The Nation November 24, 2011

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•I’m mentally okay, says PDP candidate Wada •Why election can’t be stopped, by INEC •AND •Students, royal fathers back Audu MORE

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It is part of President Jonathan’s determination to revitalise the fight against corruption. President Jonathan may ... announce further reforms and will be looking at other key areas to give more vigorous emphasis to the transformation agenda – Abati Mrs Waziri is believed to be the source of some ‘sensitive’ information, which is seen in official circles to be ‘unfavourable’ to some highly placed government officials – Source

T •WHA WHAT

NEXT? Mrs Waziri

•PAGE 5

PHOTO: NAN

Jonathan sacks Waziri after night Villa meeting

SEE ALSO PAGES 2-4

How she got news of removal Lamorde is acting chairman

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NKNOWN to many, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) chairperson Mrs Farida Waziri’s fate was sealed at a night meeting at the Presidential Villa on Tuesday.

Mrs Waziri was yesterday removed from office by

From Yusuf Alli and Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

President Goodluck Jonathan, who replaced the retired Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) with Ibrahim Lamorde, the Director of Operations of the antigraft agency.

At the meeting were the President and “at least one

President plans to spend N98b more

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HIRTY-EIGHT days to the end of the fiscal year, President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday requested the Senate to approve N98 billion virement for ministries and agencies.

Though majority of Senators agreed that the request be referred to the Senate Committee on Appropriation for consideration, some kicked against.

The request was turned down by the House of Rep-

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor

resentatives, which questioned why N33 billion is voted for the Niger Delta Ministry.

The request, presented by Senate Leader Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, noted that Section 3 of the 2011 Appropriation Act provides that in the event that the implementation of any of the projects intended to be undertaken un-

minister, a woman”, according to sources who pleaded not to be named because of what they described as the “sensitivity of the matter”.

Mrs Waziri, said a source, is believed to be the source of some “sensitive” information, which is seen in official circles to be “unfavourable” to some highly placed government officials.

“It was immediately concluded that Mrs Waziri had to go as she was believed to be the only likely source of the information,” the source said.

There was no official confirmation of the meeting last night.

Mrs Waziri’s removal was announced suddenly in the morning while the President

was airborne – on his way to France. She was not informed.

The situation at the headquarters of the anti-graft commission was gloomy yesterday. Members of the staff were sober, shocked by the announcement.

The three-paragraph statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media

and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, which announced Mrs Waziri’s removal reads: “President Goodluck Jonathan has approved the appointment of Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde as the Acting Chairman/Chief Executive of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Continued on page 4

•President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife Patience being received by (from left) Mrs. Sonye Allanah, Deputy General Manager, Total Exploration and Production Nig. Ltd., Mr. Guy Maurice, Managing Director, Total Upstream Companies in Nigeria and Mr. Jaques de Gottes, President, African Total, during the President’s arrival in Paris ... yesterday.

Behind the First Lady is the Nigerian Ambassador in France, Amb. Gordon Bristol.

PHOTO: STATE HOUSE

Continued on page 4

•INSIDE: LAGOS STATE UNIVERSITY PROVISIONAL ADMISSION LIST

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2011

2

NEWS FARIDA WAZIRI’S REMOVAL

Waziri’s 41 months of triumphs and travails

•Akala

Mrs Farida Waziri unexpectedly lost her job as the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) . Managing Editor, Northern Operation, YUSUF ALLI, chronicles the triumphs and travails of a woman known as the “Lioness.”

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BLIVIOUS of her removal as theChairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mrs. Farida Waziri was locked in an appraisal session with her team early yesterday on how to fast-track high-profile cases. Her phones beeped endlessly but she was neckdeep in the meeting to pick her calls.

But when a call came from one of her key aides in transit to Makurdi, her heart skipped and she managed to pick the call to find out if all was well. The aide said something was amiss and she should try to find out if it was true that she had been sacked. When Mrs. Waziri put a call to another aide, who had been calling her persistently, she confirmed the worst.

A reliable source said: “She was in the middle of a crucial meeting when she got the news of her sack.

They did not even have the courtesy to confide in her and thank for her services to this country.”

Barely three days to her removal, Waziri had savoured a session with President Goodluck Jonathan at the All Nigeria Judges Conference at the National Judicial Institute (NJI) in Abuja without an inkling of what was lurking for her.

Yet the President bared the fangs in a manner replica of the military era. A three-paragraph statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, asked Mrs. Waziri to vacate office “with immediate effect.” The statement said: “President Goodluck Jonathan has approved the appointment of Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde as the Acting Chairman/Chief Executive of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. “The appointment takes immediate effect, and effectively relieves Mrs. Farida Waziri of her position as EFCC Chairman.”

The signals in the last one and a half years have kept Mrs. Waziri on her toes but she lost the plum job when she thought she had survived the worst. The sudden overhaul of the EFCC’s Operations Department on December 10, 2010 based on orders from above and the redeployment of some investigative police officers (like Umar Sanda, Babakura Mohammed and Abdukadir Jimoh) marked the beginning of the plot to unseat Mrs. Waziri. Subsequent issues bordered on pressure from some bigwigs and political heavyweights for her sack; and a gazette which imposed conditions on how EFCC should operate, including obtaining the fiat of the Attorney-General of the Federation before prosecuting a case and making all materials relating to any matter available to the AGF before prosecution.

But the climax was the ‘curious’ offer of an ambassadorial job to Mrs. Waziri in the last two weeks.

It was gathered that a senior member of the Federal Executive Council had intimated Mrs. Waziri of a vacancy for an ambassadorial posting and the readiness of the government to give her the offer.

Another source said: “The outgoing EFCC chairman, whose tenure would end in June 2012, was at a loss at the strange offer and could not make any sense out of it since her first term in office was yet to expire.

Her famous quote

‘

I am not scared. When I took up this job, I knew the risks involved; that is why I am not scared. I am not scared at all. God gives position, God takes position just as God gives and takes life. I also keep God-fearing officers. So, instead, we are more determined to tackle these people.

’

“She did not make any commitment on the offer even when the Senior Minister was pressurising her to take a swift decision before the offer lapses.”

The damning verdict of the US Secretary of State, Mrs. Hillary Clinton, when she visited Nigeria in 2009 has been haunting the tenure of Mrs. Waziri in EFCC. Taking advantage of the ambience of the immaculate Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Clinton said the EFCC had fallen off its track. She said: “We want to see the reinstatement of a vigorous corruption commission. The EFCC, which was doing well, has kind of fallen off in the last one year. We will like to see it come back to business to be able to partner with us.”

Although Clinton dropped the bombshell at a Town Hall meeting with civil society groups, it was apparent that she chose the opportunity of a farewell interaction to make the US position on anti-graft war in Nigeria known.

Clinton’s assessment did not only jolt the EFCC, it also caused disquiet in the Presidency because the score sheet also rubbed-off on the achievements of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua. The EFCC did not also spare Mrs. Clinton in its reaction when it described her rating as “unfortunate and a misinformed opinion”. he EFCC said: “While no one can disprove the fact that Ni geria has a problem of corruption like other nations, it is really unfortunate for anyone to put the blame on the EFCC or impute that the Commission has not been doing anything.”

Investigation revealed that the US made changes in EFCC as preconditions for backing the emergence of Jonathan on the scene as acting and substantive President. ” Before then, there had been allegations and counter-allegations between the judiciary and the EFCC over slow trial of suspects arraigned for corruption-related offences, especially Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs). Mrs. Waziri had during a recent audience with the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court; Justice Ibrahim Auta begged the judiciary to hasten the trial of high-profile suspects. She said: “Without the support of the judiciary, all our efforts in EFCC will amount to nothing because crime fighting and sentencing go pari-passu.

“Today, the EFCC has over 65 high-profile cases pending in courts. Some of them were filed by my predecessor over four years ago. They have not gone beyond the plea stage. Majority of them which I filed within the last three

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years are suffering the same fate due to all manner of applications filed by the defence just for the purpose of stalling trial.

“This trend if not quickly checked may lead to loss of public confidence in law enforcement and administration of justice in the country.”

But Auta said she cannot blame the judiciary. He said: “Our problem is that the judges work according to the law. There are a lot of things that cannot be done. You cannot stop interlocutory injunctions unless we amend the constitution. Any motion, no matter how ridiculous must be heard. Our hands are tied by the laws.

“The EFCC may raise this matter for constitution amendment. The final court for interlocutory injunctions should be the Court of Appeal, not at the Supreme Court. What most defence counsel do is to take advantage of the system to pursue interlocutory appeals and preliminary objections to the Supreme Court before returning to the substantive matter at the High Court.”

Auta advised the EFCC to assist the court by stopping amending charges midway into the trial of corruption cases.

The Human Rights Watch in its annual report however said: “The courts can also be an obstacle to accountability. Most of the EFCC’s cases against nationally prominent political figures have been stalled in the courts for years without the trials even commencing. Nigeria’s weak and overburdened judiciary offers seemingly endless opportunities for skilled defence lawyers to secure interminable and sometimes frivolous delays.”

Mrs. Waziri also had problems with the AGF over fiat Although both Mrs. Waziri and the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation, Mr. Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN) have resolved their differences, the dirty nature of their disagreement affected the perception of Nigerians and the international community to the nation’s anti-graft war.

And it seems Waziri is paying the rare price for the face-off.

In line with his constitutional powers, AGF has been demanding brief on cases from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission. He does this to exercise his powers under Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution.

But the exercise of these constitutional powers created a wedge between the outgoing EFCC chairman and the AGF such that it was a matter of time for the President to be an umpire and render a verdict.

•Waziri

•Clinton

•Yar’Adua

The story in numbers

5,000 The estimated no of fraudulent e-mails shut down

1,500

70

The estimated number of cases in court

The no of high profile cases being prosecuted

By Jonathan’s decision, Mrs. Waziri lost out in the muscle flexing. The verdict was, however, belated because the two warring lords have become very close of late. After a midnight reconciliation on July 29, the two leaders spoke with our correspondent. Adoke said: “I have nothing against Mrs. Waziri; I remain committed to anti-corruption crusade of this administration.” n her part, Mrs. Waziri said: “We have reconciled, I have no issue with my brother AGF again. I told him that I was never the sponsor of those critique or mudslinging in the press about him.”

There were also pressure from the political class. The former EFCC chairman had hardly mounted the saddle when the late President Umaru Yar’Adua started receiving pressure to remove her. And since President Jonathan came on board, many spurious petitions had been written against her bordering on al-

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leged owning of houses abroad, operation of foreign accounts, being close to some politicians; being a famous jeweler and others. Some politicians also accused her of being inaccessible. Another source added: “For instance, the day Chief Bode George was to be arrested in Abuja, she was incommunicado such that no one could prevent the operation. That scenario pained some influential politicians who have vowed not to forgive her.

“The manner in which Chief Kenny Martins was arrested and the case disposed off was said to have angered some powers that be.

“The threats of sack have been on and off in the last two years. If she is not a strong woman, she would not have survived up till this moment.”

The ongoing trial of the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Dimeji Bankole and his deputy, Alhaji Bayero Nafada, has also brought pressures her way.

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2011

3

NEWS FARIDA WAZIRI’S REMOVAL

Her footprints, her legacy

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•Bankole

•George

•Nafada

•Akala

•Daniel

Lamorde: new kid on the block

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ua

10 The number of high profile cases inherited in 2008

HE acting EFCC chairman is Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde, who was the pioneer Director of Operations of the commission. He served as the acting Chairman of the anti-graft agency when Mallam Nuhu Ribadu (ex-EFCC chairman) went on a compulsory course at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies. The course led to the exit of Ribadu from the commission.

A tough and meticulous investigator, Lamorde was the brain box of the achievements of Ribadu in office. According to a source, “Lamorde is an incorruptible public officer as he resisted bribes from many ex-governors and high-profile suspects arrested during Ribadu era.”

Shortly after the exit of Ribadu, he was posted out of the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters to Ningi in Bauchi State in what a source described as a “punitive exercise” but he bore it with equanimity.

His resilience accounted for his redeployment to the EFCC by the presidency in December 2010.

•Lamorde

Her brush with Bankole, ex-governors

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HE sacked Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC chairman, Mrs. Farida Waziri, faced hard times over the ongoing trial of the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Dimeji Bankole and his deputy, Alhaji Bayero Nafada.

Mrs. Waziri disagreed with a principal officer of the National Assembly on the release of some witnesses who are key administrative staff of the Assembly. The witnesses are the Clerk to the National Assembly, Alhaji Abubakar Salisu Maikasuwa; the Clerk to the House of Representatives counterpart, Mr Mohammed Ataba SaniOmolori; the Director of Finance, National Assembly, Di-

rector of Finance of the National Assembly Bukoye Lasisi, and two bank managers from UBA and First Bank.

A top source, who spoke in confidence, said: “A principal officer of the National Assembly is opposed to the release of these officers who had made useful statements to the EFCC because it will open the Pandora box.

“But the EFCC through its counsel, Festus Keyamo went ahead to obtain summons on Tuesday to compel these officers to appear before Justice Suleiman Belgore. Before they could appear, Mrs. Waziri had been sacked.”

It was gathered that the attention of the presidency was drawn to the fact that the reve-

lations the witnesses may give the court might affect the Executive and the Legislature’s relationship.

She also faced the allegation that she mostly prosecuted PDP former governors and ministers. A source said: “Some PDP stalwarts have done analysis of the Politically Exposed Persons prosecuted so far and they have been alleging that Mrs. Waziri does not want to touch those in the opposition.”

The recent trial of some exgovernors in the Southwest created much upset within the ruling party as some chieftains of the PDP allegedly accused Mrs. Waziri of aiding the opposition to foreclose the fortunes of the party in the zone.

IGHT from her first day in office, Mrs. Waziri knew she had to swim against the tide given the controversial manner in which her predecessor, indefatigable Mallam Nuhu Ribadu was eased out of office. In spite of the removal of the EFCC chairman, her tormenting tenure recorded some outstanding achievements which cannot be wished away. Irrespective of criticisms that Mrs. Waziri is a lame duck, she has scored many FIRSTS within three years. According to a document obtained by our correspondent a few highlights of her achievements are as follows: •Secured over 400 convictions in the past three years. These represent about two-third of all convictions secured since the establishment of the Commission in 2003.

•Inherited about 10 high profile cases from her predecessor in 2008 but she has taken over 65 of such high profile cases to courts, with another 1,500 other cases pending in courts. Some of the several fresh high profile cases which include cases of former Governors, Ministers, bank chief executives, heads of parastatals and agencies. Some of these high profile cases include those of Michael Botmang, Boni Haruna, Rasheed Ladoja, Bode George, Femi Fani-Kayode, Babalola Borisade, Hassan Lawal, Cecilia Ibru, Erastus Akingbola, Sebastian Adigwe, Francis Atuche, Dimeji Bankole, Nasir El-Rufai, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala; Gbenga Daniel; Danjuma Goje; and Aliyu Akwe Doma.

•Made recoveries of over $9 billion USD in the last three years.

•Developed and deployed EagleClaw software that is changing the face of fighting cyber crime and 419 in Nigeria. Project EagleClaw is software that sniffs out all fraudulent e-mails and monitors them with the option of shutting down such mails. This means that all 419 e-mails emanating from Nigeria will either be monitored or be shut down. Over 5,000 fraudulent email addresses have so far been shut down and over 80 suspects already facing trial.

•Set up a Transactions Clearing Platform (TCP) which is help desk for foreign investors. This has saved thousands of prospective victims from the U.S and other parts of the world from falling victims.

•Initiated a special training for officers of the Commission and commenced Project Eagle-Eye which leads to tax investigations (amongst other issues) with a target of recoveries of N120 billion for the Federal Government of Nigeria annually.

•Instituted an aggressive programme of sensitisation of the public and whistle blowing to ensure their buy-in into the Anti-Corruption Revolution Campaign,

(ANCOR).

•Championed the enactment of a non-conviction based assets forfeiture legislation to compliment the present conviction-based regime. The Bill is in the National Assembly for passage into law.

This is in addition to championing the amendment of the Money Laundering Act which has been achieved.

•Initiated, with the Federal Ministry of Education, the process for the introduction of anticorruption curriculum at all levels of education in Nigeria.

•Floated and got Federal Executive Council’s approval for insurance scheme for staff and assets of the Commission with effect from February 2010.

•Completed a salary survey and made recommendation for a new pay structure for staff which has taken effect and aimed at insulating staff from external pressures and temptations.

•Initiated and commenced work on the permanent office complex of the EFCC sitting on 5.5 hectares of land along Airport road, Abuja. Vice-President Namadi Sambo did the ground-laying ceremony of the complex recently and work is on-going on the office complex.

•Repositioned the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit to make it more proactive and responsive to strategic intelligence.

•Deployed the GoAML and GoCase softwares that were stagnated. This has thrown up a lot of high profile cases.

•Briefed PriceWaterHouseCoopers to do diagnostic review of the EFCC and recommend administrative structures that will guarantee a career path for officers and motivate them to ensure the realisation of EFCC’s mandate.

•Set up the Monitoring and Intelligence Units. These units have ensured pro-active gathering of information to facilitate investigations even in the absence of petitions.

•Renegotiated the expired MoU with Microsoft to cover a wider spectrum of issues. The new MoU has since been signed.

•Leveraged on the fresh MoU and brought together a coalition of parties involving Microsoft, the African Development Bank, Western Union, Yahoo! Google, CocaCola, etc to support the fight against Internet Fraud. The first West African Summit hosted by the Commission and funded by this Coalition was held in 2010.

•EFCC’s Training and Research Institute, TRI, has been tremendously transformed in terms of infrastructural development and curricular expansions in the last three years. The transformation of the TRI has made it the hub of FBI organised trainings for Nigerian law enforcement agencies.

FOR THE RECORDS

‘

THE records speak volumes as well. I moved the records of high profile cases from about 10 inherited from my predecessor in 2008 to about 70 today. We recorded the first high profile conviction to be determined through the normal court trial and upheld by the appeal court. I can go on and on, so no amount of mischief can change the records.”

Fighting corruption is like holding a tiger by the tail. We know it is a dangerous thing to do, but someone has to do it in the interest of our nation and I find myself discharging that responsibility at this critical moment of our nationhood.”

Don’t forget we are investigating some ex-governors now and if you study the pattern of attacks on the Commission and me, such usually gain prominence anytime we have high profile persons we are closing in on”.

I am not deterred because I have made history as a woman not just with my records of achievements in EFCC but equally as the first woman to head the Special Fraud Unit of the Police where I recorded the first conviction in the case of Advance Fee Fraud in Nigeria a. k. a 419 and subsequently 11 convictions within two years on that seat.

‘ ‘ ‘

’

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THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2011

NEWS SSS boss at National Assembly

Jonathan to spend N98b Continued from page 1

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor

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HE Director General, State Security Service (SSS) Mr. Ita Epkeyong was sighted at the National Assembly complex yesterday.

He was seen being driven out of the Senate Wing of the National Assembly by a Senator from the north around 4 pm in a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV).

Ekpeyong’s mission at the National Assembly was not immediately known.

A source told our correspondent that the visit of the SSS DG may not be unconnected with the arraignment of Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume for allegedly sponsoring the Boko Haram sect.

He said further consultations should not be ruled out since “security agencies may require the input of the National Assembly leadership for the security of the National Assembly complex”.

Another source said SSS DG might have visited the National Assembly to brief its leadership on the ongoing investigation of Senator Ndume.

“Expect more such visits,” he said.

Ndume, who represents Borno South in the Senate, was arrested on Monday by SSS operatives after being named as one of the sponsors of Boko Haram, the Islamic sect that is behind the spate of bombings in the North and Abuja by a selfconfessed spokesman of the sect, Ali Sauda Umar Konduga, also known as Usman al Zawahiri. He was arraigned on Tuesday.

•President Blaise Campaore of Burkina Faso and Chairman Heirs Holdings, Mr. Tony Elumelu during a recent meeting at the Presidential Palace in Ouagadougu, Burkina Faso

der the Act cannot be implemented without virement, such virement may only be effected prior to approval of the National Assembly.

Before the request was referred to the Appropriation Committee, Senate President David Mark agreed with Senator Ahmed Lawan that it would be wrong to vire money meant for a ministry to contingency.

He mandated the Appropriation Committee to do a thorough scrutiny of the request, especially why it is necessary.

He wondered whether the money would be spent after virement, saying “as of today, the life span of the 2011 budget ends on 31 December, 2011”.

The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) is to get N997,774,133 in the proposed virement.

Police Formations and Command N11,507,716,042.

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Agricultural Research and Management Institute (ARMTI), National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, National Root Crop Research

Institute, Umudike and 10 others (N2,371,507,788).

Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Offences Commission (ICPC) N288,281,899.

Ministry of Defence (N450,000,000), Defence Headquarters (N495,000,000), Nigeria Army (N508,516,394), Nigeria Navy (N7,768,824,003), Nigeria Air Force (N609,097,651), Nigeria Defence College (N1,226, 656,260); and Defence Missions (N3,787,736,381).

Federal Ministry of Education (N497,356,902), National Library (N256,439,661) and Mass Literacy Council (N94,560,792). Eight others have N9,138,204,24.

Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including embassies (N2,065,015,563).

Federal Ministry of Health and its subsidiaries (N483,790,097).

Export Processing, Federal Ministry of Science and Technology and its parastatals and the Niger Delta Ministry are other ministries and agencies accommodated in the virement request.

The President requested for N33 billion for the Niger Delta Ministry.

Politicians, lawyers, civil society react to Waziri’s removal

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PINIONS were divided yesterday on the removal of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) chair Mrs Farida Waziri.

To some, it was a sound decision. Others dismissed it as a deadly blow to the antigraft battle.

Rights activist Mr Bamidele

From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

Aturu removed told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that Waziri’s removal was a very good development for the EFCC. “We had called for her removal in the past. It is true we want to see the development of the EFCC as an institution,

but we need people who are interested in waging war vigorously against corruption.

“The Presidency must not look for a replacement that would be interested in occupying the position for the sake of it,but a credible official that would be committed to the tenets establishing the EFCC,’’ he said.

Aturu also said there is need for the National Assembly to amend the constitution to enable people from outside the police head the commission.

The Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders (CACOL) said it received the news of removal of Mrs Waziri with “disbelief”.

In a statement by its Executive Chair Debo Adeniran, it

said this is because we thought the Federal Government would have learnt some lessons with the public odium it plunged itself when former Chairman of the Commission Mallam Nuhu Ribadu was removed in similar circumstances four years ago.

Continued on page 58

Why EFCC chairman was removed, by Presidency, others

H

OURS after her removal, the reason(s) for former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman Mrs Farida Waziri’s fate remained hazy yesterday.

Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati said last night that her removal “is part of President Jonathan’s determination to revitalise the fight against corruption”.

Abati added: “President Jonathan may in due course announce further reforms and will be looking at other key areas to give more vigorous emphasis to the administration’s transformation agenda,” Abati said.

Government sources said the EFCC has suffered a reputation damage on account of Mrs Waziri’s headship of the agency.

The perception problem reportedly sparked doubts about the character and capacity of the agency’s leadership.

Mrs Waziri’s alleged poor handling of the Ibori case and the failure of the EFCC to challenge Ibori’s acquittal by the High Court in Asaba are also among the reasons for her removal. But a source dismissed this as “false” because, according to him, the Ibori matter is at the Court of Appeal where it is being challenged.

Mrs Waziri’s relationship with a certain Victor Uwajeh, according to sources, cast her in not good light in the eyes of government. She report-

Jonathan sacks Waziri after night meeting at Villa Continued from page 1

EFCC. “The appointment takes immediate effect, and effectively relieves Mrs. Farida Waziri of her position as EFCC Chairman. Mrs. Waziri was appointed EFCC Chairman by the Late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua on May 18, 2008 and confirmed by the Senate on May 27, 2008.

“Mr. Lamorde, an officer of the Nigeria Police, was, until this appointment, the Director of Operations.

He was also acting chairman of the EFCC before Mrs. Waziri assumed duty at the Commission.”

Although the statement was silent on From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation, Abuja

edly denied knowing Uwajeh, until the man produced pictures showing her with Mrs Waziri at a party.

Hillary Clinton’s assessment of the EFCC under Waziri also played a role.

The London Metropolitan Police cut ties with the EFCC over the Ibori case while other partners, like the UK Serious Fraud Office, also gave the agency a wide berth, according to the sources, who added that the loss of credibility was responsible for the doubts that trailed the recent arraignment of some PDP governors.

But another source dismissed these reasons as “lies”. He said the EFCC played a key role in bringing Ibori to Britain, providing key information in the case against the former governors.

Prior to her sack, a cabinet

why Waziri was removed, the President’s action is in exercise of his powers in Section 3 of the EFCC Act, which states: “The Chairman and members of the commission other than ex-officio members shall hold office for a period of four years and may be reappointed for a further term of four years and no more.

“A member of the Commission may at any time be removed by the President for inability to discharge the functions of his office (whether arising from infirmity of mind or body or any other cause) or for misconduct or if the President is satisfied that it is not in the interest of the Commission or the interest of the public that the mem-

member was said to have made an ambassadorial offer to Mrs Waziri as a “soft-landing” option.

As at 6pm last night, Mrs Waziri was yet to receive her sack letter even when she was expected to vacate the office with immediate effect.

A source said: “No one has told her officially that she has been removed, she only heard through a third party and on television.

“It could also not be ascertained if the statement by the presidential spokesman will suffice as her sack letter because she was appointed through an official letter.”

Asked how Mrs Waziri received the news of her sack, the source said: “She was in the middle of a crucial meeting when she got the news.

They did not even have the courtesy to confide in her and thank her for services to this country.

ber should continue in office.”

A source said yesterday: “The EFCC chairman is expected to complete her tenure in June 2012.

“No one can say what informed her removal but she has definitely stepped on toes with the trial of some former governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“Some members of the ruling party have not been happy with her. But she discharged her duties creditably.”

Another source said: “I think the United States has not been comfortable with her pace. When President Jonathan came on board as acting President, the US Government sought a drastic change in EFCC.”

“Her phones were ringing endlessly but she was engrossed with the meeting, until she managed to pick a call from one of her key aides, who was in transit to Makurdi. The aide broke the news.”

Mrs Waziri is due to be conferred with an honourary degree at the Benue State University on Saturday.

Pressure from some bigwigs and influential politicians is believed to have led to her ouster.

A source said: “The threats of sack have been on in the last two years. If she is not a strong woman, she would not have survived up till this moment. It is just a miracle that she lasted this long in office.

“Some PDP stalwarts have done an analysis of the Politically Exposed Persons prosecuted so far and they have been alleging that Mrs.

Waziri does not want to touch those in the opposition.

“They alleged that Mrs. Waziri is pursuing some agenda against the ruling party. They accused her of being soft towards those in opposition.

“The recent trial of some exgovernors in the Southwest created upset within the ruling party as some chieftains of the PDP allegedly accused Mrs. Waziri of aiding the opposition to foreclose the fortunes of the party in the zone.

Responding to a question, the source said some bigwigs accused her of being incommunicado.

The source added: “For instance, the day Chief Bode George was to be arrested in Abuja, she was incommunicado, such that no one could prevent the operation. That scenario pained some influential politicians who have vowed not to forgive her.

“The manner in which Chief Kenny Martins was arrested and the case disposed of was said to have angered some powers that be.

A source said: “Those complaining of one-sided trials have forgotten that the EFCC consults with the Presidency extensively for approval before moving against any high-profile suspect.

“Also, the PDP has produced more governors and ministers than any party. So, the ratio of trial cannot be even.”

It was gathered however that the government indirectly passed a message to Waziri through a Minister about two weeks ago with the offer of a posting as an Ambassador.

But, according to sources, Mrs. Waziri was “not forthcoming” as she could not understand why the offer was necessary when her term ought to expire next June.

One of the sources said: “The outgoing EFCC chairman, whose tenure would end in June 2012, was at a loss at the strange offer and could not make any sense out of it.

“She did not make any commitment on the offer even when the Minister was pressurising her to take a swift decision.

“I think she did her normal checks and there was no sign of any threat to her job. She also believes that the President has not put her into confidence on the likelihood of any change.

Her removal today has now shown that the cabinet member was talking in parable.”

ADVERT HOTLINES: 01-280668, 08070591302, 08052592524 NEWSROOM: LAGOS – 01-8962807, ABUJA – 07028105302 COMPLAINTS: 01-8930678

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2011

5

NEWS KOGI 2011

Why election can’t be stopped, by INEC

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ITH a few days to the governorship election in Kogi State, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday said adequate security and logistics have been put in place to ensure a smooth polls.

Speaking with The Nation yesterday, INEC’s Director of Public Affairs Mr. Emmanuel Umenger said the weaknesses discovered during the April elections have been taken care of.

He said calls that next Saturday’s election be suspended cannot be heeded since a date has already been fixed.

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

The INEC director explained that in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act, a court injunction at this time cannot stop the election.

He said: “We have trained all the workers in readiness for the election. We are going to flag off publicity by Saturday. In fact, we are ready for the election. Actually, we did a post-election assessment on the April polls and identified some areas of strength and weaknesses.

“And we have now strengthened and taken care of the weaknesses to be able to have an outing that

will be better than what we had in April. We have strengthened our logistics in such a way that we would not have hitches with the polls.

“We have sharpened the skills of our workers towards a successful conduct of the election. So, there is not going to be any problem at all,” he added On calls by some aspirants that INEC should stop the election, Umenger said: “INEC does not organise intra-party elections. Conduct of party primaries is the sole responsibility of political parties.

I am not aware that there is a law suit to stop the Kogi election. I

have been away from Abuja and as I am talking to you, I am on my way to Abuja.”

“But if you look at the Electoral Act, there is a particular section that says that once a date for an election has been fixed, nobody can stop it. So we are working with what the law says.,” he said.

Speaking on the security measures, he said: “There is a committee on security comprising the SSS, Police, Army and Civil defence.

We have mapped out strategy to ensure that all electoral materials and polling booths are fully secured.”

Wada: I have no mental disorder

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HE governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi State, Captain Idris Wada, has defended his mental stability.

A chieftain of the PDP, Mr. Emmanuel Abalaka, told a Federal High Court that Wada has a record of mental disorder at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.

Captain Wada, who was shocked by the allegation, told The Nation that he could not comment on the allegation because it was made before the court.

While stressing that it is only the court and the accuser that can prove the allegation, Wada said: “But all

From Mohammed Bashir, Lokoja

I know is that I am hale and hearty.

I believe in politics, anything happens.’’

Wada said as a pilot, he flew planes for 35 years and never crashed.

“Ordinarily, if a driver is found with a smell of alcohol coming out of his mouth, that driver won’t be allowed to drive, let alone a pilot.

You must be 100 per cent healthy before you can be allowed close to a plane as a pilot.

“I have always had a clean bill of health before embarking on any trip, like piloting the plane,” he

added.

The PDP candidate said his lawyer is standing for him in court.

“Let the truth prevail”, he said.

Wada has promised to make agriculture and tourism his top programmes, if elected governor.

He spoke yesterday during his party campaign rally at Ogori/ Magongo and Ajaokuta local government areas.

The PDP candidate said through agriculture, jobs would be created for the youths.

Wada urged the electorate to vote for PDP next Saturday, if the state wants to achieve greatness.

•Wada

We need fresh blood, says Kutepa From Joseph Jibueze, Lokoja

A

FORMER governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Abdulrazaq Isa Kutepa, has urged the electorate to vote the party’s candidate, Captain Idris Wada and his running mate Yomi Awoniyi, because they are “fresh hands” who can make a difference.

He said though he lost the primaries to Awoniyi, he refused to move to another party because of his implicit trust that the PDP would bring development to the state.

According to him, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) candidate Abubakar Audu has been there before, so people with fresh ideas should be a given a chance.

Speaking in Lokoja, he said voters should not be fooled by ACN’s power shift promise.

Kutepa said: “I’m for the people of Kogi State – Audu is not an option. Audu is not an option, because he has gone through this path before and we know what he is capable of doing. His case, quite frankly in my opinion, is even worse than what the people are going through now.

“I’m very convinced that the two people we are going to have as governor and deputy are people that are truly committed to the transformation of Kogi State – they are truly committed to moving Kogi State away from where it is now to a brighter future for all us.

“Audu is not going to be any different. He has done it before, we know what he is capable of doing, but now we have people who are fresh and have clear private sector backgrounds, who have public sector exposures as well and they should be given a unique opportunity to make history for themselves.”

Students back Audu From Joseph Jibueze, Lokoja

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•Women singing in support of Audu at Okene during the campaign... yesterday

More royal support for ACN candidate in Okene

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HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) governorship candidate in Kogi State, Prince Abubakar Audu, received more support from traditional rulers as his campaign train stormed Okene yesterday.

The Ohi of Adavi, Dr Bello Ibrahim, and the Obobayi of Ihima, Chief Isiaka Okaraga, assured Audu of the support of their people.

Ibrahim surprised many when he rose from his seat to address the the ACN candidate.

He said he did so because he was addressing a would-be governor.

“I am standing for you because of the position you have held and the office you are going to hold,” he said.

Audu met a huge crowd comprising youths, men and women at

From Joseph Jibueze, Lokoja

Adavi in Adavi Local Government Area.

Many walked for miles to escort him to the campaign ground. Others rode on motorcycles, bearing brooms, posters and party flags.

The campaign train met a larger gathering of party faithful at Ihima in Okehi Local Government Area.

In Adavi, hundreds of women, clutching brooms, ACN’s party symbol, sang excitedly.

They sang intermitent local victory songs accompanied by drums and gongs as the party leaders took turns to speak.

Audu said they should vote for him and wait to defend their votes by remaining vigilant until results are collated and announced.

He promised to stop poverty,

which he said was caused by the inept nine-year Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rule.

“Our state is now the worst in Nigeria because of bad leadership from the Poverty Distribution Party and we must put a stop to it,” Audu said.

He vowed to create jobs, empower market women through loans, equip dilapidated hospitals, reinstate sacked workers and end poverty.

“If you want prosperity, you must come out that day and vote.

We’ll ensure one man one vote.

“About 13,000 civil servants retrenched between 2004 and this year will be reabsorbed and their arrears paid.

“Their promotion will be updated. Traditional institutions will be strengthened,” he said.

State ACN Chairman Alhaji Haddi Ametuo urged party executives and members to embark on a house-to-house campaign for Audu.

He said the minimum wage would be paid in Kogi as in other ACN-controlled states. ‘’But first, they would need to mobilise people to vote ACN and its candidate.’’

Addressing Audu, Ibrahim said: “You’re a tested and trusted man. I wish you the best of the best in your outing.

“Address issues and do not engage in character assassination. I acknowledge your worth and positive contribution towards the development of the state.

“I know you will do more if given the mandate. I give you my support. Election is about numbers.”

TUDENTS of tertiary institutions under the aegis of the National Association of Kogi State Students (NAKOSS) have backed the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) governorship candidate, Prince Abubakar Audu, for the December 3 election.

They said they were supporting the progressive party because they want a secure future, which they believe only the ACN can provide.

Leaders of the association – Korede Omolayo, Adetayo Duke, Bolarinwa Papa- who addressed a news conference in Lokoja, with over 200 students present, said they were fed up with ineffective public administration.

“We wish to inform the public and Kogi students in Nigeria and abroad that we have adopted Prince Abubakar Audu.

“His achievements in his first four years include the establishment of Kogi State University, Kogi Polytechnic, Stella Obasanjo Library, initiation of the Obajana Cement Factory, Radio Kogi AM/FM, NTA Lokoja, among others.

“We urge all students to vote for Audu and ACN on December 3,” Omolayo said.

Duke added: “Development stopped in Kogi when Audu left office in 2003. You see people growing grey hairs in primary school because of incessant strikes. We want a government that will take education serious.

“Besides, Kogi State pays the least bursary among other states and we are a laughing stock. We are also tired of corruption and mismanagement. The change must be now. That is our submission.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2011

6

NEWS Governors’ Forum not trade union, says Aliyu From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

THE Chairman of Northern Governors’ Forum, Dr Babangida Aliyu yesterday said the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) is not a trade union but an avenue for correcting the imbalances in the nation’s polity.

He said the forum was not set up as an assembly of people trying to cause disaffection or ill-will in the country.

Apparently referring to the deadlock between the Federal Government and the states at the Federation Allocation Committee (FAC), Aliyu said most of the steps, actions and decisions taken on some national issues by the governors were to correct the anomalies in the system.

Aliyu, who is Niger State governor, spoke in Minna, the state capital, at the inaugural meeting of the State Peer Review Mechanism (SPRM).

He noted that every decision taken was done in the interest of Nigerians.

Aliyu said: “Most of the issues that you see us (governors) taking positions on, which many people (elites in particular) are not happy about, were issues that needed to be corrected. So, if you see us standing on some issues, it is because those things need to be corrected.”

Nigeria, UK to fight terrorism From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

NIGERIA’S Judiciary and the United Kingdom Justice Ministry have begun talks on cooperation to fight terrorism and terrorismrelated cases.

Chief Justice of Nigeria Dahiru Musdapher spoke yesterday in his office in Abuja when he received a three-man delegation on counter-terrorism from the UK. The team, led by Ms. Wendy Hart of the British Ministry of Justice, included Giles Lever, the Deputy High Commissioner I, Nigeria; and Mr. Alex Agbamu, of the UK Directorate of Public Prosecution.

A statement by the Special Adviser (Media) to the CJN, Muhammad Adamu, reads: “Top on the table is the possibility of training Nigerian judges, particularly in the area of case management, a relatively new genre in judicial process and an area in which the UK judiciary is deemed relatively more experienced in.

“The visit came on the heels of UK Prime Minister’s earlier visit to Nigeria during which he and President Goodluck Jonathan agreed in principle on the need for strengthening mutual cooperation between the two countries, especially in the areas of preemption, disruption, counter and management of terrorism and terrorismrelated matters of which the judicial due process is key.”

EFCC’s failure to produce accused stalls arraignment

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HE failure of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to produce a senior manager with Ecobank Plc, Mrs. Tosin Lawal, yesterday stalled her scheduled arraignment before a Federal High Court in Lagos.

Mrs. Lawal was to be arraigned with her husband, Michael Lawal, on a fourcount charge of conspiracy and stealing brought against them by the Police. They were accused of stealing

•Court threatens to strike out case

By Eric Ikhilae

about N200 million belonging to the woman’s former employer.

The arraignment was earlier averted on November 16 following EFCC’s failure to produce Mrs. Lawal in court.

Her husband, who is on bail, was in court.

Justice Okechukwu Okeke said the accused must be produced at the next sitting.

Prosecution lawyer Nosa Watson yesterday told the court that he had applied to the EFCC to release the accused to face trial, as directed by the court.

He said the EFCC’s administrative head in Lagos said the agency was yet to receive any correspondence from its Abuja head office to release Mrs. Lawal.

“We have made a request to the EFCC to release the

suspect. I met with the EFCC administrator in Lagos and he told me to take an adjournment to enable him receive signal from Abuja,” Watson said.

He urged the court to issue an express order on the EFCC to produce the accused in court on the next adjourned date.

Justice Okeke said the prosecution must file a formal application for the issuance of an express order on the EFCC.

He said: “If you are not ready to prosecute the accused, tell me so. I can strike out the case. I don’t want the court to be ridiculed by any person.”

Lawyer to the accused Labi Lawal told the court that striking out the case would mean the accused would remain in custody forever. He said Mrs Lawal had been in the EFCC custody for more than 50 days.

Further hearing in the matter has been fixed for December 9.

Ghanaian cleric sues Nigerian pastor

By Eric Ikhilae

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•Enugu State Deputy Governor Sunday Onyebuchi (second right) in a group photograph with members of the state University of Science and Technology (ESUT) Governing Board after the inauguration of the board…yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

‘Dead’ man wakes up after three days in mortuary

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ESIDENTS of Oremeji in Aradagun near Badagry, Lagos State, were on Sunday shocked when a man they had presumed dead regained consciousness after three days in the mortuary.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) learnt that the man, simply identified as Mr Agosu, died at a hospital of an undisclosed ill-

ness last Friday and his remains were deposited at the morgue of the Badagry General Hospital.

The news of his regaining consciousness broke out on Sunday evening as members of his Mountain of Fire and Miracle (MFM) Church were preparing tents for his wake.

It was learnt that a worker at the morgue heard that

a dead man was coughing from inside the morgue and contacted the hospital management who ordered a doctor to test the man.

Following the test, the man was said to be breathing. The hospital management directed that he should be admitted for treatment.

Dr Tunji Olabuntu, Deputy Medical Director, Bada-

gry General Hospital, confirmed the incident.

He said: “It is true that the man regained consciousness after three days in the mortuary. But he was not originally admitted in our hospital.”

Olabuntu said the body of the man was brought to the hospital morgue from outside, adding that he was not a patient of the hospital.

Court to hear suit against Saraki’s election today

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N Abuja Federal High Court will today hear the suit filed by a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji L’aziz Jimoh, challenging the nomination of former Kwara State Governor Bukola Saraki as the Senator representing Kwara Central.

Jimoh is praying the court to declare him the authentic winner of the election by nullifying Saraki’s candidacy.

He wants the court to set

From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

aside the purported rerun primary conducted on January 29 by the PDP and won

by Saraki.

Justice Ibrahim Auta, who is also the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, has accused the respondents’ counsel of delaying the hearing and determination of the matter.

He alleged that counsel to the PDP moved an application for an extension of

time without paying the penalty fee and that counsel to INEC filed a similar application on October 17 for a case which was adjourned on September 27.

Justice Auta said: “This is the cause of delay of justice in Nigeria and lawyers are responsible for the delay.

We will not move forward where we are supposed to make progress, either by deliberate or negligence on the part of lawyers.

“It is the Bar that causes justice delay in the country

and not the Bench and there has to be a change.”

He adjourned the matter till today for hearing.

In an originating summons taken out by his lawyer, Mr. Salman Jawondo, Jimoh is praying the court to declare him the authentic winner of the election by nullifying Saraki’s candidacy.

He wants the court to set aside the purported primary rerun conducted on January 29 by PDP and won

by Saraki.

Gowon, Danjuma foundations partner on girl-child education

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ORMER Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd) and former Chief ofArmy Staff Gen. Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (rtd) have collaborated to solve the problems of girlchild education in Nigeria.

The former generals and national leaders are using their Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to assist the girl-child access education.

The Chief executive officer of Yakubu Gowon Foun-

From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

dation (YGF) Dan Tenshak addressed reporters yesterday in Jos, the Plateau State capital, during the flag-off ceremony of the presentation of a book on girl-child education by the YGF. Tenshak said: “In furtherance of its objectives of enhancing girl-child education, the Yakubu Gowon Foundation has received a grant from T. Y. Danjuma

Foundation (TYDF) to embark on a Community Learning Centre Project at Mikang, Mikang Local Government Area of Plateau State.

“The focus of the project will be on Girl-Child Life Education and Development where the girl-child that dropped from school and those not privileged to attend school at all will have the opportunity to do so. It is hoped that this project will bridge the gap in education at the grassroots.”

•Gowon

GHANAIAN cleric, Prof John Nana Antoh, has sued a Nigerian pastor, Peter Thompson, and eight others, alleging defamation.

In the suit filed at the High Court of Accra, Ghana, the plaintiff accused Thompson and the other defendants of allegedly defaming and maligning him in a publication, entitled: Deception of the Age: A case of a Nigerian AntiChrist.

He averred that the publication allegedly being distributed and sold in Ghana and Nigeria as a book and Video Compact Disc (VCD) contains defamatory information against him at page 117.

Also named as defendants are: Rev Abu Bako; Logos Rhema Church, Accra, Ghana; Mr. K. Kobuko (based in Ghana); Brother Julius; Paul Agomoh; Sister Bisola; Image of Gold Publications (USA); and Fine Prints (Nigeria) Publications.

Antoh, of the Berea Theological Academy, Ghana, in the substantive suit, is seeking, among others, a declaration that the defendants have, by their actions, brought him into disrepute.

He is also seeking a declaration that the defendants have, by seeking to harm him, needlessly committed libel and defamation against his friend, Pastor T. B. Joshua.

The plaintiff, who is also seeking both exemplary and general damages against the defendants for their alleged unlawful acts, prayed the court for an order compelling the defendants to publish a retraction three consecutive times in a Ghanaian local newspaper and an international newsmagazine.

He is also seeking an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants, their agents and servants from further repeating the alleged libellous and defamatory publication.

The plaintiff has equally filed a motion for interlocutory injunction, praying the court for, among others, an order restraining the defendants from printing and editing the alleged offensive publication.

He also prayed for an order prohibiting and restraining any further advertisement and sale of the said publication and an order stopping the spread of false information and defamation of the plaintiff on the Internet, pending the determination of the substantive suit.

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2011

7

NEWS N1.06b approved for repair of Third Mainland Bridge

Tinubu: ACN hopeful of victory in Kogi, Bayelsa N

ATIONAL Leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) Asiwaju Bola Tinubu said yesterday that the party is set to win the governorship election in Kogi State.

He said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has failed to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of the Confluence State.

Tinubu, who spoke to reporters at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, said besides Kogi, the ACN is also set to clinch the governorship seat in Bayelsa State. The crisis in the state, according to him, will enable the ACN ride to victory.

He said: “The election in Kogi is around the corner and our chances are very bright.

“We have good chances, if the election is free and fair; if it is devoid of violence and other malpractices. We have faith in Jega’s men and we are working really hard. We are ready for change.

“There is nothing like the power of incumbency.

Where was the power of incumbency in Ogun? Where was the power of incumbency in Ekiti? Where was the power of incumbency in Oyo?”

HE Federal Government has approved N1.06billion for the repair of the the Third Mainland Bridge, Lagos.

The approval was granted at the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting yesterday.

The repairs include additional works involving the expansion of eight joints to eliminate noticed superstructure sources of stresses on the already compromised foundation structures of the bridge.

Minister of Works Mike Ononlememen who briefed reporters with Minister of Information Labaran Maku; Minister of Science and Technology Prof. Ita Bassy Ewa and Minister of State(Works) Bashir Yuguda said the approval came following the preliminary report that showed “alarming deterioration and serious damage on a number of pile foundations of the Third Mainland Bridge.”

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By Kelvin Osa- Okunbor

On the party’s chances in Bayelsa, Tinubu said: “Very good; we will capitalise on their crisis to win and win massively.

“The only disappointing thing is the fact that the party could not obey the court order. If you are a ruling party in this country and you are talking about the rule of law, you should be a role model, you should show leadership. You should show some degree of compliance.

“They still have time.

What is the desperation?

Why should you militarise Bayelsa for a primary? But that is the kind of party we have: Poverty Development Party (PDP).”

On zoning of key political offices, the ACN leader said: “In our pluralism and the constitutional rights of Nigerians, we have demonstrated that the presidential candidate should be able to come from anywhere. Why should it be based on zoning, regional thinking?

“That is the process of selection, not election. Nigerians must have the right to aspire and contest, be voted for by the people of this country.

“It is limited in a way be-

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From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

the accused did not benefit from the loans taken, as the running costs of their offices were “drastically decreased to N100 million for the Speaker and N80 million for his Deputy”.

Under cross-examination

by Bankole’s counsel, Wale Akanni (SAN) and that of Nafada, Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), the witness said: “Sometimes in March last year, the leadership of the House caused a briefing to be made to the House, in an executive session, about the import of the 2010 budget and members, who were duly briefed expressed dissatisfaction with a number of areas in

He said: “The result of the dynamic investigation on the bridge revealed the urgent need to carry out additional repair works, consisting of the replacement of eight extra joints at the mid span axes of the bridge.

The minister also spoke on the Abuja-Okenne road, saying the second Gwagwalada Bridge onAbuja and Okene road would be opened in two weeks.

Onolememen said all completed sections of the on-going dualisation of the road would also be opened to ease traffic during the yuletide season.

Vice President Namadi Sambo presided over the meeting in the absence of President Goodluck Jonathan.

Jonathan left for France yesterday as head of a Federal Government delegation on a three-day official visit.

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

HE Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) yesterday condemned the current scarcity of petroleum products across the country.

It said it is a systemic removal of subsidy by the Federal Government and that the government may not be able to stand its protests.

In a statement in Abuja yesterday, NLC said: “If the government goes ahead to effect increases in the pump price of these products in defiance of the popular wish of the people, it may not be able to contain the mass protests that will follow.”

The congress called on workers and civil society organisations to sustain the ongoing mobilisation against the removal of subsidy on petroleum products.

The statement, which was issued by the Head of Information and Public Relations, Chris Uyot, said the congress was surprised that despite public opposition to the removal, government has commenced the withdrawal systematically.

The congress noted that although the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) claimed in a statement that the country has enough supply of petroleum products, the marketers have said the importation of the product has been stopped two months ago.

According to NLC, “what seems to be the truth is that the government has stopped importation of petroleum products, and even what is available is being sold at exorbitant prices to marketers.”

But the congress insisted that the corporation is to be held responsible for the scarcity.

“We hold the NNPC responsible for the current scarcity as it is the only source of supplies to marketers.

“Since motorists are in difficulty accessing the products at pump stations, it is obvious that NNPC officials are either lying or up to some mischief.

“We restate our opposition to the withdrawal of subsidy on petroleum products because it will further impoverish Nigerians, cripple what is left of industries, which will throw more people out of jobs and reduce the already overburdened purchasing power of majority of Nigerians.

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• Tinubu...yesterday

‘We have good chances if the election is free and fair; if it is devoid of violence and other malpractices. cause you are not opening the opportunity to every-

PHOTO: ISAAC AYODELE

body.

“We are talking of constitutional democracy; we are talking about the right of the people to aspire to be or not to be. Leave it open, you see it divides us further.

“If you look at it carefully you will see that you are dividing Nigerians further and further instead of a cohesive country that is united and free choosing whoever they want to choose to lead them.”

the budget, one of which was the running cost.

“They gave various reasons why the leadership of the House should enhance members’ running cost.

“The whole idea of enhancement of welfare and running cost was to put it in the budget that was in the offing. Even though there was money in the budget, members were not prepared to wait until the release of the budget.

“The agitation from members became more vicious that they insisted they were either paid what they wanted or the leadership will be sacked.”

The Clerk added that, the decision reached on March 30, last year, which resulted

in the loans, was endorsed by all members.

He said: “Loans taken were to enhance the running cost of members, even as the total budget later passed took care of the costs.”

On whether the accused had control over the accounts of the House, he said: “Accounts maintained belonged to the House and not the Speaker.

“The first accused had no control over any House’ accounts and when the loans were taken by the resolution of the House, the running costs of Speaker and Deputy were decreased drastically.”

According to him “the aggregate loan taken by the House was about N10.7 billion.”

Hearing continues today.

Kerosene price soars in Lagos

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Abuja

Fed Govt can’t stand fuel subsidy protest, says NLC

‘Bankole, Nafada didn’t benefit from loans’ HE Clerk of the House of Representatives, Mohammed Sani-Omolori, yesterday told an Abuja High Court that the controversial N38 billion loan was obtained by the leadership of the sixth House with the consent of all members.

Besides, he said, no part of the loan was converted into the personal accounts of former Speaker Dimeji Bankole and his erstwhile deputy, Usman Bayero Nafada.

The duo are facing a 17count charge of criminal breach of trust, dishonest use of House bank account to obtain loan slammed against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) .

They allegedly shared the loan to members without the consent and approval of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and the extant Revised Financial Regulations of the Federal Government of Nigeria(2009).

The alleged offences are contrary to sections 97(1), 286 and 311 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 532, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (Abuja) 1990, and punishable under sections 287 and 315 of the same Penal Code Act. Omolori, the fourth EFCC witness, told the court that

From Vincent Ikuomola,

EROSENE scarcity has returned to Lagos State with many filling stations out of supply and prices soaring.

Some kerosene marketers and consumers, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday, said the price of the commodity had risen by more than 100 per cent.

A litre of kerosene now sells for between N110 and N150 in few filling stations which still had supply, contrary to the official pump price of N50.

The Marketing Manager of the UNICCOU Filling Station, Ajangbadi, Robert Osogbue, told NAN that the development was regrettable.

Lawal Yusuf, a blackmarketer, told NAN that he had been selling a litre of the product for N200 for two weeks.

He said he went round filling stations daily in search of the product to keep his business going. ‘’ I am trying to make kerosene available to people since the scarcity. I will continue to sell if people can afford the price,’’ Yusuf said.

A consumer, Gbenga Ola, said he had to buy kerosene in the black market for N200 per litre after he queued for hours at a filling station where it was sold for N110 per litre.

Probe disappearance of $35b, SERAP urges ICPC CIVIL society group, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), has urged the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Bako Abdullahi, to “investigate allegations that $35billion of Nigeria’s foreign reserve has disappeared.

In a November 23 petition signed by its Executive Director Adetokunbo Mumuni, the group expressed “serious concern that if proven, these allegations of corruption will be hugely detrimental to national growth and prosperity.”

It said: “The alleged disappearance of Nigeria’s foreign reserve may also be responsible for the failure of the

A

government to implement and meet its commitment to achieve the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).”

“SERAP is concerned that the above allegations, made by a former president should be taken very seriously and investigated.”

According to reports, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, recently criticised the government of President Goodluck Jonathan for alleged corruption and mismanagement of $35 billion he left in Nigeria’s foreign reserve in 2007 when he left office.

According to Obasanjo, “whether the money disappeared, or it was shared, the fact remains that $35 billion disappeared from the foreign reserve I left in office.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2011

8

NEWS ALEX IBRU (1945 -2011)

•Jakande signing the register...yesterday

•Dr. O. Awolowo-Dosunmu (left) and Mrs Enuobo Goodile Ibru

Ojudu enlogises Ibru •Lagos Speaker: his death is irreparable

F

OR Senator Babafemi Ojudu, the death of the publisher of The Guardian Mr Alex Ibru is, “the fading out of another consistent and assertive ink in the pen profession”.

Ojudu, in a statement made available to the media in Ado-Ekiti, recalled that when the media was being hunted and persecuted, the late Ibru courageously established The Guardian in 1983 to join the ranks of committed and patriotic nationalists, who founded media outfits to advance the struggle for ciivil rule and social enlightenment.

The senator, who represents Ekiti Central, observed that the late Ibru did that to give “young men like himself the chance to achieve their dream of aspiring to be great and incorruptible journalists”.

Ojudu said: “It is on note that the moral standards set by the late Mr Alex Ibru produced many accomplished journalists who passed through his mentoring.

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

“As Nigerians and the pen profession mourn this great man who God decided to take away from us at the age of 66, I condole with the Ibru family, reminding them that although it is painful to lose a loved one, especially a good one, they should rejoice because Alex Ibru was able to replicate himself in so many great journalists of today, and he would also be remembered for his selfless and humble kindness, electric sense of humour and commitment to the development of Nigeria. He was indeed a great man.”

Lagos State Assembly Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji described Ibru’s death as “highly unfortunate, and irreparable”.

Speaking with some reporters in his office, the Speaker described the late Ibru as “one great Nigerian patriot who devoted his wealth of experience and personal wealth to leave Nigeria better than he met it”.

Ibru for human rights Hall of Fame

By Oziegbe Okoeki

T

•U.S. Consular-General in Lagos, Stafford (right) and Consulate Public Affairs Officer Tina D. Onufer

•Akpabio and the widow Mrs Maiden Ibru

HE Human Rights Writers’ Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has enrolled the late publisher of The Guardian, Mr. Alex Ibru into its Hall of Fame. The award would be presented on December 10 in Abuja, the day set aside to mark the international human rights day.

“Alex Ibru saw his appointment as internal Affairs minister at that difficult period of Nigeria’s history as a vocation and a call to deliver selfless and charitable services to humanity and for the goodness and unity of Nigeria and almost paid a supreme prize when he quit the then dreaded General Sani Abacha military junta when it failed to honour its pledge to transmit power to the rightful winner of the June 12th 1993 Presidential election in the person of Chief Moshood Abiola”, HURIWA said.

•Chief Dokpesi and his wife Moji

•Prof Seye Sofola and his wife Yemi

PHOTOS: ABIODUN WILLIAMS

Akpabio, Jakande, Ejoor, others condole with Ibru family A

KWA Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio, a former governor of Lagos State, AlhajiLateef Jakande and onetime military administrator of the then Midwest Nigeria, Major-General David Ejoor (rtd), were among top dignitaries who thronged the Ikoyi Lagos home of the late publisher of The Guardian to condole with the Ibru family.

Akpabio described the late Ibru as a distinguished Nigerian, describing the death as painful at a time like this.

Expressing his sympathy along with that of his state the governor said the deceased was a gentleman imbued with humility despite his successes.

“Alex was a dogged fighter for the oppressed and through his company’s publication, he provided voice for the oppressed lot of Nigeria.

“He was an exemplary family man and a great industrialist who meant a lot to the people.”

By Wale Adepoju

On his legacy, Akpabio said, Nigerians would continue to applaud it, recalling how he was attacked and almost lost his life under the military regime.

Jakande also described the late Ibru as a fine gentleman in the business world, saying he was an example any day.

He said: “Ibru has left an imperishable record. He made many people. God will make it possible that those he left behind are able to bear the loss.”

Also speaking, the Chairman, DAAR Communications, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, said the country has lost a quintessential gentleman, a patriot and a light for the freedom and conscience of the nation.

He stated that the deceased gave leadership to independent media by representing and

defending the truth in the face of adversities, saying the late Ibru demonstrated that no sacrifice and price was too high to pay to defend the people.

President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE)Mr Gbenga Adefaye said the late Ibru was a publisher of note, and a great employer of labour.

He charged the media to continue to defend his ideals of freedom and truth and to continue to promote one nation.

Adefaye, who was accompanied by Mr Steve Ayorinde, Mrs Funke Egbemode, Mr Mustapha Isa, and Mr Yinka Atolagbe (all members of the Guild), said the deceased was simple, honest and dedicated to a better Nigeria.

Other sympathisers also described Ibru’s passage as painful and prayed that God grant his soul eternal rest.

Lagos Deputy Governor Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire also described Ibru’s as a loss to the nation.

According to her, the late Ibru was well-known for his business acumen and philanthropic gesture, which was the hallmark of his life.

In a condolence message, the deputy governor described the late Ibru as a patriotic Nigerian, who used his business and wealth to better the lots of others, through the creation of employment opportunities and humanitarian services.

Those who paid tributes include: former Ogun State governor Segun Osoba, the United States (U.S.) Consular- General, Joseph Stafford, Oba Kola Ibiyemi, who represented Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Oba Abimbola Akinyele, N. D. Okoh, Chief Funke ArthurWorrey, Otunba Olufemi Deru, Chief Sanjay Tain, N. G Petel Angawankar, Chief (Mrs) Folake Solanke, (SAN), Chief Omowale Kuye and Mrs Moji Dokpesi among others.

Death can’t erase his footprints, says Idowu

A

TRUSTEE of the Diamond Awards for Media Trust Fund, Mr Lanre Idowu, yesterday paid glowing tributes to the late publisher of The Guardian, Mr Alex Ibru, saying those who attempted to kill him in 1996 contributed to his deteriorating health which ultimately claimed his life.

Mr Idowu said the deceased left a record of a self-discipline public officer as a former Internal Affairs minister: The tribute reads: “We learnt with regret the passing on of Mr. Alex Ibru, publisher of The Guardian last Sunday. Although we are particularly

pained that the perpetrators of the 1996 attempted assassination, which placed him in dire health conditions that ultimately claimed his life, are yet to be brought to justice, we thank God for what he did through Mr. Ibru.

“The story of Mr. Ibru’s exploits in business, particularly the media, has compelling lessons, which death cannot erase. He was the visionary who gave Nigeria a quality publication that changed newspapering in 1983. Almost three decades after, The Guardian remains true to its promise as trendsetter.

“In a country where tomb-

stones of failed titles dot the media landscape this is no mean feat. His winning formula of assembling knowledgeable professionals, giving them an environment conducive to productivity, and challenging them to perform recommends itself for further study and application in business management.

“His record of self discipline in public office as Internal Affairs minister where he emphasised diligence and service is certainly worthy of emulation in a land where public office is often seen as passport to self enrichment.

Yet, the irony must not es-

cape us that it was his desire to serve his country in public office that also brought him in conflict with the forces of retrogression who unleashed the violence on him that ultimately cost him his life.

“As the final preparations are being made for his rites of passage, our prayer is that the good work he started will continue to be upheld by all. We pray for the Lord’s protection on his wife, Mrs. Maiden Ibru, the children, and the larger family. May The Guardian remain doubly committed to his vision as fitting tribute to his legacy!

9

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2011

NEWS Abia seeks monarchs’ support for agric

T

HE Abia State Government has urged traditional rulers to support its agricultural transformation agenda through the provision of land for the establishment of community farms.

Speaking in Umuahia at a meeting with the rulers from the 17 local governments, Governor Theodore Orji decried the neglect of agriculture.

He said his administration has created Liberation Farms to create jobs for youths and other interested citizens of the state.

“These farms will be created with the collaboration of the Ministry of Agriculture and Abia State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ASOPADEC).

The government will provide the fund”.

Orji urged the traditional rulers to assist in sensitising the youths, “so that our people will reap the dividends of this new focus on agricultural redirection”.

He urged them to take the message to grassroots, adding that they should help plant crops, such as cassava to boost the economy of the state.

Commissioner for Agriculture Ike Onyeweaku said the forum is aimed at enlightening the traditional rulers on the state’s agricultural transformation agenda.

Chime inaugurates varsity governing council

A

SEVEN-MEMBER governing council of the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) has been inaugurated. The council has been urged to reform the institution in line with the dreams of its founding fathers.

Speaking after the inauguration ceremony at the Executive Council Chambers of the Government House in Enugu, Governor Sullivan Chime enjoined them to restore the institution to its past glory.

Represented by Deputy Governor Sunday Onyebuchi, the governor recalled that the university was meant to enhance the scientific and technological advancement of the country.

He regretted that the institution was confronted with internal strife, nepotism and indiscipline, “unexpected and unbecoming of a citadel of higher learning”.

He urged members of the council to make sacrifices to ensure that uphold integrity and assured that government would continue to fulfil its obligations to the school.

Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the council Chief Chilo Offia promised that the council would reform the school and called for adequate funding.

Other members of the council are Maria Agu, Lawrence Anikpo, David Edeani, Igwe Vincent Ekwedigwe, Carol Obayi and Monsignor Obiora Ike.

Ebonyi PDP promises transparent congress

From Ugochukwu Eke, Umuahia

Onyeweaku said the host communities would be stakeholders in the Liberation Farms.

The commissioner said the project would reduce unemployment and youth restiveness.

Chairman of the Abia State Traditional Rulers Council, Eze John Akaliro,hailed the success of the meeting.

Akaliro urged the Ministry of Agriculture to donate cassava stems and fertiliser to farmers and assured of the traditional rulers’ support.

From Ogbonnaya Obinna, Abakaliki

•Elechi

T

HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State has assured stakeholders, delegates and other party faithful that it would hold a transparent congress in January.

The congress is expected to begin on January 7, it was learnt.

PDP Chairman Ugorji Amah-Oti spoke while reacting to the crisis in the party

in Afikpo South and Ivo local governments over who controls the delegates during the congress.

Amah-Oti was speaking at the party’s secretariat in Abakaliki during a reception party organised in honour of the youth leader, Comrade Chinedu Ogah.

Ogah was awarded the Officer of the Order of Niger (OON) by President Goodluck Jonathan.

“The party is awaiting final ratification of the date by its national headquarters. It would start at the ward level

when the date is ratified.

“I want to assure our party stakeholders, aspiring delegates and other members that the congress would be transparent, fair and devoid of imposition of delegates.

We would ensure that in electing our officers, nobody would feel cheated, shortchanged or marginalised. It is our expectation that the congress would be hitchfree,” he said.

The PDP chieftain congratulated Ogah for the award and urged the youths to strive towards excellence.

“You should see the award as a call to redouble your efforts in uplifting the wellbe-

ing of the people, especially the youths,” he said.

He hailed Ogah’s efforts in uplifting the party and expressed appreciation to President Goodluck Jonathan for the award.

Ogah, the National President of Ebonyi Youth Assembly and Chief Executive Officer of the Chiboy Foundation, thanked the party for the reception.

“I wish to thank President Goodluck Jonathan for giving me the award and the government and people of the state for their recognition of my humble efforts towards the development of the state,” he said.

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2011

10

NEWS NDLEA destroys 5,348.469kg cannabis From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti, and Kelvin Osa-Okunbor

T

HE National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) yesterday destroyed 5,348.469kg of illicit drugs in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.

It was witnessed by top officials of the state government, the Commissioner of Police and heads of other security organisations.

NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Ahmadu Giade said: “The drugs consist of 5,314.079kg cannabis and 34.39kg psychotropic substances. Last week, while the preparation for this exercise was ongoing, a seizure of 1,700kg of cannabis was made by the command.

“Many crimes are perpetrated under the influence of drugs. When we control illicit drugs, crimes, such as armed robbery, murder, arson and others will automatically be prevented. We must all fight against drug barons because their activities are inimical to societal growth and development.”

Giade thanked the state government for donating an office to the NDLEA and making the agency a member of the State Security Council.

He said: “The effort of the state government is commendable. It shows that the government appreciates the importance of drug control. Other areas where the support of the government is required include operational vehicles and anti-drug enlightenment.”

Governor Kayode Fayemi, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Ganiyu Owolabi, said the government has established a facility at Iyin-Ekiti for the rehabilitation of drug dependent persons.

Fayemi said the government has also made a law that any land upon which Indian hemp is cultivated would be confiscated.

NDLEA State Commander Dele Akingbade said: “Despite our challenges, we have not relented in confronting drug barons. This is because there is no alternative to a drug free society. I urge the state and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to partner the NDLEA.” The command has prosecuted 43 drug barons this year.

Baba Suwe verdict today

J

USTICE Yetunde Idowu of the Lagos High Court, Ikeja, will deliver judgment today in the suit filed by comedian Mr. Babatunde Omidina, a.k.a. Baba Suwe, challenging his detention by the National Drug Law and Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

Omidina is asking for a public apology and N100 million as compensation from the agency for his alleged illegal arrest and vio-

By Adebisi Onanuga

lation of his rights.

He was arrested by the NDLEA on October 12 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, while trying to board an Air France flight to Paris.

The comedian was held for 24 days based on the suspicion that he ingested narcotics.

Justice Idowu granted him bail on November 4.

Muslims seek Hijab in Osun schools From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

M

USLIMS in Osun State have urged Governor Rauf Aregbesola to permit the use of Hijab by Muslim female pupils in public schools.

But Christians said if the government accedes to the request, Christian pupils would also begin to wear white garment to schools.

President-General of the State Muslim Community Sheikh Salahudeen Olayiwola, who is also the proprietor of the Islamic College in Ede, spoke with reporters in Osogbo, the state capital, yesterday.

Olayiwola said: “It is sad and worrisome that some school heads of government-owned secondary schools went as far as beating up our daughters because they were wearing hijab outside the school premises after school hours. This is injustice and we cannot allow it to continue.”

He said it is compulsory for Muslim women to use hijab and urged the government to permit its use.

Olayiwola said the issue should not be allowed to degenerate into a crisis between both religions. He urged Christians and Muslims to be tolerant and peaceful.

NUJ to honour Ondo governor

T

HE Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) has named Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko the recipient of its 2011 Governor of the Year award.

NUJ National Secretary Shuaibu Leman said Mimiko’s contributions to state and national development earned him the award, expected to be given next month.

Mimiko will also be decorated as a Fellow of the Society for Gynaecology and Obstetrics in Ibadan, the Oyo

State capital, today.

The society said Mimiko is being honoured for his exemplary service and innovation in mother and child health care delivery.

It said the Ondo State Abiye project has reduced maternal and child mortality and qualified Mimiko as a “Fellow” of the society.

Last week, the governor was conferred with the honorary Doctor of Science award by the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA).

•Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi (middle) welcoming former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members into the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Ibadan, the state capital... yesterday. With him are the defectors: Commissioner for Works and Transport Alhaji Yunus Akintunde (left), former House of Assembly member Mr. Shakirudeen Fajinmi (second left) and Chairman, Ibadan Southwest Local Government Council, Mr. Taoheed Adeleke (right). PHOTO: OYO STATE GOVERNMENT HOUSE.

Ibadan floods swept away 2,105 buildings, says Oyo Task Force •Govt: no compensation for demolished illegal structure

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HAIRMAN of the Oyo State Task Force on Flood Prevention and Management Dr. Bolanle Wahab has said 2,105 buildings were washed away in Ibadan, the state capital, by the August 26 floods.

The task force was constituted by Governor Abiola Ajimobi on September 9.

Wahab said it would cost N4.31 billion to build 25 bridges and culverts across the 11 local government areas in Ibadan.

He spoke on Tuesday at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan,

From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

while presenting the task force’s report to the governor.

Wahab said the August 26 floods, which claimed many lives and property, were caused by disregard for urban and regional planning laws and the indiscriminate dumping of refuse in drains.

To prevent a recurrence, he proposed the enforcement of the provisions of the state’s Urban and Regional Planning Law, 2001, and the com-

pletion of the Ogunpa channellisation.

Wahab advised that drains should be kept clean always.

Ajimobi said structures obstructing the waterways would be demolished. He said an inter-ministerial committee, comprising commissioners and special advisers in the Ministries of Environment, Urban and Regional Planning; Water Resources; Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs; Works; and Transport, would be created.

The committee will determine the cost of projects to

be executed to prevent and manage flood in the future.

Ajimobi said his administration would work with development partners to address environmental problems in the state.

He said President Goodluck Jonathan has promised to assist through the ecological fund.

Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development Mrs. Kafayat Adebisi Adeojo said owners of illegal structures would not be compensated for their demolition.

Akure robbery: ACN, PDP tell Mimiko to sit up

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HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State yesterday condemned Tuesday’s bank robbery in Akure, the state capital, in which four persons were killed and many others injured.

They blamed the state government for allowing security lapses.

In a statement, ACN Publicity Director Gbenga Akinmoyo said: “It is clear that this visionless government, led

by Governor Olusegun Mimiko, cannot deliver the dividends of democracy. Every day of this administration provides a testimony to the ineptitude of the governor and his team.

“Let us remind Mr. Governor of his role. The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria states in Section

•Stop politicising issues, says govt From Damisi Ojo, Akure

14(2b) that ‘the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.’

“As one of the federating components, the Ondo State government has a responsibility to achieve this basic primary purpose, and if it does not have the required capacity, it should bow out gracefully.

“Tuesday’s attack on Akure by robbers, who attacked innocent travellers near Ilesha garage before attacking a second generation bank, grinding all activities to a halt for nearly two hours, is the fourth reported attack on the state capital this year.

“We wonder how many more attacks and innocent lives must be lost before Mr. Governor, the Chief Security Officer of the state, wakes up to his responsibility and treat this primary function as a priority.

“One of the major difficulties we face in Ondo State is that the Chief Executive has surrounded himself with sycophants, who would have him believe that he is performing and deserves a second term, rather than engage specialists who can tackle problems facing the state and ensure that the primary purpose of government is fulfilled.”

The PDP also lamented the spate of insecurity in the state, stressing that over 20 bank

robberies have occurred since the inception of the Mimiko administration.

PDP spokesman Ayo Fadaka said: “Since Mimiko became governor, all we have been witnessing is the award of inflated contracts, many of which have been abandoned.

“When the PDP was in power, no attack of this nature was witnessed. We urge Mimiko to sit tight and bequeath something to this state before he quits office in 2013.”

A government source accused the two opposition parties of politicising the sensitive issue of security.

The source said robberies are not peculiar to the state and have become a national challenge.

He advised the opposition against heating up the polity unnecessarily.

Ekiti offers jobs to physically challenged persons

E

KITI State Governor Kayode Fayemi yesterday said his administration has made it a policy to offer automatic employment to physically challenged persons.

Fayemi spoke in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, at the inauguration of the third phase of the MTN Foundation’s Disability Support Project.

He said a bill has been sent to the House of Assembly for the provision of free wheel

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

chairs, walking and hearing aids as well as other appliances for physically challenged persons.

Fayemi urged physically challenged persons not to be depressed by their disability, but to make the best out of life.

He said: “Disability is not synonymous with inability and I’m glad you are not

treating it as such. Many of you did not make yourselves the way you are, it happened by accident. We thank God for your life and you can always excel in anything you do.”

Fayemi thanked the foundation for assisting the less privileged in the state.

A Director of the foundation, Prince Julius AdelusiAdeluyi, said the selection of successful candidates started with an advertorial in the

national newspapers, requesting for expressions of interest from homes and associations that cater for people living with disabilities in the selected states.

He said: “Subsequently, we carried out detailed assessment of the various institutions, homes and associations that cater for this special category of people to ensure that the beneficiaries are those who have a genuine need for them.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2011

11

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

Naira reduces gain as CBN fails to meet dollar demand

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HE Naira erased its first gain in three days against the dollar after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) failed to meet demand at a foreign-currency auction.

The local currency depreciated 0.2 per cent to N159.55 per dollar in interbank trading in Lagos, its weakest since October 27, as it retreated from a 0.2 per cent gain earlier, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

The banking watchdog sold $250 million at a foreign currency auction yesterday, compared with $411.6 million demanded by lenders, the CBN said in an e-mailed statement. The marginal rate, which is also used as the prevailing exchange rate declined by 0.6 per cent to N156.21 per dollar, its weakest since the October 12 sale, compared with N155.21 at the previous auction on Nov. 21.

The apex bank two days ago lowered the midpoint of its exchange rate band at the twice-weekly currency auctions to N155 per dollar from N150, amid pressure from rising demand for imports and fears of weakening oil prices, the source of more than 95 per cent of Nigeria’s foreign exchange income.

This will allow the currency to trade in a range of N150 to 160 a dollar, it said.

Today’s decline “was due to reduced dollar supply at the auction,” analysts at Lagos-based Diamond Bank Plc said yesterday in an emailed note. With a widening gap between demand and supply, the naira is seen as “under pressure except when the central bank intervenes,” they said.

Despite the specific issues the British Airways raised, I remain confident that the NCAA, both in its process and in content, has acted appropriately within the confines of the law.

-Harold Demuren, DG, NCAA

Senate panel seeks sack of BPE boss

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HE Senate Adhoc Committee that probed the privatisation of Federal Government’s enterprises has recommendation that the Director-General of the Bureau for Public Enterprise, Ms. Bolanle Onagoruwa, be removed.

The committee, which made 45 recommendations, also said former DirectorsGeneral of BPE Nasir elRufai, Dr. Julius Bala and Mrs. Irene Chigbue should be reprimanded by the National Council on Privatisation (NCP).

The committee, which submitted its report to the Senate on Tuesday, stated that the former helmsmen should be reprimanded for seeking approval directly from the President instead of the NCP as stipulated in the Public Enterprises Act 1999.

The investigation by the committee, which was led

by Senator Ahmed Lawan,

•Recommends reprimand of el-Rufai, Bala, Chigbue From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor

covered 1999 till date.

The committee noted that Onagoruwa should be removed for what it described as “gross incompetence in the management of the BPE and for illegal and fraudulent sale of the five per cent Federal Government’s shares in the Eleme Petrochemical Company Limited (EPCL).”

The committee also recommended that Bala should be investigated by anti-graft agencies for giving approval to Folio Communications Limited for the illegal sale of assets of Daily Times of Nigeria Plc. It recommended that the NCP should rescind the sale of the Daily Times to Folio Communication Limited, in keeping with an earlier court judgment.

It also recommended that the sale of assets of DTN by Folio Communications and its directors be investigated by anti-graft agencies and the sold assets recovered.

The committee said NCP should set up a sub-committee to verify postprivatisation monitoring of BPE. It added that the five-year post-privatisation monitoring (lock-in-period) should be reviewed upward to 10 years.

This, the committee said, is to enable the core investors to implement the PostAcquisition Plans (PAP) and BPE to monitor compliance.

The committee recommended the reorganisation of the management of BPE to make it more effective and efficient. It also said presidential interference in privatisation should be avoided.

The committee said BPE should refund bid bonds approved for refund by NCP. It said BPE should close all privatisation proceeds accounts in commercial banks and put funds in Privatisation Proceeds Account in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in compliance with section 19(1) of the Public Enterprises Act 1999.

The committee recommended that BPE should discontinue the use of privatisation proceeds to settle staff terminal benefits, consultancy fees, transaction expenses and execution of capital projects.

It said the Bureau should approach the National Assembly for appropriation as provided for in Section 80 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended.

MARKET CAPITALISATIONS NSE JSE NYSE LSE

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

RATES Inflation -10.3% Treasury Bills -7.08% Maximum lending-22.42% Prime lending -15.87% Savings rate -2% 91-day NTB -15% Time Deposit -5.49% MPR -12% Foreign Reserve $32.820b FOREX CFA EUR £ $ ¥ SDR RIYAL

-

0.2958 206.9 242.1 151.8 1.9179 238 40.472

By Kelvin Osa-Okunbor

T

HE Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has generated a total of N2. 662 billion in the first quarter of the year, the Managing Director, Nnamdi Udoh, has said.

Udoh, who spoke yesterday when the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation, visited NAMA as part of its oversight duties, said the Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON) is meant for both civil and military operations, but added that because of security issue, there is the need for the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) to get the Long Range Primary Radar.

Giving the breakdown of the amount, he said in January, NAMA got N955,297,913.00, while February and March figures stood at N698,697,149.62 and N1,008,154,338.05, respectively.

A further breakdown of the figures revealed that in January, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) received a total of N483,825,081.36 and N450,470,284.72, in February, while income made from 5 per cent Ticket Sale Charge (TSC) stood at N263,380,108.47 in January, February recorded no income and March N308,421976.16.

Agric’s vote to rise

By Daniel Essiet

A

DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil -$115.3/barrel Cocoa -$2,686.35/metric ton Coffee - ¢132.70/pound Cotton - ¢95.17pound Gold -$1,800/troy ounce Rubber -¢159.21pound

FAAN generates N2.6b in Q1

• From left: Principal Executive Officer, Economic Monitoring Research Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Festus Ilukoyenikan; Assistant Director, Alhaji Zaidu Muhammad and Zonal Director, Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Hadjia Fatima Usman, during the evaluation of ITFs’ facilities, at its Area Office in Ojota, Lagos by the SGF’s office…on Tuesday.

PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLIAMS

Failed banks not nationalised, says CBN

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HE Central Bank of Ni geria (CBN) yesterday clarified that the defunct Springbank, Bank PHB and Afribank that were lately taken over by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) were not nationalised. It said they are being run on commercial basis by the AMCON on Bridged-Bank Arrangement While differentiating between a bridged bank and a nationalised bank, through its Deputy Governor, Dr. Kingsley Moghalu, it described nationalisation as the “taking over of privately owned establishment by the government of a state ...”

Speaking during a roundtable discussion on Corporate Governance tagged: ‘Nationalised Banks: In Whose Interest?’organised under the auspices of Institute of Chartered Secretaries

By Biodun-Thomas Davids

and Administrators of Nigeria(ICSAN), Moghalu added: “Nationalisation is driven by public policy.” He said what is being witnessed in the banking industry is: “asset and liability of failed banks being transferred to the newly established banks”.

He said: “CBN acted in the interest of the public and depositors that it owed accountability and responsibility.”

He said it was the duty of regulators to ensure that depositors bear no risk of loss in the event of any failed bank, adding: “CBN has resolved banking crisis without anyone losing a kobo.”

Moghalu also gave the impression that for depositors’confidence purpose, CBN was sparing in his revelation about the three failed banks, stressing that “if

all were released, people will panic and run away.”

While responding to reporters questions on the future of Enterprise Bank, Keytstone Bank and Mainstreet Bank that the failed banks metamorphosed into, he affirmed that they would be sold to investors after their stability is ensured.

He argued that under the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) Act Section 32 to 42, the corporation could manage such bridged banks for two to five years and could dispose of such bank before such time.

On shareholding status of the new banks, he said: “AMCON is the number one, number two, number three, number four, number five, number six ... shareholder of the banks.”

He also justified the printing money by the CBN to bail out the failed banks, arguing: “Under CBN Act, CBN as the bank

of last resort can, if need be print money ...”

Meanwhile, the President, Shareholders Association of Nigeria, Sir Sunny Nwosu, insisted that the failure of the three banks should be blamed on CBN, because the banks were attached to three regulators that should have prevented such a problem.

Responding, the Chairman and moderator of the roundtable discussion, Prof Wole Adewunmi, described the banking industry as a special institution in which “no bank is too small or too big to fail.” He said regulators’ intervention would ever be imperative for confidence sake.

In his paper, the DirectorGeneral, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Prof.

Epiphany Azinge, recommended proper education of stakeholders in order to restore and uphold their confidence.

HEAD of the 2012 Bud get, House of Repre sentatives Committee on Agriculture says it is pushing for an increase in allocation to the agriculture sector to tackle longterm food and agriculture issues confronting the nation.

This requires increasing the budgetary allocation for the sector from the four per cent to the African Union’s recommended 10 per cent in the 2012 appropriation bill.

HonMohammed Monguno, who disclosed this while addressing the management of agric research and tertiary institutions in Ibadan, said increasing food demand raises the need for the nation to invest in technology to support agricultural expansion.

He said the nation has been a signatory of the African Union Charter on Agricultural Development Commission since 2003, and if she consistently refused to increase budgetary provisions from the four per cent to the agreed 10 per cent, the country may not achieve much in its economic rejuvenation strategies.

He insisted: “If countries, such as Mozambique, Ghana, Rwanda, Niger and Mali have increased their budgetary allocation from four to 10 per cent, then Nigeria has no excuse to do so if we are to be self-sufficient in food production”.

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2011

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BUSINESS NEWS

Reps to probe waivers, concessions A

LL waivers, exemp tions and concessions issued by the government from 1999 to date are to be investigated, members of the House of Representatives said yesterday.

They urged the Federal Government to revoke any illegal waiver or exemption.

This followed a motion by 15 lawmakers led by Yakubu Dogara.

Towards this end, a joint Committee on Customs and Excise, and Finance has been mandated to conduct the probe in four weeks.

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

Dogara claimed that the records from the Nigeria Customs Service (NSC) indicate alleged indiscriminate and illegal waivers, exemptions and concessions that have cost the nation N276.9billion between 2000 and 2008.

“Not less than 183 undertakings and individuals are currently, beneficiaries of

waivers, exemptions and concessions running into several billions of naira that ought to have accrued to the Federation Account as revenue.

“The practice by the executive arm amounted to making appropriation to itself in contravention of sections 80 and 162 of the 1999 Constitution, which gave such powers to only the National Assembly,” he added.

Why we can’t have private refineries, by NNPC boss

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HE Group Managing Director of the Nige rian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Austin Oniwon, said yesterday that unless the petroleum downstream is deregulated, the prospect of having private refineries would not be feasible.

Speaking with reporters in Kaduna after delivering the pre-convocation lecture at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Oniwon said no businessman can afford to invest in the nation’s downstream at the moment because the prospect of making profit will be zero.

Noting that only the government can bear the loss in the industry, Oniwon said that nobody would want to buy crude oil at the international market and earn below the price for the product without profit.

He said: “One of the biggest barriers to any private businessman that is doing

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

investment is if he cannot recover his cost and make profit. Business people survive from the profit they make.

“A situation whereby you control a price of petroleum products to a point that is below the cost of manufacturing the product, only the government can really invest in such sector because it is only the government that bears the loss. Anybody you tell to go and pay for crude oil at the international price and earn below the international price for the product he is going to bring will not do it.

“That is why private refinery licences are stalled. But once we have the courage to deregulate the sector, you will be surprised. The upstream was deregulated. In fact, nobody ever regulated the upstream and you can see how many people are

there. The telecoms was deregulated; you see how many people are paying there.

“The mistake we keep making is that oil is God given. It is true, God gave us the oil, but God gave us water, water is all over the place, but once you put an effort to treat water, you have added value, you cannot take it for free any more. If you want to drink that water, you have to pay for it, and if you say you are going to pay below the cost, the water man will not continue to sell water. So it is the same thing with petrol”.

Speaking on the search for oil in the Benue and Chad basins, Oniwon said: “The nation has a lot of structures that indicate tapping of hydrocarbon. So, all we are going to do is to explore and see whether it is there or not.

What we did before was to use old technology in exploring for oil in the Chad basin.

Fed Govt reassures on stable power He inaugurated the folHE Federal Govern supply lowing three sub-working ment has restated its groups: Institutional Capacresolve in finding last-

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ing solutions to the energy crisis in the country.

Vice-President Namadi Sambo spoke yesterday when he inaugurated the Sub-Working Groups on the Nigeria-Brazil Energy Cooperation (NBEC) at the State House, Abuja.

Sambo stated that ‘the inauguration is predicated on mutual interests of the two countries and their agencies and is a fall-out of the Nigeria-Brazil Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on energy co-operation signed on July 31, 2009.

The MoU focused on the following areas of co-operation in the energy sector between Nigeria Brazil: Production of electricity from energy sources, including transmission and distri-

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

bution; oil and gas exploration and production, including refining and petrochemical; bio-fuel production, marketing and transportation; energy efficiency and conservation; exchange of information on energy planningand regulation;technical support, training and exchange of experiences as well as research and energy development.

The Vice-President pointed out that, ‘Brazil has an installed capacity of 109, 400 MW with planned expansion for 224GW by 2017.

He said ‘while Nigeria can benefit from the lessons of Brazil’s success, Brazil can also enhance its energy security through closer ties with Nigeria.’

ity and Energy Development; Mambilla Hydro and other Medium Hydro Plants and NNPC-Petrobras.

Sambo stated that their membership was drawn from the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA’s) that have relevance with what the NBEC seeks to achieve in the short, medium and long term.

He said their mandate is primarily to superintend and complement the activities of the Joint Working Groups of the NBEC. Speaking further, he charged the newly inaugurated working goups to come up with practical projects that will achieve the development objectives of the parties.

RMAFC cautions on new revenue formula

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HE Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Elias Mbam, has cautioned proponents of a new revenue sharing formula.

He said without an appreciable increase in what accrues to the Federation Account, very little can be done to lift the 36 states out of the financial woods they have found themselves.

Speaking at the first Zonal Advocacy Workshop on Economic Diversification and Enhanced Revenue Generation organised by the Com-

From Nduka Chiejina, Assistant Editor

mission for the Northcentral Zone in Minna, Niger State, Mbam lamented that many states were on the verge of insolvency.

To reverse the situation, the RMAFC boss stressed the need for economic diversification and enhanced revenue generation to the grassroots.

He said the time had come for stakeholders to translate their huge potential in the agriculture, tourism, manufacturing and solid minerals sectors into realities within their states.

Mbam pleaded with stakeholders in the states to buy-in into his campaign as part of efforts to pursue and achieve an ever-increasing size of the Federation Account to be shared among the three tiers of government, While supporting an increase in the share that will get to the states from the new revenue formula,Mbam noted that there was the “need to diversify Nigeria’s sources of revenue to effectively address the rising expenditure requirements of governance and development challenges.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2011

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INDUSTRY With production of 2.5 million metric tonnes of cement from its Ewekoro 11 plant, Lagarge WAPCO Nigeria Plc announced its readiness to make the commodity readily available and at a cheap price. Stakeholders believe this is a positive development for the industry. TOBA AGBOOLA reports.

Ewekoro 11 produces 2.5m metric tonnes of cement •Lafarge’s N74b plant begins operation W

ILL Nigeria ever become self sufficient in cement production? Trade and Investment Minister Olusegun Aganga is optimistic that it will.

He said a few months, ago that cement importation would soon be a thing of the past. What informed his optimism? It was what he saw at a cement plant during a tour of its facitilies. After the tour, he said the country was on the verge of being self-sufficient in cement production, adding that this is the government’s wish.

He challenged the company and other local cement manufacturers to make cement affordable to Nigerians.

“You have really done well with this investment that has the multiplier-effect of providing jobs for our people.

This is also a definite step in the nation’s quest for cement availability.

Now that availability is there, the next thing is how to make cement affordable to the ordinary man.

Soon, his wish may become reality as Lafarge Cement WAPCO Nigeria Plc says it has produced its first 2.5 million metric tonnes of cement at its N75 billion Ewekoro II plant in Ogun State.

This development will bring Lafarge Wapco Group’s total capacity to eight million metric tonnes.

Speaking with reporters during a facility tour of the factory, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Samy Abdelkader, said the company has been adding about 12,000 tonnes daily to the cement market.

Abdelkader, represented by the Technical Director, Paul Rogers, said: ”The importance of this historic milestone in our 50 years of quality cement production is that very soon enough cement will be readily available for Nigerians.

“Our company has fully keyed into the Federal Government’s Backward Integration Policy, which is aimed at self-sufficiency in cement production.

“Our Kiln was lit up on July 22 and produced the first clinker on July 30, which coincided with the visit of Aganga. Within 45 days of this achievement, we recorded other milestones by producing the first cement on September 16 and later, our first bag of cement on September 29.

“Today, I am happy to share with you that the Ewekoro 11 plant has achieved 55, 294 tonnes of clinker production, grinded 37,408 tonnes of cement and also dispatched 35,849 tonnes of cement to the market.”

To ensure continuous production without power interruption, the new

•Lafarge WAPCO new Ewekoro plant

Ewekoro II plant is supported by a 90MW power plant.

The plant has an adjoining power plant, with 90MW installed capacity (76MW effective output capacity; 50MW to power the new line and 26MW to power the existing line). Operationally, the company constructed 4.7 kilometre-long double conveyor belts to transport limestone and other input between the quarry and the new plant.

The power plant, according to Abdelkader , has six 15 MW units, which equals to 90MW installed capacity with a dual-firing system that can use both gas and liquid fuel (AGO/ LPFO).

“We are convinced that there will be an appreciable stability of supply in the cement sub-sector when there is more

volume of cement made available to Nigerians. The new plant will also be a testimony to the company’s leadership in innovation as it has the capacity to produce four varieties of cement to better serve customers’ special requirements,” he said.

Abdelkader added that the company has also begun transportation of cement from its Ewekoro plant by rail to its customers nationwide. This is in partnership with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), He said the partnership, which would ensure faster and regular supply of the company’s products (Elephant and Supaset cement) to customers, would see NRC moving about 2,000 tonnes of cement per week on a short term and later 6,000 tonnes weekly.

Abdelkader said: “We will continue to partner with the government to achieve the dream of self-sufficiency and availability of cement. This is another way to demonstrate our support to the Federal Government’s policy of backward integration in the cement sub-sector.

“Lafarge WAPCO is committed to making cement available to Nigerians at all times and this is why this partnership with the NRC is very important to us. We are optimistic that the use of rail transport will go a long way to ensure that our products - Elephant Cement and Supaset - get to the final users in a safe, reliable and faster way,” he said.

“It will interest you to know that, apart from the opportunity of reaching our far distance customers in the

Abuja Chamber for India Fair

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HE Abuja Chamber of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture (ABUCCIMA) is leading a delegation of Nigerian exhibitors to the 31st India International Trade Fair (IITF) . The group is expected to showcase made-in-Nigeria products.

ABUCCIMA President Dele Oye heads the delegation comprising public sector leaders and private investors.

On the delegation are Borno State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Bashir Asabe Vilita, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Lawan Maina Mahmud, Managing Director of Borno Investment Company Limited Modu Aja Goni.

Others are Secretary General of the Chartered Institute of Mediators and Vice Chairman of Abuja Branch of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Mr Elachi Agada and 20 other business leaders from various sectors.

Oye will be leading the Nigerian delegation in bilateral business meeting with counterparts from the Indian

By Toba Agboola

organised private sector under the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) According to the ABUCCIMA president, varied business issues and opportunities for investment in the two countries would be explored in the course of the trade mission and exhibition.

He said investment in machinery for small and medium industries will top the agenda as well as infrastructure, information technology and medical equipment and services.

“This trade mission and exhibition is part of the recognition of the very healthy relationship that exists between ABUCCIMA and India. India was very prominently represented during our last trade fair in Abuja.

“The Indian High Commissioner, Mr Manhesh Sachdev was present with us to grace the trade fair and so, our mission to India will go on to cement the already firm business relations that exists between us,” Oye said.

•From left: Oye, Dr Vilita and Mahmud at the fair.

North, the haulage by train will also help to reduce traffic congestion on our roads. For example, one single haulage trip by rail is equivalent to 25 trucks of cement which would ordinarily have taken about two or four days to deliver, thus reducing the pressure on our roads,” Abdelkader added.

He also noted that being a safety conscious organisation, the company was looking into the peculiarities of rail transport to see how best to make the operation safe.

The company’s Country Manager, Jean-Christopher Barbant said they make use of 60MW out of the 90MW plant to fire its production plants thereby leaving the choice of transferring the remaining 30MW to the national grid with a view to boosting power generation.

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2011

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INDUSTRY

Rivers floats Christmas discount market

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HE Rivers State govern ment is to introduce a Christmas discount market. At the market, residents will buy goods at highly discounted prices for Christmas.

The Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Chuma Chinye, who presented the scheme to stakeholders in Lagos, said unlike other parts of the world where prices of goods are lowered during the festive period, the reverse is the case in Nigeria.

Traders, he noted, regard the period as a time to maximise profits by increasing prices.

This trend, he said moved Governor Rotimi Amaechi to find a way round the anomaly which has denied the poor the joy of Christmas because of high prices of goods.

By Toba Agboola and Laide Adeyanju

He said naturally, what most governments would do is to buy some items for distribution and gifts during the Christmas or other festive period. But the weakness in such arrangement is that it is hijacked by politicians and their supporters.

“Costs are always up during the Xmas season. The governor felt there is the need to make prices of goods affordable to the common man. The usual thing is for governments to buy consumer goods for distribution to people.

“Governor Amaechi thought it would be wise to create a place where the government will collaborate with the private sector particularly manufacturers and major distributors will bring in their products and sell at bulk prices on retail. By this the lives

of the ordinary man would have been touched”, he said.

To ensure the smooth take off of the scheme, Chinye said the Liberation Stadium, Port Harcourt has been prepared with pavilions which will be given to participants free apart from other facilities that will be provided at the venue at no cost to companies taking part in the scheme.

“With this we are hoping the people will be able to buy goods at between 20 and 40 per cent discount” the commissioner said.

The state government said it intends to make the “discount market” a permanent feature, adding that to ensure the success of the scheme, immediately after the Christmas and New Year celebrations, government will ensure that the market is held quarterly and eventually upgraded to a permanent feature.

‘Nigeria loses over N1b yearly to calcium carbonate importation’

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IGERIA loses over N1b (about $7m) annually on the impotation of Precipitated Calcium Carbonate (PCC), which is in commercial quantity in some identified minefields across the country, according to Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC).

Speaking at an investors’ forum on Development and Production of PCC in Nigeria, the Director-General of RMRDC, Azikwe Onwualu, said about 11 states have deposits of limestone in commercial quantity.

He stressed the need for the country to join the rest of the world and harness the potentials of what is described as ‘very essential mineral deposit.

He explained: “The importance of PCC cannot be overemphasised. For instance, in paint, PCC’s unique particle size shapes improve capacity and allow reductions in titanium dioxide levels.

It has versatile application such as in emulsion paints, architectural finishes, traffic paint, industrial primers, undercoats in rubbers. It is widely

used in high value rubber products.

“In health applications, PCC is an effective acid neutraliser and it enables the formulation of high dosage calcium supplements and multi-vitamin/mineral tablets.

In paper industry, PCC is well established as a filler and coating pigment for premium quality paper products. PCC enhances optical properties and print characteristics of paper products, improves paper machine productivity.”

Onwualu said the extensive applications of PCC has necessitated the world demand, which is forecast to grow by an average of four per cent yearly from around 13 metric tonnes in 2007 to nearly 16 metric tonnes by 2012.

Corroborating Onwualu, Chairman, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Group of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Bayo Osibo, identified lack of appropriate technology as one of the major challenges facing development of PCC in Nigeria.

MAN urges govt to speed up PHCN privatisation

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From left: Group Managing Director, Verdant Zeal Marketing Communications Ltd; Mr Tunji Olugbodi, , Modern Trade Development Manager, HPZ Ltd; Mr Satish Dahatonde, Chinye and Business Development Manager, 7Up Bottling Company, Kishan Aga, at the event.

700, 000 jobs coming in North east, says Minister M

INISTER of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina has said over 700,000 jobs will be created in the Northeast through the production of hybrid sorghum.

He said Nigeria produces over 9.3 million tonnes of sorghum and with the discovery of the new hybrid seed, the production capacity will increase three fold. This, he said, would open job opportunities for over 700,000 people in the North east alone.

The minister, represented by Prof. Babatunde Obilana spoke at a workshop on “Sorghum Value

Chain Transformation initiative” organised by the Borno State Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture.

According to him, “For now, farmers in the North east produce 32 per cent of the total sorghum produced in Nigeria while those in the North-west produce 48 per cent.

“We believe that millions of people will be gainfully employed through the diversification of the

agricultural sector which is one of the agenda of the present administration.”

Sorghum is one of the staple foods in northern Nigeria and is used by producers of beverages as part of their ingredients. It is also used in the production of bread, nodules and koos-koos.

Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State, who was represented by the state Commissioner for Agriculture, Usman Zannah said over 80 per cent of people in the state are farmers and agriculture was one of the sectors that receives huge allocation in the budget.

Lagos Chamber harps on diversification of economy

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HE Lagos Chamber of Com merce and Industry (LCCI) has called on the Federal Government to focus more on the development of agriculture.

Its president, Otumba Femi Deru, said the agricultural sector must be revived to supply the needed raw materials for the country’s industrial sector.

He spoke at the Annual General Meeting/symposium of the Industrial Group of LCCI tagged: Diversification of the Nigerian Economy: New Industrial Opportunities.

Deru said: “In diversifying the economy, there is the need to pay more attention to the non-oil sector. Government should work towards the removal of the bottlenecks in the industrial sector. There are many opportunities existing in Nigeria’s industrial sector ranging from food processing to large scale manufacturing of finished goods.

However, these opportunities can-

not be exploited without the right infrastructure and business environment in place.”

He also stressed the need for government to pay attention to the transport system, which he said, needed new investments that would put in place a multi-modal system involving railways, waterways and roads that would link supply locations of raw materials with the mar-

‘You will agree with me that the theme of today’s symposium is topical in the face of the huge import bill incurred by Nigeria due to the comatose state of industries’

ket locations of our industries.

According to him, the industrial sector remains one of the sectors with the highest capacity in terms of production, export and employment generation, but has been bedeviled with numerous challenges.

Deru said the country also has vast raw material resources, which he believed could readily feed industries to produce finished goods instead of what he described as “the pitied state of the economy” where almost all finished goods are imported, thereby generating pressure on the naira.

He said: “You will agree with me that the theme of today’s symposium is topical in the face of the huge import bill incurred by Nigeria due to the comatose state of industries.

We are also privileged to have the most relevant government officials to address the theme for today’s event.”

ANUFACTURERS Association of Nigeria (MAN) has urged the Federal Government to fast-track the privatisation of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) if the economy is to grow the way it should.

President of the association, Chief Kola Jamodu, made the call at the 40th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of MAN, Apapa Branch.

He observed that there was a growing consensus that investment in industries is essential to realising the vast but near-squandered resources at the disposal of the country.

“The way forward is to involve the private sector in the power generation sector and that has to be done properly.

“There has to be an orientation on the benefits that this privatisation will

bring to business,” Jamodu stated.

He also stated that there was the need to institutionalise a special development vehicle that will drive investment and processes, that the government could drive investment by deploying resources to increase the level of infrastructure and have a meaningful road rehabilitation programme in industrial areas.

He also added that the plans by some businesses to relocate to neighbouring states and countries will become a thing of the past, when the level of government’s presence is felt positively.

“The cost of business in Nigeria compared to that of other countries is very high, because of non-availability of power supply. What we want the government to do is to adopt more Public Private Partnership (PPP) in a bid to improve the power generation sector.

Unilever unveils new product

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NILEVER Nigeria Plc has introduced Pepsodent anti-cavity toothpaste.

The product, which contains fluoride, also offers over 50 per cent more calcium that easily fills the tiny , weak, invisible holes in tooth. It also repairs early signs of tooth decay and prevents forming of tooth cavities.

Speaking at the launch of the product, Managing Director, Unilever Nigeria, Thabo Mabe said: “Unilever Oral Care has over 40 years experience in producing toothpaste that provides anti-cavity systems and technology.

The Pepsodent Anti-Cavity Fighter fluoride toothpaste “offers over 50 per cent more calcium in a form active micro-calcium that easily fills the tiny, weak, invisible holes in tooth,” he said.

Mabe said mothers who have con-

sistently stood for the rights of the child as well as for proper and adequate development of the child, are now pleased to have toothpaste that contains calcium.

Brand Building Director, Unilever Nigeria Plc, David Okeme said Pepsodent’s introduction will address the gap in the market and meets consumers’ need for stronger cavity free teeth. This, he said is line with the vision of the Federal Ministry of Health to improve the Oral Health of Nigerians. “Oral Health means more than healthy teeth and absence of disease.

He said: “We consider it important to use this launch to restate the understanding we have about the importance of oral health to national development and the urgency to do more to improve the oral health of all Nigerians.

Panasonic, firm get awards

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ANASONIC and Omeba Associates Advertising Limited have been honoured with the Pan African brand awards as the best electronic brand in quality and most admired customers’ service award in integrated marketing communication category by the African Marketing Business School.

The award was bestowed on the two brands at Sheraton Hotel and Towers in Ikeja, Lagos. Omeba Associates Advertising is the advertising agency in charge of Panasonic brand in Nigeria.

The reward mechanism to recognise hard work, diligence and excellence is coming from a subsidiary of the Institute of Marketing of Nigeria-African marketing Business School.

Apart from scooping the laurel for

best customer service in IMC category, the chief executive officer of Omeba Advertising, Mr John Woma was also admitted as a fellow of the Institute of Direct Marketing of Nigeria (IDMN) on the same day.

Speaking during the ceremony the President of the Institute, Mrs. Priscilla Kuye, explained that the awardees were being recognised for their huge contribution to the development of marketing in Nigeria.

Mrs Kuye, who was represented by the institute’s Deputy President, Babatunde Aloba, expressed the hope that the award would go a long way in enhancing the practice in the country, while charging the awardees not to relent in their efforts at putting the marketing practice in its pride of place.

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2011

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EDITORIAL/OPINION Comments

EDITORIAL FROM OTHER LAND

Class gesture •The University of Ibadan has just raised the bar by offering automatic post-graduate scholarship to its first class graduates

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T was a most heart-warming gesture and as if to prove it, the announcement was reportedly greeted by loud cheers and jubilation. It must have been indeed sweet music to the ears of 75 students of the University of Ibadan (UI), last week when their vice-chancellor, Professor Isaac Adewole, said that they had been offered automatic postgraduate scholarship by their alma mater.

The 75 students were the brightest and the best that U.I. had on showcase as it held its convocation ceremonies; they were graduating first class and top of their leagues. The university must have considered that there is no better way to harness such rich assortment of emerging human capital than to keep it in the house.

‘As we commend the authority of the institution for trying to rediscover itself, we urge it to sustain the scholarship programme and make it sustainable. It must not be seen as a favour to a privileged few.

It must be approached as part of a grand vision to reposition the university in a world that is aggressively knowledge-driven’

Actually, encouraging the best graduating students to stay back and pursue post-graduate studies has been an age-old tradition in the academia until Nigeria’s educational system became seriously dysfunctional about two decades ago.

Outstanding students knew they had the choice of staying back in their faculties or any other faculty of their choice, to pursue post-graduate studies, especially for a career in the classroom. This option was taken for granted those days.

Not anymore. It is not uncommon today to find first class graduates roaming the streets for years searching for job. There are cases in which their alma mater would not accept them even for further studies in their faculties. While some see this as a symptom of the prevalent poor quality educational system in which even students that are top of their classes are known to be mere certificate peddlers with little learning, others see the fault in the prevalence of brain-dead institutions lacking in the wisdom to regenerate with quality minds.

In declaring the award, Prof Adewole had emphasised the need to restore the premier Nigerian citadel of learning to its role as a provider of quality education in the 21st century. It is apposite that U.I. is leading this new momentum to reinvigorate our tertiary institutions through encoura’ging the very best to remain in the system. Considering her pioneering status in Nigeria, U.I.

is expected to have blossomed to being among the world leaders in discovering and training first-rate human capital for the academia and for the larger society. It is expected to have achieved a certain level of specialisation if not renown, as the nurturing ground for scholars and intellectuals in Nigeria and beyond.

Unfortunately, in its 63 years of existence, it has not managed to carve that niche or don any distinguishing garb for that matter.

As we commend the authority of the institution for trying to rediscover itself, we urge it to sustain the scholarship programme and make it sustainable. It must not be seen as a favour to a privileged few. It must be approached as part of a grand vision to reposition the university in a world that is aggressively knowledge-driven.

From this premise, the scholars must be afforded, not just full scholarship but some of the other perquisites that would make life worthy and learning stimulating, including exposing them to exchange programmes with commensurate foreign universities.

We expect that all other universities in the country will follow this trail and retain their top students, even if it is purely as an agenda for self-preservation. But surely, this trend will go a long way in improving the standard of education in Nigeria, if pursued with seriousness.

Good example • FRSC men’s return of N2.4m to accident victims raises hope that all is not lost in Nigeria

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ESPITE the high profile of public corruption in the country, a light flickers, after all, at the end of the tunnel. The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Funtua Unit Command, Katsina State, set the ball of optimism rolling with its exemplary conduct. In this era of rampant official graft, the unit performed the uncommon in this clime when it handed over N2.4 million recovered at the scene of an accident to the owner-victims of the crash.

The victims who were livestock sellers from Deidei Market in Abuja. They were on their way to Zurmi Local Government in Zamfara State, after concluding their businesses during the last Sallah festival when the accident occurred at Kanon Haki village in Faskari Local Government Area. Their driver reportedly lost control of the Toyota car that they were travelling in, ran into the bush and hit a tree. Of the six persons involved in the accident, one Muhammad Abdullahi died at the Funtua General Hospital while receiving treatment with others.

The FRSC through its men’s loyalty and dedication to duty in Funtua has shown that there still exists an agency of government that can win public confidence. The prompt response of the unit’s men to tip-off when the accident occurred is commendable. Without such responsive approach to duty, it is possible that more than one fatality would have

been recorded while some miscreants might have come around to rob the victims of their money and other valuables.

Alhaji Musa Mairago, one of the victims that spoke on behalf of others involved in the accident, corroborated the steadfastness of the FRSC men when he attested to the fact that ‘none of their valuables was lost’, as all were handed over to them by Betara Umar, the Unit Commander of Funtua FRSC. The commendable conduct of the Funtua unit of FRSC is something that must be emulated by officers and men of the commission in other states of the federation. Indeed, the police and other security outfits in the country must embrace the Funtua example of the FRSC. We seize this opportunity too to call on other non-security agencies of government to emulate the good deeds of these gallant men. The FRSC men have shown the way to attain institutional uprightness. If the nation must truly develop, institutions of government must be transparent and accountable in their dealings. At a time when the news media is inundated with negative stories from public quarters, it is good that the Funtua act has unexpectedly given us something to cheer and celebrate.

We call on the FRSC authorities to reward the rare loyalty to duty of these good men. At this excruciating economic period when Nigerians are groaning, others that are not so committed to duty

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would have stolen the money found at the scene of the accident and later come up with cock and bull stories for the victims. As a matter of fact, it would not be out of place to recommend these men for promotion, to inspire the desired nationalistic fervour in the Funtua FRSC men and fire the right attitude in others.

This should be accompanied with an official letter of commendation signed by the corps marshal, and a token amount to show them that they are appreciated by the system.

While saluting these men of valour, we call on them not to rest on their oars in further projecting positively the image of the FRSC. This was the kind of thing for which the commission was noted when it was founded. The men should keep it up.

‘We call on the FRSC authorities to reward the rare loyalty to duty of these good men. At this excruciating economic period when Nigerians are groaning, others that are not so committed to duty would have stolen the money found at the scene of the accident and later come up with cock and bull stories for the victims.

As a matter of fact, it would not be out of place to recommend these men for promotion ...’

As Egyptians protest anew, the Obama administration again enables the generals

T

HE CAUSE OF the clashes that have killed at least 23 people in Cairo since Saturday is easy to identify: It is the failure by Egypt’s military rulers to unambiguously commit themselves to a plan and a timetable for handing over power to a democratically elected government. The solution is equally clear: The generals must immediately adopt such a road map — one that provides for a political transition in a matter of months.

The first of multiple rounds of voting for parliament is scheduled to begin Nov. 28, and the supreme military council announced Sunday that the balloting would go ahead, despite days of pitched battles between police and demonstrators in Cairo’s Tahrir Square. On Monday the civilian cabinet that the council had appointed to run the country under Prime Minister Essam Sharaf resigned. But neither move addresses the fundamental discontent of the thousands of Egyptians who have gathered in the center of Cairo and other cities, and who threaten to repeat February’s revolution.

That’s because the military has not agreed to form a new government based on the elections, which will not be completed until early next year.

It is trying to curb the new parliament’s power over the appointment of an assembly to write a new constitution, while imposing its own overriding “principles” on the new charter. Worst of all, it has postponed a presidential election to an indefinite time late in 2012 or in 2013 — creating the prospect that the military misrule of Egypt will continue for at least another year.

The protesters in Tahrir Square are not seeking radical political solutions. What Egypt’s increasingly angry populace wants is what it demanded nine months ago: a transition to genuine democracy and civilian rule. Only a decisive step by the military to answer that imperative, such as the scheduling of an early presidential election, will stabilize the country. Continued repression, or the postponement of the elections, will only worsen the turmoil.

The United States supplies a large part of the Egyptian military budget, and the Obama administration has defined a democratic transition as a top foreign policy priority. Yet faced with the escalating violence in Cairo, the administration is repeating the mistake it made in January, when it hesitated to push for the removal of President Hosni Mubarak. Rather than using its considerable leverage, the administration is deferring to the military council. White House spokesman Jay Carney weakly called Monday for “restraint” from “all sides”; when asked whether the generals should specify the date for a presidential election, he replied, “I don’t want to dictate specifics to Egypt.” Administration officials have resisted congressional proposals that military aid be explicitly linked to a democratic transition.

As during the Mubarak era, some administration officials appear to believe that U.S. interests, including Egypt’s peace accord with Israel, preclude using aid to pressure the military for political change. It is past time to abandon that wrongheaded doctrine. The United States should make clear that further military aid will depend on the establishment of a firm and expeditious timetable for a democratic transition.

– The Washington Post

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THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2011

20

EDITORIAL/OPINION

S

IR: In 2004, Chinua Achebe rejected the CFR (Commander of the Federal Republic) honour handed him by President Olusegun Obasanjo. In this year’s Honours List, President Goodluck Jonathan offered Achebe the honour yet again. The result was predictable. Again, not for me, said Achebe.

Achebe obviously has a soft spot for Jonathan for he explained his repeated rejection of national honour, not by lashing out directly at the President but by merely observing that, “The reasons for rejecting the offer when it was first made have not been addressed let alone solved”.

This article is to put the whole question of Nigerian national honours and their repudiation by Chinua Achebe in proper context.

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Achebe and national honours All over the world, the National Honour is reserved for achievers in all positive walks of life. Achievement could come by appointment, promotion, election, attainment, gallantry or perseverance. In Britain, for instance, the position of Chief of Defence Staff automatically goes with a knighthood. Yet the same knighthood has gone to musicians like Elton John, Mick Jagger and Paul McCartney. Whatever per-

sonal opinion people hold on Defence chiefs and top pop artistes cannot detract from the fact that those who attain such distinctions in Britain are shining stars.

An illiterate, village-bound woman could end up with a national honour simply for being a faithful wife who raised children with the fear of God and a sense of patriotism. The primary school teacher could earn a national honour because he brought up pu-

pils who, in later life, will have nothing to do with 419, cultism and examination malpractices. In Nigeria, however, people are not so sure that the proper criteria for drawing up the honours list are ever followed.

Wole Soyinka was not deemed qualified for any national honour until he won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986. He was awarded the GCON, which the business mogul Aliko Dangote, now covets.

are yet to be tackled and successfully addressed, it will be insensitive, illconceived, ill-timed and indeed unrealistic to hike electricity tariffs.

In both instances, the increase in electricity tariff and price (removal of subsidy) of petroleum products, is to say the list, inimical, iniquitous, injudicious and untenable as this will have adverse and deleterious effect on the wellbeing of average Nigerians.

Let me sound a note of caution and make it abundantly clear to leaders, that it is delusional and indeed a grave mistake, fallacy and misconception to believe that they can introduce or implement policy

reforms without considering appropriate timing, peculiarities and realities on ground as well as their compatibility with the mood, feelings, demands, wishes, hopes, expectations, yearnings and aspirations of the people – for whose benefit the policies or reforms are supposedly meant in the first place – and expect the change to succeed.

Such leaders must be living in fool’s paradise! Indeed such a scenario or situation clearly shows that there is a gulf or disconnect between the leadership and the people which in itself is a major hindrance to change.

Fuel subsidy removal: wrong timing

S

IR: Following plans by the federal Government to completely withdraw subsidy on petroleum products as well as an increase in electricity tariffs, a number of people have criticized the move, while some others have supported it. It must be said that even the best of policy reforms, with all the good intentions, right motives and plausible justifications, if introduced or implemented at the wrong or inappropriate time, are likely to boomerang and meet with a brick wall, vehement opposition and stiff resistance by the stake holders.

Experience has shown that, in many cases, the missing link between the success and failure of a policy change lies in timing. Timing is a crucial, critical and sensitive factor in determining the success or failure of any policy reform or transformational change. Any policy change or reform that is hastily introduced or implemented without due consideration to appropriate timing and adequate consultations with key stakeholders is not only meaningless, but also amounts to a travesty and a pipe dream which cannot stand the test of time. Effective and visionary leaders recognize that when to effect a change is as critically and strategically important as the change itself. According to the Nobel Laureate and playwright, Prof. Wole Soyinka “Timing is a

crucial part of leadership intelligence and sensibility”.

A truly positive change must, therefore, be time sensitive and effected with a “human face”. The change leader must ensure the right change at the right time, for the change to win the support and enjoy the acceptance of the stakeholders.

In this context, therefore, it is insensitive, ill-conceived and illtimed to introduce an upward change or increase in the prices of petroleum products at a time when the problems of inadequate infrastructures have not been effectively addressed. In a situation where there is poor and inefficient mode of public transportation system, coupled with widespread poverty, it will be insensitive and counter-productive to hike the price of fuel as this is likely to shoot-up the cost of public transportation. An increase in the cost of transportation will have a snow-ball or spill-over effect on the cost of consumer items which are mainly distributed via the transportation system thereby engendering cost-push or consumer price inflation with the attendant socio-economic costs. This will further escalate and exacerbate the level of poverty with the resultant worsening and aggravation of the level of tension and insecurity in the country.

Similarly, in a situation where the challenges of inadequate and inefficient electricity power supply

• Kayode Oluwa Lekki, Lagos.

The late, celebrated attorney, Gani Fawehinmi once responded to a journalist’s question by promising to sue for defamation if Obasanjo dared insert his name in the honours list. The antipathy of many Nigerians of honour to the national honours should be enough food for thought for all, especially President Goodluck Jonathan. Names of people widely expected to have been answering various corruption charges instituted by the EFCC litter the list. Folks that were declared victorious in questionable polls litter the list. Characters in critical public offices unknown to have bettered the lives of Nigerians in any way litter the list. The list was itself apparently so large that the organizers found it impossible to produce enough medals to go round.

Those who know Chinua Achebe very well will swear that the acclaimed novelist does not mix himself with such nonsense as has been listed above. Those who work for President Jonathan should be grateful to him for the action he has taken and the manner in which he took it.

Achebe did not go highlighting Jonathan’s diffidence or lackluster performance at the helm. This means that Achebe, having probably located some credit in the Nigerian leader, does not want to smother it with premature endorsement.

Achebe’s rejection of the two national honours in seven years demonstrates that his disenchantment is not with any particular individual but with a rotten system. His subtle message is for Jonathan not to rest on his oars. His insistence is for positive change.

• Innocent Agupa innocentagupa@gmail.com

CJN’s directive on anti-graft cases in nation’s interest

S

IR Why is it that when one is given a directive or an order to follow, we see it as a problem or an opportunity to harass those you are meant to serve?

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Dahiru Musdapher recently gave a practice directive to judges which has been described as a great boost to the nation’s anti-graft war.

The directive issued to judges to, henceforth, conclude all corruption cases filed and/or pending in their courts within six months, is indeed a right step in the right direction.

It is now obvious that the EFCC is being heard because the directive tallies with the objective of the cam-

paign for the creation of special courts to fast- track the trial of corruption cases which the EFCC chairman has been vigorously pursuing since 2008 in the interest of the nation’s socio-economic and political development.

I plead with all our judges not to see this directive as a vote of no confidence on them or a means of putting them under pressure in the discharge of their duties. There is really no need to be hostile to the EFCC as the commission is not the originator of the directive but as a sure beneficiary of it and the nation as a whole.

Looking back on pending cases of

the EFCC, there are about 79 high profile cases and over 150 cases in the court that judgement has not been decided on. I see this directive as a way forward to our country Nigeria to a better and stable judicial system. Farida Waziri mentioned in her recent lecture at the National Defence College that corruption was the biggest threat to social, economic and security.

Nigeria will be seen world-wide as a better nation to do business with or bring foreign financial opportunities into if this directive is followed to the letter in order to achieve its main objective.

• Rachel Fola Abuja.

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2011

21

EDITORIAL/OPINION

Some thoughts on our foreign policy -2

O

UR fundamental belief as a country is that peace is a fundamental requirement for development. The quest for development was what informed our search for a new foreign policy after the liberation of Africa and the liquidation of the apartheid regime and an end to official policy of institutionalised racism in South Africa. Without being immodest, Nigeria’s foreign policy since independence has been largely successful. This can be seen through the prism of ECOWAS largely founded through our inspiration, the Organisation of African Unity now African Union of which we were a foundation member, the Commonwealth of which we remain faithful and a keen member.

I must also mention the Non-Aligned movement, even though no longer very useful as an important tool of our foreign policy but which when it was active, we played our role to make it a veritable vehicle to assert our independent sovereignhood and to give voice to the developing countries.

There is no need to wake up this dead horse as some career civil servants are inclined to do. Our nation as a member of the United Nations for several decades occupied the chair of the Decolonisation and Anti-Apartheid Committee. We can look back and congratulate ourselves. But our task is not yet finished. We have within our region and our continent the task of reducing poverty and want and economic deprivation generally. We must also ensure the maintenance of peace and sustenance of security within our region and our continent.

This is why it is sad that the fissiparous tendencies and armed militancy in the Niger-Delta and the Jihadist Movement in the North-Eastern Nigeria is not only a threat at home but a derogation of our status as a leader in Africa. We know that peace is indivisible in the world but particularly in our region.

This is why in the past at considerable cost to our economy and our military. We have intervened to secure peace in our region. We know if our neighbours are insecure we too will be affected by the virus of insecurity. Peace is not simply the

‘Our future foreign policy must also emphasize good governance at home and on the African continent.

We must therefore support the embrace of democracy as a way of securing peace in our region and on the African continent’

I

N the early days of Adams Oshiomhole’s administration in Edo State, many of us who are indigenes were impatient with him.

We wanted him to move at a faster pace, forgetting that Rome was not built in a day. Nobody should blame us for our attitude, which was informed by what our state experienced in the hands of Lucky Igbinedion, a former governor who many of us do not want to remember.

But can we ever forget Lucky? With this name, we thought he would bring luck to our state, but we turned out to be unlucky with him. For eight years, he governed the state as his fiefdom.

Edo became the private property of the Igbinedions, who fed fat on the state, while the people pined away in abject penury. Edo became a failed state under Igbinedion because nothing worked.

There were no infrastructure which the people could point to as undertaken by Igbinedion during his eight years in office. They were the years of the locust which no true son of Edo will ever pray for again. So, when Oshiomhole was sworn in on November 12, 2008, after the 18-month interregnum of former Governor Oserhiemen Osunbor, the people were in a hurry to see him perform.

When after some months they saw no meaningful signs of development, they started complaining. I must confess that I saw reason with them. I too believed then that Oshiomhole should have started walking before crawling. Like many others, I didn’t know the enormity of the problems he inherited, which slowed him down in the early days of his administration.

While we complained bitterly and loudly, Oshiomhole took his time

absence of war. Economic deprivation creates challenges that are as serious as war. Realizing this, our country has been ready to fund joint ventures with our neighbours in the past and we played significant part in designing a new paradigm for economic development in the New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD). The challenge of course is to translate this programme into recognizable reality of development that will be beneficial to the average Nigerian. People need to see the dividends of our investment on our foreign policy.

Our future foreign policy must also emphasize good governance at home and on the African continent. We must therefore support the embrace of democracy as a way of securing peace in our region and on the African continent.

This is not based on any crusading ideology but on practical politics that democracies do not usually go to war against one another. Furthermore, peaceful democratic change is useful in our continent of a multitude of ethnic groups and languages and where access to power is usually subject to monopolistic tendencies by dominant groups leading to violent challenge which undermines stability. Democracy therefore is not only necessary; it may be the only way to guarantee peace in our region and our continent.

Since we cannot choose our neighbours we must ensure that the interest of the Republics of Cameroons and Chad even though not member states of ECOWAS must be protected. The harmonization of our interests with those of these two countries and other members of the Chad Basin commission compels us to reactivate the Chad basin commission from its present rather sleepy situation. We have strategic economic and political relations with our southern Atlantic neighbours of Equatorial Guinea, Principe and Sao Tome as well as with the riparian countries of the Gulf of Guinea with which we maintain cordial relations in a joint commission.

Permit my immodesty, the Gulf of Guinea Commission has been my baby since I wrote my book on Nigeria Equatorial Guinea Relations in 1976, a research funded by Bolaji Akinyemi’s N.I.I.A and I had the fortune to drive the evolution of this commission when I was special Adviser to the Minister of External Affairs. There are certain fundamental factors which will continue to affect the direction of our foreign policy. But the issue of domestic development must now take the centre stage. The world has happily changed from the heydays of colonialism and institutionalized racism, and we must change with it. We must anchor our new foreign policy on economic development at home. Representation abroad must be justified on the grounds of economic usefulness, in other words, diplomacy must follow trade. This

is now a global phenomenon as seen in the recent reforms of British Foreign Policy with its emphasis on trade and development. Even before now, our extant foreign policy was based on economic diplomacy. We must move this from the level of slogan to Jide practical reality. The Osuntokun present foreign minister Ambassador Gbenga Ashiru, a seasoned diplomat got it right when he anchors our foreign policy on foreign investment.

It is in our interest to continue to be globally engaged. Our contribution to world peace can be seen in the fact that after India and Bangladesh, our country provides the largest military support to United Nations peace keeping and peace enforcement operations all over the world. We have argued before that service deserves its reward and because of this fact and the need for democratising United Nations organs, we should continue to demand that Nigeria should have a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. We know we must earn this seat on the basis of our overall performance as a democratic and rapidly developing country.

Our goal therefore as a country is to translate our latent greatness to reality. We are on the right direction with the recent democratic transition in our country. We continue to play the role of a peace maker in the region and we have been able to resolve our boundary problems with one of our neighours without going to war to appease public outcry against parting with an area hitherto part of our country and with significant economic potentialities.

Finally, foreign policy implementation is not cheap. Our government must commit itself to generous funding of our missions at least on the same level as those of Egypt and South Africa. Our foreign missions are our windows to the world. The dilapidation of the Nigeria House in New York ought to attract the attention of President Jonathan. This building owes its construction to General Ibrahim Babangida.

If his successors cannot better him, they should at least maintain what they inherited. If we want to be taken seriously on our U.N. Security Council bid, we should put our best foot forward by maintaining our U.N. mission to start with.

The Oshiomhole magic in Edo planning and strategising on the way out. The state had become prostrate from the bleeding of eight years under Igbinedion, who rather than build infrastructure, chose to go abroad partying not with his own money but with funds to which he had free access.

The state capital, Benin, temporarily shifted to London, New York and Johannesburg under the mustachioed governor, who loves the good life and saw Edo as part of the jolly ride. This was the state Oshiomhole took over from Osunbor after a long drawn legal battle. Now, Oshiomhole is a veteran of many battles. Before his political foray, he had waged several battles in the labour front tops. He endeared himself to the people with the way he conducted himself then.

As a labour activist, Oshiomhole was more of a critic than a political leader. People were eager to see how he will marry labour activism with political leadership, thus they wanted him to perform a miracle within weeks of assuming office.

Oshiomhole saw it as a slow and steady race, but many believe that it is a short burst, like an hundred metre race that should be completed in nano seconds.

As an indigene, I was worried by the statelessness of Edo, which was brought about by the misrule of Igbinedion. Anything to reverse the situation within a short time would be welcomed by me. Oshiomhole was aware of the mumblings of the people. He knew that all eyes were on him and that their impatience was caused by their disenchantment with

‘As a labour activist, Oshiomhole was more of a critic than a political leader. People were eager to see how he will marry labour activism with political leadership, thus they wanted him to perform a miracle within weeks of assuming office’

the past.

He knew that a lot was expected of him because to whom much is given, much is expected. Oshiomhole put his shoulders to the plough and did not look back. He too was in a hurry to satisfy the people’s yearnings, but the men of yesterday, some of whom were still in power then in the legislature, had their own agenda, which was to frustrate all his efforts. If he took a step forward, they ensured that they pulled him back by two steps to stop him from delivering the dividends of democracy.

But because the forces of darkness can never last, Oshiomhole prevailed over them at the polls and since then the story of our state has been changing for good. With what Oshiomhole is doing, Edo is gradually returning to the frontline to which it belongs in the comity of states. He has fought the political godfathers and godsons and dislodged them from a political terrain which they hitherto considered their exclusive preserve.

Many did not know the battles Oshiomhole fought to place Edo where it is today. From the position of a state that does not work, he has made it a reference point in governance. But a lot, as he also knows, remains to be done. Compared to where the state was in May 2007 and where it is now, one can safely say that ‘Edo is working again.’ Edo has always been a working state. As part of the Western Region under the legendary Awo it worked; as Midwest Region under Osadebey it worked; as Midwest State under Ogbemudia it worked; as Bendel State under Ambrose Alli it worked; as Edo State under Odigie-Oyegun it worked.

Unfortunately, the son of Igbinedion turned back the hand of the clock with his misrule.

If Lucky Igbinedion today sees what Oshiomhole has done he will cover his face in shame. But does he have

any shame? That Oshiomhole is today putting infrastructure in place in many parts of the state shows that where there is the will, there is a way.

What any leader needs to make things happen is commitment but where that is lacking, the state suffers. The people of Edo are happy with what is happening in their state today because of the changes taking place there.

Many may not be in the same political camp with Oshiomhole or even like his politics, but they cannot shut their eyes to the development taking place in many parts of the state.

Eventhough I believe it is too early to start marking Oshiomhole’s script when he has just served only three of the eight-year term he is constitutionally entitled to, we cannot but praise him for the good job he has so far done in such a short time in order to encourage him to do more.

As he himself said recently, “the reward for good work is more work.”

This may be why his party, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has endorsed him for second term. He has constructed roads; built schools and hospitals; empowered youths and provided water. These are some of the basic things which Igbinedion could not do in eight years. What happened to all the allocations his administration collected on behalf of the state from 1999 to 2007? What did his administration do with the money?

It is a pity that a state so blessed like Edo had the misfortune of being governed by someone like Igbinedion.

Oshiomhole has rewritten the story of our state from what it was under Igbinedion to what we are seeing today. It all has to do with being righteous. Righteousness, the scripture says, exalts a nation, and where the righteous rule, the people are happy.

Edolites are happy today because they have a righteous leader in Oshiomhole. He may not be a saint, but who is among us, but he has dis-

Lawal Ogienagbon lawal.ogienagbon@thenationonlineng.net

played saintly qualities with his righteous leadership. Even the opposition acknowledges this. Former Governor Samuel Ogbemudia while congratulating Oshiomhole on his third anniversary said: “His Excellency has started well; he will need to complete many of the projects in order for us to have a total picture of his grand intention. I call on my party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to offer him stiff opposition on the basis of superior programmes.”

That is the issue: superior programmes. Can the PDP provide superior programmes to beat Oshiomhole in next year’s election in the state? If the party has what it takes to do that why didn’t it show it during the Igbinedion years?

Oshiomhole is riding high in Edo today because the centerpiece of his administration is service to the people.

The people have for many years been neglected by their leaders in the political equation. To them, the people did not matter until Oshiomhole came to power.

We can only pray for Oshiomhole to end well as he has started well so that Edo’s glory will shine perpetually.

SMS ONLY: 08056504763

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2011

22

EDITORIAL/OPINION CONOMICS and politics are like two sides of a coin. Since the latter is often played by men without special gift beyond capacity to play on the people’s fears, the pace of development and level of decay in society often depend on the tales and foibles as told by the economists. The emergence of soldiers of fortune as politicians in the mid-70s has further contributed to our economic misfortune. The economic anarchy we have been witnessing in the last 12 years of PDP government is evidence of only one thing-failure of politics.

Our politics failed because it has always been dominated by men who are ill-equipped and ill-prepared. Tafawa Balewa was a man below average delegated to Lagos by his boss. But his fortune was that the economy was during his time run by the regions. The result was that in 1965, our 276m pounds of import was met with 268m pounds of export.

Our other golden period was during the civil war when Gowon, though ill- equipped had the good fortune of being helped by Obafemi Awolowo. He successfully prosecuted a 33 months civil war without borrowing. Some of Gowon economic legacies have endured.

Even at that Gowon, a very humble leader realized his inadequacy and went back to school after eight years in power Aguiyi Ironsi was ill-equipped and ill-prepared. Indeed, the Sadauna while trying to resist Zik and Mbadiwe lobby said Nigeria would regret it if Ironsi was foisted on the Nigerian military.

Ibrahim Babangida who reduced Nigerian military to ‘an army of anything is possible’ told us he was ‘an evil genius’ in the cast of Chaka the Zulu. Abacha was so thoroughly deficient in honour and character that Wole Soyinka likened his reign to that of a ‘maiguard’ gate keeper taking over running the home. Ill-equipped and ill- mannered Olusegun Obasanjo suffers from complex and still envies MKO Abiola and Awo even in death. President Jonathan like Yar’ Adua, the man he succeeded, as we can now see, is a man who cannot even take advantage of the groundswell of support of Nigerians to write his name in gold.

Our ill-trained leaders couldn’t have given what they did not have. Babangida merely parodied Olu Falae’s “no alternative to SAP’ without understanding the forces at play. It was he who inadvertently opened the era during which military administrators sold government assets and used parts of the proceeds to import stones. Importation of Italian tiles, furniture, kitchen-wares killed the

E

W

HENEVER theorists postulate on the organic nature of ‘state’ and of ‘democracy’ as a necessary dung for its ultimate bloom, usually the composite demon conjured is ‘military dictatorship’. All through history ‘dictatorship of the military’ has proven itself the chief culprit in the brazen subversion of the rights and liberties of men.

It had been the more recurring of all forms of dictatorships; more jackbooted in its arbitrariness and far more deleteriously adventurous in its impunity!

It is the reason philosophers say even out of uniform, soldiers should not preside over the civilized democratic affairs of men. They are either toxic weed in the garden of human ‘rights’ or plundering apes in the orchard of civil ‘liberties’. Said Samuel Adams, “The maxims and rules of the army are essentially different from the genius of a free people”. And John Stuart Mills wrote that “Rulers are governed as much by the habitual sentiments of their class as by the traditions of their office.”

Olusegun Obasanjo’s democratic militarism was proof of that.

Tinubu’s offence? He allegedly violated the code of official conduct. And as shamelessly confessed by the Bureau’s chairman Mr Sam Saba, a veteran broadcaster, Asiwaju Tinubu, Jagaban Borgu and respected Yoruba Leader was docked, circusstyle, on the same ‘charge’ others were allowed a judicial ‘pay-as-you-go’ reprieve.

Who is really in charge of our economy? local marble industries in Abeokuta, Ifon and other parts of the country.

Obasanjo left the economy to Professor Chukwuma Soludo and Okonjo-Iweala.

Soludo’s banks’ consolidation madness put an end to the era of small banks and the emergence of fraud-invested mega banks. The bailing out of ailing banks by governments in Europe and the US in the last three years have shown there was indeed alternative to Soludo’s banking anarchy., Okonjo-Iweala, we were told, was the best that has ever happened to Nigeria’s economy during her first coming as minister of finance under Obasanjo. One of her celebrated achievements was debt-relief for loans taken

by Nigerian governors on behalf of Nigerians but kept back in European banks on behalf of the governors by fraudulent bank officials. In an act of economic suicide, a nation with collapsed infrastructure and whose citizens live below two dollars a day physically deposited her foreign reserve as payment for those unverified debts. We were told by Obasanjo and Okonjo-Iweala that part of our options did not include insisting that the Paris Club invest the cash back either in the completion of the abandoned Ajaokuta Steel, or building of a modern railway.

But Europe that we were told insisted on our blood has not asked Greece or Italy to trade in all their external reserves to service outstanding debts. On the contrary, they have been given more credit facilities. America owes China over 16 trillion dollars. China is offering them more. But Obasanjo and his economic spin doctors behaved as if even as

slaves forced into the globalised economy in the early 16th century by King Ferdinand, the Catholic of Aragon who took 200 of our forebears to the new world, we are no more relevant. Of course, the world needs our resources. The world needs our market. The West needs slaves. Even China has joined the West as slave hunters.

Early last week, Mathew Uwaeke Chief Executive officer, of Nigerian China Business Council (NCBC) proudly told Nigerian that ‘before 1999, it was difficult to buy new television sets, household equipments, and phone sets. Nigerians and some African countries used to buy fairly used goods from Belgium and Europe;” He was happy to tell Nigerians that many of these products are now imported from China at affordable prices thus contributing to the country’s gross domestic product.

Uwakwe is not pretending not to know that after 1999, China flooded Nigeria with fake house hold items ranging from bathroom mop, shoe rack, flash light, fake bathroom slippers and shoes that wear out in less than three months. He admitted this much when he said ‘the Council’s major problem is the importation of substandard products to Nigeria from China and their not abiding with SON’s specifications”.

Twelve years after the Nigeria-China bilateral relations started with trade on fake products including drugs, the council claims ‘it is collaborating with the Federal Government to prevail on Chinese business men to invest in Nigeria instead of selling their finished products’. The council hopes “through

Who is afraid of Tinubu?

By Lisa Olu Akerele It is the reason they say ‘the worst democracy is better than the best military dictatorship’.

Although it may provide no dividends to legitimize its existence, any democracy is presumed a veritable vine yard of freedoms and of liberties. But in Nigeria not anymore!

Even after our long tortuous journey from colonial rule through military barbarism to our present ‘democratic decadence’, Nigerians hardly can tell which is better anymore: a full blown, jackbooted Buharitype-military dictatorship or a guile-ly bereted –and demented- OBJ-type-militaristic democracy; or the Hobson’s choice we now have that is ironically more jackbooted in its impunity and far more demented in arbitrariness?

Obasanjo’s eight-year misrule for example has already proved Nicholo Machiavelli right that “He who has once begun to live by robbery will always find pretexts for seizing what belongs to others.” President Goodluck Jonathan’s incapacity is shattering the age-old presumption that ‘the worst democracy is better than the best military dictatorship’.

The past 17 years now seem only like yesterday; when military jackboots were on the prowl in Abuja against the supporters of politically and judicially persecuted MKO Abiola. At all entry points into the city (where the democratic anti-Christ, Abacha then held sway), protesters were turned back or arrested and detained without trial for daring to peacefully express their political grief and to demonstrate their solidarity with their incarcerated icon. MKO’s offence? Winning the freest and fairest election – acclaimed home and abroad.

And now these two certified political dementias – one of an OBJ and the other of a GEJ- are up in arms and united in hate against

the very democratic freedoms and civil liberties that others have put their lives on the line to bring about! Bringing home again the truism of ‘forgetters’ of history being ‘repeaters’ of it. Only now that it is those who were ‘drop-outs’ in the democratic schools and the political struggles of yesterday that are now rewinding that history for us – ironically more in the repeat of its ignoble attributes than for the lessons of its morals.

Now this ‘ignoble repeat’ is not in some corrugated court in Wuse. It is at a hideous Code of Conduct Tribunal in Jabi, a rustic suburb of Abuja. And two-term ex-Lagos State Governor Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, not Abiola is today the political offering on the alter not of a demented Abacha-militarydictatorship in the throes and spasm of death, but now a jackbooted, Jonathan-democracy ignobly god-fathered by a disgraced, politically insatiable predecessor who is bent on having a finger in every political pie.

Tinubu’s offence? He allegedly violated the code of official conduct. And as shamelessly confessed by the Bureau’s chairman Mr Sam Saba, a veteran broadcaster, Asiwaju Tinubu, Jagaban Borgu and respected Yoruba Leader was docked, circus-style, on the same ‘charge’ others were allowed a judicial ‘pay-as-yougo’ reprieve. And once again we saw the Nigeria Police at the wit of its brutish end. As with the late MKO’s trial, they were bereft of all norms of civilized professional conduct.

They placed a Gestapo siege on the CCB court which subjected the few permitted supporters of Tinubu about a two-kilometer unscheduled walk to the court building.

The Bureau’s counsel, Alex Iziyon became a fitting reincarnation of the late Akpamgbo, the government legal hatchet man who had had the ignoble role of drafting the

that, they will be able to monitor their products, ensure they conform to international standards set by Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and enhance internally generated revenue for the country and employment” Meanwhile, the influx of Chinese fake products has already killed such assembly plants as the Adebowale Electricals, Joas electrical and a host of others that took off on a happy note in the early seventies. But in spite of this, Uwakwe thinks that the Nigeria-China bilateral relations that started with trade, and earned for China a favourable term of trade of $9 billion out of a total trade of $13.3 billion as at February this year, calls for celebration. And for this giant economic stride, Obasanjo has been honoured as the first international patron of the Nigeria-China Business Council for ‘his immense contribution towards improving bilateral relations between Nigeria and China’.

While president Jonathan is busy appealing to the cartels that control importation of cement, rice, fuel, meat, fish and our legislators have no qualms with telling Nigerians they spent six weeks debating the type of cars to be imported to enhance their performance, the question we should be asking is whether anyone is really in charge of this economy? How do we secure our future from men who only see politics as ‘who gets what, when and how?’ How do we start planning replacement for the ponderous Jonathan by young people who see politics as ‘audacity of hope’ through which in spite of inherent dangers and hardship, Nigerians can be inspired to become miracle workers instead of slaves as currently being canvassed by morons and half witted clowns?

‘How do we start planning replacement for the ponderous Jonathan by young people who see politics as ‘audacity of hope’ through which in spite of inherent dangers and hardship, Nigerians can be inspired to become miracle workers instead of slaves’ Babangida ‘ouster clauses’. Nonetheless as much as the democratic space is fouled by the role of men of ignominy, so it is braved by the noble derring-do of courageous men who are not silent in the face of tyranny. From the lowly every-day-people, who journeyed from far and near to brace a wicked history callously ‘repeated’ on them, to the principled stand-offish role of courageous governors like Osun’s Aregbesola (who publicly reproached the enfant terrible of the President), Lagos’ Raji Fashola, Ekiti’s Kayode Fayemi, Edo’s Adams Oshiomhole, and Kwara CAN gubernatorial candidate Dele Belgore and others who openly called the bluff of Jonathan’s obnoxious militaristic democracy!

Others who refused to buckle under police tyranny include ACN National Chairman Chief Bisi Akande, his deputy Boss Mustapha, National Secretary Shuaib Lawal, party stalwarts Chief Audu Ogbe, Senator Abu Ibrahim, National Publicity Secretary Lai Mohammed and former Governors Segun Osoba and Otunba Niyi Adebayo of Ogun and Ekiti States respectively Yet the question is: ‘who is afraid of Tinubu’? A Jonathan who has arrogated to himself ‘divine political good luck’ or an Obasanjo after whom we are told God Himself limps in the base hope that the anointed farmer would say a political prayer that God should answer without delay? And to think that the same Obasanjo was quoted as saying that he forgot items in the prison which Tinubu should have the duty to retrieve!

His grouse? Certainly not Tinubu’s alleged breach of code of conduct! That was a political smokescreen! The trouncing of the PDP rigging machine in the Wild Wild West by Tinubu’s avenging angel, the ACN, is more like it! And what can they do about the rise of a meteor? The surge of a fait accompli of nature?

It’ll be like the hauling of Irish wolves against the appearance of the moon. E go tire dem to shout!

• Akerele, veteran journalist/politician is Atunwase of Ijeshaland

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2011

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2011

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NATION SPORT

NATION SPORT

Gyan, Jung lead Nigeria’s challenge at Obudu

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ANJUMA Gyang,the erstwhile men’s champion in the Nigerian category and Janet Dung,the women’s reigninmg queen will once again spearhead Nigeria’s challenge for the $50,000 top prize on Monday when the 7th Obudu international mountain race is flagged off at the Obudu Ranch Resort in Obudu,Cross River state.

While Gyang will be hoping to return to the podium as the champion after relinquishing the title to Cletus Eyo last year, Dung will be aiming for a consecutive hat-trick of titles after winning in 2009 and 2010 as the best Nigerian woman at the prestigious one day worldaccalimed event.A win for her on Monday will increase her total haul to four titles in seven editions.

Interestingly,Gyang’s first dream of landing the title and the cash was realised in 2009 when he outran Cletus Eyo and two-time winner,Danjuma Kopkudi to the tape while Dung’s first title came in the third edition of the competition in 2007 when she outran Nenpimmwa Alex to place first among the Nigerian runners and 14th in the overall standing with a 60.48 minutes run.

She repeated the feat the following year,improving on her time (60.22 minutes) and overall placing (10th) ahead of Ladi Henry Jah and Genevieve Njoku.Two years ago the then 21 year old also improved on her time,setting a

new Nigeria course record of 59.56 minutes to win ahead of Njoku and Ladi Musa.

Both Gynag and Dung will once again compete against familiar foes as one is set to reclaim a title, while the other is set to defend her own.Both are also in for the overall crown and the accompanying cash offer.

While Gyang will have the defending champion,Eyo as his main challenger for the Nigerian title and the accompanying $2,000 prize money,Dung will have to spare some thoughts for Genevieve Njoku and Nancy Mathew.

The prize monies for best Nigerian finishers (Male/Female) in this year’s race remain unchanged with the top three finishers going home with $2,000, $1,500 and $1,000 respectively.

The Obudu international mountain race is organized by the Cross River State Government,in conjunction with the Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN).It enjoys tremendous support from the African Athletics Confederation(CAA),the World Mountain Running Association,(WMRA) and the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).

The race covers a distance of 11 kilometres uphill to an altitude of 1,575 metres above sea level, taking you to one of the finest tourist destinations in the world, the Obudu Mountain Resort.

NIGGLING INJURY

Osaze wears out Hodgson’s patience R OY Hodgson losing patience with Peter Odemwingie West Brom boss Roy Hodgson today hinted he is losing patience with Peter Odemwingie after revealing the striker could miss Saturday’s clash with Tottenham.

The Baggies head coach revealed his growing frustration with the Nigeria international, who could be missing again at the weekend with a knee injury that was expected to clear up a fortnight ago.

Odemwingie, who netted 15 goals in his debut Premier League season, has failed to find his best form since a summer which saw him sign a bigmoney new Hawthorns contract.

And Hodgson hinted he is annoyed with the 30-year-old not “playing through the pain” of his injury problems.

“I’m frustrated because we’ve got nothing out of him this year,” said Hodgson. “He didn’t take part in many of the pre-season matches and he hasn’t

taken part in many of the matches since then. It’s been one problem after another.

For a player who we really put so much into in the hope that he will be our major force for staying in the Premier League, we have not had a return on that at the moment.”

• Osaze

CALABAR 2011 NATIONAL SCHOOL SPORTS FESTIVAL

C/River trails Lagos for top spot as AGOS is still holding firm on the competition ends top spot at the Calabar 2011

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Nigeria School Sports Festival, being trailed by host Cross Rivers, as competition ends in style.

From the 14 events concluded yesterday, Lagos team still dominate the medals table with 81 gold, 71 silver and 58 bronze medals, while the results in athletics, judo and soccer will be made known today during the closing ceremony.

Cross River amassed 67 gold, 67 silver and 74 bronze medals, while Ondo is third on the medals table with 51 gold, 34 silver and 59 bronze medals.

The championship will be declared closed by the number one citizen of Cross River State, Governor Liyel Imoke, while the overall winner will be unveiled as well at the event.

However, Cross River has won 67 gold, 67 silver and 74 bronze medals, while Ondo has 51 gold, 34 silver and 59 bronze medals to place third.

Also yesterday, Team Ebonyi confirmed their superiority in the wrestling event after been crowned the overall winner in the event with 12 gold, four silver and five bronze medals and the team is closely followed by Ondo

By Innocent Amomoh which amassed 10 gold, three silver and 13 bronze medals. Anambra also made it to the top three in the event with eight gold, 10 silver and 10 bronze medals while other team on the medals table include, Lagos, Cross River, Edo and Kano.

An excited President, Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF), Ibrahim Muhammad, the competition has been successful and violence free since it kicked off last week.

“We thank God that the tournament has been hitch-free so far, while the athletes have used the event to interact with themselves. For us at NSSF, we don’t just want to help in unearthing talents but we want to unify the country through sports because we know sports is a veritable tool to bring people together.

With all the 28 states taking part in the championship, we hope the sporting federation and the National Sports Commission (NSC) will complement our efforts by making use of the talents that were discovered at the championship,” he said.

Mikel may be excused—Green C

HAIRMAN of the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) technical committee, Barrister Christopher Green has hinted that Super Eagles midfielder, John Mikel Obi could be dropped from the national team if he continues making errors in high profile matches.

Mikel was culpable for Liverpool’s first goal against Chelsea in the Barclays English Premier League on Sunday as the Blues stumbled to a 21 home loss.

Mikel’s lack of tact saw him lose a pass from goalkeeper, Peter Cech just outside the Chelsea penalty area as a vigilant Charlie Adam promptly made hay and Green has now the player must cut off errors in his game if he wants to remain a key factor in the national team.

“He (Mikel) made a similar error when the Super Eagles faced Argentina in an international friendly in Dhaka, Bangladesh. “(Lionel) Messi robbed him of the ball on that occasion and (Gonzalo) Higuain scored. If he keeps making such basic mistakes, I am afraid the coaches may drop him,” Barrister Green told SuperSport.com.

The NFF chief also attempted to wade into the latest installment of controversy surrounding the midfielder.

Mikel missed Nigeria’s last two international fixtures against Botswana and Zambia claiming he

was injured.

There was massive uproar ‘however‘among Nigerian football fans when Mikel started Chelsea’s Premier League game against Liverpool four days after the Zambia game.

A local football website has since quoted Super Eagles’ coach Stephen Keshi as saying no form of punishment will be meted out to the player over the incident and Green was left to shrug it off philosophically.

“What can you (NFF) do? If we decided to wade in, we will be accused of interfering so we have to leave that to (Keshi) to decide what he thinks is best for the team,” He concluded.

LATEST FIFA RANKINGS

Nigeria moves up one spot N

IGERIA has moved up one place in the latest world football rankings released

by Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA).

The Super Eagles are 43rd in the world from their previous ranking of 44 and are now ranked 5th on the African continent behind Cote

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HUKS Aneke has joined Stevenage FC on loan until January 22, 2012, reports the official website of the League One club.

The 18-year-old former Barcelona target impressed the management of Stevenage in a pre-season game for the Arsenal 11, scoring the only goal in a 1-0 win.

Aneke has been capped by England, making appearances for the Under 16-19 youth teams.

He was heavily courted by Samson Siasia to don the colors of Nigeria, but has now pledged his international future to England.

nation ahead of the side they beat to the World Cup Netherlands despite losing a friendly to England which climbed two places to No. 5.

Germany are third, ahead of Uruguay who have been one of the form teams on the international stage, while England have climbed ahead of Brazil into the top five.

Germany closing in on the Netherlands in FIFA Rankings as Spain remains top

• Calls for player’s punctuality

By David Onyeka X-SUPER Eagles’ defender Taribo West has charged Super Eagles Coach Steven Okechuku Keshi to show more commitment and stand by his words.

Taribo said for the Eagles to return to winning ways, Keshi must ensure that the players are punctual for national duties, for only by so doing, Nigeria will be back at the peak of world football.

Meanwhile, Former Super Eagles Midfielder Austin Jay-Jay Okocha has denied any speculation of his return to football.

Okocha who have retired from international football four years ago however disclose that he doesn’t have any intention of staging a return back to the round leather game.

He further disclosed that if he want to play it will be beach soccer and that is not an obligation or a career that is left for him to make his decision whether to play beach football of not.

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Aneke joins Stevenage on loan

d’Ivoire.

The top four positions in the world rankings remained unchanged from October. World and European champions Spain remains the highest ranked football

Taribo counsels Keshi over Eagles

England confirms squad for Copa Lagos 2011 HE Three Lions of England Beach Team became the latest team to announce their squad list for the upcoming tournament at Eko Atlantic Beach on the 16th to 18th December 2011.

Superstars Mitchell Day and Kieran O’ Callaghan have both made the squad for Copa Lagos.

The team coached by Terry Bowes includes the following: Samuel Webb, Steven Black, Mitchel Day, Kieran O’ Callaghan, Jamie O’ Rourke, Gary Funnell, Dean Blake (Captain), William Partington, Robert Love, David Jones, Carl Dixon, Perry Northeast.

The one to watch Mitchell Day Mitchell Day has been a permanent fixture in the England squad ever since he made his debut in 2005. Copa Lagos 2011 viewers will be in for treat when watching Mitchell Day, he is known for his acrobatics and impressive array of skills. He embodies the typical English spirit by putting his all in every game and regularly scoring spectacular goals..

• Now 5th in Africa, 43rd in the world

• Terna Suswan

Maigari pledges special package for Dream Team V

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RESIDENT of the Nigeria Football Federation(NFF), Aminu Maigari on Wednesday assured the U-23 National Team, Dream Team V, of a ‘special package’ should the team win Saturday’s CAF U-23 Championship opener against Morocco in Tangiers.

“We have a special package for the team, and I would not want to disclose this now. I will let the players and their coaches know when I get to Morocco.

“The Nigeria Football Federation has done so much for the team but we are conscious of the need to even do more as the team begins the competition. We need the ticket to the Olympics, and we will be there to motivate the players to give their all to get this ticket”, said Maigari.

The NFF sent its Technical SubCommittee chairman, Barrister Chris Green and Head Coach Austin Eguavoen to Europe to meet with directors of Clubs of the foreignbased players to negotiate for their release for the tournament, which falls outside the FIFA international calendar.

The team also spent 10 days training in Accra, Ghana and played a number of friendly matches, before flying back to Lagos and then heading to Morocco on Saturday for final pretournament knock-around.

Chairman of the NFF Technical SubCommittee, Barrister Chris Green,

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• Maigari

believes the team will earn Nigeria the ticket to the London 2012 Olympics Men’s Football Tournament.

“The team will do well. We have confidence in the technical crew and the players, and we want to assure Nigerians that the boys will give their very best to win a ticket to the Olympic Games”, said Green.

training facilities, and those who have been shutting our team out keep saying they are acting on the instructions of the Moroccan FA. “We are in touch with them and we believe things will get better. I will like to also add that our team in undeterred. They are looking forward to the opening match of the tournament against the Moroccan team on Saturday and the attitude of the FA there is now an added motivation for our boys to go all out”, stated Amadu.

Nigeria clash with the host nation in the opening game of the inaugural CAF U-23 Championship on Saturday at the Tangiers Stadium, starting from 5.30pm Morocco time (6.30pm Nigeria time).

The Dream Team V will also play Senegal and Algeria in their Group A pool. They take on Senegal also in Tangiers on Tuesday, November 29 before shifting base to Marrakech, where they play Algeria on Friday, December 2.

RACISM ROW

Blatter considers matter closed F

IFA president Sepp Blatter reckons he has apologized enough for his recent comments on racism that triggered a furor and considers the matter “closed.”

Blatter expressed regret last week for the uproar caused by his claim that racial incidents between players on the field could be settled by a handshake at the end of a game.

“I can only say this item for me is closed,” Blatter told a news conference at the Asian Football Confederation’s headquarters in Malaysia on Wednesday. “There is no tolerance (of) racism.

“I have been interpreted as such and I have made my apologies. I cannot say anything more.”

Blatter was responding to a question about his next move after Neil Warnock, manager of Premier League club Queens Park Rangers, suggested last week that black players around the world should boycott their next international matches in a show of protest against Blatter.

“There is no discrimination in my feelings, there is no racism, nothing at all,” Blatter said. “This matter for me is over. We go forward. There is zero tolerance (for) racism, zero tolerance (for) discrimination in all activities in the field of play and outside the field.”

Blatter insisted he was not surprised by the British media’s strong criticism of him and calls for him to stand down as head of football’s world governing body, but added that he was “very much hurt by these comments because it touched me in my conscience and my determination to go against racism.”

The 75-year-old Swiss, who was reelected to a four-year term in June, last week ruled out leaving his post.

FIFA has been caught up in a corruption scandal that resulted in a life ban from football for former FIFA presidential candidate Mohamed bin Hammam, the then head of the Asian Football Confederation. Blatter was re-elected unopposed after the Qatari

Eguma sounds the alarm

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NFF upset with Morocco FA over antics HE Nigeria Football Federation has expressed displeasure with the antics of the Royal Morocco Football Federation for striving to make life uneasy for the U-23 National Team, Dream Team V, in the lead-up to the CAF U-23 Championship being hosted by that country.

Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday, NFF General Secretary, Barrister Musa Amadu said the NFF and the Moroccoan federation had an understanding that the Dream Team V would be welcome to use facilities in Casablanca ahead of the 15-day tournament.

Amadu said: “We are shocked by their (Morocco FA) attitude. Before the team left Nigeria, we made contact with the right persons at the Federation Royale Marocaine de Football and they assured us the team would be allowed to use some facilities in its final preparation for the competition.

“However, it is unfortunate that our team is being denied access to

DREAM TEAM

was forced to withdraw due to allegations he tried to bribe Caribbean officials to vote for him.

Bin Hammam has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Asked whether he believes the door is closed to bin Hammam’s return, Blatter said it is up to the appeals process.

• Blatter

REAM TEAM V assistant coach, Stanley Eguma has raised an alarm over ‘some difficulties’ faced by the Nigerian contingent currently in Morocco for the CAF Under23 Olympic football qualifying tournament.

Eguma who recently guided Dolphins FC of Port Harcourt to the 2010/2011 Nigeria Premier League (NPL) title exclusively told SuperSport.com on Wednesday that things were not so rosy with the side.

“We are currently facing some difficulties (in Morocco). The host federation has been employing a lot of negative antics to destabilize us and we have been facing a lot of difficulties with the weather,” Eguma complained.

The coach also went on to point out that failure to secure the release of several players from their European clubs by the NFF could scuttle their ambitions of getting one of the three qualifying tickets for the finals.

Lukman Haruna, Ahmed Musa, Rabiu Ibrahim, Anthony Ujah and Ekigho Ehiosun have all been denied permission to take part in the competition and Eguma says the job of getting one of the three qualifications would be made considerably more difficult as a result.

“We would have loved to have these players here with us but since they are not here, we have to make do with the players that are here with us.

“Nigerians should pray for us. I am confident in the players here with us in Morocco and by the grace of God, we will get one of the three tickets to the Olympics,” he stressed.

MTN scores with Football Hub

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USTOMERS on MTN's High Value platform, last Sunday, got five-star treatment at the highbrow Oriental Hotel, Lekki where they watched the cracking match between English Premiership top flight teams, Chelsea and Liverpool football clubs.

The event, christened the MTN Football Hub, is one of a number of viewing centres billed for major cities for MTN's high value customers to see major matches of the English Premiership in a top-rate arena once every month.

The Port Harcourt event took place at the Wine Bar, GRA while the maiden edition took off two weeks ago in Abuja at Cubana Lounge.

The high profile nature of the event was underscored by the presence of the country’s national coach, Steven Okechukwu Keshi who added colour to the occasion.

Apart from providing incisive analysis on the match, Keshi, who was captain of the Super Eagles in the 1990s, gave a thumbs up to MTN for bringing such a programme to its customers, describing it as a "good idea and the beginning of good things happening to Nigeria's football."

Apart from Keshi, top football commentators, Fela Bank-Olemoh and Aisha Falode, also gave insightful angles to analysis of the match.

On why the telecoms company with the widest coverage in Nigeria is hosting football lovers, Kola Oyeyemi, General Manager, Consumer Marketing, says: "We want to connect to the passion of our High Value Customers, who make up a key segment of the company’s stakeholders. They deserve recognition and pampering for their contributions to actualizing the largest network on the continent,” he said.

The MTN football hub allows everyone invited to have an opportunity to analyze matches before, at half time and after the match. There is also an award for the Most Valuable Fan (MVF) who is selected on the match day.

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THE NATION

EDUCATION

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2011

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

email:- education@thenationonlineng.com

Tension has heightened in Ebonyi State as the state government last Friday announced the closure of about 400 unapproved/ substandard private schools. The move has been lauded in some quarters and condemned in others. But the owners of the schools are pleading for more time, claiming they did not deserve the sledgehammer and it caught them unawares.

OGBONNAYA NNA, who went round some of the schools, sampled stakeholders’ opinions.

•An ongoing projects by one of the affected schools following the committee’s directive to upgrade (inset) Governor Martin Elechi of Ebonyi State

Axing of private schools in Ebonyi T stirs controversy HE closure of 382 schools by Ebonyi State last week Friday has stirred controversy.

The schools were closed down because they were illegal and substandard.

The move has generated apprehension, disaffection and confusion in the state. It has also pitched the Ministry of Education and the schools’ proprietors, parents and pupils against each other. Proprietors of affected schools saw it as irrational and a calculated attempt to strangle the few schools owned byprivate individuals in the state.

At the moment, parents, guardians and pupils are wondering whether government’s decision would yield desired fruits or not.

By Sunday, names of the affected schools featured in a local catholic tabloid Citizens Advocate Newspapers, creating more panic.

But our reporter, who visited some of the schools penciled down for closure on Monday observed that most of them still carry out

•3,500 teachers may lose jobs •School owners denied being communicated their academic activities. Their argument is that since the state government is yet to officially write them, they still regard the information as mere rumour.

They recalled that the last time the committee visited them was in 2010, where some members of the team made some observations and asked to upgrade their facilities, which according to them, they are still doing.

The government’s decision, which was communicated in the media last Friday, however followed the setting up of a committee on the identification of illegal and substandard private education institution. The committee, in-

augurated last year, was charged with the task to appraise schools and make recommendation forthwith.

The committee, during submission of its recommendation to the state Commissioner for Education Prince Chibueze Agbo, justified its action, saying it has discharged its duty without fear or favour. The recommendation was subsequently deliberated and ratified by the State Executive Council which mandated the education commissioner to axe defaulting schools.

According to the report, of the committee, a total of 637 privatelyowned

schools were visited in the course of the verification, approving 102 nursery and primary schools, 116 secondary schools, and disapproving 269 nursery and primary schools, and 150 secondary schools respectively.

Of this number, 28 nursery and primary, and 25 secondary amounting to 53 schools were though found to be substandard, yet were granted approval with a six-month timeframe to upgrade their facilities or risk being axed.

In a briefing with reporters in Abakaliki last Friday shortly after SEC meeting, the state Commissioner for Information and

Orientation, Comrade Chike Onwe, said those identified to be axed include the 28 nursery and primary schools and 25 secondary schools described as ‘very bad one.’

Onwe put the number of nursery and primary schools as well as secondary schools to be closed down as 177 and 98 respectively.

He advised parents and pupils in the affected schools to look for alternative places for enrollment.

He said: “In line with the resolve to ensure quality education of Ebonyi children, council has approved the recommendation of the •Continued on Page 26

• FUTA VC BIDS FAREWELL AT CONVOCATION - PAGE 27 • COMMUNITY PROTESTS HANDOVER OF SCHOOL TO MISSIONARIES - PAGE 37

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2011

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EDUCATION UNILORIN FILE Why disasters are rampant, by Ogunlela A PROFESSOR of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at the University of Ilorin, Ayodele Olanrewaju Ogunlela, has explained why there is unprecedented increase in the prevalence of natural disasters, such as earthquakes, tsunamis and flood all over the world.

Ogunlela stated this while delivering his 98th Inaugural Lecture of the university, entitled Towards God’s Own Watershed, at the Science Lecture Theatre.

Ogunlela explained that as a result of undue exploitation, the productive capacity of the land is compromised by drought and this, he added, causes stress in plants and destroys the ecosystem.

He noted that it has been established in flood erosion studies that absolute mitigation of flood is rarely physically or economically feasible, but the reduction of the hazard of flood is practicable.

According to Ogunlela, an expert in soil and water engineering, greed is a major factor responsible for the various disasters being witnessed in the country and other parts of the world. This greed, he stressed, manifests in the unguarded exploration of water and land resources.

On irrigation and drainage, Ogunlela said: “Irrigation aims at reduced moisture stress and enhanced crop production. The practice of Irrigation entails the identification/development of the water’s source, the conveyance system and consideration of the soil and crop characteristics, will greatly improve irrigation water management efficiency.”

Again, LASU, AOCOED students protest fee hike

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HERE was traffic jam on the popular Mile-Badagry Expressway on Monday when students of the

Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo and their sister institution, the Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education Otto/Ijanikin staged a peaceful protest over the hike in their tuition fees.

There was traffic snarl on the Ojo andOtto/Ijanikin, where both schools are located.

The students barricaded the LagosBadagry Expressway for about from 8 am to 4 pm, closure of entrances to the institution and grounding of economic activities in the Iyana -Iba Ojo axis The state government had raised the tuition fees by about 700 per cent, provoking the students who, since then, had staged series of protests and even disrupted the midterm semester examinations when the LASU Students Union Government led by its President ComradeAkeem Durojaiye and executive members went to the exam halls and forcefully ejected students to join in the protest.

The Nation gathered that the protest was a spill-over from a meeting of the university management, government and the union which ended in a stalemate on Sunday.

A source, who pleaded not to be mentioned, told our reporter that at the meeting, the state only agreed to reduce the increment by five per cent, meaning, the students will still have cough out N 120,000 across board.

On Monday last week, the students had met with the new Vice-Chancellor, Prof John Obafunwa; Registrar, Lateef Animasahun; former acting vice-chancellor of the university and former Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof Peter Okebukola, as well as the university unions, where they had agreed to write the General Nigerian Studies (GNS), which they had twice disrupted.

At the meeting at the Senate Building

•The students protesting infront of LASU gate on Monday

By Adegunle Olugbamila and Nurudeen Yusuf-Temilola

of the university, two agreements were reached. One, the stafF union would support the struggle against the fee increment and that the university management would ensure that a new session would not start until an acceptable agreement on the new fees regime is successfully negotiated.

Speaking with our reporter on phone yesterday, Durojaiye said they had learnt that the state Governor Babatunde Fashola had ordered that the university gate be locked until every outstanding issues is settled.

Said Durojaiye: “We learnt that the governor haddirected that the school gate be locked. We are even in support of it being locked off because the agreement we reached with the university management last week Monday had not yet been honoured. Also, the committee set up by the House (Lagos State House of Assembly) some weeks ago to review the fees had not given us a feedback.”

At AOCOED, the SUG Press Secretary Rufus Olusegun Samuel told our reporter on phone that the students were protesting to resist the N45,000 increment slammed on them as against the N25000 they initially paid.

However, the PROs of both LASU and AOCOED Mrs Anthonia Oyeniji and Mr Adebowale Odunayo, described Monday’s protests as ‘peaceful’.

Mrs Oyeniji denied knowledge of Durojaiye’s claim, saying the authorities was not aware that the government wanted to shut the institution.

She said the Senate convened an emergency meeting on Monday where it resolved among other things, that the new students offered provisional admission had been given a deadline of December 30 to pay their tuition and other levies failure of which they will forfeit their admission.

Proposed axing of private schools in Ebonyi stirs controversy •Continued from Page 25

Committee on Identification of illegal and substandard educational institutions in the state and directed as follows: “that the commissioner for education should proceed immediately to close down the very bad schools, including 28 nursery and primary schools and 25 secondary schools across the state; •“that the commissioner should also close down unapproved schools numbering 275 (177 nursery and primary schools and 98 secondary schools). Sequel to this, pupils in the affected schools and their parents are advised to look for alternative places for enrollment.”

Onwe noted that the criteria used in ascertaining the bad schools include, lack of adequate classrooms, recreation facilities, modern technology and unqualified teachers, among others. He emphasized that the measure is by no means to witch hunt private sector participation in developing education in the state.

He urged any individual or group intending to establish schools in the state to do so with the approval of the education ministry as a way of ensuring conformity with set standards.

Some of the school principals who spoke to our reporter said they received the news with rude shock.

At Pen International College, one of the schools proposed to be closed, its acting principal Rev. Peter Uwai recounted how the committee led by one Dr. U.C Ibe, visited the school in April 2009 to appraise its facilities and make some

recommendations accordingly.

Also in 2010, Ibe said some inspectors from the Ministry of Education again, visited the school, noting that the team leader, Mr. Onwe L.E neither wrote or communicated to the school, to either upgrade or be closed down. He said work is ongoing at the school’s permanent site which Uwai also hopes the school should move to by January.

Rev Uwai noted that the pronouncement has created a serious psychological effect on the pupils and parents who might be forced to relocate their wards elsewhere should the policy be carried out.

At the Green House College Nkaliki, its principal, Mr. Victor Uzor praised the government on the initiative. He believes it will bring some sanityto the state private schools in the state.

He said sometimes last year, a committee also visited the school, directing it to upgrade, a decision which Mr Victor said forced the school proprietor to begin construction of a new blocks of classrooms. He said he and others were nonetheless puzzled when the name of the school featured in the tabloid for axing.

Uzor, who pleaded that government should give the schools a grace period of two months, feared the policy might have adverse effect on pupils and parents.

Some of the parents who spoke to our reporter said most of them can no longer entrust thewards future in public schools, hence the surge in the population in private schools.

The parents complained that some teachers in public schools have developed truancy.

They pointed out that

government’s decision would affect children’s academic activities,noting that some parents cannot afford to pay school fees having already paid one in the schools where their children are enrolled, risk forcing the children out of schools.

Miss Amara Chikwendu, a pupil of Pen International School pointed out that certain government policies are targeted at the poor: “This policy is not targeted at the rich and well to do parents but the less privileged in the society, the state government knows that most of the private schools that would be shut down are where the less privileged parents who do not have confidence in the government schools enroll their children.

Some of the private schools that have been penciled down for closure are much better in terms of facilities when compared to the government schools in the state.”

“They said government would close down our school, I was in the government school before my parents pulled me out and enrolled me in the private school.

Throughout my stay in Community Secondary School, we hardly saw our teachers on a daily basis and most times when they come to school, they stayed at the staff room either discussing or selling goods.

“We don’t have seats in government schools but most private schools around, have desk and tables.

“I urge the government to either revert their decision or give the proprietors more time to upgrade”.

A teacher in one of the private schools, Mrs. Catherine Oke also feared the decision may again throw many into the job market.

“After my graduation in 2005, I waited for more than five years to gain employment in the government school but all my effort was to no avail, until I was employed by a private school in the state. Today, we have 10 teachers per school but when 382 schools are closed, you have more than 3,500 teachers thrown into the labour market.

“The policy is generating tension; we are no longer sure of our daily bread. All we are asking the gov-

ernment is to either extend the time given to the private schools or assist the schools financially to upgrade. The governor did a similar thing in private hospitals and they should also assist the private schools to stand. The private schools are playing complimentary role and should be encouraged,” she said.

When contacted, the Chairman of the Implementation Committee of the Closure, Mr William Aloh, said that machinery is already in motion to begin axing the defaulting schools in accordance with government’ position to rescue education in the state.

“... Yet, 80 per cent of available jobs are for a privileged few!”

27

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2011

EDUCATION

FUTA VC bids farewell at convocation The 23rd Convocation of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) was not only to celebrate the 2,870 new graduates, but to bid farewell to the outgoing Vice-Chancellor Prof Adebisi Balogun for the giant strides the institution garnered during his tenure, writes ADEGUNLE OLUGBAMILA

T

HE 23rd Convocation of the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), Ondo State, is a shining example of how good leadership can bring about a peaceful academic ambience, and a transparent and responsive management committed to being prudent with available resources and overall; enhancing education quality despite myriad of challenges facing the nation’s ivory towers today.

The event held grand style at the university premises last Saturday was not only to celebrate, among other things, the uninterrupted academic session in FUTA in the past five years, nor the 2, 870 graduands comprising diploma, fist degree which also included (18 first Class graduates), post graduate degree, masters and Ph.D graduands, the university produced; it also turned a rain of encomiums from students, traditional rulers, parents and distinguished guests for the fifth but outgoing Vice Chancellor Prof Adebisi Balogun. Those in attendance gave a pass mark for his fiveyear administration; and were nonetheless convinced that Balogun will be leaving a legacy which, undoubtedly, will pose a challenge for his would-be successor.

Little wonder then that FUTA, under Prof Balogun, has carted many awards including the Nigerian University of the Year 2009 Award by Worldview International in London, UK; the Imperial Barrel Award (Africa Region; and 2009 Best University of Technology and Seventh Best University in Nigeria by Webometric ranking, among several others.

With disturbed academic calendar in the last five years, Balogun was happy normalcy has returned to FUTA, a move he said, was achieved through proper appraisal of the students population and removal of bad eggs from among them vis-a-vis reforming admission processes and procedures.

Mounting the podium to address guests, Prof Balogun owes what he called his ‘modest’achievements to God and support of stakeholders including staff and students, the community, parents and governments, among others. The record of his achievements, he said, is been highlighted in three documentary form tagged: FUTA Giant Strides representing between 2007 to 2008; 2008-2010 and 2010-2011.

Aside that the management has consistently maintained the tradition of releasing certificates to graduates upon graduation since 2007, the university has also churned out a total of 89 First Class graduates. His admin-

istration, he added, has also improved the academic status of the university from 80 per cent in 2006 to 100 per cent this year, through sustenance of academic quality via quality assurance unit, as well as instituting yearly lecture series to sustain the institution’s vision and mission.

“All academic programmes of the university except the newly created programmes are fully accredited both by the NUC (National Universities Commission) and respective professional bodies,” Balogun added.

FUTA, the VC added, has also leveraged on linkages with local and international institutions from the 20 it had in 2006 to over 60 at the moment.

The university has also been doing well in research. This year alone, Balogun said about N10 million was committed to 10 different research projects, a move which he said, attracted numerous research grants, one of which was the World Bank’s STEPB $7000million to institute a centre of excellence in Food Sufficiency and Food Security.

The university also had a leap in some teaching and non-teaching staff.

According to Balogun, a total of 66 teaching staff were given various support to undertake doctoral programmes leading to a raise in Ph.D holders from 211 in 2006 to 273 in this year. This also includes a leap in the figure of teachers in the Reader, Senior Lecturer, Lecturer 1, and Lecture 11 cadres. Additional 40 staff, Balogun said, were sponsored to undertake their programmes locally or abroad.

However, the Vice-Chancellor pleaded with the Federal Government to revisit the university’s take-off grants to assist it to possess its 10,000hectare permanent site located at Owo road. He also pleaded for more improved bed spaces for on-campus students’ accommodation via additional hostels to absorb the students whose number keeps sprawling yearly.

Aside expansion of road networks leading to the university, Balogun solicited improvement in teaching aids, particularly ICT-installed classrooms.

“There is the need to further improve on the existing quality of teaching aids and equipment as well as expanded ICT facilities with fibre optics and larger bandwidth. Each classroom is expected to have more ICT equipment, including multimedia projector, desktop computers with all necessary accessories installed for effective teaching.”

The event also featured the award of honorary degrees to two distinguished Nigerians - former head of

•Some of the postgraduate gruduands on Saturday

•From left)Alhaji Mustafa, Prof Okojie; Chief Shonekan; Governor Mimiiko and Prof Balogun when Mimiiko and Chief Shonekan PHOTOS ADEGUNLE OLUGBAMILA

Interim National Government (ING) Chief Ernest Shonekan and Governor of Ondo State Dr Olusegun Mimiiko.

Balogun, who presented his scorecard in a 24-page speech, owes this to an all inclusive and openness of his administration.

“The administration prides itself in preventive and pro-active measures to forestal union agitations and disputes. Management holds regular meetings, dialogues and consultations with staff unions on staff welfare and the result has been a robust and symbiotic relationship between management and the staff union.

Visitor to the university President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan expressed his happiness on the performance of FUTA, which, according to him, was established as one of the third generation universities in the ‘80s.

President Jonathan, who was represented by the Executive Secretary NUC, Prof Julius Okojie, described

Prof Balogun’s style as a model on how so much can be achieved with little resources.

Okojie identified the dearth of research as one area that has contributed to the fall of many universities in the country calling on universities’administrators to pay more attention to this area.

Okojie also stressed the need to make the 21st century curricular in tertiary institutions in the country, the one that guarantees self-reliance graduates.

Said Okojie: “We must upgrade our curricular to ensure the provision of quality education at all levels should produce graduates that are self-reliant. We must equip our students with knowledge that will make them active contributors to national development. We need graduates who are problem solvers and job creators, and whose characters will be enviable and unimpeachable at all times. We also

want to see research products that will improve our lives. Nigerians want a total break from the grapple of diseases, poverty and hunger.”

Among other things, Prof Okojie also harped on prudency in the financial management of universities by its administrators.

Earlier in his address, Chancellor of FUTA Alhaji Isa Mustafa lauded Balogun’s tenure, urging others to follow in his footsteps.

“It is noteworthy that under his leadership in the past five years, FUTA has kept breaking new grounds in academic delivery and research, and a significant improvement in the learning environment and infrastructure is being recorded. We will surely miss prof balogun;s leadership values and qualities when his tenure expires in two months time but we take solace in the rich legacies that he will be leaving behind for generations to come.”

Obi’s wife charges parents on girl child education

T

•Mrs Obi

HE wife of the Anambra State Governor, Mrs. Margaret Obi, has charged parents on the need to encourage girl child education, describing it as panacea for the development of the society.

Mrs. Obi, who spoke during the 34th yearly speech and prize giving day of the Federal Government Girls’ College, Onitsha, maintained that time had passed when parents treated their female children’s education with levity.

According to the first lady, who was an alumnus of the Federal Government Girls College

From Adimike George, Onitsha

(FGGC), Onitsha, education should be made available to every child irrespective of his or her sex, adding that when girl child education is encouraged, it would reduce social vices in the society.

Referring to students, she said: “You are the future of tomorrow, and that is why you need to take your education very seriously because some of you may become the wives of governors or even presidents or be president yourself. I am the wife of the governor and I

was a pupil like you here in the same school” Earlier in her address, the Principal of the school, Mrs. Chinyere Nzerem, said the school had recorded tremendous development in terms of academic excellence and infrastructure.

Mrs. Nzerem also advocated an improvement in the girl-child education, which she believed would enhance performance in the country. “However, there is still room for improvement as we strive to make Nigeria great through the education of the girl child,” she said.

In her speech tagged Girl child and development in the contemporary society, prospects and limitations” the guest speaker, Prof M.O. Edema, said the problem of unemployment could be a thing of the past if girl-child education is encouraged.

Edema, however, maintained that most of the outdated treatments that hampered the development of the female children in the country were the bane of underdevelopment. She called on the government of all levels and parents to invest more in the development of girl child education.

28

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2011

EDUCATION Body elects new officers THE Association of Nigerian University Professional Administrators (ANUPA), Redeemer’s University (RUN) chapter, has sworn a new executive at the Senate Chamber of the university.

Speaking at the event, the Acting Registrar, Mrs. Moji Oje, noted that going by the new Vice-Chancellor’s vision, new thing in RUN was the propose movement of the university to her permanent site in no distant future.

Mrs. Oje challenged RUN administrators and staff to work diligently with the new Vice-Chancellor to actualise the dream of moving to the permanent site.

In his acceptance speech, the new President, Mr. James Akintayo promised his team would build on the foundation laid by the out gone executive.

Earlier in his farewell message, the former president of the association, Mr. David Akintola, who listed some of the achievements, urged members to extend the same hands of fellowship to the incoming executive.

ASUU decries abandonment of projects in DELSU T HE Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU),Delta State University, Abraka and thereby treating the oil rich state university as a largely community funded institution.

ASUU described the pressure on the university’s management to implement an obnoxious tax regime with the October salaries by the State Board of Internal Revenue as being in bad faith.

Dr Mordi said: “The Board’s position that a professor should pay a monthly tax of between N92, 000 to N114, 000 out of his meager

From Polycarp Orosevwotu, Warri

salary of N450, 000 month” is the highest any where in the world.

According to him, “Congress urged the governor to intervene to avert the looming industrial crisis, which, he said, is capable of destroying all that members had laboured for in the past 20 years. The ASUU congress also resolved to nip in the bud the new tax regime.

Noting that the abandon-

ment of the projects was limiting the capacity of the university to provide admission opportunities for successful applicants, Mordi disclosed that congress also “frowned at the situation which permits retired lecturers of Delta State University, among them eminent and founding fathers of the institution, to remain without gratuities close to 18 months after retirement.”

Condemning what he described as the “gradual but

steady and orchestrated erosion of the autonomy of the university which has been intensified during the last two years,” Mordi called on government to restore to the Governing Council its right to employ all categories of new staff and save the university a potential accreditation denial of several of its academic programmes.

He disclosed that the Governing Council had been sidelined and made irrelevant in the scheme of things “contrary to the provisions of the law establishing and governing the conduct of affairs of the university.

•ASUU National President, Prof Ukachukwu Awuzie

‘Youths, show exemplary conducts’

By Oluwayemisi Akinyemi

IGERIAN youths have been advised to continue to show ex-

N

NAOWA quiz final next week THE Nigeria army education corps had concluded arrangement to hold this year’s finals of the Nigeria Army Officers Wives Associations (NAOWA) quiz/debate competition for command secondary schools and Nigeria military schools respectively.

The competition, which is the fifth of its kind, will have Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola of Lagos as the special guest of honour while the Chief of Army Staff Gen.l OA ihejerika is expected to be the guest of honour. The nation president NAOWA, Mrs Gift Nnenna Ihejerika, will as be the chief host, while Brig Gen LMK Benjiram acting Nigeria army education corps will be the chief host.

Alumni mourns former principal THE St Peters Old Boys Association (SPOSAN) mourns the passing away of one of its former principals, late very Reverend.

Monsignor Joseph Adeniyi of St Agnes Catholic Church Maryland Lagos.

He was 89.

A press statement by the old boys association of the college, described the deceased as ‘highly disciplined, but with implacable passion for youthful indulgences’ during his

•From left, General Overseer Redeem Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye; Wife of former president Alhjia Turai Yar-adua, Minister of Education Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufa’i (middle), Chief Mrs. Folake Solanke and the Vice-Chancellor University of Ibadan Prof. Isaac Folorunso Adewole after receiving their honorary awards from the University of Ibadan atthe 63rd Foundation Day of the University ofIbadan last week.

Don offers palliatives on falling education standard

I

F the recommendations to the nation’s crashing education by a foremost university don and visiting professor to Oxford University Faculty of Law Fidelis Oditah is adhered to; then one may begin to see a ray of hope toward lifting education from her prostate state.

Using Unity Schools as a case study Oditah, himself an alumnus of Unity Schools, recommended new means of funding education since, according to him, Federal Government has given a cold shoulder to its funding.

Oditah, lamented that he cannot send his wards to any of the Unity Schools which once made him, going by academic and infrastructural decadence that have been the

Adegunle Olugbamila and Sampson Unamka

lots of the school over the years.

Oditah argued that a world-class education system is the indispensable condition for creating a fair and prosperous society. He said in today’s world, world class education is the key that unlocks economic and social progress.

He said: “Whilst the Unity Schools appear to produce good enough results in NECO, WASCE and JAMB examinations, at least in comparison to other public schools, they do not now appear to enjoy any superiority over private schools.

“All over the world, it has been realised that the government alone cannot fund education. In many developed countries, governments provide adequate funding for primary and secondary education. In Nige-

ria, the budget for education is tiny and decreasing in real terms. With all rapidly growing population, the funding in real terms can only continue to diminish at a time that the need for funding is increasing. Expecting the Federal Government to increase the funding may not be fulfilled.

Alternative sources of funding, Oditah reiterated, should include schools alumni and social entrepreneurship which he believes will bring not only a financial endowment but also vision, commitment, and a record of success from outside the state school system.

He urged governments to encourage corporate sponsors, who could participate in the funding and management of unity schools as either part of their collective corporate endeavour or social responsibility.

Oditah argued that the nation can’t achieve her goals

‘Teachers, are the change-makers of modern society. In partnership with parents, they are the people who shape the skills, prospects and character of our young people’

•Prof Oditah

without a profession which is capable, oriented, well-led and properly supported.

“Teachers, are the changemakers of modern society.

In partnership with parents, they are the people who shape the skills, prospects and character of our young people. No other profession wields that power. In their hand lies the task of achieving the transformation in educational standards which I believe is our single most urgent challenge as a nation.

“For too long teachers have wrongly been regarded as second class professionals.

This must change if we are to succeed in creating a world-class public secondary education in Nigeria,” he said.

emplary conduct and uphold high ethical standards that will make them be the nation’s ambassador.

The Group Managing Director of Royal Exchange Plc, Dr Chike Mokwunye said this while addressing this year’s annual leadership Conference for Secondary School Prefects organised by Royal Exchange and Foundation for Youth Education (FYE).

The conference, held at the Federal Science Technical College (FSTC), Yaba, Lagos, was attended by about 400 students, drawn from 20 Local Government Education Areas (LGEA) in the state.

The conference which was the fourth, had as its theme: Impacting Future Leadership for Nation Building.

Mokwunye who was represented by Dr. Pius Ofulue, Managing Director, Health Care Limited, a subsidiary of Royal Exchange, reminded the youths that life is challenging, and so must remain steadfast and work at overcoming them.

He urged them to internalise what they had learnt at the conference, imbibe high moral standard that would stand them out as good representatives of their schools and the country.

“The challenges that will come your way are just starting and it will not stop here.

You have to continue to show exemplary conduct and to uphold high ethical standards that will make you good ambassadors of your school and the nation at large,” he said.

He said the conference has the objective of ensuring that the prefects become role models worthy of emulation.

“For us, we want to see the youths go into the university and demonstrate the quality that identified them to be made prefects, so that they can continue to carrying that quality in their day to day lives,” he said.

He added that the conference was also designed to impact in the students the virtues of honesty, diligence, hardwork and empathy.

29

Educators make case for social work bill

‘Punctuality made me a leader’

Page 36

Page 34

*CAMPUSES *NEWS *PEOPLE *KUDOS& KNOCKS *GRANTS

THE NATION

CAMPUS LIFE 0805-450-3104 email: ladycampus@yahoo.com THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2011

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

email:- campuslife@thenationonlineng.net

The second phase of the annual workshop for student-writers has been held in Lagos. DAYO IBITOYE (500Level Chemical Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University), ONYINYE NKWOCHA (just graduated from English, Imo State University), COMFORT OGON (200-Level Political Science, University of Calabar), AYODEJI ADESINA (recently graduated from Mass Communication, University of Lagos) and NNAMDI JOHNPAUL (400-Level Television Journalism) report.

•The students in group picture with The Guardian Editor, Mr Adesina

T

HE eighth CAMPUSLIFE workshop for student-writers will, for long, be remembered by the participants. The event, sponsored by CocaCola Nigeria Limited and Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC), was attended by 50 students.

It took place at the Seminar Hall of the Mainland Hotel, Oyingbo, Lagos.

The guest speaker was the Editor of The Guardian, Mr Debo Adesina.

The workshop started with a visit to the Coca-Cola plant at Ikeja.

Received on arrival by Consumer Service/Incident Management and Crisis Resolution Manager George Fagbure,

A workshop to remember

about 4:05pm last Friday, the students could not tour the plant because they arrived late. However, they were told how the drinks are produced. Fagbure explained how the re-useable Coca-Cola bottles are cleaned through a series of

processes.

"The forum was educative even though we did not have the opportunity to see things with our eyes," a student said.

From Ikeja, the students went to their hotel to prepare for the awards later in

the day.

After being treated to a sumptuous breakfast on Saturday, the studentwriters settled down in the expansive hall for the workshop.

Mr Emeka Mba, a staff of Coca-Cola Nigeria, welcomed them to the seminar. He introduced Mr Emmanuel Amolo, a journalist with The Guardian, who spoke on the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act. During the interactive session, Amolo said the workability of the law is impeded by the Oath of Secrecy administered on serving public officers. He charged the students to be creative in their writings.

Continued on page 31

•Department loses student •Ibadan students visit Oyo lawmakers, council boss- PG33

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2011

30

35

CAMPUS LIFE

•Gilbert being presented the prize by Senator Tinubu (2nd left); Mr Balogun (2nd right); Mr Omatseye (right) and Mrs Ngozi Agbo (left)

•The winners in a group photograph with Coca- Cola MD, Mr Balogun; Senator Tinubu; Prof Dada Adelowo, CAMPUSLIFE Editor Mrs Ngozi Agbo and Mr Sam Omatseye

•EKSU VC, Prof Adelowo

•NBC Head of Procurement, Mr Evangelos Nestorides

Their hearts beat rapidly as the winners were called out. It was at the third CAMPUSLIFE award for contributing students to the weekly campus pullout. OLAWALE AJETUNMOBI (corps member serving in Lagos), DAYO IBITOYE (500-Level Chemical Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University) and ONYINYE NKWOCHA (recently graduated from English, Imo State University) report.

‘It’s the best thing to happen to us’ I

• External Affairs Manager, NBC, Mrs Yanju Onakoya and Public Affairs and Communication Manager of Coca-Cola Nigeria, Mr Clem Ugorji

•From left: Tosin Ajuwon (Auchi Poly); Faith Olaniran (FUT MINNA) and Zeenat Ibrahim (BUK)

•From left: Mr Balogun; Senator Tinubu and Mr Kunle Ajanaku, who represented Lagos State Deputy Governor

T was part of activities marking the Eighth student-writers workshop in Lagos. The award was included to appreciate students who contributed to CAMPUSLIFE in the past one year.

CAMPUSLIFE is an eight-page weekly pullout in The Nation and the stories used on its pages are from campuses across the country. The stories are filed by students.

The award night, the third in the series, was attended by Senator Oluremi Tinubu, keynote speaker, and the Managing Director of Coca-Cola Nigeria, Mr Kelvin Balogun.

Other dignitaries included the Chairman of The Nation Editorial Board, Mr Sam Omatseye; representative of the Minister of Youth Development, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi; the representative of the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Mr Kunle Ajanaku; Acting Vice-Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Prof Dada Adelowo; a member of The Nation Editorial Board, Mr Olakunle Abimbola; and Nigerian Bottling Company's Public Affairs Manager, Mrs Yanju Onakoya.

The event took place at Ikoyi and a popular comedian, Holy Mallam, was the compere.

In her welcome address, the Editor of CAMPUSLIFE, Mrs Ngozi Agbo, recounted how The Nation Editor, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, gave her a chance to nourish her idea. She explained that some newspaper management had rubbished the idea of students reporting happenings on their campuses.

"But I never gave up because I believe many youths still have something to offer. When I presented the idea to Mr. Omotoso, he bought it and gave me the

•The student-writers during award night

•Student-writers’ day of glory opportunity to nourish it. Now, other newspapers have copied this idea and CAMPUSLIFE keeps expanding with over 200 students reporting from various campuses across the nation.”

She explained the award modality and categories. She thanked the panel of judges that marked the entries.

The members of the panel included Mr. Omatseye, Casmir Igbokwe, Editor of Saturday Punch, Ikechukwu Amaechi, Editor of Daily Independent, Steve Osuji of The Nation and an educationist.

Mrs Agbo thanked the management of Coca-Cola and Nigeria Bottling Company for sponsoring the event.

The participants were entertained by Stan Aneto, a reggae artist, whose songs on global warming and dance steps were greeted with resounding applause from the audience. Also, Holy Mallam sent the participants reeling with laughter with his jokes on the personalities present.

Senator Tinubu, who spoke on "The place of vision and values in leadership", said a visionary person is one with original idea and a powerful imagination of a better future for the society. She urged the students to be courageous in discharging their responsibility.

She said: "Nigeria is badly in need of visionary leaders who are committed to the yearnings and aspirations of the people; servant leaders who will make the necessary sacrifice to birth prosperity and growth potential for all.”

She added: "My advice to our future

leaders who are here tonight is for us not to give up. Nigeria belongs to all of us.

Never be overwhelmed by the enormity of the challenges facing us as a nation. Do all in your capacity to make a difference."

The award categories were announced

by Omatseye, who was the chairman of the panel of judges. There were three nominees in each category, which comprised politics, culture, entertainment, investigative, opinion, sport and personality profile.

The student who scored more points in all categories would be awarded the CAMPUSLIFE Reporter of the Year.

Hannah Ojo, a 300-Level student of English at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), won in the Politics category; Gilbert Alasa, 300-Level Foreign Languages, University of Benin, opinion category; Ayodeji Adesina, who recently finished from Mass Communication at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), entertainment category. Chisom Ojukwu, a 400-Level Chemical Engineering student at Federal University of Technology (FUTO) picked the culture category Samson Ademola, 400-Level Biology Education, OAU and Ojo, won the Sport category; Emmanuel Shebbs, 400-Level Political Science, University of Calabar (UNICAL), personality profile category; and Vincent Nzemeke, who recently finished from Mass Communication at the Delta State University (DELSU), investigative category.

Alasa picked the plum prize of CAMPUSLIFE Reporter of the Year. He

•Performing artist during the event

•A member of The Nation Editorial Board, Mr Olakunle Abimbola (left) and an aide to Senator Tinubu, Raheem Owokoniran

•Mr Balogun delivering his keynote address

scored 152 points to clinch the prize. The runners-up, Ojo and Ojukwu, scored 130 and 127 points.

Alasa, who was visibly nervous, was congratulated by Senator Tinubu and Balogun. He spoke with a breaking voice as he relived his humble background to the audience. He thanked The Nation for “giving us CAMPUSLIFE to express our ability.”

•Islamiat Daranijo (NYSC Lagos) and Ayodeji Adesina (UNILAG)

•Mr Agbo Emmanuel in a chat with Holy Mallam

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2011

31

CAMPUS LIFE

A workshop to remember Continued from page 29 The Public Affairs and Communication Manager, Mr Clem Ugorji, spoke on Coca-Cola system in Nigeria and the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

According to him, Coca-Cola was nominated for two industry awards as the most sociallyresponsible company in Nigeria because of its sponsorship of the CAMPUSLIFE student-writers' seminar, which holds twice a year.

He spoke on PET Recycling Initiative pioneered by CocaCola Nigeria. The partnership programme, according to Ugorji, started in Nigeria in October, 2005 at Amuwo Odofin Industrial Estate, Lagos. He noted that the collection centres have increased to 21, thus creating jobs for over 1,500 Nigerians.

Adesina spoke on The place of vision in journalism. In a lecture, which the students claimed was "very interactive", Adesina said the best thing a journalist needed to succeed was a sound education. He said incorruptibility, courage, cynicism, truthfulness and hard work were the qualities of a good journalist.

He said: "A good journalist must be cynical, which means he must have a mind that questions everything he sees. A good journalist will recognise that everybody makes mistakes.

The merit bag of a good journalist is the discomfort of those in authority."

He charged the student-writers on extensive reading, saying: "Instead of you spending your time on trivial issues, take your time to read books of great minds so that you can learn new things which you will also use to analyse issues at any forum".

After the lecture, he was asked questions, which opened a new vista in the session. The participants asked why journalists, who they said are the watchdog of the society, were underpaid.

Adesina said: "If you are being driven by money, journalism is not the job for you because money may take years to come.

However, it is the passion and the vision that drive journalists to report what is wrong in the society. If a journalist is given a brown envelop at any assignment, it means the substance of his report would be distorted and the vision would have been dead already."

The students who want to be journalists among the participants were startled by Adesina’s response.

After the seminar, the participants visited the headquarters of The Nation on an excursion. They were received by the Editor, The Nation on Sunday, Mr Festus Eriye. The students, who visited the newsroom, the pre-press and the press hall, were taken round by Mr Joe Agbro, a reporter.

Some of the participants

•Mr Ugorji shaking Mr Adesina (right). Watching is CAMPUSLIFE Editor Mrs Agbo

•From left: Onyinye Nkwocha (IMSU); Dayo Ibitoye (ABU) and Omah Agbo

•Mr Mba in a session with the students during the workshop

•From right: Emmanuel Shebbs (UNICAL); Esther Mark (UNIJOS) and Islamiat Daranijo (NYSC Lagos)

•From right: Zeenat Ibrahim (BUK); Olawale Ajetunmobi (NYSC Lagos) and Omah Agbo, (UNIJOS)

•From right: Ayodeji Adesina (UNILAG); Babatunde Alao (AAUA); Caleb Adebayo (OAU) and Michael Ariwei (PTI)

•From left: Hannah Ojo (OAU); Gilbert Alasa (UNIBEN); Dayo Ojerinde (AAUA) and Faith Olaniran (FUT MINNA) •Lunch time after the workshop

spoke to CAMPUSLIFE. Nosakhare Uwadie, a Youth Corps member serving in Kano, said: "I am delighted to have attended this workshop.

Coca-Cola, NBC and The Nation have continued to make the lives of Nigerian under-

graduates meaningful through the weekly publication. This is the best way to empower the youth. I praise the companies and CAMPUSLIFE Editor, Mrs Ngozi Agbo, for this feat.

Islamiat Daranijo, a Youth Corps member serving in

Lagos, said: "This is one of the best ways to engage the youth meaningfully. If this kind of programme is sustained, The Nation, NBC and Coca-Cola would have taken crime away from the streets because if the youth are not being empow-

ered with opportunities, then something else would empower them to commit crime.”

Emmanuel Shebbs, a student of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), praised the sponsors and solicited for more sponsors to enable the students do more.

32

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2011

33

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2011

34

CAMPUS LIFE The Place of Vision and Values in Leadership

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ITH our ever-changing globalised world and escalating uncertainty that defines, our times, the need for strong leadership in business, government and society has never been greater. Leadership is the most critical factor that can make the difference between success and failure in our families, communities, societies, organisations and countries.

According to John P. Kotter in his book, What leaders really do, true leadership is an elusive quality, and too often we confuse management duties and personal style with leadership. It can be very costly when we mistake unworthy leadership for the real thing. This is because without true leadership, organisations move too slowly, stagnate and lose their way. As Stephen R. Covey clearly explains it: "Management is a bottom line focus: how can I accomplish certain things? Leadership deals with the top line: what are the things I want to accomplish?"

What then is leadership?

Leadership can simply be described as the ability to lead skillfully. The Chambers Twentieth Century Dictionary describes leading as "showing the way by going first; to guide by the hand or to direct". Brian Tracy illustrates the concept further when he says: "Leaders are those who determine the Area of Excellence for the group" and that "Leadership is the ability to get extraordinary achievement from ordinary people".

From these explanations, we know that to be a leader, you must have ability and skills; there must be a destination in mind and people to take along on the journey. The people to be led on this worthwhile journey have to be convinced that they are following the right leader. The leader on the other hand must have a destination, goals and objectives that will be beneficial to all involved.

Vision is a very integral part of good and strong leadership. The New Oxford American Dictionary defines vision as "the faculty or state of being able to see; the ability to think or plan the future with imagination or wisdom". It is also a mental image of what the future will or could be like.

Dreams and vision go together - success in life is a function of positive dreams and vision. A man of vision will be a man with a sense of mission. Proverbs 29:18 says "Where

Pushing Out

pose according to Myles Munroe.

A leader with a vision can then be described as a visionary. A visionary is a person with original ideas and a powerful imagination of a better future for him or herself, family, community, organisation, society or country. with Visionaries therefore invest their time, talents, energies and resources today towards the realisation of a better tomorrow of 08054503104 their dreams.

(SMS only) Attributes of a good leader •campuslife@thenationonlineng.net To actualise his or her vision, a leader must be guided by the right •ladycampus@yahoo.com values. What then are the characteristics of a True Leader? What should be his or her guiding values?

From my own assessment, I believe a leader who possesses the following qualities would be able to inspire the followership to achieve the desired objectives: Perseverance; Courage; Curiousity and Teachability; Value relationship; Responsibility; Team spirit; Focus; Passion; and Initiative.

A true leader who perseveres should not stop because he or she is tired but only when the task is achieved. It means strong determination to succeed. Failure will have no place in such a leader's dictionary.

Inner courage is the defining essence of a true leader. The circumstances may look discouraging; the goal may appear difficult or even impossible to achieve. But the leader's inner strength motivates others to carry on with great hope. As Jim Mellado said: "Leadership is the expression of courage that compels people to do the right thing".

Curiosity and teachability are the good attributes a leader must have. This is the hu•Senator Tinubu mility to listen and learn as well as the wisthere is no vision, the people perish: but he dom to practically apply what is learnt. When that keepeth the law, happy is he". Those who you stop learning, you stop leading.

The type of relationship a leader builds know where they are going have a clear sense of direction; they are focused, resilient and energises, inspires, encourages and validates him or her. A wise leader will associate with determined to get to their destination.

Vision is also the ability to see the end from those who motivate and challenge him or the beginning. As Stephen Covey puts it: "To her to always strive to be better. Such a rebegin with the end in mind means to start lationship could be found in a mentor as with a clear understanding of your destina- well.

A true leader should be responsible. Overtion. It means to know where you are going so that you better understand where you are time, the responsible leader builds a solid now and so that the steps you take are al- reputation as a dependable and reliable perways in the right direction… when you be- son. Responsibility builds trust and gin with the end in mind you gain a different strengthens loyalty to leadership. But then, loyalty must flow in both directions - there perspective".

Behind every vision there must be a pur- must be mutual loyalty between the leader pose. Purpose provides a reason for exist- and the follower.

A great leader gives credit for success to ence; purpose therefore creates a vision. Vision never stands alone; it originates from a the team. The successful leader builds team known purpose. Vision is a glimpse of pur- spirit and is a team worker. By dividing the

Ngozi Agbo

‘Punctuality made me a leader’ Tajudeen Yusuf graduated from the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Abeokuta. He is the leader of Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) Radio 2, Community Development Service (CDS), for corps members in Onitsha North Local Government of Anambra State. JASPER DADA (colleague) met him.

Being text of speech delivered by Senator Oluremi Tinubu, OON, at the 3rd The Nation CAMPUSLIFE Annual Awards on November 18.

Mobolaji Ibrahim is a law graduate of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU). While studying, she headed four student associations. OPEOLUWA SONUGA (200Level Law, OAU) met her.

‘Nigeria needs our generation’

F

W

HAT does it take to be ABS leader?

Punctuality and commitment. I was chosen because of my punctuality, commitment and steadfastness during the last regime. So, my punctuality is the scorecard.

As the leader of ABS CDS group, what are the new things you have introduced?

First, I must thank the members for their support and cooperation, because when there is no cooperation there will be no achievement. I ensure that “KOPA ½ Hour” on ABS Radio 2 is aired every Friday, from 2:30pm to 3pm. We also introduced the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) news, entertainment news and sport news, among others.

Accommodation is one of the major problems facing corps members in Onitsha. How are you coping with the problem?

effort, the effect multiplies making the dream a reality.

Focus is a key attribute of the effective leader. Such focus must be on strengths and not weaknesses. Success means focusing on what can be done and not unnecessarily magnifying what cannot be done.

Passion is the first step to achievement and for me it is everything. Passion helps increase will-power, produces energy, provides the foundation for excellence, furnishes the key to success and makes one a contagious person. Passion is magnetic.

A passionate leader naturally attracts a lot of following.

Lastly, a true leader is to have initiative; that is, ability to act independently and with a fresh approach. The effective leader has the insight to see opportunities and the power to act before other people do. Such a leader anticipates new problems and developments and responds in a fresh and creative manner.

In conclusion, no matter how well informed a true leader is, without a clear vision and direction, it will just be the popular saying - the blind leading the blind. To where? Your guess is as good as mine.

My belief is that there is a leader in all of us - some are born leaders while some could acquire it by learning, studying, having the right attitudes, building sound character and associating with the right people.

Nigeria is badly in need of visionary leaders who are committed to the yearnings and aspirations of the people; servant leaders that will make the necessary sacrifice to birth prosperity and growth potential for all.

Finally, my advice to our future leaders who are here tonight is for us not to give up. Nigeria belongs to all of us. Never be overwhelmed by the enormity of the challenges facing us as a nation. Do all in your capacity to make a difference. Maybe it is that little suggestion that you make that could turn things in the right direction.

Let me leave you with the words of Steven Covey: "Make small commitments and keep them. Be a light, not a judge. Be a model, not a critic. Be part of the solution, not part of the problem."

You and I must become the change we desire.

I thank you for this invitation and also for your attention.

• Tajudeen

All stakeholders must come to our aid. It is not easy not to find a suitable place to sleep after work. Psychologically, it affects some of us that have no accommodation.

We are appealing to the authorities to come to our aid and provide accommodation for corps members.

Your advice to corps members?

My advice to them is to make sure they are punctual at CDS meetings; they should take the group as part of their NYSC certificate because a time is coming when NYSC officials will come to meet us and being absent may be used against them.

ROM your first year what positions did you hold in school?

When I was in 200-Level, I was the Public Relations Officer of Association of Potential Broadcasters (ASPOB). In 300Level, I became the Assistant Academic Secretary of my fellowship and in 400Level, the Vice President of Magna Curia Chambers. When I got to 500-Level, I became the president of Magna Curia Chambers. I was also the chairperson, Debate Committee and president, Christian Law Students Fellowship of Nigeria (CLASFON) OAU chapter.

How did you feel being the head of those associations?

I felt honoured, though I am not perfect.

I probably didn’t deserve it, but I thank God. There were times I felt burdened because people expected too much from me.

How did you mix academics with leadership?

Grace and timing What challenges did you face?

I had challenges with my personal time.

Some people felt I should be available 24/ 7 to attend to their needs. Second, working with people is awesome but it needs a measure of grace and understanding. Third, was finance. I expended too much into the posts I held.

What is your take on law, women and leadership?

I do not see a barrier to the three. Passion and purpose bridge the gap between law,

•Mobolaji

women and leadership.

What is your advice for the youth?

The nation is awaiting our manifestoes.

Nigeria needs our generation to rule and conquer.

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2011

36

CAMPUS LIFE

E

VENTS across the world are very telling. We see today how the youth have taken it upon themselves to place a demand upon those who lead them.

They have challenged their leaders, their government, their constitutions, their way of life and their structures. Many of the leaders have buckled and yielded yet there are many who have refused and continue to resist this drive for change.

Forced leadership is common across the world and is still very visible in our campuses. Why do people force themselves on others? How do people who were once popular suddenly slide into the chasm of scorn where they must deploy all kinds of negative tactics to remain relevant?

How many student leaders reading this have watched their popularity slide and are at their wits end trying to hold unto some form of relevance by all means.

You see, the Banking arena is so competitive and the choices so clear that no one can force customers to buy their services, hence we are in the position to fully understand the dangers and futilities of forced leadership. People will follow the leader they choose. They will be loyal to that leader. They will speak of his achievements and sing his praise. Just like Banks. Our customers sing our praises.

Those that believe in what we do at Fidelity are true champions of the Brand and I pause for a moment to hail and salute them. These customers, of which you dear reader could possibly be one are the true bastions of our trade, propping us up and waving the flag high.

How does this concern you? Well dear reader, as a campus student you have a measure of influence. You are a leader being forged in the deep craters and furnaces of the Ivory Tower. You are being made and the making process must be complete and pure. Your mind must accept the fact that as you emerge and even while on campus your level of influence must be your charm: Your ability to draw people willingly into and under your sphere and influence.

It is by the passion for what you truly believe. It includes you care and concern for people because people will not care how much you know till they know how much you care. It is enhanced by your service posture, your desire to assist, to help, to lend a hand. Selfish people will be resented and rejected. You must give and give and when you are done giving, you must give a

On and Off Campus

Forced leadership

By Uche Ogbonna marketingcommunication@fidelitybankplc.com uche.ogbonna@fidelitybankplc.com 08055061278

little more. Your hand must be stretched out to help those around you who need it. This is what draws the people, this is where true influence comes from. We practice this daily at Fidelity bank, especially through our "Helping Hands Programme" (see our face book page 'fidelityhelpinghands') and the more we give the more people are drawn to the Brand. If it works for us it will for you.

You do not want to force your views on people, rather your desire is to become attractive. Attractive to the market, attractive to your peers, attractive to the business environment and this attraction becomes your power tool, so rather than manipulating outward indices to gain advantage, you may choose today to look inward. Turn the lights to your face. Ask the relevant and strategic questions and see if there is something you are not doing.

Some of us may need to reinvent our vision. The people evolve. They always have and always will. You must determine what the relevant vision to be pursued is. You must ask the question what they want. It is like going for an interview. If the vacant slot advertised is that of an Electrical Engineer, your Ph.D in Music as impressive and intimidating as that may be will not qualify you for the job. That is how it works.

The market determines the need and not the other way round.

Stop forcing your views. Go the Fidelity Way. Choose to serve in the place of relevance and give it your all. Be charming, be attractive, let the people who make contact with you have an impression that is irresistible. Let their psyche tell them that it will be a loss for them not to have you on their side, nay, leading them. It can be done.

It takes hard work and humility, but if you will pay the price you will notice daily your influence growing not just within your class or hostel but also around the campus and what better way to prepare for a world that would simply be all to glad to make you their King!

Visit our website www.fidelitybankplc.com and our facebook page www.facebook.com/ fidelityhelpinghands. Do not forget to get your account it rocks

•Some of the participants at the conference

Educators make case for social work bill

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HE maiden international forum of the Nigerian Association of Social Work Educators (NASWE) was held between November 9 and 12, at the University of Ibadan (UI) Conference Centre.

The theme of the conference was Social Work Education: Shaping the Teaching and Learning Experience.

It was hosted by the Department of Social Work (UI), in collaboration with Social Work in Nigeria Project (SWIN-P), Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada, Canadian International Development Agency, University of British Columbia, University of Windsor and York University.

NASWE was initiated at the roundtable meeting organised by SWIN-P in Benin in May 2009. In May 2010, an inaugural meeting of the association was held in Lagos.

The conference started with the arrival of delegates, who included social work educators, managers of non-governmental organisations and others.

The Minister of Women and Social Development, Hajia Zainab Maina, was represented by a director.

Other dignitaries included Prof Isaac Adewole, the Vice-Chancellor of UI and Mr Kolawole Olawale.

About 27 papers were presented by scholars with four major presentations by renowned social education scholars among whom were Prof Andrew Onokerhorage of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), who spoke on Perspectives of social work education and practice in Nigeria.

Others were Dr Narda Razack from York University, Canada, who spoke on

From Musliudeen Adebayo UI

Decolonising social work theories: Indigenising practice for the African context; Prof Ayodele Jegede, UI, who spoke on “Teaching and learning social work in Nigeria” and Dr Miu Chung Yan of University of British Columbia, Canada who spoke on Conceptualising indigenisation of social work: Implications for Nigerian social work education development.

Awards were given to scholars and individuals for their contribution to the development of the discipline.

Among the recipients were Prof Uzo Anucha of York University Canada, Prof Oluremi Bamishaye and Mrs Adebukola Ajaja, a member of the House of Representatives from Ibadan North East/South East constituency.

Meanwhile, the aassociation has called on the National Assembly and the Presidency to ensure the quick passage of the Social Work Professionalisation Bill which has been at the Assembly since 2004.

This was contained in a communiqué issued after the conference. It was jointly signed by Prof A. E. Idyorough, Dr James Ayangunna and Mr Jamal Ali Ahmaed, president, secretary and PRO of the association. The association said measures should be taken to incorporate and train non-professional social workers and members of NGOs for proper workforce development.

It also called for a unified curriculum for institutions for the training of social workers to meet global challenges.

By Solomon Izekor 08061522600

•Cricket players after the match

Cricket club holds ceremony

T

he Engineering field at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) came alive last week as members of the Edo State Cricket Association (ESCA) held an opening match in honour of a cricketer, Mr Ighagbon Oviawe, a lawyer, on his call to the Bar. It was attended by the chairman of Africa Cricket Association, Mr Kwesi Sago.

Others present included Mr Ewa Henshaw, Students Union President; Eniwake Orogun, who came with other union executive members, representatives of the National Association of Edo State Students, members of Students Alliance for Oshiomhole (SAFO) and representatives of the Ambrose Alli University, (AAU, Ekpoma).

The opening match, which kicked off at

From Valor Iduh UNIBEN

11:30am, had F16 and Selected Side teams slugging it out. While the audience displayed their support with cheers, many of them confessed the game was strange as they could not come to terms easily with its rules.

An official said plans were on to take cricket to every university and also ensure students are educated on how the game is played.

Ighagbon, who has won several gold medals for Edo State and UNIBEN, expressed delight at the turnout. He also reiterated his commitment to using his status as a lawyer to fight repression and free the people who were wrongly imprisoned.

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2011

37

EDUCATION

Community protests handover of school to missionaries

P

ROTESTS have greeted the Delta State Government’s

decision to return schools to missionaries.

Hundreds of women in Ovu in Ethiope East Local government blocked the Warri/Asaba Road over the planned return of Ovu Grammar School to missionaries.

The protesters were women waving green leaves, and saying no to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s decision to hand over the school built by the community to a religious group.

In a statement signed by the Ovu Council of Chiefs and Elides represented by the its Prime Minister, Secretary Chief Richard Ofogba, Chief Moses Akpoyovwaire and Chief Peter Utuoyor, the group decried the government’s decision.

It said the school should not be handed over to missionary.

The statement recalled how the school was founded in 1975 through the influence of Chief T. E. A. Salubi and Maj.-Gen. David Ejoor. It noted that the apponitment of the first two principals, Rev. Father Cashman, was the and Rev. Father Peter Enyoghworoma, was influenced

by Salubi and Ejoor and not by any missionary school.

When there was an attempt to transfer a third reverend father to the school the community kicked, insisting that Ovu Grammar School, was not a missionary school, the statement said.

This necessitated the transfer of

T

Dept organises handing over The departments of Political Science and Public Administration of the IBB University, Lapai, have held a handover for their new heads.

The outgoing Head of the department, Dr. Boniface Odu Onoja, said the two programmes have been restructured into two departments.

He appreciated the support and co-operation from staff of the department, stressing that the successes recorded during his tenure would have not been possible if not for the efforts of the staff. He urged them to support the new heads.

Onoja assured that he was ready to contribute to the growth of the department.

The new heads of departments praised the diligence and commitment of Dr. Onoja for taking the departments to greater heights.

•The women during the protest From Polycarp Orosevwotu, Warri

one Mr Jim Omovie to the school, and since then, the school has not had reverend fathers as its principal, the community said.

The statement said: ”If the state government wants to give a school to missionaries, they are supposed to come to the community to ask if the school is owned by missionaries or not. But for an individual to have stood up or decided to give what belongs to a community to a missionary

shows that such person is on his or her own and we don’t have hand in that. Ovu Grammar School is built by the community and if the state government wants to hand over school to missionaries, they should go and build their own.”

One of the women leaders, Mrs. Christy Emos, said they embarked on the protest because they cannot allow what they and their fathers suffered for to be left in the hands of missionary. She said giving the school to mission-

ary is like asking their children to sit at home; or rather asking Ovu community not to be part of the government or not to enjoy government’s free education.

Contacted on phone, the state Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Prof. Patrick Muoboghare, said the name of the school came to his office as a missionary school, adding that since then, there have not been counter statements that the school is a community school.

Poly to maintain high standards HE Rector and management of the Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi, have been praised for maintaining standards in most of the courses offered by the institution.

They were advised to improve on areas of low standards to ensure the turning out of quality products.

The accreditation team of the National Board of Technical Education (NBTE) made this suggestion when it visited the institution’s two campuses in Jos and Heipang.

The leader of the team, Mrs. Grace Makeri-Yahaya, said it was impressed that the institution did not not allow its challenges to affect standards.

IBBUL FILE

From Marie-Therese Peter, Jos

She said: “Graduates from polytechnics ought to be employers of labour instead of roaming the streets in search of unavailable jobs.

Five years ago, the accreditation team visited the Plateau State Polytechnic to ascertain the standard of the institution. The team is back to ensure that the standard that was seen has not fallen. Rather, the institution strives to improve and follow the recommendations given.”

She advised the Rector and his management to build an entrepreneurial centre adding: “From 2012, the NBTE will ensure that all polytechnics establish an entrepreneur-

ial centre and entrepreneurial courses must be compulsory. As we are here, we are not to criticise you, but to advise and encourage you to meet the standards which NBTE recommends for all institutions.

“These entrepreneurial centres will empower students from the polytechnics and similar institutions and make them self-reliant at graduation and reduce the level of unemployment in the nation.”

Earlier, the Rector, Mr Dauda Gyemang, said despite its challenges the institution still adhered to the recommendations of NBTE. He promised that the pace would be maintained.

NEW deans have been apointed for the Faculty of Applied and Natural Sciences, Faculty of Management and Social Sciences as well as the Students Affairs Division.

Prof. Gbodi Timothy Ayinla is to take charge of Faculty of Applied and Natural Sciences, while Prof. Eddiefloyd M. Igbo will handle the Faculty of Applied and Natural Sciences. Also, Dr. John Jiya will oversee the Students Affairs division.

According to the statement from the Office of the Registrar, new heads have also been appointed for various academic programmes.

It added that all the appointments take immediate effect.

NASU elects officials

•Prof Femi Mimiko AAUA ViceChancellor

Embrace critical thinking, says don

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•From left: Ekiti State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Dr. Eniola Ajayi; Chairman, State Universal Basic Education (SUBEB), Prof Modupe Adelabu; Governor Kayode Fayemi;Lead Education Specialist, Human Development Sector Department, Africa Region, World Bank, Mr. Michael Welmond; and Co-Task Team Leader, Mr. Olatunde Adekola, during a working visit by the World Bank Team to the Governor, in Ado-Ekiti.

Varsity appoints new deans

ENOWNED writer Prof.

Kole Omotoso has urged Nigerians to obey natural laws and adopt critical thinking.

Omotoso gave the advice while delivering the 12th anniversary lecture of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba (AAUA), Ondo State at the Multipurpose Hall of the university. He spoke on the topic: Frontiers and limits of drama, language and the narrative arts The lecturer, who donated Literature in English books to the university, said living the good life and transforming the society were collective efforts.

He said: “The effectiveness of the work of art is that the work of art obeys the rules of its art form.

I appeal to us that there are laws, there are frontiers, there are limits and when we breach these limits and frontiers we encounter consequential failures.”

THE Non-Academic Staff Union of Education and Associated Institutions (NASU), IBBUL branch, has elected officials to run its affairs in the next four years.

Those elected were Mustapha Abdulkhadir (chairman); Usman A. Adamu (secretary)and Abdulkadir S. Suleiman (treasurer).

The committee members are Baba Mohammed, Ibrahim Usman, Adamu Iliyasu, Abubakar Muhammad and Eze Modester.

Mustapha thanked the members and pledged to operate an open-door policy.

He assured that efforts would be made to join hands with the university management and other sister unions towards ensuring healthy industrial atmosphere so that the vision and mission of becoming a world class citadel of learning is achieved.

New academic calendar out THE management of IBBUL has approved the calendar for the 2011/2012 academic session.

Registration for fresh and returning students will last two weeks. According to the statement, the first semester calendar started on November 14, while lectures will start next Monday, and end on March 9 2012.

First semester exams are billed to start on March 12 and will last two weeks. The break is from April 2 to 16.

Students who fail to meet the deadline for registration will forfeit the session, the statement warned.

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2011

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EDUCATION ACE FILE Provost calls for blueprint on VTE PROVOST of the Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo, Prof Adeyemi Idowu has urged researchers to chart a roadmap for the country’s realisation of the objectives of the vocational education.

He spoke during the 4th national conference of the School of Education, with the theme :Vocational and Technical Education: a Synergy for Reorientation.

He charged the participants to analyse the situation and proffer lasting solutions that would see Nigeria break away from economic stagnancy and take its place among economically sound nations.

SU elects new officers THE Students Union of Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo has elected new officers.

The officers will manage the union in the next academic session of 2011/2012.

The Independent Electoral Committee declared Akintola Abiodun as President, Okorefe Deborah, (Vice), Morakinyo Tosin, (general secretary), Akinubi Oluwafemi (assistant general secretary), Lijadu Hosannah (director,welfare) and Adetola Olabode (his deputy).

Others are Bamidele Olabode, (treasurer), Olabode Bolaji, (finance) Alade Oyindamola, (social and culture), Bamisayo Ayokunle, (sports) and Ajayi Ademola (PRO).

N

SCHOLARSHIP APPROACHING DEADLINES Master’s in Economics and Finance 2012-2014 at CEMFI, Spain Master’s Scholarship in Economics and Finance 2012-2014 at CEMFI, Spain Study Subject(s):Economics and Finance Course Level:Masters Scholarship Provider: UIMP Scholarship can be taken at: Spain Eligibility: CEMFI’s two-year Master in Economics and Finance trains students for careers as professional or academic economists. Faculty are world-class.

Tuition exemptions and scholarships for living expenses of EUR 10,000 per year are available. Students get personalized attention. Master students get very good jobs in portfolio and risk management, forecasting, policy evaluation or microeconomic consultancy. Admission to PhD work is through the Master.

Scholarship Open for International Students: Yes Scholarship Description: The Master in Economics and Finance at CEMFI is an official degree granted by Universidad Internacional Menéndez Pelayo (UIMP) according to the regulations of the Spanish Ministerio de Educación. Each academic year is divided into three 10-week terms.

Courses are concentrated in the first five terms, with three courses per term. Each course comprises three hours of lectures and one and a half hours of problem set classes per week. The sixth term is fully devoted to research work on the Master thesis that students must submit at the end of the program. In addition, 2-week introductory courses in Mathematics and Statistics are taught in September of the first year. The first two terms contain the core courses, while in the next three terms a wide range of elective courses are offered. The electives are grouped into four areas of specialisation: Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Econometrics, and Finance. The choice of electives does not have to be concentrated in one of these areas, so students can decide their own degree of specialisation.

2012 The Hindu-Hitachi Scholarships, Japan Hitachi Ltd., Japan and THE HINDU invites applications for Scholarships for Technical Training in JAPAN 2012 Study Subject(s): Industrial, Transportation and Urban Development Systems ,Information and Telecommunication Systems, Power Systems Course Level:Technical Training Scholarship Provider: Hitachi Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, THE HINDU Scholarship can be taken at: Japan Eligibility: -Candidates who must be Indian Citizens, should not have completed 30 years on 31-03-2012 and should be in possession of the minimum Degree of BE, or BSc. (Eng.) or its equivalent from any recognised University.

- Parents or Guardians of selected candidates shall guarantee their good conduct and shall undertake to pay for their repatriation should their conduct be found unsatisfactory by Hitachi Ltd., or any public authority in Japan or in case the selected candidates desire to discontinue their studies in Japan for any reason whatsoever during the period of their scholarship -The Scholarships are tenable in Japan for principally six months commencing about July 2011. Trainees may have general training in one of

the following product fields of Hitachi Ltd., (Hitachi) for Example (1) Industrial Systems (2) Transportation Systems (3) Power Systems (4) Information and Telecimmunication Systems being subject to the convenience of each of Hitachi’s establishments. During the training, there will be special emphasis on environment-related and energy-saving technologies.

Scholarship Open for International Students: Yes Scholarship Description: In association with Hitachi Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, THE HINDU invites applications for scholarships for technical training in JAPAN. The number of scholarships will be three. Trainees shall be during their training, under the supervision and direction of Hitachi, which has full discretion on scope, mode, duration and place of establishment of their training. Training will not be available in the R&D activities of Hitachi. They will be subject to the rules and regulations and the discipline of the establishment to which they are posted How to Apply: Post Scholarship Application Deadline: December 31, 2011 PhD Scholarship in Arabidopsis Molecular Biology at University of Copenhagen, Denmark 2012 Doctoral scholarship in Arabidopsis Molecular Biology in Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark 2012 Study Subject(s):Arabidopsis Molecular Biology Course Level:PhD Scholarship Provider: University of Copenhagen Scholarship can be taken at: Denmark Eligibility: The fellowship is open to both Danish and international applicants. We expect that applicants have obtained an MSc degree in biology or biochemistry, a good grasp of theoretical concepts, and some expertise in laboratory techniques used in Arabidopsis molecular biology. Fluency in English is a requirement.

Scholarship Open for International Students: Yes Scholarship Description: The plant molecular biology group aims to recruit a highly qualified PhD candidate to conduct research and training in the field of plant innate immunity. The initial objective is to provide an inventory of Arabidopsis AUTOPHAGY GENE (ATG) expression constructs, and to screen them for their ability to induce autophagy. With this information we will select ATG genes to be used to increase plant resistance to a spectrum of pathogens and tolerance to abiotic stresses including drought and salt.An assessment committee will be appointed to evaluate the applications. The final selection of a successful candidate will be made by the supervisor Morten Petersen and Head of Department, based on the recommendations of the evaluation committee. The successful candidate will then be requested to formally apply for enrollment as a PhD student at the PhD school of Science, University of Copenhagen.

How to Apply: By Email and by post Scholarship Application Deadline: 18-11-2011

Indomie offers 12 graduates for matters scholarships

O fewer than f 12 graduates will do their masters in nutrition and dietetics free, courtesy of Dufil Prima Foods Plc, producers of Indomie Noodles.

Two beneficiaries cutting across the six geo-political zones were selected for the scheme. They are: Ajibade Folake O, Abe Deborah O, Oguntoyinbo Yetunde Grace, Mbochi Al Caroline, Shanu, Mary Alex, Odumuyiwa Olusegun Opeyemi, Olaitan Olubukola Omolayo, Badejo Afolake Adeyinka; Bamidele Ayodeji;, Amotsuka Joshua,Ikwubuo, Hannah Chinyere and Adebayo Olubukola Abiodun.

They were selected after meeting the scholarship requirements.

The criteria for entry include applicants having basic educational qualification; must be a Nigerian and must be able to send his or her application online accompanied by a letter from the applicant’s local government, photocopies of birth certificate, three photocopies of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate, photocopies of admission letters and a guarantor, among others.

Briefing reporters in Lagos, Dufil Managing Director, Mr Deepak Singal, said the gesture is part of its drive towards educational develop-

By Sampson Unamka

ment.

Deepak said the scholarship is to promote nutrition education among students.

His words: “The programme will help nutrition education in the country; that the idea behind this is for the country to be properly fed. It’s like building the future for the country.”

The scholarship, he said, would be awarded yearly.

“It is a project close to our heart and we hope to continue it for long,” he said.

The Co-ordinator of the scheme, a professor of Nutrition and Dietetics at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Tunde Oguntona, narrated how the scheme was initiated two years ago.

He said:“We went round the country for two years on an inspection of nutrition value but we were not impressed at the manner at which people valued nutrition. To acquire progress in this scheme manpower has to be set up to encourage it.

This prompted us to write a proposal to various companies and the United Nations and producers of Indomie on how to boost nutrition via scholarships to students at the master’s level.”

‘We went round the country for two years on an inspection of nutrition value but we were not impressed at the manner at which people valued nutrition’

Oguntona said 40 per cent of children are underweight, necessitating the need to boost the study of nutrition.

He said: “The first objective of this scheme is to build up quality mass nutritionists to mount these departments, while the second objective is to encourage departments in uni-

versities to start this programme and stop our students studying nutritionist from going abroad, because the focus of nutrition abroad is not the same here in Nigeria. The third objective is to have educated people who will guide the nation as to what to eat because we have so many products being produced

here In the country and Nigerians are becoming more aware of what they eat.”

The scholarship amounting to N370,000 per individual is split into three parts: payment of N100,000 upfront, N10,000 monthly allowance for a year, as well as N150,000 for project running.

•From left: Lagos State Commissioner for Informaation and Strategy, Mr Lateef Aderemi Ibirogba, representing the Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola; Chairman of the occasion Chief Molade Okoya Thomas and state Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye, at the premiere of a film entitled Ile-Iwe Ijoba, showcasing the achievements of the Fashola administration in the education sector of the state.

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2011

39

EDUCATION

Kings’ College admits 480 of 5,000 applicants

F

OR the 480 pupils admitted into the Junior Secondary School (JSS) of Kings’ College, Lagos, it was a long drawn battle.

They were packed from about 5,000 that sought admission.

It was time to relive the admission process when the pupils resumed.

The Principal, Otunba Dele Olapeju, noted that the school received the highest number of applications in its history this year.

“It is gratifying that the public

By Seun Olalude

perception of this college as reflected in the demand for admission is unprecedently high. ‘’From a total figure of about 5,000 applicants, out of which 2,500 were shortlisted for the second test, only this 480 in the junior class representing about 9.6 per cent are being matriculated. Among this 480, when the national merit was put as 70 per cent, we admitted only candidates that scored 84 per cent and above. More than 95 per cent of

them scored above the national merit of 70 per cent,” he explained.

Olapeju informed the pupils of the college’s expectations of them.

His words: “We are looking forward to the time when you as Kingsmen would rise to become movers and shakers of the economy of this country and beyond it become the global players in world economics and politics.”

Olapeju had words of advice for their parents “Your child’s admission should

not be seen as an opportunity to abdicate your duties as parents to your children; rather it is an opportunity to collaborate with the college in producing the future king’s,” he urged.

Chairman of the School Base Management Committee (SBMC), Prof Onitiri Cole, urged the pupils to fear God. “As you have come into this great school, allow the fear of God to reign in your heart. This will make you a better citizen and it will pro-

duce a better country,” he said.

Chairman, Parent Teachers Association (PTA), Mr Tony Anyanwu, said despite challenges, Unity Schools to remain very attractive, every parent scramble to enrol their wards there.

“The unity schools are equipped with qualified teachers and that is why it is very competitive. Nigeria is advancing in education and every parent wishes his or her child’s as one of the pupils of Unity Colleges,” he added.

11 pupils win get Chevron scholarship

E

LEVEN secondary school pupis in Delta State have been awarded scholarships following their brilliant performance in the 11th Chris Ikomi Memorial Essay Competition, The competition, an initiative of the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture, provides opportunity for secondary school pupils to develop reflective thinking and creative writing in English Language.

This year’s edition with the theme: 50 Years of advancing people, partnership and performance, formed part of activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the American oil multinational oil company, Asaba, the state capital, where the evnt was event.

The participating pupils sat in groups in the Nnebisi Hall of the Grand Hotels and Resorts Centre.

General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, Mr Femi Odumabo, expressed hope that the participating pupils appreciate the importance of partnership in nation building and unity of the country in line the essay’s theme.

He said reports of improvement in quality of entries indicated that the objectives of the competition are being realised.

Odumabo, said education is an area of the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture Community Engagement focus, stressing that this led the company to donate facilities including classrooms, science laboratories, libraries, hostels, teachers quarters, books and water projects to institutions and communities within the company’s operational areas.

He said in furtherance of its educational goals, the company also

From Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

initiated the Science Teachers Scheme to attract qualified teachers to schools in rural areas . It also introduce the Awokoya Chemistry competition.

Odumabo said Chevron implements community and national scholarships, including special scholarships for the visually impaired yearly, stressing that since 2005 over 3,700 indigenes of the state have benefitted.

In the last 50 years, Chevron has achieved growth in business through a strong relationship with partners and communities, stressing that this stimulated the birth of indigenous businesses.

Chevron enlarged award recipients in this year’s competition to five each in the junior and senior secondary school category, pointing out that the awardees will in addition to the presentation of plaques be given a cash denominated one-off scholarship to mark Chevron at 50.

To spice the occasion, Asaba Girls Grammar School held the audience spell-bound with a thrilling a cultural display.

Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, represented by his Deputy, Prof Amos Utuama praised Chevron for immortalising Chris Ikomi, an employee of the company, who lost his life during the ethnic crises in Warri 13 years ago.

He said the competition would help in sharpening the intellectual skills of young Deltans to prepare them for higher academic laurels.

He urged other public spirited individuals and corporate

•Prof Utuama presenting an award to Miss Ikomi

organisations to emulate the gesture.

The highpoint of the occasion was the presentation of awards to the winning schools.

Ten schools were presented with awards with Miss Lisa Isioma Clement, representing King Solomon College, Owa-Eki, Ika South Local Government Area carting away the top prize for the Senior Secondary Schools category.

Miss Agwaba Chiamaka of Our Lady of Nigeria secondary school, Oghara in Ethiope West, beat other contenders to clinch the top prize in the junior secondary school cadre.

Other recipients include

•Pupils of Santa Maria College, Mushin, Lagos at the Press Unit of Tha Nation Newspapers during an excurssion to the company’s premises ... last Thursday

Efevberha Ufouoma, of Our Lady of Nigeria Secondary School, Oghara; Paul Tamaradoubra from Oproza Senior Secondary School, Patani; Onochie Chinedu, Infant Jesus Academy, Asaba; Oborirhoro Omoerere, Excellency Pillars Int. School, Ovwian; and Buzugbe

Samantha, Kings Solomon College, Owa-Eki. Others were: Onyemachi Godwill,of the D.S.C Technical High School, Orhuwhorun; Osunde Miracle representing Kings Solomon College, Owa-Ekiti and Ekrakene Erere, Challenge Academy, Ovwian.

Ogun urged to assist Health college •College matriculates 700

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HE Rector of the College of Health Technology, IlesaIjebu in Ogun State, Dr Tunji Dawodu, has urged the state government to improve infrastructure in the institution.

He said this at the matriculation of the college.

He said: “We plead with the government to help us provide asphalt tarring for our campus roads, complete the inherited abandoned project of a storey building comprising 10 lecture rooms and 12 offices and give us a large auditorium.

All these will make life more comfortable for us in this campus.”

Seven hundred students comprising Ordinary Diploma (OND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) in Public Health Nursing, Environmental Health Technology, Community Health, Dental Technology,Dental Therapy, Health Information Management, Medical Laboratory Technician matriculated at the event.

The institution offers 18 programmes. Dawodu said more programmes would be introduced soon, but added that in line with the tradition of the institution, such programmes would be “demand driven and tailored to the need of the state” and society.

He explained that the college has,

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

over the years, been turning out products “whose horizon” in health care is “limitless”. He urged the students to avail themselves of the opportunity offered them to better their lives in future.

He warned them against joining cult groups, saying that the consequence remains “failure, frustration violence, injury and death.”

Also, the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Tola Banjo, advised the fresh students to face their studies with determination, respect their host community and shun cultism, exam malpractices and other vices that could truncate their academic pursuit.

The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Mr Segun Odubela, explained that the government is resolute in its efforts to make Ogun retake her pride of place educationally and advised them to reciprocate the gesture by being responsible and law abiding.

“Government will not tolerate cultism and criminality. Security agencies have been notified about various students’ cult groups in the state and they are closely watching and monitoring them. And members of such cult groups would soon be hounded into jail,” he said.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2011

EDUCATION

‘How young graduates can succeed’

H

OW can one succeed in life?

It is through hardwork, discipline and humility, says Rear Admiral Itunu Hotonu, the first woman to attain that rank on the Nigerian Navy.

She made this submission at the Sixth Convocation lecture of Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State.

Speaking on the topic: Stepping out – faith, discipline and strength of character, Admiral Hotonu said one way to success is to take the road that only a few have embraced whether as a man or woman.

The popular way is so crowded that people who desire outstanding success need to take a different route, she said.

Admiral Hotonu, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive, Navy Holdings Ltd, said those aspiring for success must prepare for change because it is the only permanent thing in life.

“Your parents have invested well in you. How wisely you protect that investment is up to you.

You must be humble to believe that others know what you do not know. Avoid short cuts and slothfulness. Focus on what you want

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

to do and pursue it. Never abandon your dream no matter how tough. Learn to rise up each time you fall because falling is real.

Hard work is the key you need to unlock success,” she counselled.

She warned young women against seeking help from successful people, adding that there are several areas to explore before going cap-in-hand to others.

She argued that all one does to get to the top is to believe in God. Admiral Hononu said: “Faith starts where human ability stops.

I have always wanted to do something different, hence, I joined the Armed Forces. I was the first female architect in all the arms of

the military. You must learn to achieve your goals ahead of everybody else. Step out in faith and discipline. Then stand your ground and never let go your dream.”

Over 970 graduates passed out of the university on Saturday.

Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor/ Chairman of Council, Mr Gamaliel Onosode, stressed the importance of attending a faith-based university, saying it prepares students better for a godly life. He challenged the graduates to be different, stressing that the world needs only one person to lead a positive change.

The Vice-Chancellor Prof. Timothy Olagbemiro, praised Admiral Hotonu. He urged the fresh graduates to learn from her.

‘Never abandon your dream no matter how tough. Learn to rise up each time you fall because falling is real. Hard work is the key you need to unlock success’

•Pupils of Cridy Children School, Trade Fair Complex Abule-Ado, Lagos in a march past during their inter house sports competition on Saturday

Govt urged to implement teachers’policy

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HE Federal Ministry of Education has been advised to implement teachers’policy to enhance their training and professionalism.

This is contained in a communiqué issued after a retreat for principals of the 18 Unity Colleges in the Southwest Zone at Whispering Palms, Badagry, Lagos.

The communique urged the Ministry to adopts policies, and reestablishing the Department of Technical and Vocational Education and Training, among others.

Speaking on Nuggets for effective principalship in Federal Unity Colleges, the former Principal, Federal Government College, Ijanikin, Lagos, Mrs Modupe Okebukola, urged the principals to strive to achieve the dreams of the founding fathers.

Her words: “An effective principal is the one who can harness his or her skills and attributes with those of his/her staff to achieve the planned goals of the founding fathers of federal unity colleges.

She praised the zonal chairman

By Seun Olalude

for introducing the programme which she described as first in the country.

The Chairman of the Federal Unity College Southwest Zone and Principal, King’s College, Lagos, Otunba Dele Olapeju, said the event was organised to address challenges facing Unity Colleges. ”We have come to discuss issues affecting Unity Colleges and to find the way forward and also to have a nice time out of our busy schedules.”

One of the retired principals, Mrs Adekunbi Ogunnaike, urged the headteachers to teach their junior colleagues the rules of the profession.

Her words: “There is need for teachers to be educated on the rules guiding the teaching profession.

The way many react to the job seems as if they don’t know the civil service rule which they need to know. Please teach them to know education law.”

A send off was held for Mrs Okebukola, Mrs Ogunnaike; Mrs Folashade Akintomide and Yetunde Awofuwa at the event.

‘There is need for teachers to be educated on the rules guiding the teaching profession. The way many react to the job seems as if they don’t know the civil service rule which they need to know. Please teach them to know education law’

EDUTALK

with

Playing games with ASUU HEN the Federal Government agreed to implement the 2009 FGN/ASUU agreement two years ago following prolonged strikes, there was a sigh of relief that we had seen an end to industrial actions in the universities.

We were happy that our campuses would no longer be closed because of agitations by unions, especially academics. We believed that if the Federal Government met the requirements of the agreement, which calls for improved funding, extension of retirement ages of professors, academic freedom, university autonomy, among others, then our universities could begin to compete with ivory towers that many of our youths and promising academics run to outside the country when they get the chance.

However, more than 48 months after, apart from the remuneration component of the agreement, other aspects have not been sorted out and are now threatening the relative peace that some stable universities have enjoyed.

In September, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) went on a one-week warning strike to remind the government of the agreement. Then, the National President of the Union, Prof Ukachukwu Awuzie said that the lecturers’ patience was wearing thin. He complained that those meant to make the necessary inputs into getting the agreement passed into law had failed to do their parts – members of the house of assembly, the vicechancellors, presidency, relevant public servants and others.

The Federal Government asked for more time to work on the agreement until November 22, which was Tuesday. The Abuja zone of ASUU in a statement published on Monday, quickly reminded that the grace is over and has urged the National Executive Council (NEC) of the union to act.

The NEC is to meet next Wednesday to review the Federal Government’s position and take action. If by that time, nothing is heard from government quarters, it is likely that we are going to endure another round of strikes.

Rather than wait until members of the union down tools again, it is better the government comes forward and let us know how far it has gone implementing the agreement.

It is unfair and insincere for the government to be silent about what is happening now, and then when the union acts, starts pleading for understanding.

Students and their parents feel the

W

Kofoworola

Belo-Osagie Kofosagie@yahoo.com 08054503077 (SMS only)

brunt of strikes the most and when one is in progress and has lasted too long, many times, they vent their frustrations on the unionists and are unable to get through to the government which failed to respond promptly to prevent it in the first place. Unfortunately, I am not sure many of the public office holders understand their pains – of idling away during forced holidays; of spending six years on a four-year course; and of being rushed when strikes are called off to write examinations suspended midway – because their own wards are safe in foreign universities where they are sure of the date of completion of their programmes even before they start. Many of our public office holders are living in a world that cushions them from the everyday challenges that common Nigerians face. Their experiences are so surreal that they do not understand the agitations of our hearts for things to work right. Why blame them? They are paid fat salaries from what we pay as taxes and get so much on the side that can buy them quality education for their children in private and foreign universities.; they can afford to fly to almost all destinations so they do not know the hell we go through travelling pot-hole riddled roads; they junket all over the world for conferences and other visits which impact are hardly felt at home.

We are tired of the crisis management stance of the government towards issues raised by ASUU and other unions. We need government to be proactive about how these issues are handled. We therefore will not appreciate if by the last day of this month the Federal Government cannot tell us how far the implementation of the agreement it signed willingly with ASUU and other unions in October 2009 has gone. We don’t want any plea for understanding that would be made only after the union has gone on strike. We want sincerity of purpose. We need our schools to work.

From my Inbox Tuition fee palaver On Monday, students of the Lagos State University (LASU) caused mayhem on Lagos-Badagry expressway and Iba Road over tuition fee hike. Commuters went through untold hardship getting into and out of the communities that host the institution. The Lagos State government has announced a fee increment from N25,000 to between N145,000 and N280,000 or more. Though current students have been told they would not be affect until they conclude their programmes and that only new intakes from this session would pay the new fees, they have refused to listen and in the course of their protests, damaged some properties.

While I understand their agitation about the heavy financial burden the new fees would bring, however, it is also unrealistic for the students to think that the current fee structure can be sustained. Private primary and secondary education, which many of the students enjoyed, cost their parents much more, and in some cases, up to the amounts being proposed. And this is despite tertiary education costing far more than these levels of education.

It is an undeniable fact that our institutions need better funding if they are to compete with the best world over. If a reduction is possible then it should be negotiated. But society needs to come up with alternative source of funding for those who cannot afford fees – including scholarships sponsored by communities, corporate organizations, NGOs, and government, student loans, and work/study programmes.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2011

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2011

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

KOGI GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION 2011

Can the Ebira speak with one voice?

‘From 1999, we have been taking the deputy governorship position and yet nothing meaningful has been achieved. I think we prefer the position of Speaker which we already have. The Speaker is the head of a tier of government’

In less than two weeks, the Kogi State electorate will decide who takes charge of state affairs for another four years. Correspondent MOHAMMED BASHIR evaluates the chances of the key political parties in the Central Senatorial District.

T

HE Ebira are found in the Central zone of Kogi State, have over the years, played major role in deciding who emerges the state governor. Although the Igala of the Eastern district have produced the governors since 1991, when the state was established. The Ebira have many times occupied the Deputy Governor seat. This is about to change as the two major parties are fielding Igala governorship candidates and Okun running mates.

It is a new experience in the Confluence State. One major factor is that the Ebira have always spoken at the poll with one voice. Since the inception of the Fourth Republic in 1999, they have been occupying the number two seat of the state.

Chief Patrick Adaba was deputy to Prince Abubakar Audu, in his first coming in 1999 while Mr. Philip Salawu has worked under Alhaji Ibrahim Idris since 2003.

Towards the December 3 governorship election, two prominent persons from the zone have picked the tickets to run as deputy governors - Alhaji Abdulrazaq Muhammad Yusuf of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and Mallam Zubairu Attah of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). But there have been conflicting interests by different groups in the Central district. In the last general election, the PDP retained control of the state House of Assembly and Hon. Abdullahi Bello from the Central zone was elected has Speaker.

In 2003, most Ebira gave their votes to their kinsman, Alhaji Kabiru Shaibu who contested on the platform of the United National Democratic Party (UNDP).

Although their efforts to get their kinsman occupy the Lugard House failed, they made an impression.

The scenario changed the entire political arrangement of the PDP. The people believe that they should not completely lose out from the system as they argued that the position of Speaker which they presently occupies is always temporal.

Mallam Shaibu Ohieni, a political observer in the area, said, “You know the position of Speaker is not tenured. The Speaker can be removed at any times if the need arises. But the deputy governorship position is guaranteed. But we are fortunate that we have two of our kinsmen contesting the posi-

tion.”

Ohiene opined the possibility of the Ebira in their usual manner supporting their kinsmen, Attah and Yusuf.

Despite the fact that CPC and the ANPP expect support from the Ebira, the PDP is already claiming victory in the zone.

Former chairman of Okene local government area and chieftain of the PDP, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar Karaku, told The Nation that the PDP has already taken over the district as there will be no room for any other party.

Reacting on the choice of the PDP governorship running mate, Karaku said the people of the zone are tired of producing the deputy governor.

“From 1999, we have been taking the deputy governorship position and yet nothing meaningful has been achieved. I think we prefer the position of Speaker which we already have. The Speaker is the head of a tier of government.

He said, the CPC and ANPP have never been a threat to the PDP in the area, adding that the two par-

• Audu ties have lost political relevance in Ebira land.

Contrary to the position of Karaku, the Ebira are said to be set to disregard their leaders as they have vowed to vote for their conscience. Both Karaku and the CPC running mate, Yusuf, hail from the same Ozogu clan. The clan, The Nation learnt, is divided on the issue.

Yusuf told The Nation that the era of rigging is over as there will be no room for manipulation on December 3.

He said the PDP is used to winning by proxy, “But that chance will no longer be there as the Ebira have now said no to oppression, no to underdevelopment.

“Let’s watch and see. There is no need to make unnecessary noise. All I know is that the day of PDP retribution is here; not even in the cen-

• Wada tral alone but the state in general.”

Opinion moulders that the much expected catchment area for PDP (Central) will be scattered. The envisaged block votes for the PDP in the area is said to be shared among the CPC, ANPP and ACN. The chairman of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the state, Alhaji Haddy Ametuo, who is also from the Central district said the Ebira have always stood behind the ACN in previous elections. He adduced reasons why the opposition party was founded by the late political leader of the zone, Senator Ahmed Tijjani Ahmed.

According to Ametuo, the political legacy of the late A T Ahmed is fresh in the mind of the people and they have vowed to always stand by the legacy.

The Central Senatorial District

comprises five local government areas. Okene, Adavi, Ajaokuta, Okehi and Ogori/Magongo. Investigations have shown that the election would be keenly contested by the ACN and the PDP. The two running mates in CPC and ANPP are unlikely to make much impact since the people know that it is a straight contest between ACN and PDP. They want their votes to count in deciding who runs the state from March next year.

Ametuo also said that the Ebira are tired of supplying the deputy governor as there has been no positive change in the area since 1999.

“We need governor, not Speaker, not deputy governor. And we cannot wait for eight years to realise this dream that is why we want to support Audu who is constitutionally limited to a four year term,” he added.

From left: Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Dr. Adewale Omirin; Deputy Governor, Mrs. Funmi Olayinka; Governor Kayode Fayemi; Chairman, Caretaker Committee, Ekiti South-West Local Government, Dr Azeez Olaniyan; Regent of Ilawe, Mrs. Adebimpe Awoniyi; and Managing Director, DROMO International Ltd, Mr. David Omoya, during the flag-off of Ilawe Igbara-Odo Road... yesterday.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2011

NATURAL HEALTH

Tips to prevent, manage ulcer

‘Natural salt still the best ‘

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IGERIANS have been asked to obtain the right salt for their food.

A dietary expert, Samuel Ayeni, warned that not all salt is good for consumption.

He said hospitals and health care professionals knows that there are different salts with varing minerals. Did you know that all salt could technically be considered “sea salt”?

Some salt is harvested from current oceans, some from dead seas, and some are mined from ancient sea beds, but the sea is (or was), ultimately, the source of all salt. Sea water usually contains more than 60 essential trace minerals, but most salt producers today remove these high-profit minerals and sell them to vitamin manufacturers before selling the remaining salt to you and me to dump on our foods.

“That could be said to be okay, but when you remove the trace minerals that used to accompany sodium chloride, you typically get a bitter flavour that many producers try to mask with chemicals or even sugar. If you want to prove me wrong, go ahead, grab your salt shaker and read the ingredients. See any dextrose? That is sugar. Even worse, when you consume chemically treated or demineralised salt, your body’s mineral balance doesn’t always respond gracefully. When people started consuming chemically altered salts 100 years ago, it was recorded that health care givers started seeing high blood pressure and water retention that had never been associated with salt before.

“Interestingly enough, our customers tell us these are the same problems that go away when natural salt replaces “table salt” in their diet. In other words, salt can be bad for your health, but real

P

EOPLE with ulcers caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) must discontinue the offending drug. Individuals who need ongoing pain relief for other conditions, such as arthritis, should ask their doctor to prescribe a safer alternative.

Commit to a regular exercise which promotes the release of endorphins, brain chemicals that elevate mood and it can also help eliminate toxins from the body.

Reduce stress, which can trigger peptic ulcers. Getting regular massage, practicing yoga and meditation can all help reduce your stress and help prevent further problems from stomach ulcers.

Modify your eating pattern. Doctors suggest several moderate-size meals spaced at regular intervals. Late-evening snacks should be avoided, because they stimulate acid secretion during sleep.

•Real salt product

•Ayeni

salt is actually a crucial part of good health! That’s why, more than 50 years ago, we named our brand Real Salt: Your body knows the difference between what is real and what has been chemically altered. Real Salt is salt exactly the way nature made it. You can taste the difference on your tongue, and you can feel a difference in your health,” said Ayeni.

•Real salt

Do you know that Real Salt means – well, real, authentic salt.

A quick glance at the ingredients label on most salts might surprise you! Many salts contain anti-caking agents and even dextrose (sugar). Others have been heat processed and stripped of their natural trace

minerals. Real Salt brand, on the other hand, is unrefined and full of natural minerals and flavor – the way salt was meant to be savored.

Real Salt’s unique colouring comes from

more than 60 trace minerals, which also lend an amazing flavor that has helped Real Salt become the best-selling brand of sea salt in health food stores. Real Salt is best tasting, healthiest sea salt you can find.

Recommended Diet: People with ulcers should eat plenty of lean meat, poultry, seafood, fortified breads and cereals, and dried beans and other legumes.

Increase your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, particularly juices. A healthy raw food diet is the most important ingredient in natural remedies, particularly those effecting digestion. It is important that you eat foods that your body can easily digest, ensuring that you receive all of the vitamins and minerals your body need to maintain balance.

Eat bananas, one of the best natural remedies for stomach ulcers. Bananas neutralize the hydrochloric acid in the stomach, reducing the painful symptoms of ulcers. Eat two bananas with a glass of milk three times a day to soothe acid reflux and prevent further aggravation.

Chamomile/Dandelion Tea: Either a cold chamomile tea or the lukewarm dandelion tea can also heal any kind of infection. The intake can be twice a day at proper intervals.

One can have these on a daily basis as well because it helps to keep your internal system clean and washes away any bacteria.

Raw honey helps to reduce the inflammation in the stomach. Keep a habit of including honey in your regular meals in any form as it is good for health and helps keep lots of diseases and allergies at distance.

•Culled from len7288.hubpages.com

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2011

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NATURAL HEALTH

Alexander Uruemu Ibru… Publisher, The Guardian

I

WAS some way through the conclusion of the series on eye problems when Mr George Akintobi informed me of breaking news… Alex Ibru was gone!. A few minutes later, the editor of a newspaper telephoned me for comments.

I was numb, and apologised that I wasn’t in the mood for comments. He apologised and called off. My mind had been set on the breaking news on Dr. Contreras, the central figure in a book on how he had been healing HIV and cancer patients with coconut oil, yes coconut oil. This is the same doctor the American Medical Association hounded out of the United States to Mexico for healing cancer with laterile. I planned to quickly break this news, especially as Dr. Contreras is now the toast of American media, the same medical stone once rejected, and then wrap it up with possible healing for eye problems in homeopathic cell salts. Well, all of that will now have to come next week. What breaking news could be bigger than Alex Uruemu Ibru, I reasoned. As the numbness disappeared, I remembered the man who told me he made all the money he needed in his life at 27. I remembered the young man who told his big brother, Olorogun Michael Ibru, he wanted to buy a Rolls Royce. I remembered he told me Olorogun thought he was too young to own a Royce. How would his brothers take it, having no Rolls? Alex said he asked Olorogun if it was alright if he bought his and theirs. Olorogun thought that was impossible, and gave his blessing. Alex bought five Rolls in one day, one for each of his brothers, himself and Olorogun!.

At his home in Chelsea, England, he showed me his custommade car which was much bigger than a Rolls Royce, and I told him he would be stoned on the roads of Lagos if he drove it there. He said, even in England, policemen saluted him in it.

That was the Alex Ibru I worked with, not worked for, between 1983 and 1999. There’s a huge difference between working with and working for. When you work for, you are a slave, you may be owned. By 1977, I had known no one owned anything, not even his or her life, children, wife or husband, even property.

Working with, you work for yourself, working as if the company belongs to you, one day expecting the reward not from the employer, but from the application for personal ends of the inner heat you have generated working in love, and not out of the enslaving compulsion of duty.

Alexander Uruene Ibru founded The Guardian newspaper in 1983 at a time many journalists of conscience were fed up with manipulations of the The Daily Times, then the leading newspaper, by the National Party of Nigeria (NPN). Umaru Dikko was leading our editor, Martin Iroabuchi, by the nose.

One of the directors could take your secretary on a trip abroad without any notice and you dared not raise a finger against her. Martin often demanded that headlines be submitted to complete strangers to the organisation for vetting. The News Editor, Felix Odiari, had links to Moshood Kasimawo Abiola (MKO). Bamanga Tukur had his own insiders. If you didn’t belong to any NPN clique, you were thought to belong to Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s Unity Party of Nigeria, diminished in status and castrated as it were. Lade Bonuola was put down, and sent to work under a former subordinate. So, the coming of The Guardian was a professionally rejuvenating experience.

This is not the time to tell the story of The Guardian. I am even one of the least competent to tell it, although I gave to it 17 years of my most creative and adventurous years.

Until a few years before my departure from The Guardian, I deliberately avoided direct dealings with Mr. Ibru. I was at various times Assistant Editor, Editor, Executive Director/ Editor and Director of Publications/ Editor-in-chief. I was, and still is, a systems man. I’d rather report to the Publisher/ Chairman, Alex Ibru, through my boss, Lade Bonuola. My job was to generate editorial and business ideas which would make The Guardian first choice newspaper in the market, and I think I did that to the best of my abilities. But Mr. Ibru always sought to work past the bosses, and the difficulties he had with me in that regard would make him conclude Bonuola and Kusa were two inseperable sides of a hardy coin, contrary to the reality of both of us being diametrically apposite people in many respects.

Many people saw Mr. Ibru as shrewd and unfeeling when he would be expected to lavish his money on his workers. Such people had no business instincts. Alex Ibru would spend working capital on nothing but the business. I didn’t see his riches, let alone think of them or desire his crumbs. To me, he was just a human spirit privileged in this earth life to be entrusted with resources of Creation for the welfare of creatures of the Most High God. If he didn’t use them the way he was meant to, that was a matter between him and his Maker. This concept of wealth, which he and I often discussed, led him to coin the slogan, “God’s Money”, which many staff of The Guardian often heard from him any time he had to square up against rippers of the company, sometimes ruthlessly. In this regard, he meant they were stealing from the Creator and it was his duty, as custodian, to stop them. I remember him dispatching Kingsley Osadolor to Zimbabwe in pursuit of a circulation clerk who fled from Warri or Ughelli when he was found out. His connections in the government of Zimbabwe paid off. I had no problem with “God’s Money”. I was brought up to be content with the little I had and to loathe subsistence on the crumbs from another man’s table, whether freely given or stolen. Thus, I had to sell ice block, vegetable, chewing stick, palm oil, coconut and egg and raise pigs to keep my family going during General Sanni Abacha’s proscription of The Guardian for one year. Alex had thought suffering would break our spirit to the point that we would beg Abacha for our lives.

So shrewd was Mr. Ibru as a businessman at the time I became editor of The Guardian that my salary was not topped to reflect the new office and extra workload until one year after when the company grudgingly made a token addition with only about three months arrears. The company simply said it had no money. I was not alone. Eluem Emeka Izeze, now Managing

Director, was appointed editor of the Sunday title and Mitchell Obi was appointed editor of the afternoon title, Guardian Express. I earned Mr. Ibru’s respect because I did not seek to make the company spend on me money it said was not available for spending. I asked Mr. Ibru if he would let me have a say in the budget of the newsroom if income in the following year exceeded his target, and he agreed, believing it was impossible, given the trends. He had just had a rumpus with Dr. Stanley Macebuh over the company’s commercial viability. Many people thought we should bury our pride and accept obituary advertisements to earn four pages of advertisements every day to make us viable. I raised no objection, but looked beyond this scenario I had been tutored spiritually that competition and covetousness were the major causes of crises in man’s affairs. Trying to take the obituary market from either The Daily Times or the burgeoning National Concord would exhaust us, we would not hit the target and Mr. Ibru would be impatient, if not angrier than he was with Dr. Macebuh. The sky was broad enough for all birds to fly in and not collide. Why not discover and nurture your own market? I had been studying the Columbia University Journalism Review and the Washington Journalism Review for trends in American and European newspapering which helped them survive the onslaught on radio and television. I saw that these newspapers were abandoning age old aloofness and connecting to society and the business class to create editorial/business niches for themselves which made every day of the week brandable as a product such as, say, Maggi or Milo. That was not being done in Nigerian newspapers. They all pursed, like a herd, public news, creating no variety or niches. I cannot detail here the many tortuous steps and sleepness nights it took to brand Monday as a PROPERTY day in The Guardian. My respect and grateful thanks for its success, like that of many other days of the week, Tuesday in particular, go to Mrs. Harriet Lawrence, Architect Paul Okunlola, Mr. Raheem Adedoyin, Mr. Jide Ogundele, Mr. Dele Babatunde and the likes of them who stoutly withstood acrimonious personal attacks from the rigid advertising department. Emeka Izeze was to replicate this idea with a Section for computers and information technology on the Sunday title which he edited. We made good money by the standards of those days. Mr. Ibru permitted three pay rises in one year. We bought 42 plots of land at Isheri from OPIC for staff who had spent five years with the company, and five hectares for the GNL to build a Guardian staff village. Had The Guardian flame been permitted to burn on, perhaps we would have had a more buoyant paper than The Guardian is today.

Ethnic and religious jingoists detrailed the train after taking Alex Ibru hostage. Gen. Abacha also made a mince meat of it.

Mr. Ibru in my view exposed The Guardian to Abacha’s danger. Perhaps unknown to Alex Ibru, Abacha wanted a formidable newspaper such as The Guardian to back his venture to sweep away Gen. Ibrahim Babangida contrived Interim National Government (ING) of Ernest Shonekan. I remember vividly an emergency meeting of the caucus of the Editorial Board to which Mr. Ibru summoned four of us… Lade Bonuola.

Femi Kusa, Dr. Tunji Dare and Andy Akporugo. Akporugo was a “yes” man any day, and employed fear for top editorial people to keep Alex Ibru tightly under his armpit. He always asked in the newsroom if anyone had seen a Yoruba company in which an Urhobo man was managing director. One day, he and Bonuola almost came to blows at an editorial board meeting. Akporugo once told Tunji Dare Mr. Ibru had sent him to ask Tunji to resign one of his two powerful appointments… Chairman, Editorial Board, and Executive Director of Guardian Newspaper Ltd (GNL). Dr. Dare was lucky he discussed the matter with Lade Bonuola, then, I believe, GNL MD. Mr. Bonuola asked Dr. Dare two simple questions: Are your appointments not Board appointments, and has the Board met over such a question? Dr. Dare thanked Bonuola and went his way. Had Alex Ibru always played on level field, would such a confusionist have arisen in our ranks? Lest I derail, at that said emergency meeting, Alex Ibru said he had learned Abacha wanted to take over government the following day, and asked for an editorial opinion to be published hours before the general struck, telling him not to dare it. The editorial was published in the morning as requested, and in the 4.0’clock news Alex Ibru’s name was mentioned on national radio as

e-mail: femi.kusa@yahoo.com or olufemikusa@yahoo.com

having been appointed Minister of Internal Affairs! Dr. Dare was to say afterwards that, from the manner Mr. Ibru spoke to him at a diplomatic party one or two days before that emergency meeting, it was clear the publisher was privy to his appointment, and may have accepted it!

My next shocking experience with Alex Ibru was to come – He freely went into politics. I recall suggesting to him at the Editorial Board meeting he attended to say he was going, that he should resign from GNL Board so as not to drag The Guardian along. He humbly did. But he would love us to come to Abuja to “brainstorm” with him. I do not know if anyone agreed.

Without my knowledge, he got my deputy, Kingsley Osadolor, to go to Abuja. And the resultant copy, INSIDE ASO ROCK, which Mr Osadolar did not clear with me before publication, perhaps because the matter was beyond me anyway, led to Abacha’s proscription of The Guardian.

Mr Ibru failed to take personal responsibility for this event.

He would rather see the proscription as caused by the prodemocracy stance of the newspaper. It was even speculated that he was toying with the idea of neutralising Yoruba elements in senior positions to re-assure Abacha he had ridden the paper of his enemies. Before then, he called a meeting to demand the directors and editors go to Abuja to beg Abacha to re-open The Guardian. Abacha had been under international pressure to let go. But he was seeking a local explanation for the reopening. The Punch, too was under lock and key. The journalists at The Punch voted not to go, and they didn’t. Alex Ibru scooped the editors of The Guardian to his side. At a Board meeting to resolve the disagreement of Lade Bonuola, Mr Ibru asked him rather roughly and crudely to resign his office as Managing Director if he would not go. The question was: does one bow one’s spirit before evil for the sake of bread and butter!. Lade Bonuola looked Alex Ibru straight in the eyes, and resigned his appointment as Managing Director of The Guardian.

Alex Ibru didn’t expect it. Silence fell. The fighter that he was, Alex Ibru turned to me and appointed me Managing Director of The Guardian. It took me by surprise. I had expected he would find a way to mend fences with Bonuola. Alex Ibru should have known I am not a man who, for a pot of porridge, hacks down the man above to inherit his estate. It was one of those occasions in my life when my brimming spirit gave no room to the intellect. I rejected the offer and said, having rejected it, it was only honourable for me to resign my appointment as Director of Publications/Editor-in-Chief. It is that man whose faith in God has not become conviction in Him who fears the morrow and goes for the crumbs. My resignation generated uproar. Mr Ibru was shouting and sweating. He called me an ingrate, said he made me editor against the wishes of Macebuh and others. I replied that I didn’t beg to be editor, or know of any intrigues he swept away for me. In any case, didn’t I justify my appointment? Didn’t the company become profitable in the first year of my editorship of the newspaper? Dr. Tuji Dare, Sully Abu and Eddy Madunagu did not attend the meeting, wishing to be identified as having even contemplated the idea, and having resigned their Board appointments hitherto. Mr Ososami, a director and childhood friend of Alex Ibru, brokered peace, advising we went for lunch during which rioting emotions would have calmed. We did. During lunch time, Alex Ibru was saved by Nicholas Iduwe, the director who managed printing aspects, from taking a rash decision that may have drowned The Guardian. Ibru told Iduwe he would call the bluff and make Andy Akporugo Managing Director.

Iduwe screamed, and told Alex many reasons why he should not. He suggested instead that he mend fences with Bonuola.

Alex Ibru saw reason through his anger, and agreed. But he made a bad unmanagerial mistake in telling Akporugo what Iduwe had said of him. Akporugo was angry, and waited for an opportunity to punish Iduwe. Iduwe and Alex Ibru soon had a disagreement. Ibru wanted directors of The Guardian to adjudicate. Bonuola declined on the grounds that the matter was private, not corporate enough to warrant our attention.

Alex Ibru angrily transferred the inquisition to the directors of Federal Palace Hotel, a sister company of which he, also, was chairman. Those directors nailed Iduwe, calling for his retirement. Alex Ibru brought the “judgment” back to Bonuola, asking him to implement it. Bonuola declined again. Alex Ibru then got Mr Oritshani, Admin Controller to do the dirty job.

The man did! Alex was determined to break this intransigence.

But he didn’t have the opportunity before his shooting. It was nevertheless on his mind, and, using Akporugo, it was one of his first acts on returning from exile in England. He dissolved the Board which had faithfully held the fort for him, turned directors into Consultants who were to only advise their juniors who were immediately upgraded as new helmsmen of the company. It was a way of telling the old guard that if they had any sense of shame, it was time to go. Some of us did.

There was jubilation in The Guardian. But I do not think it took long before the new helmsmen experience Mr Ibru. It is not my place to try to know what went on after my departure. I haven’t set foot on the grounds of The Guardian since my exit about 13 years ago. A dog doesn’t return to its vomit, it is said. But suffice it to say Mr Alex Ibru’s departure would have as much profound effects on the company as his presence. The challenge before the new managers should be to turn it into a real institution, one with checks and balances, not the one that looks like one on the outside but is not within the perimeter fencing.

The best bet may be for the family to make it a PUBLIC TRUST as Alex Ibru so often dreamed. Maiden, the widow, should learn to be wary of all the do-gooder sympathisers. I send her and the Ibru brothers and sisters heart-felt wishes for inner strength to go through this season.

Bye, Alex.

Tel: 08034004247, 07025077303

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THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2011

e-Business Battling the software piracy scourge Eighty-two per cent of personal computer users in the country acquire software illegally, amounting to about N36billion loss yearly to manufacturers, according to a study by Business Software Alliance, the software industry’s voice. The firm says this figure is second only to China’s, which stands at 86 per cent.

Stakeholders see this as a criminal act and have risen to tackle it, ADLINE ATILI writes

T

HERE are five words that no computer owner wants to hear: “Your computer has a virus.” But, despite all efforts, there is always the possibility of a virus making its way into a computer.

Some of the viruses may cause a computer to slow down because they are destroying files or otherwise wreaking havoc on the system.

Information Technology (IT) experts say an easy way to get one’s computer infected by viruses is through the use of pirated or counterfeit software.

Software piracy, apart from the damage it does to a system, has detrimentally affected the economic health of the industry.

Software is one of the most valuable technologies of the Information Age, running everything from Personal Computers (PCs) to the Internet.

Unfortunately, because software is valuable and computers make it easy to create an exact copy of a programme in seconds, software piracy is widespread.

Software piracy is the illegal distribution and/or reproduction of software applications for business or personal use.

The result is a counterfeit software installed on a computer . The attraction is that it is usually sold at prices well below that of the legitimate software.

From individual computer users to professionals who deal wholesale in stolen software, piracy exists in homes, schools, businesses and the government.

Software pirates not only steal from the companies and individuals that make the software, but with less money for research and development of new software, the economy is hurt.

With the growth in Internet usage, the incidence is growing too. The trend has become worrisome to software developers who contend that the crime is eating away at their revenue and discouraging intellectual development.

The pervasive and intelligent nature of the crime makes it almost impossible to tackle.

However, the body responsible for protecting intellectual property rights and eliminating piracy, the Nigeria Copyright Commission (NCC), has intensified the battle against the scourge.

Last month, the commission raided the premises of Wisdom System Technologies Limited, a computer reseller located at Tinubu, Lagos Island, following a consumer tip-off, undercover test purchase and subsequent petition to the local law enforcement authorities by Microsoft Corporation.

Recently, the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) raided the premises of another computer reseller, IPS Plus Solution Limited located at Veterans Plaza, Yaba, Lagos, following a consumer tip-off and undercover test purchase.

A petition was afterwards sent to the local

•Piracy is every software developer’s nightmare

law enforcement authorities by Microsoft Corporation and the matter handed over to the NCC for further investigation.

According to Microsoft, IPS Plus Solution Limited has offices in Lagos and Abuja.

A similar raid occurred in Port Harcourt last month following complaints made to Microsoft by a consumer after he was sold counterfeit software.

The raid resulted in the seizure of 269 units of suspected high and low quality counterfeit products, ranging from computer games, music, anti-virus software, and Microsoft Windows and Office.

The raid is the latest in a series of enforcement activities by the NCC in recent months, aimed at curbing unfair play and addressing the harmful impact to individuals as well as the economy of pirating software.

“Software piracy creates an unfair market environment and in the current economic climate, every Naira is crucial to help spur economic growth, support the legitimate IT ecosystem and create jobs,” Director-General of NCC, Mr Afam Ezekude, said.

Microsoft’s Corporate Attorney for AntiPiracy, Middle East and Africa, Mr Dale Waterman noted that: “Pirated and counterfeit software is lining the pockets of dangerous criminals.

“What’s more, when companies use pirated software, it hinders job opportunities and stifles innovation. It is also just plain wrong.

“Microsoft uses a team of 75 investigators, paralegals and analysts who use forensic technology in nine crime labs across the world to track and identify illegal counterfeiting activities.”

Anti-Piracy Manager at Microsoft Nigeria, Mrs Seye Oloruntoba said: “We’ve noticed a rising number of what turns out to be ‘accidental pirates’ – people who unintentionally purchase counterfeit software from resellers and only later find out they have been duped.

“In doing so, they expose themselves to a plethora of risks, which in the long-run can prove extremely costly for individuals, and often disastrous for businesses.

“Honest resellers, who sell only genuine software, are put at an unfair disadvantage, and ultimately the whole economy feels the effects.”

According to Oloruntoba, pirated software also exposes users to virus attacks. “Pirated software is often seen as a ‘cheap’ alternative to purchasing it legally. However, in the longterm it can be far more costly, and for businesses, disastrous.

“It brings in many dangers in the form of malware, spyware, and viruses that can lead to identity theft, loss of data and more.

“Meanwhile, local businesses have difficulty competing with pirated software that have been priced at below-market levels and are forced to cut jobs.

“We are actively working to ensure our customers and partners in Nigeria are protected from unscrupulous suppliers.

“There must be severe consequences for those who sell pirated and counterfeit software in Nigeria,” she said.

Nnamdi Ezeji of High Performance Distribution bemoaned the activities of pirates saying: “Every day we strive to compete in the global economy but when our competitors do not use legal software, it is very challenging.

“We take a lot of pride knowing that our decision to use legitimate software is not only helping to strengthen our business, but also helping us help other businesses grow.”

Symantec Brand Protection while commending the initiative aimed at fighting software piracy, said: “Symantec is very appreciative of the enforcement action taken to stop the sale of counterfeit software.

“This enforcement activity will help in our fight to protect Nigerian consumers from the known risks associated with using pirated

‘Software piracy creates an unfair market environment and in the current economic climate, every Naira is crucial to help spur economic growth, support the legitimate IT ecosystem and create jobs’

software.”

Though it is becoming increasingly difficult to differentiate between genuine and nongenuine software unless consumers are discerning and know what to look out for, Oloruntoba offered tips: “Before you purchase Windows software, ask resellers to confirm it will pass the Windows activation test.

Activation and validation are the keys to genuine software.

“Beware of the common gateways of digital counterfeiting: Websites advertising ‘cheap software,’ online auction sites with links to download sites offering counterfeit software and peer-to-peer (P2P) networks or other filesharing technologies.

“Buy from a trusted source. Also research online or local sellers extensively before making a purchase.

“Microsoft always recommends that resellers source their software from a Microsoft authorised distributor, and that consumers check that their suppliers sourced product supplied by a Microsoft authorised distributor.

“A current list of Microsoft Authorised Distributors is available at: http:// www.microsoft.com/oem/authdist/ default.mspx.

“Compare the price. Counterfeit software is often sold at a much cheaper price, but can end up costing users hundreds or thousands of dollars.

“Be suspicious of products that lack some form of proof of authenticity such as a hologram, CD, DVD, recovery media, manuals and Microsoft Software License Terms (MSLT).

“Be extremely careful when buying from software sellers in other countries as this complicates matters if the transaction goes awry.

“Keep your anti-virus programme up to date.

This reduces your computer’s risk of exposure to viruses and malware when downloading software.

“Say no to sellers offering backup copies or bundles of several programmes. In a country where BSA estimates PC software piracy rate at 82 per cent, Microsoft works closely with the NCC to assist them in taking enforcement action against software pirates who sell counterfeits that put consumers and businesses in Nigeria at risk.”

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THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2011

e-Business

D

ATM cards hit 10 million

IRECTOR of Payment and Business Expansion at Interswitch, Mr Charles Ifedi, has said the second edition of the Verve National Consumer Promo, has pushed the circulation rate of the Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards to over 10 million.

According to him, records show thousands of Nigerians obtain the Verve cards from bank branches weekly.

He said: “The introduction of the cashless policy by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is also encouraging bank customers to obtain Verve cards as soon as they open their bank accounts.

“The Verve promo would assist the CBN policy, as it encourages non-

cardholders to embrace card usage while urging existing ones to use the cards more frequently for payment of goods and services across several touch points such as ATM and PoS.” “Interswitch is working with the banks to push card usage through the Verve promo, which rewards cardholders who renew their cards or use same on ATM, PoS, Web and mobile channels across the country.

“There are over 800,000 gift items to be won by cardholders. The items include generators, LCD televisions, iPads, BlackBerry phones, freezers and instant items such as branded T-shirts, MP3 players, flash drives and more,” he said.

Airtel seals Internet solution deal

C •From left: Chief of Defence Communications, Nigeria Air Force, Air Vice-Marshal Osmond Amu; DirectorGeneral, National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Yomi Bolarinwa; Managing Director/Chief Executive, Nigeria Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT), Timasaniyu Ahmed-Rufai and Vice-President, China Great Wall Industry Corporation, He Xing, at the stakeholders’ conference on NigComSat-1R.

NigComSat-1R’ll boost broadband connectivity

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HE Federal Government will launch the replacement satellite of the de-orbited NigComSat-1, next month. It also promised to use its resources to effectively boost communications services.

The launch of the replacement satellite, the NigComSat-1R, will be carried out in China by the China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC) and beamed live to Nigerians.

Minister of Communications Technology Mrs Omobola Johnson, told a stakeholders’ conference and exhibition on the replacement satellite in Lagos, that the launch, aside from increasing ICT penetration, will position the country for effective global competitiveness.

The minister, represented by her Special Assistant on Media, Mr Ola Ogunneye, said the gains in the telecommunications sector must be replicated in the Information Technology (IT) sector for the industry to achieve success.

According to her, this can only be achieved through broadband connectivity via satellite communication deployment.

“With the NigComSat-1R and other cables in the country, the cost of bandwidth will definitely be reduced. The country

Stories by Adline Atili

still pays more for broadband services even with the availability of the submarine cables.

“With the coming of the communication satellite, last mile connectivity will be achieved and cost of bandwidth will crash.

This will make broadband connectivity affordable and accessible. The belief is that, with satellite communications, the country would be able to augment things and improve communications services,” she said.

She noted that the satellite, which is wholly owned by the government, needs private sector contribution to become marketable, stressing that globally, it is the private sector that drives the economy.

Managing Director and Chief Executive of NigComSat Limited, Dr Timasaniyu AhmedRufai, said the NigComSat-1 was launched in May 2007 as part of economic and technology development plans of the Federal Government, but was de-orbited, along with other countries’ satellites, due to technical solar challenges.

He said the replacement satellite, with over 15 years lifespan, will speed up connections in the country, describing

satellite as a multiple use infrastructure, which must be taken as part of critical national infrastructure in the country.

According to her, the satellite will propel Nigeria into the ICTproducing economies league, stressing that Nigeria remains a good market but lack of adequate capacity is a great hindrance.

She said: “Nigeria, according to a recent World Bank report, imports more of ICT than other services, whereas on the export level, it is zero. With a facility such as the satellite, that will change. We will start producing for other countries to consume.”

The NIGCOMSAT boss added that the satellite will ensure access to quality and affordable communications system by Nigerians and several other African and Asian nations it is expected to serve.

He stressed that the satellite will give impetus to the cashless society drive of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the rural telephony project of the Nigerian Communications Commission, (NCC), the e-voting project of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the digital migration deadline of the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC).

Multi-Links announces comeback

H

ELIOS Investment Partners (HIP) has acquired 100 per cent equity interest in Multi-Links from its previous shareholder, Telkom of South Africa.

At a media briefing in Lagos, the company said Multi-Links is back in business to deliver voice and data services in 22 services areas around Nigeria.

These are: Lagos, Port Harcourt, Owerri, Onitsha, Awka, Enugu, Makurdi, Abuja, Jos, Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Ilorin, Ife, Osogbo, Ibadan, Abeokuta, Sagamu, Ijebu-Ode, Warri and Benin.

An affiliate of HIP, Helios Towers Nigeria, a firm which builds and rents towers used by mobile operators, in May, sued Telkom for $251 million, claiming the South African Telco did not fulfil its part of a 10-year lease agreement, after Telkom sold part of Multi-Links to Visafone Nigeria for $52 million.

A High Court sitting in Lagos

• Appoints management team ruled that the disputed lease agreements were valid, blocking the sale of the company until the controversy was resolved by the two companies.

In unexpected turn of events, Telkom sold the embattled MultiLinks to Helios for $10 million.

According to HIP, the long transition leading up to its acquisition of Multi-Links caused uncertainty about the brand, resulting in churn on Multi-Links' network.

Chairman, Board of Directors of Multi-Links, Mr Martin Derks, said the company's focus will be on improving performance through cost efficiency, selective penetration and targeting of medium to high-end customer acquisition and retention, assuring that service quality will not be compromised.

He added that the company's terrestrial fibre optics network span-

ning 8,232 kilometres, which he described as the biggest in Africa, will be upgraded and expanded for broadband access as Internet and video services become pervasive in Nigeria.

He named Mr Demola Eleso as Chief Executive Officer; Mr Simon Poole as Chief Finance Officer and Mrs Ijeoma Abazie as Head of Corporate Affairs of the company.

Elesho, regretted that a lot of damage was done in the transition process; promising that the business will be restored and stabilised while providing quality voice and data services.

Derks urged the Federal Government to intervene in some of the challenges facing the telecom industry including the imbalance between GSM and CDMA operations, multiple taxation and regulations by different tiers of government, insecurity, vandalism of telecom infrastructure and power.

USTOMERS of Bharti Airtel in Africa will soon enjoy seamless Internet connectivity and simpler, more intuitive mobile data services, the company has said.

The Telco has selected Nokia Siemens Networks’ Serve AtOnce Device Management (SADM) software to be implemented across affiliates in 16 countries.

In addition, Nokia Siemens Networks will consolidate the operator’s existing Multimedia Messaging Service Centre (MMSC) platforms into one centrally managed virtual platform.

In a statement by Airtel, Chief Executive Officer, (International) at

Bharti Airtel, Manoj Kohli said: “Nokia Siemens Networks’ robust mobile device management solution will allow our customers in Africa enjoy the latest services by enabling seamless Internet connectivity and excellent customer care support, while Airtel will benefit from reduced operational costs when introducing new devices or services.”

Chief Executive Officer, Nokia Siemens Networks, Rajeev Suri, said: “The shift towards smart networks that understand user preferences and enable delivery of customised services is helping operators such as Bharti Airtel deliver a superior mobile broadband experience.”

Cloud services vital to business transformation

C

HIEF Executive Officer of Resourcery, a systems integration company, Mr Tani Fafunwa, has submitted that broadband connectivity, smartphones explosion and cloud computing technologies will have major impact on the business landscape.

He said affordable Internet access and availability of cloud services will reshape the business environment in the next five years.

He made this submission at an Information Technology retreat in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

Fafunwa noted that the time lag between Western and African adoption

of technology is shortening because leapfrog technologies are helping to shrink the digital divide.

According to him, the next five years will bring more changes at a faster pace, identifying major accelerators of the changes as fibre, smartphones and tablets, applications, advanced mobile wireless technologies and cloud services.

“Cloud service is unique because it is sold on demand - usually by the minute or per hour. It is elastic because a user can have less or more depending on his need. Thirdly, the service is managed by the provider. All the consumer needs is a personal computer and Internet access,” Fafunwa said.

Teenager emerges winner in MTN mega reward scheme

A

teenager, Nnachebe Ozuluoha has won N10million in the ongoing MTN N1billion Mega Reward promo. He is among 10 lucky winners.

At Enugu, venue of the fourth prize presentation, the teenage millionaire, alongside other winners, was presented with N10 million cheque at a ceremony which had the telecommunications giant giving away over N100million.

Ozuluoha, a student of Christ the King College, Onitsha, Anambra State, said: “I have heard a lot about the MTN N1billion Reward so when I saw a call from 180, the MTN customer care num-

ber, I was thrilled and very eager to receive the call.”

Brand Manager, Progressives at MTN Nigeria, Osaze Ebueku said: “At MTN, we are very passionate about our customers; that is why we introduced the N1billion reward package to encourage them to register their SIM cards.”

He urged MTN subscribers who have not registered their SIM cards to participate in the promo by registering at any MTN walk-in centre or designated registration centres.

Fifteen winners were rewarded with N100,000 each while 100 subscribers received N10,000.

Starcomms partners Edo on poverty alleviation

S

TARCOMMS PLC, a Code Division Multiple Access Telco, has donated materials to the Edo State government. It is part of efforts to support the state government’s poverty alleviation initiative.

Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr Logan Pather, disclosed this in Lagos, saying the donation was part of Starcomms’s support for the state government.

Meanwhile, the Edo State government has granted Starcomms a telecentre order in the state, a development which will help pro-

“This is part of the Edo State government’s initiative to rid the state of poverty by creating employment for the youths and the

vide employment opportunities for 500 people in Edo and Delta states.

A telecentre is a public place where people can access the Internet and other digital technologies to enable them gather information, create, learn and communicate while developing essential digital skills.

“We were recently granted a telecentre order by the Edo State Government. This will enable 500 people run telecentre businesses within Edoand Delta states,” Pather said.

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2011

53

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2011

54

NEWS I’m still in the race, says Ihonvbere

F

ORMER Special Adviser to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo on Project Monitoring Prof. Julius Ihonvbere has said he is interested in becoming the governor of Edo State.

Ihonvbere is one of the seven Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirants in the state.

Reacting to a rumour that he had jettisoned his ambition to contest the governorship election next year, he said: “Some people are saying I had left the governorship race. That is not true. I have been working in the party for years, through our elections, raising funds, chairing reconciliation and rebuilding the party.

“I believe that I am the wining ticket for PDP and this can only happen with your support.”

Uyo elders insist: no zoning From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

E

LDERS from the Uyo Senatorial District of Akwa Ibom State yesterday said the 2015 governorship election has not been zoned to any district.

They said the position of the governor would be contested by aspirants from all the senatorial districts.

The elders, in a statement

by Otuekong Sunny Udoh and 32 others, reasoned that since the advent of democracy, the position of the governor has never been zoned.

They said: “Governor Godswill Akpabio won the two primaries deservedly not because the position was zoned to Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District.

“After his emergence, the other positions – deputy governor, speaker, deputy speaker, party chairman were zoned to the three senatorial districts.

The elders added that the position of governor in 2015 should go to the best man, who has the experience to move the state forward.

Akpabio proffers solution to Boko Haram

By Kelvin Osa- Okunbor

A

KWA IBOM State Governor Godswill Akpabio has offered solutions on how the Federal Government can tackle bomb blasts and insecurity.

He urged relevant security agencies to bring to book all those who have been linked to terrorism.

Akpabio, who spoke at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, said it is worrisome that some highly placed Nigerians are being linked to Boko Haram.

He said: “For me, it is not worrisome that a serving senator was mentioned as one of the key sponsors of Boko Haram, but rather a pleasing news that for the first time, the clue is being lifted, the veil of secrecy is being lifted as sponsors of crimes are being unveiled.

“Majority of these people are unemployed. They can’t actually distinguish right from wrong, this is the truth.”

I

T was a harvest of deaths in Delta and Edo states as over 14 people died yesterday .

Unknown gunmen killed a 25-year-old man in Agbor, Ika South Local Government of Delta State.

The victim, identified as Sunday Boi, was the driver of the deposed National Union of Road Transport workers (NURTW) boss, Dennis Araro.

The incident occurred at Isedeh Street by Reservoir Junction.

Two passers-by hit by stray bullets were taken to an undisclosed hospital.

The deceased’s uncle, John Etuokwu, called for justice, urging security agencies to find his nephew’s killers.

Police spokesman Monday Osayi confirmed the incident, and said his men were on the trail of the killers.

Araro was the NURTW chairman in Ika South Local Government.

He was removed from office before the end of his tenure in controversial circumstances last January.

The deposed NURTW leader was said to be out of town when the hoodlums killed his driver.

A source, who pleaded for anonymity, alleged that the attack was carried out by some members of the union under the leadership of Amaechi Igunbor.

The source said Igunbor had earlier been accused of using a local vigilance group to oppress since he took over as the union chairman.

He added that those who killed Boi came in the group’s vehicles.

But Igunbor denied the allegation.

He blamed the killing on a clash between cult groups in the area.

Also in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government, unknown gunmen killed four persons, including a teenager.

Eyewitnesses said the suspected robbers were trailing a man, believed to have withdrawn money from a new generation bank.

The robbers shot sporadically at the Airport Junction area of Warri/Sapele road to scare people, killing one person.

It was learnt that the victim

Harvest of deaths in Delta, Edo •14 killed •Two hospitalised •Father, daughter murdered •JTF assures of security From Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba, Polycarp Orosevwotu, Warri and Osagie Otabor, Benin

was trailed from Airport Road and was intercepted at Water Resources Junction where the robbers were said to have opened fire on the vehicles.

In a bid to escape, the victim reportedly lost control of his vehicle, rammed into a Mercedes Benz (AH493 SKL) and knocked down a motorcyclist.

The robbers, it was gathered, killed the occupant in an Acura Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) markedAP 126 EFR. The driver of the vehicle and the owner of the Benz were rushed to a nearby clinic.

The incident caused a gridlock on the busy Warri/ Sapele Road as several vehicles lost control and ran into one another.

Many people, who sustained injuries have been receiving treatment at nearby clinics.

It was not clear whether the armed robbers made away with the money as eyewitnesses said after the multiple accidents they fled the scene.

Divisional Police Officer, Enerhen, Steve Yabanet could not be reached for comments.

The Sector 1 Commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF), Brigadier-General Enang Ukang, said security in the city has been intensified.

Ukang assured residents of adequate security during the festive period, saying his men were battle-ready.

“I have asked my men to be on the alert this period, because we are hearing stories of kidnapping and robbery in the metropolis, and because the festive period is here, these hoodlums are trying to terrorise the people but we are going to crush them”, he

Tanker drivers protest in Rivers From Clarice Azuatalam, Port Harcourt

P

ETROLEUM Tanker Drivers (PTD) wing of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers Union (NUPENG) yesterday paralysed activities on Iwofe Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

They were protesting the brutalisation of their colleague, Osita, who was beaten up at St Michaels Junction by police officers escorting an expatriate.

An eyewitness, Godwin Ogbonna, said he was third in line at the junction when the traffic warden stopped his lane and passed the opposite lane.

His words: “As the truck in front of me moved, the next thing I saw was some policemen blowing siren and coming from the lane the warden has stopped.

“The tanker had already passed and as it passed, one policeman came out and blocked the tanker driver.

“He dragged him down from the vehicle, used tear gas on him, shoot sporadically to scare away passers-by.

“The policeman was joined by his colleagues; they used the butt of their guns to beat him.

“The driver fainted and we had to rush him to the hospital.”

He added that the expatriate pleaded with them to stop, but they refused prompting the man to flee the scene.

Ogbonna said the tanker drivers decided to block the road to stop the police from escaping .

NUPENG Chairman Chinedu Chibueze said they blocked the road to draw attention to the constant molestation of tanker drivers by the police.

“We want to know whether police want to take over tanker driving, so that we can hand over our jobs to them”, he said.

NUPENG Deputy Chairman, PTD branch, Albert Ugochukwu Nwosu described the police action as unfortunate.

•The wreckage of a car involved in the Warri accident... yesterday

said.

A 60-year-old man, identified as Richard Aviomo, and his 17year-old daughter, Kemi, were murdered at their residence in Benin, the Edo State capital.

They were said to have been shot by gunmen at about 4am yesterday.

Aviomo was said to have recently retired as a Programme Officer from the State Agricultural Development Programme.

The gunmen ransacked their residence but took nothing.

The bodies of the victims have been deposited at the Central Hospital mortuary in Benin

City.

Commissioner of Police Mr. David Omojola confirmed the killings, but said no arrest had been made.

He said the police were still investigating the killings.

Nine persons were confirmed dead in road accidents in Jattu, Estako West Local Government and Aduwawa, Ikpoba Okha Local Government of Edo State.

Six persons died in the Aduwawa accident and three in the Jattu accident.

The Aduwawa accident occurred yesterday at about 8:30pm. It involved a commercial Toyota Hiace (XG 993 BEN) and two Mercedes Benz trucks (XG 210 MKA and XJ 111 USL).

State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Henry Olatunji confirmed the Aduwawa accident but said the victims died at the hospitals.

He said the victims were four men and two women.

According to him, “no death was recorded on the spot. Six persons died at the hospitals we took them to. Three died at Our Clinic while the remaining died at the Central Hospital.”

Olatunji said it was one of the Mercedes Benz trucks that caused the accident.

The three persons, who died in the Jattu accident, were crushed to death by a trailer (XP 66 AKD).

The trailer reportedly had a break failure while descending the slope from Jattu.

Several persons were injured in the accident.

Witnesses said the trailer rammed into a Volkswagen Passat and four motorcycles killing its riders and a passerby.

Divisional Traffic Officer Ogboi Moses confirmed the accident.

He said the victims have been taken to a private hospital and the driver in police custody.

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2011

55

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2011

56

MONEY LINK

‘Financial inclusion needed for monetary policy decisions’

T

HE integration of transactions in the informal sector into the financial system will enhance monetary policy decisions and create greater value for the economy. A former Director, Trade & Exchange Department, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr. Omolara Akanji, stated this yesterday at the Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria (FICAN) Bi-monthly Discourse.

Speaking on the theme: ‘Overview of Monetary Policy Transmission Mechanism in Nigeria,’ Akanji, said capturing transactions in informal sector of the economy into monetary policy decisions will increase the volume of currency in circulation and banks’ cash reserves, which would be channelled into lending to the real sector, adding that it is only when the funds are captured, that they can be given out as loans and added to data used in monetary policy decisions.

She said large volume of transactions still go on in the informal sector and that taking banking to the grassroots through mobile banking and cashless banking, would integrate such unaccounted funds into the financial system. She stated that cashless banking initiative being championed by the apex bank is also a viable tool of achieving the objective as more funds will have to pass through the financial system.

Mrs. Akanbi, explained that the informal sector which is dominated by small-scale producers, largely employs indigenous technology, and sometimes, is involved in the apprenticeship system. “A serious analysis of the monetary policy transmission mechanism must take into account, the existence of informal markets, as well as other structural features that distinguish the Nigerian economy from the text-book industrial–country case,” she said.

Akanbi explained that sometimes, conflicts arise in monetary policies, hence most central banks focus on their

By Collins Nweze, Akinola Ajibade and Tonia Osundolire

area of influence - price stability, which sometimes changes, depending on the mandate of the central banks.

For instance, in Nigeria, the apex bank is concerned with a dual mandate of ensuring price stability and sustainable growth/development.

But to be successful, the policy requires its independence, policy transparency, effective communication system, financial system stability and proper co-

describes channels by which policyinduced changes in nominal money stock or short-term interest rates impact real variables, such as consumption, investment, aggregate output, inflation and employment. The transmission mechanism of monetary policy has various dimensions; which are mutually exclusive and may operate to reinforce each other,” she said.

According to her, a change in the official rate explicitly influences the movement of other short-term rates in the same direction even as changes

ordination with other macroeconomic policies such as fiscal policy. The country is also a mono-product economy relying heavily on commodity export, particularly, crude oil, which forms an average of about 90 per cent of total merchandise receipts.

She said central banks use a single variable to pin down expectations of private agents about the nominal price level or what the bank might do with respect to achieving that path.

“The monetary policy transmission

Banks to drive credit with ‘Cash-lite’ transactions, e-payment

T

HE banking sector is set to wit ness a surge in credit to the economy from next year, with the take-off of ‘cash-lite’ transaction and e-payment system.

The word cashless was changed to ‘cash-lite’ at the last Bankers’ Committee meeting following the perception in some quarters that people would no longer have cash on them when the cash initiative kicks-off.

The Bankers’ Committee, comprising the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, the discount houses and the 24 deposit- taking banks, have endorsed the initiative proposed by the apex bank to reduce lending rates

By Collins Nweze

cent to make funds accessible to borrowers at a lower cost. The e-payment initiative involves a transformation of the payment system, relying more on electronic channels in making payments.

“The direct cost of cash management borne by banks was as huge as N114.5 billion in 2009 and is projected to increase to a whopping N192 billion in 2012, an increase of about 68 per cent.

This increases the cost of lending, which is expected fall by the time the new regime takes off,’’ one of the bankers that attended the Committee meeting said.

He said other factors like the rate banks pay on deposits, their operat-

through a drastic cost-trimming strategy in line with the new payment initiative.

The new e-payment policy is billed to commence in Lagos State, the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano and Aba in the first instance, with a go-live date of January 1, 2012 in Lagos. According to the CBN, the scheme would be extended to other parts of the country at a date to be determined by the Bankers’ Committee.

Besides, the lenders at their meeting recently agreed to reduce operating expenses by as much as 30 per

T

HE Board of Directors of Ecobank Nigeria Plc and Oce anic Bank International Limited have approved the business combination between both banks, including integration of their respective subsidiaries.

“We are pleased to announce that Ecobank Nigeria and Oceanic Bank have agreed to merge their respective businesses,” a statement from Ecobank said.

The proposed merger will be effected through a Scheme of Merger

minimum free float to maintain listing on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

The Scheme of Arrangement will be undertaken pursuant to section 539 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, and will involve a cancellation of part of Ecobank Nigeria’s share capital. Under the terms of the Scheme of Arrangement, minority shareholders will receive one ordinary share in ETI to be credited as fully paid for every 5.16 Ecobank Nigeria shares previously held by the minority shareholders, such that

pursuant to Part XII of the Investments and Securities Act (No. 29) of 2007 and when concluded, will result in Oceanic Bank being merged with Ecobank Nigeria, leaving Ecobank Nigeria as the surviving entity.

The bank said as a consequence of the proposed scheme of merger, it is expected that ETI’s shareholding in the enlarged Ecobank Nigeria will increase from its current 85 per cent to approximately 93 per cent, further reducing Ecobank Nigeria’s

Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

19-05-2014 18-05-2016 19-05-2016

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM Amount

Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2011 “ 14-04-2011

GAINERS AS AT 23-11-11 SYMBOL FO ECOBANK PREMBREW FIDELITYBK WEMABANK BAGCO JAPAULOIL WAPCO ACCESS FLOURMILL

O/PRICE 14.09 2.04 0.93 1.45 0.55 1.72 0.72 38.60 4.90 62.10

C/PRICE 14.79 2.13 0.97 1.50 0.56 1.75 0.73 39.00 4.95 62.50

CHANGE 0.70 0.09 0.04 0.05 0.01 0.03 0.01 0.40 0.05 0.40

LOSER AS AT 23-11-11 SYMBOL GLAXOSMITH MULTIREX RTBRISCOE UBA IKEJAHOTEL CUSTODYINS HONYFLOUR ETERNAOIL TRANSCORP VITAFOAM

O/PRICE 27.00 1.40 1.40 2.81 3.22 2.44 2.94 3.61 0.66 5.30

C/PRICE 25.65 1.33 1.33 2.67 3.06 2.32 2.80 3.44 0.63 5.06

Amount

Offered ($) Demanded ($)

MANAGED FUNDS

Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

Ecobank Nigeria will be a whollyowned subsidiary of ETI. The Directors of Ecobank Nigeria said they consider the scheme consideration to be fair and reasonable compensation for the cancellation of the Ecobank Nigeria shares pursuant to the proposed scheme of arrangement.

The Directors of Ecobank Nigeria are of the view that the proposed Scheme of Arrangement is in the interests of both Ecobank Nigeria and its shareholders.

DATA BANK

Tenor

OBB Rate Call Rate

ing expenses and the margin they expect to make, would be considered.

The Central Bank under the new cash less (branded as ‘cash-lite’) banking regime, permits a daily cumulative limit of N150,000 and N1,000,000 on free cash withdrawals and lodgments by individuals and corporate customers, respectively.

Individuals and corporate organisations that make cash transactions above the limits will be charged a fee of N100 per thousand and N200 per thousand respectively, while thirdparty cheques above N150, 000 will not be eligible for encashment over the counter and would only be paid through the clearing house.

Ecobank, Oceanic agree to merge their businesses

FGN BONDS

NIDF NESF

in the policy rate influence overall level of expenditure in the economy.

Mrs Akanbi, explained that the policy rate adopted by a Central Bank affects all other rates in the economy like the price of financial assets and the exchange rate. These, she added, would affect consumer and business demand in a variety of ways. For instance, monetary policy has far reaching impact on financing conditions in the economy in areas of costs, availability of credit, banks’ willingness to assume specific risks, among others.

Amount

Exchange

Sold ($)

Rate (N)

Date

450m

452.7m

450m

150.8

08-8-11

250m

313.5m

250m

150.8

03-8-11

400m

443m

400m

150.7

01-8-11

EXHANGE RATE 26-08-11 CAPITAL MARKET INDEX Currency

Year Start Offer

Current Before

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

NGN USD

147.6000

149.7100

150.7100

-2.11

NGN GBP

239.4810

244.0123

245.6422

-2.57

NGN EUR

212.4997

207.9023

209.2910

-1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

Bureau de Change 152.0000 (S/N)

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

Parallel Market

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

NSE CAP Index

NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N)

27-10-11 N6.5236tr 20,607.37

28-10-11 N6.617tr 20,903.16

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

(S/N)

153.0000

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

Aug ’11

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

8.75%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate Inflation Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 9.4%

Offer Price

Bid Price

9.17 1.00 118.85 98.43 0.77 1.04 0.88 1,642.73 8.24 1.39 1.87 7,251.90 193.00

9.08 1.00 118.69 97.65 0.74 1.04 0.87 1,635.25 7.84 1.33 1.80 7,149.37 191.08

ARM AGGRESSIVE KAKAWA GUARANTEED STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND THE LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL BGL SAPPHIRE FUND BGL NUBIAN FUND NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY THE DISCOVERY FUND • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED

CHANGE 1.35 0.07 0.07 0.14 0.16 0.12 0.14 0.17 0.03 0.24

• STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

Rate (Previous) 24 Aug, 2011 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Rate (Currency) 26, Aug, 2011 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK Previous

Current

04 July, 2011

07, Aug, 2011

Bank

8.5000

8.5000

P/Court

8.0833

8.0833

Movement

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2011

57

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 23-11-11 2ND-TIER SECURITIES Company Name LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC PRESCO PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 2 8 10

Company Name AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC Sector Totals

AIR SERVICES No of Deals 2 49 51

Company Name ACCESS BANK PLC DIAMOND BANK PLC ECOBANK NIGERIA PLC FIRST CITY MONUMENT BANK PLC FIDELITY BANK PLC FIRST BANK OF NIGERIA PLC GTBANK PLC STANBIC IBTC BANK PLC SKYE BANK PLC. STERLING BANK PLC UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC. UNITYBANK PLC WEMA BANK PLC ZENITH BANK PLC Sector Totals Company Name GUINNESS NIGERIA PLC INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES PLC NIGERIAN BREWERIES PLC PREMIER BREWERIES PLC Sector Totals Company Name ASHAKA CEMENT PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTHERN NIGERIA PLC DANGOTE CEMENT PLC LAFARGE WAPCO PLC Sector Totals

Company Name COURTEVILLE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS PLC RED STAR EXPRESS PLC Sector Totals Company Name NCR (NIGERIA) PLC. Sector Totals

Quotation(N) 2.08 5.29

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 54,800 113,984.00 131,965 701,352.70 186,765 815,336.70

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 114,553,905 553,889,615.08 1,710,662 5,079,263.64 452,129 939,610.26 364,980 1,586,901.65 1,591,146 2,384,772.80 21,984,299 214,137,898.06 11,899,301 172,070,882.95 1,357,600 10,877,096.85 1,878,255 8,428,694.32 398,352 421,449.84 12,033,147 32,496,154.22 53,100 29,205.00 2,843,166 1,550,600.08 6,374,672 76,137,655.04 177,494,714 1,080,029,799.79

BREWERIES No of Deals 86 2 161 1 250

Quotation(N) 202.00 6.00 92.00 0.97

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 176,227 35,632,083.63 201 1,145.70 1,610,589 148,167,956.85 50,000 48,500.00 1,837,017 183,849,686.18

BUILDING MATERIALS No of Deals Quotation(N) 27 14.00 12 4.75 24 100.33 22 39.00 85

Company Name 7-UP BOTTLING CO. PLC CADBURY NIGERIA PLC DANGOTE FLOUR MILLS PLC DANGOTE SUGAR REFINERY PLC FLOUR MILLS NIGERIA PLC HONEYWELL FLOUR MILL PLC MULTI-TREX INTEGRATED FOODS PLC NATIONAL SALT COMPANY NIGERIA PLC NESTLE NIGERIA PLC TANTALIZERS PLC UTC NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

Quotation(N) 8.55 16.11 1.07

Quantity Traded Value 100,516 80,300 263,433 338,273 782,522

of Shares (N) 1,406,517.49 395,825.00 26,625,633.76 13,192,907.00 41,620,883.25

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 7,577 61,601.01 87,518 1,415,001.64 92,000 98,440.00 187,095 1,575,042.65

COMMERCIAL/SERVICES No of Deals Quotation(N) 4 0.50 4 2.18 8

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 99,500 49,750.00 6,284 13,857.52 105,784 63,607.52

COMPUTER & OFFICE EQUIPMENT No of Deals Quotation(N) 1 8.45 1

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 1,064 9,437.68 1,064 9,437.68

CONSTRUCTION No of Deals 8 8

Company Name CUTIX PLC NIGERIAN WIRE AND CABLE PLC. Sector Totals

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 2,000 1,000.00 102,399 136,190.67 104,399 137,190.67

Quotation(N) 4.95 2.96 2.13 4.36 1.50 9.60 14.50 8.00 4.59 1.03 2.67 0.57 0.56 11.91

CONGLOMERATES Company Name No of Deals JOHN HOLT PLC 1 PZ CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC 31 TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC 21 UAC OF NIGERIA PLC 45 UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC 59 Sector Totals 157 Company Name JULIUS BERGER NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

of Shares (N) 1,000,000.00 1,142,984.00 2,142,984.00

BANKING No of Deals 124 30 19 22 38 493 376 34 65 17 180 4 36 183 1,621

CHEMICAL & PAINTS No of Deals 6 28 2 36

Company Name BERGER PAINTS NIGERIA PLC CHEMICAL AND ALLIED PRODUCTS PLC DN MEYER PLC Sector Totals

Quotation(N) 5.89 30.00 0.63 29.70 26.00

Quantity Traded Value 4,056 130,728 579,786 112,507 952,380 1,779,457

of Shares (N) 22,713.60 3,920,935.00 372,529.98 3,347,195.42 24,386,470.24 32,049,844.24

Quotation(N) 38.43

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 25,000 925,560.14 25,000 925,560.14

ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY No of Deals Quotation(N) 1 1.62 1 0.50 2

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 10,000 17,000.00 1,000 500.00 11,000 17,500.00

FOOD/BEVERAGES & TOBACCO No of Deals Quotation(N) 16 48.00 21 12.10 58 5.50 79 4.90 47 62.50 10 2.80 1 1.33 10 4.16 64 405.00 1 0.50 1 0.50 308

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 22,819 1,086,290.00 162,342 1,961,376.72 457,397 2,532,004.79 1,447,787 7,186,486.26 350,460 21,906,456.39 325,200 917,060.00 50,000 66,500.00 92,100 376,299.40 169,927 68,957,073.59 500 250.00 10,000 5,000.00 3,088,532 104,994,797.15

HEALTHCARE Company Name No of Deals EVANS MEDICALPLC. 8 FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC 8 GLAXOSMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC 14 MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. 15 NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC 2 Sector Totals 47

Company Name B. O. C. GASES NIGERIA PLC FIRST ALUMINIUM NIGERIA PLC VITAFOAM NIGERIA PLC VONO PRODUCTS PLC Sector Totals

Quantity Traded Value 2,000,000 154,200 2,154,200

AUTOMOBILE & TYRE No of Deals Quotation(N) 1 0.50 8 1.33 9

Company Name DN TYRE & RUBBER PLC R. T. BRISCOE (NIGERIA) PLC Sector Totals

Company Name IKEJA HOTEL PLC Sector Totals

Quotation(N) 0.50 7.40

Quotation(N) 0.73 1.12 25.65 2.17 1.36

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 200,000 148,000.00 187,176 209,637.12 166,750 4,277,557.50 100,450 208,890.50 7,500 9,750.00 661,876 4,853,835.12

HOTEL & TOURISM No of Deals Quotation(N) 59 3.06 59

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 7,744,271 23,697,469.26 7,744,271 23,697,469.26

INDUSTRIAL/DOMESTIC PRODUCTS No of Deals Quotation(N) 3 6.80 2 0.50 13 5.06 1 2.88 19

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 21,744 148,294.08 100,000 50,000.00 222,543 1,132,517.65 4,500 12,960.00 348,787 1,343,771.73

INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY Company Name No of Deals Quotation(N) Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) CHAMS PLC 1 0.50 10,000 5,000.00 e-TRANZACT INTERNATIONAL PLC 2 4.97 1,000 5,210.00 IHS NIGERIA PLC 1 2.47 3,000 7,050.00 STARCOMMS PLC 3 0.50 201,000 100,500.00 Sector Totals 7 215,000 117,760.00 INSURANCE Company Name No of Deals AIICO INSURANCE PLC. 56 CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC 2 CORNERSTONE INSURANCE CO. PLC. 3 CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED INSURANCE PLC 32 GOLDLINK INSURANCE PLC 6 GUARANTY TRUST ASSURANCE PLC 6 GUINEA INSURANCE PLC. 1 INTERNATIONAL ENERGY INSURANCE COMPANY PLC 2 LAW UNION AND ROCK INSURANCE PLC. 2 LINKAGE ASSURANCE PLC 2

Quotation(N) 0.52 0.87 0.50 2.32 0.53 1.39 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 1,147,248 599,098.96 100,000 87,454.50 40,000 20,000.00 1,852,700 4,328,959.00 212,000 112,360.00 159,317 224,062.46 3,000 1,500.00 259.00 518 29,143 14,904.36 2,500 1,250.00

Falling share prices erase N71b off investor holdings

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HE Nigerian stock market suffered its major contraction in recent days yesterday as investors lost N71 billion to widespread decline in share prices.

Starcomms Plc, the only quoted telecommunication carrier and the leading Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) operator in Nigeria, also denied being a subject of any acquisition talk, restating its commitments to growing its business and ensuring it remains the flagship quoted telecommunication company.

Aggregate market capitalisation of quoted equities dwindled to N6.316 trillion from its opening value of N6.387 trillion, a decline of 1.11 per cent. The All Share Index (ASI) further corroborated the depreciation in value with a drop of 1.12 per cent from 20,298.85 points to 20,070.63 points.

With the decline, the yearto-date return at the stock market worsened to -18.97 per cent.

A widely bearish market with more than two out of every three price changes ending on the negative, the decline was exacerbated by the N57 billion lost by Dangote Cement, as investors revalued the cement company.

Dangote Cement led the decliners with a loss of N3.67 to close at N100.33 per share.

GlaxoSmithKline Con-

By Taofik Salako and Tonia Osundolire

sumer followed with a loss of N1.35 to close at N25.65 per share. Vitafoam Nigeria and Cadbury Nigeria lost 24 kobo each to close at N5.06 per share and N12.10 per share. Eterna dropped by 17 kobo to close at N3.44. Ikeja Hotel lost 16 kobo to close at N3.06. United Bank for Africa and Honeywell Flour Mills dropped 14 kobo each to close at N2.67 and N2.80 respectively. Custodian Insurance lost 12 kobo to close at N2.32, while Diamond Bank dropped by 11 kobo to close at N2.96 per share.

Chief Executive Officer, Starcomms Plc, Logan Pather, yesterday in Lagos said the company is not contemplating submerging its business under any other corporate identity, noting that the company is making strategic plans on how to expand its business operation in the country both through organic and inorganic means.

He said the current agenda for the company is to acquire more subscribers, become efficient in cost-cutting and deliver returns to shareholders.

“We are not discussing acquisition deal with anybody, but we will not rule out potential partnerships, given the challenges in the telecommunication industry,” Pather said, assuring stakeholders of better days

ahead. He said the board and management are making efforts to ensure better service delivery. ”We have made significant in-roads in cost reduction. Besides, what will differentiate us from other operators is the top-class customer service delivery,” Pather stated.

He said the company is already considering expanding to more cities in a bid to improve its coverage, adding that the firm values its customers greatly and would do everything possible to enhance better service delivery to them.

He noted that as pioneers of a lot of the telecoms’ technologies in Nigeria, the company would continue to look for additional ways to improve its business and lead innovative products and services that would delight customers and further energise the industry.

Meanwhile, Starcomms’ share price remained unchanged yesterday as investors struck three deals for 201,000 shares worth N105, 000. Total turnover at the stock market stood at 258.48 million shares valued at N1.67 billion in 3,033 deals.

Banking subsector remained atop activity chart with a turnover of 187.98 million shares valued at N1.19 billion in 1,673 deals. Insurance subsector followed with a turnover of 44.31 million shares valued at N25.79 million in 142 deals.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 23-11-11 MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC N.E.M. INSURANCE CO. (NIG.) PLC. NIGER INSURANCE CO. PLC. PRESTIGE ASSURANCE PLC. STANDARD ALLIANCE INSURANCE PLC UNIVERSAL INSURANCE COMPANY PLC INTERCONTINENTAL WAPIC INSURANCE PLC Sector Totals

12 3 1 3 1 2 8 142

Company Name C&I LEASING PLC Sector Totals Company Name JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC Sector Totals

0.50 0.50 0.50 1.00 0.50 0.50 0.50

20,177,500 5,043,000 5,000 34,282 14,000 41,000 15,450,800 44,312,008

10,088,750.00 2,521,500.00 2,500.00 34,282.00 7,000.00 20,500.00 7,725,400.00 25,789,780.28

LEASING No of Deals 1 1

Quotation(N) 0.77

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 10,000 7,400.00 10,000 7,400.00

MARITIME No of Deals 69 69

Quotation(N) 0.73

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 3,908,317 2,833,045.41 3,908,317 2,833,045.41

MORTGAGE COMPANIES No of Deals Quotation(N) 1 0.50 3 0.50 4

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 500 250.00 36,000 18,000.00 36,500 18,250.00

OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS Company Name No of Deals Quotation(N) CRUSADER NIGERIA PLC. 1 0.50 DEAP CAPITAL MANAGEMENT AND TRUST PLC 1 2.02 Sector Totals 2

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 1,837 918.50 500 1,010.00 2,337 1,928.50

Company Name ASO SAVINGS AND LOAND PLC RESORT SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC Sector Totals

Company Name AVON CROWNCAPS & CONTAINERS PLC. NIGERIAN BAG MANUFACTURING COMPANY PLC BETA GLASS CO. PLC GREIF NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

PACKAGING No of Deals 1 31 3 1 36

Quotation(N) 5.94 1.75 12.71 13.28

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 7,374 41,663.10 793,891 1,381,351.40 40,000 483,200.00 221 2,789.02 841,486 1,909,003.52

Company Name BECO PETROLEUM PRODUCT PLC MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC CONOIL PLC ETERNA OIL & GAS PLC. FORTE OIL PLC MOBIL OIL NIGERIA PLC. OANDO PLC TOTAL NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

PETROLEUM(MARKETING) No of Deals Quotation(N) 2 0.50 12 63.86 24 35.00 13 3.44 55 14.79 28 141.00 124 26.00 14 200.00 272

Quantity Traded Value 4,200 62,673 48,400 457,600 392,958 33,339 625,591 5,910 1,630,671

Company Name ACADEMY PRESS PLC. UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC Sector Totals

PRINTING & PUBLISHING No of Deals Quotation(N) 1 2.24 11 3.70 12

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 21,661 48,520.64 107,599 402,492.75 129,260 451,013.39

REAL ESTATE No of Deals 9 9

Company Name UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. PLC Sector Totals Company Name SKYE SHELTER FUND Sector Totals

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 48,355 597,834.25 48,355 597,834.25

REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST No of Deals Quotation(N) 1 100.00 1

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 60 6,000.00 60 6,000.00

THE FOREIGN LISTINGS No of Deals Quotation(N) 52 11.00 52

Quantity Traded Value of Shares (N) 10,480,317 112,402,087.46 10,480,317 112,402,087.46

Company Name ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED Sector Totals Overall Totals

Quotation(N) 12.90

of Shares (N) 2,100.00 3,802,370.91 1,674,004.15 1,581,489.58 5,774,810.83 4,634,408.76 16,172,926.37 1,140,398.00 34,782,508.60

3,278

258,126,794

1,657,043,357.49

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2011

58

NEWS

•Chairman of Senate Committee on Federal Character and Intergovermental Affairs Dahiru Awaisu Kuta (left); committee member Domingo Obende; Federal Road Safety Commission’s (FRSC’s) Corps Marshal Osita Chidoka and committee Vice-Chairman Jide Omoworare during the committee’s visit to the FRSC in Abuja... yesterday PHOTO ABAYOMI FAYESE

Ex-Oyo PDP members join ACN

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BOUT 10,000 former members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who joined the Oyo State chapter of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) shortly before the last general elections, formally declared for the party yesterday.

Making the declaration on behalf of the decampees, hundreds of whom stormed the Governor’s Office, Agodi Secretariat, Ibadan the Commissioner for Water Resources, Mr. Sunmbo Owolabi, said that contrary to media reports that they had returned to the PDP, the people were still with the party.

According to him, before the elections, some of the groups hitherto in the PDP and led by the present Oodua Investment chief, Mr. Sarafadeen Alli and the current Commissioner for Works, Alhaji Yunus Akintunde, moved en-masse to the ACN but had not formally made their entrance to the party known.

Contrary to reports that their groups had returned to the PDP, he said they remain in the ACN which he described as a party of the progressives and “progressivism is the ideology of the people of the South Western Nigeria.”

Speaking one after the other, the defectors said their purported return to their formal party was farther from the truth but asked the governor to reward them with political appointments as compensation for their support for the ACN during the election.

They pledge readiness and preparedness to join hands with Governor Abiola Ajimobi

to ensure an all-round development of the state.

The decampees were led by Alli, a two serving commissioners, a former chairman of Ona-Ara Local Government, Mr. Mufutau Ogunremi and a former member of the state House of Assembly, Mr. Sakirullahi Adekunle Fajinmi.

They said: “We are still in the ACN. We are not contemplating going back to the PDP. We have faith in Governor Ajimobi and the ACN as veritable vehicles to take Oyo State to the Promised Land. So whoever is saying that we have gone back to PDP is just telling outright lie. We have left the party for good; there is nothing we want to go and do there again.”

Speaking on behalf of the decampees, the chairman of the party praised the courage of the decampees in formally joining the ACN, stating that their struggle and commitment to the party would not go unrewarded.

Governor Ajimobi, in his response, thanked the new members for their resolve to stay permanently in ACN, assuring them that they would not have any cause to regret their action.

He said the appointment of Owolabi and Akintunde as commissioner in his administration, with juicy ministries as well Alli’s chairman of Oodu’a investment, showed the love he had for them.

The governor, who further reiterated his determination to transform the state, said that in the next few months, the state would not be the same again.

Politicians, lawyers, civil society speak on Waziri’s removal •Continued from page 4 “The removal of the EFCC Chairman at a time like this and in the circumstances that we are witnessing is to say the least disgraceful, uncalled for, unwarranted and retrogressive. It could only imply that President Jonathan is only paying lip service to the fight against corruption.

“While we are aware that the Federal Government reserves the right to hire or fire its staff and officers, such is expected to be done with high level of moral responsibility and administrative decorum. We may not be aware whether or not the sacked EFCC Chairman is properly put on notice before her removal, it is our belief that simple courtesy demands that Nigerians, being the employers of the Federal Government, itself deserves to be informed and given the opportunity to discuss, if not debate, the issues involved in the appropriateness or otherwise of the action even if it was taken in our collective interest”.

The statement added: “We are equally aware that the EFCC is investigating or prosecuting many members

of the ruling party at the centre, the PDP, as well as many members of the National Assembly and Cabinet of President Goodluck Jonathan, even in the judiciary or their godfathers. We are aware that such members do not like the face of Madam Waziri who had decided to look at them eyeballs to eyeballs and shove them down to the course of justice.

They have therefore formed a cabal to undermine the effort of all anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria, especially the EFCC.” The CACOL added: “We advise President Jonathan not to allow himself to be wrongly used again after the error he was led to commit by the removal of the former President Court of Appeal, Justice Ayo Salami. He should therefore reverse the decision.”

Chief Maxi Okwu, President, Patriotic Alliance of Nigeria (PAN), an association of opposition political parties, described Waziri’s removal as “a breath of fresh air”.

According to Okwu, the anti-corruption war declined drastically under Mrs Waziri as she did not live up to the expectations of Nigerians.

Director, International Press Centre (IPC), Mr Lanre Arogundade, said that the EFCC needed to be strengthened and its stability ensured.

Arogundade said Waziri’s removal came as a surprise, but the government must assure Nigerians that it is still committed to fighting corruption.

The Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) urged the Federal Government to look for Mrs Waziri’s replacement from civil society and human rights groups.

The Lagos State Chairman of the CLO, Mr Ehi Omokhuale, said Waziri’s removal was long overdue as civil society groups had long called for her sack.

Senator Joseph Waku said President Jonathan has no political will to tackle corruption because during Mrs Waziri’s tenure, EFCC witnessed high profile trails, including that of former Speaker of the House of Representatives Dimeji Bankole and his Deputy Bayero Nafada.

Peoples Democratic Party chieftain Godwin Dabo said the president may have his justifiable reason for the removal of the EFCC boss.

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2011

59

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2011

60

NEWS Fire destroys 200 houses, property From Joseph Abiodun, Maiduguri

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BOUT 200 houses and property worth over N100million were on Tuesday destroyed by fire at Dabamasara village in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

It was learnt that some of the property destroyed include vehicles, grinding machines, generators and bags of assorted grains.

The cause of the fire is being investigated.

An eyewitness said it occurred in the early hours and raged for more than six hours before it was put out through the efforts of nearby villagers and other sympathisers.

The village is reputed for being the food basket of the state. It produces rice, beans, millet, sorghum and also fish, as it is located near the Lake Chad.

Police parade 56 suspects in Kano

Nigeria’s development below its resources, says Sultan T

HE Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, has lamented the near collapse of the nation through corruption, poverty and unemployment.

He noted that despite Nigeria’s huge resources, its development falls far below the nation’s wealth.

The Sultan urged the nation’s leaders, especially Northern governors, to restore education and revamp other sectors.

He noted that the current reform in education cannot be complete without a progressive development in basic and secondary education.

Speaking at his investiture as the sixth Chancellor of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Kaduna State, Abubakar said corruption has eroded the nation’s progress, with poverty and unemployment pushing the people to the brink.

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

He added that these problems have been fuelling and compounding social conflicts.

According to him, intercommunal crises have taken a toll on human and social development as persistent insecurity has generated panic and anxiety.

The Sultan said social and physical infrastructure was far from meeting the needs of the nation, while the country appears to be drifting towards anarchy.

Though he acknowledged that many nations have passed through similar experiences in the course of their growth, he noted that “at the core of all these is ignorance and moral decay”.

He urged the universities to tackle the challenges.

Nigerian leaders, he said, must provide tertiary institutions the resources and latitude to tackle the challenge.

Abubakar said: “We must all join hands to fix our country as no one else will do it for us. We have no other country but this one. I am confident that leaders, at every level, will appreciate the need to close ranks and work together as a national priority.”

The Sultan said that ABU was built on a sound moral and academic foundation, adding that it has grown to become the largest university in sub-Saharan Africa, producing frontline graduates.

He said: “Some two decades ago, however, all these began to change. These moral and academic standards eroded away; facilities and infrastructure enervated and, naturally, the quality of

products started to dwindle and the esteem of the university started to wane.

“We must ask the question, where did we start to derail and what exactly went wrong? Next year, this university will be celebrating its golden jubilee. We must use this opportunity to do a thorough introspection so that we get to the bottom of these problems, resolve these problems return the university back to course and reinvent its vision and mission so that it can play the role it was established to play…

“My message is therefore a simple one. The largest university in sub-Saharan Africa must be transformed into the biggest university in Africa… We cannot build a first rate university without building a reasonable consensus on how to move the university forward.”

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

N 80-year-old man, Shuaibu Jubril, was among the 56 suspects paraded yesterday by the Kano State Police Command for alleged armed robbery, rape, illegal possession of firearms and drugs.

The police said four of the suspects were arrested for alleged rape. They include Ado Shehu (65), who was said to have lured and raped a four-year-old girl; and a dismissed Police Corporal, who was apprehended for allegedly raping a three-year-old girl.

Jubril was arrested for the alleged sexual assault of a four-old-girl in Zango Dakata; while Sule Abubakar (20), allegedly raped a four-year-old girl at Rijayar Lemo quarters.

The suspects have been charged to court.

A

Al-Makura cautions Christian pilgrims From Johnny Danjuma, Lafia

ASARAWA State Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura yesterday cautioned Christian pilgrims against acts that could tarnish the name of the state and Nigeria during their pilgrimage in Israel.

The governor spoke in Lafia, the state capital, at a farewell ceremony for pilgrims from the state.

He urged them to see the exercise as an opportunity to appraise their spiritual commitment and not as a fun-seeking voyage.

Al-Makura said Nasarawa State has always been known for good conduct because of the attitude of previous pilgrims from the state. He urged the pilgrims to emulate their predecessors.

According to him, Nasarawa has become a reference point in maintenance of peace. He attributed this to the cordial relationship amongst the different religious groups in the state.

N

• Senator Bukola Saraki, the guest lecturer (left) and Provost, Federal College of Agriculture, Ibadan, Oyo State, Dr Foluke Oluwatoyinbo, at the 90th anniversary lecture of the college in Ibadan…yesterday

14 dead, 43 injured in Katsina accident

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OURTEEN persons have been confirmed dead and 43 others in-

jured in a road crash at Yanbita village in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the accident, which occurred on Tuesday at 7.30pm, involved a Toyota bus with registration number (Katsina) XE 968 KTN and a J5 bus with registration number (Katsina) XF 597 KTN. The Malumfashi Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Abdullahi Ma’aji, said the two

passenger vehicles had a head-on collision and that the 14 victims died on the spot.

He added that those injured were rushed to the Malumfashi General Hospital.

It was gathered that the Tayota bus was conveying passengers from Kaduna to Katsina, while the J5 bus was on its way to Funtua from Mashi, Katsina State.

Ma’aji, who attributed the accident to excessive speeding, said the bodies have been deposited at the hospital’s morgue.

He said investigation was in progress while the fami-

20 dead in Benue road crash From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

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WENTY persons have died in a road accident involving a truck and a Toyota Hiace passenger bus on the Katsina-Ala-Adikpo federal highway in Benue State.

The accident reportedly occurred when the driver of the truck, laden with cement and heading to Calabar, Cross River State, lost control.

It had a head-on collision with the passenger bus, which was said to have taken off from Adikpo and heading to Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

Official of the FRSC were seen battling to clear the wreckages off the road to pave the way for traffic.

lies of the victims were being contacted.

The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Unit

Commander, Betara Umar, confirmed the incident.

He urged motorists to drive with care.

Kwara sets up panel to stop attacks on residents •Emergency security council meets From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

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HE government of Kwara State has promised to work round the clock with the police to stop the increasing attacks on Ilorin residents by unknown assailants.

The government said it has set up a committee, headed by Deputy Governor Peter Kishira, to ban commercial motorcycle operators and introduce tricycles.

The police command had decried the “uncooperative attitude” of the Okada Riders Association in the state when attacks on Ilorin residents began.

Scores of residents were said to have been killed during such attacks.

Police Commissioner Peter Gana yesterday said four deaths had been recorded.

On Monday night, unknown assailants killed a 23-year-old nurse, Miss Rafat Abdulrahem, with Midland Hospital, Adewole, Ilorin.

It was gathered that the deceased was attacked on her way home from work.

Addressing reporters on the security situation in the state at the Government House, Gana put the number of attacks at nine and four deaths.

He said the command was working with civil society organisations and other stakeholders to tackle the menace.

“So far, we have arrested seven suspects in connection with the incident; four of them have been charged to court. We have intensified our patrol operations, increased our surveillance and we are embarking on a stopand-search in strategic locations in the metropolis,” he said.

A statement yesterday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Abdulwahab Oba, said the government has set up a committee to work out the modalities for phasing out commercial motorcycles (Okada) from the State.

61

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2011

NEWS

• Minister of State for Defence, Mrs Olusola Obada (middle) with senior Naval officers during the flag-off ceremony of NNS Thunder at US Coast Guard Island Alameda, Oakland... Tuesday

Pastor burns 11-year-old boy for stealing N200

‘Chime’s primary violated Electoral Act’

MDGs Programme: UN hails Anambra

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HE Coordinator of United Nations System and Head of United Nations Development Programme Daouda Toure has hailed the Anambra State Government on its execution of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) programmes.

He spoke yesterday during the Pre-Implementation Workshop for States on the 2011 Conditional Grants Scheme (CGS-MDGs).

Senior Special Assistant to the President on MDGs Precious Kalamba Gbeneol, Chairmen of Senate and House of Representatives Committees on MDGs, MDGs Commissioners of Projects, among others, attended the workshop.

The State Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budgets Prof. Chinyere Okunna hailed Governor Peter Obi for the feat.

Okunna, who is also the Chairman of MDGs Implementation Committee, attributed the achievement to proper planning and adoption of MDGs vision by the state.

“Governor Peter Obi came up with Anambra Integrated Development Strategy (ANIDS), which is basically a planning and budgeting strategy, as the vehicle for achieving his vision and delivering the MDG programmes,” she said.

HE Pastor of Divine Power Ministry in Onitsha, Anambra State, Chukwudi Ibe, yesterday burned an 11-year-old boy simply identified as Friday with hot electric iron for stealing N200.

According to a concerned neighbour, who alerted the police, the victim went through hell in the hands of the pastor and his wife.

The neighbour said they usually chain the boy and lock him up in the house until evening.

The neighbour described the pastor as satanic, adding that the boy does not go to school. The source said the boy was forced to do jobs that a child of his age could not do: “We were alerted by the cry of the child every evening when the couple would be enjoying their demonic sport of burning the child with hot iron. The irony of it is that the pastor’s mother-in-law, who is also the victim’s grandmother, was aware of

From Adimike George, Onitsha

the abuse”.

The pastor confirmed burning the victim with hot iron but said it was a measure to force the child to desist from stealing. “I had to burn him with hot iron so that he will see the mark on his body and stop stealing”.

The Pastor, who did not show any remorse for his action, stated that his wife had to chain the boy everyday to prevent him from straying into the neighbourhood, adding that each time he is not chained he will stay out late in the night.

The wife, Ejime, who said that the victim is her elder sister’s child, claimed that she was not aware that her husband was burning the child with hot iron. She added that she had to chain him to ensure that he does not run away from home.

She explained that when she noticed the severe burns all over the child’s body, she

• The victim

confronted her husband, “I never knew that he was burning the child with hot iron.

When I discovered it, I took the child to a nearby pharmacist for first aid. I confronted my husband when he came back”.

A policeman at the Central Police Station confirmed the incident, saying the pastor and his wife had been arrested.

Divisional Police Officer Yusuf Abdul also confirmed the incident.

NAFDAC destroys fake drugs

T

HE National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Abia State has destroyed suspected fake and unwholesome drugs worth about N40million in Abia State.

From Ugochukwu Eke, Umuahia

Adulterated consumables were also destroyed.

Speaking after the exercise at NAFDAC’s destruction site on Ngwa road, the Agen-

cy’s Deputy Director in Abia State Festus Anumba confirmed the destruction of the items.

Anumba said unregistered items were also destroyed because they were not subjected to NAFDAC’s scrutiny.

HE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) January 12 primary election which produced Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State violated the Electoral Act, 2011.

The commission stated this in its written address filed in the suit by a governorship aspirant, Chief Alexander Obiechina, who wants the Federal High Court in Abuja to nullify Chime’s nomination.

In the suit filed by his counsel, Oba Maduabuchi, the plaintiff prayed the court to declare that the January 12 primaries which purportedly produced Chime as the governorship candidate for the governorship elections in Enugu State did not comply with the Electoral Act 2011 as amended.

He is praying the court to declare that Chime purported nomination and acceptance by the PDP is therefore null, void since it offended Section 85 of the Electoral Act 2011.

The Section reads: “A registered political party shall give the Commission at least 21 days notice of any convention, congress, conference or meeting concerned for the purpose of electing members of its executive committee,

From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

other governing bodies or nominating candidates for any of the elective offices under this Act.”.

According to the plaintiff, January 9 was the only date set for the governorship primaries in Enugu State and whoever won same is the valid candidate for the said election.

In its written brief filed by Alex Ejeseme, INEC said: “With respect to primary elections said to be conducted on January 11 and 12, 2011, it can be said that what was passed as the “Notice’ was plaintiff’s exhibit addresses to the Resident Electoral Commissioner as Enugu, which most certainly is not the same as the 1st defendant who, by the clear terms of Section 85 (1) of the Electoral Act, 2010 must be the Commission itself. “This apart, the letter is dated January 10, 2011 and apparently was received on January 11, 2011, the very next day. It gave notice of primaries scheduled for the same day. Certainly no one should be left in doubt that the envisaged notice of 21 days was not complied with in obvious violation of Section 85(1). Added to the foregoing is the fact that the resident Electoral Commissioner cannot be regarded as the Commission, which presents a further violation.”

From Nwanosike Onu

T

FOREIGN NEWS ECOWAS observers boycott Gambia poll

Yemeni President Saleh signs power transfer deal

Y

EMENI President Ali Abdullah Saleh has signed a power transfer deal that will see him step down after more than 30 years as leader of the Arab nation.

He had clung to power for months in the face of an uprising, which culminated in an assassination attempt in June that left him badly wounded and required more than three months of hospital treatment.

But yesterday, Saudi Arabian state television broad-

cast images of Mr Saleh signing an agreement, put together by Gulf Arab states, which will see him hand over power to Yemen’s vice president in exchange for immunity from prosecution.

Yemeni opposition officials were also shown signing the deal in the presence of King Abdullah, the Saudi monarch, and Crown Prince Nayef.

“Today a new page in your history begins,” the Saudi king told the delegates.

We welcome partnership with the opposition to manage the country’s affairs and

rebuild what the crisis has destroyed.

Vice president Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi will take over in the next 30 days and form a government with members of the opposition. Presidential elections are scheduled to be held within 90 days.

Saleh said he would co-operate fully with the new unity government.

“We welcome partnership with the opposition to manage the country’s affairs and rebuild what the crisis has destroyed,” he said.

However, the outgoing

T • Saleh

president also referred to the protests against his rule as a “coup” and called the bombing of his palace in which he was injured a “scandal”.

Yemen is strategically important to the United States, and the Gulf states

HE Gambia does not have a political environment conducive for free and fair presidential elections to be held, the West African regional body has said.

Ecowas said that for this reason it was not sending election observers to monitor today’s poll.

Its fact-finding mission found intimidation and an unacceptable level of media control by the ruling party.

President Yahya Jammeh seized power in a coup in 1994 and has won three widely criticised elections since then.

He has been accused of intolerance to both criticism and dissent in the small West African country which is a popular tourist destination.

The chairman of Gambia’s Independent Electoral Commission, Mustapha Carayol, has reacted angrily to the Ecowas decision.

“The allegations are all lies,” he told the BBC. Mr Jammeh, 46, faces Ousainou Darboe, leader of the United Democratic Party, and Hamat Bah, who is being backed by a coalition of four opposition parties.

62

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2011

SPORT EXTRA

AC MILAN 2-3 BARCELONA

S

UPER EAGLES left back, Taye Taiwo was missing from Milan squad that played out 2-3 with Barcelona on Wednesday at the San Siro.

The result thus ensured that Barcelona stay top in Group H of the Champions League after the Milan feat.

A Mark van Bommel own goal gave the Pep Guardiola Barcelona side the lead after 14th minutes, but six minutes later Zlatan Ibrahimovic levelled in his first appearance against the European Champions since leaving the Camp Nou in 2010

Taye Taiwo missing

By Uchenna Ajah due to the breakdown of his relationship.

Lionel Messi put Barca back in front before half-time with a twice taken penalty after an incident that should have seen Alberto Aquilani dismissed for Milan. Amazingly it was also Messi's first ever competitive goal against Italian opposition.

However, less than 10 minutes

after the restart a stunning individual effort from Kevin-Prince Boateng levelled matters again,

Leverkusen beats Chelsea 2-1

N

IGERIA’S John Obi Mikel played for the last 10 minutes in Chelsea 1-2 loss to Bayer Leverkusen in Wednesday UEFA Champions League Group E clash at the

LONDON 2012 FINAL QUALIFIERS

Dream Team dreads Moroccan weather

D

REAM Team V players has expressed fears at the hash weather in Morocco venue of the final qualifiers for the London 2012 Olympics.

NationSport gathered that ss the players are yet to come to terms with the weather which one of the players has described as the likely threat to their resolve to book a

From Tunde Liadi, Owerri ticket to the London 2012 Olympics.

In a chat from Morocco on Wednesday evening a star player of the team who wants to remain anonymous stated that the weather condition was different from what the players envisaged

but Messi slipped in Xavi for what ultimately proved to be the winner in the 63rd minute.

but expressed optimism that they would adapt to it before their first match on Saturday.

He assued Nigerians that all the players are resolute on their desire to qualify for next year Olympic Games and wipe the country’s tears on the football circle lately.

“We are adjusting to life in Morocco but o boy the weather wants to kill us ohhh. We will try to overcome it and not allow anything to stand in our way and the Olympics ticket.”

•Mikel plays for 10 mins

By Uchenna Ajah BayArena.

The Super Eagles midfielder replaced Raul Meireles as the Blues battled in vein to get back in winning ways.

Interestingly, Group E will now go down to the wire after Chelsea loss to leave both teams, as well as Valencia, still in contention to reach the knockout rounds.

Manuel Friedrich's header in second-half stoppage time was all the German Bundesliga side required to booster their chance of qualifying for the last 16.

Chelsea are now level on points with Valencia, who thrashed Genk 7-0 at the Mestalla, and the Spanish side will now travel to Stamford Bridge in a fortnight's time for what is essentially a straight shootout for a place in the knockout phase.

3RD LAGOS TERTIARY GAMES

Team Unilag wins Volleyball finals

M

ALE and female teams of the University of Lagos, Unilag were cynosure of all eyes in the finals of the volleyball events at the ongoing 3rd Lagos Tertiary Games.

Unilag won the gold medals of both male and female categories of Volleyball in the finals played at the Indoor Sports Hall of the University of Lagos.

The male team of Unilag beat Army School of Finance and Administration in a onesided match that ended 3-0. (2624, 25-16, 25-23), while the female team of the Akoka, Yaba, Lagos-based institution, who are the defending champions, beat Yaba College of Technology in another 3-0 match that ended 25-11, 25-11, 25-9.

For their gallantry display, the Games’ organiser headed

by Prince Wale Oladunjoye, the Senior Special Assistant on Grassroots Sports to Governor Raji Fashola, gave the winners

By Innocent Amomoh in the male category the sum of N400,000 and gold medals, while the runners up, Army School of Finance and Administration got N230,000 and silver medals, the third place team, received bronze medals and the sum of N120,000.

In the female category, Unilag received gold medals and the sum of N400,000. Runners-up, Yaba College of Technology got the sum of N230,000 at silver medals, while the third position got N120,000 and bronze medals.

The LOC boss, Prince Oladunjoye, who is also the Tournament Director of the annual Governor’s Cup Lagos Tennis Championship praised Unilag male and female teams for making their school proud, adding that their performance from the first round of the Volleyball event to the finals showed that they worth being crowned the champions.

Dala Tennis tourney records major upsets

T

HE on-going 25th Dala Hard Court Lawn Tennis Championship has recorded two major upsets, unseeded Michael Moses yesterday sent home Nigeria number one player Atseye Henry from the competition, while 20 year old unseeded Kelechi Njoku triumphed over number two seeded Abiola Akewula.

Moses beat Atseye 7/6,6/2 in the second round to advance to

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano the quarter final stage of the competition.

Njoku, who is a 200 level student of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, thrashed Akewula 2/ 6, 7/5, 6/4 in an encounter that lasted for three hours to book a semi final ticket.

Njoku, in an exclusive interview with the NationSport, attributed her victory to God’s favour, saying that “I wasn’t scared of

the number two. I came with confidence and in my mind, I prayed and vowed that with God on my side, I will defeat her.”

She promised to put in her best to subdue even the defending champion in the ladies’ singles, Fatima Abinu, and clinch the top prize of the tournament.

In other results, defending champion, Fatima Abinu beat Aminat Quadri 6/1,6/1, just as number five seeded player,

Chidinma Abaa advanced to the next round with her 6/3, 6/3 victory against Aiyegbusi Annu.

Kelechi Njoku, who qualified through the wi…. is now to meet Chidinma Abaa in the semi final, while Fatima Abinu will slug it with Christy Agugbom.

In the men’s singles, Emmanuel Sunday defeated Idoko Emmanuel 6/1, 6/1, while Cliford Enosoregbe sent Musa Bala 6/2, 6/3 out of the competition, with Nonso Madueke cruising over Tyav Tyolomum 6/4, 6/2, to also book a place in the quarter final.

Abdulmumuni Babalola had the upper hand against Owolabi Taiwo, with a score line of 6/2, 6/3, Kingsley Enosoregbe was not so lucky as his brother, Cliford as Candy Idoko sent him out of the competition with a score line of 6/3, 6/4, the defending champion, Shehu Lawal continued his winning streak by beating Hamidu Abdullahi 6/3, 2/6, 4/6.

PUBLIC NOTICE NWOKEOCHA I formerly known and addressed as Miss Nwokeocha Nnenna Comfort, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Chukwuemeka Nnenna Comfort.

All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE OLAYIWOLA I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Olayiwola Folashade Amoke now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Jinadu Olayiwola Selimot Folashade Amoke. All formal document remain the same.

General public take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE This is to inform the General public that I Mr. Babatunde Fashanu of 28 Isalegangan street, Lagos Island, declear that LSDPC’s document for Block 123, Flat 4, Ijaye Medium Income Housing Estate, Ogba issued to me got lost in transit. LSDPC and General public take note.

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2011

63

Tomorrow in THE NATION

www.thenationonlineng.net

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2011 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

‘It will no longer do to excuse our idiocy and greed as pertinent elements of political and socio-economic expediencies; everybody knows that every one of us is playing his own card’ VOL. 7, NO.1,954

C OMMENT & D EB ATE EBA

P

RESIDENT Jonathan is clearly determined to end the so-called oil subsidy which, according to him, has become unsustainable. In defence of his plan to remove the oil subsidy, he has stated that in 2010 the subsidy cost the nation some N1.3 trillion. This is roughly a third of the entire federal budget. When this vast sum of money is added to the over N2 trillion spent on the public sector, then it can be seen why there is virtually very little left for investment in the domestic economy. The argument being advanced by the Federal Government is that unless the oil subsidy is removed Nigeria will run short of funds for investment in critical sectors of the domestic economy, particularly in the decaying infrastructure.

Already, all the governments of the federation are facing severe financial strains due to a shortfall in revenue generation. The Federal Government is running a deficit budget as are virtually all the states governments. This is why the economy is short of its growth target of 10 per cent annually.

To put it bluntly, unless new funds can be generated Nigeria’s impressive growth rate will splutter. In the view of the Federal Government, one possible new source of generating new funds is the ending of the oil subsidy, the savings from which can be used to jump start the ailing economy. President Jonathan has taken his case to the country and has been talking to all interested parties and stakeholders, including the National Assembly, about the need to end the oil subsidy. His economic arguments are sound and impressive.

But many people remain sceptical and unconvinced about the need for the Federal Government to remove the so-called oil subsidy. In the first place the full extent of the subsidy is neither known to the public, nor has the Federal Government been able to offer adequate explanations as to why it is spending such a vast amount on the oil subsidy. Last year, it was officially stated that the subsidy on oil imports was only N600 billion. This year it jumped to N1.3 trillion, over twice the subsidy for last year. No official explanation has been offered the public for this dramatic rise in the oil subsidy in a single year. In her statement this week to the Joint Senate Committee on oil subsidy, the Minister for Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Alison Madueke, stated that the subsidy on oil had increased from N22.74 per litre in 2006 to N37.9 per litre this year. This could not have been due to any increase in the price of crude oil in the global market as this has remained fairly stable in recent years. So, what is the source of this phenomenal increase in the oil subsidy? Of course, the President has to rely on his officials and advisers for information on the oil subsidy. But there is wide spread suspicion that the huge oil subsidy is due largely to highly inflated claims on oil imports by the oil cartels and that, in reality, the actual oil subsidy should be far less than the figure of N1.3 trillion for this year that the Federal Government is trying to make the public believe and accept. The actual cost of

DAPO FAFOWORA

FROM THE SUMMIT dapo.fafowora@thenationonlineng.net

Before oil subsidy removal

‘

•Dr. Jonathan

importing refined oil is about a third of the market price in Nigeria. The Federal Government receives another third as tax on oil consumption, while the balance is accounted for by profits, including inefficiencies in the oil sector. To this must be added the corporate greed of the oil companies involved in the business of importing oil to Nigeria. So the market price of refined oil includes government’s tax on oil consumption in Nigeria which, cumulatively, could be as high as N500 billion annually. This is a good source of income that the Federal Government cannot do without. But it must be understood that the subsidy on oil that the Federal Government is complaining about is also due to the high tax on oil consumption in Nigeria. In other words, if the tax on oil consumption is reduced then the socalled oil subsidy will fall. But in view of the dire need to increase the revenue of the Federal Government the tax on oil consumption has to be maintained. If the oil subsidy is removed as planned public demand for oil will also fall. In that case, the revenue derived from the tax on oil consumption will also fall.

Secondly, the dramatic increase over the

RIPPLES FED GOVT TO BUILD NEW GAS PIPELINES FOR POWER –Cleric

...on PAPER!

But it must be understood that the subsidy on oil that the Federal Government is complaining about is also due to the high tax on oil consumption in Nigeria.

In other words, if the tax on oil consumption is reduced then the so-called oil subsidy will fall.

’

years in the cost of imported refined oil is a reflection of the devaluation of the Naira over the years. Since 1986 when the IMF/ World Bank induced Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) was introduced in Nigeria to restore fiscal balance to the economy the Naira has been falling steadily. This was admitted by Mrs. Alison Madueke in her statement to the Senate Joint Committee on oil subsidy. It is this Naira exchange rate adjustment downwards that is directly responsible for the sharp increase in the price of oil in Nigeria and the high level of subsidy. The subsidy on oil, which was in existence even before SAP, was maintained so as to bring the price of oil under some form of control in view of its critical role in the growth of the domestic economy.

It was excluded from the entire process of deregulation imposed on the domestic economy so as to ensure that the pump price of oil remains relatively low. As the Naira exchange rate continued to fall the subsidy on oil widened to the extent that it is now considered unsustainable in the long run.

This is a factor that was not seriously considered during the national debate on the need for structural adjustment in the

HARDBALL

T

HE story of 2011 will be incomplete without the theatrics playing itself out in the state of Bayelsa. For the first time in the political history of the country, a sitting president is stoking the flames for the ouster of a sitting governor in his home state and in his own party.

It has been a smoke and mirror game, in which the president, Goodluck Jonathan, first denied any part in the unfolding drama. But to his credit, he revealed his fangs on his birthday when he praised the chairman of the PDP, his party, Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje, for doing the right thing in organising a primary in defiance of court order. Baraje felt good about himself. At least, Jonathan, who often sports an innocent exterior, did not leave the nation in any doubt as to his displeasure with Governor Timipre Sylva.

But Baraje is the man who has not come

Bayelsa: Who is fooling whom? clean. His party, in not clearing Sylva for the primary, announced that he would unveil the reason for the governor’s disqualification soon. In response, Governor Sylva challenged the party leadership to let the world know what sins he committed that should forbid him from running for the position in which he is serving on the ticket of his party.

It seemed appropriate, even routine, that if somebody, especially of the profile of a governor, is occluded from such an aspiration, he should be told where he sinned or erred and the public too ought to know.

But Baraje, in a celebratory mood with

OLATUNJI OLOLADE

economy and what dimension it should take. No one thought at the time that the Naira exchange rate would fall so steeply.

At best, financial analysts were thinking of a range in the Naira exchange rate of between N8 to US$1. Now the exchange rate is roughly N150 to US$1. The prospect is that the exchange rate of the Naira will continue to fall despite the desperate efforts of the CBN to shore it up. I believe this to be one of the major factors responsible for the high price of imported refined oil products in Nigeria. In view of the large scale discovery of new oil wells all over Africa the probability is that the price of crude oil will continue to fall with obvious fiscal consequences for the governments of the federation.

Now, there is growing opposition to the plan of the Federal Government to cut this oil subsidy. The Labour Unions, the mass media, the students, and small scale businessmen are fiercely opposed to the proposal to end the oil subsidy. The private sector appears divided on this matter of the oil subsidy. While the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and NACCIMA have some reservations on the planned removal of the oil subsidy, the Manufacturers’ Association seems to support the government even though it will add to the cost of production in the manufacturing sector. The reason for the divergence is that unlike the manufacturers the Chamber businessmen will have considerable difficulty in passing on to their consumers the increase in prices that will accompany the removal of the oil subsidy.

They will have to contend with consumers’ resistance in the wake of price increases in the market. But in the interim, while the economy adjusts to an increase in the price of refined oil, output in the manufacturing industry is likely to fall too as will jobs in the sector. The National Assembly has not yet taken a definite stand on the matter, but it is probing President Jonathan very closely to see if an alternative solution cannot be found to the wholesale removal of the oil subsidy. In this regard, some members of the National Assembly have outlined some measures that should be taken to provide some relief for the public in the wake of the removal of the oil subsidy. Such measures include bringing the local refineries into full productive capacity and encouraging the building of new oil refineries in Nigeria.

Members of the House are also demanding that savings accruing from the withdrawal of the oil subsidy be used to develop our poor infrastructure. These are preconditions that the President will be willing to accept to get the support of the National Assembly for his proposal to end the oil subsidy.

President Jonathan is not the first head of state to attempt a full scale deregulation of the oil sector, including the withdrawal of the oil subsidy. All former federal governments, civilian and military, have sought progressively to eliminate the oil subsidy.

•To be continued • For comments, send SMS to 08054503031

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above President Jonathan, said he would not disclose the “sins” of Governor Sylva but rather the onus lies on the court of the Governor to tell the world why the party disqualified him.

The party that was so eager to tell the world the sins of the governor turned glib.

The party leadership should be bold enough to live up to its own boast. If Baraje knew his party was not going to reveal his sins, why go public with a promise in the first place?

The nation has been awash with rumours of Sylva’s “sins,” including an alleged threat to kill the president. Nothing has been proved, and if such rumours were true, could he have been disqualified when no conviction had been secured.

It is actually a case of who is fooling whom? The party of Jonathan that boasted of due process cannot even give fair hearing its due.

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