The Nation - May 6, 2011

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VOL. 6, NO. 1751 FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2011

Abia, Imo, Anambra bury Corps members

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A DIFFICULT BUT NECESSARY TASK

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HAT a difficult job! But they had to do it – with bravery.

Fighting bottled-up emotions, the six youths bore the casket containing the remains of their colleague who was killed in the post-election violence that rocked some parts of the North.

It was a SEE ALSO moving PAGE 10 final farewell for Michael Obinna Okpokiri, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member from Abia State who was killed in Bauchi State.

Governor Theodore Orji led a long list of mournContinued on page 2

•The remains of the late Okpokiri being carried into the auditorium ... yesterday. Another photograph on page 10.

Captured wife relives bin Laden’s life in mansion O

SAMA bin Laden lived in his Pakistani compound with his large family right under the nose of the military for about five years, according to excerpts from the interrogation of his youngest wife.

Amal Ahmed Abdul Fatah, 29, who was captured during the raid by the United States Special Forces, reportedly told her interrogators that the al

al-Qaeda chief lived with three wives, 13 children Quaeda leader lived in the compound with three wives, who were all under strict orders not to venture out of the fortified house and many children.

She was injured during the attack, shot in the leg, as she rushed at the intruders.

According to The Daily Telegraph, quoting Pakistani military sources, 13 children were recovered from the compound in Abbottabad after US Navy Seals shot dead the world’s most wanted man.

Eight of them are believed to be the sons and daughters of

Abuja Police arrest 246 youths

bin Laden himself.

The details gradually emerging from officials in Islamabad paint an intriguing picture of an extended family cooped up together for years on end as they evaded capture, only 30 miles from the Pakistani capital,

Islamabad, and less than a mile from an officer training academy.

The apparently unauthorised raid has caused deep embarrassment to Pakistan’s supposedly powerful military establishment.

Last night, in their first re-

action, senior military commanders said they were ordering a reduction in numbers of American personnel to the “minimum essential”, taking already turbulent relations between the two countries – awkward allies in the war against Islamist extremists – to a new low.

The officers admitted “shortcomings” in their attempts to gather intelligence Continued on page 2

North’s governors in push for Senate presidency

B •Dr Jonathan

ARELY three weeks to the convening of the seventh National Assembly, Northern governors and leaders are mounting pressure on President Goodluck Jonathan to concede the Senate Presidency to the core North.

Besides, the Northern leaders are pleading for general amnesty for post-election violence suspects.

•David Mark optimistic From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

Some Northern governors and leaders have been in Abuja for five days, holding meetings to push their desire to have the Senate Presidency going to the core North.

One of such meetings was held in

Abuja on Wednesday night with some new senators-elect in attendance.

The President, who returned yesterday to Abuja after a retreat in the Obudu Cattle Ranch, got representatives from the governors and leaders on why the Senate presidency should go

to the core North, especially the Northeast.

A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “These Northern governors and leaders are saying that for the sake of peace and unity of the country, the core North should be allowed to produce the Senate President to heal the wounds which led to the post-election violence.

Continued on page 2

•AGRIC P17 •SPORTS P23 •SOCIETY P29 •SHOPPING P43 •BRANDS P47

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THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2011

NEWS Governors in push for Senate head Continued from page 1

“They claimed that the pattern of voting during the last presidential election amounted to a return to the era of Northern and Southern protectorates, which may not augur well for the unity of the country.

“The leaders are advocating a reconciliation and re-

unification of the core North with the rest of the country.

There is a sense of loss and betrayal in the far North.

Many people in both the Northwest and Northeast are not happy that the President is coming from another zone, despite the agreement by the PDP in 2002 that the North will produce the president in 2007 and 2011.

“The governors are also insisting on general amnesty for all the suspects arrested during the post-election violence as part of the reconciliation.

“They are mounting pressure on Jonathan to prevail on other geopolitical zones to sacrifice for the nation by Continued on page 4

Abia, Imo, Anambra bury Corps members Continued from page 1

ers at the commendation service at the Michael Okpara Auditorium in Umuahia.

Many shed tears. Some silently cursed the killers. Others were merely wondering why it happened?

As the six youths moved the casket, which was covered with the green-white-green national colours, out for burial, the auditorium remained charged. It was perhaps the most solemn ceremony in the auditorium named

after the first Premier of the old Eastern Region.

The youths were decked out in full NYSC uniform of Khaki trousers, T-shirts with bold NYSC inscription, trainers and Khaki caps.

They were moody.

In the congregation were Deputy Governor Chief Eric Acho Nwakanma, the governor’s wife, Mrs Mercy Odochi Orji, former Senate President Adolphus Wabara and NYSC co-ordinator Mrs Victoria Akakwu.

•Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) chairperson Mrs. Farida Waziri presenting her paper at the Nigerian British Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting at Eko Hotel, Lagos ... yesterday. Story on page 6.

Captured wife relives bin Laden’s life in Pakistani mansion Continued from page 1

on Osama bin Laden, but insisted they were capable of defending key assets, despite the embarrassing raid by American Special Forces.

Islamabad’s top brass are under intense pressure from foreign powers to explain how they were unable to track down bin Laden in their own back yard.

And at the same time, they face questions from a public wondering how the country’s powerful military failed to spot and stop unknown aircraft attacking a civilian target.

General Ashfaq Kayani, the Army’s Chief of Staff (COAS), in a statement released after the meeting, said any similar action violating the sovereignty of Pakistan would prompt a review of cooperation with the US. “The Corps Commanders were informed about the decision to reduce the strength of US military personnel in Pakistan to the minimum essential,” said the statement.

“As regards the possibility of similar hostile action against our strategic assets, the Forum reaffirmed that, unlike an undefended civilian compound, our strategic assets are well protected and an elaborate defensive mechanism is in place.”

Days after the killing of bin Laden, United States President Barack Obama met New York firefighters and police yesterday. He also visited Ground Zero to offer comfort to a city still scarred by the September 11, 2001 attacks.

His predecessor George W. Bush, just three days after hijacked planes destroyed the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers, stood, bullhorn in hand, in the smoldering wreckage to declare: “The people who knocked these buildings down will hear all of us soon.”

Almost a decade later, in a bookend to that historic visit, Obama came to New York to say that promise had been kept.

He said the killing of bin Laden told the world, “that when we say we will never forget, we mean what we say.”

Obama visited the “Pride of Manhattan” Engine 54 firehouse in midtown, which lost 15 members in the at-

Police get ready to forestall attack in Abuja

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UMOURS of impending attacks in Abuja by some pro-Osama fundamentalists sent the Police on the red alert last night.

The authorities vowed to collaborate with other security agencies to ensure that lives and property are safe in the country.

Threat messages were being circulated in Abuja and other cities in the North yesterday to the effect that some of those angered by the killing of the al Qaeda leader would disturb the peace of Abuja.

Inspector General of Police Hafiz Ringim in a statement by Force spokesman Olusola Amore said the security forces were on the alert.

Part of the measures adopted by the police include close monitoring of Moslems during the Jumat prayers today and Christians during their church services on Sunday.

The statement read:: “The attention of the Police High Command has been drawn to SMS being circulated on the need to intercede for certain parts of the country and the need to be watchful, as a result of alleged security threat following the death of Osama bin Laden.

“The Police, in conjunction with other security agencies, have taken necessary tacks, before heading to Lower Manhattan to talk with police and lay a wreath at Ground Zero where he met with victims’ families.

Obama shook hands with firefighters and told them: “I wanted to just come here to thank you.”

“This is a symbolic site of the extraordinary sacrifice that was made on that terrible day almost 10 years ago.”

“It didn’t matter who was in charge, we were going to make sure that the perpetrators of that horrible act - that they received justice,” Obama said.

Bin Laden, who masterminded the September 11 attacks, was shot in the head by U.S. forces who stormed his compound in Pakistan on Monday after a decade-long manhunt. Nearly 3,000 people were killed when al Qaeda hijackers crashed commercial planes into the Twin Towers, the Pentagon outside Washington, D.C., and a Pennsylvania field.

“It’s a good thing he is coming to visit,” said Al Fiammetta, 57, a safety engineer from Bellport, New York, who said he worked at Ground Zero, clearing debris

From Sanni Ologun, Abuja

steps to forestall any break down of law and order across the country.

“Nigerians are advised to disregard such messages and go about their lawful and legitimate businesses, as there is no basis for such rumoured threat.

“They are further enjoined to beware of merchants of fear and rumour mongers who are trying to create panicky situation and disorderliness in the country.

“All law abiding citizens are assured of maximum Police security in every part of the country. They are also advised to report any suspicious person or group of persons or movements to the nearest police station nationwide.”

Also yesterday, the State Security Service (SSS) and Policemen intercepted a trailer carrying 246 persons - mainly youths - into Abuja.

The youths ages 15 to 25 were found with assorted charms when the truck they were travelling in was searched.

They were apprehended at Dutse-Alhaji junction near Kubwa, a surburb of Abuja.

According to a source the boys claimed they were on their way from Dutsinma in Katsina State to Nyanya, Karu in FCT and Mararaba, Masaka and

Keffi in Nasarawa State.

The source said the SSS on surveillance had earlier sighted the truck in Kaduna State and trailed it to Abuja before they alerted the Police at a checkpoint in Dutse - Alhaji where they were stopped and searched.

The suspects were first taken to the Special Anti-robbery squad office of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Police Command, before they were moved to the Commissioner’s office where a decision was said to have been taken to verify their claims.

A top security source confirmed the development in Abuja saying investigations are on-going to unravel their mission.

FCT Police spokesman Jimoh Moshood confirmed the development last night.

Moshood said: “A group of boys were today intercepted by our men in a trailer coming from the northern part of the country. No weapon was found on them. They said they were menial workers. Some of them said they were on their way to Mararaba, Masaka and Keffi in Nasarawa State.

“So we asked three of our patrol vehicles to accompany the trailer and the boys to these locations to verify their claims. As I am talking to you, the teams that went with them are not back.”

•Obama (middle) carries a wreath with police and firefighters during a wreath laying ceremony at PHOTO: AFP Ground Zero in New York City ... yesterday.

and waited to see Obama.

“We have been waiting for this for 10 years. It puts a little more American pride in people.”

New York City resident Caroline Epner, 32 and seven months pregnant, said: “It’s OK for him to take a victory lap.”

At Ground Zero during a

bright and sunny afternoon, Obama laid a wreath of red, white and blue flowers to honour those who died.

Obama then paused, bowed his head, closed his eyes and held his hands together for a moment of silence.

Obama, who made no remarks at the site, greeted relatives of the victims. The

brief ceremony took place by the “Survivor’s Tree”, which amazingly survived the attacks and was nursed back to health and then returned to be part of the memorial that will open on the 10th anniversary of the attacks.

He stood in a place that almost a decade ago was the pulverised remains of what

were once the world’s tallest buildings, which for weeks after the attacks spread a ghoulish dust over Lower Manhattan.

Visible progress in the roughly $11 billion project to rebuild the World Trade Center site is now finally being made after suffering delays from political, security and financing concerns. The 1,776foot (541-meter) centerpiece, 1 World Trade Center, already stands more than 60 stories high.

September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows urged Obama to now close the U.S. military prison housing foreign terrorism suspects at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba and bring home American troops in Afghanistan and Iraq.

“May the wreath you lay today, at the grave site of our loved ones, be more than a symbolic gesture,” the group said in a statement.

The killing of bin Laden coincided with the first anniversary of a failed attempt to bomb New York’s Times Square, one of at least 11 plots against the city that have been disrupted in the past decade.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has described the raid on bin Laden’s compound as “the most intense minutes of my life”.

Mrs Clinton was with Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, Defence Secretary Robert Gates and top military brass, watching the Navy Seals raid on the compound.

Clinton said she has “no idea” what she was watching at the precise moment a photographer snapped what has become the defining image of the Osama bin Laden operation.

Mrs Clinton said the raid was “38 of the most intense minutes” in her life, but her expression and the fact that her hand is covering her mouth might not convey any special significance.

Mrs Clinton, who suffers from allergies, said she was embarrassed that her hand gesture might have only been an attempt to stifle a cough or sneeze.

She spoke at a news conference with Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini ahead of a diplomatic meeting in Italy on Libya.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2011

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NEWS

•Applicants at the Customs Service recruitment exercise in Zone ‘B’ Kaduna... yesterday

PHOTO: NAN

INEC shops for N100m to prosecute 870,612 multiple registration suspects D

ESPITE the offer of free service by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) still requires about N100million to put 870,612 multiple and double registration suspects on trial.

It was also gathered that lack of funds may hamper the trial of the suspects.

But INEC and NBA are still finetuning an agreement on the trial to save cost to the barest minimum.

INEC registered 73,528,040 voters for the just-concluded general elections.

In the course of registration and filtration, INEC uncovered 870,612 multiple and double registrantion.

All the suspects are expected to face trial soon.

Among the states topping the table of suspects to be tried are Katsina, Niger, Kaduna, Rivers, Taraba, and Anambra.

The breakdown of the multiple registration and the suspects is as follows: Abia (17,522); Adamawa (9,773); A/Ibom (8,738); Anambra (33,747)Bauchi (7,451); Bayelsa (4,513); Benue (42,042); Borno (21, 164); C/River (39,085); Delta (17,166); Ebonyi (3,917); Edo (6,277); Ekiti (2,868); Enugu (9,401); FCT (953); Gombe (18,730); Imo (11,082); Jigawa (23,148); Kaduna (95,563); Kano (10,784); Katsina (132,062); Kebbi (4,960); and Kogi (7,003).

•Katsina, Niger, Kaduna, Rivers, Taraba, Anambra top table of suspects STATE SUSPECTS Abia————— 17,522 Adamawa——— 9,773 A/Ibom———— 8,738 Anambra——— 33,747 Bauchi——— — 7,451 Bayelsa———— 14,513 Benue ————— 42,042 Borno———— 21, 164 C/River———— 39,085 Delta————— 17,166 Ebonyi———— 3,917 Edo —————— 6,277 Ekiti————— 2,868 Enugu ———— 9,401 FCT—————— 953 Gombe——— 18,730 Imo————— 11,082 Jigawa———— 23,148 Kaduna ——— 95,563

From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

Others are Kwara(2,631); Lagos (13,932); Nasarawa (19,439); Niger (142,040); Ogun (2,868); Ondo(14,761); Osun (14,762); Oyo (14,720); Plateau (8,125); Rivers (42,309); Sokoto (8,471); Taraba (4,069); Yobe (3,474); and Zamfara (4,062).

A source in INEC, who spoke in confidence, said: “The trial will start as soon as we are able to work out

STATE Kano ———— Katsina——— Kebbi—— — Kogi———— Kwara——— Lagos ———— Nasarawa—— Niger ————— Ogun———— Ondo————— Osun————— Oyo————— Plateau————— Rivers————— Sokoto———— Taraba—————— Yobe——————— Zamfara————

SUSPECTS 10,784 132,062 4,960 7,003 2,631 13,932 19,439 142,040 2,868 14,761 14,762 14,720 8,125 42,309 8,471 4,069 3,474 4,062

the arrangement with the NBA. You know, what is involved is the size of the suspects.

“The terms of partnership with NBA is yet to be finalised. Even though the service to be rendered by the NBA will be probono, there will still be incidental costs which will run into millions of Naira.

“There are some costs being suggested which will take the trial away from being what we thought. The

NBA had suggested N500,000 per head as incidental cost but we are looking at N200,000 per head.

“If we go by NBA’s estimate, we may need about N200million to prosecute the suspects. But now that we have reduced the incidental cost to N200,000 per counsel, we are still looking for about N100million.

“So, we require special funds; it is not something can push. If INEC asks for N100million now, no matter how justifiable, the public might still fault the request.

“What we are doing is to consider how the legal bill could fit into the 2011 Budget of INEC from administrative expenditure.”

Another top source also said: “At the last management meeting of INEC, the National Commissioner (Legal Services), Phillip Umeadi Jr. was asked to “work out the cost with the NBA and come up with a manageable budget.

“So, you can see the implication of electoral crime. Nigerians have been calling for the prosecution of these suspects, but we need much money to do so. And we are talking of a trial that may take months or up to a year, in view of the slow process of our judicial system.

“I think in the next two weeks, we will be able to finalise the agreement with the NBA.”

Tribunal judges urged to be objective

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UDGES at the election tribunals have been urged to shun acts capable of enthroning in-

justice and abuse of public trust.

Retired Justices Pius Aderemi, formerly of the Supreme Court and Abdullahi Mustapha, of the Federal High Court, gave the advice in Lagos yesterday.

They lamented cases of unethical conducts among judicial officers and lawyers.

The retired jurists spoke on the theme: “That role of the Bar and the Bench in times of political transition” at this year’s edition of the Annual Law Series organised by a law firm, Perchstone and Graeys.

They stressed the need for commitment and collaboration by the Bench and the Bar to ensure the success of the nation’s political transition.

Justice Aderemi urged judges at

By Eric Ikhilae

the tribunals to be objective and unbiased.

“Let every judge remember that he or she will be accountable at the end of the day. Let the judges be beholding to nobody, but God,” he said.

He urged lawyers to refrain from acts capable of unduly prolonging the dispensation of election petitions including filing of frivolous applications.

Justice Aderemi said lawyers should be truthful enough to advise their clients against filing unmeritorious petitions. He suggested the need to ensure that election disputes were resolved before winners assume office.

Justice Mustapha expressed displeasure over the recent open disagreement between the Chief Justice

of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Aloysius Katsina-Alu and the President of the Court of Appeal(PCA), Justice Isa Ayo_Salami.

He said he was convinced that the National Judicial Council(NJC) lacked the moral capacity to investigate the CJN for any unethical conduct in view of its current composition, adding that the body is populated by appointees of the CJN. Justice Mustapha advocated the need to review the process of appointing members of NJC, particularly as it affects the head, arguing that it would serve the interest of justice if the body is headed by retired judge as it is the case with the Civil Service Commission.

He also called for the review of the process of awarding the rank of Senior Advocate in view of the controversies it had generated in recent time.

Justice Mustapha, who lamented

the slow pace of justice administration in the country, particularly in relation to criminal prosecution, called for a legal provision that prohibits interlocutory appeal and stay of proceedings in criminal cases.

He suggested the need to expand the scope of the provision of Section 40 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Act, that frowns at the granting of stay of proceedings during trial of criminal cases, by making it a constitutional provision.

This, with the support of lawyers and judges, he said would greatly reduce delay in the dispensation of criminal cases.

He noted that the Bar and Bench are like the siamese twins who must always work harmoniously to ensure the effectiveness of the judicial system and by extension, eradicate the various problems of political transition in the country.

Four killed in Maiduguri dawn attack RADICAL Islamic Sect Boko Haram members have gone on the rampage again in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, killing a high-ranking police officer, two prison warders and a child.

Borno State Assistant Police Commissioner Usman Baba said yesterday that the police superintendent assigned to guard the state government headquarters died in the morning attack, as well as a child opening a garage door.

Baba said the three gunmen believed to be Boko Haram members, are responsible for the series of targeted assassinations.

Also on Wednesday, two prison warders were shot and killed at the new Prison in the city.

Last Saturday, another Prison warder and a trader in front of his shop were killed by men believed to belong to the radical sect.

It is not clear why Prison officers are now being targeted by the sect, but many members of the sect are being kept in the prison.

In Gombe State, three boys died in an explosion yesterday apparently caused by a bomb left over from a bank robbery the day before. Police say the boys picked up the explosive while playing in a garbage dump without knowing what it was.

Ndigbo warned over positions From Sanni Ologun, Abuja

THE Eastern Leaders Forum (ELF) yesterday warned elected national assembly members scrambling for positions to exercise “caution and decorum.”

Its Secretary General Ifedi Okwenna, in a statement in Abuja titled: Enough of these discordant tunes” said it was time for the Igbo to speak with one voice.

According to him, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, led by Ambassador Ralph Uwechue should be allowed to show the direction the Igbo should tend in the current political dispensation.

Okwenna said: “The attention of the Eastern Leaders Forum has been drawn to series of media stories, campaign, propaganda and in some cases provocative articles and character assassination of some individuals from some segments of Ndigbo especially in the National Assembly who are agitating for one position or another in the in-coming President Jonathan’s administration.

“While we agree that each and every one of those individuals have the constitutional right to aspire for one position or another in a democracy, we however request that such aspiration must be made with some caution and decorum’’.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2011

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NEWS Jonathan returns from Obudu •Marks anniversary today From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday ended his retreat in Obudu, Cross River State. He returned to Abuja with his wife and some government officials.

As he marks his one year anniversary today, he has urged all Nigerians to join hands with his administration and dedicate themselves to ensuring the country’s continued march into a new season of peace, harmony and socioeconomic development.

Looking ahead to his fresh inauguration on May 29, the President reassured Nigerians of his unwavering commitment to building on his achievements.

He promised to work assiduously to rapidly bring to fruition ongoing efforts to effectively tackle the country’s most critical developmental challenges.

In a statement on the anniversary by his spokesman Ima Niboro, the President said only the interest of Nigeria and the Nigerian people will inform decisions and plans for the future.

The President, he noted specifically restates his determination to ensure that Nigeria successfully overcomes the challenges of inadequate power supply, national security and employment opportunities for the country’s youthful population.

He also assured all Nigerians that rapid and significant improvement in public infrastructure, especially roads, transportation, educational facilities, healthcare, water supply and the development of our agricultural sector, as well as the unrelenting prosecution of the war against corruption will continue to receive the fullest attention of his administration.

Govt to improve power supply

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ICE President Namadi Sambo yesterday reiterated the readiness of the Federal Government to deliver on its promise to improve power supply in the country.

Sambo, who was accompanied by Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel and the Minister of State for Power, Nuhu Wyah, disclosed that three turbines out of the six to generate 125 megawatts each, have been completed and are ready to inject power into the national grid.

He stated this during the inspection of the second phase of the Olorunsogo Power Plant in the Gateway State.

Sambo said the seriousness with which the project was being implemented was in consonance with the desire of President Goodluck Jonathan to change the power supply situation in the country.

He said the president, whom he described as a passionate leader, would not fail the country. “We are not resting on our oars. From what I’ve seen here I’m extremely happy that two of the plants are already injecting power into the grid. This is contract we have with Nigerians, we are continuing with our works, we shall not fail Nigerians”, Sambo said.

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How genuine Christian can become celebrity, by Oyedepo

RESIDENT of the Living Faith Church (a.k.a Winners Chapel worldwide), Bishop David Olaniyi Oyedepo yesterday spoke on the efficacy of divine grace, saying it is what makes a person great, and not material possessions. The love of material things leads to corruption, he said.

Oyedepo said no one would ever be greater than the grace available to him, adding that every genuine worshipper of God always ends up “a celebrity.”

The Bishop spoke in a sermon at the church’s weeklong celebration to mark its 30th anniversary. The programme ends with a “liberation night” from 10pm today till 5:00am tomorrow. There will be two thanksgiving services on Sunday at 7am and 9.45 am.

Oyedepo attributed the height the church had attained to God’s “unmatchable grace”. He described the past 30 years as those of “impact, ever-increasing growth, undeniable testimonies, begging-free adventure and absolute dependency on God who has never begged anybody.”

Reading from Psalms 92: 1to3, 10 to15 on the need for gratitude for God’s blessings, Oyedepo said its benefits include supernatural strength (physically, emotionally and spiritually), access to divine presence where revelation flows, access to fresh anointing, victory over enemies, supernatural flourishing that culminate into fearful blessings, and access to supernatural lifting and fruitfulness that command results even at old age.

He added: “You don’t beg God for anything that will give him glory; when God is sure of all the glory, you’ve committed him to perform.

Where you are today is by the grace of God. “Acknowledge the grace,

Bishops Oyedepo (left), Abioye and Evangelist Bola Are singing and dancing at the service

By Joseph Jibueze

celebrate the source of the grace (God) and you are sure for more. Every time you complain, you complicate your case. Every complainer ends up a victim; it is gratitude that makes you a victor.”

In a sermon yesterday titled: “Wonders of praise”, the church’s Vice-President, Bishop David Abioye said a life of praise is a favoured life, adding: “God’s favour comes to see you only when you please God with your praise, (Psalm 64:30-31) and when God is pleased, he releases his pleasures and treasures.”

He also noted that supernatural harvest answers to praise (Psalm 67:5-7), while qualitative praise results to great qualitative harvest, adding that revelation flows

‘You don’t beg God for anything that will give him glory; when God is sure of all the glory, you’ve committed him to perform. Where you are today is by the grace of God’ when praise is offered, as it is the key to physical and spiritual elevation.

Senior Pastor, Kingsway International Christian Centre, Mathew Ashimolowo, who was a guest minister, urged the worshippers to get set for a new phase of harvests The London-based preacher said if God could prophetically empower an unbeliever called Cyrus 100 years before

his birth and see to its fulfillment, God was more than disposed to committing his divine agenda into the able hands of faithful worshippers.

He urged believers to be alive to their God-given portion as only “a complete takeover” will guarantee the long awaited change in their finances, education and other needs.

The anniversary celebra-

PHOTO:JOSEPH JIBUEZE

tion was decentralised to give every Winners Chapel church the freedom to enjoy the season as they deem fit, unlike the previous ones where they all converged on Canaanland, the church’s headquarters in Ota, Ogun State.

There were musical and gospel artistes Asu Ekiye and Folake. Other clergymen in attendance were Bishop John Grace Daniel, Bishop John Osawumen, Pastor Sam Olubiyo, Apostle Mungare, Bishop Ebenezer Obey, among others.

An exhibition was earlier held at the Covenant University, Ota, showcasing an array of inventions by the Centre for Research and Development of the university, one of which is the E-election biometric system that can handle voter registration, accreditation, voting and compilation of election results.

Governors in push for Senate head Continued from Page 2 conceding the Senate presidency to the core North, with the Northeast as the main beneficiary.

“They alleged that by the power sharing agreement of 2002, the presidency ought to have shifted to the Northeast in 2007 instead of the Northwest, which produced the late President Umaru Yar’Adua.

“The feeling in the far North is that if the country could zone the presidency to the Southwest in 1999 to pacify the zone for not allowing the late Chief MKO Abiola to assume office, having won the 1993 presidential election, the far North, should, in like manner, be pacified for losing the presidency to the Southsouth.

“So, the anger of the people of the Northeast borders on the fact that they have been neglected over the years.”

A Northern politician and respected figure, who asked not to be named, said: “What we are after is how the grievances of the core North will be assuaged so

that we can all come together again. It will be foolish to pretend that all is well between Jonathan and the core North, at present.

“The core North, the Northeast in particular, is not so desperate, but we are just looking at the larger picture of creating a sense of belonging for all geopolitical zones.

“At the end of the day, whatever is the power sharing formula agreed upon by the President and the PDP leadership will be binding.

“We should be ready to sacrifice our ambitions in the larger interest of the nation the way everybody did in 1999 and 2003. No matter what the President might have promised anybody before the elections, the times call for sacrifice in the interest of peace.”

Even as the Northeast is pushing for the seat, incumbent David Mark is said to be giving no room for others interested in the job. A source said the President may favour Mark’s retention – in line

with what an administration’s top notch called “ongoing seamless working relationship” with the National Assembly.

It was also gathered that Mark’s retention may be in line with a “gentleman’s” agreement he reached with the principal officers of the National Assembly.

A Presidency official said: “For now, the situation is fluid. The President needs a lot of tact to prevent incom-

ing National Assembly members from opposing the party in the election of principal officers of the Assembly.”

In the view of a PDP national official, “the President may have influence over some returnee members, but it is doubtful if those elected for the first time will listen to him.

“He also has the opposition parties to contend with.

In the current Assembly, op-

position parties have no influence, but in the incoming Assembly it will be a different ball game.”

The existing structure is as follows: President (Southsouth); Vice-President (Northwest); Senate President (Northcentral); Deputy Senate President (Southeast); Speaker (Southwest); Deputy Speaker (Northeast); SGF (Northeast) and Head of Service (Southwest).

Lagos Model Colleges’ exams tomorrow

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HE screening test for admission into Lagos model colleges/upgraded Junior Secondary Schools for the 2011/2012 academic session will hold tomorrow at designated centres.

The state examinations board announced the merger of some of the examination centres due to logistic reasons.

A statement by the board’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Oladapo Olatunde, said affected candidates include those who chose Government Technical College, Ikotun; Morocco Comprehensive College,

Somolu; Government Junior College, Ijanikin; Amuwo Junior Grammar School, Mile 2; Bolade Junior Grammar School, Oshodi and Ajumoni Junior Secondary School, Mushin.

With the merger, candidates who chose Government Technical College, Ikotun, will take the test at the state Junior High School, Alimosho, and those for Morocco Comprehensive College, Somolu, will write at Eva Adelaja Junior Girls High School, Bariga.

Candidates, who picked

Government Junior College, Ijanikin, will go to Government Model Junior College, Ojo, and those who chose Amuwo Junior Grammar School, are to go to Festac Junior Grammar School.

Candidates who picked Bolade Junior Grammar School, Oshodi, are now to write the examination at Unity Junior High School, Oshodi, and those who chose Ajumoni Junior Secondary School, Mushin, will take the test at Igboowu Junior Secondary School, Mushin.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2011

5

NEWS Oyo indigenes lash Alao-Akala YO State Governor Adebayo AlaoAkala has been criticised by indigenes of Oyo town on his decisionto sack the Alaafin of Oyo as the permanent Chairman of the Council of Obas.

In a statement, a public affairs analyst, Pa Adebiyi Odekanyin described the decision as “an embarrassing assault and dishonour to the progenitor of the Yorubas–Oduduwa.”

He said the permanent chairmanship of the Alaafin is non-negotiable.

Odekanyin also slammed former President Olusegun Obasanjo and his cronies, saying they should learn from the defeat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Southwest.

He urged leaders of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) to thread with caution.

Odekanyin said: “The end of one activity is the begin-

O

•From left: Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola; winner of the 2010 African Movie Academy Award for Best Actor, Mr. Ramsey Noah and Group Chief Executive, Oando PLC, Wale Tinubu at an lnteractive Session on the future of the Nigerian Film Industry in Cape Town, South Africa... on Wednesday

From Bode Durojaiye, Oyo

ning of another. The battle for democracy, peace, love, harmony and development in the Southwest and Nigeria has just begun.”

Also yesterday, a group known as Vanguard for Oyo’s Progress described Alao- Akala as “a frustrated administrator.”

Its leader, Isiaka Muri, said: “It is heartbreaking for anyone versed in Oyo and Yoruba history to read on the pages of newspapers the removal of the Alaafin as the permanent Chairman of Oyo Council of Obas.

“We will not fold our arms and allow a sinking governor to ridicule our traditional heritage. Alao-Akala should go back to the classroom of history or perhaps seek the counseling of an expert in Oyo and Yoruba history to be properly educated on how not to distort history and ridicule the Alaafin dynasty.”

Lagos develops new sites

ACN warns buyers of Ogun govt property T HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Ogun State has warned prospective buyers of government property put up for sale by the outgoing administration of Governor Gbenga Daniel to beware.

It said the administration of Senator Ibikunle Amosun would not honour any untransparent agreement.

ACN said the Daniel administration has begun a sales bonanza of government houses, Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV) and lands to its loyalists.

In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Sola Lawal, ACN said: “This despicable scheme has resulted in the sale of SUVs for as low as N100,000, while mansions, which hitherto served as commissioners’ quarters, go for a give-away price of N5 million each.”

The party said the outgoing administration has instructed the Bureau of Lands to allocate government lands indiscriminately and forward such to the governor for issuance of Certificate of Occupancy (C of O).

private and public sector, including governments at different levels and other

•Govt: no plan to sell quarters From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

It alleged that no fewer than 30 units of commissioners’ lodges located at Obasanjo Hilltop Estate had been shared to Daniel’s aides.

ACN said: “This development confirms that Daniel is insensitive to the progress of the state. If he sells off the commissioner’s quarters, where does he expect the incoming administration to accommodate members of its cabinet?

“It is sheer wickedness to want the Amosun administration to deploy resources meant for other vital facilities to building of houses?

“If the Osoba administration had sold the apartments to its officials, the Daniel government would not have had houses for its staff.

“We warn Daniel to desist from this profligacy and stop

wasting the little time he has left on mapping out mischievous plots against the people.

“But rather, engage in progressive plans that will make the transition smooth.”

The government debunked the allegation. It said it has neither sold nor had intention to sell any of the houses in the alleged quarters.

In a statement by the Commissioner of Information and Orientation, Mr Sina Kawonise, the government said: “The ongoing recruitment into the public service is to fill existing vacancies and is not massive. It began over six months ago and cannot be described as a last minute gambit to destabilise the incoming administration.

“The sale of official cars to individuals who used them in the last four years is in line with extant rules and is in tandem with what obtains in the

states of the federation.

“Such vehicles are sent to the ministry of works for valuation and assessment before the amount to be paid by those concerned is determined. “The process has just started and no official car has been sold to any individual.”

Also yesterday, the ACN assured transport unions that Ajimobi’s administration would create an enabling environment for their business to thrive.

It said transportation is strategic to economic growth.

The party’s Chairman, Alh. Tajudeen Bello, spoke in Sagamu while thanking members of the Empowerment Freedom of Okada Riders (EFOR), for voting for ACN candidates.

He urged them to always conduct themselves peacefully and cooperate with Amosun’s administration.

The union’s Chairman, Olukoya Samuel, urged the incoming government to be sensitive to the needs of the people.

Osun gives N7m to Owena fire victims

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HE Osun State Government has donated N5 million to the April 8 fire victims in Owena, Oriade Local Government.

The local government council also donated N2 million to the victims.

Eight persons were killed in the fire, which occurred in an area dominated by Hausas. Many others were injured.

Eight vehicles and houses, including a Cherubim and Seraphim Church, were burnt to ashes.

An eye witness said the fire was caused by a petrol tanker that fell on its side, splashing petrol all over the area.

Presenting the money to the Olowena of Owena, Oba Bisiriyu Ayelabola, and the Head of the Hausa Community, Governor Rauf

Aregbesola urged the victims to take the incident as the will of God. Aregbesola, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, said the government would do its best to alleviate their suffering.

He said the government

would contact the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to assist the victims.

Aregbesola reiterated the government’s commitment to the well being of residents, irrespective of ethnicity or religion.

Oba Ayelabola thanked

the government and agitated for the creation of another local government in the area.

The leader of the Hausa Community thanked Aregbesola and promised that the community would support his administration.

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HE Lagos State New Town Development Authority (NTDA) has developed new sites to decongest the Central Business District (CBD).

Its spokesman, Mr. Quadri Owolabi, told reporters at the ongoing Housing Fair in Alausa, Ikeja, that the new sites are located in Ikeja, Ikorodu, Epe and Badagry.

He said: “This action is imperative if Lagos is to join the league of United Nations recognised megacities by the year 2015.

“There are several new sites and schemes coming up within all our divisions and we urge aspiring property owners to get involved in this laudable project by applying for plots within the schemes.

“Our schemes are between 11 and 1, 421 hectares and can occupy several blocks of flats, detached housing units and each can take a population of between 2,500 and 110,000.

“Our schemes provide roads, streetlights, drainage, service ducts, electricity and water at reasonable and competitive prices, depending on the location.”

Owolabi urged interested members of the public to visit NTDA offices for more information.

Oyo Speaker escapes attack

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PEAKER of Oyo House of Assembly Alhaji Moroof Atilola has escaped being mobbed in Oyo town.

Last week, Atilola’s Personal Assistant knocked down a young couple in the town, which resulted in the death of the expectant mother.

When Atilola visited the

Mimiko hails women legislators-elect From Damisi Ojo, Akure

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NDO State Governor Olusegun Mimiko yesterday congratulated three women who won the House of Assembly elections on the platform of the Labour Party (LP).

He said their victory shows that the party is gender sensitive.

The women are Kemi Adesanya (Akure South 1), Jumoke Akindele (Okitupupa 1) and Fola Olasehinde (Ose).

Mimiko spoke in Akure, the state capital, while hosting them.

He said: “These women indicated their political ambitions, went through the primaries and won on merit. Nobody went to call women from their shops to contest the elections. We never lowered the standard because they are women.

“The only advantage they enjoyed is that they were ex-

NDDC awards N9.7b projects in Ondo

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HE Niger-Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has awarded a N6 billion contract for the construction of a sub-power station of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) in Okitipupa, Ondo State.

The commission also awarded N3.5 billion for roads and N700 million for the construction of modern bore-

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

holes in riverside communities.

The state’s representative on the commission’s board, Dr. Benson Enikuomehin, spoke with reporters yesterday in Akure, the state capital. He said the sub-power station projects will begin before the end of June, while the water projects are on-going in their

respective locations.

Some of the benefiting communities of the water projects are Ugbonla; Odonla; Yonren; Igbokoda; Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo; Oke-Igbo; Aule in Akure; Oke-Agbe, Iju and Mobolorundoro.

Enikuomehin said the oberebiminu, Oberewoye, Awoye and Ojumole water projects have been completed

From Bode Durojaiye, Oyo

parents of the deceased in Akeetan, sources said a crowd gathered outside, waiting to attack him on his way out.

State Security Service (SSS) officers evacuated Atilola, who was without police escorts.

and are now functioning effectively.

The roads that will be rehabilitated/constructed include Kiribo Intra-city roads, Igbokoda township roads, 14km Urereara road, Ajagba/ Kiribo road, 1km road at Igodan Lisa, M and K road in Okitipupa, Old Ikoya road in Okitipupa, Mahin township roads, 12km road in Ondo, Ifon and Iju in Akure North.

empted from paying nomination fees LP presented them because of its avowed gender friendly posture. It provided a platform for women to launch into politics. It is a party for all, irrespective of gender.”

Mimiko urged more women to participate in politics.

His wife, Mrs. Olukemi Mimiko, urged the legislators-elect to work hard and be good representatives of women in government.

6

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2011

NEWS Candidates seek nullification of NASS election at tribunal From Osagie Otabor, Benin

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OME defeated candidates in the just-concluded National Assembly elections in Edo State are seeking nullification of the polls at the tribunal. Alternatively, they are praying to be declared winner of the election.

A peep at the six petitions filed at the tribunal showed that some of them are insisting that they lost because invalid votes were added to the votes of their opponents. They alleged that the elections were not in compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2010 as amended.

Charity Amayaenvbo, who contested for Ovia Federal Constituency under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) claimed that his petition on grounds that his opponent, Engr Isaac Osahon of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) was not duly elected with majority of lawful votes cast at the election.

Another ground was that invalid votes were counted in favour of Osahon despite protest by PDP agents.

While praying for the nullification of the invalid votes credited to Osahon, Amayaenvbo is asking the tribunal to declare him the winner having polled highest number of votes.

Hon Johnson Agbolagba, in his petition, said there were arbitrary and manipulation of votes and figures in favour of ACN candidate, Pally Iriase.

CPC, PDP agents clash in Bauchi •INEC officers flee

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OLLATION Officers in the eleven registration areas in Ningi local government of Bauchi State yesterday failed to turn up for the rescheduled State House of Assembly election.

The Electoral Officer, Mrs Hadiza Bome, made this known when Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) National Commissioner, Col. Muhhamed Hammanga and Bauchi Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Sen. Iliya Audu visited the area.

Bome said there was a clash between the CPC and PDP agents of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in Didanga polling unit.

The electoral officer told the commissioners that a presiding officer was beaten at Gwada polling unit, adding that after he left, people started massive thumbprinting of ballot papers.

She quoted the officer as saying that he would cancel the election.

Bome added that another INEC staff, Abdullahi Barau, was beaten in Balma ward, with a threat to his life if he went back to the area.

NAN reported that the commissioners inspected some polling units in Ningi town.

Obasanjo: time running out for sit tight leaders

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ROM former President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday came an advice to has leaders in Africa: time is running out and should take a cue and bow out peacefully.

Obasanjo, who spoke at the presentation of the Africa Progress Panel (APP) report in Cape Town South Africa, urged them to realise that there is life after the state house.

“Time is running out. And when you look at it they are becoming really virtually extinct in the continent because how many of them do we have left?

“I will say secondly that they should look and see that those who have taken the way out are not too worse for it.

“At least I am here and I know Thabo Mbeki is there,” he said jokingly.

“I saw Benbella the other day and he is still happy and there, Kaunda is there still going around and was with me in Nigeria not long ago,” he said.

Obasanjo said African leaders, unless where absolutely necessary, should be left to retire and live peacefully after leaving office.

“I believe that whatever mistakes a leader must have made, unless it is a heinous

crime, he should be left peacefully to vegetate and retire to the village or wherever he wants to.”

Obasanjo urged President Goodluck Jonathan to focus on key areas like the economy, security, unemployment, corruption, infrastructure and energy in order to move the country forward.

He said the results of the last elections have strengthened the country’s unity.

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Supreme Court declares Uzodinma as Imo west senator From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

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•Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido and President of ECOWAS Commission, Ambassador Victor Gbeho when the governor visited him in Abuja...yesterday

Waziri wants tougher measures to fight corruption

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HE Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mrs Farida Waziri, has suggested punitive measures— such as prison sentences on conviction— to deter corruption.

Mrs. Waziri gave the suggestion while delivering a paper entitled: “The EFCC’s critical role in growing the Nigerian economy” at the breakfast meeting of the Nigeria-British Chamber of

Commerce in Lagos.

According to her, the problem of corruption in Nigeria is that people manipulate the system and get freed after being arrested for corrupt practices.

She accused the Nigerian elite of having an insatiable appetite for acquisition of property and assets, noting that this was the root of corruption.

“The reason why politics in this country is a do-or-die

affair is because politicians know that there are no adequate measures to punish corrupt political office holders,” Mrs. Waziri said.

She said the commission had aggressively sensitised the general populace on the ills of corruption.

“The cliche that EFCC is watching has continued to gain ground and there has been a gradual reduction in corrupt practices that were hitherto accepted and taken

Elections not free in Southeast, Southsouth, says ANPP

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HE National Chairman of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, yesterday alleged that the last election were characterised by fraud especially in the Southeast and Southsouth geo-political zones.

Speaking in Abuja when a delegation from the National Democratic Institute (NDI) for International Affairs led by the Senior Country Director, Carlo Binda visited him.

Onu said Nigeria is divided by the outcome of the elections.

It was necessary, he said, to make observation because of what he called disturbing trends in the Southeast and Southsouth zones during the elections adding that there was the misuse of power by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

According to him, the elections in the two zones

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

witnessed high level of violence, harassment, intimidation and rigging. He added that the exercise was also characterised by multiple thumb printing, ballot box snatching and stuffing, monetary inducement as well as intimidation and harassment of voters.

“In many states in the Southeast and Southsouth, as a matter of fact in all the states, we have received very disturbing information on what happened during those elections. But I must tell you that the most disturbing came from Ebonyi State . We know you have been going round and we urge you to go round because things that are contrary to the Electoral Act and the guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were done in a very brazen

manner.

“Many lives were lost; a lot of property destroyed.

Many people are in hospital. I urge you to go and see things for yourself,” he said.

He alleged that leaders of the party and agents were arrested on trumped up charges and detained by security agents, only to be released after the elections.

Onu, who blammed the election violence on the out come of the PDP zoning formula said: “Because of the debate on wether the ruling PDP will respect the zoning formula or not, the nation became polarised.

There was so much tension and the polarisation went beyond geography because you have the North and the South. And the polarization took different dimensions, ethnic and religion.

“That level of tension did not create meaningful environment for free and fair

for granted,” she said.

Mrs Waziri advised foreign investors to have confidence in the Nigerian economy, adding that the government is doing everything possible to curb corruption.

“Since its inception in 2003, the commission has recovered over $11 billion, the bulk of which is the $6.5 billion recovered under my administration in the last two years,” Waziri added.

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Binda assured that the NDI team would stay back in the country to monitor the remaining elections and brief the country on its observation.

He urged the government to improve on the elections and maintain the good aspect of it for future.

HE Supreme Court yesterday declared Hope Uzodinma the authentic candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Imo West Senatorial District.

By the order, Uzodinma becomes the duly elected senator for the district; since PDP won the seat at the just-concluded National Assembly elections.

Uzodinma went to court to challenge the judgment of the Court of Appeal which affirmed the decision of Justice Abdul Kafarati of the Federal High Court, Abuja, that Senator Osita Izunaso is the party’s candidate.

In a unanimous judgment, the apex court set aside the judgments of the lower courts.

Justice Walter Onnoeghen, who read the lead judgment however deferred reasons for the judgment till May 20.

Before the judgment, the court took oral submissions from counsel to both parties.

Uzodinma’s counsel, Chief Wole Olanikpekun (SAN), who led four other senior advocates, contended that the lower courts failed to consider all the evidence placed before them before arriving at their judgments.

Besides, he said his client was not given sufficient time to present his case as the time accrued to him by law was abridged by the appeal court.

PDP counsel, Chief Olusola Oke told the court that the appellant is the authentic candidate of the party and not Izunaso.

After a short stand down, the panel of five justices reconvened to deliver their judgment.

In the short judgment, Justice Onnoghen said “the appeal has merit and is allowed. The appellant remains the candidate of the respondent”.

Justice Kafarati of the Federal High Court on January 28, declared Senator Izunaso as the legitimate winner of PDP primary election for Imo West Senatorial District.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2011

NEWS Candidate urges tight security at INEC office From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

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ENUE State Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) governorship candidate Prof Steve Ugba has urged tighter security around the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Makurdi.

In an open letter to the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Ugba said he made the call because of the rumours that some people were planning to burn down some INEC offices.

He noted that the motive of such persons was to destroy the evidence that might be tendered in the petition against the alleged rigged elections in the state.

Ugba said justice would be compromised if the materials used in the April 26 governorship election were destroyed.

He said: “It is in our interest that the INEC Headquarters should not be burnt down as the records of the governorship election in April 26 are there. We intend to rely on these records to prosecute our petition against the result of that election.”

The letter was copied to INEC Chairman, Prof Attahiru Jegga; Benue State Police Command and Director of State Security Service (SSS).

Group criticises Fed Govt over corps members’ insecurity •Urges review of NYSC

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SOCIO-political group, Integrity Youths Movement (IYM) Nigeria, has criticised the Federal Government for failing to protect National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members during their national service.

It said the government breached its pact with the youths by failing to protect them while serving their fatherland.

In a statement yesterday by its National President, Dr Tayo Komolafe, IYM vowed to organise a protest in Abuja

next month if the government failed to review the NYSC to ensure members’ security and welfare.

The group said it has begun mobilising 24 youth organisations to participate in “a showdown” against the government, adding that no fewer than 129 youth corps members have been killed in the past two years.

It urged the government to amend certain aspects of the scheme, including “the postings of corps members, years of service, allowances and security and welfare”.

Taraba polls tribunal gets Nyame’s, others’ petitions From Fanen Ihyongo, Jalingo

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HE Taraba State Election Petitions Tribunal has received four petitions, including that of former Governor Jolly Nyame. The litigants are National Assembly candidates on the platform of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), who lost to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The four petitions are: •“Nyame and one other versus PDP and others, in petition No. EPT/TR/S/04/2011.

•“Aliyu Dankaro and one other versus PDP and others, in petition No. EPT/TR/S/O3/2011.

•“Yusuf Akirikwen and one other versus PDP and others, in petition No. EPT/TR/R/02/2011.

•“Saidu Adama and one other versus PDP and others, in petition No. EPT/TR/R/01/2011”.

The Nation visited the tribunal’s new office complex in Jalingo, the Taraba state capital yesterday.

Nyame and Dankaro the Managing Director of Dasali Nigeria Ltd were ACN Senatorial candidates for Taraba North and South districts. While Nyame lost to a political neophyte –Hajiya Aisha Alhassan –an ex-Registrar of the PDP, Dankaro lost to his arch rival, Emmanuel Bwacha, also PDP. Akrikwen and Adama were ACN candidates for the House of Representatives elections but all lost to the ruling party.

The plaintiffs are challenging the legitimacy of the PDP’s victory in the National Assembly polls, held on Saturday, April 9.

ACN has alleged that the PDP rigged the elections.

Secretary of the tribunal, Mr Daniyam Ogunyemi said yesterday that the tribunal is now awaiting petitions for the governorship and House of Assembly elections.

Ogunyemi told The Nation that the tribunal –a three-man panel, will soon commence sittings, which would last for only six months (120 days).

• The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, Linus Awute (middle) with other officials at the World Malarial Day PHOTO: AKIN OLADOKUN rally at Berger Junction, Abuja... yesterday

Fed Govt urged to prosecute sponsors of North’s riots

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GROUP, United Niger Delta Energy Development Security Strategy (UNDEDSS), has urged the Federal Government to prosecute those behind last month’s post-election violence in some northern states.

The Prof Pat Utomi-led group said the prosecution of the perpetrators as deterrence to future offenders and ensure the security of Nigerians and foreigners wherever they reside in the country.

Addressing reporters yesterday in Warri, the Delta State capital, its spokesman, Ms Annkio Briggs, urged the government to ensure justice with-

From Shola O’Neil, Warri

out witch-hunting anyone.

She said: “Every Nigerian must be seen to be subject to the Constitution and extant laws of the country.

“The recent killings of our southerner children, sisters, brothers, mothers, fathers and others of both northern and southern extraction must not be allowed to be just another case to be swept under the carpet of the country’s horrifying culture of impunity that we rose up, nationwide, against in January, last year.”

Briggs appealed to Presi-

dent Goodluck Jonathan to ensure that identified perpetrators, including those who incited the mobs, “are brought to book and subjected to the laws and statutes of this land.”

She urged the government to resettle over 70,000 internally displaced persons; assist the over 500 razed churches in Daura, Kano, Bauchi, among other places; and compensate the over 3,000 bereaved families.

UNDEDSS Secretary Tony Uranta said: “We, beleaguered Nigerians declare that enough is enough. Never again shall we lie back to be killed by barbaric putative

brethren.

“We hereby call on President Jonathan to ensure that justice is done comprehensively, transparently and speedily.

“After wide consultations with other affected Nigerians, we hereby give notice that if the government security agencies and judicial system do not speedily satisfy all Nigerians that they are safe everywhere they may find themselves, we shall join other major stakeholders to call for and speedily convene a Sovereign National Conference of ethnic nationalities to decide on whether we need to restructure this country and how.”

NMA, ex-dean sue UNIJOS over VC’s appointment

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HE incorporated Trustees of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and a former Dean, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Prof Innocent Ujah, have sued the University of Jos (UNIJOS) management over its “faulty criteria” in choosing a new Vice-Chancellor (VC).

The tenure of the ViceChancellor, Prof Sonny Tyoden, will expire next month, and the university management is shopping for his successor.

In a motion on notice and motion exparte filed on their behalf by J. Y. Pam, the plaintiffs complained that the criteria in the advertisement for the position excluded medical doctors.

They prayed the court to

From Marie-Therese Peter, Jos

restrain the university from excluding them in the selection, interview and appointment of a new VC. The plaintiffs said two clauses in the advertisement, published in a national daily on November 30, last year, were discriminatory and prejudicial to professors of medicine and dentistry.

The two clauses, according them, stipulated that an applicant must be a scholar of the rank of professor with no less than five years standing and must be a PhD holder.

It was gathered that among those caught under the clauses are the Plateau State Commissioner for Health, Prof

Barnabas Mandong, who was the dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences of the university before his appointment.

Ujah is his predecessor and the current Director of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research; Prof John Wade was the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of the Plateau State University, Bokkos.

The plaintiffs are praying for an order of interim injunction restraining UNIJOS, its agents, servants, and/or representatives from setting up or participating in any panel or committee from short-listing for interview, inviting for interview, interviewing, assessing, short-listing for nomination or nominating to the council any candidate for the

post of VC, pending the determination of the motion on notice.

They are also urging the court to restrain the university from continuing with any process, if it had started, pending the determination of the suit.

In a previous letter, NMA complained that “the inclusion of the phrase ‘must be a PhD holder’ in the said advert constituted a deliberate exclusion of professors of Medicine and Dentistry who, as fellows of the National Post-Graduate Medical College of Nigeria and/or the West African College of Surgeons and Physicians, undergo a more rigorous training process than a PhD holder before attaining the rank of professor”.

Court orders arrest of Kaduna lawmaker for alleged forgery

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ZONKWA Chief Magistrate’s Court in Kaduna State, has ordered the arrest and detention of a member of the House of Assembly, Esther Abba, for failing to appear before it over allegations of certificate forgery.

Mrs Abba, representing Zangon Kataf State Constituency, is to answer charges of alleged forgery of her primary and secondary

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

school certificates and diploma used for her election.

Issuing a bench warrant against the lawmaker, Chief Magistrate Martins Ishaya said she should be remanded in prison custody because of the criminal nature of her offence.

The magistrate refused a

plea by her counsel, Mr E. D. Gwada, saying the accused had been served with a court summons.

A former Vice-Chairman of the local government, Mr Francis Kozah, sued Mrs Abba at the court, alleging that she lied on oath and used forged certificates to contest the election.

The court summon reads: “Mrs. Abba falsely declared on oath before the Commis-

sioner for Oath, High Court of Justice Kaduna, and orally at home that her First School Leaving Certificate, which she purportedly said was issued to her upon the completion of her primary education at LEA Primary School, Sako, Zangon-Kataf local government, in 1984, was lost and published same with the intention to deceive members of the public, including the electorate and

natives in villages of Zangon Kataf and its environs, into believing she possessed a primary school certificate obtained from the said school when she knew that she neither attended the said school.”

She was also accused of lying that she attended and completed secondary education at Government Day Secondary School, Zangon Kataf, and possessed a Diploma in

Public Administration in 2005, “when clearly she knew she never attended any such diploma-awarding college in 2005”.

Counsel to the plaintiff, Mr Istifanu Toma, said Mrs Abba committed offences punishable with imprisonment, adding that perjury and cheating are contrary to Sections 140; 157; 163; 95; and 323 of the Penal Code, Law of Northern Nigeria.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2011

NEWS

Police seize arms in Delta

Bayelsa NBA condemns attack From Isaac Ombe, Yenagoa

THE Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) in Bayelsa State has condemned the attack on the Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Yenagoa, the state capital.

A senator had allegedly led thugs to beat up tribunal workers and destroy furniture.

The NBA appealed to the Federal Government to wade into the matter so as to curb the lawlessness and violence in the state.

In a statement, the lawyers said: “An investigative team should be mandated to investigate the saga and bring to justice, all the persons involved in this criminal act, irrespective of their standing in society.”

The NBA also demanded that adequate security be provided for the tribunal staff to forestall a reccurrence.

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HE police have seized a cache of arms in Delta State ahead of today’s mop-up House of Assembly election in some places.

The election will hold in five constituencies, including Patani Local Government, where the April 26 poll was declared inconclusive.

The cache, containing a rocket propelled grenade; five dynamites; 25 cartridges, seven single barrel guns and two double barrel guns, was discovered at a checkpoint in Patani.

Violence characterised elections in the area, with the murder of the younger brother of the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Sixtus Ganagana, by unidentified gunmen.

Police spokesman Charles Muka said the police at a

•To prosecute 18 for electoral fraud From Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

checkpoint on the Ughelli / Patani Road stopped a Toyota Camry car and upon searching it discovered the arms cache.

Its three passengers were arrested.

Muka said the cache contained 15 locally made single barrel guns; two locally made sub-machine guns; one Dane-gun; 15 cartridges; 12 explosives in cans; four army caps; an army shirt and a service belt.

In a related development, the police arrested four persons in Warri and recovered one English Beretta pistol with 41 rounds of ammunition.

The suspects, Muka said, would be charged to court soon.

The police said 18 suspects were arrested for electoral offences during last month’s polls.

The command said the suspects will be prosecuted soon.

It said one death was recorded during the elections but disclosed that three other deaths not connected with the polls were reported during the period.

Muka said the suspects were arrested at different locations during the elections.

His words: “We arrested 18 persons in connection with electoral offences from the

National Assembly through to the Presidential and governorship and House of Assembly elections.

“Two deaths were recorded at Ogume, Ndokwa West Local Government but were due to accidental discharge which had nothing to do with the elections.

“Another person was killed at Orerokpe in Okpe by an unknown soldier.

“So the only registered death associated with the elections was that of a lawmaker’s driver killed at Ibusa, Oshimili North Local Government.”

On today’s mop-up election, Muka said the command had deployed policemen to provide security in the areas.

He called on residents to remain law-abiding and go out to vote without fear of being molested.

‘Why I gave up armed struggle’ From Shola O’Neil, Warri

A FORMER militant leader, Gen Jessey Birinumughan, seven of his commanders and 500 ‘soldiers’ have renounced militancy in Bomadi Local Government of Delta State.

Jessey (aka Gen Angle 90) said he delayed in accepting the amnesty because of fear and distrust of similar failed gestures of the Federal Government.

He said the intervention of prominent Ijaw leaders, including Godday Oweiware, informed his change of heart.

“I am accepting the amnesty with good faith because before now I did not trust the government but there is now ample evidence that the government is committed to the promises made to the people of the region.”

Calabar Airport closes tomorrow From Kunle Johnson, Calabar

THE Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar, Cross River State, is to be shut for two months beginning from tomorrow for resurfacing of its runway.

General Manager, Public Affairs, Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Akin Olukunle said the airport would be reopened on July 8.

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) selected two airports, including the Calabar Airport, for immediate upgrade as well as approved Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) with Cameroon.

The Airport is affected by the agreement because it is closer to Cameroon than any other airport in the country.

Although there were speculations that the closure was informed by Osama Bin Laden’s death, the airport’s Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Iloanya Uju said this was not so.

She said the security of the airport would continue to be of concern to the management because of its proximity to neighbouring countries.

Ebonyi Perm Sec kidnapped From Ogbonnaya Obinna Abakaliki

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BONYI State Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Culture and Tourism Steven Orogwu was yesterday abducted by gunmen at his residence in Abakaliki, the state capital.

Eyewitness said the kidnappers tied the gateman and held other members of the family hostage.

On his arrival, the kidnappers bundled the Orogwu into his Toyota Camry car and zoomed off to an undisclosed destination.

The abductors are yet to make any contact with Orogwu’s family.

Police spokesperson John Eluu confirmed the incident.

He assured that the police would arrest Orogwu’s abductors .

He dismissed insinuations that the abduction was politically motivated.

The kidnap brings to seven the number of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwarts abducted in the state.

Crisis looms in AAU over sack of VC •ASUU gives seven-day ultimatum From Osagie Otabor, Benin

C •Retired Assistant Comptroller-General, Nigeria Immigration Service, Sir William Park, inspecting a Guard Of Honour during his pull-out from service ceremony in Port Harcourt, Rivers State… yesterday PHOTO:NAN

INEC petitioned over Akpabio’s candidacy

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GROUP, Akwa Ibom Coalition for Democracy (ACD), yesterday sent a petition to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), alleging that Governor Godswill Akpabio is an impostor.

Its Chairman, Dr. Sampson Ekong, said Akpabio did not win the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary.

He said the rescheduled primary election on Janu-

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

ary 15 was “marred with fraud and intimidation of delegates.”

Ekong, in the letter entitled “We reject Akpabio and the entire process that is trying to force him on us as governor for another four years”, said the primary was a fraud as the originating basis (ward congresses) were obstructed

from taking place.

The letter reads: “It is true that all the rules governing the conduct of credible elections have been defied by Akpabio, in desperate efforts to impose himself on Akwa Ibom people as governor for another four years.

“Delegates to the primary were handpicked. Petitions by other aspirants on the election were rebuffed by the PDP national executives.

“INEC also did nothing about all the petitions and complaints forwarded to it on the issue. It was this same fake delegates’ list that was used for the nomination.”

The group vowed to resist Akpabio. It said: “We don’t want Akpabio. It is our hope that you will use your good office to do something to ameliorate the suffering of Akwa Ibom people from his hands.”

Committee to investigate suspended Rivers ACN chair, others T HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Rivers State yesterday inaugurated a committee to investigate its suspended Chairman, Uche Okwukwu, and four others, who were accused of anti-party activities,.

Also suspended are the Youth Leader, Bob Aaron; Welfare Officer Ken Dede; ExOfficio member for AsariToru Local Government Ogborubu Erekosima and Emohua Local Government Chairman Timothy Amadi.

The party’s Acting Publicity Secretary, Jerry Needam,

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

said in Port Harcourt, the state capital, that the seven-member committee is chaired by the legal adviser, Ike Egbule Echie.

The committee members will begin sitting today at the party secretariat by 10am.

Needam said: “Letters of invitation have been dispatched, and acknowledged by all affected persons, who are expected to appear before the committee to defend themselves, in line with the

constitution of the party.”

The acting publicity secretary added that ACN members, supporters and members of the public, who are willing to observe the proceedings, are free to do so.

Okwukwu was suspended for abandoning the party 48 hours to the April 26 governorship and House of Assembly elections.

He was accused of asking ACN members to vote for the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Rotimi Amaechi.

The suspended chairman, who hails from Ikwerre Local Government as Amaechi, also told his supporters to vote for PDP’s Rivers House of Assembly candidate for Ikwerre constituency Mr. Wanjoku Chikere, who eventually won the election.

Okwukwu said he remained the chairman, describing his suspension as illegal.

He said his suspension must start from the ward level and ratified at the national convention, describing the “purported” suspension as null and void, and of no effect whatsoever.

RISIS is looming at the Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, Edo State, as the institution’s Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is set for a show down with the government over the sack of the Vice Chancellor (VC), Prof Sam Uniamikogbo.

ASUU said the sack did not follow laid down procedure.

It gave the government seven days ultimatum to recall Uniamikogbo.

Special Adviser to Governor Adams Oshiomhole on Education Ali Suleiman, in a statement, said Oshiomhole as the institution’s Visitor directed Prof Cordelia Agbebaku to act, pending the appointment of a substantive Vice Chancellor.

Suleiman said Oshiomhole consulted with the Governing Council as required by law, adding that Uniamikogbo was relieved of his appointment in line with the First Schedule Section 3 (3) of the university law 1999 (As Amended).

But ASUU, in a communiqué issued at the end of an emergency meeting, said the removal was illegal and did not follow due process.

The communiqué signed by its Chairman, Sunday Ighalo, said the laid down procedure for removal of a VC was breached because the sacked VC was not given a fair hearing.

It urged the government to within seven days recall the VC and follow due process in removing him.

ASUU said it would take further actions if the VC is not recalled.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2011

NEWS SAN sues Oni, others for N5billion

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N Ibadan-based Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Lateef Fagbemi has instituted a N5 billion, libel suit against former Ekiti State Governor Segun Oni and two others.

The others are: Acting Chairman , Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, Otunba Sunday Ojo-Williams and Western Publishing Company Limited, publishers of Nigerian Compass .

In the writ of sermons, Fagbemi alleged that Oni and the others “falsely and maliciously stated inter alia that the claimant was involved in underhand dealings through telephone contacts with Justice Ayo Salami,the President of the Court of Appeal, during which the plans to fraudulently pervert the course of justice in the Ekiti and Osun gubernatorial election petition appeals in which judgments were delivered in October and November 2010 respectively were hatched.”

Fagbemi said:‘’In separate petitions to President Goodluck Jonathan and the Chairman of the National Judicial Council (NJC) dated January 14 and 16, 2011 respectively and signed by Mr. Oni, and Otunba Sunday Ojo-Williams, the party informed the judicial body that while the Appeal Court was hearing the Osun and Ekiti cases ,Salami and one of his men named Tunji Ijaya were allegedly having sizzling romance with chieftains and senior lawyers of ACN.” Fagbemi’s petition as saying quoted Oni: “A simple perusal of the call logs revealed the following ; on 09/2010 at 16 26hrs, call to Justice Salami {0803400887}; by Lateef Fagbemi SAN {080332446788} 30/092010 at 10;28hrs, call to Salami from Lateef Fagbemi SAN;30/09/2010 at 17.04hrs, call to Salami by Yussuf Alli ,SAN 08038976850, 08033340330 and on 12/10/2010 at 23.02hrs call to Salami from Lateef Fagbemi ,SAN 08033246788.”

Fagbemi is claiming N1 billion against Oni as gen-

Community leader for burial

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HE remains of Mrs Ajike Enilolobo Oladesu, a prominent trader and community leader in EfonAlaye, Ekiti State will be buried tomorrow in the ancient town.

Mrs Oladesu, daughter of the late Chief Olayinka Elejofi of Aaye Quarters, died after a brief illness. She was 83.

According to a statement by her children, there will be a Christian wake keep at her Iloja street residence today and a funeral service at C.A.C. Oke Alaafia, Ojodi, tomorrow.

She is survived by children, grandchildren and great grand children.

ACPN ‘ll take over Kwara in 2015, says Saraki

From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

eral damages and N1 billion against Ojo-Williams as general damages while the claimant is claiming N3 billion against the Western Publishing Company, Publisher of Nigerian Compass.

Meanwhile, an Ibadan High Court judge, Justice Bolaji Yussuf yesterday granted leave to Fagbemi to serve Oni in Lagos State ; Ojo_williams in Osun State and the third defendant ,Western Publishing Company Limited in Ogun State.

Justice Bolaji Yussuf granted the application after it was moved by the counsel to the claimant, Seun Ajayi.

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

•Saraki

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OUNDER of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN) Dr. Olusola Saraki has said the party will take over the governorship of Kwara State in 2015.

Saraki, the Second Republic senate leader, said yesterday that he is not reconciling with his son, Governor Bukola Saraki, for now.

Saraki backed Senator Gbemisola Saraki, younger sister of the governor, as the party’s candidate in the April 26 governorship poll.

Governor Saraki supported the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governor-elect, Alhaji AbdulFatah Ahmed.

The Publicity Secretary of ACPN, Alhaji Abdullahi Oganija, in a statement on

behalf of Saraki, urged ACPN supporters to discountenance the rumoured reconciliation because “it is baseless and devoid of truth.”

He said the ACPN remained resolute that the just concluded elections were fraught with irregularities, adding that the party would rest power from the PDP in 2015.

His words: “I wish to enjoin our party members to disregard rumour of reconciliation between myself and Governor Bukola Saraki.

“My dear ACPN supporters our party totally re-

jects all forms of entreaties from PDP for reconciliation.

I therefore, charge our members to be faithful, loyal and honest to the vision of building Kwara of our dreams. I will soon join you in the present effort at rebuilding our great party, I assure our party will be vigilant, alert and ensure that Kwara’s resources are not mismanaged in the next four years.”

He described 72,000 voters that voted for Senator Gbemisola Saraki and other candidates that contested on the platform of ACPN in the last elections as true patriots.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2011

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NEWS Suits against me frivolous, says Orji ABIA State Governor Theodore Orji has faulted the litigations trailing his re-election.

He described the suits as “frivolous and an abuse of court process by idle and scanty opposition seeking to intimidate the judiciary,” saying, “I shall triumph.”

The governor spoke yesterday through his Special Adviser on Media, Ben Onyechere.

He said: “The Judiciary can no longer be arm twisted, having attained a high level of respectability and neutrality. I know I shall triumph.”

One of the challengers of Orji’s victory is Ikechi Emenike. Emenike is challenging Orji’s emergence as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate.

But Orji said: “The resistance and vituperations of these few people against the wish of Abia people only portray them as people who are lacking in knowledge and wisdom.

“These people find it difficult to understand why the electorate decided to vote for their freedom, yet they are the same people who asked their supporters to vote for President Goodluck Jonathan.They have forgotten that Abia people have become politically conscious.”

Orji said he has nothing against the aggrieved parties going to court to challenge his victory.

He described his victory as a victory for Abians.

10,000 policemen, soldiers deployed for Imo election

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O fewer than 108 Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials from Enugu have been deployed for the conduct of the governorship supplementary election in Imo State today.

INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Josiah Uwazuruonye told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday that the directive came from the INEC Headquarters in Abuja.

Uwazuruonye said: “As a result of what happened in Bauchi concerning Youth Corps members, most of them are no longer eager to continue participation as ad-hoc staff.

“Most of them still nurse the morbid fear that what happened in the North might also be extended to them in the East.

“INEC does not want to take chances in case we do not have a full complement of corps members.

“We were given directive to deploy our competent staff to conduct the supplementary election in Imo State.’’

“If the situation arises where the corps members are not eager to participate, INEC can as well make use of its staff.

“That is why staff from Enugu and other neighbouring states are being invited to report at Owerri for the exercise, if we do not have a full complement of corps members to

Judge’s absence stalls suit against Imo election

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HE absence of Justice Bilikisu Aliyu of the Federal High Court Abuja yesterday stalled two suits seeking to stop today’s supplementary election in Imo State.

The two suits are that filed by the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and its governorship candidate in Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha and another filed by five indigenes of the State.

The indigenes are Bob Njemanze, Kingsley Ihegworo, Alan Onyemaechi, Nwokedi Jideofor and Emmanuel Ihim.

The Plaintiffs want the Court to stop the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from holding supplementary election.

The indigenes are asking the court to stop the election.

According to them, the proposed election violate the provisions of Section 25(7) and (8) of the Electoral Act 2010.

They are asking the court to declare that the holding of the supplementary election was alien to both the Electoral Act and the 1999 Constitution.

They also want the court to declare that April 27, 2011 was the last day limited by the Act and

From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

the Constitution for holding elections into the office of the Governor of Imo State; and that any election by whatever description conducted by INEC into the office of the governor outside the period limited by law is unconstitutional and therefore of no effect.

They want the court to determine whether within the intendment of sections 25, 26 and 153 of the Electoral Act, 2010 as amended and sections 178(2) and 179 of the 1999 Constitution, election into the office of the Governor of Imo State could be extended beyond the limited period of 30 days before the expiration of the tenure of the holder of that office.

They want the court to determine whether INEC can validly call for and fix the May 6, 2011 as the date for election into the office of the Governor of Imo State after the period limited by law, which is a period not later than 30 days before the tenure of the last holder of that office.

On Wednesday, APGA and Okorocha filed a similar case wherein they asked the court to stop the election.

•108 INEC men for election •Govt imposes curfew From Emma Mgbeahurike, Owerri

take part in the supplementary election.’’

The REC said deployment of the staff in different local governments rested solely on the INEC office in Owerri.

Uwazuruonye, however, enjoined INEC staff in Enugu

State to live up to expectations and ensure peaceful election.

“We conducted a peaceful election in Enugu State. They should go and showcase what they did in Enugu,’’ he said.

Chief Titus Uzor, Special Adviser on Security to Governor Ikedi Ohakim said yesterday that arrangements had

been concluded to ensure smooth conduct of the supplementary election.

Uzor said the election would not be business as usual as security operatives had been instructed to adhere strictly to the Electoral Act in their conduct.

Uzor said security officers were strictly warned to resist any type of malpractice in the election, adding that anybody caught engaged in unsavory

PDP, ANPP, APGA petition tribunal From Ogbonnaya Obinna, Abakaliki

ACN seeks removal of Anambra REC

HE Ebonyi Election Petitions Tribunal has received eight petitions from some parties and candidates over the last general elections.

Secretary to the tribunal Aminu Shawai said in Abakaliki,the state capital,. that the petitions were on the April 9 National Assembly elections.

According to him, the petitions are from All Nigeria Peoples Party(ANPP); All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Shawai said more petitions were expected, since the Electoral Act gives the party up to 21 days to file their petitions.

He said some members of the tribunal arrived in Abakaliki on Tuesday.

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From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

THE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has called for the removal and arrest of Anambra State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Prof. Chukwuemeka Onukaogu.

The party wants him removed before today’s rerun elections in five constitutencies of the House of Assembly and two of the House of Representatives.

The party said Onukaogu has ridiculed democracy in the state.

Chairman of the party Amechi Obidike spoke in Awka yesterday. He said Onukaogu’s inability to conduct free, fair elections in the state.

act should be punished.

He said the State Security Service (SSS) would cooperate with the military officers to achieve a positive result.

10,000 Police personnel have been deployed in the state to strenghten security in the four local governments where elections are scheduled to hold tomorrow.

Deputy Inspector General of Police Ivy Okoronkwo made this known yesterday in Owerri.

She said the officers were from the Mobile Force; antiriot squad (ATS); conventional force and anti-bomb squad.

Okoronkwo said the Army, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Immigration, S SS, among others, would compleiment the police during and after the election.

Ohakim has imposed curfew in the four local governments where the supplementary election is holding. .

Ohakim made the announcement in a state broadcast yesterday.

The four local governments are Ohaji/Egbema; Oguta/ Mbaitoli; Ngor-Opkala and Orji wards.

The curfew which commenced yesterday would end on Saturday.

Ohakim said the curfew would forestall a breakdown of law and order during and after the election.

•National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members carrying the casket of their colleaque murdered during the post election violence in Bauchi, Engr. Anslem Nkazema of Owerri North local government, Imo State...yesterday.

Abia, Imo, Anambra bury corps members AINED by the killings of nine corps members in Bauchi State during the post-presidential election violence in some parts of the North, the Anambra State Governor Peter Obi yesterday said the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme has lost its value.

His counterpart in Enugu, Ikedi Ohakim also described the post-election violence as a threat to the unity of the country.

The duo spoke at different pora while receiving the remains of two youth corps members, indigenes of their respective domains.

Obi, who received the corpse of Mrs Agnes Ezennaedozie, described as saddening the “intemperate exhibition

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From Emma Mgbeahurike, Owerri

of passion of hate”, that encouraged the killing of youth corps members, posted to Bauchi for the mandatory oneyear national service.

Elsewhere at the Government House, in Owerri, the Imo State Capital, where Ohakim received the body of Anselm Chukwuonyerem Nkwaezema, the governor warned that no particular tribe or ethnic group has the monopoly of violence.

Appealing to Nigerian to rediscover the virtues of peace as a prop to progress and development Obi regretted that the NYSC scheme designed as a veritable instrument for national integration has become a source of worry to some Ni-

gerians, because of the recent sad event that saw the corps members as an object of attack.

He said it was good and patriotic to serve the nation provided the nation would be there to protect the people.

Describing Anyanwu’s death as unfortunate and painful, he said that the state government would take care of all expenses pertaining to his funeral and would be available to comfort the husband and the family of the deceased.

He called on the Federal Government not to abandon the families of the deceased, adding that the only worthy legacy in her honour is for all, especially those who take active part in electioneering projects, to shun acts that tarnished the image of the coun-

try and brought it so low.

Obi, who recalled the efforts being made by his administration to rescue the corps members, asked God to grant eternal rest to her family. He said that the state would, in memory of her death, commence the construction of the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp at Umunya, promising to name a structure after the slain corps member within the Camp.

One of the late Mrs. Ezennaedozie’s colleagues, Mr. Eyisi Afamefuna from Adazi Ani and with the call up number of NYSC/UNN/210/171993 expressed gratitude on behalf of the corps members on what he called the wonderful expression of love from the governor Eyisi said he was

one of those who were brought back in the ANIDS vehicle sent by the governor and called for adequate compensation for the dead corps members.

The officiating priest, Rev. Fr. Godwin Okoye, in his sermon, described life as a gift from God and death a necessary end. He said that what matters in life is how well one lived.

In attendance were the state co-ordinator of the NYSC, Sir Joseph Abu, state commissioners, corps members, among others.

In Owerri, Ohakim said the future of Nigeria was threatened and warned that no particular tribe or ethnic group has monopoly of violence.

He extolled the heroic qual-

ities of the slain corper, saying that his death would not be in vain. He pledged his government’s assistance to the late Nkwaezema’s family.

The Commissioner for Youth and Sport, Ngozi Anyikwa said, Nkwaezema had paid the price to sustain democracy.

Director- General of the NYSC Brig. Gen M. Y. Tsiga was represented by the zonal Coordinator, Emmanuel Obi. He lamented the mindless killings of defenseless youth corps members by people he described as agents of the devil.

The NYSC boss described Nkwazema as a hero of democracy, who was felled while charting a new cause for Nigeria’s democratic experience.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2011

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NEWS Jimoh Ibrahim acquires Newswatch GLOBAL Media Mirror Limited, publishers of National Mirror, yesterday acquired Newswatch Communications Limited, publishers of Newswatch, a weekly news magazine. The company, owned by business mogul, Mr. Jimoh Ibrahim now has 51 per cent stake in the magazine. At the completion board meeting held yesterday, Ibrahim, who is the core investor, assumed the executive chairmanship of Newswatch Communications Ltd. He replaces Chief Alex Akinyele. The new board retained five members of the dissolved board.

They are: Akinyele, Ray Ekpu, Yakubu Mohammed, Dan Agbese and Soji Akinrinade. The new members are Modupe Ibrahim, Yetunde Adedoyin, Jegede Emmanuel, Bishop Steven Ogedegbe, Ime Utong, Dr. Amos Akingba and Otunba Alex Akinnadeju The new chairman appointed the four out-going executive directors as group executive directors in various capacities. Ekpu will be incharge of Training, Research and Development, Mohammed for Corporate Planning and Strategy. Agbese will take charge of Books and Staff Training. Akinrinade, the ersthwhile Editor-in-Chief, takes charge of the Editorial Content. Editorial editorial content.

The board approved the appointment of Utong as Chief Restructuring Officer (CRO). Until his appointment he was of Global Fleet Oil and Gas Limited.

In the same development, Mr. Ibrahim has approved the appointment of Mr. Bankole Makinde as General Manager (Operations) and Mr. Bala Dan Abu, General Manager (Editorial). They were appointed from within the Newswatch staff.

‘Fuel scarcity ends soon’ The National Chairman of the Oil and Gas branch of the National Union of Pentroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Mr Benneth Korie, yesterday assured that the fuel scarcity being experienced in Abuja and some parts of the country will be resolved before tomorrow.

Korie told reporters in Abuja that the scarcity was compounded by the long break and violence that erupted in some parts of the country.

Yar’Adua was a great leader, says Jonathan

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday described the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua as a great leader, who served Nigeria.

Remembering his former boss, who died a year ago, on his Facebook page, Jonathan said: “A year ago,

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

I lost a friend and brother, and although I suffered a great personal loss, it was nothing compared to that suffered by Nigeria .

“My late great leader,

Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, died a year ago today (yesterday) and though he went too soon, he left an indelible record of service and modelled the expected behaviour of that type of statesman Africa needs to get from where she is to where she ought to be.

“Today, I, President Good-

•(Right) Lagos State Commissioner for Establishment, Training and Pensions Mr. Jide Sanwo-Olu, Special Adviser for Establishment Mr. Femi Adebanjo and Permanent Secretary, Esatablishment and Pensions Mrs. Shade jaji at a ministerial PHOTO: MOSES OMOSEHIN briefing on the fourth anniversary of the Babatunde Fashola administration...yesterday.

Lawyer fights election petition fee in court

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PORT-Harcourt lawyer, Emmanuel Rukari, has challenged the N400, 000 cost imposed by the election tribunal and court practice directions 2011 before filing election petitions.

Rukari was the candidate of the African Renaissance Party (ARP) for Abua/Odua Ahoada Federal Constituency of Rivers State in the just concluded National Assembly election.

In the Originating Summons filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja, the plaintiff wants the court to declare the fee as “unconstitutional, null and void”.

According to him, if the cost of filing election petition is not repealed, “it would encourage people to take power by force and electoral positions will not be seen as the true reflections of the people’s wish”.

The defendants are: the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Isa Ayo Salami,

From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Rukari presented two questions for determination; •Whether by the provision of Sections 243 and 285 of the 1999 Constitution, vis-à-vis Section 145 of the Electoral Act 2010, the defendants, especially the 1st, can make the practice direction as contained in Rules 3 and 4 of the Practice Direction 2011 when Sections 36 and 42 of the 2011 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is still in existence?

•Whether it will still be necessary to allow Rules 3 and 4 of the election tribunal and Practice Direction 2011 to stand same, being inconsistent with the provision of the constitution?

The plaintiff is seeking the court for : •A declaration that Rules 3 and 4 of the election tribunal and the court practice directions 2011 is inconsistent with sections 36 and 42 of the 2011

Constitution and there is nothing in sections 243 and 285 of the 1999 constitution vis-à-vis section 145 of the Electoral Act of 2011 which gives the power to make such practice direction mentioned above or which will supersede Sections 36 and 42 of the said 2011 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

•An order declaring Rules 3 and 4 of the election tribunal and court directions 2011 as null and void, same being inconsistent with Sections 36 and 42 of the 2011 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, especially as it is depriving the Plaintiff and many other Nigerians of easy access to court.

•An order directing the first defendant to allow the plaintiff to file and continue his election petition without applying Rules 3 and 4 of the tribunal and court directions 2011 and the expiration date not to affect the plaintiff.

In an affidavit in support, Rukari stated; “that I ap-

Diya hails Jonathan over polls

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ORMER Chief of General Staff (CGF) Gen. Oladipo Diya yesterday commended President Goodluck Jonathan over the conduct of the general elections.

Diya, in a statement, said the polls were free, fair and credible.

The statement reads: “On behalf of myself and my family, l heartily congratulate President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (GCFR) on his election as the President and Commander-in-Chief, Nigeria Armed Forces of Nigeria.

I am particularly impressed by the President patriotic zeal and forthrightness in the crusade for ‘one man, one vote’ in

luck Ebele Jonathan, pray for the repose of the soul of our late leader and again express Nigeria’s appreciation to the family he left behind for the selfless leadership he provided this great nation. May God bless his soul and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Nigeria. By his actions during our recently concluded national elections, he has joined the rank of highly principle Nigerians, who used their professional callings, positions and status as platforms of crusade for the enthronement of a better Nigeria built on principles of social harmony, justice and fair-play.

“I equally congratulate Prof. Attahiru Jega, Chaiurman, INEC for his exemplary, transparent and forthright leadership that made possible the momentous, outstanding and successive conduct of 2011 national elections in Nigeria.

Prof. Attahiru Jega is pride,

not only to the academic community, but more importantly to the entire black race.

“I like to note also the momentous and sacrificial contributions of Nigerians, security agencies, INEC and particularly members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme towards the success of our 2011 national elections. I strongly condemned the dastardly and cowardice murder of NYSC members and other innocent Nigerians. Our governments at all levels hold it a duty to ensure that all criminals responsible for this inhuman act are apprehended and severely punished according to law.

proached the election petition tribunal in Rivers State established and constituted by the first defendant and it insisted that I should deposit the sum of N400,000 before my petition could be assessed and fees paid before my petition will be deemed as filed.

“That I do not have such amount of money, particularly after spending so much before, during and after the said election.

“That if my application is not granted, I will be prejudiced. I will have no other possible means of challenging the fraudulently obtained and declared result that has presented PDP and her candidates the winner of an election that was fraught with fraud, heavy violence, high-level intimidation and harassments.

“That I know that the laws of Nigeria are not made in contemplation of protecting only the very rich, but for all, including the very poor and the middle class of those who are trying to find their feet.”

Germany spends N480m in Plateau, Borno

G

ERMANY has supported nine NonGovernmental Organisations in Plateau and Borno States with N480 million to promote their activities on women and reproductive health.

Ms Bolaji Aina, the Project Manager, dropped the hint when a delegation from the German Embassy visited the GTZ office in Jos yesterday for a review of the projects.

She said the project was under the bilateral agreement between the Nigerian Government and its German counterpart.

She said: “We have received funding of about N480 million for the project on strengthening women and girls rights in Borno and Plateau states in Northern Nigeria.

“We have various NGOs that partner with us on the project and between N5 million and N15 million has been given to the NGOs as funding to carry out their activities.’’

She said the project focus was on issues, such as reproductive rights, female genital mutilation, access to justice, girl-child education, gender and good governance as well as monitoring and evaluation approaches and strategies.

Aina said that GTZ worked with the NGOs in 12 Local Government Areas of Borno and six council areas in Plateau.

Her words: “In Borno, the Local Government Areas were Kukawa, Magumeri, Gwoza, Mobbar, Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Nganzai, konduga, Bama, Kaga, Mafa, Jere and Gubio.

“In Plateau the council areas selected were Kanam, Kanke, Wase, Jos North and Jos South.’’

Aina said that the target groups were women, girls, community, religious leaders and policy makers, even as she explained that the thematic areas of intervention were on capacity development for partners, financial support and monitoring.

She said the project was faced with challenges, including growing religious fundamentalism in Borno, as well as inter-religious and interethnic violent conflicts in both states.

According to her, the sponsorship of the project by the German government will would end by next year.

Senator-elect Tinubu, Sambo’s wife mourn Laila Dogonyaro

•Mrs. Tinubu

W

IFE of Vice-President Namadi Sambo, Amina and Senator-elect for Lagos Central Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, yesterday described the death of

foremost women’s rights’ activist and politician, Hajia Laila Dogonyaro as painful.

Mrs. Tinubu, in a statement, said Dogoyaro will be missed mostly by the less- privileged women for whom she dedicated her life.

She said: “The vacuum Hajia’s exit has created is quite pronounced. She is a woman that cannot be easily forgotten.

I sincerely wish her a blissful rest in God’s bosom. I sincerely sympathise with you all.

On her part, Hajiya Sambo described Dogonyaro’s death as a great loss to women in

the country.

She spoke during a condolence visit to the deceasedfamily home in Kaduna.

She said: “It is a great loss not just to the immediate family, but also to all women in Nigeria. We have lost a mother who had contributed not only to the council but had also changed the lives of so many people in the society.”

Mrs Sambo said the late woman activist had touched the lives of beggars, whom she had empowered through skills acquisition in different vocations.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2011

12

NEWS At the last count, 13 women have been delivered of babies at the displaced persons’ settlements located at the Mando Hajj Camp and the Mararaban Jos Camp in Kaduna.

TONY AKOWE reports on the drama of giving birth in such unfriendly circumstances

• Two of the lucky mothers at the camp

• Mrs Maikudi with one of the four babies

Harvest of babies at displaced persons camps

F

OR Hadiza Aminu, life may never be the same again. For no fault of hers, she found herself in a displaced persons camp at the Hajj transit community, located several kilometres away from her home. While still brooding over the whereabouts of her husband, fate played a fast one on her. She was delivered of a baby at the camp.

Though she nursed the hope of reuniting with her husband soon, Hadiza, however, vowed never to return to Zonkwa, where she narrowly escaped death and became a resident of the camp.

Hadiza is not alone in this circumstance. Many other women have also found themselves as soul mates.

Rather than give birth to their babies in a more comfortable environment and in the warm arms of their loved ones, they have been left at the mercies of those they hardly know.

Thirteen babies have been delivered at the settlements located at the Mando Hajj Camp and the Ma-

raraban Jos Camp for the displaced persons. The babies include a set of triplets; a set of twins and eight single babies, as confirmed by the chairperson of the Kaduna State chapter of the Nigeria Red Cross Society, Dr. Asmau Sani Maikudi.

The Nation gathered that there were no fewer than 10 other expectant mothers, who might soon be delivered of their babies as their Expected Dates of Delivery (EDD) are very close. The women are among those living at the camps, having been dislodged from their homes in Southern part of Kaduna State following the post-election violence in some parts of the state.

For several years, Hadiza and her family had lived in Zonkwa, the sleepy headquarters of Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of the state.

Majority of those in the camps are women and children. Hadiza’s baby was named Fatima. The mother said she had bought everything she needed for safe delivery but lost it all to

200 orphans, vulnerable children benefit from Global Fund

N

O fewer than 200 orphans and vulnerable children in the Misau Local Government Area of Bauchi State have benefited from the Global Fund’s assistance.

The President, Misau Pioneer Reproductive Health and Youth Association, Alhaji Alkali Shehu, made this known on Tuesday in Misau while distributing some materials to the beneficiaries.

Shehu said the materials were distributed through the Fund’s Educational Support, Food Nutrition and Free Medical Services Scheme, and added that the gesture would alleviate the sufferings of the beneficiaries and help them to survive without their parents.

He called on the guardians of such beneficiaries to ensure their proper upbringing and development.

The Chairman of the Local Government Council, Alhaji Abdullahi Gwaram, commended the association for uplifting the living standards of the beneficiaries and described the gesture as complementary to government’s effort to provide social services to the people of the council area.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that each beneficiary received one bag of rice, 20 measures of maize, 10 measures of beans, one carton of milk, sets of uniforms, exercise and text books as well as N1,500 cash.

the violence.

She said:“We lost everything to the crisis, but I thank Allah for the safe delivery. The baby’s name is Fatima and we thank God for our lives and that of my husband because we just got to see each other some days ago since the crisis. I will never go back to Zonkwa with my husband.” The mother of five prayed for the safety of her husband.

Her story is not different from others who have sent distress calls to the government to help resettle their families.

Maikudi, attributed the multiple births at the camp to the trauma, tension and stress the women went through.

She said: “The fear of all these things can combine together to bring a baby before its time. So, I can safely say that the trauma contributed to making these women give birth prematurely. You need to see the triplets; they are slightly bigger than bottles of Coca cola drinks,” she

added. She argued that the displaced persons are in need of government support and assistance.

“They have lost a lot even though nobody can repay or compensate you for life, but then the government can assist them to rebuild their homes. Many of them, if empowered, could go and rebuild their homes,” A Red Cross official said.

The triplets were taken away from the camp almost immediately after they were born. Other women who were delivered of their babies have also left the camp. The Red Cross chairperson noted that “the situation of the women and children are very pathetic. In any camp you go, you will find out that about 90 per cent of them are women and children. These women are left with nothing; many of them are left with only the clothes they wore into the camp and the case of their children is the same. The refugees are now feeling better. They have started life again, though not like their homes”.

She urged well-to- do individuals to

donate relief materials to the displaced persons, saying they were camped in nine centres and that they need food and other items.

The women have, however, received some succor from some government officials, including the wife of Vice President, Hajia Amina Namadi Sambo and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). The items donated by the wife of the vice president include; rice, maize, mats and clothing materials. NEMA gave out food items, clothings, beddings, cooking utensils and tents.

Director-General of the agency Mohammed Sani-Sidi said that the Federal Government would continue to provide the needs of the displaced people, adding that the camps would remain open until total peace returned to the state. Sani-Sidi was full of praises for the military formations and police barracks where most of the internally displaced persons were accommodated and being protected by security personnel.

Kano election tribunal gets eight petitions

T

HE Kano State Election Petitions Tribunal said it has received eight petitions from individuals and political parties challenging the results of the April 9 National Assembly elections.

One of the petitions was on the senatorial election and seven on the House of Representatives poll.

The tribunal’s Secretary, Hajiya Rukaiya Umar Bubaram, told The Nation in Kano yesterday that one of the petitions was filed by an All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) candidate, Alhaji Jibrin Barau, against the re-election of Senator Bello Hayatu Gwarzo of the PDP for Kano North Senatorial District,.

She explained that the remaining seven petitions are

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

for Federal House of Representatives, one of which was instituted by Alhaji Abdullahi Damagu of the Congress for Progressive Change is contesting the election of the PDP Candidate for Bichi Federal Constituency of the state.

According to her, the ANPP Candidate, Alhaji Ibrahim Umar Balla has commenced legal fireworks, seeking the nullification of the electoral victory of the PDP candidate in Kumbotso Federal Constituency of Kano State.

He further disclosed that in Kano Municipal Federal Constituency, Alhaji Muhktar Ishaq Yakasai of the PDP is challenging the victory of

the ANPP Candidate, Alhaji Haruna Fatahi.

Other federal constituencies where petitions have been received from aggrieved candidates include Dambatta, where Alhaji Badamosi Ayuba of the ANPP is contesting the election of the PDP candidate, while Barrister Jamila Salik of the PDP is seeking to squash the election of the ANPP candidate for Wudil/Garko Federal Constituency.

In Gwale Federal Constituency, Alhaji A. A. Sule of ANPP is challenging the victory of the PDP candidate at the state Election Petitions Tribunal, while in Tudun Wada, the candidate of the ANPP, Alhaji Hashim Kora is seeking to upturn the victory of the PDP Candi-

date.

Bubaram further revealed that the Election Petitions Tribunal is yet to receive any petition on the governorship and State House of Assembly elections, adding that the tribunal, which has since commenced sitting last Tuesday, would be formally inaugurated next Monday.

She said the door of the state election petition tribunal is still open for more petitions, as aggrieved candidates have within 21 days of announcement of results, to file their petitions.

Bubaram however stated that the deadline for the submission of petitions on National Assembly elections, which held on the 9th of April, has since elapsed.

13

FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2011

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

The presidential election has come and gone. On May 29, President Goodluck Jonathan will be sworn in for a fixed term of four years.What are the challenges that would confront his administration? EMMANUEL OLADESU and DADA ALADELOKUN capture peoples’ anxieties and expectations.

Jonathan: New era, old challenges T

HE refrain on the lips of the 20 candidates who jostled to lead Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, was change. They expressed their readiness to ensure a divorce between Nigeria and its legion of socio-economic problems. They wanted the country to be on its feet again.

The flagbearers locked horns in the keen presidential contest that was held on April 16. At the eleventh hour before the poll took place, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) leadership attempted to forge a formidable front, with a view to giving the ruling party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a good fight at the polls. It did not work. Thus, the coast was clear for each of the parties to go into the electoral battle.

At last, as announced by Prof. Attahiru Jega, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Dr. Goodluck Jonathan clinched the mandate to steer the ship of the state. On May 29, he is expected to be sworn in for him to form his cabinet and settle down for the job before him. Nigerians speak out on the issues he must address to justify his occupancy of the important position in their lives.

Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Chief Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, (SAN) in a chat with The Nation yesterday, said: “It is a known fact that President Jonathan emerged winner in an election that was generally adjudged even by international observers, as credible. The onus now lies on him to justify the trust of the Nigerian people by doing what is expected of him and his administration. Now, he has the political capital to work with since he enjoys majority support in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

“My immediate advice for him is that if he is seriously serious about doing his best to make Nigeria work again. He must choose the best brains among teeming Nigerians to work with. He cannot afford to miss that vital step if his administration must satisfy the yearnings of the people because he cannot do it all alone. Yes, he has said that he would not spend more than one term; he must prepare his mind to work as if he truly has no other term to spend. In this wise, he should borrow a leaf from Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola who, in his first term, worked as if another term was not there for him. It was his sterling performance that earned him the second opportunity to serve his people.

“Corruption has become an endemic in this country; the President must commit himself to fighting it, no matter whose ox is gored.

The energy sector is one area that is crying for expeditious attention. If he can give us power, Nigerians won’t forget him in a hurry. He must also waste no time in working on our decayed infrastructure, especially the roads. Yes, he cannot do it all, but he must be seen to have tried his best at there worrisome problems.

Expressing concern over the problems being face by the Judiciary and the need for President Jonathan to act fast on them, he said: “The Judiciary is one institution that needs total and urgent overhaul. He must pick a committed and very trustworthy Attorney General with the resolve to tackle the problems bedeviling the Judiciary so that Nigerians can trust it again.”

Corruption in the Police, he added, “is another matter that must be handled with urgency. The institution is stinking. Let him equip and empower the police so that they can discharge their duties dispassionately.”

Maintaining that the President needs to work with a pool of ideas to succeed, Akeredolu urged him to put up a system whereby he will have to consult and interact with select Nigerians of ideas. “They may be four from each state; he needs such intellectually equipped people with work with

‘He has said that he would not spend more than one term; he must prepare his mind to work as if he truly has no other term to spend. In this wise, he should borrow a leaf from Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola who, in his first term, worked as if another term was not there for him. It was his sterling performance that earned him the second opportunity to serve his people’ • President Jonathan

on a regular basis. Their views will be useful for his administration,” he said.

The frontline lawyer concluded: “My very important advice for him is that he must face governance frontally and leave politics for politicians.”

Former Governor of Kaduna State, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, would agree with Akeredolu on all his views. He, however, believes that the President lacks the legitimate mandate of Nigerians to run steer the ship of the country for the next four years.

Musa said: “He (the President) is not new in the saddle; he has been there for one year now with nothing to show for it. What do you expect him to do in the next one year? Of course, Nigerians are being faced with a legion of problems, notably electricity, poor infrastructure, corrupt leadership and whatever ill you can think about. Ordinarily, one would have expected a leadership to be busy with how to tackle all these things, but believe me, nothing will happen in the next for years.

“Did Jonathan win the election in a just atmosphere? Forget about the position of the so-called foreign observers; they are all lies. How could they have described an election where ballot boxes were freely snatched, especially in the hinterlands as credible? Who in this country did not hear of the ugly things that occurred at some polling booths and police stations and how agents of other political parties were intimidated for pave the way for the PDP to commit fraud? One cannot expect anything positive from the outcome of such a sham called election. Jonathan and his cohorts stole their ways to the offices and they must leave the place.”

Expressing his doubts over the ability of the Jonathan Administration to combat corruption, Balarabe fumed: “It will amount to intellectual idleness for anyone to expect this administration to succeed at fighting corruption. The whole structure we have on ground is corruption-infested. You don’t expect a successful fight against corruption from such a sick system. I only feel for Nigerians because I don’t see anything good coming from this government.”

“For decades, power supply has been hectic. The implication is that economic activities are hampered. Artisans and peasants are cut off from the broad economic chains”, complained Bosun Jeje, a Lagos politician, who emphasised that, “whether

• Vice President Sambo

THE ISSUES • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Power Infrastructure Security Social services Public spending Fuel supply Agriculture Industrialisation Corruption Youth unemployment Federal character Police National debt True federalism

it is Jonathan, Buhari or Ribadu, the immediate challenge is regular electricity supply”.

“The cost of production is soaring and the surviving manufacturing companies cannot cope with it, especially in the absence of government incentives in aid of the ailing sector. If electricity is regular, the industries would wake up”, he added.

But others believe that security is also of utmost importance. This is because no country can exist in a state of disorder and pandemonium all the times. In this regard, the leader of Egbesu Assembly, Sergeant Werinipre Digifa, advised the President to halt the killings in the North, adding that the National Assembly must cooperate with him in this arduous task. However, he said the first step is to bring to justice all those behind the recent carnage in the North, without fear or favour.

Digifa warned of the dire consequence of condoning the serious insecurity situation.

He believed, like many Nigerians, that it would scare away foreign investors and lead to total disintegration of the the country.

He added: ‘All security agencies must work together to stem the tide of violence or the nation fces total disintegration. If this happens, we assure that the Ijaw will assert its self-determination as stipulated by Article 27 of the United Nations Charter”.

Many Nigerians actually want the President to drop the garb of a weakling. In a presidential system, he is at liberty to assemble a cabinet of talents. Thus, President Goodluck Jonathan should appoint as ministers those who can assist him to accomplish his vision. These appointees may not necessarily be politicians. Echoing this view, a member of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BOT), Dr Godwin Daboh Adzuana, enjoined the President to go for experts and competent Nigerians with track record in their chosen professions.

Besides, he urged the President to re-invigorate the anti-corruption crusade. Sharing this view, some lawyers, who have expressed doubt about the efficacy of the antigraft measures in place, have called for the complete over-hauling of the anti-corruption agencies; the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and ICPC. Ahead of the polls, Third Republic Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Olawale Oshun, had expressed dismay over the recurrent budgetary failure in the country. He described the yearly budget as a declaration of deceit. Oshun, who dissected the polity, frowned as reckless spending, urging that sanity should be restored. His fear also stemmed from the fact that more funds were devoted to recurrent expenditure than capital expenditure, which has wide-ranging effects on the generality of the people.

He therefore, called for a cut in public spending to curtail the wastages and loopholes, adding that the exercise should also extend to the legislature. In Oshun’s reckoning, no responsible society can continue to entertain the jumbo pay to legislators who now receive more salaries than the Presidents of United States, Russia and France and Prime Minister of Britain.

Also, before the polls, many stakeholders had harsh words for the federal government over the infrastructural decay in the country. Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG), a socio-political group, had decried the poor states of roads in the Southwest, especially the Lagos/Ibadan, Benin/Shagamu and Ibadan/Oyo roads. The Ohaneze Ndigbo also protested the state of the Southeast roads, which it described as death traps.

Whether President Jonathan will receive rousing praises or get hard knocks for his stewardship at the end of the day, his administration’s score card after the next four years will tell.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2011

14

POLITICS

‘ACN has unfinished business in Southwest’ Human rights activist and chieftain of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Ondo State, Dr Tunji Abayomi, spoke with Deputy Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU on the last general elections and plans of the party for the future.

W

HAT is your assessment of the political situation in Ondo State?

The political situation in Ondo State, obviously, has to be placed within the context of political development in Nigeria. When we were under dictatorship, we conceived that human beings function best and highest in a state of freedom. As a result of that, we began agitations for liberty. For people like me, the cost was substantial. I suffered three detentions. I lost a total of five years of my life to that struggle. One of the detentions lasted for one year. But we felt that, if we are going to advance the cause of our people, these are sacrifices that are worth making. But our hope and aspiration was that, once we had freedom, liberty and democracy, development, which was the end of our struggle, would be accelerated. Looking at the state of Nigeria, since we achieved democracy on May 29, 1999, I am of the view that we have advanced in the form of democracy, but the substance of democracy, which is development, is still far. Ondo State falls within that general analysis. One of the failures of developmental democracy is the lack of control on public resources, management of public resources. The governor is, more or less, a financial dictator, although he wears the garb of democracy.

How did you arrive at this conclusion?

The governor does not give account to anybody. He does not respond to checks and balances. He does not attend to any control over public resources. Agagu Administration said it left N38 billion in the coffers. Thereafter, the government has continued to collect federal allocations. As at this month, the federal allocation is well over N100 billion. we don’t have any government in the 18 local governments. All the money comes to the governor and the government. Ondo State collects more federal allocations than Lagos State. So, it is one of the preferred states, or special states, in terms of allocation. The question, however, is how is this money being spent. Has there been any accountability to the state? The governor is expected to be controlled by the House of Assembly. When he goes wrong, he can only be removed by legislative judgment or impeachment. but the House of Assembly is a

stooge in the hand of the governor.

The House of Assembly is a commodity. The governor has bought them with public money. Having purchased the House of Assembly, the House of Assembly became useless in terms of their responsibilities. The President visited Ondo State for 30 minutes at the airports and in the books of the state, the government claimed that he spent N70 million.

Hundred of millions were spent on voters’ registration, which is a federal prerogative. These are monies that should be for common development. But there is no control, no direction, no guide.

But the governor of Ondo State has often been celebrated for a number of achievements by the people. Why is your view different?

For one year, he has been celebrating what he called child and mother hospital. What is child and mother hospital? It is nothing but a maternity clinic. You have several General Hospitals built since the time of Obafemi Awolowo in virtually every community. Those General Hospitals are left in a state of decadence. On an occasion, I had to rush a youth corps member to the General Hospital in Akure. I was surprised to see the condition of the General Hospital. There were goats all over the place. Even the signpost at the Specialist Hospital, Akure, could not be repaired, no to talk of the cutting of the grass. The question is how much money was committed to the mother and child hospital. Accountability is not whether I bought a television. But if I bought a television for N50,000 and I put N5 million there, I have increased the cost of the television by N4,950,000. The serious issue is how is the money of the people used and for what purpose. The governor is the servant of the people. The public accounts should be audited. He should publish the account of the state to show how much was received, how the money has been spent and for what purpose. The governor has built diagnostic centre. The purpose of government is not to do one or two projects and spend all the wealth of the state celebrating it. What Awolowo taught us is to bring fundamental change-free education, general hospitals, roads.. Awo built dams and not sinking boreholes. The government has constructed about 100

• Abayomi

boreholes. Agagu government constructed about 400. It was a foolish decision. Of the 400 boreholes constructed by Agagu, how many of them are functioning? Less than 10 per cent of them are functioning. And you are building 100 more with so much money that can be used to build dams as Awolowo did to serve future generation. The paradigm of development is devoid of intelligent and deep thinking. Development is not about donating cars to traditional rulers.

The governor and his party have been winning elections. Is that not a function of his popularity?

Winning elections is not necessarily a function of popularity. It is a function of organisation. it is a function of money. In My Okeagbe local government, if the April 2 election had held, no doubt, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) would have swept Ondo State. The governor saw the danger. So, they pumped out a lot of money. In spite of that, ACN won five of the six wards in the constituency. The governor knew that if ACN or PDP has legislators in the House of Assembly, they would ask questions. For example, a democratically elected local government should be guaranteed in the local government. These legislators would ask questions about money. So, the governor moved. In my local government, government agents were giving money to voters. I had to stop one of them in front of the palace.

The governor went round to the obas to secure their areas for his party.

When our people collect money, their conscience will disturb them. And they had to collect the money because of poverty. The government is winning, but the people are not winning.

What is the assurance that this trend

will not persist during the next governorship election in the state?

The trend cannot persist for several reasons. As it is now, there is no focus on development issues. The chief developer of the state is the governor.

The record of the governor will be laid bare. It will be opened to the people.

The management of public money will come up. There will be comparative analysis of the performance of the ACN states and Ondo State. We understand that the governor is going to run for another term. Let us also remember that this governor was against Adebayo Adefarati for the second term.

He fought mercilessly against it. I was a lawyer to Adefarati. He fought mercilessly against Agagu and ultimately won. We will challenge him with moral standing, legal standing and commonsensical standing. What is good for the goose is good for the gander. It is not the governor that will decide whether he will run; it is the people that would decide. I did not see Fashola behaving like our governor who used N568 million to celebrate his second year anniversary in the state.

Do you regret the support the radicals and progressives gave to the governor when he was fighting PDP for the restoration of his stolen mandate?

Of course, it is greatly regretted today. The government is not listening to informed voices. The governor only has ad hoc dreams. he has created an oppressive, pitiless oligarchy. Those who supported him; Tinubu, the leader of ACN, myself from human rights community, Segun Ojo, from Adefarati camp, and serious businessmen who provided money; are not with him again, except the need searchers, who depend on him for survival. So, there is a tremendous regret.

How prepared is your party for the forth-coming governorship election, judging by its performance in the last parliamentary polls in the state?

The party has done well. It is important to understand the tragedy the party faced in the past. The party was in serious contest before the present governor took up the challenge. Due to internal problems, eight of the governorship aspirants went to PDP. That was before Ademola Adegoroye became the governorship candidate of the party. But he also went to PDP. The general left his army and went to the enemy camp. I continued with the party as I promised to the leadership and as somebody coming from a tradition of responsibility as a human right activist. So, we have continued to build the party gradually with very little resources. We have not been in government for eight years. that means that we do not have enough human capital to manage the affairs of the party in the various local governments. but see what has happened to the party.

It has come to reckoning.

Who mobilised for Jonathan in Ondo?

T

HE presidential election was free and fair in Ondo State, like other states. It was won

by President goodluck Jonathan.

But there is now rancour between the ruling Labour Party (LP) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over who should take the credit.

At the centre of the controversy are the Labour Party Chairman, Olaiya Oni, and Minister of Defence, Adetokunbo Kayode (SAN), a chieftain of PDP. A few days before the elections, the LP, which did not field a candidate, declared support for the Jonathan’s candidature. Governor Olusegun Mimiko was said to have boasted that he would deliver one million votes for the President.

However, when the result was announced on April 17, the President got 385,376 votes. 1.6 million registered to vote in Ondo State. The president’s opponents got lesser votes.

Mobilisation by the PDP and LP did not follow the pattern of the

By Emmanuel Oladesu

preceding National Assembly polls. It appeared that voters mobilised themselves to endorse President Jonathan, instead of pleas

by PDP and LP leaders.

PDP, led by Dr Tayo Dairo, had claimed that the naira rain that characterised the federal parliamentary polls were absent during the presidential election. Thus, Kayode and other chieftains claim low turn out of LP members to vote the President to lack of motivation.

LP, which is arguably the majority party, has disclaimed this, saying that one out of five residents in the state is pro-LP. On the other hand, PDP insisted that the votes that the ACN, CPC and other parties garnered at the presidential poll were more than what they shared during the National Assembly elections.

ACN scored 64,000 votes during

the National Assembly elections.

In the presidential elections, it puolled 74,253 votes. CPC, a party which has only a marginal presence in Ondo State, scored 3,795 votes during the National Assembly elections, but scored 11,830 votes during the Presidential election. Other mushroom parties, which made no impact at the National Assembly elections, 18,187 votes during the presidential elections.

In Ondo West Local Government Area,the home of Governor Mimiko, 25,463 out of the 125,467 registered voters turned up for the Presidential elections as against the 36,742 scored by the LP during the National Assembly elections.

The Minister of Defence came to Akure, the state capital, only a few times to hold meetings. He attended only one rally in Akure and another in Ikare throughout the campaigns and election period. It is on record that he did not visit any of the 18 Local Government

Areas of the state during the campaigns, except his own local government, Akoko North West. He did not consult with any traditional ruler, religious leaders, youth or women groups.

It is worthy of note that out of the 385,376 votes scored by President Jonathan in Ondo State, 197,291 votes (51%) came from the southern Senatorial District, where Dr Olusegun Agagu hails from; 99,726 votes (25.7%) came from the Central Senatorial District, where Governor Olusegun Mimiko hails from and 90,359 (23%) came from the Northern Senatorial District, where Kayode hails from.

Goodluck worked for the President in the Southwest, rather than the entreaties of either the LP or PDP leaders. The President therefore, owes gratitude to the people, and not the leaders of PDP from Ondo State, who hold juicy federal appointments or LP chieftains, who had little stake in the election.

Gains of 2011 elections, by Ekiti ALGON

By Dada Aladelokun, Assistant Editor

T

HE Association of Local Gov ernment of Nigeria (ALGON) in Ekiti State yesterday appraised the general elections conducted by the Prof. Attahiru Jegaled Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with a verdict: The results of the elections have various benefits for Ekiti State and its people.

In a statement signed by the body’s spokesman in the in the state, Mr. Gbenga Sodeinde, the treasurer of the association, Hon. Femi Ajayi, who is also the caretaker chairman of Ise/Orun Local Government, itemised the ways the election had positively impacted on Ekiti State and Nigeria as a whole, saying that for the first time, more than three women won election into the House of Assembly in the state.

By the development, the association believes that the outcome of the polls has justified one of the cardinal components of the eightpoint agenda of the Dr. Kayode Fayemi-led administration in the state.

The ALGON said this would further boost women empowerment initiatives of the ruling Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) administration in the state which had never been the case in the history of the state Besides, ALGON also saw the reelection of two ACN candidates into the legislative arm as another positive thing about the 2011 polls.

It believes it is also setting a record in the state because the House had never recorded a returnee since its inception in 1999.

The incoming assembly will not be composed of only first timers, the House will benefit immensely from the lawmaking experience of the two ACN members who are second timers.

On the national and global level, Ekiti ALGON pointed out that the 2011 polls had been able to showcase Nigeria as a country capable of organising a credible election which had eluded several countries on the continent.

More importantly, the ALGON described the credibility of the election as a plus to the country and the leadership on the basis of the fact that it portrayed Nigeria in a positive light, which the much0celebrated re-branding exercise had struggled unsuccessfully to achieve before now.

The association added that the 2011 polls had been able to set a template and as well as an eyeopener for future elections in its transparency, orderliness, and the guarantee that the electorate’s votes count this time around While commending the Jega-led INEC, Ekiti ALGON, however, admonished that the Commission should not rest on its oars.

• Jega

15

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2011

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

Fidelity Bank posts N8.6b profit

F

IDELITY Bank has de clared a profit before tax of N8.6 billion in the financial year ended December 31, 2010, representing an increase of 321 per cent. This is against the N2 billion it recorded for the six months of the financial year ended December 31, 2009.

Speaking at the bank’s 23rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Abuja yesterday, the Managing Director/CEO, Reginald Ihejiahi, said the bank recorded the feat after a N3.5 billion loan loss expenses (net recovery) during the period.

He said gross earnings increased by 61.4 per cent to N56.0 billion in the review period, from the N34.7 billion it recorded in 2009. “Of particular mention is the significant improvement in NET interest income of N26.5 billion, representing a 98.6 per cent increase from the N13.4 billion figure in 2009,” Ihejiahi stressed.

He said for every N100 interest income gained, the bank used only 34 kobo to pay for the cost of deposit in 2010, compared to 48k in 2009. This was made possible by the bank’s aggressive branch network expansion strategy and deliberate focus on sustainable low cost deposits.

He stated that Fees and Commissions continued to improve on the back of the linkage effect created by the rapidly expanding retail distribution capacity of the bank, adding that this resulted in 110 per cent growth of both items to N8.5 billion in 2010 from N4.0 billion, a year earlier.

Also, operating expenses grew by 84.8 per cent to N29.8 billion due to inflationary pressure and impact of the cost of 18 new branches opened in 2010 and 13 others to be opened in the first quarter of 2011.

Business is recognising the role it can play in combating climate change.

Thank God, is all I can say, for there is a desperately urgent need for business to play that role. Your lobbying influence can be substantial, but together, united and in large enough numbers it could prove decisive in turning the tide.

–Prince Charles

New investors coming for eight rescued banks, says CBN •To limit interest rate increases T

HE Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) , Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, has said all the eight banks rescued with N620 billion bailout funds will find new investors, with four of them already agreeing in principle to merge.

"I don't think there are any that will never get sold," Sanusi told Reuters on the sidelines of a World Economic Forum event in Cape Town.

"Four are certainly on their way to mergers . Two more have suitors, very good suitors, but we couldn't agree on commercial terms," he said.

Union Bank , Intercontinental Bank, Finbank and Afribank have all signed memoranda of understanding with new investors, he stated.

Intercontinental will merge with healthy local peer Access Bank , while Union Bank has announced a $750 million deal with a consortium led by the African Capital Alliance private equity firm. Afribank has signed a recapitalisation agreement with private equity group Vine Capital, a consortium of local and international firms.

By Collins Nweze

The two banks where commercial terms for a deal could not be agreed are Oceanic Bank and Bank PHB. First Bank, Nigeria's biggest lender by assets, had been seen as a potential buyer of Oceanic, but its chief executive told Reuters last month it had yet to strike a deal on buying any rescued bank.

Bank PHB was the product of a merger between Platinum Bank and Habib Bank, one of Pakistan's biggest lenders.

Banking sources said Habib has held talks about increasing its shareholding.

"Oceanic does have strategic assets and we feel the value being offered does not reflect that," Sanusi said.

"The other, (PHB), is a bank where there is a suitor but we feel the amount of capital being brought in is not sufficient for the bank to stand solidly on its feet," he said, adding that there is no rush to sell Oceanic or Bank PHB. He disclosed that AMCON could recapitalise

them and ready them for a sale in a few years' time.

"Our first option is to get private sector partners. But in the absence of that happening, we can easily plug the hole, capitalise them, put in management, let the banks run for a year or two, and then do it later," he told CNBC Africa television.

Two of the other rescued banks -- Spring Bank and Equitorial Trust Bank, which account for less than one percent of the total banking sector in Nigeria, are seen as systemically unimportant. Wema Bank, is restructuring into a regional bank, which has a significantly lower minimum capital requirement than national banks. It has already raised capital to ensure its survival.

Meanwhile, Central bank Governor Lamido Sanusi has indicated he may limit interestrate increases to help spur lending in Africa’s biggest oil producer and as demand for foreign currency eases, reducing pressure on the naira.

“We frontloaded a lot of the

increase that people thought we’d do gradually over the year” when the central bank raised its benchmark interest rate by 1 percentage point to 7.5 percent on March 22, Sanusi said in an interview in Cape Town yesterday.

The apex bank is aiming to bring inflation down below 10 percent. Rising energy and food costs this year pushed the inflation rate to an annual 12.8 percent in March from 11.1 percent a month earlier, the statistics office said on April 18.

While the central bank is aware of rising price pressures it also wants to avoid undermining stability in financial markets after using $4 billion to bail out banks in 2009, Sanusi said.

“We did a massive increase relatively at the last Monetary Policy Committee,” Sanusi said in Cape Town, where he was attending the World Economic Forum on Africa.

“Part of what we factored in was the expectation of increased spending during elections, the increased cost of energy, the possible reduction in fuel subsidies” and other issues.

MARKET CAPITALISATIONS NSE JSE NYSE LSE

-N7.8 trillion -Z5.112trillion -$10.84 trillion -£61.67 trillion

RATES Inflation -12.8% Treasury Bills -2.64% Normal lending -24% Prime lending -18% Savings rate -3% 91-day NTB -6.99% Time Deposit - 6% MPR -7.50% Foreign Reserve -$33.5 bn FOREX CFA 0.281 • 222.92 £ 252.9 $ 152.76 ¥ 1.5652 SDR 245.85 RIYAL 39.3

E

CONOMIC Adviser to the Delta State Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan, Chief Afam Obiago, has said the state government opted for a N50-billion bond as part of measures to improve on the state’s economic potential.

Obiago, said in Asaba that the bonds market offered the cheapest source of funds and a rescue package for governments to execute projects.

“First of all the bonds market gives you the cheapest kind of funds in terms of interest rate. Secondly the bond market gives you a long moratorium; that is the repayment period.

And then what that immediately means is that it frees you from the stranglehold of what otherwise commercial loans from the bank will put you through.’’

The adviser stressed that the best option for governments to source funds and execute projects with ease was through such bonds.

“Every government must look for funds to be able to create value and in the process of looking for funds you must look for the cheapest possible funds.

“And you cannot rely only on the funds that come to you either by revenue allocation from the federal government or internallygenerated revenue. Those funds are actually supposed to be your collateral for more funds.”

Sao Tome hands Nigeria’s firm exploration rights

DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil -$125.2/barrel Cocoa - $2,856/metric ton Coffee - ¢132.70/pound Cotton - ¢78.07.pound Gold -$1,161/troy ounce Rubber - ¢146.37/pound

Economic adviser explains why Delta opted for N50b bond

•From left: Mrs. Chijioke Ugochukwu, Company Secretary Fidelity Bank Plc, General Mohammed Magoro (rtd), Senator elect, Chief Christopher Ezeh, Chairman and Mr. Reginald Ihejiahi, Managing Director, Fidelity Bank Plc at the bank’s 23rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Abuja ... yesterday

FinBank, FCMB sign MoU on merger

F

INBANK and First City Monument Bank have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) authorising them to exist as one business entity. The signing of the MoU is a major boost that will help FinBank achieve its recapitalization bid. The bank said in a statement that the exercise follows a transparent and competitive process under the supervision of Board of Directors of FinBank with a commitment to reposition the bank. “The Signing of the MoU follows a transparent and competitive process under the direction and guidance of the Board of Directors of FinBank

which remains committed to the long-term future of the bank,” a statement from FinBank Management said.

The merger of both institutions, it was learnt, will provide significant protection for shareholders and other stakeholders of both institutions as well as promote franchise value.

The bank said the exercise will guaranty its existence as a going concern, and reposition it as a leader in the industry. “The business combination of the two institutions will create a strong financial institution which will be a major player in the Nigerian finan-

cial services industry,” the bank said.

It is also expected that such merger will enhance both institution’s liquidity, capital adequacy, strong corporate governance and a broader branch network to enable it compete effectively in the market.

The bank admitted that the exercise has to be approved by the FinBank’s shareholders, Central Bank of Nigeria, the Securities and Exchange Commission, The Nigerian Stock Exchange and the Federal High Court.

In recent months, three banks have taken steps crucial to their recapitalization.

Union Bank recently signed an agreement with African Capital Alliance Consortium (ACA Consortium) where the later is expected to invest $750 million into the former. This was followed with the signing of MoU between Access Bank and Intercontinental Bank in April. By that exercise, the new merging banks will become one of the top three players in Nigeria’s financial sector. The new bank will likely be ranked first in branch network, third in deposit volume, fourth in savings deposits, top four in total assets and market value among other indexes.

S

AO Tome and Principe has awarded Nigerian oil firm, Oranto Petroleum, exploration rights for an oil block in the country’s exclusive zone, according to a statement from the oil firm.

Block 3 covers some 4,228 square kilometres and is the first of the seven blocks in Sao Tome’s exclusive zone to be awarded, according to agency reports.

Sao Tome sits in Africa’s Gulf of Guinea region, which Washington estimates will supply about a quarter of U.S. oil by 2015.

However, exploration results from a separate joint development zone with Nigeria have disappointed.

Majors initially interested in the exclusive zone did not bid in the end, apparently dimming the tiny island nation’s oil prospects.

16

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2011

BUSINESS NEWS Flight Schedule MONDAY - FRIDAY 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.

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LAGOS – KADUNA Aero 08.00 Chanchangi 10.00 Arik 10.00 Arik 15.10

Pensions Supervisors (IOPS).

The workshop was convened to examine issues bordering on risk based supervision of pension across the world.

He said the seminar became imperative in view of dynamics inherent with pension.

“Today’s workshop is aimed at rightly upgrading our skills in terms of risk based supervision.

The IOPs which is the international organisation for pension provider scheme, has developed what it calls total step by step procedure for risk based supervision. Today, participants at the workshop will be exposed to those issues and we have representatives across subSaharan Africa.”

He, however justified why Nigeria was given the hosting right saying , “the country in the last

seven years is becoming a leading light in pension reforms in Africa.

The Nigerian pension reforms, as challenging as it is, has become a model that is appreciated and emulated by many African countries”.

In a key note address, Secretary to the Government of Federation, Alhaji Mahmud Yayale Ahmed, represented by a Permanent Secretary (General services) Mr. Femi Olorishade, said the pension reforms is part of the reform agenda of the Federal Government designed to restructure the economy and the society in line with international best practices.

The SGF noted that government’s efforts in the pension reforms have been applauded as the pension industry has grown tremendously in terms of membership and accumulated assets in the last seven years.

12.15 12.45 09.10 11.00 11.10 16.20

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

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08.30 15.10 17.40

LAGOS – UYO 10.35

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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

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

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IRECTOR-General, National Pension Commission (PenCom), Muhammad Ahmad yesterday confirmed that pension assets accumulated from the contributory pension scheme is now over N2 trillion.

He said 167,000 employees from the private sector have joined the scheme.

His words: “So far, membership in the scheme has grown to about 4.7 million while accumulated pension assets are valued at over N2 trillion. There is need for strict supervision in order to safeguard and provide returns on investments that would ensure contributors receive retirement benefits as at when due.”

Ahmad spoke at the flag-off of a two-day regional seminar organized in Abuja in collaboration with International Organisation of

08.30 09.10 11.50 12.45 13.40 15.20 16.30 16.40

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. Arik 2. Arik 3. Arik

Pension assets hit N2tr

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

•From left: Marketing Manager, Larger, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Media and Public Affairs, Mr. Edem Vindah and Snr. Brand Manager Gulder, Mr. Ita Bassey, at the Gulder prize presentation ceremony held at Nigerian Breweries PHOTO: ISAAC JIMOH AYODELE Plc Headquarters, Lagos.

Shell’s appeal dismissed in Bonny land dispute

A

COURT in Nigeria's oil-pro ducing Niger Delta yester day, dismissed an appeal by Royal Dutch Shell in a land rights dispute with community elders over its Bonny oil export terminal.

The court in Bori, Rivers State, found in favour of local elders three years ago who disputed the right of the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) to use the land at Bonny.

Shell filed an appeal against that ruling, but a court in the state capital Port Harcourt dismissed it. "(The original judgment) said that Bonny communities are the rightful holders of the Certificate of Occupancy of the land currently being occupied by Shell as tenants," said Emmanuel Asido, one of the law-

yers representing the communities.

"Justice Ekembi Eko upheld that judgement and said Shell failed to convince the court that they have the Certificate of Occupancy on the land," he said.

Shell said it was appealing to the Supreme Court. "We believe the judgement is wrong," Shell spokesman Precious Okolobo said. "We are also filing to suspend enforcement of the earlier judgement ... pending the determination of the appeal."

Bonny is home to major crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminals but the dispute has had no impact on operations because Shell's appeals have meant that the legal process continues.

Relations between foreign oil firms and local communities have

long been fragile in the Niger Delta, home to Africa's biggest oil and gas industry but hobbled by poverty.

Foreign oil firms pay billions of dollars a year in royalties but corruption and mismanagement by government means relatively little of the funds go towards community development.

Multi-billion dollar oil installations sit among polluted villages nestled in its labyrinthine mangrove creeks, many of them lacking electricity or clean water.

Foreign investors say Nigeria ranks among the most litigious and bureaucratic business environments in the world. Legal disputes commonly take years to settle, usually becoming bogged down in a tangle of counter-claims and appeals.

NASS to pass PIB before May 29, says Usman

T

HE Petroleum Industry Bill may be passed before May 29, Dr Shamsuddeen Usman, Minister of National Planning, said in Lagos yesterday.

Speaking at the 5th annual lecture of Perchstone and Graeys, a Lagos law firm, Usman noted that the bill is central to the reforms being carried out in the petroleum sector.

The theme of the forum was: ‘Managing investment policy reforms in times of political transition.’

Usman said: “It is an important legislation for us and we are very anxious about its passage. Given the assurances that we have had from several members of the National Assembly, we are optimistic that this bill which would reform the petroleum sector will be passed

before May 29”.

Usman, Deputy Chairman, National Planning Commission, said the various reform programmes of the government since 1999, have resulted in significant economic growth of the country.

“Nigeria’s economy has recorded an average growth of 7 per cent, which improved significantly to 7.8 per cent in December 2010, but unfortunately it has not impacted on majority of Nigerians,” he said.

He disclosed that President Goodluck Jonathan would soon unveil his transformation agenda aimed at putting the country back on track to achieve its Vision 20:2020.

The president, Usman said, would be focusing on power, petroleum, agriculture, electoral reform, anti-

corruption, employment generation, security, public service reform, among others.

He, however, disclosed that the Development Planning and Project Continuation Bill would not be passed before May 29 because it had not gone through all the necessary stages.

On the recent post-election violence in some parts of the North, Usman blamed it on the high rate of youth unemployment and said it should be addressed urgently.

Also speaking, Ms Bolanle Onagoruwa, Director General, Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), said the concern of the business community was the sustainability of government policies and implementation.

FinBank posts N14.5b, Wema Bank N13.14b

F

INBANK Plc and Wema Bank have released their Group accounts for the year ended December 2010. The results made available to our correspondent yesterday show that the bank closed the year with a profit after tax of N14.5billion, a significant departure from the loss of almost N150billion posted in 2009 when it cleaned up its books in line with the requirements in the Banking industry.

The results show that rather than be deterred by the slowdown in the operating business environment in the year, FinBank redoubled efforts on recovering its non-performing loans, writing back a significant amount of N33billion to its books in 2010. The bank’s core operations were, however constrained by the traction in business as gross earnings declined from N72.4billion in 2009 to N24.3billion in 2010, mainly due to the bank’s nonperforming loan book.

The determination of FinBank to operate effectively and efficiently compensated for the low level of business activity recorded in the year, as the bank tightened its grip on costs, slashing operating expenses by 28%, from N35.4billion in 2009 to N25.4billion in 2010.

Deposits grew to N208billion, about a 6% growth over the closing balance of N197bn in 2009. Total assets recorded a 22% growth from N157billion to N192billion, while the negative Shareholders’ Funds position improved by 11% from N126.5billion in December 2009 to N112.7billion in the year under review.

A source at the bank revealed that a key focus of FinBank is the impending recapitalisation, which will enable the bank to ensure that all stakeholder interests are protected and that the bank is fully repositioned for enhanced business operations.

WEMA Bankhas said it had swung to a N13.14 billion ($85 million) pre-tax profit in 2010 compared to an N8.86 billion loss a year earlier. Gross earnings rose to N21.79 billion from N18.99 billion, the bank said in a statement.

Wema was one of nine lenders rescued in $4 billion bailout by the Central Bank of Nigeria in 2009. It has since raised fresh capital and scaled down to a regional rather than national bank.

Islamic finance industry valued at $1.14tr

By Daniel Essiet

T

HE global Islamic finance indus try is valued at $1.14 trillion and is growing at a rate of 10 per cent annually.

This was contained in the just released Global Islamic Finance Report for 2011.

The industry, the report observed, is gradually building the depth, quality and quantity of its product portfolio and entering into new, previously unfounded fields in the financial markets.

Editor-in-Chief of GIFR 2011, Professor Humayon Dar, said : “In the aftermath of the global financial crisis there is a pressing need for an alternative financial paradigm, one that is imbued with a sense of social responsibility whilst maintaining a profit maximisation objective. Islamic finance presents such an alternative.

Since its inception 40 years ago, Islamic finance has grown and is still growing at a precipitous rate. More Muslim and non-Muslim countries are adopting Islamic finance services highlighting a BRight future for this once niche industry” “There are new fangled Shari’a compliant derivatives, innovations in asset and wealth management, improvements in efficiency of banking and the creation of products which satisfy regulatory requirements.”

17

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2011

AGRO-BUSINESS World food digest

Study calls for funding to boost yields in West Africa

• L-R: Sarah Hearne, IITA Scientist; Gedil Melaku, Head of IITA Bioscience Centre; Dave Watson, IITA Director; Paula Bramel, Deputy Director-General (Research), cuts tape and Lakshmi Menon, Deputy Director-General (Support); during the inauguration of a Bioscience Centre in Ibadan.

Experts seek education on use of banned pesticides F

ACED with the continuous use of banned pesticides, experts are showing support for the campaign on their stoppage.

Dr Olufemi Pitan, who is of the Department of Crop Protection, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (UNAAB), said some banned pesticides applied to crops are dangerous to consumers.

As many as 30 pesticides that have either been banned or severely restricted by some countries have been allowed for use on crops in the country.

He said farmers are using banned and very harmful pesticides with active ingredients called endosulfan.

According to him, endosulfan is an organochlorine compound that is used as an insecticide and acaricide.

He said the colourless solid has emerged as a highly controversial agrichemical due to its acute toxicity, potential for what they described as bioaccumulation and role as an endocrine disruptor.

Pitan is pushing for a nationwide campaign to educate the public on discreet use, consumption and sale of agrochemicals considering the impact on the health of consumers.

He said the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and other agencies should do something to educate Nigerians on the effects of banned and obsolete pesticides in the system To the majority of local farmers, he explained, however, that the use of pesticides is the most viable option to free their economic trees from diseases, which reduces their

Stories by Daniel Essiet, Agriculture Correspondent

yield, but that it is another problem. Endosulfan is also used in cowpea and cotton apart from its usage in cocoa farms but it has been banned for all agricultural uses. He noted that increased cost of pesticides and other chemicals used to protect cocoa crops against fungus and pests has led growers to use poorer-quality versions.

Pitan said targeted use of pesticides deemed to be toxic to certain crops will be encouraged.

He said farmers should be trained on the use of pesticides on farms.

Pitan said pesticide companies are pulling out all the stops to keep their products on the market. He said the campaign also is expected to educate farmers and other stakeholders on how to handle obsolete pesticides safely.

An Associate Professor, Crop Protection Department, University of Maidugari, Dr Daniel Gwary, said the government’s action is necessary to reduce the risk of harm to humans and the environment from the use of pesticides.

He said pesticides are sold in the market without proper prescription. Last year, the NAFDAC warned cocoa farmers to desist from using banned pesticides on their crops.

The agency said this was imperative as the use of the banned pesticides would cause rejection of the exported cash crop in the international markets which would consequently lead to economic loss to the nation and the farmers.

Its Director-General, Dr Paul

Orhii, said farmers and grain merchants who used banned toxic agrochemicals to boost their farm produce and livestock risk a jail term of between five and 15 years if they were caught in the ignoble act.

He added that any errant farmer is also liable to pay N500,000 as damage for using banned agrochemicals on their farms.

Meanwhile, United Nations chemical experts have recommended that two pesticides, endosulfan and azinphos methyl, and one severely hazardous pesticide formulation, Gramoxone Super, be included in the Rotterdam Convention’s Prior Informed Consent procedure. Three industrial chemicals - perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), its salts and precursors; pentaBDE commercial mixtures; and octaBDE commercial mixtures - were also recommended for inclusion.

The Convention’s Chemical Review Committee based its recommendation on a review of national regulatory actions taken by Benin, Canada, European Union, Japan, New Zealand, and Norway to ban or restrict the use of chemicals that pose an unacceptable risk to human health and the environment.

“For the first time since the Convention entered into force in 2004, the Committee has recommended adding a severely hazardous pesticide formulation to the ‘watch list,’ advancing our parties’efforts to ensure that countries’rights to know and trade chemicals safely are respected,”said FAO’s Peter Kenmore, Co-Executive Secretary of the Rotterdam Convention.

Fadama III: Co-ordinator laments non-payment of counterpart fund

T

HE Southwest Project Coordinator of Fadama III, Mr Razak Salawu, has attributed the slow implementation of the project in the region to the inability of some states to pay the required counterpart fund.

Salawu made this known in IjebuOde, Ogun State. He said without the required counterpart fund, the project could not be implemented as fast as it should.

“One of the problems facing the implementation of Fadama III project is from the government itself.

“Some states and local governments have not been able to pay the required counterpart fund for the implementation of the project.

“Though the project is on course

right now, but each state differs in the process of implementation because of the delay in payment of the counterpart fund by states and local governments.

“The World Bank, in giving out the project, stated that each state has to pay a certain amount as a counterpart fund for the implementation of the projects.

“Some states and local governments in the Southwest, however, have not be able to meet that expectation and that is why some states move faster than others,” Salawu said.

He appealed to the affected states and local governments to assist in the implementation of the project by paying up the required counterpart fund.

Salawu also lamented the inability of Fadama Community User Group to meet up with the part payment of the requested project cost.

He said the Fadama project was always ready to implement any project as requested by the registered user group in the community.

Salawu pointed out that for any project to be executed on the request of a user group, it would pay a certain percentage of the project cost while the Fadama initiative would pay the rest.

The co-ordinator said some communities had not been meeting up with the payment, adding that over eight million dollars drawn from the World Bank had so far been spent on the Fadama III project in the Southwest states.

SMALL-SCALE agriculture — including cocoa, cassava, and oil palm farming — has driven large-scale conversion West Africa tropical forests, reports new research published in the journal Environmental Management.

The study found that most cocoa expansion in West Africa’s Guinean rainforest region occurred at the expense of forests. While production in the region doubled between 1987 and 2007, low input smallholder agriculture accounted for much of the expansion. The researchers say some deforestation could have been avoided had farmers adopted chemical fertilisers and agrochemicals instead of using organic farming techniques.

“Through the intensified use of fertiliser and agrochemicals coupled with improved crop husbandry... farmers would have doubled their incomes and helped to avoid deforestation and degradation on 2.1 million hectares,”says a statement by the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA), one of the groups involved in the study.

“In the process, this would have generated a value of over ($1.6 billion) on 1.3 billion tonnes of CO2 emissions that would not have come from deforestation.

The authors called for using funds generated by the proposed reducing carbon emissions due to deforestation and degradation (REDD) mechanism to boost yields and therefore avoid deforestation in other areas where there is still forest left to convert. Less than 20 per cent of the Guinean rainforest of West Africa — a global biodiversity hostpot — remains.

“There is a risk that if REDD interventions are only implemented within the forestry sector, while extensive low input agriculture, the fundamental driver of deforestation in the region and the root cause of most rural poverty, gets neglected,” said Gockowski. “This would be a mistake.”

‘Why KFC dumped palm oil’ FAST food giant, KFC Corporation, said it will stop using palm oil in its deep friers.

KFC said it is making the change due to health and climate concerns.

Palm oil is high in saturated fat and has been associated with destruction of carbon-dense peatlands and rainforests in Indonesia and Malaysia.

Beginning this month, KFC will “use high oleic rapeseed oil at its 800 outlets in the UK and Ireland. KFC estimates the change will reduce saturated fat in its chicken products by 25 per cent. Switching to high oleic rapeseed oil means not only can we offer our customers the benefit of reduced saturated fats, but the assurance we’re doing everything we can to lessen our impact on the environment,” Mark Bristow, head of KFC food assurance said.

KFC will continue to use palm oil in fries, buns, and hash browns, but says it aims to convince its suppliers to switch to other oil sources or use palm oil certified under the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), a body that establishes social and environmental standards for palm oil production.

Institute to produce seedlings, animals for research

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HE Institute of Food Security, Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research (IFSERAR) of the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (UNAAB) is to produce seedlings for farmers’ and researchers’ use.

The institute is also working towards producing animals with features tailored to the needs of researchers.

During a tour of institute’s project sites, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Oluwafemi Olaiya Balogun, was told by co-ordinators of the benefits the projects would bring to the immediate community and the country at large.

Balogun visited the Kalahari Red Goats Projects at the Opeji Village, the biosciences farm, the poultry unit and the IFSERAR farm site.

Briefing the Vice-Chancellor at the biosciences farm site, the Programme Leader, Prof Muyiwa Segun Ayodele, said the site will soon be producing large amounts of seedlings for farmers and researchers.

He added that the farm site is also looking forward to producing small laboratory animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs for research purposes so they are “ready made” for use by pharmaceutical industries, teaching hospitals and food industries.

“The site will soon be producing animals in customised forms such that if you want to produce drug on hypertension, we will customise rats to have hypertensive symptoms, thereby becoming a clearing

house of sort to experts in the field,” he said.

The don said there is high demand for ‘customised animals’ by researchers, health personnel and relevant industries because there are few research centres and farm sites currently in the business and assured that the project will be a revenue-earner for the university, when it eventually takes off.

The Crop/Poultry Unit Site 1, the Acting Programme Leader for Aquaculture, Prof Godfrey Nnamdi Ezeri, said the seasonal stream on the site is to serve as a reservoir, not only for aquaculture but for livestock, seedlings, fish pond and for agricultural engineering during dry season plantation.

Ezeri further said when completed, the dam will also serve as a veritable training ground for students.

At the IFSERAR Farm Site 2, Prof Victor Olowe, told Balogun that land preparation for the next planting season, was already ongoing.

He recalled that last year, Soyabean, covering 0.6 hectares was planted with a yield of 500kg, while a total of 12.5 hectares of maize was planted, leading to the harvest of over seven tonnes, which were sold.

Olowe said the harvest would have been more, but for the fact that planting preparation started late, due to unavoidable circumstances, adding, however, that IFSERAR has started early this year to reap bountiful harvests.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2011

AGRO-BUSINESS

Don urges Fed Govt to utilise wastes

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HE Federal Government has been asked to introduce a utilisation scheme for human and animal wastes in the country.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Lagos, Prof. Mba Ogbureke Okonronkwo, stated this during the maiden inaugural lecture of the institution entitled, The Public Health Significance of Human and Animal Wastes Utilisation in Agriculture.

He said the call became necessary in view of the scarcity of chemical fertiliser and the high demand for vegetable and salad crops, which are produced with essential natural resources.

Prof. Okonrokwo said efforts should be made to promote

faecal materials.

He said: “In China natural organic wastes are extensively used for soil fertilisation. These wastes include excreta, domestic refuse, animal manure (principally from pigs and cow), crop residues and green manure.

“The Federal Government should make effort to promote the use of faecal materials, particularly in association with rural and sanitation programmes. Such efforts must be paired with intensive and prolonged communications between the users and the implementing agency, a task which nongovernmental organisations are often better suited for than government agencies.”

He advised that human and animal waste should be included in resources planning His noted: “Human and animal waste utilisation in agriculture should become fully integrated into national, state and local government strategic resources planning.”

Prof. Okonrokwo said the direct use of night soil and manure is dangerous to health.

“The direct application of night soil and animal manure as an agricultural fertiliser has been practiced for centuries in many parts of the world, but this practice involves health hazards to agricultural workers and consumers of crops grown with them.

‘’The uncontrolled use of untreated human and animal wastes can pose a serious health risk, especially to farm workers and to wastehandlers and consumers of some edible crops,”he added.

He advised that necessary provisions should be made available to waste workers to prevent them from diseases.

NOUN’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Vincent Ado Tenebe, said the lecture would improve the agricultural state of the country.

“This has enlightened us on the usefulness of waste, I believe this is a way we can impact our community and it will transform the agriculture state of our country,” he said.

• Dr Grace Jokthan, Programme Officer, RIU Nigeria (left) and Agnes Ushang Ingwu of Abanbeke Development Association (ADA), Obudu, Cross River State at a workshop on Gender and Market-oriented Agriculture, at International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Foodstuffs you can export D

EMAND for local foodstuffs in Europe and America is rising due to the increasing number of Nigerians taking abode in these countries. It is estimated that 20 million Nigerians live abroad, with the majority living in the United Kingdom and the United States. This is a great opportunity to sell to this category of people. My research in this business sector revealed that the few exporters of African foodstuff cannot meet with the demand.

Foodstuffs you can export Smoked fish, gari, beans flour, melon seed (egusi ground), ogbono, cassava

flour, bitter leaf, dried ugu leaf, palm wine, butter production, coconut processing, pepper, tomato paste, hibiscus flower, yoghurt, pap (ogi), ukazi leaf.

Note If you are exporting vegetables, you will need to sun dry them, compress and arrange it in a “Ghana must go bag”. It is ready for export. If you buy vegetables here for N100, you can sell them abroad for N500 or 500 per cent profit.

Others are, hot chilli pepper – ground, kolanut, potato, semolina, ginger beer, kilishi, soybean, groundnut, okra, cassava, yam, honey, snail, bitter kola, ofada rice, catfish, shrimps, pounded yam flour, poultry, fruit

21st STRATEGIES Present FOODSTUFF EXPORT SEMINAR

ATTEND OUR FOODSTUFF EXPORT SEMINAR AND

Learn the amazing money making secrets all the Successful foodstuff Exporters use to earn millions of naira every year Nigeria foodstuff Export Market has been neglected for long. Now is the time to take advantage of this opportunity to make from 100% to 500% exporting various foodstuffs. Special lecture from veterans Nigeria foodstuff exporters who have attended various seminars outside the Country, this is a one in a life opportunity to synergize with the experienced foodstuff exporters who presently cannot meet the demand of the international market, you can help them source for some of these product, they can also help you get a ready- buyers outside the Country VENUE: Nisrel Training Centre (NTC) Elephant House 5th Floor B wing Central business District Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos DATE: Saturday, May 14th 2011 TIME: 10 am Prompt FEE: N15,000 Refreshments,& seminar materials inclusive TO ATTEND: Step1: Secure a seat first by sending an SMS to 07055333000 in this format: ES * Tunji Oladele *Olympeak@yahoo.com * Lagos * I will Attend.

Step 2:You will receive the account details with a follow up text which will inform you if you are entitled to the Bonuses.

For further enquiries Call Tunji: 08033224392. 07051574036 For more information and testimonies from the past attendees of our seminar Visit: www.21stplacelive.com/Nigerfoodsales

juice, cashew, plantain flour, palm oil

Product sourcing Every exporter is strongly advised for their best financial interest to select foodstuffs which they intend to export based on accessibility and availability.

an office or a relative here in Nigeria that you can deal with. Ask for a list of their customers here in Nigeria.

This will enable you ascertain how genuine and reputable they are in the foodstuff importation industry. However, you need to agree on a particular payment pattern.

Friends and relatives Opportunityfor in US and UK small investors You can send the foodstuff

As a small investor, you can send the products through NIPOST, or send by air.

NIPOST provides ready made cartons for you to send up to 30 kilogrammes, which amounts to N40,593. It takes up about seven working days before the products get to the UK and US. If by air, it takes only eight hours.It is important that you send the foodstuff to an individual.

How new entrants can get buyers You can get buyers by advertising your product on line. Make use of social sites such as face book. You can also register with some trade sites such as Alibaba, tradekey among others.

How to identify genuine buyers You will receive mails from buyers. Because of scams ask questions about their companies; whether they are registered. Their phone numbers, office address. Find out if they have

to friends and relatives in the US and UK, they will help you sell the foodstuff and pay the money into your account in Nigeria. You don’t need to go through the rigorous of crosschecking who is genuine or not, they know the terrain and they will help sell directly to African foodstuff importers over there.

How to deal with responses A lot of response will be coming from some Nigerians and Africans that operates African shops abroad, because some of them are looking for people like you to buy from, you may need to send free samples to some of them, while you make them choose the right packaging pattern for the product you are sending.

Tunji Afuwape Small business and SME finance expert Tel: 08033224392, email:tunjiafuwape@yahoo.com

STATE FOCUS

Agro business opportunities in Oyo

By Daniel Essiet, Agriculture Correspondent

A

GRICULTURE is the major source of income to the people of Oyo State.

The state provides large markets for agricultural products. The climate is tropical with distinct wet and dry seasons and ecological zones of guinea savanna, derived savanna and lowland rain forest thereby providing favourable environment for a large variety of crops such as yam, cassava, sorghum, maize, fruits, rice and plantain.

Cash crops such as cocoa, citrus, tobacco and timber are produced in large quantities.

There are a number of government farm settlements in Ipapo, Ilora, Eruwa, Ogbomosho, Iresaadu, Ijaiye, Akufo and Lalupon. There is abundance of clay, kaolin and aquamarine. There are also vast cattle ranches at Saki, Fasola and Ibadan, a dairy farm at Monatan in Ibadan and the state-wide Oyo State Agricultural Development Programme with headquarters at Saki. Some international and federal agricultural establishments are located in the state. One of the major components of the policy thrust of the administration of the present administration is food for all/ intensive agriculture. This informed the decision of the government to devote adequate resources, both material and human, to the agricultural sector.

Corollary to the programme of enhancing food for all and intensive agriculture in the agricul- • Governor Alao-Akala tural sector is the regeneration of infrastructure, which is also another component of the 13-point agenda. Virtually all the agricultural equipment and facilities he met on ground upon assumption of office in 2007, were not only in a very dilapidated state, but also obsolete, thus needing urgent replacement.

Aside from this, all the farm settlements spread across the state were moribund, as none recorded any significant achievement in terms of food production.

As a matter of fact, although the farm settlements in Akufo, Ogbomoso, Iresaadu, Ijaye, Lalupon, Erunmu, lIora, Iseyin/ Ipakodo were as old as the creation of the western region, yet, none had seen any sign of modernity. The situation on ground in these farm settlements was so deplorable, such that when the governor embarked on a visit to these settlements, he expressed dissatisfaction over their condition.

According to him, “It is unfortunate to see legacies of our leaders in the agricultural sector in such, sorry state. It is very painful, given that agriculture is the mainstay of the economy.”

The governor then promised to have a complete turn around of all the farm settlements to boost food production and intensify agriculture.

Not given to rhetorics, he started necessary steps to put these farm settlements in a better and functional state through concrete action.

And, indeed, this action has revolutionised agriculture in the state that it can now boast of modern farming equipment.

As a further measure to boost food production in all segments of the agricultural sector, the government embarked on innovative ventures which include aggressive mobilisation of resources for the purchase of 15,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser to be sold at subsidised rates to farmers; release of N33.7 million for the resuscitation of the existing poultry investigation centre (PIC) with 4,000 breeders daily; purchase of tractors for mechanised farming for hiring by farmers at highly subsidised rates and the resuscitation of cattle breeding farm.

Also, the active participation of the state government through prompt payment of its counterpart funds to FADAMA and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has actually mobilised farmers for increased production. The state government releasedN35.872 million as state counterpart fund for the commencement of FADAMA III, while N250 million was released to the CBN’s Trust Fund Model Programme, which is designed to assist farmers to have unfettered access to loans.

Realising that the concept of the accelerated food production and intensives agriculture cannot be fully actualised without adequate and competent manpower, the AlaoAkala administration established the State College of Agriculture, Igboora.

Aside from providing expertise in the agricultural sector, the school, situated in Ibarapa zone has satisfied the yearning of the people of the area, which have been clamouring for additional tertiary institution.

In addition to establishing the College of Agriculture, the governor also addressed the issue of manpower resources in the sector with mass recruitment of personnel into the Oyo State Agricultural Development Programme (OYSADEP) and paid N35.872 million as state counterpart fund for the commencement of FADAMA III programme.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2011

19

EDITORIAL/OPINION Comments

EDITORIAL FROM OTHER LAND

The myth of Mr. Obama’s weakness

Not again!

•Government must move swiftly to prevent riots over bin Laden’s death

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HE death of Osama bin Laden in a firefight with Special Forces of the United States of America is reportedly giving rise to tension in some northern states in Nigeria. According to media reports, many nonindigenes of the northern states have besieged the police stations there over fears that they will be attacked and killed in reaction to the death of the al-Qaeda leader. According to the fleeing residents, they believe that violence may soon erupt, based on similar experiences. The Federal Government on its part is reported to have raised the security alert in the country, following the news of the death of the terror suspect.

The possibility of crisis over bin Laden’s death is disturbing. This is more so when we are just coming out of post-election violence during

‘We therefore urge the FederalGovernment and the concerned states to move swiftly to contain any possibility of violence in any part of Nigeria over the unfortunate saga of Osama bin Laden. It will be a failure on their part to allow the shedding of blood and destruction of property before they contain the development’.

which many innocent Nigerians living in the northern part of the country were gruesomely murdered. The resort to acts of violence as fallout of actions objectionable in the country must be addressed by the Nigerian state. The recent experience where youth corps members serving in that part of the country were killed just because the election results did not favour a preferred candidate is still fresh in our minds.

But for the fact that similar killings and destruction have been visited on the people over the years, a foreigner would have been surprised at the recent development, considering the remoteness of the incident. Unfortunately, a similar incident took place in 2001, following an attempt by America to capture the same terror suspect, which eventually resulted in the war in Afghanistan.

Again, people have been attacked and killed in parts of the country when an allegedly blasphemous publication was made in far-away Europe.

There are other eruptions of violence over acts that bear little or no direct effect on the lives of Nigerians.

These perennial killings of fellow citizens and destruction of all they have laboured for in their lifetime should be completely unacceptable if Nigeria has any plans of moving into

the league of modern states. It will be forlorn to expect that Nigerians from other parts of the country would be persuaded to see such mine fields as part and parcel of the same country. When a loved one is killed for no other reason than that he or she comes from different religious or tribal background, the message of disunity is implanted, and this should be unacceptable.

We therefore urge the FederalGovernment and the concerned states to move swiftly to contain any possibility of violence in any part of Nigeria over the unfortunate saga of Osama bin Laden. It will be a failure on their part to allow the shedding of blood and destruction of property before they contain the development. On this scor, the national intelligence and security apparatus must swing into action.

Also, the cultural and political leaders in volatile parts of the country must openly begin to preach nonviolence even when the people believe they have been wronged. The consequences of violence must be apparent to Nigerians in any part of the country. It is the further underdevelopment of the affected places and the polarisation of the country between the haves and the have nots.

Great Pope •Pope John Paul’s beatification was in order

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WEET indeed is the memory of the just. This aptly sums up the beatification of Pope John Paul on May 1.

That day is the most important feast in the communist world, which was an ironic coincidence; given that many believe the Pope played a key role in the fall of communism in Eastern Europe.

Pope John Paul’s coffin was exhumed on Friday, ahead of his beatification, as tens of thousands of people began arriving in Rome for one of the biggest events since his funeral in 2005. Those present at the ceremony included Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz, his personal secretary and right-hand man for decades, and the Polish nuns who ran the papal household for 27 years. Needless to say that Rome was caught up in beatification fever, as the Vatican prepared to move the late pontiff one step closer to sainthood.

John Paul’s beatification has set a new speed record for modern times, taking place six years and one month after his death on April 2, 2005. Beatification, or declaring a person to be “blessed”, is the necessary prelude to full sainthood. And for this to happen, the Vatican must declare the person to have performed a miracle.

In John Paul’s case, Marie Simon-Pierre Normand, 49, said she and her fellow nuns had prayed for the intercession of the Pope after his death, to cure her from Parkinson’s Disease. According to the Vatican, her sudden cure had no logical medical explanation. The late Pope would be eligible for canonisation the

moment he is declared to have performed another miracle.

Pope John Paul is the fourth Pope to be acclaimed as ‘the Great’; and the first since the first millennium.

He had an unusual large heart, which explained his decision to forgive Mehmet Agca who tried to kill him in 1981. Agca’s motives for attempting to kill the Pope remain a mystery, although when he was arrested, he said he was acting alone.

Notwithstanding, the Pope announced that he had forgiven Agca, after meeting him in 1983 and even visited him in jail to pray for him.

Then, on May 6, 2001, Pope John Paul became the first Pope to visit a mosque when he visited the Muslim holy site at which the tomb of St John the Baptist is also located. At the mosque, the Pope encouraged Christians and Muslims to work toward forgiveness. He also spent time in silent prayer. There was no joint Catholic/Muslim prayer at the mosque, out of respect for Muslim concerns but prominent Sheik Ahmad Kuftaro called the visit “a great day for Muslims around the world”.

Although John Paul will be remembered as a great Pope of modern times, the sex abuse scandal that hit the Catholic church in his time remains an unspoken footnote of history. The Vatican’s position on this was however clear: it said the Pope could not have been expected to do something about events he knew nothing of.

In all, Matea Sarlija, a 21-year-old Croat, who had spent 10 hours on a bus to arrive in Rome for the vigil on Saturday, summed it up on Pope John Paul thus: “It’s true that nowadays most of the young don’t care about religion, but John Paul showed us love, and love is all we need”. It was the demonstration of this love that brought the Pope to Nigeria in the heady days after the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, during which he attempted to help resolve the logjam.

Pope John Paul made several such trouble-shooting missions round the globe, in search of global peace. He will be missed greatly, not only by his immediate Catholic Church constituency, but by all lovers of peace and progress in the world.

‘It was the demonstration of this love that brought the Pope to Nigeria in the heady days after the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, during which he attempted to help resolve the logjam.

Pope John Paul made several such trouble-shooting missions round the globe, in search of global peace. He will be missed greatly...’

P

RESIDENT Obama’s display of leadership in directing the killing of Osama bin Laden raises the prospect that American politics can move away from mindless debates over the president’s loyalties and fortitude.

Perhaps the 2012 campaign might even shift to real issues, like the economy and the major parties’ competing visions of government’s role.

The baseless critique of Mr. Obama as a frightened lamb among the world’s wolves was started in the 2008 campaign when Senators John McCain and Hillary Rodham Clinton derided his ability to manage world affairs. “It’s got to do with experience, knowledge and judgment,” Mr. McCain said, “none of which Senator Obama has.”

The myth that he was a naïve hand-wringer persisted, despite his decisions to reduce troops in Iraq, strengthen them in Afghanistan and join a coalition to halt the Qaddafi regime’s bloodshed in Libya. His administration took too long to find its footing on Egypt’s transition and in Libya, but it was not because, as the popular conservative blog RedState said, he is a “trainee president.”

The blog accused Mr. Obama of basing his foreign policy on an “effete, pampered background” and a delight in consensus, and Republican presidential candidates quickly got the idea.

Tim Pawlenty said in March that Mr. Obama was more worried about his international popularity than keeping the nation secure. And just a few weeks ago, Mitt Romney accused him of being timid, tentative, and apologetic, all qualities stemming from “his fundamental disbelief in American exceptionalism.”

One of the subtexts to this argument is that Mr. Obama is not a true American, a thread soaked in the politics of fear and racial intolerance that runs through so much of the anti-Obama right. Donald Trump’s nativist claim that the president is not a citizen had its foreign-policy equivalent last year in Newt Gingrich’s repellent remark that Mr. Obama exhibits “Kenyan, anticolonial behavior.”

But just as releasing a birth certificate marginalized one falsehood, Mr. Obama’s risky and audacious decision to attack the Bin Laden compound in Pakistan has demolished the notion that he cannot make tough decisions or cares primarily about the nation’s image abroad.

One clear sign of Republican unease is that some, like Rick Santorum, are trying to claim that Bin Laden’s killing was an isolated event that proves nothing. That argument sounds hollow and desperate, and most Republicans are giving the president the credit he deserves.

There is still plenty of room for them to make politically coded attacks on Mr. Obama’s domestic policies that have nothing to do with real substance — saying he is a socialist who is trying to redistribute wealth, for example. But if — oh, if — they now make the 2012 race about issues that really matter, such as rebuilding the economy and the future of the government safety net, the nation will get the campaign it needs.

– New York Times

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Victor Ifijeh • Editor Gbenga Omotoso

• Controller (Finance & Administration) •Chairman, Editorial Ade Odunewu Board • Gen. Manager (Training and Sam Omatseye Development) •General Editor Soji Omotunde Kunle Fagbemi •Chief Internal Auditor Toke Folorunsho •Deputy Editor Lawal Ogienagbon •Advert Manager Robinson Osirike •Managing Editor Northern Operation •IT Manager Yusuf Alli Bolarinwa Meekness •Pre-Press Manager •Deputy Editor (News) Chuks Bardi Niyi Adesina •Press Manager •Group Political Editor Udensi Chikaodi Bolade Omonijo •Manager, Corporate Marketing •Abuja Bureau Chief Hameed Odejayi Yomi Odunuga • Manager (Admin) •Sport Editor Folake Adeoye Ade Ojeikere •Editorial Page Editor Sanya Oni

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2011

20

EDITORIAL/OPINION

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IR: Nothing could be more offensive and irresponsible than the recent statement credited to the Bauchi State Governor Mallam Isah Yuguda that the nine youth corps members gruesomely murdered in his domain while on national deserved to die.

The statement is akin to spitting on the graves of the dead. What destiny is Yuguda talking about?

These young men and women spent several years in institutions of higher learning; they were posted to their areas of National Service only to be confronted with the ugly and barbaric incident which led to their untimely death.

They were raped, brutalized and gruesomely murdered. Yet Yuguda finds it convenient to say that they were destined to die. Would Yuguda have said the same thing if his children were killed in the same manner as these innocent young men and women on national duty? Rather than fish out the perpetrators of this dastardly act as the chief security officer of the state, the governor is hiding under the most irresponsible statement that they were destined to die. Maybe he should come out and tell us what destiny he was talking about because these corps members were only assisting in conducting the presidential election, prior to their untimely death.

Ironically, the governor’s statement came at a time when majority of Nigerians condemned in unequivocal terms the manner that these corps members were killed.

For instance, the Archbishop of the Anglican Province of Jos, Reverend Father Benjamin Kwashi described

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

Yuguda’s outburst on slain corpers the statement coming from the governor as most unfortunate.

And as Olatunji Dare of The Nation’s newspaper puts it, Yuguda’s statement is the callousness usually associated with psychopaths.

Yuguda even tried to justify the killings with the claim that he had been attacked in the past while do-

ing national service in Ibadan in 1979; he also said that his son was nearly lynched during the riot in Bauchi State and one of his mansions was set ablaze by rampaging youths.

But he failed to get a grip of the fact that nothing will ever replace the loss of the parents and guardians of these slain corps members. His son who was nearly lynched will get the

best medical treatment in Nigeria and abroad and he would replace his burnt mansion with even a better one. But these corps members have been killed and the pains will be felt by their parents for the rest of their lives.

Till the time of writing this article, Yuguda has not put a phone call to the parents and guardians of

Amaechi’s next four years in Rivers

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IR: October 2007 will always remain indelible in the hearts of Rivers people.

Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi became governor from an almost impossible situation. But despite a bumpy and chaotic start to his regime, littered with litigations and criticisms, Governor Amaechi made a remarkable success of his first four years. He has proved a classic long-distance runner; absconding from the state, fighting a long legal battle and proving his critics wrong.

As he begins his new mandate Governor Amaechi is expected to take inventory of the last three and half years and make some critical economic, political and administrative adjustments. With resounding successes in health,

infrastructure and educational policy implementation, power, welfare and capacity building, tourism and agriculture will take centre stage in the next four years.

Spending on infrastructure has been especially substantial and there is a lot to show for it. Power and energy drives industrialization, tourism brings foreigners, and with them foreign exchange. He will have to consolidate what he started.

Amaechi’s record on security has been equally impressive. As security improves more investors and visitors are expected to return to the state.

Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital has been one of the fastestgrowing cities in Nigeria in the last two decades, though the advent of militancy and an increase in armed

robbery had put a major dent to its economic growth. Thanks to the ‘’one man, one vote’’ campaign, youths were not used as hired thugs for the elections, as they more often than not find their way into lawlessness, armed robbery and militancy. And Governor Amaechi has never hidden his disdain for criminality, hence his decision never to use political thugs during the elections. But thanks to improved security, good roads and infrastructure, the state is becoming a haven for businessmen once again.

So, as one of the largest oil producer in the country and the second-biggest economy after Lagos, Governor Amaechi will surely want things to remain that way or at least improve; though

Revisiting Yewa’s governorship debacle

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IR: The victory of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and that of Senator Ibikunle Amosun as the governor-elect of Ogun State should ordinarily not come as a surprise to discerning minds. The biggest winners are the general populace be they Egba, Yewa, Remo or Ijebu that make up the state who are fed up with mal-administration and total neglect of state of infrastructures exhibited by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led government in the state since 2003.

The biggest losers too, are in droves, part of which is the people of Yewa region of the state who have been longing to preside over the affairs of the state since when it was created in 1976.

Be that as it may, this is the time for the Yewas to look back and appraise themselves of what really went wrong, just when it looked certain

the slain corps members as well as the survivors of the post-election crisis. President Jonathan has personally put a call to the parents of the victims and he has also set up a commission of inquiry to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident. But Yuguda has not bothered to even acknowledged the services that these youths provided in their places of primary assignment in Bauchi State. He should bury his head in shame and tender an unreserved apology for the reckless and misguided utterance which has thrust a dagger into the bleeding sores of the parents of the affected victims.

• Daniel Achiniru Durumi II, Abuja

that the governorship seat was ours?

Who should receive the biggest nock for Yewa Governorship debacle?

Chief would be former President Olusegun Obasanjo; the progenitor of I dey laugh o o o syndrome.

Obasanjo played more than passing role in the way the agenda crash landed. He hijacked the process all in the name of wanting his own stooge and crony in Gen. Tunji Olurin to be the governor. Next is the outgoing governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel. Yes, he gave more hype to the whole agenda in this dispensation and stood by his candidate up to the last minute. He wanted to install a successor at all costs even without carrying all the relevant stakeholders along. He broke all known democratic norms and cultures just to achieve his aim. But it all failed.

Hence he should also be blamed.

Other actors that contributed in no

small measure to the debacle are General Olurin and Gboyega Isiaka. Both of them crushed the governorship aspiration of our people by their selfish and egoistic aspirations. They refused to step down for one another even when it was glaring to all and sundry that they could not win. Among the two, Olurin should take the biggest responsibility for aborting the long awaited dream of his people. He has always maintained that he was not interested in the governorship seat.

He was no where to be found at the initial stage of the agenda. But along the line, he was cajoled or coerced into the race by Obasanjo. There and then, he scuttled the whole process and left his people in the lurch.

The Obas, leaders and majority of the people of Yewaland should also share part of the blame. They all lumped their head in the crashing boat of PDP all along, even when they saw

it coming. They were all trusting in the perversion and manipulation of Obasanjo. But alas, it all came out to naught. What a disaster for the peoples dream.

As the in-coming and out going administration inter-face to bring about effective transition, this time call for sober reflection on the part of Yewa/Awori people. The governorship debacle has taught thought us all bitter lesson that should help us in deciding in future when another opportunity present itself. While offering our hand felicitation and congratulation to the in-coming government, we should however form a good working partnership with the in-coming government for the benefit of our people. May God guide us all in Yewaland nay Ogun State.

• Tunde Olusegun, Covenant University Ota, Ogun State.

surpassing Lagos will remain a dream - not with Lagos sending a clear message that oil wealth is no guarantee for prosperity.

Agriculture will beckon - a sector that holds so much promise in Rivers state, and with so much landmass in local areas such as Etche, Khana, Ogba/Egbema, Ikwerre and Emohua the stakes in agriculture will be too high to ignore. Though still fledgling, the Port Harcourt carnival hasn’t been able to have the desired tourism effect envisaged by Mr. Amaechi.

A film festival was held in Port Harcourt but it went almost unnoticed.

One thing is certain; the next four years will be different. Rivers voters have put considerable faith in Amaechi but it has become clear that the average voter expects an immediate return on the sizeable voting investment.

Now that he has gotten a proper mandate, he will have to break free of those he has been patronising.

He will have to tell his friends and cronies that the party is over. He will have to put together an effective executive council to develop people oriented policies – he alone will not be wearing the thinking cap this time around, and with the caliber of candidates in the election, the governor is sure to have a vibrant House of Assembly leadership to work with.

And should Mr. Amaechi leave an indelible mark after four years, he would have successfully gone full circle; a flying start as Speaker of the State Assembly, a dip in political clout, lengthy legal battle and eight years as one of the most successful governors in Rivers State history.

• Lloyd Robinson, Ekpeye Political Action Committee (EPAC) Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2011 16

21

EDITORIAL/OPINION

Your Excellencies, the people are not smiling

Reality Bites N

(The misery in our ‘remote areas’)

Olatunji Ololade

OW that the elections have been lost and won, shall we begin to pay good mind to the issues that matter?

Where we live, our fates remain irritable constants like specks of dirt…and death. We are but mutable playthings in the whirlpool of inharmonious processes that comforts and swells the ranks of the city dwellers, even as the odds make forgettable constituencies of us who pass as village dwellers.

Our people are not smiling. You need to remember us more during your cabinet meetings and state tours. A visit would convince you.

If you could visit, you shall get to see how our youth and joys are mocked by want and tears.

If you could come visiting, you shall get to travel and experience the worst of roads where like the dead, foul dirt and dust leap from the earth, to discolour and shut tight, our doors; particularly along the mud tracts where forgettable veterans retire to make the best of a very sad situation.

Thumbs up Babatunde Fashola, your statesmanship is one to applaud. Yet, in Lagos, it’s a terrible life that we live. You need only come to Ipaja-Ayobo, Agbado

Kollington, Dalemo, Akera, IjayeJankara. You need only travel the cratered paths and bypasses of Abule-Egba, Ahmadiyya, Meiran, Ipaja and Ajasa-Command.

Bet you are yet to experience the stress and madness of the road linking Ayobo with Itele, Iju-Ishaga, Akute, Ojodu and those impassable streets of Ajegunle, just before Ogun state. Trust me; there is hardly anything excellent about where we live.

And just around the corner, by the border point where Lagos city meshes with Ogun state palpitates some different kind of filth. Past the bypasses, within the still waters and ravenous craters, vehicles overheat and choke at full throttle, traffic snarls, and the atmosphere suffocates from random spittle and altercation. There is ugliness in Sango-Ota. Shall President Goodluck Jonathan repair that which is a federal road? Shall Ibikunle Amosu repair all our cratered roads? Shall he attain in four years, goodwill his predecessor failed to achieve in eight years? Drivers curse, irate pedestrians gag on hankies for want of good air, a Southwest heritage is yet, debris.

The township outgrows the sanity of its better days, still. Forget

‘Thumbs up Babatunde Fashola, your statesmanship is one to applaud. Yet, in Lagos, it’s a terrible life that we live. You need only come to Ipaja-Ayobo, Agbado Kollington, Dalemo, Akera, Ijaye-Jankara.

You need only travel the cratered paths and bypasses of Abule-Egba, Ahmadiyya, Meiran, Ipaja and AjasaCommand’

I

READ, with melancholy, the published comments of Prof.

I. E. Sagay, SAN under the above caption at page 13 of The Nation On Sunday of April 10, 2011. The initial temptation was to quietly draw Prof. Sagay, SAN’s attention to the obvious “error” inherent in his publicly held opinion. But his repeated and vigorous circulation of the venomous opinion gives him out as more of a political undertaker than a legal analyst. Given his status as a Professor and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, his views are expected, without question, to attract some credit and seriousness. His latest piece on the above issue appears to have been written as a hired gun, in absolute bad faith and without a scant research, denting his intellectual and professional credentials.

In the said publication, Prof. Sagay, SAN argued as follows: “The most terrifying aspect of the current development is Akpabio’s throw back to the era of military dictatorship by his enactment of an Akwa Ibom style Decree No. 2 reminiscent of the Buhari, Babaginda, and Abacha Military Regimes.

This law, which was passed by the pliant Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly allows Akpabio, a civilian governor operating under a constitutional government to order the detention of anyone for 14 days in the 1st instance and to renew the Detention Order after 14 days, at his discretion. This detention decree was passed into ‘Law’ on 31st March 2011, but has been used by a Magistrate, Obot to detain Akpanudoedehe, the ACN governorship candidate in Akwa Ibom State for an ‘offence’ allegedly committed on 21st March 2011, 10 days before the illegal law was passed. . . . . . It is important to stress that under no circumstances is a governor empowered to order the arrest of anybody, much less his rival contender for political office.”

I am of the sad opinion that Prof. Sagay, SAN so casually and surprisingly formed a publicly disseminated opinion on a statute without truthful recourse to of the provisions of the law in question.

It is true that the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly on March 31, 2011 amended the Akwa Ibom State Criminal Procedure Law, Cap. 39 Laws of Akwa Ibom State 2000 (not the Criminal Law, Cap. 38), substantially providing for remand proceedings in practice many states, including Lagos State since 1994. The said Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Law 2011 simply provides the Magistrate Court, not the governor, with jurisdiction to remand any person arrested for an indictable offence brought before the magistrate for remand for probable cause (clearly defined therein) pending legal advice or arraignment before the appropriate Court or Tribunal for 14 days in the first instance and renewable for good cause shown, for another period of 14 days.

No portion of the said law empowers the governor of Akwa Ibom State to do anything, and it is available for public procurement as Gazette No. 13 Vol. 25. The essence of the law is to provide for remand proceedings at the magistrate court, hitherto not available in the Criminal Procedure Law of Akwa

the novelty of the newly constructed bridge, the good old days lie buried in the moss ridden chasms at Temidire, within the vicious craters at Joju, under the still waters, about the bridge, on the highway to Ogun state, ‘The Gateway City.’

In Sango-Ota, Oju-Ore, Ilo-Awela, Itele, Ijoko and Oke-Aro, squalor ties a colourful wrapper every day, and saunters across our squalid streets and bypasses. Under the radiant streak of dawn, the glimmer of the rising sun, and the darkness that comes done, every day, mud caresses impatient feet of passersby, grime accords reckless car wheels a suffocating hug, at Joju.

Metres from the bedlam, just after the newly constructed bridge at Temidire, and some few more metres across the road from Temidire, a mucky pool stagnates.

Within the pool, pond scum of various shades enjoys untrammeled traffic, toadstool and cricket chirps produce a symphony of filth and squalor.

It’s the same in Owode-Ijako. On Agoro road, Owode-Ijako, noon time is filth time, when the dusty tract and disappearing sidewalks sizzle with stagnant pool and fast muck in the already heated neighborhood. The residents, indistinguishable in mire, their visitors, hardly better, slug it out in a neverending contest for the ever-elusive path.

Furious yet despondent, they lose their footholds at street corners where hundreds of other pedestrians have been slipping and falling since the break of dawn. The more cautious motorcyclist seeks to find grip by the road side; seeking out the less slippery path. Every day is yesterday; they curse the street hawker and the ill tempered motorist who oftentimes, beat them to the dry paths.

In Abeokuta, it’s the same old story, same old filth…same old misery. Bet you’ve seen the rot at Ita-Elega, Itoku, Itoko, Isale-Ake, Onikolobo, Quarry road, Adatan, to mention a few. Bet you see the level of descent of Abeokuta, the land of industry, royalty and the cerebral.

Not to overemphasize our squalor in the southwest, the world sees the poverty and squalor in Sankwala. For all its gift of tourism and splendour, the mountain village playing host to the Obudu Mountain Resort (OMR) in Obanliku Local Government Area of Cross River State, gravitates in a mélange of poverty and splendour.

In Gembu, the stars are still a backdrop for the human condition.

Even his Excellency in Taraba would flinch at the straggle of human settlement with scarcely a streetlight to illumine the pale ghost of his domain popularly known as the Mambilla Plateau. A sojourn in the Sardauna, Taraba State tourist tract and Nigeria’s border town should move him – especially at night, after the rain falls.

Along the tract, poverty and bliss spit at each other, like cats; every day. At noon, while the plateau luxuriates in its peculiar radiance, the temperature barely rises above 21degrees centigrade. At night, magisterial moonlight sweeps across the mountain community, redefining the temperament of bliss and poverty masking the hillsides.

Splendour stirs indolently and at once, dozes like the drowsing birds. The pasture by the mountains remains a brilliant green illumined by silvery moonlight.

In the morning, fingers of mist linger in the valleys that indent the hillsides and early sunlight unspools to douse the plains in a blaze of burnt gold. Within this blinding perfection, the squalor is still beyond the corner of the eye.

Re: Akpabio’s monstrous ‘Decree 2’

By Ekpenyong Ntekim, Esq. Ibom State.

Prof. Sagay, SAN deliberately and mischievously suppressed the fact that Section 1 of the Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Law 2011 of Akwa Ibom State is not novel in Nigeria. Section 236 of the Criminal Procedure Law of Lagos State 1994 contained similar provisions before its repeal and succession by the Criminal Procedure Law 2003 and, later, section 268 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law 2007, which similarly retains the same provisions. Indeed, the 2011 Akwa Ibom State version of the same law under unmerited politicisation by Prof. Sagay, SAN provides for a remand of 14 days in each of the first and second instances in contradistinction to the 2007 Lagos State Law aforesaid which provides for a remand of 30 days in the first instance and renewable for another 30 days. The first remand of 30 days in Lagos State under its 2007 Law, if made, would exceed the authorised maximum remand period of 28 days in Akwa Ibom State in both the first and second instances under the 2011 amendment to the law. Therefore while in Lagos State, in an appropriate case, a remand may be made for up to 60 days, a remand in Akwa Ibom State may only be made, in an appropriate case, for a maximum period of 28 days.

Furthermore, Prof. Sagay may have elected to be ignorant of the rationale for, and constitutionality, of remand proceedings in our jurisprudence. Section 236 of the 1994 Law of Lagos State, repeated in section 268 of its Law of 2007 and in pari materia with Section 1 of the Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Law 2011 of Akwa Ibom Sate, had been tested and rested at the Supreme Court since 2007 in the case of Lufadeju v Johnson (2007) 8 NWLR (Pt 1037) 535. The submission of Prof. Sagay, SAN on the effect of section 35 of the 1999 Constitution (similar to section 32 of the 1979 Constitution) on the remand power of the magistrate under these laws referred to above is stale and discarded, to his knowledge, having been unsuccessfully raised in the case of Lufadeju v Johnson referred to above, where the Supreme Court, at page 557 para. F –G stated as follows: “Learned counsel has submitted that that Section 32(1) of the 1999 Constitution which guarantees the right and discloses no exception, does not contemplate the power of magistrates to make remand orders, as contained in section 236(3).”

Putting the issue to rest in the lead judgment of Mukhtar, JSC at page 559 para. A – D of that case, the Supreme Court

It gravitates on rickety ruins of roadbeds, past the unkempt tourist splendours, unto the rusty aluminum roofs of households of mountain dwellers and peasant farmers that the state has learnt to ignore.

The scenes of squalor elongate beyond the forgotten streets of Lagos, past the capital city, bypasses and transit townships of Ogun; they are drawn out beyond the tourist tracts of Sankwala, in Cross River and the Mambilla Plateau, in Taraba.

They extend across the major cities of our motherland. Particularly in those areas excluded from the purview of every carefully thought out, well-intentioned or grandiose city projects.

Our Excellencies, it will simply not do to ignore us anymore. Remember, our votes usually outnumber those which you get from your overcelebrated city dwellers. Gone are the days when peasants and pensioners occupy the remote areas. Today a great many of us work in your favoured capital city enclaves. We pay taxes too...remember?

Let this be the tenure you cushion the cold realities of old folk who toothless and hopeless grope their way from the lattices of individual labour through tragic twilights of neglect and squalor.

Let this be the tenure that you remember the nameless for whom no titles resound and amplify their cries for the dividends of electoral ballots and governance.

Let this be the tenure that you aspire as patriots, to deeds that would outlast your heartfelt platitudes and parent reflexes “for the love of democracy and state.” Shall this be the tenure that you aspire to feats that would obliterate footprints of predators that paraded our power plinths?

Our dreams too are of stable electricity, good roads, affordable schools and health centres; where we live.

For SMS only 08038551123

held as follows: “I do not see that there is conflict between the provision of Section 236(2) of the Criminal Law supra and the provisions of Section 32 of the Constitution supra. The fact is there was strong suspicion that the respondent and some others have committed an indictable offence, to wit, treason. After their arrest by the police, there was the need to properly and lawfully keep them in custody, and the only way to do this was to take them to a magistrate court who would in turn remand them in custody. They couldn’t possibly continue to remain in police custody without the order of a court. Police investigations sometimes take time, and sometimes there is the fear of a likelihood of continued committal of the same or other offences. There is also a likelihood of interference with investigations. Whilst this process continues or is concluded, the legal advice of the Ministry of Justice is sought.”

In a concurring opinion, Onnoghen, JSC stated at page 570 para. F of the decision thus: “In such a situation the magistrate is empowered, upon the suspect being brought before him, to remand the suspect in custody pending the arraignment of such person before a competent court with the requisite jurisdiction to try the said indictable offence.”

Indeed, the Supreme Court concluded that none of the constitutional rights to fair trial, presumption of innocence and to prompt charge had been breached by the remand proceedings and the order of remand by the magistrate. Prof. Sagay, SAN could therefore not have been making any valid legal argument in his peremptory conjecture that the Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Law 2011 of Akwa Ibom State is in “flagrant violation of the Constitution”.

There is no point in Prof. Sagay, SAN instigating the National Executive of the Nigerian Bar Association “to move fast” by “getting a Court declaration, nullifying” what he erroneously termed as “Akwa Ibom State Decree No. 2 of 2011”. Rather, he is invited and challenged to do so personally, a fruitless exercise I am sure he would be unwilling to undertake.

‘Indeed, the 2011 Akwa Ibom State version of the same law under unmerited politicisation by Prof. Sagay, SAN provides for a remand of 14 days in each of the first and second instances in contradistinction to the 2007 Lagos State Law aforesaid which provides for a remand of 30 days in the first instance and renewable for another 30 days’

22

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2011

EDITORIAL/OPINION HATEVER affects the United States of America (USA) affects the entire world. Better put, the problem of the US is assumed to be the problem of the world even when that problem was a creation of the country that has come to be recognised as the most powerful nation in the world.

About 10 years ago, precisely September 11, 2001, the world was stupefied when suspected terrorists bombed the US. That event which has come to be known as 9/11 really demystified the US as afterall not invincible.

The widely held notion globally before then was that no one can successfully attack the US. However that was done and the effect was devastating. The aftermaths were ruin and regrets. It was later discovered that one Osama bin Laden, a man of fortune from Saudi Arabia was the mastermind of that dastardly act and expectedly, the US launched a serious man haunt for him.

With its entire satellite prowess that gives the impression that the US can locate anything anywhere in the world, the US could not sadly establish the whereabouts of Osama until about ten years after the incident when all seem to have given up hope that the man will be caught. Well, it could be argued that it is not how far but how well but could this argument be justification for the destruction of several lives and property by the US under the guise of searching for Bin Laden?

The US satellite failed her as it searched the caves and mountains of Afghanistan and Pakistan looking for Osama, spending trillions of dollars in intelligence gathering and warfare that yielded nothing for nearly 10 years.

The US deceived the world through wild propaganda showing concocted footages of Osama leaving one mountain to another just to give the impression that it is making headway. Eventually, the world’s most wanted terrorist, Osama bin Laden, made his last stand in Pakistan – but far from the lawless Afghan border or caves/mountain, where he was believed to be hiding. Instead, US forces killed him in the military town of Abbottabad, a short distance from Pakistan’s version of West Point and 75 miles north of the capital.

Surprisingly, neither Pakistani nor American military operations ever targeted the city in the past that they searched for Osama. The location raises questions as to how long the Pakistani military knew of the Saudi extremist’s hiding spot and whether they shielded him. While high walls in a luxurious $1million home and a system of courier kept bin Laden’s presence secret from residents, it

W

T

HE battle for the presidency was lost before it started. The failure of the opposition parties to close ranks saw to it. Jonathan’s victory at the polls did not need any soothsayer. The opposition themselves knew that the moment they failed to reach a compromise. The recently concluded presidential election was a no-contest. Forget all the punditry. Bury all the political gyrations and analysis that a run-off was in the air. I never for once bought into any of it.

The inability of the Bola Ahmed Tinubuled ACN and the Muhammadu Buhari-led CPC to strike a deal for the sake of history and in favour of the Nigerian people who so much yearn for change translated into a meltdown for the opposition. From accounts in the papers and the finger pointing, there seems to be enough blame to go around. We have had the two leaders speak out more openly about what happened. The most forth coming about why the alliance or is it merger failed has been Tinubu and that is understandable. He is one political gladiator who has much at stake. His investment in the re-birth of the opposition is huge and his ability to knock together political groups and compromises is remarkable. But I guess

‘Now we know Tinubu read the cards right.

Buhari was not viable.

Jonathan was. The recent ACN sweep of the governorship elections in the South-West has settled for all time ACN’s viability and of course confirmed Tinubu’s prowess as a political strategist’

America and the Osama question

• Osama

is doubtful whether indeed he actually fooled the military and intelligence establishments in that country. But one thing is certain and that is that the entry of US Special Operation Forces deep inside Pakistani aerial territory suggests a level of coordination with Pakistani authorities.

The truth as at today is that Osama has been killed and brutally too by the US. Whether or not he deserved the way he died should not be left to the judgement of Americans. In fact, such argument is needless now because Osama can not be brought back to life. Perhaps in the bid not to make him a martyr, the US government did not release his body to the Pakistani government that might bury him in a place that might be turned to a tourist resort of sort but quickly announced that he had been buried at sea in accordance with Islamic rites. However, it is only possible for the US to force Pakistani’s President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani and Army Chief,

General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani to toe their line of direct elimination of Osama bin Ladin by its forces anywhere he was found in the world but with its arrogant world posturing, will this stop terrorist activities around the globe?

If it took America 10 years that witnessed the deaths of so many people, including the innocent, to take revenge then, it shows that this is just the beginning of the decline in America’s leadership of the world.The world had seen the graves of several empires on all continents. We could not as students of history easily forget the defunct Russian empire, the Age of Alexander, the Hellenic Age, the Roman Empire whose rise and fall had been best chronicled by Edward Gibbon, 1737-1794 in the classic Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire; the Conquistadores or Spanish conquerors of South America and the British Empire of which America at a period was a part.

Even within the country called Nigeria, we can still vividly recollect the once all conquering Oyo and Benin empires. Harold Macmillan, former British Prime Minister by 1964 saw the evaporating British Empire especially in Africa and he was forced to say that the “wind of change is blowing over Africa as former colonies are evidently becoming selfgoverning”. All the above mentioned empires among others are now history.

It is imperative to quickly add that the British Empire’s power at the height of its epoch was maritime based because it had the strongest naval power that controlled the sea lanes that dictated the fortunes of nations. By 1903 when two American brothers; Wilbur Wright (1867-1912) and Orville Wright (1871-1948) created the first plane ever to fly, the beginning of the end of naval supremacy as the basis of all military might appeared. That pe-

Meltdown for the opposition

By Sunday Dare Buhari and the CPC turned out a little too stubborn for him. If we are to go by his revelation that Buhari’s camp was unwilling to compromise and work for a merger rather than an alliance, then we know that the sun is about to set for the opposition.

And what about Buhari? Why the so rigid position? Why are the feet of the CPC set in wet cement when clearly it lacks the numbers and the political spread to dictate? Politics is about compromises and the closing of ranks just as election is a game of numbers.

Without the numbers and the clout, you do not own all the aces. All the talk about working for the people rather than for self seems like hogwash. We have witnessed personal ego take the place of what’s best for the people and for our body politic.

The intent of this piece is not to make a judgement about who is responsible for the failure of the opposition to put forth a consensus candidate to slug it out with Jonathan Goodluck. This piece is about soul searching. About the fact that a rare opportunity to finally thrust Nigeria’s opposition to the center stage of power was lost on a platter. For millions of voters, the failure of the opposition to close rank and fight a good fight was a letdown. We all had wished for a real contest between candidate Jonathan Goodluck and candidate Buhari. We had in our crystal ball the scenario of a possible run-off and an exciting photo-finish for the 2011 presidential elections. But alas that was not to be.

The opposition like the Americans love to say, ‘had no skin’ in the battle for the presidency. Buhari and his camp saw the tree for the forest and in the process left the opposi-

tion holding the short end of the stick. More importantly, it left Buhari a distant second in the race. This was a race that would have being better fought. And if it was not won, it would have opened a new chapter in the annals of our history and put the ruling party on notice.

The failure of the opposition to build on the success it has recorded with the re-birth of progressive politics has unfortunately handed the trophy to the other side and left it licking its wounds. We can only ask nowwither the Nigerian opposition? The value of a virile opposition in both developed and developing democracies has been well documented. Our democracy is in dire need of a robust opposition able to provide a counter weight to the excesses of the ruling party.

Nigeria needs an opposition bold enough to call out all those in the ruling party and in power who are messing up our lives and violating Nigeria’s constitution. Capturing power at the center would have given a fillip to this desire. A united opposition under the ACN umbrella or by whatever name called would have been able to check the parliamentary rascality of the ruling party.

For now, I guess, these wishes will only remain mere wishes because in a winner takes all political situation, the looser is either disarmed or left with looking back to see why it failed instead of the empowerment of looking forward and marching forward to more electoral battles and victories.

It’s being a long journey. A long cold night.

That is for the Nigerian opposition. From the days of Chief Obafemi Awolowo to date, the opposition has battled to wrestle power

riod marked the emergence of America as the world’s strongest power and the most powerful nation the world had ever known. It is through the air power that the US had won several battles and conquered several territories across the globe. Through the superior air power at its disposal, the country mapped out strategy with which it ruined Osama.

There is no doubt that the Osama attack of 2001 rattled the American establishment since the 9/11 attack exposed its infallibility to external attacks. History shows that direct attack against America happened last about 70 years after American territory was attacked by the Japanese in what is commonly called attack of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 resulting in American declaration of war on Japan the next day. The Hiroshima and Nagasaki ruin will never be forgotten by humanity.

America could only claim to being militarily strong today, but that prowess will be meaningful if it neglects justice in its dealings with other countries of the world. Osama is dead but does that mean an end to terrorism in the world? For as long as the US creates monsters like Osama, who was once its ally when the going was good all, it is going to be a difficult task to achieve peace globally. History is replete with American creations on all continents that made citizens of countries to suffer under the guise of ruling. Any way, Osama is good riddance to bad rubbish. He has become a big burden to Islam and its true adherents that believes in peaceful coexistence. While celebrating the exit of Osama, it will be wrong to assume once again that the war against terrorism is already won. America cannot afford to sleep with all two eyes closed now.

‘The truth as at today is that Osama has been killed and brutally too by the US. Whether or not he deserved the way he died should not be left to the judgement of Americans. In fact, such argument is needless now because Osama can not be brought back to life. at the center from the dominant party and the tribe of renegades who have continuously held Nigeria down. Just when the prize was within reach, the two leading opposition parties could not agree. In political negotiations, you can only give what you have and take what you are given in the interest of achieving a bigger goal. Failure to take a cue from the waves before sailing can only spell political doom. Tinubu, the man with the stronger party seemed to have imbibed the best of political survival rather than cast his lot with an hamstrung candidate. Now we know Tinubu read the cards right. Buhari was not viable. Jonathan was. The recent ACN sweep of the governorship elections in the South-West has settled for all time ACN’s viability and of course confirmed Tinubu’s prowess as a political strategist. He has rekindled hope for the opposition when all seem lost.

The opposition cannot hold out for too long. Nigeria needs leaders who can practice politics of principle and employ tenacious courage. Leaders ready to make the required adjustments and bold enough to take the road less travelled so that the opposition can finally make the journey into power. Nigerians need an alternative. For now, its soul searching season.

‘The failure of the opposition to build on the success it has recorded with the re-birth of progressive politics has unfortunately handed the trophy to the other side and left it licking its wounds. We can only ask now-wither the Nigerian opposition?’

Owello welcomes Maureen Mmadu raps, CAF Under-23 call up over Falcons’ home draw Pg. 41

Pg. 42

Nation Friday, May 6, 2011

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FRIDAY, MAY 06, 2011

24

NATION SPORT

NATION SPORT

We're not afraid of Barcelona — Ferguson SIR Alex Ferguson said Manchester United could not afford to fear Barcelona after setting up a UEFA Champions League final showdown with the Spanish giants.

United romped into the 28 May showpiece at Wembley after overwhelming Bundesliga outfit Schalke 04 4-1 at Old Trafford on Wednesday with a virtual reserve team, completing a crushing 6-1 aggregate victory.

Two goals from Anderson plus one apiece from Antonio Valencia and Darron Gibson fired United into their third Champions League final in four years and a rematch with the team who beat them 2-0 in the 2009 final in Rome.

Barcelona's scintillating form in recent seasons have prompted some commentators to hail Pep Guardiola's team as the greatest club side ever.

But while a fervent admirer of the Catalan club, Ferguson insists his team will not be overawed when they meet in the final.

"I don't think we should be going to Wembley lacking in confidence," Ferguson said.

"I think Barcelona's form has been very good this season. We're playing a fantastic team. But we can't be frightened out of skins because of that.

Their form is there for everyone to see - our job is to find a solution."

Nevertheless Ferguson admitted that he had been anxious for United to avoid Barcelona throughout this season's Champions League and revealed he would have been happy to be playing another club in the final.

"I wish it was Brechin City or somebody like that to be honest with you," he joked.

Moratti hatches plan to sign Guardiola INTER Milan president Massimo Moratti wants to bring Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola to Italy.

Gazzetta dello Sport says Moratti and his advisers are convinced Guardiola can be prised away from Barca should they win the Champions League. The Barca coach will feel he has reached all his goals at the Nou Camp and will be eyeing a fresh challenge, so says Inter insiders.

While Guardiola penned a new 12month deal with Barca last month, its claimed the agreement carries several get-out clauses for certain circumstances and offers.

It's also revealed that Inter scout Luis Suarez, a good friend of Guardiola, was told by the coach that "should Moratti call me, I could not say 'no'".

Roberto Baggio, Guardiola's former Brescia teammate, will also be employed by Moratti to work on bringing the Barca coach to Italy.

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•Ferguson

give its executive committee greater powers to suspend member federations.

The Congress, where the main item is the presidential election between incumbent Sepp Blatter and challenger Mohamed Bin Hammam on June 1, will also be asked to rubberstamp moves to tighten up on friendly internationals.

Football's governing body will consider a suggestion that a player over the age of 18 need only live in a new country for three rather than the current five years before he can play for its national team.

Fifa said the proposal, included in the Congress agenda, had been made by the United Arab Emirates football association.

Many feel the regulations are already too relaxed and allow players to switch nationalities too easily.

Portugal and Mexico have fielded foreign-born players with no parental connections to the country, as have a number of African countries.

Blatter once said that he feared a World Cup being played with teams full of Brazilian players who had changed nationalities.

Until 2004, a player only needed the passport of the country he wanted to represent, which many nations were happy to fast-track.

Eto'o keen to sign Inter contract extension - report CAMEROON international Samuel Eto'o could well end his career with Inter as the prolific striker has expressed his desire to sign a contract extension, Il Corriere dello Sport reports.

The 30-year-old attacker's current deal

Flying Eagles in winning start •Beat South Korea 1-0

FIFA asked to relax naturalisation rules FIFA will consider a proposal to relax the rules on the naturalisation of players at its annual Congress and

with Inter runs until the summer of 2014, but Eto'o is content at the Italian giants and wants to stay put until he decides to hang up his boots.

Eto'o joined Inter from Barcelona in the summer of 2009 and has since developed into a key player for the world champions.

The striker played a big role in Inter's treble win last term and is their leading goalscorer this season.

After winning five consecutive Serie A titles, Inter will likely have to settle for second spot in this campaign as arch rivals AC Milan are sitting in pole position to win the Scudetto.

The Milanese club are expected to overhaul their squad in the summer transfer window, but Eto'o appears to be one of the players who is going nowhere.

EWLY crowned African Champions, the Flying Eagles of Nigeria have made a winning start to their tour of the Far East where the team travelled to to honour a four nation invitational tourney in South Korea.

The team led by untiring John Obuh early Thursday defeated host South Korea 1-0 in the opening match of the tournament in Seoul with the solitary strike from Kwara United defender, Gbenga Arokoyo the difference in the highly charged match.

The goal came in the second half of match and the Nigeria representative now awaits the winner of New Zealand and Uruguay the other two countries participating in the tourney.

In a brief chat with Gbenga Arokoyo the scorer of the goal, the Kwara United defender said he was happy and elated

SPANISH giants Real Madrid have decided not to buy Togolese striker Emmanuel Adebayor, according to sports daily Marca on Thursday.

Adebayor, 27, was taken by Real on a six-month loan from Manchester City in January, with an option to buy for 16m euros.

From Tunde Liadi, Owerri to have scored the lone goal and promised to continue to give is best whenever fielded.

He stressed that the match was tough but happy that they carried the day at the expense of the host.

“We won our match it ended 1-0 and I scored the only goal in the second half. I am happy and I will like to continue to do my best for my country.

It was splendid finding the back of the net though the match was a tough one.

We will play the winner of Uruguay and New Zealand on Saturday.”

Arokoyo said.

It would be recalled that the U-20 team was crowned African Champions barely four days ago in South Africa when the John Obuh tutord side was 3-2 better than Cameroun in the final.

Mikel set for Man United unslaught

•Akabueze

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Former Hammers backs Carlton Cole to rise again W EST Ham legend Tony Cottee is backing striker Carlton Cole to rediscover his goalscoring form and fire the Hammers to safety.

Avram Grant's men are currently languishing at the foot of the Barclays Premier League but a win against Blackburn this weekend could lift them out of the drop zone if other results go their way.

Cole has scored 11 goals this season, but he has not found the net since February and the England international was only a substitute at Manchester City last Sunday.

"We need to score goals, which is why our top scorer Carlton Cole should start the game," said Cottee.

"It is not only goals he offers, but a focal point – he is our only target man.

I remember scoring a vital goal for

West Ham against Chelsea in 1988.

"I also got one against West Ham for Everton in 1994. They are moments you will never forget as a footballer.

"The players will be extremely nervous on Saturday, but they need to stand up and be counted. It is a match every class player should revel in.

"Defeat against Blackburn us unthinkable. There is no doubt in my mind that seven more points, 39 in total, will keep us up."

Enyimba to miss Emmanuel Anyawu on Sunday •Nnaemeka Anyawu sure of victory, Club Coordinator Calls for fans support

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•Cole

NYIMBA's ace, Emmanuel Anyawu will be conspicuosly missing in action on Sunday when the club would be facing Al Ittihad in a crucial encounter that would determine their future in this year's CAF Champions' League campaign.

The defender who travelled with the flying eagles for an international tournament immediately after their return from the AYC earlier this week would be missed by the Aba fans who are already wondering what the defence format would look like but the club says it has what it takes to execute the match in terms of players.

A regular defender of the club, Nnaemeka Anyawu told NationSport

S/Africa2010propelsNZtorecordsurplus NEW Zealand's soccer governing body recorded a record budget surplus of NZ$7.7 million ($6.2 million) in 2010, boosted by prize money from the All Whites' appearance at the World Cup finals in South Africa.

The surplus, up from NZ$1.35 million the previous year, would provide a good platform for the game's growth, New Zealand Football Chairman Frank van Hattum said on the governing body's website (www.nzfootball.co.nz) on

Real Madrid to decides on keeping Adebayor •Eto'o

S

SOUTH KOREA INVITATIONAL

He scored five goals for Real in all competitions, including two in the Champions League quarterfinal first leg 4-0 thrashing of Tottenham.

However, the Madrid club, according to Marca, have decided not to purchase him, so he will return to Manchester City in June.

Wednesday.

"Last year was a high-tide mark in terms of income but it equips us to take advantage of the opportunity our increased profile and the current goodwill towards the game offers us," he said.

•Adebayor

UPER Eagles captain Joseph Yobo will once again more aim to be the pivot in the Fenerbahce defence when the Turkish League toppers confront Karabukspor on Sunday.

A major match-up will be the possible confrontation between Yobo and Karabukspor top scorer Emmanuel Emenike.

Emenike suffered a rib injury in Karabukspor’s clash with Ankaragucu on Monday and was replaced after 40 minutes but the club medics are hopeful he will be fit for the match.

On his part, Yobo saw 90 minutes of action in Fenerbachce’s 2-0 defeat of Istanbul BB last Sunday. Having missed only one match all season due to injury, he is already looking forward to helping the Turkish giants move closer to the league diadem.

“This season has been good for me on a personal level and the club as a whole. I am enjoying my football at the moment and I couldn’t have asked for more. This is turning out to be the season I finally get my hand on a club honour that has eluded me all my career. The Karabukspor game will not be an easy one but we are committed to take something positive

From Florence Nkem Israel, Port Harcourt in a Phone Chat: "I don't like talking before any game but the only thing I can tell you is that we will win the match because we are prepared for it" The club which has been in closed door camping at Obigbo in Port Harcourt for preparations are expected back at Aba on Friday for the final touches before the encounter.

Meanwhile, one of the club's coordinators, Donald Egemba has appealed to the fans and followers of

Enyimba to turn out in mass with the hope that massive turnout can encourage the team to victory.

"We, at the supporters club of Enyimba are appealing to all Enyimba followers and fans to show up in mass for this crucial encounter as they did against US Bitam of Gabon which we won last minute. Their patronage will immensely see Enyimba through to the group stage and we are going to add salt to Ittihad's injury through victory as they come on Sunday".

Debt-ridden Birmingham raise $6.3 million DEBT-RIDDEN English Premier League club Birmingham City have raised $6.3 million through a new share issue in Hong Kong.

A total of 6.43 percent of Birmingham International Holdings -- the club's parent company -- was sold, raising HK$49 million ($6.3 million), the firm said in a statement to the Hong Kong stock exchange late Wednesday.

The sale saw the overall stake held by the club's biggest shareholder, Hong Kong-based tycoon Carson Yeung, fall from 24.9 percent to 23.3 percent. The statement said the shares were sold to people "not connected" to the club.

Hong Kong-listed Birmingham International Holdings disclosed in statements to the bourse in March that it has debts amounting to HK$348 million.

Shares in the company were at HK$0.207 in intraday trade Thursday, down 0.95 percent.

Birmingham won the Carling Cup in February, stunning Arsenal 2-1 at Wembley but the club will need to prove its financial stability to play in

the Europa League next season.

Yeung last month paid $3.37 million to investment bank Seymour Pierce in London over consultancy fees the bank claimed for advising the tycoon when he first tried to take control of the club nearly three years ago.

•Frank Womack

HELSEA midfielder John Obi Mikel plans to prove what an integral part of the Blues lineup he is in Sunday's title-showdown with Manchester United.

The 24-year-old Nigerian international has endured an up-anddown season for Chelsea, spending part of the campaign as a casualty to the fine form of summer signing Ramires.

But having been recalled to the squad

by Carlo Ancelotti in recent weeks, Mikel has been pivotal in the Blues' recent run of form, which has seen them close the gap on the Barclays Premier League leaders to just three points.

"I had a good run from the start of the season until about January and then I wasn't playing so much," he said.

"Now I have started playing again and I just want to keep playing as much as I can and help the team win games and trophies. This is my aim and this is why I am at this club."

Yobo confronts Emenike in Turkish League cracker away from it. We can’t afford to slip at this moment. I will once more put in 100 percent to ensure we keep things tight at the rear”, he said from his Turkey base.

With just three matches left, the Turkish Spor Toto Super Lig has turned

into a two-horse race between Fenerbahce and Trabzonspor. The former is ahead on superior goals despite the two teams amassing 73 points each. Trabzonspor meet Bucaspor later on Sunday.

Owello welcomes U-23 call up •Reveals shock inclusion in Lagerback 44-man Eagles

I

K Start of Norway striker and former Under-20 player, Solomon Owello has pleaded to the coach Austin Eguavoen led Under 23 technical crew to give him a chance in the new look Dream Team V in order to see what he could offer to the team.

Owello in a chat with NationSport stressed that his form for his Norwegian side merit at least a call up to the team’s camp from where he enthused his claims could be strutinized further. “ I am a Nigerian and will like to play for my country whenever invited. I have been trying my best for my club and I think a call up to the Under 23 camp will be a timely testimony to my hardwork and consisteny in Norway. I want to represent my country and will rebuff every overture not to let that possible.”

Owello said The IK Start player reminisce on his

From Tunde Liadi, Owerri shock inclusion in the 44 man team drew up by former Super Eagles’ coach, Swede Lars lagerback and all the kind words the one-time Sweden coach said of him that warranted his inclusion. “ It was quite unbelieavable for me when I was told I was included in the team. It was rather amazing. I also appreciated the lovely words said by the previous Eagles coach I will continue to improve since that has gone and the reality now is to seek a fresh challenge and pray that another opportunity to show my skill is extended to me.”

Owello enthused.

Owello last played for Nigeria in 2007 when he helped the Flying Eagles to the last eight of the FIFA Under 20 World Cup in Canada before the team lost to Chile 4-0 while he couldn’t make it to the 30 man list later called up for a close camping exercise by Lars Lagerback for the purpose of the World Cup finals that took place in South Africa. He has been a consistent performer for IK Start in the Norwegian league.

Essien rubbishes Milan rumours MICHAEL Essien is happy at Chelsea and not at all interested in a move to Italian giants AC Milan.

The Ghanaian midfielder has been tipped to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season and join the Serie A champions-in-waiting, but his agent insists that is nothing more than paper talk.

“Nothing is true,” Fabien Piveteau told tuttomercatoweb. “I have not had any contact either with AC Milan or any other clubs, because everyone knows that Chelsea is happy with the player and Michael is happy at Chelsea.

“He is well in London and intends to stay there for the next three years.”

Essien signed a two-year extension to his contract last summer which keeps him at Chelsea until 2015.

•Essien

Lippi eyes return to coaching •Owello

FORMER Italy and Juventus boss Marcello Lippi says he is hoping for a return to coaching next season, preferably with a national team.

Lippi has been out of work since Italy crashed out of the World Cup in the group stages in South Africa last June.

He had come back to the Italy role in 2008, just two years after seemingly retiring after leading the team to

Fergie banks on Mourinho against Barca MANCHESTER United manager Alex Ferguson will seek tips from old rival Jose Mourinho on how to beat Barcelona in the Champions League final after his second-string side cruised past Schalke 04.

A thumping 6-1 aggregate win after Wednesday's second leg put United into a third European Cup final in four years and Ferguson need not have lost sleep after all over his weakened team selection versus a German side punching above their weight.

United will face Barcelona at Wembley on May 28 in a repeat of the 2009 final which the Spaniards won 2-0.

Although Ferguson is not frightened of the favourites he will welcome any tips from Real Madrid's boss Mourinho whose side beat the Catalans in the King's Cup final.

"I speak to him quite a lot. I spoke to him last week," Ferguson told a news conference when asked about Mourinho, an old sparring partner of the Scot in his Chelsea days.

"We will depend on our own knowledge of Barcelona, it's not like we've never seen them before. (But) you always take information from him (Mourinho) because he's always helpful like that."

Mourinho's Real were Barca's European semifinal victims on Tuesday but success in the domestic cup proves that the hot favourites can be beaten.

"I don't think we should be going there lacking in confidence... We can't be frightened out of our skins," Ferguson said.

"Our job is to find a solution when playing against them."

Ferguson has become only the second man to lead his teams into as many as six European finals -- one with

41

Aberdeen and now five with United including four Champions League finals.

Italian Giovanni Trapattoni is the only manager to have gone one better by steering his teams to seven European finals.

While Ferguson fielded a mainly fringe side for the second leg against Schalke, making nine changes from the first leg, he will need all his big guns and the experience they bring when they face Barca and their exquisite passing game.

success at the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

Before that he won many trophies with Juventus after a colourful career coaching all over Italy.

But he says he won't work again in his homeland.

"This year I've had many offers but I didn't accept any of them because I had decided to have a year off," he told Radio Monte Carlo.

"Those that I will have for next season I will consider carefully and if there's something interesting, like a country, we'll see."

"I prefer not to work in Italy any more, I've done what I needed to do.

It's difficult to enjoy yourself in Italy.

"If you lose two games, no-one enjoys themselves.

"I prefer a national team but obviously if a club of a certain type makes an approach..."

Other Sports...Other Sports...Other Sports...Other Sports...Other Sports...Other Sports

Mosley: Pacquiao ‘ll lose WBO title JAMES Prince, the popular rap mogul who is Sugar Shane Mosley's adviser, vows one of the biggest upsets in boxing history will be pulled off over the weekend.

And Manny Pacquiao, he guarantees, will be at the losing end of it.

"On Saturday, one of the biggest upsets in the history of boxing will be made, with Mosley beating Pacquiao," said Prince.

A 6-1 underdog, the 39-year-old Mosley will challenge Pacquiao for the latter's World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title on Saturday (Sunday in Manila) at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Prince then recalled how six years ago, also in Las Vegas, when underdog Diego Corrales survived two early knockdowns in pulling off a 10th round technical knockout victory over Jose Luis Castillo to win the World Boxing Council (WBC) lightweight title in a bout voted as one of the greatest in prize fighting history.

"That's the kind of championship (fight) Mosley will be bringing inside the ring on Saturday," added Prince.

Mosley's chief trainer, Nazeem Richardson, would rather play it safe. Although Mosley may be way past his prime, Richardson, reminded everybody that the challenger isn't just an average fighter.

•Pacquiao (r) and Mosley

Pacquiao asks fans to wear yellow to Saturday’s title fight MANNY Pacquiao will wear yellow gloves Saturday when he takes on Shane Mosley at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in defense of his WBO welterweight title.

He hopes you join him by wearing yellow, too.

Pacquiao delivered a heartfelt message Wednesday during a press conference to promote the fight, telling a packed MGM Grand Hollywood Theater of media and fans about his quest to end poverty in his native Philippines. The yellow is a symbol of unity and hope to end poverty.

“All my life, I have had to fight,” said Pacquiao, who is also a congressman in the Philippines. “As a child, I had to fight just to eat. (That) was my background when I was young.

Now, when I fight, Filipinos they call me a hero. I believe this world needs more heroes.

“The biggest fight in my life is not in boxing,” he continued.

“The biggest fight in my life is how to end poverty in my country.”

Pacquiao has repeatedly given his time and money to champion this cause. He’s donated millions to helping improve the Philippines’ education and hospital system and is helping build homes and give a better lifestyle to the poor.

“He is such a humble person,” said Bob Arum, president of Top Rank, which promotes Pacquiao.

BATTERY

CALL

Onitsha second business park coming

Woman held for maid assault

Don makes case for agric

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FACILITY

Anambra

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Lagos

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Rivers

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Email: news_extra@yahoo.com

FRIDAY MAY 6, 2011

Page 25

Uduaghan in victory thanksgiving

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HE President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, has advised politicians in Delta State against unwarranted attack on the governor-elect, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan over his victory in the governorship election.

Speaking at his Word of Life Bible Church during a Thanksgiving Service for Uduaghan and his deputy, Prof.

Amos Agbe Utuama, over their hard-fought victory at the polls, Oritsejafor cautioned that attacking or harbouring evil thoughts against Uduaghan could amount to attacking God over his choice.

The CAN President’s advice

From Shola O’Neil, Warri

came on the backdrop of threats by some members of the opposition over the electoral victory of Uduaghan. He warned that the era of violence in the state had passed, adding that anybody who attempts to drag the state back to the dark days of violence would face the wrath of God. He said God who put the various people in the state together did so for a reason, stressing that it is wrong for any man to try to separate them.

Nevertheless, he admonished the governor-elect to see the entire state as his constituency and not dwell on how the people voted or who voted for whom. He urged the governor to continue to act

according to his position as a symbol of peace, love and unity in the state.

It would be recalled that Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan again defeated the Democratic Peoples Party candidate, Chief Great Ogboruinthegovernorshipelection with majority of votes from 13 of the 25 local government areas of the state as well as over-all votes with 525,793toOgboru’s433,844votes.

Three days after he was declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the governor and his supporters trooped to the International Gospel Centre, Ajamimogha Warri for the thanksgiving.

Continued on Page 26

Uduaghan, with his wife Sheila

Succour for motherless babies Club sinks borehole Red Cross urges more attention on the less privileged

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HILDREN and managers of Onitsha Motherless Babies’ Home in Anambra State have something to cheer.

Potable water that has long eluded them is now available, courtesy of an indigenous club.

The club, G-36 sank a borehole there.

The Home is being run by the state chapter of the Nigerian Red Cross Society. Drums were rolled out at the Agbokoba Centre where the Home is situated, even as prominent sons and daughters of the state assembled to celebrate the humanitarian gesture of a club called G-36.

Newsextra gathered that the club did not wake up overnight to sink the borehole for the motherless babies’ home. There was a build-up to it. On December 27 last year the club, as part of its Christmas celebrations visited the home and discovered that it lacked potable water. There, it took the decision to put the children out of their nightmare.

But when G-36 promised to sink

Obidigwe, scissors in hand, ready to cut the tape, with members of G-36 Club and Nigerian Red Cross Society at the borehole commissioning From Adimike George, Onitsha

a borehole at the home within six months, some thought it was the empty of a club seeking attention.

The completion of the project proved the cynics wrong. The project has been commissioned and people are now drinking water from the taps.

In an address by the Red Cross Society to commemorate the occasion, the Southeast Chairman, Dr. Emeka Katchy thanked God for the journey mercies granted members of the G-36 who travelled from far locations to make the event a reality.

He noted that the International Committee of the Red Cross and Red Cross Crescent and the

International Federation of Red Cross have declared this year one of volunteers, which he noted is in line with the day’s event.

He said: “Precisely, the theme has the deeds and activities of G-36 Club of Nigeria in focus. It is in recognition and honour of teeming volunteers of Red Cross Society all over the world covering 186 member nations with more than

250 million supporters virtually in sovereign nations of Red Cross.”

He added that the Society was highlighting on the enormous support for the most vulnerable all over the world considering Red Cross unflagging symbol of hope, vigour and ameliorations in times of needs and support.

Continued on Page 26

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2011

26

Uduaghan in victory thanksgiving •Continued from Page 25

In his speech, Uduaghan described administering a multi-ethnic state like Delta as an arduous task that requires the wisdom and knowledge of God to accomplish.

He expressed surprise over the extent of hatred against his person by a section of the people before, during and after the election, stressing that even within the Christian community and the church, some people still harboured animosity against him.

While conceding that there could be genuine cause for grievance against his government in the state, Governor Uduaghan said some of the reasons for which he is hated were caused by people around him, including his commissioners, aides and other public office holders.

To this end, he promised to examine his performance in the first four years and to correct areas that need attention in the next four years.

“Some of the reasons for which I incur people’s hatred are not really because of my actions, but because of some of the persons around me. So, everybody must change. The Speaker must change, Secretary to the State Government, lawmakers, commissioners and everyone must change in order to move our state forward. But the change needed is not only from government officials alone but also from public servants, including medical workers.

“If you demand money for medical care that the government has declared as free, you are not doing the government and the people of the state any good. This class of people must all change. Those who also hate me for no justifiable reason should

Attacking or harbouring evil thoughts against Uduaghan could amount to attacking God over his choice…The era of violence in the state has passed, anybody who attempts to drag the state back to the dark days of violence would face the wrath of God •Uduaghan, with his wife Roli and Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor during the thanksgiving service

also change for the better,” he stated.

Uduaghan also took an indirect swipe at the opposition Democratic Peoples Party (DPP) change slogan, stressing that change would only be meaningful when it is positive and not change for its sake.

The thanksgiving service was witnessed by prominent traditional rulers and chiefs of the Olu of Warri, wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Nelly Utuama, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Honourable Sam Obi, Senator-elect, Dr.

Ifeanyi Okowa, former Edo State Senator Rowland Owie, Member Representing Warri Federal Constituency, Hon. Daniel Reyenieju, Commissioner for Information, Mr. Oma Djebah, members of the State House of Assembly and prominent politicians from across the state, including member of the Action Congress of Nigeria in Ughelli North, Hon. Friday Onodjaye, among others.

The PDP agent for the governorship elec-

tion and long time supporter of Uduaghan, Hon. Funkekeme Solomon, described Uduaghan’s victory as reward for long years of selfless service and labour for the people of the state.

Funkekeme, a former Deputy Speaker, particularly chided the opposition for scheming to achieve victory through the back door, reiterating that the DPP’s cry of malpractice in the election was like a child who is searching for excuse for failing his examination.

My priority, by Senator-elect From Emma Mgbeahurike, Owerri

S

•Dr. Katchy helps himself to the Home’s tap-water •Continued from Page 25 He expressed gratitude to G-36 Club of Nigeria for their benevolence and philanthropic gestures to the Motherless Babies Home.

He said: “We are highly indebted to G-36 Club of Nigeria and the people of Anambra State for their kind support to Red Cross at all times and during disaster emergencies.”

He urged those present to “remember our unfortunate brothers and sisters, destitute, handicapped, abandoned and motherless babies in our society. I am appealing to everybody in this country and Anambra State in particular to do everything humanly possible to donate generously in order to alleviate their sufferings and give them a sense of belonging.

“Remember that freely you give, freely you receive; it is more blessed to give than to receive. Blessed is he that gives than he that receives. It is an attribute to God even unto man,” he counseled.

Succour for motherless babies In his speech, the National Coordinator of the club, Tony Areh who was represented by Mr. Chude Ukpabi disclosed that the group was formed 14 years ago by sons and daughter of Onitsha who felt the need to impact positively on the lives of the people.

He pointed out that G-36 Club of Nigeria which is non-governmental, has been repositioning the youth to meet the challenge of self actualisation, adding that, apart from offering scholarship to indigent sons and daughters of the community, the club has contributed in no small measures at ensuring that the youth get job opportunities at the end of their academic pursuit.

He noted that Onitsha, being cosmopolitan, the youth, if left unattended to, may tilt towards the path of crime which he said informed the club’s decision to plan for the youth who they would hand over such legacies when the times come.

He said that the choice of the project was unique, given the importance of water to life.

Ukpabi noted that they were aware of other pressing needs of the home, adding that the choice of sinking a borehole was to put something that would be permanent and make the club evergreen in the town.

The state chairman of Red Cross and Chief Justice of the State, Paul Obidigwe commended G-36 Club members for forming such a humanitarian and charitable organisation especially for what they did at the motherless babies’ home.

He added: “May I express our appreciation to you for choosing to sink a borehole in the home.”

Before presenting the club with a certificate of commendation, Obidigwe called on other clubs and individuals to tow the step of G-36 as there are many institutions and other establishments that were crying for assistance.

ENATOR-ELECT for Imo West District, Chief Hope Uzodimma has declared that one of the issues that he would give priority attention to when he assumes duty at the National Assembly is the campaign for the creation of an Orlu State out of the present Imo State.

He said he would lobby his colleagues and other relevant stakeholders to pursue the actualisation of Orlu State in the shortest possible time.

In a thank-you message he sent to the electorate over his victory after the April 9 National Assembly elections, the Senator-elect noted that the creation of Orlu State is overdue, given its economic endowments, population and land mass.

Uzodimma, who expressed gratitude to party elders, stalwarts and the electorate for his victory, assured them that he will engage in best legislative practices to better the lives of Orlu people.

He said that apart from offering quality representation to Imo West Senatorial District, he would harness the vast potential of the zone for the benefit of its people.

However, the Senator-elect emphasised that the people would also have to come up with valuable suggestions on how best to serve the interest of the people.

The philanthropist-turned politician who dedicated his victory to God Almighty, urged every constituent to feel free to approach him with problems concerning the zone.

In a thank-you message he sent to the electorate over his victory after the April 9 National Assembly elections, the Senator-elect noted that the creation of Orlu State is overdue, given its economic endowments, population and land mass

THE NATION

27

FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2011

‘I had no need to suffer heartbreak’

By Dada Aladelokun

•Akintade

D

R. Michael Akintade, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) candidate for Ondo Central Senatorial District in the April 16 election has revealed why he took his loss so calmly even though he suspected fraud in the process.

“When the result of the polls got to me,” he told Newsextra, “I simply smiled because I knew it was not the verdict of the people who were hungry for positive change. And to me, it is not a do-or-die thing. It occurred to me instantly that there

was no cause for despair because ultimately, victory would be ours since we had succeeded in winning the hearts of our people legitimately.”

Asked to assess the polls, he said: “The election was deemed credible all over the country, but in my area, there were a lot of problems. There were cases of outrageous financial inducement, outright bribery and intimidation by the high-profile thugs of the opposition, the Labour Party (LP). We were able to get hold of ample evidence to prove all that because we documented some of them.

“Already, we have lodged our complaints to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and as things are, my party may likely go to court to seek justice. Whatever decisions my party’s leadership takes after the ongoing consultations will be binding on me.

Almost moved to tears over a situation, which to him, was a threat to the growth of democracy in the country, he further recalled: “In my polling unit, we had five policemen on the ground, two out of who were actually helping the LP. We complained to the INEC officials within the polling station and it was taken care of.

But many such horrible things might have happened after I left the scene.”

Maintaining that the party had come out of the election stronger, the politician said: “ACN is the party of the moment and indeed, the future. It is interesting that even after the election, it has kept waxing

stronger. Many people from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and even the LP have been calling me and importantly, the ACN leadership, to express their readiness to defect to our party.

“In fact, I have got even more popular than before the polls. It is clear that the discerning ones among the residents of Ondo State do not want to be left stranded in the progressive wind that is blowing across the South West. I see ACN as the party that will dominate Ondo State politics; we thank God it is all over the South West and it has come to stay. “I’m sure that in the 2012/2013 elections, Ondo State will no longer be in the hands of the opposition; it will be in the firm grip of the progressives.

Beating his chest in confidence over the chance of the party in future elections in the state, he said: “Most of us in the party in my state are looking forward to the help

we can get from the states already being controlled by our great party and indeed, the party’s national leadership. We all know that our great leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is hell-bent on leaving no stone unturned to re-enact in the entire South West, the people-oriented ideologies which the region had been known for since the Obafemi Awolowo’s glorious days.

“This is why it is evident that LP is a mere tenant in Ondo State. All I can say now is that our people must keep their hope alive and retain their loyalty to the ACN.” He enjoined the INEC and the security agencies to be more dutiful in future elections not only to ensure that people’s mandate is not stolen, but also to see to it that true leaders other than interlopers and impostors get the mandate to lead the people.

The election was deemed credible all over the country, but in my area, there were a lot of problems. There were cases of outrageous financial inducement, outright bribery and intimidation by the high-profile thugs of the opposition, the Labour Party (LP). We were able to get hold of ample evidence to prove all that because we documented some of them

Jonathan’s wife encourages women farmers

“Y

OU may look at me as a First Lady, but I am a farmer at heart,” said wife of the President, Dame Patience Jonathan.

Speaking at the world-class Conference Room of the Obudu Mountain Resort, while receiving the farm harvest of the women of Obanliku Local Government, where the resort is situated, Mrs Jonathan expressed pleasure at the warm welcome given to her by the women.

These women are mainly farmers and are beneficiaries of the wife of the Cross River State Governor Obioma Liyel Imoke’s pet project Partnership Opportunities for Women Empowerment Realisation (POWER) which aims at putting money in the hands of the women.

Mrs Jonathan is on vacation at the resort with her husband President Goodluck Jonathan.

Clad in a flowing turquoise robe, the First Lady was welcomed with traditional songs from the Obanliku women. “As you come, we thank you, as you go, more of God’s blessings will follow you,” they sang.

In her address she said she was overwhelmed at the rate of rapid development in the area.

“I visited Obudu for the first time as a student in 1985 and it was not as developed as it is now. I feel as if I am in another world.

There is no point going abroad. Virtually everything we see abroad is right here,” she noted.

She also commended the wife of the governor, whom she referred to as her “daughter and friend” for her tireless efforts in alleviating the problems of the women of Cross River State.

Also present at this landmark occasion was the Village Chief, Sunday Ichile who donated a farmland to the First Lady; a gesture for which she was indeed very grateful.

“I truly love farming and I thank you for the land you have given to me.” I also thank the good people of Obanliku Local Government Area for voting for my husband, she said.

Mrs Jonathan also visited the farms where the women had worked for months on end.

She promised to collaborate with the POWER initiative with a view to taking things to the next level.

“I have adopted POWER as part of my pet project, Women for Change. At Women for Change, we believe in women empowerment because when you empower a woman,

• A woman sifts her grains you have empowered her community and ultimately the nation.

“The governor’s wife and I will put heads together and see how we can help. For now, we will provide seedlings for at least from six months to one year and also consider how to help in the areas of transportation, storage and export. “The government of Nigeria is taking agriculture more seriously.

If our people can produce in large quantities, then we would have achieved a viable and robust export market,” Mrs Jonathan stated.

Obanliku has a land mass of 134 square kilometres and sits at approximately 1,567m above sea level, thereby creating the ideal climate for the cultivation of crops such as lettuce, zucchini, cabbage, strawberries, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, spinach, water melon, upland tea and other rare crops.

The temperature in this area ranges between 19 and 22 degrees centigrade. When it rains, the temperature drops to about 12 degrees centigrade.

There is a lot of potential here.

POWER’s Director for Economic Growth,

Mr Anthony Ubi says however that there are constraints. There is the issue of upgrading the transportation system to enable the farmers to evacuate their produce to Calabar where demand is largest.

“The First Lady’s gesture at this time is most welcome. “There have been a lot of reports on waste as a result of not conveying these goods to their final destinations in good time,” Mrs Imoke confirms.

She expressed her gratitude at the gesture of Mrs Jonathan whom she thanked for choosing the Obudu Ranch Resort as a holiday destination.

Speaking on POWER beneficiaries in Obanliku, Mrs Imoke said they had started very small, with one cooperative of 10 women.

“At this point, we want to expand their territories. We haven’t really taught them anything new over the years, but merely encouraged them to maximise their potential.”

Today, there are about 20 registered cooperatives of 200 women each.

•First Lady Dame Patience

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2011

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Onitsha’s second business A park coming

Akpabio to create jobs

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KWA Ibom Governor Godswill Akpabio has pledged to banish poverty,create employment opportunities and empower the people in the next four years.

Governor Akpabio, who made the pledge when Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) supporters trooped to Government House, Uyo to congratulate him on his victory at the poll noted: ‘’The next four years would be exciting. Billions of naira would be put into the hands of people through employment opportunities and empowerment. We’ll banish poverty, produce food for other states and food will be sufficient’’.

•Akpabio

Deputy Governor praised

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NAMBRA State Deputy Governor, Emeka Sibeudu and a chieftain of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Okey Ezeibe, have been praised for their roles in making sure the Party triumphed during the elections in Orumba North and South constituencies.

The winner of the House of Assembly election in Orumba North State constituency, Chief Romans Obi, said he would give members of the constituency the privilege to determine the appropriation of his constituency allowance to ensure that constituency projects were evenly distributed

Anambra Nwanosike Onu, Awka

among various communities in their area.

In a statement in Awka, Obi who described his victory as an act of God, assured his constituents that he would make accountability and prudence his watch word through out his tenure.

Moreover, he said that he would work in liaison with Governor Peter Obi to deliver democracy dividends to the people of Orumba.

ACN’s victory draws more applause

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N Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) group, Mainland Diamond, has described the victory of the party candidates in the state and Southwest as electorate’s pay-back for the woeful performance of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led state governments in the region.

It also claimed that the decision of the voters was an indication of their trust in ACN as exemplified by the performance of party-led governments in the area.

The Chairman of the ACN group, Bashorun Wole Carew, who made this known in a statement in Lagos, said that the results of the election, “have shown that the Nigerian electorate are now more enlightened and sophisticated and therefore cannot be stampeded into voting for a party and candidate in any election.”

Carew asserted that the victory of the ACN in Southwest is not only for the party, but the people who voted and defended their votes to make it count.

The statement while congratulating Lagosians and the people of the region for their steadfastness and favourable disposition to ACN and its candidates, added that they would never be taken for granted.

“The people have spoken and losers should take their verdicts as final since the elections were free and fair. Four-year term is not far away and losers and winners will tackle again.

However, the lesson of the elections is that no government, party or candidate should take the people for granted. Lagos State has set the benchmark and is now left for others to follow,”

he said.

Carew, however, advised President Goodluck Jonathan to spread his programmes for development across the nation in appreciation of the people’s mandate freely given to him and not to the PDP. According to the statement,” by so doing, he will be writing his name in gold to show that anybody can become the President of Nigeria no matter where he or she comes from”

Akwa Ibom Akpabio, who scored 957,585 votes to get re-elected praised the people for voting for him, stating ‘’The people have again united the state with their votes. I will continue to run the state as one’’.

He thanked God for what He has used the people to achieve in the state. ‘’Akwa Ibom is standing on the threshold of history of a new beginning. The spirit of our forefathers has been rekindled as in 1928 when there was no tribalism. ‘’I am no longer the Governor of PDP but of all political parties. I was re-elected on the basis of unity. I thank you for honouring me without thinking of tribe,’’ the Governor said.

Cleric challenges leaders

By Miriam Ndikanwu

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INNERS in the 2011 general elections across the country have been asked to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ who came to the world to serve and not to be served.

The call was made by the Most Rev. Friday John Imaekhai, Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Bendel and Bishop of Esan Diocese at the 2nd Session of the 31st Synod of the Diocese held at the Cathedral of Christ, Marina, Lagos.

Bishop Imaekhai said seeking the kingdom of God and the interest of the masses should be the leaders’ priority before thinking of themselves or personal gains.

He advised them to be God fearing and use the word of God as a tool to guide their every step while executing their duties.

On his part, Most Revd. Dr. Adebola Ademowo, Diocesan Bishop of Lagos also urged Nigerians to be prayerful and move closer to God in all their endeavours.

Council votes N35m to boost onion production

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LIERO Local Government Council in Kebbi State has voted N35 million as soft loan to farmers to boost the production of onion in commercial quantity.

Alhaji Salihu Nabara, the Sole Administrator of the council, disclosed this in Birnin Kebbi in an interview with reporters.

Nabara said that the money had been provided in the council’s 2011 budget.

He said that certified onion farmers would be able to access the facility, adding that they would also be provided with fertiliser and insecticides at subsidised rates.

According to him, about 2, 500 onion farmers are expected to benefit from the

NAMBRA State Governor Peter Obi has expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of job done at the second Onitsha Business Park. Obi spoke at the project site in Onitsha when he led some top government officials on inspection of the project.

He noted that the second business park was almost twice the size of the first park and in line with the initiative of his administration to attract back business to Onitsha and restore the glory of the commercial city.

He recalled that the site for the project abandoned and neglected over the years by successive administrations had been given huge economic value.

However the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mr. Chuma Okafor, said the park which was coming on the heels of the success of the first business park, was targeting the Information and Communication Technology and Communication companies to create

Kebbi loan.

The administrator further said that a committee would be constituted to determine the amount to be given to each beneficiary.

Nabara promised that the facility would be sustained to encourage the production and export of onion, for which the area has comparative and competitive advantage.

He appealed to onion farmers to make good use of the facility, which, he said is repayable in two years.

According to him, farmers who repaid the loan within the stipulated period, would be granted fresh loan with some waivers.

It would recalled that last year, the council provided 2,500 water pumps as soft loan to farmers to promote agricultural production.

Anambra

• Delta State Deputy Governor, Prof Amos Utuama, SAN (middle);with the NYSC Delta State Co-ordinator, Mr Chris Mgbemena (left) and Delta State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr. Richard Mofe-Damijo at the funeral service for the late Mr Elliot Adowei, a youth corps member killed in Bauchi, in Aladja, Delta State.

‘Jonathan’s Obudu retreat a boost to domestic tourism’

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HE Director-General of Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, Segun Runsewe has lauded President Goodluck Jonathan’s choice of Obudu Resort for his holiday and annual retreat.

According to Runsewe, the president’ choice of Obudu is a clear endorsement of the site as a world-class destination which should kick start domestic tourism in the country and appeal to international tourists.

In a statement issued by the NTDC boss, he lauded the President for starting a journey which he noted, would signpost the expected executive lead in domestic tourism in the country.

“By this singular act, President Goodluck Jonathan has practically brought the long awaited kick-starting of domestic tourism through the executive arm of government. I, therefore, urge all top government officials and well meaning Nigerians to take a cue from this laudable step,” Runsewe stated.

Stating further, Runsewe emphasised that President Goodluck Jonathan’s decision to holiday at Obudu Mountain resort is also another bold statement at rebranding Nigeria as a safe and interesting destination for both local and foreign tourists.

Runsewe stressed that the President’s Obudu retreat laid a foundation for the NTDC to begin a national campaign for government officials, top industry players and all segments of Nigerian society to spend their holidays in Nigeria as there abound hundreds of good tourist sites to savour Nigeria’s hospitality and appreciate nature at its best.

“You don’t have to go abroad to spend your holiday all the time. Visit nature in Nigeria, you will be at peace,” Runsewe said citing several sites in all the tourism zones in the

Fashola to tackle workers unrest

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•President, Rotary Club of Oke-Afa District 9110, Rotn Sadiq Adebisi (standing) being assisted by the Matron, Jakande Estate Health Centre, Mrs Udoh distributing treated mosquito nets to mothers in the club’s war against malaria in the area

AGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) has proposed strategies that would help tackle frequent labour unrest in the country.

Governor Fashola, who spoke recently while addressing a large crowd of workers at the celebration of May Day tagged: “Growing the National Economy for Job creation and people’s welfare” at the Onikan stadium, listed the strategies to include establishment of right policies framework and the amendment of the nation revenue allocation formula.

He explained that the sustainability of the new minimum wage could only be guaranteed when the right policies are put in place.

According to him, “In order that the newly approved minimum wage to be effective and sustained and for the states and local governments to be able to function and provide basic social services , the adoption and implementation of the recommendation to amend the revenue

allocation formula is condition precedent that will help us stem any labour crises.’’

He added that,” A situation in which the Federal Government currently takes as much as 52 .68 percent of the centrally collected revenues in the F ederation Account, leaving the states and local government with 26.72 and 20.60 percent respectively .

“This creates a glaring and unacceptable imbalance in the financial resources of the three tiers of government, which is quite inappropriate at a time most state governments are finding it difficult to invest in capital development.”

He sought accelerated completion of the privatisation of the power sector and this should be complemented by refund of all monies owed the states and local governments by the Federal Government.

He said further that agencies such as Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, the Nigeria Customs Services, Federal Inland Revenue Services who earn and manage the country’s collective resources should abide by the constitutional provision.

country,.

It will be recalled that President Goodluck began his retreat at Obudu Mountain Resort last week.

Police warn vehicle owners

T

HE Lagos State Police Command have warned owners of vehicles parked at the state Criminal Investigation Department to remove them immediately or forfeit same through auction.

They are: 1. Maxima car unregistered; 2. Mitsubishi Gallant-JD487AAA; 3. Toyota Camry-J247EKY; 4. Toyota Avensis JV864LSD; 5. Mitsubishi Gallant-CY04LSD 6. Honda Accord car-AA239WEL

Anambra Nwanosike Onu, Awka

common synergy for business to grow in the state.

He explained that like the first business park which serves as a financial service centre, the second park would provide ICT and communication companies with common facilities and common energy to be able to grow and create business and employment for the people.

The governor recalled that the first business park built in Onitsha had since started functioning. Through letting,the government

•Obi said, the bulk of the money for the building of the second park was realised.

‘Keep campaign promises’

T

HE Chairman of Umuahia North Local Government Area,in Abia State, Johnson Onuigbo, has advised the governor,Chief Theodore Orji to keep his campaign promises.

Speaking with Newsextra in Umuahia, Onuigbo said that the era of campaign is over and that the people should allow the governor to have a well deserved rest, after which he would evolve policies that will produce dividends of democracy.

Onuigbo praised the governor for taking the state back to the political mainstream of the country, adding that he should use this chance to attract federal presence to the state , to justify his closeness to the Federal Government.

He described the governor as a very likeable person with good character, “Here is a man whose humility is unprecedented

Abia From Ugochukwu Eke, Umuahia

and is ever ready to apologise to whomever he has wronged, I wonder how many persons in such position that could do that without using force”.

The council chief said that the governor has made giant strides despite being under bondage for the most part of his administration, “and now he is free, he will turn the state around, this is why the people decided to return him as their governor”.

Onuigbo recalled that the governor turned Umuahia into a worthy state capital, unlike what it used to be, with street lights, “these street lights have made petty thieves who normally snatch people’s bags and telephones to disappear and the state is relatively free of petty thieves”.

Amaechi praises Graham-Douglas

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• From left: Executive members of the National Women Ministries of Assemblies of God Church, Rev. Juliana Alaje; Rev. Stella Chidi and National Director, Dr Sharon Emeka, during a news conference on the ministry’s Mothers Day celebration in Enugu PHOTO: NAN

Briefly

Edo holds victory carnival IT was glitz, glamour and fireworks, last Sunday, in Benin City, Edo State as Governor Adams Oshiomhole held a carnival in the state capital to thank residents of the state for voting in candidates of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the last elections.

The governor who joyfully danced on the stage, assured the people that the annual Igue Festival would be made bigger and turned into a world-class carnival.

Speaking to a mammoth crowd at the Kings Square, venue of the celebration, the Governor said: “Government will collaborate with the Palace to make the annual Igue festival a bigger and better one by turning it into a world-class carnival.

There would also be a youth angle t The governor assured the youth who filled the Kings Square to capacity, spilling over to the adjoining roads and streets that government would from time to time, hold such youth carnivals to let the whole world know that night life is back to the now modern city.

IVERS State Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has extolled the invaluable contributions of Mrs Christiana Owiyeba Graham-Douglas to the educational development of the state and Nigeria at large.

Governor Amaechi stated this while speaking at the 80th Birthday celebration of Mrs Christiana Owiyeba Graham-Douglas in Port Harcourt.

The governor described education as not only the bedrock of society but the priceless and strategic indices needed for societal growth.

He disclosed that it was because of her inestimable contributions to human capital development in the state that informed the decision to rank her among eminent Nigerians of Rivers State origin that were published in the State’s 2010 Calendar.

According to him, Rivers State and indeed, the younger generation will benefit from the virtues of love, patience and humility of the octogenarian and expressed satisfaction

Rivers in her investment in children, especially those who are not her biological children.

He said before the end of the year 2011, the Rivers State Government will find something befitting to name after her late husband, Dr Nabo Bekinbo Graham-Douglas.

In his remarks, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, who was represented by the Deputy General Overseer, Pastor David Ilori also paid glowing tribute to the exemplary qualities of the celebrator, Mrs Christina Owiyeba Graham-Douglas, who has contributed immensely towards evangelism and mission work in the country.

Earlier, Pastor Belemina Obunge of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Region Five had thanked Mrs Graham-Douglas , popularly addressed as Big Mummy, for her compassion, commitment and dedication to the service of God.

Utuama woos opposition DELTA State Deputy Governor, Prof Amos Utuama (SAN) has urged opposition parties in Delta State to accept the victory of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the governorship polls and join hands with the winner, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan to develop the state.

Utuama, who was running mate to Uduaghan , speaking with reporters after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Uduaghan winner of the polls said, “We have passed the bridge of politics to the bridge of governance. Let us come together and join His Excellency Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan in order to nurture good governance.

“Deltans should continue to rejoice and continue to support this government. We will do more for them.”

Speaking about the victory, Utuama said, “First I dedicate the victory to God, I dedicate the victory to PDP. I dedicate the victory to all Deltans. Those unknown Deltans who voted for us, I dedicate the victory to them. God has used them to give us the victory, I dedicate the victory to them.”

•From left: Music Director/Consultant,Lagos Mainland Community Choir, Mr Femi Ogunrombi; Senior Elder, Capstone Church, Pastor Tokunbo Johnson; author of the Secret Black book of Wealth, Pastor Funmi Johnson and Rev Joseph Thompson of Primal Church, Lake Mary,Florida, US, during an Easter concert organised by Capstone Church in Yaba.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2011

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PEOPLE THE NATION

A SIX-PAGE SECTION ON SOCIETY

Last Friday, the remains of Mrs Henrietta Ibidun Williams, the mother of the late Funsho Williams, were buried in Lagos. Family and friends of her children gathered to bid her farewell, NNEKA NWANERI reports.

•From left: General Femi Williams; Mrs Eunice Williams; Mrs Hilda Williams; Ibikunle Williams

An exciting farewell for Mama Red Cross T

O family members and associates, she was affectionately known as Mama Red Cross.

She got the nickname from her stint in the Nigerian Red Cross. But, many outside the close family circle, know her as the mother of the late Funsho Williams.

Mrs Henrietta Ibidun Williams, described as a pillar of the family, died on April 6 at 89.

Her death was a big loss to the family that lost Funsho Williams in tragic circumstances about four years ago. Last Friday, mama was given a befitting burial in Lagos, where family and friends of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren gathered to bid her farewell.

The premises of St Dominic’s Catholic Church, Yaba, Lagos and streets around the church were littered with choice cars brought by those that came to bid the Williams’ matriarch farewell with a requiem mass that held in her honour.

Led by the cleric of the church, Rev Fr Felix Onamheghie, the service was well attended by business moguls, market women, politicians, associates and colleagues of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Decked in uniformed white attire with matching colours of yellow and blue used as headgears for the women and caps for the men, the family and their invited guests displayed a rare degree of honour for the departed.

Rev Onamheghie in his homily talked about the beautiful assurance God gives us as read from the scriptures in the gospel of John 14: 1-8; where

‘Mama was a woman who, even when she was angry, would always show something different on the outside.

She was an inspiration to us all and would continue to be’ Jesus said to his disciples: ‘’How could I have told you I was going to prepare a place for you?, that is what we celebrate in this Easter season and that is what we celebrate about our mother,’’ he said.

According to the cleric, the late Mama was a bond cementing the family. He then admonished them to keep her legacy by living the exemplary life that she lived. He also assured them that the late Mama had gone to the throne of grace of the Almighty.’’

At the reception that held immediately at the University of Lagos Staff School Hall, Akoka, Lagos, tributes poured in for Mrs Williams, whom all agreed, was a pillar.

Some distinguished guests who could not make the mass had gone to the hall to secure seats at vantage points for them to have a good view of the event.

Decorated in a blend of gold and blue, the hall complemented most dresses worn by guests. The chair and the table overlays were not left out; they were embellished with the same colours used for the hall. The ushers too, were not disappointing.

They were gorgeous in their well sown dresses as they attended to guests and ensured that they had a good and memorable time.

Gani Adams celebrates birthday in style

Pg 31

The reception was again made more memorable with the attendance of old girls of Queen’s College, Yaba, Lagos, Mrs Williams’ alma mater and the Nigerian Red Cross, where she was a member for 23 years. She was nicknamed Mama Red Cross.

Mama until her death was an active member of the Infant Jesus Society of the Catholic faith. Her hospitality, everyone agreed, was legendary, just as her home was a haven to all who came her way.

Her first son, Femi, a retired Army General, said plans were underway for Mama’s 90th birthday scheduled for July, before death snatched her from the family.

‘One would not know until someone you really love becomes a memory; the memory becomes a treasure, and that treasure will linger in my memory till I die,” the General said.

H e continued: ‘’Though she showed all her children love, but the affection she gave me till her demise was magnanimous. Mama even came to visit me at the war front during the civil war despite the warnings that it was too risky to do so. God had been Mama’s strength, and that strength was manifested when we lost my

brother Funsho. We were all scared that his death will break her down, but she came out strong in the Lord,’’ he said.

Mama’s grandson and son of the late Funsho, Babatunde Williams, described his grandmother as a pillar of strength and a woman who always showed tremendous courage, brilliance and peaceful disposition. ‘’Mama was a woman who, even when she was angry, would always show something different on the outside. She was an inspiration to us all and would continue to be. And like the priest said, she has been a symbol of strength to the family and I have learnt that from her,” Babatunde said.

He continued: ‘’She will be missed for a lot of things; for her sense of humour, she could make a joke out of anything. It was not that she was not a serious person, but because that’s her way of calming people down. ‘’She saw her great grandchildren at the age of 89. She lived a fulfilled life by giving love through the Red Cross. That was all I wished her to have and that was how she lived her life,’’ he said.

Those in attendance included: the wife of the former governor of Lagos State and Senator-elect, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu; wife of the governor of Lagos State, Dame Abimbola Fashola; deputy governor elect of Lagos State, Mrs Joke OrelopeAdefulire and other Action Congress Party of Nigeria (ACN) chieftains in Lagos State.

•More pictures on page 30

A night of ‘reloaded’ excellence

Pg 32

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2011

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SOCIETY

•Mrs Ibitola Oduguwa

•Mrs Ajayi Ibitola

•Deceased’s grandson, Babatunde flanked by Mrs Orelope-Adefulire; Dame Fashola and Mrs Tinubu

•From left: Wande Williams; Funmisen Banjo and Adeeze Williams

•Babalola Joseph and Prince Remi Idewu

•Senator Ike Nwachukwu (left) and Dr Walter Ofonagoro

•Brig-Gen and Mrs Chris Alli

•Kehinde Akande and Jide Osinubi

•Mrs Joy Jonah, Muray Bruce and Willie Muray Bruce

•Captain and Mrs Lisk Caren

•Mr Tunde Coker

•Senator Anthony Adefuye PHOTOS: SOLOMON ADEOLA

, 2011

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THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2011

SOCIETY

Last Saturday, the Co-ordinator of the Oodua Peoples’ Congress (OPC), Otunba Ganiyu Adams, was a year older. His friends, associates, distinguished personalities and members of the OPC came from all walks of life to celebrate with him. The party was at the Grandeur Events Centre, Opposite the British-Visa Office, Billings Way, Ikeja, Lagos. SEYI ODEWALE was there

Gani Adams celebrates birthday in style

•Otunba Adams flanked by his wife Mojisola and Prince Mark Adesanmi •Chief Yusuf Akinade (left) and Ambassador Olusola

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VERYONE in attendance agreed that age at times, has nothing to do with leadership, especially for those primarily ordained as leaders. This was exhibited at the reception hosted by the co-ordinator of the panYoruba cultural and political organisation, Oodua Peoples’ Congress, Otunba Ganiyu Adams, to mark the 41st anniversary of his birthday, last Saturday.

An event, which to the celebrator would have been low keyed, going by the year marked, became a crowd puller; judging from the dignitaries who came from all walks of life and the Yoruba nation.

The event, which was to start by 11am did not take off until after one ‘0’ clock in the afternoon. The organisers of the centre not putting the hall into proper setting, coupled with late arrival of most of the guests made the event to start behind schedule.

However, Otunba Adams came much early around 11:30am in a black Hummer Jeep with the registration number BY 527 AGL and met a near empty hall with the ushers still rehearsing how to attend to guests. He had to see to sitting arrangements of guests who started trooping in moments after he arrived.

Decked in a white flowing Agbada lace material with a matching white Yoruba Abeti-Aja cap and a pair of white shoes, Adams moved from one end of the expansive hall to another ensuring that guests were well seated.

Predictably, most guests appeared in white as if they were informed of the colour code. With some of them, both male and female, matched their dresses with blue uniformed caps, while others went for colours that appealed to them.

The Grandeur Centre, venue of the event, has a thousand sitting capacity and was dressed with a blend of blue and white chiffon, while nine flood lights and tiny lights criss-crossed the expansive hall, evoking the reason for the gathering. The chairs and the tables were also embellished in blue and white drapes, which were the colours of the day. Each table could conveniently sit 10 guests.

With the quartet of Basiru Adisa, a.k.a Baba Gboin; Sola Adekola, a broadcaster with Eko FM; Soji Omotayo and Abiola Atanda, a.ka Madam Kofo, standing as masters of ceremony, the stage was set for the event to start properly. Chief

•Alhaji Semiu Okanlawon and his wife Ronke •Oba Yisa Olanipekun and his Olori, Olusola

•Chief Taorid Alado

•Gen Kolington Ayinla

Ayo Olamoko was called to say the opening prayer in Christian way, while the duo of Alhaji Abdul Salawu and Alhaja Asabi Kuku, Iya Abiye of Somolu/Bariga, performed the Muslim and traditionalists’ opening prayer sessions.

Dignitaries at the event included: the representatives of the Governor of Osun State; traditional rulers from Adams’ homestead, Akokoland and other towns like the ancient Oyo and Okinni in Ondo State.

They were the Director-General, Bureau of Information, Osun State, Mr Semiu Okanlawon, who represented Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola; the Onigbaye of Igbaye, His Majesty Oba Joseph Moronfoye; the Saki of Arigidi, Oba Abu Yisa Olanipekun, who is Adams’ traditional ruler; the Onijoko of Ijokoland, Ogun State, Oba Fatai Matanmi; the Olokinni of Okinniland, Oba Akadiri Okanola Olawale; the Iyalode of Okinniland, Mrs Sherifat Motunrayo; the Olu of Arepo, Oba Solomon Atanda; former Ambassador to

Ethopia, Chief Segun Olusola; Chief Ayo Olumoko and Prof S. A Adetoro.

Others were the Olubaramu of Ibaramu; the Owa of Ogbagi; Regent of Ugbe-Akoko to mention a few.

Also present were Admiral Akin Aduwo (rtd); Basorun of Oyo, Chief Akinade Ayoola; Deputy Managing Director, ThisDay Newspaper, Mr Kolawole Komolafe and Editor, The Nigerian Compass, Mr Gabriel Akinadewo.

It was also an opportunity for Yoruba Musicians of different genres such as Fuji; Juju; Afro-Juju and Highlife to showcase their talents in singing Adam’s praises. With the likes of Esther Igbekele; Lanre Teriba; Sir Shina Peters; Paul ‘play’ Dairo; Ajibola Alabi a.k.a Pasuma and Abass Akande, a.k.a Obesere, the event by every standard was a crowd puller. All of them played their hearts out to honour a man they regarded as the liberator of their race from the shackles of self-styled oppressors.

In an address at the event, Otunba

•From left: Mr Gabriel Akinadewo; Mr Kayode Komolafe and Dr Joe Okei Odumakin

Adams acknowledged that the day was that of joy for him. He said although 41 was not a particularly remarkable figure, which should have made the event low keyed, nevertheless, he has every reason to thank God for sparing his life to see the day.

In prepared speech, which was not read, Otunba Adams said when he reflected on the last 40 years of his life and evaluated the prospects and challenges that had come his way he had every cause to praise God whom he described as the redeemer of his soul.

“His righteousness, kindness,, faithfulness, protection and divine favour towards me, my household and all the members of the Oodua People’s Congress are awesome,” he said.

To him, experiences in life was not a bed of roses. “There were periods that twilight came in their darkness drapes and I was hurt to the dept of my heart. These were periods I was forced to be like a broken vessel, when I heard whispering of many

terrors on every side as they schemed together against me. They conspired to take my life, but I stood firmly and ensured my trust in the one that is greater and mightier in battle,” he said.

There were representatives from Nollywood, especially, the Yoruba genre of the movie industry. They came with all they had to appreciate a man who had done his best to project both Yoruba culture and their industry.

There were presentations of gifts such as a 100 KVA Mikano SoundProof Generator and other priceless items. There were also a lot to eat and drink as Otunba Adams himself literarily turned a waiter, attending to the needs of the guests moving from one table to the other.

Virtually all the musicians present had an allotted time to play and sing the praises of Adams, who did not fail in showering crisp naira notes on them in appreciation.

32

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2011

SOCIETY

After the setback by the inferno that gutted the Balmoral Event Centre, Oregun, Ikeja, which started during the 14th City People Awards for Excellence, forcing a postponement of the event, the organisers regrouped and held a more glamorous edition. JOSEPH JIBUEZE witnessed the razzmatazz.

W

HAT was supposed to be a serious issue was turned

into a joke. It elicited laughter from many. But it was not a laughing matter when it happened. Imagine dignitaries made up of politicians, entertainment moguls, movie stars and socialites, all gorgeously dressed, struggling with one another to make their exit out an event hall. They were running for dear lives.

It happened on March 27 at the Balmoral, an upscale event centre in Ikeja. Just as the 14th City People Awards for Excellence was getting under way, with guests seated, a fire broke out razing the venue.

A comedian, Headmaster joked that he saw the high and mighty scampering for safety, with ladies diving through doors. He said no life was lost because they loved life so much.

But the fire did not deter the organisers. Determined to pursue their vision, and appearing to be energised by the setback of having to arrange such a large event from the scratch again, a “reloaded edition” of the event was held last Sunday.

This time, it took place at the new Balmoral Glass Marquee at the Skypower Playing Ground, GRA, Ikeja, with the who-is-who in the entertainment and fashion industry in attendance.

Among the guests were wife of Lagos State Governor Mrs Abimbola Fashola; Lagos Commissioner for the Environment, Dr Muiz Banire; Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA), Mr Young Arebamen; entertainment mogul Kenny Ogungbe and beautician Quincy Ayodele. Actors from Nollywood, Ronnie Dikko and Desmond Eliot, and former beauty queen, Rosemary Okeke were not left out.

The occasion did not disappoint in the panache and glamour departments. The dress code was glamorous and chic, and the guests did their best to don their best attires. The colour code was black and silver, and those who graced the occasion did their utmost to brighten up the dourness of black despite the event going into the night.

There was never a dull moment.

There were several thrilling musical performances by Fuji artiste, Pasuma; the group Infinity, who had the audience asking for more with the Olori Oko hit song; Zara; the ‘hot-legged’ TY Savage, who got the hall panting after performing the track Kele Kele love; Kennis Music All Stars; among others.

There were also parades of fashion and style by different designers. The fully air-conditioned hall, filled with people, was decorated with white chair and table overlays, and colourful balloons. Music blared in the huge loudspeakers. The playground was filled with an array of classy and tasteful cars, an indication of the class of people that graced the event.

The Nation Newspapers beat all the others to win the Newspaper of the Year. The award was presented to the newspaper’s management in its Lagos head office.

Publisher of City People Magazine, Mr Seye Kehinde, lauded the Balmoral manager for rebuilding the event centre in 10 days. He said despite the setback, they were determined to see the awards through.

According to him, a lot was lost in the mysterious fire at the aborted event. “We could not pick up a single pin from the fire, but we thank God there were no casualties.”

He expressed appreciation to all those who lost valuables in the fire for their understanding, and those who have written or called in to express their support and sympathies.

Mrs Fashola, who won the First Lady of the Year Award, said though

A night of ‘reloaded’ excellence

•From left: Mrs Folawiyo assisted by Group Managing Director, Globe Communications, Mr Amin Moussalli in presenting Best TV station of the year award to the representative of Galaxy TV.

•Mrs Benson

•Dame Fashola

•Kenny St. Brown (left) and Uwale Okore (aka Essence)

she was not very sure of why she was chosen for the honour, it only showed that her contributions to the state had not gone unnoticed.

She promised to do more, especially now that her husband, Governor Babatunde Fashola, who the Governor of the Year, as well as Southwest Governor of the Year awards, has been given a fresh mandate.

Arebamen, whose agency LASTMA won the Best-Run Government Agency of the Year, ahead of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the National Agency for the Control of Aids (NACA) and the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), said Lagos road users should expect improved services from the agency.

He added that the award would spur them to do more in managing the thankless and tasking Lagos traffic.

Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu won Politician of the Year award, as well as got the Lifetime Achievement Award, along with Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi; Chief Steve Ojo;

•Mr Kehinde with some guests

•Founder Rhesus Solution Initiative, Mrs Funmilayo Banire flanked by Dupe PHOTOS: ADEJO DAVID Okenla (left) and Kike Yusuf.

‘Much of what we accomplish in life, essentially, has to do with how we respond to the challenges that confront us from time to time. This is because, more often than not, the difference between winning and losing lies in not quitting’ Prince Sunny Aku; Prof. Paul Ojei; Erelu Abiola Dosunmu; Prince Samuel Adedoyin; Chief Oprah Benson; Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas; Senator Florence Ita-Giwa; Mrs Folorunsho Alakija; Mrs Abah Folawiyo; Chief Kessington Adebutu and Chief Afe Babalola (SAN).

Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi won the Southsouth Governor of the Year award; Senate President David Mark emerged the Senator of the Year; Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau won the Best Performing Governor of the Year, while Mrs Abike DabiriErewa clinched the Female Politician of the Year.

Proprietress of the Tastee Fried Chicken eatery, Mrs Pamela Adedayo, won the Business Woman of the Year award; Globacom Nigeria Limited won the Telecoms Company of the Year, while MTN Nigeria won the GSM Company of the Year.

Other winners are Galaxy TV (TV Station of the Year); Wazobia FM (Radio Station of the year); Today on STV Presenters (TV Personalities of the Year); Flytime Entertainment (Entertainment Company of the year); while Steve Onu of Wazobia FM, popularly known as Yorr (Radio Personality of the Year).

Desmond Eliot beat Jim Iyke to win Best Actor of the Year; Banire went home with the Leadership in Public Service award; the Teju Babyface Show won the TV Programme of the Year ahead of Who Wants to be a Millionaire; while Otunba Gadaffi, proprietor of DMT Mobile Toilet, won the Chief Executive Officer of the Year.

Chief Executive Officer of Globacom, Mohammed Jameel, in his goodwill message on the occasion, lauded the organisers for their “courage” in ‘putting out the fire’ so quickly.

“We salute your courage and optimism in managing a very difficult situation and give kudos to your spirit of enterprise. As an indigenous Nigerian brand, Globacom is proud of the resilience and can-do spirit of the Nigerian people.

“Much of what we accomplish in life, essentially, has to do with how we respond to the challenges that confront us from time to time. This is because, more often than not, the difference between winning and losing lies in not quitting,” Jammel said.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2011

33

SOCIETY AT THE FUNERAL OF OTUNBA OLUBUSOLA SOYEDE (NEE AWOLOWO) IN LAGOS

•Deceased’s husband, Sir Tayo Soyede flanked by Rommy Ibegbulem (left) and Mr Niyi Soyede

•Children of the deceased

•From left: Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babatunde Fashola; Ogun State Govenor-elect, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; Former Governor of Lagos, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and his Ogun State Counterpart, Aremo Olusegun Osoba

•Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi and Deputy Governor of Osun State, Otunba Titi PHOTOS: ADEJO DAVID Laoye-Tomori

The annual Lagos State Water Regatta festival was celebrated last Sunday at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

NNEKA NWANERI writes.

•Chairman of Regatta Committee, Mr Olusegun Jawando (left) and Supo Shasore (SAN)

•Mr Lakanu and wife Toyin

•Mr Tolu Odebiyi (left) and Dr Babalakin (SAN)

T

O commemorate the gift of water to humanity, there was a celebration of grace, rhythm and splendour of the Lagos aquatic at the Boat Regatta last Sunday at the Civic Centre, Lagos.

Many came from far and wide; men, women, business moguls, professionals alike and the young ones were not left out as they celebrated the regatta in style.

Some were casually dressed and ready for the fun the event was about to offer. The ocassion, which has become an annual event showcased a parade of decorated boats on the creeks around Lagos Island, Ikoyi and Victoria Island.

There were also ferries and large fishing canoes adorned in beautiful colours and designs, depicting the social, cultural and

•From left: Otunba Deru; Chief Gbadamosi and Dr Adejuwon

A Regatta of fun traditional folklores, and occupational aspects of the people of Lagos State.

This parade are usually done by boat clubs, associations and organisations interested in water based events. It was also a means of exhibiting the diverse functions of the boat as being put to use by riverine communities of Lagos.

The representative of the Governor of Lagos State and Commissioner for Justice in the state, Olasupo Shasore (SAN), went on a boat ride round all the viewing centers of Oriental Hotel,

Lekki Peninsular, Lagoon Restaurant and many of such places.

There were also displays from the various colourful boats that paraded themselves on the lagoon as they showcased several cultural dances.

This was followed by a swimming competition for the women, which took off from Oyinkan Abayomi Street to Civic Centre, with Dupe Ogunfuyi emerging as the winner.

Williams Stephen won the first position for the men.

PHOTOS: NNEKA NWANERI

While they swam, there were cheers from the audience as they blew whistles, vuvuzellas and waved their flags.

The Sharp band was in a corner of the arena, dishing out cultural and classical tunes to the delight of the audience.

Dignitaries in attendance included the former Managing Director of Zenith Bank Plc, Mr Jim Ovia; Registrar and Chief Executive of Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) Mr Maurice Lakanu; President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Otunba Femi Deru; Chief Rasheed Badamosi; Dr Wale Babalakin; the Doyen of Accountancy profession in Nigeria, Pa Akintola Williams; ACN party chieftain, Senator Anthony Adefuye; former Commissioner, Home Affairs and Tourism, Lagos State, Dr Franklyn Adejuwon and others.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2011

34

SOCIETY

A farewell reception was organised for the out-going Ghanaian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Sylvester Allortey by Panafest and Twins Action Aid International at the auditorium of the Lagos State Council for Art and Culture, Alausa, Ikeja, penultimate Sunday, reports TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO.

•Ambassadors Abukali (left) and Allortey

•Ambassador Olusola and Mrs Okulaja

•David Mckenzi flanked by Taiwo and Kehinde Oluwafunsho

•MD/Perm Sec, LTV, Mr Lekan Ogunbanwo

N

ot withstanding the negative acts that had portrayed the country in bad light in the past, Nigeria continues to attract interests of various nationalities.

The conviviality of her citizens and abundant natural resources are among those things that endear people of other nations to the arguably, the largest black nation on earth.

This was manifested in an emotional statement made by the outgoing Ghanaian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Sylvester Allortey, at a send-off organised in his honour by Panafest and Twins Action Aid International.

The reception, which held at the auditorium of the Lagos State Council for Art and Culture, Alausa, Ikeja, on Sunday, April 24, attracted some eminent personalities.

A night it was, packed with entertainments and goodwill messages.

It also featured National Anthems of Nigeria and Ghana, tête-à-têtes and photo session.

Allortey looked unruffled in a designed white buba and sokoto with spectacles. He sat beside his successor, Mr Abdullahi Abukaki, who shone in green guinea brocade with a befitting cap.

Also on their table was a veteran broadcaster, Ambassador Segun Olusola. He looked cute in white Agbada and a marching red cap.

•MD Lagos State Art and Culture, Mr Sina Elegbede

Nigerians fete Ghanaian Ambassador Welcoming the guests, Panafest representative in Nigeria, Mr Taiwo Oluwafunsho said Panafest is a cultural event dedicated to the enhancement and development of Africans on the continent and in the Diaspora.

Nigeria, Oluwafunsho said, has contributed immensely to Panafest successful records by being the largest contingents to all Panafest events.

According to him, the feat fetched the country numerous awards accompanied with standing ovation from the international visitors and tourists.

He described Allortey as a friend and counselor to Panafest Nigeria.

“We are going to miss you (Allortey), we pray as you proceed to South Africa (his next destination), that God should continue to strengthen and guide you. We also want to welcome the new Consul-General, Mr Abukari and wish him a happy stay in Nigeria,” he said.

Ambassador Olusola, who chaired the event said Panafest, an initiative of the Federal Republic of Ghana, has enhanced the country’s image all the world in the areas

MARITAL VOW

•Mr Felix Rwang-Dung looks on while his wife former Miss Yewande Onabiyi signs the dooted lines. With them is bride father/Chairman, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Chief Suleiman Onabiyi, during their wedding, at Landmark Village Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

of arts, culture and tourism.

He hailed the twins (Taiwo and Kehinde) Oluwafunsho’s determination to keep the project alive in Nigeria.

“They have taken over from older generation to prove what the younger generation can do,” he said.

He saluted Allortey for his achievements in sustaining the unity of the two countries.

Also speaking, Mrs Elsie Okulaja, a special guest of honour, enthused that no nations like Ghana and Nigeria share so much similarities in the world.

The two countries, Okulaja said, are like brothers of the same father and two different mothers.

“Most of the road networks in Lagos and Accra look exactly the same. Funnily, there is Mokola in Accra and Nigeria, so also is Agege in Accra and in Lagos.

“I must express my feelings that this is the first time of having three Ambassadors sharing the same high table in my life,” she said.

Before Allortey responded, a special performance by Jojo Body Beats enlivened the event.

Allortey recalled how happy he was when he got a call notifying him of his posting to Nigeria.

A country, he said, is so important to Ghana.

Lagos city, the ambassador added, is the only Mega city that has the largest concentration of Ghanaians in the world.

“I heard a lot of negative reports about Nigeria before my coming here. But since my coming here, I have never come across any 419 Nigerian. They are so conscious of their good name and would not want to do anything to tarnish it,” he said.

He described Nigerians as hard working, resourceful, enterprising and peaceful.

“They have been so nice to me and I have never had any cause to regret dealing with Nigerians. Look at the outcome of the election, it shows a country that is determined to succeed and continued to lead,” he said.

Allortey hailed Taiwo and Kehinde Oluwafunso, for the great work they are doing to further cement the cozy relationship between Nigeria and Ghana.

CONJUGAL BLISS

•Mr and Mrs Barnabas Orojo Okakwu during their wedding.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2011

35

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2011

36

COMMENTARY

G

OVERNANCE in Islam is like pregnancy in the womb of a woman.

Its duration is naturally defined barring any anomaly or aberration. Its delivery depends on the safety of its carrier and the circumstances of her well being. And the product there from is claimed, not by the carrier but by the impregnator.

There is no pregnancy without semen actively planted in the womb of a woman.

And the planter of that semen is the man who in this case, is called the impregnator.

For this reason, children bear the names of their fathers rather than those of their mothers as surnames.

By analogy, one can compare governance to a pregnant woman who could not have become pregnant without an impregnator.

The impregnator here is the populace that gave those in government the mandate to rule over them. And just as the product of the womb (the child) belongs to the impregnator as a matter of legitimacy so should dividend of governance be the property of the populace.

In a patriarchal setting, any child who bears his mother’s name as surname rather than that of his father is nothing but a bastard. That is always the case where dividend of governance is cornered by those who are privileged to be in government.

After security, law and justice, all of which reflect strong faith in Allah, nothing else is held more sacrosanct in Islam than governance. Governance can be compared to a magnificent umbrella under which the people are supposed to take cover during torrential rains or burning sun. In a democratic environment, such umbrella is owned by the citizenry. Its bearer is just a servant holding it in trust for the people.

Perhaps that is why your immediate predecessor, President Musa Yar’Adua, called himself a ‘servant leader’ on assumption of office in May 2007.

In Islam, rulers are statutorily, servants of God and messengers of the people. They are employees who must always report back to their employers. Where rulers behave contrary to this norm, a fundamental deviation must have occurred which is tantamount to rebellion against the people.

In such instance, those rulers no longer have legitimate authority to rule over the people.

In a similar letter I wrote to President Yar’Adua in this column, in June 2007, I cited example of two of his namesake (Umar) in history during and the time of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in Makkah. One of them was Umar Bn Khattab who became the second Caliph. He was the one to whom Prophet Muhammad (SAW) referred when he said “Were there to be a Prophet after me, he would have been Umar”. That was a testimony to Umar’s dynamic leadership quality.

The other was Umar Bn Abdul Aziz, a famous Caliph of the Umayyad dynasty. The latter became a Caliph about 85 years after the demise of the Prophet. This second Umar became a reference point in history because of the unique way in which he managed the economy of the Caliphate. In a particular year during his reign, the state made so much money that what remained the problem was how to spend it.

The tradition, according to Islamic injunction, was for the state to dispense Zakah to the poor and the needy among the citizenry from the much money made through the collection of Zakah. But when this was to be done, it turned out that nobody in the entire state was so poor as to be a Zakah recipient. The huge amount earmarked for Zakah that year had to be returned to the state treasury. It is taken for granted here that a state without poor people is surely a state without beggars.

A similar situation arose, a few years ago, in Saudi Arabia where the government could not find any couple among the citizenry to receive some scores of cars donated as Zakah. It became known that there was no single Saudi couple in the country without a car. The cars had to be distributed to non-indigene couples resident in that country including a Nigerian. It should be remembered that both Saudi Arabia and Nigeria belong to the same Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). That those cars had to be given out to non-indigenes is an indication of good governance in that country and honesty on the part of the citizenry. If such a situation had arisen in Nigeria what could have happened is left to the imagination of readers.

Umar Bn Abdul Aziz, who became so much famous in history as an ingenuous economic manager, ruled for only three

FEMI ABBAS ON Femabbas@yahoo.com 08051101861

The cost of governance

•President Goodluck Jonathan

years from 717 to 720 C.E. Yet, he died at the age of 37. The secret of his success was his ability to identify two major areas of economic management in governance. One was to regulate the cost of governance by harmonizing the salaries and allowances of political appointees with those of government employees (Civil Servants).

This was to ensure that those employees were not enslaved psychologically to the privileged political appointees or those elected to legislate for the state. And there was an independent body responsible for the determination of public workers’ remunerations. Neither the legislators nor the appointed officials were allowed to fix their own salaries or allowances by themselves.

According to Caliph Umar Bn Abdul Aziz, “fixing your own salary as appointed or elected government officials is nothing but audacious theft”. He held that both the government and the resources of the state belonged to the people and nothing was to be done to the lives of those people through policies which did not seek their consents.

That can be compared to the situation in Nigeria where the legislators fix their own salaries and allowances and then legislate to earn such salaries and allowances forever even long after leaving office. One can now see why the cost of governance has become a noose on the neck of the populace. How can the country progress in such a circumstance?

Caliph Umar’s second secret of success was his official recognition of the middle class as the greatest employer of labour. He knew that if only two million professionals or artisans in the state could employ three staff each, the burden of gross unemployment would seriously be off the neck of the government because eight million people would have been effectively employed. And that would not only have ordinarily brought the rate of crime in the state to its lowest ebb it would have also enhanced the state economy tremendously.

What he did, in emulation of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), therefore, was to use the resources of the state to encourage selfemployment through professionalism and artisanship. He knew very well that whatever was spent on such a vital venture would return to the State treasury in many folds through reasonable and humane taxation.

This economic genius has since become the heritage of the Western countries and they are thriving gloriously in it today in the name of privatization.

Any government that eliminates the middle class as in the case of Nigeria automatically opens the gate of poverty and crime to the populace. President Jonathan has a lot to learn from this. Having promised to transform Nigeria into one of the 20 biggest economies in the world in year 2020 he needs to study how other countries achieved success in that sphere.

Japan is one good case study to behold. That country is an exclusive island without mineral resources. Her natural farm land is very limited. If there is anything she has in abundance, it is water. Yet, she shares it with some other countries in accordance with the international law of water boundaries.

To manage her national economy, therefore, what Japan depended heavily upon was human brain. She knew that without human resources there could be neither sufficient economic resources nor effective economic management. Hence, Japan concentrated seriously on human training and human development. Today, the result is manifest, the recent natural catastrophe in that country not withstanding.

In Saudi Arabia, like in Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and most other Arab countries, education is totally free from the primary school to the University. Everything including tuition, hostel accommodation, books, feeding and transport is provided free by the governments of those countries. In addition, all students are paid monthly stipends to solve personal problems that can divert their attention from studies. And, in summer, all foreign students are issued free tickets to travel to their home countries on holidays.

What it takes to enjoy all these is to be qualified for admission and every other thing follows automatically. But to be so qualified, as a foreigner, you must have come from a manifestly poor country and not an OPEC member nation like Nigeria. I know this much because I was a beneficiary. My first degree was obtained in Saudi Arabia.

And if I was not fortunate to benefit from that great opportunity I, probably, would not have had university education because of my modest background to which Nigerian government was indifferent despite the God-endowed talent in me and many others of my like.

Shortly after Nigerians of my generation graduated from King’s University, Jeddah, in the early 1980s, the government of Saudi Arabia changed its policy on scholarship for foreign students. The doors of foreign scholarships were shut against Nigerians.

No reason was given.

I got to know the details of that new policy only when I met my former ViceChancellor, Professor Abdullah Umar Nasif at an international conference in Morocco in 1986 where I engaged him in a private discussion. I enquired from him the reason for Saudi Arabia’s stoppage of scholarship for Nigerians. And he told me frankly that his government adopted the new policy because it saw no reason in spending its own earnings from oil to finance the education of citizens from fellow OPEC member countries. “If citizens of your country should be educated at the expense of Saudi Arabia, on what will Nigeria spend her own oil money”? He queried with a tone of finality.

And can such logic be faulted?

Today, Saudi Arabia has taken her wealth beyond oil and other mineral resources. The two gigantic industrial cities of Yambu’ and Jubail alone which she established in the 1980s are enough to see her through the future in the absence of oil. And what is more, that country does not depend on oil for survival anymore despite her position as number one oil exporter in the world.

Managing economy is not by mere theory on how to generate income through callous policies or wishful thinking. The defunct Soviet Union toyed with all sorts of economic theories jumping from socialism to communism only to finally arrive at an ideological waterloo after about 72 years of catastrophic experiments.

Today, the greatest bane of Nigerian

economy is not just the elimination of the middle class but also the extremely high cost of running the government. And, unless these two are properly addressed, this country may continue to wander aimlessly, in economic wilderness, just like the Egyptian gypsies of yore.

Except for self-deception, it is not realistic to name year 2020 as a date of economic Eldorado when all positive indices that could propel such a dream into realty are nonexistent. There is even no assurance that Nigeria’s electricity would have become stable by that year let alone the other major factors of a viable economy.

Virtually all the companies manufacturing power generators in the world today are in business because of Nigerian market. Yet the ordinary fuel with which to power those generators is either not affordable or not available at all. Judging by the number of generators in this country today which was put at about 73 million two years ago (2009), who says Nigeria is not qualified as the greatest contributor to the depletion of Ozone Layer?

The current lopsided economic situation in Nigeria which deliberately puts over 97 per cent of the national wealth in the hands of about three percent of Nigerians is not only satanic but also antithetical to any national dream of zooming into economic pinnacle in year 2020. And it is not in the long run interest of those who designed it as such.

If it takes less than 10 dollars to produce a barrel of oil and the same barrel of oil is sold for about 120 dollars now in the international market, it is only human and just that Nigerians should benefit from such God-given largess because like the impregnator cited above, they own that wealth.

Forcing people to pay international price for the local consumption of their own product under the guise of a callous theory of subsidy as obnoxiously done by the repugnant Obasanjo regime is a wicked extortion from the populace by official fiat.

Even if there is any subsidy at all, as often claimed by those in government, shouldn’t Nigerians, who own the oil, be entitled to such subsidy? The posture of owner and seller of petroleum products assumed locally by our federal government is not only immoral it is also a betrayal of people’s trust. And that is a major breeder of the cancerous monster in this country today called corruption. As a matter of fact, the populace seems to have lost total confidence in the federal style of governance after decades of deception and inhuman policies which continue to make them wallow helplessly in abject poverty even in the midst of plenty. Restoring that confidence should now take a front burner in the selfproclaimed restoration policy of the current administration. Most of the policies formulated by the Obasanjo regime can be described as dead horse which no sensible leader should try to kick. Any attempt to pursue those policies in the name of ‘continuity’ can only amount to political suicide bid. With the current signal that the local price of consumable fuel may soon skyrocket, the fear of a return to the negative status quo may be renewed in the populace.

The naked truth is that Nigeria does not have the type of economy that is capable of sustaining presidential system of governance. To any developing country, such a system is an unwarranted luxury. It engenders corruption and also encourages it at the highest echelon of governance.

Spending time and money to beam searchlight on culprits, therefore, is like searching for a missing needle in the Atlantic Ocean . Let the system of governance be changed and the orientation of Nigerians will automatically change. That is a major task upon which our history may be based in future.

Mr. President, there are two verses of the Qur’an with which all Imams do round off their sermons every Friday. Those verses need to be comprehensibly perused by all well-meaning leaders who know that they should be accountable to God and the electorate for their official actions. Like an Imam, I hereby round off this sermon with the verses as follows: “Allah enjoins justice, kindness and charity to one’s kindred. He forbids indecency, wickedness and oppression. He admonishes you so that you may take heed. Keep faith with Allah when you make covenant. Do not break your oaths after making them for (by swearing in His name) you have made Him your surety. Allah has the knowledge of what you do…” Q. 16: 90 & 91.

THE NATION

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FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2011

CRIME WATCH

Woman held for assaulting maid

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WOMAN, Mrs Chigozie Godrick, facing a two-count charge of battery has been granted bail by an Ikeja, Lagos Magistrate court.

She was accused of inflicting sever injuries on her 12-year-old housemaid Ifunnaya Nwaba.

The girl came to Lagos some months back to work for Godrick with the belief that she would be able to support her poor family in the eastern part of the country from the proceeds of her house-work.

But as fate would have it, her life progressed from the poverty state that literally chased her away from her little village to that of sadness and sorrow. She was allegedly assaulted and battered by the woman who employed her.

She was badly brutalised for her inability to wash her madam’s car properly and on time.

Godrick is currently cooling her heels in police custody on allegation of assault. However, sources at the police station said that the suspect is making frantic efforts to see that she is left off the hook.

Trouble started on April 8, 2011when the suspect asked Ifunnaya a pupil of Adeniyi Jones Primary School located at 1, Kudeti Street, Adekunle Village in Adeniyi Jones area of Ikeja to wash her car before going to school.

It was gathered that in order not to get to school late she hurriedly washed the car and then told her boss that she had done so and wanted to go to school.

According to reports, her boss came out to inspect what she had done and it was at that point that she discovered that the car was not properly washed.

Sources disclosed that the suspect immediately descended on the maid, hitting her with anything she could lay her hands on.

When the maid got to school, her brutalised swollen face attracted the attention of one of her teachers Mr Jimoh who miffed at the level of maltreatment his pupil has suffered in the hands of the person who is supposed to be protecting her.

Mr Jimoh took the girl to the head teacher of the school, one Mrs Ehiedu who ordered that the battered maid be taken to hospital for treatment.

When the school authority inquired about what happened, Ifunnaya said she was punished for her inability to wash her madam’s

By Jude Isiguzo

Sienna bus wagon car properly.

The victim is about four feet, while the height of the car is above five feet and so she was unable to wash the top part of the car.

She narrated that she has been washing the same car everyday to her madam’s satisfaction but on that particular day, the woman became enraged and decided to teach her some dangerous lesson.

In a petition addressed to the Commissioner of Police Lagos State dated April 8, 2011 signed

by E.O. Taiwo and A.O.Adekoya both teachers in the school and one G. Ibrahim said to be a parent and a member of the Parent-Teacher Associations (PTA) in the school, they noted that the constant assault on their pupil is becoming worrisome, even as they urged the police to investigate the mater and punish the suspect.

The petition read: “The management of Adeniyi Jones Primary School hereby petition the police command on the assault on one of our pupil Miss Ifunnaya Nwaba a 12-year-old girl who was brutalised by her guardian yesterday. The girl claimed to have been battered as a result of her failure to wash her car to her satisfaction. This has been a re-occurring issue for the past two years. About a year ago, her back was bruised and when the management asked her, she said it was caused by hot oil poured on her by this same guardian.

“She claimed to have always been beaten by her madam with turning sticks, and wood with nails.”

The school had also petitioned the executive chairman, the state Universal Basic Education Board Maryland, through the Social Welfare, Guidance and Counselling Unit School Services, through the Education Secretary, Local Government Education Authority that gave the authority to the school to proceed with the case through the police.

Part of the petition reads “On April 8, 2011, the case of the above-named pupil was brought to me with swollen mouth and her two eyes closed. I remembered that the girl has been brought to my office on two occasions with battered body and hot oil poured on her body respectively.

I made efforts to see the guardian but there was no success because the girl did not know

The management of Adeniyi Jones Primary School hereby petition the police command on the assault on one of our pupil Miss Ifunnaya Nwaba a 12-year-old girl who was brutalised by her guardian. The girl claimed to have been battered as a result of her failure to wash her car to her satisfaction. This has been a reoccurring issue for the past two years

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HE Police in Lagos have arrested a 32-year-old man, Ndifreke Michael Thompson for allegedly killing his younger sister Lovett, 23.

The suspect, who could not explain his reason for the alleged crime, was in tears when he was paraded before journalists on Monday by the police.

Ndifreke, it was learnt, blamed his spiritual problems for the murder.

He said: “I don’t know what came over me that made me perpetrate the act, but I can vividly recall that on the afternoon of Saturday, April 30,I went for a naming ceremony at Mende Maryland. When I came back, I saw my sister sleeping in the living room. I went inside my room to change into another clothe and when I came out, she was still there sleeping. I watched her for some few seconds and all of a sudden, something came over me and I went in to get a chopping stick and hit her hard twice. There was blood everywhere. That moment, I came back to my senses again. I dropped the stick and left the house.”

He lamented further: “When I left the house, I did not know where I was going to. Some hours later, my elder sister Ini went to the house and saw the lifeless body of my younger sister in the living room. She called me and told me what she saw and also said that Lovett had been rushed to the hospital and that I should

•Ifunaya Nwaba her phone number until the third brutal act on April 8. The girl’s condition was very critical so I had to inform the Local Government Education Authority (L.G.E.A.) and the parent who came for the meeting.”

The case, which has been transferred to the Human Rights Department of the police, has attracted so much attention by some members of the public while the girl was in the custody of her class teacher, Mr Jimoh with the approval of the school management.

It was gathered that the woman was charged to court by the police on April 14, 2011 on a two-count charge.

The charges read: “Count1 that you Godrick of No. 6, Duro Dania Close Adeniyi Jones poured hot groundnut oil on the back of one Ifunnaya who is 12 years old which caused her grievous bodily harm and committing an offence punishable under section 335 of criminal code cap 32 Volume 11 Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2003.

Count 2, on April 17 at about 7:00 in the morning that she assaulted Ifunnaya by giving her fist blows on her mouth and eyes which caused her bodily injuries and committed an offence punishable under section 335 of criminal code cap 32 Vol. 11 Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2003.

The suspect was granted bail by the Magistrate of Court 6 Ikeja Magistrate’s Court with conditions of providing two sureties who must be landlords in the Ikeja area and a deposit of N100,000 each while the matter was adjourned to May 23 for further hearing.

•Ifunaya’s back

•The suspect Chigozie

Why I killed my sister, by murder suspect

•Ndifireke

I don’t know what came over me that made me perpetrate the act.... I went inside my room to change into another clothe and when I came out, she was still there sleeping. I watched her for some few seconds and all of a sudden, something came over me and I went in to get a chopping stick and hit her hard twice. There was blood everywhere. That moment, I came back to my senses again

By Titilayo Banjoko, Crime Reporter

join them there. I went to meet them at the hospital and it was at that place that my little sister was confirmed dead.”

The suspect, who insisted that his problem was spiritual, narrated how he lost his two brothers in unclear circum-

stances.

He said: “I am sure what happened was initiated one hundred per cent from the village. There was no way I would have killed my own sister without an external force controlling me. Since my father’s death in 1990, my family has been the target of the vices of greedy relatives who are hell bent on getting their teeth sunk into the chunk of the possession our father left behind.”

Ndifreke further disclosed: “First, it was my brother, Etop that got pregnant and died and then our first born; Emma has gone missing for nine months now under strange circumstances that my mum and the village Chief are yet to explain to me.

Now, it is me taking the life of my own blood sister.”

The Lagos State Police spokesman, DSP Samuel Jinadu, while commenting on the incident said it was his (Ndifreke) neighbours that assisted in his arrest.

He said: “The suspect was arrested after the neighbours pointed out that he was the last person to be seen in the house after the untimely death of the deceased.”

Mr Jinadu explained that investigation is ongoing and that the suspect would be prosecuted according to the dictates of the

THE NATION

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39

FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2011

Minister condoles with Lamido

INISTER of Women Affairs and Social Development, Iyom Josephine Anenih, has condoled with the government and people of Jigawa State over the death of frontline politician and woman activist, Hajiya Laila DogonYaro.

The late Hajiya DogonYaro, who held the traditional title of Garkuwan Garki, died at the Malam Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano on Thursday, April 28, 2011 and has been buried in her home town of Garki in Jigawa State in accordance with Islamic rites.

In a special condolence message which she presented to Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State when she paid him a condolence visit in his office, the Minister stated that the Nigerian women received the sad news of the de-

From Bukola Amusan, Abuja

mise of the Hajiya DogonYaro with shock and trepidation.

While describing the late Dogon Yaro as a foremost woman activist, an honest leader and role model as well as a forthright and diligent woman, the Minister stated that: “The late Laila touched the lives of millions of Nigerian women and men, young and old, in profound and positive ways and shall be remembered as a colossus in the struggle for women’s rights in Nigeria.

“As we mourn and grieve over her death, I urge you and all Nigerians to be consoled by the fact that her life was decent and exemplary.

We are proud to identify with her always and

‘Let’s keep the peace in Delta’

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OLLOWING certain moves by some individuals and groups aimed at invalidating the election of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, the United Niger Delta Forum, a political pressure group, has warned that such moves would be unacceptable to the people of the State who had taken a decision on who would govern them.

Addressing journalists at a press conference at the Conference Hall of Sheraton Hotels and Towers, Ikeja, Lagos, Prof. Chukwuma I. C. Nwose who spoke on behalf of the group said the warning became necessary as a result of what he called ‘frenetic efforts by some disgruntled elements who want power at all costs to distabilise the peace and unity in Delta State.”

The don, who is Head, Inter-ethnic and Intergovernmental Relations of United Niger Delta Forum and Patron Active Nigerians for Positive Change noted that claims by Chief Edwin K. Clark on the conduct of the gubernatorial election in Delta State were not only unfounded but also misleading.

He added that “such blatant misinformation could lead to total breakdown of law and order in the state which has attained a high level of stability and development as a result of Governor Uduaghan’s commitment to take the state to a higher level of infrastructural development, human capital development and peace and security as encapsulated in his three-point agenda.”

Making reference to Chief Clark’s open letter to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) which, he said, alleged that there were electoral irregularities in the gubernatorial election in Delta State, Prof. Nwose disclosed that “Deltans can no longer fold their arms and watch some well-placed individuals and respected elders in the state dislodge the peace, order and development which have eluded Delta State for too long.”

Continuing, he said: “The United Niger Delta Forum and all other groups that have the interest of the state at heart make bold to state that the Delta State electorate spoke for themselves through their votes which they cast during a free,

those of us who were opportune to be mentored by her, to continue with her good works and services to humanity.

“As we and all Nigerian women mourn her death, we will continue to share with you and her family, this moment of grief and prayer for the peaceful repose of her soul.”

Iyom Anenih, who was accompanied by the Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufa’I, also noted that the deceased was indeed a true nationalist, saying that she could have come from any part of Nigeria as she was always at home in any part of the country.

She told the Governor that the struggle for women emancipation will greatly miss the enormous contributions of Hajiya Laila towards ensuring that women gained recognition and occupy their pride of place in national development.

She noted that her greatest legacy was in education and training of women, young girls and youths in general, especially the underprivileged and disadvantaged who she was always ready to support.

The Minister called on the Jigawa State government to take over and complete the building of the school the late political icon started in Garki, as a tribute to her and lasting legacy to her various contributions in Nigeria.

Responding, Governor Lamido pointed out that the outpouring of tributes nation-wide on Hajiya Dogon Yaro showed the kind of position she occupied and her contributions to humanity and national development when she was alive.

While describing her as an epitome of health and vibrancy, the Governor observed that her demise has left a vacuum that will be difficult to fill.

•Salamatu Suleiman, Minister for Women Affairs He said: “Laila is gone, but she has left golden footprints and a legacy that must be upheld and continued. This is a visit of compassion to us and we appreciate. Accordingly, on behalf of the government and people of Jigawa State, I commiserate with the Nigerian women over this irreparable loss. We pray that the Almighty Allah grant her eternal rest, Amen.”

The Minster had earlier visited the family home of the deceased in Garki Local Government Area of Jigawa State where she commiserated with family and associates of the late woman activist.

More voter education advocated •Nwose

By Chinaka Okoro

fair and credible election.

“Therefore, all allegations contained in Chief Clark’s open letter to INEC are false, baseless and calculated attempts to derail the course of development, peace and unity reigning in Delta State.”

Disclosing some of the determining factors that gave Uduaghan victory at the polls, Prof. Nwose hinted that the stand of the Delta State electorate was informed by their resolute respect for the “unwritten” consensus by well-meaning Deltans on the rotation of the governorship slot among the three Senatorial districts of the state.

He added that Chief James Ibori (Delta Central) governed the state for eight years, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan (Delta South) is to govern the state for eight years. By 2015, it will be the turn of Delta North for for eight years. This was the consensus opinion of all well-meaning Deltans and this, invariably, determined our voting pattern.”

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HE Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) under the auspices of Hope for Future Generation has called for proper voter education in future elections in the country so as to reduce to its barest minimum the occurrence of void votes.

The group’s representative, Mr. Uchenna Onyeizu made the submission while briefing reporters at the Legend Hotel Owerri, the Imo State capital recently.

According to him, the time to commence the education of the populace for future election in the country is now, taking into consideration the number of void votes in the recent elections.

“We should be seen by the outside world as an enlightened society. A situation where we record high rate of void votes is unacceptable and everything must be done to check this ugly trend.”

Mr. Onyeizu urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to maintain the current momentum of fairness in the conduct of elections and portray the body as the agent of the people and not that of the

From Emma Mgbeahurike, Owerri

government.

Mr. Onyeizu charged the judiciary to live up to expectation as the last hope for the common man by restoring public confidence through ensuring that all electoral matters are disposed of on time and judiciously without bias.

He urged the Federal Government to create an enabling political and socio-economic environment for the CSOs to thrive.

The NGO’s called for the creation of sustainable and effective relationship between CSOs and INEC for the purpose of ensuring continuous credible elections in future elections in the country.

He commended the role of the security agencies whom he said discharged their duties creditably during the just-concluded general elections, even as he requested that the same pattern should be re-enacted in future elections so as to keep pace with the advanced democracies the world over.

Stressing that INEC has sufficiently restored the confidence of the electorate, Mr Onyeizu urged them to go ahead and bring culprits involved in electoral malpractices to book; as this would restore public confidence in the electoral system.

He advocated that the various security personnel should be proactive in their approach to security matters as this would reduce the quest for fire brigade method towards issues of violence which characterised the last general elections.

We should be seen by the outside world as an enlightened society.

A situation where we record high rate of void votes is unacceptable and everything must be done to check this ugly trend •From left: President Goodluck Jonathan, Femi Otedola and Governor Liyel Imoke at the Obudu Ranch

FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2011

40

I believe that our focus on agriculture is both appropriate and timely. The capacity and power of agriculture to mitigate poverty by promoting food security, creating sustainable jobs and driving rural development is our universal claim

Don makes case for agriculture

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HE Vice Chancellor of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), Port Harcourt, Prof. Barineme Fakae, has urged Nigerians to pay more attention to agriculture, saying it will create jobs for the teeming unemployed youths.

He also lamented Nigerians’ relegation of agriculture to the background, even as he described it as a major factor that would have been a key source of foreign exchange for the country.

Fakae said this during the inauguration of the institution’s Faculty of Agriculture building and the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA) and RSUST. He noted that many Nigerians had the wrong notion that agriculture was for the local people, which he said must be changed.

The Vice-Chancellor also lauded the management of RSSDA, for partnering with the RSUST in the area of agriculture.

He expressed gratitude to RSSDA for the endowment of a professorial chair in agriculture and the sponsorship of a scholarship scheme to diligent students in RSUST’s Faculty of Agriculture.

The Executive Director of RSSDA, Mr. Noble Pepple, in his remarks, stated that the endowment of a professorial chair in agriculture was aimed at supporting research, teaching and academic excellence.

He said the MoU between the agency and the Rivers State-owned University would help in making the vision of the state government to transform Rivers to

•A lettuce farmer at work From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

the bread and fish basket of the Niger Delta region a reality.

Pepple said: “I believe that our focus on agriculture is both appropriate and timely.

The capacity and power of agriculture to

mitigate poverty by promoting food security, creating sustainable jobs and driving rural development is our universal claim.”

The executive director noted that RSSDA had made impact in some key development programmes, including Governor Rotimi Amaechi’s special overseas schol-

arship scheme.

Pepple added that no fewer than 1,000 citizens of Rivers State are currently studying Medicine, Information Communication Technology (ICT) and Social Sciences in the United Kingdom, Canada, Singapore, Ireland and India.

‘Agenda for my constituency’ From Isaac Ombe, Yenagoa

•Sir Dickson HE man who won the parliamentary election for the Sagbama/Ekeremo Federal Constituency in Bayelsa State, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson, has said he will effect far-reaching changes in several ares of his constituency.

Dickson who contested on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also promised to enhance internal democracy in the ruling party.

His victory came on the heels of a pending court case instituted by an opponent seeking to determine whether he or Dickson was the right candidate to contest on the party ticket.

Dickson promised that he would focus on several issues including that of “internal democracy.”

“We would work hard to ensure that in the next four years, nobody, no matter how highly placed, would be in a position to de-

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termine who the flag bearer is.”

Dickson added that armed with his second term victory, he will continue what he had started in his first tenure, using his experience in the House as an advantage.

“I have a set of ideas on what I would be pursuing, especially on constitutional reforms, and legislations on the Niger Delta region, he said in an interview.

He further said that he has initiated a lot of far-reaching decisions in this country, and emphasised that the issues of internal democracy will be pursued to its logical conclusion, even as he said “we have to look at the critical issue of internal democracy and get the process right.”

Dickson noted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has no powers to do anything about an election in which a winner has already been issued with certificate of return.

“You all know what happened as INEC said there would be a re-run even though it doesn’t have the powers to do anything about an election whose winner has already been issued with certificate of return.

“But as a politician, I believe I should subject myself to the will of the people. So, I willingly and consciously, in spite of the legal issues and my convictions that INEC has no powers to review a concluded election, I went into the election and to the glory of God, I emerged victorious,” he added.

Commenting on the election, Dickson said it was the most freest and fairest election.

“The election was free and fair. Elections have not been conducted like that before in the area. Having emerged from that kind of procedure, I feel elated and humbled.”

He also debunked insinuations that INEC worked for the PDP, saying “we had free and fair elections. If INEC was working for

us, then they wouldn’t have reviewed the first election. There was no contest. My people know me on the platform of PDP. Even on the day of the elections people were interested in knowing those who were contesting against Dickson. The general elections were in the hands of the people and they have spoken.”

To the people of his Constituency, he vowed to change his style of approach to constituency issues which had drawn criticisms in his first tenure, promising that he will not let them down.

“I want to use this medium to thank my people and tell them that I won’t let them down. I would give them good and quality representation.

On the contentious issue that members of the National Assembly are over remunerated and if he would subscribe to making the job of the National Assembly less attractive and lucrative, he said members of the National Assembly are not over paid, and none of them are billionaires.

He blamed the media for the current impression that the lawmakers are heavily paid.

“I have been a member of the National Assembly before. There is no member of the

National Assembly that is over paid. No member is a billionaire.

“In Bayelsa, we have former Senators Brigidi, Difa, and Brambifa. None of them is a billionaire. It is all media hype. It is only that the allowances are paid quarterly and when you put that in the Nigerian context, it sounds big but in actual fact, most of it go back to the constituents and the electorate. Now, some members of the National Assembly who failed election would find it difficult to take care of personal obligations.

“For me, the basic issue is the capacity of those going to the National Assembly. There we have a lot of work to do. I, for instance need highly qualified staff and I know what I spend on that. If you are a legislator and you know what you are there for, there are so many things you do to keep your office going and meet up with standards,” disclosed Dickson who is also the Chairman House Committee on Justice.

“We do a lot of things which include capacity buildings and so on. For me that is not the issue. If we get the right people there with the right values, background and understanding of priorities of this country, then we would start an irreversible cause of change.”

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has no powers to do anything about an election in which a winner has already been issued with certificate of return. You all know what happened as INEC said there would be a re-run even though it doesn’t have the powers to do anything about an election whose winner has already been issued with certificate of return

SLIDING TACKLE

FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2011

42

Maureen Mmadu raps CAF over Falcons’ home draw

“CAF should be blamed for this draw. At this point in time the continent calendar should by now have harmonised with the World’s so as to forestall the occurrence of what happened in Nigeria. It is a bit dicey now because we shouldn’t have toyed with not having our best players for qualifier against our bitter enemy like Ghana.”

Former Super Falcons midfielder, Maureen Mmadu, blaming CAF for the lack-lustre performance put up by the Nigerian female team against the Black Queens of Ghana.

• Super Falcons in celebration mood on arrival after their AWV triumph in South Africa last year

• Urges NFF to mobilize foreign-based for Battle of Accra

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ORE reactions have continued to trail the home draw recorded by the Super Falcons last weekend against The Black Queens of Ghana in an All African Games Qualifier.

Speaking from her base in Norway, former Falcons dependable midfielder Maureen Mmadu criticised the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and blamed the body for the poor show by the Nigeria Female team.

She said it left much to be desired that the match was played outside the time allotted for international matches to be played and which she reckoned led to the foreign-based players’ absence from the all important first leg tie, while charging CAF to ensure subsequent fixtures are in tandem with what is obtainable world-wide so as to ensure all important players being available for the matches.

“CAF should be blamed for this draw. At this point in time the continent calendar should by now have harmonised with the World’s so as to forestall the occurrence of what happened in Nigeria. It is a bit dicey now because we shouldn’t have toyed with not having our best players for qualifier against our bitter enemy like Ghana.”

Maureen who had 102 caps for Nigeria and Falcons stressed.

The former World Cup and Olympian in all has not ruled out the Super Falcons from nicking the appropriate result that would guarantee their qualification for the African version of the Olympic Games when she told NationSport that same played out in 2004 during that year’s Olympic Qualifier but Nigeria still

From Tunde Liadi, Owerri went ahead of The Black Queens on penalties when the second leg also ended a goal apiece.

Recalling how it happened, “ I was still a member of the Super Falcons then and we played the first leg in Ibadan it ended 1-1. Though we were a bit perturbed but we knew we would beat Ghana to qualify in Accra. We played another 1-1 draw and almost lost it in the penalty shoot out but we scaled through 4-3 after penalties despite missing the first two spot kicks. I don’t think there will be any difference this time around too with the availability of the foreign based for the return leg I don’t see the game going beyond 90 minutes.”

The Ex-Falcons, however, charged the Nigeria Football

Federation (NFF) to ensure that the foreign based players are secured ahead of the second leg in Accra while adding that getting all the country’s best legs is germane to the country’s qualification for the All African Games in Maputo, Mozambique come July this year she tasked NFF to do all within its armoury to get all the foreign based invited for the make or mar Accra showdown released from their various base in Europe.

Omolade begins SuperSport test F ORMER Enyimba captain, Ajibade Omolade has started one month long trials at outgoing Premier Soccer League (PSL)

champions, SuperSport United.

The experienced Nigerian defender, who is a free agent, arrived in South Africa on Tuesday after a slight delay and

Mohammed arrives Eagles’ camp

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ANO Pillars’ forward, Gambo Mohammed will join the Super Eagles in Abeokuta, venue of the WAFU Cup on Thursday.

Mohammed was one of the players absent from Wednesday’s training that involved fifteen players.

Enyimba duo of Bernard Okorowanta and Valentine Nwabili were also absent due to club assignment..

This will be Mohammed’s first competitive assignment with the Super Eagles ‘B’ squad. He was in the squad that travelled to the US for the invitational tourney, but the team eventually returned home due to the postponement of the competition..

“I have explained my situation to coach Samson Siasia and I am ready to join

my colleagues on today (Thursday),” the lanky forward told SuperSport.com.

The former Buffalo forward believes WAFU Cup is an opportunity to confirm his status as one of the best forwards in the Nigeria Premier League..

SuperSport.com learnt that Mohammed will be unavailable for selection in Thursday’s opening match against Mali..

Players already in camp include Sunday Rotimi (Dolphin); Uanzekin Ambrose (Warri Wolves); Adeyinka Adedeji (Sunshine Stars); Wasiu Sowemimo (Kano Pillars); Gege Soriola (Heartland); Yusuf Jaiyeola (Kwara United); Dele Iwayemi (Sunshine Stars); Chibuzor Okonkwo (Heartland); Julius Ubido (Heartland);

Stanley Okoronkwo (Sharks); Osas Okoro (Heartland); Bartholomew Ibenegbu (Heartland); Ekigho Ehiosun (Warri Wolves); Victor Ezeji (Sharks FC) and Ejike Uzoenyi (Sharks FC).

is expected to spend the next four weeks with the Pretoria based side.

“Omolade will continue his trials during Thursday’s training session,” a source close to the player in South Africa told SuperSport.com.

The former Enyimba captain is one of the few goal scoring defenders in the Nigeria Premier League.

“I am confident that things will go well at SuperSport United,” Omolade told SuperSport.com before his departure for South Africa.

It is still not clear if Matsatsantsa will arrange friendly matches to watch the Nigerian in match situations.

Omolade had a stint with top Sudanese side, Al-Hilal and returned to Nigeria as a free agent to play for Plateau United.

Matsatsantsa gaffer, Gavin Hunt, has already strengthened his squad with three strikers namely Sibusiso Zuma, Mame Niang and Atusaye Nyondo and intends to boost the defence to make the team stronger next term.

Offa United petitions Kwara FA over match scores O

FFA United Football Club has petitioned the Kwara Football Association over the outcome of the semi final match it played against Kwara Football Academy.

In the petitioned signed by the Secretary of the club, Mr Wahid Lawal, the clud alleged that the centre referee, Mr Ibrahim Ajao, was wrong in awarding a goal that determined the match KFA FC.

From Soji Adeniyi, Osogbo The two clubs played out semifinal match of Federation Cup competition which will determine the two best clubs to represent Kwara in the Challenge Cup playoffs.

The club is therefore calling on the Kwara State Commissioner for Sports, Mr Raphael Oluwole, and the

Nigeria Referee Association to investigate the match and come up with appropriate sanctions.

The club further contested the second half header which won KFA FC, saying the goal should have been ruled as an infringement.

While alleging that a goal scored by their players was ruled offside, Offa United FC said that their captain got the matching order when he protested to the referee.

BRIEFS...BRIEFS...BRIEFS...BRIEFS...BRIEFS...BRIEFS...BRIEFS...BRIEFS...BRIEFS...

Roger Federer struggles to win Nwadike tasks Heartland Ferguson declares Fletcher Federer came close to Cilic 6-3, 6-0 in 64 minutes. fans ahead of second stanza ROGER key to Wembley victory another upset before finally

SIR Alex Ferguson will rely on Darren Fletcher to plug the gaps so brutally exposed by Barcelona two years ago in the Champions League final in Rome after Manchester United eased to a 4-1 victory over Schalke at Old Trafford in the second leg of their semi-final last night. It ensured a 6-1 aggregate triumph.

Fletcher missed the 2-0 defeat in the 2009 final after being sent off in the semi-final win over Arsenal and it was widely felt his presence would have made a difference.

And as he bids to find a way of stopping the team widely accepted to be the best on the planet at present, Ferguson

knows Fletcher could be a key man. "It wouldn't have been fair to pitch Darren in from the start because he really does need games," said the manager. "But he is catching up all the time and we may get him on the bench against Chelsea on Sunday. Some players are biggame players and he is one.

• Fletcher

HEARTLAND of Owerri striker, Okey Nwadike has urged the Naze Millionaires’ fans in Owerri to be patient with their darling club with the kick of the second stanza of the league already known.

Nwadike in an exclusive chat with NationSport disclosed that the club has done a lot of work to ensure that the Naze Millionaires wake up from their slumber of the first stanza and he charged their supporters to show that they were on the team’s side even when results were not coming their way.

“I will appeal to our fans to show their support to Heartland this second stanza of the league.

I must admit that no member

From Tunde Liadi, Owerri of Heartland was happy with what transpired in the first rpound and we have done a lot to ensure there are changes in the second stanza. We are begging for the support of the Owerri people and Imo people in general to make our dream to re-transform Heartland become a reality.”

Nwadike dubbed as supersub during the Hearrtland's 2009 CAF Champions League games informed his admirers that he was back to his ebullient self stating that the second stanza of the league would prove his claims.

beating Feliciano Lopez in three gripping sets at the Madrid Open, and rivals Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic continued their winning streaks with ease.

Federer, beaten by Jurgen Melzer in Monte Carlo last month, saved a match point in a marathon 7-6 (13), 6-7 (1), 7-6 (7) win after three hours.

Djokovic ran his winning streak to 30 by beating Kevin Anderson of South Africa 6-3, 6-4. Nadal is unbeaten in 35 matches on clay after his 6-1, 6-3 rout of Marcos Baghdatis.

The top-ranked Nadal next plays 2009 U.S. Open champion Juan Martin del Potro, who swept aside Marin

• Federer

SHOPPING

43

THE NATION

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

FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2011

e-mail: janicenkoli@yahoo.com 08033349992 sms only

email:- shopping@thenationonlineng.net

Will Nigeria catch India’s shopping revolution fever?

In India, a shopping revolution is on. Many are wondering when Nigeria will join the train.

JANICE NKOLI IFEME reports.

I

INDIA is undergoing a consumer revolution, with huge shopping malls opening throughout the country. There is also mass production of goods for export. A lot has happened since 1991 when India first opened its economy to the world.

In the 70s and 80s, India was absolutely poor but over the years, it has grown richer. In the early 90s, you did not even find a simple coke bottle in India. But now it is different. The result is a consumer revolution taking place, with thousands of new jobs being created. Some respondents aired their views on the development.

Mr Isaac Nnadi, an importer said: “When will our consumer revolution take place? People in Nigeria are very brand-conscious and we Nigerians even have good designers but the need to move into world-class shopping malls like these in India is essential to attain international recognition”.

But many expressed opinion that the expected revolution should affect the lives of the peo• Continued on page 44

•An indian mall.

Star product of the week

Garden

Page 45

My shopping

‘When I can’t help it, I spoil myself a bit’ Page 46

Go bling with fashion jewellery

Page 46

44

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2011

SHOPPING

• Indian gallery

Will Nigeria catch India’s shopping revolution fever?

• Continued from page 43 ple and not a few individuals.

Mrs Elizabeth Omubo, a housewife noted: “It is not the beauty of the shopping centres that matters. It is about how much people’s lives are impacted positively. If you are building massive complexes but your people are dying of hunger, something is wrong somewhere”.

However, some expressed the opinion that the development of malls would go a long way in affecting lives.

Mr Jimoh Ajibola, a banker said: “You have no idea the impact such investments can have on the nation. Imagine if Lagos alone had 10 of such malls, we would be talking of generating a good 10,000 and above jobs. Imagine the amount of revenue Lagos would generate in taxes and VAT. “It would be sure to attract foreign investments. All our rich Nigerians who travel to London and the USA to do their summer shopping would spend their money here and it would greatly reduce capital flight.

“Think about the huge benefits. All it requires is stable social infrastructure and an enabling environment.

“I also agree that these malls impact people positively. You employ thousands to build, the retail stores employ thousands and the people in and around the mall are given quality goods and people do not have to travel out of the country to buy things. In other words, spend the money you give to British Airways, the money you spend on the London Underground, and on food, taxes, hotel, in the UK or US or Dubai in your own country. Now this also gives Nigerians, goods and services of world class standards. Instead of the fake/imitated products we buy in our local markets”.

A consumer analyst, Mr Ike Nwachukwu, noted: “One of the reasons things are so expensive in Nigeria is because we are a consumer nation. We import everything from toothpicks to cloth buttons. Of course, the ports do not make things easier, as the cost of importation is already going through the roof; the result is the high cost of importation, inflation (horrible exchange rate) is passed unto the poor consumer”.

Miss Stella Ufoma, a student, expressed the

optimism that a consumer revolution is possible in Nigeria, given the enabling environment. “With these new malls, we would have more foreign investments, there is no reason the US has Macdonalds, Starbucks, Walmart and other chains stores in China and not in Nigeria. These are huge money spinners any day. It may be an effective way of reducing cost of goods, reduce inflation, create jobs, drive other investments such as housing and product prices would definitely be competitive”, she affirmed.

An industrialist, Chief Moses Ochuko, expressed concern over the kind of structures being erected for business. “What do you expect of an ugly building? A good structure will make the areas they are built in more appealing, therefore, more revenue would accrue, either from government or private companies is pumped into the area.

“You do not have to be a business person to know all these. There are positives and negatives but the negatives can be minimised IF lessons are learned from places like India, United States, United Kingdom, among others.

For some, the revolution of shopping malls in places such as India have not eradicated poverty in the lives if the people.

Mr Paul Oloko said: “In India, there are actually some places that are experiencing extreme poverty. There are areas of extreme poverty in China, there are homeless people in America and the UK. There are areas of poverty in Japan; does this make these nations any less the economic and military giants they are?

“Russia is probably going through their own version of the great depression, they have

problems of rebel militias, yet not even America will take Russia any lightly.

At least, India has started from somewhere and today, Nigeria is no where near India in terms of technology and economy. India now builds her own cars, trains and ships. They have nuclear arms. Yes, there are areas of extreme poverty but steadily and slowly, they are working themselves to the top”, he affirmed.

Since The Palms Shopping Centre sprang up in Lagos a few years ago, proactive investors have keyed into the development of malls.

Some malls are under construction and a lot of people are positive on the fact that there might just be a revolution in Nigeria, as expressed by David Ibiam, a Nigerian living in the United States.

He said: “I agree with you and I am happy that this subject has captured the interest of people in the Diaspora. If Nigeria adds more malls like Asian countries such as Malaysia or India is doing, that would have an enormous economic benefit for our country and even in terms of our country´s standing (entertainment etc.). Nigeria, our beloved motherland, is a very important oil producer without any consumers culture? I never heard that. How can small African nations like Kenya or Uganda build malls and Nigeria not? India´s growing middle-class is crazy about shopping. In former times, they flew all abroad for their shopping but now, they can do it in India. Same should be the case for Nigeria. Why do we need to shop at Marks and Spencer in the UK or at Gap in the US? Let us bring these brands and other franchise to our beloved country. Let the Palms be the beginning of a new shopping centre revolution. It will create competition, jobs, taxes and a lot of shine to our country.

“Besides, we have a very healthy and robust retailing sector in Nigeria. We have the Computer Village Ikeja, the electronics village at Alaba, Tejouso and Oshodi markets, and hundreds of thousands of shops spread all over the country. A lot of jobs have already been created in these places.

‘You have no idea the impact such investments can have on the nation. It would be sure to attract foreign investments. All our rich Nigerians who travel to London and the USA to do their summer shopping would spend their money here and it would greatly reduce capital flight.

“Think about the huge benefits. All it requires is stable social infrastructure and an enabling environment’

Our markets may not be as shiny as megamalls or technologically impressive, but when you visit them, you can get what you want.

And talking about employment, are you suggesting that the thousands of traders and salespeople in our major markets are not employed? Please, the common man is concerned about basic necessities like electric power. We do not need shiny malls yet.

Mr John Nwoke, an international businessman, said: “These makeshift stores are good and Nigeria needs them. But they do also exist in India and China side by side with shiny mega-malls. You are talking about the informal sector, but what Nigeria needs is more formal employment (jobs in construction and retail). How long should South Africa for example continue to look down on us?

Go to Venezuela, a country of the size of Nigeria, which produces the same amount of oil than our country does; visit South Africa, which has no oil and not as many natural resources as Nigeria but has created thousands of shops for people in shopping malls throughout Durban, Jo´burg, Cape town and Pretoria.

He continued: “People going out for shopping do not help us. We have to bring malls to Nigeria. The Palms should be the beginning and not the end. Shopping malls add shine and entertainment and more investors. Everything becomes more diversified. To put it plainly, believe me, this is how Asian countries developed.

How long should Nigeria´s consumer culture be kept at bay? People are as brand-conscious and cool as Asian people or South Africans. Above all, paid jobs will arrive in thousands on the scene and not just informal squatters who are selling their goods next to smelly gutters.”

Mr Joel Umeh said: “As a potential investor myself, I’m not put off by makeshift stalls.

“Thanks for your concern about consumer culture, but what we need right now is better basic infrastructure like electricity. Those who live abroad might not care about that because they might not have experienced the difficulty of trying to work with electricity going on and off.

“However, if you are an entrepreneur and you want to use your private resources to create gigantic shopping malls, why not? If, indeed, there is a demand for this, the market will reward you for your insight.

“But please, do not ask for government subsidies and grants under the guise of launching a consumer revolution. My sincere and sole wish is that our country advances and nothing else.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2011

45

SHOPPING STAR PRODUCT OF THE WEEK

Garden

Shopping Right with

From my mail box

D

EAR reader, Thanks for your response to The Nation Shopping. Today is the first Friday of the month, in which we always publish your comments. Here are some of them as space would enable us. Please bear with us if your response is not published in this edition.

Thanks a million, Janice Hi Cutie, thanks for the job always well done. Please keep the pace. Shopping is a fantasy of many. The big question has always been finance, especially

Gardening as pastime Gardening involves careful planning. Its key elements, include walkways, pathways, ponds and lighting. All these should be in place before planting flowers.Gardens add beauty to the landscape, but they also require care and maintenance. Here are tips on gardening from TONIA’DIYAN

F

LOWERS appeal to us in different ways, whether as a field of wildflowers, a vase with freshly cut flowers, giant yellow sunflowers reaching toward the sky, or the heady fragrance of lilies on the night air.

Flowers have the ability to welcome a new baby, offer congratulations on a job well done or mourn the loss of a loved one. Plants not only bring colour and texture to a room, they can actually improve air quality.

The first step is to choose the type of garden you’d like to plant. Will you grow vegetables, herbs, flowers or a combination of plants in a kitchen garden?

Next, choose the style for your garden. Styles include format gardens, which feature symmetry and balance, historical gardens, kitchen gardens, cottage gardens, monochromatic colour schemes, and much more.

Plan the layout using graph paper. Mark the pathways, entrances and fixed items such as lawns, ponds, water features, or sheds. Add major garden features such as ponds, walkways and patios before planting flowers. You can tackle this step while you prepare the soil for the garden beds or before you create the beds, but all hardscapes should be in place before adding trees, shrubs, flowers and grass.

After determining the location of lawns and garden beds, it is time to improve the soil. Have the soil pH tested and add lime or other amendments as necessary. Adding compost and

• Flower garden.

composted cow manure adds nutrients and improves the soil.

Add plants such as;trees, shrubs, flowers, herbs and vegetables complete the garden.

Choose plants based on their light requirements and your gardening zone. Remember to leave plenty of space among trees, shrubs and perennial flowers; they’ll get bigger each year!

Garden maintenance is important after completing your garden, keep in mind routine maintenance which is necessary for flourishing. Regularly watering, fertilising,mulching and pruning keep the garden looking beautiful always.

The number of plants you use, and the size of your low-maintenance garden is up to you.

The more plants you use, the more tending they will require. But your initial planning will make a huge difference in the time you need to spend, as well as your enjoyment later in your perfectly designed garden. A popular trend in gardening today is to go low maintenance. We want a beautiful garden, but a busy lifestyle means we do not have time to attend to it on a regular basis. Low-maintenance gardens can be high on impact, and they can be just as stylish as gardens that demand regular attention.

Low-maintenance gardens allow you to leave for a week or more, and the plants can fend for themselves.

JANICE NKOLI IFEME

in a poor economy like that of Nigeria, where not up to two out of ten can actually afford going out for shopping of whatever nature. Shopping requires some kind of financial capability.

Jude Famave, Student I am an avid reader of The Nation and every column is never a boring one. Shopping right is not an exception. I am basically laying emphasis on ladies shopping. I can’t just understand why ladies put on rag to the mall and still shop for more rags.

Left to me, I would like to particularly tell you to please tell ladies why their dressing should ascertain the veracity of the virtues of a ‘good woman’, which they are meant to be. Honestly I must tell you that moral decadence has taken over many of our ladies and I do weep inside of me when I see women disclose things that are not supposed to be disclosed for any reason.

Kukoyi Ayodeji, Student, OAU, Ile Ife Dear Janice, thanks for your article, Shopping for the home. Although I learnt the usefulness of buying things in bulk from my elder brother, I must commend you for your quality piece of information. I am sure you are an asset to your family and a role model to many. I love you greatly.

Amadi SI, Umuahia Your tips are usually elitist. Wanna tell me why?

Anonymous Janice, husbands must appreciate your article, ‘Shopping for the home’, especially in this difficult financial times. More of these savvy articles.

Anonymous I love the articles you write. Keep up with the good work. Have a nice day.

No name Pretty Janice, I always enjoy your piece in The Nation. As a matter of fact, I appreciate your contribution so much and sometimes, I am tempted to say I love you.

What makes a lady is not only the outward beauty but a combination of what she has upstairs. You arrested my heart with both.

Regards, AA Dear Janice, My shopping experience has not been eventful because I like to compare goods and prices in different shops before I buy stuffs. I am not an impulse buyer and enjoy window shopping a lot, especially on weekends and public holidays. My problem here in Nigeria is that I am not fascinated with the quality of shopping malls we have here. They are unorganised and unkempt. Only few are coming up to encourage exploration. Shopping malls should provide more than spaces for buying and selling goods and services.

Relieve came my way when I saw the model of the Ikeja City Mall at Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos. I have been to this shopping mall once. This is March, 2011 and it is still under construction. But from what I saw in the model of the mall, I think this is near what we want in Nigeria. The setting is serene and the location fantastic. The occupants are prestigious and will definitely be a crowd puller. The developer will need to look into the parking seriously and provide an area for children to play. The size is small compared to what is required in that axis.

Planting trees around the mall is also important as this is the vogue for sustainable development of our built environment. The “Green Statement” of premises either commercial, residential and industrial are as important as the structures. The shops are well laid out and the capacity adequate. This will complement the existing City Mall on the Lagos Island at Onikan, Adeniran Ogunsanya Shopping Centre on Adeniran Ogunsanya Street, Surulere and Palm Shopping Mall at Oniru Estate, Lekki.

The government should partner with the developers of this beautiful edifices and give us befitting malls at Apapa, Ikoyi and Festac. Shopping malls are job creators for people and a good investment. The yield in Nigeria is higher than in residential development. The Murtala Muhammed International Airport is another place where befitting shopping area is required. The airport needs to be expanded to accommodate bigger arrival hall, departure hall and shopping mall. With the coming of Ikeja City Mall, I am sure the next development will be better and this will result into shopping galore in Nigeria soon.

Thanks, Olufemi Oyedele.

Kudos to you Janice. I love the way you inform readers on shopping. It has really helped personally. Adebiyi Joseph. Student, OOU. Janice, your piece last Friday is another addition to the ideas I already have.

Thanks, Emeka.

Write to us, express your views, observations and experiences. Let’s have your comments about shopping. Your comments, questions and answers will be published first Friday of every month. With your full name and occupation, send e-mail to: janicenkoli@yahoo.com SMS - 08033349992

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2011

46

SHOPPING

‘When I can’t help it, I spoil myself a bit’

W

HEN was the last time you went shopping?

When my children were to resume school in January.I also went shopping for the house last weekend.

Where do you shop?

Anyway and everyway market depending on what I am buying. Some in the open market and some in superstores.

What are people’s reactions when they see you shop in an open market?

It’s the normal appreciation and enquiries on why I’m not back on air and what they are missing about my work. I feel elated that they still value my work even when I have been off air for sometime now What is the most valuable item you possess?

No material thing is valuable to me except my family.

• Okiemute Olori, actress, broadcaster How prudent are you while spending?

Except when I cannot help it then I spoil myself a bit. It feels good at such times What defines your style?

Comfortable, fitting and beautiful.

Do you do shopping and outing together?

When there is a need for it. But weekends are my best time because of work.

How can you compare our shopping malls and supermarkets with the ones abroad?

Shops abroad are bigger, neater, standardised and full of variety of products, brands and designers. We have done well to stock our stores, but some at a higher price.

Do you prefer items bought abroad, and see ours as inferior?

Not at all. We are doing well in some areas and there is room for great improvements. We place profit over quality most times and it’s unhealthy for us as a people and a nation.That’s why it’s difficult to enforce total ban on importation of some items.

How then can our shopping malls and supermarkets improve?

Quality and durable products at an affordable price. Spacious, safe, well kept,beautiful structures and healthy environment with good security and service. That’s why places such as Shoprite, Grand square, Everyday Emporium, Exclusive stores etc are making waves.

Go bling with fashion jewellery

all, quality products at average cost. Fashion jewelry is highly used during parties, dramas or in bridal occasions. Now you are not bound to traditional jewelry alone.

Girls fashion jewelery Girls are very much conscious towards fashionable jewelry. They always wear bracelets, necklaces, belts and other jewelries to look attractive during various occasions and regular lifestyle. You can buy hand painted jewelry, ethnic, agate stone, diamond cut, carved bone, beaded jewelry and many other fashion jewelries from any fashion jewellery store.

Diamond, gold and silver jewelry are costly items and you cannot follow the fashion by such huge investments all the times. Fashionable jewelry comes in multiple design and style, and is made of different material.

It gives you change from regular jewelries.

Such jewelry is very much famous among youths. It is obvious, because they like change and cannot afford fashion at big cost.

So it is right choice for them.

Teenage girls are no exception to the fashion interest and excitement. What most teenage girls really can’t live without is fashion jewelry, Bracelets and cuffs Bracelets are worn around the wrist .There many types of bracelets out there such as elastic bracelets, handmade bone stretch bracelet, metal bracelet, folding bracelets and so on. Bracelets for men are also available at different shops in elegant design and shape.

Necklaces and earrings Necklaces come in a variety of designs and shape such as glass beaded, hanging beads, Agate stone beaded necklace, cowries shell necklace, horn and bone necklace. Gener-

No matter your class and purse, you could get trendy with fashionable jewellery, writes JANICE NKOLI IFEME.

W

ITHOUT dropping too much cash, fashion buffs could get trendier with good selection of affordable sterling silver jewellery, designer inspired costume jewellery, flashy collectible gemstones, vintage costume jewelry, pearls, wedding jewellery, rhinestone costume jewellery, sterling silver, fierce gold jewellery and swanky bracelets.

No matter your class and purse, you could get trendy with fashionable jewelery made of high quality materials such as sterling silver, cubic zirconia simulated diamonds, precious gemstones and south sea shell or freshwater pearls which will suit you.

Sterling silver jewellery is a popular choice for wedding occasion or bridal party gifts.

Miss Grace Gold, an accountant, expressed her love for costume jewelery: “If you select well, you would look unique and stand out at any occasion. I love to go bling-bling a lot and people can’t help but admire them”, she said.

Fashion jewelery or costume jewelery is usually made of low cost materials, including base metals, glass, bone, Agate stone, cowries and hemp in place of more valuable materials such as precious metals and gems.

These items are usually, but not always, inexpensive, and often flashy.

Costume jewelery is mainly used for fashion purposes, opposed to real (precious) jew-

ellery which may contain primary as collectables, keepsakes, or investments.

Fashion jewellery, be it engraved or ethnic, are in high demand these days.

There are many types of fashionable jewellery available in the market which is worn on various occasions depending on choice.

These jewelries come in metal bangles, bracelets, necklaces, earrings and belts design. You can buy it for various occasions at nominal cost. This is such a big industry that is growing every day with new horizons.

The jewelry are hand made or designed using various tools. Here is a brief detail about various types of fashionable jewellery for people: Agate stone jewelery: These jewelry are made of semiprecious natural agate stone in different shapes and sizes and assorted colours.

Bone body jewelery: This is made from animal bone. Polished and processed in different shapes and sizes. It is made into beads of different sizes.

Beaded, carnelian or ethnic jewelery is made of glass beads and with metal pendants in different colours. They are mostly hand made.

Why fashion jewelery?

There are many reasons to opt for fashion jewelry. It is available in various metals and it gives you a change, style and the most of

• Mrs Olori

ally earrings and necklaces are sold together as a matching set. Colourful patina earrings come in a large assortment of colours and sizes. They are very popular, as they go perfect with evening dress or ethnic dresses alike. They are usually available in colourful circular discs and concentric rings.

Fashion jewelery is for everyone It is available for kids and aged people too.

Fashion is not restricted to senior only. Instead different age people gives fashion a new verge. This is such a big industry that is growing every day with new horizons. Fashion is your style, so whoever you are just carry it in your style.

47 FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2011

Vol 3 No. 129

DStv Mobile : Exciting consumers on the move When DSTV Mobile hit the market some months ago, it was greeted with excitement by consumers. What the brand represents to consumers is entertainment, information and value-added services anywhere, anytime, writes JIMI DAVID.

B

EFORE now, consumers watched DSTV in the comfort of their homes, but with DSTV Mobile, the major aim is to put television in the hands of consumers and this is one visible way to build brand loyalty and followership.

The strategic intention is to align with the needs of the upwardly mobile and constantly on-the-go consumers who desire to have fun and excitement as they move on in their pursuits.

It is on the premise of connecting with consumers and creating memorable brand impressions that subscribers enjoyed the service free for over a year.

Mayo Okunola, General Manager, DSTV Mobile, Nigeria & Ghana, said the brand has adopted strategies to continuously engage the consumers and meet their expectations.

He said it is the desire of DSTV Mobile to make the subscribers experience the innovation, combined value and service quality. DSTV Mobile service offerings are dictated by the needs of the subscribers.There is quality programme contents to satisfy the needs of the consumers and give them exciting experience.

Consumers are attracted to the brands that deliver creativity, excitement and entertainment. It fosters both physical and emotional connection for consumers when brands create unique and compelling consistent brand experiences. In the case of DSTV Mobile, it is an all-round entertainment that meets the lifestyle needs of the consumers. DSTV Mobile is on both MTN and Glo networks and this makes it easier for subscribers to have first hand information and knowledge about happenings around them. This is a vantage way to connect with the consumers and build brand loyalty. The strategic thinking of DSTV Mobile resonates well with the consumers which go a long way in deepening their experience of the brand.

It is in the light of this that DSTV Mobile offered free subscription service for the service since inception over a year ago. This is to bring first of its kind service to Nigeria. There was a need to educate Nigerians that it was possible to watch TV on phones. This is the edge that the DSTV Mobile brand has brought to the Nigerian market.

However, from June 1, DSTV Mobile will start charging subscription fees. It allows for collaborative network with other mobile service providers. The consumers have had a good feel of the brand for over a year. It is, indeed, a value chain

to consumers through our partnership with MTN and Glo. Now, we are taking a new different approach after subscribers have experienced the service.

Value The value is clear and it is contents anytime, anywhere in the forms of local contents. Drama, one of the things we offer to Nigerians is the World Cup. DStv Mobile is brand that aims to take Nigerians into the innovative and exciting realm of mobile TV. Quite a lot of Nigerians activated the service during the World Cup. Many more people are getting used to the brand. DSTV mobile has clearly begun to make progress and brand something new, compelling and vibrant for Nigerians

Partnership It is a value-added service primarily providing a product for the network service. We started with MTN. But we give kudos to the initial belief MTN had in the service and we had exclusive relationship which ended last year. We are bringing in new network operators and we signed on GLO last year. We hope to bring in more network.

Unique selling proposition The goal for the brands is to be meaningful and relevant to consumers. Imagine a situation where subscribers are not in front of their televisions. The recent election postponement is a good example.

People got information through DSTV mobile. It is exciting, full of fun and compelling for cons umers.

Industry overview The industry has evolved over the years as DSTV has remained a strong brand in the pay TV industry. It gave birth to DSTV mobile and we complement each other in this business. We are getting more dynamic in the way we do things. Others should not tell us what to do. We are making efforts to set the pace and retain our pedigree as a leader in the market place.

We should raise the bar. DSTV Mobile is doing something amazing in Nigeria and we have to keep on leading in the market.

Technology DSTV Mobile is an evidence of Nigeria’s rising profile as one of the fastest growing markets for technologically advanced services and applications. We demonstrate the convergence of broadcasting and telecommunication and operates on Digital Video BroadcastHandheld(DVB-H).This is a mobile broadcast technology that allows for the digital terrestrial broadcast of live telecom and audio channels to a cell phone. DVB-H allows subscribers to watch crystal clear live TV with outstanding sound quality. We have different technology that is used for mobile TV. We sat down and took a closer look and DVB-H start out. Projections made shows. It is better. In terms of what we have, DVB-H makes sense. It is the best one we can leverage.

‘The goal for the brands is to be meaningful and relevant to consumers. Imagine a situation where subscribers are not in front of their televisions.

The recent election postponement is a good example. People got information through DSTV mobile. It is exciting, full of fun and compelling for cons umers’

Futuristic goals We have demonstrated that the service has come to stay. The future is bright.

We want to bring in more people to the value chain. We are focusing on getting the same service out there and making it sustainable.

We are evolving the new trend in mobile entertainment. We want to start billing June 1. We need to get the advertising and marketing right. Consumers must always see the value of DSTV mobile. We want to offer service in a compelling way. What DStv Mobile has done well is to accommodate every segment in our strategy to reach out to the target audience. People looking for value - youths, students and those who have affinity for entertainment on the go. Watching it anywhere, anytime Mobile advertising is a platform to consider in the future. One thing we have Driftta. The Driffta is a mobile device/decoder which enables consumers’ water DSTV mobile on ipad, itouch, laptops and blackberry. Let us ensure that people can enjoy it. It is going to be on DSTV mobile. It is to be launched in June. It’s an exciting product. It’s primarily for people to feel excited and experience the brand in a unique way. It demonstrates that we are thinking as a company.

There are lots of advertising by mobile operators but the advertising will reach out to youths more.

It is an integrated lifestyle experience for youths. We will do campus activations shows and push youthful elements. We expect the youth to adopt the technology.

We want to reach out to all other segments.

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Brandnews

LASAA employs 1000 youths to rid Lagos of posters

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HE Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) has engaged 1,000 youths to rid walls in Lagos of posters.

The campaign was kicked off at a well-attended media event under the Flyover bridge opposite the Teslim Balogun Memorial Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, on Wednesday.

It was aimed at removing the thousands of posters pasted by politicians during the campaigns heralding the just-concluded general elections.

The LASAA Managing Director, Mr Tunji Bello, said the ex-

ercise would be carried out across the state.

He said: “This event is significant in many ways. It is a time not only to restate our commitment to keep Lagos clean and beautiful, but also a time to reaffirm the focus of our agency. This is the time to reclaim the beauty of our city following the conclusion of the general elections.”

On why LASAA waived the law banning indiscriminate pasting of posters in the state during the last general elections, Bello said: “Before the commencement of the last elec-

tions, you will recall clearly our various messages and measures put in place to curb the indiscriminate pasting of political posters, banners and other materials for election campaigns. We established clear guidelines and communicated this to all parties concerned. We also engaged the members of the media about our mission to ensure a cleaner city even during elections. All these we did without prejudice to any political party or association. It was our intention to ensure fairness and to apply the rules without sentiments. Our common interest was to establish sanity and

protect the environment from further defilement as a result of visual blight.”

However, Bello explained that LASAA had to soft-pedal when security apparatus attached to LASAA officials to enforce the no poster order decided to suspend their support because “the officials were being tagged by various political aspirants as partisan and oppressive forces used by the incumbent government to oppress opponents.”

Bello stated that the state government has vowed that no waiver will be given in future elections.

Senator Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon, who represented the political class at the event, commended LASAA for its consistency and forthrightness in ensuring a cleaner and saner Lagos. “It is an honour and privilege to be part of this clean up exercise. I must thank LASAA’s management and officials who must have been overstretched during the last general elections because of the huge numbers of posters pasted by us (politicians).Therefore, we’re going to join hands with LASAA to ensure that this exercise is a success, “ Solomon said.

Starcomms gets HR,Customers Relations directors

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TARCOMMS Plc has appointed Messrs Bryan Morris and Peter Kingsley as Human Resources and Customer Operations directors.

Morris will be responsible for all human resources and administrative operations while Kingsley will be in charge of customer operations and services of the company.

The appointment is part of the company’s strategy of strengthening its management team in the highly competitive telecommunication industry.

Morris, an American and a graduate of the Ohio State University, United States has held a senior management positions in his 18 years working

experience.

Before pitching tent with Starcomms, Morris, who has had a quality exposure and vast experience in human resources, was General Manager, Human Resources and Administration with AP Moller-Maersk Terminals, Apapa, Lagos.

Kingsley attended Technical College Kempton Park and Vaal Triangle Technikon for his post secondary education. He has over 35 years work experience in a cross section of organisations, covering telecommunications, consulting and utilities industries in top management capacities. He has had quality exposure and vast experience in customer and subscriber operations.

Promasidor thrills orphans with concert

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VER 200 children from dif ferent motherless homes i n Lagos took part in the Little Big Club concert sponsored by Promasidor Nigeria Limited and Balmoral International Limited.

Apart from free tickets that the orphans were given to tahe part in the show, Promasidor also conveyed the children from various locations to a beach side marquee, venue of the event.

According to the Brand Manager Cowbell Chocolate and Amila, Biodun Ajiborode, the company extended this gesture to the motherless children to enable them to enjoy the good things of life like their counterparts who have parents.

He said: “Every festive season, Promasidor has a culture of giving motherless children a rare treat in several parts of the country. The Little Big Club show is part of the Easter celebration. We note that children in the orphanages may not be able to afford the prize of the ticket for the show because of the premium nature of the ticket and the classy nature of the event.

“We also believe that the experience they gained at the show may have a great impact on their lives.

So, we brought them to come and see it even before some of those who can afford the ticket will see it.”

The Little Big Club Concert is a live music concert of singing, dancing and drama featuring comic characters such as Fireman Sam, Bob the Builder, Angelina Ballerina, Alice and Pingu, the large penguin.

The team’s tour of Nigeria was sponsored by Promasidor and Balmoral International.

The Managing Director , Promasidor, Keith Richards, said he considered the company’s partnership with Balmoral and HIT as a great privilege to bring joy into the lives of children in Nigeria who have been enjoying the Promasidor brands of Cowbell Choco, Cowbell flavoured drink and Amilla.

•L-R: Mr Olusanjo Shodimu, General Secretary, Kingdom Wealth Imperial Initiative; Mr Victor Akintunde, President and Mr Tade Adekunle, Projects Consultant, Keskese, at a briefing on Eagles’ Gathering 2011, in Lagos.

Golden Pasta TVC makes its debut

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OLDEN Pasta Company Limited has launched her new TVC entitled Active

Family.

The primary marketing objective is to communicate the benefit of the brand to her ever loyal consumers.

The 30-second commercial is running in 37 major television stations in the six geo – political zones across the nation.

According to the Marketing Manager, Mrs. Modupeola Babalola, “Golden Penny pasta has the largest market share in

the industry. This is because of her relentless effort in customer satisfaction as well as producing pasta of the highest quality.

Golden Penny pasta is made from ‘Durum wheat’, which is the finest of all wheat around the world.

Trader wins N1m in Airtel bonanza

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•L-R: Vaughn Apoche, Manager, Client Service, IMS Advertising; Miss Nnenna Hemeson, Senior Brand Manager, Fayrouz & Climax, Nigerian Breweries Plc and ace Noollywood star, Desmond Elliot, at the Fayrouz Cocktail in Lagos.

N Ajegunle, Lagos-based petty trader, Mrs. Blessing Okonkwo, has won N1 million in the on-going Feel Free Bonanza by Airtel Nigeria.

Mrs. Okonkwo is one of the seven people to become millionaires in the promo that started in February this year. Weekly, seven participants win prizes which also include brand new LCD Television sets and Blackberry smartphones, through raffle draws supervised by a system processes and applications audit firm, TCQ&A. When contacted on phone by Airtel officials, Mrs. Okonkwo was astonished. She thanked Airtel for the gesture.

She also expressed gratitude to God for making it possible for her to win.

Another winner, Regina Adetoye, a Lagos-based nurse, commended Airtel for offering Nigerians the opportunity to transform their fortunes.

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GSK leverage media with PET Lucozade Boost

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O give media practitioners an experience of the everyday energy drink recently launched in a 500ml PET bottle, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer (GSK) Nigeria Plc, makers of the high quality nutritional health drink, Lucozade Boost, has embarked on a tour of selected media houses in Lagos.

The chosen media houses are The Nation, The Guardian, Champion, Business Day, Daily Sun and Vanguard media. Others are Thisday, Punch, Daily Independent, M2 and Marketing Edge magazine.

According to Lucozade Boost Brand manager, Mr Seni Ogunkola, who is leading the team of GSK Consumer Nigeria Plc’s officials on the tour, the essence of the visit to the media houses is to give the hardworking press an experience of the brand’s promise, which is to get energised and deliver their best at their point of duty.

Ogunkola, who said the visit is also to appreciate the bond that exists between the media and the brand, said members of staff of the media houses would during the visit have an opportunity to sample the energy drink as well as elicit first hand information on the brand.

The tour, which began last week with a visit to The Nation, and The Guardian continued on Monday this week to Daily Champion, Business Day, Daily Sun and Vanguard Media., followed by Thisday, The Punch and Daily Independent on Tuesday with the final lap of the visit slated for M2 and Marketing Edge the following day.

Ogunkola, who said the 500ml pack was introduced to strengthen the brand’s commitment to offering Nigerians the popular nutritional health drink in a convenient and trendy package, explained that the new Lucozade Boost PET bottle is not to replace the existing Tetra Pak packaging format but to give the teeming consumers a wider scope of options with different usage occasions across different channels.

He also said the quest to energise Nigerians without excluding any socio-economic class informed the company’s decision to package Lucozade Boost in a trendy PET bottle. This, according to him, is to give both

the teeming and potential consumers opportunity to feel and see the brand as trendy and useful for instant energy in every occasion.

Lucozade Boost is a safe glucose-based energy drink and currently has different brand extensions to meet the different energy requirements of Nigerians. ‘We are committed to producing energy drinks that will physically energise consumers to effectively run their daily activities,” he enthused.

GSK, makers of Lucozade Boost, is a world’s leading research-based pharmaceutical and health care company.

Peppe Terra hits the kitchen

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INCE the invention of the remote con trol, everyone seems to have adopted “convenient & stress free” inventions in every aspect life. Even the modern woman wants to spend less time in the kitchen to catch up with the fast-paced modern society - looking after the kids, helping out with family finance, dashing to work, sailing through traffic and all other hassles.

Amongs all these, she still has to keep the family together by cooking great meals for all. To make her cooking life easier, there are many instant ingredients for her to choose from. Instead of going through the process of pounding yam, she could easily put some yam flour on fire, and in some minutes she has a bowl of pounded yam ready.

To cook great soup is also not as tedious as it may sound or used to be. Though many women still go through the rigours of cutting, slicing and blending, there are now good blends out in the market that can take all that stress away. Most of them are, however, foreign products that will not really create that distinct African taste.

Peppe Terra was launched to fill that gap in the market and the product so far has gathered a large user base. It is a product many Nigerian women are now using to ease their cooking stress and also obtain perfect results every time. Peppe Terra is a

At ‘Ennovators breakfast’

blend of the fresher tomatoes, spicy red peppers and premium onions. All these ingredients are picked fresh from Nigerian farms which give Peppe Terra that quality taste.

The product is also made by one of Nigeria’s trusted names in food industry, CHI Limited, makers of Chivita, Hollandia & Capri-Sonne. Peppe Terra was launched just four months ago, and already it is becoming a staple in some kitchen.

Ever since, it has performed creditably well in the market and has established itself as a darling to both retailers and consumers. With its very affordable price of N30 and availability in the open market and supermarkets, buyers are highly motivated when they see that getting the product is not just ‘value for money’, but also value derived from the Quality, Hygiene & Convenience of handling the product.

The yummy taste of food cooked with Peppe Terra is another aspect that has won Peppe Terra many loyal consumers.

Kingsley Okpudo, a computer analyst is one of such admirers. In his words: “Since my wife told me some weeks back that the special taste I noticed in her Jollof rice was from Peppe Terra, I have never grown tired of reminding her every weekend that she must not miss the item in her shopping list.”

HEY are groaning. Bank customers are groaning under the burden of heavy cost of transfer (COT) and other bank charges while a large percentage of Nigerians lack access to bank accounts. The only available option is to provide financial inclusion for millions of Nigerians in rural and city centres through mobile payment.

This was the bedrock of Ennovators breakfast forum organised by financialtechnology magazine, which pulled the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and other mobile payment experts to the prestigious Lekki Oriental Hotel. At the forum, the Editor-in-chief of the magazine, Sola Fanawopo, did remind the audience that nearly 99 per cent of households in Nigeria own more than one mobile phone.

As such, there are twice as many mobile phones as television sets in Nigeria.

As a result, the good side of turning the mobile phone into a banking tool is that it is cost-effective. It is also an accessible platform to reach the un-banked in Nigeria. Since the banks and telcos have realised the need to embrace the mobile platform, the major challenge faced by the financial institutions is the issue of identification.

This is what led to the registration of SIM by the telcos to identity the users of their networks and Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements by the banks. However, the banks are seating on a huge customer data and the banks. The banks do not add value to the data. Therefore, the data is just that: data.

That is why some of the bank would design the same product for different customers with the thinking that the customers are the same.

This is wrong. Different customers have different aspirations and different needs for different reasons. The banks should quit thinking that what works for Fatimah would invariably be cool with Fatai. The banks are also in the mode of thinking that since Halimah and Taju are married couple and work in the civil service, they would prefer the same product.

This is not so, because Halimah and Taju are married does not make them share the same brain, think alike or share the same taste. However, this is the trend in the banking system. Therefore, the bank that gets this product differentiation right wins.

Now, it is not that the SIM registration exercise would assist the banks to get the right differentiation, no. The SIM registration is intended to assist the law enforcement agents to identify users of a particular phone line, which could become the most important KYC resource in a developing economy with poor identity system. For instance, Nigeria. Therefore, what effect would the ongoing SIM registration have on mobile money in the country? How similar are the requirements with existing KYC rules?

The over 120 mobile payment experts and executives who converged at the Ennovators breakfast forum provided answer to these questions. The consensus was that the Federal Government should formulate a Nigerian Mobile Commerce Strategy (NMCS), which would determine how the country uses the platform.

This line of thought is hinged on the fact that mobile payment like other means of financial transactions is susceptible to criminal activities; hence the need for adherence to KYC criteria in mobile payment transactions. However, this would require a standard and acceptable method of identifying users of mobile payment.

In Nigeria, there is not standard identification. The ongoing registration of SIM by the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC), however, offers an opportunity to addressing this challenge.

Until the completion of the exercise, no one knows what would happen.

Nevertheless, before then, is it okay to rely on SIM as identification of mobile payment users? If yes, how can we achieve this? If no, what are the alternatives?

This was the focus of the first edition of the Ennovators breakfast where six eminent electronic payment experts including the CBN, Nigeria Identity Management Commission (NIMC) presented position papers. These speakers stressed the need to adhere to KYC criteria to minimise vulnerabilities in the mobile payment system. Others, who spoke from the floor, expressed the believe that the ongoing SIM registration has KYC benefits for mobile payments.

However, they expressed concern over its reliability, given the problem of multiple SIM ownership by one subscriber as well as the absence of a means of verifying the identity of a SIM owner. To overcome the challenge, it was offered that a network-based registration of mobile payment users, biometric authentication and voice recognition be adopted as alternatives to the on-going SIM registration.

Another critical issue identified as a challenge to the KYC requirement is illiteracy, which is prevalence among the unbanked who are the major beneficiary of mobile payment. The experts agreed that the KYC forms and processes needs could be streamlined and made easy for this group.

From the papers presented and recommendations, a notable discovery was that mobile payment users, which can be verified online by mobile payment agents, could harness the KYC benefit of SIM registration to curb criminal activities in mobile payment by integrating SIM card registration with mobile payment infrastructure as an additional authentication.

The thoughts and views of these experts are being catalogued in a report by the organiser of the event for onward delivery to the CBN. Heard that the participants at the forum could also download a copy of the report online when it is completed. The totality of this effort, it is worth stressing, is to ensure that bank customers and mobile payment users would stop groaning.

‘From the papers presented and recommendations, a notable discovery was that mobile payment users, which can be verified online by mobile payment agents, could harness the KYC benefit of SIM registration to curb criminal activities in mobile payment by integrating SIM card registration with mobile payment infrastructure as an additional authentication’

*Editor - Wale Alabi *Consulting Editors - Rarzack Olaegbe, Sola Fanawopo * Correspondent-Jimi David * Human Relations Executive - Owolabi Afolabi *Operations Executive - Isiaka Hassan *Creative - Oluwaseyi Sulaimon*Front Office Executive - Blessing Nkeanya * Business Development - Kenny Hussain * Legal Adviser - Olasupo Osewa & Co Brandweek is powered by Drumbeat Media and published every Friday in THE NATION newspaper. Corporate Suite: 20 Akinremi Street, off Awolowo Way, Ikeja, Lagos.

All correspondence to the editor - 0808.247.7806, 0805.618.0040, , e-mail: korede2000@gmail.com © All rights reserved.

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NEWS

Lagos pays N22.7b to pension administrators

By Miriam Ndikanwu

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AGOS State Government has remitted N22.7 billion to Pensions Fund Administrators (PFAs) as its contributions to the pension scheme, Commissioner for Establishment, Pensions and Training, Mr. Jide Sanwo-Olu, has said.

Sanwo-Olu addressed reporters yesterday in Ikeja, Lagos, saying N1.337 billion had been paid to 124 newly retired public servants.

According to him, the N22.7 billion was paid in two tranches, with the first paid last year October and the second in February.

He said: “As of February 17, 320 redemption bonds were completed and N1, 337,969,846.12 was credited to individual retirement savings account. As of today, we have 124 retirees of the 320 already drawing pension.”

Sanwo-Olu said 105,550 civil servants had registered under the contributory pension scheme, which began in April 2007, after it was signed into the state Pension Reform Law.

Four escape ritual killing in Osun

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OUR persons, including a nursing mother and her infant, yesterday escaped suspected ritual abduction in Gbongan, headquarters of Ayedaade Local Government of Osun State.

The nursing mother, Mrs. Funke Bamidele, said she boarded a vehicle, popularly called Soole, from Ikire road with two young men around 1pm.

The woman, who operates a video rental shop in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, said the driver and a passenger in front picked the four of them, including her child.

According to her, the driver tricked them to believe that another car, carrying four other passengers, would follow them because of its bad condition.

From Soji Adeniyi, Osogbo

She said in Gbongan, the two drivers exchanged phone calls as their driver excused them to allow the second vehicle stop somewhere in the town to refill the car’s caburetor with water.

Mrs Bamidele said: “He forcefully turned into the bush path and right there we knew we were in trouble. The car, which he claimed to be bad, moved at top speed. But I summoned courage at a point and ordered one of the young men sitting next to me to take my child for me that I wanted to take out my gun. I announced right there that I was a Police officer that I was going to kill them if they refused to stop.

Alaafin to Ajimobi: leave Akala’s new law for court to settle •Bishop advises governors-elect against probe

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HE Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, yesterday urged Oyo State governor-elect, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, not to intervene in the faceoff between him and Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala.

Oba Adeyemi said the court would settle the legality or otherwise of the matter.

The monarch spoke when Ajimobi visited him at his palace.

He promised traditional rulers’ support for the incoming administration.

He described Ajimobi as a man of noble pedigree and a learned politician with the capacity to turn the state around.

Oba Adeyemi urged the residents to give the governor-elect free hand to enable him deliver on his election promises.

He said: “We should not give the new governor and the government too much burdens that would affect their day-to-day operations.”

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan and Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

Ajimobi thanked the monarchs and other people for their support, promising that his government would respect the traditional institution.

The Bishop of Ijebu Diocese of the Catholic Church, Rev. Fr. Albert Ayinde Fasina, has advised the Ogun and Oyo states’ governors-elect, Senators Ibikunle Amosun and Abiola Ajimobi not to probe their predecessors.

He said the exercise would amount to a “distraction and waste of time”.

Fasina urged the governors-elect to leave the probe to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Offences Commission (ICPC).

The bishop addressed reporters in Ijebu–Ode to mark the centenary anniversary of Ijebu Diocese of the church.

He said the governors–elect should get busy with how to address the basic needs the

people.

Fasina said it would not benefit anyone to spend time that ought to be used to serve the people on probing past administrations when EFCC and ICPC could handle the task.

He said: “Since there is a body in the state that looks into that; there is a body that investigates allegations of corruption, evidence of corruption should be investigated.

“New governments should face the task at hand.

There is much to do at grassroots level and they need to hit the ground running because there is no time. They should put their manifestoes in plane sheets and show to us that they have sharp focus.”

Workers in private and public sectors yesterday congratulated Ajimobi, promising to work in harmony with his government for the state’s progress.

The workers, led by the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC),

Alhaji Bashiru Olanrewaju, and president of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Mr Bayo Ajayi, said Ajimobi’s victory was well deserved.

Olanrewaju said: “We urge Your Excellency to take our welfare seriously and promise to reciprocate the gesture with good productivity.

“We are assuring you of our unflinching support and cordial relationship in order to transform Oyo State.”

Ajimobi said his government would maintain an open-door policy, stressing that he would organise consultative fora with the people to take care of their yearnings.

He said: “There will be no cause for industrial action because our administration will work in good relationship with you and be ready for your constructive criticisms.

“We must appreciate that every position we are is temporary. We need to live a good life and ensure that we make positive impacts in other people’s lives.”

Six states to get free insecticidal nets From Dele Anofi, Abuja

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IVE states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) would get free long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLIN) to fight the spread of malaria, Health Minister, Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu, has said.

The minister spoke yesterday in Bwari Area Council, Abuja, at this year’s World Malaria Day. He said Nigeria contributed a quarter of malaria burden in Africa, adding that over 90 per cent of the population was at risk of its attack.

According to him, malaria is responsible for about 60 per cent of clinic attendance and contributes 30 per cent to childhood mortality in Nigeria.

He said 35.6 million LLINs had been distributed to 22 states, with Oyo, Ondo, Edo, Yobe and Kogi and four other states getting their supplies yesterday to control the spread of the disease.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) said it would begin Indoor Residual Spray in Nasarawa Egon and Doma local governments of Nasarawa States.

‘Opposition will resist PDP’s force at National Assembly’

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N Oyo State senatorelect, Chief Olufemi Lanlehin, has said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would find it difficult to force its interests on the two National Assembly legislative chambers.

Lanlehin, who won the April 9 Oyo South Senatorial election under Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), noted that with PDP’s mere 50 per cent membership of the National Assembly, opposition lawmakers would ensure that it does not succeed in foisting its selfish interest on the nation again.

The senator-elect addressed reporters in Ibadan yesterday, saying PDP’s problem was compounded by the calibre of lawmakers that emerged in last month’s Na-

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

tional Assembly polls.

Lanlehin noted that the credible election threw up more people of integrity, adding that the tough nature of the election makes it mandatory for all elected officers to deliver on their campaign promises.

He said: “The dominance of PDP will not be visible this time because we still have a substantial number of other parties there. They will stand against the tyranny of PDP. They won’t find it easy to ride roughshod over others in the National Assembly this time.

This time around, we have a National Assembly that is far better than what we have now.”

•Some newly appointed caretaker committee chairmen for local governments taking the oath of office at the Government House, Port Harcourt, Rivers State...yesterday

ACPN decries supporters’ ‘victimisation’

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HE Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN) in Kwara State has decried alleged victimisation of its members by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government before, during and after last month’s elections.

The party fielded Senator Gbemisola Saraki as its governorship candidate in the April 26 election, coming a distant third with over 72,000.

In a communiqué by its Central Working Committee

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

(CWC), the party said it noted “with dismay the massive transfer and suspension of teachers believed to ACPN’s supporters and sympathisers in almost all the 16 local governments before and after the elections”.

Signed by its chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Zubair, the communique said it “reaffirmed members’ continued unalloyed loyalty and support to the founder of the

party, Dr Olusola Saraki, and commended him for his outstanding leadership qualities in piloting the affairs of the party as well as his service to humanity”.

It reads in part: “Members pledged to remain undaunted to keep the party alive and to continue with vigour and determination towards achieving the aims and objectives of the party.

“The meeting, chaired by the ACPN chair, commended members from all nooks and

crannies of the state for the warm and befitting reception accorded our great leader during the campaign tours of the state. Also, a message of hope from Dr Olusola Saraki was delivered by the chairman of Elders’ Forum, Alhaji Amosa Jidda.

“The meeting urged all our members and supporters to remain steadfast and dedicate themselves to the vision and mission of the founding fathers of the party and to continue to be law-abiding.”

Eight pupils charged with alleged fraud

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IGHT pupils of St. Peter’s Secondary School, Akure, Ondo State, were yesterday arraigned at an Akure Magistrate’s Court for allegedly defrauding the government.

They were arrested for allegedly presenting fake bank tellers to their school management for the payment of their

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

tuition fees.

The pupils are: Adenuga Abiodun; Ewegbemi Femi; Imafidon Tope; Akinnawonu Nelson; Olorunusi Ayodeji; Ayinnuola Damola; Umeric Michael and Akinbowa Tayo.

The alleged fraud was said to have involved millions of naira.

The accused were charged

with forging Spring Bank of Nigeria Plc teller, contrary to Section 467(2) of the Criminal Code, Cap 30, Vol. 11 of the laws of the state.

When the charges were read to them, the accused pleaded not guilty.

Their counsel applied for bail and the Magistrate granted it with N150,000 and

sureties in like sum.

The Magistrate said the sureties must be their fathers or residents of Akure Magistrate District.

Commissioner for Education, Mr. Pius Osunyikanmi, on Wednesday stopped the pupils from writing the on-going West African School Certificate Examination (WASCE).

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NEWS NAMA urges court to strike out Falana’s N500m suit over airport closure

I left N406 billion in the treasury, says former AGF T

By Joseph Jibueze

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HE Nigerian Airspace Management Agency yesterday asked a Federal High Court sitting in Ikeja to dismiss a N500milion suit filed against it by a human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana, for want of jurisdiction.

Falana had dragged NAMA before the court claiming that the agency endangered his life and that of 43 others who were on board an Arik aircraft which was prevented by the agency from landing at Benin airport in December 2010.

Falana had claimed that he was to attend the funeral of Late Clara Oshiomole, wife of Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomole, in Benin last December 17. The plane he boarded, he said, was denied landing at the Benin airport. He claimed that NAMA closed the airport against them because President Goodluck Jonathan’s plane was arriving.

According to Falana, NAMA’s order to shut the airport against them endangered his life and that of others violating his fundamental human rights to life because the Arik Flight No:6658 conveying them had to hover in the air for about 35minutes before they were flown back to Lagos.

He asked the court to declare that NAMA’s act of shutting the airport because of a Very Important Personality infringed on his fundamental human

LOSS OF DOCUMENTS This is to notify the general public that on the 10th day of April, 2011 in transit I, Idowu Bolarinwa of 2 Creek Road, Apapa lost the original Bill of lading No. SHALOS110000247 issued in respect of container Nos.PCIU3876070, PCIU3832180 & 8 others belonging to Orzburn Aluminium Ltd. Please, if found return to the above mentioned address or call GSM No. 08033043375.

•Falana rights, and prayed for an order restraining the regulatory body from shutting the airport because of any VIP. At the resumed hearing presided over by Justice Steven Adah, NAMA lawyer, Mr. Adeyinka Aderemi, in his preliminary objection, urged the court to dismiss the suit saying it was outside the territorial jurisdiction of the court because the infringement of rights claimed by the applicant happened in Benin, Edo State capital.

Adeyinka also argued that Falana lacked locus standi (legal right to sue) saying that the reliefs he was seeking against the agency were too wide and imprecise.

Justice Adah fixed June 9 for ruling on the respondent’s preliminary objection.

HE immediate past Accountant General of the Federation (AGF) and the governor-elect of Gombe state, Mallam Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambohas rendered an account of his stewardship as AGF and how much he left behind in the nation’s treasury.

Speaking at the formal handing over ceremony to the acting AGF, Mallam Damkwambo disclosed that he left a balance of N406 billion in the nation’s account on the 22nd of December when he left office to run for the governorship of Gombe state.

Giving a breakdown of what he left in the accounts Dankwambo stated that on the day he left office, there was N20.6 billion in the domestic excess crude account, N167 billion in

Nduka Chiejina (Assistant Editor)

the foreign excess crude account, N10.5 billion in the federation account and N2.4 billion in the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) operations account.

All these in addition to other account he did not disclose pooled to N406 billion but he quickly announced that the most of figures were not the consolidated account figures as some of the accounts were still receiving accruals as at the time he vacated the seat.

The balance of N406 billion Dankwambo insisted was what was left after salaries and other debts that are recurrent

in nature had been fully paid.

At the ceremony he told staff of the treasury that one of the reasons he left for the position to become the governor of Gombe state was to give other members of the treasury family the chance to rise.

He also revealed that he left the treasury (as the office of the Accountant General of the Federation is referred to) a better place than he met it arguing that that staff of the treasury were now freer than they were before he took over as AGF and the place had an improved work schedule.

He expressed delight that he did not hear of any rancour among the staff of the treasury neither was there “any case of

fraud that was out of proportion to warrant the attention of the public”.

He encouraged the staff of the treasury to improve themselves arguing that the world had become dynamic and they needed to change with the times or be left behind. He implored them to “enhance” their skills and knowledge but was optimistic that the treasury academy will support the development of the staff of the office towards the realization of an improved, skilled and knowledgeable work force in the treasury.

The staff of the OAGF were also asked to extend the loyalty, support and energy they extended to him to the acting AGF and the substantive AGf when he is appointed by the government.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

This is to notify the general public that the under listed Cert. belonging to Osikoya Olusola Adebola of 32, Babatunde Tandok Street, Owode, off Ajah-Lekki, expressway. Lagos got lost. They are: Babcock University Degree Certificate-Yr 05 Cert. No-00002424 WAEC Cert.

(LSMC,Badore) Candidate no 242632121 Cert. no 0293043 years 1997. All effort to trace it proved abortive.

LOSS OF CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY This is to notify the general public that the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) Registered as No. 19 page 19 in Volume 1997R and Dated 21 st Sept. 1997 of the property at plot 5&6 Block A Pa Jonathan K. Coker Layout at Iju Railway Station, Agege belonging to Mr.Medaidu Babalola Ojo got lost in transit.

All efforts to trace it proved abortive.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Nigeria Toying Vehicle Association of Nigeria, Oyo State Chapter Congratulate (new Governor-Elect Senator lsiaka Abiola Ajumobi in his victory at just concluded election.

We pray that God will grant you wisdom to take Oyo State to promise land.

This advert was made under the chairmanship of Chief Kayode Olawuyi, Chairman Oyo State Chapter of Toying Vehicle Association Oyo State Chapter. Ibadan, Branch Toll gate headquarter.

PUBLIC NOTICE GO VERNOR’S CUP LA GOS TENNIS CL UB GOVERNOR’S LAGOS CLUB The above named club has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission under part C of the CAMA 1990 AIMS & OBJECTIVES 1) To complement through tennis and other sports related activities the efforts of the Lagos State Government to make Lagos the Centre of excellence.

2) To educate people through sports in a spirit of better understanding between each other and of friendship thereby helping to build a better and more peaceful world.

3) To develop in our citizens those physical and moral qualities which are the basis of sports.

4) To provide leisure, pleasure, entertainment and relaxation to Nigerians in general and Lagosians in particular.

5) To organize annually an international Tennis Championship to be called Governors’ Cup Lagos Tennis.

THE TRUSTEES OF THE CLUB ARE: 1. Chief Pius Oluwole Akinyelure 4. Mr. Wisdom Dafinone 2. Prince Wale Oladunjoye (snr) 5. Engineer Abiodun Oshodi 3. Architect Dele Aina If there is any objection to the registration of this association, please direct same to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: S. Olufemi Avoseh Esq. A.O.S. Hodonu & Co 3rd Avenue, V Close, Festac Town, Lagos Tel: 08034446914

•Chairman, Doyin Group of Companies, Samuel Adedoyin (left) being presented with an Award of Excellence by Mrs Grace Jemibewon (center) and Chairman of Conference of the Northern States Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines & Agriculture (CONSCCIMA), Alhaji Ahmad Rabiu (right) during the cahmaber’s Award for Excellence in Leadership and EntreprePHOTO:ABAYOMI FAYESE neurship in Abuja...yesterday

‘How media can help reduce road crashes’

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HE media has a critical role to play in the reduction of road traffic crashes, it was learnt yesterday.

The Chairman Editorial Board of The Nation, Sam Omatseye, who spoke at the 2011 La Prevention Routiere International (PRI), Annual General Assembly and International Road Safety Forum in Abuja, said the media can help by linking their reportage of dearth of infrastructure in Nigeria to road safety issues.

Omatseye said: “Let me examine some of the draw backs of road safety and what challenges they pose for the media. First are roads. We have to have roads before we can even start any discussion of road safety. In fact the matter is almost trite. I want to ask myself, how many good roads do we have in the country? I live in Lagos, I know what has been done in the past decade to improve road infrastructure in Nigeria yet we are not near where we can start to shout hallelujah!

“While it is a huge burden on government to get the right capacity and resources for all the roads how can we get all money and the men to do the roads

From Sanni Ologun, Abuja

first? We have 36 states in the federation and in many places we see death roads.

“Where there are tarred roads they are full of craters, gullies, sudden deeps and hangs. All over the country federal roads are in bad shape. In the South East of the country journey is a challenge. The roads linking states and major cities are bad.”

He added:”Even in the Southsouth we have what we call the East West road.

They have been working on that road forever. How can we begin to speak of road safety without good roads?

“The media while trying to tell the story of bad roads has often drawn the correlation of good roads and safety but in the concept of the FRSC, the media tends not to look at roles of the FRSC in the same breath.

“The FRSC wants to maintain its institutional integrity so it has not gone out of its way to mount an exerted campaign for good roads.

That I think is the duty of the media to harp on the need for FRSC to see its first job as pestering government to get us good roads first.”

On the problem of drunk

driving on the nation’s highways, Omatseye said: “Nigerians are reputed to be one of the top consumers of alcohol in the world. We should have breathalysers with which to test and punish those who have exceeded the alcohol intake limits.”

He added: “The journey to road safety is a long one but the existence of FRSC is a pointer that we have started to think along that mile but like other institutions in the country we don’t pay enough attention to it. The road is one of the most important parts of human existence. The story of road safety is the story of a nation upturning its priorities.

“We need to get the infrastructure right first before superstructure safety. So the media can do the following: the media can well to draw attention to that, frequent reporting of infrastructure and linking them with road safety issues, reporting health issues and putting them in that context.

“Advertising by road safety and other agencies in government would help sensitize the public to the issue of road safety and tips of road safety should be in the newspapers more often and in the electronic media.

“The media has not done enough but they are doing a little on local understanding of terrain to be analysed so that when they analyse local terrain people would know what is peculiar about the terrains and what and how to navigate them on the wheel.

Human angle stories should be highlighted to tell the terrors and improvement in our road system. The use of media by the FRSC is very important move of this organization.”

The first session of the three day forum with the theme Road Safety Administration and System also had others speakers.

Apart from Omatseye, the PRI President Joops Goos gave an overview of the global action on road safety in developing countries and decade of action, while Dr Iyiola Oni of the University of Lagos in his paper titled Data Management in the Traffic Safety stressed the pivotal importance of accurate data in effective road safety administration.

Other speakers include the Corps Marshal and Chief Executive of the FRSC, Osita Chidoka, Dr. Suliaman Abubakar of the University of Abuja and Chekaroo Bagoudou from Niger Republic.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2011

62

NEWS FOREIGN Court declares Ouattara president IVORY Coast’s Constitutional Council ratified Thursday the results of a presidential election showing that Alassane Ouattara won, reversing an earlier decision to reject them.

The court’s initial rejection of electoral commission results from the November 2010 poll sparked a four-month power struggle between Ouattara and incumbent leader Laurent Gbagbo that killed thousands and displaced more than a million.

Constitutional Council President Paul Yao N’Dre said the top legal body now accepted that Ouattara won the election.

Magnitude quake strikes off Japan’s coast AN earthquake with a magnitude of 6.1 struck off the coast of eastern Japan early the United States Geological Survey said. But there were no immediate reports of any casualties or damage.

Japan is recovering from a magnitude 9.0 quake which struck on March 11 and triggered a huge tsunami.

The disaster killed about 26,000 people.

There have been numerous aftershocks since then.

Pakistanis say US shot bin Laden A in ‘cold blood’ W

SENIOR Pakistani security official said United States troops killed Osama bin Laden in “cold blood”, fuelling a global controversy and straining a vital relationship Washington was trying to repair yesterday.

And Pakistan’s army, in its first comment since Monday’s raid, threatened to halt cooperation with its military sponsor if it repeated what it called a violation of sovereignty.

But Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Washington was still anxious to maintain its alliance with Islamabad.

“It is not always an easy relationship. You know that,” she said.

“But, on the other hand, it is a productive one for both our countries and we are going to continue to cooperate between our governments, our militaries, our law-enforcement agencies, but

most importantly between the American and Pakistani people.”

Americans are questioning how the al Qaeda leader could live for years in some comfort in a garrison town near the Pakistani capital.

Some call for cutting billions of dollars in U.S. aid.

As Clinton was meeting European and Arab allies in Rome, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, General Ashfaq Kayani, issued a statement saying any new US raids would mean a possible end to cooperation with the Pentagon on security and intelligence.

“Any similar action violating the sovereignty of Pakistan will warrant a review on the level of military/intelligence cooperation with the United States,” the army

said.

And in a further sign of fractious relations between the allies, senior Pakistani security officials told Reuters that U.S. accounts had been misleading in describing a long gun battle at the compound in Abbottabad where bin Laden and four others were killed by an elite squad of US Navy SEALs. “It was cold-blooded,” said one Pakistani official when asked if there was any exchange of fire. After an initial account of a 40-minute firefight, US officials have now been quoted saying only one person fired at the raiding party, and that only briefly as the helicopterborne assault team arrived.

A US acknowledgment that bin Laden was unarmed when shot in the head — as

well as the disposal of his body at sea, a practice rare in Islam — have drawn criticism from the Arab world and Europe, where some have warned of a backlash against the West, even among Muslims who reject Qaeda’s violence.

The White House has blamed the “fog of war” for its changing stories. Citing U.S. officials, NBC television said four of the five people killed, including bin Laden himself, were unarmed.

The New York Times quoted officials in the administration of President Barack Obama saying bin Laden’s courier fired the only shots against the Americans, in the early stages of the raid, from a guesthouse in the sprawling, highwalled compound.

“I know for a fact that shots were exchanged during this operation,” said one Pentagon official.

Iraqi police post bombed A SUICIDE bomb attack in Iraq has killed at least 16 people and injured more than 40.

The bomber drove a car laden with explosives into a police headquarters in Hilla, a city south of Baghdad.

The attack took place during a shift change, when many police officers were outside the building. Most of the victims were police.

Hilla is a mainly Shia city and has in the past come under attack by Sunni militants.

The blast walls in front of the police headquarters in Hilla collapsed in the explosion and the building was badly damaged, a Reuters reporter said.

“The suicide bomber took advantage of the police station’s guards changing shifts,” said Haidar al-Zazour, the head of the provincial security committee.

IFE of South Africa’s intelligence minister, Sheryl Cwele has been convicted of drug trafficking. She was arrested in January 2010.

Cwele, married to Siyabonga Cwele, recruited women to smuggle drugs into the country from Turkey and South America, a judge found.

Allegations of drug trafficking surfaced in 2009 after the arrest of a South African woman caught in Brazil with cocaine worth $300,000 (£200,000).

Tessa Beetge is currently serving an eight-year jail sentence in Sao Paulo.

She was found with 10kg (22lb) of cocaine in her luggage.

Cwele was convicted along with her accomplice Frank Nabolisa, a Nigerian national, at the High Court in Pietermaritzburg.

The pair, who had pleaded not guilty, face 15 years in prison. Sentencing is due today.

Syria accused of ‘Deraa massacre’

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Ben Ali faces death charges TUNISIA’S ex-leader Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali and his wife are to face new charges linked to the killings of some protesters during January’s uprising.

Ben Ali was ousted after weeks of protests and fled to Saudi Arabia.

He already faces 18 different charges, including voluntary manslaughter and drug-trafficking.

These new charges include “instigating disorder, murder and looting” and “plotting against the internal security”, the justice ministry said.

According to the official news agency Tap, the new charges are being investigated by a court in the coastal town of Sousse.

Minister’s wife convicted for drugs smuggling

•L-R Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Mrs Graca Mandela and Kofi Annen at the World Economic Forum on Africa holding in Cape Town South Africa...yesterday

Allies offer Libyan rebels cash lifeline

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ASH-strapped Libyan rebels won a financial lifeline potentially worth billions of dollars from the United States and other allies yesterday, as forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi pounded rebel towns in the west.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Washington would seek to unlock some of the $30 billion of Libyan state funds frozen in the United States to help the rebel movement.

Italy, host of a meeting in Rome of the “contact group” on Libya, said a temporary special fund would be set up by allied nations to channel cash to the rebel administration in its eastern Libyan

stronghold of Benghazi.

Kuwait pledged $180 million to the fund, while Qatar promised $400-500 million, Qatar’s prime minister said.

France said it was evaluating its contribution to the fund, which should be operational within weeks.

A rebel spokesman in Zintan, southwest of Tripoli, said pro-Gaddafi forces had fired about 50 Russian-made Grad rockets into the rebel-held town so far on Thursday.

The spokesman, Abdulrahman, said the first salvo landed at about 6:45 a.m.

(12:45 a.m. EDT). He said NATO air strikes had destroyed at least two government helicopters near Zintan

as they were being transported on trucks.

A Libyan man who fled the town of Nalut, near the border with Tunisia, said it was under bombardment.

Ayub, who left Nalut earlier on Thursday, told Reuters after crossing the border into Tunisia: “They are firing from a mountain about 10 km (6 miles) to the east of Nalut.

They are firing Grads.” This is the first time there have been reports of Nalut coming under bombardment.

Al Arabiya television, citing rebels, reported that NATO launched air strikes on Gaddafi forces in the oil town of Brega, in eastern Libya. It did not give details.

As the fighting has generally descended into a stalemate, the rebel Transitional National Council (TNC) says it needs up to $3 billion to keep going in the coming months.

But efforts to unblock Libyan state assets frozen in overseas accounts or to allow the rebels to get past U.N. sanctions that prevent their selling oil on international markets have been held up so far.

Clinton said Washington hoped to change the law to allow it to use some of the more than $30 billion of frozen Libyan assets in the United States to help the Libyan people.

Britain expels two Libyan diplomats

W

ILLIAM Hague, the Foreign Secretary, ordered the expulsion of two Libyan diplomats from its London embassy as he travelled to Rome to demand heavier military bombardment of Col Muammar Gaddafi’s The Foreign Office refused to comment on the behaviour which led to the expulsion of the two diplomats and their dependants, but it is understood that they are suspected of seeking to intimidate proopposition Libyans living in Britain.

In a statement, Mr Hague

said that the expulsion was part of a move to step up the diplomatic pressure on Gaddafi, and that the diplomats and their families had until Wednesday to leave the country.

He added: “I ordered the expulsion of the two diplomats on the basis that their activities were contrary to the interests of the UK. “We keep the status of the Libyan Embassy and its staff under constant review. I judged that the behaviour of these individuals had become unacceptable, and that they should therefore be declared

persona non grata.”

Last week, Omar Jelban the Libyan Ambassador, was given 24 hours to leave the country in retaliation for attacks on the British embassy in Tripoli.

The attack by crowds of Gaddafi supporters on the British mission followed a NATO air raid on Tripoli that the Libyan government said had killed the dictator’s youngest son and three of his grandchildren.

Libya’s rebel leadership outlined a political “roadmap” to international powers to be enacted if Col Gaddafi

leaves power that would lead to presidential elections within eight months.

Mahmud Jibril, the head of the rebel Transitional National Council (TNC) said the first step would be a national congress to create a new constitution for Libya within 45 days of Kadhafi leaving power.

A referendum would be held on the constitution and parliamentary elections would then be organised within four months. Two months after that, there would be presidential elections, Jibril said.

SYRIAN human rights group has accused the government of carrying out “10 days of massacres” against protesters in the southern city of Deraa.

The Damascus Center for Human Rights Studies (DCHRS) says snipers and antiaircraft machine guns are being used to fire on unarmed civilians.

Recent amateur video appears to show dozens of unarmed protesters being shot and bleeding to death on the streets.

The government is trying to quell seven weeks of protests that began in Deraa.

In cities across the country, protesters are calling for greater political rights and personal freedoms. Some are calling for the downfall of the regime of President Bashar al-Assad.

Yesterday, the United States and Italy condemned the “brutal crackdown” by the Syrian government on its people.

More than 500 Syrians are thought to have been killed and at least 2,500 others detained.

Rights groups say the figure could be much higher.

Egypt ‘s ex-minister jailed 12 years

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GYPTIAN former Interior Minister Habib alAdly has been sentenced to 12 years in jail on charges of money-laundering and profiteering.

As head of the country’s security services, Adly was a key part of ex-President Hosni Mubarak’s regime.

Mubarak was forced out of power in February after a popular uprising.

This is the first trial of an official from his regime.

Adly faces separate charges of ordering troops to fire on demonstrators.

He may face the death penalty if convicted of this charge.

“The court has ruled that Habib al-Adly will be punished with seven years in prison for profiteering,” said Judge al-Mohamadi al-Qunsuwa in the courthouse on the outskirts of Cairo on Thursday.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 06, 2011

63

SPORT EXTRA

N

IGERIA began the defence of their WAFU Cup title with a 1-0 win over Liberia.

The match had to be hastily rearranged following the lastminute withdrawals of Mali and Senegal from the West African regional championship.

Hosts Nigeria had been due to play Mali in the Group A opener and the change meant that Niger had a rest day.

Ekighio Ehiosun, who plays for Nigerian side Warri Wolves, scored the only goal of the game for coach Samson Siasia's team of locally-based players.

No official reason has been given for the withdrawals

by Senegal or Mali.

Japan bows to Nigeria's bowling attack

WAFU CUP

Nigeriapips Liberia 1-0 as A Mali, Senegal withdraw The absence of Senegal means that Group B has also been reduced to three teams - The Gambia, Togo and Ghana.

The organisers have revised the timetable of games and Friday will now be a rest day.

The next matches will be on Saturday with Nigeria playing Niger and Togo up against Ghana.

Amos Adamu appeals to CAS over ban

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IGERIA's Amos Adamu has appealed to sport's highest court to overturn his threeyear ban from football.

The veteran administrator was found guilty of seeking bribes during 2018 and 2022 World Cup bidding process.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) said on Thursday that he has now appealed against his suspension.

Tonga's Ahongalu Fusimalohi has also appealed his two-year ban, according to the Swiss-based court.

"In both cases, the appellants request that they be found not guilty and the sanctions against them be annulled," the court said in a statement.

The court has not fixed a

•Amos Adamu

hearing date.

In February, FIFA's Appeal Committee upheld the decisions taken by the Ethics Committee in November.

Adamu had been on the executive committee for both FIFA and the Confederation of African Football, as well as the president of the West African Football Union, before his ban.

•Ehiosun

Appleton: Osaze ‘ll be better next season

N

IGERIAN forward and West Brom attacking pearl Peter Odemwingie has been tipped to be an even bigger success during his second Premier League campaign.

That’s the message from first-team coach Michael Appleton, who has been impressed – but not surprised – by the Nigerian’s form during this campaign.

“First and foremost, he needs to keep his feet on the ground, which I’m sure he will because the gaffer, myself, Keith (Downing), Dean (Kiely) and the rest of the coaching staff will make sure of it,” said Appleton.

“Secondly, even if defenders do know what he’s all

about next season, and what he’s trying to do, he has fantastic pace.

“That is one of the most difficult things to deal with in any league. People are scared to death of it.

“If someone is scared to death of pace, they tend to drop really deep.

“Now, what players with raw pace don’t normally have is good feet.

“For example, if someone drops off to stop the space in behind, they’ll let the opponent have the ball in front because they haven’t got great feet.

“But with Peter, he actually has good feet as well as great pace.

“That means that if teams do start dropping off against us, and we have to play the ball

FEDERATION CUP

Sharks battle Dolphins in title defence

I

T will be survival of the fittest when Rivers Federation Cup defending champions, Sharks FC, battles sister club, Dolphins in what seems to be a supremacy fight come Saturday at the Sharks stadium in the heart of Port Harcourt City.

The encounter which would be played under flood lights would kick off by 6.00pm and is expected to attract fans of both clubs en mass for massive

From Florence Nkem Israel, Port harcourt cheering and support.

Both teams cruised into the finals of the competition after winning their grassroot opponents convincingly thereby saving their fans the kind of heat witnessed in the competiton in the recent past.

While Dolphins beat Greater Tomorrow football club by 31, Sharks humbled Global stars

fc with three unreplied goals, both in the semi finals.

Now, Sharks is left with the only option of defending the trophy which they dethroned Dolphins to win last year by a lone goal at the liberation stadium.

Meanwhile, several football lovers in the city are already making heartfelt appeal for a fair officiating when Dolphins visits Sharks for the state finals this weekend.

Laraba boss commends Ogun Govt over infrastructure

A

Chieftain of Women Football League Clubs Owners Chief Labara Gloria Shoda has commended the Government of Ogun State over its sports infrastructural capacity building in the state, but requested the Government attention to women football.

The proprietor of Labara Queens who doubles as the vice Chairman of Southwest’s Women Football League Clubs Owners before the commencement of the on-going WAFU Cup in Ogun State told journalists that the present administration in Ogun State has done so

•Canvasses support for female football

By Innocent Amomoh much to develop sports infrastructure.

But fumed over the state of female football, especially in the state, saying if a quarter of what is given to men’s football is shifted to women football; the girls would have brought laurels into the state.

“Our Governor here, Otunba Gbenga Daniel has done greatly well for sports in this state, but is unfortunate that women football is yet to get its due attention

which is inimical to its development, even in Nigeria at large.

“My appeal is for Government to look into the female side of football taking into considerations the many laurels our female players had brought to the country,” Shoda reiterated.

She however, urged Government functionaries and spirited individual to join the club owners in its drive to raise fund to supports preparations of Super Falcons for FIFA Women World Cup Slated for Germany this year.

into his feet instead of in behind, then we’ll be quite happy with that because we know he’s still got the ability to hurt teams.

“Peter’s done great this year but I expect him to push on because I think he can do even better.

T BCA Oval 2, Japan slipped to its fourth defeat of the tournament as Nigeria bounced back from its massive defeat yesterday to win by 90 runs.

The African side posted a good target of 221 for the Japanese who had been struggling all week against the opposition it has faced and today’s game proved to be no different. Masaomi Kobayashi’s side took its time to claim its first wicket, when with 44 runs on the board Ademola Onikoyi departed for 18 runs off the bowling of Naoki Miyaji. It was the day of Raheel Kano with the 18-year-old claiming two wickets in two balls after Tatsuro Chino put in some good work behind the stumps. Ultimately the young Japanese bowler walked away with four wickets but not before Segun Olayinka had made 51 and Olajide Bejide had made 43 to contribute to the total. As the Japanese opening pair took to the field to bat in the afternoon sun of Gaborone the duo put on a good partnership but Nigeria’s bowling and fitness in the field over-powered the Japanese batsmen.

Patrick Giles-Jones, Tatsuro Chino and Ko Irie were promoted up the order with captain Kobayashi dropping down to bat in sixth spot, but the promotion proved futile with none of

them scoring higher than 14.

Player-coach Sean Philips once again proved a key element to the Nigeria team claiming three wickets including that of Chino and opener Munir Ahmed. Fittingly it was Philips who took the last wicket of the game as the sun began to set, bowling Satoshi Nakano and all but relegating Japan out of Division 7. Nigeria captain Endurance Ofem said: “We tried to stay positive after yesterday’s defeat and we still believe we have a side that can make it to Malaysia. We know now our game against Botswana on Saturday is crucial especially since Germany has beaten Kuwait today. “From what I saw of Japan today I feel sorry for them that they are most likely going to be relegated out of this division. I think their bowling attack is a bit weaker than most of the sides in this division and for us they used spin when actually they needed pace to actually threaten the bat. “I don’t think they really knew what we had planned for them when they faced our bowling attack and if they’d protected their wickets a little better against our bowlers perhaps they would have made more of a game of it.” Tomorrow is a rest day with play resuming on Saturday.

Tomorrow in THE NATION ‘Life would never be the same again for many others. The seed of mutual distrust has been engraved in the hearts of many. The symphony of hatred is the only music that many others now know and sing interminably. That is the scary reality!’

FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2011 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM VOL. 6, NO.1,751

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan will be sworn in on the 29th of May, in Abuja, as the newly elected President of Nigeria.

By most accounts in the local and foreign media, the recently concluded national general elections were transparent, certainly more transparent than the 2003 and 2007 elections widely believed to have been massively rigged in favour of the ruling party, the PDP. In its fairness and transparency, the 2011 elections compare favourably with the 1993 elections annulled by the Babangida military regime. Despite some initial hiccups and imperfections, freely admitted by Prof.

Jega, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the elections were, on the whole, peaceful, free and fair. There is some suspicion regarding the credibility of the voting returns in the South- East and South -South zones which were unusually high. But even these would not have made any material difference to the outcome of the presidential elections. President Jonathan would still have won. All local and international observers reported that the conduct of the elections was orderly and met international standards. Despite some shortcomings the results of the elections should be accepted in the spirit of national unity. The few who are aggrieved because they lost out in the elections should have recourse to election tribunals. Regrettably, some violence has erupted in some parts of the North over the results of the presidential election. This is totally unnecessary and damaging to the image of our country.

Of the three elections staggered over three weeks, the most crucial was the presidential and this was won handsomely by President Jonathan. This was not totally unexpected as his campaign team ran a very skilful election campaign in which money was not an object.

He was also underestimated by his opponents who thought him to be a lack lustre candidate.

It was a poor field and the best man won. On the basis of the result of the presidential election, an alliance among the opposition parties would have made little or no difference to the massive support for Jonathan. The scale of his electoral victory even in the North was such that, despite some imperfections in the elections, there can be no doubt that he won fairly and squarely, handing his three opponents a crushing defeat. He won in all major geographical regions, including the South West and the North where he was not expected to have much electoral support. His three opponents have conceded defeat in the presidential elections.

The factors responsible for the relative fairness of the elections include the following.

First, there was palpable diligence, vigilance, and determination on the part of the electorate to resist any overt attempt to rig the elections.

Even though voter turnout was low in some cases, the voters were more determined this time to make sure their votes counted. For the most part, this diligence paid off as those planning to rig the elections found it difficult to do so. Second, President Jonathan showed his commitment to the holding of free and fair elections by refraining from intervening in the conduct of the elections. INEC was given a free hand as well as the necessary financial resources for the election. Of course, Professor Jega, the Chairman of INEC, deserves kudos for the impartial manner in which he led his

DAPO FAFOWORA

FROM THE SUMMIT dapo.fafowora@thenationonlineng.net

Aftermath of the elections

•Dr. Jonathan

team in the conduct of the elections. By and large, the large staff of the Agency, as well as personnel of the Security forces, were also non-partisan and provided a level playing ground for most of the candidates. To these factors must be added international pressure for free and fair elections that should meet international standards. This could not be ignored. All eyes abroad were on Nigeria, and there were great expectations that Nigeria should get it right this time. The disputed elections in the Ivory Coast, and the ensuing bloody civil war there, could not have been far from the thoughts of Nigeria’s political leaders. A botched general election could lead to similar consequences for Nigeria. After all, it was reported that some foreign intelligence agencies had freely predicted the break up of Nigeria if the elections were not free and fair.

It is a matter for deep regret that violence erupted in some parts of Northern Nigeria in the wake of the elections in which properties were destroyed, hundreds of innocent lives, including 10 Youth Corps members, were lost, and some places of religious worship were attacked and burnt. Certainly the stakes involved in the elections were high and some of the results were bound to be hotly disputed.

But there can be no justification for the widespread and wanton destruction of lives and property in the aftermath of the elections.

All right thinking people, including some Northern leaders, have condemned the violence and the loss of lives there. The CPC, and its leader, retired general Buhari, must bear some responsibility for the violence which was preceded by some inflammatory speeches and threats from Buhari about the elections. This encouraged some unruly and misguided youths to take the law into their hands. The president has promised that the source of the violence and killings will be fully investigated, and that the culprits will be brought to justice. He must keep his promise as such wanton violence can threaten

the survival of Nigeria’s nascent democracy.

It should not be tolerated.

As for the killing of 10 Youth Corps members, there is now an urgent need to review the entire programme. My thoughts and sympathy go to the parents and other relatives of those killed or fatally injured. It was not the first time that Youth Corps members had been wantonly attacked in the North and I have, on previous occasions in my column in this paper, called for the scrapping of the entire programme in the light of the continuing danger to the lives of the corps members. That remains my view as I believe the programme has really outlived its usefulness. It was intended to promote national unity, but has now become a source of acrimony and division in our country.

There is no reason why we should continue to sacrifice the lives of our young graduates on the altar of political expediency. As an alternative, the programme should be made voluntary, and the corps members should be allowed the freedom of choosing where they would like to serve. In fact, it is by no means certain that there is any appreciation in the North for the service and sacrifice of these young graduates. If there were, there would be a greater and more open remorse in the North about these wanton killings of our youths called into national service in the North.

The general elections broke new grounds.

First, it lay to rest the idea of zoning to which I am personally resolutely opposed. It is subversive of a genuine democracy in which the people elect their representatives freely.

This country needs its best talents to move it forward. Zoning, in whatever form, is a negation of the need for merit and retards Nigeria’s political and economic progress. It should be dropped. The fact that President Jonathan won overwhelmingly in all the six geographical zones is an affirmation that Nigerians want their country governed on the basis of merit, rather than zoning.

Secondly, the elections brought to power in his own right, and for the first time in Nigeria’s political history, a candidate from the South South, from a so-called minority tribe. Until it actually happened, no one thought this political feat possible. It is also significant that in achieving this feat, President Jonathan refused to do any dirty political deals, or to enter into any commitment over the 2015 elections.

Speculations that there was a deal with the ACN have been refuted by Bola Tinubu, the ACN leader. The President wisely rejected

HARDBALL

T

HE killing of Osama bin Laden poses two subliminal messages about leadership. The first relates to why President Barack Obama took the difficult decision of ordering the violation of the territorial integrity of nuclear-armed Pakistan in order to gain access to the terror mastermind’s hideout; and the second is why he chose the even more difficult option of asking United States Navy Special Forces to, as it were, do the job ‘manually’ rather than ‘digitally’ through smart bombs. Though in retrospect that tough call paid off, yet it could have easily gone wrong. If it did, Obama would have been drawn and quartered in every newspaper column and talk show in the United States and elsewhere. For a president already experiencing low approval rating, his presidency would have been doomed.

Why did he choose to send men across the Pakistani border to do a highly dangerous job

Obama’s extraordinary call which his predecessor could not contemplate i n eight years? Analysts can only guess he made that tough call because he had it in him to do so – because he had the intellect and judgement a great leader needs to confront the kind of tough choices he encountered on the bin Laden question. What is beyond doubt is that the choices Obama faced last weekend were indeed very grim. Another president would have ordered smart bombs to pulverise the building in which bin Laden was hiding, making more than 100 percent sure no one survived the operation.

That choice, if it miscarried, would have implied limited political damage, and would not risk personnel loss of any kind. Instead, Obama took the riskier but more definitive option of sighting the terror mastermind,

killing him and then returning to base with his body. That option required not only courage rare in the world today among leaders, given the possible fallouts had the operation failed, but it also required the sharpest of intellect to sieve from the moraines of unpleasant choices the best option to use in the circumstances. It is now history that he chose the most difficult and potentially damaging option, but the gambit paid off hugely in ways that left the world astounded.

There is a lesson for all leaders in the almost effortless manner Obama displayed a mixture of courage, judgement and intellect. No leader can come to the same kind of conclusion Obama reached on Sunday over the bin Laden operation if he does not have

YOMI ODUNUGA

the Northern demands before the elections that he should commit himself in advance to a Northern candidate in 2015. Similar demands from the leaders of the South East were also rejected. He won in his own right, and the huge mandate given to him shows that the electorate as a whole was not in support of zoning in any form or shape.

But the PDP did not really deserve to win.

Its record in office since 1999 when it first came to power has been appalling. But the people chose to vote for Jonathan, a fresh hand, and not the PDP, in the expectation that he will be the catalyst for better governance in the country. Significantly, the electorate in the South West voted massively for President Jonathan in the presidential election, but rejected his party, the PDP in the national assembly and governorship elections. This may have been in reaction to the sordid affair of June 12, and the massive rigging of the 2003 and 2007 elections in the South West in favour of the PDP. The ACN took Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo to complete the rout of the PDP in the South West. That was its basic objective in the elections, not winning the presidency, a tall order. The PDP still has overall majority in the National Assembly, and won in the governorship election in most of the states.

But it is no longer as politically dominant or formidable as it was before the elections. It no longer has two-thirds majority in the National Assembly. Despite the hype about Buhari’s CPC, it won in only one state in the North where it was supposed to be strong. It was quite a disappointing performance. Surely, the elections produced a new generation of Nigerian political leaders and effectively ended the career of such old guards as Obasanjo whose candidate for the governorship of Ogun, Gen Olurin, lost heavily, Abubakar Atiku, Gen. Babangida, Alhaji Adamu Ciroma, and Gen. Buhari.

Effectively, it was the changing of the political guards in our country.

As the new President with a fresh mandate, Jonathan has his job cut out for him. He must govern as the President of the nation and all its peoples. He must not govern as a sectional leader pandering to ethnic or tribal demands.

He needs the support of all the people of our country and not just a select few. There is so much work ahead of him that he cannot afford to stand and stir. He must review his economic management team as it has really not performed well. The grave economic problems of the country, the widespread and growing public corruption, the crumbling physical and social infrastructure, the deepening and widespread poverty in the country, the huge cost of governance, and the utter lack of social justice are some of the problems that require his urgent attention.

Any further delay in tackling these huge problems can easily provoke a political crisis leading to revolts such as the ones in the Arab countries today. It could lead to a massive and bloody revolt by the people of this country.

We can do without such unnecessary violence in our country, but only if President Jonathan has the courage to introduce radical measures that can transform the domestic economic and create new jobs for the millions of unemployed graduates and other youths in the country. Time is not on his side.

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•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above the depth of education necessary to acquire a robust intellect. And without a robust intellect, which of course is much more than just acquiring degrees, he cannot have the judgement necessary to make the right call.

And without judgement, it is impossible to have the right kind of courage – as opposed to foolhardiness – to stake one’s reputation and even presidency on one throw of the dice.

Americans believe that merely killing bin Laden, whether he was armed or not, will not solve the terror problem they have been battling for more than a decade, but they are unanimously proud that only someone with deep intellect like Obama could have reached the terrifying conclusion to take out bin Laden on Monday morning. Barack Obama has not just defined his presidency; he has raised the bar of leadership and deepened the mystery of how brilliant leaders often come unerringly closest to intuitive decisions that last for ages.

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