The Nation March 31, 2015

Newspaper of the Year

...60 D AYS TO GO DA

•Police arrest 24 for elections violence in Ibadan •Fashola allays fears of post-polls violence in Lagos •EU: perpetrators of violence ’ll be held accountable •APC sweeps Senate seats in Lagos, Oyo, Osun, Kwara

•Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

VOL. 10, NO. 3170 TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

The new Senate taking shape

•AND MORE ON PAGES 4&9

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TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

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SEE PAGES 2&3

•Dr. Saraki

•Mrs. Tinubu

•Hon. Adeola

•Mrs Sunmonu •Prof. Boroffice •Tejuoso

•INSIDE: FITCH REVISES NIGERIA’S OUTLOOK TO NEGATIVE P4 UK ELECTIONS START P60

Buhari leads with 2.03m

ON Jonathan gets 6,488,210 INEC awaits results from 18 states STORY PAGE 4 INEC RESULTS SO FAR

•NO WAY: A group of Rivers State women protesting the alleged manipulation of Saturday’s polls in Port Harcourt...yesterday.

STORY

ON Police teargas women in Port Harcourt PAGE 56

?

WILL THE CHIBOK GIRLS KIDNAPPED ON APRIL 15, LAST YEAR EVER RETURN?

STATE •Kaduna •Kwara •Oyo •Kogi •Kano •Enugu •Nasarawa •FCT •Jigawa •Ogun •Osun •Ondo •Ekiti •Katsina •Abia •Anambra •A/Ibom •Imo •Plateau

APC 1,127,760 302,146 528,620 264,851 1,903,999 14,157 236,838 146,399 885,988 308,290 383,603 299,889 120,331 1,345,441 13,394 17,926 58,411 133,253 429,140

PDP 484,085 132,602 303,376 149,987 215,779 553,003 273,460 157,195 142,904 207,950 249,929 251,368 176,466 98,937 368,303 660,762 953,304 559,185 549,615

•States declared as at last night

U.S., U.K. warn against tampering with polls results STORY ON PAGE 4

‘Don’t undermine INEC’ Rivers under siege, says Peterside

•TRANSPORTATION P14 •POLITICS P18 •SPORTS P23 •PROPERTY P49 •FOREIGN P60

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

2

NEWS THE VERDICT

Senator Tinubu dedicates victory to electorate

S

ENATOR Oluremi Tinubu yesterday emerged winner of the Lagos Central Senatorial District election.

Senator Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) defeated Dr. Ade Dosumu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other contestants in Saturday’s National Assembly polls.

Reacting to her re-election, the Senator said it was a victory for the people and democracy.

She thanked the electorate for believing in her party and staying the course.

According to a statement release

by Senator Tinubu, electorate votes would never be taken for granted.

She said: “Months ago, when we declared the official opening of our campaign for the continuous struggle for emancipation of our people and for the defence of our 16 year democracy, I deemed it fit to reach out to you as a servant leader whose service to the people has evidently changed the concept of leadership and governance in our society, and not as a candidate.

“My people, In the journey so far, it is unarguable that we recorded many hitches, ills and faring storms but in all, we walked through victoriously with your prayers, unflinching supports and unwavering

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

strength which has ushered in a historical victory for you the people.

“Your resolve and elastic supports brought us thus far and I am confident will take us further. No doubt, it has been absorbed in history that we are movers and shakers of our choices.

“Saturday, 28th March through Sunday, our people decided. Following the senatorial elections held in Lagos, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially returned me, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the election.

“Apparently, this is the will of the People. The result of the elections is an expression of the voice of our people; we must all heed your voice. It has been a hard fought election. In the course of the campaigns, there were grubby episodes as the candidates toured round the constituents to sell themselves to the people.

“On our part, we presented our programmes before the people, and party leaders. We campaigned, we canvassed and we traversed the senatorial district. Our performance and achievements in office remains the backdrop on which we were being assessed. The decision of the people

to return me as their representative is continually within cardinals of Youth empowerment, Social Security for Elderly Citizens, Improved “Educational Policies and Job opportunities. We never took your support for granted. We stood by the mandate giving to us. The philosophy of our party, the All Progressives Congress is transparency, accountability and credible service to the people which you are all aware of and which has kept us stronger.

Our constituency initiatives designed to make a difference will be sustained as promised as we hope to do more. Ultimately this has culminated into this victory. It is apparently a victory for the people and our democracy.

“To members of our party, traditional institutions, our campaign team and indeed all people who defied the siege to cast their votes for our party, I salute your exemplary courage and doggedness in the bid sustaining our democracy. The best way to achieve this is by electing leaders with the heart and mind for service, and progressive minded legislature that gives a lawful backing to developmental policies.

“Let me assure you all of continued value for every vote at the Senate. And of course very people oriented representation.”

APC may have 60 senators THE All Progressives Congress (APC) is likely to be in the majority in the incoming Senate, with no fewer than 60 senators. About 46 of them may be from the North. The Senate has 109 members.

The party will have three senators each from Lagos, Oyo, Osun, Sokoto, Kebbi, Jigawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Kogi and Kwara states.

It will parade two each from Ogun, Ondo and Nasarawa states and one from Edo.

SOME OF THE INCOMING SENATORS •Prince Lanre Tejuosho (APC, Ogun Central) •Alhaja Monsurat Sunmonu (APC, Oyo Central) •David Jonah Jang (PDP, Plateau North) •Rabiu Kwakwanso APC, Kano Central •Uche Ekwunife (PDP, Anambra Central, •Mallam Shehu Sani, (APC, Kaduna Central) •Godswill Akpabio (PDP, Akwa Ibom Northwest) •Gbolahan Dada (APC, Ogun West) • Clifford Ordia (PDP, Edo Central) • Dino Melaye (APC, Kogi West) • Abubakar Abdulrahman (APC, Kogi East) • Uthman Hunkuyi (APC, Kaduna North) • Barau Jibril (APC, Kano North)

All Progressives Congress (APC) Senator-elect for Kaduna Central District, Shehu Sani (middle) raising his Certificate of Return in Kaduna...yesterday.

With him are his supporters.

• Francis Alimekhena (APC, Edo North) • Salihu Egebola (APC, Nasarawa South) • Sabo Nakudu (APC, Jigawa Central) • Muhammadu Shittu (APC, Jigawa Northeast) • Abdullahi Abubakar Ojo ( APC, Jigawa Northwest) • Ali Wakili (APC, Bauchi South) • Adeola Solomon (APC, Lagos West •Duro Faseyi (PDP, Ekiti North) • Theodore Orji (PDP, Abia Central) •Mrs. Abiodun Olujimi (PDP, Ekiti East) •Mrs. Fatima Rasaki (PDP, Ekiti Central) •Jeremiah Useni (PDP, Plateau South) •Prince Buruji Kashamu (PDP, Ogun East)

Senators • Adetunmbi

• Adeyemi

• Ngige

For some Senators, last Saturday’s election signalled an end to their membership of the National Assembly. Assistant Editor SINA FADARE takes a look at those who will be missing when the Red Chamber is inaugurated for legislative business in June.

W

ITH the results of the last Saturday’s National Assembly election, some incumbent senators will not be returning to the Upper Legislative Chamber when the lawmakers resume for duty in June. Those who will be missing include:

Smart Adeyemi Smart Adeyemi is one of the chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi State. Before his foray into partisan politics, he was the President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) between 19992006. He worked with the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), where he made his mark as a seasoned reporter and a unionist.

He was elected into the National Assembly in 2003 to represent the Kogi West Senatorial District.

Adeyemi was returned to the Senate in 2007 and 2011. The three-time senator, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Federal Capital Territory (FCT), was defeated in the last Saturday’s election by a former House of Representatives member Dino Melaye of the All Progressives Congress (APC). With this defeat, the Ijumu-born politician will bow out of the Senate at the expiration of the Seventh National Assembly to face his hospitality business.

Chris Ngige Chris Nwabueze Ngige, a medical-doctor turned politician, began his political sojourn when he joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He served as the party’s National Secretary between 2000 and 2003 and was a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the PDP between 2001 and 2003.

He contested the governorship seat of Anambra under the auspices of the ruling party and won in 2003 before he was removed in 2006 through a judicial process.

Dr. Ngige was ejected from the Anambra State Government House by a judicial pronouncement, which

arose from an election petition instituted by the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate, Peter Obi. Against this backdrop, Ngige had a running battle with the PDP which later accused him of anti-party activities. He eventually defected to the then Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) which later teamed up with two other parties and a faction of another to form the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In April 2011, Ngige contested the Anambra Central Senatorial seat on the platform of the ACN and defeated a former Minister of Information & Communications, the late Prof Dora Akunyili of APGA. He polled 69,765 votes against the late Prof. Akunyili’s 69,292.

Ngige, who is the Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Power, Science and Technology, will be taking a bow from the National Assembly on the eve of May 29. He was defeated by a House of Representatives member, Mrs. Uche Ekwunife of the PDP.

Femi Lanlehin Ibadan, Oyo State-born Femi Lanlehin trained as lawyer. As a legal practitioner, he had made an impact in civil litigation, commercial and land law before venturing into partisan politics. He served as a Commissioner for Special Duties and a Special Adviser to the former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. He was elected on the APC ticket in 2011 to represent the Oyo South Senatorial District.

Lanlehin is the Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on National Planning, Economic & Poverty Alleviation. He later dumped the APC for the Accord Party. But his ambition to return to the Senate on the platform of his new party was truncated at the weekend when he was defeated by the APC candidate, Soji Akanbi. His tenure ends in May.

Hosea Agboola Ayoola Hosea Agboola has been

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

3

THE VERDICT

s who will not return • Agboola

• Lanlehin

• Ningi

a grassroots politician since 1999.

He was the Supervisory Councilor, Works, Isehin Local Government Area of Oke Ogun, Oyo State. He capped his political feat when he was appointed the Commissioner for Local Government in the Pacesetter State and he served between 2003 and 2010.

The estate management expert, politician was a Senator on the platform of the PDP in 2015. He is the Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Drugs Narcotics & Financial Crime. With the electoral loss he suffered at the weekend, Agboola will not be returning to the Legislative Chamber at the expiration of the Seventh National Assembly. He lost his seat to his APC challenger Fatai Buhari, who was a Commissioner in the administration of Governor Abiola Ajimobi.

Olubunmi Adetunmbi Olubunmi Adetunmbi, an Agricultural Economist, who veered into politics in his Ifaki Ekiti country home contested and won the Ekiti North Senatorial District seat of Ekiti State in 2011. His election into the Senate was his first public service. He is the Vice Chairman of the Committee on Interior Affairs. With his defeat by a former House of Representatives member, Duro Faseyi of the PDP, Senator Adetunmbi will not be returning to the Senate after serving out his term on May 28.

Ahmed Makarfi Trained as an accountant, Ahmed Markafi began his career with the Universal Bank where he rose to the position of Assistant General Manager. He was introduced to the pub-

lic service as the Commissioner of Finance and Economic Planning, Kaduna State in 1994. He later became the governor of the state for two consecutive terms between 1999 and 2007.

He is representing the Kaduna North Senatorial District at the National Assembly for the second term after his election in 2007. He has served as a member of various Senate Committees including; Agriculture & Rural Development, Appropriation, Aviation, Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institution & the Chairman Senate Committee on Finance.

He was trounced at the poll by his APC challenger on Saturday.

Abdul Ahmed Ningi Abdul Ahmed Ningi could be given the sobriquet ‘veteran Lawmaker’ after spending about 16 years in the National Assembly.

From 1999 to 2011, he was in the House of Representatives. He was the Majority Leader of the Lower Legislative Chamber between 2003 and 2007.

Ningi, a graduate of Sociology had his first public service experience when he was employed as a social welfare officer in the state civil service. He has a brief stint with the First Bank in 1986 before he ventured into private business as the Chairman/ Chief Executive of NAJ Resources Limited.

His activities in politics has been rich and robust. He has served on various committees of the House of Representatives during his 12-year sojourn in the Green Chamber. The articulate and veteran lawmaker is the Chairman, Senate Committee on National Population & Identity

• Makarfi

• Kaka

Card.

Ningi will in May bow out of the National Assembly after 16 unbroken years following his defeat in the last Saturday’s election.

Anthony Adeniyi Anthony Olumuyiwa Adeniyi is a member of the APC, a platform that took him to the National Assembly to represent the Ekiti South Senatorial District. The legal practitioner ventured into partisan politics as a unionist and human right activist. He was the former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Akure branch between 1990 and 1992.

The Ikere-Ekiti born lawyer was a former Chairman, Omega Bank.

He is the Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Capital Market.

The Tsunami of the PDP that swept through Ekiti State last Saturday, denied Adeniyi the opportunity to return to the National Assembly on the platform of the APC.

Ayo Adeseun He was elected into the House of Representatives on the platform of the PDP in 2003 and was reelected in 2007 to represent the Ogbomoso Federal Constituency. In 2011, Adeseun dumped the PDP for the ACN and was elected into the Senate to represent the Oyo North Senatorial Zone. He later defected to his former political platform - the PDP but his attempt to return to the National Assembly was scuttled on Saturday, when he was defeated by Fatai Buhari of the APC. Adeseun will be returning from the National Assembly after 12 years as a lawmaker.

• Adeniyi

• Adeseun

SOME OF THE RETURNING SENATORS

•David Mark (Benue South) PDP •Ike Ekweremadu (Enugu West) PDP • Shaba Lafiaji (Kwara North) APC •Sola Adeyeye (Osun East) APC •Gilbert Nnaji (Enugu East) PDP •Ajayi Borroffice (Ondo North) APC •David Umaru (Niger East) APC • Kabiru Gaya (Kano South) APC •Gbenga Ashafa (Lagos East) APC • George Akume (Benue Northwest) APC •Eyinaya Abaribe (Abia South) PDP •Bukola Saraki (Kwara Central) APC •Babajide Omoworare (Osun East) APC •Isiaka Adeleke (Osun West) APC •Mrs Oluremi Tinubu (Lagos Central) APC Adegbenga Kaka Adegbenga Kaka was deputy to former Governor Olusegun Osoba between 1999 and 2003 under the AD/ACN platfom. His shot at the Ogun State governorship under the Democratic Peoples Alliance (DPA) in 2007 failed. He returned to the progressives fold in 2011 and was

elected to represent the Ogun East Senatorial District at the Senate.

Kaka, followed Chief Osoba out of the APC to form the Social Democratic Party (SDP), under which he sought reelection into the Senate but he was defeated by the PDP candidate, Prince Buruji Kashamu. Kaka is expected back from the Senate after the expiration of his tenure in May.

Like Aliyu, like Dakingari

T

HEIR ambition was to leave the Government Houses in their states for the Upper Legislative Chamber of the National Assembly, but they got their calculation wrong.

The journey to the Senate was more than merely clinching the tickets of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the duo of governors Babangida Aliyu (Niger) and Saidu Dakingari (Kebbi).

When they won the tickets, their election looked like a fait accompli until they lost their bids to represent their senatorial districts in the hallowed chamber at the National Assembly election on Saturday.

The results were announced yesterday by the Returning Officers (ROs) assigned by the Independent National Electoral Commission

cared to listen that President Jonathan signed a single-term pact with the North. He was beaten by David Umaru of the APC by 149,443 to 46, 459 votes. Aliyu lost in five of the nine local government areas in the Niger East Senatorial District, which he was seeking to represent.

By Bunmi Ogunmodede

(INEC).

Their two-term tenure of eight year will expire on May 29 and they had planned to remain politically relevance as ‘Distinguished Senators’.

Interestingly, the two incumbent governors lost at the poll to their challengers from the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC).

Dakingari

Aliyu Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu, a two-term Governor of Niger State, doubles as the Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF). Aliyu, who preferred to be addressed as the ‘Chief Servant’, lost his deputy, Muza Ibeto to the rival APC. The NSGF chair, who was initially unsparing of President

•Aliyu

•Dakingari

Goodluck Jonathan’s plan to seek a second term on the platform of the PDP, backed out of an alleged

agreement by seven aggrieved PDP governors to dump their party for the APC. He had told whoever

The ambition of Sa’idu Dakingari, Kebbi State Governor, collapsed on Saturday as he failed to get the nod of the electorate to represent Kebbi South Senatorial Zone at the Senate.

Dakingari, a son in-law to the former President, the late Alhaji Umaru Yar’Adua, lost to his APC challenger Bello Argungu, who polled 139,197 as against the governor’s 70,148 votes.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

NEWS INEC probes Rivers poll controversy

A

THREE-MAN Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been sent to Rivers State where there have been protests over the conduct of last Saturday’s elections.

According to a statement by the Secretary to the Commission, Mrs. Augusta C. Ogakwu, the team is expected to submit its report before the end of the collation of results of the presidential election.

The statement said: “Further to the allegation made by the All Progressives Con-

•Ekiti INEC State Returning Officer, Prof. Adebiyi Daramola presenting the copy of the Presidential results to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega during the announcement of the results in Abuja ...yesterday PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE

Buhari leads Jonathan in 10 states with 2.03m

T

HE presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday zoomed into an early lead in the presidential election in 10 of 18 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) which results were announced yesterday.

Of the votes so far collated, Buhari polled 8,520,436, ahead of President Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who garnered 6,488,210 votes.

With the development, Buhari is leading Jonathan with 2,032,226 votes.

From Yusuf Alli and Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

The APC candidate shot into the lead in 10 states — Ogun, Kogi, Osun, Ondo, Oyo, Kano, Jigawa, Katsina, Kwara, Kaduna.

Jonathan secured victory over Buhari in eight states and the FCT. The states are Akwa Ibom, Imo, Plateau, Ekiti, Enugu, Nasarawa, Anambra, and Abia.

As at 11.15pm, the results from 18 states were still being awaited at the National Collation Centre(NCC) in Abuja.

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega, who is the nation’s Chief Returning Officer, said the collation of results will resume by 10am today.

The results indicated that Nasarawa recorded the highest number of cancelled votes with 79,386, representing about 15 per cent of the votes in the state.

Other cancelled votes are as follows Oyo (1,850); Ondo(10,118); Ekiti ( 9,039) FCT (7,266); Osun(4,707); and Kogi ( two polling units in Dekina).

Some of the results were cancelled due to over-voting, snatching of ballot boxes and result sheets.

The State Collation Officers for the eight states and the FCT were the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology Akure, Prof.

Adebiyi Daramola(Ekiti); Deputy Vice Chancellor( Management Services) , UNILAG, Prof. Duro Oni( Ogun); the VC of UNIABUJA, Prof. M.E. Adikwu(Kogi); the Vice Chancellor, Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Prof. Isaac Continued on page 59

Perpetrators of poll violence ’ll be held accountable, says EU

A

S the World waits for the final results of last weekend’s elections, the European Union (EU) has warned that it will hold anybody responsible for electoral violence accountable.

Addressing reporters in Abuja yesterday, members of the European Union Election Observation Mission for the 2015 Nigerian election, led by its Chief Observer Santiago Fisas Ayxelà, cautioned Nigerian politicians against violence as anybody who engages in or prompts

From Nduka Chiejina, Abuja

violence will be held accountable.

Santiago Fisas Ayxelà and his team also stated that the EU, particularly the European Parliament, “will reject attempts by politicians to gain power through violence”, advising that instead they should go to court and focus on national unity.

The EU ruled out incidences of systemic suppression, stressing that there was “no national evidence of intimidation or systemic sub-

version of the process but we are watching the process, it is important INEC reevaluates its card readers.”

The EU also stated that “the Rivers state crisis will not affect the integrity of the process but the EU has received credible complaints from Lagos regarding collation of results.”

Fisas described this election as the most competitive in the history of Nigeria and urged Nigerians to accept the outcome and be peaceful.

He said the election was

generally peaceful but with some regrettable incident of violence. He noted the problems recorded with card readers and delays in some polling stations.

The EU election observation leader praised security agencies and staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for a job well done and expressed confidence in INEC’s work.

The EU team felt the biometric system was not adequately tested before it was deployed for the general elecContinued on page 59

From Yusuf Alli and Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

gress (APC) on the conduct of the presidential and National Assembly elections on Saturday 28th March, 2015 in Rivers state and its call for cancellation of the exercise, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has set up a fact- finding mission to ascertain the veracity of the claims and allegations and to advice the Commission and the chief electoral Commissioner/Returning Officer for the presidential Continued on page 59

How a winner will emerge

S

ECTION 134 of the Constitution prescribes how a winner in a presidential election will emerge.

It states: “A candidate for an election to the office of president shall be deemed to have been duly elected, where there being only two candidates for the election:

a. He has the majority of votes cast at the election and b. He has not less than one quarter of the votes cast at the election in each of at least two-thirds (24 states) of all the states in the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.”

Fitch revises Nigeria’s outlook to negative

F

ITCH Ratings has revised Nigeria’s outlook from stable to negative owing to what it described as political uncertainty in a tightly contested election and other issues that may arise after the polls, as well as low oil prices.

But it has taken into account the earlier polls delay as well as security challenges in its latest rating. It will be recalled that the agency published a rating of BB-

From Nduka Chiejina, Abuja

with a stable outlook for Nigeria on December 7, 2014.

However, the rating agency reaffirmed Nigeria’s longterm foreign and local currency credit rating at BB- and BB respectively citing drop in oil prices.

At the same time, Fitch acknowledged that the government has made gains on the security front, adding that the Continued on page 59

RESULTS DECLARED IN STATES

•Adamawa •Gombe •Lagos •Rivers •Kebbi •Sokoto •Bayelsa •Edo

374,701 361,245 792,460 69,238 567,883 671,926 5,195 208,469

251,664 96,873 632,327 1,487,075 100,972 152,199 391,201 286,969

227,563

247,827

24,737

390,011

15 out of 17 Councils

•Taraba 13 out of 16 Councils

•C/River 17 out of 18 Councils

U.S., U.K. warn against tampering with polls results

T

HE United States and the United Kingdom yesterday warned against any attempt to undermine the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

A joint statement by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and U.K. Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said that “there are disturbing indications that the collation process—where the votes are finally counted—may be subject to deliberate political interference”.

But, the spokesperson of the INEC Chairman Attahiru Jega, Mr Kayode Idowu, said there was no basis to suggest that there was any interference.

The joint statement reads: “Our governments welcome the largely peaceful vote on March 28. The Nigerian people have shown a commendable determination to register their vote and choose their leaders. ”So far, we have seen no

T

Abia APC condemns presidential poll’s results

HE Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has described as “fraudulent” the result for the presidential election in the state.

It accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of cooking up figures after seeing the victory of the APC presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammdu

By Olukorede Yishau

evidence of systemic manipulation of the process. But there are disturbing indications that the collation process—where the votes are finally counted—may be subject to deliberate political interference. This would contravene the letter and spirit of the Abuja Accord, to which both major parties committed themselves. ”The Governments of the United States and the United Kingdom would be very concerned by any attempts to undermine the independence of the Electoral Commission

Buhari, in the Southwest.

Its state chairman, Fabian Okonkwo, in a statement yesterday, said the result released by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for Abia State did not reflect what happened at polling units on Saturday.

Okonkwo said: “Figures from poll-

(INEC), or its Chairman, Professor Jega; or in any way distort the expressed will of the Nigerian people.”

Idowu, in an interview with the AFP, said “there is absolutely no basis” to talk of interference after a warning from Secretary of State John Kerry and his British counterpart Philip Hammond.

“There is no interference at all. We are about to start the collation process. We have no evidence of political interference,” he said.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) believes INEC officials and agents of the Peoples Democratic Party

ing units show that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) did not have up to the votes recorded for it but its agents padded it to over 360,000 to try to counter Gen. Muhammadu Buhari’s figures in the Southwest. Yet, less than 180,000 people came out to vote.”

The party deplored the development, saying it was bad for democracy.

(PDP) have interfered with the collation in Akwa Ibom and Rivers states.

APC governorship candidate in Rivers State Dr. Dakuku Peterside yesterday urged men of goodwill to rise and save Rivers State from the clutches of evil and an impending doom. In a statement, he described last Saturday’s presidential and National Assembly elections in the state as a farce and called on Jega to cancel the results.

He said reports from every part of the state showed that voting did not take place.

According to the APC candidate, members of the PDP

took result sheets to private homes and entered fake results. He reminded Nigerians that injustice anywhere is injustice everywhere, urging everybody to rise in defence of the disenfranchised, people of Rivers State.

Peterside said: “I did not vote, just like all our members, including Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi. I was only accredited and shortly after, hoodlums suspected to be PDP thugs invaded the place. The boys who invaded the centre were about 50 armed youths and the same thing was repeated in the entire Andoni-Opobo/

•Kerry

Nkoro Federal Constituency and across Rivers State.

“Our people refused to vote because they knew that result sheets were in the hands and homes of PDP members. I led over 40, 000 people to INEC office to register our protest.

I am sure our protest against this daylight robbery is reContinued on page 59

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THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

5

NEWS THE VERDICT

P

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday met briefly behind closed-doors with elections monitoring groups from the Commonwealth, the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Among those in the team were ex-Ghanaian President John Kuffour; former Liberian President Amos Sawyer as well as exMalawian President and Head of Commonwealth Election Observer Dr. Bakili Muluzi.

Addressing State House correspondents at the end of the meeting, Kuffour said the group came to give an interim report to the President.

Stressing that the elections were peaceful, he urged the electorate to continue to remain calm after the results are announced.

He said: “President Muluzi, former president of Malawi, led the Commonwealth team; President Sawyer, former President of Liberia, led the African Union team; and myself, former president of Ghana, led the ECOWAS team.

“We have been in the country with our groups. I’m sure you heard from some of us yesterday (Sunday) that the elections have been peaceful, transparent and credible up to yesterday.

T

•From left: Commissioner for Political Affairs, African Union Commission Dr. Aisha Abdullahi; Muluzi; Kuffour; Jonathan; Sawyer; Vice President Namadi Sambo and ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security Mrs. Salamatu Suleiman, during the visit...yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Jonathan meets Commonwealth, AU, ECOWAS polls’ monitors

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

“We appreciate the processes not yet done till the results are declared; then of course, the aftermath of the declaration. But we have come this far and we wanted to give an interim report to the authorities that mandated us to come and to the world and to Nigerians in particular; to let everybody know that Nigeria has been

•Kuffour: elections peaceful, transparent at peace with the process.

“And so, we appeal to Nigeria to continue in this mood throughout the process. So that at the end of the day, the people of Nigeria will be satisfied with themselves that they use the process to get the government

they want and they deserve.”

He went on: “Nigeria succeeding will be not only in favour of Nigeria, but to West Africa and to the continent. We will all be made proud of the success here achieved by Nigerians for themselves and for all of us.

Buhari’s supporters call for Fani-Kayode’s arrest

HE Buhari Support Organisation, the umbrella body of All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate General Muhammadu Buhari’s supporters, has called for the arrest of the spokesman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Organisation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, for violating the Electoral Act. The organisation praised Nigerians for turning out en masse to perform their civic responsibility and for conducting themselves peacefully.

Director of Media and Information Technology Dr. Chidia Maduekwe said at a news conference that FaniKayode’s claim that the PDP was leading in 23 states was against the Electoral Act, which empowers only the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to announce such results.

He said: “We strongly condemn the recent outburst and blatant misinformation of the public by Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode that the PDP was leading in 23 states. This claim is a total breach of the Electoral Act and is designed to cause the breach of peace.

“Gen. Muhammadu Buhari had emphasised to his supporters to maintain calm in the face of provocation by the ruling party. This recent utter exhibition of lawlessness enmeshed in the typical character of impunity by PDP is unacceptable.

“We ask the security agencies to effect the arrest of Mr. Fani-Kayode for breaching the Electoral Act, which forbids any organ outside INEC from officially declaring election results.

His arrest for further questioning will be an indica-

By Tony Akowe, Abuja

tion that the security agencies are truly unbiased participants in this process as this declaration is also a breach of the 1st and 2nd Abuja Peace Accord.

“We call on the international community and observers to note the steps being taken by PDP to cause severe breach of peace and call them to order. We also ask our supporters to maintain the peace as we await the official announcement from INEC of the authentic result for the March 28 elections.”

Maduekwe added: “The presidential and parliamentary election is a watershed in our march towards credible, fair and free elections in Nigeria. Our gratitude goes to our supporters, who trooped to the various polling units nationwide to vote for our presidential candidate General Muhammadu Buhari despite provocation, particularly in the Southsouth and Southeast.

“Their effort and determination to resist manipulation of the outcome is commendable in the face of tyranny, intimidation, and blatant misuse of the security by PDP/government agents.

“We appeal to our supporters to sustain their calmness in the face of provocation and abuse of our electoral processes.

“Many independent observers have positively commented on the large turnout of voters, especially in the northern and southwestern states of the country and their orderly conduct. General Muhammadu

Buhari is so far, doing brilliantly in most polling units nationwide.

“We reject the use of security by PDP government to compromise an election process that has been commended as having high quotient of integrity by the manner voters conducted themselves. A situation where ballot papers are being thumb-printed by security agents with the connivance of PDP is condemnable.

“It is highly regrettable that Senator Goje’s residence should be surrounded by a detachment of armed military officers, thereby undermining his ability to fulfill his fundamental freedom of voting “The court order that soldiers should not be deployed was openly disobeyed in Edo and Rivers.

The question should be: “who gave that order to contravene a judicial pronouncement?”

“The shameful act by the Vice President, Namadi Sambo, in moving his polling unit in Kaduna away from where he registered is questionable. It is contrary to the Electoral Act and such action by the Vice President should be examined and the illegality addressed as these are signs of impunity by the ruling PDP government, which INEC should not treat with levity.

“The gruesome hacking to death of APC supporter

by PDP hoodlums and Ijaw militant youth under the watchful eyes of the security should not be wished away. There have been several reported cases of uniformed men caught in the last 48 hours thumb-print-

“Well, at this point, some of us will go back to our homes and we couldn’t go without coming to the State House, to the President and the Vice President for the good work they have done.

Because it is under their watch that these peaceful,

transparent and credible elections have been happening and it is natural they are congratulated for the work done so far.

“So, that is why we came to pay respect to the President, his deputy; more or less to ask leave to go. Of course, leaving the rest of our observer team behind to see through the process, hoping it will reach successful conclusions so they can make final reports to the world.”

Catholic clerics seek probe of Card Readers’ failure From Bukola Amusan, Abuja

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•Fani-Kayode

ing ballot papers for PDP in Port Harcourt.

“Some were caught at Mile 2 and reports were lodged with the police.

However, the culprit was released on arriving the police headquarters in Port Harcourt while the APC agent, who made the report, was locked up in a police cell; a clear case of the patriot becoming the offender.

The Bauchi/Gombe incident does not appear to be a Boko Haram attack. It is believed to have been arranged to cause mayhem in the state with the resultant excuse to declare curfew and waste votes in favour of General Buhari.

“From the foregoing, we make bold to request INEC to please, adhere strictly to the guideline, which makes it mandatory for the polling units party agents to sign result sheet, forming the basis for collation of result at collation centres. We have witnessed in many instances, the security dispersing party agents before their duties were fulfilled, leading to the manipulation of the vote count by the security agents with active participation of PDP officials.”

HE Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has called for a probe of the Card Readers deployed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in last Saturday’s election.

The CBCN decried mounting tension across the country following the presidential election, calling on security forces to be at the alert to check any form of post-election violence.

The organisation, which called on INEC to investigate the failure of Card Readers, said it was worried about the breaches in the electoral process and advised security agencies to evolve a special security plan for Rivers State before the governorship elections.

A preliminary statement in Abuja yesterday by the Archbishop of Jos and President of CBCN, Ignatius Kaigama, and Bishop of Umuahia as well as Chairman CBCN’s Church and Society, Lucius Ugorji, said a well ordered society, which promotes the dignity of the family was essential for the spiritual growth of citizens.

Expressing concern about the results flying in the social media, the Catholic bishops called on Nigerians to show restraint as this could potentially lead to chaos, if released results did not reflect those on the social media.

The CBCN called on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC) to accept the result as declared

by INEC and refrain from violence, if found unacceptable.

The conference said: “The PDP and APC should enjoin their followers to keep the peace. This is the only country we have and it is everybody’s task to keep it as one. We enjoin the security forces to be at the alert and contain any post-election violence, and to be holistic in their approach to security by ensuring that in their attempt to prevent post-election violence, they do not leave the space open for sustained renewed attacks by Boko Haram, which is still a serious threat to the peace and security of our land and its people.

“We were hoping that the use of Smart Card Readers would render useless ballot stuffing and ballot box snatching. We express serious concern about what will likely happen in Rivers State with regards to the governorship elections, where the stakes seem higher.

We call on security authorities to evolve a special security plan for Rivers State.

“While Card Readers gave so much promise before the elections, there appears to have been a general challenge with them. For instance in Nsukka, as reported by our observers, the situation with the Card Readers was so bad that many polling agents altogether abandoned them and resorted to manual identification of voters in the register, as later directed by INEC. We call on INEC to investigate what really happened after all the assurances given about the Card Readers.”

The organisation noted that there were serious breaches of the electoral process with the possible collusion of law enforcement officials in some states.

“In certain cases, no elections took place at some polling units, while at least one polling unit was reported for thump-printing in Akwa Ibom State with the aid of a security official. We hope that there will be significant improvement in the next election and some culprits would be brought to book as a deterrent to others,” it stressed.

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

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NEWS THE VERDICT APC clears National Assembly seats in Bauchi From Austine Tsenzughul Bauchi

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NE of the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidates in Bauchi State, Isa Hamman Misau, has stopped Senate Leader Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi’s bid to return to the Senate.

The Collation Officer for the Bauchi Central, Dr. Mohammed Salisu Yakubu, while declaring the results yesterday evening, said Misau scored 208, 741 votes while Senator Ningi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) scored 57, 172 votes.

The results of the Bauchi North Senatorial zone showed that Senator Nazif Suleman Gamawa defeated Alhaji Faruq Mustapha of the PDP to secure the Senate seat.

The INEC Collation Officer for the Bauchi North election, Dr. Muhammed Adamu, who declared the result in Azare, headquarters of the senatorial headquarters yesterday at about 7.40pm, said Gamawa polled 197, 919 votes, to beat Mustapha, who scored 97,047 votes.

Also, Ahmed Yerima of the APC, who contested for the Misau/ Dambam Federal Constituency, scored 59,359 votes to emerge winner.

INEC Returning Officer Dr. Abdullahi Abdulhamid announced that Yerima defeated the candidates of the PDP, Abdullahi Gwaram, and Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) Ibrahim Makama, who scored 13,153 and 2,457.

Also yesterday, Alhaji Ibrahim Muhammed-Baba of the APC won the Katagum Federal Constituency House of Representatives election.

Returning Officer for the House of Representatives election in the constituency, Darazo/Ganjuwa, Mohammed Mohammed, declared in Azare that Muhammed-Baba of the APC polled 38,151 votes, to win his opponent, Alhaji Auwalu Gwalabe of the PDP, who scored 23,535 votes.

The INEC Returning Officer for Darazo/Ganjuwa Dr. Sabo Hamma has declared that APC candidate Haliru Jika scored 78,243 votes to beat PDP candidate Mustapha Hassan to win the Darazo/Ganjuwa Federal Constituency seat.

Yuguda yet to know fate

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HE fate of Bauchi State Governor Mallam Isa Yuguda is hanging in the balance in his bid for the Senate.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Bauchi South, Ali Wakili, is his opponent.

The results from four local government areas out of seven in the zone showed that the APC candidate has polled 264,777 votes to Yuguda’s 89,788 votes.

The local government areas are Bauchi, Dass, Tafawa Balewa and Toro. The results from Alkaleri, Bogoro and Kirfi are being expected.

‘Nigerians ’ve rejected PDP’s misrule’ From James Azania, Lokoja

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HE Kogi State All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman, Alhaji Haddy Ametuo, has attributed the victory of the presidential candidate of the party, General Muhammadu Buhari, in the state, to bad governance of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In an interview with reporters in Lokoja yesterday, he said the people opted for change because they were tired of deception.

Ametuo described the positive development as a revolution against the injustice that has pervaded the landscape under the PDP-led government since 1999, saying Nigerians deserved a better deal.

APC demands cancellation of Bayelsa’s polls

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HE Bayelsa State All Progressives Congress (APC) has demanded the cancellation of last Saturday’s presidential and National Assembly elections in the state, following what the party described as widespread irregularities.

Its Chairman, Chief Tiwei Timipa Orunimighe, in a statement yesterday, described the elections as heavily compromised, saying they were characterised by intimidation of voters and arrests of APC members and agents.

He alleged that INEC and armed security forces colluded with PDP to massively rig the elections, alluding to late arrival of electoral materials and deliberate refusal to use the card readers.

Orunimighe said in almost all the eight local government councils, with the exception of Ogbia, electoral materials arrived at the earliest at about 3pm on voting day.

The statement added that when the officials and materials arrived, the use of card readers was abandoned, even where there was no proof that they were bad.

The statement also reads: “The INEC officials claimed to have received the following SMS from their headquarters: ‘My dear EOs, Pls you have been enjoined to use Manual Register for accreditation of voters. Be wise!’

“Once this message was circulated, it set the stage for PDP to manipulate the process with the collusion of INEC

and the security agents.

“Specifically, our party agents were intimidated and voters scared away by gunshots fired by the armed and security forces. In Kolokuma/ Opokuma Local Government Area, Tariprebo Moses Aketi, APC candidate for KOLGA Constituency 1, and Campaign Manager, Imomoemi Odiowei, were arrested.

“In Nembe Local Government Area, Mini and Ikensi Wards, soldiers using two new gunboats chased out APC agents, seized all the electoral materials and took them to the residence of a former Speaker.

“In the same local government, results of four units in Oluasiri Ward 13 were hijacked by men in police uniform. In Southern Ijaw Local Govern-

ment Area, Ward 17, electoral materials were taken to the houses of PDP chieftains and collated after agents of others political parties were chased away by security agents.

“In Brass Local Government Area, our party men saw one PDP agent openly thumb-printing over 100 ballot papers for his party.”

The party added: “Based on these irregularities, whatever results emanate from last Saturday’s polls in Bayelsa State cannot be said to represent the will of the people of the state.

“The APC, therefore, calls on the INEC to cancel the presidential and National Assembly polls in Bayelsa State, and reschedule same for a new date.”

IPC decries attacks on journalists

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•Co-chairs, National Democratic Institute (NDI) Ambassador Johnnie Carson (left) and Chris Fumunyoh, at a news Conference by the institute on presidential and National Assembly elections in Abuja...yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

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Benue: Suswam, Akume, Gemade promise EARING possible breakdown to accept results and are chasing the wind to cause commotion and destruction.” of law and order following the

outcome of the National Assembly election in Benue State, contestants on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have promised to accept elections’ results in good faith.

It started when APC candidate for Benue Northeast Senatorial District, Senator Barnabas Gemade, visited the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Makurdi for senatorial election’s result.

The result ought to have been announced at the district office, Katsina Ala. Gemade, a serving senator, who defected to APC from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said he won convincingly, but other contestants were not satisfied with the outcome.

He spoke to reporters after a brief meeting with the State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Istifanus Dafwang, early yesterday morning.

Gemade said the declaration of the result of the National Assembly election was transferred to the INEC

From Dele Anofi in Makurdi

headquarters as a result of reported threats of violence in the area.

He said: “I’m here to receive my result because the collation of the senatorial district in Benue Northeast Senatorial District has been brought to Makurdi.

“This is because the atmosphere in Katsina Ala was not conducive.

Therefore, INEC ordered that all the various local governments should bring all the collated results to Makurdi and that’s why I’m here.

“There were threats that the office (collation centre) would be burnt down. I don’t know who was threatening, but there were threats against us in two local governments - Logo and Kanshisha local government areas.

“In fact, two offices were actually burnt. But luckily enough, the results were already taken out before the offices were burnt down.

“I won the election absolutely; very clear. But somehow, it appears that the losers are not quite happy

But, appearing later with Gemade and Senator George Akume after meeting with the REC few hours later, Governor Gabriel Suswam said he was at the INEC headquarters to lodge complaints over some irregularities during the polls.

He, however, promised to accept the outcome of the election as presented by the electoral body.

Saying election should not be a door-die, the governor implored other contestants to accept the result in good faith.

On his part, the Senate Minority Leader, who also won his senatorial district election, reiterated his trust in the governor to abide by the rule of law.

Akume assured that being a lawmaker, he would not take the law into his own hands over the outcome of the election.

Gemade also assured that he was ready to accept the election result as released by INEC. The three contestants left the premises after some exchange of pleasantries and back-slapping.

HE International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos has condemned attacks on journalists by security operatives and political thugs during weekend’s presidential and National Assembly elections.

IPC’s Programme Officer Stella Nwofia said monitoring of media coverage of the elections revealed that the following violation of journalists’ rights and press freedom occurred between Saturday and Sunday: *Perez Brisibe of Vanguard newspapers and some other journalists were assaulted by suspected political thugs at the Ughelli office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Delta State while being barred from monitoring the collation of results; *Imani Joe-Adeniyi, Channels TV Correspondent; Saviour Etim Asuquo, Channels TV Cameraman; Tina Todo, The Guardian newspaper reporter and others were reportedly stopped and molested by men of the Nigeria Police in Calabar, Cross River State, on their way to the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to obtain updates on the collation of election results; and *A private radio station, Unity FM, and some of the journalists were attacked by some youths from Anguwan Rogo and Zinaria in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State over an alleged offensive live programme.

The Director of IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, was quoted as saying the attacks were unbecoming and certainly not acceptable since the journalists were carrying out legitimate professional duty during the elections.

“The fundamental rights of the concerned journalists and media institutions were violently violated and we hereby call on them to immediately seek appropriate legal redress,” Arogundade said.

He called on the police authorities, other law enforcement agencies and the leadership of the political parties to enlighten their men and members on the important role of the media during elections.

TMG, NDI advocate Card Reader’s use for other polls

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WO election observer groups, Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI), have advocated the use of the Card Reader introduced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the April 11 elections and subsequent elections.

The two bodies spoke with reporters yesterday in Abuja on their findings on the presidential and National Assembly elections held at the weekend.

TMG Chairman Ibrahim Zikirullahi, who urged INEC to improve on its usage in subsequent election, said its introduction was aimed at enhancing the integrity of the electoral process by ensuring that only

From Bukola Amusan, Abuja

eligible voters cast ballots on the election day.

“The introduction of the card reader was intended to help enhance the integrity of the electoral process by ensuring only eligible voters could cast ballots on Election Day. “However, in practice on the election day, the Card Readers slowed the process. This does not mean that INEC should abandon the use of the technology to enhance elections. But more effort is needed to develop appropriate and dependable solutions,” he said.

He added that logistical issues also delayed the opening of polling units, making the processes of accredita-

tion, voting and counting more challenging for polls’ officials and voters.

Praising INEC so far for its steadfastness during the elections and its continuing efforts to ensure integrity of the process, he urged the election body to be transparent and timely in the collation process.

He added: “TMG commends the security agents for the largely professional conduct they exhibited throughout the polling days.

“TMG also recognises the dedication of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, who served and continue to serve as polling officials despite the many challenges.

“We commiserate with the families of the s officials killed by Boko

Haram in Dukku LGA in Gombe.

Above all, TMG commends Nigerians for their determination to exercise their right to vote and generally participating peacefully in the polling process.”

The NDI, led by Ambassador Jonnie Carson, who also hailed the use of the card reader, however, wanted all the challenges it encountered to be tackled before the April 11.

This, he said, would enhance citizens’ confidence and participation to mitigate violence during and after the next polls.

Carson suggested that the high level of heightened security deployed during the polls be sustained so that the current electoral cycle can be sustained.

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

7

NEWS THE VERDICT

NHRC: about 50 persons died during Saturday’s polls T

HE National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) said yesterday that about 50 deaths were recorded during Saturday’s elections. Property worth millions of naira was destroyed by arsonist.

The Chairman, NHRC, Chidi Odinkalu, in a statement, commended Nigerians, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security agencies for a job well done.

Also, a coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) under the aegis of the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room (NCSSR), urged INEC to do its all to prevent a recurrence of the lapses recorded during Saturday’s elections.

Odinkalu said all acts of election-related violence must be condemned unreservedly. He called for a general condemnation of the killing of and attacks on uniformed personnel of the security agencies as well as the killing of INEC staff.

“Those responsible must be held to account. Such political violence dishonors the high sense of civic pride, sacrifice and co-existence showed by Nigerians throughout this period.

“The voting process was not without some challenges, including pockets of violence and security breaches.

From different parts of the

•Civil society groups urged INEC to prevent lapses From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

country, there have been incidents, reports and allegations of various forms of violence, including some reported attacks by extremists in some parts of north eastern Nigeria designed to frustrate the exercise of the franchise. “Some highlights include: Acts of violence resulting in fatalities have so far been reported in Akwa Ibom, Borno, Bauchi, Edo, Gombe, Lagos, Osun, Rivers, and Yobe States.

“At the end of yesterday (Sunday), the number of persons reported killed in these attacks and incidents is over 50. “This number includes one state legislator, a community leader and two (2) ad-hoc election staff of the I Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), allegedly been killed in an extremist attack in Gombe State, as well as the killing of an asset of the Nigerian armed forces in Rivers State.

“There were also reported cases of injuries from politically-motivated violence in Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Lagos, and Kano States as well as allegations of snatching of

ballot boxes, card readers and related election materials in some states, including Akwa Ibom, Benue, Gombe, Imo, Niger, and Rivers States.

“There have also been isolated but very worrying reports of arson attacks on assets of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in parts of the Niger Delta.

“Similarly, we have also noted widespread availability of small arms and light weapons (SALW) in some parts of the country, especially in parts of Akwa Ibom, Imo, Delta, Rivers, and Benue States.

In a statement by its Operating Officer, Agianpe Ashang, it expressed discomfort over the inability of INEC to deploy its officials and election materials on time to allow for a timely commencement of polls.

“Officials and materials did not reach significant number of polling stations by the time of poll opening.

This delayed accreditation and voting led to continuation of polls till late into the night in many places. INEC’s delays in commencement

and closing of polls subjected the voters, some of whom arrived very early at the polling stations, to untoward experiences.

“The Situation Room insists that the experience of late commencement of polling will not recur and that INEC will not stretch the patience of the Nigerian voter beyond tolerable level in future elections,” it said.

The group which noted that the diligence and sacrifice of Nigerians during the elections was a reflected their deep commitment to democratic governance particularly, commended the courage of voters in Gombe State, who persisted in participating in the election despite the terrorist attack.

It expressed deep concern about the reports of interference in the electoral process in some states, especially Rivers and Imo states.

It said reports of failure by security agencies to prevent havoc by non-state groups in some polling units were received.

“These developments

raise concern that the collation of results may be compromised if appropriate actions are not taken to safeguard the credibility of the exercise.

“We appeal to political parties and politicians to exercise restraint and desist from the use of violence in the electoral process. We urge the security agencies and officials to conduct themselves according to established standards of professional conduct,” it said.

While applauding INEC’s efforts to introduce technology into the electoral process, the group said it was concerned by reports of challenges with the accreditation process resulting in the suspension of the use of card readers and reversal to manual accreditation.

“This failure has undermined the full benefit anticipated by the use of biometric technology and imposed unnecessary hardship on Nigerians. “We call on INEC to make clear what guidelines will govern the accreditation process during the 11 April 2015 elections.

“We urge the Commission to make a clear and definitive statement on these elections taken into account needs to correct its own deficiencies and inform the Nigerian public as to what to expect.

•Odinkalu

“We also call on INEC to intensify its outreach to the public providing full information on situations as they develop and guidelines for the conduct of the remaining aspects of the elections.

“The Situation Room calls on the public to remain patient and maintain a high level of commitment to participating in the remaining aspects of the electoral process. We urge all Nigerians to remain orderly and law abiding and to refrain from any actions that may further challenge the electoral process.

“We urge the public to cooperate with the relevant authorities and to report any action capable of undermining the electoral process to the appropriate authorities and civic organizations,” the group said.

200,000 shun polls in Bayelsa From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

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S expected, President Goodluck Jonathan and candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Saturday presidential election won Bayelsa, his home state.

However, the difference between registered and accredited voters in the state showed that 200,000 persons failed to vote.

The results declared by the state’s Collation Officer and Vice-Chancellor, University of Port - Harcourt, Rivers State, Prof. Joseph Ajienka, showed that Jonathan won in all the eight local government areas.

Jonathan scored 391,201 to defeat the All Progressive Congress (APC) opponent, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, who polled, 5,195 votes.

A breakdown of the results showed that in Kolokuma/Opokuma, PDP scored 20,633 while APC got 402.

In Nembe, PDP, 60,950, APC, 557; Ekeremor, PDP 61,012, APC 374; Yenagoa, PDP 45,439, APC 462.

Also, Jonathan polled 50,754 in Ogbia, his local government area while Buhari was said to have scored only 214 votes.

Others are Sagabama, PDP, 41,221, APC 361; Brass, PDP 31,312, APC 1,968 and Southern Ijaw, PDP 79,898, APC 5,194.

•Result collation for 2015 presidential and National Assembly elections in Abuja

Rivers APC rejects results of ‘fraudulent elections’

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has rejected the results of Saturday’s elections released yesterday by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the state, Mrs. Gesila Khan.

President Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was declared winner of the election in Rivers by a wide margin.

All the senatorial and House of Representatives’ seats, ac-

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

cording to Khan, were won by the PDP’s candidates, in spite of the non-availability of original result sheets during the elections– a situation which spanked on APC boycott.

The Director of Communications of Rivers APC’s Dr. Dakuku Adol Peterside’s Greater Together Campaign Organisation, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari said that the released results were unacceptable, but asked the members of the par-

ty to remain calm.

Semenitari said: “The REC of INEC in Rivers State, Mrs. Gesila Khan, has just engineered a rape of democracy in Rivers State. Mrs. Khan, who made no pretense as to her bias for the PDP, today (yesterday) denied the over one million APC voters in Rivers State their voice. This is not acceptable to us and we reiterate our call for the cancellation of all elections in Rivers State.

“Mrs. Khan was kept abreast of all protests of the APC by its state party agent,

Barr. Achinike William– Wobodo, whom her staff unceremoniously sent out of the collation centre on Saturday, March 28, 2015.

“Besides the seven petitions before her (Rivers REC of INEC), written and signed by Barr. WilliamWobodo, Mrs. Khan is aware that a petition from Rivers State is before the Chairman of INEC (Prof. Attahiru Jega) and he has announced investigationPIC. 17.

RESULT COLLATION FOR 2015 PRESIDENTIAL AND NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

ELECTIONS IN ABUJAs into the Rivers State case. The APC in Rivers State rejects in its totality, the false and misleading results presented by Mrs. Khan.”

The Rivers APC’s governorship candidate’s director of communications, who doubles as the state’s Commissioner for Information and Communications, also expressed optimism that the results of the sham elections in Rivers would be cancelled, the REC removed and a new date for fresh polls announced by Jega.

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

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NEWS THE VERDICT ‘Mimiko’s defeat, symbolic’

Polls result: Ladoja, Folarin, others kick

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

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From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

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YO State governorship candidates Rashidi Ladoja (Accord), Teslim Folarin Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Seyi Makinde Social Democratic Party (SDP) yesterday joined other political party leaders in the state to protest the outcome of Saturday’s presidential and national assembly elections.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) swept the polls in the state to the shock of other parties.

Others who joined the candidates in protest yesterday included Minister of State for Federal Capital Territory,Ms Jumoke Akinjideý, Labour party deputy governorship candidate Alhaji Sarafadeen Alli, former deputy governor Taofeek Arapaja and Senator Ayo Adeseun.

Speaking on behalf of others, Ladoja said: “INEC really messed the polls. Most of the problems came from the Permanent Voter Cards that were distributed on Friday.

He also criticised INEC’s poor logistics.

According to him, there were many discrepancies by the agents of the opposition parties, as the security men on ground were not adequate.

Ladoja however denied that the candidate would join forces to work against the APC in the governorship poll.

Folarin threatened to head for the court unless the results were nullified.

“The failure of the card reader has justify our stand. We told them not to use the card reader but they went ahead and messed up the whole thing.

“After critical examination of the election materials, if we discover any irregularities, we may not take part in the gubernatorial election.

‘Cancel Ondo South result’ From Leke Akeredolu, Akure

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HE All Progressives Congress senatorial candidate in Ondo South, Morayo Lebi, has called for the cancellation of the result of the election from the district.

In a statement, Lebi alleged irregularities in the six local governments in the district.

He said the irregularities were supervised by some leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the district.

The APC candidate alleged that manual voting, ballot box snatching took place mostly in Irele Local Government and other areas.

He called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to cancel the result and set a new date for a fresh election in the southern senatorial district.

• The protesting supporters...yesterday.

PHOTO: FEMI ILESANMI

APC produces three senators, 12 reps in Oyo

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ANDIDATES of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the three senatorial districts of Oyo State have been declared winners of Saturday’s National Assembly election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The APC’s presidential candidate, Muhammadu Buhari, defeated his main rival, President Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He polled 528,620 votes to Jonathan’s 303,376 votes.

•Buhari leads From Bisi Oladele, Tayo Johnson and Sikiru Akinola, Ibadan

The APC candidate defeated the incumbent in 27 local governments; Jonathan won in Itesiwaju, Ogbomoso North, Ogbomoso South, Oriire, Surulere and OgoOluwa councils.

All the newly elected are first time senators. They defeated senators Femi Lanlehin (Accord), Hosea Agboo-

la (PDP) and Ayo Adeseun (PDP).

In Oyo Central Senatorial District, Mrs. Monsurat Sunmonu scored 105,378 to defeat Chief Bisi Ilaka of Accord, who polled 84,675 votes.

Following are candidates of the PDP, Labour Party (LP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

In Oyo North, Fatai Buhari scored 104,056 to defeat his closest rival, Tajudeen Kareem (LP), who polled 75,469.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Accord candidates trailed them.

In Oyo South, Soji Akanbi scored 147,583 to beat Lanlehin (Accord), who polled 93,256 votes. They were trailed by Mrs. Lanre Otiti (PDP), 47,152; Nurudeen Akinyo (LP), 28,993 and SDP candidate, 11,541.

Only four serving members of the House of Representatives retained their seats. They are Abiodun Awoleye (APC), Saheed Fijabi (APC), Sunday Adepoju (APC) and Olusegun Odebunmi (PDP).

‘INEC announced rigged results by Kashamu’

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State rejected the results of the National Assembly election for the Ogun East Senatorial seat.

The party also rejected the results of two federal constituencies - Remo and Ijebu North/Ijebu East/Ogun Waterside - all in Ogun East, vowing to challenge the outcome at the tribunal.

Buruji Kashamu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Dapo Abiodun(APC), Senator Gbenga Kaka of the Social Democratic Party(SDP) and other candidates from fringe political parties contested for the Ogun East Senate seat. Kashamu was declared winner.

In the House of Representatives election, APC candidate Olayinka Ganiyu lost to Ladi Adebutu (Remo PDP) and in Ijebu North/Ijebu East/Ogun Waterside Federal Constituency, Sulaiman Ismail (APC) was defeated by Segun Adekoya(PDP).

Addressing reporters at the party secretariat on Olorunsogo road, Abeokuta, the Deputy Director-General of Amosun Campaign Organisation, Bisi Adegbuyi, said the results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the affected areas were “predetermined, manipulated and fictitious”.

Adegbuyi, a lawyer, accused the “rigging machinery of the PDP, led by Buruji Kashamu,” of “forging and manipulating the results,” which INEC relied upon to declare winners for the Na-

Allegations unfounded, says PDP candidate From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

tional Assembly elections in Ogun East in favour of PDP candidates.

Adegbuyi said: “The election put our democracy on trial. While members of our party joined other Nigerians in overlooking the inadequacies in the arrangements made for the election, we have been compelled to make public our position on some of the unfortunate occurrences, which made the results in some of the constituencies not reflective of the true wishes of our people.

“We are particularly compelled to notify the world of the undemocratic practices that attended the elections in Ogun East Senatorial district.

“The APC categorically states that last Saturday elections in the Ogun East Senatorial district was marred by gross irregularities, induce-

ment and intimidation of voters, manipulation and falsification of results.

“The results that were announced by INEC do not reflect the wishes of our people in Ogun East Senatorial district.We reject the results of the National Assembly elections, particularly the one for the senatorial seat and the two federal constituencies “We want the world to know that the results as announced by INEC reflect predetermined, manipulated and fictitious figures forged by a rigging machinery of the PDP, led by its senatorial candidate, Buruji Kashamu.

“The APC is determined to challenge the results of the Ogun East senatorial elections and the two House of Representatives seats within the confines of the law. We have incontrovertible evidence of manipulations that took place and the roles played by cer-

tain individuals.

“We will pursue the complaint to the highest level as permitted by the laws of the land. We will not give details of our plan at this point. The charade, falsehood and misrepresentation of the wishes of our people will not stand.”

But reacting through his Media Adviser, Austin Oniyokor, Kashamu dismissed APC allegations as “totally unfounded” and “lacking in substance”.

Kashamu said: “If they say there was rigging, intimidation and manipulation during the election, they should supply the details, rather than hiding under some nebulous excuses that say nothing.

“At any rate, the Electoral Act has made provision for the ventilation of issues arising from an election. They should go to the tribunal to prove their case. We will meet them there.”

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State has said the victory of its presidential candidate, Muhammadu Buhari, in the state symbolises the defeat of Governor Olusegun Mimiko.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared 299,889 votes for Buhari and 251,368 for President Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The party said: “Residents used their votes to show their dissatisfaction with the maladministration and misrule by the PDP administration in the state and Nigeria.

The APC declared that Mimiko, the Southwest PDP coordinator did not only lose the state to APC but also lost the election in his central senatorial district.

It said:” Our people, by their votes, have shown dissatisfaction with the Mimiko/PDP/ Jonathan romance.

The people stood their ground against incumbency, intimidation, harassment and money-induced voting to deliver the state to Buhari.”

Alaafin advises politicians From Bode Durojaiye, Oyo

T

HE Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, has advised politicians to shun the win-at-all cost mentality.

He gave the advice yesterday when thousands of residents and All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters, led by his son, Adeniyi, visited him.

Adeniyi won the House of Representatives seat for Oyo Federal Constituency.

He scored 38,514 to defeat the incumbent, Mudasiru Akinlabi, of the Labour Party, who polled 19,338.

The monarch said: ‘’Nigeria is a country with diverse ethnic groups and corrugated political views ranging from the individual perspective to the political parties.

What is really wrong with the electioneering process is the desire to be in power at all costs.

“The starting point is credible rules and system before attitudinal changes from the politicians. This is because where the rules give too many loopholes they make it easier for bad politicians to exploit the situation, so the starting point is that there must be strong electoral laws. And such laws must be strictly enforced.”

I wasn’t arrested, says APC women leader

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) Women Leader in Ojokoro, Lagos, Mrs Basirat Ojugbele, has refuted the claim that she was arrested on Saturday with electoral materials.

She said the online report was out to dent her image and create panic among party supporters and leaders.

Her words: “It must be the work of my political detractors. But God is more than them. It’s difficult for me to understand how such a thing

By Paul Ukpabio

can happen.

“I do not know what exactly they had in mind. But I know that it is the work of my detractors.

“To start with, I do not work with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), so why should anyone imagine that I can be with electoral materials?

“I was never with any electoral materials, not to talk of being caught by security

operatives! How can I be in possession of election materials, where will I use them?

Asked further about the photograph used along with the story, Mrs. Ojugbele said: “No, it wasn’t me. I am not the one, check the photograph again, if you look at the vehicle very well, you will notice that it looks old and dirty, like an abandoned vehicle.

“The bus and plate number used is not mine and the photograph was dubiously smeared not to appear very well.”

•Mrs. Ojugbele

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

9

NEWS THE VERDICT

Buhari wins in Lagos

By Leke Salaudeen

T

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Muhammadu Buhari, has won the majority votes in Lagos State with 792, 460 votes.

His closest rival, President Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic (PDP), polled 632, 327 votes.

The results were declared at the State Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office, Yaba, under the supervision of the Returning Officer, Prof Isaac Adewole, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan.

A breakdown of the results: Mushin (APC 60,778, PDP 33, 377); Kosofe (APC 56,170, PDP 33, 945); Apapa (APC 23, 818, PDP 17, 328); Somolu (APC 45,297, PDP 32, 501); Alimosho (APC 86,897, PDP 59,316); Ojo (APC 26, 117, PDP 40,685) and Amuwo-Odofin (APC 24,612, PDP 39,291); Epe (APC 19,179 PDP 16,400); Ibeju-Lekki (APC 12,016 PDP 10,812); Ikorodu (APC 49,901 PDP 29,604); Lagos Mainland (APC 33,898 PDP 23,857); Badagry (APC 24,137 PDP 23,396); Surulere (APC 52,798 PDP 58,649); Agege (APC 54,611 PDP 25,596); Oshodi/Isolo (APC 42,585 PDP 48,878); Ifako/Ijaye (APC 50,607 PDP 22,980); Ikeja (APC 29,893 PDP 23,836); Eti Osa (APC 28,188 PDP 21,480); Lagos Island (APC 33,242 PDP 13,002)and (Ajeromi/Ifelodun 37,716 PDP 57,494).

24 ‘hoodlums’ arrested

T

WENTY-four suspected hoodlums were arrested by security operatives in Oyo State during the presidential and National Assembly elections.

Commissioner of Police Muhammadu Katsina paraded them yesterday at the command headquarters, Eleyele, Ibadan.

The suspects, according to the police boss, included members of a cult group, One Million Boys, in Mapo .

They were arrested during the polls with weapons as they assaulted and injured some people, some of who are on admission in hospitals.

The CP said the pandemonium attracted the attention of the police Special Force, which engaged the hoodlums in a gun battle.

Sixteen members of the gang were arrested and some weapons recovered from them.

The suspects include Patrick John, Olunloyo Ibrahim, Oluwafemi Adele, Adikpe Joseph, Olamide Abidemi, Ahmed Mukaila, Ramoni Saka, Ojo Adewale, Rasheed Afeez, Adeleke Shola and Adeleke Ibrahim.

The others are: Adeleke Tunde, Adedapo Nurudeen, Dele Abu, Monsuru Olale-

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

kan and Akeem Monsuru.

The commissioner said the command’s pre-election efforts also led to the arrest of eight robbery suspects.

The suspects had allegedly snatched a Toyota Camry from Madam Oluwafolakemi Fabodede in Akure, Ondo State.

The ‘robbers’ thereafter proceeded to Oyo State and attacked Joba Pharmacy and a filling station at Iroko on Oyo-Ibadan Road.

They were accosted by the Police Ambush Squad, which overpowered and arrested them.

Investigations revealed that the leaders of the gangBoluwaji Olawumi, John Isaac and Fagboyegun Walewere among those who escaped in the Ekiti jailbreak last November 30.

They were reportedly awaiting trial for robbery and murder.

One AK47 rifle snatched from a policeman and other weapons were recovered from the suspects.

The weapons comprised 10 dane guns, one pump action, one cut-to-size, three single barrel guns as well as cartridges.

Oyo senators thank voters

T

HE new senators, who won the three senatorial districts in Oyo State, yesterday thanked voters for electing them.

In separate reactions, the senators-elect - Monsurat Sunmonu, Fatai Buhari and Soji Akanbi - said their aspirations would not have materialised without the support of voters.

The trio, who are first-time senators, also expressed satisfaction with the election as well as the peaceful conduct of voters during the exercise.

They lauded the large turnout and their resilience during the election.

They called on voters to repeat the same support for the APC governorship candidate, Abiola Ajimobi, and all APC House of Assembly candidates in the April 11 election.

Mrs. Sunmonu praised monarchs, chiefs, tradesmen, artisans, community leaders and religious bodies for their

From Bisi Oladele and Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

active roles. She pledged not to disappoint them, saying her presence will be felt in all parts of the district.

Buhari said: “My victory came to me by God’s grace.

My victory is like a surprise to everybody. That is why I will forever be grateful to the people of Oke-Ogun.

“They put their trust in me and I must not let them down.

“The only appeal I have with them is to assist APC win the governorship election to enable us bring more dividends of democracy to the doorsteps of our people.”

Akanbi pledged that voters would not regret their support for the APC, stressing that they would render quality representation.

He urged more voters to switch over to the APC to join forces to move the state forward.

•Some of the suspects...yesterday.

PHOTO: FEMI ILESANMI

APC’s Omoworare, Adeleke, others win in Osun

T

HE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday released more results of last Saturday’s National Assembly elections in Osun State.

Senators Babajide Omoworare and Isiaka Adeleke were declared the winners of the elections in Osun East and West senatorial districts.

In the result sheet signed by the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Adekunle Ogunmola, Senator Babajide Omoworare of the All Progressives

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

Congress (APC) polled 101,352 to defeat Prince Francis Fadahunsi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who came second with 99,166 votes.

Senator Isiaka Adeleke of the APC polled 133,009 to defeat PDP’s Olasunkanmi Akinlabi, who garnered 79,279 votes.

Speaking on the result of the House of Representatives election, Ogunmola also declared the APC candidate in Ede

North, Ede South, Egbedore/ Ejigbo Federal Constituency, Prof. Mojeed Alabi, who scored 52,029 to defeat the PDP candidate, Oguntola Oladipo, who polled 33,851 and eight others.

The REC said in Ayedaade/ Irewole/Isokan, the APC candidate, Mrs. Ayo Omidiran, scored 36,538 to defeat the PDP candidate, Col. Olayiwola Falabi, who scored 25,679 and eight others.

The APC candidate, Olufemi Fakeye, who scored 19,281, won, defeating the

PDP candidate, Kolawole Ismaila, who scored 16,852 in Boluwaduro/Ifedayo/Ila Federal Constituency.

In Odo-otin/Ifelodun/ Boripe, the APC candidate, Adeyinka Ajayi, who polled 39,145 was declared winner.

He defeated Kayode Oduoye of the PDP who scored 29,690.

APC’s Akintayo Gafaru was the winner of the election in Ayedire/Iwo/Ola-Oluwa Federal Constituency with 32,742 votes to defeat Bello Akanji of the PDP, who scored 23, 115 votes.

Fashola allays fears of violence in Lagos

By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

L

AGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola yesterday allayed fears of any planned attack on residents, saying the state is safe for residents.

The governor’s statement followed the rumours that he had given a stay-at-home order following security reports.

He urged the residents to ignore such information His words: “I didn’t issue the statement. I must commend residents of Lagos for comporting themselves peacefully to perform their civic duties.

And in almost eight years, I have never issued a directive as far as government work is concerned on social media.

“Things such as workfree day, security issues have never been issued by me through the social media.

“Rather we have always resorted to making broad-

Lagos civil servants flee secretariat

By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

T

HERE was confusion yesterday at the Lagos State Secretariat, Alausa, as scores of civil servants fled the premises, following rumours that they were asked to go home as the results of Saturday’s elections were about to be announced.

It could not be ascertained where the rumour emanated from, but there were reports suggesting that the Chief of Staff had asked civil servants to go home based on a directive from Governor Babatunde Fashola.

By noon, there was heavy human and vehicular traffic at the exit points of the secretariat.

A worker in the Office of the Head of Service debunked the rumour, saying no one asked civil servants to go home.

A top official in the Ministry of Information said she saw people leaving the secretariat but did not know why.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Media Hakeem Bello said neither the governor nor any other official asked them to go home, adding that the government did not know where such rumour emanated from.

At the Ministry of Transportation, workers were asked to stay back as the management threatened to sanction anyone who left. cast in person or I ask the Head of Service to issue a circular, or I ask the Commissioner for Information to make an announcement

on broadcast stations.

“That will not change. At this time, there is understandably some anxiety in the country. So people

must know that nothing will change. They must ignore stories emanating from our government through social media.

“They will be issued in the traditional ways-radio, television or through press statement. It is very possible for the social media to pick it from these medium.

“It is unfortunate that some people at this time tried to create tension for whatever reasons known to them. But this is the time that residents of Lagos should be happy that we have crossed the first hurdle of the election and we are going through the next process which is counting and collating of the results.

People should remain calm.”

Fashola said there is no incident of insecurity in the state, affirming that, “the state is safe. Residents should go about their business; there is no cause to fear”.

‘Yayi’ wins Lagos West senate seat

S

OLOMON Olamilekan Adeola (aka Yayi) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been elected Senator - in style. He has had a good run-elected from the House of Assembly to the House of Representatives and now the Senate.

In the results declaring Adeola as winner of the Lagos West Senatorial

District seat, he scored 429,765 votes to beat his rival, Segun Adewale of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who scored 372,421 in the nation’s largest senatorial district.

He won in six of the 10 local governments namely Alimosho, Agege, Ifako Ijaiye, Mushin, Badagry and

Ikeja to beat his rival with 57,344 votes. He lost in Ojo, Amuwo Odofin, Oshodi / Isolo and Ajeromi /Ifelodun.

Adeola, the chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts, dedicated his victory to God and the people of his Alimosho Federal Constituency.

A chartered accountant by profession, he was elected to the House of Assembly in 2003 and in 2007 to represent Alimosho State Constituency 2.

In 2011, Adeola was elected and is representing Alimosho Federal Constituency, the largest constituency in Nigeria.

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

10

CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 09091178827

‘How my colleague escaped death’

A

COMMERCIAL bus driver, Semiu Omolaja, has narrated how his colleague, Soji was lucky to have escaped death after a container fell on his bus.

The incident occurred last Thursday at MushinOlosha in Lagos The driver, who listens to newspapers’ review in his bus daily, could not do so because his key fell into a gutter.

He was said to have gone home to pick the spare key of the bus with registration XM 17 KSF when the accident occurred.

The container crushed his bus after falling off a trailer with number-plate is XB 498 KSM. The driver was injured on his nose and eyes.

Many who gathered at the scene thanked God for the bus driver’s lucky escape.

Omolaja, an eyewitness, said the accident occurred around after 6am. He explained Soji was going home to pick the bus’ spare key when the accident happened.

He said: “When I brought my bus in the morning, I reversed and was trying to find a parking spot. One woman was passing by Soji’s parked bus. I saw the trailer galloping and I immediately warned the woman to move out of the way. I was trying to tell the

•Soji’s bus under the container

By Safiyyah Abdur-Razaq

driver to be patient and drive carefully. When I saw that he had lost control, I jumped out of my bus. The next thing I saw was the trailer crushing Soji’s bus.”

Omolaja said whenever Soji came in the morning, he would park his bus, plug in his phone’s ear-piece and

listen to the day’s news.

“On that fateful morning, his key fell into the gutter and he was on his way home to get his spare key. He had just walked a few metres away from his bus when it happened. The driver of the trailer escaped with a few bruises on his nose and under his eyes,” he said.

An official of the Lagos

State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) said there was no casualty. The wreckage, he said, was evacuated in the night because the trailer driver fled.

“The wreckage was not evacuated immediately because we did not see the driver of the trailer and the vehicle cannot be recovered unless the goods inside the container were offloaded.

Man arraigned for allegedly defrauding Nestle of N100m

A

48-year-old man, Giles Nwokolo, was yesterday charged before a Magistrate’s Court sitting in Ikeja for allegedly defrauding Nestle Foods Nigeria Plc of N100 million.

Nwokolo was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Abimbola Komolafe on a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, fraud and stealing.

Prosecuting police Inspector Eranus Nnamonu,

By

Adebisi Onanuga

alleged that the defendant fraudulently tricked Nestle Foods Nigeria Plc to pay him N100 million, an amount said to be greater than the value of services he rendered to the company.

According to the charge sheet, the defendant, being a staff of Fobim Investment Ltd, with intent to defraud Nestle Foods Nigeria Plc, fraudulently forged some terminal invoices used in

collecting terminal charges from the company.

The charge stated, “That you Giles Nwokolo, being a staff of Fobim Investment Limited, sometime between 2009 at Fobim Investment Limited, No. 23 Caulcrick Crescent Apapa Lagos in the Lagos Magisterial District, did steal about N100 million, property of Nestle Foods Nigeria Plc.” Nnamonu said the offence is punishable under Section 278 of Criminal Code Cap

From left: National Treasurer of Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM), Mrs Ifeoma Adfeniyi; Mr. Jide Ologun; Chairman, Personnel Practitioners Consultative Association (PPCA) Ikeja Zone, Mrs Ify Onwuachu; Guinness Nigeria Human Resorces Director, Mr Monica Peach and Mrs Ijeoma Enekwa during a courtesy visit to Guinness Nigeria Head Office in Lagos.

42 Laws of Lagos State.

However, when the charge was read to the defendant, he pleaded not guilty.

Magistrate Komolafe granted him bail in the sum of N1million with two sureties in the like sum.

He ordered that the sureties must be blood relations and must show evidence of tax payment for the period of three years.

She, thereafter, adjourned the matter till April 23, for hearing.

The container fell completely from the trailer. For us to do that, we had to make sure the police were available to secure the goods. We also get the driver of the vehicle to be around so that there would not be a case of missing

goods,” he said.

According to him, the accident did not affect traffic because the spot is bad.

“Even without the accident, drivers have to slow down to get through,” he said

Lagos CJ approves Easter vacation for judges

L

AGOS Chief Judge, Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade has approved Friday, April 3, to Friday, April 10, as Easter vacation for judges of the High Court of Lagos State.

A statement issued yesterday by the Court Registrar.

E.O. Ogundare stated that the Chief Judge approved the 2015 Easter vacation for the judges in accordance with the powers conferred on her pursuant to Order 45, Rule 4 (A) and (B) of the High Court of Lagos State Civil Procedure) Rule 2012.

The statement said that work will resume on Monday, April 13.

It said that arrangements for dealing with urgent cases

By Adebisi Onanuga

during the vacation are that each judge would deal with all urgent application related to any substantive cause already assigned to him/her.

“Any urgent application, the substantive cause of which has not already been assigned will be dealt with by the judge to whom the application is especially assigned.

“Notwithstanding the provision of Order 45 Rule 4, any cause or matter may be heard by a judge during the vacation where such a case is urgent and provided that the conditions prescribed by Order 45 Rule 5 shall be observed and complied with,” the statement added.

•Executive Secretary, Ikorodu Local Government Area Wasiu Adesina presenting the Eko Gas cooker to the Baale of Eyita, Chief Olatunji Oyebajo (left) during the Eko Gas Cooker programme.

With them is the Head, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Alhaji Bola Onigbanjo.

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

11

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

Unilever unveils rebranded Lux

By Tonia ‘Diyan

U

NILEVER Nigeria Plc, manufacturers of the iconic beauty brand, Lux beauty soap, has introduced three new variants to the Lux collection. They are Velvet Touch, Soft Touch and Soft Caress.

Unveiling the three rebranded Lux at the House of Lux in Lagos, its Brand Building Director, Mr. David Okeme, while highlighting the features of the Lux collection, said:, “The new Lux collection gives seductively soft and fragrant skin that inspires and empowers women everywhere to ignite the spark in their relationship.

“Infused with delicate floral notes and softening silk essence, our transformed beauty soap range sensuously lathers and scents, leaving the skin irresistible to touch.

“The iconic beauty brand is dedicated to women. We know that when a woman feels beautiful, she behaves differently, radiating a confidence that attracts those around her, starting with her significant other.”

According to him, the new Lux collection does not have the power to help women ignite the spark all over the world but its new beauty bars packaging design also does its part for the planet.

“With delicately luxurious designs unique to each variant. Lux looks gorgeous displayed in your bathroom and would also make a fabulous gift,” he said.

What does corporate governance do? It ensures that you have set up a structure and a culture within the institution that can drive the business in line with given rules. That’s what corporate governance does.

-Seplat Petroleum Managing Director Mr Austin Avuru

Naira devaluation presents challenges, opportunities, says NSIA chief

T

HE Managing Director, Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), Mr. Uche Orji, has said the devaluation of the naira has presented the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) with both challenges and opportunities.

Speaking to reporters yesterday in Abuja on the financial year end activities of the NSIA, Orji said: “The recent devaluation of the naira presents both challenges and opportunities in the domestic market. From our position as investors, we have seen incredible buying opportunities and we expect the infrastructure fund to become increasingly active in the domestic market as we take advantage of short term price dislocations.”

Using the dollar as its base currency, Orji said the success recorded in its financial year activities could be attributed to a long dollar currency position versus other currencies which the Authority hopes to sustain.

He said the three tiers of government that are shareholders of the Sovereign

• Says no dividends for shareholders From Nduka Chiejina (Asst. Editor), Abuja

Wealth Fund will not get any dividends from the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) until 2017.

This is despite the impressive financial year end results posted by the NSIA so far.

Orji said by law, shareholders of the SWF are not entitled to any dividends until five years after it commenced business with profits.

He noted that the NSIA was interested paying out dividends to Nigerians who are shareholders of the SWF but the law setting up the agency only permits that dividends be paid after five years of commencement of operations with profit across all three funds that the NSIA manages.

He assured that Nigerians that the NSIA would love to continue making money again and prayed for the continued good performance of the Authority.

The NSIA, Orji said, would

convene its Governing Council meeting where it would meet with stakeholders of the fund, such as the governors, the vice president, the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), among others, to present the detailed financial reports of the Authority.

Orji also said the NSIA has been upgraded in the international transparency index from ninth position to fourth place for making public its investment policy, charter, and posting quarterly financial performance on its website as well telling the world what it is investing in.

On the outlook for this year, Orji said the authority’s key investment areas would include, power, agriculture, and social infrastructure. He however cautioned that the year remains volatile because of the vulnerabilities in the external environment.

Orji stated that the vulnerabilities not withstanding and barring any unforeseen circumstances, the NSIA he said “would maintain its

diversified strategy for the future generation and stabilisation funds.”

The NSIA managing director used the forum to clear the air on the status of the execution of the second Niger River Bridge being handled by Julius Berger. Said he: “Am not aware they have halted work. Filing is ongoing; most of the dredging work has been completed. Work is ongoing but we have not reached financial closing yet. Hopefully, we will get there. So far, the money Federal Government has been committing there has been deployed to fund most of the work so far.

“The environment is challenging. We are in partnership with Julius Berger on investment to the last four years and this is a massive project. It will take time.

Second Niger Bridge is going to span almost 12 kilometres. The actual bridge itself is about 2km but the approach is about 10 kilometre on a marshy land. There is no fundamental problem, but financing yes, there is a little challenge but it has not halted work”

DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil Cocoa

$58/barrel $2,686.35/metric ton

Coffee

¢132.70/pound

Cotton

¢95.17pound

Gold

$1,396.9/troy

Sugar

$163/lb RATES

Inflation

8%

Treasury Bills -10.58%(91d) Maximum lending 30% Prime lending

15.87%

Savings rate

3%

91-day NTB

15%

Time Deposit

5.49%

MPR

13%

Foreign Reserve

$34.5b

• From left: Sales Manager, Central East Africa, Western Digital Limited (WD), Mr. Charles Igbo;, Sales Director Distribution, Middle East and Africa, Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mohammed Owais; CEO, Nodnyl Technologies Limited, Mr. Lyndon Odili, Channel Marketing Manager, Middle East Africa, WD, Mr. Can Akbulut, during an exhibition by Western Digital in collaboration with SECUREX West Africa at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos.

‘Sea link project ‘ll ease transportation challenges’

T

HE Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) sea link project, when operational, would minimise the challenges of movement of goods and services in the region, Federation of West African Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has said.

Its Chief Executive Officer Mr. Cherno Jallow, who spoke in in Abuja, said the operation of the

maritime shipping project, which was an initiative of the Chamber, was aimed at linking the ECOWAS states and Central Africa countries.

He said the project is in line with the priority given to free movement of people and goods by the leadership of ECOWAS. According to him, the project would also contribute immensely in ECOWAS dream of en-

hancing economic growth through the strong participation of the private sector.

Jallow said when fully operational, the project would ensure that vessels, agricultural produce, manufactured goods and passengers could be transported from one country to another within the sub-region and beyond.

He said: “It will boost trade within the sub-re-

gion as well as help erase the difficulties faced by traders when crossing land borders of the ECOWAS countries. This would enable us grow economically and become competitive globally.’’

The sea link project is a major step in deepening trade within ECOWAS subregion and a significant step in enhancing the current trade flow among ECOWAS member states.

Group urges more funds for Energy Commission From Bukola Amusan, Abuja

A

COALITION of Civil Society groups has urged the Federal Government to step up the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) 2015 budget allocation to enable it complete its projects and improve energy production.

Its National Coordinator, Comrade Etuk William, who spoke with reporters in Abuja, yesterday, said the Federal Government must act to encourage the renewable energy project to help reduce the problems of energy supply.

“This evaluation exercise is one of the mandates of our organisation that help detect and check corruption in ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs); most especially in the areas of procurements and awards of contracts,” he said.

He said the group’s assessment of the commission’s performance last year shows that it performed well but that some areas require attention to enhance the effective running of the commission.

He added that the completion and inauguration of the administrative building, guest house, solar thermal and solar PV at Nsukka is commendable and that the government should encourage the renewable energy project to help reduce the problems of lighting in Nigeria.

He said: “That project should be geared towards capacity buildings and enhancement most especially powering lighting in schools.

“We urge the government to encourage ECN with more fund to enable them continue in the process of carrying out their contracts and project to ensure smooth running of the agency.’’

Lamenting the low budget allocation to the commission this year, the group said despite the shortage in oil revenue, the government must source for another means of funding the commission’s projects if it wants to overcome the problem of power in the near future.

He said the commission’s installation of the solar home lighting system with solar phone charger and solar power systems for powering the church, satellite disc and other public address systems projects should not be abandoned.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

BUSINESS

Fashola urges insurance firms to woo traders

I

NSURANCE firms have been urged to woo traders to ensure the penetration of insurance companies into the market for the growth of the economy.

Lagos State Governor Babtunde Fashola, who spoke while inaugurating NEM Insurance Plc Head Office in Lagos, said this would be of immense benefit to traders whose goods were often lost to fire outbreaks in the market.

Represented by the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mrs. Olusola Owuru, the governor said the increasing cases of fire in markets were of great concern to the government. He said fire victims always fallback on the government for assistance, which should not be so.

“We want the insurance industry to take over and

By Omobola Tolu-Kusimo

actualise the objectives they were established to achieve,’’ Fashola said.

The Commissioner for Insurance, Mr. Fola Daniel said the Nigeria Insurance Commission (NAICOM) would continuously strive for positive transformation in the industry, even if it would inflict temporary pains on some insurers. According to the Commissioner, the country’s insurance industry needs rapid transformation.

“I am happy that references were made to insurance industry in other domains such as South Africa and United Kingdom that contributed 15 per cent and more to their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) but in Nigeria insurance industry only contributes less than one per cent to the GDP. These calls for all hands to be on deck to enable the industry occupy its

proper position in the financial sestor. We should not be referred to as `Poor Cousins’ of the banking sector,’’ he said.

Daniel said the state of financial assets of many insurance companies was causing great concern to the commission.

“Financial asset of many insurance companies is of great concern to us because policy holders could call for settlement anytime,’’ he said.

According to the commissioner, a high portion of insurance holdings in assets that cannot generate immediate cash adversely impact liquidity position. “So we need to have regulations that limit the amount of buildings and lands an insurance company can invest in. We are worried about over investment in real estate as this may run down insurance industry. The

strength of any insurance company is in its liquidity,” he stressed.

He congratulated the management of the company on building a befitting edifice for its operations, adding that it signified growth and accomplishment.

The Chairman of NEM Insurance Plc, Mr. Adewale Telumo, said the edifice was constructed to enable the company become a leading insurance firm in the country.

He said the company’s performance had been on the upswing, with its gross premium which was N853 million in 2006 rising to N8.9 billion in 2013.

“The profit after tax which stood at a meager N13.6 million in 2006 rose to N544 million in 2013. A total claim of N192 million was paid in 2006 while N3.1 billion was paid in 2013,” he said.

• Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN (left) spaeking with State House Correspondents where he assured the people of Lagos on the safety of the state. He debunked the false alarm on an alleged directive that civil servants should vacate their offices, urging them to remain calm and law-abiding ... yesterday. With him is Commissioner for Information and Strategy Mr. Lateef Ibirogba.

Enugu to review water law to boost performance

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NUGU State Govern ment has said it will review the state’s water and sanitation laws to reposition the sector.

Its Commissioner for Water Resources, Mr. Michael Nwachukwu, said this in Enugu when marking this year’s World Water Day. He said for the provision of water in urban areas of the state, demographic and topographic surveys of the areas have been concluded.

The state, he said, was determined to increase water supply from the present 30 per cent to above 50 per cent by the end of the year.

“As we promote increased access to water in which 60 litres and 120 litres are acceptable in the rural and urban areas respectively, we are poised to turn things around for good in the sector.

“World Water day is set aside to look into how to get water for development without impinging on available water resources,’’ he said.

In his remarks, the Chief

Field Officer, United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), Mr. Charles Nzuki, said UNICEF was committed to providing safe water and improved sanitation for both the urban and rural dwellers of the state.

He noted that child mortality could be linked to poor water and sanitation with the rural areas being most vulnerable.

Nzuki stressed the need for the reduction of wastages in water as UNICEF has provided no fewer than 2.5 million people with water in the country.

Enugu State Rural Water and Sanitation Agency (ENRUWASSA), Managing Director, Mr Mike Oguama, said with the assistance of donor agencies in the provision of water, 90 deep motorised boreholes were constructed, 85 rehabilitated and 203 handpumps provided.

In his goodwill message, the Programme Support Manager, Water-Aid Enugu, Mr

Jude Emesim, said that provision of potable water is fundamental to eradicating poverty and achieving sustainable development.

He said Water-Aid was seeking to influence the health sector to lead on the integration of WASH in child health programmes and policies.

The Coordinator, Community Health Initiative, (CHI-Nigeria), Mrs Janet Ngene, launched the “Healthy Start Campaign,’ a four-year advocacy programme that would focus on improving the health and nutrition of new born babies and children.

Highlight of the event was the presentation of the excellent support award to Governor Sullivan Chime, UNICEF, Water-Aid, Japan International Cooperative agency (JICA), Okpo community in Igboeze-North Local Government Area and two contractors for their contributions in ensuring the sustenance of good water and sanitation.

NEPC trains exporters

By Toba Agboola

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HE Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has launched the maiden training programme tagged: ‘Zero to Export Project’ for infant exporters.

Its Chief Executive Officer, Mr Segun Awolowo, said the training was timely, coming at a time the prices of oil was dwindling.

Awolowo, who was represented by Mr. Olajide Ibrahim, a Director in the Council, urged the first set of participants to take the training serious.

“One of the limiting factors we have in non-oil exports is the dearth of salient information. So we can say that this project is a timely one, which will help youths and graduates, and even retirees to gain the basic knowledge in exporting business,” he said.

He explained that there is going to be a curriculum for the training project, and also technical sessions where participants can ask questions.

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TUESDAY, MACRCH 31, 2015

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THE NATION

BUSINESS TRANSPORTATION

E-mail: ynotaderibigbe@gmail.com

26 years after, train returns to Kaura Namoda K

AURA Namoda, in Zamfara State, is home to the last terminus of the Northwestern line of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC). It once held the hope of a trans-border rail link that would have extended train service to Niamey, the Niger Republic capital.

Rich in agricultural produce, the town last saw a train pass through its dusty corridor 26 years ago. The tracks became rutted over time following neglect.

But the story may change soon as the NRC has restored its train service in the area, with the rehabilitation of the Zaria-GusauKaura Namoda rail line.

At the ceremony last Wednesday, the Minister of State for Finance, Ambassador Bashir Yuguda, said the service would enhance the economic fortunes of Zamfara State and the Northwest zone. It would afford passengers, especially farmers, an opportunity to transport their produce across the country.

Yuguda, who represented Vice President Namadi Sambo, said the restoration of the service was in fulfillment of President Goodluck Jonathan’s promise to support farming and entrepreneurship in the Northwestern zone. He added that the project would open up the zone and also be a catalyst for job creation.

He said the Federal Government has articulated a 25-year strategic plan for rail development aimed at reviving the rail system that was neglected for 30 years.

• One of the air-conditioned coaches on the route Stories by Adeyinka Aderibigbe

Yuguda said: “In keeping with our commitment to the development of infrastructure and comprehensive service delivery, this administration has in addition to the rehabilitation of our rail networks on both the western and

eastern rail lines, procured a number of rolling stock, particularly wagons and coaches.

“The procurement and refurbishment of this rolling stock is a continuous exercise in order for us to fully realise our resolve to transform the sub-sector.”

The modernisation of the rail

system, he said, is progressing steadily, adding that the AbujaKaduna Standard Gauge is almost completed having attained over 90 percent completion while the Itakpe-Ajaokuta-Warri Standard Gauge is at an advanced stage of completion. He said when all these are completed, Nigerians would

‘The procurement and refurbishment of this rolling stock is a continuous exercise in order for us to fully realise our resolve to transform the sub-sector’

have a better experience patronising the train.

“I am happy to reiterate the Federal Government’s determination to develop modern rail network by further constructing the Coastal Railway Line, which is to connect the commercial city of Lagos with the oil producing states of the Niger Delta and connect the commercial cities of the eastern part of the country as well as link the northern part through the Itakpe-AjaokutaWarri Rail Line,” Yuguda said.

The Managing Director Adeseyi Sijuwade described the event as historic. He said history was being made as the train service is being restored many years after.

He said to underscore importance of the occasion, the Corporation is dedicating to the route two air-conditioned first class coach, along with a fleet of second class coaches. He added that two air-conditioned rail cars have also been assigned for the use of its officials to sustain the regular maintenance of the route.

He described the rehabilitation of the Zaria-Gusau-Kaura Namoda route as a dream come true as the Corporation could be said to have completed the rehabilitation of the Western line, which terminates in the historic town.

He said the NRC was expecting a huge fallout from the revival of the route as many could make use of the train service, adding that the entire Northwestern zone is opened for higher passenger and cargo freighting by the corporation.

Borno gives 540 buses to commercial drivers

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•Kadiku (centre) showing safety fliers to RS2 Zonal Head of Special Marshals and Partnership (SMP) Mrs Anende Osas. With them is Head of Department, SMP Ojota Unit Command, Miss Peace Nwabueze

Erring drivers fined for traffic offences

E

RRING drivers were booked and their vehicles impounded at the last Special Marshals’ National Patrol in Lagos and Ogun states.

The drivers were apprehended for dangerous driving, overloading, seat-belt violations and driving with worn-out tyres, among others.

According to the Lagos and Ogun states’ Special Marshals and Partnership’s Zonal Coordinator, Mr Toyin Kadiku, the exercise which usually comes up every third Saturday of the month is to bring sanity back to the roads.

He said the exercise was in line with the objective of the Federal Road Safety Commisssion (FRSC) to prevent lawlessness.

The offenders, Kadiku said, were fined, warned and advised against a repeat of the offences.

Kadiku said Special Marshals are the sec-

ond tier of FRSC that prevent indiscipline leading to accidents on the roads.

He urged drivers to start installing speed limiters in their vehicles to avoid being arrested on June 1, the dateline for the enforcement.

Kadiku also appealed to motorists to obey traffic regulations.

The Ogun State SMP Coordinator, Elder Emmanuel Fagbenro, said reckless driving, overloading and over-speeding were some of the factors causing accidents.

He appealed to commercial drivers to always obey traffic rules and ensure they possess original driver’s licences. Some motorists, he said drive roughly when they see traffic managers to avoid arrest.

Fagbenro, who stated that safety is everyone’s business, urged motorists not to leave safety to the Corps.

HE Borno State Government has bought 540 buses for commercial drivers.

Presenting the vehicles to National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) officials in Maiduguri, the state capital, Governor Kashim Shettima said his administration is committed to promoting safe and affordable transportation for the people.

Beneficiaries, he said, would only pay 50 percent of the cost of the vehicles by instalments over two years.

He said: “The buses cost the state government about N1.1 million each and each beneficiary is expected to pay back N550,000 by instalments over a flexible period.”

The gesture, Shettima maintained,was to help cushion the losses suffered by the drivers from the Boko Haram insurgency, adding that since the outbreak of the crisis, they have been suffering in silence.

“Since Borno State started facing the challenges of insurgency in 2009, one group that has remained a silent victim is the NURTW. “Countless number of commercial drivers who are members of the union have lost their lives on account of moving people from one point to another visiting families and keeping our society functional.

“We all know that once vehicles, especially commercial vehicles connecting states are out of the road, a society is brought to a halt.

This is because more than 70 per cent of citizens all over Nigeria depend on commercial transport for mobility of trade, social and cultural activities.

“This is a group that keeps Borno connected to the rest of Nigeria and helps in conveying our people in and out of this State so we can all exist as a society. If anyone recalls the attacks of Boko Haram along Ngamdu, Mainok, Benesheikh, Jos, Potiskum as well as the religious riots in

•Governor Shettima

Kaduna and reprisals in the southern Nigeria over the years, then he or she will appreciate commercial drivers under the NURTW, because often times, they were caught on the high ways,” the governor said.

He said the government has embarked on some road projects aimed at opening up Maiduguri, which is not just the state capital but, the largest city and the economic hub of the Northeast.

“We came with so much ambition to remodel Borno State and make it an envy of many states in Nigeria. We wanted to make Borno a place where every citizen would be proud of and by Allah’s will, we will succeed,” he added.

The state NURTW Chairman Alhaji Bello Maduganari, lauded the governors gesture.

He said no governor has paid attention to commercial drivers.

He said: “By giving out 450 buses to the NURTW, the governor has not only made life easy for 540 beneficiaries, but also assisted 4500 families, because each of the buses would have direct impact on 10 families based on known projections worked out by the union many years ago.”

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THE NATION

BUSINESS AVIATION In a few weeks, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) will visit Nigeria to carry out the Universal Safety Oversight Audit . How prepared is Nigeria for the exercise? Stakeholders and the agencies, analysts submit, must close ranks to ensure Nigeria scales the hurdle, writes KELVIN OSA OKUNBOR

‘Right policies’ll drive growth‘

How prepared is Nigeria for ICAO audit? T H

OW prepared is Nigeria for the audit of its civil aviation oversight and safety management system? This will be known in a few weeks when the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) arrives in the country to carry out its Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP).

Under the programme, a country’s aviation system is examined and identified deficiencies corrected.

In 2006, when a similar audit was carried out, some lapses were identified which experts say the authorities need to close.

There were follow-up audits of the Lagos and Abuja airports in 2008 and 2010, which were intended to close the safety and operational deficiencies identified in 2006.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), are closing ranks in providing infrastructure, operational procedures and other safety management measures to ensure that Nigeria scales the hurdle.

The agency’s cooperation is crucial to improving the audit conducted in 2006 which identified some deficiencies.

Part of the deficiencies include improved perimeter fencing at airports nationwide, certification of some international airports as well as putting in place of safety management systems in all airport and airline operations.

Some experts are worried that sufficient infrastructure has not been put in place as it affects airport perimeter fencing, airside and aerodrome safety security with the recurring incidence of stowaway at Nigerian airports.

But the NCAA has assured that plans are in place to scale the hurdles of the ICAO’s audit.

Its Director-General, Captain Mukhtar Usman, said requisite measures were being put in place for a successful outing.

Usman said ICAO has written to Nigeria to carry out a safety audit of airports by the second quarter of the year.

He said: “ICAO will be conducting an aviation safety audit of Nigerian airports by June this year and I want to assure that we are prepared for it.

“We have already put in place a regime of robust regulations for the audit. This is mandatory because we intend to improve on our safety records. We have started preparing our equipment and manpower to scale through. Even our regulations are being reviewed to bring them in line with modern trends. Nigeria is ready for the audit.

“The aim of the audit is to ensure that the airports across Nigeria are operating in line with international (best) practices.”

Usman assured that the country’s airports are safe, despite the recurring incidence of stowaway affirming that such incidents happen across the world.

NCAA has assured stakeholders and professionals in the country’s aviation industry that it would scale the audit scheduled to commence soon.

The agency also said all the processes to ensure success in USOAP are being followed to the letter.

• Captain Usman

•Abdulsalam

Besides, NCAA disclosed that plans were underway to certify at least two of the country’s five international airports before the end of this year.

According to Usman, the regulator is fully prepared for the forthcoming audit, stressing that all the processes to be followed by the regulatory body are judiciously being followed to ensure a successful outing.

He listed some of the processes to include manpower, assignment of responsibilities and equipment within all the concerned airports.

He said: “Whatever we need would be made available and this time around, we want to make sure that we perform higher than how we have performed in the past.”

The last ICAO audit in the industry was in November 2006 where the sector, according to ICAO, scored over 90 per cent in the audit.

He said: “The ICAO USOAP was established in accordance with strategic objective A3 to conduct aviation safety oversight audits to identify deficiencies and encourage their resolutions by contracting states. The programme is managed by ICAO Safety Audit Oversight Section.

“Work has reached advanced stage in those two airports and we hope that sooner than you think, they will be certified. ”As you are aware, our industry has gone through ICAO audit before and we did excellently well. Therefore, on the heels of an accident free year 2014, we are primed to excel again.”

He, however, assured that the regulatory authority would not rest on its oars as during the year, it has been very proactive and a regime of robust regulation is in place.

“We are fully prepared for the impending audits; NCAA therefore appeals to all stakeholders including the media to join hands with us to ensure a successful audit.

“I therefore want to assure you that the NCAA has continued to strengthen our regulatory responsi-

bilities and capacity in all areas.

“Other measures taken by the NCAA are to embark on a specific security audit of the airlines,” he said.

All airlines have therefore been advised to ensure increased security presence around their aircraft when not in operation. This should be done round the clock, stressing that the policy of the aviation regulator is to continue to work with all relevant stakeholders in the industry to ensure safe, secure and comfortable flight operations in Nigeria, On its part, FAAN said it is prepared for the audit.

Its spokesman, Mr Yakubu Dati said the authority has put necessary measures in place for a good outing.

Speaking on behalf of FAAN’s Managing Director, Saleh Dunoma, he said: ”Our safety and security infrastructure has been reinvigorated and fine tuned. Furthermore, the various airports had embarked on mock drills to ascertain our emergency capabilities. This highly successful drills is also a critical requirement for certification.

“The authority is recruiting young and vibrant personnel to strengthen manpower. Training and retraining is also being prioritised in the area of safety.”

On its part, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) said it is working hard to ensure a good outing for the audit .

Its Managing Director, Mr Ibrahim Abdulsalam said the airspace agency is fully set for the audit.

Its Acting General Manager, Public Affairs, Mrs Olajumoke Adetona, said: ”NAMA is preparing hard for the universal safety audit in many ways. The agency 10 years ago, established a safety management system manned by well-trained safety management systems officers in all its stations across the nation.

“More safety management system trainings are being planned for this year.

“All Safety Management Systems Standard Operating Procedures are

‘Are we ready for the ICAO security audit? Our readiness would be based on national aviation security programme, including crisis management for meeting the challenges of global threats and prevailing national threats’

• Dunoma

documented and strictly adhered to, for safe, efficient, effective and economic air navigation services to airspace users through the deployment of new technologies and a dedicated workforce.”

But, aviation security expert, Group Captain John Ojikutu (rtd),said the level of preparedness of Nigeria for the audit would be determined by the response received from the external safety auditors on the documents or records submitted by Nigerian aviation agencies.

Ojikutu said: ”Are we ready for the ICAO security audit? Our readiness would be based on national aviation security programme, including crisis management for meeting the challenges of global threats and prevailing national threats.

“The audit ought to cover selected operators including FAAN and domestic airlines. It should look at the training and quality control programmes, the security programmes for access control and screening methods for all persons and vehicles, not only for passengers and staff, but methods of issuing access passes for staff and passengers and for carrying out baggage checks on staff working in restricted areas at the airport.

“It would also look at marking or remarking security areas, differentiating perimeter fencing from security fencing at airports. Other areas of interest would include airline security programmes which borders on aircraft security programme.

“Arik Air security programme may be of interest to the auditors as the dominant domestic and international carrier.

“The auditors would like to know if the airline has reviewed its security programme in collaboration with FAAN in view of recent stowaway incidents. Whether we are ready depends on what documents or records in these areas reveal to the auditors.

“The auditors would want to know how many times has the NCAA issued security directives to operators for raising the baseline of the approved security programmes.”

Only last year, Nigeria and 11 other countries were named countries with effective implementation of safety exceeding global average in a result released by the ICAO, Africa – Indian Ocean (AFI) USOAP. ICAO, Director, Air Navigation Bureau, Nancy Graham, said the special AFI USOAP was launched by ICAO in 2005.

HE aviation industry will grow, if the government does the right things, Accountable Manager of Dana Air Mr Obi Mbanuzuo has said.

The absence of business friendly policies, Mbanuzuo said is preventing domestic carriers from breaking even.

Domestic airlines, he said, were struggling with huge and increasing operating costs to keep float.

He listed their challenges to include hostile business environment, high cost of aviation fuel, increasing exchange rate, high cost of aircraft lease , high insurance costs, and imposition of Value Added Tax (VAT) on air transport.

Mbanuzuo said: ”If the right policies are put in place by government, the operating environment would make air transport business attractive.

“Because of unfriendly policies, airlines are unable to recover their costs. Why should airlines pay VAT on tickets, when other modes of transport are exempted? Why can we not achieve local refining of aviation fuel to bring down the price of the product.

“With airlines paying between 30 and 35 per cent as operating charges , how do you expect airlines to survive?

“Domestic airlines need intervention from government to keep their operations afloat.

“We are still studying the content of the proposed airlines stimulus package by the Ministry of Aviation to enable consider if there is need to access it. Above all, domestic airlines want polices that would drive industry growth.”

Dana Air, he said, is putting together its aircraft manuals and other operational requirements to scale through the International Operations Safety Audit ( IOSA), carried out by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Mbanuzuo said the airline is set to achieve the safety certification before the end of the year.

He said relevant workshops concern how to close gaps in its operations and operations manual required for the IOSA audit had been completed .

The Dana Air manager said the audit is relevant to the airline as a safety component which would enable it keep its operations with prescribed international standards as one of the ten airlines selected in Africa to scale the safety certification.

Part of the steps to be taken according to Mbanuzuo include harmonising and increasing its aircraft fleet as well as acquire new aircraft type after completion of the audit .

He said DANA Air has improved its training capacity by adhering to regulatory training programmes scheduled for pilots, aircraft engineers , cabin crew and flight dispatchers to keep them in touch with global safety requirements.

The DANA Air manager said about 34 new cabin crew professionals, 10 pilots and 20 aircraft engineers are undergoing training as part of efforts by the airline to reduce dependence on expatriate crew professionals.

He disclosed that the airline would expand its flight services to different cities in Nigeria in response to passengers’ request after its managers have confirmed feasibility and profitability of such operations.

He observed that cooperation among domestic carriers should be encouraged as it would enhance passenger convenience, increase airlines’ revenue as well as take care of unscheduled challenges.

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BUSINESS EXTRA

Fitch cuts Nigeria’s credit-rating to negative N IGERIA’S credit-rat ing outlook was cut to negative by Fitch Ratings, which cited falling oil prices and rising political risks amid tightlycontested presidential and legislative elections in Africa’s largest economy.

Fitch affirmed Nigeria’s BBrating, three steps below investment grade. Standard & Poor’s lowered Nigeria one level to B+, four rungs below investment grade, on March 20. Voting opened on Saturday against the backdrop of a six-year insurgency waged by the Islamist militant group, Boko Haram, and was extended for a second day at about 300 of the more than 100,000 polling points where officials arrived late or equipment failed.

Fitch said in a statement: “Political uncertainty is heightened in the context of a tightly contested presidential election and potential transition issues.

“Fiscal and external buffers have been eroded significantly as Nigeria enters a period of lower oil prices.”

President Goodluck Jonathan, a Christian from the oil-rich Niger River delta, against a united opposition led by former military ruler Muhammadu Buhari, a northern Muslim who lost four years ago.

The timing of the Fitch announcement was “very interesting given that it’s right in the middle of the election, even before the results are announced,” Ridle Markus, Africa strategist at Barclays Plc’s African unit, said by phone from Johannesburg.

“At the same time we do know Nigeria has a lot of challenges.”

The election is testing the stability of a country with an almost $500billion economy that’s been hit by a more than

50 per cent drop since June in prices for oil, its main export, and a weakening currency.

Nigeria, which pumped almost 2 million barrels a day last month, relies on crude for two-thirds of government revenue and 90 per cent of its export income.

Fitch delayed its decision from March 27 because of the election, it said.

Economic growth will probably be 4.8 per cent this year, half the average rate of the past 15 years, according the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The naira has fallen 18 per cent in the past six months, the most among 24 currencies on the continent tracked

by Bloomberg. Inflation will average 12.4 per cent this year, up from 8.4 per cent in February, Oyin Anubi and Turker Hamzaoglu, economists at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, said in a note on March 25.

Skye Bank eyes $250m from share sale

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KYE Bank Plc, the Nige rian lender that sold bonds last week, said it plans to raise as much as 50 billion naira ($250 million) by selling stock this year as it seeks to boost liquidity and fund operations.

“We are looking at the second to third quarter to raise the funds,” Chief Executive Officer Timothy Oguntayo said in an interview on March 27 in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital. “Details will be announced after our annual meeting.”

Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy and most-populous country, held weekend elections that were generally peaceful and transparent, an observer mission from the Commonwealth said. Ballots cast by the 56 million eligible voters are still being counted. The successful holding of the vote could prompt an upturn in business for banks, Oguntayo said.

“The end of the election is expected to increase economic activity and projects that will require funding by

banks,” he said. “Our loan growth will be muted, but moderate.”

Skye Bank advanced 1.7 per cent to N2.45 by 1:41 p.m. in Lagos trading, valuing the lender at about N32.4 billion.

Skye Bank, which sold 20 billion naira of 90-day bonds last week, needs additional liquidity, Oguntayo said. The lender said March 24 it will sell as much as 100 billion naira of short-term local debt over the next year to increase cash.

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THE NATION TUESDAY MARCH 31, 2015

The people of Epe conducted themselves peacefully. They ‘waited practically the whole day at polling units to vote and to see the end of the process. But, the process was marred by logistic problems such as the late arrival of ad hoc staff and electoral materials, the failure of card readers to identify fingerprints

’

The presidential elections in Epe, Lagos State, was not without minor hitches. RAYMOND MORDI who was at the picturesque coastal town during the election, examines the significance of the exercise for the community.

• Prospective voters on the queue.

• Ambode at the polling unit.

‘How Epe united for Ambode’ T

HE attitude of the people of Epe, Lagos State, suggests that they were eager to vote during the historic presidential election. Before 8.00am, people were already gathered at the various polling units, waiting for the ad hoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to arrive. Some persons were noticed going round some of the neighbourhoods, reminding people of the imperative of coming out in their numbers to decide those who would lead the country in the next four years with their votes.

Though people have been on ground as early as 8.00am, the March 28 presidential election took off on a slow pace in the town.

In almost all the polling units visited by our correspondent, accreditation started late.

There was a considerable attention on the two polling units located within the Ogunmodede Junior and Senior College complex in Papa, Epe. This is because one of the polling units is where the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, voted.

Like elsewhere in the town, accreditation started late at the two polling units. It started about 09.00am. After waiting for over an hour, the people had become apprehensive before INEC ad hoc staff showed up. So, the Youth Corpers in-charge of the exercise had to apologise to the electorates, which included a lot of elderly citizens. The Corpers said they could not locate the polling unit on time and has been going round, asking for directions.

The situation in Oke Balogun area of Epe was even worse. At Ward 7, Polling Unit 3, accreditation started as late as 11am. The reason was that the polling officials had problems with the card reader assigned to the unit; they had to return it to INEC office and were allocated with another one. As a result, as at 15.50pm, when voting should have almost completed, they were still doing accreditation manually for those whose fingerprints could not be captured by the card reader.

At the Ogunmodede School complex, the governorship candidate of the APC, who lives just a stone throw away, arrived at the venue at about 09.30am with his wife and promptly joined the queue. Four hundred and fifty seven persons are registered to vote at this polling unit.

Ambode completed his accreditation at 10.45am, after queuing for about one hour and fifteen minutes. Speaking with reporters after the accreditation, he expressed satisfaction with the process so far. He acknowl-

edged that the process was slow, but he thanked the people for their patience. His words: “So far, so good. Accreditation started in this polling unit at 09.00am and it’s been peaceful; it’s been orderly. Everybody is taking their turn. I was on the queue myself. What’s important is that I’ve been given the chance to exercise my constitutional right and I’m happy doing that.”

As at the time Ambode did his accreditation, there were six incidences of fingerprints of prospective voters not being captured by the card reader. One of such person is Rebecca Sanni. The INEC ad hoc staff who attended to her, politely asked to come back later to fill the incidence form to enable her to vote.

But, it was four hours after Ambode did his accreditation that he had the opportunity to vote. Voting could not commence due to the late arrival of ballot papers. Prospective voters were however orderly; they did not leave the premises, but waited patiently for the exercise to begin.

Voting eventually got underway by 2.30pm.

Ballot papers arrived at 1.55pm. The APC governorship candidate arrived the scene at 2.40pm to cast his ballot, with his wife and a retinue of followers. But, the second polling unit located within the same premises had to wait much longer to commence voting. Ballot papers arrived after 3.00pm.

After casting his ballot, Ambode lamented the fact that the election has not been hitchfree across the state. He said: “So far, so good. But, the feedback we’re getting from other points indicate that there’s been some shoddiness by INEC. The feedback suggests that accreditation has not started as we speak in areas like Ketu, Gbagada, Agric-Ikorodu, Ikoyi. We also understand that the people who collected ballot papers and result sheets

Look at my left index ‘finger, they marked it, indicating that I have done my accreditation.

Bit look at my right index finger, it has not been marked. I’m surprised, they have marked my name in the register, saying I have voted, but I have not

’

• Reproters and photo journalists at work.

•Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun and others on the queue for accreditation in Abeokuta, the state capital.

for some part of the riverine areas in Epe here are nowhere to be found.

“So, we’re wondering what’s going on in INEC? They need to answer to some of these troubling questions. We believe strongly that with the amount of resources committed to that institution and the level of prepardness that it is believed to have put in place, one had believed that it was going to be hitchfree. I want to strongly appeal to INEC that it should be responsive enough to find out where those hitches are and respond quickly.

It is either they extended the voting time or ensure that those that have been disenfranchised are able to observe their civic obligations at the end of the day.”

There were similar reports of people whose fingerprints could not be captured by the card reader all over the town. In most cases, such people eventually voted, after filling the incidence form and getting accredited manually. But, in a particular polling unit located within Zumratul Islamiyyah Primary School, about 20 persons whose fingerprints could not be captured by the card reader were very eager to vote. As at 1.00pm, they had not been accredited. One of the party agents was noticed complaining to the polling officers about the fate of such persons, in the light of the explanation that only five incident forms were available. The implication was that 15 others would not vote. But, when our corre-

spondent returned to the polling unit later, the issue was said to have been resolved.

There was a mild drama at Oke Owode area of Epe, Ward A7, Polling Unit 5, when one Ikuforiji Mosidat alleged that someone has voted in her place. According to Ikuforiji, she went back home after doing her accreditation in the morning, but when it got to her turn to vote, she was told that she had voted.

She said: “Look at my left index finger, they marked it, indicating that I have done my accreditation. Bit look at my right index finger, it has not been marked. I’m surprised, they have marked my name in the register, saying I have voted, but I have not.”

Generally, the people of Epe conducted themselves peacefully. They waited practically the whole day at polling units to vote and to see the end of the process. But, the process was marred by logistic problems such as the late arrival of ad hoc staff and electoral materials, the failure of card readers to identify fingerprints, the unavailability of incidence forms and unavailability of result sheets in some polling units. Epe started as a traditional settlement of the Ijebu people. But, it has since evolved into a cosmopolitan centre.

When the news of the boat mishap broke, voting was disrupted, as some of the women were distraught with grief.

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

19

COMMENTARY EDITORIALS

LETTER

Electoral farce in Rivers and Akwa Ibom

•In both states, the PDP did not do service to democracy and commonsense AN it be said that free, fair, transparent and credible elections held in Rivers and Akwa Ibom states last Saturday? It is regrettable that this question cannot be answered in the affirmative. In Rivers State, for instance, the exercise was characterised by widespread violence as well as intimidation and arrest of scores of top politicians, mainly of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC). Scores of APC members were killed in various parts of the state by rampaging gun men.

It has been alleged that armed militias operating freely and with impunity were responsible for these acts of barbarity. At least 100 members of the party were arrested and prevented from participating in the election across the state.

Surely, this is not an atmosphere in which acceptable elections could be said to have taken place.

Rivers State had been a theatre of violence ever before last Saturday’s election. In virtually all cases, the APC had been the target. For instance, the party’s secretariat was bombed in three local government areas (LGAs) of the state. A delegation of the party’s members travelling from Okrika, the home town of the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, to attend the APC presidential campaign in Port Harcourt was shot at and scores wounded. And in the same Okrika, unknown gun men opened fire on the crowd of APC supporters who had gathered to attend the governorship campaign of the party’s candidate, Mr Dakuku Peterside. A few days before the March 28 polls, Governor Rotimi Amaechi’s convoy was shot at, with the police absurdly blaming the incident on the governor’s security • Jega aides.

In all of these cases, there was no arrest of even a single perpetrator of the acts of violence. This laxity on the part of the security agencies no doubt encouraged the level of violence witnessed during last Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly elections. Indeed, given the clear indication that Rivers State would be a likely flashpoint of tension and violence during the election, why weren’t the security agents better prepared to combat hoodlums and ensure that an atmosphere for peaceful elections was created? What was the purpose of the massive deployment of security personnel for the election purportedly to check violence and maintain peace and order? Can it not be credibly inferred that the security agencies actually provided the opportunity for the gangsters to operate with impunity in Rivers State?

Even more seriously, the election in Rivers State was clearly not conducted in accordance with the electoral law and

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is thus devoid of both legality and legitimacy. For one, vital electoral materials, including result sheets, were reportedly distributed from the personal residences of top Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders, including the party’s governorship candidate, Chief NyesomWike as well as Tele Ikuru, the deputy governor of the state who recently defected to the PDP. Furthermore, in many areas, opposition party agents were driven away from the polling centres and thus could not observe the process and protect their party’s interest. Other illegal acts included distribution of over 40,000 incident forms at Oyigbo Local Government Area by a PDP chieftain, sudden change of trained ad hoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and their replacement with untrained ones, as well as the open parading of Permanent Voters Cards in their pos-

session by some top leaders of the PDP. Perhaps the most dramatic incident of the election in Rivers State was Governor Amaechi’s refusal to vote. His reason was the refusal of the electoral officials to produce result sheets and their inability to offer any plausible reason for this inexplicable situation. Indeed, the non-availability of result sheets at the polling units as required by law was reportedly a common feature across Rivers State. Ordinarily, all voting materials must be present at the polling unit and shown to the electorate to guarantee the transparency of the pro-

cess. The result sheet is very vital to the electoral process. It is the document on which the results of the voting are recorded and signed by the various party agents. If the result sheets are not available at the polling unit, then arbitrary figures contrary to the outcome of the actual will of the electorate can be filled in by unscrupulous electoral officials in collusion with desperate politicians.

It is most unfortunate that the impunity witnessed in Rivers State before and during this election, has taken place with attention of the whole world focussed on Nigeria. The perpetrators of these acts have done grave harm to the image of the country. The scale of electoral impunity in Rivers State in particular but also in Akwa Ibom State was vividly captured by one of the electoral observers, Ibrahim Zikrullah of the Transitional Monitoring Group (TMG).

In his words, “I think the election was generally fair. Of course, we have Rivers State, where the election did not meet minimal standards of any recognised election. The state security took over the role of INEC. They were beating up people, smashing ballots and falsifying results”.

And on the election in Akwa Ibom State, he said “In Akwa Ibom State, observers were chased away. Two of our observers were arrested. They were released late at night.

Even when they could not find anything criminal about them, and they were identified by INEC, the police insisted that they should pay bribes … And people were chased away.

Party agents were chased from the polling units and at the end of the day, results were declared in some poling units”.

There is no doubt that the credibility of the polls in Rivers and Akwa Ibom states has been incurably tainted. We urge Professor Attahiru Jega, the INEC chairman who has proven to be a man of integrity to see that the charade paraded as elections in these states and any other one where such occurrences are reported are thoroughly investigated and urgent remedial measures taken to protect electoral justice and integrity. It is important to do this before the governorship and state houses of assembly elections in two weeks’ time.

‘There is no doubt that the credibility of the polls in Rivers and Akwa Ibom states has been incurably tainted. We urge Professor Attahiru Jega, the INEC chairman, who has proven to be a man of integrity to see that the charade paraded as elections in these states and any other one where such occurrences are reported are thoroughly investigated and urgent remedial measures taken to protect electoral justice and integrity’

Ending the HIV/ AIDS pandemic

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IR: Across all indices, the incidence of Human Immuno- Deficiency Virus (HIV), the precursor of the deadly Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, AIDS, has drastically noose dived.

Not only has the prevalence rate of HIV dropped to a commendable 3.1 percent from the about 3.8 percent it peaked between 2004-2005, the amount of new HIV infection has also dropped significantly to less than 0.22 percent, about 220,394 cases of infection, from a worrying peak of 0.49 per cent, about 348, 564 cases, in 2003.

Now consider this: independent surveys conducted variously by the United Nations Agency on AIDS, UNAIDS, the Federal Ministry of Health in Nigeria, Health Systems Strengthening, all indicated that HIV prevalence among pregnant women of ages 15-25 years have dropped by 33%- from 6% in 2001 to 4.10% in 2010, with “remarkable progress in the intervening period between 2010 and 2014,” according to the Health Systems Strengthening report.

These feats were not reached in sudden flight. Concerted efforts by agencies such as the UNAIDS, the US President’s Emergency Funds for AIDS in Africa, PERPFAR, The Global Funds (for AIDS), to mention a few, have seen multidimensional approaches to the struggle to end HIV. These approaches have strengthened prevention and control mechanisms like HIV Counseling and Testing (HCT) and provision of treatment through Anti Retroviral Treatments (ARTs), thus, stemming the tides of the infection. Since testing to know an individual’s status is the most crucial point in dealing with the menace of HIV, these efforts have seen a rise in the number of people tested with known results enlarging from 605,364 in 2006 to about 4 million in 2013, corresponding to a remarkable increase in HCT sites across Nigeria from 206 in 2006 to 7,075 in 2013.

Equally remarkable is the increase in ART sites from 107 places in 2006 to 820 in 2013, which places more than 639,397 people living with HIV on treatment from a far lower 132,438 in 2006. Suffice to mention that provision of ART services have been the major preoccupation of PERPFAR and the Global Fund.

As Nigeria marches towards the finish -line on AIDS, the effort of the National Control of AIDS, the government body responsible for harnessing all efforts towards fighting HIV/AIDS needs to do more to complement the current efforts.

Government commitment towards ending the pandemic in Nigeria, though not entirely impactful, has yielded considerable result. In 2013, President Jonathan launched the Presidents Comprehensive Response Plan (PCRP) to accelerate achievement of key interventions like PMTCT and HCT. Recently, too, the Subsidy Reinvestment Program (SURE-P) of government dedicated up to eight billion naira towards Elimination of Motherto- Child Transmission of HIV (EMTC) and provision of treatments for those in need. This fund has seen the PMTCT coverage rose modestly from 17% in 2010 to 30% in 2014. Then there is the important issue of policy that attempts to streamline HIV-related issues like discrimination and stigmatization, which are hurdles to implementation of policies.

In a landmark legislation that shows government’s preparedness to end HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, President Jonathan recently signed into law the Anti Stigma Law passed by the National Assembly. This legislation, which provides for prevention of discrimination against those living with HIV and make access to healthcare a human rights issue is a welcomed development as Nigeria aspires to end AIDS. Assuredly, Nigeria will be able to end the pandemic by the projected year 2030 if the current tempo is consolidated. A HIV-free generation is within sight already, kudos to the collaboration of all stakeholders in the fight.

• Abonu, a development journalist, Yakubu Gowon Crescent, Asokoro, Abuja.

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

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THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

20

CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: I have always had ‘delicate’ teeth. As a kid, my mum always taunted me with “you don’t have teeth.” Now, my wife has taken over the taunt. Tough meat?

Spare me.

If you lost your first tooth just tearing off the nylon covering a loaf of bread, then you would understand.

I became afraid of anything related to the teeth, including of course a dentist. I never knew I would ever go to the dentist, until I broke one of my molars while eating bone.

No pain can be compared to a toothache. Not even labour pain. At least, with that, women get moments of respite.

I had no choice. I had to visit a dentist. I was just 15. I thought it was my head the female dentist wanted to yank off and not my tooth.

After the procedure, I was filled with a lot of admiration for female dentists. But I told myself I could never study dentistry. After many years, my phobia for dentists won’t just go away.

Then a couple of weeks ago, to my surprise, I found myself booking an appointment with the dentist. I could not believe I was going to see the dentist without a painful tooth to push me.

Dr Edema, the dentist, as part of the checkup told me I’m required to do what is called scaling and polishing. The dental therapist, Mrs. Oyebade, did a good job of reassuring me.

It was over in no time. Not only were my teeth squeaky clean, I also felt a weight off my teeth. I was happy to be told I had good oral hygiene compared to many other people. After the procedure I was given oral hygiene instruction.

I was told the proper way to brush my teeth. I also knew that there were hundreds of dormant bacteria in my mouth. In the night, these bacteria feed on food debris. And if you don’t brush at night, you can develop dental caries.

I had always thought that love birds who do breakfast in bed were harming their teeth, until I got to know that when you wake up you could rinse your mouth first with water or mouth wash solution. But remember, you must have brushed your teeth last thing at night. Then you can have your breakfast. After that, you can brush your teeth. I had secretly done this, more out of laziness, not knowing it was okay. After lunch you can just gargle.

You should not wet the toothbrush before brushing, as you need friction to brush well. You don’t need

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An encounter with a dentist much toothpaste, just the size of a pea will do. You should brush for at least two minutes. It is recommended that you brush twice a day.

Not more than three times a day.

Brushing more than three times a day might not be ideal because too much brushing can wear out tooth enamel and damage your gums.

You should not also forget to brush the tongue. Cells of the tongue die daily. And accumulation of dead cells can cover the taste buds and cause mouth odour. It is advised to change your toothbrush after about three months, because the bristles often get scattered at about that time and will no longer work effectively.

Dentists also say that no matter how well you brush, if you don’t floss you are not doing it right. Unfortunately, most of us don’t floss.

Flossing is as important as brushing, if not more important, they say.

This is because it gets food caught between your teeth that you can’t get with a toothbrush and helps protect your gums better. When you ask dentists if you really have to floss your teeth, most of them will reply “only the ones you want to keep.”

As those who own cars know, if you don’t service your car every three months, it can break down, so it is with your teeth. For the teeth, servicing is every six months. We

are also advised to eat fruits and vegetables. Fruits generally help strengthen our teeth and are good cleansers, as they help saliva flow.

Veggies like carrots and garden eggs are good because they have fiber.

Be careful with candies and chocolates. And when you do you must rinse your mouth immediately.

Also, be careful with diet sodas, energy drinks, and sour candies, and even healthy things like orange juice and apple juice because of the acid they have that can soften tooth enamel and make it to wear. So, make sure you wait about half an hour before you brush. That allows your saliva time to restore tooth enamel.

March 23 was World Oral Health Day. And this year’s theme was ‘Smile for life’. But China, on its own, observes September 20 as national “Love your teeth day” to increase awareness of the importance of dental care. Medical conditions like diabetes can be detected early from a visit to the dentist.

Oral health may affect, or be affected by, or even help worsen cardiovascular diseases like endocarditic. Some researchers suggest that heart disease, blocked arteries and stroke might be related to the inflammation and infections that oral bacteria can cause. Periodontitis has also been linked to premature birth and low birth weight.

Some researchers also believe that tooth loss before age 35 could be a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease.

It is hoped that this serves as a wake-up call for us to care more for our pearly whites. I can’t wait for my next visit.

• Cosmas Odoemena, a medical practitioner, Lagos.

Police and communion of silence IR: NKEMDI is an IT professional and anything he does not know in that sector is not worth knowing. Despite his proficiency, he is still battling with the prospect of getting a mouth-watering break because our country painfully is becoming an anti-intellectual one where professionals are not head hunted and, you need to know ‘someone,’ who knows ‘somebody,’ to win lucrative jobs.

Fortunately, ‘someone,’ referred a ‘somebody,’ who chose to call him to “come immediately,” for an impromptu IT consultancy job at night caused by a sudden difficulty.

Nkemdi could not miss this opportunity and, he went with a lightningspeed, resolved the task at past 11pm.

On his way back after this assignment, he crossed a route to get a chartered taxi home but saw from a distance what looked like a four wheel drive parked right on the middle of the road. He panicked. Who wouldn’t be in Port Harcourt where crime is quickly becoming a criminal flux? To confirm his reservation, he heard a gunshot precisely coming from where the vehicle on the road was.

He scampered for safety and unfortunately because Port Harcourt has too many uncovered manholes, many other man made mines on its road, his leg got stuck in one and he broke his ankle. It took the combined efforts of some ladies who heard the

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gunshots, and also took to their heels; lift him to a safe location where they all hid until the bedlam had presumably quieted.

These guardian angels (ladies) helped him to the road moments later to flag a taxi because he couldn’t walk but it seemed the drama was only just starting. A four-wheel vehicle drove towards them, stopped suddenly and “stop there or I will shoot,” came a barking voice.

Three men in civilian clothes came out of the vehicle brandishing guns with a girl.

“Is he the one?” one of the men asked.

“He looks like one of them?” She said.

Spurious accusations by a group that had not bothered to identify themselves by showing an identity card.

The ladies who helped the consultant to the road tried to no avail to explain what happened earlier and why they were at that spot in search of a taxi but they were shouted down by these men and asked to leave.

“Please show me your identity cards,” he queried but they shoved him inside the vehicle instead. What can a man with a broken ankle do but to obey armed men with guns?

Despite suffering terrible pain on his ankle, he managed to ask the lady in the vehicle, “Please how much is the value of the phone that you were robbed of?”

“N3, 000,” she said.

He offered to give her the money so his captors could set him free even though it was morally wrong but police officers refused. ”Please I have a broken leg, take me to the station if truly you are police officers, or take me to a hospital so I can seek medical help,” he begged.

At this point, he was positive that they were not agents of government.

Surprisingly, they drove into a police station, which confirmed that they were really agents of government but they drove out again with him moments later so you can, “take us to the rest of your gangs.”

Despite providing an alibi and even asked that they call the influential person he went to work for that night, they refused. Luck plays out to one’s advantage sometimes. They decided, finally, to drop the girl off at a bus stop after a long unnecessary rigmarole that wore on into the next day, they also asked him to “get out.”

There was a challenge, he couldn’t walk and he asked that they drop him off at home but they refused. He even promised to pay for the help but they didn’t oblige him.

Though Nigeria is battling with high level of delinquency, which needs law enforcement agencies to handle, it is outrageous and infuriating to have these operatives deal awfully with ordinary citizens.

Who, should police officers protect,

citizens of Nigeria - without prejudice, or only the rich? What happens to the browbeaten people?

It is despicable that officers can treat a citizen with so much impertinence and abandon him on the streets even when it is obvious that such a citizen needs help.

It is equally vexing, when such a citizen is law-abiding, and puts efforts legally to eke out a living in a country that fails to notice resourcefulness and reward same.

Aren’t officers supposed to cross check facts, show identification especially if they are in mufti and on assignments?

I wish they knew that he had to crawl and beg people coming from vigil to help stop a cab for him. But like the Pharisees, they refused to be good Samaritans, looked at him, hissed and moved on.

I wish they knew that he crawled to a church but the security man didn’t trust him enough to let him in or make attempt to stop a cab for him which made him to sleep out on the street like a destitute.

I wish they knew that he called his flat mate but trust our telecommunication network; he couldn’t get through to him all night.

Help came for him at 5am. If he had had, an internal bleeding injury, he might have bled to death before dawn.

• Simon Abah, Port-Harcourt

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

21

COMMENTS up in the atavistic display of HE Yoruba concept of the Abobaku Gani Adams’s Odua People’s (literally, “fated to die with the Congress (OPC), in its shameking”) came into full dramatic ful invasion of Lagos streets, flourish with Wole Soyinka’s Death and on behalf of President the King’s Horseman.

Jonathan? If Adams, with his The play is the tragic tale of the Elesin, rather limited exposure and the pampered king’s horseman who exaggerated self-importance, savoured, to the full, the lollies of his calldoes not understand the full ing; but balked at his grim duty — dying Olakunle implication of his actions, parwith the king! ticularly the oil-pipeline-inlordbeek1@gmail.com, 08054504169 (Sms only, please) Abimbola Though the Elesin sought comfort in the exchange-for-muscled-protest, British colonialist, Simon Pilkings’s deshould we say the elders too cision that ritual suicide to “follow the do not? king” was “barbaric”, the Elesin eventually killed himself Of course, their reason is the after his son, riled by his father’s “cowardice”, committed Jonathan pledge to, should he suicide to save the “family honour”.

Elesin’s son was a medical doctor trained in the West — Junking his Labour Party (LP) — to be sure, an act of politiwin, “implement” the recommendations of the National and the big irony was that though he had acquired western cal treachery — for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), after Conference that he staged, but which recommendations had exposure, the African ethos in him would appear to run deeper all came with great benefits. For one, the Jonathan presibeen gathering dust in his office, until the season of the electhan his father’s. That was double tragedy for one — just dency gifted him the Ondo PDP structure, pitting him against tions. because someone tried to evade grim responsibility. the PDP old guard. As it would later turn out, that would But how primed is Jonathan to do that? The implementaThe concept of the Abobaku has come in handy with the tion requires constitutional amendments; and such amendwork against his success. behaviour of some top political elite in the South West, in the ments require both inputs from the National Assembly and For another, he landed the billion naira South West presibuild up to the March 28 presidential election. also no less than two-thirds of the legislatures of the 36 states? dential campaign coordination job — surely another poisoned Of the lot, the grim fate of Segun Mimiko, the Ondo goverNo prize for guessing right: the real reason is these gladiachalice. Again, between him and the PDP old guard — the nor, is the most dramatic; for despite his huffing-and-pufftors, young and old, callow or wizened, are united in hate very same that stole his LP gubernatorial vote, under the ing, in support of President Goodluck Jonathan’s second term and spite against Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the APC national ancien regime of the late Olusegun Agagu — opened another bid, the president lost in Ondo State. leader. Not only that: so searing is the spite that they appear battle front. The old guard feel they more eminently deserve Dr. Mimiko’s war haemorrhaging include, apart from the to have assumed Tinubu’s progress in politics automatically the coordination job. Mimiko himself has a swagger and presidential tally, two senatorial seats (out of three) to the translates into their own retrogress. gubernatorial chip on the shoulder. Result: working at cross All Progressives Congress (APC) and five House of RepreWell, they are entitled to their choices. But there is somepurposes, which leads to brilliant failure. sentatives seats (out of nine). thing patently unwise in cutting your nose to spite your face.

Besides, Mimiko as political schizophrenic is quite an exYou still get to bear the brunt of the ensuing ugliness!

For the South West coordinator of the Jonathan presidenciting sight! By wholesale taking LP to PDP, he became the For starters, the Afenifere grandees, particularly those the tial campaign, that was quite some bleeding. Even more: for proverbial bat — neither bird nor mammal. His old LP comlate Chief Bola Ige used to call the Ijebu Mafia among them, an ambitious political personage who even postures at some rade regard him with contempt. The PDP he wants to take already bear vicarious, if not real responsibility, for electing political force in Yorubaland, if not some alternative Yoruba over regard him with resent. Something, of course, would into the Senate the controversial Buruji Kashamu, an alleged leadership on the political front, it would appear morning have to give. That would seem to explain why the all-mighty fugitive from US law. yet on political decline day.

South West coordinator failed to win his own polling unit for Now, politics is not about electing popes or saints. But it In the words of Thomas Malthus, the Mimiko defeat, given his principal! was exactly because Awo insisted on such rigorous standards, its narrow margin (299, 889 to 251, 368) may well be “arithStill, Mimiko is only a politician who, win or lose, is workof looking out for saints in the public space, that Awoists metical”. But whether it would signify a geometrical decline ing hard for the money! Pray, what can otherwise respectdeveloped their swagger in Yoruba politics! So, what would in Mimiko’s political fortune is buried in the womb of time. able Yoruba, particularly the Afenifere elders, say on their Awo say from his grave by his living apostles’ crass lowerFor now, however, the Mimiko magic and cunning appear Goodluck Jonathan campaign, curling up snugly in Mimiko’s ing of their own rigorous ethos — and for political convewaning. pseudo-paradise? nience as cheap as hating the guts of another?

Still, Governor Mimiko is a politician. If he “dies” with his Would Jonathan pass as the most brilliant and incisive presiBut back to Mimiko, the chief Abobaku! If after all these his principal, he knows, unlike Soyinka’s Elesin, that he rightdent Nigeria has ever had? Would he pass as the president political fortunes head south, it would only teach the lesson fully commits “ritual suicide”, in exchange for the rare powho has done the most for the Yoruba nationality, in the that there is a limit to spite, particularly in politics. Since his litical lollies he had savoured. Satanically noble! context of a federal Nigeria? Would he pass as a moral Pallasplit with Tinubu, his chief strategy has been intrigue, cundium, of which Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the avatar of these ning and spite, to corral primordial advantage. But alas! How Awoists, would eternally be proud of?

‘Back to Mimiko, the chief elderly long can that last in the politics, which is a marathon?

If the answers to these questions are negative, why would The eventual victim though, is the Yoruba motherland. A Abobaku! If after all these his politi- the likes of Pa Ayo Adebanjo, Chief Olu Falae (though a lat- land once known for quality representation in parliament is Awoist), Dr. Femi Okunrounmu and Pa Reuben now open to some riff-raff, simply because some leaders go cal fortunes head south, it would ter-day Fasonranti, the factional Afenifere leader, clamber on the only teach the lesson that there is a Mimiko gravy train, with hardly any regard for their hard onIfego-tripping. the Yoruba must maintain their famed sophistication, reputations? though their political parties may differ, there must be a conlimit to spite, particularly in politics’ earned Why would they, by sheer guilt by association, be mixed sensus on quality.

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NCE again, the political landscape in Nigeria is turbo changed. Politicians and their supporters are at it again. Claims and counter claims flying everywhere; some of them half-truth, others clear falsehood. But in most of the cases, outright deceit of the highest order is dressed in garb of roses giving the unwary the impression that his/ her interest is being factored into the political baggage waiting to be emptied on their laps when the seat of power is mounted.

Interestingly, this kind of politics may be called “Nigerian brand”. It is perhaps only in this clime that a nonentity, one without a clear idea of what the seat he/she is struggling to occupy entails, in terms of responsibility and responsiveness, wants power at all cost. What matters to most of them is “the end justifies the means,” without minding the method and methodology of getting to that expected end provided they laugh at last while others unjustifiably cry. Ironically, this is a country where people who have occupied political positions in the past; who wants to continue in that position or move up, are not pinned down to give account of their previous stewardship before taking another step. Rather, they are allowed, or in most cases, they are imposed on the people they claimed to be leading by hook or crook.

Another ugly face of politics in Nigeria is the godfather syndrome. It has, indeed, messed up the entire political landscape that it is now common to see someone without any pedigree being foisted on hapless people without any care about their feelings and cries. In this regard, the basic tenet of democracy, which means that majority of the people, should be allowed to choose their representatives are lost.

One-man-show becomes “our choice”. But in this deceitful venture, the godfather and godson soon pathways because a house built on sand, never stands the blow of a strong wind.

This article has a seeming sense of lamentation because the writer’s heart, aches whenever he reflect on what is going on in this country in the name of democratic practice. A former Minister of Sports, Hon Damishi Sango, a stalwart of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Plateau state, called it: “half democracy”, in a recent interview in the Sun newspaper. The questions that readily come to mind are: How long shall we continue with this macabre dance that leads to nowhere? Shall we continue with the deceit …till when?

Shall we continue with the “half democracy”… till when?

Every right thinking Nigerian of voting age and voting power should think of this. But God has a way of changing situations. The wind of change and shout for change blowing

Abobaku!

Another look at Enugu politics

By Arch Obinna Eze across Nigeria seems to have some divine connection or approval if you like. You can deceive the people some of the time, but you can’t deceive them all the time, goes the popular saying.

This brings me to the issue of Enugu state governorship seat. And the question again is: Who does the cap fit? His Excellency, Barrister Sullivan Chime has done well in the area of infrastructural development, especially on roads in Enugu urban centres, but is this enough reason to accept his ‘godson,’ whose capacity to govern Enugu state in this day and age is questionable?

This is the time to look at the contestants critically before we vote during the coming elections. We need somebody who will lead us to the realization of the economic potential of Enugu state come May 29,, 2015. To my mind, that person is Barrister Okechukwu Cleophas Ezea, known more in political circles as “Ideke”. In this time and life of our people, it is no longer a case of who is shouting louder or who is being foisted on the people in the name of continuity but who can perform?

Luckily, Ideke hails from Nsukka zone where our people expect the next governor to come from in an effort to balance the political equation in the state. He is focused, patient, determined and a high business player. More importantly, he has the passion to lead his people at any point in time.

Indeed, he represents the change our people have been clamming for. The time to recognise his consistency and struggle for the governorship seat of Enugu State under the flagship of All Progressive Congress (APC) is now. Our people can’t afford to go left when others are moving right.

The wind of change and cry for change should berth in Enugu as it is going to berth in many other states.

In terms of academic qualification, this is a man who made distinction (aggregate 6) in his WAEC when examination was a true test of knowledge. He went ahead to study political science at the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) and came out with second-class upper division in 1986. With hunger for further education, he went ahead to read Law at

the University of Lagos and graduated with LLB in 1991, and was called to the Nigeria bar in 1992. He did not stop there as he also obtained his Master’s degree in law in 1997.

On the business angle, which matters a lot on the issue of leadership, it is clear that he is ready to champion the economic growth of the state. He is the Managing Director/ CEO of Ideke Shipping limited and Darmik Ventures Ltd established in 1993, with staff strength of 250 workers, most of who are from Enugu State.

After an exciting career in the oil industry as a freight and logistic services provider, spanning over two decades, Okey Ezea decided to venture into the murky waters of politics in 2007. Since then, he has been trying hard to explain to Enugu state people, his convictions and plans to make a difference if he is voted into power. But he could not succeed till now for no reason but rigging. His people love him because he gave jobs to many indigenes of the state even as a private businessman. He has faced a lot of intimidation from the ruling party but he has refused to be cowed. This is the reason why he has offered himself again, a quality that marks him out as a leader.

A family man of impeccable character, Barrister Ezea, in one of his recent addresses to Enugu people said: “The 2015 general elections is almost at hand and this gives us the opportunity to assess our journey in civilian democratic governance since 1999; to determine our successes and failures. For so many years, we have been under civilian authoritarianism in Enugu state and because our people have failed to ask questions from those who are leading them, it is getting worse by the day. All the institutions of democratic governance have been so weakened and personalised, that we no longer have a choice as to who should represent us.

We can’t continue to accept this obnoxious state of affairs.” I think this is the time for our people to listen to him and give him a chance.

• Architect Eze is a public commentator based in Enugu.

‘For so many years, we have been under civilian authoritarianism in Enugu state and because our people have failed to ask questions from those who are leading them, it is getting worse by the day’

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THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

COMMENTS

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FTER all said and done, Nigerians went to the polls on March 28, to elect their next President and Commander –In-Chief, as well as members of the National Assembly. And the election went smoothly in most parts of the country save in Rivers State where violence took centre stage.

Apart from the violence that characterized the exercise in Rivers State, there were doubts as to whether voting actually took place as the two major parties have different positions on the issue. While the ruling party at the centre, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) wants the world to believe that elections took place in Rivers State on March 28, the All Progressives Congress, the party in power in the state insists that no voting took place.

The election umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has however gone ahead to declare the PDP winner amidst the dispute, suggesting that the body was satisfied that voting actually took place. But time will tell whether this INEC decision will stand. Apart from Rivers State, the election was also disputed in Akwa Ibom State where the APC is also crying foul.

Not a few Nigerians are worried as to the credibility of the March 28 election considering the calls for cancellation of the exercise in these two states. Rivers and Akwa Ibom states are traditionally the stronghold of the PDP in the south/south region where the party usually gets millions of votes, always large enough to tilt the balance of victory in its favour. But with the caliber of people leading the opposition APC in the two states, the PDP is not expected to have a clean sweep as usual. So, if the PDP is claiming near 99 per cent victory in these two states, then something must be wrong somewhere, especially against the backdrop of the opposition’s insistence that there were massive irregularities in the course of the exercise.

On the verge of history I don’t intend to dwell much on the Rivers and Akwa Ibom issues for now as I don’t want what happened or did not happen there to remove from the fact that Nigerians last Saturday proved the doubters wrong about our ability to conduct ourselves in an orderly and peaceful manner when it comes to general elections.

In a replay of what happened across the country during the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Nigerians, last Saturday trooped out in their millions to the various polling units to cast their votes for the candidate of their choice. In most places, there were no police men or any other security personnel around and yet the crowd of electorate comported themselves very well.

Where I voted, it was a friendly atmosphere throughout as voters supporting different parties/candidates mixed freely and discussed as friends, even sharing drinks while awaiting the exercise to commence. This was a far cry from what was expected judging by what was in the media and what the politicians were saying during their campaigns in the run up to the elections. The hate campaigns being churned out by politicians before the

‘This presidential election is so dicey that the result could go either way, but whichever way it goes, kudos must go to the Nigerian electorate who defied all the odds to cast their votes last Saturday’

T

HE man, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu has become a household name and a terror in the camp of the conservative PDP ruling class. Many people know him as a former Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Governor of Lagos State [1999 – 2007], an accomplished retired but not tired accountant with multinational oil company; a NADECO activist. Some out of sheer preference call him the Asiwaju of Yoruba land or Jagaban of Borgu land amongst other well deserved titles.

Some of the old disciples of Chief Obafemi Awolowo who abandoned the noble cause of the sage but rather pitched their tents with PDP for stomach infrastructure now contest the title of Asiwaju of Yoruba land with Tinubu. The holy book tells us that you are a Christian if you are Christ-like in actions and conduct. Like Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Bola Tinubu has constantly stood with the masses. When Rome was on fire, only the courageous stood to rescue it from total ruin.

Bola was a chivalrous soldier that survived the holocaust of ravaging PDP army in 2003.

He is a man of valor, vision, unbending and an incorrigible activist. He is a liberator of the poor and the oppressed. A man of good and quality taste, He is the first leg in a long relay race of the rebuilding of Western Region after the catastrophic reign of PDP from 2003 – 2011, and the emancipation of Nigerians from the ruins of the conservatives. He is a trailblazer and sustainer of the light, which Chief Obafemi Awolowo brought to Western Region of Nigeria.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu confronted one King Pharaoh that ruled Nigeria from 1999 – 2007 and fought him to a standstill. The same king, out of office, respects him for his effrontery and courage when the war lasted. When the PDP that represents slavery, oppression, avarice, impunity and destruction invaded the southwest, Tinubu stood like the rock of Gibraltar. He was unmoved and didn’t fall for the carrots dangled at his face. After partial loss of the region, few of the comprised people got appointed into the government at the centre.

After his re-election victory in 2003, Tinubu consolidated on the foundation that resisted the invasion. He broke new grounds

election were enough to cause concern and fuel the fear of violence on elections day.

But Nigerians put the politicians to shame by their largely peaceful conduct at the polls and this calls for commendation. By their conduct last Saturday Nigerians have proven to the world, especially our politicians that left alone, we can organize ourselves without their meddlesomeness.

I’ve often said it that too much government interference in our lives is the cause of most of the problems plaguing us as a nation.

Without government interference or instigation by politicians, Nigerians generally relate well with each other, but when these people come between them and then the issue of ethnicity and religion come to the fore.

In the run up to these elections, President Goodluck Jonathan will go down on record as one leader who used religion and ethnicity to divide Nigerians just to gain advantage over his opponent. In the South west, especially in Lagos, he used ethnicity to rally the non-indigenes, especially the Igbos to his side. This no doubt has sown mistrust in the minds of the indigenes against the non-indigenes, and the only harvest that could come out of this is further polarization, which will not augur well for peaceful co-existence between these two great ethnic groups.

During his campaigns, Jonathan presented himself as a candidate of the Christians almost to the total exclusion of the Muslims among his supporters. He also promoted himself as a candidate of the south fighting

The bridge builder called Tinubu

By Remi Oyebamiji and became a pacesetter in good governance.

A new standard was set for infrastructural development, clean environment and transportation through the construction of standard roads, establishment of LAWMA, LASTMA and BRT lanes. The feat is unparalleled. The enemy placed embargo on allocations of Lagos state so that the affairs of the state can collapse with the erroneous thought that Tinubu would surrender to the PDP government. Through deep and highly intellectual approach, he discovered new grounds for revenue generation. He restrategised and heightened the pace of development to the amazement of the PDP. At the end of his tenure, the baton was handed-over to Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola.

Bola Tinubu out of office assiduously went to work and made plans for the recapture of lost grounds from the PDP in five of the six states of southwest. He systematically and gradually got victory from one state to 2, 3, 4, and 6 states and his sermon of emancipation and self-help spread like bush fire in the harmattan season.

Let us salute the courage of soldiers held in captivity but didn’t lose their heads and fighting spirits. The likes of Chief Olusegun Osoba, Chief Bisi Akande, Late Lam Adesina, Otunba Niyi Adebayo and others. They remained undaunted and soon regained freedom to join the new army. They believed and embraced the new commander of the People’s Army – Ahmed Bola Tinubu.

There was conviction even in the army of the ruling class that Joshua has come to lead the people to the Promised Land. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Senator Rasidi Ladoja, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko ran to Bola Tinubu for help when their rights were trampled upon. The courts reinstated them.

Some of them embraced the leadership of Tinubu. Others remain ungrateful. They are now the arrow heads of hate campaign, mudslinging, tar painting and name calling of Bola Tinubu.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu enlarged his frontiers.

He extended a handshake to the north and east of the Niger. He got an embrace. A feat that looked impossible. The alignment of the progressive north and the cooperation of the forward-looking elements of southeast and south-south are discernable. It resulted in the formation of a strong opposition called All Progressive Congress (APC). Chief Obafemi Awolowo that the PDP administration is now deceitfully eulogising was despised, tar painted and described in unprintable terms like Bola Tinubu. Awo will be smiling in his grave for Tinubu has made him proud today politically.

Bola Tinubu, your efforts at bringing back the lost glory of old western Region are yielding fruits. The non-aligned states have seen the light your campaign has brought to the people. The APC is a confirmation of a new dawn in Nigeria. The non-conformists that for long have remained in the conservative camp of the north and oppressors of the south have woken-up from their slumber. The courage of our highly honourable and distinguished men others that abandoned the sinking ship of PDP to join the mass-transit train of change is commendable. The sacrifice of the five progressive Governors led by Rotimi

against the north. These are dangerous paths to tread and I wonder how he intends to rectify the damage his campaigns have caused to our fragile unity if he scales the hurdle and returns as president and commander in chief. Did I hear you say Amen or God forbid?

If Jonathan returns, it would be a herculean task for him to repair this damage. It would be better for him and the country not to return so that we can start on a very clean slate. The economy is in bad shape; our unity is shaking, and confidence in government badly eroded. We need another leader to restore these things.

These are just my thoughts and things could end up that way or the status quo remains and Jonathan returns. This presidential election is so dicey that the result could go either way, but whichever way it goes, kudos must go to the Nigerian electorate who defied all the odds to cast their votes last Saturday. We are gradually coming of age. How great it would be if we can chase a sitting government out of power through our votes; that would be history in this country and a right signal to the rest of Africa that power resides with the people.

But will the power that be allow that to happen here? I doubt. But can it be done?

Yes. Regardless of who comes out top in this presidential contest, the next president of Nigeria come May 29 has his work already cut out. How he goes about it would be a function of his understanding of the situation.

If he comes in as an ethnic champion, then we are doomed. What is required of our next president is to think as a Nigeria and do everything in the best interest of Nigeria and Nigerians. And his choice of men and women to join his cabinet will tell us a lot about the direction he intends to take us. The way the Senate handles the screening of his ministerial nominees would also tell us the kind of National Assembly to expect in the next four years, post May 29, 2015.

However, to set the next administration on a sound footing, INEC must deal with the issues concerning the conduct of the elections in Rivers and Akwa Ibom States with clear head and in the best interest of our democracy.

Amaechi that quit the ruling PDP is outstanding in the history of Nigeria.

Whatever they say today, Bola Tinubu, you are a leading light for a group of Nigerians with high intellect and the entire populace yearning for true change. The 16 APC states are the standards for modern Nigeria in road infrastructure, transportation, education, health, wealth creation and good governance. If anybody is in doubt of your relevance to the nation, the death of your mother, Alhaja Abibat Mogaji, sometime ago readily serve as a test case of relevance.

The encomiums and struggle to get space to pay condolence visit to you was unprecedented. This was clearly not for the deceased but for you Tinubu in appreciation of the bridge you have built across Nigeria.

The conservatives once accused Awolowo of amassing wealth at the expense of the people.

He stated that no poor man could fight the cause of the poor. The revolutions recorded all over the world were led by the rich or the silver spoons that saved the poor from the task masters, slave drivers and caterpillar of the commonwealth. You have continuously used resources at your disposal to fight the cause of the downtrodden Nigerians. You established institutions where Nigerians are making a living. We have in our midst people of yester years who dined and wined with Chief Awolowo but have lost value. They lead an army without soldiers. On your own Tinubu, you have proved to be an agent of light and unity.

Your name will be written in gold when the time comes. Tinubu will live long to see the birth and sustenance of New Nigeria. The Lord will Guide and protect you and members of your family against the forces of darkness.

• Oyebamiji wrote in from Lagos

‘The encomiums and struggle to get space to pay condolence visit to you was unprecedented. This was clearly not for the deceased but for you Tinubu in appreciation of the bridge you have built across Nigeria.

The conservatives once accused Awolowo of amassing wealth at the expense of the people’

TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

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But evidence of suspicion no matter how strong and/or evidence of the opportunity to commit the offence charged cannot replace legal proof of the commission of the criminal allegation against the person charged with the offence

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See page 40

E-mail:- law@thenationonlineng.net

How can electoral offenders be tamed? It is by establishing an Electoral Offences Tribunal (EOT) argue lawyers say, will speedly handled and relieve the courts of such additional burden, report ERIC IKHILAE

•Senate President David Mark

•INEC Chairman Prof. Attahiru Jegga

Wanted: Electoral offences tribunal R

INSIDE:

EPORTS of politicians and their sup porters’ involvement in underhand deal during last Saturday’s elections have, again, brought to the fore the need to strengthen existing mechanisms for combating electoral offences.

Stuffing and snatching of ballot boxes, shooting, detonation of explosives to scare voters and pre-election violence and intimidation, have confirmed the fear that free and fair election may be impossible.

Since 1999, successive elections have been

Firm seeks N2b damages from bank over alleged ‘unfair report’ -Page 28

marred by irregularities with politicians and their supporters, bent on winning at all cost.

Observers have argued that the trend is bolstered by the do-or-die approach to election since many believe that political offices are avenues to wealth.

Despite the danger this poses to democracy, institutions responsible for prosecuting electoral offenders appear helpless.

Part V111 of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended) lists various types of electoral offences and prescribes punishment for them.

Industrial Courts to get ADR centres -Page 28

Section 23, for instance, prohibits the buying or selling of voter cards; such offences attract a fine not exceeding N500,000 or imprisonment not exceeding two years or both on conviction.

Under Section 81, a political party or association, which contravenes the provisions of Section 227 of the Constitution (prohibiting retention, organisation, training or equipping quasimilitary organisations) commits an offence and is liable, on conviction, to a fine of N500,000 and N700,000 for any subsequent offence; and N50,000 for every day that the offence contin-

ues.

The Act also provides that any person, who aids and abets a political party to contravene Section 227 commits an offence and is liable, on conviction, to a fine of N500,000 or imprisonment for a term of three years or both.

Section 91 of the Act criminalises contravention of limitation on election expenses.

Under Section 91(12), any accountant, who falsifies or conspires or aids a candidate to

Beyond 2015 General Elections: Delivering Election Promises -Page 37

•Continued on page 26

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

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LAW COVER CONT’D

Wanted: Electoral offences tribunal •Continued from page 27

forge or falsify a document relating to his expenditure in an election or receipt or donation for the election or in any way, aids and abets the breach of the provisions of Section 91 commits an offence and on conviction is liable to 10 years imprisonment Section 122 prohibits impersonation and voting when not qualified, and its contravention attracts a maximum fine of N500,000 or 12 months imprisonment or both.

Under Section 129(4) anybody, who snatches or destroys any election material shall be liable on conviction, to 24 months imprisonment. Section 130 frowns at undue influence of electorate on electoral officials; its contravention attracts a maximum fine of N100, 000 or 12 months imprisonment or both, while threats, under Section 131 attract a maximum fine of N1, 000, 000.00 or three years imprisonment.

Section 150 of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) empowers the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to undertake the prosecution of election offenders. Section 150 is complemented by Sections 174 and 211 of the Constitution, which empowers the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation and states’ AttorneysGeneral to institute and undertake criminal proceedings against any person with respect to federal laws and state laws respectively.

While it is impossible for INEC to exercise its prosecutorial power without investigation, it requires police assistance, saddled with investigatory powers under Section 4 of the Police Act. Also, the Electoral Act, in Section 149 allows the Election Tribunals to recommend prosecution for an offence disclosed in any election petition.

However, Section 150(1) & (2) of the Act provides that an offence committed under the Act shall be prosecuted in a Magistrate Court or High Court of the state where the offence is committed, or the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, and that prosecution under the Act shall be undertaken by INEC’s Legal officers or any lawyer appointed by it.

Despite the legal provisions empowering the INEC, the police and the Attorneys-General (both at state and federal levels) to prosecute electoral offenders, the culture of electoral impunity has continued unabated, while agencies of state empowered to combat it appear either overwhelmed or unwilling to act.

So far, there is no known case where election tribunals have exercised the powers conferred on them in Section 149 of the EA to recommend any political actor for prosecution for electoral offences.

In cases where some violations are detected and culprits apprehended, negligible few are taken to court. During the last voters registration exercise, INEC said it detected about 870, 000 cases of multiple registrations, which are offences under the Electoral Act, but a negligible few were prosecuted under the law.

In 2014, the Governing Council of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) recommended to the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Mohammed Adoke (SAN) the prosecution of 41 persons including former Edo State governor, Professor Oserhiemen Osunbor for their alleged involvement in electoral laws violation.

Other prominent names on the list sent to the AGF include a former Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Clarence Olafemi, a former INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ekiti State, Mrs Ayooka Adebayo and an Assistant Superintendent of Police, Christopher Oloyede.

NHRC also listed the People’s Democratic Party, INEC and the Nigeria Police Force, police officers, INEC’s officials, lawyers and politicians in the recommendation to the AGF. The 41 alleged electoral offenders were said to have all been indicted in the judgments by various election petitions tribunals and courts.

They were alleged to have been linked to offences related to forgery, perjury and breach of trust. The NHRC attached to its letter to the AGF, copies of the judgments where those listed were indicted.

NHRC’s inclusion of Osunbor was in relation to the finding of the election tribunal in the petition by Governor Adams Oshionhole, where the tribunal came out with criminal and admin-

•Prof. Odinkalu

•Magaji (SAN)

‘

•Nwankwo

istrative indictments against the respondents in the case.

The case against Mrs Adebayo was in relation to her role in the election in Ekiti State as captured in the tribunal’s finding in the judgment on the petition by Governor Kayode Fayemi against Olusegun Oni and others.

In the case of ASP Christopher Oloyede the Court of Appeal held that “the evidence on record showed that a policeman, ASP Christopher Oloyede signed an election result sheet as party agent on behalf of the PDP. This is an illegality and violation of electoral rules both

by INEC and the police.

“ASP Oloyede behaved disgracefully and abused his position. Neither INEC nor the Police could defend the illegality that ought to have been sanctioned.”

As regard Olafemi, the report referred to the judgment of the electoral tribunal, where it was stated that “the petitioners have proved beyond reasonable doubt that the 1st respondent, Hon Clarence Olafemi leading his agents and thugs did commit acts of corrupt practices and noncompliance with the Electoral Act by disrupting the ýconduct of election, harassing and intimidating eligible voters who were sent away from polling units without voting.”

Prof Osunbor is currently at the Federal High Court, Abuja, challenging his inclusion in the list by the NHRC. But since the list was submitted to him, the AGF is not known to have taken

“We think the President should be able to create a body that will prosecute persons that commit electoral offences and ensure that people, who commit such offences are not allowed to walk away free

‘

any steps to act on the recommendations by the NHRC. Also, President Goodluck Jonathan, who in 2011 pledged to ensure the creation of the Electoral Offences Commission (EOC), has not found the courage to fulfill the pledge.

The Electoral Reform Committee set up by President Jonathan’s predecessor, the late President Umaru Musa Yar’adua recommended the establishment of an autonomous and constitutionally recognised EOC vested with the power of arrest and prosecution of electoral offenders under a separate mechanism that is independent of the government in power.

Observers argued that beyond INEC’s claim of lack of capacity to combine prosecution of election offenders with its primary duties of conducting elections, the elimination of election fraud will remain a mirage under the prevailing arrangement.

They see no possibility for elections devoid of fraud and manipulation when the incumbent President, who is a member of a political party, insists on retaining the power to appoint the Chairperson, National Commissioners and Resident Electoral Commissioners of the electoral body that ought to be independent.

They further argued that a credible electoral

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it was a failure on the part of the President that recommendation for the creation of an EOC, which has gone through some discussions at the Legislature, has not been passed into law

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process is impossible where the electoral management body is denied autonomy and independence, and the power of incumbency used and misused; where security agencies are deployed and used against opposition forces with the aim of sustaining the incumbent in power.

As a remedy, they suggested the need to strengthen existing legal and institutional frameworks around electoral accountability with the intention of providing adequate penalty for electoral crimes.

They noted that those, who commit or encourage the commission of electoral offences are encouraged by the fact that the Police, other investigating agencies and INEC are incapable of ensuring thorough investigation and conviction, and that where such is possible, the Attorney-General will take over the prosecution and terminate their trial when their party gets to power.

It is their contention that the establishment of an EOC, removed from the operational control of the Executive and the Attorney-General of the Federation and of the states, but granted financial autonomy could help in combating electoral offences.

Lawyers, including Mahmud Magaji (SAN), the Chairman, NHRC, Dr.Chidi Odinkalu, Dr. Abubakar Sulaiman, and the Executive Director, Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) and Coordinator of the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, Clement Nwankwo suggested among others, the strengthening of existing legal framework and the need for the National Assembly to pass the Bill for the creation of an EOC into law.

Odinkalu argued that ensuring electoral accountability could be achieved, but not with a force of the degree. “The fact that those involved in electoral offences have not been prosecuted now does not mean they cannot be prosecuted later. But to address that, we need to continue to keep evidence, keep records, and keep alive, the demand for accountability.

“In 2011 nobody would have foreseen that the NHRC would be calling for the prosecution of people. That is progress. In 2014 the NHRC started asking for the prosecution of named people, some of whom have been governors, acting governors and senators.

Now, at these elections, there are entities collecting and documenting evidence for prosecution. I am confident that the time for accountability is here and we are not going to change that.

“I, personally, do not believe that we should be creating all these new commission and tribunals for the same problems. Let’s make our police work. Let’s make the courts work. And let’s normalise all crimes. So, I am not an apostle of an Election Offences Tribunal or Commission, but I am an apostle of accountability. And I think we are making progress towards ensuring electoral accountability in the country.

“Nobody in 2011 would believe that a former governor will be suing a public body before a Nigerian court to be excluded from prosecution for electoral crimes. That is progress. Whatever happens in that case, we are going to end up at the Supreme Court. We are going to get the jurisprudence changed and we are going to make progress,” Odinkalu said.

Sulaiman urged the Legislature to urgently pass the Bill for the establishment of an independent EOC, with the capacity to investigate all electoral fraud and related offences, coordinate enforcement and prosecution of all electoral offences.

“The commission should be imbued with the capacity and legal powers to set up Mobile Courts to try election offences on election days.

It should also have the powers to evolve measure to prevent and eradicate the commission of electoral malpractices and facilitate rapid exchange of scientific and technical information among other democracies on the conduct of joint operation and training aimed at eliminating electoral malpractices,” he said.

Nwankwo contended that it was a failure on the part of the President that recommendation for the creation of an EOC, which has gone through some discussions at the Legislature, has not been passed into law.

“Usually, if the President was to prepare a Bill and send it to the National Assembly, it would be an Executive Bill and will be taken seriously. The initiative to create an EOC has been driven mostly by private interest. And I think that this is the failing of the President in not setting up a commission to be able to deal with this.

“We think the President should be able to create a body that will prosecute persons that commit electoral offences and ensure that people, who commit such offences are not allowed to walk away free.

“While we await the creation of such a body, the relevant agencies could still rely on existing laws to prosecute electoral offenders. INEC has the powers, under existing laws to identify electoral offences and insist on prosecution.

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

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LAW & SOCIETY Following the appointment of Nigerian Shipper’s Council (NSC) as the Economic Regulator of Nigerian ports in February last year, a Lagos based maritime lawyer, Emeka Okereke, examines activities of the agency and concludes that it needs serious legal and legislative platforms to achieve the desired objectives.

He called on the Federal Government and the National Assembly to expedite action in strengthening the agency’s effectiveness and efficiency to carry out this objective.

Shippers Council as economic regulator, the journey so far T

HE recent Federal High Court judg ment delivered by Justice Ibrahim Buba affirming the 2014 pronouncement of the Federal Government of Nigeria making Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) as Ports Economic Regulator calls to question if the intended benefits of port reforms have been achieved.

Prior to 2006, port reforms – concessioning of the ports to Terminal Operators and Shipping companies, one could not easily forget the lamentations by stakeholders, particularly the importers and freight forwarders over undue delay in cargo handling and delivery, poor equipment profile, high cost of doing business at the ports and other adverse and uncompetitive level with neighbouring ports.

In an effort to bridge the yawning gap in the port reform process, the Federal government in February 2014 after agitations from stakeholders appointed Nigerian Shippers’ Council as Ports Economic Regulator. Its

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duties were essentially to address options for competition, to decide on entry roles, to regulate on pricing freedom and to monitor outcomes among others. This was indeed a welcome development given the overwhelming acceptance by the stakeholders in the industry.

In the past six months, some terminal operators and Shipping companies have embarked on a wide range of judicial journey querying the competence of the regulator in slashing their unwarranted and arbitrary charges amounting to a staggering sum of N150Billion surreptiously collected from importers. The terminal operators and shipping companies dominated by foreigners still believe that the old order must continue. The period of capital flight, massive corruption, unwholesome practices which made our ports unattractive to importers and foreign investors must not change.

As we know, the global competitiveness of Nigerian Ports has major role to play in

the attraction of Foreign Direct Investment into the country. Port reforms, no doubt has brought in tremendous benefits to the national economy.

However, there is still need to harness other potential areas, especially the need for the Federal Government to give Legal and Administrative backing to its pronouncement of 2014. It is only in Nigeria that a Port reform process involving private companies was conceived without a government agency as a regulator.

Now that the error has been corrected by appointing NSC as ports Economic Regulator, all necessary appurtenances attached to it must be made, the Council must be backed with appropriate legal, legislative and policy frameworks to achieve this all important objective.

We call on the National Assembly and the Executive to expedite action on providing necessary legal backing to encourage and inspire the agency to effectively tackle this

•Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers Council, Hassan Bello. assignment.

Within the past on e year the council has made enormous contributions to the national economy and we can’t afford to lose sight of these achievements. We must encourage the council to carry out its mandate for benefit of Nigerian economy and Nigerians in general.

Kenechi Okereke is a maritime lawyer bases in Lagos .

Tax appeal tribunal reaffirms commitment to speedy resolution of tax disputes

HE Tax Appeal Tribunal ( TAT) South West Zone has reaffirmed its commit ment to speedy resolution of Tax disputes within the zone. The Tax Appeal Tribunal (TAT) is a tax dispute resolution centre established by the Federal Government of Nigeria in 2010 as part of her reform of the Nigerian Tax System.

TAT is established in accordance with section 59 (1) of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Establishment Act 2007 to adjudicate on all disputes arising from operations of the under various tax laws as stipulated in the First schedule to the Act, namely: 1. Companies Income Tax Act (CITA); 2. Petroleum Profit Tax (PPTA); 3.

Personal Income Tax Act (PITA); 4. Stamp Duties Act (SDA); 5. Value Added Tax Act (VATA); 6. Taxes and Levies (Approved list for collection) Act; and 7. Other laws, regulations, proclamations, government notices or rules related to those Acts which are expressly spelt out in the fifth schedule to the FIRS Establishment Act. Specifically, the core or broad objectives for the establishment of TAT are: 1. To adjudicate on all tax disputes arising from operations of the various Tax Laws as spelt out in the First Schedule to the FIRS (Establishment) Act, 2007.

2. To be an important component of the tax system which offers the Appellant a step by step objection and appeal process and the opportunity to explore other alternative dispute resolution mechanism before gain-

ing access to the court system.

3. To reduce the incidence of tax evasion and ensure fairness and transparency of the tax system.

4. To minimize the delays and bottlenecks in adjudication of tax matters as presently experienced.

5. To improve the tax payers’ confidence in our tax system.

6. To provide opportunity for expertise in tax dispute resolution and an avenue for effective involvement of parties.

7. To focus on facts rather than legal technicalities and promote early and speedy determination of matters without compromising the principles of fairness and equity.

The TAT is located in eight zones across the country namely: Lagos Zone, Abuja Zone, Southwest Zone (Ibadan), South-South Zone (Benin), Southeast Zone (Enugu), North-Central Zone (Jos), North-East Zone (Bauchi), and North-West Zone (Kaduna); with a Coordinating Secretariat to coordinate, render support services and facilitate the operations of the respective zones.

In a media chat in Ibadan, , Secretary TAT Southwest Zone, Mr. Hillary T Onwe stated that this is in line with the mandate of the Tribunal.

Mr. Onwe said: “In line with the strategic vision and culture that emphasizes professionalism, integrity, equity, efficiency, excellence and service, the Tax Appeal Tribunal has developed a robust case flow man-

agement procedure manual, the first by any judicial or quasi-judicial body in Nigeria.

“The manual specifies compliance with the stipulated timelines for processing of filed matters, disposition of matters, performance measurement and reports presentation so as to positively impact on the performance of the Tribunals.

The Tribunal anchors its case flow system on the legal maxim that “Justice delayed is justice denied” and similar rights which are meant to expedite the fair hearing process of the Tribunal.

Mr. Onwe stated that one key performance indicator in the manual is the case cycle time which specifies that the timeline of an Appeal from filing to disposition shall not exceed 180 days or six months.

He informed members of the public that the South-West Zone of the Tax Appeal Tribunal is located at No. 5, Ibrahim Taiwo Avenue, Off U/I Secretariat Road, New Bodija Estate, Ibadan, Oyo State. This Tribunal has jurisdiction over tax disputes emanating from Five states in the South West Zone of the Federation, except Lagos State namely; Oyo, Ekiti, Ogun, Osun and Ondo States.

According to him, the procedure for commencement of Tax Appeals at the Tribunal is simple and stripped of complexities. An aggrieved party – either the revenue authority or any tax payer (individual, group or organization) may file an appeal at any of the tribunals located in the geo-political zones

where the case emanated.

The appeal should be filed within a period of 30 days from the date on which the action, decision, assessment or demand notice was made or received.

However, the Tribunal may entertain an appeal after the expiration of the stipulated period of 30 days upon satisfactory proof of the cause of such delay. The beauty of the process is that anybody can file an appeal and represent him/herself without engaging the services of a legal practitioner. The filing and sundry fees payable for Tax Appeals at the registry of the Tribunal are very pocket-friendly.

The “Judges” of the Tribunal are called “Tax Appeal Commissioners” and are seasoned tax administrators and practitioners, legal practitioners versed in tax laws or Retired Judges. There are five members in the panel, in each zone, including the Chairman who shall be a Legal Practitioner of over 15 years post call, or a retired judge.

He concluded that it is pertinent to state that the South West Zone of the tribunal has shown core competence for speedy resolution of tax disputes as well as amicable settlement of quite a number of tax appeals filed at the Tribunal in addition to the fact that celebrated and locus classicus cases have emerged from the Tribunal operations.

Examples are cases like FIRS vs. Agbara Estate, FIRS vs. Colodense (Nig) Plc, Spectrum Books vs FIRS to mention but a few, which were commenced and successfully, sometimes amicably settled at the Tribunal.

•Participants at a lecture organised in honour of Senator Effiong Bob during the annual law week of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Eket Branch, Akwa Ibom State.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

LAW & SOCIETY

Firm seeks N2b damages from bank over alleged ‘unfair report’

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BUILDING and civil engineering firm, Omais Investment Nigeria Limited has challenged acommercial bank, Ecobank Nigeria Limited, at the Federal High Court, in Lagos for allegedly making unfair report about its accounts to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)and listing it as having bad credit.

Also sued together with the bank was the CBN as second defendant.

In a writ of summon, FHC/C/CS/ 382/15, by its lawyer, Ehizogie Esezobor, the plaintiff made a fourpoint claim jointly and severally against the defendants.

It asked the court for an order directing the first defendant to pay N2billion as damages for negligent mis-statements.

The other reliefs being sought are: “an order of restorative injunction directing the first and second defendants to remove the plaintiff’s name from the CBN’s Credit Risk Management System (CRMS) database as a customer having a ‘non-performing loan’ and a declaration that the first defendant’s listing of the plaintiff’s accounts with the CBN’s CRMS database as a nonperforming loan amounts to negligent mis-statements”.

The plaintiff is also asking for the cost of the action as may be assessed by the court.

The plaintiff, in a 21-point statement of claim to support the writ of summon, averred that it used to operate two accounts with the defunct Oceanic Bank International Bank Plc and that following a 100 per cent acquisition of Oceanic Bank by the first defendant in 2011, it became its customer, adding that being its bankers, the first defendant owed it a fiduciary duty ofcare.

The plaintiff averred that it operated a corporate account and a Pearl account with the first defendant and that as at October 15, 2009, it had N637,958.69 standing credit in its Pearl account and N301,777.46 in its corporate account as at October 30, 2009; the time it stopped transacting and doing business on these accounts with the

By Adebisi Onanuga

first defendants.

It stated that between October, 2009 and October, 2014, it has had the cause to obtain and has obtained several facilities from various commercial banks to the tune of N5billion and had always repaid them as at when due, adding that its annual turn over was not less than N1billion.

The plaintiff averred that it came to the company as a shock when in an attempt to obtain a loan from Diamond Bank Plc in January this year that it was revealed that the first defendant had listed the plaintiff as having bad credit at the CRMS of the second defendant to the tune of N6 million and was not informed about it since 2009 when it stopped transactions with the first defendant, by a letter of demand, notification by way of a statement of account or by any other medium whatsoever that it was indebted to the first defendant in any sum.

The firm claimed to have written two letters to the first defendant dated January 20 and February 24, 2015 respectively, demanding for a removal/ retraction of the report, but that the

Omais Investment Nigeria Ltd, CEO, Chief Omochiere Aisagbonhi

first defendant, in spite of acknowledging the letters, did not respond until March 5, 2015.

It claimed that the first defendant, in its reply “unequivocally and expressly admitted having made erroneous deductions in plaintiff’s accounts and despite these admissions refused to remove the plaintiffs name from the second defendant’s CRMS database as having a bad credit”.

The plaintiff claimed to be involved in a suit number ID/1432/2011 against the defunct Oceanic Bank at the Lagos High Court since 2011 and had appeared at the Lagos State multi-door courthouse for about six occasions with the aim of resolving all issues of indebtedness between parties, but that the first defendant did not in any manner raised the supposedly debt.

The plaintiff averred that the acts of the first defendant by reporting that it had bad credit to CRMS have been done intentionally, unjustly and in bad faith as it claimed that the defendant did not in any manner whatsoever disclosed this debt despite having ample opportunity to do so.

In its particulars of claim, the plaintiff stated that the first defendant breached the fiduciary duty of care owed it by virtue of CBN’s Prudential Guidelines for Licensed Banks and that representations made by listing its accounts as non-performing loan in the CRMS database were false, untrue, inaccurate and misleading.

It claimed that it has become practically impossible for the plaintiff to obtain facilities from any other financial institutions in the country to carry on its businesses and consequent upon which it has grounded to a halt. The plaintiff claimed to have suffered colossal losses and damages, seriously injured in its businesses as a result of its being listed in the database, insisting that the representation was done maliciously, without just cause or excuse and was allegedly calculated by the first defendant to cause pecuniary damage to its businesses.

The plaintiff urged the court to grant all the reliefs sought in its statement of claim.

Industrial courts to get ADR centres

•Adejumo

By Adebisi Onanuga

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HE National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) has con cluded plans to establish Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) center on its premises as part of efforts to fasten resolution of industrial and labour related cases.

Its President, Justice Babatunde Adejumo, disclosed this last week at the valedictory court session in honour of retired Justice Oluseun Adefolake Shogbola of it’s Abuja division.

In its inaugural valedictory court session since it’s inception about 30 years ago, Justice Adejumo said the establishment of ADR was non negotiable in the dispensation of justice.

According to him, the establishment of ADR court is historic in many respects. “Firstly, the Constitutional empowerment of the Court to establish an ADR centre is historic, novel and unparallel in the development of court connected ADR in Nigeria. It is the first time any court in Nigeria will receive a constitutional mandate to establish and apply ADR for the resolution of matters over which it has jurisdiction,” he said.

He expressed conviction that

ADR development and its usage will definitely receive a huge boost.

“Noteworthy in this perspective is that Court-connected ADR, particularly mediation, is fast becoming a feature of courts in countries like the United States of America, Germany, South Africa to mention but a few. Secondly, the development will certainly aid and fasten the resolution of cases with a view to voiding the usual problem of overfilled dockets and delayed justice delivery. It helps in settling disputes without bitterness and rancour.

“It is pertinent to mention here that machineries have been set in motion towards the realisation of this significant constitutional mandate. Efforts are on to designate certain office accommodation within some Judicial Division of the NICN as ADR centers. The ADR centre of the court will be situated at the Headquarters in Abuja with branches in each of the six geo-political zones of the country.

“The ADR centre will be saddled with the responsibility of settling disputes referred to it by any judge of the Court, using mediation conciliation. The relevance of mediation and conciliation to voluntary and amicable settlement of disputes cannot be over-emphasized.”

The Court, he said, would be deploying some of its staff including principal officers to work at the centres. “To this end, some of these staffers have been trained at home and abroad to acquire cutting-edge skills in mediation and other ADR processes. Preparatory to the takeoff of the ADR centre, the instrument setting up the centre and the Rules to guide the working of the centre have been drafted and will soon be gazette which will signify the commencement the centre,” he said.

Man, 20 arraigned for stabbing friend

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•From left: Israel Aye (left) and Mr. Paul Oki during valedictory court session held in honour of late Justice Josiah Oki held in Benin city.

20-year-old-man, Sunday Afolabi, has been arraigned at a Lagos Chief Magistrate Court for allegedly stabbing his friend, Badmus Taiwo.

Afolabi is facing a two -count charge bordering on conspiracy and felony before Chief Magistrate Mrs. A.O. Komolafe.

The prosecutor, Eranus Ibekwe Nnamonu, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, (ASP), alleged that the defendant and one other said to be at large, unlawfully inflicted wound on Badmus Taiwo by stabbing him on his chest with a broken knife which caused him harm.

The prosecutor said the offence was

By Peace Iyere

contrary to and punishable under Section 244 (a) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2011.

Nnamonu also alleged that the defendant and one other at large, came together to commit conspiracy and felony and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 409 and punishable under Section 404 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2011.

When the charges were read, the defendant pleaded not guilty.

Chief Magistrate Komolafe consequently granted him bail in the sum of N30,000 with two sureties in like sum.

Group hails new guidelines on judges’ appointment

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RIGHTS group, Access to Justice (AJ), has praised the National Judicial Council (NJC) for introducing new guidelines for judges’ appointment.

The revised guidelines list procedures for appointing judicial officers of all superior courts of record in Nigeria.

They require greater openness and transparency in judicial appointment processes beginning with the announcements of judicial vacancies, which must be done openly through Judicial Service Commissions (JSCs) websites, notice boards of courts and the Bar. The new guildelines are a consequence of last July’s interna-

By Joseph Jibueze

tional judicial reforms conference organised by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and AJ in collaboration with the NJC (and supported by the European Union (EU) and the Open Society Initiative for West Africa).

AJ’s Executive Director, Mr Joseph Otteh, said although the reforms came short in a few areas, they are laudable and would plug many gaps under the former system and constitute a significant improvement on the old system.

He said: “If faithfully imple-

mented, the reforms, helped us reboot and re-invent our judiciary for better performance. Judges play a huge role in safeguarding our liberties and the Constitution has effectively made the courts guardians of the Constitution, a last line of defence; a bulwark against tyranny and oppression and a surety for good governance and the rule of law.

“The new guidelines will contribute to making Nigeria’s judiciary strong, confident and respectable, and strengthen its role as defenders of constitutional democracy.

“The reforms respond to chronic flaws in the former judicial appointments/elevation guidelines

that made it too feeble and ineffective in achieving its aims. The former guidelines did not, and could not safeguard judicial appointments from being politicised, or from ‘institutional nepotism’; they lacked transparency, and were ‘cloistered’, and this effectively led to the exclusion of otherwise eligible people from being considered for judicial office.

“The former guidelines could not ensure that those appointed to judicial office represented the strongest stock of talent that the legal profession could offer. The changes also respond to longstanding advocacy by indi-

viduals and civic organisations for reform of rules and procedures relating to the appointment of Judges.

“Judicial appointments are a gateway to the exercise of enormous judicial powers and authority.

Where procedures of appointments are weak, flawed or vulnerable, the outcomes of the process will likely reproduce those frailties and flaws.

“Some of those who get in through flawed procedures may be unable to exercise judicial powers in ways that give people confidence in the administration of justice and may end up sometimes bringing the judiciary itself to disrepute.”

Newspaper of the Year

AN 8-PAGE PULLOUT ON NORTHERN STATES

TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

PAGE 29

INSIDE In search of peace in Ebiraland

PAGE 30

The blind see in Zaria

•ITF staff at the event

Reward amid carnival

PAGE 31

N700bn land for City Centre

Staff of the Industrial Training Fund have been rewarded for their hard work at a carnival-like occasion in Jos, reports YUSUFU AMINU IDEGU

PAGE 33

First-class brains behind Kuje bars

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EWARD has come for some hard-working staff of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF). And it came at a carnival-like atmosphere at the Fund’s headqarters, Jos, the Plateau State capital.

The management and staff turned up in their best attires.

The premises also reflected the mood. Colourful decorations hung everywhere, in sync with the well-dressed staff.

Entertainers were just as colourfully clad. Drummers thumped their decorated drums with as much zest as the mood demanded.

And to top it off, dedicated

•A cultural troupe entertaining guests at the event From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

workers were called out and presented with awards. They reached out and collected their prizes with thanks and a smile.

The annual occasion is called the end-of-year party, though it sometimes takes place in December,

January or even February. This year’s edition was different, coming even later, in late March.

ITF staff look forward to it because it often leaves them with long-lasting memories such as the merit award, of which every staff is a potential winner. There is an award for the oldest staff, one for the most active department, an-

other for the most dedicated and committed staff, not to mention the various prizes for individual performances.

Renowned cultural troupes usually entertain the crowd. This year, it was the state troupe which •Continued on page 30

PAGE 34

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THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

THE NORTH REPORT

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ESIDENTS of Ebira, Kogi State have taken steps to scale back violent crimes in their land.

Ebira land comprises Okene, Okehi, Adavi, Ajaokuta and Ogori Magongo which form Kogi Central.

Several people have been attacked, some killed in a manner that mystified the residents. Appalled by the development, the people pledged to mitigate the ugly trend.

Several hideous crimes, including mysterious killings many of which are yet to be unravelled, continued to be experienced in parts of Okene, while the rate of kidnappings has been on the increase.

Recently, the Director of Local Government (DLG) of Adavi Local Government Area, Alhaji Abdullazeez Ohere and the octogenarian American missionary, Rev. Phyllis Sortor, were abducted by unknown gunmen, who stormed the Hope Alive Nursery/Primary School which

Residents tackle violence in Ebira ‘Most crimes are committed by most motorcycle operators, suggesting the need to enforce time limit for motorcycle operators from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in order to check the activities of criminals’ •Mr. Ogunjemulusi, the state Commissioner of Police From James Azania

she runs in Emiworo, Ajaokuta Local Local Government Area.

An old Islamic scholar was al-

•Rev. Sorton

leged to have been killed in Adavi.

Those who gathered to sympathise or mourn the cleric were also killed by unidentified gunmen who disappeared and are yet to be apprehended.

There was also the story of an old man who was returning from the 5.30am prayers who was also killed on his way to his home.

Incidents such as these and others unreported led to the stakeholders’ meeting on security which was conveyed by the Ebira

Peoples Association (EPA). At the meeting, far-reaching decisions were taken in a bid to reduce the rate of crimes.

The meeting held at Hill Top Hotel, Lokoja and was attended by many interest groups, includContinued on page 32

Reward amid carnival •Continued from page 29 thrilled the audience.

The award has placed ITF as one of government parastatals with efficiency in administration because the staff are conscious of the fact that the management are taking record of their individual inputs and are duly rewarded.

The Fund’s supervisory minister, being that of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment usually attends the feast, but in this year’s edition, the Minister of State, Kenneth Kobani was the special guest of honour, though he was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Abdulkadir Musa.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Musa said, “I am delighted and honoured to have been invited by the Industrial Training Fund, today on the occasion of the 2014 Annual Review and Merit Award Celebration. As you may be aware, I was sworn in as Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment early this week.

This event is therefore my first official function since being sworn in.

“I am deeply pleased that my first function would be to join one of the most important parastatals under my purview, whose strides have contributed in no small measure to the realisation of the Transformation Agenda of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (GCFR).

“We are all familiar with the unemployment situation in the country despite the laudable strategies of the Federal Government through initiatives such as National Enterprise Development Programme, the Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan, the Jobs Board, the MSME Committee the National Automotive Policy and through the committed efforts of Agencies such as the Industrial Training Fund.

“I have been briefed about the mandate by Mr. President for the Industrial Training Fund to train 2 million Nigerians annually. I am equally aware of the achievements the ITF has recorded in the National Industrial Skills Development Programme, which has trained over 72,000 Nigerians in only two years; and other numer-

ous initiatives by the ITF that are all geared towards creating jobs.

“These are indeed commendable accomplishments but fall short when weighed against the President’s ambition of creating 3 million jobs annually for teeming Nigerians that are employed.

“For the ITF to fully implement its mandate, all hands need to be on deck. On our part as the supervising Ministry, we promise to assist the ITF in all areas particularly in the area of training for job creation and entrepreneurship “In charge of ITF is a woman, the Director General and Chief Executive, Dr. (Mrs.) Juliet ChukkasOnaeko. She used just few words to describe the event. In her welcome address, she said the merit award ceremony is an important date on the ITF calendar.”

She added, “It provides us the platform to render an in-depth account of how we fared as an organization in the out-gone year, and also recognize and reward stakeholders and members of the workforce, whose outstanding corporate and individual contributions were critical to our achievements.”

The DG, as usual, used the event to talk on the task before ITF, saying: “This very event is my first Merit Award Ceremony as DirectorGeneral of the ITF, having assumed duty in May, 2014. Our mandate from the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR when I was appointed, was to train 2 million Nigerians annually.

Mr. President’s charge was informed by unemployment surveys that indicated that 23.9 percent of our population of about 167 million was unemployed; with youth unemployment reported to be over 50 per cent.

“Year 2014 was therefore an eventful one for the ITF as the new Management under me was navigating the teething problems associated with all new leaderships as well striving to actualize the Presidential charge and implement ITF’s mandate.

“Rather than being overwhelmed, these expectations and challenges motivated us to performance levels perhaps not equaled in the history of ITF. One key factor that played in our favour was

•ITF DG Dr. Onaeko (right) and a dignitary at at the event

‘I have been briefed about the mandate by Mr. President for the Industrial Training Fund to train 2 million Nigerians annually. I am equally aware of the achievements the ITF has recorded in the National Industrial Skills Development Programme, which has trained over 72,000 Nigerians in only two years’ the Four-point Agenda which was rolled out by Management. Perhaps the first in the history of the ITF, the 4-point Agenda which includes: escalation of the number of Nigerians trained to 2 million annually, full automation of ITF business processes, ensure 100 percent levy generation, and ensure 100 percent implementation of SIWES, was not only intended to

ensure effective service delivery that will add value to the bottom line of our esteemed clients’ operations and guarantee full actualization of our mandate but also serve as our guiding beacon. The 4-Point Agenda played no small part in our accomplishments in 2014.

“ITF recorded landmark achievements in all key result areas, espe-

cially in Technical Vocational Skills, Management and Entrepreneurship Training The mandate of the Industrial Training Fund, as we are all aware, is to generate a pool of qualified indigenous manpower to man the critical sectors of the Nigerian economy. In actualising this mandate, the Fund provides training in Technical Vocational Skills, Management and Entrepreneurship.

“Against the backdrop of the Presidential charge and other job creation initiatives of the Federal Government, the ITF in 2014 escalated efforts in skills acquisition in order to equip Nigerians with skills for employability and entrepreneurship.

“Apart from imparting skills to Nigerians through Industrial Skills Training Centres located in Kano, Ikeja and Jos and the Model Skills Training Centre in Abuja, the ITF implemented the National Industrial Skills Development Programme (NISDP) in liaison with Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and the Bank of Industry (BOI). The programme which Continued on page 31

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

31

THE NORTH REPORT

Reward amid carnival •Continued from page 30 is the hard skills component of the Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan has so far trained 74,000 Nigerians. In 2013 alone, the ITF through the Programme trained 37,000 youths from the 36 States of the Federation and the FCT in several trade and craft areas including Welding and Fabrication, ICT and Autotrornics, Fisheries, Yam, Cassava and Rice Processing, Tiling, Plaster of Paris (POP) and Plumbing, Tailoring and Garment-making, as well as Cell Phone and Generator Repairs.

She stated further, “In 2014, the scope of the programme was expanded as it rolled out simultaneously in the 36 States and the FCT; a deviation from the first three phases when trainees from selected States were trained at a given time. Our projections are that beginning from 2015, several phases of the programme would run in a given year.

“As further indication of our commitment to meet Mr. President mandate, the ITF, in conjunction with the Nigerian Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) continued with its Technical Skills Development Project (TSDP) using facilities of NECA member companies including the Peugeot Automobile Nigeria, Kaduna; Niger Dock, Lagos; OCO Industries, Port Harcourt; Nigerian Breweries Plc, Ibadan and the Fund’s ISTCs in Ikeja and Kano. The Project has already graduated 2,300 trainees, most of who were employed on graduation. Due to high demand of its graduates, the project has

been expanded to include A.G. Leventis Agricultural School, Ilesha, and Kamjay Farms, Lekki, Lagos. It will be further expanded this year.

“The ITF has also entered into collaboration with Cement Technology Institute of Nigeria (CTIN) for the training of 350 Artisans and Craftsmen in the Construction Industry in each State of the Federation and the FCT. The training, which has already commenced, will perhaps mark the end of paucity of skilled artisans in the construction industry.

“In addition, as part of our effort to drive the National Automotive Policy, the ITF has entered in to collaboration with SENAI of Brazil. One aspect of the collaboration will be the establishment of 3 Automobile Parts Training Centres in Nigeria. The Centres, which will come on stream soon, will serve the dual purpose of producing parts to supply over 22 companies that have already commenced production or have indicated interested to investment in the Nigerian Automobile sector and also train Nigerians in production of Automobile spare parts. This will reduce our current dependence on imported auto parts and create employment.

“In order to further open up access for Nigerians willing to acquire skills, the ITF has produced 4 Mobile Training Units from Brazil. Six others are still being expected even as plans are also underway to establish 38 new Industrial Skills Training Centres and 6 Centres of Advanced Skills Training for Employment.

“The ITF is also leading Nigeria’s inaugural participation in the World Skills Competition which

•ITF staff at the event is slated for Brazil later this year.

The World Skills competition, which started in 1947, is designed to motivate the youth to compete; to make them enthusiastic about vocational training and to compare skills and abilities of people from different countries. Despite its growing popularity with countries around the globe; Nigeria did not participate until now. The build up and participation in the Competition will serve to further sensitise Nigerians on the need for skills acquisition.

“Overall, the Fund performed creditably in its training activities in 2014 as it implemented a total of 13,044 training programmes that attracted 237,561 participants from 5,815 public and private

organisations. The Fund also implemented 699 Special Intervention Programmes. Of the number trained, 202,460 now are gainfully employed while 5000 are now owners of their business. It is noteworthy that 16,211 of the Special Intervention Programmes were women” The DG expressed delight in what ITF has been able to do to motivate their staff.

“It is a known fact that staff that are happier are more productive.

It is also common knowledge that you cannot give what you do not have. Against this realisation therefore, the ITF within the period under review sponsored a total of 1,108 staff on staff development. The breakdown is as fol-

lows: Part Time programs – 14, International programs – 242, Long Term staff development programs – 27, Short Term programmes – 821, and Internship – 4.

“To further motivate the workforce, 78 staff were rewarded with Long Service Awards. Management also approved a total of N45,761,656.25, which was disbursed to 56 staff as motor vehicle and Housing loans. Within the same period, a total 549 staff were promoted to various grades- 248 from CONRAISS 2 – 6, 257 from CONRAISS 6 – 11, and 44 CONRAISS 12 and above just as Management initiated processes for the review of the Fund’s existing condition of service.

name the foundation is instituted to aid the visually impaired and wipe out blindness and other eye related problems from Nigeria.

Flagging off the 10 days event, the Emir said, when Dr. Wale Babalakin met him to do something in commemoration of his

40th year on throne, he felt, nothing could be better to celebrate his reign on the throne of Zazzau Emirate than anything that would have positive impact on the people of the

The blind see in Zaria T

HE biggest gainers were the eye patients, over 10,000 of whom turned up to be treated free in Zaria, Kaduna State.

But there were other equally striking perspectives to the outreach. The exercise was carried out by Dr. Abdulrauf Wale Babalakin in honour of the Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Shehu Idris as the monarch marked his 40th anniversary on the throne.

Just as remarkable is the fact that Dr Babalakin’s mother, the late Ramatu Ibironke Babalakin was born in Zaria.

The free eye treatment was carried out through Babalakin’s foundation, ‘Ramatu Ibironke Babalakin Foundation (RIBF).

During the 10 days exercise, over 1,000 patients suffering from cataract and other visual challenges were given free eye

•Patients waiting to be attended to at the event From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

surgery. The patients were among the over 10,000 visually impaired persons receiving free eye treatment sponsored by the RIBF.

At the opening ceremony of the exercise, the exercise which saw many old people with visual challenges trooping in for the reachout which is also in celebration of the 11th memorial anniversary of Alhaja Ramatu Ibironke Babalakin, in whose

•Continued on page 32

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

32

THE NORTH REPORT •Continued from page 30

ing elders, politicians, government officials, traditional and community leaders and representatives of women organisations. Some of the vices which dominated discussions were kidnappings, organised crime, assassinations, thuggery and religious fundamentalism.

In their separate speeches, the President of Ebira Peoples Association (EPA), Dr Musa Abdulrahaman Adeiza and the National Secretary, Arudi Yahaya Isah, observed that leadership failure at all levels of the society is the cause of breakdown of law and order in Ebira land.

The stakeholders stressed the need for the revival of existing vigilance groups or establishment of new ones to assist law enforcement agents for community policing.

It advised that from then on, apprehended criminals should not be bailed, saying that such criminals should be transferred to police authorities with 24 hours for prosecution.

It also noted that most crimes are committed by most motorcycle operators, even as they stressed that there was the need to enforce time limit for motorcycle operators from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in order to check the activities of criminals.

Investigations revealed that not only has movements by motorcycle operators been restricted in Adavi and Okene, human movements are also resticted during the period.

Residents tackle violence in Ebira They stakeholders urged that law enforcement agents, particularly, the police on official duties should wear their official uniform to distinguish them from impersonators.

Politicians, they said, should be prevailed upon to stop encouraging the use of thugs for political activities and that the Supreme Council of Elders (SCE) and turbaned traditional title holders should rise up to the occasion by addressing press conferences and seek audience with state and local governments and law enforcement agencies in order to minimise crime rate in Ebira land.

They also called for an investigation on the activities of masquerades in Ebira land in line with the tradition of the Ebira people, even as they would want regular oversight of hotels and hotel owners as a means of checking activities of criminals who use such places as hide outs. They also expressed their worry over the proliferation of drugs in the society and influx of mentally challenged persons among other measures to checkmate criminal activities in Ebira land.

The forum also expressed dismay over the alleged criminal activities of Fulani herdsmen, saying it has sent people out of their farmlands in Ebira land. They called for strategies to engage them (the headsmen) before possible breakdown of law and order. One of the strategies they suggested was to

tween the command and traditional rulers in the Kogi Central to curb the incessant killings and kidnappings that have become nightmare in the district.

The CP, who made the appeal when he paid a courtesy visit on the Ohinoyi of Ebira land, His Royal Majesty Ado Ibrahim in Okene, said Kogi Central poses a major problem to the police.

According to him, clannish animosity and unnecessary masquerade display which lead to loss of lives and property had hampered

the peaceful co-existence of the people, adding that incidents of kidnapping and killings in recent time have become worrisome.

He described as unhealthy the situation where politicians stockpile dangerous weapons to harm perceived opponents, saying that the command would not tolerate such acts.

He said: “We are here to tell the royal father and other traditional rulers in the district that a new policing era has come to Kogi State. I am in the state to uphold police professional excellence and we are not be partisan because we are not politicians.

“We are appealing to the Ohinoyi of Ebira land to talk to his subjects not to indulge in any form of violence as police would not spare any one found disrupting societal peace. The era of arrest and release without prosecution is over. We cannot allow miscreants to be tarnishing the good image of Ebira people.

“We want to emphasise more on community policing and we need the people to give us support through useful information.”

Responding, the monarch said the problems of Ebira people started when the crop of politicians in the land “use every available means to win elections without recourse to peace and unity of the people.”

personalities bred in Zaria is the late Alhaja Babalakin, who was born on October 6, 1930 in the ancient town where she also met her husband, retired Supreme Court Judge, Mr. Justice Bolarinwa Oyegoke Babalakin (CON). She died on March 7, 2004.

“Before the today event in Zaria, RIBF had recorded resounding success treating over 1000 eye patients in Gbongan, Osun State hometown of Justice Babalakin, where many surgeries were carried out while a large number of eye glasses were also distributed to the needy. ”The Foundation replicated this in Owo Local Government Area, where more than 4,000 patients were treated. But, we felt,

we would not be fulfilled if we fail to come to Zaria to extend this treatment to the people of the Emirate”. He said.

At the closing of the exercise however, ýDr. Babalakin (SAN) who was physically present told the Emir that, surgery was carried out on over 1,000 patients, while thousands of others received eye glasses and medications as the case maybe.

While presenting eye glasses to some of the patients who have been operated upon, Dr. Babalakin said, the gesture was in remembrance of his mother’s birthplace and celebration of the Emir on his 40th year on throne.

He, however, promised the Emir that, as he is going back, he will think of other areas through which he can further touch the lives of the people of Zaria.

Responding, the Emir, Alhaji Shehu Idris commended Babalakin for his tireless efforts towards assisting humanity and prayed that, God will continue to assist and uplift him.

Earlier, the Chief Imam of the Zazzau Emirate Council had showered prayers on Babalakin inside the Emir’s Palace.

Some of the over 10,000 beneficiaries of the free eye treatment commended the founder of RIBF for his philanthropic gesture, praying that God will replenish him in multiple folds.

Hauwa Umar, one of the patients who went through surgery said, she had been suffering from glaucoma for quiet sometimes now, but thanked Babalakin who has finally made her regain her sight.

‘We are here to tell the royal father and other traditional rulers in the district that a new policing era has come to Kogi State. I am in the state to uphold police professional excellence and we should not be partisan because we are not politicians…We are appealing to the Ohinoyi of Ebira land to talk to his subjects not to indulge in any form of violence as police would not spare any one found disrupting societal peace.

The era of arrest and release without prosecution is over. We cannot allow miscreants to be tarnishing the good image of Ebira people’ explore peace and reconciliation on issues that breed unhealthy rivalry among Anebira in general.

Interestingly, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Samuel Ogunjemulusi had warned those who use masquerade as subterfuge to unleash terror on innocent citizens to desist or face the wrath of the law.

Mr. Ogunjemulusi had called on traditional rulers in the area to keep their masquerades in check to avoid being used by hoodlums, even as he called for synergy be-

The blind see in Zaria •Continued from page 31

emirate, especially, the masses.

“That is why I suggested that, since Dr. Babalakin is an Optometrist and a philanthropist, he should come to the aid of my people who are visually impaired.” He said.

While asking his subjects to pray for the founder of Babalakin Foundation and repose of his mother’s soul, the Emir told them to take advantage of Babalakin’s magnanimity to address their visual challenges and other related diseases Earlier in his address, Dr. Babalakin who was represented by Prof. Ishaq Oloyede said, the exercise has been ongoing in the southern parts of Nigeria for quiet sometime now, but he felt, he has done nothing if people of Zaria where he was born and raised have not benefited.

According to him, “Zaria, formerly known as Zazzau, has been turning out a galaxy

•Dr Babalakin greets the Emir, Alhaji Shehu Idris

‘Dr. Babalakin said the gesture was in remembrance of his mother’s birthplace and celebration of the Emir on his 40th year on throne....He promised to think of other areas through which he can further touch the lives of the people of Zaria’ of stars and it’s the home of the renowned Barewa College that had produced five Nigerian Heads of State, namely Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, Gen. Murtala

Muhammed, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, and Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, not to mention the Premier of the old Northern region, Sir Ahmadu Bello.

“Also in the number of great

TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

Website: http://www.thenationonlineng.com

Page 33

•A part of Abuja

N700bn land for City Centre T

HE vastness of the space and grandeur of the structures may shed some light on why land means so much to the authorities. Bulldozers, a common sight at the seat of federal power, continue to tear down structures, leaving their owners or occupants in tears, while the official explanation is that the city master plan is distorted and that private developers will do a better job.

A sprawling land space valued at N700bn has been provided in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to accommodate a mega-city centre comparable to the sights in places like Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. The Minister of the FCT, Senator Bala Mohammed allocated 21 hectares of prime land in the Central Business District for the Abuja City Centre project.

The project which is expected to attract private investment will comprise a national mall, condominiums or privatelyowned buildings, shopping and office complexes, five-star hotels and recreational facili-

From Gbenga Omokhunu and Grace Obike

ties.

Mohammed stated that the project apart from providing critical infrastructure for the Federal Capital Territory is also expected to generate over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Minister, Muhammad Sule, said in a statement that the minister announced this while handing over the plot of land to the consortium, adding that the project is for a mixed-use development expected to define the character of the FCT. Senator Mohammed who was represented by the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Adamu Ismaila, stated that the over 21 hectares of land is on plots 1532 and 1533 within the Central Business District, Abuja.

His words, “The N700 billion (about 3.5 US Dollars) project will comprise of a National Mall, condominiums, shopping and office complexes, 5-Star hotels and recreational facilities”.

‘The project which is expected to attract private investment will comprise a national mall, condominiums or privately-owned buildings, shopping and office complexes, five-star hotels and recreational facilities’ “He reiterated that the architectural philosophy is in tandem with the modern and contemporary design concept of Work, Live and Play.

“According to him, the project apart from providing critical infrastructure for the Federal Capital Territory is also expected to generate over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs.

“Senator Mohammed remarked

that since the declaration of interest by the investors, the FCT Administration has been able to execute a development agreement with the consortium and has also incorporated a special purpose company, ‘City Centre Development Limited’, to execute, operate and manage the project.

“The consortium had obtained the approval of the Development Control after it finalised the struc-

tural and other associated designs of the City Centre in addition to securing robust technical and financial partnerships for the effective execution of the project, he stressed.

“Speaking earlier, the Chairman of Chicason Group, Chief Alex Chika Okafor noted that the Abuja City Centre project is designed to be a premium mixeduse real estate development with multiple towers including Upscale Residential, First Class Developments for offices and retail spaces, 5-Star Hotels and a World Class National Park at the centre of the development.

“Our development partner in the project, Eagle Hills of Abu Dhabi, is a world-class premier developer and a related company to the EMMAR Group with signature developments in Dubai, Singapore, USA, UK, Malaysia, Turkey, Egypt, Belgrade etc,” he added.

“The chairman assured that with the commencement of work at site, the project launch work would be carried out later in the year when the sales centre and show room will be ready.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

34

ABUJA REVIEW

T

HE bars of prison have not repressed the excellence of inmates at the Kuje jail. No fewer than 31 inmates there had 69 distinctions at the November-December 2014 West Africa Examination Council Senior Secondary School Examination (SSCE). The high-flying candidates have already received their certificates.

The certificates were presented by the representative of the Controller General of Prisons, Deputy Controller of Prisons (DCP), Musa Tanko.

A total of 38 inmates were enrolled for the examination in Kuje Prison. The 2014 examination was the fifth West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) examination conducted in Kuje prison since its inception in the year 2010 to 2014.

Out of the 38 inmate candidates that sat for the examination, 31 results were released while 7 results are withheld.

From the released results, a total of 67 distinctions, 94 credits, 73 passes and 41 failures were recorded.

Speaking at the occasion, DCP Tanko reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian Prisons Service to humane confinement, reformation and rehabilitation of those in its custody noting that assisting inmates to have access to educational opportunities at all levels is one notable way of keeping their hope of successful return to the larger society alive.

He further stated that Kuje Prison has continue to record impressive inmates participation in external examinations since the programme started in 2010 which has culminated in close to 41 of the prisoners taking up various degree programmes in the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Special Study Centre in the Prison.

He thanked NUGA BEST, a nongovernmental organisation for

I

NDIGENOUS people of Dagbalo and Akpajenjiya communities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have concluded arrangements to send a petition against the Minister of the territory, Senator Bala Mohammed to the International Criminal Court (ICC) at the Hague over what they described as inhuman and undemocratic treatment.

Leader of Dagbalo community in Apo, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) Rev. Danjuma Tanko who made this known to journalists at a press briefing in Abuja, ex-

‘The commitment of the Nigerian Prisons Service to humane confinement, reformation and rehabilitation of those in its custody noting that assisting inmates to have access to educational opportunities at all levels is one notable way of keeping their hope of successful return to the larger society alive’

•Kuje prison

First-class brains behind Kuje bars From Gbenga Omokhunu

sponsoring the registration of the inmates in 2014 and called on other good spirited members of the society to support this laudable human

development project in the prison particularly in the areas of free lecture delivery, supply of relevant textbooks/learning aids and means to facilitate early registration of candidates in order to give life a

new meaning for those in incarceration.

The center according to the Prison Public Relations Officer, FCT Command, Chukwuedo Humphrey, could have recorded more success

if: “the following problems and challenges encountered in the previous examinations were properly tackled before the 2014 examination: late and inadequate preparation of the students, lack of conducive learning environment and atmosphere, lack of comfortable reading, learning desks, chairs, inadequate and insufficent recommended text books/writing material, lack of subject teachers to prepare inmates for examination and late registration due to lack of funds.

“While we sincerely appreciate the effort of the prison authority and all our sponsors, we still want to use this medium to appeal to all concern to come to our aid in tackling the above mentioned problems and challenges before the 2015 examination because we already have over 100 inmates that have indicated their interest in this year examination.”

Indigenous communities take minister to ICC From Gbenga Omokhunu

pressed sadness over the continuous silent of the minister on the situation against the natives, saying that about five Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) have been consulted over the matter to make necessary arrangement to sue the minister to the ICC. Tanko said, as a result of selfishness, greed and corruptible means of acquiring wealth, the adminis-

tration has cause an untold hardship to the communities, making reference to the incident that occurred about two years ago on July 30th 2013, when pick van fully loaded with armed soldiers invaded their communities and forced them out, demolishing their houses, farm lands, destroying their economic trees in one day.

He said that the singular act of wickedness was perfected as a result of lucrative position the com-

•A physically challenged voter being accredited at Garki Primary School unit in Abuja

munity occupied and the FCT administration’s interest made it easy to abuse the natives of the communities without human face to provide an alternative for the people.

“It’s in the light of this embarrassing behaviour of our leaders, which made us to see the necessity of the rule of law and it should be allowed to be the protector of the common man. We are also calling for oversight probe of the FCT Minister, for him to account for all the money budgeted for six years in the of resettlement and compensation of Abuja indigenes,” he said.

He also accused the minister of using forceful tactics to take over of their homes thereby causing hardship and death to natives of their communities, saying that the time has come to put a stop to the wickedness that the FCTA is inflicting on their communities.

“Our major reason for taking the

FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed to the ICC is to make them account and pay for all the mal administration done to our people. What is the minister’s interest to acquire lands for himself, children and friend at the expense of the original owners.

“I want to make it abundantly clear to Nigerians that Federal Government has never in any way acquired the Abuja land. What the FCT administration is doing is to use force to seize our land without any meaningful compensation and some the places suffering displacement includes, Maitaima, Karu, Nyanya, Kubwa, Jabi, Karmo, Gudu, Garki, Gwarinpa and several other communities,” he said.

Tanko further called on the president not to appoint any person who is not an indigenes of Abuja as a Minister of the FCT, in order to avoid ressetlement catastrophe in future.

‘I want to make it abundantly clear to Nigerians that Federal Government has never in any way acquired the Abuja land. What the FCT administration is doing is to use force to seize our land without any meaningful compensation and some the places suffering displacement includes, Maitaima, Karu, Nyanya, Kubwa, Jabi, Karmo, Gudu, Garki, Gwarinpa and several other communities’

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

35

ABUJA REVIEW

O

VER 1, 435 graduates have benefited from one year internship programme in the federal government initiated Graduate Internship Scheme (GIS) under the supervision of the Ministry of Finance and Ultimax Consult Limited and established with an intention of building the capacity of youths and exposing them to necessary experience needed for successful business and career.

GIS Project Director, Mr. Peter Papka, who made this known at the graduation ceremony in Abuja, where 127 graduates completed their one year internship programme, reaffirmed that the GIS was meant to improve the work ethics, orientation and provide employability skills needed to improve their personal and career development skills.

Papka, who was represented by an official of the scheme, Mr. Alhasan Samaila, noted that over

1,435 benefit from graduate scheme From Gbenga Omokhunu

21,000 graduates out the 50,000 targeted have exited the scheme in its two years of introduction, with most of them retained by their host firms, while some have been self employed with the skills acquired skills.

He further disclosed that FCT has over 1,435 beneficiaries and 544 firms that have been verified and approved to take in graduates for internship, providing them with necessary mentorship.

He reminded them that GIS was part of government’s effort in contributing to their capacity for effective service, especially through staff assessment, official etiquette, staff

‘The GIS was meant to improve the work ethics, orientation and provide employability skills needed to improve their personal and career development skills’ management and development through structured mentorship and other critical areas which are necessary for the growth of any firm.

In the presence of their employer representatives, the interns ex-

•Voters at a polling unit in Maitama area, Abuja

•Children during Palm Sunday Mass at St. John Catholic Church, Bauchi

•Voters waiting to vote after accreditation at Cover Hausa Primary School, Nasarawa State

pressed gratitude to the federal government for initiating such a wonderful programme that had transformed their lives.

However, Blessing Samuel and Anthony Balogun who were among

•Ever-busy Mararaba deserted during the election.

the beneficiaries in their submissions said that the programme has improved their inter-personal relationship skills and confidence level, calling on the federal government to increase awareness of the scheme to enable graduates especially at the rural areas benefit from the scheme.

Speaking on the gains of GIS, an employer representative, Blessing Titilayo, accepted that the arrival of the interns to her organisation has turn around the company’s revenue generation and sued for it sustenance by the government.

Meanwhile, 167 fresh graduates have been inducted into the scheme for a fresh one year internship programme under the supervision of Ministry of Finance and Tenex Zil consulting Limited.

PHOTO: AKIN OLADOKUN

•An elderly woman casting her vote in the Northern area

PHOTO: AKIN OLADOKUN

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

36

ABUJA REVIEW

F

OR his efforts in sport development in the past six years, some young professionals here and abroad last week promised to vote for President Goodluck Jonathan in last Saturday’s presidential elections.

The youths at an elaborate ceremony at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, maintained that Jonathan has reformed sport in Nigeria and brought it to winning ways.

Besides laurels and medals to Nigeria at the federal level under Dr. Jonathan, the youths also recalled that he inspired many laurels that were won by Bayelsa State when he was the governor and deputy governor of the state.

To ensure that there is no downturn in the achievements in the sector in the next four years, they said their votes will go to Jonathan.

Reeling out the achievements of the president in sports, the Sports Minister Tammy Danagogo said no former president or head of state in Nigeria achieved Jonathan’s feat in sports.

He formally presented a book at the occasion chronicling the achievements of the president.

The book by Sola Ojewusi was titled:’GEJ Sport Vision Group: A Special Tribute to Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan GCFR President, Federal Republic of Nigeria.’

Part of a chapter of the book titled ‘A performer’s advent’ reads: “In 2013, for instance, apart from the Super Eagles winning the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the third time after a nineteen-year hiatus, the U-17 team, Golden Eaglets, again conquered the world, making history as the first team to win the cup a fourth time.”

“Before the year ended, Super Eagles confirmed their place at the next World Cup in Brazil, becoming the first African nation to do so with a hard-won victory over Ethiopia.”

“2014 followed with resounding successes by the national athletic teams conquering Africa in junior and senior categories before proceeding to make us all proud at the Commonwealth Games.”

“It was also the year of great soccer feats by Nigerian women teams at the Under-20 World Cup and the African Women Championship..

“For the first time in a long, long time, Nigerians can celebrate again, they can rush into the streets to celebrate long-awaited

T

Sports for votes victories. Our flags, long absent at moments of sporting honours, were seen waiving again, with pride and with glory as the nation began to win again,” it stated.

As the event was going on at the Eko Hotel and Suites, which coincided with the final match of the 2015 African Youth Soccer Championship, the crowd went haywire when it was announced that the Flying Eagles of Nigeria beat their Senegalese counterpart to win the championship.

Winning the championship that Sunday earned the Flying Eagles a record seventh African Youth Championship success.

Gold medalist, Blessing Okagbare, who spoke through Skype in a documentary at the event, maintained that President Jonathan has been more than a coach to the sports sector in the past six years.

The youths at the event, coordinated by the former Super Eagles captain Austin Okocha, gave their word to the President that they would vote for him in the election so that the laurels and trophies

From the Villa

By Augustine Ehikioya would continue to come to Nigeria.

While the youths felt that by voting for President Jonathan they were voting for sports development, the President believed that votes from the sector should be for him because of his record in the sector.

Even though the electoral system does not allow for identifying and tracing of votes to individuals and groups in order to ascertain who

they voted for, the President, no doubt, felt that the election should be payback time for him from the sector because of his support for sports.

Jonathan and Presidential election result Despite reports by some groups predicting victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Candidate, Gen.

Muhammadu Buhari in last Saturday’s election, President Goodluck Jonathan on the eve of the election still urged all political parties and candidates to accept the outcome of the elections.

This statement by the President in a national broadcast has not only shown him again as a simple man, but also given credit to his claim that he has not lost sleep due to the election, where he was contesting for second term in office.

While also advising Nigerians that elections should never be mistaken for war or opportunity to set fellow citizens against each other, he said that no political ambition can justify violence or bloodshed.

It is hoped that this call will really be heeded by parties’ supporters in order to take Nigeria’s democracy to a higher hieght.

Once rigging and manipulation are kept out of the system, most Nigerians will definitely welcome the outcomes of the March 28th elections.

Teachers want food vendors monitored

HE head teacher of Local Education Authority (LEA) Primary School in Angwandodo community in Gwagwalada area council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mallam Ahmed Shangalo had said that government should set-up machinery to monitor and make adequate supervision of food vendor in schools and public palace to enhance healthy living.

Shangalo who made the call at the 2015 World Consumer Rights Day at Angwandodo community, said Consumer Protection Fan Club (CPFC) in the LEA primary school is a unique club that was established in to help the pupils to know their rights and responsibilities as young consumers and invaluable parastatal of the government.

He stressed the need for people to remain healthy and strong, as there is need for people to distinguish between healthy and harmful items.

On her part, the teacher in charge of Consumer Protection Fan Club (CPFC), LEA primary school in

From Gbenga Omokhunu

Angwandodo, Mrs. Ogu-Chinma Chinyere, said consumer protection fan club was created out of passion for young consumers, whom they feel should be able to know their rights and responsibilities, so as to protect them from being unduly taken advantage of some manufacturers and producers.

Chinyere said such knowledge will help them to be able to identify and avoid substandard products and services, that humble assertion has been proven right by the recognition of the club by consumer protection council.

According to her, it has made members of the club to share information about things they have learnt amongst people in their immediate environment, saying that their young consumers have also been taught about their rights and responsibilities as consumers, how to check their BB (Best Before), PD (Production Date) and BN (Batch Number) and how to shop and make complaints about defective and expired production.

•Voters waiting for INEC accreditation after a delay at the Presidential Villa Unit 021 and 022 in Abuja

37

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

LAW & SOCIETY A Lagos lawyer, AKINPELU AYOKUNLE OLUWATOBI, in this article, examines the constitutional implications of the continued appointment of local council Caretaker committees by governors and says it is illegal

Appointment of local council caretakers: a constitutional abberation

L

OCAL Government Councils are a cre ation of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The essentiality of the Constitution’s supremacy has been succinctly stated in Section 1 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFRN) 1999 (3rd Alteration) as follows: “the Constitution is supreme and its provision shall have a binding force on the authorities and persons throughout the Federal Republic of Nigeria”. The purport of this section is clearly understood and has received judicial pronouncement by Nikki Tobi JSC in the case of Chief Olafisoye v Federal Republic of Nigeria (2004) 4 NWL R (Pt. 864) 580where he stated:”As our country is sovereign, so too our Constitution and this court (Supreme court) will always bow or kowtow to the sovereign nature of our Constitution, a sovereignty which gives rise to its supremacy over all laws of the land, including decisions by foreign courts”. It is therefore clear that the courts are ready to protect the sanctity of the Constitution and would not allow any individual or authority to subjugate the position of the Constitution either by actions or other enactments.

The Constitution as the grundnorm provides for the effective and efficient administration of the country; especially as to continued governance and change of administration. Section 1 (2) CFRN 1999 (3rd alteration) states clearly: “the Federal Republic of Nigeria shall not be governed nor shall any persons or group of persons take control of the government of Nigeria or any part thereof, except in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.” The whole essence of this section is definitely to ensure that the arms of government especially the executive arm which is always susceptible to military intervention is properly administered by the dictates of the Constitution. The Constitution further went ahead to clearly create the various levels of government in Nigeria, as well as creating the procedures for occupying those sacred offices. Section 130 (1)& (2) CFRN 1999 (3rd Alteration) states: “There shall be for the Federation a President. The President shall be the Head of State, the Chief Executive of the Federation and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federation.”Section 132 CFRN 1999 further states that: “An election to the office of President shall be held on a date to be appointed by the Independent National Electoral Commission.” The combined effect of the two provisions of the

Constitution would literally mean that Nigeria is to be governed by a president andsuch office can only be occupied after the conduct of elections by the electoral umpire, INEC. Section 176 CFRN 1999 (3rd Alteration) also creates the office of the governor, stating in Section 178, that there must be conduct of election into the office. There however seems to be a vacuum thereafter as the Constitution suddenly became silent on the local government councils. However, a recourse to Section 8 CFRN 1999 (3rd Alteration) would be seen to have taken care of the vacuum.

Section 8 states: The system of local government by democratically elected local government councils is under this Constitution guaranteed…” The Constitution further went to create an independent electoral umpire for the council elections to be known as State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC). Section 4, Part II 3rd Schedule CFRN 1999 (3rd Alteration) succinctly described the functions of SIEC as follows “the Commission shall have power (a) to organise, undertake and supervise all elections to local government councils within the State.” A combined reading of Section 8 CFRN 1999 (3rd Alteration) and Section 4 Part II 3rd Schedule CFRN 1999 (3rd Alteration) can be seen to have clearly created the Local Government Councils as well as ensuring that it is administered by an electoral process. It further states the body to administer the electoral process as well as the composition of the body. The Constitution has definitely not left a vacuum for the administration of the local government councils in Nigeria.

Having therefore established the autonomy of the Local Government Council as an independent level of government; the structure upon which it is to be run must as of necessity be properly defined. Section7 CFRN 1999 (3rd Alteration) has entrusted into the hands of the State Government that responsibility; “… the Government of every State shall, subject to section 8 of this Constitution, ensure their (Local Government Council) existence under a Law which provides for the establishment, structure, composition, finance and functions of such councils.” Once that power has been properly exercised, the government of the state has no responsibility of intermeddlingwith the affairs of the local government council. It should immediately hands off and allow the council conduct its activities in accordance with the various pro-

visions of the Constitution. Fortunately, most state governmentshave put into place a mimic presidential system of government at the Local Government Areas; a system whereby there is the Office of the Executive Chairman, who exercises the executive powers of the Local Government Council and also the Legislative Council comprising of different ward members exercising the legislative powers of the Local Government Area.

This is definitely in line with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

However, having obeyed the provision of the Constitution in Section7 CFRN 1999 (3rd Alteration) in establishing the structures for the administration of the Local Government Areas, the State Governors have wilfully circumvented the Constitution by installation of Caretaker Chairmen pending the conduct of local government elections which in many cases are never conducted. This definitely is an aberration of the Constitution and gross misconduct by the State Governors. The governors having sworn an oath to protect the Constitution have put themselves in the position of custodians of same; this oath must therefore be kept religiously without any deviation. Appointment of caretaker chairmen is a direct violation of Section 1 (2) & 8 CFRN 1999 (3rd alteration), as such official have not been elected by the prescribed procedure of the Constitution. The Constitution as the grundnorm is therefore being breached by the custodians saddled with the responsibility to protect her.

The Constitution in ensuring her personal sacredness has declared any act of violation as gross misconduct; the interpretation section under Part I Fifth Schedule Paragraph 19 CFRN 1999 (3 rd alteration) clearly defines gross misconduct as: “misconductmeans breach of the Oath of Allegiance or oath of office of a member or breach of the provisions of this Constitution or a misconduct of such nature as amounts tobribery or corruption or false declaration of assets and liabilities.” The Constitution has further gone ahead to declare severe punishment for any public official who commits suchConstitutional breach. It clearly provides that in instances where such Constitutional breach is committed by the President, Vice-President, Governors, Deputy Governors; they become liable to impeachment.Section 143 CFRN 1999 (3rd alteration) declares as follows: “(1) The Presi-

•Akinpelu

dent or Vice-President may be removed from office in accordance with the provisions of this section. (2) Whenever a notice of any allegation in writing signed by not less than one-third of the members of the National Assembly: (a) is presented to the President of the Senate; (b) stating that the holder of the office of President or Vice-President is guilty of gross misconduct in the performance of the functions of his office…” Also, Section 188 CFRN 1999 (3rd alteration) declares as follows: “(1) The Governor or Deputy Governor of a state may Removal of Governor beremoved from office in accordance with the provisions or Deputy Governor of this sectionfrom office.(2) Whenever a notice of any allegation in writing signed by not less than one-third of themembers of the House of Assembly(b) stating that the holder of such office is guilty of gross misconduct in the performance ofthe functions of his office…” It is therefore clear from the foregoing provisions and combined interpretation of the various provisions that the installation of caretaker chairmen is a gross violation of the Constitution for which erring governors that continue to luxuriate in such illegality need to be impeached forthwith.

AkinpeluAyokunleOluwatobi- Lagos based Lawyer.

Being the text of the lecture delivered by Femi Falana (SAN) at the Social Weekend at the Life Theological Seminary, Ikorodu, Lagos State on March 21.

Beyond 2015 General Elections: Delivering Election Promises allowed to conduct the general election without interference. Thirdly, that the successful conclusion of the election will lead to a peaceful transition. In addressing the three assumptions I am not unaware that Nigerians have been assured by the federal government that the handover date of May 29, 2015 remains sacrosanct. Notwithstanding such assurance there are genuine fears that the imminent post election violence will lead to a disruption of the fragile democratic process.

It is against this atmosphere of uncertainty that we shall x-ray the programmes of the political parties vis-à-vis the fundamental objectives and directive principles of State Policy which all elected public officers are obligated to implement in the national interest.

•Falana

INTRODUCTION HE topic of our discourse is anchored on three related assumptions. Firstly, that the rescheduled elections will not be further shifted for security reasons.

Secondly, that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will be

T

The Subversion of the Political Transition It is indisputable that the on-going campaign has polluted the democratic space.

Tension has gripped the land as armed thugs are killing and maiming innocent people.

Last month, the National Human Rights Commission confirmed that 58 people had been killed in political violence within a period of three months. Since then, scores of others have been hacked to death.

Instead of arresting and prosecuting the perpetrators of such mindless violence the

heads of the police and other security agencies are celebrating the signing of peace pacts by political leaders. Last week, a security chief merely expressed concern over the growing wave of politically motivated killings in the Rivers state.

From the information at my disposal both the SSS and the Police had personnel at the venues of the political rallies where the killings took place. Yet no one has been arrested and prosecuted. By the way, the prosecution of all criminal suspects has been put on hold in Rivers State, like many other states in the federation, where the doors of the courts have been locked up by judicial staff who have been on strike since last year.

On account of official impunity the police have refused to arrest and ensure the prosecution of political parties and candidates that have continued to contravene the provisions of the Electoral Act. For instance, some highly place politicians have been allowed to induce voters with dollars, rice, salt etc contrary to section 124 of the Electoral Act. The owners of some electronic and print media have joined reactionary politicians in spreading the gospel of hate in contravention of section 90 of the Electoral Act. Religious leaders who should speak out against the country’s inexorable descent to anarchy are alleged to have collected billions of Naira

from corrupt politicians. At the end of a meeting recently hosted by a governor in one of the south/south region, a group of ex-militants threatened to resume hostilities and stop the production of oil if President Jonathan is not re-elected by the Nigerian people.

Contrary to the provisions of the Constitution which have conferred the exclusive powers on the INEC to fix dates for all national elections the National Security Adviser and service chiefs instigated a postponement of the general elections by six weeks on account of the planned onslaught against the terrorists in the north east region. With assistance from the multinational force drawn from Benin, Chad, Cameroon and Niger Republics the armed forces have retaken the several towns and villages which had been illegally seized and occupied in the north east region by the forces of insurgency.

Since the prosecution of the war on terror has not been concluded there are fears that the rescheduled election may be further shifted. The ruling party has taken advantage of the inefficient distribution of the Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) to call for the use of temporary voters cards.

•To be continued nextweek

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

38

LAW & SOCIETY

Lawyer calls for Judicial autonomy A

SENIOR lawyer, Chief Ladi William (SAN), has called for the autonomy of the judiciary from other arms of government. To him, it will reduce corruption, promote efficiency, hard work at the Bar and Bench which will ultimately lead to the enhancement of the legal profession. Chief Williams, the scion of the late legal luminary, Chief Rotimi Williams, said this at the 4th Annual Chief Judge’s Dinner and maiden Awards Night organised by the Anambra State Judiciary, Awka, the state capital.

He spoke on the topic: “Enhancing the legal profession, the role of the Bench and Bar” where he highlighted the urgent need to cure judicial corruption and inefficiency to enhance the legal profession.

In his welcome address, Anambra State Chief Judge, Justice Peter N. C. Umeadi, who hosted the programme, thanked everybody for finding time to grace the event, which was not only great and fantastic in planning and organisation, but rich in attendance and presentations.

Justice Umeadi said: “Having arrived at the 4th Annual CJ’S dinner, I think that the aim would be to continue to lay building blocks on the agreed mould, which this yearly dinner would take. It is essentially a dinner for the Judiciary of Anambra State where we have the pleasure to invite our guests from the Executive and Legislative arms of government of Anambra State.

“It is hoped that as each edition come, the dinner will serve as a platform for the three arms of government in Anambra State to talk to each other without rancor at once under one roof. We hope too that the presence of fun and festive atmosphere would elicit candour to enable the three arms of government to discover ways in which they could better relate for the smooth running of the machinery of government in the state for the utmost benefit of its people.”

He continued: “The planning committee, in this 4th Annual CJ’s dinner added for the first time an award night. The innovation was approved and guideline for all times is that such an ward would be available to persons, who have in one way or another been of service to the Judiciary of Anambra State in particular and Nigeria in general. The Judiciary of Anambra State is the third arm of the Government of Anambra State, that government comprise the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary.

“Much as the Judiciary is a component part of government, it occupies a peculiar position where it is expected to act as an arbiter between the Executive and Legislative arms and even in cases and issues, which are between either the Executive or Legislature, against the Judiciary, such as the recent issue of financial autonomy for the Judiciary “It is for this sake that the Judiciary is to be excused when it seeks to distance itself in order to adjudicate on issues without fear or favour, affection or ill will. It is therefore, for proven services to the Judiciary of Anambra State that the maiden award of the Chief Judge of Anambra State would be bestowed on the following eminent and distinguished persons as follows: The Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie M. Obiano in recognition of his support, phenomenal and unprecedented development of infrastructure in the Judiciary of Anambra StateGovernor Theodore A. Orji of Abia State, in recognition of his

By John Austin Unachukwu

nobility in transcending frontiers in appointments in the Judiciary of Abia State.

He said Justice Anthony I Iguh JSC (rtd), was recognised in recognition of his role as a model and pioneer Chief Judge of Anambra State, who ended up as Justice of the Supreme Court and for many years a member of National Judicial Council. “Before that he was a former Chairman, Judicial Service Commission, Anambra State. Justice Chinwe Amechi, in recognition of His Lordship, laid the foundation as the pioneer President of Customary Court of Appeal, Anambra State. He is a former Judge of High Court of Anambra State and member, Judicial Service Commission of Anambra State,” Justice Umeadi said.

Chief Ladi Williams, he noted, was recognised for his strides as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and pivotal impetus of his family to the development of the legal profession in Nigeria and Africa as a whole. “There are nine certificates of merit to be won by Judiciary staff voted for their assiduous application to duty spanning the seven Judicial Divisions of the High Court and two from the Customary Court of Appeal. The overall winning Judicial unit shall also be present with a plaque,” he said.

He continued: “To the Legislature, we plead that Judiciary budget as presented appraised realistically.

An issue came up when the Judiciary tried to take care of its own contribution to the functioning of the Elections Tribunals in Anambra State. The Hon. Members of the House took a dim view and posited that it is the Court of Appeal that is saddled to perform those functions and therefore, the Judiciary of the state had no business making such provisions.

“But that does not represent the reality on the ground, the majority of infrastructure used in election petitions are owned, managed and provided by the host Judiciary of the state. Even the generators and the diesel are run by the host Judiciary, we suggest a more liberal approach.”

Speaking on the disciplinary methodology in the Judiciary, Chief Ladi Williams (SAN) said: “The disciplinary mechanism of the National Judicial Council (NJC) is provided for under Section 21(b)(d) of the Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution (as Amended). Under the section the National Judicial Council is em powered to investigate or inquire into complaints on the conduct of judges in order to determine their suitability to continue as judicial officers and recommend their removal from office to the pesident or the governor as the case may be.”

He said: “In exercising this disciplinary control, the National Judicial Council engages in the following: receiving complaints, conducting investigation into the complaint, asking judge to respond to the complaint, hearing from the person, who made the complaint and taking decision either exonerating the judge or in serious cases recommending that the judge be sanctioned. (See generally, In Re Disciplinary Action Against Graham, 453 N.W. 2 nd 313 (1990) (Supreme Court of Minnesota; In Re Application for Discipline of Peterson 260 Minn. 399, 344, 110 N.W. (2 nd ) (1961). For timely judicial reform, we must continue to emphasise on corruption, not because it is prevalent, but because it is totally unacceptable in our profession.”

•From left: Justice Iguh, Justice Umeadi and Chief Williams (SAN).

•From left: Justice David Onyefulu, Justice D.C. Maduechesi, Justice Ifekandu S., Justice Joe Iguh and Justice R.O. Olukwo.

•From left: Gerald Ezeuko (SAN), Justice Emmanuel Agim (JCA), Arthur Obi Okafor (SAN) and Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN).

•From left: Chairman NBA Awka Branch, Uba Anene, Sir Livi Ugwu, Chairman NBA, Aniocha Branch, Chris Adimora, R.O. Nzekwe and Chairman NBA Umuahia Branch, Amara Onubogu.

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

39

LEGAL OPINION

Police arraign man for robbery

A

23-YEAR-OLD man, Damilare Oshikoye, has been arraigned before an Ikeja Chief Magistrate Court for alleged robbery.

Oshikoye was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Mrs A.O Komolafe on a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy and robbery.

The prosecutor, Eranus Ibekwe Nnamonu, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), told the court that the defendant and others at large, conspired amongst themselves to commit felony to wit; robbery and thereby, committed

By Peace Iyere

an offence, adding that the offence was committed on February 28, at field Powerline, Odogunyan, Ikorudu Lagos State.

According to him, the defendant and others at large on the same day robbed Chinyere Nwanko of one Blackberry Touch 2 valued N17,000, a Nokia Asha phone valued N13,000, a woman handbag valued N3,000 and also cash sum of N110,000 totalling N143,000.

The prosecutor told the court that the offences committed are contrary to and punishable under

Sections 409 and 295 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2011.

The defendant pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to him.

Chief Magistrate Komolafe granted him a N100,000 bail with two sureties in the like sum and who must be a blood relation.

The sureties must also have evidence of tax payment within the last three year, swore to an affidavit of means and also verification of sureties addresses.

She adjourned the case till April 30, 2015.

LAW AND PUBLIC POWER

with gabriel AMALU email:gabrielamalu1@yahoo.com For comments: 08033054939 (sms only)

Smart card readers that can’t read

A

•From left: Yusuf Ali, APC Governorship candidate in Plateu State, Simon Lalong, former Second Vice President, NBA Steve Abar and Director-General Legal of Lalong Campaign Organisation, Jonathan Mawiyau at the Justice sector stakeholders interactive session in Jos, Plateau State.

Bi-Courtney: Debt dispute may shift to Supreme Court

T

HE Asset Management Cor poration of Nigeria (AMCON) may head for the Supreme Court in a bid to recover its alleged N50billion debt from BiCourtney Limited, the concessionaire of the Murtala Muhammad Airport, Terminal 2 Lagos.

The Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, last Wednesday dismissed AMCON’s appeal against a ruling

by Justice Ibrahim Buba of the Federal High Court in Lagos over an alleged N50 billion debt owed by Bi-Courtney Group.

The ruling nullified an order appointing a former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) president, Mr Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) as the receiver/Manager over the assets of Bi-Courtney, its Chairman, Dr Wale Babalakin (SAN), Chartered Investment Limited, Resort International Limited and Roygate Properties Limited.

Justice Buba had held that the order by his colleague, Justice Okon Abang, was made in error and should not have been given when there were pending cases and subsisting orders on the same case.

According to him, the true facts were not disclosed to Justice Abang.

“This court, no doubt, has been misled,” the judge said.

The appellate court presided over

by Justice Sidi Bage upheld Justice Buba’s ruling. It added that the circumstances under which AMCON obtained the ex- parte order against Bi-Courtney Group amounted to an abuse of court process.

The court resolved all the issues formulated by the parties against AMCON and dismissed the appeal

By Joseph Jibueze

in its entirety.

The court held that the orders obtained by AMCON were in direct conflict with the subsisting orders of court and AMCON having failed to notify the court of the subsisting orders, and the fact that settlement had broken down, the orders granted by Justice Abang were a nullity.

The Court of Appeal disagreed with AMCON’s contention that the previous suits pending between the parties, in which certain orders were made against AMCON and which orders were still extant, had been compromised and discontinued.

According to Justice Bage, there was nothing in the record to show that the suits had been compromised and to that end, the actions of AMCON in commencing a new action and obtaining ex parte orders that were in direct conflict with subsisting orders of court, amounted to an abuse of the process of court.

The court deprecated AMCON’s conduct and held that a party, who had submitted an issue for the determination of a court in a pending suit, should not take steps to undermine the integrity of the court and the judicial process by filing another action seeking the same reliefs.

The appellate court considered the provisions of Section 49 and 50 of AMCON Act which entitles the corporation to file recovery actions and held that such powers must be properly exercised within the bounds of the law and in accord-

ance with the rule of law.

Babalakin said the Federal Government owes Bi-Courtney N132billion. According to him, the company is not indebted to AMCON. The senior advocate said the Federal High Court sitting Abuja ordered the Federal Government, represented by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN), to pay BiCourtney the sum.

In the order made by Justice G. Olotu on April 5, 2012 in a suit numbered FHC/ABJ/CS/50/09, the judge had directed the AGF to pay N132, 540,580,304.00 to BiCourtney “being the sum due to be rendered and remitted to the applicant (Bi-Courtney).”

The judge also directed Adoke “to mandatorily compel” the affected government institutions and bodies to make the payment “without any further delay” to BiCourtney.

“Justice Olotu also made “an order directing the defendant/respondent, being the Chief Law Officer and legal representative of the government, to set off from the above mentioned sum of N132, 540,580,304.00 on any claims agreed with the plaintiff/applicant to be due from the plaintiff/ applicant to any agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria, including but not limited to the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON),” the court order stated.

Babalakin said AMCON’s assertion that Bi-Courtney is indebted to it is yet to be confirmed by any court.

FTER all the trepidations in the past few weeks over our national elections, Nigerians finally went to the polls last Saturday. Until the elections actually started, many still doubted whether the elections would hold, as all manner of busybodies had initiated one arcane legal challenge or another, to scuttle the elections. There was also fears that the election could yet again be postponed. Many were also really afraid that if the elections held, it will be conducted amidst mayhem and bloodshed, even as the Boko Harem elements that had threatened to disrupt the polls, were in retreat. The preparedness of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), also worried many others.

Thankfully, our common fears over possible violence came to nought, as the election witnessed minor security challenges, across the country.

The real challenge however came from the Smart Card Reader (SMR) that failed to read or play smart, in some polling stations.In my polling station number 059, in Festac Town, Lagos; the SMR became the common enemy of all voters, regardless of theirpartisan interests. While I could haphazard the political preferences of somevoters, as I moved from one group to another, the frustration from the failure of the card reader to perform did not enjoy such discriminations.

The frustration was palpable. Throughout the morning hours, many of the voters endured the delay as they threw banters at one another, while waiting for a solution to the illiterate SCR.The INEC officials also intermittently tried to see whether the equipment could answer its name.

Indeed many of us were confused as to the capabilities of the equipment.

For some, the problem of the card reader stemmed from lack of signals from the INEC headquarters. To solve the challenge, the INEC officials were asked to change their seating position, to aid reception. But no deal.

Some other voters asked the officials to keep trying different voter cards. Again no deal.They were also voters who shuttled between our voting centre and INEC’s office in Festac, to find a solution. When eventually the information filtered in that President Goodluck Jonathan’s card had suffered rejection in the hands of the SCR, I could notice that his supporters, became even more agitated, over the failed card reader. Some canvassed that it was all pre-planned, by INEC and the opposition party, to frustrate the voting centres, which they believed would favour the President’s party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Not to be outdone by their opponents, those disposed to the All Progressive Congress (APC) in their own quiet corners, taunted that the PDP was responsible for the failed card reader. In one dramatic intervention, one man told those gathered aroundhim that it was the card jamming equipment brought in by the Israelis that was at work.

Between those supporting the PDP and the APC, there was however only quietdifferences;no singleconfrontation. As the news that the card readers had malfunctioned in more places, and with the midday stepping in, the frustration enlarged.

By 2.00pm many voters were gone, leaving the diehards to square it out. By this time, the presiding officer quietly left the venue, and I was told she had gone to the INEC office to repair the card reader. Before then, the official had said that an INEC engineer was moving from one polling booth to another to repair the SCR. The idea to go the INEC office came up, after the voters raised their concerns that time was running out. The assistant polling Officers after nearly an hour, made a call, and told those around her that the repairs would soon reach the turn of our card reader.

By this time, the remaining voters were becoming aggressive. As to whether the presiding assistants would now use manual accreditation, as information filtered in that nearby polling booths whose card readers also failed, had started using manual accreditation;the two assistants vehemently refused, stating that they were yet to receive instructions from the state headquarters,Yaba.With this debacle, a few more of thosehanging around, decided to go home. Some others who earlier went home to have some refreshments,were also strolling back to the voting centre, to see whether the card readers had become literate enough, toread the voter’s biometrics,or smart enough to recognise the INEC cards. But not luck.

As if on a queue, one voter few minutes after 3pm made a call, and while still having the phone on, he quietly approached the polling assistant, requesting her to talk to her superior. After a few efforts on the phone, the official announcedthat voters should queue up for manual accreditation. Shortly after, the presiding officer sauntered back, and also announced that INEC headquarters has sanctioned manual accreditation.

When I asked for complaint-forms from the presiding officials, before the manual voting, they claimed not to have any. Some other voters were so anxious to vote that they were not interested in anything that could cause further delay.

By 4.30pm, the officials started getting the voting materials ready, after announcing a total of 123 accredited voters, even as one more person claimed number 124. By about 5.20pm, the first voter cast his vote, and close to 6.00pm, I finally voted. Totally exhausted, I headed home with the frustration that the SCR may have across the country, rendered our high hopes a nullity. Later in the evening, I heard from Professor AtahiruJega that only about 350 card readers failed, out of about 119, 000.

Since this piece went out on Sunday,a day after the elections; while the results and the reactions of the contestants and their parties were awaited, I was only hopeful that all our efforts would not be in vain.

40

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

LAW REPORT

Evidence of suspicion cannot replace legal proof of commission of criminal allegation IN THE COURT OF APPEAL LAGOS JUDICIAL DIVISION HOLDEN AT LAGOS ON FRIDAY, THE 20TH DAY OF MARCH, 2015 BEFORE THEIR LORDSHIPS JOSEPH SHAGBAOR IKYEGH, J.C.A. EUGENIA CHINWE IYIZOBA, J.C.A. SAMUEL CHUKWUDUMEBI OSEJI, J.C.A. CA/L/92/2011 (2015) LPELR-24534(CA) BETWEEN: SUNDAY ASUMOGHA—————————————Appellant And THE STATE——-———————————————-Respondent LEAD JUDGMENT DELIVERED BY JOSEPH SHAGBAOR IKYEGH, J.C.A.

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HE appeal arose from the decision of the High Court of Justice of Lagos State whereby it convicted and sentenced the Appellant to death for the murder of a Mr. Ikechukwu Idoko contrary to Section 319 of the Criminal Code Cap 17 (volume 2) Laws of Lagos State, 2003 (CAP 17 of 2003).

In a nutshell, the deceased had been an apprentice trader under the Appellant, his master. He had lived with the Appellant in the same premises at No. 14, Oduloju Street, Cele Alaba International, Lagos. The deceased was to serve the Appellant for six years. He completed the six years of apprenticeship. The deceased was to be released from the apprenticeship in 2006. The Appellant refused to release him. The deceased continued the apprenticeship. Police investigation through some eye witnesses who were not called to testify indicated that the Appellant had a quarrel with the deceased for returning late in the night to the house on the fateful day of 9-07-07. That in the course of the quarrel a fracas ensued between the Appellant and the deceased. The Appellant was said to have pushed the deceased. The push caused the deceased to fall from the balcony of the second floor of a two storey building. The said fall made the deceased unconscious. According to PW1, a medical doctor, operating a clinic about 50 metres from the said premises, the deceased was brought to his clinic in a state of comatose and gasping in the night of 9-7-07. The deceased bled from the ear and the nose. PW1 concluded the deceased had a fracture at the base of the skull or had head injury. PW1 gave the deceased first aid treatment. From there PW1 referred the deceased to Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). The Appellant and the four other persons that brought the deceased to PW1 took him to LUTH. About the morning of 1007-07, they brought back the corpse of the deceased with the story that there was no oxygen to manage the deceased at LUTH, so they decided to take the deceased to Ikeja Teaching Hospital where he died on the way.

PW1 stated that his hospital which was a primary health care facility had no mortuary,

so the deceased was taken by the Appellant and the four other persons for autopsy at another medical facility.

PW3, a consultant pathologist and specialist or morbid anatomist, did the post mortem examination on the deceased on 10-07-07. He observed that the deceased had external injury comprising bruises and contusion on the right shoulder. The injury extended to the upper hand. According to PW3 there was no other external injury. PW3 stated that upon opening the body they saw fracture of the 5th rib on the left side and collection of about 50 milles of blood on the left side of the chest cavity and collection of 200 milles of blood in the brain. PW3 also stated that the head had no external injury. PW3 opined that the cause of death was due to massive haemorrhage to the brain caused by “blunt forced injury”.

The Appellant’s version was that the deceased was his apprentice and used to stay with him. That the deceased came back to the house late on 9-7-07. He punished the deceased by kneeling. While the deceased was on his knees, he went into his room. Within a short interval one of the Appellant’s brothers rushed into his room to inform him the deceased was seen lying on the ground floor.

He went to the scene. There the Appellant discovered the deceased unconscious. He took the deceased for medical treatment. The deceased did not recover consciousness. He died. The Appellant concluded the deceased jumped to his death from the balcony of the two storey building where they lived.

The High Court accepted the version of the Respondent. It found the Appellant guilty of murder and convicted him as charged. The Appellant was unhappy with the decision of the High Court. He filed a notice of appeal with eight grounds of appeal on 5-11-10, questioning the decision. In his brief of argument the Appellant distilled these issues for determination (a) Whether the testimony of PW3 (consultant Pathologist) was direct evidence and could be relied upon to establish the guilt of the Appellant. (b) Whether the evidence proffered by the

prosecution proved the charge of murder against the Appellant beyond reasonable doubt. (c) Whether the Lower Court properly evaluated the evidence before it, before coming to a finding of guilt of the Appellant.

Arguing the first issue, the Appellant contended that the PW3, a pathologist, was not an eye witness to the crime, nor did the circumstantial evidence surrounding the death of the deceased pin the crime on the Appellant, therefore the lower Court was wrong to hold that the PW3 gave direct evidence of the cause of death of the deceased as having arisen from a fall from a push on a balcony of a two storey building as his said expert evidence is unreliable and does not accord with reason, nor is the expert evidence cogent, compelling and conclusive vide the cases of Attorney-General of Oyo State v. Fairlakes Hotels (1989) 5 NWLR (pt.121) 285; (1989) LPELR-625(SC), Lori v.

State (1980) 1-2 SC 11 at 22; (1980) LPELR1794(SC), Abieke and Anor. v. State (1976) 10 SC 255 at 265; (1975) LPELR-8042(SC), Adepetu v. State (1998) 9 NWLR (pt.565) 185 at 223 -224; (1998) LPELR-135(SC).

Arguing the second issue to the effect that, although the death of the deceased was established, the five witnesses that gave evidence for the Respondent at the lower Court did not establish beyond reasonable doubt the cause of death of the deceased in that the PW1 and the PW2 testified that the deceased sustained head injury from a fall which caused his death; whereas the PW3, the pathologist, testified that the deceased had no external head injury nor fracture of the bone of the head at the time he performed post mortem examination on the deceased on 10-7-07, a day after the incident which, according to the Appellant, is a material contradiction which created reasonable doubt and made it unsafe for the lower Court to base the conviction of the Appellant thereon vide Ogoala v. State (1991) 2 NWLR (pt.175) 509 at 536; (1991) LPELR-2307(SC. He was also argued on the second issue that there is no evidence to link the Appellant with the death of the deceased, nor did the evidence for the Respondent rule out the possibility of the death of the deceased from other causes, so the case against the Appellant that he actually killed the deceased and the cause of the death of the deceased were not proved beyond reasonable doubt vide Gira v. State (1996) 4 NWLR (pt.443) 375; (1996) LPELR-1322(SC), Nwaeze v. State (1996) 2 NWLR (pt.428) 1; (1996) LPELR2091(SC).

Arguing the third issue for determination, the Appellant contended that at best the evidence against the Appellant was based on suspicion which does not take the place of legal proof of

•President, Ghana Bar Association (GBA) Nene Abbayaateye Amegatcher (left) receiving the Vice President (West Africa) Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU), Emeka Obegolu (JP) when the latter led a delegation PALU members on a courtesy call to Abatayaateye in Ghana

an offence beyond reasonable doubt vide Onah v. State (1985) 12 SC 61; (1985) LPELR-2668(SC).

In determining the appeal, the Court held that the lower Court was in error in making use of the statements of the witnesses to the police who did not testify in the case to find that the Appellant was responsible for the death of the deceased by deliberately pushing the deceased to death from a balcony of a two storey building. Onwe v. The State (1975) N.S.C.C. 375 at 381 -382; (1972) LPELR-2708(SC). In addition, the Court noted that the witnesses whose statements were compiled in Exhibit P7 were not presented for cross-examination at the lower Court. The Court stated that it has been held that the evidence of a witness who was not presented for cross-examination or whose evidence was untested under cross-examination by the failure to put him for cross-examination after his evidence-in-chief has no probative value vide the cases of Shofolahan v. State (2013) 17 NWLR (pt.1383) 281 at 320 -321; (2013) LPELR20998(CA), Al Mustapha v. State (2013) 17 NWLR (pt.1383) 350 at 423 -424; (2013) LPELR20995(CA). The Court stated that outside the socalled corroborative evidence of the witnesses that were not called to testify, there is no scrap of evidence, direct or circumstantial, to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the appellant murdered the deceased.

The Court further noted that the other reason the lower Court gave for the conviction of the Appellant was that PW3, the morbid anatomist, gave “direct evidence” of the cause of death of the deceased. The Court noted that PW3 is a pathologist/morbid anatomist. He examined the corpse of the deceased. He did not witness how the deceased met his death. Therefore PW3 was not in a position to give direct evidence of the cause of death of the deceased. The Court held that the lower Court was, accordingly, in error in holding that PW3 gave direct evidence of the cause of death of the deceased. The evidence of PW3 was based on his post mortem examination of the deceased. Thus it is opinion evidence of an expert vide sections 67 -76 (especially Section 68) of the Evidence Act 2011 (Evidence Act) dealing with opinion or expert evidence. The Court held that it is not direct evidence.

Finally the Court noted that flowing from the fact that the Appellant did not admit killing the deceased by pushing him from the balcony of a two storey building, the lower Court went too far in its judgment to hold and infer that because the Appellant was allegedly with the deceased at the material time when there was no firm cogent, compelling and conclusive evidence to lead and did not lead to the irresistible or inevitable/unavoidable conclusion that the Appellant was with the deceased and actually murdered the deceased vide the cases of Ukorah v. State (1977) 4 S.C. 167; (1977) LPELR-3345(SC), Adie v. State (1980) 1 -2 S.C. 116; (1980) LPELR176(SC) and Lori v. State (1980) 1-2 SC 11 at 22; (1980) LPELR-1794(SC). The Court further held that the surrounding circumstances of the case only cast a thick cloud of suspicion on the Appellant that he had the opportunity to kill the deceased. But evidence of suspicion no matter how strong and/or evidence of the opportunity to commit the offence charged cannot replace legal proof of the commission of the criminal allegation against the person charged with the offence vide Abieke and Anor. v. State (1975) N.S.C.C. 404 at 408; (1975) LPELR8042(SC). The Court held that from the pattern of the extra judicial statements of the Appellant in Exhibits P and P1 and his sworn evidence, the Appellant lied on circumstances that led to the death of the deceased; but in the absence of evidence positively linking the Appellant with the death of the deceased and/or that the Appellant in fact killed the deceased, the lies per se and the bad image or demenour of the Appellant in the witness box cannot ground his conviction for the offence charged vide Omogodo v. State (1981) N.S.C.C. 119 at 128; (1981) LPELR-2644(SC) and Okpere v. State (1971) 1 All N.L.R. 1 at 5; (1971) LPELR-2519(SC. In the result, the Court found merit in the appeal and thereby allowed it and quashed the conviction and sentence imposed on the Appellant by the High Court. Accordingly, the Court entered a verdict of not guilty for the Appellant and thereby acquitted and discharged the Appellant of the offence charged.

• Edited by LawPavilion LawPavilion Citation: (2015) LPELR24534(CA)

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THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

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THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

44

SHOWBIZ Bovi thrills fans in Australia

A

S the anticipated ‘Bovi live in Australia’ stormed the cities of Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, Australia earlier in the month, Nigerian comedian, Bovi Ugboma, gave his audience a healthy dose of mirth.

According to reports, the artiste, known for his mega performance and comical prowess, treated the overly excited audience to rib cracking jokes that left them spellbound. Reports also say that the events were sold out with impressive turnout of Nigerians, East Africans and Australians amongst others.

Bovi has been described as a multi award-winning Nigerian comedian, actor, writer, MC, poet and producer extraordinaire. A

Toolz’s biggest fear

By Ovwe Medeme

S

HE might come across as big, bold and beautiful but Nigerian on-air-personality, Tolu Oniru, aka Toolz, nurses a certain fear. According to her, she holds a fear of failure so much that she sometimes talks herself or let people talk her out of doing things because she’s so worried about failure.

“I read somewhere that ‘Failure is a necessary component of success...it is not possible to really succeed without failing first,” she wrote as a meme, posted on her Instagram page. The meme reads; “You are far too smart to be the only thing standing in your way.”

She also has a word for those who are suffering from self-doubt, those who listen to “that silly little voice that says ‘Are you sure you can do this? Are you smart enough?

Or that other person seems to be much better than you’ etc.” The mind, she says, can be a very convincing liar...”so don’t believe everything you think, and limit how much time you spend on negative thoughts. Never ever think you aren’t good enough to succeed...believe you are good enough to try...that’s all that matters. Everything you have and will ever achieve comes from you making an attempt.

Better to try and fail than to end up regretting a whole bunch of things you didn’t even try to do.”

T

•Bovi and Basket mouth

By Ovwe Medeme

graduate of Theatre Arts from Delta State University, he went professional in 2008 and has since grown to become one of the leading

N

•Mannie

By Joe Agbro Jr

‘Mannie and the Angels’ radio show, who won the award for Favourite On-Air Personality Nigeria, defeated fellow nominees, Gbemi OlateruOlagbegi, Tosyn Bucknor and Big Tyme to clinch the most votes from Nigerian kids.

major cities worldwide, including Toronto, Edmonton, Calgary and Winnipeg in Canada, Kharkov, Luhansk and Kiev in Ukraine, Houston USA and London in the United Kingdom

WAPTV named most-watched channel

HIS is cheering news for Wale Adenugaowned WAPTV, as the TV station, which was established in 2012, has been rated the most-watched channel on STARTIMES, Nigeria’s foremost DTT cable platform.

The ranking of this channel, noted for family entertainment, was done by MPS (Media Planning Services) Limited, in its January Media Diary. The platform is known to rank all TV channels across Nigeria, according to viewership and popularity.

MPS is an independent organisation made up of professional media research consultants who provide reliable data, software and associated consultancy training for media planning, buying and control. It is the go-to source for all data, regarding Nigerian media audience,

By Joe Agbro Jr

including newspaper houses, radio stations and both terrestrial and cable TV channels.

Excited with the rating, Managing Director of WAPTV, Wole Adenuga, said, “We are always pleased whenever we hear good news about WAPTV. The heart and soul of any media house is its content and our team works very hard at providing viewers with the right amount of information and education in a very entertaining and interactive package. We are honoured that our daily-increasing viewers enjoy our efforts thus far and we assure them that we have a lot more to come.”

WAPTV which also broadcasts CONSAT and StarSat, is Nigeria’s first pidgin TV channel.

Cool FM’s Mannie, Angelina Jolie, others win big at Nickelodeon awards IGERIA’s Cool FM onair-personalility, Mannie, joins several international celebs, who, last Friday received top honours, at the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards (KCAs) in Inglewood, California, United States.

Mannie, host of the popular

lights in the African comedy terrain, having featured in all the biggest shows within and outside the country.

His one-man stand-up comedy franchise, Bovi Man On Fire has featured in

Voting for this year’s edition of the KCAs took place on 19 localised voting sites across six continents, in addition to twitter hashtag voting.

Mannie joins last year’s winner, Freeze, as the second Nigerian OAP to be recognised at the Kids Choice Awards since inception.

“I cannot believe I won Best OAP in Nigeria at the KCAs 2015... I’m too excited! I am so grateful to everyone that voted for me and I know that this is just the beginning of greater things to come,” he said.

Hosted by recording artist/ actor Nick Jonas, the awards took place at Los Angeles’ legendary “Fabulous” Forum, where kids celebrated their favourites from the worlds of film, music, television and more. Kids from around the world cast more than 500 million votes, a record-breaking tally.

Other big winners at the show included Angelina Jolie, Emma Stone, Jennifer Lawrence and and Spongebob.

T h e international awards had a host of superstar nominees across different award categories such as Troy Sivan

(Favourite Internet Sensation), Iggy Azalea (Favourite Australia/New Zealand Music Act), Alexis Sanchez, Wayne Rooney, Diego Costa, Raheem Sterling (Favourite UK Football Player) and Ed Sheeran, Little Mix, Jessie J and One Direction (Favourite UK Music Act).

In addition to the awards and several thrilling stunts, the 2015 NickelodeonKidsChoiceAwardsalso featured 5-star performances from 5 Seconds of Summer, Iggy Azalea among many other performers.

The star-studded telecast featured additional celebrity participants, including: Jamie Foxx, Emma Stone, Liam Hemsworth, Chris Rock, Zendaya, Echosmith, Josh Gad, Tia Mowry-Hardrict, Grant Gustin, Debby Ryan, Chloe Bennet, Fifth Harmony, Joe Jonas, Nick Cannon, Shawn Mendes, Kaley CuocoSweeting, Kevin James, Mo’ne Davis, Skylar Diggins, Ross Lynch, Quvenzhané Wallis, Meghan Trainor, Jennette McCurdy, Laura Marano, Katherine Herzer, Jennette McCurdy and Bethany Mota, plus cast members from The Haunted Hathaways, Instant Mom, SpongeBob SquarePants, and many others.

•MD WAPTV, Wole Adenuga

Jesse Jagz returns to Chocolate City

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OPULAR rapper, Jesse Jagz Abaga, has returned to his former record label, Chocolate City, if reports are anything to go by.

According to inside sources, the artiste is back with Chocolate City, a label he quitted two years ago, amidst controversy.

Jagz is younger brother of M.I, Vice President of Chocolate City and friend of Ice Prince, another staunch member of the label, but his relationship with the latter could not influence his earlier decision to quit the label.

The singer, rapper and music producer is the head of Jagznation, a label he founded after his exit from Chocolate City in 2013.

Now after two albums, Jagz is set to reunite with his friends and ex-labelmates, M.I Abaga and Ice Prince.

In 2013, Jagz left Chocolate City, the label under which he launched his music career, citing ‘need to focus on his career’ as reason. However, in a recent development, an undisclosed source said; “Jesse is reuniting with Chocolate City,” adding that “a deal has been struck which would enable him return to the label.”

Since leaving Chocolate City, he has released two albums, Jagznation Volume 1 and 2, which has further proved his position in the

By Ovwe Medeme

country as an amazing rapper.

Commenting on the initial departure of the artiste from Chocolate City, MI said; “I think when Jesse left, it was a different relationship than when Brymo left. Generally, the whole affair was very messy, but we had it easier than a lot of other people, if you look at Mohits and the other labels that had issues.

It is a very tough and competitive industry. It is easy for people to write and talk about it, but it is very painful when you are inside. We just wish everybody well in this industry.”

Reports have it further that Jagz’s return will be officially announced by the label in the coming weeks.

• Jesse Jagz

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

45

HEALTH THE NATION

E-mail:- health@thenationonlineng.net

The World Tuberculosis (TB) Day was marked on March 24. According to the Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), the disease remains a public health concern, writes OYEYEMI GBENGA-MUSTAPHA.

‘TB still a pain in the neck’ E

XPERTS are worried about how Nigeria is going about the war against tuberculosis (TB). As the World TB Day was celebrated last March 24, they want Nigeria to step up the campaign against the disease. The theme was: Reach 3 million. Find.

Treat. Cure everyone.

According to statistics, Nigeria is the third among the 11 countries with the highest burden of the disease.

TB is an infectious bacterial disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which most commonly affects the lungs. It is transmitted via droplets from the throat and lungs of people with active respiratory disease.

In healthy people, infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis often causes no symptoms, since the person’s immune system acts to “wall off” the bacteria. The symptoms of active TB of the lung are coughing, sometimes with sputum or blood, chest pains, weakness, weight loss, fever and night sweats.

Tuberculosis is treatable with a sixmonth course of antibiotics.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has called for new commitments and action in the fight against the disease, noting that it is one of the world’s top infectious killers.

According to WHO, there has been progress in recent years, and the world is on track to meet the Millennium Development Goals of reversing the spread of TB by 2015.

Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) is one of the centres dedicated to the research and treatment of TB in the country. According to the Director-General, Prof Innocent Ujah, “Nigeria, despite our control efforts, is among the 11 high TB burden countries that

did not meet any of the MDG 3 targets in reducing TB incidence, prevalence and mortality rates. In addition, Nigeria contributed 15 percent of the 2.4 million missed cases globally, next to India in 2013. However, given that TB is curable, the death toll from the disease is still unacceptably high and efforts to combat it must be accelerated if global targets, set within the context of the MDGs, are to be met.”

Ujah represented by the Head, Public Health Research Group, NIMR, Dr Margaret Mafe, said: “NIMR with its mandate to conduct research on diseases of public health impotance is at the forefront of TB elimination efforts. Due to our research, laboratory support and treatment efforts in TB, a biosafety level 3 (BSL 3) Containment Laboratory was established at the National TB Reference Laboratory (NTBRL) in Yaba, in collaboration with family Health International (FHI), on the first day of July 2013. The BSL 3 Containment Laboratory has installed capacity for TB culture, identification and drug susceptibility testing (DST) by conventional and molecular techniques.

“With new TB diagnostic tools, our NTBRL has harnessed these technologies for the diagnosis of TB, including MDR-TB and XDRTB, which are not amenable to current TB therapeutic options. These technologies have improved the time and sensitivity of TB diagnosis, therefore improving prognosis and quality of life clients on treatment at the DOTS clinic, particularly those co-inected with HIV.” He said on the global scene, the institute is collaborating with countries within sub-Saharan Af-

rica, Europe and America under the auspices of WANETAM, TB Network and IANPHI through research, training and technical collaboration with the TBLCP at the Federal and states’ Ministries of Health, universities and other research institutes and NGOs/CBos ( c o m m u n i t y - b a s e d organisations).”

Former NIMR DG Prof Oni Idigbe said there was the need for experts to find and treat TB patients, saying the disease is preventable, and the fight should be continuous until it is eliminated.

He said the disease is the second cause of death after HIV/AIDS. “So, it is a public health problem, which should be tackled headlong, until it is eliminated,” he said.

A Chief Researcher at NIMR, Dr Dan Onyejekwe, said TB must be declared an emergency, with the spread of multi-drug resistant TB and extra drug resistance TB in the country.

He said: “While great strides have been made to control and cure TB, people still get sick and die from this disease in our country.

Much more needs to be done to eliminate this disease. TB is still a life-threatening problem in Nigeria, despite the declining number of TB cases globally as a resulting of DOTS (directly observed treatment, short course). Anyone can get TB, and efforts to find and treat latent TB infection and TB disease are not sufficient in the country.”

Onyejekwe added: “In recent decades, we’ve seen a surge in the number of people falling ill with strains of TB that are highly resistant to conventional treatment, which left untreated, kill rapidly.

These strains are called multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB).

Overall, the mean annual percent-

• Dr Onyejekwe

• Prof Idigbe

age increase in MDR-TB exceeded 100 percent in Nigeria,while MDRTB case detection in 2012 was 10 percent. This means that most of the estimated 3,000 cases of MDR TB in Nigeria are not diagnosed and do not enter the care pathway.”

Onyejekwe continued: “All over the world, tuberculosis is a difficult disease and difficult to diagnose and difficult to treat. But for the first time in years, there is some real excitement on the TB treatment with more rapid accurate diagnostic tools becoming available. Xpert MTB/RIF is a new test that simultaneously detects both the bacteria that causes TB and resistance to rifampicin, one of the main drugs used for its treatment directly from sputum in under two hours. WHO has recommended the use of the technology since December 2010 and is monitoring its global roll-out to promote coordination.”

He said DOTS is the best option

for the treatment of TB in Nigeria, and globally, as advanced by WHO. “DOTS is yielding results in NIMR and the federation at large.

According to WHO, the most costeffective way to stop the spread of TB in communities with a high incidence is by curing it. The best curative method for TB is known as DOTS. “DOTS has five main components which are-Government commitment (including political will at all levels, and establishment of a centralised and prioritised system of TB monitoring, recording and training). Case detection sputum smear microscopy. Standardised treatment regimen directly of six to eight months observed by a healthcare worker or community health worker for at least the first two months. A drug supply. And a standardised recording system that allows assessment of treatment results.”

Dr Anthony Adegoke is the director of Medireach, a United Kingdom-based health travels and tour firm. He has been practising in the UK since 1985. In this interview with WALE ADEPOJU, Adegoke speaks on the poor state of healthcare in Nigeria and the way forward.

‘Some doctors are jack of all trades’ HAT is the number one challenge facing the health sector?

The bane of healthcare is wrong diagnosis. This is because specialists do not stick to their fields or areas of specialisation. This is coupled with inadequate facilities to manage critical medical cases.

Proper treatment cannot be initiated when the cause of the illness is unknown or misrepresented.

Many patients have died because their cases were handled by unqualified medical personnel, who because of financial gains, continued to keep them in their health facilities rather than referring such

W

•Adegoke

to specialists. International standards must be observed. Specialists must stick to their fields because it is not possible for a doctor to know everything in medicine.

Things are a bit disjointed in specialised care in the country because some doctors want to be ‘Jack of all trades’.

For instance, a paediatrician can-

not do the job of a cardiologist.

They have to understand this. So, they should be able to refer patients to the right specialists at the right time. At the moment, my organisation is compiling a list of specialists to ensure that patients get the best of care at the right places, home and abroad. The aim is to support doctors because there is no structure on ground in Nigeria. It would be a shame if we keep draining the country with medical tours overseas.

Can you shed light on this?

My outfit is trying to fill the gaps in the system. It would be providing telemedicine and internet health care, among others, to assist specialists in Nigeria to ensure good prognosis. It is not just about building hospitals but having the required expertise to treat patients.

Nigeria cannot accept poor standards any longer. Diagnosing is not a problem for those seeking overseas treatment. But it is a big issue for those accessing treatment locally; my outfit should be able to support their treatment by recommending the right experts.

Are you suggesting that misdiagnosis is fuelling medical tourism?

There are a plethora of problems facing the health sectorr. Health travels would have been reduced if the health care structure was right. First, the structure has to be right; with time, an acceptable standard can be attained. The government also needs to carry out a routine appraisal of doctors by keeping a tab on their training and practice. Medical tourism will also need to be organised. And the outfit will assist in connecting health tourists to the right health facilities. It is on record that most hospitals in India and some other health tourism destinations are disconnected because of poor regulation.

What role do you think the populace ought to play in this?

You see, education is important.

Let them know their rights. People should consider safety, quality and cost of treatment. When people set out for low cost services, they end up with practitioners who may compromise on quality. So, people have to look at getting things done at affordable price. As an organisation, we have a duty to ensure that patients meet the right experts without pain. By training, medics know that the focus should be on the patient, and as such to

bring medical expertise together does not require money. But when the regulators, government are not performing their duties, medics try to cut corners; especially, if a patient put pressure on them for cheap fees. The passage of National Health Bill will go a long way on this. In the same vein, Nigerians are being conscious of their rights by the day. I do not think it should take long to perfect the sector. We only need commitment, drive and determination.

And what are your tips for your colleagues?

The sector may not be seen to be well-regulated, but medicine itself is self-regulating.

A medic should adorn dignity and decorum as he attends to his patient. Medics at home and in the Diaspora have the expertise. The training stands them out but for the indigenous, equipment to practise with are issues compared with those in foreign lands. If the country gets it right in governance, and the environment improves, the medics will soar in their practice.

Collaboration is important for the sector to move forward. The health team should see the patient as its focus.

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

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HEALTH

Lab regulator declares war on quacks T O check quackery, the Medical Laboratory Science Statutory Regulatory Institution for Nigeria (MLSSRIN) has embarked on regular inspection of laboratories.

Its Registrar, Prof Anthony Emeribe, is worried that such facilities return to business as soon as they are sealed off.

Emeribe said: “This brings me to one critical instrument in the task of sanitising our medical laboratories, which is field inspection. Bequeathing a culture of quality service in our medical laboratories is an onerous task and we are rising to the occasion.’’

Recalling past experiences, he said: “We were conducting field inspections more frequently than we have been doing lately.

However, a disturbing pattern emerged and caused us to tarry and reconsider our strategy. For example, we discovered that after

By Oyeyemi Gbenga-Mustapha

visiting a facility and possibly sealing it due to poor standards, as soon as we were out of sight, the operators would break the seal and continue with their nefarious activities. That was what they referred to as ‘business as usual’. It was a common and disturbing trend. It also bear clear that more advocacy and public enlightenment is needed to be done if the field inspections were to achieve the desired outcome.

Now that we have done a lot of those, including securing the support and commitment of relevant security agencies, not forgetting our friends in the media, we are confident that our efforts will bear fruits.

“Council has been working tirelessly to sanitise the entire medical laboratory services sector with a view to ridding it of quacks,

fake or substandard products and other encumbrance to accurate, reliable and reproducible medical laboratory test results and reports.”

The don continued: “No achievement is possible without the sacrifice, determination and commitment of the staff. Some of you who were in the field with us have had first-hand experience of the scope of work required to sanitise the sector, and you also noticed the commitment of our staff. Note too that those who are benefitting from the rot in the system are reluctant to embrace the transformation we are working towards. But they will not deter us, as we are determined to take the fight to all the nooks and crannies of this country. It is our duty and we will do it for the good of our fellow citizens. We urge you to join hands with us and together we will bequeath to our fellow citizens the sort of medical laboratory services

they deserve and earnestly seek.”

“Bequeathing a culture of quality service in our medical laboratories is an onerous task and we are rising to the occasion. But we cannot do it without the support of other stakeholders including the media.

Already, our various advocacy and enlightenment programmes aimed at sensitising the public on the dangers of quackery and fake medical laboratory products, and on the imperative to demand reliable test results as of right, have been yielding results. Our international partners, especially the United States Centres for Diseases Control (CDC) have also been instrumental to our strengthening the capacity of medical laboratories to deliver quality services in line with international benchmarks. We are grateful for all the support.’’

The regulatory body intends to mark the World Accreditation Day

• Prof Emeribe

on June 9, this year. The theme is, Accreditation: Supporting the delivery of health and social care.

This will be the first time such an event will be held in Central Africa and West Africa.

Insurer urges pharmacists to collaborate

P

HARMACISTS have been urged to team up to develop the industry.

The Group Managing Director, Mutual Benefit Assurance, Dr Akin Ogunbiyi, gave the charge at the bi-monthly meeting of the Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria (NAIP) in Lagos.

He said pharmacists could pull resources to boost local production of raw materials rather than relying on import.

Ogunbiyi was the guest speaker at the event with the theme, 2015 Economic Outlook: Exploring strategic options for business.

He said about 85 per cent of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) is imported.

This, he said, should not be because there are investable funds to boost development in the sector.

The Federal Government, he said, is saddled with public institutions, and as such private investors are critical to the development of the sector.

He charged pharmacists to see opportunities in the industry, adding that the country is the number one supplier of pharmaceutical products to the sub-Saharan region.

Ogunbiyi said with the way the dollar is rising daily, over-the-

By Wale Adepoju

counter (OTC) and prescription drugs would be out of reach of the common man. The falling of the naira is affecting the sector, adding that one cannot ask the pharmacists to pay more on products.

The solution, he said, is that they should come together to tackle the problem.

“We have the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN). They should be able to assist in that particular area to reduce the cost,’’ he added.

He said the sector could attract investments, stressing that the people with investable funds should be brought in.

“All the industry needs to do is show seriousness. They should come up with business plans and ideas. Then, the funds will come,” he said.

Ogunbiyi said pharmacists should contribute to the country’s micro economic development.

“It is a critical time when people should look beyond the country’s economic main stay, which is oil, to research into other areas,” he said.

The pharmaceutical industry, he said, has not done enough to build its capacity, especially in local manufacturing.

‘Walking reduces excess body fat, others’

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HIRTY minutes walk daily can increase cardiovascular fitness, strengthen bones, reduce excess body fat and boost muscle power and endurance, the Chairperson of this year’s Health Walk Committee, Lagos State Women’s Council of the Ansar Ud Deen Society, Alhaja Wasiat Adedeji-Bolajoko, has said She spoke during the group’s walk in Lagos. Exercise, she said, could reduce the risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and cancer.

The walk took off from the Women’s Development Centre, Agege through Akilo Road, Guinness Roundabout, Ogba Road, Showonuola Street and ended at Emiloju Street near the Agege branch of the Ansar ud Deen branch Mosque.

Mrs Adedeji-Bolajoko said the society held the walk because of its concern for healthy living. “We are impressed with the turnout. We need to do this more often and I would advise women to be dedicated in whatever they do as well as belong to a group. This would help them to have a focus as well

By Yetunde Oladehinde

as find shoulders to lean on in times of problems,” she said.

The state coordinator of the women’s council, Princess Ramat Adeyinka Ola, said: “It is important to create awareness about women health as it helps to bring about the positive changes necessary for healthy living. We need to be conscious about all the cholesterol that we consume as well as understand the benefits of healthy living. It is the fifth edition and all the branches in Lagos State are here at our Agege branch.

The last health walk took place last year at Yaba; we walked through Herbert Macaulay to Oyingbo in Ebute Metta.”

The event was supported by The Tempo Group and Orange Drugs.

For Johannes Goenawan, the Country Manager of the Tempo Group, the support is part of the organisation’s social corporate responsibility (CSR) and they are passionate about women’s needs and things that would make them function better in the society.

• Dayo Osholowu of Elite Healthcare Systems (EHS); Dr. Seun Akinyemi of Department of Health Policy and Management, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan (UI); Dr. Olubukunola Fagade, Medical Director, Chevron Nigeria; and Dr. Ajayi at the event in Lagos.

Expert: early treatment of kidney stone key to recovery

E

ARLY diagnosis and treatment of kidney stones can lead to patients’ full recovery, a Consultant Urological Surgeon with the Royal Free London NHS Foundation, Dr Leye Ajayi, has said.

He spoke at the training/lecture for doctors on kidney stones by PathCare Laboratories in Lagos.

The theme was: Kidney stones, unrecognised, undiagnosed and untreated.

According to Ajayi, a specialist in the management of kidney stones using non-invasive procedures in the United Kingdom, the disease is more common among Africans than is acknowledged, and it is poorly recognised by physicians in Nigeria because of paucity of diagnostic equipment and the fact that it mimics a lot of other more common conditions.

“Unimaginable pain is a major symptom of kidney stones. So, doctors need to have a high index of suspicion when patients present with severe back pain. Patients can also present with fever or feel unwell, which is why it is sometimes

By Oyeyemi Gbenga-Mustapha

mistaken for malaria. The danger of untreated kidney stone is that it could lead to loss of the kidneys with patients needing dialysis or transplant. Patients can make full recovery if diagnosed and treated early enough. We always encourage our stone patients to be properly hydrated. In the UK, the intake of about three litres of water a day is recommended, but because of our climate in Nigeria, patients will probably drink four to five litres to reduce the risk of forming new stones,” he added.

A Consultant Pathologist, with PathCare Laboratories, Dr. Olawale Olusanya, said part of the reasons for organising the forum, which is Nigerian Medical and Dental Council accredited Continuous Medical Education programme, was to update doctors in the management of various health conditions.

PathCare, in conjunction with its partner, the Bridge Clinic, has continued to invest in the Doctors Forum programme, because they recognised the importance of con-

tinuous training of doctors and other medical personnel to building a sustainable and high quality healthcare in Nigeria.

Dr. Seun Akinyemi of the Department of Health Policy and Management, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, spoke on: Decoding the National Health Bill – what every physician in private practice needs to know.

He said the passage of the Health Bill was necessary for development of the sector. However, he noted some loopholes in the bill, which should be reviewed to ensure that there was proper implementation and also ensure that doctors in private practice do not become victims.

He added that the Bill recognises the contributions of private practitioners.

The event was attended by over 500 doctors, who had access to how sports and exercise medicine could be incorporated into medical treatment of disorders, such as diabetes and hypertension.

Dr Dayo Osholowo, an expert in Sports Medicine, spoke on: Current concerts in sports medicine.

NGO seeks support for orphanage

A

NON-GOVERNMENT organisation (NGO), Royal Diamond Orphanage Home (RDOH), has urged private and government establishments to support non-governmental agencies offering humanitarian services.

Co-founder/Executive Director, RDOH, Pastor Favour Olayemi, made the call at the inauguration of the group’s headquarters in Ojodu, Lagos.

Pastor Olayemi said the home has made it a priority to offer un-

By Wale Adepoju

compromising health care services to inmates of the orphanage.

He said without this assistance, there could be loss of lives in the home.

He said: “We have a medical retainership services with a reputable hospital in the neighbourhood - St. Timothy Catholic Hospital in Ojodu. There is also Health Management Organisation (HMO) plan for the babies and staff.”

“As part of the integrated approach in running orphanage home, we have a robust and tested model for taking care of the medical and health related challenges.

“First aid attention is being provided by our residential nurses in collaboration with our part-time medical consultants.”

He stressed the need for concerned institutions to be more proactive in providing drugs and infrastructure for emergency cases.

They should also be more supportive, he added.

THE NATION TUESDAY MARCH 31, 2015

47

‘

Faced with an embarrassing, humiliating and crushing defeat, PDP leaders have been running helter-skelter, holding secret meetings with security agencies to tinker with the results. Nigerians will stop at nothing to defend their votes

‘

‘Ikpeazu ’ll become next Abia governor’ The Assistant Media Director of the Abia State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Campaign Organisation, Mr. Kingsley Emereuwa, speaks with reporters on preparations for the governorship election.

H

OW are your party preparing for the governorship poll in Abia State?

Abia as usual is relatively peaceful because the leadership in the state has shown commitment to peace.

This, the governor has ensured by restraining himself or any of his aides or appointees from engaging in any act that would undermine peace. That is the mark of leadership and example is better than precept.

What is your take on the reports of recent violence at a town hall meeting between the PDP and APGA? There was never a face off between the PDP and APGA or any party as the case may be. That was the creation of some elements in APGA who are desirous of creating false impression of a contest between them and the PDP. The truth is that any day the PDP and APGA members in the state will physically descend to the arena will mark the requiem of APGA. But, we will ensure that it will not get to that point so that the peace which the present administration has laboured to build in the state will not be rubbished. The event you mentioned was the latest in the spate of violence being unleashed on the peace-loving people of Abia by one of the factional APGA governorship candidates.

Their victims were hapless villagers who were going about their normal business. Take the case of citizen Frank Dickson who was said to be on his way to buy food and was caught in the melee. As we talk now, the young man is still lying at the emergency unit of the Federal Medical Centre Umuahia with his legs shattered. This is as a result of shots he received from armed men being paraded the factional APGA candidate. So there was never a case of PDP engaging APGA in any physical duel. That may be a figment of someone’s imagination.

But, the report we got was that it was the PDP that came to disrupt a town hall...

Report from where?

Are you not aware that was the first or initial report?

Now, you are talking. That was the very first kite they flew. Only them knew what went amiss and why they incurred the wrath of the people there. The moment they saw that they could no longer contain the anger of the villagers, their spin doctors went to the social media with this version that the PDP came to disrupt their town hall meeting. The common question then is why would PDP want to disrupt the town hall meeting or create mayhem in Ikwuano of all places which is its major catchment area. Remember

that is the local government of Col. Austin Akobundu. You will also admit that there was another backup version of their story that the state government imported hoodlums from Aguleri in Anambra State.

However all these collapsed when one of the victims was traced to the hospital and luckily he spoke. That was how they became silent and have been trying to sweep the matter under the carpet.

What then in your view could have led to the fracas?

How will I know? I am not a member of APGA and I don’t dwell in speculations, neither do I possess clairvoyant powers. That is why we held a press briefing calling on the Inspector General of Police to order a full-scale investigation into the matter. But it is common knowledge that what you sow is what you will reap. Alex Otti if the truth must be told is introducing an alien culture of political violence in the state and it is not healthy even for him. Yesterday it was Frank Dickson, who knows who may be next? It could be me or even Otti himself.

Which was why I said earlier that any physical onslaught would bury APGA in Abia. That is why we must uproot this ugly trend before it germinates and gets out of control.

Don’t forget we had earlier raised alarm over the number of soldiers, policemen and armed civilians he had been parading. I am sure many viewed it as mere alarm and perhaps the concerned agencies did not take us serious. Today we have been vindicated.

What are the chances of the PDP flag bearer, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, considering the disenchantment that trailed his emergence?

There is nothing to look at as far as the governor ship election in Abia State is concerned. Okezie Ikpeazu is the next governor of Abia State.

His victory in the contest is already fait accompli. On the issue of how he picked the ticket, it is on record that Abia PDP had the freest party primaries in December which none of those who lost challenged.

A further demonstration of how transparent the exercise was, is the support he is getting from those who contested with him who have queued behind him. How do you reconcile that with what happened in the other mushroom parties?

Politics has a pattern which makes it run on certain instruments. Such instruments are oiled to sustain the base. A man cannot quit his job in July and wants to govern a state he knows little or nothing about in the next few weeks. This is not an estate.

But, the governor of Anambra State,

Dr. Willie Obiano, did just that...

Says who? Somebody opened the space and door for Obiano. A political structure propelled him. But what we have in Abia is a case of a man under hallucination and bondage by some dubious elements who want to milk him dry.

And talking about Anambra, you will also agree that Obiano also represents the Anambra’s version of equity which ensured that all the senatorial zones had shots at the Government House.

Why do you and many others sound so confident about Ikpeazu’s victory in the poll?

It is because we are talking about Abia where I have lived all my life and I know the 184 political wards in the seventeen local government councils. Because we are talking about a state that has just recovered from the stranglehold of a rapacious enclave.

We are talking about a state that has witnessed honesty in service and in governance even when it is not appropriate or politically expedient to say the truth, the governor has never lied to Abia people. Not for one day did he deceive the people.

Here is one governor that owes up to anything that goes wrong under

his watch without playing politics with the people of the state and that has given him the courage to be a better leader. Recall during the era of kidnapping, Gov. Orji never passed the blame like Gov. Amaechi was doing. And because he owed up, he was able to surmount that challenge. Today Abia is a model in security.

Look at the issue of salary arrears of two months which the opposition hyped was in neighborhood of eight months and thought it could fetch it sympathy, the government admitted owing and promised to clear it which it has done and everybody is on the same page. That is where we draw this confidence you observed.

The facelift in the health sector, judiciary, education, hospitality civil service etc are the reasons behind the confidence we exude.

More so, of all the so-called opposition candidates, Ikpeazu is the only one the common man in Abia will see his face and recognise. I want to challenge you to name any serious Abia son or daughter you have seen with Otti? Politics is about people and a game of numbers. He does not have it and will never have it because his ambition was built on false foundation, lies and deceit. And the

‘

Orji is the only governor in Nigeria today still commissioning projects at the twilight of his administration. Have you heard anyone of them fault the legacy projects of the present administration? Wait till tomorrow when you will see this same loafers use today as reference points

‘

•Emereuwa

people are no fools.

But your position appears to differ from that of others who insist that the governor has not done much?

It would have been foolhardy for even the governor to expect total acceptance from the traditional critics.

Those frustrated loafers who peddle that information have failed to sustain or prove it. When we talk about the achievements of the governor, we are not referring to things that cannot not be proved or ascertained. The landmark projects in the judiciary, primary and secondary schools, the e-library, International conference center, the health sector revolution,the malls are there for all to see. Orji is the only governor in Nigeria today still commissioning projects at the twilight of his administration. Have you heard anyone of them fault the legacy projects of the present administration? Wait till tomorrow when you will see this same loafers use today as reference points.

• All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives candidate Hon. Abiodun Awoleye jubilating after he was declared as the winner of the Ibadan North Federal Constituency election...on Monday.

‘APC ’ll not tolerate last-minute rigging’

A

•Igbokwe

LL Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday warned against what it described as the last minute rigging of the general election, saying that it is dangerous for democracy.

The party urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, to stand firm to the end and declare authentic results to douse tension, fears and uncertainties.

Lagos APC Publicity Secretary Joe Igbokwe told reporters in Ikeja, the state capital, said, since elections have been conducted in the outstanding 110 units in five local governments, the onus is on the electoral agency to announce the results within 24 hours in accordance with the electoral law.

By Emmanuel Oladesu

He alleged that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was plotting to manipulate the process to give its candidates undeserved and unmerited advantage.

Warning that any electoral fraud at the collation stage is potentially dangerous, Igbokwe said the move may set the country on fire.

He added: “Faced with an embarrassing, humiliating and crushing defeat, PDP leaders have been running helter-skelter, holding secret meetings with security agencies to tinker with the results. Nigerians will stop at nothing to defend their votes.

Nigerians have worked so hard to effect

change in the way we run this country. But, the agents of darkness are still at work to scuttle a hard earned victory with pains, tears and blood. Nigerians will soon know how many people were killed to suppress this imminent change.”

Igbokwe urged Nigerians to take interest in the carnage in the Southeast and Southsouth during the exercise, adding that security agencies have unleashed terror in innocent people as if the country is in a war situation.

Igbokwe said only truth and decency can sustain Nigeria, urging the electoral agency to resist manipulation.

He said democracy can only survive through the sanctify of the ballot box.

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

48

With ekpoita :funtreatsvilla@yahoo.com / 08077706130

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ACROSS

DOWN

1. Celebration (9) 6. Greeting (2) 7. Documentation (6) 9. Indelible Mark (4) 10. Former (2) 11. Spread Out (3) 12. Final (4) 14, Resounding Noise (4) 15. In direction of (2) 16, Myself (2) 17. Eager (4) 19. Young Boy (3) 20. Father Christmas (10) 24. Being (2) 26. Tinkle (6) 27. Perform (2) 28. Tease (6)

1. Impression (4) 2. Cereal (4) 3. Created (4) 4. Amuse (6) 5. Celebration of Christ’s birth(9) 8. Free Air (6) 11. Paths (5) 13. Clawed 18. Deserve (4) 19. Juvenile (3) 21. Story (4) 22. So be it (4) 23. Musical Note (2) 25. Gladness (3)

SANTA PUZZLE Find alternative words to the clues below and fill them in their spaces in the grid.The answer to the first word on the grid “ORICK” has 4 letters which should be placed in their spaces in the grid being 1,8,6, and 15 as shown besie the word. The star word, an 11letter word denoting the yuletide will be revealed when done .

1

Story of the Christmas Tree

9

10

11

POETRY

The Legend of Christmas Tree

2

8

3

7 4

5

6

Just how powerful a symbol is the Christmas tree?

Any Christmas tree, given the right kind of attention, can be perfect, and even humble things take on exalted meaning in the eyes of Christ.

“The First Christmas Tree”Did you know that an • oak was the inspiration for the first Christmas tree? In this informative story, we learn how an eighth-century monk named Boniface chopped down an oak tree to prove an important religious point, and ended up viewing a small fir sapling as a miracle.

• “The First Christmas Tree Lights”Ever wonder about the origin of Christmas tree lights? This story tells how Martin Luther changed the Christmas tree tradition with the addition of lights, the result of his frightening walk through the dark woods. It reveals the fascinating fact that Christmas trees were originally hung upside down, without lights.

• “The Perfect Tree”This delightful story is told from the perspective of a small, unremarkable tree that worries whether it will be suitable for Christmas. Through the inspired care of a family, it fills the bill perfectly. Try reading this uplifting tale to a child — it will teach him or her some valuable lessons about caring for others.

• “The Tale of Three Trees”What if Christmas trees could talk? What would they say? In this profound Christmas tale, three trees have grandiose hopes for their wood after they’re harvested, and all three are disappointed — temporarily. Eventually, they all play meaningful roles in the life of Jesus Christ. Make this inspirational story part of your family’s Christmas tradition.

• “O Christmas Tree” The brief on Christmas Tree Stories ends here with the story about a “special” Christmas tree everyone thought was too small. Read ‘O Christmas Tree’ to find out how this special tree turned into a bright, beautiful spectacle that would remain with one happy family forever.

Pep Talk

Humour * What did Adam say to his wife on the day before Christmas?

Answer:It’s Christmas, Eve! * What for the trumpet of Ken was kept in the freezer?

Answer: Because he loves cool music. * What is the popular carol in Desert?

Answer: Camel ye Faithful. * Why the Christmas tree can’t stand up?

Answer: It doesn’t have legs.

“The spirit of Christmas is the spirit of love and of generosity and of goodness. It illuminates the picture window of the soul, and we look out upon the world's busy life and become more interested in people than in things”. - Thomas S. Monson

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

49

THE NATION

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

BUSINESS PROPERTY/ENVIRONMENT

Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.com 08062722507

property@thenationonlineng.net muyiwalucas2002@yahoo.com

Italian firm promises lower construction cost

By Seyi Odewale

I

•FMBN Diamond Estate, Kano... replicated in Abeokuta

‘How infrastructure concessions are killed’

T

HE renewed drive by the gov ernment and private sector in bolstering Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for the delivery of infrastructure is gaining prominence.

But, sustaining the process has given rise to partnerships many of which have run into trouble.

To overcome the problem, the Chief Executive Officer of Alpha Mead Facilities & Management Services Limited, (AM Facilities), Femi Akintunde, is urging government and private sector operators to close ranks.

Akintunde, who spoke at the fourth edition of the Infrastructure Asset Summit Africa in Lagos, said for any infrastructure project to be sustained, it must be viable, acceptable and environmentally responsible to the stakeholders.

According to him, most concessioned infrastructure projects in the country are witnessing setbacks and losing their essence because there is no consideration for sustainability factors, such as, stakeholders’engagement, facilities management and asset maintenance

Stories by Muyiwa Lucas

were relegated to the background from inception.

Speaking on Achieving sustainability in the development and management of public infrastructure through PPP concessioning arrangement: Case study of Lekki Toll Road, Akintunde submitted that the Lekki-Epe master plan is on course, but the sustainability of the project may be at risk.

“As with most other PPP projects in Nigeria, there are some challenges with the LekkiEpe Express project which is threatening the sustainability of the master plan. For example, there is only one road access to that axis; how would people be evacuated in cases of emergencies? For an area projected to accommodate a resident population of about four million, the road is not economically sustainable because it is prone to quicker wear and tear due to the heavy traffic it carries.”

He regretted that people were resisting the tolling even when travel time on the road had reduced because the government and the private sector were yet to show the people the economics of the project.

He argued that while the government had bought the project off the private company, it is important to consider the situation from the point of view of future investors in PPP projects because no private investor would want to put his money in ventures that the people might resist.

He lamented that other infrastructure projects such as the airports that were also concessioned are becoming unsustainable because the maintenance of such projects were taken for granted.

“My fear is that if this poor maintenance culture of our public infrastructure continues unabated, what we will be getting back at the end of the concessioning period will be a mere carcass that might be worse than what was concessioned,’’ Akintunde warned.

He, however, advised that for stakeholders to benefit from the im-

mense gains of PPP, each of them must be willing to play roles.

Rather than getting entangled with maintenance and operations, the government should focus on its key role, which is regulatory.

Besides, he said to get value on the country’s public infrastructure, the government must request that private sector operators to include facilities management and maintenance components in their concessioning deals. Then they must ensure strict adherence and enforcement of procedure for maintenance of the infrastructure.

Akintunde said the people must be ready to own the infrastructure that the government and private sector have provided for them. Citing Festac Town, Lagos where infrastructure is in a sorry state because the residents relied on the government, he averred that people must also be socially responsible to their government and instil good maintenance culture in the younger generation.

TALIAN construction company, Gagliadi, has promised to help reduce the cost of road and building construction in Nigeria.

Its Chairman in Nigeria, Mr. Koye Shogbola, who spoke with reporters during the firm’s first interactive session in Lagos, said: “With the dwindling revenue from oil and the need to develop new infrastructure and maintain existing ones, Gagliadi’s experience in road construction and building infrastructure at modest cost will surely be greatly beneficial to Nigeria.”

Shogbola also said Gagliadi’s financial model for construction of low income houses would bring smiles to the faces of millions of Nigerians who dream of owning a house but cannot get support from firms and financial institutions.

“In many parts of Europe and North Africa, Gagliadi’s financial model for low income houses has made it possible for many to become home owners. The model will also help millions of Nigerians especially civil servants, other classes of paid workers, small scale business people and even blue collar workers,’’ he said.

Shogbola said unlike most foreign multi-nationals, Gagliadi relies on local workers for most of its workforce and enriches workers with new skills and techniques. The company also uses local materials and improves their quality.

“The coming of Gagliadi will positively impact our economy.

Many of our young graduates, who are highly qualified but are roaming the streets, will be gainfully employed. As the company had done in Libya, Tunisia and even Morocco, Gagliadi believes in employing local talents and also making use of local raw materials, thus helping the local economy,’’ he said.

Shogbola looks forward to a mutually beneficial relationship between Gagliadi and the government and Nigerians.

With over five decades experience in road construction and building of low cost houses in Italy, Spain and Portugal, Gagliadi has done expansive work in North African countries, such as Tunisia, Morocco and Libya before opening shop in Lagos.

Housing minister excited over completed Ogun estate

T

HE Minister of Housing, Lands and Urban Development, Mrs. Akon Eyakenyi, has expressed delight at the completion of the Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) RockView Estate in Abeokuta, the Ogun State Capital.

She spoke at the inauguration of the project.

The mortagage delivery, she said, confirmed the President Goodluck Jonathan administration’s commitment to tackling the challenges of delivering affordable housing to Nigerians.

Despite this achievement, she said there is still a deficit of between 17 and 20 million units, which require a yearly delivery rate of a minimum of 720,000 units.

According to Mrs Eyakenyi, the fact that the “we are witnessing the commissioning of a second estate within the last two weeks lends credence that

notwithstanding the challenges, visible and substantive progress is being achieved in the various geopolitical zones to address the issue of affordable housing.”

She said Ogun’s proximity to Lagos State is affected by the spillover effects of overpopulation, resulting in high demand for housing.

The minister noted that succour had been provided with the delivery of an additional stock of 196 housing units financed by the Federal FMBN, for the benefit of contributors to the National Housing Fund (NHF) Scheme who may be interested in taking ownership of these houses.

The 196 housing units adds to the total of about 3,000 housing units delivered through the NHF

Scheme in Ogun State in 17 residential housing estates the government developed with public and private estate developers.

Mrs Eyakenyi said it is imperative for workers in Ogun to avail themselves the opportunities presented by the NHF Scheme, which is fully subscribed to by 30 states and the FCT. “It is on record that Ogun State has benefitted immensely by way of the investments of the FMBN in terms of estate development loans as well as the very pocket-friendly NHF mortgage loans. While home acquisition remains a highly capital-intensive endeavour, Nigerians of all income brackets can find confidence in the fact that contributing just 2.5 per cent of their monthly income opens access to a mortgage facility of a maximum of N15 million for a 30 year tenor that attracts just six per

cent interest rate,” Mrs Eyakenyi said.

She added that the NHF Scheme is designed for low and medium income earners, adding that it has been expanded to integrate the informal sector through cooperative societies.

To sustain the NHF scheme, the Ministry said it had taken some steps to overcome the hindrances to increasing housing.This include the adoption of the National Policy on Housing and National Policies of Urban Development, which prescribes a private sector-driven framework for housing delivery.

Under this policy, the government provides the enabling environment to facilitate entrepreneurial participation for transformational housing delivery.

“I therefore, implore Nigerians

• Mrs Eyakenyi

yet to join in participating in the NHF Scheme to begin soonest in order to own their own homes in the best possible means which the NHF provides,” Mrs Eyakenyi said.

50

TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

THE NATION

BUSINESS ENERGY

E-mail:- energy@thenationonlineng.net

Fed Govt plans deregulated gas price regime T

HE Nigerian National Petro leum Corporation (NNPC) and the Department of Petroleum (DPR) have advised manufacturers using gas to prepare for a ‘deregulated gas price’ mechanism.

The new regime may be introduced before the implementation of the Nigerian Gas Transporation Network Code (NGTNC).

The Group Executive Director, Gas and Power, NNPC, Dr David Ige, who made this known in Lagos, said the time had come for manufacturers and other domestic gas users to buy the product at varying prices.

NNPC and DPR are asking foreign and indigenous firms to prepare for a market where price would be determined by supply and demand and not by the government as the NGTNC gets underway.

The execution of the NGTNC code, according to DPR, is in three

By Akinola Ajibade

stages: The manual (2015); partial auto (2016) and full auto implementation in 2017.

NGTNC is being introduced by NNPC nad DPR, following complaints by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) that its members that the supply of gas is not transparent.

The government fixed the price of gas at $2.5 per 1000 standard cubic feet (scf) for power plants; methanol, fertiliser and petrochemical firms will buy at $3 for 1000 scf.

Ige said the manufacturers complaints that the exchange rate of one dollar to N197 (official price) had eaten deep into their production costs was understandable, urging them to wait for the code.

He said the differential rates were bound to come up because of the government’s efforts at making

Our challenges, by oil chiefs

O

IL companies, especially those in joint ventures with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), have listed hindrances to their operations.

The problems, according to them, include funding and lengthy contracting cycle.

The spoke at the Nigeria Oil and Gas conference in Abuja.

At a special panel session, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) Managing Director and Country Chair for Shell companies in Nigeria Mr. Osagie Okunbor said operators and the government should talk as most of the projects for the year had been agreed upon before oil price started falling.

He said: “With oil prices where they are and with all the uncertainties around, this is hardly the time for parties on the government and industry sides to be doing their individual things. We really need to come together and agree on priorities we have. We all have a programme that we have agreed for 2015; most of that essentially started before this radical drop in prices. So, both sides need to sit together and say what is the impact of this or what do we sensibly do going forward such that we don’t get into the business of stopping projects half-way and we end up incurring more cost.

“If the funding is not available and we need to hold back or delay some projects, what is the sensible way to do it? And also because we are in joint venture with the government, we need to have collaborative shared vision on ways of going about this. That will ensure that we achieve the best we can under the difficult circumstances without panicking or taking irrational decisions.”

He said that other critical areas that need urgent attention are the lead time in renewal of expired licences to oil leases and prolif-

T

HE Liquefied Petroleum Gas Retailers Association of Nigeria (LPGARAN), a branch of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), has restated its commitment to safe use of cooking gas.

Its Chairman, Comrade Chika Michael Umudu made the pledge after his inauguration in Lagos.

Thanking members for reelecting him, he said his administration

operators access the product.

Customers he said, could buy gas at $2.5, $2.8, and $3, depending on the sellers.

Ige, represented by the General Manager, Gas Pipeline Infrastructure, NNPC, Sam Mbakwe, said buyers and sellers would start choosing from various customers in the market.

He said: “We are heading to a period where there would be willing buyers and willing sellers in the gas industry. The government regulated price is going to disappear soon. The regulated price is there because there are no commercial structures in place to guide the operation of the market. Once there are structures that would guide commercial activities, there would be change in the ways transactions are conducted. This will be made possible by the Nigerian Gas Transportation Network Code.

“You don’t expect somebody to bring his money, invest it by laying gas pipelines and charge lower

prices for transporting gas from his base to where users or buyers would use the product. The economy is becoming market driven. What the government is saying is that people should handle gas from the commercial point of view.”

The Deputy Director, Gas Monitoring and Regulation, DPR, Antigha Ekaluo, said: “The goal of the code is to allow the forces of demand and supply to govern the market. DPR wants to reduce its intervention in the sector by taking a back seat. Though the DPR would perform its oversight functions or roles of ensuring that everything works out fine in the oil and gas industry, the body will take a back seat position to encourage growth.”

He said gas price fixing was outside DPR’s purview, stressing that the industry would decide the price. “If you are a manufacturer and you have an item to sell, you fix your price and sell. Whoever is willing to buy your product would

come and vice-versa. The same thing is what we are advocating for in the gas sector. The slogan is free entry, free exit.”

Ekaluo allayed fears that manufacturers would leave the market, saying the market is big to accommodate many players. He said no gas producers would sell at a fixed price.

The Director-General, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry ((LCCI), Mr. Muda Yusuf, said manufacturers were using their own power plants because electricity supply is irregular. He said plants use gas, noting that the huge cost of gas is inhibiting economic growth.

Yusuf said: “Manufacturers rely on alternative source of energy for growth. But the questions are: At what rate are they buying diesel to power their generators? At what price are they procuring gas for their power plants? The price is huge. This informed the decision of manufacturers to use advocacy as a tool of making the government reduce electricity tariff.’’

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

eration of regulatory agencies. “If the basic issue of tenure of oil licenses and renewals is not resolved, no shareholder will agree to commit investment, especially at this period of lower oil prices,” he said.

Managing Director, Total Upstream Companies in Nigeria Mrs. Elizabeth Proust said: “It is a difficult time that we face together. There is fear. There is fear in our staff in all the companies.

There is fear in the staff of the service contractors, and communities.

But we have reasons to be optimistic. We operate in an industry which can adapt and adapt very quickly. We need to be prepared to face maybe a long period with this level of price. It is not short term impact, it is a long term impact that we need to be prepared.

In the oil industry we have to first preserve predictions, this is important because we need to preserve most of our work programmes. We look at the future and all the companies are reviewing their business plan. We need more business for our new projects and be sure that we have the funding, the financing. And that we have also optimised these projects. And that they can survive the long period of high level of expenditure.”

She said the firms must be sure of the fiscal environment to take the risk, adding that they also need to discuss with the government because exploration is Nigeria’s backbone.

Other on the panel, including the Managing Director of ExxonMobil companies in Nigeria, Mr. Nolan O’Neal, said there was the need to restructure tendering to reflect what obtains in other oil and gas producing countries.

Tendering in Nigeria is unduly long, they said, adding that the fiscal terms should be they said, attractive to keep investors and attract new ones.

• From left: Ajifowobaje; Adesina and Managing Director, Korea Electricity Power Limited, Mr. Yeom Gyoo Chull, during the signing of the Geographic Information System and Customer Enumeration contract in Ikeja, Lagos.

Ikeja Electric to upgrade customer data

T

HE Ikeja Electric Distribution Plc, in conjunction with its tech nical partner, Korea Electricity Power Limited (KEPCO), has concluded arrangements to enumerate its customers to drive its metering programme.

The firms signed a contract at the Ikeja Electric’s headquarters in Lagos to kick-start the project.

Egbin Power Plc, which KEPCO technically oversees, and Ikeja Electric, are owned by Sahara Group, an integrated energy firm.

Director, Sahara Group Mr. Kola Adesina said the deal would involve mapping the location, coordinating each of the electrical networks, including 132kv/33kv system, 11kv system, distribution transformers and poles.

It would also involve the indexing of Ikeja Electric’s distribution assets, such as power transformers, feeder pillars, high tension poles and distribution transformers, he added.

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

He said: “This is going to be a thorough project that would ensure a solid foundation for efficient, equitable and transparent power supply to our esteemed customers. The customer and consumer indexing will be carried out through door-to-door survey. We are appealing to all our customers and the good people of Lagos to support the project by cooperating with the enumerators and provide accurate information that would empower Ikeja Electric to give the best service possible to all customers.”

Adesina said that the project would provide a platform for assessing and deploying transformers and electricity equipment required in a community, noteing that this would address challenges faced by customers that would translate to improved power supply.

He said that the project would en-

NUPENG to ensure safe cooking gas use

By Emmanuel Udodinma

would focus on innovation, adding: “Our administration will bring good things, safety of our members. We shall ensure our members do the business in a manner that will make gas usage safer and encourage more people to embrace gas for their commercial, in-

dustrial and domestic needs.”

His administration, he said, would strive to ensure that the association maintained its standards and ethics in the industry. “As we move into a new era I seek support of all and indeed our executives at various levels,” he added.

Others elected are Comrade

Chijioke Ogboka Deputy Chairman 1; Comrade Mohammed Omede Deputy Chairman 2; Comrade Musa Ibrahim Mekud Vice Chairman; Comrade Monday Nwatu Secretary; Kayode Solomon Asst. Secretary; Comrade Phillips Agbo Treasurer; ComradeTunde Omoarevbokha Trustee; Comrade James Ikhelia Financial

sure effective customer segmentation of high and low density areas and will support seamless update of the company’s customer data base.

“We are transiting into an era where new technology will drive the campaign against energy theft and distortion of electrical equipment. The signing of the contract with KEPCO would also fast-track effective metering process.With this contract, l can boldly say that the kick-starting of our robust metering project has commenced,” he added.

The Chief Executive Officer of Ikeja Electric, Abiodun Ajifowobaje, said that the signing of the contract was in compliance with the directive of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to distribution companies to conduct customer enumeration to update their data base.

He said the exercise would enable the company upgrade its system for better service delivery.

Secretary; and Comrade Yeroowo Onosigho Public Relation Officers.

Others were Comrade Ifeanyi Okoli Product Inspection Officer; Comrade James Adetayo Auditor 1; Comrade Chukwujekwu Okafor Auditor 2; Comrade Uchenna Ofoegbu Chief Whip; Comrade Okwudili Nnamami Asst. Chief Whip; and Comrade David Ariyo Welfare Officer.

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THE NATION TUESDAY MARCH 31, 2015

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BUSINESS Skye Bank’s acquisition of Mainstreet Bank has made the lender a ‘Systemically Important Financial Institution’ (SIFI) in the country. It is also a manifestation of good corporate governance culture in the lender which has been carefully nurtured over the years, writes ALVIN AFADAMA.

Skye Bank’s repositions as ‘Systemically Important Bank’ T HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN’s) intervention to salvage the banking system in 2008 has led to the emergence of Systemically Important Financial Institutions (SIFI) in the country.

It was the demise of Lehman Brothers in the heat of the 2008 financial crisis that engendered the Systematically Important Financial Institution (SIFI) theory in the United States (U.S) which the CBN has copied.

For Skye Bank Plc, the best testament of its total commitment to the Nigeria project is that of living up to the SIFI name by acquiring Mainstreet Bank, a move considered a masterstroke that in one breath protects depositors’ money, ensures better customer service and creates more value to shareholders.

For the CBN, the tottering financial system depended on the SIFI banks, hence, it pronounced them ‘too big to fail’. Other banks in the SIFI category include First Bank of Nigeria, United Bank for Africa, Zenith Bank, Access Bank, Ecobank Nigeria, Guaranty Trust Bank, and Diamond Bank.

The term ‘too big to fail’, again, borrowed from the U.S Federal Reserve Bank (FED) came to be an alternate designation to the SIFI banks.

Too big to fail, according to former FED Chair Ben Bernanke, is a firm

‘whose size, complexity, interconnectedness, and critical functions are such that, should the firm go unexpectedly into liquidation, the rest of the financial system and the economy would face severe adverse consequences.”

To be so classified by the apex bank, the banks which made up three quarters of the banking system at the time in terms of earnings, profitability, assets, customer deposits and branch networks, a bank had to meet four stringent criteria, namely, size, interconnectedness, substitutability and complexity.

The CBN classification constitutes the SIFI banks into a strategic group that must, by default, compete along those lines drawn out by the CBN, the most clear-cut of which is size.

A strategic group is a concept used in strategic management that groups companies within an industry that have similar business models or similar combinations of strategies.

Size is defined by total assets wielded by the banks at the time of the CBN’s pronouncement; interconnectedness, meant interbank exposures and volumes of other intra-industry assets and liabilities; substitutability, was defined by ease

with which the institution can be replaced as a financial services provider; and complexity, meant by how difficult it would be to liquidate the institution.

But being a SIFI bank comes with enormous responsibility; for Skye Bank, it is the responsibility of ensuring rope-tight compliance to regulatory requirements, creating environment for best practice to thrive and playing a leading role in protecting the financial system, which includes a teeming number of depositors and investment savvy shareholders.

It is worthy of note that once pronounced a SIFI, the CBN trains a searchlight on a bank’s books and activities at a level several notches higher than what obtained prior to the designation. “The CBN, it was learnt, has therefore adopted a more robust regulatory regime to monitor and scrutinise the eight banks, in order to ensure that they are healthy,” said one source.

Mainstreet Bank’s acquisition The Mainstreet Bank acquisition is considered a powerful move by the lender. According to analysts, the sheer size of the acquisition (N126

• From left: Economist and Senior Lecturer, Lagos Business School, Dr. Doyin Salami; Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina; Managing Director, Standard Chartered Bank, Mrs. Bola Adesola and Group Managing Director, First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited, Mr. Ladi Balogun, at the Harvard Business School Association of Nigeria (HBSAN) and Federal Ministry of Agriculture Forum on Agribusiness Opportunities in Nigeria in Lagos.

Stanbic IBTC finances Lagos transport sector

D

ESIROUS of contributing to the improvement of transportation in Lagos State, Stanbic IBTC Bank has financed the acquisition of Tata buses by Southdrift Investment Limited for operation under the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) scheme of the Lagos State government. The buses have since been commissioned at a ceremony in Amuwo Odofin, a Lagos suburb.

Southdrift, which will operate the buses on dedicated routes, has a fiveyear BRT contract with LAGBUS Asset Management Limited, operator of the Bus Rapid Transit scheme, to run a particular route within the Lagos metropolis till 2018.

Speaking at the commissioning event, its Head, Business Banking, Mr Lloyd Onaghinon, said the bank has a professional vehicle and asset finance unit which understands the needs of the market and its customers. He said the lender has established a robust relationship with LAGBUS and Southdrift and is ready to work with both organisations to improve transportation in Lagos.

He said: “At Stanbic IBTC Bank, we understand the needs of our clientele and we constantly strive to provide innovative banking solutions tailored to meet those needs.

With the vehicle financing, we hope to deepen our healthy relationship with LAGBUS and Southdrift as well as the Lagos State government to engender an efficient transport system in the state and across Nigeria.”

The latest financing demonstrates the bank’s pedigree in vehicle and assets financing. Stanbic IBTC Bank, under a deal with the state government, financed the acquisition of 100 Tata waste compactor trucks for refuse disposal in the state.

Head, Franchise Management, LAGBUS Asset Management Limited, Mr Ogunyankin Olubodun, commended the bank for its support in transforming the Lagos State transportation system to meet the needs of Lagos residents. According to him, “We commend Stanbic IBTC Bank for its intervention in the Lagos State transportation sector.

LAGBUS is determined to ensure

that the state transport system is well run and we will continue to extend the necessary assistance to our franchisees, including Southdrift Investment,” he said.

Director of Operations, South drift Investment Limited, Mr Olatunji Baiyewu, while thanking the bank for funding the acquisition of the buses, assured Lagos residents of better quality transport services at affordable prices. “The new buses clearly show our resolve to constantly improve our services. Commuters deserve the best and we will continue to provide them comfort as they commute within Lagos,” Baiyewu said.

Onaghinon said the bank offers short- to medium-term vehicle and asset finance (VAF) facility to qualified customers as well as non-customers in agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, and other businesses for the acquisition of moveable assets such as vehicles for personal or commercial use on competitive and flexible repayment terms.

billion) could only mean a heightened sense of security for the 1.9 million depositors of Mainstreet Banktheir savings are protected. The combined entity would be nurturing a customer base of over five million.

The deposit protection cuts across all regions of the country considering the spread the acquisition confers on the lender. Depositors’ and indeed customer penetration has been deepened in the Southeast and Southsouth regions where it was less represented pre acquisition.

The sheer size of the assets of the combined entity, according to one analyst ensures depositors funds are well shielded from erosion.

Skye Bank’s current shareholders, retail and institutional, seemed headed for a good deal with the Mainstreet Bank purchase as it immediately situates their investment in the centre of banking in the country as a Tier 1 bank with capacity to enter big ticket transactions across the ever growing Nigerian economy.

Their Return on Assets (RoA) and Return on Equity (RoE) are certain to trace a northward movement against a backdrop of economy wide retrogression. Already, the bank’s stock price is beginning to shift upwards at a very quick pace.

It is one of the fastest growing stock among the SIFI stocks on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), growing at an incredible 15.9 percent between February 16 and March 6 this year. The quick footed nature of the stock is testament to the potential locked up in the stock for value investors who are patient to keep the stock.

The fast paced movement in the stock price is at the back of a negative portfolio outflow in January when over N700 billion in portfolio investments flowed out of the capital market, a near tragedy for which the NSE helmsman, Oscar Oyenma said: “Bearish sentiments prevailed for most of the year as foreign investors steadily withdrew from the Nigerian market due to currency risk and the recovery of developed economies, and the effects of the U.S Federal Reserve tapering of its quantitative easing policy.”

It was in the news last week that the bank’s stocks were the safest to put money-in in the week ended February 27 for the very low volatility of the stock price. Volatility, according

• Skye Bank CEO Timothy Oguntayo

to experts, is the frequency of gaining and losing money on a stock.

Another plus for a bigger Skye Bank that comes with the acquisition is the capacity to do more business and strengthen the maturity transformation ability of the bank. This ability is needed in a frontier market such as Nigeria where small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) and big business alike need financing and thus unleash the multiplier effect long spoken about by economists as the major driver of growth for economies.

China and other emerging economies of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) are testament to this fact.

The new size further puts the bank in a position where it could support the new CBN initiative of financial inclusion. Financial inclusion is the provision of a broad range of high quality financial products and services such as savings, insurance, payment and pensions, which are relevant and affordable for the citizens of a country, particularly those in the low income segment of the population.

CBN recently restated its commitment to reducing financial exclusion rates from 46.3 per cent in 2011 to 20 per cent by year 2020. The immediate implication of this is that by the year 2020, 80 per cent of the population would have affordable and unhindered access to financial products and services such as savings, insurance payment and pensions, among others.

This is in sync with Skye Bank’s refocusing agenda, which targets the retail and commercial sectors projected to grow into an army of 160 million spenders by 2030, according to McKinsey, a global management consulting group. Another estimate say that segment is worth N177 billion.

Mansard Insurance performance recognised

M

ANSARD Insurance Plc’s outstanding performance has again been selected as one of the top quartile (first place in Insurance Category) of publicly listed Growth Strategy Leaders in Nigeria for the year 2015 awards season.

This coveted award honors “best of the best” growth companies listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange in Nigeria (NSE) and was presented by MSY Analytics, (a teaming partner and Nigerian representative of global research and growth consulting giant, Frost & Sullivan).

According to MSY analytics, ‘Using a weighted scoring methodology, the performance and financials of all publicly traded companies on NSE as of December 31, 2014 were evaluated across several metrics such as total shareholder returns, revenue growth and profitability growth. From within this pool, we selected elite group of ten top companies per industry and Mansard ranked number one in the insurance industry.

The organisers further disclosed

that Emerging and Frontier markets represent over 50 per cent of world GDP & over 2/3 of global growth and thus a strategic focus area for investors around the world. While African continent is home to several of these markets, Nigeria (a key frontier market) enjoys a unique position as the largest GDP in Africa.

Moreover, Nigerian stock market was among the 10 best performing markets around the world during 2013 and is expected to be an attractive market for both domestic as well as global investors for coming decades.

On receiving the award, Head of Mansard’s Marketing and Corporate Communications Group, Mr. Taiwo Adeleye, appreciated MSY Analytics for the honour accorded Mansard and he noted that Mansard has remained the biggest insurance company on the NSE for several years.

The 2015 Growth Strategy Leaders award was presented during the Wharton Club of Africa (WCA) Executive Investment Summit & CEO Forum 2015 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Lagos.

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

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EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 30-03-15

Nigerian equities bullish ahead of presidential election result

A

S Nigerians wait with baited breath for the official announcement of the winner of the presidential election conducted over the weekend, Nigerian equities rode on the optimism occasioned by the largely peaceful conduct of the election to open this week with average gain of 1.73 per cent.

With nearly four gainers to every loser, the benchmark index at the Nigerian stock market crossed the 31,000 mark as investors continued to scout for the mostly undervalued equities. The All Share Index (ASI), the composite value-based index that tracks all quoted equities on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), rose by 527.88 basis points or 1.73 per cent to 31,090.81 points as against its opening index of 30,562.93 points. Aggregate market capitalisation of listed equities appreciated by N178 billion from N10.319 trillion

share.

Market analysts said they expected the market to conto N10.494 trillion. tinue to react to the final outThere were 41 gainers to 11 come of the election. Accordlosers. Mobil Oil Nigeria led ing to analysts, irrespective of the gainers’ table with a gain where majority of the votes of N9 to close at N156.95 per swing, a free, fair and peaceshare. Total Nigeria trailed fully conducted election with a gain of N6.26 to close should positively impact on at N165. Dangote Cement the market. rose by N6 to close at N159 Total turnover meanwhile per share. Nestle Nigeria grew decreased by 62.88 per cent to

by N4.46 to close at N805 while 196.258 million shares valued Unilever Nigeria appreciated at N1.84 billion and traded in

by N2.85 to close at N42.20 per 3,638 deals compared to share.

528.669 million shares worth On the downside, Forte Oil N4.45 billion traded in 4,446 led the losers’ table with a loss deals on Friday. of N11.27 to close at N213.62 FBN Holdings was the most per share. Cadbury Nigeria active stock with 32.51 million followed with a loss of N1.96 shares worth N281.75 million. to close at N37.27. Nigerian United Bank for Africa (UBA) Breweries declined by N1.19 followed on the activity chart to close at N140 per share. with 30.52 million shares valGuinness Nigeria depreciated ued at N118.09 million while

by N1 to close at N126 while Diamond Bank placed third Pharmdeko dropped by 11 with 26.87 million shares kobo to close at N2.13 per worth N112.27 million.

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 30-03-15

By Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

55

MONEYLINK Stanbic IBTC inaugurates Kano branch

CBN-approved BDCs hit 2,618

T

HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has given approval to an additional 32 Bureau De Change (BDC) operators, bringing the total approved operators to 2,618 since the recapitalisation deadline elapsed last July.

The CBN had in February, published a list of 2,586 licensed BDC firms which it said had complied with its new capital requirements of N35 million as at July 31, 2014.

There were 3,208 registered BDCs in the country before the expiration of the deadline. The CBN had in June 2014 announced a new minimum capital requirement of N35 million for the operation of BDCs in the country, up from the N10 million it was previously.

To ensure compliance with the directive, the CBN had extended the deadline to July 31, 2014, from an initial deadline of July 15 2014.

The apex bank had also stated that interest would now be paid on the mandatory cautionary deposit of

S

Stories by Collins Nweze

N35 million, based on banking industry savings account rate. It among other requirements, also reviewed the mandatory cautionary deposit for BDCs upward to N35 million.

The regulator had pointed out that on the expiration of the deadline, it would cease to fund any BDC that failed to comply with the new requirements, adding that “only BDCs that meet the new requirements would qualify to be engaged as agent by the licenced international money transfer operators for inward and outward transfer business in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the Association of Bureaux De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON) has said that the $15,000 weekly sale to each BDCs by the CBN is inadequate to cover operating costs.

“Considering the difficulties that BDCs are currently facing, due to the volume of the weekly sales granted

•CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele to BDCs as against the associated costs in the business, we are strongly suggesting that the CBN consider increasing the weekly sales to BDCs from $15,000 to $50,000, the Association said in an appeal letter to the CBN Governor. Making a case for extension of CBN forex intervention to BDCs, the Association said,” it said in a statement.

Keystone Bank empowers women

W

OMEN participation in Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria has received an inspiring and creative boost from Keystone Bank Limited, as the lender recently unveiled The Pink Network, an initiative for women entrepreneurs and professionals to share business ideas and interact.

Speaking during the premiere interactive session held in Lagos, President/Chairman of Council, Chartered Institute of Bankers (CIBN), Mrs. ‘Debola Osibogun, said: “Keystone Bank Limited has creatively set up this platform to cater for the dreams and aspirations of women SMEs and the profes-

sional working class women.”

While commending the lender, the CIBN President also said “This initiative, beyond supporting the Central Bank’s Financial Inclusion Policy, would also solve some of the challenges built around markets and infrastructure that SMEs face.”

Managing Director/CEO, Keystone Bank, Mr. Philip Ikeazor spoke about the possibilities that partnering with Keystone Bank Pink Network offers to include financing of ventures in “agriculture, technology, education, hospitality and tourism, media and entertainment, professional services and advisory.

Once it is a Small and Medium Scale venture, the possibilities are end-

less.”

According to the Chief Executive, a lot has been written about women, from girls in their teens, to women in middle ages, from student entrepreneurs, to mom entrepreneurs, from women who quit their job to start a business, to women who were made redundant and so started a business, “I strongly believe that the Pink Network can offer a platform for the success story that every woman entrepreneur needs to make an impact to family, friends and the community at large. We want that when you tell your success story as a creator, a businesswoman, an entrepreneur and that it is a PINK story.”

TANBIC IBTC Bank has com missioned a new branch in Kano. The branch, located on the new campus of Bayero University Kano, is in fulfillment of the bank’s commitment to broaden its service channels and, in so doing, bring world class financial services closer to the residents.

The new office is an additional avenue for Stanbic IBTC Bank to meet the financial needs of its clientele and demonstrates the bank’s commitment to strengthen its retail banking portfolio. “The new branch reinforces the bank’s promise of convenience and accessibility to a full suite of financial products and services to the university community and other Kano residents,” said Mr Lincoln Mali, Head, Personal and Business Banking West Africa Region, Standard Bank.

“We want to build a network of branches in Nigeria where custom-

ers are offered the right services. Our target is to have the best branch network where quality and efficient service delivery is second to none,” said Mali.

Abiodun Gbadamosi, Head of Customer Channels at Stanbic IBTC Bank, said the new branch is expected to accommodate the growing need for full financial services in the university community and its environs even as he assured Kano residents of Stanbic IBTC Bank’s resolve to continue to provide quality services. He also revealed that the bank has plans to establish more branches across the country as it expands its operations.

“Stanbic IBTC Bank currently has over 180 branches nationwide. Our retail banking business operates a network of over 2,500 mobile money agents and we are succeeding in taking banking services to the under-banked. “

Fidelity wins the ‘Green Era Award’

F

IDELITY Bank has won the Green Era Award in recognition of the its green initiatives. Announcing the award at a gala night during the 2015 Green Economy Forum in Germany, Association OtherWays Management & Consulting, organisers of the event said that Fidelity Bank was adjudged the winner of the award having come tops in all the parameters set for the award.

Specifically, they said that the Bank’s drive for long term economic development; contribution to reduction in greenhouse emissions and ability to manage environmental risks in customers’ businesses among others won the award for the Bank.

Receiving the award, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc. Nnamdi Okonkwo thanked the organisers of the event for honouring the Bank. Okonkwo,

who was represented by the Head, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Chris Nnakwe said the award is a testament to the hard work and commitment the Bank made in its corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability He stated that Fidelity, as a “Green Bank” has consistently explored ways of making a difference towards a sustainable future. “Through our tripod CSR philosophy -Environment, Education and Health/social welfare, we are creating a sustainable society; one that will balance economic and social needs as well as environmental realities”. Making allusion to the climate change and the depletion of the ozone layer, Okonkwo said that Fidelity Bank has started addressing the global problem through the CSR and sustainability banking practice already in place in the bank.

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS AFRINVEST W. A. EQUITY FUND ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH BGL NUBIAN FUND BGL SAPPHIRE FUND CANARY GROWTH FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CORAL INCOME FUND FBN FIXED INCOME FUND FBN HERITAGE FUND FBN MONEY MARKET FUND FIDELITY NIG FUND • UBA BALANCED FUND • UBA BOND FUND • UBA EQUITY FUND • UBA MONEY MARKET FUND

126.04 9.17 1.12 1.19 0.63 1.39 1,744.73 1,104.77 112.34 121.16 1.67 1.1978 1.3117 0.7319 1.1349

125.82 9.08 1.12 1.19 0.62 1.33 1,744.73 1,104.00 111.75 120.30 1.62 1.1912 0.7203 0.7203 1.1349

SYMBOL

O/PRICE

C/PRICE

CHANGE

FIDSON NAHCO ETERNA UNILEVER TRANSEXPR MOBIL VITAFOAM ZENITHBANK CONOIL UAC-PROP

3.29 5.04 2.84 39.35 1.11 147.95 3.80 18.90 33.91 9.17

3.59 5.44 3.06 42.20 1.18 156.95 4.00 19.87 35.60 9.62

0.30 0.40 0.22 2.85 0.07 9.00 0.20 0.97 1.69 0.45

LOSERS AS AT 30-03-15

O/PRICE

VONO FO CADBURY PHARMDEKO MAYBAKER COSTAIN LIVESTOCK NB GUINNESS PZ CHAMPION

0.93 224.89 39.23 2.24 1.59 0.61 2.19 141.19 127.00 26.82 6.39

C/PRICE 0.85 213.62 37.27 2.13 1.52 0.59 2.16 140.00 126.00 26.53 6.38

FOREX RATES (NairaVs Dollar) February 23, 2015

Inflation: December

8%

Monetary Policy Rate

CHANGE -0.08 -11.27 -1.96 -0.11 -0.07 -0.02 -0.03 -1.19 -1.00 -0.09 -0.01

Interbank ($/N)

199.00

$1

Black Market ($/N)

215.00

$1

13.0%

Foreign Reserves

$33.2b

Oil Price (Bonny Light/b)

$60.91

London Inter-bank Offered Rates (LIBOR)

Money Supply (M2)

GAINERS AS AT 30-03-15

SYMBOL

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

N16.42 trillion.

Credit to private Sector (CPS)

N17.2 trillion

Primary Lending Rate (PLR)

16.5%

Tenor 1 Month 2 Months 3 Months 6 Months 12 Months

19 Feb

20 Feb

Rate)%

Rate (%)

0.1735 0.2147 0.2615 0.3841 0.6709

0.1715 0.2108 0.2626 0.3857 0.6744

Nigerian Stock Market Indices NIGERIAN INTER-BANK OFFERED RATES (NIBOR)

Tenor

12-02-15 Rate (%) Rate (%) 13-02-15

Overnight (O/N)

14.683

76.583

1M

15.033

15.977

3M

15.809

17.177

6M

16.493

17.908

Transaction Dates 03/02/2015 3/12/2014 1/12/2014

Amount Offered in ($) 500m 400m 350m

Amount Sold in ($) 499.93m 399.97m 349.96m

Statistics All Share Index Mkt Cap (NGN’bn) Deals Volume (mn) Value (NGN’mn)

19 Feb 29,282.04 9,770.36 3,385 564,28 6,087.80

20 Feb 29,383.93 9,804.36 3,714 377,75 6,568.66

GOVT. SECURITIES YIELD – SECONDARY MARKET

Tenor

Feb. 13, 2015

Rates

T-bills - 91

12.44

T-bills - 182

13.85

T-bills - 364

13.92

Bond - 3yrs

15.92

Bond - 5yrs

17.22

Bond - 7yrs

16.59

56

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

NEWS THE VERDICT APC rejects Delta results

Amaechi imposes curfew in Rivers

From Bolaji Ogundele, Warri

T

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State has called for the cancellation of last Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly elections. The party is alleging that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in collusion with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), falsified the results.

Speaking at a news conference in Warri last night, the party’s governorship candidate, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, described a situation where chieftains and agents of the ruling PDP, in many cases, cornered electoral officials and election materials.

According to Emerhor, who was accompanied by the party’s chairman , Prophet Erue Ode Jones, and the senatorial candidate for Delta Central, Halims Agoda, just like it had been alleged to have done in other states of the South-South, the PDP, working with staffers of INEC and security agents, especially the police, seized the original result sheets for most of the polling centres.

“I understand that about 12 local governments results are already in Asaba. They have suspended collation there while waiting for the process of filing an estimate of 1.7 million votes for the Presidential candidate of PDP to be achieved. That is their target.

“While Prof Attahiru Jega is announcing results of other states in Abuja, the one of Delta State is being cooked up to get to a figure that is being targeted. They capitalised on the directive of INEC to use manual accreditations in units where card readers malfunctioned to perpetrate this fraud by inflating figures of voters”, Olorogun lamented.

He cited the result which emanated from an Hausa populated Ugbudu market where APC scored 305 votes and PDP got 26 votes but the master collation that came up reflected that APC got 15 and PDP scored 234. He added: “this is the process the PDP is using to manipulate votes that did not exist”.

T

HE government of Rivers State last night imposed a dusk to dawn curfew on the state following the tense political atmosphere.

A statement by Information Commissioner Ibim Semenitari said: “The government has imposed a curfew in Rivers State from 7:00 pm (1800 GMT)

to 6:00 am to prevent the breakdown of law and order because of the tense political situation.

“Rivers, in the oil-producing Delta region, is a key battleground in the election, which is seen as the closest in Nigeria’s history.

“The main national opposition All Progressives

Congress (APC) has held protests in the state capital Port Harcourt, accusing the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of widespread vote-rigging.

“Thousands of supporters took to the streets on Sunday and Monday, calling for the election to be re-run in the state, which is next door to President Goodluck Jonathan’s

•Umana...yesterday

home in Bayelsa.

“The APC controls Rivers after governor Rotimi Amaechi defected from the PDP in 2013 and he has since become a top critic of the government.

“On Monday, female supporters of the APC were teargassed as they tried to converge on the offices of the local electoral commission.”

PHOTO: KAZEEM IBRAHYM

APC supporters protest in Akwa Ibom

S

UPPORTERS of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State yesterday shut down Uyo, the state capital, protesting what they called widespread irregularities in Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly elections.

The protest was led by APC Governorship candidate, Umana Okon Umana, and other chieftains.

Youths across the three senatorial districts and market women also joined the protest.

The peaceful protest began at the party’s headquarters on IBB Way, and marched through major roads, down to the state headquarters of the Independent National Electoral

From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

Commission (INEC) at Udo Udoma Avenue.

The protesters were received by the administrative secretary of the commission where they insisted that the Resident Electoral Commission (REC), Austin Okojie, should address them.

Umana, who spoke on behalf of the protesters, said the elections were marred by violence and that there were no results sheets in all the polling units.

According to Umana, collation of results which could have been done at the ward levels and local government areas were all done in the houses of some

serving commissioners, senators and minister.

He said: “From all over Akwa Ibom State, people could not find the result sheets. At the end of Sunday, we compiled reports from our situation room and we found out that the situation was not different anywhere.

“We took a position to write to INEC Chairman to inform him about the situation. Outside that, even when voting was taking place in a few areas, for example in Ibiono, Ibesikpo, Nsit Atai, Etinan, serving commissioners led thugs to polling units to snatch ballot boxes and killed some of our members.

Umana, who called for fresh elections, said: “The people of Akwa Ibom state

feel that their rights have been trampled upon, they have been oppressed in a manner that has never happened before. They are crying out to God that those who have participated in this conspiracy are putting up a course on their head.

Whatever money they have collected it will never be well with them.

“We have not had elections in Akwa Ibom State. We are law abiding. We have done the right thing. We wrote to the chairman of INEC stating our facts that we couldn’t have had elections in Akwa Ibom because we had no result sheets. No voting took place in Akwa Ibom and I know results must have been recorded by now and over 100 per cent given to PDP.

Group kicks against Akwa Ibom elections PRESSURE group, Women’s Pro-Climate Federation for Buhari has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to cancel the March 28 Presidential and National Assembly elections in Akwa Ibom State.

A statement signed by its President, Mrs Ekaette Enitan Sanusi alleged that in virtually all the polling units, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwarts confiscated vital electoral materials including result sheets thereby denying people the right to cast their votes.

Mrs Sanusi statement reads: “We are saddened by the horrendous stealing of the peoples right by Godswill Akpabio and PDP high command in Akwa Ibom co-

A

By Leke Salaudeen

ordinated by Senator Effiong at the March 28 Presidential and National Assembly Elections.

“In virtually all the polling units, the vital election result sheets have been confiscated by the PDP stalwarts with the connivance of the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Ausin Okojie. While voters were accredited they were denied and robbed of the inherent rights to cast their ballots to vote for the candidates of their choice.

“This electoral fraud and evil machination will not stand and must be resisted. We are demanding that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters should cancel the election, commence investigation, prosecute suspects and repeat the election in Akwa Ibom accordingly.”

Rivers APGA seeks polls’ cancellation

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HE leadership of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Rivers State has protested the outcome of the elections, describing it as a shame and waste of resources.

The protest, which started by 12pm from Port Harcourt City Local government (PHALGA) to INEC office, was led by party chieftains and candidates who insisted that election did not hold in the state.

From Precious Dikewoha, Port Harcourt

Briefing reporters during the protest yesterday, state Chairman of APGA Terri Godffery said they were protesting the worst election ever conducted in the history of Rivers State.

He said the party was calling for a cancellation of the election, adding that security personnel and INEC officials collaborated to mess up the process.

“We are calling on INEC chairman and the REC to investigate the election, especially PHALGA federal constituency 1 and Ikwerre/Emohua federal constituency, where we have evidence of how police and INEC officials thumb printed for PDP. “To be frank with you there was no election in Rivers State, even where election was conducted, there were no result sheets. Based on this fact, we are calling for outright cancellation

of Rivers State election; INEC cannot make mockery of our election,” Godffery said.

APGA House of Representative candidate for PHALGA federal constituency 1 Brave Nwobo said party agents who are not PDP members were beaten at the polling units.

“In my ward, PDP officials gave out money to voters and INEC officials and security personnel were watching them. In fact, INEC officials and Police

became PDP members. It was an eyesore, we recorded when police officers and INEC officials where thumb printing for PDP. “We are ready to present a video when we are called upon

by INEC, all evidences are intact waiting when INEC will request for them. I am appealing to the world to tell INEC that no result sheet was presented in Rivers State,” Nwobo said.

INEC suspends release of results in Delta From Shola O’Neil and Polycarp Orosevwotu, Ughelli

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HE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday, suspended the collation of results of the National Assembly elections of Delta Central senatorial district after protets by the Labour Party.

Returning officer Prof Greg Okagbare, who announced the suspension, said it was occasioned by protest against the exercise noting that “some people are not satisfied with the results that we are collating.”

He said: “I decided to suspend the collation till I get further directive because they said there is need for them to seek clarification and look at the basic information that led to the final figures we are collating.”

Prior to the pronouncements, the governorship and senatorial candidates of the LP, Ovadje Ogboru and Ovie-Omo-Agege respectively had stormed the INEC collation center in Ughelli to register their displeasure at the alleged manipulation of the result.

Chief Ogboru said: “We are appealing to the chairman of INEC, Prof Attahiru Jega to change the Electoral Officers in the state before the governorship elections.

If the commission fails to do this, my party would decide the next line of action at the end of the day.”

Police teargas protesting women From Bisi Olaniyi and Clarice Azuatalam, Port Harcourt

P

ROTESTING women of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State were tear gassed yesterday by policemen leaving many of them injured and receiving treatment in different hospitals.

The protest took place barely 24 hours after leaders and members of the party took to the streets to protest the alleged fraudulent elections.

The protest was led by the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Joeba West, member of the House of Assembly, Mrs. Vikki Nyeche, and a former Chairman of Ogu/Bolo Local Government Council, Mrs. Maureen Tamuno.

Armed with placards bearing inscriptions such as: “Rivers REC of INEC must go”; “No result sheets in Rivers State”; “Prof. Jega, please we want to vote in Rivers”; “Women say no to rigging”; “INEC in Rivers State is PDP”, the protest took off at 8:40 am from the St. John’s campus of the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education on Aba Road and headed for INEC headquarters.

They called for rescheduling of Saturday’s elections and transfer of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dame Gesila Khan, accusing her of taking sides with the PDP.

THE NATION TUESDAY MARCH 31, 2015

57

NEWS THE VERDICT

Buhari floors Jonathan, Sambo in Kaduna

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EN. Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Con-

gress (APC) has floored incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan in Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo’s home state, Kaduna, with 1.127,760 votes to 484,085 votes.

•Senator Makarfi defeated From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

The opposition APC won in 14 of the 23 local governments, leaving the ruling party with nine councils.

Comrade Shehu Sani of the APC won the Kaduna

Central Senatorial District seat, defeating Senator Mohammed Mukhtar Aruwa of the PDP with 468,964 votes to 168, 241 votes.

APC’s Suleiman Hunkuyi defeated the incumbent senator and former Kaduna State Governor, Ahmed Makarfi,

to clinch the Kaduna North Senatorial Zone ticket with 447,917 votes to 136,197 votes.

However, Danjuma Laah of the PDP defeated APC’s Ishaku Shekarau to emerge the winner of the Kaduna South senatorial seat with 259,239 votes to 119,022 votes.

Kure fails to return to Senate

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WO-term legislator and Maritime Transport Senate Committee Chairman, Senator Zaynab Kure, lost her bid to retain the Niger South Senatorial District ticket to the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate.

She polled 64,107 votes

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

against 164,250 votes of Gen. Mohammed Garba of the APC. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Returning Officer for Niger South, Prof. Hussani Anthony Makun, in Bida, declared Garba as the winner.

APC wins in Jigawa From Ahmed Rufa’I, Dutse

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) has won the three senatorial seats in Jigawa State.

The party’s standard-bearer, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, won the presidential election in the state.

Declaring the presidential election result, the Returning Officer, Prof. James Ayatsa, vice chancellor of the Federal University, Katsina, said Gen. Buhari polled 885,988, while President Goodluck Jonathan scored 143,904.

Buhari wins in Sokoto

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HE candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday recorded a landslide in the presidential election in Sokoto State.

The number of registered voters is 1,663,127, accredited voters, 988,899, valid votes, 834,259, rejected votes, 42,110 and total votes cast, 876,369.

APC polled 671,926 votes and PDP, 152,199 votes.

APC defeats PDP in Gombe

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•Oyo State Returning Officer, Ayobami Salami (right), presenting a copy of the presidential election results to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, during the announcement of the results in Abuja... yesterday PHOTO ABAYOMI FAYESE .

APC wins with a landslide in Kano

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) has won the Presidential and National Assembly elections in Kano State.

Its presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, polled 1, 903, 999 votes to defeat the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) standardbearer, President Goodluck Jonathan, who got 215, 779.

Governor Rabi’u Musa

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

Kwankwaso won the Kano Central Senatorial District ticket with 758, 383, beating Senator Bashir Lado of the PDP, who polled 205, 809 votes.

In Kano North, ex-House of Representatives member, Alhaji Barau Jubril, who polled 381, 393 votes, floored the Senate Majority Whip,

Senator Bello Hayatu Gwarzo, who has been in the Senate since 1999. He got 107, 845 votes.

In Kano South, Kabiru Ibrahim Gaya, an architect, retained his seat, as he was leading the former Commissioner for Local Government Affairs in Malam Ibrahim Shekarau’s administration, Alhaji Abdullahi Rogo, at press time.

In the House of Representatives election, APC candidates defeated their opponents from the PDP. Kano residents jubilated over APC’s victory.

The fans of the Kwankwassiyya Movement were in good mood, displaying their red caps, as they savoured the victory of Governor Kwankwaso.

APC leads in Adamawa

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HE results of last Saturday’s presidential election have started trickling in from 14 local governments of Adamawa State.

The collation of the results, as released by the returning officers at the Gen Murtala

Blessing Olaifa and Barnabas Manyam, Yola

Mohammed College showed that the All Progressive Congress (APC) is leading in nine local governments, followed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which won in five lo-

cal governments.

The results showed that APC won in Girei, Maiha, Hong, Mayo-Belwa, Yola South, Yola North, Toungo, Mubi North and Shelleng, while the PDP won in Madagali, Lamurde, Michika, Guyuk and Song

councils.

In Girei, APC polled 17,149 votes against PDP’s 9,285 votes. In Maiha, APC recorded 15,432 votes against PDP’s 2603 votes, and in Hong Local Government, APC polled 17365 votes and PDP, 1662 votes.

APC heading for landslide in Zamfara

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HE presidential election result announced in Zamfara State has shown that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is heading for a landslide.

Of the 14 local governments, the results of six have been released by the Independent National Electoral

From: Victor Oluwasegun, Gusau

Commission (INEC).

In Bakura Local Government, APC polled 37,926 votes and PDP got 12, 761 votes.

In Bungudu Local Government, APC had 57,485 votes and PDP, 7,825 votes.

In Maru Local Government, APC polled 37, 745 votes and PDP, 7,288, votes.

In Shinkafi Local Government, APC polled 21, 962 votes and PDP, 11, 798 votes.

In Chafe Local Government, APC was leading with 61, 306 votes against PDP’s 8,779 votes.

In Zurmi Local Govern-

ment, APC led with 41, 088 votes and PDP got 11,972 votes.

The results of the remaining eight local governments: Anka, Birnin Magaji/Kiyaw, Bukkuyum, Gummi, Gusau, Kaura Namoda, Maradun and Talata Mafara were being awaited at press time.

Buhari, APC sweep Kebbi

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HE presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, has won the election in Kebbi State with a landslide.

He emerged winner in the 21 local governments with a total vote of 567,883 of the 677,003 valid votes cast.

The standard-bearer of the

From Sanni Onogu and Khadijat Saidu, Birnin-Kebbi

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), President Goodluck Jonathan, lost to Gen. Buhari with a total vote of 100,972.

The APC candidate for Kebbi North, Dr. Yahaya Abdullahi, polled 139,197 votes to defeat Governor Saidu Usman Dakingari of the PDP, who scored 70,148

votes, while Senator Adamu Aleiro garnered 216,084 to beat Abubakar Gari Mallam of the PDP, who polled 68,792 votes in Kebbi Central Senatorial Zone.

The APC candidate for Kebbi South, Bala Ibn Na’Allah, also emerged victorious even as the APC candidates for the House of Representatives seats won.

According to the Kebbi State Presidential Election Returning Officer and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) of Uthman Dan Fodiyo University, Sokoto, Prof. Mohammed Lawal Ahmadu, the total registered voters in the state were 1,457,763 of which 792,818 were accredited to vote.

By Vincent Ohonbamu, Gombe

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) has defeated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the presidential election in Gombe State.

It polled 361,245 votes against PDP’s 96,873 votes.

Prof. Saminu Abdulrahman Ibrahim of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, announced the results about 5 pm yesterday.

A breakdown of the results showed that APC won in eight of the 11 local governments.

Jang, Dariye, Husseini win seats

P

LATEAU State Governor Jonah Jang has been declared winner of the senatorial election for Plateau North.

Senator Joshua Dariye won the Plateau Central seat and Gen. Jeremiah Husseini clinched the Plateau South ticket.

According to the results announced by the Director, Public Education and Information, Osaritin Imahierebo, Governor Jang polled 234,455, while his All Progressives Congress (APC) opponent, Eunice

From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

Sambo, scored 221,455.

In Plateau Central, the incumbent senator, who defected from the Labour Party to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before the primaries polled 189,159 to beat the APC candidate, who scored 99,322.

In Plateau South where two retired Generals contested, Gen. Husseini of the PDP scored 126,154 to beat Gen. John Shagaya of the APC, who polled 89,868.

APC wins two seats in Nasarawa

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) has won two senatorial seats in Nasarawa State.

The incumbent senator, Abdullahi Adamu, representing Nasarawa West, polled 92, 804 votes to return to the Senate.

He defeated former House of Representatives member and the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) candidate, Ahmed Wadada, who polled 88, 214 votes.

Mohammed Abdullahi, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC Returning officer in Nasarawa

From Frank Ikpefan, Lafia

West made the declaration at the Collation Centre in Keffi, Keffi Local Government.

He said: “By the power conferred on me by the Electoral Act, I hereby declare Abdullahi Adamu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who scored 92,804 to defeat his closest opponent, Ahmed Wadada of the PDP, who polled 88,214.”

In Nasarawa South, the APC candidate, Salihu Egebola, defeated the incumbent and the PDP’s candidate, Mr. Suleiman Adokwe.

Dakingari loses senatorial bid

K

EBBI State Governor Saidu Dakingari was defeated in the senatorial election by the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bello Argungu, who polled 139,197 votes.

Dakingari got 70,148 votes.

Also, a member representing Kalgo/Bunza/Birnin Kebbi Federal Constituency on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sani Kalgo, lost to the APC candidate, Abdullahi Muslim, who polled 101,869. Kalgo got 24,382 votes.

Another serving member representing Zuru/Fakai/Sakaba/ Danko-Wasagu Federal Constituency, Abdullahi Dan’Alkali, a member of the PDP, lost to Aliyu Danladi of the APC. The Returning Officer, Abdullahi Kangiwa, declared Mr. Danladi winner with 66,261 votes, against Mr. Dan’Alkali’s 28,674.

The result of the Kebbi South Senatorial Zone was still being collated.

Bala Ibn Na’Allah of the APC was leading and is likely to defeat Sadiq Yalwa of the PDP.

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

58

NEWS THE VERDICT

Southeast poll a disaster, says APC

APC rejects Enugu elections

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•From left: The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State, Okey Ezea; the party’s Chairman, Dr. Ben Nwoye; National Vice Chairman (Southeast), Emma Enukwu and Ifeanyi Asogwa, at a news briefing on the elections...yesterday.

PHOTO: OBI CLETUS

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected the results of the Presidential and National Assembly elections in Enugu State, as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Police yesterday fired canisters of tear gas at members of the People for Democratic Change (PDC), a party of former Governor Chimaroke Nnamani, when they protested in front of INEC’s office in Enugu.

PDC members were protesting the result of the National Assembly election de-

•Nnamani declares self winner From Chris Oji, Enugu

clared by INEC. Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidates were declared winners of the elections.

Nnamani declared himself and other candidates of his party winners of the National Assembly elections in Enugu East.

He accused the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Chukwuemeka Onukaogu, of attempting to extort money from him before the election, “which I refused.”

APC alleged that the polls

were characterised by electoral fraud, thuggery “and assault on our members.”

The party officials, led by the Chairman, Ben Nwoye, flanked by the governorship candidate, Okey Ezea and National Vice Chairman (Southeast), Emma Enukwu, alleged that INEC connived with PDP to deny APC agents accreditation, which made security agents to chase them away from the polling units, where they alleged rigging took place.

Nwoye gave instances of assault and brutality of APC

members across the three senatorial districts, alleging that Card Readers were not used in some parts of the state in order to allocate figures in favour of the PDP. Ezea said: “It’s a collaboration of government and INEC to suppress the will of the people. We were given 18 tags of the 183 tags for polling units in Igboeze South.

“In many polling units, INEC officials came without result sheets. It has come to a point where we must resort to self help if we must survive the impunity of election rigging.”

Ekwunife declared winner in Anambra Central

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HE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday declared Uche Ekwunife winner of the Anambra Central Senatorial Zone ticket.

Former Minister of Aviation Princess Stella Oduah was coasting home against exCommissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Chief Dubem Obaeze.

Speaking at INEC’s secretariat at Amawbia in Awka South Local Government, the Collation Officer, Dr. Pius Okoye, said Ekwunife polled 101,548 votes.

She defeated the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate and the party’s National Chairman, Chief Victor Umeh and Senator Chris Ngige of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) standard-bearer, President Goodluck Jonathan, defeated Gen. Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

M

•Oduah leads in North •Fracas mars South From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

Jonathan scored 660,762 votes against Buhari’s 17,926.

Valid votes are 688,584, rejected votes, 14,835 and total votes, 703,900.

The presidential election result was announced by the Collation Officer, Prof. Chig-

ozie Asiabaka, the vice chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO).

Umeh polled 77,129 votes to emerge second and Ngige came third with 20,850 votes.

During the election, Ngige refused to vote at his Alor ward, because, according to

him, manipulations characterised the process, following faulty Card Readers, nonavailability of result sheets, among others.

APC has called for the cancellation of the elections. It urged INEC to conduct a fresh poll.

APGA’s candidate rejects result

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HE member representing Umunneochi in the Abia State House of Assembly, Prince Ikedi Ezekwesili, who is seeking re-election on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), has condemned the activities of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members in last Saturday’s elections.

Speaking with The Nation in Umuahia, Ezekwesili alleged that in his local government, Umunneochi, the lawmaker representing the council in the House of Representatives

•Alleges malpractices From Ugochukwu Ugoji-eke, Umuahia

used security agents to intimidate members of other parties.

He alleged that the federal lawmaker used security agents attached to her to intimidate APGA members and agents and in some cases allegedly snatched ballot boxes in collaboration with the council chairman.

Ezekwesili accused the electoral officer of “manifest compromise”.

His words: “The election can be described as the worst.”

Ezekwesili gave instances when the lawmaker, the council chairman and the presiding officers refused to declare the number of accredited voters before voting began.

He said: “A situation where the presiding officer, in collaboration with the lawmaker and the transition committee chairman, refused to announce the number of accredited voters for the election, which is against the electoral act, is unacceptable.”

Army kills three insurgents

EN of the 301 Artillery Regiment (General Support) of the Army yesterday killed three Boko Haram insurgents and arrested one.

An Army Captain, who declined identifying himself, said the insurgents took the fight to their men at a check point near Dukku, the headquarters of Dukku Local Government.

He said the operation

•Arrests one in Gombe

By Vincent Ohonbamu, Gombe

started about 00.30 hours and lasted for one hour.

Among the items recovered from them were one army green Toyota Hilux van, three primed improvised explosive devices (IEDs), one FM rifle, three boxes of .50mm live ammunition, 150 rounds of .50mm live ammunitions

and 70 empty shells of .50mm ammunition.

Other items were a pair of mobile police uniform with Clement Ahmadu inscribed on it, two jerry cans of petrol, tyre patching materials, motor vehicle spare parts, one empty AK 47 magazine and two empty boxes of armour.

Also recovered were one INEC smart card reader meant for Nafada Local Government, one empty INEC bag,

three bags of rice and one pot of cooked rice.

The Army officer urged people to remain calm.

The insurgents on Saturday struck in parts of Gombe State, killing seven persons, including two INEC personnel and a policeman on election duty.

Five of them were killed by the joint security operatives in Dukku after the insurgents torched a police formation in one of the villages.

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) has described the Presidential and National Assembly elections in the Southeast as a disaster.

It said during the polls, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) did not present result sheets and its members were intimidated with security operatives by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Addressing reporters yesterday in Nnewi, APC’s National Auditor Chief George Muoghalu alleged that INEC compromised during the polls.

He said: “What happened in the Southeast was a disaster and should not be allowed to stand. Security operatives, who were supposed to be neutral, became partisan.”

Muoghalu said what happened in Imo, Edo and Rivers states were cases of intimidation against the opposition.

According to him, “the elections in Anambra State were held in people’s houses where they thumb-printed.

What happened was not a reflection of the party’s popularity.

“If INEC fails to heed the demand of the populace by cancelling elections in some states, the APC national lead-

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

ership will meet to decide on the next action.

“We are preaching peace.

This is why we demand free, fair and credible elections.

Nigeria is our project, nobody wants violence.

“What has happened in this election means Nigerians are desirous of change. The only mistake they will make is not to allow the people’s will to prevail.”

The APC national auditor said the Federal Government violated court order by deploying military personnel, noting that it was not in the interest of the country.

He said: “I make bold to say that there was no election in Anambra State. The issue of APC not doing well in the state and other Southeast states does not arise.

“There were cases of voter intimidation by PDP contractors in Anambra. There was the issue of failed accreditation, which was applicable to other states and there was an indication by the PDP to carry out its normal rigging.”

APC condemned the election conducted in Aguata Local Government, describing it as a sham.

The party accused INEC’s officials of bias and systematic rigging.

Jonathan defeats Buhari in Abia

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HE standard-bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), President Goodluck Jonathan, defeated the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, in Abia State.

Jonathan polled 368,303 votes against Buhari’s 13,394.

The Returning Officer and the Vice Chancellor, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Prof.

Benjamin Chukwuma Ozumba, announced the result. He

•APC rejects result From Ugochukwu Ugoji-eke, Umuahia

said he would send it to Abuja.

The Campaign Coordinator of Gen. Buhari, Dr. Emmanuel Aguzie Ndukwe, has rejected the result, describing it as a sham.

He said that there were alterations on the result sheet.

Ndukwe said the credibility of the result was in doubt.

Nnamani’s supporters protest defeat

S

UPPORTERS of former Enugu State Governor Chimaroke Nnamani protested yesterday the declaration of Senator Gilbert Nnaji as the winner of the Enugu East Senatorial District ticket.

Nnamani contested on the platform of the PDC and Nnaji contested on PDP’s

From Chris Oji, Enugu

platform.

This is the second time Nnaji is defeating Nnamani, the first being in 2011.

The protesters marched to the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at Independence Layout, Enugu.

Funeral for Moradeyo

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HE families of Moradeyo and Ogundipe have released the funeral programme of Mrs. Margaret Mopelola Moradeyo (JP).

The deceased’s eldest son, Mr. Kola Moradeyo, said on April 7, there would be a service of songs for his mother by the Young Women Christian Association (YMCA) at 3 pm, adding that a Christian wake follows at 5 pm in her home, 22, Moradeyo Street, KujeAmuwo, Lagos.

He said on April 8, there would be lying- in-state in her home, to be followed by a funeral service at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 18, Saibu Street, Mazamaza, off La-

The late Mrs. Moradeyo

gos-Badagry Expressway.

Moradeyo said the deceased would be buried at Ikoyi Vaults and Gardens. Reception follows at Syrian Club, 41, Ribadu Road, off Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, by 2pm.

She is survived by sister, brother, husband, children and grandchildren.

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

59

NEWS U.S., UK warn against tampering with polls results Continued from page 4

ceiving attention. Prof. Jega said during a news conference that he has received our protest letter.

“Even our opponents know that there was no election in Rivers State. All we are asking for is that we should be given opportunity to cast our votes like every other coun-

try. Let me say that I am very sure Buhari would have done well if elections had held in Rivers State.

“We are pleading with the world because what is happening in our state is most tragic. We have never had this level of violence; it is unprecedented. Over 10 people died, over 50 APC members were arrested. It is clearly the

desperation of some people who want to get power by all means, even at the cost of human lives. And if you do a check, you will discover that all those who died or sustained injuries are all members of the APC. ”All we are asking for is inclusion in our country’s electoral process. But we need to have confidence in

the election umpires. We don’t have confidence in Mrs Gesila Khan. Sadly, she has not shown that she is a woman of integrity and that is worrisome. But I am optimistic that we will get justice because the world already knows. So, we are looking forward to a new date to cast our votes”.

Perpetrators of violence ’ll be held accountable, says EU Continued from page 4

tion. Besides, the team said there was room for improvement, especially in communication and logistics.

The team Fisas said, “will follow up on petitions and present its final report in two

months but that it will be up to the government to accept or reject such report.

The EU team also advocated for a reform of the electoral laws to strengthen democracy, especially in election funding and the right to

stand for election.

The team described as implausible claims by INEC that a particular state recorded 92 per cent collection of Permanent Voters Card (PVCs), arguing that there must have been some deaths by some

PVC holders between 2010 and 2015. They also lamented that much of the campaign violence was not addressed while some segments of the media received commendation for balanced reportage; others were biased.

Yuguda loses Bauchi South senatorial bid

B

AUCHI State Governor Isa Yuguda has lost his bid to represent Bauchi South Senatorial zone in the last Saturday's Senate election.He was floored in a landslide defeat by Mr. Ali Wakili, a retired Comptroller of Customs.

The Bauchi South Senatorial zone is made up Alkaleri, Bauchi, Bogoro, Dass, Kirfi,Tafawa Balewa and Toro local government areas.

Yuguda contested on the Peoples Democratic Party [PDP] platform and Mr. Ali Wakili contested on All Progressive Congress (APC).

Announcing the results at Independent National Elec-

toral Commission [INEC], the Collating Officer and Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi, Dr Shuibu Musa, declared that the APC candidate Ali Wakili polled 341, 708 votes to floor incumbent PDP candidate Governor Yuguda with 115, 575 votes.

Yuguda lost to Wakili in all the seven local governments in the Bauchi South Senatorial zone.

A breakdown of the results showed that Wakili scored 134, 528 votes in Bauchi Local Government Area where Yuguda hails from, by a wide margin. Yuguda struggled to get 23, 945 in Bauchi.

In Dass Local Government Area, Yuguda scored 11, 923 and Wakili won 17, 009 to win in the smallest local government council in Nigeria.

Yuguda also lost in Toro Local Government Area by 30, 401 votes to Wakili's 73, 033 votes.

In Tafawa Balewa,the most embattled local government council in the state where Wakili comes from, Yuguda coasted home with 23, 519 votes as against 40, 147 votes scored by the former Customs chieftain.

Total votes bagged by Wakili in other four local government governments are 264, 777 and Yuguda 89, 788.

•Yuguda

INEC probes Rivers elections controversy Continued from page 4

election.

“The committee of National Electoral Commissioners comprises the following:

Mrs. Thelma Iremirem, Head and Supervisory National Commissioner for Rivers State; Col. M.K. Hammanga and Prof. Lai Olurode.

“They have departed for Rivers State and it is expected that they will submit their report before the end of the collation of results of the oth-

er states and the FCT. “Following the consideration of the report, the Commission will make its decision known.”

Fitch revises Nigeria’s outlook to negative Continued from page 4

election has gone largely well except for technical glitches.

According to Fitch, the negative outlook could be returned to stable following a smooth electoral process and reduced political uncertainty among other factors.

The agency noted the government’s timely and rapid policy response in the face of falling oil prices, which includes revenue increases and cost cutting measures and

strengthening tax administration.

Furthermore, it stated: “The Nigerian authorities have implemented a rapid policy response including exchange rate reform and significant fiscal consolidation, in response to lower oil prices.

“Distortions arising from a multiple currency practice have been eliminated through the closure of the auction windows,” the agency added.

On debt, Fitch pointed out

that Nigeria’s public and external debt ratios remain stable and low when compared to its peers.

“Debt is well managed.

There is a diverse local investor base and local debt is expected to remain in key global bond indices. Debt service ratios are also low.”

Fitch sounded a note of caution saying that economic performance is likely to weaken partly due to the erosion of fiscal and external buffers and a high depen-

dence on oil for revenue.

It however said that non-oil growth will remain robust while reforms in power and agricultural sectors will help to keep the momentum. It put non-oil growth forecast at 5.5 percent for 2015 from 7.4 percent in 2014 and an average of 5.6 percent over the past five years.

Nigeria is currently rated Ba3 (equivalent to BB-) with stable outlook by Moodys and B+ with stable outlook by Standard & Poor’s.

Buhari leads Jonathan in 10 states with 2.03m Continued from page 4

Asuzu( Osun); VC Michael Okpara University, Prof.

Hillary Edoga(Enugu); VC Federal University, Lokoja, Prof.

Abdulmumini Rafindadi(Nasarawa ); VC of UNAAB, Abeokuta, Prof.

Olukolade Oyewole( Ondo); ex-VC of OAU Ile-Ife, Prof.

Michael Faborode(FCT); and Deputy VC( Academic), OAU, Prof.

Ayobami Salami(Oyo); Prof.C.C. Asimaka (Anambra); Prof. Benjamin Azumba (Abia); Prof.

James Epoke (Akwa Ibom); Prof. Oye Ibidapo-Obe(Imo); Prof. Jafar Kaura(Kaduna); Prof. Muhammed Hamisu( Kano); Prof. James Ayate( Jigawa); Prof. Jibrilla Dahiru( Katsina); Prof. Musibau Akanji ( Kwara); and Prof.

Emmanuel Ucha( Plateau).

Some of the agents of the parties at the session includ-

ed Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora and Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed(APC); ExMinister Godsday Orubebe and Col. Bello Fadile(rtd) for PDP; Umar Mustapha( Kowa); Adegoke Saheed (AA); Lawal Abdul(PPN); Comrade Adebola Lateef ( NCP) The Chairman of INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega, however, said the commission will not alter any presidential results presented at the National Collation Centre(NCC).

He added: “Some of these results were collated and presented in the presence of party agents and clearly they were accepted.

“If results were not contested at that level, I do not see why it has to be contested here. Once results are to the satisfaction of all and the State Collation Officer, we

cannot do make any amendment here.

“We will however note any observation if it is significant enough for the results of any election.”

Earlier, Jega had listed 19 procedures which were followed before the collation and the announcement of the results.

He said: “As you are aware, the Presidential Election results are first collated at the states and the Federal Capital Territory and the State Collation Officer brings the original results here for presentation.

“There are about 19 specific steps in the procedure. We have followed these procedures up to this point.”

He also said INEC management cannot tamper with poll results being presented at the National Collation Centre by State Collation Officers.

As the results were being announced, there was panic in Abuja leading to the shutting down of most offices and markets.

It was gathered that most residents had responded to strange text message of likely violence.

All ministries, parastatals and private firms closed abruptly before 2pm.

Also, the collation of results forced top PDP leaders to hold series of meetings in Abuja.

A party source said: “Our leaders had been meeting to review the results from most of the states and what will be our attitude to the outcome of the presidential election.

“The truth is that we are not comfortable with the results from some states and the party leadership has already reacted and identified these states.”

LENT

Theme: Judas, his kiss of death and his reward Text:”.... this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out” (Acts 1:18)

“

DESPERATION’, according to Douglas Borton, ‘is like stealing from a mafia; you stand a good chance of attracting the wrong attention”. This words aptly describes the ministry of the desperate Judas Iscariot. Judas Iscariot was one of the disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ. Perhaps in Jesus’ pursuit to deliver him from the innate spirit of dishonesty, he was the only disciple that Jesus entrusted with a department - he was the Treasurer of Jesus Christ’s ministry. He was a man who saw Jesus raise the dead, he was in attendance when the storm was stilled, he was not on leave when the lame walked, the blinds’ eyes were opened in his presence, he was a part of the commissioning to go and heal the sick and had a part in the testimonies that followed that great commission. This man started life very promisingly but unfortunately, he lived badly and had a disastrous end.

What separated Judas Iscariot from the other disciples was that firstly he was not only dishonest but was deceitful and had a penchant for stealing from the ministry’s purse. At Bethany, when Mary the sister of Lazarus broke the costly ointment to honour Jesus Christ, Judas Iscariot hid behind financial expediency of the commission and deceitful religiousity to lampoon Mary for that memorial act, which he regarded as a wastage, by saying that “......Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein” (John 12:4-6).

The other aspect of his life that eventually led to his dastardly end was that, for pecuniary purposes, he “......went unto the chief priests, And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver. And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him” (Matthew 26:1416). Judas did not only collect money from the chief priests but he saw to it that Jesus Christ was handed over to them and killed. When Jesus Christ returned from the Mount of Olives where He went for agonising prayers, the multitude came to Him with swords and other dangerous weapons, “.......He saw that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him. But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss? (Luke 22:4748). Judas Iscariot betrayed the Son of man with a kiss. For pecuniary purposes, he used his today to destroy his glorioustomorrow.

Judas Iscariot didn’t learn from his forebearers like Gehazi who could have been one of the greatest prophets in history, if not for covetousness. Like Gehazi, Judas ended his life and ministry unceremoniously.

Instead of having a memorial like the other disciples that never built a personal house but have reward of having monuments named after them today and eternal homes as a worthy icing. Judas Iscariot collected the money but never enjoyed the benefits to be derived therefrom, “......he purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out” (Acts 1:18). What happened to both of them gives credence to God’s word in Jeremiah 17:11 that, “As the partridge sitteth on eggs, and hatcheth them not; so he that getteth riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his end shall be a fool”.

The Almighty God is a God of reward for whatever one does or is doing overtly or covertly (Rev. 22:12; Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). Solomon buttressed this further in Ecclesiastes 11:1 that, “ Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days”. Paul the Apostle also in Galatians 6:8 wrote that, “For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting”. Suffice to say that no person will escape God’s judgment for whatever is done here, either good or bad, deceitfully or plainly, known to man or hidden from human eyes.

There was a woman who never knew her husband until his death when at the funeral service, a strange woman walked inside the church and took her seat beside the weeping widow as the deceased’s second wife that was tucked outside the country with her two sons that were carbon-copies of her late husband. In same way was a couple whose economy was quite harsh and they lived everyday managing the meagre resources available to them. It was when the woman died that the man discovered the financial worth of her deceased wife. To his utter consternation, the woman had a house from which she was collecting rents monthly, vehicles that she was using for commercial purposes and several bank accounts that were loaded with huge sums of money.

Every act of betrayal and deception will end in calamity!

In this world that is bereft of betrayals, God is calling us to repentance as nothing lasts forever. As an employee, are you having honest dealings with your employers or trying to cut corners - remember Judas Iscariot! As a married person, is your kiss romantic or a set up strategy? Are you living honestly or deceitfully with your spouse? Does your spouse know your net worth or will he know only after death has come for you? As a friend, are you relating honestly with your friends or ready to sell them for pieces of silver? Are you wise in your own eyes forgetting that “there is a way that seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death”? (Proverbs 16:25). Judas betrayed with a kiss and died ignominiously and same went for Gehazi. Your end shall be greater than your today. You shall fulfill divine destiny, in Jesus’ name.

Beloved in Christ, Jesus Christ as we continue this Passion week and on the verge of ending this year’s lent, Jesus is enjoining us to live peaceably with all men, live honestly and righteously (Hebrews 12:14; Romans12:18). As children of God, you must also maintain your integrity and “........ let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation” (James 5:12). It is only when we do that, that we have peace and can receive anything and everything from Him. Prayer: Oh Lord, teach and continue to direct my steps so that I don’t destroy your purpose for me through desperation and love of money, in Jesus’ name.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

FOREIGN NEWS

British election starts with visit to Queen Elizabeth

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RITISH Prime Minister David Cameron paid a courtesy call on Queen Elizabeth II, then launched a most discourteous attack on his main political rival, as campaigning formally began Monday in the most unpredictable U.K. election in decades.

The royal audience — possibly Cameron’s last as prime minister — came as Britain’s Parliament was officially dissolved ahead of the May 7 vote.

Polls, bookmakers and politics-watchers say the election is too close to call, and no party is expected to win a majority of seats in the House of Commons.

Some form of coalition government is likely, and smaller parties — such as the Scottish and Welsh nationalists, the Greens and the antiEuropeans — could hold the balance of power.

While issues such as the European Union and immigration will play a big role in the campaign, both Cameron’s Conservatives and their main opposition,

the Labour Party, are focusing their pitches on the economy.

Cameron said a Labour victory would bring “economic chaos” and threaten Britain’s recovery from the Great Recession.

“Debt will rise and jobs will be lost as a result,” he said.

Speaking outside 10 Downing St. after meeting the queen at Buckingham Palace, Cameron said when he took office in 2010, “Britain was on the brink.”

Now, he said, “Britain is back on her feet again,” and growing faster than other G7 economies.

But Labour leader Ed Miliband argued that for many voters, that recovery “feels like it’s happening to someone else, somewhere else.” He kicked off campaigning with a speech aimed at reassuring business that Labour won’t increase tax and red tape.

And he called the Conservatives’ vow to hold a referendum on whether Britain should leave the 28-nation

U.S. denies Iranian drone claims

I

•British Prime Minister, Mr David Cameron leaving 10 Downing Street, his official residence yesterday to meet with Her Royal Majesty at the Birmingham Palace to officially announce a prorogation.

In the rich tradition of the British and indeed the commonwealth including Canada, the Prorogation of Parliament results in the termination of a session.

EU a “clear and present danger” to British businesses.

Cameron’s visit to the palace was a courtesy, since this election ends the historic practice of prime ministers asking the monarch to dis-

solve Parliament. That is now done automatically.

The same law fixes election dates to the first Thursday in May every five years unless the government loses a confidence vote in Parliament.

Iran nuclear talks continue as deadline looms

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HE six world powers are seeking to scale back Tehran’s nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief Yesterday at Swiss City of Laussanne.

PHOTO:Reuters Iran and six world powers have continued negotiations to try and complete a deal to manage Tehran’s nuclear programme, two days ahead of today’s deadline.

Foreign Ministers from all of the so-called P5+1 countries - the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and Germany - arrived in the Swiss town of Lausanne over the weekend ahead of a full meeting with Iran’s foreign minister on Monday morning.

As discussions between some of the ministers contin-

ued on Sunday, UK Foreign Minister Philip Hammond said the deal has to be one “which puts the bomb beyond Iran’s reach”.

All of the people needed to sign a deal with Iran are now in Lausanne, and the negotiations are closer than ever before. Many of the main technical issues concerning Iran’s uranium and plutonium facilities appear to have been dealt with. However, there are still sticking points, especially how much future research and development Iran would be allowed to carry out to further advance its nuclear programme, beyond the initial 10 year deal proposed by the US. Iran wants all sanctions, particularly those imposed by the UN, to be lifted, but the other nations want them to continue in some form. It is

yet to be determined how exactly the deal will be announced; how much will be in a formal document and how much will be shared publicly. But what is clear is that no deal will be done without all foreign ministers present. A US official tells us that the talks will not go beyond the 31st of March. The weather in Lausanne is cold and wet – a sign of good luck in Persian culture. Nonetheless, difficult negotiations are still likely.

“There can’t be any compromise about that. So if we’re going to get this done in the next few hours, Iran needs to take a deep breath and make some tough decisions to ensure that those red lines can be met.”

Iranians have expressed guarded optimism that after

Snowden meets Swedish lawmakers in Moscow

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HREE Swedish lawmakers have met Edward Snowden in Moscow to discuss surveillance and privacy issues.

Friday’s meeting was organized by the Right Livelihood Award Foundation, which gave its annual human rights prize to Snowden last year.

The former National Security Agency systems analyst sought shelter in Russia after leaking details of the United States’ once-secret surveillance

A

programs. I n a statement from the foundation, Snowden said he discussed mass surveillance, privacy and transparency with the lawmakers and added “I hope to see them soon again in Sweden.”If he leaves Russia, Snowden would risk arrest and extradition to the U.S., where he’s been charged under the Espionage Act. The Swedish lawmakers were from the Green Party the junior member of Swe-

18 months of tortuous negotiations and two missed deadlines, a breakthrough may be at hand.

“Getting to an accord is doable. Solutions have been found for numerous questions. We are still working on two or three issues... The talks are in their final phase and are very difficult,” Iran’s chief negotiator Abbas Araqchi said.

According to German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, there had been “some progress and some setbacks” during Sunday’s talks but he said that he did not rule out the possibility for “further crises in these negotiations”.

By Tuesday’s deadline, the foreign ministers intend to produce an outline of a final deal which will be negotiated by the end of June this year.

Barack Obama to visit Kenya for first time as president

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•Snowden

den’s coalition government and the Moderate and Liberal parties.

MERICAN President Barack Obama is scheduled to make his first trip as president to Kenya – the country of his father’s birth – in July, the White House announced yesterday.

Obama planned to hold bilateral meetings and to attend a global entrepreneurship summit, the announce-

Air strike kills at least 40 in Yemeni camp

N air strike by the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen has killed at least 40 people and wounded about 200 at a camp for internal refugees, a human rights group has said.

Of the injured, 25 were severely injured in the raids, a spokesman for the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) told the Guardian.

Of the dead, three were government soldiers sent to protect the camp and two of the

wounded were soldiers, said Joel Millman, IOM’s press officer.

The camp, known as alMazraq, houses about 5,000 people and was established in 2001 by the United Nations in Hajjah province to accommodate Yemenis displaced from the capital, Sana’a. Many of its residents suffer from malnourishment.

Those wounded in the raids, which took place at 3.30-4.30pm local time, were evacuated to

RAN’S Revolutionary Guard says a U.S. drone strike killed two of its advisers near the Iraqi city of Tikrit, where a major offensive is underway against the Islamic State group, but the U.S. said Monday its coalition conducted no airstrikes in the area during the time of the incident.U.S. Central Command said it didn’t target the area around Tikrit from March 22 through March 24, the window when the Guard said the two men were killed.

The claim came as negotiators from six world powers and Iran attempted to reach a deal on Tehran’s contested nuclear program, which hard-liners in the Islamic Republic fear will end with Tehran giving away too much to the West.The Guard said on its sepahnews.ir website that the strike happened March 23 as the men supported Iraqi forces trying to retake the Islamic State-held city of Tikrit.

It identified the dead advisers as Ali Yazdani and Hadi Jafari, saying they were buried Sunday. It did not say whether Iran contacted Iraqi or U.S. forces after the strike.Iran occasionally reports on the death of its forces in Iraq and in Syria, where its advisers support embattled President Bashar Assad, but this is the first time Iran has said it lost forces in a U.S. attack in those campaigns.

The U.S.-led coalition began surveillance around Tikrit, Saddam Hussein’s hometown, on March 21 after the Iraqi offensive had stalled. The coalition said it began airstrikes on Tikrit the night of March 25.

The U.S. Air Forces Central Command recorded “no strikes by coalition aircraft, manned or unmanned, in the vicinity of Tikrit from 22 to 24 March,” spokesman Col. Edward T. Sholtis said in response to an AP query.Another U.S. official said Monday that the United States had seen no information to back up Iran’s claims, but that officials were looking into it. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the issue publicly.

The United States and Iran have found themselves on the same side of the conflict against the Islamic State group since it rampaged across northern and western Iraq last summer, capturing Mosul, the country’s second largest city.A U.S.-led coalition began airstrikes against the extremist group in August, while Iran has advised and supported Shiite militias that have played a key role in ground operations alongside Iraq’s military.

However, Washington and Tehran, which remain deeply divided on a host of regional issues, insist they are not coordinating with one another on the battlefield.Iraq has been carrying out its own strikes since the campaign began, and rights groups have accused it of missing targets.

The New York-based Human Rights Watch, in a report released last July, said the Iraqi government had carried out “indiscriminate airstrikes” on four Sunni-majority towns and cities, including Fallujah and Mosul, which killed at least 75 civilians.Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, who assumed power in September, ordered such strikes to be halted.

On Friday, local media outlets reported casualties among Iraqi security forces near the University of Tikrit, allegedly from U.S. airstrikes. But the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad denied those claims, saying “no coalition airstrikes took place during the time or in the vicinity of these alleged casualties.”The ground offensive to retake Tikrit has been waged by Iraqi troops and Shiite militias advised by Gen. Qassem Soleimani, commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard’s elite Quds Force. Several Shiite militias announced Thursday that they would boycott the Tikrit operations due to U.S. involvement.

But Gen. Lloyd Austin, the head of U.S. Central Command, told a Senate hearing Thursday that the U.S. agreed to Iraqi government requests to support the operation on the condition that the militias wouldn’t be involved.Mouin al-Kadhimy, a spokesman for the Popular Mobilization Units, the governmentbacked body overseeing the various militias, said it was not aware of reports that Iranians were killed near Tikrit.

medical facilities, the spokesman said. Humanitarian workers said the attack apparently targeted a nearby base for Houthi fighters.

One aid worker said earlier that the strike had hit a truck of Houthi militiamen at the gate to Mazraq camp, killing nine camp residents, two guards and an unknown number of fighters, Reuters reported.

The Yemeni foreign minister, Riyadh Yassin, blamed Houthi artillery for the explo-

sion at the camp.

The country attracts attention due to the jihadis of alQaida, but for Yemenis the Houthi movement is a far more important player Read more Saudi Arabia did not immediately respond to allegations of civilian casualties, but a spokesman for the coalition is expected to address the subject at the daily press briefing on the campaign in the Saudi defence ministry.

ment said.

It will be Obama’s fourth trip to Kenya. He visited as a US senator in 2006 and made a trip with his then fiancee Michelle in 1992.

Obama’s father, Barack Hussein Obama Sr, was born in western Kenya in 1936 and died there in a car accident in 1982.

The White House told reporters that it did not have any information on whether the president would visit family members in Kenya this summer, as he did on previous trips.

Obama’s first trip to Kenya was in 1987, when he sought his father’s roots in a quest that was documented in the final section of his 1995 memoir, Dreams From My Father.

Conspiracy theorists have argued since before Obama was elected president that he was born in Kenya, thus rendering him ineligible to become US president.

Persuasive journalistic research has tied the explosion of the rumors in the spring of 2008 to an email chain kept up by supporters of the presidential campaign of Hillary Clinton, who visited Kenya in 2012 as Obama’s secretary of state.

The “birther” rumor is occasionally revisited to this day, including by developer Donald Trump.

Obama was born in Hawaii. His birth certificate is available for examination on the White House website.

Obama has joked about the conspiracy theories. In an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live earlier this month, the president said he couldn’t drive. Kimmel, the comedian, asked him whether that was because he lacked a birth certificate.

“In Kenya we drive on the other side of the road,” Obama said, with a hint of weariness.

61

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

SPORT EXTRA

Dream team now to play in Lusaka T

HE much talked about All African Games Qualifiers second leg match between Zambia U23 and Nigeria U23 will take place at the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka and not the Levy Nwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.

Both sides played out a 00 draw in the first leg encounter played at the Abuja National Stadium and much

will be at stake in the return leg clash.

Zambia will be favourites to go through in the final round of the qualifiers and they will be aiming to cause an upset against the 1996 Olympic Games Football Champions.

It leaves the Dream Team with a lot to do when they visit Lusaka.

Fighton Simukonda's side

remained resolute throughout the encounter as his boys withstood the firepower of the Nigerians who could not pierce the Zambian defence despite putting six past Gabon in the previous round.

After the game, coach Samson Siasia vowed to win the return leg to qualify for the 2015 All African Games.

The return leg match has been fixed for April 11th .

Meanwhile, coach Siasia is relying on the presence of Europe based players to help his side annihilate the stubborn Zambians.

The former Super Eagles gaffer would add some foreign based players to the five players drafted from the 2015 African U20 Championship winning squad ahead of the game in Lusaka.

The Zambians held Nigeria to a goalless draw in Abuja in the first leg and Siasia's side must win the return leg if they hope to qualify for the quadrennial showpiece which serves as the 2016 Olympic football event qualifiers.

•Under-20 players with AYC trophy

Ugbade: Flying Eagles ready for senior duties

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•Akpeyi

Itoya hails Super Ezeh may return to action next week Eagles’ F goalkeeper Akpeyi •Dream Team players

C Porto Under 19 striker, Chidera Ezeh, is making good progress in his bid to return to action, a source in the know has informed SL10.ng.

The Nigeria Under 20 international picked up a hamstring injury before the African Youth Championship, and suffered a relapse during training a day before the Flying Eagles tackled Ivory Coast in their last Group A fixture.

As a result, coach Manu Garba could not rely on the attacker's services in the last three games of the championship.

Since his return to Nigeria, the River Lane Academy product has been undergoing rehabilitation in Enugu.

And by the look of things, he'll get the medical all-clear to resume full training with his international colleagues in the next one week.

In recent memory, Chidera

Ezeh has been unfortunate with injuries while with the national team, having suffered a hamstring injury against Tanzania in an African Youth Championship qualifier last May. The 17-year-old will use the next one week to get himself in tip-top condition before the start of the Flying Eagles training camp, which is due to hold in Abuja, subject to the approval of the Nigeria Federation.

Simon excited to play for Nigeria

K •Ezeh

AA Gent starlet Moses Simon is happy to play anywhere for Super Eagles of Nigeria.

The former Trencin starlet made his debut as a substitute in the 1-0 friendly loss against Uganda on Wednesday in Uyo and started in the 1-1 draw against South Africa on Sundayat the Mbombela Stadium.

He told SL10: “I'm not fussy about where I play, I'll just do the best I can in any position.

“I was over the moon to make my debut in the first friendly and to have started in the match against South Africa was a good one for me.

Hopefully there are better things to come.

“It's been a great start for me in Belgium and to get selected for the games was massive.

“I'm not too sure what to expect but it's going to be exciting.

•Simon

W

ARRI Wolves’ striker Kelvin Itoya was delighted with the debut of his club team mate Daniel Akpeyi in yesterday's friendly match 1-1 draw between Nigeria and South Africa at the Mbombela Stadium.

Bafana Bafana passed the ball effectively and frequently troubled the defence line of the Super Eagles in the warm up match.

But the Warri Wolves goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi made several fine saves before and after the break.

The highlight of his excellent debut was the penalty save he made from Andile Jali's spot kick in the second half.

Itoya told SL10 reporter Ademetan Abayomi: “I'm pleased he gave a good account of himself. I'm delighted with the way he gave the team so much confidence especially from crosses.

“In football, if you think it is going to be easy you can get your backside kicked. The team should owe a lot to our Akpeyi.

“He made four or five really good saves and he is the big plus point of the game for me.

“He is my team mate at Wolves, and I watch him play everyday.

OLLOWING the 1-1 draw between the Super Eagles and the Bafana Bafana of South Africa on Sunday, and with calls still growing for the players of Nigeria’s U20 team to be integrated into the Super Eagles, Flying Eagles assistant coach Nduka Ugbade has reiterated that the players are ready to be blooded into the Super Eagles fold.

The Super Eagles lost at home to Uganda and could only manage a draw with South Africa in Nelspruit in the two friendlies played last week which has raised concerns about the future about the present Super Eagles squad.

And Ugbade, a former Nigeria international, maintains that

players from the U20 team are ready to step up into the Super Eagles.

“Every one of them should be able to integrate into the Super Eagles,” he told sl10.ng.

“Like I had said before, most of the most renowned players in the world started playing for their senior teams at very young ages and that includes me,” Ugbade reiterated.

But despite expressing that sentiment, he has advised the U20 players not to concentrate on the Super Eagles yet.

“But the thing is I won’t advise any of them to start thinking of that at the moment. My advice is that they should concentrate on developing themselves,” he added.

Omeruo writes off Zambia ahead AAG qualifier

D

REAM Team VI forward, Lucky Omeruo has boasted that from what he has seen of the team since he joined them, the Zambian U23 will stand no chance when both countries meet in an All Africa Games qualifier.

The Nigerians host their Zambian counterparts in a second round, first leg All Africa Games qualifier in Abuja, and Omeruo says the feel in the team’s camp is positive, which gives him confidence they will beat the Zambians.

“It has been good since I came in. What I have seen training with the team is good and I would say that I am impressed with what I have seen.

“I couldn’t come the other time for some reasons but I like the shape of the team from what I have seen and I am confident that we will scale through.

“I don’t think Zambia will hold us back, I don’t think so. I didn’t see the games against Gabon but I understand we didn’t play well here in Nigeria.

“But maybe that was the

home pressure since it was our first competitive game at home but I can tell you that Zambia would be no threats to us and I can tell you that we will beat them,” he said confidently.

•Omeruo

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THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

NATION SPORT

EUROPEAN... EUROPEAN... EUROPEAN...EUROPEAN...EUROPEAN...

Pato: I Miss AC Milan

Zidane will accept Real job F

ORMER Real Madrid midfielder Zinedine Zidane has refused to rule out taking over from Carlo Ancelotti at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Zinedine Zidane has revealed he would accept the Real Madrid coach's job if the offer came along but has reiterated his support for under-pressure Carlo Ancelotti.

The Frenchman, who won La Liga and the UEFA Champions League in a fiveyear spell at Real from 2001 to 2006, is coach of the club's reserve Castilla outfit.

Zidane has taken measures to boost his coaching knowledge, observing training at Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich last week.

Speculation over the future of Ancelotti has only intensified following Real's 2-1 Clasico defeat to Barcelona last

weekend, with Zidane one of the men mooted to be in contention to replace the Italian should he leave his post.

And Zidane told Canal Plus: "If the role of coach at Real Madrid was offered to me I would certainly agree to it.

•Zinedine

City star Aleksandar Kolarov wants to quit the champions.

S

AO Paulo striker Alexandre Pato has revealed that he often thinks about his time at AC Milan and confirmed that he misses playing in Italy.

The 25-year-old, who is currently on loan at the Soberano from Corinthians, has admitted that the Rossoneri will always in his

heart despite his lack of playing time at the club and insisted that a move back to the Serie A could be in his future, even if it were to a club like Inter.

Pato spoke to Sky Sport Italia about his current situation at Sao Paulo and his past at AC Milan, while also commenting on where he could end up later on in his

career.

“I’m on loan at Sao Paulo, but my playing rights are owned by Corinthians,” said the Brazilian international.

“I’m happy here and my primary goal is to play with continuity. One day I would love to return to Europe and play for a strong team like Milan again.

“The Rossoneri have always remained in my heart even though I was hardly able to play two games in a row there.

“Would I join Inter? Even they are a great team, you never know what can happen in football. I would love to play in the Champions League again.

T

HE defender has featured 24 times this season, including seven appearances as a substitute.

Kolarov, 29, joined the bigspenders from Lazio in 2010

Fabregas: I've never been a certain starter for Spain

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ESC Fabregas says it is wrong to say that he has been dropped by Spain, arguing that he has never had an "undisputed" place in the starting line-up.

The versatile midfielder has been in fine form for Chelsea this season, playing a key role in the Blues' Premier League title bid, but he was left on the bench for all 90 minutes of Friday's Euro 2016 qualifying win over Ukraine in Sevilla.

However, Fabregas insists that he was neither surprised nor offended by Vicente Del Bosque's decision to leave him out.

"I do not think I've lost my place in the team because I've never been undisputed," he told reporters on Monday. " The important thing is to play well if I'm selected.

"Besides, I'm sure that whoever is picked will do well. I have no doubt about that. I always support my team-mates.

"Every player likes to have continuity and I am no different. But sometimes you don't get in because the coach decides that someone is better than you.

"And anyway, the team comes above all else."

Spain, of course, won three major international tournaments in six years (Euro 2008, World Cup 2010 and Euro 2012) but sensationally suffered a firstround exit at Brazil 2014.

La Roja have since

struggled to get back to their brilliant best but Fabregas has dismissed fears that the team are on a downward cycle.

"I do not think that anything has happened to the national side," the former Barcelona ace added on the eve of the friendly with Netherlands. "It is just a young team that has yet to mature and gain a little experience.

"But this makes playing games together all the more important as you get to know one another. I'm sure these players will do great things."

•Kolarov

Rooney: England has fear factor again

Conte: Italy needs hardwork E A

•Fabregas

ZZURRI CT Antonio Conte laments the lack of 'hard work' in Italy, whilst denying rumours of his resignation.

La Nazionale look forward to a prestigious friendly tomorrow against England at Juventus Stadium, but the days leading to it have been mired in controversy.

It soon meant that Conte's pre-game Press conference took a particular direction.

“Hard work ought to be the norm, but it's an exception,” he has told reporters on Monday evening.

“I'm told that I work too hard and I don't know how to respond to that,” Conte continued, presumably in reference to Fiat Group President John Elkann's much-discussed complaint that the Azzurri work too much.

“This is a strange moment for Italian football. We need humility to understand who we are.

“It would be right for us to open our eyes. There is a

demographic turnover, and we must be patient with the numerous young players who are emerging now. I implore you not to ditch them right away.

“There isn't very much time but we'll do our best to qualify, and we'll give it our all. I have the privilege of coaching a group of very good players.”

The 45-year-old then had the opportunity to discuss the match at hand.

“Games like these, against strong national teams like England, are very useful.

They must make us grow, and they give me the opportunity of examining all of the players. I'm curious.

“The supporters have to back Italy. I have an excellent relationship with the Italian supporters, and they know we're working in a difficult moment.”

Conte was also asked about the rumours surrounding his possible resignation from the Azzurri bench.

“I have read about that, but

•Conte I keep going. I know it won't be easy, but like [legendary Italian track athlete Pietro] Mennea used to say, to realise a great dream, it takes a great effort.

and has helped them win two league titles and both domestic cups.

But he has become increasingly frustrated this season and admits he would love to return to Serie A. There could be wholesale changes at the Etihad this summer, with Manuel Pellegrini battling to save his job following a difficult season.

Several players are expected to be sold and Kolarov looks like being one of the stars to leave City.

He said: "I'd like to return to Italy, but it's difficult. I'm happy for (Sinisa) Mihajlovic, he's doing very well, as are his side Lazio.

"They're having a great season and I hope they can end it in third or even second place."

NGLAND has regained the fear factor following a run of "aggressive" wins since the World Cup last summer, skipper Wayne Rooney says.

Roy Hodgson's side left Brazil on a low after becoming the first England side since 1958 to exit at the group stage of a World Cup, returning home with their lowest ever points tally.

But since then things have turned around and they will face Italy on Tuesday looking for an eighth straight win, having adopted a more aggressive approach to their games.

"The players are so quick and when we lose the ball we want to be aggressive and win it back quickly," Rooney said.

"I am sure you have heard the manager talk about those little 'furies' - that when we lose the ball we have to win it back as quickly as possible.

"There are times when you go and don't get it, but that is where the defence probably doesn't get the credit it deserves because they are pushing in right behind us to close the space off.

"With the players we have got, we have to play like that."

England cannot always employ the same tactics, but Rooney believes they are getting better at judging when to put teams in "uncomfortable positions".

"You don't want to go into games and teams enjoy playing against you," Rooney said.

•Rooney

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015

63

TODAY IN THE NATION

TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2015 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL.10

NO. 3170

‘If Jonathan returns, it would be a herculean task for him to repair this damage. It would be better for him and the country not to return so that we can start on a very clean slate. The economy is in bad shape; our unity is shaking, and confidence...’

WAHEED ODUSILE

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

U

NLESS you belong in the group of the expatriate Nigerian here who told me matter-of-factly the other day that Nigeria was “no longer relevant” to his life, monitoring the returns from last Saturday’s presidential and presidential and House of Representatives election was almost as anxiety-filled as the experience of any candidate engaging in the same activity.

It was like waiting – more likely sitting on the edge of your chair in the family area of a hospital or pacing up and down or feigning to be reading some recondite material — waiting for the doctor to emerge with news that the surgery or delivery was a complete success.

To be sure, you had not sold off landed property nor borrowed money from the bank or from the neighbourhood loan shark and invested it in a political race in the expectation that winning would enable you pay off your indebtedness in just your first year in office and then live happily ever after. There was no fear that if the gamble failed, you might be ruined forever.

Still, as you waited for the election returns to trickle in, you were almost as tense, as frazzled, and as restless as those who had staked their all in it, hoping for a particular outcome.

Will it be a resounding vote for more of the same, for continuity? That was essentially what the Jonathan camp was offering.

But it never used that term, for obvious reasons. If it did, well might the person being importuned ask: Continuity of what?

Even the most fork-tongued operative in its ranks will be flummoxed by the question. Continuity of drift, dilatoriness, making peace with corruption, insecurity? Continuity of delusion of grandeur and parade of false affluence, of vacuous claims of achievement, of tinkering around the edges of fundamental issues?

Continuity of what?

Far better to speak of transformation, or of a Transformative Agenda. Even here, it is the lives of the agents and their cronies that have been transformed above all else.

But you do not immediately run into a head wind when you wave the banner of Transformation. You can at least point to the patched-up railways, as a result of which parents would no longer have to take their children all the way to England just to see what a rain looks like, as Herself the Dame of the Rock, Patience Faka Jonathan, was obliged to do several years ago.

And very soon, when all state capitals will have been linked by rail, no child will have to do anything more stressful than just looking out of the window of his home or school room to see a sleek bullet train streaking past

RIPPLES

I BELIEVE IN NIGERIA AND IF I DIE AND COME AGAIN, I WANT TO REMAIN A NIGERIAN–Obasanjo

As for me, I pray not to come back to this country...it STINKS of CORRUPTION

OLATUNJI DARE

AT HOME ABROAD olatunji.dare@thenationonlineng.net

Waiting for Verdict 2015

•Asiwaju Tinubu

•Gen. Buhari

You can also point to the refurbished airports where the toilets actually flush, reel off figure after figure attesting to the superabundance in food production, the great culinary breakthrough in making bread from cassava flour, and the award of contracts for re-building the school from which the Chibok 219 were abducted and the privatised power plants what will in several years render generating sets as archaic as ceramic oil-and-wick lamp.

You might create the illusion of transformation and even succeed in selling it as the real thing to some people, not all of them gullible. So why talk about continuity and give the game away?

In the epochal contest, would the loud, vibrant and insistent chorus of Change drown out the desperate and increasingly weary riff for transformation, which is nothing but more of the same by another name? A catchy term, Change; seductive even, but what does it really mean at bottom? What will it consist in?

Those who came up with the term have had a far easier job of explaining it than have those who have been hiding behind Transforma-

tion to peddle Continuity as Nigeria’s best hope.

Arresting the drift, putting a dent on the pervasive corruption – beg your pardon, stealing; restoring faith in the institutions of governance, and hope in the present and in the future; putting an end to business as usual: these would be indications of the will to change, if not of actual change.

So, would the day go to the usually recumbent incumbent who, following the postponement of Election Day by six weeks, finally roused himself to action when he saw defeat staring him in the face and launched a marathon sprint with the energy few knew he possessed, and a desperation that few thought he could muster?

Or would it go to the lean, ascetic, angular challenger who, in a curious reversal of roles, stayed above the fray with dignified calm even as the other side suborned the instruments under and even outside its jurisdiction to assail his character and his integrity and his person and his principal associates in an orgy of demonisation that went well over the top, even by Nigeria’s exorbitant standards?

I was mulling over these and other concerns when around midday here – early evening Nigerian time –I got a phone call, literally from the ringside. Another debacle was in the making, the caller said.

Stunned by the tide that seemed set to sweep them away, top officials of the governing party are frantically scrambling for a formula by which they can have the presidential election declared inconclusive, thus paving the way for their favourite deus ex machina, an Interim Government.They are pivoting, he added, on the problems that had come up with the use of Electronic Card Reader, and on new or old re-worked charges that INEC Chair Attahiru Jega was irredeemably compromised by his secret dealings with the Opposition.

HARDBALL

W

HAT’s in a name? Perhaps, nothing: as William Shakespeare the bard quipped, a rose by any other name will smell as sweet. Perhaps, something: among the Yoruba — and Hardball believes, most other African nationalities — a child is named for certain cogent reasons.

That appears to be the case with Rotimi Chubuike Amaechi, the embattled Rivers governor. Though no Yoruba (he is Ikwerre), he seems in total conformity with his name, Rotimi (Yoruba for “Stay with me”) in his political battles, even if he is only a David squaring up to Goliaths; or more pessimistically, a Lilliputian facing infernal political Gullivers.

Yet, in this hot battle, the governor has stuck with his stubborn beliefs and he is there, right in front of his supporters, no matter how fierce and the battle is.

The ongoing murderous orgy, going for election in Rivers State, proves all. The satanic dress rehearsal was all too obvious in the electioneering, in which about everyone in the Nigerian security apparatus stationed in Rivers State plays dumb to the systematic elimination of a side to the partisan tussle, which really ought to be a peaceful contest, not a violent slaughter.

From Day One of electioneering, the omens were dire. When Gen. Muhammadu Buhari launched his presidential campaign, in Port Harcourt, some partisans heading for the

Rotimi, the lion heart events were shot at and seriously injured.

Since then, it has been a harvest of deaths for Amaechi’s All Progressives Congress (APC) members. But the most horrendous of omens was in Okrika, Dame Patience Jonathan’s hometown. There, an APC gubernatorial campaign rally came under attack from sharp shooters, off a cemetery. No less than three policemen died, plus of course other civilians.

But more tales of woe. The governor, on a house-to-house campaign swing, came under gunshot attacks allegedly by elements loyal to Nyesom Wike, the Rivers Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate.

The area was Wike’s home town. But guess the tragicomic relief from the Police? Amaechi arranged his own shooting! Seriously?

Which brings the issue to Nigerian elections and double standards. In the South West, even given hooliganism and thuggery which seem to come with the electoral territory, the results almost always reflect the people’s will, except in the extremely bad 2007 elections.

Not so, for other parts, particularly the SouthSouth and the South East; and of course, some parts of the North, where there are always

For clarity, I turned once again, as I usually do at moments like this, to one of the wisest and most knowledgeable persons in this clime. His response was at once calming and alarming. GEJ is sinking. The important thing is to make sure he doesn’t take the boat and the crew and the passengers with him.

At this writing Monday evening Nigerian time, fears that the election results will be doctored have not subsided but have in fact moved the British and American authorities to issue strong warnings against recourse to such shabby tactics this time around. The fears are grounded, at least in part, on Femi Fani-Kayode’s claim to possession of private data indicating that the PDP is well in the lead.

From the official and unofficial but reliable figures I have seen, the indications are that General Muhammadu Buhari appears to be cruising unstoppably to a historic victory.

But no matter how the election turns out eventually, it is already a new day in Nigerian politics.

Foremost among the architects of this improbable conjuncture would have to be the tenacious Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who took the leading part in forging the strategic political re-alignment that has created this new day and new era in Nigerian politics.

He could not have wished for a greater present on his 63rd birthday.

Since emerging APC candidate, General Buhari has at every point carried on like a president-in-waiting, a picture of regal imperturbability even when they painted him ceaselessly as the devil incarnate. His running mate, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, evolved seamlessly from academic and technocrat to rousing and engaging political figure.

Chief John Odigie-Oyegun’s steadying hands kept the APC in good temper, and as a party with a different way of doing business. Not for him the bluster and the boisterousness of Tom Ikimi who fortunately left the party in a huff when he lost his chairmanship bid.

Even under grave provocation, INEC chair Attahiru Jega displayed calm resolution, a picture of grace under extreme pressure.

It was as if the more discriminating section of the attentive audience, for whom enough was already too much, took a collective resolve to transform itself into busconductors and to demand in one united voice: Change.

No matter the outcome of the election, its voice can never be ignored again.

•For comments, send SMS to 08111813080

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above allegations of under-age voting, aided and abetted by electoral and security officers.

The South-South nightmare appears what is playing out in Rivers, with its reckless bloodbath; alleged bloody muscling of elections and anti-democratic conspiracy between electoral officials and security personnel.

In his latest protest, Governor Amaechi led his supporters to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office, protesting the alleged non-election in the state. Hear Transitional Monitoring Group’s Ibrahim Zikrullah, an election observer’s comments on the Rivers election: “... We have Rivers State, where the election did not meet minimal standards of any recognised election. The state security took over the role of INEC. They were beating up people, smashing ballots and falsifying results. The problems with the card readers did not help matters, because in some places they couldn’t verify the permanent voter cards. And in our view, the manual verification compromised the purpose of the card reader.”

Well, however the elections are resolved, Governor Amaechi has held proud to his conviction. If the best the powers-that-be can do is this travesty to claim “victory”, then it’s a “victory” that tastes more bitter than defeat.

Perhaps the governor’s courage is driven by his other name, Chibuike: the Lord is my strength!

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