The Nation May 30, 2012

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VOL. 7, NO. 2141 WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2012

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

How N60b pension cash was diverted, by director

Campus Life girl Ngozi Agbo dies at 36

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EATH has struck in The Nation family, snatching the co-ordinator of Campus Life Mrs. Ngozi Agbo.

She died in Lagos on Monday as a result of complications from child birth. The baby boy survived.

The late Mrs. Agbo (formerly Miss Ngozi Nwozor), who would have been 37 next month, got married on July 30, last year.

An English Language graduate of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, the late Mrs. Agbo bagged a Masters degree in History and International Relations at the University of Lagos. She also attended the Pan African University.

Continued on page 63

N150.00

M •The late Mrs Agbo

ORE facts emerged yesterday about how N60 billion pension fund was allegedly diverted by officials of the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF).

The Senate Committee investigating the management of the pension fund administration is set to submit its report.

Former Director, Pension

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor

Account, in the office of the Head of Service, Dr. Shaibu Sani Teidi, told reporters in Abuja that contrary to the claim that N3.5 billion was involved in the HCSF pension fund scam, over N60 billion was actually at stake.

Teidi denied that he bribed

the Senate Committee probing pension fund management with $3 billion.

He noted that he recovered over N40 billion diverted pension fund when he was director of Pension Account and gave the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) the list Continued on page 2

The Federal Government has decided that the late ‘Chief M.K.O. Abiola be honoured, for making the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of justice and truth.

Destiny and circumstances conspired to place upon his shoulders a historic burden and he rose to the occasion with character and courage. He deserves recognition for his martyrdom, and public-spiritedness and for being the man of history that he was.

We need in our land, more men and women who will stand up to defend their beliefs, and whose example will further enrich our democracy

’

Controversy as UNILAG is renamed Abiola Varsity

Kudos, knocks as Jonathan honours June 12 hero President bans continental dishes at state functions

E •The late Abiola

VEN in death, the late Chief Moshood Abiola remains as controversial as ever.

Fourteen years after his death in detention, Abiola was honoured yesterday.

President Goodluck Jonathan re-

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

named the University of Lagos (UNILAG) after the late winner of the June 12, 1993 election. The election – Nigeria’s freest and fairest ever - was annulled by the Gen. Ibrahim Babangida regime for no reasonable rea-

son. Abiola died on July 8, 1998 in a desperate battle to reclaim his mandate. His wife Kudirat was gunned down on June 4, 1996 on a Lagos street.

The announcement, which stirred a huge debate and protest, is the high-

light of the May 29 national broadcast by the President to mark the 13th anniversary of the return to democracy.

Jonathan said: “The Federal Government has decided that the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola be honoured, for makContinued on page 2

•CITY BEATS P8 •SPORTS P23 •POLITICS P43 •EQUITIES P50 •MONEY LINK P51

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2012

NEWS Abiola: Why Jonathan defied ex-Head FORMER Head of State of State’s advice advised President

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•Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola (right) welcoming former Vice President, World Federation of Engineering Organisation, Mr. Ifedayo Akintunde, during his visit to the governor, at the Government House, Osogbo, the state capital...yesterday

Goodluck Jonathan against honouring the late acclaimed winner of the June 12 presidential election, Chief M.K.O Abiola, it was learnt last night.

Besides, the President is believed to have considered University of Abuja or University of Lagos to rename after the late Abiola.

But government officials and key strategists in the Presidency are shocked by the reactions and protest the decision has generated so far.

When the President conceived the idea, only a few of his strategists knew of it. He consulted some statesmen including a former Head of State, who reportedly advised Dr. Jonathan to dump the plan.

A government source, who spoke in confidence, said: “The President felt strongly that Abiola must take his place in history and, for some months, he embarked on the project with his closest confidants.

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

“His position is that we must heal the wounds of June 12, 1993 presidential election once and for all. It is part of his rapprochement policy.

“I am aware that he also consulted some statesmen. One of them, a former Head of State, was not in support and he made his opinion known. The former leader’s advice was more concerned about posterity than genuine commitment.

“Although he expressed concern about the political backlash of such an initiative, the President said he is not taking the decision to gain political advantage. That is why he did not even consult widely within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“The ex-Head of State might have been feeling vindicated by the latest development.”

Another source in government, however, gave details on how the choice of University of Lagos was arrived at.

The source said: “As at last

How N60b pension cash was diverted, by director Continued from page 1

of people who perpetrated the fraud.

He said when “some other monies also recovered are added to the N40 billion, we should be talking about over N60 billion diverted pension fund.”

Apart from submitting the names of pension fund fraudsters to the EFCC, he said he also wrote to the National Security Adviser (NSA) on the issue.

Teidi said the documents he submitted to the Senate probe panel contained over N40 billion stolen pension funds.

Insisting that “some forces are bent on pulling me down,” he wondered why the EFCC

refused to act on the “elaborate details I furnished the Commission with to aide investigation by officials.”

Teidi said it was painful that the money he recovered was “frittered away in the name of biometric data capturing exercise.”

He described biometric data capturing exercise as “a drain pipe, an exercise to siphon billions of pension funds abroad.”

He said, “What is involved in the fraud is over N60 billion.

The paper I submitted to the Senate committee contained over N40 billion but it was suppressed. ”I gave the EFCC a list of names with which the funds were looted and forwarded the

same list to the NSA. ”The paper I presented was not considered and the people whose names appear on the list are walking free. ”I tendered how over N40 billion was recovered and also tendered how the money was stolen and diverted to private pockets especially through the so-called biometric data capturing exercise.”

He noted that it was on record that in 2010, as director of Pension Account, he ensured that no kobo was lost.

He described the $3 billion bribe allegation report as “part of the calculated attempt to smear my image and bring me down at all cost.”

Teidi insisted that he did not give the Senate Committee any

money either in local or foreign currency and challenged those behind the story to publish evidence to the contrary.

He said: “You don’t prosecute a man on the pages of newspapers. What we find in this country is ceremonial prosecution after which nothing else is heard. ”I state categorically that I did not give any money to anybody let alone giving money to the Senate committee. ”It is Shaibu today, it may be another person tomorrow.

Decency demands that we should be objective in whatever we do. ”I am already being labeled a criminal without trial. I have been convicted without trial.”

”The publication that I bribed Senators with N43 billion is malicious and wicked in its entirety.

Co-Chairman of the Committee probing the management of Pension Funds, Senator Kabiru Gaya, said the committee would submit its report tomorrow.

Members of the committee, he said, planned to draw the attention of the Senate to the publication that they were bribed with $3 billion.

He said that members of the committee were taken aback to read that they were bribed to the tune of $3 billion.

Gaya said members of the committee would request the Senate to mandate its relevant committee to investigate the allegation.

week, the choices before the President were either UNILAG or UNIABUJA. But some strategists said UNIABUJA is not too prestigious or academically renowned and they also argued that the recent accreditation crisis in which the university was embroiled in might demean the status of M.K.O. Abiola.

“There were fears that renaming UNIABUJA might provoke more reactions from the North, where most of the players who annulled the June 12 1993 election came from.

With the opposition against the Jonathan administration in the North, they felt it would not be tidy to go that way.

“Those who opted for UNILAG said being the first university to be established by the Federal Government with a good academic reputation, the honour will be more befitting on Abiola. The university was a product of Ashby Commission.

“I can tell you that the President settled for the best to honour M.K.O. Abiola.”

There were fears last night that the honour on Abiola may have been a strategy to woo the Southwest for support in 2015.

It was gathered that the political calculation was to divide the Southwest by setting the people of the region against the progressives, who are in power.

“With the sudden sympathy for Abiola, the President is trying to hijack the selling or rallying point of the progressives in the Southwest ahead of 2015.

“But the calculation has boomeranged with unexpected protest from the students of the University of Lagos.

“The online response from students has attracted more odium than praises. It is surprising that Nigerians could behave this way.”

Controversy as UNILAG is renamed Moshood Abiola varsity Continued from page 1

ing the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of justice and truth.

Destiny and circumstances conspired to place upon his shoulders a historic burden, and he rose to the occasion with character and courage. He deserves recognition for his martyrdom, and public-spiritedness and for being the man of history that he was. We need in our land, more men and women who will stand up to defend their beliefs, and whose example will further enrich our democracy. After very careful consideration, and in honour of Chief M.K.O. Abiola’s accomplishments and heroism, on this Democracy Day, the University of Lagos, is renamed by the Federal Government of Nigeria, Moshood Abiola University, Lagos. The Federal Government will also establish an Institute of Democratic Studies and Governance in the University.”

The President added: “As we celebrate this year’s Democracy Day, I pay tribute to all the men and women who have made our democratic experience meaningful: the ordinary people who resisted military rule, and have remained resolute in their embrace of democracy; the army of Nigerian voters who, at every election season, troop out in large numbers

Honour in order, says family

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R. Doyin Abiola, wife of the late Bashorun Abiola said honouring Abiola at this time “is better late than never.”

She said “no honour is too much to be given to Abiola because he made the highest sacrifice for the country.”

She said with the renaming of a university after Abiola, the late business mogul was “in a good company with the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the late Sir Ahmadu Bello and the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe, after whom universities were named.”

On the protest by some students of the institution, she said: “I don’t know what to say about that. What I don’t know, I can’t comment on it. Let the students tell us why they are protesting because I to exercise their right of franchise; the change agents in civil society who have remained ever watchful and vigilant. “ The President also announced ban on continental dishes at a state functions, promised to build a national museum to document previous leaders in addition to announcing the government’s plan to earn N214 billion from first cassava chips export.

Jonathan said: “I pay special tributes also to all patriots who are the pillars of our collective journey, most especially, our armed forces who have stead-

By Joke Kujenya

don’t see any rationale for it.

“Abiola in one day endowed all the universities in this country.”

Mr Abdul Abiola, one of the sons of the late politician said there was nothing wrong with the naming of the university after his father.

“We are shocked by the reactions trailing this development. My late father believed so much in education.

“He donated money to universities across the nation. Naming a university after him is a well-deserved honour,” he said.

According to Mr. Abiola, the renaming is just one way of honouring and immortalising him.

“He should still be given more hon-

fastly subordinated themselves to civil authority in the past 13 years. They have continued to demonstrate a great sense of professionalism. They have discharged their duties to the nation with honour and valour. In a sub-region that has witnessed instances of political instability, authored by restless soldiers, the Nigerian Armed Forces have remained professional in their support of democracy. “ When General Abdusalami Abubakar handed over the baton of authority to President Olusegun Obasanjo, in 1999, it

orus. We see nothing political in this.

“We are happy about it and we are yet to understand the rationale behind people going up in arms over this,” he added.

“Abiola’s daughter Mrs Hafsat Abiola-Costello said the President should ensure that the death of heroes past is not in vain.”

The Save Nigeria Group (SNG) said: “While acknowledging the place of Abiola in the political history of Nigeria, we would want the highest possible honour for him.

“We, however, deplore the renaming of the University of Lagos after him,’’the SNG said in a statement signed by its spokesman, Mr Yinka Odumakin, in Lagos on Tuesday.

was a turning point for Nigeria. We did not arrive at that turning point by accident.

Many Nigerians laid down their lives for the transition to democracy to occur. Some were jailed. Media houses were attacked and shut down.

But the people’s resolve was firm and unshakeable. This is what we remember. This is what we celebrate. On this day, I recall especially the martyrdom of Chief M. K. O. Abiola, whose presumed victory in the 1993 Presidential election, and death, while in custody, proved to be the cat-

alyst for the people’s pro-democracy uprising. The greatest tribute that we can pay to him, and other departed heroes of Nigeria’s democracy, is to ensure that we continue to sustain and consolidate our democratic institutions and processes, and keep hope alive.

Admitting that the country is faced with challenges, Jonathan said government was “working hard to address those challenges. And, by God’s grace, we will succeed.

My confidence is bolstered by the results which we have achieved in different sectors

within the last twelve months.”

He also took solace in the fact that democracy is stable, stressing that “its foundation is strong and firm. Its future is bright. Last year, I had spoken about the policy of ‘one man one vote, one woman, one vote, one youth, one vote’. I am glad to see that the Nigerian people in all elections have continued to respect the principle of fair play. Since this administration came into office, we have gone to great lengths to strengthen our democratic institutions, particularly the Independent National Electoral Commission. There are still persons who believe that elections should be violent and unhealthy, but they are in the minority. They will not derail our democracy because the majority of Nigerians will not allow them to do so.

“Following the spate of violence in some parts of the country after the 2011 elections, our administration set up a committee on post-election violence to, among other things, investigate the causes and nature of electoral violence and make appropriate recommendations. We will be guided by the White Paper on that committee’s report, in dealing more firmly with electoral Continued on page 61

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2012

3

COLUMN

The Triumph of the Truth •An Evening with President Abiola

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T was a scene out of the Roman Empire in all its glory and grandeur. The din was impossible, yet there was something sedulous and magical about this display of power at its awesome summit. It was medieval pageantry in Technicolor; a brilliant fusion of the traditional and the modern. A very important man was traversing the highway between mortality and immortality.

Horses and horsemen collide with outriders and state of the art limousines. State spooks mingle with traditional enforcers dressed like local hunters. An empty gold chariot blasted its way through, heralding the imminent arrival of his imperial majesty, even as a remarkably ugly masquerade which reminded one of an ill-tempered hippopotamus began to press its luck with the crowd. He was Pakaleke, a.k.a the devil of Apataganga.

From the distance, a dancing procession was approaching. The law enforcement agents were beginning to have problems with the rowdy crowd. As they surged forward, they were beaten back with batons and horsewhips. Everybody was trying to catch a glimpse of the royal carnival. This was not a scene to miss. In his youth and penurious prime, his majesty was known as a dancer and drummer of exceptional endowments. And judging from the royal harem, his prodigious appetite for ravishing beauties remained undimmed by time and tribulation.

As the dancing procession drew nearer, you could swear that you knew the king somewhere. There was something faintly familiar and yet oddly distant about him; an other worldly aura of perfect self-control and inner tranquillity. But by now, the lead drummer was getting in the way of the cognitive senses. A brilliant purveyor of social acrimony, he was panning out litigious lyrics with savage delight and with his face permanently contorted in subversive exertion.

Omo agbon jeje bi eniti o r’obinrin ri Beni aya nbe nile; omo nbe nile Sugbon obinrin dudu obinrin pupa Olorun maje o kuku obinrin.

And later in response to the din: Dami dami dami, Ologundudu Dami, dami dami, ariwo majesin Kii pa alakara, dami dami dami.

And much later: Gbedogbedo kan o le gb’agogo Akanbata o le kan lekun Alagbede o le r’ojugun Pejapeja o le p’olorun oba Oro t’eso pe sobe, pe sobe Eyin le so, eyin leso.

By now as this riotous carnival came into full view, the ever joyous visage, the kind compassionate features, the in your face, devil may care bravura of an Alpha male in full menace, had become unmistakable.

He was even more noble of carriage and majestic of mien. Yet like all art-

‘ If Jonathan does not immortalise Abiola, a future government will after the current farce must have run its course •The late Abiola

ists, he had a remarkable sense of rhythm and cadence and was responding to the inner music with a feline suppleness and glorious flair that drew rapturous applause from the crowd. The jaw dropped in awe and astonishment and before you could pronounce the name, the riotous crowd had beaten you to it.

“It is President Abiola in triumphal procession”, they chanted in unison.

The good people of Nigeria, irrespective of race, region and religion, spoke seventeen years ago. And now power is concurring. History shall vindicate the just indeed.

It has taken a tectonic shift from the template of evil misgovernance to acknowledge the obvious truth that whatever his personal failings and the objective contradictions of the circumstances, Abiola is a hero of democracy in Nigeria. It is not how you begin that matters but how you end up. The fallen hero may yet be forgiven, but it does not vitiate the claim of the emergent hero.

Seventeen years ago in June 1993, Nigerians spoke in unison against the barbarity of military rule. Fourteen million of them voted, nine of these for MKO Abiola, charismatic mogul and candidate of the Social Democratic Party. The victory in itself was a political odyssey whose story has never been told in full.

Abiola outgunned and outfoxed the military High Command who were expecting a different outcome which would have made their job easier.

In the event, the military still went ahead to annul the freest and fairest election so far in the history of the nation. It led to a five-year

‘ low intensity civil war in which many perished and the Nigerian military junta anathematised by the civilised world. Till date, many still carry the traumatic wounds of that encounter. There were many, this writer included, who were not Abiola’s fans and who never met him on a one to one basis but who chose to fight on the side of truth and freedom. We chose to lose all, rather than be ruled by primitive predators. A nation-state is not a military or feudal fiefdom.

As the carnival drew nearer, snooper thought that Goodluck Jonathan ought to be commended for finding the inner strength and resolve to acknowledge the obvious, unlike his mentor and benefactor who, consumed by hatred, irrational envy and petty venom, could not even bring himself to pronounce the name of Abiola. The greatest beneficiary of the June 12 struggle could not abide its greatest martyr and casualty even in death. But as it has been noted, a man may make for himself a throne of bayonets, whether he will be able to sit on it is the question.

Now that he has taken the tentative step, snooper wondered, Jonathan should be encouraged to go the whole hog in order to bring the necessary closure to this open sore of the modern Nigerian nation.

Abiola should be declared a posthumous president of Nigeria with commensurate edification. Truth is constant and steady and no matter how fast a lie travels ahead, it will eventually be overtaken by the truth.

But judging from the mood of

S

nooping around With

Tatalo Alamu the crowd, If Jonathan does not immortalise Abiola, a future government will after the current farce must have run its course. This is a historic wager which will come to pass soon, no matter what anybody does or fails to do. Jonathan should ask himself why the sudden and vociferous cries for electoral reforms even after his principal had famously and characteristically pooh-poohed the idea. Electoral chicanery, just like annulment, leads to a breakdown of government and governance, not to talk of international derision and opprobrium.

By now, the din had died down.

All the revellers had disappeared. A celestial calm enveloped the universe. In the distance, a few female praise singers could be heard chanting the heroic panegyrics of the first posthumous president of Nigeria.

But the late tycoon was nowhere to be found. Even the mad drummer, Ayanlere, with his droopy and dolorous visage, had disappeared. The wild drumming had now been replaced by an Ebenezer Obey classic in honour of the late tycoon.

Balogun Ojoo, baba Bada, badabarawu Ti nbari balogun lehin mi Inu mi a dun, ara mi a ya gaga Odede lowa tabi yara logbe wa T’oba ti gb’ohun mi o Masun mawo maa bo, Ologundudu Masun mawo maa bo, oko Atinuke….

Baba Kolawole mi o ire.

Snooper had slept, joyous but exhausted, with a crushing pile of newspapers containing President Jonathan’s proclamation about Abiola’s heroic stature. In the last stages of consciousness, this avalanche of printed matter began crushing the neck as it made its way to the bare floor. This was a sure recipe for political hallucination. A mobile handset was beginning to slide down towards the buccal cavity now made more cavernous by sheer exhaustion.

Suddenly, there was a door from nowhere and as it opened lo it was the late tycoon resplendent and wellrested smiling his famous cherubic smile. The chief was obviously in a bantering mood as he opened up with his famous fusillade of native wisecracks and witticism.

“Chief, congrats on your posthumous apotheosis”, snooper opened cautiously. “ Ah, apoti osi ko, apoti ogun ni.

Oyinbo ti poju .(Haba grammar is too much) Agboyinbo ki ku le”, the chief replied with devastating wit and local brio.

“I mean a serving Nigerian president has conceded that you are a hero”, snooper pressed as he suppressed an urge to laugh.

“Ah you see, I told them you

cannot abort a full pregnancy. Ti o bape titi akalolo a pe baba” the great chief retorted.

“We must now await the formal proclamation”, snooper continued. “ Ah leave them. Adie tosu ti o to, ara e lowa”, the chief observed with fortitude.

“Even Babangida has joined the chorus”, snooper noted with a hint of disapproval.

“Ah leave Ibrahim out of it. Omo buruku n’ijo tie. Besides, as our people say, makanmakan loye. A man that is being pursued by a masquerade should take heart, because as people of this world get tired, so do people of the other world.”, the chief noted with a deadpan demeanour.

“Sir, please explain,” snooper pleaded.

“You see, Ibrahim is not alone in this thing. When a man says he is Dodondawa, you must know that there is a problem, because Dodo o dawa. Enia lowa lehin dodo to fi ni ohun ni Dodondawa” the chief explained with an even more recondite Yoruba saying.

“Ah chief, how do you mean?” snooper pressed.

“Wo iwo omokunrin yi ma fitina mi.

(Youngman, don’t trouble me) You see, it is like the case of a masquerade who is killed by a lorry and the people are saying that he has gone back to heaven. Very soon, the mother of the missing will ask for her son”, the chief concluded with wit and calm forbearance.

Snooper decided to change the topic.

“Chief, is that not an empty bottle of stout I am looking at under your bed?” snooper queried in a mischievous tone.

“Ah, some people came and I entertained them. In any case, when you recite the Quran up to the point of rabana, omi amala loku.”, he replied with a boyish grin.

By now snooper could not resist a wild laugh of relish at the great man’s native wisdom and traditional savvy. He was eyeing me with the poker-faced perspicuity of a traditional savant. Here was the Griotpresident Nigeria never had.

“Chief, by the way, have you seen Alhaji Abubakar Rimi?” snooper asked MKO. “Ah, is he here? O ntan lo na niyen.

You see, it is like the case of the man who was caught in bed with his own daughter in- law. When he was asked what he thought he was doing, the old man replied, well, gentlemen, e ti gbo? Then it is almost over, it will soon be over”.

At this point, the bed lamp, dragged by the cord of the mobile set, hit snooper on the head.

•This column was first published in 2010.

NEWS

Aregbesola seeks ex-president’s treatment for Abiola F Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has his way, the late Bashorun MKO Abiola would be included on the list of Nigeria’s past Presidents.

The governor yesterday urged President Gooadluck Jonathan to go beyond the renaming of a federal varsity after the late Abiola, but acknowledge his victory in the June 12, 2003 presidential election.

Aregbesola, while expressing his position on the renaming of University of Lagos (UNILAG) as

I

Moshood Abiola University, said enlisting the late politician as a former President would help.

The governor said: “What could permanently heal the wounds of the incarceration of Abiola and the brutalisation of his supporters is to officially recognise the fact that he won the presidential election of June 12, 1993 and accord him posthumously all the rights and privileges associated with the office.”

Aregbesola, who spoke

through his media director, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, said the late Abiola won the election decisively, noting that it was bizarre the manner the winner of an election could be subjected to the degree of humiliation Abiola suffered until his eventual death.

His words: “While acknowledging the fact that Abiola deserves the honour. We must not forget the need to recognise his victory.

The fact that the Federal Government has eventually honoured

him with this renaming of the University of Lagos is an admission of the fact that Abiola was unjustly denied his victory.

“If that is the case, then I urge the Federal Government to go the whole hug to recognise his victory, according him, all the rights due to the office of the President of Nigeria posthumously.

“This is the only way to heal the wounds inflicted on Abiola and the brutalisation of the psyche of the Nigerian people.”

•Aregbesola

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2012

4

NEWS

Mixed reactions trail naming of UNILAG after Abiola •Students take to the streets

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•Acting Congress of Nigeria (ACN) National Leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu (right), Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Lagos branch Mr. Taiwo Taiwo and his colleague Hannibal Uwaifo during their visit to Asiwaju in his Ikoyi, Lagos home… yesterday

•Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (middle) cutting the tape to open the Lagos Traffic Radio (96.1FM)...yesterday. With him are his deputy, Mrs Orelope Adefulire (right), former Lagos State Governor Alhaji Lateef Jakande (second right), former Military Governor of Lagos Sir Mobolaji Johnson (second left) and his wife Obafunmilayo PHOTO:OMOSEHIN MOSES

•Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed (middle) , Speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly Hon. Razak Atunwa and Board Chairman, International Aviation College, Ilorin, Capt. Edward Boyo during the flag-off of SP I Pilot Training Progamme... on Monday

•Kaduna State Governor Patrick Yakowa (second right) cutting the tape to open the Northern Noodle Limited in Kaduna...yesterday. With him are Managing Director of the company Mr Haresh Aswani (right), Yakowa’s wife Amina, the Sa-Gbagyi 1 of Gbagyi Kingdom, Dr Danjuma Barde (second left)

IXED reactions yesterday greeted President Goodluck Jonathan’s renaming of the University of Lagos to Moshood Abiola University.

While some respondents supported the idea, others saw it as unnecessary.

The president in his broadcast to the nation to mark Democracy Day and one year of his administration named the university after the late Abiola, the presumed winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential poll.

Students of UNILAG took to major streets around the university in protest against the change of name.

Some of the students, who spoke to NAN, said their action was informed by the sudden change of name of the institution by the Federal Government, adding that “it is ill timed and unacceptable’’.

Mr Muritala Adura, a 400 level student of the Faculty of Political Science said that the decision would be resisted as there was no such plan in place by the founding fathers of the university to change the name.

Adura said that the change of name was uncalled for, especially at a time when the entire university was in a mourning mood.

Miss Chidinma Okafor, a second year student of the Faculty of Education, pleaded with the Federal Government to reconsider reversing its decision so as to maintain the stability and peace that have been existing in the university.

Okafor said that the change of name ought to have been given a serious thought going by the fact that it would truncate a lot of developmental issues that were in the pipeline.

“There are some corporate organisations that had partnered with the institution locally and internationally and must have had a lot of documents and other things printed in the name of unilag.

“How do such people start all over again to change to the new name.

“The name Moshood Abiola University is not even attractive and in the real sense most of us are protesting because our certificates on graduation will not bear that name University of Lagos.

“And which has been the dream of most of the undergraduates,’’ she said Another student, Joseph Ezekiel, said that he was not against the decision by the Federal Government to immortalise or recognise heroes who toiled for democracy in the country.

He said that the Federal Government should have considered university’s antecedent and what it stood for.

“We are not against government’s decision to honour anyone who deserved to be honoured but what we are saying is that the name of the university, which is almost a household name in the entire continent and beyond cannot just disappear.

“There are other Federal Government institutions scattered all around the country that could be used for such purpose without raising much argument, especially if it is not as popular as the University of Lagos.

“You can see the magnitude of violence that this singular pronouncement has caused and if care is not taken could lead to something else if nothing is done about it immediately.

The Protesting students took to the streets, barricading major highways.

By Joke Kujenya and Precious Igbonwelundu

They gathered at Oyingbo, Yaba, Sabo, Akoka and Fadeyi on the Ikorodu road, blocking the highways.

Traffic was brought to a standstill, with a few vehicles plying the roads.

Armed police were stationed at Akoka, a few metres from the campus, but they kept their distance from the irate students.

The acting president of the students union, Mr Idowu Odumose, described the name change as an act of injustice.

“It is an injustice to the institution.

The change cannot be done unilaterally without amending the act setting up the university.’’

Mr Alli Sanni, the Chairman, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Lagos State Chapter, said the change was announced without consultation with the students and other stakeholders.

“It is shocking to wake up to find out that the school’s identity has been changed.

“The government should have renamed one of the new federal universities after Abiola,’’ he said.

Professor of Law, Mr. Taiwo Osipitan(SAN), Promoter, Coalition of Democrats for Electoral Reforms (CODER), MR. Ayo Opadokun, Trade Unionist, Mr. Frank Kokori and Former Executive Director, Civil Liberties Organisation, (CLO) Mr. Abdul Oroh, commended Jonathan for his good intention.

Osipitan said: “I must commend the President for remembering to honour Abiola, but the President should know that the only way University of Lagos can be renamed is through the National Assembly because it is an institution that is established by law and the National Assembly will have to amend the law establishing the university.

“If the president really wants to honour Abiola, he should have thought of naming one of the new federal universities after him because UNILAG is a very cosmopolitan institution with local and international image,” he said.

Opadokun commended the president for the belated recognition bestowed on Abiola, even as he queried the process that led to the pronouncement.

“I think that the thought or process that led to the pronouncement is questionable, faulty and not fully considered.” Opadokun said.

Kokori said renaming UNILAG was not the peoples’ priority at the moment, although he expressed appreciation to the president for honouring Abiola.

“I am happy, even though it is not the peoples’ priority for now. I won’t talk further,” he said.

Oroh noted that Abiola while he was alive, contributed financially to support many Nigerian universities in their trying times, adding that he died in the struggle for democracy.

“MKO was denied an election that was acclaimed the freest and fairest in the history of Nigeria. In his struggle for democracy, he was imprisoned after which he died on the eve of reclaiming his mandate. So, there is nothing wrong with the president honouring him by renaming UNILAG after him. Havard was University in the United Sates, was New College but renamed after John Harvard.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2012

5

NEWS RENAMING OF UNILAG AFTER ABIOLA

•The UNILAG students protesting...yesterday PHOTO:ABIODUN WILLIAMS

The Yoruba Ronu Leadership Forum (YRLF) hailed President Jonathan for the action.

In a statement by its National Secretary Akin Malaolu, the Forum said the President “deserves commendation for his courage to do what his predecessors failed to do.”

It said: “Abiola paid the supreme price with his life for democracy which we are all enjoying. Nigerians have clamoured for him to be appropriately honoured. This has been done by the President, it is worthy of commendation.”

The National Vice-President, Academic Staff Union of Universities, (ASUU), Dr Nasir Fagge, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the renaming of the university was a welcome development.

“It is a welcome development to the country’s democracy. The government has the right to rename any institution or national monument,’’ he said.

Head of the Department of Mass Communication in the university, Prof. Ralph Akinfeleye, criticised the renaming of the institution.

Describing it as a misplaced priority, the don noted that the announcement came at a time when

Association rejects change of name

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HE National Executive Committee of the University of Lagos Alumni Association yesterday rejected the renaming of their university after the late M.K.O. Abiola.

The association in a statement said: “The students and the entire University Community reject the shocking announcement by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan during his democracy day address renaming the University of Lagos as Moshood Abiola University.

“The University of Lagos is the first University to be established by an Act of Federal Parliament in 1962 and has built a strong brand name in its 50 years. That is why it is the University of first choice and the nation’s pride. We expect that any change in name the university was still mourning the death of its Vice-Chancellor, Prof.

Adetokunbo Sofoluwe.

Akinfeleye said: “The renaming came at a wrong time and it was not done in accordance with the law establishing the institution.

“It not a wrong thing to honour the late Abiola, who sacrificed so much during his life time for democracy, but the process and choice of institution, is wrong. “ Abiola was not a sectional leader. If any honour should be given

should have taken stakeholders interest into consideration and followed due process. We are aware that neither the Governing Council nor the University Senate nor any other stakeholder was consulted before the change was announced.

“Also, we are not aware of any act of the National Assembly to change the Name. It is therefore inappropriate that Mr. President will attempt to change the name of a 50 year-old without his consent. Did Abiola himself not say ‘you cannot shave a man’s head in his absence?’

“Without prejudice to the person of Late Chief MKO Abiola, we the Alumni Association on behalf of the entire University Community reject the name as announced.”

to him, it should be done in the Federal Capital Territory.”

He suggested that the national stadium or the University of Abuja should be named after the late politician.

Another UNILAG lecturer, Dr Jide Oluwajuyitan, said the late Abiola was bigger than the university and should be accorded a better national honour.

Oluwajuyitan, a lecturer in the Department of Political Science, noted that most of the current students

You can’t make Abiola a local hero, says David-West

NLC applauds Jonathan

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IGERIA Labour Congress (NLC) yesterday gave President Goodluck Jonathan a pass mark for naming the University of Lagos after the Late Chief Moshood Abiola. Labour said that was the only worthy thing in the President’s Democracy Day speech.

Vice President of the NLC Comrade Isa Aremu said: “Abiola as far as Labour is concerned, deserves more than that. Even though UNILAG is a national institution, we would have loved an institution located in the s Former Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Roland Owie, Jonathan for what he termed using ‘love to cure hate’ over the honouring of Abiola.

Owie said late Abiola contributed to the development of democracy and also died in the course.

He said: “That is fantastic. We thank the president for honouring a man who labour for democracy even though answers have not been

By Dupe Olaoye-Osinkolu and Osagie Otabor, Benin

given to who is that group of politicians that aided and abated General Obasanjo government to remove the electoral college clause from the Transitional Decree of 1978.”

Former President of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof. Festus Iyayi said the best tribute was for President Jonathan to work hard to raise the living standard of Nigerians in all aspects of life.

He said a new university should be built and named after the late Abiola and not the University of Lagos that was already established.

Prof Iyayi noted that the only way to make Abiola happy in death was for Jonathan not to contest the 2015 presidency.

His words, “President Jonathan should ask him what June 12 means.

It goes to the foundation of the country, the foundation of justice. It goes

might not know Abiola and the significance of naming the school after him. “ Abiola is bigger than UNILAG and he deserves more honour in Abuja and not in the Southwest where he hailed from.’’

Senior Lecturer, Mass Communication Department, UNILAG, Dr Olubunmi Ajibade, said there was need for Federal Government to reconsider its decision by reverting to the status quo to forestall breakdown of peace on campus.

Olubunmi said there was nothing wrong in recognising and immortalising those who were symbols of democracy but that such decision ought to have gone through the parliament to be debated upon.

He said: “As you can see, the entire university is in a state of chaos because of the president’s pronouncement and this could lead to something else.

“We know very well that the Federal Government is the proprietor of the university but decisions such as this ought to have been given a second thought and approached with caution.

“The situation on campus would have even been worse if not for the registrar who has been on ground to douse the tension by pleading with the students.”

Human rights lawyer Bamidele Aturu said:“It is a welcome development, but it is not enough. What is more important is for Nigerians to reap the dividends of the democracy that Abiola died for.”

The founder of the Odu’a People’s Congress (OPC), Dr Frederick Faseun, said the renaming had “downgraded the university’’.

“Abiola was my very good friend, but I still do not support the naming of the University of Lagos after him based on local sentiment.

“Obviously, Abiola merits any democratic concept that could be named after him, but his aspirations had nothing to do with a university of the status of UNILAG,’’ he said.

Dr. Pat Utomi, the 2011 Presidential Candidate of the Social Democratic Mega Party (SDMP), said it was a good thing to name a monument after Abiola, but more consultations should have been held to determine what was most suitable.

“The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, should have been named after him.’’

The Director of Strategy, Coalition of Odu’a Self-Determination Groups (COSEG), Mr Rasaq Oladosu, said any monument outside the Southwest would have been ideal for Abiola.

The Save Nigeria Group (SNG) has said Abiola deserved the highest honour in the land.

It said: “While acknowledging the place of Abiola in the political history of Nigeria, we would want the highest possible honour for him.

“We, however, deplore the renaming of the University of Lagos after him,’’the SNG said in a statement signed by its spokesman, Mr Yinka Odumakin, in Lagos yesterday.

“We restate our demand that Abiola must be given a befitting honour for the sacrifices he made for democracy in Nigeria in a decent and worthy manner.”

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

F •Omar

beyond university education. Let him concentrate on development,’’ Former Governor of Edo State, Chief John Oyegun applauded the decision saying, “It is high time a major national monuments was named after Abiola. If Airports could be named after Murtala and Azikiwe, there was no reason why a major monument should not be named after him, immortalising Abiola did not detract from the fact that he should have been president of the country.”

ORMER Minister of petroleum Resources, Prof. Tam David-West, has described the naming of the University of Lagos after Moshood Kasimawo Abiola as attempt to localize the hero.

David-West speaking on the President’s Democracy Day broadcast, said naming monuments such as the National Stadium, Abuja after the late Abiola would have been more appropriate. He explained that Abiola was a national monument himself as he laid down his life for democracy in Nigeria, adding that the late business mogul was a strong supporter of sports.

The former minister also faulted celebration of Democracy Day on May 29, saying June 12, the day Nigerians recorded its best election was the appropriate day.

David-West said: “He said he immortalised M. K. O. Abiola by renaming the University of Lagos after him. With great respect to the office of the President, this suggestion is infantile. Reasons are that Abiola did not hail from Lagos. He was from Ogun State. Furthermore, you cannot make Abiola a local hero. If government wants to immortalise Abiola, it should do so with a national monument. Name the National Stadium, Abuja after him.

The additional reason is that Abiola has contributed to sports more than anybody in Nigerian history. He has even used his personal money to sponsor his team abroad. He encouraged sports in Nigeria with donations and personal efforts to the extent that he was named ‘Pillar of Sport in Africa’. So, responsible and responsive government would name the National Stadium in Abuja after him.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2012

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NEWS Police arrest suspected pirates

• Wike (right) and Alogba during the meeting ...yesterday

Wike urges NUT, NTI to work together

M

INISTER of State for Education Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has urged the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and the National Teachers Institute (NTI) to work together.

Wike, who spoke at a meeting he held with the leadership of NUT and NTI in Abuja, said cooperation between the two groups was in the best interest of the country.

He said the conflict that arose between the NUT and NTI over the payment of the 2011 Teacher Training Allowance (TTA) was a fallout

of communication distortion.

He noted that the NTI paid the teachers N2500 instead of N14,000 because of bugetary constraints and the non release of the institute’s fourth quarter allocation for the programme.

Wike said: “Though the teachers could not be paid the stipulated N14,000, it was due to the non release of the said fourth quarter of the MDG Training fund.

Despite the negative aspect of teachers to receiving their full allowance, it is important that the teachers have been trained to improve our basic education.

“The way forward is to find a way to resolve this challenge. The officials of the ministry led by the director of Basic and Secondary Education, the representatives of the NUT and the NTI would meet to fashion out the expected solution to the problem.”

He stated that the meeting was done in the open because of the commitment of the Goodluck Jonathan administration to transparency and accountability.

President of NUT, Comrade Michael Alogba, said the union was not carried along in NTI’s decision to pay teachers N2500, in-

stead of N14,000 stipulated for MDG teacher training.

He said the union got information of the new payment structure rather late.

NTI Director-General, Dr Ladan Sharehu said when the Institute discovered that the funds meant for payment of the teachers was long in coming, it sought approval from the Ministry of Education to pay the teachers the available funds as allowances.

He said contrary to claims by the NUT, the NTI management met with the union officials to inform them of the development.

ACN: Jonathan’s first anniversary a legacy of insecurity, scandals A

FTER appraising President Goodluck Jonathan’s first year in office, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) yesterday concluded that the administration has been a monument to insecurity and scandals of historic proportions.

Rating the administration below average, the party described the President’s performance as a far cry from the transformation he promised Nigerians at his inauguration.

In a statement issued in Ado-Ekiti yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party alleged Jonathan frittered the goodwill quickly after his inauguration.

The party said: ‘’A President who asked Nigerians to dream again succeeded in turning their dreams into nightmares. Simply put, Nigerians are worse off today than they were when President Jonathan assumed office on May 29th 2011, and the country under his watch has become more divided today than at any other time since the civil war of 1967 to 1970. ‘’In sports parlance, President Jonathan has snatched defeat from the jaws of victory and left his compatriots forlorn and transmogrified, instead of being transformed.’’

Although the ACN noted that a year was too short to judge an administration for failing to fully upgrade or put in place new infrastructure, more so in a country where everything from roads to hospitals, schools and public utilities have been left to decay by successive administrations, the party however said the PDP pill was worse than

the country’s disease.

The party said it never imagined that any administration would even make things worse than they were.

It cited the case of power, which has worsened so much that the only point of light for a large swath of Nigeria has been the sun during the day and the moon at night.

ACN said: “While Nigerians are willing to wager that the administration could yet rediscover itself and make some impact in upgrading or building infrastructure, they are fast losing hope when it comes to the government’s ability to ensure the security or life and property, a key responsibility of any government; check runaway corruption and prevent shameful scandals. ‘’As at the last count, over 1,200 Nigerians have been sent to their early graves by the rampaging Boko Haram, as the Jonathan administration waffles - or perhaps deliberately delays on efforts to end the crisis.

“As the government flip-flops between non-engagements with ‘terrorists’ to qualified engagement, the sect grew stronger and more daring.

“Today, it has seized the initiative from the government, despite its allocating a lion’s share of the 2012 budget for security. ‘’Add this to the continuing cases of kidnapping for ransom and other violent crimes across the country, and one begins to wonder whether Nigeria is on the road to Somalia, or if indeed there is a government

worth its name in Abuja.’’

The party described the Jonathan administration’s first year as a tsunami of scandals and monumental corruption that have put a lie to President Jonathan’s inauguration pledge to fight corruption.

According to the ACN, the President promised to confront corruption ‘’with overwhelming force of our collective determination’’.

The party said: ‘’Through a combination of insincerity and deceit, the government went ahead to remove the so-called fuel subsidy, which inadvertently opened a Pandora box that has now let out the worms of unimaginable pilfering of the resources of the commonwealth in the name of fuel subsidy.

“Sadly, those who are paid from the public till to prevent such theft did not come out unblemished after the House of Representatives’ probe of the phony subsidy. Yet they remain on their seats because the government itself is not untainted. ‘’Under President Jonathan’s watch, the multi-billion-naira police pension scheme was looted by incredibly-brazen public officials, emboldened by the impunity that now characterises government affairs.

“There is yet no evidence that these officials will be robustly prosecuted and be made to answer for the crimes they were alleged to have committed.’’

The ACN said “the President himself is fast losing the moral authority to fight corruption, after being

embroiled in scandal after scandal in just one year of his tenure. ‘’First, he gleefully accepted a donation of a church from a government contractor, pretending not to see the obvious conflict of interest in a church where he worships being gratuitously renovated by a government contractor.

“As if that’s not enough, he has been named in the Malabu Oil Bloc scandal, for which his AttorneyGeneral has yet to offer satisfactory explanations. These scandals are chipping away at the credibility of the President and weakening his administration’s ability to fight corruption, which is a major inhibition to the country’s development. ‘’Overall, President Jonathan’s first year in office is a poor and faltering start to his four-year tenure.

He has no one but himself to blame for frittering away the massive goodwill that propelled him to office, in spite of his modest means.

“He has chosen to play politics with his office, instead of focusing on what his legacies will be. And on occasions that demanded a strong leadership and the need to uphold the constitution he swore to protect, he failed to live up to his pledge. ‘’The result is that the Jonathan presidency has been greatly diminished within and outside the country. Perhaps this is why he was left out when United States (U.S.) President Barack Obama invited four African leaders to Camp David during the last G8 summit in the U.S. to discuss food security in Africa. There is yet redemption for President Jonathan, if he is willing to learn his lessons and turn a new leaf, today!’’

THE police in Lagos have arrested two members of a suspected piracy syndicate which specialised in hijacking oil-laden vessels within the nation’s territorial waters, as well as in the high seas.

It was revealed that the syndicate, which is believed to comprise 10 men, usually ferried arms and ammunition to Lagos whenever they were to carry out any operation.

NAN gathered that the gang normally assembled at Snake Island, to collect arms which were ferried by boat from Ogun, to launch attacks on oil-laden vessels in the high sea.

“Sometimes, the pirates hijacked such vessels and moved them to unknown destinations where they will siphon the crude or petroleum products and abandon the vessels.

“They usually attacked the crew members before siphoning the crude or refined petroleum products from the vessels, into their own ship, after which they disappeared,’’ a reliable source who sought anonymity alleged.

According to the source, members of the Snake Island community were being accused of sea piracy by the security agencies and merchant ship owners, not knowing that the actual pirates were not from the community.

The suspected pirates in police net were arrested by members of the Snake Island community and handed over to the police last week. “Three AK-47 rifles were recovered from the suspects, with one automatic pump action gun,” the source said.

Police spokesman Joseph Jaiyeoba confirmed the arrests. He said efforts were being intensified to arrest other members of the syndicate.

Boat gift for Imoke THE decision of the Cross River State Government to improve the lots of youth in the State through various intervention programmes has not gone unnoticed.

A youth from Calabar South LGA, David Henshaw showed his appreciation by presenting a model of a ship to the governor at the Cultural Centre Ground, Calabar, venue for the celebration of 2012 Children’s Day Celebration.

According to Henshaw, the present was in appreciation of what the governor has put in place to better the lots of youth in the state.

He enumerated them to include the comprehensive renovation of primary and post primary schools, free medical treatment for pregnant women and children under five years, conditional cash transfer for indigent families tagged, Project Comfort and Project Hope.

The youth, who said he spent N40,000 to construct the boat, also commended Imoke for instituting Bridge Leadership Foundation which is focused on youth, building leadership quality as well as entrepreneurial skills.

Receiving the boat, Governor Imoke lauded the donor for acknowledging government’s effort in reaching out to the youth across the state.

Imoke explained that apart from the educational and health programmes being put in place, government has also established the Department of Orientation and Public Affairs to enable youth imbibe core values to better their lives .

He said the model, which is a pride to the state, will be placed in his office and promised Hensaw N200,000 to enable him build more models.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2012

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NEWS

Mixed reactions as Nigeria celebrates 13 years of democracy •Nigeria’ll be stronger •Lawyer: It’s celebration of corruption

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IGERIANS yesterday expressed mixed reactions to the celebration of Democracy Day. Some of the nation’s leaders, including House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal; Sokoto State Governor Aliyu Wamakko; Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Bala Muhammed; and Senator Chris Ngige, said the nation will overcome its present challenges and become stronger.

Others, like Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and his Kano State counterpart, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, called for unity and peaceful co-existence among the people to enhance the development of the country.

But Akure lawyer, Morakinyo Ogele, and some Plateau State residents said the nation has not developed significantly in the past 13 years.

Ogele likened the yearly ceremony to celebrating criminality, corruption, killings and maladministration by those in positions of authority.

Tambuwal urged Nigerians not to despair of surmounting the socio-economic challenges confronting the nation.

He said such constraints are parts of a phase the country needs to pass through in its

By Our Reporters

march towards development.

In a message in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media and Public affairs, Mallam Imam Imam, the Speaker said the gains recorded since the return of democracy would be consolidated.

Tambuwal advised Nigerians to appreciate the sacrifices some people made to enthrone civil rule, adding that the nation’s future would be brighter under democracy.

He noted that democracy is not an end in itself but a means to an end.

The Speaker said Nigerians need to cooperate and make sacrifices to ensure the nation’s steady march to greatness.

“I wish to congratulate all Nigerians on this momentous day and pray to almighty God to continue to shower His blessings on our dear country at all times,” Tambuwal added.

Wamakko said: “We have good and bad times, in leadership and followership. We cannot perform miracles to overcome circumstances unless we appreciate team spirit.”

Addressing reporters in Sokoto after a special prayer, led

by Sarkin Mallamai of Sokoto, Shiekh Buhari Siriddawa, the

governor noted that Nigeria has attained some level of progress though with some hitches.

Dignitaries at the event included the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, imams, scholars and the top government officials.

Wamakko said the present circumstance is not peculiar to Nigeria.

“All nations do experience one problem or the other and Nigeria is not an exception to this,” he said.

The governor sought collective efforts to tackle insecurity in the land, saying leaders and followers must work together to solve the nation’s problems.

He said: “If we fail as leaders, everyone in the country has failed too. Leadership is the summation of all efforts by people towards actualising a cause.”

Muhammed urged Nigerians to de-emphasise issues that cause disaffection and dwell more on those that enhance the nation’s unity.

The minister spoke at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, at the first year anniversary of the Goodluck Jonathan administration, organised by the Ijaw Youths Leadership Forum.

He noted that the nation’s unity and cohesion should be the major concern of all Nigerians, irrespective of their geopolitical zone.

Muhammed thanked the organizers for choosing, The Need for National Cooperation for NationBuilding, as the theme of the celebration.

Uduaghan noted that the absence of unity has pitched the people against one another.

He said: “Hatred does not pay. Rather, it destroys. We should stop to hate each other because it has not taken us anywhere but has eaten deeply into family, local government councils and ethnic groups.”

The governor spoke during an inter-denominational church service at the First Baptist Church, Ekrejeta, Ethiope East Local Government Area.

Kwankwaso said his administration has transformed Kano State, despite the prevailing security challenges in the state.

The governor told reporters in his office that the government is ready to dialogue with any aggrieved group to ensure peaceful co-existence among the residents.

According to him, his administration has fulfilled its campaign promises, including the provision of free uniforms and

feeding for primary school pupils.

Ngige, who represents Anambra Central in the Senate, said the nation’s challenges would fade away with sincere, quality leadership.

He said: “A young democracy in a unique federation like ours, where the imperative of restructuring is long overdue, is bound to experience the peculiar dysfunctional features as we witness today in Nigeria.

“However, how long these challenges last is proportional to the mettle of prevailing leadership.

“The option for us is not to despair in the face of these contradictions since democracy has no alternative. The way out is for all of us to renew our commitment to the oneness, unity and progress of Nigeria through the vehicle of mutual engagement that enthrones equity and fairness as the critical irreduceable rule.

“Those of us who are in authority must show the light so that the people will find their way.”

A rights activist, Mr Morakinyo Ogele has described the celebration of Democracy day as the celebration of corruption, killing and looting of treasury.

Police disrupt PDP, civil society groups’ rallies in Anambra

Yobe pardons 11 prisoners From Duku Joel, Damaturu

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

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HE Anambra State Police Command yesterday stopped the Democracy Day celebration rallies organised by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and over 10 civil society groups.

The police cited insecurity as the reason for their action.

It was like a war zone at Emmaus House, the PDP state secretariat in Udoka Housing Estate, and Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square, both in Awka, the state capital, as security agents cordoned off the areas.

The state branch of the PDP, led by its chairman, Prince Kenneth Emeakayi, and the civil society groups, had chosen different venues to celebrate the day with the theme: Democracy Day and Non-Conduct of Local Government Elections in Anambra.

The civil society groups included Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), Anambra Association of Chairmanship and Councillorship Aspirants (ANACCA), among others.

But the police said they feared hoodlums might hijack the rallies.

They urged the groups to choose new dates for the rallies to enable the police to protect them.

Police spokesman Emeka Chukwuemeka told reporters that the command received the groups’ applications late.

But Emeakayi said the party had written Governor Peter Obi and security agencies, including the police, on the rally.

According to him, the police did not come to the party’s secretariat until 6pm on Monday to order a postponement.

He told reporters that what the security agencies did was undemocratic and a breach of the fundamental rights of the party’s members.

He stated this in a release he personally signed.

Ogele said: “The celebration of a democracy day in this country is another celebration of corruption, killing and looting of Nigerian treasury.

“Nigeria should prepare to chase the away the federal Government under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Since the inception of the PDP administration in this country, we have been witnessing catalogue of woes.

Poverty is on a daily basis increasing.

“Politicians are in swimming in the ocean of corruption. There is no security all over the country. The security allowances being deducted by governors are only being used to organise violence…”

Plateau residents, Mrs. Esther Ukachi and Mr. Ezekiel Ntiem, urged Nigerians to ensure peaceful co-existence because no development can be achieved under rancour.

But Inua Ali and Jonathan Ubbe noted that 13 years of democracy have not translated into improved welfare for Nigerians.

They said many people still lack basic needs, such as food, clothing, effective transport system, shelter and jobs.

•Managing Director, Arik Air, Mr Chris Ndulie (left) receiving a certificate from Rector, Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, Mrs Chinyere Kalu, after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the airline and NCAT in sZaria...yesterday. With them is Director, Flight Operations, Arik Air, Ado Sanusi.

PHOTO: ISAAC JIMOH AYODELE

PDP, ACN disagree on Amaechi’s performance

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HE ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the main opposition Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Rivers State yesterday in Port Harcourt, the state capital, disagreed over the performance of Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

The PDP said the residents have cause to celebrate because they no longer stand where they were a year ago.

“Ours has been one of uncommon transformation,” the party said.

But ACN said the Amaechi administration has performed dismally in providing electricity, potable water, housing, welfare for civil servants, reliable transportation and job creation, among others.

The ruling party spoke

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

through its Publicity Secretary, George Ukwuoma-Nwogba, and the ACN, through its spokesman, Jerry Needam.

PDP said: “In the past one year, Rivers State, under the leadership of Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has made milestones in several sectors. Development in virtually all sectors greets visitors and waves at the residents.

“The state leads others in education, health, land reforms, infrastructure, employment, power, agriculture, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), accountability and transparency.

“The governor has carried on

with the development of Rivers State from sharp tangents, with robust openness, against the suppositions of arm-chair critics…

“In the past one year, power generation in Rivers State has exceeded national input per square kilometre, shooting the state to prime placement on the ladder. With all sense of humility, we could safely say Rivers State under Amaechi has done farther mileage than Nigeria in power generation in the last one year.”

But ACN disagreed, saying: “Rather than stay and monitor his lieutenants and the various agencies created by his administration, Amaechi prefers travelling from one country to the other for jamboree.

“Crisscrossing round the

world’s growing economies for jamboree will not solve the problem, but only through conscious efforts to build the infrastructure and facilities, in addition to a peaceful environment, which will attract investors.

“No investor can invest in a turbulent environment, where things are done in staccato form without rules and procedures. No thanks to the members of the ruling PDP, to whom lawlessness and total disregard to due process remain the ideal route to success.

“Resources are not the main challenge of Rivers state, but the management of the resources and lack of ideas in tandem with the present reality of the economic and social needs of the state.”

THE Yobe State Government yesterday pardoned 11 prisoners to mark this year’s Democracy Day and one year anniversary of the Ibrahim Gaidam administration.

Abdullahi Bego, The Special Adviser to the governor on Information and Press Affair, Mallam Abdullahi Bego, broke the news at a ministerial briefing jheld at the Government House in Damaturu, the state capital.

“Governor Gaidam, under the Committee on Prerogative of Mercy, has pardoned 11 prisoners who have been serving various jail terms in the state,” Bego said.

The special adviser said some of the prisoners were also pardoned following the recommendations of the committee on the prerogative of Mercy on the state of health and ages of prisoners serving their jail terms in the state.

He urged the pardoned prisoners to become good ambassadors in their respective communities and the society in general.

No celebration in Benue From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

THERE was no celebration yesterday at the IBB Square in Makurdi, the state capital, the usual venue for such ceremonies.

Those who trooped to the arena were disappointed as neither Governor Gabriel Suawam nor his representative was at the place.

It was learnt that the governor held a luncheon with some Benue elders at the Government House.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2012

8

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UNILAG students protest STUDENTS of the University of Lagos embarked on a protest to express their displeasure with the renaming of the institution as Moshood Abiola University.

The massive protest was in reaction to President Goodluck Jonathan's Democracy Day broadcast yesterday, announcing the renaming of the institution after Abiola, the acclaimed winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election.

Woman arraigned for alleged fraud

By Fisayo Ige

A 53-year-old woman Adetokunbo Olaitan of 79 Kokoro Abu Street, Ikorodu, was arraigned yesterday, at Igbosere Magistrate's Court, Lagos Island, for allegedly fraudulently collecting N595, 000 from Mr Saamadeen Kareem.

The accused, who operates a travelling agency was allegedly approached by Kareem in July 2011, to process a Canadian visa for one Mr Gafar, but she did not do it.

Kareem reported the matter to Lasagba Police Station, when he noticed that the suspect was avoiding him after he asked for the visa or a refund of his money. Mrs Olaitan was arrested by the police and arraigned in court on a one-count charge of obtaining money under false pretence, but she pleaded not guilty.

The crime contravened Section 312(1) (a) Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2011.

Magistrate W.B Balogun, granted the defendant N200, 000 bail and one surety who must be gainfully employed in Lagos, with evidence of tax clearance for 2011, as well as possess a National Identity Card or a driver's licence. He adjourned the case to June 25.

Over 1m children die yearly

By Risikat Ramoni

OVER a million children die yearly of pneumonia and other preventable diseases, a medical expert, Mrs Margaret Olele has said.

Olele, an Assistant Director, Public Affairs and Communication of Pfizer Nigeria and East Africa Region (NEAR), urged parents, teachers and governments at all levels, to jointly tackle pneumonia among children.

She said this would help curb the rising prevalence of the disease in the country.

Mrs Olele spoke at a press conference organised by Pfizer in collaboration with the Medical Women Association of Nigeria (NWAN) and the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), which held at the NTA, Lagos.

Olele said though pneumonia is a preventable disease, yet it accounts for the death of more children than any other diseases in Nigeria.

She urged mothers to ensure their children between 0 and five years old take pneumococcal vaccine.

•First Vice Chairman, Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Dr Johnson Enene, Dr Braithwaite and President, Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Lagos Branch, Dr Dumebi Owa, at the briefing...yesterday

Reinstate sacked doctors, Braithwaite urges govt

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LDER statesman and leader, National Action Coalition (NAC), Dr Olatunji Braithwaite, has urged the Lagos State Government to recall the 788 sacked doctors unconditionally.

Braithwaite, who addressed reporters yesterday in his Victoria Island, Lagos home, enjoined the government and the doctors to sheathe their swords.

According to him, it is disturbing to see the strike embarked upon by the doctors under the umbrella of Medical Guild deteriorate.

He said the doctors, sack has affected the health sector in no small measure since the strike began, adding that its quick

By Wale Adepoju

resolution will be to everybody’s good.

He said: "Lagos State always delivers qualitative health care. Our efforts in NAC are to effect reconciliation for the sake of the Lagos State government, the doctors and the people. The strike should have been nipped in the bud."

The doctors, he said, still have patients’ interest at heart.

Braithwaite said: "Without apportioning blame, I think it is wrong to sack doctors en masse. The doctors and Lagos State government are concerned about the quality of wellbeing of the patients. Of course, doctors have sympathy

for their patients, but when agreement is breached, actions have to be taken."

He said strike is not illegal, because it provides check and balances and as such curbs the arbitrary powers of employers.

"However, doctors are entitled to go on strike as last option when their condition is not met by their employer.”

Braithwaite said the briefing is meant to reconcile Lagos State and the striking doctors.

To ensure service delivery that would be beneficial to the people, the state and the doctors must continue to see each other as partners and not as enemies to be annihilated, he said.

On brain drain, he said: "A lot of doctors are leaving the country because of corruption and lack of infrastructure in the health sector. So, they must be encouraged to serve their fatherland. Nigerian and Asian doctors are ranked among the best in the world.

And they are sought all over the world."

Braithwaite said he was also affected just as the ordinary man on the street is affected, stressing that NAC will not give the Lagos State government any ultimatum to reverse its decision. "We hope the state government will heed our intervention without any precondition," he added.

Lagos Assembly to begin use of ultra-modern chamber tomorrow T

HE Lagos State House of Assembly will tomorrow begin to use its new legislative chamber.

The Chairman, House Committee on Information, Strategy, Security and Publicity, Segun Olulade, described the chamber as the best in the country.

He told reporters that the old chamber has been converted into an auditorium and named after the first Governor of the state, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, whose administration constructed it in 1980.

This, he said, followed a motion by Hon. Adefunmilayo Tejuoso (Mushin 1) and seconded by Hon. Segun Olulade (Epe II) at the last plenary held in the chamber on Monday.

The next plenary will hold tomorrow at the new chamber which will be opened same day.

Olulade said the new chamber which cost, he put, at less than N1 billion, would address the growing inadequacy of the old chamber opened in 1980 by Ja-

•Names old chamber after Jakande

By Oziegbe Okoeki

kande.

He said: "With the arrival of a new democratic order in 1999, and the consolidation of civil rule and best practices of governance in Lagos State, government became more conscious of the critical roles of the legislature especially in the business of law making, budget appropriation as well as oversight functions, over the affairs of other arms of government.”

Olulade said besides the pressing need for a more spacious and befitting legislative chamber; "there was also a very compelling need to ensure that more sophisticated information and communication facilities as well as more seats and offices are provided to meet the growing demands of contemporary legislative and administrative practices."

Olulade, praised the executive, saying the completion of the chamber was the result of the co-

operation between both arms of government.

The last session in the current chamber which also marks the last plenary for the first year of the seventh Assembly was held on Monday.

The new gallery is well equipped and can take 2, 000 people; there is also a press gallery, place for the Assembly choir in case of public events and a special platform for budget presentation by the governor.

It also has audio-visual fittings and screens, where people can see what is going on at plenary. The building also houses several committee rooms and the Assembly canteen.

Budget performance impressive, says Akabueze

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AGOS State Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Ben Akabueze, has described this year's budget's performance as impressive. He hinged the performance on the timely passage of the bud-

By Oziegbe Okoeki

get by the House of Assembly.

Akabueze was presenting before the House Committee on Economic Planning and Budget, the first quarter review perfor-

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 3. LASTMA Emergency Numbers: Head office Phone Nos: 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

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.

mance of the budget by his ministry.

Akabueze said: "The overall performance of the budget for the first quarter is 65 per cent, while the overall revenue performance stood at 86 per cent.

He said personnel cost has continued to exert pressure on the budget, adding that the Ministry of Finance is working hard to ensure that financial performance is stepped up in the next quarter.

He said after inspection of the 152 projects executed so far, 18 were found to have failed, while the ministry has refused to verify payments for the contractors who handled the failed projects until they rectify them.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2012

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Fashola promises more dividends of democracy

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AGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola yesterday assured Lagosians of his commitment to always deliver the dividends of democracy.

He spoke during the special live interactive broadcast to mark his fifth year in office.

The talk show was anchored by Agatha Amata. Other panelists were the Deputy Managing Director of The Sun, Mr. Femi Adesina, Editor of THISDAY, Mr. Simon Kolawole and a broadcaster, Mr Aderoju Adepoju.

Before the session, Fashola had launched the state’s Traffic Radio Station, the first of its kind in the country and the Yaba-OyingboIddo LAGBUS route.

Fashola hinted that the lingering crisis in the health sector may soon be settled, adding that measures are being taken to address the doctors’ grievances.

He urged the sacked doctors to appeal to the Health Service Commission (HSC) for reconsideration of their employment.

Fashola said contrary to peo-

•Urge sacked doctors to appeal for reconsideration

By Miriam Ndikanwu

ple’s expectation, it was not in his power to recall the sacked doctors, noting that the HSC, their employer, is the body that could determine their fate.

He said: "I can't reverse the sack; it is not in my powers to do so; I won't be able to do so, just as I cannot effect their promotion, it is the HSC that will promote them and I won't be here after three years, so it's not about me, it's about institutions."

The governor said he had made efforts to ensure a resolution of the prolonged strike, hence the recall of 34 doctors.

"Anyone who appeals should be recalled, but they (sacked doctors) have to take the step.

Let the doctors go to their employer and resolve the issue, any doctor who still wants to remain can have their jobs back,by engaging with your employers," he said.

Fashola said the government bent over backwards to ensure the doctors are comfortable.

He recalled that the wage bill on his assumption of office in 2007 was N2.8billion, "but the last wage cheque I signed in April was N6.1billion, I am yet to see that of May.” He described as erroneous; the notion held in some quarters that the state is rich, saying funds remain a challenge in his quest to bring about infrastructural renewal.

"The only bulk money we receive every month fluctuates between N7billion and N9billion which is what we get from the federal allocation. This is a state of over 20million residents and it is increasing by the day, but a state with four million residents gets N21billion monthly. If I had N21billion monthly, my work is finished in Lagos."

He thanked Lagosians for their support in the last five

years, assuring them of more dividends of democracy. He said the government is working on massive housing schemes to ensure that the accommodation needs of the people are tackled, through a functional mortgage scheme.

He said the mortgage payment pattern would improve productivity as beneficiaries would want to work harder to retain their jobs to offset their mortgage.

While flagging off the Lagos Traffic Radio 96.1 FM, Fashola described it as another milestone to achieve safe motoring.

He said the station is geared towards giving first hand information about traffic.

He said the broadcast would help pedestrians and motorists to decide on the best way of getting to their destination on time, as it would avail them the opportunity of managing their time and money well.

9

Court orders substituent service on Police

By Adebisi Onanuga

A LAGOS High Court has heard that a Deputy Commissioner of Police, Tunde Sobulo, refused to accept court papers served on him in a breach of fundamental human rights case filed by a constitutional lawyer, Mr. Wale Ogunade.

Ogunade and some Nigerians had filed a N1billion suit against the Nigerian Police for tear gassing them in the wake of the protest against fuel subsidy removal.

At the resumed trial on Monday, counsel to Ogunade and others, Mr. Bamidele Aturu, told the court that the two attempts made to serve Sobulo, who is in charge of Operations at the state with the papers were rejected.

Aturu prayed the court for an order of a substituent service in order for the papers to get to him.

Justice Iyabode Kasali granted Aturu’s prayer and ordered that the papers be served on the Legal Department of the Nigerian Police Force at Panti Police Station, Yaba. She adjourned the case to June 18.

Bureau de Change operator arraigned

By Fisayo Ige

•Official launch of new fleet of LAGBUS buses. Inset: Governor Babatunde Fashola(2nd left), cutting the tape to inaugurate the buses. With him, left, is Oba Riliwan Akiolu of Lagos, Deputy Governor, Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire and M.D./CEO LAGBUS Asset Management Ltd., Mr Babatunde Disu (right) PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES

Govt to train farmers on generating electricity from waste

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FOUR- YEAR development programme to train farmers on how to generate electricity from waste to run their farm operations will soon take off in Lagos State. The project is an integrated agriculture development programme to be handled by Shongai Regional Centre, Porto Novo, Benin Republic.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Cooperatives, Prince Gbolahan Lawal and the Director, Shongai Regional Centre, Father Godfrey Nzamujo, signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Lagos.

The programme will include a survey of economic trees which are capable of producing power and a campaign to encourage farmers to plant trees with such potential.

Lawal said the initiative is to encourage farmers to become self sufficient in energy, using sustainable natural resources.

Using the Shongai model, Lawal said the government plans to encourage simple energy infrastructure model for the farms built largely around biomass production and utilisation. This will require building simple bio-gas production system fuelled by a combination of waste streams. The trend, he said, is towards sustainable and renewable energy, adding that jobs would boost the local economy.

He said the project would help farmers to explore many of the state's under-developed and under-sold agricultural sector products.

By Daniel Essiet

Lawal said farmers need training on how best to grow and market modern agricultural crops.

According to him, the Shongai project meets the aspiration of the agricultural development agenda of Governor Babatunde Fashola , as it is about reducing bio-waste and using renewable resources to generate power and using modern technologies to drive agricultural development.

To provide a good foundation for the project, Lawal said, the state has allocated 300 hectares of land in Badagry, which would be used as a

T

HE Lagos State House of Assembly has warned that the government will close indefinitely, the Aguiyi Ironsi International Trade Centre, Ladipo, Mushin, should there be any further breakdown of law and order.

It said it would also revoke the lease agreement of the market and prosecute any persons suspected to be the mastermind of such crisis.

It asked the Caretaker/Market Management Committee, which will oversee the market until a new election is held, to compile the names of allottees yet to fulfil their financial commitments to Paramo Development Ventures, which holds the market's lease from Mushin Local Government.

The House said until it is unanimously agreed upon by the new

demonstration centre.

He said: "The target audience is the unemployed youth who need to be encouraged to take up agriculture as a career. The project groundwork consists of training farmers in a wide range of technologies to boost the production of vegetables, rice and livestock.”

Nzamujo said the centre has developed a lot of renewable resources in the farm, which could be used to generate electricity.

He said the aim of the project is to train farmers to improve their efficiency in the use of available resources as well as achieve a more profitable access to markets.

Nzamujo said the project would improve the quality of life and the economic prospect of unemployed youths, adding that beneficiaries would have become self-employed after acquiring skills in fruit and vegetable processing, packaging, food safety and quality control.

He said the centre's approach is climate-smart agriculture which would rekindle interest in the agricultural sector as a viable business option, a valid career choice for small scale farmers, and a rewarding option for the vast number of undergraduates leaving university but unable to find jobs in other sectors.

A BUREAU De Change operator, Mr Yusuf Amadou, 38, has been arraigned at an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court, Lagos Island, for allegedly stealing N1, 635,000 belonging to Mr Emeka Aniche.

Anichie alleged that he gave the accused the money to change to dollars, but Amadou allegedly converted it to his personal use and could not refund it on demand.

Anichie reported the matter to Zone 2 Police Headquarters Onikan, when the accused could not repay the money.

Amadou faces a three-count charge of conspiracy, pretence and stealing.

The alleged offences were punishable under Sections 409, 312 and 285 of Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2011.

Magistrate B.A Sonuga, granted the accused N500, 000 bail with two sureties in the like sum.

"The sureties must be gainfully employed in a reputable company and their addresses are to be verified by the police," the magistrate said. The matter has been adjourned to June 27.

Lawmakers warn Ladipo traders

By Joseph Jibueze

executive to be elected, the market's name will not be changed.

It said men of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), should be stationed in and around the market from the time of the inauguration of the caretaker committee until a new executive council is sworn in.

These were recommendations contained in a report by the Assembly's Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Public Petitions, chaired by Hon. S.O.B. Agunbiade. The report was submitted to the House on May 7.

To achieve effective sanitation of the market and prevent future

closures on grounds of contravention of environmental laws, the House urged Mushin Local Government to inaugurate a Joint Sanitation Committee.

The committee, according to the House, will comprise three representatives of the council, three representatives of Paramo Ventures and two representatives, each from the two factions of the traders association as they presently exist.

"The Joint Sanitation Committee is to organise, mobilise and superintend overall environmental activities in the market during the conventional sanitation days, and as when it may become exigent to

do so," it said.

Noting that the leadership crisis has generated "unprecedented violence" in the market, the Assembly urged Mushin Local Government to dissolve the "outdated" executive council led by Jonathan Okoli and set up a caretaker committee.

The committee will consist of three representatives each of the Okoli group, the Okechukwu Imoh group, Paramo Ventures, and Mushin Local Government.

On pending litigations, the Assembly said: "There is multiplicity of unnecessary litigations in the dispute, especially by the petitioners and his group.

10

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2012

NEWS Encomiums as Amosun presents scorecard OGUN State Governor Ibikunle Amosun yesterday said his administration is working round the clock to rebuild the state.

He said its Five Cardinal Programmes of affordable and qualitative education, efficient health care delivery, agricultural production leading to industrialisation, housing and urban renewal, infrastructural development and employment opportunities for the teeming youths of the state, have begun to yield dividends.

Amosun spoke at the June 12 Cultural Centre in Abeokuta, the state capital, at the presentation of his administration’s scorecard in the past one year.

The governor said his administration has invested heavily in security and social services, including the distribution of free textbooks and writing materials to public primary and secondary schools pupils, as part of its policy of free and qualitative education, the payment of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) fees, renovation over 100 schools, as well as the construction of worldclass model schools.

He listed other achievements as the renovation of over 50 health centres and free health policy for expectant mothers, underfive children and the elderly above 70, restoration of potable water supply in parts of the state, including Abeokuta and Ijebu-Ode, distribution of 500 transformers to boost power supply, disbursement of N1billion facility, procured in partnership with the Bank of Industry (BOI) to cooperative societies as well as the employment of thousands of youths by the government.

Amosun said the state has put machinery in place for full-scale mechanised agriculture, adding that the city centre projects of his government, in line with “Ogun State Standard” would transform Abeokuta, Ota, Ijebu-Ode and Sagamu to hubs of modern commercial activities.

A former governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba, said the road to Amosun becoming the governor was rough and filled with landmines.

According to him, there were annihilating debts left by the previous administration but which the governor has settled.

Crusade begins Friday

By Amidu Arije

THE Lasthour Ministries International (nondenominational) will hold a three-day crusade on Friday.

The programme, entitled Conquering Power of God, will hold between 4pm and 8pm every day at Faith Plaza, Christ Anglican Church, 10, Okuta Road, behind CMS Bus Stop, Bariga, Lagos.

A statement yesterday said Rev Dennis N. U. Odizia will deliver a sermon on the theme: Entering Into Your Wealthy Place.

ICPC seizes four choice cars, two houses from civil servant T •Suspect allegedly acquires multi-million Naira mansions

HE Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) yesterday confirmed the seizure of four choice cars and two houses from a Deputy Director with the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment Abuja, Mr Victor Nnamdi Igboanugo.

Igboanugo, who joined the Federal Civil Service in 2005, was arrested by operatives of the ICPC over alleged fraudulent acquisition of properties, looting of government funds and receiving gratification from contractors.

According to a notice by the acting Chairman of the ICPC, Mr Ekpo Nta, the movable and immovable properties of the suspect have been confiscated pending the conclusion of investigations.

The notice reads in part: “Whereas the Commission is investigating a matter in-

From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

volving Victor Nnamdi Igboanugo, a Deputy Director in the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment, Old Federal Secretariat, Area 1, Garki, Abuja; wherein certain movable and immovable properties owned by the said Victor Nnamdi Igboanugo are in issue: “And whereas the Commission is of the opinion based on the aforesaid investigations that these movable and immovable properties owned by Victor Nnamdi Igboanugo are excessive, having regards to his present emoluments and all other relevant circumstances: “The commission hereby notifies the entire public that: “All movable and immov-

able properties owned, controlled and managed by Victor Nnamdi Igboanugo, either by himself and or through his proxies listed hereunder, are seized.

“They are: Flat A, House No. 23 Pomona Street, Sun City Estate, Abuja; Flat C, House No. 23 Ponoma Street, Sun City Estate, Abuja; Toyota Camry car, with registration number (Abuja) DW 93 ABJ; Toyota Sienna car, with registration number (Abuja) BS 554 RSH; Toyota car, with registration number (Abuja) AW 685 YAB; and Hyundai Tuscan Jeep, with registration numner (Abuja) BP 875 KUJ. “The Commission shall cause this same notice to be served on the Lands Departments offices in all the states where these properties are

situated.”

According to a preliminary investigation, the suspect, who joined the Federal Civil Service in 2005 as Chief Engineer on Grade Level 14, allegedly acquired properties in Nigeria and the United States of America, amounting to millions of naira.

A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “Investigators are probing allegation that Igboanugo fraudulently enriched himself with tax payers’ money by circumventing the procurement due process while serving with the Niger Delta Affairs Ministry and the Ministry of Trade and Investment, his current posting.

“He was said to have awarded contracts to two companies in which he is a director with his wife and

children as co-directors.

“Records show that in 2008, a company owned by his cousin was awarded a contract for the construction of a threebedroom semi-detached bungalow in Asaba, Delta State, for N10.5 million by the Ministry of Environment.

“The same company also benefited from a contract of N18.3 million while Igboanugo was Assistant Director with the Niger Delta Affairs Ministry.

“One of the witnesses interviewed by ICPC provided evidence of alleged N3 million gratification from him in a contract deal.

“Operatives from the Asset Tracing and Recovery Unit of the commission have established that the suspect purchased and paid at first instance two properties at Sun City, Abuja, valued at N15 million; in addition to two Mikano power generating sets at N3 million.

“Documents recovered from the suspect have allegedly linked him to a duplex in Atlanta (USA), which was purchased for $140,000 (N21.9million).

“We are also looking into allegation that the suspect operates a foreign account with the Bank of America, which has a balance of $7, 860,00.

“In addition, the suspect’s mansion in his village of Akwuzu, Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State, is almost completed.”

Ondo LP leader, supporters join ACN From Damisi Ojo, Akure

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• Governor Ajimobi (left), his wife, Florence, (middle), Deputy Governor Moses Adeyemo (second right) and Sikirulai Alli, a member of the House of Assembly, at the inauguration of the Molete/Ehin Grammar Road in Ibadan...yesterday

We’ve achieved so much in one year, says Ajimobi

O

YO State Governor Abiola Ajimobi yesterday said his administration has achieved a lot in the past one year.

The governor spoke in Ibadan, the state capital, at an inter-faith prayer service at the Government House.

He listed a number of projects his administration has executed since coming on board.

Ajimobi said: “When we came on board, there was a lot of decadence. Oyo State was practically at a standstill.

Besides, we also faced some

challenges, ranging from labour, students, security, flood disaster, House of Assembly to commerce.

“But because this is a government ordained by God, we have been able to weather the storm and we thank God that Oyo State has not been the same again as we have made a lot of difference.

“We have been able to record remarkable achievements, the first one being restoration of peace and security.

In Oyo State, we want peace and tranquility. Enough of thuggery and brigandage.”

Thanking the residents for their cooperation, support and understanding, the governor said his administration would continue to make life worthy for the people.

“Within the next three years, Oyo State will change for the better,” he said.

The governor inaugurated the ultra-modern Temidire Motor Park on the new Ibadan-ife Expressway; Ajibode-Shasha Road; Benjamin-Eleiyele Road; as well as Molete-Ehin Grammar Road, all in the Ibadan metropolis.

At the event were traditional rulers, religious leaders, members of the State Executive Council, lawmakers and other eminent residents, including the Alaafin of oyo, Oba Lamidi layiweola Adeyemi III; the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Abdul-Azeez Arisekola Alao.

They hailed the governor for his administration’s achievements in the past one year and prayed God to grant him more wisdom to continue to steer the ship of the state.

ACN: we haven’t screened Ondo governorship aspirants

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THE Ondo State chapter of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) yesterday denied reports that the party’s Elders’ Committee why screening aspirants for the October 20 governorship election.

The party noted that the “misleading information” was designed to cause

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

disaffection within the party, particularly among the aspirants, who were irked by the report.

A statement by its Publicity Secretary, Rotimi Agbede, said the rumour was aimed at confusing the public about the direction of

the party.

It reads: “What the proponents of the publication misconstrued is the meeting held at the home of the former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chief Wunmi Adegbomire, between the elders and the governorship aspirants.”

The party urged reporters

to cross-check their facts before going to press.

It noted that the report could impugn on the integrity of their employers.

ACN advised party members and the public to ignore the report and await the guideline for choosing its candidate for the election.

PROMINENT Labour Party (LP) leader in Akoko North West Local Government Area of Ondo State, Mr Omope Olupona, and his supporters, have defected to the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

Olupona, a former councillor representing Arigidi/Iye Ward 1, was the party’s ViceChairman in the community.

He said he joined LP with ACN governorship aspirant Saka Lawal in 2006.

According to him, he quit LP following Lawal’s defection to ACN. The politician said there is no infrastructure in Akoko, adding that roads are abandoned, especially in Arigidi Akoko, his home town.

Olupona criticised the Olusegun Mimiko administration for failing to develop Akoko land, saying development is concentrated on beautification of Akure, the State Capital.

He described Lawal as a decent politician who was persecuted by the governor despite his loyalty to him and the party.

The former LP leader said he would mobilise his supporters into ACN. He described the party as a truly progressive party.

Among the LP supporters who defected with Olupona to ACN are: G.O. Akande, Alhaji A.O. Kayode, Daniyan Sikirat, Akinyemi Funke, Akogun Kehinde, Aisatu Sule, Osinkin Taye and Daisi Mayowa.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2012

11

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Group opposes amendment of CBN Act From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor, Abuja

A

GROUP, League of Professionals, yesterday warned that the move by the Senate to tamper with the financial autonomy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) would cause inflation in the country.

It canvassed unconditional financial autonomy for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

They noted that unconditional financial autonomy for INEC is the only way to free the commission from undue political interference.

At a news conference it insisted that the autonomy of both the CBN and INEC should not be compromised.

A proposed amendment of the CBN Act to mandate the apex bank to submit its budget to the National Assembly for approval is before the Senate.

President of the Southeast/Southsouth Professionals Mr Emaka UgwuOju, who spoke on behalf of the group, described the proposed amendment as strange to international practice.

He said: “We would like to recommend to the Senate to be circumspect as it proceeds with the proposed review of the Act of the CBN by taking on board the many comments and contributions it has received from stakeholders, especially those who spoke at Public Hearing on the proposed review of the CBN Act 2007.

MSMEs remain the backbone of the development of any economy and the driving force of national growth. In Nigeria, there are currently over 17 million MSMEs in the country, employing over 31 million Nigerians.

- Mr Olusegun Aganga, Minister of Trade and Investment

Subsidy: ‘Only verified marketers’ claims will be paid’ T

HE Federal Ministry of Finance will only pay oil marketers whose fuel import claims have been verified.

In a statement signed by Senior Special Assistant to the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Paul C. Nwabuikwu, said: “The Federal Ministry of Finance has a responsibility to ensure that subsidy payments are made in a prudent and transparent manner.”

According to the statement, “the next meeting of the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee in June will provide the occasion for resumption of payments”of subsidy.

The ministry’s approach to the subsidy regime, he argued, “can best be appreciated against the backdrop of the fact that the Petroleum Prod-

•N451b paid for 2011 From Nduka Chiejina Assistant Editor, Abuja

ucts Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) and Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) claimed that N451 billion of the N888 billion subsidy budget for this year has already been spent on arrears for last year.

Since the NNPC/PPPRA’s estimate for the 2011 arrears was N232 billion, this means that more than double the projected amount has already been spent and those agencies are still bringing in more

claims.

The ministry maintained that “it is ready to work with relevant agencies for the common good of Nigerians, but will not be stampeded into making hasty payments on deliveries that have not been substantiated or verified.”

Against this background, the Ministry said it “categorically rejects the idea that a prudent approach to verifying and making payments will lead to fuel scarcity.”

According to Nwabuikwu, the ministry’s efforts to learn lessons from the past and re-

form the way payments are made will lead to fuel scarcity is simply not the case.

These developments, the ministry said, “is clearly not sustainable and the Ministry has a responsibility to ensure that the lapses that may have led to this unhealthy situation are not repeated. That is the least that the ministry owes the Nigerian people.”

In line with the directive of the President, the ministry said it would continue to work towards the improvement of the fuel subsidy regime based on the lessons

‘Warri Refinery no threat to environment’

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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

learnt from our recent experiences.

The Ministry of finance insisted that it is determined to put in place a strong framework for the fuel subsidy regime that is both transparent and sustainable.

The ministry’s approach to improving the subsidy regime is predicated on the following core objectives: Ensuring that the country’s finances are managed in a manner that clearly protects the interests of the Nigerians.

Putting in place a system that ensures that only the genuine claims of genuine marketers are honoured, performing its functions in an efficient and proactive manner to ensure that Nigerians get fuel at the right time and at the right price.

•From left: Representative of Her Majesty, the Queen of England, Deputy Lt-Col. Roderick Morris; Group Executive Chairman, Peacock Group of Companies, Chief Segun Phillips and Speaker of the London Borough of Hackney, Cllr.

Susan Fajana-Thomas, at the opening of the Peacock Group of Companies office in Hackney, London ... yesterday.

Lagos Chamber decries lottery agency’s harrassment

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HE Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has vowed to resist the operatives of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) who harass its members.

It urged the government to rationalise the number of regulatory agencies in the country and streamline their activities to promote the fortunes of business operators.

In a statement signed by the Director-General,Muda Yusuf, the chamber said the posture of the regulatory agencies could only worsen the situation with negative implications for investment growth.

Yusuf disclosed that op-

By Toba Agboola

eratives of NLRC sealed the premises of multinational companies and members of the chamber in some locations in the country over promotional materials.

He added that with the support of the police, the commission arrested and detained the officials of the company.

“In this particular instance, the commission contended that sales promotional activities by the company tantamounts to lottery and ,therefore, required statutory permits and payments”.

He noted that LCCI has carefully reviewed the situation and affirms that the

mandate of the NLRC was to regulate the business of lottery and not the business of manufacturing or production. In a typical lottery transaction, a lottery ticket is purchased for the sole objective of winning a prize.

“This is clearly not the case in this instance and other promotional activities of manufacturers”.

Yusuf, therefore, urged the Federal Government to put in place a framework to exercise effective oversight function over the regulatory agencies in the economy to curb their overbearing tendencies.

He stressed that the need for governments at all levels to adequately fund these agencies as many of them

depend on fees and fines collected from investors to run their operations, “which creates the problem of imposition of prohibitive fees and charges on businesses. The private sector has a statutory obligation to pay tax, but not the responsibility to fund regulatory agencies”.

He urged the Federal Government to urgently restrain the NLRC from further tormenting and disrupting their businesses.

“The Inspector-General of Police should ensure that officers and men of the Force are not used to carry out unwarranted closure of business premises as well as needless arrests and detention of investors by the regulatory agencies”, he added.

HE Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) yesterday faulted media reports, which quoted the Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resource (Downstream), Dakuku Peterside, as calling for the immediate closure of the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company over an alleged environmental pollution petition by some landlords’association.

In a statement, the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division of the Corporation, Dr Levi Ajuonuma, explained that such a call was unnecessary as the operation of the WRPC is not only environmentally compliant but poses no danger to the environment, the community or the workforce as reported.

He said the petition, which was brought before the House Committee on the Downstream by the Ajomata/ Awhakpo Layout Landlords Association, Ekpan in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State, had to do with an alleged emission of carbon black soot into an area of land legally acquired by the WRPC as part of its buffer zone, but illegally encroached upon by the petitioners.

He said the shut down of the refinery was not in the cards during the Committees’ meeting with the parties since the operational integrity of the plant was never called to question.

“As a corporation, we adhere strongly to the philosophy that lives are sacred and must be protected at all times above any other interest or consideration. Thus, in constructing WRPC, and in line with international best practice, we created an 8km buffer zone, which was statutorily acquired, with all relevant documentations.

But over time this space has been seriously encroached upon by the same landlords who are now raising dust,’’ Dr. Ajuonuma stated.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2012

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BUSINESS NEWS

•Managing Director, Sterling Bank Plc, Mr Yemi Adeola (left) in a handshake with Abia State Governor Theodore Orji, during a visit to Government House in Umuahia.

PIB waters down oil reforms

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HE Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) in its final drafting stage may give favourable tax terms to foreign oil firms, while doing little to satisfy calls for transparency in the oil and gas sector.

Jonathan said yesterday the new PIB would be sent to the National Assembly next month.

Its absence has put on hold licensing rounds, contract renewals and investment for five years now. The pending bill is to regulate the nation’s oil and gas industry.

Analysts said provisions that would have forced the government to publish how much oil it pumps and the payments it receives from oil firms, have been stripped from the bill.

"I expect the petroleum in-

By Simeon Ebulu with Agency report

dustry to be happy. I expect many Nigerians to be upset," said Pedro Van Meurs, an oil and gas expert who has consulted with the government on the PIB. "Transparency provisions related to corporate income tax, hydrocarbon tax and production sharing were deleted.

This should be a source of concern," he told Reuters.

The PIB is meant to change everything from fiscal terms to overhauling the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). Its comprehensive nature caused years of disputes between lawmakers, ministers and oil majors.

The latest copy proposes

some changes that will improve transparency: keeping royalty payments secret will not be allowed, for instance.

Oil company profit taxes proposed in the bill are also in the public domain for the first time.

But it does not require disclosure of oil sales, of other taxes like income and hydrocarbon tax, nor of payments to the government, including signature bonuses. Openness on such subjects is vital to clean up the energy sector, say Campaigners.

President Goodluck Jonathan inaugurated a task force in January to fast-track a new copy of the PIB, which makes the passage of this condensed version more likely, even if the National Assembly debate on it takes a while.

NAPEP disburses N1.5b to poorest households

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HE National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP) has started the disbursement of N1.5 billion to 19, 440 households in its conditional cash transfer scheme (COPE) for the poor.

This is the highest number of households to be reached since the scheme started in 2007.

The scheme, financed by the Millennium Development Goals ( MDGs) Office, is, a social safety net programme designed to arrest inter-generational transfer of poverty.

The poorest households are provided with grants on the

From Franca Ochigbo, Abuja

condition that they would send their children to school and attend primary health facilities.

Almost 500 staff of NAPEP have been trained since February, this year, and sent out to target and capture the biometric data of the core poor in 27 states.

In one local government area of each of the senatorial district, 40 households were selected in each of six wards.

Executive Director, Ecobank, Mr Shehu Jafiya,

who supervised the payment, disclosed that the transparent manner in which the project was executed by NAPEP and Ecobank justified the confidence NAPEP and the government reposed in the bank. Only beneficiaries with valid identity cards were attende to.

The National Co-ordinator, Muktar Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, said the organisation has risen to the challenge of delivering its mandate to the poor people of Nigeria and of fulfilling the aspirations of the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan.

AfDB forecasts Africa’s economic growth at 4.5%

T

HE African Development Bank (AfDB) Group has said Africa’s economic growth will reach 4.5 per cent this year and a further 0.3 per cent (4.8 per cent) by 2013.

In a 291-page publication, entitled: The African Economic Outlook, a compendium of data on 53 African countries jointly published by the AfDB, UN Economic Commission for Africa and others, released in Arusha, Tanzania during its yearly meeting, stated that Africa’s economy grew by 3.4 per cent last year, with North Africa recording 0.5 per cent growth, compared to Nigeria and other sub-Saharan Afri-

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie Assistant Editor

can countries with over five per cent growth in that year.

“The economic outlook for Africa remains optimistic.

Natural resource-rich economies are expected to do better than more mature emerging economies,”the publication stated.The report attributed the growth to natural resources exports, migrant remittances and good economic policies maintained by some of the continent’s countries, aided by good weather and relative stability in the international market.

However, it warned that the

crisis in Europe, which is Africa’s premier economic and trading partner, could undermine demand for exports.”The continued economic crisis in the euro area may reduce demand for African exports, while lowering external resource inflows,” it said.

Earlier, the bank’s President Donald Kaberuka commended African countries for maintaining growth, but urged caution given the uncertain external environment.

He appealled for caution, saying Africa should not show excessive optimism with regard to the continent’s economic growth.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2012

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MONEY

Inflation rate may hit 14% before December I

NFLATION rate may rise from 12.9 per cent to 14 per cent before December because of next month’s planned hike in electricity tariff, some financial experts have warned.

A new electricity tariff under the Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO) is expected to take off on June 1.

Nigeria’s year-on-year inflation rose to 12.9 per cent in April, after defying all regulatory efforts to rein it in.

According to the experts, the new tariff will foster a higher price regime on consumers and affect their purchasing power.

A teacher at the Lagos Business School (LBS), Dr Austin Nweze, said spontaneous reaction would normally follow any price adjustment in consumer products.

He said inflation has been oscil-

Stories by Akinola Ajibade

lating between 10 per cent and 11 per cent for some time, arguing that efforts to have singledigit inflation have been futile.

Prices of goods and services, he said, would increase, relative to the planned increase in electricity bill, adding that operators would transfer every cost incurred to the final consumers.

This means consumers would be paying more for goods and services rendered to them.

Former President, Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), Dr Samuel Nzekwe, said a slight increase in inflation is expected, because of the government’s decision to jack up electricity bill.

Nzewke said the partial removal of oil subsidy early in January, the release of budgetary allocations among other issues, have increased inflation, adding that the new electricity bill would not be an exception.

He said efforts to cushion the effects of the planned increase in energy tariff would achieve little result, because there is already imbalance in demand and supply of goods.

A member of the Association of Foods, Beverages and Tobacco of Nigeria (AFBTN), Aderemi Adegboyega, said power is the major constraint to real sector operators, arguing that attempts to increase the cost of electricity supply would weaken their financial base, as well as that of consumer goods.

Diamond, Sterling banks are most performing stocks DIAMOND Bank and Sterling Bank have been adjudged as the most performing stocks by Thaddeus Investment Advisors and Research. In a statement, the body said the banks have recorded price up-to-date performance on their stocks.

In the Income Statement Transparency Stress Test conducted by the company, the banks were said to have recorded incredible performance on their equities.

“The banks that we deemed to have passed our income statement Transparency Stress Test based on FY 2010 audited financials have the Best year-to-date performance among all banks so far in 2012,” the firm said.

It said Diamond Bank achieved a year-to-date price performance of 30.21 per cent and Sterling Bank achieved a year-to-date price performance of 22.77 per cent as of April 18, 2012.

It said the best bank price performance this year is Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, adding that it has gained approximately 11 per cent this year after adjusting for the 1-for-4 stock. It said Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) is another best price performer, notwithstanding the fact that it engaged in shares’ splitting.

“While our banks have improved from FY 2007 and 2008 when financial reporting was at its weakest in our opinion, we are still far from where we can be and should be when it comes to transparent, honest and selfless financial reporting.

“We are seeing signs of the stock market beginning to reflect transparency in how investors seek out stocks and not just the typical income statement and balance sheet size bravado,” it stated.

‘How to reduce lending rates’ THE cost of lending can be reduced if banks share some of their key infrastructure that increase their cost of operations, some analysts have said.

Chief Risk Officer, Nigeria Export-Import Bank (NEXIM Bank) Emmanuel Abolo said the cost of lending always rises in line with banks’ cost of operation, adding that shared-services is the viable means of reducing such costs.

Speaking at the Nigeria Development and Finance Forum, Abolo said though banks think of supporting entrepreneurs, the cost of lending has been a major roadblock. He said by sharing key infrastructure and co-operating with one another, banks will have their cost reduced drastically.

Analysts are of the opinion that banks need to share services in terms of Automated Teller Machine (ATM) usage. In many cases, the machines are mounted too close to one another, with basic infrastructure repeated in all the cases. By sharing and networking the infrastructure, the banks will save huge funds, which could reduce cost of credit.

‘Cash-less banking’ll boost banks’ profits’

• Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed (right) receiving GMD/CEO of Diamond Bank Plc, Dr Alex Otti, who visited him at the Government House, Ilorin.

‘Senate tax probe will galvanise economy’

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HE Senate’s probe of suspected tax evaders has been described as a right step in the right direction.

The probe, some tax consultants said, would impact positively on the economy.

The Senate Committee on Finance, last week, began probing cases of tax evasion by multinationals and high-net worth individuals to ensure the government gets enough money to finance critical economic projects.

Former President, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) Emmanuel Ijewere said the probe would galvanise the economy.

He said: “Fundamentally, nobody wants to pay tax. Inefficiency of tax authority at the state levels makes people evade tax. Because of the low level of training of tax administrators, people evade paying their taxes running into billions of naira that could as well have been used to drive the economy.”

He said if people pay tax, it would bring more money into the coffers of government for infrastructural growth. This new drive is important, if the country is to improve economically.

“The development would achieve three objectives for the economy. It would distribute wealth, boost the economy and make a number of rich people that are heavily under paying taxes to pay back whatever they are owing,” he added.

He said the internally generated revenue (IGR) has gone down, adding that the issue would prop up the capital expenditure and further usher in growth. He said some states are efficient in the area of tax collection, while others are not.

Also, the President, Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Femi Jegede, said any attempt to curb tax evasion minimally would foster economic growth.

Jegede said tax evasion has be-

come a problem, adding that paying a fine of between N50,000 to N100,000 per individual and N500,000 per corporate organisation, has not detered tax evaders. He said the government’s decision to expose tax evaders and further bring them to book would help in improving internally generated revenue and improve infrastructure.

He said: “If a person evades a tax of N500 million, he can even pay more than N100,000 fines.

He is ready to pay N500,000 as fine. But in a situation where tax evaders were tried in a special court and sentenced to jail, it would serve as a big lesson for others. Since people are not ready to serve jail terms, they would stop evading taxes.”

The Chairman, Senate Committee on budget appropriation, Senator Smart Adeyemi, has said the investigation would help in checking tax evasion, and further help in providing money to fund decaying infrastructure.

THE Acting Managing Director, Nigeria Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS), Niyi Ajao, has said cash-less banking will boost banks’profits.

Speaking during the Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria (FICAN) Bi-Monthly Discourse in Lagos, he said, it would have positive multiplier effects on the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Ajao said alternatives to cash payment include cheques, bank transfer, Same-Day Inter-Bank Transfer (NEFT), NIBSS Instant Payments (NIP), Standing Orders, Direct Debits, Payment Cards, Automatic Teller Machines (ATM), Point of Sale (POS) Payments and Mobile Payments (micro-payments).

The NIBSS boss added that e-payment ensures security and convenience for payers and payees, reduces cost of banking and payments, thereby reducing bank charges, and bringing the benefits of banking services to more people, he added.

He said over N200 billion was spent on cash management last year, adding that embracing the policy would save this cost, which would translate to lower costs in borrowing and lending.

Ajao, said NIBSS is about to implement a cheque truncation system, thereby phasing out physical clearing of cheques. He said this would reduce the clearing by at least one day, adding that the CBN’s cheque clearing rule is expected to provide for the regulation and management of cheque truncation to reduce costs and days of clearing instruments.

Ecobank, MTN, Google partner on SMEs ECOBANK, MTN, and Google Incorporated have partnered to promote small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs). The Google Nigeria Country Manager, Mrs. Juliet Ehimuan said the partnership would help in bringing desired growth to SME’s operators in Nigeria.

She said google has identified areas of growth in the sub-sector, adding that efforts would be made to develop them.

She said: “We are going to keep putting out the message around this campaign; we have partners in MTN and Ecobank that will also be leveraging their channels to reach out to SMEs. There is also the site which SMEs owners can go to create their website or their support. Google’s strategy in Nigeria is focused on three things and the first is access. How can we get more people online, how can we remove the barriers in Internet and for this we are in conversation with our partners. Here we have also kicked off projects in universities in Nigeria to see how we can get these learning institutions on line.”

According to her, the partners have promised to assist Google International to achieve success in the area of developing SMEs.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2012

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EDITORIAL/OPINION EDITORIAL FROM OTHER LAND

COMMENT

Zuma exposed

Cut-off mark at 180 • A most ridiculous way of lowering standards in higher institutions

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HE Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) on May 21 released rather ridiculous national cut-off marks for admission into Nigerian universities and other tertiary institutions. For the universities, the cutoff mark is 180 for the 2012/2013 academic year. The Board also set a cutoff mark of 160 for the polytechnics, colleges of education and other diploma awarding institutions.

The decision to set the cut-off marks was taken at a meeting chaired by the Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayatu Ahmed Rufa’I with Prof. Dibu Ojerinde, Registrar and Chief Executive of JAMB, among others, in attendance.

Such a sweeping education policy should have involved vice-chancellors who are chairmen of university senates and the sole custodians of standards and quality of teaching, research and students admissible to their individual university.

Even the views of important stakeholders

‘The ridiculous cut-off point for admission into our universities and tertiary institutions is at variance with the standard of excellence already set by some universities. To lower the cutoff mark to 180 out of 400, which translates to a mere 45 per cent, is to assume that all the Nigerian universities would stoop so low to woo failed students as their potential candidates for admission’

like the university teachers who are beneficiaries of standard or substandard students admitted to the universities were neither sought nor taken into consideration.

The ridiculous cut-off point for admission into our universities and tertiary institutions is at variance with the standard of excellence already set by some universities. To lower the cut-off mark to 180 out of 400, which translates to a mere 45 per cent, is to assume that all the Nigerian universities would stoop so low to woo failed students as their potential candidates for admission.

Surely, if universities in some parts of the country could admit candidates with 180 marks to their universities, many universities in other parts would neven consider admitting candidates with a mere pass, i.e. 200 marks, with or without quota system which has always forced universities to admit failed or substandard candidates. Yet, we talk of falling standard of university education in Nigeria. Now, the international community will see nothing good in our university education which is now open to all – the good, the bad and the ugly.

In the first generation universities, 200 marks in JAMB would not guarantee admission. Indeed, cut-off marks in some faculties are as high as between 265-285.

Since the total number of admission is limited to a prescribed number yearly, candidates who score less than the cutoff marks in these faculties go to other universities where cut-off points are generally lower.

Before the introduction of JAMB and its consequent lowering of university standards, each university admitted its candidates by concessional entrance

examinations set and marked by university lecturers and professors themselves. Unless we go back to that noble system, more than 60 per cent of candidates admitted into our universities will always be of poor quality that will surely create problems for their teachers who bear the brunt and pains of teaching “unteachable” students.

It is because the Federal Government wants to admit failed students, ab initio, into the universities that the cut-off point has been lowered to an incredibly low mark of 45 per cent while, in fact, we should be talking of an irreducible minimum of 51 per cent. Of course, the reason given by Prof Ojerinde for the lowering of cut-off marks is unacceptable.

He said, “Most universities did not fill their admission quota in the last admission exercise”.

So what? What the federal and state governments should do is to expand the universities by increasing infrastructure and academic staff to enable them admit more qualified students. Those who did well but could not get admission into the universities of their choice as a result of high cut-off mark (which is also tied down to limited number of places available) can be absorbed in other universities with lower cut-off mark, but certainly not below 50 or 51 per cent.

If the universities are expanded, all the candidates who scored 51 per cent and above would probably get admission. We are opposed to the 45 per cent cut-off mark. It is out of tune with academic excellence which our universities have lacked for so long and which has not enabled any of them to be ranked among the best 500 universities in Africa, not to talk of the world.

Finally!

• Government’s new determination to fight Boko Haram raises new questions

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FTER months of dithering that dismayed even its most ardent supporters, the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan appears to be ready to move decisively against Boko Haram, the radical Islamic sect whose campaign of terror has paralysed life in many parts of northern Nigeria.

The basis of this new-found motivation is the administration’s willingness to implement its White Paper on the recommendations of the Presidential Committee on Security Challenges in the North-East headed by Ambassador Usman G. Galtimari.

If indeed the Federal Government is now determined to end the Boko Haram menace, it should be commended.

Hitherto, it had frustrated many with its seeming inability to develop a coherent strategy in reacting to an insurgent group that was becoming increasingly deadly.

Despite repeated demonstrations of incompetence by top officers in the nation’s security agencies, government stubbornly refused to replace them with new blood: the former Inspector-General of Police, Hafiz Ringim, was sacked long after he should have been fired.

Government indecisiveness could also be seen in its inability to decide whether to parley with Boko Haram or fight it.

The cessation of this inexplicable tardiness in coming to grips with the grave security challenges facing the country will be very welcome to the many citizens whose lives have been profoundly disrupted by the seeming impunity with which the sect has carried out its attacks.

It is troubling, however, that among the many recommendations proffered by the

committee, the one government appears to be most interested in is its advice to go after the politicians it accuses of providing logistical and other support to the insurgents. In making its case for this line of action, the committee argued that such support was crucial in turning Boko Haram from an ill-equipped religious fringe group into a sophisticated terrorist organisation.

It is surprising, however, that government required the Galtimari committee to realise that it needed to investigate the possibility of political sponsorship of terrorism. What had it been waiting for all this while? Several months ago, President Jonathan himself had claimed that supporters of Boko Haram were present in the highest reaches of his administration. The President’s National Security Adviser (NSA), General Owoeye Azazi, recently traced the sect’s growth to the politics of succession in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

In spite of evidence linking public office-holders in Borno State to the emergence and growth of Boko Haram, the security agencies have been unable to arrest any of the group’s alleged sponsors.

Instead, they have concentrated their efforts mainly on the foot-soldiers. This persistent inability to act on supposedly credible information does nothing to raise hopes that anything different will be done this time.

Other worrying questions present themselves.

How exactly does government’s plan to ensure that its investigation of Boko Haram’s alleged political sponsors does not degenerate into a political witch-hunt? In a country

where all the levers of the security agencies are concentrated at the centre, there is a very real danger that the Federal Government could use its antiinsurgency strategies to intimidate its political opponents. As the lingering case of Justice Isa Ayo Salami has shown, the Jonathan administration has already shown that it is prepared to defy due process. There is no guarantee that it would not give in to the temptation to pursue partisan interests once again.

As the struggle against home-grown terrorism enters a crucial phase, it is vital that all efforts be focused on rooting it out completely. After several false starts, it is only to be hoped that partisan political interests will not conspire to cripple an effective campaign against the purveyors of terror.

‘Other worrying questions present themselves. How exactly does government’s plan to ensure that its investigation of Boko Haram’s alleged political sponsors does not degenerate into a political witch-hunt? In a country where all the levers of the security agencies are concentrated at the centre, there is a very real danger that the Federal Government could use its anti-insurgency strategies to intimidate its political opponents’

W

HILE artworks are always and everywhere subject to criticism, it is rare for them to become the target of political protest. Yet, such is the anger caused by Brett Murray’s “The Spear”, that thousands of South Africans will take to the streets of Johannesburg this week to demand its suppression.

The painting portrays South Africa’s president, Jacob Zuma, striking a pose similar to a famous image of Vladimir Lenin, but with his genitalia exposed.

Outraged by this lèse-majesté, the governing African National Congress has gone to the country’s high court to ask for the painting to be banned.

Meanwhile, two men have damaged the work by painting over it.

The accusation against Mr Murray is that his portrait plays on racist stereotypes that were common under apartheid. Mr Zuma was shocked by the image, which he felt was offensive and undermined the dignity of his office.

It would be unfair to dismiss the deeprooted feelings that the painting has unleashed. South Africa is still deeply scarred by racism. But there is a broader political context. Mr Zuma’s polygamous and promiscuous conduct has been the source of national controversy. So the portrait’s satire, while sharp, is legitimate.

The sad truth is that beating the racist drum serves the ANC’s agenda. Few would have heard about a painting by an obscure artist had the party not reacted so violently to it. The conjuring up of old ghosts distracts voters from the ANC’s failures to address real problems, such as widespread corruption and widening inequality.

The row also allows the ANC to renew its attack on the country’s free press, which has historically played a role in holding power to account. The ANC has called for the boycott of City Press, a newspaper that refused to remove an image of the painting from its website.

Even though the image has been removed, the ANC is still demanding an apology.

This is not the first time the ANC has taken aim at the country’s tradition of press freedom. Last year the ANCdominated National Assembly passed the Protection of State Information Bill, a ragtag piece of legislation that would make it harder for journalists to expose corruption. While the bill may still be amended before it becomes law, the proposed changes are little more than window dressing.

This week’s controversy paints a disturbing portrait of the state of South African politics. Mr Zuma should be more concerned about this than Mr Murray’s artwork.

– The Financial Times

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EDITORIAL/OPINION

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IR: May 29, a day selected by the ruling cabal to celebrate our return to civil rule, incidentally, by some accident of history or by some deliberate design by General Obasanjo to re-write the history of this nation or to spite the memory of the memorable Awolowo or both, is the same day the departed Premier of the old West was sent to prison for high treason in 1963.

Has the country fared any better since our return to civil rule? To a qualified extent, yes. Yes, in the sense that by what is more divine, the military has been kept at bay for an upward of 12 years now. The country has a seat in the comity of nations that practise democracy in the world.

That is a silent plus to our international image even if we are feeling the heat of a mutant of the most cherished form of democracy. It does not end there.

One more big plus of having civil rule in the country is not being a pariah nation. And that is the freedom of expression Nigerians now enjoy.

It was a big luxury then. But now,Nigerians have more than enough latitude to vent their angers without any fear of molestation or arrest. In this regard, we must commend the untiring efforts of our patriots, both departed and alive, who contributed in no small measure to give us a semblance of what we now enjoy. May their labor not end in vain.

But.,it is not yet uhuru.

Another intangible our return to civil rule has brought is the information revolution in the telecommunications sector. But this has its own corresponding irony too. One of the principal players in the nation’s affairs since 1999, Gen David Mark, at the height of his military glory while serving as minister of communications in the 80s, did say that telephone was not meant for the masses. In a saner clime, that alone will make him a serial loser in any elective contest.

But this is Nigeria, we thank God for little mercies.

Except for my limited memory and some skeletal brilliant performances from some state governors like we have in Rivers, Lagos, some say Akwa Ibom, Gombe under Danjuma Goje, Edo state under the present leadership of Oshiomhole, Imo State enjoying a breath of fresh air under Rochas Okorocha and some other ones that space would not give room for men-

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May 29: What is there to celebrate? tioning, coupled with some promising signs of performance from Ekiti, Osun, Ogun and Oyo states, our return to democracy is replete with a litany of woes and lamentations.

Where does one begin from? From the massive corruption going on in high places, epileptic power supply, our defective electoral system through infrastructural decay to the abysmal abandonment of the educational sector. What about the health sector and the downstream sector of the economy? The list is endless.Ethnic militancy and insurgency here and there; God save our democracy!

Since 1999, no election ever conducted in the country has passed the minimum international standards needed before any election can be said to be fair and transparent. The peo-

ple have always been rigged against their will. The major culprit is the ruling behemoth called PDP. Other lesser parties are now learning the art of rigging from the model template created by the master riggers in the ruling party ably assisted by our everwilling dependent INEC. When it becomes too glaring and massive, our boneless judiciary comes in to do some damage control by seeming to inject some sanity into the system. The people are wiser now.

The economy has not made any substantial progress either. Snailpaced and still monolithic as ever. Oil remains the mainstay of the economy with insignificant impacts being made in the private sector. Thanks to the relentlessness and ruggedness of some Nigerians. On the macro-economic level, the economy has per-

formed poorly .Rather than expansion, it has been contraction non-stop creating no room for graduates to work. The result is mass unemployment resulting in more dependency on the tiny tribe having something to do. This significantly puts pressure on the working hands and in an attempt to meet up with their heightened responsibilities, may dig hands into what ordinarily they should not have done. Vision 2020 remains a pipe dream. More so that the current national government is so clueless on what to do to drive the economy...

The same sad story goes in the service sector, education and health sectors, dysfunctional social utilities and monumental decay of our public infrastructures, poor value system and loss of national identity. One elemental way of measuring the

progress of the country amidst claims of rejuvenation is to look at the poverty level as exemplified by per capital income. The revelation is bewildering. Most Nigerians still live below the poverty line according to United Nations Development Programme.

Yet,democracy and economy have some inexorable links and linkages.

While we concede the national space to the looters of our national patrimony to celebrate themselves for a job well-done, it is incumbent on Nigerians to take their destiny into their hands. The job of liberating this country from these plunderers and murderers of our national life is a collective one. That goes beyond the narrow confines of our tribal warehouse, parochial sentiments, party affiliation and religious affinities. The job is as easy as complex. It is easy because we have a common enemy to fight but complex because it is an arduous task. It calls for sacrifice but it is doable.

Fellow patriots, it is not yet morning on creation day. Rather, it is still mourning!

• Akinboyo Temidayo, Igbotako,Ondo State.

The plan to hike electricity tariff

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IR: The move by the Federal Government, through the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to increase electricity tariff by June 1, is another move by the government to further impoverish already poor citizens.

Sam Amadi, the chairman of NERC has tried to convince Nigerians on the need to embrace the new tariff. He claims that about 50 private Independent Power Projects (IPP) have been licensed to produce about 20,000 megawatts of power in the near future. He argues that, if these plants are not cost effective, then the ultimate investors will not invest as expected. He also stated that the Federal government and state governments are looking at selling their various Independent Power Plants, and the tariff has to be right for the right investors to come in.

Dr.Amadi also argued that the

NERC is looking at regulating the price now, so that in the near future none of these licensed power companies will suddenly exercise a change of heart and distribute power at a price higher than the set price. He has talked about the new metering system in which Nigerians will no longer have to pay for meters as the cost of it would have been included in the new tariff structure.

Just last year, electricity tariff was increased from N4.20K to N7, without any significant improvement in power generation and distribution, except for myriad of excuses about how the government couldn’t get gas to the various power stations or how water level continue to go down in Kainji. It is quite ridiculous that Nigeria, as a country that started generating electricity in 1896 from Ijora, still continues to shoulder the

burden of an epileptic power sector, more than 100 years after. . How can a government that continues to budget whopping amounts of money yearly for diesel and generator to power the State House, come before Nigerians to pretend to be serious about reforming the power sector? So what happens to the various powerful friends of government who are still importing generators on a large scale and have turned our country to a dumping ground?

There is nothing wrong in the Federal government’s effort to reform the power sector. It is only unfortunate that we are a country with a penchant for always putting the cart before the horse. It is the sole responsibility of government to provide the necessary infrastructure, to drive the growth and development in all spheres.

This duty the government cannot

delegate to the private sector, under whatever guise. Governments the world over are known for investing heavily in massive infrastructure in the area of power and when this is now sustained, the private sector will be brought in as a junior partner, not a senior partner. This is the direction our government should go. If the Federal government is indeed serious about reforming the power sector, she should continue in her drive to build more power plants and the necessary infrastructure all over the country.

When this is done and electricity supply becomes at least conveniently stable, she can then go ahead an increase the tariff. It is only trite to say that once the people see what they are paying for, they will definitely pay.

• Olusola Adegbite, Esq. Ile-Ife, Osun-State.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2012

EDITORIAL/OPINION

Lagos State doctors; ‘Honourable’ or ‘Distinguished’ Teacher, Engineer, Dad and Mum

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HERE is a lot wrong in medicine in Nigeria – just like with Lagos Ibadan Expressway and the powerlessness of PHCN, seemingly inTony tractable problems creMarinho ated by the incompetence and neglect of man. Amid the poor maternal and infant mortality rates and poor 19th Century medical facilities note the ugly turn of events in Lagos State resulting in sack of 730+ doctors and recruitment of almost half as many out-ofwork doctors. Doctors do not have SAN, but they have differing valuable skills and experience. It is therefore doubtful if the newly recruited doctors can bring to the operating table or examination couch the same range of skills as the sacked ones have done to the credit of the health services of Lagos State. Lagos State was, before this incident, reputed to be delivering the best medicine in the country to its citizens and residents. But now?

The crisis reveals two facts. Is it not frightening that so many doctors can be out of work while we have nearly the highest mortality rates in the world? Doctors are severely under-recruited throughout Nigeria and also even in Lagos State considering its 14million population, a ratio of 730:14,000,000 or 1doctor:19,178 Lagos State Residents. While this ratio may be better than in other states, it is possible that Lagos State needs an extra few hundred doctors and can therefore can easily reabsorb the 700+ and keep on the new batch making a total of just over 1000 or 1doctor:14,000, still much poorer than the WHO recommendation.

As a medical doctor and a citizen of Lagos State who worked very hard in General Hospital, Island Maternity, Massey Street Children’s Hospital and Orthopaedic Hospital under such great names as Dr Bailey, Dr Orimolade, Dr Emanuel, Dr Yomi Finnih and Dr Ikimode, this strike and the ugly words being exchanged are sadly reminiscent of a similar strike in 1976 which also resulted in ‘mass expulsions from government quarters’ and marked the end of professional eminence in Nigeria. Nothing has been learnt and the patient always

suffers.

Remember that the patient always suffers when governments do not listen to professionals and fail to provide enough medication, modern facilities and adequate salaries to alleviate the suffering of the masses and satisfy the staff.

The patient blames the doctor when the fault more often lies with negligent politics taking pre-eminence over the health budget. The citizens may not know the physical and emotional stress, joy and pain a doctor goes through hourly when participating in saving a life. It is not a drug, a high, but a responsibility. Exhaustion is a regular outcome. Doctors are human.

This year I have diagnosed cancer of the liver, colon or prostate in five doctors and they are all dead as I write aged 35-58. Frustration, long hours and scant rewards are nearly permanent features of doctors’ lives as they pursue shadows and climb mountainous obstacles to try to serve their patients and live successfully as family and society individuals. Rewards unimaginable by 24 hour doctors are the routine expectation of politicians, Special Advisors and political fiends merely for being ‘in politics’! There are exceptions, bad medical professionals, like in any profession politics, the judiciary, the army! It is a pity that in 2012, agreed negotiated ‘labour’ settlements are not executed except by further negotiation and threats of, or actual, strikes in many spheres of work, including medicine.

Interestingly, at no time in history have Nigerian political office holders ever had to, been urged to or needed to, go on strike for their usually extraordinary emoluments in spite of their offering consistently poor medical or PHCN or security services to the Nigerian public. They are very highly paid managers of failed projects. In fact politicians are so well endowed with obscenely high salaries, huge allowances, something called ‘constituency project grants’ and other disgustingly large perks that individual politicians can be so arrogant as to take NTA airtime to ‘deliver dividends of democracy’ to the people.

These are valued in the millions of naira at one sitting like -50 mono-transit motorcycles, 20 ‘mass transit keke-whoever’, 20 sewing machines, 10 computers and 50 ‘I fine pass my neighbor’ generators to substitute for power incompetence

and negligence, and sundry other things. Which President or politician worldwide has such personal financial power as in Nigeria to take such sums as of right and give as a magnanimous gift or not at all? Our politicians’ wealth is such that they will be the last ones to go on strike about their ‘take home goodies’ but they are often the first to complain about normal professionals objecting to the payment of their own meager returns for work done.

Professionals in Nigeria, the backbone of other nations, are daily confronted by the excesses, moral and financial, of the political parties, their agents and politicians themselves in newspaper news items or multiple pages to celebrate birthdays. Doctors seek implementation of a previously agreed agreement. Politicians cannot exist in vacuums. The doctors are not the enemy in Lagos State. Did they work 1-30 years each to throw it away on a lost cause? A satisfactory solution with face-saving on both sides is necessary.

Ridiculously, all political office holders are now ‘Honourable’ in some states. The traditional professions left out of the ‘honours’ must insist on appointing professionals of 2030 years ‘Distinguished Teacher’ or ‘Honourable Engineer’.

Parents must henceforth be called ‘Honourable’ or ‘Distinguished’ Dad and Mum.

‘Remember that the patient always suffers when governments do not listen to professionals and fail to provide enough medication, modern facilities and adequate salaries to alleviate the suffering of the masses and satisfy the staff. The patient blames the doctor when the fault more often lies with negligent politics taking pre-eminence over the health budget’

2015? I Beg Your Pardon! (2)

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AST week, this column addressed the ongoing controversy over the comments recently made by General Muhammadu Buhari (retd). Obviously, the comments which centered on the 2015 elections did not go down well with many people, especially those at the corridors of power. Many people have since written or made comments on this episode, but the fire keeps on raging.

What can be safely deduced from what has been happening on this issue is that, once more, the cloud appears to be gathering again. Remember that during the anti-subsidy removal protests that gripped the country early this year, there was what appeared to be a spontaneous but largely pre-meditated arson and mayhem in both Kaduna and Minna during which many houses and property belonging to prominent citizens were torched. At that time, accusing fingers were pointed at the opposition party that had been at loggerheads with the state governments, especially since the result of the 2011 governorship elections in the states were announced.

The fact that Buhari chose to make his far-reaching statement in that part of the country and in Hausa language is enough to raise eyebrows.

Agreed, Buhari’s statement might be viewed as a call to anarchy or revolution, as it were, but the language employed by government’s spokesmen and foot-solders who have tried to take him on are in themselves too uncharitable and

combative. Those who have lambasted him are right to have reacted the way they did. Buhari too was right to have painted the type of picture he painted. At least, that was how he saw it. But I don’t think the way to address such an issue is to degenerate into mudslinging, name-calling and other such abusive words. There are better ways and more mature, decent manner to tackle such issues whenever they crop up.

My problem now is this: Where will all these altercations lead us to?

Would it be a case of two elephants fighting? In that case, it is obvious that it is the grass beneath that will bear the brunt. The grass here refers to the innocent Nigerians who are really finding life very miserable, “brutish and short” at the moment.

Rightly or wrongly, politicians have actually become the greatest problem of this country. In their conduct and behaviour, politicians, at least, a greater percentage of them, have, again and again, demonstrated a quick inclination to violence at the slightest inkling or provocation. They are increasingly becoming more and more intolerant of opposing views. I do not want to name names because almost all the parties are guilty of one misdemeanor or another.

The other day, I watched Labaran Maku, minister of information and, for that matter, government’s chief propagandist and megaphone, speaking on network television on the Buhari’s issue. Maku cleverly

‘Rightly or wrongly, politicians have actually become the greatest problem of this country.

In their conduct and behaviour, politicians, at least, a greater percentage of them, have, again and again, demonstrated a quick inclination to violence at the slightest inkling or provocation’

avoided joining issues with the retired general. Instead, he turned the heat on the Nigerian media. In Maku’s opinion, it was time the media remembered their social responsibility to the country by refraining from blowing up such controversial statements. He urged the media to take such issues to the court of public discourse and concentrate more on enlightening the public about developmental issues and all that. He also said that 2015 was still far away and so the media should try as much as possible to steer any discussions on 2015 away so that the polity is not unnecessarily heated up.

What Maku means, in essence, is that the media should downplay such statements by politicians, perhaps, for now, so as to avoid the type of bickering that Buhari’s outbursts have attracted. As a journalist, Maku knows his constituency quite well. Even if editors refused to feature controversial stories in their newspapers, how would Maku monitor what the social media could put up for public consumption nowadays? We all know that the social media has broken all previously known barriers in information dissemination. In this new age, anything goes. The best-kept secret could become a running episode on Facebook, Twitter or Youtube. It is that bad. Within the mainstream media itself –whether print or electronic – there is this rat race to beat one another to the game. In that case, what a media house might consider not to be in public interest might be what is suitable for the lead headline of another.

And of course, the media houses are now more impoverished than ever before due to low sales, low patronage from advertisers and high cost of production and over heads. Given such a debilitating scenario, I doubt if any media house will ignore, for instance, such statements from a person of Buhari’s sta-

tus. In other words, no reporter or editor will downplay any ‘good’ or sellable news item coming from a newsmaker like Buhari or any other person in that bracket. And come to think of it, the government only turns to the press for assistance whenever it suits them. Apart from this, the enabling environment to practise journalism is not even provided by the government, as every other day, journalists, activists and others are being callously mowed down with ease without the murderers being detected. This is not to talk about excruciating import charges on newsprint and publishing materials. Well, that is that.

I guess that what Nigerians need now is how to put food on their tables; how the army of unemployed able-bodied youths will have something to engage them; where the decadent infrastructures and other indispensable social services like roads, hospitals, electricity, schools and others will be fixed. Not this easy recourse to heating up the polity at the whims and caprices of politicians some of who, more or less, have little or no interest of the country at heart except how to win elections and probably line their pockets. Just like Lanre Iyanda, the concerned banker quoted last week, said, “politicians are insulting the sensibilities of the Nigerian electorate who voted them to power”.

This, according to him, is because they have not done anything to improve the life of the people yet they are talking about 2015.

And like Lanre and Maku rightly suggested too, this is the time for journalists to educate the people about elections and how to go about picking the right candidates, what each party stands for (if any), the evil effect of rigging, and how to prevent rigging by political parties and so on. It is quite appalling that at this stage of our democratic experience, what we are witnessing is the improper conduct of politicians

Dele Agekameh and their followers. The government too and its foot soldiers or hangers-on could do well by not heating up the polity through unguarded utterances and behaviour.

Since this is a democracy, people should be free to ventilate their opinions, however unpalatable they might be. Nobody, not even any government, is a repository of knowledge. No single person or group of persons has the monopoly of solutions to the myriad of problems confronting this country. In that case, it is our collective responsibility to steer this country away from unnecessary tension and acrimony such that are been witnessed all over the place today.

Similarly, I believe there are too many issues begging for attention in this country at the moment than this needless debate over 2015. I am sure Nigerians are getting wiser by the day and no unserious, lazy, spineless or visionless candidate(s) will again take the people for a roller-coaster ride come 2015. Therefore, let these combative politicians give us a breathing space. And if I may say so, it is doubtful if any of these ‘disciples’ of Boko Haram, on both sides of the divide, mean well for the nation.

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THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2012

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EDITORIAL/OPINION ‘Dr. Dare as usual has it summed up perfectly. Two issues are critical. We must clearly address this matter of true federalism. Again, this herd mentality of developing economies promoted

by Bretton Woods institutions should be challenged. The ‘Asian Tigers’ and more recently the ‘BRIC’ economies have thrived outside this template.

We must assert our sovereignty by being creative in our wealth management. From Prince Adegboyega Aderemi’ •Jonathan For Segun Gbadegesin I read with relish your article on education and national ascendancy; your comparison of Nigeria and Brazil was enlightening. But your comment on the ‘primary’ motivation of mission institutions, which we know have made better the education system, is not fair.

From Onotu, Jos Uncle Segun, this is a wonderful job.

Education is the key so said the late Lucky Dube. It is very painful that the government is not sensitive to the plight of Nigerian students, especially when the reading culture of most students is at the lowest ebb. The government can do better by implementing the 26 per cent UNESCO recomendation, to improve, for example, the sympathetic situation in which Chemistry is taught without single chemical in the laboratory that is windowless and doorless. May God bless Nigeria. From Seyi Babaeko I just read your presentatoin today “Education and national ascendancy”. It is fantastic. But please, what is your take on Barth Nnaji’s power subsidy? To me, there is no subsidy anywhere, rather it is an act of criminality that we need to purge our leadership of this brazen Oyenusi’s way of life. Do not just think about it, write about it.

There may be hope. Thanks! Anonymous Education and national ascendancy: topmost marks to you for that. But how can we reconcile all that with “western education is evil (Boko Haram)” and the fact that the few educated ones are unemployed. My nephew, Adefemi, graduated in Agric.

Engineering in 2006. He is still unemployed.

From Tunde Adefolaju

I agree that education is important but every social system has its education system.

Under the existing neo-colonial social system, the school protects the imperialists and their flunkeys. From Amos Ejimonye, Kaduna IBB registered Nigeria in the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC); unrepentant Gowon, Obasanjo and Buhari headed or were part of the military administrations during the civil war, which claimed about three million people. So, why blame BH? Anonymous For Dare Olatunji Dr. Dare as usual has it summed up perfectly. Two issues are critical. We must clearly address this matter of true federalism.

Again, this herd mentality of developing economies promoted by Bretton Woods institutions should be challenged. The ‘Asian Tigers’and, more recently, the ‘BRIC’ economies have thrived outside this template. We must assert our sovereignty by being creative in our wealth management.

From Prince Adegboyega Aderemi It must be said that those oil producers with SWF are already investing huge sums on their infrastructure guarantted to propel their economies beyond oil and gas dependence.

Let us spend that money to build a modern rail system, provide power and create jobs in effect. We must not hand it over to the American ‘casino’ banks. From Sam Ukoha The state of Nigerian education system has affected the choice of science subjects for arts students. The new syllabus allows arts students not to offer any science subject.

Where is balance of knowledge in the new curriculum? Please help us tell her not to

destroy the already damaged system. From Adesokan Gbenga Re: SWF: Whose wealth? Whose sovereignty? Nigeria’s wealth. Our wealth.

Nigeria’s sovereignty, Our sovereignty. If any society must grow, we must have some elements of trust in one another. If the governors refuse to trust the Federal Government, why should people trust their state and local governments? I see the governors’ non-co-operation with the Federal Government on the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) as greed, corruption, intolerance and self-interest by all the governors. Period!

From Lanre Oseni, Lagos It is true that Nigeria is a neo-colonial state.

Her rulers are agents of the imperialists and the love they have for the country is as great as the love wolf has for sheep. From Amos Ejimonye, Kaduna For Tunji Adegboyega Thanks for that brilliant piece on Justice Ayo Salami (your column of May 27).

Unfortunately, some people, acting in concert with the slave masters (amunisin), will stop at nothing until they pull down the house which our illustrious forebears laboured to build. But they seem to have forgotten what fate befell their traitorous grandfather in 1966 and their equally despicable fathers in 1983.

What a tragedy that men hardly learn from history! Great pity! From Tony Esho.

The National Judicial Council’s (NJC) decision to recall Justice Salami as President of the Court of Appeal (PCA) is good for the rule of law. So, the president should not hesitate to reinstate him, despite what his party hawks will say or do. From Chika Nnorom, Umukaba, Abia State.

•IBB It is true that Justice Salami is not getting a fair deal. The reason is that power is not in the hands of the oppressed. What the Salamis of this world should do is to organise and fight for social justice. From Amos Ejimonye, Kaduna.

The NJC should set up a committee to find out why it recommended in the first place that Justice Salami should be suspended, before all the noise about the recall. The council should ask him to vacate his case in court while all concerned should let the music play itself out. Anonymous.

No doubt, President Goodluck Jonathan has assumed divine or semi-divine hallucination!

He will surely account for his this. From Kayode Akindele.

Tunji, without doubt, President Jonathan and his Justice Minister, Mohammed Adoke, are no respecter of the rule of law. They say recalling Salami would be sub-judice, but it wasn’t sub-judice when Salami was suspended, despite that Salami’s case was then in court.

Obviously, the president is trying to satisfy some character-deficient members of his party, who had vowed to punish Justice Salami for giving judgment against them and to serve as a warning to other courageous jurists. Surely, this president is a gentleman dictator! From Alhaji Adeboye Lawal, Ibadan.

Tunji, I am writing in respect of your May 20 article entitled: “Of Buhari’s dogs and baboons”. The truth is that most Nigerians are fed up with this government. Anonymous.

Soldiers for elections? Remember 1983.

Please remind the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) again with such ‘Comments and Analyses’ because I am tired of their ‘sidon look’ government. God will bless you. From Ogbonnaya Okoro, Onitsha.

Aregbesola at 55: Of courage and visionary leadership “

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REAT minds have purpose; others have wishes”, says Washington Irving.

In his book, the problem with Nigeria, Chinua Achebe submitted that the problem with Nigeria is squarely that of leadership.

There is a strong link between leadership and sustainable development. The destiny of any nation or people is inextricably tied to the quality of its leadership. The history of many great nations is basically the history of its leaders, charismatic men and women of vision who led with sincerity of vision and who were not afraid to take decisions, no matter how unpopular, so far as they believed it is the right thing to do.

Leadership is the only reason why in spite of our material and human resources, Nigeria remains one of the poorest nations of the world.

The foregoing makes it imperative to celebrate the life of a leader like Ogbeni Aregbesola who symbolises courageous and quality leadership.

We judge the performance of a leader, either positively or negatively, by what that leader has been able achieve in the area of adding value to human existence.

To the good people of Osun State, Ogbeni Aregbesola has much to show as credentials for a new leadership. According to Warren Bennis, “the new leader is one who commits people to action, who converts followers into leaders, and who may converts leaders into agents of change”.

Today, in Osun State, Ogbeni has set standards for future governors and most of the Nigeria political class. He has demonstrated that there is nothing as good as a leader writing his name in gold in the heart of his people by keeping faith with them. The best form of propaganda is performance. There is no gainsaying that Ogbeni has performed creditably well in the last one and half years.

To live in the age of giants and tower above

By Lanre Aminu them is indeed a claim to greatness, one that is seldom witnessed in the history of mankind. It is on record that Aregbesola inherited a moribund state, lacking good, motorable roads, functioning rural and urban infrastructure and a forlorn citizenry when he assumed office on November 27, 2010. After seven and half years of dashed hopes and unfulfilled promises, the governor has within a period of one and half years stabilised the polity and consolidated democratic governance by instituting meaningful social and economic progress through the rehabilitation and construction of hitherto ruined rural and urban infrastructure. In Osun State today, the saying holds true that salus populi suprema lex, that is, the welfare of the people is the supreme law.

While Pharaoh Rameses was widely noted to have persecuted and oppressed his people, particularly, the Israelites, just like the ousted Oyinlola led PDP government did to the longsuffering people of Osun, another king of the same nation, Pharaoh Amenhotep 1V, just like Ogbeni Aregbesola, practically believed that “the glory of a king is the welfare of his people.

As St Christopher once remarked, if you doubt my ability, behold my works. Ogbeni’s landmark achievements in all sectors are reassuring testimonies of his greatness. One major secret of the success of Ogbeni’s administration in all sectors is the prudent management of available resources. He introduced frugality, transparency and integrity in the management of public resources, which invariably distresses the beneficiaries of the old order but gladdens the heart of the silent majority.

The Aregbesola-led ACN administration has succeeded in restoring faith in government, maintained security, empowered the people, invested in physical and human capital

development and ensured due process and attitudinal change.

In terms of politics as service, Aregbesola has become a model. Take, for instance, his employment generation initiative, that is O’YES programme which the World Bank in conjunction with the Federal Government and 15 other states have gone to understudy. He broke records by employing 20,000 youths in his first 100 days in office. His O’REAP programme through which his government has aggressively invested in the agriculture is also second to none in the present democratic dispensation. The state already has about 30,000 hectares of dedicated farmland across the state with 5000 of them fully prepared and ready to be allotted to anybody who is interested in investing in agriculture. Farm implements and input are equally available to be given to farmers who are also provided loan facilities, in kind.

The government is revamping old and abandoned farm settlements as well as establishing new ones like the Mokore Farm Settlement. A novel part of the Aregbesola food revolution in Osun State is the synergy the government has established with the Nigeria Railway Corporation. Through this arrangement, agricultural harvests will be freighted to Lagos at the government expense just as imported and locally manufactured goods will also be freighted at government expense back to Osogbo to make life easier for the people. The administration has also taken the bull by the horn in the education sector. He has inaugurated a 10-man Schools Infrastructure Development Committee (O’Schools) whose main responsibility is to restructure education and provide infrastructure in public schools within the next two years. A princely sum of N30 billion, out of which 20 high schools, 50 middle schools and 100 elementary schools will be built has been allocated for the turn- around

of the sector.

Ogbeni’s administration is also providing free school uniforms to the students and would also give free meals to elementary school pupils. All the 98 medical students of the state university, whose education have been stunted in the last three years due to lack of a teaching hospital have been sent to Ukraine to complete their studies at government’s expense. His government has also recently unveiled what it calls Opon Imo (tablet of knowledge). This is a computer system, similar to an IPAD which will contain the curriculum of about 39 subjects offered at the School Certificate level complete with past questions and answers and divided into Subjects areas with students accessing relevant course areas.

Apart from exposing the young minds to basic computer literacy, the “opon” will enable students study anywhere without the burden of having to carry text books. The product does not require electricity to function. Ogbeni’s administration has also reduced drastically the outrageous school fees being paid by the students of the state owned tertiary institutions under the insensitive PDP government.

One bane of Nigeria’s opposition politicians is their inability and unwillingness to acknowledge and praise the good deeds of performers and leaders, rather it is fault-finding, blame and accusations all the way in order to score cheap political points. Sound critics believe in balanced criticism: praising the achiever and the upright, and blaming and reproaching the misfit. Where leaders do well and are applauded, it enhances their performance. As noted by Isawa Elaigwu, professor of political science, “the future of Nigeria can not be great unless she can reward her sons and daughters (no matter what their human weakness) with thanks”.

• Aminu is a public affairs analyst, writes from Lagos.

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Couple get baby 22 years after marriage

Orji distributes tricycles, others

Lawmaker mobilises community at feast

Delta

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Abia

WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2012

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Kwara

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Email: news_extra@yahoo.com

H

OW do you help children of the poor? Do you give them money from time to time or train them to feed themselves?

The wife of the Plateau State Governor, Ngo Talatu Jang, has no doubt that the latter option is better.

Every year since Jang came to power, her pet project, Women in Agriculture and Youth Empowerment (WAYE), has been training youths, especially children from indigent homes in vocational skills.

Many of the trainees, who have no formal education, have learnt to dress hair, sew and bake. Others have become computer literate, bead-makers, while some have become proficient in fabric-dying and knitting.

It has given their lives a huge lift.

With the backing of WAYE, the graduate trainees have since set up shop and have been feeding themselves and families. Rather than beg, they have become self-employed and been employing and training others.

Mrs. Grace Dowyaro, Project Director of WAYE Foundation said the foundation took its objectives from the 10-point agenda of the current administration in the state which targets among other things youths empowerment.

She said: “The foundation believes that poverty can be fought from all fronts which informed Mrs Jang’s venture into concentrating on reducing poverty among women and youth segment of the state.

Hence, each year, since the establishment of WAYE Foundation, the governor’s wife through the cooperation of wives of local government chairmen pick youths from all the 17 local governments of the state for vocational training at the foundation secretariat in Doi village, Jos. The foundation also encourages a lot of women to venture into agriculture. In 2009 when the foundation graduated its first set of trainees, the graduates were 75 in number. In 2010, 125 skilled youths were graduated. In 2011, 176 youths became skilled graduates. The number of graduate per session

•Ngo Talatu Jang presents a certificate to one of the trainee graduates

Jang’s wife cheers up the needy 599 indigent youths trained Women get agric loans From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

further increased to 225. This trend has given a clear indication that the foundation is progressing in its skilled training agenda by each year.

Put together, WAYE in its five years of existence has trained 599 Plateau youths. This translates to the fact that WAYE has reduced youth unemployment in the state.

The governor’s wife puts it this way: “It is indeed a positive step forward and the opening of a new chap-

ter in the lives of the less privileged on the Plateau. I say this confidently because with the skills acquired at WAYE Foundation, our past trainees have always marched on into the wider society to face the challenges of lives especially that of self-employment.

“From the reports coming to us through monitoring, almost all of them are doing well and meaning-

fully contributing their parts to the overall economic development of our country. I therefore make bold to say to our graduating trainees today that they have been fully equipped with the necessary skills to go out there and make a difference by making adequate use of what they ‘ve learnt in both skills and moral lessons.

Ngo Talatu Jang promised further, “On my part, the less privi•Continued on Page 26

Oyo agency lifts rural dwellers

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URAL dwellers in Oyo State are enjoying increased access to social amenities, thanks to the state Community and Social Development Agency (OYSCSDA).

The agency, which implements government’s development plan at the grassroots to complement efforts of local councils, has been at the forefront of community development in the last three years.

The General Manager of the agency, Mr Busari Jelili, explained that the major thrust of the agency’s work in the last three years is increasing •Jelili

From Bisi Oladele and Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

access to social amenities for the poor people both in rural and urban areas.

He listed the amenities to include infrastructural and social services such as health, education, water and electricity.

His words: “The mandate of this agency is to cover all the 33 local government areas in Oyo State and by doing so it means that every community in each of the local councils is qualified to participate in the pro-

gramme. Although we have not been able to reach all the communities in each of the local government, I want to reiterate that this project is a follow-up project of the former one done between 2004 and 2009 which we called Local Empowerment and Environmental Management Project (LEEMP).

“As at mid-term we have almost reached all those areas that have not participated in the project. We have identified areas of positive results, and we have developed strategies to ensure that the areas of weaknesses are addressed so that the develop-

ment objective of the project can be achieved. But as at mid-term the assessment has shown that the projects have performed satisfactorily well.

Jelili said about 39 community development plans have been facilitated and are being funded with about 233 micro-projects, 45 of which have been completed and put to use. This is a clea testimony that the government is working and the agency very effective.

“We can observe that there has been a significant result in terms of •Continued on Page 26

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2012

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Jang’s wife cheers up the needy •Continued from Page 26 leged on the Plateau should rest assured that I have pledged to almighty God to continue to work to the best of my ability in confronting the many challenges facing women and youths in our society especially challenges like unemployment, reproductive health-related issues, girlchild education, women affirmative action, among other gender-based challenges. I will not only ensure those challenges are reduced; I will ensure they are gradually eradicated from our society on the Plateau.”

“However, considering the magnitude of challenges of poverty in the state especially among women and youths, Mrs. Jang appealed to philanthropic individuals and organisations to come to learn support to the foundation.

“I will also not shy away from the fact that the foundation is appealing to individuals, corporate organisations, government and non-governmental organizations to come to the aid of WAYE foundation. We will do more than what we are currently doing if we get such support to expand the numbers of skill trainings, we shall give back to the society in ten fold whatever we get from members of the society.

Head of the graduates, Deborah

•The graduating trainees at the Waye Secretariat in Doi, Jos John in her farewell remarks on behalf of her colleagues, described the Mrs Jang as a talent builder.

“We came in as novices; we are going out as professionals in various fields. WAYE Foundation has given us a future, before now we

were like hopeless in life, our mother Ngo Talatu Jang identified us, brought us here and gave us hope. We have nothing to say other than “Thank you, Mama” Special guests of the graduation ceremony, Mr. Frances Pam Bot

who is the project co-coordinator of Plateau State Millennium Development Goal (PMDG) was full of gratitude to Mrs Jang.

He said: “WAYE is the only organisation in the state that has goals similar to those of the MDG; WAYE

has made us to achieve five of our goals which include, “poverty alleviation, computer literacy, skill acquisition, reducing maternal mortality and child mortality. For these, we have no option but to partner with WAYE so as to achieve our goals in MDG.”

“We have been able to map the facilities where they are and map those ones that are new so that we will be able to identify where the intervention project is really needed.”

The agency boss, however, outlined challenges facing the agency saying they include low literate level of documentation of the community members but which he said was being addressed through training. He added that the issue of sustainability period has been very germane but pointed out that the communities have entrenched a sustainability plan for all the projects implemented in their areas.

“For example if we dig a borehole in any community, there is always a maintenance committee that we will set up to charge a certain amount of money from the people who are using the water.

“So the money realised will be used

to pay for electricity, petrol and other maintenance measures of the boreholes. Also the local governments have been integrated into the projects and in every council they have the responsibility of maintain-

ing the projects at hand including the State Government who has been mandated by the World Bank to pay N100 million yearly as contribution towards the projects which is called “project funds”.

Oyo agency lifts rural dwellers •Continued from Page 26 improvement in the welfare of people; most people now have access to health care facilities, electricity, water and drainage channels,” he said.

“With that development at midterm we want to believe that pursuance of the project objective is in focus and that there is the likelihood that those objectives will be met before the end of project implementation.

The DG said the state government has been supporting the project and has paid its yearly contribution of N100 million.

He added that the government has also supported the project with personnel, offices, among other things.

Jelili said the agency is enjoying a lot of support from the local government councils and the communities which it has been giving technical support. For instance, OYSCSDA has been mobilising them to monitor their projects.

In some cases, the communities have come up with projects of their own.

“The local council are providing them with teachers, health workers, hospital equipment and drugs,” he continued.

“The projects the communities have come up with, especially in areas that relates to health and education, are basically used as platforms to reach out to the people in the rural areas.

“We have so many communities.

Currently we have about 39 communities coming up with 39 development plans. In Egbeda Local Government, we have Iwapo Oloya, in Ibadan North East, we have Koloko idi obi. We have Ifesowapo. Even if you leave Ibadan and go to Ibarapa North Local Government, we have konko. In Saki West Local Government we have Onijo kiliki, we have Ebokan imuwa.

“In Atisbo Local Governemnt we have Ofiki. In Oyo Local Government we have Erelu, Oniroko and the like.

But I want to say that in all our com-

•A new dawn is coming for them munity projects we will make sure we complete it because we do not have an abandoned project and the people usually laud the intervention of the agency.”

Listing the concrete achievements of the agency in the last two years, Jelili said: ”We have conducted a geographical survey for the 33 local governments to be able to benchmark achievements and measure progress as we go along. We have also been able to use the information and data collected from there to develop indicators to know the outcome of our projects in terms of knowing the number of people or change from what was originally in place before the intervention of the project and we have also been able to develop a small scale geographic information system to be able to reach out to the poor and to know where they are and why they are poor.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2012

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T was a trying period, even for a man of God and his wife. For 22 years after their marriage in 1990, the Superintendent of the Assemblies of God Church, Sapele, Delta State, Reverend Raphael Itotoh and his wife, Praise waited on God for the fruit of the womb.

Their long wait ended recently when the couple were blessed with a baby boy, who was dedicated to God at a well-attended thanksgiving church service held at the AGC Branch 1, Sapele.

The importance and significance of the event was highlighted by the presence of the General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God Church Nigeria, Reverend Paul Emeka, who led the executive board of the church to the ceremony.

Rev. Emeka was joined by prominent Nigerians, including Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Basil Ganagana to rejoice with the couple.

In a sermon titled “God’s time is the best,” Rev Emeka said baby Itotoh came at the time God permitted, noting that those who diligently and prayerfully wait upon God are never disappointed. He further noted that the answers to the prayers of Christian faithful may come longer than they expect, even as he maintained that God never fails his loved ones.

The cleric commended the couple for their dedication and faithfulness to their marital vows of staying together no matter the circumstances, stressing that it was indeed a test of their patience and faith in God to have lived faithfully for over two decades, with their expectations and trust in Him. In a sermon backed by copious biblical quotes, the General Superintendent urged parents to teach their children God’s love and how to respect their fellow mankind at a tender age when they are amenable.

He maintained that only proper teaching and upbringing of children by their parents can bring about peace and development in the society.

In an emotional testimony, which held the congregation spell-bound, Reverend Itotoh said he and his wife never knew that their journey to having a child would take this long after their wedding in 1990.

They attributed the gift of the child to their faithfulness to one another, to God and the support of friends and family members including Governor Uduaghan who is an elder brother to the mother of the child.

Joining in the display of gratitude

•Governor Uduaghan (middle), Rev. and Mrs. R. O. Itotoh (left), Comrade Ovuozuorie Macaulay, Secretary to the Delta State Government, and Mrs. Emeka, wife of the General Superintendent, Assemblies of God Church, with baby Itotoh

Couple get baby, 22 years after marriage From Shola O’Neil, Port Harcourt

to God for His manifold blessings to the couple, Governor Uduaghan advised people of the state in particular and Nigerians in general to be courageous always and not to give up; no matter the volume or magnitude of difficulties they are experiencing in life.

Addressing the congregation

which included the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Basil Ganagana, and the Executive Board of the Assemblies of God Church, Governor Uduaghan thanked God for the birth of the baby, even as he commended Reverend Itotoh and his wife Praise for their patience in staying together in spite of the challenge of their temporary childlessness. He described such attribute and dedication as uncommon among couples

Baby Itotoh came at the time God permitted, noting that those who diligently and prayerfully wait upon God are never disappointed. He further noted that the answers to the prayers of Christian faithful may come longer than they expect, even as he maintained that God never fails his loved ones

•Women waiting to get their babies vaccinated at the inauguration of the Short Interval Additional Dose (SIAD) campaign against polio at Udubo, Gamawa, Bauchi State

in the contemporary society.

While attributing the birth of the child to God’s benevolence and the expertise of medical doctors, the governor appealed to health caregivers not to withdraw their services to their patients as they have been empowered by God to save lives.

He said he was satisfied that the Delta State University Teaching Hospital, (DELSUTH) Oghara had impressive records in neo-natal care.

Governor Uduaghan, who led the

congregation in choruses to thank God, said prayer and patience were important in surmounting life’s challenges.

Clerics including officials of the state wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN) led by the chairman, Archbishop God-do-well Awomakpa, took turns to read out the child’s names which include Raphael Osedoharwen Itotoh before presenting him to the Lord.

Reverend Emeka prayed against terrorism in Nigeria, and for peace and progress in Delta State.

Motorcycles for Delta councils

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HE Ministry of Health has handed over motorcycles to Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers (DSNOs) in all the 25 local government areas in Delta State.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Otumara, who was represented at the handing over ceremony by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr Daniel Omodon, said the donation of the motorcycles was to further strengthen efforts at combating outbreak and control of diseases in all parts of the state.

Dr Otumara said that by the donation, the movement from one difficult terrain to another has been facilitated, even as he enjoined the DSNOs to put the motorcycles to judicious use.

He further advised them to exhibit appreciable level of discipline and co-ordination in order to achieve their set goals, saying it is not enough to notify and control diseases but also to prevent their outbreak.

From Polycarp Orosevwotu, Warri

The commissioner commended the World Health Organisation (WHO) for the donation and expressed delight that the state is not one of the remaining states still harbouring the wild polio virus. He added that the last time a case was detected in the state was in 2010.

Earlier in his remark, the State Coordinator of WHO, Dr Sylvester Agwai, said that the essence of the donation of the motorcycles was to assist in the prevention and control of disease outbreaks.

He noted with displeasure that 20 cases of wild polio virus were confirmed mainly in the northern part of the country. He expressed the organisation’s desire to continue to partner with the state government to achieve a disease-free environment.

Highpoint of the occasion was the handing over of the motorcycles to the DNS Officers by the commissioner’s representative and Permanent Secretary, Dr Daniel Omodo.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2012

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Obi’s wife empowers women

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MPOWERMENT equipment worth several millions of naira have been presented to women groups in three local government areas in Anambra State.

The equipment was from donor agencies in partnership with Anambra State government. The three local government areas were Ogbaru, Idemili North and Orumba South.

The event was the 2012 International Women’s Day celebration with the theme Connecting Girls, Inspiring Future held in Awka,the state capital.

They included garri and palm oil processing machine, cooking stoves, refrigerators, gas cookers, sewing machine, among others.

Handing over the equipment to the beneficiaries, Wife of the state governor, Mrs Magaret Peter-Obi charged mothers to give

•Mrs Obi

Uduaghan cautions royal fathers

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ELTA State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has cautioned traditional rulers in the state against indiscriminate conferment of titles on persons of questionable character.

Uduaghan, presenting staff of office to the traditional ruler of Umukwata Kingdom in Ukwuani Local Government Area,urged royal fathers to confer titles on persons that are deserving.

The governor who was represented by his Deputy, Prof. Amos Utuama (SAN) said, “ recipients should be able to demonstrate transparent commitment through identifying with these communities as partners with government to ensure even and sustainable development of the state. “ I appeal to Your Royal Majesty to be very meticulous in the choice of your subjects and other deserving persons you wish to confer chieftaincy titles.

“No community will be happy if anyone it honoured, is found to be among those vandalising oil pipelines, pushing drugs or involved in any other anti-social activity.

Wealth should not be the only yardstick for

Delta such consideration.”

He charged the king to be “ transparently fair and just. You are the father of all your subjects and you should be even handed in dealing with them... As the custodian of the tradition and cultural mores of your people, it is important that you do not give them cause to doubt your integrity or ability to uphold the sanctity of you cherished customs”.

Uduaghan also urged the people of Umukwata Kingdom to accord the king all the respect he deserves to facilitate his ability to run the affairs of the kingdom with ease. “ His Royal Majesty cannot handle the burden of development even when he has made and continues to make immense contributions to the overall development of the community and the welfare of its people.

Please extend all courtesies and due honour to the Ukwata 1 so that peace and harmony can continue to thrive both in this community and the state in general.”

A

Anambra From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

good family training to their children especially the girl-child for future development.

She argued that”If a mother falls short of these expectations, the child will mature into a novies and the blame will be on the mother.”

The governor’s wife attributed the success of the present administration to the total support from women. She urged the governor to carry women along in the effort to improve lives in the state even as she lauded the feats recorded by the women Affairs Commissioner, Dr Ego Uzoezie in the past five years she held sway in the ministry.

She noted that the level of education had improved, especially with empowerment given to different schools in addition to good road network, to make schools in remote areas accessible.

According to her, Obi’s administration has projected women to come into limelight, especially with the establishment of the Anambra State Association of Town Union (ASATU), women wing, and the appointment of women into the Executive Council.

She sought for peace in the state which she said was important to national and state development, adding that women should be part of peace by praying for families, the state and Nigeria.

In her remarks, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Ego Uzoezie, also urged women groups in the state to ensure better upbringing of the children for a better society.

` • Group Chief Executive Officer Notore Chemical Industries Limited Mr. Onajite Okoloko in a chat with Senate President David Mark and Vice Chairman Senate Committee on Agriculture, Senator Gbenga Kaka looks on

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Akpabio seeks foreign aid

OVERNOR Godswill Akpabio Akwa Ibom State has called for grants from governments and Non-Governmental Organisations from foreign countries in the health and education sectors, among others to help in the development of the state.

Akpabio, who made the call when members of Foreign Defence Advisers/Attachees from different countries in the world currently on tour of Akwa Ibom State led by Brigadier-General

Institute holds conference

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HE International Logistics and Administration Institute (ILA) last Saturday at the Conference Hall of the Nigeria Export Promotion Council, Apapa, held the year 2012 Conference and Investiture with the theme: Civil Service as a Driving Force For National Development and National Transformation Agenda, Lagos State Experience”. The lead speaker for this year’s conference was Mr. Adesegun Ogunlewe, the Head of Service, Lagos State. He was represented at the event by Mrs. Regina Olubunmi Fabamwo.

The highpoint of this year’s event was the investiture of 17 eminent personalities among whom were Chief Agu Cajetan Chukwuemeka, who is an assistant Director, Compliance and Monitoring, Nigeria Shippers Council, His Eminence Arch (Amb ) Samson Mustapha Benjamin, Mr. Rowaye Jubril, Managing Director, Energy Factor Marine and Oil Services Limited, Dr. Oke Sanyintolu, General Manager/C.E.O Lagos State Emergency Management Agency and Chief Issac Olowo of the Shipping Department, Grimaldi Line Limited. Others were: Chief Chilasa Imoh, Operations Manager, Shore Maritime Global Limited, Mr.

By Uyoatta Eshiet

Igbrude Moses Okeoghene, Managing Director, Decof Investment Limited, Alhaji Bello Ali, BUA Group, Alhaji Mohammed Zango Umar, Greenview Development Nigeria Limited, Mr. Adeleye Omotunde Fatai of the Grace Polytechnic, Justice J.D. Alaku, Vice President, Customary Court of Appeal, Engineer Mohammed Wada, Commissioner of Works and Transport, Nassarawa State, Hon. Samuel Allu, Commissioner of water resources, Nasarawa State, Alhaji Rabiu Muhammed, General Manager, Dangote Group, Mr Zino Akpor, Ships and Ports Communication, Mr. Raphel N. onwuemeh and Mr. Labaran A. Alhassan, Operations Department, Greenview Development Nigeria Limited.

Mrs Regina Olubunmi Fabamwo was joined at the high table by Elder Kayode Daramola, Mr Ignatius Nweke, Deputy Director, Public Affairs, Nigeria Shippers Council, Barrister Taiwo Afolabi of SIFAX Grope, Mr Adebayo Oyedokun, Mrs Esther Barnabas, Mr Chima Samson, Registrar, Nigerian Institute of Shipping and Mr Mark Iloh, the Reistrar, The International Logistics and Administration Institute (ILA)

•Executive Secretary, Local Government Education Authority (LGEA), Mushin, Lagos State Aremo Yusuf Olokandana (middle) flanked by Head, Information, Unit, Mr Abel Adiatu; Head, School Support Services Mrs Eunice Aluko; Councillor Fesisayo Modupe and Sports Desk Officer Mr Idris Babatunde when Modupe donated books to some pupils in the LGA.

• Akwa Ibom State Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio (middle) in a group photograph with some local and foreign investors led by the Managing Director of Desicon Engineering, Mr Akan Udofia (3rd from right) at the Governor's Lodge, Abuja

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Cross River partners Songhai Centre on agric

HE Cross River State government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Songhai Regional Centre, Porto Novo, Benin Republic on agriculture with a view to boosting the sector to create jobs and wealth.

The Special Adviser, Investment Promotion, Mr. Gerald Ada, signed on behalf of the state while the International Director of Songhai Regional Centre, Rev. Father Godfrey Nzamujo signed on behalf of the centre.

Governor Liyel Imoke said the agreement marks the beginning of an aggressive agricultural programme in the state aimed at creating jobs for young people as well as produce new skills that will add value to agriculture.

The programme, according to the governor, is expected to turn around agriculture in the state by increasing and ensuring rural economy grows. He said the partnership between the state and the company falls within the state’s policy thrust of strengthening the agriculture sector as the backbone of its economy.

Imoke remarked that the project will open a new vista to agriculture in terms of production and processing as it will impact on those involved.

He charged those that will be involved in the project to be committed as the government will give them strong

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From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

support because the project has the potential of developing the economy that will create ultimate growth and wealth.

The governor pledged the state’s commitment to the success of the project and hoped the partners will bring their wealth of experience to bear .

In his remarks, Rev Father Godfrey Nzamujo, who praised Imoke for the various programmes embarked upon to create jobs wealth and youth empowerment, said the state’s approach to environmental issues was laudable.

Nzamijo disclosed that Songhai Regional Centre is an institution with varied background in technological agro services to create employment.

He said the centre will work with the state to create opportunities for youth employment and entrepreneurship through its industrial park and promised that within three years, it will work tremendously to make impact in the state.

Ada said the centre has established presence in some states, turning them into incubation parks of excellence. He disclosed that the centre has an impressive track record in the last 25 years and that the state has identified a hub in the central senatorial district for the scheme.

Akwa Ibom Lincoln Jackson Ogunewe paid him a courtesy visit at Governor’s Lodge, Uyo, said such grants would help the state government to undertake and complete more development projects beneficial to the people.

Akpabio further stressed the need for the foreign governments to partner the government in the aviation sector, observing that already, the state government was negotiating with Air France and Gulf Stream of United States of America on the need to take over the management of Maintainance, Repairs and Overhaul (MRO) of Akwa Ibom International Airport, Uyo. On the health sector, he hinted that his administration has sent more than 50 patients to India for treatment, and called on Indian Government to assist the state in the completion of Speciliast Hospital, Uyo for the treatment of special cases.

The governor praised President Goodluck Jonathan administration for embarking on the transformation programme of the country, and blamed poor development in the country on the past leaderships. ‘’No commitment, interest and passion on the part of the past military regimes in the country in redressing the development that confronted the country for more than 30 years. The military used suppression and dominance in ruling the country then’’, Akpabio stated.

Welcoming the advisers and attachees to the state, he stressed the need for them to take proper study of the state in order to advise other states to emulate Akwa Ibom.

Brigadier-General Ogunewe said they were military diplomats from different countries and their work was to establish and maintain defence corporations in countries.

S part of the activities marking the end of the first year in office in his second term, Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State will distribute 500 tricycles to youths across the state as part of the poverty alleviation programme.

The governor, who will be spending the fifth year in office, wants to celebrate with people from different segments of the society in the state and to show them a sense of belonging for their support in the past five years of his administration.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ugochukwu Emezue issued in Umuahia, he said that it is part of Governor Theodore Orji’s programme aimed at empowering the youths of the state.

Emezue said that youths from the three senatorial zones will benefit from this largesse, stressing that the governor is not known to discriminate when it comes to giving to the people of the state.

The CPS said that his boss is desirous of laying a solid foundation for the future of Abia youths, hence his decision to invest in them, “You know that when a state or nation invests in its youths, it is securing its future”.

Emezue said that the governor has also approved money for the payment of bursary to Abia students who are studying abroad, adding that it is also part of the activities to

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HE National Institute for Education and Research, New Delhi, India will honour some Nigerians on June 7. The Investiture/ induction of Fellows and the Pre -Induction Lecture of the programme will be performed by institute’s Director General ,Dr Abhiram Kulshreshtha from NewDelhi Indiaat the University of Lagos Conference Centre, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos, from New Delhi, India at the University of Lagos Conference Centre, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos by 10.00am.

The Special Guests of Honour expected at the occasion includes: the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr., Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, and some dignitaries in the academia, private and public sectors.

In a statement by the institute’s Director for Africa, Dr. Akin B. Ogunsakin, “This well deserved honour is to recognise extraordinary intellectuals, outstanding achievers in the academic, research and professional advancement in Africa. The finest and most useful method to recognise their accomplishments and to formally bestow upon the worthy scholars and researchers the respect they deserve is by the conferral of the Fellows.”

Dr. Akin B. Ogunsakin said that the FELLOW is the highest honour that NIER bestows upon individuals who have achieved excellence in professional practice, teaching and mentoring, research, public or community service and leadership for a minimum of 10 years with doctorate and post doctorate level of qualifications and with sound professional practices. The guiding philosophy of NIER is influencing practice and promoting value- based growth. The institute has an enviable track record over 35 years of experience recognising the needs of society, especially under managed sectors, healthcare sectors and responding with quick and appropriate answers.

NIER is an autonomous institute dedicated to research with entrepreneurial agility that

Community wins 32-yr-old land case

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LAGOS State High Court, Igbosere, has declared the people of Isheri Olofin, Lagos, as the title owners of a land which has been the subject of a 32-year-old dispute.

The royal father of Isheri-Olofin, Oba Washabi Ayinde Balogun had sued the Olorunfunmi Madarikan family of Ikosi Idimu in Alimosho Local Government Area for himself and on behalf of the Isheri Olofin people.

He sought a declaration that the claimants are entitled to customary rights of occupancy to a parcel of land at Old Isheri, forming common boundaries with Egbe and Igando villages.

They also claimed ownership of another portion of Isheri land farmed by the Abisiwa, as well as the Ageke Family land at Ejigbo.

Justice Lateef Lawal Akapo, in the judgment, held that claimants have established their case “on preponderance of evidence.”

He granted an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants, their servants, agents or privies “from committing any further acts of trespass to the said land of the claimants.”

By Joseph Jibueze

The court awarded N50,000 as damages against the defendants for trespass and dismissed some of the defendants’ counterclaim.

The judge awarded N50,000 cost against the defendants, saying: “Cost follows event.

The claimant is entitled to cost.”

The defendants in the suit are Ishau Olorunfunmi, Mudashiru Olorunfunmi, Mukandas Olorunfunmi for themselves and on behalf of Olorunfunmi Madarinkan family of Ikosi Idimu.

Six other defendants – Alhaji Oseni Iyape, Alhaji Nurudeen Iyape, Raufu Iyewure, Alhaji Muruina Iyewure, Amida Lashilo and Yisa Falake – were later joined in the suit for themselves and on behalf of Abisiwa Family of Idimu.

The claimants said they and the royal father were the descendants of Ogunfunminire Olofin, the first settler on the land.

They said they owned the land in dispute jointly, adding that the defendants were strangers on the land and did not know the true history of the land in dispute.

Orji distributes tricycles, others Abia From Ugochukwu Eke, Umuahia

celebrate the Democracy Day in the state.

He explained that the education of Abia youths is paramount to the governor as exemplified in the equipping of laboratories and libraries of most secondary schools in the state.

Emezue reiterated the resolve of the governor to hand over schools to the missions in August this year, maintaining that all those missionaries interested in having back their schools should come forward and show genuine interest to have them.

The CPS declared that Governor Orji will continue the free bus transportation scheme for pupils and students in Abia, while the renovation of schools will continue to enhance the learning standard and equipping Abia youths for the future.

He announced that the state governor has directed the school management board should as matter of urgency to deliver seats and forms to

• Orji all the schools across the state, apart from the renovation of the existing school structures.

It will be recalled that last month Ochendo Youth Foundation distributed buses and tricycles to Abia Youths in Aba through its Coordinator, Engr. Chinedum Orji as part of the youth empowerment scheme of the present administration.

School honours Nigerians has made it totally self financing, personal freedom with professional accountability and corporatised culture, structure and processes.

The personalities to be inducted includes Prof Vincent Ado Tenebe, Vice Chancellor, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN); Professor Gabriel B. Onolaja, Rector, Gateway Polytechnic, Saapade, Ogun State, Chief (Prof) Mrs. T.A.C. Oguakwa, Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Prof Ugwudingba Matthias Ofili, President, Governing Council, Chartered Institute of Administration; Prof Samuel Friday Akpan, President, Uyo Business School; Prof Samuel ‘Dayo Alao, Chief Executive Officer, Babcock Consulting-Babcock University; Prof Simon Ahonsi Ohiren,

President/CEO, SIM Group; Prof Enoch N. Onyeche, Security Consultant, Port Harcourt; Prof G.O. Idehen, HOD, Department of Health, Environmental Education and Human Kinetics, University of Benin; Dr. Owualah Princewill Ugo, Chief Coordinator/Lecturer, Maritime Training and Research Studies, Rivers State University of Science and Technology; Engr. (Dr.) Foluso Olusanya, Group Managing Director of Celmeng Group of Companies; Dr. Emmanuel Iyagwere Ajayi, Group Managing Director, Biostdat Group; Dr. Ijogun ‘Niyi Ayodeji, Managing Partner/CEO, Billing Cost Associates, Lagos and Dr. (Ms.) Inaolaji Ruth Abosede, Education Consultant, Lagos.

Govt calls for police reforms

T

HE Special Adviser to the Lagos State Government on Security Matters, Major Tunde Ponax (rtd), has expressed government’s determination to assist the police in order to function well.

He made this known during a programme organised by Network on Police Reform in Nigeria which looks into police activities in the society, especially how it is perceived by members of the public.

Panox said: “Law enforcement play a pivotal role in the society, states and countries. The police are the entry point into any criminal-justice system and the efficacy of the system depends on the efficiency and proficiency of the police system as well as law enforcement system.”

He stated that as part of measure to strengthen the force as an institution, the call for state police which has long been raging should be heeded as enshrine in true federalism was one of the ways to enhance its function.

“I believe that there is need for the establishment of state police. If we are saying we are practising true federalism, each constituent part of the federation such as the states, municipalities and federal government must have autonomy over their

•Participants at the workshop

By Musa Odoshimokhe

daily affairs which include the having their police.

“The opposition to the establishment of state police structure in Nigeria has largely been driven by an exaggerated, misleading and unfounded precedence focussing on the abuse of state police through political interference and manipulation.”

Other participants agreed that public confidence which had been eroded in the police was gradually picking up, especially now that it has barred illegal road blocks through which innocent citizens were exploited and even killed on flimsy excuses.

Nigerians called for the mounting of cameras at strategic places to aid the efforts to fight crime because it would equally speed up the efforts of tracking down criminals and help in the speedy investigation of such flaws in the society.

Some participants want government to mount security gadgets at strategic locations so as to assist the force in tracking down criminals as well as check illegal activities carried out by the police when on patrol.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2012

Life

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Text only: 08023058761

I am a voice for the deaf, says Queen – Page 31 •Award exhibition centre

‘Fela’s legacy can’t be wiped off’ Page 32

•Arial view of the library

Nigerian wins Commonwealth prize – Page 35

Reviving ancient heritage In Alexandria sits the Egyptian pride...an awesome edifice with state-of-the-art design leading Alexandria into the 21st century – welcome to the new Bibliotheca Alexandrina ...SEE PAGE 30

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With the largest reading room in the world, an expresso machine that can produce in minutes copies of books, including the coloured-cover, the Egyptians have gone a step further to reclaim the glory of the fabled ancient library of Alexandria, tagged the new Bibliotheca Alexandrina. TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO reports.

Reviving ancient heritage

I

T is the world’s second largest library and it sits in its majestic grandeur in Alexandria, the cradle of civilisation that once served as the capital of Egypt.

The library has a rich history behind it. Its precursor also ranked among the best in its time before it was destroyed when Julius Caesar laid siege to Alexandria and set fire to the city in 48BC. The vision behind Bibliotheca Alexandria was to be a worthy successor to the ancient library of Alexandria. And no effort was spared to see through the $220 million project.

That great library was a unique ecumenical effort of the human intellect and imagination, and remains etched in the memories of many scientists and intellectuals to this day.

Alexandria, former Egyptian capital is approximately 220 kilometres northwest from Cairo, the new capital.

At Alexandria stands the Egyptian pride, a cultural complex leading Alexandria into the 21st century – welcome to the new Bibliotheca Alexandrina, an awesome edifice with state-of-the-art design.

Situated in the heart of Alexandria, it has an expansive pavilion where users and tourists unwind. Many take pictures of the architectural masterpiece.

The new Bibliotheca Alexandrina opened in 2002 after years of campaign to recreate the lost library of ancient times. It has shelf space for eight million books. It is second of America’s Library of Congress, the world’s largest with nearly 20 million spaces.

Its reading area is equipped with 330 Internet-equipped computer stations for public use. The computers are on the seven floors of the library; as well as within specialised libraries, on designated reading tables and in select study rooms.

According to a tour guide, Ms Mariam Zaki, the new Pharaoh, Ptolemy I Soter, agreed with a scholar, Demetrius of Phalerum that Alexandria could rival Athens as a centre of culture and learning — by establishing a library that would house all the books in the world.

Alexandria has a great history of discoveries. It is where Euclid devised geometry; Herophilus discovered that the brain, not the heart, was the seat of thought; Aristarchus, 1,800 years before Copernicus, determined that the earth revolves around the sun; and Eratosthenes set up a simple experiment that measured the earth’s circumference.

In tribute to these discoveries, Ms Zaki said, the new library features a museum dedicated to science history and a large planetarium graces the entrance.

When Julius Caesar torched Alexandria in 48BC, historians believe that fire consumed about 10 per cent of the library.

By midpoint in the new millennium, the library had fallen completely, not even a single scroll survived.

Today, the new Bibliotheca Alexandrina proves that perhaps the most important element of the ancient library persists — its spirit. And this time the building is fireproof.

The library houses the masterpieces of classical civilisation: the works of Aristotle and Plato; original manuscripts of Sophocles, Aeschylus and Euripides; Egyptian treatises on astronomy and medicine; Buddhist texts; and the first translations of the Hebrew scriptures. ”Right now, the library has about 250, 000 books on its shelves,” she said.

The Eastern Harbour of Alexandria has been a crossroads of culture and continents for 2,300 years. This is where the Pharos lighthouse, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, guided people from all nations safely into port; where Queen Cleopatra first laid eyes on Julius Caesar.

The ancient library dominated the ancient world of learning from approximately the third century B.C. to the fourth century A.D. The new one sits on the Eastern Harbour on or near the site of the original.

“In a world worried about the clash of civilisations, about war, about hatred and about killing, I think it’s significant that out of Egypt comes this new library, a place of understanding, learning, tolerance and brotherhood,” writes Ismail Serageldin, the library’s director and a former World Bank vice president, on the site of the library.

The Nation learnt that construction is a collaborative effort by the Egyptian government and other nations.

During the 80s, Egypt and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) resolved to build the Bibliotheca Alexandrina with the same universal goals as the ancient one: a focal point for research, advancement of knowledge and open exchange of ideas.

An international design competition chose the Norwegian firm, Snohetta to build the library. The building — in the shape of a massive disc inclined toward the Mediterranean which evokes the image of the Egyptian

•Side view of the library with World Alphabets

•Library exhibition

MONUMENT sun illuminating the world.

Countries across the world contributed to the over $220 million project, with Egypt putting down the lion share.

The library will also try to attract researchers and scholars from around the world. “It is a vision that was realised on this very spot over 2,300 years ago when the library was founded,” said Serageldin.

“Egypt is the cradle of civilisation and the birthplace of three monotheistic religions, so the library will very much

‘The library houses the masterpieces of classical civilisation: the works of Aristotle and Plato; original manuscripts of Sophocles, Aeschylus and Euripides; Egyptian treatises on astronomy and medicine; Buddhist texts; and the first translations of the Hebrew scriptures... Right now, the library has about 250, 000 books on the shelves’

reflect religious tolerance,” said Mohammed Aman, Dean, School of Information Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, who wrote the Bibliotheca’s manuscript-selection policy.

According to Serageldin, the past is suddenly coming alive as underwater archaeology is bringing to light the sunken treasures of Alexandria, capturing the imagination of the world with glimpses of bygone glory.

“That is the setting for the New Library of Alexandria.

The beautiful new building, with its distinctive granite wall covered by the letters of all the world’s alphabets, is today a recognisable landmark of the new Alexandria,” he said.

The library is composed of the main library, considered the largest reading room of the world, and a number of specialised libraries which include the children’s library, the young people’s library and the Taha Hussein library for the Blind and Visually Impaired serve the specific needs of their users. The special collections of the library include the Arts and Multimedia library, manuscript reading room, microfilm reading room, rare books and special collections reading room, Nobel Section, and Shadi Abdel Salam Collection.

“The four objectives of the New Bibliotheca Alexandrina are - to be the window of the world on Egypt; window of Egypt on the world; an instrument for rising to the digital challenge and a centre for dialogue between peoples and civilisations.

“The way forward is difficult and challenging,” Serageldin said.

“It is also challenging to link-up electronically with the rest of world. We have already put together a complex web of agreements to bring the marvels of the digital age to all parts of Egypt and the region, and to bring the fruits of Egyptian creativity and scholarship to the new digital world of instant communications and electronic publishing,” he noted.

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I am a voice for the deaf, says Queen The reigning Miss Deaf International (MDI), Jamaican Miss Cassandra Whyte has concluded her tour of Nigeria, inspiring deaf women across the country. As she returns to the US, she is more determined to become a global voice for the disabled worldwide, writes EVELYN OSAGIE.

Y

EARS ago, when Mr and Mrs Whyte discovered that their daughter, Cassandra was deaf, their neighbours discouraged them not to send her to school. "Why do you need to send a child like that to school?" they asked.

But they turned deaf ears to such advice and sent her to school like her four siblings. Today, she has completed her secondary education and is seeking to study accounting in the university. She is a world-class queen to boot.

She won the Miss Deaf International (MDI), five days to her birthday.

"It was an exciting experience. It was like an early birthday present," she said using sign language with the aid of an interpreter, Mr Ayodipo Beyioku-Alase, when she visited Nigeria last week.

Born in Kingston Town, Jamaica, Cassandra, 23, lives with her parents and siblings in their average home. According to Miss MDI, despite of the fact that her parents made her comfortable with herself, as a young girl, everyone pitied her. But the confidence her parents inspired in her kept her going.

"I was born deaf. I suffered discrimination when I was younger because I was deaf. This affected me then. But as I grew older, I realised that we are all equal and the same," she said.

That experience roused in her the determination to inspire others like her. She is a social worker at the deaf social group. "After I finished my high school, before I joined the pageants, I worked with women's group, especially with the deaf women and Jamaica Association for the Deaf. I have always wanted to share that we are all the same. There is nothing a normal person can do that a deaf person cannot except to hear,” she said.

Such thoughts led her to apply for Miss Deaf Jamaica (MDJ). Recounting her experience, she said: “The CEO of Miss Deaf Jamaica (MDJ) had been hearing of Miss Deaf International (MDI) pageant in the US and decided to come home to make Jamaicans, especially the persons who are deaf to be better aware of the beauty that is within and outside them. I have always felt beautiful so I applied and won.

And after winning, the MDJ CEO put me in for the MDI pageant.”

Aside winning the MDJ, she also went ahead to win MDI pageant. But that was not an easy feat, according to her. “Beautiful deaf ladies from over 20 countries across the world applied for the event. I represented Jamaica. At first, I felt intimidated, especially by all the beautiful white girls. But I said to myself that colour does not matter. I was overjoyed when I was named the overall winner.”

MDI is organised by Bonita Leek in Las Vegas, US. According to the organisers, the pageant is established to advance and provide opportunities for young deaf women. "The chosen contestants are savvy, goal-orientated women of character from across the world, seeking to improve their own lives as well as the lives and goals of others,” MDI organisers said. Queen Cassandra topped the list of savvy and intelligent ladies, winning the Miss Deaf Latin along with the MDI. As obtained in international pageants, attracting lots of prizes, glamour and fame, Cassandra said her fortunes changed for the best since she won. For the past 10 months, she has been on tour. The tour brought her to Nigeria last Monday from Washington DC, which she visited a week before.

Queen Cassandra was in Nigeria to inspire deaf women and the deaf community in general to intimate them on their potentials. While in Nigeria, she spent eight days visiting deaf communities, their schools and ministries caring for the deaf.

It was her first time in Nigeria and, still, she

LIFESTYLE

She lamented that not much has changed with regards to discrimination of the deaf or disabled; however, she noted that the passage of the Disability Bill by Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN), into law has made Lagos more disability friendly.

She urged other state governments to implement the Bill in their states.

On her tour, Cassandra was accompanied by the CEO of Most Beautiful Deaf Girls in Nigeria, organisers of the Miss Deaf Nigeria Pageant, Mrs Tolulope Oko-Igaire and her team.

Mrs Oko-Igaire, whose organisation, Feminine and Flourish, organises a yearly charity shower for less privileged women, said the desire to touch more lives inspired the establishment of the pageant. Incidentally, its Director, Mr Idemudia Lawrence is also deaf.

“When I discovered there was Miss Wheel Chair, I asked 'why is there no Miss Deaf pageant to cater for beautiful deaf ladies. I researched and discovered that there are Miss Deaf World, which has been on for over 20 years, and MDI. I

said: "It felt like home. I am happy Nigeria is one of the countries chosen for me to visit.

And I felt happy coming down to Africa, especially Nigeria. Jamaica and Nigeria are the same, in terms of the people, environment and road traffic. Both countries are beautiful.

I was anxious about seeing Nigeria."

The tour brought Cassandra to Lagos where she visited the Wesley School of the Hearing Impaired, and her visit was received with fanfare by deaf groups, including Deaf Women Association of Nigeria (DWAN) led by its president, Deaconess Adedoyin BeyiokuAlase; Lagos State Association of the Deaf led by its chair, Mr Agbabiaka Lukman, Deaf Elders represented by Mr and Mrs Tola Odusanya; the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Deafnite, Mr Kehinde Kewusola, and Mr Dare Dairo, PRO, Joint Assocaition of Persons with Disabilities, Lagos branch. She also visited Nike Art Gallery.

The tour took her to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, last Thursday when she also visited deaf communities and their schools and traditional rulers. Rivers State Television organised a dinner in her honour. The tour also took her to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) where she visited the deaf communities.

For the deaf communities across the country, Cassandra had this motivational message: “Discrimination of the deaf is everywhere. But if the deaf can pay the price like other people do, there is nothing they cannot achieve."

In the midst of the society, she said, the deaf has more responsibility to conquer the discrimination which is everywhere, noting that getting involved in what other people are doing is a way to overcome it. She called on Nigerians to go beyond discriminating against people with disabilities, saying Jamaica and the world has moved past such heartless act.

Winning the prize, she noted, has also boosted the profile of the deaf and persons with disabilities at large in Jamaica and across the globe.

“Before, the deaf were neglected; but now, it is different.

In Jamaica, people who are deaf •Queen Cassandra and with disabilities take part in some activities like others do. This has bridged the gap between them and others. Really we are equal.”

By July 16, she would be in Ankara, Turkey, to hand in her crown but Queen Cassandra’s dream of ruling of beauty pageants is far from being over.

“As a voice for the deaf across the world, I intend to contest for other pageants such as Miss Jamaica and Miss World. And as I return home, I intend to be a voice for the deaf in Jamaica and across the world; and also to break the limitation and barriers against people with disabilities. That is why I would be contesting for Miss Jamaica and Miss World to prove that being deaf does not stop me from achieving great things. And I know I would win. To all the deaf ladies out there, you are beautiful and have great talents. Let nothing stop you from following your dreams.”

Cassandra's story came as a source of inspiration to many like the president of DWAN, Mrs Beyioku-Alase. Her words, she said, motivated her and others. “We are all inspired to aspire higher and change the notion that the deaf are useless. Her coming means a lot to us. This is the first time we are having such an august visitor. It has challenged us to believe that the deaf can do all things except hear. Seeing her makes us proud.

decided I was going to set up one in Nigeria to inspire Deaf ladies too."

And so, the pageant was registered in 2010. The organisers said they have already screened girls in Port Harcourt and Abuja for its maiden edition billed for November. “We have two girls - Miss Maria Okese and Miss Joy Ityokyaa - who would be representing Nigeria in the Miss Deaf World and Miss Deaf International pageants. They are excited and anxiously awaiting the events.”

Mrs Oko-Igaire is confident that they can bring back the crowns. But her efforts to make the dream a reality, she said, have been meeting bottlenecks. “We are yet to get any response from the government and corporate organisations.”

But the champion of beautiful deaf ladies is not deterred. She called on the government, corporate bodies and well-meaning Nigerians to support the project.

“I will keep on pushing until the dream is achieved. I am excited because the two Nigerians ladies chosen are very beautiful and intelligent. I have no doubt that they will win. Seeing Cassandra has motivated them more. If Cassandra can win, they too can be queens. We call on all to support Miss Deaf Nigeria pageant. Let's give these ladies something to smile about,” she said.

•Queen Cassandra on her day of glory

‘As a voice for the deaf across the world, I intend to contest for other pageants such as Miss Jamaica and Miss World. And as I return home, I intend to break the limitation and barriers against people with disabilities’

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SEUN KUTI BACK FROM TOUR

Y

OU just returned from touring the US and Europe.

What makes this one different?

There was not much difference. It required the same amount of commitment and discipline you need to push forward. But I must say going to different cities in the United States, with people reacting differently, was a good adventure.

On your table is a copy of the book Fela Bitch of a Life. Is it a true representation of your father when alive?

I read it a long time ago. The book is 20 years old or more.

Fela's life has different stages. So, it was a true biography up till a certain point. More things happened to Fela after the book was written. It is a comprehensive biography. I think it was the only book he had an input.

What do you think of Fela on Broadway: is it a true representation of your father's story?

It is a great show. I have seen it about 20 times and in quite a few countries. I think I have seen the show in three different continents.

What role is your family and Egypt 80 playing in Fela on Broadway?

I won't really say Egypt 80 has much to do with the show.

We have our own thing we are doing. I help the show in terms of a bit of artistic direction here and there. But that is about it.

My family is involved in terms of business. But the show was conceptualised by Stephen Hendel in the US, who is a very great guy and big businessman. He discovered Fela on his own; became a fan and wanted to do something on his own; and then brought the idea to us. Most importantly, he brought his idea with his own funding. And since then, we've been having a blast. Hendel is also the record label that has signed me, my brother and licensed dad's back catalogue. We are one big Afrobeat family. The play is just a branch of that because it was a way to take Fela to a whole new audience. Universal was supposed to do a movie but they were slow, and, we needed the exposure. We needed the music to get to new grounds. But the movie is still going to happen, that is the next step: after the Broadway play. I can't say how soon.

Has the play drawn more attention to the Egypt 80?

No just the Egypt 80. The band is not the only Afrobeat band.

There are hundreds of Afrobeat bands all over world that the play has boosted because it has taken Fela’s message across the world. So, I think, the entire Afrobeat family - all the Afrobeat bands, especially in the US - has actually benefited from the success of the play and in the rise in the profile of the music. People who go to Broadway are not necessarily people that would have listened to Afrobeat before. And that's important. The accolade, awards, reviews and general publicity that Broadway received has taken Afrobeat to a whole new level, in the US. But it did not really have an effect on what Afrobeat has got in Europe. It has always been well-respected in Europe and is continuously growing. The show could not even tour Europe properly because people already loved Afrobeat for what it is; so, there was no point concentrating on it. They did a few shows in a few countries but not as much as they did in the US. Because Fela did not do a lot there when alive, in terms of his diversity: it was kind of hard breaking through. I think the advantage of the play is more in the US where people have really given the show a lot of love everywhere it's been. And it has been in a few states since it left Broadway.

On Fela's legacy: how are you and the other members of the family keeping it on?

I don't think Fela's legacy is the responsibility of the family anymore. I think Fela has influenced the world; not just his children or Nigerians, luckily for him. Imagine if it's only Nigeria Fela tried to influence, he would have been forgotten already.

Fela has a global influence; he was a phenomenon. And what can we say: everybody in the world respects and loves him.

So, even if my brother and I are no longer on the scene today, there are 300 bands out there that are going to continue preaching the message and playing his music.

The legacy takes care of itself. Noone can't take credit for that. The only thing we can do is to continue to respect it and do our bit to keep it alive. Fela's legacy is his imprint on life.

And I don't think it can be wiped off. Trust me, people have tried, even people who are close to him. But what Fela has done can never be undone.

Is Fela’s influence on you still shaping your world view?

Of course, everybody's upbringing has a way of shaping who they become. My dad has always been a big influence on my life, in how I think, how I grew up, where I am today. His influence on me is amazing. It is quite interesting because he was truly a great guy. Even more than a great musician, he was a really good father, at least to me. I can't complain at all.

He was always good to me and told me what was right. Even if I was too young to understand it then, growing up now, and remembering the things he said, I don't think he ever told me anything that would not help me in life. I think I am at an advantage coming from the background that I had - the background that encourages knowledge and development; and not just following what everybody else is saying, but doing your research and knowing your truth.

What do you miss about him?

It is going to be 15 years this year since he has been gone.

What I miss now is his presence. I miss him not being around.

I have gone past the stage of missing certain specifics about him. I just miss him. You know you have the memories of him and wish sometimes he was around to give you his personal view and advice on certain issues. But that being said, if wishes were horses, beggars would ride. So, I try not to dwell in that kind of place. It has been a long time; I now have

•Seun

‘Fela’s legacy can’t be wiped off’ Seun Kuti is back from touring the US and Europe. In this chat with EVELYN OSAGIE, he speaks on his late father, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, music and governance.

MUSIC closure as they say.

Do you have plans this year to mark it?

Yeah! Every year we do our Felabration. This year I think it is going to be bigger. It keeps growing every year.

What should your fans expect from you?

I will be playing in the Shrine in our usual end-of-the-month show. I played there last Saturday. I have not played for a few months now; we are happy to be back, playing at the shrine again.

We had and would have some shows commemorating the Democracy Day. In Nigeria, I don't get a lot of work. I must say, I feel people are not comfortable with what I have to say. It is kind of hard to put me on their bill when all their sponsors are in government. It doesn't bother me much because it still doesn't mean I don't get work. I still get a lot but not as it should have been.

Despite such experience, do you still feel comfortable giving the same message?

For me, it has never been a hindrance. I have never made music because I love money. I have made music because I love music. The success is just a bonus and I am happy I have that bonus. For me, the message behind the music is more important than whatever quick riches I expect to get without the message.

So, I don't really have any regrets, in terms of not doing some shows because of political reasons. I have always believed that my music will take as much care of me as I do my music. Music has some certain kind of powers. When you respect your music, your music takes good care of you.

Most people say the situation of the country is affecting the arts/ music. What is your take concerning the state of security and governance; and what role does the art/ music have to play in all of these?

Definitely, the situation of the country is affecting our music.

Nigerian music has lost its diversity. What we have is everybody towing the same line, playing the same, and sounding the same in the mainstream Nigerian pop industry.

Also, we are not breeding enough musicians. Nigeria is running out of musicians. The few we have are running away

‘I don't think Fela's legacy is the responsibility of the family anymore. I think Fela has influenced the world; not just his children or Nigerians, luckily for him. Imagine if it's only Nigeria Fela tried to influence, he would have been forgotten already. Fela has a global influence; he was a phenomenon’

to Europe and America where their talents can be probably fostered. It is quite different from what we had in the 60s and 70s where we had a lot of musicians who up till now are considered legends in various fields of music. We no longer pursue jazz or classical and traditional music. No real musician is able to breakthrough. We have a lot of entertainers but no real musicians. It is the effect of government control. The reason why in the West a lot of their original music is still growing is because the government invests a lot in their development.

They invest grants, loans and programmes that encourages people to take up these arts. We do not have that here, so, anybody that makes music, makes music to make money.

Even if the boy in the ghetto is dreaming of becoming a highlife musician, for example, it's hard for him to get a band together and run it, wait till it grows, and, make money and all that.

There is no support…no immediate support coming to people with such dreams. So, you have to take the one man route in trying to make money as quickly as possible. The situation of the country has affected music up to that level. What we have now are people that make music, even if they love music, have had to compromise that love to be successful.

Music has a role to play generally in the development of any nation because musicians have a voice that other people do not have. And I also believe we have a social responsibility to our fans that a lot of artists are overlooking. If people love you and trust you with their mind - because music influences the minds - and give you their love. I think it is selfish of the artist to take that love and use it for personal gains like when you begin to mislead them, telling them to "vote for a Goodluck", without even doing any research on what you are talking about, in terms of where you are leading them to. It is a sort of betrayal of that love when you use your voice against them; using it for personal gains. I believe that arts should stand for majority of the people. This is what I have against most young musicians in my category today, who talk about the lifestyle that only one per cent of Africans can afford, and may be only three or four per cent can fake it, but 95 per cent of Africans do not even understand such lifestyle. They can't even afford it.

What kind of lifestyle?

Lifestyles like champagne, fast cars, party here, holiday there… swag…how many people know about that in Africa?

That's what I am against that we continue to praise the few and neglect the majority with our arts. And I feel arts should speak for the voiceless not for the people that already have their own agenda. Arts should always represent the fact of the situation.

But right now, African arts is betraying the people in that aspect because most people involved in arts in Africa are all trying to make a living and not trying to make a statement.

What is new with you?

I believe my music is constantly growing. And for me, that is a good sign. The more you develop as an individual, the life experience should reflect in your art. I think that is the stage I am now with my music.

P

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Duke, Ooni, others extol values of great Ife art

I

FE art dating back to over 1,000 years was on display in Lagos during the International Museum Day Celebration at the National Museum, Onikan, Lagos.

They were displayed at a touring exhibition entitled: Dynasty and Divinity: Ife Art in Ancient Nigeria held as part of activities to mark the International Museum Day. The Ife art returned home after five years of preparation and tour of seven major museums in Spain, Great Britain and the United States. The exhibition was attended

by Oni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade, Olubuse II, diplomats from Spain, United Kingdom, United States, representatives of Osun and Lagos states governors, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, curator of the exhibition, Dr. Enid Schildkrout, Museum for African Art’s registrar, Amanda Thompson, consulting designer, Jeremy Johnston, Mrs. Nike Okundaye, Chief Frank Okonta, art connoisseurs, enthusiasts and pupils.

Culture, Tourism and National Orientation Minister Chief Edem Duke described the collection as extraordinary artworks and masterpieces that made Ife an ancient centre of trade and technological development. He praised the support the Ooni of Ife, saying his presence on the occasion is an attestation of his commitment to the culture of the Yoruba both in Nigeria and the Diaspora.

“That your progenitors could produce such unique artifacts that have continued to generate response from across the world is a testimony of the hard work which should be the basis of the launch pad of our technological advancement,” Duke said.

The minister noted that if culture is properly harnessed through proper financing and development of the creative and cultural infrastructure, the sector would enhance the growth of the nation’s economy as well as contribute to poverty alleviation.

The elated Ooni of Ife said the commission did not misplace its judgment by holding the exhibition in Lagos adding that Ife people were thrilled by the prospect of having Ife art on display in museums in Spain,

•Usman, Ooni of Ife and Duke at the event.

By Ozolua Uhakheme, Assistant Editor (Art)

MUSEUM the UK and United States. “We are, therefore, grateful to the National Commission for Museums and Monuments for helping to showcase the artifacts of Ife Kingdom,” he added.

He recalled that Lord Harcourt, the colonial secretary, Lord Cartwright, Chairman, Royal Niger Company and Lord Lugard, all principal actors in the amalgamation of Nigeria, left Ile-Ife intact because up until 1904, Ife had its boundaries with Lagos colony.

The royal father, however, decried the poor state of the Ife Museum in 2010, when Times of London wrote that the museum, which was the “kernel of curatorial activi-

ties” was nothing to write home about.

“We are now pleased to note that the commission did not only retrieve all missing objects, but is also in the process of growing and giving the museum a new life, equipping it with new objects and developing a new story line for the house of artifacts with the ‘Ife archeology and historical documentation in retrospect”, he said.

Director-General of the commission, Yusuf Abdallah Usman disclosed that the exhibition would return to New York after the completion of the Museum for Africa Art’s new home on New York City’s Museum Mile on fifth Avenue between 109th and 110th Street. He, however, stressed that the professional challenge of the commission is how to make museums living houses of memoirs and memo-

ries as well as loving store house of history and educational resource centres.

According to him, a major gallery is being planned for Natural History exhibition in Jos, and an Islamic art museum is to be established in Ilorin.

“While Oil museum is being planned for Oloibiri, Calabar will host a museum of Christian mission in Nigeria,” he said.

However, apart from the essay competition by students of some Lagos schools conducted earlier in the week, this year’s celebration of the International Museum Day would have gone unmarked. Unfortunately, the Dynasty and Divinity exhibition opening dwarfed the significance of the museum day, as there was no talk or paper presentation on the theme for this year’s celebration.

LIFELINE

Kraftman, Alfa Mega partner for music

214 writers for Africa’s literature prize

N

O fewer than 214 persons are in the race for the Nigeria Prize for Literature this year, according to the organisers. They are gunning for the $100, 000 prize.

The organisers said the number of contestants is the largest received since the prize was inaugurated in 2004.

The prize is sponsored by Nigeria LNG Limited to reward excellence in works of outstanding merit in literature. The Nigeria Prize for Literature is awarded yearly to the best work. It alternates amongst four literary genres: prose fiction, poetry, drama and children’s literature and will this year be awarded to the best work in the Prose genre.

Adeleke Adeyemi, with pen name Mai Nasara, won the prize last year with his book The Missing Clock.

The advisory board for literature led by Emeritus Prof. Ayo Banjo also announced its decision to accept e-Book entries for the

literature prize from 2013. In addition, every year, three (3) scholars with critical works published in reputable foreign journals will be given honorary mention, commendation letters and a cash prize of $5,000. This will encourage scholars across the world to bring Nigerian literature to international attention.

Prof. Banjo has handed over the entries to the panel of judges chaired by Prof. Francis Abiola Irele, Provost of Humanities at the Kwara State University, Ilorin.

The other members of the advisory board are Prof. Ben Elugbe and Dr. Jerry Agada.

Other members of the panel of judges include Prof. Angela Miri, Prof. Sophia Ogwude, Prof J O J Nwachukwu-Agbada and Dr. Oyeniyi Okunoye.

Past winners of the prestigious prize include the founding father of modern Nigerian poetry, Gabriel Okara, Ezenwa Ohaeto, Ahmed Yerima, Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, Mabel Segun, Kaine Agary and Esiaba Irobi.

By Adesola Adebayo

Pray for unity, NOA chief urges Nigerians

T

HE Director-General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr Mike Omeri, has called on Nigerians to ensure the continued unity of the country.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Paul Odenyi to mark the 2012 World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development.

Omeri said the need for cultural diversity and harmony cannot be over-emphasised.

He said: “The World Day of Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, being anoccasion for people to deepen their understanding of cultural diversity, affords Nigerians an opportunity to reach out to people of ethnic groups other than theirs and

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

identify ways of harnessing our rich cultural diversity for national transformation. It offers us a chance as a people, within our polycultural existence, to find the resources to sustain our strength as a nation by pooling together the various aspects of our cultures and values that unite us under God. “Our core values as a people, as stated in Chapter Two of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, are those of discipline, integrity, dignity of labour, social justice, religious tolerance, self reliance and patriotism. These are values cherished across all the over 250 ethnic groups of Nigeria.”

•Sapphire

K

RAFTMAN Productions, notable for its movie productions, has signed a joint venture agreement with Alfa Mega Records.

The partnership, according to them, will increase the promotion of musical artistes across the country.

The agreement will see Kraftman collaborating with Alfa Mega to produce, distribute and market record albums. According to Madu Chikwendu, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), MCM Group parent company of Kraftman: the deal is

meant to promote the music industry.

“This deal should not be seen as the typical vertical movement that has become commonplace in the entertainment industry…from music to movies, movies to music. My origins in the entertainment industry actually lies in music right from my undergraduate days at the University of Port Harcourt when Alfa Mega CEO, Fredrick Amakom II, were members of Gemini Club and secured the franchise for Miss UNIPORT. This platform made it possible to bring the popular artistes of those days to the Garden City. In the 90s, we discovered Junior and Pretty, who will no doubt enter the history books as the pioneers of afro rap. And now we are back and we are here to stay,” Chikwendu said.

For Fredrick Amakom II, CEO Alfa Mega, the deal will cut across the West African Sub-region. “Having spent the last 10 years on the West Coast of Africa running entertainment venues, we are happy to be back in Naija …where it all started. All our acts are ready to set the West African Sub-region on fire.”

Artistes billed for release on the Kraftman/Alfa Mega platform include the new hip hop enchantress Sapphire, silky voiced Sherzo, sensuous highlife performer Fritzi and Badboy Reggy Rokka.

Sapphire’s music is already available for download on iTunes, ringback tones and Internet music download sites.

34

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2012

The Midweek Magazine E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

An army of artists

Firm promotes Nigerian visual arts

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W

E might adapt for the artist the joke about there being nothing more dangerous than instruments of war in the hands of generals. In the same way, there is nothing more dangerous than justice in the hands of judges, and a paint brush in the hands of a painter! Just think of the danger to society! But today we haven’t the heart to expel the painters and poets because we no longer admit to ourselves that there is any danger in keeping them in our midst. Pablo Picasso, quoted in Gerald Howe, The Painter’s Object.

When the British army burned and looted Benin City in 1897, the imperial powers fancied that the war was over as soon as the besieged capital city fell. But the news of the British sack of Benin was highly exaggerated. Even further from over is the battle for the heart and soul of the ancient kingdom, as Osaretin Ighile’s recent work, entitled Oba Ovonramwen, demonstrates.

Instead of abating, it is apparent that the fighting, quite endemic by design, has intensified.

Equally weighty is the argument that Ighile’s work raises: that there will be no winner in this old war. With his brush, scalpel, and plaster of Paris, Ighile seems a formidable fighter in this internecine conflict of cultural ballistics.

The Anglo-Edo war that started in 1897 has now given way to a combat of images. Ighile, with his recent installation at New York’s Skoto Gallery (April 12 to May 12), returns the representation of Oba Ovonramwen (the Benin monarch), into the center of the skirmish in a deliberately pugnacious manner that rallies the troop.

While Ighile’s installation of the king’s image signals the return of the Edo flagship, and the rekindling of the Anglo-Edo conflicts, it also seems to assure the fighters that the most vicious weapons of war need not make the loudest noise, nor draw the most blood.

In 1897, the military activities that began with the attack by the British Empire on the warlike Edo kingdom exacerbated into insurgent resistance and nationalist Benin activism. Following the despoliation, plunder, and pillaging of the capital city of Benin, and the exiling of Oba Ovonramwen, the insurgency relocated from the center of the capital city to outlying regions.

For a couple of years after the British army decimated Benin, the Edo general, Ologbosere, added a new dimension to the combat by moving loyal troops outside the city, from where he launched a barrage of attacks on British outposts.

Ologbosere and his guerilla fighters hid among villages and towns that supported Edo insurgency. The British expedition retaliated with bloody ferocity. British troops burned these supportive locations, destroyed villagers’ crops, detained their youths, and incarcerated their rulers.

Weary of these heavy reprisals, some villagers betrayed Ologbosere and delivered him to the hands of the British troops. The arrest of Ologbosere and other warmongers including Chief Ebohon did not quell the anti-British campaigns. It further drove the fighters into the underground, escalating a conflict that remains unresolved till today.

Valiant Benin peasants who conducted the campaigns against the colonization of Edo territory attested to the brutality of the British troops in the unrelenting effort to crush the desire of Edo indigenes for autonomy. British propaganda branded such people as treacherous and murderous characters resisting the introduction of progress and the establishment of Christian principles. Edo resistance efforts incorporated strategies of frustrating British colonial ambitions through emigration from the center, the practice of indigenous religions, and the production of images alluding to indigenous cultural values embedded in the sanctity of the land, and the preeminence of the king.

By maintaining control over the movement of people from the center, discouraging indigenous Edo religious activities, and curbing production and display of Edo art, the British asserted their myth of the total subjugation of the Edo people. Through fabrication of new images, Edo indigenes have continued to maintain a measure of autonomy from absolute imperial domination.

Photography was the newest form of artistic expression that availed itself to the representation of Edo resistance in 1897 and subsequent years. Photographers conveyed the intensity of Edo struggles against colonial domination, as

• Conference participants Stories by Evelyn Osagie

CONFERENCE

•Oba Ovonramwen by Ighile

By Moyo Okediji

ARTS well as the brutality and ruthlessness of imperial determination to subjugate Edo sovereignty.

The camera portrayed milestones in the struggle, and documented notable chapters in the catalogue of imperial repression. The core players in the unfolding colonial drama on both sides of the divide, including the Caucasian officers who led the attack, the recruited African soldiers who carried out the actual fighting, the Edo leaders who designed the campaigns of resistance, and the peasants who supported the insurgent activities, were subjects of photographic depictions. The land that witnessed the battles; the indigenous art objects confiscated from Edo people as trophies of war; and the architecture of the culture of resistance and decimation were preserved and presented with photographic verity.

The central character of the entire struggle, Oba Ovonramwen Nogbaisi, attracted the brunt of the blame for the resistance struggles. He was also the focus of various photographic shots. Erin Haney, in her book entitled “Photography and Africa,” writes, “Sending African rulers into exile was a part of colonial expansion particularly well-suited to spectacle, and these events were often ceremonially photographed for posterity.

Images taken before the detention and exile of kings who fought colonial forces, such as Samora Toure of the Mande kingdom and Prempeh I of the Asante government, circulated in many forms.” But few African kings of the pre-colonial and colonial eras attracted as much photographic attention as Oba Ovonramwen, whose reign was dramatized in front of the camera, before, during and after the major confrontations between the British and the Edo kingdom.

Osaretin Ighile shared ideas from a popular daguerreotype by the Ijaw photographer Jonathan Adagogo Green. Ighile, a contemporary Edo artist born and educated in Benin City, lends three-dimensional reality to an epic African story that has remained at the crossroads of history and mythology. Haney writes that, “The

Bonny-Opobo based photographer, J.A. Green made several images of the defeated Oba Ovonramwen after the British 1897 ‘Punitive Expedition.’…. A century later, the portrait of Ovonramwen was reclaimed by the court of Benin as a crucial representation of defiant royal authority, and a resounding symbol of the kingdom’s endurance.

Ighile’s mixed-media sculptural monument, Oba Ovonramwen, installed recently in his recent solo exhibition in New York’s Skoto Gallery, has rekindled burning controversy surrounding the repatriation of thousands of art objects that Europeans removed from Africa during the era immediately before and during the colonial era. Beyond this controversy, however, Ighile’s work delivers a stupendous reading of the tragic king. Ighile rewrites in sculptural diction a royal image that has taunted the historical imagination with a smile that mocks British imperialism.

The sack of Benin, as the saga goes, is now a lucrative tale cast in fiction, bronze, poetry and songs. 1897 saw the collision of two monumental monarchs, as the British Empire tackled the Edo crown in a colossal confrontation that decimated but did not defeat the latter, nor fully proclaim the triumph of the former. As the British transited from a past mired in and marred by slavery, it began to embrace imperial ambitions that conflicted with the desires of an Edo kingship that, at that time, still profited from domestic enslavement and local servitude. Two ideas ran in opposing axes along two ancient cultures that floundered within the wilderness of colonial slavery. So irresistible was the green patina of manila that it sealed the doom of Edo monarchy as slave poachers, and tarnished the image of British troops as art plunderers.

But could any young ruler such as Ovonramwen have kept his head? A legend, no doubt, but was Ovonramwen god, king, artist, or all of the above? Osaretin Ighile, in his exhibition at Sokoto Gallery, conceptually pondered and fielded these questions as he arranged the lacerated pieces of plastic, metals, and singed wood, in his installation.

TRATEGIC communications firm, C&F Porter Novelli has partnered Nimbus Art Gallery to organise the first solo exhibition of the works of Nigeria’s renowned artist and sculptor, Emmah Mbanefo.

The exhibition, Ambivalence, which was held at the Ikoyi-based Nimbus Art Gallery, featured over 60 paintings, etchings, sculptures, and installations. It was declared open by the Obi of Onitsha, His Majesty Nnaemeka Achebe.

C&F Porter Novelli provided its services to Nimbus Art Gallery and Mbanefo on a pro bono basis. This involved providing strategic advice and counsel to Nimbus Art Gallery and Mbanefo, developing a communications plan for the exhibition, and managing implementation of the plan. ”Nigeria is blessed with rich culture and traditions but some of us seem to be oblivious of this fact; and fail to realise that our arts and culture are ready materials for projecting the image of our country,” said Nnaemeka Maduegbuna, Chairman/CEO of C&F Porter Novelli.

“Our partnership with Nimbus Art Gallery on this project forms part of our effort to draw attention to the need to give our rich cultural heritage the primacy that it deserves.” ”Mbanefo’s works take pride of place in public spaces and in private collections within and outside Nigeria; however, he has largely remained unknown outside of the Nigerian arts community due to his recluse nature. What we have done is to bring him ‘out of the closet’ as it were and put him on a pedestal.”

Praising C&F Porter Novelli for its role in the arts exhibition, the artist, Emmah Mbanefo, said: “I would never have been able to achieve the results I did even from the first day of the exhibition but for C&F Porter Novelli. I hope this serves as an eye opener for other corporate organisations in the country. The art industry in Nigeria has suffered serious neglect for many years and this has negatively affected the fortunes of our talented artists.”

While declaring the exhibition open, the Obi of Onitsha, His Majesty Nnaemeka Achebe, also praised C&F Porter Novelli for this gesture and urged governments at all levels and corporate Nigeria to make more committed inputs to the development of Nigerian arts and culture. “There is an urgent need for the review of our National Policy on Arts and Culture and its implementation with a view to achieving greater relevance and sustainability such that our art and culture will become key development resources. I praised C&F Porter Novelli for its roles in this exhibition,” he said.

Group seeks action on artifact theft From Marie-ThereseNanlong, Jos.

A

GROUP, Artifacts Rescuers Association of Nigeria, has raised alarm over illegal trafficking of the artifacts.

It urged the Federal Government to “find a way to halt the harmful trade which does not augur well for the nation’s heritage”.

The group also decried the lack of fair treatment of those involved in the preservation of national heritage.

In a statement by its National President, George Agbo, the group was established to partner with the National Commission for Museums and Monuments as their vendors in rescuing the nation’s artefacts and cultural heritage for museums.

Agbo said the commission was forthcoming in the terms of agreement but started defaulting in payment after the NGO “supplied over 5,000 artefacts from across Nigeria to the Commission worth N190 million”.

It claimed that the commission is owing it N190 million after it rescued and returned certain cultural artifacts to it. It called on the Culture, Tourism and National Orientation Minister, Chief Edem Duke to help in recovering the debt.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2012

35

The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

T

HE 2012 Lagos Heritage Festival has come and gone. There is no doubt, from the contextual perspective, that monumental intellectual and fiscal effort must have been invested by the organisers. This is indeed remarkable as it is commendable.

However, one cannot but comment on some of the fundamental but tangible aspects of the festival, as it was originally conceived by the state government, which now seems to be under serious threat of derailment and which may eventually lead to its natural death, unless of course the Black Heritage Festival under the Fashola’s administration is now being propelled towards a new concept, ideology and objectives but even at that there are still obvious elements that are antithetical to its future development.

The Black Heritage Festival was the brainchild of the former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It started in 2001 with the caption Rediscover Your Roots.

The original overriding objective, among others, was to use the festival as a veritable instrument of attraction to our brothers and sisters in the Diaspora, especially those that are related to history of the slave trade with the singular objective to bring them back to their roots by means of gradual integration into the African environment through the annual celebration of the festival. The Black Heritage Festival was therefore originally and primarily conceived by the Lagos State government under the Tinubu administration to serve ‘as a rallying point to project the diverse cultural heritage of Africa. It provides the opportunity to re-intergrate our black brothers and sisters in the Diaspora to their native land’.

According to the maiden festival brochure, which conceptualised the primary and original objectives and goals of the festival, the festival is being embarked upon in furtherance of the Slave Route Projects initiated by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). It was not only meant to promote the Slave Route Project in Badagry embarked upon by UNESCO but as a means of social integration among the diverse people of the world, especially those of African descent.

The Black Heritage Festival was conceived to liken the PANAFEST in Ghana and the annual spiritual pilgrimage in the Republic of Benin and the Roots Festival in Gambia. These festivals till date serve to promote and develop the slave route project in those countries.

Badagry, in the opinion of Tinubu’s administration became the ideal and realistic venue for hosting the festival not only for its historical relevance to the history of slave trade as a major slave port and market between the 16th and early 19th centuries and the fact that the ancient city was the first port of call to many early European explorers to the entity that later became known as Nigeria, and of course being the first town to play host to the early Christian missionaries in Nigeria in 1843 when the gospel of Christ was first preached on September 24 of that year.

The maiden and the second edition of the festival had black delegates from America, Brazil, the Caribbean, Jamaica and Cuba thronged the festival. As evidence of the emotional and spiritual attachment and their joy to re-integrate or reconnect themselves with their African origin, virtually all of them adopted African names in an elaborate traditional naming ceremony at the Palace of His Majesty, the Akran of Badagry Kingdom while some were conferred with honorary chieftaincy titles. There was also the elaborate traditional atonement and prayers ceremonies

POETRY

Africa will rise again

By Isaac Preboye

The assiento was evil Dehumanised Africans could not breathe Without identification they forced them to cross The ocean of death to hell The spirit of the African Damned, but it held on The songs of freedom Lifted his soul to high spirits The plantations, served the orchestra The white masters And even sugarcane danced to the beat The sons lifted the African soul Assiento, gave way to imperialism with the holy book in one hand The Europeans re-invaded Africa The deed began in the kitchen of the imperialist, Otto Von Bismark Africa was butchered, then baked In the ovens of Germany Several Europeans washed down Their throats filled with champagne From the orchards of France In their drunken stupor They invaded Africa in earnest African towns were burnt down Peaceful inhabitants massacred Natives mowed down with artillery Cannons and maxims produced songs of woe Africa was subjugated Imperialism was at work The African's virginity, deflowered In tears, women were subdued and raped By force, African were exported Her artifacts suffered most Her mother tongue, gone Forced into hunger and disease •Acrobatic performance by Badagry troupe

LBHF: The story so far

By Babatunde Olaide-Mesewaku

FESTIVAL held in Badagry for the repose of innocent souls who perished as a result of brutality in the hands of slave merchants either on African soil or during the atrocious Trans-Atlantic Trade voyage and their eventual disperse to the New World (now America), Europe and Asia. I could remember vividly at the Economic forum held in Akodo in Ibeju-Lekki especially at the second edition of the festival, which witnessed larger number of delegates from the Diaspora many of them expressed their willingness to resettle in parts of Lagos State if only the State Government would play the role of a genuine facilitator. During these events UNESCO was in partnership collaboration with the State Government through the then Lagos State Waterfront and Tourism Development Corporation to organise and participated fully in the festival.

However, the Black Heritage festival ceased to hold for some couple of years due to reasons that were not clear to many people, including

the writer of this article (though many ascribed it to political reasons), and the gains that were appropriated and those envisaged in the shortest future by the people of Lagos State within the first two editions of the festival went down the drain! The third Black Heritage Festival was resuscitated under the Fashola’s Administration in 2010. One was of the opinion that the 2010 edition would build on the gains of the past editions but that was not to be, hence a systematic and gradual shift from the original concept, goals and objectives of the festival.

The 2010 edition of the festival, according to the organisers ‘was inspired by the Spirit of Convergence for which Lagos remains preeminence, the Lagos Black Heritage Festival celebrates the creativity of Lagos within a carnivalesque of traditional and contemporary dance, music, theatre, a children’s heritage village, a regatta and other artistic offerings, both inter-state and international’.

•Continued next week

•Olaide-Mesewaku is the President, African Renaissance Foundation, organiser of Badagry Festival.

Nigerian wins Commonwealth prize

T •Anyaegbuna •

HE list of Commonwealth prize winners for each of the five regions has been released. The winner for the African region is Jekwu Anyaegbuna, who won for his story: Morrison Okoli (1955-2010).

His Commonwealth story is about Africans in the Diaspora, this time a Nigerian who spent several years away from home.

But Morrison lived a shady life; he was into crime, and his story is told as a flashback, after his corpse had been brought to a cemetery for burial back home in Nigeria. The exquisite angle to Morrison Okoli (1955-2010) is that it is told in a way that is not only creative, fascinating, but shocking for the quality of imageries employed, and the mind of the author at work. In this story, as in many of his works, Anyaegbuna makes symbols and imageries speak, carry his narration forward, carry it to the reader’s mind, more than words.

Jekwu has a style of writing that has always

By Tunji Ajibade

stood each of his stories out even among the 2009 participants that attended the annual Farafina Writing Workshop organised by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, winner of the 2007 Orange Broadband Prize for Fiction.

While commenting on Jekwu’s name appearing on the short story shortlist earlier on, Adichie had said, “I'm going to be presenting the awards at the Hay festival...and I think I might just cry if Jekwu wins. This is exactly why I wanted to do this workshop, to let Nigeria see our talent, to let the world see our talent.”

Prize winner for other Commonwealth regions are: Asia, Anushka Jasraj, India, Radio Story; Canada and Europe, Andrea Mullaney, UK, The Ghost Marriage; Caribbean, Diana McCaulay, Jamaica, The Dolphin Catcher; Pacific, Emma Martin, New Zealand, Two Girls in a Boat.

•Ajibade is a Communications Consultant

There was despair in Africa The creative impulse of Africans Was flattened out of existence Africa became a dark continent Treaties gave way to military expeditions Africa became a colony of Europe Military laws determined the African's faith It was an holocaust of the worst order If assiento was evil Colonisation was sheer horror Resolved, the African spirit Waxed strong, and life went on Africa has gradually rebuilt after colonial shackles Her identity, in the comity of nations Africa will rise again Africa will rise again •Preboye's poem in celebration of African Day

BRIEF

ANA unveils new website

T

HE Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) has unveiled its programmes for the second half of the year. The unveiling was done during its council meeting held at IIorin, Kwara State.

Top on the list were the hosting of its website and database containing its membership list and other vital information on/for writers. Writers seeking information about the association can now view it on www.ana-nigeria.com.

The ANA executives urged states chairmen to summit their list of members before August 31. This, it said, would ensure transparency. “We want to streamline things,” it said. It also named some proposed programmes including the Teen Authorship Programme; Nigerian writers Series, which it said is still in the pipeline; Northern Nigerian Summit powered by Kebbi State, among others.

According to the ANA President, Prof.

Remi Raji, the association is currently seeking partnership with corporate bodies on some of its projects. He said his administration is set to give writers a new lease of life.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2012

36

The Midweek Magazine

E-mail:- ozoluauhakheme@yahoo.com

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

At the rider’s risk!

People trying to hitch a ride at Ojota, Lagos PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLIAMS

‘AMORC a secret cult? No way! ‘ The Ancient Mystical Order of the Rose and the Cross (AMORC) is seen by many as an occultic organisation. The President of the organisation in Nigeria and Vice President of the English speaking countries of Europe and Africa, Dr. Kenneth Idiodi, in this interview with OLUKOREDE YISHAU, talks about the mysteries surrounding the organisation.

W

HAT is the philosophy behind AMORC? Basically, it is an educational, cultural and philosophical organisation devoted to investigating the truth to enabling all humans live in harmony using universal cosmic principles for the attainment of physical, mental and spiritual health, happiness and peace; in the philosophy of this organisation, this is attainable at the personal and collective level.

Activities of AMORC used to be exclusively secret but recently, it’s now made open to all; why?

It was exclusive because of the level of awareness. You cannot address the mundane issues of humanity without addressing the spiritual dimensions. There is an increasing awareness now that since we all emanated from the universal source of supreme intelligent, we must know how to relate with that universal source, daily. As a mystical organisation that is committed to the union with the universal consciousness, God, we must study the modus operandi of the natural and spiritual laws that has emanated from this intelligent.

So, why did people see it as a secret society?

Secret or secrecy yes. You know giving oneself to intellectual study of the spiritual, in the laboratory of self, the processes of unfolding the mystery of self definitely remains secret, private and personal. If you want to commune with your inner most being, you have to turn your consciousness inward into the secrecy and privacy of your consciousness. This is basically not anything new, all the sages, the founders of various religion including Jesus Christ have mentioned that to know the mystery of Heaven, you must close the outer quarters and commune with your father in Heaven in secrecy and your father who sees in secrecy will reward you openly. In the medieval time, When you talked about secret societies of learning in Europe, these were known to be very exclusive organisations and persons belonging to those schools were discoverers, inventors who by virtue of hard work on their part in the secrecy and privacy of their laboratory of self,

INTERVIEW invented and gave us the many scientific inventions we are enjoying today. We enjoy GSM today because some people worked for it in the secrecy of their various educational centers, in the secrecy of their hearts and minds, burning midnight oil to discover and invent things that we may enjoy what they worked for in secrecy, so secrecy was synonymous as at that time with research. Secrecy is not associated with anything sinister, it is in recent years, people started ascribing obnoxious things to secrecy, again the awareness has been created, and we can now talk about the activities of the AMORC. So, as the world become more enlightened, there will be a better appreciation of our activities and how we have been contributing to the advancement of humanity.

AMORC claims that most notable sages were students of the Rosicrucian, including Jesus Christ?

We don’t just lay claims but we have historical evidence to substantiate. Well, no matter how suppressed and antagonised that we have been made to be, we don’t make false claims, Rosicrucians are seeker of truth! AMORC, has been in existence for about 3500 years now, as an organised philosophical and mystical organisation, (by mystical we do not mean magical, but union with the universal consciousness, union with the supreme intelligence, be it called Allah, God or the equivalence in any language or religion) we know that the source of all wisdom is the divine intelligence of God. Yesterday, today and tomorrow, you could not become a Rosicrucian if you do not believe in the existence of God. Rosicrucian students are deep in Philosophy, the love of wisdom, if you have wisdom, you have all things. Knowledge is power; the judicious application of knowledge is wisdom and with wisdom comes all other things. The philosophers of old were Rosicrucian mystics, persons who sought to know about the universe, the environment which they lived and most of all about themselves, because the deduction here is that since we were created in the image and likeliness of God, we should

know God. Therefore, Rosicrucian holds it that it is not just enough to believe in God but also his creation, having the knowledge of the invisible world and being creative, inventing things and making this world a better place for the human race as God intended it to be from the beginning of time. Let us say our master; Jesus Christ who was a master of natural and spiritual laws was an initiate of the highest order pertaining to the mysteries. According to our records, the three wise men, were part and parcel of the tradition of the Essence Brotherhood, ‘the White Brotherhood,’ therefore, in our opinion and to our knowledge, we reffered to Jesus Christ as one of our great master.

Where do you place AMORC with other religions and secret organisations like the witchcraft?

AMORC is not a religion, but an educational, cultural and philosophical organisation, like any other regular school, person from various back grounds, religion or what ever, Muslims or Christians, Buddhist or Hindu, can become a member. My wife and I are Christians and we have been members of AMORC on our own conviction for nearly 50 years. We have raised all our children in accordance with Christian doctrines and this has not conflicted in any way with our Christian faith as well as the practices of the Rosicrucian. But somebody is free to say you are a member of AMORC so you are not a Christian, who decides who is a Christian or not? God knows his followers!

It is ones character that determines ones faith in the supreme intelligence as a Religionist. So Rosicrucian is essentially a university of life meant for students who believe in learning as a continuous process in life, regardless of religious affiliations.

If as a Christian or a Muslim or an African Traditionalist, you take out time to read religious books of other religion, you will be a better religious person and will have better religious tolerance margin for other religions. If you know all these, all the mysteries of witches and wizards will disappear, humans were not created to do evil but at any time you think and do evil, you

•Idiodi

could be a witch or wizard!

With such a philosophical organisation, why does Nigeria tend to be evolving from bad to worse?

Nigeria is experiencing the law of circles.

In the natural and spiritual laws of circle, the undulation of circles of good, bad or evil, and the circles of better and best, etc.

So, Rosicrucian Order is essentially an agency for human civilization. The point is that we build human beings who in turn build a better world. That way we are able to pass the penultimate gold to the ultimate gold which is the mastery of life, So, each human being owe it to himself in creation to fulfill this obligations, first to the deity, second to fellow human being, third to self, the three are so interwoven that you cannot handle one without impacting positively on the other. It is obvious that the Nigeria, in spite of the pessimisms and negative occurrences, there are still many good things about the country. By contrast and comparism, we are duty bound as citizens to be optimistic about our future and to put our hands in the plough of Nigeria’s building project. We maintain our stance as Rosicrucians that if every human being makes an effort to build him or herself for service, place service above self interest, which is altruism, we will have a better country. Rosicrucian who are at different position of authority have been selflessly committed to doing things aimed at bettering the lots of Nigerians; the country could have been worse without Rosicrucians.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2012

38

Kwara helmsmen render account

K

WARA State Governor AbdulFatah Ahmed has upgraded infrastructure across the state as his administration clocks one year. Roads are expanded and pot holes filled even as new ones are built.

Ministries and parastatals have taken stock of their achievements in the last one year.

The Commissioner for Works and Transport, Dr. Abubakar Kannike, said the administration has built over 600 kilometres of roads and spent over N200 million on expanding the Sango- Kwara State Polytechnic Road.

The road expansion enhances access to tertiary health care at the teaching hospital, Ilorin, he said.

Kannike also said the administration is committed to filling up pot holes in the state, adding that the government will continue to rehabilitate and maintain roads in the state.

The Commissioner, who also stood in for his counterpart in the energy ministry, expressed concern that the power project at Ganmo that was meant to enhance the supply of electricity to the state had not been as effective as envisaged because of the national problem of power generation but promised that the state government would not relent in its efforts towards ensuring a solution is found to the challenge.

The Special Adviser to the governor, Alhaji Abdulraheem Adedoyin said the state government continuity slogan has given unique opportunities to move the state forward.

Adedoyin said it makes more sense in ensuring people benefit from programmes and policies by completing them.

The event was to showcase activities of four ministries in the state in the last one year.

He said: “When this government chose the concept of continuity, many people thought it meant recycling personnel that served under the last administration but that was not the case.”

Adedoyin added: “We decided on continuity because it enables us to complete the quality works on the

S

ENATE Committee on Women Affairs, Social and Youth Development has called for the establishment of more citizenship and leadership training centres (CLTC) across the 36 states of the country where youths can be trained and groomed

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

ground for which resources had been allocated and which were designed to have direct impact on the lives of the people.

“You can see the wisdom in our decision. At the inception of this administration, there was a retreat that produced the policy thrust for governance; that policy thrust produced the budget and the budget produced specific activities with distinct time frames and resource allocation with targets and that is why we can say we have accomplished much in one year.”

Taking his turn,

•Completed Gamo-Afon Road. Inset: A beautified roundabout

Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Alhaji Raji Atolagbe said the state has spent N16.5 million on exchange students in the last one year, spent over N131 million on bursary on students from the state in tertiary institutions and over N23 million on NECO fees for qualified candidates.

He added that the government was also enforcing information technology compliance among students in its tertiary institutions not withstanding the course of study while the ministry had also undertaken survey of tradesmen across the state with a view to establishing standardised training manual for them in order to enhance their effectiveness.

On his part, Commerce and Cooperatives, Alhaji Saka Onimago said his ministry is tinkering with the idea of accessing N750 million

loan facility from the Bank of Industry (BoI) to finance small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) in the state.

He said the state Governor, Alhaji AbdulFatah Ahmed has given his ministry the approval to obtain the loan.

Onimago further disclosed that the governor has released N250 million for disbursement to cooperative societies in the state as revolving loans.

He said that 147 co-operative societies have so far benefited from the loan scheme while 10 microfinance banks were accredited for the loan disbursement to ensure probity and transparency.

“Currently, the state government is in the process of establishing a free trade zone for clusters of agroallied enterprises and manufacturers which when completed would provide jobs for about 22,000

•Ahmed Kwarans,” he added.

He said that his ministry had “facilitated the building of standard and well-organised ultra-modern markets for the people of the state.”

Special Assistant on Youths Empowerment, Alhaji Saka Babatunde, said the government has employed 2, 000 youths under its bridge empowerment scheme (KWABES).

He said 1, 000 of the youths would be given full employment in 10 days time.

Babatunde noted that the fact that over 42, 000 youths have registered with KWABES underscored the relevance of the scheme.

The Commissioner for Agriculture, Alhaji Mohammed Baba Kpan, said the government had entered into partnership with some foreign expatriates to further boost commercial agriculture and provide job opportunities for the people of the state.

He announced plans by the government to develop six grazing reserves in all the three senatorial zones of the state to minimise the incessant clashes between Fulani herdsmen and farmers in the state.

Senate seeks more youth training centres

By Miriam Ndikanwu

for productivity and leadership.

The Committee said the present

seven centres are not enough to meet the objective.

Chairman of the Committee, Senator Helen Esuene made the call

•From left: Mr. Michael Fawole, Acting Director General, Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre, Sea School, Apapa, Lagos State, Senator Helen Esuene, chairman, Senate Committee on Women Affairs and Youth Development, Senator Nenadi Esther Usman and Senator Boluwaji Kunlere during the facility tour

when she led a delegation of committee members including Senators Nenadi Usman and Boluwaji Kunlere on a facility tour ofApapa Sea School Centre, Lagos.

She said the transformation of the country was not the sole responsibility of the Federal Government and that there is need to establish more centres that will help train youths to become good citizens of the country.

She said training at the Centre should be made to reach millions of Nigerians including students and pupils in secondary and primary schools.

She called on state governors to get involved in the funding of the Centres in their respective states.

Senator Esuene said at no time are the reasons for the establishment of the centres more compelling than now, saying that Nigeria is in dire need of quality leadership as well as patriotism, selflessness self-discipline and self-reliance, which were the driving forces in the minds of the founding fathers over 50 years ago.

“The average Nigerian runs down government, but we should speak and aim well for our country,” Esuene said. “If there are areas of criticism it should not be done to the detriment of the country.”

She commended the Acting Direc-

tor-General and management of the Centre for the achievements recorded.

She also lamented the poor funding of the Centre, promising that the Committee will assist to reverse the situation.

The Acting Director General,of CLTC Michael Fawole said the Centre was established to provide training for the development of citizenship and leadership for public benefits; enhancing and expanding individual awareness; and developing national consciousness and international understanding.

He informed the Senators that the Centre has trained over 5 million Nigerians since its inception through its facilities at the Sea School Apapa, Aluu Unit in Port Harcourt, Awgu in Enugu State, Women Training Unit in OutJeremi Delta State, Shere Hills in Jos Plateau State, Fika in Yobe State and Kotokorshi in Zamfara State while beneficiaries are drawn from the Nigeria Defense Academy, Nigeria Police Academy, the EFCC, NIA, Immigration, Prisons, Defense Intelligence College, Road Safety among others and called for adequate budgetary allocations.

The DG listed the challenges to include paucity of funds.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2012

39

A

FRICAN leaders, philanthropic organisations and well-meaning individuals have been called upon to support the African Peace Foundation (APF), an organisation committed to reawakening the consciousness of the black continent in the pursuit of peace.

The Chancellor, Littoral University Port-Novo, Prof Oyebode Ayeni, made the appeal at the Hotel DuLac in the Republic of Benin, during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between APF and the university to translate Peace Culture, a book on peace and conflict resolution authored

by AFP, from English to French.

Ayeni said the continent has had enough of war and hostilities that have torn Africa apart and retarded its development.

He said the entire world, and not just Africa, has faced one form of terrorist attack or another. This development, Ayeni explained, has made it obligatory for African countries to work assiduously towards achieving peace.

Said he: “Africa has experienced intra-state and inter-state wars, which have hindered development in the region. Twenty per cent of the sub-Saharan population lives in countries at war within themselves. In addition, over the last 40 years, nearly 20 African countries or 40 Sub-Saharan Africa have experienced at least one period of civil war.

“The time has come to secure peace and unite against suffering and deprivation. I see a new Africa rising that takes her rightful place of leadership, an Africa that uses her diversity to reinforce her strength.

The organisation, Ayeni added,

•From right: Prof. Ayeni and Prof. Makinwa during the signing. With them are Lt -Gen. Useni (right) and Prof. Ayeni’s wife, Pastor Fela, at the event

Foundation seeks peace

By Adegunle Olugbamila

hopes to end killings, conflict and war within and between nations in and beyond Africa via advocacy, non-violence, resistance, demon-

The time has come to secure peace and unite against suffering and deprivation. I see a new Africa rising that takes its rightful place of leadership, and Africa that uses its diversity to reinforce its strength

O

IL-PRODUCING communities in Ondo State have demanded that oil firms set up operational offices in their areas.

The communities also threatened that further exploration activities may not be allowed if the oil firms failed to establish offices in the state. They equally condemned seismic activities undertaken by Conoil Nigeria Lim-

stration, pacifism, boycott, and diplomacy among others.

Ayeni who also doubles as the APF Coordinator for Francophone countries, stressed that the 43-page book by APF, remains of its strategies to push the peace crusade in every nook and cranny of Africa and beyond.

The AFP Director General Prof Ola Makinwa, said members of the organisation which was established in 2003, are participating in the monitoring of the 2003 general election in Nigeria, noting that since then APF has been growing in leaps and bounds.

“In 2003 when the general elections were held in Nigeria, we had over 1000 of members in the election monitoring team nationwide.

We did this because we knew democracy is necessary for peace and

good governance and since then we have been growing from strength to strength. We also establish seminar, workshop, and a world peace conference annually.”

He also said AFP equally acknowledges efforts of Africans who have been in the vanguard of peace and conflict coexistence, recognised them by making them APF patrons.

He identified Nelson Mandela and General Olusegun Obasanjo as two of such patrons.

Prof Makinwa said a seven-year research embarked upon by AFP, resulted in the Peace Culture book.

“APF underwent a research for seven years to unravel the causes of war, hostilities and other crisis in Africa, and we realised unless there is peace culture which must begin from you and me, there can’t

be peace in the continent.’ He also noted that AFP also plans to build the African Peace Centre which according to him, will be a confluence for warring communities and nations in Africa to table their grievances for permanent resolutions.

“The book is a must read for all.

No book has ever defined peace the way the book did. Peace culture is the only book with two forewords, one by Alhaji Shehu Shagari and the other by General Olusegun Obasanjo,” he added.

Chairman of APF, Lt Gen Jeremiah Oseni, who spoke briefly, said with the launch, AFP hopes to generate funds to facilitate more of its activities.

Also two traditional rulers HRH Oba Onikoyi, the Abesan of Alajase of Port-Novo and King Tofa Nine, also of Port-Novo, who addressed the gathering on behalf of other traditional rulers, guests and students, pledged their support for the success of the programme.

‘Oil firms must have offices in host communities’ From Damisi Ojo, Akure

ited in Ilaje and Ese-Odo local government areas of the state.

At a stakeholders’ forum organised by the Ministry of Environment and

Mineral Resources on Coinoil seismic, representatives of the communities spoke on the activities of the oil firm.

The Commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources, Chief Olusola Ebiseni, said the activities

which involves prospecting for oil was completely onshore, adding that there was therefore no controversy over the affected communities According to him, the company had come to stay in the area as it had invested huge amount of money on the activities.

He however expressed the support of the state to the views canvassed by some of the representatives of the communities over the establishment of operational base in the state by the oil companies.

Ebiseni stated that the state would not continue to be an appendage of other states as its officials would no more be ready to attend any meeting involving it and the oil companies in their offices in other states of the Niger Delta region.

The commissioner said since Ondo state was the biggest operational base of Conoil, the organisation should

set up an office in the state to aid administrative activities.

Community leaders at the stakeholders’ however said there was the need for proper sensitisation of the communities, while they should also be involved in the activities.

One of them, Johnson Malumi from Ikoriwo community, complained the omission of names of some communities in Ilaje local government area from the Map of areas to be covered by the activities.

He also said contrary to the promise of the oil company, no contact person was appointed for the project, adding that the company had not done the verification of those concerned in order to ascertain those to be compensated.

Malumi noted that there was the need for the implementation of the local content agreement in the execution of the project.

The support of the state to the views canvassed by some of the representatives of the communities over the establishment of operational base in the state by the oil companies •Emirs at the Jama’atu Nasril Islam Central Council meeting in Kaduna

40

WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2012

Out of the five projects earmarked for execution, two are in the educational sector. This is because we plan to arrest the alarming rate at which the standard of education is falling in this community as in other parts of the nation

Lawmaker mobilises Kwara community at feast

S

ENATOR Smart Adeyemi representing Kogi West has urged residents of Omu-Aran community in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State to donate generously towards its development.

The Senator was speaking as the community celebrated its Omu-Aran Day. Waxing biblical, the ex-president of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), who was the chairman of the occasion, urged people to donate generously.

The event was also organised to raise funds for the infrastructural development of the ancient community that produced such eminent personalities as Bishop David Oyedepo of the Living Faith Church (Winners’ Chapel).

The Kwara State government has voted more than N200m on the rehabilitation of five general hospitals in Offa, Omu-Aran, Kaiama, Ilorin and Share.

Adeyemi said the bishop personally invited him to chair the event.

His words: “One of the reasons why I am here is a great testimony. Let me emphasis, I’m not a member of Winners’ Chapel but I am one of the major beneficiaries of that ministry.

Some 17 years ago, I was under serious oppression, I bought a book and the author of the book called ‘The Power of the blood of Jesus’ is Bishop David Oyedepo.

“When I read the book it occurred to me that the blood of Jesus is powerful and capable of delivering people. Ladies and gentlemen, the major reason I am here is to say thank you Papa because I have benefited from your ministry. I sprinkle the blood of Jesus before I step out of my house every other day. That is the

T

HE representative of Ikeja 02 constituency at the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Lola Akande has moved her people to great emotions.

She gave out a wide range of items to various categories of the constuents.

Those items included water pumping machines, desktop computers, electricity generators, cash gifts, among others.

It has become her custom since her election into the state legislature.

Pupils of primary and secondary

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

tonic I got from Bishop Oyedepo.

“Today, that I’m in politics, and not a cult member, I have the blood of Jesus Christ covering me wherever I go. You are lucky in Omu-Aran that whenever they want to write the history of Nigeria in the 21st Omu-Aran will have a chapter and Bishop Oyedepo will have a chapter. Your land is a blessed one and you are a peculiar people, a royal priesthood, a different generation of Nigerians.

“As one of the generals of God we are very much aware of your prayers for this nation. Thank you because you are a blessing to our generation.

“I am here to urge all those who are here to donate generously as in doing that you will be fulfilling the will of God on one hand and the focus of President Goodluck Jonathan transformation agenda. There is nothing that we have that is not given to us. The bible says riches and honour come from God. Everything that you have is from God. That is why the bible says the earth is the lord and the fullness thereof, the world and they that dwell therein.”

Kwara State Governor AbdulFattah Ahmed also urged community residents to be more involved in selfhelp projects in order to accelerate the pace of development since government cannot give the people everything they want.

Alhaji Ahmed who said the challenges of governance necessitate a partnership between the various communities and the state government “for the development of our state”.

The governor disclosed that 244 classrooms in the state-owned schools were undergoing renovation in or-

•Hon Sunday Kareem, House of Representative member (left) and Senator Smart Adeyemi at the event der to create a comfortable atmosphere for learning using enhanced infrastructure.

The President of Omu-Aran Development Association (ODA), Chief Peter Oyinloye said the funds realised would be used to complete the ongoing Ring Road project; upgrade Omu-Aran High School, provide fully equipped science laboratories for all community secondary schools, rehabilitate existing roads and construct an ultra-modern palace for the Olomu of Omu-Aran.

Oyinloye said: “Out of the five projects earmarked for execution, two are in the educational sector. This is because we plan to arrest the alarming rate at which the standard of edu-

cation is falling in this community as in other parts of the nation.

“There are 14 secondary schools in this town, four of which were established by the community between 1971 and 1981. Last year, the four schools were used in a study conducted by Professor Bisi Olasehinde Williams.

“The township roads are no less in need of rehabilitation as some of them were last tarred in 1976 by the Colonel George Innih administration.

These roads need urgent restoration.”

The Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba Charles Ibitoye urged everyone to donate generously towards the projects.

Lawmaker gives to constituents

By Oziegbe Okoeki

schools, youths, the elderly, widows, market women, the unemployed, and other less privileged members of the constituency had something to take home.

The occasion was the fifth Annual Public Speaking, Mathematics Motivational competition and Empowerment programme, a yearly event or-

•Mrs. Fashola hands over cash to one of the recipients.

ganised by Hon. Akande for her constituents.

While the public speaking and mathematics motivational competition is for primary and both junior and senior secondary school pupils and students, the empowerment is for other members of the constituency.

The competition, Akande said, is to encourage the school children in Mathematics and English language “as they are very key to their educa-

tional development. For the others who are members of my constituency, the empowerment programme is to enable them continuously feel the dividends of democracy”, Akande said.

The first, second and third positions in the public speaking and mathematics competition for JSS and SSS were given N50, 000, N25, 000 and N10, 000 respectively including trophy for the first position and other gifts. For public speaking SSS, Onwuguara Lois of Babs Fafunwa Senior secondary came first, Omoyiwola Esther of Agidingbi SSS, came second, while Epharuyi Nelson of Oke-Ira SSS came third. For mathematics; Onikoyi Aminat of OkeIra SSS was first, Daniel Adet of Agi Secondary Grammar school was second and Olaoye Anuoluwapo of Ogba SSS came third.

For the primary schools, Dode Deborah of Ogba primary school went home with N25,000 as first in public speaking, Elumeze Choice of Tokunbo Alli primary school came second with N10, 000 and Aduragbemi Sunday of Oke-Ira primary school came third and received N5, 000. For Mathematics; Aisha Mohammed of Tokunbo Alli was first, Folashade Joseph of Sogunle primary school was second whileAyinde Fausat of Ogba primary school came third.

Other items given out by Akande included; cash gift of N100, 000 to 20 people; N20, 000 to 38 people and N10, 000 to 49 people. Public address system for the Olu of Ikeja palace, pumping machine for SSS barracks; 2.9 KVA generator for Staff Estate, Alausa; 32 inches LCD plasma television given

“I appeal to the state government, the chairman of the occasion, the chief launcher, co-launchers and all well-meaning people and friends to assist us by donating generously towards this noble cause,” the monarch said.

At the occasion, business mogul Jimoh Ibrahim and Senator Adeyemi donated the sum of N10million each.

Dignitaries at the event included Bishop Oyedepo, the first military administrator of the state, Brigadier David Bamgboye (rtd), his sibling and former military administrator of Bauchi and Osun states, Colonel Theophilus Bamgboye (rtd), Colonel Rasheed Shekoni, also a one-time military administrator of the state.

For members of my constituency, the empowerment programme is to enable them continuously feel the dividends of democracy to staff quarters phase 11; Desktop Computer for Alausa staff quarters.

Akande also gave out Gas Cooker, 20 coolers, 20 umbrellas, eight packs of small bottled water, 10 packs of canned soft drinks and bags of rice,s while 17 widows were given cash gift.

Dignitaries present at the event included Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Ajibayo Adeyeye who represented the Speaker of the House as Chairman. There were other lawmakers as well as the wife of the state governor Dame Abimbola Fashola, State commissioner for Education, Olayinka Oladunjoye, among others.

Oladunjoye praised Akande for motivating pupils in Mathematics “which is a major challenge to most students because it is basic to almost all courses of study. Mrs. Fashola called on other Nigerians to take a cue from the lawmaker and impact on their communities.

43

WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2012

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola recently visited The Nation’s Lagos Office where he bared his mind on plots by the opposition to discredit his administration through a controversial intelligence report on his activities, reports Deputy Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU.

‘I won’t be distracted by opposition’ F

OR three years, Rauf Aregbesola was in the court fighting to retrieve his mandate that had been awarded to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). When the Court of Appeal finally restored the peoples’ mandate, he immediately began to clear the mess left behind by former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola.

Within a year of assumption of office, he embarked on lofty projects that have benefited the masses. Across the sectors, there is a clean break from the past. Aregbesola has tried to turn Osun into a huge construction site. School construction and rehabilitation projects are on across the three senatorial districts. The governor has also generated employment for 20,000 people through the ‘O-YES Programme.

Unlike before, there is transparency in governance and graft and theft kept at bay.

Indisputably, these achievements have won Aregbesola respect and commendation by stakeholders. But the opposition leaders perceive these feasts in another light. Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftains know the implications of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) development agenda. It means that, if it is sustained, PDP’s hope to bounce back to power is sealed. Aregbesola said the option left to the opposition party is to distract his attention by cooking up lies against his administration.

The governor has been accused of flouting the constitution by changing the name of the state to ‘State of Osun’. PDP leaders also alleged that he wanted to Islamise the state by using the school system as an agent of spurious change. A former PDP senator allegedly threatened to stop his convoy and search him thoroughly, claiming that he has a private police guarding him. Up came a controversial intelligence report accusing Aregbesola of seccession. Also, the bone of contention is that the governor has composed an anthem for the state, designed a new crest and hoisted a state flag.

When Aregbesola visited the Lagos Office of ‘The Nation’, he responded to these allegations, which he said were unfounded. Why did he change ‘Osun State’ to ‘State of Osun’?. To this question, he replied: “I don’t think there was any change at all. It is a matter of semantics. It is sarcastic that anybody could be bothered about the correctness of the name, Osun State or State of Osun. How does it sound to you? is it the meaning or arrangement of the words?

It is semantics; elementary English. This makes the issues being raised ridiculous”.

But how appropriate is the title, ‘State of Osun’? Aregbesola contented that it is appropriate and there should be cause for alarm. He explained that, in the United States, the land of federalism, this style is in vogue. He said: “ There are some nations and how they describe their states will surprise you. There is the United States of America with 53 states. None of the states is labeled the way we call out own. You will hear State of Virginia, State of New York, State of New Jersey, State of Alaska, State of Mississippi, State of California, State of Texas. I have not heard about California State, Illinois State. That is for America.

“There are states too in Brazil; State of Baiya, State of Sao Paulo and so on. Mexico has states as well; State of Chita. Malaysia has states; State of Sarawak. In all the nations where federalism and states as bases for political structure, the style we have adopted in Osun is the popular style. Nigeria has three tiers; the third one is subsumed under the states. For the country, it is the Federal Republic of Nigeria. For local government, it is local government; Local

Government, Alimoso, Local Government, Ikeja, Local Government, Atakumosa-West, Local Government, Ilesa-West, Local Government, Iwo, Local Government, Ede-North, Local Government, Ede-South. You don’t have Ede local government”.

Aregbesola blamed the military for wrongly labeling the states when they were created.”

In the three structures of Nigeria, all the others follow the same pattern. It is only the ones brought about by the military that is wrongly labeled. Because of the nature of the military, and the attitude of no queering things in Nigeria, we have adopted what I assume is the wrong label for the states”, he pointed out.

The governor maintained that, without in anyway contradicting the constitution, ‘State of Osun’ is a better title, adding that “it is right to appropriately label the state for which, through the mandate of the people and grace of God, I have responsibility. The State Government of Osun or the State of Osun. It does not change anything. It does not alter the constitutional provision for the creation of that state”.

Aregbesola drew a line between a state and a Republic, clarifying that he has never described Osun as a Republic. “Did I say Republic of Osun? We must be careful how we interpret things. If I say Republic of Osun, then, I have altered the constitution. I am conscious of my oath of allegiance to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and that oath is my guiding principle in all I do. We have not in anyway affected the character and form of constitutional provisions for our state. In any event, where there is a controversy on the issue of law between the states and federal government, the civilised recourse is the Supreme Court, which will interpret appropriately what the law says”, he added.

The governor said that no federal authority has queried him for the step he had taken. He recalled that the title came into effect, following the rebranding of the state on February 26,2011. “I have not received any indication of displeasure or controversy on the constitutionality of the title we have chosen to bear. As a matter of fact, I ever even had the official copy of the intelligence report that was published by a newspaper today. I have written to the President. I had through the grave wine the indication of this adverse intelligence. State of Osun, Osun State, what is the difference? Beside the way it is arranged, what is the difference?”, he queried.

Aregbesola spoke on the intelligence report, which he acknowledged was averse. He rejected the move to demomise him and dent the image of his progressive administration.

Dismissing the report as a spurious fabrication, he said the plot to rope him into treasonable felony would fail. “When you are head of a government, you are exposed to sources of information. It was an averse report. Because of that, I wrote an official letter to the President alleging threat to my life and security of the state I administered; that there was an intelligence that maligned my person, demonising me”, he fumed.

The governor took exception to the allegation that he had turned the O-YES Cadet to a private police, saying that it is embarrassing to him and good people of Osun State. He explained that there were few instances where the “O-Yes” cadet accompanied him to public gatherings, stressing that this is not strange.

Aregbesola said that he had a drama out of politics without equating statesmanship with showmanship. He stressded: “People must

• Aregbesola

‘When people are desperate for power, there is nothing they cannot do. In our part of the country, PDP wanted power by all means. But it is unpopular and there is no way they can win any election here; any legitimate, transparent, free and fair election. That fact is not acceptable to them. The character of Yoruba, their worldview, their political consciousness combined, would not allow them to associate with the PDP,” he stressed’ realise that politics itself is drama and theatre.

That is what it is. You watch the on-going campaigns in America. It is a display of drama, theatre and anything you can use to mobilise people to accept your platform and give you the endorsement. That must be the first principle of assessing what to do with ourselves and activities in which we want to register the opinion we are championing or issue we are pursuing. In that regard, we have used the “OYes” volunteers at the summit organised by Vintage Press on regional integration attended by delegates from ACN-controlled states, at the presentation of DAWN in Lagos and 60th birthday of Asiwaju, where the cadet took the flag round the stadium.

“It was in the spirit of celebration, theatre, drama and to register our presence, emphasise our perspective and draw attention to all those things we represent. But besides what I have said, why do states, institutions, dynasties, individuals have their symbols and materials for identification?

“Individuals have symbols and that do not jeopardise their roles, status in the society and they are not even threatened. So also are communities, local governments, states and nations. That is about territory. Institutions have flags, crests, and anthem. My primary school had its flag. I don’t know what has become of it now. My primary school had an anthem.

Ditto my secondary school. Ditto The Polytechnic, Ibadan, which I attended. It is not limited to the institutions I have affiliation with; it is the same with all institutions.

“The most interesting of all institutions that celebrate symbols and colour is the military.

Let us use army as a case study, the fact that army is a military institution has its flag and crest, every aspect of army from division to brigade, to corps, to platoon which is the

smallest unit of command in the army, all have their own symbols and colours. Why? The reason is that either in recreation or battle, every soldier must recognise his unit for fraternity, solidarity and esprit des corps and association.

It is the colour that we use to identify victims whether need help or are dead in operation.

Without the colour, the military is doomed. It is therefore, strange that a nation with the institutions I have mentioned, civil and military, all having colours, symbols, and flags, would bear grudge against a state over means of inspiring the people. “ So, my attitude to it is that we have have vilified over time so much that issues that ought not to even engage our attention are now being raised to the level of national debate.

Aregbesola urged Nigeria to return to true federalism, recalling that, in the First Republic, the flags, crests, symbols and other federalist features, including constitutions and courts, differentiated the four regions. He added: “People have forgotten that, in this same clime, regions had virtually all that we have mentioned, and in addition, constitutions, and that this nation was once structured by regions, with constitutions and crests. For individuals, it is emblem. Whereas the other two regions did not have courts of appeal, Western Region had a court of appeal and all parapherenias; crest and flag. Again, as a matter of fact, even with the advent of the military in 1966, that tradition subsisted till 1975 when Gen. Yakubu Gowon was overthrown. All the 12 states of the federation at that time had individual identity. These are verifiable. if you google Northwestern State, you will see the colour and emblem. Kwara at that time, Northeastern State, all had colours. The crisis with •Continued on page 44

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2012

44

POLITICS

Ogun PDP condemns plan to hold fresh congresses

Balarabe blames politicians for youth unemployment

F

IRST executive governor of Kaduna State and National Chairman, Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP), Alhaji Balarabe Musa has blamed the political class for not providing jobs for the youths.

He attributed crisis in the country to unemployment.

Speaking at an inaugural lecture titled: “Social Science Research as Tool for Social Change: The Imprint of Ola Oni,” in honour of the late Marxist, Comrade Ola Oni, in Osogbo, Osun State on Monday, Musa warned that there would always be tension in the country unless unemployment is seen as a social problem.

He charged leaders to emulate the late Oni by being committed to the people and make sacrifice for the nation.

“There is not likely to be peace in Nigeria unless the government provides solution to the high level of unemployment in the country. This is the singular solution to our many problems. I can say that the high population of Nigeria would make it impossible for any nation of the world to intervene in the current challenges facing this country.

“The government itself is responsible for the high level of unemployment in the country. The situation may continue unless something is done to solve the unemployment problem in the country.

T

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

“We can only find solution to our problems by ourselves. No country can intervene in the present situation in the country because of our high population. Already we are about 150 million in the country.

How can a country now add the problems of over 150 million people to its own problems?

“Our leaders must show commitment in the discharge of their duties and there is a need for political office holders to sacrifice all they have for the people to ensure effective governance in the country. Our leaders must also be loyalty and honest.

Without these I believe peace would remain a mirage,” the former governor opined.

Also, speaking at the occasion, the Osun State governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, extoled the virtues of the late Oni, whom he described as detribalized.

He said he lived his life for the people, especially the downtrodden of this country, saying it would be dis-service to situate him to a particular state in Nigeria.

“Ola Oni worked for the people.

To me he was stateless, he was an internationalist and phenomenon.

His passion for the people was beyond state or region. His life was inspiring and his wife too really supported him in his course,” Aregbesola said.

• Musa

The governor, who traced his contact with the Oni’s family to his days in the Polytechnic, Ibadan, as a students, urged the Federal Government to share the late Marxist’s ideals in its developmental programmes and policies.

He said Oni lived and died for the masses and the betterment of the society, Aregbesola noted that the late activist was always concerned about how to organise the society and correct the political imbalances of the time.

“The nation should learn about the ideals of the late Comrade Ola Oni. He gave everything to the cause of the people. He lived his life totally for the masses that we could hardly find fault in him. It will be a discredit to his memory should anyone situate him. He was an internationalist.”

HE Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the plan to hold fresh congresses in the state, describing it as an attempt to undermine the judiciary.

In a statement the Chairman, Mr. Bayo Dayo, described the move as “undemocratic, despotic and anti-people”.

He wondered why a man who does not have up to two per cent followership in the state but thrives on illegalities, imposition and raw use of power could rail-road the party’s national leadership into taking actions that could bring the party and the judiciary into disrepute.

“He simply does not have respect for the rule of law. He has contaminated the new national leadership of the party,” the party said.

It urged the National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, to rise up to the occasion and uphold the rule of law.

“Alhaji Tulkur is a respectable man who has built a name for himself in the society. He should not to allow some people to tarnish his hard-earned reputation whereby he will be docked for illegalities.

“A case in point is the illegal imposition of Mr. Bode Mustapha, a nonaccountant, as National Auditor of the PDP. This imposition by former President Olusegun Obasanjo should be reviewed and the judgment of the court recognising Mr. Fatai Adeyanju, a chartered accountant, as the authentic candidate, should be implemented,” the party said.

The statement added: “It stands to reason why the party would want to deliberately disobey three subsisting court judgments that have been duly served on its principal officers. No stay of execution has been granted neither have they been set aside. Besides, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the relevant security agencies monitored our congresses and wrote their reports.

“We recall that a few days ago when there was a lot of hue and cry over the seeming delay of President Goodluck Jonathan to implement the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC) that the suspended President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Ayo Salami should be re-instated, the national leadership of the party issued a statement saying since the matter was in court, it should be left to run its full course.

“Is it not ridiculous that the same body could be planning to hold fresh congresses when there are court judgments against such an act? It is actions such as these that have continued to portray our party as a lawless organisation without any modicum of respect for the rule of law.”

Osunbor’s Chief of Staff joins ACN

‘I won’t be distracted by opposition’ •Continued from page 43

those who are raising issues with our symbol is that they are not conversant with the history of Nigeria and interregnum of the military for 30 years, which corroded their judgment”.

Aregbesola disagreed that the emblem of Osun has rivaled that of the federation. He thus punctured the intelligence report, which he maintained, was false in its entirety because none of the issues raised in the report happened.

He explained how the Osun anthem is used. “Yes, we have an anthem. How is the anthem used? That is the issue. Elementary schools have anthems and that does not subvert the Republic of Nigeria. Clubs and associations have anthem. Families have anthem. Companies have anthem. These anthems do not jeopardise the existence of the local governments and states where they are located. I don’t think the anthem is the issue. The issue is the false allegation that we have totally discountenance the anthem of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is absolutely false.

“Let me tell you how we render the anthem. At every public function, the first anthem to be rendered is the anthem of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is a duty that all the states have to the republic. It is after the rendition of the national anthem that the state anthem is rendered, after which prayers would be said in the three recognised faiths in our states; namely traditional religion, Islam and Christianity. Then, the event. after the event, to still emphasise the supremacy of the federal republic over any other thing, after the prayer, the state anthem comes and the event is closed with the national anthem. That has been the tradition from day one. This has never been violated by anybody at any public event. “Equally, the same pattern is followed on the electronic media in our state. At the opening in the morning, it is national anthem and national anthem and when they want to close state anthem and national anthem. Please, how could anybody that is fair minded, honest

and peace-loving, security serving misconstrue this as subversive? “ If anything at all, our approach to the anthem is nationalist; towards strengthening the nation, promoting its interest and motivating the citizenry to appreciate their existence as a unit in the federation. What is the source of this anthem? This anthem of ours was the anthem of the Unity Party of Nigeria translated to Yoruba. The rhythm and lyrics are just the same. The UPN anthem was composed by Papa Obafemi Awolowo, our leader in the region.

And, honestly speaking, it was translated to Yoruba for inspiration. It is serving that purpose. It is a social mobilisation material to inspire our people to the highest level of consciousness so that they can soar to the highest level of achievement. I cannot therefore, fathom the basis for the controversy.

Aregbesola chided the PDP leaders in the state for desperation for power, after being rejected at the polls because they could not meet the aspirations of the people. He said Yoruba cannot align with the PDP because what the party stands for is at variance with the expectation of the race.

“When people are desperate for power, there is nothing they cannot do. In our part of the country, PDP wanted power by all means. But it is unpopular and there is no way they can win any election here; any legitimate, transparent, free and fair election. That fact is not acceptable to them. The character of Yoruba, their worldview, their political consciousness combined, would not allow them to associate with the PDP”, he stressed.

Aregbesola said the basis for such reaction is as historical as it is political. “Have we at any time accepted despots, criminals, fraudsters in our history, from Basorun Gaa to Efunsetan Aniwura and all those people that could not survive in our territory, from time immemorial to the present. Why should a party promote people who have not impacted on their communities and people generally to mandate winners in any democracy?, he queried The governor added: “ If you re-

move the brigandage, electoral malfeasance, outright declaration of results, how can PDP win? They did not win in 2003. They did not win in 2007. And it was clear that the fairly transparent election of 2011 exposed their total weakness and nakedness in our territory where the erstwhile President lost in his polling station where he voted. He was defeated. If such electoral weakness could have happened just a year ago, you could therefore, understand the desperation.

“To me, it is the desperation of this people for power; power that they know is not attainable through legitimate process that is at the root of what they are doing. As a result of this, they are engaging in all manners of foul and criminal things in preparation for the elections that might come. They believe that they can destroy our leading lights to pave the way for electoral manipulation and enthronement of illegitimacy, and fraud. To me, that is the basis for all these. I want to say that they will fail because our people are no longer ready to tolerate their shenanigans”.

• Says PDP govt is a risk in Edo From Osagie Otabor, Benin

F

ORMER Chief of Staff to Professor Oserheimen Osunbor, Mr. Isaiah Osifo, yesterday formally declared support for Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s re-election.

He said Oshiomhole has achieved social immortality by expanding the democratic space of the state.

Osifo noted that contemplating a PDP government in the next gubernatorial election in the state ‘is a great risk that will depress the developmental aspirations of the people and re-enact a bleak future of our dear state.’

He spoke at a press briefing while announcing his decision to join the Action Congress of Nigeria.

Osifo defected to the Labour Party from the PDP last year where he contested the April polls for Edo South Senatorial seat in the Senate but lost to the ACN candidate.

Explaining why he supported Oshiomhole, Osifo said the ANPP in the state has no baggage but require political alliance and that he refused to accept that the present leadership of Edo PDP is interested in democracy and development.

He disclosed that Prof. Osunbor offence in the PDP was his effort to redefine the identity and character of Edo PDP. According to him, “The manifesto of the present local leadership of Edo PDP is vindictiveness, its policy thrust is mala-fide and its character detests integrity.”

“If Major-General Charles Airhiavbere of the PDP decides to accept the identity and character of Edo PDP as it is now, he will find himself in an organisation whose corporate image is suspect and cannot transfer a good image to its candidate.”

• Rivers State Governor Chibuike Amaechi (right) and Deputy Governor Tele Ikuru at the 2012 Rivers State Land Summit in Port Harcourt.

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2012

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EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 29-5-12

Forte Oil grows profit by 16%

F

ORTE Oil Plc grew net profit by 15.8 per cent in the first quarter in spite of marginal decline in sales.

Interim report of the petroleum-marketing company for the first quarter ended March 31, 2012 showed that profit after tax improved to N304.39 million in 2012 as against N262.81 million recorded in corresponding period of 2011. Profit before tax had grown from N315.47 million in 2011 to N396.95 million in 2012. Turnover had slipped to N24.73 billion in 2012 as against N27.57 billion in 2011.

Forte Oil Plc had projected that its profit before tax might be about N1 billion in the first half as the petroleum-marketing company assured that it has laid a strong foundation for sustained recovery and profitability.

In the forecasts for the first half ending June 30, 2012, the board of the company indicated that pre-tax earnings would build up on the back

By Taofik Salako and Tonia Osundolire

of the first quarter performance and improving sales to about N1 billion by the first half, signaling a major turnaround for the oil marketing company.

The pre-tax earnings projection represents pre-tax earnings per share of about 92.6 kobo during the period, which translates into a conservative average annualized pre-tax profit of about N1.90 per share for this year.

The forecasts underline positive net earnings this year and prospects of dividend payment for this year after a streak of losses impacted on the company’s bottom-line and shareholders’ returns. Forte Oil has about 160,000 shareholders.

Commenting on the forecasts, acting group chief executive officer, Forte Oil, Mr. Akin Akinfemiwa said 2012 is a year of recovery for the company as it continues to build on the foundations laid in 2011 to give it the required

leverage to return to its position as a leading oil stock.

According to him, management expects the financial momentum to build as the company restores highvalue output in all areas of its business and also realises new projects in the areas of upstream exploration and production.

He noted that Forte Oil had carried out a complete restructure of its business and transformed into a lean, talent based and technology driven company that would be more responsive to the needs of its customers.

“As part of improved operational efficiency, controls have been improved across business lines; stronger corporate governance and compliance are being ensured at all levels as well as the introduction of the foremost business enterprise solution and implementation of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS),” Akinfemiwa stated.

He outlined that as part of its repositioning efforts, the company has started rebranding of its retail outlets nationwide, which altogether would translate into strong market dominance, sustainable profitability and good returns to shareholders.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 29-5-12

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2012

51

MONEY LINK HE International Financial Corporation (IFC), has held discussions with banks on how to provide non-financial services to Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs). IFC, a member of World Bank Group, met with Nigerian banks during a workshop in Lagos recently.

The body organised the workshop to enable banks provide training opportunities on various managerial and entrepreneurial services, among others to small and

T

IFC partners banks to boost Nigerian SMEs Stories by Akinola Ajibade

medium scale operators in the country.

Speaking at the event, the IFC’s Country Manager for Nigeria, Mr. Solomon Adegbie-Quaynor, said non-financial services such as management and advisory support help SMEs acquire the skills they need to grow.

Adegble-Quaynor said the body is working with banks in Africa to help them deliver non-financial services, which in turn allows the banks to build a more loyal and diverse portfolio of small and medium businesses.”

He said: “ IFC recognizes that local banks can be key conduits to SME growth in developing countries. However, the bank-SME con-

nection is not as widespread as it could be. Participants discussed why and how commercial banks provide non-financial services to SMEs. The aim of today’s workshop was to encourage the banks present to share their experiences and ask some questions.”

He said non-financial services can help SMEs become more bankable, increase their ability to repay loans, and improve their business practices.

Also, the Senior Manager, Senior Manager, SME Banking Business and Synergy Department, Turk Ekonomi Bankasi (TEB), and the guest speaker at the event, Mr. Simla Unai shared TEB’s success story on using non-financial services to help grow SMEs. TEB is an IFC client.

Participants discussed a recent IFC market study of the motivation and practices of 21 banks that provide non-financial services to SMEs in developing countries.

There are about 445 million mi-

CBN, Visa Card, others tackle electronic payment fraud

T

HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is holding discussions with banks, MasterCard, and Visa International to check electronic payment fraud in the industry.

An official of the CBN, Mr. Chidi Umeano told The Nation yesterday that the discussion was initiated to block all the loopholes inherent in financial fraud.

He said the discussion made the parties involved to agree to check the incidence of frauds in the banking system.

Umeano said banks were strongly

involved in the discussions because they play important roles in the industry. He said the forum would enable all the parties involved to share ideas, strategies, and fashion out with concrete measures on the issue. He said MasterCard, Visa International, among other issuers of electronic payment cards were involved, in view of the incidence of electronically-induced fraud in the system.

According to him, the discussion which started few months ago, would continue until the time fraud is drasti-

cally reduced in the system.

He said: “Efforts are being made to ensure that the fight against fraud in not a one-off thing. It is going to be a continuous process.’’

He attributed Automated Teller Machines (ATM) related fraud to technical deficiencies, adding that they were caused by Nigerians.

CBN, had last year ordered banks to change from strip to chip card to check ATM fraud. The development culminated in the issuance of effective, and security proofed cards by banks.

Diamond Bank seeks healthy relationship with customers

Central Bankers release report on retail payment system CENTRAL Bankers across the world have released a report on innovations in the retail payment system to foster growth.

The report titled : Innovations in retail payments, provides an overview of new retail payment activities in various countries that have attempted to cover influential developments in retail payment instruments and schemes over the past decade.

Also, the report identifies a number of exogenous and endogenous factors that could serve as drivers for retail payment innovations or as barriers to them. The analysis

was also used to suggest some pointers as to what can be expected over the next five years. It further identifies a number of issues for central banks concerning their various responsibilities and tasks as catalysts, overseers and/or operators of payment systems.

The report identifies five product categories: (i) innovation in the use of card payments;(ii) internet payments; (iii) mobile payments; (iv) electronic bill presentment and payments; and (v) improvements in infrastructure and security.

The report said: “Over the past decade, many innovations in retail

payments have emerged. These may affect the retail payment market – for example, by influencing users in their choice of payment instruments and by significantly reshaping the payment processes.

Innovations can potentially cut processing costs and increase social welfare.”

According to the report, central bankers must monitor and assess new developments in retail payment system to encourage growth.

It said the development would help ensure transparency and further provide guidance to the market.

D

DIAMOND Bank Plc has introduced a whistle blowing procedure to encourage healthy relationships with its customers.

In a statement, the bank said the development would enable customers report any case of impropriety and misconduct on the part of our management and staff for resolutions.

The bank said: “We are pleased to inform you of the introduction of a Whistle blowing procedure that gives you an avenue to report

FGN BONDS Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

19-05-2014 18-05-2016 19-05-2016

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM Amount Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($) 150m 150m 138m 138m

MANAGED FUNDS

NIDF NESF

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 29-5-12 SYMBOL

OANDO UBN VITAFOAM TRANSCORP GTASSURE UNITYBANK FIDSON REDSTAREX UBA GOLDINSURE

O/PRICE

15.96 3.55 3.30 0.90 1.56 0.52 0.80 2.93 4.00 0.61

C/PRICE

16.75 3.72 3.45 0.94 1.62 0.54 0.83 3.00 4.08 0.62

113m

NGN USD NGN GBP NGN EUR NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) (S/N) Bureau de Change (S/N) Parallel Market

Current Before

O/PRICE 0.60 2.80 3.22 3.93 5.29 10.50 16.00 1.02 42.34 6.66

C/PRICE 0.57 2.66 3.06 3.74 5.05 10.12 15.45 0.99 41.20 6.49

CHANGE 0.03 0.14 0.16 0.19 0.24 0.38 0.55 0.03 1.14 0.07

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 29-5-12

SYMBOL JAPAULOIL LONGMAN ETERNAOIL UPL CCNN ASHAKACEM CADBURY LIVESTOCK WAPCO ACCESS

Exchange Rate (N) 155.8 155.8

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Year Start Offer

CHANGE

0.79 0.17 0.15 0.04 0.06 0.02 0.03 0.07 0.08 0.01

113m

Amount Sold ($) 150m 138m

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 Currency

INTERBANK RATES OBB Rate Call Rate

concerns to us.

These concerns may range from unlawful acts, miscarriage of justice, criminal offences, violation of laws, rules, regulations and/or threat to general interest such as fraud, rumour dissemination, discrimination, corruption and endangering of health or safety of any person and any other type of misconduct by our management and staff”.

The bank promised that it would treat any such complaints in good faith and confidence.

DATA BANK

Tenor

Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

cro, small, medium enterprises in the developing world. Of these, 70 per cent do not use the services of financial institutions. In Nigeria, while SMEs account for 70 per cent of employment, they contribute only one per cent to GDP according to the Central Bank. In highincome countries, SMEs contribute 49 per cent on average to GDP. More than half of all firms interviewed in the 2007 Nigeria Investment Climate Assessment reported that access to finance is a key constraint for their business.

Only 3.8 per cent of all firms had a line of credit or loan outstanding. Still, in many countries in Africa, smaller businesses are excluded from the economy.

IFC is using its strong network of relationships with African banks, through its Africa Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (AMSME) Finance Program to help SMEs. IFC organised the workshop in recognition of the roles banks play outside providing loans.

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 WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2012

SMALL BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

F

OR many Nigerians, the dream isn’t just to become a millionaire — it’s to become a young millionaire.

There’s something to be said for coming up with a million-dollar idea relatively early in the game of life. With whiz kids such as Bill Gates and Steve Jobs paving the way, a new generation of entrepreneurs is putting their spin on success — and making a lot of money along the way.

One of such is Samson Olatunde, Chief Executive, Business Impact Limited, Lagos. He claimed he made his first million at the age of 24. He belongs to a group of young Nigerians who believe in turning unique ideas into lucrative ventures.

He had scraped and scoured the internet, hunting for business opportunities and for successful entrepreneurs so he could harvest their secrets.

Today, Olatunde is a millionaire from the money he made legally on the internet. He attended Ogun State University to study Business Administration and graduated in 2007. He started his business as an undergraduate. “When I gained admission, I studied the environment for one year and discovered that I had to do something to keep body and soul together. ‘’When I got to 200 level, I tried to raise fund on my own to augment my little allowance from home. That was how I stumbled on internet business. It was my pastor at RCCG (Maranatha Parish) that introduced me to the business. ‘’He was also into internet business and he introduced it to us. That was how I started. The pastor monitors my progress even up till today. The internet business is what I do for a living.”

By the time he finished his degree programme and was posted to Akwa Ibom for his youth service, he stayed there long enough to do his orientation before he was posted back to his company in Lagos to complete the service.

While he was still doing youth service, his business had started employing other young graduates like himself.

Olatunde received Success Digest Enterprise Award for Young Entrepreneurs in 2009.

E

•From left: Co-founder Future Award, Mr Adebola Williams; Olatunde and Founder HipHop World Award & UN Ambassador, Ayo Animashaun, when Olatunde was presented with UN ambassador for peace award in Lagos.

Stories by Daniel Essiet

At a time most of Olatunde’s graduate colleagues are still out there looking for jobs and hanging around the house waiting for their parents to give them handouts, the young man who has even expanded his business into real estate, is living the life of his dreams.

Why the company became successful may simply be traced to his creativity.

He has always been something of an over achiever. Like a lot of young millionaires,Olatunde tapped into the wisdom and acceptance of crowds. His business depends on people from all walks of life around the globe.

On how he made his first million, Olatunde said he made his first million selling e-books of global experts. “We call it resale right business. Experts write on different top-

ics which are packaged as e-books.

They put the products on the net for sale. They then give out the copyright out after one buys them.

Under the resale right business terms, you can re-brand the product. Change the name if you like or sell it the way it is, you will make your money. It is legal business. The first method I used was to get access to those products. I observed that most Nigerians were not open to making money on the internet. I had to look for a way to recreate the products, then resold them to Nigerians. I made N2.5million in two weeks in September 2008 creating and selling my products. ‘’What I did was to turn these ideas into videos. I did about six videos on how to go about the business. Instead of selling them individually, I combined the six into a single video pack. I sold them

According to Ernst & Young Regional Managing Partner for West Africa, Mr Henry Egbiki, the award was brought to the region to motivate and encourage entrepreneurs.

Managing Partner for Ghana, Ferdinand Gunn, said he believes it is one of the evidences of the giant strides entrepreneurs, business leaders are making in West Africa.

Gunn said: “Africa’s progress has been phenomenon as the continent has remained the most attractive for investment in recent times.

“Entrepreneurs change the world.

They dare to dream that life could be different. They have the courage and passion to make their dreams a reality – to build something of lasting value that benefits us all. These special people have created many of the

world’s most dynamic and successful companies,” he said.

“The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award celebrates its remarkable achievements. That’s why it’s the world’s most prestigious business accolade. It recognises the most exceptional among a unique group of people. Ernst & Young has brought this award to the West African region, driven by the need to motivate and celebrate entrepreneurs within the region to support them to meet and interact with their counterparts across the Globe,” he added The winner in the Master’s category will join his counterparts from over 50 countries to compete for the World Entrepreneur of the Year Award in Monte Carlo in 2013.

Council chairman canvasses vocational training for youths HE Chairman, Isolo Local Council Development Area

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(LCDA), Lagos, Alhaji Shamsudeen Olaleye, has said children and youths can be good citizens when they are given vocational training.

Speaking at an event ,Olaleye, said: “Vocational studies will help to encourage them in facilitating societal growth and development and help them to be self-employed.’’

He said investment in children and youth programmes are for them to be properly guided in life.

“There is need to keep children and youths busy when they are not in school. That is why we encourage

-Adebola Orolugbagbe

How I made my first million at 24

Ernst & Young Entrepreneurship award coming RNST & Young is set to kick off its Entrepreneurship award for this year.

The award, introduced to West African countries last year, was designed to recognise and honour entrepreneurs who through ingenuity, hard work and perseverance have created and sustained successful businesses.

To further expand the scope of the programme, entrepreneurs in Liberia and Sierra Leone will be participating in this edition.

The winner of its Young Entrepreneur of the Year (West Africa Edition) Master’s category Mr Aigboje AigImoukhuede, group managing director, Access Bank, will be representing West Africa at the prestigious World Entrepreneur of the Year Award taking place in Monte Carlo.

• Mrs Odutola

them to use the vocational centres to make them learn something.

“Our prosperity as individuals and country lies in the training we give to our children for them to better themselves.

“I, therefore, call on parents to devote time to their children to help them to become better persons as they ought to be.’’

The Chief Executive Officer, Royal World of Pro-Active 1609, Ms Ibidun Odushina, said the organisation assists youths to develop their skills.

“We are creating awareness to let

them know the importance of vocational skills and also the use of library as this is important in management. Potential of talents are innate in us and it is imperative to discover them young. We should endeavour to motivate our youths towards self-discovery as tomorrow’s society builders.’’ Odushina said that every society must work hard to ensure the human development of its citizens.“As the saying goes, “an idle mind is a devils workshop,” she added.

to Nigerians. In two weeks, my income was N2.5 million. One thing about internet business is that you will keep making money if you can locate a need and create a solution. If you look around you will see different opportunities, needs which need solution. People need you to give them solutions to their problems. They are ready to pay you any amount.”

Olatunde has published many books. He has transformed his writing success into speaking and teaching success. He has spoken at many schools. His mission is to collect the best entrepreneurial advice from the top entrepreneurs and give them to aspiring young entrepreneurs across the country.

Olatunde tries to instill within his mentees that they could do whatever they put their mind on. He has a growing business conference for young entrepreneurs. He has featured on TV. He maintains a blog.

He said his firm facilitates online freelance jobs. “This applies to you if you are a good writer, a graphic designer, singer or you have one skill or talent. There are places you

can go to on the internet and you will find sites where you can write for them for a fee. They will give you a topic which you write on.

Once it is approved, they will send you your cheque. You can write articles and be paid on the internet.

You can sell your services on the internet.”

Olatunde advised young people who are into fraud to quit and seek legitimate ways to make money on the internet. “If they have basic knowledge of how to make money legally on the internet, they won’t be doing what they are doing now.

For him, the cyberspace has become a part of the real world and there is no going back. So many young people are achieving something and the internet has allowed them the opportunity to help real people with real problems - across the world. One thing he realised early was that customer loyalty goes a long way. He is always reevaluating his approach to customer service. Olatunde has built a career convincing consumers to buy products they never knew they needed.

He considers himself the “Infomercial king. He said the best products all have one thing in common — they solve everyday problems. The majority of his books and e-books products have a very high degree of consumer satisfaction. Customers are very happy with his products. They’re very happy with the claims he made. He believes consumer satisfaction is higher if one keeps his promise and deliver good products to the market. Helping small businesses grow is his sweet spot.

His goal is help young people bring their businesses and business ideas to life. Olatunde is an Internet entrepreneur who’s confident and chic, with a loyal customer base, an inner circle of friends and big plans for growing his digital empire.

He has created a lively, unique online community, where he inspires young people on what to do to create self employment. He has launched many products within a year.

Today, however, there’s a growing number of young entrepreneurs who are launching serious businesses with great potential and many of them aren’t even old enough to drive.

West African Business Incubator hold conference June 4

• Ovia

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FRICAN Incubator Network (AIN), infoDev, Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) and the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) will hold a Business Incubation Training and Conference for West African Business Managers from June 4 to 6 in Lagos at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

The training holds in the first two days, while the conference will hold on the last day.

The main objective of the conference is to bring together experts, leading thinkers, innovators, venture capitalists, business managers and entrepreneurs to articulate a vision for developing entrepreneurship through innovations.

World Bank’s infoDev’s in-depth business incubation training for business incubation managers and other business incubation stakeholders, draws from the lessons, good practice, and different business models from about 400 business incubators in over 100 countries.

It consists of 12 modules which cover basic introductory, technology commercialisation and virtual business incubation services.

Expected speakers/panel leaders include Executive Vice-Chairman, Nigerian Commission Commission (NCC), Eugene Juwah, Lead speaker; Mr Adewale Sangowawa of Globacom Limited, Chairman Visafone, Mr Jim Ovia; Chief Executive, Main One Cable Company, Ms Funke Opeke; Mr Akinwale Goodluck of MTN Nigeria among others.

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NEWS

Jonathan not behind poverty in the North, says Senator

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•Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun (right) greeting former governor, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, at the presentation of his (Amosun) administration’s one year scorecard at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta ...yesterday. With them is Amosun’s wife Olufunso.

Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke receiving prototype of a ship from a secondary school pupil, Mr. David Henshaw of Calabar South during the Children’s Day celebration in Calabar...Monday.

HE Chairman of the Senate Committee on Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Smart Adeyemi, has said that President Goodluck Jonathan is not behind poverty in the North and in the country generally.

He also said Jonathan administration has guaranteed press freedom since he came on board.

He however cautioned against acts and unfounded criticisms capable of distracting the President.

Adeyemi, who made the submissions in a speech at the public presentation of a book:“Issues and People,” by Hajiya Ramatu Ali Ohioma in Abuja, expressed worry that the legacies of the late Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello, are being eroded by poor attitude of Northern leaders in government in the 19 states in the region.

He said: “I think President Goodluck Jonathan should not be held responsible for poverty in Nigeria , especially in the North.

“The allocation to states today is almost four times of what it was under the military era. The question Nigerians should ask is: how have governors judiciously utilized the allocation to states?

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

“Nigerians should ask state governors and local government chairmen how they have been managing their resources. How many agro-allied based industries have they established? How many schools and hospitals have they built?

How many Nigerians have access to potable water?

“How many roads and earth dams have they constructed?

How many of them have increased their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR)?

“Some of these governors go cap in hand to Abuja to collect funds which they launder abroad.”

He said the North should reflect on the past and correct what has gone wrong.

Adeyemi added: “For Northern leaders, if they had followed the footsteps of Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello, the North won’t have found itself in this subservient position. Sardauna created a platform for all to excel irrespective of tribe or religion.

“Sardauna built Kainji Dam and many factories; he promoted agriculture to the extent that the North was exporting produce. He constructed good and durable roads and he invested in Edu-

cation.

“We should ask ourselves in the North, where are these legacies today? Even the College of Agriculture he built in Kabba over 45 years ago to world standard has not been upgraded to a university level.

“If this college had been established by the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, it would have been upgraded. Nobody cares about the college because of its location and the people affected.”

On Jonathan administration, the Senator said it had faired well in guaranteeing press freedom.

He added: “The President assented to the FOI Act and under him; Nigeria has the freest atmosphere to practice.

“From whatever angle you might look at it, the administration has done well and irrespective of anyone may say, democracy is still the best for any nation.

“I want to appeal to Nigerians to criticize the President but we should not distract him as to lose focus. Some people just criticize without facts and figures.”

A former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Umar Ghali Na’aba, commended the writer for her resourcefulness.

IPC seeks President’s scorecard on roads, power, others I

NVOKING the provisions of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, the International Press Centre (IPC) has demanded information on the implementation of President Goodluck Jonathan’s campaign promises.

The IPC request, dated May 15, was sent through the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati. It was signed by its Director, Lanre Arogundade.

In the request, sent by IPC’s Programme Officer, Stella

Nwofia, the centre listed 28 areas where the President committed himself in his campaign promises.

They include comprehensive information on the state of infrastructure, revival of the rail system, resuscitation of the Nigerian Machine Tools, repair of the Benin-Ore Expressway, provision of second River Niger Bridge, power sector reform, creation of 1.5 million job opportunities and the establish-

ment of a federal university in each state of the federation.

Other areas where the centre is seeking information are: establishment of a $3 billion central gas processing facility in Obiaruku, Delta State, creation of 60,000 new jobs in the gas industry, delivery of Nigerians from poverty, promotion of agriculture, revival of the Ajaokuta Steel Complex and Itakpe Iron Ore Company, among others.

Innovation Africa Summit opens in Kenya

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•From left: Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adegbola, Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi and Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Abdul AzeezArisekola-Alao at an Inter Faith Service to mark Ajimobi’s one year in office in Ibadan…yesterday

BOUT 200 African top policy makers, developers, entrepreneurs and private enterprises are attending a three-day debate at the Open Innovation Africa Summit (OIAS) in Nairobi, Kenya. The event began on Monday.

The OIAS will stimulate discussion while exploring the role of entrepreneurship,

innovation and ICTs in Africa, among participants. It will also explore the transformative innovations necessary to successfully address many of the challenges facing Africa today. The summit is also meant to empower African thought leaders to find ways to spur technological innovation within their own local context.

The theme of the summit is: “Leadership in Innovation’’ and is the second of its kind which would bring to spotlight, the leadership required to drive acceleration of African entrepreneurship and innovation, in order to reach ambitious targets for socio-economic development across the continent.

Aliyu endorses Assembly’s principal officers

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•Emir of Jjama’Are, Alhaji Mohammed Wabi III (left), Emir of Misau, Mohammed Manga III and Emir of Ningi, Alhaji Yunusa Danyaya during a workshop on security, peace and enligthenment in Bauchi…yesterday

XACTLY one week after the leadership crisis that rocked the Niger State House of Assembly produced a new speaker, Governor Babangida Aliyu yesterday endorsed the emergence of Adamu Usman as the leader. He described the election that produced the new leadership as democratic.

Breaking his silence on the crisis, which first led to the emergence of Isah Kawu as speaker, following the impeachment of Mohammed Gamunu, at the inauguration of 100 tractors procured to boost farming by the state government, Aliyu said the action of the lawmakers was in or-

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

der.

He welcomed the new speaker who attended his first public function, hailing him for not joining issues with those ignorant of developments in the state.

Aliyu described the emergence of the new leaders rof the Assembly as overwhelming, adding that the House has the right to change its leadership anytime it so wishes in accordance with its rules and regulations.

The governor assured the speaker of his support, saying he was sure the new leader would succeed. Ac-

•Aliyu

cording to him, “we are happy with you. You are an experienced person. You have succeeded as a lawyer and a public servant. I am sure you will succeed as the speaker.”

Aliyu advised that the leadership of the Assembly should not listen to gossips and rumours, but work for the development of the state.

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NEWS

Why I left PDP,

by ACN aspirant •Alasoadura: Agagu‘ll support me

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OVERNORSHIP aspirant of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Ondo State, Chief Omotayo Alasoadura, has described Governor Olusegun Mimiko as ‘a super propagandist.’

The former Commissioner for Finance and Economic Planning during the administration of former Governor Olusegun Agagu also described the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as “a citadel of corruption.”

Alasoadura spoke yesterday when he visited The Nation headquarters in Lagos. He said Mimiko has not added any value to the state since he assumed office.

Alasoadura said: “Mimiko has not added value to the state. Not even one township road has been repaired. Here is a man that promised to surpass Agagu’s achievements in three months, but three years after, he has only inaugurated three projects. Every other project of the Mimiko administration is on-going.”

The former Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Tabore and Tay Nigeria Limited accused the state government of embarking on Sagbelojuyoyo (cosmetic) projects.

He said: “There is no single adjoining road in Akure. Also,

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

there is no water in Akure, except for the fountain. This is a man that was assisted by many Yoruba leaders, including Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, but he betrayed them.”

Alasoadura was optimistic that Agagu will support his aspiration.

He said: “I supported him during his time, why should he not reciprocate the gesture? I have told him he must contribute to my electoral success when I receive the mandate and I think Agagu will support me, because he will not want Mimiko to return.”

When elected, Alasoadura said he would pursue a five-point agenda, which include education, health, youth and women affairs and infrastructural development.

He said education and industrialisation would be the early focus of his administration.

The aspirant said: “When I say education, I mean free education from the primary to secondary level with free lunch. Pupils would not have to pay a kobo and the Parents’ Teachers’ Association (PTA) will not be expected to pay any money. School uniforms, textbooks, exercise books and other materials would be provided by my government.

Alasoadura...yesterday.

“At the tertiary level, we will give students scholarships and bursary. My education programme is not only going to be free but comprehensive.”

Lauding the quality of aspirants jostling for the governorship seat, the former commissioner said he has the necessary qualities to occupy the seat.

He said: “I can never forget how I struggled to become somebody in life. I do not want other people to have a similar experience and that is why I want to be governor.”

Alasoadura said he will remain

•Alasoadura...yesterday.

in the ACN even if he does not emerge the party’s standard bearer.

He said: “I am not a harlot. I spent 34 years at my former office as a messenger and got rapid promotion within three years. I cannot be jumping from one place to another. I just hope ACN leaders would consider all the parameters that make election winning easy in the emergence of the standard bearer.”

Alasoadura said he dumped PDP because its leaders are undemocratic.

The former chairman of the

Judgment on Ondo Rep’s suit today

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HE Federal High Court, sitting in Akure, the Ondo State capital, will today rule on the suit filed by Mr. Ifedayo Abegunde (Akure North/ South Federal Constituency), seeking to restrain the Labour Party (LP) from recalling him from the House of Representatives.

The judgment, earlier fixed for June 19, was changed to May 30.

LP threatened to recall Abegunde from the National Assembly when he dumped the party for the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

The lawmaker’s campaign

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

group, Abena Campaign Organisation (ACO), has urged Abegunde’s supporters to remain calm.

In a statement yesterday by its spokesman, Mr. Kayode Ojo, ACO said: “We urge our supporters to remain calm and keep hope alive.

“Abegunde is the plaintiff, we cannot predict the judgment, but we should get the relief being sought in the cases of factionalisation in the LP at the state level and in Akure North, filed by the factional State Chairman, Mr. Kunle Odidi, and the party’s executive in Akure

‘This case is a test for the judiciary in Ondo State, as history is about to be made on a constitutional matter’ North.”

“The two cases have been listed for hearing because they are the grounds on which Abegunde took his decision and they are pending before the same judge.

“We hold the court and the judiciary in high esteem, but we wonder why judgment in

our case has been hastened, even though the other cases are pending. Why has the judgment earlier fixed for June 19 been fast-tracked to May 30?

“This case is a test for the judiciary in Ondo State, as history is about to be made on a constitutional matter.

“Whatever the outcome of the case, we assure our supporters and the citizenry that the lower court is not an end to a constitutional matter like this, because it is not an election tribunal that will sack a legislator for decamping to another party.”

PHOTOS:NIYI ADENIRAN

Lagos State PDP National Reconciliation Committee said he has always been a progressive, but joined the PDP because of mainstream politics.

He said: “The PDP is too corrupt.

That is why I decided to go to the party where Tinubu, a chartered accountant like me, is a leader; a party that has the likes of former Osun State Governor Bisi Akande, a strong believer in the policies of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, as a chieftain. Those who associate with Awolowo are natural companions for me.”

ACN chieftain urges Jonathan to reinstate Salami

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CHIEFTAIN of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Lagos State, Chief Oluwatoyin Balogun, has urged Nigerians to prevail on President Goodluck Jonathan to in reinstate Justice Ayo Salami as recommended by the Nigeria Judicial Commission (NJC).

In a statement yesterday, Balogun said: “This is bad for our already vulnerable rule of law. Why is Jonathan and his allies bent on frustrating Justice Salami’s reinstatement as recommended by the NJC, the same body that recommended his suspension nine months ago?

“It is known to all that it is pure politics. Justice Salami is suffering because the rule of man has replaced the rule of law. I urge Nigerians to speak up. Do not see evil and keep quiet. That is the battle every Nigerian

•Salami

By Jeremiah Oke

must fight.

“We should not allow our judicial system to be politicised, because if we do, it will prevent other judges from dispensing justice in accordance with the rule of law. We urge Nigerians to insist on Salami’s reinstatement without delay.”

Judges’ appointment: Ekiti NBA accepts out of court option

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HE Ekiti State chapter of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) has agreed to settle the issue of the appointment of judges with Governor Kayode Fayemi out of court.

The suggestion was made

by Justice E. A. Obile at the opening of proceedings on Monday and it was accepted by both parties.

Justice Obile suggested that all issues in respect of the appointment of judges should be settled out of court to protect the dignity of the Bar and the Bench.

Counsel to the parties said suggestion will be thoroughly explored before the next adjournment date, which is June 25.

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

The NBA instituted a lawsuit against Fayemi over his alleged refusal to appoint Mr. Dele Omotoso and Mr. Lucas Kayode Ogundana Judges of the State High Court after they were recommended by the State Judicial Service Commission and cleared by the National Judicial Council (NJC).

Senior members of the Bar, under the aegis of Egbe Amofin, have supported the decision to settle out of court.

Members of the body include Chief Bamidele Aiku and Wole Olanipekun (SAN).

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NEWS Businesses for registration THE Rivers State Government will soon begin registration of businesses in the state.

Commissioner for Commerce and Industry Chuma Chinye made this known at a meeting with the Organised Private Sector (OPS) in Port Harcourt.

Chinye told the delegates that the state would soon launch what he called e-business Premises registration centres for easy accessibility and stress free exercise.

He said: “This is aimed at easy verification and monitoring of business practices in the state.

"A Registrar has been appointed for the smooth running and full implementation of the Know Your Customer (KYC) policy".

He said the exercise would expose the businesses for better and stronger partnership and business opportunities.

Court orders monarch’s arrest From Osagie Otabor, Benin

AN Ikpoba-Okha Area Customary Court sitting in Oregbeni, Edo State, has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of the Enogie of Eyaen, Osazuwa AiweriogheneIduriase and Edgar Ikwenoba for contempt of court.

It ordered them to be kept in police custody until the adjourned date of the matter.

The court had on September 26, last year, gave an order restraining the duo from claiming a parcel of land on Abu Aminutes street, Upper Mission road extension, Uteh, in Edo State The court’s President, Elizabeth Dele-Ogbeide, adjourned hearing till July 5.

Police warn vehicle owners The Ogun State Police Command has warned owners of vehicles abandoned at the Mowe Division to remove them or lose them to auction.

The command’s spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, listed the vehicles as a Fiat bus marked XA 805 GUE, Mazda bus with registration number XA 523 BDS, DAF Truck head with registration number XB 878 MNY and a Gallant GV.

Stolen car A Toyota Camry saloon car (2005 model), belonging to Aduloju Peter, was snatched at gunpoint on May 27 on Olayiwola Street, Abule Egba, Lagos, at about 8:30pm.

At the time of theft, it was painted black, with registration number, AAA 326 AG; engine number: 2AZ8326325; and chassis number: 4T1BE32K56U685409.

If found, please contact the owner at 9, Olayiwola Street, Abule Egba or call 08033574248 or 08056162707 or report at the nearest police station.

Nigeria must be restructured, says Ezeife •Condemns presidential system

• Dickson (right) greeting Ezeife...yesterday From Isaac Ombe, Yenagoa

to survive is to restructure; without it, the nation may break up.”

Ezeife called for true federalism, saying the six geopolitical zones should be considered as federating units. ‘’Nigeria is due for restructuring and it appears it is the only way to survive. We may break up if we don’t restructure.’’

He decried the clamour for the creation of state police, saying state police could be used against perceived political opponents by governors.

The former governor blamed the nation’s stunted growth on the “expensive” presidential system of government.

“A unicameral legislature is one of the ways to restructure the country.

“Corruption cannot allow us

to succeed. People are fighting for offices, not for our interest. They are fighting to cart away our resources,’’he said.

Governor Seriake Dickson said the lecture was in line with the agitation of the Ijaw nation for resource control and true federalism.

He called for the protection of democracy and support for President Goodluck Jonathan’s effort to maintain the unity of the country.

Police recover uniforms from robbers in Edo

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HE Police in Edo State have recovered three pairs of mobile police uniforms from a seven-man robbery gang, which has been terrorising residents of Benin City.

The uniforms were recovered after a gun-battle with policemen in front of a motel on Airport Road.

Commissioner of Police Olayinka Balogun said the uniforms belonged to police-

•Four arrested From Osagie Otabor, Benin

men who were lodged in the motel but were out when the robbers struck.

He spoke at a briefing where four members of the gang were paraded.

The commissioner said the robbers also collected the policemen’s magazine containing 30 rounds of 7.6 live ammunitions.

He said: ”After they left the hotel, they robbed a banker and snatched his Passat car with registration number EDO AKA 38 AA. “After that, they headed towards where my men were waiting and when they saw the police they opened fire.

“We responded and that was how we rounded them up after the exchange of fire.

“We will continue to fight until we get these people out

of circulation in Edo. “We recovered three-cut-tosize double barrel guns, 14 live cartridges, one AK 47 magazine, the uniforms, a bank vault and 22 phones.”

One of the suspects, Kelly Eyawe, confessed that they stormed the motel after they learnt that a woman who lodged there had N4.6million.

Other suspects are Osaze Idahosa (22), Emmanuel Destiny (20) and Bamidele Thompson (23).

Supreme Court to hear appeals by ACN candidates in Akwa-Ibom,Benue tomorrow

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HE Supreme Court will tomorrow hear the appeals filed by two governorship candidates of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) challenging the propriety of the dismissal of their petitions by the election petition tribunals on the ground that the petitions purportedly violated Section 285 (6) of the Constitution.

The candidate in Akwa Ibom State, James Udoedehe and his Benue State counterpart, Prof Steve Ugba, are challenging the decisions of the tribunals in striking out their petitions on the basis of the Supreme Court decision in All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP) vs Goni and Action Alliance vs Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) otherwise known as Borno’s case).

The Supreme Court had in November last year ordered that the petitions of Akwa Ibom and Benue, be heard on merit.

However, the Supreme Court Judgment in the Borno case was decided in line with

member of the House of Representatives, Bethel Amadi, was on Monday elected the President of the Pan African Parliament (PAP).

The PAP is the legislative arm of the African Union (AU).

Amadi, who contested unopposed, succeeds Moussa Ndele of Chad Republic, whose tenure expired last week.

The Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal, said Amadi’s success will boost Nigeria’s image in the international scene.

Amadi, in his victory speech in South Africa on Monday, said if all organs of government unite for a common purpose, Africa can overcome the myriad of challenges confronting it.

He said: “We can overcome the superficial divisions and boundaries of our colonial past and current neocolonial attempts to divide us .

“I stand before you today emboldened by our shared determination for unity and I declare to you that as President of the Pan African Parliament I shall speak one language, the language of Pan Africanisim. One Africa, One Voice,” he said.

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ORMER Presidential Adviser on Political Matters Chukwuemeka Ezeife yesterday said Nigeria should be restructured on political and economic grounds to ensure its continued survival.

Ezeife, who is also former Anambra State Governor, spoke in Yenegoa at a lecture organised by the Bayelsa State Government to mark the Democracy Day. Speaking on “Restructuring Nigeria”, Ezeife noted that Nigerians do not want the country to break up because it is the biggest democracy in Africa.

He said the restructuring is also significant to stop religious violence.

The ex-presidential adviser said the call to restructure the country economically was to position it for greater economic gains.

His words: “For instance, if the regions are allowed to generate power, this will spur growth in other sectors, such as transportation, water, education e.t.c.

“We must reverse the military action which resulted in the multiplicity of unviable states.

“Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta, Akwa Ibom and Lagos are viable. Others, including my state, Anambra, are not viable.

“The only way for Nigeria

Nigerian heads Pan African Parliament

By Eric Ikhilae

Section 285 (6) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to the effect that, an electoral tribunal must deliver its judgment in writing within 180 days of filing a petition.

This created a legal confusion, which affected many petitions and cases pending in various courts, including the petitions of Akwa Ibom and Benue ACN candidates.

In view of the apex court’s decision in Borno’s case, the election tribunals declined a retrial on the ACN candidates’ petitions, citing the decision of the apex court in the Borno’s case.

The appellants argued that their appeals differed from those of Borno.

They are also contending that the Borno case was heard and decided outside the time allowed by law; whereas their interlocutory appeals which gave rise to an order for a retrial on the merit, was heard and determined within the 180 days provided by law.

Their appeals now places the burden on the Supreme

Court to say whether their order for a retrial was made in error or the election tribunals were right in refusing to give effect to their order for retrial by relying on the Borno case.

The appellants are of the view that their appeals will settle not only the legal dispute between the parties in the appeal; but provide answers to the debate on the effect and proper interpretation of Section 285 of the 1999 Constitution.

They also argued that the provisions of Section 285 have created a legal confusion requiring amendment; whereas others are of the opinion that there is no confusion in the section but in the rigid interpretation of the section by the Supreme Court.

The appellants observed that prior to the enactment of Section 285 (6), some election petitions and election appeals lingered and dragged on for more than three years, due to some frivolous applications by parties to frustrate hearing in

•Udodehe

election proceedings.

They noted that the law makers amended the constitution and introduced into it Section 285, which provides the time limit for the hearing and determination of election petitions.

They querried the intention of the law makers in inserting Section 285 into the constitution; was it to create absurdity and injustice; chase parties away from the temple of justice or remove delay on the part of the tribunal to hear and deliver judgment in any election petition?

Osunbor won’t campaign for PDP From Osagie Otabor, Benin

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ORMER Edo State “Governor” Prof.

Oserheimen Osunbor yesterday declined campaigning for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He urged his kinsmen to support a candidate who will better their lot.

Osunbor, who contested the PDP primaries, told his people that only a candidate who would bring development to Iruekpen, his hometown, and the state is worthy of their votes.

He spoke at a meeting where he briefed the people of Iruepken in Esan West Local Government Area on the political situation in the state.

Osunbor told the people that PDP executives were asking him to lead their campaign, but he urged them to be mindful of political detractors.

His words: “As I speak with you, PDP executives in the state are coming to me to lead the campaign team of the party’s flag bearer. “ They are coming because of the legacy I left behind during my short stay as governor.

“Support the person who will bring development to this community.

“This is not the time for politics of sentiment.

“Oshiomhole has promised to finish the projects I started while in office, including the ones in this community.

“He has promised to sink more boreholes, and complete the construction of the road I started in Iruekpen.

“Oshiomhole is a nice person. Outside politics, we are friends. The governor has never said anything against my person.”

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2012

61

NEWS Name National Stadium, Abuja after Abiola, says Falana

Controversy as UNILAG is renamed •Continued from page 2 violence and fraud. This will include the establishment of Electoral Offences Tribunals to deal speedily with established cases of electoral violence. We cannot afford to treat the success we have recorded with our democratic experience with levity. Electoral reform is central to our administration’s transformation agenda. I urge all political parties to embrace this reform.

He has also directed that a Presidential Museum be built in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory. The museum, Dr. Jonathan said, will document the lives and times of presidents and heads of government since 1960, to remind us of the high points of our national history.

President has also banned the serving of non-Nigerian dishes at all national functions henceforth to encourage the consumption of Nigeria’s staple food.

He announced that the government had secured markets for cassava outside Nigeria and, for the first time ever, Nigeria will export this year one million metric tons of dried cassava chips to China.

“This will earn Nigeria 136 million US dollars (about N214 billion) in foreign exchange.

He said the government has revived and is now accelerating the completion of the National Integrated Power Projects. It is also building about 4000km of transmission lines and hundreds of substations and has complet-

ed the design for the construction of both Mambilla and Zungeru Hydro power plants which will add about 3, 000 MW to the national grid.

The economy, the president said, is doing well, and the economic outlook is positive.

His words: “Today, progress has been made. The country’s credit rating is positive, in contrast with many nations being downgraded.

In 2011, our economy grew by 7.45%. As at mid-May 2012, our foreign exchange reserves had risen to $37.02 billion, the highest level in 21 months. We have stabilised and improved our fiscal regime. We brought the fiscal deficit down to 2. 85 per cent of GDP from 2.9 per cent in 2011. We reduced recurrent expenditures from 74 per cent to 71 per cent and reduced domestic borrowing from N852 billion in 2011 to N744 billion in 2012. We cut out over N100 billion of non-essential expenditure and increased our internally generated revenue from N200 billion to N467 billion.

“For the first time in over a decade, we now have a draft

Trade Policy which provides a multi-dimensional framework to boost our trade regime and facilitate the inflow of investments. We have generated over N6. 6 trillion worth of investment commitments. The total value of our trade is also much higher than the value estimated the previous year due to deliberate government policies. To facilitate the ease of doing business in Nigeria, we have a policy in place to make visa procurement easier for foreign investors, with safeguards to prevent abuse.”

He also noted that the goal of “our administration is to ensure that every Nigerian can find gainful employment. Given my dissatisfaction with the prevailing unemployment situation in the country, our administration has embarked on an ambitious strategy of creating jobs and job-creators through the launch of several initiatives mainly targeted at the youths and women.”

On foreign affairs, Dr. Jonathan said: “Our successful elections, last year,

opened new vistas for Nigeria’s foreign policy.

More than ever before, Nigeria’s achievements have generated a lot of international goodwill and recognition. We have continued to build on this by further showing leadership in the sub-region and the African continent. Under my watch as Chairman of the subregional body, ECOWAS, and subsequently, Nigeria was in the forefront of the efforts to ensure democratic stability in Niger, Mali, Guinea Bissau, and particularly at a critical moment in Cote d’Ivoire. Our foreign policy process has proven to be dynamic and pro-active.

Nigeria’s place is secure among many friends in the comity of nations. We are building on that friendship to open up opportunities for foreign investments in the Nigerian economy and to provide necessary support for the vibrant community of Nigerians in the Diaspora. “ We will continue to work hard, to turn domestic successes into a source of motivation for greater achievements in the international arena. We are

By Adebisi Onanuga

•Falana

L

AGOS lawyer and human rights activist, Mr. Femi Falana, has urged President Goodluck Jonathan to name the National Stadium, Abuja or the Eagle Square, Abuja after the late Bashorun M.K.O. Abiola.

He said in a statement issued in Lagos yesterday entitled: “UNILAG name, not yet changed” that it was in recognition of the national character of the June 12, 1993 presidential mandate that the Senate sometime ago passed a resolution that the National Stadium in Abuja be renamed Moshood Abiola

Police defuse bomb in Kaduna

A

N object suspected to be a bomb was yesterday defused by the police in Kaduna.

The object was allegedly planted by unknown persons on the Ahmadu Bello Way. The Nation learnt that the object was discovered at about 5am, forcing security

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

agencies to cordon off all roads leading to the area.

The object was said to have been planted near the old Kaduna State Transport Authority (KSTA) terminal, serving as the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) office, oppo-

site The Punch newspapers office.

The discovery of the bomb and subsequent defusing by the police bomb unit made the residents of the area and newspaper vendors and distributors to run for safety.

The scene of the discovery is about 50 metres away from

the newspaper distribution centre located on the Jos Road/Ahmadu Bello Way in Kaduna.

For about two hours, the police diverted traffic to other routes, while conducting search.

It was, however, opened at about 7:30am.

Stadium.

“But out of primitive jealousy, former President Olusegun Obasanjo ignored the historic resolution.

Since President Jonathan has displayed a better sense of history in the circumstance, he should immediately implement the resolution. Alternatively, the Eagle Square may be named after him,” Falana said.

He argued that there was no justification for the renaming of the University of Lagos(UNILAG), Akoka after the late business mogul and acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Bashorun Abiola.

Falana said “since the name of Ogun State Polytechnic has been changed to Moshood Abiola Polytechnic by the Ogun State Government, there is no justification for naming another institution after the hero of democracy in the country,” adding, “the impression should not be created that Chief Abiola”s mandate was restricted to the Southwest.”

He remarked that the President Jonathan administration deserved praise for honouring Abiola, unlike past regimes that failed to recognise his enormous contributions to the defence of the democratic rights of Nigerians.

62

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2012

THE NATION WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2012

63

NEWS Campus Life girl Ngozi Agbo dies at 36 Continued from page 1 Mrs Agbo joined The Nation in 2007 after working at New Age and a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Fate Foundation.

Tributes have been pouring in from the students she mentored through the eight-page pullout, which remains the most popular section in the academic community and from colleagues and friends.

Her husband, Mr Agbo Agbo, a Public Relations specialist said: “Her death is a shock to us all. I pray to God to give me long life to take care of the son she left behind.

“She was a very dedicated and intelligent human being, a visionary who stood for high moral values. She never cut corners.

“She was somebody that did the right thing at the right time.”

The Editor, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, praised the late Mrs Agbo’s passion for her job, saying she will surely be missed.

“She was dutiful, ever willing to learn and full of big dreams - a key attribute of a damn good newspaper man and woman,” Omotoso said.

He added: “Ngozi was a journalist. If there are newspapers in heaven, I’m sure she will be one of the best hands. May the Lord comfort her family.”

“She was a rare gem that we cannot forget in a hurry. Her death is shocking. We take so-

lace in the fact that God knows best,” said Joke Kujenya, an Assistant Editor with The Nation.

Wale Ajetunmobi, who has just completed his national youth service, working directly with Mrs Agbo until her death, recounted his last encounter with her.

“There was no premonition of death. She looked forward to having the baby. Last Thursday, she sent me an e mail giving instructions on how she wanted this week’s edition of the Campus Life section to look like.

“On Sunday, she sent me another mail giving further instructions which she ended by asking me to inform her as soon as I’m employed by The Nation. I only read the mail on Monday, the day she died. She was such an efficient journalist and a compassionate person to work with,” Ajetunmobi said.

Some of the tributes by Campus Life contributors are: Ademola Samson, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) A loss is it. Too obvious to be denied. I tried to look away but I cannot. Adieu Aunty Ngozi Nwozor-Agbo. We will miss you, but your work speaks on Comfort Ogon, 200-Level Political Science, University of Calabar (UNICAL) No! No! No! Please, tell me I’m dreaming. My Editor is not... tell me Mrs. Ngozi Nwo-

zor-Agbor is not dead. Not after I promised to host her in Calabar for a carnival. The carnival is yet to come but she is no more. It is hard to believe.

What does the future hold for us, CAMPUSLIFE writers?

How can we exist without our mother; a woman of inestimable value? Death, why?

Vincent Nzemeke, Graduate of Mass Communication, Delta State University (DELSU).

Lekan Otufodunrin found a diamond. Sam Omatseye, Sunday Oguntola, Joe Agbro, Simon Kolawole, Azubike Ishiekwene and some others polished the diamond. But Ngozi Nwozor made that diamond shine. Thanks NG for being a part of my life. God be with you till we meet again.

Abiola Salawu, graduate, Kwara State Polytechnic (KWARA POLY) Aunty NG, you live on in our hearts and we are a reflection of your values, beliefs and principles. Yours is an enduring legacy. Words cannot describe our feelings of loss and how dearly you are missed. It is true that we have once enjoyed. We can never lose and all that we lose, but love deeply. Forever remain a part of us. You are not forgotten and never will you be. Rest in peace and in the Lord’s bosom Michael Adebayo, 200-Level Computer Science, University of Ilorin (UNILORIN).

SOUTH AFRICA INVITIONAL

Flying Eagles crash out

F

LYING Eagles have crashed out of the Cape Town International Challenge after they lost 1-0 to South Africa in a final group game Tuesday.

However, Flying Eagles’ coach John Obuh blamed their latest loss to poor officiating by Lesotho referee o.Koto.

“We do not have to win these games at all costs and the referees should be told so.

The South African player was offside clearly and the goal should not have stood,” said a disappointed Obuh.

“South Africa pressed us but they did not need the assistance of the referee to win this game. The referee should have done much better because that was the same thing that happened in the game between Ghana and South Africa.”

South Africa coach Solomon Luvhengo said this was a game of two halves.

“The first half they put us under pressure but in the second half, we dominated,” said Luvhengo.

“It was a tough game. It was important to win difficult games like this and this we did.”

The South Africans dismissed Obuh’s allegation that they were helped by the referee to win the match.

“It was a good winning goal.

There was no cheating,” said Luvhengo.

“It’s difficult to lose, it’s not easy, but we ought to learn from a failure.

It was unfair for South Africa because we worked hard for everything we got.”

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TODAY IN THE NATION

WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2012 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL.7 NO.2141

‘Remember that the patient always suffers when governments do not listen to professionals and fail to provide enough medication, modern facilities and adequate salaries to alleviate the suffering of the masses and satisfy the staff. ’ TONY MARINHO

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

P

ENULTIMATE Tuesday, Niger State, my home state, repeated the bizarre political record in the annals of our national politics, possibly even of politics elsewhere, which it achieved back in June 2009; on both occasions its House of Assembly produced three speakers in all of only seven days. Talk of one day being a long time in politics!

At the centre of it all on both occasions was Isa Kawu, the member representing Bida North, my home constituency. The first time around, the state’s executive arm had pulled all stops to prevent the honourable gentleman from becoming speaker following the rapid-fire impeachments of the first two which, themselves, were part of the hot proxy war that had erupted between Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu, the self-styled Chief Servant of the state, and his immediate predecessor, Engineer Abdulkadir Kure.

Following the sacking of the first two speakers in less than a week, Kawu virtually became the unanimous choice of his colleagues.

But then he was a trusted aide of Kure as governor. However, presumably much more ominous than this from the point of view of the Chief Servant was Kawu’s reputation as a self-willed, incorruptible and eloquent member of the House.

The regular reader of this column may recall the tribute I paid the gentleman on these pages a few years ago entitled “A ‘Newbreed’ apart.” In that tribute I showed how he was indeed a newbreed apart from your typical Nigerian newbreed who, contrary to the faith and hope, first, former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida, and subsequently, former civilian president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, had in the concept of so-called Newbreedism, had proved disastrous in virtually all walks of life – in politics, in banking, in bureaucracy, in sports, you name it. (The reader will, I am sure, agree with me that these so-called Newbreeds were dismal failures as governors, bank chief executives and as top administrators in ministries, departments and agencies that, if nothing else, stole their trusts blind.)

As I said in that piece, Kawu stood out alone among all the 27 members of the House in initially rejecting the money the executive released from his constituency budget because it fell short of what should’ve been released and when there was no explanation for the shortfall. And when he eventually came round to accepting subsequent releases because he was left with no choice but to do so, and because, in any case, half bread for his constituency was better than none, he stood virtually alone among his colleagues as the member who opened a constituency office from where he regularly met his constituents to discuss what to do with the monies, all of which he always put on the table.

Again, alone among his colleagues he re-

People and Politics By MOHAMMED HARUNA ndajika@yahoo.com

Niger State’s night(s) of the long knives

•Kawu

jected the brand new Prado Toyota jeep each member was given, gratis, because, he said, it was immoral and illegal to accept the vehicle after they had all been paid their transport allowances for the duration of their four-year tenure.

Not least of all, two years into his tenure, the man’s life-style never changed; he lived in his modest family house, did not go about globetrotting, never mind doing so in class, and his working wife regularly took the bus, sometimes even the motorbike taxi, to work. (A year into his second tenure which the authorities in Niger State tried unsuccessfully to stop, the man has remained essentially his humble self.)

This was the man the executive stopped from being the Speaker of his state’s House of Assembly back in June nearly three years ago.

This time around, two Tuesdays ago, the man could not be stopped. For weeks since

April it had become obvious to Mohammed Tsowa Gamunu, the speaker at the time, that his colleagues were fed up with his leadership and were determined to sack him for what they eventually described as his incompetence and lack of transparency. He anticipated his sack by simply refusing to summon the House to sit. His hands were eventually forced by the mandatory number of days the House had to sit in a year.

Meantime the members had been mounting pressure on Kawu to take over as speaker. For a while he resisted and suggested two of his colleagues in turn. His colleagues still persisted. He eventually accepted under the condition that they would stand up to the executive in the big fight he told them was bound to come from not only the executive, but from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party hierarchy, as well. The majority of them agreed.

And so Kawu finally ascended the chair that would have been his back in June 2009. However, as we all now know, his victory could hardly have been briefer; practically speaking he was speaker for all of only 24 hours. The day after his election, both the executive and the party hierarchy went for him with their bare buckles.

The next time the House sat exactly one week after his election, his speakership was history.

First, the House was taken over by armed security men ostensibly to stop the breakdown of law and order. Then the armed men mounted check points at all the approaches to the House to stop his supporters from getting anywhere close to the house to express their solidarity with their man.

However, even before then there were rumours of huge sums, first, ten million Naira, then fifteen, and finally twenty, being offered to each member by the executive to persuade the members to ditch Kawu barely twenty four hours after they more or less swore to stand by him, come rain, come shine. Naturally these

HARDBALL

W

HOEVER decided that President Goodluck Jonathan needed a 74paragraph Democracy Day speech to tell Nigerians his achievements and programmes must be either unkind or sarcastic. Aside from the horrifying abuse of punctuation marks, particularly comma, the speech was intolerably cumbersome and full of unnecessary details, as if the president laboured under the burden of substantiating his middling achievements through the facility of bloated words. Nothing escaped him. He seemed obsessed with giving us all the details his aides could dredge up, challenging us to select whichever one caught our fancy. Among the president’s vast kitchen middens were his asseverations on democracy and rule of law, which Hardball has chosen to ignore, for the president never means what he says on those two subjects.

Instead, Hardball is fascinated by the president’s unexpected acknowledgement of the indispensable role the late MKO Abiola, winner of the June 1993 presidential election, played in midwifing the Fourth Republic.

The two paragraphs (5 and 71) in which Jonathan mentioned the contributions of Abiola looked like grafts and afterthoughts.

But let us not look a gift horse in the mouth

rumours have been denied by both the executive and the new House leadership.

Danladi Ndayebo, the Chief Servant’s spokesperson, told reporters the other day that the rumours were all lies. “There is nothing like that, all that was said,” he told the reporters, “amount to lies.” On its part the new House leadership has said the executive has had absolutely nothing to do with the lightening change in the House. “What happened here,” said Adamu Usman, the new speaker who happened to have been the Chief Servant’s former attorney general and commissioner of justice, “is entirely the affairs of the legislature. I can assure you there is no external influence whatsoever.”

The rumours of huge sums of money - at least by Niger State’s miserable standards changing hands for Kawu’s sack may indeed be exactly that. But as the Hausas would say, biri yayi kama da mutum, literally meaning, a monkey resembles a human being, but metaphorically, there is no smoke without fire.

The speed with which the House removed Kawu is certainly a pointer to the involvement of the executive, whether or not bribes were given and taken. However, a more telling pointer was the decision of Kawu’s predecessor to challenge his removal, apparently at the prompting of forces outside the House.

For this, Gamunu hired two Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Messrs S. I. Amen and S. T. Ologunorisa. It is doubtful that the former speaker was quite familiar with the two before his sack. It is even more doubtful that he could’ve afforded them.

Even more telling than these improbabilities, however, is the fact that no sooner was Kawu removed than the former speaker withdrew his case from the courts.

The big question now on everybody’s lips in Niger State is why is the Chief Servant so afraid of Kawu? Most Nigerlites, I suspect, believe it is because Kawu is your rare type of newbreed politician who will always ask why he should jump at all when ordered to do so by the powers that be, rather than the type who would simply ask how high, as is the case with your typical newbreed.

As I said in my tribute to the man a few years back “If only half our Newbreed politicians were like Kawu, General Babangida – and Obasanjo – would have been right to have put their faith (and hope) in members of the group as Nigeria’s knights in shining armour.”

For now we can only hope and pray that the rare Kawus of these times would remain steadfast in their beliefs and in their commitment to be the true servants of those who have trusted them with positions of leadership.

•For comments, send SMS to 08054502909

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

Jonathan, Unilag and Democracy Day speech by examining the president’s motives in honouring the late politician, though this is really tempting. First, in spite of everything that has been published on Abiola’s electoral victory, including a definitive book by the umpire of that election, Professor Humphrey Nwosu, the president still went ahead to describe Abiola’s victory in that election as presumed. It could only mean one thing: neither the president himself nor his advisers and cabinet felt convinced that Abiola really won that election, perhaps because he was not so officially declared by a competent body as winner. But if they were convinced, then they lacked the courage to make that required historical declaration and be the government that laid the ghost of that unjust annulment to rest. The situation did not, therefore, call for ambiguous use of words, but for firm, wise and statesmanlike action to bring closure to a deeply injurious controversy that had embarrassed the nation for far too long.

Second, and unforgivably, in deciding to honour Abiola Jonathan consigned the late

politician to his Southwest region. That action appears cynical and dismissive, as if the president was saying “They want a hero, well, let them have one of their institutions named after him.” Abiola did not win a Southwest mandate; he won a national mandate. And as the president said, the sacrifice the politician made with his life played a significant role in birthing the democracy all of us are enjoying today.

Though it is also true that the University of Lagos is a federal institution, however, if the president were really convinced of the hugeness of Abiola’s sacrifice, he would have decided on a more national and symbolic honour. Given the obvious incongruence of the honour, it is in fact doubtful whether the president consulted with the right people or carefully considered the decision as he claimed.

Jonathan was probably inspired by the renaming of the University of Ife to Obafemi Awolowo University in honour of Awo. This is a wrong parallel. Awo, as great as he was, never won the presidency of Nigeria. Abiola did, and he should be acknowledged with honour far more significant than an institution located in the region of his birth. The Jonathan

government has not only insulted Abiola’s memory, even opening him up to the prospect of protests by those opposed to the renaming of Unilag, it has also insulted the Yoruba people, lent official credence to enclave politics and deepened and encouraged the clannish tendency of Nigerians.

Jonathan should rescind that appalling and humiliating decision to rename Unilag after Abiola. The president should first set in process the official acknowledgement of Abiola’s significant victory. After he has been posthumously declared president in order to right history, then he should be honoured as the government deems fit after wide and intelligent consultations.

Hardball would like to suggest that Democracy Day become MKO Abiola public holiday, a day set aside to remember him with lectures, symposia and celebrations. In addition, the Abuja National Stadium could be renamed after him. To consign him to Lagos, and a university for that matter, is to do his memory great violence and grave injustice.

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