The Nation May 25, 2012

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

News Parties to present Ondo candidates Aug 4, says INEC P8 Sports How goal king Rashidi Yekini blew N60m in 60 days P5 Business Ribadu: Nigeria loses 200,000 barrels of crude daily P3 www.thenationonlineng.net

VOL. 7, NO. 2136 FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

N150.00

Sultan: enough of bloodbath From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

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ULTAN Mohammad Sa’ad Abubakar sent out yesterday a message to agents of violence: enough.

The Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the northern Islamic organisation, the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), lamented that insecurity was tearing the North apart.

Addressing the Central Council of the organisations comprising Islamic traditional rulers and clerics across the North, the Sultan said that the increasing level of insecurity was slowly killing religious, social and economic lives.

The Sultan said northern leaders must not relent in the search for a lasting peace, adding that the rising level of insecurity is not only a source of concern, but slowly tearing the North apart.

Said the Sultan: “We must not relent in our search for peace and security within our society. The current level of insecurity in the Northern states is not only a source of worry and concern to all of us, but is also slowly but surely tearing apart the fabric of our religious, social and economic life.”

The royal father admonished the North to Continued on page 2

•Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole dancing to a song at a rally of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area...yesterday. The governorship election is on July 14. Story on page 59

NJC’s decision on Salami’s recall is final, says Uwais NBA, Akanbi, others urge respect for NJC’s stand

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MINENT jurists and lawyers were unanimous yesterday that President Goodluck Jonathan should embrace the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC) to reinstate Court of Appeal President Justice Isa Ayo Salami.

To former Chief Justice of Nigeria Justice Muhammed Uwais, it is only the NJC that has the constitutional powers to reinstate Justice Salami.

Speaking in an interview aired on Channels Television, Justice Uwais said all issues of appointment, discipline and removal of judges reside with the NJC. He said the NJC has taken a final decision, which it only needs to inform the President about.

Besides, the eminent Jurist said he stood by the NJC’s report.

Justice Uwais said: “By vir-

By Joseph Jibueze, Precious Igbonwelundu and John Austin Unachukwu, Lokoja

tue of Sections 20 and 21 (b) of part I of the Third Schedule to the 1999 Constitution, the President has no say in the suspention and reinstatement of any judge. It is the responsibility of the NJC to reinstate Salami.

“The NJC does not need to seek the permission of the President to return Salami to office.”

Justice Uwais is the first and longest serving chairman of the NJC. He was the chairman of the 29-member committee of eminent jurists which recommended Justice Salami’s reinstatement.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) demanded his immediate reinstatement.

At its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in

WHO SAID WHAT Justice Salami was suspended without recourse to the existing court cases and for government to refuse to reinstate him because of existing court cases amounts to blowing hot and cold at the same time.This also amounts to using the court as a shield and a sword at the same time —NBA

My advice is that there are issues that can be politicised, but it would be dangerous for the judiciary to be politicised, more so when Mr. President, at the time he suspended Justice Salami, said the judiciary must put its own house in order...

This is politics —Justice Akanbi •From left, Executive Director, South East/Treasury, Skye Bank Plc, Mrs Amaka Onwughalu; Group managing Director/ CEO Mr Kehinde Durosinmi-Etti; and Chairman Mr Olatunde Ayeni, at the bank’s Annual General Meeting in Lagos...yesterday

Continued on page 2

•CITY BEAT P6 •SPORTS P23 •POLITICS P43 •PEOPLE P25•MONEY LINK P51

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THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012

NEWS 2015: Nnamani defends Buhari’s comment

From left: Company Secretary/Legal Adviser, Chemical and Allied Products (CAP) Plc. Mr. Godwin Samuel, Chairman, Mr. Larry Ettah and the Managing Director/CEO, Mrs. Omolara Elemide, during the 47th Annual General Meeting of CAP Plc, held at Golden Tulip Hotel, Festac, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos...yesterday.

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Sultan: enough of bloodbath Continued from page 1

come back to its senses and declare firmly and resolutely that enough is enough of the bloodshed.

The Sultan went on: “The bloodshed must stop; each and every one of us must come to appreciate that we cannot continue on this destructive path. We must open active, meaningful and sincere channels of dialogue and communication to ensure that we listen to those who have real grievances and to make genuine efforts to address them.

“But we must as an Ummah also take a resolute stand against those who take advantage of this unfortunate situation to wreak havoc on the society

in pursuit of their narrow interests.

“Allah (SWT) is never indifferent to the plight of his servants. He will definitely put to shame those who seek to violate the honour and the sanctity of Muslims. We must at all times seek Allah’s intervention through prayers, for there is no calamity or distress that he cannot dispel.

“It is also pertinent to point out that traditional and religious leaders must bear a special responsibility in counselling those in positions of authority at the federal, state and local government levels, that governance must necessarily be equated with service to the people and the socioeconomic development of

the society.

“As members of this veritable organisation, we must not relent in our efforts for the search of peace and security within our society.

The current level of insecurity in the northern states is not only a source of worry and concern to all of us, but is also slowly, but surely tearing apart the very fabric of our religious, social and economic life.

“The prosperity of the state must translate into the prosperity of the entire populace; it shall not be the exclusive preserve of the few who happen to have access to state resources. The federal, state and local governments must embark on meaningful development programmes that will make life easier and

more pleasant for the majority of our people. The current level of poverty, especially in the northern states cannot be acceptable in any decent society.

“We can hide behind our rhetorics, but we cannot run away from the stark realities which characterise the daily lives of our people. It is therefore, imperative for our government to take this responsibility seriously.

When we vie with one another in a democratic society for positions of leadership, it is equally incumbent upon us to vie with each other to make leadership more meaningful to the generality of our people.”

Continued on page 61

ORMER Senate President Ken Nnamani said yesterday in Abuja that Gen. Muhamadu Buhari only called for free and fair elections in the country and not bloodshed.

Nnamani said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

He said based on his understanding of the statement credited to Gen. Buhari, the former head of state was not boisterous in his comment.

The former senate president urged well-meaning Nigerians not to take undue advantage of developments to create tension in the country, saying opinions such as Buhari’s should be taken objectively.

“The way I understood him I don’t think he was being too boisterous because our people responded to that in a way that seemed like he was calling for blood to flow; I didn’t understand him that way.

“The way I understood the statement is that if it’s not free and fair, it might spell doom for the country. It is a kind of prediction but he’s not calling for blood.

“I didn’t understand him as calling for blood. I’m not his spokesman by any means, but I’m only trying to interpret it the way I understood that statement and it is important for us to shout for free and fair election.”

Speaking on Nigeria’s Vision 20:2020, Nnamani said a lot needed to be done for the country to attain the feat.

According to him, Nigeria should be growing faster than the 19 most developed economies if it is to join the 20 in-

dustrialised countries of the world.

“It will be wrong for us to think that in the next eight years, we will overtake the countries like Indonesia or India or Korea; it is not possible that we will do it.

“We are still battling with our light (power) situation; still battling with the security situation; other countries are doing the same. Our government, as far as I am concerned, looks very focused and working hard to solve some of the problems.

“But for us to assume that we are going to launch people in the moon in the next eight years and so on and overtake all those countries that we consider highly industrialised, it is good to aspire but it should be based on facts.”

Nnamani said there was nothing wrong in aspiring to be in the class of the 20 most industrialised economies in the world, but called for proper measures that would help Nigeria achieve such target.

•Gen. Buhari

Salami: Legal giants warn Jonathan to avoid anarchy

Continued from page 1

Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, the association urged President Jonathan to recall the suspended Jurist.

The NBA reiterated its earlier position that Justice Salami should not have been suspended in the first instance.

It said if the President could suspend him, despite the fact that there were cases in court, including those filed by Justice Salami, there was nothing stopping his re-instatement now, irrespective of any pending suits.

NBA President Joseph Daudu said: “Justice Salami was suspended without recourse to the existing court cases and for government to refuse to reinstate him because of existing court cases amounts to blowing hot and cold at the same time.

“This also amounts to using the court as a shield and a sword at the same time.”

The Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ilorin branch, Mr. Rafiu Balogun, said the government has ulterior motive in its reluctance to restore Justice Salami back to office.

He said: “The Federal Government is trying to be clever by half. As at the time he was suspended, he was also in court, but the Federal Government ignored that with reckless abandon. The NBA’s plea too was ignored. That is not fair enough.

“President Jonathan should, as a matter of urgency, reinstate him. He should act swiftly so that there will not be a consti-

Respect NJC’s recommendation, says Akanbi

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FORMER Court of Appeal chief Justice Mustapha Akanbi, has said Nigerians are looking up to the National Judicial Council’s (NJC’s) next line of action on Justice Salami’s reinstatement.

The pioneer chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) added: “This is the first time NJC’s recommendation would be rejected.”

Justice Akanbi, who spoke in Ilorin yesterday, said: “The Federal Government is not interested in retiring Justice Salami as the Appeal Court President. They are also not ready to accept the recommendation of the committee headed by the number two person at the Supreme Court as a result of this question of cases in court. By the time Justice Salami was suspended, there were cases in court and yet immediately that recommendation was made, the President suspended him.

“Now that the same NJC has reexamined

tutional crisis.”

An Ilorin lawyer, John O. Bayeshea (SAN), said: “Jonathan’s reluctance on Justice Salami’s reinstatement is a sad development.”

Lawyers warned that there could be judicial anarchy, if President Jonathan does not reinstate Justice Salami.

Section 238(5) of the 1999 Constitution states that the court’s Acting President, Justice Dalhatu Adamu’s appointment cannot be renewed, having served three times (three months each), unless he is given a substantive rank or his tenure is somehow extended.

Should that happen, lawyers said, it will be unprecedented.

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

the matter and found out that there was no justification for suspending or removing him from office, they are now saying that until cases are taken out of court.

“We all know that recently a few other cases were filed. So, I was a bit surprised, but I know some people are definitely bent on making sure Salami doesn’t get back to office, but I had thought that the President of the country, being the father of all, whether those who support or oppose him, would display that magnanimity that respect must be given to the recommendation of the NJC. “Even if we advise Justice Salami to go and withdraw his case now, there are other cases which some of us believe are deliberate to keep Justice Salami out of the way. What is more, we now hear that the tenure of the acting president, which has expired, has been extended. That is after the recommendation that Justice Salami should go back to his seat, which means it is a

Besides, it will be against the norm and judicial hierarchy to appoint another justice who is junior to Justice Adamu as acting president when he is still on the bench, they said.

The only consequence, they said, will be judicial anarchy, which the President must prevent by towing the path of courage, abiding by the rule of law.

On whether the NJC can take further steps towards re-instating Justice Salami, the lawyers said the buck stops with the President.

Those who also spoke yesterday on Justice Salami’s fate include Malam Yusuf Ali (SAN), Chief Emeka Ngige

rejection of what the NJC has done.

“My advice is that there are issues that can be politicised, but it would be dangerous for the judiciary to be politicised, more so when Mr. President, at the time he suspended Justice Salami, said the judiciary must put its own house in order. The judiciary now has taken a decision, which probably would have assuaged public feelings and given us the way forward. This is politics and there is nothing any of us who are not politicians can do.

“We can only pray that almighty God will guide us all on the path of honour and rectitude. I’m an optimist; I always believe that in the fullness of time, we will come to realise that it is not good to defy the advice of the NJC. Parties may come and go, judges may come and go, but the judiciary would remain as the bastion of democracy and the last hope of the common man. To that end, I want to believe that ultimately, truth and justice shall triumph.”

(SAN), constitutional lawyer Fred Agbaje, rights activists and lawyers Bamidele Aturu and Ike Ofuokwu as well as university don Wahab Shittu.

Ali said the NJC has done its duty by recommending Justice Salami’s re-instatement.

There is nothing more it can do.

His words: “I am not aware of any other thing under the Constitution or the law that the NJC can do anymore. Its duty is to recommend and it has done so.”

Ngige said the President’s refusal to re-instate Justice Salami could be brought before the United Nations and, World Council of Jurists for

their intervention.

His words: “The reason given by the Hon Attorney General of the Federation for the government’s failure to act on the recommendation of NJC reinstating the President of the Court of Appeal to his office is most unfortunate.

“The reasoning that there are pending suits in the High Court has exposed the perfidy of the Federal Government on the imbroglio.

“When Justice Salami was illegally suspended in August last year, the same Attorney General did not advise the President that there was a pending suit instituted by Justice Salami against the NJC.

“Now it suits the government to hide under the cloak of lis pendens to reject the recommendation of NJC. Who are those who instituted actions to make the matter subjudice? Busy bodies who were apparently sponsored by the government to file the action.

“It is interesting that the government waited till after the commencement of the suits before it made its stand known.

What the Federal Government has unwittingly done to itself is that it has laid a very dangerous precedent.

“Tomorrow, any other person can file an action in court to stop the government from carrying out its functions or duties on account of a matter being subjudice.

“The Federal Government must be prepared to stay action on such matters, once the suit is known to have been filed.

“The action of the Federal Government has shown that there is indeed no independence of the judiciary in Nigeria. It is a demonstration that this government does not believe in Rule of Law. “Section 238(5) of the 1999 Constitution is very clear that the Acting President of the Court of Appeal cannot stay beyond three months in office, unless there is a recommendation for extension of tenure.

“To the best of my knowledge, there has been no such extension. So, the government is simply promoting illegality and anarchy by allowing a Continued on page 58

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THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012

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NEWS

Ribadu: Nigeria loses 200,000bpd to theft

Ex-bank chief’s trial stalled

By Adebisi Onanuga

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•Standardised metering system to monitor production of crude oil coming soon

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HE Chairman of the National Task Force on Petroleum Revenue, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, yesterday said Nigeria is losing about 200,000 barrels of crude oil per day to theft.

He said a new standardised metering system would soon be put in place to determine how much crude is being produced and sold daily.

Ribadu broke the news in Abuja during a mid-term assessment of his committee’s work after a five-hour session with International Oil Companies (IOCs) and other stakeholders on how to install production metres to monitor the nation’s crude.

It has been difficult knowing how much crude was produced daily by 33 oil companies.

According to an Assistant Director of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Mr. A. O. Ohiani, 31 of the 33 companies have been provided production metres but only five are using the metres.

Ribadu said his committee would work with the IOCs and other stakeholders to ensure transparency in the oil industry.

Ribadu said: “Security is the reason we are not getting maximum result from this industry. Security is probably responsible for up to 30 per cent loss of revenue in the country in one way or the other.

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

“Right now, we are being told by so many of the players that we are losing close to about 200,000 barrels of crude oil a day. If you put that into Arithmetic, you will know how much we are losing daily.

“Not only that, we are also losing investments in the industry. This is an industry that relies solely on people continuously investing in it. If you don’t invest today, you are not going to get results tomorrow.

“Already, we have a lot coming out of this security issues.

So many companies are coming in and others are cashing in on that. It is a loss to Nigeria.

“There is so much loss going on, in addition to the image, which is so very, very bad for Nigeria. Nigeria is the only country where crude oil is stolen. It is very sad. The theft of crude oil is a terrible thing in Nigeria; it is giving us a bad name and a bad image. We need to address that.

“Unless you have a metering system, whereby you are able to tell exactly what you are producing daily from the well, what is going through the pipelines to a flow station, what is going to the export terminal, you may not be very accurate with any figure. That is the problem we are facing.

“We want to find solutions to the metering problem. We have called them, they have

•Ribadu

come. We want to see if we can solve those issues the DPR has complained about. Others also complained against DPR. So, we are trying to see if we can build a kind of understanding and solve the problem.

“I think the meeting is very good so far. You can see what we did. We just called them to come and discuss on the issue of metering and all of them have turned up. They are very enthusiastic. They have shown interest and we believe that something good will come out of it...”

An Assistant Director with the DPR, Mr. A. O. Ohiani, said the agency has manpower problem.

He said: “For an industry with 40 players, we have about 1,080 people to regulate it.

There is need for people to understand what operates in the industry.”

A member of the Ribadu panel, Mr. Gerald Ilukwe, said: “Oil and gas industry suffers from global trust deficit. It is more negative than positive “There is a need for close collaboration between the stakeholders and the regulators; we have to come together a bit more often.”

HE suit against the former Managing Director of Bank PHB (now Keystone Bank), Mr Francis Atuche, could not continue yesterday at a Lagos High Court, Ikeja.

One of the former directors of the bank charged with him, Mr Lekan Kasali, did not appear in court. He was said to have taken ill.

At the resumed hearing of the matter before Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo, counsel to Kasali, Chris Eme, said the second defendant was ill and on admission in a hospital.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Atuche and Kasali on alleged stealing of N7.2 billion belonging to the bank.

Eme tendered a letter from the hospital as proof that his client was in the hospital.

He said: “My lord, the second defendant is presently ill and is on admission in the hospital. My lord will notice from the court records that he has never been absent from proceedings.

On the basis of his ill health, I will be craving the court’s indulgence for a short adjournment.”

Counsel to EFCC, Mr Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), did not oppose Eme’s position.

He said he agreed with the request for an adjournment and confirmed that the second defendant had never been absent from the previous 15 proceedings.

“We have had 15 appearances before this court and I can confirm that the second defendant has never been absent from proceedings. I’m forced to reluctantly concede to the adjournment because of his consistency in previous proceedings and not ask for any order,”he said.

Jonathan seeks confirmation of Justices Mohammed, Ogunbiyi as Supreme Court Justices From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor, Abuja

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday forwarded the names of Justices Musa Mohammed and Clara Ogunbiyi for confirmation by the Senate for appointment as Justices of the Supreme Court.

Justice Mohammed is to represent North Central; Justice Ogunbiyi is to represent North-East at the apex court.

If the nominees scale Senate’s screening, the number of Justices in the apex court will be 17.

The appointment of Justice Ogunbiyi will bring the number of female Supreme Court Justices to four.

Other women Justices include Justices Mary Odili, Mukhtar Mariam Aloma and Olufunlayo Adekeye.

Mark urges protection for local industries From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

SENATE President David Mark yesterday urged the Federal Government to create safety nets to protect local industries against unhealthy competition.

Mark spoke in Abuja when he hosted the management team of Notore Chemical Industries Limited, led by its Group Chief Executive Officer/Group Managing Director, Onajite Okoloko.

A statement by his media aide, Kola Ologbondiyan, said the Seante President decried the dearth of indigenous industries in Nigeria.

He said: “Our local industries must be provided with some level of protection to safeguard them from the threats of competitors who bring in similar products from abroad.”

“The National Assembly will cooperate with local producers by creating an enabling legislative environment that would enhance the activities of our local industries.”

The Senate President criticised some investors who he said bought into privatised companies.

Mark said: “From the investigation conducted by our ad hoc committee, we discovered that the privatisation exercise was a near disaster.

“Many of the investors, who promised to rehabilitate the companies and improve on their fortunes, looted the property of those companies and in other instances vandalised them.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012

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NEWS

Shekau…

In his messages, Abubakar Shekau, the leader of insurgent group Boko Haram, always speaks Hausa and sprinkles of Arabic. In a profile by BBC, it is revealed, among other things, that he can’t speak English and that he married one of the wives of the group’s late founding leader • Vice-President Namadi Sambo (left), exchanging MoU on Economic Cooperation with his South African Counterpart, Mr Kgalema Motlanthe, in Johannesburg... on Wednesday

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HE leader of the militant Islamist group Boko Haram is said to be a fearless loner, a complex, paradoxical man -part intellectual, part gangster.

Fondly called imam or leader by his followers, Abubakar Muhammad Shekau was born in Shekau village in Nigeria’s northeastern state of Yobe.

Some say he is 34 or 35, others that he may be 43 - the uncertainty adds to the myths surrounding Nigeria’s most wanted man.

Radical theology student Mr Shekau was once thought to have been killed by security forces in 2009 -only for him to reappear in videos posted on the internet less than a year later as Boko Haram’s new leader.

The group’s founder, Muhammad Yusuf died in police custody, and hundreds of others were killed during that massive crackdown -which many blame for making the group even more violent.

Mr Shekau has not been seen in public since.

Instead, still images and video clips of him are released from time to time, mostly online, by the group’s faceless “public enlightenment department”.

Mr Shekau is said to have met his predecessor in Maiduguri, capital of Borno State and now Boko Haram’s headquarters, through a mutual friend, Mamman Nur. Nigeria’s authorities say Mr Nur masterminded the August 2011 bombing of the UN office complex in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja.

Draft of PIB being finalised •Niger Governor Babangida Aliyu and Commissioner for Youth Development Mrs Victoria Jiya during the opening ceremony of the Youth Parliament Retreat in Minna... on Wednesday.

From left: Company Secretary, Dangote Cement Plc, Ityoyila Ukpi, Chairman, Dangote Plc, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and the Group Managing Director, DVG Edwin at the 2011 Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos...yesterday

•Managing Director/CEO, BBDO West Africa Demola Olusunmade (left) and Chairman/CEO, BBDO Asia, Middle East & AfricaChris Thomas at the launch of BBDO West Africa in Lagos

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NEW draft of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) , whose passage is needed to unblock billions of dollars of stalled investment into exploration and production, will be finaliSed this week, sources close to the matter said yesterday.

A copy of the 200-page PIB obtained by Reuters includes plans to partly privatise and list the state oil firm, tax oil company profits at 20 percent for deep offshore and 50 percent for shallow or onshore, and give the oil minister supervisory powers over all institutions in the industry.

Current oil firm profit taxes are not published. A spokesman for Nigeria’s leading operator Shell said he did not know what current tax rates were.

The PIB has been years in the making and the delays have caused uncertainty over the future framework of working in Nigeria, costing the

industry billions of dollars of potential investment and the government much-needed revenues.

Without it, most analysts expect oil production in Nigeria to decline substantially over the next few years.

Nigeria exports more than 2 million barrels a day (bpd) of crude oil popular with U.S. buyers because it is light and easy to refine. China and India are also growing takers of Nigerian crude.

Even when this version gets to parliament, there is no guarantee lawmakers will push it through, as powerful vested interests could block or delay it, as has happened in the past.

President Goodluck Jonathan is explicitly behind this version, and it was drawn up by a taskforce of senators his administration appointed, but even though his party has a majority in both houses of parliament it could still stall.

ICPC, NEITI to battle oil thieves

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HE Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) have agreed to join forces against oil thieves.

The Executive Secretary of NEITI, Mrs Zainab Ahmed, who led officials of the Federal Government agency to the National Headquarters of ICPC, on Wednesday, said a strong partnership between the two agencies is required to combat corruption in the oil sector.

Mrs. Ahmed said the constitutional role of NEITI to ICPC include ensuring due process, transparency and accountability in the payment by all extractive industry companies to the Federal Government and other statutory recipients.

NEITI, she said, has the mandate to eliminate all forms of corrupt practices in the determination, payments, receipts and posting of revenue accruing to the government from extractive industry companies and in the process ensure transparency and accountability by government in application of resources from the payments.

She said though the NEITI Act of 2007 empowers it to impose sanctions on offenders in the oil industry, it lacks the capacity to investigate or prosecute them.

She said NEITI wants a collaboration with the ICPC to enforce the NEITI Act, investigate complaints arising from NEITI audit report and prompt prosecution of offenders.

The ICPC Acting National Chairman, Ekpo Nta said the Audit Reports by NEITI has been helpful to the anti-corruption agency in defining a mode of investigation to follow in curbing corruption in the oil sector. He said it would be necessary for the legal departments of the two agencies to meet and finalise arrangements on the mode of partnership between them through an MOU to be jointly signed.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012

5

NEWS

Nigeria’s most wanted fugitive All three were theology students and Mr Shekau was seen as the quietest and perhaps the most radical of them.

“He hardly talks, he is fearless,” says Ahmed Salkida, a journalist with such good access to Boko Haram that, at one stage, he was suspected of being a member.

He says he only escaped summary execution by Maiduguri police after an intelligence officer intervened.

“He is one of those who believe that you can sacrifice anything for your belief,” Mr Salkida says.

Mr Shekau is fluent in his native Kanuri, Hausa and Arabic languages - he does not speak English.

“I used to joke with him that he should teach me Arabic and I would teach him English,” Mr Salkida says.

When Yusuf was killed, Mr Shekau is said to have married one of his four wives and adopted their children -perhaps, say sources who do not want to be named, to preserve Boko Haram’s cohesion or “purity”.

‘Chilling message’ The group has a highly decentralised structure -the unifying force is ideology.

Mr Shekau does not communicate directly with the group’s foot soldiers. He is said to wield his power through a few select cell leaders, but even then, contact is minimal.

“A lot of those calling themselves

A rosy view of the insurgents

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AST night the heat meant I could not sleep. So I watched the Sky Press Review. A reviewer from the FT made some patronising comments about The Mail.

As it happens, that morning I nearly choked on my coffee when I read one Xan Rice writing in the FT about ‘A Rare Glimpse into Mysteries of Boko Haram’, the Nigerian Islamist terrorist organisation. So far this year Boko Haram, which means ‘Western education is forbidden’ in Hausa, have killed 500 people in Nigeria, many of them Christians. It is thought the group’s recent use of sophisticated bombing tactics owes much to demobbed African mercenaries returning from Libya to Mali Mauritania or Niger, and then on to northern Nigeria. Al Qaeda is also active in those parts.

The FT article claims that Boko Haram can be attributed to ‘poor governance’ manifested in ‘rampant corruption, inequality and injustice’. If that were the case, then there would surely be militant

Christians going around setting off car bombs, since they would be affected by the same chronic circumstances. The catalyst for Boko Haram violence is said to be the police killing of an imam called Mohammed Yusuf in July 2009. He was beaten up and then shot by an impromptu firing squad in his cell.

Actually as the name on the tin indicates, Boko Haram wants to intensify the sharia law, which already prevails across the Muslim north, while striking at western interests in Abuja and the south. That is why they blew up a UN building in the capital in August last year, killing 18 people. They have also bombed or shot worshippers at Christian churches and the offices of This Day newspaper. None of which has much to do with the state of governance under President Goodluck Jonathan in Nigeria who is an improvement on many of his predecessors.

At least when The Mail covers terrorism, it calls it what it is rather than trying to find excuses for murdering innocent people. Nigeria may be corrupt, but it is making great

leaders in the group do not even have contact with him,” Mr Salkida says.

Mr Shekau has neither the charis-

matic streak nor the oratorical skills of his predecessor -but he has an intense ideological commitment and ruthlessness, say people who study

•Shekau

economic strides too, so one can only marvel at what would happen if Boko Haram were to get its way and eradicate western education in favour of some grim hand-chopping regime. But then in the circles that read the FT it is always good to talk, even with murderers.

Courtesy: Daily Mail the group.

“He is the leader of the more militant wing of the group as testified by his aping of Osama Bin Laden in

his video appearances,” says Abubakar Mu’azu from the University of Maiduguri.

Mr Shekau issued a chilling message in one of those appearances which provides a major insight into what his leadership of the group will bring.

“I enjoy killing anyone that God commands me to kill -the way I enjoy killing chickens and rams,” he said in the video clip released just after Boko Haram had carried out its deadliest attack so far, killing at least 180 people in Kano, northern Nigeria’s largest city.

Mr Shekau is also the group’s spiritual leader -and, judging by video footage, he seems equally comfortable delivering sermons to his followers.

“He has a photographic memory and is well versed in theology,” Mr Salkida said.

He is nicknamed “Darul Tawheed”, which translates as a specialist in Tawheed. This is an orthodox doctrine of the uniqueness and oneness of Allah, which is the very cornerstone of Islam.

But Nigeria’s mainstream Muslim clerics do not regard Mr Shekau as a scholar and question his understanding of Islam -and regularly condemn the bombings and drive-by shootings committed by his followers against anyone who disagrees with them.

How Yekini blew N60m in 60 days •Deceased striker withdrew N1m per day for 60 days

F

ORMER Nigerian international and African Footballer of the Year Rashidi Yekini blew N60 million in two months, The Nation has learnt.

The footballer, who died on May 4, withdrew N1 million daily for about 60 days from his savings account in an old generation bank.

The account was domiciled in the Dugbe, Ibadan branch of the bank.

It was learnt that the USA ’94 World Cup hero withdrew the cash consistently and later started withdrawing the remnant in smaller sums, such as N10,000 and N5,000, until it hit the minimum balance of N2,000 stipulated by the bank.

The withdrawals occurred from the middle of 2009 and progressed till October.

The account had N62 million balance as at May, 2008. It was learnt that the footballer fixed the amount for three months and at maturity, he returned it to the savings account from where he withdrew consistently N300,000, N600,000, N500,000.

In March, 2009, he was said to have fixed the balance of N52 million for another three months. At maturity, however, the late Yekini started the N1 million per day withdrawals, until he emptied the accounts.

The late Rashidi, as he was fondly called by his admirers, was always seen at the bank because the account was a savings account. The account, it was learnt, became dormant early 2010.

One of the late Yekini's siblings, Mrs. Rafiat Adetunji, who spoke with The Nation in Ira, confirmed that there was no money in his account as at the time teh family took him for treatment.

She said family members got to

•The late Yekini

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan and Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

know about Yekini's strange behaviours when some of his neighbours in Ibadan complained.

Rafiat stated that she went in company of her husband and some of the family members to authenticate the veracity of the information and seek for a way to assist the football star.

She said when their efforts to take Yekini to a hospital in Oyo State failed, they sought the assistance of the then Oyo State Police Commissioner, Adisa Bolanta.

According to her, Bolanta ordered that Yekini be brought to him.

Her words: "When Yekini was brought before the CP, the football star said he was alright and even gave some money to some

•The hospital where he died

of the police officers present. The CP was said to have been surprised and did not know what next to do or how to assist them since Yekini appeared to be alright.

"After that we got information that Yekini went to the bank and withdraw some large sums of money, gave out some to people and spread the rest onto the air.

"When we took him to the hospital, about four weeks ago not only was he mentally unstable, he was also sick.

"We did not have money to treat him. So, we went to the bank where he had an account but unfortunately the bank said he had no more money in his account. So, we took him to the hospital and we were treating him until he died."

The late Yekini’s last moments were shrouded in mystery and con-

troversy. Some people claimed that he was insane a few years earlier; others said he deliberately withdrew from people due to the sad experience he had with a close associate, who duped him of some cash.

Many also claimed that his immediate family members came to pick him from his Oni & Sons home with the claim that he was being taken to a healing home.

But a close associate of the late footballer, who simply identified himself as Emmanuel, insisted that the late Yekini was sane. He explained that the footballer was duped by close business associates a few years ago, adding that the experience was so devastating to him that he decided to withdraw from people.

He said: “Some people betrayed

him. That was why he stopped getting close to people. They duped him of very huge amount of money. That was what affected Rashidi. Rashidi was okay mentally. He drove himself and did everything well. Every month, he gave to widows and the needy. He was generous. He was not insane.”

The late Yekini died at Al-Amin, a private hospital at Awotan, a suburb of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on May 4.

He was taken to the hospital unconscious at 2:15 pm by some men, according to the Managing Director of the hospital, Dr Gbenga Ogunsina. He died 10 minutes later and was taken to his Ira, Kwara State home that night. His body was moved from the hospital by 11:00 pm and buried the following day.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012

6

CITYBEATS

Lagos traffic radio makes its debut

By Miriam Ndikanwu

LAGOS State government has said its traffic radio station will begin full operation from May 29.

The launch, which is part of the activities slated for the celebration of democracy day in the state, would bring relief to motorists as the station would provide information on traffic situation across the metropolis.

Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Aderemi Ibirogba told reporters yesterday, in Alausa, Ikeja that the station is being test-run on 96.1 HMz. He added that full operation will commence when Governor Babatunde Fashola officially commissions it May 29, as part of activities marking Democracy Day.

Man docked for allegedly stealing N10m gold

By Fisayo Ige

A 35 YEAR-OLD goldsmith, Mr Sikiru Adeyeri, has been arraigned at the Igbosere Magistrate's Court in Lagos Island for allegedly stealing gold valued at N10 million. The police said Alhaja Falilat Masha gave Adeyeri 12 gold chains to wash, but when the chains were returned she noticed that they were reduced in length.

Sikiru was arrested last Monday and charged to court. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty.

The contravenes Section 337(1)(7) and 285(1) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2003. Magistrate F.O Aigbokhuwbo granted the defendant N500, 000 bail with two sureties.

The sureties, Aigbokhuwbo said, must have three years tax clearance certificate and a bank statement. They must also be gainfully employed with valid addresses to be verified by the police. The matter has been adjourned to 15 June.

Advertising Agency berths GLOBAL Advertising giant BBDO has brought their expertise in the trade to the country, with a promise to distinguish itself within a short time.

At the launch of BBDO West Africa in Lagos, Mr Chris Thomas, Chairman /CEO BBDO Asia, Middle-East and Africa, said the firm would provide business solutions to solve clients' problems.

He said: "We win in every market we go into. Around the world, when we get into the market, we look for the right partners and then develop a relationship and it comes down to relationships. We build good relationship with our clients which deepens over time and flags off a natural process. All we have to do is to demonstrate that we have talents, values and that we can deliver.

"Our brand and our integrity are our most precious assets and these are part of the things we spend our time focusing on. We are going to support the team here from the network and work with it to expand into other markets across West Africa," he said.

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

Robbers steal N1.5m in attack on politician

A

GANG of eight robbers, early yesterday attacked Kayode Eda-Ajayi, at his residence in Ebute-Meta, Lagos, carting away money and gold jewelries worth N1.5million Eda-Ajayi, a Supervisor for Environment and Waste Management Services at Apapa-Iganmu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), told CityBeats that the robbery, spent about 15 minutes during the operation. He said they entered his apartment through his balcony, after disarming his security guard threatening to kill him.

He said: "They came around 3am and immediately they entered my room, they collected all phones, so

By Jude Isiguzo and Paul Oluwakoya

that we won't make any call. They searched every nook and cranny of my room and made away with all the family jewelries.

"They went away with cash, jewelries and phones worth N1.5m. During the operation they tied Tolani Ajayi, my younger brother and threatened to kill me, they were even ready to molest my wife as they couldn't get the key to my car during their search.

"When the robbers heard police siren, they hurriedly left my apartment, but left a pistol at my balcony during the process. I had to call the policemen's attention to it. There are

more than seven bullet holes on the walls of my bedroom. Knowing that policemen were around they were shooting to scare them," he added.

A source who claimed he resides at around Glover Road, Ebute-Meta East, scene of the incident said the police engaged the robbers in gun battle before they escaped. He claimed that unconfirmed reports said a policeman was killed in the exchange.

Another witness, Alhaji Sulaimon Tokosi, who works as a Security Officer at the Lagos Mainland Local Government Primary Health Centre at Simpson said: "After they left Honourable Eda's house, when they heard the sound of patrolling po-

lice van, we heard sporadic shooting for hours. The police engaged the robbers but one of them was killed.

"I was on night duty, the thieves were eight in number, all dressed in the same black wears. The police have to retreat because they were few but during the process they shot one out of them. They didn't even know that one of them have been shot not until hours thereafter," Tokosi said.

Lagos Spokesman, Joseph Jaiyeoba confirmed the robbery but said he did not have the details.

He promised to get back to our correspondent, but failed to do so as at press time.

Widow to sue IGP over non prosecution of husband's killers

T

HE wife of a Superintendent of Police (SP) Sampson Okedusi, the Divisional Crime Officer, who was allegedly murdered by soldiers at Ibereko Army Barracks, Badagry on May 24, last year, Mrs Omotayo, has threatened to sue the Inspector-General of Police, the military and the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for the delay and non prosecution of the soldiers who allegedly shot her husband dead, a year after.

Mrs Okedusi who was in tears, said it is unacceptable that one year after the gruesome murder of her husband by alleged soldiers while returning to Badagry home, neither have his killers been found nor his entitlements paid by the police.

She said she was reliably informed that the army commanding officer (CO) and other supposed suspects in the murder had been transferred out of Ibereko Army Barracks, Badagry, with the suspected intention of burying the case or

•From left: Dr Okedusi, Mrs Okedusi and AfriRights Director, Mr Gbajumo

By Ebele Boniface

sweeping it under the carpet.

She said it was by special grace of God that the family has been surviving since the demise of her husband. She said all police officers who would have retired along with her husband, have all received their retirement benefits, leaving her with questions on why they should still be kept in the dark regarding

Court dismisses govt’s objection to sacked doctors’ suit

T

HE National Industrial Court (NIC) in Lagos, yesterday dismissed the preliminary objection filed by the Lagos State government against the suit brought the sacked 788 doctors.

The court held that contrary to the government's claim, it has jurisdiction to entertain the matter.

"The court has jurisdiction to hear and determine this case. The suit is competent. The matter shall accordingly proceed to trial. I make no order as to cost," Justice Benedict Kanyip ruled.

The judge added: "I think that the justice of this case requires that parties be given the opportunity to address the issues in the trial on merit."

Justice Kanyip said he would, therefore, "not just shut out all enquiries in that regard at this preliminary stage as the defendants would want this court to do."

He said the doctors' action was sustainable, adding that it accords with the law to recognise their right to sue.

By Joseph Jibueze

The Attorney-General and Justice Commissioner, Ade Ipaye, while arguing the preliminary objection, urged the court to strike out the suit because it did not disclose any reasonable cause of action, thereby depriving the court of jurisdiction to adjudicate on it.

The doctors are seeking a declaration that the defendants' refusal of the defendants to completely implement the Consolidated Medical Salary Scale (CONMESS), constitutes a violent breach of an agreement reached between them and the government.

They are also seeking a declaration that the planned disciplinary action against them for embarking on a three-day warning strike in pursuit of the full implementation of CONMESS, was wrongful, arbitrary, ultra vires the power of the defendant's management board and is illegal, unlawful and constitutes an abuse and violation of their rights.

Sampson's unpaid entitlements.

The head of the family, a doctor based at Magbo, Badagry, Michael Okedusi said: "That fateful day, May 24 May 2011, at about 9.00am my brother SP Sampson Okedusi left house to work healthy and hearty.

About 12 noon, I was in Cotonou, when my wife called and told me that he was in a serious health condition and I demanded to know

T

Lagos plans new shopping mall in Alimosho

HE Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola yesterday said the government in currently working on plans to establish a new city mall in Alimosho.

Fashola disclosed this while handing over 13kilometre networks of inner city roads in the area. He said the mall, which is part of his campaign promises would further boost business in the area.

Among the roads delivered by the government are: 1,903 metre, old Ota road, 2,800 Association Avenue, 2,800 Shasha-Orisunbare-Ejigbo Road and Agodo Community roads that connects Niyi, Owolabi, Adeyinka, Amudalatu and Abanise streets.

The governor told residents that the roads would further enhance the values of properties and open the area to more business opportunities.

He said: "Alimosho is coming alive, businesses are opening up, fast foods are coming into Alimosho, our masterplan to bring a mall to Alimosho is in the pipeline and very soon what we have in Surulere and Lekki will be here.

He said he has kept faith with his electoral promises adding that the mall would drive development in

LAGOS EMERGENCY LINES STATE AGENCIES 1. Fire and Safety Services Control Room Phone Nos: 01-7944929; 080-33235892; 4. KAI Brigade Phone Nos: 080-33235890; 080-23321770; 080-56374036.

080-23036632; 0805-5284914 Head office Phone Nos: 3. LASTMA Emergency Numbers: 2. Federal Road Safety Corps 01-4703325; 01-7743026 080-75005411; 080-60152462 (FRSC) 5.

Rapid Response Squad (RRS) 080-23111742; 080-29728371 Lagos Zonal Command Phone Phone Nos: 070-55350249; 080-23909364; 080-77551000 No:080-33706639; 01-7742771 070-35068242 01-7904983 Sector Commander Phone No: 080-79279349; 080-63299264 080-34346168; 01-2881304

PHOTO: EBELE BONIFACE

what happened, as I saw him in morning before heading for Cotonou, she said he was shot at Ibereko Barracks by soldiers.

When I got to the scene, I saw the corpse of my brother on the ground and some heavily armed soldiers hanging around and people advised me not to get there to avoid being another victim of the alleged trigger mad soldiers.

070-55462708; 080-65154338 767 or email: rapidresponsesquad@yahoo.com •

6. Health Services – LASAMBUS Ambulance Services Phone Nos: 01-4979844; 01-4979866; 01-4979899; 01-4979888; 01-2637853-4; 080-33057916; 080-33051918-9; 080-29000003-5.

By Miriam Ndikanwu

the area. "We are back to fulfil the promise we made to Alimosho, that we will turn the red earth to tarred road and today this 13 kilometres networks of roads has bring that promise to reality."

He urged residents to maintain peace as this would keep the government attention to development of infrastructure rather than focusing on resolving crisis.

He said the government remains focused and determined to ensure that the people get only the best services from their government "We are determined and committed and am sure the people should only expect things to get better. Our country and especially our state is at a course of an explosion of prosperity and this is not because of only what the people of Lagos has done, it is because of the challenges that are going on in Greece, Italy, North Africa and Middle East, it's also an opportunity; when there is a challenge somewhere, it's an opportunity in another part of the world."

Earlier, the State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, said the road construction created 600 additional employment in the area, adding that this has help the government efforts in alleviating poverty in the state.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012

7

NEWS

Alleged N11.5b fraud: EFCC gets more time on application against Akala, others From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

•Alao-Akala...yesterday

T

HE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday got more time to reply to an application to quash the charges of al-

Osun ACN congratulates Aregbesola at 55 From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

T

HE Osun State chapter of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has congratulated its leader, Governor Rauf Aregbesola, who turns 55 today.

In a goodwill message to the governor, the party expressed joy and pride in his distinctive leadership.

It noted that Aregbesola has worked hard to put Osun State at the centre stage of public discuss at home and abroad.

In a statement in Osogbo, the state capital, by the party’s Director of Publicity, Research and Strategy, Mr Kunle Oyatomi, on behalf of chairman Adelowo Adebiyi, ACN said Aregbesola has not only distinguished himself as a focused leader but also as one with a clear vision of how to grow the economy.

The party said the governor has been working round the clock to improve the lives of the residents, fix the collapsed infrastructure, reposition and creatively restructure education and inspire the people to engage in virtuous approach to life, “which has become popularly phrased as Ipinle Omoluabi”.

The statement reads: “We are proud of the giant strides which the government, led by Ogbeni Aregbesola, is making in various sectors, such as the massive investment in agriculture and the creative approach to getting thousands of young people off unemployment misery.

“We are even more delighted by the fact that other states have taken a cue from the State of Osun on several aspects, most especially the Osun Youths Empowerment Scheme (OYES).”

The party noted that since Aregbesola took over the rein of government in the state, he has enthroned peace, away from the violence the ousted Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government unleashed on ACN supporters in a desperate attempt to hold on to power.

“We are thankful for the courageous leadership provided by Ogbeni Aregbesola in that hellish period during the struggle, when scores of ACN supporters were tortured, hounded, imprisoned and killed by evil people who were in power at that time.”

leged theft of N11.5billion against former Oyo State Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala and two others.

Justice Akuntunde Boade granted the prayers of the anti-graft agency to get more time to study the accused application.

Alao-Akala and two others were arraigned on an 11-count charge of conspiracy, illegal award of contracts, obtaining by false presence, acquiring property with money derived from illegal act and concealing the ownership of such property. They pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The lead counsel to the EFCC, Chief Godwin Oblah, yesterday applied for more time to enable him reply to the application seeking to quash the charge against the accused.

He made the oral application “seeking for leave of the court for an extension of time within which the prosecution may file and serve our reply to the accused persons’ written addresses dated March 10, 2012, and any further orders as to the application of the accused persons dated March 26, 2012, and filed on April 10, 2012, brought under Section 6 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended”.

Though defence counsel, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), who led some eminent lawyers, did not object to the application for extension of time, he, however, asked for at least seven days to study the application and reply to it on point of law.

Justice Boade granted the prayer of the EFCC counsel for an extension of time to enable the anti-graft agency reply to the application filed by the counsel to the accused to quash the charges against them.

There was an argument on the representation of Chief Oblah by a private lawyer.

Oblah had, on April 26, been represented by Otunba Olayinka Bolanle. But the leader of the defence team, Chief Mohammad Osman (SAN), objected to Bolanle’s appearance.

Osman said the lawyer lacked the judicial power to appear as a prosecutor because it was Oblah that got the fiat of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) to prosecute the case.

But Bolanle insisted he had been appearing with Oblah and so was qualified to hold forth for his principal.

Justice Boade averred that Bolanle lacked the constitutional power to prosecute the accused because the fiat for prosecution was solely conferred Oblah.

Elders, chiefs, others support ex-OSOPADEC chief

I

NDIGENES of Irele, headquarters of Irele Local Government Area in Ondo State yesterday promised to support the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and one of its chieftain, Chief Adewale Omojuwa.

They spoke at the home of the ACN chieftain at a ceremony organised by a political association, the Igba Otun Peoples Congress.

The event included the defection of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) members into the ACN. They expressed their support for Omojuwa and commitment to the victory of the ACN in the October 20 governorship election.

Traditional chiefs from the

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

community, including High Chiefs Ologbosere A.A. Owoloye, O.O Mesagan, Moses Faniyi Akinjamolu; Chiefs Adedoyin Akeke, Ajigbotowoyo Akindutire, Olowoniyi Adebi and Odundun Owoloye promised to support the party and Omojuwa.

The ACN chieftain said he was in the community to spread the good news about the party and the need for the residents to vote for it in the election.

He said the party would take Ondo State to greater heights, if voted to power in the October 20 poll.

Decrying what he describes

as the non-performance of the LP administration in the state, Omojuwa said if ACN wins the election, it would transform Ondo State.

He assured the new members of fair treatment in the party, sayin the ACN leadership structure and style would not discriminate or sideline them in the scheme of things.

The party chieftain urged party members to relate harmoniously with the defectors, saying there is need for an aggressive membership drive to boost the party’s chances in the forthcoming polls and subsequent ones.

Addressing reporters, ACN chairman in the local government area, Mr. David Obajulaye, said the ceremony was a wel-

come development.

He expressed optimism that the steps by leaders of the party, including Omojuwa’s, to expand party membership would boost ACN’s chances at the polls.

ACN Women’s Leader in the local government area, Mrs. Ehindoro Moyinoluwa, hailed Omojuwa for the success of the party in the area.

She promised her support for the success of the party in the community.

At the ceremony were the wife of Chief Omojuwa, Folake; ACN leaders from all the 10 wards in the local government as well as several community leaders, heads of youth organisations from Okitipupa, Ilaje and EseOdo local government areas.

Fayemi’s wife rescues boy from ‘abusive father’ THE wife of Ekiti State Governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, yesterday rescued a sevenyear-old boy, Master Sogo Fakorede, who was allegedly abused by his father, Mr. Rufus Fakorede.

The boy was reportedly brutalised for allegedly refusing to run errands.

When he was taken to the governor’s wife, Sogo was said to be carrying lacerations on his back and chest, with his hands and head swollen from the whipping by his father.

His legs and hands were said to have been tied up with a rope, with the alleged assistance of a neighbour, identified as Babalawo.

Sogo was said to have been beaten with a wire.

It was learnt that the latest was one of the several cases of maltreatment meted out to the boy by his father and the victim’s step-mother in the past few years.

The boy’s mother is said to have separated with the father few years ago.

Fakorede’s neighbours, who reportedly witnessed the assault on Wednesday night, were said to have reported it to the governor’s wife because of her campaign against child abuse.

The victim’s father said the boy was beaten for his errant behaviour. But the boy said he used to run away from home to escape repeated beating by his father.

Sogo said: “My father’s wife sent me to buy kerosene.

On my way out of the house, she called me back, but I did not hear. I came back home empty-handed few minutes later because I could not get kerosene to buy...”

Police arraign monarch’s wife for alleged brawl From Damisi Ojo, Akure

•One of the newly constructed network of 11 roads by the Lagos State Government in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State.

INSET: Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) (left) assisted by Baale of Orisumbare, Akibu Adebowale (second right) cutting the ribbon to inaugurate the one of the roads...yesterday. With them is a member of House of Assembly, Bisi Yusuf (right).

Party criticises Jonathan’s refusal to reinstate Salami

T

HE Osun State chapter of the Action Congress of Nigeria (CAN) has criticised President Goodluck Jonathan for refusing to reinstate the suspended President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Ayo Salami.

It described Jonathan’s action as a proof that he is leading the country to serve the interest of some people.

In a statement by its Director of Publicity, Research and Strategy, Mr Kunle Oyatomi, the party noted that the alleged manipulation of court process to prevent justice would backfire tragically against the country’s judiciary and administration of justice.

The ACN, therefore, urged all lovers of democracy and justice to protest against the President’s action.

The statement reads: “We do not think it augurs well for the country’s democracy. Those who are watching us from outside this country will be disappointed that the hope for the rule of law to be entrenched in Nigeria is fast fading with violence on the increase and poverty becoming endemic because of corruption.

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

Now, injustice is also taking hold. That is a very bad omen.

“We are worried that Mr. President seems to be acting like somebody who has forgotten history. Those who had toyed with justice and democratic norms in Nigeria, some 50 years ago, paid dearly for it. If care is not taken, the events of 1962 and 1966 are about to repeat themselves.”

The ACN noted that the arguments by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Jonathan administration to block the reinstatement of Justice Salami would be handy in the future to prevent justice, advance electoral fraud and frustrate democracy so that the PDP would perpetuate itself in power and continue to “steal the country blind”.

It said: “Nigeria deserves only a president whose primary purpose is the defence of our democratic institutions, not one that will conspire with his party to ruin those institutions as the PDP presidency in Aso Rock is doing right now.”

THE Ondo State Police Command yesterday arraigned the wife of the Olusupare of Supare-Akoko, a traditional ruler in Akoko South West Local Government Area, Mrs. Sefiat Adejoro Adedeji, at Supare Magistrate Court for alleged brawl in the public.

Mrs Adedeji was said to have fought Mrs. Comfort Awogbamila on May 4. Her conduct allegedly led to the breach of communal peace and disrepute to the throne.

Police prosecutor, Mr. Steven Dickson, said he would present four witnesses to testify against the Olori.

The Olori and Mrs Awogbamila allegedly committed the offence at 8pm on May 4 at Supare Magisterial District.

They were said to have “unlawfully” fought in the public “at Ugbe Quarters, Supare Akoko, and thereby committed an offence, contrary to Section 83 of the Criminal Code Cap 37, Vol II, Laws of Ondo State”.

The accused were also charged with conduct likely to cause the breach of peace, contrary and punishable under Section 249(d) of the Criminal Code, Cap 37, Vol. II, laws of the state.

8

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012

NEWS Ekiti teachers, govt disagree on test From Sulaimnan Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

T

HE Ekiti State Government and teachers are at logger heads over the Teachers’ Development Needs Assessment (TDNA) test being organised by the government.

Despite assurances by top government officials that the purpose of the test is not to sack teachers but to improve their performance, teachers are insisting that they would not have it.

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS), who spoke with reporters yesterday in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, were opposed to the test.

NUT Assistant SecretaryGeneral Wale Oyeniyi and Mr. Sola Adigun of ASUSS said instead of the test, teachers should be retrained for better productivity.

Commissioner for Information Funminiyi Afuye said: “The test is to assess the capacity of teachers to determine what kind of training they require.”

Ondo: Parties to present candidates Aug 4

Osun ACN hails Aregbesola at 55

•INEC releases timetable

HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Osun State has congratulated Governor Rauf Aregbesola on his 55th birthday today.

In a message to the governor, signed by its Publicity Director Mr. Kunle Oyatomi, ACN said it was proud of Aregbesola’s “distinct leadership”.

It said Aregbesola has distinguished himself as a focused leader with a clear vision of how to grow the economy, improve the lives of Osun indigenes, fix the collapsed infrastructure, reposition education and inspire the people to adopt a virtuous approach to life.

ACN said: “We are proud of the giant strides the Aregbesola administration is making in various sectors, such as the massive investment in agriculture and the Osun Youths Empowerment Scheme (OYES).

“We are delighted that other states replicating several initiatives of the Aregbesola administration, including OYES. Aregbesola has restored peace in Osun, which used to be notorious for the violence unleashed on the opposition by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in its desperate attempt to hold on to power.

“We are thankful for the courageous leadership provided by Aregbesola in the hellish period of the struggle, when scores of ACN supporters were tortured, hounded, imprisoned and killed.

“But for his tenacious spirit and undiminished commitment, we would not have been where we are today. We urge all progressives to support the governor and pray for him to remain healthy, strong and focused in the service of humanity.

May God preserve and protect our dear Aregbesola.”

T

HE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday released the time table for the October 20 governorship election in Ondo State.

The notice of election is slated for July 6.

Parties are to collect forms for the election at the INEC office in Abuja on July 27.

They are to conduct party primaries and present their standard bearers on or before August 4.

Party campaigns will begin on July 21 and end on October 19.

September 19 is the last day for the submission of nomination forms by political parties.

Presenting the timetable to stakeholders at the commission’s Alagbaka office in Akure, the state capital, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Akin Orebiyi, said the commission will

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

conduct a free and fair election.

He said: “The electoral body will conduct a peaceful poll. The election will be fair, free and credible; every vote will count.”

Orebiyi urged all stakeholders to conduct themselves with decorum to ensure a successful election.

He said: “Ordinarily, in other climes, elections are a simple matter conducted in an atmosphere of peace and mutual respect for all.

“It is unfortunate that here, the situation is the opposite. Here, elections are a matter of do-or-die, fraught with mutual distrust, fraud and violence, with the accompanying colossal waste of human and financial resources.

“The October 20 election

‘INEC will be open and transparent. We will create a conducive environment for the smooth conduct of the election. We shall mobilise all our resources for that purpose’ will be a huge departure from the shameful culture of fraud, complicity and illegality.

“INEC will be open and transparent. We will create a conducive environment for the smooth conduct of the election. We shall mobi-

•Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi presenting a cheque to one of the beneficiaries of the State’s Social Security Scheme for the Elderly, Mrs. Lydia Osadare, in OmuoEkiti...yesterday.

With them is the Commissioner for Labour , Productivity and Human Capital Development, Mr. Wole Adewunmi.

Group backs aspirant From Leke Akeredolu, Akure

A

GROUP in Ondo State, the Legacy Campaign Group (LCG), yesterday backed the governorship aspiration of Dr. Segun Abraham.

Abraham is seeking the governorship ticket of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the October 20 election.

When the group visited Abraham yesterday at his campaign office in Akure, the state capital, LCG President Mr. Femi Ikoyi said Abraham stands out among all the aspirants.

Ikoyi said the group would mobilise the electorate at the grassroots to vote for the ACN. He said: “You cannot be our member without having a voter’s card. That is our identity.

We are going to mobilise traders, farmers, artisans and others to vote for the ACN. “After this meeting, our members, including those that are Labour Party (LP) or Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) card-carrying members, will go to their various local governments and declare their support for the ACN. “We are supporting ACN because of Abraham’s progressive and welfarist ideas. We believe Abraham is credible and can lead us to the Promised Land.

Abraham thanked the group for its support.

He said his acceptability shows that Ondo people are tired of the Governor Olusegun Mimiko administration and are in need of “a messiah”, who will ensure positive changes.

School alumni meet

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HE Ibadan Grammar School Old Students Association (IGSOSA), Lagos State branch, will hold its monthly meeting at the Graceland Palace, No. 16, AlliBalogun Close, Off Adeniyi Jones Avenue, Ikeja, home of Prince Gbolahan Dada, on Sunday, May 27, by 2pm.

lise all our resources for that purpose.

“For those who will want to cause violence in order to win the poll; the planters of discord at polling units and the promoters of politics of hate and bitterness; the buyers of votes and results; the hijackers of ballot papers and boxes; and those who believe in rigging, there will be no filled day.”

Mr. Ayo Fadaka of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) advised politicians to shun violence.

He urged security agents to handle their job professionally.

On April 4, INEC announced October 20 as the election date. This is in conformity with the provision of the 1999 Constitution, which stipulates that governorship elections must be held not earlier than 30 days to the expiry date of the incumbent’s term.

T

Our challenges on security, by Acting IGP Abubakar •BUK bombers held •Oyo to inaugurate Security Trust Fund From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

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CTING Inspector General of Police (IGP) M o h a m m e d Abubakar yesterday said lack of equipment, corruption among policemen, unemployment, poverty and lack of cooperation from the public are some of the challenges of the police.

Abubakar spoke in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, during an interactive session with stakeholders on security. He is on a two-day tour of the state.

The Acting IGP said those responsible for the bomb blast at Bayero University, Kano (BUK), in which two professors and some students were killed a fortnight ago, have been arrested.

But he did not give details of the suspects’ identities.

Abubakar said lack of adequate equipment, such as vehicles and communication gadgets, are impairing the force’s efforts at curtailing crimes.

.Ajimoba (second left); Abubakar (middle); Deputy Governor Moses Alake Adeyemo (second right); and Deputy InspectorGeneral of Police in charge of ‘E’ Department Mr. Abdulrahman Akano...yesterday.

He admitted that some officers and men of the force are corrupt, but said they are being encouraged by members of the public who offer them bribe. Abubakar warned that any policeman caught engaging in corrupt acts would be dealt with.

Lamenting that there is a serious disconnect between the police and the community, the Acting IGP said the

force, under his leadership, is returning to the traditional ideals of policing.

He urged members of the public to cooperate with the police by knowing their neighbours, what they do and also volunteer information to the police.

Abubakar said the high rate of unemployment and poverty accounts for the rise in crime.

He urged policy makers, including governors and local government chairmen, to create an enabling environment for investment, as well as empower youths.

When Abubakar visited Governor Abiola Ajimobi at the Governor’s Office, Ibadan, Ajimobi said the State Security Trust Fund would be inaugurated next month.

He said 66 vehicles and security equipment would be handed over to the police during the inauguration.

The governor said he is confident that Abubakar has the experience to tackle the country’s security challenges.

Abubakar thanked the state government for supporting the command.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012

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BUSINESS

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012

THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

Shell Global okays OKLNG

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

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HE Shell Global Solutions International (SGSI), a world leader in liquefied natural gas (LNG) technology, marketing and investment consultancy, has confirmed Olokola Liquefied Natural Gas (OKLNG) as a sound project with good fundamentals capable of taking advantage of world LNG market opportunities in year 2018 but only if it proceeds rapidly to implementation stage now.

The Group General Manager, Public Affairs of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Dr Levi Ajuonuma, said in a statement that everything was being done to get the project on stream in keeping with the aspiration of President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration to turning Nigeria into a regional hub for gas.

He said SGSI came up with this verdict after an in depth strategy review on how best to progress the project into implementation.

Ajuonuma stated that the SGSI verdict is a vote of confidence on the project against the backdrop of the withdrawal of the smallest shareholder, the BG Group, from the project.

Explaining BG Group’s withdrawal from the OKLNG project, he said it did not come as a surprise considering that BG has been engaging NNPC on disposing of the corporation’s upstream assets in the country.

“BG’s withdrawal is consistent with earlier engagements it has had with NNPC and it will not in any way affect the project negatively as other shareholders will either exercise their right to take up the shares or allow any of the numerous investors angling to get on board to buy the shares,” he said.

11 We are going into something big. We are going into mining, petrochemicals, cement and infrastructure. We need to spend $7.5 billion in the next four years. So, definitely, we need a lot of concentration.

- Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chairman, Dangote Group

Era of bank loans diversion over, says EFCC

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HE Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde, yesterday said those diverting bank loans or defaulters will not escape from the long arm of the law.

He also asked Nigerians to stop seeing bank loans as their share from the national cake.

Lamorde, who warned bank loan defaulters while receiving the Managing Director of the Bank of Industry (BoI), Ms. Evelyn Oputu in Abuja , said the commission will not spare anyone.

He said: “Some of our people regard loans from banks as part of the sharing of the national cake. They believe that they can take

From Yusuf Alli, Abujs

loans and after a while, the banks will give up.

“We will intervene at every point you want us to do.

We have a society that persuasion does not wok, we need some enforcement.

“I do not envy you, we are aware of some banks that have reported cases to us.

The sad aspect is that some of them don’t use the money for the purpose the loans are given. The era of free or diversion of loans is gone.

He said it is also sad that “defaulting bank loan customers try to hide their assets to prevent recovery of funds given to them.”

Lamorde, who said learning and capacity building is

not a one-way traffic, assured the BoI MD of the readiness of the commission to partner with banks for training at the EFCC Academy to help financial institutions in internal control mechanism.

He added: “We may do the training for you in conjunction with other banks to get a broader view of the banking industry.

“We want to do that because we believe our job is not only to arrest and investigate but to sensitize about Nigerians about financial crimes we see on daily basis.

“It is easier and cheaper to stop somebody from committing an offence than going after him. Once you al-

low somebody to get away with money, it is always difficult to get everything back.

We will do as much as possible to assist BoI and all the banks. We will always be available to assist you.

“We owe this country a duty to ensure that the right things are done. We do not replicate the observance of law and order that we are willing to do in other countries. We need some enforcement.”

On her part, the MD of BoI, Ms Oputu said: “Transforming Nigeria’s industrial space is not easy. It has been very difficult convincing the people that there can be transformation. But, we decided we will emulate what the EFCC is doing in terms

of transparency, we will always go for the best.

“We cannot succeed without an institution like EFCC. In the powerlessness that we face, we are unable to continue without you. We want to constantly have a dialogue with you. We need you; we want to work with you. We want to reach the under-served and let them know that if you do the right thing, you will get rewarded. And those who refused to do the right thing, we will hand them over to you.

“We are professionals; we do not always understand how criminals work. We need your assistance so that we can stem financial crimes at the right time.”

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

-N6.503 trillion -Z5.112trillion -$10.84 trillion -£61.67 trillion

RATES Inflation -12.6% Treasury Bills -7.08% Maximum lending22.42% Prime lending -15.87% Savings rate -2% 91-day NTB -14.18% Time Deposit -5.49% MPR -12% Foreign Reserve $34.6b CFA EUR £ $ ¥ SDR RIYAL

-

FOREX

0.2958 206.9 245 156.4 1.9179 241 40.472

•The Chevron team (from left) Adebawo; Victor Anyaegbudike; Mrs Odunayo Adewuyi and Francis Adeboye ... yesterday

PHOTO: DAYO ADEWUNMI

‘Chevron has impacted lives in Nigeria’

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IL giant, Chevron, has made significant contributions to the communities in which it is operating, using the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) model.

The company’s Manager, Communications, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, Mr Sola Adebawo, said the GMoU model was designed in 2015 to give communities a great role in the management of their development through Regional Development Committees (RDCs).

Adebawo spoke yesterday at the headquarters of The Nation in Lagos, during a visit.

The Chevron team was received by top editors of

By Daniel Essiet

The Nation.

The oil chief said GMoU was evolved as a way to make communities feel a sense of participation in projects being undertaken by multinational companies for their benefits.

Under the GMou, Adebawo said planning, selection and execution of community development projects shifted to the RDCs. The RDCs work with the communities to produce development plans that are designed to improve their livelihoods.

He said the participatory capacity-building has changed the communities and yielded positive results.

He said this was in addi-

tion to gaining credibility as an innovative community engagement model which other oil companies have now adopted.

Adebawo said Chevron has provided millions of naira to build roads, bridges, hospitals, schools and other development projects.

Adebawo said the company’s achievements were outstanding in corporate social responsibility and community development efforts, sustainability pro-grammes and exemplary employee-employer initiatives.

He said the economic development resulting from the company’s corporate responsibility programmes can be seen in infrastructure improvements and the

growing prosperity of the region.

He explained that a successful partnership between a company and stakeholders requires a vision for the future, commitment and a long-term view.

He said Chevron believes in dealing and interacting with stakeholders, adding that the visit to The Nation was one of such, to meet critical stakeholders in the media world which have provided support to the company over the years.

On information management at Chevron, Adebawo said: “One of the things you will find out while working with our organisation is that we only give out information that we consider factual; that we can stand

by,that we can defend. Of course as a business, any information that we give has implications on our operations. Therefore, we are careful, since the whole world is going to be reading what goes out. So, we want to ensure that what we give out is what is genuine, factual and authorised.

“But I will like to say that our coming here is a demonstration of our willingness to give access to Nigerian reporters.

“If we don’t share information locally and we are giving it to foreign reporters, it will be seen. The world is a global village now. We will not be doing justice to this relationship that we have and we are seeking to improve on,” he added.

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EDITORIAL/OPINION Comments

EDITORIAL FROM OTHER LAND

Abandoned babies • Lagos State’s redeeming example

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HE graphic picture on the front page of this newspaper on Wednesday was ennobling and uplifting. It was that of a cross-section of some of the 497 abandoned babies rescued from various streets in the last one year by the Lagos State Government. They were being fed at an orphanage. The food was evidently nutritious and well prepared. The environment was decent and dignified. The children looked healthy and content.

These babies had no choice as regards their being brought into the world. But those responsible for their birth abandoned these helpless infants to an uncertain fate.

They were unwanted, denied of love and ordinarily would have little hope of survival in an environment like ours already beset by several life-threatening challenges. But amidst the glut of depressing news about current existential realities in Nigeria, it is heart-warming that the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development rescued these babies and has given them love and care. This is an example of respect for the value of human life and dignity that should be emulated by others in both the public and private spheres of our society.

Of course, the number of unwanted babies rescued from death within one year in the state, as the special adviser to the governor on youth and sports, Dr. Dolapo Badru, rightly noted, indicates a disturbing trend that requires urgent attention. One reason for the increase in this phenomenon is obviously the protracted economic crisis in the country and the attendant widespread poverty. The perva-

sive level of unemployment in particular has negative implications for positive family values, exacerbating the incidence of single mothers, unwanted pregnancies, high divorce rates, teenage delinquency, prostitution as well as alcohol and drug abuse that result, among other causes, in abandoned babies. This is a sad commentary on the weakening of the moral fabric necessary for a wholesome and healthy society.

It is instructive that within the same period, the state government recorded 383 cases of rape with 11 suspects prosecuted and convicted. There is most likely a link between the high incidence of rape and that of abandoned babies since rape victims may be simply too poor or ashamed to keep babies born in such circumstances. The Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development must be commended for keeping and making public these vital statistics. Such information allows for an appreciation of the magnitude of the problems and the necessary corrective steps to be taken. It is important that other states also keep adequate records of such social trends to aid effective policy formulation and implementation.

Of course, governments at all levels must be at the vanguard of efforts to address the root causes of this problem through mass job creation, poverty alleviation, public education and enlightenment as well as better security to tackle social and moral delinquency.

Equally critical, again as noted by Dr. Badru, is the creation by the state of the requisite legal framework for suitable

persons to legally adopt children “in need of permanent home in a loving environment”. It is encouraging in this respect that in the last one year, the Lagos State Government received 753 applications from prospective adopters.

This is a practice that should be encouraged to enable abandoned children lead normal lives and achieve their potential.

However, government cannot be left alone to deal with this problem. The contributions of parents, religious bodies, traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society groups, educational institutions and prominent role models, among others, are equally essential in redressing the moral deficits that allow the culture of rape and abandoned babies to flourish.

‘But amidst the glut of depressing news about current existential realities in Nigeria, it is heart-warming that the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development rescued these babies and has given them love and care. This is an example of respect for the value of human life and dignity that should be emulated by others in both the public and private spheres of our society’

Chelsea rules • Ungainly Chelsea Football Club rules the waves in Europe’s football spectacle

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T was clearly a triumph of brawn over brain. Beyond the game of football which seems to have arrested the attention of the entire world, what was at play last weekend was brilliance, doggedness, a bit of luck and, some would add, a touch of the divine. And oh yes, so much drama and adrenalin too! All of these elements were combined in the epic European club football championship last Saturday between Bayern Munich Football Club of Germany and Chelsea of England.

The English team, it seemed, was destined to lift the trophy as everything worked in its favour late in the tournament. A shambolic team that could not hold a respectable position in its home football league suddenly found its fangs as it sacked its highly prized coach and put his assistant in charge. It is to the credit of the new coach, Roberto Di Matteo, that Chelsea returned to winning ways and eventually won Europe’s most coveted trophy for the first time in its history.

Chelsea’s victory in the European Championship League (CL) can be put down to a comedy of errors which may explain why its fans across the world have been ecstatic. If any seer had predicted that Chelsea would reach the final stages not to think of ruling Europe, such a person would have been derided as a fake. But as the Nigerian street saying goes, what we often seek for in far away Sokoto are usually about us in the pockets of our sokoto (trousers). For over nine years, the Russian multibillionaire owner of Chelsea, Roman Abramovich, had

hired and fired six top-rated coaches, bought some of the brightest and most expensive players and committed hundreds of millions of dollars to the club in the quest for this singular trophy.

If the already frustrated Abramovich hoped to conquer Europe, it was certainly not in this out-gone season. Di Matteo was merely standing in to steady the already sinking MV Chelsea to stop it from going under until the end of the season when another world-class coach would be procured (at any cost) to begin the quest afresh for Abramovich’s obsession – the coveted Euro trophy. But bingo, Chelsea was winning again; both at home and in Europe. And soon, it miraculously found itself in the semi-finals of the CL. Matched against Barcelona FC, the Spanish wonder of this epoch, which boasts of a certain little football fiend called Lionel Messi. Even die-hard Chelsea fans knew that their luck had run out and the good run was over. Many even consoled themselves that coming so far was victory.

But in a two-leg encounter that has already been situated in the history of modern football, Chelsea dumped Barcelona, the wunderkind of this age. Both in England and in Spain, the matches were played virtually in Chelsea’s penalty box for most of the durations, yet, by a certain inexplicable voodoo, Chelsea triumphed to meet Bayern Munich in the final at her home pitch, the Allianz Arena.

“After Barcelona, we can beat any team in the world,” pumped up Chelsea fans chanted. But then the Germans were

playing well, having eliminated another Spanish giant, Real Madrid and they had the home advantage, they were cautioned.

Saturday, May 19, 2012 was the day of soccer history and in the same fashion they damaged Barcelona, Chelsea dismembered Bayern Munich FC in a historic finale played mainly in Chelsea’s half of the pitch. Chelsea’s victory is a reward to Abramovich’s obsession, a gift to coach Di Matteo and a fitting exit tribute to the Ivorien star, Didier Drogba, the talisman of the team. And ultimately, Chelsea’s uncanny victory presents us with the rare life’s lesson that sometimes, the best is just not good enough. And we must live with it.

‘Saturday, May 19, 2012 was the day of soccer history and in the same fashion they damaged Barcelona, Chelsea dismembered Bayern Munich FC in a historic finale played mainly in Chelsea’s half of the pitch.

Chelsea’s victory is a reward to Abramovich’s obsession, a gift to coach Di Matteo and a fitting exit tribute to the Ivorien star, Didier Drogba, the talisman of the team’

Lessons of the Rutgers webcam case

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NE MAN TOOK his own life. A year and a half later, another man was given his back. Such is the state of the tragic case involving a bullying incident at Rutgers University in New Jersey that turned into a legal and moral quandary, raising questions of hate-crime law, criminal responsibility and cybercivility.

On Sept. 22, 2010, Rutgers student Tyler Clementi jumped to his death from the George Washington Bridge after his roommate, Dharun Ravi, put online a video of an intimate encounter between Mr. Clementi and another man. On March 16, a jury of 12 convicted Mr. Ravi of invasion of privacy, hindering apprehension, witness tampering and multiple counts of bias intimidation. This week Middlesex County Superior Court Judge Glenn Berman sentenced Mr. Ravi to 30 days in jail, three years’ probation, 300 hours of community service, a $10,000 fine that will go to help victims of hate crimes, and counseling on cyberbullying and alternate lifestyles.

Notably, Mr. Berman also advised against the deportation of Mr. Ravi, an Indian citizen.

Judge Berman’s sentence was startling not only because Mr. Ravi was facing up to 10 years in prison but because it followed the judge’s sharp admonishment of Mr. Ravi in court. “I heard this jury say guilty 288 times,” Mr. Berman said, “and I haven’t heard you apologize once.” He aptly labeled Mr. Ravi’s actions — first spying on his roommate kissing another man via a webcam and then broadcasting a subsequent encounter — examples of “colossal insensitivity.”

But ultimately, the punishment seems about right, given that the crime includes the reprehensible privacy violations and counts of bias but not the charge of murder. Mr. Ravi is not legally responsible for the death of Mr. Clementi, his casual cruelty notwithstanding.

According to Judge Berman, Mr. Ravi did not hate Mr. Clementi and thus didn’t merit substantial prison time under New Jersey’s bias-intimidation laws, which usually tie extensive incarceration to simultaneous demonstrations of bias and acts of physical violence.

Depending on the results of an appeal, which both the defense and prosecution are pursuing, Mr. Ravi may serve only the relatively merciful jail term. Potentially more important are other aspects of the punishment — the fine that will contribute to remedying the effects of hate crimes and the community service requirement — that radiate outward, helping to treat the underlying conditions enabling Mr. Ravi’s act. At colleges and universities across the country, students have the technological means to commit onceunimaginable acts of meanness. If history is to be prevented from repeating itself, students ought to be educated about the implications of their activity in cyberspace and guided to tread in that realm — as in all realms — with humanity.

– Washington Post

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Victor Ifijeh • Editor Gbenga Omotoso

•Editorial Page Editor Sanya Oni

•Chairman, Editorial • Executive Director Board Sam Omatseye (Finance & Administration) Ade Odunewu •General Editor Kunle Fagbemi • Gen. Manager (Training and Development) •Editor Online Soji Omotunde Lekan Otufodunrin •Managing Editor Northern Operation Yusuf Alli

•Chief Internal Auditor Toke Folorunsho

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•Deputy Editor Lawal Ogienagbon •Deputy Editor (News) Niyi Adesina

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•Sport Editor Ade Ojeikere •Group Business Editor Ayodele Aminu

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THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012

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EDITORIAL/OPINION

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IR: It is becoming clearer and clearer by the day that Nigeria would be distant from true democracy for as long as we have the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in power at the centre.

A political party which is as big as the PDP and has the habit of having its way by hook or by crook can never allow true democracy to evolve.

Whatever the theories of ‘prejudice’ or ‘rule of law’ the AttorneyGeneral and Minister for Justice, Mohammed Adoke (SAN) had advanced for denying Justice Ayo Salami of re-instatement as President, Court of Appeal, as recommended by the National Judicial Commission (NJC), it is clear to all discerning minds what the real motive or intended effect has been.

It is to show that the PDP is more powerful than the Rule of Law; that it can choose to obey the court and choose not to. It is to make a scapegoat of Justice Salami and drive it home to the judiciary and individual justices that they can only adjudicate electoral cases against the PDP at their own peril.

Exactly what point did the Attorney-General think he was making to convince his listeners on Tuesday about preventing the President from running foul of the rule of law if he had failed to advise the same President against approving the suspension of Justice Ayo Salami who had earlier been in court to challenge the NJC’s recommendation of his suspension?

Speedily and, perhaps, gleefully he had advised the President to suspend Justice Salami even as he knew that the President’s action was going to be ‘prejudice’.

Of course, he knew that no court of law in Nigeria would question the President for acting ‘prejudice’ or declare such action null and void without impinging on the President’s immunity.

Both of his legal advises, the earlier and the latter, were dripping with shameless partisanship, with bias against Justice Salami. So was his reply while answering reporters’ questions on his arrival from his recent foreign trip.

Rather than say he had just arrived and would need to be briefed,

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Justice Salami as PDP’s scapegoat he had snapped at the reporters that he was not aware of the reinstatement of Justice Ayo Salami, suggesting straight away that he was not well-disposed to it and would rather thwart it, which was what he eventually did.

All these are familiar scripts in absolutism, acted by members of a desperate conservative political

party, known for paying lip service to democracy, a party which intends to dominate the polity perpetually, not by popularity but by using brute power.

Certainly this won’t pay good dividends for the nation unless the nation rises up in time to resist the PDP’s absolutism.

Is Justice Salami expected to with-

draw his suit against his wrongful suspension and be slammed with stiffer penalties by sworn adversaries for heading the appeal court which dared to adjudge PDP guilty in the Ekiti and Osun States election suits?

Should the cases in Ekiti and Osun States have gone the other way in any case, if real justice was the aim

of the judicial panels? Were the socalled victories of the PDP in the two states and, indeed, the whole of the South-west not usually cases of bare-faced rigging and bloody conquests?

The consolation today is that Mohammed Adoke did not deny the recommendation of that mature NJC which took courage to reverse itself on very good grounds.

In his partisan ire, the AttorneyGeneral had said that “the NJC shot itself on the foot”. The near future may see the Attorney-General much better informed.

• Jide Oguntoye Oye-Ekiti

No to Oronsaye committee proposal on varsities fees

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IR: The Education Rights Campaign (ERC) strongly opposes the recommendation of the Committee for the Restructuring and Rationalisation of Federal Government Parastatals, Commissions and Agencies headed by Mr. Stephen Oronsaye for tuition fees to be introduced in federalowned tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

We call on the government to throw out this recommendation in the interest of students and poor working class parents who are already over-burdened by teaching fees, examination charges, hostel fees and other sundry charges in the nation’s tertiary institutions.

This recommendation, if accepted by the Federal government will see fees in federal universities, polytechnics and colleges of education rise up to between N450, 000 and N525, 000. Together with the existing fees students pay, this will see to a huge drop in enrollment and significant rise in school drop-outs.

A good example of how fee increases destroys public education is the case of Lagos State University (LASU) where close to 70% of new entrants failed to take up their admissions after fee was increased by over 725%. This has also threatened the existence of some departments in the university because of sharp drop in the number of students en-

rolled. There is even thinking in some official quarters of scrapping some of the departments which will lead to retrenchment of lecturers and non-teaching staff. The Oronsaye report threatens to achieve more than this. The report if implemented will signal the death of public education in Nigeria.

By the Oronsaye committee report, the anti-poor government of President Jonathan is serving notice of its preparedness to again put

more burdens on workers and poor people of Nigeria by introducing tuition fees. This is much like the processes leading to recent antipoor attacks on the populace like withdrawal of fuel subsidy and now the increment of electricity tariff set to kick off on June 1.

The ERC believes that the real solution to the crisis of public education is for government to increase funding to the sector as a significant step towards provision of free and functional education at all lev-

els. We also call for the democratisation of the administration/management boards of universities, polytechnics and colleges of education through the involvement of elected representatives of staff and students in decision making organs.

This is the best way to ensure that monies voted for education funding are judiciously used to improve facilities and standards.

• Hassan Taiwo Soweto Agege, Lagos

SOS to governor Fashola IR: Residents of Satellite Town, and especially NGI and NPF Quarters in Oriade Local Government Development Area, appeals to His Excellency – Governor Raji Fashola to please come to our rescue in respect of the perennial flood that used to over run our two estates. Not that there had not been an attention, though belated, paid to our flood problems, but he efforts made to liberate us from these problems were bastardised by the contractors who handled the construction of the drainage in order to correct the existing bad one in 2009.

Sir, what happened was that, the existing drainage that need to be corrected, was an open one, it just

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needed an expansion or widening to accommodate more flood water to stop the back flow that used to occur. But when the contractor started the construction work, an open drainage was turned into one with rings that did not allow more water to flow in order to conserve funds and maximized profits that were to accrue to them.

The volume of water which normally used to pass through before was drastically reduced. This now allowed the back flow to become heavier and voluminous thereby compounding our problems the more. When we became apprehensive of the problems that we were going to face, we made our feelings known to them but they assured us

that the rings were better than the open one. Last July 2011 during the heavy rain that ravaged Lagos for two days when everywhere became flooded, we saw hell. For almost a week, the flood did not go.

We do not want a repeat of that this year and this is why we are passionately appealing to you, to please held us out. The drainage need to be reconstructed to return it to its original position which is an open one.

We pledge our continued loyalty to your purpose driven administration. We pray that outstanding success will be yours during this your last tenure.

Ilu Eko a san wa .

• Prince Adewumi Agunlouye Satellite Town, Lagos.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012 16

21

EDITORIAL/OPINION

Reality Bites S

Olatunji Ololade

UBLIME; isn’t it? That a greater number of Nigerian youths have in them the deportment of certifiable adults and the depth of frivolous boobs. Like muddleheaded chumps with infrequent lucid intervals, they epitomize the worst that Nigeria has to offer: think desperate youth leaders, overnight celebrities and their credulous, easy to fool peers.

Obafemi Awolowo, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Tafawa Balewa, Gani Fawehinmi…Wole Soyinka, Chinua Achebe, Duro Oni; these are leading lights among a firmament of heroes that have appeared in Nigeria’s history. Some are dead and those still living are lamentably in their twilight. Shame.

Shame that even at this minute; they are the epitomes of cool. Shame that they earnestly symbolize a sense, culture and approach to citizenship that signifies an indifference to vanities and which sticks a defiant swivel-on-it finger towards mainstream society.

These individual men are less secular stars than quasi-religious figures and their citizenship has so far earned for them a godly reverence that’s at once enviable and unique – little wonder they seem deserving of worship.

There’s nothing unique, nor indeed unusual about bestowing divine status on mere mortals. History is full of characters who actually encouraged their followers to do so – the Caesars, Aztec leaders, Pharaohs – and, in the modern world, millennial cults are typically led by charismatic figures claiming messianic powers; think 21st century

Nigerian Pentecostal pastors or “Men of God” among many others.

Even individuals who had scorned such attributions, like Bob Marley or Bob Dylan, have been endowed with deistic eminence by fans.

Marley had an oracular presence and his songs were infused with Rastafarian prophecy. Dylan perplexed one generation, while inspiring another with his sour condemnations of war and prejudice. Their influence makes their veneration comprehensible but of what worth is the current crop of Nigerian youth leaders, politicians, music and movie stars and other celebrity icons? What is it that makes them deserving of acclaim and hero-worship?

Their claims to affluence, ostentatious lifestyles and oratory. Add to the mix, their unrestricted access to eminent politicians, bank chiefs, technocrats and you have a “perfect” role model for the Nigerian youth.

At the heels of many a loathsome politician, cleric and light-fingered technocrat, the Nigerian youth leader, celebrity and advocacy guru to mention a few, have evolved into some familiar but infinitely worse predatorship than we can ever learn to endure. More worrisome is the fact that they seem to be multiplying by the second.

The malaise has degenerated to the extent that these current crops of “superstars,” “youth leaders,” heroes,” “role models cum motivational speakers” are diversifying from their usual forte. Some have learnt to perfect the art of profiting by their clueless, dim peers by veering into politics. Many a self-styled youth leader, celebrity and motivational

H

AD the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had its way or had it been really easy a task to carry out - without having to answer for it, it would have ordered a public execution of former Head of State and presidential candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in the 2011 general elections, Major-General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd.) for his warning on the 2015 elections and also for re-stating an earlier statement made by Professor Ango Abdullahi that there are three Boko Harams in the country of which the Federal Government is the biggest.

Various opinions have been expressed on Buhari’s warning. By and large, public opinion seems highly in support of Buhari’s warning that “monkeys and baboons will soak in their blood” should the 2015 elections not be allowed to be free and fair. Let me also add here that it’s only those who do not wish this country well those who want this ‘democracy’ truncated by their refusal to abide by democratic tenets - that have been calling for Buhari’s head based on that statement of truth. Of course like the saying goes ‘truth is bitter’.

Since much has been said about Buhari’s prediction against 2015, what particularly interests me is the statement by Prof. Ango

‘It must be Boko Haram to have reneged on its promise to use the money to be realised from subsidy removal to cushion the effect of that anti-people policy. Any government that approbates and reprobates at will causing hardship that lead to people’s death must be Boko Haram’

Dumbed by stardom (1) speaker currently serve as henchmen and henchwomen to the most awful band of leaders the country has suffered so far.

These foetal adults, adept at manipulating fellow youngsters with all manners of anecdotes, celebrity cult culture, mannerisms and clichés attain celebrity status by dint of fraudulence and “hard work.”

Eventually, they attain stardom or celebrity status not because they are deserving of it but because they have perfected the art of oratory and deployment of the society’s media apparatus to effectively further their con.

Having ridden to eminence on the might of a pitifully docile and unquestioning media, these embodiments of wantonness cum figments of hack writers’ imaginations intrude the imagination of their fellow youths and influence it; basically they corrupt it.

And like pitiful retches of human surfeit, suckers for celebrity culture are taken for endless rides; they remain on the receiving end of a barrage of outright lies, true lies and scorn impenitently dished to them usually by their most lovable “superstar.”

The problem of the Nigerian youth is their lust for undeserved acclaim; blinded by their yearnings for acclaim or inclinations to worship their favourite superstar, they do not take care to examine and see their favourite peer heroes and celebrity role models for the fraud they really are. But the problem is hardly with the latter for they can’t truly help being what they are; the problem is with their teeming fans and obsessed peers.

Celebrity worship is measurable; low worship describes what many of us do watching and reading about celebrities. At the other extreme are reverent followers obsessing about celebrity successes and failures. This

is the kind of uncompromising and extreme disposition that might be regarded in a different context as inglorious zealotry or fanaticism.

We must have new names, Marcel Proust presciently noted—in fashion, in medicine, in art, there must always be new names, he said. It’s a very tidy remark, and the fields Proust chose seem smart, too, at least for his time. Now there must also be new names across various fields today. Implicit in Proust’s remark is the notion that if the names don’t really exist and the quality isn’t there to sustain them, it doesn’t matter; new names we shall have in any case. The Nigerian society somehow contrives to supply them.

It’s amazing to think that think that we haven’t had a major statesman whose statesmanship is timeless and worth emulating since perhaps the death of Awolowo, Azikiwe and Balewa or, to lower the bar a little…nobody!

But new names are put forth nevertheless—high among them has been those of the current crops of Nigerian “statesmen” and politicians. It is even more amazing to see what manner of “patriots” are today, invested with national honours by the country’s leadership. Year after year, national honours are given out to a myriad of characters, even if so many of the recipients don’t seem quite worthy of them.

Of the many dubious gifts bestowed upon the nation’s youth by celebrity culture, the most innocuous and pernicious is the rejection of abject reality for the comfort of lies and fantasy. The lust dizzyingly manifests into compulsive fixation that translates into a desperate and lamentable inclination to model their lives after that of their favourite peer icon or hero.

It will do the Nigerian youth greater good to understand that, that enviable affluence and grandiosity

Is Federal Government not Boko Haram?

By Kola Odepeju Abdullahi which Buhari re-echoed - that ‘the Federal Government is the biggest Boko Haram’. Is the present Federal Government Boko Haram really or is it a case of calling a dog a bad name so as to hang it?

It is germane at this juncture to look critically again at what Boko Haram stands for, to see whether there are similarities between its activities and that of the Federal Government. Then we will be able to determine the correctness or not of the statement. Today even a foetus knows that Boko Haram stands for something negative. It stands for darkness and destruction. Its activities are far from being progressive.

Neither are they productive. And whatever that is not progressive is surely retrogressive, reactionary and counter-productive.

Going by the activities of the present Federal Government, we find that there is strong basis to compare her with Boko Haram. There are a lot of similarities between her and Boko Haram to justify that statement. For instance, Boko Haram gleefully kills people and destroy property openly while the Federal Government too also kills indirectly by making life difficult for the people. Five months into 2012, only God knows the number of Nigerians that have been sent to early graves through the draconian and anti-people policies of the Federal Government and her gross inefficiency.

One or two examples may suffice here to buttress the above position. First is the removal of fuel subsidy in January which led to the death of some people across the country. It led to increase in fuel price with its concomitant astronomical increase in

the prices of other goods and services hence the high cost of living.

A lot of people have died because they can’t afford the high cost of living. Life has become extremely difficult for the people such that even most people that are still alive are mere living dead. Three square meals can not be found on the table of the masses. Hunger is killing people in hundreds. Of course the Federal Government must be Boko Haram to have removed subsidy first without providing the necessary safety nets for the people. It must be Boko Haram to have deployed solders on the streets of Lagos to quash a peaceful subsidy protest in January. It must be Boko Haram to have reneged on its promise to use the money to be realised from subsidy removal to cushion the effect of that antipeople policy. Any government that approbates and reprobates at will - causing hardship that lead to people’s death must be Boko Haram.

We must get it clear that it isn’t until you profess Boko Haram philosophy that you become a member of this sanguinary group. No, not at all. If people experience hardship through your actions to the extent that such actions lead to their death or dehumanise them then you automatically become Boko Haram. When a government rolls out draconian policies that strangle the citizens, then such a government has become Boko Haram. When a government is insensitive to the plight of the masses it has become Boko Haram. Failure and inability of any government to provide for the needs of the people especially welfare and security makes that government to be Boko Haram. Thus a fortiori, it’s within

attractively touted as the result of their favourite peer icon or celebrity’s experience doesn’t really work for the vast majority of people – successful or not. It’s time they begin to see their favourite youth leaders and advocacy gurus for the for the fraud they have become – for what promising youth in their prime would abandon medicine, law, journalism, education, engineering for ‘motivational speaking’ at a fee even before they earned their first keep? It’s the indolent, fraudulent type that does that. It’s the conniving, covetous kind that does that.

There is no short cut to success. That is why reality show superstars never last. That is why the actress who sleeps her way to stardom as the artiste who sings gibberish to the gallery evolves into a mere flash in the pan.

The slow steady path remains the surest path. Everybody has to pay his dues. It is the way the universe is ordered. The greatest fraud is he who would die to get ahead rather than doing what is right – like following the slow, steady path of honest industry to progress.

• To be continued…

‘There is no short cut to success. That is why reality show superstars never last. That is why the actress who sleeps her way to stardom as the artiste who sings gibberish to the gallery evolves into a mere flash in the pan’ SMS only 08038551123 (tunji_ololade@yahoo.co.uk)

this content that we should situate the statement; ‘the Federal Government is the biggest Boko Haram’.

Further more, the Federal Government must be Boko Haram to have left the state of federal roads decrepit and dilapidated causing the death of thousands who travel on them everyday. How many people die on daily basis on ‘Lagos/Ibadan death trap’ that we call express road? And the same goes for other federal roads. How many people die on hourly basis in our hospitals that have for long become ‘mere consulting clinics?

How many people die of hunger and lack of job? How many people die of generator fumes due to lack of power? We can go on and on. So is Buhari not justified to have re-echoed the assertion of Prof. Ango Abdullahi that ‘Federal Government is the biggest Boko Haram?’ Why do we have to send the elder statesman to the guillotine for calling a spade its name?

President Goodluck Jonathan did say last week that he inherited Nigeria’s problems. Agreed! But he knew before he offered himself to lead. He may not be the cause of Nigeria’s woes truly but he is definitely adding to it, and in no small way too because he is not being seen to be taking proactive steps towards finding solution to the problems confronting this nation. We need a president that can act - the one that can take radical steps towards solving our problems and not the one that revels in giving excuses.

Rather than engage in scurrilous name calling the Federal Government must listen to wise counsel. One of the main reasons why successive Nigerian governments have failed is turning a deaf ear to wise counsels. President Jonathan must listen to the voices of reason if he truly loves this country. To allow bootlickers and sycophants in his government to mislead him is for him to bite his fingers in the end. I wish him good luck as his name echoes.

• Odepeju, a journalist writes from Lagos

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012

22

EDITORIAL/OPINION ‘A page of history is worth a volume of logic.’

———Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jnr. (1841-1935)

P

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan the other time can up with a tepid widely reported defence of his gaucheness in the management of the nation’s affairs by saying that the problems of Nigeria predate his coming to power. Surprisingly, no one has come out to remind him that the reason why he was elected ab initio was to solve those problems foisted on our collective psyche by previous administrations of which he happens, from not too distant past, to be a senior member. From being a deputy governor to becoming governor, Mr Goodluck went ahead to become the vice president and now he is the President and Commanderin-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces. What other preparation/grooming or even experience could the president still be asking for that would atone for his current movement without motion style of governance?

While struggling to shrug off the crass crudity of ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo’s era and the sickness ridden tenure of late president Umaru YarÁdua that left the country nowhere, it is sad that this nation still needs to contend with the idea berefting administration of the current president. The only thing that the present government understands is how to further entrench the anoma-

‘The citizens are going through avoidable hardships in a country where the total emolument of public officers is an incitement to the public; where National Assembly members spent N24.8 billion public money on frivolities without proper audit scrutiny’

Y

ES, if I were an American citizen I would vote against President Barack Obama in this November election. Or at best, I would void my vote. I would also expect all true Christians to do same. And beyond the physical act of balloting, we who are of the body of Christ must be bold to not only to withhold our spiritual voting and goodwill, we must not fear to speak up against this blatant, open and public repudiation of our very essence. Yes, President Barack Obama of the United States of America has unleashed what I consider the final assault on Christendom and in deed, humanity by declaring openly, his support for same-sex marriage, (SSM).

Obama who had told the world hitherto that he was yet to form an opinion on this issue came out of the closet recently by announcing that on the ground of principle, he supports ssm. Since he believes in the equality of all people, then even homosexuals too have a right to their sexual preferences and their choice to live together as a family unit. He may be right in making this historic proclamation and he is even entitled to his opinion too, but he is the President of the USA, arguably, the most powerful and most influential singular nation on earth today.

He can rightly be described as the number one man on earth today and here lies the tragedy in his stand on this matter.

The world must worry and Christians must suffer their knees in fervent supplication because between Mr Obama and David Cameron, his counterpart in Britain (a raging, global gay rights activist), the world is poised for a dramatic and disastrous turn. Surely this debate is as old as mankind just as homosexuality is as old as any evil man ever devised in his fecund heart. But mind you, nearly one half of the world will issue a curse on me for describing homosexuality as evil.

But that, dear reader, is what it was, what it is and what it will remain and this fact will not change even if the whole world go gay.

Homosexuality is sickness; it is a perversion of the mind, it is the opposite of godliness and it is a negation and repudiation of humanity. It is wrought in the same mind that would engage in conjugal relation with a cow or a dog or a goat or any beast for its carnal fancy. Today, we are being persuaded

Brooding over Nigeria’s mess

• Jonathan lies of the past in the public affairs of the country.

The examples to buttress this assertion are legion. The first is the issue of fuel subsidy which even the unintelligible in the society now know is just a conduit pipe to service the profligacious proclivity of some powerful elements in the society. The messy details of corruption that trailed report of the House of Representatives ad hoc committee that probed management of subsidy funds were enough for any reasonable leader not to contemplate the idea of subsidy removal again. It is already in the news (even when those ‘oil thieves’ indicted in the committee report are roaming freely in the streets) that the government is planning a complete removal of fuel subsidy in the country.

So, it can be rightly said that Jonathan is only trying to compound one of the major problems he inherited from past administrations in the nation. However, he should be mindful of the harsh verdict of history in whatever policy move he makes at the moment.

The issue of corruption is hurting the nation so much. In Jonathan’s usual saying, it may be true that corruption in the country predates his ascension to power but he owes Nigerians that duty of bringing it to a minimal level now that he is fully in power. Is he doing this? The answer is no because not only are the oil thieves moving freely amongst us, a very formidable member of his cabinet in the person of Diezani AllisonMaduekwe, Minister of Petroleum Resources that was grossly indicted in the House report is not only still functioning in her office but shamelessly having the audacity to pick holes in the report that ought to be her waterloo in office. Under a sane leadership, Diezani ought to have resigned long time ago but unfortunately; this is Nigeria where anything goes especially under Goodluck Jonathan.

This same Jonathan has refused to re-instate Justice Ayo Salami despite National Judicial Council’s (NJC) recommendation to that effect. What manner of president will show contempt for efforts geared towards restoring waning public confidence in the judiciary?

To brood over the nation’s woes is a serious issue that could engage one for days.

The kind of reflections that Nigerians have over the mostly avoidable challenges fac-

EXPRESSO STEVE OSUJI

SMS O8181624757, email:steve_osuji@yahoo.com

I won’t vote Obama…and Buhari too that it is human right; today we consummate evil matrimony and glory in it. Surely, it signposts the end-stage of man at its loose and licentious apogee; it is the story of man fallen from grace and dead in its sodomy.

The Bible is replete with these stories of man living in the abyss of sin and carnality. Yes, there is record of open-ended incest and sodomy; of festivals of bestiality; child bludgeoning and sacrifice. As our Creator watch from up high, there is no evil depth that man cannot contrive and sink to. Such is the nature of man.

But it is also in the nature of God to effect a rebirth… by annihilation if necessary. This is the consolation of the faithful. Even as the world led by Obama and Cameron has set forth on a seeming final lap on the journey to the end of humanity, the will of God will eventually prevail. “You set earth on a firm foundation so that nothing can shake it, ever”(Psalm 104 v. 5). Oh, let Mr Obama win his re-election on the wings of sodomy, let man marry man, let bishops wed dog and woman and let man take pride in repopulating the world with mutants and monsters. It will all come to pass; nothing will shake His foundation, ever. Only let the faithful persist in prayer.

And for Buhari…

How on earth can General Mohammadu Buhari (rtd) justify his perennial invocation violence and bloodletting upon the land? The

violence engendered by the careless remark made by him and his aides during last year’s election is still claiming the lives of innocent people and now he threatens us with even more violence 2015 should the election be rigged. First, who is to foretell tomorrow, how much more three years hence? Second, Buhari cannot in all honesty absolve his party from election rigging. Three, if Buhari must be truthful to himself, he cannot claim to have won the 2011 election; he could not have won 25 per cent of votes in 25 states of Nigeria, on and on. So rig or not, he could not have won this last election.

True, the retired General is a worthy candidate, perhaps the best president Nigeria can have now but he has to do better than goading innocent people to die on the streets.

His former party, ANPP was a house of crisis; his new party CPC was less than a year old at the time of the election. He has not been able to make a respectable body out of it - at least something different from the much despised PDP. He openly exhibited a disdain for the Southeast. He had no notable Igboman in his party and he did not bother to campaign in the zone and he wanted to be president of Nigeria!

He simply needs to get serious. He is a good candidate doing all the wrong things and he needs be advised that no amount of outbursts, threats of bloodshed or even bloodshed for that matter will frighten anyone to hand him

ing the nation seems not to concern their leadership. It continues to baffle when the country will have a government that will make the security and welfare of Nigeria its primary focus? Is it still possible for this nation to have a government that will make all its actions humane to all? Is it not over ripe for the nation in 52 years to have a leader that will be developmental oriented? When will the country have an administration that will have respect for the rights of the people to decent living? Definitely, Jonathan and past leaders in this country do travel abroad and they must have had empirical experience of the high level of official significance attached to the values being demanded from government by Nigerians. The question to ask is why political leaders have never deemed it fit to practise in our country what they enjoyed and witnessed abroad? Under this administration, the president must be asked whether there is safety net to cushion the effect of official profligacy. Should the sentencing of Nigerians to varying degrees of hardship be endless?

The current government must use its eyes to see things that will benefit Nigerians and stop contemplating evil policies; it should have ears that must be used to hear what will promote the people. This insensate administration must endeavour to use its hands to stop bad policies against the people. Nigeria is in leadership turmoil and it is only God that can rescue the people from the pangs of selfish/clueless men that providentially found their ways to power in the country like Jonathan.

The way things are going in the country, it is very clear that the entire citizenry are aggrieved at the lack empathy by President Jonathan that they supposedly elected to rule the nation. The citizens are going through avoidable hardships in a country where the total emolument of public officers is an incitement to the public; where National Assembly members spent N24.8 billion public money on frivolities without proper audit scrutiny. This president is compounding the woes of the citizens and many in a position to talk to him to follow the path of reason should do so now. Most of Jonathan’s actions and inactions are just too offensive to public psyche. Is somebody close enough to him reading this somewhere. If so, please act quickly in the overall interest of the nation.

The mess ravaging the nation must be halted! the mantle. Here are a few things he can do if he is really serious about his quest to rule Nigeria. He must loosen up and deepen his party. He must reach out, attract and accommodate quality people across the zones of the country. Second, he must define the party better and show us how it is remarkably different from PDP for instance and lastly, the party must be seen to mean well and be involved in nation building via seminars, conferences, stakeholders meeting, etc. why hasn’t CPC organized seminars on enriching the electoral process since after the elections instead of Buhari’s disconcerting outbursts that further alienates him from his sympathizers. He will have to do a lot more to earn my vote now.

LAST MUG: Kidnapping galore in Imo State: is it possible that all the kidnappers in the country have moved over to the southeast and Imo State in particular? No day seems to pass without a story of abduction emanating from Gov. Rochas Okorocha’s domain. More troubling is that he seems to be at sea as to the solution to the problem. And the consequences: inertia and stagnation as people who matter flee from that town. It is a major failure of the okorocha’s government that he cannot respond decisively to this security challenge in this age of GPRS. Please don’t let Patty die: remember Patty Obasi (The Sower), the soulful gospel musician who thrilled us with nwa mammy water in the 80s? Well, the Enugu State born singer is down with acute kidney failure and he is receiving treatment at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH). He needs urgent kidney transplant. We appeal to all Nigerians, especially Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State to please reach out to Patty.

‘True, the retired General is a worthy candidate, perhaps the best president Nigeria can have now but he has to do better than goading innocent people to die on the streets’

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012

25

PEOPLE THE NATION

AN EIGHT-PAGE SECTION ON SOCIETY

Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi and his relations have buried their matriarch, the late Madam Dorcas Aina Fayemi. The funeral took place in Isan-Ekiti, with the global community virtually in attendance. SULAIMAN SALAWUDEEN reports.

•Dr Fayemi (third left) and his wife Bisi (on his left), flanked Mr Imoru and his wife Funmilayo (left); Mr Oloro and his wife Monisola and Mr Ayodele and his wife Bolu

An exciting farewell I

SAN-Ekiti may be an obscure town but the prominence of its son, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has brought it fame. Fayemi: the governor of Ekiti State, buried his mother, Mrs Dorcas Aina Fayemi, in Isan last Friday and the global community virtually gathered to pay their last respects.

The event proved that truly, sweet is the memory of the righteous as Fayemi, his siblings, friends and associates gathered to wave mama an exciting farewell.

Dressed in cream lace, the children filed out in company of their spouses to bury the woman they called ‘matriarch in a million’.

Mrs Fayemi, a devout Catholic faithful and consummate business woman whose interests involved bulk sales of clothing of various kinds, died on April 15 in Isan-Ekiti. She was 82.

Isan-Ekiti, measuring barely a kilometre in length; hardly one-fifth that in width and boasting homesteads that could be counted in only hundreds, hit prominence when Fayemi got his mandate in October 2010.

The community snapped into life and became a Mecca of sorts for dignitaries. For hours, they trooped into the town to honour the governor.

The roads were well-paved and clean, the view of the town sufficiently genial, the weather gracefully clement. All was ready to host the crème de la crème.

Indeed, an august moment, every native of the town, young and old, male and female, could not miss out

•Dignitaries wave final bye to Fayemi’s mum on the flashes and torrents of significant points when almost the entire country was in town.

Guests rode in the best of cars.

There was a variety of exquisite food and choice drinks. It was an event without precedence in the town.

Dressed in one uniformed traditional outfit or the other, most of the guEsts looked boisterous as many reuniting after a long time recalled their old times.

They came by road, some by air; from East, west, North and South.

Leaders and politicians met and intermingled freely.

To prevent any untoward situation, guests quietly complied with instructions by parking their cars in an adjoining town: Ilafon-Ekiti, joining ready shuttle buses to Isan-Ekiti and queuing for final clearance mostly with identification tags into the sprawling arena.

There was also a network of security officials and paramilitary personnel, who shone in their reverEnce best. They were members

of the Mobile Police Force (MP), State Security Service (SSS), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Customs Service (CS); and Immigration Service (IS), all kitted in their professional uniforms.

The pavilions sat on a sprawling expanse, admirable specimens of architectural accuracy, made of interlocking layers of thick iron bars and synthetic covers, neatly decorated with velvet and silky stuffs. Each was about 10 times the size of a fairly large exam hall and stood sturdily above the ground. A large tent housed the guests who filled the arena to its capacity.

The funeral will remain the talk of the town for a long time.

Madam Fayemi’s remains were encased in a brown casket with flowers of different colours.

It laid in state for hours while the funeral service lasted.

The service was superintended by a united force of first rate Catholic clerics from within and outside the state. They showed studious regimen

of liturgical renditions, both in English and Latin.

Amid the reverence of the rites and at each stage of the event came soft choral dirges from a well-tutored allfemale church choir. Two of the several songs they rendered are: “Ijoba orun lere onigbagbo (grace of paradise is a deserved ending of the faithful); Jesu mi o mu mi de’le o (My Jesus, grant me lasting rest); Kin maku sona bi eefin (Don’t let me die on the way like the smoke); mu mi de’le o mobe o (grant me lasting rest, I pray you); and De wa l’ade Olorun igbala wa (Crown us, our Lord of redemption); Ade ogo to’run rere ma fi dun wa o (Glorious crown of paradise don’t deny us); De wa la’de re o Baba de wa la’de rere (Crown us your crown of goodness); Ade wura to’run ma fi dun wa o (Glorious crown of heaven don’t deny us).

Then came the humbling moment during which guests were reminded of the certitude of mortality. The living needed cleansing as much as the dead.

The Catholic Bishop of Oyo Diocese, Most Rev. Emmanuel, Badejo, gave the

is a lucky woman. She did not die when her son was in the ‘ Mama trenches. She didn’t die when her children were still strug gling.

She died when the ovation is loudest. That is the best time to die ‘

sermon.

Revd Badejo delivered a homily, reflecting societal happenings.

He traced the crises in the country to the loss of good parental values. He said rather than concentrate on instilling cherished and lasting values, parents and guardians pursue other ends to the detriment of the society.

This is where, according to him, the departed matriarch excelled. He said: “For me, Mama Fayemi’s greatest credential before God, apart from being a Christian, is that she was a mother to her children. We can see the evidence and the governor is eloquently testifying to it.”

He asked:“Is that not becoming an outmoded concept in our modern world?”

The cleric, consoling the children encouraged them to take solace in the fact that their mother died when the honour would be greatest for her. He said: “Mama is a lucky woman. She did not die when her son was in the trenches.

She didn’t die when her children were still struggling. She died when the ovation is loudest. That is the best time to die.”

Rev. Badejo enjoined mothers to take a cue from the late Mrs Fayemi to build an enduring and ennobling society.

Wondering how many Christians truly live the ‘Christian way’ and replicate the teachings of the Bible in their lives, he said:“It is more convenient for most of us to apply Christianity the way we use the walking stick: pick it only in times of acute need and dump it when it becomes a burden.”

•Continued on page 26

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012

26

SOCIETY •Continued from page 25

•From left: Aremo Osoba; Chief Akande; Asiwaju Tinubu and Chief Babalola

•Governor Amosun (left) and Governor Fashola (SAN)

•Senator Obi (left) and Governor Aregbesola

•Governor Yuguda and his wife Nafisat

•Governor AbdulFatah (left) and Senator Saraki

•Governor Amaechi (right); Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and Mrs Ogunlewe

•Mrs Olayinka flanked by her husband, Lanre (left) and Otunba Moses Adeyemo

•Alhaji Lai Mohammed and Mr Victor Olabintan

•From left: Mrs Daramola; Chief Jide Awe and Chief Dele Falusi •Mrs Amosun (left) and Mrs Aregbesola

PHOTOS: DAYO ADEWUNMI

•Continued on page 28

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012

27

SOCIETY Udi, a rustic community in Enugu State, pulled a crowd last Friday when Governor Sllivan Chime buried his mother. The President too was there, reports CHRIS ORJI.

•Governor Chime and his wife Clara

•President Jonathan flanked by his wife Patience and Governor Akpabio

Jonathan, others see off Chime’s mother

E

VEN, the President was there.

Last Friday when Enugu State Governor Sullivan Chime buried his mother, President Goodluck Jonathan led dignitaries to the funeral. Mrs Theresa Ekpeluchi Chime died at 87. Udi, a rustic community in Enugu State, came to life 48 hours before the event, as fireworks boomed.

The funeral service was conducted

by Bishop of Enugu Diocese Callistus Onaga; Bishop of Umuahia Diocese Lucius Ugorji and Bishop Emeritus of Enugu Diocese Okonkwo Gbuji.

Also present to grace the occasion were Bishops of other denominations led by the Anglican Bishop of Enugu, Rev Emmanuel Chukwuma.

Other dignitaries at the funeral are Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman, Bamanga Tukur; Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekeremadu and wife; former VicePresident Alex Ekwueme; former Senate President, Ken Nnamani; Governors Martin Elechi (Ebonyi); Liyel Imoke (Cross River); Theodore Orji (Abia); Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers); Gabriel Suswam (Benue); Goodswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom) and Peter Obi(Anambra) Also present were former governor of old Anambra state, Chief Jim Nwobodo; Ministers: Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Finance); Prof Barth Nnaji (Power); Stella Oduah (Aviation); Chief Emeka Wogu (Labour); Onyebuchi Chukwu (Health); Mr Viola Onwuliri (Foreign Affairs) Others were former governor of Anambra State, Dame Virgy Etiaba, Senator Ayogu Eze, who led a host of National Assembly members; Senator Andy Uba, Senator Emma Agboti, Ambassador Fidelia Njeze; and monarchs.

In his homily, Chaplain of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Udi, Rev. Fr. Nnamdi Nwankwo, said the funeral was the people’s way to say thank you to the departed, describing her as an “enduring symbol of selfless humanity and a standard-bearer for who uplifted the less privileged.”

The cleric said of Ma Chime: ”As the sun sets this day on this benevo-

•Governor Chime’s family members at the service

•Governor Imoke (right) and Deputy Governor of Imo State, Mr. Jude Agbaso •Hon Emeka Ihedioha (left) and Governor Suswan

lent matriarch, it is a sober end of an era coming exactly 29 years after her husband Igwe Elias Chime, died.”

He urged all to celebrate her because not even death, could erase her footprints on the sands of time.

“Her passage and interment are worth our tears but we need not cry because we are assured as true Christians, she is resting in the bosom of the lord,” he said.

President Jonathan, who took the first reading of the Mass encouraged mothers to emulate the qualities of the late Madam Chime, whom he said played a key role in bringing up her children.

“From all I have heard the clergy and others say, it was because of the kind of life she lived that she was

able to raise her children properly.

And that is why he who is close to the ocean and our party chairman who comes close to the desert are here today to pay her last respects,” said the president.

Governor Chime said though the presence of the president and his wife came as a shock to him, it underlies the immense love they have for him.

“It is on record that before I could officially inform the president about my mother’s demise, the president pre-empted me by sending me a surprise condolence,” he said.

Chime thanked those who attended for sparing their time to come and pray for the repose of the soul of his mother.

The governor thanked the Catholic Church, for visiting his mother when she was ill.

•Chief Nwobodo (left) and Dr Okonjo-Iweala

•More pictures on page 38

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012

28

SOCIETY •Continued from page 26

•Otunba Adebayo and his wife, Erelu Angela

•Dr Femi Ajayi (left) and Senator Oloruninmbe Mamora

•From left: Mr Ogbeh; Hon Bamidele Ominri and Chief Olanipekun (SAN)

•From left: Capt Olubolade; Mr Ropo Adesanya and Prof Adamolekun

•Prince Iludoyin (left) and Mr Demola Doherty

•Gen Alani Akinrinade (rtd) (left) and Chief Pius Akinyelure

•From left: Alhaji Dangote; Chief Abraham and Senator Sanusi Daggash

•Mr Akeredolu (SAN) (left) and Mr Lawal Atanda

•From left: Senator Durojaye and Evangelist and Mrs Bamidele Olumilua

•Bishop Ajakaiye

•Senator Boroffice

PHOTOS: DAYO ADEWUNMI

•Continued on page 39

29 FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012

Vol 4. No. 173

For some years, 7up was one of the choicest drinks in Nigeria. The brand seems to be struggling to retain its share of the market. It has been a big battle with its erstwhile rival - Coca-Cola.

LEKAN BABATUNDE, a contributing editor, examines this development.

Will this new campaign save 7Up? In the Beginning

T

HE root of 7Up dates back to 1920 when C. L. Griggs banked on his 30 years experience in advertising and merchandising to form the Howdy Corporation in St. Louis.

Griggs spent more than two years testing 11 different formulas of lemon flavoured drinks and finally settled on one that best met his two goals ‘refreshing and thirst quenching’. This idea came at a time when more than 600 lemon/ lime soft drinks were already in the market place. Against all odds, the brand sold well. In 1936, Griggs changed its name to 7-Up. By the late 40s it had become the third best selling soft drink in the world.

The Lebanese Heritage

In Nigeria, the story started with Mohammed El-khalil, a Lebanese, who came to Nigeria for the first time in 1926 and founded a transport company. Mohammed is the father of the company’s Chairman, Faysal El-Khalil. The company metamorphosed from a very successful transport business (El-Khalil Transport) in a bid to diversify the then largest transport company in the West Africa.

In 1959, it began as a Private Limited Liability Company under the name Seven Up Limited in Nigeria. The first bottle of the drink rolled out in October 1960 as Nigeria got her independence.

The brand, however, met on ground very successful and domineering Coca-Cola, which had been established through Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) in 1953. It, however, gave a good account of itself riding on its strong USP-led thematic campaign “Refreshing and Thirst Quenching”.

Hard Times for the CSDs

The perception that there has been a decline in the sales of 7Up is not false, but it is peculiar to all carbonated drinks in the country. The carbonated drinks saw a slow down in growth and sales compared to the previous years because of saturation, recession and competition from other soft drinks product, increase in health consciousness among Nigerians, who are becoming more concerned about their sugar intake, leading to many to choosing fruit/vegetable juice instead of carbonates. There is also competition from nutritious flavoured milk drinks, which are perceived to be healthier and filing.

For new comers such as La’Casera and Cway Food & Beverages, their growth has been exceptionally strong in the market. Similarly, Chi Nigeria entered in 2009 with Chi Ice Tea followed by Nutricima PZ with bliss Ice Tea. Viju Industry Nigeria Limited makers of Viju Milk was established in 2005 also rolled out massive beverage drink that really caught the heart of consumers. These brands have provided firmly popular stands in the market because of the belief that they come with some milk contents. Hence, they are considered an alternative to carbonates.

De-marketing War

Though through the years, 7-Up gave a healthy rivalry and market challenge to Coca-Cola to become a proud No. 2. At some point, both brands had to devise some unorthodox “demarketing tactics” such as buying up products from the open market and smashing them just to make sure that the concerned brand is not available for consumers in a particular market. ‘Up until the mid-90s, competition between the two leading CSD brands was rife and life ‘threatening”, says Dele Ogundahunsi, chief executive officer, The Field Marketing Company (TFMC)

Days of the Fido Dido

Remember the “7 Up Fido Dido’s Refreshing New Taste” campaign of the early 90s. It was the last strong thematic campaign by the brand. The younger generation fell for it and competition felt the impact of the campaign.

It is, however, sad to note that the follow-up campaigns

•The new prormo

if there were nothing to write home about. Suffice to say that the brand actually began its steep decline with the exit of the Fido Dido.

Indirect but virile competition by the telecoms

The brand and its associates in the CSD market also have indirect but virile competition to contend with. This is posted by the telecoms companies and their products. Recharge vouchers are taking the wind out of the sail of soft drinks marketers. “Buy me credit” is eating into the space of the “buy me a chilled cold soft drink”. To make matters worse, credit voucher goes for as a low as N50 while the cheapest soft drink costs a price points above this.

The American Might Have a Hand in this!

One key reason that might have contributed to the brand’s precarious situation as espoused by industry analysts might have been the buy-over of the 7Up company

by Pepsi International in the early 1990s. The scenario introduced Pepsi into the market, while the marketing dollars was gradually being denied 7Up. The situation rubbed the brand of the opportunity to maintain a neckto-neck competition and rating with the market leader. It is an open secret that in the company’s marketing plan and budgeting, Pepsi is more favoured than 7Up in marketing and promotional matters.

The Market Out there

An unofficial research carried out by Brandcrunch reveals that close to 75 per cent of 25 sampled bars in four different parts of Lagos do not stock 7Up. Why? Demand is not encouraging! Mrs. Olabisi Adeniran, who runs a

‘One key reason that might have contributed to the brand’s precarious situation as espoused by industry analysts might have been the buy-over of the 7Up company by Pepsi International in the early 1990s. The scenario introduced Pepsi into the market, while the marketing dollars was gradually being denied 7Up.’

soft drinks/snacks bar at Iyana-Ipaja, said: “7Up sells here but you cannot compare it with Coca-Cola. Even Limca too does well”. Although the brand sells at N10 less than competition, it is still not enough to sway the majority of consumers or dent the sales figures of its archrival.

Since the withdrawal of marketing dollars to support Pepsi, it is noteworthy 7Up brand has significantly dropped in share of voice, image and brand equity. For sales figures, we cannot say as figures and data are hard to come by in the Nigerian market.

The promo that boomeranged

Of course, the brand did a stunt with the Nigeria’s 50th Independence anniversary celebration. It organised the 7Up Harvard Scholarship consumer promotion in October 2010, which coincided with the brand’s 50th Anniversary in the market. Rather than boost the image and equity of the brand, the brand got some bashing for failing to align with its loyal consumers’ needs and aspirations.

The brand operates in “money saver” category. The question is how many of its consumers dream of studying at Harvard needless to say having a Harvard admission letter and looking for scholarships? So, the promo was a misfit for the brand it was meant to promote.

‘The Diff is Clear’ campaign: Can this save the brand?

After a long absence of any meaningful thematic campaign that can keep the brand on the front burner and generate positive word of mouth (WOM), the brand suddenly woke up from a slumber that lasted like forever! It unveiled albeit secretly, a new campaign tagged – ‘The Diff is Clear’. The new campaign looks a miniature version of an older 7Up campaign - ‘The Difference is clear’.

According to Akonte Ekine, Lead Consultant/Chief Executive Officer, Absolute PR, nothing is wrong in introducing a campaign anytime, especially when the brand owners think that is the way to go. However, he sees nothing spectacular in the new campaign other than it might be targeting the younger generation, hence, the use of ‘Diff’ for ‘Difference’. For effectiveness, he believes it is too early to judge as other factors like distribution and the willingness of the trade to stock and sell the brand will also play key roles.

Rounding off, he sounds a note of warning, likening the brand to the dinosaurs, a brand that is on its way out if proper care is not taken.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012

30

Brandnews

Legend’s harvest of prizes for consumers

I

T is a season of harvests for consumers of Legend Extra Stout as they continue to smile home with fantastic prizes, courtesy of the Legend Real Deal Promo.

The promo, which kicked off on May 1, has seen lucky consumers of the product walking away with various prizes. These include LCD television sets, generators, Blackberry phones and N5,000 prizes.

Others include Face Caps, T-shirts and recharge cards.

In the first week, 11 LCD television sets, 13 generators and 16 Blackberry phones were won in the promo. Other prizes, which have been claimed by winners include 349 T-shirts, 319 fez caps, 29,995 recharge cards and 13,309 free drinks.

Also, seven lucky people have smiled home with the N5, 000 cash prize.

Tied to the Legend Real Deal Promo is the Legend Real Reward Nights which is also an avenue to reward loyal Legend Extra Stout consumers, while the promo lasts.

These unique consumer engagement events afford Legend Stout consumers the opportunity of winning exciting prizes in designated bars across the country.

One of the designated areas for the event, Pekas Night Club, a popular hangout for fun lovers located at Ikeja, was agog as Legend

hosted revellers to the Legend Real Reward Night.

The event, which had ace comedian Charles Williams aka MC Oropo as compere, saw consumers of the stout brand winning prizes including a BlackBerry phone, Home Theatre systems, DVD players etc, via a raffle draw. Others went home with instant gifts ranging from pens, T- shirts, fez caps to key holders and free drinks.

Ogumah Moses, a native of Edo State, was one of the winners of the night. The 28-year-old banker from Igarra went home with a pen as well as a brand new DVD player.

“I am so happy at winning these prizes. I got a pen and a brand new DVD set courtesy of the raffle draw that was done here,” he stated.

Kemi Bankole, a 24-year-old trader, also smiled home with a gift of her own. The native of Osun won a brand new Home Theatre system.

An excited Bankole said: “I just came here with some friends to unwind but now, I am going home with this Home Theatre. I thank Nigerian Breweries for this wonderful gesture.”

Also present was Sandra Olatunji, who won a brand new Blackberry phone. “Now I know that these prizes that Legend is putting up is for real,” the Edo State-born said after picking up her prize.

OAAN raises alarm over multiple regulations

T

HE Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN), an umbrella body of registered outdoor advertising companies, has raised the alarm over multiple taxation and regulations by different interest groups, saying that the development can lead to the collapse of the sector.

Specifically, the association said the unbridled interests of various agencies, governments and institutions in regulating and collecting revenue from outdoor advertising practitioners in the country poses serious threat to the sector which is a major employer of labour in the advertising sector.

It said: “Our industry, the Outof-Home sector which is a major employer of labour in advertising in Nigeria is under threat due to the rise in multiple taxations and over regulations by different stakeholders”.

President of the association, Mr Charles Chijide, who raised the alarm during the association’s yearly meeting at Golden Tullip Hotel, Festac, Lagos pleaded with

the Federal Government and other stakeholders to take it easy with the sector.

The association boss noted that the industry, which used to be a support medium for brand owners in the past, is today a primary medium thereby attracting huge investments and multinationals.

Although he said practitioners are poised to enhance the beauty of the environment while contributing to the national economy, he decried a situation where operators in the industry will become the cash-cow of different agencies whose major concern is revenue generation.

Earlier, the Managing Director of Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA), Mr George Noah and DirectorGeneral of Oyo State Signage and Advertisement Agency (OYSAA) Mr Yinka Adepoju and Federal Controller of Lands and Housing, Mr Onafeko Temitope Olayinka had reeled out new regulatory measures aimed at making Out-of-Home practitioners to pay more for their agencies and institutions.

LASAA has proposed to come

•Some personalities having fun at the Heineken intercontinental anniversary

Heineken holds Intercontinental Night

H

EINEKEN, a premium International lager brand sold in over 170 countries lived up to its billing when it thrilled fun lovers at this year’s edition of Intercontinental Night.

It was a unique all-night sociocultural event with nationals of various countries in attendance. It showcased food, drinks, culture, dance and more from participating countries aimed at exhibiting and promoting intercultural relations.

Heineken represented Holland, its home country at the highly entertaining event held at the Lagos Motor Boat Club.

The night is an annual international cultural display that brings people of different climes together under the ambience of fun, leisure and festivity. It is organised annually by the Lagos Motor Boat Club which has been in establishment for 25 years.

The night, according to Jacqueline Van Faassen, Senior Brand Manger, Heineken is a night of showcasing what each nation has and also allowing others to savour its uniqueness. Represented by Kehinde Ebuoma, Assistant Brand Manager, Van Faassen said: “This event, which has in attendance hundreds of foreign nationals, is

Communications and former Managing Director of Rosabel Advertising Limited as its resource person.

In a one hour presentation entitled: Talented ... and so what?, Mr Abioye challenged myths of success and enterprise.Opening with the immortal words of Erica Jong, “Everyone has talent. What is rare is the courage to follow talent to the dark place where it leads. He spoke on the counterintuitive underachievement unmanaged talent confers.

Abioye’s presentation was a

Club we are glad to have the premium international beer, Heineken to be part of us again, we are really grateful.”

Apart from guests, tourists from different nations and members of the Lagos Boat Club were there in their various national attires moving around freely and gyrating to the sweet music from the disc jockey. The highlight of the night was the food tasting segment where guests were allowed to go round the stands of any country of their choices to taste the foods and beverages on display at no cost.

Nations represented were Lebanon, Indonesia, Scotland, United States of America, South Africa, Nigeria, Turkey, Switzerland, Germany, England, India, China, Spain, Republic of Benin, Holland etc.

Another interesting part was the presentation of prizes to the best decorated stand which saw England coming first, with Switzerland and Lebanon coming second and third. The Heineken’ stand at the occasion was, however, the busiest as majority of the guests besieged the stand for refreshing glasses of free chilled Heineken beer.

Firm shines in outdoor advertising

O

PTIMUM Exposures, one of the country’s leading Outof-Home companies in terms of innovation and market leadership, has broken yet another ground in making outdoor adver-

Agency holds TBWA/Concepts forum Advertising agencies and, indeed, many marketing firms are becoming learning organisations.

Being knowledge hawkers themselves, a few Nigerian ad agencies are investing great resources at turning their talents into becoming moving human endowments.

TBWA\Concept’sKnowledge Session is aplatform created by the Lagos ad agency for sharing and retooling its workforce. At its April 5 edition, the Kelechi Nwosu-led agency invited Tunji Abioye, chief executive officer of Fuel

another way for Heineken to connect with its consumers across the world. Heineken is sponsoring this event in tune with its tagline, ‘Open Your World’: opening consumers’ world to connect to other people from different cultural background to see many things around the world to show that there is much around that can be shared together.”

She stressed that since guests move from stand-to-stand sampling delectable cuisines from participating countries and sharing cultural tips of their country with people from other countries shows that the world is really a global village, “the worldliness and harmony that goes on here is what we at Heineken encourage.”

Brain Hills, ex-Commodore of the Lagos Motor Boat Club, who also spoke at the event applauded, Nigeria Breweries Plc, the brand custodians of Heineken in Nigeria for the unsurpassed initiative of being one of the prominent sponsors.

“What can I say than to say thank you Heineken. Thank you for participating in bringing various nationalities together to share culture amidst fun. To us at the Boat

mixture of anecdotes, case-studies and experiences, which lent credence to the maxim that ‘Talent is not enough’ in building lasting success in Life and Business.

The high point of Abioye’s presentation was a story he relayed on an encounter during his tenur as the helmsman of Rosabel, LeoBurnett as well as how his experiences and bias for results in the face of staggering odds became the bedrock of Fuel Communications, the agency he founded and runs.

tising measurable through verifiable data.

Explaining the need for the innovation that will provide measurable data that will justify ad spend in this sector, Lere Alimi, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Optimum Exposure, explained that the industry has been perennially bedevilled by the non-availability of data and statistics to prove outdoor deliverables in terms of exposures. ”Most buying decisions are based on the rule of the thumb syndrome which in most cases are counterproductive to the client, the brand, sometime too, the agency and the industry at large,”he added.

For the Optimum’s boss, ‘Out-ofHome advertising has always been bedevilled with the inability of practitioners to proffer measureable indices to justify Value-for-Money (VFM) argument with clients and media

independents. This is why we are bringing to the fore another trait in our DNA Innovation!’ Therefore, the obvious need for data has propelled Optimum Exposures driven by the quest for excellence and maintaining the balance between cost and benefit to clients, to unveil “Oracle”, a product described as the first of its kind data capturing device in the Outdoor industry.

Oracle, as it’s aptly called, shows the power of scientific measurement, as the device is able to read and capture vehicular traffic and data as revealed during a media demonstration.

The gathered information is processed and analysed to deliver loads of statistical facts that are of innumerable importance to media planners, media buyers, and brand managers, among others. Explaining the mechanism of the device, Oludare Olateju,

SHOPPING

31

THE NATION

FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012

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

e-mail: janicenkoli@yahoo.com 08033349992 sms only

email:- shopping@thenationonlineng.net

• Children on the merry - go - round.

Where to catch fun on Children’s Day Children’s Day is 48 hours away and kids are looking forward to it. Many parents too are planning how to spoil their children ‘a little,’ with fun merchants set to ensure they have a fabulous time. JANICE NKOLI IFEME writes.

T

HESE days, kiddies’ entertainment shops are getting more interesting and sophisticated. To attract children, many stores organise funfairs, so that while they come to shop, they will also have some fun such as riding in the bouncy castle, train ride, merry-goround and also watch their favourite mascots entertain them.

To make Children’s Day (coming up on Sunday) interesting, many parents are

planning to take their kids to entertainment centres to catch fun. Some schools are planning to take their pupils on excursion.

Children expect different things from their parents for the day. Master John Okafor, a pupil of Golden Gate Nursery and Primary School, Ojo, Lagos, said: “My teacher will take us for excursion. I am going to enjoy myself with my friends.” John was so excited, even though he did not know where his teacher was taking him to.

Excite your children with greeting cards Page 32

For Master Maxwell Folarin, a primary two pupil of Effortswill, Private School, Egbeda, Lagos, it would be fun all the way because it is his birthday. “My Daddy will take me out and buy a lot of things for me.”

“Giving attention to children go beyond observance of Children’s Day,” said Mrs Jumoke Adeleke, an accountant. “It is good to observe Children’s Day for our children.

“It gives them a sense of belonging among their peers. You know, in their

Throw pillows for aesthetic appeal Page 33

schools and churches, events are organised for their pleasure, so parents also have to key in as well.

“On my part, I paid the money required for my kids to join in the Children’s Day celebration in their school. I also donated money in my church for the Children’s Day celebration on Sunday. After that, my

• Continued on page 32

‘I believe you get what you pay for’ Page 34

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012

32

SHOPPING

Where to catch fun on Children’s Day • Continued from Page 31

husband and I will take them out. It is necessary to do that from time to time.”

However, some parents decried the nonavailability of well-equipped amusement parks. Mrs Emmanuella Ewim said: “We do not have good parks any more. The Apapa Amusement park used to be good but it has packed up.

“All you see is a make-shift place where big stores organise for children to have fun during festive periods or when they are doing promos. I have seen one or two mini parks at Lekki. There are relaxation gardens in many places, though we do not have that relaxation culture yet. I have been to Shodex Garden at Anthony, Lagos. I love its green environment, though you cannot call it an amusement park. I think Rosellas amusement park is well equipped and functioning.

“However, its two outlets at Igando and Oshodi, Lagos, cannot adequately meet the relaxation and entertainment needs of people. I don’t think there is any government park for families to enjoy themselves. I know of the Millennium park in Abuja and the amusement park there. I don’t know of any other,” she said.

One of the places where many children are visiting for the Children’s Day celebration is Rosellas Amusement Park and Events Centres. Its headquarters is at Igando, along the LASU-Isheri Road, Lagos. It began operation in 2001. An amusement park of repute, it is fully equipped with state of the art equipment for children and adults.

Some of the things you will find are bouncy castles, slides, imported and local swimming pools for adults and children, table tennis, snooker, volleyball, badminton, basketball, boat ride, slides, swings, merry-go-round, over 100 mascots, mini zoo, large screen plasma TV for children to watch their favourite cartoons and horse ride, among others.

Countdown to Children’s Day, children from various schools have been visiting the amusement park on excursion. Its Proprietor, Prince Abraham Oluwatoyin Ololade said: “We do not have Children’s day-we have children’s days. All cannot come at the same time. We started from May 15 to the first Sunday in June. We are not hiring equipments. We have good equipments. No park has what we have.”

On maintaining the equipment, he said: “God has given us enough to take care of the equipments. If you do not have a good maintenance culture, forget it. We are taking care of the little we have”.

He said the outfit had to rely on imported equipment since there are no manufacturers of leisure equipment in the country.

• Imported swimming pool

• Octopus castle

“We are trying but we have not gotten there. Since there are no manufacturers of leisure equipment, it’s a whole lot of load importing. If we had them here, what stops us from getting it from our back yard?”

Ololade said the erratic power supply impedes industrialisation. “Once we have power, our industries will improve”, he said.

On what inspired the setting up of the place, he said: “Rosellas is a vision from God, not an ambition-to set up amusement parks where his children will relax and commune with Him, where He will meet their needs.”

He said the most memorable event at the

• Mountain climber

park for him was its inauguration by the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch

Adeboye.

Ololade disclosed that another branch at Iganmu was in the offing.

Excite your children with greeting cards C

HILDREN’s Day is celebrated with activities, such as fairs, outdoor concerts, creative games, contests in parks, theatre plays, free museums and zoo visits.

All these activities have some things in common; they will most likely include some colourful balloons, toys, cartoon characters, clowns, colourful posters, children books and colourful illustrations.

Kids should also be inspired by their parents to create funny illustrations such as gift cards; small notebooks, poster, colouring book and many other beautiful things themselves for this occasion. But most importantly, caring parents should make themselves available to inspire these kids. After all, this year’s Children’s Day celebration falls on a weekend when parents will have all the time they need to make it a wonderful day.

Just this one day in a year that has been set aside to be celebrated as children’s day should be observed with lots of interest.

Though Children’s Day is celebrated on various days in many countries across the world, International Children’s Day is celebrated on June 1 and Universal Children’s Day is on November 20.

Each country celebrates its local ‘Chil-

Greeting cards are more affordable to show love to children. TONIA ‘DIYAN writes. dren’s Day’ on other dates. Children’s Day is celebrated to let kids enjoy a day of pageantry and fun. Children are like the buds

• Cinderella card for your little girl

in a garden, therefore, their day is celebrated with singing, dancing and storytelling in schools as well as on radio and

• Children's Day card

television.

Special functions are held to honour children across the world. Tell your little ones how much they mean to you and appreciate them through colourful Children’s Day greeting cards.

No matter the time or place, the celebration spirit remains the same. Therefore send colourful, lovely cards to all the children you know and not just the ones you gave birth to. You would only make their day by doing this.

Use the cards at your disposal as tributes to children around you. Many parents are used to taking their kids to fun places and buying them all sorts of junks. For a change, visit your nearby supermarkets and children card shops; pick lovely cards for kids you know.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012

SHOPPING

Beds that guarantee rest

Shopping Right with

The history of mattresses dates back to the creation of man, when he needed a comfortable place to rest his head. Early mattresses were made of straw and other natural materials, such as grass. Mattresses have since grown past that stage. They are now made of foam for better comfort.

OMOLARA MOFESOLA OMONIYI writes.

A shopping experience with your child

M

C

OST modern mattresses are on a bed frame, with the mattress resting either on a solid base, often wood slates or a spring base. Most beds have a board for resting the head. Others have side rails and foot boards.

For greater and better head support, most people use a pillow, placed at the top of a mattress. Blankets, bed sheets or duvet, which are collectively referred to as beddings are used to insulate the sleeper.

Extra care should be ensured when purchasing the bed in order to avoid buying an inferior one and most annoying, the ones with bed- bugs on them. Avoid purchasing a used mattress, as you may not know the disease the person who used it previously had.

The number of people who are going to

use the mattress should also be put into consideration to ensure the best comfort. It would be good to buy a big mattress that would accommodate everyone.

After you must have gone for the best mattress in the market, extra maintenance procedures should be exercised. Eating and drinking should not be done on the bed. You should rather eat and drink on your dining table. The food may pour, thereby inviting household pests, such as rats, and the water may spill, thereby increasing the chances of the presence of bugs and discomfort.

Any bed purchased for kids should be mackintoshed, because the regular urine may not only invite bugs, but also reduce the lifespan of the mattress. Beds should be sundried often, to reduce and kill bugs. The beddings should also be washed and changed regularly.

HILDREN’s Day is commemorated to remind the society that children are special. Children are the joy of their parents who will always do everything within their means to meet their needs and demands. For some parents, it is time to take their children to exciting places to catch some fun. For others, it is time to spend ample time with their children. Indeed, there are many things you can do to create fun and affection with them. One of this is shopping with them. Shopping with children enables them learn how to spend their money effectively among other things. Here are some tips you could apply while shopping with your child.

Remember that children have limits If you are shopping with children, be alert to their needs: are they tired, hungry, overexcited by the noise and confusion or simply in need of fresh air and exercise, or a reassuring hug?

Remember that children are naturally curious They are naturally curious; this is how they learn about the world around them.

If they want to examine an attractive item, please do not scold them. Instead, help them to hold the item safely, or let them know that it can be viewed but not touched. You might say “This is breakable, so let’s just look at it together.” Even if an item cannot be purchased, it can be helpful to share the child’s enthusiasm and interest in it.

Shopping with infants

• A bed

Throw pillows for aesthetic appeal Throw pillows are decorative and look good in the home.

There are circular, rectangular and cylindrical types and any of them should suit your purposes, writes OMOWUNMI OGUNTUASE.

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HROW pillows are usually used to draw out colours in a room and to complement the drapes and other furniture colours. They are the small and cute pillows you see around. They feature a cover which is made from textile and feather pillow stuffed inside. They are made from a wide range of materials and have also been used as an artistic medium. They are also used to present an aesthetic font in the room and give a tone of standard organisation. Some are used to support and give comfort to some body parts, such as the head and neck but some throw pillows are rigid and uncomfortable.

Apart from being used on armchairs and sofas, they can also be found on beds and even floors. If your living room settee does not entail throw pillows, you can get some and if you do have, learn their maximum uses.

While shopping for throw pillows, you should decide whether you want the traditional or modern look. Decorative pillows work well for the traditional look but the small ones with simple designs are good for the modern look. Choose a pattern that compliments your furniture. It should give a tone of variety; you can choose striped pillows if your furniture is plain and • Throw pillows

vice-versa. Let the colour of your pillows match the decoration of your home furniture.

Decide on the style of pillow you want, and you can bring out your own style by having various styles. The number of pillows you want should be known, there should be at least two pillows on a big sofa or chair but this depends on your wants. You should also consider the placement; you can arrange them on a line for a more formal look or just stuff them at different places for the relaxed look.

For the overall appeal, you should not go for a monotone look, mix the colours, designs and the placing and it will add a little life to your home.

Shopping with an infant will be far easier if the trip is made after they are rested and fed. Babies and little children can become dehydrated in the dry air of shopping malls, so be sure to take frequent nursing or juice breaks. Babies are happier when carried. A sling or carrier worn by the parent provides far more comfort and emotional security than a stroller or grocery cart. A small child-proof toy can help a baby to cope with the inevitably lessened attention from the parent, but remember to stop as often as possible and take a moment for gentle words, eye contact and hugs.

Shopping with toddlers Toddlers can begin to be included in shopping decisions. Involving the child with questions such as, “which of these peaches looks better to you?” can turn a boring, frustrating experience into a pleasurable one for both parent and child. Children enjoy and appreciate being able to make some of the product choices themselves. Bringing along juice, a favourite snack, a well-loved picture book, or a newly-borrowed one from the library, can also be very helpful.

Being surrounded by a crowd of adults can be intimidating to a little child, especially when stores are busy. Using a backpack can be one way of bringing toddlers up to a height where they are more contented. It can also prevent the common, frightening experience of losing a toddler

JANICE NKOLI IFEME in a crowd.

Shopping with older children An older child can be of great help in shopping, if approached in a spirit of fun and appreciation. If the child is informed about the items to purchase, they can easily help to locate them. Children mature enough to shop by themselves can help shorten the trip by finding items alone, returning periodically to put them into the cart.

Avoid the crowds When you can avoid the stress of crowded stores and long check-out lines, you can have more energy and creativity for responding to your child’s needs. Shopping when stores are crowded and parents and children are tired and hungry, can be very stressful. Try shopping in the morning or early afternoon on weekdays, or move dinner up and shop during the quiet earlyevening time between six and seven.

When you need to say ‘no’ The most important part of saying no is conveying to the child that we are on his or her side, even if you cannot satisfy all desires immediately. It might help to say, “That is nice, isn’t it? Take a good look and when we get home, we’ll add it to your wish list.” Indeed, there is no reason we cannot say ‘no’ to children in just as kind a way as we say ‘yes’. And remember that smiles, hugs, and cuddles are all free!

If you reach your limit If you reach the limit of your patience and energy, try to show by example, positive ways of handling anger and fatigue.

You might try saying, “I’m starting to lose my patience. I think I need a break from shopping for a bit. Let’s go outside for a few minutes so we can both get refreshed.”

Even a few moments of fresh air away from the crowds can make a big difference for both parent and child.

If your children reach their limit If, after trying some of the above suggestions, your children have simply reached the end of their ability to handle any more errands, please respect that. Shopping can wait. Remember that children behave as well as they are treated. A child who is regularly given our time, undivided attention, patience and understanding will have more tolerance for a shopping trip - and any other challenging situation - than the child who must face stressful situations without this emotional support.

Write to us, express your views, observations and experiences. Let’s have your comments about shopping. Your comments, questions and answers will be published first Friday of every month. With your full name and occupation, send e-mail to: janicenkoli@yahoo.com SMS - 08033349992

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THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012

SHOPPING MY SHOPPING

‘I believe you get what you pay for’ W HERE do you shop?

I don’t shop. My wife does. She is here with me How long have you been in Nigeria?

I first came to Nigeria in 1980. I worked for UAC. Then I went to London for a few years with Unilever, then Tanzania, Ghana for eight years with Unilever. I went to Russia for two years but I’ve been back here since 2002.

Where are you from?

I am from England You must have visited one or two malls around I have been to Ikeja Shopping Mall But it came on just last year December We were doing promos there for some of our drink brands.

You produce drinks as well?

Oh yes, we have quite a wide range. We represent quality spirits and wines in Nigeria.

Would you say you are prudent?

I don’t shop much, my wife does There has to be something you shop for?

If I shop, I am happy to pay. I believe you get what you pay for. So, if I’m shopping on one of those rare occasions, I will pick up

Paul Wilson, Managing Director, Brian Munro Ltd

something because I think it is good quality, rather than because it is just low price.

Have you had the opportunity of visiting our markets?

Yes Which one?

Oke-Arin What’s your experience there?

It is okay. It is busy. We sell a lot of our products in the open market. I go, usually to see our distributors and customers. But I enjoy the atmosphere there.

What do you enjoy about the atmosphere?

I am not saying I would like to be there all day, every day (laughter) but you know, it’s lively, it’s exciting Have you ever been there on a rainy day?

Yes What was it like?

Oh my God! (Laughter) How would you compare London and Lagos markets?

These days in London, there is rarely anything that compares with the open market.

There are small street markets from time to

• Wilson

Name some of them Campari, Sky vodka, wild Turkey, Ricadana president bruit, champagne, brandy, white wine One piece of shopping advice Always spend within your means

Wireless printers for convenience

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ITH a wide selection of wireless printers available to cost-conscious companies, it is important to understand what features are required by your business and what it costs to have a suitable type.

A lot of people are now opting for wireless connectivity printers because it is flexible and easy to use.

Gone are the days when people are satisfied with the usual bulky and noisy printer in the office, which often takes time. Wireless printers are smaller and more convenient.

A wireless printer has the opportunity of opening up a world of possibilities anywhere it is used. Due to its many benefits, demand for non-wired printers has increased, which in turn, has caused an increase in its market supply.

Some of the features to consider when buying one are print speeds, energy usage and degree of Internet connectivity.

With a wide range to choose from, it is important to consider what business needs the appliance will serve, though, to many cost-conscious businesses, cost might be paramount.

It does not necessarily follow that the most expensive ones offer the best quality of printouts. There are products that are more expensive, mainly because the appliance has additional features such as scanning and photocopying. Some wireless printers have free additional features, such as a photo editing software.

While this may sound striking, businesses should consider whether these features are worth paying extra for.

They have Bluetooth wireless capabilities, so even if you do not have a wireless network, as long as your laptop/smart phone has Bluetooth, you can print without even needing a wireless network.

These printing units can function completely free of anything with the only restraint upon them being that they need to be recharged and their ink tanks and paper replaced when the supplies have been used up.

Printers have been a modern staple for many decades. However, in the last decade, a transformation has taken place, allowing computing to be done on the go. Meaning the laptop was manufactured to allow people work, read, watch videos and listen to music wherever they went. Yet this transformation did not happen to printers until, only a decade later.

These highly sophisticated and advanced, yet remarkably cheap devices have taken printing to the next level. They are generally small and compact, usually no larger than is needed to print an A4 sheet. They are light and durable, which is necessary for constant carrying around. The wireless function allows you to connect a mobile phone or laptop wirelessly via Blue tooth or an Internet connection to allow printing.

This device has, in the last few years, gone from an expensive, luxury to an important and everyday object in homes and offices.

They permit you to print what you want and when you want it, regardless of your location. People’s minds have been changed from the concept of stationary printing.

Going for the most expensive type, doesn’t produce the best product. The wireless portable printer models, which people need are

time. I will say anyway, the formal retail trade in Nigeria is developing and becoming more similar to the United States and Europe. You have Shoprite and Game in South Africa. I think Walmat and Tesco are also looking. I don’t know whether they have decided yet?

Not yet Park ‘n’ Shop is now in partnership with Spar, Goodies is also there. The formal retail sector is expanding. Also, you find out that there are many second tier super markets or convenient stores. So, let’s say you work in a bank, and when you come home in the evening, you do not have the time to go to the open market. So, you can easily go to Shoprite or Park ‘n’ Shop or go to a shop in your neighbourhood where you can buy bread, drinks or the basic groceries. May be, not exactly your choice, but at least it is convenient. Or you are working late, and stay at work till 9’Oclock, you can still find where to buy some things for yourself.

Any particular brand you love?

I like my brands

Wireless printers are used for various purposes and that determines the model to be bought.

Don’t buy the cheap one, but go for a model which fits your need, writes TONIA ‘DIYAN.

• Hp-officejet-6000-printer

• Dell printer

ones that suit their printing needs, and simply doesn’t relate to one having ‘more’ features than another.

The amount of printing you would be doing should also determine the type of wireless printer you should go for.

They are highly useful and economical; they prevent you from having to buy several printers to cater for the needs of the number of people in your organisation. Being wireless equates to convenience and more flexible usage, which is why a lot of business owners

are now opting to buy printers with wireless connectivity. Types of wireless printers include: Epson Workforce series, Epson Workforce 600, HP Photo smart Wireless Offers, Canon Pixma Wireless Wonders, Lexmark Wireless.

Purchasing your ear-rings Ear-rings are sensitive and require great care during purchase. OMOLARA MOFESOLA OMONIYI presents some tips to guide you.

E

AR- rings can be made with a number of components, such as metal, plastic, glass, precious stones, beads, wood, bone and other materials. Designs range from small loops and studs to large plates and dangling items. The size is limited by the physical capacity of the ear lobe to hold the ear-rings without tearing.

Your outfit should be your first consideration when selecting your ear-rings. There are some ear-rings that match any type, texture and colour of outfit, a typical example is the gold and silver ear- rings, which could be worn on any outfit, but then, precaution should be taken to avoid making a costly mistake.

It is also necessary to put your shoes and bag into consideration. Imagine how absurd it will be when you mix a golden bag, with a silver and gold shoe, and then pink earrings.

The texture of the ear should be considered because heavy ear- rings sometimes tear the ear lobe. The sensitivity of the skin should be considered while shopping for ear-rings and necklaces because some people are allergic to the chemical contents of the ear- rings. Decent ear-rings will do you a lot of good as it will guarantee your com-

you. Your ear-rings can make you win or lose an appointment. So, they should not be overlooked.

Some expensive ear-rings can be bought as asset. To most people who engage in buying them, it is a form of saving and are safer to keep than cash. When the owners are in need of money, they could resell them and get some money to fall back on. Some keep them in the bank to forestall any case of armed robbery or theft.

Steps must be taken to avoid shopping for fake ones. Enquiries and purchases should be made from the right dealers. There are sections for ear-rings and other jewelleries, both at neighbourhood stores and markets. It is easy to identify quality earrings.

However, if you do not know how to identify quality from fake, visit the shop with someone who is experienced in the art. Also shop from a reputable retailer who you can confide in and who can guide you to make the right purchase.

There are health risks with conventional earlobe piercing but are minor, particularly if proper technique and hy• Silver earring giene are followed. Therefore, due care must be taken while piercing the ear to avoid complication or infections.

fort.

Care should also be taken when buying ear- rings for kids, as their ear lobes are still very tender. Their ear- lobes can easily be torn apart, especially during rough play at their schools.

It will also be a lot of inconvenience when they have loads on their ears. So, it will do your children a lot of good when only tiny ear- rings are kept on their ears.

As the saying goes, ‘you are addressed the way you dress’. Avoid putting on excessive ear-rings in order to avoid being addressed as a whore. Yes, your ear-rings can speak for

• Gold costume earring

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012

35

Brandnews

UK pitch for PR professionals

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UNDREDS of agency officials were briefed at London’s QEII conference centre about how they would be able to make the most of radical changes in the way public sector work will be awarded.

The meeting, named ‘Agile government communications: ambitions for the future’ and hosted by Dods, came after the COI was closed at the end of March.

During the meeting, senior government figures including Executive Director of government comms Jenny Grey and Minister for the Cabinet Office Francis Maude spelt out the changes.

Maude said: ‘Suppliers should know that this government is on the hunt for the best talent and the most innovative ideas, albeit keenly priced. I challenged my civil servants to come up with innovations that will make it easier for industry to do business with us; now we’ll be looking to industry to come forward with innovative ideas for us.”

Comms figures were told that the COI roster would be replaced by two frameworks, with the process between bidding for and winning work shortened.

The first framework will cover creative services, delivery and execution. Agencies will be able to bid for a place on the roster from July, with the final agency line-up decided by October.

A second framework will cover market research, comms planning and strategy planning, with the process kick-starting in September and finishing in November.

The plans will also aim to allow agencies to respond to smaller briefs

with more flexibility. Agencies will be able to pitch for contracts worth less than £100,000 by simply registering on a government-run website.

It was already known before the meeting that that the new system involved grouping government departments together into hubs.

These hubs will present their comms needs to the Maude-chaired Communications Delivery Board, which will have overall authority over comms spend.

The Government Procurement Service will work alongside the governmental comms operation to run the pitch processes for projects and contracts.

Grey said: ‘There is an opportunity to take a more holistic view of how comms campaigns and activities could dovetail, particularly where there are overlapping audiences and potential channels to reach those audiences.’

She added: ‘That is one of the major reasons why we are working together across departments and arms-length bodies to produce the Government’s first proactive communication plan summarising the planned activities of each group of departments and arms-length bodies for the coming year.

‘There is much more to do, but collaborating in this way has already enabled us to identify priorities for future efficiency and improvement. It also means we can be more confident that we are extracting the maximum value from every pound spent on comms, while continuing to deliver high quality communications programmes.’

From left: Assistant Director, Staff Welfare & Benefits, Department of Petroleum Resources, Felicia Edomwande; Project Co-ordinator, GlaxoSmithKline Nigerian Plc, Dr. Ogechukwu Nwankwo and President, Nigerian Dental Association, Dr. O.A. Orebanjo during the CODEH chill test activation organised by GSK Sensodyne in partnership with Nigerian Dental Association in Lagos.

CNN Multichoice African Journalist finalists list out

F

INALISTS in the prestigious CNN MultiChoice African Journalist 2012 Competition were have been announced by Ferial Haffajee, Chair of the independent judging panel. The competition is in its 17th year.

This year, the competition received entries from 42 countries across, including French and Portuguese speaking Africa.

•From left: Head of Glo1Business Solutions, Folu Aderibigbe; Publisher of Interiors Magazine, Titi Ogufere and former Executive Governor of Cross River State Mr. Donald Duke at the launch of the coffee table book entitled: Luxury Hotels and Hotels in Nigeria , written by Ogufere and sponsored by Globacom, at the Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel, Lagos.

There are 34 finalists from 12 countries including Tunde Akingbade, a freelance journalist with The Guardian.

The winners of the competition will be announced at an Award Ceremony and Gala Evening in Lusaka, Zambia in July.

The hosts for the evening will be Isha Sesay, host of CNN International’s NewsCentre and Franklin Tembo Jnr, ZNBC presenter.

Announcing the finalists, Ferial Haffajee said: “The growing quality of the entries we pored over is a reflection of a growing continent claiming its place in the sun. We were impressed by the enhanced quality and competitiveness of the work before us; by the heart and soul poured onto pages and into pixels; by the adventurist spirit of the entries which came from more countries than ever before. In print, in radio, in television it is clear that African journalism is in a growth spurt, claiming its stake as world-class and globally competitive. A bit like our continent.”

The independent judging panel, chaired by Ferial Haffajee, Editor-inChief, City Press, South Africa includes: Ikechukwu Amaechi, Editor, Daily Independent; Amadou Mahtar Ba, CEO, African Media Initiative; JeanPaul Gérouard, Editor-in-Chief, France Télévision; Joel Kibazo, a journalist and media consultant; Arlindo Lopes, General Manager, Regulatory & Corporate, Angola and Mozambique, MultiChoice Africa Ltd; Judge Arlindo lopes, General Manager, Regulatory & Corporate, Angola and Mozambique, MultiChoice Africa Ltd Judge Arlindo lopes, General Manager, Regulatory & Corporate, Angola and Mozambique, MultiChoice Africa LtdZipporah Musau, former Managing Editor, Magazines, The Standard Group Ltd, Kenya; Kim Norgaard, CNN Bureau Chief, South Africa.

Others are Bruno Manteigas, UK Correspondent, Agência Lusa assisted in the judging of the Portuguese General News Category.

Freelance journalist Paul McNally assisted the judging panel

and carried out the first round of pre-selection, removing the entries that didn’t meet the required journalistic standards to be put forward to the judging panel for the next stage of judging. Paul was the winner of the Health and Medical Category at the 2009 CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards, and a runner-up in the HIV / AIDS Reporting category of the same year.

This year the competition welcomes Nokia on board to sponsor the Digital Journalism Award, joining a list of sponsors who continue to lend their valuable support to the awards: African Development Bank (AfDB); The Coca-Cola Company; Ecobank; Ericsson; IPP Media, Tanzania; Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD), UNICEF and A24 Media.

An all expenses paid five day programme of workshops, media forums, networking has been set up for the finalists during the run up to the award ceremony on 21 July 2012 Tony Maddox, Executive VicePresident and Managing Director of CNN International said: “This year has seen a record number of entries for the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards from a diverse array of countries across the continent. The quality and excellence of the work submitted continues to rise year on year, ensuring that the 2012 competition maintains its place as the most prestigious Pan African Awards for journalists”.

Nico Meyer, CEO of MultiChoice Africa, said: “The CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards are an investment we truly believe in, as journalists are one of the cornerstones of a nation. We need to continue to recognise them as they tell real stories that reflect the fabric of our diverse societies.

The standard of entries continues to grow and the quality of submissions is testimony to the great levels of talent our continent holds. We are honoured once again to be a part of these awards which contribute immensely in shaping freedom of speech and a healthy and vibrant media.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012

36

T

De-marketing: Battle axe for market leadership

M

ARKETING battle is synonymous with competition, noting the market cluster and consumer decision instability.

It is a game of the smartest but caution should not be thrown into the air in the name of marketing engagement where industry players callously engage in marketing gimmicks to achieve their long term business objectives.

It is not uncommon to see market leaders, major industry players, decision makers, champions and the likes fighting to sustain their positions. It is not a crime either to see leaders dropping from the ladder of success to become laggards. But it is unbecoming to engage in deadly acts (unprofessional tactics) to remain on the ladder.

The question that readily comes to mind is: should players in the same industry destroy one another? Is it worth it?

If marketing strategies are rightly calved out from the onset, industries will rather focus on adding value rather than engaging in marketing gimmicks that are basically propelled by selfish interest.

Any number of strategies can be used to achieve a business goal. In fact, it often takes more than one strategy to achieve a lofty goal, and each strategy involves its own unique tactical plan. Unfortunately, many industry players simply throw up a list of the unverifiable tactics they concoct to drive sales; impose products and put unnecessary pressure on their target audience, and they call it a strategy.

A great strategy does not depend on brilliant tactics for success. If the idea is strong enough, industry players can get by with mediocre tactical execution. However, even the best tactics can’t compensate for a lousy strategy. Steven Covey, in his highly-acclaimed book Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, said: “It’s incredibly easy to get caught up in an activity trap, in the busy-ness of life, to work harder and harder at efficiently climbing the ladder of success only to discover it’s leaning against the wrong wall. It is possible to be busy – very busy – without being very effective.”This premise is especially true when it comes to marketing. Businesses often make the mistake of “doing something, even if it’s wrong”, mistaking activity for effectiveness.

It’s easy to do in the real-time instant-gratification world we live in. They get busy placing ads, buying lead lists, building a web presence, sending out mailers, massively

By Kunle Adetola

‘If marketing strategies are rightly calved out from the onset, industries will rather focus on adding value rather than engaging in marketing gimmicks that are basically propelled by selfish interest’ throwing out promotional items, attending trade shows, creating brochures, and so forth. In other words, they get busy doing something.It’s important to realise that the strategic side of the coin – what you say, how you say it, and who you say it to – is always more important than the marketing medium of where you say it.

This is the basic difference between industry leaders that understand marketing strategy other than engaging in tactical marketing. Strategic marketing embraces the thought process that occurs before your message is broadcast to the masses. Seth Godin, business author and blogger once said, “Marketing is not an emergency.

It’s a planned, thoughtful exercise that started a long time ago and doesn’t end until you’re done.”In an industry characterised by a de facto duopoly structure as fragmented fringe players, increasing consumer demand for variety is an opportunity for these players to tap more in the marketing opportunities as alcoholic beverage major player to expand portfolios with new offerings.

That, in turn, will stimulate additional consumer interest in new choices, which will create a reinforcing loop with no signs of slowing instead of engaging in unprofitable marketing gimmick.

The consumer has a right to make choices in an open and competitive market underscored by fair practices. Therefore, marketing strategies should be based on consumers exercising freedom of choice, rather than arm-twisting them to fulfill sentimental and unethical marketing gimmick.

•Adetola, a brand analyst, wrote in from Lagos.

•Waiters celebrating the brand Seven Eagles Spur Eatery, Ikeja, Lagos.

HE second phase of the NESCAFE pan-Nigeria marketing campaign tagged Nescafe Magic Mug Flight campaign ended at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), IIe-Ife and Kwara State Polytechnic, Offa in Kwara amid pomp and pageantry.

The Nescafe train departed Ife on May 5, having thrilled the jubilant consumers to three days of solid fun and excitement and berthed at Offa on May 10 -12 to replicate what it has done in Abuja, Lagos, and Ibadan in previous activations.In the course of touring the two cities, over 46,000 consumers did enjoy cup of Nescafe as well as 400 consumers who experienced the Hot Air Balloon flight for the first time.

According to consumers, the experience was described as awesome and rewarding.

In Ife, the brand offered talented students the opportunity to win plasma TV, home theatre and DVD in dance, comedy and DeeJay. Some consumers were also rewarded for their task on Mr Kondydens Facebook.

Those who emerged winners at the OAU. In dance competition were Mariam, Yusuf Babatunde and Adeola Fatuwanse. Rivers of Joy, Shete and Grand Pa emerged first, second and third in comedy.

The brand was generous by giving Tunmininu Awonuka and Adetunji Kazeem plasma TV and home theatre for answering Mr Konfydens video on Facebook correctly.

The fun continued at Kwara Poly as the brand ensured that what consumers in other cities have had is not missing in Kwara. Apart from excitement that come with flying NESCAFE hot air balloon, students in Kwara Poly were also given the chance win in dance, song and comedy competitions too.

Emperor Stepper, Nwafor Stephanie and Zubair Ashiaw came first, second and third in dance. Bamidele Olateju, Adeyink Babatunde and Shehu Azeezat emerged first, second and third in comedy while, Oluwa Simple, Slic and Adebayo Isaac were adjudged the most talented in Song competition. They were all rewarded with Plasma TV, Home Theatre and DVD respectively.

Kayode Adebayo was given a blackberry Curve phone for being able to interpret properly the questions on Mr. Konfydens Facebook.

Meanwhile over 500 consumers benefited by winning the products and other fabulous gifts in the two cities.In support of the campaign, the Students Union Government (SUG) President of Kwara State Polytechnic, Offa Mr Jide Jamiu said: “I want to use this medium to appreciate Nestle Nigeria, markers of Nescafe for making this event possible for the students.”

He believed that it is the beginning of a mutually beneficial relationship between the school and the brand. Several gift items were also given out to consumers who visited the Facebook page of Mr Konfydens, the character that heralds the Nescafe Magic Mug Flight campaign and like it.

Having experienced the hot air balloon flight for the first time, Alima Shade, HND 2 student of Kwara Poly relived her experience by saying; it is mind-blowing, splendid and rewarding. She said that apart from the flight

NESCAFE Magic Mug Flight rocks Ife, Kwara experience, the event has afforded her the opportunity to strengthen her bond with other fellow students particularly in other department.

Adetunji Kazeem, winner of Mr Konfydens contest in OAU, Ife said, as a communication student, Mr Konfydens competition has afforded him the opportunity to understand the meaning of practical communication. He, however, wish such activity could return in not too distant future.The activation, which has already taken place in some West African countries like Senegal, Mali and Ivory Coast started in Nigeria last October with its first port of call at that University of Abuja.

The Nescafe train then moved to National Stadium, Surulere in November 2 and 5. However, the Season 2 has just been concluded in Ibadan, Ife and Kwara state.

Speaking on the brand activation campaign, the Category Business Manager, Coffee, Mr Tayo Olatunji stated that Mr Konfydens was introduced to encourage consumers to be adventurous. In one of the witty TVCs, there is a guy who went to see his girlfriend it the absence of the father and while they were seated in the house, her father, who is a military personnel drove in and what occurred to them was how the young man would leave the apartment without being noticed by the girl’s father.

However, he attempted to go through the window and while he was standing by the window wondering what to do, Mr Konfydens shows up and reminded him that the window is not the door, essentially encouraging him to bravely face his fears. Suddenly, the young man who got his confidence back decided to go through the door albeit briskly.

The second TVC illustrated football scenario where a player was caught in a dilemma of taking a spot kick but suddenly Mrs Konfydens showed up and told him that if you think you can’t, then you can’t but if you think you can you then are right. On how this synchronises the campaign, Olatunji said all the brand is trying to say is that everybody needs confidence in order to be able to stand out and be different amongst the lots.

“You need confidence to be successful, you need confidence to do things that have never been done, break barriers and you need confidence to fly in the hot air balloon, something that is not common in our clime.”

The season 2 of the campaign promises more fun and excitement. According to Olatunji, “we are aware that people will come from outside the campuses, but we are targeting primarily the students. People should expect fun of the life time; we called it the experience of a life time.

It is not something we do regularly,” he queried. “I can invite you to take drive from Lagos to Ibadan, we enter car everyday but we do not fly in hot air balloon every day.

For so many of us, as many times as we’ve traveled outside this country, the hot air balloon is not one of the things we go out to do.

So for us in this part of the world it is a privilege.” He said: “We are going to University of Ibadan, from there we will be heading for Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife and our last bus stop for the Season 2 will be University of Ilorin and later in the year we will be going to the other cities.

Olatunji said: “The Magic Mug Flight for us is designed to give our consumers unique experience, an experience of a life time, as an exciting brand that is quite innovative in terms of products and the experience we give to our consumers. ‘A lot of them have seen the flying balloon either on TV, but majority of them has never flown in one before. So, what we have just done is to bring the experience to them,” he stated.

He explained that those selected for the hot air balloon ride were randomly picked from a pool of entries sent via SMS, adding that each of the lucky winners was also given the opportunity to bring in two of his friends to fly with him on the hot balloon with the pilot.

“By involving the lucky consumers and their friends, it simply means we are not just talking to the consumers and giving them a life-time experience, we are also extending the gesture to those close to them, life’s experiences are better shared,” he added.

*Editor - Wale Alabi *Consulting Editors - Rarzack Olaegbe, Sola Fanawopo * Correspondent-Jimi David * Business Development - Kenny Hussain * Legal Adviser - Olasupo Osewa & Co Brandweek is powered by Brandz Republic Consulting and published every Friday in THE NATION newspaper.

All correspondence to the editor - 0808.247.7806, 0805.618.0040, , e-mail: korede2000@gmail.com © All rights reserved.

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012

37

SOCIETY

•From left: Oba Olayinka Ado; Ambassador Solomon and Chief Adams

•From left: Mrs Uneanya; Hon Sunmola and Hon Arabame-Odofin

The people of Southsouth geo-political zone resident in Lagos have celebrated their cultural heritage. The event was held at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Festac Town. CHINAKA OKORO was there.

For the love of culture F

OR two days, the Southsouth community in Amuwo-Odofin and Oriade Local Council Development Area (LCDA) gathered to mark its maiden Cultural Heritage Week. The six states and ethnic nationalities that make up the zone were represented.

The event was anchored by Comedian Plenty Mouth and Artistic Momen Maiza, a member of the Guild of Nigerian Actors.

The venue of the event was Olumole Primary School, Oluti in Oriade LCDA, where the zone’s various ethnic nationalities displayed the cultural heritage for which they are known.

Some of the groups on parade in their beautiful costumes were Oyoho Idoteyin Cultural Group of Akwa Ibom State, NkoNkanda Cultural Troupe of Cross River State, Corporate Cultural Sisters of Delta State, among others.

Chairman on the ocassion, Chief John Akhamie Managing Consultant John Akhamie and Co. said the event was a showcase for the people’s culture, which could be likened to a seed sowed which will bear fruits in future.

“The cultures of the Southsouth permeate every nook and cranny of Nigeria. Part of our rich cultural heritage have semblance of those of the Southeast, Southwest and the North.”

Chairman, Planning, Committee of the event, the Alatuse Adini of Lagos and former Political Assistant to the former governor of Lagos Alhaji Lateef Jakande; Chief T.A.B. Adams, said: “The Southsouth cultural day is an annual event, a melting point for those who

are indigenous to communities situated on the Delta Region, who reside in Lagos. It is a forum through which our people reason together for social, cultural and economic development.

“The essence of the cultural heritage week was to identify and celebrate our roots as people of the Southsouth community by uniting to establish a synergy towards proffering solutions to our peculiar problems.”

The event climaxed on Saturday, May 12, as more activities shifted to the massive Arthur Mbanefo Hall Golden Tulip Hotels.

There were awards to some eminent Nigerians, beauty pageant and networking and socialisation were held.

The podium was decorated in blue and red velvety materials. The walls were decorated in blue silky clothing materials. The big round tables numbering about 15 where covered with sparkling white material and each large table comfortably took 10 people. The chairs were of wool, even as the floor was covered with brown stripped carpet.

The women were georgeously dressed in their george wrappers with blouses and headgears to match.

Some men adorned the traditional longflowing dresses, blue-stripped materials hung on their necks, walking sticks and gbola hats popularly called resource control hats.

During the beauty pageant, elegant ladies dressed in beautiful attires depicting their various cultures and norms. Almost all the ethnic entities in the Southsouth geo-politi-

•From left: Rev Nwabueze; Chief Ujaidu and Chief Ukonma

cal zone were represented by young, vibrant and pretty ladies.

Abraka, Asaba, Warri, Auchi, Ekpoma, Calabar, Ughelli, Sapele, and Ebu, among others, were represented in the beauty pageant.

On the event, Ambassador David Oke Eke Solomon the Oron Pamowei of Izons, Lagos State, said the event was what was needed to promote unity among the various ethnic nationalities in Nigeria. He urged the Federal Government to encourage cultural activities to promote and revitalise our dwindling ethos.

He emphasised that the only solution to our socio-political and economic problems is the convening of Sovereign National Conference.

Some of the dignitaries who attended the high-profile event were Oba Lateef Olayinka Ado Fabuwa 1 and the Alado of Ado Kingdom, Hon. Moshood O. Badmus, Chairman ACN in Oriade LCDA, Hon. Kareem

Sunmola; Secretary to Oriade LCDA, Chief (Mrs) B. Sanusi wife of chairman Oriade LCDA, High Chief Linus Onyemaechi the Ochiagha Ndigbo, Chief Linus Ezike, Chief Ben Nnakife, Chief Kate Onunwa, president Royal Daughters of Nigeria, Mrs Anifowose Sherifat, Hon. Gbolahan Dauda Vice-Chairman Oriade LCDA, Ms Vivian Enamino, Chief Babs Alasa MD/CEO Pentals Nigeria Limited, Chief (Dr) John Akhamie MD/CEO John Akhamie &Co Limited, High Chief R.A. Ekpe, Mr Eminue A.J. Eminue MD/CEO Atabang Ventures Limited, Ms Ivana Uneanya, Mrs Titilayo Essien of Information Unit Oriade LCDA, Rev. Henry Nwabueze chairman Southsouth inAmuwoOdofin Local Government Area, Chief M.I. Ujaidu South-South Leader Lagos State, Chief A.O. Okonma South-South Leader AmuwoOdofin Local Government, Mrs Rosemary Uneanya Information Officer Oriade LCDA, Hon. Rita Arabame-Odofin Majority Leader Oriade Legislative Council, among others.

The Catholic Women Organisation (CWO) of the Lagos Archdiocesan Council last Sunday rounded off its week of celebration with an award ceremony. EMMANUEL UDODINMA was there.

Honour for diligence

I

T was a moment of celebration as the Lagos State Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women Organisation (LACCWO) held this year’s award of excellence for women.

The award presentation, which had the theme: Women as peace makers united in faith and action, attracted several dignitaries from all of walks of life.

The colourful event took place at the St Theresa Catholic Church, Ifako, Agege. The women were dressed in blue uniform.

The awardees were honoured for their services in God’s vineyard.

President of LACCWO Mrs Lilian Famoroti urged the recipients to improve in their acts of love for God and humanity.

She said: “The award is in recognition of their selfless service and benevolence to the Lagos Archdiocesan

•From left: Catholic Archdiocesan Laity Chairman Mr Folu Adekoya; President, LACCWO, Mrs Lilian Famoroti and Mrs Francesca Okuribido

Council. Proceed from the award is going to be used for the empowerment of women, because lots and lots of women need empowerment.

“If the women fail, that means the nation will fail. The aim is to help each other by extending our hand of

fellowship to our fellow Christians,” Famoroti said.

In an address, she urged women to be good role models wherever they find themselves and to embrace love.

“The soul of peace is love and as women united in faith by our baptism,

we should be poised for action now. It is love that gives life to peace more than victory to defeat, more than selfinterest or fear or weariness or need.

“The soul of peace is love that comes from the love of God and expresses itself in love for all people. Inner peace

is contagious. Pass it on.

“We, as torch-bearers, have to shine our light in order to lead others. To achieve peace, we have to desire peace of mind, decide to eschew violence, determine to persevere in the pursuit and propagation of peace, and be a darling to all.”

Secretary of the organisation, Mrs M. O. D. Ewumi, said it is a tradition in the Catholic Church to honour women who have worked very hard in God’s work. It is also a means of evangelism, to renew faithful relationship with God. President, Catholic Women Organisation, St. Peter and Paul, OkeAfa, Mrs Glory Young, added that the ceremony is an old form of evangelism in the church, where women come together in unity and in celebration.

She said through such occasions, women would learn and see the need to help one another in love. “Mothers play a key role in the society and with women there is hope,” she said.

The recipients expressed appreciation for the honour and promised to do more in the service of God and humanity.

Women from various parishes got the awards, including those from Apapa, Agege, Badagry, Ikeja, Lagos Island, Lekki and Mainland.

38

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012

SOCIETY •More pictures from page 27

•From right: Prof Nnaji; Prof Onwuliri and Princess Stella Oduah

•From left:Governor Elechi and his wife Josephine and the wife of Anambra State Governor, Margaret Obi

•From right: Alhaji Tukur; Senator Ekweremadu and his wife

•A cross-section of clerics at the event.

PHOTOS: OBI CLETUS

Akiolu marks nine years on throne As part of the activities to mark the ninth coronation anniversary of Oba Rilawan Akiolu, the Oando family brought its product, the O-Gas, to the palace for endorsement. NNEKA NWANERI was at the palace.

T

HE Oba of Lagos,Oba Rilwan Akiolu was expected in his full regalia to mark his anniversary. to everyone’s surprise, he came out simply dressed in an Oando branded T-shirt and trousers. As he stepped out, his praise singer sang his praises and local drummers did what they knew how to do best as he gave some steps.

Before he sat on his white royal chair, he moved round the tent to acknowledge cheers and chants of Kabiyesi o from his subjects.

The Oba acknowledged that finally, with the introduction of the 3kg O-Gas, the light has finally come to Lagos. Thanking Oando for bringing the light to his people,

he encouraged them to show the light for the people to follow. “I am the father of Oando. This shirt I wear tells it all. It’s not like I planned the day but it’s just that as at the time the company approached me, their date coincided with my anniversary day, thus the merge and double celebration.”

He encouraged Lagosians to embrace the O-Gas as it will elude the hazards of Blackness, smoke and irritating odour associated with using the kerosene stove and other means of cooking.

Oba Akiolu thanked the former governor of Lagos, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu and his predecessor, Babatunde Fashola (SAN) for their support during his tenure.

•From left: Alhaja Habibat Tinubu; Chief Lateef Opeluwa; Aladeji of Lagos Chief Babatunde Idris and the Obanikoro of Lagos Chief Adesoji Ajayi-Bembe

•Oba Rilwan Akiolu endorsing the O-Gas flanked by the Chief Executive Officer, Oando Marketing Mr Yomi Awobokun (left) and Lagos State Commissioner for Energy, Hon Taofeek Tijani

•Wives of the Oba (from left) Olori Titlayo; Fadeke; Olanike and Kudirat Akiolu PHOTOS: NNEKA NWANERI

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012

39

SOCIETY

An exciting farewell •Continued from page 25

T

•The couple, Omolara and Olusegun

•Groom’s dad Mr Cameron-Cole

•Groom’s mum Mrs Olayinka

•Bride’s parents Chief Onakoya and his wife Folake

HE priest canvassed a shift from celebrating mediocrity, brigandage and corruption to selfless sacrifice, rectitude, prudence and honesty, noting that God would soon bring every act to judgment.

“Today, we celebrate the supremacy of God over the will of man. It is the will of God that after all the labour and toil of man in this world, he must return to the soil from where he came. Remember man that you are dust and unto dust you shall return. Every funeral calls upon us to concentrate in life more on who we are than what we have,” he said.

Mrs Fayemi’s remains were interred at St. Martins Catholic Church. Prayers at the graveside were led by the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Lawrence Akinbo.

At the event were Governors Babatunde Fashola (Lagos); Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers); Rauf Aregbesola (Osun); Adams Oshiomhole (Edo); Senator Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun); Ahmed Abdullahi; (Kwara) and Isa Yuguda (Bauchi). President Goodluck Jonathan was represented by his Special Adviser on Interparty Affairs, Senator Ben Obi. Others were former Lagos State governor and National Leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) Bola Ahmed Tinubu; National Chairman, Bisi Akande; former Ekiti State governor, Niyi Adebayo; former Ogun State governor, Segun Osoba; former Benue State governor, George Akume; Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Mrs. Funmi Olayinka; former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose; former Kwara State governor, Bukola Saraki and former Governor, of old Western State, Gen David Jemibewon (Rtd); Ghanaian President John Attah Mills sent a nine-member delegation led by the country’s Minister of Local Government, Mr Elvis Afriyie Anigra.

Others were Minister of Police Affairs Navy Captain Caleb Olubolade (rtd); Senator Gbenga Ashafa; Senator Ajayi Boroffice; Senators, Olubunmi Adetumbi and Tony Adeniyi from Ekiti State; their counterparts in the House of Representatives. Business mogul, Aliko Dangote, Chief Afe Babalola (SAN),

Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), Chief Audu Ogbeh, Chief Ajibola Ogunsola, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, Senator Bode Olajumoke, Otunba Biyi Durojaye, Prof Wale Omole; Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Dr. Adewale Omirin; Prof. Julius Ihonvbare; Senator Gbenga Aluko, Chairman, Aceess Bank, Mr Gbenga Oyebode, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), Dr. Olu Agunloye; Dr Olusegun Abraham, Mrs. Jumoke Anifowose, Mr Tokunbo Ajasin, Mr Muyiwa Ige and Mr Gboyega Adefarati.

There were also Senator Ayo Arise, Mr Femi Falana, Mr Solomon Asemota (SAN), Mr Nosa Ojo, Mr John Amodu, Olayinka Balogun, Justice Fola Gbadeyan (rtd), Prof Tola Odugbemi, Prof Patrick Aina, Prof. Jide Osuntokun, Mr Femi Osunro and Mrs Ifueko Omogui-Okauru.

Over 150 traditional rulers from Ekiti, Ondo and Osun states graced the occasion. Among them are Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe, Deji of Akure, Oba Adebiyi Adesida and Onisan of Isan-Ekiti, Oba Sunday Ajiboye.

Officiating ministers included the Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Most Rev. Felix Ajakaye; Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, the Most Rev. Mathew Hassan Kukah; Emeritus Bishop Francis Alonge and and Bishop of Ekiti Anglican Communion, Bishop Adedayo Abe. A day before the funeral, there was a procession from the state Teaching Hospital, AdoEkiti to the Fayemis’ family compound in Isan.

Last Sunday, a thanksgiving service was held at St. Martins Catholic Church.

Gov.Fayemi described his mother as his mentor, who taught him lessons about life, character, hard work, perseverance and community service, among other social and parental values.

The governor said the values she taught him were what kept him going during the threeand-a-half years struggle to reclaim his mandate.

Highlight of the event was the unveiling of the prototype of a proposed Old People’s Home to be built in memory of the late Mrs Fayemi by the state’s Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON).

PHOTOS: AMIDU ARIJE

What love has brought together The engagement of Onasolape Omolara and Eniola Olusegun Cameron-Cole has taken place in Lagos. AMIDU ARIJE and DAMILOLA BAMIDELE were there.

T

HE engagement was worth waiting for even though it started late. Exotic cars flooded the All Season Plaza, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos to witness the union between Omolara and Olusegun.

The complex busted with a crowd, yet filled but guests kept trooping in even after the ceremony was over.

The different uniformed dresses chosen by both families were eye-catching. The bride’s family, went ivory and coral pink the groom’s close for turquoise.

The presence of security men at the entrance and around the arena ensured orderliness.

It was a high profile event restricted to invited guests.

The couple have some things in common.

They schooled in London, but their love story did not begin there. They got to know each other when they returned home and were match made by a mutual friend.

The couple was decked in aso oke; the groom wore buba and Sokoto the bride looked regal in iro and buba.

Items for the ceremony such as: fruits, tubers of yam, honey, sugar cane and travelling bags were presented to the bride’s family.

In line with tradition, the groom’s family assembled outside to match into the hall.

After the introduction, the bride’s family accepted to give their consent to the marriage. Both families beamed with smiles.

The letter brought by the groom’s family was read by the bride’s sister, Idowu Onakoya.

The groom accompanied by friends danced into the hall. As tradition demands, he was asked to prostate before his in laws three times, as a symbol of respect.

The parents of the bride prayed for the groom as he was ushered to the altar.

The bride was urshered in amid songs of love. She was accompanied by the brides maids and other family members.

Tears flowed from her eyes as she was made to seat on her mums laps for prayer.

With red cap in her hands, she danced to the tune eni fila mi ba wori e lomi a de as she rolled the cap until she get to where her love bird was sitting and she wore it on him.

As one of the traditional rites, the Cameron-Cole’s family offered a “Bride Price” but the bride’s family did not take it.

The Onakoyas said what they want from them is love towards Omolara, adding that Eniola should take good care of her.

•A cross-section of officiating ministers

•Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu embracing Chief Afe Babalola at the event

PHOTOS: DAYO ADEWUNMI

40

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012

SOCIETY The wife of the Secretary-General of Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Hajia Madinat Similola Adegbite has been turbaned as the Iyalode Adinni of Ibarapa, Oyo State. NNEKA NWANERI reports.

WHAT AND WHERE?

Obsequies

T

HE Muslim Community of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) will hold a special prayer for the late Vice Chancellor of the institution Prof Babatunde Sofoluwe today.

The event will hold at UNILAG Mosque (main campus) and the university’s College of Medicine, Idi -Araba Mosque after the Jumat prayer.

On Sunday, the Christians in UNILAG will also hold a special prayer/service at the vari-

•Prof Sofoluwe

ous churches at the main Campus and the University College of Medicine, Idi Araba.

Launch

T

OMORROW, the Two Voices Gospel album by Oluwafunmilayo Esther and Oluwatosin Sharon Odujinrin will be launched and dedicated at the Zonal Headquarters of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Life Gate Assembly on LASUIsheri Road, Isheri Oloto, Lagos.

•Oba Gbadebo

Honour for Allah’s servant

T

APA in Ibarapa North Local Government of Oyo State was a beehive of activities on April 29 when Hajia Madinat Similola Adegbite, wife of the Secretary-General of NSCIA was turbaned as Iyalode Adinni of Ibarapa.

The crowd turned its attention to her, as she was turbaned with a white lace by some women.

She acknowledged cheers from her guests as she got the title.

In attendance were wife of Ogun State governor Mrs Funsho Amosun; the Alake of Ebgaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo; and the Timi of Ede, Oba Muniruden Lawal.

Others were Prince Bola Ajibola; Prince Tajudeen Olusi; Alhaji Idris Sulaimon; Prof Tajudeen Gbadamosi; Mrs Morenikeji Folawiyo and Hajia Kudirat Remawa.

The event was well attended with many a Muslim leaders, Asalatu groups from Lagos State as well as friends and relatives of the newly turbaned.

Her husband, Dr AbdulLateef Adegbite charged Muslims to take their education seriously to enable them to take part in the affairs of the country.

Their qualification, he said, will enable to get top appointments in the public sector.

The secretary-General lamented the deepening insecurity in the country. He called on Nigerians to regard security and the joint responsibility of the government and the people, warning that its everyone’s duty to be constantly alert and vigilant of suspicious movements.

In her acceptance speech, Hajia Adegbite also urged Muslim parents to give special attention to the education of their female children, contrary to those who erroneously claim that the place of the girl-child is the home.

The new Iyalode Adinni said educating a girl-child means educating the nation.

Anniversary

•Govenor Fashola •Hajia Adegbite being turbaned as Iyalode Adinni of Ibarapa

A

CTIVITIES marking the 45 anniversary of the creation of Lagos State started on Wednesday. Today, a spe-

cial Jumat service will hold at the Alausa Central Mosque.

The activity will continue on Sunday with a thanksgiving service at Chapel of Christ the Light, Alausa.

Activities marking the anniversary will end on Sunday with an Anniversary/ Dinner night. Prof Akeem Danmole and Mr Supo Shashore will speak on the topic: From Colony to Mega City

Dinner

T

ODAY, the Old Students Association of the African Church Grammar School, Abeokuta will hold a traditional Suya Nite at the school premises.

They will also gather at the same venue tomorrow for their Annual General Meeting/Election.

Funeral ODAY, the funeral service for Rev. Felix Olushola Johnson will hold at the Chapel of Christ Our Light, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka.

Interment follows immediately after the service at the Ebony Millennium Cemetery, Atan, Yaba.

The entertainment of guests will hold at UNILAG’s Multipurpose Hall A.

T

Synod HE Third Annual Synod of the Anglican Communion of St Jude Lagos Mainland Diocese, Ebute Metta, will be end on Sunday.

The event, which started since May 24, will be concluded with a thanksgiving service at the Church’s premises.

T •Dr Lateef Adegbite and his wife Hajia Madinat

•Dr Sunday Makinde

Funeral

U

NIVERSITY of Ibadan will today bid final ware to one of its staff Princess Abiodun Ladega as her funeral service will be held at her residence Maberi/Idishin, Academy Odo-Ona Elewe, Orita Challenge, Ibadan.

Her internment and thanksgiving service follows immediately at Power Faith Pentecostal Church, Oluwanisola Street, Ibadan.

Communion

T

HE House on the Rock will on Sunday hold a special communion service at the Eko Hotel Expo Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Its Senior Pastor Paul Adefarasin will deliver a lecture on Fresh start.

•Adefarasin •Mrs Morenikeji Folawiyo receives Mrs Amosun

•Compiled by Abike Adegbulehin and Aminat Adeshina

OTHER SPORT...

FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012

43

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

Osun State Governor Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola turns 55 today. In this tribute, his media director, Semiu Okanlawon extols the virtues of a governor who brought business unusual police into public service.

Conventions and new leadership in troubled times S

TEVE Jobs, (God bless his soul), even in death, is a man to be admired at all times. He stood out while alive in the contemporary times as one, whose innovations changed the cause of many things including, of course, the way businesses are conducted.

Jobs, it was, who said “innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.”

Of course, the question is relevant if we demand where the world would have been without innovations?

It is in that context that the question of innovation in leadership becomes germane under an atmosphere of so much cacophony, where a country with so much promise at birth, gradually grew up to become derelict even in the face of amazing wealth.

It becomes more enervating when the wealth, merely symbolised by the glittering skyscrapers and auto-wonders owned by her milking oligarchs.

It appears very glaring that Nigeria missed her steps and strayed off the track at the point her leaders stop thinking. Thinking in this context is no more than staying away from the pack to initiate ideas that are capable of setting forth new visions rather than following the same old beaten paths that had led to just one terminal point of failure.

It is important to ask: How can you do things the same way over and over again and expect different results?

Failure to recognise the fact that the challenges of governance in the 21st century have rendered impotent and weather-beaten, the routine, is one major deficit of current national life.

At the 2012 Centre for Leadership and Value Annual Lecture Series, Prof. Peter M. Lewis, who is Director, African Studies Program, Johns Hopkins University, School of Advanced International Studies in the United States painted a gloomy picture of the tragedy of the national life, whose only solution could be found in thinking out of the box if the leadership is to provide the way out.

Lewis had observed that “the nation is being severely tested by dilemmas of security and economic direction. The rapid escalation of the insurgency in Northern Nigeria, and the wave of social protest that answered the government’s initiative to remove the fuel subsidy, have incited widespread feelings of uncertainty and popular frustration.

These are very different challenges, arising from distinctive agendas and social foundations.”

Flowing from that grim illustration by a man, who admittedly, had watched Nigeria from the observatory of his US base, one is compelled to agree that the Boko Haramic insurgency, the fuelled subsidy imbroglio, the burgeoning rank of the unemployed and the unemployable, the predatory gusto of the elected elite and many other devils are all fallouts of the absurdities of the convoluted federalism upon which the structures of our governance is premised.

That then necessitates a total rethink of the entire gamut of how things are done in this country from both the micro to the macro levels if indeed, we are appalled by the sordid state of affairs.

From the seemingly very little things that

we hardly count to the very gargantuan ones with very destructive capacities, Nigeria’s hopes of turning away from the precipice lie in the ability of the new set of leaders to brave the storm in the battle for a new beginning and break new grounds.

From the little corner of the State of Osun have come in recent times some of those new visions which, on a larger scale, appear to be potent solutions to many of the issues that have engendered national convulsions.

Sadly however, much as they appear to be solutions to many of the national questions, crass political colourations have veiled what the entire country would have agreed to bring to the national table for wise considerations, possible amendments and eventual national applications.

Ordinarily, many would dismiss energetic efforts at moral and value rebirth as mere, hollow ventures especially depending on what degree of turpitude the assessors stand.

But that undoubtedly was the foundation needed to commence the revival of a state which lost all values in the face of mindless reign of predators.

That a state is now fondly referred to as the State of the Virtuous (Ipinle Omoluabi); that the state now holds her values, ethos and identities with pride; that the state now sings her inspiring anthem to high heavens are causing uncomfortable reverberations in the eardrums of those who have lost values for personal, communal and historical identities.

But we say these are part of the ingredients for a solid foundation for an enduring structure to be called Nigeria. Taking off from that new culture from the state of Osun is the campaign for true fiscal federalism. The feeling is very rife that the constituent entities of any reasonable federal arrangement must strive to achieve and maintain some relative degree of financial autonomy.

This is even if only to forestall the unhealthy master-servant culture that is part of the features of the current arrangement.

Starting from a new culture of saving appropriately tagged the Omoluabi Conservation Funds, there is a new sense of understanding by the people that funds saved from the trickles of handouts from the centre; plugging of holes through which state’s scarce resources had been ferreted (culminating in an immediate 100 pe rcent increase in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR); a greater determination to look inwards for programmes and policies that could ignite a new wave of money-spinning commercial activities, have the capacities to take the state to loftier heights.

I am compelled to refer to Prof Lewis once again because his postulations during the last

• Aregbesola with his wife Sherifat.

Centre for Values and Leadership lecture series hold a lot for us Nigerians if indeed, we are set to halt the present trend.

The painstaking steps at development in the State of Osun readily fits as the answer to the short-term panacea Nigeria as a whole had sought to deal with headaches that promise to remain with us for long.

“All too often, rulers have opted for shortterm bargains or settlements that would preserve peace, typically at the expense of a longer-term agenda of political or economic change.

“The challenges of economic performance come down to basic political questions: How to focus the energies of elites and average citizens from across the country for common goals of development? How to induce Nigerians to forego therents and favours that bring personal gain today, in order to invest for sustained growth? How to develop a sense of public purpose and accountability among public employees and elected officials? These questions have confronted many societies, including quite a number that have surmounted the problem.”

Part of the imports of this is that the Nigerian conundrum is neither new nor peculiar.

Others had passed through this phase but ended up surmounting their problems.

However, there must be the political will on the part of political leaders to jettison the old order.

Just as the title of a book recently released in honour of the former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Leadership in

‘Nigeria requires a new set of leaders which would not be complacent and rooted on the routine. It falls on us all to identify what good things lie in a new leader who brands himself as “unconventional and goes about the business of governance in the most unconventional ways’

Troubled Times, Nigeria requires a new set of leaders which would not be complacent and rooted on the routine. It falls on us all to identify what good things lie in a new leader who brands himself as “unconventional” and goes about the business of governance in the most unconventional ways. The point is that these are troubled times for Nigeria; requiring much more than the previous leaders had done if there is a genuine desire to leap out of the quagmire.

Fine! Those have their own prices. And the prices range from self-denials to being pilloried by those who are threatened by the implications of the new ideas emanating from the “unconventional” man of vision.

However, the man who wants to change the existing order must be prepared to sail on regardless of the tempestuous distractions that might come his way.

Herbert Swope, the first winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Reporting and co-author of Inside the German Empire, had captured it more succinctly when he wrote: “I cannot give you the formula for success, but I can give you the formula for failure: which is: Try to please everybody.”

The leader who wants to please everybody will follow the routine. The leader who wants to solve emerging problems must break the existing rules and it is in that process he must carry on no matter whose ox is gored.

Not even the occasion of a birthday celebration would be spared this attribute of being unconventional. As he clocks 55 on Friday, Governor Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola had earlier appealed to his admirers that rather than any colourful celebration and placement of congratulatory messages in the media in his honour, those who share his visions should rather contribute to the development of humanity by channelling their funds to charity. That, to him, will be much more fulfilling than an expensive and expansive merrymaking. And for those who wish to send birthday wishes, they will do well to send those to Germany where Aregbesola is currently exploring development options in the areas of agriculture with German state government officials.

44

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012

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THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012

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THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012

COMMENTARY

T

HERE is something strange about prophecy which remains a puzzle to mankind. It is like the night which is like a pregnant night which delivers wonders in the day. Genuine prophecy is neither by coinage nor by pretext.

Its roots are firmly planted in the rich soil of divinity. And only Allah appoints prophets for an appropriate nation with an appropriate mission at an appropriate time. But this has been bastardised by selfstyled prophets of the modern world who see prophecy as an umbrella of fortune under which they can hide to mine gold and silver. Such people only sooth-tell satanic dreams to their ignorant and parochial victims who are callously milked in the name of prophecy.

Except for King Daud (David) and his son King Sulayman (Solomon) who were divinely guided to show the world how wealth is legitimately acquired and managed, no prophet of Allah was stupendously rich. This can be compared with today’s situation where prophecy is measured in terms of billions of dollars or naira at the disposal of fraudsters parading themselves as prophets. Today, prophecy in religion has been fully turned into a platform for preaching prosperity rather than posterity at the expense of godliness and humanitarianism. It is not by clandestinely predicting the number of Kings who will die in the coming year or the Governors who will lose their seats to opponents that a person can proclaim self a prophet.

Genuine prophets are known not by words of mouth alone or amount of wealth they possess but by the exemplary actions that may serve humanity in good stead for many, many centuries. Prophets Isa (Jesus) and Muhammad (SAW) are good examples of this.

Prophecy, therefore, is not to be judged on the basis of yearly predictions. Virtually all the religious tenets and regulations in Christianity and Islam today are reflections of the prophecies of the two great men mentioned above in the past two millennia or thereabout.

Today, fake prophecy is a product which finds a large market in Nigeria. Ignorant and parochial people queue up in multitudes before fraudsters with the intention of moulding their future to suit their wishes or solving impossible problems.

Such people are forced to carry out satanic instructions which eventually bring ruins to them and pave ways for those fraudsters to zoom into material fortune without any care for conscience. Most broken homes and criminal activities of Nigerian youths today are traceable to fake prophecies and insensitive display of wealth in Churches and Mosques in this country.

Prophet Muhammad (SAW) had forewarned the Muslim Ummah, about 1,500 years ago, against the calamity which false prophecy could bring to them. Addressing his disciples on a particular occasion, he said: “There will be calamity!” He repeated this three times. But rather than asking him of its cause, the disciples simply asked for the solution. They had no cause to doubt him. And he told them to look for the solution in the legacy he was leaving behind. That legacy is the rule of law contained in the Qur’an and Sunnah.

The Prophet emphasised to them that nothing besides the rule of law would ever bring them the needed harmony in the world. He described the Qur’an as the permanent solution of all times to various problems of all times reiterating that only individuals, groups or nations that hold it (Qur’an) tenaciously would never go astray. The Qur’an, according to Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is the mirror with which to view the past retrospectively and draw a lesson from its experience. It is the

FEMI ABBAS ON Femabbas@yahoo.com 08122697498

Any hope in sight?

• President Goodluck Jonathan effective compass with which to find the way in the mazy wilderness of the present.

It is also the impeccable telescope with which to view the future. In other words, the Qur’an is an everlasting prophecy recalling the occurrences of the past, serving as the guidance of the present and tuning focus on the future.

By asking the world to follow the rule of law in all their ways, the Prophet never aimed at rising from his grave to govern any particular nation or region of the world. Neither did he leave any heir behind who would inherit the governance of the world. His objective, according to the mission he bore, was for the world to be in harmony. And, it is only in the interest of mankind to uphold the rule of law for the sake of their harmonious existence.

To marry according to the rule of law; to divorce, if need be, according to the rule of law; to raise families according to the rule of law; to transact businesses according to the rule of law; to play politics according to the rule of law; to give judgment according to the rule of law; to conduct elections according to the rule of law; to legislate according to the rule of law; to govern according to the rule of law, these and more are the elements of the mission preached by Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

And, is there any individual, group or nation not affected by all these in the world today?

Every aspect of life has its rule of law.

We work in the day and rest in the night not by our own volition but in accordance with the natural rule of law that guide our existence. The sun rises in the East and sets in the West to obey the rule of law that controls its operations. Fishes live in wa-

ter. Plants grow generically and are fed by their roots in obedience to the natural rule of law that governs them. Harmony becomes disrupted when deviation occurs in any of these.

Carnivores like lions, vipers and eagles will never voluntarily feed on plants.

Neither will harbivores like elephants, camels and goats, feed on flesh. To force them to do otherwise, in the name of experiment, is to cause disharmony in animal kingdom.

The world is in disharmony today because of deliberate deviation from the rule of law by those in power. Stronger nations want to dominate weaker nations as in the case of America in Iraq. Governments want to enslave the governed as in the case of Nigeria between 1999 and 2012.

Groups want to exploit individuals as in the case of the business elite and the consumers. It is all an evidence of dogs eating dogs in the stable of greed. Why won’t disharmony prevail?

But Allah so much loves mankind that He does not leave them permanently in the hands of devilish pirates. From time to time, Allah sends conscientious individuals either as rulers or as counsellors to rescue the oppressed people. That was the fortune of Nigeria when Umaru Musa Yar’Adua emerged as President. His insistence on rule of law first sounded odd to some lawless elements who took such stand for granted because they never experienced rule of law in Nigeria. But that is the blessing which our country needed as a solid foundation for a strong building. Rule of law is the first sign of sanity in a society. It is an evidence of decency in a people.

In beaming the light of rule of law on Nigeria, Yar’Adua was not a mere touchbearer he also recognised the fact that one did not necessarily have to be governed

by Shari’ah to abide by rule of law. What the Qur’an teaches which the Prophet emphasised is for everybody to follow the rule of the law by which he or she is governed. To do this is to follow the guidance of the Qur’an.

If we had a President in him who could voluntarily return his annual security vote of about two billion naira to the national treasury because he did not see the need to spend it and he did not see it as a personal booty; if we had a President in him who could return the budget to the National Assembly for amendment because he felt it was unnecessarily inflated at the expense of the populace; if we had a President in him who could promptly react positively to the cry of the people on high cost of food items in the market, who could cause the price of cement to crash in favour of the downtrodden masses and

suspend any increase on price of petrol indefinitely it was only because he had the fear of Allah at heart. Thus with him in power it was becoming crystal clear that Nigerians were beginning to appreciate the fact that harmony was truly in sight. And such great gestures which had eluded this country for a long time before he became President came to add greater values to the lives of Nigerians. Rule of law is about conscience and decency of character. It marks the difference between man and beast.

If Yar’Adua did not achieve anything beyond establishing the rule of law in Nigeria that singular achievement was great enough for posterity. And what is more, he achieved much more by bringing a ray of hope to millions of Nigerians in less than two years of his leadership, in a country where the sky had been dangerously cloudy. No sane person will sensibly compare sleep with death.

Prophet Muhammad never spoke in a vacuum. His utterances were divinely guided. And the Qur’an confirms this in thus: ‘’He (Muhammad) never spoke out of sheer whim; his expressions are no other than inspired revelations; he is taught by the One who is mighty in power…”

Nigerians of today cannot afford to behave like the Israelis of yore who after being rescued by Prophet Musa (Moses) from the scourge of Pharaoh, showed ingratitude to Allah and were thrown into the wilderness of life. Having suffered in the hands of a blind and deaf Nigerian Pharaoh for eight terrible years and having been liberated by an unexpected Moses, it only behoves conscientious people to be grateful not necessarily to that Moses but to God who used him for this divine gesture. The sharp difference between the road to hell and the one to paradise which Nigerians have experienced within one decade had shown how wonderful Allah is in His deeds. It also confirms the prophecy of Prophet Muhammad as attested by the Qur’an 20 verse 124 thus: “When my guidance is revealed to you, he who follows it shall never err nor be afflicted; but he who gives no heed to My warning shall live in distress and be raised blind on the Day of Resurrection…”

In his message to the nation on the occasion of Mawlidu-n-Nabiyy and Easter of 2008, President Yar’Adua appealed to Nigerians, with humility, to exercise patience with his administration saying there was need for thoroughness and decency to take off. He neither used any abusive language that was the hall-mark of his predecessor nor asked Nigerians to continue to bear the unbearable while his own family lived aristocratically.

Having a man like him at the helm of affairs while he was alive was a special blessing of Allah which Nigerians only came to realise after his demise. The Qur’anic verse quoted above must always be a reference point for all decent, lawabiding people. From all indications then, there is a sign of light at the end of our tunnel. When one compares the governing style of today with that of yesterday and weighs the one with the other, it will become clear that the difference is clear. It is impossible for a man to give what he does not possess. For both the rulers and the ruled the only panacea to Nigeria’s plight especially in a situation where ordinary feeding has become a luxury is the rule of law. Anything contrary may only pave the way to waterloo.

“Allah does not change a people’s lot unless they change what is in their hearts.

If he seeks to afflict them with a misfortune, none can ward it off. Besides Him, there is no protector (for any rational being).” Q.13:11. God save Nigeria!

NEWS

ACN chieftains: Jonathan can’t win Edo for PDP

L

EADERS of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Edo State have derided comments credited to President Goodluck Jonathan that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will win the July 14 governorship election in the state in a free and fair election.

The ACN chieftains said only registered voters would determine which party will win the election.

The lawmaker representing Oredo in the House of Representatives, Rasaq

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

Belo-Osagie, said it would be “risky for anyone to manipulate or tamper with the process and outcome of the election”.

Belo-Osagie said the ACN was not worried about the outcome of the election.

“Governor Adams Oshiomhole has received tremendous support from all .

“The people have seen development across various sectors of the economy.

“Oshiomhole is a generational gift to

Edo people and Nigeria. He is a first class material. I am seeing beyond Edo State,” he said.

Council Chairman of Uhunmwode Local Government Napoleon Agbama said: “One person from Abuja cannot decide the result of the election in Edo.” Agbama noted that politics is a game of majority and that the ACN is prepared for the polls in the locality.

Director-General of Oshiomhole Cam-

paign Organisation Osagie Ize-Iyamu said the PDP should have picked a leader from Edo State to lead its campaign instead of picking Vice President Namadi Sambo.

He said Abuja cannot win the election for the PDP in the state.

A member of the House ofAssembly, Ms Elizabeth Ativie, said: “What do you expect from the President? He will tell them what they want to hear.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012

50

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 24-5-12

May & Baker assures of improved returns

M

AY & Baker Nigeria Plc could witness significant improvement in returns in the years ahead as the company’s World Health Organisation (WHO) prequalified pharmaceutical factory starts operations, the company has assured.

At its Annual General Meeting yesterday in Lagos, the Chairman, Lt. Gen, Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), said the company is hopeful it would improve significantly on dividends to shareholders, as it begins to reap from the benefits of its investment in the ultramodern pharmaceutical manufacturing centre.

He said the dividend payout of 10 kobo per share for the 2011 business year would serve as benchmark for future returns, assuring shareholders that the board and management would continue to identify new areas of investments for future growth.

“We are very positive about the future of our company. We intend to aggressively drive our business diversification and market penetration and expansion strategies, leveraging on the potentials of our newly completed world class manufacturing plant,” Danjuma said.

He told the shareholders that May & Baker is currently working on a number of new products which are expected to be launched before the end of this year.

Audited report and accounts of the company for the year ended December 31, 2011,

By Taofik Salako and Tonia Osundolire

showed a 32.5 per cent growth in profit after tax from N192.98 million in 2010 to N255.47 million in 2011. Turnover grew by 4.3 per cent from N4.6 billion in 2010 to N4.8 billion in 2011. Profit before tax rose from N307.8 million to N339.47 million.

With earnings per share rising from 19.7 kobo in 2010 to 26.1 kobo in 2011, shareholders approved distribution of a dividend per share of 10 kobo for the 2011 business year.

Danjuma pointed out that improved cost management and more efficient application of resources made it possible for the company to achieve better profitability in 2011.

He noted that the completion and commissioning of a new pharmaceutical manufacturing facility known as the PharmaCentre in 2011 more than doubled the company’s pharmaceutical manufacturing operations.

He however observed that the PharmaCentre could not contribute to the company’s performance in 2011 on account of preparations for WHO-prequalification inspections which hindered the use of the facility for normal production operations.

He said in line with the company’s vision to become a leading conglomerate in Nigeria, one of the new subsidiaries, Osworth Nigeria Limited commenced operations in 2011 while the company also commenced the ex-

port of its Mimee brand of instant noodles in 2011, with significant inroads in Sierra Leone, Ghana and the United Kingdom.

He however lamented that several challenges including inadequate and unstable power, poor infrastructure, weak purchasing power of the people, election issues and the security challenge of the Boko Haram sect were undermining the potential of businesses in Nigeria.

He urged the government to assist local manufacturers by increasing government’s patronage of Nigeria-made goods as well as provision of a package of incentives to protect local manufacturers such as special low interest and accessible development funds.

Shareholders who spoke at the meeting commended the board and management for the performance of the company.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian stock market remained on the downtrend yesterday with the benchmark index dropping by 0.43 per cent. Aggregate market capitalisation of all equities slipped from N7.116 trillion to N7.085 trillion while the All Share Index dropped from 22,314.67 points to 22,218.44 points. Nigerian Breweries topped the losers’ list with a loss of N2 to close at N108. Guinness Nigeria lost 26 kobo to close at N223.99 while National Salt Company of Nigeria (NASCON) dropped by 25 kobo to close at N4.81.

On the positive side, UAC of Nigeria led the advancers with a gain of N1.50 to close at N35.50. Presco gained 67 kobo to close at N14.14 while Oando added 21 kobo to close at N15.20.

Total turnover stood at 486.96 million shares worth N2.86 billion in 3,708 deals.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 24-5-12

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012

51

MONEY LINK

IMF cautions National Assembly on CBN autonomy though the discussion is informal, but the apex bank would soon submit its official position on the proposed amendment to the National Assembly.

“The position is that we have informal discussion with the legislators involved in this matter. The CBN is preparing to submit a former response on the issues raised in the National Assembly Draft Bill. We are going to send them a former response articulating the reasons why leaving the Central Bank’s Act the way it is for now is in the best interest of Nigeria and the management of the economy,” he said.

He said, the National Assembly exercises oversight function over the CBN and those powers and responsibilities are definitely not contested by the apex bank. “We are collaborating with them, and hope that out of this discussion, we will have a more structured way of reporting to the National Assembly because that will be in the interest of the economy,” he said.

•We’re in talks with legislators, says Moghalu

T

HE International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned against whittling down the autonomy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) by the legislature.

The warning was given yesterday by the IMF country Chief/Senior Resident representative in Nigeria Mr. W. Scott Rogers at a press briefing on the ‘Regional Economic Outlook for Sub-Saharan Africa’ in Abuja.

He said a strong independent Central Bank will provide the apex bank with the autonomy to depoliticize monetary policy actions.

Scott Rogers noted that it is important for the central bank to have the autonomy to hire the people they need and to undertake modernization that they need in order to manage payment system effectively.

“They should be able to do that without the fear of being penalized because they took an unpleasant de-

From Nduka Chiejina Assistant Editor and Collins Nweze, London

cision on interest rate policy or because they decided they needed to close a bank. Those are decisions they need to take constantly,” Rogers said.

The IMF Senior Resident Representative noted that Nigeria currently enjoys robust monetary policy because of the independence of the apex bank which allows it to respond quickly to managerial and monetary policy issues. He then cautioned that a dependent Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) will impact negatively on the country’s monetary policy.

According to him, IMF has always advocated for a strong independent CBN which provides the autonomy to keep policy action on monetary policy. Without an autonomous central bank, everything will become dependent upon the budget alone.

He noted that CBN monetary policy has helped in building a strong reserve adding that it’s important the CBN has its autonomy to help build the economy and it should be able to take its decision without fear of being penalised.

IMF also moved for structural reforms in the economy saying that the cost of doing business in Nigeria is very high and this is driving away genuine investors from Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said it is persuading the National Assembly to suspend the ongoing review of the CBN Act by the legislators. The review is meant to reduce the autonomy of the apex bank and subject its operations to regulatory scrutiny. Speaking yesterday at the ongoing Nigeria Development Finance Forum 2012 conference in London, CBN Deputy Governor, Financial System Stability, Dr. Kingsley Moghalu, said al-

Euro zone crisis threatens Nigeria’s $32.8b investment

N

IGERIA will experience a slump in its $32.8billion trading volume with Europe if the crisis in the euro zone persists, the Financial Derivatives Company (FDC) has warned. FDC is a financial and investment consulting firm.

The company, in its financial bulletin, said a further deepening of the euro zone financial crisis would negatively affect Nigeria’s trade balance currently standing at $32.8billion. It said euro zones account for 26.5 per cent of Nigeria’s exports and 30.8 per cent of its imports, arguing that the crisis will

By Akinola Ajibade

affect investments inflow into Nigeria.

It said: “Deteriorating terms of trade of foreign trading partners, due to a contraction in euro zone will affect investments inflow into Nigeria. This could lead to a decline in Nigeria’s trade balance to as low as $25billion.”

The company said the decision of the European banks to hold back their credit lines to other countries will have implications on Nigerian banks, that are having increased entry into regional markets.

A huge opportunity is thus created for Nigerian airlines to tap into the supply gap made available in the market. Furthermore, a weak euro will have impact on Nigerian airlines through decline in available funds; this could also imply an opportunity for Nigerian airlines.

On foreign exchange, the firm said the value of the naira has been relatively stable and not responsive to inflation data since March.

It said CBN has committed to maintaining its band of N150-N160 per dollar, stressing that a continuous rise in prices may encourage to review this band.

It further warned that the highlevel of exposure of the francophone countries to the euro zone crisis, could also transpire to Nigerian banks and other companies operating in the region.

It said a possible devaluation of the CFA franc will affect the economy of franco-phone countries, adding that the development would lead to a reduction in trade and air traffic by extension.

According to the company, the development will open up opportunities for Nigerian airlines to tap into in order to encourage growth.

FGN BONDS Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

19-05-2014 18-05-2016 19-05-2016

Amount Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($) 150m 150m 138m 138m

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

7.9-10% 10-11%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2011 “ 14-04-2011

GAINERS AS AT 24-5-12 SYMBOL

O/PRICE

PRESCO TRANSCORP UACN BAGCO OANDO IKEJAHOTEL CUSTODYINS DANGSUGAR UNILEVER DANGCEM

13.47 0.82 34.00 1.95 14.99 1.15 1.73 3.89 29.00 112.11

C/PRICE

14.14 0.86 35.50 1.98 15.20 1.16 1.74 3.90 29.05 112.25

113m

NGN USD NGN GBP NGN EUR NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) (S/N) Bureau de Change (S/N) Parallel Market

Current Before

C/PRICE 4.81 0.99 1.02 3.00 1.56 3.39 0.59 1.27 2.61 2.02

CHANGE 0.25 0.05 0.05 0.14 0.07 0.14 0.02 0.04 0.08 0.06

29-2-12 27-2-12

113m

155.7

22-2-12

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

147.6000 239.4810 212.4997

149.7100 244.0123 207.9023

150.7100 245.6422 209.2910

-2.11 -2.57 -1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

152.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

153.0000

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

Dec ’11

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

12%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate Inflation Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 12.6%

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

NSE CAP Index

27-10-11 N6.5236tr 20,607.37

Date

Rate (Previous) 4 Mar, 2012 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Rate (Currency) 6, Mar, 2012 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

28-10-11 N6.617tr 20,903.16

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

LOSERS AS AT 24-5-12

SYMBOL O/PRICE NASCON 5.06 LIVESTOCK 1.04 AGLEVENT 1.07 SKYEBANK 3.14 GTASSURE 1.63 UBN 3.53 JAPAULOIL 0.61 RTBRISCOE 1.31 DIAMONDBNK 2.69 HONYFLOUR 2.08

Exchange Rate (N) 155.8 155.8

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Year Start Offer

CHANGE

0.67 0.04 1.50 0.03 0.21 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.05 0.14

113m

Amount Sold ($) 150m 138m

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 Currency

INTERBANK RATES OBB Rate Call Rate

S

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM

MANAGED FUNDS

NIDF NESF

By Tonia Osundolire

HAREHOLDERS of Skye Bank Plc have endorsed the payment of N3.3 billion as dividends for the 2011 business year, translating into 25 kobo dividend per share.

Speaking on the dividend payout at the annual general meeting in Lagos, the bank’s chairman, Mr. Olatunde Ayeni, said the bank took the decision in furtherance of its commitment to deliver optimal returns to the shareholders.

Ayeni explained that in arriving at the dividend, the board also took into account the need to have reasonable reserves to maintain the going concern status of the bank.

While addressing shareholders, the bank’s Group Managing Director, Mr. Kehinde Durosinmi-Etti, promised that the bank would continue to do all within its power to enhance shareholders’ value and returns on investment.

According to him, the bank has been positioned for leadership role in the nation’s banking industry and has been strengthened with new capital injection and good corporate governance policy.

In a post-AGM chat with journalists, he noted that the bank performed well last year in the sense that it was able to grow its business significantly at about 30 per cent in loans or deposits.

“We were able to penetrate deeper into new markets. Last year, we also had the opportunity to clean our books further by transferring over N70 billion to the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON),” Durosinmi-Etti said.

DATA BANK

Tenor

Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

Skye Bank shareholders endorse N3.3b dividend

Offer Price

Bid Price

ARM AGGRESSIVE 9.17 KAKAWA GUARANTEED 1.00 STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE 123.93 AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND 105.00 THE LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL 0.75 BGL SAPPHIRE FUND 1.08 BGL NUBIAN FUND 0.89 NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. 1,710.94 PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND 9.42 CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST 1.39 CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST 1.87 STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY 7,690.48 THE DISCOVERY FUND 193.00 FIDELITY NIGFUND 1.67 • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED • STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND

9.08 1.00 123.81 104.34 0.73 1.08 0.88 1,703.76 8.96 1.33 1.80 7,486.02 191.08 1.62

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK Previous 04 July, 2011

Current 07, Aug, 2011

Bank

8.5000

8.5000

P/Court

8.0833

8.0833

Movement

52

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012

53

NEWS

Boko Haram: CAN slams PDP national chair Tukur

T

HE Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) yesterday decried the comments credited to the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, that “Boko Haram is fighting for justice.”

Tukur on May 16, when he received members of the PDP from Gombe State, said Boko Haram was another name for justice.

Addressing reporters at the end of the extra-ordinary council meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of CAN in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, CAN National President, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, said the statement

by Tukur threatened the existence of Nigeria as a nation.

Oritsejafor said contrary to the orchestrated reasons for poverty and injustice by some Muslim leaders in the North, incessant killings by the Boko Haram sect were targeted at Christians.

He said the aim of such at-

From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

tacks was to remove all forms of western education and enthrone sharia as the universal law in Nigeria, adding that this would not be possible.

His words: “The statement

by Bamanga Tukur is frightening. It threatens the existence of Nigeria as a nation. For such a statement to come from a man of his calibre, it is something all of us should be worried about.

“I am surprised that the media are yet to take him up on the statement to explain to Nigerians and to the world, whose justice he is talking about. The PDP national chairman has become the spokesman for Boko Haram.

“I have heard Boko Haram members talk about how their leader Mohammed Yusuf was killed. Well, his family has been given N100 million, but the question is, what about the people Yusuf killed? He killed so many people before he was killed.”

Tukur was quoted as saying: “Let there be peace in the North so that we can have security. We can’t even travel again because of the insecurity in the region. Boko Haram is fighting for justice. Boko Haram is another name for justice.

“People feel aggrieved.

They are angry because they are hungry. Unless we remove the hunger, we too may not be able to rest. We should remember that a child who says his mother will not sleep will also not sleep.”

Oritsejafor urged the Federal Government to declare Boko Haram as a terrorist group, adding that the number of people killed by the sect is more than what is being reported in the media.

The CAN National President enjoined Christians to pray fervently and fast against those threatening the existence of the country.

He said all the blocs in the association would pray for the country on June 16.

Police arrest bunkerers, robbers

K

ANO State Police Command has recorded a breakthrough, following the arrest of some suspects and impounding of two tankers used for crude oil bunkering.

The command has within five months defused not less than 617 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) comprising 600 canned explosives and 20 explosives in drums.

The command during the period handled six rape cases and two counterfeit cases to-

Viju advocates consumption of diary products N a move aimed at reducing cases of stroke and early death among Nigerians, the management of Viju has advocated enhanced consumption of diary products.

Quoting foreign experts, the company, in a statement by its Marketing Manager, Aliu Sulaiman, said the results of recent researches support the belief that diary products are capable of reducing incidence of stroke and early death.

Sulaiman said this realisation informed his company’s introduction in 2009 of its Viju 210Ml range of milk drinks, which have become a household name in the country.

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OAU’s post-UTME holds tomorrow THE 2012 post-UTME screening exercise of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife holds tomorrow.

A statement by the Public Relations Officer of the institution, Abiodun Olarewaju, said candidates who chose OAU as their first or second choice and scored 200 and above in the UTME are eligible to participate in the screening exercise.

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

talling $7,900. It also recovered arms and ammunition and evacuated explosive devices.

Addressing reporters yesterday at the Command Headquarters, Bompai, Commissioner of Police Idris Ibrahim said the command dealt with seven armed robbery cases, including the theft of vehicles and car snatching.

According to the police

chief, the suspects arrested for rape, most of who are juveniles aged between five and 13, are already being interrogated, at the end of which they will be arraigned in court for prosecution.

Among those arrested for rape are Nura Magaji of Rogo town. He allegedly raped an eight-year old girl who was injured. Yakubu Abdullahi, 30, allegedly lured and raped a five-yearold girl. Yakubu Ismaila was also accused of raping a six-year-old girl.

Council chair loses mother-in-law

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HE wife of the Chairman, Ifako Ijaye Local Government Area of Lagos State, Pastor (Mrs.) Modupe Oke, has lost her mother, Mrs. Florence Adeyinka Ogundipe. She died in March.

Funeral service holds tomorrow at Methodist Church, Idode, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, while entertainment of guests follows immediately at Imosoosi Methodist Primary School, AgoIwoye.

She is survived by children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, cousins, nephews and in-laws, among who is Apostle Oloruntoba Oke, Chairman, Ifako Ijaye Local Government Area of Lagos State.

Benue spends N66b on projects, services From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

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ENUE State Government has spent over N66 billion on projects and services in the last one year, Finance Commissioner Omadachi Oklobia has said.

He spoke at the ministerial press briefing organised by the Ministry of Information and Orientation in conjunction with the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Benue State Council, to mark this year’s Democracy Day. The commissioner said within the year, the government generated over N68 billion from the totality of the revenue receipts such as statutory allocations and value added tax, as well as internally-generated revenue.

He said personnel emolument consumed over N22billion and overheads to ministries, departments and agencies, over N10billion.

Mr. Oklobia said close to N8billion was spent on road construction, with health and education gulping over N2billion, water and housing, over N5billion, agriculture, lands and survey, commerce and industries, rural development and cooperatives as well as general administration consuming a little over four and a half billion naira.

According to him, other areas of expenditure are pension and gratuity, grants to parastatals, donations and assistance, social development, youth and sports, power, science and technology, security, vehicles, as well as local and foreign travels.

The commissioner said emphasis has been on the completion of ongoing projects, especially infrastructure such as the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, roads, water schemes and revitalisation of ailing industries.

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Beneficiaries of Ekiti social security scheme hit 20,000 •Fayemi flags off payment for another batch of 10,000

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O fewer than 9,186 elderly citizens in Ekiti State have joined the beneficiaries of the Social Security Scheme of the Ekiti State Government.

The new beneficiaries yesterday started collecting the N5,000 monthly stipend, which the state government pays existing 10,084 citizens aged 65 years and above.

Speaking yesterday at the flag-off of the payment for the Batch B beneficiaries of the scheme at Ekiti East council, Governor Kayode Fayemi said the scheme which was employed by his administration to address adult poverty challenges was already hitting at the target as more elderly citizens who had once thought the programme was a mirage are now subscribing.

“I am happy to note that since the inauguration of the Scheme in October 2011, the accruing benefits have been providing succour to a total of 10,084 indigent elders who have been receiving monthly stipend of N5,000 each. Today, a new set of 9,186 senior citizens is being injected into the scheme bringing the total beneficiaries to date to a little less than 20,000.

This novel approach which has been applauded across political, ethnic, social and economic divide is a tool being employed by this administration to battle poverty challenges,” he said.

Dr. Fayemi said the scheme was conceived to improve the living condition of the senior citizens and serve as a poverty reduction strategy in favour of the deserving poor through the provision of regular income

and free health care; adding that this was a fulfilment of his electioneering campaigns.

The Governor said the emergence of the second batch of the beneficiaries became necessary so as to capture as many qualified elderly citizens as possible who did not participate in the first enumeration exercise partly due to skepticism arising from the weariness of failed promises by politicians.

“Being a major public issue, the implementing Ministry was directed to conduct another enumeration of the elderly citizens in February 2012. The exercise brought out over 34,000 elderly citizens from whom another batch of Nine thousand, One hundred and Eighty-six thousand beneficiaries have been selected. This to me, is another evidence of a promise kept”, he said.

On how the State Government has coped despite its meagre resources, Fayemi said the scheme was not conceived because Government has abundant resources but due to “the will to positively affect the lives of the toiling masses for whom this government is in authority”; saying that the administration was always propelled by the need to make life meaningful and comfortable for the elderly.

While stressing that the scheme would now cost Government a sum of One hundred Million Naira monthly, the Governor said elderly citizens should rest assured of continued care and support from government, even as he said that the Scheme now has a strong legal backing so that it can

outlive the present administration.

Fayemi who hinted that the programme was dear to him charged all Council Assistants to the Governor to be alive to their responsibilities so that the programme could run more effectively and efficiently; adding that “all hands must be on deck for the smooth implementation of the scheme to ensure its holistic success as any deviation would be sanctioned.”

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Labour, Productivity and Human Capital Development, Mr. Wole Adewumi said the scheme was not aimed at undermining the ultimate responsibility of families to care for their aged ones but should see it as a reward for the past contributions of the deserving elderly citizens.

Adewumi added that people would foster social solidarity through a regained sense of citizenship that will enable them contribute to the society and enhance citizens-government relations, even as government is acknowledging its own roles and moral commitment to the welfare of citizens regardless of party affiliation.

Thanking the Governor for the stipend, one of the existing beneficiaries, Madam Abigael Oyedele who collected her May stipend commended the Fayemi-led administration for remembering the elderly citizens and confirm prompt receipt of her stipend.

Madam Oyedele prayed for the success of the Fayemi-led administration.

•Akwa Ibom State Deputy Governor Nsima Ekere speaking during the State Boundary Committee meeting on the dispute between the Amazaba community of Eastern Obolo Local Government Area and Ikot Akpan Udo village of Ikot Abasi Local Government Area at the Government House, Uyo, ...yesterday. With him are member representing Ikot Abasi/Eastern Obolo/Mkpat Enin in the House of Representatives Akpan Micah Umoh (right) and the member representing Ikot Abasi/Eastern Obolo in the House of Assembly, Aboh Uduyok.

•Chairman, Amuwo Odofin Local Government, Lagos State, Ayodele Adewale presenting a copy of the council’s newsletter to the Commercial Counselor of Austrian Embassy, Ms. Nella Hengstler, at the council secretariat in Festac. With them is Council Manager Segun Ajayi

We’ve failed as a people, says Obi

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ICE-Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Anambra State Governor Peter Obi yesterday said Nigerians have failed as a people.

Speaking at the NGF Governance Share Fair in Enugu, he said things have gone “completely wrong” in the country.

Obi, who is also the chairman of the Southeast Gover-

From Chris Oji, Enugu

nors’ Forum, said the only way to make a change is to do things differently.

He said for leaders to succeed, they must be visionary and willing to learn from others.

Obi said: “In Anambra State, we want to learn. That is why we embraced the Peer Review Mechanism and oth-

er programmes.”

He praised the organisers the NGF and the United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID) for their efforts towards building a good Nigeria.

Obi appealed to the state governments to avail themselves of processes of learning like the Peer Review Mechanism and Governance Share Fair.

It won’t be business as usual for tyranny, injustice, says Amnesty International MNESTY International has said the leadership of the United Nations (UN) Security Council “seems tired, out of step and increasingly unfit” for the purpose the council was established.

The global human rights watchdog premised its assessment on “the courage shown by protesters in the past 12 months”.

This is coming as it launched its 50th global human rights report with a call for a strong global Arms Trade Treaty later this year.

In a statement, its International Secretary General Salid Shetty, said: “Failed leadership has gone global in the last year, with politicians responding to protests with brutality or indifference.

A

By Olamilekan Andu

Governments must show legitimate leadership and reject injustice by protecting the powerless and restraining the powerful. It is time to put people before corporations and rights before profits.”

The statement noted that the vocal and enthusiastic

•National President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritesejafor flanked by the association’s Director of National Issues, Rev. Williams Okoye (left) and Acting GeneralSecretary, Albert Uko, at the end of CAN’s National Executive Committee’s meeting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State,... yesterday.

PHOTO: KAZEEM IBRAHYM

support for the protest movements shown by many global and regional powers early last year has not translated into action.

It said as Egyptians go to the polls to elect a new president, it seems the opportunities for change created by the protestors are being squandered.

NLC gets acting Gen-Sec

By Dupe Olaoye-Osinkolu

HE Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has appointed Mr. Chris Uyot as its acting General Secretary to replace Mr. Owei Lakemfa, who has been acting in that capacity.

The National Administrative Council (NAC) of the NLC, it was gathered, accused the former acting general secretary of acting unilaterally on some important issues. The NAC also adopted a six-monthly rotation of the position among its senior officers until further notice.

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•Lagos State Commissioner for Information Lateef Ibirogba speaking at the ministerial press briefing to mark Governor Babatunde Fashola’s first anniversary ...yesterday. With him are Special Adviser Lateef Raji and Permanent Secretary Mrs Oluranti Odutola PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES

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NEWS

Senate, Reps to probe tax evasion by firms, others T HE Senate and House of Reps yesterday mandated their committees on Finance to investigate all issues relating to unpaid taxes and cases of tax evasion by most Nigerians.

The committees were asked to recommend appropriate modalities the Federal Government should adopt to effectively block the loopholes created in the tax collection system and submit their findings accordingly.

This followed the adoption of a motion entitled “Urgent need to improve internally generated revenue of the Federal Government through the implementation of back duty investigation.”

The motion was sponsored

by Senator Bassey Otu (Cross River South) and 33 other Senators..

Otu noted in his lead debate that the Senate should note that the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has in recent times increased its efforts at investigating tax cases to nib tax dodgers or tax evaders, through the coverage is still insignificant to the population of all taxable Nigerians.

The lawmaker said that he

•Senate President David Mark From Onyedi Ojiabor, Sanni Onogu,Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

is aware that Back Duty Investigation is an anti-tax evasion tool applied by the tax authority in Nigeria to recover unpaid taxes when there has been omission or error in the assessment or collection of taxes.

He said that the investigation also applies when there has been falsification or doubtful claims or allowances and/ or relief and a failure to disclose or include in full any income or earnings in tax returns

made to Tax Authority.

He observed that recent preliminary findings revealed various discrepancies and manipulations undertaken by some companies largely in almost all the sectors of the economy in the payment and remission of taxes to the Tax Authorities.

Otu said that he is worried that corporate companies operating in the country have undeclared income in terms of Company Income Tax, Withholding Taxes and Value Added Tax (VAT) which forms the major bulk of tax revenue to the government and have failed in their statutory responsibilities of full or significant compliance with relevant revenue laws of the Federal Government.

He expressed worry that over 50 per cent collectable revenue is lost yearly.

The situation, he said, has robbed the country of the required resources commensurate with its responsibilities to provide infrastructure like roads, hospitals, schools and other things.

Salami: Legal giants warn Jonathan to avoid anarchy •Continued from page 2

vacuum to exist in the Court of Appeal.

“I think it’s high time the action of the Federal Government was brought to the attention of the United Nations and World Council of Jurists.”

Agbaje said the NJC has acted fairly and in accordance with the rule of law as enumerated in Section 17 of the Constitution, which the President swore to uphold, adding that it is left for the executive to implement the recommendation.

He said: “The judiciary has cleared Justice Salami. The Judiciary and its head do not have a means of enforcing their decisions. Constitutionally, NJC’s decision must be approved by the Presidency, which is the executive arm of government.

“Now that the Presidency has refused to do so, claiming that there is or are cases in court, which argument to me is neither here nor there, because even Justice Salami was in court when they slapped him with suspension. In the circumstances, we find ourselves, there is nothing the NJC can do, constitutionallyspeaking.

“Otherwise, it will amount to a confrontation between the judiciary and the executive, which will not go down well for our democracy. Any attempt for the NJC to force its decision down the throat of the executive will amount to a breach of the principles of separation of powers and a threat to the constitutional powers of the executive,” Agbaje said.

“What we expected of the president was for him to, in the interest of the public, bow to the decision of the top echelon of the judiciary. What the Presidency has done now is to ridicule tacitly the powers of the judiciary.

“Constitutionally and factually speaking, who is supposed to know better between the executive and the judiciary? The NJC has decided that Justice Salami does not stand suspended anymore, so, why

can’t the Presidency, in the interest of the public, approve the recommendation?”

Aturu said the President must not allow “hawks” in the ruling party to mislead him.

The President must demonstrate statesmanship at this time and show that he truly respects the rule of law, said the activist, adding: “The NJC has no role to play in this matter anymore. The President must do his duty by upholding the rule of law and the Constitution.

“There is no shortcut for the President. He must do everything possible to find the courage, to find the wisdom to reinstate Justice Salami back to office. That is the only way we are not going to create judicial anarchy and chaos.

“If he does not do that quickly, it is going to create a situation of anarchy. As it is, he cannot reappoint Justice Adamu as Acting President of the Court of Appeal because he has acted twice, and they cannot appoint his junior to act as president over him.

“That means that Justice Adamu will have to go before they can appoint another acting President. But why would they want to appoint another acting President when the NJC has clearly made a resolution that the man that you suspended should come back?

“So, everybody must now let it be clear to President Jonathan that this is the time that he needs to act as a statesman.

“This is because if anything happens to democracy, the President will be held responsible. I think this is the time for him to soberly look at the situation, to forget about partisan politics; do what is right for our country; do what is right for democracy and judiciary.

“If anything goes wrong, they are the ones that will regret because it is a doubleedged sword. If this democracy is allowed to truncate, poli-

ticians will be the first to suffer, because they are the ones enjoying democracy anyway.”

On whether the NJC can still do anything, Aturu said: “The NJC will be ridiculing itself because it cannot appoint Justice Salami as the President of the Court of Appeal.”

Ofuokwu said Justice Salami’s traducers will unwittingly end up crowning him as the conscience of the judiciary.

He said: “The Federal Government’s refusal to re-instate Justice Salami has once again irrefutably confirmed the well-known fact that the ruling PDP has long before now orchestrated the removal of Justice Salami, who is a ray of judicial hope in an atmosphere of very dim judicial system.

“It will be a sad history for the judiciary, if this beacon of judicial integrity is frustrated out of the Bench.

“Let me make it loud and clear that those going to court to oppose the re-instatement are only being used as political pawns.

“I, like most Nigerians, had wished that the President would have applied the same speed used while suspending Justice Salami in reinstating him.

“The truth is that those who are troubled by Justice Salami’s brutal honesty at the Bench are afraid to see him return as PCA. “With the prevailing stalemate, the government and its cohorts will unknowingly end up crowning him again as the conscience of the judiciary.”

Shittu said Federal Government’s position amounts to a gross disregard of the NJC which is the highest judicial body.

“It is injustice for the executive not to respect the NJC’s decision. Unfortunately, the only thing the judiciary can do now is to appeal to the conscience of the executive to do the needful.The is a democracy and the rule of law should be respected.”

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NEWS

•Uduaghan (seventh right); Olu of Warri (fourth left) and Utuama (third left) and others at the meeting...yesterday

Check crimes in your areas, Uduaghan advises monarchs

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ELTA State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has urged traditional rulers to sensitise their subjects against aiding and abetting criminals.

Uduaghan spoke while inaugurating the re-constituted State Council of Traditional Rulers in Asaba.

He enjoined monarchs to use their position to reduce crime in

the state.

The governor said traditional rulers serve as a bridge between the government and the people.

His words: “Please tell your people not to aid or encourage criminality in the state.

“The government is having challenges in some communities where projects are being destroyed by the youths.

Shareholders approve Dangote Cement’s N2b, 1.55b dividends

By Taofik Salako

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ANGOTE Cement Plc would pay about N2 billion in cash dividends and distributed 1.55 billion ordinary shares as bonus shares as shareholders applauded the cash and scrip dividends earmarked as returns for the 2011 business year.

At the annual general meeting of the cement company yesterday in Lagos, shareholders approved distribution of N1.94 billion, representing a dividend per share of N1.25 alongside distribution of 1.55 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each on the basis of one new share for every 10 shares held. The bonus shares would be created through the capitalisation of N774.6 million from the share premium account of the company.

In his address at the meeting, chairman, Dangote Cement Plc, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, said the company recorded improvements in its performance in 2011 as it further consolidated its businesses in Nigeria and other African countries.

Audited report and accounts of Dangote Cement for the year ended December 31, 2011 showed that turnover rose from N202.57 billion in 2010 to N235.7 billion in 2011. Profit before tax also improved from N101.33 billion to N117.84 billion.

Profit after tax stood at N125.5 billion in 2011 as against N105.32 billion in 2010. Dangote Cement enjoys tax incentive through the pioneer status granted to its operations in Obajana, Kogi State and Gboko, Benue State.

“This has discouraged us from executing projects in certain communities.”

Uduaghan appealed to the monarchs to emphasise the importance of cultural and moral values to the people.

This would enable the state have a culturally balanced society, he said.

The governor advised traditional

title holders not to undermine the powers of traditional rulers and should subject themselves to their authority.

The Deputy Governor, Prof.

Amos Utuama said the constitution of the new council was guided by the existing laws and its membership drawn from the 25 Local Governments.

He said the government was

committed to protecting, preserving and promoting the cultures in the state.

The council has the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse II as the Chairman, Obi of Owa, Emmanuel Efeizomor as the 1st Vice Chairman and the Orodje of Okpe, Orhue I as the 2nd Vice Chairman.

TUC to Fed Govt: Nigerians can’t pay electricity tariff hike

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HE President-General of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Peter Esele, yesterday said Nigerians cannot pay the proposed electricity tariff increase.

The TUC chief spoke in Abuja at a meeting with the Minister of Power, Prof. Bath Nnaji, Minister of Labour Emeka Wogu and the Chairman, Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Sam Amadi.

He said the increase is illegal.

Esele said: “One of the issues has to do with the political leadership; sometimes they put the cart before the horse.

“NERC says it wants to make metres available for everyone in 18 months so that we start paying for what we consume.

“My question is if right now I am not paying for what I consume, are you saying I will continue to pay illegally for 18 months before the metres are available?”

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) was absent at the meeting.

Its President, Comrade Abdulwahed Omar, did not attend the meeting.

Amadi assured Nigerians that in 18 months, power distribution companies would allocate metres to all electricity consumers across Nigeria.

The NERC chief added that what will start on June 1 is an adjustment in the tariff, which would make the poor to pay less.

The poor in the electricity context, according to him, are the least consumers of

‘ANPP opposes hike on electricity tariff’ From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

The All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) yesterday opposed the hike in the electricity tariff.

It said the new tariff, if implemented by the Federal Government, will further worsen the plight of Nigerians.

Its National Chairman, Ogbonnaya Onu, said the country can only succeed if sincere efforts are made in ensuring a complete privatisation of the sector, as witnessed in the telecommunication sector.

“In this situation that we have found ourselves, at this stage of our development, we are worried that Nigerians will have suffer more hardship as a result of the proposed tariff hike, when we are yet to recover from the stress imposed in the price of petrol.

“Just last year, Nigerians had to pay more for electricity, even though the upward review was not announced, yet there had not been any corresponding improvement in the quality of service.

“The argument that a higher price must be in place, even before privatisation commences does not sound convincing.

“We have a large market. The demand for electricity is huge and remains untapped in the country. What investors require is a conducive legal environment where they can secure their investment and remain profitable.”

•Nnaji admits trust deficit •NLC shuns govt negotiation parley From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

power.

Amadi said the rich and poor have nothing to do with their geographical location but the kilowatts of electricity they consume, which put them in different classes.

But Esele told the ministers and the NERC chairman that the failure of the Federal Government to fulfill previous promises in the power sector makes all these promises unbelievable.

The TUC chief questioned

the rationale behind the proposed tariff increase in the face of inadequate power supply.

He said: “NERC says the new tariff will be pro-poor. I told the chairman that I will like to see how the tariff will be pro-poor.

“The Central Working Committee (CWC) of the TUC will have a roundtable that will examine the nittygritty of the new tariff with NERC. “Why would I not want regular power supply for 24 hours? And I know Nigerians will give up anything to en-

sure they get 24 hours power supply.

“The minister spoke about power reform. We have spent billions of dollars over the years on the sector and the plan was to make it attractive to investors. We now have a Minister of Power who gives timelines, time and target. By training, that is what I live by.”

Esele noted that the Federal Government has cleverly desisted from stating its power supply target to avoid being held accountable for failure.

He said: “We need to have value for money in that sector so that we can understand those challenges and why they were not met.”

Nnaji admitted that the Federal Government has a record of trust deficit.

But he assured Nigerians that the development of the power sector would no longer be business as usual.

According to him, since over 100 investors from the United States, Europe, India and others have shown interest in the power sector, it is an indication that the Federal Government is keen about the transformation of the sector.

The minister promised to rid the sector of those he described as saboteurs.

He added that any worker of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) who sells the company’s cables should be reported.

Nnaji noted that upon the privatisation of the power sector in October, power distribution companies would install new metres to reduce loss of revenue.

Electricity for 33 Edo communities From Osagie Otabor, Benin

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HE Edo State Government has awarded a project for the electrification of 33 communities in Uhunmwode Local Government Area.

The project is expected to be completed by December.

Governor Adams Oshiomhole said this yesterday at a campaign rally in Ehor, Uhunmwode Local Government .

Oshiomhole said the borehole constructed in the area was not functioning.

“I was misinformed that that the bore-hole was functioning.”

The governor, however, promised to direct the State Rapid Response Agency to drill more bore-holes in the locality.

According to him, “The borehole has been constructed but was mishandled by the contractor.

“I was told by the man that it was working but God don catch am.”

“We are operating a democracy that works for the people and not one that works money for the pocket of the godfather.”

Former Governor John Oyegun urged the people to vote for Oshiomhole and remain back to ensure that the results were announced.

Monarchs in the locality supported Oshiomhole’s second term bid.

They spoke when the governor visited them at the Palace of the Enogie of Ehor.

Enogie David Igiehor said they were satisfied with his achievements.

He said the pattern of restructuring Benin needs to be admired and urged Oshiomhole to do same across all the local governments.

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NEWS

Reps: Obasanjo is seeking relevance T

HE House of Representatives yesterday said former President Olusegun Obasanjo is only seeking relevance by alleging that there are rogues and armed robbers in the National Assembly.

The House also denounced the arraignment of the Chairman, House Committee on Capital Market and Other Institutions, Herman Hembe and his Deputy, Chris Azubogu, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), saying that the moral justification for the action was lacking.

Speaking yesterday at the weekly media interactive session, Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Victor Ogene, said comments by the

•Lawmakers fault EFCC’s arraignment of Hembe, Azibogu From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

former President should not bother Nigerians.

Besides, Ogene said since being out of office, the former President appears to have lost touch with the reality in the country.

He said: “I just want to remark that there are two institutions involved. Former President Obasanjo belongs to an institution, a club of former Heads of State. The National Assembly is an institution created by law and for former President Obasanjo because we all know where he is coming from.

“If there are two groups of people that he has shown open disdain and dislike for it is the journalists and legislators. If the report that we all read is correct, then he has attempted to add two groups: policemen and the judiciary, and that is in his character.

“For me, I think former President Obasanjo is in search of some relevance and he thinks that the way to go about it is to take spot shots at the legislature.

“We won’t join issues but I think it is wrong for an elder to stand outside and pee into the house. The normal practice in Africa is to go outside and pee, not to stand

outside and pee into the house. But if you do that I am sure that children will be wondering the kind of elder you are”.

Ogene noted that he has not encountered any situation whereby ‘Ghana must go” bags have been moving in out of the lower chamber of the National Assembly.

He said: “Since I came here as a legislator, I have not heard stories of Ghana-mustgo bags but when former President Obasanjo was in charge, nocturnal visits of Ghana-must- go bags were a routine in an attempt to buy the legislature.

“I don’t think it is right for anybody to begin to have

headache over whatever former President Obasanjo says”.

On the arraignment of Hembe Azubogu, Ogene said since the House was set to investigate and ascertain the culpability of the actors, the EFCC should not have taken such a drastic action.

He said: “The Ad hoc House Committee on Capital Market was still sitting; in fact, they rounded off sitting only two days ago on Tuesday. And don’t forget that the Ethics and Privileges Committee had been mandated to look into the allegations of bribery and demands for bribe.

“That committee was waiting for the ad hoc committee on capital market to finish its functions before beginning, only for the EFCC to arraign Honourables Hembe and Azubogu.”

He also insisted that the EFCC lacked the moral justification to intervene in the matter.

Ogene said: “We know

•Obasanjo

that the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is on the Board of the EFCC and so it is possible that the anti-corruption agency is acting in defence of its own.

“It is an open knowledge that the Director-General of SEC is statutorily a member of the Board of the EFCC. So, if she is involved in a tango with any individual or organisations, I do not think that the EFCC is the right body to jump into such an investigation.”

Ex-president unfit to talk against corruption, says Clark From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

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JAW leader Chief Edwin Clark yesterday said former President Olusegun Obasanjo is not fit to speak against corruption because “he has never shown good examples to Nigerians”.

He also opposed the scrapping of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Instead, he said the agencies should be reorganised to make them more effective.

According to him, the anti-graft agencies can achieve less in the fight against corruption with the use of policemen as investigators and prosecutors.

Clark spoke at his residence in Abuja in commemoration of his 85th birthday celebration.

He said: “There is corruption from the top to the bottom. In other part of the world no one is above the law. Presidents of countries, prime ministers, legislators have been jailed. In this country, a man like Obasanjo, our former president is not the person to make that statement because he too had not given a good example as president of Nigeria for eight years.

“He was brought from the prison and granted pardon in 1999. When he contested election, he had no money. I’m told it was his military friends like Generals Danjuma, Babaginda and others who provided money with which he won the election. But today, Obasanjo is one of the wealthiest people in the world. Therefore, he has no right to speak about corruption in Nigeria. The other day he was in Switzerland when he said the government of Nigeria cannot curb corruption because to curb corruption you must be ready to die. The people who should be afraid that if you steal you will be arrested are not afraid because Obasanjo has properties arround the country.”

Environmentalists hail suspension of mining in Ogun

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HE Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) has commended the Ogun State government for suspending all mining activities in the state for reasons bothering on violation of the environment.

ERA/FoEN in collaboration with the Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) and Earthcare Foundation had in June 2011 visited Ogbere and Iwaye in Ijebu East Local Government to document the impacts of rock blasting.

In a statement issued in Lagos, ERA/FoEN described the decision of the state government as “timely and commendable” in saving the communities that host the mine fields from further terror.

“We have been vindicated by the decision of the Ogun State government to shut the mines because of grave environmental concerns which we had noticed earlier. We however demand that the government go beyond a mere verification exercise to conduct environmental and social audits to ascertain the ecological devastation and social impacts on the local people and livelihoods,” said ERA/FoEN Director, Programmes & Administration, Godwin Ojo. “While we hail the initiative of the Ogun state government in halting the flying rocks terrorizing communities like Iwaye and Ogbere and environs, we expect the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) to compel the mining companies to comply with Nigeria’s environmental laws which prohibit companies from degrading the environment.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012

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NEWS Sultan to agents of violence: enough of bloodbath Continued from page2

Kaduna State Governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa urged the people to embrace peaceful co-existence as preached by the two major religions.

He noted that the state has passed through religious

crises that undermine the teachings of both Christianity and Islam.

The governor also told the gathering that those in government are human and can make mistakes, adding that whenever they make any mistake, Nigerians and

indeed religious leaders should advise and not attack them.

Yakowa said: “Nigeria is a country that comprises both Muslims and non-Muslims, according to the wish of God. Had He wanted, He would have made our country, Nigeria, to be inhabited by the Muslims or the nonMuslims only. In order to develop our dear country, we have to embrace the spirit of peaceful co-existence as taught by the two major religions that are practised in Nigeria; I mean Islam and Christianity.

“I would like to say that Islam does not approve the use of force or any prejudice in the propagation of religion.

Since Allah commands not to use any kind of compulsion in religion, it is obviously ridiculous to even argue that Islam commands Muslims to kill non-Muslims.

“The view of Islam in this regard is evident in the Holy Qur’an as you all know. The religion of Christianity also protects the right to life and religion. Therefore, both Muslims and Christians should adhere strictly to the teachings of their religion of choice in order to move our country forward.

“In the past, Kaduna State had witnessed a lot of violence. Consequent upon that, churches and mosques were destroyed, property worth millions of Naira were lost, and lives were equally lost. It was indeed an unfortunate thing as the perpetrators of such dastardly act did it in contrast

Abia CD chairman suspended

A

PRO-democracy group, the Campaign for Democracy (CD), has suspended the Chairman of its Abia State chapter, Mr. David Kalu, for alleged gross misconduct and abuse of office.

In a letter signed by CD Vice-Chairmen (Southeast) Dede Uzor; and the branch Chairmen of Imo, Enugu and Ebonyi states, Comrades Emeka Ogbonna; Jerry Nwokolo; and Onu Ogbonnaya Onu; the group alleged that Kalu’s activities have polarised the Enugu and Ebonyi states chapters.

It accused Kalu of repeatedly assaulting the Office of the Vice-Chairman (Southeast) and extorting money from members.

CD said Kalu’s failure to respond to an

From Okodili Ndidi, Onitsha

earlier query is responsible for his suspension.

The suspension letter reads: “This attitude is contrary to section 5 (4) of the constitution that states that a member should be disciplined, honest and loyal in submitting to majority decisions.

“With this suspension, all rights and privileges accruing to you (Kalu) as a member have been stripped off you, including your appointment as CD chairman in Abia State.

“Please note that further use of the name of CD by you in any manner will be treated as an act of impersonation and will be viewed as a criminal offense.”

Anambra schools get buses, computers

A

NAMBRA State Governor Peter Obi has donated an 18-seater bus and 10 computers each to Holy Child Convent, Amichi; St. Michael’s Boys Secondary School, Eziora Ozubulu; and Mother of Mercy Girls Secondary School, Nnewi.

He said the computers were given to him during his last birthday and since he had no need for them, he decided to donate them to schools.

At Holy Child Convent, the Bishop of Amichi Anglican Diocese, Right Rev. Ephraim Ikeakor, praised the governor’s “determination to make a difference in governance”.

The cleric urged Obi to

From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

continue to implement people-oriented programmes.

He said the diocese would sustain its partnership with the government to maintain qualitative education.

The head teacher, Mrs. Ijeoma Nnueche, said the governor has impacted positively on all sectors of the economy.

At Mother of Mercy Girls Secondary School, the VicarGeneral of the Nnewi Catholic Diocese, Rev. Fr. Patrick Ezeabata, said Obi has continued to fulfill his promises to the people and assured him of the church’s prayers.

The head teacher of St. Michaels Boys Secondary

•Obi

School, Rev. Fr. Anthony Eze, said the Obi administration has launched an intellectual revolution that has restored hope in the education sector.

of the religion they were practising.

“In order to bring the aforementioned experiences to an end, my administration has consolidated an Interreligion Harmony Committee that meets quarterly at the State level under my chairmanship, to discuss issues relating to peaceful co-existence among the people of the State.

Similar committees meet for the same mission monthly at the Local Government level.

“The current insecurity pervading our country is one challenge that calls for the contribution of all Nigerians who desire that the nation continues as we inherited it from those who led our independence struggle.

“There is this saying that

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AMADI I, formerly known and addressed as Amadi Susan Tamunofiri now wish to be known and addressed as Victor Susan Tamunofiri. All former documents remain valid.

General public, please take note.

‘the labour of our heroes past, shall never be in vain’. I always believe that security is a business of all. Hence, I implore you as religious leaders to make more concerted efforts to bring the aforementioned challenge to an end.

“People in government are not infallible. Consequently, whenever we are perceived to have erred, we should be advised, not attacked.

Remember, Religion is advice, not attack. JNI, being a noble organisation, founded on truth and piety to educate the Muslims, should maintain its original mandate and form with a renewed vigour, and go ahead to establish much more cordial relationship with other faith-based organisations.

“This will really go a long way in the establishment of a better cordial and respectful relationship between the Nigerian Muslims and their Christian compatriots as witnessed during the time of the late Sardauna.

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Over 110,000 cases pending in High Courts, says CJN From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

T

HERE are over 110,000 cases pending before the Federal and States High Courts across the country, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Dahiru Musdapher said yesterday.

He spoke when the Coordinating Chairman of the Tax Appeal Tribunal (TAT), Abraham Ndana Yisa, visited him. The CJN said the situation must be addressed.

He praised the tribunal for its contribution in dispensing justice.

His words: “At present, there are over 110,000 cases pending before the Federal and States High Court. This situation must be forestalled and adequately addressed.

“Hence we must rise up to the challenge and provide more avenues to justice and these paths need to lead to an outcome considered satisfactory by not only the parties but also the public as a whole”.

“The desire of all Nigerians for a fast, simple and efficient justice system has formed the bedrock for the ongoing judicial reform initiative and it is heartwarning to note that this desire is shared by notable organisations like the TAT. “This is further illustrated by the fact that from the short period of inauguration and commencement of the Tribunal, a total of 26 appeals have been concluded and 55 were struck out.

Reps seek alternative road to Lagos-Ibadan expressway From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

I

F the House of Representatives has its way, travelling on the lagos _Ibadan Expressway would be a traveller’s delight.

The House has urged the Federal Government to begin the process of dualising the Sokoto-Iseyin-Ibarapa-EruwaLagos Road and the IkoroduEpe-Itokin Roads as alternative routes to the expressway.

The lawmakers advised the Federal Government to consider the option of Public Private Partnership (PPP) in the construction of the road for timely completion.

Sponsor of the motion, Odubote Lanre (Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) Lagos) expressed doubt over the ability of the Federal Government to fund such a huge project.

According to him, the dualisation of the road meant to serve as alternative route for tankers and articulated trucks was awarded by the Federal Government under the military administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo in the 70s.

He said a similar alternative road had been created from Ikorodu-Epe-Itokin, which was built by former Lagos State military governor Mobolaji Johnson.

“One is aware that if these roads are completed and properly dualised it will enhance economic activities in the areas and improve economic gains.

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THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012

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THE NATION FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012

www.thenationonlineng.net

FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2012

I

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM VOL. 7,

SEGUN GBADEGESIN gbadegesin@thenationonlineng.net

Education and national ascendancy

•Education Minister Prof Ruqqayatu Rufa’i

‘In recent past, we were witnesses to the political task of turning away from the development of the mind to the fearsome bodybuilding activity also known as thuggery.

This is what needs to be reversed across the land.

The nation must provide for the good education of its youth so that it veers course away from the ominous present of terror and the bleak future of a violent national death’

nel her frustration to useful purposes and will not be easily cajoled into regrettable path. A frustrated person with no functional education is an easy prey for rabble rousers.

It’s just a fact of life borne out of our common experiences.

While an important objective of a nation’s preoccupation with the responsibility to educate is to create citizens with a sense of dignity who are capable of holding their own against anti-social elements in society, it is also crucial that education empowers individuals to protect their divinely ordained dignity by providing them the means of livelihood and thus promote equity and fairness. By leveling the playing field for all players in the economic game, education is a great equaliser. Because we have not focused a laser beam on education and the great potential it has for national

development, it is not a coincidence that all the markers of underdevelopment have found a permanent abode on our shorelines. It would be a surprise if it turned out differently, given our deliberate focus on the underdevelopment of the mind.

If it is true that statistics don’t lie, ours go a long way to demonstrate the correlation between the underdevelopment of the mind and the pathetic underdevelopment of the nation. In 2005 education expenditure in Nigeria as a percentage of Gross National Income (GNI)was 0.85 per cent, giving us a ranking of 167 out of 168 in the world. In comparison, Brazil’s education expenditure was 4.09per cent of GNI with a ranking of 83. Nigeria’s public spending on education as a percentage of GDP was 0.89 per cent,with a ranking of 136 th out of 136. While the duration of our compulsory

RIPPLES CNPP criticises Jonathan’s leadership style-News

HARDBALL

education is 6 years, Brazil’s is 8 years. Of course, it is needless to add that we do not enforce the 6 year-rule in any way and we have a majority of under-6 who never attend school. While we rank 104 in the completion rate of primary education, Brazil ranks 13. While our adult literacy rate is 48%, Brazil’s is 82%. (NationMaster.com) What Nigeria fails to put into the education of her citizens, she cannot expect to get out of the economy. Thus while the number of Brazilians living with under $1 a day is 11.6 million, with a ranking of 44th in the world, Nigeria has 70.2 million living with less than $1 a day and a ranking of 2nd in terms of poverty. In other words, Nigeria enjoys the infamy of ranking 2nd in the incidence of poverty. While Brazil has 1.82 per cent share of world’s poor, Nigeria has 8.03 per cent; and while the Human Development Index of Brazil is 0.792, with a ranking of 63rd that of Nigeria is 0.452 with a ranking of 159 th.(NationMaster.com). It is the whirlwind that is naturally stirred up by these grim statistics that we experience on our streets on a daily basis.

While public education suffers neglect, private education blossoms because government has outsourced its responsibility to educate its citizens. When officials at the highest level of government applaud private education, assessing it as the model to embrace, it appears that the nation has lost an important moral bearing. Private investment in education cannot be and has never been altruistically motivated. The closest to altruism in motivation were old mission institutions. But we always knew that they had their primary mission (no pun intended) which was not necessarily the national interest. On the other hand, individual private entrepreneurs in education have never been ambiguous in their mission, which is to fill the gap created by the inaction of the state and in doing so, make some profit.

To the devourers in public spaces, the mind is not an important organ and can be wasted with impunity. Because of the prospect of its urging a cool analytical perspective on issues, the mind cannot be trusted by the destroyers of national patrimony and must be repressed. For them, the body is in a better stead with regard to their overriding political calculation of violently repressing the spirit of opponents. In recent past, we were witnesses to the political task of turning away from the development of the mind to the fearsome bodybuilding activity also known as thuggery. This is what needs to be reversed across the land. The nation must provide for the good education of its youth so that it veers course away from the ominous present of terror and the bleak future of a violent national death.

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•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

Halting between mergers and fractionalisation IGERIANS are currently torn between the campaign to create more states or economic pressures to merge them. Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola of Lagos State, speaking during a recent television discussion programme entitled 60 Minutes with Angela, courageously suggested the merger, through constitutional processes, of non-viable states in order to uphold federalism. Merger of states is an unpopular and contentious issue.

It is not only sensitive, if brought to the floor of the National Assembly, it will be a herculean task to push it through. Many top government officials, and many leading politicians in the country who have risen to prominence on account of their states of origin, recognise they would lose out in the political sweepstakes if the idea was bought.

But according to Fashola, “Some people are clamouring for state creation… the same instrument that will be used for state creation

N

...the SLOW MOTION SYSTEM?

NO. 2,136

C OMMENT & D EB ATE EBA

F it is desirable to have a society of relative equals, where there are no extremes

of poverty and wealth, where there is an expansive middle that straddles narrow edges of opulence and abject poverty, then it is desirable to provide an education that is accessible to all, a system of education that does not stratify society, an education that makes adequate provision for the needs of all citizens.

The foregoing paragraph sums up the line of reasoning that I have argued on this page without ceasing. However, as our people note with abundant clarity, the persistence of lice in our outfits is the sole reason for the continued presence of blood traces on the tip of our national fingernail.

The consequence of the abandonment of our responsibility to provide equal educational opportunities to our children stares us in the face at every point of our dysfunctional national life, especially in the last three decades. Over a year ago, I made the following observation with respect to the centrality of education to the challenges that the nation faces.

There is no disputing the fact that the provision of good education is just one of the many functions of a good government, and that it is one that is central to the challenges of any nation including that of violent disturbances that have overrun African nations since independence.

Education is central in several respects.

It gives an individual a sense of self-esteem and self-respect. It gives an assurance that he or she can make a contribution to the society. It is a mind-opener, enabling the individual to see the many aspects of the complexity of the human predicament.

Even when an educated person is a radical critic of the establishment, he or she can make relevant distinctions, giving the proverbial Caesar his due. Above all, a good education stands an individual in good stead to see other human beings for what they are: as humans with inviolable dignity. It is this ability to make distinctions and to move back and assess from a judicious perspective, and to bring to an issue a sense of proportion that prevents an educated person from engaging in senseless acts of terror or genocide.

Surely, history is replete with highly educated persons that have led their nations in genocidal campaigns. Hitler is the most famous. I do not deny the eccentricity that even good education can produce.

What I deny is that such is common or rampant. What is common is for a few educated eccentrics to mobilise and use mobs of less educated or uneducated gangs with less hope for their future and virtually no self-esteem. This is the common phenomenon. A person with good education who is dissatisfied with her position can chan-

TOMORROW IN THE NATION ‘Realising that ours is a country that thrives on empty promises, the NERC is making the most of it, increasing the rates for the supply of darkness twice in one year with a promise of improved supply of electricity. It is like a father telling his famished son not to cry because a cow is already tied to a stake VINCENT AKANMODE

can also be used to encourage states to merge to achieve their full potentials…”

Fashola is theoretically right, for there is really no convincing political or economic basis for the creation of more states. It would burden the system even much more than it would bring development. Notwithstanding, it will be much easier to create more states at the National Assembly than merge them.

The reason is that there are not many legislators who will gladly or patriotically give up their seats, or more importantly, give up their perks consequent upon the merger of states. Hardball has in fact repeatedly championed merger, arguing that the cost of running states has become prohibitive and intolerable. In terms of governing Nigeria, this columnist argued, the present structure has become indefensible and inefficient compared with the days of the regions when the cost of running government was low and capital budgets received priority

attention.

It is inappropriate to campaign for creation of states at a time the world economy is shrinking and poverty is spreading in Nigeria. Since it is obvious that merging states through constitutional processes as Fashola suggested would be difficult, Hardball would like to suggest we look in the direction of financial fractionalisation. We all know the financial boiling points of the states; so, let us subject the states to some economic heat, and through the ensuing chemical process, determine those that would vaporise first.

If this is carefully done, we are unlikely to find more than eight states or so surviving the process. Nigeria has become structurally unwieldy, and as Fashola indicated, the states have so far been unable to uphold or protect federalism because they depend on allocation of funds from the common pool. How long can we keep up the pretence?

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