May 15, 2015

Buhari gets Obasanjo’s think-tank’s proposals NEWS – Page 4

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•‘Fuel scarcity to persist until N200b debt is paid’ MORE •Ekiti doctors to remove NMA stickers from cars •AND ON PAGES 4,5,6,7&11 •Senate passes NDDC’s N300billion budget •Protest over last-minute plot to sell National Theatre

•Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

VOL. 10, NO. 3215 FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

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TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

N150.00

•INSIDE: THE ECONOMIC HYPOCRISY OF OKONJO-IWEALA P2 7.5% CUT AS REPS OKAY PIB P11

AGE 12 PA •From left: Tinubu, Karibi-Whyte, Mrs Amaechi, Cole, Fayemi, Amuta, Yari and Amaechi ... yesterday. SEE ALSO P

R

IVERS State Governor Rotimi Amaechi yesterday said he would have been hounded out of the country by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led government, had the All Progressives Congress (APC) lost the election.

Amaechi spoke at the public presentation of the compilation of his administration’s achievements in Lagos. The book “Dynamics of Change: The Amaechi Years” is edited

by Dr Chidi Amuta and Dr

PHOTO: RAHMAN SANUSI

Amaechi: Buhari’s victory saved me APC’s govt must be people-oriented, says Tinubu Soyinka hails Rivers governor for being courageous

By Seun Akioye and Olatunde Odebiyi

Yemi Ogunbiyi.

Amaechi said he knew that he would be in trouble if change did not happen in Nigeria and was prepared to make the sacrifices necessary

to make it happen.

“I knew I was going to be in trouble. Anything that would cause that change not to take place, I was ready to make that sacrifice. The federal government sent out a signal that if they won no-

body should let me out of Nigeria from any airport.

One day Asiwaju got angry with me. He was very angry.

I went to his house with Mallam Nasir El-Rufai and knelt down, saying ‘please let’s not disagree, let’s win

first and then we can disagree’.”

“I lost my passport in Ghana and went to the High Commission. They gave me a certificate but the Ambassador was given a query for doing so. I later applied for

a passport and they gave me green, not red. Now they have given it to me – two weeks ago,” Amaechi said.

The governor said while his battle with President Goodluck Jonathan lasted, many of his friends either Continued on page 60

?

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

Jonathan orders $500m oil project moved from Lagos Project to be relocated to Bayelsa Timing wrong, says official

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•Dr Jonathan

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has directed that a $500 million oil and gas investment project be relocated from LADOL Free Trade Zone (FTZ) in Lagos to Agga in Bayelsa State, The Nation learnt yesterday.

The project is a partnership between LADOL Integrated Logistics Enterprise and Samsung Heavy Industries, Korea.

The two companies are to build fabrication and integration yards for

By Akinola Ajibade, Staff Correspondent

Egina Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) facility for the use of local and foreign-owned oil companies.

The multi-million dollar project is in phases, and billed to be completed in the next five years.

The project is said to have reached an “advanced stage” before Jonathan issued a directive that it should be relocated.

The directive, contained in two letters dated April 27, was signed by Mr A.B Mohammed, a general manager with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).

Mohammed signed the letters on behalf of the NPA Managing Director, Sanusi Ado Bayero, who is believed to be a stakeholder in Intel, an oil and gas logistics firm in Rivers State– an allegation he has denied in newspaper advertorials.

The letters read: “Pleased be in-

formed that Mr President has vide PRES/99/MT/2/22 of April 20 approved the FPSO project be relocated to Agga in Bayelsa State when the facilities to handle such operations are developed.

“In addition, the project can be conveniently located at any designated oil and gas terminal. Please be informed that Mr President has approved, henceforth, all oil and gas reContinued on page 4

•13 KILLED BY FEMALE SUICIDE BOMBERS IN MAIDUGURI ATTACK P60

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

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NEWS

The economic It is an understatement to say the economy is flat and Finance Minister Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, who doubles as Coordinating Minister for the Economy, feels lack of foresight and financial recklessness on the part of state governments should be blamed for this. But, economic analyst IMAM BELLO says the minister is responsible for the crash. His reasons are presented in this article.

•Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola (second left); Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya (left); CEO, RLG Global, Alex Lu; Regional Director, RLG West Africa, Tosin Ilesanmi (second right) and Osun State Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Moshood Adeoti at the launch of RLG phones in Ilesa, Osun State...yesterday.

•From left: Former President, Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Kayode Naiyeju (left); Vice President, Teju Somorin; President, Mark Anthony Dike and Minister of State for Finance, Ambassador Bashir Yuguda at the CITN Annual Tax Conference in Abuja...yesterday.

PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYOSE

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R. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy (CME) will be positively remembered for many things, including being our first female finance minister, the Paris Club debt concessions and the creation of the Excess Crude Account (ECA).

However, I am sure that in her quiet moments, she will reflect that this is not her finest hour. Indeed, the last few months have done much to demystify the enigma that she has been presented to be.

There are aspects of the current economic crisis for which she cannot be blamed. An example is the fall in global oil prices. However, there are equally some aspects of the economic crisis which must be laid firmly at her feet. Principal among the latter is the failure to appreciate that as CME, she is responsible for the entire economy - all its sectors and all its tiers.

The latest spate of blame trading with state governors over who is responsible for salary arrears is an unfortunate reflection of a tendency to monopolise credit for positive feats whilst happily shifting blame when things go awry.

The handling of the oil price downturn has raised serious questions about our economic manage-

ment. In October 2014, with oil prices already falling, Mrs. OkonjoIweala presented a budget with a benchmark price of $78. She later revised it to $65 and finally to $52.

The annual budget prepared by the CME percolates down to the budgets prepared by the 36 states and 774 local governments.

The shifting of benchmark created confusion in the lower tiers of government about the outlook. It is a well-known fact that in Nigeria, with the exception of a few states like Lagos and increasingly Ogun, the majority of states derive the bulk of their funding from federal transfers. Those transfers have fallen by 40 per cent since October 2014 - a precipitous decline.

Despite the sudden decrease, the Federal Government, through the Debt Management Office (DMO), actively prevented any state from borrowing. In 2014, only one bond was approved. Short term loans were denied through the employment of rigid and punitive enforcement of a rule requiring Federal Ministry of Finance approval, which was routinely denied. Thus, the states had no real space to maneuver and readjust to the new financial situation.

Meanwhile, the CME argued, rather self-righteously, derided the

‘A good example of Common Sense Revolution’

•From left: Public Relations Officer, Nigerian Institute of Training and Development (NITAD), Mr. Adedoyin Talabi; Chairperson, Conference Planing Committee,NITAD’s First Annual Trainers’ Conference, Mrs.Olapeju Oladapo; Chairman, NITAD, Lagos State chapter, Mr. Oluwaseyi Kuton and Vice Chairman, NITAD, Lagos chapter, Mr. Benson Haruna at a news conference on the institute’s annual conference in Lagos...yesterday.

All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubuwas the special guest of honour at the public presentation of a book, “Dynamics of Change: The Amaechi Years”. The former Lagos State governor spoke glowingly of Rivers State Governor Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi. Below is his speech.

I

•From left: Director, Project Development, Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO), Dr. Patrick Irabor; Special Assistant to National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) Director-General, Mrs. Elizabeth Awagu; Director, Safety and Applied Nutrition, NAFDAC, Mrs. Ogochukwu Mainasara and Deputy Director, NAFDAC, Mr. Nwosu Ifeanyi Dennis at the kick-off of the annual monitoring for bakery facilities and Food Hygienic Paretic (GHP) seminar at FIIRO, Lagos.

PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLIAMS

N the course of the historic campaigns for the 2015 presidential election, I was emphatic that the election itself was a great opportunity to popularise and test the noble idea of a ‘Common Sense Revolution in Nigeria’.

Soon enough, we found in the resonance of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ‘Change’ mantra with the electorate a confirmation that Nigeria needed a common sense revolution that is non-violent.

Indeed, there is a publication with that title authored by me, in which I argued that Nigeria was ripe for a change of leadership and Nigerians must act with common sense and in a rational way in choosing their leaders.

The results of the March 28 presidential and National Assembly elections and that of April 11 governorship and Houses of Assembly elections have demonstrated clearly the desire by Nigerians for change.

In elections all over the world, both the leaders and citizens must brace to meet the challenges required to build a better, more prosperous nation. Indeed, even as we subscribe to the tenets of common sense revolution, we must retool ourselves. The new leadership must embark on policies that will improve the general well-being of the mass of our people.

Permit me to recall here how I once attempted to encapsulate the idea of common sense revolution: “This revolution is not a violent one to tear things down; it is a revolution to rescue us from violence, injustice and poverty.

“It is a positive one to rescue, repair and restructure the nation and its institutions in ways that will advance our collective prosperity and well-being. The only violence that is to be done is to violence, injustice and poverty themselves. At its essence, a common sense revolution is a call to return to a level of decency in the re-

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

3

c hypocrisy of Okonjo-Iweala

‘

The CME must appreciate that there are no federal, state, or local Nigerians. There are just Nigerians. If the oil price has caused Federal Government to be in deficit, then it is wrong to castigate the states, that derive most of their income from that source, for also being in distress •Dr. Okonjo-Iweala governors’ inability to meet salary obligations. Last week’s revelation that the Federal Government itself has borrowed more than N476 billion in just four months, majority of which was used for salaries, was a very shocking one. It is a very sad example of “do as I say, not as I do” -the height of economic hypocrisy.

Similarly, on the subject of the ECA, which was designed as a buffer against the fall in oil prices, the CME has always blamed governors for their insistence on sharing of the excess crude that she would otherwise have wished to save. The “Greedy Governors” moniker was both convenient and appealing.

However, her comments belied an inconvenient truth. Every time excess crude was shared, the Federal Government received the lion’s share of 52 per cent. The ECA bal-

• Obama ance fell from around $11.5 billion at the start of January 2013, to as low as $2.5 billion in January 2014 despite consistently high oil prices over that period. If the CME were sincere in her desire to save, it would have been expected that the Federal Government would have saved its portion of the ECA. Rather, it has not only spent its share, but it has considerably increased the nation’s debts.

In Washington last month, Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala congratulated herself on how Nigeria has been able to weather the storm. But a careful look beneath the surface shows a deep rot which if not corrected, threatens the economic future of the nation.

Collectively, states and local government councils are the largest employers of labour and their in-

•Amosun

•Suswam

ability to pay salaries means mass retrenchment looms on the horizon.

Already, states, such as Ekiti and even the Federal Government, are embarking on verification of workers credentials. The underlying aim is clear even if not stated. It is a precursor to downsising the workforce.

In many states, the wage bill problems originated from the Federal Government itself, who in 2011 mandated a minimum wage of N18, 000 per month. There was neither an assessment of the financial impact, nor of the regional costs of living variations which should have seen this function handled individually at the state level, as it is done in other federations.

Those who implemented the requirements witnessed massive increases in their wage bills. In a recent interview, Ogun State Governor

Ibikunle Amosun stated that his average wage bill doubled as a result of minimum wage from N1.7 billion to N3.8 billion monthly. The Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswan, has been honest enough to state that his state is unable to afford the implementation of the minimum wage, setting him on a collision course with organised labour. Large salary increases were manageable when oil was trading at over $100 per barrel but at $40, the proverbial rubber hits the road.

The total federal transfers to states in 2014 were the lowest since 2010.

It should therefore come as no surprise, that salary arrears have begun to accrue. Indeed a total breakdown of essential services is a very real prospect, in some cases.

There is no room for “blame storming” during a crisis. The CME

‘

It is our hope that the legacy of governance for genuine development that Amaechi is leaving behind in Rivers will inspire state governments to make the welfare and security of the people the focus of governance.

It is important to empahasise that security here includes social security if the war against poverty must be won •Asiwaju Tinubu with a copy of the book in Lagos...yesterday.

lationship between government and the governed, between each one of us and his neighbor.” That submission was made in Kano at the inauguration of some people-centred projects on March 23 under the leadership of Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

We are here today, because one of the ‘generals’ in the common sense revolution army, Rotimi Amaechi, who is bold and willing to show the

world what he has achieved in the task to chart the critical path to total political and economic emancipation of the people, whose mandate he enjoyed for eight years.

In my view, our gathering to celebrate the landmark achievements of my brother, Governor Amaechi, in Rivers State in the last eight years, is also another justifiable celebration of the idea of the common sense revo-

PHOTO: RAHMAN SANUSI

lution for development.

The publication of the book, Dynamics of Change: The Amaechi Years, is a timely service to history. This occasion is all the more remarkable because of the huge challenges Amaechi has been facing, especially in his second term from an extremely hostile Federal Government.

His role as the chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) invari-

‘

ably brought him into a bitter collision with President Goodluck Jonathan.

Governor Amaechi and most of the governors want a properly defined federalist relationship with the government at the centre. The President would have none of that as in the notable example of the management of the Federation Account. This, therefore, is another great opportunity to

‘

is responsible for all sectors of the economy. In a downturn, any sector that is of systemic importance must be protected. United States (U.S.) President Barack Obama raced to save America’s banking and automotive sectors, Nigeria did the same when the banks were threatened by creating Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON). If there is a need for a similar move at state level, it should not be discountenanced. The CME must appreciate that there are no federal, state, or local Nigerians.

There are just Nigerians. If the oil price has caused Federal Government to be in deficit, then it is wrong to castigate the states, that derive most of their income from that source, for also being in distress.

Imam Bello, an economist, is based in Lagos.

salute Amaechi’s rare courage of conviction and sense of purpose. The APC has every cause to be proud of him.

You can therefore imagine how much gratified I feel at the immense intellectual efforts invested in the publication of Dynamics of Change: The Amaechi Years. I salute the editors and authors of the essays in the book. It was thoughtful of them to document the legacy of Amaechi in Rivers State.

The high-quality schools, hospitals, roads, bridges, security and human capacity projects, among others, richly documented in the book are a testimony that social democratic ideas can indeed be implemented in this clime.

It is our hope that the legacy of governance for genuine development that Amaechi is leaving behind in Rivers will inspire state governments to make the welfare and security of the people the focus of governance.

It is important to empahasise that security here includes social security if the war against poverty must be won.

The APC change agenda is anchored on the three Rs - Reform, Relief and Recovery. It is the tripod upon which Nigeria must operate in order to unleash her potentials.

Rotimi will go on from here to continue to serve Nigeria in key positions. He will not be alone. He will share the company of many change agents and professionals who have cast their lots with the new political order under the leadership of President-elect Muhammadu Buhari.

Once more, I congratulate Governor Amaechi as he leaves behind this proud legacy in Rivers State.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

NEWS ‘Fuel scarcity to persist until N200b debt is paid’

Jonathan orders $500m oil project moved from Lagos Continued from page 1

lated cargoes must be handled only in the designated terminals in Onne, Warri and Calabar Ports.

The letters added: “In view of this, vessels coming to Nigeria with oil and gas related cargoes, excluding petroleum products, are advised to first go to the appropriate concessioned terminals to be cleared by Customs and other relevant authorities, terminal operators and shipping firms.”

The Managing Director, LADOL Integrated Logistics Enterprise, Dr Amy Jayesinmi, said the timing of the letters was wrong.

She said the directive was ill-conceived, and capable of destroying the gains made by the partners in the project.

She said the directive to relocate the project to Bayelsa was part of efforts to destroy the potential local operators who are bent on deepening their participation in the oil and gas sector.

She said the letter was diversionary in content, advising stakeholders not to allow their attention to be distracted.

Mrs. Jayesinmi said efforts were being made by oil and gas operators to build one of the biggest floating vessels in the world, as well as making Nigeria the oil and gas hub in West Africa, adding that nothing would frustrate that efforts.

She added: “We got the two letters the same day: a day after the appointment of the new MD of NPA. I want to make it clear that we (LADOL) do not have problems with NPA because they are using our facility.

“NPA has an office in LADOL Free Trade Zone. NPA had severally said LADOL is the largest private investor in its facility. By the end of 2017, LADOL would have invested $500million in NPA facility. Technically, it is not appropriate for the project to be relocated to Bayelsa, the President’s home state.’’

•Says govt applying delay tactics on reimbursement

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

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•President Goodluck Jonathan (left) receiving the visiting President Boni Yayi of Benin Republic at the PHOTO: NAN Presidential Villa in Abuja ... yesterday.

Buhari gets Obasanjo’s think-tank’s proposals

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THINK tank established by former President Olusegun Obasanjo to study critical areas of the economy and make recommendations to guide the incoming government yesterday submitted its report to President-elect General Muhammadu Buhari.

The committee, which was established four months ago under the Centre for Human Security of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, studied five key areas – education, power, the economy, security and infrastructure.

The head of Buhari’s media team, Mallam Garba Shehu, told reporters that the Vice Chairman of the committee and former Minister of Finance, Dr. Kalu Idika Kalu, presented volumes of the report to Gen. Buhari during a brief ceremony at Buhari’s private office on Lobito Crescent in Wuse 2, Abuja.

He said former Nigerian High Commissioner to United Kingdom Dr. Christo-

From Tony Akowe, Abuja

pher Kolade, who was head of the Power Committee, gave various stages of the proposed power sector development plan to include, short term, medium term and long term solutions.

Shehu said under the short term solution, the plan seeks to raise power generation to 10,000 MW within a short period, adding that “the whole idea was that Obasanjo set up his own think- tank with the aim of carrying out a study on challenges facing the country in the five key areas. The study was commissioned four months ago so that the outcome will be made available to the incoming administration after the election.

Shehu quoted Gen. Buhari as appreciating Obasanjo and his team for their effort, describing their intervention as a great impetus for the incoming government.

Gen. Buhari, he said, regretted that the out-going

government that is supposed to give him tips on how to take-off has done nothing so far and thanked Obasanjo and his team for their gesture, assuring them that his administration will seek their advice as time goes on.

After the meeting with the president-elect, the Chairman of the Governing Board of the Centre for Human Se-

curity of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Prof. Akin Mabogunje, said the centre had been working on some critical areas of the economy to help the incoming government.

He said: “The centre sent a delegation of those who’ve been involved with the preparation of those policy documents to talk to the

president-elect and get him to appreciate what is being done to help his administration.”

On how the president-elect received the report, the professor of Geography said: “He was very happy that we’ve been thinking about how to help him hit the ground running and he expressed his appreciation for what we’ve been doing”.

Conduct Bureau orders Jonathan, ministers, others to declare assets

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HE Code of Conduct Bureau has made Assets Declaration Forms available to President Goodluck Jonathan, ministers and political office holders.

Also, all newly-elected governors, National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly members have been directed to obtain assets declaration forms.

It, however, said after the submission of the forms, its of-

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

ficers will move round nationwide to verify the claims of political office holders.

According to a notice by the Secretary to the bureau, Mr. Kolade Omoyola, the filling of assets declaration forms is in line with the 5th Schedule to the 1999 Constitution.

The terse notice reads in part: “The Code of Conduct Bureau wishes to remind all political office holders to declare their

assets on assumption and vacation of office in accordance with paragraph II of the 5th Schedule of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Assets declaration forms are available for collection at the Code of Conduct Bureau.

Please note that the declaration of assets does not end with the submission of forms only as the Bureau would verify such declarations for further necessary action.”

Protest over last-minute plot to sell National Theatre

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ABOUR yesterday protested “last-minute secret moves” to sell the National Theatre.

A minister and some members of the management of the National Theatre have been implicated in the under-thetable deal.

But a highly-placed source in the Bureau of Public Enterprises said the ongoing bid for the theatre was illegal because the agency had stayed action on the sale of the edifice.

The Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE) raised the alarm in a petition to the Minister of

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, Mr Edem Duke.

In the petition, signed by its Head of Department for Industrial Relations, Comrade Emmanuel Ayeoribe, the workers expressed concerns over “the plot to sack” the agency’s workers.

The union vowed to resist the impending sack of its members.

Following a row over plans by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation to turn the complex into a hotel, the House of Representatives on April 8, 2013 directed Duke to stay

further action on the concession.

The ministry, however, has defied the National Assembly by resuscitating the bid for the National Theatre.

AUPCTRE, in its petition, said it would not accept any underhand bidding.

The petitioners said some management members met “to quickly formalise the sale of the land before May 29.

“All the documents of the transactions are back dated to give the impression that it took place several months before the hand over to the incoming government.”

The workers said a source at a meeting held at the National

Theatre on Tuesday said more sack was on the way for staff suspected to be leaking this information”.

“Some of the documents in our possession include the list of those who travelled on a jamboree to Dubai, London and South Africa on the pretext of going for road shows.

The jamboree cost over N40 million.

“A letter demanding $50,000 from a company which merely requires permission to site a landing station of a means of transportation within the National Theatre.

“There are also underhand dealings in the lease of land to CCECC, the company han-

dling the Lagos light train services”.

The board members are said to be unaware of the plot to sell the national edifice.”

A highly-placed source in BPE, who spoke in confidence, said: “As far as our records are concerned, we have stayed action on the sale of the National Theatre.”

The theatre was inaugurated on September 30, 1976 by the then Military Head of State, General Olusegun Obasanjo.

It was opened five months before the hosting of the 2nd World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC ’77) in January/February 1977.

HE fuel scarcity may linger until the incoming government of General Muhammadu Buhari government takes over on May 29.

Members of the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) and the Ministry of Finance have refused to agree on the way forward.

The oil marketers have stopped importation of the product.

The Executive Secretary of MOMAN, Mr. Obafemi Olawore and the Executive Secretary of Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association (DAPPMA), Mr. Olufemi Adewole, told reporters yesterday in Lagos that government should pay the over N200 billion subsidy debt to enable them resume importation so as to free Apapa, Lagos roads from congestion as trucks from every part of the country have relocated to load fuel.

The marketers said if the current regime fails to pay their debt, they will approach the incoming government. This implies that fuel scarcity will continue into the Buhari-led government.

Olawore said: “Because of the huge outstanding that we have, and because we have not been able to pay back the loans that we have taken, and because our suppliers are also not too confident, we are unable to bring in fresh imports. Whatever we have now is what we have received from NNPC and the small quantity is why all the trucks are hanging on in Lagos.

“For the two weeks that you have seen all this madness or fuel scarcity on the road in Lagos, nobody has spoken with us. Even the last meeting we had with the Minister, we requested for it and we believe that if they are sensitive, they should call us this time to ask us.

“In the last meeting with the Coordinating Minister, I insisted on N200 billion but she insisted on N131 billion but the way to resolve that figure was the timing. She probably might be using an old cut-off date and we were using a current cut-off date as at that time. She decided to set up a committee comprising representatives from Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Debt Management Office (DMO), among others to verify our claim. But we are of the opinion that there was no need to verify what has been verified by the PPPRA. The entire thing by the finance ministry is just a ploy to delay payment.”

But if the present regime fails to pay, Olawore said: “The debt was incurred in the present regime and we believe that they should pay. However, if they don’t pay, we will approach the new government and tell them what happened. Whether we will resume importation of fuel depends on whether we have Continued on page 60

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THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

5

NEWS

Fed Govt shifts MDAs’ handover notes till May 25, says APC

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday released more facts on its position that the President Goodluck Jonathan’s transition committee was not cooperating with the committee raised by the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari.

In a statement in Abuja yesterday, its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said Buhari’s committee had hoped to get the handover notes of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA) yesterday, as earlier indicated informally to it by the Federal Government’s committee.

But the statement claimed that the incoming administration’s men were told “point blank that the notes won’t be ready until May 24th”. “Because this date falls on a Sunday, that means we won’t be getting the handover notes

•Party insists Jonathan’s committee not cooperating

By Bola Olajuwon, Assistant Editor

until May 25th, just four days before the May 29th handover date,” the APC claimed.

The party described the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) spokesman, Olisa Metuh, as a man with an incurable disdain for the truth for issuing the statement in which he tried to cast aspersion on the APC. Metuh had accused the APC of ‘’fabricating lies’’ over the issue of the Jonathan administration’s non-cooperation with the Buhari’s committee.

The APC statement reads in part: “We say, with all sense of responsibility, that as of today, May 14th 2015, just about two weeks to the May 29th handover date, no shred of information as to the status of governance from any MDA of

government has been given to our transition committee.

“If that qualifies, in Metuh’s lexicon, as cooperation, then there is a problem somewhere.

We dare Metuh or anyone for that matter to controvert the fact that not a line of handover note has been handed over to our transition committee. Until then, Metuh has egg on his face.”

The party restated its earlier advice to Metuh to urgently undertake a crash course in how to be an opposition party spokesman so that he would not be talking or writing himself into avoidable trouble in the days ahead.

It urged the PDP spokesman to always cross-check the information available to him to separate rumours from facts, saying had he done that, he would not have issued the

statement. ‘’Metuh decided to put his foot in his mouth when he latched on to the statement made by our transition committee’s chairman, forgetting that in making his statement, the chairman was only acting the statesman that he is by not saying anything that will put the Federal Government in bad light.

“A discerning party spokesman, rather than a rabble-rousing one, would have understood the elder statesman’s stand for what it is instead of using it as a peg to issue a needless, hollow statement that puts his party and government in bad light. We had decided to allow sleeping dogs to lie, but now that Metuh has stirred the hornet’s nest, it is time to put out the facts for Nigerians to judge.

‘’What happened was that, following the request by our transition committee to meet with them, they invited us to what was the first formal meeting between both transition committees. But the meeting was a mere photo-op, as it yielded nothing concrete as far as handover notes are concerned. ‘’In fact, what we met at the so-called meeting was far worse than what we had thought. Whereas we had hoped to get their handover notes on May 14th (the date they had indicated to us informally), they told us point blank that the notes won’t be ready until May 24th. Because this date falls on a Sunday, that means we won’t be getting the handover notes until May 25th, just four days before the May 29th handover date

“How do they honestly expect us to peruse thousands of pages of handover notes, ask pertinent questions and seek necessary clarifications within four days? Because we want a smooth transition, we asked if we could meet with some of the ministers pending the release of the handover notes, but they said no. When one of their members even suggested that the whole process be fasttracked, they did not budge.

“Despite this set back, we decided not to put the whole issue in the public domain, until the babbling Metuh decided to look for trouble, describing the deliberate stonewalling by the Jonathan administration as cooperation,’’ it said.

The APC assured Nigerians that whether or not the Jonathan administration cooperates with it during the transition, the party will live up to expectation by providing purposeful governance.

50 per cent of Beninoise came from Nigeria, says Yayi •Benin Republic’s leader hails Jonathan, Buhari

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•From left: Olu of Warri, HRM Atuwase Ojiamen; General Overseer, Foursquare Gospel Church Rev. Felix Meduoye; his wife Rev. Bisi and the Guest Speaker and former Head of States Gen. Yakubu Gowon at the 60th Anniversary of Foursquare Gospel Church, Yaba...yesterday.

PHOTO: JOHN EBHOTA

Aliyu, Lamido: no plan by PDP governors to float new party J IGAWA State Governor Sule Lamido and his Niger State counterpart, Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, yesterday debunked rumours that governors on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are planning to float a new political party.

They maintained that they would never allow intruders and interlopers to take over a house they laboured to build.

Aliyu, who spoke for the two governors at the inauguration of Shiroro Bridge built on River Kaduna, said they would not dump the party despite the crisis rattling it.

He said they have resolved not to leave the PDP as being speculated by some people, describing the story in a section of the media as a fabrication of falsehood.

“We are not creating a new party. We will remain in the PDP. Whoever planted the story has made a mistake.

“We had opportunity to defect. But we did not because we believe that defection was not the best way to develop and entrench democracy.

Whatever you see today is designed by God. It is not compulsory to be on the winning side always.”

Aliyu, who is the chairman Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF), said the loss of the party at the presidential and governorship elections was a lesson to everyone.

He added: “After 16 years of being in power, we should not

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

be annoyed. We should not show unfaithfulness.”

He said the defeat of the PDP should not be viewed as a rejection of any individual, but a referendum on the performance of the PDP in the areas of management of economy and security.

Aliyu said the North, which felt disenchanted by the inability of the Federal Government to find solution to the activities of Boko Haram, voted against the PDP. According to him, “the people felt the party has not done enough for the protection of

their lives and property.”

The governor reiterated his call for the Adamu Mu’azu-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP to throw in the towel for leading the party to a “disastrous defeat” in the general elections.

“How could you lead a party to disastrous outing in an election and you are still in place?

Take the blame for the defeat by quitting and if the PDP still wants you, they will beg you to stay,” he said.

Aliyu warned that if the party chairman and his team refused to throw in the towel now, “the actual change will come in March 2016 when we

will elect new leaders at the national convention of our party”.

Jigawa State governor, who commissioned the bridge, said: “We have both agreed not to leave the PDP.” He added: “We dey kanpe for PDP; we dey shelele for PDP. PDP has honoured and dignified me, and I am not leaving it for tenants. I and Aliyu are from home background while others are from mere house background. We are wellgroomed right from our homes and we will not leave the party for anyone.”

Lamido advised that “it is not time for blame game. We should all accept that we made mistake and find ways to correct it in the future”.

RESIDENT of Benin Republic Boni Yayi said yesterday that 55 per cent of the population of his country came from Nigeria.

He described Republic of Benin as the 37th state of Nigeria.

Yayi spoke yesterday after a closed door meeting between him and the President elect, Muhammadu Buhari, at the Defence House, Abuja.

He explained that Nigeria and Republic of Benin are not only close neigbours, but have cultural and traditional affinity, assuring that “Benin Republic will always be on Nigeria’s side”.

The Beninoise leader expressed confidence in the ability of Buhari to take up the challenge facing Nigeria and West African sub region, including the problem of Boko Haram, peace enforcement and other issues.

He noted that the citizens elected Buhari to enhance their destiny because of his integrity and experience as a former Head of State.

Yayi noted that with Buhari as Nigeria’s president, the nation’s economy, which he described as the engine room of the sub region, will be on the path of recovery to impact positively on other countries in West Africa.

He assured of his country’s cooperation with the incoming government and prayed for Buhari’s success.

The President-elect expressed appreciation to the

Fed Govt faults Senate’s claim of ambush on constitution amendment

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HE Federal Government has faulted the Senate over its claim that the suit challenging the procedure for amending the constitution was an ambush.

It hailed the legislature for electing to defer to the court rather than proceeding to override the President’s veto as it had vowed.

The Senate has, through Senate Leader, Victor NdomaEgba (SAN), claimed on Wednesday that the suit taken to the Supreme Court by the Federal Government was an ambush, because the National Assembly was not put on no-

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

tice.

The Senate, however, resolved to respect the order by the Supreme Court that parties maintain status quo pending the determination of the suit initiated by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) seeking to void the amendment to the Constitution on the ground that the was wrongly effected.

Speaking on behalf of the AGF yesterday, his lawyer,

Bayo Ojo (SAN), said records at the apex court showed proper service of all the requisite processes on the defendants.

Ojo added that apart from the service conducted by the court bailiff, letters were also written to the principal officers of the two chambers, informing them of the pendency of the suit and why nothing should be done to overreach the highest court in the land.

“There was no ambush. All

the processes were duly served on the National Assembly, but they chose not to come on the day of hearing.

While we commend their decision to obey the highest court in the land, our distinguished lawmakers should please not misinform the public.

“We appreciate their decision to follow the due process of law. It is gratifying that the entire nation had been saved a needless crisis. The rule of law and its due process is the only option. Any alternatives would have been catastrophic,” Ojo said.

From Augustine Ehikioya and Tony Akowe Abuja

government and people of Republic of Benin for identifying with the major problems facing the Nigeria, especially the security challenge in the Northeast caused by the Boko Haram.

Buhari said Yayi has voluntarily identified himself with efforts by Nigeria to stamp out insurgency in the Northeast.

Buhari said: “Your Excellency, I very much appreciates your boldness in identifying yourself and your country with Nigeria. It is critical to Nigeria and the neighbourhood is very important.”

Yayi also yesterday paid glowing tributes to President Goodluck Jonathan for setting an exemplary leadership style in the African continent.

He gave the commendation after a closed-door meeting with Jonathan at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Noting that Jonathan played a leadership role in Africa, he noted that Jonathan had mediated in achieving peace in many countries, including Mali and Guinea Bissau.

According to him, he could not come before now to congratulate the President for presiding over a hitch-free and successful election and for congratulating his challenger before the result was announced, because of the legislative election held in Republic of Benin.

He said: “I came to congratulate my brother, President Jonathan. He is a very great statesman; he organised the election peacefully in the largest country in sub Saharan Africa.

“To us, the election was very transparent and peaceful and coming back, he took a wonderful decision by a great statesman by calling his challenger to congratulate him even before the final result was released.

“Usually, in Africa, it is rare.

He gave us very good example of democracy, not only in our sub region and Africa, but also in the whole world.

He prayed that God should continue to be with Jonathan and his family members in their future endeavours.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

6

NEWS ELECTION OF NATIONAL ASSEMBLY’S PRINCIPAL OFFICERS

Plot to amend House rules thickens

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GROUP of lawmakers are plotting to amend the House of Representatives standing order on voting procedure during the election of the Speaker.

Election of Speaker and principal officers is the first assignment the lawmakers will carry out when they resume next month.

Among the front runners are Hon. Yakubu Dogara (Bauchi), Femi Gbajabiamila (Lagos), Abdulmimin Jibrin (Kano) and Pally Iriase (Edo).

The group pushing for the amendment of rules is mobilising members to support amendment of Order 2, Rule 4 (f) (ii) of the House Standing Orders 2014, which states that: “Voting by secret ballot shall be conducted by the Clerk-atTable using the list of the members-elect of the House, who shall each be given a ballot paper to cast his vote, with the proposer and seconder as tellers.”

The motion was initially planned to be tabled on Wednesday, but the plot was aborted at the 11th minute after the promoters realised that they didn’t have enough support.

“They have planned to pro-

pose the amendment under matters of urgent public importance on Wednesday, but changed their minds after realising that it will be defeated,” a ranking member, who does not want to be named, said.

The lawmaker said the group is planning to “come under a substantive motion on Tuesday to propose amendment to the voting pattern from secret to open ballot.”

The aim of the amendment, according to the source, is to achieve the purpose of intimidating members to vote for a particular candidate “Secondly, we are also aware that they want to induce member with money to vote for their candidate but they want to make sure that those who collects their money votes for their candidate.

“It is both hypocritical and disingenuous for the same people who pushed for the adoption of the secret ballot four years ago to now work against it for selfish reasons,” the source said.

The House rule was altered few days to the election of Aminu Waziri Tambuwal as Speaker in May 2011, following threats by the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) members supporting Tambuwal.

Youths march for Dogara

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HE aspiration of Yakubu Dogara for the Speaker of the House of Representatives got a boost yesterday when two youth groups marched in Abuja in his support.

The youths, under the aegis of the Northeast Unity Forum (NUF) and Nigerian Youth Against Political Sabotage (NYAPS), told reporters that their action was informed by the need to ensure justice and fairness in the distribution of leadership positions in the new government.

The National Coordinators of (NYAPS), Tony Obuah and Alhaji Mohammed A. Wandi, who spoke on behalf of the groups, said: “We have gathered here today in solidarity to give a sense of belonging to the people of Northeast. To say that they have suffered so much and they need to be given the opportunity to feel accepted as bona fide citizens of this country”.

“You can bear me witness the trauma these people have gone through and are still going through due to the Boko Haram insurgency. There has been increasing poverty in the Northeast.

Education is at its lowest ebb because of insurgency.

“So, we feel it’s high time they are compensated having produced the second largest votes that gave victory to the All Progressives Congress in the just concluded presidential elections on March 28th.

“So, we need to give them a sense of belonging by showing them that they are our brothers and sisters.

“Since the return to democracy in this 4th Republic, they have never held any prominent political position apart from appointment and they should be given a chance this time around.

“And this time, we have seen the quality of good leadership in Dogara. He has demonstrated over time that he has the capacity to manage people and resources through his exemplary conduct in handling various committee assignments as chairman,” he said.

He noted that Dogara, who is one of the ranking members of the incoming 8th Assembly, has also shown maturity on the floor of the House during debates on matters that effect the Northeast and Nigeria as a whole.

Lawan set for victory in race for Senate President

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AJORITY of senators may have resolved to back Chairman, Senate Committee on Public Account, Senator Ahmed Lawan’s bid for Senate President at the inauguration of the eighth Senate next month.

This indication emerged after the heightened open campaign for the office in the Senate chamber on Tuesday.

Lawan is relying on party discipline and zoning to grab a landslide victory in the election.

Also in the Senate President race are Senators Bukola Saraki (Kwara Central) and George Akume Benue (Northeast).

Both of them are formidable and are from the North Central. They are also former gov-

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

ernors who are influential in the APC. They have also been criss-crossing the country for support.

A senator told our correspondent that some ranking All Progressives Congress (APC) senators, who witnessed the display of “arrogance in the chamber on Tuesday, have resolved to tow the party line on the Senate Presidency.”

He also said a meeting of a five-man national leaders’ committee saddled with the task of taking decision on “all issues concerning the zoning and party choice of who will preside over the affairs of the National Assembly” may have recommended the Northeast

for the post.”

He added that most ranking senators on the platform of PDP have agreed to back Lawan.

According to him, “a hostile legislature will be foisted on the country should some of the people bidding for the position get elected.”

On the strength of senators backing Lawan, he said the Northwest, except Sokoto State, is secure.”

He said the Southwest and Northcentral zones’ senatorselect “will tow the party line once the announcement of the post being zoned to the Northeast is made public”.

He noted that over 80 per cent of the senators-elect from the Northeast zone would vote for Lawan.

•Senator Lawan

He said that “APC senatorselect will comply with party directive while senators-elect on PDP platform will also support him”.

He added: “The committee took into consideration the fact that the Northcentral has produced three Senate presidents and two deputy Senate presidents and the absence of developmental projects in the last five years because of insurgency in the Northeast.”

Group, Kwara APC secretary canvass support for Saraki

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GROUP under the aegis of Kwara North Grassroots Solidarity Forum and the Secretary, Kwara State All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Adekanye Olabode, have expressed their support for ambition of former governor, Senator Bukola Saraki, to be Senate President.

The forum, in a communiqué by its President Alhaji Ndanusa K. Adamu, described Saraki as one of the pillars that sustained the nation’s democracy.

The forum comprises of members of Yoruba nonspeaking people in Kwara North and suburbs of Kwara Central (Ilorin).

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

It stated that in the interest of fairness and justice, “the new PDP faction of APC, in which Saraki is a strong factor, should be allowed to fill the position of the Senate president since the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and Action Congress of Nigeria (CAN) have occupied the positions of president and vice president.”

“It is very important to also let the ill-campigners realised that the movement of the then PDP governors, senators and House of Representatives members to merge with APC was masterminded by Saraki. ‘’This actually led to the success of the newly formed mega

party (APC) to win majority positions and the presidency in the last general elections.

“However, it must be noted that all parties that formed the merger had benefited in the arrangement, except the new PDP group. It is a known fact.’’

The forum added: ‘’In the outgoing National Assembly, Senator Saraki played prominent roles to champion judicious appropriation and regulation of Nigerian resources to save the economy from comatose.

“He sponsored a bill that exposed most fraudulent activities in the oil sector disguised under the so-called ‘Subsidy’, which eventually became an eye-opener to most Nigerians

who are neophytes or lack knowledge about how Nigeria’s economy is being managed.”

The APC secretary said: “We crave the indulgence of leaders and senior stakeholders of APC at the national level to consider and zone the position of the Senate presidency to the Northcentral.

“Senator Saraki is the choice of Northcentral: His experience and industriousness cannot be underestimated in the affairs of our nation. He is a visionary and selfless leader, this can be attested to by his coordinated efforts in making sure that states in the zone voted for APC in the last general elections.”

Speakership: Reps PDP caucus denies endorsing candidates

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HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Caucus in the House of Representatives has denied endorsing any candidate in the ongoing tussle for the position of Speaker of the 8th House.

In a statement titled: “No Rush in Choice of Next Speaker: PDP Has Not Endorsed Anyone” by a member, Teejay Yusuf (PDP Kogi), the lawmakers described speculations that they had endorse a candidate “as untrue, invalid and hasty”.

The statement reads in part: “Our attention has been drawn to speculations that the PDP House of Representatives’ Caucus has endorsed one of the can-

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

didates seeking the speakership position in the yet-to-be-convened 8th National Assembly.

“It must be noted that at the moment, we have not thrown in our lot with any aspirant in view of ongoing efforts to listen to and evaluate each one of them on the basis of valid and relevant parameters as determined by the PDP House of Representatives Caucus.

“Such hasty and invalid speculations appear to have been given some mileage by the lone voice of one of our members, who recently expressed sentiments in favour of one of

the candidates. We hereby unequivocally state that our caucus has not endorsed anyone for the position of Speaker of the House of Representatives.

“The wild and premature speculations now making the rounds over our purported endorsement or otherwise for any of the aspirants for the position of Speaker necessitate that we make the following clarifications as a body: “The PDP House of Representatives’ Members-Elect Caucus remains determined to play its opposition role with clear focus on and mission to sustain Nigeria’s democracy while exercising a dynamic presence in

the polity.”

The caucus said while it is in the process of granting audience to all Speakership aspirants, who have been seeking to brief its members on their vision, positions and plans for the House of Representatives, it would be unwavering in its commitment to the Nigerian project.

The lawmakers added: “Our decision to support an aspirant for the position of Speaker when the House of Representatives convenes early next month would be done without prejudice to national interests and the long-term concern of all stakeholders.”

Fire at Federal secretariat building •Minister: workers, offices not affected From Olugbenga Adanikin, Abuja

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FIRE incident occurred at the Federal Secretariat in Abuja yesterday.

The fire outbreak started at about 1:45pm.

The building affected, Wing B of the secretariat, is occupied by some government ministries and parastatals. Notable among them is Ministry of Education.

The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Viola Onwuliri, in a chat with reporters, confirmed that the fire incident occurred in the panel between her ministry and the Ministry of Police Affairs.

The fire, she said, has been contained by the combined efforts of officers and men of Nigeria Fire Service and the Nigerian Police Force.

“It is important to note that no personnel and offices were affected in the incident,” she said.

The minister thanked the officers for their promptness in containing the fire and gave God Almighty the glory following the non loss of life.

She hailed the ministry’s workers for their orderliness during the evacuation as they were prevented from re-entering the building immediately to avoid inhalation.

She enjoined her workers to be vigilant and calm.

•Smoke coming out of the building...yesterday.

PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

7

NEWS Odusile gets backing for NUJ president’s bid

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IGERIA Union of Journalists (NUJ) presidential aspirant Waheed Odusile will launch his nationwide campaign next week.

The aspirant, who is a Managing Editor with The Nation, is enjoying a wide support across the country, Lagos State NUJ Council Chairman Deji Elumoye said on Wednesday during a precampaign launch visit to The Nation headquarters in Matori, Lagos.

The Lagos NUJ team sensitised members of The Nation Chapel on Odusile’s aspiration.

Last month, the chapel’s congress resolved to give unanimous backing to Odusile’s bid.

The team was received by Managing Director Victor Ifijeh, Editor Gbenga Omotoso, Sunday Editor Festus Eriye,

Saturday Editor Dele Adeosun, Online Editor Lekan Otufodunrin and Editorial Board Chairman Sam Omatseye.

Elumoye said: “We believe Lagos can do it. It took us a long time to decide who our flag bearer should be. After about six months, we decided on Abdulwaheed Odushile.

“Odusile was chosen because of his hard work and sterling records.

“We all know what he did at the state level. He is a leader. We believe he can deliver because he is someone who has seen it all and has worked his way to the top from being a reporter to a Managing Editor.

He is also a member of the Nigerian Guild of Editors,” the Chairman said.

He said Odushile’s candidacy was ratified at all levels required by the union’s constitution, including the State Working Committee.

Oyo‘ll not ban okada, says Ajimobi From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

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YO State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has debunked the rumour that it is planning to ban motorcycle riders.

He said his administration will regulate and sanitise their operation through maximum compliance with traffic laws.

Ajimobi, who was represented by Commissioner for Information Gbade Lana, spoke yesterday at the opening of the workshop organised for motorcycle riders by the Ministry of Transport and Honda Manufacturing Company.

Commissioner for Transport Prof Nureni Tanimowo said: “It is my firm belief that these accidents will be minimised, if the riders are properly educated on safety measures that are expedient for their operations.”

Makinde unhurt

A •Odusile (left) and Elumoye.

“Our coming here is to intimate you of our support for Odusile. We have been going round to various media houses to campaign for our candidate; the inter-state campaign

PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLIAMS

will start next week,” he said.

The Lagos State Council, the largest in the country, has not produced a NUJ president since Ladi Lawal’s tenure between 1995 and 1996.

Doctors to remove NMA stickers from cars

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HE Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Ekiti State has ordered doctors to remove the union’s stickers from their cars.

The measure, according to the NMA Chairman, Dr. John Akinbote, was to prevent kidnappers from easily identifying the doctors, who are now their major targets.

Apart from removing “Doctor on Duty Stickers”, Dr. Akinbote also advised medical practitioners to avoid keeping late nights, avoid nightclubs and live low profile lives.

Addressing a briefing in Ado Ekiti, the state capital yesterday, he called for the har-

From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado Ekiti

monisation of anti-kidnapping laws in the country so that no state would be a haven for kidnappers.

The NMA chair condemned the police and the Department of State Services (DSS) for their failure to protect doctors and the public.

He appealed to Governor Ayo Fayose, Inspector General of Police Solomon Arase, traditional rulers and other stakeholders to ensure a “coordinated and proactive security strategy in the state”.

“We are disturbed and grossly disappointed by the

level of proactive and investigative measures put in place so far by Commissioner of Police Joshua Ibine and DSS Director Duke Fubara.

“The recent incessant threat messages to our members followed the serial cases of abductions involving a nurse, Margaret Akadenika, Dr. Patrick Adegun, his wife, Kikelomo and recently Dr. Femi Omisore of OAU, Ile Ife in various parts of the state.

“It is appalling that several security meetings have yielded little or no result as medical and health workers, lecturers and other citizens still move about in fear.

“We are also advising them to stop moving around at night because these people have the erroneous impression that we receive higher pay and are more profitable targets.

“They have to remove anything that could suggest that they are members of this association since we are the target.

“We have given the names and numbers of those who received kidnap threats to the police and the SSS, but nothing had been done in this regard.

The NMA boss bemoaned the kidnappers’ refusal to contact Mrs. Aladenika’s family.

MEMBER of the Editorial Board of The Nation and Director-General of the Awolowo Centre for Philosophy, Ideology and Good Governance, Prof.

Moses Akin Makinde, who was involved in an accident on Wecnesday, is unhurt.

The accident occurred on the Ife-Ibadan Expressway.

Makinde was travelling from Ife to Ibadan to attend a commemorative service for the late Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Tekena Tamuno.

Makinde said: “We were taken to Gbongan Police Station where the two drivers gave their statements. My wife, Taiwo, came to the scene of the accident.

“She said we should be grateful to God that no life was lost.”

Makinde returned to Ife in his wife’s car. The damaged car was taken to a mechanic’s workshop.

The don praised the police for their prompt response.

Amosun to present C of Os

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GUN State Governor Ibikunle Amosun will on Monday present another batch of Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) and title documents to beneficiaries of the Homeowners’ Charter programme.

In a statement by the Special Adviser/Director General, Bureau of Lands and Survey, Adewale Oshinowo, the presentation will take place at the Arcade Ground, Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, by 11am.

He said the governor wants to use the opportunity to thank the people for re-electing him and for the support given him during his first term. ‘’The governor will also use the opportunity to praise the people who have keyed into the Homeowners’ Charter Programme.

“Only beneficiaries who received invitations from the Bureau of Lands and Survey should attend the ceremony.”

Police probing Ondo deaths From Damisi Ojo, Akure

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HE police in Ondo State have begun investigating the deaths of three people after allegedly drinking a herbal drink made of local gin.

Police spokesperson Wole Ogodo said the report will be made open after the conclusion of the investigations.

Three persons died in Ondo town after allegedly drinking a concoction made of local gin at a popular motor park.

The incident caused tension in some parts of the town.

The government had earlier banned the consumption, production and sales of local gin.

Sources said the deceased complained of stomach ache shortly after drinking the concoction.

It was also learnt that the seller took to her heels shortly after the incident.

UI gets 5000 chicks, others From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

T •The Manager, Blorde Hair Stylist Ltd USA, Felicia Leatherwood; Managing Director, Kinky Apothercary, Nibi Lawson and Managing Director Natural Selection Blog Ltd, Cassidy Blackwell at the Nigeria Natural Hair and Beauty Show briefing held at Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos.

We’ve not been paid, say Ekiti workers

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OME civil servants in Ekiti State, who have done the verification ordered by Governor Ayo Fayose, said they have not been paid.

The workers, many of whom were subjected to harrowing long hours on queues at designated venues of the verification, complained that their hopes of early pay after they had undergone the exercise had been dashed.

A civil servant, who pleaded for anonymity, said the

•Fayose defends verification From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado Ekiti

government’s failure to pay them immediately after the verification had further demoralised them.

But Fayose explained that the verification was to fish out ghost workers.

He spoke at the inauguration of suggestion boxes at the Governor’s Office in Ado-Ekiti.

In a statement by his Chief

Press Secretary, Idowu Adelusi, the governor said many of these ghost workers had either died, retired from the service or travelled out of the country.

“Is it not interesting to hear that names of some students are on the payroll of the government? I am appealing to the workers to support the government to expose these cheats.”

On the insecurity in the

state, the governor said: “I did not lay kidnapping on the doorsteps of anybody or party because I don’t want to be distracted in the effort we are making to arrest the situation and rescue the victims.

“Everybody must join hands with the government to fight these criminals.

“I am to secure lives and properties of Ekiti people who elected me as their governor.

“No matter what anybody says or interpretation is given to our actions, I will not be distracted.”

HE President of the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), Dr Ayo Oduntan, has donated 5,000 day-old chicks and drugs to the University of Ibadan (UI) to boost its poultry needs.

The varsity also received processed feeds and other inputs for its farms.

Oduntan, who was honoured with excellent merit award by the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, described the university as a true citadel of learning.

The donor, who is also a veterinary scientist, said the donation would enable the faculty have its own poultry farm and produce its own eggs.

Other awardees were Prof R.O.A. Arowolo, a retired Professor of Veterinary Pharmacology and former Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine , Prof O.A.Akinboade, who is also a former dean and Dr Peter Boakye-Yeadom.

Book presentation postponed

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HE public presentation of the three books “The Great Leap: Selected Speeches of Babatunde Raji Fashola”; “In Bold Prints: Thoughts of Babatunde Raji Fashola” and “The Lagos Blow Down: West Africa’s First Controlled Demolition” billed for today has been postponed.

A statement from the Office of the Special Adviser on Media to the governor, Hakeem Bello, said a new date for the launch would be announced later.

The Special Adviser, who edited two of the books and coedited the third with Dapo Adeniyi, apologised for any inconveniences

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

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NEWS

You caused insecurity in Ekiti, APC lawmakers tell Fayose

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HE 19 All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmakers in Ekiti State have said Governor Ayo Fayose should be blamed for the insecurity in the state.

Reacting to a media report by the governor’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, accusing the lawmakers of frustrating the government’s security measures, the lawmakers said the governor was the one encouraging crimes through his con-

From Odunayo Ogunmola, Ado-Ekiti

duct.

A statement by Speaker Adewale Omirin’s Special Adviser on Media, Wole Olujobi, said: “Even before Fayose became governor, Ekiti witnessed a heavy influx of criminals to the state. The thugs were reportedly joined by the escapees of the Ado-Ekiti jail break and were quartered in the Adesua Lodge of the Government

•NURTW: drop impeachment plot House.

“The governor refused to fund security agencies as his predecessor, former Governor Dr Kayode Fayemi, did. Instead, the governor’s personal security vote was increased to N200 million monthly.

“Streetlights in the state capital are on now between 6.30pm and 10.30pm. Fayemi made it available between

6.30pm and 6.30am, which helped greatly to fight crimes.”

The statement said there was indeed a plot to kidnap the lawmakers to stall the governor’s impeachment.

Commercial drivers’ unions have warned APC lawmakers to drop their impeachment plan. They said the attempts to sack Fayose would throw the state into chaos.

In a joint statement yesterday by the Chairman, Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Samuel Agbede; Chairman, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Clement Adekola and Chairman, PickUp and Lorry Drivers’ Association, Atowoju Oluwatosin, the unions claim they are monitoring the movements of the law-

makers.

The commercial drivers also advised the APC lawmakers to respect a court order that all parties in the Ekiti impeachment saga should maintain status quo, until the case comes up for hearing again on May 21.

They urged the APC legislators to respect the decision of the people who elected Fayose to hold the mandate in trust for them.

NITAD organises conference

‘Access CBN N220b loan’

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GROUP, Quintessential Business Women Association, has urged women in Ekiti State to access the N220billion special fund set aside by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to better their socioeconomic status.

Under the scheme, the apex bank is allocating 60 per cent of the fund to women to invest in small scale businesses.

The National President of QBWA, Mrs. Shimite Katung, gave the advice while inaugurating the Ekiti State chapter executive, led by Mrs. Oluyinka Olumilua, at Ikere Ekiti yesterday.

Mrs. Katung, who anchors a popular television programme ‘African Pot’ on the Nigeria Television Authority, said her group had been able to sign Memoranda of Understanding with banks in 29 states, adding that Kwara and Akwa Ibom states had been able to access the loan.

She said four of the six states in the Northeast had been approved for the loan.

Mrs. Katung, who said the loan attracts nine per cent interest rate, without collateral, warned would be beneficiaries against defaults.

The Chairman, Michael Bamidele, urged the women to key in into the scheme, warning them not to see the money as their own share of the national cake.

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HE Nigerian Institute of Training and Development (NITAD) in Lagos State will hold its first annual trainers conference on May 20 and 21 at the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), Badagry.

The State Chairman, Mr. Oluwaseyi Kuton, said: “The theme of the programme is “The Role of Learning and Development in a growing economy”. We are a professional body working towards making trainers become professional and skillful.

“We, in the Lagos Chapter, have committed ourselves to organising annual conferences, bi-monthly and quarterly training programme,” he said.

The Organising Committee Chairman, Mrs. Olapeju Oladapo, said the membership of the NITAD cut across private and public institutions.

She said members of ASCON and Centre for Management Development (CMD) will attend the programme.

Residents send SOS to Ogun govt

By Ozolua Uhakheme, Assistant Editor (Arts)

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ESIDENTS of Akute, Baale Akin-Osi and Oke Aro communities in Ogun State may soon become homeless , if the Urban and Regional Planning Board makes real its seven-day demolition notice served on Tuesday.

The notices were served to owners of houses, schools, churches and mosques located on the Akute-Odo to Adiyan water pipeline right of way.

In a statement by the Community Development Committee (CDC) Appeal Committee yesterday, the residents have called on the governments of Ogun and Lagos states to reduce the initial 50metres setback to 20metres so that thousands of residents will not be homeless.

“As it stands, no fewer than 6,000 houses, public and private schools, churches and mosques will be affected, if government goes ahead with the 50metres setback.

“We wish to intimate the government that most of the affected house owners are aged retirees who have no steady means of livelihood,” the statement said.

The Chairman of the CDC Appeal Committee, Rev. Joshua Adegbola, said though the water project is peoplecentred, the government should also take into consideration the well being of the residents.

He said the affected residents share a peculiar status of being Ogun and Lagos indigenes by virtue of residence and work place.

•Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (second left) cutting the tape to inaugurate the Ministry of Science & Technology Office building, at the Secretariat, Alausa.With him are Commissioner for Science & Technology Adebiyi Mabadeje (middle), Head of Service, Mrs. Folashade Jaji (second right), the Special Adviser on Economic Planning & Budget, Mrs. Iyabowale Aluko (right) and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Science & Technology, Mrs. Nike Animashaun INSET: The building.

Allow independent candidacy, says Ndubuisi Kanu

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ORMER military administrator of Lagos State Rear Admiral Kanu Ndubuisi has advocated for independent candidacy in subsequent elections.

He observed that the electorate voted for individuals and not political parties in the last election and urged parties to begin to field credible candidates He spoke at a summit, “Revolution through the Ballot Box”, organised by the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) at the Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

By Innocent Duru

He was represented by the Director-General of the Nigeria Institute International Affairs (NIIA), Prof Bola Akinterinwa.

Speaking on “Ideology and Non-Ideology, Mapping the Genotype of this Generation of Nigerian Politicians”, Prof Akinterinwa regretted that party politics are no longer based on ideology.

He said: “The country needs ideology to move forward. Subsequent elections should allow independent

candidates to contest. When you belong to a party, you will be forced to do the bidding of the party. But when you stand alone, you have the courage to carry out your good plans without any interference.

“A good number of the electorate voted for individuals not parties in the last election. If parties would want to win elections, they should begin to look for people of integrity to be their candidates.”

UPN’s National Chairman Frederick Fasehun, in

his welcome speech, decried the happenings in the country.

“Nigerians have gone through various regimes of mutual distrust, civilian, military, liberal militocracy and totalitarian dictatorship.

“The times through which we have passed through have not encouraged us to hope and pray. But against all hope, we shall go on hoping and praying, in strong belief that one day, our children will live in peace and harmony, sharing a nation in which beauty flows all around.”

Salary: Aregbesola urges workers to be patient

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SUN State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has pleaded with civil servants to bear with the government over the delay in the payment of their outstanding salaries.

He appealed to them to tread the path of dialogue and peace in their demand.

The governor, in a statement by his media aide, Semiu Okanlawon, said the government had started exploiting all possible avenues to source for funds.

Aregbesola said despite inadequate and delay of federal allocation, the state is making moves to source for funds and offset the backlog of salaries.

He, therefore, appealed to

Industrial action should not be the last option. The workers should tread the path of dialogue and peace. We are all stakeholders. We need to reason together to resolve this salary issue peacefully. We hold our workers in high esteem.

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

the agitated workers to be patient and not consider industrial action as the last option.

“Industrial action should not be the last option. The workers should tread the path of dialogue and peace.

We are all stakeholders. We

need to reason together to resolve this salary issue peacefully. We hold our workers in high esteem.

“Workers are very important to us and we are always interested in their welfare. It’s the unfortunate situation on ground, which is a general problem that is painting the Osun government in bad light.

“But efforts are seriously being made by government to address the issue positively.

“In the past, we used to pay salary before month end because we never waited for federal allocation. It was when the alternative fund avenues had been exhausted that we started waiting for federal allocation.

“Though we have been promising to begin payment of salaries, but have not been able to fulfill the promises.

This is not intentional. It is due to the unfortunate disappointment from the Federal Government, which has failed to live up to expectations. But the government is trying its best to address the issue.”

Ibadan residents praise govt From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

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ESIDENTS of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, have commended the government for the provision of free buses and subsidised transport services.

Some residents said they thought the government would remove the buses when the scarcity started but were surprised that more buses were drafted to help ease movement.

The administration introduced the Ajumose buses to make transportation affordable for residents and civil servants.

Students and workers board the buses free while residents pay N50.

A resident, simply identified as Yetunde, said: “If not for the subsidised fare, my business would have collapsed.

Every morning, what I only need to do is to go the designated place to board the bus. I pay N50 for the journey that I pay N150 naira for when I board commercial buses.”

The Acting General of Pacesetter Transport Services (PTS), ‘Wole Akinleye, said over 200,000 residents have been transported in the last one month.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

9

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Tanker drivers can’t leave Lagos roads now, says NUPENG W ILL tanker drivers comply with the Lagos State Government’s directive to quit Eko, Liverpool and Coconut bridges by today?

They may not according to the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) Southwest Chairman Tokunbo Korodo, who argues that they cannot be blamed for constituting traffic nuisance.

The drivers, he said, were constrained to park on those roads because only three of the 50 depots in Lagos were dispersing petrol.

The depots are Capital Oil and Gas, Ibeto Oil and Gas and Integrated Oil and Gas tanks.

This development, Korode said, compelled hundreds of trucks to head for the three depots, adding that this is the key reason for the unprecedented traffic jam that has locked down Lagos in recent days.

Commissioner for Transportation Kayode Opeifa, on Wednesday chaired a stakeholders’ meeting where the government directed the trucks to vacate the bridges.

•Workers, pupils trek

“No tanker should be seen on Eko, Liverpool and Coconut among other bridges. By Thursday, the tanker owners should make one lane available for motorists to use pending the expiration of the ultimatum for enforcement to begin,” he said.

At the meeting were NUPENG, Petroleum Tankers Drivers (PID), National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO) and Independent Petroleum Markers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN).

With a biting petrol shortage, Lagos residents are also experiencing a lockjam on most roads.

Korodo said the gridlock could ease if trucks queuing for oil can load and leave Lagos this weekend.

But such scenario is not likely, according to observers.

Korodo suggested that the Nige-

rian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) should decentralise loading of petroleum products to ease the pressure on Lagos.

According to him, that is the only way Lagos residents will get a respite from the gridlock, which has pushed transport fares and cost of foodstuff up.

Meanwhile, many residents, including women and children resorted to trekking to get to their schools, businesses and offices.

Residents of Mushin, Ojuelegba, Surulere and Costain-Apapa areas who found it impossible to commute to Lagos Island because of a total lockdown at Costain Roundabout trekked to their destinations.

Some motorists abandoned their vehicles on roads after finding it impossible to cope with the traffic.

A civil servant, Mr Innocent

Govt honours cleaner for returning N12m •Woman gets national flag, plague, cash

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HE Federal Government yesterday conferred the airport cleaner, Ms Josephine Ugwu, that returned the N12million she found at the Lagos airport toilet with Citizens Responsibility Recognition Award (CRRA). She was also given an undisclosed sum.

Ms Ugwu is a cleaner with a concessionaire with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Patovilki Industrial Cleaning .

Presenting her the award and the National flag, National Orientation Agency (NOA) Director-General Mike Omeri said government was honouring her for her honesty, which he noted is in line with the agency’s new slogan.

The cleaner, he said, has redeemed the country’s image “which has been tainted by the conduct of a few Nigerians.”

Omeri said the agency would not

•Ms Ugwu receiving a plaque from Omeri...yesterday

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

relent in rewarding Nigerians that are honest in the discharge of their duties.

He urged airport workers to continue to display such exemplary conduct which is Nigerians’ traditional way of life.

The cleaner, Omeri said, has joined the league of other honest Nigerians, including Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola, who was rewarded for apprehending a traffic offender.

Other Nigerians, including a cab operator in Abuja, who returned

Edewor, who lives in Iyana-Ipaja and works in Iganmu said the fuel scarcity is worse than previous ones, adding: “The situation is telling on my meagre income”.

Edewor said: “It is never easy coping with Lagos traffic but the last one week has been hellish.

“I cannot even drop my children in school because first the fuel is not available and second the roads are heavily congested by heavy vehicles.

I have, therefore, decided to let my children stay at home, until the situation gets better. I pay as much as N350 from Iyana-Ipaja to this place and most of the time I have to trek long distances. If I have my way, this is the time to leave Lagos.’’.

Also, traders on Lagos Island are lamenting poor sales because of their inability to get to the island.

“Nobody is coming to patronise us at Balogun Market. Which road will they take to come to the market?’’ a shop owner, Mrs Olubunmi Erinle, asked.

“Our leaders should be proactive to prevent situations like this because everyone is suffering. The hardship is too much,’’ she said. money in the past, have been rewarded with the award.

Omeri said: “The Federal Government through the National Orientation Agency decided to honour the airport cleaner as a way of rewarding honesty and transparency. This recognition is in line with our slogan to Nigerians to do the right thing.

Showing good example is part of the good values that Nigerians should emulate. Three years ago, we gave similar recognition of honour to other Nigerians that have exhibited good conduct of honesty.

“I want to commend airport workers for their good conduct because people all over the world travel through the airport. I want to urge the airport staff to remain honest, which is part of what we are as a people. Many people have been given this recognition in the past, and we hope it will serve as a platform for honour.”

Omeri said the cleaner’s conduct has opened new vistas for the company where she works.

In his remarks, Regional Manager, Southwest Airports, FAAN, Mr Remi Aromiwura said the authority is excited with the cleaner’s conduct, noting that it is evidence that the environment is safe for passengers and users of the airport.

Why we created vocational centres, by Fashola •2,000 artisans graduate

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O fewer than 2000 artisans and tradesmen have undergone skills and competency training under the capacity building initiative of Lagos State Tradesmen and Artisans Empowerment Programme (LASTAEP).

The eight-week training, conducted by the Lagos State Technical and Vocational Educational Board (LASTVEB), the government said, was to enhance productivity and engender growth in the informal sector.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Commerce and Industry Mr. Oluseye Oladejo who said at the sixth Tradesmen and Artisans Day and Graduation that 9, 780 have been trained in entrepreneurship, use of information communication technology (ICT) and other business skills to upgrade their small enterprises.

Addressing artisans and tradesmen at the event held at the LTV Blue Roof, Governor Babatunde Fashola said the programme was initiated to bridge the skills gap and

•Some of the graduands.

By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

cushion employment challenges.

The unemployment challeng, he said, was national, noting that the training of artisans and tradesmen has returned jobs hitherto done by foreigners to Nigerians.

The challenge, he said, was not that there were no skilled electricians, tillers and plumbers among others, but that they were not well-skilled for contemporary competitiveness. The government, he said, upgraded five technical colleges for their training in order

PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES

to meet modern day challenges, adding: “Today, very confidently and happily, I can announce that all our technical colleges are up and running. And people are being trained in their large capacity for roof making, tiling, electricity installation, bricklaying, electronics, aluminum and production and so on,” he said.

On the programme’s importance, Fashola said: “There are few things we must all understand to solving unemployment and poverty. One of them lies in three words: ‘Made in Nigeria’. As long as we make more

things in Nigeria, it will mean that many more mills, factories and production units are functioning. As long as they are functioning, they will need hands to keep them in operation and that is what will create employment, reduce unemployment and poverty.

“As I often love to say, nothing gives a man or woman pride than to be able to say to his family ‘I am going to work’. It is a lot of dignity and widely different from ‘I am going to beg’. When the dignity of men is uplifted, there is a lot they can do.”

How I was sexually abused, by girl, 3

By Adebisi Onanuga

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N Ikeja High Court in Lagos yesterday heard how a 70year-old man, Tajudeen Shoneye, sexually abused an eightyear-old girl for three days.

A consultant Paediatrician with Lagos State General Hospital, Dr Edem Duke, said victim was brought to the hospital in 2013 limping and looking pale.

The witness said: "I work with Gbagada General Hospital and have been very familiar with children working as a Paediatrician for over 10 years.

"In June 2013, a little girl was brought to the hospital. She was eight years old. It was in the evening and she came with two female adults. The women with her said they were her teachers in school and said they were worried with the way she always withdrew to herself.

"So I examined her medically and discovered that her vagina had bruises and her hymen was broken which meant she had had sexual contact with somebody."

Led in evidence by the prosecutor, Akin George, the witness said she carried out a series of test on the victim.

"I asked her to run other tests like urine and HIV tests. She complained that she was sexually abused for three days by an old man in her neighbourhood. So we sent her for a series of other tests and a psychologist," the witness added.

Shoneye was arraigned on May 13, on one-count charge of "defilement" of an under age girl.

The prosecution said the offence committed on June 15, 2013 contravened to Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State.

The defendant pleaded not guilty and was ordered remanded in prison by Justice Atinuke Ipaye.

Justice Ipaye has however adjourned the matter till June 4, 2015.

Man charged with N898,000 ‘theft’

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22-YEAR-OLD man, Adamu Abdulahi, was yesterday arraigned before a Badagry Chief Magistrate’s Court in Lagos for allegedly stealing properties worth N898,000 from one Mrs Opeyemi Oke. Prosecuting police Inspector Innocent Uko said the accused committed the offence on March 30 at Old Mani Burge on the LagosBadagry Expressway.

Uko said the accused committed the offence with four others, who are now at large.

The prosecutor said the accused stole electrical appliances worth N30,000; media lightening equipment valued at N300,000 and some computer accessories valued at N25,000.

Others are a microphone and a receiver valued at N15,000; three cartons of Organo Gold coffee worth N450,000; electrical wires valued at N10,000; a battery valued at N4,000 and DSTV decoders valued at N64,000.

He said the offence is punishable under Section 285 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State.

The accused pleaded not guilty.

Defence counsel Mr Yomi Olatunji pleaded with the court to grant his client bail on liberal terms.

He promised that his client would not jump bail.

Magistrate Abiodun Etti granted the accused N200,000 bail with two sureties who must provide evidence of tax payment.

He adjourned the case till June 18.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

10

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‘I wept when my son was found’

Man ‘fondles’ women’s breasts at hotel

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•Father thanks police for keeping boy

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HEN I learnt on phone that my son has been recovered from the kidnappers, tears of joy rolled down my cheeks; I couldn’t control my emotion.”

These were the words yesterday by Mr Olanrewaju Gbadebo, father of fouryear-old David, who was kidnapped on a Lagos church last Sunday and found in Owode-Egbado in Ogun State.

Gbadebo was reliving his joy on being reunited with his son on Tuesday.

Gbadebo said he was moved to tears on seeing his son, describing the reunion as the happiest day of his life.

David was abducted from the children section of the church. His abductors called him, demanding a N700, 000 ransom.

Gbadebo denied paying ransom, saying he was asleep when the police called to tell him they have found his son.

Gbadebo told The Nation: “I was sleeping when one police Inspector, who simply gave his name as Bassey, called around 1am on Tues“

•David (second left) with parents and a younger sister, Dorcas ...yesterday.

By Olawale Balogun

day; asking if I was David Gbadebo, I hurriedly responded: “no, I am Olanrewaju Gbadedo.

“After several questioning, he was convinced that I am the father of the boy. He then told me that my son was found on Sunday evening and brought to their station by a good Samaritan.

“Miraculously, a good Samaritan found David roam-

Man, 60, hacked to death

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N Ebute Meta Chief Magistrate’s Court in Lagos has remanded a 37-year-old man, Sunday Obadele, in prison custody for allegedly hacking to death a 63-year-old man, Amuda Abudo.

Magistrate O.I. Adelaja said the accused should be kept in Ikoyi Prisons pending advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

The accused is facing a twin charge of murder and conspiracy.

Earlier, prosecuting police Inspector Richard Odigie said the offence was committed on February 17 at 16, Araromi Street, Oto-Awori, Ijanikin, Lagos.

“The duo had a heated argument which led to a fight between Obadele and Abudo.

“During the fight, they both picked up cutlasses to defend themselves, but Obadele had an upper hand and gave the deceased a deeper cut,” he said.

Odigie said the offence contravened Sections 221 and 231 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State.

The case has been adjourned to June 12.

Group to partner LASIEC on council poll

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

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PHOTO: OLAWALE

BALOGUN

AGOS State Chapter of the Inter-Party Advisory Council of Nigeria (IPAC) has pledged to work with Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) to ensure hitch free local governments election.

IPAC, which comprises all parties in the state, made this known when its seven-man executive visited LASIEC. IPAC Chairman Akinola Obadia said the council played an important role in the state during the last general elections through its collaboration with Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), adding that the collaboration contributed to the reduction of electoral violence.

Obadia said the council would ensure that things are done properly, calling on politicians to play politics without bitterness.

LASIEC Chairman Justice Abdul-Fatai Adeyinka, said the commission is receptive to idea that would enhance the electoral process.

He called for stakeholders’ collaboration to ensure hitch-free, fair and credible elections.

The commission, he said, would initiate the council election as soon as some of its challenges are eliminated.

ing the street of Owode at 6pm. On learning that he was lost, he quickly took him to nearby police station at Owode-Egbado, where the police officers at the station asked what his name was and searched him. They found chocolates, an apple drink and a piece of paper containing a phone number.

The officer-in-charge, Inspector Bassey, attempted the number, but it was unreachable at that point. He

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tried the number almost 20 times before he could reach me.”

Gbadebo said he went with the pastor and few members of the church to the Owode-Egbado Police Station in Ogun-State wth proof that David is his son.

“We went with several photographs and evidence to show that the boy with them is my son,” he said.

He thanked the police for recovering his son.

“The policemen and women played a vital role in my son’s life and I am grateful to them because they bought him clothes, bathe him and fed him properly since Sunday night when he was brought to them until Tuesday when we went to pick him up. In fact I am really surprised because I never believed it, God bless them,” he said.

Three policemen, nine vandals T least, three policedie in gun battle men and nine sus-

pected vandals were reportedly killed during gun battle.

The police said about 20 suspected vandals were said to have engaged in battle in Igando, Lagos. The hoodlums were said to have sabotaged two underground Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) pipelines from where they siphoned petro-

By Precious Igbonwelundu

leum products.

It was gathered that the hoodlums in speed boats strategically positioned themselves in the creeks to ward off intruders during their operation.

But the IGP Special Taskforce on Anti-pipeline Vandalism from Abuja stumbled on them.

The hoodlums, it was learnt,

opened fire on the policemen allegedly, killing three of them.

The police team returned fire, killing nine of the suspected vandals; some were injured.

Others were said to have escaped in their speed boats.

A senior police officer confirmed the story, but added: “I cannot tell whether anyone died.”

DAME trains journalists

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IAMOND Publication Limited, promoters of Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME), yesterday in Lagos held a workshop for journalists.

Over 25 reporters were in attendance.

The event titled: Widening the pools of excellence was aimed at improving reporters’ skills as well as making them globally competitive.

Prof. Lai Oso of the School

By Oluwakemi Dauda

of Communication, Lagos State University (LASU) was the guest lecturer; Mr Lanre Idowu, Chief Executive Officer, Diamond Publications Ltd, was the chief host.

Participants were taught the need to follow the ethics of journalism The workshop is part of DAME’s efforts to ensuring a better media. The plan is to support journalists to adopt

a better method of reportage in the public interest.

Instilling ‘journalistic values, deepening news judgement and improving research and writing skills were part of the topics.

Reporting skills were presented, practised and discussed. So were lessons on how to write news, conduct interviews and cover press conferences in line with international standards.

Man hits woman with hammer

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56-YEAR-OLD man, Patrick Amam, was yesterday arraigned before an Apapa Magistrate’s Court in Lagos for allegedly hitting a woman, Nanya Dutse with a hammer on her forehead.

Prosecuting police Corporal John Iberedem told the court that the accused committed the offence on May 6 at his residence.

Iberedem said Amam unlawfully assaulted Dutse, “causing her bodily harm.”

“The complainant said she

mistakenly poured part of the water she had fetched from a well on the body of Mr Amam’s wife who was standing by the same well.

Dutse said Amam’s wife did not give her the opportunity to apologise to her, only for Amam’s wife to be shouting and insulting her.

“The complainant said the woman went into her apartment and reported the matter to her husband who came out with a hammer in his hand. Dutse said the accused did not even listen to

her side of the story, instead he pushed her away and hit her on her forehead with the hammer,” Iberedem said.

The prosecutor said the offence contravened Section 171 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The accused pleaded not guilty.

Senior Magistrate G.L. Otepo granted the accused N50,000, bail with one surety in the like sum and adjourned the case till May 18.

35-YEAR-OLD man, Ahmed Tairu, who allegedly fondled some women’s breasts and buttocks, has been arraigned before an Oshodi Magistrate’s Court in Lagos.

The accused, who resides on Brown Street in Oshodi, Lagos, is charged with breach of peace and assault.

Prosecuting Police Corporal Kehinde Olatunde said the accused committed the offence on May 11 at New Life Hotel on Church Street, Oshodi.

According to him, the accused assaulted and touched the women’s breasts and buttocks.

“The accused also conducted himself in a manner likely to cause a breach of peace.

“The accused always goes to the hotel to obstruct the female staff from performing their duties and always harass the female customers of the hotel. Tairu had been warned several times by the management not to come to the hotel premises again, but he failed to heed the warning,” he said.

Olatunde said the accused stabbed two security guards with a broken bottle when they tried to prevent him from assaulting the women.

“In the process, he tore their uniforms and stabbed one of the guards on the head with a broken bottle and another on his chest,” he said.

The prosecutor said the offence contravened Sections 166 and 171 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The accused pleaded not guilty.

Magistrate Akeem Fashola granted the accused N50, 000 bail and adjourned the case to May 21.

Elders’ Forum hails Buhari, Osinbajo

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RESIDENT-ELECT Muhammadu Buhari and his deputy Prof Yemi Osinbajo have been asked to chart a new course for the country when they assume office on May 29.

The Elders’ Forum of IluOmoba Ekiti Progressive Union while congratulating them on their election said their experience in governance would be of help to the country.

In a message signed by Rt. Rev Elijah Ogundana, retired Bishop of Remo (Anglican) Diocese; Justice E. O. Kowe and Prof.

Olufemi Omosini, the forum said their victory attested to their acceptance by the people.

The forum said Buhari’s ideology of justice, fair play and zero tolerance for corruption must have endeared them and their party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) to Nigerians.

“It is our hope and expectation that you will bring with you your past experience in governance especially to chart a course for the future of Nigeria,” the forum said.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

11

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

Govt targets $6b yearly from seafarers’ export From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

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IGERIA is aiming to earn over $6 billion annually from selling seafarers trained from the newly approved Maritime University in Delta State, the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Ziakede Akpobolokemi, has said.

The Federal Executive Council (FEC), on Wednesday approved the license for the university as the first full fledged maritime university in West Africa.

Akpobolokemi said: “The Philippines remits over $6 billion from selling seafarers across the globe. So the new Maritime University in Nigeria is intended to sell seafarers across the globe, not only our local industry.

He called on the youths to come and study after graduating to get the necessary sea time experience and the rest of them and expose them anywhere in the world.

Akpobolokemi, praised the FEC for approving the license, noting that NIMASA has recorded more achievements in the past four years than the previous ten years.

He said: “One of the noble steps we have taken have yielded success and that has to do with the formal approval for the take off of the Maritime University in Okerenkoko, Delta State.”

“FEC gave its endorsement for the take off of the university. We are happy because this is unique in this country. In the Sub-Sahara countries, we don’t have maritime universities common. It has been a very challenging period in getting to this level.”

NAC signs N2.4b contract on auto equipment From Franca Ochigbo and Grace Obike, Abuja

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ATIONAL Automo tive Council (NAC) yesterday signed a N2.44 billion contract with three firms for the supply and installation of automotive testing laboratory equipment.

Director General of NAC, Aminu Jalal stated that the equipment and tools would be used in the gas emission testing laboratory in Lagos, the component testing laboratory in Enugu and the vehicle evaluation laboratory in Zaria, Kaduna State.

He added that the laboratories were critical in the implementation of National Automotive Industrial Plan (NAIDP) as they were designated as centres of excellence in automotive engineering for learning and research.

Jalal made the revelation yesterday at the signing of contracts for the procurement, installation and training of equipment and tools between NAC and the firms.

The three companies that the contracts was awarded to, include Mustang Advanced Engineering, AVL Austria and Artec Technology, Netherland, with a 36 months’ timeline supply of the equipment.

Commercial banks are not manufacturing-friendly as their interest rates are usually very high; therefore, commercial banks remain a major challenge to the sector. Even the Bank of Industry’s (BoI) framework, which pegs interest rate at nine per cent, only finances machinery acquisition; it does not cater for working capital.

-MAN President, Dr Frank Jacobs

PIB: Reps approve, cut host community fund to 7.5 per cent

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HE House of Repre sentatives has ap proved the establishment of a Petroleum Host Community (PHC) Fund .

The fund, as contained in the report of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) currently under consideration at the House of Representatives, is meant to be utilised for the development of the economic and social infrastructure of the communities within the petroleum producing area.

As contained in clause 118, every company involved in upstream or downstream Petroleum operations, or both, shall remit 7.5 per cent of their net profit on a monthly basis to the the fund.

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

The contribution by the participating oil companies, was hotly contested, but it was eventually reduced from 10 to 7.5 per cent.

According to the lawmakers, the likelihood of petroleum resources host communities increasing in the near future was high, as a result, consideration should be all encompassing.

At the continuation of the debate of the report yesterday, 101 clauses were considered by the lawmakers.

Clause 2 that was refered to a selected panel was voted on, after it was amended.

The clause that was about

ownership of petroleum resources, stated that “the entire property and control of all Petroleum, under or upon any land within Nigeria, its territorial waters, or which forms part of its continental shelf and the Exclusive economic zone, is vested in the Government of the Federation.”

The lawmakers were in agreement that the subject was well taken care of by the Constitution and need not be repeated by the Bill.

However agreement could not be reached on the powers of the Minister during the period of a state of emergency as contained in clause 7. It was suspended again, while the Minority Leader,

Femi Gbajabiamila, as well as the Minority Whip, Samson Osagie and a couple of lawmakers were asked to further work on it and report back next Tuesday.

The membership of the Board of Upstream Petroleum Inspectorate as contained in clause 77 was also reduced from 12 to seven.

However, clause 32 was amended to ensure that the expenditures of the Inspectorate from unappropriated funds were “subject to appropriation by the National Assembly”.

Clause 33 allows the Board to accept gifts that would not compromise its operations, but members can not accept for their personal use.

• From left: Chairman, CPC Board, Air Commodore Ishaku Ganga Mwadkon (rtd), Aganga; Mrs. Atoki at the event

Consumer abuse: Govt moves to check impunity

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OVERNMENT’S ef forts to check preva lent business practices of consumer abuse with impunity, moved a step forward with the inauguration of the first in-house audiovisual studio at the Consumer Protection Council (CPC).

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga, who commissioned the studio in Abuja, yesterday, said apart from the fact that the project would help increase consumer awareness, business operators would also learn to respect consumer rights more, since it would be easier for aggrieved consumers to name and shame fraudulent operators through the various CPC studios across the country.

He noted that whilst the advent of industries in new areas like telecommunications, information technology and online sales, have brought new challenges for consumers as regards getting full value for their money, the current management of CPC is resolute in its drive towards addressing critical issues of abuses across all sectors of the Nigerian economy.

Aganga said the Nigerian market, like all other mar-

• CPC inaugurates first audio-visual studio for consumers

By Simeon Ebulu

kets in the world, is not perfect. “I am aware that consumers contend on a daily basis with issues arising from sharp practices of dubious businesses and the abuse of consumer rights by producers and service providers.

The advent of industries in new areas like telecommunication, information technology and online sales pose entirely new concerns for consumers.

“Economies are dynamic, and when they grow and add new sectors and technologies like we have seen in the last couple of years, the need for change in people’s behavioural patterns becomes imperative. This underscores the important role of CPC in enforcing compliance of businesses with consumer protection laws and educating consumers to be assertive in the marketplace.

“It is, therefore, gratifying that the current administration in CPC is resolute in its determination to drastically increase the level of consumer awareness in the country and check the impunity of businesses,” he said.

Also speaking, the Director-General, CPC, Mrs. Dupe Atoki, said consumer education was a core mandate of the Council, adding that the CPC had already developed innovative awareness strategies towards addressing the problem of consumer ignorance and apathy.

She said a base -ine survey on consumer rights awareness in Nigeria conducted two years ago, revealed that consumers were largely unaware of their rights and where to seek redress.

The need to increase the Council’s visibility and impact through an aggressive consumer rights education and advocacy campaigns, became my top priority,” she said, adding that consumer education is a core mandate of the CPC and a key deliverable of consumer protection.

She said:“An informed consumer is the best protector of his or her rights. He or she is more proactive, assertive and confident to demand redress for any violations. Conversely, consumer ignorance and apathy contributes to poor service delivery, substandard production and impunity among businesses.”

To address the low consumer awareness, Mrs. Atoki said a number of strategies were developed on how to increase consumer rights education and advocacy through a variety of media platforms, with particular emphasis on the radio, television and social media; due to their vast reach both in the urban and grass root areas.

She stressed that the establishment of the in-house studio would help enhance the agency’s consumer awareness activities and also reduce media production costs.

In her words: “The establishment of an in-house audio-visual studio set up by the CPC with the support of the Ford Foundation, is an initiative aimed at facilitating an aggressive consumer rights education and advocacy campaigns that will lead to increased consumer awareness and assertiveness in the marketplace. This is a very significant milestone achievement of the Council.”

She said this project is expected to greatly reduce the cost of producing our TV and radio programmes by over 60 per cent, adding that it would also give consumers the ample opportunity to have their views aired when necessary.

Senate passes 299.526b NDDC budget From Onyedi Ojiabor, Asst.

Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

T

HE Senate yesterday a p p r o v e d N299.526billion as the 2015 budget for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Chairman, Senate Committee on Niger Delta Affairs, Senator James Manager, whose committee worked on the budget, presented it for consideration and adoption.

Components of the budget included Personnel expenditure, N16.133billion, Overhead expenditure N10.423billion; Capital expenditure (internal) N1.879billion; Project (development) expenditure N271.09billion Revenue sources according to the budget estimate included revenue brought forward, N10billion; Federal Government contribution N70 billion, Federal government contribution (unpaid arrears) N20 billion; oil companies contribution and others N160 billion; Ecological Funds, N40 billion and Internally Realized Income N100 million, all amounting to N300.1billion.

Manager said the Committee considered the proposal and noted that the nonproject expenditure-personnel, overhead and internal capital totaling N28.465million represented 9.5 per cent of the total proposed budget for the year as against 8.43 per cent in 2014.

Govt harmonises taxes, levies • CITN against tax consultants From Nduka Chiejina (Asst. Editor)

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ARRING any changes in policy, Nigeria will soon have a harmonised tax and levy regime across the country.

It was revealed yesterday that the Federal Government has approved the strengthening and harmonisation of taxes and levies across the country to save small and medium enterprises from going out of business.

This was made known yesterday by President Goodluck Jonathan at the 17th Annual Conference of Tax Administrators organised by the Chartered Institute of Taxation (CITN) in Abuja.

Jonathan who was represented by the Minister of State for Finance Ambassador Bashir Yuguda, said the it has become imperative to strengthen and harmonise the nation’s taxes and levies in order to avoid multiple taxation.

The approval for the strengthening and harmonisation was given on Wednesday at the weekly Federal Executive Council meeting where it was agreed that Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) should not be put out of business with unfair taxes.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

12

NEWS PRESENTATION OF RIVERS STATE GOVERNOR ROTIMI AMAECHI’S BOOK IN LAGOS

•Former Interim Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande (left), Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, APC National Chairman Chief John Odigie-Oyegun; Mrs Folake Soyinka, her husband Nobel laureate Prof Wole Soyinka at the presentation of a book: Dynamics of Change, The Amaechi Years in Lagos...yesterday

•Lagos State Governor-elect Mr Akinwumi Ambode and APC National Women Leader Ramatu Tijani

•Rivers State APC governorship candidate Dr Dakuku Peterside (left); Dr Tonye Alabo-Graham-Douglas; Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun and Kaduna State Governor-elect Mallam Nasir El-Rufai •APC chieftain Sam Sam Jaja (left); Rivers APC Chair Davies Ikanya; a guest and Senator Magnus Abe

•Justice George Oguntade (left); former Ekiti State Governor Niyi Adebayo and Mrs Joy Nawikeh

•Chief Arobo Calango (left); President, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Managing Director, Access Bank, Mr Herbert Wigwe

Publisher, Vanguard Newspaper Mr Sam AmukaPemu and Dr Doyin Abiola PHOTOS: RAHMAN SANUSI

•Plateau State Deputy Governor-elect Nuhu Didado (left); APC Deputy Chariman (South), Chief Segun Oni; Plateau State Governor-elect Bako Lalong and bank chief Jim Ovia

Buhari govt must embrace people-oriented policies, says Tinubu

A

LL Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday challenged the incoming administration of Gen Muhammadu Buhari and other governments at the state level to embark on people- oriented policies for the general wellbeing of Nigerians.

He said Nigerians must also brace for the challenges required to build a better and prosperous nation. Tinubu spoke at the public presentation of a book: ‘Dynamics of Change: The Amaechi Years’ edited by Chidi Amuta and Dr Yemi Ogunbiyi at the Civic Centre in Lagos.

•APC Leader speaks at Rivers Governor Rotimi Amaechi’s book presentation

By Seun Akioye and Olatunde Odebiyi

The book is a compilation of major achievements of the administration of Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

Tinubu, who described Amaechi as a good example of the principles of common sense revolution said Nigerians have expressed their desire for change by pushing through the Common Sense Revolution which is non-violent.

Tinubu said: “In the course of the historic campaigns for the presidential election, I was emphatic that the election itself was a great opportunity to pop-

ularise and test the noble idea of a Common Sense Revolution in Nigeria. Soon enough we found in the resonance of the APC Change mantra with the electorate a confirmation that Nigeria needed a Common Sense Revolution that is non-violent.”

The APC leader praised Governor Amaechi, describing him as one of the generals of the Common Sense Revolution.

Tinubu said: “We are here today, because one of the generals in the Common Sense Revolution army, Rotimi Amaechi is bold and willing to show the world what he has

achieved in the task to chart the critical path to total political and economic emancipation of the people whose mandate he enjoyed for eight years.

“In my view, our gathering to celebrate the landmark achievements of my brother, Governor Rotimi Amaechi, in Rivers State, in the last eight years, is also another justifiable celebration of the idea of Common Sense Revolution for development.”

Tinubu said the publication of the book is a timely service to history, he also noted that the book presentation was remarkable because of the huge

challenges Amaechi faces especially during his second term in office and his role as the chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum which brought him into a “ bitter collision with President Goodluck Jonathan.”

He said: “Governor Amaechi and most of the governors want a properly defined federalist relationship with the government at the centre. The President would have none of that as in the notable example of the management of the Federation Account. This is, therefore, another great opportunity to salute Amaechi’s rare courage of conviction and sense of purpose. The All

Progressives Congress (APC) has every cause to be proud of him.”

Tinubu said the legacy of good governance and genuine development left by Amaechi will inspire other state governments to make the welfare and security of the people the focus of governance.

“Rotimi will go on from here to continue to serve Nigeria in key positions. He will not be alone. He will share the company of many change agents and professionals who have cast their lots with the new political order under the leadership of President-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari,” the APC leader said.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

13

THE NATION

BUSINESS BRANDS & MARKETING

e-mail: adedejiademigbuji@yahoo.com /mobile line: 08131075667

Consumer rights violations in public and private businesses are high. To address this, stakeholders have urged consumers to always demand for their rights, reports ADEDEJI ADEMIGBUJI.

Consumer rights breaches worry stakeholders A

CRAZY bill for unconsumed power supply, illegal deduction for unused phone calls, flight delays or flight rescheduling with no compensation, inexplicvable deduction by banks on deposits are some of the concerns raised on consumer right violation in Nigeria at the second Stakeholders’ Conference organised by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) Lagos Chapter.

Held in collaboration with the Mass Communication Department of the University of Lagos, stakeholders are bothered by the rate at which no one seems to care about injuries suffered by consumers due to lack of response by regulatory agencies to some of their complaints against unscrupulous business concerns in the public and private sectors.

A professor of Mass Communication, University of Lagos Mass Communication Department, Prof Ralph Akinfeleye, decried the gross violation of consumer right at both public and private sectors.

He described the experience of Nigerian aviation consumers as sordid with no reprieve in sight to save millions of airline passengers from the whims and caprices of op-

erators. He said while passengers book for flight to meet certain business, family and other engagement, airline operators could terminate or reschedule flights without resort to compensate the affected passengers.

He also cited the plights of millions of energy consumers in the country who pay for power not supplied, and, in most cases, they are billed higher than the normal tariff for power not supplied.

Akinfeleye believes public relations experts could use their forte to help consumers get reprieve. He also noted that the telecommunication service providers and the banks, among others, are top on the list of organisations that violate consumer rights in Nigeria.

Defending the power sector, the Chairman/CEO, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Dr. Sam Amadi, highlighted key issues impeding the Power Sector Reform from enhancing consumer protection in the sector.

He said gas supply shortages, fragile electricity transmission system, cost reflective tariffs, electricity market revenue shortfall, metering in the Nigeria’s Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) and threats

to effective regulation are some of the challenges that undermine consumer satisfaction in the sector.

These he said , have resulted to customers’ dissatisfaction and apathy.

He said the result of poor supply and outrageous billing are some of the issues that the industry is facing in the consumer market.

Amadi who was represented at the conference by Dr Uche Okoro said while metering is another big challenge, the commission has adopted a two pronged approach to addressing the metering challenge. He said one of the approaches which is metering intervention has been established with the aim of facilitating and supporting the operators on one hand and protecting the consumer on the other.

“The Commission introduced a ‘Voluntary Scheme’ known as Credited Advance Programme for Metering Implementation (CAPMI) to assist in dealing with the metering gap. Strong enforcement of the commitment made by the Discos on closing the metering gap as contained in their business plans during the privatisation of the entities will be pusued. Appropriate financial penalties will be imposed on the Discos once the AT&C losses

are adjusted and cost- reflective tariff released,” he said.

The Head of Consumer Protection Council (CPC), Lagos Office, Mr. Tam Tamunokonbia said though the rate of consumer rights violation is high, the commission understands how Nigerian consumer feels when their rights are not addressed. He noted that the commission has invested efforts into protecting the rights of consumers in the country. He, however, said consumers often shy away from reporting or complaining rights violation by business concerns.

Tamunokonbia affirmed that CPC can only act on reported cases as most consumers bury the injury in their hearts rather than seek for appropriate channel to get justice.

He urged consumers to always demand for their rights by bringing complaints to the notice of the Commission.

The Executive Vice Chairman, National Communication Commission (NCC), Dr. Eugene Juwah, who was represented by the Director Public Affairs, Mr Tony Ojobo, insisted that the quality of telecoms service in Nigeria is not falling in any way that undermines consumer right and satisfaction compared to the days of analogue when Nigerian Telecommunication (NITEL) held sway. “Even if we wish to compare service quality with the situation in the 1970s to 1990s, up to 2000, or at the incep-

tion and during the telecom revolution years which began in 2001, or just the status in three to five years ago, we are uncomfortable to admit that the quality or standard of services is falling. But we may argue that the challenges to quality of service are increasing at the same pace at which services are expanding to all the nooks and crannies of the country,” he said.

He noted that part of the industry constraints that affects consumers satisfaction includes poor power supply, multiple regulation and taxation, right of way issues, vandalisation of telecoms infrastructures and infrastructure deficit. He, however, affirmed the commission’s commitment to ensuring that operators deliver on their promises.

The Chairman, NIPR Lagos Chapter, Joseph Okonmah, explained that the conference was designed for regulatory authorities and corporate organisations to deliberate on issues affecting consumers in the country.

Also, the President/Chairman Governing Council, NIPR, Dr. Rotimi Oladele, urged all stakeholders to use PR platform to advocate for the involvement of all stakeholders in ensuring that the essence of the conference is not defeated.

“Protecting the rights of the Nigerian consumer is the collective responsibility of all stakeholders,” he said.

Noah’s Ark among world leading agencies

N •From left: Prof Akinfeleye; Okonmah and Dr. Oladele at the conference in the University of Lagos.

CHI Happy Hour targets social media fans in O harness the power of so With over 64,000 likes on talent contest Facebook, cial media to build brand the Burst of Refresh-

T

loyalty, Chi Happy Hour, a drink from the stable of CHI Limited, has launched the ‘Burst of Refreshment Talent Showcase’ contest.

Fans of the Chi Happy Hour are expected to participate in the contest by uploading their videos where they are singing and drinking CHI Happy Hour with family members, friends and colleagues and win amazing prizes.

The campaign, which is aimed at boosting the brand’s growing popularity among followers on social media platforms, was unveiled this month. The Burst of Refreshment Talent Showcase contest will see winners going home with fantastic prizes, such as Samsung Galaxy S5, digital cameras and cartons of Chi Happy Hour.

To participate in the contest, a consumer is expected to record a 30 - 60 seconds video of him or herself singing about Chi Happy Hour to the tune of any song of choice.

The song, however, must be refreshing.

“In the chorus, the phrases ‘Chi Happy Hour’ and ‘Burst of Refreshment’ must be mentioned. The participant must also be seen drinking Chi Happy Hour in the video while taking an action that signifies how refreshed the participant is. The participant must then visit Chi Happy Hour’s page on Facebook, ‘Like’ the page and upload the Mp4 file video file as a private message. Shortlisted videos will then be posted on the Chi Happy Hour timeline. Shortlisted participants are encouraged to get all their Facebook friends to ‘Like’ their videos as the videos with the highest numbers of likes will emerge as winners of the competition,” the firm said in a statement.

Since the commencement of the contest on Facebook this month, the promotion has recorded hundreds of entries and comments but only shortlisted entries can be seen on the timeline.

ment Talent Showcase is a great way to build awareness about the Chi Happy Hour page and by the time the competition is over, the number is expected to have crossed 100,000.

According to Chi Limited’s Managing Director, Mr. Deepanjan Roy, “The Chi Happy Hour Social media engagement is a unique way of connecting with our consumers.

For us at Chi Limited, we place premium on our products and consumers and the Chi Happy Hour Burst of Refreshment campaign offers an opportunity for both consumer engagement and brand affinity”.

Chi Happy Hour fruit drinks, which comes in 1Ltr, 500ml and 250ml packs, are the fastest growing brand in the fruit juice and nectar category. The fruit drink is ideal for parties and other social gatherings. It is available in the market in variants of Peach and Tropicana, as well as Apple Peach Pear, Guava and Kiwi Mint Lime.

OAH’S Ark has been listed among the top 16 world’s leading independent agencies for the year.

The world’s leading independent agencies is published yearly on a non-profit basis by thenetworkone, the leading independent agencies organisation, in association with Campaign magazine, London.

The publication is not a ranking by size, or success in awards festivals; but rather, a series of inspirational articles written by 16 agencies, from around the world, judged by this editorial board to be creative and thought leaders in the marketing communications industry.

According to the organisers, inclusion in the global ranking is by invitation, decided by a joint editorial board of thenetworkone and Campaign Magazine based on the assessment of the dexterity of the creativity of the agencies from different countries across the globe.

The agencies featured in the year are; Baldwin & – United States, BSUR– The Netherlands , Creature of London – UK, Goodstein – China, Gravity Road – United Kingdom, Hasan & Partners Group – Finland, Noah’s Ark – Nigeria, Repense – Brazil, Scarecrow – India, Serviceplan Group – Germany, Thinkhouse – Ireland, Thjnk – Germany, The Jupiter Drawing

Room – South Africa, The Monkeys – Australia, The Newtons Laboratory – Greece and The Secret Little Agency – Singapore.

Speaking on the development, the Managing Director, Noah’s Ark Communication Limited, Mr. Lanre Adisa noted that the inclusion of the Agency in the list of 2015 World’s Leading Independent Agencies marks another significant milestone in the annals of the Agency.

Adisa noted that the achievement signifies another bold step in pursuant of the vision of the Agency to be in the league of the most successful brand builders out of Africa with a mission to continue to be an invaluable extension of our Clients’ marketing department.

“We are very proud as agency to have make the list of the top 16 world’s leading independent agencies for 2015 not only because we are the only Agency from Nigeria but also that we are one of the two agencies that made the list out of Africa,’’ he said.

He stressed further that Noah’s Ark is evolving as a new group of full service integrated marketing communication with two new businesses under the group - Integrated Indigo Limited (a Public Relations, Events & Experiential Marketing firm) and Underdog (a Radio/TV and Content development firm).

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

14

THE NATION

BUSINESS

E-mail: toniaitose@gmail.com

sms : 07035302326

SHOPPING

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

These past weeks have seen massive increment in the prices of staple foods and other commodities. Traders have attributed the increment to the fuel scarcity that has brought untold hardship to commuters and businesses, TONIA ‘DIYAN reports.

Staple food prices skyrocket as fuel scarcity lingers F

OOD prices are going upno thanks to three weeks old fuel scarcity.

Traders are blaming it all on high cost of transporting goods to the market.

In some markets in Lagos, traders have either increased the prices of food items or haven’t been able to provide such items for their customers as a result of the fuel scarcity.

They say cost of transporting these items from the farm or their places of purchase to the market has gone up far higher than they were before the fuel scarcity challenge started.

Few filling stations that have petrol are selling at between N150 and N200 per litre, instead of the government regulated price of N87 per litre.

Market men and women say the increment has a negative effect on their businesses and that prices of their produce will remain high and staple items will be out of stock for as long as the problem persists.

Survey on other major markets in the Lagos metropolis has also confirmed that prices of food items and that of other commodities will remain high till the present fuel scarcity returns to normalcy. Some items are now sold almost three times their usual prices.

Also restaurants and canteens are now forced to increase the price of their meals, saying they purchase foodstuff at high prices too. A food vendor at Ladipo in Mushin, Lagos, Mrs Rukayat Adebayo, said foodstuffs have become very expensive, attributing the hike to high cost of transportation by motorists who transport the items to the market where they are sold.

“Some merchants who I patronise told me they sell to make profit and so, they will have to include the additional transportation cost to the original prices. I am left with no choice but to buy and also sell at exorbitant prices to my customers,“ she said.

At Daleko market, a suburb of Lagos, a trader, Mutiat Aruna, said she paid twice the fare of transporting her produce to the market because motorists complained they are buying fuel at three times the original cost.

In recent times, beans has been the most expensive staple food. Consumers have not stopped lamenting this increment due to its unstable price, especially those brought from the northern part of the country. Mrs. Adenike Taiwo, who sells beans in small and large quantities at Daleko market in Iyana-Isolo, Lagos, complained that a bag of Oloyin beans which used to cost N13, 000 is now N14,000. To sell in bits, a derica cup goes for N220 as against 180.

Mr Lazarus Okenyi sells rice and beans in large and small

• Traders and their wares waiting for patronage

‘Before, I used to pay N200 to transport my goods. Since the fuel scarcity started, I have been paying N500. It is very painful that I have to ask the motorists whether what I am carrying now is more than what I used to carry. I will be left with no choice but to add that additional N300 to the final selling price of my goods’ quantities at Mushin-Ojuwoye market. He said the price of food item he sells has increased by five per cent. He gave the new prices as; Arozo for N8, 500 as against the former N8,000. If he has to sell the item in bits, he said a derica cup costs N180 instead of N130. Special Rice according to Okenyi is now N10,500 and N11, 000, while a derica cup costs N200 instead of N160.

Survey shows that the price of garri, which is regarded as a common staple food among low income earners, has also increased, jumping to N400, sometimes N500 for a brand while another brand sells for between N300 and N350. A bag of yellow garri is N4, 500, it used to be N3,500.

At Daleko Market, Special Rice used to be N9, 300 and N9, 500 while Arozo was N7,500. These prices have now increased.

Mrs. Barakat Ogundele, who sells Tomatoes and Pepper at Agege market, said she buys from Mile 12 market and the prices have moved up a little but she laments that the cost of transporting her produce to the market has gone up astronomi-

cally. “Before, I used to pay N200 to transport my goods, since the fuel scarcity started, I have been paying N500. It is very painful that I have to ask

• Tomatoes sellers

the motorists whether what I am carrying now is more than what I used to carry. I will be left with no choice but to add that additional N300 to the fi-

nal selling price of my goods.”

Ogundele gave the price of a basket of tomato as N5,000 and N6,000 depending on the size of the basket. Pepper, she said, has reduced in quantity instead of increasing in price.

Mrs Silifatu Ogunbiyi, a shopper seen at one of the markets said there is nothing like little increment. “No increment is small o! When I get home and add all I have bought together, I will be surprised at the amount I have spent to buy this little item.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

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THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

FRIDAY MAY 15, 2015

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POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

Ojukwu underrated me, says Gowon ...Former military Head of State reflects on civil war at Foursquare jubilee

F

ORMER military Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon yesterday reflected on the 30-month civil war, saying that the Biafran leader, the late Col. Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, underrated him because of his well known Christian life.

Dr. Gowon said that Ojukwu believed that Jack (Gowon) would not make war because he was a gentle Christian who hated troubles.

However, the former military leader, who said Nigeria survived the three year-old war because of the persistent prayers of Nigerians for peace and the Armed Forces, said prayers also worked for Nigeria during the recent general elections.

Gowon chaired the first Foursquare Golden Jubilee Lecture at the church’s national headquarters, Yaba, Lagos. Its theme was: ‘The Church and the Nigerian Nation: Impact, challenges and the way forward.’ The lecture was delivered by the Vice Chancellor of Macpherson University, Seriki Sotayo, Ogun State, Prof. Adeniyi Agunbiade. The lecture hosted by the General Overseer, Rev. Felix Meduoye, was witnessed by the Olu of Warri, Emiko Atuwatse 11, and former Central Bank Deputy Governor Tunde Lemo.

Gowon, who emphasised the importance of prayers and godly living, said that prayers saved the country during the civil war and the recent elections, adding that it also averted the fulfillment of the prediction about disintegration.

He said: “All my life, from childhood to this present day, the Bible has consistently been my companion. Before the civil war, my beloved brother, Ojukwu, said that Jack will not fight because he is a Christian and he keeps the Bible in his suitcase. But, he was wrong. During the civil war (1967-1970), it was the prayers of the people of God and the bravery of our fighting forces that kept the country together.”

Gowon said that he was also motivated to “keep Nigeria together” by a newspaper article, which interpreted his name, Gowon, to be “Go

•The late Ojukwu

•Gowon

By Emmanuel Oladesu, Group Political Editor

on with one Nigeria.” He added: “I have led this country at a critical time, which made me to appreciate the value of prayer. I was motivated by an article in a newspaper, which described my name as “Go on with one Nigeria.” That made me to be more determined to do what we had to do to keep Nigeria together.”

The former Head of State also said that prayers averted the fulfillment of predictions of break-up by those he described as uncertified futurologistists, who had warned that the general elections may lead to disintegration.

Noting that Nigeria had peaceful elections.

Gowon said the loser accepted the outcome and conceded defeat, making Nigeria to leave a sign of relief. He stressed: “I was in Addis Ababa

for a conference. G People were congratulating me and Nigeria. It shows Nigeria has a future.

God did the best for our country and not for our individual and selfish interest. We must not cease to pray to God to take charge of our leaders and strengthen our leaders to truly serve the people. God will guide our leaders to distinguish from right from wrong, good from evil and unhesitatingly decide to do what is right and good.”

Urging the state and the church to play complementary roles, Gowon said: “The state should refrain from meddling in matters of faith; no good will be done playing one religion against another, just as it will be unconscionable to use religious leaders for self-serving purposes that will diminish them among the congregation.

“Leaders should also not take undue advan-

tage of the biblical injunction for followers to respect their leaders because they are chosen of God. As in the days of old, religious leaders, today, stand in the gap between temporal power and the people. To this end, they must never cease to speak truth to power; they must positively advise leaders on the way forward; they must be fair and honest in their dealings with both sides; they must be conciliatory, not condemnatory and they must help the leadership to correctly interpret policies to the people so that the polity is not heated up for no reason than the protection of the self-interest of a few powerful elite members of the society.”

Stressing the importance of the lecture, Rev. Meduoye said that it is important to review that past and project into the future at this critical point in national history. He said Nigerians are hopeful about the future, adding that the incoming administration of General Muhammadu Buhari should not disappoint the people.

Meduoye added: “Nigeria deserves an atmosphere where no citizen will be oppressed and discriminated against.”

Agunbiade lamented that the church and the nation at a crossroads, adding that both are in perilous times. He said the church has not lived up to expectation as the salt and light of the word, pointing out that the church has not guide the nation ethically and morally.

The university don urged the church to assist the government in the fulfillment of its priorities in education, job creation, governance and spiritual and moral development. He also said that the church should repudiate vices in government and decry the lack of honesty and justice in the society.

Agunbiade urged Nigerians to support the push for change championed by President-elect Buhari and his deputy, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN). He said: “Buhari and Osinbajo alone cannot bring about change. The church must be part of the change. It is not too late for the right foundation to be laid for a sound leadership in the country.”

Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Dr Leke Pitan spoke on how incoming President Muhammadu Buhari can effectively implement the party’s programmes on health, education and agriculture. Assistant Editor LEKE SALAUDEEN met him.

‘Buhari ’ll bring succour to Nigeria’

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HAT does Buhari/Osibajo leadership portend for the country?

The Buhari/Osibajo presidency portends a new vista of leadership. The anti-corruption status of the new leadership is unassailable. It will engender faith in the polity that cut across party lines and ethnic divides. The emergence of Buhari/Osibajo leadership will unite us as people of one nation which we must use as a vehicle of evolution of our nationhood.

The image of the new leadership is not in doubt. The integrity rating is unassailable. We should have faith in them and line up behind them. When you have leadership that you trust, whatever they do we must have faith in them. Nigerians should not miss the opportunity of what Buhari/ Osibajo leadership represents; a lot of things will evolve from it. All Nigerians are united in their faith in the leadership just as sports unite us. We are comfortable that whatever they do, whatever they spend will be in the interest of the people.

As a medic, how would you advise the Buhari administration on the provision of effective healthcare?

The in-coming government should adhere strictly to the All Progressives Congress (APC) manifesto which makes Health Insurance compulsory.

It provides various levels, different packages and different premiums.

There will be basic minimum package so that individual can decide which

level he will accept for his family. We need to operate unified health system so that there won’t be dichotomy between private and public health sector.

The cost will be much less.

Now that we have leadership we trust making Health Insurance compulsory will be easier goal to attain.

Many of us in the health sector are ready to contribute our knowledge so that Nigeria can get it right this time around. This is the time to pull our resources together because of the emerging Buhari/Osinbajo leadership.

What should be the thrust of the education policy of the in-coming administration?

The education policy under Buhari/Osinbajo presidency should lay emphasis on skills. It should maximise the potentials of Nigerians and not laying emphasis on paper qualification. The new education policy should redefine our values; lay emphasis on what people are capable of doing or contributing and not the chain of degrees or certificates acquired. At every level, everyone no matter your qualification will make an input in our struggle to build a virile nation. A school Certificate holder, graduates of technical and vocational institutes and even JSS 3 will learn vocational courses so that they will become artisans. That does not mean that they will remain artisan for life. For instance, someone who has acquired skills on electrical repair can assist his colleagues in the university

•Pitan

‘

A school certificate holder, graduates of technical and vocational institutes and even JSS 3 will learn vocational courses so that they will become artisans

’

and his neighbours whenever they have electrical faults. With that the student can earn something to sustain himself while in school.

The Buhari/Osinbajo administration should provide infrastructure for all levels of education towards achieving the set goal in the education sector. More resources should be allocated to this sector so that the citadel of learning will make input on the economy and ensure that in-house capacity is maximised.

Are you surprised by revelations on the Nigerian National Petroleum

Corporation (NNPC) accounts?

I am not surprised. I am sure no Nigerian is surprised but we are not sure of figures. It is good revelations are coming out. It gives us hope that there will be more resources to deliver services promised by our party-APC. Do you support the probe of the out-going government by the incoming government?

Yes, but not from the perception of old probes. I will prefer research into our sources of income. It could be either retrospective or prospective survey that will assist the government in providing the good services for the greatest number of people. I am sure the Buhari/Osibajo leadership will always put the people first.

The service delivery of the government will transcend party lines.

Do you think the Buhari administration should continue the oil prospecting in Chad Basin?

Being a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, he knows better. He must have his reasons for saying oil prospecting will resume in Chad Basin. It is possible they strike oil in commercial quantity there. It may even be a higher grade of crude oil. Remember that the oil prospecting companies will be responsible for most of the expenses. They will come with their technology and manpower. All what the government has to do is to provide enabling environment.

We should also consider the under development of the northeast zone.

If they strike oil in Chad Basin, it will boost the economy of the northeast and Nigeria as a whole. Many Nigerians will be employed, it will open up the economy of that region as local people will also involve in business transactions. It is a good wisdom on the part of Gen. Buhari to start

raising the hope of the people of the northeast and that attention is being paid to their area. I commend Gen. Buhari for making that decision. It is a far reaching one. Buhari has encouraged the northeast to have faith in the entity called Nigeria. Buhari will provide the leadership that will lead to the evolution of nationhood.

Many have suggested that Buhari should invest massively on agriculture. What is your view?

There are too many advantages in developing agriculture. It is easily available to all of us. Nigerians have inborne expertise in agriculture. We can build on it through educational advancement. We should make use of our land resources and good weather we are endowed by the nature. Agriculture will create millions of jobs if properly handled. In the First Republic, agriculture was the mainstay of Nigeria’s economy. Our economy was buoyant. I am sure Buhari will resurrect the agricultural revolution in this country.

What was responsible for the low turn out of voters in Lagos State in the general elections?

I think what happened was more of redistribution of votes, In 2011, Governor Babatunde Fashola polled 1.3 million votes to emerge winner of the governorship election while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate came a distance second with 300,000 votes. If you look at the total figure of 2011 and compare it with 2015, there is no much difference.

But, 3.85 million people collected Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVC) in Lagos State and less than 2 million voted...

There are many factors responsible for the low turn -out. It could be as a result of fear on the part of the voters.

Some were afraid of going out to vote because of tension.

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THE NATION FRIDAY MAY 15, 2015

issue of money in our politics is quite disturbing and, if ‘weThemust sustain our democracy, we must address this ugly trend. I must admit that the APC was also involved in the money but politics but nothing compared to what the PDP did

‘

Dr. Theodore Ejikemeuwa Ekechi was the Director of Election Planning and Monitoring of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Organisation. In this interview with Correspondent OKODILI NDIDI, he explains how the campaign was planned and executed, among other sundry issues.

‘Card reader was PDP’s albatross’

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HE APC was not given a chance by many Nigerians to win the Presidential election. What was the magic done by the Campaign Organization that gave the party landslide victory?

I give the credit to the foundation work that led to the success and you cannot discuss the success of that election without mentioning the names of people like Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Imo State Governors Rochas Okorocha and Rotimi Amaechi and General Muhammadu Buhari. There was a strong conviction on the part of these people. They realised that Nigeria was ripe for change. They also realised that Nigerians were yearning for change and that, if properly mobilized, the change will come.

Another critical factor that put us over the PDP was that in the APC, we were made of more brain than brow. We were given to planning; there was a lot of thinking and projections far more than what was done in the PDP. For instance, two months to the election, we were able to know where the APC stood. We knew the states that we will win through our own direct interaction with the voters and projections.

We were able to also know that we were going to win the elections and that the only way we could lose was through rigging, which we knew the PDP will explore.

We also know that the APC do not have the capacity to rig the election.

So, we raised the alarm on time and it generated national and international interest in the process of the election

and this helped to check whatever plans the PDP had to rig the election.

Apart from these, what other factor worked for the APC? We had a strong candidate with a strong massage. A candidate who was to a very large extent impeccable. This brightened our chances and made our job at the campaign organization easier. Another mistake that the PDP made that promoted the APC candidate was the hate campaign, especially the certificate scandal. At first, we were worried with the hate campaigns, but our investigations showed that they were instead giving the APC candidate an edge and portraying the PDP as desperate. Another one was the hate campaign against the APC national leader, Asiwaju Tinubu. The TV documentary exposed President Goodluck Jonathan’s anti-graft policy as very weak. Nigerians started to ask why was Tinubu not prosecuted, if he was as corrupt as projected by the PDP. It was also laughable for the PDP to claim that Buhari who has held several exalted offices aside from the Head of State has no school certificate. It was after we realised what the hate campaign was doing for us that we left them to continue.

The PDP Campaign Organization equally did everything possible to win the election. What will you say that the APC did differently.

The major difference is our approach. We had a membership that was committed to change, unlike in the PDP where everybody at the

campaign organization was employed and paid at the end of the month or week. We had a team that was committed and could come to the office with their personal laptops and recharge their phones with their own airtime. Again, while the PDP was busy engaging in media blitz, we were busy connecting with the voters. We were reaching out, but the PDP believed that everything can be achieved with money.

How were you able to check the plot to rig the election.

The introduction of the card readers was the albatross of the PDP. When we noticed that rigging could be checked through the use of the card readers, we insisted that it should be used. We engaged in massive campaign against the plan to drop the card readers by the PDP. But, you should recall that it was the PDP dominated National Assembly that approved the card reader and not the APC. It was a PDP President that approved the disposal of the funds for the procurement of the Card Readers all we did was to insist that it should be used for the election.

We know that the way elections are rigged is to inflate the number of votes. Say for instance, in a polling unit where you have 500 registered voters, out of this number, only 200 may turn out for to vote but at the end of the day the PDP will write maybe 450 and there is no way you can counter that the card reader can give the accurate number of accredited voters in every Polling Unit and this will make it impossible to inflate the figures. You will agree that the

• Ekechi

areas the election was manipulated were areas where the Card Readers were sabotaged.

How was the APC able to withstand the onslaught of the TAN, which spent billions of naira wooing the electorates?

In the first place, TAN was founded for money making and not to promote or project President Jonathan. The founders were only interested in heavy media blitz to get the attention of the President and were in turn rewarded with concessions to lift petroleum products.

They equally had undue advantage at the Bureau de change market; they were given concessions before others. If you go to Abuja along the airport road, they lined up the President’s campaign billboards to catch

his attention to make it appear as if they were committed to his reelection but in actual fact they were only using it as a front to make money.

At a time, your organization was accused of hacking into the INEC database and romancing with the INEC Chairman. How true was this?

There is no iota of truth in that allegation. I set up what we called the control room and there was nothing untoward about our activities. We allowed people free access. The EU visited us. We have over one hundred people working in the control room.

So, if we were doing anything illegal, someone at least should have opened his mouth and start singing. What happened was that when the PDP discovered that the INEC Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, was not forthcoming on their plan to rig the election, they started to call for his removal. They met a wall in Jega who insisted on credible election unlike his predecessors. That apart, INEC document is a public document and we don’t have to hack into any database to access any information.

The recent election was heavily monetized. How was the APC able to cope?

The issue of money in our politics is quite disturbing and, if we must sustain our democracy, we must address this ugly trend. I must admit that the APC was also involved in the money but politics but nothing compared to what the PDP did. However, we were able to survive it because we were involved in a lot of planning and strategic spending. Also the fact that we had supporters who were committed to our course further reduced the burden of spending.

AdejareAdegbenro, the grandson of the former Premier of the defunct Western Region, the late Chief Dauda Soroye Adegbenro, and the chieftain of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), the late Chief Alfred Riwane, spoke with reporters in Lagos on the tasks before the incoming administration of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.

‘Buhari must not fail Nigerians’

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HAT are the challenges that will confront the incoming government?

First and foremost, as far as I am concerned, the incoming President, General Muhammadu Buhari, will need all Nigerians’ support to succeed. It is God and not Buhari, that can solve the mirage of the problems plaguing the country. Therefore, we should all come together the way we did during the elections to assist him in the onerous task of nation building. We should not expect miracle overnight. People should not make Buhari’s work more difficult by expecting instant miracle from him. The man that has been aspiring to lead this country as a democratically elected president for a long time must have a master plan for the country. We should give him a chance and rally round him to implement his master plan and see what he has for the Nigerian people. Discipline must be maintained because it is the bane of the nation.

I believe that discipline must be maintained because lack of it breeds corruption. And corruption has eaten deep into our fabric and we just have to fight it together as one.

Secondly, we have to look into the challenges of power sector because without constant supply of electricity, nothing can work because nothing can be done. So much money has been spent on electricity, yet nothing positive has happened. How can we manufacture without power? That is why manufacturing is more expensive than anywhere in the world.

There are no infrastructures on ground. No good roads and our ports are alarmingly porous. So, at what

point can we begin to say we want to produce anything that the masses would gain from?!

How soon do you expect the ‘Change’ Buhari and his party promise us?

That is a one million dollar question. We are yet to see what the incoming government has in stock for us and how the people, especially the opposition would accept it. That is why I said we should organize and harmonize ourselves to assist the incoming administration to be effective.

And as I said earlier, it is about discipline. With discipline, you will realize that Nigerians are easy people to lead. For me, it is a collective responsibility and people should give God fearing advice. Advice that will have positive impact for today and for our future. I am closer to my 50s than to my 20s. So, I am thinking of my children. That is why we should rally round Buhari and forget about which side of the country we come from.

Thank God the General is a discipline man. So, let us toe his line and regain our lost glory as the Giant of Africa. We can do it. Our problem is self aggrandizement. Nobody says we should not be rich. What we are saying is that things should be done according to due process and laid down rule. General Buhari will do all what is humanly possible to fix Nigeria, if he doesn’t, then, he is not the Buhari we all voted for.

Nigeria needs surgical operation and General Buhari has to be a fantastic surgeon to carry it out because Nigeria is rotten the way I look at it. And the first thing to do is to bring everybody together as one and forget about

‘

We know politicians would always be politicians. We should know how to accommodate them. But, for the surgical operation, we need competent hands on board to carry it out

’

all the bitterness of the past. It is a new regime, it is a new party and it is a new ideology. We should all embrace discipline. And once we do that, every other thing will fall in place.

What are your expectations about the next cabinet?

Presidential system is expensive. Yet the coming cabinet should be trimmed to save cost. Only capable hands should be appointed to make things work. We know politicians would always be politicians. We should know how to accommodate them. But for the surgical operation, we need competent hands on board to carry it out.

Not the people that would see the incoming administration as business as usual. That is not what would move the country forward. Corruption has eaten so deep even into the generation that is yet to be in its 20s.

We are part of the problem. We celebrate corruption. If somebody is a thief and tomorrow he becomes governor, if he comes around we will all rise and salute him. If it were in England, he would be pelted with rotten eggs. We should now realize that all of us should come out and shout.

• Adegbenro

That is the leverage Buhari’s emergence has come to offer Nigerians.

How do you feel about the current fuel crisis?

It beats me. I am not an expert in that sector but as far as I am concerned, it doesn’t make sense. All this comes back to selfish interest. Why should we be producing oil, taking the same oil outside to be refined, and bringing it back to the country and we then paying subsidy on it? It doesn’t add up. Nigeria should look elsewhere beyond oil. Our country is blessed with a lot of resources. But what do we do about that? Everybody just concentrates on oil.

Take our airports for instance. With the huge amount spent, they are still porous. If we don’t know how to do it, we should learn from those who know. Dubai is there so is Philippine.

They make sure their systems work and they are making revenue out of it. Dubai is a tourist country today and it is making so much money from

tourism. What are we doing in Nigeria? We are just contributing to other countries’ GDP! Does it make any sense? It doesn’t. I remember as a child when I was schooling abroad. Coming back to Nigeria was more of joy than going to England for holiday. Today, it is the opposite. Your child is sick, you send him abroad. Rich men’s children in Lagos don’t know where Shangisha or Ikorodu is. We have so over sheltered and over pampered our children that they are bound to fail.

And that is why we want the General to put discipline back into our good people of Nigeria and train the youth to imbibe his ideology. When we do that, the country will be in the mainstream and on the right path. By special grace of God, the General will live long to train our youth and instill discipline in them and teach them the way to be real leaders of tomorrow.

Things don’t work here because we continue to put wrong people in office and make use of bad policies. I believe so much in General Buhari that he would do it and bring real change to Nigeria.

Would you suggest roles for traditional rulers and religious leaders?

All the traditional rulers, clerics, retired generals and other elder statesmen should stop playing politics and come together to rally round General Buhari with useful advice to move the country forward. They should emphasize on what would unite us and not what would divide us.

I am not envious of General Buhari coming now at the time Nigeria is down and almost out. Even if you bring the youngest and very brilliant chap as president now, he cannot solve Nigeria’s problem. It would require God’s grace and support of the generality of the citizenry.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

COMMENTARY LETTER

EDITORIAL

A curious affair

Ngozi, not too artful dodger •Finance minister’s attempt to demonise state govts unsuccessful

E

VEN as she continues to put up a bold face trumpeting the purported successes and ‘solid economic legacies’ being bequeathed the nation by the outgoing President Goodluck Jonathan administration, which she is serving as finance minister and almighty Coordinator of the Economy, Mrs Ngozi OkonjoIweala’s claims are mocked by the glaring failures of the economy under her stewardship. One of the symptoms of the country’s current chronic economic crisis is the inability of various levels of government to pay their workers’ salaries, from periods ranging between three and six months.

Some of the state governments caught in this quandary are Oyo, Osun, Cross River, Rivers, Abia, Plateau and Bauchi. The affected workers in the states have reportedly adopted several demeaning and

‘Okonjo-Iweala ... creates the impression that the Federal Government has been able to pay salaries of its workers as a result of the astute management of its resources in the face of drastic revenue shortfalls caused by the steep decline in international oil prices ... The economic Czar cannot, however, conceal the reality that the Federal Government has indeed borrowed about N473 billion to pay salaries’

dehumanising survival strategies, including going to work only once or twice daily, begging for money from friends and relatives, doing menial jobs to survive, skipping lunch breaks or consumption of barely nourishing diets such as garri and groundnuts. These practices no doubt have severe negative implications for the psyche, health, self-esteem, motivation, productivity and fulfilment of workers and their families, and can only further deepen the economic crisis.

In her response to this crisis of unpaid salaries, Okonjo-Iweala turns out to be not too artful a dodger after all. She creates the impression that the Federal Government has been able to pay salaries of its workers as a result of the astute management of its resources in the face of drastic revenue shortfalls caused by the steep decline in international oil prices. On the other hand, she magisterially insinuates, the states have simply failed to do the rational thing of prioritising salaries, given the dire revenue situation.

The economic Czar cannot, however, conceal the reality that the Federal Government has indeed borrowed about N473 billion to pay salaries and that it raised its borrowing level from N570 billion to N882 billion to fund the 2015 budget. Even then, the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) has claimed that thousands of Federal Government workers are being owed salaries and various allowances in the range of N50 billion.

As far as Okonjo-Iweala is concerned, the salary crunch is the inevitable result of the sharp dip in oil prices in late 2014, which accounted for about 50 per cent re-

duction in federally collected revenue, in addition to low revenue realised from non–oil sources. She conveniently ignored the fact that for at least two years before the over 50 percent drop in oil prices, a barrel of the country’s crude oil had sold for over $100. And even during this period of sustained high revenue performance, the country consistently lost over 20 percent of its revenue to massive oil theft and oil production shut-ins, as well as humungous corruption associated with the management of the Federation Account and other consequences of the ineptness and inefficiency of the Federal Government.

The incoming administration clearly has its work cut out on this matter. For one, the funds must be found to urgently pay the backlog of salaries in the interest of justice and equity. Again, the huge drain of scarce resources through the alarming level of corruption at all levels and the unsustainable emoluments and allowances of elective office holders must be decisively tackled. This requires that the president-elect in particular, General Muhammadu Buhari, draw on his tremendous goodwill and moral authority as well as that of his party to push through changes that may be painful but necessary.

Above all, the radical re-structuring of the current unitary system masquerading as federal, in which most of the component states of the polity are economically unviable and dependent on oil revenue handouts from the centre, must be the central focus of the promised change agenda.

Save Sports City •From Christian Chukwu, a clarion call

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HE call to save National Stadium, Lagos, could not have come at a better time, from a better person To Christian Chukwu, Enugu Rangers great and former captain of the Nigerian national football team, National Stadium, Lagos, was a throw-back to glory days for club and country.

When Rangers, in 1975, reached the final of the African Cup of Champion Clubs (now known as African Champions League), National Stadium was the theatre of that dream match-up. Though Rangers lost that final second-leg match to Hafia of Guinea, the club of the magical Kamaras, it was a historical milestone.

For Chukwu, who the late ace commentator, Ernest Okoronkwo, would dub “Chairman”, just as he dubbed Nigeria team mates Segun Odegbami “Mathematical” and Adokiye Amiesimeka, “Chief Justice”, better memories would come with the Green Eagles’ African Nations Cup triumph in Lagos in 1980.

After close shaves at the title, starting with the Dire Darwa campaign in Ethiopia (1976) and Ghana (1978), which both fetched the rising African football power a third place finish, 1980 was when Nigeria emerged African Nations Cup champions for the first time. Again, that theatre of glory was National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

On that edifice, the first comprehensive sports facility by Nigeria’s central government, opened to host the 2nd All Africa Games in 1973, many a sports commentator and analyst had waxed lyrical. The late Esbee, the incomparable Babatunde Osuntolu, of the defunct Daily Times, had dubbed the stadium, Sports City, the Mecca of sports to all.

And true, aside from football classics to

which fans jumped down buses from the Alaka end of Surulere; and sprinted to the facility to gain the stands before hostilities began, National Stadium, Surulere, boasts so many pleasant memories: ping-pong, in which the likes “Queen Mother”, Ethel Jacks, Olawunmi Majekodunmi, a former African female champion, Kasali Lasisi, Sunday Eboh and Atanda Musa, all former male African champions, honed their skills.

Its swimming pool, now long abandoned, hosted the likes of champion swimmer John Ebito; its tennis courts, since abandoned too, also played host to the likes of Lawrence Onabokun, “King” David Imonitie and Nduka Odizor, who later made a glorious appearance at Wimbledon.

They all tussled there, for the Nigerian Tennis Open. Its sport hall also hosted boxing, professional and amateur, such as iconic bouts featuring the likes of Hogan Jimoh, Kazeem Armah, Obisia Nwakpa, Dele Jonathan, Joe Lasisi, Davidson Andeh and Jerry Okorodudu, to mention just a few.

It is this edifice of history and glory that has fallen into bad times, triggering Chukwu’s clarion call.

What ails Sports City? Whatever it is, it is no different from the general Nigerian malaise, a federation run like a unitary state, that wastes rather than create. Because governments in Nigeria are so wasteful, and the Federal Government especially distracted since its responsibilities are as wide as its attention span is sparse, public facility management takes the vicious knock.

That is the main problem with National Stadium, Lagos — and even its newer and younger Abuja cousin. Because there is hardly any rigorous template to run these facilities, most of them fall into disuse, thus wasting the billions of public money spent

to build them.

That is why an urgent call for a radically different paradigm is called for. Stadia could be public facilities. But it is only when they are run like public investments that they can enjoy sustainable maintenance and even expansion. Perhaps the best way to ensure this is to ensure whoever manage those facilities are paid from their earnings, and not from some grant that probably never comes. That is the sad story of Sports City.

That is why the Federal Government must borrow a leaf from the host Lagos government, which has somewhat evolved a successful template in privatepublic-participation (PPP) management, under which a good number of its facilities are firmed out to skilled private-sector experts, under mutually beneficial terms.

If National Stadium Lagos must reclaim its old glory, such facility management arrangement is imperative.

‘Stadia could be public facilities. But it is only when they are run like public investments that they can enjoy sustainable maintenance and even expansion. Perhaps the best way to ensure this is to ensure whoever manage those facilities are paid from their earnings, and not from some grant that probably never comes. That is the sad story of Sports City’

S

IR: A curious thing took place on Thursday, April 30, when a seemingly routine advertorial in The Guardian announcing the appointment of chairmen and members of council for 12 newly established federal universities and four federal polytechnic. A sinister addendum to the heading of the advertorial allegedly signed by the Honourable Minister of Education, Ibrahim Shekarau would also announce the change of chairman of the University of Ibadan.

To the casual observer, the advertorial contained no earth-shaking development. If anything, it called for congratulations on the part of friends and well wishers of the newly appointed chairmen and council members, whose names were meticulously displayed with an invitation to make themselves available in Abuja on Monday, May 11, for formal inaugurations.

The true implication of the seemingly innocuous advertorial was that a national icon and bona fide leader of an important ethno-national grouping was being disrespected by a vengeful and ungrateful administration. Without the courtesy of prior notice either by way of a letter or phone call, a Nigerian living legend was thus unceremoniously removed from office as Pro-Chancellor of Nigeria’s premier university. It is instructive to note that President Goodluck Jonathan prevailed on this great Nigerian to accept the position in 2013 at the ripe old age of 85 against the advice of his children and grand-children. However, with subtle blackmail on the part of the President, through socio-ethnic organizations the old man was affiliated to, our venerable elder statesman accepted the job for a four-year tenure that was to end in 2017.

Upon accepting the job, our elderly national icon put in his very best and never exempted himself from any council meeting. In fact, he took meticulous notes of developments at the institution and frequently communicated his thoughts on ways of improving the institution to the Vice Chancellor.

It was therefore with a strong dose of embarrassment that the Vice Chancellor and the Registrar visited the old man at his Lagos residence on Monday, May 4 to inform him of the advertorial publication in The Guardian of the previous Thursday April 30, effectively removing him from office as Pro Chancellor.

At 87, it would be expected that a man of his stature and accomplishment in the society would be better treated by the thankfully out going Jonathan administration.

Major General R. A. Adebayo CFR, IDC, PSC and chairman of the Yoruba Council of Elders has chosen to adopt the age old Yoruba concept of nobility known as “Omoluabi” and forgiven the President for the unprovoked assault on his hard earned dignity. Even the General’s children, among who is the former Governor of Ekiti State, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, have also chosen the path of honour and decided not to make an issue of the unwholesome incident.

We must commend the noble Adebayo family of Iyin-Ekiti for their display of civility in the face of such brazen impudence. We must also implore the Yoruba nation to adopt the Adebayo family’s stance and refrain from reacting to this unprovoked assault on their collective sensibilities. After all, May 29, is around the corner and we can finally say good riddance to bad rubbish.

• Patrick Doyle, Lagos

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THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

20

CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: There is no doubt that he will stand out in the 8th Senate as among the senators to watch. It will not be because he will be returning as a second-termer, no.

It will be because of his sheer force of personality, presence of mind, and experience in government, contacts among eminent Nigerians and his rising influence among his people and in the southeast.

Senator Andy Uba representing Anambra South Senatorial zone will be one of the most influential senators as the new dispensation commences on May 29. The 57- year old lawmaker has been returned to the green chamber in Abuja by his people after a fierce contest for the seat.

Though he is described by all who know him as the cheerful giver, considering his gentle mien and reserved, quiet ways, what

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The return of Andy Uba stands him out the most is his robust performance on the job in his first outing. In fact a good number of his people are in agreement that they never had it so good in the annals of senatorial representation.

In a chamber where so many senators had no motion or bills in all of four years, he sponsored or co-sponsored over 20 motions. Notable among these are: 1) a motion on the sorry plight of casual teachers in Nigeria’s education sector; 2)

Culture of profligacy in government

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IR: Our great country is currently passing through a political and social process that needs all and sundry to really have a thorough retrospection in terms of our future survival particularly with our dwindling revenue occasioned by a downturn in oil prices.

What we need therefore now as a nation is to re-model our public spending habits and patterns to reflect the current economic realities. High expenditure patterns, official squandermania and profligacy should be the least expected of us as a people at a critical period like this, where an average Nigerian lives below one dollar per day.

It is instructive to point out that under the United Nations General Assembly Guidelines of April 1983, which Nigeria is a signatory to, one of the basic rights of a citizen (consumer) as espoused therein is right to satisfy basic needs. In reality, who has our previous and present governments fared in providing these basic needs to out people? This right has only existed in the paper than in reality, particularly under democratic governments where citizen’s rights are supposed to be taken more seriously.

Unfortunately ordinary

Nigerians have been at the receiving ends in enjoying the so called dividends of democracy as our political class has always coveted the cream part of the nation’s wealth, leaving the dregs to the common classless Nigerian people.

The memory of what brought our 2nd Republic to an abrupt end is still fresh in our memory. Politicians have always behaved themselves irresponsibly by flaunting our commonwealth with impunity and that has become a common culture till date.

The incoming government of General Mohammadu Buhari must quickly pput an end tothis orgy of senseless and insensible crave and display of crass materialism and raw power by the political class.

This is the only way to make meaningful development get nearer to the people, by providing clean and potable water, good sanitary condition, healthy and balanced diets, affordable and effective healthcare delivery, effective mass transit transportation system, regular and constant electricity, create jobs for our teeming unemployment youths.

• Barr. Onu Eke Uche, Lagos.

a motion on the need for investigation into fuel subsidy management; 3) the matter of alarming rate of rejection of NYSC members especially by federal establishments and; 4) a motion for the urgent need to improve the internally generated revenues of the federal government, to mention just a few.

He also sponsored and co-sponsored over a dozen Bills, notable among which are, 1) Bill for an Act to amend the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC); 2) a Bill for the establishment of the Nigeria Infrastructure Fund; 3) a Bill for an Act to amend the Companies Income Tax

Act, to name a few.

However, Uba may have been voted back to the senate by his people by the sheer number of projects he was able to render to them in his first term. From the construction of classroom blocks to the provision of street lights, boreholes and skills acquisition support. For instance, about 20 500KVA transformers where distributed to various communities in Anambra State.

It is a mark of his rare generous nature that his projects, over 150 in number, are spread across the entire state and not just in his senatorial zone.

Though Uba lived and studied in

the United States, he stayed in touch and was committed to the sociopolitical development in his home state. In 1999 he was head-hunted by the new president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo who appointed him a special aide. If the job was a confirmation of his wisdom and resourcefulness, his working as the closest staff of President Obasanjo for eight years speaks a lot about Senator Andy’s trustworthiness, commonsense and mental acuity.

A man of immense compassion and sobriety, he will bring his deep experience and understanding of Nigeria’s politics to bear in the next legislative session. He is a quintessential bridge-builder and as perhaps the most influential ranking Senator from the south-east in the next dispensation, he will represent a huge asset the zone especially at a time like this when Ndigbo are in dire need of men of substance and stature.

• Nnaemeka Ndu Abuja

Tony Momoh, mastermind of change @ 76

S

IR: Prince Tony Momoh, journalist and lawyer recently clocked 76. Born into the royal family of Auchi, Edo State on April 27, 1939, he was the 165th child of Momoh the First.

Today, the story of the Presidentelect Major General Muhammadu Buhari (Retd)’s rough road to Aso Rock cannot be told without the contributions of Prince Momoh. He was not only one of the masterminds of the merger of the three main opposition political parties - Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), All Nigerians Peoples’ Party (ANPP) and Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) as well as a faction of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to form the All Progressives Congress (APC) but has been on the project with Buhari for about 12 years when he headed the Media and Publicity Campaign Council of the president-elect under the then All Nigerians Peoples’ Party (ANPP).

He later became chairman of the defunct CPC. When Buhari lost in 2003 and 2007, he was one of those who helped pursued the case all through the Appeal Court to the Supreme Court.

At a time the president-elect had given up having publicly declared he was not going to contest elections again, Momoh was one of those who convinced him to rescind that decision.

Like Buhari, Momoh is also very honest, disciplined, hardworking and incorruptible. Also like Buhari, Momoh is a simple man- who insists on following the rules. Momoh once said that “Nigeria is a country with laws while the United States (US) is a country of laws,” meaning that Nigerians have laws but do not obey them while the Americans obey their laws.

Momoh was the first to have degrees in Mass Communication and Law- having attended the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

He was also the first to become the Training Manager of the Times Newspaper Training Centre (TNTC) later Times Journalism Institute at Iganmu, Lagos.

Among all the Editors of the Daily Times, he was the first and only to be made Editor of the daily paper through examinations. He was also the first and only to take the Senate

of the Federal Republic to court over press freedom. He was also the first Minister of Information to write letters to his countrymen-explaining government policies and programmes and preaching patriotism.

There is hardly any journalist in the country that has written as many books and journals as Momoh.

These include: Reflections on Letters to My Countrymen; Each man His Time, the Biography of an Era; and Democracy Watch, A Monitor’s Diary.

He was Secretary and later President, Nigerian Guild of Editors, chairman, National Registration Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists and has also served on the Boards of Nigeria Airways, the Nigeria Media Merit Award (NMMA), the Nigerian Press Council and African Refugees Foundation. He is a fellow of the Commonwealth Journalists Association and the Nigerian Guild of Editors.

Here is wishing him many happy returns of the day in service of the nation.

• Mack Ogbamosa, Lagos

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015 16

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COMMENTS

gods and other soundbites Email: tunji_ololade@yahoo.co.uk 08038551123, 08111845040

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HINK continuously of those who are truly great, men and women who by their deeds fight for fairness and the good of all; think of those who wear on their hearts’ sleeve and domicile in the inner recesses of their souls, irrepressible zeal to make our lives better and worthy of our dreams …there are no such men and women alive, are there? For if there are, Nigeria would be 21st century version of Eden or Al Jannah and men and women on whose watch our country so evolve would be everything and anything, even gods.

Our people are quite derisible, they wouldn’t know how to create a heaven or sustain the like of it but they create gods by the dozen. I do not speak of divinity that manifests only in far-fetched miracles and dreams; I speak of individuals that we desperately and misguidedly deify as our vanities dictate.

Being rich is the closest you get to being god in Nigeria. Add an impressive root and very intimidating academic record to the mix and you have yourself a 21 st century hero or god. Of what calibre are our

idols? Who really, is the Nigerian god? Who is an example of a quintessential idol? Allison-Maduekwe?

President Goodluck Jonathan?

Godswill Akpabio? Reuben Abati, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala or the rampaging governor-elect of Rivers State? Do their deeds make them worthy of hero-worship or blind deification?

To what would these individuals owe our reverence of them? Some would say it is their brilliance and extraordinary achievements in their chosen callings. Anyone could be brilliant from time to time but intelligence is what we have to affect all of the time. How intelligent are our ruling class? How intelligent are President Goodluck Jonathan, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Godwin Emefiele? How intelligent are other members of the Nigerian ruling class?

By their citizenship, do they provide the pathways to empowering the Nigerian youth...the disillusioned school drop outs of Umukegwu, Akokwa, Urualla, Apongbon, Idumota, Agege, Agbor, Sankwala, to mention a

‘Our lust for heroes and gods illustrates a fable; it is not of latent strength but disintegration, it reveals the weakness and shallowness of the Nigerian adult’s awfully preadolescent mind. Such mind is inherently incapable of creating leaders worthy of being deified as gods of unconditional love and compassion. All we are capable of creating today are gods of impoverishment and gods of war’

A

BOUT two months ago, in far away Singapore, South East Asia, specifically, May 23, the remains of Lee Kuan Yew was committed to mother earth. Lee, you will recall, was the first Singaporean Prime Minister who in his tenure of three decades transformed Singapore from a small colonial British trading port to one of the world’s wealthiest city states. The American President, Barak Obama, described him as “one of the great giants of history”. He was 91.

Today, Friday, May 15, in Eruwa, Oyo State, Nigeria’s own Lee Kuan Yew is being buried. He is Oluyombo Adetilewa Awojobi (March 1, 1951 – April 17, 2015).

The common denominator between the two is that they were both change agents. The Singaporean and the Nigerian lived lives that radically changed the faces of their respective environments.

Born of Ikorodu descents, Yombo trained at the University of Ibadan where he graduated and distinguished himself in surgery in 1975. He worked at the University College hospital from where he chose rural medical practice in Eruwa at the District Hospital (August 25, 1983 –August 1986). Bureaucratic bottlenecks forced him and his wife, Tinu, a radiographer/ ultrasonographer to resign their appointments and set up the Awojobi Clinic, Eruwa (ACE), on October 27, 1986.

Whereas the Singaporean died at full age, the death of Awojobi was a shock to all who knew him. He had buried another elder brother, Olubusola Adebayo Awojobi, Chartered Structural Engineer on April 9, where he unusually danced as one who would not have another opportunity at dancing. Alas, he never had another opportunity!

I first heard of Awojobi reputation when he got to the District Hospital Eruwa, through a cousin, Chief Moses Oladele.

He told me of his encounter with the new medical doctor whom he met on river Otanyanri in Eruwa, drawing sand unto the booth of his car (a blue Datsun 180B) to be off-loaded at the hospital. On enquiries from Awojobi, my cousin got to know that the sand was for a construction work at the hospital and Awojobi had to devise this means of having sand since the hospital could not afford to pay for tipper loads. My cousin came handy by making Awojobi to stop “abusing” his car and ordered his tipper to supply the hospital loads of sand, exgratis. Little wonder that Awojobi was listed in 2005 as the “the caring physician of the world” by the World Medical Association.

Awojobi lived for the common man, for, in his ACE whose credo, boldly inscribed at the entrance of the clinic is “Private hospital in the public service”, medical service is made affordable to the down trodden, many times free. A classical example will suffice: A girl whose story was broadcast on a local television station in Ibadan had some form some medical ailment on one of her legs. A public hospital in Ibadan issued a bill of more than N600,000 for the treatment. The prohibitive bill forced the parents to explore ACE where the patient was

few? Do they teach the youth particularly, to evolve beyond the greed, selfishness and idiosyncrasies of their generation? Do they teach us to accept truths we cannot change, like the fact that we collectively make our world as gory and burdensome as it is by turning a blind eye to their tedious politics?

Do they teach us to make peace with our guilt and conquer our riotous demons? Do they teach us that at the end, we get to choose what to make of our own lives and our own world?

The answer lies as much in their utterances as their deeds. Alas! Transcendent moments and heroic acts are rather deeds of an exalted intelligence, something which Nigeria’s incumbent ruling class pitifully lacks. But despite its protests and dissatisfaction with the status quo, the Nigerian citizenry equally lacks that towering immensity of intellect and strength of character that remains prime requirements in the constitution of a progressive race.

Our lust for heroes and gods illustrates a fable; it is not of latent strength but disintegration, it reveals the weakness and shallowness of the Nigerian adult’s awfully preadolescent mind. Such mind is inherently incapable of creating leaders worthy of being deified as gods of unconditional love and compassion. All we are capable of creating today are gods of impoverishment and gods of war.

The Nigerian hero is a human sound bite. He is essentially a halfformed mammal, animal to be precise. Take for instance gods and goddesses we have created as our ruling class; they are no longer exclusively Nigerian or humane. Rather they have been turned upside-down and inside-out; they have been scrambled, corrupted and fertilized by ghastly manifestations of self love, tribalism, wantonness, perverted education and sense of

worth.

“All gods are homemade, and it is we who pull their strings, and so, give them the power to pull ours,” says Aldous Huxley, English writer.

However, the manner in which the Nigerian electorate worships its ruling class and celebrates its bestiality makes it impossible for the latter to affect the necessary humaneness, tact and humility that are prime requirements of occupants of exalted public office. Having made super humans of them, they begin to delude that they are untouchable and unquestionable.

They begin to parade themselves as gods and see the electorate on whose strength they ascended to their exalted positions as lesser creatures.

They seek the exaggerated safety and coziness of fortresses they build around themselves to protect their ill-gotten wealth and ostentatious lifestyles. Suddenly it becomes taboo for them to hobnob with the working class. It becomes abominable for their wives, daughters and cooks to visit the same grocer or shop in the same market as the masses.

Shamelessly, they clear our public coffers of our collective fund without any inhibition and in response; we celebrate them and grovel at their feet for crumbs of what is rightfully ours. Whenever they intrude our world, they leave behind pungent memories and pains. Whenever they come to town, we must be kept in traffic for them to move freely; whenever they are ‘guests of honour’ at our functions, we are treated with little or no honour. Apology to Kayode Oteniya.

The chief quality of a true leader is the apparent sincerity in his manners. The speeches he makes are never mere platitudinous enterprise and his developmental programmes are never extraordi-

nary elephant projects; his politics and humanity are not only heard but concretely seen and felt.

Really there is prime merit in everything about him, and his life generally, radiates truth. His life is what we may call a great sober sincerity. A sort of temperate authenticity that is not only blunt but uncompromising. His fervor is undomesticated, bordering on the wild and forever wrestling naked with the elements that be for the love of the good and the truth of things. In that sense, there is something of the savage yet humane in him like all great men.

He is one in whom one still finds human substance. He relishes no opportunity to tell any colourful story of himself anywhere; usually, he stands bare and grapples like a giant, face to face, heart to heart, with the naked truth of things.

‘That, after all,” according to Thomas Carlyle “is the sort of man for one.”

And such is the type of man we should value above all others. He is the man who as American writer, Norman Mailer, puts it, would argue with gods and awaken devils to contest his vision. When he dies, his death would be felt nationwide as something more than a historic calamity; women would weep and men would fight back tears as if they had heard of the death of a very dear friend or Saint.

The creation of such honorable man and god would be our noblest work. But we seem incapable yet of such honorable task. We could start by stripping ourselves of the greater vanities and portentous contradictions. Unhappy the land that has no heroes, says Andrea; No, unhappy the land that needs heroes, responds Galileo in Bertolt Brecht, late German playwright and poet’s “The Life of Galileo.” Regrettably, the meaning is lost on all.

Awojobi: Life of uncommon service

By Segun Adebayo treated successfully for N20,000.

How Awojobi was able to treats patients at reduced cost is explained by his passion to assist mankind and the ability to adapt to the environment. Professor Olikoye Ransome-Kuti, former Minister of Health wrote during a visit to ACE on August 31, 2000 thus: “Highly privileged to write this hospital; an example of commitment, concern for fellow beings, innovation and imagination. I like the way he admits relations to the theatre to watch operations on their sick relations. I like the way the hospital collects all available rain water so that it always has water...” Prof. Ransome-Kuti concluded with a question: “Can this be replicated? He answered: “It must take a particular kind of person!!!” That kind of person is no one else but Awojobi. ACE qualifies to be visited by all, if not for medical treatment but for tourism. He designs and fabricates many of the hospital equipment in use in ACE such that, according to Dr. H. M. Adabanija of Mak Mercy Hospital, Igboora, the cost of such equipment are reduced in some cases by 75% from the imported ones. Such equipment include the operating table, autoclave and the water distiller, the pedal suction pump, the haematocrit centrifuge, intravenous fluids products, and local production of a traumatic suture.

A former teacher of Awojobi at the medical school and former Honorary President of World Federation of Neurological Societies, Prof. Adelola Adeloye wrote in a foreword to a publication titled Primary Health Care in Western Nigeria 1977- 2007, “Please kindly find time to visit Eruwa. There, you will see for yourself the matrix that goes into the making of the pyramid of pragmatic surgical and medical care built by Dr. Awojobi.

There you will see the various fabrications, and the engineering devises and construction… Some of awarding status, which betoken the many-sided genius of the Awojobis”.

Awojobi was an enigma who lived a simple life like one of his heroes, the late Dr. Tai Solarin . In our relationship of more than three decades, I never saw him wear any dress other than French suit, commonly called “Conductor”. Even at the burial of his father-in-law, Oba Richard Oladipupo Makanjuola, the late Owa-Oye of Imesi-Ile, he was in his trademark “conductor” except that he used the Ofi-Aso Ebi to make a bolero jacket on top of his trademark. In Awojobi’s stable were bicycle, motorcycle, “KEKE ERUWA” which he fabricated long before the advent of similar brands like KEKE NAPEP AND KEKE MARWA .

Those who do not know Awojobi closely see him as a medical doctor, but to some of us privileged to be in his inner chamber, Awojobi was a welder, foreman, artist, technician,

carpenter, bricklayer, engineer, fisherman, iron bender and more.

I once asked him why God was so “partial” to have put only in Awojobi the brain to function in all these capacities.

He was a teetotaller who had no regard for social parties, alcohol, cigar and women. Some years ago, convinced of his merit for National Honour, I intimated him of my desire to process necessary contacts to propose him for national honour. He protested.

In Yorubaland, a new baby is given his name on the eight day.

Awojobi differed. He gave Yombo and Ayodele, his two sons, their respective names on the day they were born.

He once queried the need to spend N100 for what you can get for N10. That was his reaction to my enquiries to him on how and why he made his two boys to attend the local secondary school in Eruwa whereas some of us, even indigenes, enrolled ours at the International School, University of Ibadan. His method of hiring the best teachers in the locality in each of the sciences and mathematics as lesson teachers for the children made them Engineer and Medical Doctor today.

From time to time, we conducted two-man seminars between the two of us in either of our living rooms on the Nigeria Project.

And on a night when I was very traumatized on the fate of the Chibok girls and the lackadaisical manner the Nigerian government acted, I sent him sms on my worries to which he replied thus: “please say this SERENITY prayer and act it in reverse order: God granted me the courage to change the things I can, serenity to accept that which I cannot change and the wisdom to know the difference”. He had on an earlier discussion admonished me not to let circumstances worry me. He told me he would not allow the Nigerian situation to kill him the way his elder brother, Ayodele, did.

Awojobi has run and completed his race and it appears to me that the Psalmist had him in mind when he said: “The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance” (Psalm 17:6 NIV). Though Awojobi might not have attended church on Sundays, yet he was more Christian than the regular church goers.

And so Lord, we thank you for the life of Oluyombo Adetilewa Awojobi, “one of the great giants of history”, whom you gave to mankind in 1951. We thank you for what you made of him. We thank you more for you will continue to use him even in death.

Now, Lord, we pray for his wife, Tinu and children, the Awojobi Clinic Eruwa and the Olajide Ajayi Cancer Centre established by him and on which he had sunk colossal fund of ACE; that you will make all of them to flourish as the plant by the river side in the name of the father, the son and the Holy Spirit. (Amen) • Adebayo, an Ibadan-based Attorney-at-Law, Fellow and former Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Oyo State.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

22

COMMENTS “I’m for truth, no matter who tells it. I’m for justice, no matter who it is for or against.’’—— ——-Malcolm X

D

URING electioneering that preceded the last presidential election, outgoing President Goodluck Jonathan threw fast political bait on Nigerians. Among other ulterior motivated inducement, he reduced the tariff on electricity, which had quite been high, even when power supply has remained epileptic or sometimes non-existent.

He also swallowed his duplicitous pride on high petroleum product pricing that he commenced on January1, 2012, when suddenly and suspiciously, he announced before the election an inconsequential N10 reduction in the pump price of petrol from N97 to N87.

Now that the elections in which Nigerians resoundingly rejected Jonathan had gone, the game of fraud and deceit of his outgoing administration continues. Fuel scarcity has surprisingly resurfaced and this time, in a very excruciating manner. For third consecutive weeks of fuel scarcity, Jonathan has, in unmistakably terms, shown to Nigerians the legacy of pains and anguish he plans to bequeath unto Nigerians and; the snare he intends to lay for the incoming federal administration of President-elect Mohammadu Buhari. The Jonathan administration has tried, albeit erroneously, to cover its dubious ‘oily’ track.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has better amplified the incumbent administration’s foolhardiness. Isn’t it an irony that at this time of intense fuel scarcity, when Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly called petrol sells for N140 from the pump and far higher price at the black market, the NNPC and its downstream subsidiary, the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company (PPMC) claim to have in stock 1.2 billion litres of PMS. Going by the projected 40million petrol daily consumption rate of Nigerians, the figure could conveniently be sufficient for 31 days. So the question: What is delaying the distribution of this product if indeed the corporation has its claims in stock? The corporation and its paymasters are just wallowing in their tomfoolery.

More of this horseplay underscores the kind of leadership that rules over the corporation and even the nation. For instance, this column considers as an aberration the recent statement credited to Haruna Momoh, Managing Director of PPMC to the effect that 21 additional vessels laden with petroleum products are offshore Lagos waiting to berth. More

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Fuel scarcity and subsidy swindlers

•Jonathan

•Diezani

laughable is the fact that Momoh also stated that NNPC has Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), also known as diesel that could last the nation for 21 days and Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) better known as kerosene that could last for 18 days. Why are these items not readily available to Nigerians that need them to do virtually everything that the government ought to provide for them?

The excuse of petroleum products losses to pipeline vandalism is watery, not even when one knows that not a single suspect out of the culprits involved in the recorded 3,517 vandalised points in 2013 and 3,774 in 2014 has been convicted despite the fact that 97 pipeline vandals, since over two years, have been arraigned and are currently undergoing criminal trial for economic sabotage.

The issue of fuel subsidy has wantonly become an avenue for economic saboteurs masquerading as champions of economic emancipation in the corridors of power to loot the public till and pass the suffering on

ROM the head-scratching of members of the 19-man Transition Committee set up by the President-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), we know they are looking desperately for projects, policies and actions that will translate to immediate, resounding and impressive vibrations in the hearts of change-hungry Nigerians. So, the incoming government must device jobs, jobs and more jobs....

Well, with sober reasoning and inventive contemplation, we present one of the idyllic public spaces where a common-sense-driven administration can intervene effectively and glowingly while keeping jobs from disappearing and creating new and numerous jobs.

It is quite possible that General Muhammadu Buhari (GMB), a swashbuckling young army infantry hot-head in his late 30’s in 1984 would not have heard of the terror and devastation that Pa Moses Adejumo’s Orun Moru suffered in the hands of profiteers barely two years earlier. It took another 10 years after his forced retirement before some semblance of what we now call Nollywood emerged. So, we should not take it for granted that GMB ought to know ‘something’ about Nigerian entertainment - if we insist, we overstretch our sense of importance.

This is why thoroughbred practitioners snigger when government plays the ostrich in its engagement with the creative enterprise... for a single mid-level Nigerian production with a capital outlay of N5-10m, the long line of operatives work out like this: behind the cameras/gadgets are at least 15 people; the major sets will accommodate from 20 to 500 role players, big and small. Further down the chain of production, are scores of tens of people working in the editing studios, sound studios, photography and graphic designs, printing press, publicity and liaisons, etc. Ancillary outlets also queue up for post-production activities that may help the producer recoup some investment before the almighty pirates swoop: Hall rentals for premiere, contacts and mobilization, DVD discs for mass-dubs, cinema house and its complex of leisure shops, transportation for promotion or road shows, voice-overs for jingles, TV commercials, comedians, DJs and MCs for serial launchings, marketers, video sellers, etc.... On this single work, we have partially identified more than 1000 people directly or indirectly eking a living. Multiply that work by the proverbial 700-1000 movie products we proverbially drop into the unwieldy markets every year.

The opportunity is begging to create a minimum of two million jobs within three years in the creative industry alone if hedged with a strong government support, legitimate structures and ultimately international financing and exchange of expertise.

To bring the cattle home to rest, we merely need to study

vulnerable Nigerians. The issue of subsidy is as bemusing as it has become an engine of fraud of the outgoing regime, and Nigerians are being made to pay for the ineptitude and graft of successive administrations over the years that spent billions of naira on Turn Around Maintenance and yet could not provide refined petroleum for the use of Nigerians in a country where electricity has become unavailable and; where available, has been routinely epileptic, despite the widely touted power reforms that had gulped billions of dollars with no commensurate result to show for it.

Now, Nigerians have been told that the current scarcity was a consequence of the Federal Government’s failure to meet its obligation to major oil marketers as at the end of March 2015. Despite government’s assurance of settling all outstanding allowance, no significant result was witnessed as Nigerians continue to endlessly queue for fuel that is either sold at exorbitant prices or not available at all in most instances. The entire shameful act looks more like a scandal and a sham designed to fleece Nigeria of money that could have been used to develop her obviously grossly inadequate infrastructure.

The trade union being used by this government in the oil sector to hold Nigerians to ransom and to achieve its wooly aim is the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria, (MOMAN) that claims that because it currently owes transporters the sum of N20 billion due to the failure of government to pay money being owed it, it is finding it difficult to transport petroleum products to all parts of the country. The body’s recalcitrant pos-

ture in the entire scenario, once again, looks more like an orchestrated drama that it is.

The unfortunate outcome of Jonathan’s game of fraud on the fuel subsidy issue that surprisingly bothers no one in government at the moment should not go without adequate scrutiny of the incoming government at the centre. Somebody must be held accountable for the $20billion dollars oil money that is missing through the NNPC. The money purportedly being owed these major marketers is a ruse that must also be properly investigated. The whole subsidy scenario reeks of scam that the parties involved do not even think of the harsh consequences of their action on the people.

Let them be reminded that virtually all homes in the country rely on fuel to power their generators simply because the government has failed in its duty to do so. Now with the current price hike, it is apparent that most Nigerians could no longer afford the high cost of fuel and diesel. No wonder that millions of Nigerians now rely on environmental fresh air available through their windows to survive the harsh weather despite the risk of insecurity and that of menacing threat of mosquitoes bites that have been scientifically proved to be ready made carriers of malaria parasite.

The more pertinent questions at this juncture: When is fuel scarcity going to end despite the fact that a monstrous N6.35 trillion has reportedly been spent as subsidy in the past five years? Is it possible to truncate the evil plans of the subsidy cabals that have taken the country hostage under the guise of providing fuel subsidy? When is the trial of those children of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) bigwigs that were involved in the subsidy scam going to continue? Why was it delayed, or perhaps discontinued, whatever is applicable? Could it a case of their being above the law?

Furthermore, is the country, as oil producing nation, not ashamed of being the only one in that class still importing refined petroleum products for her domestic consumption? Why is it that it is only in Nigeria, of all the oil-producing countries that refineries are not working? These are some of the questions begging for prompt answers that could possibly lead to arraignment of more of those behind the subsidy racket and also lead to termination of the fuel search sufferings of Nigerians when President-elect Buhari assumes office on May29, 2015. An end to this fuel scarcity must be sought and once again, those behind the act, when found wanting, should be sanctioned.

GMB and Nollywood

By Femi Akintunde-Johnson the growth and growing stature of India’s Bollywood (derived from film-makers’ activities in Bombay city, now Mumbai). Nigeria and India find important indices of commonalities beyond the different shades of colour that distinguish us. Our history as a nation, as British colonized people, with relatively similar huge population of diverse tongues, religions and cultures meshed in a melting pot of blurring political and economic turbulence ...among many other surprising relatedness. So, what can our men of power learn from Bollywood and its billion dollar climb to global prominence?

Bollywood is basically a regional hyper Hindi exercise (one expert says 20%) of the huge Indian film activity.

Bollywood’s global brand image dwarfs the other Indian language film sectors and simply equates it as the national jewel, especially in jaundiced international media. As an aside, it is even debatable that Bollywood comes behind Nollywood, even without the additions of Kannywood, Yoruwoods, and such other ‘woods. Their story reads like ours: There is low cost of production; millions of Nigerians work and live all over the world; very high demand for quality Nigerian entertainment; expanding demographics.

However, that is as far as similarities go. Bollywood’s key revenue outlets as at 2012 were: Domestic Theatre (74%), Cable/Satellite Rights (11%), Overseas Theatre (7%), Ancillary revenues like endorsements, brand ambassadors, etc (5%)...with Home Video trickling in at 3%! That statistics emanate from its 2012 total annual revenue of $3.5b!

Just as the new deal dawned on the Central government of India about eight years ago when it granted industry status to Bollywood - the dalliance of Nigerian federal government with the movie business since the coming of outgoing President Goodluck Jonathan six years ago should now be concretized (“gazetted”) and serious attention given to institutionalizing key sectors of the burgeoning industry. We have similar population dynamics (though our middle class is almost wiped out in contrast to India’s 300million - almost a double of our country); we have the passion to sustain flourishing markets of quality works. We have the landmass to build giant multiplex theatres and other viewing centres in both rural and urban centres (Lagos alone can start with two multiplex theatres in each of her 57 LG/ LCDAs...and other states can pitch in at least one or more

multiplex in all LGs, thus delivering over 1,500 centres of exhibition/distribution/commerce and information - which will trigger high income from product placements, high returns on investments, increased and widespread ‘follow-follow’ erections of theatres and viewing centres thus igniting an explosion in job creation; promoting the flow of communication between the government and its people. Instead of wasting billions on a gigantic stadium that is used once or twice in two years in a landscape of poverty and economic erosion; if the flailing ‘king’ of Akwa-Ibom had built 10 multiplex of entertainment/leisure outlets across the state, there would still have been some sort of thriving legacy of commerce and roll-over employment for young Ibomites...

Good sensible government policies that allow entrepreneurial capacities of its people to roam and flourish have a way of attracting major investments. When we get our distribution and exhibition channels right and running; when the right people drive a commonsensical pro-people agencies of government with a crusading desire to promote and project the creative endeavours of Nigerians, we shall begin to witness fantastic collaborations with Hollywood moneybags the likes of which Bollywood is now enjoying.

However, none of these can be attained without the help of government. Though an intrinsically private enterprise, the sum-total of creative efforts is the elucidation and documentation of people’s culture, lifestyle and struggles through the lenses of their defining citizens. Great nations recognise that their insular confluence of diverse economic, informational and strategic interests are best enunciated by a collaborative creative community - for exports to the farthest reaches beyond the motherland. Perhaps President Jonathan saw the fringes of that great promise, but history will record that he took the stuttering steps (embracing and recognising the power of creativity) that galvanized successive administrations to ascend and catapult the great promise of our Creative Enterprise to the zenith of global ascendancy. Don’t snigger and wrinkle your nose - for this is how America cockily began to surge outfield 95 years ago...it is not late for us to start climbing.

So, this is not a time for dogmas and crass partisanship.

This is a venture where everyone wins - the government, practitioners, business people, consumers, the media, distributors, and allied sectors. The Nigerian creative communities deserve our full and wholesome support, and a watchful encouragement to soar beyond its current supine status.

I believe it!!

Newspaper of the Year

AN 8-PAGE PULLOUT ON SOUTHEAST STATES

•PAGE 26

PAGE 25

Four years of enhancing lives in Anambra

‘I’m not the housewife type’

ICT seminar for girl-students in Imo

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

•PAGE 37

•PAGE 40

•The late Amarachukwu’s widow Ngozi and children

Questions over a young man’s death Ten days after police in Anambra State released a man from detention, he died leaving his grieving widow and the entire community with unanswered questions, NWANOSIKE ONU reports

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T

HE death, however painful, is not in itself the major worry of residents of of Ukpor in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

There are many unanswered questions.

Why did Amarachukwu Agbasi die 10 days after he was released from detention by officers of the State Anti robbery Squad (SARS)?

Why did he end up in a police cell in Nnewi?

What offence did he commit or suspected of committing?

Why haven’t the police come forward with details of what happened?

On November 27 last year,

The entire community has been in agony since the death of this young man; representations have been made to the police, yet nothing has been done; imagine the kind of pains the family, widow and children will be going through without their breadwinner

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From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

Amarachukwu’s employer reportedly gave him some money with which to buy a motorcycle in Nnewi, the state’s industrial hub.

That was the last time he was seen

until two days later when the police in Nnewi released him to his anxious family. At the time of his release, Amarachukwu was said to be “half-dead”.

On December 9, he died.

Amarachukwu’s family con-

firmed to The Nation that an autopsy was carried out on his body at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Teaching Hospital, Nnewi.

The autopsy report said Amarachukwu died of torture.

His widow has been agonising over her husband’s death as well as how and why he died the way he did.

They are not only ones grieving; the entire Ukpor community is also in pains.

They are looking for justice from the Nigeria Police, after the 32year-old man died after being released from police detention by the Nnewi office of the State Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

The Agbasi family lawyer, Silas

•The late Amarachukwu Ezenwa, has petitioned the state police commissioner, Hosea Karma to investigate the sudden •Continued on page 26

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

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THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

Questions over a young man’s death death of his client.

The petition dated December 15, 2014, which was made available to The Nation, was equally copied to the Police Area Commander, Nnewi; House of Assembly lawmaker, representing the area, Hon. Rita Mmaduagwu and Mr. Obum Ohaegbu, a lawyer, of the Public Complaints Commission (PCC) Abuja.

The tragic death of Amarachukwu Agbasi, allegedly tortured by men of SARS, has caused tension in Nzagha village in Ukpor community since December 9, 2014.

The member representing Nnewi South constituency in the state Assembly, Hon. Rita Mmaduagwu, said security officers should stop such impunity on innocent citizens, which according to her, has caused pains and agony in many homes in the country.

She said her constituents would stop at nothing in making sure that perpetrators of such acts were brought to book.

Mmaduagwu said: “The security operatives are trying in carrying

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•Continued from page 25

My life has not been the same again since they took away my joy from the family; all I need is for the police to explain to the world how a vibrant, full of energy young man was killed

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out their duties, but the way and manner some of them are involved in issues like this has become worrisome to some of us.

“The entire community has been in agony since the death of this young man, representations had been made to the police, yet nothing has been done; imagine the kind of pains the family, widow and children will be going through without their breadwinner.”

Mrs. Ngozi Agbasi, the widow, told The Nation that it has not been easy for her and the children since the demise of her husband.

In tears, she said, “police have not been able to tell us what my husband did that warranted such tor-

ture that led to his death. My husband’s spirit will not rest until those who had a hand in his killing are brought to book; the God we worship is not sleeping. All along, it has not been easy for all of us.”

Also, father of the deceased, Basil Agbasi, lamented that the late Amarachukwu was his legs, his eyes, his mouth and everything he had.

“My life has not been the same again since they took away my joy from the family, all I need is for the police to explain to the world how a vibrant, full of energy young man was killed”.

However, the state police command is claiming ignorance of the death of Amarachukwu.

When the Nation contacted the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Uche Ezeh, a deputy superintendent of police (DSP), he said the command would investigate the matter appropriately once it came to its notice.

But he said that if such petition existed, it must have been addressed to a particular office, adding that the command would look into it.

According to the petition “It is the ordeal of our client that his son Amarachukwu Agbasi who was employed by MAC PETERS was sent by his master to go and buy a motorcycle at Nnewi on 27/11/ 2014 having given him some amount of money”.

“Amarachukwu Agbasi could not be seen as at ft.30am on the next day, 20/11/2.0J4. This was reported to his master, MAC PETERS who could riot give any account of Amarachukwu’s whereabouts”.

“Reports were made at the Central Police Station, Nnewi and at the Area Command Headquarters, Nnewi but Amarachukwu was not there and no useful information about his whereabouts was got. Later on the same 28/11/2014, the SARS Office at

Nnewi was visited and it was discovered that Amarachukwu was detained in the cell there.”

“The Officer-in-charge told the people that came for Amarachukwu to come back on Saturday, 29/11/ 2014. When they came on 29/11/ 2014, Amarachukwu was released to them on bail, having fulfilled the required conditions”.

“When Amarachukwu was released, it was seen that he sustained serious injuries and was a half-dead person. See the attached picture of Late Amarachukwu Agbasi the day he was released on bail. From the day he was released on bail, he was being carried from one hospital to another and on 9/12/2014 he started vomiting blood and later died”.

“The death of Amarachukwu was then reported In the SARS Office and to the Area Command Headquarters, Nnewi. The body of Amarachukwu is now deposited at the Cilex Mortuary, Agbuani Ukpor”.

“As at the time of writing this petition, the new motorcycle bought by late Amarachukwu and some of his personal items were still with the men of SARS at Nnewi” “We, therefore, on behalf of our client appeal to you to use your good office to investigate the circumstances that led to the sudden and tragic death of Amarachukwu for your necessary action in the interest of justice” they wrote.

A

•Pupils at the seminar

ICT seminar for girl-students in Imo From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

can gain admission to study mathematics in a University then all of you seated here today can do better if only you can only focus on your studies”.

She however, urged both the government at both the State and Federal level to make the education of the girl child a priority by awarding scholarships to brilliant girls who are from indigent families.

Kalu also advised the government and other stakeholders to improve the standard of education by engaging qualified teachers and the necessary ICT equipments to make learning easier and enjoyable.

Speaking in similar vein, Dr

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non-profit organisation, the Youth for Technology Foundation has taken it upon itself to encourage girl-pupils in Imo State to develop interest in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and even take up a career in it.

This was evident at a one-day seminar organised by the NGO in Owerri, the state capital.

The founder of the organisation and former Microsoft Executive, Mrs. Njideka Harry, said that the seminar with the theme;”Girls, Women and Innovation”, is in line with the global effort to empower and encourage girls and young women to consider careers in the growing fields of ICT and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

“The goal of this event,” she said, “is to make girls and young women aware of the vast possibilities offered by ICT and STEM to give them the confidence to pursue ICT studies and careers.

“As a result of this event Youth for Technology Foundation’s goal is to increase the number of females in ICT sector and as well as to alter the stereotype held by many young girls that ICT is a field for males.

Technology is key in today’s society as over 95 percent of jobs now have a digital component”.

She further revealed that the International Telecommunications Union estimated that 200 million fewer women are online than men, warning that without further action, the number can grow to 350 million by 2018.

Harry further noted that technology is an enabler and creates prospects for social and personal change.

The guest speaker, Captain Chinyere Onyemauche Kalu the first female pilot in the country, said that the theme of the seminar was apt, adding that the young secondary school girls need to know that the field of science and technology is not the exclusive reserve of their male counter parts.

According to her, “I am here especially to mentor the young girls that through education they can become somebody from nobody.

So, I am here to encourage them and to let them know that if they focus on their education that they will be successful. Today, the in thing is ICT and girls need to acquire the skills to succeed”.

Encouraging the girls further, Kalu, illustrated that “if a 10-yearold girl who is a British Nigerian

I am here especially to mentor the young girls that through education they can become somebody from nobody. So, I am here to encourage them and to let them know that if they focus on their education that they will be successful.

Today, the in thing is ICT and girls need to acquire the skills to succeed

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Ifeyinwa Eucharia Achumba of the Federal University of Technology (FUTO), Owerri, pointed out that the essence of the seminar is to catch the girls young and bring

them into the science based careers.

According to Dr Achumba who is of the Department of Engineering, “most girls tend to shy away from science related courses apparently

because of the fear of mathematics and such negative psyche has become a mental barrier that needs to be broken.

“We are here to mentor these young girls especially today and we want to use the occasion to ingrain in them the importance of ICT education and we are appealing to the state and Federal Government to furnish the public schools with computers as a take off point and to also train the teachers to acquire digital competences to help the students develop because these days JAMB examinations are now done online and the children need to have e- learning •Continued on page 27

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

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THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

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•Mr Oluwole and Mr Isau stamping books for the library

Corps member donates library to INEC From Ogochukwu Anioke, Abakaliki

fective machinery of change in their various communities”.

“However, I observed critically and logically the challenges faced by my immediate community on the lack of accessibility to relevant information in the commission among the staff and others. Thereafter, I discussed with the head of department, General Administration and procurement (INEC Abakaliki), Dr. S. Johnson and former administrative Secretary, Royson Obijuru on the need to equip the staff of the commission with relevant information within and outside the commission by es-

,

NE will think that such an important agency as the Independent National Electoral Commission will have a library where important books and other documents are kept for reference purposes and ease of access of information by staff of the commission as well as researchers and academic scholars.

Well, that was not the case with the Ebonyi State office of the electoral body until a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member serving at its headquarters in Abakaliki set up one.

A Batch ‘B’ member of the corps, Mr Omolekun Oluwole has handed over the mini-library equipped with research materials to the Commission in Abakaliki.

In his speech during the inauguration and handover of the library, Oluwole said that the project was part of his Community Development Service (CDS), an integral part of the four cardinal programmes of the NYSC. He stated that after assessing the documentation and references challenges of the Commission’s workers, he was motivated to provide a solution after getting the go-ahead nod of the Commission’s leadership.

Oluwole, who noted that the library would serve as a model of inquiry, learning, building knowledge and confidence in seeking and processing information among the workers, added that it would also help to promote staff’s outward thinking and positive mental reasoning and perception?

He maintained that service year was not a merriment year but a time to make sacrifices for community development.

He said: “Community development service is one of the integral part of the four cardinal programmes of the scheme of NYSC in which corps memebers work with the local community to promote self-reliance by systematically prospecting and executing development projects which will in turn impact positively on the social-economic development of the host communities through the period of national service. It is worthwhile mentioning that since its inception in1973, the NYSC has been making great contributions in the social, political and economic transformation of the nation”.

“One of the major aims and objectives is to produce the forum for corps members to experiment with ideas and translate them into concrete achievements thereby relying less on foreign technology and harnessing the enormous talents and skills of corps members into an ef-

The relevance and benefits of the library to the commission include the following: It will help in providing a model for inquiry, learning, building knowledge and confidence in seeking and processing information among the staff

,

tablishing a mini-library. Immediately the idea was welcomed and approved.”

“The creation of mini-library i.e.

construction of two book selves, purchase of plastic chairs, reading table and equally equipping it with relevant books, manuals, journals/ magazines has served as my personal contribution to the development of the commission and entire community and with other CDS projects which includes the following”. “(1) Sensitisation talk/seminar on career choice for three different government secondary schools in Ebonyi LGA. The career talk was centered on the topic “making the Right Career Choice” with three subtopic delivered by three re-

source personnel form different works of life”. “(2) Donation of two hundred copies of forty leaves exercises books to each of the three government secondary schools respectively”. “(3) Organising an intensive extea-mural lesson on English language for two government senior secondary schools for the period of one month in order to prepare them toward their external examination (WAEC and NECO). At the end of the lesson there will be an assessment in order to evaluate their performance and the best students in both schools will be awarded with an English textbook.

The relevance and benefits of these projects to the community cannot be overemphasised”.

“The relevance and benefits of the library to the commission include the following: It will help in providing a model for inquiry, learning, building knowledge and confidence in seeking and processing information among the staff”.

“It will help in providing access to abstracts and descriptions for •Continued on page 28

ICT seminar for girl-students •Continued from page 26 in Imo facilities in their various schools to

•Nigerian Army engineers constructing a drainage near Osa Market in Onitsha, Anambra State

put them in the right direction”.

Some of the participants who commended the organizers of the seminar, appealed to the government to encourage the study of ICT in public schools just as it is in the private schools.

Onyemauwa Godslight from Obazu Girls Secondary School confirmed that she has learnt a lot from the seminar, stressing that “now NECO, WAEC and JAMB are filled online and the students need to acquire the relevant skills to do that and we thank the foundation for bringing women who have ex-

celled in the area of science and technology to talk to us about the importance of pursuing a career in ICT “.

Similarly, Odoemenam Precious from the Rochas Foundation College said that as a result of the seminar that her phobia in the core sciences has disappeared, adding that she would now focus more in mathematics which is the foundation of all science courses.

She also admonished other girls not to be scared about choosing a career in the Engineering especially in the ICT sector.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

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THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

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Ohanaeze’s division deepens The leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex sociocultural organisation of the Igbo, is split down the middle, with two factions hacking at each other, CHRIS OJI reports

T

HE crisis in Ohanaeze Ndigbo is worsening as two groups are fighting over which is the authentic leader of the apex Igbo sociocultural organisation.

One group led by Chief Enwo Igariwey has dismissed the notion that its tenure has expired, saying that it was still in charge.

Another faction led by Chief Ralph Obioha, who heads the caretaker committee, equally claims that his group is the authentic decision-making body of the organisation.

During the electioneering campaigns, the two factions expressed different positions as to whom Ndigbo should vote for in the Presidential election, whether Jonathan or Buhari. While the Igariwey group emphatically endorsed President Goodluck Jonathan, the Obioha-led faction was discreet, urging the Igbo to vote according to their conscience.

During the outcry that followed the statement of the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu that the Igbo would drown in the lagoon if the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Akinwunmi Ambode lost the governorship election, Obioha led his group to the Oba’s palace to discuss the issue. Ambode has since won the polls.

Also recently, Obioha led his group to visit President-elect Muhammadu Buhari to extract from him a promise that the Igbo would not be left out of the scheme of things by his administration. That visit was widely publicised.

The visit and the subsequent publicity, however, did not go down well with the Igariwey faction which is in

firm control of the national secretariat of the Ohanaeze. They disowned the Ralph Obioha-led “so-called Ohaneze Caretaker Committee,” ýdescribing it as a bunch of rascals.

The organisation condemned in strong terms the group for “deceiving” the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari into believing they were the authentic officers of the panIgbo organisation. In a statement, the Deputy National President of the organisation, Sir OAU Ogochukwu Onyema said the use of Ohanaeze’s name by Obioha’s group to pay a visit to the president-elect was exhibition of rascality and recklessness.

Onyema stated: “The recent visit of Chief Ralph Obioha and his cohorts, to the President-elect General Muhammadu Buhari in the name of Ohanaeze Caretaker Committee is the height of rascality, recklessness and disrespect to the laws of this nation. I am very sure that the President-elect, who is a constitutional man, that believes in discipline and rule of law, who is preaching against indecency and crooked behaviours, will not be happy, having been tricked or dragged into the murky waters of Chief Ralph Obioha’s irresponsible conduct of impersonating the representative/leadership of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo.

“While, I sincerely and personally congratulate the President-elect for his doggedness and perseverance in contesting election, and finally emerging the President-elect of our country, Nigeria, I am optimistic that the last in his agenda will be to condone or insulate rascals, who flout the laws of our country.

During the electioneering campaigns, the two factions expressed different positions as to whom Ndigbo should vote for in the Presidential election, whether Jonathan or Buhari. While the Igariwey group emphatically endorsed President Goodluck Jonathan, the Obioha-led faction was discreet, urging the Igbo to vote according to their conscience

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•Ralph Obioha “Chief Ralph Obioha who is parading himself as the purported Chairman of a nonexistent care-taker committee, has indeed dragged our respected President-elect General Buhari (rtd), into a very unfortunate dirty and polluted waters of his surreptitious agenda, to disrupt the leadership of Ndi Igbo. Obioha is quite aware that there is a subsisting Court Order in Suit No: E /513/ 2014 issued by His Lordship Justice R.O. Odugu of Enugu State High Court, barring him from parading himself as such, and creating any 3rd party

interest in the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo Worldwide, yet, he decides to flout the law, boasting that his visit to the President–elect will insulate him from justice. “ The apex Igbo body asked “why Chief Raph Obioha, who is currently facing a contempt charge and Committal Proceedings on the same issue of impersonating the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo, who personally attended the court seating on 2nd day of April, 2014 at High Court 6 Enugu with his lawyer (Enechi Onyia SAN) for his Committal Proceedings, to see if he can explain himself out of the impending imprisonment, will be emboldened to commit further disobedience of court Order, to the extent of dragging–in a highly revered personality in the person of our no-nonsense President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari.

“Honestly, Ndi Igbo will surely expect open apologies from this man and his cohorts, especially to our

•Continued on page 40

Four years of enhancing lives in Anambra W

HEN in 2013 residents of a community in Anambra State suddenly discovered floating corpses on their river, it was volunteers of the Red Cross Society who helped to evacuate the bodies.

Also, when a substantial part of the country was flooded a year before, it was personnel of the Society who delivered relief materials to victims of the disaster in the state.

For the past four years, the Red

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

Cross under the chairmanship of former Chief Judge of Anambra State, Justice Paul Obidigwe, has been saving and enhancing lives in the state.

Since he assumed that position, the group has made some impact in the

Corps member donates library to INEC •Continued from page 27

state in terms of responding to emergencies.

During the 2012 flood disaster in the state, about 47 communities were submerged especially in Anambra East, Anambra West, Ogbaru and Ayamelum.

Before now, the vice chairman of Red Cross in the state, Prof. Peter Katchy said the agency had responded to 65 emergencies in the state.

Katchy told The Nation that Red Cross has about 14,000 volunteers in the state, noting that the volunteers of Red Cross are being used by the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) in such events.

On Friday, Red Cross celebrated its world day in the state with the theme “seven fundamental principles” at its headquarters in Awka.

To show the synergy existing between the state government and the group, the state Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, though absent, deployed the state commissioner for health, Dr. Joe Akabuike to the occasion.

The state government used the event to remember what transpired in 2013 during Ezu-River tragedy, and •Continued on page 40

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approximately 100 journals, magazines, newspaper and include and include general interest materials on social research, environment, science, current affairs arts and humanities” “It will help to promote the staff outward thinking and positive mental reasoning and perceptions” “It will help to play a key role as a place for encouraging innovation, curiosity, creativity and problem solving for all the staff” “It will help to equip staff with lifelong learning skills, opportunities and develop the imagination, enabling them to live as more responsible citizens” The mini library, he said has been equipped with book shelves, plastic chairs, reading tables, relevant books, manuals, journals/magazines.

Oluwole said it was his personal contribution to the development of the Commission and the entire community and charged the Commission to take further steps to expand the library.

Unveiling the library, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner,(REC),Dr. Lawrence Azubuike who thanked Oluwole for coming to their rescue.

He recalled how the Commission

President-Elect whom they have deceived to receive them as the leadership of Ndi Igbo.

“I am aware that the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo is still undergoing the necessary procedure, preparatory to paying a courtesy call to the President-elect, which is usually be preceded by a NEC resolution, followed by an IMEOBI Approval.

However, Chief Raph Obioha, burying himself in gluttony, flowing from his usual, controversial and treacherous antecedents, has rushed to misrepresent and impersonate a respected tribe, like Ndi Igbo.

“Soonest, the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo will visit the President-elect, and felicitate with him on his God-given success; but will surely leave Chief Ralph Obioha to suffer his faith before the Courts of our Nation. Nothing will insulate

•The library boasting some books existed for years without a place where workers can access information.

Represented by the Head of Department, General Administration and Procurement, Dr. S. Johnson, the Commissioner described the Corps member as humble and hard-working and urged his colleagues to emulate him.

He noted that INEC and NYSC have maintained cordial synergy for years just as the Commissioner paid tribute to the Corps for the success of the just concluded general elections and described the Corps as an indispensable tool in Nigeria’s Electoral process.

The NYSC state Coordinator, Mrs E.G. Mbachi in her speech noted that

the purpose of establishing NYSC has been achieved through the likes of Oluwole and urged his colleagues to emulate him.

The State Coordinator who was represented by the zonal Inspector, Abakaliki, Mr. E. J. Isau described NYCS as a wonderful initiative that has brought national integration to the country.

Our members are suffering in making sure that things are got right, we are in every emergency in this state and despite not being appreciated by some people who do not understand, we are not going to be deterred in any way, it is service to humanity

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Newspaper of the Year

AN EIGHT-PAGE PULLOUT ON THE SOUTHSOUTH STATES

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

PAGE 29

HONOUR

DESOP ADEC DESOPADEC

CHARITY

THE Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Niger Delta Affairs and Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Kingsley Kuku, received a commendation award and honorary membership of the State of Georgia last Saturday.

ITSEKIRI youth leader in Warri North, Delta State, Comrade Benson Erewa Mengison, believes the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) is due for restructuring to better serve the people.

TOTAL Exploration and Production (E&P) Nigeria Limited has lifted two orphanages in Rivers State as part of its social responsibility. The orphanages visited were the Compassionate Centre and Global Foundation for Orphaned.

•Kuku

•PAGE 32

•Mengison

•PAGE 35

•Cliff Jarrel

•PAGE 34

Idibo…Edo community where every household owns a pineapple farm •Farmers seek govt assistance •’We make little or no profit’

•Harvested pineapple at Idibo

PHOTO: OSAGIE OTABOR

• YOU HAVE STORIES FOR US? PLEASE CONTACT US ON 07066954441 OR 08123521990

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THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

NIGER DELTA REPORT COVER

NIGER DELTA REPORT FEATURE

Idibo…Edo community where every household owns a pineapple farm •Community calls for govt assistance

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SARENKHOE Enoma is a trained barber. He practised this profession for over 20 years until he decided to venture into farming. He was armed with N30,000. He relocated to his hometown, Idibo, in Uhunmwode Local Government to join his kinsmen in pineapple farming.

Although his farming venture is going on pretty well, Osarenkhoe is not yet a fulfilled man. He earns little income from pineapple cultivation because he uses manual labourers and has not been able to raise any fund through loans to boost his farming business.

The plight of Osarenkhoe is the same with other pineapple farmers at Idibo, a community where every household is a pineapple farmer. An indigenous Idibo man or women, pineapple cultivation sees pineapple as their ‘oil well’.

Hundreds of tonnes of pineapple are harvested annually at the community and taken to fruit juice factories across the country. It is a common sight for first time visitor to see heap of pineapples in front of houses at Idibo. dibo was founded in the 15th century and it’s famous for growing crops like plantain, rubber, pineapple and cocoa but the major cash earner for Idibo people is pineapple.

Despite being hardworking and industrious and huge contribution to the juice industry, the absence of basic infrastructure like access roads, water, health care facilities, schools and electricity is hampering growth and development of the community.

The road to Idibo is not motorable; it is an earth road that only few vehicles could pass through during the rains. Traders that could get to Idibo during the rainy season buy the pineapples at a very low price because of the hardship they face in transporting their wares to the market.

The community is still cut off from civilization and villagers rely on traditional herbs and itinerant drug hawkers who visit the community in motorcycles for their medication. To get access to qualified medical personnel, the villagers have to travel about six miles to Obadan village where a primary health centre is located. High Priest Osazemwanye Uwusomwan, the Ohen Airuogiemwinya of Idibo Community, told Niger Delta Report that there are no doctors at the Obadan health centre, just nurses.

The only primary school at Idibo was built in 1955 and it is almost in ruin. It is a block of five classrooms.

Chairs, according to High Priest Uwusomwan, were last brought to the school four years ago. There are no staff offices and the head teacher’s office is located at corner in one of the classes. A place that supposedly served as library has only old exercise books.

A visit to the school revealed that the pupils sat on the floor while a large of part of the roof is leaking. It was gathered that there are only four teachers in the school. The absence of a secondary school at Idibo force pupils to Benin City or other neighbouring towns for their

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

secondary education, thereby robbing parents of their assistance in the farm work. There are no boreholes so indigenes of Idibo get water from stream.

The High Priest said the community contribution to the economy through pineapple cultivation has not uplifted their lives or attracted any infrastructural development like good road network.

“I have over 10 hectares of pineapple. In 1999, after my retirement, I came to the village and saw people cultivating pineapple. I begged them for suckers and planted mine.

That was how I started. We have food crops like pineapple, plantain, cocoa, rubber but the road is not motor able for us to convey our products to the consumers. That is the main problem we have. We will be happy if you can help us appeal to the government about our needs.

Traders come from Abuja, Kano, Onitsha. Seven lorries loaded pineapple from the community yesterday. We produced 100 of tonnes yearly.”

“We will be happy if the government established a fruit juice company in this community. We are the first community to start cultivating pineapple in Uhunmwode.

We don’t have any strong politician that will take our case to the government. Several times, we have appealed to the local government authorities to grade the road because we have earth road. Because of the elections, it was not possible for them to come. We have decided to send delegates to the Council Chairman to come and grade the roads for us.”We don’t have cooperative and have no access to soft loan. We used to have FADAMA Group but we applied for support and they did nothing for us that was why we stopped contributing money for it. We were not aware about any loan from the Edo State government. Nobody informed us about any loan.

Osarenkhoe attributed little profit made by them to the use of manual labourers because the community does own a tractor.

He said: “I started with about N30,000 because there was no where I could raise money through loan. We use manual labourers for our work because we have no tractors. The profit is not encouraging us because cultivating pineapple is tedious. After sales, you realised you have not made much money.

The main encouragement we need is for the government to construct our road and other infrastructure The community will make more money if the road is good.”

Eighty-two-year old Omorogieva Okunzuwa said he has been cultivating pineapple for over 30 years but complained that a large part of his farm is usually taken over by weeds because of the use of manual labour.

Another member of the community, Ovienseri Omolusi, 70, said they make money through pineapple cultivation but that he could now only cultivate two hectares.

‘DESOPADEC restructuring best for Delta’ Itsekiri youth leader in Warri North council of Delta State and Niger Delta activist, Comrade Benson Erewa Mengison was one of those who was active in the fight to oust the military from power in the 1990s. Sixteen years after the return of democracy, he spoke with reporters on sundry issues affecting Delta state, including the proposed restructuring of the state intervention agency, DESOPADEC and others.

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•The road leading to Idibo •High Priest Osazemwanye Uwusomwan

A classroom at Oba Ewaure Primary School at Idibo

•Osarenkhoe

‘

I started with about N30,000 because there was no where I could raise money through loan. We use manual labourers for our work because we have no tractors. The profit is not encouraging us because cultivating pineapple is tedious. After sales, you realised you have not made much money

‘

•The river where Idibo residents get water from

HAT is your position on the bill before the House of Assembly for the restructuring of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC)?

If you create time to study the details of the bill thoroughly, you will agree with me that if becomes a reality, apart from the creation of more employment opportunities for Deltans, particularly oil producing areas, it will also bring development closer to the grass-roots. I, therefore, urge every Deltan to give the desired support it requires to see the light of the day. The benefits are quite numerous and we should not sabotage the process.

I am aware that our Ika brothers and sisters recently protested against the proposed restructuring to the governor of the state instead of channeling their grievances through the member representing their constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly. It is not fair; they could have presented the issue through their member at the Assembly instead of the governor.

When the governor recently constructed and commissioned flyover at Warri and Asaba, towards the end of his tenure, nobody raised eyebrow, why is there so much noise about the proposed restructuring of DESOPADEC? I was one of those who agitated for the establishment of DESOPADEC; we were led by Chief Willington Okrika and Chief Rita Olori. It has brought so much development to the state today, it’s a dream come true. We have carefully looked at the activities of DESOPADEC from its inception, we have found that it has fared very well.

Those who have managed the organisation have made us proud.

How would you assess Dr. Uduaghan’s eight years of governance?

Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan is a man of peace. He maintains his calm nature despite persistent provocations. As a practicing Christian, he believes that vengeance is of the Lord. And he goes about promoting peace as an act of state policy, this attribute of his has started manifesting itself when he was appointed secretary to the State Government (SSG) during the former administration of Chief James Ibori.

As SSG, Uduaghan was the alter ego of that administration in terms of peace advocacy. He was always at the riverine areas of the state predominantly inhabited by the restive youths, making peace and pacifying nerves. In fact, when hostage taking reared its ugly head to Delta State, it was Uduaghan, as SSG, who provided the magic wand. It is on record that about six foreign oil workers who were kidnapped in Delta State were released to Dr. Uduaghan in 2006.

Dr. Uduaghan’s giant strides in areas as diverse as urban development, social welfare and rehabilitation, information, culture and tourism, the environment, youth development, health, power, housing, commerce and industry, transport, energy, water resources, and sports, are legendary. Above all, Uduaghan has pursued reconciliation not just between himself and other aggrieved politicians but also across board because he knows that this is the precursor to peace and development.

If Uduaghan’s strides in physical infrastructure is astounding, his foray into agriculture shows that he has realised that food production would serves as alternative to oil. The state ministry of agriculture has been strategically positioned to meet the Governor’s policy on food production and food security. He has revived commodity boards that will help enhance the growth of agriculture in the state.

It is also applicable to education which the governor has given top priority in realisation of the benefits which it brings to society.

As someone who joined the fight to kick out the military from power, do you think Nigeria has fared well after 16 years of democracy?

I am quite excited that Nigeria’s democracy, which is fashioned after America’s presidential system, has begun to take root because of obvious factors. Since, independence on October 1, 1960, Nigeria has had an unstable polity characterised by long years of military leadership. Between 1, 1960 and May 29, 1999 Nigeria has had different military administrations: General Aguiyi Ironsi (January

•Mengison

Nigeria cannot be limited to just the factors above, but could take their bearing from all of them. Nonetheless, the central impediment to the growth of democracy in Nigeria is the inability of the system to adapt to our local environment.

Right from independence, Nigeria has had two brands of democratic system-the parliament system and the presidential system. Nigeria has had experiment with numerous constitutions. The first was the independence constitution of 1960, which was swiftly suspended as soon as the military struck on January 15, 1966. Since then, it has become fashioned for a new constitution to emerge each time there is a change of government. The 1999 constitution, which the late General Sani Abacha designed, was eventually promulgated into law by General Abdusalami Abubakar who succeeded him. Due to the hastiness with which it was produced, the constitu-

‘

I was one of those who agitated for the establishment of DESOPADEC; we were led by Chief Willington Okrika and Chief Rita Olori. It has brought so much development to the state today, it’s a dream come true. We have carefully looked at the activities of DESOPADEC from its inception, we have found that it has fared very well 1966-July 1966), General Yakubu Gowon (July 1966-February 1975), General Murtala Mohammed (February 1975-February 1976), General Olusegun Obasanjo (February 1976October 1979) etc. General Mohammed Buhari (December1983-August 1985), General Ibrahim Babangida (August 1985-August 1993), General Sani Abacha (August 1993-June 1998), General Abdusalam Abubakar (June 1998-May 1999). What this simply means is that democracy is still in its infancy in the country.

The problems of democracy in

‘

tion was thought by many Nigerians to have hindered our polity. For instance, some critics of the constitution argued that it should have made provisions for the complex nature of our society.

Sir, what would you say was responsible for the situation?

Though, some elites have argued that Lord Frederick Lugard without the consent of Nigerians merged the North and the South for convenience of the British government. It is sad to state that since then, progressive retrogression and continuous injustice

have been the lot of the majority of the citizenry. The British colonization brought together three vast and cultural distinctive regions – North, South-East and South-West and at least 250 different language groups, more than any other African country.

Nigeria inherited the British-style of parliamentary system, with Dr. Nnamdi Benjamin Azikiwe (first Nigerian media mogul) as the governor-general and from 1963, President, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa of the NPC as the Prime Minister, exercising executive power and Chief Obafemi Awolowo as the opposition leader. The Northern, Western and Eastern Regions constituted the country’s tripartite structure, until the Mid-Western Region was created in 1963.

The last twenty years in Nigeria have witnessed a multiplicity of tensions, crises and conflicts. The decade of unparalleled difficulties in Nigeria has, to some extent, brought the feeling of nervous, gloom, anxiety, worry, pressure, intimidation and very dangerous condition in the relationship between the people and the various governments, particularly between 1993 and 1998.

The cancellation of the June 12 presidential election, won by the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola which was considered by the international observers as well as Nigeria, the freest and fairest election not only in Nigeria but in Africa. This same election was cancelled by the Babangida junta without giving the masses including the talakawas, any clear-cut reason in his broadcast on June 23, 1993 for its cancellation.

The annulment by the Babangida junta brought in an unprecedented political unrest, ethnic crises and ideological conflict, which eventually brought in the Africa celebrated dictator, General Sani Abacha to power in 1993 between 1993 and 1998, Nigeria experienced the worse years of multiple assassinations, bombing of innocent people and unjust detention, harassments and armed conflicts.

It is crystal clear that Nigeria is groaning under the yoke of widespread poverty characterised by hunger, malnutrition, social vices, decaying infrastructure among others. Over 70 per cent of Nigerians live below the poverty line, despite the fact that Nigeria is the sixth largest oil-producing nation OPEC. It is also astonishing that Nigeria ranks as one of the poorest nations on earth. What an irony? Where has the oil money gone? This is a question that is begging and weeping profusely for response. It is no exaggeration to say that the nation’s economy is suffering from internal indiscipline and external shock largely induced by the overdependence on crude oil as the sole pillar of national survival as well greed of some of our leaders.

This country is not going to move forward for prosperity (though I am not a prophet of doom) through some people’s manipulations, but on the basis of truth and nothing but the truth. Manipulation can take place for a very long time but is will never stand the test of time. Our over-dependence and or over-reliance for too long on one single commodity namely petroleum had led to youth’s gansgterism, aggressiveness, and restiveness as well as premature death through inferno as a result of vandalization of petroleum pipelines.

We need to exhibit patience in nurturing democracy and its institutions in Nigeria. It has been said quite often that before the several military coups, which had occurred in Nigeria, some civilians had always invited the junta to take over the administration of the country based on their selfish reasons.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

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NIGER DELTA REPORT FEATURE

Don’t die on Wednesday adds impetus to new phase of Niger Delta struggle G

UNS no longer boom in the Niger Delta as they used to, especially during the time of militancy. Instead of guns and bullets, books appear to be gradually taking over a region hitherto known as a centre of violence.

Like the late Douglas Oronto, an environmentalist, former presidential aide and human rights activist advocated intellectual dialogue during his earthly voyage, the violent phase of the Niger Delta agitation is systematically being replaced with sound scholarly reasoning.

The region has given birth to literary geniuses who prefer documentation of the troubles in the region in books and demanding equal opportunities from the Nigerian project to preaching violence. So it is with Don’t Die on Wednesday, a literary masterpiece authored by the founder of Yenagoa Book Club, Mr. Michael Afenfia.

Members of the club gathered at the Prof. Steve Azaiki Library in Yenagoa recently to peruse and read aloud from the book which is described as fast-paced, intriguing and suspense-filled. The theme of the book highlights the turbulent waters of marriage, parental responsibility, challenges of raising children and youth restiveness especially among people of the Niger Delta no matter where they reside.

With a plot set partly in the United Kingdom and Nigeria, the author a lover of football, fan of Manchester United FC and Bayelsa United FC used the game of football to tell his story.

The book reviewer, Mrs. Denyefa Ekade, said the narrative is devoid of vagueness and explores the rich and exhilarating world of football which hitherto was an on-screen event.

He said: “The book juxtaposes the lives of a mentor and mentee (Bubaraye and Sese).The former is raised by a single parent, rises to the peak of his career with support from his mother and then suffers a setback at the peak of his career while

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

the latter though raised in a closely knit family receives little or no support in his chosen path, becomes a prodigal son and meets his waterloo at the genesis of this same career.

“Most Niger Delta children face having no relationship with their fathers and the author tactfully brought in this in his book.

“This is a kind of story you would want to tell every teenager. Your parents may not always be right but they definitely want the best for you and giving you the best on their context may not conform with yours. If you bow out angrily, you learn the hard way and the hard way most times isn’t the best way to learn the lessons of life. All of this is found in this book.

“The salient theme is contentment and sacrifice in marriage. Marriage is more about the content than the container. It is more than a pretty face, fame and class.

Don’t die on Wednesday is a book that would make an interesting reading any day, anytime. It cuts across borders and is not gender specific. everyone can read and bask in the euphoria of the captivating storyline, simple and rich diction.

Though a work of fiction, he said the book is as real as a true life story.

Beyond highlighting the challenges in the Niger Delta, he said the events, places and names of characters make the book an indigenous work written for an international audience.

According to him, the title explores the inevitability of life’s eventuality. “The title of the novel is like a mother’s cry. It was a plea for that particular Wednesday not to come.

The woman in the story would have preferred for that particular Wednesday not to come at all.

“If you read the novel, you will understand why her child shouldn’t die on Wednesday. It is a plea to whatever forces she believes in. The title is a deliberate one,” he said.

Victims of Delta demilition seeks compensation

O

N June 4, 2014, the Delta State government, through its Ministry of Environment, moved into Ijala, an ancestral home of the Itsekiri people and site of the royal cemetery, where all past Warri (Itsekiri) Olus (monarchs) are buried, to demolish over 80 'illegal' structures.

The structures were deemed to be defacing the traditional site, where prominent Itsekiri monarchs, including Olu Erejuwa II, the father of the current Olu, Ogiame Atuwatse II was buried.

However, nearly a year on, the aggrieved people rendered homeless by the 'beautification', have been thrown into poverty and rendered homeless.

It was gathered that over 1,000 persons were displaced by the demolition exercise and face shortage of land for property development as a result of action.

The victims have appealed to the outgoing Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, who is their kinsmen, to pay them compensation in order to enable them pick up the shattered pieces of their lives and move on. The appeal was contained in a letter dated May 6.

From Shola O’Neil, Port Harcourt

The letter signed by the Olara-Aja (head) of Ijala Ikenren community, Pa. Prince A.B. Ikenren; Mr. Mathew Wilkie, spokesman and Mr. Henry O. Erikowa, Chairman, Community Trust, said their joy of an emerging vibrant new layout at Ifie was caught short with the demolition exercise.

The government action, they further opined, had shattered the hopes and aspirations of the house owners in the area.

"We want to passionately appeal to you to temper justice with mercy to take a second look at the whole issue and consider compensating those whose houses were demolished to enable sustainable infrastructural development of this historical enclave of Warri Kingdom."

The signatories to the petition particularly regretted the lack of action on the demolished area, a development they said has led to the vast land being taken over by thick forest once again even as the masses were hungry looking for land to build on following the congestion and high cost of rent in the oil city.

•The author (centre), the reviewer on his right and members of the Yenagoa Book Club at the reading and reviewing of Don't Die on Wednesday

He further spoke about the need to revive the dying reading culture in Nigeria and the region in particular. To do this, he advocated building of more libraries, revisiting tariffs on books imported into the country and reduction in prices of books.

“The dream of every author is to see his or her book being read by a wide audience, but what happens when this is not achieved? He queried.

“The reading culture in our society is dead. It can be revived if the interest is there. The Yenagoa Book Club is also helping in this sense.

Education is the bedrock of progress in every society.

“The government is really trying in this sector. In fact, a state of emergency was declared in the education sector in Bayelsa. This shows that the government is interested in education.

“We should also have libraries scattered around our communities.

Just like we have churches, we should have libraries like that so

that people will not have excuses of not going to the library. lets take step to build community libraries.

“I am optimistic that people will read the book. Writers should also go out with their books and let people see it. If you want to encourage people to read, do not make it expensive. The government should make the policy more friendly. Tariff on books coming into the country should be revisited.”

Also, a guest at the book review, Mr. Franklin, aligns his thought with Ekade on the dying reading culture. He said: “The reading culture is declining. Youths are no longer reading. The policy we have on ground now is not for education.

The author advises parents to play crucial roles in helping their children embrace the culture of reading. He said: “Parents should buy their children educational toys, more books, pay attention to their academics, monitor their homework when they get back from school.

“They should have conversations

with their teachers, that is the only way they can know how well they are performing at school. Parents should also expose their children early to education, things that will broaden their interests and quest for more knowledge.”

One of the founding members of the club also gives insight into how the activities of the Yenagoa Book Club have encouraged reading.

He said: “Our activities include monthly reading session, annual writers’ conference, literary games, field trips and community service projects.

“The book club was established in February, 2013 shortly after the President Goodluck Jonathan’s ‘bring back the book’ campaign was launched in 2012.

“We saw the ‘bring back the book’ campaign as a dream that must not die and decided to create a platform through which the much needed awareness would be created to keep the campaign alive. And this necessitated the establishment of the club.”

Pupils send SOS to Edo govt over dilapidated schools

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ORRIED by the deplorable state of their learning environment, pupils of Iguodala and Agboghidi Primary schools in Benin City, Edo State have appealed to the government to rehabilitate the dilapidated schools and save them from danger.

Iguodala and Agboghidid schools are located in the same massive compound along the busy Murtala Mohammend Way in Benin City’s Oredo Local Government Area of the state.

The school founded many years ago is in a sorry state as it has been battered by the elements and flood has taken over great part of the schools’ premises, which made the schools’ administrators to abandon blocks of buildings containing over 20 classrooms.

Agboghidi Primary school now barely occupies two blocks of classrooms because several others have collapsed and are not rebuilt. Iguodala also occupies two blocks but many of the classrooms have no chairs for the growing population of the school. The only block in use at the time our reporter visited the school last week was built by the Niger Delta Development Commission.

Niger Delta Report’s finding also revealed that pupils usually come to school with their own chairs as the only other option for them is to seat on a mat. The chairs and desk procured for the school decades ago have all broken down and taken away; the few available have become dangerous to pupils because of nails and other dangerous objects sticking out from every part.

There are no perimeter fencing in the school, a development that makes the premises, classes and offices easy targets for hoodlums, drug addicts and criminals who use the school as hideout for their activities as well as their preferred place for smoking of Indian hemp and gambling.

The pupils told our reporter that they are made to clean and remove faeces from their classes daily before commencement of lesson, as the hoodlums randomly defecate on the flood,

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

chairs and tables. Attempts to secure the classes have failed, they said, because the hoodlums easily break the keys to the few classes which still have doors. Most of the windows are without sills and the doors have been unhinged.

One of the pupils of the school, who simply gave his name as Peter said: “Whenever it rains, we go to one corner of the class. We need a red roof in this school.”

Teachers in the school refused to go on record for comments; those who spoke on condition of anonymity described the situation at the schools as pathetic, particularly because the school is located at the heart of the ancient city.

A teacher said: “If it is your house, will you stay in a place like this? The government should see this school as a priority because it is in the town. We are congested here. Those in the KG are in the same class with primary one and two.”

They lamented that the school rehabilitation exercises embarked upon by the Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s administration have managed to consistently bypass the school in spite of its auspicious location in the state capital.

A parent, who gave his name as Charles Obaseki, said his children are constantly injured by nails from broken desks in the school.

He said: “The condition here is very bad. There was a time we drove an insane woman from the school. She was in fact staying here in one of the classes. We need government help in this school so that the children can learn in a conducive environment.”

Commissioner for Basic Education Patrick Aguinede could not be reached for comments.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

NIGER DELTA REPORT FEATURE

NIGER DELTA REPORT FEATURE

‘Kuku might stop being Special Adviser but he’ll never stop being honourable’ ‘

Though Kingsley Kuku may be going out of office soon as a new government of GMB takes over on May 29, those of us in the APC will ensure continuity of the programme. Everything will not come to an end. I am assuring you that the programme will be continued for the benefit of that region and the benefit of Nigeria as a whole. GMB has a listening ear

The Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Niger Delta Affairs and Chairman, Presidential Amnesty Programme, Kingsley Kuku, received a commendation award and honorary membership of the State of Georgia last Saturday, reports OLUKOREDE YISHAU

G

ABRIEL Odidison, 21, mounted the podium. Black, tall and lanky, he cut the image of a hip-hop star. He actually sings. After greeting his audience, he began his emotional, tear-inducing story: “I finished secondary school in 2009. It was one of the most depressing years of my life. I was very young. I finished secondary school at 15. I am 21 now. I tried to get into college in Nigeria, Lagos to be precise and it was very hard.

My friends were not rich but we were managing.”

He paused. Shed some tears, bowed his head and took some seconds before continuing: “To cut the long story short, I left home in 2002 because I could not get into school.

My parents loved me but they were ashamed of me because every one of my siblings was in school. I was the only one left at home. I woke up one morning and asked my mother for food one day and she told me all my siblings were in school and I was here asking for breakfast. So, I got tired. I loved singing. So, I went out to find a record label. I had an uncle who worked for a record label. I tried that for a year. It was hard but I believed that some day it would be well. I woke up everything morning believing that somehow I would get something to eat and I ate and grew tall and big.”

His dream of making it on the streets of Lagos did not work out.

He decided to seek a way to further his studies like his siblings. He felt an aunt could help and to her he went. That was in 2013.

“I talked to my aunt about getting into school. She asked me to send her my WAEC result. My WAEC result was really good. I sent it to her and she said: ‘Always be by your phone. You might receive a phone call.’ Like two days later, I received a phone call. I think the woman I spoke with, her name is Dolapo, Auty Dolapo. She said you just earned a committee scholarship to study in America. When I heard the news I was like how? She asked me ‘what is your name?’ I thought it was a scam. So, I said ‘my name is Steve.’ She asked me where I lived and I said I lived in Lekki. Meanwhile I was living in Ketu. But she already had my details. So, she told me to come to Lekki Phase 1 in two days. So, two days later when I got to Lekki, I thought it was going to be like now you have the scholar-

ship, go to America. But I realised that we had to take an exam every two weeks in preparation to come here. When I heard that, I thought I would not make it. I thought I had lost my intelligence those years of waiting after secondary school,” he said.

Now, he is a junior at Marist College in the United States, where he majors in Business and Finance. For this, he has one man to thank: Kingsley Kuku, who is the Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Niger Delta Affairs and Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.

As Odidison spoke last Saturday evening at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Atlanta, where the honorary citizenship of the State of Georgia was conferred on Kuku for the ways he has run the amnesty programme, many of his peers in the hall, also studying in the U.S. on the bills of the amnesty office, could not agree less.

As the emerging hip-hop singer said: “I thank Hon. Kuku for giving me the opportunity to regain my intelligence, for giving me the opportunity to further my studies,” his peers and others in the hall clapped.

But he was not done, as he added the clincher: “I want everybody in this room to know that Hon. Kingsley Kuku might stop being the Special Adviser on Niger Delta Affair, but he will never stop being honourable and he will never stop being Kingsley Kuku.”

Aside the honorary citizenship conferred on Kuku, the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus (GLBC) also gave him a commendation award.

Its chair, Rep Dee Dawkins-Haigler, said: “We are honouring a great man tonight. The reason we are honouring you is because we honour those who go out to do right for the masses and you have gone out to do right for the masses of your country. God has seen what you have done. We are honouring you with the highest honour in the State of Georgia.”

The GLBC is the largest black caucus in the U.S. with a membership of 60 African-American state legislators! It is a nonprofit, charitable, nonpartisan and educational organisation, with the objectives of developing good citizenship; and advancing the study and implementation of solutions to problems effecting African-Americans and all people of color in the State of Georgia, among

•Rep Dawkins-Haigler (right) speaking on the honour for Kuku (second right).

Witrh them is an official of the GBLC displaying Kuku’s Certificate of Honorary Citizenship. .

•Odidison (secondleft) and other students studying in the U.S. on Amnesty Programme’s sponsorship.

‘

‘Peace in Nigeria is because of Presidential Amnesty programme’

•Senator Abdul Ningi

Kingsley Kuku is one of the best young men that have been discovered in the last 10 years of our democracy.

In the last four years, Kingsley Kuku has been able not only to grow ideas but he has had them implemented to achieve good ends. Kuku has turned out to be a brother indeed. Let me call on Gen. Buhari…, if you need the amnesty programme to be well-implemented, we will borrow you Kingsley Kuku. others.

Speaking at the event, Udengs Eradiri, who is the President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), said: “You have made Ijaw people proud by the award you have conferred on our brother. We want to thank you very much. Hon. Kuku and the trainees from the Niger Delta have changed the narrative about the Ijaw people internationally. As the president of the Ijaw Youth Council, I want to say

•Udengs Eradiri

•Hon. Jumoke Okoya-Thomas

You have made Ijaw people proud by the award you have conferred on our brother. We want to thank you very much. Hon. Kuku and the trainees from the Niger Delta have changed the narrative about the Ijaw people internationally. As the president of the Ijaw Youth Council, I want to say you have made us proud…The peace in Nigeria today is because of the Amnesty Programme.

What you have done in the lives of the Nigerian youths from the Niger Delta is amazing. Hon Kingsley Kuku gave the youths hope. Many of them have lost hope but you have given them hope. Someone else was doing this job before Kingsley Kuku came on board, we never heard much of the programme. But with Kingsley Kuku a lot of things changed

you have made us proud…The peace in Nigeria today is because of the Amnesty Programme. We need to sustain the peace. From May 29, a new story about the Niger Delta will begin and we do not want to go violent. We are not the brigandage that they thought we are. We want our story to be told like the Marting Luther-King story…I am a happy president of Ijaw youths because of what the Amnesty Programme has

achieved. I can imagine what will happen when all these trainees return home. For those multinationals that used to say we were not employable, now we have the best.

Now, we expect they would create opportunities for our people so that we will not go into the next phase of why are you not employing the employable.”

A member of the House of Representatives on the platform of the All

•Edem Duke

•Geoffrey Teneilabe

Kingsley Kuku is a true gentleman. He honours his words. I am proud that he has been honoured today. Kinsgley Kuku has picked a very deserving honour. Kingsley Kuku has made us proud as young Nigerians. The Niger Deltans are greatly proud of their son, but Kingsley Kuku does not even think like a Niger Deltan.

I am very proud of the Special Adviser on Niger Delta. He is a man of great compassion, a man whose service to his nation has cut across tribes and tongues. I want to encourage Kingsley Kuku that the best is yet to come.

He is one young man indefatigable who has brought restoration to the Niger Delta. He has re-engineered the commitment of change.

Kingsley Kuku took on the responsibility of implementing the amnesty programme and has implemented it well. He has been able to transform ideas to reality.

The development he fosters today is not only of the Niger Delta but of Nigeria because Niger Delta is the bedrock of the peace in Nigeria. Anybody that is thinking will appreciate what Kuku has done.

Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Jumoke Okoya-Thomas, said: “I feel honoured to be here at this ceremony where Hon. Kingsley Kuku has received a very deserving award. I congratulate you. What you have done in the lives of the Nigerian youths from the Niger Delta is amazing. Hon Kingsley Kuku gave the youths hope. Many of them have lost hope but you have given them hope. Someone else was

doing this job before Kingsley Kuku came on board, we never heard much of the programme. But with Kingsley Kuku a lot of things changed and someone like me won’t be here tonight if he wasn’t doing well representing Niger Delta. He is a good representative.

Though Kingsley Kuku may be going out of office soon as a new government of GMB takes over on May 29, those of us in the APC will en-

sure continuity of the programme.

Everything will not come to an end.

I am assuring you that the programme will be continued for the benefit of that region and the benefit of Nigeria as a whole. GMB has a listening ear.”

For Senator Nurudeen Abatemi Usman, Kuku has shown himself as a friend of all Nigerians. Usman, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, said the country

•Senator Abatemi Usman

needs Kuku to continue to drive the amnesty programme, a view shared

by Deputy Senate Majority Leader Abdul Ningi.

In Usman’s words:“Kingsley Kuku is a true gentleman. He honours his words. I am proud that he has been honoured today. Kinsgley Kuku has picked a very deserving honour. Kingsley Kuku has made us proud as young Nigerians. The Niger Deltans are greatly proud of their son, but Kingsley Kuku does not even think like a Niger Deltan. I am here, my leader is here. We are not from the Niger Delta. Mustapha is here. He is not from the Niger Delta. We are all friends of his. I have endured the pain to be here in short notice because he deserves it. We implore the incoming government that for this programme to be nurtured and passed on and for the peace we enjoy in the Niger Delta, Kingsley Kuku is needed. This is the least award Kingsley Kuku will get.

The main award will be when these kids studying here get back home and start giving back to the country’s development in 10 years, 15 years. That is when we will all rise up and give you the highest honour.”

Ningi described Kuku as one of the best young men that have been discovered in the last 10 years of democracy in Nigeria.

“Some of us have been associated with the struggle of the Niger Delta and we have seen pretenders and we have seen people who only talk.

Ideas are not the problem in Nigeria or Africa but the problem is the implementation of ideas that will grow and germinate and impact positively on the people. In the last four years, Kingsley Kuku has been able not only to grow ideas but he has had them implemented to achieve good ends. Kuku has turned out to be a brother indeed. Let me call on Gen. Buhari…, if you need the amnesty programme to be well-implemented, we will borrow you Kingsley Kuku. Kingsley Kuku, you are a gift to Nigeria. You are a gift to your generation,” he said.

The shower of encomiums on Kuku continued when Minister of Culture Edem Duke took the microphone. Duke said he was proud of Kuku.

The minister said: “I am very proud of the Special Adviser on Niger Delta. He is a man of great compassion, a man whose service to his nation has cut across tribes and tongues. I want to encourage Kingsley Kuku that the best is yet to come. He is one young man indefatigable who has brought restoration to the Niger Delta. He has reengineered the commitment of change. He has rejuvenated the spirit of the people to really stand as agents to move the country forward.

I congratulate you and I am proud to stand by you, having had the honour of this award some many years back in this same city.”

Nigeria’s Consulate General in Atlanta, Geoffrey Teneilabe, also hailed Kuku, describing him as intelligent and imbued with the abil-

ity to transform ideas into reality.

His words: “Kingsley Kuku took on the responsibility of implementing the amnesty programme and has implemented it well. He has been able to transform ideas to reality. The development he fosters today is not only of the Niger Delta but of Nigeria because Niger Delta is the bedrock of the peace in Nigeria. Anybody that is thinking will appreciate what Kuku has done.

30,000 youths have benefitted. Over 2000 students are in ivy league institutions and will contribute to the development of Nigeria. It is no mean task. I thank Kingsley for what he has done. This honour is very well-deserved. I can only wish him the very best. He is an extremely intelligent person. I have listened to him on many occasions. He has been articulate ideas and in the Nigerian polity, he has his ways cut out for hi m and he will go far. I know that this is only the beginning.

The future is stretched out. We see him in the development of Nigeria.”

In her keynote address, Senator Steen Miles, a former Georgia State senator, praised Kuku for his accomplishments.

The publisher, African Leadership magazine who worked with the Georgia Black Caucus on the event, Dr. Ken Giami, also had heaps of praises for Kuku.

But, Kuku said the praises should go to President Goodluck Jonathan, who he dedicated the honour to.

He said: “For me, today is about one man. It is about a man who grew from nothing, who grew from abject poverty, a man who rose from being in school without sandals, got to the university, got his first degree, had a Master’s, had his Ph.d.

That man had a dream of merely imparting knowledge to fellow Nigerians and mankind. He wished he had just been a lecturer in one university. In 1998, he was called upon to be deputy governor. He declined.

They had to look for his uncle, then a jurist, Justice Ibinawari, who spoke to him: ‘Is something wrong with you Goodluck?’ Finally, he accepted to be deputy governor in 1999. One of the greatest minds ever created and lived in Nigeria has been our sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and he said he would love to be president of Nigeria for just one day, 24 hours, so that Nigerians could see what he was going to do. Within a space of 10 years, God made this man deputy governor, acting governor, governor, vice-president, acting president and president elected by all Nigerians in 2011. His name is Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. That man is from the core of the Niger Delta. When opportunity came to select someone to advise him and manage a programme, very sensitive, called the Presidential Amnesty Programme, he left Rivers State, he left Bayelsa State, he left Delta; he came to the fringe of the Niger Delta, Ondo State and picked a nobody to manage the amnesty programme. He discovered me, he brought me to limelight. Whatever we are celebrating today is about Goodluck Jonathan.”

34

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

NIGER DELTA REPORT FEATURE

Joy as Total lifts orphanages in Rivers T

HE management of Total Exploration and Production (E&P) Nigeria Limited visited two orphanage homes in Rivers State as part of the company’s social responsibility. The orphanages visited were the Compassionate Centre at Nkpogu road Port Harcourt and Global Foundation for Orphaned located at Mercy land Estate, Nkpolu, in Rivers State.

Mr. Ikwuazom Norbert, the Manager, Public Relations in Total’s Port Harcourt district, led the team to the Compassionate Centre. The excited children and management of the home welcomed the team with a special song.

The items donated included toiletries, food items like instance noodles, canned foods, cooking oil and other essentials everyday items.

Receiving the items on behalf of other children of the home, a 10-yearold old inmate of the home, Master Barry Edora, thanked Total E &P Nigeria Limited for considering them as part of the children in the society.

He said the items brought before them would go a long way in taking care of the needs of the children in the home.

The young child also expressed his appreciation to the management of the home, as he told the Total team that they were well taken care of.

Appreciating the donations, Sister Pauline Butler, who is the Coordinator of the home, commended members of the public for the sacrifices they make in giving generously towards the upkeep of the needy. She however said the donation by the Total E &P Nigeria Limited showed that they are indeed an oil giant.

She said the survival of the home depends on free will donations by the members of the public and appealed

He said the items donated were just what the home used on daily basis, especially the little children among them. He said the challenge of taking care of the needy and abandoned children was growing, revealing that he had just received a call from University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) where a woman had abandoned her baby and ran away. He said that showed that they cannot relent in their service in spite of the challenges of how to take care of the needs of their wards.

“The most important thing is to thank God for directing your step here and making Total E &P to show love to us. We are trying our best, one of them is in Delta State studying Petroleum Engineering and one is at the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO). Others are abroad

studying too, and presently some are writing WAEC. We pray that God will continue to bless you, it could have been another home but you chose to assist us.

Jarrell used the opportunity to pay tribute to his Nigerian wife, saying, “Without my wife Nkiruka, the foundation wouldn’t have gotten to where it is today. It is just a home not like an institution. I came to Nigeria 22 years ago to work at a mission hospital.

“They called me last night that a baby was left yesterday night at UPTH, another boy has been abandoned in another hospital. So we will continue to assist. The children are more than 40. The challenges are what every family is facing, how to raise them in a way that they would be healthy, happy and productive. We want them to have their own impact in the society, how to train them in school and how to feed them. Some unique challenges we have is that we have a blind girl that is in school, she is in boarding house, we have another girl that is paralyzed she is also in school. When you lose your parents, you also lose your sense of identity.”

Responding, Ikwuazom said the gesture is part of the company’s human face policy and social responsibility. He said Total had being doing such for many years because the company is more interested in giving back to the society.

Ikwuazom said: “This is what we do in every festive time like Christmas and Easter but because of the heat of the 2015 election we decided to choose this period for it. Total as a company has a policy that promotes human lives and dignity and the motherless babies and other especial homes are not left out. It is an age-long practice of the company that gives them the opportunity to show love to others.”

tifying the gap in personnel weapon handling skill.

“Proficiency in the handling of arms is a prerequisite for any military man. Such proficiency can only come through training and re-training.

“This training is to refresh their skill,enhance their skill and make them better handlers of weapons.

When they practice more, they get better. This exercise is an assessment in weapon handling.”

The Flag Officer Commanding explained that the exercise will reveal individual capacities in weapon handling saying there is an acceptable standard expected from an average military man. He said each soldier

was expected to hit the targets. “ Every six months, we write report. The result of every report will be submitted at the end of the day.

There is a standard that is expected from the average military man. There is target while firing, if you don’t hit your target, it doesn’t make you a good military man and this can mar your advancement in the force,”he said.

He further said the exercise was also designed to select best officers and ratings for a forthcoming intercommand competition.

He said: “The best here will represent us and will go and compete at a higher level. People who performed well will be recognised in their various headquarters and this will help them in their promotion.”

He also said the exercise was mandatory. He said it is done every quarter of the year adding that it is instituted for security reasons.

“A clear survey of the environment in which we operate reveals the need for proficiency in the use of arms, particularly in the need for the identification and bringing down specific target in a complex security environment,”he explained.

He warned the participants: “Your lives and the lives of your fellow ratings will one day depend on your skill at weapon handling. Therefore the organisation of this exercise is apt at this time.”

He urged his officers to be friends with their weapons and sharpen their weapon handling skills.

He added: “The handling of weapons is to improve your dexterity. It’s a practical training that is supposed to bring you close to your weapons.”

At the closing ceremony, Offor who represented the FOC said: “A soldier who cannot handle his weapon proficiently is not only dangerous to himself, his colleagues but to the general public. The only way proficiency can be achieved is by constant training.

• The orphange and the team from Total From Precious Dikwoha, Port Harcourt

to constant help and remembrance of children forced to seek succor their because they were abandoned by their own parents families.

“We have 42 children staying with us; we feed, clothe and take care of them. We also pay their school fees.

Though, we expect members of the public to always come to our aid, we realized that our most challenge here is lack of constant electricity. We spend a lot on fuel powering the hostels and the entire home. We believe that God will always take care of His children.”

The Total E&P team led by Mr Ikwuazom also visited the Global Foundation for Orphaned located at Mercy Land Estate, Nkpolu, in Obio/ Akpor Local government area. Here

the story about the home is somehow interesting and different from the Compassionate Centre. Unlike the latter where most of the children are at the infant stage, some of the children at Global Foundation for Orphaned are now adult; a couple of them have graduated from the university, and a few numbers of them are presently in universities both in Nigeria and abroad. It was also gathered that about four of them wrote the last West African Examination Council (WAEC) exam.

The Coordinator of the home, Mr. Cliff Jarrell, who like Sister Butler is a foreigner, said it was God that directed the company to take the gesture to their home despite the fact that there are many orphanage homes in Port Harcourt where they could have donated the items.

Navy undergoes weapon handling, firing exercise

S

OLDIERS operating in the Niger Delta region should have no business with complacency. Despite the end of a militant era, the region is still plagued with kidnapping, piracy, sea robbery and crude oil theft.

Even if other security agencies let down their guards, the Nigerian Navy charged with the onerous tasks of protecting the maritime assets of Nigeria including securing oil installations from the prying eyes of daring thieves and saboteurs are expected to be vigilant and combatant at all times.

No wonder all roads from the Central Naval Command (CNC) headquarters in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State led to 343 Artillery Regiment in Elele, Rivers State recently. The officers and ratings of the command were mandated by their Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Rear Admiral Stanley Ogoigbe, to test their weapon handling and firing skills.

For the second time in a year, Ogoigbe’s men and officers found themselves at the shooting range of the artillery brigade. The FOC was not exempted. He also engaged in the small arms firing and weapon calibration exercise.

The range located in the forestry area of the regiment reverberated with deafening sounds of gunshots. The palm trees, shrubs and green vegetation endured and bowed to the impact of bullets which missed their targets. Other proficiently fired bullets hit the bull’s eye.

The opening and closing ceremonies were witnessed by the Fleet Commander CNC, Navy Commodore Austine Owochukwu; Commander,

• The naval men at the training From

Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

Naval Base,Yenagoa, Commodore Uchenna Onyia; Command Operations Officer, Commodore Freedom Temisan; Chairman of the Organising Committee, Navy Captain Ojo Kolawole and Commanding Officer 343,Artillery Regiment, Elele, Lt. Col. Baba Achankpa.

While Ogoigbe declared the twoday event open, he closed it through commodore Clement Offor.

The FOC described the exercise as part of the Nigerian Navy schedule of event to enhance training in weapon handling. He said the command resolved to implement all the

activities contained in the annual naval schedule of events.

He said: “At the beginning of the year and in line with the strategic objective of the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) to have well-trained personnel, the leadership of the Central Naval Command resolved to implement diligently every item in the Nigeria Navy Schedule of events of the year as it concerns the command.

These events were designed not only to ensure that Nigerian Navy remains professional, but that its service delivery is also among the best in the world.

“A major objective this exercise had achieved is that it has helped in iden-

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

36

NIGER DELTA REPORT COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

I

STILL don’t get the argument of those who want me dead, buried and forgotten. For goodness sake, I am only five. I will be six on June 25, if I am not killed by then.

I am a child of necessity, whose purpose in life is far from being achieved.

For some time now, I have been attacked by people who feel I am useless. They say I have only been the means for some people to roll on the lap of luxury, enjoy the extravagancies of women of easy virtues and turn champagne to hand-washing liquid. They are quick to add that I have provided easy cash for some men with brawns and no brains.

May be I should go down memory avenue so that you can appreciate my agony. Decades before my birth, the Niger Delta, where Nigeria derives the bulk of its revenue, witnessed agitations. The people expressed unhappiness over the way they were neglected. Their farms were polluted by oil spills. Their streams were taken over by crude oil. Their health worsened.

And their existence was seriously threatened.

Close to the year of my birth, the agitation had taken a new twist. Before the deadly twist, Ken Saro-Wiwa had been judicially murdered by the military junta of Gen. Sani Abacha. Several other people had been killed by security operatives under one guise or the other. With intellectual activists like Saro-Wiwa out of the way, another generation of activists took over.

This set believes if you make peaceful change impossible, you make violent change inevitable. They also believe it is illegal to be lawful in a lawless environment. So, they took to arms in their quest to prove a point.

In no time, oil pipelines were damaged at a devastating speed. Military boat houses were bombed. Barrels of oil were siphoned. Oil installations were blown up and oil workers were afraid to go to the rigs and others. The economy bled. The country was losing billions daily.

By that time, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) had been created. Its mandate was to develop Niger Delta. But, its activities meant nothing to the militants who were set to bring down the country unless the region was given control over its resources. The impact the NDDC could have made was limited by the fact that its dues were not given to it. The statutory payments that should be made to it were withheld by all arms of government.

It ran into trillions and all efforts to get the money released for the betterment of the people did not work.

Things were getting worse by the day. They were still in that terrible state when the administration of the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua was inaugurated on May 29, 2007. That the then president was uncomfortable with the state of war in the Niger Delta soon showed.

First, he created the Ministry of the Niger Delta.

Pronto, the government set up a technical committee to review all existing reports on the region. The committee, headed by ex-President of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), Ledum Mittee, recommended an increase of the derivation fund from 13 per cent to 25 per cent. It also recommended open trial for one of the faces of the arms struggle, Mr Henry Okah who was then in detention in Angola. Another of its recommendation, which led to my birth, is that youths in the region must be disarmed through

OLUKOREDE YISHAU

ABOVE WHISPERS

•A weekly intervention on Southsouth people and matters

olukoredeyishau@gmail.com

Niger Delta Amnesty

‘

Please don’t kill me. You can remold me. You can better me. You can restructure me for enhance performance. Make available more cash for my use. But please let me live and not leave. I am just five and far from achieving my purpose. Killing me may kill the like of Odidison, who are the future of not just the Niger Delta, but Nigeria.

So, let me not leave yet •Odidison

a credible Decommissioning, Disarmament and Rehabilitation (DDR) process.

The late Yar’Adua knew something urgent must be done to rescue the situation. Aside his love for peace, he also needed to save the country from international embarrassment that the arms struggle had become. By then, there had been reports of militants partaking in piracy activities on the Gulf of Guinea, a development which had seen the governments of Equatorial Guinea and Angola complaining to Yar’Adua at international meetings. Okah, I was told, was mentioned by the two governments as being responsible for the piracy activities against their countries. Okah was a leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), which had claimed responsibility for many of the kidnappings and the attacks on oil

‘

facilities in the region.

Fast forward to April 2009, the then president dissolved the board of the NNDC. Timi Alaibe, who was the Managing Director, however, got another job. He was appointed Special Adviser on Niger Delta Affairs. His major job, it turned out, was to midwife the birth of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, which I am.

Two months after Alaibe’s appointment, Yar’Adua breathed life into me. So, I am not wrong if I say that in the beginning I was without form until Yar’Adua said let there be light.

My birth did not immediately bring excitement. Okah’s detention was a major factor for the insurgency’s leadership’s apathy to embrace me. Yar’Adua recruited Chief Tony Anenih, Dr Koripamo Agary and Dr Ferdinand Ikwang, among others, to assure the agitators that he was

LAST WORD

truthful about not victimizing them after dropping their guns.

Alaibe traversed the creeks persuading hard-line militant leaders to embrace me. He did not do it alone. He got Kingsley Kuku, the Arogbo-born ex-member of the Ondo State House of Assembly, who had worked with him as Special Assistant at the NNDC, to get Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), Mujahhid Dokubo-Asari, General Shoot-atsight and many other leaders of the arms’ struggle to sign up to Yar’Adua’s offer.

Okah, who had by then been repatriated from Angolan and was standing treason trial at the Federal High Court, Jos, was a major issue in the refusal of many militant leaders to accept me. But, because Yar’Adua wanted me to live, he agreed to drop charges against Okah and on July 13, 2009, Okah became a free man.

Okah’s release did not go down with many in the military circle and elsewhere and it did not convince some militants leaders to embrace me until hours before the deadline of October 4 set by Yar’Adua for them to accept me as the only alternative to lasting peace in the region and more prosperity to Nigeria.

Between June 25 and October 4, 2009, I am told 20,192 militants embraced me by handing over arms in excess of 20,000. Others who did not hand over their weapons initially because of the fear of the unknown later did before the deadline expired. Even after the deadline’s expiration, 6,166 more people, I understand, associated with me.

Alaibe, who took on the task of managing me as the Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, left to contest the 2011 governorship in Bayelsa State. President Goodluck Jonathan saw no one else to continue other than Kuku, the man from the fringe of the Niger Delta, who had worked closely with Alaibe.

Through me, over 30,000 ex-militants have been given a new lease of life. Through me also, not less than 2,000 students are abroad studying for one degree or the other. One of them is 21-year-old Gabriel Odidison, who is majoring in Business and Finance at Marist College in the United States. There are several others who have been trained as pilots, marine engineers, underwater welders and experts in various oil and gas fields. And thanks to my existence, brazen criminalities that were before me are no more.

I will be the first to accept that no one is perfect. Yes, bunkering still persists. Oil pipelines are still sabotaged and Nigeria still loses a lot to the activities of illegal refineries and the likes. I also understand that some people claim to be ex-militants but are not enjoying the benefits. There are also others who claim that the leaders of their various camps have robbed them of their entitlements. Still, there are those who feel that the Ijaw have benefitted more.

In life, there will always be issues and issues are meant to be resolved but you don’t throw out a baby with the bath water.

Please don’t kill me. You can remold me. You can better me. You can restructure me for enhance performance. Make available more cash for my use. But please let me live and not leave.

I am just five and far from achieving my purpose. Killing me may kill the like of Odidison, who are the future of not just the Niger Delta, but Nigeria. So, let me not leave yet.

BY UYOATTA ESHIET, UYO

At last, INEC unveils Akwa Ibom lawmakers-elect F

OR weeks, many were wondering what happened to the results of the House of Assembly elections conducted in Akwa Ibom State. The governorship election result was released and many wondered what happened to the Assembly election. Even when other states were issuing certificates of return to elected officials, only the governorelect got his in Akwa Ibom State.

Then some days ago, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Uyo, the state capital issued certificates of return to the 26 elected members to the State House of Assembly. This took place exactly 25 days after the governorship and House of Assembly elections.

Speaking at the State INEC office in Uyo, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Austin Eni Okojie said the amended Electoral Act empowers the commission to issue a Sealed Certificate of Return within seven days to

every candidate who has won an election under the Act. He added that the essence of Section 75(1) which empowers the issuance of the Certificate is to among others validate and give legal approval to the declaration of the candidate by the electoral umpire as the winner of the said election.

He urged the winners to be magnanimous in victory and extend a hand of fellowship to those who did not make it. He reminded them to remember their campaign promised to the people and work towards fulfilling them reminding them that in four years time they will have to face the people again.

Twenty-five of those who received the certificates are of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the same party which produced the governor-elect, Udom Emmanuel. The 26th member is of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Those who received their certificates are: Hon. Friday Etim Iwok from Abak State constituency; David Lawrence Udofia, Eket; Nse Effiong Ntuen, Essien Udim; Usoro Samuel Akpausoh, Edit Eket/Ibeno; Udo Gabriel Toby, Etim Ekpo/ Ika; Aniefiok Denis Akpan, Etinan; Hon.Aniekan Nyong Uko, Ibesikpo/Asutan; Hon. (Barr) Ime Bassey Okon, Ibiono Ibom; Hon. Victor C.Udofia, Ikono; Hon. Uduak Alphonsus Odudoh, Ikot Abasi/ Eastern Obolo; Hon. Idongesit Ntekpere, Ikot Ekpene/Obot Ankara; Mr Emmanuel Ekpenyong, Ini; Idongesit Uko Ituen, Itu; Samuel Asuquo Ufuo, Mbo; Otobong Anietie Ndem, Mkpat Enin; Hon Mark Udo Esset,Nsit Atai; Mfon Etim Ekong, Nsit Ibom; Hon. Barr Onofiok Luke, Nsit Ubium; Hon Princess Felicia A. Bassey, Okobo; Nse Udofot Essien, Onna; Effiong Okon Bassey, Oron/ Udung Uko; Hon.Udo Kierian Akpan, Oruk An am; Otobong Jonathan

Akpan, Ukanafun; Aniekan Etim Bassey, Uruan; Hon. Monday Eyo Okon, Uyo, all PDP members while the only APC member of the House is Asuquo Edet Archibong, Urue Offong / Oruko State Constituency.

Speaking at the INEC office, Emmanuel said his administration would accord respect to elders and work for the youths and women among his numerous other developmental programmes.

Speaking on behalf of other elected members, Hon. Udo Kierian Akpan who is serving as the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, promised a cordial working relationship with the Executive to be led by Udom.

Though the shape of the next Akwa Ibom Assembly is now clear, it will always be an issue that it took almost forever for the lawmakers-elect to be unveiled.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

37

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT Abia civil servants pledge loyalty to incoming administration From Sunny Nwankwo, Aba

T

•Continued on page 38

•Mrs. Ozoamalu at work

‘I’m not the housewife type’ Rather than bemoan lack of jobs or wait on the husband, mother of two, Mrs. Blessing Ozoamalu took up selling newspapers in Ebonyi State. In this interview with SUNNY NWANKWO, she said, among other things, that there are many things women can do to support their families

H

OW many years have you been in the business?

Three years.

What were you doing before you started selling newspapers?

I am not one of the housewives. I initially learnt hairdressing but there was no money for me to open a shop. I later joined this newspaper business. But before selling on my own, I was with one of the popular vendors at Banco Junction as a salesgirl. It was while I was with him that I acquired the experience and everything I needed to know about newspaper distributorship and selling of papers. After some time, I ventured into the business proper.

How do you cope as a female vendor?

I am doing my best because it is from here I make money to put

,

HE agony of a backlog of unpaid salaries may abide but civil servants in Abia State have extended a hand of fellowship to the incoming governor of the state, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu.

The workers said they would work with the Ikpeazu administration which will be sworn in on May 29.

They also expressed hope that Ikpeazu would usher in a better, efficient and effective working relationship with the state’s civil servants by paying their salaries promptly as well as ensuring that retired workers’ benefits would get to them as at when due.

The civil servants speaking in Aba, the commercial nerve of the state, noted that even though they are the engine of every government, they have not been fairly treated by both the state and federal government sighting owing of salary arrears, non-payment of gratuity, pension and other entitlement and when they would be paid, workers would be made to undergo untold hardship.

“It is no longer news that some pensioners collapsed and some in cases died while queuing for verifications and other processes before they were being paid. It is not like that in other climes. Our politicians and leaders should learn how to treat its workers well because, you don’t keep a man hungry and expect him to work optimally when you are owing him or her and when he or she has retired from service, the government of the day should not be reminded to pay the person his or her entitlements.

“The truth is that, without the civil servants putting their best at work, the government would not succeed. What the politicians and even when we have military administrators does is that they would sit in their offices, initiate

There are so many businesses a woman can do; it must not be newspaper business. So, instead of them being in the house gossiping and doing those things that won’t please God, it is better that they start business with the little money they have. It is not everybody that will sell newspapers because the stress is too much.

If you do not have the strength, you will be weighed down in the process

,

food on the table of my family.

How much gain do you make in a day?

It depends on the nature of the market for that day. But at least I make some reasonable amounts of profit from the sales.

Should more women join you in this newspaper business?

There are so many businesses a woman can do; it must not be newspaper business. So, instead of them being in the house gossiping and doing those things that won’t please God, it is better that they

start business with the little money they have. It is not everybody that will sell newspapers because the stress is too much. If you do not have the strength, you will be weighed down in the process. God has been so faithful that even when I will go about selling papers from Monday till Saturday, I have not gone to the chemist for them administer drugs. Even when I was pregnant, I used to sell newspapers until I gave birth and have not gone to the chemist or hospital to complain of one ailment or the other.

How long do you think you will continue in this business?

I don’t know yet, but like I said, if I see anything that I will do that will give me more money, I will drop it. But for now, as long as it keeps me busy and put food on my table, I will still be doing it until God says that I should drop it.

Enugu becomes Free Trade zone

P

•From left: Chairman, Imo NUJ, Mr Innocent Igwe; Catholic Archbishop of Owerri, most rev. Anthony Obinna and Director of Communication, Owerri Archdiocese, Rev. Fr. George Nwachukwu, after a media briefing to mark the 2015 World Communication Day in Owerri.

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has approved the establishment of the Enugu Free Trade Zone.

The state governor Sullivan Chime who disclosed this during the commissioning ceremony of Sunrise Flour Mills Enugu said that the President was expected to commission the project on the 21st.

He noted that the project when fully operational would go a long way in alleviating poverty and enhancing the economy of the state and that of its residents.

The governor, who was represented by the State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Dr Jude Akubuilo, stated that Sunrise Flour Mills which stopped production more than two decades ago was revived in partnership with a Vietnamese concern, DAO -VTV International Trading and Investment Company LTD (DVI).

He described the development as

From Chris Oji, Enugu

“a very pleasant outcome” of his administration’s initiatives towards enhancing production and the creation of employment opportunities for the people. He assured that the government would continue to maintain an enabling atmosphere for both local and foreign investors to thrive.

The Chief Executive Officer of Dao-VTV Huyen Tuyet Phuonh commended the state government for its commitment to the reactivation of the company assuring that it would produce products that will meet international quality standards.

She noted that company will not only ensure employment opportunities to youths in the State but will also provide qualitative training for its staff and distributors while boosting the economy of the State.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

38

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

and legislate on such policies while it is the responsibilities of the workers to ensure that such polices were executed promptly and as such, they (civil servants) should not be toyed with. They should be well taken care of,” a senior citizen retorted.

Mrs. Chika, a civil servant in one of the local governments in Abia South thanking God for being alive to witness this year’s celebration expressed hope that the incoming administration would bring a better welfare package for the workers.

She called on the governor-elect to ensure he build a strong relationship with the state workforce if he would enjoy the confidence of civil servants in the state.

“No worker enjoys staying at home in the name of strike. The impact of strike is always on the negative and should not be encouraged. We are all witnesses to the recent industrial action by JUSUN (Judiciary Staff Workers Union of Nigeria) which brought activities

He will also be remembered for founding the first textile company in the old Anambra State, the defunct NERIDOC Textile and Knitting Industry Limited and Neridoc Transport Company both based at Enugwu-Agidi, Anambra State

,

From Chris Oji, Enugu

Apart from serving as political adviser to the governor of the old Anambra State, the late Chief Christian Onoh and his deputy, Chief Austin Ezenwa, the Agbalanze of Abagana, Dokwe Okam, the APGA grand patron was leader of the controversial Ikemba Front of Nigeria, a political pressure group that was formed by the late Biafran Warlord, the Ikemba Nnewi, Chief Odumegwu Ojukwu, with the

primary purpose of checking the excesses of the former governor of old Anambra State, Chief Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo.

During his political career which spanned over sixty years, Chief Okam, who held three Ozo titles in Enugwu-Agidi, also served at various times as the treasurer of PRP in the defunct East Central State of Nigeria, PTA chairman Bishop Crowther Junior Seminary Awka and went further to represent the Parents Teachers Association Anambra State branch at the Federal Gov-

ernment conference on primary and secondary schools under the era of Prof. Ben Nwabueze as minister for education.

He will also be remembered for founding the first textile company in the old Anambra State, the defunct NERIDOC Textile and Knitting Industry Limited and Neridoc Transport Company both based at EnugwuAgidi, Anambra State.

At critical condition, however, the political heavy weight was taken to the Neo International Hospital Enugu, where he died of protracted terminal medical condition.

A burial programme jointly released by Dr. Chukwuemeka Okam and Dr. Izuchukwu Okam on behalf of the family, said there would be service of songs on May 21st while a funeral mass would be held in his honour at St. Marks Anglican Church EnugwuAgidi, before being committed to mother earth the next day, even as condolence visits by sympathizers continued.

•The late Ozo Chukwunwike

A tribute by his children read: “Wonderful dad, your death came to us as a shock, we love you, but God loves you more. May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace.

Ozo Dokwe Okam was survived by his wife, children and grandchildren.

Abia civil servants pledge loyalty to incoming administration

in the judiciary to a halt; many people were denied justice because the judiciary including judges and lawyers were not going to court until last week or so when it was finally suspended. So, strike is never a thing to encourage because all the parastatals and arms of government would be brought to a halt. I hope that the incoming governor will improve on what he will be left with by his predecessor, think of a better of attracting investors to the state, and improve on infrastructure and other things that would help the economy of the state to grow beyond its present status. Abia has the resources and I am sure that if the governor-elect would be able to block all the leakages, tackle corruption and embezzlement in the system, appoint credible hands and professionals, that is, putting square peg in square hole, he would function very well and leave office shoulders high at the end of his administration.”

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•Continued from page 37

Ndigbo mourn leader ,

T

HE Igbo have marked the passing of politician and educationist, Ozo Dokwe Chukwunwike Okam of Enugwu-Agidi, Njikoka Local Government Area, Anambra State. He was aged 83.

In Enugwu-Ukwu, his country home, Awka, the state capital, Onitsha, the commercial nerve of the state, posters and banners bore tributes to the late leader.

In some of the tributes, the people wrote “Ozo Okam, we will miss you,” “Dokwe Chukwunwike Okam, the father of politics is gone,” “APGA grand patron, farewell,” and “Ozo Oswald Dokwe Okam, rest in peace”.

Ozo Dokwe Chukwunwike Okam was born to the family of the late Paramount ruler of Enugwu-Agidi, Chief Ezeugborimiri Okam, on 20th July, 1931.

He attended St. Barnabas Primary School Enugu and Hope Waddel College, Calabar between 1937 and 1947 before proceeding to the Kings College, University of London in 1957 to study Medicine, after working briefly with the Nigeria Railway Corporation, Enugu.

Abia has the resources and I am sure that if the governor-elect would be able to block all the leakages, tackle corruption and embezzlement in the system, appoint credible hands and professionals, that is, putting square peg in square hole, he would function very well and leave office shoulders high at the end of his administration

,

In a related development, Barr.

Donatus Ikpeogu, an Aba base lawyer and All Progressives Congress Chairman in Abia State, Hon. Donatus Nwankpa has called on the leadership of Nigeria Labour Con-

gress (NLC) led by Ayuba Wabba and Jeo Ajero to sheath their swords and come together as a family in the interest of its members.

Ikpeogu and Nwankpa in separate interview with our correspondent feared that the ongoing misunderstanding in the workers union was allowed to continue would make them prone for manipulation by any mischievous governor or government which would not be in the interest of the group.

According to Nwankpa, “we believe that the problem in NLC is that things were not properly done the way it was supposed to have been done. We expect the NLC to go back and put their house in or-

der. If the man that claim to have won feels that he has won the election, then let them go back repeat the election and congress and let true democracy reign in NLC so that we can’t continue to play the policy of the old, that is what is happening in NLC. APC government is not ready to interfere with labour affairs we want every arm of the system to operate so that we have true democracy. That is why we have even told the people who are in the other party to remain in their party and give us a proper and objective opposition. So this idea of muddling everyone to one system is unacceptable.”

APC and the legal practitioner corroborating each other agreed that the implication of what is going on in NLC would mean that the labour union would not have a single voice on issues as it affects the union and the country, stressing that the people that were going to pay dearly for the ongoing leadership squabble would be the workers.

They suggested that the factional leaders should come to a roundtable to sort out their differences and make amends where necessary if they must continue to remain relevant and a united family which they had been before the discord.

,

We believe that the problem in NLC is that things were not properly done the way it was supposed to have been done. We expect the NLC to go back and put their house in order. If the man that claim to have won feels that he has won the election, then let them go back repeat the election and congress and let true democracy reign in NLC so that we can’t continue to play the policy of the old

•Abia State Governor, Theodore Orji (middle) after inspecting ongoing work at the shop-rite in Umuahia

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THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

39

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

•Personnel of the Abia Sector Command of the FRSC on duty

FRSC cracks down on licence racketeers in Abia It could be recalled that many T unsuspecting drivers and those that From Sunny Nwankwo, Aba

about the person which was taken during capturing will appear on the system if it were genuine, but if it is the one done by fakers, those information will not appear.

“We have had cases where my officers will stop someone on the road and after checking the licence will discover that it was fake and when the personnel will ask to know how it was obtained, you will discover that it was obtained through the wrong process.

“Some drivers will try to be confrontational, but when they eventually noticed that what they were having is truly a fake, they will calm down and even ask us how to go about getting a genuine one.

Awassam while warning that the agency would deal decisively

,

HE Federal Road Safety Corps, Aba Unit has stepped up surveillance to keep driver’s licence fakers out of business.

The Unit Commander, FRSC Okowa Awassam told our correspondent that the scrutiny became necessary after intelligence showed that racketeers were capitalising on people’s ignorance and desperation to obtain their licence.

Awassam, who before her appointment, had worked in the operations unit of the corps, warned drivers going for renewal of or new drivers’ licence against patronising touts who would issue them with fake permits.

The Aba Unit Commander said, “Once you are suspected to be iný possession of a fake driver’s license, the officer that stopped you will collect the licence and input the data on the licence on the system, every information

wants to cut corners had become victims of drivers license racketeers as reports have it that those who patronised touts at the Aba South drivers’ licensing office end up losing their monies or being issued with fake one, that’s if they were lucky to have their’s produced

,

with anyone caught in the act of procuring fake drivers’ license for people also disclosed that they (FRSC) had charged it’s surveillance team to go after the fakers.

“We are really making progress

in our fight against drivers’ license racketeers. Recently, through a driver that took us to the woman that helped him get a drivers’ license which turned out to be fake, ýwe arrested her and took her to the police for proper

action. It is just that we were unable to arrest the main culprits, but we are not relenting”, said Aba FRSC unit commander.

She urged members of the public and Aba residents who wish to have drivers’ license to FRSC and licensing offices in their respective locations to obtain a genuine one and warned those behind the production and issuance of fake license to desist from such unscrupulous and unpatriotic acts or be ready to face the legal consequences of their actions.

It could be recalled that many unsuspecting drivers and those that wants to cut corners had become victims of drivers license racketeers as reports have it that those who patronised touts at the Aba South drivers’ licensing office end up losing their monies or being issued with fake one, that’s if they were lucky to have their’s produced.

•Performers during the fish festival or Emume Azu at Obazu Mbeiri in Mbaitoli Local •Corps member Omolekun Oluwole who donated a library to the Ebonyi State Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), explains a point when he handed over the Government Area of Imo State facility to Commission in Abakiliki

40

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

THE SOUTHEAST REPORT

•Anambra Commissioner for Health, Dr. Akabuike (third right) with Prof. Katchy (fourth left) and members of the Red Cross

Four years of enhancing lives in Anambra the input by Red Cross in making sure that things were normal.

Akabuike, while speaking with The Nation, said that Red Cross needs help in executing its numerous humanitarian services in the state.

He said that Red Cross took it upon itself to make sure that the issue of cholera was a thing of the past when it broke out in Inoma community recently, adding that the state government would find it difficult without the collaboration with Red Cross.

As a result, the state government •Continued from page 28 Ralph Obioha from justice; as upholding justice, and respect for the law, is one of the first steps we need to take in fighting corruption in this country.

The umbrella Igbo organisation assured: “Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo has already expressed her felicitation in writing to the President-elect, and equally to President Goodluck Jonathan for his spirit of sportsman-

has provided Red Cross with a well equipped ambulance for its humanitarian service.

The commissioner further said that the Obiano administration had purchased 17 flying boats and six boat Ambulances for the Riverine areas to help in the humanitarian jobs especially in rural communities.

Other things the state has done to help Red Cross, were setting up primary Health Development Agency to pilot primary health care in rural communities in Anambra.

For the erstwhile Chief Judge, Obidigwe, the objectives of the Red

Cross is based on seven fundamental principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality with its motto, through Humanity to peace.

He said the seven fundamental principles are the core of all Red Cross and Red Crescent thinking, policies and action.

Already, Red Cross had made Governor Obiano and wife, Ebelechukwu Grand Patron and Mother-General of Nigeria of the group, while the investiture would take place soon, on consent and approval by the Governor.

Obidigwe, while speaking with the

Nation, said Obiano has evolved virile, erudite and articulate strategies to change the fortunes of the people of Anambra State in order to achieve the much desired Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

He said Red Cross is highly indebted to Governor Obiano and the people of Anambra state for their concerns during any period of disaster emergencies.

Speaking further with the Nation, Prof. Peter Katchy, said there were problems being encountered by the agency during such periods like Hilux vehicles to access the rural communi-

ties.

According to him, “we are saving lives in Anambra State, but our happiness is that the state government and individuals recognise that in this state, Red Cross does not believe in noise making because it is a voluntary assignment”.

“Our members are suffering in making sure that things are got right, we are in every emergency in this state and despite not being appreciated by some people who do not understand, we are not going to be deterred in any way, it is service to humanity,” Katchy said.

Ohanaeze’s division deepens ship in accepting the result of the presidential election wherein he lostan act that saved our nation from a lot of imminent violence, skirmishes and probable disintegration.

“Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo further, commend Mr President Goodluck Ebele

Jonathan for the recent appointments he has made so far, wherein our kiths and kin where adequately represented. The appointment of His Excellency, Peter Obi as Chairman SEC is appreciated. More so, we consider the appointment of His Royal Maj-

•From left: IGP, Mr. Solomon Arase; Commissioner for Police Enugu State, M. A. Adamu and Commissioner for Police, Imo State, Austin Evbakhabokun at the working visit of the new IGP PHOTO: CLETUS OBI

esty, Eze Cletus Ilomuanya CON (the Chairman Southeast Council of Traditional Rulers) and a host of others across the zones of our country, as Pro-Chancellors, as a welcomed development.

“I therefore seize this opportunity, to advise our brothers from Imo State who have one personal score or the other to settle with Eze Cletus Ilomuanya to stop attacking his person and this glorious/meritorious appointment given to him.

“Ohanaeze is aware that His Majesty Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, is currently in possession of a favourable Supreme Court Judgment declaring him fit in all ramifications to occupy the position he is occupying. As Chairman of South East Council of Traditional Rulers and as a revered member of Imeobi Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo, the Leadership of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo, holds Eze Ilomuanya in very high esteem, and any attack on him is considered as an attack on Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo, Worldwide. I therefore appeal to those not comfortable with Ilomuanya’s appointment to note that their personal interests and opinion shall not override the collective interest of Ndi Igbo, hence, they should all join hands in congratulating the Pro–Chancellor, as well as commend the President of Federal republic of Nigeria, who found him worthy to occupy such exalted position like his peers, in other zones of the country.”

But the Obioha led faction seemed unperturbed. For them, as far as they were concerned, the tenure of “Igariwey and co has expired since December 2014.”

“They are their running an illegal administration. They caretaker committee was put in place by the highest authority and body of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the Imeobi, which is council of elders and highly placed individuals’,” insisted the Obioha faction which has the backing of First Republic minister, Chief Mbazuluike Amaechi.

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•Continued from page 28

Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo has already expressed her felicitation in writing to the President-elect, and equally to President Goodluck Jonathan for his spirit of sportsmanship in accepting the result of the presidential election wherein he lost - an act that saved our nation from a lot of imminent violence, skirmishes and probable disintegration

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43

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

PEOPLE THE NATION

A SIX-PAGE SECTION ON SOCIETY

Renowned juju maestro Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi’s son Oreoluwa has tied the nuptial knot with Titilayo, daughter of Mr Solomon Siyanbola, an accountant, in Lagos. IBRAHIM ADAM and SAFIYYAH ABDUR-RAZAQ report.

‘I got my sweet banana’ •Ebenezer Obey’s son weds

T

HEY trooped into the church in their numbers, looking radiant in traditional attires. The women made fashion statements with their stylish corel and gold headgears. The church was filled.

It was the wedding of son of renowned Juju maestro Mr Ebenezer Oreoluwa, Obey-Fabiyi (aka Commander) and Titilayo, daughter of Mr Solomon Siyanbola an accountant.

The event was held last Saturday at Archbishop Vining Church, Oba Akinjobi Way, Ikeja GRA Lagos.

The arrival of Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun and his entourage added colour to the event. The governor sat beside the groom’s parents. Paparazzi struggled to take photograph them.

The groom, Oreoluwa, arrived in a grey Mercedes Benz, which was of the same colour with his suit. He wore with it a white shirt and orange tie.

The service began at 11:30am with processional hymn: “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty.” While the song was on, Titilayo, arrived in a grey Honda Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV). Her elder brother, Olubunmi, walked her to the altar. The congregation rose in her honour.

She was a beauty to behold in her white sparkling flowing gown and veil.

The couple knelt before Rev. Christopher Nosike, who noted that marriage is for husband and wife to comfort and help each other; live faithfully together in need and in plenty and in sorrow and joy.

The cathedral’s Deacon Ven. Abraham Odumuyiwa, led the couple through their vows; and blessed their rings. He declared them husband and wife following their parents’ consent.

In his sermon, Bishop of Egba West Anglican Communion Rt. Rev. Samuel Ogundeji urged the couple to allow God into their home.

Rev. Samuel said the couple should play according to God’s rules.

“Success in marriage is not determined by the crowd and personalities but God Himself. Oreoluwa, you have a serious challenge because you come from a very reputable home; your marriage will not bring shame to your family and the church. “ The Bible is the only way that can lead you. Crises happen today because we want to do it our own way instead of God’s way.” he said.

The parents joined the couple to sign the marriage certificate. The choir sang praise and worship. At the reception at the nearby. The Haven, the hall was tastefully decorated with Shimmering curtains, with chairs set round tables with gold overlay and flower vases.

The ambience was breathtaking.

Traditional rulers were led to the event by the Alake of Egba land, Oba Michael Gbadebo.

Another son of the Juju Commander Tolu Obey-Fabiyi, led his own juju band to entertain the gathering.

Popular Television presenter and comedian Gbadewonuola Oyelakin (aka Teju Babyface) was the Master of Ceremony. He dished out ribcracking jokes; he was assisted by a broadcaster with the Ogun State Television, Tunji Akintayo.

The couple entered the hall in style, to the blaring music of DJ Coy. Bishop Akinsanya Olalekan of Egba Diocese African Church said the opening prayer.

Governor Amosun, who chaired the event, urged the couple to respect each other, urging them to be friends.

He said: “Oreoluwa, respect your wife and Titilayo, respect your husband. The first thing you should do is to have God in your home and others will follow. When you respect each other, other things will fall in line; you will tolerate each other, you will be friends and it will be difficult for any third party to hear what is happening in your home.”

Amosun went on “Friends are those who even if there is any issue, they use logic to settle it themselves. Once they do things ordinarily people raise eyebrow because you know this is my life partner, this is my friend, you will over look your weakness and you will work more on those things that will continue to unite you. I have known Oreoluwa for a long time and he is a good man, he is always shy and am happy today seeing him dance,” The couple cut their four-layer cake after spelling of JESUS and fed each other with it. They sealed it with kisses.

The groom’s father joined the couple on the dance floor. In smiles, he appreciated them with crisp naira notes.

The groom’s friend, Dr. Wale Oyebanji, proposed the toast.

The groom, a graduate of Civil Engineering from the Igbinedion University in Okada, Benin, Edo State, said he met his wife four years ago.

He described her as beautiful, God-fearing, kind and ‘my sweet banana’.

Titilope, a graduate of Agric Economics from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, described her husband as her crown and the love of her life.

“It’s hard to describe him because I don’t know where to start. Am

•The couple, Titilayo and Oreoluwa

glad I have him because he is everything to me.”

The bride’s father, Mr Siyanbola, described his daughter as homely, wonderful and quiet.

“We thank God for today and his mercies. I pray God guides, protects and blesses them enor-

mously. She is my little sister, she is industrious and I believe and know Oreoluwa will enjoy her,” he said.

The Osile of Egba land, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso (Karunwi III), said: “I wish them best of luck and they should always remember that

the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom and if they carry God along anywhere they go, they will live forever and the devil will never come between them.”

•More pictures on page 44

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

44

SOCIETY EBENEZER OBEY’S SON WEDS

•Bride’s parents Pa Solomon Siyanbola and wife, Modupe (middle) and Mrs Adewale Modupe

•Oba Gbadebo (left) and the Olu of Ilaro Kingdom Oba Kehinde Olugbile

•Deputy Governor-elect Ogun State, Mrs Yetunde Onanuga and Ogun State Commissioner for Works, Lekan Adegbile

•From left: Bishop A. Akinsanya; Bishop E.O. Ogundeji; and Rev Biodun Okunnuga

•Jaguna of Egbaland Chief Yinka Kufile; Chief Doja Adewale and Olu of Igbehin Egbaland Oba Festus Oluwole

•Groom’s father, Obey Fabiyi flanked by Governor Amosun and Iyalode of Yorubaland, Chief Alaba Lawson

•Otunba Adekunle Ojora and wife, Erelu Ojuolape

•From left: Senator-elect Ogun State, Lanre Tejuoso; Senator Gbolahan Dada and Ogun State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru

•From left: Osile of Egba land, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso; Chief Doja Adewale and Olu of Gbeyin Egba land, Oba Festus Oluwole

•The young Siyanbola

•Yemi Odediran PHOTOS: RAHAMAN SANUSI

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

45

SOCIETY Outgoing Katsina State Governor Ibrahim Shema received The Sun Outstanding Performance Exit Award last Saturday in Lagos. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI reports.

I

N two weeks, Katsina State Governor Ibrahim Shema will complete his second and final term in office. Last Saturday in Lagos, he was honoured by The Sun for what the newspaper described as his eight years merritorious service. Shema bagged The Sun Outstanding Performance Exit Award at the Marquee of Eko Hotel and Suites on Victoria Island. He is the first governor to be honoured. His wife, friends, colleagues, politicians, captains of industry, former governors, star musicians and other eminent Nigerians joined him at the ceremony.

On arrival, many of the guests took photographs on the red carpet before entering the hall. They were welcomed by gaily dressed beautiful women.

The hall was decorated in white, gold and red fabric with lights. The red table covers and gold chairs blended with the hall decor.

Vintage Band entertained guests.

Gbenga Adeyinka was the compere.

He enlivened the gathering with his ribcracking jokes.

In his welcome address, The Sun Managing Director / Editor-in-Chief Mr Femi Adesina said the award was instituted to promote quality governance. He said the award is for a governor who is finishing two terms in office and has been adjudged to have made sterling impact on his people.

Shema had successfully changed the face, he said, he is leaving his mark in virtually every sector, including housing, health, education and infrastructure.

The Sun Publisher and former governor of Abia State, Dr Oriji Kalu, said the paper gave the award to Shema without strings attached. He said: “The Sun is the only newspaper organisation that gives award without receiving any money from the awardees.” In fact I wish that the Board of Editors have created cash for the outgoing governor to go home with.”

He described the Exit Award as better than Man of the Year Award, adding that the award is important because the governor is leaving office soon.

A presentation on The Sun followed, with Adeyinka reading from the projector to guests’ hearing.

Former Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel, who chaired the event, described The Sun as a newspaper of excellence, praying that it would continue to grow. He hailed Shema for turning round the state without borrowing. He said: “I have no doubt in my mind that the people of Katsina can never forget you and those legacies that you put there.”

After the documentary on his

Exiting Exiting with with an an award award

•Chief Olanipekun (SAN) and his wife Omolara

•Alhaji Aminu Usman (left) and Alhaji Ismaila Kaita

•From left: Mallam Garba Mohammed; Mr Femi Adeoti and Imail Omopidan

•Musa Nashimu (left) and Alhaji Abdulahi Faskari

‘The Exit Award as better than Man of the Year Award, adding that the award is important because the governor is leaving office soon’ achievements, Shema fielded question during an interactive session.

Shema was supported by his wife, Kalu; Adesina; former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) chair Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and former Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) president Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), among others, while receiving the award from Daniel.

Shema described the award as honourable, saying The Sun has dem-

BIRTHDAY Executive Director, Reliance Royal Suites Limited Ikeja, Mrs Funke AdebayoOginni being assisted by her husband, Mr Adebayo Oginni to cut her 40th birthday cake at Westtown Hotels Marquee in Ikeja, Lagos

•Mr Adesina

•From left: Dr Shema; his wife Fatima; Dr Kalu and Ribadu

onstrated capacity for sustaining integrity in Nigeria and in Africa.

He siad: “It is one award that is given and funded by The Sun Publishing House; it is one award that is given to a governor that is leaving office, not one that is just starting or one that anyone can look out to for contracts or profit.”

The Sun, he said has set a pace, adding that he hoped his friends, colleagues and those coming will take serious service that is vital to human-

•From left: Mrs Emma Okere; Dr Ethelbert Okere and Mr and Mrs Steve Nwosu

ity.

Ribadu said it was a gathering to share in the joy of a friend.

He said the governor changed Katsina, adding that he is proud of

PHOTOS: DAYO ADEWUNMI

him.

Olanipekun described the governor as a good leader, with a high sense of leadership.

INVESTITURE

•Knights of St Mulumba Lagos Metropolitan after their 4th degree investiture at Catholic Church of Asension Airport Road, Lagos, last Sunday

46

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

SOCIETY The maiden Marketing Edge Brands and Advertising Excellence Award was held in Lagos last Tuesday, reports NNEKA NWANERI.

A decade of excellence

I

T wasn’t a surprise to many in the industry when Marketing Edge Magazine held its maiden awards in Lagos last Tuesday. The event coincided with its 10th anniversary celebrations. Unruffled by the traffic gridlock on that road, brand practitioners and media executives, young and old, made their way to the Civic Centre on Ozumba Mbadiwe Way, Victoria Island, Lagos to grace the awards and dinner.

Earlier in the day, Marketing Edge held a stakeholders’ summit with the theme: A roadmap to marketing in the age of global oil glut and Nigerian advertising in a generational shift at the same venue.

The venue was decorated in the magazine’s yellow and brown.

Guests wore English attires. The event was the celebration of brands and advertisers who have excelled over the years.

Banners of sponsors’ products dotted the arena. Everyone got a souvenir.

Reckitt Benckiser Chairman Chief Olu Falomo, who chaired the event, praised Marketing Edge for quality work.

Marketing Edge Publisher Mr John Ajayi said the awards were initiated to boost competition and reward practitioners and wave making brands.

“Our criteria were not a result of quantitative research; rather, it was based on the content analysis and review of the industry, which spanned the last one decade. So, the rating of these agencies was credible and genuine,” Ajayi said.

Doyen of advertising and Chair-

•Mr Sobanjo (second left) presenting the award to Omojafor (second right) while his wife Lady Modupe (middle), Mr Ajayi (left) and his wife Olubunmi looks on

•Mr Newa displaying his award

•President of Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) Kola Oyeyemi (left) presenting the Marketing Edge Outstanding Outdoor Advertising Agency of the Decade Award to the Managing Director, Media Link Mr. Kole Ademulegun

•Former President, Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN) Mrs Bunmi Oke (left) presenting an award to Mr. Enang and his wife

man Troyka Group Mr Biodun Sobanjo, in a goodwill message, congratulated Ajayi for a job well done.

Describing Ajayi as a brilliant journalist, who distinguished himself while working with Thisday Sobanjo; lauded him for his initiative.

Advertising guru and Chairman Stb-McCaNN Sir Steve Omojafor, recalled the many quarrels he had with Ajayi because of his reports.

“Back then, he always anticipated what would happen but will never happen. Just giving John a tip and he blew it out of proportion, leading everyone to problems.”

nels TV; Outstanding Media Brand in Print-Punch; Outstanding Radio brand, Wazobia FM. Outstanding Media Entrepreneur of the Decade, John Momoh; Outstanding Telecoms Brand, MTN; Outstanding Brand of the Year-Origin; Marketing Personality of the Year Country Director, L’Oreal Central West Africa Mr Idoroyen Enyang; Aare Fatai Odesile and Dr Joseph Bel-Molokwu; PostHumous Advertising Personality of the Decade -the late Sesan Ogunro and the Late Sylvester Moemeke.

The grand award, Brand Personality of the Decade went to Omojafor;

Awards were given to Wild Fusion for outstanding Innovative Digital Marketing Agency of the year, Outstanding Young Outdoor Agency of the year, –E-motion Advertising, Outstanding PR Agency of 2014-XLR8; Outstanding Outdoor Agency of the year, Optimum Exposure, Media Link and New Crystal Communications; Outstanding Agency of the Year- Insight Communications, Noah’s Ark Communications and DDB Lagos; Outstanding Dairy Brand of the Decade- Cowbell Other awards were: Outstanding Media Brand in Broadcasting- Chan-

Advertising Icon of the Decade Falomo.

Omojafor said despite his age, he still feels strong. He hoped his award would be a boost to the young so that they would be recognised too.

Falomo said though he had been in the business for 56 years, he didn’t plan it so. His dream initially was to be an engineer.

At the event were Vanguard’s General Manager/ Editor-in-Chief Mr Gbenga Adefaye; Chief Commercial Officer of Aritel Maurice Newa and Managing Director of Grand Oak Limited Mr Askay Umar.

MAINLAND APC SHOWCASES EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS

•Hon Olawale Oshun addressing party faithful at the event

•Supervisor for Education, Mainland Local Government Area Alhaji Jubril Emilagba presenting a plaque to one of the awardees, Rahimot Aminu

•From left: Education Secretary, Mainland Local Government Area, Mr Bisi Adetona, former Lagos State House of Assembly member Shofolahan Igbore, one of the awardees, Kidri Akanbi, and officials of the Local Government Education Authority officials

•Executive Secretary of Mainland Local Government Area Mrs Omolola Rasheedat Essien presenting the awardees to the gathering

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

47

SOCIETY Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board Registrar Dr Abodunrin Oluwa has given out his daughter, Rafiat, in marriage to Mohammed, son of a Nigeria Telecommunications Ltd (NITEL) retiree, Mr Yekinni Aiyegbo. The ceremony held at Rev Somekun Hall in Methodist Boys High School on Lagos Island. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI reports.

T

HEIR courtship was brief even though they met for the first time four years ago. After that first meeting, they went their different ways for three years. This is the love story of Mohammed and Rafiat, a princess who got married in Lagos on April 26. Mohammed relived their story to The Nation.

“I met her during my friend’s wedding; we kept in touch for the next four months and lost contact thereafter. Three years later, I remembered her and called my friend to ask of her and I got her contact. We were friends again but as God would have it, within four months, we are married.”

Mohammed, founder of Zoom Investment Nigeria Limited and Rafiat, a graduate of Lagos State University (LASU) tied the nuptial knot at Rev Somekun Hall, Methodist Boys High School, Lagos Island.

Rafiat is the daughter of Dr Abodunrin Oluwa, Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board, Registrar. Mohammed is the son of Mr Yekinni Aiyegbo, a Nigeria Telecommunication Ltd (NITEL) retiree.

The hall was decorated in orange and gold.

The groom walked into the hall with his friends. He was in cream lace buba and sokoto, with wine and cream striped aso oke as agbada and cap to match.

Many of his friends were in white native attires, with yellow cap. They moved to greet his inlaws first and then his parents.

The bride wore the same attire with the groom. They sat together on the white bridal chair.

Islamic clerics including, Alhaji Hussain Ajakaiye, Alhaji Taiwo Muslimdeen and Alhaji Rufai Taiwo led the gathering in prayers.

In a lecture, Alhaji Lateef Akanbi told the couple to pray always. He urged the bride to respect her in-laws and be a good wife. He told the groom to fulfill his responsibilities as a husband.

The ceremony continued with the traditional wedding during which the couple and their families were introduced.

The Aiyegbo family brought gifts including tubers of yam, fruits, drinks, bags of rice and silver dishes for their in-laws.

The Oluwa of Lagos, Chief Ajayi Oluwa, told the couple to emulate their parents, adding that they should be friends and remember their wedding day as the happiest in their life The bride’s father, said he would miss his daughter.

He advised her to be humble, adding that the couple should be self-dependent and avoid misunderstanding.

Narrating how he accepted Mohammed’s proposal to

COMMUNICATE YOUR IDEAS Take Charge Now! (2)

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Destined for each other •The couple, Rafiat and Mohammed

•Bride’s parents, Dr and Alhaja Oluwa

•Groom’s parents, Mr and Mrs Aiyegbo

marry his daughter, Dr Oluwa said he initially refused but after asking his daughter some questions, she convinced him to accept. He said he is happy that she is married.

The bride’s mother, Alhaja Sherifat Oluwa, a retired registar with the Lagos High Court, described her son-in-law as nice and respectful. She

PHOTOS: ABIODUN WILLIAMS

urged them to show understanding, respect, and perform their duties as husband and wife.

Mohammed, a graduate of Psychology from the University of Lagos (UNILAG), described his wife as gentle, nice, committed and cool, adding that he loved the way she

attended to him at his friend’s wedding four years ago.

Rafiat said her husband’s appearance was the first thing that attracted her when they met four years ago. She added: “He has a decent look and he speaks well. He is gentle, humble and respectful.”

WEDDING

•From left: Groom’s parents Mr Julius Idowu; Mrs F Idowu; bride’s father Mr Jide Elegbeleye; Prof Femi Elegbeleye; the couple, Oluwole Idowu and Shade Elegbeleye; Board Members Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), Mrs Oluwole Idowu and Mrs O. Elegbeleye and Mrs Banjo Jolayemi cutting the cake at the wedding in Ado-Ekiti

ELCOME to your column on public speaking.

Last week, we examined the exchange that takes place between a speaker and the audience. We stated that though the process is not about who dominates and LANRE OLAOLU AMODU who submits, it is quite important for the speaker to lay (Ph.D) sospeak2lanre@yahoo.com. a good foundation upon 07034737394 which the exchange will be @lanreamodu built. In that article, a public speaker was likened to a sculptor who must chip off unwanted stones (distractions) to create a masterpiece (attention). We suggested two ways to attract attention and they are: asking a question and using an anecdote or story. Today, we shall be going further by suggesting other ways to attract audience's attention.

•Start by highlighting our points: earlier in this column, we discussed the importance of highlighting the points of our presentations. Not only does it simplify the task of learning, it also helps our audience to follow our presentation.

We also enjoy the benefit of not having our presentations muddled up; rather, they are laid out in sequential, logical and simplified manner. Scholars and professionals have agreed that human beings assign importance to numbers.

What this means is that anytime a speaker makes a statement like, "There are five types of…", listeners start to write the points immediately because they believe the points are the important part of the speech. This technique can be used to begin a presentation. The moment we start to list our points, our listeners will quiet down and begin to pay attention. This is a very effective way to grab attention in a situation when there are potential distractions around.

•Ask our audience to do something interesting: we can welcome our audience to our presentation by asking people to say something nice to someone sitting next to them or to walk across the hall and meet someone new. There is no doubt that this will generate some excitement. It becomes even more interesting when we observe that we have been left out of the goodwill sharing; several people will come up to us in response to our comment. This technique will win for us the favour of the audience and breaks the ice. After we have already gotten their attention by giving them an "enjoyable" instruction; they will be ready to listen to us.

However, please not that this technique is not appropriate for all presentations. The more formal an event is, the more we need to go straight to the point. If, on the other hand, the event is semiformal or informal, the technique can be used effectively. It is very important to note that our success will be determined, largely, by the kind of audience you have.

Some people would love to participate in such activities while others may consider it a cliché or may not even want to be bothered.

•Ask our listeners to repeat something after us: asking our listeners to repeat things after us is a very nice way to attract attention. Since they must listen before they repeat, we get them to concentrate. The rule. However, is that we must never ask our listeners to repeat something that is negative or derogatory. It is preferable to make them say things that are motivation. For instance, they may repeat, "I believe I will become a success when I work hard", "there is a giant in me", etc. If we let the words be focused on a better vision of the audience, they will repeat it after us. Sometime, we may find people not going along with us initially until they are sure of where we are headed. To deal with this, we can simply say the words to ourselves, and then ask them to repeat them.

•Ask our listeners for their expectations: this technique is particularly effective for workshops, training, and other educational events. It is even more effective if the audience is not so large. What we need to do is to ask people to volunteer to tell us what they expect from the session. This will get them talking and participating. We may even find some people who are seated agreeing with those speaking. The benefits of this technique are in two folds: first, members of the audience would love to pay attention, since they set the agenda for the class, and second, we will learn how to align our presentations to the expectations of our listeners.

•Use an analogy: an analogy means drawing a comparison in order to show a similarity in some respect. For instance, we may be invited to make a presentation on the importance of public relations. To establish our point, we may begin by telling a story about the medical practice. We may give examples of how people neglect their health until it become unmanageable. We may further emphasize how prevention or earlier detection could have saved the situation. Then, we can liken a public relational officer to a doctor who is, unfortunately, consulted when the damage has been done. We may emphasize that just like doctors, public relation officers analyse trends, predict consequences and offer sound advice to clients. By so doing, we would have used the well known situations in a discipline to explain the less known situations in another.

Dr. Amodu teaches at the Department of Mass Communication, Covenant University, Ogun State.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

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THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

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To produce sufficient food for the country’s teeming population, there must be sustainable and modern agricultural practices. To achieve this, basic agricultural inputs are required. One of these is having an effective irrigation system, a development now stimulating investment interest, DANIEL ESSIET reports.

Managing water to boost agric productivity S

OLA Adeniyi and his farmer friends regularly seek for ways of improving their farm yields. The regular interaction has enhanced their knowledge base, exposing them to better techniques and ideas to prepare their farmland. One of this is a good irrigation system which helps to effectively manage water on the farm.

Speaking withThe Nation, Adeniyi who is the Chief Executive, High Hill Plantain Farms, Lala Town, Ogun State, said water needs to be managed sustainably through measures capable of helping farmers to increase productivity.

In some areas, right now, farmers are panicking because the rains have been low as well as water level.

This has raised fears of drought and severe water shortages.

He said Israelies offer valuable lessons for irrigation because a large share of small farms have adopted irrigated system and this has raised the incomes of poor farmers and farm workers.

With water supply, at record lows across farms, he said no innovation would be more important for farms than micro irrigation systems. Most of farmers water their crops by flooding their fields with sprinklers or hoses, often wasting water as they go.

With micro drip irrigation, water seeps directly into the ground through tiny pinpricks in hoses, avoiding water loss through evaporation.

In addition to the development of new water reservoirs, he said serious conservation steps needed to be taken to improve the efficiency of water use in agriculture which claims almost all of the available fresh water resources.

According to Adeniyi, modern agricultural techniques, including irrigation schemes, have increased productivity in farm lands and brought prosperity to farmers.

He said potential savings would be even higher if the technology switch were combined with more precise irrigation scheduling and a partial shift from lower-value, water-intensive crops to higher-value, more water-efficient crops.

While large farms have higher shares of land under irrigation, he said ensuring access for small farmers, especially in the poorest, mostneglected areas, is thus a prerequisite for success.

Adeniyi said the adoption of modern water conservation methods and agricultural practices is imperative to cope with water scarcity.

With the government facing budget constraints, the onus will fall on international donors, to step in and finance the modernisation of irrigation infrastructure.

In response to these challenges, he is introducing farmers to climate smart technologies.

He urged the government to modernise the irrigation system to boost food output.

In his view, a farmer, Akinoluwa Abayomi Mogaji said irrigation system is working well in the North.

This is driven by state governments providing substantial funding for irrigation equipment, pumps, and energy to achieve self-sufficiency in staple foods production.

He said though water resources have been sufficient to produce the food in the North because of irrigation, there are many areas in the

• Irrigation system

Southwest facing substantial water scarcity following lack of rain.

Though rainfed farming is where the greatest potential exists for improving output and productivity, he said farmers in the Southwest are facing rain shortage that is affecting increases in yield and have significant impacts on production.

These shortages, he noted, result in increasing competition, which will constrain agricultural production and affect the incomes and livelihood opportunities of many farmers in rural areas.

Painting a picture of the situation, Mogaji said 80 per cent of farmers have lost their crops this year because of water shortage.

He said the sector is on the verge of water scarcity adding that the government should take extra measures to fight the challenge.

Mogaji said farmers in the Southwest were facing challenges with irrigation which requires more capital-intensive equipment because of the topography.The situation, he noted, is more dire in water scarce areas.

For this reason, he said a lot of farmers adopt fewer water-consuming crops and develop saline-tolerant rice varieties in response to the looming emergency.

According to him, supplemental irrigation, with better soil, nutrient, and crop management will enhance productivity and yields in smallscale agriculture.

With micro system , farmers can take few hours to irrigate their fields of vegetables.

He said a small farmer who owns two acres farm needs to be connected to a micro irrigation canal system.

To him, increased water capacity means additional hectares of land being cultivated while farmers can rely on having enough water for full growing seasons.

Crucially, he said the government should incorporate sustainable arrangements to ensure long-term

•Adeniyi

• Mogaji

management and upkeep of each dam to ensure that safety standards are maintained.

The Director of Studies, Agricultural and Rural Management Training Institute(ARMTI), Dr Olufemi Oladunmi, said irrigation is the mainstay of irrigated agriculture and many small farmers depend on it for their livelihoods. These livelihoods, he noted, however, face serious threats from rapidly falling water tables in many parts of the country.

Without serious efforts to stem the mining of water, he said, food production will decline, unleashing painful social and economic consequences for the nation.

He said there is a severe water shortage looming in the country.

This is because water is over-exploited and polluted in many areas; most of the water infrastructure is in in a stste of disrepair; the entire system of irrigation management is not financially sustainable.

Oladunmi said rehabilitation and construction of irrigation canals is a top priority if the government is determined to improve agricultural

productivity by enhancing efficiency of water use.

According to him, a systematic approach to agricultural water productivity requires actions at all levels, from crops to irrigation schemes.

He said farms in the North rely heavily on dam network to provide irrigation water for farms in its dry zone.

The issue, however , is that many of the dams are old and their maintenance has been badly neglected.

For him, new dams need to be built and older ones strengthened, with new sluices and radial gates installed, so it can safely be filled to capacity without worry about triggering a breach that would cause flood.

While there are more efforts to improve irrigation nationally, there is, however, hope on the Niger River Basin Management Project.

The $7.5 million project targets strengthening the institutional framework and financial sustainability of the Niger Basin Authority (NBA) as well as enhancing regional cooperation around im-

‘Modern agricultural techniques, including irrigation schemes, have increased productivity in farm lands and brought prosperity to farmers’

proving environmental and social aspects of the planned Fomi Dam. Regional cooperation around planned infrastructure in the Niger Basin is critical for distributing impacts and benefits in a way that improves livelihoods in line with varying needs across the basin and for promoting sustainable economic growth.

Following endorsement of the project’s justification note by its development partners, CIWA is set to begin an exciting new partnership with the NBA on the Niger River Basin Management Project.

The project aims to enhance the NBA’s capacity for facilitating improved water resources management and development in the Niger Basin.

The project will achieve this by facilitating various mechanisms that promote the NBA’s financial sustainability as well as support the operationalisation of the basin’s Water Charter.

Also, responding to the basin’s acute needs for infrastructure development, access to energy, storage of water, and other measures that contribute to climate resilience, the project will facilitate regional cooperation for enhanced benefit sharing and reduced social and environmental impacts around the planned Fomi Dam. The bank project team is collaborating with the NBA to develop key details of the project.

Cooperative development of Fomi is, particularly, important given that the design and operating rules of the dam have the potential to influence the magnitude and share of both benefits and impacts for different riparians downstream of the dam.

The Niger Basin covers nine countries – Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Ivory Coast, Guinea, Mali, Niger, and Nigeria – seven of which are among the 20 poorest countries in the world. The population in the basin is highly vulnerable, with seventy percent of the basin’s 130 million inhabitants living in rural areas amid food insecurity due to extreme climate and rainfall variability. Along its 4,200km course, the Niger River is the basin’s economic mainstay.

For thousands of years, the river has supported its riparian population with diverse livelihoods such as farming, cattle grazing, and fishing; it forms a particularly important lifeline in the arid and semi-arid lands of the Sahel. But while the basin faces acute challenges, such as rural poverty and food insecurity, both exacerbated by climate change, it has tremendous potential for development of infrastructure including hydropower plants, irrigation schemes, and navigation facilities, all of which can significantly contribute towards economic growth and improvement of livelihoods especially if accompanied by sound integrated water resources management.

The NBA has a critical mandate to facilitate the coordinated and cooperative management of the Niger Basin. In line with the shared vision of member states, the NBA has developed a Sustainable Action Plan (SDAP) – an $8 billion, 20-year investment plan – consisting of a mix of large and small scale investments in the basin.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

Buhari urged to review fertiliser prices T

HE incoming administration of General Muhammadu Buhari (retd) has been urged to consider the downward review of fertiliser price.

The Deputy Director, Department of General Administration, Agricultural and Rural Management Training Institute (ARMTI), Dr Ademola Adeyemo, said the soaring price of fertiliser, despite government subsidy on the com-

Stories by Daniel Essiet

modity, is a major cause of concern which is not helping the interest of small farmers.

With the government setting into motion an action plan, he urged the government to look into the inherent problems and address them.

According to him , farmers are facing high input prices, urging

government to check the trend as it was becoming a real threat to agricultural production and food security.

He also urged the incoming administration to provide a anational policy on agriculture.

This ,he noted, would be a welcome development, noting that farmers would know the position

of government at a glance.The government would invest in growth,and farmers would have access to knowledge and technology, enhancing farmers’ ability to tackle animal and plant health. and secure food chains, protecting key environmental assets.

He said the agric sector needs a plan to reverse long- term decline

and raised the hope of self-sufficiency.

He suggested that government should focus on providing the physical and institutional infrastructure necessary for private small traders to blossom and compete with one another to offer the best prices, quality and service to farmers and consumers.

Ban wheat import, group tells govt

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HE Wheat Farmers Association of Nigeria (WFAN), Kano State chapter, has called on the in-coming administration to ban the importation of wheat into the country.

The state Chairman and Deputy National President of the group, Mr Faruk Rabi’u, made the call during a chat with reporters.

Rabi’u said this has become necessary in view of the amount of money the Federal Government spend yearly on the importation of the commodity.

“The Federal Government is spending over one trillion naira on the importation of wheat. The government can use less than one quarter of the money to support wheat farmers and boost the production of the commodity in the country,’’ he said.

He said that the ban on the importation of wheat was necessary if the

government was serious on tackling the unemployment challenges, especially among the rural dwellers in the country.

He stressed the need for the government to assist the association with combine harvesters in addition to directing companies to purchase surplus of the commodity from farmers.

“Our major challenges are lack of combine harvesters and ready market. Once these problems are solved, we can feed West Africa countries with the commodity,’’ he said.

He also called on the Federal Government to increase the number of inputs being given to farmers to enable more farmers embrace wheat production not only in the state but across the country.

“More inputs should be provided to our members to encourage them to go into wheat production,’’ he added.

20 cooperatives apply for tractors in Delta

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ELTA Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Prof. Patrick Mouboghare, has said over 20 farmers’ cooperative societies in the state have applied to buy tractors from the ministry.

He spoke in Ibusa, near Asaba, the state capital.

He said the ministry received the applications following the procurement of 46 tractors and other implements by the state government for sale to farmers in the state.

The commissioner said the present administration in the state had identified lack of tractors as a major challenge to farmers in the state.

He said: “Consequently, Gov. Emmanuel Uduaghan, approved the procurement of 46 tractor and the adjoining implements for sale to farmers.

“The measure is to boost mechanisation of agriculture and increased food production in the state.

“As we speak, I have received appli-

cation from over 20 credible farmers’ cooperatives.

“I have more requests than I can even provide now, and that is why the governor has approved the procurement of 46 more tractors,” Mouboghare said.

Mouboghare said the procurement of tractors was a continuous exercise, and added that the cost of the equipment would be subsidised.

He said before now, the few available tractors in the ministry serviced only farmer in Asaba Area.

The commissioner said that this had made it difficult for farmers in other parts of the state to access them during the farming periods.

Mouboghare said that with the state government would decentralise the services of the new equipment to enable the farmers, especially those who could not afford one to hire them.

He noted that farmers in the state had complained that their major problem had been their inability to have access to tractors.

Food import bill will fall, says FAO report

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NTERNATIONAL prices for agricultural commodities continued to decline in April and abundant inventories are poised to offset any pressure from the slight reduction in global harvests expected this year.

Worldwide cereal production will likely decline by 1.5 percent from last year’s record-breaking output, mainly due to reduced acreage planted with maize, but the impact will be cushioned by “exceptionally high”levels of existing stocks, according to the latest forecasts in Food and Agriculture Organisation’s (FAO) biannual Food Outlook report.

FAO’s first forecast for global cereal production in the year, assuming normal weather conditions for

the remainder of the season, amounts to 2.509 billion tonnes, a bit down from last year’s record but nearly five percent above the average of the past five years.

The modest decline in output would require running inventories down by around three percent in the new season (2015/16), with faster drawdowns for coarse grains and rice than for wheat.

“The world food import bill is forecast to reach a five-year low in 2015”, the report says, mainly driven by a decline in international prices, low freight rates and a strong US dollar.

Import volumes of the various food components of the bill were little changed or even rising. Low income countries are also expected to benefit from lower import bills.

•A farmer from an I.A.R.&T WAAPP adopted village, Orisumbare (left) receiving maize seeds from Prof.

Adediran.

WAAPP, IAR&T distribute improved maize, rice seeds to farmers

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HE Institute of Agricultural Research and Training ( I.A.R. &T), Moor Plantation, Ibadan has distributed improved maize and rice seeds to farmers in the institute adopted villages and environs to enhance their productivity.

The Director of the institute, Prof. James Alabi Adediran, admonished farmers to carry-out all the agronomic practices on the crops as it was recommended by

the extension personnel.

He said the varieties of the seeds distributed have been found to be well adapted to the southwest agro-ecologies.

The I.A.R. &T WAAPP Coordinator, Dr Lucia Ogunsumi, appreciated WAAPP for their good gestures and expressed optimism that farmers in the adopted villages would continue to benefit from the Projects.

The Southwest zonal coordina-

tor of REFILS, Prof. Akin Oluwatosin educated farmers on the recommended agronomic practices of the crops (maize & rice).

The farmers expressed their profound appreciation to the management of WAAP and the Institute.

Earlier, in March, the institute had distributed free maize seeds and fertilisers to farmers in the South West.

Ogun farmers get improved stems

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ARMERS in Olorunda Community in Abeokuta North Local Government Area of Ogun State, have been supported with high yielding cassava varieties for cultivation, and urged to adopt good agronomic practices in order to ensure bountiful yields.

About 200 farmers, who participated in the pre-season training organised by Cassava: Adding Value for Africa, (CAVA II), Nigeria, in collaboration with Agricultural Media Resources and Extension Centre (AMREC) of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta were given 600 bundles of improved cassava stems; and urged to explore new productivity enhancing technologies which can improve their productivity as well as increase their profit margin.

Speaking at the pre-season training, tagged ‘Moving from Subsistence to Lucrative Business’, the CAVA II Country Technical Expert on Cassava Production, Mr Stephen Olonade, said cassava production is gradually moving away from subsistence to a lucrative business, adding that farmers can only benefit effectively in the flourishing subsector if they embrace good agro-

nomic practices.

According to him, “huge markets exist in the cassava sub-sector particularly in value chains such as ethanol, High Quality Cassava Flour, starch, grits and chips. The CAVA II project is committed to linking up farmers with these markets, but we want them to adopt new productivity enhancing technologies to benefit effectively from these lucrative value chains. With good farming practices, farmers can increase their yield by 25 percent and this will invariably increase their incomes.”

An official of the Agricultural Media Resources and Extension Centre (AMREC) of the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Mr Olukayode Adesanya, who led the training, pointed out that in making farmers’transit from subsistence to commercial farming, efforts should be geared towards ensuring that farmers have access to quality stems and are aware of good farming practices suitable for cassava cultivation.

He said: “Hitherto farmers have been practicing agriculture at subsistence level, they don’t believe that they can cultivate cassava at a level where they can get more revenue.

But we believe that if we train them on good farming practices and make high yielding cassava varieties accessible to them, they will be able earn more revenue from their production. AMREC, as one of the service providers for CAVA II Nigeria has been given the mandate to empower smallholder cassava farmers through establishment of demonstration plots, organise trainings that will equip them with the necessary skills which will improve their production as well as give them a token of improved varieties of cassava.”

Also, the Procurement Manager of Allied Atlantic Distillers Limited, Mr Rauf Omotara, emphasised the opportunities that abound in the cassava sub-sector.

He said: “There is every need for farmers to increase their production because now, there is market for them to sell their cassava roots.

Normally, if a farmer cultivates cassava, the average yield he gets is 15 tonnes per hectare, however with all these trainings that the CAVA II project is giving the farmers, they can get up to 35 tonnes per hectare. The more roots they harvest, the more profit they get.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 15 2015

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COMMENTARY

P

REAMBLE

Today, May 15, 2015, a new Chief Imam of Africa’s second largest city, Ibadan, is being installed. His name is Sheikh Abdul-Ganiyyi Abubakri Agbotomokekere. He is succeeding the late Imam, Sheikh Baosari Shuara Haruna III, who passed on about a month ago. The combination of Ibadan Muslim Community headed by Alhaji Mustapha Bayo Oyero and Oyo State Muslim Community led by Alhaji Ishaq Kunle Sanni in easing the process of choosing the new Imam is highly commendable. And the role of some Muslim elders and other stake holders in ensuring the success of that process is equally commendable. But that is not the motive of this article. It is only a reminder of a letter published in this column some years ago and addressed to Nigerian Imams about the management of our Mosques. The letter is being recalled here because of its relevance. Here it goes:

FEMI ABBAS ON femabbas756@gmail.com 08115708536

Reforming Nigerian mosques

Definition of Mosque Mosque and Imam are like a message and the messenger. There can hardly be any access to one without going through the other. In Islamic doctrine, the functions of a Mosque are both spiritual and temporal. For Muslims, none of these can be taken for granted.

The word Mosque is the corrupt English pronunciation of the Arabic word ‘MASJID’ (called ‘Masgid’ in Egyptian dialect) which means a place of prostration.

Contrary to the general misconception here in Nigeria, Mosque is not meant for SALAT alone. It serves many purposes each of which has a fundamental significance. For instance, the very first Mosque established by Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in Madinah was a multipurpose one. That Mosque named the ‘Mosque of Qubah’ did not serve as a place of worship alone, it also served as a school, a library, a clinic, a court of law and even a parliament for the Muslim community.

That was why the very first University in the world, (University of Cordoba), established in 976 C.E by the Muslims in Spain, started as a Mosque. And, it will be recalled that even the three oldest Universities in the world today: Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt; Qarawiyyin University in Fez, Morocco and Zaytuniyyah University in Tunis, Tunisia, (each of which is well over 1000 years old) started as a Mosque.

One cannot seriously talk about Mosque without fundamental reference to Imams and the congregations they lead. Actually, nothing is called Mosque without the Muslim congregations and their Imams.

Imamate by Scholarship When Prophet Muhammad (SAW) described learned scholars as the heirs to the prophets he was referring to Imams.

This is because no genuine Muslim is supposed to be an Imam without first being a learned scholar. However, there is a sharp difference between a scholar and a learned scholar. The one can be self-arrogated. The other is intellectually evident.

Becoming an Imam, if due process is followed, is like becoming a judge after a period of certified experience acquired subsequent to graduating from the Law School. It is not enough to graduate from a Qur’anic school and teach the junior ones for a few years to be qualified as Imam.

Neither is Imamate by heritage through consanguine lineage. Lawyers go to Law School after graduating from the Universities. Doctors go for Houseman-ship after their admission into the Profession just as other professionals go for practical industrial training in their respective fields of discipline.

Apart from graduating from Qur’anic or Arabic and Islamic schools, where do our Imams train as Imams? The answer to this question is that a glaring vacuum still exists for Nigerian Muslim Ummah to fill.

Problem of appointing Imams One of the first problems arising from appointing Imams in Nigeria is lack of leadership training. People are made Imam or assume the office of Imam only on the basis of what they learned from the Qur’anic schools. The aspect of dealing with the complexity of human nature,

•The National Mosque, Abuja which is the real quality that is supposed to make a person an Imam, is always oversighted. And even after coming into office as Imam, no special training is ever organised to enable the Imam know the enormity of his duty and map out the strategy with which to handle it. No written document is handed over to the new Imam to show where the last Imam stopped and where the new one should take off from.

In other words, no records of activities or achievements are available in our Mosques except by oral transmission. How can there be progress?

Whereas the delicacy of Imamate is such that requires periodic workshops, seminars, conferences and trainings, none of these is ever arranged to update our Imams and improve their quality. Thus, our Imams remain static in the belief that they have reached the peak of Islamic knowledge having become Imams.

The entailed danger The danger here is that such Imams will not only refuse to acknowledge intellectual prowess in any other person or persons, they will also resort to envy and oppression through exhibition of ignorance since they never aspire to attain higher heights in knowledge. And in the melee, they will solicit the support of the money bags but ignorant members of their congregations to wrestle down their perceived rivals. This kind of situation has dismantled many large Muslim congregations with resultant effect of proliferation of Mosques even where such is unnecessary.

Some Mosques have even come under lock and key for a long period (as it once happened in Ikenne, Ogun State, in the 1980s where a non-Muslim political juggernaut insisted on making his preferred candidate the Imam of the Central Mosque), thereby leaving the congregation stranded.

Whereas the Prophet’s recommendation for Imamate is that one should only become an Imam when legitimately chosen and appointed, the situation in Nigeria today is the direct opposite of that recommendation. In the course of appointing an Imam, factions of Muslim groups often gang up against other factions just as families pick quarrels and hostilities against families having turned Imamate into a inheritable family title. Yet, the claim is that they want to serve Allah.

Implications If those fighting to become Imams knew

the implication of serving in that office and reporting back to Allah, they would never have presented themselves for the post. An Imam is the spiritual guarantor of his congregation. He takes responsibility for any spiritual misdemeanour of that congregation before Allah.

But like any other thing Nigerian, Imamate has been so grossly commercialised that the process of putting people in that office has been seriously corrupted. That is why most of our Imams are half-baked intellectually and even bankrupt morally.

Though, the Prophet’s recommendation is for dedicated Muslims to compete for the office of the Muadhdhin, (one who calls people to Salat and manages the Mosque) Nigerian Muslims prefer to slog it out with one another over the office of Imam just because of the money accruing from that office.

Muadhdhin’s Office Muadhdhin’s office was the very first ministry established by Prophet Muhammad (SAW) shortly after he was appointed a Messenger of Allah. It is the Ministry of information and administration. The importance attached to that ministry and the rewards accruable to the minister in charge were such that even the Prophet sometimes wanted to play the role of a Muadhdhin. The first minister in that office was Bilal a liberated black slave who embraced Islam at its very early stage. To emphasise the importance of the office of Muadhdhin, the Prophet had to train Bilal personally before handing him over to Zayd Bn Thabit for thorough literacy. The purpose was to ensure that Bilal did not misrepresent Islam or the Mosque or the Prophet in any way. That shows how important information is in Islam. But here in Nigeria, especially in the Southwest, no office is more derided than that of the Muadhdhin. It is an office which any ignorant person can be asked to occupy. Thus, in no other aspect of the Mosque is ignorance more exhibited than that of the Muadhdhin. Some Muadhdhins can hardly recite correctly the traditional call to prayer which is their very primary duty. Yet, the Imams do not care about training or correcting them as they consider that office as insignificant.

Functions of the Mosque When the Prophet established the first Mosque, he did not design it for Salat alone.

He knew that Muslims would seek knowledge and therefore attached school and library to it. He knew that Muslim women and children would need thorough education about Islam and therefore provided for their learning. He knew that by the nature of Islam, Muslims would always need to clean up before offering Salat. He therefore attached toilets and baths to the Mosque. He knew that members of his congregation would disagree on certain issues and seek resolution or redress. He therefore attached court to the Mosque. He knew that some Muslims would fall sick and require medical care. He therefore attached clinic to the Mosque. He knew that there would be need to plan strategy for propagating Islam and for protecting Muslim interest against internal or external aggression. He therefore attached a deliberation forum to the Mosque in the name of parliament. He knew that his congre-

gation would need a secure place to keep their money and other valuables and therefore attached a bank called ‘Baytul Mal’ to the Mosque. Thus, the Mosque is the centre of all Islamic activities, including legitimate business transactions.

Space Management Today, all these have virtually been severed from our Mosques and that is why Nigerian Muslims are complacent with just a small space to build a small Mosque where they can just offer Salat and disperse.

Even in doing this no thought is ever given to any possible future increase in the population of the congregation. The result is that most of our Mosques have no space for anything other than Salat hence the unwarranted proliferation. Imams are appointed as leaders not just because they lead their congregations in Salat but much more because they are charged with the responsibility of guiding the Ummah aright and admonishing them against wrongdoings. They are supposed to be typically what Prophet Muhammad (SAW) called shepherds. And their congregations are supposed to be their herds.

Shepherds and herds But, do our Imams live up to this status?

Do they behave like shepherds? Do they value and exhibit the dignity attached to that office? Do they really know the congregations they lead and consider them as herds? When last did they take the census of their congregations to know the gender delineation of their followers? How many people in their congregation are adults and how many are youths? How many members of their congregations are employed?

How many are not employable but can be encouraged with training and counseling to become employed? How many are handicapped? Why are the employable ones among them not employed? How many professionals are in their congregations? Of what use are the skills of those professionals to the Mosques? How many members of their congregations are married and keeping their marriage? How many are qualified for marriage but not married? Why? How many are widows and widowers? How many are orphans or aged? How many of them are sick and hospitalised? How many have withdrawn their wards from schools either for loss of jobs of for lack of financial capability to keep them in schools? How many are indebted?

How many are imprisoned and for what reasons? What role do the Mosques play in the lives of the members of the congregations? Except in some prominent, well organised Muslim societies, most of Nigerian Imams are hardly better than common beggars. And can this project the reality of Islam?

The similitude of Mosques Mosques are like beehives of activities for Muslims to solve their spiritual and temporal problems through interactions with their fellow brothers and sisters and through the guidance of their Imams if and where such Imams are well educated and do not constitute liabilities to the congregations.

That our Mosques have not lived up to expectations is not the end of the story.

Righting the wrong is one of the foremost characteristics of Islam. It is better to be late in doing the right thing than not to do the right thing at all. We can still start to put things right as from today by setting up committees for social welfare; for education; for health; for conflict resolution; for Zakah; for guidance and counselling; for economic growth and skill building; as well as for information and publicity in our Central Mosques. Each of these committees should be headed by experts.

Conclusion As a Muslim community, we have lived with a system for hundreds of years without achieving the necessary objective. In the process, we have lost most of our best brains to the other side of the bridge. We cannot afford to surge ahead with an unprofitable venture. We must change the system! The Muslim Ummah must be made to see why they need the Mosque as much as the Mosque needs them. Experimenting with a new system will not only put a stop to basking in the euphoria of the past, it will also engender a durable legacy for the current generation of Nigerian Muslims.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

53

54

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 14-05-15

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 14-05-15

Skye Bank declares 661m bonus shares as total assets hit N1.4tr

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HE board of Skye Bank Plc has recommended distribution of a total of 660.9 million ordinary shares of 50 kobo each as bonus shares to shareholders as the bank grew its balance sheet by about 27 per cent to N1.42 trillion in 2014.

According to the recommendation released yesterday, shareholders would receive a bonus share for every 20 ordinary shares held by the close of register for the scrip issue.

The bonus shares indirectly gave some N1.43 billion to shareholders, according to current valuation of the stock.

Key extracts of the audited report and accounts of Skye Bank for the year ended December 31, 2014 showed that group total assets rose by 26.8 per cent from N1.12 trillion in 2013 to N1.42 trillion in 2014. Total liabilities also rose by 29.6 per cent to N1.29 trillion in 2014 as against N995 billion recorded in 2013. Loans and advances portfolio grew by 18.4 per cent from N549.9 billion to N651.3 billion. Total equity also increased modestly by 8.9 per cent to N132.3 billion in 2014

By Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

as against N121.4 billion in 2013.

However, the bank’s top-line recorded marginal growth of 3.3 per cent from N132.4 billion in 2013 to N136.7 billion in 2014. Profit before tax meanwhile declined from N19.6 billion to N10.5 billion while profit after tax dropped to N9.7 billion in 2014 as against N18.5 billion reported in 2013. The bank meanwhile grew retained earnings by 71.1 per cent to N33.7 billion in 2014 as against N19.7 billion recorded in 2013.

The bank indicated that the decline in profit was due to some developments during the year, including elevated impairment charges, regulatory payments, and higher operating cost. It however noted that substantial profit retention underlined the group’s pursuit of growth in a stable, strategic and an enduring manner.

Commenting on the earnings report, group managing director, Skye Bank Plc, Mr. Timothy Oguntayo said the bank

braced the challenging operating environment to carefully grow its risk assets portfolio while attaining a 15.7 per cent growth in deposits.

He described the performance in 2014 as fairly decent adding that the bank has continued to support customers in critical and productive sectors of the economy.

Oguntayo pointed out that the recent acquisition of Mainstreet Bank Limited, which has resulted into a much larger franchise of over 450 branches, provides the bank with enhanced capacity to provide easier access to its teeming customers, and explore various opportunities in diverse segments of the Nigerian economy.

He assured shareholders and other stakeholders that the synergies and economies of scale expected from the acquisition will begin to manifest from the current financial year, while promising current and potential customers of consistent quality service on all electronic platforms and in the business locations.

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 14-05-15

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

55

MONEYLINK

DMO sells N60b bonds, yields dip across all tenors

T

HE Debt Management Office (DMO) sold bonds worth N60 billion at lower yields on all tenors at an auction on Wednesday, the debt office said yesterday.

In a statement, it said investors submitted total bids of N183.34 billion compared with N184.72 billion at the last auction.

The lower yields reflected the trend in the secondary market, which remained at below 14 percent following a sharp rise immediately after the peaceful elections in March. The five-year, 10-year and 20-year tenors each received a total of N20 billion, DMO said.

The five-year paper was sold at 13.84 per cent, lower than 14.44 per cent it during last month’s auction.

The 10-year bond fetched a yield of 13.48 per cent against 14.22 per cent last month, while the 20-year debt attracted a yield of 13.88 per cent

•Economy up 3.96% Stories by Collins Nweze

compared with 14.45 per cent last month.

Meanwhile, the economy grew by 3.96 per cent in the first quarter of this year, a sharp slowdown from the same period last year due to the fall in oil prices, the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said yesterday.

NBS said oil production was 2.18 million barrels per day in the first quarter of the year, unchanged from the previous quarter but lower than 2.24 million barrels recorded in first quarter of last year.

Expansion in gross domestic product (GDP) eased on an annual basis to four per cent compared with 5.9 per cent a quarter earlier, the NBS said.

The oil sector shrunk 8.2 per cent

after a contraction of 6.6 per cent in the fourth quarter even as production was almost unchanged at 2.18 million barrels per day, NBS said.

“Rising inflation will put pressure on consumers’ purchasing power and could well prompt monetary tightening. Meanwhile, the cash-strapped government is not really in a position to attempt to boost economic growth,” analyst Cobus de Hart at NKC Independent Economists in Paarl, South Africa, said in e-mailed comments.

Early this month, the government had borrowed more than half the amount it budgeted for the full year as it contends with “cash-flow crunch,” Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) left its key lending rate unchanged at 13 per cent in March.

The oil industry represented 10.5 per cent of the country’s first-quar-

FCMB deepens brand with new campaign

F

•DMO-DG Abraham Nwankwo ter GDP, rising from nine per cent in the three months through December, the statistics agency said. Nonoil growth was 5.6 per cent in the first quarter, compared with 6.4 percent in the fourth quarter of last year. The level of unemployment was at 25.1 per cent last year, according to revised data from the agency.

‘Over N2b saved from PAAR’

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HE commencement of the implementation of the PreArrival Assessment Report (PAAR) by the Federal Government in December 2013, has yielded about N2 billion annually, the Customs Area Comptroller, Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Folorunsho Adegoke, has said.

Adegoke, who spoke during the unveiling of Indepth News Magazine in Lagos.also said that in 2014, the revenues of the service reached N1 trillion and hoped to build on it this year.

He said before the introduction of PAAR in 2013 by the leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service, the service was collecting about N2 bil-

• Customs rakes in over N1tr in 2014

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

lion annually from government as subvention, adding that since the introduction of the report, NCS has since stopped the collection of the subvention, while the revenues earned on import and export duties have also increased by 20 per cent within the same period.

He said with the introduction of PAAR, clearing of cargo has reduced to six hours from its initial six days when it was operating Risk and Assessment Report, He said: “PAAR is a Customs baby

because we felt we could do it and we are doing it. Before now, we were collecting close to N2bn annually from Federal Government as subvention, but since we started the PAAR in 2013, we have since stopped such collections.

“Within 12 months, we were able to collect 20 per cent more than what was being collected in the previous regime, which was RAR. The time it takes to get RAR was about six days, but now with PAAR this can be achieved within six hours inasmuch your documentations don’t have any issues. It was really tough

when we started, but within a few period, we were able to identify the challenges and acted on them.”

Earlier in his welcome address, the Publisher of the magazine and the President, Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, ANLCA, MMIA Chapter, Aloy Igwe, said that the magazine was a general news interest publication that would perform the basic duty expected of the media, which are to inform, educate and entertain among others.

Igwe said the paper would create a platform for all stakeholders in various industries to synergise, while setting an agenda for national economic, political, social and individual growth and development.

IRST City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited has launched a new thematic campaign tagged, A World of Opportunity.

The launch follows the recent unveiling of the bank’s refreshed corporate identity, which has led to the replacement of its former colours of black and gold with a vibrant combination of purple and yellow that speaks to a wider audience.

The thematic campaign, tied to the refreshed corporate identity of the bank, tells compelling stories of life and business aspirations of diverse Nigerians and how FCMB supports them to bring such dreams and aspirations to reality.

The campaign tells the story of the diverse base of the customers that FCMB serves.

The campaign comes in two television and two radio commercial versions conveying FCMB’s delivery of great customer experience and service on its channels and electronic banking platform and how it enables its customers through those services to fulfil their life aspirations. It also showcases the new warm, friendly, approachable and energetic brand identity of FCMB and its values as a simple, reliable and helpful bank.

In its TVC, titled ‘’Waiting’’, the audience is taken through the thoughts and aspirations of diverse Nigerians in a typical office day.

From the office cleaner to the manager and CEO, the story line captures the fact that everyone has something that they are aspiring to achieve.

In essence, this commercial imaginatively portrays the more diverse retail and business customer segments that FCMB now serves.

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS AFRINVEST W. A. EQUITY FUND ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH BGL NUBIAN FUND BGL SAPPHIRE FUND CANARY GROWTH FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CORAL INCOME FUND FBN FIXED INCOME FUND FBN HERITAGE FUND FBN MONEY MARKET FUND FIDELITY NIG FUND • UBA BALANCED FUND • UBA BOND FUND • UBA EQUITY FUND • UBA MONEY MARKET FUND

126.04 9.17 1.12 1.19 0.63 1.39 1,744.73 1,104.77 112.34 121.16 1.67 1.1978 1.3117 0.7319 1.1349

125.82 9.08 1.12 1.19 0.62 1.33 1,744.73 1,104.00 111.75 120.30 1.62 1.1912 0.7203 0.7203 1.1349

SYMBOL

O/PRICE

C/PRICE

CHANGE

FO LIVESTOCK AIRSERVICE UPL NEIMETH NEM PRESCO 7UP CUSTODYINS FLOURMILL

152.00 2.40 2.01 5.75 1.05 0.68 28.91 170.10 4.06 35.00

159.60 2.52 2.11 6.03 1.10 0.71 29.99 176.00 4.20 36.20

7.60 0.12 0.10 0.28 0.05 0.03 1.08 5.90 0.14 1.20

LOSERS AS AT 14-05-15

IKEJA HOTEL SKYEBANK CUTIX MAYBAKER TRANSEXPR CILEASING HONYFLOUR GNI INTENEGINS NPFMCRFBK NASCON

O/PRICE 3.96 2.38 1.66 1.70 1.16 0.70 3.80 0.52 0.53 1.29 8.17

C/PRICE 3.61 2.17 1.58 1.62 1.11 0.67 3.65 0.50 0.51 1.26 8.00

FOREX RATES (NairaVs Dollar) April 1, 2015

Inflation: Febraury

8.4%

Monetary Policy Rate

13.0%

Foreign Reserves

$28.2b

Oil Price (Bonny Light/b)

$67.91

CHANGE -0.35 -0.21 -0.08 -0.08 -0.05 -0.03 -0.15 -0.02 -0.02 -0.03 -0.17

Interbank ($/N)

199.00

$1

Black Market ($/N)

215.00

$1

London Inter-bank Offered Rates (LIBOR)

Money Supply (M2)

GAINERS AS AT 14-05-15

SYMBOL

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

N16.42 trillion.

Credit to private Sector (CPS)

N17.2 trillion

Primary Lending Rate (PLR)

16.5%

Tenor 1 Month 2 Months 3 Months 6 Months 12 Months

April 31

May 6

Rate)%

Rate (%)

0.1735 0.2147 0.2615 0.3841 0.6709

0.1715 0.2108 0.2626 0.3857 0.6744

Nigerian Stock Market Indices NIGERIAN INTER-BANK OFFERED RATES (NIBOR)

Tenor

12-02-15 Rate (%) Rate (%) 13-02-15

Overnight (O/N)

14.683

76.583

1M

15.033

15.977

3M

15.809

17.177

6M

16.493

17.908

Transaction Dates 03/02/2015 3/12/2014 1/12/2014

Amount Offered in ($) 500m 400m 350m

Amount Sold in ($) 499.93m 399.97m 349.96m

Statistics All Share Index Mkt Cap (NGN’bn) Deals Volume (mn) Value (NGN’mn)

4 May 34,649.3 11.8 3,385 564,28 6,087.80

5 May 29,383.93 9,804.36 3,714 377,75 6,568.66

GOVT. SECURITIES YIELD – SECONDARY MARKET

Tenor

Feb. 13, 2015

Rates

T-bills - 91

12.44

T-bills - 182

13.85

T-bills - 364

13.92

Bond - 3yrs

15.92

Bond - 5yrs

17.22

Bond - 7yrs

16.59

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

56

NEWS Enugu APC woos Nnaji, others From Chris Oji, Enugu

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HE Chairman of the Enugu State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Ben Nwoye, has disowned the purported meeting held by the party’s State Executive Council (SEC) on Monday, saying no Exco meeting held as claimed by the Publicity Secretary, Kate Offor, where the party agreed to shut its doors against intending defectors.

The chairman said the party would keep its doors open to new members because there was need to strengthen the party with a view to making it a formidable opposition.

He listed names like Chief Jim Nwobodo, Prof. Barth Nnaji, and Senator Fide Okoro as people he had approached to join the party.

Nwoye however denied seeking a ministerial position for Nnaji as alleged by some party members.

“I led a group to visit to Prof. Barth Nnaji. We want to build a formidable alternative. I did not go seeking to co-opt him to be minister, though he is free to join the party.

“Barth is not the only person we visited. We visited many people, including PDP members to come and join us to build the party. We want big names to dump their parties for APC. “Enugu is open to all progressives to come and join the party, APC, to build a formidable opposition.

“We did not win any seat at the state level. There is need for us to discuss with people with the intention to building the party,” Nwoye said.

Funeral for Madam Akinniyi

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HE Tinuomi Ruling House of Ipaja land has announced the death of their mother, Madam Marian Orifunke Agbeke Akinniyi nee Akinda (a.k.a Iya Eleso), who died on Sunday April 12. She was 88.

There will be a funeral service today at First African Church Mission, St. Georges Cathedral, Ipaja by 10am followed by interment at the Oba’s Palace, 89, College Road, Ipaja. Entertainment of guests follows at the City of God Hall Anglican Communion Centre, Majiyagbe Layout, Ipaja.

Akinniyi is survived by her younger brother, Chief Akinola, the Balogun of Ipajaland, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Five other points for Gen. Buhari •Continued

from backpage

There is need for a deliberate effort to rebuild our institutions along the line of rules and procedures. Starting with the civil service, the police, the military and the entire security system, the democratic apparatuses, and indeed every instrument of government; we simply need to get them working again according to laid down rules.

On the moral end, the presidency, appointees and top government official must shun ostentation and hedonistic lifestyles. No more a dozen aircraft in the presidential fleet (just two should suffice); no more such endless stretch of presidential convoys and wanton feeding allowances. It must be made explicit that money and good life are not the purposes of holding public office.

Three, protecting our strategic assets It is either that our past governments did not appreciate our strategic assets or they viewed them as honey pots to be plundered. Our crude oil and electricity are our key strategic assets and the Buhari administration must take an especial care of them. Why would a government worth its name tell us we lose 400,000 bpd (about 20% of total production) of crude oil to theft yet such a government remains in power? It is unheard of anywhere else. Why would untrained, rag-tag militia groups be paid billion of naira to guard our most important national asset?

This must be the worst form of criminality perpetrated against the state by the Goodluck Jonathan administration.

It is the same scenario with our electric power asset. This crucial aspect of our commonwealth have been parceled out to buccaneers and profiteers some of whom have not invested a dime and who have been creaming off the assets and holding the nation to ransom.

General Buhari must take a critical look at these assets and make sure the right things are done in the best interest of the country. Let it be noted now that if Nigeria is still importing petroleum products four years hence; if Nigerians do not enjoy at least 12 hours of power supply in four years’ time, then it would be deemed that his government failed.

I don’t think Nigerians are interested in how he gets these things done.

Four, rescuing the legislature, judiciary from themselves The legislative arm of government both at the national and state levels has been as sick in the last 16 years. The legislature has been caught up in the morass of corruption-induced ineptitude and inertia. Most members the senate and the houses don’t seem to have any idea why they are elected or their significance in the polity. All they crave is a share of the treasury.

The legislature headed by Senator David Mark in the last eight years has been a disgrace to Nigeria with their rapacity being the subject of scorn and the benchmark for graft the world over. Our legislators are remarkable for being the highest earning in the world.

Recall that former central bank governor Sanusi Lamido accused them of gobbling up about 25 percent of our annual budget.

This is not sustainable. The new president will have to work with the new leadership of the legislature to ensure that fiscal sanity returns to that arm of government.

The judiciary may not be as far gone as its legislative counterpart but it is also on the downward slide. The late jurist of note, Kayode Eso left us a telling marker about billionaire justices. The judiciary must be given the necessary fillip it needs to operate. It must enjoy its fiscal autonomy and must stop existing at the whims of the executive as we have currently. But strong fiscal probity must be instituted across all arms of government. The budget of all arms of government must be transparent and open to public scrutiny.

Five and finally, what to do with our federation First, there are some quick wins an honest president could achieve if he is so minded. For instance he could send a bill to the assembly to cede more revenue to states and also cede some unnecessary baggage carried by the federal government to the state.

The Buhari presidency must, without raising obtrusive dust, impanel bodies to look at the LGA structure; the national confab report, the botched constitution review and state police among other issues. But let it be noted that the structure of the federation is not the most critical ill we suffer.

Sensible and honest leadership are the lubricants that will have the engine of state run at optimum.

EFCC, ICPC warn new lawmakers against corruption I NDEPENDENT Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) chair, Mr. Ekpo Nta yesterday asked newlyelected members of state Houses of Assembly to shun corruption or face the consequences.

He also urged the lawmakers to avoid scrambling for contract awards.

He said if the lawmakers engage in corruption, the law will take its course.

Nta, who warned the lawmakers at an induction course for them by the National Institute for Legislative Studies (NILS) in Abuja, said it is a corrupt act for lawmakers to dabble in Executive functions.

He said: “As members of the National Assembly, you will be under very severe pressure to undermine all the provisions of the laudable laws you have passed or will pass.

“Your constituencies will remind you constantly that you are here through their votes and that in return, you must fund all their future marriages, naming ceremonies, burials, provision of scholarships, potable water and electricity, jobs in selected government offices either as your PA or full time employment.

“It is the position of the law that the lawmakers them-

•Induction course holds in Abuja From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

selves made and made certain Acts punishable under the law and we are not the one who will punish.

“We simply present the facts to the court that this is what has happened in this instance, and the court will decide whether we were right or they were right in doing it”.

“What I’m saying is that I’m giving you an advice now, if you take that advice, we will remain friends but if you don’t take that advice and do things which under the law are not correct, we will now have to invite you to come and address us on petitions we have received in respect of an infraction”.

He said the practice whereby lawmakers lobby for contracts and appointments amounted to abuse of public office for private gain.

But Nta challenged the lawmakers to hold ministries, departments and agencies accountable to improve the living standard of Nigerians.

He added: “All the roads leading to your communities must be tarred, and if already tarred provided with street lights, sponsor medical treatments abroad or locally. How do you intend to fund all these activities? The answer is yours to provide.

“How can you provide all these? Hold all the agencies that should provide social services strictly accountable by demanding accountability and openness.

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde said the commission will have to apply Section 7 of the establishment Act if it is noticed that any legislator lives beyond his or her means.

He added that it will be easy for the EFCC to move into such a situation without petitions since the income of legislators is no secret.”

He described the establishment of the Commission in 2003 by the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo as one of the major steps towards the rebirth of

the nation.

Lamorde stated that prior to the establishment of the EFCC, Nigeria’s image in the international community had been dented owing to economic and financial crimes perpetrated by some individuals and organizations.

He said Nigeria had been synonymous with money laundering, weak law enforcement and ‘419’ before the creation of EFCC. The EFCC chairman, who spoke through the Deputy Director, Public Affairs, Osita Nwajah, said the war against corruption and other economic crimes by the EFCC contributed to the de-listing of Nigeria from the FATF blacklist of Non-Cooperative Countries and Territories (NCCTs).

He listed some of the commission’s achievements including “robust enforcement of economic and financial crimes, anti-money laundering law, routing of notorious ‘419’ and engendering renewed inflow of Foreign Direct Investments.”

Community organises mock burial for commissioner

A

WKA, the Anambra State capital was thrown into commotion yesterday, when youths and community leaders organised a mock burial for the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Chief Law Chinwuba, at the state secretariat.

Chinwuba was absent but the Head of service (HOS), Chidi Ezeoke, who addressed the protesters, pleaded for patience.

The over 200 protesters were led by the chairman of the 20 villages in Ezinano, Comrade Obi Ochije and Rev. Ifeanyi Victor Nebe.

They carried the coffin round the community before moving to the secretariat. They carryied placards with inscriptions such as: ‘Remove all former Governor Peter Obi’s men’; ‘Awka and Aguleri are brothers’; ‘Chinwuba rest in peace’; ‘Chinwuba is a cancer in Obiano’s administration’; ‘Rock land must leave Awka’, and chanting war songs

•Some of the protesters carrying the mock coffin...yesterday.

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

The protesters alleged that the commissioner had taken about 70 plots of land, while he had developed 15 and refused to pay compensation on them.

Victor Nebe, special adviser on Lands to the community and consultant on Awka land, said the community had petitioned severally on the issue to no avail.

He listed some of the land conceded to the government

as the secretariat, Governor’s Lodge, teaching hospital, state police command, Department of Security Service (DSS), prisons and high court, among others.

The community alleged that over 70 hectares of land of theirs had been acquired by individuals with impunity.

Ochije demanded that Rock Land Investment Company should not step into any land in Awka from now.

He pleaded with Governor

Willie Obiano to intervene even as he said they would mourn the commissioner for seven days as Awka customs and traditions demand, while the men would not touch their wives and would be on hunger strike within the period.

Addressing the protesters, the HOS said their demands would be forwarded to the Governor when he returns from his trip.

He praised the peaceful protest, adding that their anger was well deserved.

•Lagos State Deputy Governor Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire (middle) with Mrs Oyinkan Badejo-Okusanya (third left) at the presentation of schools challenge at Lagos State House, Alausa, Ikeja...yesterday. With them are Project Director, TBWA Concept, Mr Olaniyi Omotoso (left); Miss Shola Shasore (second left), Dr Tope Masha (third right); Team Leader, office of Puplice Private Partnership, Mr Olumide Sogunle (second right) and Mr Keneth Adejumo PHOTO:OMOSEHIN MOSES

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

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NEWS

‘Soldiers killed our people, destroyed our community’

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OR about an hour yesterday, Sylvester Chirman, the spokesman of Tarok ethnic nationality in Plateau State, gave a chilling account of how the Army used tanks, grenades and guns to unleash terror on his community for 48 hours.

He said human remains littered the streets and several houses were burnt in the “invasion”.

The Tarok spokesman said since the May 2 and 3 invasion of Kadarko town and surrounding villages of Mutum Biyu, Wadata Arewa, Wadata Kasuwa and Kurmi, comprising the Tarok community in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, 52 bodies of civilians had been recovered.

He said the actual number of the casualties had not been ascertained.

Chirman spoke in Abuja when he lead a delegation from the Plateau State com-

Protesting workers occupy Plateau Assembly From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

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LATEAU State workers yesterday occupied the premises of the House of Assembly.

They were protesting the role of the lawmakers in the government-labour disputes.

The organised labour has been on strike since May 5 over unpaid seven months’ salaries by the state government.

The lawmakers, who were about to begin a sitting yesterday when the workers stormed the Assembly, ran away.

Some of them scaled the fence while others escaped through the backdoor of the complex.

The security agencies locked Speaker Titus Alams in his toilet and lied to the workers that he had fled.

The aggrieved workers said they intended to seek an explanation from the Speaker on why the lawmaker refused to intervene in their face-off with the government.

Before occupying the Assembly complex, the workers had assembled at the secretariat where they were addressed by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) National Vice President Lucy Offiong.

NLC leader, who is heading the National Task Force for enforcement of workers’ strike in the Northcentral, said: “The NLC is ready to shut all across the country, if governors refuse to address the issues of unpaid salaries pending in their states.

“Workers are on strike for non-payment of their salaries and allowances. These governors do not care. But we want to assure them they can’t run away with the workers’ salaries. We will fight it out with them.

“We are calling on the Federal Government to call the governors to order before the issue degenerates into a national embarrassment.”

Plateau State NLC Chairman Jibrin Bancir said: “Our protest is to intensify the struggle for their demands, which include addressing the problem of non-payment of salaries for seven months; non-payment of pensions for seven months; non-payment of gratuity since 2011; non-promotion of workers for seven years; local government workers and primary school teachers have been given half salaries since 2011...”

•Plateau’s Tarok spokesman addresses NHRC •Community seeks N10b compensation From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

munity to present a petition to the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Professor Bem Angwe.

His tale of destruction and ruins was corroborated by the Chairman of the Committee on Human Rights of the House of Representatives, Miss Beni Lar, who said she left the community in tears because of the extent of devastation she saw during her visit.

Chirman said: “It began on May 2, 2015, when we were suddenly awakened by the heavy presence of soldiers in Kadarko town and other surrounding villages of Mutum Biyu, Wadata Arewa, Wadata Kasuwa and Kurmi, a Tarok settlement in neighbouring Ibi Local Government Area of Taraba State.

“The soldiers, who came from two different axes, were decked in paraphernalia of war and on a mission to kill.

The first group came through Kurmi in Taraba State, while the second came in from Wase town. But their designated

point of final convergence was Kadarko town, where massive onslaught and destruction lasted 48 hours.

“In each of the villages, where they treaded, the soldiers used very heavy war tanks and other sophisticated war instruments to attack and kill every innocent person on sight, especially harpless women, children and the aged, who were physically weak a nd feeble and could not therefore escape the onslaught.

“Among the victims in the category are: Manmyel Nimmyel, a blind old woman of over 70 years; Umaru Domtau, a septuagenarian, and Nanring Wakili, a two-yearold baby. They were killed and burnt beyond recognition.

“The most shocking and dehumanising dimension of the experience was that most of those who fell easy victims of the pogrom were those who had sought protection and had taken refuge at the police and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other security

outposts from where they were systematically maimed and burnt with the police and NSCDC officers. They were on ground at the outposts to offer them protection.

“The bodies of 52 civilians have been recovered. Others are still missing. Over 2,000 houses, foodstuffs, sources of water and domestic animals were burnt down. The estimated value of the property destroyed by the military in the mayhem stands at over N10 billion.”

He urged the NHRC to investigate the petition and inform the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces; the Chief of Army Staff; the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Third Armoured Division, Jos and the Special Task Force (STF) Commander, Plateau State.

Chirman urged the commission to ensure that Captain Okon of FOB, Wase, who allegedly led the onslaught, is made to account for the killings and destruction of property.

The spokesman also prayed the NHRC to compel the Federal Government to compensate the injured, rebuild their houses and pay

N10 billion restitution for the lives and property destroyed by the soldiers.

Miss Lar, who spoke after Chirman presented the petition, said: “Katarko is today a deserted town. All you now see are burnt houses, shops and vehicles. I saw droppings of blood all over the town. I left Katarko in tears. I was weeping. Who could have done this to these innocent Nigerians?

“When I passed through what used to be the police post, I saw blood everywhere.

I saw bodies that were burnt to ashes. There are remains of policemen and NSCDC officials who were burnt to death by soldiers. It was unbelievable.

“Expectant mothers, their children, the aged and the crippled were burnt to death after they were shot at.

“As we learnt, the soldiers said they did not want to leave any trace behind. The only borehole that supplies water was also destroyed. Grenade was thrown at the only telecommunication mast in the town.

“What could have prompted the Nigerian military to do this? Because we learnt the soldiers said they were acting on instruction...”

Drug barons abandoned me in Brazil, says suspect

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

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A 39-year-old suspected drug trafficker, Celestine Ikechukwu Okonkwo, has said his sponsored abandoned him when he was caught in Brazil, South America.

The suspec narrated his ordeal in the hands of drug barons who sponsored his trip under the guise of getting him a white collar job.

The former seller of used clothes at Idumota Market, Lagos, said he was promised mouth-watering jobs.

Okonkwo said he suffered to smuggle cocaine to the South American country.

National Drug Law Enforcement Agency’s (NDLEA’s) Commander at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, Hamisu Lawan, said Okonkwo tested positive for cocaine ingestion.

Hamisu said: “The suspect tested positive to drug ingestion while returning from Sao Paulo, Brazil. He later excreted 70 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.326 kilogrammes.”

Okonkwo said he was a happy man until the drug barons approached him with a promise of better job abroad. He said: “I was in my shop at Idumota Market, where I sell used clothes. I will never forget the day a young man came to my shop to buy a shirt. He told me he was from Anambra State and that he lived in Brazil. He also promised to help me with a good job over there.

“Honestly, I was excited and felt it was answer to my age long prayer. He collected my phone number and left. This was how it started.”

National Assembly: Ita Giwa challenges lawmakers on leadership

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•Gridlock from Apapa to Western Avenue in Lagos...yesterday.

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PHOTO: JOHN EBHOTA

UNIABUJA students barricade FCTA gate

TUDENTS of the University of Abuja (UNIABUJA), under the aegis of Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCT) National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and other institutions in the FCT, yesterday barricaded the entrance and exit gates of the FCT Administration secretariat for about two hours.

The protesters, led by UNIABUJA Chairman of NANS, Comrade Friday Omadewu Adayi, laid siege to the FCTA secretariat between noon and 2pm.

They vowed not to leave unless the FCTA met their demands.

Their demands included a vehicle from the FCTA for their association to attend their various conventions; develop the university’s Unity Park; solve water supply challenges at the university’s mini-campus and furnish the common room of the NANS chairman.

The FCTA condemned the

•Demand for vehicle, others From Gbenga Omokhunu and Grace Obike, Abuja

students for their action.

It noted that the protest was unjustified and embarrassing.

Some of the students’ leaders later met with FCT officials, led by the FCT Education Secretary, Alhaji Kabir Usman.

The official promised to look into their demands, despite the fact that most of them were either untenable or should have been pursued through the Federal Ministry of Education, which administers their university.

The secretary announced that the students’ request for a vehicle was receiving attention and would be granted, if funds were available.

Usman said it was wrong for the students to compel the government to fulfil their demands, which he said were not the statutory responsibil-

ities of the FCTA. A statement yesterday by the Special Assistance Media to the FCT Minister, Nosike Ogbuenyi, said: “The point should be stressed that it is not part of FCTA’s official responsibility to furnish the NANS Chairman’s common room at the University of Abuja or to provide internal infrastructure in Federal universities. Similarly, government action on the kind of demands made by the students is discretionary and dependent on resource availability.

“Nonetheless, the FCTA cherishes robust relationship with NANS even though it frowns at any attempt to hold it to ransom by students over welfare and logistics demands by individuals or groups.

“The FCTA advises the students to desist from lawless acts like blocking of gates.

“But the administration will continue to assist students through its various mechanisms including award of scholarships.

“It will equally continue to give logistics support to students’ organisations, such as NANS, provided that due process is followed and sufficient notice given in all cases. While we are doing this, we call on parents to always watch their children and wards closely by calling them to order whenever the need arises.

“The FCT Administration, through its water board, has provided potable and wholesome water to the residents of the Federal Capital Territory, including Gwagwalada township by the recent inauguration of the Lower Usuma Dam Phases III and IV water treatment plants.

“Therefore, it is the duty of individuals, institutions and corporate organisations to undertake water reticulation in their areas of abode.”

ORMER Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Matters, Senator Florence Ita Giwa, has called on the eight National Assembly to be independent minded in their choice of leadership.

In a statement, Senator Ita Giwa underscored the need for cordiality between the legislators, it's leadership and the executive in other to strengthen democracy and the rule of law.

She said that irrespective of the lawmakers' different political leanings, they should ensure that they work together as an entity without undermining the dignity of the institution.

She added that the Assembly have to hit the ground running and do the right thing and avoid distractions and unnecessary altercations with the executive arm in other to legislate excellently for the nation.

The statement reads in parts:"I urge the 8th national assembly that will be inaugurated on June 4 to be independent minded. They should put the nation first ahead of their personal interests.

"This should be reflected in their choice of leadership.

The upper and lower house are symbols of pride and dignity. Nigerians look forward to them to make people oriented laws and to partner seamlessly with the executive arm of government.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

58

NEWS

CJN unveils new procedure for judges’ appointment

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HE Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mahmud Mohammed, yesterday unveiled an improved procedure for the appointment of judges to ensure that only honest, hardworking and unblemished lawyers become judicial officers.

Justice Mohammed said henceforth, the National Judicial Council (NJC) will advertise vacancies for judges as part of stringent measures contained in the “2014 Revised NJC Guidelines and Procedural Rules for the Appointment of Judicial Officers of All Superior Courts of Record in Nigeria.”

He said the guidelines will ensure that only fit and proper persons and the most intellectually astute, morally sound, meritorious and deserving

••Mohammed frowns at frivolous petitions to NJC From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

candidates were appointed as judges.

The CJN spoke in Abuja at the swearing of Justice Amiru Sanusi as a justice of the Supreme Court.

He explained that the guidelines provide for a more comprehensive, robust and transparent method of appointment, leading to the emergence of only the best legal minds with high moral standards to serve as judges in the nation’s revered temples of justice.

He added that Justice Sanusi was the first judicial officer to be appointed under the new guidelines, which requires the advertisement of the vacancy

in the media, to call for interested candidates to show interest in filling the vacancy.

Justice Mohammed said: “The newly enacted guidelines bring the judiciary into an era where the eligibility of a candidate for appointment to the Bench will no longer be based on nepotism, familial or fraternal connections. “ Acts as lobbying for appointment, exhibition of bad behaviour in and out of court, influence peddling, rendering dishonest or questionable legal opinions, submission of false credentials, are just some of those conducts exhaustively listed in the 2014 guidelines as acts that would preclude appointment to judicial office.

“The Chief Justices of Nigeria, serving and retired, serving and retired Justices of the Supreme Court, the Presidents of the Court of Appeal, serving and retired, and other heads of court as well as the President of the NBA, were all required to nominate, on behalf of the Bench and Bar respectively, such persons they deemed fit and properly qualified for elevation to our nation’s highest court.

“Having been duly nominated, comments were received from the recommenders on the shortlisted candidates with regard to their suitability or otherwise for appointment. I must state at this juncture that such acts as

lobbying for appointment, exhibition of bad behaviour in and out of court, influence peddling, rendering dishonest or questionable legal opinions, submission of false credentials, are just some of those conducts exhaustively listed in the 2014 guidelines as acts that would preclude appointment to Judicial office.

Justice Mohammed urged litigants and their lawyers to desist from what he described as a worrisome trend in the practice of writing petitions to the NJC against court decisions.

He told them that the NJC was not the proper venue for venting dissatisfaction with decisions of courts, while also expressing the resolve of the judiciary to continue to perform its statutory duties with “the utmost fairness and justness”.

Constitution amendment: National Assembly goes to Supreme Court •Lawmakers insist Fourth alterations not dead From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

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HE National Assembly may have concluded arrangements to approach the Supreme Court over the controversy trailing the Fourth Alterations of the 1999 Constitution.

A principal officer at the National Assembly told The Nation that the lawmakers needed to act fast to explain its own side before the Supreme Court.

He noted that they believed that the apex court did not have all the facts of the matter.

He added that the position of the Supreme Court on the matter was not a judgment, “but just a position and understandably so.”

He said some people felt that the Supreme Court adjourned the matter to June 18, so that the case will become status barred.

The National Assembly, he said, wanted to explain to the apex court that it complied fully with Sections 8 and 9 of the Constitution by getting four-fifths of both chambers and two-thirds of the State Houses of Assembly in the process of passing the alterations.

He said: “I don’t think that the alterations are dead as being insinuated in some quarters. It is not over until it is over. The Seventh National Assembly has not expired.

“We need to approach the Supreme Court to hear our position because the National Assembly has to present its own position to the apex court. The inter face will be formal. The Supreme Court has to be fully briefed on the matter.”

Arthur-Worrey seeks reforms to stop impunity

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FORMER Lagos State Solicitor-General, Fola Arthur-Worrey, yesterday said the battle against impunity in the country can only be won, if efficient state machinery and institutions are put in place.

He added that such institutional reforms must function efficiently and free of political as well as elite interference.

Arthur-Worrey said: “It is in our own enlightened self interest that we create and support such machinery”.

He spoke at the annual lecture of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja Branch, with the theme: “Curtailing the culture of impunity in our national life” organised as part of the activities marking

By Adebisi Onanuga

the branch’s Law Week at the Multi-Purpose Hall of Lagos Television, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos.

The former Solicitor-General, who is also the Executive Secretary, Lagos State Security Trust Fund, lamented the failure of the country’s public institutions to effectively moderate and serve as control mechanism over human conduct.

He regretted that the country breeds weak institutions “that seem only to play the role of being no more than ready tools for personal and group agendas and which hardly carry out their mandates as determined by the laws that establish them.

Jonathan signs criminal justice bill into law From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has signed the new Administration of Criminal Justice Bill 2015 into law.

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, confirmed this to reporters in Abuja yesterday.

The bill, which was passed by the Senate on May 5, seeks to tackle the problem of delays in criminal trials, among other objectives.

Dr. Abati said the President signed the document on Wednesday, the same day he received the bill from the National Assembly.

He said: “The President has signed the Administration of Criminal Justice Bill 2015. He signed it the same day he received it from the National Assembly. With that development, the bill is now an Act.”

Members of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria protesting the plan by the DirectorGeneral of National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to sack 1,000 workers in Lagos...yesterday PHOTO: NAN

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Court urged to restrain PDP from forcing out Mua’zu, NWC members From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

A HIGH Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja has been urged to restrain the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from compelling the party’s chairman, Adamu Mua’zu, and other members of its National Working Committee (NWC) to resign their position until the expiration of their tenure of office.

The request is contained in a suit instituted by two members of the party, Tasiu Iliyasu Hussaini and Waziri Amadu.

They, in suit filed yesterday, want the court to determine whether the PDP’s NWC could be dissolved or its members forced to resign their positions without following require procedure lay down by the party’s constitution.

The plaintiffs want the court to declare that the party’s NWC cannot be dissolved or force to resign their positions without following procedure.

The plaintiffs asked the court to make an order restraining the party from directing Mua’zu and other NWC members from resigning their positions without following the prescribed procedure in the party’s constitution.

They said the call for the resignation of the party’s NWC members will jeopardise the efforts of party members to reposition it for success in future elections.

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the case.

Confusion in Bayelsa over abducted Lebanese, policeman

HERE is confusion among security agencies in Bayelsa State over the whereabouts of a Lebanese and an employee of a construction firm, Trenur Nigeria Limited.

It was learnt that the expatriate and his mobile police orderly were abducted last week at a dredging site of the Federal secretariat on the Oxbow Lake Road in Yenagoa, the state capital.

The orderly, identified simply as Corporal Edet, an indigene of Akwa Ibom State, was said to have been abducted with his rifle.

They were reportedly caught unawares and whisked away to unknown place by 10 gunmen.

The site of the project was allegedly awarded to the King of Opume Kingdom, Amalate

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

Turner.

The monarch is said to be a close friend and business associate of President Goodluck Jonathan.

The development, it was gathered, has thrown the security agencies into confusion.

But Col. Isa Ado, the Coordinator of the Joint Media Campaign Centre (JMCC) of the Joint Task Force (JTF), said the incident had not been reported to the task force.

He said: “Information plays a key role in rescue operations.

If we have much information, we will act. We are not aware.”

Also, police spokesman As-

inim Butswat, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), said he was out of the state for a workshop.

But sources said Turner reported the matter to Police Commissioner Peter Okafor.

A commander of one of the security agencies, who spoke in confidence, confirmed the report.

But he expressed dismay that the incident was not reported to his office.

He said: “The expatriate was abducted on the Oxbow Lake Road, but nobody reported the incident to us. It is unfortunate because, if the matter had been reported, we would have been making efforts to do somthing.”

Some sources claimed that the managing director of the company, an expatriate, contacted members of the Ogu community, where the incident happened, for their assistance.

A source, identified simply as Peter, said: “The kidnappers were dressed in military camouflage and were in two boats. They pretended to have a speedboat engine problem and moved closer to the dredging site.

“They beckoned to the mobile policeman. But because they were dressed in full military camouflage, the policeman responded.

“They held him up at gunpoint and asked others to lie on the sandy ground. They took away the Lebanese and the police escort.”

Controversy on constitution’s alteration unnecessary, says Falana

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AGOS lawyer Femi Falana yesterday said that the controversy surrounding the amendment of the constitution was unnecessary.

He noted that the National Assembly was misled into believing that it could move Section 18 of the Constitution to Chapter Four.

But the move, he said, was “unnecessary.”

According to him, Chapter Four of the Constitution cannot be amended without a resolution of four-fifth of the National Assembly members.

Falana, who spoke on Sunrise Programme of Channels TV, explained that President Goodluck Jonathan was right, in some areas, on some of the issues he raised concerning

From Frank Ikpefan, Abuja

the amendment of Sections 8, 9 and Chapter 4.

He described the silence of the lawmakers on those sections as “disturbing”, adding that they should have joined issues with the President.

Falana said: “I also felt that this whole controversy is totally unnecessary. Maturity should have prevailed. I thought the President should have drawn the attention of the leadership of the National Assembly to his observations and then this matter will be ironed out.

“There is no doubt that some of the issues raised by the President are valid. And with profound respect, I think the National Assembly was misled in

many areas.

“For instance, Section 18 of the Constitution on free education for primary school pupils was taken to Chapter 4; totally unnecessary for two reasons: one, you cannot amend Chapter 4 without a resolution by fourfifth majority of the National Assembly members. Because Chapter Four is a fundamental right provision so that nobody tinker with it at anytime the way he or she likes. That is why the amendment procedure is very strict.

“Why I am saying that it was totally unnecessary is that there are two laws - the Child Rights Act of 2003 and the UBE Act of 2004 that have made education compulsory and free from primary to junior secondary

school for every Nigerian child. So, you don’t need to remove it from Chapter Two and take it to Chapter Four because we have left that stage.

“If you look at the reasons proffered by the President, the National Assembly has failed to join issues with the President and I find that disturbing. You are being told you have amended Section 8, 9, and Chapter 4 that require fourfifth majority of your member, you are silent on that. You are being told that you should not have taken this question of state primary education to Chapter Four, you are not saying anything about that. You are granting immunity to yourselves.”

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THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

FOREIGN NEWS

Philippine factory fire death toll now 72

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ARGE fires have been relatively common in the Philippines, particularly in slum areas The death toll in a fire that destroyed a shoe factory in the Philippine capital has risen to 72, officials say.

Police have vowed to take swift action against those responsible, amid workers’ claims of poor health and safety standards.

“Definitely there will be charges here, because people died,” acting national police chief Leonardo Espina said.

Police say the fire started when sparks from welding work ignited flammable chemicals near the building’s entrance.

The Philippines has lax safe-

ty standards and large fires are relatively common, particularly in slum areas.

Wednesday’s fire spread quickly and a few people escaped. Many more were trapped on the second floor of the building, where, according to survivors, iron grills on windows prevented their escape.

Most of the victims are thought to have suffocated in thick black smoke from burning rubber and chemicals.

Retrieving bodies from the dangerous wreckage of the factory is taking time Survivors say they were unaware of any fire safety regulations Friends and relatives face an agonising wait identifying the bodies

“Regardless of whether it was an accident or arson, people died. We are just determining what exactly happened so that we can clearly define what charges to file,” Mr Espina told reporters on Thursday.

The owner of the factory, which is operated by Kentex Manufacturing and produces rubber flip flops and sandals, said about 200 to 300 people were inside the building at the time of the fire.

The mayor of the Valenzuela district, Rexlon Gatchalian, told the AFP news agency he did not expect the death toll to rise much further, as the number of bodies retrieved matched the number of people missing.

People have gathered out-

side the gutted factory to protest against working conditions there Survivors and relatives of the victims told the news agency that factory employees worked for below minimum wage, surrounded by chemicals, and unaware of fire safety standards.

“We were running not knowing exactly where to go,” one of the survivors, Lisandro Mendoza, said.

Some of those trapped texted family members asking for help, local media reported.

The process of identifying the bodies will take time, officials warn, as fingerprints can no longer be used to identify the charred remains of the victims.

Burundi coup bid: Rivals battle to control capital

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IVAL groups of soldiers in Burundi are vying for control of the capital Bujumbura amid confusion over the success of an attempted coup.

There has been heavy fighting at the state radio building, where broadcasts were briefly halted.

One source said soldiers loyal to President Pierre Nkurunziza controlled key areas, including the airport.

Coup leaders insist they remain in charge.

The unrest began when Mr Nkurunziza announced he was seeking a third term.

Opponents say the bid contravenes the constitution.

There is no confirmation on

the whereabouts of the president. Some reports say he is still in Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, where he had travelled to attend a summit.

A general supporting the coup told AFP that troops had been ordered to take the loyalist-held state radio building with a full armoured assault.

The RTBN radio station had earlier broadcast a message from Mr Nkurunziza condemning the coup.

“I thank soldiers who are putting things in order, and I forgive any soldier who decides to surrender,” he said.

But an employee there then told AFP: “We are being attacked. It is very heavy. The transmitter has been cut. We

cannot transmit.”

Shortly afterwards the station resumed broadcasting, initially playing music then a statement that loyalists were still in control.

The two private radio stations have been shut down.

The most popular - Radio Publique Africaine - was burnt down overnight after broadcasting Gen Niyobare’s coup announcement.

A senior military source earlier told BBC Afrique that loyalist troops were in control of the presidential palace, the radio station, the airport and the centre of Bujumbura.

Both army chief of staff Gen Prime Niyongabo and President Nkurunziza said the coup

attempt had been halted.

But this has been contradicted by the coup leaders, one of whom said they were in control of “virtually the entire city” of Bujumbura.

“The soldiers who are being deployed are on our side,” coup spokesman Venon Ndabaneze told AFP. The coup was announced

by Maj Gen Godefroid Niyombare, a former intelligence chief and ally of the president, on Wednesday.

“The masses vigorously and tenaciously reject President Nkurunziza’s third-term mandate. President Pierre Nkurunziza has been relieved of his duties,” he said in a radio broadcast.

•Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, left, and Chinese President Xi Jinping wave to journalists prior to their meeting PHOTO: AP in Xian, Shaanxi province, China, Yesterday.

Indian PM Modi visit China

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NDIAN PM Narendra Modi has begun a threeday visit to China as the two countries seek to boost economic co-operation.

Mr Modi has met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Xian, capital of Mr Xi’s home province of Shaanxi, and will later travel to Beijing and Shanghai.

The leaders of the world’s two most populous nations are expected to sign deals worth billions of dollars.

Relations are still strained over a long-running border dispute.

China is India’s biggest trading partner with commerce between the two coun-

tries totalling $71bn (£45bn; •62bn) in 2014.

But Indian figures show that its trade deficit with China has spiralled from just $1bn in 2001-02 to more than $38bn in 2014.

Mr Modi said ahead of his visit that he hoped it would increase the prosperity of Asia.

“I am confident my visit will lay the foundation for further enhancing economic co-operation with China in a wide range of sectors,” he tweeted last week.

Mr Modi said he had received a “warm welcome, followed by a spectacular visit to the Terracotta Warriors”

Derailed Philadelphia Amtrak train N Amtrak train that ‘was speeding’ derailed in Philadel-

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phia, killing at least seven people, was travelling at twice the speed limit, say safety experts.

The driver applied the emergency brakes when the train hit 106mph (170km/h) on a 50mph track, said the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

But his efforts had only brought the speed down to 102mph when the deadly crash happened.

He has been identified in US media as 32-year-old Brandon Bostian. ‘’He remembers going to that area generally, [but] has absolutely no recollection of the incident or anything unusual,” his attorney Robert Goggin told ABC. The New York National

Guard has deployed to Philadelphia to assist local authorities Robert Sumwalt of the NTSB told reporters a speed control system had not yet been installed in that area, unlike other parts of the route along Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor.

“We feel that had such a system been installed in this section of track, this accident would not have occurred,” he said.

Amtrak Train 188 was going from Washington to New York when it derailed on Tuesday night, leaving more 200 people injured.

The death toll rose from six to seven on Wednesday, as another body was found by the search and rescue team.

Kabul hotel attack kills 14

F •L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Bestman Games Limited, Nimi Akinkugbe, Public Diplomacy Officer, United States Consulate General, Lagos, Rhonda Watson and Chief Executive Officer, Assist-2-Sell Properties Limited, Chukwunonso Ume-Ezeoke during a program on financial independence and capacity building for women in Lagos .Yesterday.

PHOTO: U.S. CONSULATE, LAGOS.

U.S. Mission to train 150 women in real estate

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S part of efforts to empower Nigerian woman financially, the United States of America (USA) mission in Nigeria yesterday disclosed it would train 150 women in real estate.

The disclosure was made by the U.S. Consulate General’s Public Diplomacy Officer, Rhonda Watson, during a seminar on financial independence and capacity building for women organised by the mission.

She stated that 50 women will be trained each month between June and August, adding that there was need for more women to be actively engaged in the real estate sector either as investors or consultants.

While noting that the US

By Precious Igbonwelundu

Mission was passionate about women’s financial independence, Rhonda added that it was time for the female folks to stop living in the fairytale that they will be taken care of by others their whole life.

She admonished women to shun wasteful and frivolous spending, and concentrate efforts towards investing in ventures that would assure they are financially secured the rest of their lives.

According to her, women must become proficient investors, noting that the statistics about women and money was startling.

She admonished them to learn to overcome barriers through hard work and a

strong rejection of stereotypes.

Earlier, speakers at the seminar, Nimi Akinkugbe and Chukwunonso UmeEzeoke shared their personal financial experiences with

the participants in order to encourage them.

They admonished women to set time bound goals, take actions towards achieving them as well as invest in education and training.

Israel: Coalition in turmoil

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RIME Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition appeared to be unravelling after the cabinet approved legislation giving legal weight to Israel's Jewish character Sunday.

During the heated discussion of the "Jewish state bill" in the cabinet, Justice Minister Tzipi Livni said to Netanyahu: "The elephant in the room is that you want us" - Hatnua and Yesh Atid - "to vote against this so you can fire us."

Later, Livni said she will not contribute to the measure which she called anti-democratic - passing in a preliminary vote Wednesday. However, when asked directly in an interview on Channel 2 News, she did not commit to voting against it, which means she may abstain and save her spot in the coalition.

Finance Minister Yair Lapid also said he and his party would not vote for the controversial bill.

OURTEEN people have been killed in an attack on a Kabul hotel which was packed with foreigners awaiting a concert, according to Afghan officials.

As well as Afghan civilians, the dead include one Briton with dual Afghan nationality, four Indians, two Pakistanis, and one citizen from each of the US, Italy and Kazakhstan.

The Taliban has claimed responsibility for the attack.

The incident at the Park Palace Hotel began early on Wednesday evening.

Gunfire could still be heard from the guesthouse in central Kabul five hours later as Afghan forces retook the building room by room.

Some reports said that two suspected gunmen were among the dead - police said they were shot before they could carry out a suicide attack.

The hotel was under siege for several hours after the attack began on Wednesday evening The gunmen reportedly went room to room seeking foreigners.

Georgette Gagnon, of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, condemned the attack as an “atrocity”.

“Taliban statements on avoiding civilian casualties ring hollow when we set them against the latest killings,” she said.

MH370 search teams find shipwreck

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EARCH teams scouring the floor of the Indian Ocean for missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 have come across some wreckage - just considerably older than the airliner which disappeared in March 2014.

Startlingly clear images of a previously uncharted wreck, most likely from the 19th century, emerged after underwater drones were dispatched to investigate the potential lead.

Search vessel Fugro Equator's deep tow system "detected a cluster of small sonar contacts" of potential interest near the so-called 7th arc before another Fugro ship was dispatched to take a closer look, resulting in the images, according to Australian authorities.

An anchor, as well as parts of a destroyed hull, can clearly be seen in the photos. The wreck lies at a depth of 3,900 meters (12,795 ft).

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THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

NEWS

13 killed by female suicide bombers in Borno attack •Army imposes 24-hour curfew on Maiduguri •Sect members killed in Iraq

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O fewer than 13 people were killed on Wednesday during the suicide attack on Maiduguri, it was learnt.

Four suicide bombers detonated explosives near a barracks in the Borno State capital, according to a militia member.

Four female bombers killed six vigilance members and three soldiers near the Giwa Barracks in the city, Hassan Ibrahim, a member of the vigilance group fighting alongside the army, said yesterday.

Many people were injured, he added.

“Our members were killed and some are lying on hospital beds as a result of the bombs detonated,” Ibrahim said on telephone. “Our men and the soldiers thought they were helpless women who were in Boko Haram captivity but they took us by surprise.”

Troops repelled the Boko Haram attack on Maiduguri after exchanging gunfire with the insurgents for about an

hour, until about 9 p.m.

The army yesterday imposed a 24-hour curfew on the city.

“The attack on Wednesday was massive and the insurgents deployed female suicide bombers,” Jubrin Gunda, a militia spokesman, said on phone from the city. The insurgents incurred “massive” casualties, he added.

The army described the decision to impose a dusk-todawn curfew as a measure to protect lives and property in the city.

A statement signed by the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 7 Division, Maiduguri, Col. Tukur Gusau, called on the people to cooperate with security agencies, maintaining that the situation has been brought under control.

“In view of the recent development within Maiduguri metropolis, a 24-hour curfew is hereby imposed on the city.

This is done to protect lives and property of innocent and

law-abiding people of Maiduguri.

“The Nigeria Army wishes to, once again, thank you for your continuous support and cooperation. The situation is firmly under control.”

Also yesterday, it was learnt that no fewer than five Boko Haram members were killed in Iraq by the Mosul Youth Resistance Movement. They were reportedly killed on Wednesday.

This is the first report of the presence of Boko Haram militants in Iraq following the sect’s open declaration of allegiance to the deadly ISIS and ISIS’s acceptance of Boko Haram’s allegiance.

According to reports by Basnews.com, the Boko Haram insurgents were attacked in the Dargaza neighbourhood of eastern Mosul.

Saed Mamuzini, Mosul’s spokesperson, was quoted by Basnews as saying, “The Nigerian Boko Haram militants were in Mosul to take part in a military training course conducted by Islamic State (IS).”

‘I would’ve been in trouble if APC lost’ Continued from page 1

abandoned or took care not to be seen with him in public. He said he was mostly preoccupied with bringing change to Nigeria and not about what to get from the government.

“I told Asiwaju that what is important is to make a history of the first civilian coup in Nigeria when your children and grandchildren read the history with your name as one of the people who helped bring about change in Nigeria.

“I said, let us focus on the victory. I remember the day of the convention, there were so many intrigues, there will be convention, there won’t be convention, I said my leader, if we don’t do the convention we are finished, the press will say APC cannot hold a convention, lead us now, there must be convention and election. So, he turned to me and said look for Tunde (Fashola), let us go.”

The event which was wellattended by chieftains of the APC was a time of tributes and eulogies for Amaechi by his friends and colleagues. Some of those present included: APC national leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, National Chairman, Chief John OdigieOyegun, former interim chairman, Chief Bisi Akande and Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka.

There were also Governors Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Abdulazeez Yari (Zamfara), representatives of Kwara and Bauchi state governors. governors-elect of Kaduna and Lagos states, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai and Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode.

Also there were Dr Dakuku Peterside, APC governorship candidate in Rivers, Alabo Gra-

ham-Douglas, Tonye Cole, former governors of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, Segun Oni and Niyi Adebayo. Others are: Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora, business mogul and Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, Bishop Hassan Mathew Kukah (book reviewer), Justice George Oguntade, National Women Leader, Hajia Ramatu Aliu, National Secretary of the APC, Alhaji Mala Buni, Senator Daisy Danjuma, Mr Jim Ovia and Vanguard newspaper publisher Mr Sam Amuka-Pemu.

Prof. Soyinka, who wrote the forward to the book –Tyranny of Courage- described Amaechi as a man of principle and strong conviction, who was willing to stand by his belief at a great risk.

These qualities, he said made him to take exceptions to his own personal rule not to write any recommendations or forwards for books. He also described Asiwaju Tinubu as the “architect of change.”

Soyinka said: “The political atmosphere today, whatever you call it, change or hope, or cautious or careless hope, I recognise two individuals who led the change. One of them I call him the architect of that process, he is Ahmed Bola Tinubu. The arrowhead of the charge that led to the change is the man we are gathered here to honour.”

Soyinka decried the incident that led to the disbandment of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), praising Amaechi for standing up to his colleagues for change.

“It is basic arithmetic fallacy of governance when 16 is said to be higher than 19, something is fundamentally wrong. Governor Amaechi stood up and challenged even his own colleagues saying, let us change the orien-

tation of the nation. Somebody once said to me to tell the young man that he was going to destroy himself that he should slow down. Of course I didn’t deliver the message.”

Bishop Kukah praised the editors of the book for the insights and ability to document the giant strides made by the Amaechi administration but noted that the book fell short on the narratives about the governor’s background and early days.

He also noted, some contradictory claims about Amaechi’s days at the University of Port Harcourt and student unionism days. Kukah also noted that the book was almost silent about the era when Amaechi was the Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly, a part he noted, prepared him for the office of the governor. He recommended the 251-page book, not for the bookshelves but as a coffee table companion.

Justice Adolphus KaribiWhyte was lavish in his praise of Amaechi. “When I first met him, everything about him gave me a promise of a future leader, he respects age and status and analysed situations properly. I was elated when he asked me to be the chairman because he still remembers the relationship,” he said.

Karib-Whyte said the governor was key in bringing all the ethnic nationalities in Rivers State, struggling for leadership together and fostering peace in the state.

Mamora said Amaechi is a “great friend” and a fellow former speaker, he also referred to him as an “unusual governor who is simple, plain and blunt to a fault and a combination of mettle, bold and resolute.”

‘Fuel scarcity to persist until N200b debt is paid’ Continued from page 4

money or not.”

Adewole said: “All the monies that we are being owed, the interests increase on daily basis and we are pleading that the Federal Government should pay our members. The logjam you see in Apapa is part of the

result of not having the product. When tankers come to Lagos, instead of lifting fuel from our depots to their various locations and destinations, they wait because there is no product to lift. The two associations were owed N200 billion as at February but between Feb-

ruary and now, the debt has risen due to interests on bank loans.

Currently, it is only importation made by the NNPC that is distributed and the corporation can only import what can meet 59 per cent of national fuel consumption.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

61

SHOWBIZ

Marketing Edge honours Awosika, Omojafor, others

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•L’Original Judges

Auditions begin for Fayrouz L’Original 2

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ODAY, the University Of Ibadan (U.I), will host a bevy of fashion wannabes, who desire a chance in the second edition of the Fayrouz L’Original fashion contest.

Stylishly called Fayrouz L’Original Expression Show, the contest is designed to give undergraduates, fresh graduates and corps members with unique creative abilities a platform to showcase their original works for a chance to win amazing prizes and opportunities.

Although U.I, the oldest and talent pool university in Nigeria

boasts of over 30,000 students, organizers say the Ibadan audition is open to thousands of registered participants from within and around the ancient city. The auditions continue till the next day.

Jurors for the auditions are the trio of fashion experts, Mai Atafo, Kunbi Oyelese, Kelechi Amadi-Obi, alongside Tara Durotoye who will be judging the participating teams based on originality, creativity and confidence.

After the initial screening, qualified teams, according to organizers, will then move on to the next stage and compete with winners from

other regions during the semi-finals holding at the Obudu Cattle Ranch, Cross Rivers State, later in the year.

The next stops for the audition train will be: the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on May 22nd and 23rd, University of Nigeria Enugu on the 29th and 30th and University of Lagos on June 5th and 6th.

Sponsored by Fayrouz soft drink, organizers say the show emphasizes creativity, and originality as expressed in the art of modeling, fashion design, makeup artistry, and photography in the spirit of entrepreneurship.

KSA to thrill at Ikeja Club

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•Jimi Awosika

RESIDENT of Ikeja Club, Prince Ademola Waliyu Adunola, has said that the Club is being repositioned to create the much needed ambience for fun lovers after a hard day’s job.

Adunola made this known during a media chat to announce the induction of new members which he said will hold today, May 15.

“We have enough sporting activities lined up for the day such as lawn tennis, table tennis, basketball, dart, snooker, swimming amongst others,” said the 19 th president of the club.

Expected at the event as Special Guest of Honour is the club’s Grand Patron, Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN, Governor of Lagos

By Dupe Ayinla-Olasunkanmi

State, while Royal Father of the Day is HRM, Mufutau Gbadamosi, the Olofa of Offa. Others are HRM Oba Abdul- Rasaq Adenuga, Ebumawe of Ago Iwoye; HRM Oba Saheed Elegusi, the Paramount Ruler of Ikate land, and many other prominent dignitaries.

Meanwhile, King Sunny Ade and his African Beat would spice up the activities of the night, singing to the delight of members and guests.

Other activities slated for the membership night of the Club include, award to honorary members, dignitaries and induction of new members.

HREE companies within Troyka Holdings Limited, alongside their Vice Chairman and Managing Director cum Chief Executive Officer of Insight Communications, Jimi Awosika were honoured Tuesday, May 5, 2015 at the Brands and Advertising Excellence Awards, organised by Brands and Marketing publication, Marketing Edge.

This is coming barely a month after the Chairman of the conglomerate, Biodun Shobanjo, and Troyka bagged Manager of the Year Award, and Best Enterprise of the Year awards respectively at the International Achievements Forum held by the Europe Business Assembly at the Institute of Directors, Pall Mall, London, United Kingdom.

Insight won the Outstanding Agency of the Year award, while Media Perspectives took home the Outstanding Media Buyer of the year. Other winners within the Troyka Holdings were, Optimum Exposures which won the Outstanding Out-Of-Home Company of the Year award, while Awosika was honoured as the Outstanding Advertising Personality of The Decade.

The event was attended by the crème-de-la-crème in the Marketing Communications Industry, and took place at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Awosika, while receiving his award, commended Marketing Edge for recognizing and honoring iconic players and institu-

tions in the Marketing Communications industry, whose contributions to the development of the industry have been legendary.

“I am glad that, the industry has witnessed such tremendous growth and its future is limitless, especially in the Digital age where the world has become a global village,’’ he added.

The award was presented to him by Shobanjo, who himself bagged Marketing Edge’s Brand Personality of Year 2010.

Also honoured at the event were the Founder of STBMcCann, Sir Steve Omojafor (Brand Personality of the Decade Award), Mr. Segun Ogunsanya (CEO Brand Personality of the Decade), Chief Olu Falomo (Outstanding Advertising Icon of the Decade Award), while Sir. (Dr.) Chris Ogbechie, and Mr. Chris Parkes received the Lifetime Marketing Achievement award.

With close to four decades experience in Advertising, Account Management and Strategy.

Awosika, incumbent Chairman of the Education committee of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria, (AAAN), is regarded as a foremost authority in the Nigerian Marketing Communications space.

Troyka Group is made up of companies such as All Seasons, Mediacom, The Quadrant Company, Hot Sauce (Digital Marketing), Black Onyx Properties and Halogen Security.

September date for MBGE cultural pageant

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ENUE of the second edition of The Most Beautiful Girl in Eko (MBGE), a cultural pageant, initially scheduled to take place at the Royal Event Hall, has been moved to Bamboo Event Hall, Omole, Ojodu Lagos, and will hold on Friday September 18, 2015.

General Manager of Ereon Pageantry, Miss Taiwo Samson, who is also the chairperson of 2015 planning committee said, “the change of venue to Bamboo Event Hall became very necessary for optimum results,” adding that popular comedians like Klint

By Famuyiwa Damilare

Da Drunk and Mr Melody will perform live at the show.

“Also expected at the event are personalities cutting across government, fashion, movie and the music world. There would be music, dance, comedy, and cultural extravaganza,” she said.

The MBGE is supported by the Lagos State Government, the Federal Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Power Horse, Kissmix, and Bamboo Event Hall among others.

Wizkid, Kcee, Emma Nyra perform at Industry Matter, Show me the Money and Ojuelegba Nite Houston among other hits.

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• Emma Nyra

TARBOY boss, Ayodeji Balogun, aka Wizkid was the star of the show in Houston, Texas, United States recently where Nigeria’s popular weekly show, Industry Nite, made another stop last weekend.

The Houston leg of the concert followed a number of successful shows in Dubai, the United Arab Emirate.

The event which held on May 6, at the Ayva Centre in Richmond, was a double delight for music lovers and tourists alike as it coincided with the popular yearly Oil and Gas expo tagged, OTC. The night witnessed over a thousand guests who converged at the Ayva Centre to experience the fun Industry Nite brings to all of its concerts. And true to their expectations, Wizkid delivered a stellar performance to the capacity audience in attendance. Backed by a 10-man live band, wizkid performed hit tracks such as Jaiye Jaiye, On top your

“Tonight was amazing; the love I got from my fans was unbelievable. I felt the energy right from the moment I graced the stage. I thoroughly had a great time,” said Wizkid after the performance.

There was also a surprise performance by the Limpopo master, Kcee, who did songs like Turn by Turn, Ogaranya, and Limpopo, and was later joined on stage by Emma Nyra.

According to Matthew Ohio, Founder of Industry Nite, “The goal has always been to promote Nigerian music beyond our shores. So this year, we partnered a number of organizations to see that we achieve this. We have successfully hosted a number of artists on our tours thereby creating a cultural exchange that has helped African music get mainstream attention. And we intend to host more artists, and visit other continents as the months roll by,” he said.

Industry Nite Houston was put together by El Carnaval, Viva Africa and Kiza Dubai.

• Vice Chairman, Troyka Holdings Limited, Mr. Jimi Awosika receives award as The Outstanding Personality of the Decade from Chairman, Troyka Holdings, Mr. Biodun Shobanjo at the Brand and Advertising Excellence Awards

Actress Omotunde Ogundimu yet to find her feet

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ORUBA actress, Omotunde Ogundimu, who last year, sought public fund for a fibroid surgery, has revealed to The Nation that she is yet to bounce back to work, as she does not get job invitations like before.

Ogundimu however said her health condition is stable now and that she is fit to return to the screen; “I am doing very well, but the thing is I don’t get work from producers like before. The scripts only come once in a while now.

Asked if her past ailment is the reason the jobs are no longer coming, she responded in the negative.

“No, I don’t think so. I just feel it is because I do not attend events like the rest of them. Maybe if I start attending events and people see me often, they will know that, I am back fully,” The mother of three was discharged from the hospital on Au-

By Dupe Ayinla-Olasunkanmi

gust 8, last year, after treating the ailment which surfaced in 2013.

• Omotunde Ogundimu

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THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

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THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015

SPORT EXTRA highlights benefits of Keshi names Akpeyi, 25 NTF code of conduct to players home-based Eagles for Chad T

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EAD Coach of the Senior National Team, Stephen Keshi has released a list of 26 home-based professionals who will kick-start the team’s camping programme ahead of next month’s 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Chad.

Familiar faces Daniel Akpeyi, Solomon Kwambe, Chibuzor Okonkwo, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Rabiu Ali, Kunle Odunlami, Gbolahan Salami and Ezekiel Mba are joined by exciting new faces Ibrahim Shaibu, Onoriode Odah and Igbinosa.

Record scorer in the Nigeria elite division, Mfon Udoh is accompanied by former junior international goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Nelson Ogbonnaya, Nathaniel Joseph and Moses Ekpai Ubong.

Enyimba FC captain Chinedu Udoji, Giwa FC’s Henlong Charles, Joe Omale of Dekina Dragons and FC Taraba’s Samuel Olabisi are coming into camp for the first time.

All the invited players are expected to report at the Bolton Hotel Apartments, Wuse, Abuja on Tuesday, 19th May, 2015 GOALKEEPERS: Daniel Akpeyi (Warri Wolves); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Sunshine Stars); Chidiebere Eze (Gabros International)

DEFENDERS: Solomon Kwambe (Warri Wolves); Chibuzor Okonkwo (Gabros International); Idris Aloma (Enyimba FC); Chima Akas (Sharks FC); Nelson Ogbonnaya (Heartland FC); Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves); Chinedu Udoji (Enyimba FC); Samuel Olabisi (FC Taraba); Kunle Odunlami (Sunshine Stars) MIDFIELDERS: Nathaniel Joseph (Sharks FC); Michael Egbeta (Warri Wolves); Rabiu Ali (Kano Pillars); Igbinosa Esosa (Nasarawa United); Moses Ekpai Ubong (Kano Pillars); Henlong Charles (Giwa FC) FORWARDS: Mfon Udoh (Enyimba FC); Gbolahan Salami (Warri Wolves); Ibrahim Shaibu (Giwa FC); Joe Omale (Dekina Dragons); Stanley Dimgba (Warri Wolves); Ezekiel Mbah (Kano Pillars); Onoriode Odah (Enugu Rangers); Azeez Shobowale (Kano Pillars) The technical crew will be led

by Coach Stephen Keshi, while he will be assisted by Salisu Yusuf. The goalkeeper trainer is Ike Shorounmu, while the backroom staff will be remain intact has constituted during the last international friendly against South Africa in Nelspruit on Sunday, 29 March, 2015.

•Udoh

•Akpeyi

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By Stella Bamawo Kenyans or no Kenyans, we are winning, we have good athletes that will compete with them.

We have been training for six weeks, we have been asking for assistance but nobody has come to our help. We have trained for about six weeks.

It has been continuous; we get ourselves ready prepared for this event but our problem has al-

Onyeka Onwenu hailed for boosting tourney • Salami • Ali

ways been feeding properly, we have not been able to camp properly because they come from their various homes and go back home after each day’s training.

This is indeed wrong, we should have good food and good accommodation.

Amongst top long distance runners expected in Okpkepe are Emanuel Gyang, Deborah Pam, Joshua Asang, Zamani Stephen and two others. Ac-

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• Yusuf

position as goalkeeper trainer.

The officials are expected to join the Eagles’squad when they regroup in Abuja on Tuesday.

Fed Cup: Kanu's pet club shocks Gombe Utd • Kanu

RESULTS Europa League Dnipro 1 - 0 SSC Napoli Fiorentina 0 - 2 Sevilla International - Friendly Lesotho 0 - 0 South Africa

cording to Coach Nuhu, the Nigerian athletes will rest today, while they are expected to have a light jog at night to loosen out.

It could be recalled that Coach Nuhu was expected to present eighteen athletes to participate in this year’s edition of the race and also vie for cash prizes ranging from $25,000(1st Prize Winner),$15,000(2nd Prize Winner) and $10,000 (3rd Prize Winner).

Salisu Yusuf named Keshi’s assistant ORMER Enyimba and Kano Pillars’ coach Salisu Yusuf has been confirmed as assistant to Super Eagles’ coach Stephen Keshi.

The confirmation was contained in a press statement published on the NFF official website.

Yusuf thus replaces former Nigerian star Daniel Amokachi, who worked with Keshi in his first stint in charge of the Super Eagles.

The former Ranchers Bees, and El Kanemi midfielder was only recently in London to work with a coaching software that will now assist national team preparations.

Incidentally, Yusuf and Amokachi played together at Ranchers Bees.

Ike Shorunmu has retained his

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ET club of former Super Eagles star Nwankwo Kanu, Papilo FC, sent packing Nigeria National League side Gombe United from the Federation Cup on Thursday after a 3-2 win.

NPFL sides Giwa, Sunshine Stars and Shooting Stars all lost to small teams in the round of 64 games.

Premier league side Taraba thrashed Akampa United 30 in another cup tie on Thurs-

culcated the discipline which the code of conduct is designed towards, it makes them more responsible even beyond tennis.

“It also makes them more responsible if they go out on international event like the Davis Cup, All African Games and others.

Meanwhile, NTF SecretaryGeneral, Mrs Gloria Ekwuempu has expressed optimism that the standard of the championship will be high.

She said, “The CBN Open has been the foundation of which Nigerian tennis is laid and considering the performance of Nigerian players at the Tombim Abuja Futures which was held last week, I can only say we will have a very high standard on display this year.”

The preliminary matches for the tournament served off on Thursday.

The champions in the men and women singles will get N700, 000 while finalists will get N500,000.

PRESIDENT CUP

Team Nigeria to test run AAG with Okpkepke Road Race HE Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Long Distance Coach, Stephen Nuhu has revealed that he is going to use the IAAF 10km Okpkepe Road Race as a springboard towards preparations for the country’s participation in the 2015 All Africa Games(AAG) and 2016 Rio Olympics.

“We need support, people who will sponsor us in training even after Okpekpe because all African Games and particularly Olympic Games which is next year.

In a chat with NationSports, Nuhu believes that though they were faced with funds constraints but they hope to compete with the East Africans in Saturday’s race without fears.

According to the Jos-based Coach, it was high time his team cart home the cash prizes at the annual IAAF Bronze Label Race which according him is not a birth-right of the East Africans.

He said: “We are always going for the prize money,

HE Nigeria Tennis Federation has stated that its newly introduced code of conduct for players that will be featuring in this year’s Central Bank of Nigeria Open Tennis Championship will be of immense benefit to Nigerian players.

NTF’s 1st Vice President, Yemi Owoseni said the move becomes imperative to check the excesses of some of the players who he pointed have exhibited some arrogance in the past.

“We don’t want to condone indiscipline and any other negative attitude from our players any longer. Some ofd our players have been so lawless and there is need to put them in check” Owoseni, who stood in for NTF boss Sani Ndanusa said at a press briefing in Lagos on Wednesday.

He pointed that as part of benefits, the new rule will enhance the players’ prowess which he stressed rub on their game to become a better player.

“When these players have in-

day.

Coach Tony Ogharanduku boys got the first goal through Chinedu Ohananchom, who connected a cross from the right wing with a header in the 10th minute.

Ibrahim Sanusi made it 2-0 for the Jalingo-based team in the 36th minute.

He completed his brace with the third goal when he jabbed in a cross from the right flank in the 85th minute.

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HE Vice Chairman, President Cup Football T o u r n a m e n t Organising, Committee, Dr. Darlington Anyanwu has hailed the contribution of the Director General of the Women Development Center, Amazon Onyeka Onwenu to the finals of the 2014/2015 President Cup Football Tournament slated for Abuja come next week Monday.

Anyanwu confessed that if not for the contribution of the Onwenu, popularly called the Lady of Songs for her prowess in music the competition could not have achieved the expected completion and success. He also commended the National Sports Commission for aiding the competition’s success too.

Anyanwu disclosed this at the draws for the finals of the event decided at the Media Center of the Abuja National Stadium yesterday.

From Segun Ogunjimi, Abuja “The Nigerian icon Onyeka Onwenu has been wonderfully helping and supporting the President Cup”, Anyanwu disclosed.

Speaking on the competition, Anyanwu disclosed, “We are only doing what is best for the games, what is best for the identification of young talents from the grassroots. Like I said during the inauguration of this competition, that I believe strongly that in the next 10 years, with the President Cup, Nigeria is going to win the World Cup. We have what it takes and all the talents”, he disclosed.

The DG of the National Center for Women’s Development also vowed to continue to support any good course that would be of benefit to the youths of the country.

TODAY IN THE NATION

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL.10 NO. 3215

‘Our lust for heroes and gods illustrates a fable; it is not of latent strength but disintegration, it reveals the weakness and shallowness of the Nigerian adult’s awfully preadolescent mind.’ OLA TUNJI OL OLADE OLATUNJI OLOLADE

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

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TAKE advantage of a concern addressed to me and a couple of other compatriots early Wednesday morning by a leader whom I trust and respect for his dedication and commitment to the progressive agenda. His concern was about regional development agenda and the effort we make in their pursuit. The concern is apt and timely, especially because we are just transitioning to a new administration which needs all the help it can get in terms of ideas and suggestions.

Why “regional development agenda?” you may ask? “Is focus on such agenda not inimical to national integration and development?” These are pertinent questions. And as Opalaba would observe, he who asks a question deserves an answer that probes the foundation of the issue.

The questions are answerable in few sentences.

We are regional beings. We were born regional.

We grew up regional. We matured regional.

Regional development was the source of national development before the reverse gear was engaged and national development, slow and unpredictable as it was, became the driver of (negative) regional development. But even as we prioritised national development and focus on regional development took a retreat, we were still thinking regional.

From 1966 till 1979 at the height of national unity discourse and practice, regionalism as a habit of the mind never retreated. Military Governors as representatives of the Commanderin-Chief from Gowon to Obasanjo and from Buhari to Abacha were not immune to the sentiment behind regionalism. Even when they came from different regions or states, they lived among regionalists. They imbibed the ideas that animated the people. They had regionalists in their cabinets. And more importantly, they were under pressure to improve the conditions of life in their areas of jurisdiction.

Between 1979 and 1983 when different political parties more or less controlled different regions, regional thinking held sway with the Southwest leading the pack and UPN Governors churning out ideas, including the four cardinal programmes of the party, which they aimed at the development of the region.

Since 1999, regionalism has been championed not just by the Southwest but also by the Southsouth, Southeast and the entire North, which has always considered the North as one indivisible region. Instructively, Arewa Consultative Forum has been more united and more focused than Afenifere or Yoruba Council of Elders.

In spite of all the available and incontrovertible evidence that we are regional beings, at various times, there has been an incomprehensible ambivalence attitude of affirmation and denial towards the regions. This comes in various forms and from multiple sources.

On the one hand, every region or zone has RECAP of five quick points On May 1, I had listed what I termed “Five quick points for General Buhari”; some initial actions he could take upon stepping into Aso Rock, to set the tone of his administration. I had called them low hanging fruits he could reach for quickly and achieve some immediate salutary changes.

By way of a recap, I had noted that, one, he must let the system work; the old rule books must be reactivated. For instance, there are rules for tackling corruption through the Office of the Auditor General. Two, he should get the federal budget back on track immediately. This means it MUST be read on January 1 without fail; capex MUST be at least 60 per cent of total expenditure and we MUST achieve at least 70 per cent performance.

Three, he must block leakages of government revenues, especially in revenue-earning MDAs. He MUST put round pegs in like holes. They MUST have targets and they MUST render annual accounts publicly the way private companies do.

Four, he MUST ensure that the 774 LGAs across the land come back to life. This will be a longdrawn battle but it is important that he makes the statement from day one that anyone pocketing the allocations meant for any LGA anywhere in the land would be incurring his wrath. All sorts of evil have infested the land because LGAs are virtually shut down across the land; a few people pocket their allocation and the entire economy of these units of government is vitiated.

Five, though this is a tough call, he must endeavor to make the right appointments that suit his character and temperament. He has promised to declare his assets; he must make all appointees do same and depose them where they are

SEGUN GBADEGESIN gbadegesin@thenationonlineng.net

Statism, regionalism and nationalism

•Map of Nigeria

lamented its perceived marginalisation one time or the other since 1999. Recently, there has been an unsubstantiated allegation of some zones ganging up against others. This confirms our fixation on regions or zones. Significantly, states have not been particularly vocal in this matter of marginalisation.

On the other hand, however, some of the same regional advocates who complain about regional marginalisation have confusedly bashed regional (aka zonal) arrangements as extra-constitutional and therefore unacceptable, using regional platform to carry out their assault on region. This came up especially during the Constitutional conferences of 2005 and 2014.

Now, it is possible to explain such volte-face in charitable terms. There is no constitutional provision for regional or zonal arrangements or institutions for regional development. “Regions or zones are not known to the 1999 Constitution”, they insist. Therefore any regional arrangements or institutions must be private and without governmental imprimatur.

The reasoning is legalistic; but it fails in two respects. First, it is common knowledge that not every arrangement that we have made since 1999 is constitutionally mandated. We have created institutions and organisations with full budgetary allocations even when they have not been part

A

of the constitutional provisions. We did so because there were urgent problems to be solved that were not anticipated in the groundnorm; and the legislative branch, in its wisdom, gave the proper legal backing.

Second, we know that states, with their constitutional mandate, have not been up to the task with regards to the development and welfare of their various constituencies. Just last week, we heard about the sorry state of the financial condition of most states and their inability to pay workers’ salaries, and their appeal to President-elect Buhari for federal assistance. The constitution prioritises states as political and administrative units of the federation, but they are severely handicapped because they are practically unequal in their relationship with the Federal Government which controls a disproportionate amount of resources.

Statism is the belief, sometimes advanced to the level of doctrine, that since states are constitutionally recognised as political and administrative units of the federation, they have a legal autonomy which cannot be compromised and no other arrangements can be allowed or recognised.

In view of our experience since 1999, it is abundantly clear that statism is wrong and it is the major obstacle to the survival and development of states. It is time to think outside the box of static statism toward a dynamic agenda for national development.

No one can deny that regions contributed to national development in the 50s and 60s.

Groundnut pyramids and cotton sacks in the North, cocoa stores in the West, palm oil barrels in the East, and the various Marketing Boards were the foremost foreign exchange earners even well into the 70s. Development plans in each region benefitted from these sources of regional wealth as was the case in the West which saw a boom in infrastructural development and social welfare programs.

No one denies the legal reality of states. But thinking out of the box of statism requires the acknowledgement of the present ugly reality which

STEVE OSUJI

EXPRESSO

steve.osuji@yahoo.com

•Columnist of the Year (NMMA)

Five other points for Gen. Buhari Dangote’s Arsenal: vanity investing

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HO is to teach Aliko Dangote, Nigeria’s, nay Africa’s own Midas how to apply money? He must have been sleeping on money-beds (a la Floyd Mayweather) since his teenage days.

Besides, we love our Arsenal F.C. anyway. There must be at least 20 million Arsenal fans in Nigeria.

Notwithstanding, it still jars our poor and untutored (moneywise) sensibilities that our own Aliko would want to shell out billions of dollar to buy English football club, Arsenal. That seems like vanity investing. We all know that football club business do not make commensurate returns.

Well, unless he seeks global mass recognition and brand value but then he needs to invest in Nigeria’s football first. Nigeria must be among the top three naturally talented footballing nations, bettered only by Brazil and Argentina. Lack of training facilities and poor talent management has circumscribed millions of our youths who would otherwise be employed gainfully plying football trade.

With just one-tenth of the cost of buying Arsenal, Aliko could build six zonal standard football facilities across Nigeria, like Aspire in the UAE. He will marvel at the impact of this and Nigerian youths will be eternally grateful.

accessible to the public.

And now, five other things General Buhari might

want to consider in the course of his administration.

makes it impossible for states to extract a sustainable development from the meager resources accruable to them internally, without running cap in hand to the Federal Government.

Regionalism doesn’t pose any danger to nationalism. On the contrary, it benefits the nationalist agenda by promoting equitable regional development throughout the nation. We know, for instance, that in the 50s, regions exchanged useful development strategies even when they were controlled by different political parties. But when states are left to their fate, and resources are meager and inequitably distributed, the resentment thus generated could be inimical to national harmony and national development.

Here then is the choice facing the Buhari administration: encourage regional ideas for national development or dismiss them as unconstitutional. For a progressive administration that focuses on equitable development, the right choice is not difficult to identify in the light of the foregoing.

How does the administration go about it?

There are various strategic options. States still hold all the aces. Already some regions have prototype ideas with the setting up of institutions such as Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) in the Southwest and Strategic Agenda for Northern Development (STAND) in the North. While DAWN is a creation of Southwest leadership, including the Governors, it appears that STAND is a creation of the intellectual and political vanguards for Northern development. DAWN is set up as a Commission in which each Governor has a representative Commissioner. Now existing as extra-constitutional entities, each of these development institutions can be given legal backings by an Act of the National Assembly.

I can then imagine the following scenario. The President invites the Governors to a round table session on regional development and its centrality to national development. Assume that infrastructure, education, and energy are in play.

Surely, a good number of the challenges we have had in these areas can best be addressed with a regional strategy.

Consider for instance the Lagos-Ibadan expressway which had been in a state of disrepair since 1999 until just last year when the Jonathan administration decided it had to do something.

The Southwest could have addressed the matter a long time ago if it was ceded to the region with appropriate resource allocation for infrastructural development. To the objection that it is a federal road, I answer that this objection begs the question: Shouldn’t such roads be regional roads for which regions have responsibility that they can discharge more effectively than the Federal Government?

•For comments, send SMS to 08111813080 One, the amazing power of personal example and precepts Leaders like Obasanjo, Abacha, Babangida and Jonathan failed woefully because they never pretended to be good leaders nor did they show personal examples of good leadership.

It may sound trite and stupid but this is the key.

You must live by the rules you set for the rest of the populace. For instance, these aforementioned leaders were busy doing violence to our treasury day and night yet they insisted they were “fighting corruption”. How can corruption fight itself?

In other words, you must be an exemplar of all the great virtues you expect from the people and for your country. In the next four years, the state of the country, her image, her successes and failures will represent the very archetype of who you are and what you are. In other words, leadership is the key; whatever you do will permeate all the way down.

Two, rebuilding our institutions, physical and moral There would not be any need for such fancy 10-point or 100-point agendas; no need for any dubious reform programmes.

The basics, the basics and the basics again are what he must focus upon. There is no doubt that most of the institutions of state are comatose, if not dead. We are also in dire need of moral rearmament and value re-orientation. We have over the years, become like the denizens of the jungle where anything goes and nothing is held sacred.

All the rules, procedures and codes of conduct in our public lives have broken down or are completely eroded.

•Continued

on page 56

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