The Nation March 6, 2012

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VOL. 7, NO. 2056 TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2012

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Salami defends his integrity From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

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USPENDED Court of Appeal President Isa Ayo Salami yesterday appeared before the fiveman Reconciliation Committee of the National Judicial (NJC).

He is to return to the panel again on April 26 after it will have met with other stakeholders, including former Chief Justice of Nigeria Aloysius KatsinaAlu. Justice Salami, The Nation Continued on page 2

Palliatives cash crashes to N426b From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

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NLY N180b is available for spending on palliatives to cushion the effect of January’s withdrawal of petrol subsidy, the Federal Government said yesterday.

The announcement by Minister of National Planning Dr Shamsudeen Usman effectively dashed the hope of Nigerians looking forward to a cushioning effect following the withdrawal of Continued on page 2

•AGONY: Resident Patricia Inoponis complains as she stands among the debris left by the explosion at the Mpila district of Brazzaville ... yesterday. Congo issued a plea for international help Monday as soldiers began recovering bodies from an area devastated by huge explosions at a munitions depot that left more than 150 dead and 1,000 injured. President Denis Sassou Nguesso announced a curfew in the capital Brazzaville and set up an exclusion zone around the devastated eastern district of Mpila, following an emergency cabinet meeting early in the morning.

PHOTO: AFP

Nigeria deports 28 South Africans as row deepens Fed Govt demands review of Yellow Fever certificate policy

N •Moro

IGERIA hit back at South Africa last night.

Twenty-eight South Africans were denied entry into Lagos – a tit for tat that has deepened the row between the two countries.

South Africa last Friday deported 125 Nigerians from the Oliver Tambo International Airport in Johanesburg after denying them entry into the country for allegedly possessing fake yellow fever cer-

From Yusuf Alli and Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

tificates. The Federal Government frowned at the action.

The 28 passengers flew into the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos aboard a South African Airways flight at about 9.30pm.

They were expected to be deported last night or this morning.

A source said: “The Federal Government decided to deny these 28

South Africans entry because of invalid documents and relevant health certificate clearance.

“We are also deporting them back to South Africa. The Presidency has been notified of this action.

“We will no longer overlook certain procedures which we have condoned in the spirit of African brotherhood.”

Earlier yesterday, Nigeria had threatened to retaliate South Africa’s maltreatment of Nigerians.

Interior Minister Albo Moro said: “I want to assure you on one thing. The Federal Government has the capacity to reciprocate appropriately if it is found that (the deportation) was not done in good faith.”

He added: “At the moment, Nigeria maintains a very cordial diplomatic relations with South Africa and I can assure you that we will react approContinued on page 2

•ENERGY P13 •CITYBEATS P16 •PROPERTY P25 •SPORTS P23 •POLITICS P45

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THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2012

NEWS Salami defends his integrity Continued from page 1

•First Republic Federal Permanent Secretary Mr. Henry O. Omenai, right, turned 90 yesterday. A Thanksgiving Service was held at Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos. With him after the service are Chief Philip Asiodu (left) and industrialist Chief Anofi Guobadia.

PHOTO: SUNMI SMART COLE

learnt, was invited last Friday by the panel, which is headed by the Deputy Chairman of the NJC, Justice Aloma Mukhtar.

Other members of the panel are Justice Pius Aderemi (rtd JSC), a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Olisa Agbakoba, the Chief Judge of Benue State and the Chief Judge of Taraba State.

A source said “the committee asked Justice Salami to explain what led to the crisis of confidence between him and ex-CJN KatsinaAlu. “They also sought his opinion on how he thinks the matter could be resolved,” the source said, pleading not to be named because he is not permitted to speak with the media.

“Justice Salami took his time on what happened and how the

Babalakin Panel, the Abdullahi Committee, the NBA Committee and the Uwais Panel looked into the matter.

“After a lengthy session, the panel gave Justice Salami April 26 for further interaction after consultations with all parties to the crisis.”

Another source said: “Justice Salami repeatedly explained his innocence, insisting that there was no leakage of the judgment of the Sokoto Appeal Tribunal.

“The session was sober after the suspended President of the Court of Appeal made his submissions.”

A member of the Justice Aloma Mukhtar panel, who spoke in confidence, said: “We have started reconciliation talks with Justice Salami and other stakeholders, especially a former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Aloysius Katsina-Alu.

Palliatives cash crashes from N1.134tr to N426b Continued from page 1

subsidy.

Dr. Usman spoke at the end of the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting.

He was accompanied to the news conference by Governors Kashim Shettima (Borno), Sullivan Chime (Enugu), Ibrahim Gaidam (Yobe) and Minister of State for Finance Yerima Ngama.

After removing subsidy, Government introduced the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) fund.

It also set up a committee of eminent Nigerians led by Dr Christopher Kolade, to manage the fund.

Dr Usman said yesterday that based on assumption of complete deregulation revenue at N141, government expected N1.134 trillion to

accrue, out of which the federal government will get N478b.

“When the Subsidy Re-investment Programme was drawn up, the projects that were selected to be implemented were based on the assumption that we are going to have complete deregulation, of the downstream petroleum sector and when the announcement was made with the complete deregulation the price of PMS went to as high as N141, but after engagement with the labour union, deregulation was reversed and we have a partial deregulation that pegs the price of PMS at N97.

This means that this is a partial or more or less 37 or 38 per cent liberalisation of the price and that implies that we cannot have the full re-

investable.

“If you look at the SURE document, the estimate of the Re-investable fund was N1.134 trillion but with the partial deregulation, the computed total re-investable fund per annum came to N426 billion. This is what is available to the Federal Government, the State Government and the Local Governments. The share of the federal government came down from N478 billion to N180 billion. So, the document you have seen was based on an expectation of N478 billion every year for four years, but now that we are getting N180 billion every year for four years, we have to prioritise. What we are doing now is that we are priotising. In that prioties, we have to select

the safety net programmes that is the maternal and child health, public works programme to generate employment for our youths, the mass transit and the technical skill acquisition.

These are the safety nets that will be implemented and of course we have already launched the public work and the mass transit and we now look at the transportation sector, we took the road and the railways. These are what we can actually do with N180 billion.

On other issues discussed at the meeting, the minister said, there was a report of inspection of federal government water and irrigation projects, the review of Millennium Development Goals

(MDGs) projects, and the special intervention funds for agriculture amounting to about N137 billion.

Minister of Agriculture Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, according to Usman, made a presentation which was basically the report of the sub-committee on the utilisation of the special intervention funds for agriculture. This sub-committee was chaired by the vice President and broadly suggested what should be done with the balance of the funds in the special intervention funds for agriculture amounting to about N137 billion. The proposals were discussed and the NEC accepted the recommendation that this proposal be passed on to appropriate authority for final approval.

“We are hopeful that we will be able to come up with genuine reconciliation and amicable resolution of the matter.”

The NJC, last week, raised the five-man panel to reconcile warring stakeholders in the judiciary.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Dahiru Musdapher, on October 14, last year set up a 29-member stakeholders’ Judicial Reform Committee, which was headed by a former CJN, Justice Muhammadu Uwais. The committee recommended the reinstatement of Justice Salami and immediate reconciliation of the suspended PCA with Justice Katsina-Alu. The report of the five-man panel will guide NJC’s recommendations to President Goodluck Jonathan.

The President is empowered to determine Justice Salami’s fate - in line with the process outlined by the Part I, Paragraph I, Section 21(b) of the Third Schedule to the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 292(1)( a)(i).

•Usman

Nigeria deports 28 South Africans as row deepens Govt demands review of Yellow Fever policy

Continued from page 1

priately if it is found that South Africa has taken unfriendly action against Nigeria.

Moro spoke to reporters at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Also yesterday, the Federal Government summoned the South African High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Kingsley Mambolo.

Besides, the House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs asked the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Olugbenga Ashiru, to appear before it today to clarify Nigeria’s relationship with other African countries.

The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on the Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, asked the Federal Government to apply the principle of reciprocity in dealing with South Africa.

Mambolo was at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to explain why South Africa maltreated Nigerian travellers last Friday.

According to sources, when he got to the Ministry at about 3pm, Mambolo was asked to see the Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Martin Uhomoibhi, instead of the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “When the South African High Commis-

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja STATEMENT last night by the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a review of this policy, especially since there were no legitimate concerns about Ambassador Martin Uhuomoibhi, said: outbreak of Yellow Fever in Nigeria, or “Today, at 3:30pm, the Permanent Sec- that the World Health Organisation retary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Am- (WHO) has issued an alert to that effect.” bassador Martin Uhomoibhi, summoned “Of particular concern to the Governthe South African High Commissioner ment was the unwarranted detention of to receive a protest against the spate of a Senator of (the) Federal Republic of Nideportation of Nigerian travellers to that geria by the South African Port Health country.” and Immigration Authorities for 48 hours “The Permanent Secretary conveyed to at the Oliver R. Tambo International Airthe High Commissioner, the concern of port in Johannesburg.” the Federal Government on the matter, “The Permanent Secretary informed especially in the light of what appears the High Commissioner that South Afrito be a targeted maltreatment of Nigeri- cans travelling to Nigeria, or those residans on the pretext that some of them did ing in Nigeria were not required to pronot have valid Yellow Fever vaccination duce any evidence of vaccination against cards.” yellow fever, or for that matter against “The Permanent Secretary demanded Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS, both of

A

sioner got to the Ministry, the Permanent Secretary was directed to ask him to explain why 125 Nigerians were deported without diplomatic courtesy.

“He spent about an hour interacting with the Permanent Secretary, but Nigeria was not convinced about the explanation given by South Africa.

“We are demanding unreserved apology from South Africa for this ill-treatment of Nigerian travellers or else, we will take more drastic actions.”

Ashiru confirmed the invitation of the High Commissioner but he declined fur-

ther comments.

The Minister is to appear before the House Committee today to clarify Nigeria’ relationship with its African countries.

The Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Nnenna Elendu-Ukeje, said it was disturbed by the series of negative attacks on Nigerians and its embassies, especially in the sub region.

Elendu-Ukeje recalled the recent lock-up of some Nigerians in Togo without any explanation to the Nigerian government.

She said: “We are indeed worried about all these indignation and scorn Nigeri-

which are prevalent in South Africa.”

He also wondered if the latest deportation and similar acts of targeted maltreatment of Nigerians in South Africa were really the official position of the Government of South Africa.

In response, the South African High Commissioner maintained that the policy was not aimed at Nigerians alone, and that Nigerians were not being targeted for any kind of treatment.

The statement added: “He maintained that it was a general requirement for all passengers coming into the country from what he called the ‘Yellow Fever Belt’, which included many West African countries.

“He especially expressed regret about the treatment of the Senator and assured that the matter will be taken up with his Government immediately.”

ans are subjected to all over the world, especially by sister African nations. This calls for a review of our relationship with these countries.

“So, we have invited the Minister of Foreign Affairs to a meeting on Tuesday to come and explain to us, our relationship with these countries and why Nigerians are being subjected to ridicule all over the world,” she said.

To Mrs Dabiri-Erewa, the illegal deportation of 125 Nigerians by the South African government is “inhuman”.

In a statement in Abuja, she faulted the “continuous

unwarranted hostilities against Nigerians by the South Africa government”.

She said: “It is pathetic that 125 Nigerians, the highest so far, which include women and children, were delayed for 24 hours without water and food in an inhuman condition before being bundled back to Nigeria”.

“Do Nigeria ask South Africans to fill Yellow card when coming to Nigeria?

Even then, passengers must have passed through this process while applying for visa in the Embassy. Why treat Nigerians with scorn and indignation. This is really appalling.

“Is this the way to pay Nigeria back with their kind gesture? This is unfair and un-African.”

Mrs Dabiri-Erewa also recalled how South African businesses, such as MTN and Multi-Choice – owner of DSTV - among others, are thriving in Nigeria better than any part of Africa without any form of molestation from Nigerian government.

The lawmaker recalled how the South African government stopped charging Nigerians deportation fees when Nigeria Embassy in South Africa under the High Commissioner Mohammed Marwa introduced it.

She said: “I call on the Federal Government to protect her citizens by applying the law of reciprocity to South Africans coming to Nigeria by introducing the same stringent treatment meted to Nigerians going to South Africa.”

Speaking on Nigeria’s Porous border, Moro said: “It is unfair to say that we don’t know the category of persons that enter Nigeria. Nigeria, like any other big country, has this problem of border porousity. I agree with you that Nigeria’s border as vast as it is, is porous to some extent but that is not to say that we don’t know the category of people that enter Nigeria.”

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

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NEWS

Suit in US Supreme Court on human rights abuses in Niger Delta sparks ‘row’ Multinationals operating in the Niger Delta have been accused of aiding human rights abuse. Shell, an oil giant, is facing trial in the United States for such abuses.

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HE lawyer for a group of Nigerian villagers seeking to sue a multinational corporation for alleged human rights violations received a chilly reception at the US Supreme Court Tuesday.

Paul Hoffman, a California appellate lawyer, endured a relentless barrage of blunt questions from the bench about whether a similar lawsuit could be filed in any other country in the world.

“I don’t know if this precise case could be brought,” Mr. Hoffman finally conceded.

“If there is no other country where this suit could have been brought ... isn’t it a legitimate concern that allowing the suit itself contravenes international law?” Chief Justice John Roberts asked.

The exchange came during an hour-long oral argument in a potential landmark case that could set the contours of corporate liability under an unusual 223-year-old American law.

The so-called Alien Tort Statute allows non-US citizens to file lawsuits in American courts for alleged violations of international law. Rather than filing their case in Nigeria, lawyers for the villagers decided to bring their fight to the US courts under the Alien Tort Statute.

There is just one problem. It is not clear that the enigmatic statute permits lawsuits against corporations.

A federal judge in New York allowed a portion of the suit to move forward, but a federal appeals court threw the entire case out. The Supreme Court agreed to take up the appeal.

At issue in Kiobel v. Royal Dutch Petroleum (10-1491) is whether international corporations may be held responsible in an American courtroom for allegedly aiding and abetting human rights abuses that take place in a foreign country.

Lawyers for Royal Dutch Petroleum maintain that the statute only permits lawsuits against individuals who personally perpetrate human rights violations, rather than the corporation that employs them.

The appeal stems from a 2002 civil lawsuit filed on behalf of 12 residents of the oil-rich Ogoni region of the Niger River delta.

The residents charge that from 1992 to 1995 Royal Dutch Petroleum and its subsidiaries aided and abetted the Nigerian military in conducting a campaign of terror and intimidation through the use of extrajudicial killings, torture, and other tactics to protect the oil company’s operations from the grassroots opposition of the Ogoni people. The company has denied involvement in atrocities.

Normally, such a suit would be filed in Nigeria, where the events took place, or in the Netherlands or the United Kingdom where the corporate subsidiaries are based.

But lawyers for the villagers decided to base their suit on the Alien Tort Statute which permits non-US citizen “aliens” to sue other foreign residents for egregious violations of

international law such as genocide, extra-judicial killing, torture, and slavery.

The Alien Tort Statute was adopted by the first Congress in 1789. It was largely ignored for nearly two centuries, but since 1980, lawyers have been trying to establish it as a vehicle to fight human rights abuses around the world.

At first, foreign plaintiffs went after individual foreign torturers and abusive officials. But since the late 1990s, the trend has been to target deep pocket corporations doing business in countries ruled by oppressive governments.

According to one analyst, 120 lawsuits have been filed in US courts against 59 corporations for alleged violations in 60 foreign countries.

Although four members of the high court’s conservative wing expressed significant skepticism about the tactic of charging corporations under the ATS, not all justices were openly opposed to the concept.

Justice Stephen Breyer hypothesized about a group of incorporated criminals operating as Pirates, Inc. Would they be immune from a civil lawsuit under ATS, he wondered.

“Yes, the corporation would not be liable,” Appellate lawyer Kathleen Sullivan replied. She said the lawsuit could seek to seize the ship the pirates had used to carry out their illicit piracy, but the ATS would not permit a litigant to seize the corporate assets of Pirates, Inc. Justice Elena Kagan asked what would happen in an ATS lawsuit if the French ambassador to the US was assaulted by a corporate agent.

“Would we say that the corporation there cannot be sued under the Alien Tort Statute?” she asked.

There is no internationally-accepted norm concerning corporate assaults on ambassadors that would govern the case, Sullivan said.

But she added that the ambassador would not be without recourse.

He could use the ATS to sue the individual who carried out the assault, she said.

Sullivan said ATS lawsuits must be based on violations of the law of nations. “There is no country in the world that provides a civil cause of action against a corporation under their domestic law for a violation of the law of nations,” she said.

Sullivan’s point is counterintuitive to many Americans who understand that corporations have long been subject to liability under US law. But the ATS operates under international law, not US domestic law, she said.

Violations of international law are crimes that are so egregious and universally condemned that a perpetrator could rightly be classified as an enemy of mankind.

The Obama administration is arguing the case on the side of the Nigerian villagers and against the coporations.

Deputy Solicitor General Edwin Kneedler told the justices that the ATS should be viewed as a reflection of US domestic law which per-

•Charles Wiwa

•Shell MD Mutiu Sunmonu

If multionationals violate rights, HOULD corporations be held liable for acts of torture committed under their auspices? If that had been the only issue considered by the Supreme Court last week in Kiobel v. Royal Dutch Petroleum, the logical answer would surely have to be yes.

If corporations are people for the purpose of constitutional rights like free speech — as per the Citizens United decision — they ought to be treated as people when it comes to responsibilities as well.

If Royal Dutch Shell Plc (RDSA) aided the Nigerian government in raping and murdering people in the Ogoni region to keep the oil flowing, as the plaintiffs claim, it would seem monstrous to let the company get away with it just because it is a corporation.

Yet that was not the only issue before the court — at least if you listened to the justices during oral argument. They seemed preoccupied with a prior question: Are the federal courts the right place to hold foreigners responsible for human-rights violations that take place abroad against other foreigners?

On this question, reasonable minds can differ. Human-rights advocates say yes. As a practical matter, there is often no other venue where victims can have justice done. The Nigerian courts are not much of an option for Nigerians who allege that they were abused and tortured by their government.

International courts rarely concern

S

themselves with the minutiae of ordinary human-rights violations.

Justice Denied Who, then, will provide justice to people who are tortured but not subject to genocide? Who will draw attention to their plight in an official judicial forum if not the U.S. courts, respected the world over for their objectivity and fairness?

Many, perhaps most, Americans would take the other side. Why should our courts police the actions of foreigners abroad? That almost no other country on earth would even consider extending its jurisdiction to noncitizens outside its borders makes the effort look especially quixotic, not to say imperialistic. Traditionally, countries steered clear of such extraterritorial jurisdiction, considering it a violation of other nations’ sovereignty.

Further complicating matters, assessing damages against foreigners involved in conflicts far away can plunge courts into political waters that they are ill-prepared to navigate. Ordinarily we think that the president should make our foreign policy, not the courts.

Meddling in foreign conflicts — or even just appearing to meddle — can work against U.S. interests in ways that are hard to anticipate.

It may even work against the interests of justice: If citizens in another country have decided to resolve a history of human-rights abuses with, say, a truth and reconciliation commission, a U.S. verdict against

a human-rights abuser can actually unsettle arrangements that would serve the greater good.

Given these alternative views, whether our courts should hear such cases sounds like a classic policy question for Congress, not the courts. But — surprise! — Congress has failed to weigh in. Our elected representatives have not addressed the issue since, oh, 1789, to be exact. The very first Congress passed a one-sentence law, the Alien Tort Statute, which gave courts the authority to hear lawsuits against foreigners for damages under the “law of nations.”

The law sat dormant for nearly 200 years. Then, in 1980, the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in New York issued a decision, Filartiga v. Pena-Irala, that enthusiasts have called the Brown v. Board of Education of human-rights litigation. The decision, which allowed a Paraguayan couple to file suit in a U.S. court against a Paraguayan police official who had tortured their son in Paraguay, opened the door to other prominent human-rights suits, including a 1995 case against Serbian politician Radovan Karadzic, who was a fugitive until 2008.

Congressional Apathy If Congress did not want these human-rights suits to occur, it could have changed the law to disallow them. In 2004, perhaps influenced by this thought, the Supreme Court for the first time upheld the

mits lawsuits against corporations.

Corporations were subject to civil suit in 1789 and they still are under domestic US law, he said.

Some analysts have suggested the case represents something of a reprise of the Citizens United case in which the court’s conservatives ruled 5-4 that the First Amendment protects a corporation’s right to engage in political speech.

But Citizens United was not discussed during the oral argument.

During a second hour of argument, the high court heard a similar case, Mohamad v. Palestinian Authority (11-88), examining whether the Torture Victim Protection Act could be enforced against an organization in addition to an individual who allegedly carried out acts of torture or extra-judicial killing of a US citizen.

The issue arises in the case of Azzam Rahim, a US citizen of Palestinian heritage who died while be-

ing questioned by security officials on the West Bank.

Mr. Rahim, a successful businessman in Dallas, was picked up by Palestinian security officials while on a visit to his boyhood village on the West Bank. Two days later his body was delivered to his family. It was bruised and included cigarette burns and broken bones, suggesting he had been tortured prior to his death.

Rahim’s son, Asid Mohamad, filed a lawsuit in federal court in the US

nu

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NEWS

•President Goodluck Jonathan (right) welcoming his counterpart from Sierra Loane, Bai Koroma during his vsit to the Presidential Villa, Abuja... yesterday.

PHOTO AKIN OLADOKUN.

•Justice Roberts

they should pay legitimacy of such a suit in Sosa v.

Alvarez-Machain. The court spoke through a narrow opinion by Justice David Souter, joined by Justice Sandra Day O’Connor among others, which restricted the violations applicable to wrongs recognised by international law specifically as those as of 1789.

Souter’s characteristically cautious opinion at times sounded as though it was on the verge of doing away with the suits altogether; but the virtue of prudence (remember when the justices used to like that quality?) prevailed. Instead of broadening or eliminating humanrights jurisprudence, the court preserved it for another day.

Now that O’Connor has retired and been replaced by Justice Samuel Alito, the conservatives’ game plan is to revisit some of the landmark decisions of her long career. None of the justices on Wednesday went so far as to say that they would reverse the 2004 holding and make human-rights suits go away. But Alito did ask, “What business does a case like that have in the courts of the United States? There’s no connection to the United States whatsoever.”

More likely, the justices will adopt a highly formalistic argument based on a legal technicality: International law has not historically treated corporations as people for purposes of liability.

On its own terms, this argument is more than a little outrageous.

The international law of 1789

wasn’t concerned with civil-damage suits like this one, but with criminal liability, which is a strange fit for corporations under any circumstances. As Justice Stephen Breyer pointed out, it is absurd to think that a corporation called Pirates Incorporated would not have been held liable for Bluebeard’s piracy if he worked for it.

The idea of money damages for torture is itself distinctly American. There is no policy reason whatsoever to spare corporations in this country if individuals would be held liable.

Indeed, if our goal is to deter human-rights violations, holding corporations liable is infinitely more effective than going after isolated individuals and serving them with papers the moment they unsuspectingly cross our borders.

But the conservative justices aren’t concerned with consistency in this case. To the contrary, they want to limit human-rights suits as much as they can without actually overturning the precedent that allows them. At least for now. If their opinion sounds anything like their questions at oral argument, you can expect future litigants to ask the court to get out of the human rights business altogether.

It participation by provision of discounted equity over same length of time as the long term finance.”

against three Palestinian officials, the Palestinian Authority and the Palestine Liberation Organisation.

He charged that his father had been subjected to torture and extrajudicial killing in violation of the 1993 Torture Victim Protection Act. A federal judge and a federal appeals court panel dismissed all charges against the Palestinian Authority and the PLO. The judge said the TVPA was only enforceable against individuals personally re-

sponsible for Mr. Rahim’s torture and death.

At issue before the Supreme Court is whether the lower courts were correct that only individuals may be sued under the TVRA, or whether organizations may also be held liable.

Decisions in both cases are expected by late June.

•Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, his wife, Bola and Governor Ibikunle Amosun at an event marking his 75th birthday in Abeokuta... yesterday

• From left: Central Bank Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi, Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and Abia State Governor Theodore Orji at the Natiional Economic Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja... yesterday PHOTO: AKIN OLADOKUN

•Noah Feldman, an Harvard professor, wrote this piece for Bloomberg News

•Culled from Christian Science Monitor

•A medical officer attending to an eye patient at a free health programme of Oyo State government in Ibadan ...yesterday

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2012

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NEWS Subsidy probe report can’t be killed, say Reps The House of Representatives yesterday reiterated its stance not to cave in to pressure over the planned release of the fuel subsidy probe report.

Media Committe chairman Zakari Mohammed said though members of the Farouk Lawan-headed committee are under intense pressure, “they will never cave in.”

REC faults INEC voters’ register From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

FROM a Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mr. Austine Okojie came yesterday a damning verdict on the current voters register: it cannot guarantee credible election.

Okogie spoke after the swearing-in of five RECs by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chair Prof. Attahiru Jega in Abuja.

The five RECs are: Prof.

Jacob Jato (Nassarawa), Olusegun Agbaje (Ekiti), Austin Okojie (Edo), Nasir Ayiba (Kogi) and Baba Abba Yusuf (Borno).

Okojie, who had served in six states, was among the five RECs. According to him, the process of up-dating the INEC’s voters’ register is not flexible enough. Credible elections start with credible voters’ register, he said.

Criticising INEC achievements on voter’s education, Okogie said the present democracy is not only threatened by voters’ apathy but by invalid votes.

Prof Jega said the Commission has raised the bar even as there are still challenges and room for improvement.

He urged the RECs to maintain good, decent relationship with their host communities without compromising integrity.

Jega also warned them not to be too demanding and over dependent on the state governments.

Obasanjo: Delta for food scheme DELTA State is to pilot the Feed Africa Programme (FAP).

Speaking at the FAP launch yesterday in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, Obasanjo said Delta State would host the pilot scheme, given its pedigree in agriculture.

He praised the government for identifying with Obasanjo Farms in developing its agricultural sector.

The Vice President (Africa) of the World Bank, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, said inadequate investment on irrigation was partly affecting food production in Africa.

She hailed the government for identifying with the FAP and challenged African leaders to ensure food security on the continent.

Uduaghan praised the choice of the state for the pilot scheme of the programme.

The launch was part of activities marking Obasanjo 75th birthday.

Court awards N11m to arrested ACN members

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WENTY THREE leaders and members of the Action Congress of Nigeria (AC N) who were detained in Kogi State in September and October last year were N11million richer at the weekend.

The Federal High Court, Lokoja, Kogi State ordered the police to pay them the amount over their detention.

They had sued the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) for N15 billion for allegedly preventing them from entering the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on September 21 and on October 25 and 26 last year.

Kogi State Police commissioner Amana Abasakanga was later joined as a party in the suits.

The first group, from Lagos, was turned back on their way to Abuja to witness the Code of Conduct Bureau arraignment proceedings of their leader Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. They were awarded N6million.

The second group, from

By Joseph Jibueze

Osun State, was going for a meeting at the party’s national secretariat, Abuja. The court awarded them N5million.

In the two separate matters filed by their counsel, Kunle Adegoke, the applicants challenged the powers of the IGP to infringe on their fundamental rights to personal liberty, freedom of movement, freedom from discrimination and the right not to be subjected to inhuman and degrading treatment.

He said his clients were brutalised on the separate occasions by men of the Police Force who insisted that the applicants could not be allowed into the FCT. In a judgment at the weekend, which took about an hour each, Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo condemned the acts of the police in detaining the applicants without justification.

The court berated the force for discriminating against the applicants on the basis of their

‘Justice Ekwo rebuked the police for what he called executive lawlessness, reckless show of power and lack of respect for the Constitution’ political affiliation.

According to the judge, they were denied entry into Abuja due to their being ACN members, which violated their fundamental rights.

Justice Ekwo rebuked the police for what he called executive lawlessness, reckless show of power and lack of respect for the Constitution.

Adegoke described the judgment as the triumph of constitutionalism over “poetic exertion of power.”

He hailed the court for dispensing justice courageously and without bias or favour.

The first suit, has the fol-

lowing applicants: Rasaq Oyesegun Folami, Omotosho Oluwaseyi, Olanrewaju Savage, Kolapo Olatunji, Theophilus Femi Kolawole, Olawale Aina and Hakeem Subair.

Others are Babajide Alli-Balogun, Yakub Akilagun and Lukman Subair, Omoniyi Olayemi, Babatunde Abodunrin, Ayo Adesanya, Segun Desalu, Babatunde Lawson, Azuka Igbue and Lawal Yusuf.

They had are asked for a compensation of N10 billion from the IGP. The second suit, has Prince Benson Adekunle, Jimoh Olatunde Olayemi, Prince Akin Omolaoye, Ayo Laloye, Oyedeji Abayomi and Rabiu Yekeen as applicants. They prayed for N5billion compensation.

The applicants sought a declaration that the act of police led by the IGPin holding them hostage for hours under harsh weather conditions without any lawful or justified basis is unconstitutional, and, therefore, illegal.

They asked the court to hold that police officers restricting their freedom of movement and preventing them from entering the FCT on account of their membership of the ACN is in gross violation of their right to freedom from discrimination.

The applicants prayed the court for an order restraining the IGP, whether by himself, servants, agents and/or persons acting for or on his behalf from further tampering with, violating or otherwise infringing on their rights.

The N10 billion compensation, they said, was for the alleged gross violation of their rights to freedom of movement, right to dignity of human persons and right to freedom from discrimination.

Besides, they argued that there is no provision in the Constitution or any law enacted by the National Assembly restricting their rights to enter or exit the FCT, Abuja or any other part of the federation.

Court dismisses Akingbola’s appeals •’They lacked merit’

By Eric Ikhilae

T

•The Resident Electoral Commissioners taking the oath of office...yesterday

PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE

Supreme Court upholds Yuguda’s, Suntai’s elections

T

HE Supreme Court yesterday upheld the victories of Governors Isa Yuguda (Bauchi) and Danbaba Suntai (Taraba) in the April 26, 2011 governorship elections.

The apex court dismissed the appeal by the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and its Bauchi governorship

From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

candidate, Alhaji Yusuf Maitama.

Maitama is challenging the victory of Governor Isa Yuguda of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In a unanimous decision, the five-man panel led by the

Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Dahiru Musdapher, agreed with Yuguda’s counsel, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) that there was no valid appeal before the apex court to determine.

Fagbemi, in his preliminary objection, had argued that the judgment of the Court of Appeal, which is the foundation

of the appeal, is a nullity because reasons for the decision were given outside the 60 days allowed in the constitution.

Tugar’s counsel, Olawale Akoni (SAN), in response asked the court to reject Fagbemi’s submission, urging it to invoke Section 22 of the Supreme Court’s rules to hear the appeal on its merit.

Why I oppose plea bargain, by CJN

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HE Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Da-

From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

hiru Musdapher yesterday explained why he is against plea bargain.

He said the concept “at its very best penalises the innocent who may be tempted to plead guilty to avoid being actuated by judicial default and at its most obnoxious extent it grants undue leniency as reward to criminals simply for pleading their guilt”.

The CJN spoke at a twoday Capacity Building Workshop organised by the National Association of Judicial Correspondence (NAJUC) in collaboration with open Society Justice Initiative (OSJI) and Settlement House, in Abuja.

NAJUC’s chairman Joe Nwankwo explained that the workshop was to acquaint journalists covering

the judiciary with the necessary skills to enable them discharge their duties effectively through training and re-training process.

Represented by the Deputy Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Ahmed Gambo Saleh, the CJN said: “When I described the concept as of ‘dubious origin’, I was not referring to the original raisond’etre, or the judicial motive behind its conception way back either in the United States or England in the early 19th Century, I was referring to the sneaky motive-if not behind its introduction into our legal system, then evidently in its fraudulent application.”

But the Economic and Financial Crimes Com-

mission (EFCC) said the concept has assisted it to successfully prosecute high profile cases including former governor, Diepriye Alamieyeseigha (Bayelsa) and Lucky Igbinedion (Edo), as well as former Chairman of the Oceanic Bank, Cecilia Ibru among others.

The EFCC Chairman, Ibrahim Lamorde, who was represented by the Director of Legal, Mrs. Elizabeth Ayodele said plea bargain quickens resolution of criminal proceedings and avoids delay and the uncertainties of trials.

The CJN hit back at politicians whom he accused of blackmailing Judges in paid advertorials whenever a judgment of the court did not go their way.

Referring to a paid newspaper advertorial before the judgment on Imo State

Governorship appeal “purporting to offer Supreme Court Judges”, Justice Musdapher pointed out that it was “laden with threat, blackmail and contempt for the judiciary and the judicial process.

This is very sad indeed!”.

The CJN called on journalists to educate the public to know that notwithstanding any judicial imperfections, or systemdefault, citizens have a constitutional obligation, ab intio, to respect the decisions of the constitutionally established courts of the land.”

The Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Chindi Anselem Odinkalu said judges, lawyers and the police must take responsibilities for the failure in the criminal jurisprudence.

HE Court of Appeal in Lagos yesterday dismissed two separate appeals filed by sacked Chief Executive Officer of Intercontinental Bank, Erastus Akingbola for lack of merit.

Akingbola had by one of the appeals, challenged the refusal of the Federal High Court an order of mareva (assets freezing) injunction it earlier made.

In the second appeal, he had asked the appellate court to stop his ongoing trial with one Bayo Dada before Justice Hakeem Abiru of the Lagos High Court, Ikeja. Justice Kumai Bayang Akaahs dismissed the appeals on the grounds that the appellant failed to establish that lower court failed to act judicially and judiciously in the circumstance.

The court held that the appellant failed to show that the lower court acted under a misconception of the law.

It held that the order of the lower court could not be declared null and void simply because it was not given in an open court. It held that the application for the mareva injunction filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was in order and filed in accordance with the Federal High Court rules.

Justice Akaahs held that there was nothing to show that the lower court, in the exercise of its discretion, was influenced by irrelevant matters or failed to take into account relevant issues conversed by both parties.

The court discountenanced Akingbola’s argument to the effect that the charge against him was not brought under the Criminal Procedure Act or that there was no pending charge before the court at the time the order for the seizure of his assets was granted.

Justice Akaahs held that where there was reasonable suspicion as to the commission of an offence, the law enforcement agent has a duty to seize the subject matter of the offence pending the conclusion of investigation and trial of same.

He added that the lower court acted judicially and judiciously in granting the interim order.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2012

NEWS

How policemen ‘stole my money, designer wristwatch’ •Briton recounts experience in petition to Jonathan • Police: we’re investigating

A

BRITON, Mr. Khomeini Bukhari, has urged President Goodluck Jonathan to prosecute two police officers who allegedly robbed him.

Bukhari said the incident took place at the Millennium Park, Abuja on October 29, last year. The Briton narrated his experience and steps he has taken to get justice in a petition to President Goodluck Jonathan, which he made available to The Nation.

His petition reads: “I have been going to Nigeria since January 2009 and have absolutely loved every moment of it. This visit to Nigeria was for the purpose of meeting my fiance in order to make our wedding arrangements and to meet my in laws once again to formalise our plans. On Saturday, October 29, in the evening, I entered Millennium Park in Abuja at 7pm as I wanted to relax. Upon leaving at around 8pm, two drunken police officers stopped me. They told me no visitors are allowed after 6pm.

I explained to them I didn’t know this as I’m a visitor and when I entered at 7pm, there were lots of people and nobody stopped me at the gate. They took me to a dark spot in the park and sat me on a rock where they harassed me. I pleaded with them and they were threatening to beat me and strip me naked and kidnap me and the rest. They asked for my I.D card and I said I left it in the hotel; they then searched me. Upon searching me, they found N200,000 in my pocket and they took it from me. They also took my Breitling Chronomat Evolution wristwatch (worth N1.3 million) and left me with practically nothing. They wanted my phone but I begged and cried... (They) told me if they see me try to make any phone calls, they would break my phone and told me at this point it is only the three of us; so no one can save me, not even the Inspector-General of Police nor the President himself. I was very afraid. Over that weekend I had to borrow money from my friends and live very economically.

“On Monday, October 31, I went to the British High Commission in Abuja and called the Foreign Commonwealth Office and they guided me to Maitama Police Station. The British High Commission also gave me one of their police escorts to accompany me. I reported to the DPO of the police station and also wrote a

‘

‘

Some people, including policemen, are being questioned and we want Bukhari to come and identify the suspects.The investigation is transparent. It is not enough to write a petition, but you have to follow it up.

The matter is in the process of being transferred to the Force CID. He should come and assist investigation

They (policemen) took me to a dark spot in the park and sat me on a rock where they harassed me.

I pleaded with them and they were threatening to beat me and strip me naked and kidnap me and the rest. They asked for my I.D card and I said I left it in the hotel; they then searched me. Upon searching me, they found N200,000 in my pocket and took it from me.

They also took my Breitling Chronomat Evolution wristwatch (worth N1.3 million) and left me with practically nothing

‘

•Bukhari

By Sunday Omoniyi

full report, including the names of the officers and he gave me one Sgt Samson; that day I went with Sgt Samson to the scene and tried my best to re-enact the scene. After that day, I have not heard anything from Sgt Samson nor anyone else in Maitama Police Station. The following day I went to the Ministry of Police Affairs, I met with a Mr Victor, who said he is the Chief Security Officer to the Minister. He again took a full report from me and he assured me that within two days, all would be resolved. He gave me a Hilux truck and sent me to FCT Command, under the minister’s instructions, as he claimed, to go and meet with the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Operations) Mr Wilson Inalegwu.

Upon reaching there, he took the documents sent from the Ministry and told me he will assign the best investigation officer and promised that within a few days, all will be resolved. He assigned a Mr Alechenu for me, who till date has not given me any feedback. I have gone back and forth many times to both places.

“On November 17, I went to meet Inalegwu and he told me, he wanted me to meet the Commissioner of Police, FCT the following day around 11am. Upon arriving at the

FCT Command the next day, I was told he was away in a meeting and the Commissioner was in his own meeting. I sat in the waiting room for quite some time. I then left out of annoyance.

“In December, the Chairman of House Committee on Police Affairs asked me to send him a petition, which I did. I sent it to him on December 13, 2011. He promised me he will raise the issue in the National Assembly and get it solved. Till date nothing has been done.

“In December, 2011 again, I managed to get hold of Mr Hafiz Ringim and also the FCT Commissioner of Police, Mr Michael Zuokumor. The ex-Inspector-General of Police, Mr Hafiz Ringim promised me endlessly to look into the matter. However, nothing was done.”

Bukhari said he has also tried to reach Ringim’s successor, Mohammed Abubakar, but nothing has happened so far. He urged Jonathan to ensure he gets justice.

However, the police said Buhkari’s case is being investigated. In a telephone interview with The Nation, FCT police spokesman Jimoh Moshood said the matter is being investigated.

He said: “Some people, including policemen are being questioned and we want Bukhari to come and identify the suspects.”

‘

Moshood, a Superintendent of Police, added: “The investigation is transparent. It is not enough to write a petition, but you have to follow it up. The matter is in the process of being transferred to the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID). He should come and assist investigation.The police is trying their best to protest the people.”

Inalegwu, who Bukhari mentioned in his petition, also spoke with The Nation. He said the case is being investigated, adding that Bukhari was not helping investigation.

Said he: "He has been blackmaling the police and the country. Bukhari's case is being investigated. It is not a one-off thing. There is a procedure for investigation. He should come to Nigeria and pursue the case. He once petitioned the Nigeria High Commission in the United Kingdom and they wrote to us to seek clarification and we replied them. I have tried to assist him. I'm not in charge of the case. I referred the case to where he could be assisted. He is not the only complanaint. Let him come to Nigeria and follow the procedure.

He shouldn't stay in Britain and be blackmailing us. We are professionals and we are competent. I have worked in the Metroplolitan Police in the UK and like MET, Nigerian Policemen are also competent."

‘Fed Govt committed to empowerment of almajiris’

M

INISTER of State for Education Nyesom Wike yesterday restated the Federal Government’s committment to empowerment of almajiris in the North through the provision of access to functional education.

Speaking in Katsina during a visit to Governor Ibrahim Shema, who was represented by his deputy, Abdulahi Faskari, Wike said access to quality education for almajiris was a priority for the government.

Wike was in the state to inspect schools being built for almajiris.

He described the construction of schools for almajiris as

an interventionist programme aimed at resolving social challenges posed by them.

The minister said similar interventionist programmes for the less privileged children are in place in the South to ensure that no child was denied access to quality education.

Wike commended the state government for cooperating with the Federal Government by proving plots of land for the construction of the almajiri schools.

He said on completion, the schools would be handed over to the states for management and maintenance.

Faskari commended

President Godluck Jonathan for his commitment to tackling the social challenge posed by the prevalence of almajiris.

He said the government was committed to the development of education, adding that the state would continue to collaborate with the Federal Government .

The minister was accompanied by the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr Ahmed Modibo Mohammed and senior officials of the Federal Ministry of Education, to inspect schools for almajiris in Daura and Dutsinma.

• From left: Faskari, Wike and Mohammed... yesterday

Environmentalists urge Jonathan to sign tobacco Bill

By Wale Adepoju

PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has been urged to sign the National Tobacco Control Bill (NTCB) into law.

Speaking at the presentation of its Shadow Report on implementation of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in Nigeria, the Environmental Rights Action (ERA)/ Friends of the Earth Nigeria (FoEN) yesterday in Lagos said the country stands to gain a lot from the domestication of the FCTC. According to the group, since Nigeria ratified the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) FCTC in 2005, nothing significant has been achieved.

The group said Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora presented the National Tobacco Control Bill to the sixth National Assembly in 2008 as part of effort to domesticate its provisions, adding that till date, tobacco control in the country has left much to be desired.

ERA/ FoEN’s Director in charge of Corporate Accountability, Mr Akinbode Oluwafemi, said the passage of the NTCB will be the beginning of effective tobacco control legislation in the country.

“Nigeria will not make any progress towards the eradication of the tobacco epidemic and reduction of addiction without the signing into law, the NTCB,” he said.

ERA’s Head, National Tobacco Control Campaign, Mr Seun Akioye, said the ban on outdoor/billboard advertising was obeyed by the tobacco industry, but that the ban on Point of Sale (POS) advertising has been ignored. He added that most of the stores and supermarkets advertise tobacco products while some expose cigarette shelves to young people and underage persons.

He said there were umbrellas, posters, kiosks and other means of outdoor advertising freely displayed.

Akioye said the prices of cigarette should be increased as well as the taxes on tobacco products effected to reduce the demand for tobacco. “During the Shadow Report, ERA/ FoEN wass able to establishe that the country is behind in implementing tax measures to reduce the demand for tobacco. Also, the average price of a pack of cigarette is N300 while the average discounted price stands at N80,” he said.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2012

NEWS

Mimiko doesn’t deserve second term, says ACN

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HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Ondo State yesterday reviewed the performance of the Labour Party (LP)-led state government in the last three years.

Speaking with reporters in Akure, the state capital, ACN State Chairman Mrs. Jumoke Anifowose described the third anniversary celebration of Governor Olusegun Mimiko as “a display of recklessness and prodigal tendencies.”

She said the purpose of the third year anniversary celebration by the governor was to cajole the people into a “selfish second term ambition.”

Mrs. Anifowose said: “The last three years have been an extraordinary tragedy for our state. The tragedy of dashed hopes, arrested growth and leadership mediocrity.

“The emblem of a good government is prosperity and liberty for the people. These must be customary to a good government; it is not a tall order, unless in a base society, which Ondo State is not.

“What the state citizenry wish to celebrate in their leaders are good policies, continuity and stability. Our reference point, the late Michael Adekunle Ajasin, who was the first civilian governor of Ondo State, gave all of the above.

“Chief Bamidele Olumilua, the second civilian governor, showed piety, while the third governor, the late Chief Adebayo Adefarati, showed impeccable loyalty to development and decency.”

The ACN chairman said the Mimiko administration has destroyed all logistic and best practices of fiscal planning, budgeting and financial discipline.

She said it has introduced unwholesome and unethical practices, which made nonsense of the standardised practice of income management and expenditure.

Mrs. Anifowose said: “In 2009, shortly after taking over power, Mimiko embarked on inappropriate expenditures.

To cover up for this breach of law, the executive and the legislature arbitrarily engaged in what was termed ‘a revised budget’.

From Damisi Ojo,Akure

“Such uncharitable and illegal actions covered by the revised budget include the rehabilitation of a 90-metre Ogbese-Owo Road at N178 million and the multimillion naira renovation of the Government House, among others.”

She said Mimiko’s predecessor, Dr. Olusegun Agagu, demonstrated “unequalled discipline and prudence” by leaving behind N38 billion in the state treasury without owing a Kobo.

Mrs. Anifowose lamented that three years into the tenure of the LP government, the state is heavily indebted to the tune of N20 billion and “has been dragged into borrowing another N50 billion, of which N27 billion has been advanced.”

She said the LP administration has failed, particularly in employment and job creation, community and rural development, women development and wealth creation, commerce and industry, works, public service, infrastructure/public utilities and health.

The ACN chairman said the present administration is “impulsive and rudderless”, and “believes in politicking and not service delivery”.

She urged the citizenry to support the ACN in its bid to rescue the state from penury.

But the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Kayode Akinmade, said the celebration of the third anniversary afforded the government an opportunity to showcase its achievements.

He said: “There are lots of projects, either completed or on-going, that majority of the people are not aware of.

The stakeholders’ forum attended by distinguished personalities from all walks of life provided an avenue for people to know the correct situation of things.”

Akinmade debunked Mrs. Anifowose’s allegations on the projects in the rural areas. He said the 305 projects executed in rural communities in the last three years were demanded by the people.

Ogun residents lament bank closure

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WEEK after two banks were raided by robbers in Ijebu-Igbo and Babcock University, IlishanRemo, many banks in Ogun State are yet to resume for business.

Banks in Ijebu-Ode, Ikenne, Odogbolu, Ijebu-Mushin, Ago-Iwoye, Sagamu and Ogbere are still closed.

Residents have to travel to neigbouring towns, such as Ibadan, Ikorodu and Abeokuta, the state capital, for transactions.

Residents said the closure is affecting their businesses.

A civil servant, Mr. Ayodele Kayode, who spoke in Ijebu-Ode, described the situation as “annoying and embarrassing.”

Kayode said he could hard-

•Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola (second right); his deputy, Mrs. Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori (left); two members of the Nigerian Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Miss. Babalola Deborah Ola (second left) and Mr. Adekanla Olatunji (right); and others, during the corps members’ visit to the governor in his office at Osogbo, the Osun State capital...last Thursday.

F

ly provide for his family since the banks closed a week ago.

He said: “I have less than N200 and I need to buy food for my family, but I cannot access the small money I have in the bank.”

ualty figures in a chat with reporters in Osogbo, the state capital.

Maku said the victims, including two drivers, were burnt beyond recognition when two buses collided and a fire started.

He said one of the buses was coming from Akure and go-

ing to Ibadan, while the other was moving in the opposite direction.

Maku said: “The accident involved a white Toyota Hiace bus, marked LG 27 GAR, with the inscription ‘Akoko Edo Line’, and a Volkswagen wagon painted in white and orange colour, with an uniden-

tified registration number.

“Twelve adults, including eight men and four women, who were seriously injured, were taken to Wesley College Hospital in Ilesa.”

He blamed the accident, which occurred about 12:10pm, on excessive speeding and dangerous driving.

Long queues as petrol scarcity hits Osun, Oyo

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ETROL scarcity yesterday hit Osun and Oyo states.

Many filling stations in Osun, particularly in Osogbo, the state capital; Ilesa; Ile-Ife; Ikirun and Ikire were closed.

There were long queues in the few petrol stations that were selling the product at between N120 and N150 per litre.

The scarcity has led to increased fare.

The cause is unknown, but it may be linked to the rumour that the Federal Government would soon increase the price of petroleum products.

On Gbongan-Ibadan Road in Osogbo, only the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) outlet was selling petrol to motorists.

A corps member, Mr. Oluwadamilare Adeyemi, said many petrol stations are hoarding the products in anticipation of a possible price increase.

In Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, people engaged in panic buying of petrol yesterday morning.

T •Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun

14 burnt to death in Osun road accident

OURTEEN passengers were burnt to death yesterday in an accident which occurred at Iwaraja junction, near Ilesa, Osun State.

Twelve others were injured.

Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in Osun, Mr Sunday Maku, confirmed the cas-

•PPMC allays fear over fuel From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo and Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

Later in the day, many petrol stations shut their gates, displaying “no fuel” signs.

The few filling stations that were open were selling petrol at N100 per litre.

Some filling station managers said they received information that the product would be scarce.

At Apata, a manager, simply identified as Adeniyi, said there was no fuel at the NNPC, Apata Depot, and many marketers were unable to get allocations from the depot last weekend.

Many commuters were seen trekking, while others stood at bus stops waiting for buses and taxies.

An official of the Directorate of Petroleum Resources (DPR) at New Adeoyo, Ibadan, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: “Our officers have been sent out to investigate the development. Petrol was adequately supplied to

dealers at the weekend. The marketers may be hoarding the product because of rumours of a possible increase in petrol price.”

Residents blamed the Federal Government for making life harder for the masses.

The situation was the same in Oyo and Ogbomoso.

Mr. Ademola Adeyemo, a contractor in Oyo town, said: “There was fuel scarcity early this morning. Major marketers were selling at N100 per litre, while independent marketers closed their gates.”

The Pipelines and Products Marketing Company (PPMC), a subsidiary of the NNPC, has said there is enough fuel in reserve to last the country for more than a month.

The Group General Manager, Public Affairs, NNPC, Dr Levi Ajuonuma, quoted the Managing Director of PPMC, Mr. Haruna Momoh, as saying that all the issues that led to the initial hitch in supply have been resolved.

He said: “There were a

Osun IGR hits N600m monthly

HE Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of Osun State has increased from N300 million to N600 million, the Commissioner for Finance, Economic Planning and Budget, Dr. Wale Bolorunduro, has said.

Bolorunduro spoke yesterday in Osogbo, the state capital, during the breakdown of the 2012 Budget.

He said the state government is targeting N1 billion IGR monthly and the Governor Rauf Aregbesola administration has formulated many policies to achieve the target.

Bolorunduro urged government agencies to be aggressive in their drive to gen-

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo erate revenue.

To meet the N1 billion monthly IGR target, the commissioner said revenue collection should not be left in the hands of field officers only.

He said heads of departments must be personally involved in revenue mobilisation and collection.

Bolorunduro said: “Collected revenue must be retuned monthly by all government agencies to the Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Budget and the Office of the Accountant-General.

“Release of funds for the execution of programmes and

projects would, in relevant cases, be tied to the revenue performance of agencies of government.

“All agencies of government should evolve internal strategies to ensure greater efficiency, probity and accountability in revenue collection and rendition.”

“Top career and political functionaries shall be specifically held liable for any lapse in revenue collection and rendition.

“All agencies of government should start giving greater attention to revenue collection than expenditure. There can be no expenditure without adequate revenue backing.”

number of issues like the Petrol Tanker Drivers (PTD) strike in Kwara, Rivers and Edo states, which have been resolved. There was also the issue of marketers’ reluctance to import products as a result of the uncertainty about subsidy payment, which has also been resolved with the recent appropriation for subsidy included in the 2012 budget by the President. So marketers have resumed importation and we have enough fuel in our strategic reserve to last until their cargoes start arriving.”

Two arraigned for ‘defrauding’ student in Ado-Ekiti From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

TWO men were yesterday arraigned before a Chief Magistrate’s Court in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, for allegedly defrauding a student of the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, Mr. Adekunle Samsudeen.

It was learnt that Ojo Alabi (42) and Adeola Alaba (24) pretended to be spiritualists and obtained N19.000; one GW 520 LG handset valued at N30.000; two crates of eggs valued at N2,000; and a litre of pure honey valued at N2.000 from Samsudeen.

The suspects allegedly told their victim that the items and money would be used to perform a ritual for him.

The suspects, who had no legal representation, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Police Prosecutor Bamikole Olasunkanmi urged the court to remand the accused in prison custody pending the conclusion of police investigations.

Chief Magistrate S.I Ojo granted the prayer and remanded the suspects in Ekiti Prisons.

The case was adjourned till March 12.

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2012

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THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2012

NEWS PDP members join ACN

Forum, authors for Oshiomhole’s re-election

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HE Ndokwa community in Edo State has called on its members to vote for Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

A statement by its Chairman, Osukpolokwu Ogaleka, said the Ndokwa Community Solidarity Movement for Governor Oshiomhole was launched to work towards the governor’s re-election.

Ogaleke said they chose Oshiomhole because his policies and programmes showed his commitment to a progressive change for good governance.

The statement reads: “In this regard, the governor’s three and half years of service has testified to his vision for a restructured and rejuvenated state.

“We salute his courage, drive, determination and sense of creativity in bringing the dividends of democ-

Governor praised

E

DO State Governor Adams Oshiomhole has been hailed for fast-tracking the development of infrastructure in the state.

A group of professionals in the diaspora, Agbede Youth Social Forum (ASF), a socio–cultural organisation of indigenes of Agbede in Etsako West Local Government gave the commendation.

Speaking at the end of its meeting in Lagos at the weekend, the group’s spokesperson, Al-Hussein Momoh, praised the governor’s efforts in the construction of roads, renovation of schools, drilling of boreholes, supply of drugs to hospitals and procurement of medical equipment.

The forum also enjoined the governor to focus on agricultural development by reviving projects such asAgbede farm, which was a source of revenue and employment generation in the state.

The governor inherited a high level of infrastructure decay caused by government neglect, especially from 1999 to 2007.

The transition Chairman, Akoko Edo Local Government, Anselm Agbabi, yesterday said his ability to touch 10 wards is due to Oshiomhole’s leadership style.

He said he is able to deliver the goods of democracy because of the personality and charismatic style of the governor.

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

racy not only to Edo people

but to non- indigenes.”

In the same vein, Com-

mittee of Concerned Authors for Oshiomhole (COCAO) has urged the people to shun tribal sentiments when voting in the July 14 election.

The authors, in a statement by their president, Igbotako Nowinta, said they had resolved to support Oshiomhole for the development of the state.

Nowinta said: “As far as COCAO is concerned, the governor has earned his respect as the true leader of the masses through the consistency of his pragmatic efforts in fostering the common good.

“He stands above other candidates.

“No amount of tribal sentiments must becloud the progress that we see today in Edo State, “Therefore, the people of Edo South must ignore yesterday’s men and pseudo-

S

•Oshiomhole

democrats who are looking for any available opening to assuage their pursuit of vain glory.

“We urge the people of Edo South to discard any form of tribal sentiments in the July 14 governorship election.

OME members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government of Edo State have joined the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

The new members received brooms, the ACN’s symbol, at impressive ceremonies held at Eguare, Uhiele, Iruekpen and Ukpenu.

ACN state Chairman Thomas Okosun implored them to support the development efforts of the Adams Oshiomholeled administration.

The Chairman, Esan West Local Government, Mrs. Stella Okoro, told the new members that they had nothing to regret by leaving the PDP. Prominent among the defectors are members of Ward 6, the home of Prof Oserheimen Osunbor, a former PDP governorship aspirant.

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2012

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BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

Naira gains on dollar sales

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HE naira strengthened marginally against the United States’ dollar on the interbank market yesterday, but weakened at the official window as strong demand for the greenback built up at the biweekly foreign exchange auction, traders said.

The naira closed at N157.90 to the dollar on the interbank, firmer than the N158.05 a dollar it closed at on Friday.

Traders according to Reuters news said the naira was driven up by surplus dollar liquidity from the previous week, partly helped by about $10 million sales by a unit of Addax Petroleum, which is owned by China’s Sinopec Group.

At the bi-weekly forex auction, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) sold $150 million at N156.01 to the dollar compared with $150 million sold at N155.90 to the dollar last auction on Wednesday.

Traders said dollar inflows from oil companies are gradually thinning out, so the naira could ease above the N158 to the dollar mark in the coming days.

“There was a noticeable build up in dollar demand at both the interbank and central bank’s window, and this could start eroding the gains in the last three weeks,” one dealer said.

However, traders also said some oil multinational companies are expected to sell dollars soon, while offshore inflows to the treasury bill auction later in the week could provide some support to the naira.

Another dealer expected the naira to trend within the N157.60-158.20 band in the near term if more oil companies sell dollars.

DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil -$123.6/barrel Cocoa -$2,686.35/metric ton Coffee - ¢132.70/pound Cotton - ¢95.17pound Gold -$1,800/troy ounce Rubber -¢159.21pound

MARKET CAPITALISATIONS NSE -N6.503 trillion JSE -Z5.112trillion NYSE -$10.84 trillion LSE -£61.67 trillion RATES Inflation -10.3% Treasury Bills -7.08% Maximum lending22.42% Prime lending -15.87% Savings rate -2% 91-day NTB -14.7% Time Deposit -5.49% MPR -12% Foreign Reserve $33.01b FOREX CFA 0.2958 EUR 206.9 £ 245 $ 156.4 ¥ 1.9179 SDR 241 RIYAL 40.472

Transportation is one of the biggest problems facing Nigerians. But with the concerted effort of the states and local governments, the transit buses would help ease the problem.

-Minister of Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga

Fed Govt plans gas security model for power generation • NDPHC to add 3,686mw to grid by Dec • Expects $235m for NIPP

A

GAS security model to tackle shortage of gas for power generation is being planned by the Federal Government.

The Managing Director, Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited (NDPH), Mr James Olotu, disclosed this at a briefing in Abuja.

He noted that with adequate gas supply, the company would be able to generate 3,686 megawatts (MW)

by December from some of the 10 power plants of the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP), which NDPHC superintends.

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

Olotu said the 10 NIPP power plants, on completion by the first quarter of 2014, would generate 4,770mw.

The government is discussing with gas producers how to have constant supply for power generation.

But gas producers’fear is that they want to be sure that they will be paid for their supplies. “What they truly want is security.But the model for security is being worked out since we need an investor to bring out the gas,” Olotu said.

He said that as profit driven organisations, the gas producing companies need security on their investments. They want their profit to be guaranteed on the paper.

The NDPHC chief said being private organisations, the power producers want to be sure of their profit, stressing that they, therefore, need the assurance that the money will flow constantly.

To give these gas producers the needed guarantee on their investment, Olotu said the government has been paying 100 percent of the gas purchased through the Nige-

ria Gas Company for all the power plants.

Besides, Olotu said “by 2012 our gas project will be completed.” He noted that the Gbaran Power Plant, which has no gas supply limitation, will deliver 250mw this year.

The NDPH, he said, is expecting an outstanding of $235million being part of the $5.375billion to be contributed by different tiers of government for the NIPP. He said both the states and Federal Government contributed $5.375billion, which in the JP Chase Morgan account of the CBN.

• From left: Co-ordinator, Corporate Responsibilty, Chevron Nigeria, Mrs. Tinu Adesola; Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs (Western Operations), Chevron Nigeria Limited, Mr Chima Nwogu; Executive Director, Junior Achievement Nigeria, Mrs. Kunbi Wuraola; and Managing Director, STB McCan, Mr Rufai Oladipo, during the Opening Ceremony of Junior Achievement Nigeria Venture in Enterprise and Managemet Programme (VIEMP) for youth corps members at the Pan African University, Victoria Island, Lagos ... yesterday.

Mineral states to get 13% derivation cash

A

LL mineral producing states are to benefit from the 13 per cent derivation fund, the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) said yesterday.

According to the Commission Chairman, Mr Elisa Mbam, a proposed formula, which is to be released before the end of the first quarter of this year, has made provision for solid mineralproducing states to partake in the 13 per cent derivation, like the oil-producing states.

He dropped the hint while hosting Nasarawa State Governor Umar Almakura in his Abuja office.

Assuring that the commission would be guided by the law in formulating the new revenue formula, Mbam, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said the commission was ready to collaborate with any tier of the government to diversify

the revenue base.

He said: “On the issue of ecological, I want to inform you that the present revenue allocation formula provides for ecological problems.

Any state or local government who (which) satisfies the requirement of the committee can access this fund.

“Right now, the Accountant-General of the Federation has opened an account with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for revenue accruing from solid minerals.

“This is where all revenue from solid minerals will be deposited and the 13 per cent is not exclusive for oil, it includes any other natural resources.

“So, you are entitled to 13 per cent or whatever revenue that comes from solid minerals from Nasarawa State. If you don’t get, let us know.’’

The RMAFC chair urged Nigerians against politicising the revenue allocation formula,

adding that such action would overheat the polity and generate suspicion in the country.

Earlier, al-Makura said the essence of the visit was to collaborate with the commission in its efforts to diversify its revenue base.

The governor, however, appealed to the commission to consider the state’s ecological challenges in the proposed allocation formula.

According to him, diversification of revenue base comes with a lot of challenges, adding that his state was faced with serious ecological challenges.

He said the commission was in a better position to address the situation before it becomes an emergency.

The governor said: “We have tremendous amount of ecological challenges, they are in different range of intensity, in the first place, the state topography was such that the state has become vulnerable to

ecological problems.

“Virtually, every year, lives and property are lost due to effect of storm water problem which we consider as a critical ecological challenge that the commission needs to be aware of.

“Nasarawa, being a service state to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), needs to be given more attention as it affects allocation of resources to take care of the challenges we are facing daily.’’

He said the facilities in the state had been overstretched due to mass influx of people from the FCT to the state.

Al-Makura said the state’s population has risen to more than 1.5 million due to its proximity to Abuja.

He said: “I am aware that certain approval of fund was made for ecological intervention to the tune of about N10 billion, up till now I am not aware if such funds have been access by the state.”

Mark: Rogue pension administrators stealing blood money • PenCom DG: they shouldn’t be spared From Onyedi Ojiabor, Asst.

Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

S

ENATE President, David Mark, yesterday said pension fund administrators pilfering funds meant to pay pensioners are accumulating “blood money.”

Mark noted that mind boggling stories making the rounds indicate that pension administrators in the country are perhaps among the richest Nigerians.

Represented by the Senate Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, at the on-going probe of the management of pension funds by the Senate Joint Committee on Establishment, Public Service, States and Local Governments, Mark said, such stupendous wealth if made from pensioners’ funds, is blood money.

He noted that the moral strength of a nation is determined by how vulnerable citizens are treated and the level of appreciation shown to those who served the nation faithfully.

He charged relevant agencies to conduct thorough investigation to determine the truth or otherwise about allegations of massive fraud at pension offices.

Ndoma-Egba, who used his parents as examples of the difficulties pensioners going through, said: “I have parents.

Both my father and my mother are alive and they are pensioners and I know the difficulties they go through.”

Director-General, National Pension Commission (PENCOM), Mohammed Kabiru Ahmed, urged the committee not to spare anybody found culpable tampering with funds meant for pensioners.

Fed Govt targets one million mt of cocoa From Olugbenga Adanikin and Adebowale Adenike, Abuja

T

HE Federal Govern ment has said it will increase cocoa production from the present 250,000 metric tons to one million mt by 2018.

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, said it also plans to boost production of the crop to 336,000 mt this month, adding that it was part of efforts to regain the country’s lost glory in cocoa production.

He spoke at a meeting with commissioners of the nine cocoa producing states in Abuja.

To achieve this, he said farmers tending the 640,000ha of active plantation will receive Growth Enhancement support within the limit this year.

12

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2012

BUSINESS NEWS Flight Schedule

Dangote assures shareholders

MONDAY - FRIDAY

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RESIDENT, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has as sured the company’s shareholders of good returns on their investment on any of the group’s subsidiaries.

At the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Dangote said the expanded capacity for Dangote Cement will lead to increased turnover, profitability and ultimately dividend.

He noted that shareholders are very important in any company and promised to safeguard their investments in the in his group of companies. He also promised to ensure the enhancement of their investments value.

Some of the stockbrokers, who also spoke on the floor, lauded the group for ensuring that its investors are happy at the end of each financial year.

Three of the group companies listed on the floor of the NSE, paid a total dividend of N74.36 billion for the 2010 financial year.

Dangote recently projected that the companies in the Group would be worth $60 billion by 2015.

“We are working towards making Dangote the biggest conglomerate in Africa. Now that we are training youths in the Dangote Academy, we are targeting that by 2015. Dangote will have $60 billion market capitalisation. When you look at the equivalent, the total reserve of Nigeria is about $35 billion, by the next four years, our own market capitalisation should be somewhere around twice the reserve of Nigeria, and that means in the cement side, by this time 2014,we should be producing more than 50 million metric tonnes in more than 14 countries excluding Nigeria,” he said.

Group embarks on savings campaign

By Ambrose Nnaji

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HE difficulties usually expe rienced by many Nigerians in accessing funds for their businesses may soon be over.

A group, Credit Awareness Nigeria, has embarked on an intensive enlightenment campaign to build a good savings culture as well as provide information on how to improve access to finance for small and medium-scale businesses.

Speaking with The Nation during the flag off campaign in Lagos, Director, Trade Awareness Nigeria, Ladi Smith, said that a working group had already been constituted to ensure a successful implementation of the project. They include the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as the Chairman of the group, Mall Bank, EFINA and National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP). Others are the ACION Microfinance Banks, IBST, the Microfinance Banks, the Mobile Money operators and the Micro Insurance companies.

• Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger (left), with ICAN President, Prof. Francis Ojaide, who paid him a courtesy visit in Minna ... yesterday.

Aviation set for staff audit

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O eliminate ghost workers in its agencies, the Ministry of Aviation is to begin a biometric audit of staff and pensioners in the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority(NCAA), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA),Accident Investigation Bureau(AIB) and the Nigerian Metrological Agency(NIMET).

The move, which is part of government’s desire to reduce personnel cost and enhance efficiency of operations, is to take effect from next week. The measure is contained in a circular issued by the supervising ministry Sequel to the commencement of the exercise, the staff of these agencies have been mandated by the ministry to bring along their staff identity cards, birth certifi-

By Kelvin Osa-Okunbor, Airport Correspondent

cate, letter of appointment, letter of last promotion, one government issued identity card, which should be either; international passsport, national identity card, driver’s licence and a passport photograph.

On pensioners, the circular directed that those affected to come with the original documents of their retirement or pension identity cards, and same requirements as existing staff. The circular, according to the ministry, will start on March 12 and end in March 20.

It advised both staff and pensioners to ensure that they present themselves physically for the exercise, as failure to do so will lead to stoppage of further payment of salaries and pension beginning from May

2012.

It further disclosed that staff will be captured at the location of primary assignment, while pensioners wouldl be captured at agencies nearest to them.

The Special Assistant to the Minister of Aviation, Joe Obi, said the essence of the exercise is to establish the exact number of staff in the various agencies, adding that the audit would further help to fish out ghost workers in the agency, identify areas where there are vacancies, to enable the government to deploy the related personnel in areas where there are gaps.

“The bio-metric exercise will establish the staff strength, the actual number of staff and pensioners and where vacancies exist in the agencies under the aviation ministry,” he said.

IPMAN sells N50 per litre kerosene in Lagos

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HE Western Zone of the In dependent Petroleum Mar keters Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has started the sale of kerosene at N50 per litre to Lagos residents.

The association yesterday took reporters to monitor sale of the product at the filling stations of members within Satellite, Ejigbo and Satellite Depot and other areas of Lagos The joint monitoring by the officials of the association and reporters was to ensure that marketers complied with the regulated price regime by selling at N50 per litre. The filing stations sold at the regulated price and

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

didn’t sell more than 20 litres to a customer.

Speaking with reporters after the monitoring, Mr Toba Shinkaye, the Assistant Secretary, IPMAN Western Zone said association considered it necessary to ensure that independent marketers who have the products sell at the regulated price.

He said about 20 trucks of kerosene were allocated to them, which all the members under satellite shared among themselves and every member got some products to sell.

Shinkaye said the visitation to

some filling stations was to demonstrate to the government what the Western Zone has been agitating for, adding that if the product is given directly to them, it would help to reach the grassroots rather that giving it through the national body. The zone understands and knows the grassroots customers who need the product most as it is closer to the people.

He said adequate mechanism has been put in place to ensure that any member who sells above the pump price of N50 per litre is arrested and handed over to the disciplinary committee.

US lauds Alison-Madueke’s leadership of oil industry • Stakeholders’ retreat on refineries begins

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HE United States Government has ex pressed confidence in the Nigeria oil and gas industry under the stewardship of the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke.

The minister had in the last two months established specialised task forces/committees in the petroleum industry with the mandate to fast track ongoing oil sector reforms and providing value addition in Federal Government’s drive to ensure that Nigeria reaps bountifully

from the proceeds of Godgiven hydrocarbon resources.

Speaking at the end of a breakfast session with the Minister at the NNPC Towers in Abuja, the US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Ambassador Wendy Sherman, described AlisonMadueke as a visionary leader, stating that his country will continue its partnership with Nigeria in the oil sector as well as other areas of common interests.

According to a statement by the NNPC spokesman, Dr. Levi Ajuonuma, Sherman

said: “We had an excellent meeting with the Minister. She is a visionary, who is looking ahead to a sector that will bring great benefit to the people of Nigeria and I know she is working very closely with the Nigerian President to ensure very bright future for all Nigerians.”

The US under secretary was accompanied by the Special Envoy for International Energy Affairs, Carlos Pascual and the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Terence Mc Culley, and they pledged continuation of the US/Nigeria bilateral trade relationship.

LAGOS – ABUJA Departure Arrival 1. Aero 06.50 08.10 2. Associated 07.00 09.30 3. Air Nigeria 07.00 08.20 4. IRS 07.00 08.20 5. Dana 07.02 08.22 6. Arik 07.15 08.15 7. Chanchangi 07.15 8. Air Nigeria 08.15 09.35 9. Dana 08.10 09.20 10. Aero 08.45 10.05 11. Arik 09.15 10.15 12. Chanchangi 10.00 11.00 13. IRS 11.15 12.35 14. Dana 12.06 12.26 15. Aero 12.20 13.30 16. Air Nigeria 13.25 14.45 17. Chanchangi 13.30 14.30 18. Arik 13.45 14.45 19. IRS 14.00 15.20 20. Aero 14.10 15.30 21. Air Nigeria 14.50 16.10 22. Dana 15.30 16.50 23. Chanchangi 15.30 16.30 24. Arik 15.50 16.50 25. Aero 16.00 17.20 26. IRS 16.30 17.50 27. Arik 16.50 17.50 28. Dana 17.10 18.30 29. Chanchangi 17.30 18.30 30. Air Nigeria 17.35 18.55 31. Air Nigeria (T/TH) 18.30 19.50 32. Arik 18.45 19.45 33. Aero 19.20 20.40 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

LAGOS – BENIN Arik 07.30 Associated 08.30 Aero 10.50 Arik 11.45 Associated 13.00 Aero 14.25 Arik 15.30 Associated 16.00

1.

2.

3.

4.

Arik Aero Arik Aero

1. Arik 2. Aero 1.

2.

3.

4.

LAGOS – CALABAR 07.30 11.20 12.50 16.00 LAGOS – JOS 10.55 11.15

LAGOS – KADUNA Aero 08.00 Chanchangi 10.00 Arik 10.00 Arik 15.10

08.30 09.10 11.50 12.45 13.40 15.20 16.30 16.40 08.50 12.40 14.10 17.20 12.15 12.45 09.10 11.00 11.10 16.20

LAGOS – PORT HARCOURT (CIVIL) 1. Aero 07.15 08.35 2. Arik 07.15 08.35 3. Arik 09.00 10.20 4. Dana 09.27 10.40 5. Aero 10.50 12.30 6. Arik 11.40 13.00 7. Air Nigeria 12.00 13.10 8. IRS 13.30 15.00 9. Arik 14.00 15.20 10. Dana 15.03 16.20 11. Air Nigeria 16.00 17.10 12. Arik 16.10 17.30 13. Aero 16.15 17.30 14. Arik 17.10 18.30 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

LAGOS – OWERRI Aero 07.30 Arik 07.30 Air Nigeria 13.40 Arik 14.00 Arik 16.30

08.40 08.40 14.55 15.10 17.40

1.

2.

3.

4.

Arik Aero Arik Aero

LAGOS – WARRI 08.15 11.50 11.55 14.55

09.1 12.50 12.55 15.55

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2.

3.

4.

5.

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LAGOS – KANO Air Nigeria 07.10 IRS 08.00 Dana 08.10 Arik 12.20 IRS 14.00 IRS 18.15

08.50 09.45 09.40 14.00 15.45 19.55

LAGOS – OWERRI 07.20 14.00 16.30

08.30 15.10 17.40

LAGOS – UYO 10.35

11.35

1. Arik 2. Arik 3. Arik 1. Dana

LAGOS – MAIDUGURI 1. IRS 11.15 13.15 2. Arik 15.50 18.00 LAGOS – ILORIN 1. Overland 07.15 2. Arik (M/T/TH/F) 17.30

08.00 18.00

LAGOS – ABUJA SAT/SUN Arik 7.15; 10.20; 2.20; 5.20pm – 7.30; 9.15; 10.20; 2.20; 4.50; 6.45 Aero 07.30; 09.35; 13.10; 14.50; 20.20 – 07.30; 09.35; 13.10; 14.50; 20.20 Air Nigeria 08.15; 14.30; 17.15; 18.30 – 08.15; 13.30; 14.30; 17.15; 18.30

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TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2012

ENERGY THE NATION

E-mail:- energy@thenationonlineng.net

N60b power subsidy for urban, rural poor, says minister Stories by Emeka Ugwuanyi Assistant Editor

•Prof. Nnaji

T

HE Minister of Power, Prof.

Barth Nnaji has said the Federal Government will bear a chunk of the electricity bills of the rural and urban poor people when the new electricity tariff comes into

EkoElectricity needs N25m for damaged equipment

operation in May. The Minister said already the Federal Government in anticipation of the pains the new tariff order would cause the poor, has earmarked N60 billion this year and N50 billion next year to subsidise electricity consumption of this category of consumers to cushion whatever effect it might have.

Nnaji disowned reports that tariff would rise by 88 per cent to reflect commercial pricing that would attract private sector investment and takeover of the power sector. Although he agreed that the current tariff structure is unsustainable, he noted that the increase would not be much. He said the new tariff structure is planned in categories,

noting that, basically, the middle class consumers may have 10 percent increase.

The minister said the cost of the new tariff would be mostly borne by maximum demand customers, especially those that connect directly from 33kv.

Nnaji said: “Attracting new businesses and investments in the power sector is a desideratum.

However, new investments are unlikely if there is no tariff adjustment because the current tariff is uneconomical. The present non-economic rates make it very difficult for electric distribution companies to pay generation companies, which, in turn, are unable to pay gas producers. This is a vicious circle.

“To break the circle, it is provided in the Electric Power Sector reform

Act that the Multi-Year Tariff order be reviewed every five years. A new tariff ought to have come into force on January 1, 2012, but it has been postponed to the end of May to allow for greater improvement in power supply and for the authorities to have more time to explain critical issues to the public.

“In reporting the planned adjustment, however, a section of the media has gone for the sensational with screaming headlines like “Electricity tariff to increase by 88 percent in April.” There has been little effort to report the N60 billion subsidy in this year’s budget and the N50 billion in next year’s for rural dwellers and the urban poor, as well as most individual consumers who fall into the category called R2.

“Those who will notice a signifi-

cant adjustment in tariff are highend users. Even so, what they will be paying is a fraction of what they spend currently on self generation, which the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria puts at over 4,000MW. Indeed, various surveys have shown that the Nigerian people would not mind paying a little higher if power supply is guaranteed.”

Nnaji also noted that the government is committed to improving power supply substantially before the tariff increase. He said gas pipeline that would supply gas to Olorunsogo and Omotosho power station would be completed in April. With the completion and commencement of gas supply to the power stations, generation would be increased by over 700MW.

•Spends N1b to boost power

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HE Eko Electricity Distribution Company has said it needs over N25 million to replace the cables allegedly damaged by the Lagos State Ministry of Environment, which happened while the ministry employees were clearing some blocked drainage channels.

The utility company also said it spent over N1 billion on new projects to boost electricity supply within its network. Some of the projects include the construction of new 15 KV injector sub-station in Yaba, installation of over 30 transformers has been deployed to various areas, among others, to boost supply.

The Chief Executive Officer of Eko, Mr Oladele Amoda, disclosed this to newsmen in Lagos.

Amoda said that the vandalism of the company’s cables had affected the company’s customers in Lagos Island and its environs. He said the company’s management had informed the ministry to exercise little patience pending when money would be available to relocate the cables but the ministry refused to heed their pleas.

Amoda said the damaged 33KV cable was erected over 40 years ago, adding that it was not possible to remove such cables without following due process, noting that the forceful removal of the cables had caused total blackout within some areas under Eko network and would cost the management lots of money to repair.

He said the damaged cables were major source of power supply to customers within the Lagos Island and its environs. “For the commissioner to order the removal of the cable without due process was totally wrong because it requires huge amount of money to fix, which should be put in the budget.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Environment, Mr Tunji Bello, was said to have on February 24, during inspection tour of flood prone areas, said that the cables got damaged in the course of clearing the blocked •Continued on page 14

•From left: Mr Afe Mayowa, NAPE President; Mr George Osahon, NAPE President-elect, Mr Taofiq Tijani, Lagos State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources and Mr Seye Fadahunsi, NAPE Vice-President when NAPE officials paid the commissioner courtesy visit in his office in Lagos.

NAPE, Lagos seal oil & gas partnership deal

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HE Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) and the Lagos State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources have entered into a mutual and strategic partnership to exploit resources in the state while the government would assist the association to secure some interests in the state.

The Lagos Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr Taofiq Tijani, told our correspondent when the association paid him a courtesy call that the meeting marked the beginning of new things both parties would mutually do in the future.

He said the state government aside looking at exploring oil and gas assets and other minerals within the state, which he believed that NAPE would be of tremendous help, the state government is looking at veering into exploitation of marginal fields.

He also commended the recent

announcement by the Federal Government giving authority to state governments to boost power supply in their areas through partnership with the 11 electricity distribution companies in the country.

He said before the announcement, the Lagos State Government had taken the initiative and has been building captive power plants to ensure sustainable power supply to people living in the state.

He cited the Island and water corporation captive power plants and the plans to establish several others in Alausa secretariat, among others.

Tijani said: “Being an Energy and Mineral Resources ministry, we are also hoping to see how we can develop natural resources within Lagos State including oil and gas.

So the association apart from paying a courtesy visit to the Governor, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola, which he delegated me to represent him, we also discussed about

issues of how we can partner to see how we can take opportunities to develop resources within our onshore and offshore Lagos and also within the Niger Delta.

“However, we have not concluded anything, but we have started initial discussions. I think the first thing is for us to identify those areas that we believe we are probably interested in, may be some marginal fields and onshore and offshore oil and gas acreages.

We will identify those ones and we can take that up with the appropriate authorities at the Ministry of Petroleum Resources. I hope that NAPE being a professional body will give us a professional guidance in moving forward with this initiative.”

On improving power by Lagos State Government, the commissioner said: “We will take advantage of the Federal Government’s announcement. As you are aware, the Lagos State Government has started

making some moves over the years.

We have put in place two different captive powers within Lagos State, one in Marina and one in our Akute Water works and we are concluding discussion on putting captive power within Alausa secretariat.

“What the Federal Government has done is very encouraging and inspiring and we hope to move ahead and deploy more of this captive to many areas of Lagos State including Matori Industrial area, Ikorodu, Ilupeju and Victoria Island.

The Alausa captive power plant will be about 10.5MW and hopefully by this time next year, it would be up and running.”

Commenting, the Vice-President of NAPE, Mr Seye Fadahunsi, said: “As you know, the energy and mineral resources ministry is a fairly new ministry and we (NAPE) represent the exploration arm of the oil industry and you can imagine the importance of having a good relationship with the ministry.

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2012

14

ENERGY

Fed Govt to review oil majors’ domestic gas obligations •Flared gas down to 24%

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HE Federal Government has said it will this year review the international oil companies’ (IOCs) domestic gas obligations to improve supply of gas to power plants and enhance consumption of the product in-country.

The Director, Department of Petroleum Resources, Osten Olorunshola, disclosed this to reporters during the Department’s quarterly briefing in Lagos. He said the review has became imperative in order to align the obligation with ongoing reforms in the industry to achive government’s aspirations.

He added that the volume of flared gas has also dropped to 24 per cent from over 30 per cent at the beginning of last year.

The domestic gas supply obligation is a policy of the government, which compels all upstream oil firms that produces gas to set aside a certain percentage of their gas production for strategic domestic projects like power generation and other usages.

The obligation was first issued in 2008, but has been partially observed by some of the oil firms because it is unprofitable, which has generated setback in the power sector, a major beneficiary of domestic gas supply.

Despite the fine of $3.5 for every million standard cubic of gas (mscf) on all supply shortfalls, and export restrictions, operators still default on their obligations, which negatively impact power generation. The Minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji, recently announced that the country lost over 600MW of electricity as a result of inadequate supply of gas to the power generating stations.

Commenting, Olorunshola said: “Domestic gas obligations to oil multinationals had been given since 2008, it is about time to review it and we will look at it again this year.”

Stories by Emeka Ugwuanyi Assistant Editor

On the current state of the oil and gas industry, the DPR chief said that since 2011 the department had aggressively pursued gas exploitation in order to grow reserves.

He said: “We have seen that their is quite a lot more sediments, even deeper than the one that have been found before, so were are encouraging companies to go deeper, especially today that we now know that gas is of value. This is the way the world is going, gas is a cleaner fuel, less damaging to the environment, and you will be seeing a lot more of actions from us as well as the operating companies, moving towards gas development, so, we are all in it together.

“We are adequately monitoring the activities of the gas sector, we have progressed on the development of the network code. It is just rules guiding transportation of gas and we have granted several licenses on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), compressed natural gas (CNG) and autogas plants.

“Thank God, we have driven gas flaring down to about 24 per cent, the remaining are in little pockets and all companies have projects in place to ensure that it is further mopped up within reasonable period.

“Apart from the fact that it causes environmental damage, every molecule that is flared now is like flaring money in naira or dollars, so we want to make sure that it does not happen again.”

He explained that the gas flaring is the legacy from old development, noting that the DPR no longer issues approval for any field development plan that does not gather gas. So, all the new developments now have gas solutions.

Eko Electricity needs N25m for damaged equipment •Continued from on page 13

drainage channels.

Bello said there was indiscriminate laying of underground cables in Apapa and Victoria Island areas of the state, which he said, was hindering the state government’s efforts at reducing flood.

He said the Power Holding Company of Nigeria and the telecommunications companies were impeding the government’s preparations for the rainy season. The commissioner said that the affected companies had ignored the state government’s calls for the relocation of their cables.

“There are several PHCN and telecommunication cables hindering the free flow of water in Apapa and Lagos Island. We have written them, but they have been ignoring us or demanding for money. The cables are also posing a challenge to clearing of the drainage channels,” Bello said, adding that the state government had no choice, but to move against the affected companies.

On capacity development, Amoda said: “We have the capability to take 2000 megawatts (MW), but we are sure that if the 1000mw allocated to us is stable, it will seriously boost supplies to customers. The over 700 poles affected by the rain storm early February had cost the company over N100 million to replace including some badly damaged poles and transformers.

“The impact of the rain has affected our network seriously most of our

poles in Lekki, Yaba, Ojo, Badagry, Mushin, Isolo, Ikoyi and Victoria Island were badly affected. 65 per cent of the damaged poles and transformers have been replaced and we hope that soonest all projects affected by the storm will be completed.”

From left: Dayo Odegoke, Safety Engineer; Ayo Maji, Executive Director, Vigeo Oil & Gas; Blessing Eduok, Accounts Executive; and Kelvin Mbude, Sales Operations, at the company’s stand, at the Nigeria Oil & Gas Conference and exhibition in Abuja.

Content board directs oil firms to hire indigenous HE Nigerian Content Develhausted before work can be exported. vessels opment and Monitoring He maintained that patronizsing

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Board (NCDMB) has ordered international oil companies (IOCs) operating in Nigeria to hire indigenous vessels.

The NCDMB Executive Secretary, Mr Ernest Nwapa, said he told oil companies hire 40 indigenous owned vessels (Category 2 vessels) in June 2012 to replace contracted foreign owned vessels. Nwapa said with the hiring of 40 vessels, the country will be retaining $1.8 billion in the economy.

Nwapa explained that the marine vessels and rig ownership strategies adopted by the board were yielding positive results. He said the IOCs made commitments to replace foreign vessels, which the Board had defined as category 2 vessels. Some of these vessels are Anchor Handling Tugs (AHT), Dynamic Positioning Platform Supply Vessels (DP PSV) and Line Handling Tugs (LHT).

Category 1 vessels, which the board said include Crew Supply Vessels, Mooring Launch Vessels, Shallow Draft Vessels, Fast Supply/Intervention Vessels and Security Vessels that are working in the oil and gas industry are almost owned by Nigerians and are being manufactured locally. He noted that an investor has concluded plans to begin manufacturing 40-metre vessels in Nigerdock Snake Island fa-

cility from 2013.

Nwapa recalled that the foreign owned vessels and rig operators dominated the sector before the enactment of the Nigerian Content Act, resulting in $3 billion capital flight. He however, noted that the situation was changing.

He said: “From our calculation, in 2012, we will be retaining over $1.8 billion just by ensuring that these vessels are owned by Nigerians. In the past, they were getting spot contracts, but nobody can invest without a long term contract.”

He said local content is a tool that would stimulate industrialisation of Nigeria, create productive employment and bring Nigerian jobs back. He stressed that it was only by establishing pipe mills, dockyards and other facilities and patronising them that indigenes of oil bearing communities would be integrated into the industry and employment opportunities created for Nigeria’s teeming youths.

The NCDMB chief also reiterated that the board also promotes equipment components manufacturing because of its capacity to employ appreciable number of people, adding that the he would always insist that capacities of Nigerian yards and facilities must be ex-

Nigerian facilities would help attract foreign investors and create practical learning opportunities for students.

He commended plans by Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Company (NLNG) to set up a dry-docking facility in Nigeria to service the company’s 24 tankers managed by BGT adding that it is a bankable proejct.

He also noted that efforts to increase Nigeria’s participation in the industry was not intended to drive out foreigners from the economy as the high tech areas are still open for foreign and indigenous players. He said all international operating companies in Nigeria had placed job with SCC Pipe Mill in Abuja, adding that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation is in placing an order with the company, which he said will help keep employees of the company in employment.

He stressed the need to set up more pipe mills in the country to ensure successful execution of the Gas Master Plan and replacement of old pipes, expected to utilise over 2500 kilometres of pipes in the next five years. Apart from a proposal by a company to build a mill in Calabar and the Yulong Pipe Mill to be sited in Yenagoa, Nwapa said there is also a need to site a mill in the north for use in the Gas Master Plan project.

From left: General Manager, Nigerian Content, Chevron Nigeria; Mr Raymond Wilcox, Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, Ernest Nwapa; Sustainability Co-ordinator, Saipem Nigeria, Ms. Joy Oserohwovo; Executive Secretary, Petroleum Technology Development Fund, Muttaqha Rabe Darma; Executive Director, Corporate Geosciences and Reservoir, Total E&P, Dr Kingsley Ojoh and General Manager, Nigerian Content, Shell Producing Development Company, Mr Igo Weli, during the Nigerian Content Session at the Nigerian Oil and Gas Conference in Abuja.

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2012

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THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2012

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CITY BEATS Court dissolves nine-year-old union

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N Ikorodu Customary Court in Lagos on Monday dissolved a nine-year-old marriage over irreconcilable differences.

The Court President, Alhaja Risikat Adesanya, held that Mr Olawale Otun, and his estranged wife, Ebunoluwa, were no longer qualified to be called husband and wife.

She said the parties “are henceforth free to cohabit with any partner of their choice.

“In line with the petitioner’s prayer, the union between Olawale and Ebunoluwa is hereby dissolved; they are free to go their separate ways,” the court president said.

She directed that the three children of the union should be with their mother, pending the decision of the Family Court on their custody.

Adesanya ordered that Olawale should have unrestrained access to his children and that he should pay N5,000 monthly for the upkeep of each of them, besides their education and medical expenses.

“He should also pay the sum of N100,000 to Ebunoluwa for accommodation,’’ Adesanya added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Olawale alleged that the respondent was troublesome, irresponsible and cruel. He added that she threatened his life.

Ebute-Metta mayhem: Police arrest four

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HE police have arrested four persons in connection with weekend’s mayhem in Ebute-Metta, Lagos Mainland.

Police spokesman Jayieoba Joseph said only one person was reported injured in the crisis. He said he had been treated and discharged from hospital.

He said those arrested are being interrogated at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) Panti, Yaba and will soon be charged to court.

Joseph said vehicles were vandalised.

According to him, policemen, who were led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operation, Tunde Sobulo, were on ground to ensure normalcy.

Explaining what happened, Joseph said, “on Saturday afternoon, a member of House of Representatives, Owolabi Monsuru Alao of No 3c Freeman Street, called the Divisional Police Of-

‘

They took over all the streets in the area, vandalising vehicles and destroying properties.

It took the effort of the police to calm down the situation

By Jude Isiguzo

ficer of Denton Police Station James Chu to inform him that about five hoodlums were demanding money from him and that because he refused to give them money, they were threatening to attack him. ‘’The DPO directed Assistant Superintendent Osheje Martins to take some policemen to the area.

However, before they got to the scene the hoodlums had fled’’.

Joseph explained that on Sunday morning, supporters of Alao

’

who heerd about the Incident assembled at his house threatening to tear down the area. ‘’They took over the streets in the area vandalising vehicles and destroying property. It took the effort of the police to calm down the situation’’, he said.

About four persons were injured in the clash, it was gathered.

Eyewitness account said the legislator was on his way to a party but was prevented from parking his vehicle by a traffic warden.

The sources said all attempts by

My husband is a gold digger, says acid bath victim

Teenager jailed for stealing N160,000

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N Ikorodu Magistrates’ Court in Lagos has sentenced a teenager, Rasheed Yusuf, to two months imprisonment for stealing N160,000.

Magistrate Olufunke Hamzat did not give an option of fine to the 18year-old, who on arraignment, pleaded guilty to a six-count charge of stealing and breaking in.

The prosecutor, Sgt. Iyabode Johnson, told the court that Yusuf twice broke into the house of Mr Aro Oluwaseyi at Sanni Close, Abule Oshorun in Ikorodu.

She said he broke into the house in December 2011 and stole jewels valued N120,000, as well as N20,000 in cash.

Johnson said the teenager also broke into the house on February 15 at 10a.m. and stole a Nokia handset worth N20,000.

She noted that the offences contravened Sections 305, 306 (I) and 278 of the Criminal Code of Lagos State, 2011.

Council employs 60 sweepers

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HAIRMAN Agboyi-ketu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Lagos, Mr Obafemi Durosimi said that the council has employed 60 street sweepers in readiness of this year’s rainy season.

Durosimi said this on Thursday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

He added that a new drainage would be constructed while the old ones would be cleared on a daily basis in order to avoid flooding in the area.

The chairman urged residents of the area to desist from dumping refuse into the drainage, saying that that might block free flow of water.

the lawmaker to park at the spot based on personal recognition was rebuffed.

It was gathered that he moved to a nearby street to park his car where he was encountered the street urchins that demanded for money.

Debunking the allegation in an interview with The Nation, Alao yesterday said he knew nothing about the fracas.

“How can a man of my age and reputation be involved in such rubbish? I have reported the matter to the police on Saturday and left them to deal with the issue. If I wanted to do anything, I would have done it that same night,” he said.

He blamed members of the opposition party and some aggrieved members of his party, saying that they are working against him for 2015 general elections.

•Ogunyemi (right) presenting one of the fishermen with net

Lawmaker empowers constituents

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BOUT 90 people benefitted from the empowerment programme by the lawmaker representing Ojo 11 constituency at the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Lanre Ogunyemi.

It was to mark his 49th birthday.

He assured his constituent that he would continue to render selfless representation to them as a lawmaker.

The event took place at OtoAwori Local Government Development Area (LCDA).

Ogunyemi said the occasion was to render his social responsibility to his constituents in appreciation of their vote and as a way of giving back to them.

The beneficiaries are made up of 30 widows, 30 aged and 30 fishermen. He assisted them with cash.

Being a riverine community, he distributed nets to fishermen.

By Oziegbe Okoeki

The lawmaker said within the past seven months “I have been able to assist those with health problems, payment of school fees and other financial assistance; and I will soon embark on my youth empowerment vocational training programme which involves 32 vocations.

He said he was embarking on the vocational training programme because he wants to refocus the youths.

“We want a paradigm shift from this quest for white collar job and get them engaged so that they stop roaming the streets with nothing to do. And through my education support initiative I have distributed free exercise books, six each to all the pupils in the over 48 schools in my constituen-

cy. I have also sunk two boreholes in very critical areas that are in need of water”, Ogunyemi said.

Ogunyemi who was the pioneer secretary of Alliance for Democracy in the state and Special Adviser on Political Affairs to former Deputy Governor Pedro and Ogunleye said since this is the first time he is holding power in proxy for his people he has many other items in his kitty to benefit his constituents .

The lawmaker said what he is doing is in fulfillment of his campaign promises, “I promised to give them a very robust and qualitative representation and plow back to them and carry them along in everything that we do in the House, to also give them feedback and that I would be accessible and serve them better than they have had in the past”, Ogunyemi said.

N Ebute-Metta Magistrate’s Court heard yesterday how a woman, who refused to give her new spouse the property of her former husband was bathed with substance believed to be acid.

Thirty-two-year-old Mrs. Susan Jeremiah, told the court that Mr. Samson Igbinowahia, 47, poured acid on her on October 25, 2010 at the Obalende area of Lagos.

Mrs. Jeremiah, whose legs and hands were peeled by the acid, concluded her evidence-in-chief before Magistrate H.O. Omisore.

Led in evidence by Inspector Philip Idowu, she told the court that after the death of her first husband, she married Igbinowahia who, she said, was only interested in what he could gain from her.

She said Igbinowahia, who was arraigned on March 9, 2011, told her to sell all her husband’s property and give the proceeds to him to enable him to travel to Malaysia for greener pastures.

The victim said her refusal to sell the property attracted battering from the defendant who threatened to kill her and their seven-monthold daughter.

Mrs. Jeremiah said she filed a divorce suit following the threat and secured the divorce before she packed out of the defendant’s residence.

According to her, the defendant came to her residence on that fateful day and requested to be allowed in but she refused.

She said that he then appealed to her to come to the balcony and collect from him some beverages he bought for their baby.

She told the court that she consequently came closer to the defendant who poured acid on her.

Mrs. Jeremiah said that when he asked him why he did it, he told her that he intended to disfigure her before accepting the divorce.

The court adjourned the case till March 19 for cross examination by the defence counsel.

LAGOS EMERGENCY LINES 1. Fire and Safety Services Control Room Phone Nos: 01-7944929; 080-33235892; 080-33235890; 080-23321770; 080-56374036.

STATE AGENCIES 2. Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Lagos Zonal Command Phone No: 3. LASTMA Emergency Numbers: 080-33706639; 01-7742771 080-75005411; 080-60152462 Sector Commander Phone No: 080-23111742; 080-29728371 080-34346168; 01-2881304 080-23909364; 080-77551000 01-7904983

4. KAI Brigade Phone Nos: 080-23036632; 0805-5284914 Head office Phone Nos: 01-4703325; 01-7743026 5. Rapid Response Squad (RRS) Phone Nos: 070-55350249; 070-35068242 080-79279349; 080-63299264

070-55462708; 080-65154338 767 or email: rapidresponsesquad@yahoo.com 6. Health Services – LASAMBUS Ambulance Services Phone Nos: 01-4979844; 01-4979866; 01-4979899; 01-4979888; 01-2637853-4; 080-33057916; 080-33051918-9; 080-29000003-5.

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2012

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CITY BEATS Lagos inaugurates home ownership board

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HE Managing Director of Promasidor Nigeria, Chief Keith Richards, has described a former director of the National Agency for Foods, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Mr. George Baptist, who turned 80 recently as a man of impeccable character.

Richards, who spoke last week at a reception held in honour of the celebrator said: "Baptist has helped to save lives of millions of Africans through the quality of his regulatory advice to manufacturing firms in the country.”

He said foods and beverages manufacturing firms in the country have benefitted greatly from Baptist's wealth of experience, adding; through strict adherence to same, millions of lives have been saved.

Former Director General of the agency, Professor Gabriel Osuide, also took time to eulogise the celebrator, who he described as a man of honour and integrity.

He reminisced how Baptist was deployed some years ago from the Federal Ministry of Health to start what is today known as NAFDAC. "He helped to nurture the agency both from policy formulation and administrative angles," Osuide said.

The celebrator is also a respected spiritual personality as most of his friends attest to the fact that he was one of the pillars of the Ayo Ni O Church, a Cherubim and Seraphim denomination, before moving to

By Yinka Aderibigbe

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•From Right: Demola Bakare, HR-Solution Manager; Andrew Enahoro, Head - Legal & Public Relations; Judy Okolo, Manager-Project Management Office; Abikoye Mulikat, Supervisor - Regulatory Affairs; Mr. George Baptist (Celebrator); Keith Richards, Managing Director; Josephine Ajayi, Manager Quality Assurance; and Benedict Eke, Manager, New Product Development, at the 80th birthday celebration of Mr. George Baptist recently in Lagos.

Friends, business associates honour ex-NAFDAC director

By Yinka Aderibigbe

the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

Apparently owing to his strong

spiritual belief, most of his children are presently working as pastors.

The 80th birthday bash which

was started with a Thanksgiving in his church was rounded off with a reception at the prestigious Ashton Garden in Ogba, Lagos.

Lagos Speaker worried over behaviour of ex-lawmakers

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PEAKER of the Lagos state House of Assembly, Adeyemi Ikuforiji has expressed dissatisfaction over the behaviour of ex- lawmakers who are now chairmen of Local government area in the state.

He expressed his disatisfaction during plenary session on yesterday when the House received a petition from Adeshina Hammed, one of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) members against the chairman of

By Oziegbe Okoeki

Lagos Island Local Government Area, Wasiu Eshinlokun and Alhaja Raliat for the alleged damage and looting of property at Ebute Ero Market, Lagos .

Ikuforiji said: "We receive a lot of petitions about the former lawmakers who are now chairmen of local government areas because their attitude is bad. They have forgotten the good work learnt in the House,

but when they get to the position, they become power.”

"They don't behave well and I think this is bad, they need to be very careful.”

The petitioner alleged that the chairman and Alhaja Raliat owners 'Omo owo ventures at Ebute Ero Market’ Lagos Island, damaged his shopping complex and looted property worth N160 million.

Hammed explained that he had a leasehold agreement in 1998

with Lagos Island Local Government Area to construct shopping complex with his money but having completed the project, the council took 22 shops as agreed but sometimes last year, the chairman re-awarded the complex to Raliat.

"Eshinlokun called me that he re-awarded the complex to Alhaja Raliat to demolish and reconstruct my complex. But I made him to understand that I still have a 13-year lease period.

A BEFITTING CAP FOR AN AMAZON

Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (2 nd right), congratulating the new Permanent Secretary Radio Lagos/Eko FM, Mrs Tinuade Aina-Badejo. With them are Head of Service, Prince Adesegun Ogunlewe (left), and Director Engineering LTV and Tinuade’s husband, Mr Olulakin Aina-Badejo.

PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES

HE Lagos State government has shown more commitment to the delivery of mortgaged housing units with the inauguration of the Partnership Board of Lagos Home Ownership Incentive Scheme (CHOIS LP) at the weekend.

The partnership comprises the state government, First World Communities Development Limited, (the private sector developer/provider) and representatives of civil servants who are the future beneficiaries of the new houses.

The government revealed that over a thousand ranging from one to three bedroom apartments would be provided under the first phase of the new initiative.

The board comprises of four government representatives chaired by Commissioner for Housing Bosun Jeje.

Others are: the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ade Ipaye, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Private Public Partnership (PPP), Ayo Gbeleyi. Others are Directors of First World Communities General Tunde Reis, Taiwo Odutola and Oluwole Rotimi, an architect.

Speaking during the inauguration, Jeje, explained the government adopted the partnership model as the obvious platform because of the huge financial required resources needed to meet the housing stock of the state.

He argued that the government alone cannot shoulder the huge financial outlay required in providing housing for all citizens and residents of the state.

He held that private sector’s involvement can facilitate the government’s vision and help actualize the campaign promises of Governor Babatunde Fashola, noting that the realisation necessitated the engagement of the organised private sector collaboration in the provision of mass housing unit.

He said the government will not shy away from its responsibility of facilitating the enabling environment and put in place appropriate legal framework for Public Private Partnerships (PPP) to thrive.

He explained that Lagos CHOIS LP is a mixed housing finance model that requires graduated levels of compulsory contributions by all stakeholders, (Shared Equity). This partnership comprises of Lagos State Government, First World Communities Development Limited and the civil servants as the future beneficiaries of the houses.

Jeje enumerated the opportunities derivable from such collaboration, saying it would not just ensure the provision of sustainable accomodation, but will also increase productivity, reduce operating cost and attract private capital.

According to him, the public will get quality and affordable houses while the private sector • gets new business opportunities.

While thanking members of the board for their continued efforts to ensure that the shared vision for making Lagos a better place is achieved, he also acknowledged their capabilities to ensure that Lagos works.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2012

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2012

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EDITORIAL/OPINION EDITORIAL FROM OTHER LAND

COMMENT

Diesel adulteration •This is a dangerous trend which must be checked forthwith

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IGERIA’S capacity to refine petroleum products may be limited; not so the capacity of her unscrupulous businessmen to indulge in dubious inventiveness.

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria, SON, recently reported what it called a “shocking” find from its analysis of Automotive Gas Oil, (diesel) samples drawn from 21 filling stations said to be front line stations in the Lagos metropolis.

According to an official of SON, Timothy Abner, who led the investigation, “we discovered that while Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly called petrol, was mostly of passable quality; the Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) commonly referred to as diesel, were highly adulterated, mostly with kerosene at alarming rates of contamination ranging from 15 per cent to 69 per cent”.

It would amount to an overstatement to suggest that Nigerians would consider the find “shocking”. Clearly, the phenomenon of fake and adulterated products is one that they are familiar with.

Whether it is in food and drugs trade, industrial materials and other such hightech products, the menace of fake and adulterated products has been with us for quite a while. The obverse side of the phenomenon is the non-adherence to standard weights and measures through which Nigerians are daily ripped off of their hard earned money.

There are of course several dangers directly linked with fuel adulteration. First is that it ensures that less value in quality

terms is delivered compared to what is actually paid for. Second is that the practice has led to avoidable losses in human lives; we recall here the scores that have died from explosions of the household kerosene. These are in addition to the dangers to human and industrial safety through possible malfunction and damages to expensive equipment. The incalculable danger to the economy can only be imagined.

The Nigerian business, as it is, already has enough worries in the epileptic power situation, and other challenges without the additional headache about possible machinery breakdown due to activities of unscrupulous fuel merchants.

It is easy to hazard a guess as to why the nefarious practice persists. Underlying the practice of course is greed. This unfortunately appears to have been aided by the archaic infrastructure of standards regulations in the country. No doubt, our businessmen are not alone when it comes to exploiting lax regulations for illicit gain. The challenge here, just as it is anywhere, is to render such practices unprofitable through tight regulations and scrupulous enforcement of regulations.

This is where our agencies appear to have failed. Today, we have multiplicity of different agencies all claiming their rationale in the protection of the consumer. Aside SON, we have weights and measures in the trade and commerce ministry; we also have the Department

of Petroleum Resources, DPR – officially the police of the petroleum industry. Yet, all manner of shady and anti-competition practices persist not only in the oil industry but in all sectors of the economy.

Obviously, the roles of the different agencies would need to be streamlined for effectiveness. SON can do an effective job of clamping down on fuel adulterators without resorting to the drastic measure of chasing diesel-laden tankers on the highways as suggested by its boss in the aftermath of the agency’s findings. A better option is to apprehend offenders at the pump after which their stations may be sealed off to serve as lessons to other offenders. But then, we doubt that this is SON’s job. It seems to us as the job of the DPR. Both agencies may therefore consider working together, at least in the near term, to stamp out the nefarious practice.

‘No doubt, our businessmen are not alone when it comes to exploiting lax regulations for illicit gain. The challenge here, just as it is anywhere, is to render such practices unprofitable through tight regulations and scrupulous enforcement of regulations. This is where our agencies appear to have failed’

Hillary’s honour • Lessons to be learnt from an impending resignation

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HE recent announcement by Mrs. Hillary Clinton, the American Secretary of State, that she will soon be stepping down from her position raises interesting questions on the nature of political ambition that are relevant to the Nigerian situation.

Loved and hated in her country with almost equal passion, Mrs. Clinton’s political moves have long been the stuff of intense speculation. Ever since she emerged as First Lady with the election of her husband, Bill Clinton, as the 42nd President of the United States, she has been actively involved in helping to shape her country’s policies at the highest level. This has seen her attempt ultimately-unsuccessful healthcare reform during her husband’s presidency, make a victorious bid for the office of U.S. senator, and seek nomination as the Democratic Party nominee for the presidential election in 2008.

‘When they are considered in the Nigerian context, Mrs. Clinton’s action stands in stark contrast to accepted political practice. In this country, resignation is unheard of, even if the office-holder is under the heaviest of ethical burdens.

Such is the underdeveloped nature of the polity that rather than go honourably, most Nigerian holders of political office would seek to stoke ethnic, religious and other primordial tensions in an attempt to retain their positions’

Mrs. Clinton’s departure from her current position will therefore amount to a complete withdrawal from political office. She apparently will not be seeking another try for the presidency, given President Barack Obama’s incumbency, and she gave up her senatorial seat when she became Secretary of State. Her departure is timed to coincide with the end of Obama’s first term in office, regardless of whether he wins a second term or not. Her reasons for stepping down include a desire for more personal time to devote to activities like writing, teaching and travelling.

When they are considered in the Nigerian context, Mrs. Clinton’s action stands in stark contrast to accepted political practice. In this country, resignation is unheard of, even if the office-holder is under the heaviest of ethical burdens. Such is the underdeveloped nature of the polity that rather than go honourably, most Nigerian holders of political office would seek to stoke ethnic, religious and other primordial tensions in an attempt to retain their positions.

The Nigerian political landscape is awash with characters who have been in one political position or the other for much of the country’s post-independent existence. There are federal ministers who were state commissioners as far back as the late seventies; there are twoterm governors currently serving the nation as senators. Perhaps the most famous example is that of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who left public office as military Head of State in 1979, only to return as civilian president 20 years later. So apparently enamoured was he

of the position that he even attempted to acquire a third term.

This manifestation of political longevity is rarely a demonstration of popular support. Nor is it the result of outstanding competence or the timely delivery of democracy’s dividends. It is simply the expression of an almost-pathological determination to remain in the corridors of power and to stay put in the public eye.

Political relevance is the goal, not political competence.

The results for Nigeria over the years have been tragic. The recycling of incompetent and corrupt politicians has steadily lowered the standards of competence in public office. Political positions are so easy to access that even individuals with criminal records actively seek to occupy them. Performance is no longer measured by what is achieved, but by how long an office is occupied. Political development is stymied because individuals with new ideas are prevented from showing what they can do. As discredited politicians keep returning to positions of responsibility, there is widespread despair that things will ever change for the better.

Until the practice of honourable resignation becomes part of the political culture in Nigeria, the electorate will have to be very careful about the kind of person it votes for. Promises made during campaigns should be noted carefully and any failure to keep them should be punished at the polls. Appeals to ethnic, religious and other sentiments should be studiously ignored. If it is true that a nation gets the politicians it deserves, then it is up to the citizenry to ensure that its politicians are deserving of public office.

Egypt’s small concession

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HE CRISIS in U.S.-Egyptian relations caused by the prosecution of Americanbacked nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and their employees has been partly defused — but in a way that may do as much harm as good. On Thursday six U.S. citizens and seven other foreigners were allowed to leave Egypt after bail of more than $4 million was paid. This will presumably allow them to avoid imprisonment on trumped-up charges of illegal political activity. Yet the trial continues; more than two dozen Egyptian NGO employees remain in jeopardy. The Egyptian government has not retracted its absurd allegations that groups such as the National Democratic Institute, International Republican Institute and Freedom House plotted to overthrow the government and partition the country.

Meanwhile the release of the foreigners has touched off another anti-American backlash in Cairo. Even some liberal Egyptians — including one of the NGO employees being prosecuted — are protesting what they see as an improper intervention in a judicial process by the ruling military council, which is accused of succumbing to pressure from Washington.

The generals deserve the opprobrium. They are responsible for launching a politically motived case and triggering a crisis in relations with the United States. The Obama administration was right to insist that military aid to Egypt would be suspended unless the cases were dropped. But if the regime’s only concession is to allow the foreigners to leave, both the United States and the cause of democracy in Egypt will suffer.

The NGOs are in technical violation of an outdated, oppressive law that Hosni Mubarak’s regime never enforced. It requires all NGOs to be registered and obtain government approval for all funding and grants. The groups filed registration papers years ago but never received a response. With the military’s tacit support, a holdover from Mr. Mubarak’s government used the ambiguity to launch a demagogic campaign appealing to Egyptian nationalism in which the groups were accused of working for the CIA and Israel.

In isolation, the release of the Americans and other foreigners will reinforce nationalist sentiment and conspiracy theories while endangering the Egyptian individuals and groups left behind. The only proper resolution is for the government to register the NGOs, notify prosecutors that it will no longer cooperate with the prosecution, and modify the defective law.

Encouragingly, the Muslim Brotherhood, now the largest party in parliament, has said it supports such a liberalization, though the details remain to be worked out.

The generals may suppose that freeing the Americans will be enough to preserve their aid money. It must not be. The Obama administration appears to recognize this: On Thursday, State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said the administration remained concerned about “the ultimate outcome of the legal process” and wanted to see the NGOs registered. Importantly, officials say that no decision will be made on continuing aid until April and that it will be based on a broad assessment of whether Egypt is moving toward democracy, as required by Congress.

The Obama administration has demonstrated that aid to the Egyptian military is not inviolate; it can and should be used as leverage to achieve a transition to democracy. Now the administration must see that transition through.

– Washington Post

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THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2012

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EDITORIAL/OPINION

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IR: I read the editorial/opinion page (19) of The Nation on the above title, dated February 28, written by Sanya Oni. Let me state from the outset that I concurred with all what Oni wrote in addition to what his colleague, Olakunle Abimbola, wrote on the same page!

It is the height of deceit and deliberate falsehood for the Central Bank Governor, Sanusi and Babangida Aliyu and their co-thinkers to insinuate that the North is disadvantaged on the issue of revenue distribution compared to their counterparts in the South-South or any other region.

If the truth must be told, the entire South is much more disadvantaged than the South, especially the South-South. In fact, the South has more poverty-stricken people than the North. The North has been getting much more than their fair share even with the present allocation.

Consider this. Previous Census figures showed that Lagos State was more populous than the old Kano State, before the creation of Jigawa State from Kano. Kano State alone has 44 Local government areas and Jigawa has 27, giving a total of 71 local government areas for the two

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

Re: Now the North wants more states. This skewed distribution of local government areas is quite glaring when compared with 20 LGAs for Lagos, 23 LGAs for Rivers State, 8 LGA’s for Bayelsa, 20 LGAs or so for Akwa Ibom. Thus, when allocation for local government is shared from the central pot in Abuja, from the oil money from the Niger Delta, Kano and Jigawa will collect 71 shares, which will be the same numbers of shares to be collected by 71 local governments from Lagos (20), Rivers (23), Bayelsa (8) and Akwa Ibom (20). How can the North turn around to say that this skewed arrangement does not favour thtem and they want more?

Another undue advantage this lopsidedness gives to the North is higher or greater representation in the House of representatives, since this based on the number of local

governments allotted to states, and not on population. If it is based on population, Lagos state that is more populous than Kano and Jigawa combined could have had 71 local government areas.

The South-South is the region that is more adversely affected as regards resource sharing. Time was when the derivation formula was 50%. What are the people of the Niger Delta getting now? They are not even getting close to 13% the law allows! How much of the socalled 13% is given to the Ministry of Niger Delta? Why must the Ministry be created in the first place, and why must it be in Abuja?

Just look at Oloibiri, where oil was first struck in Nigeria. Compare Oloibiri with Abuja that is now made like Dubai with oil money from the Niger Delta. Also look at

the Ogoni region and all the polluted seas and farmlands in the Niger Delta, are they not the people to ask for more?

The best way forward is for our Northern brothers to look inwards and forget about oil. They have solid minerals which are untouched.

What we are practising is Unitary System and not true federalism.

This practice is injurious to the unity of the country. If we must insist on practicing the Unitary System, Nigeria is likely to disintegrate, and no amount of military hardware will stop it. Nigeria will not break-up if we sit together and discuss in sincerity, fairness, equity and justice.

• John Akpan, Port-Harcourt River State.

To Judge Bola Ajibola at 78

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IR: In the estimation of Benjamin Franklin, an American statesman, scientist and philosopher, “a good example is the best sermon”. Like other personages of the world, the former judge of the world court at The Hague, Prince Bola Ajibola at 78 has made his impressive footprints on the sand of time having written his name boldly, in gold, on the wall of history and has been a good model for those who seek to be inspired by his exemplary life.

His life is a shining example to all especially those of us who live in his time. He is an example for the coming generation who will seek to emulate his virtues and ideals. When people read about those who have made impacts in the past, they seem to appreciate them even more than their contemporaries as evident in history of past heroes.

From Jesus Christ to Mustapha Muhammad, their generations did not seem to value them more than those after them.

Judge Ajibola is a good model of optimism. He is a positive thinker and this has helped him in all spheres of his life. To him, anything is not over until he wins. He is an achiever. A great one at that.

And he encourages people to be winners in all they seek to achieve.

A peace-maker, he abhors shedding of blood in any form. He is a good time-keeper, having used his entire time prudently and judiciously right from his childhood. To him, sleeping for eight hours per day is a waste of a third of one’s life. Judge Ajibola is so time conscious that as a guest, he usually arrives at any event at least one hour or more before the commencement of the programme. Many a time, he

would arrive at events even when the organisers are still putting some finishing touches to their arrangements.

Whenever he is not able to make any of the functions, Judge Ajibola would delegate an able lieutenant to represent him, with verbal and written apologies to the host(s).

Late-comers cannot find their ways to his door because they cannot cope.

He is an epitome of magnanimity as he delights giving out than collecting. He believes that the hand that gives is better than the one that receives. He donates secretly to refugee camps, motherless babies’ homes and hospitals.

He firmly believes in the prophetic tradition that “you should pay a labourer before his sweat is dry”. Therefore, he never owes his workers because he considers it

suicidal. He promises less and delivers more to all that work with him. He is a good manager of human and material resources. Like a good football coach, he knows who does what efficiently, assigning the right lieutenant for the right task although some may find it difficult at times because of their own laxity and complacency. He will always put the round peg in a round hole. Ajibola hates squanderers and gets along with people who use money, time and resources moderately.

Judge Ajibola enjoys blessings of God as much as he deserves same.

As he clocks 78 on the surface of earth, I beseech God to crown His blessings on him and bless his generations abundantly.

• Idris Katib Crescent University, Abeokuta, Ogun State .

Ibori’s guilty plea, signs of good things to come

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IR: The prosecution of the former governor of Delta State, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, who pleaded guilty to money laundering charges by a Southwark Crown Court in London, the United Kingdom on February 27, is no doubt a welcome development. It will serve as a sweet lesson for those in position of power and authority.

It is however saddening that Ibori had to flee from justice in Nigeria while being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, only to plead guilty abroad. It is also shocking that Ibori escaped arrest from after his Oghara kinsmen threatened and attacked men of Nigerian anti-graft agency, only to flee to Dubai where he was arrested before being extradited to the UK to face prosecution and subsequently convicted on charges of money laundering.

It is generally believed that since leaving office in 2007, Ibori had exercised strong control over the nation’s judiciary, either to avoid prosecution, or to escape conviction.

It is also alleged that a former Chief Judge created the Federal High Court, FHC, for the purpose of serving Ibori’s judicial needs.

Rightly or wrongly, it was the aftermath of the creation of the FHC that Justice Marcel Awokulehin who is now in Lafia, Nasarawa state, in November 2010, acquitted Ibori of the 170-count money laundering for which he was charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. One only prays and hopes that the 36 state governors will learn from the bitter story of Ibori’s extradition and save Nigerians of the big shame that associated his prosecution in the UK. • Favour Mark-Anthony Ojelimafe Ughelli, Delta State

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THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2012

EDITORIAL/OPINION

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R

Still, let no one pass off IRST an audacious theory: Nigeria Ojukwu’s noble heroics as was conceived on domination. equating Nigerian heroism.

And its survival or otherwise That would be a contradiction would depend on how it sorts out the in terms, except if it could be domination question. argued that Ojukwu broke the In the beginning, the British wanted a proverbial coconut on his own trading post they could plunder without head and that of his people, just question for Her Majesty’s pleasure. to prove that free and unbriOlakunle Without the domination motive, Lugard’s dled slaughter of Nigerians by girlfriend (later wife), Flora Shaw’s fancy lordbeek@yahoo.com, 08054504169 (Sms only, please) Abimbola other Nigerians should be reNiger Area would not have morphed into sisted with the last drop of Lugard’s Nigeria, which 1914 amalgamablood. Even then, citizenship as assured security is hardly a tion got the British ruffian and India vetsettled Nigerian national eran installed as first viceroy. ethos, 42 years after the tragic Even with World War 2 gone and strong winds of freedom blowing among the colonised peoples, laced with winning developmental ideas, could have shaped Civil War (1967-1970). the British still dreamed domination. So, they warmed up the political psyche of a people.

The trajectories of the coup and counter-coup of January to the North, the region which traditional elite worked It is in this context of Nigeria’s three major ethnic groups and July 1966 that eventually triggered the Civil War in 1967 smoothest with the British, on the indirect rule system. hoping to shape the rest of the country in their own image, were instructive. At independence in 1960, the North had the So, in the run-up to independence, the region with the with the British perfidy of opening a neo-colonialist window, political levers. But the East had a fair share of the Army’s least yearning to throw off the British yoke and with the that the place of the late Ikemba Nnewi and Ezeigbo Gburuguburu, officers’ corps, though the North had a commanding position least count in human capital got conscripted to the driver’s Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, must be viewed. in the Army hoi polloi. The West had neither; for the Yoruba seat. If the Northern political elite did not think dominaOjukwu was no saint, even by some virtues he preached, as regarded whoever joined the Army as a never-do-well ruftion, the British surely nudged them towards it. With a the Nigerian penchant for beatification has tried to portray fian. skewed federation, founded neither on equity nor common him. He preached southern handshake across the Niger. But So, at the first coup of 15 January 1966, the North, with sense, the stage was set for subsequent serial chaos. when that opportunity gifted itself in the annulled 12 June Britain, blindly panicked – the intricately woven power conBut that did not make the South a saint. If anything, the 1993 presidential election, Ojukwu forsake the principle of spiracy was coming unstuck barely five years after independelite attitude back then would appear the “mallams” were fairness and equity he went to war for. He opted for hand- ence! That was the genesis of the so-called ethnic coloration there for the picking! shake across the Benue, in capitulation to the same forces of of the coup, though the implementation in terms of coup vicThe Great Zik, the affable Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Nigeria’s reaction. Despite Abacha’s blood-soaked regime, Ojukwu was tims further drove home this bogey. first ceremonial president, appeared obsessed with “Africa”, unfazed being Abacha’s proud global ambassador.

It was also instructive that the counter-coup was to lead to a and after that, “Nigeria”. He logged great rhetoric about He also proved himself quite adept at cant. In response to northern pull-out, until of course, the British nudged the coup Africa Risorgimento, and named East’s university, University MKO Abiola offering the South East the secretary to the fed- makers back to reality after regaining power. It is to Ojukwu’s of Nigeria, Nsukka, instead of University of Nsukka, Nieral government (SFG) in his presidency, Ojukwu quipped eternal credit that he neither supported the Nzeogwu coup geria, as traditionally expected. that secretaries did nothing but served tea! It is salute to the nor tolerated the collapse of the Army command hierarchy But since the schism in the Lagos (later Nigerian) Youth futility of cant that Anyim Pius Anyim, the highest current after the counter-coup.

Movement (LYM), there was little doubt that Zik yearned serving Igbo in the federal executive, is SFG. Did he ever But it is also painfully true that the Ndigbo, after the war, are that the corps of leaders to lead the new Africa to the Promserve tea to Goodluck Jonathan and his cabinet? somewhat politically subdued, a far cry from the boisterous ised Land was his own Igbo people.

But these human frailties hardly negate Ojukwu’s greatness: pre-war folks. Just as Zik appeared drained after independThough Chief Obafemi Awolowo needed to play catchfirst as a worthy champion of Igbo causes at their worst pe- ence, Ojukwu also appeared drained after the Civil War. up, his ideas have proved the most rigorous on the Nigeriod of national tribulation and persecution; and second as a Even if he was not, with a Nigerian “full pardon” hanging rian question. The Northern system had literally cemented great Nigerian by any standard: fighting a war to insist on on his neck, he couldn’t have embarked on any practical and the role of the Sardauna, Sir Ahmadu Bello, in a future Nijustice and equity, while the rest of the country cowered be- frontal campaign. Yet, the Igbo still wear the albatross of the geria. Zik had carved a niche for himself with his stupenfore Northern guns and allied conspiracies, passing as “na- Nigerian reality: lack of equity, justice and fairness to condous oratory and profound learning, even when Awo was tional unity”. tend with as Nigerian citizens. still doing newspaper reporting and other endeavours. But Let the passage of the Ikemba Nnewi remind everyone of the even if Awo’s radical developmental ideas had translated futility of domination in a nation state. Let therefore be set in ‘Let the passage of the Ikemba Nnewi reinto political power at independence, there was no guaranmotion processes to admit and correct basic inequities at the mind everyone of the futility of domination tee that the Yoruba would not have tried to shape Nigeria nativity of the Nigerian state. Let there arise a new template, in their own image, as the North tried to do. in a nation state. Let therefore be set in moerected on the fundaments of justice, equity and fair play.

Yes, Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State would reWithout these, all the flowery orations at Ojukwu’s funeral tion processes to admit and correct basic ingale all with how the Yoruba fought a long civil war in would be empty gas. And Nigeria, which by the way is no Kiriji (1877-1893), to fend off Ibadan imperialism and ensure equities at the nativity of the Nigerian state.’ goddess to be worshipped for good or for ill, would have internal federalism. But still, you never know how power, been fated to being consumed by history.

epublican ipples

Zik, Ojukwu and Ndigbo

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HELL Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) finally bared its mind on the intriguing question of why OPEC’s sixth largest exporter of crude may never be able to get down to the business of refining the product locally for its needs. Speaking after a meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja last week, its outgoing Executive Director Malcolm Brinded stated that those pushing Shell to build new refineries had better perish the thought. According to him, there is a global glut in refining business.

His words: “I will also say because of the surplus of refineries available in a way, one has to look very closely whether building new refineries is a good investment for anyone not just for Shell but for countries involved”. (Emphasis mine).

He then added for effect: “In today’s world, not looking at the past but where we are today, there is surplus of refinery capacity which essentially means many refineries in the world run at a loss. Which also means one can get refined products back again and pay very little for it to be refined’’.

The yarn about excess global capacity in refined fuel would seem new, at least as far as the quest to shore up Nigeria’s local refining capacity is concerned. It seems a case of supplying one more alibi to a government that cannot draw the line between the specious economics which continually rationalise the unbridled regime of fuel importation by an oil producing nation, and the enlightened self-interests of a major operator.

However, before we take shelter behind our patriotic

‘The nation is where it is today principally because of the myopia of the policy elite working in cahoots with patron saints like Shell.

The consequence of that is that it spends a disproportionate share of its foreign exchange to bring in refined products at great costs to the treasury – and with it the unbearable pressure on the foreign reserves which is at the heart of the not-too-infrequent destabilisation of the macro-economy’

Policy Sanya Oni sanyaoni@yahoo.co.uk 08051101841

Shell and the refineries’ quest walls to launch a deservedly guided missiles on Shell, one states that the development does not represent any remarkable deviation from the company’s already established global pattern of divestment from crude refining. After all, the company only last year shut down its longest running refinery in Sydney Australia. Among the reasons it gave was that it could no longer compete with the mega refineries of Asia in the face of weak refinery margins. The 75,000 barrel a day plant, employing more than 300 workers, had operated for 80 years before its closure.

Shell is of course answerable to its Board and shareholders; so the question of where to put its money is entirely its business. Unlike many Nigerians who believe that the government can use the fiat of legislation to compel companies like Shell to establish refineries, the fact is that matters of investment are pure business decisions best left to the company and its board. This is where the question of compelling Shell or any other operator for that matter to venture into petroleum refining now or in the future therefore, does not arise at all.

However, Shell’s kite – and that is what it is –fit perfectly into the orthodoxy of rationalising fuel importation in the event that the bogey of federal government so-called deregulation appears to have hit the rocks. Shell is after all not just another operator; it is the oldest operator in the country. It actually built the first refinery in Port Harcourt. It is a measure of its staying power that two of its erstwhile top guns – more out of a deliberate design than chance – are currently ensconced at the highest levels of the oil industry – straddling policy and operations with one serving as Minister of Petroleum the other as Head of the Department of Petroleum Resources. Much as we can argue as to the degree to which Shell’s preferences goes to shape or even determine what is hatched as policy, it is hardly whether or not it does. That is the context

in which to take the statement from the Shell boss seriously.

Unfortunately, to the extent that the position attempts rather ingeniously, to subordinate the nation’s quest at this time to its corporate whims, it seems easy enough to recognise opportunism. When juxtaposed with the position of the Nigerian government which insists that the main reason why new refineries have not come on board is because retail prices of petroleum products are not, at present, cost-reflective, the picture of the muddled and short-sighted thinking of those behind the orchestra of subsidy removal as the solution to our import-driven deregulation comes again, starkly revealed.

To start with, the argument about global glut in global refining is sheer bunkum. Since when did modern capitalism begin to deviate from its lofty principles of competition and its in-built logic of survival and natural selection? As for its concerns with low refining margins, does it not derive from its inability to take on the more aggressive Asian refiners in the business? It is alright for Shell to cleverly deflect the argument from its lack of competitiveness by painting a global picture of so-called glut in the business.

Shell for obvious reasons would rather leave out the inconvenient question of whether Nigeria’s quest to refine more of its crude locally does not in fact have basis in sound economics even before the pertinent factor of national interest imperatives is thrown into the mix.

The point obviously needs to be made again. Nigeria enjoys unparalleled comparative advantage of refining its crude – a fact obviously inconvenient for the likes of Shell. All the elements would seem to support the quest. It is endowed with natural harbours and with it the potential to take advantage of global trade in refined crude. It is strategically positioned to serve as the refining hub in the sub-region.

The nation is where it is today principally because of the myopia of the policy elite working in cahoots with patron saints like Shell. The consequence of that is that it spends a disproportionate share of its foreign exchange to bring in refined products at great costs to the treasury – and with it the unbearable pressure on the foreign reserves which is at the heart of the not-too-infrequent destabilisation of the macro-economy.

What do we make of the statement that “one can get refined products back again and pay very little for it to be refined’’? Given the mess that the fuel import cartel have made of the trade, the less is said of the proposition, the better. However, it seems to me a case of the proverbial hand of Esau driving the deregulation package; the voice is however, pretentiously Jacobs! At last, we know who is behind it all! So, when next they come with their colourful orchestra of deregulation, we should get ready to tell them that we know who is playing the puppeteer. Our freedom may come, sooner than expected.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2012

EDITORIAL/OPINION

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F you listen to western trained economists, Nigeria’s economy is looking good, but then if you remember the number of your children/relations, friends and maybe former colleagues that are armed for years now with higher degrees but still roaming around our main streets in search of employment, you are more likely than not to ask where the optimism about improvement in our economy was coming from.

If you have the time on a working day, take a stroll along the streets where foreign embassies/High Commissions are located either in Abuja or Lagos and you would be shocked at the large number of Nigerians seeking exit visas to countries in Europe, America, Asia and even here in Africa. On their faces you’d see gloom boldly written; no hope for a better tomorrow if they remain here.

The dehumanizing experience in the hands of immigration officers in these embassies notwithstanding, these ‘Andrews’ want to check out of Nigeria even if just to have a feel of these other countries whose lands, they believe, are flowing with milk and honey.

One of these embassies is that of South Africa. If you see what Nigerian visa applicants go through in the hands of South African officials at the embassy, you’d weep for this country and ask why Nigerians still want to go the land of Nelson Mandela.

On top of this dehumanizing experience is another humiliating one when those who are lucky to get the visa get to South Africa. If they are not turned back at the airport there for spurious reasons, some of those that managed to get in are subjected to targeted attacks by South African ‘Area Boys’ who see them as economic migrants who came to take up their jobs. There have been series of such attacks in recent past that one begins to wonder why South Africans hate us so much in spite of what we did for them in their fight against the apartheid regime that ravaged their land for many years before independence.

We thought after all that we did to help them get their freedom, we would be allowed to have a bite of the dividend of freedom, but we were mistaken. Unlike the almost free reign that South African businesses have been enjoying in Nigeria, their Nigerian counterparts have not been that lucky in South Africa. You could say this was not the fault of the South African government, but things could be more mutually beneficial if the spe-

An eye for an eye cial bond between both countries are allowed to guide some of our dealings both political and economic.

Today, South Africa’s MTN, Multichoice, South Africa Airways, Protea hotels and a host of other companies from that country are raking millions of dollars from us, exploiting us, without necessarily giving us value for our money. Yet in the spirit of big brotherliness we have closed our eyes to their short comings.

South Africa Airways that was begging us few years ago for seat sharing agreement with Nigeria Airways on the Lagos-Johannesburg route and was hoping to ride on Nigeria Airways back to have a foot in the lucrative US market is now calling the shots in bilateral air service between the two countries such that our own Arik Air has been reduced to a junior partner; and yet our government is not looking into that.

South Africa’s Multichoice is in total control so to speak of the lucrative pay per view (if you call it that) television here in Nigeria while our own indigenous broadcasters have been muscled out of the business by the financial might of the Mandela boys. One would have thought that because of Nigerians growing appetite for this kind of television broadcasting, our government and also our banks would actively encourage a strong Nigerian brand to challenge the South Africans or any other foreign brand for that matter. But that is not the case here. The few ones that managed to raise their heads are either comatose or dead, and with it went the jobs of thousands of Nigerians directly or indirectly employed by these broadcasters. And since we are addicted to their television, a day could come that the South Africans would black us out from the rest of the world

for ‘technical’ reasons. Don’t laugh or say god forbid. It could happen.

Until the coming of Nigeria’s own Globalcom telecommunication company, South Africa’s MTN made us to believe that per seconds billing is not feasible here. But thanks to this Nigerian company all the networks in the country now charge per seconds.

This is not an attempt to crucify South African companies or interest here or set Nigerians against South Africans but to draw the attention of our government to the need to always protect the interest of Nigerians anywhere in the world. No matter which country, company or individual is involved and no matter the level of friendship that exist between us Nigeria’s interest must come first.

How do you explain the recent humiliation meted out to Nigerians in South Africa when one hundred and twenty-five of our compatriots were deported back to Nigeria as soon as they landed at the Oliver Thambo International Airport in Johannesburg on the excuse that they were in possession of fake yellow card certificates. The Nigerians comprising 50 passengers on Arik Air and 75 aboard South African Airways were deported at the point of entry last Friday. This maltreatment was in spite of the fact that Nigeria is a yellow fever free nation as certified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and that before South Africa issues visa to Nigerians here, the provision of a valid yellow fever card is a must. So the immigration officer at the South African High Commission here must have seen and approved of the yellow fever immunization cards presented by those passengers before he/she gave the visa.

So, how come the cards are now fake? Moreover, there has been no report of yellow fever outbreak/epidermic in Nigeria, so why

should the South African suddenly invent one and punish these innocent Nigerians who were going to their country to spend their hard earned money? Could this be a deliberate policy by the South African government to humiliate Nigeria and Nigerians? I think Nigeria should demand an explanation from the South Africans and if they fail to come forward with any sensible one we should demand an apology and compensation for those 125 Nigerians. In addition, they should also be warned that a repeat of such would not be tolerated again and told that Nigeria would no longer turn the other cheek in matters like this.

Nigeria should now begin to not only bark but also bite. We are tired of countries in Africa or elsewhere treating us as Big Brother only when they want something from us. Respect as the saying goes is reciprocal. If South Africa takes delight in humiliating us all the time, there is no point treating them gently, we should also come out hard on them. And as correctly stated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru last Friday, South Africa should realize that she does not have the monopoly of sending back passengers or Ill-treating them at the point of entry.

We could reciprocate or should we say retaliate? Hope the matter would be resolved quickly and we turn to true brotherliness.

For far too long a number of countries have been slapping our face and we’ve been turning the other cheek. That must stop now. It should be an eye for an eye.

‘Nigeria should now begin to not only bark but also bite. We are tired of countries in Africa or elsewhere treating us as Big Brother only when they want something from us. Respect as the saying goes is reciprocal. If South Africa takes delight in humiliating us all the time, there is no point treating them gently, we should also come out hard on them’

VIEW FROM THE FOREIGN PRESS

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N most developing countries, including Nigeria, while economic growth rates - Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Gross National Income (GNI), income per capita etc.- are increasing, the growth rates of misery, poverty, hunger, disease, illiteracy, malnutrition, corruption, unemployment, poor infrastructure, poor living condition and other social-economic deprivations are also, paradoxically and exponentially, on the rise.

Some economic experts tend to equate development with quantitative economic growth and rapid industrialization. I beg to differ. Yes, I agree that in order to achieve a meaningful and realistic economic transformation, there is need for policy complementarity between growth and development.

However, it will not only amount to a misnomer, but also too simplistic, to equate growth with development. While both are interrelated, and, at times used, even if wrongly, interchangeably, it must be made clear that growth is different from development.

Growth is about numbers; intangible, quantitative macroeconomic development in terms of economic indices such as increase in income per capita, increase in output and Gross Domestic Product, increase in external reserves, trade revenue and balance of payments surplus, etc. On the other hand, development is about tangible, qualitative, visible and real material improvement in the living conditions of the citizenry in terms of basic human needs and necessities which make life comfortable for the people and enhance their standard of living.

Among the key drivers, or factors of development include food, water, shelter, health care, public sanitation, education, job creation, public utilities and infrastructures. Also, in tandem with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the feel good factor of development include such intrinsic and fundamental issues as happiness, liberty, freedom of expression and impression, stable democracy, good governance, peace, security, prosperity, dignity of human life, respect for the rule of law, human rights (civil liberty), equity (equal opportunities), fair play and justice. These are the real barometers and fundamental dynamics for measuring meaningful development.

The World Bank, in one of its development reports defines economic development as “a sustainable increase in living standards that encompass material consumption, education, health and environmental protection”. It states that development, in a broader sense, includes other important and related attributes, notably equality of opportunity, political freedom and civil liberties. “The overall goal of development” according to the report, “is, therefore to increase the economic,

Paradox of growth without development

By Kayode Oluwa political and civil rights of all people across gender, ethnic groups, religions, races, regions and countries”.

In Nigeria, what we have witnessed, over the years, can best be described as ‘placebo’ growth without real development.

In other words, the economy, on paper, seems to be growing but, ironically and unfortunately, in reality, it is progressively deteriorating or, at best, depressingly stagnating – a situation Governor Babatunde of Lagos State described as “paper growth”. This explains why, every now and then, the CBN reels out peculiar and customary figures and statistics of growth indices, without a commensurate impact on the quality of life and standard of living of ordinary, average Nigerians, majority of who (more than 110million, according to the 2010 figures released by the National Bureau of Statistics, live from hand to mouth. In spite of our endowed riches, we are one of the poorest countries in the world. What a paradox?

In his 2012 budget speech to a joint session of the National Assembly titled “Budget of Economic Transformation” President Jonathan stated, inter-alia, “The robust growth recorded in the first half of 2011 underscores the resilience of the Nigerian economy and the prudence of our economic policies. Our growth in the 2010 – 2011 period has been broad-based. The economy recorded impressive growth of 7.85 percent in 2010 and 7.72 percent as of the second quarter of 2011, compared to 5.2 percent forecast for sub-Saharan Africa. Medium term prospects are also bright, with real gross domestic product growth projected to remain strong over the period”. Statements like these have no meaning to the ordinary Nigerian and common man on the street. On the surface, these figures and statistics present a rosy picture of economic development, but deep down is a story of misery and underdevelopment. If the president, our policy makers and advisers, must know, the average Nigerian is not interested in the exegesis of budget figures, neither is he fascinated by high-falutin, well-articulated speeches. Rather, the everyday, ordinary Nigerian wants just the essentials of life; a roof over his head, food on his table, education for his children, affordable housing/healthcare, security and the provision of other necessities and social amenities that will make life meaningful, in terms of quality

lifestyle A durable and sustainable socio-economic development can never be achieved without paying due attention to the basic human needs and social requirements of the people, for whom any development is sought in the first instance. In practical terms, the true essence of real and meaningful development is to add value to the welfare and living conditions of the people, satisfy their basic elementary human requirements, draw on the people’s initiative (by connecting with their needs, wishes, yearnings, expectations and aspirations), be self-sufficient, ecologically healthy and environmentally sustainable.

The central objective and the whole purpose of any meaningful development should be to develop and enhance the quality of life of the people by meeting the fundamental basic needs of the society within the shortest possible period. Any process of development that does not lead to the satisfaction of human basic needs and the fulfillment of the people’s desires – or worse still, disrupts them – is not only illusory, dysfunctional and dissonance, but also a travesty of the idea of development. It is, therefore, encouraging that there is now a growing awareness amongst policy makers and top government functionaries in Nigeria about the whole essence of real development. According to the Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi “Economies that grow at the expense of real needs of the people are prone to upheavals and turbulence. The progress of a society and the health of its economy are best measured in terms of the quality of lives of the people”.

In conclusion, development in the real sense – as different from growth – is not just the achievement of abstract or numerical objectives and statistics of ‘invincible, esoteric or imaginary development’, but the attainment of a more balanced, visible, socio-economic structure through enhancing the creation and equitable distribution of wealth to minimize income inequalities and social disparities in the society. Development is life changing in the sense that it practically and visibly transforms the living conditions of people by meeting and satisfying their basic needs and necessities.

While growth can be likened to a process, development is the outcome of the process. True, viable and progressive development is not, therefore, driven by budget figures or statistical growth in GDP, national income or income per capita, which I call ‘economic red herrings’, but is evident by the actual, visible impact of government economic policies and development programmes on the lives of the citizens in terms of their general welfare, well-being, and living conditions.

• Oluwa is of Academy for leadership and change management, Lagos.

Milan will not ease up against Arsenal

Arsenal

Pg. 24

West Ham eyeing Victor Moses

Pg. 41

Nation Tuesday, March 6, 2012

PAGE 23

Eaglets • Amunike

ready to soar

• Yobo

— Amuneke

Pg. 24

Yobo wantsTurkish title

Pg. 24

FIXTURES

Arsenal vs Milan Benfica vs Zenit St.

25

PROPERTY

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

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

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

email:- property@thenationonlineng.net

Tomorrow’s building here today

•Dubai rotating building an example of Intelligent Building.

They call them Intelligent Buildings: They are so called because with the touch of a button, facilities and functions in a particular house, apartment and office can be monitored and controlled. An Intelligent building integrates technology and process to create a building that is safer, more comfortable, highly productive and operationally efficient for the owners. It is an advanced technology combined with improved processes for design and construction to provide a superior indoor environment, improve occupants’comfort and reduce energy consumption.

OKWY IROEGBU-CHIKEZIE reports

•Developer to rebuild Lagos market into a mall - PAGE 26

•CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

•‘Only 15% of women are engineers’

- PAGE 39

•UPDC set to deliver Vintage Gardens soon

- PAGE 39

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2012

26

PROPERTY/ENVIRONMENT

Tomorrow’s building here today T •CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25

HE concept of Intelligent Building is all about technology! It is the deployment of state-of-the-art technology in creating a building that is of mutual benefit in the owner and occupants. The building, according to experts, will be safer and more productive for occupants and for the owner, it will more operationally efficient.

Building owners require operational efficiencies that generate cost savings measures, while tenants want enhanced services that translate into autonomy, comfort and higher productivity.

There are multi-level technology advances that guarantee the concept of Intelligent Building when integrated properly, especially with the increased use of wireless technologies and renewed attention on environmental and energy efficiency.

The decision to make a project “intelligent” needs to come early in the design process. Making the decision to create a new project or retrofit an existing one to make it intelligent is costlier and in most cases untidy as walls are broken and patched up and trunkings introduced to pass cables and conduit pipes leaving ugly marks and patch.

To achieve intelligent building, there needs to be a commitment from the owner and the design team to invest in a project with superior performance and value. Because it can be configured to take care of everything that a human being can do, it has the capacity to reduce capital and operating expenditure.

The idea of intelligent building is not new as such in the country. The Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) Building in Abuja is an example of an Intelligent Building where all data are integrated with efficiency and comfort. The goal of having an intelligent building starts with early planning in the design stage.

In many ways, this mirrors the design and fulfillment of many ‘green’projects today, using technology to provide a superior space with enormous benefits by address-

ing construction from the viewpoint of sustainable development.

Speaking on ICT approach to real estate, Mr Steve Jobs, an IT Consultant said the idea is so current that if a firm is data connected, a manager can with a push of a button identify a branch with certain peculiarities.

He said: “For instance in a bank with several branches, where data is interconnected a manager can identify a branch that consumes fuel or diesel more than others or stationery without seeing the vouchers.

In this 21st century it is embarrassing to hear people complain that they went to their bank and couldn’t pick up cash because the bank network is down.

The concept of Intelligent Building if operational here would have alerted the bank authorities before it went down.” Intelligent Bsuilding is all about efficiency and getting things done with minimum cost.

He urged players in the real estate Industry to inculcate the principle of Intelligent Building from the conceptual stage by advising clients early enough in the life of a particular project.

Managing Director, Hafol Resources Limited, Mr Fola Sogbesan, said Intelligent Building is the way to go but that it can only come to fruition if it is incorporated from the conceptual stage. He regretted that people build houses in this age without incorporating data that can be used to achieve Intelligent Building in the future.

He advised that builders or home owners have need to consult IT Consultants to deliver state of the earth buildings.

He said: “Trunking or chiselling of a new building is not ideal. The ideal thing is to incorporate functions that may in the surface look futuristic. For instance, if a builder is not even ready to install CCTV in his house, he can install the necessary cables. This will prevent breaking and defacing of walls

•From left: General Manager, Sales, Hafol Resources Limited, Mr Anthony Udoekong; Mr Sogbesan; and Managing Director, Toptech Engineering Limited, Mr Kunle Odeyinka, at the seminar on 'Intelligent Building: ICT Approach to connected real estate’ in Lagos.

which creates stress for the people.”

On whether ICT can be incorporated in an old building, he answered in the affirmative, noting that with IT an old building can be made intelligent. He revealed that for security reasons people have devised the means of integrating data to shield them from intruders in their homes and offices.

On the synergy in the building sector among the relevant professionals that can make the creation of intelligent building seamless, Sogbesan said the challenge has been the architects who tend to prefer to bring in the mechanical and electrical engineers first after their design without considering ICT professionals who deliver intelligent building remains in their purview.

He said the concept of Intelligent Building remains that functions in a building are integrated into a

data; where, for instance, access control, fire alarm are protected and monitored with a push of a button from inside the building or from a remote place where all the functions are interconnected.

On individual houses, the Hafol Resources Limited boss said: “You can control your building the way you want it. It depends on the owners exposure, one may decide that when he claps his hands his lights comes on or he can use his thumb as access to his door. Data in a particular home can be so integrated in such a way that when an intruder comes into a person’s home not only will the alarm be set-off but it can also send an SMS to the owner where ever he is and he will quickly set about to arrest the situation.”

He also said he has been involved in data integrating jobs, which involves environmental monitoring systems where it was fed with a

data that says, when water or heat temperature rises in a house or office , when an intruder tries to enter it through my window, send me an SMS. He explained that all the functions are embedded in the concept of Intelligent Building.

On the cost of installation, he said that depends on the IT solution device chosen by the client some of these can come as cheap as N100,000.

On the challenge of ICT in Intelligent Building, he observed that it is mainly that of energy, which is a national challenge. He, however, noted that most of the devices can be monitored and run with battery, which can always charge when there is public electricity supply.

He advised the public, players in the real estate sector and the government to move towards constructing an Intelligent Building that is data driven as is obtained in advanced economies.

Developer to rebuild Lagos market into a mall

A

LL is set for the redevelopment of the Adegbite market in Surulere, Lagos into an ultramodern Mall.

It will be redeveloped by DHB Construction Limited, which also been contracted to redevelop the popular ‘Sand Gross’ Market in Lagos Island.

The new project is being bankrolled

by Skye Bank and Wema Bank Plc., and purchase of shops and offices have started, said the Chief Executive Officer of DHB Construction Ltd, Chief Hakeem Alobo-Bakare. It is a build, operate and transfer (BoT) arrangement between the developer and the Lagos State Government.

The structure is designed as a fourstorey ultra-modern shopping mall with the ground floor used predominantly for parking, warehousing and for cold-room stores.

The old market will be relocated to the first floor, which will be compactmentalised. A food court with frontal view will be on the second floor and shops here are designed to be very spacious, ranging from 12sqm.

The third floor will have office spaces and the fourth will have an event centre.The new market is designed to ease shopping. “Users of the facility can do their shopping after withdrawing money from the bank branch which is within the complex.”

There are toilet facilities, split equally for male and female users and, for both shop owners and shoppers. As construction will soon begin, Alobo-Bakare said, adding that prospective buyers can indicate if

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie, Asst Editor

they want toilet facilities in their shops.

The complex is designed to be well secured and would have a police post.

“Two people have indicated interest and we have built them. The shops are big enough to accommodate the facility. Existing shop owners in the traditional market, who will be accommodated in the new design will be given flexible payment arrangement for kee clamp shops, he

said.

It will be powered by a 500KVA generator and supply from the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN). “Individual tenants or shop owners are not allowed to bring in their generators.” Parking, Chief Alobo-Bakare said, is no problem.“We have about 100 slots for parking and like every market people come and go.”

The new market is designed have split unit air conditioners, wired for internet connectivity and other communications. Tenants and

owners of shops and offices will pay service charge for the up-keep of the mall and it will be managed by DHB Properties, a subsidiary of the developer.

He said people in other markets in the neighbourhood have alreadystaked their claims and that “they have agreed to payforthekee-clampsshops.Thetraditional market, he said, is an attraction because “when we conceived the idea we thought of relocating them temporarily, but we decided to leave them there because of the added value of advertisement. ‘’Whoever comes to the market will ask

what is happening here. They are the traditional owners of the land, but it is just because the government wants to build a befitting mega city having spent so much money on the redevelopment of Funso WilliamsAvenue(formerWesternAvenue), Adeniran Ogunsanya, Akerele and other link roads and they want a structure that will match what they spent so much on,” he added.

Provision, he said, has been made for fire hydrant and that besides, the complex is insured along with the workman compensation insurance as specified by the bank.

How to prevent deaths from poisonous chemicals, by NESREA

T

HE National Environmental Standards and Regulations En forcement Agency (NESREA) is improving the capacity of its workers on environmental risk assessment to contain deaths from poisonous chemicals.

Speaking at a NESREA Step B World Bank-Assisted workshop in Abuja, its Director-General, Dr. Ngeri Benebo, said the training will introduce participants to environmental risk analysis and educate them on recent trends in methods and techniques for assessing risk in the environment sector.

According to her, NESREA views capacity building and human resources development as key to achieving its mandate. This, she said, was the reason for collaborating with the Risk Assessment Summer School (RASS) in organising the training with financial support from the

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

World Bank is necessary.

To share knowledge and experience, she said participants came from the Cameroons, Ghana, Chad Republic and Cote d’Ivoire.

She said: “At the end of the training, participants will be able to carry out independent risk analysis of water, air quality, hazardous chemicals and wastes. They will also have the ability to interpret available data on environmental exposures.

“Chemicals like lead, benzene, mercury, endosulfan, potassium bromate, glutamate, among others, commonly used for industrial, domestic and agricultural purposes can negatively impact on human health and the environment, if uncontrolled.

“Thousands of people are continuously exposed to these hazardous chemicals. As you may recall, in 2009

From left: Prof Elaine Faustman, Secretary-General, International Union of Toxicology (IUTOX); Dr. Benebo and Prof. Wally Hayes, former SecretaryGeneral, IUTOX, during the seminar.

there were reported cases of poisoning and even death of people who ate beans and yam flour suspected to be contaminated with chemicals sprayed

on the crop as pesticides in some part of Nigeria. The lead poisoning in Zamfara State, is another tragic example.”

27

TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2012

E-mail:- law@thenationonlineng.net

Lawyers rose from a meeting in Akure, Ondo State, saying no to corruption in the justice sector. They resolved to set up an anti-corruption commission to complement the Federal Government’s effort in combating the monster. Legal Editor JOHN AUSTIN UNACHUKWU was there.

Lawyers rise against corruption T

HE Adegbemile Hall of the Ondo State Cultural Centre in Akure was filled to capacity by lawyers who came for the quarterly National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the Nigerian Bar Associtian. Such meetings provide members the opportunity of not only networking, but also addressing the state of the nation and proffering solutions to national problems.

In his welcome address, the NBA President, Joseph Bodunrin Daudu (SAN) drew the attention of the NEC to the danger posed to the legal profession by corruption. He said the objective was to raise the alarm that the legal profession of which the members are protectors and guardians is not only about to collapse, but its demise may well sink the ship of the Nigerian State.

He said: ‘’The legal profession, Bar, Bench and the corporate legal world are all in

• Set up anti-corruption commission one business – the dispensation of justice.

Justice is a very sensitive and at times a volatile commodity; difficult to handle but immensely beneficial to the societ. Without justice, society as we know it is finished because man can only survive in a just environment.”

Daudu noted that every act of injustice such as stealing funds of others, corruption, indolence, extra-judicial killings, maladministration, judicial insensitivity, bad judgments induced by corruption or ignorance or both, and others amount to a denial of justice.

He said: ‘’By way of example, anytime Boko Haram’s spokesmen speak, they claim that they were led to this inhuman form of protest because, as alleged, the

police extra-judicially killed their leader, Muhammad Yusuf and hundreds of their followers. Whether that is correct or not, the inhuman and ungodly termination of human lives by the police as alleged by the sect amounts to a denial of justice and this has provided them an excuse to metamorphose into a terrorist cell. ‘’The foregoing is just a variant of injustice and we can see how its effect has dislocated our lives. For instance, Nigerians no longer do business in some parts of the country. In some cities, movement is severely restricted. Moreover, several foreign travel advisories have tagged Nigeria one of the most dangerous destinations to visit or do business in the world. The cause of all this is injustice.

Inside: How to balance law practice and business- P.34

“Now the nature of denial of justice at our doorstep is real, it is not imagined. It arises from the court room or judicial corruption. There are 36 state judiciaries, comprising state High Courts and other superior courts and there are lower courts, such as Magistrates, Area and Customary courts.”

Daudu further noted that in the Federal system, the hierarchy of courts ranging from the Supreme Court to the National Industrial Court of Nigeria is well known.

It is a known fact that at every point in the judicial system, particularly in the lower courts where the teeming populace take their cases to, there are serving judiciary officers whether on the Bench or in the Registry willing to pervert the course or cause of justice by accepting bribes, he said.

•See story on page 28

Court orders CBN to pay judgment debt - P.30

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2012

28

LAW COVER CONT’D

Lawyers rise against corruption • Continued from page 27 ‘’This deflection of justice, whereby the wrong party is adjudged right or the rich party purchases justice will in due course have a debilitating effect on this nation. At the moment, a small percentage does not believe that we have a judicial system, so they do not patronise same.

“They use the services of enforcers or resort to other forms of self help. When this form of corruption becomes full-blown, (as we have seen in the collapse of traffic control in this country where no one respects the enforcer of traffic laws again and which has led to anarchy on our roads) there will be large scale anarchy and total breakdown of law and order’’.

“This issue concerns us legal practitioners because we fuel the corruption taking place in this system.

Lawyers are conduits and pipeline in this sordid cash and carry business’’.

“I propose at this NEC meeting to re-constitute some of our committees so as to optimize our performance. I also proposed to seek NEC’s approval to replicate the Anti-Corruption Commission as Anti-Corruption Committees in our Branches. They will monitor and report on the corrupt activities that I have described above. I will send to all branch chairmen a template containing the terms of reference and operational manual for the committees,” Daudu stated.

The NEC, after deliberations, mandated the President to constitute the membership of the commission and committees.

Speaking on the decision of the NEC, former NBA President Dr Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) said: “It is very interesting and novel. I have worked on anti corruption strategies for a long time. The approach of the NBA is laudable, but may be just another project.

“Larry Diamond, who is the world’s leading scholar on anti-corruption matters, said to me a long time ago, rather prophetically before the creation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), that: “When you diagnose that a country suffers or has suffered endemic corruption, the treatment is drastic. The treatment must be backed by the strongest political will at the highest level of leadership, otherwise, it can become a workshop rhetoric.’’’

Agbakoba added: “Now that Nigeria has been diagnosed with a serious case of endemic corruption, all of these small projects, while necessary, will not address the key issue of how to reverse corruption, because the first challenge with the issue of endemic corruption is how to stop and halt it.

“This is because the key state actors are themselves the corrupt agents. While we applaud the objective, all I want to see are state actors, such as the President, understanding the need to revisit Nigeria’s anti-corruption strategy, which is not even in existence.

“And, in doing so, we need a clearly identified policy guideline in which the three arms that cushion anti-corruption are specified such as investigation, who will do it? I am of the view that the EFCC cannot investigate and prosecute at the same time. The EFCC can become the equivalent of the Serious Fraud Office in the UK.” “Then, for prosecution, there might be the need to set up a Special Prosecution Unit, a stand-alone prosecution unit of crack lawyers who will deal with cases. They understand the issues; they understand criminal law and procedure; they know when to go in; they know when to withdraw charges and add charges so that you can get results.”

• Daudu (SAN)

• Agbakoba (SAN)

• Adesina (SAN)

• Ajogwu

• Okutepa (SAN)

• Prof Odinkalu

Agbakoba stated further:”The first and most important thing in the anti-corruption strategy is that Nigerians want to see the recovered assets. They have to be ploughed back. So, if you use these three substrategies in the larger picture of anti-corruption strategy you will get results.

“That is why we have been shamed by the jailing of former Delta State Governor, James Ibori in London, because there, they understood the investigation which was done by the Serious Fraud Office. The Serious Fraud Office has no skills to prosecute, so they handed over to the Crown’s Prosecution Service and then, the Crown’s Prosecution Service prosecutes and then sends the proceeds to the Assets Recovery Directorate for repatriation to Edo State Government.

“That is the first real example of catching a thief and it is a shame that Nigeria cannot do the same. Immediately the prosecution saw that they had difficulties with the corruption part of the charge, they dropped it and went for the money laundering. But here, the prosecution has no skill in strategy. They lump too many charges and as a result they get bogged down.

“The NBA’s counter-corruption strategy is welcome, but what we need is a statement from the president of Nigeria about his views not his subject.”

For the former General Secretary of the NBA, Dele Adesina (SAN), it is a step in the right direction and timely, too. He said: “I believe that it is a right step in the right direction, our efforts need to be coordinated. Like it was mentioned, it is my own personal view that the time has now come when we should go beyond generalisation and begin to be specific in our accusations.

“Anybody who knows anybody within the Bar or the Bench who is involved in this offence, should be bold enough to channel their names to this commission and we think

the situation will then begin to improve gradually and gradually.”

On the class of people he would like to see in the committee, Adesina said: “I believe that our president will use his judgment and ensure that the people he is going to appoint are credible. We all know ourselves in this profession. He should try and make sure that not any person who has a single question mark no matter how small finds his way into that committee.

They must be people of transparency, absolute integrity with records to show for it.’’ Adesina concluded Fielding questions on how the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) can partner the NBA in this fight against corruption, the Chairman of NHRC, Prof. Anselm Chidi Odinkalu said: “The impunity for corruption affects all of us and anybody who is willing to do anything credible about it, should be supported. So, I welcome the idea that the NBA is thinking of doing something along this line.

“Quite clearly, whatever team that is put together has got to be credible, because there have been quite credible allegations against some

fairly senior people at the Bar over issues of corruption in the judiciary and legal practice. It is hoped that such people don’t have any role to play in this type of committee.

Odinkalu: Further said “Corruption doesn’t just affect people because it destroys access to right. It is a violation of human rights. If you are in a court system which is corrupted, you have no human rights.

It you are in a court system which is corrupted, your human rights to face trial and access to justice is violated. If you are in an electoral system that is corrupted, your human right to participate in deciding your government is violated. ‘’There are very intimate links between what the NBA is proposing and the mandate of the NHRC and at the appropriate time, we will sit the leadership of the NBA to work out proper partnerships, if the efforts of the NBA is credible they will find willing partners in the NHRC’’.

Another lawyer, Fabian Ajogwu (SAN), said: “My views are that anything we need to do to check deviant behaviour or anything that erodes the confidence of the public in the administration of justice in Nigeria would be most welcome.’’

“Keep in mind, that the administration of justice involves both lawyers, the Judiciary as well as law enforcement agents. So for me, this should be a broad-based effort rather than just a focus on the judiciary.

“Even when there is an allegation of corruption on the part of the judiciary, very often, it would involve more than just the person. ‘’So, I believe that a broad-based approach will be better than a focused approach, though I don’t want anything that will give the impression that it is zeroed down, targeted accusation and aimed at the judiciary. Rather, we should look at cleaning up the entire system of the administration of justice. That it is my view and I think

‘This deflection of justice, whereby the wrong party is adjudged right or the rich party purchases justice will in due course have a debilitating effect on this nation. At the moment, a small percentage does not believe that we have a judicial system, so they do not patronise same’

that It can be achieved. It just needs people to be forthright in their dealings and to be able to deal with infractions when they are reported. That is very important.’’

“Dealing with infractions when they are reported sends the signal that it will not be tolerated. If infractions are reported and are resolved amicably, they will end up worsening the system because it just means that whoever wishes to do a wrong thing will know how to make efforts to resolve it amicably.

“It is not something that we should be talking about resolving amicably. It is something that we should deal with on the merit of each case. “But having said that, we cannot do away with fair hearing whenever an allegation is laid so that the innocent soul does not suffer.”

J.S. Okutepa (SAN) said: “We should look at corruption in all its ramifications, not necessarily from monetary aspect done.

“We should also look at environmental corruption. The environment itself has its own contribution to corruption. ‘’The environment itself in Nigeria in view of the fact that judges have no good conditions of service in terms of the cars they ride, the place they work, even when they are sent on national assignments, the places they are kept.

That, in itself, opens them up to corruption.

Okutepa said: “Some judges are Christians, other Muslims and so on. And some politicians are either Muslims or Christians. They attend churches or mosques and have friends who are close to them.

Judge’s wife or a judge’s husband can be approached in any of the social gatherings, a weddings or naming ceremonies. Before now, Judges were insulated from politics. They were insulated from all forms of social functions. They go to their courts. They go to the Government Reservation Areas (GRAs) and live.

“They were not attending all these functions before and when they go to churches or mosques, you don’t even know them. That, to me, is social corruption.

“Now, a judge can give judgment against you because you are not a member of his own religion.

He gives judgment on the basis of religion. This to me is social corruption.”

Okutepa stated that lawyers too have their share of corruption.

Said he: “Now when you come to the area of lawyers who have relationship with these judges, they meet them at functions, you see some Chief Judges and Judges of State High Courts going to the airports to receive the Chief Executives of their states. That itself contributes to corruption in the society. ‘’Now when you have conducts that are less than honesty, that is corruption. You don’t need to take bribes to be corrupt, for instance if you have a case in court, as you are my friend and I don’t disclose that and I go ahead to give judgment, that in itself is corruption.”

“When you see the scenario of what is going on now; for instance if we accuse the former Chief Justice of Nigeria of interfering in the Sokoto case, why should the incumbent Chief Justice of Nigeria ask Justice Abdul Kafarati to rescind his decision? ‘’If there is an error, that is why there are hierarchy of courts. If the CJN must intervene, must that be a matter of public knowledge? We must be able to condemn what is wrong irrespective of who is involved. He might be a saint and make honest mistakes.”

THE

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2012

29

LAW & SOCIETY

Firm frowns at British court’s refusal to honour Nigerian judgment

A

N oil firm, Petrodel Resources Limited, has expressed reservation over the refusal of an English court to allow it start moves to enforce a judgment given by a Nigerian court against its former employer, Timothy Le Breton.

Petrodel had sued Le Breton, who served as its Managing Director in the country, alleging breach of contract. Le Breton, appointed Chief Operation Officer/Managing Director on 1 February, 2005 was said to have absented himself from work without approval in January 2007 and refused to undertake his duties.

He was alleged to have later relocated from Nigeria to Monaco in spite of repeated demands, e-mails and telephone calls to resume his duties in Nigeria.

Petrodel also accused the defendant of secretly operating several companies in breach of the terms of his contract of employment and restrictions by, and canvassing existing and prospective customers of the plaintiff, disclosing confidential information to third parties and hijacked business transactions and contracts of the claimant.

Le Breton was also said to have canvassed and solicited key suppliers of goods and services of the plaintiff to some companies; took up appointment as a director of Ayedan Global Limited, Snowden, Lanaza and I-Loaded between 2006 and 2008, earning remunerations and allowances from the said companies when he was in the employment of the claimant.

Le Breton did not enter any defence in the case, despite the service of court processes on him via

Stories by Eric Ikhilae

courier, outside jurisdiction; consequent upon which the court presided over by Justice Morenike Obadina gave a judgment on July 7 last year.

The court held that the plaintiff was entitled to general damages for breach of contract which covers the unearned salaries and allowances, breach of convenient of restriction and confidentiality misstatement and manipulation of accounts which resulted into loss to the defendant.

“I award to the claimant/plaintiff $500,000 as general damages or its equivalent in naira. I also award to the claimant interest on this sum at the rate of 10 per cent per annum from the date of this judgment until final liquidation. I also award to the claimant N100,000 cost of this action in view of the several processes served on the defendant through courier service,” the court held.

Realising that Le Breton has interests in the Isle of Man, (United Kingdom), Petrodel last year, applied to the High Court of the Isle of Man for the enforcement of the judgment by the Lagos High Court.

In a judgment on November 9, last year, Justice Deemster Corlett held that the Nigerian judgment could not serve as a basis for an action in the court. This, the judge said, was because Le Breton did not submit himself to the jurisdiction of the Nigerian court despite employing a lawyer to observe proceedings.

“The essential point is that according to the Manx Rules of Private International Law, the Nige-

LEGAL DIARY

T

NBA holds conference

HE NBA Conference on the review of the performance of election petitions tribunals in the country will hold from March 15 to 16 at the Homeville Hotel, Benin City, Edo State.

A statement from the Chairman of the committee, Augustin Alegeh (SAN), said: “Given the importance of the conference to NBA’s cardinal objective of contributing to the enthronement of a virile democracy in Nigeria, the President Goodluck Jonathan, shall be the Special Guest of Honour and shall declare the conference open.”

Keynote address is expected to

rian Court, in my judgment, did not have in personam jurisdiction over Le Breton because he was not present in person; he was not as a claimant or counter-claimant. He had not submitted to the jurisdiction by voluntarily appearance and he had not agreed to submit to the jurisdiction.

“Therefore, in my judgment, as a matter of Isle of Man, the Nigerian judgment is not capable of enforcement and recognition in the Isle of Man,” the court held. It dismissed

be delivered by Bishop Matthew Kukah.

T

Petrodel’s application for service outside jurisdiction, holding that it was wrongly brought.

Petrodel’s lawyer, Tope Elusogbon contended that the decision of the UK court has brought into focus the urgent need for a further look into the Reciprocal Enforcement of Judgments laws operating in the UK and other foreign countries.

“Generally speaking, most Commonwealth countries have corresponding reciprocity laws for the

enforcement of judgment in their respective countries in relation to counterpart countries having similar recognition of their laws and judgment.

“Le Breton’s contention is that he can choose whether Nigerian laws apply to him. He is arguing that because he is not a citizen of Nigeria, the High Court Civil Procedure Rules of Lagos State should not apply to him and that judgment given against him should not be enforced against him in the UK,” he said.

Lawyer cautions minister over disputed Abuja park

R

IGHTS activist, Festus Keyamo, has cautioned the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Olajumoke Akinjide, against reassigning the management of the popular Jabi Motor Park (Utako Motor Park) to another firm.

The FCT is allegedly planning to concession the park to a Turkish firm.

Keyamo said the park was earlier assigned to his client, E. Ekeson Bros Nigeria Limited by the Abuja Municipla Area Council (AMAC) for management and development upon an agreement.

Prior to the assignment of the park to Ekeson, a Power of Attorney and Development Agreement was said to have been executed between AMAC and Ekeson, following which the company engaged in the development of the park.

Keyamo, in a letter to the Minister, dated February 20, said a dispute later arose between AMAC and Ekeson, resulting in the company insituting a suit before the FCT High Court, in which it claims, among others, N5billion

By Eric Ikhilae

damages.

The lawyer said the court presided over by Justice O. C. Agbaza on December 1, last year, granted an injunction restraining the defendants in the suit and their agents from taking any further steps to develop the said park pending the determination of the substantive suit, an injunction, Keyamo said, still subsists.

In the suit, the plaintiff is praying the court for a declaration that the Power of Attorney and Development Agreement between Ekeson and AMAC, authorising Ekeson to develop and manage the park is still subsisting an binding on parties and an order of perpetual injunction retraining the defendant from appointing any other person other than the plaintiff as a developer of the park.

It also seeks the court’s order compelling the defendant to pay the plaintiff N5billion being general damages for loss of business, psychological trauma, humiliation and

unnecessary expenses occasioned by the defendant’s action.

Keyamo, in his letter, which is a response to an invitation to a meeting sent to Ekeson by the office of the Minister of State, FCT, argued that such a meeting was coming late in the day.

He said although his client was not averse to moves to ensure an amicable out of court settlement, such move must be made with the consent of the court.

“You will agree with us that the matter over which you wrote our client, calling for a meeting, is sub judice. As a result, we expected that any correspondence in respect of the matter should have been by counsel to counsel so that any discussion in relation to the matter would be done within the parameters of issues submitted to the court for adjudication.

“It would be appropriate to get the leave of the court to temporary allow parties meet with you so as to avoid denigrating the authority of the court and in that case, all counsel and parties must be involved. We can then discuss, agree or disagree and then, report back to the court.”

Afe Babalola restructures firm

• Alegeh

Commonwealth lawyers to hold conference HE Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA) will hold its conference in Sydney, Australia from April 19 to 22.

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

She said: “We have made adequate arrangements, the Australian High Commission is fully aware of the fact that we are participating and that this conference is holding.

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

• From left: Mr Tunde Busari, Boma Ozobia Deputy Director, Nigerian Law School, Olanrewaju Onadekan, Funke Adekoya (SAN) and Mr Babatunde Aribido during the mentoring programme organised by Sterling Partnership, legal practitioners, for law students at the Nigerian Law School, Lagos campus.

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ENOWNED legal practitioner, Chief Afe Babalola, has effected some modifications in the name of his law firm. He also changed the portfolios of some of its senior members.

The firm based in Ibadan, Oyo State, formerly known as Chief Afe Babalola & Co, has been renamed Afe Babalola &Co Legal Practitioners .

A statement by the firm’s Managing Partner, Adebayo Adenipekun (SAN), said the firm established in

From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

1965, has since transformed from “ Chief Afe Babalola Chambers “, to “Chief Afe Babalola &Co “ and now “Afe Babalola & Co Legal Practitioners “.

Adenipekun said changes were also effected in the portfolios of the firm’s principal officers with the aim of perpetuating its status.

Chief Afe Babalola is now Founder/Principal Partner; Adenipekun (SAN), formerly Head Chambers is now Managing Partner;

Olu Daramola (SAN), Deputy Managing Partner, while Mr Idowu Lanre Alabi is now Head of Chambers.

Adenipekun said the firm, has in the past 47 years, produced brilliant lawyers who have become Senior Advocates of Nigeria, attorneys-general, judges and distinguished legal practitioners.

The firm’s past heads, he said, include Chief Esan Makanjuola (SAN), Mr Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) and the late Mr Seeni Okunloye (SAN).

Sagay for burial March 14 • Ozobia

CLA, we are sending updated lists of the delegates to them so that once delegates have registered and paid up and once we send applications in for their visas, they will be dealt with expeditiously”.

T

HE family of the late Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mogbeyi Omatsoguwa Sagay is considering either March 14 or 15 for his interment.

It was learnt that his remains were brought to Lagos on Saturday from the University of PortHarcourt Teaching Hospital, Rivers State where he died on February 28 from injuries he sustained in a car crash on February 22.

By Eric Ikhilae

Described by many as a true gentleman and thorough lawyer, the 59-year-old had travelled to Bayelsa to handle a case when the taxi he rode in got involved in an accident.

He was travelling from Yenagoa to the Port Harcourt International Airport from where he had planned to travel by air to Lagos.

• The late Sagay

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2012

30

LEGAL OPINION

Why court ordered CBN to pay $6m judgment debt

T

HE requirement for the ap proval of the Attorney-Gen eral or Accountant-General before monetary judgments against government agencies could be executed is no longer tenable.

Under Section 84 of the Sheriff and Civil Process Act, this is needed.

But this issue formed the kernel of a ruling last week by Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Lagos in a suit brought against the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) by Hydro Air (PTY) Limited, on the basis of which it made absolute, a garnishee order nisi earlier made against both agencies.

Hydro Air, a South African company, had sued NAMA, NCAA and the Attorney-General of the Federation in 2004, alleging negligence on the part of officials of the two Federal Government agencies, which it said caused its aircraft, a Boeing 747-258C to crash land on November 2003 at the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos.

Midway into the case, in which the company claimed $30 million damages against the defendants, parties agreed to an out-of-court compromise settlement, with NCAA and NAMA agreeing to pay the company $6million as final settlement.

The defendants later reneged in paying the agreed sum, forcing the Hydro Air to return to the court in 2010, urging the court to enter judgment against NAMA and NCAA in the agreed compromise sum of $6m, a request granted by the court in the July 23, 2010 judgment.

NCAA and NAMA, again failed to comply with the judgment, compelling Hydro Air to initiate a gar-

BY Eric Ikhilae

nishee proceedings against them.

The court on May 18, last year, granted a garnishee order nisi, attaching the BASA account in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Responding to the court’s order, CBN in an affidavit deposed to by Augustine Asemota, argued that it was only NAMA that operated an account with it and that the said account could only be accessed with the consent of the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Accountant-General of the Federation.

The CBN, named as the first garnishee in the garnishee proceedings, while justifying its refusal to provide details of the BASA funds account, as ordered by the court, argued that the account was not solely owned and operated by NCAA and that the account was not domicile in the CBN, but denominated in foreign currency offshore.

Prompted by the CBN’s position, Hydro Air applied that the order nisi be made absolute, an application granted last week in the court’s ruling.

Justice Abang described as untenable, the argument by NAMA and NCAA that the approval of the President, the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Accountant General of the Federation and the National Assembly (by way of appropriation) were required before monetary judgment entered against them could be executed.

The court held that the judgment sum should be paid to the judgment creditor, Hydro Air, from the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) funds accountant held in the CBN and managed by NCAA, an agency of the Federal Ministry of Aviation.

The court voided Section 84 of the Sheriff and Civil Process Act, requiring the approval of the AttorneyGeneral or Accountant-General before monetary judgments against government agencies could be executed.

In declaring the provision null and void, the court held that the provision contravened the provisions of Sections 36 (6) and 284 of the Constitution. The court further held that Section 84 of the Sheriff and Civil Process Act, a product of the British Common Law system, has been rendered otiose by the Nigerian Constitution.

The judge described the Sheriff and Civil Process Act provision as archaic, undemocratic, primitive and against the spirit of separation of powers. The judge held that the approval of the Accountant-General, the AttorneyGeneral and that of the National Assembly (by way of appropriation) was not required before monetary judgments could be executed against government agencies.

The reverse, the judge said, would amount to these government appointees and institution sitting in appeal over a judgment of a competent court.

“The only court that is entitled to review the judgment of this court (the Federal High Court) is the Court of Appeal and then, the Supreme Court. I have no doubt in my mind that the NCAA and the Federal Government of Nigeria operate the BASA account with the CBN and the account properly funded to satisfy the judgment sum.

“The consent of the Attorney General of the Federation on the account is not required before funds in the said account are attached. Therefore, the order nisi was rightly made to attach the funds in the said account,” the court held.

Lagos landlords seek interpretation of Supreme Court judgment L

ANDLORDS of Orile Iganmu, Lagos have taken their land tussle with the Ojora Chieftaincy family to the Supreme Court for the interpretation of its judgment delivered on April 3, 2009.

The Supreme Court judgment was a validation of the judgment of a Lagos High Court in suit No LD/562/72 delivered on December 13, 2000 and affirmed by the Appeal Court in suit No CA/L/ 86/2001 delivered on November 18, 2004.

The notice of originating motion was brought pursuant to Order 3 Rule 8, Order 8 Rule 12(2) and 16 of the Supreme Court Rules (as amended in 1999).

In the suit filed by their counsel, Mr Vincent Nwana, the landlords are asking the apex court to determine the exact area of land granted by the three courts to two respondents in the suits whether it covered the entire Orile Iganmu, Sari Iganmu, Amukoko, Coker, Suru-Alaba, Mile 2, Abebe Village, adjoining lands like Aguda, Surulere, Ajegunle, Apapa, Ijora Causeway as predicated on land survey plan No. AL/64A/1974 marked Exhibit C on page 244 of the records of the Court of Appeal.

The appellants/respondents in the suit are Chief Adesina Jinadu and 12 others and the respondents/respondents are Chief Israel Esurombi-Aro and the Ojora of Lagos, Chief Abdul Fatai Aromire on behalf of the Ojora Chieftaincy family while the interveners/applicants are represented by 384 landlords on behalf of other landlords.

They are also asking the court to determine whether the respondents/respondents are entitled in law and equity to make use of a

By Adebisi Onanuga

judgment over an unknown area of land as shield and sword to wander on any area of land, banish into exile the Baale of Orile Iganmu, harass, threaten and render them homeless and at the same time extort monies in the name of levying execution.

In addition, they are asking the court to determine the legal and probable consequences of the two respondents/respondents collecting N100,000 per capital as mutually agreed by the parties as full, final, accord and satisfaction of the judgment of the three courts.

In the grounds for their application, the landlords averred that aside from asking the Lagos state government to intervene in the matter through various petitions, they also applied to the high court to determine the exact area of land belonging to the respondents but Justice Oyekan Abdullahi suggested that the parties settle out of court stating that he cannot make any pronouncement except the apex court directs so.

They stated that based on the decision of the court and meeting held at the office of the SolicitorGeneral on March 2, 2011, their solicitor advised them to pay N100,000 per capital as a compromise of the said judgment for the sake of peace.

They claimed that despite making the payments amounting to N24.559million into the designated bank account, the respondents/respondents have continually employed the service of organised policemen to destroy and render many people homeless.

In the grounds for relief and remedy, they asked the court to refer the case back to the trial court to take further evidence to determine the area of land the respondents/ respondents are entitled to.

In the alternative, they are asking for an order of the court setting aside the judgment of the apex court and remitting same back to the trial court for purposes of joining the proper and necessary parties so as to efficaciously determine the full right of the parties and the exact area of land each of the parties are entitled to.

They are also asking for an order of the court directing the Lagos State Government through the office of the Attorney-General to release the white paper on the outcome and resolution of the committee set up on Ojora Chieftaincy judgment in Appeal No. SC/54/2005 on the prompting of the counsel to the interveners/ applicants.

They also asked for further orders as may be deem fit by the court.

In a 38 paragraph affidavit deposed to by Lt Col. Eyitayo Akinbami (rtd), the landlords claimed that they were not aware of the pendency of the suit in the high court, the appeal and the subsequent judgment of the apex court.

They argued that the respondents/respondents, on the basis of the judgment over an unknown land, and with impunity may take over all the lands in Lagos State.

They averred that the interest of justice, equity and fair play would be better served by granting their prayers.

LAW AND PUBLIC POWER

with gabriel AMALU email:gabrielamalu1@yahoo.com

Nigeria: Bricks for national renewal T

HE book of Ecclesiasticus is right when it proclaims that, there is time for everything.

The time for birth and the time for death. The time for killing and the time for healing. The time for tearing down and the time for building. The time for mourning and the time for dancing. The time for making love and the time for not making love. The time for war and the time for peace. It also enunciated: “everything that happens in this world happens at the time God chooses”.

Nothing in recent times confirms this eternal principle better than the unprecedented rites of passage accorded the great Ikemba Nnewi, Dim Chukwuemeka OdumegwuOjukwu. In doubt? Where Ojukwu captured and killed by the Nigerian army during the merciless time of the civil war, he would have received the Colonel Mummar Ghaddafi’s treatment. He would have been turned to a monument of ridicule for the triumphant Nigerian army. But God choose that Ojukwu should die at a different time and milieu; so that he will die a national hero, an icon for all that is desirable for a great Nigeria.

I believe that if our country can turn all the positive feelings for Ikemba at death to emotional capital, then maybe the time for building a new Nigeria has come. To help make that happen, I urge that our political leaders without prejudice should read the famous Ahiara declaration enunciating the principles for the Biafra’s struggle.

In one of the famous lines the late Biafra leader said, “Our struggle is a total and vehement rejection of those evils which blighted Nigeria, evils which were bound to lead to the disintegration of that illfated federation. Our struggle is not a mere resistance - that would be purely negative. It is a positive commitment to build a healthy, dynamic and progressive state, such as would be the pride of black people all over the world”.

The Ahiara declaration is a detailed document for a progressive society, and since we may be in the time for healing, and not a time for killing, I suggest that our public officials should be encouraged to assimilate it. Of course they should ignore the background rhetoric of the time of war since this maybe a time of peace.

But the principles of the Biafra’s revolution should be as true for the defunct Biafra as for President Jonathan’s reformation agenda.

Members of the National Assembly would better understand their responsibilities by reading the declaration on the Legislature. There are also the provisions on the police, judiciary, armed forces, and public service and more importantly the duties of the citizen are enunciated in the “Qualities of the Individual”.

Now it would not be authentic to claim originality of thought for the far reaching provisions in the Ahiara declaration. However, its poignancy as a reference material stems from the outpouring of authentic emotions for all that Chukwuemeka OdumegwuOjukwu as Biafra leader stood for. Even the 1999 Nigerian con-

stitution despite its defects has the provisions on the Fundamental Rights. It also has the provisions on the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State, which tragically is made non-justiciable. On this point it must be emphasised that the Indian judiciary has ingeniously used their constitutional provisions on fundamental rights to give life and meaning to a similar provision as our own fundamental objectives and directive principles of state.

I have previously argued in that direction, but a virile judiciary is needed to do that; and the Ahiara declaration also made pronouncements on the need for a judiciary that the people can indentify with. One fundamental principle of the declaration is the right to work, and the principle that he who does not work should not eat. The document also denounced rent seeking as a means of livelihood. It condemned the grandeur of unearned wealth, and the fraudulent life style of politicians who live ostentatiously from the wealth stolen from the common wealth.

No doubt, it would be difficult to achieve the lofty ideals of the Ahiara declaration, for they are ideals; but the political leadership in Nigeria can at least begin to buy into some of the principles for a progressive and egalitarian society. One sure way is to reduce the dependence of states on the monthly federal handouts.

As has been argued several times by eminent Nigerians, including on this column; the time for the decentralisation of the economic wealth of the country has come. As things stand, the constitution concentrates too much power in the hand of the central authority; and the result is a lazy, overbearing and corrupt federal bureaucracy that has held every part of Nigeria down.

The states that make up the former Western region of Nigeria and the former federal territory, Lagos, have decided to take the integration of their economies for their common benefit; as a serious business. My hope is that other regions would ape the region’s recent outing in Ibadan; which was facilitated by the publishers of The Nation Newspaper.

No doubt, there is need for regional integration to encourage more economic activities in the region. That will help Nigeria’s economy become more productive as against a consumer of the economic activities of China and the Tiger economies of the world.

Finally, if indeed, the time has come for Nigeria to come to the inevitable conclusion that the Igbos were forced into the 196770 civil war; I guess it may also be the right time to bring that ugly episode in the Nigerian history to an honourable close. Towards this, an apology and compensation to victims may not be a sign of weakness; rather it may provide the right impetus for a new Nigeria whose time may have come.

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2012

31

LEGAL OPINION

Constitution amendment, challenges of election petitions The recent interpretation of Sections 285 (58) of the Constitution as ammended by the Supreme Court, no doubt, brought a lot of election petitions and cases before the courts to an abrupt end. In this article, Steve Unachukwu examines the purport of the amendments, IES consequences on cases before the courts, particularly election Tribunals and our legal system.

T

HE application of Section 285(5)-(8) of the 1999 Consti tution (as ammended) to election proceedings in Nigeria, what went wrong?

It is one of the cardinal principles upon which legal systems all over the world operate, that justice must be dispensated as timeously as the justice of the case may permit. The desire for quick dispensation of justice stems from the fact that there may be no practical difference between losing one’s case and securing a pyrrhic victory that the winner cannot enforce, which victory do no more than contribute to the development of the law. The scenario that attended the litigations which arose from Nigeria’s General Elections of 2007 became so despicable that it graduated to a national embarrassment. In some petitions that arose from the said elections, proceedings were pending both at the election tribunals and appellate courts even few months to the next general elections. The result that followed this unprecedented delay in concluding the said cases was that many petitioners seeking cancellation of election and order for rerun election withdrew and discontinue their petitions because there was no more time for such. Once again, public interest suffered.

One of such notoriously bad cases was Appeal NOS Nos. SC 361/2011 and SC 362/2011 OGBORU & ORS v Uduagban, Judgment delivered on the 17th of November, 2011 by the Supreme Court. This was a petition that was filed immediately after the 2007 Gubernatorial Elections in Delta State. The petition was still being heard on appeal after the 2011 Gubernatorial Elections.

As would be expected of any responsive legislature, the National Assembly of Nigeria reacted by amending section 285 of the 1999 constitution to facilitate speedy disposal of election petitions and appeals. Before the amendment, Section 285 of the 1999 constitution used to provide only for the constitution and jurisdiction of election tribunals.

Now, Section 285 of the 1999 constitution has been amended by adding subsections (5)-(8) to the original section and subsections.

Subsections (5) – (8) of the 1999 Constitution as amended provides that: (5).An election petition shall be filed within 21 days after the date of the declaration of result of the election.

(6).An election tribunal shall deliver its judgment in writing within 180 days from the date of the filing of the petition.

(7).An appeal from a decision of an election tribunal or court shall be heard and disposed of within 60 days from the date of the delivery of judgment of the tribunal.

(8).The court in all appeals from election tribunal may adopt the practice of first giving its decision and ˜the reasons therefore to a later date.

The provisions of Section 285 (5) – (8) of the 1999 Constitution was also enacted verbatim by the National Assembly in Section 134 (1)-(4) of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended) and both enactments took it beyond doubt that our election petition tribunals and courts are required, as a matter of law to deliver judgment

By Steve Unachukwu

in matters before them within the limited otherwise such matters would end up without any judgment at all as have become the case in petitions and appeals such as DANIEL SARROR v GABRIEL SUSWAN, AKPAN UDOEDEHE v GODSWILL AKPABIO, DORA AKUNYILI ANOR V CHRIS NGIGE ORS, SOMTO UDEZE ANOR V PRINCESS CHINWE NWAEBILI ORS. These and numerous other petitions were stuck at the election tribunals upon interlocutory applications, after orders for trial de novo were made on them by appellate courts including the Supreme Court, the trials de novo could not be concluded before the expiration of 180 days.

There are always two sides to a coin and no matter how meritorious an enactment may be, there are bound to be some unpalatable fall outs of same as is the case presently with the elegant and precise provisions of Sections 285(5)-(8) of the 1999 Constitution( as amended). Essentially, Section 285 (5) – (8) of the constitution appeared to be an answer to the yearnings of petitioners in election proceedings and the public in general who wished to see early conclusion of election petitions. However, these lofty expectations have been dashed to the ground so quickly, either that the surgical operation performed on the Constitution and the Electoral Act,2010 by the National Assembly left loopholes which were exploited by respondents or that the respondents and election tribunals that indulged them in their frivolous interlocutory applications and struck out election petitions in limine ,were left behind when the rest of the country moved forward with the legislature in the amendments effected on our electoral laws. Their failure to move with the tide has obviously led to mutative results contrary to the good intentions of the legislature in trying to curb the mischief of inordinate delays in disposing of election petitions and appeals.

Still on the existence of possible loopholes in the electoral laws capable of being exploited for purposes of mischief, such loopholes become inescapable when the laudable provisions of section 285 (5) – (8) of the 1999 Constitution is considered side by side with the provi-

• Chief Justice of Nigeria, Dahiru Musdapher

sions of Section 140(4) of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended) and our laws on jurisdiction of court.

Section 140 (4) of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended) provides that: (4) …subject to the provisions of paragraph 53 (2) of the First Schedule to this Act, on the motion of a respondent, in an election petition, the Election Tribunal or court, as the case may be, may strike out an election petition on the ground that it is not in accordance with the provisions of this part of this Act, or the provisions of the First Schedule of this Act. On its own, paragraph 53(2) to which Section 140(4) of the Electoral Act was made subject provides that: An application to set aside an election petition or a proceeding resulting there from for irregularity or for being a nullity, shall not be allowed unless made within a reasonable time and when the party making the application has not taken any fresh step in the proceedings after knowledge of the defect.

What constitutes taking fresh steps in the proceedings after knowledge of the defect in the petition depends on the circumstances of the case see Uzodimma v Udenwa (2004)1NWLR (pt.854)303; Nnamani v Nnaji (1999)7 NWLR(pt.610) 331; Tafida v Bafarawa(1999) 4NWLR (pt.597) 70 The intendment of the above provisions seems to be that upon an application made timeously by a respondent who noticed a defect in an election petition as a result of non compliance with the provi-

• Unachukwu

sions of the Electoral Act, the applicant may move the election tribunal to determine the petition in limine by striking out same without hearing the petition on the merits. Since Section 140(4) of the Electoral Act 2010, as amended was made subject only to paragraph 53(2) of the First Schedule to Electoral Act, it seems that the only bar to an election tribunal hearing a preliminary objection filed by a respondent seeking to have a petition struck out without hearing the petition on its merit is if the party raising the objection has taken fresh steps after he became aware of the defect or non compliance by the petitioner with the requirements of the Electoral Act in filing the petition.

It is instructive to note that most, if not all challenges that are always mounted against the hearing of election petitions on grounds of incompetency is always a direct attack on the jurisdiction of the election tribunal to hear such petition. It is trite law that jurisdiction is a threshold issue and the life wire of any adjudication. See Madukolu v Nkemdilim (1962)1 All NLR 587; Nwabueze v Okoye (2002)10 WRN, 123 at 155; Sken Consult Nig Ltd v Ukey (1981)1 SC6 at 26. It is therefore arguable that once the jurisdiction of an election tribunal or court is challenged, the court or tribunal ought to halt the trial at that stage and determine first whether it has jurisdiction or not, see Onyekwuluje v Animashaun (1996)

3 SCNJ 24 at 31,because incompetence vitiates a trial no matter how well conducted, seeState v Onagoruwa (1992) 2NWLR (pt.221)33 at52-53. Once the jurisdiction of a court is challenged the court is robbed of jurisdiction to continue the matter, the only jurisdiction remaining in the court is the jurisdiction to inquire into whether it has jurisdiction or not, see Barclays Bank v CBN (1976), 67 SC175; Miscellenous Offences Tribunal v Okoroafor (2001)18 NWLR (PT. 745)295 at 330.

It is a good argument, and indeed one that accords with law and practice in our regular courts that issues of jurisdiction of courts should be taken at the point they arise since it will amount to waste of valuable judicial time for a court or tribunal to labour to hear a petition to the end only to discover at the point of judgment that it has no jurisdiction to try the petition in the first place.

Tribunals that entertained preliminary objections and struck out petitions in limine justified their positions by stating that if the legislature had intended to abolish the practice of hearing preliminary objections at the interlocutory stage, the legislature would have repealed section 140(4) of the Electoral Act 2010, as amended.

• Unachukwu is a Law lecturer at Anambra State University, Awka • To be continued

Tribute to Ikemba: ‘on Aburi We stand’

I

T is a significant and fitting metaphor that the death of Ikemba Odumegwu-Ojukwu has raised such a euphoria of National adoration.

As a former Biafran soldier (BA338411), I feel proud that General Gowon’s declaration of National Reconciliation in 1970, has finally been enacted. Ikemba has achieved an extraordinary feat, as perhaps the only Nigerian nonstate actor, to receive a state funeral.

Ikemba’s lasting contribution to motherland was his declaration in Aburi Ghana, that to manage Nigeria’s diversity, we need to creatively provide enough political space to grow Nigeria as a strong and united nation. No one will doubt that we must stand on Aburi, if we must confront the divisive forces in Nigeria.

By Olisa Agbakoba

So yes, I suggest we go back to ‘Aburi’. Aburi is a town in Ghana, north east of Accra. But in 1967, it became a metaphor for Ojukwu’s solution to prevent the brewing political unrest and war in Nigeria.

Aburi hosted the peace meeting between the Federal Military Government (led by Col. Yakubu Gowon) and Eastern Nigeria leaders (led by Col. Emeka Ojukwu). It held on Januar 4 and 5, 1967 and was chaired by Ghana’s Leader, General J.A. Ankrah. Ojukwu’s memo was to form the bedrock for the “Aburi Accord”.

A type of loose federalism, (call it Confederation) was agreed with devolved power to the Regions. It is deeply regretted that the Aburi Agreements were not followed and

led to the unfortunate Civil war, with over one million dead. No other event has equalled the terrible magnitude of Nigeria’s loss and pain in the Civil war.

Resource Control agitation, 13 per cent derivation, Niger Delta militancy, MOSOP, MASSOB, OPC, IYC, Islamic Bank, Boko Haram terrorism, Third Term, Rotation, continuing cries of marginalisation, Revenue Allocation review agitation now coming from the North, development and economic challenges, the emerging capital allocation wahala etc show that we must very quickly restructure Nigeria.

So going back to Aburi is important. No visas, no tickets, no foreign trips at all. We don’t need to go to Ghana. All we need is frank talk. I support an inclusive National Conference, sovereign or unsovereign. It may even be driven by the National

• The late Ojukwu

Assembly. But we must talk. It is a fitting epitaph that the man who “rebelled” against motherland, now provides in death, a good opportunity for a strong united Nigeria.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2012

LAW & SOCIETY CALL TO BAR OF THE NIGERIAN LAW SCHOOL HELD AT THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTRE, ABUJA

• From left: Chairman, Council of Legal Education, OCJ Okocha (SAN), his wife Ebele and Orowhuo Okocha.

• From left: Former presidents of NBA, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) and former General Secretary, NBA Dele Adeshina (SAN).

• From left: Wemimo Ogunde (SAN), Chief Solomon Awomolo (SAN), Augustine Alegeh (SAN), Damian Dodo (SAN) and President Muslim Law Association, Alhaji Tajudeen Oladoja.

• From left: Chief Lucius Nwozu (SAN), his wife Ebele and Chinelo

• From left: Former General Secretary, NBA, Lawal Rafiu Rabana (SAN) and Anthony Iroagalachi

• From left: Mr Bob Osamor and Mr Agaba James

• From left: Femi Falana and Mr Ganiba Paul (SAN)

• From left: Former General Secretary, NBA, Ibrahim Eddy Mark, Mrs Oluwatola Ige, Mrs Victoria Awomolo and Mrs Sa’adatu Ibrahim Mark

• From left: Mr Christian Okoye and his daughter, Oluchukwu

• From left: Chief Chris Mgbojiu, his wife Gloria and their son, Ikenna

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THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2012

LAW & SOCIETY RECEPTION FOR NKECHIKWU AZINGE AT TRANSCORP HILTON HOTEL, ABUJA, AFTER HER CALL TO NIGERIAN BAR

• Prof Epiphany Azinge (SAN)

• Miss Nkechikwu Azinge

• Justice I.F. Ogbuagu (left) and Justice Fabiyi J.A. (JSC).

• Abdullahi Ibrahim (SAN) and former Chief Justice of Nigeria Mohammed Lawal Uwais.

• From left: Former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo, former Minister of Information, John Nnia Nwodo and Justice R.O. Nwodo.

• From left: Mrs Sibi Garuba, Dr Valerie Azinge and Mrs Alice Amuka

• Prof Femi Odekunle and Chairperson, African Commission in Human and Peoples’ Rights, Mrs Catherine Dupe Atoke.

• Mrs Mercy Agbamude and Miss Uche Agbamude

• Mr David Uma and his wife, Comfort.

• Mr C.G. Igbakwe and Prof Clement Dakas

• Hon Eze-Nwuwa and his wife

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LAW & ECONOMY There is a thin line between law practice and entrepreneurship, but how can lawyers strike a balance between combining law and business so as not to undermine the legal profession? Answers were sought at a roundtable organised by the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) in Lagos. JOSEPH JIBUEZE reports.

• Prof Idornigie, NIALS Secretary James Bathnna, Ajogwu, Arowolo, Omoregbe, Azinge, Etomi, Owasanoye, Adetunji Oyeyipo (SAN), Oyebode, Oragwu, Amadi and Usoro

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HE practice of law is not just about service provision: It is a big business in itself if wellhandled, law experts have said. The biggest law firms have made net incomes far in excess of what blue-chip companies make in a year.

Beyond that, lawyers have also combined practice with business.

While retaining their toga as legal practitioners, they sit on boards of companies and manage businesses by the side.

However, while lawyers are encouraged to deploy their entrepreneurial skills if they must, there is a danger in losing focus and in creating confusion in the minds of the public.

The public should either see you as a lawyer or as a businessman, it was said.

How to strike this balance was the thrust of discussions by lawyers at a roundtable in Lagos. Organised by the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), it had the theme: Legal practice and entrepreneurship.

Speakers include former Chairman, Section on Business Law, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr George Etomi who chaired the event; his successor Mr Gbenga Oyebode, Mr Fabian Ajogwu (SAN), Mr Paul Usoro (SAN) and Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, who was the special guest.

Others are Prof Yinka Omorogbe, Prof Paul Idornigie, Chief Tony Idigbe (SAN) who was represented by Mr Nnamdi Oragwu, a partner at Punuka Attorneys and Solicitors, Lagos; Executive Chairman, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, Dr Sam Amadi, and NIALS Director of Research, Prof Bolaji Owasanoye.

Oyebode, who gave the keynote address, focused on law as a business.

Urging law firms to stick with global standards of legal practice, he pointed that the progression of law partnerships in Nigeria “has not been particularly inspiring.”

According to him, successful law partnerships have been few and far between, saying that is an aspect of the business of law practice that has not been properly harnessed.

“We haven’t done well with law partnerships,” he said.

According to him, the problem is not just with the lawyers who set up law firms. It is down to some lawyers who sing different tunes, making finding a common ground a challenge.

But that is not the case with other professional bodies, such as the Institute of Chattered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN). An election of leadership is not fraught with controversies.

They pay strictly attention to their rules, Oyebode said.

“ICAN pays close attention to their rules. The next President is anointed and there’s no controversy.” To him, such culture should apply to the NBA. Oyebode said beyond personality issues, law firms cannot grow if a country’s economy is on a downward spiral.

He recalled that the fortunes of lawyers nosedived after the Buhari/

How to balance law practice and business Idiagbon administration and stabilised with the return of democracy in 1999. From then till 2007, law firms witnessed a boom.

“Commercial lawyers make money when the economy grows,” he said.

What Oyebode called “our extremely ineffective justice system” has not boded well for the growth of law firms, he noted.

Due to a lack of complete faith in the system, foreign investors demand the insertion of arbitration clauses in agreements. They do not end there.

They demand that arbitration be conducted abroad if it came to that.

“Our judicial system is extremely corrupt, slow and inefficient,” Oyebode said, reminding his audience that he was only re-echoing what had been said before by those who knew better. The consequence, he said, is a “disincentive” in the level of patronage of law firms in Nigeria.

Again, “poor quality of legal practice” has not helped matters, Oyebode said, adding that there should be a reform of teaching methods.

On entrepreneurship, he said: “I think it should be taught in school because a lot of Nigerian lawyers do not understand the balance sheet.”

Lawyers do not only need business skills, they need to acquir technological know-how as it applies to their profession.

“Technology is the key to building small to medium firms,” he said.

For partnerships to grow, information must be shared. Oyebode wondered why partners usually ignore the agreement they reached at the beginning.

“Partnerships rarely look at the Deed. People need to look at partnership agreements,” he said.

Also, effective leadership is crucial in running a successful law firm.

“What is missing in many law firms is visionary leadership. Pick the right partnerships,” said Oyebode.

To be made a partner in a firm, Oyebode said, should not be merely treated as a form of promotion. “Partnership is what you aspire to.”

He deplored one-man practice where a lawyer is an accountant, a practice manager and a marketer of his services. “Play to other people’s strengths. Don’t do it all,” he admonished.

Mentoring of younger lawyers or non-lawyers who want to be lawyers by senior lawyers should be encouraged. “We must make sure we mentor better.”

To him, technology is a basis for growth. Nigerian law firms need to build capacity. And if the government can control terrorism and reduce corruption, there is nothing stopping foreign law firms from partnering their

counterparts in Nigeria.

Oragwu added that an absence of a shared vision or common culture is the bane of successful partnerships.

For one to succeed, such issues must be resolved, even as there must be strategic planning.

Amadi, a Ph.D holder from Harvard, said it is wrong to “restrict lawyering,” urging lawyers to expand their knowledge base and expand their skills.

“If you are taking a public sector work, you need to look at a number of skills you need to harness to be effective,” he advised.

For Prof Omorogbe, given the right circumstances, graduates, including lawyers, would perform better.

Speaking from an academic perspective, she said the circumstances under which students learn are “unimaginable”.

Classes are over-populated, classrooms are awful and students study with candles rather than with electricity. Yet, many among them succeed as graduates. Imagine what would happen if learning conditions were better, she added. n how to better the legal pro fession, she said something should be done to “tweak” its conservatism. “The profession is very conservative. People are sort of trained not to rock the boat, but sometimes you need something to be changed.”

For instance, she said she did not understand why law is a masculine profession where women judges are addressed as “Mr Justice” and wondered: Why not address women judges as “Mrs Justice…? “We need to tweak ourselves,” she said.

Omorogbe, a former Company Secretary/Legal Adviser at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), said the post of company secretary and legal adviser should be separated because the roles clash.

“Combining the two amounts to belittling the profession. The bar should look at this and take a position,” she said.

“The Section on Business Law should look at the role of the lawyer and how the lawyer can make a difference.

“We need to understand that the question of character always comes in. The NBA can force us to have character by becoming stricter,” Omorogbe added.

Ajogwu said managing a successful law firm entails building systems and procedures that get things working in the absence of the principal.

It is important for a law firm to consider investments, he said. “It is important to invest proceeds in things that earn you money.”

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According to him, the market is large enough for lawyers to make a successful living. He said law firms should model their practice after those who have been successful, adding: “I am an advocate for getting it better and better.”

While it is not wrong for lawyers to invest in other businesses, Ajogwu, known for his research and writings on corporate governance, warned: “We should not allow lawyers to become traders. We should give dignity to the profession and not demean it with other things.”

He called for stricter sanctions for lawyers who bring the profession to disrepute, saying: “We should disbar lawyers who break the rules. Integrity has a return on investment.”

For Usoro, entrepreneurial skills are important for lawyers, as are the need to expand knowledge and invest in technology.

His advice: equip your library, train your lawyers, spend money on technology. According to him, a lawyer who knows what he is doing should be able to respond to messages in real time. He must also pay attention to his practice environment and make it efficient.

Man-management skills are also needed by law firm managers. “Differentiate between rainmakers and those who are able to do the job. It is wise to have a little of this and a little of that,” said Usoro.

Prof Idornigie said the time has come to re-examine legal training in the country. To him, there should be a different curriculum for barristers and solicitors.

He suggested: “Design one stream for those who want to practice as barristers, and another stream for those who just want knowledge of law.”

Awomolo said lawyers are free to engage in business outside law practice, so long as it is within the bounds of decency. “We as lawyers are trained to be a master in many things,” he said.

He went on: “We should mentor young one who are getting frustrated.

They need encouragement because there are several opportunities.”

For Prof Owasanoye, lawyers are not trained to “think outside the box.”

He called for flexibility, which should extend to law graduates deciding where to get advanced legal education “In the future, we need to break the monopoly of the Law School. It has become elitist and exclusionary and is no longer coping. We must allow people decide where they get professional training. We have to reform the legal profession,” he said.

Etomi said the law profession should be in the forefront of nation-

building as nobody can ignore lawyers in a democracy. However, little can be achieved in an unstable polity fraught with violence and corruption \With thousands of lawyers graduating yearly, Etomi asked: “Are we expanding the frontiers of the practice?”

“We are overdue for restructuring ourselves,” he said, adding: “Business is the future of the profession.”

With what he said is a severe challenge of a shrinking economy, Etomi added that lawyers must be businessminded. “Do we prepare lawyers to become good businessmen?” he asked.

He, however, warned: “Compromise is what has landed us where we are today. Don’t pass off as a lawyer when you are a car dealer.”

NIALS Director-General, Prof Epiphany Azinge (SAN), said the teaching of business skills should form lawyers’ training.

He said: “We want to acknowledge that the idea for this theme came from Gbenga Oyebode. He mooted the idea in December last year and we assured him we are going to buy into it, and we’re glad he’s here today to give the keynote address.

“This is a very topical issue for lawyers and even non-lawyers, because we are all in the business of making money one way or the other. So, we’re all potential entrepreneurs in our own right, regardless of our discipline.

“This is one area that nothing is done about it in the university and the Law School. We’re expected to gather whatever we can gather in the journey through legal practice.

“I am happy that the institute is hosting this, and I am sure that we’re going to benefit immeasurably; not just those in attendance, because as is customary we’re going to issue a communiqué arising from this for the benefit of all and sundry.”

The dual practice of law and another occupation is generally permissible in many jurisdictions, provided that certain conditions are met.

Needless to say, however, providing non-legal services to legal clients must be undertaken with care and there are traps for the unwary. There are situations in which the provision of such services would not be permissible under the Rules, and a lawyer must carefully analyse each particular situation. It is particularly important to be mindful of conflicts of interest. lawyer is at all times governed by the Rules of Professional Conduct, and ordinarily, the person to whom a lawyer provides non-legal services will be considered a legal client with respect to the applicability of the rules of professional conduct.

Occupations that have been found to be law-related include real estate brokerage, sale of title insurance, administrative assistance, marriage counselling, accountancy, labour relations consulting, the operation of an insurance agency or a loan or mortgage brokerage office.

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MARITIME Group against agencies’ return to ports

NIMASA ready to partner Lagos A on wrecked vessels’removal

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HE Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) is ready to partner the Lagos State Government to remove abandoned vessels from Maiyegun and Alpha beach fronts, its Director-General, Patrick Akpobolokemi, has said.

NIMASA made its stand known following a 21-day ultimatum given the vessel owners by the government to remove them. The ultimatum, which was issued on February 21, will expire, on March 13.

Akpobolokemi said any effort to remove the wrecks may fail if the government does not partner with NIMASA. He said it is NIMASA’s responsibility to remove wrecks, adding that his agency had issued notices to the owners to this effect in the past.

Akpobolokemi warned that the government’s ulti-

Stories by Taiwo Disu

matum may lead to a clash of interests, noting that the situation is challenging because some of the owners of the wrecked vessels are dead and some of the companies involved liquidated.

Said he: “What we are saying is that we can partner.

We should begin to work together. In life, there should be give and take. If the governor calls us, I can go and visit him. So we can articulate this thing”.

He further said: “We would not achieve anything through violence or hatred.

It can be settled through dialogue. That is what we are all looking for. If they say this is what to do, we can then say this is what we can offer and this is what they can offer us. Let us put the ministry and the minister in picture. Let the Federal Government know.

“If tomorrow the govern-

•Mr Akpobolokemi

ment gets to know and ask, where were you when all these things happened?

What am I going to tell it? I am accountable to the President through the Minister of transport,” he said.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Mr Adesegun Oniru, gave the order last Tuesday for the removal of the wrecked vessels from Maiyegun and Alpha beach fronts, saying any breach of the directive by their owners attract sanctions.

Commenting on the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF), the the director-general said indigenous ship owners should look beyond the fund because it cannot solve their problem. They should build capacity rather than look in the direction of the CVFF. “The CVFF is in no way going to solve the problem of indigenous ship owners. For instance, you have about N15 billion in the account of CVFF of a nation that wants to be the hub of maritime activities in Africa, how many vessels can that acquire? It is like a drop of water in the ocean.

But that does not mean good

GROUP known - Save Nigeria Freight Forwarders- Importers and Exporters Coalition has criticised members of the House of Representatives and the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), for calling for the the return of National Agency for Food Drug Administrator and Control (NAFDAC) and others to the ports.

It said the lawmakers and NAGAFF are enemies of the maritime sector.

The National Co-ordinator of the group, Chief Chukwu Osita, disclosed this during an interview with The Nation.

He explained that the incessant calls by the law makers that the sacked agencies should be brought to the ports is not good.

Osita alleged that a NAGAFF senior member had gone on air to canvass that the sacked agencies be returned to the ports. This, the group said, negates the interest of all freight forwarders, government and other stakeholders in the maritime sector.

The group said the position of the founder of NAGAFF, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, was capable of causing confusion in the sector.

It said the NAGAFF chief is seeking cheap popularity and government’s attention.

By Uyoatta Eshiet

He said the problem of the sector is that of foreigners, who have muzzled their Nigerian counterparts such as the bonded terminal operators, the importers and freight forwarders through high port charges.

Osita also alleged that the NAGAFF chief was lobbying law makers for the return of the agencies to the ports for the wrong reasons.

According to him, there is no need for the call for the return of Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), NAFDAC and other officials removed from the ports and they could only be invited when their presence is needed. He said the modern structure of the present port arrangements worldwide, does not call for them to be located at the ports.

The Save Nigeria Group leader said he has travelled to the six continents where he visited 36 ports, and that none of them looks like the “If the government has the courage and the foresight to take steps to sanitise the ports and bring it in line with the standard obtained worldwide, every wellmeaning operator and stakeholder in the sector is supposed to give the government all necessary support instead of condemnation,” he stated.

Govt urged to develop rail

By Taiwo Disu

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•Wrecked ship

Why ports can’t meet 24-hour cargo clearance deadline F ACTS have emerged on why the 24-hour deadline for cargo clearance is not being met.

Shipping companies are said to be delaying the process because of their inability to rise to the challenge, three months after the introduction of the new clearing regime.

Investigation by The Nation revealed that almost all the shipping companies, whose vessels are responsible for cargo imports and exports, still do not operate beyond 5 p.m on week days.

They do not work at weekends.

However, terminal operators and the Customs, the two other key players at the ports, have streamlined their operations and work round-the-clock.

Some stakeholders spoken to on the issue, knocked the companies.

Mr Jubril Ufeoshi of Elis Bonav and Company, said

the 24-hour policy is political.

Some Customs departments, specifically Administration and Accounts, do not wok on weekend, he said, adding that it is only the delivery unit that is at work. He added that documentation is difficult to carry out after the weekdays.

According to him, agents rush to complete their documentation during the week so that by weekend they can take delivery of consignments.

Mr Victor Odeme of Stogre Investment said although the examination department of Customs operates on weekend, the nonoperation of the Customs Processing Centre (CPC) slows the process.

He said terminal operators have been fulfilling

their mandate by operating 24 hours.

Odeme said the major problem with 24-hour operations is with the shipping companies.“They close by 5 pm and this puts an end to the process, right from this stage,” he said.

He called on the authorities to make the clearance policy realisable.

The Public Relations Officer, Nigeria Customs Service, Apapa Area Command, Mr Timi Bornadi, faulted the claims by some clearing agents that the CPC does not work on weekends, explaining that the process doesn’t start with the Customs.

He said it starts with the Traders Zone, where agents make declaration through the Direct Traders Input (DTI), which then goes to the

Customs.

Said he: “How many of them come for operations on weekends? If they come, they would surely be attended to.”

A visit by The Nation to the CPC Apapa Command of Nigerian Customs last weekend revealed that officers were on duty. One of the officers on duty, who pleaded for anonymity, said the CPC is important, because the whole clearing activity is controlled from the centre.

He further explained that because the Administrative and Account Departments operate with the banks, they don’t work on weekends, since banks don’t open on weekends.

Some of the shipping companies visited by The Nation at the weekend, including Hull Blyth, Comet and Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) were all closed to business.

HE Federal Government has been advised to develop other means of transportation, especially the rail system, to bring about efficient delivery of goods in the maritime sector.

An expert in marine transport, Dr Wale Adetigba, a Principal Partner at Multi-system Consult, said the interconnectivity of the rail system to water ways is very important. “Marine transport is a component part of transportation system in the world and from my own professional training and experience, the marine transport can not operate in isolation from other modes of transportation, especially with rail system,” he stated.

Prof Bamidele Badejo of the Department of Geography, Lagos State University (LASU) said if the link is right, the cost of goods in the market will be reduced.

“When goods come into the country, the only means of distribution to the entire country for now is by road. Unfortunately, the roads are bad and the network of roads is poor.

“My position is that we need to revisit the rail transport that is missing in our transport system. As long as the rail system is absent, it will be difficult to have problem-free port operation. The cost of port operation will continue to be high,” he stressed.

He further said the port system is increasingly becoming automated, noting that the Federal Government has to respond to the global thinking of mechanisation.

He, however, added that expertise and modern equipment needed to operate an efficient port system need attention.

According to Adetigba, marine transport is essential to the proper operation of any country’s economy and a vital part of any nation’s transport system. Without marine transport, Nigeria would have been landlocked and its economy would have remained stagnant in different areas.

Benue to establish port

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COMMITTEE for the establishment of Makurdi i v e r Port has been inaugurated by the Benue State Government.

The state Governor Gabriel Suswan said the realisation of the Makurdi River Port is in line with transformation agenda of its government. He said this will create employment for the state indigenes in particular and Nigerians in general.

At the ceremony, he was represented by the Secretary to the state government, Dr David Salihu.

He urged the committee to work assiduously to make the project realisable, saying it is based on a public-private partnership.

Suswan said the project will attract both local and foreign investors. He said adequate security would be provided for the dredging and the River Port. He urged the committee members to sensitise the public about the project.

The committee is headed by Sir Mike Chikwe, who is also the Registrar/Chief Executive Officer of The Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarders in Nigeria (CRFFN).

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AVIATION

Demuren seeks private sector investment in aviation T HE Director-General of Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA),Dr. Harold Demuren, has called for increased private sector investment to stimulate the growth of the aviation sector.

Demuren, listed the potential areas of investment to include the establishment of aircraft maintenance hangar, ground handling companies, aviation training schools and pilots and aircraft simulator training centres.

Speaking at a seminar in Lagos on how to explore opportunities in the aviation sector following the emerging trends in the transformation agenda of government, Demuren said there is need for private sector investment in the sector.

He said: “ Specifically, several investment platforms at the airports are unknown to sundry potential investors.

“Some of these investment

Stories by Kelvin Osa-Okunbor Aviation Correspondent

vistas include running of an aircraft maintenance hangar, establishment of ground handling companies and aviation training schools.

Others are running Cabin Simulator and Flight Simulator machines, importation of aircraft parts and navigational aids facilities.

“We are losing so much money to foreign countries annually on cost of routine (C – checks) maintenance carried out outside the country.

“This is due to the fact that we do not have any company where these C – checks can be done.”

Demuren said there are facilities for A and B checks.

“This is a huge yawning investment opportunity for local investors,” adding that our pilots will not need to travel outside for recertification and aircraft simulator training test if our Nigerian businessmen pick up the gauntlet and take this advan-

tage and make big money.

An airline with about four aircraft will spend an estimated $450,000 on its pilots,” he stated.

He wondered that the level of growth experienced by our airlines is not supported by a corresponding level of infrastructural development, saying provision of adequate infrastructure has a twin effect on safety, passenger comfort and business-end of aviation.

Demuren said the sector will unleash its full potentials if the private sector buys into the transformation agenda of the government and leverage on the emerging opportunities in the sector. “Nigeria will continue to be an attractive market due to its huge population. “ Let me reiterate that the Federal Government cannot do this alone. The required investment is beyond public sector resources. There is urgent need to attract diverse sources of capital. “ What is therefore re-

quired at this time is abundant political will, adequate legislation and a review of the civil aviation policy to propose cogent guidelines for infrastructural development in all facets including funding.

“If therefore, we all agree that Nigeria has been classified as one of the fastest growing aviation markets in the world; I presume it has a lot of potentials yet to be explored. Let me emphasise that prospective investors who tap into them would reap bumper profit. “ With five million annual passenger traffic at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMTA) in Lagos, about four million at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja and an aggregate of over seven million in all the airports in Lagos, the investment potential in the fast growing Nigerian air travel market is huge.”

Communities praise FAAN THE Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has been praise by the host communities of the Port Harcourt International Airport over the re-modelling and expansion going on at the airport.

This commendation was given last week by the paramount ruler of Omagwa, His Highness Jacob W. Orji when a delegation of FAAN went on a courtesy visit to the two communities on whose land the airport is located.

The visit, which was at the instance of Inter Bau Construction Company, became necessary so as to get the maximum support of the communities concerning the ongoing re-modelling project.

The monarch said he was happy about the project adding that it would give the airport more space to operate which in turn would add more to the businesses at the airport.

He pledged that the Omagwa community would continue to support FAAN if they were carried along whenever there was the need to do so.

According to him, the people are peace loving and would always support efforts and projects that would impact positively on the people.

In the same vein the leaders of Ipo, the second host community said they appreciated the visit and that such should continue so as to further cement the relationship between FAAN and the host communities.

Why licensed Customs agents left MMIA THE Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has cited alleged breach of security as one of the reasons, why it directed that licensed Customs agents should relocate out of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.

According to FAAN, the step was informed by the need to prevent a breach of security, as government is poised to ensure that people who do not have any legitimate business around facilities including the airports is streamlined.

This comes even as the government is reviewing security measures around the nation’s 24 airports as part of efforts to contain the spate of insecurity around the country.

The new arrangement, it was learnt is part of the fall out of a meeting of airport security worked out by government for key facilities including the airports, seaports and other critical facilities of government.

Air Nigeria moves to Marina AIR Nigeria has relocated its corporate head office to the permanent building housing some of the companies within the business conglomerate of Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim According to a statement issued by the head of Corporate Affairs of Air Nigeria and signed by Sam Ogbogoro, the carrier said : “ Effective February 27, 2012, Air Nigeria now occupies strategic floors in the imposing building known as ‘Energy House’ on 159/161 Broad Street Marina, Lagos Island.

The relocation of Air Nigeria’s corporate office to the ‘Energy House’ in Marina is premised on the need for all business units within the Energy Group to build a synergy to work closely to achieve the overall objectives of the corporation.

•From left: General Manager, Finance, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) Alhaji Nuhu Ozigi (2nd left) receiving left to right leader of the Team ICPC, Mr. Ambrose Songo, Mr. Shehu Gambo and Mr. Omotosho Gbeminiyi during the visit of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to the Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON) project at the Murtala International Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.

PHOTO: ISAAC JIMOAYODELE

‘African airlines must adopt sound business plan‘

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FORMER SecretaryGeneral of African Airlines Association (AFRAA), Nick Fadugba, has advised African airlines to adopt sound business plan and seek strong partnership to survive.

In a speech he delivered at the African Aviation’s 21st Maintenance Repair and Overhaul conference in Nairobi, last week, he said many African carriers have not succeeded in managing business risks and costs, a situation, he argued that has limited their competitive abilities in relation to foreign airlines.

Fadugba said African carriers needed to “cooperate and consolidate” in order to take a fair share of the continent’s aviation market.

He said: “Financing the African aviation industry remains a challenge and many African airlines have not yet succeeded in managing business risks and controlling their costs.

“To survive and prosper, African airlines need to adopt a sound business plan and seek strong partners. While airline business models have certainly evolved in Africa, the reality is that a paradigm shift in attitude is needed to capitalise on growth opportunities, which are achievable through increased co-operation and consolidation.”

Fadugba said African governments and aviation regulators needed to create an enabling environment to attract the financial resources and investment, which were urgently re-

quired to fund the development of the African aviation industry.

He said: “Without a strong, viable and profitable African aviation industry – that facilitates business, trade, tourism and social interaction on the African continent and beyond – it will be difficult to create wealth, eradicate poverty and promote sustainable economic development in Africa.”

Fadugba, who is also the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of African Aviation Services, a United Kingdom-based company, said the traditional competition between African and European airlines for long haul traffic had intensified with the entry of Middle East carriers offering an attractive mix of more capacity,

frequencies and lower fares.

He said with Africa’s annual economic growth forecast to exceed the world average, and air travel now more affordable to the continent’s population of one billion people, air traffic seemed set to take off.

According to him, global airline alliances have turned their attention to the African continent in search of partners.

The optimism, he said, had translated into firm orders for both jet and turboprop aircraft manufacturers and more opportunities for aircraft leasing companies in recent years.

However, the former AFRAA leader said many challenges needed to be addressed on the continent.

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PROPERTY/ENVIRONMENT UPDC set to deliver Vintage Gardens soon

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AC Property Development Company (UPDC) has started the development of its latest project in Port Harcourt with the ground breaking ceremony of Vintage Gardens witnessed by the Rivers State Deputy Governor Tele Ikuru and the Chairman, UACN Poperty Development Company Plc, Mr Larry Ettah.

In his welcome address, Ettah said the firm started operations many years ago with the development of several residential and commercial properties at the Port Harcourt GRA and other places in the city.

He commended the Nigerian Air

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie Asst Editor

Force Foundation, for selling the parcel of land on which the estate would be be built adding that on completion it would add value to the lives of the people.

He promised that the estate would be a place for its residents, where quality of life is assured.

Hesaidwhencompleted,theestate would comprise 90 housing units of fourbedroom semi-detached houses, four-bedroom terraces, threeBedroom flats, three-bedroom terrace apartments and one bedroom studio flats complemented with state-of-the-art facilities.

Make impact with your work, RESIDENT, Nigerian Soci engineers told ety of Engineers (NSE), Mr

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Mustafa Balarabe Shehu, has urged engineers to use their work and credibility to engage the government and the society if they wished to make an impact.

He spoke at the induction of new members of the branch and the inauguration of the Owerri Engineering Centre, charging them to be conscious as engineers as their work speaks for

Environment commissioner embarks on sensitisation

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie Asst Editor

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HE Ondo State Commissioner for the Environment, Mr Shola Ebiseni, said his ministry has embarked on grassroots’ sensitisation to educate the public, especially artisans and market women, on how to dispose of their waste to avoid flooding and destruction of properties.

He said though thegovernment has always proved flooding predictions wrong in the state, it will not rest on its oars. He said it will embark on more integrated channellisation projects to claer the drains and channels.

On the extent of the project, he revealed the state applies both amphibious and manual excavators in its channellisation. He said since last year, the government has been spending a total of N1.2billion on the problem.

He said the government takes the project seriously to halt the disappearance of communities made worse by oil exploration and exploitation.

He said the state has borne the brunt of oil spills and degradation of the environment more than the other Niger Delta states which are living under the yoke of the negative effects of exploration activities of oil companies as the fifth largest producer of oil in the country with the twin problem of coastal erosion because of the peculiarities of the state’s coasts which are marshy and muddy.

On intervention in checking coastal erosion, he lamented that the opening of channels in the hinterland by oil companies to flow into the Atlantic where they have their major offshore facilities allows for the widening of channels, but that this is creating havoc in the communities so much that all the villages have had to relocate from their ancestral lands more than three times.

He listed some of the villages as Molutehin, Ayetoro, Awoye, Ori-oke Iwa Mimo and Mbereke. He said the problem is endemic and affects all the coastal communities of the state which stands the risks of extinction.

He called for a synergy of relevant agencies in the environment sector to achieve a meaningful impact.

He observed that the cost of achieving sizable success by embarking on the construction of embankments, dykes and sand filling cannot be handled by the state alone due to the cost implications.

From Franca Ochigbo, Abuja

them. They should endeavour to deliver with credibility, he added.

“It is interesting to know that the Owerri branch has built its own structure to a level where they can deploy it for their meetings and professional development training. This will save it funds, which it would have expended on venues and renting of other facilities. The branch should liaise with the Engineering Practice and Resource Centre (EPRC) to hold its training and continuing education programmes.

“The centre will also help to create a pool of resources and database for engineering skills, capacity availability for national statistics and job placement.

“NSE under my leadership will give full support to this Centre and I, therefore, call on all members of the Owerri branch to team up with us to achieve this noble objective, which is aimed at continuous professional development of our members through capacity building and improvement of skills of the Nigerian Engineering personnel,” he said.

Speaking earlier, the outgoing Chairman of the branch, Mr Remy Uche, assured the president of the support of the members of the branch to his administration.

He said the branch decided to improve the engineering centre to a level where all its monthly meetings and other activities would be held there to save the branch money from renting halls in hotels and other venues.

According to him, when completed the branch will be a multipurpose training and research centre for members and the engineering community in the state.

Seventeen new members were inducted at the ceremony.

•Tele Ikuru, Deputy Governor, Rivers State, laying foundation blocks of Vintage Gardens, Port Harcourt being developed

by UACN Property Development Company Plc. He is flanked by Marketing Manager, UPDC Plc, Ms. Titi Ajayi (left); Finance Director, Mrs Folashade Ogunde; Mr Ettah and Mr Hakeem Ogunniran.

‘Only 15% of women are engineers’

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HE Nigerian Society of Engi neers (NSE) has said only 15 per cent of students of engineering in Nigeria tertiary institutions are women.

As a result, it urged its sister group Association of Professional Women Engineers in Nigeria (APWEN) to intensify campaigns at the secondary school levels for more girls to take to sciences and engineering courses.

Speaking at the inauguration of the new President of APWEN, NSE President, Balarabe Shehu, said: “Available statistics shows that the percentage of female graduate students in engineering is low. The workforce remains as the area of highest under representation for women.

“Data available reveals that more women are becoming interested in the engineering profession, although only 15 per cent of university engineering students are female worldwide. In Nigeria, it is even lower.

Therefore, we need to do more to bring awareness among our female students about the importance of pursuing a profession in engineering because I know women make the difference in any profession and are usually among the best.”

•NSE calls for more women in engineering From Franca Ochigbo, Abuja

He said as a member of the World Federation of Engineering Organisations (WFEO) created the Women in Engineering Committee in line with its policy of encouraging, improving and retaining of women in engineering practice.

“The committee’s mission is to provide advice and recommendations to the President in Council on matters relating to the participation of women in the engineering field, with the goal of attracting and retaining more women in the profession, while achieving equity and diversity. The committee works with APWEN to oversee the implementation of women in engineering policies and strategies, and supports the development of tools and activities that improve public image, visibility and understanding of engineering.

APWEN new President, Olayinka Abdul, said her tenure would focus on training and retraining of her colleagues and encouraging them to venture into engineering enterprise.

She said she would also push for

the restructuring of the engineering curriculum to realise the aim of getting more women to take to engineering.

“We have carried out surveys and discovered to our amazement that our academic curriculum in tertiary schools needs serious and urgent attention, if our goal of encouraging young engineering graduates, particularly among the female in engineering education is going to be realised. To achieve this, we will push for a restructuring of the school curriculum.”

“APWEN will build an enduring synergy between schools and the professional world by working closely with educational regulatory authorities at local, state and federal levels,” she said.

Outgoing President of APWEN, Ini Usoro, in her valedictory speech, said, under her, the association organised career talks in primary and secondary schools across the federation to increase awareness and encourage girls to love mathematics, study science and engineering and had participated as role models and mentors at engineering weeks of some tertiary institutions.

Lagos names road after Okogie

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HE Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie, has been honoured by the Lagos State Governor with the naming of the access road to the Monastery of Mother of the church in Sangotedo, in Eti-Osa East Local Council Development Authority (LCDA).

The Governor, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), while inaugurating the 2.75km road linking communities on the Sangotedo and Elemoro with Monastery of Mother of the Church and the NTDA Estates, noted the commitment demonstrated by the Cardinal to opening up the road and bringing development to the area.

According to the Governor, the road is the first phase of the development that will terminate at the communities along the Atlantic.

He noted that the road apart from providing a critical access to a very important spiritual monastery that serves as an avenue to seek the face of God in the society, will also serve the estates around the area.

While emphasising that the road will enhance the value of real Estate

since the State Government has started the construction of a new housing estate scheme on the road, the Governor also restated the commitment of his administration to creating the necessary conditions for self actualisation for the citizens.

He warned persons who encroach on government’s acquired land earmarked for various development projects to stop forthwith or have such pulled down by the government.

Fashola commended the Messrs Palmyra Construction Company

Limited for the quality of the construction and for its commitment to quick delivery of projects. He added that the project has also enabled the company to create job opportunities for people of the Community.

Earlier, in a welcome address, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, noted that he has been handing over roads from one local government to another as manifestation of Governor Fashola’s decision to open up Lagos to development.

•Okogie

REDAN elects new executives

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EMBERS of the Real Estate Developers’ Association of Nigeria (REDAN) have re-elected Chief Olabode Afolayan as the body’s National President/Chairman of Council for a second term of three years.

The election was the highpoint of the Annual General Meeting/Extraordinary General Meeting (AGM) of the association, which took place in Abuja.

Some of the council members

elected at the meeting are Dr. Nya Asuquo, Deputy National President; Mr Goke Odunlami, National General Secretary; Mr Shaibu Osilama, Assistant National General Secretary; Mr Yusuf Wunduh, National Treasurer; Mr Mike Nwafor, National Financial Secretary; and Mrs. Eunice Obasohan, National Legal Adviser.

Others are Mr. Daniel Osagie, National Auditor 1; Mr. Babajide Ogunleye, National Auditor 2; Mr.

Akintoye Adeoye, Vice-President, South-West; Dr. Peter Umanah; VicePresident, South-South; Mr. Leonard Ugwu, Vice-President, South-East; Mr. Sunday Idachaba, Vice-President, North-Central; Mallam Iliya Usman, Vice-President, North-East; Alhaji Garuba Hungu, Vice-President, North-West; Alhaji Bala Ka’oje, ExOfficio member; and Dr. Uche Egenti, Ex-Officio member.

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2012

40

DISCOURSE Text of the lecture delivered by Hon. Adeyinka Ajayi, chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Aids, Loans and Debt Management, at the first Legislative Summit on Collaborative Development Agenda (Southwest and ACN states), organised by Vintage Press Limited, publishers of The Nation newspaper, on February 15 and 16, for federal and state legislators and Executive Council members.

Introduction

T

HE Chairman of this auspicious gathering, your Excellencies here present, leaders of our great political party, Distinguished Senators, my esteemed Honourable Colleagues, the moderator, members of the fourth estate of the realm, ladies and gentlemen.

I join speakers before me to salute the creativity of the organisers of this gathering having spared a thought to bring about a forum like this at this time when our national democracy is faced with lot of challenges and raging underdevelopment that has speared no section, be it minority or majority of poverty, dilapidated infrastructure, insecurity, unemployment among other characteristics of a failing nation.

I am delighted to be a part of this noble gathering that became possible as a result of a reclaimation of lost grounds and frontiers of our geographical space from the custodians of ‘do or die’ politics. Probably, a lecture of this nature would have been relatively difficult or inappropriate, when the usurpers in power held sway in the South West of Nigeria. Today our party the Action Congress of Nigeria with its refreshingly popular acceptance and freely given mandate has commenced the pursuit of people oriented programmes in the South West. Hence, we cannot but think of ways to restore the lost glory and rebuild the dilapidated and arrested development legacies left behind by the wasteful tenant of yesteryears.

I consider the opportunity to deliver a paper at this summit a great priviledge and honour and must therefore thank the organisers for deeming me worthy as a resource person and given this particular topic, in a gathering like this where political veterans and encyclopedias of our political structure, history and tradition are active participants.

Looking at this gathering alone, one is put in the eye of the storm and is burning with a zeal to deliver a very provocative paper that will generate vibrant discuss and where possible attempt a measured level of consensus, knowing fully well, the intellectual capacity of the average Yoruba man and woman, be it western or native in orientation.

Having considered the above, I resolved within me than I am chosen on a ground that as one saddled with a representative responsibility by the people of his immediate constituency and being lucky to have emerged from a platform of long standing tradition of our party the Action Congress of Nigeria, one should be up to the task. Drawing courage from the proverbial assertions, that “ile baba omo ki ba omo leru” and “Iran Akin won ki se Ojo”.

Considering this topic from its surface value, “The Law as a tool for Regional Development”, one may conclude, there is not much to talk about. But a deep and further look will throw up lots of matters worthy of analysis if the topic is to be treated holistically and qualitatively. Going by the aforementioned, and aware of the number of faculties making up this lecture, I will attempt to have a very short but deep presentation, defining the basic concepts, trace a short history of regionalism in Nigeria and delve into issues of development then and now and finally the role of Law in the evolving dynamics within a federating nation and conclude with tesers and food for thought on South western Nigeria regional Development initiative from a legislative angle.

The Law As a learned person, in my own terms,( apologies to non-lawyers here), law or laws are set of principles, ideals, ethics, dos and don’ts e.t.c established by human society to regulate the behavior of everyone in the society. Drawing from the elderly pot of wisdom, may I be permitted to use this age long assertion “where there is no law there is no right or wrong” without law and its regulatory mechanisms, the social fabric of our society would have been tattered and degenerate into what Thomas Hobbes called a state of nature where life is nasty, brutish and short.

To avoid the right of might and anarchy, law is a vital instrument and of importance. According to Aristotle, man naturally is a political animal and always being driven by several interests which often run into conflict either with self or that of others.

Law is a product of social contract among the people who seek a civilized and regulated way of life other than anarchy. There are certain ethically and morally acceptable standards expected of the people while exercising their freedom and attaining individual properity. For instance, it has long been a sin for any man to take the life of another without any conferred societal authority to do so. As human society advances, trade and diplomatic relations among nation states were also regulated by certain unwritten conventions and later written laws.

As society advances, certain developmental challenges necessitated promulgation of some set of laws and abrogation of others. The laws that held sway during the era of primitive communism were not potent enough to weather the storm that came with slavery, later feudalism, monarchy and free trade and capitalism. As humanity developed, the complications that emanated with constant break down of law and order, made it mandatory to evolve a new set of regulation to cope with the changing tide.

There was civil laws vis a vis land ownership, marriage, tax, to mention a few. Trade laws, diplomatic laws, even warfare among others were legally regulated.

I have delved into this history to emphasise the fact that laws have never been alien to human society social and economic engineering and there is an inseparable synergy between law making and development.

The Legislature The competent authority in a democratic Law making environment is a popularly elected and constituted Assembly. In modern times this is the most important source of law making.

Under the present constitutional arrangement of the Federal Republic of Nigeria like so many other democracies, national laws have to be passed by a bicameral legislature comprising of

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Law as a tool for regional development the House of Representatives and the Senate at the federal level and the unicameral State Houses of Assembly at the state level.

The whole of Section 4 and Section 47-64 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria is explicit on this.

Within the frame work of governance, the legislature is key. It must be independent and composed of men of firm characters and deep understanding of the yearnings and aspirations of the people. The legislature is a genuine democratic structure of governance and is a platform where the people are evenly represented. Drawing from the constitutional provisions, there are clearly stated areas of jurisdiction, hierarchy and operations of the legislative chambers from the Senate to the States Houses of Assembly.

This is the ideal spirit of federalism. However, there are certain deficiencies that must be corrected if we really intend to operate and develop as a federation of soveriegn federating units. The issues pertaining thereto as tempting and important as they are, are outside the scope opf this discuss and as such, only passing references will we made to them as we proceed.

A law can be progressive or retrogressive depending on its intended application and the attendant result. There are times that legislations are targeted at impacting positively of the people but for lack of benefit of hind sight, such legislation fails or out live it essence. It is unfortunate, that in this part of the world we churn out legislations and remain rigid with it when it is no longer of value. To this end, looking at the focus of law and it essence, it must not be static, there must be a periodic review of such to maintain relevance to the people and cope with developmental challenges.

History of Regional Politics in Nigeria There is no gainsaying that the geographical enclave called Nigeria today is an imposition of the Colonial masters who at that time were more concerned about ways of ensuring administrative convenience and further exploitation of the land. It is unfortunate that ethnic peculiarities vis a vis language, religion and culture among other things were relegated to the background when the notion of making the strange bed fellows a single entity was conceived. As if this was not enough, we were left in the cold at the time of the grudgingly given independence to cope with the diversity issues, consolidating the already laid foundation of suspicion, discord and ethnic chauvinism.

Regionalism is not alien to our political structure, from the very foundation of our nation at independence. Nigeria was split into three geopolitical regions i.e Western Region, Eastern Region and Northern Region with our political parties taking on the identities, ideologies and protecting the interest of each region. The Northern People’s Party (NPC) represented the interests of the predominantly Hausa/Fulani Northern Region, the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC)] (later renamed to “National Council of Nigerian Citizens”) represented the predominantly Igbo Eastern Region, and the Action Group (AG) dominated the Yoruba Western Region.

Before the conquest of the colonialist in the late 19th century, the area in and around Nigeria was home to a number of sophisticated and influential societies. Among the most important were the northeastern kingdom of Borno, the Hausa city-state/kingdoms of Katsina, Kano, Zaria, and Gobir in northern-central Nigeria, the Yoruba city-states/kingdoms of Ife and Oyo, in southwestern Nigeria, the southern kingdom of Benin, and the Igbo communities of eastern Nigeria.

There was a structure of governance and administration with established native laws under which the people prosper with peace of mind. There were extensive trading networks developed among the societies and tribes even extending beyond the borders of the present day Nigeria across the Sahara.

The British dependencies of Northern and Southern Nigeria were merged into a single territory in 1914, marking the birth of a British contraption called Nigeria. The detail of the history I assume we all know, considering the nature of this gathering. By 1947, a federal system of government was established under a new Nigerian constitution introduced by the United Kingdom.

This system was based on three regions: Eastern, Western and Northern. This was not done out of goodwill but rather a bow to agitation from the nationalist and for administrative convenience of the imperialist as well as accommodating the interest of diverse ethnic groups: mainly the Ibo (in the east), the Yoruba (in the west) and the Hausa and Fulani (in the north).

Conflicting demands for autonomy and central government by the various political groups compelled the British in 1954 to establish a measure of compromise to accommodate conflicting demands for self-government. With this arrangement, there was a Federal Government and Regional Government with considerable regional autonomy. Specific powers were to be allocated to the federal government including defense, the police force, national trade, custom duties, finance and banking. Responsibility for other services in the area of health, agriculture, education and economic development was to be with the Regions.

Nigeria attained independence in 1960 and until 1966, Nigeria was under civilian rule, with Alh Tafawa Balewa of NPC as the federal Prime Minister and Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe of NCNC succeeded the pre-independence Governor General representing the British monarch as head of state. This continued until October 1963 when the country adopted a revised constitution and Dr. Azikiwe took office as Nigeria’s first President.

The major problems that confronted the federal government within the period were threats to federal unity evidenced by ethnic rivalry, factionalism and the desire for autonomy within the federal system with certain regions not sharing the speedy developmental vision of the western region leaders led by the Sage Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Within this arrangement, certain minority groups were never satisfied and their resentment with this arrangement constantly heat up the polity. Permit me to also spare you the rest of that history. The period 1966 to 1979 was characterised by military intervention, takeovers and civil war.

National rivalries and ethnic sentiments reflected in the national armed forces led to a military intervention in January 1966. Notable national figures were killed with Eastern political leaders spared. Regional animosities flared, prompting massacres of Igbospeakers living in the north. The Supreme Military Council was formed and the constitution suspended. Maj-Gen. Johnson Aguiyi Ironsi, commander-in-chief of the army took control of government but was also toppled in a counter-coup of July 1966 by chiefof-staff of the army, Lt-Col (later Gen.) Yakubu Gowon.

Gen. Yakubu Gowon attempted to revive the system, appointing a military governor for each region. The Biafran civil war erupted in 1967 when the military governor of the Eastern Region, Lt. Col. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu announced the seccession of the Eastern Region and proclaimed its independence as the ‘Republic of Biafra’ on May 30 of the same year. As a panacea to the continuous ethnic rivalry, a disintegration of the existing regions into states was proposed.

A 12-state structure came into effect in April 1968 and after the cease-fire in January 1970, East Central State was reintegrated into Nigeria. The military rule continued under Gowon till 1975 when he over thrown by Gen Muritala Muhammed. This trend continued until an unsuccessful coup got rid of Muritala, leaving Gen Olusegun Obasanjo his assistant to mount the saddle of leadership, and led the country to a civilian rule about 13 years after military rule in 1979.

This era marked the end of regionalism in Nigeria and the commencement of State based political delimitation of Nigeria.

A new constitution was drafted, recommending the creation of a federal system of government with an executive presidency; a moratorium on the creation of further states- the number of which had been increased by seven to 19 in March of that year; creation of genuinely national political parties; the holding of free and fair elections; and the transfer of federal capital from Lagos to Abuja. The new constitution was produced in 1978 and promulgated by the SMC in September. It envisaged an executive presidency and a separation of powers between executive, legislative and judicial branches of government.

The new constitution ushered in the second republic spanning the period 1979-83. Prior to this republic, five approved parties contested the elections, namely the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) led by Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the National Party of Nigeria (NPN), led Alhaji Shehu Shagari as it standard bearer and eventual President of Nigeria. No thanks to the 12 2/3 magic. The others were the People’s Redemption Party (PRP), the northern based opposition to the NPN under the leadership Alhaji Aminu Kano, the Nigerian People’s Party (NPP) with Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe as its presidential candidate and the Greater Nigeria People’s Party (GNPP) led by Alhaji Waziri Ibrahim.

To be continued

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2012

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THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2012

TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2012

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POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG) is presenting “Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN)” in Lagos today.

Deputy Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU highlights elements of the road map for the region’s development.

•Governors: Fayemi (Ekiti), Mimiko (Ondo), Ajimobi (Oyo), Amosun (Ogun) and Aregbesola (Osun)

Budgetary re-direction

ARG: How to fast-track Southwest’s growth S OUTHWEST is waking up from slumbers. Three weeks after its six governors, experts, professionals and other stakeholders revolved to pursue the region’s integration agenda, the Afenifere Renewal Group is lending support to the initiative with the public presentation of the “Development Agenda for Western Nigeria” today in Lagos. The cultural, socio-economic and political blue print is, perhaps, the first conscious attempt at evolving a development framework for the zone in the postAwolowo era.

Expected at the Lagos City Hall, venue of the presentation, are traditional rulers, academics, captains of industry, leaders of commerce, politicians, government officials and other stakeholders.

ARG leader Olawale Oshun, who briefed reporters in Lagos at the weekend, observed that the region, which was widely acknowledged as a model for other zones in the country, had lost its glory and slipped in the march of development. The former Chief Whip of the House of Representatives doubted if the region could regain its towering stature and secure progress for the Yoruba under the current lopsided federal arrangement.

With Oshun at the briefing were other chieftains, including the National Secretary, Ayo Afolabi, Publicity Secretary Kunle Famoriyo, Planning Committee Chairman Dipo Famakinwa, Tokunbo Ajasin, Ademola Oyinlola, Ade Adeagbo and Toke Benson.

In his view, the gains of the past have been wiped out and the region is now a shadow of itself. “Today, our roads are bad. When our governors summoned the courage to resolve the power failure through private initiative, it was shot down by the federal government. Our young graduates are unemployed and quality of life is declining everyday”, he lamented.

Oshun said, ARG had been inundated with bitter complaints and requests for a master plan that would prevent a repeat of the past holocaust in the region. In response to this demand, he said the organisation asked the

Yoruba Academy to come up with a comprehensive development blue-print, which had been previously presented to five governors and legislative arm in the region.

However, contrary to critics of integration, the implementation of the blue-print would not herald the collapse of the six states into one administrative region. Rather, it is only meant to expose its rulers to the daunting challenges and opportunities for collaboration for progress and survival within the hostile federal climate.

The agenda is beautiful on paper. As it becomes a public document today, Southwest has thrown the challenge to other regions to thread the same path by looking inwards and building on collective effort. “We have the focus that at the end, the person that will benefit from development is the ordinary man”, Oshun emphasised, advising Southwest to take its destiny in its hand because “no federalism thrives on sharing money without productive initiatives”.

DAWN is an 80-paged book produced by Southwest egg heads. The extensive research, brainstorming sessions, and publication were not sponsored by any government. “We produced it through our sweat and blood for the progress of our region and posterity”, said Afolabi, who expressed the hope that it would become a working tool for the governors.

ARG views the region as an economic bloc.

Therefore, a regional approach to its development would be cost-effective and economically viable, especially in the areas of infrastructure, industrialisation, commerce and agriculture. In this vein, development is not an exclusive government affair. Private sector and civil societies should collaborate with government for success. As goals are set, time frames are also set. More importantly, ARG has suggested modalities for evaluating the implementation process.

Justifying the Southwest perspective on development within a federal Nigeria, ARG stated that “the concentration of legislative power and fiscal resources in the federal government sometimes at the expense of

For the Southwest to be on the fast lane to development, ARG suggested a “shift emphasis of budgets towards capital expenditure”. This has implications for governance in the region. To achieve this, there may also be the need to cut over-spending on recurrent expenditure, bloated political bureaucracy, extravagance in government, frivolous spending on unnecessary overseas travels, and adherence fo financial frugality.

Power self-sufficiency The states can strategically tap from the privatisation process of the PHCN generation and distribution entities, especially at Ikeja, Benin, Ibadan and Lagos. Independent Power Projects can also be considered for the Southwest industrial estates, tertiary institutions, teaching and general hospitals, water works, airports, government secretariats, seaports, high income residential areas, major markets and commercial centres.

•Fashola

the states and regions allows the federal government to control the pace and nature of economic development of various regions”.

In addition, the group cautioned against relying on federal allocation, pointing out that the spoils from the federal purse will always be sub-optimal and unfair. The nonimplementation of the road map may be risky. Since the states are too small to attract international funding on a large scale, they can tap from the advantage of collective bargaining for national and international funds for development.

The six states; Ondo, Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti and Lagos; are not equally endowed.

This underscores the import of comparative strength and advantage in productive activities. Development activities proposed for the states by ARG are as follows: Ekiti (Education and human capital, agriculture and Tourism), Lagos (Commerce, industries and services), Ogun(oil and gas, energy and industries), Ondo (Oil and gas, energy, agriculture (cocoa)), Osun (Tourism, agriculture (cocoa and animal husbandry) and Oyo (Agricultural vale-chain-processing, packaging and Small Scale Enterprises).

Key elements: The ARG submits that, if the framework is pursued to a logical conclusion, Southwest would migrate from “mainstreaming to region-streaming”.

Agriculture According to ARG, “policy framework should link agriculture with manufacturing, through extending agricultural value-chain to storage, processing and packaging”. The group also believes that agriculture is meaningful, if it can boost food security and employment in the states. To accomplish these, it is recommended that states should increase budgetary allocations to the sector, first by five percent, and in another three years, by 10 per cent. The group also called for the establishment of Southwest Agricultural Market Information System.

Human capital development The main thrust is that “education should be for sustainability and development”.

This, in ARG’s view, is achievable, only if it extends from mere knowledge acquisition to skill acquisition, and the skills should be relevant to industry, entrepreneurship, social values, justice and concern for the living environment.

ARG suggested that civics and basic science should be re-introduced in primary schools, adding that the civics syllabus, which should be based on Yoruba concept of Omoluabi, should promote the ideals of Yoruba heroes, including Samuel Ajayi Crowther, Obafemi Awolowo, Adekunle Fajuyi and others.

•Continued on page 46

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2012

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POLITICS ACN mobilises for Ondo governorship poll God has used Aregbesola to retire Omisore, says Rep

A

CTION Congress of Nigeria (ACN) chieftain Chief Olusegun Abraham has declared his intention to contest the next governorship election in Ondo State.

At the weekend, he was endorsed for the position by elderstateman and leader of Akoko Consultative Forum, Chief Adeyemi Falade, who urged the people to rally round him to salvage the state from the “rudderless and insensitive leadership in the state”.

Falade spoke when the aspirant visited him at Oka-Akoko. The community leader lamented that Akoko had been marginalised, urging sons and daughters to support Abraham, who he described as an accomplished entrepreneur and successful manager of human and material resources.

Falade said: “If all Akoko rally round Abraham, I am sure other indigenes of the state would follow suit because of his track record of selflessness”.

Also, in Lagos, former Power and Steel Minister Dr. Olu Agunloye, told reporters that Governor Olusegun Mimiko, who recently celebrated his third year in office, was celebrating the imminence of his ouster by ACN, adding that the coast is clear for the opposition party. However, Information Commissioner Kayode Akinmade described his submission as wishful thinking, stressing that there is no cause for panic because Mimiko’s achievements would speak for him on poll day.

The bulk of ACN aspirants are from the North District. Among them are Dr. Jayeola Ajatta, Dr. Olu Agunloye, Mrs. Jumoke Anifowose, Awodeyi Akinsehinwa-Apata, Dr Tunji Abayomi, and Prof. Ajayi

By Emmanuel Oladesu Deputy Political Editor

Boroffice. Other contestants, include Saka Lawal, Sola Iji, Gbenga Abraham, Rotimi Akeredolu, Wale Akinterinwa, Segun Ojo, Olorunnimbe Farunkanmi,Jamiu Ekungba, and Tayo Alasoadura. In the last two weeks, they have been unfolding their aspiration to rule the state. The undisputed LP candidate is the incumbent, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, who is seeking a second term.

Currently, ACN aspirants are indulged in self-projection. Observers point out that more efforts should have been devoted into solidifying party structures, especially at the grassroots. The end result is that personal structures are more potent than party machinery and party leadership is weakened because top echelons are also neck-deep in the governorship race. It is believed that the option of consensus candidacy, if adopted, would make the platform overcome the challenges associated with multiplicity of aspirants.

Agunloye, who is touring the wards in the state, said: “Ondo is better administered under the ACN. The wind of change is blowing across the Southwest and the state should not be left behind”. His posters adorn major streets across the state. But, in the Akoko axis alone, his ambition is being opposed by four aspirants; Abraham, Ajatta, Boroffice and Abayomi.

Addressing party supporters in Akure, 73-year-old Ajatta, said: “Contrary to what people thought impossible, I will defeat the incumbent governor, Olusegun Mimiko, and form a new government that will move the state forward next year”.

He said that his age is not a bar-

rier, recalling that Ondo State has fared better under septuagenarian governors; Adekunle Ajasin and Adebayo Adefarati, adding that only ACN governor can properly deploy the resources of the state to its development.

Ajatta promised to fight the infrastructure battle at the grassroots by tarring roads, building hospitals, and schools. He also said that he would restore public accountability and halt the one man show in public administration.

Another aspirant, Felix Rawa, who is from Ilaje council, said, since ACN is challenging LP, the end has come for the structure relied upon by the governor. He added: “If AC had not supported Mimiko against Agagu, he would not have become governor. Now that ACN is contesting against LP, the coast is clear.

Mimiko should pack and go”.

At a recent stakeholders’ meeting in Akure, Mimiko tendered an account of his stewardship, saying: “When we assumed office, I said that I would work for the people.

Then, there was a disconnect between government and people. I can say confidently now that, not only are people participating in governance, they feel that they are also part of government”.

In the pictorial presentation of his achievements, the governor took the audience through the process of governance, especially the implementation of his 12-point programme, which he codenamed “Caring Heart”. The exposition covered agriculture and food security, wealth creation. employment generation, community development, infrastructural development, rural electrification, education, health care services, housing and sports.

•From left: Head of Service of the Federation Alhaji Bello Sali, Director-General, Bureau of Public Enterprises Mr Emeka Ezeh and Vice-Chairman Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-governmental Affairs Senator Babajide Omoworare during the review of 2012 budget procurement plans for MDAS ... Abuja PHOTO ABAYOMI FAYESE

H

ONOURABLE Rotimi Makinde, who represents Ife Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives has urged Nigerians to expect positive results from the recent probe of the oil and gas sector of the economy.

Makinde told The Nation that the probe had exposed the rot in the petroleum industry that is the bedrock of the nation’s economy.

He said: “The panel wasn’t a charade, neither is it a talk-show because Nigerians both home and abroad had the opportunity to view it live, the findings and revelations were too damning and mind boggling for anyone or group of people to undermine.”

He assured that the National Assembly was doing everything within the constitutional parameter to ensure that Nigerians got a fair bargain in government policies that would entrench the right developmental programme.

The lawmaker said: “For us in this Seventh Assembly especially the leadership of the House of Representatives, we are committed to ensure that Nigeria becomes a better country in all spheres of endeavour. I can assure you that the report and its recommendations will not be swept under the carpet.”

Explaining why the local government elections in Osun State had not been held, said that the inability of the Court of Appeal to rule on the suit before it was responsible for the delay in constituting the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) without resolving the clause it was not possible to conduct election in the councils.

He said: “Governor Rauf Aregbesola is a democrat, both in secret and open. He believes in the rule of law and he has no reason to delay the local government election deliberately.

“Upon resumption, he extended his hands of fellowship to the opposition, quote me; every local government in the state has two or three councillors from the past executive in the caretaker committee.”

Makinde said: “Some of us frowned at this at the initial stage but the governor insisted we have them but we later saw sense in it to stabilize the state. I’m yet to hear of any state where the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) does things like these.”

Makinde who is the Deputy Chairman, Human Rights Committee, stresses that it will be difficult for the PDP to win any local election in Osun State at any

•Makinde

By Musa Odoshimokhe

point in time. “It is funny to see the PDP crying foul in Osun State over local government election when they left nothing in the purse but heavy debt and disorganised structure.”

He, however, maintained that all the organs of government that would ensure hitch free election must be put in place. “Let us not forget those important organs of government that must be put in place before the local election, the review of state electoral law and the formation of state electoral body etc. At any rate, I believe the state government is more determined than these vexatious enemies of the state to do just that very soon.”

On the current moves by Senator Iyiola Omisore to permeate the mainstream of the state politics, he said: “Senator Omisore is an illustrious son of Ile Ife but he will be wasting his time to continue to contest in Osun State. Even in the PDP, he is a big burden to them and I advise him to sit down and count his gains in politics at the expense of a fruitless service to the cradle of Yoruba race. God has used the likes of Ogbeni Rauf, myself and others to retire him from politics.”

Makinde explained that, in less than 100 days in office, he had introduced tricycles in Ile Ife, the first of its kind in Osun State, to ease the suffering of the people in transportation. “Similarly, I distributed items like motorcycles, crash helmets, sewing machines, hair driers, grinding machines in the House of Representatives, four areas of my constituency.”

New agenda for growth of Southwest •Continued from page 45

Other suggestions include a regional standard education inspectorate, computer education, elavation of polytechnics to degree awarding technical and technological tertiary institution, common data base for educational planning, and regional scholarship trust fund, collaborative research projects in education.

Health ARG suggests preventive approach to medicare and a system of sanitary inspection, based on persuasion and incentives, rather than punishment and sanctions.

Transportation Southwest governors should construct virgin roads, upgrade the existing ones and rehabilitate others linking them to the federal roads that leads to ports, since they have no control over the federal roads. Integrated rail transportation is also possible, if the hindrances are removed. ARG said the states can negotiate with the federal government to construct rail lines in the zone. It stressed: “A rail link from Benin City to Lekki Lagoon is a distance of 100150 km. This will open up a tremendous amount of commercial activity with the eastern part of the country, reduce the pressure on the Lagos-Ore-Benin Road.

Furthermore, it will open up the

bitumen area of Ogun and Ondo States. This loop, to be completed by the development of inland waterways, through the Lekki Lagoon to Badagry, will turn the Epe axis to a major passenger and goods terminal with tremendous commercial benefits”.

Housing and urban development Southwest, says ARG, should establish a “Southwest Mortgage and urban Development Bank, which will be a secondary mortgage bank, to assist home owners, developers, primary mortgage companies and savings and loans operators to access funds for their housing development. The group also said that “the idea of

the development of a “Rural Integrated Development Authority for the region is long overdue”.

Security and law enforcement ARG suggests that “community policing and neighbourhood watch capacity in the Southwest should be strengthened, beginning with raising of awareness in schools”. It therefore, asked legislators to push for laws that would back state and community police.

Culture and Tourism ARG advocates the establishment of Culture Board of Western Nigeria to coordinate the tourism activities and make the sector income yielding to respective states.

Governance reforms Southwest government should shun avarice, graft, corruption and other vices. According to ARG, inclusive governance, accountability and focused policy with constant measurement would foster administrative efficiency in the region.

Conflict management Four building blocks were suggested. They are the establishment or reactivation of the Public Complaints Commission/ Office of ombudsman, Regional Early Warning Centre, apolitical Council of Elders, and Peace Education at all educational levels. To ARG, these would encourage home-grown conflict management in the zone.

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2012

47

MOTORING

ESTMA to instil sanity on Ekiti roads says Fayemi

E

KITI State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, has said the newly inaugurated Ekiti State Traffic Management Agency (ESTMA) would ensure sanity on the roads.

Speaking at the training for the traffic officials at Ise-Orun National Youth Permanent Orientation camp, Fayemi said the field officers would enforce discipline on the roads.

He said the 300 traffic officers are expected to ensure commuters comply with traffic rules and regulations so as to prevent cases of road accidents.

The governor, who described the agency as “an agent of the rule of law, a guard, shepherd, conductor, teacher, manager and above all the image of the government” challenged them to increase the effectiveness of traffic management and control for efficient transport service.

He said the traffic situation of the state could be harnessed to improve the socio-economic development and positively impart on the lives of the people.

From Sulaiman Salawudeen Ado-Ekiti

“The various activities and lectures you have been exposed to are necessary to prepare and equip you for the herculean task ahead. They are for the purpose of controlling traffic and enforc-

ing state and national laws that govern the safe use of vehicles on roads in Ekiti State, deterring and apprehending road offenders, conducting highly visible day and night traffic patrols to ensure traffic regulations and reducing severity of road accidents,” he said.

While urging them to be patriotic, committed, loyal and to show genuine concern for road users, Fayemi advised them to brace up because the burden of ensuring effective traffic management and control was on their shoulders.

ESTMA General Manager, Mr Charles Fasuba, said the field offic-

ers would begin work in Ado Ekiti, the state capital, on Wednesday to attend to the heavy traffic jam while others would be deployed to Ikere and Omuo, which are gateway towns in the state.

Fasuba added that within the next 21 days, the agency would have rid the state of traffic problems which it now faces.

LASTMA warns motorists driving against traffic

T

HE Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has warned motorists, most especially the ones plying Oshodi\Apapa Expressway to desist from driving (one-way) or face the wrath of the law.

LASTMA General Manager Mr Babatunde Edu reiterated the commitment of the agency to bring sanity back to the corridor and also ensure safety of lives and property of innocent Lagosians.

He said the construction work going on at the Apapa\Oshodi Expressway does not give way to driving aginst traffic as it endangers the lives of other road users.

He said commercial buses and mo-

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

torcycles in their bid to gain more out of the commuters attract them by calling “Oshodi one-way” thereby embarking on this undesirable act.

Edu said officials of LASTMA have been positioned to man the axis in collaboration with other security formations so as to ensure safety.

The measure, Edu said, is to restore sanity and curb the tide of indiscipline among the drivers plying the route.

He appealed to the leaders of the Lord Chosen Church to warn their congregation to obey traffic regulations whenever they are attending church.

“They are in the habit of driving against traffic from Amuwo by-pass

to Cele. This act does not portray the teachings of God,” he said.

FRSC boss warns officers against taking bribes

T

HE new Sector Commander of Jigawa Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mallam Umar Liman, has warned officers and men of the command to desist from accepting gratifications.

Liman, who gave the warning in a chat with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) lastThursday in Dutse said the sector, under his command, would not condone any act of indiscipline.

He said any officer caught extorting money from road users for offences committed would face the

wrath of the law.

“I have to make it clear, anyone who indulges in such a thing, will have his appointment terminated,” he said.

Liman said the officers received salaries and allowances as and when due, therefore there was no justification to collect bribes.

He urged the general public not to give bribe, saying any traffic offender is expected to be fined and that payment was made through the banks.

According to him, whoever gives bribe to officers will also be arrested as a culprit.

NURTW: Group affirms Tokyo’s dated July 27, 2010.” leadership “For the avoidance of doubt, the

A

SOCIO-CULTURAL organisation, the Human Rights Global Mission, has called on the Oyo State Governor, Senator Isiaka Abiola Ajimobi and the public to disregard a media publication purportedly disclaiming the court-reinstated Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in the state, Alhaji Lateef Akinsola a.k.a. Tokyo.

The group stated in a statement signed by its Co-ordinator, Hon. Sunday Adedeji, “the purported dismissal of Alhaji Lateef Akinsola has been overruled in the landmark judgment of the National Industrial Court in Suit No. NIC/LA/IM/2009

•Glo Ambassador Ego Ogbaro (left) assisting an auto technician Akeem Akinola to change the oil of a vehicle PHOTO: NIYI ADENIRAN

Conoil re-packages lubricant

C

ONOIL Plc has re-packaged its lubricant to give customers more value for their money.

The lubricant, Quatro Ultra now comes with a Globacom recharge card of various denominations.

Speaking at the presentation of the lubricant to automobile technicians in Lagos, Conoil Head, Retail Lubricants, Ajay Pandev Ajay, described Quatro Ultra as the best worldwide.

Ajay said the oil could last 15, 000 miles before replacing it.

Rather than causing damage to the vehicle, he boasted that it will

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

elongate its life span.

He urged automobile technicians to help publicise the product.

Ajay described the purchase of Quatro Ultra as a win-win situation.

“Once you buy the lubricant, you are a winner. It is a quality product with value for your money which also comes with a recharge card. You cannot get this kind of offer anywhere. The Quatro Ultra has also undergone improvement and modification for the upkeep of your vehicle,” he said.

Head, Technical Services and Product Development, Mr Yinka Adejumo said the company has produced oil that meets the highest requirement of engines.

Adejumo said the lubricant will help conserve fuel and possessed detergent that will clean up carbon generated from the burning cylinder.

“The lubricant also has anti-wear to prevent smoking and protect our environment from the flames oozing out of the vehicles,” he said.

He urged mechanics not to apply any treatment on the oil noting that it has guaranty protection for the engine.

NIC ruling specifically declared that there is nowhere in the NURTW Constitution that makes provision empowering the National body to dissolve a State Council or appoint an Acting Chairman in that regard, and Articles 14(2) (iii) and 17(2)(xv) of the Union are very clear on this,” Adedeji said.

While advising the authors of the malicious media publication to abide with the NIC judgment which had long nullified the purported removal from office of Alhaji Lateef Akinsola, the group insisted that “only the Rule of Law and social justice can guarantee the much-needed peace and equity in the transport workers union.”

Lagos Motor Fair: Opportunities visitors to maximise the benefits await participants and that they derive from the fair. This

T

HE Seventh Lagos Motor Fair has been packaged to ensure that participants and visitors will maximise the benefits and potentials in the nation’s automotive sector.

The Chairman, Organising Committe, Mr Ifeanyichukwu Agwu disclosed this. He said it would fasttrack development of the sector and ensure that the attendant benefits of such rapid developments are fully tapped and unleashed into the economy.

Agwu, said all strategies have been deployed to ensure that the fair receives the needed attention from participants, professionals and individual buyers as well as visitors.

“We have packaged a show that could effectively be used by the participants

edition will bring out all the potentials and investment opportunities that abound in the automobile industry, which we know are very attractive so that existing and potential stakeholders will utilise the opportunities offered by the fair,” he said.

“Strategically, we are laying emphasis on the spare parts sector in this edition. This is as a result of our guided intention to enhance the development of cottage industries in the spare parts sub-sector with the attendant multiplier effects on the economy,” he added.

Agwu said the target is to attract many reputable manufacturers of spare parts from across the globe to participate in this edition as well as in subsequent ones.

DRIVING TIPS

Aftermath of fuel subsidy strike (2)

W

ITH this expected boom in the population, it is now expedient for the governments at all levels to open up more roads and expand the existing ones in anticipation of an increase in the number of vehicles that will be used in Nigeria every passing year. Governments must be proactive in their planning and Executive actions.

Palliative measures: The palliative measures of the Government are beautiful plans but it seems the cart was put before the horse.

The provision of thousands of buses for transportation is a good step but where are the roads that the buses will ply without incurring more maintenance costs than envisaged? In my own opinion, the government should ensure good roads to ensure a balanced palliative measure on transportation.

Reckless driving: During the strike action, I saw all manner of reckless driving , a few of which resulted to loss of lives at Ketu, Ajah and several other places.

I saw a Volkswagen Transporter

bus with not less than 10 people hanging on different part of the bus, moving in top speed. What would have happened if there was a sudden tyre blowout? No matter the situation, every driver must be safety conscious, life has no duplicate.

Stealing by hoodlums and security surveillance: There were reports that hoodlums hijacked the strike action to pick pockets and broke into shops to steal among other criminal activities. A group carried 9 cartons of fish from a vehicle.

Governments must always be security-conscious and invest heavily in the purchase of the right ammunition for the police and other law enforcement agents.

They must also be given the right training in security, surveillance and counter-surveillance.

There were reported cases of some policemen that fired defenseless civilians killing and maiming them.

Every policeman must skills and the use of their weapons.

•To be continued next week

Jide Owatunmise

48

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2012

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EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE

Vitafoam modifies business model to enhance returns

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 5-5-12

ITAFOAM Nigeria Plc is modifying its business model to overcome prevailing operating challenges and enhance returns to shareholders, the board of the company has said.

Chairman of the company, Mr Samuel Bolarinde disclosed this yesterday at the company’s annual general meeting (AGM), held at the Sheraton Hotel and Towers in Lagos.

He said the company recorded a turnover of N14 billion compared with N10 billion in the same period of the preceding year and posted a profit after tax of N673 million as against N526 million declared in the previous year.

The chairman said the company recorded a healthy growth in turnover but a rather modest performance in profitability.

According to him, the main challenge that confronted by the company was the astronomical increase in the cost of its raw materials as well as other operational costs that could not be passed on to the consumer.

“I want to assure you all that our business model is being modified to overcome all prevailing challenges

V

•Market opens with marginal gains

By Taofik Salako, Toba Agboola and Tonia Osundolire

with the hope of improving further the company’s profitability in the coming years,” Bolarinde assured investors.

On the investment in the Vono Products Plc, he said the turnaround process of the latter is going on as planned.

“I am happy to report that the initial stages of repositioning the company are nearing completion. The factory operations are now running smoothly with regular output of products of acceptable standard into the market. A formidable management team has been assembled at Vono and a highly motivated workforce is already positioned. We can now expect am impressive performance from that company in the future,” Bolarinde said.

He said the set up of insulation manufacturing and contracting company, Vitapur Nigeria Limited, is nearing completion. He said it has taken a little over a year to procure and install required factory equipment.

Based upon the result of Vitafoam, the chairman

said the Board of Directors is recommending to the shareholders a dividend payment of N245million representing 30 kobo per share.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian stock market opened this week on a cautious optimism with the average benchmark index at the market rising by 0.13 per cent.

The All Share Index (ASI), the main index that tracks all quoted equities, rose from 20,592.02 points to close at 20,619.05 points. Aggregate market capitalisation of all equities also appreciated to N6.498 trillion as against its opening index of N6.490 trillion.

With two gainers to a loser, the market was overtly bullish although losses suffered by highly capitalised stocks such as Dangote Cement and Zenith Bank dampened the overall market situation.

Flour Mills of Nigeria led the advancers with a gain of N2.74 to close at N57.61.

Lafarge Wapco Cement Nigeria followed with a gain of N1.15 to close at N41 while Julius Berger Nigeria rose

by N1.07 to close at N22.62 per share.

Dangote Cement topped the losers’ list with a loss of N1.75 to close at N108.50 per share. Berger Paints dropped by 41 kobo to close at N7.85 while UAC of Nigeria and Red Star Express lost 11 kobo each to close at N29.03 and N2.39 respectively.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 5-3-12

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2012

55

MONEY LINK

Cash-less: Banks intensify e-products campaign Stories by Collins Nweze

T

HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) moderated cash-less banking initiative has given banks opportunity not only to fortify their infrastructure, but create awareness for the e-products. Banks are increasing their budget for product development to accommodate changes that will come with new cash policy, The Nation has leant.

Advertisements portraying banks’ products and services that will meet customers’ e-payment needs are now regular occurrences.

Already banks like First Bank Nigeria, Sterling Bank Plc, FinBank Plc, United Bank for Africa, Access Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank, Wema Bank, Dia-

mond Bank and Mainstreet Bank among others have developed tested and viable products/services tailored towards effective management of cashless banking.

For instance, at First Bank Nigeria Plc, the First Pay, a web-based payment platform designed and developed to allow its clients directly effect payment instructions from their offices online real time in a very secured and efficient manner is provided.

Sterling Bank Plc is also offering its rich bouquet of electronic products and payment solutions to help customers achieve full compliance with the cashless policy. The bank said the conve-

are structured to enable customers to continue their normal transactions and operations without contravening the new policy.

FlashMeCash introduced by FinBank is a mobile payment solution designed specially to serve as a means of payment for goods and services through mobile phones and the internet. It offers the ability to make payments to third parties through the mobile phone or the internet using a virtual account.

Money transfer, voucher purchase, bill payment and e-Network are some of those services.

Wema Bank equally unveiled the Cash on the Go in which all the beneficiary needs to have is information that will be received from two sources. The transaction amount and a system generated reference code are received by SMS. An

nience, security and efficiency of the echannel products and services would ease any initial policy constraint and ensure that customers have seamless compliance with the new policy.

It said with electronic payment solutions and products such as Sterling Point of Sale (POS), Sterling Naira Visa Card, Sterling Mobile, Sterling Verve Card, Internet banking, Sterling Webpay and others, customers would be able to carry out basic banking transactions electronically in the comfort of their homes, offices and anywhere using the various electronic channels.

According to the Bank’s Group Head of e-business, Fatai Amoo, all Sterling Bank’s electronic products and services

‘Banks need to invest in human capital devt’ power can handle.

The launch, which will hold in Lagos on March 14, and in Abuja in April 26 attract human resources executives and captains of industries, officials of government, ministries, department and parastatals.

Osa-Oboh said that the product recognises that in today’s world, people are drowning in email, overwhelmed with demands, and trying to do more with less.

The solutions therefore inspire participants to apply a process that

B

ANKS have been advised to in-vest massively in human capital development in preparation for the major boom being expected in the sector.

The Chief Responsibility Officer, Restral Limited, a research, strategy and leadership firm, Uwa Osa-Oboh disclosed this during the pre-launch press briefing on a new FranklinCovey training product called ‘The 5 Choices to extraordinary productivity’.

The product is targeted at equipping banks’ workforce and workers of other critical sectors of the economy such as oil and gas, with the requisite skills for optimum productivity.

She said that as mergers and acquisitions take root in the banking sector, banks need to strengthen their manpower to meet up with emerging challenges.

She said the reforms is building banks that are pretty solid and that the ones that survive will face strategic issues that only quality man-

dramatically increases their ability to achieve life’s most important outcomes. “Supported by science and years of experience, this solution not only produces a measurable increase in productivity, but also provides a renewed sense of engagement and accomplishment,” she said.

Osa-Oboh said that organisations that fail to train their work force will find it difficult competing and surviving in today’s business environment.

F

T

HE Blair Elumelu Fellowship Programme is to be launched in Freetown, Sierra Leone on March 6, 2012. The foundation aims to strengthen the private sector’s role in the economic transformation of select African countries starting with Liberia and Sierra Leone.

A statement from the foundation

position to implement the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) cash policy, an initiative aimed at reducing the amount of cash used in transactions in Nigeria, starting with Lagos, which has the bulk of commercial transactions in the country.

According to the Executive

Director, Risk Management, Mrs Onome Olaolu, the entire Credit Process of the bank has since gone live with Corporate Banking, lending branches in Lagos, South-West, South-East and South-South Banks while branches in the northern part of the country took off yesterday.

FGN BONDS Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

19-05-2014 18-05-2016 19-05-2016

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM Amount

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

OBB Rate Call Rate

7.9-10% 10-11%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2011 “ 14-04-2011

O/PRICE

FLOURMILL ASHAKACEM JBERGER CCNN RTBRISCOE ETERNAOIL UBA AIRSERVICE IKEJAHOTEL FIDELITYBK

54.87 10.07 21.55 4.65 1.23 3.90 2.98 1.54 1.60 1.38

Current Before

C/PRICE

CHANGE

57.61 10.57 22.62 4.88 1.29 4.09 3.12 1.61 1.67 1.44

2.74 0.50 1.07 0.23 0.06 0.19 0.14 0.07 0.07 0.06

SYMBOL

O/PRICE

C/PRICE

CHANGE

7,85 1.62 2.39 0.50 1.52 3.30 13.82 108.50 4.10 2.55

0.41 0.08 0.11 0.02 0.06 0.07 0.23 1.75 0.05 0.02

Date

450m

452.7m

450m

150.8

08-8-11

250m 400m

313.5m 443m

250m 400m

150.8 150.7

03-8-11 01-8-11

147.6000

149.7100

150.7100

-2.11

NGN GBP

239.4810

244.0123

245.6422

-2.57

NGN EUR

212.4997

207.9023

209.2910

-1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

(S/N) Bureau de Change 152.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

NSE CAP Index

27-10-11 N6.5236tr 20,607.37

28-10-11 N6.617tr 20,903.16

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N)

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

153.0000

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

Aug ’11

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

8.75%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate Inflation Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 9.4%

Offer Price

Bid Price

9.17 1.00 120.93 98.43 0.76 1.04 0.88 1,642.73 8.24 1.39 1.87 7,276.62 193.00

9.08 1.00 120.79 97.65 0.73 1.04 0.87 1,635.25 7.84 1.33 1.80 7,088.65 191.08

ARM AGGRESSIVE KAKAWA GUARANTEED STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND THE LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL BGL SAPPHIRE FUND BGL NUBIAN FUND NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY THE DISCOVERY FUND • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED • STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE

LOSER AS AT 5-3-12

BERGER 8.26 BAGCO 1.70 REDSTAREX 2.50 WAPIC 0.52 CUSTODYINS 1.58 UPL 3.37 ZENITHBANK 14.05 DANGCEM 110.25 DANGFLOUR 4.15 DIAMONDBNK 2.57

Rate (N)

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

NGN USD

Parallel Market SYMBOL

Exchange

Sold ($)

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Year Start Offer

(S/N)

GAINERS AS AT 5-3-12

Amount

EXHANGE RATE 26-08-11 Currency

INTERBANK RATES

Amount

Offered ($) Demanded ($)

MANAGED FUNDS

NIDF NESF

said it is meant to develop the capacity of their governments to enhance competitiveness and attract and nurture private investment and move beyond aid.

The Fellowship, a partnership between Tony Blair’s Africa Governance Initiative and The Tony Elumelu Foundation, offers a unique new model for economic transformation in Africa, bringing together the best of innovative European government delivery models with the best of African private sector acumen and execution.

The Blair Elumelu Fellows will focus on developing private sector expertise and capacity at the centre of government, helping to develop policies aimed at improving the business climate. The programme will put an international spotlight on the ability of African governments to create policies that spur business investment and to dismantle roadblocks that have stymied economic development.

DATA BANK

Tenor

Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

access code selected during the transfer by the sender and known to the sender alone will be communicated by the sender to the receiver of the money.

Blair Elumelu Fellowship Programme launch coming

Fidelity deploys credit tool to branches IDELITY Bank Plc has fully automated its operations and the entire credit process system in all its branches in the country with the deployment of Credit Quest software. A statement from the bank said this development has put the bank in a vintage

•GMD Sterling Bank, Yemi Adeola

• AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

Rate (Previous) 24 Aug, 2011 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Rate (Currency) 26, Aug, 2011 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK Previous

Current

04 July, 2011

07, Aug, 2011

Bank

8.5000

8.5000

P/Court

8.0833

8.0833

Movement

56

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2012

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2012

57

FOREIGN

NEWS

Anti-Putin protesters arrested at rally

Supreme Court: Elechi, Ucha to know fate today T

O

PPONENTS of Vladimir Putin are gathering in Moscow for a mass protest after his disputed victory, with reports of arrests both in the capital and in St Petersburg.

The news agency AFP reports that Eduard Limonov, an opposition leader of the Other Russia movement and 50 of his supporters were arrested at a demonstration outside the central election commission in Moscow.

Meanwhile, in Russia’s second city of St Petersburg, police have reportedly arrested dozens of protesters from a demonstration of about 1,500 people, including local deputies from the liberal Yabloko party.

Opposition leaders have accused the authorities of widespread fraud and claim many people were allowed to cast multiple votes.

But speaking at a rally attended by tens of thousands of supporters outside the Kremlin in Moscow, an apparently tearful Mr Putin insisted it had been an “open and honest” contest.

Presidential Election Results Vladimir Putin - 63.75% Gennady Zyuganov 17.19% Mikhail Prokhorov 7.82% Vladimir Zhirinovsky - 6.23% Sergei Mironov 3.85% (with 99.3% of votes counted).

The victory party began the moment the polls closed despite the vote not being fully counted.

In freezing conditions, a crowd of around 100,000 filled the streets in the heart of the capital, waving Russian flags and cheering for their new president.

Syrians fleeing Homs accuse troops

P

EOPLE fleeing the central Syrian city of Homs have told the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) that security forces are committing atrocities there.

One woman told the BBC’s Paul Wood on the outskirts of Homs that soldiers had slit the throat of her 12-year-old son on Friday - a day after rebel fighters withdrew from the Baba Amr district.

She said 35 other men and boys from her area had also been detained and killed.

The government has denied the Red Cross access to Baba Amr for four consecutive days, citing security concerns.

Activists have warned of a humanitarian catastrophe.

Electricity, water and communications have been cut off, and in recent days temperatures have plummeted and snow has fallen. Food supplies are said to be dangerously low, and many people are too scared to leave.

On Thursday, government troops backed by tanks entered Baba Amr after the rebel Free Syrian Army (FSA) announced a “tactical withdrawal”.

HE Supreme Court will today deliver judgment in a suit filed by the governorship candidate of the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP), Senator Julius Ucha.

Ucha is challenging the election of Ebonyi State Governor Martin Elechi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The Ebonyo Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal and the Appeal Court sitting in Enugu had earlier upheld Elechi’s election.

Members of the Ebonyi State Executive Council and the House of Assembly, legislators, council chairmen, coordinators of development centres, Ebonyi Youth Assembly, Vanguard for

From Ogbonnaya Obinna, Abakaliki

Attitudinal Change, Ochoudo Youth League and PDP chieftains went to Abuja yesterday ahead of the judgment.

The ever-busy Government House was quiet yesterday and junior workers discussed in clusters.

Some residents praised Ucha for doggedly pursuing the case.

A businessman, Mr. Okechukwu Nwaorie, said: “For Ucha to have pursued his case doggedly without minding the amount of money it

would cost him shows that he has a good case. We believe the Supreme Court will not deny him justice.”

The Director of Enlightenment, Directorate of Attitudinal Change, Mr. Kelechi Mbam said: “Considering the enormous votes cast by the people for Elechi during the election, the governor stands a better chance.”

Some residents are anticipating that the apex court might declare a re-run. They alleged that last year’s governorship election was marred by irregularities.

Ucha’s media aide, Mr.

Emmanuel Uzor said: “We have absolute confidence in the Judiciary. Despite the seemingly miscarriages of justice at the lower tribunals, we believe God, the ultimate Judge, will give a favourable judgment in our case.

“Without pre-empting the judgment of the Supreme Court, we assure the people of Ebonyi State that their days of slavery would soon be over. We also assure them that the mandate they willingly gave to us will be pursued vigorously, in keeping with our campaign promises.

“Our supporters must remain calm. The judiciary, which is the last hope of the common man, will return our stolen mandate.”

Obi urges World Bank to hasten erosion projects A

NAMBRA State Governor Peter Obi has appealed to the World Bank to hasten work on erosion sites in the Southeast.

He spoke yesterday during a meeting with the World Bank team, led by the Country Director, Marie Francaise Marie-Nelly.

Obi was accompanied to the meeting by the Commissioner for Planning, Prof. Stella Okunna, whose office oversees the relationship with International agencies, and the Permanent Secretary in charge of theAbuja office, Dr. Beatrice Okonkwo.

The governor thanked

the Federal Government and international organisations for collaboration with the governments in the Southeast to curb erosion.

He said the zone is the worst hit by erosion in subSaharan Africa and was optimistic that the intervention by the World Bank would make things better.

To speed up work at erosion sites, Obi urged the bank to give the contractors money directly, instead of going through governments.

Senior Environmental Specialist at the World Bank

Dr. Amos Abu said the World Bank team is at the appraisal level and would soon move to the implementation stage.

Mr. Alain Gaugris, a statistician with the World Bank, said Anambra is the first state that came up with a Statistics Master Plan for the State. T The Sector Head, African Region, Mrs. Idah Pswarayi Riddihough announced the $1 million grant for Onitsha city to develop its own Urban Storm Water Master Plan from the Climate Change funds.

She said it was in recog-

T

•Slams Abia on dissolution ‘The constitution should be amended to strengthen the operational and financial independence of electoral bodies at the state level to extricate them from the suffocating dominance and control of governors and allow for free, fair and peaceful elections at the grassroots’ move by the National Assembly to amend relevant sections of the Constitution to compel the periodic conduct of democratic elections in local governments.

HURIWA said: “The constitution should be amended to strengthen the operational and financial independence of electoral bodies at the state level to extricate them from the suffocating domi-

nance and control of governors and allow for free, fair and peaceful elections at the grassroots.”

It called for the creation of an independent commission to monitor operations of local governments, maintain their constitutional independence and save them from interference from state or federal political leaders.

HURIWA said: “We are

•Okorocha

I

MO State Governor Rochas Okorocha yesterday thanked God for

his victory at the Supreme Court in a suit filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) .

The PDP was challenging Okorocha’s election.

The governor described his victory as “a spiritual battle that has ushered in illuminating light in the state.”

Addressing Imo indigenes at the government House shortly after he arrived from

Abuja, Okorocha said with hisvictory at the Supreme Court, the days of darkness in the Eastern Heartland have ended.

With intermittent songs of praise to God, the governor regretted what he described as “the period of senseless litigation that slowed the f progress in the state.”

He promised residents that he would make up for the time wasted.

The governor was wel-

THE Abia State Government has condemned comments credited to the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) that the administration of Governor Theodore Orji has failed .

In a statement, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Ugochukwu Emezue, said the claims by APGA that Aba roads have been abandoned and there is no infrastructural development in the commercial city is a figment of their imagination.

Emezue said: “The governor is investing heavily in Aba than any other area in the state because of the importance of the city to the state and the country.

“Orji has spent over N5 billion on road construction and rehabilitation in Aba alone.”

SULEIMON

•Obi

nition of Obi’s concern for the environment.

The World Bank Country Director assured that she would ensure that the projects are properly executed.

shocked that the local government administration in Nigeria, over the past decade, has suffered spectacular oppression in the hands of governors, who have transformed themselves into political tin-gods and have made it a point of duty to always appoint their stooges to run the local government areas like ‘Colonial District officers’ at the whims and caprices of the appointing authority.”

Citing Section 7(1) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, HURIWA said the law recommends that the system of local government by democratically elected councils is sacrosanct.

It urged the National Assembly to amend the relevant sections of the constitution to make it an impeachable offense for state governments to fail to respect the law.

Okorocha celebrates court victory From Emma Mgbeahurike, Owerri

From Ugochukwu Eke, Umuahia

PUBLIC NOTICE CHANGE - -OF - -NAME

HURIWA faults Southeast governors on councils HE Human Rights Writers’ Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has accused Southeast governors of undermining democracy and the rule of law at the grassroots.

HURIWA criticised Abia State Governor Theodore Orji for “unilaterally” and “arbitrarily” sacking local government chairmen “because he was booed by citizens in Aba during a pre-funeral event for the late Chief Chukwuemeka OdumegwuOjukwu.”

It described Orji’s action as “a rape of the democratic tenets of free speech” and “an illegal and unconstitutional conduct.”

In a statement by the National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko and the National Media Director, Miss. Zainab Yusuf, the group supported the

‘Abia govt is working’

comed at the airport by party supporters, including market women, traders and pupils.

He urged the people to support and pray for his administration.

His deputy, Sir Jude Agbaso; the governor’s wife, Nkechi; Chairman of the State Council of Traditional Rulers Eze Sam Ohiri and top government functionaries thanked God for Elechi’s victory.

I formerly known and addressed as SULEIMON ADEYINKA KAFILAT now wish to be known and address as PRINCESS ABASS TIWALADE ADEYINKA. All former document remain valid NYSC, TASUED, WAEC and general public note

COLE I formerly known and addressed as MISS COLE YEWANDE MODUPEOLA now wish to be known and address as MRS M O M O H Y E WA N D E MODUPEOLA. All former documents remain the same. General public take note.

ODUWOLE I formerly known and addressed as MISS ODUWOLE IMISIOLUWA COMFORT now wish to be known and address as MRS AMURE IMISIOLUWA COMFORT. All former document remain valid NYSC and general public note

AKINYEMI I formerly known and addressed as MISS AKINYEMI ADEYINKA TAOJAT now wish to be known and address as MRS JOHNSON ADEYINKA TAOJAT. All former document remain valid general public note.

IKEBUDU I formerly known and addressed as MISS IKEBUDU IMMACULETA OLUCHI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS IMMACULETA OLUCHI AMAH. All former documents remain valid. UBA Bank, NYSC and general public should please take note.

WOSA I formerly known and addressed as MISS OGECHI WOSA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OGECHI JOB WONNACHIOMA. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

JAMES I formerly known and addressed as MISS BLESSING JAMES, now wish to be known and address as MRS. BLESSING ABRAHAM. All former documents remain valid.

NYSC and the general public please take note.

JOSEPH I, formerly JOSEPH DAMILOLA now which to be known and addressed as IBRAMOH DAMILOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OKUBOYEJO I, formerly MISS YETUNDE ADENIKE OKUBOYEJO now which to be known and addressed as MRS OMOGORO USIWO SALVATION. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT This is to notify the general public that the building certificate of occupancy dated on 8th June 1960 and registered as No. 33 at page 33 in volume 238 of Lands Registry in Enugu is missing.

General public take note.

Signed: PHILIP CHIKE EZEKWE

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2012

58

NEWS

JTF kills three Boko Haram members

T

HE Joint Task Force(JTF) on Sunday night killed three Boko Haram members and arrested two in Maiduguri.

Also, another member was injured in the crossfire between the sect and the JTF. Investigation showed that the six Boko Haram members had attempted to set ablaze Lamisula Secondary School in the metropolis.

But acting on a tip off, the JTF took pre–emptive steps to prevent the arson.

A reliable source, who spoke

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja and Joseph Abiodun, Maiduguri

in confidence, said: “Of recent, Boko Haram members have been attacking schools and the development has forced the JTF to re-strategise.

“The JTF has risen to the fresh challenge and those behind attacks on schools will soon be fished out.

“On Sunday, March 4 about 22.40hrs, at Lamisula Secondary School in the Maiduguri metropolis, following intelligence report, the JTF operatives laid ambush for suspected

Boko Haram arsonists who were to set the school ablaze.

“In the process, three suspects were killed, one injured and two arrested. They had earlier been repelled at Ganam Primary School, also in the Maiduguri metropolis.

“Those arrested might be relocated to Abuja for a comprehensive investigation. It was a major breakthrough to have caught Boko Haram members in the act.”

Another source said: “Security agencies have been directed to guard all schools because Boko Haram members

‘Boko Haram is threat to Nigeria’s economy’ From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

W •President Jonathan

do not want pupils to attend schools.

“We know that the sect is trying to intimidate the public and show that the state is unsafe. Yet, the situation on ground is completely different.”

Two officers killed at police chief’s home

G

UNMEN suspected to be members of the Boko Haram yesterday killed two policemen at the home of the Imo State Commissioner of Police Ginjiri Abubakar, at the Dorayi quarters, Kano. Two others were injured.

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

Eyewitness account said five people died, including the two policemen, but the police confirmed two dead and two injured. The injured policemen have been taken to a Kano hospital.

The incident, which occurred about 1:30 pm, caused panic among residents.

A statement by the Police Command confirmed the incident, saying the assailants came on a motorcycle.

Yesterday’s incident brought to four the number of

security personnel that have been killed within one week by suspected members of the Boko Haram.

A police officer and a soldier were killed in a similar circumstance by Boko Haram men, who carted away their rifles.

ORLD Bank Vice–President (Africa), Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, yesterday expressed worry over the growing insecurity of lives and property in Ni-

geria caused by the Boko Haram, and warned that if the sect was not checked, its activities could threaten the nation’s ability to compete effectively in the global economy.

Ezekwesili advised the government to pay attention to the challenges posed by the sect not only to the economy, but also to the stability of the society without which the economic growth of the country cannot be guaranteed.

The former Minister of Education spoke with reporters in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, shortly after delivering her key note address during the launch of the “Feed Africa Programme” of the Centre for Human Security; an arm of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library.

The launch of “Feed Africa” yesterday formed a part of the activities that marked the 75th birthday celebration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

She noted that food security, which was one of the issues discussed at Obasanjo’s 75th birthday, gave an insight into how a nation could ensure human security through food security and why a disconnect between the two could threaten the environment and economy.

Her words: “Security issue is part of the human security we are discussing. The stability of an environment matters a lot to an economic growth.”

“Insecurity makes a country not competitive in a global economy. So, tackling insecurity with every aspect of policies, with every partnership and collaboration, are also keys to dealing with the issue (Boko Haram).”

She expressed shock that in the 21st century, Nigeria is still pre–occupied with debates on the appropriate sharing arrangement for oil revenue and non-renewable natural endowment as though oil wealth translates to development in a nation.

Appeal Court okays Ahmed as PDP candidate From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

T

HE Court of Appeal sitting in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, yesterday dismissed an appeal challenging the 2011 primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that chose Alhaji AbdulFatah Ahmed as the party’s governorship candidate.

The court described the appeal as “unmeritorious” and dismissed it for want of legality.

Factional leader of the party, Chief Samuel Adedayo, had approached the court to upturn the judgment of the Ilorin Federal High Court, which declared his executive’s parallel congress illegal.

His congress produced Mr. Bashir Bolarinwa as the governorship candidate.

He said the party’s executive, under his leadership, was the authentic one, adding that its primary election should be upheld.

Sambo’s, Umar’s, Marwa’s homes may not be demolished From: Tony Akowe, Kaduna

T

HE houses of Vice-President Namadi Sambo, former Kaduna State governor, Col. Abubakar Dangiwa Umar and former Lagos State governor, Mohammed Buba Marwa, may not be demolished, as the access road that passed through the area has been diverted to another area.

Access roads are being constructed to link the Kaduna bridge, which is nearing completion.

Kwara Chief Judge resumes work

T

HE sacked but reinstated Chief Judge of Kwara State, Justice Raliat Elelu-Habeeb, yesterday officially resumed.

The Supreme Court about two and a half weeks ago ordered the reinstatement of the CJ sacked in October 2009 over

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

alleged high-handedness. But judicial workers under the aegis of the Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) for two weeks protested against her resumption and stopped her from entering office.

Ex-Benue lawmaker escapes death From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

T

HE immediate past lawmaker representing Otukpo\Ohimini Federal Constituency, Nelson Alapa and some All Nigeria Peoples Party(ANPP) members yesterday in Otukpo, Benue State narrowly escaped death as they were attacked by suspected political thugs.

Alapa represented Otukpo\Ohimini Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives from 2007 to 2011 on the platform of the ANPP. The ex-lawmaker said he and his supporters were holding a meeting at the OCC Hall, Sabon Gari, Otukpo when thugs allegedly attacked them.

He alleged that they were holding a meeting to discuss the way forward for the ANPP in Benue South Senatorial District when thugs from an opposition party surrounded the venue and locked it up.

THE NATION TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2012

59

NEWS Six robbery suspects killed From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

S

IX robbery suspects were yesterday killed by the police in Rivers

State.

It was gathered that the suspects had robbed a businessman of N2.1 million.

The suspects trailed the man from a new generation bank on Olu Obasanjo Road and collected the money at gunpoint.

Sources said policemen engaged the hoodlums in a gunbattle in which six of them were killed.

N500,000, a white Toyota Hilux van, a Kia Cerato car, two AK-47 rifles with three magazines, 10 rounds of 3.8 special ammunition and two number plates were recovered.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Administration) Mrs. Diseye Nsirim, confirmed the incident.

The police boss said no policeman was killed during the confrontation.

Mrs. Nsirim described the suspects as members of a notorious gang, which had been terrorising residents.

The bodies were later displayed at the police headquarters on Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.

MTN denies service of suit

By Eric Ikhilae

C

OMMUNICATIONS giant MTN Nigeria Limited yesterday denied knowledge of a reported suit initiated against it by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State.

The company, which said it was yet to be served any processes, added that it would refrain from commenting on the case until it is properly invited.

The company’s Corporate Services Executive, Akinwale Goodluck, said MTN learnt from reports that former Osun State Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola and the PDP are seeking to revoke MTN’s licence in a suit.

Goodluck said his company did not act contrary to the terms and conditions of its operating licence with respect to the Investigative Panel (IP) set up by the National Judicial Council (NJC) over the 2010 Appeal Court furore in Osun State.

“We are constrained to speak on this issue because we are yet to be served with any court summons.

“When this is done, we will respond appropriately.

“Therefore, we take grave exception to any insinuation of unethical or improper conduct against us. “

Teenage rape victim cries out for help

By Joseph Jibueze

A LAGOS State High Court, Ikeja yesterday dismissed an application by former Bank PHB Plc Managing Director, Mr Francis Atuche seeking to quash a N4.2billion theft charge against him.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) charged him and his associate Lekan Kasali on two counts of conspiracy and stealing.

They allegedly stole over N4.2 billion belonging to the bank between November 2007 and April 2008.

Atuche, through his lawyers Mr Tony Idigbe (SAN) and Deji Sasegbon (SAN) had argued that the charge amounted to double jeopardy and abuse of court process.

He said he was facing similar charges at the Federal High Court, Lagos and before Justice Lateefa Okunnu of the state High Court.

A

FIFTEEN year-old girl, Vivian Ogbeide, who was allegedly raped in January last year, has urged authorities to prevail on the suspected rapist to accept responsibility for the product of his action—a beautiful baby girl.

Vivian, who is visually impaired, said she was raped in a bush by Sunday Idiaghe and that he abandoned her and the baby she gave birth to in October.

She told reporters yesterday in Benin that the incident took place when she was in primary five at Idinebo Primary School at Uzea in Esan South East Local Government.

Vivian said: “My parents are in the village. They are farmers. I was raped last year.

“Sunday held me in the bush and raped me. When I became pregnant, he denied it.

“We told his parents and went to the village head where he agreed that we should go for paternity test but he did not give me any money until I gave birth."

The matter was reported at the Juvenile section of the Esigie Police Station in Benin where Sunday's father, Iziudu, reportedly agreed to pay N2000 monthly, until the baby was born but he never paid the money.

Iziudu said he did not pay for the baby's upkeep because his son asked him not

‘I didn’t stop election’ From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

•Vivian with her baby From Osagie Otabor, Benin

to.

He said he opted for a blood group and genotype test because of the high cost of a DNA test but this was

refused by the police.

Iziudu, however, promised to provide funds for the DNA test next month but said he would not pay for the baby's upkeep.

The suspect denied raping the victim, despite threats of imprisonment if the DNA test proved otherwise.

The baby is yet to be given a name.

No gang-up against President, says Akpabio

A

KWA Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio yesterday said there was no gang up by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors against President Goodluck Jonathan on the issue of electing the party leadership.

Akpabio, who was at the Presidential Villa to attend the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting yesterday, described the report as mere speculations.

He said the President is the leader of the party and the governors are not against their leader.

The governors, according to reports, were said to ”be upset with the President and members of the National Working Committee

PUBLIC NOTICE DE-PINNACLES CLUB OF NIGERIA This is to inform the general public that the named club has applied under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Decree No 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES OF THE CLUB ARE: 1. KUNLE SOKOYA 2. KUNLE ADEBAYO 3. WALE AJISAFE 4. LEKAN SOYEMI -

Court dismisses Atuche’s application

PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT GEN.SEC TREASURER

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO HELP THE LESS PRIVILEGED IN THE SOCIETY 2. TO FOSTER CORDIAL RELATIONSHIP AMONG MEMBERS AND THE SOCIETY 3. TO PROVIDE A PLATFORM OF COMMON ENDEAVOUR TOWARDS THE PROGRESS AND UNITY OF THE CLUB Any objection to this registration of the association should be forwarded to the Corporate Affairs Commission, P.M.B. 198, Area II, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: GENERAL SECRETARY

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

(NWC) for denying former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva a re-election ticket.”

But Akpabio said: “No, no, I don’t believe it. They are speculations. I don’t believe that any governor would do that.

“PDP is a democratic party and as far as I am concerned the President is the leader of the party, so there is no way we, the followers, can gang up against our leader.

“As far as I am concerned, there is no issue because the President will like to see a democratic process emerge and as far as PDP is concerned, the

party recognises his leadership”.

The governor also spoke on the state funeral organised for the late Biafran leader, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu.

Akpabio noted that the celebration of Ojukwu’s death was a reminder that elected public officials must do things that will bring justice to all.

“I think it is a very good thing to happen to Nigeria.

Because it became a source of unity, a unifying factor for the country.

“The struggle he attempted was a struggle to assert self independence as a result of what he termed “marginalisation”. ”So if we don’t celebrate

such a person and what he stood for, the integrity that he stood for automatically we are trying to forget history.

“So that never again shall we have to kill one another; never again shall brothers rise against one another.

“As far as I am concerned, I am saying that there are more of Ojukwus within Nigeria today than what we have in the 1960s. ”It is important for those of us who are leaders to continue to do the right thing. “ They should continue to ensure fair play and transparency and above all to ensure that we take actions that will generate love among Nigerians.”

Rivers promises stable power by Dec

T

HE Rivers State Government has said it would provide stable power supply

by December.

The Commissioner for Power, Augustine Wokocha, who made the declaration yesterday in Port Harcourt, said the state has inaugurated the Afam Power Station in Oyigbo Local Government, which generates about 180 megawatts.

This new power station would augment the three power stations in Omoku which generates 250 megawatts; the Eleme 75 megawatts and the Trans Amadi 136 megawatts.

Wokocha said there is a matching order backed by the release of funds from the government to ensure that there is stable supply of power to the people “without any form of outage.”

His words: “An additional effort the government has made to stabilise power is

From Clarice Azuatalam, Port Harcourt

the supply of 28 substations at medium voltage levels by Schneider Electric of France.

“The substations, transformers, breakers and all that is required have been supplied by Schneider.

“Baring any unforeseen trouble by militant youths, both gas supply and the installation of the project would be completed by end of June.”

The commissioner said stable power supply would reduce the prices consumers pay and make it “cheaper than what you get from supplying power to your generators as we don’t charge for power.”

On distribution, he said the “PHCN has partnered with us on distribution until the Federal Government hands it over to private operators.”

“The state is not channelling the power it is generating to the National Grid but it is rather creating its own local grid.”

JUSTICE A. F. A. Ademola of a Federal High Court in Calabar, Cross River State, has said he did not issue any injunction stopping the February 25 governorship election in Bakassi Local Government.

Ademola said in Calabar yesterday that he issued an order on February 23 that the governorship election in Bakassi and subsequent ones be conducted in accordance with ward delineation based on the new Bakassi created pursuant to law No.7 of Cross River State House of Assembly and not based on the ward delineation as it was before the ceding of Bakassi to Cameroon.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mike Igini, referred to Section 115 of the constitution, noting that the National Assembly had not approved the alteration made by the House of Assembly.

He said the power to delineate wards was that of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) while the National Assembly has the power to adjust boundaries.

‘Lunatic’sneaks into Lagos Airport

By Kelvin Osa-Okunbor A man yesterday beat security checks at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, and gained access into the tarmac.

It was learnt that the man, whose identity could not be ascertained, broke the door of the boarding gate to access the tarmac.

It was gathered that on getting to the tarmac, he was shouting: “I want to go abroad; I want to go to Europe. Please give way for me to go.”

His shout reportedly drew the attention of some aviation personnel.

He was apprehended.

The security personnel discovered that the man might be a lunatic, who found himself at the airport.

He has been taken to a police station.

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www.thenationonlineng.net

TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2012 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

TOMORROW IN THE NATION

‘Now, 13 years of military-led political monopoly, democracy has also almost failed. There must be a new approach to how ‘To Keep Nigeria One’ using love, justice and anti-corruption, not laws or force.’

VOL. 7

NO.2,056

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

I

T is that time again when this column, in keeping with the tradition it established way back in Rutam House, tries to address in short takes and with broad strokes, a miscellany of noteworthy and not-so-noteworthy developments, lest some people and institutions feel ignored.

This past week, Boko Haram was despite its best efforts swept off the front pages and the headlines by the sensational announcement in a London court that James Ibori, the fugitive ex-governor of Delta State who had been indulging his larcenous imagination to his heart’s content in a British jail, pleaded guilty at his resumed trial to money laundering.

Not to corruption, you hear, all you detractors who are too smitten by envy or too obtuse to appreciate the vast gulf separating the one from the other; just money laundering, for the record.

How much of the evidence which the Crown prosecutors nailed Ibori was available to Justice Marcel Awokulehin who dismissed with brazen peremptoriness a trainload of corruption charges filed against Ibori by the EFCC? Even if only a fraction of the evidence was available, the casualness with which Justice Awokulehin dismissed it would still be puzzling.

Did it stem from rank incompetence? Or did it stem from susceptibility to the unwholesome influences the beleaguered Odidigborigbo of Africa was so adept at wielding? That is for the appropriate authorities to determine.

Of greater interest to this column is the relationship between two women in the Ibori saga, one of them said to be his wife, and the other described rather unkindly in every account as his “mistress,” as if she has no other identity. Both are serving jail time in the UK for aiding and abetting whatever the man they shared has confessed to.

Are they by any chance in the same prison? Do their paths cross? What do they talk about? Do they now fellowship as victims united by grief, cruelly used by the man they shared, or as implacable rivals for the affection of that man?

Whenever the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) figures in the news, two iconic images of General Olusegun Obasanjo’s life after the presidency flash across my mind.

One of them showed Himself the Baba among other students taking the matriculation oath at NOUN. The other showed him in a classroom setting writing his examination, satchel bag – that universal symbol of student life – hanging from the back of his chair.

This past week, a Visitation Panel reported that NOUN is at bottom a racket, and that not one of the scores of programmes of study it purports to offer has won accreditation from the National Universities Commission.

OLATUNJI DARE

AT HOME ABROAD olatunji.dare@thenationonlineng.net

Matters miscellaneous ‘My heart goes out to those 1,500 million pregnant women out of the original group of three million who will not get the ante-natal care promised under SURE because the subsidy was removed only in part’ •Ibori

Where does that leave Baba’s Diploma in Divinity, and the other diplomas the NOUN mill has been churning out?

A friend versed in the law tells me that a class-action lawsuit by NOUN’s duped patrons stands a good chance of succeeding, especially if spearheaded by its most famous alumnus.

Also last week, the misbegotten effort to end the phantom subsidy on gasoline reverberated, and not just on account of the major downsizing of the government programme formerly known as SURE. The government says now that the programme is anything but sure since the “subsidy” was lifted only in part, and only a fraction of the earmarked funds would be realised.

My heart goes out to those 1,500 million pregnant women out of the original group of three million who will not get the antenatal care promised under SURE because the subsidy was removed only in part.

But they are not the only group that must be cursing the agitators who frustrated the effort to remove the subsidy in its entirety once and for all.

The news media – or rather, by far the larg-

RIPPLES STANDARD OF LIVING IMPROVING IN NIGERIA-World Bank

Yes the EVIDENCE is in the MORGUE

ANY years ago, the family of the late Gen Sani Abacha joked that given the way the Nigerian media expanded their markets at the expense of the one-time military head of state, the grieving family was entitled to a percentage of the media establishments’ profits. The family of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo is unlikely to make any such claims, nor, given the delicately wrought image he has carved for himself as a politician and statesman, is he likely to make claims. But if he did, he would be somewhat justified, for in the past 20 years or so, he has remained probably the most reported Nigerian. Indeed, given the massive coverage he has enjoyed, if he had not existed, the media would have had to create him.

Obasanjo is the longest serving Nigerian ruler of all time. By now tons of books ought to have been published on his time in office.

This has not happened. Perhaps the few available books have something to do with the national culture of despising knowledge.

Whatever reasons are responsible, they seem to indicate more the weaknesses of Nigerians than the excitement or otherwise the former president elicits in authors.

M

est section of it – has been sulking too, for a different but not unrelated reason. The newspapers and radio stations and television stations, it turns out, cannot collect on the propaganda blitz that N2N, the shadowy organisation campaigning for the removal of the socalled subsidy, enlisted them to conduct.

By one conservative estimate, N2N, or Neighbour-to-Neighbour, obtained advertising space and air time worth some N2 billion on credit for the blitz. While the campaign lasted, the news became an adjunct to N2N’s frenzied propaganda. The reward would more than justify the compromise, they must have reckoned.

They will now have to tamp down their expectations.

I have before me a leaked N2N internal memo that should make the media houses curse the day they decided to treat with that outfit. I cannot disclose the identity of my source because he was not authorised to leak the document, nor can I take it upon myself to reveal his identity since the ethics of journalism forbids such disclosure.

Here, with names and other identifiers redacted, are salient excerpts from the Memo: “It was to be expected that the media would make a lot of noise over the debts we alleg-

TONY MARINHO

edly owe them for running advertisements to advance a policy at the heart of which lies nothing less than national survival.

“They were not percipient enough – nor patriotic enough, I should add – to realise that, without a country, there would be no media. We did the work they should have been doing to promote national survival.

Now, they want us to pay them into the bargain! Only in Nigeria.

“If we had not supplied the advertisements, what would some of them have filled their pages or airtime with? Some of them have no newsgathering capacity. A good many of them cannot or will not pay their staffers. Some newspapers print just enough copies to keep up appearances. Most of them do not possess even one-tenth of the influence they claim.

“Nor must we lose sight of their fecklessness. They thought nothing of running our message on one page, and on the opposite page showing pictures of crowds denouncing our message. The top half of a page will carry our message, and the other half will be given over to the so-called activists.

“Some media personnel assured us they would write opinion columns boldly supporting our case. The few who wrote at all showed very little imagination, commitment, or enthusiasm.

“To add insult to injury, they say we are awash in slush money. But in the Goodluck Jonathan Dispensation, even slush funds have to be spent judiciously and properly accounted for.

“We did not get value for our money. We should not pay. If they think they have a case, let them go to court. We shall meet them there.”

I can confidently reveal that N2N’s Board of Trustees has unanimously endorsed the memo, but is keeping the door open for meaningful negotiations.

So, there you have it.

Those who have been charging that President Jonathan cannot face the press and would rather be interviewed by an entertainer now stand confounded. There he was the other day submitting to grilling by TELL, one of the most aggressive newsmagazines in business and apparently enjoying it, to the point of making the most diverting wisecracks.

How I wish I had a power generator to “dash” him when the municipal power supply will have rendered it useless several years hence!

But it is not his wisecracks, rare and engaging as they are, that have been making the news. Rather it is his declaration that he is not guided by public opinion because public opinion is not necessarily right.

Dr Jonathan is absolutely right.

But I know many Nigerians who, on any day and issue, will rather be guided by public opinion than by his insights.

•For comments, send SMS to 08057634061

HARDBALL

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

Obasanjo at 75

est Nigerian ever. He had the singular honour of receiving Biafra’s surrender, as if it was his private war, and as if the entire war theatres were his command – no pun intended. While the rest of us wear ourselves out to get just one opportunity for public service, Obasanjo received his public call early, stayed there almost permanently, and when he was in mortal danger with Murtala Mohammed and Shehu Yar’Adua at different times, death spared him but took his compatriots. Moreover, he is the only Nigerian ever to serve in the highest office twice, and on both occasions he was virtually begged to accept the offers.

Hardball does not have the temerity to ask God why He gave Obasanjo such unlimited opportunities, but the columnist wonders whether it has anything to do with taking the foolish things of this world to confound the wise, as the Bible says. Some of us may grudge the former president his good fortunes, but we cannot grudge him the fact that he has thoroughly enjoyed life, even as he and his ideas are gradually mummifying in old age. This column wishes the old soldier and worthy antagonist great health and great years ahead.

No matter what anyone thinks of Obasanjo, he has led a fulfilled life, outlasting most of his enemies and friends, and securing for himself the opportunity to influence, write and edit the history of a country that has given him so much more than many people think he deserves. The fact is that since independence, it is doubtful whether any single person has affected the country for ill or for good as much as Obasanjo. This newspaper, for instance, and this column in particular, have found his talents difficult to embrace or to endure, and they have not spared themselves in excoriating him as a person and denouncing his worldview both as an individual and as president. But they have found him a worthy enemy to fight, and even worthier to defeat.

Yet it hardly matters whether anyone hates or loves him. Obasanjo is indifferent to both, for he has taught himself to live and operate far above human passions and frailties. As he reflects on his life and the country on his 75th birthday, neither he nor anyone else can dispute the fact that he is the lucki-

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