Nov 11, 2013

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

Jonathan gives Eaglets N2m each NEWS

Page 63

•Coaches, others benefit

News Sports Foreign

Akhigbe for burial November 23 P6 Mikel: Eagles W/Cup ticket sure P24 Malala’s book banned in Pakistan P61 www.thenationonlineng.net

VOL. 8, NO. 2662 MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2013

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

N150.00

‘60 per cent of pension’s N3.7tr cash in govt bond’

A

BOUT 60 per cent of the over N3.7 trillion pension cash is invested in Federal Government bonds, it was learnt at the weekend.

Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria (PenOp) Chairman Misbahu Yola, spoke of the funds in Lagos during his inauguration along with other members of the executive.

By Omobola Tolu-Kusimo, Insursance Reporter

He was responding to Senate President David Mark’s statement that the funds were idle.

Yola, who is also the Managing Director of Legacy Pension Managers Limited, said rather than criticise pension managers and custodians, the government should channel the cash borrowed from the

fund through the FGN Bonds to infrastructure development.

According to him, the suggestions that 50 per cent should be directly invested in infrastructure cannot be taken now as the country has not developed up to a level where pension cash could be safe, if invested in infrastructure.

Yola said: “Liquidity of the

funds and safety are paramount. All infrastructural projects in Nigeria involve government and this is usually fragile. We have to be careful where we put people’s money. It is even specified in the guidelines that we can invest in infrastructural fund and not infrastructure directly.

“We already have over 60 Continued on page 4

ANAMBRA 2013

•Ngige: vote for governor, not ‘standby generator’ MORE •APC hails MASSOB for disowning APGA •AND ON PAGE 10 •PDP alleges plot by Obi, INEC to rig election

•President Goodluck Jonathan (third left front row), Vice President Namadi Sambo (second left), Senate President David Mark (left). From right are: NFF President Aminu Maigari, Sports Minister Bolaji Abdulahi, Speaker Aminu Tambuwal, PDP Chairman Bamaga Tukur, Eaglets captain Musa Mohammed with the victorious Golden Eaglets duringa special reception in their honour at the Presidential Villa, Abuja...yesterday

PDP crisis: Tukur faction set for showdown

Police cordon off road to party hqtrs Oyinlola to resume at ‘appropriate time’

F •Tukur

OUR armoured vehicles were last night deployed in the National Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP), following the tension generated by the reinstatement of Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola as national secretary.

President Goodluck Jonathan is said to have directed that Oyinlola should be reinstated, but this has pitted the Bamanga Tukur faction of the PDP against the New PDP headed by Al-

From Yusuf Alli, Gbade Ogunwale and Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

haji Kawu Baraje.

But the National Publicity Secretary of the mainstream PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh, told our correspondent last night that Jonathan did not issue such a directive.

Metuh said: “There is no such directive and that is not how the party works. As I speak to you, there is no directive whatsoever from the Presi-

dent. I will issue a statement on Monday (today). “ We have not even got a copy of the judgment of the court, let alone talking about reinstatement. You see, the so-called New PDP engages in overdramatisation of issues. Rather than taking up issues with them, we have decided to focus on our work at the secretariat.”

There was a heavy security build-up at the Wadata Plaza National Secre-

tariat over plans by Oyinlola to resume duties today to press home last Wednesday’s Court of Appeal judgment which quashed his sack and ordered his return to office.

Four armoured vehicles and some policemen were deployed in Wadata Plaza in Zone 5 in Abuja where the National Secretariat is located.

It was learnt that the deployment of policemen was a pre-emptive measure Continued on page 4

•SPORTS P24 •CEO P27 •JOBS P32 •POLITICS P45 •TRANSPORTATION P47

THE NATION MONDAY NOVEMBER 11, 2013

2

NEWS •Chairman, Board of Directors, Keystone Bank, Mr. Moyo Ajekigbe speaking during the bank's Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos... at the weekend. With him are (from right) Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Philip Ikeazor; and Company Secretary/Legal Adviser Mr. Michael Agamah.

Piracy... M Oil companies operate in communities whose indigenes daily complain that the rush for ‘black gold’ has not led to an improvement in their economic conditions, a situation experts believe is fueling criminality, reports NBC News

•Suspected pirates paraded aboard a Nigerian naval ship after their arrest...last August.

A •From left: General Manager, Consumer Marketing, MTN Nigeria, Kola Oyeyemi, Managing Director, 141 Worldwide, Bunmi Oke, Executive Director, PZ, Yomi Fatunroti, Chief Executive Office, Scanad, Rufai Ladipo, Chief Marketing Officer, MTN Nigeria, Larry Annetts and Chairman, Troyka Holding, Biodun Shobanjo, who received the 'Lifetime Achievement Award' at the third Marketing World Awards in Lagos... at the weekend.

•From left: General Manager, Intergraph Nigeria, Mr. Diran Abidakun; Vice-President, Middle East, Intergraph, Mr. Talal zayerli; Managing Director, Resources Energy, Accenture Nigeria, Mrs. Abayomi Olarinmoye and MD, Europe, Middle East, Africa and Latin America, Accenture, Mr. James Arnott, during a forum on Challenges in Asset Takeover and Performance Optimisation in Lagos.

PHOTO: ADEOLA SOLOMON

•From left: Director, Brands and Communication, Etisalat Nigeria, Enitan Denloye; President, Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN), Bukola Oke; Chief Commercial Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Matthew Willsher, and Head, High Value Events and Sponsorship, Etisalat Nigeria, Ebi Atawodi, during the 8th edition of the Lagos Advertising & Ideas Festival (LAIF) Awards sponsored by Etisalat at the Intercontinental Hotel, Lagos... at the weekend.

NGER and frustration that Nigeria’s huge oil wealth has not improved the lot of most average citizens is fueling the sort of criminality that led to the kidnapping of two American oil workers off the country’s coast last month, experts say.

“There is a lot of anger within the local communities (where these oil companies operate) that the rush for ‘black gold’ has not led to an improvement in (people’s) economic conditions,” said Leke Oyewole, President Goodluck Jonathan’s special adviser on maritime services.

Oyewole spoke to NBC News after U.S.-flagged oil supply vessel C-Retriever was targeted in the Gulf of Guinea in late October.

According to maritime news website gCaptain, the ship’s American captain and chief engineer were abducted. U.S. officials told NBC News at the time that the working assumption was that the pair had been kidnapped for ransom.

“You need to see some (foreign) compounds,” Oyewole said. “The oil company compounds could easily be comparable to living conditions in London or America, but immediately outside their fence local people are living in slums in most cases.”

“The people are angry the waters they use are polluted, so they’re angry with them and often attack them and kidnap the workers.”

Piracy and kidnapping off Nigeria — 70 percent of whose export revenue comes from petroleum — and neighboring Benin has gotten so bad that the region was deemed as dangerous as the waters off Somalia on Africa’s east coast, according to London-based Lloyd’s Market Association, an umbrella group of insurers.

The country is now considered the world’s number one kidnap hotspot, according to security firm NYA. Meanwhile, the number of attacks off its coast are growing, according to the International Maritime Bureau’s Piracy Reporting Centre.

The organization recorded 28 attacks last year — almost three times the number in 2011.

Nigeria’s problems with piracy and generalised criminality got especially bad after the oil industry destroyed traditional jobs, said Dr. Freedom Onouha of the Nigeria National Defense College.

“For a very long time people survived on the waters, particularly on fishing, so this is what is at the very heart of maritime security,” he said.

“The oil companies came in and this had significant consequences on the environment in terms of oil spills and pollution, which killed the natu-

ral resources of the Niger Delta — destroying original livelihoods.”

Instead of becoming fisherman, they turned to criminal fisherman who are fishing for crime,” he said.

“When young men are not finding legitimate employment or being handsomely rewarded... they’re drawn to violence, because the other opportunities are limited or they do not exist.

“And the oil is not providing job opportunities for them,” he added.

There is also the problem of militancy, according to Joseph HurstCroft of the British and Niger Deltabased charity, the Stakeholder Democracy Network (SDN). He believes the roots of modern Nigerian piracy can be traced back to a wave of militancy in the early 2000s when people protested about a lack of oil revenues being invested back into local communities.

“This quickly evolved into criminality,” he said. “These young armed men realized there were rewards.”

Problems with piracy, kidnapping and oil theft got so bad between 2005 and 2009 that it began to affect the entire oil industry.

So current president Jonathan, who was vice president at the time, negotiated an amnesty that saw over 30,000 militants pardoned. Financial aid was offered to train the men in a variety of professions ranging from electricians to doctors.

Instead of solving the problem of criminality, the government’s move only exacerbated it, Hurst-Croft said.

The amnesty “showed that people get bought off and gave the impression that violence pays,” he said.

But the main problem with the programme was that while it worked for those participating in it, it did nothing for the vast majority of men who still saw few ways out of the crushing poverty they had been born into.

“So the challenge will be maintaining and improving overall conditions that make it possible to stop the criminality,” Onuoha said.

And until a sustained anti-corruption and economic improvement campaign’s are launched to stop piracy off Nigeria, Hurst-Croft said he fears piracy problems may continue or grow worse.

“Do you go after Al Capone or do you go after the guys in the prohibition bars,” he added. “At the moment it seems like the guys in the bars.”

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2013

3

NEWS

. Money is the name of the game

•Nigerian and American naval men on a patrol against pirates

Jonathan, Oritsejafor disagree on compensation for Boko Haram victims

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan and the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, yesterday disagreed on compensation for victims of Boko Haram attacks in the North.

While the CAN President urged the Federal Government to immediately set up a compensation committee for victims, Jonathan insisted that his administration would not pay compensation but would only assist victims of the Islamic sect’s onslaughts.

The president, who spoke during the 26th Jubilee Word Festival of Pastor Oritsejafor’s Word of Life Bible Church in Warri, Delta State, did not explain how the assistance would be offered but promised that a committee would be set up to work

From Shola O’Neil, Southsouth Regional Editor

out the modality for the proposed assistance.

Pastor Oritsejafor said it was necessary for the federal government to compensate victims of the crisis to enable them pick back the pieces of their lives.

Jonathan, who clarified his earlier statement of no compensation Boko Haram victims, remarked that the term ‘compensation’ is “too vague”, adding that he did not want to deceive the victims.

On efforts to restore sanity in that part of the country, Jonathan said the state of emergency declared in some states of the north has recorded significant progress.

He assured that the Federal Government would continue to do its

best to flush out the insurgents and restore sanity and commended the military for being proactive in the war against terrorism.

The president assured Nigerians that the country is on the right path to development in spite of its present challenges, adding that there are evidences of the improvements.

Specifically, he said the Transformation Agenda in on course and urged urging Nigerians to continue support his policies and programmes for the betterment of the country.

He said Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has seen a leap by about seven percent, adding that the growth has been confirmed by several international rating agencies.

On power, President Jonathan assured that the country would witness stable electricity supply with the recent privatisation of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) and its subsidiaries.

Earlier, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, President Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), commended President Jonathan for honouring his invitation, and being the first Nigerian President to embark on Holy Pilgrimage to Israel and signing a bilateral agreement with Israel.

He commended the National Assembly for extending the curfew in the three Northern states, adding that President Jonathan’s decision was the right direction to lasting peace in the area.

Pastor Oritsejafor also appealed to President Jonathan to look into

the current faceoff between the Federal Government and ASUU, noting that his personal involvement can bring the strike to an end.

He commended President Jonathan’s effort in the agric, power, rail and other sectors, noting that his efforts were worthy of commendation.

On the National Conference, Pastor Oritsejafor said dialogue was essential in building peace, adding that he believed that the national dialogue will work.

The service was attended by Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, his counterparts from Cross Rivers and Plateau states, Liyel Imoke and Jonah Jang respectively as well as representatives of Bayelsa and Benue governors, traditional rulers and other eminent Nigerians.

Dangote to invest in solid minerals in Ekiti

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HE investment drive of the Governor Kayode Fayemi-led administration got a major boost at the weekend. Foremost industrialist Alhaji Aliko Dangote promised to extend his business interest to the state.

Dangote, who is the Chairman and Chief Executive of Dangote Group of Companies, listed solid mineral development, agriculture and education as possible areas of investment in Ekiti State.

He spoke after he met with Deputy Governor, Prof Modupe Adelabu, at his Falomo, Ikoyi, Lagos Office.

According to a statement by Prof Adelabu’s media aide, Mr Bunmi Ogunmodede, both parties described their discussions as very fruitful. They promised to work out the areas of collaboration, the statement added.

Speaking on what transpired at the meeting, Dangote said: “I have had a very good discussion with the deputy governor and we are looking at the areas of solid minerals; we are also looking at the area of rice production which is agriculture.

“We will engage more of the local population in farming activities and this will create employment opportunities for the people. So, we’ll look into this and the possibility of collaborating with the state through the Ministry of Agriculture.

“I am also looking into the area of educa-

tion. I have had a very fruitful discussion with the professor and we’ll take it up from there,” the businessman, who rated the Fayemi administration high in performance, said.

According to him, the Ekiti State helmsman deserves all the necessary support to push through his vision for the people of Ekiti State.

His words: “Ekiti people and Nigerians show allow him to continue with the great job that he has been doing. He (Fayemi) has not disappointed anyone of us, who are his friends because we believed he went into politics on a mission and he’s doing very well. My advice to Ekiti people is that they should give their governor and his deputy all the support they require to succeed. They are a great team and I wish them the very best.”

Also speaking, Prof Adelabu said her parley with Africa’s richest man centred on possible areas of collaboration between the two parties, particularly on education.

She said: “I am aware there is the Dangote Foundation that has interest in education.

In fact, he was there at the last Education Summit that was held at the Banquet Hall, State House, in Abuja.

“Former British Prime Minister Gordon

•Prof Adelabu (left) and Dangote...at the weekend.

Brown was at that summit, where Alhaji Dangote was saddled with the responsibility of coordinating the education sector. I have come to discuss he can support the education sector in our state and how to have more of his investment presence in

Ekiti State.”

The deputy governor described Dangote as man of his words, who will not promised what he cannot do, assuring that the state would be better for the budding relationship between the government and the business icon.

4

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2013

NEWS

•Retired civil servant Chief Deji Fasuan (second left) receiving his Life Time Award as a founding father of Ekiti State from Sir Remi Omotosho during the Ekiti Day 2013 celebration in Lagos at the weekend. With them are Chief Fasuan’s wife, Bolanle (left) and daughter, Mrs Gbjubola Adesola PHOTOS DAYO ADEWUNMI

•Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun (second right); the Awujale and Paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona (second left); Chief Medical Director, Eye Foundation Centre, Dr. Adekunle Hassan (right); and Chairman, MTN Nigeria, Dr. Pascal Dozie (left); during the official commissioning of an Ultra Modern Eye Foundation Centre, in Ijebu Mushin, Ogun State...at the weekend.

Rivers community accuses Wike of intimidation

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INISTER of State for Education, Nyesom Wike, has been accused of flooding his Rumueprikom community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State with policemen because of the support of the paramount ruler, Eze Anthony Owabie and the people for Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

It was learnt yesterday in Port Harcourt, the Rivers state capital, that efforts were also made by Wike’s supporters in Rumueprikom to remove Owabie, but resisted by the peace-loving people. The monarch is still operating in his palace, with the symbol of authority.

Loyalists of the supervising minister of education tried to impose Amaewhule Barry Wopara on Rumueprikom people as the new king, but the people rose in unison and said it would not happen, forcing Wopara to be operating from his private house.

•It’s not true, says minister’s aide

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

The people of the community also urged President Goodluck Jonathan to call Wike to order, in order to avoid escalation of the crisis.

They pleaded with the Rivers state government to come to their rescue.

It was also gathered that Wike, a two-term Chairman of Obio/Akpor LGA, became angry with the paramount ruler for receiving the Caretaker Chairman of the council, Chikaordi Dike, in his palace and making comments which the minister was not comfortable with.

Dike recently visited the palace and presented a 500 KVA transformer for the use of the community and a 50 KVA sound-proof generator for the comfort of the monarch and other people in the palace.

During the presentation, Owabie said the people of

the community had been suffering and being in darkness for so long, in spite of Wike hailing from Rumueprikom, making the supervising minister of education and his cohorts to vow to remove him.

One of the elders of Rumueprikom, who would not want his name in print, in a telephone interview last night, said: “Wike and his supporters in our community made attempts to remove our paramount ruler, Eze Anthony Owabie, for not backing them to fight Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

“Eze Owabie refused to play politics with kingship and decided that whoever wanted to visit him in his palace would be received, which made him to receive the Obio/Akpor Caretaker Chairman, which angered Wike.

“Without any formality, Wike simply announced the removal of Eze Owabie, be-

lieving that his pronouncement in the community would be final, but he was surprised with the people’s resistance, in spite of the presence of his policemen at Rumueprikom..

“Wike has vowed to deal with anybody in Rumueprikom who associates with Governor Amaechi. Wike is now intimidating the chiefs of our community to sign a document to remove the paramount ruler, forgetting that it is a traditional and hereditary stool.

“We want Governor Amaechi and the Rivers State Government to come to the rescue of the people of Rumueprikom. President Jonathan must also call Wike to order. We are being victimised for supporting Governor Amaechi.”

The elder of Rumueprikom also urged Amaechi, who is the Chairman of the Nigeria Continued on page 60

‘60 per cent of pension’s N3.7tr cash in govt bond’ Continued from page 1

pension funds, Mark said: “I think that applying pension fund for infrastructure is very important at the moment because it is not properly managed, we can’t do it. Otherwise, this huge amount of money just sitting down there does not make sense for anybody, even laymen like me who are not economists. We think that this money could be usefully invested or channeled to a better use so that the nation can benefit.

“We cry of lack of infrastructure all the time while there are so much funds sitting down there, idle, for people to embezzle. I think the problem we’ve had is that we have all sorts of rookies. People who have no idea about managing funds, let alone very huge pension fund.”

per cent contribution of employees and private sector employer in FGN Bonds, but what is the government doing with the money? If they borrow it and have not used it to build infrastructure, we are not to blame and it cannot be said that the fund is idle. They should use it to build infrastructure.”

The association’s immediate past chairman Mr. Dave Uduanu, said pension cash “cannot be invested in government projects, which can be halted at any time like building toll gates, bridges and others”.

“We should stop thinking that the fund will be used to solve the country’s problems,” Yola noted.

Speaking recently on the CORRECTION The Eaglets played their final FIFA U17 World Cup final match against Mexico on Friday in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates and not Dubai as erroneouly implied in the caption of Friday’s front page photograph.

PDP crisis: Tukur faction set for showdown Continued from page 1

against any breakdown of law and order.

While security was being strengthened at the secretariat, G-7 governors and leaders of the New PDP were locked in meeting at the Kano Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro District on the way forward and the reinstatement of Oyinlola.

The meeting, which started at about 7pm, was rounded off after midnight.

Briefing reporters at about 12.20am after the meeting, the Leader of the G-7 Governors, Babangida Aliyu said: “We thank Allah wa subhana ta’ala for what he has done by vindicating through the court, the position of the Secretary-General of PDP. “We are very happy with what has happened and the SecretaryGeneral will resume his office appropriately after all due process have been covered.

“And we think it is a vindication of what has been transpiring because all along, the issues were issues of due process, issues of reform and we are happy that that the court has done this for us. So we look forward to resolution and future resolution of matters.

Asked when Oyinlola will resume, he added: “The moment he gives notice.

“There is a court judgment.

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Confusion in PDP over Oyinlola

HE leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may have been mulling some options on how to handle the judgment of the Court of Appeal ordering it to reinstate Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola as the party’s National Secretary.

The party is said to have filed a process for a stay of execution on the judgment with the Court of Appeal. The move, The Nation learnt, is to allow the party enough room to wriggle out of the situation.

However, some of the party’s leaders faulted the move, pointing out that the party had swiftly implemented the January 11, 2013 judgment of a Federal Hight Court that threw Oyinlola out of office.

“We recall that the said judgment was given on Friday, January 11 and the leadership of the party had replaced Oyinlola with his then Deputy National Secretary, Mr. Solomon Onwe, on Monday January 14.

“Some of us drew attention to the fact that Oyinlola had appealed the judgment and that the appeal was still pending. But some of our party leaders were in a hurry to ease Oyinlola out, so, they ignored the warning.

“Now that the Appeal Court has overturned the ruling of the lower court, it would amount to self contradiction on the The judgment must be given to the PDP secretariat and immediately he gives, he resumes. If by tomorrow the court judgment is ready, he resumes tomorrow.”

Responding to a question, he said the judgment of the Court

From Gbade Ogunwale, Abuja

part of our leaders not to allow him take his position in line with the ruling,” one of the PDP leaders told our correspondent.

The party is also mindful of risking a contempt of the court, if it fails to implement the judgment.

A major dilemma stemming from the ruling is the PDP’s statutory relationship with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The moment INEC gets a copy of the Appeal Court ruling, the electoral body will be bound by law to recognise Oyinlola as the National Secretary of the PDP, whether the party reinstates him or not.

“Now, the INEC is going to change its records by recognising Oyinlola as National Secretary. The implication is that the INEC would only accept correspondences from the party with Oyinlola as co-signatory with the party chairman.

“But how do we persuade him to sign documents on behalf of the party if he is not reinstated. Assuming the party decides to reinstate him as ordered by the Court of Appeal, are we also going to extract loyalty from him, considering the situation on ground?. So, whichever way we look at it, it is a no-win situation for the party,” another PDP chieftain said.

of Appeal will hasten the resolution of PDP crisis instead of compounding it.

He said: “As far as I am concerned, we should look at it as more positive or rather a plus for

Shortly after throwing Oyinlola out of his seat, on the strength of a judgment of a Federal High Court that voided his election, the party’s leadership had relished the change of baton to no end.

Justifying the hasty replacement of Oyinlola with Onwe, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh, said in a statement he issued and signed on January 15.

“In any event, reports have indicated that Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola has appealed against the court judgement and the NWC wants to say that as soon as the appeal is decided, the party will, in the same way as it did in the case of the Federal High Court ruling, obey the appeal decision.”

Asked if the PDP would honour its word in Oyinlola’s case, as contained in the statement, Metuh replied that the party leadership had not met on the matter.

In a telephone chat with our correspondent yesterday, Metuh said: “The party leadership has not met on the matter because the national chairman travelled out of the country.

“Moreover, I raised the matter with the National Legal Adviser and he told me that he had not received a copy of the judgment.

We in the National Working Committee will be meeting on Monday (today) where a decision will be taken.”

the resolution of the matter.”

Concerning when the governors will resume talks with President Goodluck Jonathan, he said: “The onus is now on the President. We are waiting for the invitation.”

Pressed to confirm if there was any invitation from the President, he quipped: “Not yet, not officially.”

Some of those at the meeting were Governors Rabiu Kwank-

•Oyinlola

waso (Kano), Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Aliyu Wammako (Sokoto), Babangida Aliyu (Niger) and Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara); the Deputy Governor Continued on page 60

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THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2013

5

NEWS

National, state assemblies form group to fight corruption

T

HE Public Account Committees of both chambers in the National Assembly and the 36 Houses of Assembly, in collaboration with the World Bank and Department for International Development (DFID) have formed an association to fight corruption.

Called the National Association of Public Account Committees (NAPAC), the group was inaugurated at the weekend in Abuja by Senate President David Mark.

Mark noted that besides the authority to appropriate funds, the association was also important for the parliament

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

to ensure that funds were expended for the purposes they were meant.

He said: “The National Assembly is working assiduously to amend the Constitution to empower the office of the Auditor-General of the Federation and for states to perform their statutory functions better.”

The association, which is to ensure international best practices in auditing, will work with anti-corruption agencies as well as produce audit report and collaborate with civil society

organisations.

It will also work with regional and international associations of public accounts committees, such as the West African Association of Public Accounts Committees (WAAPAC) and the South African Development Community Organisation of Public Accounts Committees (SADCOPAC) to stem corruption.

House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal said corruption and embezzlement would be reduced if the country’s audit system was effective.

The Speaker, who was

represented by Deputy Minority Whip Garba Datti, noted that though anti-graft agencies had been fighting corruption, more still needed to be done.

He said: “Right now, these agencies are up to their necks with cases. Yet, stories of embezzlement of public funds keep coming.”

On the need to give the auditor-general more powers, Tambuwal said: “The 1958 Audit Act has become obsolete, making Nigeria one of the few African countries without an audit law.”

NAPAC’s first National Chairman Sen. Ahmed Lawan,

who is also the chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, said standards, in line with international best practices, would be developed through the new association.

He said there was need to “develop standard procedures and processes to achieve the constitutional mandate of public account committees, provide avenue for interaction, sharing of experiences, ideas and information among members on issues relating to the functions of the public account committees, develop individual capacity of

Airtel hailed for improving SMEs

‘Gombe has made progress’

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Y administration has not disappointed the people, Gombe State Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo said in Lagos yesterday.

The governor said his administration has delivered on its campaign promises, especially in infrastructural development and education.

Dankwambo spoke in Lagos during a courtesy visit to the Lagos office of this newspaper. He was received by the Managing Director, Mr. Victor Ifijeh.

The governor said his administration focused on education, water, sanitation and rural transformation.

He said: “We are convinced that we have done exceptionally well. We have just been recognised as one of the outstanding states for which an award was given to us.

“We have done well in areas of education, infrastructure and sanitation. Also, we have raised the standard of facilities in Gombe State. But most importantly, if you look at the location of the state today, I think

T

By Musa Odoshimokhe

you will congratulate us in terms of security, because of the location of the state.”

Dankwambo noted that Gombe residents enjoyed relative peace, despite the menace of insurgents.

The governor noted that the state is business-friendly, with few taxes and other incentives.

According to him, this has received commendations from various quarters.

The governor said his administration had been doing everything with its limited resources to make life better for the people.

He added that the government was not probing the past administrations but was trying to set the records straight in the area of accountability.

Dankwambo said: “We are not probing anybody. But we are going to continue in the reconciliation of figures, so that we will ascertain the actual amounts that are outstanding.

But where there are needs for us to also make it clearer, the

PHOTO: SOLOMON ADEOLA

Nigeria, where the people would have the opportunity to serve, would soon emerge.

He said: “The position I will take is the position of the North, though we have not collectively discussed that. So, the position that I stand for now as an elected governor is the position of my people and not my personal opinion.

“So, as soon as this kind of issue arises, we will discuss it and take appropriate steps.

But this is not Gombe State’s position. But we look forward to where good Nigerians should be given the opportunity to demonstrate and bring themselves to the service of Nigeria.”

Reps, stakeholders seek review of legal practice

HE House of Representatives and other stakeholders in the legal profession are seeking to reposition law practice in the country to comply with international best practices.

The lawmakers, as well as the others, are seeking a review of N200 practising fee for Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN).

Speaker Aminu Tambuwal, at the weekend, said events had made it imperative to seek stakeholders’ opinions

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

and contributions to the amendment of vague and obsolete laws as well as reposition the Nigerian Law Reform Commission to improve its capacity.

The Speaker, who spoke when he opened a public hearing on three bills, decried challenges bedevilling the legal profession in the country because certain laws were no longer in conformity with the reality on the ground.

CNN’s African Voices features Tony Elumelu

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•Dankwambo... yesterday.

people have to be well informed, because we have the obligation to make things clear to them.”

He said his administration would not deviate from the position of the people on power shift.

Asked about his thoughts on Nigeria, Dankwambo said he was confident that a better

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie

HE Cable News Network’s (CNN’s) African Voices will feature this week a top Nigerian businessman, philanthropist and former Managing Director of the United Bank for Africa (UBA), Mr Tony Elumelu.

The international weekly half-hour programme highlights Africa’s frontline personalities.

The interview, with Jill Dougherty, will feature Elumelu talking about his intention to transform electricity shortage in Africa, empowering young entrepreneurs and how his upbringing prepared him for his success.

Elumelu talks about his ability to forecast, predict and take position in advance, based on the evaluation of the future.

He says: “I have a certain ability to tell, to read the environment and economy and to predict the direction things might go. When I envisage and take position and that vision comes through, then significant opportunities crystallise.”

He also explains his challenges of being the youngest Nigerian chief executive of a leading commercial bank when

Tambuwal expressed concern about excessive emphasis on academic qualification into the profession.

He said other areas of concern to the lawmakers included the N200 practising fee for Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) and an amount not exceeding N50 for foreign practitioners as well as the continuous payment of practising fees by lawyers who are too old to appear in court.

The hearing, organised by the House Committee on

Justice, was to gather contributions on the bills on the Penalties (Review Authorisation) Bill, 2012; the Nigerian Law Reform Commission Act (Amendment) Bill, 2012 and the Legal Practitioners (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2012.

The Speaker was represented by House Minority Leader Femi Gbajabiamila (APC, Lagos).

He regretted that the laws had not achieved what they set out to achieve, hence the need for a review.

On the Legal Practitioner Bill, the Speaker said: “It is clear that the existing law has not been able to resolve some of the major challenges confronting the legal profession in Nigeria today. These include the exorbitant cost of legal education, particularly course fees at the Nigerian Law School, to the activities of quacks, impersonation of lawyers and rising incidents of fake lawyers parading themselves as legal practitioners.”

‘70 per cent Nigerians suffering’

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members, liaise with office of the auditor general of the federation and of states for the purpose of ensuring international best practices in auditing and production of audit report”.

Lawan added: “As government and governance become more complex and intricate and public expenditure pattern and trends expand to cover more societal needs, there is a compelling need for legislatures to improve on their effectiveness and efficiency in scrutiny and oversight of public expenditure by governments?”

UNILAG Law Dept presents book

THE Faculty of Law of the University of Lagos(UNILAG) will on Thursday, hold the public presentation of a book, Among Giants:Memoirs:Deans of the Faculty of Law,University of Lagos(1962-2012, by Great Nwakaibeya,Vange Begha and Adetola Onayemi.

Former President, Nigerian Bar Association Chief Wole Olanipekun(SAN) will chair the occasion while Governor Babatunde Fashola and his Benue State counterpart, Gabriel Suswan, Former World Court Judge, Prince Bola Ajibola are special guests of honour.

Oba of Lagos Rilwan Akiolu is the book presenter.

‘How customers can benefit from mortgage bank’

From Olugbenga Adanikin, Abuja

IFE of the General Overseer of Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Folu Adeboye, has said about 70 per cent of Nigerians are suffering from hardship.

The cleric said there was need to seek divine assistance for the nation to change from poverty, diseases, violence, bloodshedding, among other problems, to positive ways.

She hoped the country would soon experience a genuine turn-around.

Mrs. Adeboye spoke at the closing of the 12th Abuja Special Holy Ghost Service on the Abuja-Keffi Expressway in Nasarawa State.

She said: “Nigeria is shining outside. It is known to be flamboyant. But 70 per cent of the people in the nation are suffering. All forms of sickness we have never heard before are happening.

“There is evil in this nation; greed, fornication, shedding of innocent blood, idolatry. Tonight we should be sober.”

Speaking on the theme of the service: Who Can Be Against Us, If the Lord Be for Us, Mrs Adeboye referred to 2 Chronicle: 15.

AIRTEL Nigeria has received commendations for creating solutions that have enhanced the growth of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in the country.

The President, Association of Private Educators (APEN), Dr Olufemi Ogunsanya, said Airtel had created a bouquet of products which empower entrepreneurs and make them succeed in business.

Addressing the association’s fifth annual conference in Lagos, Ogunsanya said the company’s products, such as e-mail solutions, website, Closed User Group (CUG), cloud services and bespoke communication platforms, have helped businesses to improve.

She said: “I am impressed by the products and services introduced to us by Airtel. I am excited and want to commend Airtel for leading innovation in the telecommunications sector and for creating specific offerings to boost enterprises.”

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HE Managing Director of Resort Mortgage Bank Plc, Mr Abimbola Olayinka, has given an insight into how customers can benefit from mortgage banks.

Addressing reporters in Lagos, Olayinka said a customer should replace the mentality that mortgage banks were limited in what they offer.

He said: “I can tell you from my experience that mortgage banks have a wide range of products.

“In Resort, for instance, we are capable of providing almost all banking services enjoyed in a regular commercial bank with the exception of forex (foreign exchange) related transactions.

“The bank has savings account, current accounts, tenured investment products and loans products not to mention the e-banking platform products. The list of products is, in fact, so long that hardly would customers not have a product available to meet their specific needs.”

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2013

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NEWS

Murder sparks India-Nigeria diplomatic storm

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HRISTIAN Nwaneli stood outside the Nigeria High Commission in New Delhi, India, waiting to settle a business dispute with his Indian business partner.

Nwaneli, a Nigerian, wanted the embassy to help him retrieve thousands of United States dollars his partner owed him.

But the Indian partner did not turn up. Instead, Nwaneli received a text message asking him to come to Gurgaon, 30 kilometres south of Delhi, for the money.

“I chose not to go for security reasons... I will never come back to India. It’s better to trade with the Chinese,” Nwaneli told Al Jazeera.

Tensions between Nigerians and Indians have escalated since a Nigerian, Obodo Uzoma Simeon, was found dead in Goa, a popular tourist destination, in the country’s west. Simeon was stabbed to death on October 31 in Panaji, Goa state’s capital.

Goa police were quick to lodge a murder case. However, the killing led to wide-

spread protests by Nigerian expatriates, snowballing into a major law and order problem.

About 200 angry members of the community blocked a highway while the body was being taken for post-mortem examination.

The police brought the situation under control and registered cases of rioting, arson and destruction of public property against 51 Nigerians and a Ghanaian.

“Forty people have been arrested and a few others were detained for their in-

volvement in rioting and other unlawful activities,” Kishan Kumar, director-general of Goa Police, told Al Jazeera.

“We are committed to serve people better and will allow no local or foreigner to take the law into their hands.”

For months, Goan police have been investigating suspected Nigerian links to drug gangs.

Last week, the Goa government submitted a report about Simeon’s murder to the Ministry of External Affairs,

stating that he was killed because of “in-fighting between drug-related gangs,” and that a local, named Surender Por, had been arrested for murder.

There are only 50,000 Nigerians living in India, but there are over a million Indians living in Nigeria. Thousands of Indians living there will be thrown out on the streets if the forcible eviction of Nigerians in Goa does not stop, said Jacob Nwadibia, administrative attaché of the Nigerian High Commission in New Delhi.

‘Give monarchs roles in governance’ From Damisi Ojo, Akure

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HE Olugbo of Ugbo kingdom in Ondo State, Oba Federick Akinruntan (Okoro Ajiga 1), at the weekend called for special roles for traditional rulers in the Constitution.

He said monarchs were indispensable in the affairs of the country.

Oba Akinruntan noted that it should not be only when there are problems in the country that monarchs should be recognised.

The Olugbo addressed reporters in Ode-Ugbo, Ilaje Local Government, during his fourth year coronation anniversary.

Dignitaries at the event were top government officials, traditional rulers, including the Deji of Akure, Oba Adebiyi Adesida; the Olowo of Owo, Oba Victor Folagbade Olateru-Olagbegi; the Amapetu of Mahun, Oba Lawrence Omowole; the Owa of Idanre, Oba Fedrick Aroloye and the Owa of Ogbagi-Akoko, Oba Victor Adetona.

Oba Akinruntan said: “It is high time windows were opened for traditional rulers.

We are a government on our own. It is not when there are problems that people should rush to us.”

NLNG didn’t rescue our men, says NIMASA

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HE Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has denied a report that the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited rescued its officials and Navy personnel on board a tugboat, MT Bori, last Wednesday.

NIMASA, in a statement by its spokesperson, Isichei Osamgbi, said MT Symphony, registered by the Flag State Authority of Panama, was illegally being towed by MT Bori when NIMASA was contacted to stop the operation.

NIMASA said it complied immediately with the request.

The statement reads: “It is also necessary to state clearly that there was no NIMASA worker or Navy personnel from the Maritime Guard Command of the agency on board of MT Bori, as alleged in the report.

“The Nation, being a respected mainstream national newspaper, we expect that you would confirm reports before publication, particularly as our communication channels are always open to treat any media enquiry...”

•Former Zambian President Kenneth Kaunda (left) presenting the Best African Central Bank Governor’s Award to Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, in Pretoria, South Africa... at the weekend

Med-View flies 339,043 passengers in one year

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

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ED-View Airlines said yesterday it has flown 339,043 within a year of its domestic operations.

The airline said it had a sizeable share of the passenger traffic in an industry where airlines were grappling with challenges.

It urged the government to create a more enabling environment for operators.

In an interview in Lagos, Med-View Airlines’ Managing Director Muneer Bankole explained that the airline had connected flights between Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Yola and Enugu.

He spoke of plans to consolidate on its operations by offering passengers seamless services throughout the country.

Bankole said Med-View had a low-key first anniversary with Jumat and church services last Friday and Sunday.

The airline, he said, started domestic operations on November 8, last year on the Lagos-Abuja route.

It added the Port Harcourt, Yola and Enugu routes were added to its schedule, flying 339,043 passengers within the period.

UI don to deliver Ghana varsity’s lecture

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Akhigbe to be buried November 23

HE burial of the former Chief of General Staff (CGS), Vice Admiral Mike Akhigbe, has been fixed on November 23 at Fugar, Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State.

The head of the family and older brother to the deceased, Chief Joseph Akhigbe-Alemoh, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Fugar yesterday that the body was expected to arrive at Fugar on November 22.

He said a Christian wake would be held that day. The funeral mass at the St. Theresa Catholic Church will hold the next day.

Aikhigbe died in New York on October 28. He was 67.

Ikhane, the first son of the late CGS, has said he would miss his father.

Ikhane spoke in Lagos when he received sympathisers at the family’s home on Victoria Island.

The son said his last moments with his father were emotional.

He said: “I am going to miss my father; that part of him that no one knows. Everyone knows the public figure, but he was my father.

“I have memories, recollections (of him). The advice he gave me, the legacy he left behind - of service and goodwill and doing justice to fellow men.

“More than anything else, the principles he stood for, which I

By Precious Igbonwelundu

have sworn to uphold. I will miss all that and will also miss the person who only I got to know.”

Among the callers at the Akhigbes’ home were Senate President David Mark; Lagos Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN), his Edo State counterpart, Adams Oshiomhole; former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ganiyu Adekeye; the Chairman, Eleganza Group of Industries, Alhaji Rasak Okoya; popular lawyer, Mike Ozekhome (SAN) and Chief A. K. Mohammed.

In his condolence message, Fashola wrote: “I salute a patriot and predecessor, who did not turn back when his country called for service.”

Oshiomhole described Akhigbe as his leader and elder, who taught him the core values of leadership, fearlessness, truth and defence for the people.

Ozekhome said Akhigbe was among those who midwifed Nigeria’s present democracy.

He said: “Even though he was an excellent military man, he had democratic blood running through his veins.

“At 54, he was already vice president in this country (as the CGS was) and within nine months, they were able to hand over power to a democratically-elected government in 1999, when they had the opportunity. Akhigbe deserves our regards...”

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University of Ibadan (UI) professor of Political Science and Director-General of the Obafemi Awolowo Institute of Government and Public Policy, Lekki, Lagos, Adigun Agbaje, will deliver a public lecture on the main campus of the Central University College, Tema, Ghana’s largest private university.

During the lecture on November 13, Agbaje will speak on: Electoral Politics and the Travails of Democracy, Development and Security in Africa.

Agbaje, who was a deputy vice chancellor (DVC) at UI, will address a crowd of Ghana’s academic community.

In the letter of invitation, the university’s President (an equivalent of a VC), Prof Kwesi Yankah, a fellow of the Ghana’s Academy of Arts and Science, hoped the lecture would “stimulate academic debate” and establish “close links” between Central University and UI.

Dangote Sugar expands market share

Dangote

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ANGOTE Sugar Refinery has increased its share of the Nigerian market as at September 30.

It was part of the company’s strategies to grow locally and globally.

Dangote Sugar is planning to resume exports to selected

West African countries in the first quarter of 2014.

The management of the sugar refinery, in a statement in Lagos, promised to always strengthen its output, sales and distribution through a large distribution network, even as the sugar refinery has six warehouses and 350 trucks to convey its products to its numerous distributors.

To meet its national master plan, Dangote Sugar Refinery is pursuing a backward integration plan, targeting 1.5 million tonnes of sugar per annum.

Its subsidiary, Savannah Sugar, is capable of producing 50,000 metric tonnes of

sugar per annum.

The company plans an additional investment of N180 billion on four factories in Sokoto and Kebbi states and has 150,000 hectares of land allocated for the project in Kogi, Kwara, Jigawa, Sokoto, Taraba and Kebbi states.

Dangote Sugar acquired Savannah Sugar Company Limited in Numan, Adamawa State, in 2002.

The moribund company was producing 50,000 tonnes of sugar per annum.

The buy-over, midwifed by the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), followed the Federal Government’s failure to reposition the nation’s foremost sugar company.

Dangote Industries Limited emerged the preferred bidder and core investor for Savanah Sugar Company.

Following its takeover, the Dangote Group initially invested N12 billion as the core running expenses into the business for the first five years.

Dangote Sugar spent the initial investment on factory and estate rehabilitation, purchase of vehicles, trucks and heavy duty equipment, salaries and wages, farm input, such as fertilisers and chemicals, spare parts for factory and heavy duty equipment and payments of sugar development levy, among others.

The company has begun

an expansion of its plant, enhancing the integrated sugar cane farming and sugar milling through increased plant capacity from 50,000 tonnes to 200,000 tonnes per annum.

This led to the procurement of new machinery and new factory.

The expansion is expected to enhance the integrated sugar came farming and milling.

Dangote Sugar’s present production hovers between 15,000 and 16,000 tonnes, down from 30,000 tonnes per annum recorded after the completion of the initial turnaround project due to issues with the community.

THE NATION MONDAY NOVEMBER 11, 2013

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NEWS Tinubu, governors for Lam Adesina’s remembrance today

Woman, 46, murdered in Igede-Ekiti

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46-YEAR-OLD mother of two, Mrs. Eunice Titilayo Ogundele, has been raped and murdered by unknown persons in Igede-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

It was learnt that the deceased was on her way to church on Friday morning when the incident occurred.

The widower, Mr. Michael Ogundele, said they both left home a little after five o’clock, adding that his late wife had no misunderstanding with anyone.

Ogundele, who was in tears, said: “This morning (Friday), we both went out a little after 5am. I was going to work while she was going for a church service.

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

When we got to Igede-Ado road, we went our separate ways. I did not know I was seeing her for the last time.

A few minutes to 6am, they called me to come somewhere in the town. I went there and met my wife dead, with two deep wounds on her head.”

A man, who lives close to the scene, Baba Abass Owoso, said: “My children were preparing for school, when I heard people shouting ‘won tipa o, won tipa o (they have killed her o)’. When I came out, I met people surrounding her body. I saw that she was hit on the head

at two places with a heavy object and blood was all over the ground.

“A Bible, a torch light, a small purse and a pestle, which I suspected was used to kill her, were on the floor.

I noticed that she might have been raped, as her pant was beside her leg.”

The deceased’s son, Ayodeji, said: “I live in AdoEkiti. Someone phoned me to come to Igede around 6am. I was told she left our house on Aaye Street in Igede for the Holiness Evangelical Church in Ilamoye, which is a few meters away.

She did not reach the church before she was killed.”

Police spokesman Victor Olu-Babayemi, who con-

Aregbesola vindicated on Islamic bond, says APC

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HE Federal Government’s plan to take the Islamic bond, Sukuk, to build airports, railways and refineries has vindicated Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, the state’s chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) said yesterday.

In a statement by its Publicity Director, Kunle Oyatomi, APC said the Aregbesola administration had become a pace setter for other states and the Federal Government.

It said the criticisms of Sukuk by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the state’s chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) were unnecessary.

APC said the Federal Government’s decision to take Sukuk showed that it had nothing to do with religion.

It described allegations that Aregbesola was planning to islamise the state through the bond as “ignorant and mischievous”.

Warning people against politicising issues, APC said: “Will the PDP or CAN now say that President Goodluck Jonathan is planning to islamise the country by taking Sukuk? It is time for all Nigerians to see Aregbesola

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From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

as a leader with good intentions for his people and those who misinterpreted his decision on Sukuk should seek forgiveness from God.” Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi recently said the bank, the Debt Management Office (DMO) and the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) were exploring ways to raise an Islamic bond to build airports, railways and refineries.

Sanusi said because of the potentials of Sukuk to develop economies, the CBN, in conjunction with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), ICRC and DMO had assembled a technical team to explore alternative modes of finance and set out the procedures for using the modes in the development of infrastructure.

Sanusi noted that the Osun State government successfully issued a sub-sovereign Sukuk worth N10 billion for building public schools and the issuance was oversubscribed.

British firm gets Nigerian partner

NTEC Printing Solutions of Britain has appointed PrintEquip Limited as its authorised partner in Nigeria.

The Chief Executive Officer of PrintEquip, Mr. Gbemi Malomo, said with the appointment, the firm has been given the mandate to support Intec’s printers in Nigeria.

Malomo said: “PrintEquip Limited, from inception, has been concerned with the provision of multiple solutions towards equipping the Nigerian printer. This new partnership with Intec is a great leap towards realising this goal.”

He said Intec was known worldwide for its uniquely featured digital printers, which “always meet the needs of buyers beyond the ordinary print”.

Malomo said Intec was versatile and reliable for all

By Uyoatta Eshiet

types of printing, be it on heavy media and boards up to 600 grams or 600 microns and up to 1.2 metres long.

He said the new digital machine is suitable for printers, churches, schools, government offices, advertising agencies and others.

Intec’s International Sales Manager Mr. Richard Castle said modern printing was no longer what it used to be.

He said digital printing helped print quantity management, enhances quality and saved cost.

Richard said the new machine could print on paper from 70 to 600 grams, flat surfaces and handle double sided printing.

The price of the printing system ranges from N1.2 million upwards and the firm has trained personnel in the country.

firmed the incident, said two suspects had been arrested.

Babayemi said: “Two suspects are in our custody in respect of the rape and murder of a woman in IgedeEkiti. They are being interrogated to determine their involvement in the crime.

After our investigations, we will reveal their identities to the public.

“About two weeks ago on the same axis, precisely ErioEkiti, a man raped and murdered a teenager on a cocoa plantation. We urge the public to help the police halt this trend.”

In 2011, a pastor’s wife was raped and murdered on her husband’s farm in the town.

The culprits have yet to be

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•The late Mrs. Ogundele

apprehended.

The incident was protested by youths, who threatened to burn the palace of the town’s monarch, Oba Joseph Aladesuru.

There have been about five similar cases in the town.

Man held for 10-year-old cousin’s death

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

•Idowu HE police in Osun State have arrested a 26-year-old man, Rafiu Idowu, for allegedly raping and killing his 10year-old cousin, Tawa Bilawu.

Idowu allegedly committed the crime around 4:30pm at his home in Ile-Ogbo, Osun State, on November 4.

He allegedly suffocated the victim by holding her neck tightly.

The suspect’s confessional statement reads: “I was born and brought-up in Lagos. I attended Oloye Pri-

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

mary School in Ijora, Lagos.

Thereafter, I attended United Secondary School, Apapa. I dropped out of secondary school when I was in SS1.

“I dropped-out of school because my father died prematurely. I learnt how to repair motorcycle for six years under the care of my brother at Bida in Niger State.

“Presently, I work at a concrete block industry at Ile-Ogbo. I am not married and I do not have a child.

Tawa Bilawu is my first cousin. She came to my house on November 4 around 4:30pm. She met me at the passage and said she was running an errand for somebody.

“She dragged me into my

room and removed my trousers. We both got on the bed and she put my manhood inside her, but after about two minutes, she started shouting.

I asked her why she was shouting but she continued, so I held her neck and nose and pressed them until she died. I also covered her mouth with my hand, so as not to alert my neighbours. Nobody heard her shouting.”

Idowu denied being intimate with the late Tawa before the incident. He begged for forgiveness, saying her death was an accident.

Idowu admitted that he had been smoking Indian Hemp for many years.

Police spokesperson Sade Odoro said the suspect would be arraigned at the end of their investigation.

Group holds colloquium on confab

N2.6m stolen from parked SUV

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35-year-old man, Adisa Aleshinloye, has been arrested for allegedly stealing N2,684,000 from a car parked on Gbongan Road in Osogbo, the Osun State capital.

Aleshinloye allegedly committed the crime last Wednesday around 1:35pm.

The money belongs to Mr. Sanni Bamidele.

It was learnt that Bamidele parked his Nissan Xtera Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), marked LND 334 AH (LAGOS), in front of the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (OYES) Office to visit his friend and left the money in the vehicle.

After some time, sources said Bamidele heard people shouting “thief, thief” and came out of his friend’s place to find out what was amiss.

They said Bamidele discovered that the right door window of his vehicle had been broken and his money stolen.

It was learnt that Aleshinloye ran into a Nissan Sienna bus, where his gang members were waiting and they drove off,

•Aleshinloye holding the bag of money in front of Bamidele’s vehicle...at the weekend From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

but a police patrol team went after them.

Sources said Aleshinloye jumped out of the bus with the money on Ede Road but was arrested and the

OUTHWEST governors and former Lagos State Governor Bola Tinubu are today expected at the first memorial anniversary of former Oyo State Governor Lam Adesina.

Also expected are former Oyo State Governors Omololu Olunloyo, Rashidi Ladoja and Adebayo Alao-Akala; the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Abdulazeez ArisekolaAlao and a former Secretary to the State Government, Chief Michael Koleosho, among others.

Adesina died a year ago after a brief illness.

Speaking with reporters yesterday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, the late Adesina’s first son, Ayo, said: “The event will hold at the family home in Felele, Ibadan.

It will start by 10am.

There will be prayers in the morning, followed by a public lecture and the inauguration of the Ayo Lam Foundation, a non-governmental organisation (NGO).

“It started before my father’s death and we are launching it formally to sustain his legacy and cater for the needy.”

Tinubu will chair the occasion. ArisekolaAlao is the chief launcher.

money recovered.

It was learnt that his gang members abandoned the bus and fled.

The bus has been impounded by the police.

Police spokesperson Folasade Odoro said the command was on the trail of the fleeing suspects.

THE Oodua Development Initiative (ODI), a socio-political group, will tomorrow hold a colloquium on the proposed national conference in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The colloquium, tagged: “National Conference: True Federalism and the Yoruba Nation”, will hold at the Premier Hotel.

In a statement, ODI‘s Secretary-General, Mr. Sanya Adesua, said the colloquium was aimed at setting a “concrete agenda” for the Yoruba nation to facilitate productive participation at the proposed national conference.

The colloquium will be chaired by a former Transport Minister, Chief Ebenezer Babatope.

Discussants include Prof. Ayo Olukotun; Prof. Tayo Adesina and Mr. Yinka Odumakin.

The colloquium will be moderated by a political scientist and newspaper columnist; Prof. Alade Fawole.

THE NATION MONDAY NOVEMBER 11, 2013

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NEWS Group preaches values among politicians A GROUP, the All Christian Leaders and Ministers Forum (ACLMF) , has said politicians should have values .

It said those aspiring to govern Lagos State in the next political dispensation must possess values in tandem with righteousness and integrity.

Rising from an emergency meeting in Abule-Egba, Lagos, at the weekend, the group said no nation could succeed without principles.

In a statement, ACLMF’s spokesman, Mr. Femi Ilori, said the quest for a Christian governor in Lagos was not a quest for mediocrity.

Ilori said: “We are not just asking for a Christian governor in the next political dispensation, we are urging such a person to be ready to serve the poor and make life better for residents.”

The group said without self sacrifice, it would be difficult to have a sane society.

It said: “ Christians must be shinning examples for others. We should be seen as people of integrity.”

•Osun residents, led by Governor Rauf Aregbesola, during the 13th edition of the Walk to Live programme at Apomu...at the weekend.

Olubadan confers titles on eight indigenes

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•Supporters of Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun at a rally organised by Ifo Local Government and the Unity Youth PHOTO: NNEKA NWANERI Forum to mobilise support for the governor’s re-election...yesterday.

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Group seeks creation of Ibadan state

SOCIO-CULTURAL group, the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), at the weekend urged Ibadan representatives at both chambers of the National Assembly to ensure the creation of Ibadan state.

CCII President Chief Bayo Oyero spoke during the group’s meeting with federal lawmakers from Ibadan in Abuja.

Oyero described as worrisome a statement credited to Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu that none of the memoranda submitted to the National Assembly by those seeking state creation satisfied the requirements for state creation.

He lamented that the CCII submitted a memorandum for the creation of Ibadan

From Sanni Onogu, Abuja

state in 2003, 2006 and 2008 respectively, but “nothing had been heard from the National Assembly”.

Oyero said the committee raised on the issue had done everything required by the constitution and wondered why their request had not been granted.

He said: “We met all the conditions stipulated by Section 8 (1) of the Constitution.

We obtained necessary signatures and the entire people of Oyo State are in support of our proposal.”

Oyero told the lawmakers that a committee had been set up for the building of a befitting palace for the Olubadan on a six-acre piece of land.

He said arrangements had been concluded for this year’s Ibadan week, which starts on Thursday.

Senator Olufemi Lanlehin (Oyo South District), who spoke for his colleagues, told the group to send another request to the National Assembly for the creation of Ibadan state, adding that their earlier requests had been overtaken by events.

Lanlehin assured the group that their representatives at the National Assembly were in support of the request.

Thunderstrike kills man in Ogun

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N unidentified man has been killed by thunder strike in Sagamu, Ogun State.

The man, who was dressed in a blue brocade, was said to be returning from a social engagement last Saturday when the thun-

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

derstorm that accompanied a heavy rainfall struck him dead opposite the garage at Salako.

It was gathered that terrified passers-by scampered to safety, leaving the

victim’s body on the street.

A source said as at 2:20pm yesterday, the victim’s remains were still lying by the road side.

It was learnt that worshippers of Sango (the god of thunder) were preparing to evacuate the body.

HE Olubadan, Oba Samuel Odulana, at the weekend conferred chieftaincy titles on eight Ibadan indigenes.

They are former Commissioner for Environment Lowo Obisesan from Aworonsoso family; Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Authority Busari Adebisi; Chief Samuel Adeniran; Chief Anthony Oyekan; Chief Rafiu Eleruwere; Chief Oluyinka Akande and Chief Rafiu Onidewure.

The ceremony took place at the Monatan palace of the Olubadan of Ibadan.

Obisesan said it was wrong to say people should not combine traditional titles with politics, adding that the country’s affairs should not be left in the hands of charlatans.

The former commissioner, who was promoted to Jagun Balogun of

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

Ibadanland, said it was wrong for the educated and elite to think chieftaincy titles are meant for illiterates.

Stressing that he was happy to step into his father’s shoes, Obisesan said: “As the Jagun Balogun of Ibadanland, you I am a potential Olubadan. Before one is conferred with this title, he must be of impeccable character and should be worthy of emulation. I am very happy to have been c ou nt ed w or t hy by A l mighty Allah to step into my father’s shoes.”

He assured residents that he would make memorable impacts on their lives.

Adebisi, who was decor a t ed as t he A ji a Olubadan, said he was delighted by the opportunity to serve his people.

Funeral for Omojola

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HE remains of r e n o w n e d economist and revolutionary activist Adewole Babarinde Omojola Ajibola will be buried in Lagos on Friday.

“It will be a heroic event”, said Abiodun Aremu, arrowhead of the organisers.

The one-week event, which would to be graced by socialists and rights activists, begins today and ends on Saturday with an outing service at the Indigene Faith of Africa (Ijo Orunmila Ato) on 90, Freeman Street, Ebute

Metta, Lagos.

There will be a tribute session, Tributes Galore, on Thursday at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, from 10am to 3:30pm and a Solidarity Night featuring musical renditions, cultural display, poetry, tributes and a candle light procession from 8pm till dawn.

The late Omolola, popularly known as Baba Oluwide Omojola, died on October 19 in Akure, the Ondo State capital. He was 75.

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NEWS ANAMBRA 2013

PDP alleges plot by Obi, INEC to rig poll

Varsity name change: Issue is rule of law, not Ojukwu

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State has said the state government has once again missed the point in a statement directed to the opposition parties on the renaming of the Anambra State University after the late Dim Chukwu Emeka Odimegwu Ojukwu.

The government had reacted in a statement by Mr. Valentine Obienyem published in some newspapers, giving an impression that the opposition parties were against honouring the late Ojukwu.

APC said: “Nothing can

be far from the truth. The point is not about Ojukwu whose name the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) uses as a talisman when convenient. The issue is the rule of law.

“The second issue is living true to the words expressed by a government. ‘’The Anambra State government, which Governor Peter Obi leads and which Valentine Obienyem is a part of, has been caught on the wrong side of both issues by members of the House of Assembly in opposition parties and many in APGA, who understand that the issue is not partisan.

“In what is characteristic of its arbitrariness in running the affairs of the state, the government woke up one morning to announce that the name of a university has changed. Yet the university is a creation of the law set up by an Act of Parliament in the state.

“What this means is that the Governor Obi-led administration has run foul of the law and due process, and can be impeached, particularly since this is habitual.

“The government, without an enabling law, recently pronounced that campaigns would not take place in the markets, against the

•Commission: allegation false

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•Obi

spirit of the freedom of movement entrenched in the 1999 Constitution, only to flout it and get booed.

“The most lenient the House of Assembly can be in the circumstance is to ask the government to go back and do the right thing as soon as practicable.”

APC hails MASSOB for disowning APGA

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) has hailed the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) for disowning its purported endorsement of the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra State, Willy Obiano.

It gave the commendation yesterday in a statement through its Southeast Zonal Publicity Secretary, Osita Okechukwu.

From Chris Oji, Enugu

Okechukwu said MASSOB has, by this noble act, separated the wheat from the chaff.

He praised MASSOB for exposing Governor Peter Obi and his “empty shell” called APGA by distancing itself from the desperados in the party.

Okechukwu said MASSOB had not only demonstrated that it was truly pan-Igbo, but had shown that what it (APGA) had in Anambra State today was Agulu Peo-

ples Grand Alliance, and not All Progressives Grand Alliance, which the late Ezeigbo Gburugburu, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, promoted.

The statement reads: “Chief Ralph Uwazurike and his MASSOB leadership have done Ndigbo proud, for giving Governor Obi water with the bitter cup he gave others. Hence reminding him how he abandoned MASSOB in the hour of need.

“Was Governor Obi not the one who ordered shoot at

sight against MASSOB in Onitsha in 2006?

“How on earth can a governor, who suddenly remembered to ‘spray’ money, even on the Adoration ground, be taken serious?

“APC could have been outraged if MASSOB has forgotten that till date, Governor Obi has neither followed up nor sued the police for the Esu River tragedy, where MASSOB members, allegedly shot by the police, were found floating.”

Okechukwu urged MASSOB to remain steadfast and impartial.

HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has alleged that it has uncovered a plot by Governor Peter Obi to conspire with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to rig Saturday’s poll through the data capture done recently.

Obi had urged Anambra residents to go for registration at designated centres, to know the population of indigenes and non- indigenes.

But PDP members alleged that the exercise was a plot by the governor and INEC to disenfranchise people, to favour the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

The party also alleged that INEC was working in tandem

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

with the APGA administration to use the voter register of 2010, which was used to facilitate victory for APGA during the election.

Reacting yesterday to the allegation, INEC’s spokesman Mr. Frank Egbo described it as false and unfounded.

He said: “Why are some people behaving like illiterates? What they are trying to do is to heat up the polity.”

Egbo said the commission does not relate with Obi on such issues, neither does it take orders from him.

He urged people to be careful on the statements they make.

‘Security to be tightened in volatile areas’

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HE Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Ballah Nasarawa, has assured that security would be tightened in volatile areas in the state.

This, according to him, was to avoid a breakdown of law an order during the election and ensure a free and fair.

Nasarawa spoke yesterday during a workshop on ‘Policing Elections’, for Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), at Geo-Gold Hotels, Awka.

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

It was organised by CLEEN Foundation and the Justice for All (J4A) Programme of DFID. According to Nasarawa, who was represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations, Agyole Abeh, the police hoped that peace would be maintained during the poll, with assistance from other security agencies, to ensure voters were not disenfranchised.

‘Ngige not interested in opponents’ billboard’

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HE All Progressives Congress’ (APC’s) governorship candidate, Senator Chris Ngige, has said he is not interested in destroying the billboards or posters of opponents.

He said yesterday through his campaign organisation in a statement by Okelo Madukaife that the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) should stop what he called campaigns of calumny and face reality.

The campaign organisation said APGA was trying

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

to divert the attention of the people since its involvement in the Uke, Holy Ghost Adoration ground tragedy.

The statement said: “Our attention has been drawn to the baseless allegation from the APGA governorship campaign team trying to divert attention from the Uke disaster to the destruction of posters belonging to some candidates.

“We understand the heavy burden of guilt felt by APGA

Vote for governor, not ‘standby generator’, Ngige urges voters

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HE All Progressives Congress’ (APC’s) governorship candidate, Senator Chris Nwabueze Ngige, has urged the indigenes of Enugwu Ukwu in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State to vote for a governor they can trust to deliver and improve their town, rather than a running mate, whom he described as a ‘standby generator’.

Ngige, apparently refer-

By Ada Bosa

ring to the running mate of one of the parties contesting Saturday’s election, who hails from the town, told the crowd that the time has come for a climax in the longstanding political relationship “we have enjoyed with this historical town and it is wise to carry it through to the end, so as to give value to all your previous sacrifices in the course of this journey.”

Idemili North supports APGA

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UPPORT for the All Progressives Grand Alliance’s (APGA’s) candidate, Chief Willie Obiano, increased yesterday in Ogidi Idemmili North local Government when a community leader, Chief Samuel Anyanwutaku, and leaders of Ogidi endorsed him.

Addressing the people of

From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Onitsha

the local government, Chief Anyanwutaku said the choice of APGA and its candidate was reached by the Ogidi community after an appraisal of the development the community had benefited from the Governor Peter Obi administration.

and Anambra State government, whose Commissioner for Information Mr. JoeMartins Uzodike, also the Campaign director-general of APGA, supervised the destruction of 64 billboards mounted by APC’s standardbearer Senator Ngige, who is the most popular in the race.”

‘Nwoye, the best candidate’

By Nneka Nwaneri

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BODY, the Lagos Support Group of the Anambra Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Candidate, has canvassed support for the party’s standard-bearer, Comrade Tony Nwoye, saying he is the best candidate.

It held a meeting at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, where it decried the high level of kidnapping in the state and insecurity of life and property.

The group agitated for a way out of the problems.

It said the problems were caused by the growing number of unemployed youths, which Comrade Nwoye has promised to solve.

Lagos lawyer Emeka Odikpo, who spoke on behalf of the body, said Nwoye’s intention to articulate an agenda for the renewal of infrastructure in Anambra State by introducing the light rail system to run through the Southeast and ensure that the Onitsha River Port was put into use “by our importers, is a visionary idea that will generate jobs and keep youths engaged.”

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CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 08023247888

Fishermen demand N9b compensation from Mobil for oil spill

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OR a spill which allegedly destroyed their means of livelihood, fishing communities in Lagos State are demanding a N9billion compensation from oil giant Mobil Producing Nigeria (MPN).

In a suit filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos, they claimed the spillage occurred on January 10, 1998 and adversely affected their “waters of life”.

The plaintiffs, Chief M. A. Ajanaku, Mr Benson Oketola, Chief Richard Kalasuwe and Prince J. O. Oshiyemi, filed the suit in 2002 on behalf of registered fishing cooperative societies and 272 fishing communities on the coastal settlements and villages on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean.

They also sued on behalf of fishermen on the banks of the lagoons, estuaries, creeks and rivers of the coastal region of Lagos State (which they referred to as “Waters of Life”).

•Firm: suit is frivolous

By Joseph Jibueze

The suit has gone through several judges due to transfers and started de novo (afresh) severally.

The plaintiffs said they made 99 per cent of their income from fishing and fish farming.

“The Waters of Life is pivotal to the life support systems of the plaintiffs and also fundamental to their socio-economic well being, their statement of claim said.

The plaintiffs said about 38 years ago, Mobil constructed pipes and mains for conveying crude from its production platform (offshore) in Akwa Ibom State.

On January 10, 1998, the pipelines, they alleged ruptured and burst, resulting in the spilling of over 7.6million litres of crude oil into the Atlantic Ocean.

The spill, the plaintiffs

Lagos executes 43 rural projects

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By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

VER 43 projects designed to improved life in rural communities in Lagos State are ready to be handed over to them, the Commissioner for Rural Development, Mr Cornelius Ojelabi, has said.

Briefing reporters on activities lined up to mark the 2013 Community Week, he said the projects comprise 23 water and sanitation, 13 electrification, three agricultural schemes, three rural roads and one community hall.

They include the Igbanko electrification at Olorunda Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Shoko electrification in Badagry, Ese-Ofin foot bridge in Oto-Awori, Okemagba Town Hall in Epe,the Ikotun- Igando micro-water scheme and a fish cold room at Oluwo market in Epe. The government was committed to rural development, Ojelabi said “Our commitment to rural development is unshaken. And we have demonstrated this with the provision of many projects that have impacted positively on the lives of our people in rural communities.

“The 43 projects are part of our latest efforts at making living more comfortable in the rural areas, and by the time the various on-going projects are completed, things will be much more better for our people”, Ojelabi said the government was supporting some Community Development Associations (CDAs) in the rural areas to execute self-help projects.

He appealed to rural residents to ensure that their projects are secured from vandals, adding that the week is observed to appreciate rural communities for their contributions to development.

“The week kicks off on November 12 with a visit to children in some orphanages by officials of the state government while the handing over of completed projects across the different rural communities by some commissioners is slated for November 13, 14 and 19.

“The grand finale, tagged ‘Community Day Celebration’ which features presentation of awards to communities that have excelled in their self-help projects holds on November 21 at Police College, Ikeja”, Ojelabi said.

Ex-judge dies at 85

•The late Kolawole

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FORMER High Court Judge, Justice Ekundayo Kolawole, is dead. He died on September 8, at the University College Hospital (UCH) in the Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

He was 85.

A statement by the family, signed by Rev Olusiji Kolawole, said the funeral rite of passage would hold between December 14 and

21.

Special court sessions will be held for him by the Oyo and Osun states judiciary on December 17 and 19 at High Court, Ring Road Ibadan and High Court, Oke-Fia, Osogbo, the Osun State capital. He will be laid-in-state in his Ibadan home at 19, Main Avenue, Alalubosa G.R.A. on December 17, between from 1.30p.m. to 4.30p.m and in his Ibokun, Osun State home on December 20 from 11a.m. to 4p.m.

His remains will be buried at St. Peter’s Anglican Church Cemetery, Ibokun on December 21, 2013.

He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Sabinah Modupe Kolawole, children, grand and great grand children.

said, did not only destroy their source of livelihood, but violated their right to earn a living from natural resources available to them.

The plaintiffs claimed that despite polluting their environment, the defendant has refused to compensate them.

Mobil, they said, had not taken any “post-impact remediation action” to restore the natural resources destroyed as a result of the spill.

The plaintiffs are seeking a declaration that the defendant’s continued failure to restore “the ecosystem of the lands and waters of life” is unconstitutional

and violates their right to live in an environment favourable to their socioeconomic development.

The right, they said, is guaranteed by Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution and articles 22 and 24 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights.

The plaintiffs prayed the court to nullify any document purporting to “release” Mobil from paying them due compensation because “the document relates to an unconscionable bargain which was signed under economic duress and in breach of statutory provisions.”

They are praying for an order that “the defendants should commence post-impact remediation

programmes in respect of the plaintiffs’ lands and waters polluted by the defendant’s Idoho Oil Spill and do all such acts and things to clean up the environment of the plaintiffs and to restore same to its original state.”

The plaintiffs are seeking N8.4billion as special damages, interest on the amount at 10 per cent per annum from January 26, 1998 until judgment and full payment; N1.4billion as general damages for the alleged infraction of their constitutional and statutory rights, and 10 per cent interest on the sum from the date of judgment until full payment.

Denying the plaintiffs’ claims, the company said while there was a spill, there

was no evidence that it caused the damage the plaintiffs are alleging.

Mobil also questioned a report prepared by an environmental health assessment expert, Mr Sylvester Orhiere, which purportedly recorded the extent of damage of the ecosystem.

The firm exhibited before the court experts’ reports, which it said proved that the spillage could not have been so damaging as to warrant the suit or damages sought by the defendants.

Mobil, which is yet to open its defence, urged the court to dismiss the suit for being gold digging, frivolous and an abuse of process.

Justice Ibrahim Buba adjourned the case till December 10.

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NEWS (SHOWBIZ)

D’banj reconciles with Glo

Segun Arinze’s ex-Ann Njemanze marries again

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OLLYWOOD actress Ann Njemanze was all smiles last Saturday, tying the knot with another man years after she parted ways with fellow actor and father of her first daughter, Segun Arinze.

Rumors of Njemanze’s marriage to movie producer Uzodinma Amadi went viral on social media last year, but it all turned out a fluke.

Friends of the Domitila star were on hand to give her moral support at her family home at Bucknor Estate, Isolo in Lagos, where she said ‘I Do’ to another Nollywood scriptwriter Silver Ojieson The Owerri, Imo Stateborn actress, who presently acts in Tinsel, made a proud outing with her two children, providing what many

described as moral support for their mother.

Njemanze’s 17-year-old dauther by Arinze, Rene worked closely with the Chief Bridesmaid, while her eight-year-old son, Ali, by another man dazzled many when he introduced himself eloquently to some guests as son of the bride.

Njemanze sure got a lot of support from people around her to find her feet again. A few days to the wedding, her female friends were said to have organised a pre-wedding shower for the delectable thespian at Mellamby’s Place in Surulere, Lagos.

Njemanze, a Visual Art graduate of the University of Lagos, also works with the National Troup of Nigeria.

•May return as brand ambassador

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•Njemanze and Ojieson

HERE are indications that Dapo Oyebanjo aka D’banj may be returned this month as brand ambassador of Globacom. The singer’s initial contract was terminated two years ago after he fell out with Globacom over demand for an increase in performance fees, among others.

Close sources say talks are ongoing to bring the entertainer back, because the company believes he has got the clout to sell the brand in the international arena.

Our sources say Glo believes D’banj has turned a new leaf and it’s looking forward to a smoother relationship with the singer.

Although there were conflicting reports about the reason the Koko Master, as he (D’banj) is fondly called, could not continue with his first contract, a common reason pointed at the slash in sign-on fee, which the company decided at some point. D’Banj was said to have been dropped after he refused to sign a new contract extension that was less attractive.

Although Glo has never revealed what it pays its ambassadors officially, D’banj, who was said to have signed an initial two-year contract worth N70 million, but was allegedly paid for a year, felt slighted when the new sign-on fee the telecoms giant was offering, took effect.

It is not clear how much the new offering will be, but there are indications it may be close to N35 million, which is in the range of what is being paid twin singers P-Square, and a far cry from what mask-styled musician, Bisade Ologunde aka Lagbaja, gets for doing the same job.

If the returnee ambassador is paid N20 million, as believed in some quarters, it will still put him above P-Square as a single earner and may just be near the range of Lagbaja, who has been less visible at Glo’s events since he spends more time abroad.

Lagbaja, it appears, is in the good books of Glo Chairman Chief Mike Adenuga for retaining his contracts despite being less visible. The company had dropped several of his ambassadors for not creating adequate time to be part of its musical concerts, media and social events, advertisement photo shoot, among others.

Years ago, D’banj incurred the wrath of the Glo helmsman when he demanded an upward review of his N70 million annual sign-on fee, and the N2million per Glo campus show deal that would have taken him to 36 locations.

The aftermath, many say, led to the company’s choice of PSquare, who was thought out as a viable replacement.

The endorsement of P-Square in 2010 was said to have brought about the slash of his endorsement fee from N70 million to N20 million.

Reason was also attributed to his face off with the company during the Rock & Rule concert series, organised by Globacom.

The latest in the sign-on deal is Wande Coal, who just parted ways with Mavin Records.

Sources say the pop star is being offered less than a N10million for the Globacom deal, a fee which was earlier rejected for him by his former label.

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COMMENTARY FROM OTHER LANDS

EDITORIALS

An Iran deal offers an alluring prize

Waiver abuse

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• We need transparent guidelines on duty waivers

IGERIANS may have been in shock with the revelation of the criminal abuse of duty exemptions at the House of Representatives probe of the N255 million bullet-proof cars involving the aviation minister, Stella Oduah, and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). The revelations at the Joint Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriation investigating reports of alleged over-bloating of the 2013 budget in Abuja last week has again confirmed that the abuses of waivers and duty exemptions are pervasive, cutting across the entire public finance system.

Appearing before the committee last week, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Customs Service, Abdullahi Dikko Inde, put the revenue loss to the waivers and exemptions in the first nine months of the year – that is January to September – at N603.2 billion. Of the sum, N263.8 billion is said to represent the waiver granted on importation of petroleum products.

Other waivers include those on import duty certificate, N84.6 billion; manufacturers and assemblers (Completely Knocked Down and Bulk), N76.1 billion.

Most astoundingly, he told the senators that the Customs Service is not in a position to know the amount of crude oil being exported daily because the service is “not on ground to know.”

The figures said to be lost to the waivers should, ordinarily be alarming enough. It seems unimaginable that the nation would continue to fritter its revenue so carelessly on duty waivers only

because it can afford to pump crude oil.

And, to imagine that this is not about a trade-off between current earnings which is lost; and the development of the future capacity of the economy to renew and regenerate itself.

More worrisome however is the complex web of corruption associated with the administration of the duty waivers and exemptions over the years. First, it is known to be a major source of patronage to those least deserving of them; the greater trouble however is that the stated objectives for granting them hardly materialise, which in the situation calls into question, the rationale for sustaining them.

It is, in the circumstance, tempting to call for its abrogation in its entirety. But then, we appreciate that this would neither be feasible nor even desirable. Waivers for certain categories of imports may sometimes be absolutely necessary. The problem is when discretions are exercised in such manner as to benefit the narrow interests of a few, as against the strategic national interest which the regime of waivers is advertised to advance.

Under the Obasanjo administration, for instance, we saw how waivers granted specifically to import industrial machinery and vital construction equipment were used as cover to bring in cars and other luxury items without the offenders being visited with appropriate sanctions.

And, as we have just heard in the on-going N255 million bullet-proof cars saga, the waiver meant to bring in duty-free vehicles for the Lagos State Sports Festi-

val is alleged to have been recycled by Coscharis Motors to bring armoured vehicles with attendant loss of N10 million in import duty revenue.

The challenge therefore, is one of how to curb the abuses. One way is to develop a clear set of guidelines for potential beneficiaries as against the current discretionary rule of the thumb known to be prone to abuse. The other is to ensure that violators of the guidelines are treated as economic saboteurs. Also, the time has come for the Federal Government to publish, periodically, the names of the beneficiaries of the waivers, as well as items covered, to enthrone a regime of transparency. That way, the citizens have at least a fair chance of knowing who got what, if only to help monitor the so-called benefits said to derive from them.

‘The challenge therefore, is one of how to curb the abuses. One way is to develop a clear set of guidelines for potential beneficiaries as against the current discretionary rule of the thumb known to be prone to abuse. The other is to ensure that violators of the guidelines are treated as economic saboteurs. Also, the time has come for the Federal Government to publish, periodically, the names of the beneficiaries of the waivers, as well as items covered ...’

We can

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•Classy champions! Nigeria dazzles the soccer world. With good leadership, Nigeria too can

T was victory so comprehensive in its brilliance: FIFA U-17 World Cup for a record fourth time: 1985, 1993, 2007, 2013; Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Golden Ball in Nigeria’s Kelechi Ihenacho; Golden Glove for championship’s best goalkeeper in Dele Alampasu; FIFA Fairplay Award for best behaved team in the championship; Silver Boot for second highest scorer, Kelechi Ihenacho; FIFA record for the highest number of goals any team has scored in U-17 World Cup: 26 goals, beating Germany’s 2007 feat of 24!

Aside, the coaching crew logged some records. Manu Garba, the late Yemi Tella’s assistant in Eaglets’ last win in South Korea, has now won the U-17 World Cup twice. Nduka Ugbade, one of Garba’s assistants, has now won the cup both as player and coach: Ugbade captained the first ever U-17 World Cup winners in China, 1985; and only a horrendous injury kept him off USA ‘94 World Cup, where he

‘FIFA U-17 World Cup, United Arab Emirates 2013, showed us what we had always known: that Nigeria, with the right leadership and motivation, has the capacity to compete and be the global best ... The Nigerian cadets have shown the way. Nigeria’s political leadership should follow their example, and deliver Nigeria’s manifest destiny, driven by merit. After all, as the poet Williams Wordsworth declared, ‘the child is the father of the man!’

would have been the first Nigerian to have played in all World Cup categories.

FIFA U-17 World Cup, United Arab Emirates 2013, showed us what we had always known: that Nigeria, with the right leadership and motivation, has the capacity to compete and be the global best.

The Manu Garba boys paraded a rock solid defence, a fluid and brilliant midfield and a razor-sharp attack that was always going to score, no matter the antics of the opposition. When a team parades the best goalkeeper as well as the second highest goal scorer, what you get is a team almost too complete; which brilliance is almost blinding. And to think the team’s anticipated goals machine, Isaac Success, was lost to injury against Sweden, after only two matches!

But the technical quality of the lads symbolised the plethora of talent that Nigeria boasts. The happy addition, at UAE, was the tactical input from Coach Garba who, like Yemi Tella before him, added tactical manoeuvre to technical ability to achieve brilliant victory. Indeed, Garba’s feat gloriously contrasted the Nigerian team to Finland 2003 under Austin Eguavoen, where a gifted team comprising Mikel Obi, Isaac Promise and others, fell to below-par coaching.

It is good the Eaglets have, for the umpteenth time, shown the world what they can achieve. The disturbing question is: why haven’t past wins catapulted Nigeria to the elite league in global football?

Some say Nigeria often uses overage players; and that her alleged cheating has been catching up with her. Though many Nigerians still appear sceptical about the ages of the current champions, there is sci-

entific proof, confirmed by FIFA’s MRR tests, that none of them was over-aged.

That sounds good and reassuring.

Does that mean the U-17 world champions will automatically become world beaters? Not necessarily. Former Arsenal great and now Barcelona star, Cesc Fabregas, was MVP in Finland 2003. He has now joined the global elite simply because Spain, his country, enjoys a superb local league (indeed he was a Barcelona cub) and was tutored by the legendary Arsene Wenger at Arsenal.

To make these cadet champions world beaters in no distant time therefore, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) must improve on the local league. But equally important, NFF must strictly scrutinise contracts offered these minors, so that they don’t sign their future away.

Interestingly, between Kelechi Ihenacho and Chrisantus Macaulay, there is an interesting parallel. Ihenacho just won Golden Ball and Silver Boot.

Macaulay won Silver Ball and Golden Boot in South Korea 2007. Yet, Macaulay now languishes in Spain’s second division, no thanks to injuries, when he should be rubbing shoulders with the elite. If Ihenacho is not to go this same path, then the NFF must take a more than cursory interest in his career – and that should pass for all the members of this wonderful team.

The Nigerian cadets have shown the way. Nigeria’s political leadership should follow their example, and deliver Nigeria’s manifest destiny, driven by merit. After all, as the poet Williams Wordsworth declared, the child is the father of the man!

• Picking political locks in region that have rusted shut

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HE convergence on Geneva on Friday of John Kerry, US secretary of state, and the foreign ministers of France, Germany and the UK, indicates that after decades of diplomatic deadlock between Iran and the west, there is a real chance of striking an interim deal with Tehran that starts to constrain its nuclear ambitions. All sides cautioned no agreement was imminent, while signalling one was tantalisingly within reach.

Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s prime minister, certainly thought so. He denounced what was cooking as the “deal of the century” for Tehran. Saudi Arabia, Iran’s rival as top dog in the Gulf, has also been loudly unhappy about any possible rapprochement between the US and the Islamic Republic.

Details of any deal are being held close. But they could see temporary curbs on Iran’s uranium enrichment, perhaps in return for the partial unfreezing of Iranian assets abroad seized after the 1979 revolution. That would leave intact economic sanctions – painstakingly designed, laboriously erected and visibly biting – while meeting an Iranian demand going back to the overthrow of the Shah.

Yet Iran’s new president, Hassan Rouhani, would still have something to sell to his people, and offset pressure from the vested interests of the theocracy that oppose any normalisation of relations with the west. It would require only an executive decision by President Barack Obama, enabling him to bypass a US Congress sometimes more alert to Israel’s concerns than US national interest.

The distance from any short-term deal to a permanent resolution of the stand-off between Iran, many of its neighbours and much of the world is still very big. To have any chance of bringing this off, Mr Obama will need to be clear-sighted, sure-footed and resolute – not qualities he has demonstrated overabundantly.

Iran has the right to enrich uranium. But its neighbours and current adversaries have the right to verifiable proof, from strict outside invigilation, that it is not running a nuclear weapons programme. The defenders of detente also need to make a convincing case that getting Iran inside the tent can only improve the worst problems of the surrounding region – the Syrian civil war, of course, but also Lebanon, Israel-Palestine, Iraq and Afghanistan. If diplomacy is a bit like lock-picking, then this deal has the potential to spring quite a few regional locks, including some that have rusted shut.

War with Iran, which Mr Netanyahu all but threatened before Mr Kerry dropped by on his way to Geneva, would fatally convulse a Middle East already close to the limits of turmoil. The Israeli prime minister is right – in the wrong way. Handled right, this could be the deal of the century – not for Iran but for the region as a whole.

– Financial Times

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

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THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2013

CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: Last week’s avoidable tragedy at the Uke Adoration ground in Anambra State, that claimed over 28 persons, once again brings to the front burner the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) ‘s frequent meddling into the country’s murky political waters, and the consequences of such action on its members in particular and the country at large.

It is not in dispute that the remote cause of this sad incidence was the visit to the venue of the weekly adoration crusade, organised by the Holy Ghost Adoration Ministry, Uke, by some politicians in the state, who reportedly turned the religious gathering to a political fanfare of sorts seeking for the votes of the congregation towards the November 16 governorship elec-

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Anambra stampede: CAN and politics

tion. Accusations have continued to fly across the different political camps in the state.

However, as the politicians continue to “dance on the graves” of these innocent victims, this piece will concern itself with the quirky directive issued, few days after the ugly incident, by the Southeast CAN urging its members to desist, henceforth, from allowing politicians to

use their altars as campaign grounds.

Without sounding blasphemous, the body, as it were, was merely playing to the gallery by such directive. Truth is: CAN has derailed from its primary objective which saddles it with the duty of promoting the spiritual growth and stability of her members. It is befuddling that the body has over the years,

continued to fraternise with all manner of politically inclined persons whose main motive is to use it and her members as a ladder to their political heights. This is abundantly evident in the recent threat by some of her members to pull out from the body. The altar has been sold! It is a common sight today to see some of these politicians receiving “laying of hands” before the congregations during major elec-

When cholera came to town

IR: It came on me suddenly. I found I was holding my stomach, feeling nauseous. The strength drained out of me. I had developed the runs!

My mind went through all I had taken up to that point, particularly the bottled water I took only an hour before. Even as a medical doctor, I had cause to be worried. Only a few days ago, in Lagos where I live, there had been three cholera related deaths out of 134 confirmed cases.

It did not start in Lagos.

It first broke out in a refugee camp in Namu village, Qua’pan Local Government Area of Plateau State where at the last count 11 lives had been lost out of 130 that were hospitalised.

After this, the Federal Ministry of Health said it would investigate it and that “the investigation would determine the kind of intervention to be deployed in the community.”

While it “investigated”, cholera took its time to visit other states, and more lives were lost. They are: Zamfara State with 1,110 cases and 51 deaths; Nasarawa State with 105 cases and five deaths. Ogun State had 115 cases, five deaths and Oyo State, 29 cases, six deaths, and of course, the earlier mentioned Lagos.

Luckily for me, I only had mild enteritis which responded to treatment.

Cholera is acute watery diarrhoea, caused by Vibrio cholera, which leads to severe dehydration. Cholera is a global threat, especially in areas with poor sanitary conditions and where clean water and proper sewage disposal are not available.

Eleven per cent of the world population or 783 million people are still without access to drinking water.

Some try to get round it. In Nigeria, sachet water popularly called “pure water” is sold commonly. The business is an all-comers affair, a typical startup for any down on their luck wannabe. The source of the “water’ for “processing” is questionable. Many of the “factories” are found in slums and very unhygienic places, when you can trace them.

According to a UN study, it is estimated that out of the seven billion people in the world, six billion have

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access to mobile phones. Incidentally, only 4.5 billion have access to functional toilets. And of the 2.5 billion who do not have proper sanitation, 1.1 billion defecate in the open. With an estimated 30 million people, Nigeria is among the top five countries where people defecate in the open.

Once a month, environmental sanitation is observed, especially in Lagos. But it is just a day to add to the heap of refuse. And all the rubbish brought out from the filthy gutters is left on the side of the roads to be washed back in when it rains.

Strategies at tackling epidemics like

cholera dwell more on treatment of the victims. That’s fine. But all clinical efforts will be wasted if the victim is sent back to the “offending zone”.

There must be renewed efforts at limiting re-exposure to pathogens and even more efforts at removing those factors that will make the pathogens thrive.

Critical infrastructure are needed, reduction in illiteracy and improvement in standard of living, that is if corruption will let money go to work where it should work.

user-friendly windows operating system.

In the late1990s, the world was submerged in the euphoria, exhilaration, uncertainties and expectations of what the coming new millennium will look like. Many fake prophesies were made on how the world would come to an end when the second hit the year 2000.

At the same time, many scientists were so occupied with projections of the type of technologies that are like to dominate the new millennium and also the scientific problems that remain unsolved. But one problem was timely, it was said to shutdown and damage computers when the clock hit the new millennium and so it was called the “millennium bug”.

Mr. Gates and his allies were quick to recognize this myth as a poten-

tial goldmine. They know that only a tiny percent of the world population at the time critically understood computer programming. They told the world that as the clock tick on the year 2000, all computers that contain this bug will automatically shutdown themselves and then damage all stored information thereby resetting themselves to a factory settings of 1900 kind of.

Suddenly, the anxiety of the arrival of the new millennium jumped to a new all-time high.

The whole millennium bug hypothesis was nothing but a hoax! The entire Y2K compliant PC solution was a fraud because the magnitude of the problem itself had been highly over exaggerated. We only need a simple solution like installing corrective software which may cost close to nothing to fix this error.

• Dr Cosmas Odoemena, Lagos

tions.

Curiously too, the region’s body has also warned its members (churches) “to steer clear of partisan politics”. The practicability of this directive remains to be seen, at least not when the body’s national leadership keeps hobnobbing with the government in power.

The body at the national level most times had reduced itself to an image maker of the government in power (especially at the federal); thus the region’s move to “ban all politicians from attending our churches with their political teams for campaigns” is like crying over spilt milk.

The association must return to its spiritual duties and leave politicking to the politicians. A situation where the leaders of the body endorse (either by commission or by omission) candidates for election should be discouraged, as such action indirectly impede their members’ freedom of choice and endangers healthy competition in our body of politicking.

While Nigerians sympathise with the families and loved ones of the victims of the tragedy, the best way to immortalise them is for electoral body and the politicians to ensure that the November 16 election is free and fair. And whoever emerges the winner must deliver dividend of good governance to the living in the state.

• Barrister Okoro Gabriel, Lagos.

Machiavellian Bill Gates again!

IR: “Behind every great fortune, there is a great crime” - Honoré de Balzac.

The name Bill Gates means different personality to different people.

To many academicians, he is that genus that intentionally droppedout of the prestigious Harvard University because he felt the system was slowing him down and needed to move at his own pace. In Harvard, he was notorious for attending courses that are not meant for his level and refusing to attend those lectures that he needs to graduate.

To many of us in the information and communication technology (ICT) profession, we see him as that computer wizard that led the world to revolutionalise the operating system and moved away from the complex command driven black screen DOS to the flexible colourful and

I know by now you may also be asking the question, why is the author trying to wake more than a decade old ghost from its grave? The answer to this question is simple, we learn from our mistakes. Mr. Gates went back to Harvard University few weeks ago for a fundraising event and announced another costly computing error. He said the overly-complicated three-key combination of “control-alt-delete” used to log-on to a PC or to start a task manager was a mistake!

Is Mr. Gates also trying to wake another ghost from its grave just to make some cool cash or just another computrick error? Once bitten, twice shy.

• Shafi’i M. Abdulhamid Federal University of Technology, Minna.

21

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2013

COMMENTS

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AST week, the Senate Committee on Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) revealed the kind of enduring corruption that has not made Nigeria to move forward. It exposed that at least N500 billion of the fuel subsidy savings raised by the Federal Government since 2012 till September 2013 may be missing. The sum is derived from calculable amount that should have accrued to the SURE-P for the implementation of its projects.

How was this exposed? The committee requested from the Ministry of Petroleum Resources the quantity of fuel it supplied for consumption for 21 months since the inception of SURE-P. It was said that that the ministry responded that 25 billion litres of PMS (fuel) was supplied. Since N32 was SURE-P’s component of oil subsidy, the committee multiplied 25 billion litres of PMS the ministry supplied by N32, which gave about N800 billion.

At a meeting with the leadership of SURE-P, the committee discovered that SURE-P was receiving N15 billion monthly for its activities, implicating the total amount released was N300 billion. This then means that N500 billion that should have accrued to SURE-P was not being accounted for. Beyond this, the committee is still eager to know how the amount made available to SURE-P was being utilized, much so as the programme’s implementation has not been encouraging.

This issue of about N800b coming up when the yet-unresolved Oduahgate scandal of N255m purchase of two bulletproof cars by Ministry of Aviation is another revelation of serial wastage of public resources.

Fact: Nigeria is rated the 7th largest producer of oil in the world, with a population above 140 million citizens, offering a rich source of cheap and enterprising labour, and the largest market in Africa.

The country’s non-oil mineral resources which are global revenue spinner remain largely un-utilized.

Meanwhile, Nigeria has been earning billions of dollars yearly on oil receipts alone. Yet, over 70% of Nigerian citizens live below the poverty line, with the nation ranked 156th out of 187 countries in the world, using the Human Development Index.

The anti-corruption Transparency International has consistently ranked Nigeria among countries most riddled with corruption.

It once depicted Nigeria as a Gangster’s Paradise where “...you pay a bribe to see a key official in many an establishment. You pay a bribe to get a job. You pay a bribe to get the passport that is yours by birthright. If you do not give or collect bribes, you remain poor and an object of scorn despite your several degrees and cognate experience until providence intervenes for you.”

Only righteousness can exalt this nation Nigeria has been seen as the only country where as a general rule, people are wrong and strong at the same time. Indeed, if the nation had effectively and efficiently utilised just only 25% of all the oil money being earned, she would have graduated from the membership of under-developed nations to become a member of the developed nations.

In reality, Nigeria has produced more billionaires within the past 30 years than most other countries in the world; yet Nigerian governments are not able to take good care of their workers and meet obligations of the people. To finance educational systems has rendered institutions in the nation static such that public universities have been on strike for about five months. Most public officers now prefer sending their children to schools abroad or to expensive local private institutions.

It is distressing that Nigeria’s giddy over-indulgence in defrauding is yet to let up – more that 50 years after the attainment of political independence. Successive governments have hardly been resolving the national affliction of corruption genuinely.

This is why today, the cookies seem to have crumbled and the dreams have turned into a nightmare. Check the social systems: they are fraught with inequity; the economic policies a sham and the human development catalogues nose-dive daily.

The change that overtook Nigeria’s finances since oil discovery made many in government in Nigeria really drunk and heady.

With focus on personal riches, most of values of public sector management of the early days were lost. As corruption became resilient, no ingenuity of system of values could inspire truthfulness, loyalty, efficiency and dedication in the nation’s bureaucracies.

Hardly had any of the successive administrations succeeded in restoring the moral tone of the fraudulent public officers and inducing them to commitment, honesty and greater productivity in order to restore the nation on the path to greatness. Not that the challenge with Nigeria had ever been the absence of good laws, good manifestoes or even good intentions.

The problem has always been with accomplishment. And at the hub of the letdown of implementation is the failure to apply deterrence to expunge the spiteful intensification on the nation’s upper body. Afterall, when the Obasanjo civil administration came up with Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), it was the wrong motive of the leadership that never allowed the anticipated impact to manifest.

Initially, when the two commissions were to take some strides to address the moral decay in the society, the nation’s leader started using the supposed anti-corruption agencies to display his dictatorial power and please his self-centeredness rather than allow them to resolve economic frauds depleting the nation. This caused the commissions to merely exist just for the sake of continued existence. Corruption kept escalating while the nation continues declining morally and economically. Notwithstanding the number of Nigerians that have been brought to the courts on

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EIGHING the pros and cons of the intriguing road show by a high-profile circle of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is likely to be controversial.

However, in the final analysis, it is the measurement of results that counts. Therefore, it would be interesting to see what mileage the party would eventually get out of the tour.

It is apt to identify the fact that the adventure was informed by opportunistic calculation, which is not necessarily pejorative in the political context. Evidently, the exercise was inspired by the fractious reality of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and would not have been a serious option in the absence of the schism. Even then, it was strategically simplistic, perhaps denying the fundamental truth that the PDP’s in-fighting is not sufficiently radical to allow penetration by external invaders.

Basically, the party’s troubles are indicative of an internal power struggle, which in no way translates into an abandonment of the bond. To interpret the division in terms of ideological disenchantment is to tragically miss the point.

They are all birds of a feather and, at the end of the day, would always flock together.

There can be no doubt about the visceral association, a fact that was adequately projected to the would-be persuaders at every stop. Whether it was in Kano, Jigawa, Adamawa, Rivers, Kwara or Niger, there was a striking stock response to the seduction; specifically, that the seven antagonistic PDP governors, tagged G-7, were still interested in remaining in the party and optimistic about fence-mending. If there was any question about where their hearts belonged, Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi provided fascinating clarification when he told the visitors, rather audaciously, “I will consult the president. I will. He is from our zone. I will consult all the consultables.”

‘It is understandable that the party is anxious to redirect Nigeria, but it certainly shouldn’t be at the expense of ideological purity. The party’s essence deserves protection always, and mingling with actors of dubious credentials cannot profit it in the long run. With the all-important 2015 general elections in sight, it is no surprise that the party is exploring possible winning formulas.

However, it must avoid giving the impression of desperation’

Slippery Seven A perfect example of cheekiness and reductio ad absurdum, Amaechi’s remarks carried enormous significance on account of his status as chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), and against the backdrop of the crisis that characterised his re-election to that position, during which he enjoyed the principled support of progressive elements outside his party.

If he would indeed need the advice of President Goodluck Jonathan, who is a major PDP leader and his supposed political adversary, among others, to make up his mind to join APC, it suggests that such departure is improbable. Also, it is a reflection of the superficiality of the division within the PDP. At least two other comments by G-7 members are noteworthy for their negative implications for the APC’s romance with the group. While Kwara State governor AbdulFatah Ahmed, in a manner that suggested a put-down, described the visit as “a marketing activity,” Jigawa State governor Sule Lamido declared emphatically, “It is our desire to ensure that we remain in the winning party.”

It is relevant to ponder why the PDP has such a grip on the imagination of its members, with the effect that they refuse to think outside the party. Two notable examples of this reality will suffice. First, former vice president Atiku Abubakar left the party to join the then Action Congress (AC), only for him to unceremoniously return to the PDP to seek its presidential ticket, which he was denied. Second, former Abia State governor Orji Uzor Kalu disowned the party to start the Progressive People’s Alliance (PPA) which under his inspiration won governorship elections in two states. Then, abruptly, he dumped the party and returned to the PDP. In both cases, it is important to stress, the two returnees had to endure indignities just to achieve reabsorption.

Perhaps inadvertently, the APC has raised the profile of these governors, who belong to the faction also called the “New PDP”, namely, Lamido, Musa Kwankwaso (Kano), Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), Ahmed , Amaechi, Murtala Nyako (Adamawa) and Babangida Aliyu (Niger). It is difficult to

fraud charges, how many still have any discredit whatsoever hanging around their necks? Are we not seeing people with track records that ought to spell doom for their careers instead going on from strength to strength? Even in instances where official reports indicate that some individuals are societal risks, they have been known being lionized as celebrities in their communities.

Today, fraud has penetrated the bones of the Nigerian society.

The manager and his messenger, the police chief and the officer, the classroom teacher and his student, the political leader and the voter, the judge and the lawyer, the professional and the artisan – name it, none remains untainted by the discredit of showing love for money.

Two main factors have played upon each other in destroying the moral fibre of the nation: malicious greed and abject poverty.

The greed of the ruling class plays upon the poverty of the larger majority of the people to perpetuate the scourge of fraud and corruption. Sadly, keeping on with such kind of life cannot lead any society up.

The lessons from Nigeria are innumerable. Fundamental solution for systemic corruption demands that the individual be changed, the system be changed, and the foundation of society and community life be changed. Besides, whoever would prosecute the war against fraud must be moral conformists; they must not be tainted with the stigma of unrighteousness and fraudulence. Furthermore, unless the present set of leaders gives way to some breath of fresh air, there will be no future for the nation.

In other words, unless and until a new generation of Nigerians emerges to give way to fresh blood, there is no hope in the battle to wipe out obvious cases of greed and rout unrighteous nation.

This is why this nation needs a complete intervention for righteousness to drive public life. The old foxes must take a rest and allow an infusion of a breath of fresh air. Political accountability and realistic democratic transformation hold the key to victory in the fight against corruption. Otherwise, moving forward will remain inevitable.

Nigeria can go no way with an inglorious profile. The need is for the politics of service, of true commitment to public good and of personal and costly sacrifice for the common good. The need is for a new breed of leaders in governance that are not desperate for power; leaders with idealism, standards and convictions, who will serve as beacons and role models for the next generation; leaders who will bind our wounds and reconcile our broken ranks, and restore our land to the path of true greatness.

The way out may not be a short-range, but it must address the root causes of fraud in the polity and galvanize and orchestrate those measures that will herald the emergence of honest leaders with the political will to truly combat corruption. The nation’s leadership must demonstrate the willingness to track down and punish corrupt officials and citizens, even when their own friends and relations are involved. It must also create a beneficial economic climate that would raise the standard of living of the populace.

understand why the APC is courting them, suggesting that they are indispensable power brokers. Furthermore, moves to attract them significantly blurred the vital ideological distinction between their original platform known for conservative elitism and the APC’s acclaimed progressivism.

Or is APC saying there is no difference?

It is disturbing that in the sugar-coated language of a suitor, the APC’s leadership spoke superlatively of the performance of these governors. More worrying, by this undiscriminating show, the APC unwittingly undermined its own structures in the affected states. Should its overtures fail, how will the party explain to the electorate that it is a better choice for governance, rather than the characters it has praised immoderately, or those associated with them?

It is understandable that the party is anxious to redirect Nigeria, but it certainly shouldn’t be at the expense of ideological purity. The party’s essence deserves protection always, and mingling with actors of dubious credentials cannot profit it in the long run. With the all-important 2015 general elections in sight, it is no surprise that the party is exploring possible winning formulas. However, it must avoid giving the impression of desperation.

Rather than the direct “door to door” marketing approach adopted in this campaign, the APC brand would most likely benefit from a more subtle but effective PR style. In other words, the party, which is a creation of the merger of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), would need to define its orientation more concretely and establish a reputation through measurable positive performance of its members in political offices.

Going into the coming elections as a first-timer, the party, no doubt, would be interested in putting up a strong showing, which would count in its favour in the long term. In this connection, it is hoped that the party will be driven by longterm vision, rather than narrow immediacies. Central to the beauty of a stable democracy is the possibility of change based on the informed preference of the electorate. Despite the rumpus over the country’s structure, Nigeria might yet survive.

Gradualism has its advantages, especially when the opposite comes with the implication of sacrificing the party’s distinguishing values. Whatever the downsides of the tour, there were indeed redeeming features. In particular, the APC achieved a publicity intensity that has helped to widen its identification. In addition, its consistent message of constructive change boldly projected on the road provided reassuring evidence of its commitment to a better Nigeria.

Above all, the ambassadors communicated an aura of integrity and exemplary passion, perhaps the very attributes missing in those at the helm.

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2013

22

COMMENTS

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OR some time now, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been in public show of its zeal to delineate constituencies in the country before the 2015 elections. Basking on provisions of the 1999 constitution and the Electoral Act which require that such exercise be conducted after 10 years or after a national census, Jega has told whoever cares to hear that he is irredeemably committed to the exercise.

The commission is partnering relevant agencies and has already signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) the office of the Surveyor General of the Federation with two committees set up to give effect to the exercise.

Through these MOU’s, INEC hopes to tap into the high satellite imagery resolution capacities of these agencies to cover the entire country. It has also sought assistance from the National Population Commission (NPC) among others.

Given the foregoing, it is certain that INEC is not leaving anyone in any doubt that it is pursuing the delimitation agenda with vigour. According to its chairman Prof Attahiru Jega, the overall aim is to ensure that every federal constituency should be as nearly equal in size as possible. What this immediately throws up is the equalization theory of his predecessor and the fact that population is going to be the major factor for this exercise.

His immediate past predecessor, Prof Maurice Iwu had proposed the equalization

‘Does it really make any sense embarking on the delimitation exercise on the eve of a census that is being looked upon to redress glaring inequities of the past? And what is the value in expending taxpayers’ money in the project when it will not fundamentally address observed disparities and can conveniently cue in after the 2016 census?’

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Emeka OMEIHE 08121971199 email: EmekaOmeihe@yahoo.com

Jega’s delimitation agenda of the constituencies such that population differences above 300,000 between senatorial districts were considered very substantial and were to be adjusted. Similarly population differences of 150,000 in the case of federal districts were also to be adjusted. But the proposal was trailed by controversy with that administration unable to carry it out before Iwu left office.

Ironically, when the Jega-led INEC visited the NPC to seek certified data on the various enumeration areas, he was pointedly told by its then chairman, Festus Odimegwu that there are no certified data for the various enumeration areas. Odimegwu had then said that politicians bought enumeration areas in the same fashion they buy voters’ cards during elections to gain advantage. He also disclosed that it was on account of the unreliability of the 2006 census that the commission decided not to publish it.

Jega seemed to have come to terms with this encumbrance when he said in a recent communiqué that “even though the aspects of the 2006 census have been countered, it remains the most credible source of data to carry out the exercise”. He had also in the same communiqué which he personally signed, stated that the delimitation was meant to engender equality in electoral constituencies and not to create additional sets at the national level.

INEC is within its powers to seek the delimitation of constituencies. This is more so as it is in keeping with its powers as conferred by extant laws. Thus, it is not so much the issue of its right as the wisdom and timeliness in embarking on the exercise now.

First and as rightly admitted by Jega, there is no credible census for the country; that of

EMOCRACY has been defined variously by many scholars; however, certain features describe its essence and, thus, make it important as the right system of choosing representatives of the people. One of such is accountability. Democracy assumes that every elected representative of the people is, and should be accountable to those people who gave them mandate ab initio. In the same way, every government, constituted in a democracy, is accountable to the people from whom it derives its existence. Another feature is the credibility of the process of elections through which the representatives emerge. This must be guaranteed for democracy to be meaningful.

In Nigeria, despite the several hitches in our present democratic journey, it is heart-warming that we have had 13 years of continuous democratic experience. This, in itself, is quite significant in view of the fact that our previous efforts at entrenching democracy in the polity were either aborted midway or simply brought to us dead on arrival. However, now that democracy is steadily being nurtured in our system, it is pertinent to note that this is the time to encourage certain tendencies that would further help in consolidating its basic principles and values in the country.

One of such is the need to emphasize the central role of the police in achieving success of democracy. Indeed, one key element that defines a democratic society is the availability of an impartial police- a police that is subject to the rule of law, a police that will protect rather than bully the people to carry out the wishes of some powerful people, a police force that will intervene in the life of citizens only under limited and carefully controlled circumstances and a police that is publicly accountable. Such is the police force that will command respect from the public in a democracy.

Over the years, we have had ugly experiences of police acting partially in support of a ruling party. One worrying aspect of such open display of bias in favour of the party in power is evil connivance with anti- democratic elements to thwart the electoral process. From the First Republic till date, the police have always been involved in shameful scheming that tends towards partisan tendencies which scuttle the right of the people to freely elect their representatives.

It is disheartening remembering how, in the Second Republic, the police were openly aiding electoral malpractices, such as ballot box snatching, unlawful arrest and intimidation of voters and other shameful acts. Indeed, the police, that time, did not hide its partisanship as an appendage of the then ruling National Party of Nigeria, (NPN). Similarly, the police, during the Obasanjo administration, played ignominious role in conniving with the then Maurice Iwu-led INEC to make a mockery of the democratic aspirations of many Nigerians. That time, Iwu and his partners, rather than give Nigerians the result of their elections at the polling booths, only

2006 inclusive. The 2006 census has been challenged at the census tribunal by sections of the country on account of the manipulation of its figures. Lagos state was so dissatisfied with the outcome that it had to conduct its own version of the census which came out with 18million people as against nine million allotted to it by the 2006 census. There are also other parts of the country where the figures credited to them are at variance with established demographic traits. The Southeast is among them. As a matter of fact, an independent preliminary satellite imaging around the Imo area was said to have produced results that would render the outcome of previous censuses a huge joke. Just recently, the figures posted for the 20 local government areas of Lagos State were overturned by the tribunal as they bore no semblance with the actual population on the ground. The point being raised here is very clear. And it is that it will amount to double jeopardy if INEC goes ahead to rely on these flawed census figures to alter the boundaries of the constituencies or set up new ones.

It is about seven years since the last census was conducted. After seven years, significant demographic changes would have occurred such that the 2006 census can no longer be reasonably relied upon. The situation is not helped by the imperfections of that census and our rising population growth rate.

When you add observed distortions in that census to the changes that would have occurred in population dynamics over this time frame, its reliability for the exercise is further whittled down.

For another, the NPC has also been on top gear to give the nation a credible census in

2016. That date is just barely three years away.

Does it really make any sense embarking on the delimitation exercise on the eve of a census that is being looked upon to redress glaring inequities of the past? And what is the value in expending taxpayers’ money in the project when it will not fundamentally address observed disparities and can conveniently cue in after the 2016 census?

Matters were not helped by Jega when he said his commission does not intend to create new constituencies but to adjust existing ones.

The purport of this is that even where the commission discovers that additional constituencies needed to be created to redress observed imbalances, nothing of sort will happen. This is as curious as it is confounding. It might be interesting to hear from him why he cannot abort the exercise if he is not prepared to undertake the rigour the creation of additional constituencies entails.

Even before he volunteers information on this, suffice it to say that those reasons that make the creation of new constituencies inappropriate now are the same reasons why the delineation in the manner Jega proposes it has to wait. My guess is that Jega wants to run away from envisaged controversy which the creation of additional constituencies will engender especially now people have been sensitized on the inadequacies of our previous headcounts. He sees the balancing of the population among constituencies as less contentious. That could also be. But it comes with its problems.

Again, we are at the threshold of another national conference to redress the imperfections of our federal order. Some of the issues that will feature in that conference include the conduct of a credible census, state and local government creation as well as the unit of representation within the federal arrangement.

The way these issues are handled is bound to have very serious impact on the structure and size of our current constituencies.

Since INEC is not prepared to go the whole length in this exercise, it makes little sense approaching it very grudgingly. There is nothing practically urgent in the exercise that it cannot wait after a credible headcount in 2016.

The commission should discard the idea of constituency delimitation and concentrate its energies on the challenges posed by the 2015 elections. Delimitation should wait until we have a credible basis for it. Only then will its outcome meet the wishes and aspirations of the peoples of this country.

Democracy, the police and 2015

By Lateef Ibirogba allocated votes to parties from the corner of INEC office.

Thanks to the judicial process that overturned some of the fraudulent outcomes of such connivance.

Unfortunately, we have started witnessing another needless police harassment of people who express their rights to freedom of expression and association as guaranteed by our constitution. The recent clampdown on the G7 PDP governors gives an impression that the country is yet to get out of the problem of police involvement in politics. The same goes for the drama playing out in Rivers State where the state Commissioner of Police is unnecessarily getting himself involved politicking. The sad thing about what is currently going on in Rivers State is that the leadership of the state’s police command has become so enmeshed in the politics of the moment that it is difficult to see how it could become impartial in the event of an election in the state.

In a democracy, the ideal thing is for police powers to be used according to the rule of law and not for the flagrant abuse of the ruler or other perceived powers-that-be. This is because the police force is so important that it can be a major pillar or a major threat to a democratic society. Police are such moral and legal actors that may protect democracy by their example of reverence for the law and by suppressing crime. The police must, therefore, not be a law unto themselves.

In spite of strong pressures and temptations, the police should resist the tendency to act in an overtly political manner and should not serve the partisan interests of the party in power. Their purpose must not be to enforce political conformity. The police force should have no colour, whether political, religious or social. Also, holding unpopular beliefs or behaving in unconventional, yet legal, ways are not adequate grounds for interfering with citizen’s liberty as the police have an obligation to protect the rights of every citizen.

It is important to emphasise that in a democracy, the police should act as the protector of the rights of everyone. Democratic societies strive for equal law enforcement. Hence, citizens are to be treated in equivalent ways. Police are trained to behave in a generally suitable manner such that even if their personal attitude departs from the demands of the role they are playing, this must not affect their behaviour. Police should always show neutrality when they enforce the rules regardless of the characteristics of the persons or group involved.

As we build up for another critical electioneering period, the police need to become more professional and dispassionate in the way they carry out their constitutional duties.

It is sheer ignorance that makes the police to act as a stooge of the ruling party in a multi-party democracy. The reality is that the police are more answerable to the people, who voted the government into power, rather than the ruling party or government which derives legitimacy from the people. A situation where the police see opposition parties and their leaders as enemies of the state (who must be crushed) is, to say the least, crude and unprofessional.

Very soon, we are going to have elections in Anambra, Ekiti and Osun states. In order to ensure that the democratic wishes of people in these states are not trampled upon, the leadership of the Nigerian Police Force needs to re-orientate its people about their constitutional role in a democracy.

Members of the civil society, NGOs and other stakeholders equally have a huge role to play in re-orientating the police to embrace democratic tendencies. The Nigerian military have, to a large extent, demonstrated sufficient understanding of its role as a neutral force in a democracy. In the last 13 years, the military has been able to professionally uphold democratic values and principles. Unfortunately, same cannot be said of the police, perhaps because they are more civilian in nature and thus tend not to see why they should not have positions or preferences for political groupings.

This is the right time for the police to embrace noble democratic ideals that would enhance the stability of the polity.

We already have enough problems to contend with as a nation. We cannot, therefore, afford to add an unprofessional and partisan police to the list of our already gargantuan challenges. The police, no matter the pressure and intimidation, should remain non-partisan. This is the only way to ensure that the democratic right of the people, to freely elect their representatives, is protected. Our hope and prayer is for a Nigeria where justice, peace and the rule of law reign supreme and this is the time to entrench that.

•Ibirogba is Hon. Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Lagos State

‘In the last 13 years, the military has been able to professionally uphold democratic values and principles. Unfortunately, same cannot be said of the police’

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2013

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THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2013

POLITICS

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2013

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THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

In Ekiti State, no governor has secured a second term. Will Governor Kayode Fayemi break the jinx? Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU examines the administration’s achievements, which have made the stakeholders to endorse him for another term.

I

Fayemi: Warming up for second term

N this dispensation, Ekiti has the highest turn-over of governors. Before Governor Kayode Fayemi’s mandate was restored, the state had produced three governors-Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, and Mr. Segun Oni. The three of them nursed a second term ambition. But it collapsed like a pack of cards. Will Fayemi succeed where his predecessors have failed?

The governor has been endorsed for continuity by eminent indigenes, groups and associations. Also, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has tipped him for a second term. The interim chairman, Chief Jide Awe, said that the people have not elected Fayemi in vain, adding that he has lived up to expectation. The Southwest leader of the party, Adebayo, who failed to get a second term, also said that the coast is clear for continuity. The former governor said that Ekiti will vote for a man of honour, integrity and credibility, who has convinced them that a prosperous Ekiti is possible.

However, analysts contend that the governor has two hurdles to cross. In the APC, a House of representatives member, Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele, may challenge him at the primaries. Although there are indications that the governor will triumph at the shadow poll, judging by the gale of endorsements, there are speculations that the federal legislator may defect from the party and challenge the governor on another platform during the election.

This may, to an extent, split the progressive camp.

Fayemi also has a PDP governorship flag bearer to contend with. The opposition figures have been boasting that the party will bounce back next year. Observers point out that they are basking in the euphoria of presidential power, a biased police likely to take sides and funds to oil their political machinery.

In Ekiti, Fayemi’s second term ambition has generated interest because of the fate of his predecessors. The first governor, Adebayo, who was elected on the platform of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), was not re-elected in 2003. His successor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, was elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He did not complete his four-year term. When he abdicated, a succession struggle rocked the tension-soaked ruling party. The deputy governor, Hon. Biodun Olujimi, could not assumed the reins. Up came the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Friday Aderemi, as the acting governor. Olujimi challenged him to a duel.

Barely 24 hours after Aderemi took over, former President Olusegun Obasanjo declared a state of emergency in Ekiti, claiming that insecurity was looming because two people were trying to assert themselves as the acting governor. An administrator, Gen. Idowu Olurin, displaced the Speaker and exercised the power of the colonial masters, as it were. When he completed his sixmonth term, another acting governor, Hon. Tope Ademiluyi, was in the saddle for a month.

In 2007, the two parties-Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and PDP-clashed at the polls. Fayemi defeated Oni, but the loser was pronounced the winner by the umpire. Peace had deserted the state since 2005. The electoral terrorism further compounded problem. Later, the Appeal Court, which ruled that Oni, an engineer, had entered the State House through the back door, ordered fresh elections in selected local governments. The interloper had to step aside for the Speaker, Hon. Tunji Odeyemi, to act as the governor. After the election, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs. Ayoka Adebayo, was influenced by powerful forces to declare the PDP candidate winner.

The contest moved from the ballot box to the court room. Following protracted legal fireworks, the temple of justice halted the prolonged ordeal. In October, 2010, the Fountain of Knowledge heaved a sigh of relief, following the inauguration of the Fayemi Administration.

The governor inherited a divided state, an impoverished and unmotivated civil service and a leaking treasury . The infrastructure battle had been abandoned. The famed confederation was in chaos and pain. Its future appeared gloomy. Across the 130 towns and villages, the feeling was the same. The last time there was peace was in 2003. A culture of political intolerance, thuggery and brigandage perpetrated by the conservative bloc had converted Ekiti into a jungle of sorts. Families of victims of arson, intimidation and harassment cried for justice. Political instability has made governance to suffer and Ekiti indigenes outside the state agonised over its battered image and perception by other Nigerians.

Fayemi inherited power, but the euphoria of victory withered immediately in the face of mounting challenges. During the 2007 electioneering, he had told the people that he was embarking on a rescue mission. In fact, in December 2006, he had unfolded an eight-point agenda. The action plan focused on governance, infrastructural development, modernisation of agriculture, education and human capital development, healthcare services, industrial development, tourism and environmental sustainability, and gender equality and empowerment. In the saddle, reality dawned on him that more efforts would be required to reposition the enclave.

Observers contend that, although the governor has redeemed his promises across the sectors, three achievements however, stand out. Fayemi Administration has restored peace, tranquility and security in Ekitiland. He has successfully nurtured the culture of

• Dr Fayemi

trust and confidence between the government and the governed by fulfilling his campaign promises. To that extent, there is no disconnect between the government and the people. Also, critics even acknowledge that, owing to his disdain for primitive accumulation, apathy to graft and zero tolerance for corruption, the war scholar and activist governor has presided over a transparent, accountable and transformational government in Ekitiland.

“There are 16 local governments in Ekiti and in them you see the footprints of the governor”, said Mr. Smart Akin-Oyeyemi, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Efon Council. “The governor has the style of allowing the communities and local governments to dictate the amenities they want from the government, He consults with the people and their views and aspirations shape the course of governance”, he added.

Fayemi inherited N42 billion debt on assumption of office. The communities also groaned because of the abandoned projects.

The internally generated revenue was N109 and monthly allocation from the federal purse was N2.5 billion, out of which N2 billion was spent on salaries and allowances. Unlike the previous administration, Fayemi resolved, through careful planning and prudent management, to make a difference. Today, Ekiti is a huge construction site. The villages and towns savour the completed, on-going and state assisted community projects.

Last month, the governor gave an account of his stewardship. By blocking wastages and loopholes, he has successfully increased the IGR from N109 monthly to N600. His all-inclusive approach to governance made him to tour the 16 councils to elicit their inputs into the budget. During the town hall meetings, the farflung communities asked for social amenities-pipe-borne water, boreholes, transformers, health centres and hospitals, rehabilitation of school buildings, and electricity. Thus, under Fayemi, governance could not be a tea party because expectations were high.

Three years after, many indigenes believe that the governor has been able to marry expectation with reality. According to records, no fewer than 183 secondary schools and 836 primary schools

‘Fayemi Administration has restored peace, tranquility and security in Ekitiland. He has successfully nurtured the culture of trust and confidence between the government and the governed by fulfilling his campaign promises.

To that extent, there is no disconnect between the government and the people. Also, critics even acknowledge that, owing to his disdain for primitive accumulation, apathy to graft and zero tolerance for corruption, the war scholar and activist governor has presided over a transparent, accountable and transformational government in Ekitiland’

have been renovated. Government also equipped the schools with furniture. In its avowed commitment to functional and qualitative education, Ekiti schools are not deprived of modern facilities.

The primary and secondary schools enjoy free education. Tuition fees for tertiary institutions are affordable. “48,000 laptops have been distributed to students and teachers. We have ordered for additional 25,000. Now, there is an improvement in the WEAC results”, said Education, Science and Technology Commissioner Mr. Kehinde Ojo. “From the 23 per cent credit pass, Ekiti has moved up to 66 percent”, he added.

In response to the demand for water, the government has commissioned five mini-water projects. In some communities, new pipes are replacing old ones. Across the 16 councils, 167 modern water fetching points (Eyitayo Fetching Points) have been constructed to ameliorate water shortage. Thus, from the 25 per cent, water supply rate moved to 52 per cent. Two months ago, the governor signed into law the Water and Sanitation Bill.

One of the novel programmes of the administration is the social security trust for the aged. No fewer than 20,000 elders received N5,000 stipends monthly. Next year, the number may increase to 25,000. The governor’s wife is particularly committed to the welfare of the women and the elderly ones. Erelu Bisi Fayemi has put smiles on their faces through his innovative empowerment programmes, especially her credit facility, food bank , gender empowerment programme, support for vocational development, and Multiple Birth Trust Fund.

The Federal Government has neglected Ekiti roads, thereby making transportation tedious. In this sector, the governor has become a problem solver. Many federal and state roads, running to 728,365 kilometres, have been constructed. Rural roads have not been neglected. Under the ‘Five kilometre road-per-local government scheme’, 81 kilometres of rural roads have been constructed. Besides, many roads are either being rehabilitated or reconstructed.

Under the administration’s rural electrification programme, transformers have been installed in some communities to boost electricity supply. Joy was bold on the faces of Oke-Ako people, in Ikole Council, when the town was linked to the national grid.

Community elders were happy that they could still enjoy electricity in their life time.

In Ekiti, there is revolution in agriculture. It is ironic that a state that contributed to the Western Region’s earning through agriculture, bade farewell to farming in the past. Now, cocoa farming has been resuscitated by distributing 150,000 seedlings to 15,000 farmers. In fact, 500,000 seedlings were earmarked for this agricultural year. Under the Youth Commercial Agriculture Development Programme, 117,000 farmers will benefit from the ADP Programme.

Before he assumed the reins, Fayemi has sponsored a medical mission in Ekiti. It is therefore, not beyond expectation that his administration would build on the novelty through the free heath programme. Major beneficiaries are children under five years, pregnant women, disabled persons, traditional rulerss and elderly indigenes, who are above 65 years. Over N130 million has been spent on the indigent patients for various operations and treatment. The Funmi Olayinka Diagnostic and Wellness Centre was also established for early detection of cancer-related ailments.

The goal is to prevent avoidable death. The Ministry of Health has been active in conducting medical screening for breast cancer in men and prostate cancer in men. Currently, 18 General Hospitals are undergoing renovation. Also, the government is constructing two new ones.

For two decades, the Ire Burnt Brick was moribund. Despite the fact that it has the capacity to produce 20 million bricks yearly and employ 200 workers, it was ignored by successive administrations. But Fayemi has taken the bull by the horn. Not only has the company started operations, the equally moribund Road Materials and Aggregates Company (ROMACO), Igbimo, which has the capacity to employ 500 workers, has been resuscitated.

In the areas of tourism and promotion of culture, the Fayemi Administration has also made a mark. Within a year, the Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort was transformed. The roads leading to the tourist centre have been tarred. It now has a beautiful landscaping. New chalets have been constructed and old ones renovated.

Also, a 1,000-seater amphitheatre has been completed and the swimming poll is a delight.

Rural development has also been given priority. Apart from the road construction and electricity projects, 473 community-based projects have been completed across the state. So far, So far, the state government is now owing workers’ salaries, despite the shortage of federal earnings. Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, is being given a facelift. Although the opposition has tried to politicise the transient effects of the urban renewal, the propaganda has failed.

Many believe that the governor has unfinished business. His plans for the future are premised on his vision for a better Ekiti.

He is dreaming about a rail line between Ado and Abuja. He is also proposing a flyover at Fajuyi Roundabout, Ado, an airport, a modern industrial park, a civic centre. pavilion, new Government House and ‘Ekiti Homes Agenda, a 5,000 public-private partnership housing units.

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THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2013

IN THE HIGH COURT OF LAGOS STATE OF NIGERIA PROBATE REGISTRY, IKEJA DIVISION

WHEREAS the person whose names are set-out in the first Column under died intestate on the date and place stated in the said Column.

AND WHEREAS the person or persons whose names and addresses and relationship (if any) to the deceased are set out in the second Column here have applied to the High Court of Lagos State for a Grant of Letter of Administration of the Real and Personal Properties of the deceased.

NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Letters of Administration will be granted to such persons unless a NOTICE TO PROHIBIT THE GRANT is filed in the registry within (14) days from the date hereof.

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NAMES OF THE DECEASED PERSON:

Idowu Sunday, late of 2, Samnuga Street, Iba New Site, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of July, 2009, at Lagos.

Olukola Yomi, Late of 7, Yaya, Lane, Baruwa Ipaja, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of March, 2013, at Lagos.

Adeduyi Oluwatoyin, late of 1, Ibukun Oluwa Street, Iponri, Western Avenue, Sururlere, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of February, 2013, at Lagos.

Mr. Festus Okorie (Otherwise Known as Mr. Festus Chukwuma Okorie) late of 26, Ali Balogun Street, Sabo, Ojo Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of March, 2012, at Lagos.

Miss Nwaka Adiezube Charity, late of 1, Oremeji Street, Ijeshatedo, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 4th day of April, 2011, at Festac Lagos.

Mr. Onyekere Hycinth, late of 13, Agbojoko Street, Okokomaiko, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of September, 2007, at Gen. Hospital Badagry.

Oke Abimbola, late of 13, Agbelekale Street, Oshodi, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of November, 2011, at Gen. Hospital, Lagos.

Aluko Bolaji John (Otherwise Known as Aluko Bolaji) late of 5, Ifeloju Street, off Oremeji Street, Akowonjo, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of April, 2013, at LASUTH. Mr. Christopher Okoawo, (Otherwise Known as Augustine Ikhayere) late of 10, Babatunde Street, off Ogunlana B/Stop, Ijesha, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of June, 2007, at Lagos.

Azumara Emmanuel Ewulonu, late of N.P.A. Police Brks Blk 5 RM 5, Beach Land Estate, Olodi Apapa, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of October, 2007, at Lagos.

Adekola Temilade Saudat, late of 5, Adamuorisha Street, Surulere, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of August, 2012, at Lagos.

Adetola Tajudeen Olanrewaju (Otherwise Known as Adetola Tajudeen) late of 2, Ogundoju Street, ijesatedo, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of June, 2011, at Gen Hospital, Ebute metta, Lagos.

Baba Benjamin, late of 10, Aboye Street, Alapere, Ketu, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of April, 2013, at Lagos.

Adeniyi Mary, late of 210, Iteke Estate, Merian, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of January, 2012, at Lagos.

Mrs. Grace Nwarienne (otherwise known as Nwarienne Grace) late of 36, Akinbowale Street, Station, Agege, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 24th day of August, 2012, at LUTH. Mufutau Kayode Ajibola (otherwise known as Ajibola Kayode Mufutau) late of 2, Afolabi Rasak Street, Ejigbo, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of May, 2012, at Lagos.

Ovuironye A. Grace (otherwise known as Rufus Grace) late of 23, Olaniyi Street, Ajasa Command, Ipaja, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day of April, 2011, at Lagos.

Mrs. Moshood Maryam, late of 8, Ijaiye Kurunmi Street, Oke-Odo, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 10th day of March, 2012, at Lagos.

Mr. Ayoola Sunday (otherwise known as Mr. Sunday Ayoola or Mr. Ayoola Sunday Kayode) late of 19, Olanipekun Street,, Ikosi, Ketu, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of October, 2012, at Lagos.

Prof. Amorusu Burutu Agbadudu (otherwise known as Prof. Agbadudu Amorusu) late of 9, Oyin Adefila Street, Ketu, Ijanikin, Ojo, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of June, 2013, at Benin city, Edo State.

Tim Akpan Okon, late of 8, Oshundeyi Street, Mafoluku, Oshodi, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of September, 2012, at Lagos.

Mrs. Beatrice Nwadiei (otherwise known as Nwadiei Beatrice) late of 4, Femi Akinsola Street, Oshodi, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of July, 2012, at Ife. DSP Luke Ndianefo (otherwise known as Mr. Luke Chukwuemeka Ndianefo) late of 61, Ajibola Odunsi Close, Ijora Oloye.

Lagos.Deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of November, 2009, at Lagos.

Akpi John Ekwok (otherwise known as Akpi John) late of 1,Hassan Ojo Close, Dopemu Agege, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of September, 2010, at Lagos.

Sangodele Ogunrogba Ogunshina late of 9, Badimu Close, Dopemu, Agege, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of February, 2010, at Lagos.

Engr.Stephen I. Obi late of Federal Ministry of Works, Mabushi, Abuja. Deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of March, 2012, at Asaba, Delta State.

Mrs. Ajayi Mosunmola Adenike (otherwise known as Ajayi Mosunmola) late of 5, Ajayi Olugbenga Cresent Abule Oshorun Ikorodu Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of May, 2011, at Lagos.

Yusuf Ishola Saubana late of 43, brickfield street, Ebute-meta (West) Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of April, 2013 at Lagos.

Okolie Jerome late of 4, Omojile Street, Iju-Ishaga, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 20th day of January, 2010 at LASUTH. Mr. Hutton Amachree late of 71, Abina Street, Surulere, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of April, 2011 at Portharcourt.

Mrs. Modupe Elizabeth Okonkwo (otherwise known as Mrs. Modupe Okonkwo nee Olutola) late of 7/9, OLutola Street, OJodu, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day of June, 2011 at LASUTH. Mrs. Susanah Kehinde Oshibowale (otherwise known as Mrs. Oshibowale Susanah Kehinde and Mrs. Kehinde Oshibowale ) late of 1, Aleje Street, off Cole Street, Lawanson Surulere, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 4th day of April, 2013 at Lagos.

Mrs. Risikatu Salami (otherwise known as Iya Sodiq) late 19, Alafia street, Ile-Epo, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 9th day of June, 2006 at Lagos.

Owoade Musibau, late of 32, Patty Street, Lagos Island, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of May, 2012 at Lagos.

Mr. Taiwo Somorin Owolabi (otherwise known as Somorin Taiwo Owolabi) late of 11, Akodu Street, Mushin, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of December, 2012 at Lagos.

Mrs. Aina Gbadebo, 5, Ramoni Mustapha Street, Fagbile Estate, Ijegun, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of January 2012 at Lagos.

Bakre Mutiat Abosede (Mrs.), late of 24, Lekenson Street, Oloja Estate, Epe, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of June, 2010 at Lagos.

Vivien Effiong Atangakak, late 0f 8A Sadiku Street, Ogundele, Mafoluku Oshodi, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of June, 2012 at Lagos.

Miss Oyebola Noimat Eniola late of 1, Femi fagbemi street, Akowonjo, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 31st day of January, 2013 at Lagos.

Eboigbe Augustine (otherwise known as Ehis and Augustine Ehoigbe) late of 193, Agege motor road, Mushin, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of January, 2012 at Lagos.

Amid Akanni Eko late of 36, Ibidun street, surulere, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 10th day of February 2009 at Lagos.

Emmanuel Tajudeen Arufu (otherwise known as Mr. Arufu Tajudeen, Emmanuel) late of 17B, Faith Street, Ijeododo, Lagos.

Deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of June 2011 at Lagos.

Raymond Joseph Umoh, (otherwise known as Raymond) late of 5, Chubuzor close Idimu, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 4th day of March 2013 at Lagos.

Margaret Aniedi Nnana late of 11, Toun Femi Dada Street, Ikotun, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of January 2013 at Ikono Akwa Ibom State.

Ibrahim Babajide A. Adeniji Adele (otherwise known as Ibrahim Babajide Adeniran Adeniji Adele) late of 248, Muritala Mohammed Yaba, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of February 1990 at Lagos.

Uzoho Happy late of 17, Oluwadarasimi Street, Egbeda, Idimu Road, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of January 2008 at Gbagada Gen. Hospital, Lagos.

Isaac Durojaiye late of 2, Isheri road, Ojodu, Ikeja, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 20th day March, 2012 at Lagos.

Odama Emmanuel late of 47, Fatunsi Street, Ejigbo, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of November, 2010 at LASUTH. Iremiren Micheal (otherwise known as Iremiren) late of House 10, A, close, 721 road, Festac Town, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of June, 2013 at Lagos.

Mrs. Helen Osuji late of 11 Evie StreetOjo Road, Ajegunle, Lagos. Deceased Who died intestate on the 17th day of October, 2012 at Lagos.

Amaechi Ikechukwu Darlinton (otherwise known as Amaechi Ikechukwu ) late of 15, Ado Close Obele Oni whala, Lagos Deceased who died intestate on the 14th day of July, 2012 at Lagos.

Titus I. Anyawu (otherwise known as Anyanwu Titus Inyama) late of 5, Avenue S Close, House 9, Festac Town, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of January,2011 at Lagos.

Joseph A. Ibinuolapo late of Block 92, Flat 3, LSDPC Housing Estate Ajah, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 23rd day of March, 2011 at Lagos.

Omikunle Philip Afolabi (otherwise known as Mr. Omikunle Philip Afolabi) late of 10, Ago Owu Street, Odiolowo, Mushin, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of April, 1999 at Lagos.

Mr. Anyanwu Rapheal Ohanu (otherwise known as Raphael Anyanwu late of 1B Ereke Avenue, Ojodu, Ikeja, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of May, 2013 at Abuja.

Kabiru Akanbi Okutoro (otherwise known as Alh. Kabiru Akanbi Okutoro) late of 8,Okutoro Street, Ijegun, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 14th day of December, 2012 at Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Mr. Iwunwanne Cornelius Nwannebulam (otherwise known as Cornelius Iwunwanne) late of 12, Olowofoyeku Street, Isashi, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 4th day of March, 2011 at Lagos.

Soyege Toyin (otherwise known as Soyege Toyin Afusat) late of plot 12, Peace, Boulevard, Oko-Oba, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 31st day of December, 2009 at Lagos.

Oseni Abdul Ganiyu Akande (otherwise known as Alhaji Abdul Ganiyu Akande Oseni and Oseni Akande Abdul Ganiyu) late of 10, Alhaji Rasaq Street, Egbeda, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day December, 2012 at Lagos.

Prof. Ezechi Johnson Kanu (otherwise known as Ezechi Johnson Kanu) late of 26, Olufemi Ojo Street, Akowonjo, Lagos.

Deceased who died intestate on the 16th day of December, 2012 at India.

Mrs. Mojisola Aderibigbe (otherwise known as Mojisola Abolade Aderibigbe) late of 79, Lagos Abeokuta Expressway, Dopemu, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of October, 2012 at Lagos.

Rosetta Adebisi Braithwaite late of 11,Osborne Road, Ikoyi, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of March, 2013 at London.

Victoria Olufunke Titiloye (otherwise known as Victoria Titiloye Olufunke) late of 4, Bisi Adedire, Street, Meiran, Lagos.

Deceased who died intestate on the 4th day of August, 2009 at Lagos.

Mr. Thomas Ameh late of 52 Road, Block 8, Flat 6, Gowon Estate, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of April, 2012 at Ogun State.

Alhaji Dauda Otun Awosanya (otherwise known as Awosanya Dauda Otun) late of 45, Ayetoro Street off, Ikorodu Road, Fadeyi, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of September, 2009 at Remo, Ogun State.

Mr. Alake Paul Abiodun (otherwise known as Alake Abiodun) late of 23, Olowolagba Close, Akinbo, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of October, 2012 at Lagos.

Tajudeen Adedamola Kosoko (otherwise known as Kosoko Tajudeen) late of Block 15, Flat 4, Dairy farm LCH Estate, Agege, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of June, 2012 at Lagos.

Mr. Samuel Adedayo Afere (otherwise known as Afere Adedayo) late of 30, Semiu Tiamiyu Aboru, Iyana Ipaja, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 21st day January, 2013 at Lagos.

Opaleye Olubunmi (otherwise known as Olubunmi Adeagbo) late of 5, Ibrahim Street, new Oko oba, Agege, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 13th day of May, 2010 at LUTH. Mrs. Alabi Elizabeth Olayinka late of 3, Makoko road, Yaba Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day August, 2009 at Lagos.

Babawale Timothy Kolawole late of 9, Ifeoluwa Ayoola Street, Shokeye Quarters, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 14th day of August, 2012 at Lagos.

Oluremi Comfort Makinde (otherwise known as Makinde Oluremi Comfort) late of 39, El-Bethel Street, Ikotun, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 31st day July, 2011 at Ogun State.

Aina Samuel (otherwise known as Aina Samuel Oluwafemi and Samuel Oluwafemi Aina) late of 2nd Avenue, 22nd Close, Block 5, Flat 3, Festac Town, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of September, 2012 at LUTH. Orji Kalu Evelyn, late of 4, Irepodun Street, off Adesina, Ijeshatedo, Sururlere, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 13th day of June, 2013 at Lagos.

Mr Samson Folorunsho Ohanjomo (otherwise known as Mr. Ohanjomo Folorunsho) late of Blk B, Plot 14, NEPA Estate Offinile Ikorodu, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of October, 2011 at Lagos.

Mrs. Bose Akomolafe (otherwise known as Mrs. Omotayo Grace Abosede Akomolafe and Tanimola Bose Omotayo) late of 7, Tanimola Close, Ebute-Ipakodo, Ikorodu, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of April, 2012 at Lagos.

Mrs. Comfort Adehunmike Omisore (otherwise known as Omisore Comfort Adehunmike Arayode) late of 85, Ladipo Street, Mushin, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of February, 1997 at Ile Ife, Osun State.

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NAMES OF APPLICANT APPLYING FOR THE GRANT

Adenuga Olushola Omoniyi and Teliat Rasheed Olusola both of 20, Ajagbamido Street, Aradagun, Only surviving child and Nephew respectively of the said deceased.

Olukola Oladunni and Ojo Olukola, both of 7, Yaya, Lane, Baruwa Ipaja, Lagos. Widow and father respectively of the said deceased.

Olufemi Adeduyi and Oladele Olayide Ebenezer, both of 1, Ibukun Oluwa Street, Iponri, Western Avenue, Sururlere, Lagos. Widower and cousin respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Kelechi Okorie, Mr. Victor Okorie, both of 26, Ali Balogun Street, Sabo, Ojo Lagos and Mr. Christopher Okorie of 52, Wole Boyle Street, Ajangbadi, Ojo, Lagos. Widow, one of the children and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Alphonsus Nwaka and Innocent Nwaka, both of 1, Oremeji Street, Ijeshatedo, Lagos. Two brothers respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Elizabeth Chizoba Onyekere, Chika Franca Onyekere and Akudo Gift Onyekere, all of 13, Agbojoko Street, Okokomaiko, Lagos. Widow and two children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Oke Catherine and Oke Olumide Titus, both of 13, Idi Orogbo, Iyana Ilogbo, Lagos. Widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Aluko Grace Oladunsi and Aluko Oluwabusola, both of 5, Ifeloju Street, off Oremeji Street, Akowonjo, Lagos. Widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Juliet Okoawo and Mr. Collins Okoawo both of 10, Babatunde Street, off Ogunlana B/Stop, Ijesha, Lagos. Widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Mary Azumara and Miss Ngozi, E. Azumara, both of N.P.A. Police Brks Blk 5, Beach Land Estate, Olodi Apapa, Lagos. Widow and only child respectively of the said deceased.

Ademola Adekola and Pa. Adekola Amusat, both of 5, Adamuorisha Street, Surulere, Lagos. Brother and Father respectively of the said deceased.

Adetola Oluwafemi and Adetola Oluyemisi both of 2, Ogundoju Street, ijesatedo, Lagos. Two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Baba Friday of 12, Baderin Street, Mafoluku, Oshodi, Lagos and David Agada of 3, Adeyemi Street, Oshodi, Lagos. Brother and Uncle respectively of the said deceased.

Adeniyi Oluwatosin, Adniyi Adedoyin and Adeniyi David, all of 210 Ikeke Estate, Meiran, Lagos. Three of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Nwarienne Innocent of 36, Akinbowale Street, Station, Agege, Lagos and Chinelo Ezeamakam of 40, Princess Adeyemi, Ikotun.Widow and Sister respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Abosede Ajibola and Mr. Moshood Ajibola, both of 2, Afolabi Rasak Street, Ejigbo, Lagos. Widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Ovuironye Omamoke of 23, Olaniyi Street, Ajasa Command, Ipaja, Lagos and Ovuironye Godwin of 14, Osinmade Close, Ahmadiyya, Ijaiye, Lagos. Two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mr. Moshood Liadi Akinyemi and Moshood Islamiya Abiola, both of 8, Ijaiye Kurunmi Street, Oke-Odo, Lagos. Widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Ayoola Toyin Elizabeth and Mr. Ayoola Alex Oluwasegun, both of 19, Olanipekun Street,, Ikosi, Ketu, Lagos. Widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Alero Emily Agbadudu and Ejiro Agbadudu-Onoja, both of House 4, Hitech Road, by Lagos Business school Annex, Ajah, Lagos. Widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Tim Okon Jnr. And Mr. Davidson Tim Okon, both of 8, Oshundeyi Street, Mafoluku, Oshodi, Lagos. Two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Elder Joseph Nwadiei, Mr. Ekene Nwadiei and Miss Isioma Nwadiei, all of 4, Femi Akinsola Street, Oshodi, Lagos. Widower, and two children respectively of the said deceased.

Elizabeth Ndianefo of 2, George Street, Alagbole, Ogun State and Ifeayi Ndianefo of 6B, Ajibola Odunsi Close, Ijora-Oloye, Lagos. one of the widows and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Angela Fani Akpi and Akpi Benard both of 1, Hassan Ojo Close, Dopemu Agege, Lagos. Widow and only child respectively of the said deceased.

Ogunshina Elizabeth and Ogunshina Oyebanji both of 9, Badimu Close, Agege, Lagos. Widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Steve Obi Sylvia O, Guardian to Steve Obi Kimberly C. of No.4, usman Jubril Close Zone D Apo Legislative. Abuja. Daughters of the said deceased.

Mr. Ajayi Olugbenga and Joseph Ajayi both of 5, Ajayi Olugbega Cresent Abule Oshorun Ikorodu Lagos. Widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Nurudeen Yusuf and Kazeem Yusuf both of 43, Brickfield Street Ebute-meta (West) Lagos. Two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Theresa okolie and Okolie Amaka, both of 4, Omojuile Street Iju-Ishaga, Lagos. Widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mr. Jemina Amachree of 18, Harold Wilson Drive Borikiri, Rivers State. Father of the said deceased.

Rev. Dr. Solomon Olutola and Mrs. Margret Olutola both of 7/9, OLutola Street, OJodu, Lagos. Father and mother respectively of the said deceased.

Oshibowale Oluwaseun Elikinah and Miss Oshibowale Tope Busayo both of 1, Aleje Street, off Cole Street, Lawanson, Surulere, Lagos. Two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Bisola Adeniyi of 18, Charity Road Abule-Egbe, Lagos, Mr. Sadiq Salami and Mr. Wale Salami, both of 19, Alafia Street ile-epo oja, Abule, Lagos. Three of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Monsurat Mustapha and Owoade Lateefat, both of 32/34, Patty Street, Lagos Island, Lagos. Two children respectively of the said deceased.

Ms. Taiwo Mariam Atinuke of 116, Titi Kokoori Street, Idimu, Lagos and Mr. Taiwo Suleman Okanlawon of 11, Akodu Street, Mushin, Lagos Two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Ajayi Funmilayo and Mr. Olusegun Ajayi, both of 4, Church Avenue, Coker Estate, Shasha, Lagos. Only Surviving child and grandson respectively of the said deceased.

Sanni Mosidat O. (Mrs.) of 16, Amos Odupe Street, Epe, Lagos and Bakre Kabir O. of 24, Lekenson Street, Oloja Estate, Epe, Lagos. Two children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Anina Effiong Atangakak and Ann Onyekachi Atagakak both of 8B, Sadiku Street, Ogundele, Mafoluku Oshodi, Lagos. Mother and Daughter respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Afoluke Oyebola, Miss Fathimoh Oyebola, Mr. Taiwo Oyebola and Mr. Kehinde Oyebola all of 1, Femifagbani street, Akowonjo, Lagos.

Mother, Sister and Two Brothers respectively of the said deceased.

Eboigbe Samuel and Eboigbe Daniel both of 193, Agege motor road mushin, Lagos. Two Brothers respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Folashade Sherifat Jaji, Mr. Monsuru A. Eko and Bushirat A. Eko all of 36, Ibidun Street, surulere, Lagos. Three children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Ruth Arufu and Faith Arufu both of 17B, Faith Street, Ijeododo, Lagos. Widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Rose Reymond and Sunday Peace, Both of 3, Tokunbo Street Ejigbo, Lagos. Widow and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Aniedi Nnana Ekpo and Uduak Christian Udoh, both of 11, Toun Femi Dada Street, Ikotun, Lagos. Widower and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Adegboyega Adeniji Adele and Adeoba Adeniji Adele,Taiwo Adeniyi Adele and Airat Adeniji Adele all of 248, Muritala Mohammed Yaba, Lagos. Four of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Uzoho Florence Chidinma and Chineye Nwachukwu of 17, Oluwadarasimi Street, Idimu Egbeda Road, Lagos. Widow and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Mr. Similoluwa Agbetusin, Oluwatosin Agbetusin, Dr. B.F. Fatonade and Segun Odewole. All of 2, Isheri new, Ojodu-Berger,Ikeja, Lagos. one of the children and three brothers respectively of the said deceased.

Joseph Odama (Inspector) and Mr. Francis Albert Otu, both of 214, Akpena Street Ejigbo, Lagos. Two Brothers respectively of the said deceased.

Iremiren Benjamin Akingbe and Iremiren Sarah Alaba, both of House 10, A, close, 721 road, Festac Town, Lagos. brother and Sister respectively of the said deceased.

Osuji Josiah Chinedu of 11 Evie Street Ojo Road, Ajegunle Lagos, and Francesabegh Omeziriof 197, Ojo Road Ajegunle, Lagos. Widower and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Amaechi Augustine I. and AmaechiVictoria both of 15, Ado Close Obele Oni wahala, Lagos. Father and Mother respectively of the said deceased.

Teresa Is Anyanwu and Chris Victor Anyanwu, both of 5, Avenue S Close, House 9, Lagos. Widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Kehinde Ibinuolapo and Mrs. Oluwaseyi Oladosu both of Block 92, Flat 3, LSDPC Housing Estate Ajah, Lagos. Widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Omikunle Felicia Ibidun and Omikunle Adekunle Abayomi both of 11, Oluwakemi Street, Alapere Ketu, Lagos. Widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Anyanwu Patrick, Anyanwu Ihuoma and Anyanwu Felix, all of 1B Ereke Avenue, Ojodu, Ikeja, Lagos. Three children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Rasheedat Balogun, 11, Adebambo Street, Papa Ashafa, Agege, Lagos. Mrs. Rukayat Akintan Abisola of 30, Fasali Street, Abaranje, Lagos and Mrs. Taibat Okutoro of 8, Okutoro Street, Ijegun, Lagos. Widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Lucia Uloaku Iwunwanne and Miss. Judith Chilota Samuel both of 12, Olowofoyeku Street, Ishasi, Lagos. Widow and only surviving child respectively of the said deceased.

Owolabi Soyege and Morayo Sarah Ojeniyi and both of 12, Peace Boulevard, Oko-Oba, Lagos. , only child and Sister respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Risiquat Alarape Oseni, Mrs. Nimota Morenikeji Iwaeni存Mrs. Monsurat Olanshile Abisogun and Mrs. Sherifat Oje-Joseph, all of 10, Alhaji Rasaq Street, Egbeda, Lagos. Widow and three children respectively of the said deceased.

Ogbonnaya Ezechi Kanu, Miss. Chelsea Kanu, and Miss Chika Ezechi Kanu All of 26, Olufemi Ojo Street, Akowonjo, Lagos State. Three children of the said deceased.

Mr. Adekitan Olawuyi Aderibigbe of 79, Lagos Abeokuta Expressway, Dopemu, Lagos and Mrs. Abimbola Rachael Ajose, of 9, Mojisola Alapini Street, Ijegun, Lagos. Widower and Mother respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Aderinola Disu, of 11, Osborne Road, Ikoyi, Lagos and Mr. Adesoye Olumide Braithwaite of 18, Maitama Sule Street, Ikoyi, Lagos. two of the children of the said deceased Oladayo Titiloye and Ayotunde Titiloye both of 4, Bisi Adedire, Street, Meiran, Lagos. Two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Janet Ameh and Master SundayAmeh Ojonugwa both of 52, Road, Block 8, Flat 6, Gowon Estate, Lagos. Widow and only child respectively of the said deceased.

Mr. Yinka Awosanya, Mrs. Ruka Awosanya, Miss Peju Awosanyas and Master Wale Awosanya, all of 45, Ayetoro Street off, Ikorodu Road, Fadeyi, Lagos. Four children of the said deceased.

Alaka Adebanke and Olajumoke Alake both of 23, Olowolagba close Akinbo, Akute, Lagos. Widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Kosoko Fatimat Titilayo, Miss Saidat Adeola Kosoko and Mr. Tajudeen Ademola Kosoko, all of Block 15, Flat 4, Dariy farm LCH Estate, Agege, Lagos. Widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Modupe Afere of 2, Oradilu Street, Igbogbo, Lagos, and Mrs. Ololade Yusuf of 1, Adeyemi Street, Igbeba, Ijebu-Ode. Widow and Sister respectively of the said deceased.

Opaleye Taiwo Olubokola of 5, Ibrahim Street, new Oko oba, Agege, Lagos and Funmi Adejonbo of 116, Abeokuta Express way, Dopemu, Agege. Widow and family lawyer respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Abimbola Abudu, Mrs. Adekunbi Fagbemiro, Mr. Makanjuola Alabi and Mrs. Adetola Lawal, all of 3, Makoko road, Yaba Lagos. Four children of the said deceased.

Abidemi Mary Babawale and Mr.Babajide John Babawale both of 9, Ifeoluwa Ayoola Street, Shokeye Quarters, Lagos. Widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Adewale Makinde and Adetunji Makinde both of 39, El-Bethel Street Ikotun, Lagos. the two surviving children respectively of the said deceased.

Olukayode James Aina and Mrs. Christiana O. Makinde both of 2, Avenue 22nd Close, Block 5, flat 3, Festac Town, Lagos. Brother and Sister respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Smart Orji Kalu and Mr. Lucky Orji Kalu, both of 4, Irepodun Street, off Adesina, Ijeshatedo, Sururlere, Lagos. Widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Elizabeth Ohanjomo and Mr. Joseph Olagoke Ohanjomo, both of Blk B, Plot 14, NEPA Estate Offin ile Ikorodu, Lagos. Widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mr. Abiodun Busuyi Akomolafe and Mr. Emmanuel Tanimola, both of 7, Tanimola Close, Ebute-Ipakodo, Ikorodu, Lagos. Widower and father respectively of the said deceased.

Chief (Mrs.) Mariam Ayokunbi Abidogun of SW8/814, Molete Ibadan, Oyo State, Dr. (Mrs.) Olutoyin Tolulope Aderibigbe of plot 466 Jubril Babatunde Crescent, Ikeja, Lagos and Mrs. Abolade Alake, Ogundipe of 207, Hezekiah Oluwasanmi Street, Ile-Ife, Osun State, three children of the said deceased.

I. O. AKINKUGBE (MRS) PROBATE REGISTRAR

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2013

47

THE NATION

TRANSPORTATION E-mail:ynotaderibigbe@gmail.com

Low turn-out mars motorists’ registration The second phase of the Lagos State Public Transport Management system began last Friday, with the take-off of the mandatory registration of commercial vehicle owners, drivers and bus assistants (conductors). Reactions, however, differ on the policy meant to restore sanity and safety to the largely disorganised sector, writes ADEYINKA ADERIBIGBE

I

N October, this year, the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Comrade Kayode Opeifa, at a meeting with leaders of the transport unions in the state, shifted the take-off by one month the registration of commercial vehicle operators in line with the provisions of the state’s Traffic Law 2012.

Under Schedule 4, Sections 20 to 27 and sections 34 to 43 of the law, commercial vehicle owners, professional drivers and conductors and public transport operators, such as the taxi drivers, kabu-kabu and tricycle riders, must be registered.

The registration, which seeks to bring all of them under the government’s control, is meant to ensure safety, enhance availability, and assure security and sustainability of a safe, efficient and reliable public transport system in the state.

Eventually, the exercise began on November I, with the commissioner urging the transport union leaders to ensure its success in the interest of the public.

According to him, commercial bus owners are to visit any of the 21 zonal offices of the Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) nearest to them, for accreditation and documentation free.

The process, according to him, involves the physical examination of vehicles and its particulars, to ascertain its road worthiness and the submission of detailed personal data of the owners who, thereafter, will be issued a public transport operator licence.

All drivers and conductors are expected to visit any of the five drivers’ institutes, where they will be tested and issued with Lagos Commercial Vehicle Driver’s and Conductors’ Badge after completing the mandatory LASDRI re-training.

“Among others, this new system includes the re-introduction of Commuter Bus Routing Scheme, Commercial Passenger Vehicle Licensing, Corporate Outlook for Transport Operators (that is, the use of uniforms and badges), which would have their names emblazoned on it and the implementation of passenger insurance for all commercial vehicles on all the state roads,” Opeifa said.

He solicited the support and cooperation of stakeholders to the success of the exercise designed to reposition the sector for better productivity, service delivery and improved quality service to Lagosians.

Opeifa, who said the government would not hesitate to enforce the law at the expiration of the 60 days exercise, declared that the initiative was meant to add value to public transportation service delivery.

Giving further insight into the implementation in an interview with The Nation, Opeifa reiterated that the government intended to take its primal position as the regulator of the operators.

Speaking a few hours after the exercise began, Opeifa said he had no doubt that drivers and others concerned would come out en masse to comply with the law.

•Commercial buses

He added that the routing system is being reactivated “so that we can evenly distribute these vehicles to areas/routes where they are needed”.

Though the exercise would be rounded up in December, full enforcement would commence by January next year.

“Before the end of the first quarter of that year, there would be full implementation of the law and after the exercise, commercial drivers in the state would start wearing the approved uniforms as agreed to by their leaders,” Opeifa added.

Divergent reactions have, however, started trailing the initiative which entered its first week last Friday. While many commuters and motorists have thrown their weight behind the initiative which they agreed would sanitise the sector, others questioned the government’s real motive in the sector.

Many operators, including vehicle owners, drivers and conductors, however, claimed ignorance of the commencement of the exercise.

A commercial bus driver, Mr Tajudeen Hassan, who plies the Oshodi/Orile-Iganmu route, claimed ignorance of the exercise, arguing that the government should have given room for adequate sensitisation before it began.

Hassan admitted, however, that if properly coordinated, the registration exercise could sanitise the transport sector, which he claimed was regarded by the society as job for miscreants.

“Transport business would have been honourable like any other job, if there is proper monitoring by the government or the transport unions themselves, but one hopes that sanity would be restored by the time

•Opeifa

this exercise takes root and anyone who want to operate public transport would be forced to comply with the law,” he said.

Mr Charles Amaukwu, a driver who plies the Ogba/Ojota route, said he had no idea that the exercise had commenced, adding that no member of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), or the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), of which he is a member, had discussed it at any forum.

He, however, expressed doubts that the exercise would succeed. He said: “Why did the government need this sort of thing? I used to think that once you have your driver’s licence you are covered to drive anywhere in the country. That licence had for several years served as our identity card as drivers. I agree that conductors may need to be identified by a barge, at least to differentiate them from passengers,

but, I see no reason why drivers would be made to buy and wear uniforms to operate on Lagos roads.”

Another driver, Mr Adedayo Adeloye, who operates the Ojodu/ Ojota route dismissed the exercise as one that may not work, owing to the fact that the sub-sector is private sector driven.

“I do not see the government achieving 100 per cent compliance on this exercise right away because the information was not adequately disseminated. Even if it was, many of us are into it to eke out a living and I do not think we would be favourably disposed to some of the provisions of that law, especially as regards registration and the wearing of uniforms.

“When the use of a conductor was becoming problematic, some of us dropped them. I stopped using a conductor five years ago and I still operate without loss, passengers have even gotten used to that system, so if government like, let them introduce any measure to identify those who still want to remain as conductors but some of us wouldn’t go back to using their services,” Adeloye said.

Yet, a driver who operated the Agege/Ketu route, Mr Hakeem Olasupo, dismissed the government’s intention as lacking in transparency. “Why would they want to commence such a sensitive exercise and not carry us along.

Many of us do not know of the exercise and we were not even aware it has started,” he said.

He said the traffic law introduced by the government has caused so much dislocations and many of the operators would not hesitate to relocate and start operating in other states if the heat from the government is becoming unbearable.

“This government is too insensitive to the plight of the common man, it was as if they were elected only for the elite and those of us who are illiterates must leave the state for them. If they make it impossible for us to operate profitably, I would relocate to another state,” he said.

Some conductors, who also spoke on the issue, shared the same fears.

A bus conductor, Mr Feyipitan Egbenla, said the registration was a welcome development. “I hope the government had no ulterior motive to get us out of job like it did to commercial motorcyclists,” he said.

Egbenla, who was until recently a commercial motorcycle rider, said, he had become a bus conductor to sustain his family.

“I was an ‘okada’ rider. I bought my two motorcycles on hire purchase and they had been seized.

Since I have to complete the payments. I opted for this job which is the only one I can fit into, going by my education standard.

“I plead that the registration is not targeted at witch-hunting us; rather, it should be done to fish out the bad eggs among us,” he said.

Ismaila Akomolafe, who operates between Okokomaiko and Oyingbo, is disturbed that the government is only monitoring transporters.

“What is this registration for? If the data of any commercial driver is needed, it can be obtained from the licencing office. It is believed that any commercial driver with a valid driver’s licence has his data captured in a data bank,” he said.

But not minding the attitude of motorists to the policy, commuters believed Lagos badly needs such to bring sanity and safety to public transportation.

•Continued on page 45

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2013

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TRANSPORTATION

‘LASTMA is govt’s best public policy’

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HE Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has been described as the best public policy that has emanated from the government in the last one decade.

This is the views of the Commissioner for Transportation Comrade Kayode Opeifa, who spoke at the opening of a one day training of Special Traffic Mayors (STM) by LASTMA at Alausa, Ikeja.

He said so efficient is the policy that so many states are copying it and enlisting the government’s assistance in setting up a similar one.

“This agency, no doubt, has had such a tremendous impact on governance in the state that its successes have made several governments to come and copy it to address their transportation needs.

The success of LASTMA has travelled far and has become one of the best models of solving transportation challenges in emerging urban cities,” Opeifa said.

He described the STMs as the voluntary arm of the transportation management workforce and commended all those who enlisted for the training for their readiness to work for the society.

He said Governor Babatunde Fashola would be re-launching the STM on November 17, as part of the government’s commitment to efficient transportation in the state.

He said 250 new STMs from professional bodies and top rated social clubs and associations would be inducted by the governor on that day, at an event which he said, would take place at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere.

He, therefore, urged the trainees to see their membership of the elite traffic managers as a sacred duty in the interest of the society.

“You might be assisting in saving a life by managing traffic efficiently in your area,” he said.

The commissioner said those who might want to collect the mayor’s kits for avoiding arrest for traffic offences should try somewhere else as the government would monitor them.

“That era when you collect these kits and keep in your vehicles as immunity against arrest for

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Stories by Adeyinka Aderibigbe

traffic offences is over. You are being trained to help us manage traffic in your area. You are expected to meet with your coordinators and develop a yearly plan which would be submitted to the Ministry. Your performance would be measured along this plan and you are expected to meet if not surpass your yearly plan,” Opeifa said.

Besides this, some of the STMs, he said, would be expected to function as watchdog on LASTMA personnel, and help the government in weeding out undesirable elements from the agency, adding that the government places more confidence on the elite mayors’ judgment because of their status in the society.

Opeifa, therefore, enjoined the elite traffic mayors to make the best use of the training as well as digest the brochure that would be given to them as it contains their functions and duties, so that they go out as enlightened members of the corps and carry out their responsibilities responsibly.

LASTMA Commander Jubril Oshodi urged the STMs to always make use of their kits and work as a team. He enjoined them to make best judgments as their decisions may be the opportunity to save a life and make sure traffic move seamlessly.

Another resource person Mr. Patrick Adenusi, said the STMs must be guided at all times that their duty is to help reduce carnage on the roads, adding that any driver perceived as a potential danger on the road must be moved out of it before he crashes his vehicle or kill an innocent person.

He said: “You can all contribute to safety on our roads not only by standing to control traffic, but by printing handbills and tracts that would contain safety tips that you may distribute within your community, church or mosque. We still need strong advocacy to reduce fatalities on our roads and that is where we all as volunteers come in to ensure safety on the roads and reduce road indiscipline that results in traffic congestion.”

Experts hail automotive policy

HE Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers (NIME) has praised the Federal Government’s plan to boost the automotive manufacturing sector though its National Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP).

Speaking with reporters in Akure, the Ondo State capital, after its Annual General Meeting (AGM), the National Chairman of the Institute, Ayo Fanimokun, however, said the Federal Government needed to carry professional bodies along in implementing such critical policy.

According to him, Nigeria and Bangladesh are the only two countries in the top 10 populated nations without a developed automotive industry.

He said: “With the population and economy, our potential vehicle market is about a million vehicle per year, this is more than sufficient to support an automotive industry.

“Nigeria has not banned its tariff on vehicle at the WTO, except for ECOWAS and we expect the auto industry to be on the Common External Tariff (CET) exclusion list, Fanimokun said, adding that the Nigeria Automotive Industry cur-

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

rently assemble commercial vehicles as they are easier to produce, while Nigeria needs car assembly/production to benefit from the industry’s potentials.

He said the industry would create significant good quality employment and a wide range of technologically advanced manufacturing opportunities.

This industrial base he said could then sum the foundation of other modern advanced manufacturing activities.

The NIME chief said the approval of a new automotive policy framework would help to transform the automotive industry and attract investment into the sector.

According to him, “a transformed automotive industry will realise its potential as a major driver of economic growth and diversification, job creation, local value addition and technology acquisition” He explained that sector is a key component of the NIRP, which is a five-year programme, developed by the Federal Ministry of Trade and Industry, to diversify the economy and revenues through industry.

•Lagos State Sector Commander Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Mr Chidi Nkwonta, in a handshake with the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, during a courtesy visit to the monarch.

PHOTO: DAVID ADEJO

Lagos to give 5,000 life jackets to boat operators L AGOS State is planning to distribute 5,000 life jackets to commercial boat operators for the use of their passengers.

The Commissioner for Rural Development, Cornelius Ojelabi, made this known during the monthly stakeholders meeting of his ministry with executive members of the Community Development Associations (CDAs), Community Development Committees (CDCs) and coordinators of Neighbourhood Watch in the 20 local governments and 37 local council development areas of the state.

He explained that the decision of

By Miriam Ekene- Okoro

the government to purchase and donate the life jackets was to check the frequent boat mishaps and the attendant loss of lives by Lagos residents who commute on water.

According to Ojelabi, “Governor Babatunde Fashola, agreed to supply the jackets for the use of the citizens because most of the operators cannot afford to buy them.”

He however said there would be strict enforcement once the jackets

had been distributed.

He said: “Once the jackets are distributed anybody caught commuting on any water transportation without them will be prosecuted according to the law as the state will not wait until there is a disaster before it enforces the use of the jackets.”

Ojelabi urged the CDA leaders to educate their people on the importance of using the life jackets as well as enforce it in their areas.

National Council on Transport meets in Lagos

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HE 13th National Council on Transport meeting begins today at the City Hall,

Lagos.

Addressing reporters on the event which has as theme: Transformation of transport infrastructure; catalyst for socio-economic growth, at the weekend, the state Commissioner for Transportation Comrade Kayode Opeifa, said the talk shop would proffer solutions to many of the transportation challenges besetting the country.

The meeting, which would hold end on Friday, the Commissioner, who is also the chief host said, is divided into two sessions - the technical, which would end tomorrow and the council meeting, which would run from Thursday till Friday.

He said while the first session would hold at the City Hall, Lagos, the council meeting would hold at the Civic Centre, Lagos.

The technical session, according to Opeifa, will, among others, receive briefs from the states and the federal agencies on the state of implementation of decisions taken last year in Makurdi, Benue State capital.

Opeifa further said the state government would be proposing seven resolutions aimed at further im-

proving the nation’s sector, and consolidate the state’s gains in the sector.

He said the technical session, which would be attended by chief executives of transport agencies, departments and agencies would declare open this morning would be chaired by the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Transportation, Nebolisa Emordi, while the meeting, which would be attended by commissioners of Transportation and allied ministries from the 36 states would be opened by Gover-

nor Babatunde Fashola on Thursday.

The council meeting, Opeifa added, would afford the state to showcase the transport infrastructure development, as according to him, delegates would on Wednesday have the opportunity of visiting the Lagos State University (LASU) School of Transport, the ongoing light rail project on the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, the Mile 12- Ikorodu Expressway expansion, among other transportation landmarks and projects ongoing in the state.

Defensive driving tips for travellers

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T is the period of the year again when Nigerians are looking forward to being with their kith and

kin. For those who have migrated to the urban areas across the country, it is a period they look forward to for a reunion with their kin back in their villages. It is a period that is often characterised by travelling.

November/December, the last two months of the year are characterised especially by long distance journey.

People embark on rural/ urban, urban/rural migration. Some travelled continuously for more than six hours to reach their destination. Others embarked on night journey. Some even

took a greater risk and travel continuously for 12 hours.

Long distance journey has marred the defensive driving of some good drivers.

Below are tips to avoid dangers associated with long distance journey.

A driver’s safety is guaranteed by his strict obedience to traffic rules.

The best protection inside the vehicle is the use of seat belt. If properly used, seat belts reduce the severity of injuries by at least 50 per cent in the event of accidents.

• Source: Nigeria Highway Code, Second Edition

Low turn-out mars motorists’ registration •Continued from page 44

A commuter Samuel Adeniyi , said it would eradicate crime.

“A situation where commercial vehicles are used to perpetrate crime in the state would stop or significantly reduce, as the data of all commercial buses owners and drivers would make tracking any vehicle involved in criminal activities anywhere in the state easy,” he said.

Miss Janet Onyekachi also praised the government for coming up with

the exercise. She said the exercise coming up, especially at this festive season, when a lot of atrocities were usually perpetrated by commercial drivers, is good.

The government said the beauty of the exercise was that any suspected commercial bus could be traced to the owner, any of its drivers (in case they are more than one), as well as the conductor.

However Opeifa admitted that the response of vehicle owners and drivers had been poor.

“Only 52 vehicle owners had so far visited the VIS offices, while 152 drivers have visited the drivers’ institutes. This is poor, but we have no doubt thaty this would improve because this is meant for them.

“At the end of this exercise, these people would make more money, they would be more decent and more professional and Lagosians for whom we designed this would be assured of quality service in the transportation sector,” Opeifa stated.

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IN THE HIGH COURT OF LAGOS STATE OF NIGERIA PROBATE REGISTRY, IKEJA DIVISION

WHEREAS the person whose names are set-out in the first Column under died intestate on the date and place stated in the said Column.

AND WHEREAS the person or persons whose names and addresses and relationship (if any) to the deceased are set out in the second Column here have applied to the High Court of Lagos State for a Grant of Letter of Administration of the Real and Personal Properties of the deceased.

NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Letters of Administration will be granted to such persons unless a NOTICE TO PROHIBIT THE GRANT is filed in the registry within (14) days from the date hereof.

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NAMES OF THE DECEASED PERSON:

Agbasi Mbochukwu Christopher (otherwise known as Mr. Agbasi Christopher Nbochukwu) Late of 21, Bankole Street Ilasamaja, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 24th day of February 2013 at Anambra.

Kaka Oluwatoyin Adebukunola (otherwise known as Miss Oluwatoyin Kaka, Ms Adebukunola and Oluwatoyin Adebukunola Kaka), late of 16, Adu Street, Ogba Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of February 2010 at Ogun State.

Akinmolayan Samuel Adetunji (otherwise known as Akinmolayan Samuel) late of 7, Akinmolayan Close Orile Iganmu, Lagos.

Deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of March 2009 at Lasuth Ikeja.

Mr. Adegbaso John Akinyilureka (otherwise known as Akinyilureka John Adegbaso, late of 36, Odalume Street, Ladipo Estate, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 31st day of March 2012 at Lagos.

Mr. Ejem Angha Ejem (otherwise known as Ejem Anagba and Mr. Ejem A. Ejem) late of 2, Kushimo Street Ikotun Lagos.

Deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of April 2010 at Abia State.

Ugoh Vinneth Ada (otherwise known as Ugoh Ada) late of 7, Joseph Kayode Street, Oke-Ira Ogba. Deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of August 2012 at Port Harcourt.

Elizabeth Adeola Ogunbanjo (otherwise known as Elizabeth Ogunbanjo) late of 2, Michael Adekoya Street, Ilupeju. Deceased who died intestate on the 24th day of December 1974 at Lagos.

Mr. Adebo Jonathan (otherwise known as Mr. Adebo Adeleke Jonathan and Jonathan Adeleke Adebo), late of 21, Ojikitu Ave, off Obele Oni-wala, Surulere Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of June 2007 at Lagos.

Mr. Emmanuel Abiodun Okesola, late of No. 7, Idofian Street, Ketu Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of February 2006 at London.

Alhaji Isiaka A. B. Popoola (otherwise known as Alhaji A.I.B. Popoola and Popoola Bolarinwa) late of Blk 9, Flat 3, Sunshine Estate, Oko-Oba, Agege, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 4th day of February 2013 at LUTH, Lagos.

Mr. Henry Afolabi Odufalu late of 5, Folashade Close, off Falolu Road, Surulere, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of June 1998 at Jaiyeola Clinic, Palmgrove, Lagos State.

Matthew Aduku Omogbemeh (otherwise known as Omogbemeh Aduku Mathew) late of plot 165, Iba Housing Estate, Iba, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 11th day of June 2012 at Lagos.

Alhaji Alawode Jimoh Lasisi (otherwise known as Jimoh Alawode Lasisi) late of 45, Adeshile Street, Mushin, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of May 2013 at Benin-Warri Express way.

Alhaja Mudirakatu Ayoka Agoro (otherwise known as Mrs. Mudirakatu Ayoka Agoro and Mrs, Mudirakat Agoro) late of 24, Market Street, Ebute-Metta. Deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of September 2007 at Oak Specialist Clinic, Palmgrove.

Lagos.

Sunday Ogidi Okpochini (otherwise known as Sunday Okpochini) late of No. 34, 4th Avenue Okemons. Deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of February 2013 at Badagry General Hospital.

Adejumobi Zacheaus Adekunyo (otherwise known as Deacon Zacheaus Adejumobi) late of 5, Deji Adeoye Street Mafoluku Oshodi Lagos State. Deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of December 2002 at Lagos.

Ngozi Ekeleme late of 21, Alh. Ayodele Ibrahim Avenue, 1st gate bus stop, Iba, Ojo Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of June 2012 at LUTH. Saka Matti late of 21, Adedeji~Street, Off Afariogun Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 13th day of May 2012 at Lagos.

Joseph Dada late of 4B Ijaotun Street, Alapere Ketu Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 11th day of January 2013 at Lagos.

Agbomeji Agboola (otherwise known as Agbomeji Agbotafe Agboola) late of 9, Adanla Street, Surulere, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 10th day of March 2013 at Lagos.

Uzoka Livina Ifeoma (Mrs.) (otherwise known as Uzoka Livina) Late of Blk 378, Plt 186, Flt 2, Iba Housing Estate Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of July 2012 at LASUTH. Mr. Emene Asuquo Edubio (otherwise known as Asuquo Edubio Emene) Late of 19 Odofin Street, Olodi Apapa Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 9th day of November 2012 at Lagos.

Mrs. Adefuwa Sherifat Titilayo (otherwise known as Sherifat Adefuwa and Mrs. Adefuwa Sherifat) Late of 6, St. Agustine's Street, Idimu, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of September 2011 at Ogun State.

Ahisu Fasinu Late of Wharakoh Quarters Badagry Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of May 2011 at Badagry.

Osijirin Yekini Bamidele Late of 32 Aladeola Street, Ikosi - Ketu Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 31st day of January 2013 at Lagos.

Mrs. Oyelaja Elizabeth Folake (otherwise known as Mrs. Oyelaja Folake Elizabeth) Late of 3, Adebisi Street, Ikate Itire Surulere Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 6th day of January 2012 at Lagos.

Mrs. Toyin Amoke Shodunke Late of 32 Adigun Popoola Street, Abule-Egba, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of September 2008 at Lagos.

Mr. Jimoh Ebih (otherwise known as Mr. Jimoh Ebih Oduh) Late of 2, Ifelodun Street, Oke-Ira Ikeja Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of January 2013 at Lagos.

Mr. Lamidi Adisa Kalejaiye (otherwise known as Alhaji Lamide Adisa Kalejaiye) Late of 32, Market Street, Ebule-Mela, Lagos.

Deceased who died intestate on the 9th day of May 2011 at LUTH. Alhaja Taibat Sanyaolu, Late of 11 Akinsola Street, Mushin Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of July 2013 at Lagos.

Igbokwe Oleka Chike (otherwise known as Mr. Oleka Igbokwe and Igbokwe O.O.) Late of 63, Buba Maruwa Road Ijegun Lagos.

Deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of June 2008 at Lagos.

Mr. Rotimi Adewale Apena, Late of 10, Ariyo Street, Ajegunle Ikorodu Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of February 2008 at Lagos.

Ogbonnaya Emmanuel (otherwise known as Ogbonna Emmanuel) Late of 6B Olowu Street, Ikeja Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of January 2013 at Enugu.

Mr. Onikan Olatunde, Late of Plot 21, Muyibat, Oyegun Crescent Ojodu, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of August 2011 at Lagos.

Osuka Fredrick Nnabugwu, late of 5th Avenue, One Close, Block 2, Flat1, Festac, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of May 1998 at Umuahia.

Mr. Abraham Eze Onudu (otherwise known as Covenant Shepherd Abraham Eze Onudu), late of 15/21, Pipeline Street, Mosan, Ipaja, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 13th day of May 2009 at Lasuth.

Pa Robert Mboni Odusami late of 89, Bola Street, Ebute Meta, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of July 1997 at Lagos.

Irosowe Joseph late of 225 Abeokuta Expressway Road, Iyana Ipaja, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of May 2007 at Okpakpeh (Edo State).

Mensah O. Acha (otherwise known as Acha Mensah Oji and Mensah Oji Acha) late of No. 19, Anuoluwapo Street, Ejigbo.

Deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of December 2010 at Lagos.

Mr. Okeke Oliver late 40, Cardoso Street, Ajegunle Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 2nd May 2013, at Lagos.

Theresa Dawodu (otherwise known as Mrs. Theresa Adenike Daowdu) late 31, Road, B close, House 2, Gowon Estate, Ipaja, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of June 2010 at Lagos.

Mrs. Salome Tabitta Talabi Macorroh (otherwise known as Mrs. Salome Talabi Macorroh and Macorroh Salome) Late 22, Hughes Avenue, Alagomeji - Yaba. Deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of February 1987 at Lagos.

Olorunfemi Oladapo Timothy (otherwise known as Timothy Oladapo Olorunfemi) late 5th Avenue, 511 Road, Block 3, Flat 8, Festac Town, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of May 2009 at Lagos Capt. Mobolaji Oladokun Odunuga (otherwise known as captain Mobolaji Oladokun Michael Odunuga) Late of 8, Fred Anyiam Street, Surulere, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of February 2012 at Uyo. Benjamin Sunday Nwaokoro late of 9 Cronwell Street, Satelite Town, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 14th day of April 2013 at Lagos Mr. Shina Olaogun (otherwise known as Olaogun Shina) late of 7, Anipele Street, Mushin Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of May 2012 at Lagos.

Chief Edwin Obidiaso Kanu (otherwise known as Kanu Edwin O.) late of 1, Aina Street, Shomolu Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of April 2013 at Benin Ore Road.

Chief Clement O. Akpamgbo (otherwise known as Clement Obiora Akpamgbo) late of 40, Lowa Street, Ikorodu Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of November 2006 at Virginia, USA. Ude, Nkeiruka Juliana (Miss) late of 6, Gbadamosi Close, Surulere, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of September 2012 at Lagos.

Mr. Nathaniel Aituazobe kio (otherwise known as Mr. Nathanirel A. Kio) late 2, Osemene Street, Ewututun, Mafoluku, Lagos.

Deceased who died intestate on the 31st day of January 2002 at Lagos.

Hezekiah Akinbode Oluwadare (otherwise known as Oluwadare Hezekiah Akinbode) Late of plot 28, PSSDC Road Magodo Shangisha, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of July 2012 at Lagos.

Akindele Bashiru (otherwise known as Iyanda) Late of 50, Karimu Babatunde Street, Papa Ashaya, Dopemu, Agege Lagos.

Deceased who died intestate on the 6th September 2012 at Lagos.

Mr. Olaoluwa Marcel Akerele Late of 721, Road, H Close, House 19, Festac Town, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of August 2013 at India.

Dele Odikagbue (otherwise known as Mr. Dele Godwin Odikagbue) Late of Block 267, Flat 6, Iba Housing Estate, Lagos State.

Deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of November 2012 at Lagos.

Alhaji Arimi Egberongbe (otherwise known as Mr. Alhaji A. B. Egberongbe) Late of 14, Aiyetoro Street, Epe, Lagos. Deceased who died on the 5th day of January 1962 at Lagos.

Mrs. Sholola Fatimo Oyindamola Amusa (otherwise known as Mrs. Sholola Fatimoh O.) Late of 19, Aregbe Street, Isolo, Lagos.

Deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day of April, 2013 at Lagos.

Japhet Ukachukwu (SGT) (otherwise known as Japhet Ukachukwu) Late of 98, Kirikiri Road, Olodi Apapa, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of May 2012 at Lagos.

Mrs. Ogbonna Keziah Chiagorom (otherwise known as Ogbonna Keziah) Late of 49, Adaloko Afromedia Ajangbadi, Lagos.

Deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of December 2011 at Lagos.

Mr. Uboh Sunday, late of 7, Ariyo Close, Mafoluku, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of June 2012 at Lagos Benedict Chikezie Mark (otherwise known as Mr. Mark Benedict Chikizie) late of 3, Oyewole Street, Dopemu Agege Lagos deceased who died intestate n the 10th day of May 2012 at Lagos.

Aribilola Amos Oluwole. Late of 3, Pipeline Gberigbe Road, Ikorodu Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 16th day of May 2012 at Lagos Mufutau Aremu Oliyide, late of 13, Aduke Thomas Street, Orile Oshodi, Lagos Deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of October, 2007 Mr. Ilesanmi Friday Tamuna. Late Plot 3 Rasaq Alade Close, Magboro via Ojodu Berger Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of December 2012 at Lagos.

Ezekiel Miller (otherwise known as Mr. Ezekiel Millar). Late of 18, Ligali Street,Ojo Road Ajegunle Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 11th day of September 2012 at LUTH. Comfort Okujoke Oduntan Late of 68, Alhaji Aruna Street Ifako Ijaiye Agege. Deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of June 2008 at Lagos.

CPL Sardauna Ogboche Late of 4, Ajenifuja Street Orile Oshodi Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of March 2011 at Gen Hospital Otukpo.

Dare Funmilola Bosede (otherwise known as Dare Funmilola) Late PH20A, F.H.A. Ext. Iseri Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 24th day of May 2013 at Lagos.

Roseline Okugbe (otherwise known as Mrs. Roseline Okugbe) Late of High way Patrol Barracks, New Block 2, Flat 14 Ikeja Lagos.

Deceased who died intestate on the 11th day of May 2012 at Lagos.

Olusanya Michael (otherwise known as Michael Abidemi Shosanya) Late of 3rd Avenue, Plot 515 H Close Festac Town Lagos.

Deceased who died intestate on the 24th day of May 2013 at LUTH. Aderemilekun Abiodun Sodeinde (otherwise known as Sodeinde Remilekun) Late of 17, Chris Alli Crescent, Ikoyi, Lagos.

Deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of Febraury 2010 at Lagos.

Ayidu Bright (Ofiri) (otherwise known as Ewere Bright Ayidu Ofiri) Late of Block 40 Flat 84 Ogba behind Sunday and retail market. Deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of April 2011 at Lagos.

Francis Adebayo Banjoko (otherwise known as F. A. Banjoko Peters, F. A. Banjoko and Francis Banjoko) Late of 39, Raymond Njoku Street, SW Ikoyi, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of April, 2003 at Lagos.

Joshua Chiedu Adeh (otherwise known as Adeh Joshua C) Late 19, Powerline Fafunwa, Ipaja, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of August 2011 at Onicha.

Raheem Babatunde Sodiq (otherwise known as Sodiq Raheem Babatunde) Late of 33, Adebiyi Street, Shomolu, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of May 2012 at Lagos.

Anadi Okechukwu (Mr.) (otherwise known as Mr. Okechukwu Anadi) Late of 350/352 Old Ojo Road, Alakija Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of February, 2013 at Lagos.

Jacob Folorunsho Soyinka (otherwise known as Jacob Folorunso Soyinka) Late of 49, popoola Street, Pedro Bariga, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 20th day of October, 1989 at Lagos.

Okwuonu Ernest Williams Chichi (Dr.) late of 47, Community Road Akoka, Lagos. . Deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day of February, 2013 at Lagos.

1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9) 10) 11) 12) 13) 14) 15) 16) 17) 18) 19) 20) 21) 22) 23) 24) 25) 26) 27) 28) 29) 30) 31) 32) 33) 34) 35) 36) 37) 38) 39) 40) 41) 42) 43) 44) 45) 46) 47) 48) 49) 50) 51) 52) 53) 54) 55) 56) 57.

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NAMES OF APPLICANT APPLYING FOR THE GRANT

Agbasi Nneka and Agbasi Chibuike John - Paul, both of 21, Bankole Street, Ilasamaja, Lagos. Widow and brother respectively of the deceased.

Bilesanmi Kaka Adedayo and Adesanya Kofoworola Adeborah, both of 16, Adu Street, Ogba, Lagos. Two children of the said deceased.

Mr. O. A. Akinmolayan, Mr. O. T. Akinmolayan and Mr. K. A. Akinmolayan, All of 7, Akinmolayan Close Orile Iganmu. Three of the children of the said deceased.

Adegbaso Adefunke Oyin of 36, Odalume Street, Ladipo Estate, Lagos and Mr. Akinseye Gbolahan of 10, Bamgbopa Street, Abule Oja, Yaba, Lagos. One of the children and step child respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Nnenna Ejem of 2, Kushimo Street, Ikotun Lagos and Brown Onwuka Eni of 1, Fadipe Street, Egbe Ikotun Egbe Lagos. Widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mr. David C. Ugoh and Mr. Hope I. Ugoh, both of 7, Joseph Kayode Street, Oke-Ira. Widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Margaret Modupe Owosina and Mr. Francis Olajide Ogunbanjo, both of 66A, Coker Road Ilupeju Estate. Two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Adegbenro Adebo, Adetunji Adebo and Banatunde Adebo, All of 21, Ojikutu Avenue, Off Obele Surulere. Three of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mr. Oladipupo Okesola of 10, Idowu Laiyemo Crescent, Ketu, Lagos. One of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Omolola Abibat Kukoyi, Adekola Popoola and Titilope Popoola, All of Blk 9, Flat 3, Sunshine Estate, Agege. Three of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Gbemisola Olayemi Kamson and Dr. (Mrs.) Olubukunola Olapeju Inyang, both of 5, Folashade Close, Off Falolu Road, Surulere, Lagos.

Two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Christian Omogbemeh and Susan Ogbebor, both of Plot 165, Iba Housing Estate, Iba, Lagos. Two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Alawode Taiwo Morounmobo of 45, Adeshile Street, Mushin, Lagos; Alawode Kabiru Olanrewaju of 19, Oteomi Street, Papa Ajao; Alawode Rafiu of 21, Ebenezer Ogunsanya Street, Iju-Ishaga and Alawode Abiodun Gafari of 5, Durowoju Street, Ilasamaja, lagos. Widow, one of the children and two brothers respectively of the said deceased.

Mr. Kehinde Omotayo Agoro and Mr. Olatunde Idowu Agoro, both of 24, Market Street, Ebute-Metta, Lagos. Two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Adaobi Esther Okpochini and James Atamako, both of 34, 4th Avenue Okemons. The only surviving child and cousin respectively of the said deceased.

Adejumobi Janet Mopelola and Adejumobi Solomon Abiodun both of 5, Deji Adeoye Street, Mafoluku Oshodi Lagos State. Widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mr. Peter Ekeleme of 21 Alhaji Ibrahim Avenue 1st gate bus stop Iba, Ojo, Lagos State and Theresa Alaukwu of 65 (old) 50 (new) Uzor Street, Ajegunle, Lagos. Widower and mother respectively of the said deceased.

Shakiru Matti of 31 Makinde Street, Oshodi Lagos and Sikiru Matti of 21 Adedeji Street, Oshodi Lagos. Two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Faith Dada Joseph of 4B, Ijaotun Street, Alapere Ketu Lagos and Moshood Igbafe of 7, Ogunleti Street, Ojota Lagos. Widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Bassirat Agbomeji Omowonuola Agbomeji and Muyinatu Agbomeji All of 9, Adanla Street, Surulere, Lagos. The three children respectively of the said deceased.

Uzoka Emeka Augustine of Block 378, Plot 186, Flat 2, Housing Estate, and Ifeanyi Okwuosa Ejike of D120 Post Service Housing Ojo, Lagos Widower and cousin respectively of the said deceased.

Miss Enoh Emene Asuquo and Miss Patience Emene Asuquo both of 19, Odofin Street, Olodi Apapa Lagos. Two children respectively of the said deceased.

Mr. Adefuwa Adekunle Kazeem of 6, St. Augustine Street, Idimu, Lagos and Mrs. Abdulsalam Adeyemisi Ruqayah of 29A, Alhaji Ramon Street, Ogijo, Ogun State. Two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Fasinu Sunday and Fasinu Rebecca both of Wharakoh Quarters Badagry. Lagos. Two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Basirat Atinuke Osijinrin of 32, Aladelola Street, Ikosi-Ketu, Lagos. Mr. Oluwatosin Kamoru Osijirin of 16, Kayode Taiwo Street Magodo, GRA Lagos. Widow and Brother respectively of the said deceased.

Ojelaja Cyrus Adewale and Oyelaja Olubunmi Samuel both of 3, Adebisi Street, Ikate Itire Surulere Lagos. Widower and One of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Shodunke Olalekan and Okunola Kamardeen both of 32 Adigun Popoola Street, Abule-Egba, Lagos. Only surviving child and Brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Mary Ebih and Kenneth Olong both of 2, Ifelodun Street, Oke-Ira Ikeja Lagos. Widow and Brother respectively of the said deceased.

Alhaja Shakirat Anike Balogun (Nee Kalejaiye) and Alhaji Kamil Kalejaiye both of Block 39, Flat 2, LCHE Abesan Ipaja, Lagos State. Two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Toyin Adigun of 27, Ayantuga Street, Mushin, Lagos. Nurudeen Sanyaolu of 52, Kamiyo Street, Aiyegbami Street, Sagamu and Ayisat Oreofe of 4, Kayode Adebanji Street Isolo, Lagos. Three children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Peace Onueluwa Igbokwe and Mr. Daniel Igbokwe both of 63, Buba Maruwa Road Ijegun, Satelite Town, Lagos. Widow and One of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Caroline Apena and Olatunji Odulaja, both of 10, Ariyo Street, Ajegunle Ikorodu Lagos. Widow and Brother respectively of the said deceased.

Ogbonnaya Paul Ugwu and Ogbonnaya Ejikeme both of 6B Olowu Street, Ikeja, Lagos. Two Brothers respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Elizabeth Onikan, Miss Adetola Onikan and Mr. Adebayo Onikan, All of plot 21, Muyibat Oyegun Crescent, Ojodu, Lagos. Widow and two children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Osuka Patricia Nwakaego, Mr. Henry Nkemakolam Osuka and Mr. Obinna Festus Osuka, all of 5th Avenue, One Close, Block 2, Flat1, Festac, Lagos Widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Mary Onudu Onyegelu and Mr. Kanayo Paul Onudu, both 15/21, Pipeline Street, Mosan, Ipaja, Lagos. Widow and One of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Akinola Odusami, Adejoke Odusami, Abiola Odusami, Olatunbosun Odusami and Oluyomi Odusami, all of 89, Bola Street,, Ebute Metta, Lagos. Five children respectively of the said deceased.

Irosowe Fimbar Egie of 8, Agboke Street, Ijaye Lagos and Okebadan Bridget Goodluck of 10, Bakare Jafojo Street Iyana Ipaja, Lagos. Two children respectively of the said deceased.

Acha Chinyere A., Onyebuchi Acha, Mrs. Ebere Chukwu and Mr. Chika O. Acha, all of 19, Anuoluwapo Street, Ejigbo, Lagos. Widow and Three of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Okeke Nkeiruka (Mrs) and Amarachi Esther Okeke, both of 13, O.C. Okeke Street Satelite Town, Lagos. Widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Helen Titilola Lawani and Mrs. Olatokunbo Olukemi Ajinomo both of 31, Road, B close, House 2, Gowon Estate, Ipaja, Lagos. Two Nieces respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Frederick Oluseye Coker of 22, Hughes Avenue, Alagomeji - Yaba, Lagos. Two Grandsons respectively of the said deceased.

Olorunfemi Ajoke Eunice and Olorunfemi Olumide Michael, both of 5th Avenue, 511 Road, Block 3, Flat 8, Festac Town, Lagos. Widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Uyai Michelle Odunuga of Labak Estate 4, Babadun Street, Oko oba, Agege, Lagos and Mr. Oluseyi Dehinbo of 11, Road B Close, 1st Avenue House 8, Gowon Estate Ipaja, Lagos. Widow and Nephew respectively of the said deceased.

Benjamin Nwaokoro of 19, Abeokuta Street, Ijegun, Ikotun, Lagos and and Mrs. Christiana O. Opah Nee Nwaokoro of Ajao Estate Lagos.

Two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Olaogun Olaleke and Olagun Olakunle both of 7, Anipele Street, Mushin, Lagos. Two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Eucharia Uchenna Kanu, Raymond Okwudiri Kanu and Victor Ikenna, all of 1, Aina Street, Shomolu Lagos. Widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mercy Uzoamaka Akpamgbo and Hon. Vivian Akpamgbo, both 40, Lowa Street, Ikorodu Lagos. Widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Josephine Nwaamaka Ude and Miss Joy Onyinyechukwu Ude both of 6, Gbadamosi Close, Surulere, Lagos. Mother and Sister respectively of the said deceased.

Florimel Nwaunekio of 2, Osemene Street Ewututu,Mafoluku, Lagos and Eva Abonu 7b, Sawyer Close Gbagada Lagos. Widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Mary Olusola Oluwadare and Miss Taiwo Oluyemisi Oluwadare. Both of Plot 28, PSSDC Road Magodo Shangisha, Lagos. Widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Zainab Abimbola Akindele and Mr. Faisu Akindele both of 50, Karimu Babatunde Street, Papa Ashaya, Dopemu Agege Lagos. Widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mr. Raymond Babatunde Akerele and Mrs. Theresa Mwila Akerele both of 721, Road, H Close, House 19, Festac Town, Lagos. Father and Mother respectively of the said deceased.

Mabel Odikagbue and Anthony Odikagbue both of Block 267, Flat 6, Iba Housing Estate, Lagos State. Widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Gbolade Egberongbe and Ololade Teniola both of 155, Igbosere Road, Lagos. Two of the Grandchildren respectively of the said deceased.

Yunusa Kudirat and Amusa Wasiu Ola both of 19, Aregbe Street, Isolo, Lagos. Mother and Brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Oluchi Ukachukwu of 98, Kirikiri Road Olodi Apapa, Lagos and Mrs. Ifeoma Okoronkwo (nee Ukachukwu) of 25, Yaya crescent OlodiApapa, Lagos. Widow and Sister respectively of the said deceased.

Mr. Ogbonna Rowlings, Miss Ogbonna Chikodi and Mr. Ogbonna Ikenna, all of 49, Adaloko Afromedia Ajangbadi, Lagos. Widow and Two children respectively of the said deceased.

Mr. Jackson Sunday Uboh, of 1, Nnwamaka Street, Shallom Estate, Satelite Town, Lagos and Mrs. Christianah Uboh of 7, Ariyo Close, Mafoluku, Lagos. Widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Cecilia Okpara and Munachi Peter Ogbona both of 88, Mojisola Street Ifako Ogba, Lagos. Sister and Brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Aribilola R. Olubunmi and Mr. Aribilola C. Kehinde both of 3, Pipeline Gberigbe Road, Ikorodu Lagos. Widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Moroof Oliyide, Saidat Oliyide, Bilikisu Oliyide and Muri Oliyide, All of 13, Aduke Thomas Street, Oshodi, Lagos. Four of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Tamuna Ilesanmi Eunice of Plot 3 Rasaq Alade Close, Magboro via Ojodu Berger Lagos and Mrs. Bridget Omoregie of 84, Forestory Road.

Widow and Sister in-law respectively of the said deceased.

Blessing A. Miller and Patrick Miller both of 18, Ligali Street,Ojo Road Ajegunle Lagos. Two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Adeitan Olarenwaju Oduntan, Adetayo Akanni Oduntan and Adewale Babatunde Enitan Oduntan, all of 68, Alhaji Haruna Street, off College Road, Ifako Ijaiye Agege. Lagos. One of the children and two grandsons respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Onyeche Grace Ogboche and Abigail Obiye Ogboche both of 4, Ajenifuja Street Orile Oshodi Lagos. Widow and One of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Dare Ola Bamidele (Mr.) of plot 20A, F.H.A. Ext Isheri Lagos and Mr. Adeleye Korede of 5, Adeyemi Street Gowon Estate Lagos. Widower and Brother respectively of the said deceased.

Miss. Glory Okugbe and Innocent Okugbe both of High way Patrol Barracks, New Block 2, Flat 14 Ikeja Lagos. Two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Deborah B. Shosanya and Christianah O. Shosanya both of 3rd Avenue, Plot 515 H Close Festac Town Lagos. Widow and only surviving child respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Greatness H.B. Stephen and Oluwaseyi Judah Ajayi both of 6, Rainbow Avenue, Ojota Oregun Lagos. Mother and Brother respectively of the said deceased.

Austin Ayidu and Kate Ayidu both of Block 40 Flat 84 Ogba behind Sunday and retail market, Ikeja Lagos. Widow and only surviving child respectively of the said deceased.

Dr. Victor Olumuyiwa Adebayo Banjoko 39, Raymond Njoku Street, Ikoyi, Lagos. The only surviving child of the deceased.

Mrs. Christy Adeh and Mr. Israel Adeh both of 19, Powerline Fafunwa, Ipaja, Lagos. Widow and Brother respectively of the said deceased.

Sodiq Rahmon Olajide of 33, Adebiyi Street, Somolu Lagos and Eweje Oluwaseyi Olaitan of 6, Rufai Street, Somolu, Lagos. Only surviving child and Nephew respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Regina Anadi of Ugwudunu Village Nneni Aniocha L.G.A. Anambra State and Mr. Huginus Anadi of 350/352 Old Ojo Road, Alakija Lagos. Mother and Senior Brother respectively of the said deceased.

Abowaba Durojaiye Soyinka and Tinu Aina Mrs. of 49, popoola Street, Pedro Bariga, Lagos. The only surviving child and niece respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Francisca Williams Okwuonu and Ernest Ihechinyerem Okwuonu, both of No. 47, Community Road, Akoka, Lagos. Widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

I. O. AKINKUGBE (MRS) PROBATE REGISTRAR

52

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2013

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2013

53

54

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2013

IN THE HIGH COURT OF LAGOS STATE OF NIGERIA PROBATE REGISTRY, IKEJA DIVISION

WHEREAS the person whose names are set-out in the first Column under died intestate on the date and place stated in the said Column.

AND WHEREAS the person or persons whose names and addresses and relationship (if any) to the deceased are set out in the second Column here have applied to the High Court of Lagos State for a Grant of Letter of Administration of the Real and Personal Properties of the deceased.

NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Letters of Administration will be granted to such persons unless a NOTICE TO PROHIBIT THE GRANT is filed in the registry within (14) days from the date hereof.

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NAMES OF THE DECEASED PERSON: Solomon Olusegun Odeyemi (Otherwise Known as Mr. Olusegun Solomon Odeyemi) late of 20/22 Sumonu Animashaun Street, Deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of November, 2010 at Ejigbo, Lagos.

Eze Monday, Late of 61, Yaya Abatan Ogba, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of Februray2011, at Lagos.

Felix Iloba Nkili (Otherwise Known as Felix Nkili), late of NITEL Quarters, ORTS, Ikorodu, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of May, 2011 at Lagos.

Areyemi Ayodele Gabriel (Otherwise Known as Aareyemi Ayodele Gabriel), late of 18, Carolina Odu Street, Ejigbo, Lagos.

Deceased who died intestate on the 14th day of January, 2013 at Lagos.

Imeh Jacob Essenowo (Otherwise Known as Imeh Jacob), late of 16, Kadiri Street, Alausa, Ikeja Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of June, 2012 at Lagos.

Mrs. Regina Ebunoluwa Mudele (Otherwise Known as Mudele Ebunoluwa Reginah), late of 2, Mudele Close Ifako-Ijaye, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 16th day of June, 2012 at Ifako - Ijaye, Lagos.

Bello James (Sgt) (otherwise known as Bello Danladi James) late of Block M1, flat 5, Naf Base, Ikeja, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 5th day of November, 2012 at Jos. Alhaja Toibat Sanyaolu, late of 11, Akinsola Street, Mushin, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of July, 2013, at Lagos.

Elendu Stella Otuechere, late of Room 5, Block E, Agboye Estate, mile 12, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of December, 2006, at Lagos.

Mr. Toyin Olowolayemo (otherwise known as Mr. Oluwatoyin Paul Olowolaiyemo) late of 49, Akinsanya Street, Ojodu, Berger, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 24th day of May, 2010, at Lagos.

Solomon Ohaka (otherwise known as Solomon Ngozi Ohaka) late of 8, Olubode Close, Oko-oba, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of February, 2013, at Delta State Mr. Chinedu Nwokemodo, late of 10 Akanni Street, Muwo, Ojo, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of May, 2013, at Lagos.

Ogunyemi Mary, late of 86, Aina Street, Ojodu Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day of January, 2013 at Lagos.

Shamsudeen Akintan (otherwise Known as Shamsudeen Oluwasegun Akintan) late of 1, Dabiri Street, Ejigbo, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of December, 2011, at London.

Tijani Mujidat late of 28, Oke-Oba Street Orimedu Ibeju, Lekki, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of December, 2012, at Lagos.

Jacob Olusegun Adun (otherwise Known as Jacob Olusegun Adu), late of 1/3, Egunsanmi Street, Ijegun, Ikotun, Lagos.

Deceased who died intestate on the 10th day of June, 2006 at LASUTH, Ikeja.

Mrs. Roseline Uyo, late of 6, Adedayo-Ojo Street, community Road, Iba, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 9th day of June, 2012 at Iba, Lagos.

Mr. Edaife Stephen, late of Ojuloge Street, Lakuta, Ikorodu Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of July, 2012, at Lagos.

Adamu Christopher Dagu, late of 3, Atiba Close, Mangoro, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of August, 2010, at Gombe State.

Mrs. Adesan Mojisola Olusola, late of Block 47, flat 3, Abesan Hosing Estate, Ipaja, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day of December, 2012, at Lagos.

Olaleye Joseph (otherwise known as Joseph Moses Olaleye) late of 19, Akinwunmi Street, Abule - Egba, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of October, 2007 at LASUTH, Ikeja.

Mr. Okorie Athan (otherwise known as Athan Chima Okoli and Mazi Athan Okorie) late of 9B, Parakoyi Street, Ipaja, Ayobo, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of May, 2008, at Lagos.

Alfred Olasumbo Abigail, Late of 15, Okesanya Street, Papa Ajao, Mushin, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 3rd day of July, 2011, at Lagos.

Gloria Nwafor (otherwise known as Gloria Isioma Nwafor) late of 60, Agboola Ajumobi Street, Magodo, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of September, 2009 at LUTH. Elugbadebo Kunle (otherwise known as Elugbadebo Olubukola Olakunle) late of 52, Solanke Street, Akoka, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 16th day of March, 2013 at LASUTH Ikeja.

Areh Mudashiru Olaloye (otherwise known as Areh Mudashiru) late of 1, Celestial Street, Oke-Aro, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 14th day of June, 2012 at Lagos.

Mr. Nwankwo Ikechukwu Pascal (otherwise Known as Mr. Nwankwo Ikechukwu) late of 22, Baale Street, Ojodu, Berger, Ikeja, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 20th day of May, 2009 at Ifite Nanka, Anambra State.

Emmanuel Enoja, late of 7, Jerusalem Street, Shasha, Akowonjo, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 30th day of April, 2013 at Royal Salvation Hospital.

Kenneth Nku late of 52, Aborisade Road, Lawanson, Surulere, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 31st day of December, 2009 at UCTH Calabar.

Akoteyon Neyen (otherwise known as Akoteyon Niyero) late of 1, Baale Akoteyon Street, Iyesi, Badagry, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 1st day of June, 2012 at Badagry Lagos.

Mrs. Janet Ibironke Ogunleye (otherwise known as Mrs. Ogunleye) late of House 4, Bodunrin Caulcrick Close, off Ijaye-Ogba, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 24th day of January, 2002 at Lagos.

Ita Sunday Alfred, late of 322 Road, E Close, Block 2,Flat 6, Festac Town, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 16th day of May, 2008 at Asongi, Akwa Ibom State.

Adeokun Bashiru Tunde (otherwise known as Adeokun Hassan), late of 1, Alfa & Omega Street, Ibereko, Badagry, Lagos. .

Deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of December, 2012 at Lagos.

Mrs. Ibidunni Olayemi Onabanjo late of 8, Sobo Siffire Street, Arowojobe Estate, Mende, Maryland, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 4th day of September, 2012 at Columbus, Ohio -USA. Anagor Enukora Susan (otherwise known as Enukora Susan and Mrs. Obiora Anagor) late of 3, Onibuore Street, Iba Estate, Surulere, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of October, 2012, at Lagos.

Sessou Justin, late of Omojina Quarters, off Ola-Oki Street, Ibereko, Badagry, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of August, 2012, at Benin Republic.

Solomon Oluwole Ebijimi (otherwise known as Ebijimi Solomon Oluwole) late of 2 Agunbiade Street, Kirikiri-Town, Lagos.

Deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of January, 2010, at Lagos.

Mr. Renner Abiola (otherwise known as Mr. Renner Abiola Ebenezer and Mr. Renner Abiola E.) late of 1, Ajoke Dosumu Street, Surulere, Barracks Bus-stop, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of November, 2010, at Lagos.

Mrs. Hope Mgbechinyere Ariwodo (otherwise known as Mrs. Ariwodo Hope Mgbechinyere) late of 6, Prince Tajudeen, OlodiApapa, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of June, 2011 at Umuahia North, Abia State.

Michael Oladipo Onayemi (otherwise known as Mr. M. O. Onayemi) late of 3, Muniratu Abike Close, Baruwa-Ipaja, Lagos.

Deceased who died intestate on the 25th day of August, 1988 at Ijebu-Ode. David Tunji David late of 34, Kajola Street, Command-Ipaja, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of December, 2012 at Sango Otta.

Adeyiwolu David Adeoye (Mr. David Adeoye Adeyiwolu) late of BT 84, flat 6, Gowon Estate, Egbeda, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 20th day of November, 2009 at Ogun State.

Mrs. Nosmot Olawunmi Abimbola (otherwise known as Abimbola Olawunmi), late of 56, Ogudu Road, Ojota, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 4th day of November, 2003 at Lagos.

Joseph Iyabo Rose, late of 34, Oladein Street, Shodein Aboru, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 11th day of September 2012 at Lagos.

Eze Chikero Dennis (otherwise known as Chikero Eze Dennis) late of 3, Makarios Street,Ajah, Langbasa, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of November, 2012 at Lagos.

Ms. Ifeanyichukwu Ngozi Ogwude, (otherwise known as Ifeanyichukwu Ngozi Ogwude)late of 9, Ojerinde Street, Idi-Araba, Mushin, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of June, 2013 at United States.

Miss. Ogundipe Adesumbo Adeshola (otherwise known as Ogundipe Olasunbo, Ogundipe Adesola Adesumbo and Mrs. Adetiba Adeshola Adesunbo) late of 30, Ajegunle Street, Ilupeju, Palmgroove, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 10th day of March, 2013 at Lagos.

Mr. Michael Oluwaniyi (otherwise known as Oluwaniyi Michael) late of 19, Akanni Street, Shomolu, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 20th day of May, 2013 at Lagos.

Oke Felix, late of 31, AIT Road, Alagbado, Lagos. . Deceased who died intestate on the 15th day of February, 2011 at Lagos.

Disu Rufai, late of 1, Soyinka lane, Oke-koto, Agege, Lagos. . Deceased who died intestate on the 31st day of March, 2013 at Lagos.

Mrs. Bosede Olufolake Bankole (otherwise known as Mrs. Bankole Abosede) late of 2, Basanya Iyana-Odo Bus-Stop, Iyana Ipaja, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 17th day of August, 2011 at Lagos.

Anyangbe Francis, late of 24, Akodu Street, Mishin, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 4th day of November, 2011 at Lagos.

Mr. Rufus Olajide Adesigbin (otherwise known as Adesigbin Olajide) late of 14, Adesina Street, Ikeja, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 11th day of March, 2012 at LASUTH, Ikeja Gbolahan Christopher Adesina (otherwise known as Mr. Gbolahan Adesina) late of 34, Fadeyi Street, Aguda Ogba, Lagos.

Deceased who died intestate on the 22nd day of September, 2012 at Lagos.

Oresanya Adeboye Samuel, late of 4, Adewuyi Pipeline, Akute, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 29th day of May, 2013 at Lagos.

Mr. Chukwuma Johnson, late of 147, Badagry Express way, Ilaje, Ojo, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 8th day of May, 2013 at Lagos.

Okebugwu Oha Ekwuluchi Roseline (otherwise known as Oha Ekwuluchi Roseline nee Okebugwu) late of 24, Olawale Omotosho Street, Oshun Ikotun, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of January, 2013 at Asaba town in Delta State.

Mr. Udoh Peter Akpan (otherwise known as Mr. Udoh Peter) late of 12, Olufowobi Street, Lawanson, Surulere, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 27th day of July, 2013 at Lagos.

Adeyemi-Osomo Rufus (otherwise known as Pa. Rufus Adeyemi Osomo) late of Ogboma Quarters, Aiyeteju Ikaramu, Akoko, Ondo State. Deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of November, 2010 at Ondo State.

Adekoyejo Abiodun Tajudeen (otherwise known as Abidex Aluminium Co.) late of 7, Onabanjo Street, Dopemu, Agege, Lagos.

Deceased who died intestate on the 13th day of October, 2010 at Lagos.

Solomon Usman (otherwise known as Usman Solomon) late of Quarters 62, Highway Patrol Barracks, Ikeja, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 18th day of February, 2013 at Sango-Ota, Ogun State.

Oladipo Adeniyi Abayomi, late of 17, Bishop Crowther Street, Surulere, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of November, 2010 at Lagos.

Mr. Moshood Aremu Olatokunbo, late of 14, Ajoke Street, off Jonathan Coker Road, off Iju Road, Agege, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of December, 2012 at U.S.A. Mrs. Esther Tinuola Ayoola (otherwise known as Mrs. Ayoola Esther Tinuola) late of 5, Omidiji Street, Okeodo, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 16th day of February, 2012 at U.C.H. Ibadan.

Alhaji Balogun Sabitu Olaleye (otherwise known as Olaleye Oyejide) late of 17, Adebola Street, Egbeda, Idimu Road, Lagos.

Deceased who died intestate on the 13th day of July, 2012 at Lagos.

Mrs. Bola Fatimo Adebo (otherwise known as Mrs. Bola Adebo), late of 24, Bankole Fagbohun Street, Obawole, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 28th day of April, 2007 at Lagos.

Festus Efuntade (otherwise known as Efuntade Festus) late of plot14, Austine Odidison Close Magodo, GRA, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 7th day of May, 2005, at LASUTH Ikeja.

Abdul Wahab Olaseni Balogun (otherwise known as Olaseni Balogun Abdulwahab) late of 10A,Leigh Street, Surulere, Lagos.

Deceased who died intestate on the 26th day of December, 2005 at LASUTH, Lagos.

Ogunlana Benjamin Awogbesan, late of 68, Boladale Street, Oshodi, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of August, 1984 at Lagos.

Mr. Sobanjo Somade Olukayode, late of Block7, Flat 4, LSDPC, Housing Estate, Maryland, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 2nd day of September, 2012 at Lagos.

Mr. Sadiku Afolabi Idowu, late of 2, Shonibare Street, Isolo, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of June, 2002 at Lagos.

Mrs. Ruth Fakehinde (otherwise known as Fakehinde Ruth) late of 9, Alhaji Adebesin Street, Ifako, Gbagada, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 19th day of November, 2011 at Lagos.

Mr. Adebiyi Michael Okedairo (otherwise known as Okedairo Adebiyi Michael) late of 92, Agbebi Street, Ijesha, Sururlere, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 12th day of May, 2013 at Lagos.

Odetayo Adeola (Mrs.), late of 5, Akilo Road, Ogba, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 21st day of March, 2011 at Lagos.

Ademuyiwa Ajibade Adelekan, late of 16, Alfanda Street, off Akanro Road, Ilasamaja, Mushin, Lagos. Deceased who died intestate on the 4th day of April, 2010 at Lagos.

Akinkugbe Sabainah Bosede (otherwise known as Akinkugbe Sabaina Abosede) late of Olu-Okewunmi Street, Ijegun, Lagos.

Deceased who died intestate on the 20th day of September, 2010 at Lagos.

Mrs. Victoria Ngozi Izuorgu (otherwise known as Victoria Ngozi Izuogu) late of 5th Avenue, I close, HSE 11, Festac, Lagos.

Deceased who died intestate on the 4th day of January, 2007 at Abudu, Edo State.

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NAMES OF APPLICANT APPLYING FOR THE GRANT

Mary Olufunke Odeyemi of 18, Akin Balogun Street, Igando and Olayinka Odeyemi of 1, Lateef Tailat Street, Igando Lagos. Widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Okwuejunti Esther of 14, Oki lane Street, Maryland, Lagos and Okwudiri Eze of 61 , Yaya Abatan, Ogba, Lagos widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Anwuli Nkili and Ochei Chima, both of NITEL Quarters, ORTS, Ikorodu, Lagos. Widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Abosede Areyemi and Oluwafemi Areyemi, both of 18 Carolina Odu Street, Ejigbo, Lagos. Two of the Children respectively of the said deceased.

Udeme Imeh, Ndeso Imeh, Isang Imeh and Charity Imeh, all of 16, Kadiri Street, Alausa, Ikeja,Lagos. Four Children respectively of the said deceased.

Mr. Joseph Oluwasanya Mudele and Mr. Temitope Mudele, both of 2, Mudele Close Ifako-Ijaye, Lagos. Widower and one of the Children respectively of the said deceased.

Mary Bello, Bello Sanni and Bello Kefas, all of Block M1, flat 5, Naf Base, Ikeja, Lagos. Widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Toyin Adigun of 27, Ayantuga Street, Mushin, Lagos. Nurudeen Sanyaolu of J2, Kamiyo Street, Aiyegbami Street, Sagamu and Ayisat Oreofe of 4, Kayode Adebanji Street, Isolo, Lagos. Three of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Emmanuel Elendu and Onuama Adielechi, both of 47, Peace Estate Road, Ikola-Ipaja, Lagos. One of the children and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Olowolayemo Bolajoko and Mr. Olowolayemo Busayo Femi, both of 62/76, Aina street, Ojodu, Berger, Lagos. Widow and One of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Ohaka Kikelomo Mary Sandra, Ohaka Chinyere Gift and Ohaka Chibunna, all of 8, Olubode Close, Oko-Oba, Lagos. Widow and two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Nwokemodo Paulinus C. and Chinyere Eunice Nwokemodo, both of 10, Akanni Street, Muwo, Ojo, Lagos. Widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Opedare Oluyemisi and Ogunyemi Adeolu, both of 86, Aina Street, Ojodu, Lagos. Two of the Children respectively of the said deceased.

Akintan Hafsat Fowokemi and Lasisi Amudalat Adunni, both of 1, Dabiri Street, Ejigbo, Lagos. widow and Mother respectively of the said deceased.

Olukoya R. Tijani, Liasu Oloruntele Tijani and Buari W. Olukoya, all of 28, Oke-Oba Street Orimedu Ibeju, Lekki, Lagos. Sister, brother and brother in-law respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Josephine Ngozi Adun and Mr. Victor Chimamkpan Adun both of 1/3, Egunsanmi Street, Ijegun, Ikotun, Lagos. Widow and One of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Edimah Emmanuel (Nee Uyo) of Block 297, flat 1, Iba Estate, Lagos, and Mrs. Nkoyo William (Nee Uyo) of 5, Mike/Mike Ipaye, Lagos.

Two of the Children respectively of the said deceased.

Emmanuel Stephen and Christoher Stephen both of 1 Parafa, Oniflower Estate, Ikorodu, Lagos. Two Brothers respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Violet Ijeoma Adamu of 3, Atiba Close, Mangoro, Lagos and Mr. Friday Dagu of Block 56, Flat 1, Railway Quarters, Yaba, Lagos. Widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Adesan Olusola and Mrs. Oloruntoyin Olokungboye, both of Block 47, flat 3, Abesan Hosing Estate, Ipaja, Lagos. Widower and only child respectively of the said deceased.

Olaleye Olabode Levi and Racheal olusola Olaleye, both of 19, Akinwunmi Street, new Oko-oba, Lagos. Widow and One of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mr. Walter K. Okoli, Mr. Roland C. Okoli and Mr. Gerald O. Okoli, all of 9B, Parakoyi Street, Ipaja, Ayobo, Lagos. Three of the Children respectively of the said deceased.

Mr. Alfred Olakunle Joseph of 15, Okesanya Stret, Papa Ajao, Mushin, Lagos and Mrs. Sonoiki Omotunde of 14, Madarikan Street, Alake B/ Stop, Idimu, Lagos. Widower and cousin respectively of the said deceased.

Margaret Ngozi Ogbonna of 60, Agboola Ajumobi Street, Magodo, Lagos. Sister respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Tejumade O. Elugbadebo and Mr. Olumuyiwa A. Elugbadebo, both of Block 497, Flat 2, Jakande Estate, Isolo, Lagos. Widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Winifred Iyabode Areh, Mrs. Mojisola Abimbola Areh and Mr. Gabriel Olayemi Areh, all of 1, Celestial Street, Oke-Aro, Lagos. Widows and One of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mr. Nwakwo Ekene Anthony and Mr. Ozor Victor Obiora, both of 22, Baale Street, Ojodu, Berger, Ikeja, Lagos. Two Brothers respectively of the said deceased.

Miss. Ifeoma Enoja and Mrs. Obinna Enoja, both of 7, Jerusalem Street, Shasha, Akowonjo, Lagos. Two of the Children respectively of the said deceased.

Julieth J. Nku and Roland Nku, both of 52, Aborisade Road, Lawanson, Sururlere, Lagos. Widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Iyabo Akoteyon and Suru Akoteyon, both of 1, Baale Akoteyon Street, Iyesi, Badagry, Lagos. Two of the Children respectively of the said deceased.

Mr. Akinola Ogunleye, Dr. (Mrs.) Toyin Taiwo and Mr. Babatunde Ogunleye, all of House 4, Bodunrin Caulcrick Close, off Ijaye-Ogba, Lagos.

Three of the Children respectively of the said deceased.

Ita Ekaete and Ita Michael, both of 322 Road, E Close, Block 2, Flat 6 Festac Town, Lagos. Two of the Children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Adedokun Umuani and Mr. Adeokun Tajudeen Bola, both of 1, Alfa & Omega Street, Ibereko, Badagry, Lagos. Widow and One of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Olubanke Igbalajobi and Rev. (Mr.) Adebowale Onabanjo, both of 8, Sobo Siffire Street, Arowojobe Estate, Mende,Maryland, Lagos. Two Children respectively of the said deceased.

Ikechukwu Anagor and Miss Njideka Anagor, both of 3, Onibuore Street, Iba Estate, Surulere, Lagos. Brother and Sister respectively of the said deceased.

Sessou Christiana and Oje Joel Akanbi, both of Omojina Quarters, off Ola-Oki Street, Ibereko, Badagry, Lagos. Widow and Uncle respectively of the said deceased.

Comfort Ebijimi and Samuel Ebijimi, both of 8, Casco Street, Domorose. Two of the Children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Bolanle Renner and Olubunmi Renner, both of 1, Ajoke Dosumu Street, Barrack Bus-Stop, Surulere, Lagos. Widow and one of the Children respectively of the said deceased.

Peter Ngozi Ariwodo, Priscilla Chidima Ariwodo and Peace Ijeoma Dike, all of 23 Road Festac G Close, Lagos. Three Children respectively of the said deceased.

Oluwole Onayemi and Babatunde Onayemi, both of 3, Muniratu Abike Close, Baruwa-Ipaja, Lagos. Only surviving child and grandson respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Mercy Tunji-David of 10, Sey-Bana Street, Abule-Egba, Lagos and Mr. Salihu Ojapa Yakubu of 1, Baba Adagun Street, Sango-Otta, Lagos. Widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Iyabo Janet Adeyiwolu, Faramade Adeyiwolu and Amos Adeyiwolu, all of 39, Atanda Oloko Olambe Akute Ogun State, Lagos. Widow, One of the children and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mr. Kamardeen Abiodun Abimbola and Mr. Ridwon Olamide Abimbola both 56, Ogudu Road, Ojota, Lagos. Widower and Only surviving child respectively of the said deceased.

Bose Joseph and Ayo Joseph, 23 Sonde Idi-Mangoro, Lagos. Sister and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Eze Rita and Celestine Onu, both of 3, Makarios Street, Ajah, Langbasa, Lagos. Widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Comfort Ogwuade, Mr. Nnamdi Ogwuade and Mr. Chidiebere Ogwude, all of 9, Ojerinde Street, Idi-Araba, Mushin, Lagos. Mother and two Brothers respectively of the said deceased.

Mr. Ibrahim Adetiba and Mrs. Adeola Aminat Adedoyin (Nee Adetiba) both of 30, Ajegunle Street, Ilupeju, Palm-grove, Lagos. Widower and One of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mr. Emmanuel Oluwaniyi and Mr. Samuel Oluwaniyi, both of 19, Akanni Street Shomlu, Lagos. Two of the Children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Oke Afusat Sanjo of 31, AIT Road, Alagbado, Lagos, Pastor Oke Oluseyi of 15, Oludegun Street, Ireakari Estate, Lagos and Mr. Oke Olushola of 10, Unity Road, Ikeja, Lagos. Widow and two brothers respectively of the said deceased.

Rufai Wasiu Olanrewaju of 7, Aje Street, off Pleasure B/Stop, Ipaja, Lagos and Rufai Musibau of 23, Olaoroku Street, Orile Agege, Lagos. One of the children and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mr. Yomi Bankole, Miss Taiwo Bankole, Miss Kehinde Bankole and Omolara Bankole, all of 2, Basanya Iyana-Odo Bus-Stop, Iyana Ipaja, Lagos. Four Children respectively of the said deceased.

Theresa Anyangbe and Samuel Anyangbe, both of 24, Akodu Street, Mushin, Lagos. Widow and One of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Rebecca Adesigbin, Mrs. Folashade Olaboade, Oladayo Adesigbin and Olayemi Adesigbin, all of 22 Muyiwa Adeleye Street, Mowe, Ogun State. Widow and three children respectively of the said deceased.

Ogunyemi Adenike A, of 11, Shodeinde Street, Abule Egba, Lagos, Adesina Ajibola O. and Adesina Obafemi S. both of 34, Fadeyi Street, Aguda, Ogba, Lagos. Three of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Oresanya Kafayat O. (Nee Sholaja) Oresanya Babatunde Adewuyi, both of 4, Pipeline, Akute, Lagos. Widow and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Janet Chukwuma and Master Maduabuchi Chukwuma, both of 147, Badagry Express way, Ilaje, Ojo, Lagos. Widow and One of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Emmanuel C. Ikwuako and Oluchi Okebugwu, both of Olowoshile Street, Ikorodu, Lagos. Uncle and sister respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Agnes Uwem Sunday (Nee Udoh Peter) of 11, Bale Street, off Ago, Badagry road, Lagos. Miss. Elizabeth Udoh Peter and Mr. Shekinah Udoh Peter, both of 12, Olufowobi Street, Lawanson, Surulere, Lagos. Three Children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Eunice Adunola Ogunde of 8, Alli Street, Mokola, Ibadan, Oyo State and Mr. Samuel Olusegun Adeyemi of Block 37, Flat 2, LASG, Staff quarters, Isolo, Lagos. Two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Abosede Adekoyejo, Rasaki Adekoyejo and Babajide Adekoyejo, all of 7, Onabanjo Street, Dopemu, Agege, Lagos. Widow, one of the children and brother respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Rachel Solomon and Mr. Godwin Anate Solomon, both of Quarters 62, Highway Patrol Barracks, Ikeja, Lagos. Widow and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Dr. (Mrs.) Ololade A. Ajibaje and Mrs. Yewande O. Falugba, both of 17, Bishop Crowther Street, Surulere, Lagos. Two Children respectively of the said deceased.

Dr. (Mrs.) Olabisi Rafat Olatokunbo, Mrs. TAiwo Olatokunbo Nwachukwu, Mrs. Kehinde Olatokunbo Mendes and Mr. Moshood Olabisi Olatokunbo Jnr., all of 14, Ajoke Street, off Jonathan Coker Road, off Iju Road, Agege, Lagos. Four children respectively of the said deceased.

Deacon Gabriel Ayoola and Babatunde S. Ayoola, 5, Omidiji Street, Okeodo, Lagos. Widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Ibrahim Balogun and Habeeb Balogun, both of 17, Adebola Street, Egbeda, Idimu Road, Lagos. Two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mr. Adedayo Akorede Adebo and Miss Adenike Modupeola Adebo, 24, Bankole Fagbohun Street, Obawole, Lagos. Two Children respectively of the said deceased.

Agnes Efuntade (Mrs.), Olufemi Efuntade and Toyin Idowu all of 14, Odidison Close, Magodo G.R.A., Lagos. Widower and Two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Yetunde Baanu (Nee BAlogun) of 48, Amukoko Street, Ijora Badia, Lagos and Mr. Lukman Balogun of 36A Idowu ShogbadeStreet Ifako, Ijaye, Lagos. Two Children respectively of the said deceased.

Olori Esther Folashade Adeolu of No. 25, Araromi Street, Onike, Lagos, Mr. Kolawole Ogunlana of 1 Kola Ogunlana drive, Asipa, Ijede Abeokuta, Mr. Okoya Ogunlana of 17B, Awori Road Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi and Mr. Adekunle Idowu Ogunlana of Plot 33, Fagbile Road, Fagbile Estate, Ijegun, Ikotun, Lagos. Four of the Children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Funmilola Ajoke Agbola, Mr. Foluso Oluseun Sobanjo, Mr. FeyisayoOmolayo Sobanjo and Mrs. Temitope Olubunmi Rufai, all of Block 7, flat 4, LSDPC Housing Estate, Maryland, Lagos. Four Children respectively of the said deceased.

Fatai Rotimi Idowu and Muinat Afolake Idowu, both of 2, Shonibare Street, Isolo, Lagos. Two of Children respectively of the said deceased.

Omowunmi Fakehinde and Benjamin Fakehinde, both of 9, Alhaji Adebesin Street, Ifako gbagada, Lagos. Two of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mrs. Nnene Arit Okedairo of 92, Agbebi Street, Ijesha, Surulere, Lagos. And Mrs. Adepeju Elizabeth Okedairo of 4, Salami Bashorun Street, Ijesha, Surulere. Widow and Mother respectively of the said deceased.

Mr. Adeniyi Oluwole Odetayo and Mrs. Nihinlola Okpaku, both of 5, Akilo Road, Ogba, Lagos. Widower and Sister respectively of the said deceased.

Adelekan Olusola Taiwo and Adelekan Ademola, both of 38, Alfanda Street, off Akanro Road, Ilasamaja, Mushin, Lagos. Widow and Brother respectively of the said deceased.

Akinkugbe Oluwapelumi Caleb and Akinkugbe Akinsioye Olufemi. Both of 36, Olu-Okewunmi Street, Ijegun, Lagos. Widower and one of the children respectively of the said deceased.

Mr Moses Izuorgu, Ms Nnena Izuorgu, Mr. Okechukwu Izuorgu and Mr. Onyebuchi Izuorgu, all of 5th Avenue, I close, HSE 11, Festac, Lagos.Widower and three children respectively of the said deceased.

I. O. AKINKUGBE (MRS) PROBATE REGISTRAR

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2013

55

56

MOTORING THE NATION

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2013

The 2014 Cadillac XTS is unique in many ways. It has 410-horsepower. It also switches to electric power steering and offers a self-parking and a new DVD/Blu-ray rear entertainment systems with dual screens. TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO reports with agency addition.

•The Cadillac XTS

on-demand roadside assistance, remote door unlocking, stolen vehicle assistance and turn-by-turn navigation. Adaptive cruise control with low-speed automatic braking is standard on Platinum and optional on Premium.

Cadillac XTS: luxury ride, with gleaming modern edge

Interior design and special features

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AST year, the big news was simply that Cadillac had finally introduced a modern full-size luxury sedan. This year, though, it is all about what is under the 2014 Cadillac XTS’s hood.

Although the XTS was generally praised in its first year of production, auto lovers were surprised by the standard 304-hp V6 engine, panning its relatively modest output given the size of the car.

That is because the new CTS sport sedan’s optional turbocharged 3.6liter V6 is available on the XTS, too.

Rated at a whopping 410 hp and paired exclusively with all-wheel drive, the turbo V6 gives this dignified cruiser the authoritative acceleration it deserves. Sure, one can stick with the base V6 and still enjoy a great all-around luxury experience.

That the 2014 Cadillac XTS is familiar from last year is good news as well. This is a traditional luxury ride with a gleaming modern edge, offering age-old Cadillac virtues like comfort and space, but adding daring style outside and a festival of technology inside. Indeed, the XTS’s spaceship-like cockpit and touch-sensitive control panel could be a turnoff for those who yearn for the days of simple knobs and buttons. But if one is looking for a new twist on this classic formula, few cars can compare.

•Interior of the car

Actually, a few cars even compete in this segment anymore. One alternative that comes to mind is the Chrysler 300C, a fancy version of a lower-priced model; another is the Hyundai Genesis, an aging but competent rival. Then there is the Lincoln MKS, a technically similar luxury sedan that has always left us cold. On the higher end, you could look at models like the Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, but they are really midsize cars and do not come close to matching the Cadillac’s interior room. And with the new turbo V6 in the mix, the XTS’s case is only getting stronger.

Body Styles The 2014 Cadillac XTS is a fivepassenger luxury sedan. There are four trim levels: base, Luxury Collection, Premium Collection and Platinum Collection. Note that the

Premium and Platinum Vsport versions come with the optional twinturbo V6.

Standard equipment for the base XTS includes 19-inch wheels, adaptive suspension dampers, xenon headlamps, heated mirrors, rear parking sensors, keyless ignition/ entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, eight-way power front seats (with power lumbar control), a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and leather/faux-suede upholstery. Standard technology features include Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, an 8-inch center touchscreen with Cadillac’s CUE interface, OnStar, voice controls and an eight-speaker Bose sound system with a CD player, satellite radio, HD radio, iPod/USB connectivity and an auxiliary input.

Some of the extra standard features from the higher trim levels can be added to the lower trim levels via various packages. Optional

for the XTS Premium and Platinum is a rear-seat Blu-ray/DVD entertainment system with dual fold-out displays.

Performance The Cadillac XTS starts with front-wheel drive and a naturally aspirated 3.6-litre V6 engine that produces 304 hp and 264 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard. All-wheel drive is available and can be identified by the moniker “XTS4.”

Safety The Cadillac XTS comes standard with antilock disc brakes, stability control and traction control, front and rear seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and front knee airbags.

Also standard is OnStar, which includes automatic crash notification,

The Cadillac XTS gives you the kind of passenger volume you expect from a nearly 17-foot-long luxury sedan. Rear riders in particular will appreciate their ample accommodations. With 18 cubic feet of capacity, the XTS’s trunk is one of the biggest on the market, but it is unusually narrow, so golf clubs will likely need to be creatively positioned alongside other luggage.

The XTS’s futuristic dashboard, though, is something else altogether. The optional gauge cluster display is beautiful, first of all, with all manner of driver-configurable options. Then there is the CUE (“Cadillac User Experience”) interface, which integrates audio, phone, optional navigation and OnStar functionality into an eight-inch touchscreen display. Those familiar with smartphone and tablet interfaces will feel at home with CUE’s touchscreen, as it uses similar touch, swipe and pinch commands.

There are also auxiliary touch-sensitive buttons beneath the touchscreen, however, and they are a mixed bag. These buttons help control the stereo and climate systems, and they can be a challenge to use if one is trying to drive at the same time. For efficient operation, you may need to look down at the panel for a bit to see what you are pressing, which, of course, requires you to take your eyes off the road. As slick as this control panel looks, one is not convinced that it’s practical enough for prime time.

57

THE NATION MONDAY NOVEMBER 11, 2013

NEWS

Wada, elders bicker over N20b bond

K

Senator bemoans in-fighting in Taraba

FORMER senator representing Taraba North, Anthony Manzo, yesterday decried the fighting among the political class in the state.

Manzo, in a statement in Abuja, appealed to the political elite to sheathe their swords and embrace one another in the the people’s interest.

The former lawmaker, who is the chief of staff to Senate President David Mark, condoled with the family, government and people of the state on the death of the House of Assembly Speaker Haruna Tsokwa.

The political developments, he said, had put the state in bad light.

Manzo called on

From Sanni Onogu, Abuja

stakeholders to close ranks and emphasise issues that unite rather than divide the people.

He said: “As citizens of Taraba State, we should consider ourselves as equal stakeholders. We should always put the interest of the state above all other selfish interests.

“Power comes from God and He alone gives power to whoever He wishes and at anytime He so wishes.

“Going by where we are today, it is now clear that there is the need for the political class to put an end to this in-fighting. We should embrace peace and move on.”

Man sets self ablaze

A

From Ahmed Rufa’I, Dutse

From Mohammad Bashir and Sanni Onugu

OGI State Elders’ Forum has warned the government against securing a N20 billion “Development Bond” from a consortium of four banks.

In a statement yesterday in Abuja, the elders said the Governor Idris Wada administration did not have the capacity and integrity to judiciously utilise such fund.

The statement was jointly signed by Senator Alex Kadiri; former Acting Governor Clarence Olafemi; former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman John Odawun; Air Vice Marshal Salihu Atawodi (rtd) and Dr Adinoyi-Ojo Onukaba.

The elders said: “If there was identifiable physical infrastructure, some of us would not have raised any concern about the N20 billion bond. But we are worried that as a government with a record of profligacy, ineptitude and lack of vision, the N20 billion will go down the drain without noticeable and meaningful development.”

The elders challenged the administration to tell the people what it has done with its N3 billion monthly revenue and the over N1.5 billion for councils in the last two years.

“We are talking about N108 billion in two years and nothing to show for it. When you add the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), it will be over N120 billion. What exactly is the relative social and physical infrastructural achievement of the administration? What does it need N20 billion for?”

They accused the Wada administration of lacking the political, financial and economic know how to manage N20 billion.

“The low performance of the 2012/2013 budget despite the increased fund from Federation Account and an increase of over 300 per cent in IGR within the period raises question about the rationale behind a N20 billion bond.

“We are, therefore, constrainted to reject in its totality such economic enslavement of the state as evident in this bond".

“The rush for the bond is suspicious and questionable and should be put on hold by the issuing houses/book runners until the final determination of the Supreme Court case against Wada.”

However, Wada said there was nothing wrong in raising bonds to finance capital projects.

Wada described it as an “acceptable way of meeting up challenges by governments all over the world.”

The governor likened the elders to “political losers who have been on self-imposed exile outside their state and therefore completely cut off from developmental efforts at home.”

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Jacob Edi, the governor said: “It is either this people are senile or suffering from selective amnesia.”

“The real Kogi Elders are not senile. They are not far from home. When they speak, they utter words of wisdom/sanity.

Not insanity. They act in grace. Not disgrace.

“Raising bonds to finance capital projects is an acceptable way of meeting up challenges by governments all over the world.

“The bond is tied to tangible projects and no hair-brained tactics will distract the process.

"We urge members of the public to ignore the vituperations and clearly the emotional convulsions of this senile persons. Readers should properly guided. Kogi State is working.”

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Fani-Kayode: Jonathan must go by 2015

From El-Zaharadeen Umar, Katsina

50-YEAR-OLD man, Sani Salisu, has allegedly set himself ablaze in Katsina State.

Salisu, who worked at the Ministry of Health, reportedly carried out the act after his wife left him.

It was learnt that the deceased doused himself in petrol and went to an open field in Dandagoro in Katsina municipal to set himself ablaze.

Confirming the death, a nurse at the Katsina General Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Ward, Aminu Suleiman, said he was brought to hospital with third degree burns.

An eyewitness, Aminu Abba, who rescued the victim, said the incident happened around 7:30pm when he saw the deceased with fire on his body.

He said: “When we questioned him, he said he was tired of life and set himself ablaze because his wife left him.”

•Fani-Kayode

F

ORMER Aviation Minister Femi FaniKayode has told Nigerians not to give President Goodluck Jonathan a second term in 2015.

The former minister spoke in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital, when he visited Governor Sule Lamido.

Fani-Kayode said

Jonathan’s stay beyond 2015 would be a threat to the nation’s stability and unity, adding that “he is incompetent to lead the most populous black nation.”

He called on stakeholders to join forces to save democracy and economy.

The former minister called on members of the new Peoples Democratic Party (nPDP) to fight the PDP to a standstill.

He said: “As long as the President continues to run the party and the country the way he is doing then we need to ensure that he doesn’t come back.

“The way to do that is to leave and fight from outside. I feel that when those who are fighting from inside are subjected to this kind of thing it vindicates our position. The

other thing is that regardless of the party we belong we really do need the change.

“It doesn’t matter which party you are in. Everyone is invited to the nPDP, which I call the original PDP.” Fani-Kayode decried the high handedness of the Jonathan administration, which has no respect for founding fathers of the party like Lamido.

He said Lamido, one of the foremost founders of the party from G9 to G34, had sacrificed so much for the country, adding that the governor should not be subjected to the humiliation being metted out to the G7 governors.

The former minister said it was time Nigerians started thinking of positive change in leadership.

“I have nothing against Jonathan; he is a gentleman but

he is incompetent to lead Nigeria so we still need effective change in leadership.”

The former minister said it was the “tyranny” in the PDP that led to his dumping the party for the All Progressives Congress (APC) about seven months ago, adding that PDP’s implosion was a vindication of his action.

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2013

58

NEWS

MOSOP accuses Fed Govt of genocide From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

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HE Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP) has accused the Federal Government of genocide against the peace-loving Ogoni people.

“This government wants us to continue to drink the poisoned water and die. This government wants us to continue to breathe the poisoned air and die and this government wants us to continue to live on the polluted lands and die.

“The Dr. Jonathan administration is presiding over the final liquidation of the Ogoni nationality and we will not accept it. As the ultimatum we issued to the government expired on Saturday, in the coming days ahead, we invite you to join us as we embark on series of non-violent actions to demonstrate our total disapproval of the government’s handling of the implementation of the report of the environmental study of Ogoni land.

“We wish to also inform you that we would be invoking the provisions of the Genocide Convention against the government. We must be ready to challenge those who are daily erecting barriers to our sense of common humanity and equality and this is the time.”

The Ogoni umbrella organisation stressed that a few months ago, it launched the Ogoni Project 2015, which it said urged political parties and other sympathetic groups in the country to give the Ogoni people the opportunity to produce the next governor of Rivers State.

After a thorough analysis of the current situation in Rivers State, particularly on the issue of political marginalisation, which it described as one of the issues for which their leaders paid the supreme price, MOSOP said it launched the campaign to reduce the level of Ogoni marginalisation in Rivers State, pending when the people would have their own state.

MOSOP said: “The occasion of this anniversary is also an opportunity to remind our politicians and political office

UNESCO begins underwater conference From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

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EVENTY experts from European countries have arrived Bayelsa State to participate in the first African underwater cultural heritage conference holding in Yenagoa, the state capital.

Governor Seriake Dickson said the conference, the first in Africa, was being organised by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

Dickson, who spoke yesterday in Yenagoa through his Commissioner for Culture and Ijaw National Affairs, Dr. Felix Tuodolor, said the state and the Ministry of Culture were collaborating to host the event.

He said it was an honour for the state to host the maiden edition of such a gathering in Africa.

Dickson: rural power projects ready soon

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HE ongoing power projects across communities in Bayelsa State are to be completed before the end of the first quarter of next year.

Governor Seriake Dickson gave the assurance in the maiden edition of a live interview programme, “Hot Seat”, on the stateowned radio station, Glory FM 97.1, in Yenagoa.

The governor said: “Already, most communities have been connected to power supply and by early next year when the projects will be inaugurated, almost all the communities will enjoy power supply to improve the living conditions

of rural dwellers and boost socio-economic activities.

“Government is working on a programme of activities geared towards refurbishing all the gas pipelines to boost the capacity of the turbines.”

Reacting to a question by one of the callers on power outage in the Ogbia axis of the state, he said government had approved almost N150 million to transport the gas turbine to its manufacturers for repairs.

Governor Dickson, who bemoaned the neglect of the gas turbine over the years despite the huge investment in the power sector, however, assured that

electricity supply would be restored to the area before Christmas.

Urging the indigenes to monitor and safeguard projects in their communities, he said beyond the State Project Monitoring Committee, government had also constituted inter departmental committees and where problems were identified, appropriate action would be taken.

On the new Yenagoa City, Governor Dickson said government had concluded survey work in an area covering 50,000 hectares from the River Nun to the Ekoli bridge, encom-

passing the Government House Castle, formally designed as the governor’s residence to be converted to a six-star hotel.

He said soon, work would be completed on the facility and it would accommodate 22 presidential suites, adding that other parts of the planned area would include facilities, such as a Polo Club and a Golf Estate.

Dickson said a team to be chaired by Chief Timi Alaibe would be inaugurated to pursue its publicprivate partnership of the proposed new city, towards building the Dubai of his dream.

•Prince Erediauwa cuts the tape to inaugurate the 5-junction project. With him is Governor Oshiomhole (left); Commissioner for Environment Prince Clem Agba (right) and a palace chief (second right).

Benin prince hails Oshiomhole on 5-junction project

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ROWN Prince of Benin Kingdom and former Nigeria’s Ambassador to Italy, Prince Eheneden Erediauwa, has urged President Goodluck Jonathan to cooperate with state governments, irrespective of party affiliations, for growth and development.

He said there should be an end to the shift of blame on who is responsible for road repairs, whether such road belongs to the federal or state government because the citizens suffered the blame game.

The Crown Prince, who

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

spoke at the inauguration of the street lights at the remodelled 5-junction in Benin City, recalled how he spent over 10 hours at a spot in Ogun State when travelling to Lagos State because the road was bad.

He said Edo State government could fix such road if there was cooperation.

Prince Erediauwa hailed the new look of 5-junction, saying he had not seen any governor that developed infrastructure more than Governor Adams Oshiom-

hole.

The governor said 5- junction was one of the most complicated areas, which had defied solution for 25 years.

Oshiomhole, who slammed his critics who said he would not perform in his second term, said road construction had begun across the state.

He said: “We are committed to giving our best to the indigenes. We are indebted to the people of Benin Kingdom. Today, some states are not able to pay salaries, but we are here inaugurating projects. Over the next

six months, we will not be able to inaugurate the projects we have done.

“As elections are approaching, I know that Edo people will not allow the cockroach get back into our palm oil because they will resume sucking. They are gone forever. We will work hard to keep them away.

Our commitment to rebuilding Edo State is strong. We must sustain it.

We will never allow the agent of darkness to come back.”

Oshiomhole promised to sustain his administration’s urban renewal project.

World Bank to generate 7,000 jobs in Bayelsa

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ORLD Bank has concluded arrangements to employ 7,000 youths in Bayelsa State, through its State Employment and Expenditure for Results (SEEFOR) project.

World Bank’s Task Team Leader (TTL) for SEEFOR, Mr. Jens Kristensen, said in Yenagoa at the weekend that the initiative would generate the jobs in 2018.

He spoke during the team’s visit to facilitate the effective implementation of the project in the state.

Kristensen said SEEFOR would engage about 1,200 youths next year in social

‘A keen interest should be placed on the key component of the project, which is employment generation.

We urge our technical committees to work hard to improve the lives of youths in Bayelsa State’ From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

work, such as refuse evacuation, road management and maintenance.

He said others would be trained in trading activities to make them self-reliant.

Kristensen said: “The youths will be made selfrelevant to enable them employ others. With the

progress so far made, the state will have no excuse in the implementation.

“A keen interest should be placed on the key component of the project, which is employment generation.

“We urge our technical committees to work hard to improve the lives of youths in Bayelsa State.”

Commissioner for Budg-

et and Economic Planning, Mr. Ambrose Alfred, said SEEFOR was in line with the restoration agenda of Governor Dickson.

Ambrose, whose ministry oversees the initiative, said government had shown commitment for the project by releasing its counterpart funding.

According to him, government paid N150 million counterpart fund last year to demonstrate its desire to eradicate unemployment and improve standard of living.

“We enjoin youths to take advantage of the opportunities that the SEEFOR will offer”, the commissioner said.

10 dead in East-West road bus crash From Mike Odiegwu Yenagoa

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EN people at the weekend died in a bus crash on the East-West

road.

The accident occurred when an 18-seater Toyota Hiace bus somersaulted and plunged into Okosu River on the Sampou axis of the road in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government, Bayelsa State.

The crash reportedly occurred about 8:30pm on Saturday and caused a traffic jam on the narrow road.

Operatives of the state security outfit, Operation Door Akpor, were said to have assisted in the rescue and evacuation of the bodies to the mortuary.

The bus was said to be conveying passengers to Yenagoa in Bayelsa State from Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, when the driver lost control and plunged into the river.

The deceased were reportedly returning from Oginigbo after attending a traditional wedding.

Eyewitnesses said the driver of the bus was trying to overtake a vehicle when he lost control.

“The driver was close to the bridgehead. You know this road is bad and narrow.

We only saw the bus somersault into the river,” an eyewitness said.

The source, who preferred anonymity, said sympathisers and security operatives attempted to rescue the victims.

“The bus was driven by someone, popularly called student. Unfortunately, he died in the accident. But a nursing mother swam out.

“She cried and shouted that her son was in the bus. The river was not deep, some divers helped in the rescue.

By the time I left the place, five persons were confirmed dead, but I learnt others died after,” he said.

It was learnt that most of the occupants of the vehicle were women and children.

Calabar residents prepare for carnival

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ESIDENTS of Calabar, Cross River, have begun preparations for this year’s annual Calabar Carnival, scheduled for December.

They have already started repainting their houses and cleaning up their environment in readiness for the annual international event.

Some groups have been assisting the Calabar Urban Development Authority (CUDA) in clearing blocked drains in their neighbourhood.

A resident of Biqua town, Mr. Bassey Ita, said it had become customary for them to clean up their environment during the period.

“Cleanliness is our culture and the carnival is our pride; so, we do not need to be reminded to clean up our environment.

“The attention of the world will be on us from December, and we must do everything to support the government,” he said.

THE NATION MONDAY NOVEMBER 11, 2013

59

NEWS

Baby found dead in sack

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From Sunny Nwankwo, Aba

BABY girl, suspected to be about a week old, was found dead in a sack in Aba, Abia State.

The baby was found on a railway track by Hiace Park off Okigwe Road.

This is coming weeks after an unidentified woman dumped a day-old baby boy in a gutter on Omuma Road.

Sources said some people, who passed by the track before dawn said they noticed movement inside the sack, but could not open the bag because they were afraid to.

A source said the situation was so tensed that people who were coming behind took another route.

The source said: “Initially, we suspected that it could be a snake.

But to the surprise of all, when the bag was opened around 6am by a group of boys who wielded sticks, it was discovered that it is a baby girl who was inside the bag.

Police spokesman Geoffrey Ogbonna said he was yet to be briefed on the incident.

Excitment as thousands storm MTN’s Loud in Naija in Ibaan

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Orji: why I recalled non-indigene civil servants A BIA State Governor Theodore Orji has said his decision to recall the non- indigenes disengaged from the civil service was informed by the desire to have a united country.

The governor spoke at the Enugu Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Week at the weekend.

Represented by a Special Assistant, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the governor said when he took the decision to disengage the non-indigenes, there was an

From Chris Oji, Enugu

overflowing number of Abia indigenes disengaged from other states’ civil service.

“The idea then was to replace the non-indigenes with the Abia indigenes sacked from other states’ civil service,” explained the governor.

He said Abia State was not the first to disengage non-indigenes in its civil service and enjoined other states in the

Southeast to emulate the state in recalling those they disengaged on such grounds.

Assuring that such an obnoxious policy would never occur again, Orji urged all Nigerians, particularly Ndigbo, residing in the state to see themselves as indigenes with full rights and privileges.

Orji said: “It is only in Abia State, among others in the Southeast today, that non-indigenes contest elections and

win.

“Non-indigenes are being appointed into political positions in Abia. And so non-indigenes should take their rightful place in the civil service.”

Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel Chris Oji praised the governor for being the first governor in the Southeast to reverse the non-indigenes policy and recalling those disengaged.

He thanked the governor for the role he played in the release of journalists kidnapped near Aba about two years ago.

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

TAR musicians at the weekend stormed Ibadan, the Oyo State capital for the Naija tour. Artistes such as Wizkid, KCEE, Davido, Sound Sultan, Tiwa Savage, Praiz, Chidinma and Monica thrilled audience at the Adamasingba Tennis Court in Ibadan.

MTN’s Regional Trade Marketing Manager, Southwest, Mrs Olaleke Faleke said the show was to provide great experiences and entertain Nigerians.

“These concerts are imbued with the desired catharsis, considering the many months of political discussions.”

Some of the audience who spoke with The Nation, said the concerts is timely as the year is rounding off, stressing that Nigerians, especially youths, seek momentum and social gathering.

They said they chose to identify with the concert because MTN has been empowering youths with big dreams of stardom, in a distinct way that gives hope to young people across the country.

Kwara Fulani petition NHRC, IGP

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GROUP, Mayati Allah Association of Cattle Breeders of Nigeria, Kwara State chapter, has petitioned the National Human Rights Commission, Inspector General of Police, Sultan of Sokoto and Emir of Ilorin to transfer a case involving its members and some vigilance group members from the state police command.

There was a clash between some members of the Fulani community and a vigilance group in Alapa, Asa Local Government Area, two weeks ago.

The clash led to the death of four people in the community.

The association, through its lawyer, Edun A. Bolaji, said the transfer of the case from the state police command would ensure

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

proper investigation and prosecution.

The letter reads: “We appeal for urgent attention of the security agencies and the government so that the pains being suffered by the victims will be ameliorated.

“We believe in your sincere and Godly intervention. On our part, our clients promise not to take laws into their hands.

“The police have succeeded in arresting about 30 suspects.

However, some innocent Fulani boys were dragged down from buses and arrested and are still in detention. We passionately appeal that they be released by the police.”

‘APC’ll welcome Kwankwaso’

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HE senator representing Kano South, Kabiru Ibrahim Gaya, has said Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso is welcomed to join the opposition party- the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Gaya, who spoke to reporters yesterday at his Kano home, said the APC leadership would welcome Kwankwaso to the party, because the party is fast gaining ground in preparation of capturing power in 2015.

“I am happy that Kwankwaso is coming to APC with his people. Why should I envy people who will come and help me in building my party? He is much welcomed and we need people like him to join us and push the country forward.”

K

From Kolade Adeyemi Kano

According to him, if Kwankwaso eventually joins the party, they would sit with him to fashion out modalities on how to further strengthen the structures and pillars of the party.

The senator said the APC was out to wrestle power from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The former governor said he believes in God’s plan that was why he has no qualms about who joins the APC. “It is God who gives whatever He chooses to His servants, so why should I envy anyone coming to join hands with us in our strong party?”

Polio reported in Kano

ANO State Commissioner for Health Labaran Abubakar yesterday confirmed that two cases of polio myelitis have been reported in the state.

Abubakar, who spoke with reporters yesterday in Kano, said two children were affected in Kumbotso and Nasarawa local governments.

•From left: Mrs Bimbola Eyiaro, Pastor In-Charge of Showers of Blessing Area, Ibafo, Ogun Province 8, Pastor Sunday Eyiaro; Assistant Pastor Jide Olugun; his wife Olaide; Assistant Pastor In-Charge of Ogun Province 8, Lawrence Olunifesi; Pastor Toyin Olomola and wife, Olusola, at the first session of Spinster and Bachelor Evening organised by RCCG Showers of Blessing Area Youth Forum in Ibafo, Ogun State.

Ogun endorses Amosun for second term The people of Ifo Local Government, Ogun State yesterday turned out en masse to endorse Governor Ibikunle Amosun for a second term in office.

The governor, to the residents, should run for another four-year term to complete the good work he began over three years ago.

The ceremony, which held at the NUD Primary School, Agbado, was attended by a huge crowd comprising supporters, interest groups, Community Development Associations (CDAs) and tra-

A

Kano

He said the government had set up a surveillance team to monitor the cases and encourage parents to immunise their wards.

The commissioner said over N418 million worth of fake drugs were destroyed at the weekend.

F

ditional rulers.

Besides the indigenous Yoruba, the ceremony was also attended by the Igbo community and other ethnic nationalities.

The rally was jointly organised by Ifo Local Government Area and Unity Youth Forum, in celebrating the ‘Ogun Standard’ for Amosun’s continuity mission to continue rebuilding the state.

Amosun, who was represented by the Chairman of the occasion and Commissioner for Local Government

and Chieftaincy Affairs, Muyiwa Olajide, said the administration’s achievements were enough evidence to enable it get another term.

Olajide said: “The people are feeling the impact of the government. The achievements of the government are of international standard. The scorecards show he has done marvellously well. Thus, the people want him to continue so that he can complete the good job he has started.”

The Chairman of Ifo Local Government Area Chief Olumide Enilolobo said the oc-

casion was a celebration of development and newness of things in the state.

He said: “All over the towns of the state, the hand of the governor is there in infrastructural development, health and education and local government administration. Even within the confines of nothing, the government is doing its best. So, it is not too early or too late to endorse him. If all the legislative councils of all the local governments and also individuals have done that, then so be it.”

SSS operative assaults TV reporter

N operative of the State Security Services (SSS) posted to Ebonyi State Government House, Abakaliki, identified as Emeka, at the weekend assaulted a reporter working for the Africa Independent Television (AIT).

Chineye Sunday was punched in the face as he was trying to take shots of dignitaries at former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s son’s

From Kolade Adeyemi,

By Nneka Nwaneri

From Ogochukwu Anioke, Abakaliki

wedding in Ikwo Local Government Area.

The governor’s ADC, Mohammed Tijan, decried Emeka’s conduct, which left Sunday with bruises, a swollen face and a damaged camera.

The cameraman noted that the SSS official had assaulted him in the past.

He said: “A similar inci-

dent had happened before at a function and it was a National Assembly member, Tobias Okwuru, who intervened in the matter.

“At the wedding, I was where the dignitaries were trying to take some shots when the SSS operative who was behind pushed me.

When that happened, I started staggering with my equipment.

“I went to the guy and asked him, why he did what

he did; the next thing was for him to punch me in the face.

It was a terrible incident.

“My damaged camera is worth over N1 million and I cannot use it again until it is repaired.”

Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Southeast Zone, Christopher Isiguzo condemned the attack, adding that the zone would reach out to SSS State Director.

Niger suspends five headteachers

IVE secondary school headteachers in Niger State have been suspended by the government for allegedly collecting illegal fees from new pupils.

Their suspension followed complaints by parents to the Ministry of Education that the headteachers were charging fees in contravention of the

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

government’s free education policy.

A statement by the Commissioner for Education, Danladi Umar Abdulhameed, said their actions were a contravention of the free education policy of the Babangida Aliyu- led government.

Those affected were headteachers of Day

Secondary School, Tunga, Army Day Secondary School, Minna, Day Secondary School, Madalla and Halidu Adamu Junior Secondary School, Suleja.

The statement directed the affected teachers to hand over the administration of their schools to their deputies.

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THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2013

NEWS Rivers community accuses Wike of intimidation Continued from page 4

•From left: Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Mrs Bisi Fayemi (right) with members of the state chapter of Food Vendors Association of Nigeria during the inauguration of the state executive of the association, in Ado-Ekiti

Governors’ Forum (NGF), to ensure the recognition of the second class stool, empower the people and bring more development projects to the community The supervising minister of education, a former Chief of Staff, Government House, Port Harcourt, who is the Director-General of Amaechi Campaign Organisation in 2011, is also the grand patron of the Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI).

Secretary-General of the GDI, Samuel Nwanosike, described the allegations levelled against the supervising education minister as very unfortunate, baseless and annoying.

Nwanosike said last night: “The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) conference has just ended in

France. Wike and other eminent personalities left Nigeria for France seven days ago for the conference and their plane has just landed at Abuja airport.

“The persons who levelled the allegations against Wike are mischievous. Owabie was deposed by the people of Rumueprikom, not Wike, as he cannot decide who will be the paramount ruler. The stool is not hereditary. The minister does not know about flooding the community with policemen.”

The supervising minister of education also urged Rumueprikom people to continue to be law-abiding and support the focused Jonathan’s administration, especially the President’s re-election in 2015.

The Rivers police Spokesman, Ahmad Muhammad, could not be reached last night for his comment.

Tukur faction set for showdown over Oyinlola Continued from page 4

of Jigawa State, ex-governor Adamu Aliero, ex-Governor Abdullahi Adamu; ex-Governor Bukola Saraki; Mr. Segun Oni; Alhaji Kawu Baraje and Oyinlola.

Although the G-7 and the New PDP session was initially designed to be “short”, it stretched beyond the planned time.

There were indications that the fate of Oyinlola was extensively discussed.

A source said: “It appears the

two factions have drawn a fresh battle line over Oyinlola’s reinstatement. “ The G-7 and New PDP are demanding compliance with the judgment of the Court of Appeal to reinstate Oyinlola.

“But Bamanga Tukur’s group is not yet ready to accept Oyinlola because an application for a stay of execution of the judgment has been filed.”

On the deployment of policemen at the PDP National Secretariat, Metuh said: “I am not aware. I am in my house, I do

not go to work on Sunday.”

The Group of Seven (G-7) Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors yesterday served another warning of their readiness to team up with the opposition to “reshape the party in 2015”.

The Abubakar Baraje-led New PDP, which Governors Aliyu Wammako (Sokoto), Murtala Nyako (Adamawa), Sule Lamido (Jigawa), Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara), Babangida Aliyu (Niger), Rabiu Kwakwanso (Kano) belong to, said in a statement that should the expected peace

talks with President Goodluck Jonathan “fail to produce the desired result, we have concluded that our door should be opened to the All Progressives Congress (APC) option, while not ruling out other options that would give us the leverage in reshaping the party come 2015”.

The statement, signed by the faction’s National Publicity Secretary, Chukwuemeka Eze, said it was winning over five other PDP governors. It did not name them.

The statement added that the leadership of the faction had set up a six-man committee to plan a grand reception in honour of the five governors who, it said, have decided to join the faction.

“The committee was directed to submit for consideration by the G7 Governors the venue, logistics and modalities for receiving the five governors, ex-governors, nationalists and key members of the National Assembly who have indicated interest to join us.

“The Committee is headed by Hon. Dr. Sam Jaja, the National Vice Chairman of New PDP, with Hon. Nasir Isa Abubakar, the National Organising Secretary, as the Secretary of the Committee. Other members of the Committee include Alhaji Abubakar G. Umar, National Treasurer Binta Masi Garba, Women Leader Timi Frank, the Youth Leader and Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, the National Public Secretary.

“The party, after considering the expert opinion of our Legal Adviser, Eric Opia, decided that Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola does not need any other oath of office to return to work as PDP National Secretary as he subscribed to PDP’s oath of office alongside other members of the NWC that were swornin at the Eagle Square on March 24, 2012", the statement added.

The New PDP also insisted last night that President Jonathan had directed the leadership of the Bamanga Tukur-led mainstream PDP to reinstate Oyinlola immediately.

It congratulated the President for giving the directive.

But the Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs, Ahmed Gulak, denied knowledge of such a directive.

Speaking with our reporter on the telephone, Gulak said: “Well, if there is a court ruling and the judgment is to that effect, there is no problem. But I have not seen the court ruling. I have not seen the court judgment and I have not spoken with Mr. President. So, I am not aware.”

On whether the PDP should carry out the order, he said: “This is a court judgment. If the party is served a court judgment and the order, the party is a law-abiding party and there is nothing wrong there.”

The New PDP’s statement said: “We commend and congratulate President Goodluck Jonathan for once again improving on his democratic credentials by directing the immediate reinstatement of Prince Oyinlola as the duly elected National Secretary of PDP. “Not minding the plots by some undemocratic elements within the system who want to portray our party in bad light by embarking upon an exercise in futility by trying to lure the Southwest PDP to write a petition against Prince Oyinlola and use it to invite him to the Alhaji Umaru Dikko’s Disciplinary Committee and suspend him afterwards.

“To us, this plot, apart from being childish, exposes Tukur and his cohorts as true enemies of PDP and the force behind the continuous crisis in the party which they don’t want its end because of their myopic and selfish goals. But thank God for the intervention of President Jonathan to end this undesirable macabre dance.”

The Baraje faction noted that the import of the Appeal Court verdict was that Oyinlola remained the validly elected National Secretary of the mainstream PDP. The New PDP asked Oyinlola to resume office immediately without waiting for any directive from any quarters, adding that any other person who parades himself as the National Secretary of PDP should be committed to prison for contempt of court.

The faction enjoined him to ensure that the reigning impunity in the PDP becomes a thing of the past as it awaits other court rulings that would restore the Baraje-led NWC as the authentic NWC of the mainstream PDP. The return of Oyinlola is one of the conditions for peace given by the G7 governors in their negotiations with President Jonathan.

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja last Wednesday ordered the reinstatement of Oyinlola but sitting national secretary Prof Oladipo said he would not vacate office. He said the party would go on appeal and secure a stay of execution of the judgment.

The PDP was last night mull-

•Wamakko

ing its response to the challenge of the judgment as the governors last night discussed the Oyinlola matter which they are expected to table before President Jonathan at today’s resumed peace meeting.

The G7 governors are Sule Lamido (Jigawa) Rabiu Kwakwanso (Kano) Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto) Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi (Rivers) Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara) Babangida Aliyu (Niger) and Murtala Nyako (Adamawa).

According to a top source, last night’s meeting of the G7 governors was convened as part of moves to firm up their position ahead of resumption of talks with Jonathan.

The source said: “We are continuing our meeting on the way forward on the crisis in PDP. You know, we had a session last week in Abuja when a Divisional Police Officer sauntered in.

“There are many options before us, including shuttles to the G-7 governors by the leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

This is an offer we have not fully discussed as a group.

“Some national leaders like exHead of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon and some concerned leaders of the PDP have also been reaching out to the governors not to foreclose talks with the President.”

Responding to a question, the source added: “The sack of Oyinlola is one of the grouses of the G-7 governors and the New PDP. It is left to the President to take advantage of the judgment to hasten the peace talks.

“We will insist on the reinstatement of Oyinlola with immediate effect as part of the way forward.”

Oyinlola is said to be insisting that the G-7 governors and the New PDP would determine his next step.

His resumption of office as the National Secretary of PDP was still on the card last night.

A key aide of Oyinlola said: “Our principal said he would consult with the G-7and the leadership of New PDP on his next line of action.

“But, so far, all is set for his resumption on Monday.”

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2013

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FOREIGN MUSINGS

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Philippines: A weekend 'worse than hell'

S a witness to one of Chicago’s most nightmarish withering summer of its macabre discontent in 1995, which killed thousands of mostly senior citizens over a weekend period that saw Mayor Richard M. Daley scampering for his political life, this writer can only imagine what political damage Typhoon Haiyan had wreaked and is still wreaking on the political establishment and indeed the generality of the citizenry of a peculiarly sleepy Province of Palo, Philippines; starting Friday and up until yesterday.

The embattled Mayor of Tacloban; a city of 200,000, Alfred Romualdez, can only sum it up as ‘worse than hell’ having registered almost 10,000 deaths in his locale.

The Philippine Red Cross has characterised the fiery storm as the most deadly in three decades to traumatise this eastern side of the Philippine Archipelago. It all started on Friday packing a ferocious wind storm of about 235 kilometres per hour that gusted to about sea waters of more than six metres (20 feet). In its wake were dead bodies littering the province and as expected casualties are still mounting by the hours. International humanitarian helpers, including U.S and U.K as well as Japan, are assisting the Philippines Red Cross out of this miasma and the president as well as provincial governor are both on ground.

Our focus this week shifts to Iran where the jaw-jaw continues between two allies over the way forward in this intriguing game of weaponisation of nuclear weapons vis-à-vis peaceful use of same for electrification and industrialisation.U.S Secretary of State Bostonian from the North Eastern State of Massachusetts has been criss-crossing the region trying to assuage frailed nerves from the Zionist State of Israel while that country’s Prime Minister Benjamin ‘Bibi’ Netanyawu had been in his utmost redoubtedly irredentist conservative self; calling Iran as getting the best deal while the world is getting short-changed to his uppermost chagrin; even from an ally as the U.S. Translation: Israel, according to the prime minister still reserves the right to protect its people by ALL MEANS NECESSARY, including military strike if need be.

Global Focus

The internatensive negotiational commutions about nity has long Iran’s nuclear suspected Iran programme for of aspiring to many years. It’s DAYO FAKUADE, Foreign Editor have nuclear worth noting in sms 08134230367 weapons but it particular the says it is only fact that the US daborgu@gmail.com enriching uraSecretary of nium for civil State John Kerry purposes. took part in more than eight hours of direct talks Talks between Iran and the five UN Security with his Iranian counterpart.

Council members, plus Germany, ended withThis marked the most extensive high-level conout resolution on Saturday. tact between the US and Iran since the 1979 Is“On the question of will it happen in the next lamic revolution. That, in itself, counts as somefew weeks, there is a good chance of that. A deal thing of a breakthrough. is on the table and it can be done. But, it is a But, Israel has criticised the alleged offer put to formidably difficult negotiation, I can't say exTehran as “dangerous” and said it would press actly when it will conclude,” so says William the US and other world powers to “avoid a bad Hague deal”.

U. K. Foreign Secretary, who also categorised But, Mr Hague said the members of the UN it as fundamental to global peace.

Security Council were “clearly united” and it Asked why the negotiations had apparently was clear the parties were “closer together now” stalled, Mr Hague said there were “still some than before the three days of talks. gaps” between Iran and other leading members Moving on to India, Prime Minister of the international community, including the Manmoham Singh has written to Sri Lankan US, UK and Russia.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa to say he will be He said: “They are narrow gaps. You asked represented by his foreign minister at this week's what went wrong, I would say that a great deal Commonwealth Summit, a spokesman says. went right.

Sri Lanka puts the decision down to “internal “This is a very difficult negotiation but it’s funpolitical reasons” in India. damental to international peace and security over Mr Singh is the second government head, after the next few years; so, we have to persist.”

Canada’s Stephen Harper, to boycott the sumUnder the deal floated in Geneva, Iran could mit. freeze expansion of its nuclear activity in return U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron has said for limited relief from international sanctions, Mr Rajapaksa has “serious questions” to answer which have been in place for years. about alleged war crimes carried out in the final Iran has said all sides can “build on” the diamonths of the campaign against Tamil Tiger logue in Geneva and there was “the impetus to rebels in 2009. reach an agreement”.

William Hague: “Let’s make full use of Sri The past three days of talks were the most inLanka being in the spotlight.”

‘

They are narrow gaps. You asked what went wrong, I would say that a great deal went right. This is a very difficult negotiation but it’s fundamental to international peace and security over the next few years; so, we have to persist.

FOREIGN NEWS

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Typhoon Haiyan: Philippines battles to bring storm aid

HE authorities in the Philippines are struggling to bring relief to some of the areas worst affected

by Typhoon Haiyan, one of the deadliest storms ever to hit the country.

Up to 10,000 are said to have died in Tacloban city and hundreds elsewhere. Hundreds of thousands are displaced.

The typhoon flattened homes, schools and an airport in Tacloban.

Relief workers are yet to reach some towns and villages cut off since the storm.

In many areas there is no clean water, no electricity and very little food.

Thousands of troops have been deployed to the disaster zones and military cargo planes are flying in supplies. However, rescuers are hampered by debris and damaged roads.

Pope Francis pleaded for aid for the victims in the mostly Catholic country, saying: “Sadly, there are many, many victims and the damage is huge.

Let’s try to provide concrete help.”

At least four people were reported killed there, apparently while trying to escape the storm.

The BBC Weather Centre says the typhoon is expected to make landfall south of Hanoi on Monday morning local time (21:00 GMT Sunday to 03: 00 GMT Monday), although it

will have decreased markedly in strength.

The relief efforts in the Philippines are being focused on the eastern province of Leyte and its capital Tacloban.

But officials in the city said they were struggling to distribute aid, looting was widespread and order was proving difficult to enforce.

“We don’t have enough manpower. We have 2,000 employees but only about 100 are reporting for work. Everyone is attending to their families.”

President Benigno Aquino, who has visited Tacloban, pledged to send 300 police and

soldiers to “bring back peace and order”.

An aerial shot shows the devastation in Tacloban, 10 Nov An aerial shot shows the devastation in Tacloban Large ship washed ashore by typhoon in Tacloban - 10 November The storm was so powerful that it washed large ships ashore in the city Philippine President Benigno Aquino at Tacloban airport, 10 Nov Philippine President Benigno Aquino surveyed the damage at Tacloban airport.

Residents in Tacloban push shutters of grocery shop in attempt to get food - 10 Novem-

•A scene of the storm raid in Philipines...yesterday.

ber People have been struggling to find food and looting has been reported Aftermath of typhoon in Palo, 10 Nov The nearby town of Palo was also devastated “Tacloban is totally destroyed. Some people are losing their minds from hunger or from losing their families,” high school teacher Andrew Pomeda told AFP news agency.

“People are becoming violent. They are looting business establishments, the malls, just to find food, rice and milk... I am afraid that in one week, people will be killing from hunger.”

PHOTO: AFP

’

Mr Cameron said he would urge Mr Rajapaksa to hold an independent inquiry into allegations of indiscriminate shelling, extra-judicial executions and rape of Tamil civilians.

But, Foreign Secretary William Hague said the government had decided that staying away from the meeting would damage the Commonwealth.

Reports from the region indicate there has been growing pressure on Manmohan Singh to boycott the summit, especially from Tamil politicians in India.

It remains a political and economic behemoth ever since its 2001 original categorisation by Goldman Sach’s Jim O’neil as the trio of the BRICS before Canada and South Africa were added to this prestigious club. What with strength being in numbers. Another land, another president in far away country called Nigeria by the name of Jonah Jonathan saw things differently blaming his maladministration and insurmountable problems on Nigeria’s numeric strength; while telling prime time television that he does not give a damn. Different folks, different strokes.

However, critics of the decision said it would open the door for giant Asian rival China to extend its influence in the region. China already helps to fund Sri Lankan military and infrastructure projects.

Sri Lanka’s army defeated the ethnic-Tamil rebels after a brutal 26-year war that left at least 100,000 people dead.

Both sides were accused of human rights abuses throughout the conflict, with much focus on its final stages when thousands of civilians were trapped in a thin strip of land in the north of Sri Lanka.

The report cleared the military of claims that it deliberately attacked civilians. It said that there had been some violations by troops, although only at an individual level.

The Commonwealth comprises of 53 former colonies and protectorates of the British Empire with the Queen as the titular head. God bless the Queen.

As our refrain, our globe is our treasure, willy nilly, we must continue to focus on its collective survival as a prized bequest to the generations even yet unborn. Keep it real and scintillatingly enduring. See you next week.

Pakistani private schools ban Malala's book

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AKISTANI education officials said yesterday they have banned teenage activist Malala Yousafzai’s book from private schools across the country, claiming it doesn't show enough respect for Islam and calling her a tool of the West.

Malala attracted global attention last year when the Taliban shot her in the head in northwest Pakistan for criticizing the group’s interpretation of Islam, which limits girls’ access to education. Her profile has risen steadily since then, and she released a memoir in October, “I Am Malala,” that was co-written with British journalist Christina Lamb.

While Malala has become a hero to many across the world for opposing the Taliban and standing up for girls’ education, conspiracy theories have flourished in Pakistan that her shooting was staged to create a hero for the West to embrace.

Adeeb Javedani, president of the All Pakistan Private Schools Management Association, said his group banned Malala’s book from the libraries of its 40,000 affiliated schools and called on the government to bar it from school curriculums.

“Everything about Malala is now becoming clear,” Javedani said. “To me, she is representing the West, not us.”

Kashif Mirza, the chairman of the All Pakistan Private Schools Federation, said his group also has banned Malala's book in its affiliated schools.

Malala “was a role model for

• Malala

children, but this book has made her controversial,” Mirza said. “Through this book, she became a tool in the hands of the Western powers.”

He said the book did not show enough respect for Islam because it mentioned Prophet Muhammad's name without using the abbreviation PUH “peace be upon him” - as is customary in many parts of the Muslim world. He also said it spoke favorably of author Salman Rushdie, who angered many Muslims with his book “The Satanic Verses,” and Ahmadis, members of a minority sect that have been declared non-Muslims under Pakistani law.

In her reference to Rushdie, Malala said in the book that her father saw “The Satanic Verses” as “offensive to Islam but believes strongly in the freedom of speech.”

“First, let's read the book and then why not respond with our own book,” the book quoted her father as saying.

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2013

NATION SPORT

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PREMIERSHIP

Snodgrass hails Norwich’s fightback

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Reid stunned by penalty decision

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TEVEN REID thought referee Andre Marriner was going to book Chelsea midfielder Ramires for diving instead of pointing to the penalty spot in stoppage time as West Brom were denied a memorable victory at Stamford Bridge.

The additional four minutes which had been indicated were already up when Ramires tumbled in the penalty area under what looked a fair shoulder challenge by Reid.

Referee Mariner thought otherwise and handed Chelsea a lifeline, which Eden Hazard - back in the side after being dropped for the midweek Champions League game against Schalke for being late back from a trip abroad because of a lost passport - gratefully accepted as he rolled the ball into the bottom corner.

Reid, making his first Barclays Premier League start of the season because of injury to Billy Jones, felt West Brom had deserved better.

"When the whistle has gone, I thought he (referee) was going to book him (Ramires) for diving.

Ramires has gone to ground really easily," Reid said on the OfficialAlbion You Tube channel.

"At the time it felt soft, I felt like I stood my ground.

"Looking at the replays afterwards, there has been no raising of the arm, my arms are by

my side, so for us it is very harsh.

"But these decisions happen sometimes and on the whole we have to be happy with a point, even if at the minute it feels like a defeat."

Chelsea, who lost at Newcastle last weekend, had gone in front just before half-time though another poachers goal from Samuel Eto'o after Liam Ridgewell delayed hisclearance.

However, Steve Clarke's side where level on the hour through Shane Long's header and then Chelsea keeper Petr Cech allowed Stephane Sessegnon's shot to squirm into the net, which had looked enough to take all three points until the late, late drama.

Reid said: "It was a great second half performance and we are disappointed not to have come away with all three points.

"We defended well, maybe we did not get as forwards as we would have liked, but we managed to stay in the game, which is always the aim when you come to the bigger clubs.

"In the second half, we came out with more confidence and belief, we grew into the game and at times we could have put the match to bed when we had a couple of chances.

"But before the game a result would have been looked at as a good result, but with the way it ended, it does feel like a defeat in that

changing room."

West Brom had chances to put the match beyond Chelsea, most notably when captain Chris Brunt broke clear but blazed his shot over from the edge of the penalty area, when he could have laid it off.

Clarke, who came within moments of ending his former mentor's long unbeaten Premier League home record, felt once the dust settles, there will be plenty to build on.

"The biggest disappointment is the (penalty) decision, but we will go away and analyse the game," said the former Chelsea assistant manager.

"We did 60% of our job correctly in the first half, when we got a good defensive shape and restricted Chelsea, but we did not show enough ambition going forwards "In the second half, we showed much more ambition, and when the game opened up, we were the better team.

"We have to try to take that forwards now into the games coming up.

"We have proved we can go to the bigger clubs, with the exception of Liverpool, where we did not start well, and that cost us.

"We have a decent team, and if we want to challenge the top six, then we have to learn these little details which can make a difference."

Pardew praises Krul as the 'best in the Premier League'

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HE Dutch international Tim Krul was magnificent as the Magpies frustrated the home side and kept a clean sheet at White Hart. The goalkeeper was unbeatable on Sunday.

•Krul

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew hailed Tim Krul as the best goalkeeper in the Premier League following an outstanding display in the Magpies' 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane.

The away side claimed an early lead when Loic Remy finished clinically after being sent through on goal by an exquisite pass from Yoan Gouffran, but then 25-year-old Krul took centre stage.

The Dutch stopper made a staggering 14 saves as he proved a formidable barrier time and again to deny Andre Villas-Boas' side, with excellent stops from Christian Eriksen, Gylfi Sigurdsson and Roberto Soldado among the highlights.

His showing left Toon boss Pardew, already delighted with his side's firsthalf display and the three points, positively purring.

"He has had a few good 'uns for us,

Tim," said Pardew.

"I think he is the best Dutch goalie for sure and I think he is the best in the Premier League.

"I thought first half we were the better team. In the second half they changed it and caused us no ends of problems.

"We had to defend with our lives but that is what makes football great. Our goalie was terrific and the centre halves, they were the stars.

On-loan French striker Remy scored the game's only goal, breaking in behind the Spurs defence before rounding Brad Friedel for his seventh league goal of the season.

"Loic Remy scores goals," proclaimed the Newcastle chief.

"We felt because the Spurs centrehalves play high there are going to be chances in behind.

"He took the second one really well and gave us the platform to win the game."

ORWICH winger Robert Snodgrass admitted the players deserved to be barracked from the stands following their first-half display against West Ham but that the character of the squad shone through as they hit back to record a win.

After suffering the humiliation of a 7-0 defeat at Manchester City last weekend, the Canaries seemed bereft of confidence in the opening half against a West Ham sidewho led at the interval courtesy of a Ravel Morrison strike.

But Norwich rallied in the second half with a Snodgrass free-kick giving Chris Hughton's side the lead after Gary Hooper had levelled through a penalty.

Leroy Fer's injury-time strike added the gloss to a vital win for Norwich, with Snodgrass revealing the players were aware they were not playing well enough during the first 45 minutes.

"In the first half the fans were on our backs a little bit," he said.

"But that is deserved because we weren't at the races, and you take that as a player and how the fans will be on your back because they are passionate and they care, just as we do.

"The boys here, we keep going and going and we are a close bunch. It was this time last year against Arsenal that was a turning point in the season and hopefully it can be the same this time."

Scotland international Snodgrass missed the thrashing at the Etihad Stadium after suffering a concussion in a 4-0 Capital One Cup defeat at Manchester United four days before.

But he shared in the agony of the Canaries' largest ever Barclays Premier League defeat and hailed

the performance of forward Johan Elmander as a prime example of how the players wanted to react.

"It is just the highs and lows of the Premier League," said Snodgrass.

"I think the way we went about our business in the second half shows you the character and the belief among these players.

We felt as low as we could be after a 7-0 defeat. But we need characters, we need men at this football club and we showed that in the second half.

"Our unsung hero was Johan Elmander, I thought he chased every ball. He didn't get the goal he deserved but sometimes you get that as a striker. But he put his body on the line for the team and that is what it takes."

Norwich started the day in the bottom three but the win took them above the Hammers and up to 15th place in the table.

•Snodgrass

Suarez gets Gerrard's vote

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IVERPOOL captain Steven Gerrard has cast his vote for team-mate Luis Suarez to win the Ballon d'Or - although he had to check the rules to make sure he was allowed to do so first.

The Uruguay striker scored twice in the 4-0 win over Fulham to take his tally to eight in just six league matches he has played this season.

Nominations for the world player of the year apply to the calendar year so his tally for the Reds is 18 in 20 league games.

But the 26-year-old will not win the trophy as part of the criteria refers to "overall behaviour on and off the pitch" so Suarez's 10-match ban for biting Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic counts against him.

That has not stopped Gerrard picking Suarez for one of the three votes all national team captains are given.

"I voted for him in my top three," said the midfielder.

"I asked if the rules can be that you can vote for one of your own

•Suarez

players and they gave me the green light so he got one of my votes.

"I think everyone knows how much I rate him, I think we are very lucky to have him and we have to enjoy him while he's here.

"For me he is one of the top four or five players in the world for sure."

Suarez's form this season is likely to be decisive in whether Liverpool qualify for the Champions League, which in turn is likely to be the deciding factor in whetherhe remains at the club or not.

He was very close to scoring backto-back Anfield hat-tricks as it was his header from Gerrard's free-kick which came off Fernando Amorebieta for the opening own goal.

Gerrard's pin-point delivery saw Martin Skrtel head in a second from a corner before Jordan Henderson's brilliant through-ball, from the captain's initial pass, saw Suarez bag his first.

All three goals came in a 14minute spell from the 23rd minute and while the game was effectively over at half-time Suarez left no room for debate by beating the excellent Maarten Stekelenburg at his near-post from Gerrard's assist.

The win lifted Liverpool back into second place and lifted spirits after a disappointing defeat at leaders Arsenal last week.

"It was the perfect response," Gerrard told LFC TV. "Earlier on in the week we were disappointed with our performances individually and collectively but the only way you can put that right is to bounce back.

"At home the onus is on us to take the game to the opposition. Every time we struggle at Anfield it is when we are slow out of the blocks and don't press aggressively."

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63

SPORT EXTRA I tried to discourage Taiwo Awoniyi from playing football—Dad

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OLOMON Awoniyi, father of Golden Eaglets’ striker, Taiwo Awoniyi, said he used to beat his son to discourage him from playing football.

Awoniyi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday at his Gbagba residence, Ilorin, that he never knew Taiwo would play football to global level.

He said the football career of his son started during his elementary school days, noting that he (Taiwo) would always disappear from the house to play football and the whole family would be looking for him.

Awoniyi praised the efforts of Taiwo’s coach, Rasaq Olojo, whom he said discovered and nurtured him.

He said the striker was part of the team that participated in a Coca Cola competition in Ibadan, which later earned him a trip to London in 2010, where former Nigerian football stars Nduka Ugbade and Seyi Olofinjana, spotted him.

He disclosed that Taiwo Awoniyi was voted the most valuable player and came home with the award from London in 2010.

Awoniyi, a retired Police Officer, said he was happy to watch his son represent Nigeria in a world tournament.

Zambia listed for Lagos International SquashClassics

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AMBIA is the latest team to confirm its participation in the Lagos International Squash Classics holding at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium.

According to the tournament director, Wasiu Sanni, Zambia, a joint bronze medallist with Nigeria at the 2003 All Africa Games in Abuja will have a four-man team made up of two male and two female taking part in the championship.

The Southern African team will join former world’s top 10 rated player, England’s Adrian Grant who had already signed up for the Lagos Classics, which will kick off on Wednesday November 13 to 16.

With the conclusion of the qualifiers on Sunday, Sanni also listed the Nigerian players that will join the foreigners in the $40,000 prize money championship.

In the men’s event, Nigeria’s top seeded players, Jonathan Peters will lead the home team and Endurance Omosan, Idowu Enimakure, Tunde Ajagbe, Gbenga Adeyi, Wale Amao, Jerry Ojodioffo and Taiwo Sadiq will join him.

The four female will represent Nigeria at the classics are Joy Ugbememe, Kafayat Idris, Udeme James and Ebifemi Taiwo.

Eight players have also been confirmed for the main event in the U-19 category at the end of the qualifiers. They are – Edward Bethel, who emerged the winner. Others are Temiloluwa Adegoke, Musa Abubakar, Ayomide O., Olanrewaju Pratt, Precious Fada, Oladele Pratt and Onapemipo Adegoke.

•The Nigerian team celebrate their victory after the FIFA World Cup UAE 2013 Final between Nigeria and Mexico at Mohamed Bin Zayed Stadium on November 8, 2013 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Jonathan rewards Golden Eaglets

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IFA U- 17 World Cup Champions the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria got all encomiums and praises they deserved, as President Goodluck Jonathan honoured the team with cash gifts and national awards.

President Jonathan declared during the Dinner he hosted the team to. “This is the second time I will be hosting the team after hosting them as the second best in Africa. I am happy that within seven months the team has transformed from being the second best in Africa and now the best in the world.

This is definitely a Golden era in Nigerian football after also winning the 2013 Africa Nations Cup in February in South Africa.

President Jonathan recalled that after the dismal performance of the 2012

•Each player gets N2m •Manu gets N3m •National honours for NFF members, supporters From Segun Ogunjimi, Abuja Olympics in London where he imitated a Presidential Retreat on Sports and he declared the he wasn’t surprised with the success recorded after the Sports Retreat.

“To the crew who have nurtured this team to success I thank you. But the celebration we are having today won’t make any impact if we can’t follow it up with another success at the U- 20 national team.

On behalf of Nigerians, I congratulate the team for their wonderful performance.

I wish to announce this very, very little token but I want to use this medium to encourage

the state governments and corporate bodies to encourage the team.

“As a grandfather every player will receive N2 million, the Chief Coach N3 Million, the assistant coaches will receive N2.5 million each, while the Team Doctor and Physiotherapist will receive N500,000 and others N300,000 each.

The players, the coaches, the Nigeria Football Federation and the Supporters Club will receive national awards later”, President Jonathan declared.

First to speak on the team’s achievement was the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Honourable Gbenga Elegbeleye who

showered praises on the players and their coaches.

In his words, “some few Months ago Mr President charged the Golden Eaglets to win the FIFA U- 17 World Cup after emerging first runner-up of the African Cadet Championship and they have now fulfilled their promise to win the Cup for President Goodluck Jonathan”.

An elated Nigeria Football Federation President Aminu Maigari also praised the team. “the players did the playing but President Jonathan won the Cup so our dear President is a world Champion.

Sports Minister Bolaji Abdullahi also joined in praising the team.”Mr President your place is

van Persie’s goal halts Arsenal’s away run

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OBIN van Persie scored the only goal to down old club Arsenal and blast Manchester United back

•Van Persie

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into the Premier League title race as David Moyes enjoyed his biggest win as Red Devils manager. van Persie rose unchallenged to guide home Wayne Rooney’s 27th-minute corner to spark scenes of jubilation at Old Trafford and silence the taunts of the visiting fans.

On another amazing weekend, in which Chelsea’s home draw on Saturday was followed within 24 hours by shock defeats for Tottenham and Manchester City, United have now closed to within five

points of Arsenal, who suffered their first league defeat since the opening day of the season.

Indeed, six points now separate the first eight in the table, with Liverpool and Southampton now Arsenal’s closest pursuers.

United deserved their triumph too.

Quite apart from Van Persie’s goal, Rooney ran himself to a standstill and Phil Jones was immense, initially in midfield, then central defence following the departure of Nemanja Vidic

with a head injury.

The hosts owed a debt of thanks to Chris Smalling too.

Smalling might have wasted an outstanding chance to seal victory when he failed to get a proper connection to Van Persie’s deep free-kick and headed disappointingly wide.

But, just as Olivier Giroud was lining up a shot from an excellent position inside the United box, it was Smalling who stepped in to make the decisive tackle and preserve United’s unbeaten home record against the Gunners that stretches back to 2006.

APC congratulates Golden Eaglets

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) has congratulated Nigeria’s national Under-17 World Cup team, the Golden Eaglets, for its historic victory at the 2013 edition of the global tournament in the United Arab Emirates.

In a statement issued in Lagos on Sunday by its Interim National Publicity Secretary,

Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said the victory is a clear indication that Nigerian youths have what it takes to be world beaters in all areas of human endeavours.

It said if such a huge success can be achieved at a time that Nigerian youths have been left demoralised by the policies of a government that keeps scoring own goals, one

can only imagine the kindof positive energy that will be unleashed by the youths under a responsive, purposeful government.

APC hailed the team’s hardworking handlers as well as the determined players for the victory, which has written Nigeria into the history books as the most successful country in the

history of the tournament, having won an unprecedented four FIFA Under-17 World Cup titles, a feat that even the global football powerhouse Brazil can only dream of at the moment. ‘’The victory is even sweeter because the Golden Eaglets did not lose a single match all through the tournament,’’ the party said.

already secured as the most successful President in sports after the Super Eagles won the 2013 African Nations Cup in February and now the U- 17 World Cup has now been won by the Golden Eaglets.

“I want to commend these boys for their wonderful performance in United Arab Emirates and Nigeria Football Federation President Aminu Maigari for a job well done.

“The Golden Eaglets is a project that we are following with all vigour and we will succeed. We thank President Jonathan for laying the foundation that is now yielding great dividends”, Abdullahi disclosed.

The Mexican Ambassador to Nigeria then presented jerseys to President Jonathan. The Trophy was then officially presented to President Jonathan by the Sports Minister after Eaglets’ Captain Musa Muhammed had presented the World Cup Trophy to Nigeria Football Federation President Aminu Maigari who also presented it to the Minister.

All the victorious players received the Presidential handshake from President Jonathan.

LEAGUE RESULTS Premier League Tottenham 0 - 1 Newcastle Sunderland 1 - 0 Man City Man United1 - 0 Arsenal Swansea 3 - 3 Stoke City Italy - Serie A Genoa 2-0 Atalanta 2-1 Cagliari 2-1 Chievo.V 0 - 0 Parma 1-1 Roma 1-1

H/Verona Bologna Torino AC Milan Lazio Sassuolo

Spain - Liga BBVA Espanyol 1 - 3 Sevilla Valencia 2 - 2 Valladolid Germany - Bundesliga Mainz 05 1 - 0 Frankfurt Freiburg 1 - 3 tuttgart France - Ligue 1 Bordeaux 0 - 3 Nantes Marseille 2 - 1 Sochaux

WHO SAID WHAT

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2013 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL 8 NO 2,664

‘Raising bonds to finance capital projects is an acceptable way of meeting up challenges by government all over the world. The bond is tied to tangible projects and no tactics will distract the process ’

C OMMENT & D EB ATE EBA

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HE news came to everyone rather surreptitiously. The governor of Enugu State, Sullivan Chime, reportedly detained the first lady. The image was unsavoury: a governor, in his hectoring majesty, ordering the security aides to corral Clara.

The image takes on more dramatic hue as we imagine the screaming first lady pinned down, her hands wrapped around her back, forced either to sit down or lie down, her clothes out of joint, before the doors are locked against her.

This contradicts the temperament and powers of first ladies. First ladies often pin down their men, extract special favours and sometimes ride more glorious convoys than their husbands. Quite often, aides fear them more than their husbands. A person can be fired but a soft word from the first lady can redeem the job. Even when the governor confesses a special softness for an aide, the first lady who shares a contrary standpoint could reverse the affection. She could make life so difficult for that aide and the governor that her triumph is a foregone conclusion.

She is the prop, whisper and, sometimes, bully behind the throne, the pillow-talk queen. That made it quite difficult for many to digest the narrative of a humiliated power dame. But some who had followed the story of Governor Chime had observed some traits counterintuitive to this picture of governorfirst lady relationship.

We remember Chime ushering in the New Year with stories of his failure to let anyone know if he was sick and why he would not convey, in simple language, why he could not communicate with the people of the state.

The people who voted him into power knew nothing about the person they voted for, whether he was alive or dead. Consequently, the rumour mills buzzed, and depending on who you asked, they said Governor Chime suffered from one illness or another. Imagination overthrew reality.

He never loved the media, and saw any reporter or editor as a predator in his holy of holies. In his recent press briefing, he said he did not hate the media but he had issues with them because when he was ill, some newspapers reported his death. No excuse for newspapers that soared on fiction. It was irresponsible, especially on a delicate matter like death. But Governor Chime fertilised errant imagination by not providing facts as the first information officer of the state. He never saw his own shortcomings. He only saw others’.

Chime only recently knocked down the building of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries in his state against court orders. Is that not impunity? Does the law matter to the man who defies a court order?

Again, he tried to resolve issues he had with university lecturers by unleashing dogs af-

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intouchnation@gmail.com 08054501081(sms only) •NMMA Columnist of the Year

Is Clara Chime a victim of love?

•Mrs Chime

ter them.

Against these news reports, some members of the public had judged the governor as Clara’s predator. But then, he organised a press briefing, and the governor said that his wife was afflicted by mental illness, and he had to restrain her to keep her from ridicule.

She was present at the occasion, as well as her present doctor, Aham Agumoh, as well as Clara’s brother.

Governor Chime tried to paint himself as the husband and protector. And not a few people were impressed. But humans rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has been pushing a different narrative. He said the woman had hired him as her attorney. But the woman had said that she did not hire Falana in the open interview. Yet, a letter leaked to the media that she had contacted a certain chief

whom she wanted to contact Falana on her behalf. She admitted in the interview that her letter leaked. That corroborates Falana’s position that she wanted his help. The reporters did not ask Clara Chime why she wrote the letter and whether she insisted on the contents. I contacted Falana and he said Clara’s mother told him to help free her daughter from the grasp of the governor.

He also said the woman asked him if she sounded like somebody who was mentally disturbed.

Two important developments bear investigation. One, why did she ask for a different doctor, and why did she have to scream for the matter to be brought to the fore? The same doctor appeared in the press briefing.

Was he supposed to appear there, according to his professional oath, even if the governor wanted to clear his image as a wife bully? Yet, she accepted in the open press briefing that Dr. Agumoh was her doctor, the same doctor she wanted replaced.

The other question is, did Clara act under duress in the press briefing? What did they discuss with her when they took her away from the media for several minutes?

What are the details of the doctor’s treatment that have riled even members of her family? Tony Igwe, Clara’s brother, may not have represented other members of the family given the fact that the members object to the present treatment of their daughter. This was clear in the intervention of the National Human Rights Commission. Both Chime’s and Clara’s families did not agree on how her matter was being handled.

Could it be that her so-called mental condition is exaggerated? She described her state as nervous breakdown.

HARDBALL

C

RISIS, crisis everywhere, not a sector is spared. They have become so pervasive that even an aspect of our life that is as innocuous as our major staple food, rice has been afflicted. Have you ever stopped to ponder what would become of Nigeria without rice? Do you know that rice is eaten daily in nearly every home in every corner of Nigeria? Do you know that rice is almost as crucial to the Nigerian household today as petrol and like petrol, it is something that we have the capacity to produce in abundance and export to other countries but instead, we import it?

To extend the comparison with petrol further, in the 70s to mid-80s, Nigeria was producing enough petrol for her use. It was the same with rice; Nigeria’s production actually peaked at about one million tons per annum when there was a ban on importation. This was up from about 450,000 tons of local production in the 70s. But with oil boom, by the mid 80s local production dwindled giving way to massive importation.

Then, Nigeria had large rice belts sprawling from Sokoto, Benue, Abakaliki and Ogun axis. It was a major industry that comprised production, milling and distribution; providing food, jobs, livelihood and wealth to millions in the rice zones. It was an industry that over time, created well-knit enterprising communities, organic, prideful in

Nigeria’s rice crisis their self-sufficiency and tradition of productivity.

Now why is Hardball lapsing into a reverie of a long-lost utopia, you might be wondering? What is the point of all this if we all are well aware that in the past three decades or so, Nigeria’s rice economy has become almost a tragic situation with a quantum of importation that is not surpassed by any other country today. In fact our importation ramifies nearly all major staple foods like maize, beans and even palm oil. But rice is the one that has reached crisis level now.

First, the Federal Government at the beginning of this year, arbitrarily jerked up duty and tariff on rice importation bringing them to a total of 110 percent in Nigeria while in neighbouring countries like Benin Republic and Togo, import duties on rice remain at about 30 percent. Why would any sane businessman ship through our ports if there is a slight chance that he can smuggle it through the borders. The profit is so tempting that those who are ordinarily law-abiding would think twice or risk extinction.

GOVERNOR IDRIS WADA

If her situation is not as bad, then is Chime along with Dr. Agumoh not acting like Dr. Bero in Soyinka’s play, Madness and Specialists, where the specialist becomes in a sense guilty of what the patient allegedly suffers?

German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche wrote: “There is always some madness in love. There is also always some reason in madness.” Is it a case of too much love, which itself can injure, or violated love? Shakespeare calls it “cold fire,” “wolvish-ravening lamb,” or “fiend angelical.” Is Clara a victim of love?

It is always a delicate matter in psychiatry not to over-treat a case or it may itself pass as madness. That was the case in Achebe’s short story, The Madman, when a sane man of high nobility, with no clothes on, pursues a madman, who stole the sane man’s clothes, into the market place. We cannot just forget that the Soviet Union established asylums for dissidents.

Even the NHRC contradicted itself when it said it was established that she suffered from depression and hallucination. In the five-hour session it had with her, it did not see any such evidence. It is a human rights body, what was its business making judgment about her mental condition, especially when it knew the two families did not agree on the treatment? If they did not agree on the treatment, it means they did not agree on the diagnosis.

In one breath, the NHRC agreed with a diagnosis and, in another, set up a committee to examine her true state of health. The NHRC said Clara had access to her son and keys to the apartments, but it had no knowledge whether or not that is a recent development prompted by her outcry. The NHRC’s retraction was an afterthought. It has compromised its integrity as a body.

This has been happening for all of four months, and Governor Chime’s desperate press conference was not actuated by any chivalry but a necessity to save his name. It is not so much that he is interested in transparency.

When he was flown out of the country, he did not believe in transparency then. He owes Enugu State citizens as well as Nigerians explanations for keeping the matter under wraps while he was abroad. His illness was more important to Nigerians and Enugu State citizens than that of his wife. The health of a whole state hung on him as the carrier of their mandate. No one voted in Clara Chime.

It was wrong, and even wrong-headed to present himself as a latter-day convert to the doctrine of transparency. May be he is not a convert. He was just pushed to the corner by the cries of the media and the fulminations of Falana. So he acted not out of conscience but necessity. So, he is not Clara’s hero.

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above Here lies the rice crisis: about 80 percent of rice consumed in Nigeria today is smuggled into the country by a cabal.

The negative imports of government’s thoughtlessness are numerous and far-reaching. First, Nigeria loses revenues in hundreds of million dollars to her neighbours. Two, genuine importers are put out of business and some may be forced into the illegality of smuggling. Three, the Customs is put under immense pressure; compromised and overwhelmed. Four, the backward integration investments of genuine importers in local rice production and processing plants will go to waste in another year if this frenzy of smuggling is not checked immediately. The reason is that the price of a bag of the local rice is twice the price of the imported one. The modest efforts being made by some stakeholders to grow rice at home will soon be rubbished.

Federal Government had increased the levy paid on imported rice ostensibly to curb importations with a view to outright ban in a few years. But no effort is being made to encourage or develop local production. The rice development fund is not being deployed anywhere. All these going on and government seems so inured to it all. This will never happen in any other country; orchestrated crises like this in every sector of our national life cannot be any way to run a country.

•This article was first published on October 21

Published and printed by Vintage Press Limited. Corporate Office: 27B Fatai Atere Way, Matori, Lagos. P.M.B. 1025,Oshodi, Lagos.

Telephone: Switch Board: 01-8168361. Editor Daily:01-8962807, Marketing: 01-8155547 . Abuja Office: Plot 5, Nanka Close AMAC Commercial Complex, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja. Tel: 07028105302. Port Harcourt Office: 12/14, Njemanze Street, Mile 1, Diobu, PH. 08023595790 WEBSITE: www.thenationonlineng.net E-mail: info@thenationonlineng.net ISSN: 115-5302 Editor: GBENGA OMOTOSO

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2013

I

OYO STATE OF NIGERIA

One Year without our

Great Lam A year ago today, Oyo State lost one of her most illustrious sons.

We remember him with gratitude for the rich memories of his down-to-earth presence, wise counsel, leadership and comradeship. A dogged ďŹ ghter and staunch progressive, he lived a life singularly devoted to the high ideals of democracy and was a ďŹ rm believer in its power to uplift the downtrodden, as well as promote social justice.

We are not wearing his shoes as shoes come in varying sizes, but we shall continue to tread his path in an ever changing world. In those unforgettable years of the locust, his constant encouragement helped to keep our spirits up, as he reminded us that the night may last only so long, but surely the dawn of hope shall rise. And it did!

We pray that Almighty Allah will continue to grant him repose in Al- Jannah Firdaus.

Sen. Abiola Ajimobi Executive Governor of Oyo State

HIS EXCELLENCY,

ALHAJI LAMIDI ONAOLAPO AREMU ADESINA CON

II

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2013 USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS ON ANY EMERGENCY Council endorsed the useful phone numbers submitted by the security agents in case of any emergency on the metropolitan Roads. Accordingly, the public may easily contact KAROTA for: Breakdown of Vehicle(s), Traffic Congestion, Accidents, and Illegal/Wrong Parking on – 08091626747. Similarly, the State Police Command could be contacted on – 08032419754, 08123821575. In addition, the State Fire Service can also be contacted on – 07051246833, 08191778888.

122TH KANO STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING

P

residing over the one hundred and twenty-second (122nd) sitting of the Kano State Executive Council today Wednesday 6th November, 2013 (3rd Muharram, 1435 AH), Governor Engr. Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE expressed his gratitude and that of the entire Council, to Almighty Allah for granting the entire Muslim Ummah the longevity to enter yet another year in the Islamic Calendar. Prosperity and fruitful existence in the year ahead was prayed for from the divine mercy and bounties of Allah for the entire citizenry in Kano State and the country at large.

With this in view, Council received thirty-two (32) memoranda from eleven (11) MDAs for deliberation among which nineteen (19) were approved for execution with an expenditure of Three Billion, One Hundred and Sixteen Million, Five Hundred and Seventy Six Thousand, Seven Hundred and Eighty Seven Naira, Seven Kobo (N3,116,576,787.07) covering ten (10) projects. Thus: 1. OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT Only one (1) among five (5) of the memoranda submitted on behalf of some MDAs from this Office was approved for execution after deliberation by Council. Thus: Memorandum on the Need to Appoint a Renovation and Revival Committee for Kano State Race Course and Horse Racing Respectively in Kano State:The Special Adviser (Sports) intimated Council, as endorsed by the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, through the contents of this memorandum that existing facilities at the Kano Race Course have dilapidated to a stage with negative consequence on Traditional Horse Racing in the State.

Four (4) problems were identified, which informed the Special Adviser on Sports to present the following four (4) observations for the consideration of Council; i. That Government at various times on the reactivation of the Race Course and Horse Racing in Kano set up several Committees. ii. That there appears to be a deadlock on who is in charge of the Race Course Community and Horse Racing in Kano State. iii. That some stakeholders in Kano Race Course and Horse Racing shy away from the game due to some negative activities by some misguided persons in the area. iv.That the residents at the Race Course are not united, which causes threat to peace and security coupled with distrust and misinformation on the Race Course and Horse Racing activity.

In view of these observations/problems, the Special Adviser on Sports forwarded the following two (2) suggestions for consideration by Council. Viz; o That there is need for Governor Engr. Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE to pay a visit to the Kano Race Course and witness the dilapidated condition of the monumental Sports arena. o That there is need to appoint a 24 - Member High Powered Committee to be known as Kano Race Course and Horse Racing Renovation and Revival Committee to operate under twelve (12) Terms of Reference.

The details on the 24 - Members, which is to be chaired by Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu (Walin Dutse) and twelve (12) Terms of Reference for the operations of the Committee were appreciatively acknowledged and approved by Council.

2. OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY GOVERNOR/HON. COMMISSIONER FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Five (5) memoranda were submitted for deliberation by Council from the Office of the Deputy Governor/Hon. Commissioner for Local Governments. Only one (1) of them was approved for execution as follows: Presentation of Report on Urban and Rural Solar - Powered Infrastructure Proposed and Executed by Copious Energy Nigeria Limited and Request for Funds for the Implementation of the Solar - Powered Electricity to Ten (10) Boarding Secondary, Science and Technical Schools in Kano State:The Deputy Governor/Hon. Commissioner, Ministry for Local Governments reminded Council of its approval for the release of the aggregate sum of N9,689,000.00 to execute the pilot project on: i. Solar Irrigation Solution N8,350,000.00 ii. Solar Powered Deep Freezers N1,339,000.00 Total N9,689,000.00 Success with the execution of the pilot project informed the Office of the Deputy Governor/ Hon. Commissioner for Local Governments to suggest extending the project in phases to our Boarding Secondary, Science and Technical Colleges by the installation of Solar - Powered Electricity Supply. A list of ten (10) Schools spread across the three (3) Senatorial Districts in Kano State was obtained from the Ministry of Education for the purpose. The Schools include; GSS Bichi, GGC Dala, GSS Dambatta, GSS Ajingi, GGC Kachako, GGC Kura, GSS Zakirai, Science College D/Tofa, Science College D/Kudu and GSTC Karaye. Each School is to be provided with 6KW Solar Electricity System at the cost of N12,635,095.00 totaling up to the aggregate sum of N126,350,950.00 for the ten (10) selected schools, which was requested for release by Council.

Significance of the project to the upliftment of Education, prompted the granting of approval

by Council for the release of the requested sum of N126,350,950.00 to enable the installation of 6KW Solar Electricity System to each one (1) of ten (10) Schools.

3. MINISTRY OF EDUCATION Presentation of the Need and Request for Funds to Enable the Renovation of Some Existing Physical Structures at GGSS Shekara:The Honorable Commissioner for Education notified Council, through the contents of this memorandum that GGSS Shekara is the only Boarding Secondary School in the Kano Municipal Local Government Area.

Physical inspection of the School recently conducted revealed that some existing physical structures require urgent renovation. Again, an abandoned storey block of four (4) Science Laboratories with two (2) Offices stands desolately requiring completion for occupation/ utilization. The scope of works required for the renovation and completion of the physical structures and the storey block were assessed at the cost of N29,297,825.34, which was requested for release by Council to enable the execution of the stated projects.

Considering the significance of the project/request to the resolve of the present administration to provide qualitatively for the upliftment of education in all ramifications, Council approved the release of the requested sum of N29,297,825.34 to the Ministry of Education to enable execution of the stated project at GGSS Shekara.

4. MINISTRY OF JUSTICE Presentation of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Integrated Vital Registration into

National Healthcare Delivery System:The contents of this memorandum referred to a letter with reference number MOH/OFF/249/1/160 of 3/10/2013 from the State Ministry of Health to the State Ministry of Justice soliciting for professional advice/opinion on the cited issue (Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Integrated Vital Registration.

Candid opinion of the Ministry of Justice on the issue communicated to the Ministry of Health, as Council was notified, was that the MoU could be signed considering the fact that responsibilities of the parties

Rabi’u Musa Kwankawaso

to the MoU were clearly stated. Further, the contents of the MoU shows that the capacity of the Health Workers to be involved in the program will be enhanced to enable them carryout the objective of the agreement.

Notably, the MoU made no mention of the financial implications on the part of the State Government. Therefore, the Ministry of Justice suggested that such an aspect should be clearly spelt out to avoid conflict in implementing such a vital program.

Council appreciated the presentation and approved a joint follow up on the issue by the Ministries of Justice and Health and the submission of the outcome to Council for consideration and approval.

5. MINISTRY OF HEALTH Three (3) of the four (4) memoranda submitted for deliberations by Council from the Ministry of Health were approved for execution as follows: a) Presentation of Information Memorandum (IM) on Post Graduate School (Family Medicine), Ministry of Health, Kano: Situation Report:The Honorable Commissioner for Health reminded Council, through the contents of this memorandum, of its directive to his Ministry to study a request submitted for the release of overhead in 2013 for the Post Graduate School (Family Medicine) and submit its findings/ recommendations for consideration and approval by Council.

Responding to the directive, the Ministry of Health set up a Technical Team of experts to apprise the School and submitted the six (6) requirements stated below: o Renovation and furnishing of Office accommodation, o Providing the Library at the School with relevant required textbooks and journals along with ICT equipment (Desktop Computers) and regular Internet Services, o Provision of funds for the running cost (overhead) to run affairs of the School = N290,136.60 monthly (i.e. N870,410.00 quarterly), o Provision of two (2) vehicles (one (1) Official Car for the HOD and one (1) Utility Bus for Residents), o Employment/deployment of two (2) additional Consultants for the School, and o Recruitment/deployment of Supporting Staff (one (1) Librarian, one (1) Confidential Secretary, one (1) Electrician, one (1) Plumber and one (1) Female Sub - Staff/Cleaner).

Essentially, Council was requested to approve the execution of the following two (2) prayers immediately: i. Directing the State Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to assess the renovation/ cost implication of the Schools' Office Complex and Outpatient Clinics for Resident Clinical activities; and ii. The release of the sum of N870,410.00 for the provision of the immediate requirements of the School for the rest of 2013.

Council noted, considered and approved the immediate execution of the two (2) prayers specified above. b) Re-submission on Procurement and Provision of Cold Chain Equipment under the Tripartite MoU Arrangement (Kano State, Dangote, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundations) to all Wards of 44 LGCAs in Kano State:The re-submission resulted from the Executive Council resolution on the cited issue during its sitting of Wednesday 30th October, 2013 when deliberating on the earlier submitted memorandum on the procurement and provision of Cold Chain Equipment for which funds had already been provided under the tripartite MoU arrangement. Council resolved that the memorandum/request should be resubmitted along with the following: i. Detailed rationale for the choice of the preferred Cold Chain Equipment (CCE) type (Domestic TCW 2000 Solar Direct Drive), ii. Evidence of recommendation of this particular CCE type by WHO, UNICEF, NPHCDA and the Dangote and Gates Foundations, and iii. Justification of Sole - Source procurement.

The contents of this resubmitted memorandum amply substantiated choice of Domestic TCW 2000 Solar Direct Drive for the preservation of vaccines in the 484 Wards across the 44 LGCAs in Kano State.

Considering the details presented, Council approved: o The selection of Domestic TCW 2000 Solar Direct Drive as the Cold Chain Equipment (CCE) for Kano State, o Authorization to the SPHCMB to procure 208 units of Domestic TCW 2000 Solar Direct Drive from Prezzo Shed Investment Ltd. as the exclusive agent for the equipment for a total value of $2,412,000.00 c) Presentation of Request for Permission to Handover the Funds Accumulated as Financial Support to Bereaved Families of Ten (10) Polio Immunization Workers Shot to Death by Unknown Gunmen in Kano State:The contents of this memorandum solemnly reminded Council of the unfortunate killing of Polio Vaccinators by unknown gunmen at Tarauni and Nassarawa LGCAs in February, 2013.

A total of ten (10) victims were shot to death including nine (9) Polio Vaccinators and one (1) pregnant woman who was at the Clinic receiving medical attention. The Honourable Commissioner for Health informed Council that the President of Nigeria had graciously reviewed upwards the total donation of N5,000,000.00 to each of the bereaved ten (10) families of the deceased in the incidence. Earlier the deceased families had received N1,000,000.00 from the NPHCDA (Federal Government), N500,000.00 each from the Kano State Government and Dangote Foundation respectively.

Further, Council was concertedly informed that N30,000,000.00 had been released and received into the account of the Kano State Ministry of Health from the National Primary Healthcare

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2013 Development Agency (NPHCDA) as balance to add to the earlier approved N10,000,000.00 from the same source. This translates to the following: i. N40,000,000.00 from NPHCDA (Federal Government) ii. N5,000,000.00 from Kano State Government iii. N5,000,000.00 from Dangote Foundation Total = N50,000,000.00 As such, the NPHCDA and the Kano State Ministry of Health solicited for permission by Council and the acceptance of Governor to symbolically and ceremoniously handover the financial support of N5,000,000.00 to each of the bereaved ten (10) families of the deceased victims.

Council acknowledged the solemn presentation/request and approved the granting of permission for disbursement of the financial support of N5,000,000.00 to each of the bereaved families of the deceased victims and await fixation of a suitable date for the event by Governor Engr. Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE. 6. OFFICE OF THE HEAD OF CIVIL SERVICE One (1) of the two (2) memoranda submitted for deliberation by Council from the Office of the Head of Civil Service was approved for execution as follows: Request for Funds to Enable the Payment of Salary and Book Allowances in respect of 287 Bonded Medical Students studying at Various Universities within Nigeria:The laudable policy of Bonding Medical Students by paying them bona-fide salaries while undergoing their studies, by the State Government, warranted the decision of the Kano State Hospitals Management Board to channel the cited request, through the Office of the Head of Civil Service, for consideration by Council.

Specifically, the following three (3) prayers were forwarded in respect of the 287 Bonded Medical Students: i. Council to approve the release/payment of twelve (12) months' salary arrears to three (3) omitted Bonded Medical Students to the tune of N1,065,801.60 and books allowances (2012 and 2013) amounting to N307,461.60. These totaled up to the sum of N1,373,263.20. Again, the three (3) students should be included in the State payroll with effect from November, 2013. ii. Council to approve the release/payment of the books allowances for the year 2013 to 203 Bonded Medical Students at the rate of N51,243,60 totaling N10,402,450.80. iii. Council to approve the release/payment of six (6) months' salary arrears to eighty-one (81) Bonded Medical Students to the tune of N14,383,127.20.

Total = N26,163,841.20.

The request was considered in order as Council granted approval for the execution of the three (3) prayers forwarded and the immediate release of the requested sum of N26,163,841.20 to the Office of the Head of Civil Service to enable the execution of stated purposes by the State's Hospitals Management Board.

7. MINISTRY OF COMMERCE, INDUSTRY, CO -OPERATIVES AND TOURISM The three (3) memoranda submitted for deliberation by Council from this Ministry were approved for execution as follows a) Presentation of report on Wrongful Duplication of Payments Approved as Empowerment Package for Members of Kano State Petty Traders residing in Lagos State:The Honorable Commissioner for Commerce, Industry, Co-operatives and Tourism reported returning the sum of N6,820,000.00 back to the State Government Treasury. The money was paid twice for the same purpose. Details were presented to Council for consideration. Council acknowledged the presentation in appreciation and commended the honest gesture while encouraging all serving Officers to emulate.

8. MINISTRY OF LAND AND PHYSICAL PLANNING One (1) of the two (2) memoranda submitted for deliberation by Council from the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning was approved for execution as follows: Presentation of Request for the Revalidation and Release of Funds for the Execution of Contract for the Construction/Dualization of Dakata - Kwanar Inusawa Road:The contents of the memorandum informed Council that the cited road construction contract was initially awarded to Messrs. SKY Technical and Construction Co. Ltd. by the previous administration under the Ministry of Rural and Community Development on 24/9/2010 at the initial sum of N1,373,049,253.03 with the length/distance of 11.9KM as a single carriage way.

Accordingly, the Contractor was given advance payment of N600,688,521.62 net. Nevertheless, interim valuation certificates numbers 2 and 3 in the sums of N74,466,521.85 and N15,551,426.22 respectively were raised in favor of the Contractor and were confirmed not to have been paid.

Specifically, the permanent works on the ground were valued by the Management Consultants, Messrs. Integrated Engineering Ltd. in the sum of N501,058,834.00, which was discounted by 10% (i.e. N50,105,883.40). Thus, the value of the previous executed permanent works stands at (N501,058,834.40 - N50,105,883.40) = N450,952,950.00.

But, the sum of N600,688,521.62 was paid as advance payment to the Contractor, which implies that the sum of N149,735,571.62 (i.e. N600,688,521.62 -N450,952,950.00 = N149,735,571.62) is still with the Contractor.

Importantly, reviewing and revalidating inherited projects in the State, the Fact Finding Committee identified the Dakata - Bela Road Project for completion. The road is a single carriage way situated in Nassarawa/Ungogo LGCAs with a total length of 7KM. It starts from Hadejia Road (Yan' Kaba Junction) passes through Kawaji - Dakata - Dawaki Dakata - Zango - Rangaza and terminates at Inusawa under phase one of the project.

Additionally, there is renovation/repairs of Sama'ila Mai Biscuit 820M link road, which is of importance as it serves as a vital connection to Hadejia Road, Independence Road and Bela Hospital. The 820M link road also enhances economic activities within Bompai Industrial area and its surroundings.

Cognizant of the desire of the present administration to upgrade the status of the road from single carriage way of 7.3M width to dual carriage way of 14.6M width, crash barrier and reinforced concrete drain from Hadejia Road (Yan' Kaba Junction) to Dakata through Kawaji - Dakata - Dawakin Dakata - Zango - Rangaza - Zango - Kwanar Inusawa at the adjusted 100% completion within new Contract sum of N2,824,816,285.53 wasproposed.

As such, the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning requested Council to approve the execution of the following two (2) prayers in respect of the revalidation and award of the project cited. i. Approve revalidation and award of the Contract for the construction of Dakata - Kwanar Inusawa Road at the sum of N2,824,816,285.53 within 100% completion of revised scope of works to Messrs. SKY Technical and Construction Co. Ltd. ii. Approve the payment of 30% of the reviewed Contract sum amounting to N847,444,885.66 (i.e. Net payment of N847,444,885.66 - N149,735,571.02) = N697,709,314.64.

Council considered the relevance of the project to the Community in the area and approved the execution of the forwarded two (2) prayers to enable the execution of the revalidated Contract on the construction/Dualization of Dakata - Kwanar Inusawa Road by Messrs. SKY Technical and Construction Co. Ltd. according to the presented specifications.

9. MINISTRY OF WORKS, HOUSING AND TRANSPORT Three (3) of the four (4) memoranda submitted for deliberation by Council from the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport were approved for execution as follows: a) Presentation of Update Report on the Execution of Erosion Control Project at Guushi Bridge along Karaye - Kwangawa Road:The Honorable Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport reminded Council, through the contents of this memorandum, of its approval granted for the award of Contract for the execution of Erosion Control at Guushi Bridge to Messrs. MDA Engineering Construction Nigeria Ltd. via Executive Council Extract Number SSCA/CA/EX/10/I/345 of 10th June, 2013.

The contents of this memorandum notified Council that before the contractor mobilized to site, the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport received a petition from another/different Contractor Messrs. Saami Nig. Ltd, through the Office of the Honorable Commissioner, Ministry of Environment, claiming to own the Contract as awarded earlier by the previous administration.

III Reacting to the situation a meeting was convened with the concerned Contractor who agreed to mobilize back to site and complete the remaining works in view of which the following two (2) prayers were forwarded to Council for consideration and approval: o Withdrawal/cancellation of the approval granted for the award of Contract for Erosion Control at Guushi Bridge along Karaye - Kwangawa Road to Messrs. MDA Engineering Construction Nig. Ltd. at the cost of N48,228,320.19 as contained in Council Extract referenced SSCA/CA/EX/10/I/345. o Revalidation of the initial Contract award to Messrs. Saami Nig. Ltd. and settlement of all outstanding valuation certificates to enable the Contractor complete all outstanding works in accordance with project's scope of works.

Council attentively acknowledged the presentation and granted approval for the execution of the two (2) prayers forwarded on the cited issue and directed that all payments should be made from the Ecological Funds. b) Request for Funds to Enable Payment for Diesel (AGO) and Lubricants Consumed by the Task Force Committee on Installation/Repairs/Reactivation of Street and Traffic Control Lights for the Month of September, 2013:Details on the cited request were presented to Council for consideration and granting approval for the release of the aggregate sum of N60,865,860.00 to the Task Force Committee on Installation/Repairs/Reactivation of Street and Traffic Control Lights to effect payment of Diesel and Lubricants consumed in the month of September, 2013.

Council noted, considered and approved the release of the requested sum of N60,865,860.00 to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport to enable the Task Force Committee on Installation/Repairs/Reactivation of Street and Traffic Control Lights to effect payment for Diesel and Lubricants consumed in the month of September, 2013. c) Presentation of Review of the Value of Some Sold GPs:The Honorable Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport concertedly notified Council, through the contents of this memorandum that, the Consultants assigned for the project of sale of GPs to Civil Servants resident in them, reported that twenty nine (29) of the GPs have been reappraised and realized to have been over valued due to the following: o Wrongful inclusion of common driveway land area in the valuation, o Wrongful inclusion of carve - out area as part of some of the GPs. o Erroneous inclusion of renovation cost in the valuation of some GPs that were hitherto in dilapidated state, Details on the twenty-nine (29) GPs under review were presented to Council for consideration along with their new/reviewed values. Council acknowledged the presentation.

10. MINISTRY OF FINANCE Presentation of Report on Multiple Taxation across the Federation at various Levels and its Effect on the Nigerian Economy:The Chairman Board of Internal Revenue notified Council of the following six (6) items on the cited issue. Viz: o That the National Economic Council (NEC) is currently handling harmonization of Taxes and Levies. o That NEC is streamlining Taxing activities across the levels of Government. o That NEC proposed amendment of Taxes and Levies (Approved list for collection) Act 21.

T2 LFN 2004. o That NEC has mandated the Inspector General of Police to ensure that no State or LGC mount Road Blocks on the highway for Tax purposes. o That Tax Authorities should enhance their abilities to enforce Tax Laws within their jurisdiction by creating and empowering Legal and Enforcement Units with powers to enforce Tax Laws within administrative structures. o That Ministerial Implementation Committee comprising the Honorable Minister of Finance, Representative from the Federal Ministry of Justice, National Planning Commission, Honorable Minister of Trade and Investment, Representative of the Inspector General of Police, Acting Chairman Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS), State's Honorable Commissioners of Finance, State's Chairmen Board of Internal Revenue (BIR), Secretary Joint Tax Board (JTB) and Chairmen Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) will continue deliberations and implementation of modalities from 12th - 15th November, 2013.

Invitation for representatives from Kano State was presented to Council for consideration.

Council acknowledged the presentation appreciatively.

11. MINISTRY OF INFORMATION, INTERNAL AFFAIRS, YOUTHS, SPORTS AND CULTURE Request for Funds to Enable Preparation and Participation of Kano State Contingent in the Maiden Edition of the National U - 17 Youth Game (5th - 15th December, 2013) in Abuja:The Honorable Commissioner for Information, Internal Affairs, Youths, Sports and Culture notified Council of receipt of an invitation letter from the National Sports Commission to Kano State Government to sponsor its contingent to participate in the Maiden Edition of the National U - 17 Youth Games scheduled to hold in December, 2013 in Abuja.

Details were presented to Council for consideration on the proposal from the Ministry of Information, Internal Affairs, Youth, Sports and Culture for the State to sponsor 210 contingent to compete in eleven (11) Games at the aggregate sum of N25,045,000.00, which was requested for release by Council.

The request was considered to be in agreement with the Sports policy of the administration as Council approved the release of the trimmed down sum of N16,000,000.00 to the Kano State Sports Council to enable the participation of 210 contingent from Kano State to participate in eleven (11) Games at the Maiden U - 17 Games (December, 2013) in Abuja.

UPDATE ON ACTIVITIES OF THE 122ND EXCO SITTING 1. FORMAL COMMISSIONING CEREMONY OF THE NEWLY CONSTRUCTED HOSTEL AT THE SCHOOL OF BASIC AND REMEDIAL STUDIES, FUNTUA Council delightfully acknowledged the successful formal commissioning ceremony of the newly constructed Hostel at School of Basic and Remedial Studies (SBRS), Funtua by the State Government held on 31stOctober, 2013, which will ease accommodation problem being faced by the Students. Council urged the students to utilize the facility and wishes the School authority success.

2. FORMAL COMMISSIONING OF TWO(2) SETS OF HAND BAGGAGE SCANNERS AT MALAM AMINU KANO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (MAKIA) Council appreciatively acknowledged the successful commissioning of two (2) Sets of Hand Baggage Scanners at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA). The two Scanners cost the Kano State Government over N43million. The scanners are meant to assist security operatives at the Airport in the checking of illegal arms and ammunitions.

3. RUMFOBA OFFICIAL VISIT TO GOVERNOR ENGR. RABI'U MUSA KWANKWASO, FNSE Council acknowledged the visit by the officials of Rumfa College Old Boys Association (RUMFOBA) commending the Governor for his giant stride towards educational development within and outside the State. Similarly, Council called upon other Old Boys Associations in the State to continue supporting their Alma - Mata (Old Schools).

4. PRESENTATION OF AWARDS Council witnessed presentation of Awards to GovernorEngr. Rabi'uMusaKwankwaso, FNSE as follows: i. A Special Award to Governor Engr. Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE for his Statesmanship and wisdom in Governance by the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria; ii. A Special letter of Award for Appreciation to Governor Engr. Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso, FNSE by the 100 students newly admitted into Bells University Otta, Ogun State sponsored by the Kano State Government.

Signed: Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Information, Internal Affairs, Youth, Sports andCulture

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...From Darkness to Light!

PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC MOVEMENT National Headquarters: 72, Mississippi Street, Maitama, Abuja, FCT. Tel: 08082678233 Email: pdmnigeria@gmail.com Twitter: @PDM_ng

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT It has been brought to our notice by concerned members that a group of people have called a meeting in Abuja on November 13th, 2013 in the name of Peoples Democratic Movement, PDM. The meeting in question is unknown to us. The people calling the meeting are using our name illegally. PDM is a political party registered under the law.

We do not call meetings by subterfuge.

We, therefore, call on our members to beware and not be deceived into attending any meeting in the name of PDM which is unauthorised. We are, by this notice, also calling on security and law enforcement agencies to do their job and ensure that illegal and unauthorised gatherings in the name of PDM are not allowed.

Signed: DR. OLUWOLE AKINWUMI National Secretary

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