANUGA, ERIC IKHILAE and JOSEPH JIBUEZE report

• Chief Justice of Nigeria, Dahiru Musdapher

How to check P lapses in time limitation in election disputes

RIOR to the constitutional provision that election matters must be dispensed with within a stipulated time, cases lasted for almost eternity in courts. As a cure to this perceived anomaly, the National Assembly amended the Constitution and the Electoral Act, to include time limitation for the hearing of election petitions.

Section 285 subsections 6 and 7 stipulate a time limit for the hearing of election petitions. Subsection 6 states: “An election tribunal shall deliver its judgment in writing within 180 days from the date of the filing of the petition”.

Subsection 7 states: “An appeal from a decision of the election tribunal or court shall be heard and disposed of within 60 days from the date of the delivery of judgment”.

For effect, the National Assembly

• Senate President David Mark

replicated these provisions in Section 134 subsections 2 and 3 of the Electoral Act 2010.

These provisions have been interpreted to imply that an Election Tribunal has no power to sit beyond 180 days, from the date of the filing of the petition. Also, that an Appeal Court in an election matter has no jurisdiction to entertain an appeal beyond 60 days from the date the tribunal delivered the judgment that is being appealed against.

It is believed that by reflecting the provision in the Constitution, the National Assembly was also mindful of the last experience where the Supreme Court voided a similar attempt in 1982 to limit the time election dispute could be accommodated in court.

The Electoral Act of 1982 had stipulated only 30 days for the conclusion

of trials at the High Court and seven days for the determination of appeals by the Court of Appeal and seven days by the Supreme Court, a provision that was not reflected in the Constitution.

The apex court, in the case of Paul Unongo vs. Aper Aku & 2 ors (1983) 9 SC and (1983) 11 SC 129 held that those provisions of the Act, indeed, interfered with and impeded the judiciary in the proper performance of its functions under the Constitution. The court also held that those provisions violated individual’s right to fair hearing. Consequently, the court declared the provisions unconstitutional and sent the case back to the High Court

•See story on page 28

Inside: NIALS begins legislative drafting clinic- P.30 Domestic violence and rule of ‘protective’ law- P.31

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2012

28

LAW COVER CONT’D • Continued from page 27 for a hearing on the merits.

With the inclusion of the time limitation provisions in the Constitution, one had thought the country has not only curbed the risk of having the provision voided on ground of unconstitutionality, but it has effectively resolved the problem of protracted adjudication of election cases.

This, everyone had thought, would ensure that election petitions were heard on merit, disposed of within a limited time and with less emphasis on technicality.

The reverse, however, turned out to be the case when, at the first test of these provisions, many petitioners left the various election tribunals more discontented than they were before filing their petitions.

Most petitioners, whose petitions the Court of Appeal and, in some instances, the Supreme Court, ordered to be reheard on merit by reconstituted tribunals or panels, had expected a better outing until their expectations were truncated by the February 17, 2012 judgment of the Supreme Court in the Borno State governorship dispute.

A five-man panel of justices of the apex court, led by Justice Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen, held that by virtue of Section 285(7) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the tribunal had already lost jurisdiction to entertain the petition again, stressing that though the appellate court had the powers to order re-trial, it must be within the time constitutionally allotted for hearing and determination of election petitions by the tribunal.

“If the decision of the lower court, in the circumstance of this case and the law, is allowed to stand as urged by the respondents, it would re-introduce the earlier mischief which the amendment sought to correct. It will mean that the instant petition can go on for another 180 days or more, after the expiration of the original 180 days by the Constitution.

“It is my considered view that the provisions of section 285(6) supra is like a statute of limitation which takes away the right of action from a party, leaving him with an unenforceable cause of action. The law may be harsh, but it is the law and must be obeyed to the letter, more so when it is a constitutional provision”, the court held.

This decision was to later form the basis on which the tribunals and the various election panels of the Court of Appeal dismissed pending petitions, a development that has created controversy as to whether such decisions were plausible.

Also, the development has ignited calls on the National Assembly to reexamine this provision. There is also the suggestion that the Supreme Court, being the highest court in the land, should take into account the mood of the society and the feeling of the people in its interpretation of statues.

Observers argued that the prescribed time was inadequate, hence, the need for the National Assembly to reexamine the provisions with the aim of curing the identified lapses.

They argued that where, in the course of the 180 days, a decision is taken, stopping a party from ventilating his grievance due to non-compliance with Electoral Act 2010 (as amended), creates a situation where the Constitution gives with one hand, and takes away with the other hand. This, they said, could only result in injustice and more judicial confusion.

There is also the argument that the perceived inability of the various tribunal to do justice in their handling of election petitions results mainly from the fact that individuals, whose victories are being challenged, are allowed to assume offices while the petition against them were being considered in the tribunals.

This, they said, could be avoided if election petitions are dispensed with before the actual winners are allowed to assumed office.

To achieve this, they suggested a further amendment to the Constitution, which observers said constitutes a source of obstacle to effective adjudication of election disputes.

They suggested a reversal to the 1999 era where elections were conducted in February, nearly three months before the commencement of the new regime, as against the last set of elections held in April barely a month before the May handover date.

There is also the argument that Section 285 of the Constitution and Section 134 of the Electoral Act seemed silent on situations where an appeal court orders the retrial of an election matter de-novo. To check this lapse, observers suggested that where the tribunal re-hearing the matter is reconstituted, the 180 days should start afresh.

Law experts are, however, divided on whether the provision should be retained as it is or reexamined in view of the renewed agitation for a review.

The preponderance of opinion is that there is

• Igbokwe (SAN)

• Sofola (SAN)

• Adebanjo

• Thany

‘How to check lapses in time limitation in election disputes’ the need to find a balance between statutory provisions that will allow the judiciary to perform its functions properly as stipulated in the Constitution and, at the same time, eliminate the problem of the long-drawn-out proceedings in courts.

Mike Igbokwe (SAN) said rather than further tinkering with the provision, effort must be made by parties to a suit to ensure speedy resolution. He said: “I believe that one of the reasons for the limited period is to ensure definite and speedy determination of the election petition.

“The aim is to avoid a situation where whilst litigation is prolonged on the election to a seat, the person whose election is petitioned against is busy enjoying the benefits of the seat for a long time.

“If later he loses the seat, he would have unduly and wrongly enjoyed a portion (sometimes a substantial portion) of the winner’s tenure. So, the provision should not be further amended but left as it is whilst efforts should be made by the tribunal, petitioners/respondents and lawyers to work within the timeframe.”

Another Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Sebastine Hon, urged the apex court to reconsider its position on the provision. He argued that the Supreme Court has been unduly tenacious and compact on this issue in its later decisions.

Hon observed that, over the years, the apex court had, in spite of extant stultifying constitutional and statutory limitations, used its extraordinary supervisory and whipping jurisdiction admirably to unlock national gridlocks, thereby strengthening the nation’s faltering democracy.

He observed that the Supreme Court’s interpretation of Section 285(6) and (7) of the Constitution has come very close to dimming the hopes of many Nigerians that the era of impunity and wantonness in the political and electoral process is about to be torpedoed.

“The Supreme Court of Nigeria must rise to the occasion, by either overruling itself or

holding differently on the issue of 180 days, especially on the matters it specifically ordered a retrial. It is unimaginable that the apex court was not aware of the 180 days provision in the Constitution when it made those retrial orders!”

He argued that the apex court, as the conscience of the nation, ought to be proactive by qualifying the applicability of Section 285(6) and (7) of the Constitution.

Another Senior Advocate, Olusina Sofola, argued that although the intention of the time limit provision was to ensure speedy adjudication of election cases, there is the need for its reexamination in view of the current realities.

“If you ask for my opinion as to whether the time limit be extended, I would say it is a good idea. Maybe, there is need to extend the time or increase the number of the tribunals hearing election petition matters so that they could be disposed of within reasonable time.

“What you find in Lagos is that one tribunal is hearing election petitions and this is not good enough if the time set for hearing and concluding election petitions is to be considered as reasonable. It is important that election petitions be disposed as quickly as possible.

“There is a need to encourage a swift resolution of election petitions. That is why I said they should either extend the time or increase the number of election petition tribunals. If we have more tribunals, hearing and disposing of election petitions would be faster at the tribunals. The tribunal, in its present form, is over burdened with election petition matters.

“The law says that they should hear election petitions on daily basis, on day to day, so that matters can be disposed and resolved quickly.

But that is virtually impossible because when an election petition tribunal has 10 to 15 cases to determine, it might not be possible to hear and determine the matter within the time frame set in the law. As I said earlier, the way forward is either to extend the time or to constitute more election petition tribunals for quick dispensation of election petitions,”

Sofola said.

Idris Kolawole Thany argued that election petitions, being deferent from other civil cases, because it relates to the holding of office of a particular elected official and once an elected official is sworn in, time begins to run against him, it behoves the court to apply a special provision and interpretation to the provisions of the law by holding that election petition matters ought to be heard and disposed of within a specified period without any extension of such period. “ It is in the public interest to do so because it is better to have election petition matters concluded before an elected official takes his office. It is in the public interest because we have a situation where people are elected, then people who are unelected go into office and use the fund of the office to fight their political opponents as it happened in the case of Aregbesola versus Oyinlola in Osun State and also Segun Oni versus Fayemi in Ekiti State as well as in other states.

“So, what we are saying is that it is better to have election matters determined before the purported winner is sworn into office,” he said.

The Chairman, Nigerian Bar Aassociation, Ikorodu, Kazeem Adebanjo, suggested a review of the provision to avert a regime where justice is sacrificed on the altar of speed.

“I think what we can do is for us to have a system that encourages discipline from legal practitioners and the Bar. Let us respect the court.

That is the reason, in so far as this circumstance is concerned, it is killing.

“The moment we sacrifice justice on the altar of speed, then it becomes justice denied in such a case. Because you did not conclude within a time, your petition has elapsed, and because of that, you cannot go into it again, forget it. It is injustice. Speed has been placed above the substance.

“The substance is how did he get into office?

Did he win a free and fair election? Was there any rigging? Was there any fraudulent manipulation on the part of INEC? May be connivance? If we can have that inserted into the system, then we can move forward. Like I said earlier on, the national assembly would have to look into the law.

“I think the law has to be remolded, that particular part of the law, in form of having a persuasive effect. That, when it is used in the form of “shall”, then it is mandatory. But when it is made liberal, then it is encouraging those who are in court to tidy up what they need to do.

Where that is not done, it means we would continue to worship speed till 180 days, and after that, nothing else.That has worsened justice and it ought not to be further tolerated.

Former Chairman, NBA, Ikeja Branch, Dave Ajetumobi, said since 1983, the Supreme Court has been overruling the provisions in the electoral laws imposing a timeframe on determination of election cases. But now that it has been made part of the Constitution, it is difficult for the Supreme Court to go against it as it is not permitted in Nigeria’s jurisprudence.

However, Ajetumobi said he supports the swift dispensation of election cases within a limited time-frame, saying the onus is on lawyers, litigants and all concerned to ensure that it works.

For Constitutional lawyer, Mr Jonathan Iyieke, the time-frame is enough to conclude election petition cases. Any further amendment would amount to taking a backward step.

“The Electoral Act provides for 180 days within which electoral matters should be concluded. It is my opinion that the six months time is sufficient to conclude hearing up to judgment.

“However, to oil the wheel of justice and meet with time specified, the law should be stringent on the agency in charge of the electoral materials alleged to constitute the electoral fraud.

“If we fail to address the deliberate and ill intention of these electoral agencies in the timely release of these alleged fraudulent electoral materials, the tendency that election petition may linger more than 180 days provided under the Act to 365 days is ripe.

“I, therefore, submit that with the Supreme Court’s position in line with the Electoral Act, the provision needs no amendment for now. Our criticism should be mounted on the corrupt system in place in our country, attitudinal and human factors which breed corruption with impunity.

“Also, the lackadaisical approach of some lawyers in filing election matters cause delay. Petitioners should put pressure on their counsel to ensure quick dispensation of justice. It is my submission that election matters will not be an enigma if we can address the above human factor and address the corruption,” Iyieke said.

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2012

29

LEGAL OPINION

Constitution amendment, challenges of election petitions The interpretation of Sections 285 (5-8) of the Constitution as amended by the Supreme Court, no doubt, brought a lot of election petitions and cases before the courts to an abrupt end. In this article, STEVE UNACHUKWU examines the purport of the amendments, IES consequences on cases before the courts, particularly election tribunals and our legal system.

• Continued from last week

T

HE doctrine is a sine qua non for certainty to the practice and application of the law. A refusal, therefore, by a judge of the Court below to be bound by this Court’s decision, is gross insubordination (and I dare say such a judicial officer is a misfit in the judiciary).” (see also Ogunsola v. NICON (1998) 11 NWLR (pt. 575) 683 @ 692, Ndili v. Akinsumade & 2 Ors (2000) 8 NWLR (pt. 668) 293 AT 346-347 parag. G-A); Uba v Etiaba (2005) 6 NWLR (pt.1082)154 at 182: Atolagbe & anor v Awuni & 2 Ors (1997)8NWLR (pt.522)536 The Court of Appeal also cited the decision of the Supreme Court in the case of Paul Unongo v Aper Aku (1983) 11 SC129 at page 195 where the apex court stated in circumstances similar to the one under consideration that the Court of Appeal was right in setting aside the decision of the trial tribunal but ought to have remitted the petition in which the limited time had elapsed back for retrial on the merits.

It seems, however , that the Supreme Court has indeed taken a resolute stand against anything that would nibble adversely at the clear and mandatory provisions of Section 285 (5)-(8) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended. In A N P P v Alh. Mohammed Goni & Ors (supra) the Supreme Court demonstrated beyond speculations that it stood for a literal interpretation of Section 285(5)-(8) of the 1999 constitution as amended. The apex court declared in the said judgment as follows: “180 days provided by Section 285 (6) of the constitution is not limited to trials but also to de novo trials that may be ordered by an appeal court. For the avoidance of any lingering doubt once an election petition is not concluded within 180 days from the date the petition was filed by the petitioner as provided by Section 285 (6) of the constitution, an election tribunal no longer has jurisdiction to hear the petition, and this applies to re-hearing. 180 days shall at all times be calculated from the date the petition was filed... I am compelled by circumstances beyond my control to state, without fear of contradiction as same has been settled by a long line of authorities, that jurisdiction is a creation of statute or the constitution. Jurisdiction is therefore not inherent in an appellate court neither can it be conferred on a court by order of court…It has been held by this court in a number of cases including consolidated appeal Nos. SC/141/ 20011;SC/266/2011;SC/267/

2011;SC/282/2011;SC/356/2011 and SC/357/2011: Brig.

Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa & Ors Vs Adm. Murtala Nyako & Ors delivered on January 27, 2012 that the time fixed by the constitution is like the rock of Gibralter or Mount Zion which cannot be moved; that the time cannot be extended or expanded or elongated or in any way enlarged; that if what is to be done is not done within the time so fixed, it lapses as the court is thereby robbed of the jurisdiction to continue to entertain the matter.

Certainly, after the Supreme Court has decided on this all important matter, the law has been laid down and it behoves the lower courts to adopt and follow the said judgment.

However there are few issues that ought to be commended to the appellate courts for consideration.

1. It is, doubtful, if the judgment of a full panel of the apex court is not subsisting in the petition filed by Senator Daniel Sarror v Gov. Gabriel Suswan, where the apex court ordered a trial de novo at a time it was impossible for the election tribunal to comply with the terms of the said judgment without infringing on Section 285 (6) of the constitution. It seems safe to speculate that that judgment of the apex court will go to no issue. 2. The Court of Appeal may also face its own quagmire where it will have an appeal lying before it from the election tribunal decision, delivered outside 180 days which petition was heard upon an order of the Court ofAppeal for trial de novo.

Will the Court of Appeal declare the said judgment as a nullity and refuse to entertain an appeal arising from a retrial conducted in compliance with its valid and subsisting judgment?

Conclusion The history of election petition proceedings in Nigeria is a chequered one. Except for occasional flickers of light coming from the dark tunnel of our judicial landscape in the form of activist judgments, the performance of the judiciary in election petitions trials and appeals may not have done so much to strenghten our weak and ailing democratic superstructure. The electorate have got so frustrated that they have proposed all manner of amendments to the existing arrangement including the establishment of constitutional courts. The legislature had hitherto behaved as if it was a willing ally in the frequent miscarriage of the people’s electoral mandate that receive stamp of finality at election petition proceedings. In the amendment that occurred on the 1999 Con-

LEGAL DIARY

Commonwealth lawyers to hold conference

• Chief Justice of Nigeria, Dahiru Musdapher

stitution and Electoral Act 2010, the legislature turned a new leaf and demonstrated a deep understanding of the bottlenecks to speedy adjudication of election proceedings in Nigeria.

The provisions of Section 385(5)(8) of the 1999 Constitution as amended is a commendable piece of legislation that would have curbed almost completely, undue delay in determining election petitions and appeals. Regrettably, the good intentions of the legislature as regards the provisions of Section 285(5)-(8) seem to have been thwarted by election petition tribunals that allowed preliminary objections to be taken at interlocutory stages of election petition trials.

That some of the tribunals preferred the provisions of Section 140(4) of the Electoral Act, 2010 as amended to the provisions of paragraph 12(5) of the First schedule to the Electoral Act, 2010 is the reason why many petitions were dismissed upon interlocutory objections, the successful challenge mounted by the petitioners on appeal against the interlocutory dismissal of the said petitions have become of limited significance.

In the final analysis, it is the same distraught and disillusioned Nigerian electorates, who are yet to see any good reason to trust the managers of that area of our national life, that bear the brunt of the bungled electoral exercises and the miscarried adjudication that followed it.

Certainly each failure recorded in our attempt to deepen democracy in the country, deepens further the crises of confidence that has plagued our national life over these years.

Again, the judiciary has been found wanting in our attempt to test-run the nation’s amended electoral laws The effect of this latest failure at operating our constitution should not be lost on all the persons concerned with it for such is the path of learning. Let all the stakeholders in the election business and the judicial

• Unachukwu

proceedings that follow it be persuaded to assist in giving Nigeria a credible democratic arrangement Recommendations It is strongly recommended that section 140(4) of the Electoral Act, 2010(as amended) should be repealed as it does not seem to be serving any useful purpose in the present arrangement.

It is also recommended that Section 285(6) and (7) of the constitution be followed with provisos that would afford appellate courts the latitude to effectively order retrials where such an order is the only means of meeting the justice of the matter.

Finally, it is recommended, most respectfully, that the judiciary should evolve a system of ensuring improved accountability on the part of judicial officers that handle election petition proceedings.

Supranotes 13. However, there are contrary delusions of the same court in the case of ...

14. see the delisions of the supreme court in the suit No. Sc 332/2011, Sc 333/2011 and Sc252/2011 consolidated suit between Alhaji Kashim Sheltima & Ors VAlhaji Mohammed.

Gowi & 4 Ors judgment delivering on October 31, 2011 per walter Onnoghen Jsc. Also in appeals number SC 272/2011 and SC 276/2011 consolidated appeals between People Democratic Party (PDP) V Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) & 4 Ors delivered on 31/10/ 2011 per Onnoghen JSC. See also Felix Amadi & Anov V INEC & 2 Ors (Unreported) Suit No SC 476/ 2011 judgement delivered on 3/2/ 2012 per Onnoghen, JSC. 16. See also the decision of the Supreme Court in the consolidated appeal Nos SC/141/2011, SC/266/ 2011, SC282/2011, Sc/356/2011 Brig.

General Mohammed B. Marwa anov

V Adam Murtala Nyako & Ors (unreported) delivered on 27/01/2012 17. Such cases were seen in the Gubernatorial Election Petition that arose over the 2011 elections in Benue State and Akwa Ibom states in which appeals over dismissal of same based on technicalities got the supreme where the apex court ordered a return to the election tribunals for hearing on the merits. The election tribunals in Anambra State are replete with such cases in which hearing have just resumed after order for hearing on the merits by the court of Appeal.

18. The Supreme Court at page 16 of the case of PDP V CPC (Supra) stated…..The intention of the drafters of the constitution being to stop the practice of unnecessary delays in the election matters, it is over duty to ensure compliance with the law by doing what is needed within the time frame. The court held further in the case, per Ngwuta JSC that: seetion 285 (7) of the constitution (as amended) is a statute 1.These cases were most petitions or appeals on election into legislative House where the tenure of office in respect of the electoral seat in dispute starts to run from the date the Legislative House is proclaimed as opposed to Executive position which tenures start to run on the date the occupant was first sworn in. See Peter Obi v INEC (2007). It is a surprise however that in the fist attempt to operate these laws, most of the election Petitions and appeals were caught up by limitations of time and could not be heard to the detriment of the parties to those proceedings in particular and public interest generally. It is trite that the law does not command the doing of the impossible. See the case of Ohuka v State.

That Section 285 (5)-(8) of the 1999 Constitution as amended which was aimed at affording Justice to election petitions have under mined and injures the cause of justice is a mutation that did not arise ordinarily.

Currently, the intendment of the legislature in enacting Section 285(5).

8. Of the 1999 Constitution is that there would no longer be interlocutory decisions determined election petitions in limine.. See paragraph 12(5) of the first schedule to the Electoral Act, 2010. However paragraph 12(5) of the first Schedule to the Electoral Act, 2010 seems to be a golden egg placed in between big stones Section 140(4) of the Electoral Act, 2010 as well as paragraph 18(1) of the first schedule to the Electoral Act, 2010 seem to encourage.. Interlocutory decisions to determine election petition in limine.

Want of jurisdiction in such situation may arise in several ways. It may arise because the petition was filed outside the time limited by Section 285(5) of the constitution in competence may also arise out more compliance with paragraph 4 of the first schedule or non joinder of the proper parties etc.

• Concluded

T

HE Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA) is set for its conference in Sydney, Australia.

It will hold from April 19 to April to 22.

A statement from its President, Mrs Boma Ozobia, said adequate and easy visa processing arrangements have been put in place to enable lawyers who wish to attend to obtain visa with ease.

“We have made adequate arrangements. The Australian High Commission is fully aware of the fact that we are participating.

“They have in turn informed their Foreign Affairs Office of this.

“From the Secretariat of the CLA, we are sending updated lists

• Ozobia

of the delegates to them.

“This is so that once delegates have registered and paid up, and once we send applications in for their visas, they will be dealt with expeditiously,” Ozobia said.

• Former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) General Secretary, Rafiu Rabana (SAN) and his wife Nella (SAN) at the NBA conference on the review of the performance of Election Petition Tribunals in Nigeria in Benin City.

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2012

30

COURT LAW AND PUBLIC POWER

with gabriel AMALU email:gabrielamalu1@yahoo.com

• From left: Mr Raymond Ogeah, Prof Obiora Okafor, Augustine Odukoma, S. Iyorter, Prof Clement Dakas, Prof Paul Idornigie, Prof Azinge (SAN) and Jude Anisha.

NIALS begins legislative drafting clinic T HE Nigerian Institute of Ad vanced Legal Studies (NIALS) has launched the Legislative Drafting Clinic.

The Director-General, Prof Epiphany Azinge (SAN), said the clinic will afford interested members of the public and major stakeholders in the area of legislative advocacy a short term introduction to the fundamentals of legislative drafting.

It began on March 22 and will be free.

Speaking at the launch, Azinge said: “Conscious of the role that legislative drafters play in our Constitutional democracy and recognising the critical implication of a poorly drafted enactment, especially as it pertains to judicial interpretation, the institute is obviously disturbed that a significant proportion of the blame apportioned to lawmakers as regards ambiguous provision of the

Stories by Joseph Jibueze

amended Constitution and Electoral Act are strictly speaking mistakes of the drafters, who clearly misrepresented the intention of the lawmakers.”

He added: “In other to obviate this in future enactments and desirous to build capacity in legislative drafting at all levels, the legislative drafting clinic will provide short terms introduction to fundamental of legislative drafting to members of the public. This will be at no cost whatsoever.”

He said the clinic would be open to law students from law faculties on holidays and to students of law school on attachment. “In other words, clinic attachment will become an option for students of law school,” Azinge said.

NIALS proposed to provide intern-

ship faculty for prospective parliamentary counsel and draft persons from any part of Africa as well as impact drafting skills on officers of Non-Governmental Organisation (NGOs) and Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

“The legislative drafting clinic will be an integral part of the institute’s legislative advocacy project and by extension an avenue for building capacity for judicial officers and supporting staff.

“On the platform of the clinic, bills will be formulated and introduced, whilst draft bills will be critically examined and comprehensively reviewed.

“It, therefore, gives me great pleasure to formally announce the take off of NIALS Legislative Drafting Clinic and to present to the Nigerian public the latest publication of the Institute entitled: Fundamentals of Legislative Drafting.”

African Commission, WABA condemn Mali coup

T

HE African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the West African Bar Association (WABA) have called for the restoration of constitutional rule and the unconditional release of government officials who have been arbitrarily detained in Mali.

They condemned the March 22 coup d’état by “renegade soldiers” of the newly formed National Committee for the Return of Democracy and the Restoration of the State (CNRDR).

The Commission urged the African Union (AU) and the international community to support the immediate return of democratic governance in the country.

It said in a statement that it is deeply concerned with the suspen-

sion of the Constitution and all government institutions as well as the arbitrary detention of President Amadou Toumani Toure, and some government officials.

“The African Commission condemns these acts,” the statement said.

It said they violate the right of every citizen to participate freely in the government of his country, either directly or through freely chosen representatives as guaranteed by Article 13 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights; and is also a grave violation of the right of every individual not to be arbitrarily arrested or detained as guaranteed by Article 6 of the African Charter.

WABA, in a statement by its Gen-

eral Secretary, Olawale Fapohunda, deplored the resurgence of the scourge of coups d’état in West Africa.

It urged the Heads-of-State and Government of ECOWAS to reiterate their unflinching commitment to the principles of democracy and the rule of law, and their rejection of unconstitutional accession to or maintenance of power in line with ECOWAS Protocols and relevant AU instruments.

WABA wants them to condemn the coup d’état, suspend the Republic of Mali from all meetings of ECOWAS at Heads-of-State and ministerial levels until constitutional order is restored, and to take immediate steps to restore constitutional order in Mali.

Case closes in telecoms firm’s suit against Airtel

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USTICE Mufutau Olokoba of the Lagos State High Court, Lagos Island, has adjourned the suit by a telecoms firm, Globacell Nigeria Limited against Airtel Nigeria till May 16, this year for adoption of written addresses.

The claimant urged the court to determine whether a subsisting contract between it and Celtel Nigeria Ltd (now Airtel) empowers the GSM service provider to receive payment for recharge cards without supplying them to the claimant.

At the last hearing, Airtel closed its cases after its Area Sales Manager, Aniekan James Ido, testified.

He said he was a dealer supervisor when the transaction took place.

According to him, the GSM company cancelled similar agreements with other dealers, not just Globacel.

He said the claimant’s Managing Director, Mr Mark Davies, was notified of the cancellation by e-mail, a claim Davies denies.

Ido added that he could not remember whether he visited the claimant’s company to resolve the

issues Davies raised.

“The cancellation was done in accordance with due process,” Ido said.

The witness said he had forgotten all that happened in the transaction because it had been a long time.

He said the stock the claimant paid for was not released because he did not make 100 per cent payment upfront, but added that the claimant was later given the stock of recharge cards.

Davies’ lawyer, Mr Sunny Omoragbon, said during cross-examination that if the stock was released to the claimant, the matter would not be in court.

Globacell also wants the court to determine whether the contract it reached with Airtel empowers it to unilaterally cancel the Ongoing Revenue Service Commission (ORSC) agreement between them without recourse to it.

It sought an order compelling Airtel to restore its existing ORSCbacked credit facility worth N3.8million which it alleged the GSM company cancelled illegally.

It also sought an order compelling the defendant to pay it N2.6

million, being daily earnings of N75,000 per day that it makes from sale of recharge cards, from May 27 till June 30, 2008, “and the same amount until judgment is delivered.”

The court is also to order Airtel to pay interest of 25 per cent on the sum until judgment is delivered, and thereafter at the rate of 30 per cent until it is liquidated.

Globacell urged the court to order Airtel to pay it N50million as damages to cover the alleged trauma, embarrassment, loss of income and business opportunities suffered by Davies, “as a result of the unilateral cancellation of the ORSC agreement by the defendant.”

Besides, it wants a declaration that the defendant’s alleged refusal to release the stock of recharge cards it paid for amounts to a wrongful and illegal cancellation of the ORSC-backed credit facility “and therefore constitutes a breach of the agreement between parties.”

But Airtel had denied the claims, saying Globacell is not entitled to them, and prayed the court to dismiss the suit in its entirety or strike it out with substantial cost.

Unconstitutional appropriation

by National Assembly

T

HE Nigerian legislature has had a checkered history. As an institution it was the worst casualty during the several coup d’état that plagued our country. Understandably, the constructive engagement required for law making in a constitutional democracy does not fit into the military fiat. And so when our current democratic enterprise started in 1999, the legislators as well their administrators, had no recent experience to fall on.

But unlike the legislature, the executive and the judiciary arms of government operated during those years of military aberration.

This inexperience, perhaps, explains the storm that greeted the legislative arm as they learned the ropes in 1999. As their leaders rose and fell unabatedly, substantially over lucre, a new political lexicology, ‘the banana peal’ was invented. As the late Senate President Chuba Okadigbo, famously quipped in response to what he considered obtrusive enquiry over the Senators’ common welfare, “I have not come to Abuja to spread poverty”. It is to his credit that he lived well as a Senator, but many believe that his death may have been associated with the desperation among the front contenders for Abuja’s good things of life.

One thing common is that all Senators and Representatives want to live well. And to seek to live well is fair enough. But as our legislature advanced in age since 1999, so have their appetite for the good things of life increased, some will say astronomically. The first scandal was the famous furniture allowance; a euphemism for an insistence to take an unearned sizeable chunk of the proverbial national cake. Then Nigerians protested, and the legislators stonewalled, while executive relished the comparative advantage.

But as the Legislature matured in age, so did their daring capacity. And so they were able to contain the later rambunctious years of President Obasanjo as everybody dealed and wheeled. Now with President Goodluck Ebele ‘Azikiwe’ Jonathan (apologies to Prof Dora Akunyili) permanently grafted on the wings of the Senate President David Mark; in appreciation for his support during the late President Yar’Adua’s crisis days; the national assembly has grown to full maturity within 13 years. Of course the multi personality syndrome associated with this rapid transmutation to maturity has continuously hampered their ability to act maturely. They have become like a child trapped in the gait of an adult.

Managing this young-adult delinquent has become the burden of Nigerians; as members of the national assembly remain unaccountable to the constitution and not beholden to any executive impudence in matters of money? As for the courts, the obsequiousness to the antiquity of unduly restrictive locus standi, is enough reason not to poke nose. So, we now have a Frankenstein monster as a national legislature; ordinarily, men and women of honour, but who upon their admittance into the legislative coven are overtaken by the spirit of pilfering. They cheerfully participate in stealing, and live the illusion that as law makers, all their conducts are lawful.

For the avoidance of doubt, Section 70 of the 1999 constitution as amended unequivocally provides: “a member of the Senate or the House of Representative SHALL receive such salary and OTHER ALLOWANCES as the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) may determine” (emphasis mine).

Also the Third Schedule, Part 1 N, section 32 (d) of the constitution also provides: “the Commission (RMAFC) shall have power to – determine the remuneration appropriate for political office holders, including … LEGISLATORS …” (emphasis mine).

I guess the idea behind Section 70 of the constitution is to re-emphasis for fundamental clarity that the legislators must never hide under their constitutional powers over money bills to gift themselves as much of the commonwealth as they may fancy. Unfortunately, despite the general provisions in the Third schedule Part 1 N, section 32 (d) aforementioned, and the more gregarious provision in section 70 of the constitution, members of our National Assembly have dug in and are appropriating to themselves as much of our common resources as they fancy. Currently, the senators have appropriated to themselves, albeit unconstitutionally, something in the range of N42 million per quarter; while the Representatives are somewhere around N27 million per quarter, as mere ALLOWANCES, different from the legitimate RMAFC’s approved income.

My hope is that Nigerians despite the wily issue of locus standi will approach the courts to determine principally the following question and seek a declaratory order: 1.Whether a member of the Senate or the House of Representatives is entitled to receive such salary and other allowances that has not been determined by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission in accordance with the provisions of section 70 and section 32(d) of Part 1 N of the Third Schedule to the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.

2.A declaration that any salary and/or other allowances that has not been determined by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission in accordance with the provisions of the constitution is unlawful, illegal and a desecration of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.

Of course, the Plaintiff would have to pray for a courageous Judge in the mold of the distinguished Supreme Court Justices of Chukwudifu Oputa or Kayode Esho’s era. I have no doubt that if a Judge will be bold and innovative to grant a litigant, the right of standing to challenge the unconstitutional conduct of the National Assembly, most of them will go bankrupt when asked to refund their loot, since they squander the illicit gains as it comes.

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2012

31

LAW & SOCIETY

Domestic violence and rule of ‘protective’ law The Lagos State protective Law, which came into being in 2007 was the focus of discussion at a seminar organised by the Women Empowerment Legal Aid (WELA) at the Social Justice Centre, GRA, Ikeja where stakeholders brainstormed on how to create awareness of the law and enforce it to stem domestic violence. ADEBISI ONANUGA and JOSEPH JIBUEZE report.

E

VERY day in most homes, do mestic violence is being com mitted with impunity and without the culprits knowing that crime was being committed and the victim not knowing that his or her rights were being trampled upon. The extent to which domestic violence is being perpetrated is not really known.

It is an offence that men and women engage in daily without anybody knowing that a crime was being committed.

Five good years after the Domestic Violence Law was passed, very little or nothing is known about it. Even the custodians of the law, the judicial officials, law enforcement agents, legal practitioners and other social workers, victims and culprits are ignorant of the law.

The Domestic Violence Law was topical at the 2012 seminar of the Women Empowerment and Legal Aid (WELA) held at the Social Justice Centre, Ikeja and organised as part of the activities marking this year‘s International Women‘s Day (IWD) in Lagos.

The seminar was held with the sole intent to bring to the fore what hitherto was unknown and to sensitise the public about the details of the law, how victims can get succour from it and take advantage of the protection the law seeks to provide. The law also sets out punishment for culprits to serve as deterrents against reoccurrence and the roles and duties stipulated for those who are to enforce it.

Domestic violence is often defined in general terms as a violence which happens in the domestic and not public sphere. According to Mrs. Funmi Falana, the chairperson of WELA, domestic violence in most cases is perpetrated against women and children and sometimes men in the hands of their wives but common forms of violence in the home are perpetrated by males who are in positions of trust, intimacy and power over the female partner, like husbands, boyfriends, fathers, father-in-laws and mother-in-laws, step fathers and step mothers, uncles among others.

Mrs Falana observed that violence is not peculiar to any class, race or nationality but that it is a universal problem committed in different degrees. The degree of the occurrence of domestic violence in homes in America may not be the same as that of Nigeria while sociocultural influences also determine the degree of domestic violence inflicted by intimate partners on each other.

Domestic violence is often defined in varied and broad terms depending on the country and calling of the person wanting to enforce the law. What constitutes domestic violence in Nigeria, may vary a little from what it is in other countries such as America and Britain. In Nigeria, Section 18(I – xiv) of the Lagos State Protection Against Domestic Violence Law defines domestic violence to mean, “acts against any person ; physical abuse, sexual abuse, exploitation including but not limited to rape, incest and sexual assault, starvation, emotional, verbal and psychological abuse, economic abuse, denial of basic education, intimidation, harassment stalking, hazardous attack including acid bath with offensive or poisonous substance, damage to property, entry into the complainants residence without consent where the parties do not share the same residence, or any other controlling or abusive behaviour towards a complainant where such conduct harms or may cause imminent harm to the safety, health or well being of the complainant”.

According to the Area Crime Officer, Area M, Idimu, Lagos, CSP Ayilara Olukayode, domestic violence can also be defined in relation

to intimate partners, spouses to mean when one person in a marital or intimate relationship tries to control the other person by use of fear and intimidation or may actually use physical violence. He said victims of domestic violence may be a man, woman or a child, boy or girl.

Olukayode said all forms of domestic violence have one purpose: to gain and maintain control over the victim.

He said domestic violence occurs when the victim is physically, sexually, emotionally, verbally or economically abused. According to him, abusers employ various tactics including, dominance, humiliation, isolation, threats, intimidation denial and blame, to achieve this over their spouse or partner.

On the negative effect of domestic violence, Olukayode said children most often are the most hit in terms of setbacks and the trauma they go through and which are most times irreparable. He acknowledged the fact that a child who is exposed to domestic violence during their upbringing will suffer in terms of developmental and psychological welfare adding that depression and self esteem issues can follow due to traumatic experiences while problems of attitude and cognition in school can start developing , along with a lack of skills such as problem solving.

He cited the case of the Akolade Arowolo who allegedly killed his banker wife, Titilayo, and expressed the fear over the future of the daughter left behind except the family rally round and are up to the task.

The CSP said domestic violence must be recognised as a criminal issue and must be treated and regarded accordingly in all existing legal frame work and international treaties that deals with violence, especially on women and children who are often at the receiving end.

Olukayode advised victims of domestic violence against keeping quiet but to report such incidences to the law enforcement agencies and they should take advantage of the law in Lagos State to get justice. He said the law has provided that (i)Where a complainant of domestic violence is made to any member of the Police, he or she is duty bound to render necessary assistance to the complainant.

A combined effect of sections 3 and 4 of the Lagos State Protection Against Domestic Violence Law 2007 empowers such personnel to arrest the respondent or perpetrator without warrant.

Human right lawyer, Mr. Bamidele Aturu, in his contribution, said it was not enough for the Lagos State government to put in place a law on domestic violence but that it must also ensure an enabling environment for the enforcement of the law. Aturu said there was a need, more than ever before, for the government to create awareness of the law on domestic violence for the public. He also said lawyers need to get a copy of the law and digest it so that they would be able to know how to apply it in ensuring justice for victims.

“Some of the lacunas we find in the magistrate courts cases have been dealt with in the domestic violence law. Most of the things you bring up under matrimony cases have also been dealt with by the law. In using the law, lawyers must know how it can be used to approach the court and get justice for victims” he said just as he advised the police against abuse when implementing the law.

Another human rights lawyer, Mrs Biola Akiyode Afolabi, observed that domestic violence has gotten to a stage where people should come out and start seeking redress under the law adding that it is because the victims have not been doing anything about it that the dastardly act has continued with impunity. Afolabi

• Mrs Falana

• Mrs Akiyode

• Olukayode

she was not aware of the existence of the law which came into being five years ago.

The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Adejoke OrelopeAdefulure, who was represented by a Permananet Secretrary in the Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs. Risikat Akiyode, said the need to enforce the law against domestic violence stemmed from the devastating and multi-dimensional effects of the crime against womenfolk and for the fact that a large number of women are still experiencing the problem.

Orelope-Adefulure quoted statistics which stated that an estimated 1,3 million women are victims of physical assault by an intimate partner each year worldwide and that 85 per cent of domestic violence victims are women among others.

She said it has also been established that physical and psychological violence against women result in physical injury, depression, low self esteem, trauma, stress and other health related problems and sometimes death. She pointed out that when this happens, it is not just the victims that suffer but that children

also get hurt when they see their mother being maltreated, yelled at, pushed or hit. She stated that such children experience confusion, stress, fear and shame and some of them may likely grow up learning that it is a normal way of life to hurt other people or let other people hurt them.

To demonstrate its commitment to fighting domestic violence , she said government, in addition to the Lagos State Protection Against Domestic Violence Law 2007, took some bold steps on issues of domestic violence and listed them to include the passing of the Child Rights Law and inauguration of the committee on Child Rights and Protection and re-launch an aggressive campaign against child abuse and violence.

Government, she also said, established a 176 bed home and shelter for victims of domestic violence and human trafficking at Ayobo-Ipaja.

The home she said, has provisions for protection, counselling, medical care and vocational training unit that will help to economically empower victims and make them self reliant.

• Falana (left) and Dr A. Oyekan

believed that domestic violence is a criminal matter that should not be accepted by victims as a cultural phenomenon or as a way of life. Rather, she argued that it should be viewed as a human right issue which touches on the right to liberty, freedom of expression, freedom of movement among other rights. She observed that the new law on domestic violence failed to make it a criminal offence but a civil offence. She said it would only become a criminal matter when an abuser or a culprit disobeys court orders as listed in the law. She believes, however, that the law is just evolving now but would get to a level that it would be reviewed to accommodate new developments.

Magistrate E.B. Daudu of Sururlere magistrate court also noted that most victims of domestic violence still see it as a cultural taboo and most times would not prosecute the matter to logical conclusions. She also suggested that magistrates court judges be educated on the new law so they would be able to dispense justice better on such issues. She recalled that the first time she handled similar case,

Merchant Navy appeals judgment

T

HE Nigerian Merchant Navy Corps has appealed a judgment by a Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, which on February 2, this year held that the organisation was an illegal entity.

Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo had held that the Merchant Navy was not recognised by any law, adding that its activities constitute a threat to national security.

The suit was filed by 96 members of the corps led by Commodore Allen Edema, against the InspectorGeneral of Police and one Mrs Yemisi Kefas of the Office to the

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

The judge thus dismissed the suit, which sought to challenge their alleged eviction from their office at No. 6 Force Road,Onikan, Lagos by the police and Kefas.

However, their counsel, Mr Spencer Ohwofa, said the organisation has filed an appeal against the judgment at the Court of Appeal, Lagos.

Ohwofa said he was relying on three grounds of appeal against Taiwo’s judgment.

He said: “The learned trial judge erred in law when she relied on

paragraphs 5 to 45 of the 2nd and fourth Respondents counter affidavit dated Sept. 14, 2011 which offends Section 115 (2) (3) (4) of the Evidence Act 2011”.

According to him, she also misdirected herself when she held that the true identity of the applicants in the suit has not been established and consequently dismissed the application.

He said the judgment was against the weight of evidence, and, therefore, asked the appeal court to set it aside and grant the appellants application.

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2012

32

LAW & SOCIETY YOUNG LAWYERS’ FORUM 2012 ANNUAL SUMMIT AT THE FCT HIGH COURT IN ABUJA

•Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President Joseph Daudu (SAN) and Justice of Borno State High Court, M. Mustapha.

•NBA National Secretary, Oluwamuyiwa Akinboro and National Patron, Young Lawyers Forum, Okay Wali (SAN).

•Modli Grema and Bashir Shuaibu.

•From left: Yusuf Ali (SAN) and a Patron Young Lawyers Forum, Deacon Dele Adesina (SAN).

•From left: Boma Peterside and Bisi Olabanji .

•From left: Secretary Young Lawyers Forum, Paul Daudu; Chairman, Suleja Branch, Okhaigbe Eddy and National Publicity Secretary, Monday Adjeh.

•National Financial Secretary, B. S. Kokpan and the Walfare Secretary M. E. Salihu.

•Ferdinand Ezeokafor and Precious Ifeoma Offor.

•From left: Onyinyechi Dressman, Edurance Dan-Jumbo and Rosemary Olowu.

•Godfrey Nya Eneye and Modu Ali Indimi.

PHOTOS: AKINOLA OLADOKUN

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2012

33

LAW & SOCIETY PARTY ORGANISED FOR NNENDA OKOCHA AT CHOPSTICK RESTAURANT, ABUJA AFTER HER CALL TO THE NIGERIAN BAR

•M.U. Ibrahim (Jam Jam) and former president of NBA, OCJ Okocha (SAN)

•Chief Sena Anthony and Mrs Ifeoma OCJ Okocha

•From left: Minister of State for Education, Nyesom Wike, Nnenda Okocha and former general secretary, NBA, Ibrahim Eddy Mark

•Terence S.A. Modebe and Tracey Dede

•Mrs O. Aguma (left) and Mrs Sa’adat Ibrahim Mark

•Henry Offor and his wife Ugochi

• Mr Tim Ajala and his wife Angela

• From left: Chiamaka Iheanachor, Ivy Achinivu and Ifeoma Madueke

•Orowhuo Okocha and Chidimma Ndukwe.

•From left: Segi Akin-Taylor, Nnenda Okocha and Florence Abebe.

PHOTOS: JOHN AUSTIN UNACHUKWU

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2012

34

LEGAL OPINION

Why Supreme Court should overrule self on 180, 60 days

F

OLLOWING several recent judgments of the highly respected Supreme Court of Nigeria on the sanctity and inflexibility of the provisions of Section 285(6) and (7) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, many Election Tribunals sitting on retrial of election petitions hurriedly struck out (indeed are striking out) those petitions, even where it was the Supreme Court that gave such retrial orders.

The first worrisome development here is that the orders of the Supreme Court that such matters be re-heard on their merits have been rendered null and void by those tribunals. The pertinent question is: are the tribunals to blame for these developments or the Supreme Court itself?

The second question is: has the Supreme Court, by earlier ordering for re-hearing on the merits of the affected petitions not totally overruled itself by insisting in subsequent decisions that retrial tribunals have no jurisdiction to entertain those petitions again because of Section 285(6) – which stipulates the 180 days’ limitation period?

With due respect, the Supreme Court has been unduly tenacious and compact on this issue in its later decisions. The apex court, as the conscience of the nation, ought, with utmost respect, to have been proactive and, therefore, have strengthened the pillars of democracy in Nigeria by qualifying the applicability of Section 285(6) and (7) of the Constitution. By failing to do so, the Supreme Court has, with respect, willingly surrendered its supervisory powers to the whims and caprice of election tribunals and the Court of Appeal. That is defeatist of the doctrine of hierarchy of courts established by the constitution itself, which hierarchy has positioned the Supreme Court as the barking and biting watchdog of all.

The truism now is that election tribunals and the Court of Appeal sitting on appeals have indirectly been given a carte blanche or avante garde to deal with election petitions any how they deem fit, without recourse to, or respect for, judicial precedents laid down even by the Supreme Court itself! It is now possible for an election tribunal sitting, for instance over the Governorship Election dispute in State A to extend its jurisdiction to State B and order the removal of the Governor of State B in so far as it does so after 180 days!

Over the years, at least in years within living memory, the Supreme Court of Nigeria has, in spite of extant stultifying constitutional cum statutory limitations, used its extraordinary supervisory and whipping jurisdiction admirably to unlock national gridlocks, thereby strengthening our faltering democracy. A few examples here will suffice.

Before 2007, the only known judicial authority on impeachment of elected officials was Abaribe vs. The Speaker, Abia State House of Assembly (2000) FWLR (Pt. 9) 1558, wherein the Court of Appeal strictly applied the ouster clause in Section 188(10) of the 1999 Constitution, by holding that no matter how wrong any impeachment process was, the ouster clause in that subsection completely barred courts of law from prying into such unlawful impeachments. The full court of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, correctly gauging the mood of the nation, which was against allowing the country to slide into the arms of centrifugal dictator, for the first time, in Inakoju vs. Adeleke (2007) All FWLR (Pt. 353) 3, ruled proactively that an unconstitutional impeachment process would be voided in spite of the thickly-worded ouster clause in Section 188(10) of the Constitution. Notable pronouncements of some of the Justices will be quoted here. Tobi, J.S.C., who delivered the lead judgment, held on pages 93-94 thus: “Ouster clauses are generally regarded as antithesis to democracy as the judicial system regards them as unusual and unfriendly. When ouster clauses are provided in statutes, the courts invoke section 6 as

• Hon

By Sebastine Hon (SAN)

barometer to police their constitutionality or constitutionalism.”

His Lordship then analysed the facts of the case and concluded on page 123 thus: “The legislature is the custodian of a country’s Constitution the same way that the executive is the custodian of the policy of government and its execution, and also in the same way that the judiciary is the custodian of the construction or interpretation of the Constitution. One major role of a custodian is to keep under lock and key the property under him so that it is not desecrated or abused.… And so, when the legislature, the custodian is responsible for the desecration and abuse of the provisions of the constitution in terms of patent violation and breach, society and its people are not totally helpless as the Judiciary, in the performance of its judicial functions under Section 6 of the Constitution, is alive to check acts of violation, breach of indiscretions on the part of the legislature. That is what I have done in this judgment.”

If the Legislature, which is not as ‘learned’ as the Judiciary was, so censured by the Supreme Court, in spite the ouster clause in section 188(10) of the Constitution, one wonders why the restrictive provisions in Section 285(6), (7) and (8) of the Constitution would be applied very conservatively by the Supreme Court, thereby letting loose willing election tribunals to perpetuate injustice against the masses of Nigerians who may not have voted in the beneficiaries of this strict judicial interpretation.

It is yet important to read views of other Justices on that panel on why the ouster clause in Section 188(10) was rendered inoperative in this case. His Lordship, Kutigi, J.S.C. (as he then was), held on page 134 tersely thus: “And a proper reading of the whole section will reveal that the ouster clause in subsection (10) can only be properly resorted to and invoked after due compliance with subsections (1)-(9) that preceded it…. Failure to comply with any of the provisions of subsections (1)-(9) will mean that the ouster clause of subsection (10) cannot be invoked in favour of the House of Assembly.”

Musdapher, J.S.C., as he then was, who also concurred, held more forcefully on page 145 thus: Section 188(10) of the Constitution cannot apply to oust the jurisdiction of the courts in a situation in which the Assembly acted in breach of fundamental provisions… of the Constitution. Where there is any breach of such provisions, the courts will have the jurisdiction to intervene. Section 188(10) does not empower the Assembly to do what it likes regardless of other provisions of the Constitution.

What a pronouncement! This dynamism, it is respectfully submitted, ought to have been brought to bear on the various decisions touching on Section 285(6) and (7) of the Constitution in the current political dispensation.

• To be continued

• Hon (SAN) is an Abuja-based lawyer and author.

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2012

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THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2012

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THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2012

MARITIME

Why Nigeria’s rice import bill is high

U

NLESS the Federal Government stops import waivers/subsidies and reviews its bilateral trade agreements with India and Thailand, the country would continue to spend trillions importing rice, fish, wheat and sugar yearly, experts have warned.

Last year, the country imported wheat worth N635 billion, spent N356 billion on rice, N217 billion on sugar and N97 billion on fish.

A senior Customs officer, who craved anonymity, told The Nation last Friday, that the waivers given to importers contribute to the huge rice/ wheat imports bill and reduce revenues that would have accrued to the government.

Nigeria spends over N1 billion (over $6 million) on rice imports daily, making it of the largest importers of the commodity in the world.

The Customs chief said the laudable intention of President Goodluck Jonathan to stop the importation of some staple foods, such as rice, sugar, wheat and other items by 2015, may be unrealistic unless the President is ready to cut the excesses of government officials and politicians on the granting of waivers.

Jonathan had promised to stop rice importation at an interactive session with the business community in Lagos before his inauguration.

“By the end of four years, I believe that Nigeria has no business importing rice. Nobody will come to me with a brief case and say to me he wants to import fertiliser. We

Customs seizes 22 containers at Lagos port

By Oluwakemi Dauda

•Managing Director, NPA Omar Suleiman Stories by Oluwakemi Dauda, Maritime Correspondent

have vast land, and yet, we import all these essential goods,” the President said.

The country, the officer said, is regarded as the largest producer of rice in West Africa, but relies on importation because of its bilateral trade agreements with the Peoples Republic of Thailand and India. ‘‘Thailand imports oil and gas from Nigeria. The total trade volume between the two countries is over $800 million. That is one of the reasons the Federal Government cannot stop importing rice from Thailand,” the officer said.

A terminal operator, who did not want his name in print, said despite its huge population (Nigeria is about twice Thailand), its rice import bill is huge.

“Between November 2011

• Bags rice

and mid-January, this year, N49 billion worth of rice was delivered at the Lagos Port.

Over 83,600 metric tonnes or 1.67 million bags of rice, worth about N13.7 billion, arrived at the port in November last year, ahead of Eid-el Kabir celebration.

“We also received vessels carrying about 174,749 metric tonnes or 3,494,980 bags of rice, worth about N28.7 billion, which berthed at the ENL Terminal of the Apapa Port, Lagos, in December, last year.

Since the beginning of the year, so many vessels carrying rice have berthed in Lagos and other parts of the country. The value of the rice is over N100 billion,’’ he said.

But Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Managing Director Mr Omar Suleiman allayed the fears over the high bill of rice import.

He assured that since President Jonathan chairs the National Economic Team, a think-tank of eggheads from

the public and private sectors, subsidies and waivers, which Nigerians believe is detrimental to the economy, would be discouraged by the Federal Government.

“Let me assure you and the rest of our country men and women that President Jonathan is determined to discourage the importation of goods being locally produced or capable of being locally produced in the country and rice is one of them,” he said.

An economist, Mr Frances Adegboyega, wondered why the country is spending a huge amount of money on rice that it can produce.

He said the problem was as a result of lack of research and development, irrigation systems, disease and pests control, soil fertility management, effective farm implements, access to institutional and infrastructure support, credit facilities, unorganised delivery of input and sales and distribution channels.

NO fewer than 22 containers have been seized by the Nigeria Customs Service, Tincan Island Port, in the last two months.

According to sources, the items in the containers include furniture, new fridges, electronics parts, ladies hand bags and shoes and soaps.

The duty paid on 11 of them is about N43 million. But that of the others, which are still being detained, are yet to be determined by Customs.

When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the command, Mr Chris Osunkwo, who spoke on behalf of his Area Comptroller, Nuhu Isa Mamud, said the importers of the seized containers intended to cut corners. They tried to deceive Customs with wrong information on their Risk Assessment Report (RAR),he said.

Osunkwo reiterated the Customs’ commitment to ensuring that imported cargoes are appropriately inspected to generate the expected revenue.

On the strategies adopted to ensure that the Customs are not compromised in cargo inspection, he said the command has officers and men who can be trusted.

The service, he said, has also improved the welfare of officers with mouth-watering incentives, coupled with the acquisition of working tools for the discharge of their responsibilities efficiently and effectively.

He advised importers and clearing agents to properly declare their goods, warning them to stop illegal importation because they would be arrested and handed over to relevant authority.

Osunkwo said the shipments was tracked with the new methods adopted by the Customs.

Naval chief visits NPA THE Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Mr Omar Suleiman, has called for renewed synergy between the authority and the Nigerian Navy on security, particularly the detention of merchants vessels.

He spoke in Lagos when he received the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) the West Naval Command, Rear Admiral Aminu Ikioda. He said the renewed collaboration, especially on the detention of merchant vessels, has become necessary in view of the negative impact such detention has on international trade and the nation’s desire to be a hub in the sub-region.

He noted that the demurrage incurred as a result of such detentions are usually passed on to consumers.

Ikioda told the Naval chief of the efforts of the authority on channels expansion and the provision of mooring buoys.

He said the authority has achieved substantial progress on the expansion of its channels to enable it to accommodate bigger vessels to ensure navigational efficiency, adding that the organisation was installing mooring buoys along its channels for improved pilotage.

New Police Commissioner for ports

By Uyoatta Eshiet

•Area Comptroller, Tin-Can Port, Lagos, Nuhu Isa Mamud, displaying one of the military uniform seized by the command last PHOTO: OLUWAKEMI DAUDA week.

NIMASA seeks support for Piracy Bill

•Mr Akpobolokemi

T

HE Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has presented the Draft Piracy and other Unlawful Acts at Sea Bill to industry stakeholders in Lagos.

The draft bill, which relies on the various treaties of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) ratified

by Nigeria, is expected to provide a regulatory framework for defining piracy and criminality at sea, prosecuting and punishing criminals.

At the event, NIMASA Director-General Mr Ziakede Akpobolokemi, underscored the negative impact of piracy, saying that about $3 billion is lost yearly to sea robbery globally and that Nigeria is a major contributor.

The NIMASA boss, who was represented by the Executive Director, Cabotage Service and Labour, Mr Ibrahim Zilani, said: “In a bid to develop a robust legal framework for fighting these

incidences on sea, an international conference on piracy was organised by NIMASA in collaboration with the Nigeria Navy.

“One of the resolutions at that conference was to strengthen existing legal framework. This bill is drawn not only from conventions of the IMO that Nigeria is a signatory to, but also provisions of other protocols yet to be conceded to, but important for curbing unlawful acts at sea.”

The Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar, stated that insurance costs for importing goods had increased owing to Nigeria’s classification as a high risk area. He, however, added that he was optimistic that the recent at-

tention accorded the menace by the international community and laws like the one being presented, would surely drive the menace down tremendously.

The legal consultant to NIMASA on the bill , Mike Igbokwe (SAN), explained that at the moment there are no laws for successful prosecution of piracy incidences in the country.

Chairman of the bill presentation forum, Hon. Justice Emmanuel Sanyaolu, while quoting some media reports, hinted that trawler operators had been forced out of businesses because of the attacks by some sea robbers, and that these have led to increase on the cost of fish and sea foods in the country.

A new commissioner of Police, Mr Adeyinka Kolawole Sodipo, has resumed at the Ports Authority Police Command. According to a statement from the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), signed by the General Manager, Public Affairs, Chief Michael Ajayi, Sodipo was the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Zonal CID Zone 2, Lagos. He replaced Mr Charles Abutu, who has retired.

Born in Lagos on May 24, 1957, Sodipo enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police in December 1984.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Lagos.

He had served in many capacities at the Mobile Unit, as Divisional Police Officer, Force CID in Alagbon, Lagos and Abuja, Criminal Intelligence Bureau, Force CID, Abuja. Other areas in which Sodipo has served were Force Armament Officer, Area Commander and Assistant Commissioner of Police Administration, Lagos State Police Command.

Importance of bonded terminals THE Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Omar Suleiman, has said bonded terminals are crucial to the nation and that NPA would continue to encourage their growth.

Suleiman spoke when the Senate Committee on Privatisation, the leadership of the Association of Indigenous Bonded Terminal Operators of Nigeria and the Port Terminal Operators held a meeting in his office.

He said in some developed economies, containers are administered outside the port through bonded terminals.

Chairman of the committee Olugbenga Obadara said they were st the NPA to find a lasting solution to the complaints of terminal owners, noting that they had invested heavily in the off-dock business and their complaints could not be wished away.

Obadara enjoined stakeholders to collaborate and ensure smooth port operations. He said a committee that would harmonise the various views and complaints from bonded terminal operators would soon be set up.

38

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2012

MARITIME

Furore over duty benchmarks T

by Customs HE planned introduction of duty bench marks by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is generating furore among importers and other stakeholders in the industry.

Under the planned duty benchmarks regime, importers are to pay uniform duty on certain goods, regardless of the quantity declared.

At a town hall meeting with the management of NCS, chaired by the Comptroller-General, Dikko Abdullahi Inde, importers accused the Customs of planning to introduce the benchmark to meet the N1 trillion target set by the Federal Government.

Describing the planned action as undemocratic, the importers said if the policy is implemented, it would further increase the cost of doing business at the ports.

Noting that the Custom’s main objective is to facilitate

Stories by Taiwo Disu

trade, they lamented that the NCS had abandoned this in pursuit of revenue generation.

However, in his reaction, the Deputy ComptrollerGeneral, Trade and Tariff, Julius Nwangu, explained that the service does not set target for itself, but by the government, adding that other government agencies are also given targets to generate revenue.

Meanwhile, importers have tasked the Nigerian Shippers Council and other stakeholders to come up with ways of ensuring that Nigerians pay less demurrage at the sea ports.

The importers accused concessionaries of hiking

charges at will and introducing all sorts of bottlenecks to ensure containers spend more time at their terminals, thus leading to payment of demurrage.

They noted that the Shippers Council has a very important role to play in the sector, by amicably resolving critical issues among parties. They, however, noted that funding remains a major challenge facing the Council.

They said the effect of demurrage can be seen in form of high prices of goods in the market. It has a spiral effect on the common man, who bears the brunt of various charges.

They said under concessioning, the Federal Government was expecting

a reduction in port charges by 30 per cent, thereby saving port users about $100 million per annum, going by the proposal submitted by the concessionaires.

“But looking at the cost element under Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) before the port concession and comparing it to what is obtained from the terminal operator, one will discover that what is charged by the terminal operator is higher than any port in the West African ports. Most of the ports in the sub-region charge cheaper tariff to attract more traffic,” one of the importers said.

The Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Mr Wale Adeniyi, said the meeting was held to close ranks with the importers to inform them about the operations of the service and let them know the importance of collaborating with the Customs.

‘Review Cabotage Act’

By Uyoatta Eshiet

PRESIDENT, National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents, Mr Lucky Eyis Amiwero, has faulted the Coastal and Inland Shipping (Cabotage) Act, calling on President Goodluck Jonathan to review it.

The Act, he said, is meant, among other things, to generate employment and grow the economy, but regretted that 10 years after its promulgation, its objectives are yet to be realised due to the misapplication of its waiver clause. The Act states in Section 14 Sub-Section Two that the waiver clause may be reviewed after five years, but this has not been done, he said.

“The main objective of the Act is to protect the Nigerian Domestic shipping market and jobs associated with Nigerian shipping, from low cost foreign competitors to indigenise or reserve the economic activities within Nigeria’s coastal and Inland waters for Nigerians, which has not been realised 10 years down the line,” he said.

He said the Maritime Cabotage Task Force (MCTF) should be included in the Cabotage regime to guide against the unending waiver clause that reduces the participation of indigenous operator in our coastal trade.

IMO urges Nigeria on manpower

By Taiwo Disu

THE Secretary-General, International Maritime Organisation (IMO), Mr Koji Sekimizu, has said the country can carve a niche for herself by producing adequate seafarers.

Sekimizu, who was represented by William Azuh, Head, Africa (Anglophone) Section Technical Co-operation Division of IMO, made the call at the just-concluded Nigeria Maritime Expo (NIMAREX).

He noted that other countries that supply seafarers have smaller population.

He said the development of human capacity is where Nigeria has the most competitive advantage, and urged Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to develop an online portal for the verification of seafarers certificates to ascertain authenticity, noting that this would help to confer creditability on the holders of such certificates.

Sekimizu, who delivered a paper on The role of the IMO in international shipping, observed that the country does not have the development plan, warning that the situation could spell doom for the country.

He called on the government to exercise the political will to implement relevant legislations in the nations’shipping sector to move to forward.

Council advised against registering corporate bodies

• Customs Area Comptroller, Western Marine Command, Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) Comptroller Makus Filibus and his men destroying 436 smuggled tyres seized by the Command.

Experts seek improved infrastructure

N

IGERIA can serve as a hub for seaports in Africa, experts have said. They warned that such opportunity may slip away if infrastructure decay and legal inadequacies are not addresed.

Participants, who spoke at the Nigeria Maritime Expo (NIMAREX 2012), in Lagos, noted that just as the growth in the energy sector was being affected by the delay in the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), the port system is similarly in chains owing to the neglect of the Ports and Habour Bill.

In a paper: Development of the hub port concept for the African Atlantic coast: Nigeria as a focal point, Managing Director of the Lagos Deep Offshore Logistics base (LADOL), Dr. Amy Jadesimi, warned that the time had come for a realistic approach to the situation in the nation’s interest.

According to her, the issue of a hub status for the African states has become a “sink or swim” paradox for now, adding that “Nigeria has no choice” than to act fast in the face of challenges posed by South Africa, Ivory

Coast and Ghana.

She noted that in view of the advantages enjoyed by the country such as the control of over 25 per cent of the African population, a 25 percent market share of the ECOWAS ports activities as well as being the second highest host of the container traffic in the sub-region, the country is no doubt a natural hub station.

The LADOL boss noted that the need to create a general maritime plus oil and gas integrated hub port for the sub-region is further boosted by the realisation that 26 major ports in West Africa handled a total of 250 million tons of cargoes in 2000, out of which 66 per cent were oil exports.

“Deep offshore market is a time limited opportunity for Nigeria to overcome the natural resource course.

Over 100 billion USD will be spent on deep offshore projects in West Africa.

“Nigeria risks losing out to its near and far neighbours, and become increasingly served by transshipmen just as well developed ports will receive the larger ships (while) others will be served

in transshipment in feeder vessels,” she said.

Jadesimi, however, pointed out that despite these arrays of endowments, the country is, nonetheless, faced with strong competitors, who may grab the opportunity to shine, should Nigeria slack in taking her rightful position in the sector.

To attain the status and keep it, she said Nigeria must take steps to surmount “well known national challenges” such as “absence of deep water container transshipment terminals, lack of adequate berthing capacity, as well as lack of an integrated land distribution system, particularly for transit traffic”.

Other challenges, which must be surmounted, according to her, included the lack of essential supporting infrastructure, such as rail system, congested road network, bureaucratic bottlenecks and high maritime and freight charges.

Managing Director, NPA, Omar Suleiman, noted that if the country fails to take the bull by the horn, other countries with far less advantages will rule the

waves to the its detriment.”With a population of just three million, Togo is trying to establish a deep seaport. If they bring in a 10,000 TEU vessel, where is the content going, if not Nigeria?” he asked.

The NPA boss, who raised the hope that deep seaports will soon emerge with developments at Akwa Ibom, Olokola and Lekki, however, lauded the establishment of LADOL base in Lagos, saying, “with indigenous organisations, such as this springing up in Nigeria, I can say that all hope is not lost”.

Chairman of the Ports Consultative Council (PCC), Otunba Kunle Folarin, warned that for the hub station to be a reality, all hands must be on deck to improve services such as ships turnaround, ports and cargo security and a codified tariff structure.

He called for more investors to take a leap from the LADOL initiative by establishing facilities, which would promote local content and development in line with the government’s aspiration.

THE Nigerian Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) legal adviser, Okudeli Alamu, has said corporate bodies should not be registered as members of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarders of Nigeria (CRFFN).

Addressing the Registrar of the Council, Sir Mark Jukwe, during CRFFN officials visit to the headquarters of NAGAFF, he said the council cannot use academic qualification as a prerequisite for registration as stipulated by the CRFFN Act. He said: ‘’I have never seen anywhere in the world where this is done. As a matter of fact, academic certificates are not awarded to companies or corporate bodies.”

He suggested that rather than being registered, freight forwarding firms should be subjected to accreditation.

But Jukwe said as long as the company or person is qualified, then it would be registered. He called on those engaged in the practice of freight forwarding to register before the council’s register is gazette.

Safmarine gets new vessel A SHIPPING line Safmarine has announced the delivery of the 4500-TEU Safmarine Chilka, the first of three new Safmarine-branded WAFMAX containerships to join the AP Moller-Maersk fleet this year.

The vessel is purpose-built for trade in Africa and has been deployed on the Far East-Africa trade route.

The Safmarine Chilka, which has a crew of nine – is also the first of container vessels from Hyundai Heavy Industries to be fitted with super long-stroke main engines and a waste heat recovery system to reduce emissions and save fuel.

According to Grant Daly, Safmarine Chief Executive Officer, 23 new Safmarine-branded vessels have joined the AP Moller-Maersk fleet since 2004, which he said, represents a significant investment in the Safmarine brand.

“Not only are these vessels an example of the AP MollerMaersk Group’s commitment to growing and strengthening the Safmarine brand and our trade with Africa, they are also among the most modern in the industry today, thanks to new technology which is far kinder to the environment.”

The new ship has a white hull, a distinctive feature of all Safmarine containerships.

“Using environmentally-friendlypaints on our ships, white is not only a characteristic of all Safmarine container vessels, but it also benefits energy conservation as it lowers the ambient temperature in the holds where reefer boxes are carried – and this means less energy is needed for cooling and less electricity consumed,” Daly said.

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2012

39

PROPERTY/ENVIRONMENT

Jonathan charges surveyors on land administration, infrastructure, others

P

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has urged estate surveyors & valuers to partner his administration in its transformation agenda on land policy and administration, as well as infrastructure development. He spoke at the 42nd Annual Conference of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors & Valuers(NIESV) in Abuja at the weekend.

He said the problem of land had continued to pose a stumbling block to poverty eradication policy and programmes. He advised the institution to continue to play a more formidable role for the enthronement of a regime of workable and dynamic land administration system to give opportunity for Nigerians to own individual plots. The President decried the low level of housing provision which stood at 16 million units coupled with poor attainment of the Millennium Development Goal (MDG).

In infrastructure provision he said: “ Sustainable growth and development is impossible in the absence of infrastructural development, with your relevant and crucial expertise in land acquisition and compensation valuation, project management and other advisory services, much is expected from your institution in the transformation of the infrastructure sector as being championed by my administration.”

He called their attention to the dismal performance and contribution of the real estate sector to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which is less than five per cent falling far too short of not only the sector’s potential but is also insignificant compared with what obtains in some developing economies where the sector contributes between 12 and 30 per cent. The President, who was represented by the Minister of Works, Mr Mike

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie Asst. Editor

Onolememen, regretted the proportion of Direct Foreign Investment (DFI) that can be attributed to the built environment sector is negligible. He challenged them to utilise their expertise and international network to attract more investments and participation through DFI window taking advantage of the country’s huge endowment in land resources. However, he implored them not to be contented with fat professional fees and high agency fees but to contribute meaningfully to closing the housing and infrastructure gap. In his remarks, House of Representative Speaker, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, said Nigeria’s hope in transforming the cheerless field of the housing sector including the perennial problems that has made the building environment such a sorry pass is hinged on the professional competence of the estate surveyors & valuers.

He said: “The outlook for the real estate sector is as gloomy as can be.

There is no doubt that many of you are first rate professionals, able to hold your own as individuals but the tragedy is that your country has not felt the impact of your professionalism and wealth of experience.

There can only be two reasons for this. Either you have allowed quacks to take over the real estate industry, or you have deliberately abdicated responsibility and neglected the core areas of your profession for pecuniary gains. What-

•From left: Bode Adediji, Victor Alonge, Ajele Alufohai and Joe Idudu at the event

ever the cause, the consequences have been dire. Our property market has been devalued, and become a high risk, overly expensive venture.”

He said property market is not just extremely noisy but dangerous.

Noting that almost every other day we read of one building collapse or the other with hundreds of people killed. The Speaker frowned at the buck passing in this matter and asked for originality and focus on the more relevant issues that will impact positively on the overall environment of the sector.

Specifically, he challenged the surveyors to put their energies on issues like environmental degradation, impact assessment, more rigorous investigation of actual materials used in particular buildings, publishing materials on standards acceptable for particular types in particular states. Others he mentioned are reporting badly built houses, roads and bridges to the appropriate authorities, becoming more involved in owning and running real estates, helping the national Assembly to formulate new policies on property, building mem-

bers’ capacity, asset valuation, and conforming to international best practices.

He called for a blue print that can draw on the synergy between the government and the private sector to transform the building environment.

Tambuwal urged them to speed up the institution’s learning centre to use it to educate the people on the issues bordering on collapsed building. He praised some members of the public who are owners and occupiers of public buildings who have taken it up to insure themselves against losses to third parties in line with section 65 of the Insurance Act, 2003.

Earlier, in his remarks, the out-going President of the institution, Mr Bode Adediji said the theme of the conference “Transformation of Nigeria through the Built-Environment –the Estate Surveyors & Valuers Perspective” is their own way of contributing to the on-gong battle( through debate, policy and action programme) to rescue the nation from the jugular of contemporary national crisis which genesis can be traced to the menace of acute under-development despite the

‘The outlook for the real estate sector is as gloomy as can be. There is no doubt that many of you are first rate professionals, able to hold your own as individuals but the tragedy is that your country has not felt the impact of your professionalism and wealth of experience’

nation’s humongous endowment in human and natural resources. While aligning the institution’s vision with President Jonathan’s transformation agenda. He, however, contended that it can only be achieved if the potentials and resources available within the built environment is given the prominence of place, galvanised, developed, deployed and exploited. He advised the government to move away from the mono-product economy and move to genuine diversification into the real estate sector. This, he said, is a sure way to check youth restiveness, poverty and security issues.

He flayed the government for neglecting the estate surveyors’ professional competence and attributed it to the comatose status and prostrate condition of not only the builtenvironment but also the economy.

Adediji regretted that as important as the and Reform Policy is to national development which is in the core of their professional purview, no administration has paid adequate attention to the relevant enactments and implementation to ensure access to land is liberal, non-elitist and professionally managed.

He said: “For the transformation agenda to succeed, we must genuinely and sustainably migrate from the present oil-based monoeconomy syndrome into strategic diversification, which arrow head must of necessity include the builtenvironment’s abundant potentials.”

Architects, others endorse German decorative railings

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IGERIANS desirous of functional and quality homes have welcomed the introduction and launch of Q-railing into the market by its German manufacturers and Nigerian partners.

At the launch last week at Southern Sun Hotel, Ikoyi, President, Association of Consulting Architects in Nigeria (ACAN), Mr Fred Coker, said the importation of such quality products made from steel may continue for some time until the government invests and turns around the steel sector.

Coker praised the quality of the product, reiterating that as designers and specifiers in the built-industry the products will be highly recommended to their clients. Underscoring the gap that exist in terms local technical know how, he praised the Nigerian firm for bringing its German partners who are billed to train local artisans on the installation and fixing of the various products. This is a plus, not only to our economy, but also to the development of the local manpower.

The ACAN president urged them to ensure compliance to manufacturing standard and application.

•Urge govt to revive steel industry

•From left: Babington, Coker and Uitert at the launch

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie Asst. Editor

He called on the government to as a matter national emergency review the size of the ex-

isting steel plants into a smaller proportion for effective management, noting that involvement of private participation in the steel industry is capable of facilitating the desired

results.

Besides, Coker also urged the management of Q-railing , especially its German counterpart to look into the possibility of establishing a plant in Nigeria,

apart from the on-going assembly plants on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

Responding, the Sales and Marketing Director, Q-railing, Messrs Andre Van Uitert, said the company is looking in that direction, noting that Nigeria is a huge market with a crave for quality products.

Uitert also said the firm has looked into the peculiar terrain of Nigeria, especially the coastal areas such as Lagos, Calabar, Port-Harcourt and other places like that to ensure that it will continue to develop products that are environmentally friendly and less prone to corrosion.

In his remark, the CEO Q-railing Nigeria, Mr Gbenga Babington, assured professionals who attended the launching of the products that include architects, builders and engineers, of not only quality products, but also a competitive price, timeliness in product supply and skilled technicians who will give them the best of service. He also said his firms’ main objective is not to allow traders take the position of specialists, by ensuring that “quality products remain the hallmark of our firm”.

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PROPERTY/ENVIRONMENT

‘Good governance, leadership panacea Building roads of to environmental sustainability’ progress around Ekiti

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OR Nigeria to be counted among the top 20 economies in the world by 2020, it must give attention to the environment and its sustainability, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, has said.

Gambari, who is the Joint Special Representative, African UnionUnited Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), made this known during a lecture on Leadership, Governance and Sustainable Development in Nigeria, at the 10th Chief Shafi Lawal Edu Lecture, organised by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) in Lagos.

He said the pursuit of environmental sustainability and development

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie Asst Editor

are dependent on good governance.

In this regard, he canvassed a system must be in place that is based on merit and excellence, and dedicated to eliminating waste and tackling corruption. He called for good governance and enthronement of decision makers who possess clear understanding of the choices facing them and the courage and commitment to make the right decisions in the interest of “the greatest good of the greatest number” of the population.

He stated that ultimately, good governance requires strong leader-

ship as well as strong institution and active civil society.

Gambari said the broad consensus that has emerged is centered around the need for environmental sustainability, which was not always there.

He said the bounties of the earth, including nature and the resources embedded in it, were seen as “free” gifts to humanity, to be exploited and harnessed. He, however, lamented that industrialising countries pillaged nature with very little consideration for its protection, the conservation of various species of animals and plants, and the finiteness of various resources.

•Eco friendly house built with container

Plots revocation: Estate developer pleads with FCTA

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HE Group Managing Director, Century 21 Real Estate Limited, Mr Felix Modebe, has appealed to the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to reconsider its decision to revoke yet to be developed plots of land allocated in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Modebe praised the good work the Minister of FCT, Senator Bala Mohommed and his predecessors have done in implementing land administration in Abuja.

The GMD made his appeal during a press briefing in Abuja, debunking the statement credited to him in the media to the extent that he blamed the Minister, his predecessors and politicians as well as civil servants being responsible for the slow pace of development in the FCT.

From Franca Ochigbo, Abuja

“I did not say anything like that, I was quoted out of context, the report is completely false. As the Minister of FCTA, he has the power to revoke any plot allocated within the capital city and beyond.

“But I am appealing to the minister to temper justice with mercy and give the land owners more times to enable them to arrange themselves and commence development on the plots,” he appealed.

He said the government should make the issue of land allocation more transparent and affordable to discourage the activities of the land speculators, whom he blamed for making land acquisition more difficult for individuals and the estate

developers.

“Often times, land acquisitions are free on the paper, but money must have changed hands between N100 million, N200 million if you are lucky, if you are not lucky the speculator will take it.

“They will claim they are paying the money to the politician, the minister and his people, and at times they will be asking you for N500 million”, he said.

On affordable houses, Modebe said the government is being economical with the truth when they promised housing for all as part of their electoral promises, saying that affordability of houses in Nigeria will remain a mirage as long as politicians continue to indirectly sell the land to estate developers.

Town planners set for Commonwealth conference

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BOUT 70 Nigerian town planners are expected to participate in the fourth Commonwealth Association of Planners (CAP) West Africa Regional meeting holding in Accra, Ghana.

In a statement by the Assistant National Public Relations Secretary, Garba Jibrin, the conference will start from March 30 to April 1, 2012, with the theme, Regional Integration for Effective Planning.

It states, “The regional meeting which is being hosted by the Ghana Institute of Planning will be at-

From Franca Ochigbo, Abuja

tended by planners from the Commonwealth countries in West Africa.

“The conference is principally aimed at creating a platform for town planners in the West African region to articulate and synthesize pressing challenges of urban development and proffer solution towards remedying the short comings.

“It will also promote good quality planning services through shar-

ing of experiences and knowledge as well as creating synergy and networking among professional planners in the region.

“The focus of this year’s conference is on traffic congestion and slums in cities of West Africa as well as town planning in Ghana.

“The countries are Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone and Gambia.

The Nigeria delegation will be led

by Kabir Yari, who is the Vice Chairman, CAP West Africa, and the National President, Nigeria Institute of Town Planners (NITP).

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LL things being equal, the Ekiti State government will, in a matter of days, take delivery of 80 kilometres of recently completed roads across the 16 local council areas of the state. This is just the first phase, under the ‘five kilometre road per local government initiative’ of the Dr Kayode Fayemi led administration, aimed at bequeathing motorable roads to the rural dwellers in the Land of Honour.

The surfacing of rural roads, although basically the responsibility of the local councils, is being carried out by the state government to improve the state’s overall road infrastructure and shore up the economic base of the people who are mainly farmers and have faced the difficulties of linking up with their customers in urban areas.

The Fayemi administration is working to ensure that the commonwealth of the Ekiti people is better managed to the advantage of all. It has, over time, equally demonstrated that bringing development to the people is more important than lining the pockets of a few.

The Ekiti State government is using the accruals from the Excess Crude account, which some stakeholders preferred shared, to fund the road projects.

The administration, through the roads project, is also fulfilling one of its campaign promises of improving citizens’ lives in such a way that, by 2014, all parts of the state would be made accessible by major roads to benefit the people and show up investment potentials.

The state government is supporting the councils, who are the original owners of the roads, with 25 percent of total cost, in addition to other logistics, while the councils contribute 75 percent of the total cost. The funding formula is likely to continue for all the years that the Fayemi government spends in office.

The simple translation is that a total of 320 kilometres of council roads would have been built at the end of the four initial years of this government’s existence. It is however necessary to add that the 320 kilometres is without prejudice to ongoing state roads that are presently at different stages of completion; all in the bid to bring unprecedented progress to Ekiti people.

Overall target of the government is to ensure that while new roads are being built, existing ones are simultaneously maintained to ensure that government’s impact is continually felt and their economic situation improved by bringing the market closer to farming communities.

To ensure that the project does not go the way of those of previous administrations, where contractors would collect money and vamoose into thin air, the Fayemi administration is institutionalising a number of initiatives that are partly aimed at enlisting the support of the benefiting communities to monitor the projects in their locality. This is also partly designed to promote har-

Nigerite inaugurates architects competition

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N line with its mission of contributing to capacity building in the construction sector, Nigerite Limited, a leading roofing sheet manufacturing company in association with the African Union of Architects (AUA), has inaugurated a competition tagged Nigerite Prize for Architecture: “Beyond Housing” for Young Architects and students of Architecture.

According to Charles Majoroh, a past president of AUA and Chairman

of the organising committee for competition, “the competition is open to students from schools of architecture recognised by the member institutes of AUA as well as architects with no more than five years post qualification experience.

“Interested participants can take part as individuals or group of no more than three persons, but where submission is made by groups, each group member must state their specific contribution to the joint effort

as no ‘sleeper’ shall be accepted.

“The project shall be designed on real site of a minimum of 50 hectares in the urban setting or a sub-urban area adjoining city and that no hypothetical site shall be acceptable for any entry.”

Majoroh said Google maps of actual location should be included in all entries with a brief statement on the suitability of the choice of site along with a study of existing and adjourning activities.

•Governor Fayemi

By Lekan Fadeyi

monious living between the people of the communities and the contractors.

Deputy Governor of the State, Mrs. Funmi Olayinka, whose office supervises the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, three weeks ago commenced a consultative meeting with the contractors and other stakeholders in the Ministry, headed by the Commissioner, Chief Dayo Fadipe.

The meeting, which to be held periodically, would ensure that there is constant exchange of ideas between the stakeholders and Government. It is also to allow government monitor closely the execution of the contracts and make timely corrections where and when necessary.

Speaking at the maiden meeting, Mrs Olayinka told the contractors that the government was more interested in due process. She also explained to the stakeholders that the road project was very important to the government of the day. She hinted that further patronage would be purely based on satisfactory performance.

She also disclosed that the government was satisfied that a large percentage of the contractors were indigenes of the state and should, therefore, see their involvement as that of serving themselves. Olayinka, who hinted that government was bent on constructing five kilometres of roads in the sixteen local council areas on yearly basis, enlisted the people to take ownership of the projects and monitor the contractors to ensure timely delivery of the roads and compliance with agreed standard.

As a way of engaging the people of the communities, she said government would ensure that manpower, at whatever stage of the execution, must be sourced from the local market so that the people are made to be part of their own projects, a situation that would make them become more attached to the roads.

Bent on seeing things for itself, the state government, represented by the Deputy Governor and a high powered delegation of leadership of the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, last week visited all the roads to get first hand information on the extent of work and level of compliance with standard.

Frowning at the ways the people had blocked the drainages under construction in Iworoko Ekiti with refuse, she warned them to stop the habit as it is their responsibility to ensure that the drainage is cleaned and opened at all time to allow free flow of water. She directed the local government chairman, Hon. Tajudeen Awe to post Sanitary Officers to the community and provide waste bin in strategic places where people could dump refuse.

Alaworoko of Iworoko, Oba Micheal Aladejana promised to embark on enlightenment campaign with the local government officials to get his subjects informed and comply with the directive. He explained that government’s gesture is being appreciated by the Iworoko community, as it is the first time that the community is benefitting from such a major state project.

The inspection visits also provide an avenue for getting feedback from the beneficiaries, who applauded the efforts of government. The Alare of Are Ekiti, in Irepodun/Ifelodun local council area, in Ekiti Central constituency, Oba Boluwade Adebiyi for example said it was the first time any state government would be bringing road development closer to the people of his community.

•Fadeyi is Special Assistant (Media and Communications) to the Deputy Governor of Ekiti State.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FIXTURES APOEL Nicosia v Real Madrid Benfica v Chelsea

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HEALTH

Ignorance limits community health A

COMMUNITY health expert, Dr Bayo Onajole, has identified ignorance as the major factor affecting health care delivery in communities.

According to him, ignorance and poverty are two of a kind. “When you talk about ignorance, you talk about poverty,” he said.

“There is poverty of the mind and poverty of the pocket. Poverty of the mind applies when people don’t know where and how to source for information. Some have money but don’t know where to source for the information, thereby are busy squandering it on areas where they will not get appropriate health,”Onajole said.

Onajole, who is a consultant public health physician, said the poverty of the pocket reflected the fact that there was massive poverty in the land and within the community, saying maintaining health would involve about a share of the household income. “And a lot of people are unable to keep aside some money from the household in-

Stories by Wale Adepoju

come to maintain health,” he added.

Onajole, who is also an Associate Professor of Public Health Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL), said ill-health can occur without prior knowledge as an emergency. “It is not something people plan for. Even when people plan for it, they tell you they can bind it by spiritual means and all that. Nobody prays for it. And when you tell somebody you can be sick tomorrow. He tells you it is not my portion. The beliefs are very important but people should take their health seriously.”

He said a lot of people were profiting from the ignorance of the vast majority of the people.

“For example, somebody came to the mass media, saying it was staphylococcus that causes HIV/ AIDS. That information is not true.

“We still have our mass media not mentioning some of this information.

And how people come about this?

They want to prove it to you go and do a laboratory test. When you take any swab from anybody and you grow it. It will grow fast because they are inhibitors commencer. It revolves in the idea of the people that truly if the laboratory says there is staphylococcus, fortunately it is staphylococcus that is causing disease. Virtually, it is staphylococcus that causes every disease. I am not saying that staphylococcus does not cause disease, but it doesn’t cause every disease,” he said.

He said lifestyle issues can also contribute to ill health, saying: “Community health is the way you live, eat, make love and everything you do within your environment will determine whether you are health or you have ill health.

“We should all remember that ill health and to being healthy are all on a straight line. They are two extremes of a continuum. And the shifting of equilibrium either to the

left ill health or to the right of being healthy depends on what you do. I will say that the environment in which you live, work and the way you live your life has a lot of role to play leading to ill health.”

On the possibility of inherited diseases, he said, people will tell you hereditary can contribute to ill health, which is true. “But, is also said that genetic feature, is just like a loaded gun, it when you pull the trigger that it fires. That is to say if you have genetic perspiration to high blood pressure (HBP) and you start early enough to avoid some of those things that can trigger it.

You do not wait until the HBP shoots up, before you start doing something. Though you have a loaded gun, but it will not fire. “ He called for more education, saying there are people who have PhD but they don’t have education in terms of health issues. “We must try to redirect our type of educa-

Group seeks support for orphans, vulnerable children

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•Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Nestle Foods, Mr Martins Woolwogh flanked by Category Business Manager, Mr Gerben Kamps (left) and Consumer Maximasation Manager, Mrs Iquo Ukoh, during the launch of Milo crunchy cereal in Lagos.

PHOTO: JOHN EBHOTA

•Onajole

tion to both horizontal and vertical. In as much as you become specialist in your small area you must know some basic things you do around you in terms of being healthy. For example, in developed countries, people diversify their education to things such as small engineering, painting and changing light bulb. But you will

FAITH-BASED organisation, Hope World Wide Nigeria (HWWN) has is seeking support for orphans and vulnerable children (OVC).

Already, it has its extended its support to 2,000 People Living with HIV (PLWH) and 10,000 young persons in Kogi State.

According to its Chief Executive Officer, Mr Ola Clement, a oneyear follow-on programme has been approved by United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to cover seven states. They are Lagos, Osun, Oyo, Ogun, Cross Rivers, Ebonyi and Anambra.

On response to the National OVC Plan of Action, National HIV and AIDS Prevention Plan and PEPFAR Nigeria goals, Clement said, the group implemented a three-year Assistance and Care for Children Orphaned and at Risk (ACCORD) programme between

2008and last yaer. It was funded by USAID. On the follow-on project, he said, the organisation sought to facilitate sustainable improvements in the well-being and productivity of vulnerable groups while strengthening health and other social services.

He said the strategies employed involved strengthening the technical and organisational capacity of states, their councils and implementing agencies to provide comprehensive care to the affected children and increase adoption of safe sexual behaviours.

Clement said the group was strengthening its technical and organisational capacities, adding that 40 agencies and state ministries’ representatives were present.

Some of the workshops, he said, were on proposal writing, grants and financial training quality improvement service delivery.

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AVIATION

Airspace safety: NAMA advocates installation of military radar

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HE Managing Director of Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Nnamdi Udoh,has stressed the need for the installation of a military radar system at airports to enhance surveillance and security of the airspace.

Receiving the Commander, Quick Response Force (QRS), Minna, Air Commodore Ben Chiobi, at the agency’s headquaters in Lagos, Udoh urged the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to pursue vigorously the installation of military radar in the country.

According to him, with the successful operation of the Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON), what the country should desire, is the military version of the system to secure the airspace for defence purposes.

He said NAMA will continue to collaborate with

Stories by Kelvin Osa-Okunbor Aviation Correspondent

NAF in air traffic services, engineering and training of its personnel just as he appealed to the authorities of NAF to allow some of their trained air traffic controllers to stay on the job and grow professionally for the benefit of the aviation sector, especially during crisis.

Udoh said the agency has a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the engineering unit of NAF, promising that a similar working document would be necessary for this newly ceated Air Force outfit to make its job smooth and effective.

Responding, Chiobi, emphasised the need for collaboration with relevant agencies in the aviation industry such as NAMA and also disclosed that the idea of the Quick

Response Force was muted in 2011 and became operational in January this year following increasing security challenges such as terrorism and kidnapping.

Chiobi further disclosed that co-ordination centres would be established where emergency services would be available for rescue and emergency services during crisis and natural disaster, pointing out that the unit has men and women trained for this particular assignment.

In a related development, Chiobi has pledged NAF’s commitment to partner with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to promote flight safety and foster recovery operations.

He made the pledge when he paid a courtesy call on the Director-General of NCAA, Dr Harold Demuren, in his office in Lagos last week.

Chiobi expressed delight at the NCAA aircraft tracking system. He said: “This is very impressive there is no doubt this will assist in the effort to improve flight safety in Nigeria.”

Quick Response Force of the Nigerian Air Force would be delighted to partner with the NCAA to promote flight safety and foster recovery in Nigeria.”

Demuren thanked Chiobi for the visit. He recalled that the authority has always collaborated with the men of the NAF and he is seeking more of their support.

The highlight of the visit was the presentation of copies of the NCAA regulations and other publications as well as the inspection of the Aircraft Tracking System where the weather status, real time and aircraft flying are being monitored.

Aero rolls out new e-payment option AERO Airlines has introduced a fast and convenient mobile money payment on the platform of U-MO. It is part of its continuous improvement on customer-focused services.

According to the Managing Director, Aero Airlines, Captain Akin George, “This is the first of its kind in the Nigerian aviation industry as Aero tickets can now be paid for from an electronic wallet on the mobile phone.

“This is a product that enables customers to pay for their flight tickets using their mobile phones. The introduction of the mobile money platform is in addition to other booking and payment options provided by Aero for the customers’ convenience.

Mobile money is a virtual account that can be accessed through the mobile phone to make payments and transfers.

No doubt, the airline has defined air travel in a way that was originally thought to be unachievable.

The new service , George said, is the first of its kind in the West African region. “It is further proof of Aero’s desire to empower more people to fly more often by offering great value fares.

The airline believes air travel should be affordable and accessible to all and they are doing just that by introducing this payment platform.”

He said U-Mo is a mobile money service which enables users make and receive payments as well as conduct other financial transactions with their mobile phone.

U-Mo, the Aero boss said, enables passengers to create an e-wallet on your mobile phone for handling your transactions. With the value on U-Mo account, customers can pay for goods and services, Aero flight tickets, top-up your phone air time, transfer and send money to friends, family and colleagues.

Community lauds airport remodelling THE Federal Government and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) have been praised over the re-modelling of Port Harcourt International Airport.

The commendation came from Chief Kerian A. Olosha, the traditional ruler of Igwuruta in Ekwerre Local Government Area, one of fastest growing cities near the airport.

Olosha, who visited the project site last week, expressed appreciation to President Goodluck Jonathan for including the airport among the 11 airport across the country that are being expanded and remodelled.

He said he was happy that the project, when completed, would signal a major leap for the economy of his people.

The community had benefitted from the various activities in and around the airport since operations started at the airport in the late 70s.

The traditional ruler, who was full of praises for the President and the Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah over their concern for airport users in the country, said he was optimistic that the expansion and remodeling was going to impact positively on the lives of the people of his community through more economic activities and people taking up residence in the area. “ I want to thank President Goodluck Jonathan and his team for the wonderful work they are doing, especially with regards to the Port Harcourt International Airport.”

•From left: MD/CEO, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Mazi Nnamdi Udoh; Director-General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Dr. Harold Demuren; Company Secretary/Legal Adviser, NCAA, Mrs. Anastatia Gbem and Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standard, (DAAS), Ahaji Lawal Haruna, during the handing over of the calibrator unit of NAMA at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.

PHOTO: ISAAC JIMOAYODELE

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‘FAAN needs 1,000 fire men’

HE Fire and Safety Department of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) is in dire need of about 1,000 fire men to add to the 800 on ground to adequately cover the airports across the country.

The President of Nigeria Aviation Fire Safety Association of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mr Louis Ojeifo, disclosed this while fielding questions from reporters in Lagos.

“With the implementation of the plans on ground, the issue of staff strength will be taken care of. At present, we are a little above 800 and with the staff strength of 800 in the 22 airports, you know that they are not actually enough. We need at least 1,000 men in addition to what we have on ground, ” Ojeifo said.

He said the 22 airports were adequately equipped with fire tenders that can handle emergency but called for assistance from the Federal Government to maintain the equipment adding that with the good team on ground, FAAN will go places.

Ojeifo said for effective response to any emergency at the airport, there was the urgent need for adequate accommodation within the airport vicinity for firemen

so they can be easily mobilized to attend to any emergency within the airport when the need arises.

On the lack of insurance cover for officials of Fire and Safety Department as some of them have lost their lives during fire outbreaks, Ojeifo said the management of FAAN has been handling the issue of insurance cover for firemen with all seriousness and hoped it would soon be resolved.

He said: “We are comfortable with the way the leadership of FAAN is going about it. The insurance cover is to enhance our performance.”

He said training remains the major problem facing the staff of the department but expressed delight that with the efforts of the managing director towards training and retraining, it would soon be a thing of the past, especially in the fire department.

‘With the implementation of the plans on ground, the issue of staff strength will be taken care of. At present, we are a little above 800 and with the staff strength of 800 in the 22 airports, you know that they are not actually enough. We need at least 1,000 men in addition to what we have on ground’

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ENERGY THE NATION

E-mail:- energy@thenationonlineng.net

NDPHC targets 4259mw power from NIPP by 2013 Stories by Emeka Ugwuanyi Assistant Editor

•Olotu

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BOUT 4,259 megawatts (MW) of electricity is expected to be generated from the National Integrated Power Projects (NIPP) by the end of next year, the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), has said.

The Managing Director of

NDPHC, Mr James Olotu, said the company’s target is to generate 1,310mw from the NIPP power plants this year, 4,259mw by end of 2013 and to 4770mw by 2014.

The NIPP power plants, which are 10, include the phase two plants of Geregu, Omotosho and Olorunsogo as well as Alaoji, Egbema, Omoku, Calabar, Sapele, Ihovbor and Gbarain generation companies.

The power plants were supposed to have come on stream at most by end of last year, but could not due to political and economic hitches. Hence the new target to bring all the plants into operation has be fixed for 2014.

Some of them that are currently generating power are being challenged by lack of gas supply. Besides gas supply constraints, Olotu said the avoidable delays caused by the suspension of NIPP funding because of House of Represen-

•Lists challenges tatives probe, had caused huge variation costs to the project.

He also noted that demurrage costs, increase in compensation costs for acquired land and right of way (RoW), delays in obtaining approvals, delay in granting Customs duty waivers, have made the project incur significant demurrage obligations and delay.

He said: “Increased compensation cost and some way-leave costs are more than the project costs.

Future projects may be affected if this is not checked.” He also cited buy-in by some government agencies as part of challenges. He said: “Many government agencies do not treat requests by sister agencies with the speed required and with that result additional costs are

incurred.

He also noted that lack of gas for completed projects is a major challenge for effective operation of the NIPP plants. He said: “As at today, four gas turbines are ready at Olorunsogo and two gas turbines at Sapele but each station manages to run on the average one unit a day, that is, 225MW instead of 676 MW for the two stations. Ihovbor has four gas turbines while Calabar has five gas turbines and Omotosho has four gas turbines, which will soon be ready. The last two cannot run because of delayed gas supply.”

The NDPHC chief said the securitisation from government is another issue.

He said

•From left: Vice-President, America Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG), Africa Region, Adedoja Ojelabi; President, Mr Nosa Omorodion; President-elect, Mr Gilbert Odior and IBA Contestant, Mr Adesola Chris Samakinde from the University of Western Cape, South Africa, at the AAPG Imperial Barrel Awards’ Africa Region competition in Lagos.

PETAN seeks NCDMB’s intervention in skills depletion

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HE Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) has decried the increasing brain drain in the oil and gas industry, which has resulted in significant depletion of skilled manpower. Consequently, the association has called on the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) to intervene in the issue.

The association fingered the multinational oil service companies as culprits in the brain drain in the industry, noting that the companies engage in illegal poaching and export of Nigerian workers trained by indigenous oil companies.

PETAN also called on other government regulators in the oil and gas industry to save the Nigerian Content policy from falling by checking undue export of skilled Nigerians.

PETAN, the umbrella body of all

•Fingers multinationals in manpower export indigenous oil service companies in the country, said the government should treat the matter as an important national issue. The association said the multinationals do that to create technical gaps to undermine the intentions of government to develop content in the industry.

PETAN Financial Secretary of PETAN, Chris Onyekwere, lamented the alleged decision by the multinational service companies not to train their Nigerian staff members, but wait until indigenous firms train them and, thereafter, they (multinationals) would poach and transfer them to their operations overseas.

He said: “The Government should also protect the investment of its citizens against economic sabotage. By doing that the real

aims and objectives of the Nigeria Content Act will be realised.”

He said the Nigerian Content Act and the government’s commitment to it have helped in rapidly building capacity of indigenous companies in terms of skills acquisitions, technology transfer and excellent job delivery.

He noted that as indigenous Nigerian service companies strive to invest in capacity development, the government should make efforts to guard the objectives of the Nigerian Content Law from sabotage.

He said: “It has, however, been observed that some multinational companies are strategically making and concluding plans geared towards destabilising any Nigerian indigenous company, which

has become a key player and with high competitive edge in the industry.

“They cling to clauses in the law, which permit export of jobs in the case of absence of in-country capacity, and have evolved strategies of poaching the technical employees of small indigenous companies by offering them fat salaries and promises of sending them abroad.”

The big foreign oil service firms that had dominated the industry, it was learnt, are afraid that the implementation of the Nigerian Content Act would divert jobs from them to the indigenous firms.

•Continued on page 52

securitisation request from government is being awaited to progress discussions with international oil companies (IOCs) on gas agreements and that there is no approved date for gas tie-in to existing line at Omotosho Phase II and this may delay commissioning of the four gas turbines.

On transmission and distribution of power from the plants, he noted that the NDPHC will upon completion of the plants transfer the generated power to Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and the host distribution companies on terms to be negotiated and agreed upon. This, he said, is to ensure sustainable operation and protection of NDPHC investment as approved by Board, subject to final approval of shareholders.

Shell strives to pay bill for Iran oil

R

OYAL Dutch Shell is struggling to pay off $1 billion that it owes Iran for crude oil because European Union and United States financial sanctions now make it almost impossible to process payments, industry sources said.

Four sources, according to Reuters, said the oil major owes a large sum to the National Iranian Oil Co (NIOC) for deliveries of crude, with one putting the figure at close to $1 billion. A debt of that size would equate to roughly four large tanker loads of Iranian crude or about 8 million barrels.

“Shell is working hard to figure out a way to pay NIOC,” said an industry source, who requested anonymity. “It’s very sensitive and very difficult. They want to stay on good terms with Iran, while abiding by sanctions.”

The European Union toughened financial sanctions and placed a ban on Iranian oil imports on January 23, but gave companies until July 1 to wind down their existing business.

With daily contract volumes of 100,000 barrels, Shell ranked as Iran’s second biggest corporate client - along with France’s Total - behind Turkey’s Tupras.

Shell CEO Peter Voser said on March 7 the company would take its final deliveries of Iranian crude “within a matter of weeks”.

Rigorous U.S. and European financial measures, aimed at punishing Iran for its nuclear program have already come into force, making it increasingly difficult to pay for and ship crude from Iran, say oil executives.

“There are big frustrations with the payment route - the U.S. pressure is really working,” said a senior oil source. “It’s now nearly impossible to use the banking system.”

Such financial restrictions were in part behind Total’s decision to stop purchasing Iranian crude at the end of last year, industry sources say. Total also bought about 100,000 barrels per day from Tehran.

Industry sources said some of Iran’s big customers may have been using the Dubai-based Noor Islamic Bank to channel payments to Iran. It is not known whether Shell was processing payments via Noor Islamic Bank.

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2012

52

ENERGY The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, has shown commitment to fighting the oil industry cabal by taking sustainable steps through the formation of various committees mandated to fast-track passage of Petroleum Industry Bill into law and recovery of revenues accruing from oil, writes EMMANUEL OLADESU.

P

Alison-Madueke battles oil cabals

ETROLEUM Resources Minister Diezani AlisonMadueke and her ministry have been in the eye of the storm since January. That was when the Federal Government’s decision to remove the petroleum subsidy threw the country into turmoil and labour and civil societies challenged Jonathan’s administration to a duel.

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) declared a nationwide strike, which lasted for about two weeks. During the crisis, the government claimed that the industrial action was fuelled by opposition politicians.

Nigerians, who loathed the hike in fuel price, chided President Goodluck Jonathan, Minister of Petroleum Resources and heads of parastatals for gross insensitivity.

They thought that oil had become a curse to them, instead of being a blessing.

Tension brewed in the country as talks broke down between labour and government. Even, when the strike was called off, Nigerians were not pacified by its outcome.

Observers believed that the gov-

ernment had been held hostage by cabals in the sector who are clogs in the wheels of progress. Ministry officials alluded to endemic corruption, which they argued that removal of subsidy would halt. Although Nigerians maintained their stiff opposition to subsidy removal, they agreed that theft and graft were thriving in the sector.

The government said the corruption in the system was responsible for the galloping subsidy funds, which it put at N1.3 trillion for last year alone. The protesting populace asked government to fix corruption and not to heap its failure to clean the mess on citizens.

Walking on the tight rope was President Goodluck Jonathan. But Alison-Madueke was not insulated from bashing. Although the liabilities inherited by the Jonathan administration in the sector are responsible for the rot, especially in the failure of the nation’s refineries to meet local consumption, Nigerians still blamed him and Alison-Madueke for gross efficiency. Reforms became the ultimate in the crippled sector to avert further disaster.

Curiously,Alison-Madueke

claimed that no cabal existed. But when she was invited by the National Assembly to explain the drift, she acknowledged that there were manipulations, which the government was tackling frontally.

Recent steps taken by the minister may have confirmed the government’s intention to entrench transparency and accountability in the oil sector.

At the ‘2012 budget defence session’ organised by a joint sitting of the six standing committees of the Senate and House of Representatives, she highlighted her reform plans for salvaging the troubled sector. She also promised to bridge the communication gap between the ministry and public.

The minister provided insights into the activities of the sector to convince the legislators that things can only get better. While appearing before the Senate Committee on Petroleum, Upstream and Gas and House Committee on Petroleum, Upstream, Downstream and Gas meeting chaired by Senator Emmanuel Paulker (Senate Committee Chairman Petroleum, Upstream) Madueke said the nation achieved the optimum in the up-

From left: Chairman, NIMAREX Planning Committee, Eze Chijioke Ogbuagu Collins; President, Indigenous Shipowners Association of Nigeria (ISAN), Chief Isaac Jolapamo; Chairman, Ports Consultative Council (PCC), Otunba Kunle Folarin; President, Seaports Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN), Princess Vicky Haastrup and Executive Chairman, LADOL Free Zone, Mr Ladi Jadesimi, during an event by NIMAREX in Lagos.

PETAN seeks NCDMB’s intervention in skills depletion •Continued from page 51

He said three local companies have been affected negatively by the poaching strategies of the multinationals. He said the multinational firms have been attempting to poach skilled staff members of Weafri Oilwell Services Limited as part of its tough competition strategies.

Currently, one of the major oil service firms and young indigenous company are in dispute over alleged poaching of 20 workers trained by Weafri Oilwell Services, it was learnt.

He explained that the intervention of the government is imperative because if the development is left unchecked, it has the potential to destabilise the indigenous firms as they the (indigenous) firms would be reduced to training schools for the majors.

He said the multinationals embarked on poaching as a measure to debilitate local upcoming indigenous firms to weaken competition in the industry from the local firms.

“There is calculated strategic plan by multinational to fracture the Nigeria Content development effort. It is sad to watch an attempt by multinationals to destabilise one of the Nigeria leading local companies in the well construction and well intervention services sector of oil and gas industry in Nigeria.

“Who would have imagined the power of quality services and the dividends of the Nigeria Content Act after one year of becoming law? The Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Nigerian Content Division of NNPC, PETAN and the National Petroleum Investment

Management Services (NAPIMS) cannot watch their efforts thwarted by some multinationals,” he added.

He urged the NCDMB to investigate the matter. “The poached staff members have been promised heaven and earth and will be relocated to countries outside Nigeria,” he said.

“It is time for the government to monitor the activities of some of these multinational companies as it amounts to economic sabotage. The survival of local companies is essential to the country’s security and interest. Any attempt to undermine it should be checked and treated as economic sabotage.

“Nigeria Content Act has really come to stay. With the successful enactment of the Act, some Nigerian companies have started playing major roles in the industry.”

stream sector last year.

While budgetary estimates indicated that the nation was expected to produce 2.30 million barrels per day, the nation produced 2.39 million barrels per day throughout the year. That feat, the minister said, can only be compared with about one million barrels per day produced at the peak of Niger Delta insurgency. Besides, the nation also expects an additional 180,000 barrels on the completion of the subsea wells and facilities tie-in of Usan field, which has commenced production.

Alison-Madueke said with the decision by President Jonathan to increase the capacity of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the government had assigned eight oil production blocks to one of its subsidiaries; the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC). The development, she said, had impacted on its oil production, which peaked at 111,000 barrels per day and 230 million standard cubic feet of fully utilised gas in just over one year.

She also said by the end of 2011, gas supply had outstripped demand, both at the Western and Eastern axis, and that three Gas Supply and Purchase Agreements have been signed. The Ministry and its parastatals also commenced work on the contracts for gas infrastructure to the Alaoji and Olorunsogo Power plants, which will be completed this year and will add 2000 megawatts to the the grid.

Alison-Madueke said the government has launched a Gas Revolution, which has already attracted investors, especially the Xenel of Saudi Arabia and Nagajuna of India to the Koko site, which is expected to produce 1.3 metric tones of petrochemicals per annum.

Other gas revolution targets aimed at enhancing gas utilisation projects include the Brass Fertiliser Plant in Bayelsa State and the Indorama Fertiliser and Methanol Plant at Eleme, Rivers State.

In the downstream sector, the minister told the lawmakers that the country was able to do without fuel scarcity crisis last year as a result of strategic thinking in government.

“There was no major fuel crisis in 2011.This was achieved through a combination of offshore processing, swap arrangements and increased domestic refining by the NNPC. For the first time in eight years, the fluid catalytic cracking unit in Kaduna Refinery was inaugurated. Other refineries in Warri and Port Harcourt were operated as much as availabilities were possible,” the minister said.

She added that NNPC’s domestic refining capacity grew from a total of 795.72 million litres in 2009 to 1.14 billion litres as at August last year.

The minister said the domestic supply of kerosene grew from 408 million litres to 713 million

•Mrs Alison-Madueke

litres, adding that incessant vandalisation of pipelines was however, a huge hindrance to domestic supply of products. In that respect, she stated that the ministry was able to establish the integrity of the pipeline along the Kaduna-Kano, Kaduna-Gusau and Kaduna-Suleja axis and that such a development would enhance availability of petroleum products in inland deports.

With the passage of the Nigerian Content Bill into law and the eventual assent by President Goodluck Jonathan, the oil industry is already anticipating increased capacity in domestic influence in the sector. She stated that the governing council of the NCDB has made some landmark achievements including the use of made-in-Nigeria pipelines for ExxonMobil at its Edop-Idoho offshore field, placement of over 100 kilometres of pipeline by SCC in Abuja as well as the development of Nigerian Oil And Gas Employment and Training Strategy, which has resulted in the absorption of over 5,000 engineers, geologists and welders into the industry.

Outside all the achievements laid out by the Minister in her scorecard for last year, recent steps taken by her Ministry are also clear pointers to the determination to ensure positive changes in the industry. Shortly after the nationwide strike, the Minister announced the decision of her Ministry to open up key parastatals, including the NNPC and the Petroleum Products Pricing and Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) to probe by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The minister, who announced the decision to probe alleged acts of corruption by the acclaimed cabal as far as fuel subsidy management is concerned also announced the setting up of the Task Force for the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).The Bill ran into crisis in the National Assembly in 2010 when it was discovered that some powerful forces were moving against its passage.

To further sustain the drive towards openness and transparency in the industry,Mrs.AlisonMadueke also set up 21-member task force on oil sector revenue, headed by former EFCC Chairman, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

Added to that task force is the setting up of another 22-member task force on refineries and the building of Greenfield refineries headed by former Finance Minister, Dr. Kalu Idika Kalu.

OPEC exports to rise by 360,000 bpd in April

S

EABORNE oil exports from the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), excluding Angola and Ecuador, will rise by 360,000 barrels per day (bpd) in the four weeks to April 7, an analyst who estimates future shipments said.

Exports, according to Reuters, will reach 23.63 million bpd on

average, up from 23.27 million bpd in the four weeks to March 10, UK consultancy Oil Movements said in its latest weekly estimate.

The OPEC pumps more than a third of the world’s oil. OPEC agreed at a December 14 meeting to adopt a production target of 30 million bpd, its first new supply agreement in three years.

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2012

53

ENERGY PPPRA functions becoming more transparent, say marketers

O

•From left: Mr. Segun Ateji, Senior Inspector; Mr. Crescentia Erukpeme, Deputy Suprintendent; Mr. Jwan Geoffrey, Principal Inspector; Mrs. Bimbo Achibong, Senior Inspector; Mr. Joel Olaoye, Senior Inspector, all officials of Department of Weights and Measures during an inspection exercise of some filling station in Lagos.

Need for national biofuel policy in Nigeria I

T is unlikely we will enjoy cheap oil again in both price and volume in Nigeria. Also, on the international scene, there are no major discoveries of any oil wells. The implication is that the world will continue to witness depletion.

The countries that consume oil in large quantities have realised the fact that apart from the problems such as environmental issues, other problems associated with the use and burning of fossil fuel/oil are enormous and the oil itself is not there in abundance.

Is the time not appropriate for us in Nigeria to aggressively pursue innovative development of renewable, clean alternative fuels? The two key players in the global biofuels development are Brazil and United States of America.

In Brazil, every litre of petrol is blended with 10 per cent ethanol and it is creating huge jobs. In the United States, where ethanol is predominantly produced from corn, the biofuels industry is fully developed that greater employments (direct, indirect and induced) are created.

As big as China is, every drop of petrol is blended with ethanol in an agreed proportion and amazingly, the much volume of ethanol that is required for this, is produced in China by the Chinese. Again, huge employment is witnessed here.

The success story of all the countries of the world in biofuels development that create employment, guarantees energy security by energy mix and clean air that keeps the environment secured, starts from the documentation and dissemination of a formidable biofuels national policy and policy statement by the key people in government and the legislators. For instance, President Bush mentioned before he left office that United States would cut down oil consumption by 20 percent. This policy statement had been resonated in the first quarter of Obama‘s administration.

Obama is seriously supporting both first and second generation biofuels developments in the United States and by his support, the country took over the leadership of biofuels global market from Brazil since 2008. On 24th December 2009, India (a nation with 330 distilleries that produce over four billion litres of ethanol for biofuels industry) adopted a national policy on biofuels in other to address some challenges facing the industry and the energy crisis in India. By this policy, petrol will be blended by 20 per cent ethanol and diesel blended

By Olaoluwa Toyin Bamikole

with 20 per cent (biodiesel) by 2017.

This is in a country of 1.2billion people as at July 2011 population.

The policy will promote and encourage production of ethanol derived from sugar molasses/juice and biodiesel derived from nonedible oils (such as jathropha and algae oils) and oil wastes. The policy calls for the biofuels feedstocks to be grown on degraded land in India.

In Nigeria today, there is no national biofuels policy. Since the creation of the renewable energy unit of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in 2005, there is no policy yet on the direction that the country wants to go in biofuels development despite all the socio-economic, environmental and employments benefits of biofuels.

Nigeria was a signatory to the Kyoto protocols of 1997 and 2000 but Nigeria is not implementing the agreement. Every drop of petrol being imported into Nigeria is blended with ethanol but petrol that is produced in Warri, Kaduna and Port Harcourt is unblended with ethanol. This is an international non-compliance. Nigerians tried hard early this year to convince the Federal Government through a unique protest and dialogue that we needed cheap petrol at N65 per litre, until we settled for N97. Is the time not fast approaching to seek for development that could bring the price of petrol down by ethanol blending?

We have seen the bad deforestation, increase in health bills caused by unclean air, climate change leading to global warming. All of these are basically caused by environmentally unfriendly emissions from indoor, automobiles and air space. We have seen effects in the Northern Nigeria, the west, the east and the south. So the need for clean/renewable biofuels energy development in Nigeria is no longer a question. The question that remains is how to achieve clean energy development in Nigeria.

The first step like other countries is to have an acceptable and vibrant national biofuels policy, in which the feedstock for producing the biofuels is not cyclical.

Biofuels business in Nigeria should be seen as a market-oriented economic reform capable of creating massive employments (direct,

indirect and induced) in Nigeria.

The biofuels prices and production will not increase petrol prices in Nigeria because: Nigeria has several feedstock choices to produce biofuels (sweet sorghum, sugar cane, cassava, corn, grain sorghum, jathropha, waste oil, algae, cellulose).

If more biofuels plants are built and operationally commissioned, cheaper ethanol will be used to blend petrol in Nigeria. Biofuels can also be produced at any part of Nigeria, with varying choices of feedstock.

There will be cost savings from the economies of scale as more biofuels are produced and in every scenario, biofuels production and use reduces producer‘s costs compared to petrol.

The growing population in Nigeria will cause increase in energy demand by transport sector, our increase in per capita and state of infrastructural and socio-economic development in Nigeria will all cause great energy crisis in Nigeria. Thus, the need to urgently develop biofuels industry in Nigeria is a sine-qua-non. The Nigerian biofuels industry will need government incentives and not subsidies.

•Bamikole, a biofuel expert, works with Zenith Agroethanol Nigeria Limited

• Wellhead jacket

IL marketers have said the activities of the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) are becoming more transparent under the current administration.

They said the Executive Secretary of the agency, Mr Reginald Stanley, is sanitising the organisation and is providing level playing field for players in the downstream sector of the petroleum industry. They said allocation of fuel import permit is performance driven and it is no more business as usual for briefcase carrying marketers.

The marketers said Stanley has brought his wealth of experience in the industry into the agency, especially the way he superintends the organisation. They said if he doesn’t derail from the way he pilots the affairs of the PPPRA at the moment, he would perform excellently well in his assignment.

The marketers, who spoke in confidence, said: “The petroleum sector had over the years witnessed widespread corruption, ranging from petroleum products diversion, fuel imports manipulation and allocation of products to ‘paper companies.

Marketers, who had no facility were mostly favoured in the fuel import allocation.

“From what we are seeing today, it appears there is no more room for the import cabals. Those that benefitted from the criminal petroleum imports must be arrested and handed over to the appropriate authorities for prosecution.”

One of them said: “The role of the regulator is to ensure that cartels are broken and sanctioned so that Nigerians are not short-changed. There is also the need to make the marketers to adhere to laid down operational guidelines. Stanley has performed excellently well in these areas. We really need more people like in government owned organisations, especially the oil and gas sector.”

The dire need to sanitise the PPPRA prompted the government to appoint Stanley to head the agency. The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, at the Town Hall Meeting on subsidy removal organised by Newspa-

per Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN) noted that many reforms had been implemented at the key agencies in view of incessant cases of products diversion and other illicit acts in the sector. He said the government was poised to address these anomalies ahead of the passage of the PIB and deregulation take off.

In line with the mandate given to him by the Presidency and Minister of Petroleum to clean up the agency preparatory to the oil industry reform, the PPPRA boss had put various measures in place to transform the agency.

Stanley had on assumption of office declared that he was determined to give the public the best by running the agency with the best global practices and delivering the highest level of quality service to the country.

He said: “When I assumed duty here as executive secretary, I realised there was dire need for reform. I initiated a process that took a second look at the list of participants in the downstream business. I carried out a beauty parade and went on to prune the number to a manageable proportion. I also took a look at the inspection agencies and chose the best which include Saybolt, SGS, Inspectorate and GMO.I strengthened my field operation staff with a three-tier system check on importers. Our truck out system from these facilities involves the monitoring of the loading of the products to ensure what gets into tanks gets to the public. These activities are monitored and directly transported to the agency independent of the owners of the facilities and the processes on ground are aligned with the best global practices.”

He said his staff audit also took into consideration a clear-cut job description, which was not properly defined on inception of duty.

“What I did was to embark on an aggressive staff development programme tailored toward career path growth engaging human resources professionals to identify skill and competency gaps, with the mandate to design the right course to help fill these gaps. I also addressed the issue of indiscipline to the level of zero tolerance,” he added.

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2012

54

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 26-3-12

Market probe: SEC’s board begins internal investigation

F

OLLOWING the allegations of abuse of office and privileges that bedeviled the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)’s presentation at the public hearing of the House of Representatives Committee on Capital Market, the board of the commission yesterday directed its audit and finance committee to begin investigation into all the issues.

In a statement signed by secretary to the Commission, Edosa Aigbekaen, the board of SEC said it deliberated on issues arising from the public hearing on the capital market conducted by the House of Representatives Committee on Capital Market and other Institutions at its 64th meeting held yesterday.

The board called for restraint, noting that various authorities should be allowed to complete their investigations into the allegations.

“The Securities and Exchange Commission remains committed to protecting the investor and

By Taofik Salako and Tonia Osundolire

maintaining the highest levels of market integrity,” SEC stated.

It should be recalled that the public hearing aimed at identifying causes of capital market decline and preferring solutions to drive market recovery had degenerated into a corruption scandal. The House of Representatives’ committee raised issues about the moral and financial propriety of the Arunma Oteh-led management of SEC, who subsequently accused the committee of demanding for bribe. The committee denied the allegation and opted to step aside for investigation.

Already, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is probing the alleged bribery scandal.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian stock market opened yesterday on a negative note as the benchmark index dropped by 0.90 per cent from 21, 191.22 points to

close at 21,000.15 points.

This was a continuation of 0.33 per cent drop recorded last Friday.

Aggregate market capitalisation of all equities declined from N6.721 trillion to N6.660 trillion.

Yesterday’s downturn was largely due to losses suffered by some highly capitalised stocks including First Bank, Nigeria Breweries, FCMB, UAC Nigeria, First Bank, Oando, Guinness, GT Bank and First Bank.

Turnover stood at 261.493 million shares valued at N1.903 billion in 3,602 deals. Transcorp led the most actively traded log with 36.18 million shares, valued at N19.97 million in 45 deals. Diamond Bank, Continental Reinsurance, Zenith Bank and FCMB were other equities that recorded significant volume.

Cadbury Nigeria, Livestock Feeds and Chemical & Allied Products gained five per cent maximum value to head advancers’ log at a closed price of N11.55, N1.05 and N16.80 respectively. Julius Berger and Nigerian Bag (BAGC) added up for the top five gainers. Value gains here were due to market expectation as well as speculative activities.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 26-3-12

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2012

55

MONEY LINK

Fed Govt to raise pension fund stock limit

T

HE Federal Government is to increase limits on pension funds’ investment in the stock market to half of their portfolio, a move that could boost its share index.

According to Reuters, the pension funds were worth around $13 billion in 2010 and have been growing at a rate of 30 per cent per year.

Its equity market struggled to sustain a recovery after a more than 60 per cent fall in 2008, which led to a mass exodus of do-

review the proposals, published on its website, the second of such review since the pension law was set up in 2004.

Since the 2008 stock market fall, regulators have been trying to lure back domestic investors to the stock market, and they hope the move to ease pension fund restrictions could provide a much needed impetus.

The main all-share index has gained just 2 percent this year, after a 16 percent decline last year.

Yet while domestic investors

•Portfolios to comply with Sharia law Stories by Collins Nweze

mestic investors, including pension funds. Under the regulatory changes being proposed by the National Pension Commission (NPC), they will also be allowed to build a portfolio compliant with sharia or Islamic law, in a country with one of the highest Muslim populations in the world.

The Central Bank of Nigeria

(CBN) is drafting a regulatory framework meant to establish Nigeria as the African hub for Islamic banking, emulating the success of Malaysia in Asia.

“PFAs (pension fund administrators) shall invest pension fund assets with the objectives of ensuring safety and maintenance of fair returns,” the draft document said.

It called on fund managers to

African Union endorses Okonjo-Iweala for World Bank

Bank inspectors to tackle e-payment fraud

T

HE Committee of Chief Inspectors of Banks in Nigeria (CCIBN) is working out modalities that will tackle e-Payment frauds. The committee in a statement identified purchase fraud, identity theft, phishing, carding and skimming as potential threats to the successful implementation of the cashless economy initiative of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

They said cash-less initiative, which promotes the use of e-payment channels such as Automated Teller Machines, Point of Sale (PoS) Terminals, Online Web Portals, Mobile Money and Electronic Funds Transfers, among others is targeted at reducing volume of cash used in the country.

In his address at the 4th Annual Retreat/Conference and Annual General Meeting of Members, Tunde Lemo, Deputy Governor Operations, Central Bank of Nigeria, Gaius Emokpae, Director of Banking and

Payment Systems lauded CCIBN, said the forum remains a veritable platform for strengthening relationships in the banking industry. According to him, the CCIBN retreats have become a fertile ground for exchange of ideas and enlightenment of participants on new developments in the financial services industry.

“The theme for this year’s retreat, which is ‘E-payment: Fraud Prevention, Strategies and Implementation’, is very appropriate and the timing cannot be better than now.

“The CCIBN once again have provided the banking industry with a robust platform for discussing issues on technological development that would influence the financial system positively. This retreat is therefore very auspicious because e-payment systems, which have become the vogue in Nigeria are prone to fraud and fraudsters will do anything to thwart the efforts of industry players,” he said.

rich and varied experience, make her eminently qualified and the best candidate for the post of World Bank president,” the Africa Union said in a statement.

The endorsement came following a meeting in Addis Ababa of finance, planning and development ministers from across Africa led by Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi.

She said that emerging economies must be given a fair shot at leading the institutions at the heart of global finance or they will end up going their own way, a challenger for the top job at the World Bank.

“The balance of power in the world has shifted and emerging market countries are contributing more and more to global growth - more than 50 percent and they need to be given a voice in running things,” OkonjoIweala said.

•Dr Okonjo-Iweala

A

FRICAN Union finance leaders on yesterday unanimously endorsed Nigerian Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s candidacy to lead the World Bank.

Reports in Reuters said the union also urged an open meritbased process to select the next head of the global financial institution.

“Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s impeccable credentials, including depth and breadth of knowledge,

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

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM Amount Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($) 150m 150m 138m 138m

MANAGED FUNDS Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

7.9-10% 10-11%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2011 “ 14-04-2011

GAINERS AS AT 26-3-12 SYMBOL

CADBURY CAP LIVESTOCK JBERGER BAGGO GTASSURE REDSTAREX PAINTCOM DANGFLOUR IKEJAHOTEL

113m

O/PRICE

C/PRICE

CHANGE

11.00 16.00 1.00 30.45 1.62 1.22 2.28 0.85 4.90 1.30

11.55 16.80 1.05 31.97 1.70 1.28 2.39 0.89 5.13 1.36

0.55 0.80 0.05 1.52 0.08 0.06 0.11 0.04 0.23 0.06

SYMBOL

O/PRICE

2.40 10.71 3.48 8.39 1.59 32.78 0.75 3.90 238.00 4.30

C/PRICE

2.28 10.18 3.31 8.00 1.52 31.35 0.72 3.75 229.03 4.14

NGN USD NGN GBP NGN EUR NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) (S/N) Bureau de Change (S/N) Parallel Market

Current Before

29-2-12 27-2-12

113m

155.7

22-2-12

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

147.6000 239.4810 212.4997

149.7100 244.0123 207.9023

150.7100 245.6422 209.2910

-2.11 -2.57 -1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

152.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

153.0000

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

Dec ’11

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

12%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate Inflation Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 12.6%

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

NSE CAP Index

27-10-11 N6.5236tr 20,607.37

Date

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%

28-10-11 N6.617tr 20,903.16

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

CHANGE

0.12 0.53 0.17 0.39 0.07 1.43 0.03 0.15 8.97 0.16

Exchange Rate (N) 155.8 155.8

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Year Start Offer

LOSERS AS AT 26-3-12

MAYBAKER PRESCO UBN BERGER CUSTODYINS UACN JAPAULOIL DANGSUGAR GUINNESS NASCON

113m

Amount Sold ($) 150m 138m

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 Currency

INTERBANK RATES OBB Rate Call Rate

Okonjo-Iweala, 57, was nominated on Friday by African powerhouses Nigeria, South Africa and Angola to lead the povertyfighting institution when its current president Robert Zoellick steps down in June.

Also nominated for the post are Jim Yong Kim, a Korean-American health expert whose name was put forward by US President Barack Obama on Friday, and former Colombian finance minister Jose Antonio Ocampo, who was nominated by Brazil.

It is also the first time the post has ever been so hotly contested.

Under an informal agreement between the United States and its allies in Europe, Washington has laid claim to the top post at the World Bank since its founding after World War Two, while a European has always led the International Monetary Fund, its sister Bretton Woods institution.

DATA BANK

Tenor

NIDF NESF

have been wary, offshore investors have been increasing their stake in Nigeria. Last year, share purchases by foreign investors rose 80 percent to 512 billion naira ($3.23 bln), despite the index poor performance.

In the last regulatory review, in 2010, the regulator allowed pension funds to invest in corporate bonds and private equity for the first time, enabling firms like Lafarge Wapco , Flour Mills and UBA to tap a more liquid debt market.

Offer Price

Bid Price

ARM AGGRESSIVE 9.17 KAKAWA GUARANTEED 1.00 STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE 1,177.37 AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND 99.76 THE LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL 0.75 BGL SAPPHIRE FUND 1.08 BGL NUBIAN FUND 0.89 NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. 1,666.70 PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND 8.24 CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST 1.39 CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST 1.87 STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY 7,137.57 THE DISCOVERY FUND 193.00 FIDELITY NIGFUND 1.67 • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED • STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND

9.08 1.00 1,160.06 99.49 0.72 1.08 0.88 1,663.73 7.84 1.33 1.80 6,953.84 191.08 1.62

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK

Bank P/Court

Previous 04 July, 2011

Current 07, Aug, 2011

8.5000 8.0833

8.5000 8.0833

Movement

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2012

56

NEWS

Nine filling stations sealed off in Enugu INE filling stations on the Presidential and Ogui roads in Enugu, the Enugu State capital, were yesterday night sealed off by the government, following a leakage of an underground diesel tank that has polluted surface water and underground wells in Asata .

Some residents of Asata, especially those living at the bank of the Asata river, discovered that their underground water wells were polluted by petroleum product suspected to be diesel.

They alerted officials of the Ministry of Environment, who visited the area yesterday and confirmed the oil pollution after a preliminary investigation.

The source of the pollution could not be immediately ascertained.

The affected residents who relied on well water due to the acute water scarcity in

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From Chris Oji, Enugu

Enugu metropolis following the suspension of public water supply since November.

The Commissioner for Environment, John Egbo, said the government had taken necessary steps to protect the area from disaster.

He said that nine filling stations operating within the area had been sealed to forestall a further leakage and possible fire outbreak.

Egbo said investigations had commenced to determine the source of the leakage for necessary action.

According to the commissioner, operatives of the State Fire Service, Department of Petroleum Resources, Police, Civil Defence Corps as well as officials from the Ministry of Health have been deployed to the area which had been cordoned off to forestall any disaster.

Senator’s wife rescued near Bayelsa

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SIME Sekibo, the kidnapped wife of Senator George Sekibo (Rivers East) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and two others have been rescued by security operatives.

The victims were yesterday rescued by a combined team of police, State Security Service (SSS) and the Joint Task Force (JTF) officials on the East-West

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

Road, near Bayelsa State.

The kidnappers earlier demanded N100 million, but it could not be ascertained if the money was paid.

The senator’s wife and the two other victims have been reunited with their families.

Police spokesman Ben Ugwuegbulam confirmed

the rescue and stated that the details were still sketchy.

Ugwuegbulam said he was not aware if ransom was paid, declaring that the command would never support payment of ransom to hoodlums.

Asime, a student of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) and two others were kidnapped on Thursday.

Cross River Assembly screens 14 nominees

F

OURTEEN of the 15 nominees sent to the Cross River State House of Assembly by Governor Liyel Imoke for confirmation and approval as commissioners were screened yesterday.

Attah Ochinke, who was the former Attorney General, was absent. He was said to be out on official assignment to represent the state at the Supreme Court.

The list of the nominees, which was forwarded by the governor to the House on March 19, comprised of seven returning commissioners and eight new entrants.

From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

The returning commissioners include Attah Ochinke, Sandy Onor, Costakis Caiafas, Patrick Ugbe, Offiong Offiong, Bassey Oqua and Mrs. Idak Iwuchukwu.

The fresh nominees are: Mrs. Angela Oyo-Ita, James Aniyom, Elemi Etowa, Peter Ojie, Akin Ricketts, Legor Idagbo, Ralph Uche and Inyang Patricia Endeley.

During the screening , the returning cmmissioners were only told to take a bow without any questions. A second group made up of those

•Imoke

who have served the state in various capacities before were only allowed to present their curriculum vitaes and the last group comprising fresh nominees were subjected to thorough screening.

Press centre razed in Delta

T

HERE was a fire at the Press Centre Building, Government House, Asaba, on Sunday.

A statement by the government said the fire started at about 10pm. Security officials on duty promptly alerted other personnel who called the

State Fire Service.

The Fire Service brought the fire under control.

The office of the Chief Press Secretary and the adjoining office occupied by the supporting staff were mainly affected by the fire.

Deputy Governor Amos Utuama (SAN), Chief of

Staff Festus Okubor, the Permanent Secretary, Government House and Protocol, Tony Obuh and the Commissioner of Police Ikechukwu Aduba were present at the scene.

Investigations are on to ascertain the cause of the fire and the extent of damage.

Amaechi to US: review travel advisory

R

IVERS State Governor Rotimi Amaechi yesterday urged the United States to review its travel advisory on the Niger Delta.

He said such decision will strengthen the existing trade relations between his state and the American Government.

According to him, the review of the United States’ travel advisory on the Niger Delta would open up huge opportunities for investment and trade for the Rivers and US governments.

The US and the United Kingdom (UK)

have travel advisories on the Niger Delta for the safety of their nationals.

The governor spoke when the Deputy to the Commander for Civil-Military Activities of the United States Africa Command(AFRICOM), Sir Anthony Holmes, visited him at the Government House, Port Harcourt, yesterday.

Holmes said they were in Rivers State as part of the American Government efforts to engage with and assist the military in Africa, and to promote and create security.

57

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 27 , 2012

NEWS

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HE Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State, has been shut, following a clash between the students and youths in the host community yesterday. Eight students were injured.

Many buildings were destroyed, including vehicles and a filling station near the school.

But the home of former Vice-President Alex Ekwueme, located on the Oko-Umunze Road was not touched as speculated.

Three students, who were shot by the hoodlums, have been taken to the hospital.

It was learnt that the mayhem was caused by the Ife-Olu Masquerade Festival.

Sources said many students and non-indigenes were molested during the festival.

Over 400 security operatives from the police command, the military and the State Security Service (SSS) were deployed in Oka to restore peace.

The police team was led by the Assistant Commissioner, Operations, Bashir Makama; his second in command, Tope Fasugba, a Superintendent of Police; and the Command’s spokesman, Emeka Chukwuemeka.

The students, who were attacked in their hostels, were evacuated in over five buses to their various destinations free of charge.

The school’s Rector, Prof.

Godwin Onu, was not within the premises, but the Deputy Rector, Dr. Don Muo, and the polytechnic’s spokesman, Mr. Obini Onuchukwu, took charge of things.

Onuchukwu said the school would be reopened on April 10.

•Students in front of the school gate...yesterday.

Oko polytechnic students, community clash •School shut till April 10 From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

He said the management has set up a committee to look into the cause of the problem and the way forward.

Onuchukwu said: “We got a distress call at 7pm on Sunday that some of our students were being attacked by the indigenes. We contacted the traditional ruler and some lead-

ers in the area to resolve the problem.

“But when we woke up this morning, we found that the problem was not solved and our students went on a peaceful demonstration. While doing that, the people attacked them again.”

President-General of the community Cyprian Nwamuo

said eight members of the community have been arrested, including its spokesman, over the incident and called for their release.

He said the festival has been suspended until further notice.

Vice-President of the Students Union Willaims Ibiane said the students were always targeted during the festival.

Ibiane said no student was killed, but those injured had

T

S

who has shown that the truth will always triumph over untruth in the end.

“I won the Senatorial election twice, but Mrs. Akunyili, through the instrumentality of the Anambra State Government, decided to see if blackmail and intimidation wouls help them to get what the electorate denied them in the field.”

Mrs. Akunyili urged her supporters not to despair.

She said: “The decision of the Court of Appeal on the issue is final and cannot be revisited.

“Aware that the election was rigged in his favour, Ngige did everything humanly possible to ensure that my

petition was not be heard.

“His legal team employed delay tactics, using one crafty argument after another to frustrate the hearing of my case.

“Ngige must be relieved, because he is aware that he did not win the election. If he won the election, why did he desperately ensure that my petition was not heard?

“Having done everything within our power to get justice, we must at this point accept the reality that our case will never be heard. It is a sad day for justice in our country, because technicality has triumphed over merit.

“I intend to move on with my life and leave things in the hands of Almighty God. I most sincerely thank my fam-

Seven dead in Anambra road crash

EVEN persons were killed at the weekend, when a commercial bus fell into Igu River at Ozu-Abam in Arochukwu Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The victims included a student and two invigilators, who went for Saturday’s Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination in Ohafia, and were returning to Umuahia.

It was gathered that the brake of the 18-seater bus failed and the driver lost control of the vehicle.

An eyewitness, simply identified as Ukpai, said

•Management: we’re sensitive to their plight

U

•Akunyili: I accept my fate

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

From Ugochukwu Eke, Umuahia

three of the victims died immediately, while the other four died in the hospital.

When the accident occurred, he said the villagers jumped into the river and rescued 11 of them.

Okai said those injured were taken to the hospital by men of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the bodies had been deposited at a mortuary in Ohafia.

The driver, Uyo Kalu, was later transferred to the Intensive Care Unit of the Feder-

al Medical Centre (FMC), Umuahia, where he is receiving treatment.

When The Nation visited him, Kalu could not talk, but his brother, who pleaded for anonymity, urged the Federal Government to rebuild the Umuahia/Ozu-Abam/ Ohafia Federal Road and five bridges in the area, which have claimed several lives.

Police spokesman Geoffrey Ogbonna said he was not aware of the incident.

An officer at the FRSC office in Awka, the state capital, said that they are yet to hear from the Ohafia office about the incident.

lem ensued.”

As at the time of filing this report yesterday, members of the community were still attacking students living off campus with machetes.

Fasugba said the community’s spokesman was arrested with a machete and two others were seized with guns.

He said anyone that foments trouble would be dealt with.

EBSU students protest poor facilities

Court upholds Ngige’s election HE Court of Appeal, sitting in Enugu, yesterday dismissed an appeal filed by the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the senatorial election in Anambra Central, Prof. Dora Akunyili.

Prof. Akunyili is challenging the election of Dr. Chris Ngige of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

On February 21, the Anambra National Assembly Election PetitionTribunal, sitting in Awka, threw out the case on the grounds that 180 days stipulated for the determination of elections had lapsed.

The Court of Appeal held that the tribunal was right in striking out the matter.

Ngige said the judgment marks a new era in the politics of Anambra State.

He said: “I received the news with gratitude to God,

been taken to the hospital.

Chukwuemeka said security operatives are on top of the situation. He denied reports that some people were killed and raped, but confirmed that some students were injured.

He said: “The information reaching us showed that the masquerades beat up students on Sunday during the festival, and when the students retaliated on Monday, a prob-

•Ngige

ily, Governor Peter Obi, friends, associates, supporters and my legal team for standing by me all the way.

“We must take heart. We have not lost the case but have only been prevented from proving our case.

“We must not despair, but must remain steadfast, confident that after the rain comes sunshine. The sun of my political career will surely rise again at God’s own time.

NDERGRADUATES of the Ebonyi State University in Abakaliki yesterday peacefully protested the poor facilities in the school.

Carrying placards with various inscriptions, such as “No water, No light; our ladies are smelling”; “Why should the SUG President call the police on us”; “VC, we need water oh”; the students barricaded the gate leading to the College of Health Science (CHS) campus.

They disrupted movement on Waterworks Road, Ogoja Road and other roads leading to the campus. The protest, which started about 7am, lasted till noon.

A student, who pleaded anonymity, said: “The problem is that we do not have

Robbers kill three in Onitsha From Okodili Ndidi, •N12m stolen Onitsha

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HREE people were killed by robbers yesterday on Awka Road in Onitsha, Anambra State.

The robbers stole N12 million from the victims, who were said to be on their way to the bank.

The victims were two middle-aged men and a young lady. They were said to be the Manager, Cashier and driver of a popular filling station.

It was learnt that the victims were going to deposit the money made from the weekend sales, when the incident occurred.

Eyewitnesses said the robbers, who rode on two motorcycles, trailed the victims,

who were driving a Peugeot 504 Station Wagon marked DR937PHC, from one of the filling stations and attacked them at Okosi junction.

They said the gunmen shot and killed the victims, before picking up the cash from the trunk of the car.

When The Nation visited the scene at 11am yesterday, the bodies had been removed, but the bullet riddled car was still there and the ground was smeared with blood.

Police spokesman Emeka Chukwuemeka confirmed the incident, but said only one person was killed.

From Ogbonnaya Obinna, Abakaliki

water. We do not have light.

We rectify electricity problems ourselves.

“We have not eaten in three days, because we do not have water to cook. The five boreholes in the school are not functional. We have not taken our bath too, so we decided to shun lectures and demand a solution to these problems.

“They have to start working on the boreholes immediately. We lack many things.

All the toilets on campus are bad. This is not the first time we are complaining about this, despite the fact that we pay hostel fees.

“The management is insensitive to our plight. We are shocked each time we hear the amount of money released to the management by the state government. We want the government to set up a committee to probe the management.

“Many of the management members own private hostels off campus, so whenever we complain of the facilities here, they always say we have other options outside the school.”

The Dean of Students’ Affairs, Dr. Hillary Eze, appealed to the students to return to their hostels.

He said the Rural Water and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA) had been mandated to repair the boreholes, but temporary water sources would be provided.

Eze said: “We are sensitive to their plight and that is why we have contacted an agency to ensure steady water supply and other facilities.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2012

58

NEWS

FOREIGN

Ajimobi to pay Oyo workers N19,987 Senegal: Poll result minimum wage ‘example for Africa’ O YO State Governor Abiola Ajimobi yesterday approved N19,987.14 minimum wage for the workers across board.

This ended the workers’ agitation for the N18,000 minimum wage.

The governor urged the workers to assist the government in improving the internally generated revenue (IGR) to enable the government sustain the payment of the new wage and deliver on its electioneering promises.

A statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dr Festus Adedayo, said the minimum wage had

pitched the workers against the government, with a faction of labour leaders asking the workers to prepare for a strike on March 19.

It noted that this followed the purported sack of the authentic labour leaders, “a move the government declared illegal”.

The statement added that the tension generated by the development had forced the governor to call for a session with the workers where he showed the facts and figure before them.

It said this was to correct the

false impression earlier circulated amongst the workers.

At the session in Ibadan, the governor painted a gloomy picture of the state’s financial position, saying the government required N4.1 billion monthly to pay the new wage while the total monthly revenue accruing to the state amounted to N4.55 billion.

Ajimobi said the state’s IGR only covered 26 per cent of its total expenditure, adding that the state had 38,000 workers and 13,000 pensioners, the highest in the Southwest.

According to him, salaries and wages gulp 92 per cent of the state’s total income.

The governor promised that his administration would not retrench any worker to pay the new minimum wage.

He said measures had to be put in place to increase the IGR from its present N1.1 billion monthly to N3.5 billion in the next one year.

Ajimobi added that his administration would increase this to N100 billion annually by 2015.

To achieve this, he said that some of the hitherto neglected areas of revenue generation had to be explored.

3,375 PDP, Accord members defect to ACN in Oyo N

O fewer than 3,375 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Accord Party in Oyo-East Local Government Area of Oyo State yesterday defected to the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

A breakdown shows that 2,396 PDP former members were from the camps of former member, House of Representatives, Mr. Maroof Akinwande, Bili Onifade, and former Chairman of the local government, Alhaji Kamaldeen Shittu.

From Bode Durojaiye, Oyo

The 976 former Accord Party members were from the groups of former senatorial candidate of the party in Oyo Central, Chief Bisi Ilaka; a former council chairman, Chief Emmanuel Olaoye; and Alhaji Siju Salam.

The event was attended by ACN chairman, Chief Akin Oke, who led other executive committee members, in-

cluding Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Alhaja Monsurat Sunmonu, and council chairmen from the four local governments under Oyo Federal Constituency (Afijio, Atiba, Oyo East and Oyo West).

Others included the pioneer state chairman of the party, Chief Adedokun Farinu, party leaders in the constituency and thousands of party supporters.

Alhaja Sunmonu called for

mutual coexistence among old and new members, urging the defectors not to feel alienated but see themselves as members of the same family.

Oke said the defection was an attestation to the sincerity of purpose and sense of belonging of the ACN towards ameliorating agelong impoverishment of the residents by the former PDP-led administration in the state.

He criticized the workers for their ongoing strike, saying it was “mischievous”.

Forum urges ACN to avoid zoning in Ondo race GROUP, the Ondo People’s Forum (OPF), has urged the national leadership of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) to adopt the most acceptable candidate and avoid zoning in the state.

It canvassed for a adoption of a personality that could upstage Governor Olusegun Mimiko in the next election.

The group advised the party’s leaders to ignore the “unwritten rotational policy” in the state and pick its standard bearer from any senatorial district.

Already, no fewer than 20 aspirants indicated interest in the governorship ticket.

Notable among the aspirants are: Senator Ajayi Boroffice, Dr. Olu Agunloye, Mr. Saka Lawal, Dr. Tunji Abayomi, Mr. Wale Akinterinwa and Mr. Sola Iji. Others are: Chief Olayato Aribo, Chief Jamiu Ekungba,

A

Mr. Segun Adegoke, Mr Jaiyeola Ajata, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) and Mrs Jumoke Anifowose.

However, 75 per cent of the aspirants are from the Northern Senatorial District.

They are agitating for ‘Akoko Agenda’.

In a statement in Akure, the state capital, by its Coordinator, Dr. Segun The group noted that for the ACN to

win the next governorship election, it should not adopt a rotational policy.

It warned that any attempt to narrow down the selection of candidates to a particular zone may spell doom for the party.

The statement reads: “There is no doubting the fact that the ACN is the fastest growing party in Ondo State. The influx of members

of Labour Party [LP] and Peoples Democratic Party [PDP] testifies to this.

“For the ACN to dislodge Governor Olusegun Mimiko, the leadership of the party must make the right choice that is not influenced by sentiments.

The Leadership of the party must look beyond the unwritten rotational policy and choose a credible candidate.

Aregbesola warns against diversion of fertiliser

O

SUN State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has warned the state fertiliser distribution committee not to allocate the commodity to fake farmers.

The governor said fake farmers in turn sell the commodity to genuine farmers.

Represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and Food Security, Festus Agunbiade, the governor warned that the fertiliser, procured by the government, should not stray into the wrong hands.

The governor spoke in Osogbo, the state capital, at the beginning of distribution of

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

fertilisers to farmers for this year’s planting season.

He said the government had stopped the distribution to ensure equity in the allocation of the commodity.

Aregbesola expressed satisfaction with the committee’s criteria for selecting the beneficiaries.

These included visitations to farm sites of farmers before the allocation of the commodity.

Education shouldn’t be for profit, says Soyinka

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OBEL laureate, Prof.

Wole Soyinka, yesterday urged governments at all levels, particularly those of states, to see investment in education as a means for human capital development and not a profit making venture.

Soyinka spoke in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, at the state’s Business Summit.

He noted that one of the

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

problems facing the nation was that the government perceived investment in education as a money-making venture.

The literary giant’s admonition was coming on the heels of higher fees charged by most state-owned tertiary institutions, which take tuition fees as the major source of revenue.

According to him, education should not be seen from money-making perspective, which has led to an increase in private higher institutions than state-owned ones in some states.

Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola said governments should take the security of life and property seriously.

He noted that no meaningful progress could be

achieved without security.

The governor said in an atmosphere of uncertainty and instability, not even the artisans can function in their country or state.

Fashola urged Nigerians to have faith in the judiciary and cultivate the attitude of settling disputes through the court, instead of resorting to self-help or crude means that could compound misunderstanding.

Ekiti completes new roads, blames delay on compensation

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HE Ekiti State Government yesterday announced the completion of some roads in the state.

They include those of OsunIloro; Awo-Iyin; Odo-OroOkela and Secretariat-Awede.

Others are: Ijesa-Isu-Ode and Ijigbo-Isato-Ile-Abiye roads.

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

Addressing reporters in Ado-Ekitit, the state capital, on the activities of his ministry since inception, Commissioner for Works and Transport, Mr. Sola Adebayo said more roads would be completed before the end of April.

The commissioner noted that delays in the execution of some Ado-Ekiti township road projects was due to hitches in paying compensation to owners of affected buildings.

Adebayo said: “Some road projects have been completed; some have recorded appreciable progress, while others

are still at the initial state. For example, the dulaisation of road projects in Ado-Ekiti namely, the Old GaradeOjumose road, AtikankanNITEL-Baptist Church road is yet to brgin because compensation to owners of the buildings to be demolished along the roads has not been comcluded.”

•Jonathan, EU, AU excited

ENEGAL’s presidential election, which saw the incumbent concede defeat peacefully, has been hailed as a “great victory for democracy” in Africa.

President Abdoulaye Wade has accepted that he was defeated by Macky Sall in yesterday’s run-off.

The African Union said Mr Wade’s concession showed “maturity” in the country’s democracy while the European Union called Senegal a “great example”.

Mr Sall addressed thousands of cheering supporters in the capital, Dakar.

He promised to be a president for all Senegalese people.

The president-elect, 50, said the poll marks a “new era” for the country.

Street celebrations quickly followed the incumbent president’s early phone call to Macky Sall to admit defeat and congratulate him.

These were scenes of relief for the Senegalese. People were simply relieved that democracy had prevailed.

Many had feared that Abdoulaye Wade’s candidacy for a third term meant he would try to cling to power and tarnish the country’s image as a peaceful and stable democracy. Senegal hasn’t suffered from a military takeover since independence but Mr Wade’s intention to run again was seen as a “constitutional coup” violating a two-term limit.

After weeks of deadly protests before the first round,

S

•Mr Sall the Senegalese gave a lesson in democracy to West Africa - and the whole continent using their ballots to oust Mr Wade rather than continue facing the security forces in the streets.

As the local media were announcing results coming out of polling station one after the other after polls closed, it became clear that this election was a referendum in which people voted “no” to more of Mr Wade.

His rival’s bid for a third term in office, after 12 years in power, sparked violent protests which left six people dead.

Official results from Sunday’s election are expected within two days.

A spokesman for European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said it was “a great victory for democracy in Senegal and Africa”, reports the AFP news agency.

“Senegal is a great example for Africa,” he added.

North Korea’s rocket plan hijacks nuclear summit

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HE security summit that began here yesterday was supposed to be an opportunity for President Barack Obama and other leaders to find ways to keep nuclear material away from terrorists. So far, North Korea has upstaged that agenda.

And that may be just what Pyongyang intended.

Several of the heads of state meeting in Seoul have criticised the North’s surprise announcement 10 days ago that it plans to blast a satellite into space next month aboard a long-range rocket — a launch that Obama’s government views as cover for nuclear missile development.

Obama urged North Korean leaders to abandon their rocket plan or risk jeopardising their country’s future and thwarting a recent US pledge of food aid in return for nuclear and missile test moratoriums — considered a breakthrough after years of deadlock. South Korean President Lee Myung-bak’s government warned it might shoot down parts of the rocket if it violates South Korean air space.

Obama and Lee also pressed North Korean ally China to use its influence to prevent a launch. Meanwhile, a Chinese governmentbacked disarmament expert said allowing the launch to

dominate discussions at the summit may be exactly what North Korea wants.

“I think North Korea did this to overshadow our talks about nuclear security,” said China Arms Control and Disarmament Association head Li Hong. “We shouldn’t fall for their trick.”

Impoverished North Korea has a history of angling for food, oil and other concessions in exchange for disarmament pledges in onagain, off-again talks, and it periodically launches aggressive, attention-grabbing moves to ensure those negotiations stay high on the international agenda.

Why North Korea made its rocket announcement so soon after settling a nuclear freeze-for-aid deal last month with the United States has mystified some observers, because it endangers a pending aid shipment.

However, Pyongyang previously has upped the ante by creating crises during diplomatic talks on the nuclear standoff, including in 2009 when it launched a long-range, multistage rocket seen as a defying a United Nations ban. When the UN Security Council condemned that launch, Pyongyang responded by abandoning six-nation nuclear disarmament talks and, weeks later, carrying out a nuclear test, its second.

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2012

59

NEWS Police co-pilot for burial From Marie-Therese Nanlong, Jos

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LANS have been completed to bury the co-pilot of the ill-fated Police helicopter, CSP Hananiah Pwol-Ja. The police chopper crashed on March 14 at Kabong village in Jos, the Plateau State capital.

A statement by police spokesman Samuel Dabai said the officer would be buried today.

Dabai said a service would take place at the Church of Christ In Nigeria (COCIN) Headquarters, Jos by 10am. His remains would be interred at his residence at Gold and Base, Jos. The late Pwol-Ja is survived by a wife and three children.

Obasanjo, Shonekan, others for book launch

•From left: MsAkande Adeola, Ndoma Egba , National Assembly Clerk Salisu Maikasuwa and the Director of the Centre Mrs PHOTO ABAYOMI FAYESE .Felicia Uchola ...yesterday

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Probe: Senate declares demand for funds unethical

HE Senate yesterday declared that it is “morally and ethically” wrong for National Assembly committees to demand assistance from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) for their oversight duties.

The Senate's position may not be unconnected with the scandal involving the House of Representatives Committee on Capital Market Chairman, Herman Hembe and the DirectorGeneral of the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC), Ms Arunma Oteh.

Senate Leader Victor Ndoma-Egba spoke while inagurating the National Assembly Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Research and Training Centre in Abuja.

He said such tendencies are capable of eroding the powers and functions of the legislature.

Ndoma-Egba said: “Though the legislative power of oversight is a constitutional one, its efficacy however derives from the legislature's moral authority to exercise it.

“Therefore, if support of any kind is requested or obtained

From Onyedi Ojiabor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

from the Ministry, Department or Agency (MDA) , the legislature's powers and functions would have, ab initio, been compromised.

“It is therefore constitutionally and ethically wrong to demand, expect or obtain help from the MDAs in carrying out oversight functions.”

He said ICT has become an essential tool in supporting the work of legislatures all over the world.

His words: “As they have grown in sophistication, it has also acquired the necessary flexibility to assist them in their responsibilities and supporting their bureaucracies in upgrading their administrative activities in line with e-parliament and e-government best practices.”

The Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Mulikat Akande-Adeola, advised the staff of the National Assembly to take advantage of the centre to improve their ICT skills.

NDLEA impounds N31b drugs

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HE National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has said it seized narcotic drugs worth N31 billion and arrested 8,639 suspected drug traffickers last year.

A total of 195,283.917 kilogrammes of various drugs were equally traced and seized from suspects across the country.

Cannabis Sativa, otherwise known as hemp, constitutes the largest seizure with 191,847.91 kilogrammes. Psy-

By Kelvin Osa-Okunbor

chotropic substances are 2,985.45 kilogrammes; cocaine 410.805 kilogrammes and heroin 39.752 kilogrammes.

NDLEA Chairman Ahmadu Giade said the period under review was historic and challenging.

"Estimated value of seized drugs is about N31 billion, thus making drug control a priority concern."

The Chairman said Kano State has the highest number

of suspects with 1,281 persons (all men). Lagos followed with 382 persons made up of 339 men and 43 women.

Anambra is third with 361 arrests, comprising 301 men and 60 women.

Katsina is fourth with 350 arrests, including 340 men and 10 women; Rivers is fifth with 314 men and 35 women.

“The largest seizure of drugs was recorded in Southwest and Southsouth states.

Ondo has the highest drug seizure of 55,473.31 kilo-

grammes.

Edo is second with 40,633 kilogrammes and Delta third with 26,823.14 kilogrammes.

“In Oyo, 15,331.37 kilogrammes were seized and Lagos with 10,406.1 kilogrammes.

“The Agency also recorded seizures of amphetamine type stimulants in Borno and Zamfara states. This is a warning that drugs can spread fast.

“It also justifies the call for collaborative efforts in halting the spread of narcotic substances in the country," Giade said.

F

ORMER Head of the Interim National Government Ernest Shonekan and former President Olusegun Obasanjo will on Friday attend the presentation of a book titled: "The Nigerian Financial System".

The book, authored by former president,Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), the late Ebenezer Folorunso Oke, is planned to coincide with his birthday.

In a statement by the widow, Ronke, the late accountant would have wished to celebrate his colleagues, students and associates who share his vision of excellence.

She said: "On November 29, 2010, my husband passed on.

“Before then, he finished writing the book, the book has been published posthumously.”

Gombe State Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwabo is the chief presenter.

The event will hold at the Agip Hall, Muson Centre, Onikan at 11:00am.

Accounting guru Akintola Williams is the special guest.

Co-founder, Guaranty Trust Bank, FolaAdeola is the book reviewer.

Prince Bola Ajibola is expected to chair the occasion.

MTN Foundation gives N510m

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HE MTN Foundation has invested N510 million in three years for the promotion of education among visually impaired students in tertiary institutions.

About 2,559 students have benefited from this gesture which is aimed at promoting science and technology education among visually impaired persons.

Chairman, MTN Foundation, Hamzat Ahmadu, spoke yesterday at the formal presentation of the third MTN Foundation Science and Technology Scholarship awards to successful candidates at the International Conference Centre (ICC) of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO).

Ahmadu, who was represented by the Director of the

From Emma Mgbeahurike, Owerri

Foundation, Denis Okoro, said about 500 students benefited from the project in 2009 when the programme started, adding that in the second phase 934 students were awarded scholarship of N200,000 each.

PUBLIC NOTICE I, formerly known and addressed as , now wish to be known and be addressed as .

All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

OLADAPO I,formerly known and addressed as MISS OLADAPO ADETUTU JULIANA, now wish to be known and be addressed as MRS HASSAN RAMOTU ADETUTU. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2012

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2012

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NEWS RMAFC shifts take-off date for revenue formula

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•Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed (second left), Secretary to the State Government Alhaji Isiaka Gold (left), the governor’s wife, Omolewa (second right ) and the Deputy Governor’s wife, Deaconess Felicia Kisra, rendering the Kwara Peace Anthem at the two-day summit on peace at the Banquet Hall, Ilorin...yesterday

Ex-Lagos lawmakers, ACN leaders pay tributes to Tinubu at 60 F

ORMER members of the Lagos State House of Assembly yesterday paid tributes to the national Leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Senator Bola Tinubu, on his 60th birthday.

Also, the leader of the ACN Total Loyalty Group (ACNTLG), Alhaji Wasiu Balogun, hailed the celebrator, describing him as a father figure, teacher of politics and mentor of youths.

A state lawmaker, Mr. Lanre Ogunyemi, who described Tinubu as a role model, enjoined progressives to use the occasion to come together to forge a common front in the interest of the masses.

The former lawmakers said in a statement that “Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s achievements as former governor of Lagos State have remained indelible”, adding that his successor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, has continued to build on the foundation of progress.

The former legislators, who served between 1999 and 2003, are Jide Jimoh, Wasiu Eshinlokun Sanni, Wasiu Odeyemi, Huntoyon Bamgbose, Dauda

By Emmanuel Oladesu

Kako-Are, Hassan Adefarasin, Wale Ahmed, Ramata Oseni, Femi Durosinmi, Senator Jide Omoworare, Tayo Oduntan and Kolawole Taiwo.

The statement reads: “ We most heartily congratulate our indefatigable leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu on the occasion of his 60th birthday. We note with satisfaction that the former governor of Lagos State has remained steadfast in the pursuit of lofty goals and public interest, both in and outside of government.

“His achievements as governor of Lagos State were legendary. Across the sectors, there has been a tremendous improvements, which were achieved in the executive council of talents, which he presided over. Like our late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, our leader, Asiwaju Tinubu set up an efficient administration that justified public confidence in the management of human and material resources.

“It is interesting to also note that, along with other compatriots, our party has also continued to grow in leaps and bounds, with electoral success attending its efforts. Indeed, Asiwaju has also succeeded in nurturing a formidable political family that can stand the test of time. It is our prayer that God will grant him many more years of service to humanity”.

Balogun, said: “Tinubu is an egalitarian leader. He is opposed to the politics of tribalism; quite forgiving, loving and accommodating. As Nelson Mandela fought for freedom in South-Africa, he won the liberation war in the Southwest, for the masses.

“Tinubu is also a fearless leader who did not desert the battle during the military era when the gun was booming.

His involvement in NADECO activities along with other modern nationalists forced the military to yield the ground. He is also an apostle of true federalism, restructur-

ing, electoral reforms, and sanctity of the ballot box. It is our prayer that God will continue to sustain him”.

Ogunyemi, who served as Political Adviser to the deputy governor under the defunct Tinubu administration, said: “Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is the pride of Yoruba race. he is a widely acclaim global strategist in politics, economics, administration and human development. He stands out as a leader of immense value and stature.

“His ground-breaking accomplishments spanning all strata of human endeavours make him a genius patterned along the brand of the late Chief Awolowo. he delivered the Southwest from the shackles of marauding political jobbers. His problem-solving skill is unprecedented and his courage in the face of all odds is titanic. May God bless Asiwaju Tinubu with longevity and good health for continued service to humanity”.

NBA seeks support for driver’s licence, number plate

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HE Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) yesterday backed the production of driver’s licence and number plates by the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Its President Joseph Daudu urged the National Assembly to review the Acts establishing the Police and FRSC to remove what he called the overlapping functions of the commission.

Daudu, who spoke at a oneday public hearing on the phase-out of the old number plate and driver’s licence organised by the House Committee said the security situation in the country has made the introduction of the new drivers licence and number plates necessary.

He said they would aid security agencies in apprehending criminals as well as improve safety of motorist through the provision of necessary information.

Daudu implored the Na-

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

tional Assembly to step up its oversight functions on various implementing agencies to ensure effective implementation and avoid overpricing at the state level.

The Corp Marshal of the FRSC, Osita Chidoka noted that the proposed number plates and driver’s licences have additional security features that will check the spate

of road accidents and death rate by untrained drivers.

He disclosed that about 5,000 deaths are recorded daily and that the facilities available at the commission, including central database, are obsolete, cumbersome, fraught with irregularities, chaotic and portend risks to national security.

Chidoka added that there was no formal standard for production of number plates in the past.

He said the commission had produced 231,876 number plates as of March 1, last year and so far discovered that 47 per cent of driver’s licences renewed were fake.

Chidoka said the commission had begun medical certification of commercial drivers.

He added that the scheme will also enhance revenue accruing to state governments as unregistered vehicles would find it difficult to operate on the highway without being arrested by security agencies.

CJN to present Reform Bill to Assembly

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HE Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Dahiru Musdapher will tomorrow present to Senate President David Mark, ‘A Bill for an Act to Alter the 1999 Constitution and for other Related Matters’.

A statement from the CJN’s Media Adviser, Muhammad Adamu, said: “The 56-item, 29-page Bill which seeks to alter certain provisions of the1999 Constitution, as altered, relates generally to the judicature and covers, with a view to entrenching, all the items on the judiciary reform agenda of the CJN.

From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

“Its overall intendment is to enhance judicial efficiency and juridical probity.

“It thus touches generally on the appellate and traditional jurisdictions, respectively, of the Supreme Court and the Fedederal High Court.

“It proposes amendment to membership of the National Judicial Council, NJC and appointment, removal and pension rights of judicial officers”.

HE Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Mr Elis Mbam, yesterday said political and other challenges are impeding the release of the new revenue allocation formula for the commission.

He spoke in Abuja when he hosted a delegation of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), led by its Comptroller-General, Mohammed Dikko.

The RMAFC chief admitted that he had earlier announced that the new revenue would be released by the end of the first quarter of this year, saying this was no longer feasible as the quarter would end in a few days.

Mbam said it would be “difficult to say when the new revenue formula will be ready, but we have gone very far with the work on it.

From Nduka Chiejina (Assistant Editor), Abuja

The RMAFC wants to retain the image of unbias and will not be dragged into politicizing the review of the new revenue formula”.

He said the commission was worried at the degree of politicisation of the exercise in the past few months, adding that this “was worrisome in view of the negative implications for the various tiers of governments’ socio-economic development”.

The RMAFC, he said, has faced many challenges, including national ones.

Mbam said: “Even the budget year was moved from December to March and so many other challenge which you know as much as I do have impeded the release of the new revenue formula this quarter.”

FAAN petitions EFCC over Maevis contract

By Kelvin Osa-Okunbor

T

HE Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) yesterday petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission and other miscellaneous offences Commission (ICPC) to probe the activities of Maevis Limited and two of its banks. The petition is on alleged diversion of funds belonging to FAAN into the coffers of Maevis Limited over the last four years.

FAAN is praying the two agencies to investigate the financial affairs of its concession on the provision of an integrated Airport Operations Management System (AOMS) to Maevis Limited until the enforcement of the termination of its agreement last March 24.

FAAN’s Managing Director Mr. George Uriesi, who addressed reporters on Saturday in Lagos, said the termination of the concession agreement was in line with the authority turnaround strategy.

Uriesi explained that the agreement was lopsided in favour of the concessionaire to the detriment of FAAN “and therefore not in the public interest.”

Also yesterday, Uriesi said that most foreign airlines operating into the country, including the British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Delta Airlines, Iberia Airlines, Emirates Airlines, Egypt Air and Turkish Airlines, have successfully switched over to the new AOMS system provided by the Authority.

Aviation ministry gets committee on flight delays, cancellation

A

VIATION Minister Princess Stella Oduah yesterday set up a committee to probe the causes of flight delays/cancellations and make recommendations.

The move is coming on the heels of delays and cancellation of domestic flights at the nation’s airports as well as the lackadaisical attitude of airlines towards passengers’ discomfort.

Princess Oduah noted that radical steps had to be taken to address the challenge in line with the current wave of transformational changes in the sector.

The minister urged the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority( NCAA) to expedite action on the inter-line arrangement among domestic airline operators to enable passengers of

By Kelvin Osa-Okunbor

delayed/cancelled flights to connect their flights on other airlines.

She explained that airlines will be encouraged to improve on their credit worthiness with fuel marketers, even as fuel marketers will be directed to increase the number of fuel bowsers they utilize and upgrade the old ones at airport across the country.

The Federal Ministry of Aviation has given the British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and all international airlines operating in the country a 30-day ultimatum beginning from March 26, to dismantle the regional fare imbalance between what Nigerian passengers pay for international flights and their counterparts in the West African sub-region or face an

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2012

62

NEWS Unemployed youths storm NDE in Lafia From Johnny Danjuma, Lafia

NEMPLOYED youths yesterday stormed the Lafia, Nasarawa State office of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) seeking to undergo vocational training.

The state Coordinator of NDE, Mr. Nicodemus Dzer, said: “As you can see, the problem we have now is how to coordinate this crowd.

“They will not even allow our workers to sit down and register them, but we will try our best to see that we get all of them registered and see how we can get the best out of the number.

“We are selecting only a sizable number that we can manage, and we would also provide them with funds to start their businesses.”

Dzer said the recruitment exercise would take place in three centres across the three senatorial zones of the state.

He added that 150 school leavers would be recruited in each of the zones and that they would be trained in the 10 vocational trades, which include: hair dressing, catering, welding, plumbing, •Applicants waiting to be registered for NDE skill acquisition programme in Lafia...yesterday tailoring/fashion design and interior decoration.

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Police arrest man for alleged murder

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ANO State Police Command has arrested Abdullahi Bala, alias Dangongola of Brigade quarters, Kano, for allegedly stabbing to death Mustapha Abubakar aka Black, of Sallare quarters, Kano.

The command said the knife with which the offence was allegedly committed has been recovered, while investigation is on.

It added that 169 suspects were arrested during the command’s raid of black spots and criminals’ hideouts.

According to a statement signed by the command’s spokesman, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Musa Magaji Majiya, 24 of the suspects were screened while the remaining 145 were charged to court for various offences.

He said their offences included criminal conspiracy

From Kolade Adeyemi Kano

and armed robbery, being in possession of dangerous weapons and intoxicants, unlawful assembly and attempt to commit offence.

The statement added that some were sentenced to imprisonment, some were given options of fine and others are awaiting trials.

The statement said the police also arrested Samson Patrick, Umar Haruna and Nura Usman for vandalising PHCN cables and stealing at Badawa quarters. Nazifi Sunusi of Unguwar Dabai quarters in Kano was also arrested for conspiring with three others at large to rob Dalhatu Abdullah of the same quarters. The suspect was arrested with 48 keys which he used to steal vehicles and burgle houses.

Suswam bans medical treatment in India ENUE State Gover-

B

nor Gabriel Suswam yesterday began clinical services at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital and said the days of indigenes seeking medical services in India are over.

The governor said the university teaching hospital has modern medical facilities, qualified doctors and consultants who are specialists in various fields and are ready to help the people who need medical attention.

“With such health personnel and modern equipment, there would be no need to send any patient to India again because this teaching hospital, built by the state government and inaugurated by President Goodluck Jonathan, can perform any surgery,” Suswam said.

From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

He appealed to the people to take advantage of the teaching hospital by coming for medical check-up.

The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Professor Orkuuga Malu, had earlier said the hospital would admit 50 students per session until some buildings were completed.

He appealed for support from the government, adding that more facilities should be put in place.

As part of the activities to kick-start clinical services at the teaching hospital, Suswam, his deputy, Chief Steven Lawani and Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Salifu David, underwent medical check-up.

PHOTO: NAN

Bomb factory discovered in Kogi

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JOINT team of Army, Police and State Security Service (SSS)

yesterday discovered a bomb factory in Kabba Local Government of Kogi State.

The bomb factory, which is located at Asonta Street, behind NTA Kabba, is in an

From Mohammed Bashir Lokoja

uncompleted four bedroom flat.

Some hoodlums recently bombed police stations at Kabba, Ijumu and Ajaokuta and robbed banks.

There have been conflicting reports that the bomb

factory could either be owned by members of the Boko Haram sect or hoodlums said to have been attacking banks.

The Unit Commander of the Police Anti-bomb Squad, Cletus Nzeji, said the explosives were the same type used in bombing banks and

police stations.

A bank teller of N36, 000 deposited in one of the banks in Okene and locallymade bombs were recovered.

Security agents are currently demolishing the suspected bomb factory.

Two killed as Fulani militants attack Tiv villages

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ULANI militants yesterday attacked two Tiv villages in Takum Local Government of Taraba State, killing two people and injuring others.

The two villages torched by the marauders are TseAdam and Demevaa.

A police source said at TseAdam, a 22-year-old man was shot dead, while at Demevaa, which the militants attacked last week, an old man was killed.

Police Public Relations Of-

From Fanen Ihyongo, Jalingo

ficer Ibiang Mbaseki confirmed the attack and the killings.

The source said the Fulani militants struck a few minutes after the soldiers, deployed in the area to keep peace, had left.

It was learnt that most of the fighters are mercenaries.

Since the crisis began a few days ago, nine Tiv settlements have been destroyed and hundreds of Tiv farmers

displaced. The victims are taking refuge at Chanchanji.

A peace meeting was held yesterday morning at the Police’s Officers Mess, Jalingo, to resolve the crisis.

In attendance were Fulani and Tiv leaders, the Special Adviser (SA) to Governor Danbaba Suntai on Security Matters, Group Captain Sule Gani (rtd), Commissioner of Police Mamman Sule and all Divisional Police Officers in the affected areas.

The meeting was also at-

tended by officials of the Tiv-Fulani Peace Committee, which was inaugurated penultimate week.

The Tiv were led by the Tiv Cultural and Social Association (TCSA), while the Fulani attended under the umbrella of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBA).

After addressing the remote and immediate causes of the crisis, the two groups agreed to sheathe their swords.

We’ll flush out Boko Haram, says Army chief

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HIEF of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, has said that the Boko Haram sect and other terrorist groups would soon be flushed out of Nigeria and the West Africa sub-region.

Speaking yesterday in Abuja at the First Chief of Army Staff Quarter Conference, Ihejirika said there is no hiding place for the sect, admitting, however, that relentless attacks by the terror group have taken a toll on his men.

He said: “Like in every operation, we have suffered a number of causalities. I don’t have the exact figure now, but I want to say that the soldiers have continued to persevere and will continue to do so.

“As I said sometime earlier, by the time we flush out terrorism in this country, the next phase would be for us to prepare to help our neighbouring countries to flush out

From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

the menace. If there is peace in Nigeria that peace will not be complete if our neighbours are embattled.

“We must have also learnt that some of these terrorists are trained in some neighbouring countries. I believe that phase one of our operation is to flush them out of Nigeria, then in line with the nation’s commitment to the

sub-region, we would be prepared to assist our neighbours. So, we are looking ahead of what is happening in Nigeria today.”

The Army Chief said 41 quick response units have been put in place by the Armed Forces and other security agencies to tackle terrorism through joint intelligence gathering.

He said the public have come to appreciate the inher-

ent dangers in terrorism and are beginning to be forthcoming with necessary information to the security agencies on the activities of terror groups.

Ihejirika said Armed Forces personnel have been receiving anti-terrorism training across the country, stressing that 2,000 of them are currently being trained at different formations nationwide.

Herbalist, 75, jailed in Bauchi

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BAUCHI Chief Magistrate’s Court presided over by Isa Mohammed yesterday sentenced a 75-year-old herbalist, Mallam Danlami Makarfi, to two years imprisonment.

According to the Police First Information Report (FIR), Adamu Mohammed of Wunti Street, Bauchi, in February 2009 complained to the Police Zone 12 Headquarters, Bauchi, that Danlami Makarfi, Mohammed Inuwa and Alhaji Murtala of Makarfi town in Kaduna State collected

From Austine Tsenzughul, Bauchi

N3.3 million from him.

The trio reportedly collected the amount and the victim’s car, a Toyota Averlon, under the pretext that they would hold a special prayer for him to enable him overcome some problems.

After collecting the money and the car, they were said to have run away and never contacted Adamu again.

When the charges were read to the accused, they pleaded guilty and Chief Magistrate Mohammed convicted them, including the aged herbalist.

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2012

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www.thenationonlineng.net

TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2012 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

TOMORROW IN THE NATION

‘ It is high time the police authorities did something to preserve the lives of our policemen rather than sending them to their early graves through poor equipment and improper training’ VOL. 7

NO.2,077

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

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NCE in a while I do a Google search with my name to find out what again I am supposed to have said or done, or whatever is supposed to have befallen me.

That was how I chanced upon the piece you are about to read, in the Internet edition of a Nigerian magazine that calls itself The Source and has as its slogan “News from the depth, rooted in time.”

The article appears under Viewpoints, in the March 26, 2012 issue of the journal, and bears the name of Dapo Thomas, who qualifies himself as a “public commentator” writing from – where else? – Abuja.

Mr Thomas, it seems to me, did himself and his patrons a great disservice by confining his illuminating rejoinder to the pages of The Source. It is almost as if he did not want the more discriminating readers to see it, least of all the author of the piece he was responding to.

I thought I should, for his benefit and the benefit of his patrons, and in furtherance of the national policy dialogue, bring it to the attention of a larger and more discerning audience.

Here it is, unedited:

OLATUNJI DARE

AT HOME ABROAD olatunji.dare@thenationonlineng.net

N2N strikes back ‘Dare may also need to be informed that N2N is a privately non-profit, non-governmental organisation with a reputation to protect’

***

Dare’s Tissues of Lies

By Dapo Thomas Dr Olatunji Dare’s name is not new in the Nigerian Media circuit. Neither is the Column, “At Home and Abroad”. In fact, both are household names. Dare is also supposed to be hewn from the old journalism tradition where fidelity to facts, objectivity and balance are the irreducible minimum for a practitioner, no less for one who has grown to author a column in a national newspaper!

If rookies on the beat can be excused for violating what a Freshman Journalism student is likely to commit-a scant disregard for facts in a news story or report, Dare certainly cannot fall into that category.

In his column of Tuesday, March 6 in The Nation under the above caption, Dare threw all caution, decorum and whatever elementary lessons on journalism he had learned, and whatever reputation, if indeed he had one, to the winds. While a distinctive, mischievous and malicious streak ran through the entire gamut of the write-up, where he attempted to bite too much in one mouthful, our concern is with the segment on

Neighbour To Neighbour (N2N).

Writing on N2N, Dare attempted to stoke an imaginary rift between media Houses which received the patronage of the organisation during the fuel subsidy removal campaign and N2N leadership by spreading blatant falsehood. In a nutshell, Dare declared that N2N scammed the media outfits in the advertorials they ran in support of the removal of fuel subsidy because ab initio, N2N never intended to pay for the adverts whose figure he concocts and puts in the region of N2 billion!

And wait for this-Dare claims to be in possession of a memo authored by the Board of Trustees where the intention of N2N not to pay for the advert placements was documented in black and white. And where in hell is the Board of Trustees of any serious organisation involved in the day-to-day administrative decision making?

But first, let’s hear his highly ludicrous declaration: “I have before me a leaked N2N internal memo that should make media houses curse the day they decided to treat with that outfit.

I cannot disclose the identity of my source

RIPPLES WE LOST SOUTHWEST STATES CROOKEDLY-Obasanjo

HARDBALL

lision course with media houses who received N2N patronage during the fuel subsidy removal impasse. Even his blatant attempt at blackmail falls flat on its face.

These same media outfits not only know that owing for a large volume of adverts which ran as a series is not only normal in the industry, but more so that N2N is reputed for discharging its obligations faithfully. Dare may need to do a more thorough research on how much advertorials N2N ran during the last presidential campaign and if at all, a single penny is owed any media outfit from that exercise.

But in the event his old age is not cut out for such rigorous academic exercise, we can save him the trouble by informing him that during the said presidential campaign, N2N placed advertorials in the press far in excess of the figures being bandied by him and all were fully and duly paid for. The owners of the media outfits who received that patronage from N2N are too enlightened to fall to the cheap blackmail of Dare to the effect that N2N has no intention of paying for the fuel subsidy adverts.

Dare may also need to be informed that N2N is a privately non-profit, non-governmental organisation with a reputation to protect. The organisation cannot therefore be rubbished by the likes of Dare and his pay masters. As stated earlier, at the right moment, Nigerians will know who, between Olatunji Dare and N2N has unimpeachable reputation and integrity. *** Those who have been led to regard N2N as a shady organisation pursuing sinister ends with slush money from not-so-secret sources now know better.

I certainly am gratefully the wiser.

Oh, a final point. Those who read my original piece need only compare it with Mr Thomas’s mutilated account to determine for themselves whether Mr Thomas ‘s claim to integrity is justifiable.

I leave it entirely to N2N and other corporate bodies that may be thinking of engaging his services to determine whether Mr Thomas has in this matter demonstrated the judgment, the perspicacity, and the sobriety that any organisation that values its reputation should demand of its spokespersons.

•Olatunji Dare is a professor of Journalism at Bradley University, Peoria, Illinois, USA. •For comments, send SMS to 08057634061

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

Nigerians think they have all the time in the world

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The people VOTED for DEMOCRACY, not BABACRACY

because he was not authorised by organisation to leak the document, nor can I take it upon myself to reveal his identity since the ethics (emphasis mine) of journalism forbids such disclosure”. Ethics of journalism, incredulous!

I almost choked to the point of vomiting hearing Dare, of all people talking about ethics of journalism. What ethics is he really talking about, when the very ethic that holds the fiber of the profession-fidelity to facts, had been so violently violated in the said write-up. The entire segment in that putrid and putrefying piece on N2N was a tissue of lies, fabrications and falsehood manufactured by Dare’s mischievously fertile imagination.

For a man of his age, producing those malicious tissue of lies was no mean feat, but at the apportioned moment, he would not only be made to produce the infamous memo, but would also; quite certainly be made to swallow his own vomit and pay heavily for disregarding the wise counsel that old men should not tell lies.

But no one is fooled or deceived by Dare’s failed attempt to tarnish the image of a wellrespected organisation or bring it into col-

DELE AGEKAMEH

OR most Nigerians who are less than 50 years of age, the politics and economics of crude oil may have dominated their lives in ways they cannot measure. It was said, in the active foreign policy days of the Gen Murtala Mohammed government, that Africa was the centrepiece of Nigeria’s foreign policy. Well, that was an understatement compared with the stranglehold oil has on our politics. Oil is not only the centrepiece of our economy, it is also the centrepiece of our politics, religion and, increasingly now, culture. We are fixated on oil, we are obsessed with oil; indeed, because of oil we are nearly completely unable to have any other thought.

Oil is our life, our way, our reason to exist.

And while we are having a ball with oil money, spoilt rotten by unearned wealth, we have refused to give a thought to the coming generations. There are no plans for how they would live in the future in terms of the environment, or what sort of players – fringe or core – they would be in the world economic system, or even whether they could face social and intellectual competition from successor generations in Europe, Americas, Asia and elsewhere.

But in the next three decades or thereabout, our oil wealth would probably be gone at the present rate of consumption. Since we adopted hedonism as national philosophy,

we have been living from day to day, eating and drinking and waiting to die. There is no thought for tomorrow. When, in spite of ourselves, our minds wander, for example, to things like the railways, for inexplicable reasons, we think the wise thing to do is to tinker with the existing system, perhaps widening it a little, and this in the age of bullet trains and magnetic levitation. What fuels will be available in the next thirty, forty years to power automobiles and trains? We are blank there. How do we move our people around in the decades to come? Well, we are not even able to move them around now, and so we may have to leave our children and children’s children to their devices. Let the devil take the hindmost. Have we invested the income we earned without sweat since the oil boom of the 1970s? Why, the money is not even enough for us right now, let alone talk of future generations. Our attitude is that the future should take care of the future. Few countries can match our recklessness.

A few days ago, former military president, Gen Ibrahim Babangida, mourned the inability and incapability of the younger generation to take over from ageing leaders like him. He was not unnerved by the irony of his conclusions. What did his generation of leaders do to educate the younger

generation? What values did they pass on to them? And what examples of truth, honesty, principles and character did they bequeath to the generation he was dismissing so scathingly? Worse, in consonance with our choice of primitive existence, where we do nothing but procreate, eat and die simply and ordinarily, we have shamelessly continued to emphasise divisive issues.

Rather than inculcate patriotic values and a sense of duty to country in future generations, we are proudly nurturing a whole generation of youths indoctrinated with religious and ethnic bigotries, and then defend the selfdestructive madness. Yet, having done nothing to secure the next generation’s future, we somehow hope that the country would stumble into unity, stability, development and progress, a sort of reward for our indolence.

We are naïve to think the world will wait for us or, or that they owe us a living. But what is probably most frightening about our slothfulness and lack of interest in the future is the impression we give that we have all the time in the world. On the contrary, it is time we understood we are perhaps living on borrowed time.

•This article first appeared on April 21, 2010

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