The Nation May 6, 2014

Newspaper of the Year

Ex-Lagos Governor Otedola dies at 87

Panic in Ibadan over gas explosion NEWS

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NEWS

Page 59

•Flags to fly at half mast in state

•Four injured as police allay fears

•Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

VOL. 9, NO. 2840 TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2014

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TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

EKITI 2014

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•Oni: I’m working with Fayemi to build better Ekiti •Monarchs invite candidates to stem violence •‘There’ll be security on election day’ •AND MORE ON PAGE 9

•The wife of the Borno State Governor, Hajiya Nana Shettima (second from right), listening to one of the parents of the abducted schoolgirls during her visit to Chibok …yesterday

Our children have been brutally murdered. Over 200 girls are kidnapped; this is very sad...It is sad that the government does not even know the number of girls that are missing

‘

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•LA GOS PR OTEST LAGOS PRO TEST:: From right: Former Lagos State Deputy Governor Lateefah Okunnu; Dr Monsurah Kadri; a protester and Al-Mu’minaat Social A PR OTEST ABEOKUTA PRO TEST:: Amosun with (from left) Mrs. Obasanjo; Mrs. Advocacy Project (SAP) Coordinator Mrs Sherifah Yusuf-Ajibade at the ABEOKUT Amosun and Mrs. Alaba Lawson in Abeokuta ...yesterday Governor’s Office, Alausa, Ikeja... yesterday.

Anger rises as Boko Haram threatens to sell school girls Protests in Lagos, Abeokuta, Calabar

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HE global outrage over the abduction of the Chibok girls is growing, with protests yesterday in Lagos, Calabar and Abeokuta.

The girls were snatched away from their hostels on April 15 by the fundamentalist sect Boko

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja, Miriam Ekene-Okoro, Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta and Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

Haram, which threatened yesterday to sell them.

The leader of the militant group, Abubakar Shekau, in a video made available to the media, said: “I ab-

ducted your girls. I will sell them in the market, by Allah.”

Shekau added that the abduction had caused outrage “because we are holding people [as] slaves”.

“There is a market for selling humans. Allah says I should sell. He Continued on page 2

?

WHERE ARE THE GIRLS KIDNAPPED ON APRIL 15 AT THE GOVT SECONDARY SCHOOL, CHIBOK, BORNO STATE?

INSIDE

•Tinubu:Nigeria bleeds •Why Shettima’s wife shunned meeting •Rising global outrage •Police, group trade blame over protester •Tomorrow lecture-free PAGES for Borno students 2-5,7&60

•THREE DUTCH NATIONALS ABDUCTED IN BAYELSA P59 •CONFERENCE MEMBER DIE P57

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THE NATION TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2014

NEWS Jonathan, Kenyatta vow not to succumb to terror

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•Chancellor Convenant University (CU) Dr. David Oyedepo (middle) with (from left) are Pro-Chancellor CU Pastor Abraham Ojeme; Nobel Prize winner in Economics Science/Professor of Economics, New York University/Keynote Speaker, Professor Thomas J. Sargent; Acting Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Dr. Sarah Alade. Behind Dr. Alade is former Finance Minister Kalu Idika Kalu during the first CU International Conference on African Development issues with the theme: ‘Rising opportunity for investors in Africa and the prospect of an economic miracle’, at Canaan land, Ota, Ogun State...yesterday.

PHOTO:SOLOMON ADEOLA

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Borno students declare May 7 lecture-free day

HERE will be no lecture tomorrow in Borno State schools.

The Borno Students and Youths Alliance said the lecture-free day should be spent to pray for the safe return of the abducted Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok girls.

The spokesperson of the group, Miss Fatima Maliki, at a news conference in Maiduguri, said the prayer would allow them reflect over the situation, which she described, as “unfortunate”.

“We are pleading with students all over the country, es-

pecially those at the tertiary institutions, to observe Wednesday as lecture-free day to enable them pray for safe return of the abducted students.

“We also plan to use the day for soul searching and reflections over continued killings

by Boko Haram insurgents in the country,’’ she said.

She appealed for understanding from authorities at the institutions for the success of the event.

“We are pleading for understanding from lecturers and other stakeholders to enable the plan succeed,’’ she said.

Maliki also said that the

group would stage a mass procession of youths on May 23 in Maiduguri, if the military failed to rescue the girls.

The spokesperson threatened to mobilise students from all parts of the country and members of National Youths Council to embark on a sit-in demonstration at the Ramat Square, Maiduguri.

She said: “We are going to remain at the square until the students are rescued. We are passionately appealing to the Federal Government to strive towards bringing back the abducted students.

“They are our sisters and

•Borno Governor Shettima

colleagues, after 21 days of their abduction, we do not know their condition of health, we do not know their whereabouts.’’

FRICA won’t succumb to terror, President Goodluck Jonathan and his Kenyan counterpart Uhuru Kenyatta vowed yesterday in Abuja.

Stressing that the terror attacks will not hinder progress in the African continent, they maintained that partnership between Nigeria and Kenya holds the key to a prosperous Africa.

They spoke at the Presidential Villa, Abuja during a joint news conference after bilateral talks between their delegations.

Jonathan commended Kenyatta for visitng despite recent terrorist attacks on innocent citizens in Kenya.

He said: “I also want to use this opportunity to express the condolence of Nigeria and government to government of Kenya on the last terror attack.

For us in Nigeria we have been experiencing these dastardly acts for sometime now.”

“Kenya is beginning to experience it. We have to appreciated the courage expressed by the president for not aborting the state visit and the invitation to the World Economic Forum because of the attack.

Is a clear signal from here that the attack will not stop us from moving forward.”

“The act of terror in Africa is diversionary, being organised by groups of people that do not want the continent to move forward.”

“Whenever a country is showing any sign of progress, this criminal elements will strike. Yes they are setting us backward, they are slowing us down, they are killing innocent citizens, they are destroying properties. But surely we will overcome and terror will not stop Africa from progressing.”

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

“The terror attack is naturally to frighten people but as governments we will do our best to make sure that we provide maximum protection for our citizens. For this period that President Uhuru Kenyatta has been with us, we have had useful discussions. And of course a joint communique has been issued by the two foreign ministers.”

According to him, the two countries have signed a number of agreements and Memorandum of Understanding.

“We are totally committed.

We want the MOUS to move into agreement and from there to implementation.” He said.

He commended Kenya for granting five years visa for committed businessmen from Nigeria.

“Kenya is not known for tourism alone, it is known also for agriculture especially in the areas of exporting flowers and other related products.

This is the essence of this MOUs how we will share experiences.”

“Kenya is also just joining the oil sector, an area dominated by foreign firms. So they have a lot to learn from us.”

Kenyatta, who also condoled with Nigerians over the recent bloody attacks in Abuja and other parts of the north, said his country had not been spared of such misfortune “in the hands of cowardly criminals who have no value for life.

He said: “Let me also use this opportunity to join you as well in condoling your government and the people of Nigeria. Just like the people of Kenya, we have suffered at the hands of cowardly terrorists.

Continued on page 60

Anger rises as Boko Haram threatens to sell school girls

Continued from page 1

commands me to sell. I will sell women. I sell women,” he continued, according to a CNN translation from the local Hausa language.

Boko Haram is a terrorist group receiving training from al Qaeda affiliates, according to United States (U.S.) officials.

Its name means “Western education is sin.” In his nearly hourlong, rambling video, Shekau repeatedly called for Western education to end.

“Girls, you should go and get married,” he said.

Barely a few hours after Boko Haram admitted custody of the 276 (police figure) abducted school girls, security agencies and chiefs met yesterday to analyse the video clip purportedly released by Shekau.

Troops were ordered to go ahead with their search for the girls.

Also, troops have been mobilised to Sambisa Forest and identifiable border towns in Chad and Cameroon where the girls may have been kept

by Boko Haram.

A top security source, last night, said: “Security agencies got the video clip very early in the day and all military chiefs have been analysing it.

“While we have some technical reservations with the video clip, the security agencies and their leaders resolved that the search and rescue operations for the girls by the troops should continue.

“The immediate conclusion of the military and security agencies was that the video might have been released by the sect to drive fear into Nigerians and divert attention in

Why Shettima’s wife shunned meeting with First Lady

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HE wife of the Governor of Borno State, Hajiya Nana Shettima, shunned a meeting with First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan in Abuja on Sunday because she thought there were plans to humiliate her.

The meeting was convened by the First Lady to discuss the fate of the 276 girls abducted from the Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok by Boko Haram insurgents.The clarification was made in a statement by the Press Secretary to the Borno Governor’s wife, Aisha Muhammad Hassan.

The First Lady accused the governor’s wife of showing less concern over the abduction because she did not attend the Villa meeting on Saturday and Sunday.

But the statement said contrary to the First Lady’s claim, the session was allegedly designed to humiliate the governor’s wife.

The statement said: “The First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, had a clear motive of humiliating Hajiya Nana Shettima, wife of Governor Kashim Shettima, at a scheduled meeting in the Villa and it was part of the reasons why the Governor’s wife sent a representative to the meeting and remained in

order to relocate the girls into safe passage.

“Although we suspect the video message as an element of propaganda, we will not ignore it in any manner.”

The source said the video clip would not stop the operations for the rescue of the girls.

Said the source: “As I am talking to you, troops have been ordered to continue with the search and rescue operations for the abducted girls.

“Also, troops have been deployed in Sambisa Forest and strategic border towns with

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

Maiduguri to prepare for her planned trip to Chibok where she met with parents of the abducted girls in order to support them.

“While Dame Patience painted a different picture. Mrs. Shettima had actually travelled to Abuja all the way from Maiduguri on 28th of April and on the evening of that day, she met the First Lady at the Villa and took two hours to brief her on the schoolgirls’ abduction as well as her (Mrs. Shettima’s) personal efforts and that of her husband, Governor Shettima, towards the freedom of the girls.

“Some wives of service chiefs and National Women Leader of the PDP, Mrs. Kema Chikwe were present when the Governor’s wife met with the First Lady, noting that the First Lady appreciated the efforts of the Governor’s wife and was consoling her on noticing how depressed she was.

“It was therefore shocking to the governor’s wife when she saw Dame Patience on the television accusing the governor of Borno as being responsible for the abduction.

“It became clear to the governor’s wife that from the body language of the First

Chad and Cameroon.

“The troops have been asked to block all likely passage channels through which the girls could be relocated elsewhere.”

Responding to a question, the source added: “All security agencies in neighbouring countries are already collaborating with us to locate the whereabouts of these girls.

“Foreign intelligence agencies are also surveying movements in and out of some suspected terrorist enclaves in some countries.

“I think we are closer to a glo-

Lady and some of her close associates at the Saturday meeting, there was high possibility that the First Lady’s demand for the Governor’s wife on Sunday was to humiliate her by accusing her husband to her face in the midst of participants at the meeting and she thought it was better she concentrated on her planned trip to Chibok on Monday morning.”

The statement said the governor’s wife had met with the First Lady on April 28.

It added: “Before her meeting with Dame Patience on April 28, the governor’s wife had held a met with coalition of women groups that included stakeholders of Chibok, officials of the National Council of Women Societies, wives of security chiefs in Borno State, the Christian Association of Nigeria, the Federation of Muslim Women of Nigeria, Association of Christian Widows, Association of Muslim Widows, the National Association of Women Journalists, selected female professionals that included university lecturers, political appointees and the principal of the attacked school after which a communiqué was issued as was reported by the media.

“The communiqué was shown to Dame Patience by the governor’s wife which

bal search for the girls because many countries are sharing intelligence information with Nigeria.”

In Lagos thousands of women marched on Governor Babatunde Fashola’s office to call for the girls’ release.

In the protest, organised by Women for Peace and Justice in Nigeria, Lagos State Chapter, were various civil society coalition groups, accompanied by their male counterparts, including rights activists-lawyer Femi Falana (SAN).

They were dressed in red.

Continued on page 60

The protest began at about 9am at Allen Roundabout, Awolowo.

The protesters were armed with placards some of which read: “Bring back our girls”; “Our future leaders are missing, bring them back”; “Chad, Cameroon and Niger, stop enabling criminals”; “We want our girls back alive”; “Save innocent girls”; “Enough is Enough”; “234 girls, Haba!”; and “FGN, free the Chibok Girls”; among others.

There was a traffic gridlock on Obafemi Awolowo Way as

the protesters marched on, singing and demanding the girls’ release.

Speaking on behalf of the protesters, former Attorney General of Lagos State Justice Wonu Folami (rtd) said the protesters were at the State House to express their grievances over the abduction of the girls.

She said: “Our children have been brutally murdered. Over 200 girls are kidnapped; this is very sad, that nothing is being done about it. It is sad that the government does not even know the number of girls that are missing.

“We want security to be redoubled immediately. We want them back alive and without them, there can be no tomorrow. Fashola should double his effort to provide security in Lagos State as there are insinuations that they might strike here.”

Falana said: “We demand on the part of the government immediate rescue operation of these girls so that that they can join their parents. We urge the Lagos State government to help convey this message to the Federal Government. Until these girls are released, we cannot give the government any pass mark. We want the government to re-double its efforts so that these girls can be returned to their parents. We call on the government to deploy all military forces in Nigeria to collaborate with the international organisations and counContinued on page 60

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THE NATION TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2014

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THE NATION TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2014

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NEWS CHIBOK GIRLS’ ABDUCTION

Rising global o

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•From left: Managing Director, Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited, Adeola Olatunji; two winners in the Hobie Class Event, Carole Boissier and David Kruyt and National Commercial Director, Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Limited, Matthieu Seguin at the NBC 2014 Coca-Cola Cup in Lagos.

•Vice Minister of Trade, Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), Mr Myong San (left) greeting the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Martin Uhomoibhi at the 4th Session of The Nigeria-DPRK Joint Ministerial Commission Meeting in Abuja....yesterday. With them is Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Aminu Wali.

• From left:Marketing Director, Sola Oke; Olivier Fages, Managing Director and Brand Manager, Absolut Vodka, Akintayo Akinseloyin, all of Pernod Ricard Nigeria during the Absolut Cocktail Party at Elegushi Beach in Lagos... yesterday.

• Vice-President, IT Business, EMEA Region, Thierry Chamayou (second left) greeting the Chairman, Zinox Technologies, Leo Stan Ekeh when Chamayou visited Zinox in Lagos. With them are Channel Manager, Seun Oloyede (left) and Vice-President, IT Business, Anglophone West Africa, Ayo Adegboye.

PHOTO: ADEOLA SOLOMON

T started as a local matter. Now, the abduction of over 200 girls by Boko Haram members in Chibok, Borno State has become an international affair. Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau yesterday released a video admitting his group kidnapped the girls. His admission came weeks after the girls' April 14 kidnapping, with the country not closer to finding them, thus triggering complaints.

On Twitter, there is a globally trending hashtag #BringBackOurGirls. On Sunday, about 100 demonstrators gathered outside the Nigerian High Commission in London, chanting, "Bring them back!" and "Not for sale!"

Crowds from Los Angeles to London rallied Saturday as well.

"Access to education is a basic right and an unconscionable reason to target innocent girls," former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton wrote Sunday on Twitter. "We must stand up to terrorism. #BringBackOurGirls."

South African President Jacob Zuma said yesterday: "We call on the African Union and the international community to rally behind our sister nation, Nigeria, as it battles a recent spate of terrorism attacks. We condemn terrorism in every shape or form and from whichever quarter it comes from."

The United States is sharing intelligence with Nigeria to help in the search, according to a U.S. official with direct knowledge of the situation.

"We are sharing intelligence that may be relevant to this situation. You are going to see a focus on this in all three channels of government: diplomatic, intelligence and military," the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the information.

The scale of the attack is worrisome because it shows the "brazen" lengths Boko Haram will go to and suggests a planning and logistics capability for a large-scale operation, the official said.

It is not the first time the group has attacked defenceless schoolchildren.

Last week, United States’ AttorneyGeneral Eric Holder asked U.S. intelligence agencies to prepare a report for him on the kidnapping, as well as an assessment of Boko Haram, according to a U.S. law enforcement official. The assessment could help the Department of Justice seek indictments or curtail funding sources for the group. The FBI had several ongoing investigations into Boko Haram leadership.

The U.S. military is not planning to send troops but will assist with intelligence-sharing and perhaps could help Nigerian forces plan a rescue mission, under existing military cooperation agreements, a second U.S. official with knowledge of the situation said.

The United States could offer satellite imagery and electronic intelligence such as communications intercepts.

U.S. Africa Command has long been helping Nigerian forces improve their training and operations to counter Boko Haram militants.

President Barack Obama is being briefed on the attack, and pressure is mounting worldwide for the government to act. Speaking during a visit to Africa, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said the United States "will do everything possible to support the Nigerian government to return these young women to their homes and to hold the perpetrators to justice."

Frida Ghitis, a world affairs columnist for The Miami Herald and World Politics Review, in a piece for the CNN, said the global community has not done enough to help find the girls.

Ghitis’s piece reads: “ If i t had happened anywhere else, this would be the world's biggest story.

“More than 230 girls disappeared, captured by members of a brutal ter-

•Girls in Calabar, the Cross River State capital protesting the abduction of some female students from Government Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State ...yesterday.

rorist group in the dead of night. Their parents are desperate and anguished, angry that their government is not doing enough. The rest of the world is paying little attention.

“The tragedy is unfolding in Nigeria, where members of the ultra-radical Islamist group Boko Haram grabbed the girls, most believed to be between 16 and 18, from their dormitories in the middle of the night in midApril and took them deep into the jungle. A few dozen of the students managed to escape and tell their story.

The others have vanished. (Roughly 200 girls remain missing.)

“The latest reports from people living in the forest say Boko Haram fighters are sharing the girls, conducting mass marriages, selling them each for $12. One community elder explained the practice as "a medieval kind of slavery."

“While much of the world has been consumed with other stories, notably the missing Malaysian plane, the relatives of the kidnapped girls in the small town of Chibok in northeastern Nigeria have struggled for weeks with no resources to help them. The Nigerian government allayed international concerns when it reported -- incorrectly -- that it had rescued most of the girls. But the girls were still in captivity. Their parents raised money to arrange private expeditions into the jungle. They found villagers who had seen the hostages with heavily armed men.

“Relatives are holding street protests to demand more help from the government. With a social media push, including a Twitter #BringBackOurGirls campaign, they are seeking help anywhere they can find it.

“Nigerians demand government do more to save abducted girls It's hard to imagine a more compelling, dramatic, heartbreaking story.

And this is not a one-off event. This tragedy is driven by forces that will grow stronger and deadlier if the captors manage to succeed.

“I think of these girls as trapped in the rubble of a collapsed building.

Their mothers and fathers try to dig them out with their bare hands, while the men who brought down the building vow to blow up others. Everyone else walks by, with barely a second glance.

“Perhaps this story sounds remote.

But at its heart it is a version of the same conflict that drives the fighting in other parts of the world. These young girls, eager for an education, are caught in the crossfire of the war between Islamic radicalism and modernity. It's the Nigerian version of the same dispute that brought 9/11.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2014

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CHIBOK GIRLS’ ABDUCTION

al outrage over abducted Chibok girls

•A cross section of women in Ogun State, protesting the abduction of the Chibok school girls in Abeokuta...yesterday.

Media chat: Jonathan redefines politics and politicisation NEWS ANALYSIS

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T is unlikely President Goodluck Jonathan has ever shown as much passion and fire in any of his media chats as he did on Sunday when he parried most of the questions put to him by a panel of journalists. He was of course not oratorically flawless, but he spoke firmly, rapidly, sometimes swallowing his words, and doubtless agitatedly. The times are indeed trying, as the president put it succinctly, but given the temper of the times, surely the point could not have been lost on him that overall, he was making Nigerians to endure more than the trying times he spoke so cryptically about. In the circumstances, it was expected that more than the fire in his belly, the president would bring to the chat a mastery of facts and of his emotions that no one could gainsay, and a clear appreciation of the mood of the country. Instead, what the country saw on Sunday was a president angry, not at those who afflict the nation, like Boko Haram, but at those he felt played politics with the salient issues of the moment, and those who assailed his cherished cabinet aides.

The chat could not be redeemed by any substantial fidelity to facts or logic. It was in fact roundly undermined in three principal areas, thereby making it, in retrospect, unnecessary. It was better the chat had not held. First, in response to whether he had a covert plan to raise fuel price, he spent time sneering at those he considered ignorant and unprincipled politicians, especially in Lagos, who preferred to sponsor protests and play politics with critical economic issues. He boldly ignored them in 2012, he said. He growled that they bought pure water for the protesters and hired comedians to entertain the crowd. It cost money to do these things, he reasoned. This needless rehash was essentially the same argument he made at the peak of the 2012 protests, when he betrayed his hostility to the Lagos elite whom he felt were snobbish, permissive and profligate. Yet, everyone who attended the protests in Lagos knew that the people themselves spontaneously sponsored one another, while the musicians and comedians the president derisively talked about entertained for free.

While at the time it was revealing that Dr

By Adekunle Ade-Adeleye

Jonathan held such unflattering opinion of the elite in his country’s commercial capital, it does appear that the reiteration shows that his resentment runs very deep, almost incurably deep. Perhaps in future the reason for such biliousness will be known. But for now, it is at least enough to know that he will not forgive the Lagos elite anytime soon. They will continue to draw his ire, and whatever they do, even the innocent exercise of their constitutional rights, will be read as either a deliberately provocative or disingenuously bold attempt to politicise issues.

When Dr Jonathan bristled against those he felt politicised the fuel price hike of 2012, his voice shook and his lips quivered. It was apparent that if he had his way, he would banish the opposition, or at least inoculate them against his style and methods. He does not like the mincemeat they make of his anti-terror war, nor the shreds to which they tear his socio-economic policies, particularly his anti-corruption war.

Indeed, he went incredulously as far as suggesting that the House of Representatives practised parliamentary dictatorship, while he insinuated that the Senate had remained exemplary. Imagine then if the House had fallen into the Jonathan column, and Speaker Aminu Tambuwal had been on his coattails. What would become of Nigeria’s democracy? Indeed, what would become of the opposition in an atmosphere of pedantic and anti-social policies churned out with frightening consistency by the Jonathan presidency?

The second area in which the presidential chat was undermined is even more troubling.

Perhaps succumbing to the blackmail festering in Abuja before Boko Haram claimed responsibility for the abductions of the Chibok schoolgirls, the president cried plaintively that the parents of the missing schoolgirls were not cooperating with his government. He ignored that fact that he woke up to the full impact of the abductions a little late in the day, in fact not until the world had begun to show outrage. How it did not occur to him that had he visited the parents of the missing schoolgirls personally a day or two after the abductions, there would be no question of their supposed non-cooperation,

is hard to say. In any case, the president did not even convince anyone that the so-called noncooperation hampered the government’s security operations or rescue efforts.

It was clear that the president on Sunday unbelievably vacillated between believing that the girls were truly abducted and suspecting that the opposition was playing politics with an incident that never happened. Boko Haram’s acceptance of responsibility has finally put paid to the vacillations. On the same day the president held his chat, the first lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, was also holding court over the abducted girls’ case. She even claimed melodramatically that the case was contrived to harm her husband, even as she moaned that many invitees to her meeting failed to show up.

In other words, what preoccupied her was the wellbeing of the first family. Perhaps now, with all doubts about the abductions removed, the president can be persuaded to de-emphasise his fears of politicisation, and single-mindedly focus on rescuing the schoolgirls. Unfortunately, he did not give the impression he had the magic wand to prise the girls loose from their abductors, nor raised confidence in the tactical adequacy of security forces. But from now on, their will be no more excuses, and no hiding place for the government to evade responsibility.

By far the most potent area in which the presidential chat was undermined concerns Dr Jonathan’s puzzlingly stout defence of the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke. The defence was reminiscent of the inexplicable support the president gave Stella Oduah, the sacked Minister of Aviation, when she faced her own scandal. Not only was the president quite unpersuasive in defending Mrs Alison-Madueke over the chartered jets controversy, it was curious that he showed his irritation, denounced the House of Representatives for parliamentary dictatorship, and even permitted himself the exaggeration, figurative or not, of telling Nigerians that the embattled minister had been summoned before the parliament more than 200 times. Now, everyone knows that Mrs Alison-Madueke and the Finance minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, have repeatedly shown their exasperation with

parliamentary invitations and even taunted the legislature, but it is doubtful whether the Petroleum minister had visited the parliament for up to 20 times.

The last media chat did the president grave injury. He did not show mastery of facts, and he was so wrought-up that he could not detach himself from steps and statements that brought no dignity to his office. He accused everyone but himself of playing politics with every national incident, including security matters.

And he could not restrain himself from making facetious remarks about his critics. For instance, rather than calmly and persuasively explain his government’s position on the so-called missing $20bn, which the sacked Central Bank of Nigeria governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, alleged the NNPC failed to remit to the treasury, he mocked everyone who thought that that sort of money could be stolen and kept somewhere without the almighty United States knowing about it. The president failed to acknowledge that neither the NNPC nor the Finance ministry, nor any organ of government, has come out with proof of where that money or something a little less than that ($10 or $12bn, according to Dr Okonjo-Iweala) has gone. Did the president hope he could browbeat the country with one bad-tempered media chat to forget the money?

It may be too late to ask the president to return to school to reacquire more robust knowledge on politics, political behaviour and the undergirding principles of democracy, especially the aspect that concerns opposition politics. There is no way to compel him.

However, the point that came across from the Sunday chat is that neither the opposition nor the long-suffering Nigerian plays politics with security issues or other matters, as the president alleges. The problem is that it is the president, whose definition of these democratic elements has been badly distorted over time, that reads politics into clearly apolitical matters. Given his brooding approach to the exigent issues of the day, it is looking increasingly unlikely that the president can claim the glory when the schoolgirls are finally rescued. No one will let him; and it would not be playing politics.

Police, group trade blames over detained Chibok woman protester

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HE police and a group of women protesters, Bring Back Our Girls Movement (BBOGM), have been traded blames over the alleged detention of a woman protester, Mrs. Naomi Mutah by the police.

Mutah was one of the women under the platform of the Chibok Community in Abuja who on Sunday joined others to protest the abduction of the over 200 female students of Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok in Borno State on April 15.

A statement yesterday by the media

From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

representative of the BBOGM, Mr. Rotimi Olawale, said Mrs. Mutah was arrested and detained at the Asokoro police station at 3.20 am, on the orders of the First Lady, Mrs. Patience Jonathan.

The statement said: “We were notified at 6am

by Mr Tsambido Hosea, the leader of the Chibok Community resident in Abuja, that Mrs. Naomi Mutah had been detained at the Asokoro Police Station at the instance of the First Lady following

a meeting she had attended at the Presidential Villa with the president’s wife.

“Mrs Saratu Angus, who accompanied Mrs. Naomi Mutah to the meeting, and was also taken to the Asokoro police station, was released at 3.30am.

“Our lawyer was informed that neither the Divisional Police Officer, Crime Prevention Officer nor Investigating Police Officer was available to attend to us. Subsequently, we identified the DPO who responded that he had more pressing issues to handle.

“To the utter dismay of her husband, the Chibok community members and some of our members, some officials arrived at 11am, 8 hours after her detention, claiming to be from the Presidency and took her away with the DPO to the office of the Inspector General of Police. They prevented anyone from accompany her.”

Force Public Relations Officer, Mr. Frank Mba however denied the group’s claims. In a text message to our correspondent yesterday, Mba stated that the claim was false.

THE NATION TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2014

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NEWS Akeredolu, Ikpeazu, others eulogise Oputa From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Onitsha

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FORMER President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Chief Aluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), and the former chairman of the Anambra State chapter of the association, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), mourned yesterday the demise of Justice Chukwudifu Oputa.

The lawyers spoke in Awka, the Anambra State capital.

They said Nigeria has lost an enviable and erudite jurist.

Akeredolu said the death of Justice Oputa was a big loss to all lovers of justice.

He said: “This is coming at the time when our country is in a dire stage. No doubt, one feels a sense of loss when you look at that. We will always remember his sterling career, from when he started practising in Port Harcourt and rose to the Bench, till he got to the Supreme Court.”

The former NBA president said the late Justice Oputa had done well for the Judiciary, adding that his intervention, which legal luminaries could find in the law reports, looms large.

Akeredolu described the eminent jurist as the Socrates and Cicero combined.

The lawyer noted that the late Justice Oputa would be missed by all.

He commiserated with the Oputas for nurturing a man of that stature.

Another lawyer, Chief Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), recalled that when Justice Oputa was an High Court judge in the defunct East Central State, he distinguished himself and was consistently known as an erudite jurist.

He said: “His elevation to the Supreme Court gave him the opportunity to make some indelible contributions to our law.

“His judgments showed a very elaborate and concise exposition of the subject matter he addressed and this made jurisprudence, not only mature but also very rich.”

Another lawyer, Emeka Okeke, described the late Justice Oputa as the Aristotle of the Supreme Court.

Okeke said the late Justicce Oputa’s judgments were cherished for their high values.

An iroko has fallen, says Atiku

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ORMER Vice-President and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has said the late Justice Chukwudifu Oputa is an extraordinary jurist with extraordinary pedigree.

In a tribute yesterday in Abuja by his Media Office, Atiku said the death of the retired Supreme Court Justice was like a huge branch being cut off from the nation’s judicial iroko tree.

According to him, besides his extraordinary courage, the late Justice Oputa was also a man of profound knowledge, which earned for him the appellation of the “Socrates of the Supreme Court”.

Atiku noted that for the late Justice Oputa to have earned the appellation from colleagues demonstrated his erudition and colossal stature.

The notable politician recalled that with no less than 358 judgments and rulings under his belt, the late Justice Oputa was a giant of law, not only in Nigeria but also across Africa.

The former vice-president prayed for the repose of the soul of the eminent jurist and condoled with his family on the irreparable loss.

CHUKWUDIFU OPUTA (1924-2014)

Jonathan commiserates with family

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has expressed shock over the death of retired Supreme Court judge, Justice Chukwudifu Oputa.

In a statement last night in Abuja by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, the President said the retired justice would always be remembered.

The statement reads: “On behalf of himself, the Federal Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the President extends sincere condolences to the eminent jurist’s family, relatives, associates and friends.

“As they mourn the passage of the retired Justice of the Supreme Court, who

Tambuwal, Ihedioha: His death great loss

From Victor Oluwasegun, Abuja

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From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

will always be remembered, among other career highlights, for his celebrated chairmanship of Nigeria’s Human Rights Violations Investigation Commission 14 years ago, President Jonathan urges them to be comforted by the knowledge that Justice Oputa lived a long, very fulfilled and achievement-laden life.

“The President believes Justice Oputa will always be honoured now and in posterity for having served the nation as a most distinguished and courageous jurist who made very significant and indelible contributions to the advancement of Nigerian jurisprudence.”

Dr Jonathan expressed con-

•The late Justice Oputa

fidence that even though Justice Oputa has now left the world of the living, he will be long remembered for his spirited legal activism and continue to serve as a splendid role model for present

and future generations of Nigerian judges.

He prayed God Almighty to receive Justice Oputa’s soul and grant him a well-deserved rest for his diligent and exemplary labours on earth.

and restrictions. So, it was important that I went my own way.

“I thank God I did that because at long last since the past 25 years, I won the kind of respect I deserved from the man who thought that the direction I took was a wrong move.

“For the past 25 years, we bonded and I am proud to have had a father like him.”

The entertainer said his father brought him up on a strong “overdose” of morals, values, principles and how to be contented and be at peace with oneself.

“I will continue to apply these virtues to my life,” Charly Boy said.

Mr Mike Okiro, a retired Inspector-General of Police (IGP), was among the early sympathisers at the Oputas’

home.

The former police chief described the late justice as a rare nugget.

Okiro said Justice Oputa’s death was a big loss to the family, the Judiciary and the country.

He said the late Justice was a legend, especially in the Judiciary, because he was recognised internationally and would be missed greatly.

“He was a great man, and he lived a very good life worthy of emulation,” Okiro said.

A musician, Daniel Wilson, who also condoled with the family, described the late Justice Oputa as a rare gem with a great life.

He said his memory would live on.

Charly Boy plans concert for father

•Charly Boy

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AVERICK entertainer Charly Boy (real name Charles Oputa) said yesterday prominent musicians, D’banj and Terry G, will perform at a concert to cdelebrate the

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NBA, Adoke, Aturu pay tributes

HE Nigerian Bar Association (NBA); the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Mohammed Adoke (SAN) and rights activist, Bamidele Aturu, paid tributes yesterday to the late Justice ChuKwudifu Oputa.

They described him as one of the finest legal minds that ever emerged from the nation’s Judiciary.

In a statement yesterday, NBA President Okey Wali (SAN) noted that with Justice Oputa’s demise, the legal profession and the nation had lost a rare gem.

“On behalf of the NBA, I hereby give our condolences to the Judiciary and his family, while praying for the repose of his soul. I also pray that God will give the family, the Bench and the Bar, the fortitude to bear the loss,” Wali said.

Adoke, in a statement, said the deceased was one of the country’s foremost legal icons who served the legal

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death of his father, Justice Chukwudifu Oputa.

Justice Oputa, a former Justice of the Supreme Court (JSC), died on Sunday afternoon at the National Hospital in Abuja.

He was 90.

Charly Boy, who spoke yesterday with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at his Abuja home, said his father lived a fulfilled life “so, there is a great need to celebrate him”.

He urged Nigerians not to sympathise with him.

Charly Boy said: “They should join in celebrating a life well lived. My father was a good and great man, though we did not start off well because in the beginning he always felt I was too rascal.

“I did not obey orders and I got tired of his rules, regulations

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

profession, the country and humanity with characteristic candour, courage and dedication.

“On May 4, 2014, the legal community received the news of the sad loss of Honourable Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, CON, JSC (rtd), a former Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. Honourable Justice Oputa was, until his death, one of Nigeria’s foremost legal icons who served the legal profession, the country and humanity with characteristic candour, courage and dedication.

“The legal profession and the country will surely miss him.

My thoughts are with the Oputa family at these difficult and challenging moments. I hereby join millions of his wellwishers across the length and breadth of this country and beyond, in praying to the Almighty God for the repose of his soul. I also pray the Almighty God to grant the fami-

ly the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” Adoke said.

Aturu, also in a statement, said anyone who had read Oputa’s judgments and opinions would agree that he was one of the finest jurists that ever lived.

Aturu said: “His knowledge of the law is sound, deep and catholic. Not once has anyone - litigant or counsel challenged Justice Oputa’s judgment on the ground of corruption. Of course, there were many decisions he gave that one could disagree with.

“Even then, one cannot but recognise that he approached his work with unparalleled zeal and uncommon honesty.

We have the onerous duty to do all in our power to ensure that traders or mercantilists of the worst hue are no longer appointed to the Bench to desecrate it.

“This duty is for all Nigerians and cannot be left to lawyers and judges alone. May his vibrant and rigorous soul rest in peace.”

David-West: it’s personal loss

FORMER Petroleum Minister, Prof.

Tam David-West said yesterday the death of former Supreme Court judge, Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, is a personal loss to him.

Justice Oputa died on Sunday after recovering from an illness.

He was 90.

Reacting to the news of his death, West said he was anguished and feels a personal loss because Justice Oputa made him.

“He was my principal at high school and encouraged my interest in writing. He forced me to read one novel every week or a tale by Shakespeare.

By Precious Igbonwelundu

“He was a great man, teacher and great principal and I am lucky that when he was appointed Supreme Court Judge, I was Minister of Petroleum and he was very proud of me.

“He was so stylish that we imitate how he walks, speaks...I owe a lot to him because he made me what I am today as a public commentator.

“In high school under him, Justice Oputa made me write over 30 essays on different subject matters.

“May his soul rest in peace and may God comfort his family,” said David-West.

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HE death of renowned jurist, Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, is a great loss to Nigeria, House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and his deputy, Emeka Ihedioha, have said.

In a statement in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Malam Imam Imam, the Speaker said the deceased distinguished himself in his public and private lives.

Tambuwal described the late Justice Oputa as the father of Criminal Justice law in the country.

“He was an articulate jurist and the master of the rules. If you call him the father of Criminal Justice law in Nigeria, you won’t be wrong. For me, whenever matters of procedural and substantive law are mentioned, his name will come tops. He was never a concurist but a resolute and independent-minded justice who elevated the defence of democracy, human rights and rule of law to an art. We will all miss him,” he said.

The Speaker prayed Almighty God to give the his family, associates and Nigerians the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Ihedioha, in a statement, described the late retired Supreme Court jurist as a legal giant who bestrode the Nigerian jurisprudence as a colossus.

He said renowned jurist was a judicial activist who used his deep knowledge of the law to ensure social justice and the reformation of the Nigerian society.

Amosun mourns

GUN State Governor Ibikunle Amosun has commiserated with the Judiciary, the government and people of Imo State on the death of Justice Chukwudifu Oputa.

In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Wakama, the governor said the death of Justice Oputa was “the dimming of another shining star in Nigeria’s legal firmament”.

Amosun added: “Justice Oputa will forever be remem-

bered for his landmark judgments and particularly his role during the Human Rights Violation Investigations Commission, a reconciliatory panel set up by the then Olusegun Obasanjo administration and headed by him to investigate human rights abuses in Nigeria from 1979 to 1999.”

He prayed God to grant the family and associates of the deceased the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Okorocha promises state burial From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

•Okorocha

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MO State Governor Rochas Okorocha yesterday assured that the state government will organise a befitting burial for the late Justice Chukwudifu Oputa.

Okorocha, who visited the Oguta home of the jurist with members of the State Executive Council, said he would meet with the family to agree on the burial date.

The governor could not hide his grief on the passing

on of the retired Supreme Court Justice.

He said then late Justice Oputa was a rare gem, with a wealth of knowledge and a life worthy of emulation through his dedication to duty, discipline, hard work and honesty.

These, Okorocha said, earned for him various positions and appellations.

The governor assured that the state government would play major role in the burial, which would be announced later.

A member of the Oputa family, Nkem, who received the governor, thanked him for the visit, despite his tight schedule.

Those who accompanied Okorocha duirng the visit included Deputy Governor Eze Madumere and the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Anthony Anwuka.

THE NATION TUESDAY MAY 6, 2014

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NEWS

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Tips on how to end insurgency, by Tinubu

LL Progressives Congress (APC) national leader Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu yesterday identified five solutions to the Boko Haram insurgency.

He said the dreaded sect is the greatest security challenge to Nigerian since the civil war 40 years ago.

Tinubu said so far, government policy on tackling the problem has been unimaginative and mainly a one dimensional military approach.

The Goodluck Jonathan administration, he said, implements its own policy half-heartedly; resulting in the sect’s evil spreading geographically, with its operations becoming more complex.

The former Lagos State governor, in a statement, said government policy needs reform in five important ways.

First, he said the government must admit its solely military approach is inadequate, as Boko Haram’s challenge has economic, political and social dimensions that have been ignored at Nigeria’s collective national peril.

Second, he said to address the non-military aspects of the crisis, government needs to reach out to the North, especially those areas most blighted by terrorism.

Tinubu said that region now suffers severe economic depression, and that he believes only a small minority of people actually support Boko Haram.

The real problem, Tinubu

By Joseph Jibueze

said, is that most people in the affected areas think ill of the government and are thus indifferent to the fight between government and the sect.

“Despite Boko Haram’s homicidal ways, the population does not see government as coming to their rescue.

“They see government as another layer of suffering and oppression. Until government breaks this perception, it will have a hard time breaking the back of Boko Haram,” Tinubu said.

According to him, the most effective way to counter this impression is through a development plan for the North, under which the government will inaugurate infrastructural development that not only creates a platform for economic growth, but will provide employment for many young men.

Such legitimate employment, Tinubu said, will lessen the pool of desperate youth from which Boko Haram recruits its foot soldiers.

“Deplete the numbers of recruits and you diminish the group’s ability to operate. Also, this policy builds goodwill among the people,” Tinubu said, adding that ultimately, it is the people who will defeat Boko Haram when they see government as their ally and true guardian.

Tinubu’s third solution is the need to refine military operations, which he described as

clumsy.

“The military’s hand has been too heavy and indiscriminate. It has committed abuses against the innocent in its clumsy attempt to pursue Boko Haram. These offenses only increase the pool of disaffected people from which Boko Haram recruits.

“To be seen as the true protectors of the people, government security forces must restrain themselves so that they do not lash out in frustration against innocent people for the harm Boko Haram has done,” he said.

The fourth solution, according to Tinubu, is that the government must improve its intelligence-gathering capacity.

This, he said, is partly a function of the people’s disposition toward government, as their distrust makes them reticent to provide information.

“All intelligence gathering is first local. There is a lot of sense in the community policing in Western nations where the police is welded to the community and security is every citizen’s business.

“In our case, I am afraid, security have alienated the locals and in that process shut the door to the floor of useful information about the dangerous gang.”

Finally, Tinubu said a regional summit is needed as the Boko Haram challenge has a regional dimension. He said elements of terrorism are now trafficked across borders.

“As the largest nation in

West Africa and the nation most affected by this problem, Nigeria has the standing to convene a regional summit to discuss with our neighbors ways to end this problem before it becomes a hot and pressing issue for our neighbors as well,” he said.

On the abduction of girls from the Government Secondary School in Chibok, Borno State, Tinubu said their disappearance shows a lack of contingent planning by the government.

He said most major militaries around the world have developed plans for major challenges, adding that it is a terrible lapse that Nigeria’s security apparatus failed to make such plans.

He also questioned the response on the ground the day the girls were seized, saying such abduction is logistically a major operation that takes planning and execution.

“How is it that Boko Haram is better at planning and execution than our trained professional security agencies? How could this have taken place without detection and a rapid response?” he asked.

Tinubu urged President Jonathan to talk to Nigerians on the issue. “The nation is in anguish yet the president has not talked to us directly.

“Let him make a broadcast to the nation at this time of hurt and pain to assure us, in broad terms, that he has a plan to free our daughters.

“He did not give us opera-

tion details but he needs to more actively and visibly lead the nation at this time,” Tinubu said.

The APC national leader said he was not seeking to take advantage of the security situation to score a political point.

“No matter what and no matter who is in office, our security should never sink below to a level where widespread death and destruction can descend on us with impunity...

“While I have no interest in partisan bickering at the moment, I also cannot allow the mere fact of my political affiliation to silence me on this transcendent issue. All Nigerians have a right and responsibility to let their voice be heard on this matter,” he said.

Tinubu said many nonMuslims would see Boko Haram as an Islamic assault, but that the sect’s activities make a mockery of his faith.

“I am Muslim and abhor Boko Haram for it mocks not honors the tenets of my faith.

There is nothing Islamic there except that it uses the legitimacy of Islam to lure the ignorant, gullible and hopeless into their sordid trap.

“Boko Haram exalts violence, not God. It kills Muslim and Christian alike because its faith is not Islam but mayhem and lawlessness,” he said.

According to him, without the extreme poverty and the great disparity between wealthy and the poor, Boko Haram would be a small fringe

Aisha Falode: my son was murdered

Sultan: Insecurity to end soon

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From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

ULTAN of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III yesterday maintained that the current insecurity situation in the country will soon be over.

He made the remark while speaking with State House correspondents after presenting the 2013 Hajj report to President Goodluck Jonathan.

Besides submitting the report, he said that he also had discussions with the President on security issues in the country.

He said: “We also took time to rub minds on some few security issues affecting Nigeria. We heard from Mr. President and he also heard from us. Insha Allah, Nigeria will be better for it very soon.”

On the Hajj report, he said: “At the end of each Hajj operation of each particular year, the Amir Hajj delegation submits its report to the President, highlighting what really transpired, what are the challenges and what we feel Mr. President should do to make Hajj operations in Nigeria better.”

“So this morning, we submitted our report to the President and highlighted areas of achievements and also some few areas which we feel the government should still come in.”

“We also commended Mr. President for the support he has been giving to Hajj operations in Nigeria and I think you are all aware of the significant leap we have in terms of preparing and conducting Hajj operations in Nigeria. Much better than what it used to be.”

“The President assured us of the government’s continued total support for Hajj operations in this country.” he said

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By Dare Odufowokan, Assistant Editor

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•Dr Jonathan receiving Hajj report Alhaji Abubakar at the Presidential Villa, Abuja...

PHOTO: AKIN OLADOKUN. yesterday.

Traders protest over missing girls

HE Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo has called for the immediate and unconditional release of the 234 girls that were abducted by members of the dreaded Boko Haram.

Markets in the metropolis were closed by the market women leader, to enable the traders to participate in the protest against the abduction of the Chibok students.

She said as a responsible mother she could imagine the ordeal and traumatic experiences of these innocent and innocuous girls in the hands of lawless bandit.

She lamented how these girls were abducted with relative ease

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By Musa Odoshimokhe

and without any quick response until weeks after the insurgent had gone in different directions, dividing the girls amongst themselves as spoils of war.

Tinubu-Ojo maintained that government must wake up to its responsibilities and take charge of the horrendous situation to forestall further deterioration.

Said the custodian of the security of the country should desist from trading blames or accusation, as this can only expose the country to ridicule and incompetence at this trying moment of the country’s history.

She urged members of the public to be vigilant about what

movement capable of nothing except petty crime and making periodic noise.

“Government policy has been ineffectual. If it maintains this present form, government policy will continue to be ineffectual. This means the situation will either remain the same or deteriorate, with the latter being more likely. Either road is impassable if the objective of our trek is a better Nigeria.

“Some now say parts of Nigeria are ungovernable. I disagree. The issue is not that parts of the nation are ungovernable.

The real problem is that the current administration seems incapable of governing these and other areas.

“No parts of the nation are ungovernable. All sections are amenable to good governance if only good governance were to be had. Trouble commences where there is bad or no governance.

“This government, by folly or omission, has done too little good. It has lost legitimacy among segments of the population. While it may hold predominant power and money, this government is approaching the point where it is morally spent.

“This government is a bumbling monument to barren policy and corrupt practices. Given the obvious danger before us, may this government regain sobriety and a sense of purpose equal to the moment and the challenge we face,” Tinubu said.

•Mrs.Tinubu-Ojo is happening in their environments and volunteer information to the security agencies at all times.

The Iyaloja-General encouraged the parents and guardians of victims to keep hope alive as God will intervene in His infinite mercy.

Nigeria to host disaster management

HE Federal Government, United Nation Office for Disaster Risk Reduction – Regional Office for Africa (UNISDR), Africa Union (AU) and Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS) through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) will host the 5th African Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in Abuja, from 13th – 16th May 2014.

The National Emergency Management Agency NEMA disclosed that the overall aim of the African Regional Platform is to identify key priorities and commitments

From: Franca Ochigbo, Abuja

for Africa’s position on the post Hyogo framework for Action (HFA) 2015 and develop a future action plan focused on building the resilience of African communities in line with sustainable development goals.

It states that, “Ministers and government officials across Africa will discuss and adopt a draft declaration based on a compilation of recommendation emerging from the three days of stakeholder deliberation and dialogue.

CE sports broadcaster and Head, media committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Aisha Falode, has said that her late son, Oloruntoba, who died on February 15, was murdered by one Faisal Aldakmary Al-Nasser, a Saudi national and one Olivia Melaine Richards Evans, a Briton.

Falode, who spoke through her lawyer, Festus Keyamo, in a petition made available to The Nation, also alleged that there is a plot to cover up the alleged murder by the Dubai Police authority.

The Dubai Marina Police Command handled investigations into the death of the 19yar-old.

Oloruntoba, popularly called Fray, the only son of the frontline television presenter and a budding rapper, was a student of Audio Production at the SAE Institute in the United Arab Emirate at the time of his death.

Initial report stated that he died in a car crash, but a petition sent to the Presidency by Keyamo on behalf of the Falodes revealed that Oloruntoba might have been pushed to his death by his alleged killers on the night of the sad incident.

In the petition which was also copied to the Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Ambassador of Nigeria to the UAE, the grieving mother said written statements and evidences volunteered by eye-witnesses suggest that Al-Nasser pushed Toba off the balcony of the 17th floor of Manchester Towers at Dubai Marina, after a heated argument between the duo.

THE NATION TUESDAY MAY 6, 2014

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NEWS

Four injured in Ibadan gas explosion

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HERE was a gas explosion yesterday at Challenge in Ibadan, Oyo

State.

It occurred around 3:15pm.

Four men were injured.

They are Oyelami Muftau, Ismail Raji, Paul Sunday and Muili Ahmed.

Three of the victims were admitted at Lad Hospital and the fourth was referred to the University College Hospital (UCH) for intensive care.

The administrator of Lad Hospital, Mr. Lawal Oladimeji, said those in the hospital were responding to

•Residents panic From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

treatment.

A Volkswagen Passat Saloon Car, marked PH 381 KJA; a Nissan Saloon car, AL 461 AKN; and a commercial motorcycle, marked GBY 278 QB, were burnt.

Residents of Orita Challenge initially thought the explosion, which occurred a few miles away from a police station, was caused by a bomb planted by the Boko Haram sect.

A bomb disposal van, marked NPF 1745-C, was stationed in the area with a team of policemen from the Police Headquarters.

It was discovered that the explosion was caused by a gas leakage from a gas refilling plant, Hephzibah Petroleum Ltd. The company’s Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Modupe Ademiluwa, expressed shock over the incident but thanked God that no one died.

Police spokesperson Olabisi Clet-Ilobanafor described it as an industrial accident, saying: “At about 3pm today, the police command was alerted of an explosion. When we got there, we discovered it was an accident from a gas refilling plant. A taxi, a Passat vehicle and an Okada were burnt. It was an industrial accident, not that somebody planted a bomb. Oyo State is safe and calm.”

She urged the public to go about their businesses without fear.

•Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi (middle) receiving a plaque from the Chairman of The League of Veteran Journalists, Alhaji Kola Animasahun, during his investiture as the Grand Patron of the organisation in Ibadan ... at the weekend. With them is a former chairman of the organisation, Mr. Tunde Akingbade.

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SUN State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has said Nigeria needs to use its diversity to its advantage as many great nations have done.

He spoke at the weekend at a dinner organised by the state government for members of the Course 36, Batch 5 of the Nigerian Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Jos, who are on a tour of the country.

Aregbesola said the country had not seized the opportunity of its diversity to build a strong and virile nation, adding: “We have not used our diversity to the best advantage. Our diversity should be a major advantage for us because most great nations of the world converted their diversity to strength and greatness.

“Our diversity too should form the basis for our growth, strength and development, rather than retard our progress.”

He hailed the vision of the founders of NIPSS and acknowledged the guiding philosophy of the institute.

Speaking for the participants, Air Commodore Ademola Onitiju hailed the governor for his focused leadership and the transformation of the state.

He said Aregbesola’s leadership style should be emulated by other states, adding that the administrations’ youth empowerment programmes were some of the best in the country.

Air Commodore Onitiju said: “In our tour of Osun, we found focused leadership.

Two suspected kidnappers lynched in Oyo

WO suspected kidnappers were lynched on Sunday by residents of Sabo in Oyo, Atiba Local Government Area of Oyo State. They allegedly attempted to abduct a sevenyear-old girl, Anike Mufutau.

Lateef Gbadegesin, a university graduate and former councillor in the defunct Oyo Local Government and Abideen, popularly called “blood”, reportedly told Anike, who was running an errand for her mother at Basorun, to take them to a place in Sabo.

The girl was said to have complied with their request and they boarded a bus to Sabo around 7pm.

When they got to Sabo, the suspected kidnappers allegedly dragged Anike towards an unknown destination.

Her cry for help attracted passersby who intervened.

On interrogation, it was gathered that the suspects could not explain where they were taking the girl to.

Residents beat them up and set them ablaze.

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Nigeria must take advantage of its diversity, says Aregbesola

•Three mobbed in Ondo, Osun When the police arrived on the scene, the suspects were dead.

Anike was handed over to the police and taken to the Atiba Police Station, where she was reunited with her mother, a local gin seller.

Gbadegesin’s family stormed the station, demanding justice.

They argued that Gbadegesin was Anike’s mother’s customer and was not a kidnapper.

One of them said: “One of our brothers in Ibadan took Gbadegesin to Ibadan so that he would not mingle with miscreants. He came home recently because he could not withstand what he called the isolated lifestyle in Ibadan. He does not keep late night and has never been involved in undesirable acts.”

Anike said the suspects were her mother’s customers, but her mother denied knowing them.

Yesterday, a middle-aged woman was set ablaze by irate youths in Ondo West Local Government Area of Ondo State for allegedly attempting to kidnap a teenage boy.

It was learnt that the suspect, popularly called “Ayababa”, was mentally ill and was often seen at a dump site on Oluseyi Street.

Ayababa, who many residents now believe had been pretending to be mentally ill, allegedly accosted the boy on the road around 7:30am and dragged him into the bush.

His cry for help attracted passersby, who rescued him.

The passersby searched Ayababa’s bag and found a Blackberry, a Nokia phone and other items.

It was discovered that she fixed artificial nails and used artificial hair to disguise as a mad woman.

An eyewitness said Ayababa confessed that she was a kidnapper and was from Osogbo in Osun State.

Ayababa was set ablaze by

elections in Ekiti and Osun states. APC said the PDP’s effort to defend the manipulation of elections showed that it was not about to change “in its criminal ways, which has destroyed the country through the array of horrible leaders that have been unleashed on Nigeria these past 15 years”.

In a statement by its Pub-

licity Secretary, Joe Igbokwe, APC said: “From its childish reaction to Asiwaju’s warning, it is apparent that the PDP, as a professional vote robber, is getting paranoid that any action against election riggers is an action against it. It is apparent that by this impudent way to offer safe ground for election riggers, Lagos PDP and, in-

From Bode Durojaiye, Oyo, Leke Akeredolu, Akure and Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

a mob before policemen arrived on the scene.

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Funbi Fagun Police Station in Ondo, Emmanuel Okorie, a Superintendent, confirmed the incident.

At Ikire in Osun State, two suspected kidnappers were mobbed yesterday by residents, led by youths and commercial motorcyclists.

It was learnt that one of the suspects, an unidentified middle-aged man, was

stopped for questioning by residents at the N.U.D. Primary School in Sango on his mission in the area, but he took to his heels.

He was apprehended and set ablaze.

At Isale Total in Apomu, Ikire, another suspect was stripped naked and set ablaze after he allegedly confessed to being a kidnapper.

Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Maishanu condemned the incidents, saying jungle justice is unlawful.

The state anthem is more than a promotion of the Omoluabi concept. The introduction of a unique selection of the leadership of the civil service is a thing that should be copied by other state.

“We also noted the governor’s aggressive effort in opening up Osun through road networks. What amuses us most was that when we followed the governor to the inauguration of roads in Osogbo, people came out in their thousands to appreciate the governor; that showed that he is loved by his people.

“We also found out about the administration’s bold effort on the airport project and the improvement and beatification of the Railway Station in Osogbo.

“The school feeding programme, which has attracted more children to enroll in schools, has positively impacted on the educational development of the state with high nutritional value for the building of young minds into robust adulthood.

“The state’s school re-classification policy, which is in tandem with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s (UNESCO’s) educational standard - though criticised by those who didn’t take time to study the policy, is a model for educational development.

“We only hope that Aregbesola stays focused and committed to the actualisation of his policies and programmes for the good people of Osun.”

Ogun APC shifts inauguration

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HE inauguration of the All Progressives Congress’ (APC’s) executives in Ogun State has been postponed.

The party’s national leadership has decided to hold the ceremony at the same time in states where congresses have been held.

The APC National Secretariat will hold a meeting on May 13 in Abuja where a date will be fixed for the inauguration.

Osun APC gets campaign committee

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has inaugurated a committee for Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s re-election campaign.

The ceremony was held at the party’s secretariat in Osogbo, the state capital.

The party’s Chairman, Elder Adebiyi Adelowo, urged members to ensure Aregbesola’s victory in the August 9 poll.

He urged them to be mind-

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

ful of the opposition’s violent nature, adding: “The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has nothing progressive to offer the people, except violence, rigging and destruction. It is counting on violence before and during the poll as a means of winning the election; PDP believes in manipulation and rigging.

“As committee members, you should use constructive

and peaceful methods to neutralise the PDP’s campaign of terror and educate the people on the critical issue involved in the election, which is whether Osun wants to progress or allow terrorists to destroy all that our party has achieved in the last four years.

So, you have an idea of what the committee’s task is.”

The committee members include political appointees across the nine federal constituencies.

Lagos APC slams PDP for seeking Tinubu’s arrest

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has described the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) call for the arrest of APC National Leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as “ridiculous”.

The PDP called for Tinubu’s arrest following his call for the roasting of those who would rig the governorship

deed, the entire PDP, is planning to continue stealing election mandates and employ same to wreck the country the same way it had been doing in the past 15 years, but we warn that those days are over.

“We are not surprised that it is the PDP that has come in defense of election rigging because we know its

history and its name has become synonymous with fraud, not only in elections, but in every facet of life.

“That what calls itself a state chapter of a party that has been ruling the country for the past 15 years can come out and make such endorsement of election rigging, as the call for Asiwaju’s arrest for warn-

ing against election rigging portends, shows that Nigerians have not witnessed the last of the PDP’s bizarre electoral frauds, which is the foundation upon which the PDP rests. We warn Nigerians to be on their guards as the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections approach and as the critical 2015 elections draw nearer.”

THE NATION TUESDAY MAY 6, 2014

9

NEWS

EKITI 2014

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HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) suffered yesterday a big blow in its preparation for the June 21 election in Ekiti State. One of its leading lights, former Governor Segun Oni and his army of supporters joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

It is all about erecting a new platform for the state’s future.

Oni said of his decision to back incumbent Governor Kayode Fayemi.

The former governor, who welcomed Fayemi to his residence in Ifaki-Ekiti in company of his teeming supporters said the only important thing at this point in Ekiti is the future of the state and the need to build on the gains of the past three and a half years.

He said: “We are erecting a new platform to view the future and for us, the future is the only important thing that we have to see and defer to. Yes, there are past, but I urge all of us to let the past remain in the past. All sentiments, all prejudices must remain in the past.

All decisions, all hopes are going to be about the future.”

Oni said all well-meaning stakeholders must realise that the June 21 election is greater than personal interests or ambition, but about who is in a better position to give Ekiti a future everyone can be proud.

“We must ask ourselves who is in a better position to give Ekiti a better future, the kind of future that we want.

This is why we are doing this.

If you are an Ekiti person, ask yourself who is in a better position to bequeath your children a better future.

“Tomorrow is greater than today and yesterday. Let us look at our future. I am not talking perfection. I know God is the only one who is perfect.

We must not focus on person-

E

•Oni speaking during his defection...yesterday. With him are Dr Fayemi (third right); Prof Adelabu (second right); Fayemi’s wife Bisi (right); Senator PHOTO: NIYI ADENIRAN Adetumbi (left) and others.

Why I’m working with Fayemi, by Oni From Sulaiman Salaudeen, Ado-Ekiti

al interests. Let us think about the future of our children. Tomorrow has started today.”

Oni said Dr. Fayemi had done well given the scarce resources available to the state, praying God to grant him victory in the governorship election.

“The Almighty God will grant you honour beyond your projection. This venture will succeed. Your tenure will be a huge success,” the former governor prayed. He was all similar Fayemi, who was accompanied by his deputy, Prof Dupe

•Ex-governor, supporters defect to APC Adelabu, and his wife, Bisi, described Oni’s defection as a lesson that leadership is about sacrifice and foresight.

Describing Oni as a true leader, Fayemi said the former governor chose to stand on the side of the people, even though it was not materially beneficial to him.

“What my ‘egbon’ has demonstrated today is that he is a true leader. The ruling party is still in government. He could make demands, but for him, he has demonstrated that he is a man of honour from the Land

Fayemi: there’ll be security on election day

KITI State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has assured the people state of maximum security before, during and after the June 21 governorship poll.

Fayemi who spoke yesterday during his campaign tour to some communities in Ido/Osi Local Government Area, urged voters not to be afraid to go out and vote on election day.

He urged the residents of the communities to vote massively for the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the election to spread the tentacles of development wider.

The governor warned that his votes cannot be stolen, urging voters to come out en masse and cast their votes for the APC which he described as a party, of integrity and of the masses.

The APC candidate said a vote for his party is a vote for more jobs, infrastructural development, continuation of various empowerment programmes being enjoyed already.

Communities reached by the Governor’s campaign train include Ayetoro, Usi, Ilogbo, Orin, Ora and Ido, the

council headquarters.

More chieftains and members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) defected to the ruling APC, saying they were attracted by the good works of the Fayemi administration.

Some of the PDP leaders who joined the ruling party at Ayetoro include former PDP chairman in Ido/Osi Local Government Area, Mr. Adebola Aderemi and former PDP chairman in Ayetoro Ward, Mr. James Afolabi.

Aderemi said they were attracted to the APC because Fayemi has transformed the

Monarchs summon governorship candidates

E

of Honour, and I know that God will always bless his ways. He has followed his conscience.

He has followed his conviction.

He has demonstrated that character is important to our value system. We have done everything to follow in those footsteps as Ekiti sons and daughters,” Fayemi said.

He added that the coming election may not necessarily be about performance as his performance is not in doubt, adding that the election is a decision between right and wrong, light and darkness.

KITI State Council of Traditional Rulers has summoned all 18 governorship candidates contesting the June 21 poll to an urgent meeting in respect of cases of violence reported at campaign rallies.

That Chairman of the council, who is also the Onitaji of Itaji-Ekiti, Oba Adamo Babalola, made the announcement in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, yesterday at a news conference.

According to him, the meeting date will be fixed soon. It will hold at the Abiodun Adetiloye Multipurpose Hall in the state capital, AdoEkiti before or by the end of the week.

According to him the Traditional Council had been concerned with the upsurge of violence at campaign rallies of parties.

Said he: “While we are constrained by our traditional responsibilities which enjoin us to be non-partisan, there is no gainsaying that, as custodians of culture and tradition of our people, we cannot remain indifferent or silent over this envisaged threat to peace.

“We note with dismay that this develop-

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

ment portends great danger for this state which has enjoyed unprecedented peace and harmony for quite a while”, the Obas Chairman said.

According to the Onitaji, the Obas decided to take a definite position regarding the violence and communicate same to all the candidates and their parties on how to end the crisis “before, during and after the June 21 election”.

He said: “They should eschew violence and politics of bitterness. In addition, we call on law enforcement agencies to complement our peace efforts by being above board and remaining neutral to all the parties in the discharge of their duties”.

Alleging that many cases of attacks had been reported to the Council, Oba Adamo said “no fewer than three such cases occurred in Itaji-Ekiti alone in the last few weeks”.

state beyond the expectation of everybody.

The former PDP chief noted that the eight-point agenda of the Fayemi administration has made life easier for Ekiti people as the government is doing what the people want and fulfilling their expectations.

He explained that the PDP candidate Ayo Fayose has nothing to offer with what Fayemi has done in infrastructure, education, health, job creation, payment of stipends to aged people, urban renewal and rural development.

Afolabi said APC is different from PDP, saying what his former party used to do is to “kill cows and share rice” saying such gesture cannot empower people and deliver them from poverty.

He alleged that the PDP, which according to him, had already admitted defeat at the June 21 poll was plotting to declare a fake result from Abuja, maintaining that such action will be resisted in Ekiti.

Chairman of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in Ido/ Osi, Mr. Adeniyi Omoniyi said Fayemi is taking care of government workers and giving them better welfare package.

He hailed the governor for giving laptops to students in public schools which he described as unprecedented in the history of the state.

“His Excellency, Segun Oni has led the way. He has lit the candle. The rest of us who are his followers owe it a duty to start lighting the candle in all the 16 local governments in the state.”

The governor urged APC members not to regard the hitherto PDP members who defected alongside Segun Oni as new members, but as equal members of a big family.

“This family is not APC or the new PDP. This party is called Ekiti Progress,” said Fayemi.

Some of those who joined Oni to receive Governor Fayemi at the former governor’s residence in Ifaki-Ekiti were a former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Taiwo Olatunbosun, Former Commissioner Kayode Babade, former members of Ekiti House of Assembly, Lai Oke, Femi Adeleye, commissioners in the Oni administration, Abiodun Bamiteko, Mrs. Iyabo Babatunde, former Special Adviser,Policy and Strategy, Mr. Ben Oguntuase, Mrs. Motunde Dayo-Fajuyi, amongst others.

Ire clay factory to begin production soon

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HE renovated and upgraded Ire Clay Industry in IreEkiti, Oye Local Government of Ekiti State, will soon start production, Group Managing Director, Fountain Holdings Limited, Mr. Olumuyiwa Ogunmilade, has said.

Mr. Ogunmilade said the Ire Clay Industry had been massively turned around in a technical partnership with CERATEC of Belgium under a Joint Venture arrangement between the industrial giant, O’dua Investment Limited and Fountain Holdings Limited. He assured the Ekiti people that the public would from the end of this month have the opportunity to buy the products of the company in the market.

While reacting to the promise made by the Labour Party candidate, Mr. Opeyemi Bamidele, to the people of Ire during his recent visit to the palace of the Onire that if elected in the June 21 poll, his government would bring the long-abandoned Ire Clay back to life, Mr. Akin Oluwaleye, Head of the Business Development and Strategy of Fountain Holdings Limited said what the politician said was indicative of someone who had not done his due diligence on the matter.

Lawmaker says Ekiti has grown under Fayemi

H

By Musa Odoshimokhe

OUSE of Representatives member and Director General, Governor Kayode Fayemi Campaign Organisation, Hon. Bimbo Daramola has said Ekiti State’s progress in the last three and half years under the present administration is unprecedented.

At news conference in Lagos yesterday, he said Ekiti State government eight-point agenda has raised the standard of living, achieved infrastructural development and recorded massive investment in education through prudent management of scarce resources.

He said the people of Ekiti would not be distracted by the campaign of calumny from the oppositions, noting that Governor Fayemi’s performance are glaring testimonies that he is the best man for the job.

He said: “For once, the atmosphere of gangsterism, insecurity, and crudity at the highest echelon of the state have given way to peaceful, decent and humane governance.

“Those who gave Ekiti a bad name by exhibiting negative traits, those who showed glaring disregard for traditional authorities and those who turned a well respected state into a theatre of absurd are back, asking the same people they traumatized in their time to vote them into office,” he said.

THE NATION TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2014

10

CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 08023247888

Woman, others held for dealing in human parts

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•Heads, intestine, flesh, bones recovered

OUR suspected human parts dealers have been arrested by operatives of the Lagos State Police Command.

The suspects, including a 53year-old mother of three, Sukuratu Salami, were arrested in Joju, Ota, Ado-Odo Local Government Area with fresh human parts.

Salami, a herbs seller at a popular market in Joju, is said to be a “big distributor of human parts with many native doctors, businessmen and politicians as customers”.

Her suspected accomplices, Rasheed Abimbola Tantaloun (55) and Waheed Ibrahim (26) are supervisors and grave diggers in a cemetery at joju. One of their suspected customers, Mohammed Yusuf (46), was also arrested.

Sukuratu said she buys from Tantaloun for between N1,000 and N10,000, depending on the nature of the head, and sells for between N10,000 and N20,000. She explained that if the human skull has a crack, she buys for N1,000 because it is usually difficult to sell, adding that if it is okay, she buys for between N8,000 and N10,000.

Tantaloun told The Nation

By Jude Isiguzo and Ebele Boniface

that he is a supervisor at the cemetery which he was given to manage by the community that owns it. He said he had been working there for over five years, adding: “I sell human heads and other parts to Sukuratu. I am the manager of the cemetery at Joju and whenever she makes her request, I will make the parts available.

I sell human head to her for N8,000 and have only sold to her on five occasions.”

His grave digger, Ibrahim, who is also an Islamic cleric who teaches in one Islamic school in Ogun State, said he does the job on part-time basis, adding that he gets N3,000 for each head and other parts that he digs out for Tantaloun, but that he does not know who he sells it to.

“All the human heads that I cut are those that have been buried for over four years and members of their families no longer come to visit the grave site. I cut the head and other parts that my boss would need and put them in a bag for him, but I do not know where he takes it to or whom he sells it to,” he said.

Lagos Commissioner of Po-

• R-L: Sukuratu with the other suspects ... yesterday

lice, Umar Manko said the command acted sequel to a tipoff on the activities of some groups who deal in human parts in Joju, adding: “I directed the Officer in Charge of Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Abba Kyari, a Superintendent of Police (SP) to go after them.

He said: “On April 12, a SARS detective posed as a prospective buyer of human head and negotiated to buy one for N120,000. Immediately after the operative gained access to

the seller, one Sukuratu Salami and confirmed the existence of human parts in her house, Kyari led SARS Decoy Team to storm the house and arrested Salami.”

“Thereafter, Abimbola

PHOTO: EBELE BONIFACE

Tantoloun, a cemetery guard; Waheed Ibrahim, grave digger and Mohammed Yusuf, a major buyer of human heads, were arrested.

A thorough search was conducted in Sukuratu’s house

Cynthia: ‘Suspects committed similar offences in two hotels’

leading to the recovery of human head, intestine, liver, kidney, flesh and bones. All the suspects confessed to the crime and are assisting detectives with their investigations,” Manko said.

•Lagos tenders graphic evidence

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LAGOS High Court, Igbosere, was yesterday told that the suspected killers of Cynthia Osokogu had committed similar offences in two other hotels in Festac.

A prosecution witness, Joseph Edo, the Investigating Police Officer (IPO), during cross-examination in the trial of four suspected killers of the deceased, said the other two offences were committed at Chelsea Suit and Penny Hotel

by Okumo Nwabufo and Olisaeloka Ejike (first and second defendants).

The other two defendants in the trial are the pharmacist who allegedly sold the drug used to drug the deceased, Orji Osita, and brother to the second defendant, who allegedly sold Cynthia’s stolen phone, Nonso Ezike.

Explaining why the other cases were not included in the trial, Edo said the incidents did not happen on the same day, adding: “It was based on the confessional statement by the 1st and 2nd defendants that they carried out similar acts in other hotels in Festac.”

He said investigations into the other two cases were ongoing, adding that the fourth defendant (Nonso) received stolen phones on three occasions from the first and second defendants.

“The fourth defendant took me to Ladipo market where he stole somebody’s receipt which he used in selling the deceased’s phone to someone in Port Harcourt and the person was arrested. He bought the phone for N30,000 and sold for N40,000. He also knows that his elder brother does not deal in phone. He confessed that he gave the

By Precious Igbonwelundu, Staff Correspondent

locked phone to a repairer who flashed it for him,” Edo said.

Similarly, the state government tendered a laptop containing graphic evidence on how Cynthia was murdered.

The laptop, which allegedly belongs to Nwabufo, according to another prosecution witness, Sergeant John Babalola, was retrieved from the defendant after he confessed to downloading gory pictures of the deceased from his Blackberry phone into his laptop.

Among the pictures presented before Justice Olabisi Akinlade was a close shot of the deceased’s private part; one showing the deceased cellotaped and another showing the late Cynthia’s international passport placed on her chest.

Led in evidence by the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ade Ipaye, Babalola told the court that Nwabufo was told to make a further statement after the said pictures were discovered in his laptop in his house.

“After we discovered the pictures, Area Commander Dan Okoro asked that additional statements be made.

The statement was signed by the first defendant. When the first defendant was arrested, he confessed that he knew what he did and that everything was over.

“He sent the pictures to his laptop through his Blackberry phone. The first defendant operated the Blackberry phone to show us (police) the chain used in tying the deceased. The

• The late Cynthia

owner of the phone is the first defendant,” said Babalola.

Continuing, the witness said on August 20, 2012, the first defendant was arrested and his statement was taken.

“Based on his confessional statement, me and my team followed him to his home in Festac and recovered the said laptop, phones and various network SIM cards.

“On that same date, the first defendant was asked to open the laptop, which he carried by himself to the Area Commander’s office. I and one ASP Marian were there and we saw the picture of the deceased lying down and her international passport lying on her chest.”

After listening to the testimonies of the witness and admitting the laptop as exhibit, Justice Akinlade adjourned the case till June 27 and 30 for continuation, following the prosecution’s argument that they would operate Nwabufo’s phone before the defence counsels.

Osokogu, who was murdered in Cosmilla Hotels in Festac on July 22, 2012, was said to have met her alleged killers on Facebook.

She was lured to Lagos, where she was allegedly chained, raped, and drugged and strangled by Nwabufo and Ezike.

They also allegedly stole three Blackberry phones valued at N150,000; jewellery, an international passport and a driver’s licence, belonging to the deceased.

THE NATION TUESDAY MAY 6, 2014

11

NEWS

CHIBOK GIRLS’ ABDUCTION

•Lagos lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) (fourth right) with women and others protesting in Lagos over the abduction of students of Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State...yesterday.

• Lagos State Deputy Governor Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire (middle) listening to the leader of the women who came to protest at the Lagos House, Ikeja...yesterday.

• The Muslim women

• Another Muslim group •The International Women’s Society

• Another set of protesters •A crowd of protesters at the Lagos House, Ikeja...yesterday.

• Old women protesters

• Other protesters

PHOTO: JOHN EBHOTA

THE NATION TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2014

12

NLNG is one of the biggest success stories in our country. From what I am told, the company has invested $13 billion so far since inception, and has become a pacesetter in terms of revenue generation for the government.

-Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr Olusegun Aganga

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

Nigeria’s debt is N10.1 tr, says DMO T HE Director General, Debt Management Of fice (DMO), Abraham Nwankwo yesterday in Abuja, said the counmtry’s debt profile currently stands at N10.1trillion.

The information about the national debt profile shocked the National Conference Committee on Public Finance and Revenue which promised to explore ways of discouraging states from unwarranted borrowing.

Chairman of the Committee, former Governor of Bauchi State, Adamu Aliero said states must be discouraged from borrowing, arguing that they are usually not able to service debts. This he said will inevitably impact on the nations and its people.

He promised to invite the Director General, Budget Office, Bright Okogwu to brief the Committee today to further throw light on the nation’s debt profile and its management in relation to the implementation of the budget Earlier, Nwankwo had said as at March, this year, the

From Onyedi Ojiabor,

Assistant Editor and Dele Anofi, Abuja

country’s total external and domestic debt for the federal and state government including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) stood at N10.1 trillion.

He gave the breakdown as $9.16billion external debt with the states, including the FCT responsible for 32 percent or $2.8billion while the Federal Government borrowed $6.3billion or 68 percent of the total debt.

Domestic debt was put at N8.7 trillion with the states and the the FCT responsible for 17 per cent.

According to him, the debt profile of about 12 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is a low debtGDP ratio and healthy for the country.

He however warned that it is not a reason for the country to go on borrowing spree because public revenue has not increased. “Nobody should be

under any illusion that the country should go on borrowing more. The country will continue to maintain a conservative borrowing stance,” he added.

He also told the committee that the fear of politicising debt profile of states was responsible for not releasing full details of debt profile of states to the public.

He said: “It is not appropriate to bring details of states’ debt profile because we don’t need to politicise debts of states; it doesn’t make sense to politicise the debts of states because it is counter productive.

“That was why I said we are not going to say or do anything to politicise the debts of states because the states are very cooperative with the Federal Government to make sure how much they owe to the last kobo.”

“In that constructive process, it doesn’t make sense to talk in such a way to be throwing figures which many people will misunderstand instead of asking for clarification before arriving at conclusions”.

WEF hosting: $3.5b coming to farmers

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IGERIA will earn $3.5 billion by hosting the World Economic Forum (WEF) Africa which begins tomorrow in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has said.

She said the foreign capital will give a boost to agriculture and assist small farm holders across the country.

Addressing journalists ahead the Forum in Abuja yesterday, Okonjo-Iweala said: “There are several things that will be of benefit to Nigeria; some these

From Nduka Chiejina, (Asst. Editor)

are the several initiatives of the forum like the Grow Africa Initiative which is supposed to help agriculture and small (farm) holders across the continent and it has been able to raise about $7 billion in investments and about half or more than half of which will be coming to Nigeria.”

Another benefit of hosting the forum is in the health sector. She said: “There is the healthcare initiative designed to strengthen access to healthcare and Nigeria will benefit from that. Participants will highlight a vision for the Nigerian health

system by 2030 aiming to provide universal health coverage by building on the National Health Bill 2014.”

Participants “will elaborate a package of high-impact ‘leapfrogging’ initiatives and align stakeholders to cooperate in delivering this vision.

Nigeria currently has approximately just 14 per cent of the number of doctors per capita of Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. To catch up, Nigeria would need approximately 12 times as many doctors by 2030 at a cost of $ 51 billion, she added.

• From left: Minister of Power, Prof, Chinedu Nebo; Managing Director, Azura Power Holdings Limited, Dr. David Ladipo and Deputy Managing Director, First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited, Mr. Segun Odusanya, at the Azura transaction closure summit held yesterday in Abuja.

Alleged Gulf Bank fraud: Court directs police HE Federal High Court to produce fiat fiat from the EFCC, authorisin Lagos yesterday di ing him to prosecute the fifth

T

rected the police Special Fraud unit to obtain fiat to be able to prosecute a former Managing Director of the defunct Gulf Bank Plc, Johnson Adeyeba and others for alleged N15 billion fraud.

Justice Mohammed Yinusa ordered the prosecutor, Mr Dania Abdulahi, to produce a fiat empowering him to prosecute the accused persons.

He stated this while ruling on an objection raised by counsel to the fifth accused, Mr Revel Ogunde (SAN), challenging the court’s jurisdiction to entertain the suit.

Ogunde had on March 14,

By Joseph Jibueze

while arguing his motion, said the police had no constitutional right to prosecute financial crimes, without the authority of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The lawyer had argued that the offence against the accused was a general offence, embedded in the residual list, and so, could only be entertained by a State High Court.

He, had, therefore urged the court to strike out the charge against his client Justice Yunusa ordered the prosecutor to either obtain a

accused, or transfer the case to the Commission for prosecution.

Adeyeba was re-arraigned along with a Briton, Gareth Wilcox, his companies - Ibom Power Company and LYK Engineering Company, and a lawyer, Uche Uwechia.

Other accused are: Ignatius Ukpaka and John Ezugwu who are also charged with their company, Taurus Shelters Ltd. They were re-arraigned on an amended 21-count charge bordering on fraud and financial malpractices.

They all pleaded not guilty to the charge.

13

TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2014

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BUSINESS PROPERTY/ENVIRONMENT

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Lagos to introduce e-building plans

AGOS State is set to introduce electronic building (e-building) plans in the state.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Olutoyin Ayinde, made this known at a seminar by the International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI), Nigeria Chapter, in Lagos.

Ayinde said the procedure for obtaining approval for building plans is cumbersome, timeconsuming and have not made an impact on mass housing development. Hence, the e-

Stories by Muyiwa Lucas

planning permit became necessary.

He noted the complaints and challenges in the present system.

“Apart from other strategies, we have been able to put in place for proper administration of the building plan approval, we are making frantic effort at ensuring that we bring the e-building plan approval policy into the system,” he added.

The commissioner, while advising developers to obtain permit before constructing, said this would ensure that the structure to be put on such land was

developed to avoid waste of resources.

The ministry, he said, introduced pre-submission approval scheme to ensure that construction conforms to what the trend in the industry.

He added that a committee had been set up to work on the reduction of building plan approval fee, adding that development permit was getting better.

At the seminar, which had as theme: “Challenges of planning approval and its effects on housing development in Nigeria,” Chief Kola Akomolede, president, FIABCI Nigeria Chapter, praised the

seminar, noting that the first step in housing development is the possession of approved building plan. He regretted that the process of acquiring it had not been easy.

Akomolede recalled that during the tenure of former governor Lateef Jakande, the same problem was identified as one reason there was shortage of housing in the state.

This is not the first time the eplanning approval would be considered in the state. To ensure that it succeeds, consultants are said to have been invited to assist, he added.

•Ambassador Yuguda (second right) flanked by NIS President, Bode Adeaga (left); Prof Peter Nwilo (second left) and Alhaji Ganiyu Agunbiade at the event.

Our roads are now better, says Yuguda

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HE Minister of State for Works, Ambassador Bashir Yuguda, has said Nigeria roads are now better than before.

The minister, who represented the Minister of Works, Mike Onolememen, spoke at the inauguration of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors’ (NIS) Tower in Lagos.

He said: “Nigerian roads are getting better. I drive from BeninCity to Lagos under four hours. I drive from Kano to Maiduguri half the time it could have taken me.

Now the roads are getting better.

One of the transport companies in Nigeria, ABC, made an advert that it has slashed its fares because the roads are getting better. The company said its maintenance cost is lower, their turnaround from one city to another is better. So, in recognition of that Nigerians can benefit from this.”

The surveyors’ tower, which was rehabilitated after the institution reclaimed its ownership at the expiration of the 20-year Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) agreement with HFP, the developer, Yuguda said, goes to show the visionary leadership of the professional body.

“Two decades ago, you had the idea of putting the prime land into BOT, which some people would not have thought of. You quietly settled for a tenant/landlord agreement which has worked,” he said.

By Seyi Odewale

He added: “We hope and pray that the best of things are yet to come. We are also here to tell other professional bodies that this is the best way to go.”

About N250million was said to have been spent on the construction of the building.

Ambassador Yuguda said if everybody thinks that the budget may work for everybody to develop, “certainly it will not work”. He added that there are a lot of competing demands on the government.

“So, people should be innovative enough in bringing out the best in them,” he said.

He continued: “Exactly what we are doing today is what the government is doing under Transformation Agenda. We have to show ingenuity, we have to show creativity and we have to show that as professionals, we add value to the system and this is value addition. I assure you that I will inform President Goodluck Jonathan what the NIS has done.”

The Federal Government, he said, is embarking on a 30-year integrated infrastructure master plan, which will begin this year.

“What we did at the National Planning Commission, because I’m supervising the ministry, was to develop National Integrated Infrastructure Master plan. The whole idea was to coordinate all the

infrastructure into one integrated master plan so that there would be no duplication, there would be direction and ownership, and it is spaced; it is a 30-year master plan,” he added.

He said the president has directed that all projects should come under one umbrella. “That is what all we have done. I’m in the process of presenting it to the National Economic Council and later the National Executive Council and that is when the implementation starts. It is going to start in 2014. And in the first five years, we have lined up projects we want to achieve,” he said.

Cross River to build 400 houses for civil servants

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IVIL servants in Cross River State are to benefit from 400 housing units being planned by the government, Governor Liyel Imoke has said.

The houses are to be built in Akpabuyo.

Imoke made this known during a visit by executives of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) led by the state Chairman Comrade John Ushie.

The governor appealed for support to strengthen the service, saying that labour is part of the process to bring about the expected change.

• Kwara to demolish buildings on river banks He explained that the state had enormous challenges while executing the first phase of the scheme, which it paid for 100 per cent, due to the inability of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria to fulfil its financial obligation.

Ushie promised that the NLC would partner with the government to enable it achieve its programme.

Meanwhile, the Kwara State Government has said it would demolish all buildings on river banks.

This decision was taken after the Chairman of the Task Force on Flood Control and Prevention, Alhaji Abubakar Kannike, visited some areas affected by flooding in state capital.

Kannike also said the state government would compensate the owners of the affected buildings.

The task force identified roads and bridges that needed reconstruction.

Kannike said the government would respond to the plight of the people by providing succour for victims of flood disasters in the state.

NEMA assesses rainfall

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HE National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has started the assessment of rainfall.

The aim is to determine its implication for disaster management. This is coming after an analysis by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET).

The analysis is being carried out with stakeholders in the sector. It is to assist in identifying the areas in the forecasts with dire implications of certain risks to prevent disasters.

“After each NIMET presentations, NEMA regularly organise meeting of experts and stakeholders in disaster management to critically analyse the Seasonal Rainfall Predictions and determine the disaster management implications of the report,” Mr. Manzo Ezekiel, Press Officer of NEMA, said.

The analysis of the yearly predictions has been very helpful in the management of disaster situations of the past years.

He noted that the use of weather forecast for early warning and early action is no longer an option but a compelling necessity in the face of the increasing environmental challenges from climate change and associated extreme events.

According to this year’s seasonal rainfall predictions by NIMET, there will be above normal rainfall in Sokoto, Yola, Shaki and Abeokuta, while areas vulnerable to dry spells in the year are Maiduguri, Potiskum, Yelwa, Bida, Minna, Lafia, Ibi and Makurdi. The southernmost areas would be characterised with more violent thunderstorms during outset and cessation period of the rain.

‘Why high rents will persist’

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S Lagosians continue to groan under the high cost of accommodation in Lagos State, the state government’s effort through tenancy legislation may not be sufficient to ameliorate the situation, the Public Relations Officer (PRO), Selovian Properties, Kunle Fasuyi, has said.

According to him, the problem has become a feature in Lagos.

Fasuyi blamed the trend on the neglect of the sector, which he said, created problems that could not be solved in a hurry.

He advised that the government should take steps to address the situation, adding that it goes beyond high rents.

He absolved estate managers of culpability in the matter. “It is what the landlord offers that the agent works with as it is not within their purview to dictate the price to landlords, who will find a willing tenant without agents,” he argued.

The government, he said, should confront the problem headlong through an effective mortgage system, adding that in more developed climes, governments have developed effective housing policies that have overtime worked and landlords know they cannot charge arbitrary rents.

He also attributed the high cost of rents to the prohibitive cost of building materials.

THE NATION TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2014

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PUBLIC NOTICE 5th of May, 2014 OPEN LETTER TO DR. (MRS) NGOZI OKONJO-IWEALA, MINISTER OF FINANCE, COORDINATING MINISTER OF THE ECONOMY (CME) AND CHAIRMAN BOARD OF NIGERIA ELECTRICITY LIABILITY MANAGEMENT GTE/LTD (NELMCO) Dear Madam, FURTHER INVITATION TO INTERVENE AND AMELIORATE THE SUFFERINGS OF PHCN RETIREES AND THE NEXT OF KIN OF DEAD PHCN STAFF. MONTHLY PENSIONS As you are aware ma, payment of monthly pensions to our members has been irregular, and inconsistent with the promise of the Federal Government of Nigeria as was also endorsed in the Agreement signed by the Government and Labour prior to the Privatization of PHCN in 2012.

Few months after take-over by NELMCO, payment of monthly pension has been anything but seamless.

This situation is orchestrated by government’s failure to appropriately classify NELMCO Pension Fund under the Service Wide Vote (SWV) instead of the Capital Supplementation where it has been wrongly domiciled.

This abnormal situation has always given rise to insufficient funding of NELMCO and delayed release of quarterly allocations.

Recall ma, that your good self had had to personally intervene on two occasions in the past when NELMCO could not pay pensions and you saved the Federal Government some embarrassment. Yet similar situations have persisted. As we write, only a segment of PHCN Pensioners have received March pensions while we were informed that NELMCO is yet to be funded for the outstanding March payment as well as April 2014.

WITHHELD GRATUITIES, DEATH BENEFITS, PENSION ARREARS ETC CME ma, the BPE have confirmed that funds for payment of a total number of 2,912 verified and cleared retirees and next of kin of deceased staff have been transferred to the Office of Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) for payment to the beneficiaries. About a month after, no one has been paid a kobo. There is anxiety and apprehension among the people that such funds may have been deployed for purposes other than they are meant, not minding whose OX is gored.

NON IMPLEMENTATION OF SIGNED AGREEMENTS Again we wish to remind you that Government has failed to implement all the Pensioners issues negotiated and agreed to at the Alhaji Hassan Sunmonu Conciliation Committee between FGN and Labour Unions in the Power Sector in 2012 (copy attached).

It is regrettable that such critical and fundamental issues as, Monetization, Year 2000 Restructured employees etc have remained unaddressed.

TRANSFER TO PENSION TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENT DEPARTMENT (PTAD) If we must be transferred to PTAD, the BPE must be prevailed on to conclude the Verification and Biometric capture exercises which it commenced since 2012. Similarly NELMCO/PHCN must be encouraged to tidy up all outstanding issues of the Pensioners, collaborating with our Union. PTAD is a huge project hence all non-Civil Service Pensioners must be properly documented before transiting to it.

DECISION OF OUR CENTRAL WORKING COMMITTEE (CWC) Consequent upon the aforementioned grievances, our CWC-in-Session at Abuja on Thursday the 1st of May, 2014 resolved and directed as follows: 1.

That all PHCN Retirees, Widows, Widowers and Orphans should embark on 7days fasting and prayer for the Almighty Creator God to intervene and judge all those who are undermining their wellbeing and welfare with effect from Wednesday 7th of May, 2014.

2.

That if March and April outstanding pensions are not paid and the OAGF fails to commence the payment of outstanding Gratuities, Death Benefits etc by the end of the Fasting and Prayer period, they should commence a sustained Peaceful National Protests (PNP) from Monday 12th of May 2014.

Chief Temple C. Ubani President

Comrade Olukayode Ogunbiyi Secretary

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COMMENTARY EDITORIALS

FROM OTHER LANDS

Kids and kidneys

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•Another worry Nigerians will gladly live without

XCEPT that Nigeria is fast becoming a country where nothing shocks us as a people again, the revelation that at least one in every 10 children in our hospitals has kidney problems should be source for worry. A paediatric nephrologist and lecturer at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Lagos, Dr Christopher Esezobor, disclosed this in an interview. A more worrisome aspect of this is the fact that most of these children go about with the kidney problems unnoticed until they have cause to be admitted in the hospital for the treatment of other ailments.

Kidney disease has been a recognised killer disease in male and female adults, but mostly male adults. It is a disease treated usually with the use of dialysis by which substances are separated from a liquid (urine), especially by taking these waste substances out of the blood of people with damaged or diseased kidneys.

In acute cases, the treatment by Dialysis Machine is a continuous one that can be very costly, even though the patient may eventually die.

However, what is worrisome about Dr Esezobor’s report is the fact that we are made to realise that kidney disease is so common nowadays such that one out of 10 children admitted into hospitals suffers from it. We consider this a very serious issue, more so that the disease is not often detected until the children are taken to the hospital for some other ailments not initially suspected to be associated with kidney problem.

Against this background, it is difficult to rule out the possibility that many

children might have died of kidney problem while they were thought to have died of those common ailments, like those mentioned by Dr Esezobor. These include malaria, diarrhoea and unorthodox or unprescribed drug usage.

Other causes, according to him, are congenital abnormalities at birth, nephrotic syndrome (that is when the body of a child becomes swollen and the child loses a lot of protein through urination) and infections.

Surely, this revelation calls for an early diagnosis of this killer disease, not only in adults but especially in children. There should be a scientific research to know why the disease is so prevalent, especially among children who were never thought to be in that danger zone early in their lives. Moreover, as Dr Esezobor advised, “parents and even other health workers should suspect that a child may be having a kidney problem if the child is not making enough urine as the child used to make it before” or when the child is making too much urine; both situations may be a sign of kidney problem.

Other symptoms include if the child’s urine colour is becoming red or it is looking cloudy so that one cannot see through it. In addition, if a child is struggling to urinate or is screaming while urinating, it is possible that there is an obstruction to the flow of urine.

Whenever such incidents are noticed, the parents should seek immediate medical attention.

Although there are a few places for the treatment of kidney-related ailments in the country, like the Obafemi Awolowo

University Teaching Hospital in Ile-Ife, and some other places; however, special attention should now be paid to children.

A state like Lagos is paying special attention to kidney issues, and has even established a kidney centre where kidney problems can be handled at far cheaper rates. We need more of such centres across the country.

Also, greater awareness should be created by the federal and state ministries of health on this issue while we strongly recommend that treatment should be free, at least, for children all over the country. Nigeria has lost many of its children, some of them possible future leaders, through various diseases that are still potent killers. We cannot afford to add to these another dangerous killer disease that could destroy our future generation.

‘Also, greater awareness should be created by the federal and state ministries of health on this issue while we strongly recommend that treatment should be free, at least, for children all over the country. Nigeria has lost many of its children, some of them possible future leaders, through various diseases that are still potent killers.

We cannot afford to add to these another dangerous killer disease that could destroy our future generation’

Primary problem

•Kano’s unqualified teachers highlight a national challenge

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HE recent revelation that 25,486 out of the 45,000 primary school teachers in Kano State are unqualified is a sobering reminder of the challenges besetting Nigeria’s beleaguered education sector.

The discovery was made after a verification exercise conducted in the 44 Local Education Authorities (LEAs) in the state.

A primary school teacher who is deemed to be unqualified lacks the National Certificate of Education (NCE), which is the minimum qualification for teaching at that level. More importantly, it means that such individuals do not possess the basic skills to teach impressionable young children in their first formal educational setting.

The implications of this are horrifying.

Generations of pupils have been at the mercy of ill-trained and poorly-motivated

‘The implications of this are horrifying. Generations of pupils have been at the mercy of ill-trained and poorly-motivated teachers, thereby creating a dislike for learning rather than a love of it. With such inauspicious beginnings, most of those children have gone on to an underwhelming secondary school career, if they bothered to complete it at all.

The net result: a colossal loss to a state and a country in dire need of human resources’

teachers, thereby creating a dislike for learning rather than a love of it. With such inauspicious beginnings, most of those children have gone on to an underwhelming secondary school career, if they bothered to complete it at all. The net result: a colossal loss to a state and a country in dire need of human resources.

While its efforts to get to the bottom of the issue are to be commended, Kano State cannot be absolved of all responsibility for this lamentable state of affairs.

In July 2011, it was found that 75 per cent of all primary school teachers were incompetent and unqualified. At the time, assurances were given that training and re-training programmes would be introduced in order to ensure that the problem was resolved. Now, the same promises are being made, nearly three years after they were first given.

Nor is Kano alone in this quandary. In 2013, Plateau State announced that it would sack 11,000 unqualified primary and secondary school teachers; eventually, some 2,000 were fired. In February 2013, about 1,300 primary school teachers in Kaduna State failed tests normally taken by Primary Four pupils. Nigeria had 10.5 million children outside primary school in 2012, one of the largest figures in the world.

How did Nigeria end up with so many terrible teachers at the very foundation of its education system? Several causes come to mind. The spectacular increase in primary schools which accompanied the oil boom created a huge demand for teaching staff which tertiary institutions were unable to meet. Combined with the failure to enforce standards, this meant that teaching became a popular last resort for those who were unable to further their education or get into their preferred

professions. Poor salaries and conditions of service have made primary-school teaching very unattractive to those who do it, inhibiting any desire to strive for excellence. Facilities are poor, classes are large, and the infusion of needed resources is arbitrary and infrequent.

There has clearly been a dereliction of duty in matters pertaining to primary school education, and it must be reversed if the situation is to change. Ironically, several viable solutions are suggested in Kano’s own Revised Education Strategic Plan for 2009-2018: upgrade unqualified teachers; halt the recruitment of unqualified teachers; improve NCE training in Colleges of Education; provide regular inservice training for teachers.

In 1999, the Federal Government established the Universal Basic Education (UBE) Programme to accelerate the development of primary school education, but its activities are inhibited by an apparent lack of cooperation of many state governments. In January, the Federal Government accused them of refusing to access the N44.9 billion in counterpart funding for the implementation of UBE. It is alleged that they have declined to make use of either the conditional Matching Grant or the non-conditional Special Education Fund managed by the UBE Commission. The most prominent offenders include Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Plateau and Benue states.

This should not be the case, given the huge financing challenges facing primary education in the country.

If Nigeria is to achieve the much-vaunted Millennium Development Goals (MDG), it must improve the quality of primary school education, and that cannot be done without well-trained, adequately-remunerated and properly-motivated teachers.

French Jihadists in Syria

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HE four French journalists safely returned to France last month after being held as hostages in Syria for 10 months reported the shocking news that some of their captors spoke perfect French. The men were never allowed to see their hooded guards’ faces, and were told they would be killed if they did. The idea that French citizens might have been among the hostages’ captors has shaken the French public, and the government moved quickly to announce a plan to prevent its citizens from joining extremist groups in Syria.

Some of the measures will be difficult to put into effect, and some raise legal and civil liberties issues, but there is no question that the government has to act. The French Foreign Ministry estimates that 500 to 700 citizens have left the country to join radical groups fighting in Syria, like the Islamist State of Iraq and the Levant, which is suspected of kidnapping the French journalists. Many are teenagers or young adults who have become radicalized by visiting websites that promote jihad in Syria as holy war.

The government will take aim at extremist Islamic websites; reinstate a requirement that minors have parental permission to leave French territory; and register profiles of people deemed to pose a risk with French agencies and with the Schengen Information System, the European database.

On April 30, the French, British, Belgians and Germans met in London to discuss how best to tackle this growing, pan-European problem.

France is cool to Britain’s plans to encourage British Muslims who want to help Syrians to do so through charitable groups, and to enlist women to work with the police to identify potential jihadists.

France’s strategy of enlisting parents and educators to identify vulnerable minors before they feel the pull of violent jihad and to prevent those young people from running off to Syria to be killed or turned into battle-hardened fighters makes sense.

So does making sure that any who return do not pose a threat at home.

- New York Times

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

• Editor Gbenga Omotoso •Chairman, Editorial Board Sam Omatseye •General Editor Adekunle Ade-Adeleye •Editor, Online Lekan Otufodunrin •Managing Editor Northern Operation Yusuf Alli •Managing Editor Waheed Odusile

• Executive Director (Finance & Administration) Ade Odunewu

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THE NATION TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2014

CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: It is with deep sense of anger, resentment and desperation that we write you this letter. You would recall that on April 14, after an explosion rocked Nyanya a suburb of Abuja killing over 75 persons and wounding many others, some individuals in military camouflage came to Chibok Girls Secondary School with the guise of assisting us escape an imminent Boko Haram attack. Conversely, the “good Samaritans” have turned out to be dare-devil Boko Haram abductors. Twenty one horrible days after, we are helpless hostages languishing in the den of these sheep in wolf clothing. The attendant depression and hopeless experience is better imagined.

We learnt that our abduction naturally hit you like a thunder bolt and our country knew no peace since then. But a day after, your presidential train moved to Kano where you danced away the shock in reception of Ibrahim Shekarau and other defectors to your party the PDP. How would one conscientiously reconcile your shocking disposition to our plight to what happened some hours later in Kano? If we were truly your children, would you have gone to Kano? Being in government should not make us lose our sense of decency and humanness.

We also learnt that government

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EDITOR’S MAIL BAG

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

From Chibok 276 to President Jonathan postponed the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting of Wednesday April 30, to honour the younger brother of the Vice President Namadi Sambo who unfortunately lost his life in a ghastly motor accident along Lugbe Airport Road, Abuja. We pray Allah to receive the soul of the departed in al-jannah Firdaus and through this medium send our heart-felt condolences to the Vice President and his entire family. It is customary in our clime to honour the dead but should we conclude that the dead are more important that the living in Nigeria?

At the time we were abducted, we were putting on only school uniforms. Has anyone thought of how we feed, sleep, bathe and care for ourselves as young girls?

Boko Haram menace needs a concerted national and patriotic effort to surmount. We are hostages today; tomorrow it might be people in position of authority. If drastic steps

are not taken, the nation will be consumed. The doom’s day is imminent.

Our abduction coincided with the untimely death of more than 200 school children like us at a resort island off the nation’s southwestern coast of South Korea as a result of crew malfeasance. The Prime Minister took responsibility and threw in the towel. The crew members are currently facing the music. Who will take responsibility for all these calamities that have been befalling us as a nation?

The world is expected to mark Children’s day on May 27. Would you like us to celebrate ours as hostages in the bush with gun trotting insurgents whose well established principle is that education is a sin and are out to stop it?

The events that led to our abduction has offered your government the impetus to scrutinise the activities of those saddled with the responsibility of making sure that the state

of emergency is implemented. How could these people have unbridled access to roads that are supposed to be manned by soldiers? We learnt that our government agencies do not even know how many of us thatare missing. Even if it is one person, a good shepherd will leave 99 sheep and go after the missing one.

We salute the courage of our mothers in Chibok, mothers all over Nigeria who have worked, prayed and marched the cities of Nigeria to demonstrate and register their displeasure over our abduction and lack of government proactive measures for our release. Finally, we thank God for preserving us till this day and for mercifully granting 53 of us freedom and safety. Our gratitude goes to all Nigerians for standing by us and our families in this trying time. We still look forward to our freedom someday.

• Sunday Onyemaechi Eze Zaria

try, if we will turn to God, shun all social vices, love our nation and love one another.

The time is now for President Goodluck Jonathan to do more to find lasting solutions to the wanton killings and bombings particularly in the North-east of the country and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). One need not to be told that something is wrong with the intelligence gathering of our security agencies.

We need to seek the support and cooperation of the international community, most especially, the neighbouring countries of Cameroon, Niger Republic and Chad to put an

end to this threat on the sovereignty and security of Nigeria.

Also, the federal government should ensure adequate funding, manpower and capacity-building of all the security agencies. The government needs to engage religious leaders and traditional rulers and opinion leaders from the theatre of insurgency in robust and far-reaching dialogue, to get to the root causes of crime, while parents should stop breeding more children that they could not adequately cater for.

Government should take the war against corruption very seriously.

Corrupt leaders in all facets of na-

tional life – in public and private sectors should be brought to book in a way that would make others shun corruption.

The National Conference is timely going by the current political, economic, religious etc challenges facing the country. The expectation is that the gathering would help find lasting solutions to the current challenges. It is necessary to remind ourselves that we have no other country we can call our own other than Nigeria thus, anything that would bring disintegration should be avoided.

• Prophet Oladipupo FunmiladeJoel, Lagos

Nigerians must come together

IR: All peace-loving Nigerians are tired of the incessant killings, bombings, destruction of properties being carried out by terrorists and marauders. It is unfortunate that innocent people are being made to suffer for what they know nothing about.

For four years on, Nigeria has continued to endure unrelenting human and material destructions. Having come this far, every Nigerian is a stakeholder, in the project called – NIGERIA. We need to save our country from total collapse before it is too late. God loves our country. I believe there is a better future for our coun-

Before we pray again

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IR: It has become commonplace for Nigerians to resort to endless posts of prayers on the social media and well-publicised fasting programmes most especially whenever any incident occurs which can be attributed principally to human factors.

With yet another bold statement on May Day by the notorious terrorist group Boko Haram, there have been renewed calls for re-assessment of the way we pray.

I am a firm believer in the power of prayer and faith but it is also important that both go along with action. Today, we instal irresponsible leaders every four years; buy our ways to get an appointment/ jobs; churn out millions of unemployed youth every year; put mediocrity/nepotism above credibility; place ethnic/tribal interest above national interest.

We have also made corruption an institutionalised part of social life; we manipulate religion to suit our whims and caprices; maintain a presidential air fleet that can compete with any airline in the world; have an electoral body that can’t supervise a election into a federal constituency...the list is endless, yet we want God to come and clean up our mess.

Every nation gets the kind of leader it deserves; in essence the quality of leadership is dependent on the idiosyncrasies of followership.We are the change we want in our country not God or any supernatural being. Let’s do our part before we approach Almighty God because for all I know Him to be, he does no evil, harbours no evil and speak no evil.

• Adebiyi Babatope Opeyemi.

Ado-Ekiti

THE NATION TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2014

COMMENTS

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annexing the oil wealth for the locals’ sole pleasure.

Still, is this speculation enough for the North to insist on rolling back derivation to five per cent, forgetting too HE conceit of Rehoboam, son of soon that its pre-12 June 1993 Solomon; and the conceit of some brazen excesses, which cliArewa elements need bold commaxed with the reckless annulparison, if Nigeria must escape self-imment of Nigeria’s best ever Olakunle posed catastrophe. presidential election, forced the lordbeek1@gmail.com, 08054504169 (Sms only, please) Abimbola The Bible says the hubris of Rehoboam, increased derivation on the son of the great Solomon, was to fulfil country?

Jehovah’s prophesy to Jeroboam, son of And the so-called Article 76 a nobody called Nebat. on territorial waters, of the 1982 Still, a version of the same Bible reUnited Nations Convention on corded that Rehoboam hearkened the voice of “worthless the Law of the Sea — how does that law relate with extant young men”, against wise and seasoned elders. municipal conventions, and even common sense, so much so So, the scion of the wisest man of all time embraced the that a part of the country thousands of miles to an oil deposit greatest folly of all time: promising his people more pain but would question the primacy of host communities over such expected them to clap? deposits? new satanic play ground, do we now call for the dismantling of And how does Rehoboam’s self-sealed fate compare to the But of course! A North that told hideous lies about selling the Presidency, to proclaim an emergency?

Greek, King Oedipus, in Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex, or as locally off its groundnuts and cotton wealth to “solely” win the Civil See the vacuity of the language of power — no reason, no adapted, King Odewale in Ola Rotimi’s The Gods Are not to War (1967-1970) cannot be trusted with comprehensive conrigour, no justice, no equity, no fair play, not even common Blame — two tragic heroes fleeing a supposed curse, only to science on such matters. sense: just contemptible flexing of muscles, because it feels the end up with that fate, because vengeful gods had decreed it so?

Indeed, if the Civil War claim is true, why the Yakubu Gowon other party could be vanquished?

Rehoboam’s hubris — arrogance and unconscionable pride joker of carving the then four regions of East, Midwest, North Though the North’s NC demand document is reportedly — split the united kingdom he inherited, into Judah and Israel. and West into 12 states? Was it not to seize, from Biafra, the authored by the medley of northern governors, the Arewa ConBut the base of that empty pride was injustice of the most minority oil producing areas of the former East? sultative Forum (ACF) and Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Founbrazen kind.

Again, the most tragic thing about the North’s latest madation — hardly a profile that fits Rehoboam’s “worthless young The Jews, at least according to the Bible, are a divine race. noeuvre is mass distraction. men” — its demands match the biblical experience in sheer reckBut not even that perceived divinity could, in ancient Israel, The ruling party and leading opposition feud over the palessness. hold together their primal nation, in the face of clear injustice. pers of a crashing house.

Are these seasoned patricians not beyond the rashness of So, if injustice can smash Israel, the divinely favoured, how The Middle Belt, whose Christian segment always chafes at Rehoboam’s callow youths? would Nigeria fare, Lugard’s mere creation of colonial greed, the slightest hint of Islamic domination by the core North, stay Fitting enough, the document opens with sheer conceit: “Northfor the sole economic pleasure of the British? blissfully quiet, even if it is listed as part of the 19 northern ern Nigeria, the backbone and strength of Nigeria” — how so?

Like Rehoboam’s, the arrogance of the Arewa demand at the states that authored this latest insouciant and reckless docuStill, self-delusion is no crime. But the document went on to ongoing National Conference (NC), unfurled by its delegates in ment. brag about its “extremely understated” population. So, popua 47-page document, is stunning, the stuff of which clear hubris And the over-fed and over-pampered NC committee memlation quantum, even of the laggard by all objective paramis made. How can a region that contributes least to a common bers on restructuring? They are busy putting white coating, eters, is something to brag about? wealth insist its words must be the Nigerian dicta? like the Biblical whited sepulchre, on the extant centrist strucThen, nice try: the Arewa as “accountant-general of the fedBut to start with, there is pretty little difference between the ture that could yet be the grave of Nigeria. eration”, tallying who has got what since 1999! South-South: power elites of the North (particularly the segment hooked on But let the tiny northern hegemons behind all of this get this N17.74 trillion (six states). Northern states: “only” N10.53 trilold patriotic freeloading) and the Niger Delta. With the ascendfor free. The very hubris that pushed the North to its plunge lion (for 19 states). Combined South West and South East: ancy of Goodluck Jonathan, both have resorted to the threatenafter the rash annulment of June 12 will yet bait it, by its proN8.79 trillion (11 states). ing language of power; and seldom the civil language of reason. vocative demands, to fragment Nigeria.

So now, what? A pan-Nigeria gang-up against the Niger That is why, for instance, old man Edwin Clark would bait his Should that happen, no region would rue Nigeria’s break-up Delta because their majesties, The North has hinted so? A pitipresidential protégé to “sack” North East governors, under the more than the North — not the innocent masses who are only ful appeal to pity, not because of what is said, but what is left guise of dismantling democratic institutions for Boko Haram pawns, but its freeloading elite. unsaid. emergency. Now that Boko Haram is making Nyanya, Abuja, its Besides, such catastrophe would not be a poor King Odewale Will the weeping Arewa and its hoped for snivelling ensemrunning away from a curse only to end up living that curse, but ble push for anything less than even 50 per cent derivation, ‘The very hubris that pushed the North were they to bear oil and its massive environmental poison- a rash Rehoboam bringing ruin upon himself.

Unlike the Jewish nation that survived the Diaspora, howwith the proverbial irresponsibility of the Nigerian state? to its plunge after the rash annulment of ing; ever, Nigeria will be totally blotted out.

True, the Niger Deltans could be thoroughly annoying with So, those who love Nigeria had better speak up now on the June 12 will yet bait it, by its provocative their bleating of “our oil, our oil”. And true too: it might not be side of justice and equity before it is too late — or forever be totally unfounded, the North’s document’s insinuation, that a demands, to fragment Nigeria’ mute.

South-South lunatic fringe might be toying with the idea of “What portion do we have in David? We have no inheritance in the son of Jesse; To your tents, O Israel! Now look after your own house, David”! — The Bible, 1 Kings 12: 16

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epublican ipples

North and the ogre of Rehoboam

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HOEVER advised Dame Patience Jonathan, wife of President Goodluck Jonathan to stage last week’s mock trial of the Borno State government couldn’t have meant well for her person and least for her husband’s presidency. For while Nigerians are by now familiar with the trade-mark impetuosity of the self-styled Mama Peace, not even her affective pretences on the fate of the missing 276 schoolgirls could mitigate the public relations disaster of last Friday’s sham parley. And that was merely setting the stage for the mother of all fiasco - Sunday’s botched meeting which ended on a tearful note for the convener.

And what was the parley said to have drawn unnamed governors’ wives, women opinion leaders, and key women organisations to the seat of government coming 17 days after the unfortunate abduction of the girls meant to achieve?

To rally Nigerian women to take on the Boko Haram?

To buy time for the fumbling administration?

I have in the last few days struggled to find the rationale for the Abuja parley and even more for the botched expanded parley which the governor’s wife

‘The overwhelming evidence however, is that the federal government under whose watch the girls were ferried away despite the blanket of emergency is by far more complicit.

Today, there are even suggestions that the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, the individual on whose desk lands, the daily security briefings knows only a little more than the rest of us know. Or how else does one explain the establishment of a Presidential committee on the abducted girls in the midst of the crisis and coming after Nigerians opted to take to the streets?’

Policy Sanya Oni sanyaoni@yahoo.co.uk 08051101841

Meddler-in-chief? was supposed to have featured but which eventually failed to hold on Sunday.

Was it about joining forces with well-meaning organisations to find a way out of the national shame and embarrassment? Was it part of the making of a budding pressure group to prod the President to summon the will to do the needful to bring the girls safely to the comfort of their homes? Was it about bandying together to provide psychological support to the families visited by the unprecedented tragedy of the abduction?

Nothing of the proceedings would however suggest anything along that line. Quite to the contrary, what came off was a mission steeped in hubris and mischief of a heinous kind, an image laundering mission - a strategic, well-timed motion to take the winds off the sail of the agitation demanding action from the federal government – the ultimate mark of Nigeria’s outsourced presidency.

Indeed, media account of the meeting revealed a barefaced chicanery packaged as part of efforts to find the missing girls. The session was vintage Mama Peace – blunt but unfair; present in good dose was the vintage obtrusiveness – a defining style but which is increasingly hard to associate with the good offices of a presidential spouse.

Although the high point was the presentation by the Head of the National Office of WAEC, Charles Eguridu, it was clear that all was about Goodluck and Jonathan.

That presentation, I must say, left little to imagination about what the Dame set out to accomplish – to hold the Borno State government as the chief culprit in the abduction saga. And here, it turns out that the evidence was no more than the serious concerns raised by the examination body in addition to the advisory on the

state government to take the examination centre out of the crisis-prone area. Aside that, the testimonial from the WAEC boss added pretty little to what is already in the public domain about the missing girls.

This leads to the pertinent question of what the game plan was. It seems to me that the strategy is take the wind out of the rage spreading across the land over the pathetic handling of the rescue efforts by the federal government while taking due care to deflect attention from the failure of the federal government to contain the insurgency. Heaping the blame on the Borno State government would in the circumstance be fair game.

As for the parents of the 276 girls and the entire citizens looking up to the exalted institution of the Presidency to bring the girls home, they are to look elsewhere since according to the Dame, the Borno State government knows more than it has admitted on the story of the missing girls. Her charge: “By Sunday, we must have our children. If not, we will march to Borno and ask the governor to give us our children. We will march to the National Assembly to see the Senate President and will also march to see the president”. How about from Mama Peace – Mother of the Nation!

She would however not end without a curious offer to lead Nigerian women on a march provided of course that the object of their march is on the office of the state governor! Again her resolve is unmistakeable: “Within three days, something will happen. We will get to the root of the matter. I don’t come out and go back empty. I have come out and something must happen. We will not fold our arms and see our children kidnapped, our husbands, sons, daughters also being killed. We should be more concerned. We will form a committee to call on the appropriate persons to come and answer questions…” Does anyone still wonder as to who is in charge?

Now, let’s even accept that the state government is guilty as charged. The overwhelming evidence however, is that the federal government under whose watch the girls were ferried away despite the blanket of emergency is by far more complicit. Today, there are even suggestions that the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, the individual on whose desk lands, the daily security briefings knows only a little more than the rest of us know. Or how else does one explain the establishment of a Presidential committee on the abducted girls in the midst of the crisis and coming after Nigerians opted to take to the streets?

See where we have landed ourselves?

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COMMENTS

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HE federal government from all indications is bent on trumpeting Nigeria’s so called economic growth even when the reality on ground does not support the phantom optimism.

You recall the economic miracle performed by that female magician, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

She called it rebasing and pronto, Nigeria’s economy jumped the queue and moved to the top position in Africa, even ahead of South Africa, not minding the fact that the two major indices used in arriving at this rebased economy-telecoms and the entertainment industries are driven by South Africa’s economy.

Number one indeed.

So much has been written for and against Okonjo-Iweala’s rebased economy that it is better to leave it than risk constant headache in an attempt rationalize Madam Magician’s logic. But even at this the Federal Government would still like us and indeed the rest of the world to believe that things are looking up for our economy and the other facets of our lives. While it is not totally gloomy for Nigeria, the picture being painted by the Jonathan administration is not only deceptive but misleading.

To tell the world that all is well and to reassuring dispirited Nigerians that it is on top of the challenges facing our nation, the Federal Government is going ahead with the hosting of the World Economic Forum (for Africa) or what has been dubbed Africa’s Davos in Abuja, whereas common sense would have dictated otherwise considering the current state of the nation.

And to show its desperation to host this forum, the President has ordered all public offices and schools in Abuja to shut down during the period ostensibly to enhance its capacity to provide adequate security for participants at the forum. The decision which will not go unnoticed by the international community has instead of reassuring the world that Nigeria is safe as the government would want everyone to believe exposed the government’s impotence in the fight against the Boko Haram insurgency.

Sending the kids home on forced holiday and keeping civil servants away from

Shutting down Abuja and Mrs Jonathan’s reckless statement their offices just to show the world that we can host international events even in the face of serious security challenges would no doubt gladden the hearts of Boko Haram insurgents and their leaders particularly Shekau. It should not be a surprise if in his next video clip he points at the shutting down of Abuja by the government as one of the achievements of his group so far signaling its capacity to drive terror and fear into the administration even without exploding any bomb.

I think the closure of schools and offices is just playing into the hands of the terrorists and the government might inadvertently have handed Boko Haram a propaganda tool in its recruitment drive.

I agree that the government is between the devil and the deep blue sea in this matter as calling off the forum could hand a bigger propaganda tool to Boko Haram while keeping everything as normal while the forum is holding could also be too much to ask of our security agencies and unnecessarily expose the summiteers and the general public to danger in the event that Boko Haram decides to strike.

So what could we have done or can we do?

In asking to host the forum, the federal government surely knew that Boko Haram would still be a factor in our security challenge by the time the summit begins in Abuja and as such should have factored the renewed insurgency against the federal capital into its plans. Prior to now, especially in the run up to the Nyanya

attacks, Boko Haram had warned of the imminence of terror attacks in and around the Federal Capital Territory. What measure(s) did the government take to prevent the Nyanya attacks? And if we couldn’t stop them from striking at Nyanya, in spite of the long notice, what guarantee do we have that the visitors coming for the forum can be adequately protected?

If the government intention in asking to host the forum as I suspect is to show the world that Nigeria is working, shutting down Abuja to ward off Boko Haram is not the best way to do it. I can’t see the US government shutting down New York every time the UN General Assembly meets. And the Assembly, drawing all world leaders does meet once a year. All we could have done is to step up security seen and unseen around Abuja while allowing live to continue as normal. We could ask for assistance from those who have experience in this type of thing-fighting terror and living normal life- instead of this resort to panic.

The argument in some circles is that asking for foreign assistance to fight this terror could be tantamount to surrendering our sovereignty. I disagree. If such assistance is sought in good faith and also given in good faith, the question of losing sovereignty would not arise.

We can’t have everything? Even the most developed countries in the world seek help in certain areas where they are deficient. What we could and should do is to

seek strategic alliance in terms of security with countries that can help us overcome our security challenges and make our country safe. This is a long term thing. As an ad hoc measure, nothing stops us from seeking direct assistance from friendly countries during the Abuja forum even if it means having foreign boots on ground just to protect our visitors and our people throughout that period. There is no shame in this. After this we can no plan properly for the future how to fight Boko Haram and the likes.

And talking about fighting Boko Haram, one is at a loss over the meddlesome role being played by our First Lady Mrs Patience Jonathan over the abduction of the school girls in Chibok, Borno State by the terrorists. Calling the government of Borno State names is not the best way Madam Jonathan could help resolve this crisis. Not even her threat to march on Chibok and face Boko Haram bullets if need be would bring back our girls. Fiery speeches would not do it either.

I think the First Lady should leave the matter in the hands of her husband and the security forces instead of her inflammatory comments. If she has any idea on how to resolve the problem, she could pass it on to her husband in their bedroom instead of playing to the gallery under the guise of showing concern for the girls and their parents. We are all pained by the development, but we need sober heads to overcome this challenge and bring our girls home. If Madam Jonathan has nothing positive to contribute to the effort to rescue the girls, let her keep quiet.

‘The First Lady should leave the matter in the hands of her husband and the security forces instead of her inflammatory comments. If she has any idea on how to resolve the problem, she could pass it on to her husband in their bedroom instead of playing to the gallery under the guise of showing concern for the girls and their parents’

Understanding the fake auto parts market “The irony is that most of the new Original Equipment Manufacturers’ parts brought in from the US and Europe, which are usually very good, were manufactured in China.

It is our importers who usually request for the substandard version of the genuine OEM parts from China and Taiwan” – Kunle Shonaike

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HAVE observed, with total admiration, the great work being done by Kunle Shonaike through his regular articles in Nigerian newspapers on automobile care and maintenance. He has opened my eyes to the need for relevant enlightenment in a sector of the Nigerian economy which has cost us more lives than HIV/ AIDS and Malaria put together, in the number of our compatriots who have needlessly lost their lives through vehicular accidents. I was particularly impressed when he wrote: ‘we are resolved to change this perverted tradition and we will start by running an enlightenment campaign to change bad habits that have long been formed across the auto market’s major segments’.

I recall once seeing, somewhere in a sprawling Lagos market, some people ‘reboring’ used tyres which they then put on the market as new ones to the unsuspecting public. Naturally, these tyres burst on the roads within weeks of their purchase causing fatalities that should not have arisen at all. Indeed, completely dead spark plugs are being imported into the country and subsequently washed with chemicals and put out for sale as new with the impotent, if not complicit, Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), looking helpless. That way, wives have lost husbands and vice versa, just as children their parents. It is fascinating to see that the Lagos State government has started a process of training and registering drivers but it is hoped that their training curriculum will be all-embracing.

Fake auto parts must, however, account for a much higher number of vehicular accidents on our roads than second hand and rebored tyres. It is a huge market that has both local and international connections. Of course, the fakery industry, in general, is a multi-billion dollar business and it is doubtful if any country is free from its debilitating consequences.

It is well known that, as in drugs, where the Amazon, Professor Dora Akunyili, as Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) fought a yeoman’s battle, spare parts fakery is equally huge and those involved in it would not bat an eyelid taking the lives of whoever may wish to put an end to their nefarious business.

By Femi Orebe Fake auto parts supply is a global problem that has very serious negative impacts on both the automotive industry as well as on the end user. Indeed fitting fake parts, especially safety related parts, easily impacts on the safety of the user and , may be, his or her family as well.

Facts and figures about this problem in Nigeria, like most other statistics in our country, are scarce. Fortunately, however, we can look at its effects in other countries , and from there, extrapolate what it is in our all- comers, ill-regulated economy.

In India, for instance, the Times of India reported not too long ago, that up to 20% of all road accidents can be attributed to fake parts. According to the US Federal Trade Commission estimates, global counterfeiting of automotive products is estimated at about $12 billion annually. The manufacturers, distributors as well as sellers of fake products want the end user to believe that they are buying quality products which they obviously are not. According to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), majority of counterfeit parts are made in China. Of course distribution channels are very diversified as unscrupulous dealers also import them to places like the United Arab Emirates ( UAE), where they are re-boxed under well known brand names, and then re-exported across the globe, Nigeria inclusive. Good news is, parts manufacturers ,vehicle assembly companies and government bodies, world-wide, are working together assiduously to find solutions to this humongous problem.

Indeed, many countries are, on their own, already devising strategies to confront the problem.

In the course of researching this problem, I spoke with Daniel Jolly, a Scot, Executive Director of a UK - based group of companies specializing in the global supply of automotive parts and related consultancy services. According to him, “Fake products are seriously polluting the automotive parts supply chain world-wide, but an added problem for the consumer”, he said, “is trying to understand what a fake part is, and conversely, what is not”.

So, what is the definition of a fake part? Fake parts , in his words, are “copy” parts manufactured mainly in countries with cheap labour which are then boxed either under the vehicle assembler’s brand logo or the parts manufacturer’s brand logo.

The consultant said it is also very critical that people understand the different parts supply alternatives available to the consumer in the marketplace. According to him , vehicle assemblers such as Toyota, Ford etc do not manufacture their own spare parts. Rather, they buy their parts from global parts

manufacturers such as Bosch, Mahle, Nisshinbo/TMD Friction and then have them boxed in their own vehicle assemblers’ brand logo e.g Toyota Genuine Parts.

The different types of parts available in the global automotive parts supply chain, according to Jolly, can be described as follows. First, you have Original Equipment(OE) parts. These are used by the vehicle assemblers in assembling a new motor vehicle (automobile, light truck, or truck) and are also used by the vehicle assemblers in its service network. These are referred to as Original Equipment (OE) parts, manufactured and supplied from the Parts’ Manufacturers and boxed under the Vehicle Assembler’s brand logo( the so-called “genuine parts”).

Secondly, you have OES parts that are supplied into the general marketplace. These are referred to as Original Equipment Service (OES) parts, supplied from the parts manufacturers and boxed under the parts manufacturer brand logo.

Third, are the Replacement Aftermarket parts. Replacement parts are automotive parts manufactured as a low cost alternative to the OE and OES parts. These parts manufacturers are not sanctioned by the vehicle assemblers but manufacture and box their parts under their own brand name/logo.

Lastly, you have accessories which are parts made for comfort, convenience, performance, safety, or customization, and are designed for add-on after the original assembly of the motor vehicle.

According to Jolly, there is a huge global challenge to combat the problem of fake parts but there is also a need for education on the subject. His words: “the recurring point is that people wrongly label OES parts as fakes because their understanding of a fake part is anything that does not come with the vehicle assembler logo on the box. This is far from the truth” Accoording to Jolly, in the more mature automotive markets such as that of Europe and North America, there is a vibrant aftermarket industry which readily compliments the existing Vehicle Assembler network. This has helped reduce ownership costs to the consumer whilst maintaining high levels of service and quality, thus ensuring safe trips.

His advice to any country/government that is determined to confront this problem is to develop a vibrant and regulated aftermarket industry, and ensure that they engage technically qualified people/organisations to suggest or recommend appropriate course of action in this very important sector of any country’s economy.

I cannot agree more since this will protect our citizenry from the horrible consequences of the booming fake spare parts’ market in Nigeria.

THE NATION TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2014

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DZEKO threat for 2014 WORLD CUP:

Super Eagles

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the Court of Appeal correctly found that the Igbo native law and custom which disentitles a female from inheriting, in her late father’s estate is void as it conflicts with sections 39(1)(a) and (2) of the 1979 Constitution (as amended).

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E-mail:- law@thenationonlineng.net

Justice Chukwudifu Akunne Oputa died on Sunday, leaving a worthy legacy. He was a fine judge, rising to the Supreme Court, where he and others of like mind became known as “activist justices”. For his erudition, he was tagged the “Socrates” of the Supreme Court. Lawyers pay tribute to the late philosopher-judge. They spoke to JOHN AUSTIN UNACHUKWU, ADEBISI ONANUGA, ERIC IKHILAE and JOSEPH JIBUEZE

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Exit of a legal giant

E was called endearing names in his days on the Bench.

He was Lord Denning of Nigeria; a philosopher-judge and the Socrates of the Supreme Court, among others.

These appellations capture the essence of Justice Chukwudifu Akunne Oputa, who died on Sunday. He was 96. His son, Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charley Boy, said the eminent jurist died peacefully after a brief illness. He said funeral arrangements would be released soon.

Oputa was born into the family of Chief Oputa Uzukwu and Mrs. Nwametu Oputa. His father had 10 wives, and Chukwudifu was the last of his children. Pa Oputa passed on when Chukwudifu was only three months old, while his mother died when he was barely six months old.

Since the young Oputa’s parents passed on while he was still an infant, the task of his welfare and education passed unto his grandmother who laid the foundation for his upbringing.

He attended the Sacred Heart School, Oguta; Christ the King College (CKC), Onitsha for his secondary education and later, High College, Yaba. He was a student Achimota College, Ghana from where he proceeded to the University of London, England. He was called to the English Bar, the Gray’s Inn, London in 1953. Ten years later, he was appointed a judge of the then Eastern Region of Nigeria.

He was Principal, National College, Buguma between 1945 and 1948 and was Administrative Officer, Nigerian Secretariat between 1949 and 1951.

The late Justice Oputa served the country diligently in many capacities even before independence. He was member of the University of Nigeria Governing Council between 1959 and 1966; counsel in Oguta Chieftaincy dispute; counsel in Nembe Chieftancy dispute; Counsel in Obudu Chieftaincy dispute in 1960; Chancellor, Imo State University and was member, former Eastern Nigerian Marketing Board between 1958 and 1965.

Oputa was appointed Chairman, Commission of Inquiry into Structure of Customary Courts in former Eastern Nigeria in 1967; and Chairman, Commission of Inquiry into Abakaliki Nkpuma Akpatakpa Disturbance in 1973.

He was appointed to investigate abuses that took place in the country during the 15 years of military rule, which ended when President Obasanjo took office as elected president on May 29, 1999.

Oputa’s judicial career spanned 26 years through four regions, states and territories until his retirement from the Supreme Court in 1989 at the age of 65.

He had earlier served as a judge in the defunct East Central State between 1971 and 1976; High Court Judge, Imo State and was Chief judge Imo State Judiciary between 1976 and 1984.

Lawyers pay tribute

INSIDE:

Former President of Nigerian Bar Association, Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) said: “I actually appeared before Justice Oputa.

He was Nigeria’s finest jurist. He was one of those justices who sat at the Supreme Court at its golden period. He sat there with the likes of Late Justice Kayode Eso, Justice Idigbe, Justice Obaseki, Justice Bello and Justice Nnamani. He will be sorely missed by Nigeria. May his gentle soul rest in peace.”

The Director-General, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) Prof. Epiphany Azinge (SAN) said Oputa’s death marks the end of an era in the annals of Nigeria’s judicial his-

Alleged N82.8m theft: Court hears motion on jurisdiction -Page 28

•The late Oputa tory.

“He was indeed a jurist of high repute and integrity who brought to bear his expansive knowledge, wisdom, robust intellect and judicial acumen in making our judiciary one of the most renowned in the African continent.

“The lucidity of his judgments and clearcut analysis of issues clearly portrayed a razor sharp mind and a five star judicial of-

NBA presidency: Row over zoning -Page 29

ficer. He was outstandingly brilliant and exceptionally hard working. He not only added colour and glamour to the judiciary in his life time, he also served his country meritoriously in many other capacities.

“My thoughts are with his family at this point in time. I also condole with the commanding heights of the judiciary on the loss of an illustrious Nigerian, a consummate jurist and an

Fed Govt ‘voids’ firm’s patent on ballot boxes -Page 39

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•Continued from page 25 incorruptible judge,” Azinge said.

Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama (SAN) said: “I am one of the fortunate young Nigerian lawyers that were able to know him before he died. Unfortunately, I did not appear before him at the Supreme Court, maybe because I was too young a lawyer to appear before him or that my cases did not get to the Supreme Court during his days.

“But luckily for me I was able to appear before him leading a team of other lawyers at the famous Oputa Panel that investigated human rights abuses in the country. Thereafter, I attended a number of other functions where I was lucky to meet him. Luckily for me also, I had a photograph with him, which I have conspicuously displayed at my Abuja office for the past 10 years.

“I have read a lot of his books including the Modern Day Advocacy where the basics and rudiments of law practice are highly espoused. Nigeria, the legal profession, the judiciary, the NBA and humanity generally will miss this incorruptible judge and legal icon because of his achievements and the shoes he left behind.

“He was legendary. We will remember him for life. He should be immortalised in many ways in many states of the federation. Justice Oputa made me to study Latin. I did not read Latin in school, but because of the way he spoke the language, I had to buy a lot of Latin books and studied the language so I can now speak a little Latin.

“He has been a role model both far and near.

Nigeria has lost one of her most illustrious sons.”

Former First-Vice President of the NBA, Mrs. Funke Adekoya (SAN) said: “The Bar has lost another of its icons, our own Lord Denning. He was one of the greatest philosopher-judges Nigeria has produced, and his judgments always displayed an interplay between law and morality. He has gone to rest, but remains with us through his judgments and legal writings.”

A former General Secretary of the NBA, Deacon Dele Adesina (SAN) said: “Justice Oputa made an indelible and eternal landmark in the justice system of this great country. He was a quintessential judge, bold and courageous. His fountain of knowledge was very deep.

“Remarkably, he was a great apostle of the principle of substantial justice over technical justice. For him, it is not justice according to law even if heaven must fall. He, like Hon Justice Kayode Eso JSC, and Justice Theophilus Akinola Aguda, believes dispute must be decided on its merit, and that no issue is ever settled by technically avoiding it. For me that is the whole essence of adjudication.

“He was a great jurist with a clear understanding of issues for determination. Powerful expression of logic, literature and philosophy were the hallmarks of Justice Oputa’s judgments. He was a pride of the legal profession. His contributions to our legal jurisprudence l believe are imperishable. I wish him perfect rest in God’s bossom,” Adesina said.

Augustine Alegeh (SAN) said the loss of Justice Oputa is sad. “The legal profession and the nation have lost an erudite jurist, one of the best in our recent history. His incisive and illuminating judgments will remain a strong testimony of his service to the legal profession. A true legal colossus has rested. We join in praying for the repose of his soul and pray God to comfort and provide for all that he left behind.”

Chief Adeniyi Akintola (SAN) said Oputa’s death is a great loss to the nation. “The last of the philosopher-kings of the Supreme Court has taken the final bow. The legal community in Nigeria would never forget the Socrates of the apex court. He had, like his comrade in law Kayode Eso, more than 50 quotable quotes to his credit.”

Former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation Bayo Ojo (SAN), Sebastine Hon (SAN), Mahmud Magaji (SAN), Femi Falana (SAN), Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), Yusuf Ali (SAN), Mike Ozekhome (SAN) and Festus Keyamo said Justice Oputa was a moral and social philosopher.

Ojo described the deceased as “an iconoclast of humanity, the Socrates of our time and one of

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HE late Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, while at the Supreme Court, delivered several renowned judgments that are still being celebrated in most law reports today. One of them was a lead judgment in the case between the Attorney General of Lagos State (Appellant) and the Honourable Justice L. J. Dosumu (Respondent) over property ownership in suit No. SC/257/ 1988.

In his judgment, Justice Oputa allowed the appeal and set aside the judgment of the trial court. He also endorsed the order as to the costs.

Oputa’s judgments at the court were well-researched and bore marks of deep philosophical thinking. He was not at ease with legal technicalities and was very much on guard against

“The lucidity of his judgments and clearcut analysis of issues clearly portrayed a razor sharp mind and a five star judicial officer. He was outstandingly brilliant and exceptionally hard working.

•From left: The late Chief Gani Fawehinmi (SAN), the late Babasola Rhodes (SAN), the late Oputa and the late Chief G.O.K Ajayi (SAN) during Oputa’s birthday on September 24, 2001.

•The late Oputa (right) with Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah at the Oputa Panel

•The late Justice Oputa (right) with former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Muhammed Uwais at the presentation of the Human Right Violation Investigation Commission report.

Exit of a legal giant the finest in jurisprudence and commitment to justice.”

He said the jurist’s death lowered the curtain on an era in the justice sector that subsequent generations would forever long for.

“He belonged to that ages and his memories are naturally bound to be immortal,” Ojo said.

Hon described Justice Oputa’s death as a loss to the present generation. “Our generation has lost a legal colossus! Our consolation, however, lies in the fact that he left indelible marks on the sands of our legal jurisprudence.”

He called on members of the Bench to emulate him even as he called on the Federal Gov-

ernment and his state to immortalise him.

Magaji described the the late jurist as “a gentleman, an elder statesman and consummate judge, who would be missed by the entire legal profession and the Bench. May his gentle soul rest in peace.”

Falana said the greatest tribute that can be paid to Justice Oputa is for the Federal Government to release the Oputa Panel report and implement it.

“For the legal profession, Justice Oputa should be celebrated for his incorruptibility and consistent defence of human rights, rule of law and democracy,” Falana said.

Some of his landmark judgments lawyers whose only reason for going to court is to induce litigation fatigue on the other side, instead of seeking remedies.

Oputa illustrates this in his decision in Okpara v Obi (Vol. 4, 78 at p. 81) when he said: “Rather than helping to narrow the issues to be contested at the trial, counsel nowadays use pleadings to becloud the issues. The defendant’s pleadings put the plaintiff to the strictest proof of every allegation of fact made in his statement of claim. That may be permissible but the party who wants proof of the obvious or proof of what should have been admitted, must be pre-

pared to pay for such proof.”

Also, in the case between the Federal Civil Service Commission V. Laoye (1989), Oputa said: “...when the court is described as the last hope of the common man, that implies that it is the duty of the judiciary to ensure that any encroachment on the rights of the individual, any coercive action is justified by law. In the unequal combat between those who possess power and those on whom such power bears, the court’s primary duty is protection from the abuse of power...”

Like Lord Denning in England, he used his judgments to make a case for judicial activism

‘

Agbakoba added: “Having actively appeared before him, I can confirm that he was one of our finest legal minds. My prayers are with my friend Charly Boy and his family.”

Oyetibo, who expressed shock over Oputa’s death, described the late jurist as “Socrates of the Supreme Court”.

“He did not only understand the law as a justice of the Supreme Court, he understood and applied the philosophy of law. His reasons for his judgments were often illuminating. He made law look like a mathematics,” Oyetibo said.

Ali said: “Like the death of every person, his death is painful. But we thank God that he left at a very old age. His death is a loss not only to Nigeria’s jurisprudence but to the jurisprudence of the whole world. He contributed immensely to our jurisprudence from the High Court to the Supreme Court. He was a gifted orator and an engaging writer. He has left an indelible mark.”

Ozekhome, who described the deceased as “a quintessential oracle of law” described his death was “a monumental loss to the legal profession, the judiciary and the entire nation.”

“He was a legal prodigy, an iconic phenomenon, the quintessential oracle of the law and an unparalleled jurist of inestimable value.

“He shone on the legal firmament like a zillion stars, bestriding the Nigerian judicial space like the colossus that he was. His judgments were lucid and provocative. His thoughts fecund, his writing skillful, literary and philosophical. Oputa came, saw and conquered.”

Elder Paul Ananaba (SAN) said: “The death of Justice Oputa is a big loss to the nation and the legal profession. He distinguished himself both at the Bar and Bench. He was for years the Chief Judge of Imo State, where his judgments remain authoritative. Though he was in the Supreme Court for a few years, he remains one of its finest legal minds. He was the Socrates, the Cicero of the Supreme Court.

I hope you know what this means.”

Keyamo noted that though Justice Oputa died at a very ripe old age, his exit is still difficult to accept with equanimity, especially within the legal profession.

“Justice Oputa gave all his life and energy for the development of the law, the maintenance of the etiquette of the legal profession and the sanctity of the Bench. Both as a judge of the High Court and as a Justice of other superior courts, his incisive judgments, robust and notable pronouncements and quintessential erudition in all his decisions on the Bench, have left an indelible mark in the legal profession. His calmness and remarkable wit on the Bench has since laid down a mark for other judicial officers to follow.

“Even as a retired Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Oputa did not tire out. His renowned chairmanship of the Oputa Panel that was set up

by President Obasanjo to address past wrongs in the country still remains a watershed in the annals of this country.

“Today, we pay tribute to this judicial colossus; this uncommon jurist; this Justice of Justices; this Lord Denning of our time and this patriot par excellence.

“Rest in peace. My sincere condolence to my big brother, Charly Boy, other family members and my learned colleagues,” Keyamo said. in the interpretation of the Constitution and to act as a compass for legislative action and judicial reform.

A seven-volume collection, named Oputa Law Reports, was published recently. Volume 1 alone comprises 514 pages of Oputa’s judgments on criminal law and procedure, covering such issues as abortions, bail, burglary and sexual offences, among others.

He also delivered judgments on election petitions, tort, land, libel, matrimonial causes, contracts, among others.

One of Oputa’s famous quotes on the Supreme Court is: “We’re not final because we’re infallible; we’re infallible becuase we’re final.”

27

THE NATION TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2014

FROM THE COURT Cleric petitions CJN, IGP over property demolition

T

HE Director-General, Police Assistance Committee of Tradesmen/Women, Prophet Martins Oni has petitioned the Chief Justice of Nigeria Aloma Mukhtar and the Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Abubakar over the alleged demolition of his property.

He is urging them to investigate the authenticity of an Enrolment Judgment of the Lagos State High Court on the basis of which his house was brought down.

Oni, the General-Overseer of the Chosen of the Lord Ministry, said property worth N1.2billion was allegedly stolen by hoodlums during the demolition.

According to him, he was in his office in August 2009 at Plot 15 Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, Ijesha when some people who claimed to be bailiffs from the Lagos State High Court showed him the judgment.

The Enrolment of Judgment, dated October 30, 2008, was in a suit numbered ID/2801/92 between Mr Farayola and Alhaji G. Owoade. It declared the claimant as entitled to a Certificate of Occupancy of a land at Obalodu Street, Ijeshatedo, measuring approximately 430,849 square meters.

The judgment also restrained the defendant from trespassing the land or interfering with the claimant’s enjoyment of it; and awarded N500,000 as general damages for the acts of trespass, as well as cost

By Joseph Jibueze

of N250,000 awarded against the defendant.

Oni said he was not named in the case and was never served any hearing notice. Besides, he said the land belongs to him, having acquired it 17 years ago from Owoade (the defendant in the suit).

According to him, he still has the land’s documents, including the Survey Plan, House Plan, receipt of purchase, building plan, the Ijeshatedo Family Land Receipt, and other documents from the state government.

He said he constructed a four storey building on the land, housing four mini-warehouses, offices, 14 shops, and his church, all of which were brought down.

“Nobody informed me that the land and my building were in contention of any sort. The crowd who were armed overpowered me and my workers and commenced the week-long demolition,” Oni said.

He said he sent his lawyers to the High Court “and the feedback is always the same, that the case file was not seen….,” adding that he is wondering whether the judgment is authentic.

Oni said he took ill after the property was demolished and was flown abroad for treatment, and having recovered, he now wished to reclaim his property.

“If not for God, I would have been a dead man having to watch my

property destroyed. With every sense of humility, I appeal to you sir to use your good offices, and as the defender of the defenceless, to do something urgently to salvage the situation,” Oni wrote.

He had earlier written to the Senate President David Mark, who acknowledged the petition, saying: “The President of the Senate has noted the content of your letter and advises you to exercise your fundamental rights in a competent court of law.”

The police confirmed it has begun investigation into the petition.

A letter from the Principal Staff Officer to the Inspector-General of Police, Murtala Mani (a Deputy Commissioner of Police), to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 2, Onikan, reads in part: “The Inspector-General of Police directs you treat, please.”

A senior police officer at Zone 2, who craved anonymity, said a letter had been written to the Chief Registrar of the Lagos High Court, seeking to authenticate the judgment and to get further details as to the circumstances in which it was delivered.

The source said the letter was sent over seven weeks ago and that the High Court was yet to respond. “We may have to send a reminder soon, but we’re still expecting to hear from them,” the source said.

When contacted, the Chief Registrar, Mrs Iyabo Akinkugbe, said: “If the letter is here, you can be sure it is being treated, but no comments.”

•From left: Adebayo Saliu, Dawodu Adetunji and Babatunde Odutenowo at the training.

Firm trains ministry staff on software

AN Information and Communication Technology (ICT) firm, the Law Pavillion, has trained the senior staff of the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Alausa, on legal research tools.

They were taught on how to use

the LawPavilion software, to enhance efficiency and productivity.

The training is one of the after-sales service offered by the company.

The new LawPavilion Case Manager, described as a revolutionary

software that organises and streamlines the complex workflow of a lawyer, was also demonstrated at the training.

Group secures freedom for detained inmates

A

HUMAN rights organisation, the Set the Captives Free Foundation International (SCFFI), has secured the release of six awaiting trial inmates.

The detainees were freed for want of diligent prosecution. One was kept in prison for being unable to meet a N20,000 bail condition; in two instances, the inmates stayed behind bars after their cases were struck out in their absence by a magistrate.

Among those released include Hosbert Agara, Usman Alade, Okechukwu Maxi, Chinebere Clark, Sunday Bada, Grace Musa, the foundation’s President, Evangelist C.C. Odo Michael, a lawyer, said in its October 2013-April 2014 report issued in Lagos.

Agara was charged before a Surulere Magistrate’s Court with alleged indecent assault and rape. He was detained for over one year. The case suffered six adjournments and no prosecution witness ever attended court.

When SCFFI filed a motion asking that the case be dismissed for want of diligent prosecution, the Directorate of Public Prosecution

By Joseph Jibueze

(DPP) then issued a legal advice upon being served with the motion, and a prosecutor came to the court for the first time at the next hearing.

Being a bailable offence, the foundation paid the bail bond deposit of N20,000, and Agara was granted temporary freedom on April 9.

Alade was arraigned on July 5, 2013 for an alleged crime of defilement. No prosecution witness ever attended court to testify. The foundation applied that the case be struck, and the court did so on February 25.

Maxi’s was also a case of alleged defilement. He was arraigned on July 3, 2013. No witness came forward to testify. On March 31, the case was struck out.

The story of Clark and Bada is unusual. Their cases were struck cases due to lack of diligent prosecution, but no lawyer was present to represent either the prosecution or defence that day. None of the accused persons was in court.

Subsequently, the magistrate struck out the case in absence of the defendants. Apparently not aware

of the development, prison authorities kept them behind bars for several months.

SCFFI intervened and discovered that the two had no business remaining in prison custody. It pursued their cases and secured their freedom.

Musa was arraigned for alleged “breach of peace” by using insulting language against another person. She was arraigned on January 16 and released on bail. The case was adjourned for trial on three occasions and the complainant and prosecution never came to court for once.

On April 2, SCFFI’s lawyers urged the court to strike out the case for lack of diligent prosecution. The court struck out the case.

Michael urged judges and magistrates not to strike out cases in the absence of accused persons.

He said the court could order prison authorities to produce the detainees before striking out their case, to avoid a situation where someone remains in prison for months because the court’s decision was not communicated either to him or the prison authorities.

LAW AND PUBLIC POWER

with gabriel AMALU email:gabrielamalu1@yahoo.com

Council elections and constitutional amendment

T

HE local government system in Nigeria had a jerk under the Muritala/ Obasanjo’s regime, from 1976 to 1979. Before the military intervention in 1966 the nature and type of administration was the choice of the regions. It was however under the Muritala/Obasanjo’s military government that a unified system of local council administration was created. General Obasanjo who as General Muritala’s deputy took over as head of state when he was violently killed in a putsch in 1976, finally entrenched this uniformity in the 1979 constitution.

For many a unified council administration was a surreptitious attempt, albeit a half measure, to resurrect the 1966 unification decree for which General Aguiyi-Ironsi paid the supreme price. Since decreeing a common council system into existence, its administration has suffered intemperate measures whether under the military or civilian regimes up till the present.

While the 1999 constitution, which came into existence twenty years after that of 1979, provides for a similar council administration across the country, it clearly manifested the prevailing confusion whether local councils have been elevated to a third-tier of government, or remains an administrative system under the states of the federation.

The ongoing attempt to further amend the 1999 constitution is providing another opportunity to tinker with the council administration. Notably most political interests operating at the federal level seem to prefer institutionalizing council administration as a third-tier of government. Of course I am referring to the presidency and the federal legislators.

Conversely the governors and the state legislators seem to prefer the local councils to be under their control. Indeed up till now, many state governors in defiance of the constitution refuse to conduct the council elections, because of the potential that adverse parties may win enough ground to torpedo the state administration’s game plan. Where elections are allowed to go on, the political parties of the state governors usually ensure they win all the available places.

These incongruous political results have resulted now in the clamour for a further alienation of the councils from the governors/states’ control. One of the recommended measures is for the abolition of state electoral commissions, so that the national electoral commission takes over the conduct of the council elections. According to press reports, one of the recommendations of the constitutional review conferences conducted by the House of Representatives across the federal constituencies was the abolition of the state electoral commissions. No doubt, the results of the patently manipulated council elections across the states are untenable for the sustenance of democracy; but I strongly doubt whether the answer lies with handing over the electoral opportunities to the national electoral commission.

I use the word electoral opportunities advisedly, because the condemnable manipulation that happens at the local council elections is not different from the manipulation that takes place at the national level. What will merely happen if the amendment becomes law is that the election manipulation opportunities will be handed over to the federal institutions and their beneficiaries. While I abhor totally state governors’ monarchical tendencies in clear breach of the constitution in dealing with local councils, I guess it will be unbearable for many and discomforting for a total stranger to be gifted the opportunity and the dubious privilege to determine local council elections.

Should the national electoral commission take over the ace in determining the candidates of local council elections, I have no doubt that it will precipitate a crisis that will further weaken our tenuous democracy. This is because our electoral experience has shown that primary elections to determine the party’s candidates are in several cases more keen that the general elections where as some pundits have argued, the electorate have been abolished. So in such cases the choice of who will become the local government chairman or councilor could on the basis of the authority of the electoral body to determine who is the authentic candidate of a political party be made in Abuja, by strangers and partisan for pecuniary interests.

As I have humbly argued on his page with regards to local government administration, it is untenable, politically, socially and economically to run our local governments as a third-tier of government based on the current principles of governance in Nigeria. This is primarily because other exigencies of a federal system of government are not allowed by the constitution. So we have quasi-federal states, and if the plans materialize, we will in addition have quasi-local councils tied inexorably and inextricably on the apron strings of a centralized political economy; and made worse by a command structure manned by dubious and criminal political elites bent on gang raping the country to death.

With a strong context for power between the federal and state governments sometimes over heating the system as they prefer to call it; I am worried that several war fronts will be created across the nooks and crannies of the country as the local councils will provide the federal authorities satellite war fronts as they contend with the states. The chances are that the Presidents and his apparatchik may for instance seek to manipulate the national electoral commission to have their candidates put on the ballot and declared winners of the elections; in search of influence in opposition areas and even to teach a recalcitrant Governor from the same party some form of political lessons.

The way out in my humble view is to federalize the political and economic structure of the country; rather than over-centralizing it. That way the council will be encouraged and strengthened to grow its own economy and political influence. In the meantime, state governors can definitely do better than the wholesale shooing of election results in favour of their parties in the name of local government elections.

This article, previously published on this page, is repeated.

28

THE NATION TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2014

BOOK REVIEW

Achieving speedier dispensation of justice

R

EVIEW of the book on the role of costs and adjournments in the expeditious dispensation of justice in the Nigerian courts.

The book which aims at examining The Role of Costs and Adjournments in the Expeditious Dispensation of Justice in the Nigerian Courts is divided into 8 chapters. It is a field project initiated by the Director General of Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Prof. Epiphany Azinge SAN. The project examined the epileptic nature of the Nigerian Judicial System, which is filled with unreasonable adjournments thereby taking away the trust and confidence reposed in it by litigants.

Chapter 1 introduced the book and listed the problems and issues militating against the speedy resolution of disputes before the Nigerian courts.

These include but not limited to: poor facilities, insufficient budgetary allocation, inadequate personnel, training and capacity building challenges. The essence of the research project identified as institutionalised procedural practices in Nigerian courts were also listed in this chapter.

In addition, it also captured in detail the research methodology used in arriving at the answers to the numerous questions raised in the book.

Chapter 2 dealt with surveys illustrated with charts on the mechanism of costs and adjournments as applied in FCT courts. The practitioners that participated in the Legal Practitioners Survey fulfilled the practice location, post call and civil law practice requirements. For the litigants who completed the Litigants Survey, selection was based on their involvement in civil proceedings for at least one year prior to the time of the survey. The litigants were located at the various High Courts of the Federal Capital Territory. A total number of 90 legal practitioners participated in the FCT Legal Practitioners Survey, out of which 61 practitioners, equivalent to 68 percent of the total number of respondents, had had Immediate Costs awarded in their favour while 29 participants, representing 32 percent of the total number of the Abuja participants had not.

Chapter 3 dealt with surveys illustrated with charts on the mechanism of costs and adjournments as applied in courts in Asaba, Delta State. A total number of 43 legal practitioners who fulfilled the mandatory requirement already mentioned in chapter 2 above participated in the Asaba Legal Practitioners Survey. Out of the 43 legal practitioners that completed the survey, 18 practitioners, equivalent to 41.86 percent of the total number of respondents had had Immediate Costs awarded in their favour, while 25 participants, representing 58.14 per cent of the total number of the Asaba participants had not.

Chapter 4 dealt with surveys illustrated with charts on the mechanism of costs and adjournments as applied in courts in Lagos State and Nigeria. The practitioners that participated

Author: Prof. Epiphany Azinge (SAN) Publishers: Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) Number of Chapters: Eight Chapters Book Reviewer: Izuomah Egeruo-Adindu in the Legal Practitioners Survey in Lagos fulfilled the practice location, post call and civil law practice requirements. For the litigants who completed the Litigants Survey, selection was based on their involvement in civil proceedings for at least one year prior to the time of the survey.

The litigants were located at the various High Courts in Lagos. A total number of 163 legal practitioners participated in the Lagos Legal Practitioners Survey, Out of which 101 practitioners, equivalent to 61.96 per cent of the total number of respondents had had Immediate Costs awarded in their favour while 62 participants, representing 38.04 per cent of the total number of the Lagos participants had not.

Chapter 5 dealt with surveys illustrated with charts on the mechanism of costs and adjournments as applied in some courts in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital. The practitioners that participated in the Legal Practitioners Survey fulfilled the practice location, post call and civil law practice requirements. For the litigants who completed the Litigants Survey, selection was based on their involvement in civil proceedings for at least one year prior to the time of the Survey. The litigants were located at High Courts in Maiduguri. A total number of 40 legal practitioners participated in the Maiduguri Legal Practitioners Survey, of which 21, equivalent to 52 per cent of the total number of respondents had had Immediate Costs awarded in their favour while 19 participants, representing 48per cent of the total number of the Maiduguri participants had not.

Chapter 6 dealt with surveys illustrated with charts on the mechanism of costs and adjournments as applied in some courts in Makurdi, Benue State. The practitioners that participated in the Legal Practitioners Survey fulfilled the practice location, post call and civil law practice requirements. For the litigants who completed the Litigants Survey, selection was based on their involvement in civil proceedings for at least one year prior to the time of the survey. The litigants were located at High Courts in Makurdi .A total number of 14 legal practitioners participated in the Makurdi Legal Practitioners survey, out of which 11 practitioners, equivalent to 78.57per cent of the total number of respondents had had immediate costs awarded in their favour while three participants, representing 21.43per cent of the total number of the Makurdi participants had not.

Chapter 7 is an electronic survey designed to accommodate legal practitioners based in some

A

N Ikeja Court, will tomorrow hear an application challenging its juris diction to try the Managing Director, Cross Country Limited(CCL), Chief Bube Okorodudu for an alleged N829 million theft.

The Economic and Financial Crimed Commission (EFCC) preferred charge against Okorodudu, his company, Cross Country and Car Link Limited. The commission alleged that Okorodudu and his company stole N82.9m which was the proceeds of 17 units of Volkswagen transporter buses belonging to AG Moeller Limited.

In the charge signed Mr. Francis Usani, the

ranging from the Apex court (the Supreme Court) to the Magistrate court, Legal advisers in government offices and parastatals, company secretaries, public prosecutors, law teachers and researchers, legal practitioners, law students, aspiring law students and the general public.

Izuoma Egeruoh-Adindu

•Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (second right) presenting award to Lagos State Chief Judge, Justice Ayotunde Phillips(right) while the Chairman, NBA, Ikeja branch, Mr. Monday Ubani (left) and Secretary Law Week 2014 committee, Richard Komolafe watch during the Annual Bar Dinner held at Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Ikeja

Alleged N82.8m theft: Court hears motion on jurisdiction

By Adebisi Onanuga

•Larmode

parts of the country not covered by the paper survey. The online invitation to participate was targeted at legal practitioners who met the post call and civil law practice requirements, like the paper survey and 22 legal practitioners from various parts of the country participated. Their response was also illustrated with charts in that chapter.

Chapter 8 which is the last chapter, contained the overall report and analysis of data obtained by the team of researchers from the Legal Practitioners and Litigants surveys in the five locations mentioned above ( FCT, Asaba, Lagos, Makurdi and Maiduguri) and the E-Survey, all illustrated with a chart. It was stated in that chapter that a total of 372 legal practitioners took part in the Legal Practitioners Survey, and out of the 372 legal practitioners,220 had had Immediate Costs awarded in their favour in a given case, the chapter also dealt with Some of the conducts and actions cited by practitioners in all the location that gave rise to the award of costs (Immediate Costs and Postponed Costs)and they include: failure to file court processes and adjournments/deliberate acts to prolong case.Thus ,the project is not without lacuna as it failed to cover the six geopolitical zones and the response from the E -Survey is inadequate.

The research is detailed and will not only guide the Nigerian Judiciary in quick dispensation of justice but also assist in restoring the confidence reposed in the Judiciary as the last hope of the common man. This book is, therefore, recommended for all the courts in Nigeria

commission had alleged that Okorodudu stole the money from AG Moeller between February 13, 2008 and August 14, 2009.

The EFCC claimed the buses were fraudulently sold to GMT Nigeria Limited; Multichoice Nigeria Limited; and Law Union and Rock/TFS Finance Limited.

Okorodudu was said to have forged a document titled, ‘Nigeria Customs Service Motor Vehicle Duty Certificate’ with number A008911777 to facilitate the alleged stealing.

The alleged stealing offence contravenes Section 390 of the Criminal Code Cap. C17 Vol. 2 Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2003.

EFCC further claimed that other offences of forgery and uttering violated provisions of Sections 467 and 468 of the same law, respectively.

Unfortunately since the matter came before the court early in the year, the EFCC has not been able to arraign the defendant to take his plea. Rather the defendant thorough his counsel, Chief Roberte Clarke challenged the jurisdiction of the court to try him.

Consequent upon the application the EFCC on March 3, asked the court for a bench warrant for the arrest of the Chief Bube Okorodudu.

The request followed the defendant’s alleged failure to appear in court for the second time.

At the hearing, EFCC counsel, Emmanuel Jackson asked the court to issue a bench war-

rant against the defendant because on two occasions, failed to show up in court to take his plea. Clarke opposed the application, insisting that there is a subsisting application by his client challenging the jurisdiction.

He argued that the proper procedure was for the court to first resolve the issue of jurisdiction before ruling on EFCC’s application for bench warrant.

Chief Clarke submitted that the court cannot make pronouncement on a case where its jurisdiction is still been challenged.

After listening to both counsel, Justice Lawal-Akapo directed both counsel to provide him with authorities to assist him in his ruling.

He adjourned the matter till April 8, 2014 for ruling.

But on the next adjourned date of April 8, 2014, a new twist was introduced into the matter as counsel to the defendant, Chief Ladi Williams (SAN), informed the court that both defendants were not served with the said application.

Williams argued that his clients were legal personalities and had the right to be heard in the proceedings. He therefore requested for a short adjournment to enable the second and third defendants to be served with the application and file their replies.

The EFCC counsel, Mr Emmanuel Jackson, while opposing the call for adjournment, noted that the bench warrant was being sought against only

Okorodudu. “We never applied for any warrant against the second and third defendants.

So they have no right to file written addresses on the issues we have raised. “The balance of convenience will weigh against the state if the defence keeps seeking for an adjournment even when the defendants are yet to be arraigned,” Jackson said.

In a short ruling , Justice Lawal-Akapo ordered the EFCC to serve the second and third defendants with the said application and fixed ruling again on the application of the commission for bench warrant for April 28, 2014.

At the resumed trial two weeks ago, Justice Lawal-Akapo declined to grant the request by the EFCC for a bench warrant of arrest against Chief Okorodudu.

The court cited a ruling of the Appeal Court, Sokoto Division to back its rejection of the application.

He said the Court of Appeal in the matter between Dr Attahiru Bafarawa and the state “held that the presence of the accused can be dispensed with pending the hearing and determination of the application challenging the charge.

“The lower court is bound by the decision of the higher court.

“Therefore, the invitation to issue the bench warrant is declined and the application is hereby refused.”

The trial judge thereafter adjourned the matter till May 7, 2014 for hearing of Okorodudu’s application which challenged the jurisdiction of the court.

Newspaper of the Year

AN 8-PAGE PULLOUT ON NORTHERN STATES TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2014

PAGE 29

Controversy over okada ban in Kaduna •PAGE 30

‘Peace, love panacea for nation’s woes’ •PAGE 32

•The participants

In what is termed a major breakthrough in Plateau State, youths are quitting violence and helping the state government as peace ambassadors, reports AMINU YUSUFU IDEGU from Jos

Hope as youths renounce violence in Plateau

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FTER a long spell of crisis, youths, often seen as tools in the hands of mischief makers, are proving very crucial in sustaining peace in Plateau State. Some have found healthy means of livelihood. Some are helping to keep an eye on the neighbourhood to keep hoodlums at bay. A good number have laid down their weapons are working with the government to track down illegal arms in the state.

In all the research made on how to achieve lasting peace in the state, youths were always seen as the solution. How to thin down the army of the jobless among them is always an issue. One way to resolve that is preventing them from being tools in the hands of trouble makers.

For this reason, government and non-governmental organisations have outlined several measures aimed at building the capacity of youths in the state.

Over 1000 of them have got the

‘We are the youths of our communities; we have been fighting and killing one another, but today we have resolved to stop the violence, forgive one another and become responsible citizens of our dear state’ state government’s tricycles, and about 5000 have been absorbed in the state’s internal security operations such as neighborhood watch.

Recently, an NGO, Institute of Governance and Social Research (IGSR) in collaboration with Nigerian Stability and Reconciliation Program (NSRP) of the Department For International Development

(DFID) organised a capacity building for 600 youths of the state. At the end of the seven-day training held at the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre, Shere Hills Jos, the 600 youths denounced violence and vowed to be peace ambassadors in the state.

The youths also said they are set to return any available arms in

their possession to security agencies and will further assist security agencies in mopping up illegal weapons in the state.

The 600 youths drawn from Plateau Northern senatorial zone comprising of six local governments Jos North, Jos South, Jos East, Riyom and Barkin Ladi local government areas were camped at the Mountain School for seven days where they were trained.

The training organised by the Institute of Governance and Social Research (IGSR) with support from Department for International Development (DFID) was part of the ongoing peace building projects in Plateau aimed at restoring permanent peace in the state.

The youths made their vow in a chorus, “We are the youths of our communities; we have been fighting and killing one another, but today we have resolved to stop the violence, forgive one another and •Continued on page 32

Park-and-pay order to return •PAGE 34

Brothers build classrooms, clinic for Taraba community •PAGE 31

THE NATION TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2014

30

THE NORTH REPORT

Controversy over okada ban in Kaduna

T

HE sun is about to set on the source of livelihood of some residents of Kaduna State, while some others will soon be smiling to the bank.

The State House of Assembly has given legal backing to plans by the government to ban the operation of commercial motorcycles in 10 local government areas of the state or alleged security reasons. Government officials believe that the ban would ease security in the state as commercial motorcyclists have often been accused of complicity in the activities of criminals and insurgents within the metropolis.

The idea of banning the operation of commercial motorcyclists in the state was first mooted by the Yakowa administration shortly after the 2011 elections, but the commercial motorcyclists protested against the decision and the government backpedalled.

The idea came up again in the early days of the Yero administration and it is believed that it was then that the government forwarded a bill to the House to give legal backing to the plan.

The law which stipulates a fine of N10,000 or three months in prison has been received with mixed feeling across the state. While some welcome it, others warn against the ban, saying it will increase unemployment and insecurity in the state.

However, the law gives a 14-day reprieve after which offenders will be arrested and prosecuted. While the government said it is working out an alternative means, residents of the state are wondering why the alternative was not worked out before the law was passed. The law which repealed the state road traffic regulation No 1 of 2002 states that “notwithstanding the provisions of the Kaduna state Commercial Motorcycles law No 4 of 1999, the Road Traffic Law cap 135 Laws of Kaduna state 1991 (including any regulations made in pursuance thereof), no commercial motorcyclist shall operate in some parts of Kaduna state as specified in the schedule”.

It said further that: “Any person who conveys a passenger shall be deemed a commercial motorcyclist and shall be treated as such. Any person who contravenes the provisions of the law shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable upon conviction to a fine not

•Commercial Kaduna From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

exceeding N10,000 or three months imprisonment or both. Any subsequent offender will pay to a fine not exceeding N20,000 or six months imprisonment or both.

All magistrate courts in the areas designated in the schedule shall try summarily all offenders arraigned before them and impose such punishment, sanctions and make such order (including confiscation of the motorcycles) as may be necessary or expedient. Notwithstanding section 3 (1), no person shall be arrested for violating the provisions of this law until the expiration of 14 days from the date of the commencement of this law”. Local government areas affected by the ban include Kaduna North, Kaduna South, Chikun, Igabi, Sabon Gari, Zaria, Jama’a, Lere, Birnin Gwari and Giwa.

While Kaduna North and South are to be fully covered by the ban, areas affected in Chikun local government include Ungwan Yelwa, Sabon Tasha, Mararaban Rido, Narayi, Ungwan

motorcyclists

in

‘The ban law which stipulates a fine of N10,000 or three months in prison has been received with mixed feeling across the state.

While some welcome it, others warn against the ban, saying it will increase unemployment and insecurity in the state’ Romi, Gonin Gora, Kamazo, Ungwan Boro, Nasarawa, Trikania, Kudenda; while Rigassa, Mando and Rigachikwu are to be affected in Igabi local government area.

The local government areas to be affected include Sabon Gari, Samaru, Bassawa and Hanwa while Zaria city, Wusasa, Gyellesu, Tudun Wada, Gwargwaji, Kaskiya, Tukur Tukur,

Magume, Dan Magaji, Local government layout, Police Barracks, State Polytechnic are to be affected by the ban in Zaria local government.

The law further states that Kafanchan metropolis excluding surrounding villages is to be affected in Jama’a local government while in Lere, Commercial motorcyclists will no longer be allowed along Abadawa-

Ungwan Bawa along the Jos-Zaria, Low Cost –Jaja Village along KanoZango road.

In Birnin Gwari local government, areas affected by the ban include Ungwan Nachibi along Birnin GwariFuntua road, Kwadaga and Janbirni villages (off Birnin Gwari/Funtua Road and Dogon Dawa/Kaduna Road, while in Giwa (Farin Ruwa/Zaria Road and Mararaban Yakawada/ Kuyelo Road will be affected.

While not completely opposed to the ban, the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the state warned the government to refrain from going ahead with the implementation of the law until the proposed alternatives to commercial motorcyclists is provided by the government.

Interim Chairman of the APC in the state, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed also said that adequate measures taken to ensure that commercial motorcyclists are direct beneficiaries of those measures before the ban is imposed.

In a statement made available to The Nation, the APC said: “The state All Progressive Congress (APC) is aware that the Kaduna state House of Assembly has approved the bill which will outlaw commercial motorcycles (Achaba) in many parts of the state. In view of the distinct possibility that the governor of Kaduna state will sign the bill into law, the APC wishes to place on record its strong reservations over the propriety of this law in a state like Kaduna. We appeal to Governor Yero not to sign this bill into law because far from improving security in the state, the law will compound it. The law banning Achaba will worsen the state of unemployment in the state and deepen poverty. It will impose huge suffering on millions of people whose livelihood depend on the availability of commercial motorcyclists and will raise the cost of living in a state where the economy is already in severe decline.

“While we support the need to take measures to improve security, we strongly advise that alternatives to commercial motorcyclists should be provided by government first and adequate measures taken to ensure that commercial motorcyclists are direct beneficiaries of those measures before the ban is imposed. All steps also need •Continued on page 31

World Bank assists 600,000 on mechanised agric

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O encourage mechanised agriculture in the country, the World Bank is assisting about 600,000 farmers in scaling up their capacity, Project Coordinator, West African Agricultural Productivity Programme (WAAPP), Prof Damain Chikendu has said.

Chikendu disclosed this in Idofian, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State at a demonstration and sensitisation workshop on agricultural technologies.

The workshop was organised by WAAPP-Nigeria, Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) in collaboration with National Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation (NCAM).

The WAAPP Project Coordinator spoke further, saying, “We have seen what is available and useful to farmers. We want you to assist WAAPP to identify machines you can use and promote mechanised farming in the sub-region.”

Participants were drawn from the academia, research institutes and farmers.

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

In a remark, the Executive Director, NCAM Ike Izogu was confident that the country has the capacity to generate its own home grown technologies “if the appropriate strategies are developed and supported by all the stakeholders.”

Said he: “During this workshop, different agricultural machines related land development, production, harvesting and processing of crops like cassava, maize, sorghum, rice and vegetables will be exhibited and demonstrated to confirm their capacities, efficacies and efficiencies.

“The core objective of this programme is to demonstrate different NCAM mechanisation technologies to fabricators, farmers, national agricultural research institutions and other stakeholders. It is hoped that at the end of this programme awareness would have been created on the availability of these critical machines in the coun-

•From left: District Secretary, Cherubim & Seraphim Movement, Abuja District Headquarters, Most Snr Apostle Richard Bankole (left); Chairman, Abuja District, Special Apostle, Dr Funsho Oshoro, newly installed Leader in Charge of C&S Movement Abuja Sub-headquarters, Special Apostle Anthony Odejayi, and Special Apostle, Anthony Bodurin at the installation of Odejayi in Abuja.

PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE

try.

“NCAM is ready to provide training and technology transfer to interested partners we would also be willing to train research scientists and engineers to expand our national capacity in the production of agricultural machinery. The work-

shop in the end would add value to the innovative platform and integrated agricultural research for mechanisation development in Nigeria.

“NCAM has over the years produced about 200 research results published in may international and

national journals; produced about forty machines in the major crop specialisations, tested over 60 tractors, developed about seven standards, carried out training of fabricators, processors and youths in various agricultural mechanisation job creation modules etc.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2014

31

THE NORTH REPORT

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WO siblings in Bang community in Sardauna Local Government Area of Taraba State have made their people proud by contributing to the health and educational development of the area.

Mr. Jonah Kataps built and donated a block of three classrooms, while Mr. Gebon Kataps, his younger brother, built and donated two blocks of four classrooms and a maternity clinic for the community.

All the structures, gulping over N6 million, are well equipped.

It was gathered that the council chairman of Sardauna Dr. David Jedua assisted Gebon in building the maternity clinic.

The school blocks are built in Government Day Secondary School (GDSS).

Bang shares a boundary with the Cameroun Republics and is the coldest place in Nigeria.

The Principal of GDSS Amadu Adamu said the school was established since September 1996 without “any support” from the government. Perhaps, this is largely due to the area’s remote and difficult terrain.

The students, teachers and the entire community people now have the Kataps brothers and the Sardauna council boss to thank. In appreciation they gave the trio awards of honour.

The area came alive with cultural dances the day the projects were commissioned. The Chief of Bang HRH Johnson Iba Mbomu who presented the awards sued for sustainable peace and harmonious co-existence.

“Donating to a community’s school is a huge investment. It means promoting the educational development of the people, which is equivalent to creating wealth for the community,” he said.

In his speech, Prof. Sunday Talla Ngarka, Dean, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Taraba State University, Jalingo, suggested that the school’s name be changed to Community Day Secondary School (CDSS) since government neglected it.

Ngarka spoke on the importance of education, urging parents to sponsor their children in school, otherwise they and their children would suffer in future.

Speaking on the essence of education, the professor submitted that

Seven-year-old girl rescued from kidnapper From Duku Joel, Damaturu

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•One of the classroom blocks donated by the Kataps

Brothers build classrooms, clinic for Taraba community ‘Let the students study hard so that they can pass their terminal examinations as well as WAEC. I don’t want this school to be referred to as a miracle centre.“The future of a community depends on the quality of education the children can acquire’ even cattle breeders need education for their cows to grow fat.

He warned the students and teachers against examination malprac-

tices.

“Let the students study hard so that they can pass their terminal examinations as well as WAEC. I don’t want

•Police and Civil Defence officers controlling a rally by Polytechnic students at the Federal Secretariat, Abuja.

PHOTO: AKIN OLADOKUN

Controversy over okada ban in Kaduna •Continued from page 30 to be taken to ease potential hardship on users and the entire economies which depend on availability of the facility. We invite the attention of the legislators; including APC legislators and the state governor that they have responsibility to ensure that they do not worsen the security and economic livelihood of citizens”.

Director General, Media and Publicity to the governor, Ahmed Maiyaki told The Nation that the government was working out an alternative to caution to effect of the ban. He explainedthat the ban was necessary in view of the security threat posed by their operation. He

said “if you recall, the operation of these group of transporters have been banned in Sokoto, Kano, Niger, FCT and some other places. We have carried out a survey and discovered that many of those operating in Kaduna are not actually from Kaduna here. They came from other states where their operations have been banned. If you are going somewhere, you have to know your way very well and describe it for them.

Otherwise, you will be lost. Also, there is the aspect of security and the 2015 elections. We realised that many of these people are not registered voters in Kaduna and cannot vote here. But they can be used to cause trouble just like it happened in 2011 during the Presidential election”.

this school to be referred to as a miracle centre.

“The future of a community depends on the quality of education the children can acquire,” he said.

A member of the State House of Assembly, Abel Peter Diah –a guest of honour at the occasion, attracted the most attention. He was the one who approved the site of the school when he was chairman of the local government.

Diah, who is representing Mbamga Constituency in the State House of Assembly, also got an award for fixing the community with pipe borne water.

The lawmaker said the Kataps brothers have challenged the political elites in Taraba, adding that “a good leader does not think of himself alone”.

He pledged to renovate a block in the school and provide books for the library.

“The two brothers have sown a seed that generations yet unborn would come to harvest the fruits of its tree,” said another resident of Bang.

What then motivated the Kataps to assist this poor rural school?

“I had just come home for a weekend and got to learn that my elder brother (Jonah) was building a block of classrooms for the school. I called him and said I also want to make a donation and together we built the classrooms,” said Gebon.

For his selfless service to humanity, the elder brother (Jonah) is serving the community as a village school headmaster, after his exit as the NUT and NLC State Chairman in the state capital -Jalingo.

Gebon, a lawyer, was Commissioner of Justice and Attorney General before recuperating Governor Danbaba Suntai appointed him Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

He (Gebon) said their donation is a way of thanking the grassroots people and returning to the community a little of what they have.

Those who spoke to The Nation said the two brothers’ donations •Continued on page 32

HE went to bed in her father’s house but woke up in the arms of a total stranger, a kidnapper.

Seven-year-old Amina Mohammed or Samiral, as she is fondly called, was rescued from her abductor, Shuaibu Alkali, 30, on the ceiling of a primary school class.

What is most intriguing about Samira’s story is not even the motive of her abductor but the manner in which she was rescued from the hands of the kidnapper.

Abubakar Umar, a neighbour to the girl’s father who led the search and rescue operation, spoke of how they traced the footprints of the kidnapper from the house to the primary school.

“We all slept outside because the heat was too much to bear. The day was almost breaking when Mohammed came and told us that his daughter was missing from the compound where she slept. From the beginning, everyone was confused because we did not know the next action to take. We thought of reporting the matter to the police immediately but it was still too early to go to the station.

“After the day had fully broken, we noticed some footprints that came into the compound and we started tracking them until we came to Pompomari Primary School where they disappeared. It was at that point that my instinct told me that the girl could be hidden in the ceiling in one of the classrooms; so we decided to enter all the classes, calling on the girl and luckily it was not long when she answered from the ceiling after she heard the voice of her father calling.

“Security was then alerted. We tried hard to locate the direction of the girl’s voice where we finally rescued her. She told us that she was in the ceiling with a man. We broke the ceiling in search of the man but he refused to come out until the police had to throw teargas into the ceiling before the man was dragged out,” Umara said.

The little girl was taken to the General Sani Abatcha Hospital for medical check. She got a clean bill of health.

While no one is sure whether the ceiling is the permanent dwelling place of Shuibu Alkali, a hijab, children’s slippers and a four-liter gallon of water were found in the ceiling.

Yobe State Commissioner of Police Sanusi Rufai confirmed the incident.

Alkali is answering charges at the Chief Magistrate’s Court II in Damaturu for alleged abduction of the seven-year-old Samiral at Pompomari ward in Damaturu, an offence punishable under Section 273 of the penal code.

Police prosecutor Thomas Bitrus told the court that the girl’s father, Mohammed Musa Maidubi, a fire service worker attached to Government House Damaturu, reported to Divisional Police station, Maisandari that the accused person went to his house and kidnapped the girl, Amina Mohammed of the same Pompomari address.

Alkali reportedly engaged in a similar act and was convicted on December 28, 2013.

The accused pleaded guilty, but Chief Magistrate, Gambo A. Ibrahim ruled that his court had no jurisdiction to entertain the case. He transferred it to Chief Magistrate 1 for determination.

32

THE NATION TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2014

THE NORTH REPORT

Hope as youths renounce violence •Continued from page 29 become responsible citizens of our dear state.”

Organiser and president, Institute of Governance and Social Research, Professor Isawa Elaigwu said, “The training which was titled, “Plateau Peace: Arresting the circle of violence,” is an aspect of peace building programme of IGSR. So on behalf of IGSR, I welcome you to Peace Ambassadors Club. From now onward, you have been trained to resist every temptation to go violent.”

He told the youths, “Please, ensure you resist being used by politicians or any other Nigerians, If you are still keeping arms in your house, please surrender them to the police, having renounced violence, IGSR will collect the arms and hand over to the police. By renouncing violence, it is a resolve not to die young.

“As youths, you are the future of Plateau State. Senators, governors, presidents can come out of one of you here tomorrow, that is why we refer to you as leaders of tomorrow. I want to assure you that the programme to enhance your capacity will not end with this training, we will further make effort to provide you opportunity in the military and para-military. We are designing a programme to get you employed to make you contribute meaningfully in the peace building project.”

Prof Elaigwu said, “The youths were lectured on topics that has to do with Leadership, purpose of peace building, importance of dialogue, team work, self-awareness, obstacles, challenges etc Programme Manager, Nigerian Stability and Reconciliation Program (NSRP), co-sponsor of the programme, Prof Ukoha Ukiwo said, “DFID has a programme to help in peace building in Nigeria, to minimise conflict escalation. Our

‘Please, ensure you resist being used by politicians or any other Nigerians, If you are still keeping arms in your house, please surrender them to the police, having renounced violence, IGSR will collect the arms and hand over to the police. By renouncing violence, it is a resolve not to die young’ expectation on these youths is to go back into the society and be agents of change; they are expected to positively influence their peers with the knowledge they acquired from the training. We hoped that plateau will regain its status as home of peace and tourism.

Prof Ukiwo said, “Further efforts shall be made to ensure the youths are offered job opportunities as a way of empowering them”

•???????????????????????????????????????????????????????

•Two of the participants, a Berom (left) and Fulani with their certificates

The special task force (STF) on Jos crisis, code named ‘operation safe haven’ who has been at the center of Jos crisis since it’s creation in 2010 confirmed that, “The youths of the state is the problem and so-

lution of the state. The Commander of sector 3, Col. Charles Okoh who represented the STF Commander in the program said, “The youths of the state holds the peace in their hands, if they chose

Brothers build classrooms, clinic T for Taraba community

•Gebon Kataps (right) receiving an award from the Chief of Bang, HRH Johnson Iba Mbomu for his philanthropy

•Continued from page 31 were out of altruism because their children were not schooling Bang.

For Gebon Kataps, his blocks of classrooms and the maternity clinic

are coming shortly after he built and donated a Corpers Lodge to the community. It is in the lodge that the over 22 corps members serving in GDSS are being accommodated.

One of the corps members, Joseph Garba, a graduate of Public Ad-

‘For his selfless service to humanity, the elder brother (Jonah) is serving the community as a village school headmaster, after his exit as the NUT and NLC State Chairman in the state capital -Jalingo’ ministration, said the Kataps brothers have changed the face of the school.

What the school needs now, according to the Head Boy, Ibrahim Socknyi and the Head Girl, Bisim Mbomu, is computers.

HE violence and destruction in the country have provoked a spirited reaction from a cleric in Taraba State.

Apostle Joel Lenbang has launched a spiritual assault on all seen and unseen agents who are bent on destabilising the peace and unity of the country during one of his church sermons.

It was during an open ground crusade at a trough that is encompassed by a range of exotic mountains at the Mambilla Plateau, Bang Sardauna Local Government Area of Taraba State.

The Accountant-General of the state-turned cleric said: “We are here for a purpose; I would have been in the state capital accounting for the finances of the state. Territorial demons and evil doers must die wherever they are –in the water, on land or in the air. As I address them now. ...Let the blood of Jesus flow.”

Preaching on the theme “Who Should I Love?” he said the map of Africa is like a pistol, and Taraba State, particularly the venue (Bang) is metaphorically the spiritual trigger of a gun.

He further said he was going to release the missile in Bang so that enemies of the establishment would be spiritually paralysed.

The missile or projectile, which he said was from God, will start destroying the demons and evil doers in Taraba, Nigeria and the entire Africa.

Noting that the “The Bible is my sword,” he said God sent him to clean the country of evils.

Lenbang said he crept into Bang – his native home-at midnight and headed to a stream where God showed him all the evil places in Ni-

to make the state ungovernable, they have the power to do that. And if they chose to denounced violence for peace to reign, they have the power to do that. So government should not take the role of the society for granted, all efforts should be done to channeled the energies of the youths towards peace building and community development.

STF commander cautioned the youths, “Don’t allow politicians, religious leaders, community leaders or whoever to mislead you into going violence. If imam or Pastor or Reverend send you to go and burn somebody house or kill someone in the name of religion, go back and read your bible or Quran before you belief him. Don’t be a fool in the hand of conflict merchants.

Stop drug abuse, excesses alcohol and imbibe spirit of forgiveness” In his closing remarks, Prof Elaigwu said, “Your graduation from this training is a sent forth to preach peaceful co-existence in plateau state, a sent forth to spread love and unity and a sent forth to be peace ambassadors. You sent off as society transformers, go and transformed the society. You are sent forth to be the watchdogs of the society.”

‘Peace geria.

“I will tackle the places now,” he insisted, noting that secret societies, cultisms, shrine activities and wickedness in high and low place were not good for the country.

He said some people attack their neighbours. “Some eat human flesh and drink human blood.

“Some people pick shit and pour on other people’s houses while they are sleeping. The anger and curse of God are on evil doers. We are going to destroy them today.”

The cleric said he knows the witches would attack him after the service, but they would all die because he was only delivering the Word of God. On the theme, Lenbang said God has given us a new commandment, because man could not obey the first laws.

Quoting copiously from Genesis chapter 2 verses 16 and 17, he said God created a garden in Eden and commanded man to be free to eat from any tree, except the tree of knowledge and evil, but man was unable to obey that commandment, even as he said in Exodus 20:1 to 17, the Israelites were unable to keep the 10 commandments.

He said: “God is wonderful and polished. The Israelites had lived in Egypt for 40 years without God’s punishment until he gave them the 10 commandments, after emancipating them from the land of slavery.

“But they broke even the first law that bars them from having other gods.

They had carved an idol and were worshiping it.

THE NATION TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2014

33

THE NORTH REPORT Senator Solomon Ewuga, who represents Nasarawa North Senatorial zone in the Senate, speaks, among other issues, on his efforts to provide jobs for youths in Nasarawa State, in this interview with YUSUFU AMINU IDEGU. Excerpts:

‘I noticed that if we went the way we were going, we will still have some problems. So, I had to register a foundation.

We have a certificate of incorporation.

We have money that is going to be paid into a bank that will operate it’

‘I am committed to Nasarawa youths’

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HERE are speculations that your jobs scheme has rather defrauded youths in your zone. Is this true?

That is not true. I can’t do that. I am not a fraudster.

What is the true position?

I am rather spending my own little earnings to empower the youth of Nasarawa State. There is what we call co-operatives. Co-operatives work through group interest, based on their trade specialties.

What I am trying to do is for people to build a spirit of business acquirement using co-operative movement to develop a business spirit that will ensure that they can manage themselves.

I work to develop the template based on my own experience on what happened in Western Nigeria where you find a very strong mercantilist class. A good number of youths have been registered for the programme.

How much did they pay as registration fee?

Each of the participants paid N2, 000. We got someone to advice us on the programme. Before we realised it, the person had already collected N2,000 from people in order to enlist them into the system.

There is no problem with that. Then, I gave some money to kick-start the programme, but there was a misapplication in the process. In the face of this, we lost momentum. I had to wait to appraise the fund.

I noticed that if we went the way we were going, we will still have some problems. So, I had to register a foundation. We have a certificate of incorporation. We have money that is going to be paid into a bank that will operate it. We have

a Board of Directors with my wife as the chairperson, and with professionals who will advise us and train members of the co-operative. So, all these things are on ground. What remains now is for me to fix a time when we can have proper understanding and appreciation.

It is not everybody that is enlisted that will get participate. It is people who are serious. There are people who already have a bank account in readiness for this. It is the bank that will run this under close supervision with the trustees of the programme. That is the position.

So, we have done a lot of work at the background. These are the things I didn’t do. When I first came I had a lot of zeal. I did it and the money was supplied. That is why I am having these problems. But the matter has been handled appropriately. There is no need rushing and creating problems.

Will the fund attract any interest?

It is an administrative kind of venture. But whatever you are going to pay in addition to whatever you are taking will be an administrative charge, nothing more than that. The money is coming back to me. They are not going to squander the money because they are going to be bonded by the virtue of the group interest. They are not going to pay back the money individually but the group they belong to. That is how it is going to be done. People think it is government that is financing it; so they think they can squander the money. It is not going to be so.

How much have you earmarked for this project?

Initially, we had earmarked about N20 million which was misapplied.

•Ewuga

So, we don’t want to spend money in an inappropriate manner. We want to provide more money this time round. That is the position.

How much will a beneficiary get?

It depends on the input of individual’s profession. Some of the

beneficiaries may receive N500, 000.

For instance, those who are into vulcanising as a trade will get more money because the machine costs about N85,000.

You don’t have to give them N1 million because it is a maximum of

ce, love panacea for nation’s woes’

‘Where is it written in the Bible that Christians shouldn’t love unbelievers? Where is it written that Christians shouldn’t love Muslims, or Muslims shouldn’t love Christians? Where is it written that a Christian should not love his perceived enemy? And where is it written that you should love God and hate your brother? If you cannot love your brother whom you know, how can you love God?’ “The commandments were written

by God Himself so they are as holy as Him; no one can keep them except Him. That is why Jesus came to fulfil the laws on our behalf.

“Is there anyone who keeps all the 10 commandments?” he asked.

The Apostle gave example of a rich man who went to Jesus and claimed he was fulfilling all the laws. Lenbang said humorously that when Jesus asked him to go and sell all his properties and give the proceeds to the poor and follow Him, the rich man left in an-

ger.”

He said we are of the flesh and blood so we must fall. “But when one falls, one should not stand on one’s error. If one does that, one is condemning oneself.”

“What would you do for Jesus who died for you, in spite of your many sins?”

He said the new law is simple: “Love one another like you love yourself”, adding that the new law has no conditions attached.

“If you love your neighbour, you would not judge him; after all, no man is qualified to judge another man.

“Who and how should we love? The answer is: love everybody, anyhow,” he said.

Continuing, he said: “If you don’t love your neighbour, you are a dead person merely living.

“Where is it written in the Bible that Christians shouldn’t love unbelievers?

“Where is it written that Christians shouldn’t love Muslims, or Muslims shouldn’t love Christians?

“Where is it written that a Christian should not love his perceived enemy?

And where is it written that you should love God and hate your brother? If you cannot love your brother whom you know, how can you love God?” He maintained that no power was comparable to the power of love. “The power of love is supreme as the supremacy of God. “Jesus came and displayed love. So, the power of hatred cannot stand that of love, it is too strong. Love covers everything.

“When you are saturated with the power of love, no weapon can succeed you, and you can destroy the works of Satan.”

He added that when God chooses anyone, he will become a territorial apostle, saying there is only one God, and the only way to reach God is through Jesus Christ. But the new law brought by Jesus is love.

“If you love your neighbour, you will not seek demonic powers; you will not belong to secret societies or indulge in cultism,” he said. He declared that whoever persists in evil acts would be destroyed.

Concluding, he said: “I will only speak the Word and God will do the battle. Death and life are in the power of the Lord.”

10 people. If they are going to be dealers in say, grain, they will do it in a refundable and revolving loan arrangement. Whatever they do, they will refund the money to the bank and keep the profit for themselves.

How long is the repayment period?

This will also depend on the type of individual’s trade. Their trade type will determine their capacity.

For example, if they are traders, and it is a seasonal trading, they will be bonded by the term, but if you are an iron bender, you first have to learn the trade, then may be a few will need an additional amount to what they have, say N1 million. We will provide the N1 million on a repayable basis. It is a value exchange programme that propels them into a mercantilist class.

Have you done anything to make these youths acquire entrepreneurial skill to avoid a situation where the fund is wasted?

In my community here, there is a skill acquisition centre.

You initiated that?

Yes, by the grace of God. Right now we are talking with SURE-P so that they will transform it into a workshop, to build a workshop in addition to the centre so that people will have a variable trades like block making, carpentry and joinery among others.

People have started training. If any of them is a trader, he doesn’t need any training. An iron bender does not need any training; a mechanic will need some form of training and all that. We are going to work with the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) which will provide them with support services.

In other words, your aim is empowering the youth in order to stem the tide of youth restiveness?

That is exactly our aim. If you don’t empower people to do things for themselves, to fend for themselves, then you are not helping both the individual and the society. You have to provide the basic infrastructure like roads, water, hospitals, electricity and others. You must have an ordered pattern of appraisal of issues. If you don’t plan to succeed, then you will fail. So, you must plan to succeed. Enabling youths is enabling the wealth of the society through employment opportunities.

TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2014

A

N Abuja High Court judgment has since set aside the park-and-pay policy of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) but the Secretary, FCT Transport Secretariat, Jonathan Ivoke, has disclosed that its reinstatement is only a matter of time.

Ivoke said the park-and-pay rule will continue after the review of the transport regulation bylaw.

The court on April 17 declared the ‘Park and Pay Policy’ introduced by the FCTA illegal.

The policy, which required motorists in Abuja to pay fees whenever they parked their vehicles in designated areas, had been an unpopular one, with residents and visitors in the city complaining about the highhanded and oppressive practices of the park and pay operators.

In a judgment which was welcome by many in the FCT, Justice Peter Affen held that although the policy may be laudable, it was not backed by the law.

The judge made the pronouncement while delivering judgment in a suit filed by a firm, Sun Trust Savings and Loans Limited, which approached the court to challenge the legality of the policy.

Ivoke who did not give a specific date when the review will be ready, told newsmen when reacting to the court judgment that orderly parking continues despite the court order.

When the Park and Pay is reintroduced, Ivoke said a general card will be used across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

He warned that any vehicle that is parked on the walk way or wrongly, no matter how

Website: http://www.thenationonlineng.com

Page 34

Park-and-pay order to return ‘Park and pay will bounce back after the comprehensive review of the bylaw.

And the review will be soon but no date fixed. Despite the court order anybody that parks wrongly will pay not less that N5,000 to N10,000’ From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

highly placed the owner is will be seized and a fee paid.

Ivoke also warned the companies involved in the earlier park and pay deal following several complains to return vehicles seized before the court order to the owner to avoid further sanctions.

His words: “We did not regard the court judgment as a set-

back because we have been working with the legal department to update the bylaw. We need to update the transport regulation bylaw. When park and pay was introduced in 2010 we noticed that there was some problem that was why we commenced the review of the bylaw.

“Park and pay will bounce back after the comprehensive review of the bylaw. And the re-

‘Orderly parking in the FCT continues but there will be no payment. Don’t park on the walk ways. If you block the walk ways we will do away with your vehicle.

There must be free flow of traffic’ view will be soon but no date fixed. Despite the court order anybody that parks wrongly will pay not less than N5,000 to N10,000.

“Orderly parking in the FCT continues but there will be no payment. Don’t park on the walk ways. If you block the walk ways we will do away with your vehicle. There must be free flow of traffic.

“FCT road transport regula-

tion will be followed and the comprehensive review was started more than a year ago.

Some of the review we are looking into is that some of the companies collaborating with FCT on the park and pay regulations do not pay their staff. They may not continue with us. Some of the operators neglected the guidelines of the FCT law.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2014

ABUJA REVIEW

35

•Vice President Namadi Sambo (left) with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar during the latter’s condolence visit to the VP over the death his brother Yusuf Sabo Sambo.

PHOTO: AKIN OLADOKUN

•President Goodluck Jonathan receiving the President of Benin Republic, Boni Yayi with them is Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Martin Uhomoibhi during President Yayi Courtesy Call at the Presidential Villa. PHOTO AKIN OLADOKUN.

• President, Europe, middle East and Africa, MONSANTO International, Jose Manuel Madero(right) Vice President, International Row Crops& global Vegetable Business, Michael Frank and Commercial Lead, West Africa, Natalia Voruz at MONSANTOs press briefing on partnership with Nigeria on Agriculture and Products in Abuja Photo Abayomi Fayese

•L-R, Chief Imam of National mosque, Abuja Ustaz Musa Mohammed, President Goodluck Jonathan and Chairman, FCT Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev.Israel Akanji during the Easter Day homage to the President at the Presidential Villa Abuja. PHOTO: AKIN OLADOKUN.

•From left: Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha; President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Abdulwaheed Omar; President Goodluck Jonathan, and President of Trade Union Congress, Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama during the May Day Celebration in Abuja. PHOTO: AKIN OLADOKUN. •From left: Assistant Secretary-General, West Africa Business Association, Abdoulaye Kaba; Head of Trade Finance, NEXIM Bank, Adaeze Ebegbulam; Deputy Governor Central Bank of Nigeria, Dr. Kingsley Moghalu, and the Acting Managing Director, Bank of Industry, Waheed Olagunju during the African Business Summit and Business Association Conference at Ecowas Secretariat Asokoro in Abuja. PHOTO: AKIN OLADOKUN.

L-R 1A,L-R; Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Usman Jibrin, Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh, Chief of Air Staff. Air Marshal Adesola Nunayon Amosu and Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Abubak during the National Security Couunci Meeting at the Presidential Villa. PHOTO AKIN OLADOKUN.

•Director-General Nigeria Economic Summit Group/Head Nigerian Secretariat of World Economic Forum Africa Mr. Frank Nweke (right) with Executive Director/CEO Nigeria Export Promotion Council NEPC, Mr. Olusegun Awolowo during a courtesy visit NEPC in Abuja. PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE

THE NATION TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2014

36

ABUJA REVIEW

O

N Tuesday, last week, President Goodluck Jonathan took everyone by surprise.

Unceremoniously, he terminated the appointment of his everactive Special Adviser on Political Matters, Alhaji Ahmed Gulak.

A statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Rueben Abati confirmed the termination of Gulak's appointment. The statement, however, left much to imagination as there was no reason given for the termination.

Many people were surprised with Gulak's sack because he had exploited every available opportunity while on the job to lash out at perceived enemies of the administration and defended the actions or inactions of the Presidency.

While other Presidential aides may shy away from speaking up on sensitive national issues, Gulak was always a reporter's delight as he picks any phone calls either in the day or night, to address any issue.

He has also never failed to reply any text messages from journalists.

Providing reason for Gulak's sack last week, the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Adamu Mu'azu said he was sacked for his arrogance and alleged irrational disposition.

According to him, two weeks ago Gulak had gone to Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital to inaugurate the Goodluck Support Group (GSG) with a faction of the PDP in the state without informing the governor, Godswill Akpabio.

Raising objections, Akpabio was said to have insisted on punishment for Gulak for undermining him and allegedly working with those opposed to his administration.

While on the job, Gulak, among other declarations, had claimed that he was ready to die for Jonathan to ensure he wins the 2015 Presidential election. As at today, Jonathan has not officially declared his ambition for re-election.

Replying former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who raised weighty allegations against Jonathan in a letter last year, Gulak said: "President Jonathan's foot soldiers are ready to support him. We are all ready to take the bullet on his behalf and are ready to tell those who want to bring down his government that enough is enough."

While he was insisting last month that there was no alternative to Jonathan in 2015 Presidential election, Gulak had said: "Nigerians have seen there is no alternative to President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015. We have gone round the country; even Nigerians in the Diaspora are unanimous on the fact that Nigeria is safer in President Jonathan's hands."

While receiving Men and Women of Action Campaign Team (MWACT) in Abuja in March this year, Gulak had declared that oppo-

Gulak, the sacrificial lamb?

From the Villa

‘If he must go, Gulak should have, at least, been given a soft-landing like the exit of some ministers and presidential aides who were said to have resigned to pursue their political aspirations. There were still others who felt that Gulak should have been sacked a long time ago as he will always bring problem to the administration’

nents of the ongoing National Conference are enemies of Nigeria.

Before the conference started in March, he had claimed that the conference was not programmed to promote Jonathan's Presidential ambition.

Replying Kano State Governor, Rabi'u Kwankwaso, who, in January, claimed that Jonathan was leading Nigeria towards disaster because he lacked courage and the competence to do the right thing, Gulak had said: "That is a statement of a man that is drowning politically. He is mentally

By Augustine Ehikioya imbalanced. He needs a psychiatric help. It is only a man that is not balanced mentally that can be describing the President in that manner. Nigerians know what is being done by the President."

When the Governor of his state, Adamawa, Murtala Nyako alleged that Jonathan signed a document with some PDP governors agreeing to serve for a single term, Gulak had, early this year, replied saying: "Nyako is a lost sheep. He does not know where he is at the moment.

His statement is nothing but a ranting of a man who is dead politically."

Nyako, through his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Ahmad Sajoh, had declared that Gulak had no political life.

Sajoh said: "Gulak never had a political life. It's a pity that it is a person like him that is speaking on behalf of the President. This man lacks values; he is without honour."

Gulak, in December also described the governors who defected from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as "prodigal sons" who will soon return to the PDP fold to beg for forgiveness.

When the APC accused Jonathan of 'desecrating' his office through his written response to former President Olusegun Obasanjo's letter late last year, Gulak did not spare any word in replying the party.

In November last year, Gulak referred Niger State Governor, Babangida Aliyu to as a serial liar

over allegation that the Presidency was plotting to bribe 400 Northerners towards 2015 election.

Gulak, in June last year, did not hesitate to declare that any Niger Deltan who will go against Jonathan's second term bid was not a true son of the South-South.

These are some of his responses and attacks on perceived enemies since he assumed duty in November, 2011. There is no doubt that Gulak has, indeed stepped on many powerful toes.

But with all the defences he had put up for the administration, many observers believed that the best action the President should have taken was to warn him and redeploy him to another position.

And if he must go, this set of Nigerians believed that Gulak should have, at least, been given a soft-landing like the exit of some ministers and Presidential aides who were said to have "resigned to pursue their political aspirations."

There were still others who felt that Gulak should have been sacked a long time ago as they believed that he was not good for the administration, even as they maintained that he will always bring problem to the administration.

To them, Jonathan's greatest problems were those who surrounded him.

Fertiliser Centre registers 106,000 farmers

T

From Frank Ikpefan

HE International Fertilizer Development Centre (IFDC) has registered about 106,000 farmers in the Growth Enhancement Support Scheme (GES) Touch and Pay system in the six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The FCT Coordinator, GES-TAP, Mr. Bisi Ilebani explained that the system, which is operational in the FCT and Sokoto State, was designed to secure a database of farmers.

Speaking further, Ilebani said IFDC devised the GES-TAP technology to make it possible for government to identify individual farmers with their unique identification numbers and the TAP card issued upon completion of registration process.

The FCT coordinator who spoke at one of the registration centres in Mpape, Bwari Area Council, said the figure recorded this year surpassed

the 36, 000 farmers registered in 2013.

He said: “In the Growth Enhancement Support Scheme, we noticed series of challenges; the major one was the issue of mobile networks in some villages.

“We were on the field and we saw all these challenges, where some agro-dealers could not get their money on time after the supply to farmers. As we looked at it we decided to introduce GESTAP. “The TAP card will help to solve the issue of network. The farmers need to take the TAP card to any of the redemption centres to redeem their farm inputs.”

He added: “We have registered 106, 000 farmers in FCT, and since the government launched the GES such number of farmers had not been registered. We have 250 enumerators on the field across the FCT, and 25 supervisors.

•Health insurance — Etsu Yaba , Abdullahi Adamu (left), Director FCT Area Council Health Insurance Scheme , Grace Aganaba (middle) and a beneficiary of Community Base Health Insurance Scheme , Saidu Fatima during the flag-off of Community Base Health Insurance Scheme in Yaba Community Abuja . Photo Abayomi Fayese.

37

THE NATION TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2014

NATIONAL BAR

•Agbakoba

•Aiku

•Okocha

•Orbih

A letter written by former Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) President Dr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) to the incubent, Mr. Okey Wali (SAN), urging the association to retain its zoning of offices is generating ripples. It is the turn of the West to fill the presidential seat, he argues. Agbakoba advises the Midwest to bide its time for the job, an advice which the zone chafes at. Can the Midwest be part of the West in the race for president or is it supposed to wait for its turn? Legal Editor JOHN AUSTIN UNACHUKWU and JOSEPH JIBUEZE examine the issues.

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NBA presidency: Row over zoning

HE controversy over the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) zoning for the office of its presidency is yet to abate.

Last week, a former NBA President Olisa Agbakoba urged the association not to depart from zoning arrangement which makes it the Southwest’s turn to produce the next president.

He said there could be dire consequences if the Yoruba do not produce the next NBA President as previous one had been elected based on zoning.

In a letter to NBA President Okey Wali (SAN), Agbakoba said: “I recognise and empathise with the exclusion of the Midwest but it is in our overall interest to maintain the zoning arrangement. I suggest we do not depart from the zoning arrangement but immediately take steps to address the grievances of the Midwest,” Agbakoba wrote.

A former NBA President Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), while speaking at the Alao Aka-Bashorun annual lecture organised by the Ikeja Branch last week, backed Agbakoba, urging the association not to break the zoning cycle.

He said the cycle began in 2000 with Onueze C.J Okocha (SAN) (from the East), followed by him (from the West) and Bayo Ojo (from the North). The second cycle had Agbakoba (from the East), Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) (West) and Joseph Daudu (SAN) (North).

The third cycle, which is ongoing, has Okey Wali (SAN), who hails from the East according to the zoning arrangement. It is the West’s turn again.

Olanipekun said during the Daudu presidency, agitations were rife for the recognition of additional zones in the NBA, including but not limited to the Midwest zone. He said at the instance of the Midwest Bar leaders, a meeting was held at the Ibadan residence of Chief Dele Aiku (SAN) on July 11, 2012.

“The Mid-West team was led by Chief Albert Akpomudje, SAN and their simple demand qua request was that for the purpose of the NBA zoning arrangement, the Midwest would want to be part of Southwest.

“The Southwest leaders welcomed them wholeheartedly, and informed them that they were not averse to their request. They, however, stated that there must be a continuation of the third zoning trip which had already begun (since at that point in time, it was conceded to the Southeast from where Wali and Emeka Ngige (SAN) were the aspirants/candidates); but that when, by the grace of God, the zoning train moves to the Southwest in 2020, the Southwest as it is now would concede it to the Midwest and that nobody from the Southwest shall contest the slot with any candidate or candidates from the Midwest,” Olanipekun said.

He said as a result of the emergence of the Midwest aspirant for the July election, the stakes have been raised, while the zoning arrangement is being threatened.

“It thus behoves those of us who are leaders of the NBA, including past Presidents, particularly those who have assumed office through the unwritten zoning agreement to plead for caution and restraint at this point in time.

“Agbakoba, our 23rd President has done well by coming out in defence of the zoning arrangement, warning that nobody should truncate it at this point in time when its ship is already in the ‘High Seas’, having taken off from the East in 2012, expected to make a stop at the South-West in 2014 and, finally berth in the North in 2016.

“In any game, particularly, in the game of football, the goalpost is never shifted, extended

or contrasted in the middle of the game. In life itself, our words should be honoured and respected. Honouring gentleman’s agreement does not need any rocket science aid; rather, all it needs is our resolve to honour our conscience,” Olanipekun said.

But the Midwest insists that it is part of the Southwest and therefore can field a candidate.

Chairman of the Midwest Bar Forum (MBF), Chief Ferdinand Orbih (SAN), said it was agreed in 2012 that both the MBF and the Egbe Amofin belong to the West.

Reacting to Agbakoba’s letter to Wali, MBF said: “We would not want to believe that the letter under reference was indeed written by Dr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN). Our disbelief stems from the fact that at a meeting held in March, 2012 to address the legitimate demands and aspiration of the Midwest Bar Forum for the NBA presidential slot, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba submitted a written position wherein he clearly stated that for the purpose of the zoning of the NBA presidency, both the Midwest Bar Forum and Egbe Amofin belong to the West.

“The meeting was presided over by Mr. J.B. Daudu (SAN) and was attended by prominent Bar leaders including Chief T.J.Okpoko (SAN), and Chief Bandele Aiku (SAN), who represented the Midwest Bar Forum and the Egbe Amofin respectively.

“In fact, it is unthinkable that a man of his status would turn around to take a contrary position because of his support for a particular candidate and /or the exigencies of the present election.

“It is important to note that there is no Southwest in the informal zoning configuration of the NBA as far as the office of the presidency is concerned.

For the avoidance of doubt, the three recognised zones are North, East and West (i.e Egbe Amofin and Midwest) “In the unlikely event that the letter under reference was indeed written by Dr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), there is need to remind him that a decision has already be taken by the leaders and elders of the Bar at the aforesaid meeting in Abuja, in March, 2012.

“At the meeting, the NBA 2014 presidency was zoned to the West, thus leaving the door open for any member of the Midwest Bar Forum or Egbe Amofin to contest the election. The South-West(Egbe Amofin) and the Midwest Bar Forum have since moved beyond Agbakoba’s partisan position. Both parties have already agreed that they belong to the West.

“However, the unresolved issue is as to which of the two fora in the West will field a candidate in 2014. Efforts to resolve the question of precedence on the basis of fairness and propriety have not yielded dividend. On that note, the parties concerned have agreed to meet at Phillipi, i.e at the polls for the NBA to choose between the contesting Western (Midwest and Egbe Amofin) candidates. Dr. Agbakoba therefore has every right to vote for his candidate on election day but he has no right to peddle untruth and cry louder than the bereaved.

“Finally, a leaf must be borrowed from the East where in the last election, candidates from different parts of the zone contested the election. That in our view represents the true spirit of democracy,” Orbih said.

Aspirants for the presidency are Mrs Funke Adekoya (SAN), Chief Adeniyi Akintola (SAN), Deacon Dele Adesina (SAN), Mr Augustine Alegeh (SAN) and Osas Erhabor.

Agbakoba told The Nation why he wrote the letter.

“I acted on principle as a concerned Bar leader. I have no special interest to protect. After all, the western Bar leaders did not support me during

my campaigns for NBA Presidency. I, Chief Anyemene and other Bar leaders from the East urged the Western Bar leaders including Chief Olanipeku, to prevail on Funke Adekoya to step down for me because it was the turn of the East according to the zoning principle, they refused and said that zoning was dead, but the East and the North who believed that zoning was alive voted me and I became President.

“But that is not the issue now; the issue is that we want to avert problems in the NBA. How did we get into the zoning principle in the first place?

It was to avert the type of trouble we had in 1991 which led to the crash of the NBA for years.”

When reminded that Midwest is taken to be part of the West, Agbakoba said: “They are not, if they are, why did they adopt Augustine Alegeh?

Why are they not attending Egbe Amofin meetings where other candidates from the West are declaring their interests to contest the election?

Why do they have structures at the Mid West Bar including a constitution?

“They are not part of the West and that is why, during my tenure as NBA President, they wrote a letter to me asking to be recognised as being part of the NBA zoning arrangement. I set up an inclusion committee to address their problems and that of other non included groups, unfortunately the recommendations of that committee has not been approved up till today.

“They had the opportunity to address this issue during Oluwa Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN)’s regime but they did not, even during the regime of J.B Daudu (SAN) but they did not, so its too late in the day for them to come now and say that they are contesting election under the zoning arrangement.”

Okocha told The Nation that during the Daudu presidency, it was agreed that Midwest is part of the West. “The truth is that the president should come from the West but let the West put its house

in order but if they fail, we should vote for who the electorate wishes for,” he said.

Speaking on a letter purportedly written to the regional fora to vote for only Yoruba candidates, Okocha said: “That is too parochial, too undemocratic. Egbe Amofin should not exclude other candidates who are in the West.

Midwest is part of the West for the purpose of our zoning arrangement.”

A Bar leader, Chief John Ochoga, speaking on the solution, said: “I sympathise with Dele Adesina (SAN) because he would have defeated Akeredolu hands down if he had contested the election in 2008. I expect the entire Yoruba race to rally round him now, but true to their type, I learnt that they are not supporting him now.”

A former NBA President Lanke Odogiyan said: “I support Agbakoba’s view especially as it affects the Southwest. My understanding is that the issue was raised during the Presidency of J. B. Daudu (SAN) and the West said ‘Ok, we will accommodate our brothers from the Midwest on the condition that when we take two slots, they will take one but this one is for the Southwest, Midwest will take in 2020.’

“So, for any candidate to come out now from the Midwest will be very unfair. Remember, the zoning arrangement was put in place because of our experience in 1992, so to avoid future disruptions, we should maintain it.”

Former chairman of NBA Kaduna branch Mr. Anozie Obi recalled that Daudu proposed a six zonal arrangement at the bar leaders summit, which was resisted by the West who declared that the Midwest was part of the West.

“The Presidency which has now returned to the West is zoned to the entire West which includes Midwest. All parts of the West, including the ‘Mid’ of the West are entitled to contest,” he said.

Egbe seeks Arewa, East lawyers’ support

T

HE Egbe Amofin, the Southwest Lawyers’ Forum, has written the Arewa Lawyers Forum (ALF) and the Eastern Bar Forum (EBF), urging them to sustain the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) zoning arrangement in the group’s forthcoming elections. It is urging the ALF and EBF to vote for only presidential candidates of Egbe Amofin extraction.

In a letter signed by its Secretary, Comrade Ranti Ajeleti, Egbe Amofin reminded ALF and EBF of the existing informal zoning arangement.

The letter reads: “ We are constrained to forward to you this letter principally to address an imminent attempt to frustrate and dump the zoning formula which within its period of operation has successfully established camaraderie and mutual respect between the various recognized zones and among the entire members of the Nigeria bar Association after the doldrums of 1992 – 1998.

“Just a reminder, the regional fora which although have no provision within the NBA Constitution have been used in the main to foster good relationship within the NBA polity until the recent threat and attempt to disregard its principles at the time when it is the turn of the South West to produce the next NBA President....

“Please be advised that the South West will not allow its slot to be usurped by any other candidate from another group

not submitted to the South West forum and we expect that in our collective interest and respect for the recognized rotational practice that has held over the last 15 years, you will honour our demand and prevent the established practice from being scuttled at a time when other zones (South West and Northern fora) are yet to enjoy their rightful slot for the presidency of the Bar.” In a chat with The Nation, ALF chairman, Mr. M. A. Abubakar confirmed receiving the letter. He advised Egbe to go and put its house in order so as to reap the benefit of the zoning.

EBF Chairman, Mr. Ogbonna Igwenyi said: “We will need verification of the letter because I also have a letter by the chairman of the Midwest Bar, Ferdinand Orbih (SAN) where he stated that in a meeting by Bar leaders in 2012, the Mid-West was officially pronounced to be part of the West.”

On the way out, Igwenyi said: “If the entire Youruba race cannot unite and defeat the candidate from the Midwest, then they have themselves to blame, they cannot blame other regional fora for not fighting their cause. The rules of the game are already there, you don’t start a match without the rules and you cannot change the rules mid way into the game.”

38

THE NATION TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2014

LAW & SOCEITY The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja Branch last week held its annual law week for 2014. The one-week event attracted many lawyers and judges sector, writes ADEBISI ONANUGA.

Judges, lawyers identify arbitration challenges

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HE Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja Branch last week held its annual law week for 2014. The one-week event, which also incorporated the mandatory Continuous Legal Education, was themed: “Surmounting Professional Challenges through Continuous Legal Education”.

It attracted former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal and Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu at the annual Bar Dinner.

Also in attendance were Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha, Akwa Ibom State Governor Godwill Akpabio, Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi and Lagos State Governor Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), who was the chief host.

The mandatory Continuous Legal Education attracted a large number of Justices of the Court of Appeal, Federal and State High Court . The Justices of the Court of Appeal included Tijani Abubakar, Sidi Bage and those of the High Court including Justices Opeyemi Oke, Oluwatoyin Ipaye, Adenike Coker, Sedoten Ogunsanya, K. A. Jose, S.B. Candide-Johnson, Ayisat Opesanwo, Funmilayo Atilade, Latifat Oluyemi, Lateefat Folami, Ronke Harrison, Adeniyi-Adeogo Adebajo and Kazeem Alogba among others.

During the Continuous Legal Education programme, the Bar and the Bench disagreed on those that constituted obstacles to successful implementation of the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in Lagos State. While Justice Toyin Ipaye put the blame at the door step of lawyers, the Bar represented by the chairman of the branch, Monday Ubani absolved lawyers of any blame on the issue. Ubani said the plaintiffs/Claimants always want their lawyers to fight for them in the court. He said most times, they viewed lawyers who advised clients to opt for ADR as a weakling and incompetent.

Justice Ipaye said experience has shown that most of the resistance to the use of ADR mechanisms comes from the lawyers and not necessarily their clients.

Justice Ipaye a facilitator at the programme in a paper titled: “Exploring the mediation window at the Court of Appeal, Magistrates Court, High Court, Family Court, Criminal Court: Prospects,Challenges, Drawbacks,Efficacy” .

The judge, who was represented by another judge, Justice Latifat Oluyemi, noted that lawyers are resistant to the change because they have been well trained in litigation, the adversarial method of resolving disputes; they are thus unfamiliar with the other models.

“But change has come and they have to jump on board the train or they will be left behind at the station”, she stressed, adding that ADR is now a global reality.

Justice Ipaye said the appropriate thing for judges and magistrates to do is to seek to know the reason for the non submission to mediation or other ADR method by lawyers and claimants/litigants and address the concerns.

In his paper, The Rudiments of Brief Writing, Mr. Olatunde Adejuyigbe counseled lawyers against filing a brief of argument in solidarity with appellant.

Said Adejuyigbe: “The role of the respondent in an appeal is to defend the decision of the court from which the appeal emanates and canvass arguments that the decision of the lower court be affirmed”.

Citing relevant authorities and a decided case between Ohiaeri and Yusuf, Ogebe J.C.A., Adejuyigbe argued that where a respondent files a brief of argument urging court to allow the prayers of the appellant, the court will strike out such a brief by the respondent or discountenance it.

He said if the respondent finds it difficult to support or defend the decision appealed against, he needs not file a brief of argument.

He however said that where a respondent filed a cross-appeal against the decision of a lower court, “he can canvass arguments in respect of the cross-appeal with the objective of urging the Appelate Court to set aside a specific finding of error made by the lower court.

He said this point was made very clear and correctly by a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Justice Bode RhodesVivour, in a matter between Lafia Local government and Governor of Nasarawa State in 2012.

Justice Adebajo who delivered paper on Criminal Evidence remarked that where the court directs that DNA samples be provided by defendants, it has been found out that the prosecution is obliged to put the result before the court and also to make it available to the defendants. He pointed out that where the report is not made available to the defendant, the court would presume the report in favour of the defendant.

Adebajo described forensic evidence as a two-edged sword, which most often serves the best interest of the party calling for it.

In a welcome address, chairman of the branch, Monday Ubani

•From left: Richard Komolafe, Chairman, Law Week 2014 committee, Dr. Muiz Banire, Controller of Prisons Ikoyi, Emmanuel Bamidele, Ubani, Secretary NBA Ikeja, Adesina Adegbite, Mrs Jaka Jones, Welfare Secretary, Samson Omodara, Mrs Nelly SilverAjakaye, Mrs. Nwiyi Chinelo at the presentation of gift to the prisons.

•From left: Justice Babajide Candide-Johnson; Mrs. Dorothy Ufot (SAN) and Hon. Funmilayo Tejuosoho

From left: Hon. Babatunde Ogala; Justice Demola Bakre; Mr. Rotimi Seriki and Justice of the Court of Appeal, Justice Sidi Bage explained that the choice of the topics was informed by challenges which some lawyers are facing in the sector.

Ubani said the topics were intended to equip lawyers with the skills and knowledge that would make them excel in the administration of justice and abreast of developments around the world.

During the world press conference held to kick-start the law week, Ubani took a cursory look at the situation in the country and said that the entrenchment of a true federal system of government is the only panacea to reducing tension and the various problems that have been confronting the country.

Ubani also stressed the need for resource control by the owner state, saying that it is also key to reducing tension in the country.

“We feel strongly that the best system that will reduce tension and create competitiveness and healthy rivalry for the purpose of development is a proper federal system. If this is not agreeable to all citizens, then the country is advised to go their separate ways”, he stated.

He insisted that only a true federal system of government would be condusive and reduce tension for such a multi-ethnic and diverse religious country like Nigeria.

“Other issues like state police, control of natural resources by the owner state, payment of certain percentage to the Federal Government, creation of local government and the strengthening of institutions like the judiciary, electoral commission among others should all be agreed upon”, he said.

The NBA chairman pointed out that the country would be taking a retrogressive step if it should subject the outcome of

the ongoing national conference to the National Assembly for consideration on the planned amendment to be made to the 1999 Constitution.

Rather, he suggested that the outcome should be subjected to a referendum of the people.

He, however, warned that all efforts being made at the conference would be a futility if it failed to discuss such issues like definition of citizenship and aspiration of one common goal and objective.

He asked members of the House of Representatives to investigate the allegation of the missing $20 million oil money and the N10 billion allegedly squandered on the hiring of private jets by the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Deziani AllisonMadueke .

The association urged members of the House of Representatives to handle the matter with the same courage with which the Committee on Aviation handled that of the former Minister of Aviation, Pricess Stella Oduah saying: “They must let Nigerians know the truth of their finding”.

It observed that the ship of Nigeria is heading towards a wrong direction and urged the leadership to look into its compass and change direction.

Ubani lamented that the governance of Nigeria is not reaching to the nooks and crannies of the country noting “few parasites are presently sitting on top of Nigerian wealth, sharing it the way they want to their family members, cronies and friends to the exclusion of the majority” As part of the activites marking the Law Week, the Ikeja branch of the NBA, (a.k.a. The Tiger Branch), engaged the Lagos Island Branch (a,k.a. Premier Branch) in novelty football match which ended 1-1 draw.

THE NATION TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2014

39

STAR CASE Despite a court verdict, upholding the exclusive right of Bedding Holding Limited (BHL) to design ballot boxes, the Federal Government has issued a gazzette, voiding the patent. Can the government so act when case is appeal? ERIC IKHILAE asks.

Fed Govt ‘voids’ firm’s patent on ballot boxes C

AN a party validly destroy the res during the pendency of a case?

This question will drive arguments next week as parties return to court in the various cases involving the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), a firm – Bedding Holdings Limited (BHL) and others.

INEC and BHL have been locked in disputes for some time now, over the legitimacy of BHL’s claim to sole ownership of the patents and designs rights in relation to collapsible transparent ballot boxes and voters’ dada capture process, two key components of INEC’s election activities.

Although INEC had consistently denied the existence of such patents and designs rights, as claimed by BHL – a claim it supported with documents and certifications, the Federal High Court in Abuja had in two judgments, upheld BHL’s claim.

In a judgment given on January 28 this year,

by Justice Ibrahim Auta of the Federal High Court, Abuja, the judge upheld BHL’s claim to having a valid patent over the process of applying the Direct Data Capture (DDC) machine to register voters. He also awarded about N17.3billion damages against INEC and others for utilising the process without the prior consent of the patentee as required under the Patent and Designs Act 2004 and ordered INEC not to use the patented product without the consent of the patentee.

Justice Auta’s judgment came almost two years after another judge of the court, Justice Adamu Bello, gave a judgment on June 5, 2012 upholding BHL’s claim to being the sole holder of a valid patent over the transparent ballot boxes being used for elections. He voided similar patents subsequently issued to three other companies; ordered INEC to always seek the consent of the patentee before utilizing the products, failing which the exercise for which the product was used would be deemed null and void.

INEC made failed attempts to stay the execution of both judgments. In one instance, Justice Bello, while ruling on May 28, 2013 refused an application by INEC for stay of execution of his earlier judgment. The judge equally frowned at INEC and Jega’s decision to deploy the same ballot boxes for subsequent elections, including the governorship elections held in Edo and Ondo states, without the consent of the plaintiff and in disregard of the court’s subsisting order contained in the June 5, 2012 judgment.

Justice Bello held that it was funny that INEC and Jega would approach his court for an indulgence having willingly disregarded and flouted its order.

“They (INEC and Jega) conducted the elections on July 14 and October 20, 2012 using the same ballot boxes as averred by the plaintiff/respondent (BHL) in its counter affidavit, which has not been denied by the 6th and 7th defendants (INEC and Jega) in the two further and better affidavits, in total disregard to the injunctive order, the execution of which they now seek to stay by their application.

“Since the elections have been conducted, the need for staying the execution of the injunctive order granted by the court has abated, at least for now. And even if the need for the order for stay of execution has not abated, the defendants by proceeding to conduct the two elections, using the same ballot boxes, the use of which was restrained by the court’s judgment, have soiled their hands and cannot therefore seek the indulgence of the court.

“He, who comes to equity, must come with clean hands. The 6th and 7th defendants (INEC and Jega) have not come with clean hands before the court and cannot therefore seek for equitable relief of stay of execution of the order in the judgment.

“Consequently, I refuse to grant the application, as granting it will be tantamount to the court encouraging further breach of its own judgment order, which subsists until set aside by the Court of Appeal,” the judge held.

INEC and Jega have again, filed a similar application for stay before the Court of Appea, Abuja. In the application filed on March 24 by a team of lawyers including five Senior Advocates of Nigeria, led by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), the applicants failed to indicate that a similar application was refused

by Justice Bello and why.

However, while parties had thought that the battle has shifted to the appellate court, with INEC’s two appeals pending, the Federal Government, acting in a manner suggestive of an attempt to pull the rug off BHL’s feet, issued a gazette on March 19 purporting to void all the patents earlier issued to BHL, including those on which the court had given judgments.

BHL’s lawyer, John Okoriko observed that themove is an attempt by the Fed Govt to stop the patents owner - BHL - from further benefiting from his inventions, by invoking the public interest rule to void duly registered patents including those covering transparent ballot boxes and Direct Data Capture (DDC) process being used by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The registered patents and designs affected by the government’s fiat include: “RP No. 10511 (for collapsible steel frame structures); RP No. 12994 (for transparent ballot boxes); RP No. 16642 (for electronic collapsible ballot boxes); NG/P/2010/202 (for Proof of Address System Schemes - PASS); RD No. 13841 (for electronic collapsible ballot boxes); RD No. 5946 (for transparent ballot boxes) and RD No. 3962 (for collapsible steel structures.”

The Minister said he was exercising his powers under Paragraph 15 of Part II of the First Schedule to the Patents and Designs Act Cap P2 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 in issuing the gazette, which INEC attached as exhibit in a suit by BHL to stop INEC’s alleged continued use of its patented product for voters’ registration in Ekiti and Osun states Okoriko argued that the gazette did not only contradict INEC’s earlier argument that such patents do not exist, it confirms BHL’s claim to being the valid holder of the affected patents.

The firm argued, in an affidavit, that INEC ought to have awaited the outcome of its pending appeals, if it actually believed it had valid appeals, rather than resort to self-help, as done with the gazette, with which INEC seeks to justify its continued uses of the patented products without the consent of the patentee (BHL).

BHL further argued that it was wrong for the Industry Minister to void the patents without informing or seeking the consent of the patentee as stipulated in Paragraph 18 of Part II of the First Schedule to the Patents and Designs Act. BHL also queried constitutionality of the provision of Paragraph 15 of Part II of the First Schedule to the Patents and Designs Act which the Minister purportedly relied on in issuing the gazette. It argued that the provision that allows the government to unilaterally take away the intellectual property of a citizen violates the constitutionally guaranteed rights of citizens to own property.

It argued that the government cannot invoke public interest to void its duly issued patents where private interest is involved.

BHL noted that the gazette seeks to allow INEC award contacts to private companies to produce and supply its inventions and thereby make profit, without it (BHL) benefiting from it.

By the new case marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/ 172/2014 BHL is praying the court to among others, restrain INEC from proceeding with it voters’ registration/validation exercises in Ekiti and Osun states as a way of preserving the subsisting January 28 judgment. Proceedings resume in the case on May 13 before Justice Auta.

The Nation learnt form documents tendered in court by parties that INEC and BHL have had a cordial business relationship until Professor Maurice Iwu became the Chairman of the electoral body. The relationship dates back to 1987 when the electoral umpire was known as National Electoral Commission (NEC).

NEC, by a letter dated October 6, 1987

•Jega

awarded BHL a contract to supply it with metal ballot boxes, which the company invented and produced then. The product was later modified into the current transparent ballot box.

In 2003, under the leadership of the late Dr. Abel Guobadia, INEC, after exhaustive investigation which extended to the Ministry of Industry, acknowledged BHL’s patent right over the Transparent Ballot Boxes (TBB). And in accordance with the provision of the Patent and Designs Act, INEC got the company to issue it with the requisite License Agreement to cover the manufacture and procurement of 500,000 TBB. Also in line with the agreement, INEC in the contract award letters issued to other companies engaged to manufacture and supply TBB, by virtue of the License of Right, included a clause that read thus: “Please be informed that the product is covered by Patent and the Commission has secured the approval of the patent holder to grant you license to manufacture/import the product.”

BHL averred that the relationship collapsed under Professor Iwu in 2007 whose INEC refused to honour its patents and allegedly infringed on them by awarding contracts in to companies, who presented patents certificates that were later voided in the June 5, 2012 judgment by Justice Bello.

Prof Iwu was said to have maintained his position not to honour BHL’s patents even when INEC’s in-house lawyers including Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi ( in a memo dated December 15, 2006) suggested that INEC act in accordance with the law.

“In 2011, under the leadership of highly respected Professor Attahiru Mohammed Jega, the infringement committed by Professor Iwu was sustained as the same company was again awarded contract for TBB in the billions of naira and again presented to FEC for ratification under the same erroneous impression and scenario. This illegality is still being sustained till date despite a valid and subsisting court judgment,” it said.

In its bid to assert its right and ensure that the leadership of INEC play by the rules, BHL has filed various cases including those challenging the use of the TBB for the last governorship elections in Edo, Ondo and Anambra

‘Needless to say that disgruntled contestants will definitely seize such veritable opportunities to undermine the outcome of any process that will be based on the disputed content of this judgment.’

states, and the use of the box for the last convention of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

The company also seeks the voiding of the various elections for which its patented ballot boxes were used by INEC without its prior consent as ordered in Justice Bello’s judgment.

On March 31, a group - Partners for Electoral Reform (PER) - via its letters to President Goodluck Jonathan, Senate President, David Mark and other major stakeholders in the nation’s democratic project, drew the nation’s attention to the threat posed by INEC’s alleged willful disobedience of court orders and reluctance to obey the law.

Senator Mark has since referred the letter written for the group by a Lagos-based lawyer, Malachy Ugwummadu to the Senate Committee on INEC for investigation. The group warned that if not urgently checked, INEC’s continued defiance to court orders and judgments could derail the democratic process.

It stated that INEC’s refusal to comply with the court order to always obtain the patentee’s consent before utiziling its patented products “remains a potential threat to the proposed electoral exercise both in Osun and Ekiti states and the impending general elections of 2015.

“The present disregard of orders of competent courts of law in relation to the subject matter of the present suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/ 816/2010) have far reaching consequences in the sense that it provides a ready recipe for unscrupulous elements in the polity to foment chaos.

“Needless to say that disgruntled contestants will definitely seize such veritable opportunities to undermine the outcome of any process that will be based on the disputed content of this judgment. It is the law, and that much we are bound to know, that an order or judgment of court, however justified or not, remains judgment of court and binding until it is set aside by a competent court.

What INEC seems not to realize is that, the possible direct implications of these cases could be far reaching, and may provide a perfect recipe, a veritable and apparent danger, should unscrupulous elements, disgruntled contestants and opposition politicians take advantage existing judgments to undermine or challenge the validity of past and ongoing process(s) or outcome of any exercise, not minding the billions of investment, and thereby throwing spanners in the country’s political stability.

It is however left to be seen how the Fed Govt and its INEC wriggle out of this unhurt.

40

THE NATION TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2014

LAW REPORT

‘Female children cannot be excluded from inheriting fathers’ estate’

In the Supreme Court of Nigeria

Holden at Abuja On Friday the 11th Day of April, 2014 Before their Lordships: Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen, JSC Bode Rhodes-Vivour, JSC Clara Bata Ogunbiyi, JSC Kumai Bayang Aka’ahs, JSC John Inyang Okoro, JSC SC. 224/2004 (2014) LPELR-22724(SC) Between:

1. Mrs. Lois Chituru Ukeje 2.EnyinnayaLazarusUkeje ……………………………………………

Appellants And 1.

Mrs. Gladys Ada Ukeje ………………………………………………

Respondent

L

EAD Judgment delivered by Bode Rhodes-Vivour, JSC On theDecember 27, 1961, Lazarus Ogbonnaga Ukeje a native of Umahia in Imo State, died intestate. He had real property in Lagos State and for most of his life was resident in Lagos State. The 1st appellant got married to the deceased on the 13th of December 1956. There are four children of the marriage. The respondent is one of four.

After Lazarus Ogbonnaga Ukeje died, the 1st and 2nd appellants’ (mother and son) obtained letters of Administration for and over the deceased’s Estate. On being aware of this development the plaintiff/respondent filed an action in court wherein she claimed to be a daughter of the deceased and by virtue of that fact had a right to partake in the sharing of her late father’s estates. In a judgment delivered on 10/1/92

the learned trial judge, Fafiade J found that the plaintiff is a daughter of L.O. Ukeje (deceased) and proceeded to grant the reliefs she claimed. The defendants/appellants’ dissatisfied with the judgment lodged an appeal at the Court of Appeal Lagos (Division). The Court of Appeal agreed with the learned trial judge. The court dismissed the appeal for lacking, merit. This appeal is against that judgment.

After a careful examination of the issues formulated by both sides, the court considered the following issues for the determination of the appeal: (i) Whether the respondent as plaintiff proved that she is a biological daughter of L.O. Ukeje (deceased); (ii) Was the evidence of DW8 discredited in the High Court?; (iii) Did the trial court arrive at its decision after following the proper guidelines for decision making laid down by the Supreme Court?

Apart from her testimony on oath and that of her mother, PW2 to prove that she is the daughter of L.O. Ukeje (deceased), the respondent tendered the following: Her birth certificate - Exhibit H; Form of undertaking, and Guarantee - Exhibit 3; Judgment in her Divorce Proceeding - Exhibit J; and Photographs - Exhibits M, M1, P. The court placing reliance on Section 114(1) of the Evidence Act stated that a birth certificate is conclusive proof that the person named therein was born on the date stated, and the parents are those spelt out in the document. Once the authorised government official appends his signature and stamp on the document and such authentication is not contested by the adverse party, the presumption of regularity will be ascribed to it.

Monitors for South Africa’s elections

T

F

ORMER President of the Commonwealth Lawyers’ Association (CLA), Mrs Boma Ozobia has been named head of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Lawyers Association Election Observer Mission.

The group will monitor the 2014 South African General elections tomorrow.

April 10, letter to Ozobia signed by the SADC Lawyers ‘ Association President, Mrs. Kondwa Sakala-Chibiya, reads: “Your appointment as head of mission followed careful considerationby the SADCLA executive committee, after which it was concluded that you would be a suitable candidate to head the association’s election observer mission to South Africa considering your profile, expertise and knowledge as a legal practitioner and human rights advocate at the African and international levels “We are therefore confident that you will successfully guide the association in activities leading up to, during and after the elections. These activities include but not limited to: observer sensitisation and briefings, meeting with high level government political party and electoral authorities, media briefings, deployment planning, election report writing and generally ensuring that the election observer mission is adequately and professionally

On the first issue, the court held that it has not been disputed that the respondent was born in Lagos on the 5th of July, 1952 and her birth was registered in Lagos in August 1952 and her parents are L.O. Ukeje (deceased) and PW2. The court held that since the appellants’ did not rebut the presumption of regularity, the finding of fact by the trial court remains unassailable. L.O. Ukeje (deceased) is the biological father of the respondent.

Arguing the third issue, learned counsel for the appellants’ observed that the Court of Appeal was wrong in holding that the trial court followed the guideline laid down in Sanusi v. Ameyogun (1992) 4 NWLR Pt.237 P.527; (1992) LPELR-3008(SC). He observed that rather than evaluate evidence of each of the contesting parties the learned trial judge picked out the oral and documentary evidence adduced by the plaintiff/respondent and her witnesses then proceeded to declare that she found it unbelievable that the plaintiff and her witnesses would have been able to have knowledge of a number of listed facts, unless they had personal contact with the deceased. He contended that the learned trial judge did not review or evaluate the evidence of the relatives of the deceased.

Learned counsel for the respondent observed that the learned trial judge properly evaluated the evidence before concluding that the respondent is a daughter of L.O. Ukeje (deceased). He submitted that the guidelines laid down in Sanusi v. Ameyogun (1992) 4 NWLR Pt.237 P.527; (1992) LPELR3008(SC) were followed by the learned trial judge, contending that the Court of Appeal was right to affirm the decision of the trial

•Ozobia

managed.”

The SADC LA is an independent voluntary association made up of law Societies and Bar Associations of the SADC region. SADC LA has a mandate to uphold human rights, promote democracy and the independence of the Judiciary in SADC.

Legal Diary Workshop

A three-day action planning workshop aimed at supporting the justice sector in Nigeria will hold between May 20 and 22, in Lagos.

The workshop is being organised by the office of the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lagos state and UNDOC. The objective of tne project is to improve governance and compliance with the Rule of Law through improved effectiveness, accessibility, accountability, transparency, and fairness of the Justice system.

UNDOC is a United Nations Agency mandated to assist member States in their fight against corruption, illicit drugs, and organised crime.

Law firm holds annual lecture

The 2014 edition of the PUNUKA Attorneys & Solicitors annual lecture will hold on Thursday at the Metropolitan Club, Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, by 10.00am. It has the theme: “Employee and pension claims in insolvency.”

The event, which will have Prof. André Boraine, the Dean of the Faculty of Law University of Pretoria, South Africa and Director of the Centre for Advanced Corporate and Insolvency Law at the University as the lead discussant will be chaired by a former Supreme Court Justice, Hon. Justice George Oguntade (Rtd).

Among the dignitaries expected at the event are Edo State Governor Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and his Lagos counterpart Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN).

court.

The court stated that the learned trial judge followed the guidelines outlined in Sanusi v. Ameyogun (1992) 4 NWLR Pt.237 P.527; (1992) LPELR-3008(SC). On the issue of paternity, the court held that the evidence of the respondent far outweighs the evidence of the appellant and that both courts below were correct that the respondent’s father is L.O. Ukeje (deceased).

The court further noted that the appeal is on the paternity of the respondent. Whether the respondent is a daughter of L.O. Ukeje (deceased). It is necessary to state that L.O. Ukeje (deceased) is subject to the Igbo Customary Law. The court held that agreeing with the High Court, the Court of Appeal correctly found that the Igbo native law and custom which disentitles a female from inheriting, in her late father’s estate is void as it conflicts with sections 39(1)(a) and (2) of the 1979 Constitution (as amended). This finding was affirmed by the Court of Appeal and there is no appeal on it. The court further held that no matter the circumstances of the birth of a female child, such a child is entitled to an inheritance from her late father’s estate. Consequently, the Igbo customary law which disentitles a female child from partaking in the sharing of her deceased father’s estate is in breach of section 42 (1) and (2) of the Constitution, a fundamental rights provision guaranteed to every Nigerian. That the said discriminatory customary law is void as it conflicts with section 42(1) and (2) of the Constitution.

The appeal was dismissed.

Edited by LawPavilion. Citation: (2014) LPELR-22724(SC)

Legal Jokes

WO doctors were discussing a case in the psych ward. The first doc asked what had triggered such a profound depressive psychosis in the patient. The second one answered, “He’s a lawyer. One day at home, he started to think about how much money he’d screwed his partners and clients out of over the last few years. He laughed so hard he defecated in his pants. When he smelled the foul odour he had created, he checked for the source. Finding his trousers full of the stuff, he thought he was leaking. This caused him to go into shock and faint. When he woke up, he found he had fallen on his arm, breaking it.”

The first doc asked, “He went mad because he broke an arm?” The second medico answered, “No, he went mad because he couldn’t figure out how to sue himself!”

Question: What is the difference between a flea and a lawyer? Answer: One is a parasite that sucks the living blood out of you and is linked with the Black Death. The other is a small insect.

Carlson was charged with stealing a Mercedes Benz, and after a long trial, the jury acquitted him. Later that day Carlson came back to the judge who had presided at the hearing. “Your honor,” he said, “I wanna get out a warrant for that dirty lawyer of mine.” “Why?” asked the judge. “He won your acquittal. Why do you want to have him arrested?” “Well, your honor,” replied Carlson, “I didn’t have the money to pay his fee, so he went and took the car I stole.”

•These two guys, George and Harry, set out in a hot air balloon to cross the Atlantic Ocean.

After 37 hours in the air, George says: “Harry, we better lose some altitude so we can see where we are.” Harry lets out some of the hot air in the balloon, and the balloon descends to below the cloud cover. George says, “I still can’t tell where we are, lets ask that guy on the ground”. So, Harry yells down to the man “Hey, could you tell us where we are?”. And the man on the ground yells back “You’re in a balloon, 100 feet up in the air”. George turns to Harry and says “That man must be a lawyer.”

Harry says, “How can you tell?”. George says, “Because the advice he gave us is 100% accurate, and totally useless”.

•For three years, the young attorney had been taking his brief vacations at this country inn.

The last time he’d finally managed an affair with the innkeeper’s daughter. Looking forward to an exciting few days, he dragged his suitcase up the stairs of the inn, then stopped short. There sat his lover with an infant on her lap! “Helen, why didn’t you write when you learned you were pregnant?” he cried. “I would have rushed up here, we could have gotten married, and the baby would have my name!”

“Well,” she said, “when my folks found out about my condition, we sat up all night talkin’ and talkin’ and decided it would be better to have a illegitimate grandchild in the family than a lawyer.”

Question: Why do lawyers display a copy of their bar association cards on their dashboards?

Answer: So they can park in handicapped zones.

•A Russian, a Cuban, an American and a lawyer are in a train. The Russian takes a bottle of the best vodka out of his pack, pours some into a glass, drinks it, and says: “In USSR, we have the best vodka of the world—nowhere in the world you can find Vodka as good as the one we produce in the Ukraine. And we have so much of it, that we can just throw it away...” Saying that, he opens the window and throws the rest of the bottle through it. All the others are quite impressed.

The Cuban takes a pack of Havanas, takes one of them, lights it, and begins to smoke it, saying: “In Cuba, we have the best cigars of the world: Havanas, nowhere in the world there is so many and so good cigars and we have so much of them, that we can just throw them away...”. Saying that, he throws the pack of Havanas through the window. One more time, everybody is quite impressed. At this time, the American just stands up, opens the window, and throws the lawyer through it.

•A lawyer’s dog, running about unleashed, beelines for a butcher shop and steals a roast.

The butcher goes to the lawyer’s office and asks, “If a dog running unleashed steals a piece of meat from my store, do I have a right to demand payment for the meat from the dog’s owner?” The lawyer answers, “Absolutely.”

“Then you owe me $8.50. Your dog was loose and stole a roast from me today.” The lawyer, without a word, writes the butcher a check for $8.50 . Several periods of time later (it could be the next day but that would be unrealistic) the butcher opens the mail and finds an envelope from the lawyer: $200 due for a consultation.

•An elderly and somewhat hard-of-hearing man was sitting in his attorney’s office as he went over his new will. “Your estate is very complex,” said the lawyer, “but I’ve made sure that all of your wishes will be executed. Because of the complexity of your case, my fee will be $4500.” At that point, the phone rang and the lawyer got involved with a long call. The client, thinking that the lawyer had said “$500,” wrote out a check for that amount and left. When the lawyer saw the cheque, he ran out of the building, only to see the client’s car disappearing in traffic. “Oh, well,” thought the lawyer, “$500 for one hour’s work isn’t bad

42

THE NATION TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2014

POLITICS

43

TUESDAY MAY 6, 2014

THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

Correspondent ERNEST NWOKOLO writes on efforts by the Ogun State All Progressives Congress (APC) to resolve the acrimony generated by its recent congress.

• Amosun

• Aremo Osoba

• Kaka

• Odunsi

• Obadara

Ogun APC: Fence mending after congress upheavals

O

GUN State All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders are making frantic efforts to resolve the crisis trailing its congress.

Two chieftains-Alhaji Roqeeb Adeniji from Ogun West Senatorial District and Olu Agemo, also from Ogun West- are parading themselves as chairmen. The implication is that there are two parallel executive committees fighting for the leadership of the chapter, reminiscent of 2011, when two factional chairmen emerged in the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP).

On April 26, National Assembly members, including Senators Gbenga Kaka(Ogun East), Akin Odunsi(Ogun West) and Gbenga Obadara(Ogun Central), held a separate congress at the Quarry area of Abeokuta. But, the officially recognised congress, which was attended by Governor Ibikunke Amosun, took place at the MKO Abiola Stadium.

At the stadium, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials monitored the exercise. The officials were Alhaji Ahmed Bashir (National Headquarters) Titilayo Akinola, Ahmed Memudu, Tunrayo Ayinde, Layi Oluyode, Sam Olumekun, Atiba Leonard, and Yetunde Adams. Also, the Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC), State Security Service (SSS) and other Paramilitary agencies provided security.

The emergence of parallel executives was the climax of the crisis and frosty relationship between Amosun and Aremo Olusegun Osoba, the party leader.

A chieftain of the APC, who craved anonymity, said the animosity between the governor and Osoba started in 2003 when Amosun mobilised the PDP to uproot the Alliance for Democracy (AD) from the State House.

When the two leaders became members of the same party, the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), which defected the PDP at the polls in 2011, the past suspicion did not fizzle out.

‘APC leaders are now closing ranks. They have realised that a crack on the wall may pave the way for the PDP to bounce back.

The interim national leadership, a source said, is not happy about the turn of events in Ogun. It has mandated the zonal leader, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, to find a lasting solution to the crisis’ A source said that, that friction was evident during the preparation for the ACN governorship primaries. Although Amosun was the most acceptable aspirant, he passed through hell to emerge as the candidate. But, Osoba’s men got other tickets, including the three senatorial seats, nine House of Representatives tickets and 23 out of the 26 House of Assembly tickets.

The remaining three tickets went to people believed to be loyal to Amosun.

Following Amosun’s inauguration as governor, there were discordant tunes in the party.

Crisis broke out over the choice of commissioners and other members of the state executive council. It was alleged that Amosun had planned to sideline those he met in the party. The governor therefore, offered appointments to some of them, including the former Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon Muyiwa Oladipo, senatorial chairmen of the defunct ACN in Ogun West and Ogun East districts, Hon. Falilu Sabitu and Mr Daniel Adejobi, Ayo Olubori, Olu Odeyemi and Chief Sam Ayedogbon.

Other loyalists of Osoba-Chief Mufutau Ajibola and Chief Poju Adeyemi- also got appointments.

The governor also appointed some party men as Special Advisers and Chairmen and members of boards, parastatals and agencies.

However, that move did not stop the allegation of marginalisation. Osoba’s men complained that, during the last local government elections, they were not given enough councillorship and chairmanship slots.

According to them, the distribution was grossly lopsided in favour of Amosun and his supporters.

Despite the fusion of the partied into the APC, the cold war has not stopped. The pro-Osoba legislators formed a group, “Mat’agbamole” (don’t step on elder), claiming that Osoba was not accorded his proper place.

But, the governor disagreed, saying that Osoba is his leader.

Many chieftains of the party have objected to the steps taken by the aggrieved legislators.

Osoba has also said that there is unity in the fold. Not a few are beginning to question the sincerity and motive of the NASS members, saying it is just self-serving, perhaps trying to use the name of the ex-governor to curry personal political capital. He said: “There is harmony between Governor Amosun and I. He is our governor and he is my own governor and there is no other Governor.”

Trouble started in the chapter when the interim leadership was to be constituted. There was commotion at the party office along Abiola Way, Abeokuta. Hoodlums invaded the secretariat, sacking the party chieftains who turned up for a political meeting convened by Kaka. During the party membership registration, the senator alleged that the governor wanted to hijack the exercise. But, Amosun denied it, saying that the National Assembly members were only crying wolves where there was none as the exercise went seamlessly in the 236 wards.

Also, preparations towards the ward congresses were not without its hiccups. To address the

mistrust, a Stakeholders’ Meetings was held on April 3 and April 4 where it was agreed that party members should work for unity. Amosun, Osoba and the federal legislators witnessed the exercise. After the exercise, Osoba said:”We met to put the house together and strengthen its unity to ensure that the APC remains in charge in Ogun State and for peaceful congresses.”

The governor also made efforts to foster unity and understanding. He met with chieftains across the 236 wards and ensured that disagreements were ironed out amicably and harmonized in wards where they could not agree on their lists. Osoba and Amosun monitored the exercise in many wards. The governor’s camp described it as an all-inclusive ward congress.

However, Kaka alleged in a petition that it was a foul play.

An appeal panel was sent from Abuja to adjudicate on the petition. The panel led by former Minister of State for Information Hon. Ilkar Bilbis listened to complaints from the aggrieved and the party leaders.

But as the Appeal was still sitting, former federal lawmaker, Onadeko Onamusi, was said to have been injured and hospitalised, following the eruption of violence. Also, Kaka was assaulted by a mob as a fight broke out between the supporters of Amosun and Osoba. Before the panel, Kaka had called for a fresh exercise. At that point, the Senior Special Adviser to Amosun on Political Affairs, Mr Tunji Egbetokun, interjected and drew Kaka’s attention to the fact that the session was meant to look at the appeal before the Committee on the ward and lo-

cal government congresses and not to draw the party backward. This infuriated a House of Representatives member, Hon. Olumide Osoba, who berated Egbetokun for interrupting Kaka’s speech. Tension rose as Senator Gbenga Obadara and the Chairman Ijebu East Local Government, Solomon Ogunde exchanged hot words.

The loyalists of Osoba, includong Hon. Kunle Adeyemi, Hon. Tunde Abudu-Balogun, and Sen. Akin Odunsi left the panel sitting in annoyance for Osoba’s private residence in Ibara, Abeokuta.

However, sources close to the panel said the Appeal Committee gave a pass mark to the State Congress Committee (SCC) on the conduct of the ward and Local Government congresses.

But, while the party was yet to resolve the crisis trailing the ward and local government congresses, the gladiators were spoiling for war over the approaching state congress. During the exercise, the two divides opted for parallel congresses.

An Ijebu-Ode lawyer, Mr Adewale Adefulu, who described the development as disturbing, lamented that the governor’s critics are from his party, adding the division may distract the government’s development programmes.

However, APC leaders are now closing ranks. They have realised that a crack on the wall may pave the way for the PDP to bounce back. The interim national leadership, a source said, is not happy about the turn of events in Ogun. It has mandated the zonal leader, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, to find a lasting solution to the crisis.

There are indications that the party leaders are also ready for a truce. Amosun is said to be reaching out to Osoba for the amicable resolution. Last week, Kaka also spoke on the need for peace. He said: “We will explore all possible avenues of internal mechanism to resolve our differences, we are trying to build the party on justice.”

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THE NATION TUESDAY MAY 6, 2014

POLITICS Kwara State All Progressives Congress (APC) Secretary Prince Yemi Afolayan spoke on the Ahmed Administration, the activities of the party and the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP)’s struggle for relevance in the state. ADEKUNLE JIMOH met him.

Will Wada complete his tenure?

‘PDP has no future in Kwara’ K T

HERE were allegations that candidates were imposed during the recent APC ward, local government and state congress. What is your reaction?

I feel sorry for those who made that allegation. If they follow the political history of Kwara State, they would know that those of us who moved with our leaders from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) have moved with the election winning machinery that we inherited from the late Dr Olusola Saraki.

And when we moved to the APC, we moved with 193 councillors, elected 16 local government council chairmen, 22 members of the House of Assembly, all state, local government and ward executives. By the time we left the PDP there, was none left. For anybody to get up and say party executives were imposed in APC, the person has just woken up from the wrong side of the bed. In any case, who has complained? People at the venue of the congress saw genuine joy on the faces of the delegates that came and there was a loud ovation. So, there is nothing like imposition.

How will the APC react to the zoning of the governorship from Kwara Central to another zone in 2015?

The PDP, as far as we are concerned, is a finished party. When we moved, there was nothing left and, because there was no person of substance that was left, that was why they went and brought one Solomon Edojah to come and steer the ship of what was left in the PDP. Then, if there was anybody left, they could have picked that person. Then, the PDP started groping its way in darkness. That also snowballed when President Goodluck Jonathan came to Kwara. The national headquarters of the PDP did not know they did not have anybody. They even went ahead calling our telephone numbers as if we were still with them.

They called several times; the National Women Leader of PDP called the state women leader, who moved to the APC to help organise people to take Ankara for them, not knowing that there was nobody of substance left. They came to Kwara disappointed and that informed their decision to hire people, Jews and Gentiles from neighbouring states, to fill the Metropolitan Park, just to receive President Jonathan. Today, as I tell you, anywhere they pick their candidate from, certainly, they have lost Kwara.

For instance, our leader, Senator Bukola Saraki, in his normal routine visit not too long ago on a weekend, was received by a huge crowd. He had to trek from the airport to the Emir’s palace. This is somebody that has the control of the party, the people and government. When the PDP says it is picking its governorship candidate from the Central for one particular reason or the other, it shows that it is living in a fool’s paradise.

In 2011, two governorship candidates came from the Central; Senator Gbemisola Saraki of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN) and Mohammed Dele Belgore (SAN) of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). At that time, our leaders picked Abdulfatah Ahmed from Kwara South and won with landslide victory. So, I don’t see any reason why anybody should lose sleep on the PDP picking candidates from anywhere, even when the PDP leaders are in disarray.

Are you saying that Ilorin people will not vote for one of them, if a party decides pick its governorship candidate from there?

What we are saying is that there is loyalty to Senator Bukola Saraki; there is loyalty to the APC in Kwara Central. Come rain, come sunshine, the people will vote for the party of their choice, which is the APC that is doing wonderfully well in the state. Because

• Afolayan

‘When they come with political gangsterism, we will not allow that to happen.

The Federal might has nothing to do with the election when people come out to vote for who they want. The PDP that is talking about the federal might is still living in yesteryears’ the APC is in government now, it is in charge and control and the people love what the government is doing. It is not a question of whether Ilorin people love or hate their own. What goes around comes around.

But, the PDP claims that Governor Ahmed has underperformed..

I like that word “claim” because it is very difficult to wake up somebody who is not sleeping. The PDP chieftains claiming that Governor Ahmed is not performing are either blind or they cannot hear. Otherwise, they would have seen that the governor has built on the performance of his predecessor and the unprecedented development going in every senatorial district is unequalled to any they could think about. If they say that he is not performing, it is giving a dog bad name so as to hang it.

Abdulfatah Ahmed has renovated the General Hospitals in Ilorin, Offa, Omu-Aran, Kaiama and Share. Apart from that, there are several basic health centres across the state that have been massively renovated and equipped.In the education sector, over 450 classrooms have been built and renovated

by Governor Ahmed and the opening of rural roads is there. There is the supply of transformers across the state. 70 percent of the communities now enjpoy electricity. The PDP chieftains are talking with their tongues in the cheek.

Some people in the PDP have said that Dr. Saraki won the previous elections because of the support of the Federal Government and that the situation will change next year...

When they talk of the federal might, it amuses me because anybody who hasn’t got the people cannot get votes.

The Abuja people are not coming to Kwara to vote. They are talking about the Federal Government bringing finances. Look at the Federal Government that is corruption-ridden. Some of its ministers are enmeshed in one corrupt case or the other and the gov-

ernment has lost credibility. You are talking about the federal might, a government that has no shame, a government that is sitting down doing nothing and secondary school girls are being abducted by the Islamist sect, the Boko Haram. A government that has no sense of security. Is it the government that will come to us in Kwara where there is peace and harmony?

They can’t disturb the peace of Kwara.

Even, when they come with political gangsterism, we will not allow that to happen. The Federal might has nothing to do with the election when people come out to vote for who they want. The PDP that is talking about the federal might is still living in yesteryears.

Is the APC not threatened by the decision of three former governorship candidates and a billionaire businesswoman, who is very close to the Presidency, to fight it at the poll?

I like that combination. It is an amalgam of people who are failures.

The billionaire you have just mentioned does not even know where Marafa-Pepele is talking about politics of Kwara. This is somebody who is completely out of touch with the state.

A business person invests his money where it will yield returns. I am made to understand that that business person has invested so much that, even for the presidential rally they did in Kwara, the party is yet to pay her back.

So, would she now put her money into bottomless pit? Anybody who spends his money on the PDP in Kwara is putting his money on bottomless pit and will never have a reward. So, we are not threatened. Who are the governorship candidates?

Gbemisola Saraki, Mohammed Dele Belgore and Abdulrahaman Abdulrasaq. All of them put together have failed before and they will fail again.

What is the plan of the APC for Kwara in 2015?

The APC government will be a continuation of the foundation of development that was laid by Senator Bukola Saraki. Before 2003, the state used to be a civil service state. But, since the advent of Dr Bukola Saraki’s governorship endeavour, the state has changed. The state has now become the commercial nerve centre of the North Central geo-political zone.

People are coming to Kwara because it is a state of harmony. The commercial life is springing up every day and job opportunities now abound. In 2015, the government of the APC will make life more abundantly meaningful to Kwarans.

Critics have also said that the Saraki dynasty is fond of fielding candidates who are not popular in their domain...

The Saraki dynasty does not have penchant for picking politicians who are not popular in their areas. The first qualification, second and third in politics is loyalty.

What happened to Senator Simeon Ajibola, who is described by some people as a sleeping senator, was because of his loyalty to Oloye, not because he was popular or better. For the insignificant people we left in the PDP, actually, we have not lost anything. Some of them have been coming back and we accept them because, when they go, we don’t feel it. When we left, the national headquarters of the PDP felt it as the house became empty in Ilorin. Then, they went and took an office in Zango area of the town. If you know the history of the building, nobody has ever occupied it and did well. Even, a good restaurant was put there and it failed. They have failed by picking an office that is synonymous with failure. The APC is comfortable. We are on course. Nobody died during our congresses as we don’t believe in political rascality

By Musa Odoshimokhe

OGI State Governor Idris Wada is counting days to the end of his tenure, his chance of completing the tenure still hangs in the balance. But the judgment in a suit filed against him will be delivered on May 12.

Alhaji Mohammed Jamiu Audu, who contested on the platform of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) as the deputy governor, is asking a Federal High Court in Abuja to declare the primaries that threw up Wada as the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), candidate as illegal, null and void. Audu is claiming that the PDP had no candidate in the election.

Justice Abdulkadir Abdulkafarati fixed the May 12 ruling date, after listening to arguments from lawyers to parties in the suit instituted by the politician.

Named as defendants in the suit are the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Wada, Jibrin Isa Echocho, the PDP, former Governor Abubakar Audu and the Attorney General of the Federation.

It is the plaintiff’s main contention that the process leading to the conduct of the December 3, 2011 Kogi governorship election, from which Wada emerged as a major beneficiary, was allegedly manipulated by INEC in violation of the Electoral Act. The plaintiff, who said he participated in the ACNs primaries and emerged it’s deputy governorship candidate, Professor Yusufu Obaje, prior to May 28, 2011, argued that he remained a legitimate candidate of the party, even when Obaje went to another party.

Audu, who queried the legitimacy of the INEC’s decision to substitute him and Obaje with Abubakar Audu in the December 3, 2011 election, argued that the process that produced Wada as the PDP candidate violated the Electoral Act. The plaintiff, who raised five questions for the court’s determination, wants the court to, among others, declare that he is the valid and legitimate winner of the election, and therefore, entitled to be sworn in as the governor.

He also wants the court to order Wada to vacate office, and for the state’s Chief Judge to swear him into office immediately.

He equally prayed the court for an order of perpetual injunction restraining Wada from further parading himself as governor.

The plaintiff’s lawyer, Mackings Nezianya, after adopting his final written address argued his counter affidavit to the separate objections filed by INEC, Wada and PDP. In relation to the substantive suit, Nezianya urged the court to grant his client’s prayer and discountenance the counter - arguments by the defendants.

He argued that his client has the locus standi to institute the suit, adding that the court has the jurisdiction to hear the case, in view of the provision of Section 87(9) of the Electoral Act. Nezianya urged the court to engage in a community reading of Sections 31, 33 and 87(9) of the Electoral Act before deciding the case.

The plaintiff’s lawyer had, while responding to the defendants’ preliminary objections, argued that the case cited by Wada’s lawyer, Chris Uche (SAN), were misconceived. He said they do not support the issue at stake in his suit.

Relying on Order 26 Rule 3 of the Federal High Court’s Civil Procedure Rules, he urged the court to disregard the objections by the INEC and the PDP on the ground that they were incompetent, the defendants having failed to indicate any ground supporting their objection.

Uche argued that the plaintiff lacked the locus standi to institute the case on the ground that the plaintiff, not being a member of the PDP, cannot contest the process adopted by the PDP in choosing it’s candidate.

He observed that Audu failed to sue his party, which allegedly substituted him with another candidate and under whose banner he contested the election.

Wada’ lawyer also challenged the court’s jurisdiction to hear the suit.

He argued that the suit related to post-election issues that could only be taken before the election tribunal.

Consel to INEC and PDP equally argued in similar manner and urged the court to dismiss the suit. Whichever way the pendulum will swing will be finally decided on May 12.

• Wada

Ohanaeze backs Fayemi for second term

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By Emmanuel Udodinma

HE apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Ekiti State Chapter, has said that Igbos would support Governor John Kayode Fayemi’s for a second term because the All Progressives Congress (APC) flag bearer in the June 21 governorship election is transforming the state.

According to the group’s leader, Prince Nathaniel Uzoma, Igbos in Ekiti State are partners in progress with their host community adding that they will vote for the candidate that would bring peace, stability and progress to the state.

He said: “There have been pressures from different quarters on the stand of Ndigbo living in Ekiti State on the forthcoming governorship election.

Let me state categorically that Ndigbo has enjoyed and maintained rosy relationship with successive governments in Ekiti State, including the incumbent Governor Fayemi. Remember that Ohanaeze Ndigbo is a sociocultural organisation and not a political party, but even at that we still have the right to exercise our fundamental human rights, which include the right to vote for who we want to govern the state.

“If a father has six children, he does not cast some away and embrace others. That is not the characteristics of a good father. A good father accommodates all his children, but when it becomes necessary settles with the one that has shown him love and care. That is our position. We want peace, stability and progress in Ekiti State. We want our interest to be upheld and protected and we will vote for the candidate that would make that possible.”

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THE NATION TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2014

HEALTH

Nutrition key to babies’ development

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UTRITIONISTS have called for adequate care for babies because “the first 1000 days of life are crucial to their development”.

President, Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN), Prof Ngozi Nnam said babies should be nourished right from conception to the second year birthday because their future begins from the womb.

According to her, adequate nutrients set the future for the child, his health, well being and success are tied to that.

Nnam, who is a Professor of Community and Public Health Nutrition, Department of Home Science, Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), said it is a period when food habits are formed.

Nnam spoke at the Nestle Creating Shared Value Media Workshop in Lagos. It was entitled: Nutrition in the first 1000 days of life: the role of nutrition and feeding practices.

She said growth faltering can occur if a child is not

By Oyeyemi GbengaMustapha and Wale Adepoju

properly taken care of during this period, which is a period of breastfeeding, complementary feeding and transition from liquid food to solid food.

This period lay the foundation for physical and mental development of babies, she said, adding: “It is a period when cells, tissues and organs are developed and bones are formed.”

Nnam said parents should see that period as a critical window of opportunity to provide their child with adequate nutrition for proper growth, stressing that mothers could face a lot of challenges due to malnutrition.

The don said malnourished infants and children are especially vulnerable and at greater risk of malnutrition leading to stunting, wasting, underweight and micronutrient deficiencies.

She said a child is likely to die from micronutrient deficiency, diseases and common illnesses such as pneumonia,

diarrhoa and malaria due to weak immune system.

Nnam said it is a period of rapid brain development, adding: “This is because up to 70 per cent of brain development happens during pregnancy, 15 per cent during the first year of life, development of brain almost completed by the second birthday.”

She identified protein, iron, folate, iodine, some fatty acids from fat and carbohydrates are necessary nutrients needed for growth.

She said no fewer than 50 brain neurotransmitters are affected by the intake of nutrients in the first 1000 days of a child’s life.

“Inability to provide adequate nutrient for proper development of the brain leads to insult in the brain, that is, it reduces intelligence quotient (IQ) by 13.5 points, and the effects are irreversible. It also leads to stunted brain, stunted development,” Nnam said.

Head of Nutrition, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr Chris Isokpunwu, said malnutri-

tion and nutrition-related diseases are public health problems in Nigeria.

He spoke on reducing the risk of under-nutrition in Nigeria through micronutrient fortification: challenges and prospects.

He said malnutrition slows economic growth and increases poverty through direct losses in productivity from poor physical status.

“Also, indirect losses from poor cognitive function and deficits in schooling; and losses owing to increased health care costs, are other effects of malnutrition,” she said.

Nigeria, he said, is one of the 36 countries across the world responsible for 90 per cent of burden of malnutrition.

He said micronutrients are vitamins and minerals but not made in the body, or only in insufficient amount.

They are required in small quantities to ensure normal metabolism, growth and physical well being, she added.

Some of them are Vitamin A, iron, folic acid, iodine and zinc

•Chief Executive Officer 3ra’frique, Mr Irabor Okosun being screened for malaria by officials of Society for Family Health, Mr Oluwatosin Yusuf (middle) and Mr Oluwatomide Akinremi in Lagos.

Group seeks quality management system

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CALL has been made for a quality management system in the health care sector.

The Senior Consultant Gynaecologist at The Bridge Clinic, Lagos, Dr Babatunde Ogunkinle, made the call at a press briefing in Ikeja.

This tool guarantees the clients or patients that an organisation can deliver on their promises.

By Bode Monogbe

He said for the past 10 years, The Bridge Clinic has voluntarily submitted to stringent quality management system in its battle against infertility.

Its effort paid off by the award of ENISO 9001: 2000 Certifications by TUV Austria in 2004. “With the TUV Austria Certification, we became the first clinic in West

Africa to be awarded. In 2005, 2006 and 2007, we were successfully re-audited of the Bridge Clinic QMS, again in accordance with ENISO 900:2000. In 2013, following the successful re-audit of The Bridge Clinic, we were awarded the 150 90001:2008 Certificate by Quality Austria,” Ogunkinle said.

Noting that treatment of some aspects of infertility

are capital intensive, the adoption of quality management system assures “our patients get value for their money”.

Following its tract record in putting smiles on the faces of barren couples, the Bridge Clinic is now assisting the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) in its effort to combat infertility, the consultant gynaecologist said.

Lagos shuts 28 illegal hospitals, 317 pharmacies

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HE Lagos State Government has shut 28 hospitals and 317 pharmacies across the state for contravening its regulations in the last one year.

According to the Health Commissioner, Dr. Jide Idris, while addressing reporters during his ministry’s briefing for 2013/14, the facilities were closed for a number of breaches, including dealing in substandard drugs, operating without government’s approval and poor standard.

Idris said some pharmacies and private health centres were also sanctioned because

By Oyeyemi GbengaMustapha

they ran their centres with quacks.

He said 114 other hospitals had been served notice of closure by the state Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HAFAMAA) for not meeting set standards.

Idris said the state government through its task force and monitoring team was intensifying monitoring of health facilities to uncover some more facilities that might still be operating illegally.

He said the government was irrevocably committed to the health and wellbeing of residents and would continue to take steps to safeguard public health.

“During the year under review, 305 new pharmacies and patent medicine shops were registered by the state government.

“A total number of 45 new patent medicine shops were registered while approval for 84 premises is being awaited. There are already a total of 2547 pharmacy outlets in existence.

The government had in the last one year taken several steps to improve the healthcare delivery system in the state.

“One of the steps, was the delivery of facilities such as the Burns and Trauma Centre in Gbagada, Maternal and Child Care Centres(MCCs) in Alimosho and AmuwoOdofin and the School of Nursing, also in Alimosho.”

He said three 24-hours Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in Badagry, Ikorodu and Ikeja were also delivered within the period to strengthen healthcare.

DENTAL TALK with Dr Samuel Awosolu 08108155239 (SMS Only); email- samawosolu@yahoo.co.uk

Emergency where there is no dentist

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HE series of write ups will deal with emergencies that may occur in dental health and the first aid that may be applied in such circumstances.

The population of dentists serving the country is about four thousand four hundred.

This number is totally insufficient for the country of roughly a population of a hundred and fifty million people. There is a great lining towards the south-west and south-south geo-political zone with half of the number practising in the region. A sizeable number is present in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja. Access to dental facilities is therefore limited, it is hoped that the series will assist readers in getting first aid treatment prior to finding an oral health facility.

Dislocated jaw The mouth and facial skeleton are composed of joints between the mandibular head and the temporal bone of the skull .The joint derives the name from the component bones making the joint, Temporomandibular joint. (TMJ).

The dislocated jaw occurs when someone opens the mouth too wide as in yawning; the mouth is unable to close. The mouth will remain opened and that is referred to as dislocation. The mouth (jaw) would therefore remain open and stuck in an open position, preventing closure, tiredness of the muscle, reduced speech, dribbling of saliva, difficulty in chewing, sincethe mechanism of chewing involved the opening and closing of the jaw.

The jaw can accidentally be dislocated during routine dental treatment and this should not be a deterrent to receiving dental treatment!

The initial emergency treatment for a dislocated jaw will be to get the jaw supported, the neck supported against the wall and the person placed on the floor.

The person giving the first aid should sit in front or kneel in front of the person whichever is comfortable. The fingers should be put under the jaws outside the mouth. The thumbs should be placed beside the last tooth, molars in this case, not on the teeth as the individuals may bite them during the manoeuvre.

Slight downward and some pressure should be applied with the ends of the thumb to force the jaw quickly downwards and backwards. If after two or three attempts, the jaw does not move into place give some analgesics and see the nearest dentist. The dentist may need to put the person to sleep or sedate to reduce pain and relax stiff muscles before releasing the dislocated jaw back to the original position.

Once relocated, the jaw should be supported by a head and chin bandage to support the jaw for at least five days, over the counter analgesics should be given to the person to cope with the inflammation and pain.

Soft diet should be taken for the next couple of days. The mouth should not be opened too widely such as in yawning lest the dislocation happens again.

The first aid tips are not a substitute for treatment, they are a stop gap to the period that elapses before help can be reached or accessed.

The idea of a twenty four hour dental service is still restricted to the teaching hospitals, general hospitals and the federal medical centres that have on call dentists to deal with emergency cases.

Infection

control

in

Dental

surgery

The dental surgery is a mini theatre where invasive procedures are carried out and there is a risk of contamination for every procedure carried out. It becomes paramount that infection control is most important.

There is a conscious effort to ensure that germs are not introduced from one person to the other, from the dentist to the patient and vice versa.

The dentist and the staff have a duty to ensure the cleanliness of the surgery, the instruments in use and where possible disposable materials should be used. Barrier protection for the dentist and the patient are advisable. The dentist wears a protective clothing, uses sterile and puncture resistant gloves, face mask to prevent breathing to and into the patients mouth or from the patients mouth. To prevent splatter, surfaces should be easily cleaned and waste disposed properly dental needles are for single use, they are not to be reused per any chance. You are within rights to ask questions, if in doubt do get assurance from the dentist that the instruments are sterilised and made safe for use between patients.

It is a disservice to the dentist for patients to withhold their medical history, if you have any fears and anything you need to let the dentist know it will be most appreciated to inform the dentist. Health professionals are duty bound to ensure confidentiality of patient’s record except it is a matter of public interest in which case proper legal proceedings will be initiated.

•To be continued next week

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THE NATION TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2014

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THE NATION TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2014

THE NATION

BUSINESS MARITIME

e-mail: maritime@thenationonlineng.net

Shipowners kick over foreign Banks sabotaging PAAR, Customs alleges B domination of oil trade

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AN indigenous shipowners match their foreign counterparts in the capital intensive crude oil lifting business? Yes, says the Nigeria Shipowners Association (NISA), which has launched a campaign to be involved in the business.

The association says its involvement in the trade would be in the national interest.

Its participation would reduce youth unemployment, generate revenue and ensure security, its General Secretary, Captain Niyi Labinjo, told The Nation.

Labinjo said it was more profitable for a Nigerian ship to lift crude as the country was losing using foreign vessels.

“We will gain about N968 million a day if we use our own in-

Stories by Oluwakemi Dauda Maritime Correspondent

digenous ships to lift crude oil.

This is because Nigeria carries about 2.5 million barrels of crude a day at the rate of $2.50 per barrel,” he said, adding that the huge sum would have accrued to Nigeria and created employment for at least 5,000 professionals in the sector. The advantage is that indigenous ships will get their water, food, tug boats, chandelling, engineers and rags from Nigeriam he noted.

Labinjo said there were many qualified Nigerians in these fields but they have no jobs, stating that using foreign vessels was not in the best interest of the nation because when the dependent country has crisis, Nigeria may have

challenges lifting its crude.

The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani AlisonMadueke, said in Abuja last month that indigenous shipowners lift about 60 per cent of Nigeria’s crude. She said over 60 per cent of the 2014 /2015 annual term contracts for the lifting of Nigeria’s crude have been awarded to local firms.

She said as at the last count, indigenous investments in the sector have created over 40, 000 jobs across the hydrocarbon value chain.

Meanwhile, the Shippers Association, Lagos State has attributed the drop in the revenue collected by the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) to inconsistency in government policies.

ANKS should be held respon sible for the delays in the issuance of the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR), Customs Area Controller, Lilypond Area Command in Apapa, Lagos Mrs Talatu Isa, has said.

At a stakeholders’ meeting, Mrs Isa said since the upgrade of the PAAR platform by the Nigeria Customs Service, PAAR documents could be generated in less than 48 hours.

She said the Customs management had set up a committee to address genuine cases relating to PAAR, urging the agents to take advantage of the committee instead of going to Abuja to seek solutions.

“Everybody here will agree with me that PAAR is now efficient. This was made possible by the grace of God and the Comptroller-General OF Customs and his team. They have given us a new platform, a platform where you can upload your documents, and that very day, you can get your PAAR, or at most

the next day. So, if you have any problem, contact your bank, they might be the saboteurs because for us, we don’t have any problem.

That platform is very efficient and robust,” she said.

Mrs Isa said the Command generated over N5.2 billion between January and March, including the N2.2 billion collected last month.

“Your contributions and effort in ensuring seamless trade facilitation has yielded results. This month we have been able to make N2.2billion as revenue,” she added.

Soliciting for the cooperation of the agents, Mrs Isa charged them to ensure honest declaration to avoid delays in taking delivery of their consignments.

“When you raise false declarations, that is where the problems start arising and the moment we start having issues, you start crying delays. There cannot be delays if we don’t have issues. If your declaration is contrary to procedures, certainly, there would be problems,” she said.

Lokoja river port 56% completed

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HE Lokoja River Port is about 56 per cent completed, the Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar, has said.

Umar, who led a team of officials on an inspection to the port, said when completed, the port would enhance the Onitsha port.

He urged the contractor handling the project, Interbau West Africa Limited, to complete the project on time.

He said the Lokoja Inland River Port and others, such as Onitsha and Baro, would utilise the dredged lower Niger channel in terms of the loading and discharge of cargoes, adding that economic activities would be stimulated.

Idris, who expressed satisfaction on the quality of job done so

far, praised the contractor, saying the firm had performed a similar feat in the rehabilitation of the Onitsha port.

He promised to look into the request by the firm for variation of the bill of quantities once the request reached his office.

Also on the inspection team were Kogi State Governor, Captain Idris Wada and the Managing Director of Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Hajia Inna Ciroma.

Wada thanked the Federal Government for constructing the Lokoja Inland River Port, which he said, would boost trade and commerce, not only in the state but the entire country considering its central location.

Implement Cabotage Act, govt urged

T • From left: Executive Secretary, Nigeria Shippers’ Council (NSC), Mr Hassan Bello and Secretary, Nigeria Shipowners Association (NISA), Captain Niyi Labinjo, at a stakeholdesr’ forum by NSC in Lagos.

PHOTO: OLUWAKEMI DAUDA

Expert pushes for charter of ANCLA

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ATIONAL President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) Alhaji Olayiwola Shittu has promised to facilitate the passage of the bill for the group’s charter.

Speaking after his reelection for a second term, Shittu urged the Nigeria Customs Service to give clearing agents commission on earnings for the service.

Besides, he would also focus on how to draw the government closer to the group.

He urged the Ministry of Finance and the Customs to sponsor a bill on ANLCA chartered.

When ANCLA is chartered, it would lead to professionalism in Customs brokerage, he said.

Shittu said the ministry’s involvement through the Customs would expedite the passage of the bill, unlike if sponsored privately.

Members of the national executive committee, he said, were working to ensure the bill sees the light of the day.

“If you make it as a private bill

from outside, it will not see the light of the day, if you make it private members’ bill, which means that we will give it to one member of the assembly to start moving on it, it will not see the light of the day because passing bill in Nigeria requires a lot of funds and they will always tell you that there is no money,” he said.

He continued: “Even for the committee to sit down and look at the bill is a lot of money, so the only success we can get is if the Nigeria Customs Service through the ministry Finance decides to do executive bill, then it will be fast for enactment and we are working towards that.

“We are happy that ANLCA is one big family, so we are going to work hard to also get our association chartered.

“Chartering of our association does not remove us from been regulated or controlled by CRFFN and Customs, which you know were established under different acts.

“Chartering gives us the opportunity to be professionally recog-

nised to Chartered Institute of Customs Brokerage and that is what we want the National Assembly to do for us.”

He said when enacted into law, the association will be affiliated to training institutes because CRFFN is a certification institution.

Meanwhile, the ComptrollerGeneral, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Alhaji Dikko Abdullahi, has congratulated Shittu on his re-election as president of ANLCA. In a letter from his office, dated April 30, this year and signed by Customs Deputy Comptroller Headquarter II, Bello A. N, Dikko pledged his partnership with ANLCA. “The Comptroller-General sends his congratulatory message to you and members of your association for the peaceful conduct of your election and promised to continue to partner with your association for the overall good of our organisations and the country,” the letter read in part.

HE Federal Government has been urged to implement the Cabotage Act so that seafarers would have access to sea-time training.

The former Sole Administrator of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, Olu Akinsoji, who made the plea, said the law stipulated that ships are to be built, crewed and registered in Nigeria, adding that it is the only way seafarers can get sea-time and meet the purpose for which the Act was enacted.

He pointed out that in the past 10 years that the Cabotage Act was enacted, it has not impacted on the industry, especially on the indigenous operators. If we want the

purpose of the Act to be achieved, we must ensure that our ships are built, crewed and registered in Nigeria.

“That will also help in the provision of sea-time training for our cadets who find it very difficult to get sea-time.”

Akinsoji said the Cabotage Act also seeks ships to be registered in Nigeria, so that the country could have the capacity and the knowledge of ship registration with safety of ships guaranteed.

He said though all these are in the Cabotage Act, there has not been any plan by the government to ensure that they are implemented for the cadets to have access to sea-time with ease.

Rivers port donates food, others

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HE management of Rivers Port has donated food and household items to some charity homes in Port Harcourt.

Its Manager, Mrs Carolyn Akum Ufere, who led the management and other staff on the visit to the homes, said the donation was part of the port’s Corporate Social Responsibility obligation.

While presenting the food items and toiletries for the upkeep of inmates at the Home for the Elderly, Ufere said the visit and donation were necessitated by the need to identify with the lessprivileged.

She charged the keepers of the home to ensure that the items were

used for the upkeep of the inmates, stating that when Rivers Port celebrated its centenary last year, its workers had visited and encouraged the management of the home to continue with its selfless service.

The Matron of the Home, Rev. Sister MaryJane Raphael Agubosi, who expressed happiness for the visit by the Rivers Port management, commended Ufere for her generosity.

She said the home supports 30 inmates.

The port workers also visited Port Harcourt Children’s Home, Borokiri, where they also donated foodstuff and household items.

TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2014

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THE NATION

BUSINESS ENERGY

E-mail:- energy@thenationonlineng.net

OPEC urges Nigeria, others to invest T $40b upstream HE Organisation of Petroeum Exporting Count-ries (OPEC) has advised Nigeria, Libya, Algeria, and 10 other members to invest an average of between $35 billion and $40 billion in the upstream sector over the next 10 years to prevent shortfall in global crude production.

OPEC’s Secretary Abdalla S. ElBadri, in a paper entitled: ‘Global Oil Outlook for OPEC and Non-OPEC Members,’ said a long-term investment of over $50billion is also expected from the members, while the non-OPEC countries will invest more than $170 billion to meet demands.

He said: ‘’In terms of the upstream, most of the investment will be made in non-OPEC countries. In the medium-term, non-OPEC members will invest more than $170 billion each year.

OPEC, on the other hand, would need to invest an average of $35 and $40 billion annually in the

Stories by Akinola Ajibade coming decade, and then over $50 billion annually in the long-term. ‘’It is important to underscore just what investments we are talking about. In OPEC’s World Oil Outlook (WOO) 2013, it is estimated that global upstream investment requirements between 2012 and 2035, are $5.2 trillion.

Combined with expected requirements in the midstream and refining industries, this number approaches $8 trillion.’’

He said OPEC liquids would increase by over 10 million barrels a day, from around 37 million in 2018 to over 47 million barrels a day by 2035, adding that the figure is higher than the expected increase in non-OPEC

Electricity unions to protest casualisation

liquids supply over the same period, at just under nine million barrels a day. ‘’ In terms of OPEC crude production, it is currently close to 30 million barrels a day. This is what is required by the market.

The Organisation is making sure its consumer’s needs are met. In the medium-term, the call remains fairly steady – at around 29-to-30 million barrels a day. It means that OPEC spare capacity is expected to rise, although expectations are that this will be towards comfortable levels.’’ he added.

El-badri said OPEC will continue to invest in existing capacity and new productions, stressing that the investments would be influenced by factors such as policies, and crude oil’

prices.

According to him, Brazil, Kazakhstan and other non- OPEC regions are also expected to see strong supply growth, both in the medium- and long-term.

He said forecast on the oil glut in the third and fourth quarter of 2013 was not true, noting that supply and demand was relatively balanced during the period. He said the need to focus on where oil supplies and long-term investments are coming from is imperative to determine the future of the market.

He said OPEC targets stable price oil because it wants the stakeholders in the market to benefit. ‘’Our priority is a stable price – at a level that does not affect global economic growth and, at the same time, that allows producers to receive a reasonable income and invest in supply to meet future demand.

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A

•Minister of Petroleum Power, Prof Chinedu Nebo

and retained after the deadline is ongoing. Very soon, we would know them. The government has outlawed casualisation. But we understand that the 15 power generation companies (GENCOs) and distribution companies (DISCOs) are planning to introduce a subtle way of casualising some of their operations. It is illegal.

We have fought it to a standstill before and would do it again. We are waiting for updates on the status of workers.

Very soon, we would know those that are retained by the firms, and their conditions of service.’

Ogunsegha said the unions are holding consultation with one another to forestall anti-labour practices from the firms. One of such practices, he said, is the planned introduction of casualisation through the backdoor. ‘’ There are two categories of workers. First, are those disengaged by the Bureau of Public Enterprises

• Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, Sam Amadi

• Secretary, National Union of Electricity Employees, Joe Ajaero

(BPE) and the management of the new power firms in November 2013.

The second are those that were retained and given temporary employment by the power firms.

These workers were given a deadline of six months within which the management of utility firms would determine their manpower level. ‘’ The competent workers have been sacked prior to the take-over of the power firms last November.

Those retained lacked technical depth the sector requires. They were retained based on their connection with government’s officials. The firms may not sack them on compassionate ground, but may convert them to casual or contract staff after determining their competence level. It is better for them to sack, than introduce casualisation,’’ he added.

According to him, the unions’ grouse with the GENCOs and

DISCOs is non- payment of bulk rent owed the disengaged staff in December 2013, and not the severance package. Ogunsegha said payment of the bulk rent is the responsibily of the government since they bought the assets and the liabilities of PHCN. He explained that bulk rent was monthly housing allowance for workers, noting that the management of PHCN saved and aggregated the payment. ‘’ Before privatisation, electricity workers were paid bulk rent once a year and this covered January to December. Due to the huge volume, the management decided to pay it quarterly. Before December 2013, new investors took over the power sector and stopped the payment of bulk rent.

PHCN’s authority has saved the money for the last quarter of 2013, but the power companies refused to pay the workers. This is the problem we are having with the firms.’’ he said.

NERC hailed over fixed charges directive

HE directive that power distribution companies should stop collecting the N750 fixed charges from consumers who do not enjoy power supply for a cumulative period of 15 days will boost the confidence of consumers, stakeholders have said. They include the Director, Infrastructural Development, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Reginald Odiah and former Chairman, Community Development Council (CDC) in Surulere, Lagos, Olukayode Adeyemi Odiah said the new power investors and NERC are on the path of restoring confidence into the

‘’Talking about the price, we also need to understand the cost of the marginal barrel.

Specifically, we asked ourselves at what price levels are expensive projects become unworkable. It is clear that for some projects – for example, deepwater and Arctic fields, as well as most tight oil and oil sand play are expensive. ‘’ he added.

Dialogue may check attacks on oil facilities

F

IVE days after the expiration of the April 30 deadline given workers of the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) by the new power firms, Organised Labour under the aegis of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) and Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC), said it would protest any move to turn its members to casual workers.

The President, National Union of Electricity Employees, Mansur Musa, and General Secretary, Senior Staff Association of Electricity Employees and Allied Companies, Gbenga Ogunsegha in separate interviews with The Nation, said the protest is going to be nationwide given the fact that the firms have presence in the six geo-political zones of the country.

Musa said the resistance is necessary to make the companies abide with globally acceptable industrial laws, adding that the union has been inundated with reports that the companies are planning to introduce casualisation through the backdoor.

He said the workers would resist the idea and that the union is working on a status report of its members, adding that the identity of the sacked workers will be made known soon.

Musa said: ‘’ The issue of getting the identity of those that were sacked

•Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs.Diezani Alison-Madueke

sector by improving electricity supply. He said consumers’ confidence has waned, following the epileptic power supply and inability to resolve the problem.

He said privatisation and policies introduced by the Commission to address billing problems are good ones capable of restoring confidence in the industry.

The investors, and other stakeholders in the sector are making efforts to proffer solutions to the lingering power problems, adding that the directive is a relief to consumers.

He said: ‘’ With time, the sector would get over infrastructural challenges facing it and produce the

required energy for growth. Once the gas problem is solved, the turbines would help in improving electricity generation. Thereafter, distribution companies would supply electricity with ease.’’

Also, Adeyemi said huge charges is one of the problems facing consumers, noting that NERC has boosted industry’s confidence by stopping DISCOs from collecting fixed charges from consumers who do not enjoy electricity for sometime.

He said illegal disconnection and irregular power supply are a big problem in the sector, adding that the development made the residents of Iponri Estate and its environs to organise a protest least

week. ‘’ We have made up our mind to stop illegal disconnection in the estate and other areas. We would resist any official who disconnects light illegally in the area. We have reported the matter to the District Manager of Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) in Masha. We would not hesitate to deal with the company‘s staff who disconnects our light wrongly, ”he added.

He said residents spend about N9.5million monthly to fuel their generators, adding that the problem is affecting them.He said the cost of providing energy is high, adding that it impacted negatively on cosnumers.

COMBINATION of the instrument of dialogue and force would help in securing the oil facilities in Nigeria, the Managing Director, Exxon Mobil, Mark Ward, has said.

Ward at an oil and gas conference in Lagos, said it is not good to use force always to protect oil installations in the country, arguing that force could help check attacks on oil facilities.

He said: ‘’ Some of the challenges in the sector are social in nature. They have to do with the communities where oil is being produced.

Dialogue can be embraced to tackle some of the problems.

Armed forces personnel would not be everywhere to protect oil facilities; therefore we need to explore the option of dialogue to resolve crisis. ‘’ Oil and gas production has given new equation to the development of the sector.

The problems are complex, but not insurmountable as many people think”.

He said Nigeria is a unique place to do business, in spite of the numerous problems it is passing through. The industry’s problems, Ward said, require collaboration among the stakeholders to be solved.

He said five international oil companies (IOCs) announced divestment of interest in onshore blocks because of insecurity, adding that the time has come to solve the problem to move the industry forward. He said the potentials of the industry is huge and cannot be compared to any other sectors of the economy. This, he said, is evident by the contributions of the sector to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product(GDP).

THE NATION TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2014

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THE NATION

BUSINESS AVIATION Aviation is fast becoming good business in Nigeria, with private /chartered jets outnumbering the planes in commercial airlines’ fleet. However, operators fear that the attention on the business from the larger society, government patronage and its attendant criticisms may spell doom for its growth, reports KELVIN OSA OKUNBOR

T

Air charter under threat, say operators

HERE is growing discontent among a section of the citizenry over the use of chartered/private jets. The development is a fallout of accusations against some senior government officials, not the least the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani AlisonMadueke, who allegedly spent N10billion for over three years, on charter services offered by some private airline operators.

The share size of the bill, in a sense, is an indication that business aviation is indeed, worthy of venturing into in the aviation sector. The challenge, according to operators, is not about the business survivability, but the negative image its detractors are associating it with; a trend they say, might sound the death knell to an otherwise lucrative and desirable enterprise.

Despite the probe by the lawmakers, business aviation in Nigeria is fast gaining ground, as operators of business / private jets continue to experience increasing patronage from both domestic and

international shuttles. According to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority ( NCAA) statistics, the number of private / chartered jets in Nigeria stands at over 150.

Besides, the NCAA, according to its Acting Director-General, Benedict Adeyileka, continues to receive requests for permits and licenses by more operators, who are poised at bringing jets into the country.

The aviation sector regulator, he said, has set up the Directorate of General Aviation to tend to issues affecting business aviation given its expansion in the country.

He explained that the Directorate would oversee safety issues, operations and personnel that will be involved in business aviation in Nigeria.

As the number of private jets are increasing in Nigeria, more aircraft manufacturers are establishing their presence in the with the setting up of maintenance and repair centres in Lagos, Kaduna, Abuja and Port Harcourt.

Not long ago, a private Hangar and terminal operator, Evergreen

Apple Nigeria (EAN), organised the second Nigerian Business Aviation Conference (NBAC) in Lagos. It was attended by over 160 delegates including industry experts to discuss the nation’s aviation business.

The forum examined the development, growth, challenges, government support and other issues affecting business aviation .

According to EAN Managing Director and NBAC convener, Segun Demuren, the forum was designed to provide a platform for analysing and reviewing Nigerian Business Aviation and stimulating discussion on what is needed to support business aviation in Nigeria.

Stating some facts about the aviation industry, Demuren said: “Nigeria is now Africa’s fastest growing Business Aviation economy with more new and preowned aircraft delivered to the country, than South Africa last year.

The country’s private jet fleet is larger than the commercial fleet.

Growth has been driven predominantly by the oil and gas

industry. However, other sectors including finance, manufactu-ring, telecommunication and agriculture are all contributing to a market which is set to grow by 20 per cent this year”.

He said 150 private jets are operating in the country with an anticipated increase of 350 by 2016.

According to Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) Chairman, Capt.

Nogie Meggison, the poor transport logistics within the country is the reason why people charter private jets. This, he said, has continued to stimulate the growth of business aviation .

Poor road network, limited domestic airline fleet and train network, he said, meant that executive jets have provided the solution to logistics challenges in the country.

According to him, “the time saving, the convenience and the increased productivity that follows, means that business aviation is not a luxury, but an essential tool for growth in Nigeria.”

He argued that the Federal Government, while supporting expansion, has removed import duties on new jets by signing the Cape Town convention. The convention reassures lessors about asset security. There are other issues such as investments in new infrastructure, which include private jet terminal, which does not impose time restriction on foreign registered private jets stay on Nigerian soil.

Meggison said while these are

A

•Site Engineer, Wing Commander Ahmed Shehu (right) explaining some points to reporters on an on-going projects at the MKO International Airport, Ido Osun, Osun State during the Osun State Crux of Economic Developmental Masterplan organised by People Welfare League in Osogbo, Osun State.

PHOTO: ISAAC JIMOH AYODELE.

New security measures at airports

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HE Federal Government has begun the implementation of new security measures at five international airports.

The airports are the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos; Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja; Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano; Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu and the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, Port Harcourt .

The exercise, which began last weekend, would require visitors to Nigeria, including foreign dignitaries and officials of multi lateral institutions, to submit themselves to immigration officers for requisite scrutiny and clearance.

The measures are part of the recommendations of the Presidential Committee on

Review of Security and Screening Architecture set up by the government in 2013.

The Special Adviser to the President on Performance Monitoring and Evaluation, Professor Sylvester Monye, said the new security arrangement has become imperative because of the prevailing security situation in the country.

Monye said since May 1, 2014, no protocol officer/aide, is allowed into the arrival/baggage halls of the five international airports in Nigeria.

He said the old practice where protocol officials, aides of dignitaries, protocol officers of private firms, unauthorised uniformed and non-uniformed military and security officials move about unhindered in

restricted areas around the airport terminals, will no longer be tolerated .

He said the unwholesome milling around of such personnel in the Immigration and Customs areas is now frowned at and seen as a threat to national security.

According to Monye, who spoke at the Presidential Committee on Airport Security tour of facilities in Lagos last week, the new directive was issued in view of recent threat to national security. He frowned at attempts by some government and military officials who abuse facilities at the airports.

He said government will implement the new security measures, as the directive will not respect anybody who goes against its implementation.

Delta posts $213m profit

BOUT $123 million has been recorded by Delta Airlines in the first quarter of this year.

This represents increase of $7 million over last year.

The airline’s Vice President, Joanne Smith said in a statement that passenger revenue increased by five per cent to $7.7 billion, which “shows the strength of Delta’s revenue momentum even through the revenue loss from weather and a shift of the Easter holiday traffic into April”.

According to him, “we see continued revenue strength as we move through the year from corporate revenue gains, the benefits of the Virgin Atlantic joint venture and improved ancillary

E

stimulating growth, improved regulations, comprehensive Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) offerings, the implementation of structured Safety Management Systems (SMS) and local participation are necessary for success to be achieved in the sector.

But, some Nigerians feel chartering of private jet by public officials is immoral, considering the high level of poverty in the country .

The amount expended on the use and maintenance of such jets, they argued, could tend to some needs of the masses.

According to Adeniyi Kolawole, Secretary, Concerned Citizens of Nigeria “Some of the most modern jets are owned by either serving or retired public officials.

“Something is wrong with our value system. It is sad that this is happening in a country where more than 70 per cent of the people live below poverty line.”

He added: “But that is not all, several Nigerians, especially those in public offices, have equally resorted to hiring of private jets for regular trips within Nigeria and around the world, often at astounding costs to the country.

According to findings by Transparency Action Group, those who regularly hire private jets include the private sector and government officials.

According to observers if the House must probe the oil minister, the probe must be extended to all government officials, who are using public money to take chartered flights instead of going on scheduled commercial flights.

revenues.

“These initiatives, coupled with a solid demand environment, should lead to unit revenue growth in the mid-single digits for the June quarter,” he said.

Total operating expense in the quarter, he said, increased to $18 million . This was driven by the impact of employee investments, which include $79 million higher profit sharing expense..

He disclosed that the company returned $176 million to shareholders, adding that on March 14, the company paid $51 million to shareholders, which represents a $0.06 per share quarterly dividend.

Airlines sign MoU

TIHAD Airways and Philippine Airlines (PAL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) marking a new era of cooperation between the two flag carriers.

The MoU lays the foundation for a renewed partnership agreement that will deliver a comprehensive range of commercial benefits to the airlines and their customers.

Included in its scope are codesharing, frequent flyer reciprocity, airport lounge access, air pass agreements and cargo cooperation.

Etihad Airways President and Chief Executive Officer, James Hogan, said the MoU with Philippine Airlines was an important milestone in the longstanding relationship between the two flag carriers as well as the ties

between Abu Dhabi and the Philippines.

“Etihad Airways and Philippine Airlines have a history of successful cooperation on the Abu Dhabi-Manila route,” he said.

PAL President and Chief Operating Officer (COO), Ramon S Ang, said: “We are very happy to seal this partnership with Etihad, a respected global carrier. This relationship will go a long way in providing our combined customer base a much more enhanced set of travel options. This also comes at an opportune time for PAL, which is in the thick of a fleet modernisation and expansion programme, that will see the flag carrier pushing further not only into the Middle East, but also on other parts of the globe using a modern fleet of aircraft.”

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THE NATION TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2014

THE NATION TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2014

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THE NATION TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2014

52

NEWS (SHOWBIZ)

BringBackOurGirls campaign: Monalisa Chinda leads protest in Lagos

Tricia Eseigbe’s Psychologist gets govt’s nod

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OR Tricia EseigbeKerry, an actressturned-presenter, nothing can be more heartwarming now than receiving the backing of Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State towards her new project, The Psychologist.

Welcoming Tricia and the Boldfaces International Crew during a visit to Enugu State, the governor stated that the group must visit every community within the state and educate parents on how they can protect their children from sexual abuse.

The Governor also praised the Nigeria Police Force on the partnership with Tricia’s Psychologist and advised the Inspector General of Police, MD Abubarkar, who was represented by the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Abubakar Mohammed Adamu, to see that the project succeeds in the state.

He also urged the police to get justice for victims of child sexual abuse.

According to Tricia, “The Psychologist is a public awareness campaign programme on child sexual abuse. It was

Genevieve’s wish at 35

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OLLYWOOD top actress, Genevieve Nnaji, at the weekend, marked her 35th birthday in style.

However, for Genny, as she is famously called, the day started on a rather sober note, as she spared some thoughts for the missing school girls in Borno State.

In her birthday message, the Imo State-born actress begged the government to do everything possible to rescue the girls.

She said: “I’ve always been of the belief that less words and more action speaks greater volumes. But in this case, I believe some talking is in order. The abduction of these young girls goes against everything that we as Africans fought for, for so many years. ”Kidnapping, abduction, slavery and child marriage are disregard for human life and rights. How could this be when we have appointed men to protect us? Why are we called giants if we can’t trample over ants? Save our girls!”

T

•Eseigbe

By Dupe Ayinla-Olasunkanmi

created to push for child’s safety and to get the authorities to do more in supporting children.”

After signing a partnership with the Nigeria Police Force recently, the actress embarked on a nation-wide campaign, with Niger Delta and Eastern states as the focus, while advocating for children in that region.

The Nollywood actress also visited the governors of Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Imo, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom, Cross Rivers, Abia, FCT-Abuja and Enugu State.

OP Nollywood actress, Monalisa Chinda, yesterday, led celebrities and entertainers in a fresh protest on the #BringBackOurGirls campaign at Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos.

The mother of one had earlier announced the venue, dress code and time of rally when she stated: “Dress code: Red caps, scarves and tops”.

Also, popular Nollywood actress, Omotola JaladeEkeinde, who just returned from a business trip abroad, urged her colleagues to be part of the campaign.

Speaking on her arrival at the airport, she said: “If you can, join us at the #BringBackOurGirls Lagos Rally at Allen Roundabout, Ikeja.”

Over the last few days, more artistes have been joining the clamour for the release of the over 200 girls abducted from their hostel in Chibok Local Government Area of Borno State.

Artistes present at the rally include notable rapper, Sasha P, Ebony Life TV boss, Mo Abudu and Hip hop singer, Banky W, among others.

By Dupe Ayinla-Olasunkanmi

It will be recalled that on Tuesday, April 15, more than 200 female students were kidnapped from the Government Secondary School, Chibok, Bornu State by suspected Boko Haram insurgents.

A large number of students were reportedly taken away in trucks into the Sambisa forest. Houses in Chibok were also burnt down during the incident.

Following the incident, there have been cries from all over the world for the release of the girls from the militants’ enclave.

The international union body of European students, yesterday, also joined in the campaign to bring back the abducted students.

The school had been closed for four weeks prior to the attack due to the deteriorating security situation. However, students from different schools had been called in to sit for the final exams in physics when the incident happened.

•Chinda

Davido beats Wizkid, others at Ghana Music Awards

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IGERIAN Hip hop singer, Davido, at the weekend, shone like a star when he won the Best African Artiste of the Year award at the 15 th edition of the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA).

He beat the likes of Psquare,

•Wins Best African Artiste of the Year

By Dupe Ayinla-Olasunkanmi

Kcee, Wizkid, Flavour and South African duo, Mafikizolo, to emerge the winner at the awards ceremony held at the International Conference Cen-

tre, Ghana.

According to the organisers, “The award can only be won by non-Ghanaian musicians whose music crossed borders and made the most impact in Ghana and on the continent at

large during the year under review.”

Obviously elated, Davido immediately showed off the VGMA award and wrote on his Instagram page: “Winner oh winner! GMA African Artiste of the Year! I can’t lie; I’m pack-

Calabar International Convention Centre to open next year

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•Davido

HE Calabar International Convention Centre (CICC), which is Nigeria’s first purpose-built conference facility, has been launched at the World Travel Market Africa in Cape Town, South Africa.

At a recent media conference, the CICC project co-coordinator, Mr. Nzan Ogbe, announced that plans for the official opening of CICC in February, 2015 had not changed, while adding that bookings from conference organisers were welcome.

The construction of Calabar International Convention Cen-

•Wizkid

ing all, this year. Amen.”

The awards ceremony, which was hosted by Kofi Okyere Darko (K.O.D) and Eazzy, saw performances from Davido, Iyanya, Sarkodie, Samini and Sonnie Badu, among other artistes.

tre began in 2012, after a design bid won by renowned Danish architects, Henning Larsen.

CICC will be able to accommodate international congresses, corporate conventions, government retreats and other type of meetings.

A road show is scheduled to be held across Nigeria in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt to provide more detailed information for meeting planners, conference organisers, government representatives and heads of professional organizations, among others.

Tuface Idibia, T-pain to perform at AFRIMMA

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•Tuface

IG A Entertainment, the organisers of African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA), has confirmed the acceptance of both sensational Hip hop act, Tuface Idibia and Grammy award-winning rapper, Faheem Najm, alias T-pain, as the new set of music superstars who will be performing at the awards show scheduled to take place on July 26, at the Eisemann Center, Richardson, Texas, United States.

The two singing sensations will be thrilling the crowd individually and jointly, with the remix of Tuface’s song, Rainbow, which features the American star. The song is Tuface’s popular single on his 2012 album, Away & Beyond.

Already, Tuface is being tipped to be the cynosure at the event, having raised the bar of

By Dupe Ayinla-Olasunkanmi

international collaborations with the success of Rainbow and featuring on T-Pain’s new single, If I Got It, which also has Senegalese-American artiste, Akon.

The founder/CEO of Big A Entertainment, Mr. Anderson Obiagwu, said his company was determined to sustain the drive towards a world-class African awards show through what he described as its “crossing boundaries with music”.

“This event will not only celebrate the music of Africa, but celebrate the unique sounds, culture and artistes who tell the stories of our continent as a whole.

“AFRIMMA represents growth, celebration and pushing the culture and music of Africa continuously forward for

the better. It will be an amazing night while celebrating the artistes who have influenced and impacted the culture as well as the pioneers who laid the framework for the music of today,” he said.

It will be recalled that international airline carrier, Arik Air, has signed on as the sponsor of the AFRIMMA. Also, Laura Maczka, Mayor of Richardson, has issued an official proclamation from the city endorsing its support of AFRIMMA. Obiagwu further said: “Also, International Television Powerhouse, Sound City, has signed on as a media partner and will broadcast the award show throughout Africa. The network has been dubbed as the ‘Pan- African Urban Music Channel’ and will provide the exclusive

broadcast of AFRIMMA.” According to the organisers, AFRIMMA will honour some of the world’s top African musical artistes, managers, producers, Deejays and cultural influencers.

The event, which will be hosted by comedian Basket Mouth and actress Juliet Ibrahim, is expected to attract guests from the United States as well as over 17 African countries.

It will also feature exclusive performances from popular musicians, dancers and artistes from Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia and South Africa, among others.

Other artistes who will perform at the event include Iyanya, Stanley Enow, Flavour, Davido, Diamond Platinumz, Fally Ipupa, Wyre and Miriam Chemmoss, among others.

•T-pain

THE NATION TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2014

53

MONEYLINK Chams, First Bank partner Osun on smart identity cards

L

EADING identity management and transaction payments firm, Chams Plc and First Bank of Nigeria have entered into strategic partnership with the government of Osun State on the deployment of smart identity cards for enhancing salary and pension payments to civil servants and retirees in the state.

According to a statement, the biometric smart card will provide nonrepudiable identification and authentication of civil servants and retirees in the state while also serving as credit or Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, household utility pre-payment cards, among other functions.

Launching the smart identity card and the automated Osun Pensioner Verification exercise tagged, ‘I am alive’, Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, said the introduction of the smart card is beneficial to both government and the workers in the state. He stated that the card would help to eliminate sources of financial waste and leakage being used by some dishonest workers to deprive government of needed funds, while also helping to block the possibility of defrauding workers of payments due to them.

“It was through the application of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to our tax administration and revenue collection that enabled us to increase our internally generated revenue by 100 per cent within the first few months of our administration. We have since intensified our effort to make ICT an inherent part of our public administrative system. The introduction of this new smart electronic identity card is another

Standard Chartered Bank, FCMB, others finance Azura Power

A

By Lucas Ajanaku

compone nt of that overall effort.

“It will expectedly bring about many benefits to all of us; the individual civil servants and the government. It will be given to all workers across all ministries, departments and agencies, including local government council workers.

The smart identity card is electronic, and personalised with biometric features, to each of its users.

It will add immense values to the functioning of workers and will equally improve the capacity and cost of administration by government,” Aregbesola said.

Group Managing Director, Chams Plc, Ademola Aladekomo, said the launch of a smart identity card for civil servants by the government is another first in the ICT ecosystem in Nigeria. He noted that the smart identity is multifunctional, and is more than an identity card because it has e-payment capabilities and can be used as debit or credit card by holders across the country, and anywhere in the world.

He said: “The utilisation of information and communication technology to improve service delivery in the public sector in Nigeria will make governance inclusive – bringing it closer to the people.

Inclusive governance and the use of technology to reduce the high incidence of fraud and wastage often associated with the public sector will further catalyze the growth and development of our national economy.

“Globally, governments are investing in meeting the identity management needs at city, state and

GROUP of lenders including Standard Chartered Bank (SBK), the lead fundraiser, Rand Merchant Bank, First City Monument Bank Plc (FCMB) and FMO, the Dutch development finance company are providing financial support to Save Azura Power West Africa Ltd, a Nigerian electricity producer.

The firm said the sale by the Federal Government of the assets of the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) offered “huge” opportunities for investors after it secured backing for a new $1 billion plant from the lenders.

It signed a financial deal for its 450megawatt (Mw) Azura-Edo power station with a group of local and international lenders in a package which include $530 million of debt and $220 million of equity, it explained in an email yesterday.

Azura Chief Executive Officer, David Ladipo said: “The opportunity is huge.” There are “constant power outages, a huge population of 170 million people, and very little power.

The gap between demand and supply

•FirstBank’s CEO, Bisi Onasanya regional levels.

Because it provides exceptional opportunity to cut capital and recurrent administrative costs, while also protecting citizens such as pensioners by making it difficult for dishonest persons to steal their benefits. He added that, “It is a welcome development that Osun is at the forefront of heralding access to improved public services through information and communication technology.”

Court orders NICON to pay N1.7b debt to Ecobank

J

USTICE Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday ordered NICON Group of Companies to pay N1.7bn debt to Ecobank Nigeria Ltd. The court also ordered NICON to pay interest on the cumulative indebtedness of N1,787,108,417.92 at the rate of 30 per cent per annum from November 28, 2013.

It ordered that the interest rate on the cumulative debt shall be 10 per cent per annum after judgment until the debt is fully paid.

Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year

35m 35m

11.039 12.23

19-05-2014 18-05-2016

Justice Aneke awarded N100,000 to the bank as cost incurred in the litigation.

He ordered NICON to pay the sum of N1,599,597,144.04 being the mutually agreed and subsisting indebtedness of the defendant to the plaintiff “as per plaintiff’s correspondence of April 5, 2012 endorsed and covenanted to by Barrister Jimoh Ibrahim, the defendant’s Chairman, prime mover, alter ego.

DATA BANK WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM Amount Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($) 400m 400m 400m 400m 400m 400m

MANAGED FUNDS

NIDF

Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33

OBB Rate

Price Loss 2754.67

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Tenor 91-Day 182-Day

Amount 30m 46.7m

Rate % 10.96 9.62

Date 28-04-2012 “

O/PRICE 3.42 3.80 8.59 1.14 2.42 0.80 18.18 4.56 170.50 0.77

C/PRICE 3.66 3.99 9.01 1.19 2.52 0.83 18.75 4.70 175.20 0.79

NGN USD NGN GBP NGN EUR NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) (S/N) Bureau de Change

Year Start Offer

Current Before

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

(S/N)

GAINERS AS AT 05-05-14

SYMBOL TRANSCORP UPL ACCESS RTBRISCOE CUSTODYINS ABCTRANS ASHAKACEM NAHCO GUINNESS AIICO

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 Currency

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10%

CHANGE 0.24 0.19 0.42 0.05 0.10 0.03 0.57 0.14 4.70 0.02

DISCOUNT WINDOWx Feb. ’11

July ’11

July ’12

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

12%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00%

LOSERS AS AT 05-05-14

SYMBOL

O/PRICE

AGLEVENT FBNH PRESCO CONTINSURE TOURIST MANSARD FIDSON UBCAP COSTAIN CUTIX

1.60 13.80 39.00 1.01 4.08 2.31 2.75 2.14 1.50 1.85

C/PRICE 1.50 13.03 37.05 0.96 3.88 2.20 2.62 2.04 1.43 1.77

CHANGE -0.10 -0.77 -1.95 -0.05 -0.20 -0.11 -0.13 -0.10 -0.07 -0.08

“Judgment in the sum of N187,511,273.91 being the accrued interest thereon on the mutually agreed sum from April 30, 2013 till November 27, 2013 at the rate of 20 per cent per annum.

“Interest on the cumulative indebtedness totalling N1,787,108,417.92 at the rate of 30 per cent per annum from November 28, 2013 till judgment (or sooner payment) and thereafter at the rate of 10 per cent per annum until the final liquidation of the judgment sum.

By Joseph Jibueze

FGN BONDS Tenor

is vast.” Nigeria’s power industry will grow at about 10 per cent a year, he was quoted as having said by Bloomberg in Abuja, yesterday.

Nigeria sold control of 14 power companies to new owners last year including Munich-based Siemens AG, Korea Electric Power Corp. and Lagos-based Transnational Corp. of Nigeria Plc to attract private investment to reduce blackouts. Electricity demand is more than double the supply in Nigeria, Africa’s biggest economy and most populous country. Government incentives to investors include tax breaks and permission to raise electricity tariffs, according to the Abuja-based Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE).

Azura is owned by investment firms Amaya Capital Partners and American Capital Energy & Infrastructure.

The Azura-Edo plant, which will come on stream in 2017, represents the first phase of a 1,500Mw facility in the southern Edo state near a government transmission line, and on the Escravos-Lagos gas pipeline corridor.

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days

Rate (Previous) 4 Mar, 2012 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917

Rate (Currency) 6, Mar, 2012 10.17% 11.46% 11.96%

Amount Sold ($) 399.9m 399.9m 399.9m

Exchange Rate (N) 155.75 155.8 155.7

Date 2-5-14 2-3-14 1-29-14

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX

NSE

6-2-14

28-10-11

% Change

CAP Index

N13.07tr 40,766.16

N6.617tr 20,903.16

-1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name Offer Price AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND 153.82 ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH 9.17 BGL NUBIAN FUND 1.06 BGL SAPPHIRE FUND 1.17 CANARY GROWTH FUND 0.72 CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST 1.39 CORAL INCOME FUND 1,637.31 FBN FIXED INCOME FUND 1,070.14 FBN HERITAGE FUND 115.47 FBN MONEY MARKET FUND 1,087.30 FIDELITY NIGFUND 1.67 INTERCONTINENTAL INTEGRITY FUND 1.05 KAKAWA GUARANTE ED INCOME FUND 143.11 LEGACY FUND 0.78 NIGERIA INTER DEBIT FUND 1,916.66 PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND 12.72 STANBIC IBTC ETHICAL FUND 1.07

Bid Price 153.13 9.08 1.05 1.17 0.71 1.33 1,634.46 1,069.86 114.69 1,087.00 1.62 1.03 142.62 0.76 1,909.29 12.40 1.04

• UBA BALANCED FUND • UBA BOND FUND • UBA EQUITY FUND • UBA MONEY MARKET FUND

1.2757 1.3248 0.9277 1.1698

Movement

1.2871 1.3248 0.9463 1.1698

OPEN BUY BACK

Bank

Previous 04 July, 2012

Current 07, Aug, 2012

8.5000

8.5000

Movement

54

THE NATION TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2014

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 05-05-14

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 05-05-14

THE NATION TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2014

55

EQUITIES

Unity Bank to raise N39b in rights issue, placement

U

NITY Bank Plc yesterday completed the pre-offer process for a combined rights issue and private placement that will inject more than N39 billion into the operations of the bank.

At the completion board meeting at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, directors of Unity Bank Plc and their professional parties signed off the offer documents in the presence of representatives of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and others.

Unity Bank plans would be raising N19.22 billion through a rights issue of 38.447 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each to existing shareholders at a price of 50 kobo each. The rights have been pre-allotted to shareholders on the register of the bank as at December 16,

Stories by Taofik Salako Capital Market Editor

2013 on the basis of one new share for one share held as at the closure date. The rights issue opens on May 12, 2014 and closes on June 18, 2014.

The bank is also undertaking a private placement of 40 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each at 50 kobo each, bringing in additional N20 billion in new equity funds.

The private placement opens on June 20, 2014 and closes on June 23, 2014.

The net proceeds of the new capital issues would be used for new branch development, upgrade of information and communication technology, human resource development, working capital and products and channel upgrade among others.

Speaking after the meeting, managing director, Unity Bank, Mr. Henry Semenitari said the new issues would foster the current repositioning of the bank aimed at entrenching better service delivery and profitability.

According to him, the net proceeds would be judiciously utilized to improve the bank’s processes, procedure and people and strengthen its overall framework to achieve impressive growth.

“Our journey is very precise as an institution. There were two challenges to driving our growth strategy, one was capital and other was the right size and mixed of man power. On the issue of human capital, as you can see, that has been address. We have a new set of management with new executive directors and non-executive directors in

place. On the aspect of capital, it has brought us this far, the importance of capital in business, beyond being regulatory as per capital adequacy, cannot be overemphasized; it is needed to drive the business.

As you have seen in the prospectus, the utilisation of the proceeds clearly expressed what we are going to do with the funds,” Semenitari said.

According to him, the bank is optimistic that it will raise all the funds and there could be over-subscription as some shareholders have started making deposits to take their rights.

“The offer will be used judiciously to drive our business and we are going to be more prudent. It is a new dawn in Unity Bank. You can see this in our first quarter result.

With the network in excess of 245

branches, our retail banking is on track. To be the retail banking of choice in five years, we are working along three parameter-small and medium enterprises (SMEs), agriculture and rural economy.

Within SMEs, it involves personal banking and our growth strategy in term of deposit by the year 2016 is that 40 per cent of our deposit base will be in the hands of individuals, which is very sustainable deposit in our book coming from a public sector background. We can assure you that this is a reawakening as a bank,” Semenitari said.

Chairman, Unity Bank Plc, Alhaji Lamis Dikko urged shareholders of the bank to pick up their rights noting that the bank’s valuation can only get better.

“It is a penny stock and it can only get better. The bank focus is being reinvented considering the background of where we came from, it is been very challenging from the post consolidation period but at least now we have overcome these issues. The bank is set for turnaround,” Dikko said.

Global equities steady

G

C

ONSOLIDATED Breweries Plc grew its net bottom-line by 12 per cent in 2013 as posttax profit rose to N1.24 billion.

The audited report of the company showed that net profit after tax rose from N1.10 billion in 2012 to N1.24 billion in 2013. The company recorded total sales of N34 billion.

Chairman, Consolidated Breweries Plc, Prof. Oyin Odutola-Olurin, said the company was optimistic on its potential in the years ahead.

According to her, recent acquisitions and investments in capacity expansion have positioned the company for future growth and competitiveness.

P

Consolidated Breweries grow net profit to N1.24b

Managing director, Consolidated Breweries Plc, Mr Boudewijn Haarsma noted that in spite of increased competition in the value for money segment, the company has been able to sustain its leadership.

He noted that in order to position for the significantly increased competition, the company has focused on increasing the efficiency of its operations and made additional investments of N6 billion in plant and machinery across its breweries in Nigeria.

“If you take the totality of our

investment in the last two years, it amounted to about N15 billion. In 2013 alone, N6 billion was invested in new equipment, capacity expansion and process standardization.

This has created improvements in our operational efficiency and cost savings. The impact of these measures, although not yet very visible in our 2013 results, is already manifesting in our performance in the first quarter of 2014, where we reported very strong volume growth well ahead of the market average,”

Haarsma said.

He noted that in 2013, the company effected the merger with Benue Breweries Limited and DIL/ Maltex and also divested from Champion Breweries Plc as part of strategic initiatives to realign its businesses.

He however decried the inclement operational environment noting that growth in the market had stalled over the last two years.

According to him, the slowdown in growth was on account of increasing pressure on consumers’ disposable income.

Pfizer considers hostile takeover of Astra

FIZER Inc’s top officials yesterday said they were weighing all strategies, including potential hostile maneuvers, in the company’s effort to complete its intended takeover of British drugmaker AstraZeneca Plc “Any option you can think of would be an option,” Pfizer Chief Financial Officer Frank D’Amelio told Reuters in a telephone interview, when asked whether Pfizer might take its case directly to Astra shareholders before a May 26 deadline, the date by which British takeover law requires Pfizer to either make a bid for the London-based rival or walk away, unless both companies agree to seek an extension of the deadline.

Asked in the interview whether hostile moves could hurt integration of the two companies, Chief Executive Ian Read said, “No, in my opinion, all it does is delay the planning.”

Pfizer Inc has also reported quarterly revenue well below Wall Street expectations on falling sales of key brands and generic drugs,

underscoring its interest in pursuing a $106 billion bid for rival AstraZeneca to promote new business growth.

Pfizer yesterday said it raised its bid last week in response to what it had heard from AstraZeneca shareholders and believed it to be a “compelling” offer.

AstraZeneca quickly rejected the sweetened bid, saying it “substantially” undervalued the company, and on Monday it declined to comment on Pfizer’s substantial revenue shortfall in the first quarter.

“We are very disappointed with their unwillingness to engage in conversations,” Pfizer Chief Executive Officer Ian Read said of AstraZeneca’s management.

Pfizer said total first-quarter revenue fell 9 percent to $11.35 billion, which was $730 million below Wall Street expectations. Revenue would have fallen 6.0 per cent, if not for the stronger dollar, which lowers the value of sales outside the United States. Pfizer shares fell 2.6 per cent to $29.95 in midday trading.

To assuage concerns about poten-

tial layoffs of researchers in Britain, Pfizer vowed that 20 per cent of the research and development workforce of a combined company would remain in the United Kingdom (UK). That created fears that United States researchers would bear the brunt of expected job cuts, especially those at its oncology research center in La Jolla, California.

Read, on a conference call with analysts yesterday, said the company will maintain “a massive presence” of researchers in the United States, but did not provide specifics.

The largest US drugmaker earned $2.33 billion, or 36 cents per share, in the quarter. That compared with $2.75 billion, or 38 cents, in the year-earlier period, when the company reported gains from the transfer of product rights. Excluding special items, Pfizer earned 57 cents per share. Analysts, on average, expected 55 cents, according to Thomson Reuters.

“Definitely the results on the top line came in weaker than we were anticipating,” said Morningstar

analyst Damien Conover, who cited disappointing sales of generics outside the United States.

Pfizer’s earnings ultimately met his expectations because the company was able to cut costs, Conover said.

Pfizer still expects 2014 adjusted earnings of $2.20 to $2.30 per share, but the forecast assumes that painkiller Celebrex will not face US generic competition this year. Sales of the drug fell 4.0 per cent to $624 million in the quarter, and could be jeopardized by ongoing US patent battles in the United States.

“What we’re seeing is an unusually weak first quarter, but I’m not sure it will be reflective of the full year,” said Richard Purkiss, an analyst with Atlantic Equities in London who noted the company did not lower its full-year sales forecast.

Purkiss said a number Pfizer’s key medicines, including Celebrex and impotence treatment Viagra “undershot” sales hopes in the quarter.

Global sales of cholesterol fighter Lipitor, which is now facing cheaper US generics, also disappointed.

LOBAL equity markets were steady on Monday as upbeat United States data offset a contraction in Chinese manufacturing that renewed concerns about a slowing economy in China, while escalating tensions over Ukraine underpinned safe-haven gold.

Shares were little changed on Wall Street, following declines across European equity markets, as Ukraine’s interior minister drafted a new special forces unit into Odessa and fighting continued near the eastern town of Slaviansk.

The violence in Odessa, a southwestern port with a broad ethnic mix from Russians and Ukrainians to Georgians and Tatars, was seen as a turning point in Kiev, encroaching for the first time into an area beyond the Russian-speaking east.

US equities came off early lows after the Institute for Supply Management said its services sector index rose to 55.2 in April, the fastest pace in eight months, from 53.1 in March, topping expectations for a read of 54.1.

The data provided further evidence that the US economy is emerging from a lackluster winter, a lull largely blamed on harsh weather.

“It’s more confirmation the economy is strengthening and we are headed for stronger growth,” said Peter Cardillo, chief market economist at Rockwell Global Capital in New York.

“Unfortunately, we had those headlines out of Ukraine where the situation seems to be escalating, but once the market realized the economy is doing better we saw the snapback.”

MSCI’s all-country world stock index .MIWD00000PUS pared losses to trade down 0.05 per cent, while the euro zone’s blue-chip Euro STOXX 50 index .STOXX50E also pared losses to close 0.21 per cent lower at 3,171.29. Markets in London were closed for a public holiday.

On Wall Street, the Dow Jones industrial average .DJI fell 2.18 points, or 0.01 per cent, to 16,510.71. The S&P 500 .SPX gained 0.66 point, or 0.04 per cent, to 1,881.8, and the Nasdaq Composite .IXIC added 3.007 points, or 0.07 per cent, to 4,126.905.

Gold prices hit three-week highs in thin trade, extending the previous session’s gains, fueled by the simmering tensions in Ukraine. US gold futures for June delivery were up $7.10 an ounce at $1,310.00.

The data on China’s manufacturing sector also weighed on crude oil prices.

56

TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2014

THE NATION

BUSINESS

TRANSPORTATION

ICPC writes NRC over N1 billion pension scam T HE N1 billion pension scam over which two directors and nine others were fired at the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) is threatening to tear the corporation apart.

One of the fired directors is alleging that he did not act alone, naming a top management staff member as the one who approved the pension funds he audited.

The director’s protest was said to have stalled the immediate implementation of the report which indicted him and others.

On April 16, the Bamanga Tukur- led board mandated the management to implement the recommendations of the Fidet Okhiria panel set up to investigate the fraud.

But the management was said to have taken its time in carrying out the directive.

“From all indication, it is clear that the management is afraid to wield the big stick to avoid opening a can of worms on scams that have been perpetrated in the pension fund over the years,” a source said.

It was gathered that three years ago, a director was sacked by the management for alleged fraud.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has written the NRC management requesting for details of the fraud.

One of the indicted directors and another official have been arrested by the Nigeria Railway Police Command.

A Murano Sports Utility Van

•Management drags feet on sack of indicted officials

By Adeyinka Aderibigbe

•Passengers at a terminal Stories by Adeyinka Aderibigbe

(SUV) belonging to another top official has been withdrawn and now parked on the premises of the Nigeria Railway Police at Ebute-Meta in Lagos, in connection with the investigation.

Some offices are still locked at the corporation, pending the outcome of the investigation.

The 2014 Pension Reform Bill passed by the National Assembly recommends 10-year jail term for pension thieves. It also recommends a three-fold

refund of stolen pension cash and the forfeiture of all properties acquired with the stolen money.

Meanwhile the NRC management has elevated some managers.

Those promoted are the Dis-

Ticket shortage hits BRT operators

•Agency declines comment

A

TICKET shortage may have hit operators of the Lagos State Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) buses.

It was learnt that on most of the 200 BRT routes, fares are altered with markers before tickets are issued to passengers.

The development was first noticed in February, but indications are that it may have started earlier. Commuters, who spoke with The Nation, said the shortage was first noticed on some of the routes last year.

Commuters plying the IkoroduOshodi route said they noticed the problem in September last year, when some ticketers started using markers to change the fares on the tickets.

Ismail Odunuga, a printer living in Ikorodu, on the outskirts of Lagos, said the practice started in September.

He said: “When I first noticed the alteration on my ticket, I questioned the ticketer who appealed to all commuters on board the bus to bear with them, though he said the problem would soon be resolved, we have all seen that it still subsists. No one seems to know

•BRT bus

the reason.”

On the Yaba-Mushin route, commuters have become used to being paired on a ticket while boarding BRT. “When it first happened to me, the ticketer, who first gave me a N50 ticket withdrew it and gave me another one of N200 and paired me with three other commuters. Initially I felt funny, but when other commuters didn’t raise any eyebrow, I too adjusted to it,” a passenger, Mrs Bolatito Ajuwon, said of her experience.

On the Oshodi-Agege route, it has become the norm in the last three months to be given a N50 ticket for a trip which fare is N70.

The Nation witnessed a rowdy scene last Tuesday as a commuter, who simply identified himself as Peter, an auto parts dealer at Ladipo in Mushin, demanded an explanation when he was issued a N50 ticket.

Following Peter’s insistence, the ticketer said: “That was the ticket we were given, if you want to know why, you can go to our office to find

out.”

On some routes, ticketers collect cash from commuters without issuing them tickets. Mrs Rosemary Nwoko, a regular user of the Bus Franchise Scheme (BFS), operating the Iyana-Ipaja/Oshodi route, said on some occasions, she boarded the bus and paid without being issued a ticket.

“Initially we were arguing over the development but the ticketers said they weren’t selling tickets because none was available. We soon ceased being bothered about

trict Manager Eastern District, Mr Felix Njoku, who becomes the Acting Director of Finance.

Mrs Adun Oshunmakinde, who becomes the Deputy Director of Finance and Mrs Adetunji has been named Assistant Director of Pensions.

it,” she said.

Investigation showed that the shortage cuts across the BRT and the BFS buses because both get their supply from one sourceLAGBUS Assets Management company.

It is unclear whether the scarcity is connected with government’s intention to replace the paper ticket with electronic pay system.

Flagging off the electronic option in 2012, the Deputy Governor, Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, said government is changing to electronics to further plug waste.

“When fully on stream, the electronic card would be used on all modes of transportation in the state. Commuters would merely go to accredited vendors to recharge their tapping card, which would be used on calibrated metres to be installed in the buses, the ferries and the trains,” she said.

But the initiative has yet to take off.

Efforts to get the LAGBUS’ reaction proved abortive. Its spokesperson, Mrs Yemi Junaid, told The Nation that she was not in a position to speak on the matter.

She asked The Nation to formally request for information through a letter. “I am just speaking with you for formality sake, you should realise I have a job to protect here and the rule here is that you must make such request formal,” she told The Nation on phone on Wednesday last week.

THE NATION TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2014

57

NEWS Another conference member dies

T

HE National Conference sitting in Abuja lost another member yesterday.

Dr Mohammed Abubakar Jumare from Kaduna State was said to have died early in the day and was buried in Zaria.

Dr Jumare was nominated to the conference as an elder statesman.

A statement by the conference’s Assistant Secretary, Media and Communication, Akpandem James, said that the late Jumare was born on August 20, 1943 in Kwarbai, Zaria City.

He attended Town School Number 1 in 19491952; Middle School, Soba Senior Primary School, Katsina Teachers College and Ahmadu Bello University where he bagged the Doctor of Philosophy in 1989.

He started out as a primary school teacher in 1960 at the Zaria Local Authority and was later transferred to the Treasury as Clerk in 1962.

He rose to the position of Emirate Supervisor of Ac-

S

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Dele Anofi, Abuja

counts and then Head of the Local Authority between 1973 and 1975.

After the local Government Reforms, he became the first Principal Assistant Secretary and Head of Administration.

He worked with the Ahmadu Bello University between 1986 and 1992 as Senior Lecturer and Senior Administrative Consultant.

He was the General Manager Personnel and Administration at Peugeot Automobile Limited, Kaduna, between 1993 and 1999; and Chairman, Kaduna State Water Board between 2003 and 2004.

Dr Jumare also served as a National Commissioner in charge of Information and Publicity Committee at the National Electoral Commission. He was also the Chairman of the 15-member National Advisory Committee on Delimitation of Constituencies constituted by INEC in 2008. His tenure at INEC lapsed in 2009.

Council chairman’s son killed in Borno

USPECTED assassins have invaded the home of the Caretaker Chairman of Shani Local Government, Madu Walama, in Walama village, killing one of his sons, Shettima Walama(20).

The assassins also killed his driver on the Biu- Shani- Numan road while attempting to escape.

Eyewitnesses said this was the fourth time armed men have invaded walama’s house but the chairman was not always at home.

They said:”When the armed men invaded the house, they

From Bodunrin Kayode, Maiduguri

asked about the whereabouts of the chairman. When they discovered that the council boss was not around, they shot one of his sons.

“Although, the man was rushed to the hospital, he did not make it. The armed men wrecked havoc on the chairman’s house, but did not take any thing.

Commissioner of Police Lawal Tanko confirmed the incident, saying the gunmen were robbers.

Tension as Obiano testifies at tribunal

T

HERE was tension yesterday in Awka, the Anambra State capital, as the Governorship Election Tribunal heard the testimony of Governor Willie Obiano for the second time in a week.

During his cross-examination by Chief Emeka Ngige (SAN), the governor said he did not know the origin of the double registration document the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Senator Chris Ngige, brought against him.

The session was marred by a shouting match between Chief Ngige and Patrick Ikwueto (SAN), counsel to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Ikwueto intermittently interjected during the cross-examination.

Also, the counsel to the governor, Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), did not make things easy for his fellow lawyers and reporters as he spoke in muffled tone.

His refusal to use the microphone elicited murmurings from the crowded tribunal room.

Obiano admitted that the pictures and signatures on the voters’ register were his.

The governor, however, insisted that since he did not work with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), he would not

•Counsel in shouting match •Double registration takes lead From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

know how they occurred.

The governor was in the witness box between 9.30am till 5.30pm yesterday.

Other dignitaries at the tribunal included Chris Ngige; Chief Victor Umeh of APGA; Anambra State Deputy Governor Nkem Okeke and House of Assembly Speaker Chinwe Nwebili.

When Emeka Ngige sought to tender the document that bore the particulars of Obiano on the voters’ register, Ikpeazu, Ikwueto and Ayotunde Ogunleye, the INEC counsel, objected.

They described it as inadmissible.

But the tribunal, led by Hon. Justice Ishaq Bello, overruled the objection.

Obiano, who was addressed to as a “witness” by Ngige - which drew the ire of APGA lawyers - admitted that the document was the one he used to transfer his registration from Lagos to Anambra State.

The governor said he completed the form in the office of the Electoral Officer (EO) on August 21, last year.

Obiano said he could not confirm his photograph on the form Ngige showed to him.

He, however, said it con-

tained his picture.

At this point Ikpeazu interjected.

He told the tribunal that Ngige’s time had elapsed.

This infuriated the lawyer, who said: “My lords, this is the first time ever a fellow counsel would time his colleague. It is disheartening. I have never witnessed this before in law practice when cross-examining a witness.”

This made Justice Bello to add three more minutes for Ngige.

When the form was shown to Obiano, he said: “I am seeing the form for the first time.

The picture there is not mine; I do not know who planted it there. There is no place my name appeared twice and there is no place I voted twice.”

But Ngige insisted that the governor should read out the figures on the form.

Obiano said the form was tiny and that he could not read it.

Following Ngige’s insistence, Obiano read out the Vinn number as 90F8B14888377881121.

The governor added that what he saw was Obiano Maduabuchi Willie.

He said the picture did not appear to be his.

Obiano said: “I did not know the origin of this, but I

•Obiano

have seen Obiano Willie Maduabuchi. Also, the second one: Obiano Maduabuchi Willie. I cannot confirm that the ad hoc staff who worked for INEC came from Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU).”

At the end of proceedings yesterday evening, Justice Bello warned the lawyers not to be temperamental in their arguments.

“The discrepancies and general practice of behaviour will also be seen overseas.

Whatever we do here may make or mar the judicial system. But our promise is that when we leave here, we are not going to bear any grudges against any person,” he said.

Also, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its governorship candidate, Tony Nwoye, were handicapped yesterday as their matter could not hold.

Rather, the tribunal had put forward their cases for today as canvassed by Nwoye’s lead counsel, D. C. Denwigwe (SAN).

National Conference wants limited borrowing powers for States

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ATIONAL Conference Committee on Public Finance and Revenue has expressed concern of over the country’s N10.1 trillion debt profile.

It said it would explore means of how to discourage states from unwarranted borrowing.

The Committee’s decision followed the disclosure

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Dele Anofi, Abuja

of the country’s debt profile put at N10.1 trillion by the Director General of the Debt Management Office (DMO), Bright Okogwu yesterday.

The Committee’S Chairman former Governor

Adamu Aliero said states must be discouraged from borrowing that they would not be able to service as it has the potentials of impacting negatively on the people.

He said the Director General of the Budget Office would be invited to brief the Committee today to throw light on the nation’s

debt profile and its management in relation to the implementation of the budget Earlier, Okogwu said that as at March, 2014, the country’s total external and domestic debt for the Federal and state government including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is N10.1 trillion.

58

THE NATION TUESDAY MAY 6, 2014

NEWS

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20 die of cholera in Plateau

FRESH outbreak of cholera has been reported in Barkin Ladi and Jos South local government areas of Plateau State.

It was gathered that 17 victims were rushed to clinics in Bukuru, Jos South Local Government.

The epidemic started in Barkin Ladi Local Government on Sunday.

Before noon, more than 10 people have been reported dead at the Barkin Ladi General Hospital.

More victims were reported to have died yesterday morning.

A resident, James Abok,

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From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

said: “This thing is serious.

Between Sunday and Monday, not less than 20 people have been killed by cholera.

Two of my neighbours are among the dead.”

The Chairman of Barkin Ladi Local Government, Emmanuel Loman, confirmed that five people died and 32 were hospitalised.

"We are advising the people to keep their environment clean, wash their fruits before eating and avoid staying in congested environment and report to the nearest hospital, if they notice any symptoms."

Two corps members killed

WO corps members were killed in Jigawa State yesterday when a truck ran into their motorcycle. A third victim is on life support in the hospital.

The State Commandant of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Amin Umar, said: “The accident occurred on G9 road at 10am.

The corps members were on a motorcycle. They fell along the road and a truck coming behind crushed PUBLIC NOTICE WILLIAMS I formerly known and addressed as Miss Williams Abosede Semawon, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Sohe Abosede Semawon. All former documents remain valid. Abia State University Uturu & general public should please take note.

From Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

them.”

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) spokesman, Alex Obemeata, said the corps member were on their way to the Federal University Dutse (FUD) for their monthly clearance.

He said Mustafa Sufi, who studied Accounting and Finance at East London University and Muktar Abubakar who studied Business Administration at Cafe Briton University, died on the spot.

Haruna Ahmad, who studied Human Resource Management at New Castle University, is receiving treatment at Rahid Shekoni Special Hospital.

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HE police in Yobe State have said the impact of Sunday’s botched attack on A Division Police Station in Damaturu would have been “most devastating and disastrous”.

Abubakar Umar drove a blue Chevrolet van laden with explosives to the station.

Inspector Mohammed Danladi of the Bomb Disposal Unit, who deactivated six explosive laden cylinders, said the cylinders, if exploded, would have wrecked havoc on buildings within the radius of 500 metres.

Danladi said the explosives were 20 minutes from exploding, when the anti-bomb squad diffused the bombs.

His words: “If they had gone off, there would have been serious damage to the environment for about 500 metres radius.

“This means the police station, behind the station, parts of this roundabout, north, east, west south would have been reduced to rubbles.

“This is the first huge bomb that we have discovered since the insurgency started.

“One of these has an impact of about 10 times what we recovered before. We have never seen this type before.

“There was an alternative for the boy to detonate the bomb. He was timed an hour before he took off from his base but there was a command wire that he was supposed to have connected himself.

“If that failed, he could have abandoned the vehicle and when the timer expired, the bomb would have gone off.

“The content of these cylinders was dynamites that the insurgents must have stolen from construction companies.”

Police Commissioner Sanusi

•Umar with his items recovered from him.

‘Foiled suicide attack would have been devastating’

From Duku Joel, Damaturu

Rufai said the suspect was blindfolded from Talala in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State to Goniri in Gujba Local Government, where he received the “command” to come to Damaturu.

Rufai said the suspect reportedly confessed that he was cho-

sen for the job because he was not married.

The commissioner said the suspect confirmed that there was another car laden with explosives, which is at large.

He said: “The suspect said he was chosen because he was not married and that when he kills people he will go to paradise.

“After interrogation, he con-

fessed that they are about 200 in their camp in the bush and he does not know the name of the place but they receive instruction from their leader at Sambisa forest.

“We are going to hand him over to the Joint Task Force (JTF) with our findings so that they can continue where we stopped.”

Saraki dissociates self from campaign posters

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X- Kwara State Governor Bukola Saraki has distanced himself from presidential campaign posters in Abuja.

Saraki, who is a senator, denied a media report titled: “2015: Bukola Saraki Presidential Campaign Posters Flood Abuja, Katsina”.

Saraki made the clarification in a statement by his media aide, Bamikole Omishore.

The statement reads: “Senator Bukola Saraki wishes to state that the story is false and the posters

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

across the cities mentioned are the handiwork of some mischief makers.

“We are all aware of the present political situation in Nigeria; we are equally not surprised that these “national enemies” have chosen this solemn time again to distract the country.

“It is obvious that this is another strategy of their cheap blackmail and an attempt to drag some of us, who have been critical of them

into their kind of nefarious activities.

“Senator Saraki wishes to reassure the public, especially his associates, friends and well wishers, that this is not coming from him.

“As a politician of repute, he knows that printing of posters will definitely not be the starting point of such campaign, if at all the need arises.

“The public is hereby warned to disregard and discard this unholy attempt to dent the senator’s image.”

‘Umar responsible for Taraba crisis’

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HE senator representing Taraba South, Emmanuel Bwacha, has accused Acting Governor Garba Umar of failing to protect lives and property.

Bwacha spoke yesterday in reaction to Umar’s allegations that the senator was attempting to “incite division and violence” in the state.

The acting governor, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Aaron Atimas, said the senator has been trying to hijack power from him.

Bwacha said: “Umar has demonstrated he is really a neophyte, who has failed in governance and protection of lives and property.”

“Who should be accused of inciting violence? A man who has aided

From Fanen Ihyongo, Jalingo

“genocide” in the state and the other who is calling on the Federal Government to stop the killings?

“I called for a state of emergency in Taraba State because we cannot continue to watch the daily killing of innocent people in hostilities, which can be prevented.

“The violence today is being perpetrated by armed insurgents.

“Why is the spate of crime and violence in Taraba increasing robustly, despite an increase of security votes from N80 million to N200 million?”

The senator also accused Umar of identifying with only Muslims.

“Records of the Sure-P scheme

and his unconstitutional appointments are lopsided.

“Christians and Muslims in Taraba had been co-habiting in peace and harmony, until he came to polarise them in his “illegitimate” government.

“On the issue of my political ambition, we are working as a team to get a consensus candidate from southern Taraba who would become the next governor.

“It could be me or another person and I am willing to support whoever the stakeholders endorse.

“I am not desperate like Umar, who is afraid of me. I have never relied on anybody than God in my political career.”

Group urges pregnant women to utilise THE Oyo State advocaSURE-P MNCH centres cy group under the Sub-

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sidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) Maternal Neonatal and Child Health (MNCH) scheme has appealed to all pregnant women in the state to utilise all the SURE-P MNCH community health centres spread across six council areas in the state for safe delivery.

SURE-P MNCH was set up by the Federal Government to reduce maternal and newborn mortality in the country.

The State program officer of Doma Education Development

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

Foundation (DEDF), Mr Oyewole Adejumo spoke yesterday when they paid an advocacy visit to the Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Oyo State chapter, Pastor Johnson Olabisi,along with Family Health and Population Action Committee (FAHPAC), at CAC Oke-Iyannu, Ibadan.

According to him, the SURE-P MNCH community health centres in the six local government areas in the state, are namely, Kajola, Su-

rulere, Ido, Oorelope, Ibarapa North and Oluyole Local government.

“Federal Government has made provisions for all the necessary facilities to ensure safe delivery of pregnant women in all this centres. All pregnant women should ensure that they go through thr full continuum of care and should attend all their antenatal and postnatal care because it improves general health of mothers and their babies” Adejumo asserted

THE NATION TUESDAY MAY 6, 2014

59

NEWS

Three Dutch nationals abducted in Bayelsa

MTN plans $1b Nigeria tower network’s sale

By Lucas Ajanaku

From Shola O’Neil, Port Harcourt and Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

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UNMEN have abducted three Dutch nationalstwo men and a womanin Letugbene, Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

It was also gathered that the whereabouts of two Nigerians, who accompanied the Dutch, were unknown.

Sources said Erhard Leffers, Marianne Hendrick-Voxs and Jandries Groenenedij were abducted on Sunday at 4:30pm.

They were said to have been kidnapped after a visit to the monarch of Iduwuni Kingdom, Joel Ibane.

Their Nigerian counterparts are Sunny Ofehe, founder/ Chief Executive Officer of The Netherlands-based Hope for Niger Delta Campaign and Femi Soewu.

An eyewitness, Joe Ogbodu, said: “I was on the boat with the three Dutch and two Nigerians when the gunmen rounded us up at Letugbene community and ordered everybody to lay facedown.

“Some persons in the second boat, including community leaders from Dodo River, jumped into the river. We learnt some of them are missing, including the Nigerians who came with the foreigners.

It was learnt that the team, led

by Ofehe, was on an inspection of ecological devastation in communities around the Dodo River in Bayelsa and Delta states.

The foreigners and their Nigerian associates had been taken through a cottage hospital built by a multinational in Amutu II. A source said Ibene took the visitors round the facility before they were accosted by gunmen shortly after they departed the jetty.

Ogbodu told our reporter on telephone yesterday that the gunmen stormed the scene in a Passport 19 speedboat and fired several shots into the air.

•Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola speakng at the handover of vehicles and motorcycles to the police...yesterday. With him are Deputy Governor Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire (right); Secretary to the State Government Mrs Oluranti Adebule; representative of the Inspector-General of Police Mamman Tsafe and Chairman, State Security Trust Fund Fola Arthur -Worrey

Ex-Governor Otedola dies at 87

PHOTO: OMOSEHIN MOSES

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AGOS lost yesterday one of its eminent sons and former Governor Sir Michael Agbolade Otedola, who died at 87.

He passed on in the early hours according to his widow, Lady Doja, of old-age related ailment, which took him out of public glare for many years.

Governor Babatunde Fashola ordered flags in the state to fly at half mast for seven days, saying Otedola, who was governor between 1992-93, during the Gen. Ibrahim Babangida’s unsuccessful transition to civil rule programme, will be remembered for his contributions to the development of the state.

Fashola’s predecessor Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu also commiserated with Lagosians and the family member of the late elder statesmen.

Fashola said Otedola would be remembered for his numerous contributions to the development of the state.

He said he had known him long before he (Otedola) became

By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

governor.

At the handing over of 100 patrol van and 150 patrol motor bikes to the Rapid Response Squad at the State House, Alausa Ikeja, Fashola directed that a minute silence be held for the late Otedola.

Tinubu said the news of the passing away of Sir Otedola came to him while he was out of the country. “Though 87 years old, his passing away is still a big loss. I pray that God will comfort his family and stand by them. They must be comforted in the knowledge that Baba played his part well and the rest is now left to all of us”.

Tinubu said Otedola’s tenure as Governor of Lagos State, though short witnessed some progress. “He brought stability to our state and maturity to our politics. He was quiet unassuming. An individual one would always want to have in the room and on his side. He was a key player in shaping the politics of

Lagos State and Lagos will never forget him”.His philanthropy is almost legendary just as his devotion to serving humanity and God was unwaivering.

Tinubu also sympathised with the family of the late Justice Chukwudifu Oputa a former Supreme Court judge who died on Sunday.

“He was first among equals and indeed his legal brilliance and satorial elegance within the legal profession remains unequaled. During his generation, the Nigerian judiciary was at the peak of its reputation as the true hope for the common man.

Only a few in his generation remain with us, thus his departure is the end of an era and a great lose to Nigeria and the legal profession.”Former Supreme Court judge, Justice Chukwudifu Oputa has left behind a legal legacy that may be yet unrivaled in our annals,” he said.

The late Otedola was born on the July 16, 1926 into a Muslim family at Odoragunsin, Epe Local Government Area of La-

Alison-Madueke’s N10b jet expenses: court insists on House’s appearance

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HE House of Representatives yesterday refused to obey an order by a Federal High Court in Abuja directing it to appear and explain where it got its information that the court has stopped the investigation of the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke for allegedly expending about N10billion in hiring aircraft.

The court has insisted that the order it made on April 29 stands and that House of Representatives must obey the order by appearing before it.

Justice Ahmed Mohammed had made the order on April 29 upon reports quoting the House of Representatives’ spokesman, Zakari Mohammed as claiming that the planned investigation of Mrs Alison-Madueke and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation(NNPC) by the House’s Committee on Public Accounts had been stopped by the court.

The House of Representatives reportedly told the media on April 28 (a day the Minister and top officials of NNPC were expected to appear before it) that it was suspending its investigation into the N10b aircraft lease allegation on account of a purported restraining order from the court.

Yesterday, the House was nei-

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

ther represented by its official nor a lawyer, prompting plaintiff’s lawyer, Etigwe Uwa (SAN) to observe that the House of Reps (who is the 2nd defendant in the case) was treating the case with levity and urged the court to compel its appearance in court.

Uwa noted that the House of Reps has consistently refused to attend court despite being served with court processes and hearing notices as directed by the court.

He added that even when the House was served with the court’s order to show cause why the plaintiffs’ prayer restraining order and order for maintenance of status quo, as contained in its motion on notice, should not be granted, the House of Representatives ignored the court, but instead, addressed a press conference where it claimed to have been restrained by the court.

“After that, an order directing the 2nd defendant to appear and explain its position. We also confirmed this morning that hearing notices were served on the defendants as was directed by the court on the last date.

In the circumstance, the 2nd defendant has not treated this matter with the seriousness it

deserved.

“The 2nd defendant did not explain why it is only this morning that a counsel is being instructed. Our position is that as regard the substantive suit, we do not oppose an adjournment.

“With regard to the non-appearance of the 2nd defendant in spite of the order of this court, to appear and explain the source of the order in question, we urged the court to make an appropriate order to bring the 2nd defendant before this court in line with the order made, and also, direction that will allow the res in this matter to be preserved in the interim,” Uwa said.

Earlier, he told the court about a telephone conversation between him and a new lawyer, Mr A. B. Mahmoud (SAN) engaged by the House of Reps.

He said Mahmoud told him he was briefed on telephone to handle the case, and that he could not attend court because he had not been received the court processes from his client.

Uwa said Mahmoud, who promised to send a junior colleague, requested for an adjournment to enable him file the necessary response.

At that point, a young man stood up and announced that he was from A.B. Mamoud’s chambers, but was only asked to wit-

ness proceedings and not to participate. The judge refused to recognize him on the ground that he was not properly dressed. He was dressed in just suit, but without wig and rob.

Lawyer to the 1st defendant (National Assembly), Yakubu Maikyau (SAN) confirmed that the House of Reps instructed A. B. Mahmoud to handle the case some minutes before the court’s proceedings.

He urged the court to grant the House of Reps some indulgence, by granting an adjournment to enable its lawyer appear to explain the true position of things.

Ruling Justice Mohammed held that although the court was willing to indulge the House of Reps, it must obey the order directing it to appear and explain where it got the restraining order it referred to during its press conference.

“As far as this court is concerned, the order of April 29, 2014, requesting the 2nd defendant (the House of Representatives) to appear before this court to clarify whether it was served with a restraining order by this court, regarding the investigation of the plaintiffs in this case, still stands’’.

Justice Mohammed consequently adjourned May 26 for the House to appear as per the

gos State.

Having completed his elementary studies, he moved to Lagos to pursue his education and won a scholarship to study Journalism at the Regent Street Polytechnic in London where he graduated in 1958.

Otedola began his career as a teacher before working as a reporter at the St. Pancras Chronicle, then as a reporter and later sub-editor at The Guardian and The Times in England.

When he returned to Nigeria in 1959, he became an Information Officer in the Western Nigeria government and was appointed the Editor of the Western Nigeria Illustrated.

In 1961, he moved into public relations, working for Western Nigeria Television/Western Broadcasting Service (19611964) and Mobil Oil Group of Companies (1964-1977).

He continued as a consultant to Mobil after leaving the company before joining politics.

He was elected governor of Lagos State from 1992 to 1993 on the platform of the National Republican Convention (NRC).

It is on record that his administration facilitated the Yaba College of Technology campus in Epe. Otedola, an accomplished technocrat, upon leaving office, continued his career as a writer, a consultant holding positions on the boards of various businesses.

He was a philanthropist of great repute, a feat that got him Lifetime Achievement Awards from many organisations.

He is the father of Mr. Femi Otedola, the billionaire owner of Nigerian oil giant Zenon Petroleum and Gas Limited.

FRICA’s largest phone operator, MTN Group Ltd. (MTN) is planning to sell a stake in its Nigerian mobile tower network, which it values at more than $1 billion, this year.

Chief Financial Officer, MTN Nigeria, Andrew Bing who dropped this hint in Lagos yesterday said bidding process is already ongoing.

“There is a bidding process going on, so they’re busy doing a due diligence on us, on our towers, our processes and we’re doing due diligence on them, if they’re the right company. During this year that process will then come to a conclusion where there will be a financial bid and a transfer of towers,” Bing told Bloomberg in Lagos.

MTN is the largest operator in the country, with footprints in all the 36 states of the federation. The telco, along with two others, has been barred from adding new subscribers due to failure to meet the key performance indicators (KPIs) set by the regulatory body, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

Church programme

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HE Redeemed Christian Church of God, Divine Connection Area Headquarters, Ketu 2, Zone 2, Lagos province 21 will hold its Victory Night programme tagged, A new chapter, on May 30.

The programme will hold at the Divine Connection Area headquarters auditorium at 12, Adisa Akintoye Street, Ketu Alapere in Agboyi/Ketu Local Local Council of Lagos State.

The host, Pastor Joel Obado, said God will open a new chapter for everyone who attends the programme.

Ministering are Deacon Amidu Akinyemi, Divine Voices, Sister Dupe Owoeye, among others.

PUBLIC NOTICE AJAO

I,formely known and addressed as MISS AJAO OLAIDE MULIKAT now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OLADEJO OLAIDE MULIKAT. All former documents remain valid. General Public please take note.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

I Osagie Odiase, Female,a Nigerian of No 150 Awolowo Road Ikoyi, Lagos hereby declare that I am a representative of Casi Properties Ltd of the same address. That the company was duly issued original letters of allocation and receipt of payment of Block 13, 14, 19, 20, 23 and 24 of Sunshine Estate, LSDPC Agege, Lagos by LSDPC. But these got lost in transit and all effort to locate them prove abortive. LSDPC and general public please take note.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2014

NEWS Anger rises as Boko Haram threatens to sell school girls Continued from page 2

tries that have gone through this before to ensure the freedom of these abducted girls.

Falana condemned the arrest of some protesters in Abuja.

Receiving the protesters, Deputy Governor Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire said the state government would work with the Federal Government to ensure the girls’ release, adding that it is disheartening to hear that 234 girls were kidnapped.

“We are pained, as mothers, for this to be happening to our girls. We will do our best to ensure that they are released. All of us should pray and fast for the release of these children because we believe God can do it.

“From tomorrow, Lagosians can observe three days fasting and prayer for the release of these girls. We need divine intervention. Let us lend our voices to God to release these children,” she said.

Speaking for the protesters, Aisha Oyebode, wife of frontline lawyer-businessman Gbenga Oyebode, said the essence of the protest was that the women wanted the girls returned unharmed.

She said it was the responsibility of the government to ensure that they were rescued and brought back home immediately.

“The longer it takes to rescue our girls, the greater the dangers they are exposed to. The lack of action is unacceptable, the growing insecurity is worrisome and we as Nigerians demand an immediate and complete end to the politicisation of insecurity in this country,” Mrs Oyebode, daughter of the late Gen. Murtala Muhammed, said.

In Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s wife, Bola, and Governor Ibikunle Amosun’s wife, Olufunso, joined hundreds of women to march over the girls’ abduction.

The protest, which began around 8am at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Kuto,took the women through IBB Boulevard and terminated at the Ogun State House of Assembly complex, the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, where Mrs Amosun presented their protest letter to Speaker Suraj Adekunbi for delivery to the National Assembly.

They also marched on Amosun’s office, demanding action from the Federal Government as well as unconditional and safe release of the girls.

Mrs Amosun, who spoke on behalf of the women, presented a letter to the governor for delivery to President Jonathan, pleading with him to help set the innocent girls free.

Also participating in the protest march are the Iyalode of Yorubaland, Chief Alaba Lawson, members of the International Federation of Women Lawyers, trader, artisans, among others.

The women, who deplored the abduction of the girls and likely pains they could be passing through, displayed placards bearing various inscriptions: “Kidnapped school girls must be found”; “Our girls are not sex machine”; “Bring back our girls”, “Haba! this is barbaric in the 21st century”, and “Let all our women rise to save our girls”.

At the Ogun Assembly complex, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Elizabeth Sonubi, who addressed the lawmakers, called on the states

and National Assembly members to take action towards freeing the girls.

Mrs. Sonubi also urged President Goodluck Jonathan to help release the girls.

Thousands of secondary schools girls in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, protested yesterday to demand unconditional release of the abducted Chibok girls.

The girls, dressed in black, from various secondary schools, marched through major streets in Calabar, with placards that read: “Bring back our little sisters”, “Our girls are future mothers, free our daughters”, “Dialogue is the best option, not kidnapping of girls”, “Why use women as tools for negotiation”; “We need a safe and secure Nigeria, not abduction of girls” and “Free our girls, stop bombing and let’s talk”; among others.

They were joined in the protest by members of the National Association of Cross River Students (NACRISS), Civil Society and Non-Governmental organisations in the state.

Some of the pupils said they were concerned about the plight of the abducted girls whose fate remains unknown.

They urged the Federal Government to ensure the release of the girls urgently.

“The victims and their parents should be saved the trauma they are passing through.

These innocent girls should not be made sacrificial lambs.

“Today, it is students of Chibok Secondary School, tomorrow some other persons may be affected,” one of the Mary said.

The co-ordinator, Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (a civil society organisation), Comrade James Ibor who also participated in the protest march,

said the safety of lives and property should be given priority by the government.

Comrade Ibor said: “The government must not abdicate its responsibility of guaranteeing the security of lives and property.”

Comrade Nse Paulinus, National Coordinator of Democratic Action League, praised the pupils for embarking on the protest.

“These are the friends of the girls in captivity. The government should listen to their cry and ensure the kidnapped girls are released safely,” he said.

The Deputy Coordinator of Girls’ Power Initiative (GPI), a Calabar non-governmental organisation (NGO), Mrs. Ndodoye Basey-Obongha also called for the unconditional release of the abducted girls.

“We join our voices with the parents of the affected girls and all other well-meaning Nigerians to urge the Boko Haram sect to immediately release the abducted girls in the interest of humanity,” she said.

Jonathan, Kenyatta won’t succumb to terror Continued from page 2

People who have no value for life, who continue to wreck wanton havoc on lives and properties in our two countries.

“My presence here is an indication that these people will not derail us. We will continue, we shall fight the fight and we will win the fight and in the process we will continue with our agenda of transforming our continent’s economy.

This we must not lose focus on.

Why Shettima’s wife shunned meeting with First Lady Continued from page 2

she also appreciated. In addition, she said, Mrs. Shettima had met virtually all the groups from Borno that the First Lady was meeting and that her representative was more than capable of representing her at the Villa meetings.

“The governor’s wife had led women in Borno on one week fasting and, at the end, she hosted them again to review the situation while she was part of the procession at the Workers’ Day to call for the release of the schoolgirls.

“The fact of the matter is that Hajiya Nana Shettima is right now in Chibok. She has met with parents of our daughters and sisters, the schoolgirls abducted to offer support to them.

“Some of the parents have been discovered to have health challenges that will be immediately addressed. Mrs. Shettima left today (Monday) for Chibok after she was finally given a security clearance that was delayed since last week for operational reasons we can’t fault.

“Mrs. Shettima is more concerned about the release of the schoolgirls who are daughters of Borno as well as providing crucial support to their parents who are having serious trauma that can affect their health and which require prompt attention.”

The wife of the governor also said she refused to attend the meeting to avoid being rude to the First Lady.

The statement said: “The governor’s wife has the highest respect for the First Lady, and couldn’t have done anything to disrespect her.

“The First Lady and her confidants can bear testimony to how respectful and obedient the Governor’s wife has been to her in the last three years and how she promptly attends to all events related to the First Lady, however inconvenient.

“The governor’s wife regards the First Lady as a mother, given her age and position as mother of the nation.

“Rather than present herself for a clash in an event her husband, the governor was disparaged before her at the Sunday meeting, which could have prompted an emotional reaction, it was out of respect for the First Lady that the governor’s wife requested the assistance of the State’s Commissioner for Women Affairs as a representative to the meeting even when she had the option of ignoring the invitation and not sending any representative.

“But the governor’s wife has so much respect for the First Lady and will, as a welltrained woman, wife, mother and daughter, always accord the First Lady all the courtesies she should have as wife of the President. But, in doing so, the Governor’s wife will expect that her husband’s status as a governor, elected by millions of Nigerians in Borno State, is recognised and respected in line with constitutional, moral and African values.

“The governor’s wife recognises and respects the status of the First Lady and her influence but without also forgetting that it is God, not humans, that gives power to anyone and keeps anyone in power or out of it”.

THE NATION TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2014

61

FOREIGN NEWS

A

U.S., Philippines begin annual military exercises

BOUT 5,500 troops from the United States and the Philippines have begun a military exercise, amid tensions between Manila and China.

The drills, called Balikatan (Shoulder to Shoulder), take place every year.

These exercises come a week after a military pact to increase the US troop presence in the country was signed.

Visiting Manila last week, US President Barack Obama pledged “ironclad” backing for the Philippines, which is engaged in a maritime dispute with China.

The two countries have competing claims over a number of islands and shoals in the South China Sea, such as Second Thomas Shoal and Scarborough

Shoal.

The South East Asian nation has asked a United Nations arbitration tribunal to rule on the issue.

At Balikatan’s opening ceremony, Filipino Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario said it was necessary to deal with “aggressive” neighbours intent on “changing the status quo”, without mentioning China.

He said the 10-day drills would focus on maritime capabilities. They would also include live-fire and maritime surveillance exercises, the Philippine military said.

Its public affairs office chief, Ramon Zagala, however, sought to play down Balikatan’s significance, saying it was “not related to any current situation”.

Instead, it was aimed at im-

proving “tactical-level military proficiency” and enhancing USFilipino co-operation, he said.

The military exercise would also focus on humanitarian assistance and disaster response.

Military personnel from both countries will offer free medical, dental and veterinary care in Legazpi City, and build and repair infrastructure such as schools in Bicol.

As tensions with China have grown, the US and the Philippines have moved to increase co-operation.

Last week, Washington and Manila signed a deal allowing US troops better access to military bases, ports and airfields.

This exercise comes amid reports China has sent more ships to an area disputed with the Philippines.

Ukraine soldiers killed in renewed fighting

F •President Obama

Over the weekend, Philippine media reported the sighting of more Chinese vessels near Second Thomas Shoal, as the Philippine military air-dropped provisions to its troops stationed on a rusting vessel beached there.

Meanwhile, Vietnam has protested against a plan by China to move its first deep-water drilling rig into an area which Vietnam claims as its territory.

Panama: Juan Carlos Varela wins election

O

•Mr. Varela

OPEN FORUM

PPOSITION leader Juan Carlos Varela has won the presidential election in Panama with almost 40% of the votes.

Mr Varela, who is currently the vice-president, had distanced himself from outgoing President Ricardo Martinelli.

Correspondents say Mr Varela has taken credit for Mr Martinelli’s economic success, but has promised a cleaner, more transparent government. The president’s preferred candidate, the governing party contender Jose Domingo Arias, came second.

President Martinelli had actively supported the campaign of Mr Arias, 50, and the leader’s wife Marta Linares was the candidate’s running mate.

Critics said his support for the Arias-Linares team was an attempt by Mr Martinelli to hold on to the reins of power.

Under the Panamanian constitution, presidents are obliged to step down after one term and are banned from running for the two following terms.

Mr Varela, a former centre-right ally of Mr Martinelli, fell out with the president after he was dismissed from his post as foreign minister in 2011.

After he had achieved an unassailable lead in the poll, Mr Varela, 50, told Reuters news agency that “better times are on their way”.

Alluding to allegations of corruption against Mr Martinelli’s government, he said his would be “an honest, humane government of national unity”.

Hearing of Mr Varela’s win, Mr Martinelli said “I know the candidate, and really, may God help us!”.

OUR Ukrainian soldiers have been killed and an army helicopter shot down by pro-Russian militants near the eastern city of Sloviansk, Kiev says.

It says the gunmen used heavy weapons against Ukraine’s units involved in the “anti-terror” operation. Casualties were also reported among the rebels.

The militants are reported to have retreated towards the city centre which is now quiet, a BBC correspondent says.

The rebel stronghold remains sealed off by Ukrainian troops.

Pro-Russian militants have seized government buildings in a dozen or more Ukrainian cities in the east.

Kiev accuses Moscow of supporting and arming the gunmen - a claim denied by the Krem-

lin.

Speaking to reporters near Sloviansk, Ukrainian Interior Minister Arsen Avakov accused the militants of trying to ambush government forces on the outskirts of Sloviansk on yesterday morning.

He blamed the rebels for using heavy weapons, including mortars.

The Ukrainian military later said that four soldiers had been killed and about 30 injured.

In a statement, the defence ministry confirmed that a helicopter has been shot down near Sloviansk.

The crew of the aircraft survived, largely because the helicopter crashed into a river, the ministry added. It was the third Ukrainian military helicopter to be downed over the city in recent days.

South Sudan: Government offensive falters

S

OUTH Sudan troops trying to recapture the oil hub of Bentiu from rebels have been forced back amid heavy gunfire, a BBC correspondent says.

Government troops advanced towards the town centre over the weekend with an armoured column.

But the BBC’s Alastair Leithead, who is in the UN compound on the outskirts, saw a contingent of troops in retreat.

The town has changed hands several times since fighting broke out in South Sudan last December.

Tensions came to a head after President Salva Kiir accused his sacked deputy, Riek Machar, of plotting a coup.

Rebel forces deny UN charges that they killed hundreds of people along ethnic lines after seizing Bentiu in April.

Government forces moved into the town, the capital of Unity State, on Sunday.

But it appears at least a section of the troops have been forced to retreat, our correspondent says. He saw government soldiers withdrawing past the UN compound where he is based yesterday.

Nigeria bleeds and it needs all of us Continued from back page

Boko Haram is the greatest security challenge to Nigerian since the civil war some forty years ago. We stridently oppose Boko Haram because the Nigeria it craves is not the place of democratic good governance and economic opportunity we seek. Many of us have advocated a multifaceted strategy and have petitioned government to amend its policy accordingly.

Thus far, government policy has been an unimaginative, one dimensional military approach. Even here, the Jonathan government implements its own policy only half-heartedly. As a result, Boko Haram’s evil has spread geographically but also with regard to the pace, scope and complexity of its operations. If you weigh success by the impact Boko Haram has gained or lost over time, any objective observer would say government policy has failed to contain, much less eliminate, the terrorist scourge. Government policy needs reform in five important ways.

First, government must admit its solely military approach is inadequate. Boko Haram’s challenge has economic, political and social dimensions that government ignores at our collective national peril.

Second, to address these aspects of the crisis, government needs to reach out to northern Nigeria, especially those areas most blighted by terrorism. Much of that part of the nation now suffers severe economic depression. I believe only a small minority of people actually support Boko Haram. The real problem is most people in the affected areas think ill of this government. Thus, they are indifferent to the fight between government and Boko Haram. Despite Boko Haram’s homicidal ways, the population does not see government as coming to their rescue. They see government as another layer of suffering and oppression. Until government breaks this perception, it will have a hard time breaking the back of Boko Haram. The most effective way to counter this impression is via an economic development plan for the area. Under this plan, government will inaugurate infrastructural development that not only creates a platform for economic growth, it will provide employment for many young men.

Such legitimate employment will lessen the pool of desperate youths from which Boko Haram recruits its foot soldiers. Deplete the numbers of recruits and you diminish the group’s ability to operate. Also, this policy builds goodwill among the people. Ultimately, it is the people who will defeat Boko Haram. If the people were to see government as their ally and true guardian, Boko Haram will have no space to operate. Right now it operates in the space created by widespread indifference and cynicism.

Third, government must refine its military operations. The military’s hand has been too heavy and indiscriminate. It has committed abuses against the innocent in its clumsy attempt to pursue Boko Haram. These offenses only increase the pool of disaffected people from which Boko Haram recruits. To be seen as the true protectors of the people, government security forces must restrain themselves so that they do not lash out in frustration against innocent people for the harm Boko Haram has done. The people have already been made to pay a price by Boko Haram, it is painful for government forces to compound their suffering.

At this stage we can expect nothing more than terror from the terrorists but from our own forces, we have the right to expect so much better.

Fourth, government must improve its intelligence-gathering capacity. This is partly a function of the people’s disposition toward government. They distrust government and thus are reticent to provide infor-

mation. All intelligence gathering is first local. There is a lot of sense in the community policing in Western nations where the police is welded to the community and security is every citizen’s business. In our case, I am afraid, security have alienated the locals and in that process shut the door to the floor of useful information about the dangerous gang.

Fifth, this challenge has a regional dimension. Elements of terrorism are now trafficked across regional borders. As the largest nation in West Africa and the nation most affected by this problem, Nigeria has the standing to convene a regional summit to discuss with our neighbours ways to end this problem before it becomes a hot and pressing issue for our neighbours as well.

Not one reason will suffice for the insecurity that now confronts us.

Many people have tried to parse the issue to determine whether the rise of Boko Haram is attributable to political and economic conditions (what I term “secular” factors) or attributable to extremist sectarianism.

While grist for lively debate, this parsing is mostly counterproductive and artificial. As with most complex situations, causation cannot be accurately reduced solely to one factor. To do so is simplistic and likely to blind us to things that must be part of the solution to this problem.

Many non-Muslims will see Boko Haram as an Islamic assault. I am Muslim and abhor Boko Haram for it mocks, not honour, the tenets of my faith. There is nothing Islamic there except that it uses the legitimacy of Islam to lure the ignorant, gullible and hopeless into its sordid trap.

Boko Haram exalts violence, not God. It kills Muslim and Christian alike because its faith is not Islam but mayhem and lawlessness.

Extremist thought can spring up anywhere. However, it needs dire secular conditions to brew and attract enough adherents to become an organisation capable of the things Boko Haram has done. Without the economic and political injustice and hopelessness now chronic in much of the nation, particularly in the north, Boko Haram would not have the strength of numbers it seems to have. Without the extreme poverty and the great disparity between the wealthy and the poor, Boko Haram would be a small fringe movement capable of nothing except petty crime and making periodic noise. In other words, sectarian extremism cannot gain sufficient momentum absent poverty and a widely-shared perception of injustice. Secular and sectarian extremism are not independent, incompatible factors; they feed each other. To end this trouble, both sides of this equation must be solved.

Government policy has been ineffectual. If it maintains this present form, government policy will continue to be ineffectual. This means the situation will either remain the same or deteriorate, with the latter being more likely. Either road is impassable if the objective of our trek is a better Nigeria.

Some now say parts of Nigeria are ungovernable. I disagree. The issue is not that parts of the nation are ungovernable. The real problem is that the current administration seems incapable of governing these and other areas. No parts of the nation are ungovernable. All sections are amenable to good governance if only good governance were to be had.

Trouble commences where there is bad or no governance. This government, by folly or omission, has done too little good. It has lost legitimacy among segments of the population. While it may hold predominant power and money, this government is approaching the point where it is morally spent. This government is a bumbling monument to barren policy and corrupt practices. Given the obvious danger before us, may

this government regain sobriety and a sense of purpose equal to the moment and the challenge we face.

After every terrorist attack, government tries to soothe the public by stating it is doing all it can and soon everything will be under control.

Alternatively, the president nonchalantly will say terrorism affects every nation and Nigerians must grin and bear it. Clearly, none of this expressed the sense of urgency required. I have no doubt this administration would like to answer this problem. Sadly, this administration seems to lack the capacity to find that answer. Instead of doing the hard work of governance, it gives itself to grandiose empty statements and sloganeering.

A senior military official boasted months ago that Boko Haram would be corralled by April. Instead of containing the menace, Boko Haram unleashed death this month in our nation’s very capital. Government is no closer to ending this national ordeal. Instead of working to make true headway, this government throws words at serious problems, and then asks the people to believe the job is done. When it comes to Boko Haram, it vows that the problem is shrinking, but it is not. As long as this government lives in the realm of fantasy and neglects to work in the world of fact, Nigeria will look to Abuja for answers but find none.

Since Abuja seems incapable of helping us, we must help it. That people, especially women, have begun to protest government’s apparent foot-dragging is encouraging. These efforts must continue. Those of us in positions of leadership must offer ideas to government to help it meet this challenge because before any of us became PDP or APC members, we were all Nigerians.

With regard to the Chibok abductions, I ask government to seriously consider these steps.

1. Lack of Contingent Planning. Sadly, this is not the first abduction, although it may be the largest. Most major militaries around the world have developed plans for the major challenges they shall face. It is a terrible lapse that our security apparatus failed to have such plans for this situation.

2. Response on the Ground: Some delicate questions need to be asked.

The seizure of this many children is logistical, a major operation that takes planning and execution. How is it that Boko Haram is better at planning and execution than our trained professional security agencies? How could this have taken place without detection and a rapid response?

3. Talk to us. The nation is in anguish yet the president has not talked to us directly. Let him make a broadcast to the nation at this time of hurt and pain to assure us, in broad terms, that he has a plan to free our daughters. He did not give us operation details but he needs to more actively and visibly lead the nation at this time.

Now, the nation faces a dilemma. With each day that passes, the likelihood that some of the girls may be transported across the border or suffer in their current surroundings increases. The people rightfully demand action to free our children but whatever action government takes must be geared to saving these children, not to “doing something” just to avert the political pressure. The government must act with purpose and urgency but also with prudence and compassion for our captured, distressed children. This will require greater levels of coordination and planning by our securityagents than we have heretofore witnessed.

With all reasonable dispatch, we ask the government to plan strategically and execute with precision and care.

62

THE NATION TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2014

THE NATION TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2014

63

TODAY IN THE NATION

TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2014 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

I

F conferences ever developed a continent or helped solve its most pressing problems, Africa would be one of the most developed continents and its problems would long have been solved.

At bilateral, multi-lateral, regional and continental levels, one conference or another is being staged at any given moment, with some of the most knowledgeable experts and policy-makers participating.

They are staging yet another conference, the World Economic Forum on Africa, in Abuja this week, from Wednesday through Friday, with the bombed-out remains of Nyanya still smouldering and a full accounting of the casualties yet to be rendered. They are staging while the authorities are yet to summon the will and the resolve to locate, to say nothing of rescuing, more than 200 female students abducted from the Government Secondary School, Chibok, in Borno State.

They have not disclosed the cost of the conference, but it won’t be cheap. They are shutting down Abuja for three days, not on account of what the elusive Boko Haram might do, they say, but to ensure that the visiting political officials and, most especially, all those irritable and disobliging investors, would not be incommoded in the least by the gridlock that often paralyses vehicular traffic in the city.

There is no need to worry about the loss to productivity during the shutdown. The new rebased economy that will be a major talking point in President Goodluck Jonathan’s opening address and a theme that Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister for the Economy Dr Ngozi OkonjoIweala will insinuate into every aspect of the proceedings can easily absorb it.

A communiqué bristling with diplomatic gobbledygook will be issued at the end of the conference. Grand intentions will be proclaimed and affirmed, and ringing resolutions will be passed. Another Plan of Action will be formulated to replace previous plans of action.

But the problems will remain, and in some cases grow more intractable. Rarely are the agreements reached at these conferences followed up and followed through.

Several years later, the same officials and experts convene at another venue to make the same proclamations and pass the same resolutions.

I was reminded of this unproductive summitry the other day when I stumbled upon the notes I had taken at the Conference on Africa on the Eve of the 21st Century held in Maputo, Mozambique, from September 9-11, which had in attendance some 65 senior political figures, policymakers and academics from 31 African countries.

N

IGERIA’s current security situation jars the mind and troubles all those who have a touch of conscience about the plight of their fellow man. We have been brought to the point where we must now admit that basic security no longer exists for a vast segment of our people.

This means too many of our people have been cast into the no man’s land where law and order, justice and respect for human life and dignity do not abide. These harmless people now live in harm’s way. Once again, innocent people have been turned to sacrifices on the altar of evil.

The terror of Boko Haram strikes and strikes again for nothing but wicked purpose.

Through their indiscriminate killing and destruction, they seek to destroy the spirit of this nation and pit us against each other. They want Christian to curse Muslim and Muslim to curse Christian. They want to pit Southerner versus Northerner. By the spilling of innocent blood, they hope that we come to blame each other for what they are doing to us. We shall never fall into this fool’s trap and, though they may win the moment, they shall never prevail in their vile scheme.

We stand united against this threat to our national existence. The twin-bombings in Nyanya are a challenge to us all. The explosion was a craven attempt to demoralise the

‘The very hubris that pushed the North to its plunge after the rash annulment of June 12 will yet bait it, by its provocative demands, to fragment Nigeria’ VOL.9

NO.2827

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

OLATUNJI DARE

AT HOME ABROAD olatunji.dare@thenationonlineng.net

Economic summitry: Getting back to basics

The deliberations were prefaced by a background paper detailing where Africa stood in the scheme of things on the eve of a new millennium. The profile was sobering, grim even.

One-half of the continent’s estimated population of 720 million subsisted on less than one U.S. dollar a day. Africa’s children were the most likely, in comparison with children in other parts of the world, to die before age 5, and its adults least likely to live beyond age 50.

On the average, Africans were more malnourished, less educated and more likely to succumb to fatal diseases. Of the 24 countries at the bottom of the United Nations Development Programmes Human Development Index – the so-called Misery Index – 22 were to be found in Africa.

Africa had the highest population growth rate in the world; at an annual rate of 2.61 per cent, it was set to reach 1.05 billion by 2010 and double 25 years later. But in most African countries, economic growth lagged behind population growth. More than 50 per cent of African youths under age 30 were unemployed. Where physical infrastructure existed, it was in disrepair.

In the face of the growing population, agricultural production was declining as a result of wars and conflict which made farming hazardous, if not impossible, and also

as a result of environmental degradation.

Africa accounted for 12 per cent of the world’s population but only 2.4 per cent of global GNP, and more than one-half of this figure was contributed by South Africa and Nigeria. Africa continued to be almost entirely an exporter of raw materials. It also accounted for only two per cent of global telephone density.

In the health sector, the picture was just as grim. Malaria continued to send some 2.7 million Africans to premature deaths every year. Some 14 million Africans, constituting more than 50 per cent of the total number of HIV- positive persons, most of them children, were to be found in Africa. One in 13 women in Africa died during pregnancy or childbirth, compared to one in 3,200 in Europe and one in 35 in Asia. More than 60 per cent of drugs sold across the counter in Africa were fake and quite possibly harmful.

Despite all the talk about economic cooperation and regional integration, intra-African trade accounted for only 7.5 per cent of the continent’s total. Capital accumulation and saving rates stood at less than one half of Asia’s 30 per cent and fell considerably short of the level required to attain and sustain a rate of growth that would have any significant impact on the economy.

And all this was happening as the flow of private capital into emerging markets had almost entirely bypassed Africa.

The commitment to regional integration was weak. With the exception of Senegal, no African country could boast of having a ministry of regional integration or a designated agency with sufficient authority to deal with the subject.

African heads of government – and their wives — were well integrated, but not the people, not the infrastructure, not the eco-

OPEN FORUM By BOLA TINUBU

Nigeria bleeds and it needs all of us nation by striking an important transportation hub in our beloved nation’s capital. The second bombing stands as an act of evil defiance of constituted authority. The terrorists now try to frighten us by showing that our security forces are unable to stop them, even in our nation’s capital. However, whatever terrible lesson they think they teach us, we refuse to learn. Our classroom is life, liberty and justice. We do not take lessons in oppression, fear, hatred and death from them or anyone else. Whatever they think they won by this bloodletting, they have lost.

They have made implacable enemies of eve-

ry man, woman and child in Nigeria. We shall prevail. Boko Haram shall lose.

Yet, it is not enough that they have the courage and moral fortitude to withstand the injury they inflict on us, it is long past time that this menace to progress and order be subdued. While they can never claim our hearts they have already taken too many lives. The carnage must stop so that our walk to a better Nigeria may continue unhindered by this weak presence.

What I say next is not to curry political advantage but to state the obvious. No matter my political differences with the current

OLAKUNLE ABIMBOLA

nomic operators and not the markets.

Very little seems to have changed in the 14 years that have passed since the Maputo Conference. Inter-regional trade has ticked up, accounting for between 10 and 13 per cent of Africa’s trade. This figure probably does not take into account trade in the informal sector which, judging from the commercial traffic from Nigeria to ECOWAS countries as well as Cameroun and going so far south as Zaire, is considerable. Still, it is puny compared with comparable figures in Europe, Asia and Latin America.

Africa’s telephone density has grown dramatically since the introduction of GSM phones. The continent’s emerging markets are being touted as hot destinations for foreign capital, but that is more hype than actuality.

During his first term, President Olusegun Obasanjo appointed to his cabinet a minister for regional integration. I can claim some responsibility for that appointment.

Drawing on the Maputo Conference, I had sent him a memo urging him to give practical effect to his well-known commitment to regional integration by making it the subject of a cabinet-level appointment. To rule myself out of contention, I recommended that the appointee should be bilingual in English and French.

Unfortunately, the position – and the appointee — did not survive Obasanjo’s first term.

One of the key resolutions of the Maputo Conference bears re-stating. The time had come, it said, to try a new approach to tackling the problems of the continent. That approach would emphasise the integration of production and infrastructure and include business and economic operators as well as social formations, not just heads of state and their wives and top officials.

A good starting point, the Conference said, would be to streamline and rationalise some 40 existing intergovernmental organisations performing tasks related to integration.

More than two decades after the Beninois statesman and former Minister of Information, Professor Albert Tévoédjrè proposed un jour sans frontières (a day without borders) as a first step toward giving concrete expression to the movement of goods and persons in the ECOWAS region, it has remained that: a proposal.

The World Economic Forum on Africa will most likely take a global perspective on the African condition. But it will do well to consider the internal dimensions as well and urge a return to basics.

•For comments, send SMS to 08111813080

administration, what I am about to say I wish were not true. Like every Nigerian, my heart aches because of the lowly state of our security. No matter what and no matter who is in office, our security should never sink below to a level where widespread death and destruction can descend on us with impunity. Yet the Nyanyan bombings and the abominable kidnapping of over 200 girls from their hostels in Chibok have brought to fore the weak underbelly of our security apparatus.

The people neither deserve the feats of terror against them or the defeat of the security system meant to protect them. Unfortunately, this is our lot.

While I have no interest in partisan bickering at the moment, I also cannot allow the mere fact of my political affiliation to silence me on this transcendent issue. All Nigerians have a right and responsibility to let their voice be heard on this matter. Thus, I say what I believe must be said. If you think I do it for political purpose, so be it. Yet, I say it that I fulfill my civic responsibility as a citizen whose nation and way of life has been placed under siege by a hidden and sinister force. In this, I believe what I will say speaks for most progressives today.

•Continued on page 61

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