The Nation November 28, 2011

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•No room for rigging, says INEC •AND MORE •PDP denies role in attack on ACN supporters •I won’t probe Idris, says ACN candidate Audu

KOGI 2011

•PAGE 9

•COUNTDOWN TO THE DECEMBER 3 GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION IN THE CONFLUENCE STATE

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NIGERIAN made car will soon hit the road, a company said yesterday.

State-of-the-art facilities are being installed to push out the car, which its builders, VON Automobile Nigeria Limited, say will “replace the importation of fully built versions”.

VON Automobiles Managing Director Tokunbo Aromolaran yesterday

Firm rejects Senate panel’s recommendation From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

urged the Ad-hoc Committee of the Senate on the activities of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) to review its recommendations to reflect the reality in the company. VON Automobiles Nigeria Limited

is the new owner of the rejuvenated Volkswagen of Nigeria (VWON) assembly plant.

The company said that with the imminent roll out of its first vehicles on Nigerian roads, VON’s performance has demonstrated that privatisation is workable.

The committee had advised the Federal Government to buy back the shares acquired

by VON since it has not started production.

But, in a statement issued in Abuja, Aromolaran said since VON took over the firm, it has transformed it.

His words: “We proudly present VON as one of the success stories of the Federal Government’s privatisation programme now and in the years to come.

“Distinguished Senators and interested stakeholders should come on a facility tour of the

plant to verify the transformation going on at VON. “VON requires encouragement and appreciation rather than adverse allegations and obstacles.

“Several Nigerians have been employed, helping it to achieve larger plans that would eventually benefit thousands of Nigerian, ancillary industries and other stakeholders.”

IBB: Igbo president will gladden Ojukwu’s heart Obi urges patience on funeral plans

Suspect linked to UN House bombing

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

From Duku Joel, Damaturu

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ORMER military President Ibrahim Babangida knows how to make the late Biafran leader, Dim Odumegwu Ojukwu, happy in death: ensuring that the Igbo produce President.

Gen. Babangida yesterday joined a long row of prominent Nigerians eulogising the late Ojukwu, a fellow soldier, who died in London on Saturday. He described the late Biafran leader as a “wordsmith”, a “great orator” and a “courageous” Nigerian.

Gen. Babangida, in a tribute he paid through his spokesman, Prince Kassim Afegbua, said of the late Ojukwu: “He was a man who felt the Igbo nation SEE deserves more than it is getting and did give me his word that ALSO he was going to support me on PAGES the assurance that I would take 6 & 7 a Nigerian of Igbo extraction as my running mate in the presidential contest.

“I was going to do that before the aspiration petered out. Despite that, I still believe in the presidential aspiration of the Igbo in future elections and one thing that would gladden the mind of Dim, even in death, is to see an Igbo man becoming President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in the spirit of unity and stability.”

He urged the Federal Government to immortalise Ojukwu by naming a monuContinued on page 2

•Sect kills four policemen •Churches burnt

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•The late Ojukwu

•Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr Dalhatu Tafida, condoling with the Mrs Bianca Ojukwu, wife of the late Chief Ojukwu in London ... yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

ECURITY agents have uncovered a new lead linking a detained suspect, Ali Sauda Umar Konduga (a.k.a Usman AlZawahiri), to the bombing of the UN House and the Police Headquarters in Abuja.

Konduga has named Senator Ali Ndume as one of the sponsors of the Boko Haram sect. Ndume and Konduga have been arraigned before an Abuja Chief Magistrate’s Court for criminal intimidation.

Konduga got a nine-year jail term. Ndume is in the custody of the State Security Services (SSS).

Security reports at the Presidency have foreclosed moves to “politicise” Ndume’s Continued on page 2

•SPORT P24 •POLITICS P25 •CITYBEATS P31 •JOBS P47 •CEO P49

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THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011

NEWS 68 ‘Sylva supporters’ arrested in Abuja

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•From left: Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola, his father, Alhaji Ademola Fashola, former Deputy Governor Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele and Senator Gbenga Ashafa during the Adamu Orisa Play in honour of Chief Yesufu Abiodun Oniru (1864-1984) at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos ... at the weekend.

O fewer than 68 supporters of Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva were yesterday arrested by security agents in Abuja for allegedly planning to disrupt the peace.

Sylva is battling the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following his exclusion from participating in the Bayelsa State PDP governorship primary.

One of his cases will come up today in Abuja.

There was tension in the Federal Capital Territory at the weekend over plans by Sylva’s supporters to storm the PDP National Secretariat today to protest against his

disqualification.

Chairmen of the PDP in five local government areas yesterday raised the alarm in a statement in Abuja. According to them, the protest was meant to discredit the justconcluded governorship primary in Bayelsa State.

Those who signed the statement are Chairman, PDP in Kolokuma/Opukuma Local Government Area, Hon. Binalayefa Gagariga; Chairman PDP, Ekeremor, Mr. Cyril Sudoumowei Alhaji; Chairman, PDP Southern Ijaw, Mr. Ben Foreman; Chairman, PDP Sagbama, Mr. Newyear Okoringa; and Chairman, PDP Ogbia, Mr. Baralatei Kuro.

The statement said: “We, the undersigned Local Government Chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bayelsa State Chapter categorically state as follows; “That some overzealous persons loyal to Governor Timipre Sylva are sponsoring persons (some non-party members) to Abuja under the disguise of Party (PDP) ward Chairmen to demonstrate/protest against the generally accepted decision of the National Working Committee of our great party’s disqualification of Sylva to participate in the PDP gubernatorial primaries and also to discredit the just-concluded free and fair governorship primaries in Bayelsa State.”

Boko Haram kills four policemen in Yobe attacks

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HURCHES, homes and the police headquarters in Gaidam, a small town in Yobe State, were set ablaze in a wave of night time gun and bomb attacks by Boko Haram, the police said yesterday.

Boko Haram (Western education is sin) has claimed responsibility for dozens of shootings and attacks with improvised explosive devices.

“The Gaidam divisional police headquarters and a bank were bombed on Saturday evening by Boko Haram and fire was exchanged into the night between police and Boko Haram members,” a police spokesman was quoted by Reuters as saying.

“Four policemen were killed, 20 wounded, eight churches and 20 market stalls as well as Geidam council secretariat are completely destroyed.”

Gaidam is located less than 20km from Governor Ibrahim Gaidam’s hometown, Bukarti.

An eyewitness told our reporter that the gunmen invaded Gaidam town at about quarter to 6pm, heavily armed. They asked scared residents, especially the youths, to join them to

Suspect linked to UN House bombing Continued from page 1 determine whether Konduga will still We cannot pronounce him guilty.”

arrest, The Nation learnt.

A source said the screening of Konduga’s call logs has provided fresh clues on the bombing of the UN House and the Police Headquarters.

The August 26 explosion at the UN House killed 23 people; 70 others were injured.

The SSS arrested Babagana Ismail Kwaljima (a.k.a Abu Summaya) and Babagana Mali (a.k.a Bulama) over the UN House attack. It declared a Boko Haram leader, Mamman Nur, wanted .

But the fresh clues indicate that more suspects were involved in the “plot”.

A source, who pleaded not to be named said more suspects are being sought, following the clues.

“At the end of the day, the SSS will From Duku Joel, Damaturu

ensure a successful Jihad on the “enemies of Islam” promising that no innocent person would be harmed during the offensive that lasted three hours.

There are conflicting facts as to the number of casualties in the attack. Two people are also believed to have been killed.

Yobe State Secretary of the

stand trial separately for the two incidents.

But we have recorded a breakthrough,” the source said, adding: “In fact, prior to the bombings, there were telephone calls between Konduga and some highly–placed people. The facts suggest that Konduga has been a key member of the Boko Haram sect, contrary to insinuations in some quarters.”

On Ndume’s fate, the source said: “Instead of reading political meaning into it, those aggrieved should be at the court to go through security reports on him.

These will be tendered in court.

“There is no basis for political witchhunt. We have arraigned him in court; he remains a suspect. The onus is on him to prove beyond reasonable doubt before the court that he had no link with Konduga.

Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Mr Peter Ogwuche said: “I am able to gather from various church members that fled the town to Damaturu, the state capital, this morning (yesterday) that about five churches were destroyed, so far”.

Another eyewitness said no policeman was seen on the street throughout the period of the at-

The source said: “We cannot join issues with any party but we have security reports on Ndume. We have his statement on oath and the Presidency was in the picture of our findings.

“We won’t stoop so low to release the security reports, but the court is there for all to go and witness the trial, based on our findings and counter-deposition by the Senator.”

Ndume’s family, it was learnt, had wanted to take up issues with the SSS on Friday at a news conference, but the session was called off at the instance of the Senator.

Another source said: “Nigerians should ask Ndume why he asked his family to shelve the Friday briefing. He must have had some information which they do not have.”

tack until around 9pm when some soldiers who were deployed from Damaturu later showed up in the town at the time the sect members had left.

A young man, who pleaded for anonymity, said his mother’s home and shop located opposite the Magistrate’s Court, Geidam was among the shops burnt by the attackers. “I place a call to

my mum only to hear a man answering the call and warning me never to call that line again.

That signalled to me that my mum might be in trouble. I later learnt that they managed to escape and by now they should be on their way out of the town”.

Another source simply identified as Fatima, who spoke to our correspondent on the tele-

•The late Ojukwu

phone, said by yesterday morning, “virtually all the Christians, especially the Igbo, were leaving the town in large numbers; some on foot. The town is upside down”.

Police Commissioner Suleimon Lawal’s phone kept ringing without response. It was learnt that the CP had accompanied the DIG ‘B’ in charge of Operation, Alhaji Audu Abubakar Karasuwa, to Gaidam to see things for himself.

The Gaidam attack is the second major onslaught of the Boko Haram in Yobe State. Three weeks ago, the sect’s members launched co-ordinated attacks that claimed well over 65 persons’ lives.

Buhari mourns ‘forthright’ Ojukwu as IBB seeks Igbo president Continued from page 1

ment after him.

Gen. Babangida added: “The Federal Government should immortalise this great Nigerian by naming a great institution or monument after him. That way, his name and history will forever be preserved for the good of humanity.”

The ex-Head of State also recalled how he related with the late Ojukwu and the kind of leader he was.

The statement said: “At last, a great Nigerian, an extra-ordinary Nigerian, a wordsmith and great orator, a cerebral soldier and very courageous Nigerian, Dim Odumegwu Ojukwu, has just snapped.

“He was a Nigerian who was driven by his convictions and pursued his goal in life, believing in his convictions.

He was a rare gem, a strong advocate for better society and strong believer in the equitable distribution of power and political bargaining.

“With Dim, my very senior colleague, there was no dull moment. I got really close to him during my regime and I remember vividly how we used to sit and discuss issues of nation-building and unity

Ojukwu’s burial will be a collective decision, says Obi

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NAMBRA State Governor Peter Obi has urged those seeking to know the details of Chief Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu’s funeral to be patient.

According to him, it will be a collective decision in consultation with various stakeholders, with his immediate family taking the lead.

Obi, according to his spokesman Valentine Obienyen, was responding to “countless calls from people volunteering of our country after the civil war era.

“Even at old age, Dim still believed in the cause he fought for. He shared his sentiments about the country barely a year ago when I paid him a visit at his country home to inform him of my intention to run for the last 2011 presidential election. He was his vintage self, taking me down memory lane about the Nigerian situation.

“He could remember vividly also the role that my administration played in returning his seized property to him as well as those of several others as part of our modest contribution to healing the wounds of the civil war.

“He was his characteristic

From Abiodun Joseph, Maiduguri

to serve in Ojukwu’s burial committee”.

Obi, who came back from France via London on Saturday, but had to travel back to London the same day with Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu Jnr on being told of Ojukwu’s death, said the late Biafran leader deserved the best, given his selfless sacrifice. He promised that the Igbo and Nigerians of goodwill will give him the best.

The governor is expected back in the

self, deploying anecdotes and wise sayings to underscore the import of our discourse.

“Dim Ojukwu’s patriotism about the oneness of the country was not in doubt. He believed that given the country’s diverse socio-political and cultural configurations, the nation-states within the nation must be given room to flourish in a mutually exclusive arrangement that would further the aspiration of the country.

“His understanding of the political dynamics in the country was extra-ordinary and, trust him, his rendition was usually in a class of his own.

“The nation will miss this solid voice from the East of the Niger, this leader of men

country today. He will formally inform President Goodluck Jonathan of Ojukwu’s death.

It was gathered that Ojukwu’s body has been deposited in a mortuary through the combined efforts of his widow, Bianca, and Obi’s wife, Margaret, whom Bianca telephoned immediately his condition became critical.

Ojukwu’s son, Emeka, has thanked Nigerians for the wonderful “solidarity” and “love” shown to his father.

who stood firmly by his people all through his journey in life. Dim was never given to prevarication nor was he the type that would genuflect on issues.

“It was easy for one to know where he truly belonged, and he would give convincing reasons why he would take such a position.

Such a man should be immortalised and his history and entire humanity should be preserved for the present and future generations of Nigerians.

“My heart goes to his family, especially Bianca, his wife of many years, at this moment of grief and mourning of a departed dear husband, father, uncle and highly cerebral Nigerian. My condo-

lences to the entire Igbo sons and daughters and Nigerians all over the world for the loss of a distinguished Nigerian who lived by his convictions till death separated us. May the spirit of the Almighty God grant him eternal rest in the hereafter. May He also provide the family the strength and fortitude to bear with this great loss.”

A former President of the Senate, Senator Adolphus Wabara, described the death of Ojukwu as a huge loss to the nation.

Wabara, in a condolence message to the OdumegwuOjukwu family, said the Igbo and indeed Nigerians at large are proud of the late Ojukwu’s contributions to Nigerian nationhood.

Wabara described the late Ojukwu as a “tower of pride to generations unborn”.

He added: “We take solace in the fact that his legacies will abide by Nigeria forever.

No one, not even his ardent critics, will overlook his monumental contributions to Nigerian nationhood, his love for the downtrodden and his passion for the development of his people.

“I urge the family he left behind and the entire Igbo community to take heart and continue to bask in the glory of his indelible and glorious legacies.”

Former Head of State Gen. Muhammadu Buhari described the late Ojukwu as a tireless, focused and frank negotiator who kept to his words.

Buhari, in a condolence message by his spokesman Yinka Odumakin, said Ojukwu and himself were partners in progress, searching assiduously for solutions to the problems confronting Nigeria.

“In the process of our friendship and quests in each other’ houses and in all our transitions and engagements on and off the political scene, I find Dim a most forthright and honourable players,” the former Presidential candidate said.

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

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011

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THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011

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NEWS Ondo riverside people join ACN

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VER 5,000 indigenes of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, under the aegis of Ilaje Democratic Forum (IDF), at the weekend joined the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

IDF is a socio-political organisation clamouring for development in Ilajeland.

Its members are from the 12 wards and two state constituencies that make up the local government.

The leaders of the group are Nimbe Tawofe, Oluyide Mekuleyi and Chief Olusegun Enikanologbon.

They lamented the deplorable condition of roads and the lack of potable water, health facilities, good schools and housing in their communities.

IDF said: “We have observed with dismay the total neglect of the coastal area in terms of infrastructure, health, education and housing.

“Unlike in the days of former governors Adebayo Adefarati and Olusegun Agagu, the present administration has seen road construction as a taboo in the area.

“The Igbokoda/Mahun/ Ugbo/Ugbonla road, initiated by Adefarati and Agagu, is the only road linking the Ilaje nation together.”

But the State Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Femi Okunjemiruwa, accused the IDF of trying to heat up the polity.

Okunjemiruwa said the Governor Olusegun Mimiko administration has embarked on many projects in Ilaje.

Ekiti ACN urges members on council polls From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

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HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Ekiti State has urged its members to support candidates presented by the party’s executive as the ACN’s flagbearers in the forthcoming local government polls.

The ACN warned members against making statements that can cause disunity in the party.

In a statement in AdoEkiti, the state capital, yesterday, ACN’s Publicity Director Akogun Tai Oguntayo said: “The State Chairman, Chief Jide Awe, has presented the flagbearers of the party in the forthcoming local government election. ACN is noted for internal discipline and respect for the view of elders.

“It is natural for many people to aspire to contest a position, but the party cannot present more than one person for a particular post.

The method applied in choosing the flagbearers was devoid of rancour, because the party refused to collect any money, be it nomination fee or letter of intent fee, from aspirants until after the screening.

Those complaining are those who did not appear for screening.”

Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola addressing members of the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (OYES) and other participants in the state’s Mini Marathon, tagged: O’Marathon 2011, at the Osogbo Township Stadium...at the weekend. The event was part of activities marking the administration’s one-year anniversary.

Why we can’t tax Osun people, by Aregbesola

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SUN State Governor Rauf Aregbesola at the weekend explained why his administration has refused to tax the people.

Aregbesola said his people are very poor and tax would be an unnecessary burden on them.

He spoke at the Banquet Hall of the State House in Osogbo, the state capital, during a dinner with representatives of various financial institutions.

The dinner was part of activities marking the one year anniversary of the Aregbesola administration in office.

The governor urged the institutions to assist in eradicating poverty in the state, assuring them of security and a business friendly environ-

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

ment.

He solicited for funds to finance capital projects and programmes that would improve the state’s economy.

Aregbesola said: “I am in Osun State to eradicate poverty. If you are talking about naked poverty, it is here in the state. We can not tax anybody here because we do not want them to die.

“Are we going to tax people waiting to die? We were able to save 13 million in the last year, not through tax, but by blocking leakages in the system. So you bankers have no choice than to help us deliver good governance to the people. We need your support to eradicate poverty.

“I am amused about the uninformed comments of our

predecessor in office about the finances of the state. They are confused and cannot comprehend what we are doing because they are not financially literate.

“We have the vision, passion and action. I am here to change the fate of the black man through the various programmes and projects of our unusual and unconventional government.

“My predecessor left the state’s account in a bad state.

We met a suffocating loan of N18.3 billion, which the Olagunsoye Oyinlola administration secured in an unprofessional manner.

“But within a year in office, my administration was able to increase the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state from N300 million to N600 million and pay the loan

through the access of N25 million bond from the bank, with the monthly servicing of less than N100 million, instead of the N800 million used to service the former loan.”

The governor said his administration does not wait for the federal allocation before it pays its workers, adding that any state waiting for it is doomed.

He said states rejected the October allocation because of President Goodluck Jonathan’s decision to deduct some amount from it for the creation of Sovereign Wealth.

Aregbesola said nobody has the right to deduct from any state’s allocation without the governor’s consent.

He advised state governments to exploit other avenues for generating revenue.

Commissioner for Finance,

Economic Planning and Budgeting, Dr. wale Bolorunduro said the government plans to increase the IGR to N1 billion next year.

On incessant bank robberies in the state, Bolorunduro said the government has collaborated with security agencies to forestall a recurrence.

He said the governor has ordered for five Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and established a security trust fund to combat the menace.

Many of the bank executives acknowledged the governor’s passion for development and promised to support his administration.

They include: Ayo Abina, Skye Bank; Elias Akenzua, Zenith Bank; Akinleye Ogunleye, Diamond Bank; and Boyin Oladokun, Unity Bank.

Senator laments state govts’ insolvency

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HAIRMAN, Senate Committee on Science and Technology, Prof. Ajayi Boroffice has urged states to exploit other means of generating revenue to augment their monthly allocation from the federal account.

Boroffice spoke at the Fourth Memorial Lecture

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

in honour of the first governor of the old Ondo State, the late Michael Adekunle Ajasin.

He said it is worrisome that some states are not buoyant enough to execute capital projects and have resorted to borrowing, instead of boosting their Internally

•NGO stages Ajasin lecture Generated Revenue (IGR).

Boroffice said the lack of focus by some governors is responsible for the poor financial status of their states.

He said: “It is sad that many states are insolvent, they rely solely on monthly allocation.

Many of them cannot even

pay the minimum wage.

“Some have sought for bonds to finance their capital projects. Ondo State is inclusive. The state has refused to pay minimum wage to its work force.”

Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko, who was

represented by the Commissioner for Urban and Regional Planning, Igbekele Dawodu, described the late Adekunle Ajasin as a man of great honour.

The lecture, organised by a non-governmental organisation, Good Governance Monitor, was attended by the late Ajasin’s daughter, Mrs. Jumoke Anifowose.

Ondo Labour Party gets parallel exco

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HE Labour Party (LP) in Ondo State got a parallel executive at the weekend.

At an emergency meeting of aggrieved members at Helena Hotel in Akure, the state capital, a former lawmaker, Mr. Kunle Odidi, emerged as the state chairman.

Other members of the executive are Mr. Ariboki Dele, Eriola Aganmoya, Olutayo Babalola, Elder Akin Oguntuase and Ofobutu Abiodun.

They alleged that after former LP Chairman Dr. Olaiya Oni left the party,

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

Governor Olusegun Mimiko imposed Ogidan on the party as chairman.

Odidi said: “The governor was nowhere when we were forming the LP. It was formed on the core values of democratic principles devoid of arrogance and dictatorship.

“Against the party’s constitution, Mimiko, in his characteristic manner, went ahead to impose Ogidan on the LP, against the interest of the members.

“It has become difficult

•Party: they are defectors ‘Against the party’s constitution, Mimiko, in his characteristic manner, went ahead to impose Ogidan on the LP, against the interest of the members’ for any member to freely express his/her ambition in the party. You cannot even aspire, unless you

subsume your ambition under the dictatorial aura of Mimiko.

“The members have tolerated the overbearing influence of Mimiko and cannot endure it any more, because the party is gradually collapsing.

“It is our collective heritage and we feel it will not be wise of us to leave it in the hands of a person whose policy and disposition has sent many people away from the party.

“I am one of the few persons that formed LP in this

state. When we were putting the party’s structure in place, Mimiko was away in Abuja selling houses. He ran away.

“He now wants to foist his candidate on the party as he did in the last party primary.”

The factional chairman said his faction is ready to challenge Ogidan’s alleged imposition in court.

However, an official of the LP said the party has no faction.

He said the aggrieved members joined the opposition parties a long time ago.

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011

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NEWS EMEKA ODUMEGWU-OJUKWU (1933-2011) Audu condoles with family From Joseph Jibueze, Lokoja

ACTION Congress of Nigeria (ACN) governorship candidate in Kogi State, Prince Abubakar Audu, has condoled with the family of Ikemba of Nnewi, Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu and the government and people of Anambra State.

In a statement by his Media Officer, Mr Sanni Onogu, Audu described Ojukwu as a true leader who lived and died for his people.

He said:“Until his painful demise, Ojukwu was a household name and true leader of the Igbo nation and Nigeria at large.

“The Ikemba remains an evergreen icon which many of us would continue to emulate in our struggle to liberate our people.

“Ojukwu as a man who was intellectually mobile never let anybody in doubt as to where he stood on any issue.

“He was fearless and courageous in all his undertakings. His place in the history of Nigeria is assured.”

Ohakim: He was misunderstood FORMER Imo State Governor Ikedi Ohakim yesterday said the late Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu was misunderstood by many.

Ohakim, in a statement, said: “We have lost yet another great patriot, who though was misunderstood by many, lived his entire life in the struggle for equity and social justice.

“His death offers Nigerians an opportunity for sober reflections, especially on the events of those difficult days when we took up arms against one another over issues we should have resolved through dialogue.”

He added: “ It is my belief that it is the bitter experience of the civil war that is behind our current determination to pursue our collective destiny as one people together with our appreciation of the fact that we can only achieve this by imbibing a democratic culture that is built on equity, honesty and the rule of law.

“For my generation, the exit of Eze Igbo Gburugburu, Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, poses a big challenge in the sense that the burden now lies on our shoulders to ensure that those progressive ideals for which he and other great patriots like him lived are realised. My family and I join millions of other Nigerians in mourning this illustrious son of Africa and in praying to Almighty God to give his family the fortitude to bear this great loss.”

Governors, NSA, CD mourn APGA leader

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OVERNORS Abiola Ajimobi, Olusegun Mimiko, Abdulfatah Ahmed and the National Security Adviser (NSA) , Gen. Owoye Azazi have described the death of the Ikemba of Nnewi, Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu as a national loss.

Ajimobi, in a statement by his Media Adviser, Dr Festus Adedayo, said death has robbed Igboland of one of its children who mirror what he called the trinity of Igbo character. He explained the trinity of Igbo character as Akpu uche (colt of reason), Ukwu n’ije (strives and enterprise) and Aka Ikenga (pride of attainment), stating that a good score by an Igbo man in all three pronounces him to have attained Ntozu (accomplishment/high grade titles), which in turn brings forth Odenigbo (global acclaim).

Mimiko described the death as a big loss to Nigeria.

He noted that the vacuum, which Ojukwu’s death has created, will be difficult to fill because he was a great man, who had a dream for a great nation where there will be justice, equity and fairness.

Ojukwu was bold, courageous, disciplined, say ACN, PDP

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THE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday expressed sadness at the death of Chief Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, saying his death robs Nigeria of a veritable voice of wisdom.

In a statement issued in Lagos yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the ACN described Ojukwu as a man whose own personal history is closely intertwined with that of Nigeria, hence the country’s history will be incomplete without a reference to him. ‘’Chief Ojukwu actions in his lifetime impacted hugely on the history of Nigeria and helped shape the country’s destiny. More importantly, his endless quest for fairness and justice was reflected in his unmatched love for his people, and the sacrifices he made on their behalf,’’ it said.

ACN expressed regret that the issues that led to the Nigerian civil war, of which Chief Ojukwu played a pivotal role, had yet to be fully resolved before his passing, saying this must have been a source of immense con-

He prayed God to grant the Ojukwu family, the Igbo people and the entire Nigerians, the fortitude to bear the loss.

In a statement by his Chief

From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

cern to him in his last days on earth.

The party said Nigeria can best honour Ojukwu’s memories by working hard to resolve the imperfections that still exist in the country’s federalist system, over three decades after the end of the civil war.

PDP, in a statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Rufai Alkali, said Ojukwu was in every way a lead character whose roles in the premiere chapters of independent Nigeria significantly shaped the history and the course of nationhood.

It said: “On behalf of the National Working Committee and the entire members of the PDP therefore; the National Chairman of our great party ; Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje condoles the Government and People of Anambra State, our compatriots in the Southeast, members of the Ojukwu family and indeed all Nigerians over the loss of one of the most colorful citizens of our dear country””Nigeria will no doubt miss his doggedness and his great lessons in uncommon service to the people. ”

Press Secretary, Abdulwahab Oba, Ahmed said: “The Ikemba jettisoned personal comfort to embrace pain in order to secure lasting peace for his people and Nigeria.

His death has left a vacuum that may endure for a long time.”

Gen Aziza said: “I received with shock the passing away of a great Nigerian and con-

summate Igbo leader, Chief Odumegwu Ojukwu. The Ikemba Nnewi lived a fulfilled life and died as a great man. His service in the Nigerian military as one of the first set of elite soldiers paved the way for quick integration of elite class into the armed forces. Ojukwu left an indelible mark on the political and social turf of this nation. We will miss the courageous warlord who demonstrated humility and desirability to reintegrate himself and his followers into the mainstream Nigerian polity after the unfortunate civil war experience.”

The Campaign for Democracy (CD) said his death signalled the closure of a major chapter.

Its president, Dr Joe OkeiOdumakin, said: “ His was a long life struggle for his beliefs and uncommon commitment to fairness and equity.

He has departed the world at a time when the nation is still grappling with many of the issues that he threw up for national discourse. His death should call attention to those issues and the need to resolve them so that we can build a harmonious country.”

Ojukwu was a pace-setter, says House of Representatives

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HE House of Representatives yesterday described the late former Biafran warlord., Dim Odumegwu Ojukwu, as a pacesetter.

To ex-Governor James Ibori, Ojukwu was one of the greatest orators Nigeria has ever produced.

House spokesman Mohammed Zakari urged President Goodluck to immortalise Ojukwu.

“The House said: “The loss of elder statesman, Dim Odumegwu Ojukwu is a blow to our quest for a renewed leadership in Nigeria. He served this nation diligently and he stood for justice and oneness.

“His vision, oratory gift and courageous leadership style will be greatly missed

by Nigerians. Our solace is

From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

that he lived without blemish.

“He was a pace-setter.

Nigeria’s history will never be complete without a chapter dedicated to Ojukwu. Being the first graduate in the history of the Nigerian Army, he pioneered the intellectual dimension in the Army and elevated its standard to the level of similar institutions in other parts of the world.”

The House pleaded with President Goodluck Jonathan to immortalize Ojukwu.

“It added: “Our hope is that the President will put

up structures to immortalize Ojukwu. We in the House will continue to pursue the ideals he stood for while alive. He was an accomplished soldier, politician and a respected national leader.”

Ibori said that it would be lazy to look at Ojukwu’s rich and variegated life and see nothing beyond his most consequential sentence: “I hereby declare the Republic of Biafra”.

Ibori, who paid tribute through a release by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Tony Eluemunor, said: “Ojukwu was a trail-blazer as he was one of the very first university graduates to join the Nigerian Army; he was a scholar-statesman in the mould of the great Zik of Africa, Dr. Nnamdi Aziki-

we, a colourful politician and one of the greatest orators, if not the greatest, that Nigeria has ever produced.

His every gesture spoke volumes such that he was a great actor on the stage of life.

“Yet, the most important lesson from Ojukwu’s life is that this former secessionist leader embraced peace and the concept of one Nigeria the moment the Nigerian Civil War ended. “Ojukwu became such a proud and committed Nigerian that he contested elections to the Senate and the Presidency.

“In words and actions, he remained committed to Nigeria while championing the cause of Ndigbo in the true sense of the Nigerian Federalism. With his death, Ndigbo have not only lost a great lead-

•The late Ojukwu

er but Nigeria has lost a true son.

“Every warrior deserves his rest; rest in peace Chief Emeka Odumegu-Ojukwu; on behalf of the entire Ibori family, I join the nation in mourning the passing of a truly Nigerian patriot.”

Nwobodo: an icon is gone

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• Suspected criminals paraded by Delta Police Command in Warri...yesterday

ORMER Governor of Anambra State Jim Nwobodo yesterday said the death of Chief Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu amounted to the fall of an Iroko tree.

He said Nigeria has lost an icon.

Nwobodo, who issued a statement in Abuja last night, said Ojukwu’s leadership qualities were exceptional.

He said: “I am saddened by the news of the passing on of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu–Ojukwu , Eze Igbo Gburugburu and Ikemba Nnewi.

“Dim Odimegwu- Ojukwu will be remembered in many ways not just as the Head of State of the defunct Biafra . He was the first graduate officer of the Nigerian Armed Forces. He was intelligent and courageous. He always stood for the truth. “

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011

6

NEWS EMEKA ODUMEGWU-OJUKWU (1933 - 2011) PROLOGUE

By Olukorede Yishau

H

E started life as a Nigerian.

At a point, he became a Biafran. Later, he returned to his original status as a Nigerian. His story is not complete without its link to Nigeria’s first and only civil war. But for Emeka Ojukwu, it was fate that thrust this on him. His rich father had got him educated at the Lincoln College, Oxford University. He returned to colonial Nigeria in 1956, with a Master’s Degree in his kitty.

Ojukwu was, in 1957, absorbed by the civil service in Eastern Nigeria as an Administrative Officer at Udi, in today’s Enugu State. He was a big catch. But he did not stay there enough to make much impact.

He was not where he was going yet.

Within months of working with the civil service, he resigned and joined the military. He made record as the second university graduate to join the army. The first was O. Olutoye, who joined a year earlier.

With his level of education, meteoric rise was guaranteed. After serving in the United Nations’ peacekeeping force in the Congo, under the late Major General Johnson Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi, Ojukwu was promoted to LieutenantColonel. That was in 1964. He was posted to Kano, as head of the 5th Battalion of the Nigerian Army.

Two years after he arrived Kano, Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu executed and announced a bloody military coup in Kaduna.

That was on January 15, 1966. Ojukwu supported the then Supreme Commander of the Nigerian Armed Forces, Major-General Aguiyi-Ironisi. His support for General Aguiyi-Ironsi got him the governorship of the defunct eastern Nigeria on Monday, January 17, 1966. But it took only five months before things went awry.

On May 29, 1966, there was a pogrom in the North. Igbos were at the receiving end. Many of them were killed.

By July 29, 1966, a group of officers of Northern extraction, such as Majors Murtala Muhammed, Theophilus Danjuma, and Martin Adamu, lchampioned a coup, which swept off General Aguiyi-Ironsi , who was then on a visit to Colonel Adekunle Fajuyi in Ibadan. Fajuyi too was killed.

Ojukwu wanted the then Brigadier Ogundipe to take over leadership. The coup planners wanted the then Colonel Gowon. Ogundipe caved in and accepted a posting to the Nigerian High Commission in London.

It was clear from then on that it was just matter of time before the country would go up in flame. In January 1967, the military leadership went to Aburi, Ghana for a peace conference hosted by General Joseph Ankrah. Agreements were reached, but never implemented and onMay 30, 1967, the then Colonel Odumegwu-Ojukwu declared Eastern Nigeria a sovereign state to be known as BIAFRA. Gowon responded on July 6, 1967 by declaring war. And for the next 30 months, the country was on fire.

Millions of lives, mostly of Nigerians of the Igbo extraction perished with the war. By the time it ended on January 9, 1970, Ojukwu handed over to his second in command, then Major-General Philip Effiong, and left on exile to Côte d’Ivoire, where the then President Felix Houphöet-Biogny granted him political asylum. Côte d’Ivoire recognised Biafra on 14 May 1968.

He returned to the country 13 years later, after securing presidential pardon.

He began life afresh as a civilian, tried his hand on ruling Nigeria and lived with the image of a Biafran-Nigerian until his death.

Ojukwu: Controversial, The late Emeka OdumegwuOjukwu was born with a silver spoon in his month, but he chose his own controversial path, writes VALENTINE OBIENYEM, author of Ojukwu: The Last Patriot

D

IM Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the number one Igbo citizen and a Nigerian patriot, said goodbye to this world on November 26 after a protracted illness. I was privileged to accompany Governor Peter Obi (his 9th visit) to see him in London on November 25, on our way to Nigeria from France, where he accompanied the president to the meeting of Honorary Investors Council of Nigeria’s meeting. Our plane hardly touched ground at 5:30 am when the governor received a text message from Ojukwu’s son that the father had passed on. He was momentarily lost as he kept shouting Oh noo ad infinitum. He immediately made some calls, including to Ojukwu’s wife, Bianca who is in London. He called his wife, Margaret who was in France with us, but had to stop in London to immediately go and stay with Bianca and make sure everything was in order. Mrs Margaret Peter-Obi had tried in vain to persuade her husband to spend the night in London, but the governor said he had so many things to do in Anambra that he could not afford one minute of rest. Turning to me, he told me to call his travel agent for the next available flight to London for himself, myself and Emeka, Ojukwu’s son. The agent got back with the news that British Airways was fully booked. Thereafter, we went to fetch the son in town and raced back to the airport for the next flight to Lagos to catch the Virgin flight to London. Since only two economy class were available, I could not make it; Gov. Obi and Emeka did.

While we were in London, Governor Obi had audience with the President. After the meeting, he told me how nice our president is, his concern for the good of the country and how he showed deep-rooted concern for Ojukwu. The issue arose because Obi discussed with him the possibility of naming the dual carriage road from Head bridge after Dim Odumegwu-Ojukwu. He had written to him on that but Mr. President was of the opinion, and rightly too, that it would be after the rehabilitation of the road, which is on-going now. Even while the President spoke to our people in France, he said that his SSA in Diaspora (Bianca) would have been in the meeting but for special permission granted her to appropriately look after her husband. As all this took place, nobody knew that death was hovering over him.

But why this unusual reactions to Ojukwu’s death? The reason is simple, he was a great man. Shall we sample him?

By the standard of today, his father, Sir Louis Odumegwu was a billionaire. With his wealth, he reared the little but charming Emeka with all the affection that parents lavish upon their children in ever y age. He was determined to give him the best education. Consistent with Sir Louis’ vow, the child, Emeka, was almost crushed with education.

While in King’s College, his father had already discovered that his child, Emeka, was intellectually precocious and keen, well endowed with good judgment and restless with ambition.

Emeka, 12, was admitted into Epsom College, in the county of Surrey.

Emeka later gained admission to Lincoln College, University of Oxford in 1952. Oxford, as expected, was full of the frolic of students, the odour of learning and the excitement of independent thought.

There, his father was anxious that Emeka should study Law .

The insistence of the father that Emeka studied Law was the first serious conflict between father and son. In filial compromise Emeka took up the studying of Law; but as a student of Law, the prospect of studying modern History and observing the lives of heroes held a secret fascination for him. At a stage, having studied Law for a year, he burnt his law books, forgot Jurisprudence and followed History as if under a spell.

In 1955, he obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree. Back to Nigeria, he soon returned to Oxford to receive his Master of Arts degree. With all these, and while in the flower of his maturity, he inwardly felt satisfied that he was now well armed with the weapon of education. His desire to contribute to the development of his country could now begin. Silently, he resolved to begin in earnest.

On his return, Sir Odumegwu took Emeka to a lavishly furnished office complex, and handed him the keys. On getting home that day, Emeka had a vision or something close to that; he was offered a choice of life of ease, pleasure, plenty and vice, or one of hardship, danger, glory and virtue. He followed wise counsel and chose the more difficult but virtuous life.

Thereafter, he rejected the cosy path cut for him by his father, gave him back the keys and decided to cut his own path.

This crave for individualism made him join the Eastern Nigerian Public Service as an Administrative Officer. Sir Louis was not pleased at all that his son took what he considered the ridiculous job of an administrator. Exhausting all persuasion, the father upbraided the son for trying to make his family a public jest. Rather than budge, the son showed ever less interest in the father’s business, ever more in administration.

The dust generated by Emeka’s administrative work had hardly settled down when, in search of an organisation that would escape his father’s influence, he generated another controversy that threatened to separate him from his father for good. He joined the Army!

This was in 1957, when the Nigerian Army was merely a part of an all-embracing British West African army called the Royal West African Frontier Forces (RWAFF).

These forces included the armies of Nigeria, Gold Coast (now Gha-

•Ojukwu

na), Sierra-Leone and Gambia.

Thinking the task of bringing his son to his “senses” had gone beyond him, Sir Odumegwu enlisted the help of his friends; Zik and others were contacted. Zik called Emeka and advised that if he were Emeka, he would accept his father’s offer and avoid the hazard of joining a brutal force. Emeka remarked that he would do so if he were Zik. Being Emeka, he maintained that his father’s offer would make him perpetually delineated as Ojukwu.

After six months as a Captain, Ojukwu was promoted to a Major.

Because of the respect Emeka’s father had for the rank of a Major, he broke the silence with his son and celebrated his promotion with him.

Father and son drank a bottle of champagne between them as a gesture of re-union. Very soon he was transferred to Kaduna as a Staff Officer with the First Brigade. While there, like his contemporaries, he served with the United Nations Peace Keeping Forces in Congo in 1962. Between 1964 – 66, Ojukwu was the commander of Fifth Battalion, Kano. While he was in the Fifth Battalion, the first attempted coup took place. He did not, like most commanders, abdicate his command. He opposed the coup and was later appointed the governor of the Eastern Region.

The regime of the late General Ironsi, which Ojukwu was part of, tried to save Nigeria within the limits of their vision and creed.

With the death of Ironsi, an organised pogrom was carried out. Ojukwu and other concerned Igbos raised horrified protests, even as soldiers of Northern region congratulated one another.

As the crisis deepened, Ojukwu’s resistance grew, but the then Lt. Colonel Yakubu Gowon wanted to

retain him in the army. In an attempt to placate him, the prospect of being the Chief of Staff Supreme Headquarters was dangled before him with enticing conditions.

However, Ojukwu, who would not support indiscipline, spurned the dangled carrot.

As one of the means of seeking peace, the actors in that conflict needed a meeting.

At Aburi, for the first time in Nigerian history, the problems of the country were faced honestly and honest solutions sought. From that bitter moment, Ojukwu the administrator receded into history, and Ojukwu the General, aged 33, turned his soul to war. After the war, he went to exile where he stayed for 12 years.

With the end of the war, Ojukwu was granted political asylum by the Late President of Ivory Coast, Houphuet Boigny.

After his pardon by the then President, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, Ojukwu came home on board a chartered Boeing 727 Nigeria Airways Flight WT 700. Since he came back, he participated in politics fully. He was the father figure of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Certainly, very few Nigerians have been famous in quite as many ways as him: controversial, athletic, gentlemanly but firm. Calm in crisis with tremendous reserves of physical and nervous energy, he is the apotheosis of leadership. He is one of the greatest commanders, the greatest leaders in the history of Nigeria. If we judge greatness by influence, which is the least subjective test that we can use, we may rank Ojukwu with Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Alhaji Ahmadu Bello and Chief Obafemi Awolowo as the most powerful personalities in Nigeria.

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011

7

NEWS EMEKA ODUMEGWU-OJUKWU (1933 - 2011)

athletic, gentlemanly but firm In his book, Beacuse I am Involved, the late Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu expressed his thouhts on some prominent Nigerians, such as the late Nnamdi Azikwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo and Wole Soyinka. Excerpts:

What he thought of Zik, Awo, Gowon, others

•Dr. Azikiwe

•Awolowo

•Gowon

•Obasanjo

•Soyinka

I have no quarrel with Zik. I cannot quarrel with Zik. I am rather too small for that. In Igbo culture and tradition, a son cannot quarrel with his father. Zik is my father. I grew up on his lap. My father considered him his friend and testified to this fact at the FosterSutton tribunal. It is true that he and I have not agreed on many issues. This is more due to the generation gap than to anything else.

Our ambitions are different – where he would appear to wish to lead the Igbos, I would be content to serve them. In Igbo language, we say that one does not choose ones relatives, but friends. As a father, I love and respect him. As a politician, I disagree with his policies which I believe, to a large extent, have left the Igbos naked.

In political terms, he would be considered an adversary of the Igbos, given the intense rivalry between him and Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe. He was firm, articulate, painstaking, and uncompromising. He was, for a long time, the only Nigerian leader that enunciated principles and played down personalities. He was a brilliant political administrator and a most erudite teacher... he was able to convince the Yoruba people that he, only he epitomised the highest point of their political aspirations and consciousness. He was loved, he was feared but above all he belonged to the people he professed to lead. At his death, I had the singular honour of proposing for him this epitaph that has endured – ‘he was the best President that Nigeria never had’.

People make me laugh when they talk about an enmity between Yakubu Gowon and Ojukwu.

That Gowon and I did not see eye to eye on certain issue was as a result of our different perceptions of the situation at the time.

These were perceptions built into our being in Nigeria. If I were from the North, my perception of the situation would have been entirely different just as if Gowon had been from the East. In leading the war we both postured. For anyone, therefore, to try and extend this posturing and make it permanent on the national stage, to my mind, is sterile. I will most certainly invite Gowon to my house for lunch any day.

My initial enthusiasm on his becoming the Nigerian head of state was rather dampened by the thought of certain unfortunate statements he was alleged to have made after the war, about the vanquished areas to a people he was directed to reconcile and reintegrate. I was confused by the novelty of his concept of dual sovereignty – “The Murtala-Obasanjo Regime’. I was enthused by his peaceful hand-over to civilian rule, dismayed by his reference to juju in the search for a South African solution, excited by his forthright commentary on contemporary Nigerian matters and absolutely elated by his leadership forum: its concept, articulation and execution.

Wole Soyinka needs no introduction; his academic brilliance, his courage, his forthrightness, his concern for the society in which he lives and his, sometimes, acerbic criticism of authority have all become part of the living legend of our time. Wole most certainly has had his share of troubles – we all pray that this genius remains.

Wole Soyinka is a man of great conviction and who, having won the Nobel Prize for literature, has become a universally acclaimed giant. He is a genius nurtured in our midst and he has done Nigeria proud. Though we failed to see eye to eye during the civil war, we have subsequently remained friends.

ANPP, Northern leaders eulogise Ojuwku

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HE National Chairman of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, yesterday described the death of one of its founding leaders and former member of the party’s Board of Trustee (BOT), Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu as painful.

In a statement issued in Abuja, Onu said Ojukwu was a great Nigerian who stood firmly for what he believed in and remained tireless in his pursuit of justice and equity.

He described Ojukwu as a courageous and uncommon fighter of battles of good conscience.

The statement reads: “On behalf of the leadership and entire members of the All Nigeria Peoples Party, I join the rest of our fellow citizens to mourn the transition to eternal glory of a founding leader and a former member of our great Party’s Board of Trustees, the Ikemba Nnewi, the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.

“His eventful life as a brilliant

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja and Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

scholar, brave soldier, astute administrator, outstanding political leader and a priceless hero of worthy causes showed that truly he was a most remarkable man; fearless and bold in the search for a better society.

“As a political party, we shall for a very long time to come, continue to remember his invaluable contributions to the growth of our great party. He was a pillar of strength, a man of history, a martyr of good works, a man of electrifying charm and charisma and above all, a most illuminating torch bearer of inspiration.

“I extend our heartfelt condolences to his dear widow, Bianca, his children and indeed the countless number of youths, men and women in our fatherland, whose lives he touched in a profoundly positive way during his sojourn here on earth. I urge them to please take heart. They should

find consolation in the knowledge that the contributions of rare people like the great Ikemba Nnewi and Ezeigbo Gburugburu do not die. They live for eternity in the hearts of good men and women as well as in the sanctuary of the womb of time.”

The Special Adviser on Assembly Matters to former President Shehu Shagari, Alhaji Tanko Yakasai described Ojukwu’s death as a great loss to Nigeria. He said the deceased, as a rare gem, touched every part of the country.

Bashir Tofa, former presidential candidate on the platform of the defunct National Republican Convention (NRC) 1993, said: “I truly liked him when he decamped from the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP) to NRC and was with me in Kaduna during my presidential campaign as the NRC candidate to give reasons for decamping.

“From then, he became part of my campaign team throughout the exercise in the Southeast and South south.”

Afe Babalola, lawmakers mourn From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

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OUNDER of the Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Chief Afe Babalola has described the death of Chief Emeka Odimegwu- Ojukwu, as a great loss not only to the Igbo but to the Nigerian state.

Chief Babalola said Nigeria has lost a courageous, enthusiastic, bold and patriotic leader.

He said: “The events of today will be history tomorrow. Time, the healer of all diseases, would tell whether the cause he fought for was right or wrong. May his soul rest in peace”.

A member of the House of Representatives, Victor Ogene, said: “A big Iroko has fallen. Besides Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart,the name, Ojukwu, perhaps, is the greatest symbol of Igbo resilience, industry and character. His kind comes once in an aeon. This, and future generations of Ndigbo and indeed Nigerians will forever honour Ikemba Nnewi, as our history would be incomplete without him. Fare thee well, Eze Igbo Gburugburu!”

Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum, Downstream , Hon Dakuku Peterside, said: “Ojukwu was a great patriot who provided leadership for his people at a very critical stage in Nigeria’s history. He was courageous, intellectual and committed to a better Nigeria. He will be greatly missed not only by the Igbo but by all who believe in a better society. And I know that his family will be consoled by the fact that he lived in defence of his people. A great man has indeed exited! May his soul rest in peace!”

Senator Annie Okonkwo said: “ This unrivalled soldier of courage and sacrifice led his people easily with a rare evocative stamina and a spellbinding charisma defined in equity and fairness for a better Nigeria. He was a true soldier who survived a war and exile, triumphed in politics and above all conquered love in its purest form and shape.”

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011

8

NEWS Insecurity: NCC sets up emergency call centres •Agency chief defends N6.1b for SIM card registration From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor

THE Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has established Emergency Call Centres (ECCs) in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

The ECCs are established following the security challenge in the country and the need to improve the quality of telecommunications service and tariff reduction.

The NCC Executive ViceChairman Eugene Juwah spoke at an interactive session with the Senator Gilbert Nnajiled Committee on Communications.

He said: “The emergency call centres, which are in various stages of completion, are designed to enable the response agencies receive emergency calls through a dedicated three-digit toll free number being made from any of the national telecommunications networks.”

The lawmaker noted that the call would be received by any operator (call agent) in any of the centres, who would alert the appropriate response agency (including fire service, ambulance, police, among others) for prompt assistance.

The NCC chief said upon completion and provision of the three-digit codes, the centres would be handed over to the states.

Nnaji said the meeting was to gauge the opinion of the agency on some national issues.

The committee chairman had sought to know what NCC was doing, as the industry regulator, to ensure that service providers maintain optimum service quality.

He also wanted to know why the NCC had not sanctioned any service provider that did not meet the commission’s key performance indicators.

Juwah said when he assumed office, there was no enabling legal framework for sanction, adding that there was the interference with the regulatory roles of NCC by other agencies, particularly state governments.

He identified lack of initial provision for advancement on the part of the service providers, saying this resulted in acute congestion of the networks occasioned by drops in call and data costs.

According to him, rapid subscriber-base growth is among the major causes of poor quality or deteriorating service experienced across the country.

The NCC chief noted that the agency has formulated relevant empowerment to tackle the issue of abysmal performance by service providers.

He said from December 1, any operator that derails would be penalised, since the NCC has reportedly strengthened its enforcement unit for monitoring and compliance activities.

Juwah said the NCC has begun “fruitful” discussions with state governments on how to adjust some of their laws to enhance deployment of more base transmission stations for optimal output.

ACN faults FRCN over Aregbesola

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HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has accused the Federal Government of sliding towards despotism for ordering the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) to cancel a two-hour Radio Link programme with Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola on Saturday.

In a statement yesterday in Lagos by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party demanded a public apology from Information Minister Labaran Maku, who reportedly issued the instructions cancelling the programme, which had been scheduled and paid for.

It urged the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to probe how a federal media or-

ganisation could “wilfully deny access to any Nigerian, just because he is not a member of the ruling party”.

ACN also said it would encourage the Osun State Government to challenge “what is clearly an illegal act by the federal authorities, in addition to demanding huge damages for FRCN’s failure to honour a contractual agreement.

The statement reads: ‘’The last time we checked, the opposition is a part of Nigeria and the ACN is a Nigerian party. We are, therefore, concerned that a top member of the party and a governor for that matter can be denied access to a media organisation funded by tax payers. This is not just about FRCN but all Federal Government-owned

media organisations and institutions. ‘’It is clear to us that the Minister of Information, who should understand and defend the basic tenets of federalism, has allowed crass partisanship to becloud his sense of propriety. It is even worse that the minister worked for many years as a journalist before finding himself in government, which should make him to act always from an informed position. ‘’We are, therefore, demanding answers and seeking remedial actions for this shameful act on the part of the federal authorities.’’

The party said it would like to know whether Maku’s action was connected to the disagreement between Osun

State and the federal authorities over the recent arrest of some ACN supporters from the state by the police in Kogi State while on their way to Abuja. ‘’It is important to know whether the minister’s action was informed by what he perceived as an unfriendly state, which must be punished for daring to challenge the mighty federal authorities in Abuja,’’ the statement said.

ACN wondered how the Goodluck Jonathan administration could honestly seek a consensus on burning national issues, as he is reported to be planning to, when he is denying Nigerians access to federally-funded media to air their views because they are in opposition.

•Mohammed

WAEC blacklists schools, officials

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

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•From left: Ahmed, Wike and Kwara State Education Commissioner Raji Muhammed at the 2011 National Universal Basic Education Community Initiated Self-Help Projects in Ilorin

Minister promises increased monitoring of Unity Colleges

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INISTER of State for Education Ezenwo Wike has promised increased monitoring of unity colleges to improve the quality of learning.

Wike spoke in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, after visiting the Federal Government College in the town. He decried the output of the senior pupils of the school.

His Special Assistant (Media), Simeon Nwakaudu, in a statement, said the minister, who interacted with pupils and teachers, noted that there was a disconnect between the pupils and the academic staff.

According to him, the inability of the pupils to identify the challenges they are facing in school is because their teachers do not monitor their progress.

Wike said: “There is a disconnect between the teachers and their students in this school, as evidenced in the output of the students. We will step up supervision of these schools through the deployment of independent monitors to increase quality output and keep the teachers on their toes.”

The minister said the government was working towards academic and infrastructural improvement in unity colleges to serve as a benchmark for private and state-owned schools.

Flagging off the 2011 National Universal Basic Education Community Initiated Self-Help Projects in Ilorin, Wike said the Federal Government resolved to directly involve communities in infrastructural development to ensure that high quality is achieved.

He said the benefiting communities would get a grant of

T

By Olukorede Yishau

N1million each to execute projects they have initiated.

Wike said: “The Federal Government only provides these funds, while the communities initiate whatever projects they believe are critical to their respective rural schools and thereafter they liaise with State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEB) to ensure execution. We only monitor to ensure that these funds are properly utilised for the benefit of Nigerian children.”

The Executive Secretary of Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr Ahmed Modibo Mohammed said communities in the 774 local government areas would access N5.7billion to execute projects they had initiated.

Wike, at the weekend, also visited Kings College, Lagos, where he praised its Old Boys’ Association for helping the government to maintain the facilities.

He urged the alumni of federal unity colleges to work with their alma mater to improve standards.

Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed praised the Federal Government for setting up an interventionist scheme that involves rural communities in the development of schools.

Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr Ahmed Modibo Mohammed said communities from the nation’s 774 local governments would access N5.7billion to execute projects.

HE Nigeria Examinations Committee (NEC) of the West African Examination Council (WAEC) has announced its decision to bar schools, officials and teachers found to have engaged in examination malpractices during this year’s May/June West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

Rising from its 52nd meeting at the Excellence Hotel, Ogba, Lagos, at the weekend, the NEC announced that an undisclosed number of schools was de-recognised for culpability in examination fraud and would not be allowed to present candidates for the council’s examinations for a number of years.

The National President of All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), Chief Adeniyi Falade, who read the communiqué at a press briefing after the meeting, said the names of officials and teachers indicted would be sent to ministries of Education in their states for disciplinary action.

He said the 81,573 candidates caught for examination malpractice and if found guilty would have their results or subjects cancelled, as the case may be.

Falade said: “It (the NEC) also directed that some schools, which were indicted for mass cheating during the conduct of the May/June 2011 WASSCE, should be de-recognised for a specified number of years, in addition to any other sanction imposed by the Council. Furthermore, it directed that school officials and teachers, who were indicted for falling short of expectations or for involvement in the perpetration of malpractice, be reported to the state ministries of Education or the FCT, Abuja, for disciplinary action.”

Anxiety as ministers, SAs rue non-payment of salaries

HERE is anxiety among ministers and Special Advisers (SAs) to President Goodluck Jonathan over non-payment of their salaries since they were appointed.

The Nation learnt that some ministers and Special Advisers (SAs) have not received their salaries in the past three to four months.

An official of the Budget Office of the Federation, under the Ministry of Finance, admitted that some ministers and SAs have not been paid and that this may not be unconnected with the lingering crisis at the Federation Account Allocation

From Nduka Chiejina (Assistant Editor) and Franca Ochigbo, Abuja

Committee (FAAC).

Between September and October, FAAC disbursements to the three tiers of government have been irregular.

October allocation is still pending.

Another reason given by the official of the Budget Office, who spoke in confidence, is that the salaries of the ministers and SAs may have been delayed because of non-release of the overhead and fourth quarter capital allocation to minis-

‘There is no controversy over the payment of ministers’ and SAs’ salaries; neither is there a deliberate attempt not to pay the affected political appointees...’ tries by the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation.

The non-payment of the

salaries of some ministers, it was learnt, has forced the ministers and SAs to device different means to survive.

It was learnt that some ministers embark on incessant foreign and local trips so that they can get some allowances.

Spokesman to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sam Nwaobasi, told The Nation that there is no controversy over the payment of ministers’ and SAs’ salaries.

According to him, there is a deliberate attempt not to pay the affected political appointees.

He said: “There is no controversy over the payment of ministers’ and SAs’ salaries; neither is there a deliberate attempt not to pay the affected political appointees. The affected ministers and SAs are those who may not have completed their documentation with regards to the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System.”

Efforts to get the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation failed. The Assistant Director (Press), Hassan Dodo, did not reply to the text message sent to his phone.

9

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011

NEWS KOGI 2011 I will not probe Idris, says Audu

No room for rigging in Kogi, says INEC

From Joseph Jibueze, Lokoja

T

HOUSANDS of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members in Olamaboro, Ankpa and Omala Local Government Areas of Kogi State yesterday defected to the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

Their action came on a day ACN governorship candidate Prince Abubakar Audu promised not to waste time probing the outgoing administration of Governor Ibrahim Idris, if voted to succeed him on Saturday.

Those who defected openly tore their PDP membership cards and showed excitement when Audu’s campaigns made a stopover at their respective councils.

The Ankpa Township Stadium, which hosted one of the rallies, was filled to capacity, extending into the adjoining streets.

A former House of Representatives member and All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) senatorial candidate for Kogi East in the April elections, Attai Idoko Ali also joined Audu’s campaign rallies.

Audu had earlier visited the Otaru of Otabaka in Olamaboro, Chief Ademu Abu; the Onu of Ankpa, Alhaji Abdulmalik Umar, and the Onu of Ife (JORGBA) and Chairman of Omala Traditional Council, Chief Boniface Musa.

The ACN candidate promised to build befitting palaces for all the roral fathers.

Besides, he spoke of plans to raise their monthly stipends from three per cent to 20 per cent if voted into office. According to him, the welfare of the monarchs will be given priority.

•Sensitive materials to arrive Kogi from Thursday

I

F the words of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are anything to go by, all rigging doors have been shut in Kogi governorship election billed for Saturday.

The electoral umpire said yesterday that it has blocked all loopholes that might be exploited by any of the actors in the December 3 election.

Speaking with The Nation yesterday, INEC Director of Public Affairs Mr. Emmanuel Umenger said rigging would be a near impossibility.

Beside the measure already taken to stop inter-constituent rigging, he said, there are water-tight measures to prevent rigging anywhere.

His words: “We have always put in place measures that will make rigging a near impossibility, if not an impossibility. First, we have constituent-specific ballot box, ballot papers are distributed according to constituencies and these make it impossible for you to take ballot papers from one constituency to go and rig in another.

“They are coded and coloured in such a way that once you look at them, you would know that this ballot paper belongs to this constituency or that constituency. I think we have 21 local government areas in the state.

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

“Within each of the local government, ballot papers are taken to individual polling stations and on the eve of the election, sharing of ballot papers will be done in the presence of the political parties.

“The quantity going out to every local government will be known and the political parties are given the leeway to go through the process and identify the counterfoils of the ballot papers or take down the serial numbers of the booklets.

“Then at the local governments, as these ballot papers are going to the polling stations, political parties are there taking the serial numbers and members of the press would also be there. The civil society organisations and election observers are also there.

“So, what goes to the polling station would be known by everybody.

Even at the polling stations, accreditation would be done in such a way that no two persons can come and vote at the same time and no individual can vote more than once.

“The reason being that, at 8 o’ clock in the morning, people who are registered at a particular polling station will come and present their voter cards to our officials for verification and clearance.

“At the end of that process, the

number of people accredited is entered on the form designed for the purpose and by noon, accredited voters would be called to line up and they will be counted loudly to the hearing of everybody.

“The total number of people on the line is also entered on the form designed for the purpose. This procedure makes it impossible to be in two or more places at the same time because the first level of accreditation is to you as a voter, the second level is to make sure that you line up and after being counted and the name entered, you are now given the ballot paper to go and vote.”

On public enlightenment towards Saturday, Umenger said: “As I am talking to you, our voter education team is already in Lokoja, holding stakeholders meeting, doing some road shows, meeting the grassroots, telling them their responsibilities in the election process.

“We have also developed posters and handbills, telling the people to shun violence and go out in orderly manner and vote peacefully. We also have handbills on voting procedures on how voting is going to take place, accreditation, when it will start and end, when the ballot will be sorted out, counted and result pasted so that whoever comes will see the results, which will be given to party agents be-

cause we believe the parties will bring have representatives at the polling stations.

“We will have initial coalition centres at the local government level in what we call wards and the final coalition centre at the state level and we expect political parties to have their representatives at all these coalition centres.

“Members of the security agencies, like the police, will also be given copies of these results. It is part of the transparent measures put in place to inject credibility into the process.”

Informing that some electoral materials have been dispatched to the state, Umenger said that other “sensitive” materials will be moved to the state 48 hours to the election.

“We started the deployment of non sensitive materials as far back as the 14th of this month. Sensitive materials will be deployed 48 hours to the election day for strategic reasons.

We are committed to giving them free, fair and credible election come December 3.”

perpetrators to justice. We urge him to provide adequate security for the state before, during and after the elections.

“On our part, we shall continue to go about our campaigns without let or hindrance and in a most peaceful and civilised manner.

“This is based on the conviction that that the good work of Prince Audu as governor of the state between 1999 and 2003 is evident across the state and would speak for him.”

But Salawu said the PDP was not responsible for the attack because it never believed in violence.

He said:”ACN knows we’re on top and doing better than any other political party. The only thing the ACN men feel they can do is to assassinate the character of the PDP.

But I assure you, we’re winning that election by 70 per cent.

“We believe in transparent election. At our rallies, we always tell people to ‘shine their eyes’, line up, one man, one vote; one woman, one vote; one youth, one vote.”

On the allegation that his party was stockpiling arms to intimidate opponents, Salawu said: “I want to believe that ACN leaders are not being sincere with themselves.

What we’re stockpiling is the electorate, because they are the ones to do the job and vote.

“If we’re stockpiling arms and ammunition, will our rallies be peaceful? We have the electorate behind us, and by the special grace of God, we’re going to win.

“We don’t believe in thuggery, we don’t believe in violence.”

•Jega

ACN: 10 supporters injured in attack •Kogi PDP denies role in violence

T

HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Kogi State yesterday said 10 of its supporters were injured in last Thursday’s attack on its campaign train by members of the ruling party in the state.

But the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s chairman, Chief Hassan Salawu, described the allegation as an attempt to “assassinate PDP’s character.”

The incident occurred at a rally at Ajaka, headquarters of Igalamela/ Odolu Local Government Area, at about 7pm.

Ten persons were injured. Five vehicles, including Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs), were damaged, their windscreens and side mirrors shattered.

Some of the victims were taken to a clinic.

The rampaging thugs attacked other ACN supporters who were retrieving the rugs and the Public Address System (PAS) used for the rally.

Audu’s media aide, Mr Sanni Onogu, believed the attackers were irked by the large turnout of supporters at Ibaji, Idah and in other locations for the ACN rallies.

The assailants blocked a section of the road and started shooting randomly, throwing burning firewood, stones and cudgels at the convoy as it was leaving the rally venue.

The police and other security agencies dislodged the boys who fled under the cover of darkness.

Audu addressed another crowd of supporters at Igwolawo, headquarters of Ofu Local Government Area.

From Joseph Jibueze, Lokoja

Onogu alleged an earlier attempt by some thugs hired by a PDP chieftain in the area to stop the rally from holding failed because of the resistance of ACN loyalists. He added that having failed in their bid to stop the rally, they tore Audu’s campaign posters.

The Director-General of the Prince Abubakar Audu Campaign Organisation, Abdullahi Ibrahim Halims, said no amount of intimidation and violence would stop Audu’s winning train.

His words: “When we told the world that agents of the state government and the PDP have stockpiled arms and sewn fake police, army and civil defence uniforms to intimidate innocent voters and rig the elections, the PDP engaged in a media campaign to say we were crying wolf. But this incident has clearly vindicated us and demonstrated that they are sinking.

“The PDP, seeing their chances plummeting as a result of the wide acceptance of Audu, have now resorted to desperate measures of violence and their trademark do-ordie politics.

“We call on all Kogites not to be cowed by their employment of brute force but to reject them at the polls through the instrumentality of their votes.

“We assure all that Audu is out to revive the state from nine years of looting and degradation and that no amount of brigandage and shenanigans would deter him.

“Again, we call on the InspectorGeneral of Police, Hafiz Ringim to

•One of the damaged SUVs

•Mr Ali Ajeka, a victim of the attack in Ajaka,

take our earlier petition seriously, investigate this attack and bring the

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011

10

NEWS Akanbi urges Fed Govt to stop insecurity •OPC warns Boko Haram to stay away from Yoruba land

T

HE founding Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Justice Mustapha Akanbi, has urged the Federal Government to stop the wanton destruction of life and property in parts of the country.

The ex-Appeal Court President, who is also the founder of Mustapha Akanbi Foundation (MAF), in a statement “pleaded with the Federal Government to take steps to strengthen security and stop mischief makers from violence.

“We pray Allah to change the hearts of the miscreants and evil doers in our midst and restrain them from evil deeds that are presently damaging the image of our beloved country.”

The Coordinator of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), Gani Adams, has warned Boko Haram to stay away from Yoruba land.

Adams said: “We have sent a warning to them many times that they must not attack Yoruba land.”

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

He spoke at the weekend in Ira, Oyun Local Government of Kwara State, during the Oya festival celebration.

His words: “If Boko Haram has any issue with the Federal Government, it should iron it out, a Yoruba man is not in power now.

So I do not see them coming to Yoruba land. And if they come to Yorubaland, it will not be a very good thing for them.

“Our duty is to protect the interest of the Yoruba people, to defend the interest of Yoruba land. If it plans to come to Yoruba land and attack Yoruba people and their investments, definitely, it will be an enemy of the OPC. “OPC has never gone to the North to attack anyone.

There is no record that our organisation has done any negative thing in Kaduna, Jos or Bauchi states. So why should they come and attack our region?”

‘How my brother was shot by police’

By Toluwani Eniola

T

HE brother of a trader, Sunny Okpala, allegedly shot by a policeman in Mile 2 area of Lagos, yesterday raised the alarm over his health, saying his left arm has been paralysed.

Speaking with The Nation, Okpala’s brother, Uche, said the family has been battling to save his life.

Uche said the family has incurred debts as Sunny has visited four hospitals after the incident.

Okpala, a father of two, was allegedly shot by a policeman, identified as Idris Samson, on November 19 at a police checkpoint in Mile 2. He is at the Lagoon Hospital, Apapa, Lagos.

According to investigation, Samson has been apprehended and is being held at the FESTAC Police Post.

Narrating the ordeal, Uche said : “The incident happened on November 19 in Mile 2.My brother was trying to navigate the U- turn from Mile 2 to Apapa.

“A policeman stopped his car. Because a car was in front of him, he tried to reverse to park well. The next thing he heard was sporadic gun shots which shattered his left arm.

“The policeman ran away and it was sympathisers and passers-by who rescued him.

“He was taken on a motorcycle to Mary Hospital, FESTAC. He was later referred to Navy Hospital in Satellite Town. Because of the nature of the injury, he was referred to National Othorpaedic Hospital, Igbobi. Presently he is at Lagoon Hospital in Apapa.

“Right now he cannot use his left arm. We have spent over N1 million on hospital bills.

“As at yesterday; he was in the theatre for another surgery. The Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) of Festac Police Post and some other policemen visited yesterday, claiming the bullet was an accidental discharge.

“My concern now is that his health is failing. The hospital bill is rising. His wife and two kids have been restless.”

Man gets 14 yrs for impregnating daughter

T

HE Family Court sitting in Ikorodu, Lagos State, has sentenced a driver, Philip Michael to 14 years imprisonment for sleeping with his daughter.

The girl got pregnant and delivered a baby boy The victim, a 12-year-old (names withheld) delivered a baby boy on November 22.

Her teacher discovered she was pregnant and upon interrogation, the victim said her father had sex with her severally.

The victim said she was forcefully taken away by her father, who was separated from her mother.

FSS, Office of Youth and Social Department brought

By Miriam Ndikanwu

up the case, which led to the police arresting Michael and arraigning him.

Chief Magistrate of the court found the accused guilty and sentenced him to 14 years imprisonment with hard labour.

She said the punishment was justified because of the nature of the offence and the impunity with which it was committed.

She added that the one and half years Michael had spent at Kirikiri Prisons should be deducted from the sentence.

The victim agreed to hand over the baby to the Lagos State Government for permanent upkeep.

Nollywood’s Aki weds

N

OLLYWOOD actor Chinedu Ikedieze, also known as Aki, married with his fiancée, Njeoma Nwajah, on Saturday, in Obolo Isiala, Mbano, Imo State.

The traditional wedding took place at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church Primary School field, Obolo Isiala.

The star-studded ceremony was attended by Abia State Governor Theodore Orji; film producer Andy Best; the celebrator’s movie twin, Osita Iheme also known as Pawpaw; Lancelot Imaseun, Mike Ezuruonye, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Segun Arinze, Uche Jombo, Presh of KC Presh and his younger brother.

The ceremony started at 2:30pm and lasted for about three hours.

A source close to the groom said he was particularly happy for him as this was his second attempt at marriage.

•Mr. and Mrs. Chinedu Ikedieze during their traditional marriage at Mbano in Imo State.

The source, who prefers anonymity said about two years ago, the actor was en-

gaged to a lady who later backed out.

The wedding has been

scheduled for December 10 and Pawpaw is expected to be the best man.

SSANU, NASU set for showdown with Fed Govt

T

HE Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities (NASU) and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) at the weekend threatened to close down universities to protest Federal Government’s refusal to implement the 2009 Agreement.

The agreements include the 65 years retirement age for members and the funding of the universities.

The unions sent a letterthrough the Ministry of Education, to the Federal Government, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Senate and House of Representatives, the Minister of Labour and other relevant government offices.

It gave the Federal Govern-

•Issue Wednesday ultimatum From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

ment Wednesday as the deadline, warning that if the situation does not improve, it would embark on a strike.

According to SSANU President Samson Ugwoke and NASU General Secretary Peters Adeyemi, the unions have adopted the Wednesday deadline.

Adeyemi said the only thing that would guarantee stability and industrial peace in the universities is if their members are assured of enjoying the 65 years retirement age and the bill to that effect is passed.

Besides, Ugwoke said the unions were ready to shut down the universities because

of the recalcitrant nature and failure of the government.

The government reached a resolution with the unions on October 10 on the 65 years retirement age, improvement on the funding of universities, earned allowance and career structure for Technologists CONTISS 14 and 15, while the Implementation Monitoring Committee on the 2009 FG/NASU/ SSANU/NAAT agreements is to conclude discussions and present report on November 22.

Ugwoke, the national president of SSANU said: “Yes, by December we will shut down all the universities in the country. The situation is clear, because on October 10

Atuche’s trial: EFCC’s witness admits benefiting from N10.9 b loan

A

PROSECUTION witness, Mrs. Elizabeth Ebi, has admitted that her company benefited from the N10.9 billion loan transaction allegedly authorised by former Managing Director of Bank PHB, Francis Atuche.

Mrs. Ebi, who is the Managing Director of Future View Financial Services Limited, one of the companies allegedly used to divert the bank’s funds, spoke while testifying at the resumption of proceedings in the trial of Atuche and two others.

Testifying on Friday, she told a Lagos High Court in Ikeja that her company, which the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFC) alleged did not exist prior to the transaction, actually existed, but was not operational until she re-incorporated it in 2006.

The witness had, in her testimony, denied knowledge of the N10.9 billion, saying (the loan) was unsolicited and unknowingly credited into her account.

Under cross-examination by one of the defence lawyers, Sylva Ogwemoh, Mrs. Ebi told the court she invested part

‘The witness, who initially denied knowledge of a share allocation form for ISL, which was used to secure the loan, later admitted after a copy of the allocation form, signed and stamped by her company to consummate the transaction was shown to her’

By Eric Ikhilae

of what she claimed was unsolicited fund in procuring Oceanic Bank Plc shares, from which she made some profit.

When asked whether she reported the alleged ‘unsolicited’ lodgments from Bank PHB to the EFCC or any other security agencies, she said no. She said she did not because she felt it was not necessary to do so.

Mrs. Ebi denied mentioning or disclosing her ownership of another company, Integrated Services Limited (ISL), to either EFCC or the court in her

testimony. The company was said to have been used to secure loans for the purpose of acquiring shares in Bank PHB. It has about 306 million shares in the bank.

The witness, who initially denied knowledge of a share allocation form for ISL, which was used to secure the loan, later admitted after a copy of the allocation form, signed and stamped by her company to consummate the transaction was shown to her.

The court subsequently admitted the share allocation form as an exhibit and marked it exhibit E7.

The fourth prosecution witness could not begin his evidence-in-chief, following his inability to certify some of the documents intended to tender for the matter, a development that prompted the lead prosecution lawyer, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) to seek an adjournment to enable the witness certify the remaining documents.

His plea for adjournment was not objected to by the defence counsel, led by Anthony Idigbe (SAN). The court adjourned the matter till December 6.

after the seven days warning strike, we had a meeting with the Ministers of Labour and Education, including their permanent secretaries and the leadership of the three unions, SSANU, NASU and NAAT. “People are tired of strike; then what do you do? We have availed ourselves of discussion, negotiation and dialogue. After all, we met government for over two years and they frustrated us before we could reach an agreement and it took strike to force government to pen signature on that agreement and so this government is irresponsible, it doesn’t listen and has failed because they don’t implement agreement freely entered.”

In terms of implementation, the SSANU President said it is only the salary aspect that has been implemented.

Anglican Church declares one week fasting From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

THE Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, has asked its members to observe a week fasting and prayer beginning from today.

The church said prayer is the only solution to the problems facing the country.

The Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Kaduna, Rev. Edmond Akanya, said the church was not happy with the situation of things.

Akanya, who spoke at the end of the 2011 Advent Rally of the Church in Kaduna, said the church believe that “when we pray to God, He will answer us and give us a direction”.

According to him, “the Church is not satisfied with the general trend of things in the country because I believe very much that, hitherto, the country has had mirages of problems and we don’t expect to have answers to these problems in a day. Be that as it may, the church is very concerned. “

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011

11

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

We need to stop paying these subsidies and invest in our refineries and create jobs for our people.

-CBN Governmor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi

N2b oil spill cash divides communities

SIM registration: NCC begins disconnection Jan. 2012

T

By Adline Atili

T

HE SIM card registra tion deadline by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) extended in September to enable those who have not been registered to do so will expire on December 31, this year.

The expiration of the deadline, which culminates in collation and harmonisation of telecom subscribers’ data will enable NCC disconnect unregistered subscribers promptly, without further notice.

On September 28, this year, when the second phase of the SIM registration ended, NCC in a statement signed by its Head of Media and Publicity, Mr Reuben Muoka, said the commission has decided to extend the deadline as a result of calls by stakeholders to do so.

He added that the commission has also begun collation and harmonisation of existing registered SIM cards from across the country.

Interbank rates ease on cash inflow

I

NTERBANK lending rates eased last week to an average of 14.83 per cent from previous week’s 15.50 per cent after a portion of public sector wages hit the system and helped boost liquidity, traders said last Friday.

Traders, according to Reuters News, said about N95billion were released on Friday, helping to ease liquidity pressure.

“The market opened with a cash balance of about N148.10 billion on Friday due to the inflow and better than what the market opened with last Monday,” one trader said.

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 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 CFA EUR £ $ ¥ SDR RIYAL

-

FOREX

0.2958 206.9 242.1 151.8 1.9179 238 40.472

• From left: Divisional Head, Public Sector, FinBank Plc, Mr Lukman Mustapha; Executive Director, North/Retail Banking, Mr Adam Nuru and Executive Secretary, Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Alhaji Ahmed Modibbo Mohammed, at the donation of copies of a book entitled:The 21st Century Principal, edited by Prof Owoicho Akpa, to FinBank to UBEC by in Abuja.

CBN begins Finance Houses’ reforms in 2012 T

HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) will start comprehensive reforms of the Finance Houses subsector in 2012, its Deputy Governor, Financial Systems Stability, Dr. Kingsley Moghalu, has said.

The sector, still wallowing in neglect and lacking clearly defined operational structure, has been relegated to the background.

But Moghalu said the apex bank wants to see Finance Houses that are strong, efficient and able to perform their constitutional roles in the economy.

Achieving these, he said, require comprehensive reforms of the subsector that would enable it to carve a niche for itself in the financial services sector.

Speaking at the weekend during an international workshop on the Operations of Finance Houses in Nigeria, with theme: Finance companies:Relevance in Nigeria’s emerging financial system, Moghalu said a blueprint for the sector is being fine-tuned by stakeholders and would touch issues,

• Says 82 operators are unsound

By Collins Nweze, Snr. Finance Correspondent

such as recapitalisation, minimum capitalisation, category of operators and clearly defined roles for the sector. “I would want to assure you that strategic reform in the finance companies sub-sector is of paramount importance and is imminent,” he reiterated.

He said a recent on-site examination of the Finance Houses sub-sector by the CBN revealed that only or 21 per cent of the 104 licenced companies were considered to be sound. Twenty were seen as technically insolvent, 33 were either inactive or had ceased operations, among others. He said factors, such as high level of non-performing loans, gross undercapitalisation, poor corporate governance and weak board oversight, meddlesome interference by

principal shareholders, persistent operating losses, weak management among others contributed to the weak financial performance of Finance Houses.

He said the CBN is working on re-positioning and transforming the sub-sector into an efficient financial intermediation vehicle to operate at the middle tier of the financial system.

However, he ruled out chances of securing a bailout for the sector, adding that the apex bank cannot reform every sector of the financial system at the same time, given that human capital is limited.

The deputy governor said after stabilising the commercial banks through reforms, it is time to move into reforming the finance houses sector of the economy.

He said the sector has not shown enough capacity to develop appropriate products that

will attract investors to the market. “The apparent lack of focus on its areas of comparative advantage has put the subsector in grave danger of possible extinction. The void created by the sub-optimal performance of finance companies was filled by the resurgence of the activities of illegal fund managers (wonder banks), which also posed serious challenge to the sub-sector,” Moghalu said.

President, Finance Houses Association of Nigeria (FHAN), Eddie Osarenkhoe, said there is the need to broaden the funding of finance houses by authorising them to mobilise savings and idle funds from the public through fixed and savings deposit schemes.

He said the operators will welcome appropriate regulatory controls limiting deposit taking capacity to a percentage of the shareholders’ funds unimpaired by losses.

He requested that the CBN should bring finance companies under the deposit insurance scheme of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) to boost investors’ confidence in the sub-sector.

NDIC moves to stop payments to Federation Accounts

T

HE Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corpora tion (NDIC) has applied to the Ministry of Finance to allow it retain its revenue instead of remitting it to the Consolidated Federation Accounts.

The request, the corporation argued, would allow it perform its statutory obligations effectively.

The insurance agency said its remittances to the accounts have affected its activities.

NDIC’s Director of Research, Dr Ade Afolabi, told The Nation that the corporation has been paying its operating surplus to the Federation Accounts, and that this impacted on some of its obligations. He said this has

By Akinola Ajibade

prevented the organisation from meeting the needs of its insured depositors.

“What we want is for the Ministry of Finance to exclude NDIC from further contributing to the consolidated federation accounts.

There is no where in the world where deposit insurance contributes to the government agency or accounts.

The issue of paying larger percentage of our operating surplus to the government’s purse is affecting the strength and growth of the deposit insurance fund. It hinders the corporation from meeting its obligations to depositors.Hence the need for the NDIC to be ex-

cused from further contributing to the accounts,” he argued.

He said the problem has affected the deposit insurance fund and further prevented NDIC from meeting its obligations. He called for the re-invigoration of the financial position of the corporation to meet its statutory obligations.

Also, the NDIC’s Managing Director, Alhaji Umaru Ibrahim, said 80 per cent of the Corporation’s yearly reserves is paid to the consolidated federation accounts.

Ibrahim said because of this the Corporation could no longer meet its obligations to insured depositors.

He said the problem made NDIC to meet with the Min-

istry of Finance on how to proffer a solution to it.

He said: “Eighty per cent of our treasury goes to the government purse. We are partnering with the Ministry of Finance to enhance deposit insurance fund, and further meet out obligations.”

The NDIC’s boss noted that the corporation took about N16 billion from its gross operating surplus in 2008 and 2009 to meet its obligations, adding that the Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF) for universal banks and the Special Insured Institutions Fund (SIIF) for other insured deposit-taking financial institutions, are too insufficient to meet the needs of insured depositors then.

HE N2billion oil spill palliative released by Mobil Producing Nigeria (MPN) has triggered discontent among oil-bearing communities in Akwa Ibom State.

Investigations by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) showed that Onna, Ibeno, Eket and Esit Eket Local Governments benefited from the money, earmarked for community development projects.

Chief Udo Asubob, the Chairman of Esit Eket Development Association, told NAN that Ibeno got N560 million, while Eket, Esit Eket and Onna received N520 million, N480 million and N460 million.

He said the communities insisted on cash for the February 28, 2008 oil spill from Idoho oil well within the Qua Iboe oil fields, which they claimed had thrown thousands of fishermen out of business.

NAN reports that MPN, an affiliate of US oil firm ExxonMobil, also recorded oil spills on December 4, 2009; March 24, 2010, May 1, 2010 and June 21, 2010.

However, the management of Mobil, led by its Managing Director, Mr Mark Ward, at a meeting convened by the Akwa Ibom State Government, pledged to take steps to soothe frayed nerves in the oil firm’s host communities.

‘Lagos light rail project takes off in 2012’

By Miriam Ndikanwu

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AGOS State Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN), yesterday disclosed that the first eight killometres of the blue line light rail project will be completed next year.

The governor, who stated this while carrying out assessment of the first phase of the project from Orile to Mile 2, also seized the opportunity to clamp down on scores of motorcycle operators popularly known as okada riders, who plied one way on the axis.

Fashola was conducted round the ongoing project by the Shi Hongbing, Deputy Managing Director of Chinese Civil Engineering and Construction Company (CCECC).

The Governor, who spoke to reporters after the inspection, however, said the completion is subject to funds available to see the project through.

He, however, expressed optimism that the state will deliver on the blue rail line within the stipulated time as 90 per cent of the structural work on the project is already completed.

He added that the project has also provided job opportunities for hundreds of youths to work and fend for themselves and their concerns.

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EDITORIAL/OPINION COMMENT

EDITORIAL FROM OTHER LAND

Moment of truth

S Duwayne Brooks recalled this week, it started with words. “These guys have come across the road, and one of them said, “What, what nigger’,” he told the Old Bailey court. What then followed was the assault by several young white men, using a knife and an iron bar, on a defenceless young black man – Stephen Lawrence.

Words. Words 18 years old – the kind of words whose sequel has been, throughout modern history, sticks and stones and broken bones and worse.

One of the aspects of the Lawrence case that was so shocking, back in 1993, was that many Britons thought that we had already progressed past the point where such casually murderous racism was possible. This street lynching was the stuff of the Southern US in the age of the Ku Klux Klan, not of modern Britain, surely. And yet there we were, looking into the pit again. The Lawrence case became one factor in a determination to eradicate the culture that gave succour or encouragement to such vicious prejudice.

Perhaps the most public arena in which this determination was manifested was that of professional football. This highly visible symbol of British popular culture had for years been infamous for allowing racist behaviour on the part of crowds, within which individuals could express vile racial insults with impunity. It has taken many years, high-profile campaigns and the breaking through of many brilliant black and mixed-race players gradually to alter this behaviour.

In the highly televised and well-policed Premier League the monkey imitations, the throwing of bananas on to the pitch and the barracking of black players have become things of the past.

But it would be wrong to be complacent. Lower down, in the less scrutinized leagues, racism is far from being a mere memory. And now we have the John Terry and Luis Suarez cases. The process of deciding whether or not the Chelsea and England captain and the Liverpool and Uruguay striker are guilty of racially abusing opponents has taken far too long, and into the vacuum thus created have been drawn some emanations that we could have done without, but which are revealing.

The most notorious example has been that of the biggest boss in world football, the septuagenarian Sepp Blatter, president of Fifa. What Mr Blatter could have said, with regard to the Terry and Suarez cases, was that he wanted to see the inquiries expedited with urgency, and that if any player were found guilty of using racial abuse, he would expect to see the most serious action taken. Such a position would have clearly signaled a belief that racism could not be tolerated in the game. Mr. Blatter famously did no such think. His view was that footballers say stuff in the adrenalised context of play, they do not really mean it, they probably regret it afterwards, and they can apologise and shake hands and forget all about it. Mine’s a beer and sorry about the racial abuse.

It is doubtful that Mr Blatter considered the question for one second from the point of view of a black player, or black spectators or black citizens.

Not until leading players themselves expressed their astonishment did he apologise, and even then for “any offence” he might have caused – offence, of course, being in the eye of the offended.

This dangerous complacency is just not good enough. It is obvious that Mr Blatter should go. But unfortunately, as the English FA discovered earlier this year, that is not going to happen through public outcry or any vote. In fact there only one way of shoe-horning Mr Blatter out of his sinecure, and that is for the sponsors of Fifa, the bankrollers, to threaten to pull out if he does not depart. This means Coca-cola, Hyundai, adidas, Emirates and the others agreeing together that they will not permit such dangerous toleration to continue.

Because words matter.

– The London Times

Septic Sepp

CBN’s tactical devaluation of the naira raises questions about what we do with forex

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AST week was the long-awaited moment of truth for the national currency, the naira. Rising from its meeting of Monday, the Monetary Policy Committee of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) officially announced what it called a tactical devaluation of the currency from the N150 band to N160, to the United States dollar.

In a chat with journalists, the CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, attributed the development to three factors: the pressures and unrelenting demands for foreign exchange; the need to protect investors from losing their money to exchange rate fluctuation and, the need to ensure relative stability of the naira.

From March this year, when the International Monetary Fund (IMF) first prescribed the devaluation pill after claiming that the naira was overvalued, till now, the nation has turned full circle.

‘The question bears asking: does the apex bank have a mechanism in place to track the utilisation of forex, particularly by those large volume end-users? Financial authorities should be interested in the ends to which forex allocations are being put. This is after all, what the rule of transparency demands. We say this because, we see very little of manufacturing or even meaningful economic activities going on to justify the so-called surge in demand’

Although, the fund officially denied making the call at the time, it nonetheless hinted ominously at the prospects, particularly as the government kept spending all of its oil revenues as well as drawing on the savings in the excess crude account, even when crude prices were well above the budget benchmark price.

Of course, the CBN governor had maintained at the time that devaluation was off the table. Today, the reality paints a different picture: things are not only falling apart for the naira, they are doing so – almost too rapidly. Actually, the moment of truth-telling started weeks back when the CBN governor acknowledged that “the CBN has been struggling to keep the naira within a band of three percent above or below N150 as oil prices declined and demand for imports surged”.

Point is: we find nothing in the current measure which the marginal decline in crude prices and the fixed output quota

by OPEC cannot reasonably explain. In other words, they are by-products of our oil-dependent economy. The greater culprit however appears to be the culture of uncurbed appetite for foreign exchange – the direct consequence of the virtual collapse of indigenous manufacturing and agro-business.

As we noted in an earlier editorial, to the extent that the principal portion of what accrues into our national coffers as revenue is largely a function of the oil production quota set by the OPEC, which is determinate, and to the extent that we

do not control crude prices, there is very little help we can get from that sector to boost forex inflow to moderate the demand pressure.

One possible strategy to mitigate the situation is to overhaul the mechanisms for the management of the foreign exchange to relieve the market of a substantial part of the pressures now constituting a threat to the relative macro-economic stability. It is, after all, not inconceivable that the so-called forex demand surge has its roots in corruption, hence economic crime.

The question bears asking: does the apex bank have a mechanism in place to track the utilisation of forex, particularly by those large volume end-users? Financial authorities should be interested in the ends to which forex allocations are being put. This is after all, what the rule of transparency demands. We say this because, we see very little of manufacturing or even meaningful economic activities going on to justify the so-called surge in demand.

The greater work however has to be in the improvement of the business environment to make it more hospitable to indigenous entrepreneurship. The imperative to fast-track the diversification of national revenue sources has become urgent. It is time to get the economy firing on all cylinders. Just as the strategy has the dual advantage of creating wealth while cutting substantially down on the number of goods currently imported, we cannot find any better way to save the naira from its current fate.

Jonathan’s travels •The president has to reduce these to make them meaningful

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N the midst of the challenges facing the country, President Goodluck Jonathan appears to take solace in travelling. Now frequently abroad, the president seems to use air travels as bouts of amnesia over the problems facing Nigeria; more so as his government shows increasing incapacity to confront these challenges. Otherwise, how come that while majority of Nigerians are disconsolate, President Jonathan and his inner circle remain upbeat, sharing awards and shouting that the transformation agenda is on course. We are afraid that while the president may be celebrating, Nigerians are worried.

Last week, the president was in France and the week before, he was in Austra-

‘It is because of these daunting challenges and the little effort being made to solve them that we think it is wrong for the president to always be away on foreign visits, instead of staying at home to attend to his responsibilities. Considering our underdeveloped democracy, we fear that when the president travels, the bureaucracy at the highest level winds down, waiting for his return’

lia. Not long ago, he was in New York.

He has also been to Rwanda, Ghana, Ethiopia and some other countries, all within the past six months that he assumed power as the duly elected President of Nigeria on May 29, 2011. The president’s penchant to travel can only be compared perhaps to his mentor, President Olusegun Obasanjo’s, when he was president. While a president should travel when necessary, we are worried that it appears President Jonathan has resorted to travelling as a panacea for the many challenges facing him; and that is rather unfortunate.

Take his visit to France to attend an investor council meeting to attract investors to Nigeria. The chances of investors coming to Nigeria are growing dimmer when, for instance, nearly 30 days to the end of a budget cycle, the executive is yet to submit any budget proposal to the National Assembly. Considering our history, it is likely that the budget for 2012 may not be ready until towards the end of the first quarter, when again the rains would become a ready excuse for the festering infrastructure nightmare.

Also, despite the conviction of the socalled spokesperson of Boko Haram and the arrest of a serving senator, the security challenges facing the country have not abated; and more countries are warning their country men and women to stay away from Nigeria.

The country’s corruption index also remains embarrassingly high, even within the African peer group. Same day that the president was on his way to France, his spokesperson, Mr. Reuben Abati, issued a press release that the chairman of the anti-corruption agency had been sacked.

Acting in complete disregard of the statutory provisions for a tenured term of office for the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mrs. Farida Waziri was sacked without a word on what informed this brazen assault on due process and decency.

It is because of these daunting challenges and the little effort being made to solve them that we think it is wrong for the president to always be away on foreign visits, instead of staying at home to attend to his responsibilities. Considering our underdeveloped democracy, we fear that when the president travels, the bureaucracy at the highest level winds down, waiting for his return. We also believe his travels achieve little, as most of the issues our country is facing require hands-on emergency, instead of the rudderless leadership we are experiencing.

As the president turns up every now and then at the capitals of other countries, while his country is in distress, he may soon become an object of ridicule that his hosts would be so pleased to avoid and ultimately an embarrassment to international diplomacy.

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THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011

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EDITORIAL/OPINION

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IR: We are totally opposed to the moves to privatise legal education as being proposed by the Joseph Daudu (SAN) –led Nigerian Bar Association(NBA) through the proposed bill to grant private persons power to run law school before the National Assembly. We see this preemptive move to liberalise legal education as a major threat to access to legal education and incontrovertibly an attack on access to justice.

Ever since the opposition to the Obasanjo/Bayo Ojo initiative to push through the privatization of the Nigerian Law School, the Council of Legal Education has pursued a systematic commercialization of legal education. Payable fees into the Nigerian Law School have been increased by over two-thousand percent to the present N250, 000.00.

The major argument that the

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No to privatisation of legal education Council of Legal Education has been pushing for such obnoxious fee increases is the underfunding of the Law School by the government. It has therefore resolved to offload the cost of legal education on helpless students and their parents.

With the pace of the increase, it is very possible that the fees will be increased to N500, 000.00!

With that, many intelligent and resourceful law students who come from humble background will be denied access to legal education.

We see this as a brazen attempt to make legal practice an entirely elite profession for the few.

The Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) President was quoted in a report on October 28 as saying that the association intends to forward a bill to the National Assembly for a law to allow private persons to own and run law schools.

Whereas the Nigeria Bar Association is a professional organization which should seek out to protect the interests of legal

practice and promotion of the welfare of its members, however, it is failing in this respect by being the prime mover of liberalization of legal education which will limit access to legal education.

Private persons fundamentally seek out to increase their fortunes in any venture whatsoever. The push of the NBA to allow private persons to run Law School will only yield legal education to private sharks who want to milk law students dry.

President Jonathan and the burden of history

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IR: Since he came to power in 2009, following the death of President Umaru Yar’Adua, President Goodluck Jonathan has cut the image of a humble and humane leader, not the desperate breed that we have been accustomed to. That perception, made it possible for him to secure a pan-Nigerian mandate against all odds in the last presidential elections.

However, it turns out that President Jonathan may not be so sincere after all. In the run-up to and during the last elections, it became clear that the President was more interested in politics than governance as he covertly tilled the political playing field in favour of PDP candidates across country.

And after the elections he has been doing much more to sustain the PDP’s dubious victories across the country, even as he emphasized his desire for a free and fair elections based on a one man, one vote.

It is, to our utter disappointment that the President has been dissipating so much energy trying to fix the PDP rather than Nigeria.

Of course, many cannot forget in a hurry the ignoble role he played then as Vice President in the Ekiti State electoral fiasco where his

party hierarchy led by him engineered the rigging of elections in favour the PDP only to have that victory quashed by the court.

In retrospect, it seems the only honest man ever produced by the PDP is late President Umaru Yar’Adua who had reportedly refused to be part of that show of shame.

Ever since he came into office, I am not aware of any efforts by the President to promote good governance in the states, where some of the governors rule like emperors.

After all, he cannot feign ignorance about the records of some governors. A typical example is Akwa Ibom where Governor Godswill Akpabio rules like an absolute tyrant. In the last three years, the presidency has been inundated with numerous petitions about the activities of the governor but the President has simply turned a deaf hear thus allowing the governor to successfully enthrone arbitrary rule and culture of impunity.

President Jonathan came with a promise of fresh air and rule of law.

Instead, what we are seeing is a continuation of Obasanjo-era antidemocratic machinations. Against

this backdrop, it is pertinent to say that it is not enough for the President to make a good impression of himself and his government, he must live up to it because neither him nor his government can project an image very long that is a false representation. When the image is only a surface effect meant for public consumption, the true values of both will inevitably

reveal themselves.

The president has taken off on a wrong feet. He is acting more like the President of the PDP than the President of Nigeria. And I may conclude that the hopes and expectations of a new dawn with him in the saddle may have been misplaced after all.

• Ubong Essien Uyo, Akwa Ibom State

We hold that with the widespread unemployment of lawyers, the NBA should be seeking to eliminate this scourge by opening up access to justice. We hold that liberalization of legal education will limit access to justice and canvass that contrary to promoting privatization, the NBA should push for creation of Legal Aid Councils in local government areas to employ every able lawyer to provide legal representation to communities and to be paid decent wages.

We hold that the NBA aims through promotion of privatization of legal education to limit the number of lawyers and make the legal profession an entirely elite one.

We consider this disproportionate to the socioeconomic realities of lack of access of justice in a neo-colonial economy like Nigeria.

We submit that the NBA should abandon its current privatization mission and seek the promotion of access to justice for all. We call on ordinary Nigerians, members of the legal practice community, the judiciary, students and youth organization, trade unions and parents to prevail on the NBA in this regard and call on the Federal Government to increase the funding of legal education, with democratic control.

• Ayo Ademiluyi(Coordinator) Kent Ooluwaseun (Secretary) Legal Education Right Agenda

The roots of Boko Haram

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IR: The expression Boko Haram is said to mean “Western education is haram” (evil or corruption). I eventually came to the conclusion that those who said so failed to distinguish between Western education and its adulteration or abuse. For instance, how many Western countries are not better run and developed than Nigeria?

Based on the foregoing, I trace the abuse of Western education (wrongly termed Boko Haram) to the rape visited on Nigeria by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), milking the country since 1999 without developing it commensurately with her human and material resources. I trace Boko Haram to President Olusegun Obasanjo’s era of “voting

or no voting you have won”. I trace it to President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s refusal to implement Justice Muhammed Uwais’ Electoral Reform Committee’s recommendations.

I trace Boko Haram to the truncation of PDP’s rotational presidency; the distraction of Nigerians with the single term proposal; the proposed removal of fuel subsidy; and lately to the sacking of Madam Farida Waziri as the chairperson of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Nigerians will be interested in what happens to the prosecution of the former Speaker, Dimeji Bankole and his deputy, Bayero Nafada, by the EFCC, and the many billions of naira that are said to be misappropriated

by the House of Representatives under their leadership.

Another area of curiosity is whether advocate Festus Keyamo will continue to qualify to serve the EFCC, or one excuse or the other will also be found to alienate him. But, as events unfold, we continue to see the true face of Boko Haram. Meanwhile, tell Mama Waziri that I am very proud of her, as Nigerians wait to see how the ex-PDP governors who have cases to answer will be adjudicated. May God grant her the fortitude to stomach the disrespectful and apparently cowardly manner in which she was dismissed from her office.

• Pius Oyeniran Abioje, Ph. D University of Ilorin.

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THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011

EDITORIAL/OPINION

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N October 16, 2010, the administration of Governor Kayode Fayemi was inaugurated. His pro-democracy activism coupled with the tortuous legal cum psychological battles to reclaim the people’s mandate must have toughened him up and further propelled his resolve to remove Ekiti State from the inflicted socio-economic wood.

The euphoria that greeted his inauguration over, the governor hit the ground running with the roadmap to Ekiti State socio-economic recovery as encapsulated in his eightpoint agenda.

In a no holds barred meeting held with Ekiti indigenes in Lagos on September 15, Governor Fayemi reiterated his commitment to the revamping of the socio-economic values of the state. At the meeting, he stressed the need to back up the acronyms; “fountain of knowledge” with integrity, straightforwardness and hard-work which are the hallmark of Ekiti people. These informed the decision for the formation of the new logo and new colour of “Ile Iyi, Ile Eye”.

Recognizing the contributions and the importance of the state workforce as a catalyst for the needed positive change in the state, the governor resuscitated the rested housing and car loan for the workers to enhance their productivity.

Backlog of promotions from past administrations have been cleared by the state government, while payment of gratuity and pensions to retirees has also been regularly done.

Governor Fayemi has been sagacious in the handling of the knotty issue of minimum wage imposed on the states across board by Federal Government without recourse to the economic status of states like Ekiti, the 35th poorest state in the federation. Yet, the state government has approved 13 percent relativity package for the workforce as a bold step towards the realization of the N18,000 minimum wage.

Transportation in the state in the last one year has undergone tremendous improvement. The outcome of the government parley with the transport unions – NURTW and RTEAN was the facilitation of the purchase of buses and cars to ease the transportation challenges in the state. Flowing from the above was the empowerment of the artisans, technicians and trade groups in the state by the administration. A revolving loan among these groups was facilitated by the government to alleviate their poverty and reduce unemployment.

The government of Fayemi embarked on the rehabilitation of water infrastructure and has also started the laying of pipes for water expansion project to ensure the constant supply of potable water for the citizenry.

Realizing the importance of good roads as a catalyst for the sustenance of the economy of the state, Governor Fayemi has commenced the rehabilitation, maintenance and construction of bad and new roads in the state. The government in its effort to encourage small scale industries and to stem the rural-urban drift has commenced the rural electrification of the villages in the state.

To fast-track industrialization and boost the economic transformation of the state, the administration has carried out land reforms aimed at making land accessible to all the potential industrialists and investors. All identifiable administrative bottle-necks that impeded the facilitation of

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HE most debated political and legal issue in Benue State for the past one year is the controversy surrounding Governor Gabriel Suswam’s West African School Certificate results. Ironically, the governor who was earlier this year awarded a Doctorate of Philosophy Degree in Law by the University of Jos is facing the battle of his life over a mere WASC certificate.

There are multiple cases in court challenging the governor’s eligibility for the office he occupies on the grounds that his WASC certificate is a forgery.

Ironically, it was the governor himself who first went to court over the issue of his alleged certificate scam. A Kaduna based news magazine - Power Steering - had reported that the governor forged his WASC certificate and used it to gain admission to read Law at the University of Lagos. It was the same forged certificate, the magazine alleged, that he used to contest the 2007 gubernatorial elections.

The governor in reaction wrote to the Inspector General of Police over the report. The police, acting on that petition arrested the editors of the magazine and Chidozie Ukpabi, a former staff of WAEC who claimed he assisted the governor in perfecting the forgery and charged them to a Magistrate Court in Abuja. It is rather strange that not much progress has been made in prosecuting the case.

An even more strange and curious scenario surrounds the case of a PDP chieftain in the state, Mr Terver Kakih who contested the January 9 gubernatorial primaries of the party against Governor Suswam. He filed a suit at Abuja Federal High Court in January this year challenging the eligibility of Suswam to contest the elections cit-

‘In Benue, there is so much fury, so much legal fireworks, so much political heat over a certificate - a mere WASC certificate. When all this much ado over a certificate will end is the question on every lip in the state’

Fayemi: Ekiti marches on

By Toyin Omogbemile the acquisition of titles to land for developmental purposes have been removed.

Governor Fayemi has not hidden his disapproval of the rot in the educational sector in the state hence his first major assignment being the convocation of the state education summit. The recommendations from the summit led to the merging of the University of Education, Ikere Ekiti (TUNEDIK), the University of Science and Technology, Ifaki Ekiti (USTI) with Ekiti State University (EKSU) formerly University of Ado-Ekiti (UNAD). Demonstrating his commitment towards the provision of sound, qualitative and affordable education, the governor, after his inauguration, announced the reduction of school fees in state-owned tertiary institutions and simultaneously gave order for the take-off of the payment of bursary to students of Ekiti State origin.

Governor Fayemi’s political manoeuvres that later doused the tension and the furore over the location of the site for the federal university in the state must be commended. Efforts of a political usurper from Ekiti North axis of the state to whip up primordial sentiments and foment chaos and acrimony between the two communities of Oye and Ikole Ekiti for a selfish political end yielded no result as the two communities came out of the logjam more united than before.

The governor’s efforts to shore-up the state IGR and boost the economy of the state also led to the convocation of the Economic and Development Summit where investors were implored to explore the qualified manpower, accessible land and above all, the new found peace and stability in the state, since development can only thrive in a peaceful and enabling environment. Governor Fayemi, in recognizing the fact that the world is becoming compact by the day, inaugurated the State Economic Management Team, headed by the Deputy Governor, Funmi Olayinka, a retired banker, with the mandate to harness the economic potentials of the state for the betterment of the people.

Agriculture occupies a pride of place in the government of Fayemi. Government has gone beyond farming; mechanized agricultural scheme of the government is development – driven. Many of the moribund farm settlements in the state have been resuscitated to generate employment and boost the economy of the state.

To reduce unemployment among the youths, the state government employed over 3,000 youths and over 2,500 others are currently under-going intensive training under the auspices of the state government’s job creation/employment and empowerment programme. The trainees, will after graduation, be integrated and be engaged by the state government.

Many tourism sites in the state have been face lifted, while those forgotten and abandoned ancient monument sites of tourism status have been re-discovered and resuscitated not

Much ado over a governor’s certificate

By James Iorhemba

ing the allegation that he has a forged certificate. The case was assigned to the Federal High Court 2 and was there without a single hearing.

As the 2011 elections drew close, there was a rush to the Federal High Court in Abuja from various sections of the country. To speed up work on these cases, it was decided that all pre-election cases filed in Abuja Judicial division in respect of primaries which were not conducted in the division should be transferred to their divisions of origin. The suit was accordingly transferred to Makurdi Judicial Division with an accompanying directive that all pre-election matters should be heard with dispatch.

The Federal High Court judge sitting in Makurdi did not treat the case with the expected speed. After some delays, she decided to transfer the case back to Abuja – citing a petition written by a political party in which there was a reference about the case. Back in Abuja, the case was assigned to Justice Donatus Okorowo. The case was filed together with a motion supported by affidavit of urgency seeking five orders of interlocutory injunctions.

Unfortunately, this judge too did not have the speed that was expected of judges handling pre election matters.

Governor Suswam’s counsel filed a motion of preliminary objection. This was argued on the April 28 and Justice Okorowo reserved ruling for May 20. That was how the case terminated its journey as the ruling was never delivered. By July 27, the case had become time abated and so on July 28, Justice Okorowo decided to transfer the case back to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court Abuja. In between April 28 and July 27, there were six dates fixed for the ruling that never was. There was also no tangible reason given as to why a case that needed expeditious handling was being handled with snail

only to yield revenue for the state government but to also show case the distinctive and unique culture of the people of Ekiti State.

The health programme of the state government is peoplecentric. Children under six, pregnant women, physicallychallenged as well as the senior citizens enjoy free health care delivery services of the government.

Many people have in the last one year been treated of their ailments free through the Free Health Mission (FHM).

The FHM which is a quarterly program is on-going in the state for the last quarter of the year 2011.

The state government’s unprecedented social security scheme is aimed at ameliorating and alleviating the poverty of the senior citizens in the state. The payment of N5,000 stipends to the senior citizens will go a long way in mitigating their poverty and giving them sense of belonging.

Governor Fayemi is also collaborating with his colleagues in other south western states to chart a common strategy for the integration and the development of Yoruba land.

The story of Governor Fayemi in the last one year will not be complete without the mention of his wife, Erelu Bisi Fayemi. The unassuming woman has been supportive of the state government with her pet project, Ekiti Development Foundation (EDF), an NGO that was established to complement the efforts of the state government. The first lady of the state has contributed in no small measure to the tourism development in the state. Through the foundation, awareness and sensitization of the people on the need to avoid stigmatization of the people living with HIV have been carried out. Several campaigns carried out by the foundation against the incidences of rape, child labour and child abuse have started yielding results. Similarly, the foundation through its organized fora, has mobilized women and youths in the state for their political and economic empowerment.

•Omogbemile, a sociologist and public affairs analyst, sent this piece from Lagos.

‘To reduce unemployment among the youths, the state government employed over 3,000 youths and over 2,500 others are currently under-going intensive training under the auspices of the state government’s job creation/ employment and empowerment programme’ speed.

By August 11, the case was still there with the Chief Judge, not even slated for hearing. On that day, Terver Kaki wrote to him complaining that justice delayed was justice denied to him. Moved by the tone and contents of the letter, the Chief Judge assigned the case to the Federal High Court in Jos. Again he directed that as a preelection suit, it must be given accelerated hearing.

But this was not to be as the case was recently transferred from Jos to Makurdi based on the application filed

by J S Okutepa (SAN) to the Chief Justice of Nigeria claiming that Jos was not convenient for his clients. Okutekpa is the counsel to Governor Gabriel Suswam and the PDP. A letter was then sent to Justice Ambrose Allagoah, the trial judge by the CJN for the transfer of the case. The case was promptly transferred back to Makurdi where the judge had earlier this year washed her hands off the case. It is now stuck there.

Also in court are the two front line governorship contestants from the ANPP and the ACN. Professor Daniel Saror a former Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria and ANPP gubernatorial candidate in 2007 and 2011 has challenged Governor Suswam on the grounds of his WASC certificate just like Prof Stephen Torkuma Ugba. The Governorship Election Tribunal in Benue however ruled that the issue of certificate forgery is a pre-election matter and the tribunal has no power to entertain such an issue. Not satisfied, Prof Saror took his case to the Court of Appeal where Justice Mohammed Ladan Tsamiya pronounced that: “the presentation of a certificate to INEC is mandatory and prima facie evidence that the candidate is qualified and has met the constitutional requirement for the office he is seeking election into. This implies that, if a candidate has failed, refused or neglected to present a certificate to INEC during screening or has presented a forged certificate, such a candidate has no business in office” Governor Suswam has since moved up to the Supreme Court to challenge the decision of the Justice Ladan Tsamiya led Appeal Court on his WASC credentials. In Benue, there is so much fury, so much legal fireworks, so much political heat over a certificate - a mere WASC certificate. When all this much ado over a certificate will end is the question on every lip in the state.

• Iorhemba writes from Gboko Benue State

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011

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EDITORIAL/OPINION

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HE arrest of suspected leaders of the dreaded Boko Haram religious sect by security agencies last week must have come to many as a soothing relief. More so with the havoc that have been wreaked by the group resulting in avoidable loss of lives and property. With the arrests, it would seem that we are getting closer to unmasking those behind the orgy of violence that has left this country on its knees.

But this conclusion still remains provisional to the extent that the disclosures by the alleged spokesman of the sect Ali Sada Umar Konduga (Usman Al-Zawahiri) do not seem to leave one in such comfort of mind yet. Apart from naming an ex-governor of Borno State and Senator Ali Ndume as alleged sponsors of the sect, no other lead was provided in his confessions regarding the deadly activities of the group.

Here are some of the confessions of Konduga as relayed by Deputy Director (Press) of the SSS Marilyn Ogar. According to Ogar, Konduga said “he was recruited by a political party stalwart in Maiduguri, Borno State; that following the compulsory registration of all SIMs nationwide he was asked to steal a SIM which he used in sending threat text messages.

That one of his benefactors promised to pay him N10million to work for his party, but by stint of fate, the sponsor (the envoy) died on his way to deliver the part payment of N5million to Al Zawahiri” Ogar said “consequent upon this, suspect claimed a serving member of the National Assembly took over the running of his activities. That he (senator) was behind the threat text messages sent to the justice of the Election Petition Tribunal in Maiduguri. His objective was to ensure that the tribunal sacks the present government in Borno State. That he was also behind other threat text messages sent to Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State, Governor Babangida Aliyu (Niger) Ambassador Dalhatu Sarki Tafida, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Justice Sabo Adamu (Chairman of the Election Petitions Tribunal in Borno State) We were also told “that most of the text messages he sent to Justice Adamu were scripted and relayed to him by the National Assembly member and that the same legislator promised to send him some telephone numbers of some members of the Galtimari committee on security in the North-East before he Al-Zawahiri was arrested.

Ogar further disclosed that analysis on Al-

E

IGHT PDP governors from all parts of the country made another

unsuccessful effort last week to beg President Jonathan to let the Governor of his home state, Timipre Sylva run on the PDP platform in the forthcoming gubernatorial election. The ticket for the PDP’s candidature has already been given to the person widely perceived to be the President’s man. This did not stop the governors from making an attempt to plead with the President to forgive their colleague, whom they towed to the Villa as well, so that the result of the heavily-guarded primaries of the party can be overturned by him. The effort to get the President to reverse the result of the primaries was also made in spite of a whole stack of court cases, restraining orders and injunctions, some of which are being initiated by the governor himself.

The visit of the governors to the President on an issue he has made personal will speak volumes of the nature of the democratic process under the PDP administration and the President’s character and personal disposition to matters which affect his interests. Coming only one day after President Jonathan publicly commended his party for its stand against Governor Sylva and the conduct of the primary, the visit by the governors should have been discouraged by the President in the first place.

To have allowed them to visit him, complete with the embattled Governor Sylva in tow suggests that they believe the President is responsible for the governor’s travails, and has the power to direct that he be allowed to run. The impression created by the visit is that the entire Bayelsa affair is centred on the personal preferences of the President, who, we now have to assume, single-handedly decided who is to fly the party’s flag. Even those charitable enough to say that President Jonathan met with the governors out of respect, and only to enable him explain his position, will concede that the governors’ apparent conviction that they can get the President to change his mind says a lot about their democratic credentials.

Eight PDP governors choose to visit the President days after a party primary has

Emeka OMEIHE 08121971199 email: EmekaOmeihe@yahoo.com

Confessions of Boko Haram suspect Zawahiri’s phone had confirmed constant communication between him and the legislator.

Based on these, both Konduga and Senator Ndume were arraigned before an Abuja Chief Magistrate Court on a one-count charge of felony. Konduga pleaded guilty to the charge and was convicted while Ndume pleaded not guilty. But the court deferred sentencing Konduga until the allegations against Senator Ndume who pleaded not guilty, are determined.

The alleged offences of both Konduga and Senator Ndume are already before the court.

In the days ahead, Nigerians will be watching with keen interest the proceedings of this sensitive case. There is the possibility that the case may open our eyes to the root source of the wanton destruction of lives and property that has trailed the activities of the Boko Haram sect.

But from the confessions of Konduga, there is not much to give hope in that direction. This is because the analyses of those disclosures mainly speak of sending of threat text messages apparently to intimidate key public personages and influential Nigerians to achieve a desired cause. Such we were told was the objective for the text messages sent to the Election Petition Tribunal in Maiduguri. The goal was for the tribunal to sack the present government in Borno State. The other text messages were equally meant to achieve one political goal or the other.

But these objectives do not seem to have much in common with the substantive de-

mands of the Boko Haram sect. The ideological and philosophical promptings of the sect are trivialized when they are seen within the prism of sacking the government in Borno State or waging a war against the former regime there. These do not tally with the current posturing of the Boko Haram sect. While some of the earlier skirmishes that resulted in some killings may have their root in the internal political contradictions of that state, Boko Haram in its present form, has transcended the borders of that state both in terms of its organization, motivations and scope of activities.

Boko Haram has become a deadly sophisticated and well organized terror outfit which we hear has links with Al-Qaeda.

It therefore remains hazy, the extent we can rely on the disclosures of Konduga which only speak of threat text messages as his prime engagement to unravel the modus operandi of the group. How do we for instance, find leads to the rigors and dexterity that went into the planning and execution of the bombing of the UN building in Abuja?

How do we explain the level of sophistication that went into the recent well coordinated bombings and killings in both Yobe and Borno states that left over 150 people dead in one day? Who makes the bombs and supplies the guns. Where is the operational base of the group and who are their major backers? These are the key posers Nigerians would be glad to get answers to. Unfortunately, from the charges against those arraigned, there is not

When President Jonathan bites

By Hakeem Baba Ahmed produced a candidate, to ask him to allow a governor who has sued his party over his disqualification should tell Nigerians much about the state of intra-party affairs in the PDP. It will also say much about their respect for the opinion of Nigerians, as well as their perception of a President who has a very sensitive role to play in terms of the development or subversion of our democratic processes.

The decision of the Bayelsa PDP to stop Governor Sylva from contesting on its platform will be seen as the script written in Abuja, no matter what the President and the party’s national headquarters do. The most visible element in this untidy process is the person and office of the President himself.

Ironically, it is also the one time when President Jonathan shows the nation that he can bark and bite. His determination to prevent the governor from his home state from running for a second term has always been a public issue.

Speculations behind this have hinted at threats made by the governor against the President and his wife; or the existence of records of mismanagement and corruption; or massive unpopularity which is likely to cost the party the office if the governor is allowed to run. Whatever the reasons behind the desperation of Abuja to prevent a Sylva re-run, the battle on both sides have involved just about every element of power and influence. Elders, legislators, local party enforcers, lawyers, courts and security agents have all been drawn into the fray.

In the end, quite possibly the most heavilyprotected state party primary was held after a number of aspirants were disqualified, at the end of which the President’s man emerged victorious. The period until the elections

themselves will be marked by heightened tension and continuing manoeuvres in the courts. The tiny state of Bayelsa will be filled to the brim with soldiers and policemen and sundry security officials. It is possible that violence will play a major role in the build up to, and the conduct of the elections. In the end, the people who will cast their votes may or may not get a governor they voted for; but the democratic process has already been severely injured by the involvement of Abuja in Bayelsa.

Whoever flies the PDP flag is also likely to be declared winner at the end of the elections, and the circle of desperation to contest on PDP platforms will continue.

President Jonathan showed his teeth either in his determination to exclude Sylva, or in his resistance to pressures to let him run against local interests. There will be many Nigerians who would wish that he will be as resolute and steadfast in other areas of governance. For instance, there is a gaping hole in the response of the government to many issues relating to national security.

The nation wants to see a determined response which both uses the instruments of coercion like soldiers and policemen, and the subtle but effective use of political intelligence and flexible and informed engagement tactics which will bring an end to the threats of Boko Haram, or the constant threats of communal violence in Plateau and Kaduna states. The nation wants to see a President determined to bring transparency around the petroleum sector. They want to see a determined and informed strategy to reduce the cost of governance; an end to waste and corruption; and a visionary perspective on the future of the Nigerian state.

Young Nigerians want to see some

much to give hope that we are getting closer to resolving these posers.

There is not much from the confessions of Konduga that the contents of their text messages are part of the larger demands of the sect for which they have declared war against the nation.

If it were to be so, we will not be talking of engaging or negotiating with the sect. We will not be talking of amnesty or resettlement as was the case with the Niger Delta militants.

Even some of the people who were said to have been sent threat text messages have been championing the demand to negotiate with the group. Babangida Aliyu of Niger state is one. He was recently reported to have said that force cannot stem Boko Haram and that our leaders should negotiate with them. If Boko Haram is all about threat text messages the type Aliyu himself received, he will not be talking of negotiating with them. After all, threat text messages, anonymous threat calls or its 419 variant are no longer news since the advent of GSM. Boko Haram is much more serious, more sophisticated and lethal than the sending of threat text messages to achieve preconceived political goals. We may as well be trivializing the mortal danger posed by the group by reducing their activities to the sending of threat text messages. We must go well beyond that to unravel how the various deadly attacks were hatched, coordinated and executed. We must identify the brains behind the military sophistication that the sect now represents.

It is good a thing that some suspects have been apprehended. They should face the full force of the law. But even as this euphoria subsists, it will be risky to nurse the feeling that the arrests are all we need to contain the serious security challenge posed by the sect. It will not be a surprise if Boko Haram comes out again to issue threats or carry out another orgy of violence as they are wont to. We will not be surprised if they offer comments on the recent arrests. After all, Konduga admitted that he had parted ways with the group on suspicion that he was giving out information to security agencies. So he is no longer relevant in the scheme of that sinister group.

Then, it would have become obvious that his confessions have little to do with the determination of Boko Haram to battle western civilization to the ground and possibly impose an Islamic state on the country. I rest my case.

glimmer of hope that they can live productive lives; and older Nigerians want to see a return to a nation in which they do not spend everyday looking over their shoulders for bombs or robbers. All Nigerians want bold polices to reduce poverty and improve social and economic infrastructure; and we all want to see real efforts made towards improving the limitations of our political system and electoral process, so that 2015 will not continue to be a nightmare.

President Jonathan showed Nigerians that he can bite, but over the wrong issue. In point fact, he should have been advised not to entertain, or make public, the meeting with the PDP governors who wanted him to reverse the Bayelsa primaries and singlehandedly hand over the ticket to Sylva. He has shown that he could prevent Sylva from running; in this respect he emulates the former President Obasanjo, if that suits him.

The visit of the governors merely confirmed that the President’s power to decide who runs on the PDP platform exceeds the powers of the Bayelsa PDP leaders and members; of all the interested parties; of court orders and injunctions. His refusal to change his mind showed that he could both bark and bite.

Sadly, he bit the wrong bullet.

• Dr Ahmed writes from Abuja

‘Whatever the reasons behind the desperation of Abuja to prevent a Sylva re-run, the battle on both sides have involved just about every element of power and influence.

Elders, legislators, local party enforcers, lawyers, courts and security agents have all been drawn into the fray’

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011

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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011

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41

NATION SPORT

Have faith in us, Eguma begs Nigerians

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TANLEY EGUMA has urged Nigerians not to lose hope in the Olympic team despite the setback of an opening day loss to Morocco in the CAF Under-23 Championships on Saturday.

Abdelaziz Barrada's first half penalty was enough to earn the Moroccans a key victory over Nigeria, who struggled with their passing and cohesion.

"Yes we didn't play well but we have seen the areas where we made mistakes and we will try to correct them," Nigeria assistant coach Stanley Eguma said.

"Nigerians should not lose hope but continue to believe in us as I know we will do well against Senegal in our next game," he said.

In truth, the team will have to improve drastically if they are to have any chance

•Eguma

of progress.

Nigeria suffered an early setback when defender Kingsley Udoh was stretchered off in the opening minute with what appeared to be a serious injury.

Morocco, spurred by a partisan, if scanty attendance, dominated play although neither side created any chance of note, barring a second half opportunity when the hosts could have doubled their lead.

Soufiane Bidaoui somehow shot wide from six yards out with an open goal in front of him.

The damage had been done much earlier. Emmanuel Anyanwu lunged into a reckless challenge on Yacine Qasmi in the box, and a penalty was awarded.

Barrada had no trouble putting it past Dele Ajiboye, even though the Nigeria goalkeeper had guessed the right way.

Nigeria barely found a shot on target in the first half, and by the second, were limited to long range efforts at Yassine El Kharroubi's goal, none of which unduly troubled the Morocco goalie.

The improvement will have to be quick ahead of Tuesday's second group game against fellow Group A losers Senegal.

The West Africans were also beaten 1-0

by Algeria.

Substitute Mehdi Benaldjia slipped the ball under the keeper and into the net but was booked for taking off his shirt, then sent off in added time for a second bookable offence, a result of dissent.

40 athletes ready for Obudu’s $50,000 top prize •The Nation’s reporter wins media version

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VER 40 foreign athletes will be in action today for the 7th Obudu international mountain race and the third African mountain running championships at the Obudu Ranch Resort in Obudu, Cross River state.

Obudu international mountain race’s defending champions, Ethiopia's Abebe Dinkesa and Meselech Mekamu and other top atheletes will fight their Nigerian counterparts in a marathon which remains the highest paying Mountain Race in the World, with a star prize of $50,000 for both men and women.

The Obudu Mountain 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 destinations in the world, the Obudu Ranch Resort.

The Ranch in Obudu, located in the highlands of Cross River State in South Eastern Nigeria is only 45 miles from the border with Cameroon. It possesses a temperate climate due to its high altitude. It has a cable car installed which brings guests from the base camp or bottom hill' to the summit of the ranch.

The ranch is about a 35 minute drive from Obudu town which is about five hours from Calabar, the Cross River State capital. The Obudu ranch has a helipad and a small airport for access by air.

From Stell Bamawo, Obudu At the base of the hills on which the ranch is located lies a world-class water park with state-of-art swimming facilities and water slides for children, teens and adults. The hilltop (cattle ranch) is about 11 km of winded road from the base and can be accessed by either the cable-car or the road.

The event kicked off yesterday with children's and media race. Etim Moses and Nkirura Iroha of Calabar won children's race in boys and girls category.

And in the media race, it was winner takes all as Stella Bamawo of The Nation/SportingLife Newspapers captured the gold medal in the women's category in addition to $2000 with all expense paid trip to Ghana with additional $100. Bamawo had in previous editions won silver medal twice and bronze medal in her attempt.

Silverbird/Rhythm Sports correspondent, Mariah Olatunji defied all odds to place second just as Gloria Okon of Channel Television, Calabar took third while Television Continental newscaster Juliet Mafua came fourth.

In men's category, Odeh Alenyor of NTA Calabar successfully defended his title taking the top prize of 2000 dollars, Tourism reporter, Gilbert Akwoh finished second, while Patnelli Bankole of Silverbird Television went home with bronze medal.

Udoh calls for calm •50-50 chance against Senegal S

TAND-in captain of the National U-23 side, Kingsley Udoh has appealed to Nigerians to put the defeat to Morocco behind them; assuring that the Dream Team V would bounce back in their next game against Senegal.

Udoh who is the heart of the Olympic Eagles defense line, lasted only three minutes on the pitch after landing awkwardly on his right foot from an aerial contest.

“For the match was very painful and heartbreaking because we let Nigerians down. But we believe that since it’s the first game we lost, we can prepare for the second game against Senegal and cross the hurdles ahead” Udoh stated.

While assuring that the Olympic Eagles will come out with a positive

result against Senegal, the former heartland of Owerri defender called on Nigerians to pray for his speedy recovery.

“What I would be saying to Nigerians, is to keep praying for the team and my quick recovery and am very sure we will not let them down against Senegal” According to the team doctor, Sam Ogbondeminu, Kingsley Udoh has 5050 chance of playing in the game against Senegal.

“We are still observing Udoh, but I can say he has a 50-50 chance of featuring in Tuesday’s game against Senegal” he said.

The Dream Teams V skipped morning training on Sunday to allow the medical team attend to knocks suffered by players.

Omokaro vows to lift Bendel Insurance

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EW coach of Bendel Insurance Football club, Mr. Bright Omokaro has vowed to take the club back to the premier league.

Omokaro who was answering questions from newsmen shortly after he was unveiled by the Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Hon Anita Evbuomwan said he has monitored the team’s development to know what to do about its situation.

He said: he would look into the current players in the club and make changes where changes are necessary to be made.

His words, “If there are provisions for new players, quickly I have to do that.

The Basic reason I took this job was that this is the team that made me what I am today. It is all around upgrading entire aspect of Bendel Insurance.

I have a name I have built for so long.

I don’t think there will be any problem about money in the team. I believe it is a collective effort, if the player is not good, you can identify that the player is not good. Football is all about psychology, it is not about playing. I took this job to take Insurance to the next level.

With my colleagues, I believe we will succeed.”

Performing the unveiling ceremony, Commissioner Evbuomwan tasked the former Super Eagles’ star to take Bendel Insurance Football Club back to the premier league.

Hon Evbuomwan noted that the current state of Bendel Insurance has become a source of worry to soccer loving people of the state, adding that the people can no longer watch the club that used to be the flagship of football in Nigeria being in the doldrums.

Stating that Coach Omokaro will be given adequate support to enable him succeed and that there will be no interference in the technicalities of the job, the Commissioner, however, warned that "the administration of Adams Oshiomhole does not engaged in illegalities neither do we believe in bribe taking and as such, Coach Omokaro should ensure that all such practices are completely discouraged. He must ensure that the best players recruited for the team

From Osagie Otabor, Benin and adhere strictly to the terms of his contract.”

2012 LONDON OLYMPIC QUALIFIERS

Eguavoen hopeful despite loss N

IGERIA Olympic team coach Austin Eguavoen has maintained his team could still play in the final game of the Olympic qualifiers in Morocco despite their 1-0 loss to the home team.

On Saturday, Nigeria’s Dream Team V were disappointing in the opening game of the Olympic qualifying tournament and hardly troubled the host country.

“We will put this game behind us and focus on the next game against Senegal. There is every possibility that we could still meet Morocco again in the final of this championship,” said Eguavoen after Saturday’s match.

The Nigeria coach admitted his team were below par against Morocco, which could have been caused by the

early exit of defender Kingsley Udoh as a result of injury.

“We didn’t do enough and the boys started off rather nervously, but saying that we lost a player in the first three minutes and that disturbed the team,” said Eguavoen.

“That early substitution due to injury to Udoh threw us out of our stride and we seem to be chasing the game from then on. Our forwards were also not sharp and alert enough to get to the end of crosses.”

Nigeria will be under pressure to beat Senegal Tuesday night at the same venue after both teams lost their opening games.

Striker Daniel Uchechi promised the Dream Team will play a lot better in their subsequent games.

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From Florence Nkem Israel, Port Harcourt to have in attendance all colleges of education in the country.

"The shifting of the 17th NICEGA games from November 30, 2011 to January 25th - 5th of February is a very welcome development. The reason is that its going to accord us more time to put finishing touches to the new facilities at the games village".

Speaking further, Dr. Oguzor said that the institution is geared towards setting a standard that will outclass that of the last host of the games, Fedral College of Education, Kano, with more

quality facilities and organization.

He also revealed that while work is still on going at the games village located at the main campus of the institution along Ahoada road in Omoku, works are already completed at the indoor sports hall expected to host not less than ten sports.

Also, the NICEGA Secretariat expected to host the media centre and the administration of the games is ready while works at the volleyball, tennis and basketball courts are almost near completion.

However, the works at the mainbowl which is expected to host the football, track and field events are moving on at a good pace.

A

S Chelsea returns to winning ways, coach Andre VillasBoas has commended Nigeria international Mikel Obi's contribution to the club.

"He has been doing quite well. It is not that we are unhappy with the players who have played in that position, Raul [Meireles] and [John Mikel] Obi, they have been doing well for the team as well," Villas-Boas pointed out.

Villas-Boas hopes Saturday's win against Wolves can kick-start our title challenge as we head into a busy month of Premier League action.

The Blues had lost three out of the last four in the league before welcoming Mick McCarthy’s men to Stamford Bridge.

Any hopes of an upset for Wolves were dashed inside the first 45 minutes as Chelsea raced into a 3-0 lead, a scoreline which wasn’t extended thanks to some fine goalkeeping by Wayne Hennessey.

Chelsea are still some way off league leaders Manchester City but are just five points off Manchester United in second after they could only manage a 1-1 draw with Newcastle.

Chelsea’s title credentials are likely to be put to the test in December when

Crisis looms as NSC toys with Normalisation Committee …Bako contacted as head, FIFA on alert

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NDICATIONS emerged at the weekend that the National Sports Commission (NSC), is toying with the idea of setting up a normalization committee for Nigerian football, even when it’s obvious that there is no need for it under the present situation.

Impeccable sources hinted reporters at the weekend that following the conclusion of the job of the ‘Football Reforms Committee’, set up by the Sports Minister, and headed by former NFA Chairman, Brig Gen Dominic Oneya, some key recommendations were made to the NFF Congress for consideration.

Some of the recommendations are that the statutes be amended to include coaches on the Executive Committee, that the change from NFA to NFF should be effected through appropriate legislation at the National Assembly, repeal of the NFA Act and enactment of a new one by August 2012, or where impractible August 2014, when the tenure of the present board will end.

However, the leadership of the NSC,

was said to have gone behind to start planning the setting up of a ‘Normalisation Committee’, which only world soccer governing body, FIFA, has power to set up during serious crisis periods, like it was the case with Kenya recently.

Already, former Director General of the Nigeria Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Mallam Danladi Bako, is said to have been contacted to head the committee, with brother of a former Sports Minster and two senior journalists listed as members among others.

NFF officials said they were aware of the scheming and have hinted appropriate authorities, including FIFA and the Presidency. “It’s unfortunate that at a time when we’re struggling to qualify for the London 2012 Olympics, this type of plot will come up. Nigerians should know who to hold responsible with the downturn in Nigerian football.

We will speak out at the appropriate time”, an influential executive Committee member said.

MONTHLY SATURDAY BOXING SHOW

Edun promises fun-filled Governor’s Belt

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NICEGA GAMES: LOC chairman happy with shift HE Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the 17th Nigeria Colleges of Education Games, NICEGA, tagged Akalaka 2012 and been hosted by Federal College of Education (Technical), Omoku in Rivers state, Dr. Nkasiobi Silas Oguzor says he is happy with the postponement of the games from the initial November 30, 2011 date to January 2012.

Speaking while addressing the Press in his office, the LOC Chairman who is also the Provost of the host institution noted that the shift in date was very necessary as it accords more time for better preparations for the high profile event which is expected

“We know we can play better and taking one game at a time, we will go back and look at the game and see where we went wrong and correct that for the next game,” said the Englandbased Uchechi.

“This game is gone now and we have to look forward to the next match.”

Morocco coach Pim Verbeek praised his team for getting off to a winning start.

“I’m pleased with the way we played and it is great to win the first match,” said the Morocco coach.

“We created many chances that should have seen us score more than the one goal we got. We should learn to put away chances we create. We meet Algeria next, which means it will be a tough derby. We have to be ready.”

AVB commends Mikel

•Daniel Uchechi

HE November edition of the Monthly Saturday Boxing Show was held yesterday as usual, but Chairman of the Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame (LBHF), Olawale Edun has promised a fun- filled event ahead of the special edition, ‘The Governor’s Belt’ coming up next month.

In a chat with NationSport after the 9bout show held at the Mobolaji Johnson Sport Centre, the former Commissioner for Finance in the state assured that boxing fans in the state will be thrilled to some spectacular boxing to mark the end of another boxing year.

“The special edition of the monthly boxing show will be a spectacle to behold. We are putting all the logistics in place to ensure a hitch–free competition. It is usually a full house, with the governor leading other dignitaries,” he said.

On what the other packages the winner will be going home with, the boxing enthusiast said the governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) will determine that, but added that all boxers that will participate in the event on that day, will have something to

By Innocent Amomoh cherish. In the nine bouts show held on Saturday, Lukman Mohammed fighting in the 45kg category defeated Karube Azeez, while Yemi Oloruntoba also lost to Olayinka Sinnon in the 62kg category.

In the 60kg category, however, Clement Egbe lost to Akeem Muritala as the referee had to stop contest in the second round, as Tope Jones saw the better of Shehu Ajala in the 57kg category. Saheed Aremu also lost to Ganiyu Oladimeji in the 64kg category.

Also in another 64kg category, Rasheed Osuolale lost to Kasali Adenekan in a unanimous decision, while Femi Akintayo saw off Ibrahim Yusuf in the 75kg category.

Meanwhile, Sunday Michael gave in to the punching power of Otto Joseph in another 64kg category contest.

In what was adjudged the best fight of the day, national boxer Taiwo Agbaje had to combine experience with strength to outwit teenager, Azeez Laguda in the 52kg category.

The next edition takes place December 26th at the same venue.

they face Manchester City, Newcastle and Tottenham, three teams all above them at the moment.

With Chelsea having struggled against the teams around them recently those three games could prove to be make-or-break for the Blues.

Villas-Boas admits December could be a tough month but says he still believes his team are capable of picking up the points they need to catch Manchester City.

•Mikel

NATION SPORT Stadium experts in Nigeria for COPA Lagos

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NTERNATIONALLY Renowned Engineering Company Parker Trading are now in Lagos for Copa Lagos 2011 taking place in Lagos from December 16 to 18,2011. Parker Trading have sent their best experts to assist in the construction of the brand new Copa Lagos Beach Soccer stadium in Eko Atlantic beach.

The stadium itself has arrived from Malaysia, the impressive structure can hold over 2000 spectators. It is comprised of three stands for the general public as well as a stylish VIP stand which can hold over 200 spectators.

The venue which Kinetic Sports has brought to Nigeria, rivals all other international Beach Soccer venues. This will ensure that Nigerians will be able to enjoy their Copa Lagos experience inside a state-of-the-art venue.

Mr. Chong Chee How and Mr. Raja Afnan are experts in the construction of this type of structures and their work has seen them travel all over the globe.

Their most recent work was completed in India, now they are in Lagos for the Copa Lagos Beach Soccer tournament on the 16th – 18th December 2011.

Host Country Nigeria,Multiple World Champions Brazil,South-Africa as well as Three Lions England are taking part in the First-ever International Beach Soccer Championship of this magnitude in the Continent of Africa.

Philanthropist decries dearth of sponsorship •Donates N500,00 to Dala Tennis champions

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sports administrator and philanthropist, Aminu Kurfi, fondly known as ‘Dan Arewa’ has decried the unwillingness of wealthy Nigerians and corporate bodies in the in the country to sponsor lawn tennis competitions.

Kurfi expressed his displeasure while speaking with sportswriters yesterday in Kano, shortly after donating the sum of N500,000 to Sunday Emmanuel, the winner of the Men’s Singles at the just concluded Dala Hard Court Lawn Tennis Championship.

He said the game of lawn tennis has not yet attained the desired level of advancement in Nigeria due to the lackadaisical attitude of wealthy Nigerians and corporate organizations towards the game, which he described as beautiful and open to people of all ages.

The sports enthusiast, who said he started developing interest in tennis some two weeks ago, said his decision to donate the sum of N500,000 was borne of his desire to promote tennis in the

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano country, pointing out that Nigeria is blessed with numerous tennis talents yet to be discovered. Kurfi, who has sponsored other sport tournaments, said he burns with passion for the game of lawn tennis, and promised to support the winner of the Dala Championship to participate in any global tennis tournament to enable him actualize his dreams of becoming a tennis star at the international level.

According to him, “I don’t know why our rich men and corporate organizations shy away from sponsoring tennis tournaments. Without sponsorships, the game cannot grow to the desired level.

“I decided to add N500,000 to the N1,000,000 prize money because I want to encourage the winner of this championship to climb to the highest level of the game. I will support him with three air tickets to any part of the world for him to participate in any of the top prize tournaments.”

Quadri wins Portuguese Player of the IGERIA’s Table Tennis Month award sensation, Aruna Quadri’s

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received a major boost in his career as the London 2012 Olympic bound young star was named the player of the month by the Portuguese Table Tennis Association.

The 22-year-old Nigeria is yet to drop a match winning most of his matches and also helping his team, GDSR Os Toledos to be on top of the league table with 21 points from seven league games since September when the league began.

Individually, Quadri remains the best player in the league after playing 11 matches without losing and this confirmed that the young Nigerian has proved his worth in European and he was also named the best player in the league in his first season with Associação Recreativa Novelense.

For the first time in the history of Associação Recreativa Novelense, Quadri single-handedly took the team to the final of the 2010/2011 League Season before losing to his present club.

By Innocent Amomoh It was Quadri’s exploits in his first season in the Portuguese league that prompted GDSR Os Toledos to sign the Nigerian.

Since joining the team this season, Quadri has inspired the team to many victories including their performance at the European Super Cup in Turkey and Slovenia.

Fortnight ago, Quadri aided his team’s triumph over the club of his compatriots - Seun Ajetunmobi and Kazeem Nosiru.

According to the Portuguese Table Tennis Association, the player of the month award was given to Quadri following his brilliant performances against top three players like Zheng Shun, Énio Mendes and André Silva.

In their last league match against his former team, Quadri began the onslaught when he overcame the Chinese player in the team with a 3-1 win.

25

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

Since its candidate lost in the April governorship election in Plateau State, the Labour Party has been swimming in troubled waters. Correspondent YUSUFU AMINU IDEGU takes a look at how the party found itself on the brink of extinction.

Trouble hits Labour Party on the Plateau W

HEN matters come to exuding sportsmanship, especially in electoral matters, the Labour Party (LP), Plateau State, should be counted out. Reason: The party has vowed not to give up until it is all over.

The party and its governorship candidate, Mrs Pauline Tallen, lost the April 2011 governorship polls in the state. And, at the election tribunal to which they took their case they also lost. Not done now, they have proceeded to the Appeal Tribunal sitting in Jos, the state capital, all in search of ‘justice.’

Indeed, it was not a bad story for the LP at the polls; it secured a senatorial seat being occupied by Senator Joshua Chibi Dariye at the upper chamber. The party also won four seats in the Plateau State House of Assembly. It is now bracing up for the proposed local government elections in the state.

The circumstances driving the party down the hill may not just be attributed to the party; rather, it is the pattern of party politics in the state and it has become a defining feature of the state’s political behaviour.

There are more than 50 registered political parties in Nigeria, but not more than 10 are known in the state. Of the 10 on the Plateau, only four have strong presence the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), the LP and Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

The reason for the absence of most of the political parties is not far to seek. Plateau people have the culture and history of sticking to one political party and when they get the party of their choice, it will be impossible for another party to penetrate the state.

When Plateau people decided to be in opposition party in the First Republic, they did comfortably such that it was difficult for the ruling National Party of Nigeria (NPN) to uproot the opposition from the state for about six years until the military struck and dismantled all democratic structures through the 1994 coup.

From 1999, Plateau people adopted the PDP as their party and they have stuck to it since then. In 2003, the defunct Alliance for Democracy (AD), and Nigerian People’s Party (NPP) made fruitless efforts to penetrate the state. Today, PDP holds sway.

However, the LP came in full swing in 2009 with the aim of sending the ruling party packing from the state. Their presence alone was ‘intimidating’ and they gave the ruling party and others a lot of concern.

As at the last quarter of 2010, when the state was set for the 2011 general elections, the LP had become a real force to give other parties sleepless nights. It has taken over 70 per cent of voters and topmost politicians in Plateau State.

The party enjoyed the support of all former governors of the state - Chief Solomon Lar, Sir Fidelis Tapgun, Chief Michael Botmang and Chief Joshua Chibi

Dariye. Others are heavy-weight politicians like former Minister of Sport, Chief Damishi Sango, former Deputy Senate President, Alhaji Nasiru Mantu, former Minister of State for Information and Communication, Alhaji Salisu Ibrahim Nakande; former Ambassador Bagudu Hirse, Yakubu Deshi, Emmanuel Magnin and Senator Venmark Dangin.

Apart from this retinue of high-flying politicians from the state, 17 of the 24 members of the state House of Assembly had joined the fold of the LP, leaving only seven members for the PDP. All the influential politicians have thousands of followers behind them and they had the former deputy to Governor Jang, Tallen, as their governorship candidate for the 2011 elections.

But that seemed a slap on the face of Jang.

Everyone was watching to see how the governor who has his deputy as the leader of his opposition would behave.

The Jang-led PDP was left with his commissioners and local government chairmen as his political allies, but Jang was sure that the electorate at the grassroots who are direct beneficiaries of his government policies would vote him come rain, come sun.

Of course, there is hardly any local government in the state that had not benefitted from capital projects of Jang within the first four years of his reign.

If crowds at rallies were the barometer for predicting electoral victory, then the LP candidate was ahead. But political

• Jang

analysts predicted that the party and its governorship candidate would not be a match for Jang.

They were right. After the votes were counted, Tallen’s votes were about half of those scored by Jang. The PDP candidate got over 800, 000 votes, while Tallen got over 400, 000 votes. The LP and its candidate cried foul and rushed to the election tribunal to seek justice.

When the tribunal was through with its work, it affirmed Jang’s victory. Not done, Tallen pushed for an appeal at the Appeal Court sitting in Jos where the matter is still undergoing further judicial scrutiny.

Recent political developments after the April 2011 polls have shown that the once flourishing LP has started experiencing depletion in size. Most of the top politicians have since sneaked back into the PDP where the came from.

Former Governor Fidelis Tapgun who was a foundation father of LP sneaked out of the party as soon as Tallen emerged its flag bearer. Mr. Damishi Sango toed

• Tallen

the same path as Tapgun. As a matter of fact, the LP broke into four political groups; some went back to PDP, Sango led some into ANPP, Chris Giwa held on to his ACN. The damage the internal crises have done to the Tallen election was such that the party lost its original followers and that resulted in the pattern of votes cast.

As a matter of fact, all the leaders and followers of the LP were PDP members and when they knew they had lost their attempt to remove Jang, they simply devised strategies to return to PDP. Most of the followers of LP who are skeptical of the party’s chance of getting victory at the appeal tribunal have abandoned the party. It was widely rumoured that the only Senator of the LP in the National Assembly would soon dump the party and return to PDP, the platform on which he once governed the state for eight years.

Many analysts believe that the LP in Plateau State, is now in intensive care unit of the state’s political theatre.

From left: Olode of Ode-Ekiti, Oba Samuel Aderiye; Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Dr Adewale Omirin and Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi at the Town Hall meeting in Ode-Ekiti last week.

26

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011

POLITICS

How PDP plans to stop Oshiomhole

Assistant Editor DADA ALADELOKUN, who spoke with Lanre Fagbohun, a scholar and lawyer, reports the professor’s views on burning national issues.

the exploits of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole in Edo State, he ‘Govt must focus on the needy’ hasDespite the PDP candidate to contend with in next year’s governorship

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HEN days back, P r e s i d e n t G o o d l u c k Jonathan felt the need to make a song and dance over the bestowal of various honours on the “deserving” among teeming Nigerians, the heart of Professor of Environmental Law, turned instant bedlam. Fagbohun, a research professor at the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, with Environmental Law as his specialty.

While the president beamed with smiles as he decorated the honourees in Abuja, Fagbohun was fighting wars on two fronts – as he struggled to suppress the agony in his heart, he essayed, though in vain, to keep tears off his eyeballs.

An encounter with him at the weekend, in Lagos revealed the fact that, despite his “intimidating” credential as an academic giant, he, like the few humanists in his ilk, remains a sad man today.

Shaking his head thoughtfully, he told this reporter: “Except you don’t have the milk of human kindness flowing in your veins, today, you can’t but shed tears over the exacerbating plight of less-privileged Nigerians that constitute the majority of our teeming population. Look at the impunity with which poverty walks in our midst; look at the arrogance of hunger in a country so blessed with everything one can think of.

“Do we need anyone to tell us why crimes of whatever nomenclature are now the order of the day? Look at all sectors of our national life as a polity; then, who is that sane person that clapped when our president rolled out his so-called national honour at a jamboree in Abuja recently?

It is a sad irony that when we should be sober and thinking of how to make our people smile even for seconds, our socalled leaders prefer to revel in trivialities. I pity the generation coming behind us. Our situation is really worrisome.”

Wondering on top of his voice why the Federal Government did not consider activists like Femi Falana fit for a national honour, Fagbohun further said: “It will be a surprise if relations of Oyenusi and Lawrence Anini, both outstanding armed robbers, do not carry placards to demand national honours for their “deserving” own.”

The frontline legal practitioner went down

• Fagbohun

memory lane, recalling the day he encountered a university graduate who was earning a paltry N25,000 as monthly pay in an Ikeja-based law firm, even as he lamented the unmitigated stature of unemployment in the land.

“It is the height of inhumanity for an able-bodied intellectual to be earning such a ridiculous sum in the country today. What is happening? Where do we go from here? God must beam His focus on Nigeria now! Decrying the current craze for materialism among privileged Nigerians, he bemoaned what he described as crass callousness and indeed, Godlessness among them, warning that it was time they realise the vanity of life and serve their people selflessly.

He recalled his experience when recently he travelled to one of the

‘Except you don’t have the milk of human kindness flowing in your veins, today, you can’t but shed tears over the exacerbating plight of less-privileged Nigerians that constitute the majority of our teeming population. Look at the impunity with which poverty walks in our midst; look at the arrogance of hunger in a country so blessed with everything one can think of’

eastern states in the country: “To say the least, I was stupefied when I saw all brands of aircraft at the airport. I was more dumbfounded when a friend told me that they were owned by some legislators in the state who, according to him, felt that the lawmakers believe that they were cheaper to maintain than cars!

“I could not but be moved to tears in sheer pity for the downtrodden among Nigerians. It clearly shows that most of those we are unlucky to have as leaders are, to say the least, dangerously detached from the reality on ground. That is why I always shed tears for the helpless amidst us.”

Many a time, the academic has had to spend times across the country and even beyond its shores for environmentrelated matters including seminars and conferences. One of such events, he recalled painfully, took him to both Rivers and Bayelsa states not long ago.

Hear his experience while showing this reporter the picture of bottled water he took with his handset during one of the recent trips to the states: “Sincerely, I did not believe it when a friend showed me the coloured water which the people have for drinking. According to him, people used to fetch the water from dingy streams. In various bottles, the yellow-coloured water was on display in plastic bottles. The friend later hinted me that the intake of such water accounted for why most people die in the area within 45 and 55 age bracket.”

He did not end his lamentation without raising his voice in vehement condemnation of the festering rot in his constituency – the judiciary. Go to our courts; you will hear of cases pending for between three and six months. You now see a situation where judges won’t resume for work until about 11 am without even informing the lawyers and even their clients who would have to sit in the courtroom doing nothing for hours.

This calls for urgent consideration by the concerned authorities.

To Fagbohun, for the much-hyped reforms of every sector in the country to make any meaning, it must take into consideration, the plight of most deprived Nigerians who now have no place to run to except to seek God’s urgent intervention.

election. Correspondent OSAGIE OTABOR reports strategies being deployed by the main opposition PDP to succeed the governor.

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EADERS of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) have given Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole the green light to run for another term.

He has a major opposition to contend with in the race to retain his job. It is the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Other parties, such as Labour Party, Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and Progressive Peoples Party (PPP), have opted to back the governor for a second term.

For the PDP in particular, the task to reclaim the state it ruled for 10 years is one it is prepared to accomplish by all means. Besides shopping for a credible candidate to outmatch Oshiomhole, it has also adopted other measures to get Edo South votes. The region has majority of the votes.

The options available to the PDP, according to one of its leaders, is either to pick a candidate from Edo South Senatorial District or use Edo South political leaders to rally votes from the district.

The PDP leader, who preferred not to be named, said the first option was still being considered to prevent governorship aspirants from other senatorial districts from defecting to other political parties. The second option which includes getting all aggrieved members, especially those in Edo South, back into the party, is already in place.

The second option perhaps led to the reconciliation between the factions led by Chairman of Nigeria Ports Authority Chief Tony Anenih and a two-time former governor of the defunct Bendel State, Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia.

Ogbemudia, in a press statement, asked his supporters to recognise the leadership of the party under Chief Dan Orbih and remove his name as a leader of a faction of the PDP. The statement, signed by Dr. Francis Iyasere, who was the Publicity Secretary of the Ogbemudia faction, explained that the move was sequel to the party congresses already held under close monitoring by the National Secretariat.

“Accordingly, any factional activities and identity after the congresses is regarded as outdated.

“The declaration became necessary in view of the determination of some self-serving politicians to utilise the factional platform to pursue their selfish interests,” the statement said.

“There will be convocation of stakeholders very soon, where far-reaching decisions will be taken with a view to contributing positively to the political development of our dear state and, indeed, Nigeria,” it further hinted.

But former Chief of General Staff, Admiral Mike Akhigbe who was said to have also recognised the PDP leadership in the state, denied being aware of any reconciliation meeting at Abuja with Anenih and PDP leaders.

Akhigbe, in a statement, signed by Mr Humphrey Uanseoje, said it was not possible to resolve the crisis in the absence of the principal actors and stakeholders. ”This group cannot and will not allow itself to be arm-twisted into an imposed settlement on the pages of newspapers. One point that needs clarification here is the constant reference to this group as a faction, which in all intent and purposes, is an offensive misrepresentation of facts.

As a matter of fact, this group is the mainstream of PDP in Edo state which emerged from the state congress held on February 28, 2008.

“It is the other side which certain elements at the PDP secretariat in Abuja illegally and unconstitutionally accorded recognition that constitutes a faction of PDP in the state. It is this anomaly that is in contention in a subsisting suit at the state High Court which this group intends to pursue to the logical conclusion,” the statement further said.

However, a recent meeting of a group called ‘Enunuedo’ in Benin City indicated that the PDP move to rally votes from Edo South by using its leaders was already on course.

A political analyst said it was the same style adopted by the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) to defeat the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) in the defunct Bendel State in the Second Republic.

The Enunuedo meeting called by Ogbemudia was attended among others by Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, Chief Sam Igbe, deputy gover-

•Oshiomhole

• Anenih nor of the state; Dr. Pius Odubu, Chief of Staff to Governor Oshiomhole and Mr Osarodion Ogie.

Addressing the gathering, Ogbemudia said the meeting was called to refocus the Bini after the leaders lamented that the district had not progressed as expected despite the fact that it has the largest population in the state.

Ogbemudia told the gathering that the Bini needed to be united in the pursuit of their interest and that he was responding to pressure that he should end the problems that had been bedeviling the people.

“I also share the concerns raised. I am a proud Bini man and I believe that all other well-meaning Bini people must be concerned about the direction to which our community is being steered.

Going by the statements and reports from different sections of our community, with my own observation, I can humbly say that our community is not performing or competing optimally; therefore we must find solution.”

“At the end of the day, the will of the community will be sought through a transparent and a scientific process that will be the basis for inviting all those who desire a place in our heart to a round table to declare their intentions. The agreement reached will determine the direction of our support and allegiance,” he stated.

In a keynote address, former Director General of the Nigeria Television Authority, Dr. Tonnie Iredia urged the Benins: “In any election, first choice should be a Benin man. It does not matter what the election is. It does not matter the charisma of the person; what matters is the collective will of the majority which are the Benis. The person should not be strong enough because democracy is about majority.”

However, a chieftain of ACN from Edo South said he did not see how the meeting would help the PDP. “It was not partisan Leaders of ACN and political neutral people were there. Everybody knows that the Bini have never had it so good.”

The political fire is burning wildly in Edo State now. The next six months will determine if Oshiomhole will be returned.

PROJECT

HELP

Fayemi promises more dams

Home empowers 20,000

Ekiti

Lagos

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MONDAY NOVEMBER 28, 2011

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Page 27

Email: news_extra@yahoo.com

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KITI State Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi is living up to the pledge he made to the people at his inauguration. He said his administration will provide jobs for 20,000 youths in four years. Since then hundreds of young peoplehave been acquiring skills necessary for productive independent lives.

Many have been trained in tailoring, hairdressing and welding, among other entrepreneurial skills. Some have been playing a great role in keeping the state clean under the Youth Volunteer Scheme. The skill acquisition drive is at the expense of the state government.

Now, the state has begun another round of training for 500 unskilled and semi-skilled youth volunteers. It is a well thought-out programme aimed at containing unemployment, Newsextra learnt.

Beneficiaries of the skill acquisition exercise, who were selected from an established data bank of the unemployed in the state, were alerted through text messages, which directed them to come for the training.

One of the participants, Mrs. Esther Aoke Akinleye, 41, a fashion designer from Aramoko, Ekiti West Local Government, praised the government for giving the youths the opportunity to participate and prepare for fruitful entrepreneurship.

She said: “I just got a text message telling me to be here today.

I didn’t know anybody. It is a surprise to me.”

Agedahunsi Ojo, 49, from Erijiyan-Ekiti, said he heard of the training on the radio. “I collected the form a long time ago,” he said. “I got a text message which said I should come.

When I came, I got this.”

Speaking at the opening of the programme in Ado Ekiti, the

•Participants of the training programme

Ekiti steps up employment drive From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

state capital, the governor said his administration has just engaged 5,000 graduates under the youth volunteer programme. But he added that the government was focusing on secondary school leavers as well as those who graduated from vocational centres but were yet to be gainfully employed.

The governor, who was repre-

500 youths trained sented by the Chief of Staff, Mr. Yemi Adaramodu, said the training of the 500 secondary school leavers is not to encourage slackness in academics leading students to abandon school without any certificates. He said the state government rather wants to equip school leavers with skills that will help them establish their own businesses.

“While not attempting to encourage incidences of dropouts from school system, we should be honest enough to admit that some graduates of secondary school are better introduced to vocational skills that would enable them to maintain worthwhile and stable life,” he said.

Fayemi who expressed shock at the high rate of unemployment in

the country, assured that his administration would continue to do everything possible within its meagre resources to address the problem of joblessness in Ekiti.

“I am further shocked by another disclosure by the National Bureau of Statistics on Tuesday, November 15 that unemployment in the first half of 2011 has increased to 23.9%,” he said. “Even in the Southwest •Continued on Page 28

Oyo trains 300 youths in disaster management

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•Ajimobi

HE Oyo State government has completed the training of 300 youths across the state on disaster management.

The training, according to the Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Mr Adedapo Lam-Adesina, was part of the government’s plan to empower youths through capacity building as well as the need to prepare them to handle natural disasters with a view to mitigating negative effects of such.

Speaking while declaring open the training held at the Social Development Staff Training Centre, Ibadan, the commissioner empha-

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

sised that the Governor Abiola Ajimobi-led administration is committed to all-round development of youths.

The commissioner pointed out that this is why the state government has continued to evolve and implement programmes and projects for the empowerment of youths.

Lam-Adesina disclosed that in addition to the training, the 20,000 jobs for the unemployed youths tagged “Youths Empowerment Scheme of Oyo (YES-O)”

would be soon be launched by the governor.

Lam-Adesina said the idea was additionally borne out of the need to prepare for and cope with disasters such as the recent flood disaster in Ibadan and some other places in the state which killed many and displaced several others.

He said: “The expectation of the state government at the end of this training is for participants to go back to their various communities and set up emergency corps marshal teams that will respond to emergencies in the communities.”

The commissioner urged resi-

dents to join hands with the Ajimobi administration in its efforts to restore the glory of the state.

One of the guest lecturers, Mr Tayo Ayoade, while speaking on issues and challenges in disaster management, stressed the need for concerted efforts in disaster risk reduction as well as the need to report early warning signals, especially in high risk areas.

Ayoade called for the establishment of volunteer groups as well as other initiatives that help residents to prevent and cope with disasters.

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011

28

•From left: Temitope Yussuf, Justina Odunewu, Ojuromi Clara, Omowunmi Ijeboi, Bosede and her husband Dr Edward Asikhia, Ogunjimi Toyin, Micheal Odeyemi, Festus Pitt and Rabiu Oluwaseun at the training programme

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NON-GOVERNMENTAL organisation (NGO), Behaviour and Social Intervention Demonstration Centre has organised a training programme for teachers and therapists in the management of autism-related conditions and other developmental disabilities in children. The training took place at Carol School, Ikeja, Lagos.

Mrs Bosede Asikhia, founder and programme director of the NGO, said the programme was meant to empower teachers and parents in boosting their ability to manage and help children suffering from autism and other developmental challenges to function like their mates.

She admitted facing challenges in getting parents of disabled children to cheer up and see the immense possibilities before such children. But she went ahead to provide some tips for proper management of children with autistic challenges.

She said: “The greatest issue is that some of the people have the notion that I cannot invest my

NGO organises autism management training

By Osas Robert

money on this kind of child. But most of them that are educated and enlightened know the benefit that if effort is put into these children, there is ability in disability. Eventually, they are going to be able to develop a particular skill in that child.

“When intervening in the development of a disabled child, you should note the following: increase access to alternative

sources of stimulation, use different reinforcement strategies, use shaping techniques, use substitutions like rhymes, songs, flashing/clapping devices, use stimulus equivalence – pictures of obsessed items and avoid withholding time-out.”

Speaking at the seminar, the clinical director, Dr. Edward Asikhia, a United States-trained child psychologist, said autism which makes children unable to perform like their peers is some-

Autism has no cure but can be managed through a new technology called Applied Behavior Analysis which is a simplified way of looking at areas of deficit of a child and different factors that you can alter so that the child will be able to adapt as much as possible to his environment

thing that can be managed psychology.

“Autism,” he said, “is a developmental disability that is characterised by social restrictiveness, poor social interaction, poor communication potential and presentation of challenging behaviour. Children mostly affected are male from age two to age 20. Autism has no cure but can be managed through a new technology called Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) which is a simplified way of looking at areas of deficit of a child and different factors that you can alter so that the child will be able to adapt as much as possible to his environment” he explained.

He commended the efforts of the Lagos State government in training disabled children but noted that a lot still has to be done. He said over 60 people

Ekiti steps up employment drive •Continued from Page 27

region which has the lowest index, Ekiti’s figure is not the least and this is unacceptable to us.”

The governor called on nongovernmental organisations, individuals as well as corporate organisations to collaborate with his administration to curb unemployment and poverty, adding that apart from creating jobs, they should also engage volunteers in productive ventures.

He urged participants to justify the huge investments of government on them, warning that any participant who does not show

•From left: Relationship Manager, Stanbic IBTC Bank Dare Busari; Group COO, BUA Group Chimaobi Madukwe; Deputy Managing Director, Stanbic IBTC Bank Yinka Sanni; CON, Chairman/CEO, BUA Group Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu and Head, HNI Nigeria Aisha Ahmad on a courtesy visit by the Management of Stanbic IBTC Bank to BUA Group Head Office, Victoria Island, Lagos to felicitate with the Alhaji Rabiu on his conferment of the CON national award.

have benefited from their efforts in training teachers on how to manage the behaviours of a child in the classroom through ABA and urged corporate bodies to also help in training teachers to manage physically and mentally challenged children.

“The level of awareness is so far more in Lagos State though there is a lot to do. Lagos State has been able to pick out some of these disabled children and put them in inclusion schools. From records we have over 1000 children that are been trained but what the government should know is that the teachers that are put there are not trained in ABA knowledge. That is why we came back from U.S to equip teachers to handle autism cases. We intend to move from Lagos to Port Harcourt and Edo State but we cannot do it alone.”

any seriousness will be disengaged at any stage of the training.

The Director-General of the state Job Creation and Employment Agency, Mr Folorunso Aluko said after the training, the 500 youths will be deployed to various government offices and affiliated private sector establishments.

He said the O’dua Group had expressed interest in supporting the state government to train the 500 youths for six months in various arts and crafts after which they would be supported to start up their own businesses.

THE NATION

29

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011

Lawmaker trains graduates

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UCCOUR has come the way of scores of graduates from Ogun West Senatorial District who have begun training at the Entrepreneurship Development Centre (EDC).

The training, sponsored by Senator Akin Odunsi, is geared towards liberating majority of the youth from the shackles of unemployment and helping them to become entrepreneurs and employers of labour.

Flagging off the training at the EDC centre in Ikeja, Odunsi charged the beneficiaries to take good advantage of the situation and become great Nigerians that will fast-track development in the state and the nation at large.

“We believe that the scourge of unemployment can be tackled when our people are equipped to become employers of labour and contributors to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product, instead of them to scout for jobs that are simply not available.”

The Senator, who explained that no nation can become great when its youths continue to roam the streets, said his intention is to develop men and women in the constituency irrespective of their educational qualification so as to avoid becoming toys in the hands of desperate politicians.

“I want to see the development of our society by ensuring that our youths cease to become the hunting ground for charlatans who see active men and women as toys for their political selfishness.

“We are starting with graduates because we believe that their education could inspire entrepreneurship; we will also co-opt non-graduates, artisans, tradesmen and preretirement people to prepare them for gainful employment.”

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ESIDENTS and landlords of Akinsanya Street in the Ojodu area of Lagos State under the aegis of landlords and residents’ association, have called on the state government to repair their bad road. They further stated that the perpetual gridlock on the road results from the bad state of the road which they said is in total disrepair.

According to the association, the street has remained untarred for

•From left: Mr Akin Adeniji, Senator Akin Odunsi, Dr. Olumide Ajayi, and Mr Kunle Somorin. Behind them are the beneficiaries at the flag-off of the scheme

By Miriam Ndikanwu

He also assured that stipends will also be provided for the beneficiaries to support them throughout the duration of the training.

“Ogun West should go beyond being the industrial nerve centre of Ogun State and become known

for our entrepreneurial drive. We are an enterprising people and we can make our mark in diverse fields such as science, technology, academics, business and entertainment.”

EDC project co-ordinator, Dr. Olumide Ajayi, lauded the initiative of the Senator, even as he urged

the beneficiaries to make better use of the opportunity which he said will help reduce the poverty level in the country.

“All over the world, unemployment has become a major challenge and that is why various economies are encouraging their youths to adopt entrepreneurial skills. If you

cannot use your hand, you will not be useful but if you can use your hand, you will become wealth creator.”

He disclosed that the critical output of the training involves the ability of the participants to produce a business development plan that would be certified by the management.

Residents appeal for road rehabilitation

By Hameed Yekini

years, causing a great deal of hardship for road users.

The association made this call in a letter written to the state’s Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure. The letter signed by the

association’s chairman Mr E.O. Ajewole and the Secretary Mrs Bisi Akintayo reads in part: “We the landlords and residents’ association of Akinsaya Street Ikeja wish to draw your attention to the deplorable condition of the road and lack proper drainage system.

“It will interest you to know that

•From left: Executive Director, Mission Minds International Reverend Jim Piomoki-Steven; Mr Nekabari Annah; Acting Dean, Faculty of Law, National Open University (NOUN), Dr Ifidon Oyakhiromen and representative of the Secretary-General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Mallam Abdullahi Shuaib at a lecture organized by NOUN in Lagos

Akinsaya Street is a major link road for vehicles coming to Berger and the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) from the following locations: Iju, Akute and (other) areas of Lagos State. All vehicles turn off in front of FRSC onward to Lagos and other parts of the state, hence it sustains a heavy vehicular traffic all round.”

The association, however, thanked the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure for its efforts at fixing roads in the state, but wants it to fix its road as quickly as possible.

The letter reads further: “We want to commend you and your ministry for the unrelenting efforts you have been making to ensure that citizens in various parts of Lagos State enjoy standard roads throughout the vast metropolis.

We are quite aware of the great demands that this makes on your person and good offices. It is our hope that the Almighty God will

continue to strengthen you and provide the resources to meet these challenges.

“Our appeal is that you should please relieve us and other users (of the burden) on this important link road. Ease the hardship of traffic flow and damage to vehicles by fixing the road promptly.”

The residents have been suffering for years without help. On February 2009, the association wrote to Governor Babatunde Fasholoa through his Special Adviser on Works and Infrastructure.

“We are now compelled to write your office this SOS letter because our previous complaints are yet to be attended to.”

Akinsaya Street is now virtually impassable for vehicles; even pedestrians regularly stumble and fall on the road when visibility is poor.

“We appreciate your pragmatic and swift approach to issues concerning the well-being of Lagosians.

We plead for mercy in our case because we feel we have been forgotten.

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011

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35

Fayemi promises more dams

E

KITI State Governor Kayode Fayemi has said that his administration has perfected plans to construct more dams to meet its 80 per cent target of water supply to the people.

He also said that a new dam would be constructed at Erio-Ekiti, while efforts would be made to expedite action on the rehabilitation of the existing Ero Dam. Fayemi made the announcement at town hall meetings with the people of Irepodun/Ifelodun and Ekiti South West local government areas in the course of his tour of the 16 council areas.

He regretted that the Irewolede/MDGs water project was a mere decoration, which had not produced a drop of water for the people.

He said that his administration had also purchased and installed a 2, 500 KVA power generating set to tackle erratic power supply which is responsible for shortage of water supply from the Ero Dam. The governor said the dam would supply

•Fayemi

Govt urged to rehabilitate Mokwa-Ilorin Road

P

ETROLEUM tanker drivers have urged the Federal Government to rehabilitate the Mokwa-Ilorin Road to curb excessive accidents on it.

The chairman of the Gusau depot, Alhaji Muhammad Yaro-Shagari made the call in Gusau.

Yaro-Shagari said the call had become necessary because of the frequency of accidents that occurs on the road on daily basis; a situation which he blamed on the poor condition of the road.

He said: “We lost many of our members to accidents as a result of the bad nature of the road. The road is in a very bad condition.

“We are calling on the government to do something urgently in order to reduce the rate at which people die due to accidents.”

He, however, advised his members to al-

ways avoid careless overtaking and overspeeding, even as he urged them to abide by traffic rules and regulations.

He warned that “any member found wanting will be sanctioned.”

Yaro-Shagari also called on the Federal Government to drop its proposed removal of fuel subsidy, adding that the policy would cause more hardship for Nigerians.

He urged the government to concentrate on the rehabilitation of the country’s four refineries.

The chairman said the Gusau depot had been closed for more than six years, noting that the situation had rendered no fewer than 1,000 members redundant.

He further called on the government to initiate policies and programmes that would improve the well-being of the citizens.

Oyo to train council chiefs on due process

A

LL is set in Oyo State to train the chairmen and other top functionaries of the entire 33 local government councils across the state on the modalities of due process in public projects execution, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Peter Oluremi Odetomi has stated.

To this end, the commissioner said, the state governor, Senator Isiaka Abiola has set up a body of COREN-certified experts in civil engineering to vet construction projects in the various local councils while a seminar is being organised for the council operatives including the council engineers “on the modalities for due process in effecting quality and efficient road rehabilitation across the state.”

Odetomi, while speaking with newsmen during an interactive session in Ibadan, disclosed that the resource persons at the planned seminar are drawn from amongst top-qual-

Ekiti water to 62 communities in nine local government areas when completed.

He added that government would, in the interim, provide boreholes for people in the affected communities to overcome shortage of water supply during the dry season.

Fayemi promised that the reservoir at AreEkiti which had not been put to use for some years would be revisited, while damaged pipes leading to various communities, including Ifaki, Igbemo, Afao and Are would soon be fixed.

He said the European Union (EU) water scheme for Iyin, Ogotun and Emure would be continued based on his recent discussion with the EU officials.

Reacting to some communities’ requests for road construction, Governor Fayemi said his administration decided to terminate the Are-Oye Road and Eyio-Iworoko Road projects on which N500m and N300m had been spent respectively because there was no evidence of work done by the contractors.

He, however, promised that the AwoEyio-Esure-Ifaki Road would be rehabilitated to solve transportation problem in the area.

Fayemi said that, as part of his plans to ensure a healthy society, his administration would be renovating 22 secondary health facilities, including Ilawe General Hospital, to meet the health needs of the people.

He also reiterated the commitment of his administration to the establishment of a Banana factory in Ekiti South West Local Government Area to actualise its vision of generating at least 50 per cent of the state’s internally-generated revenue from the agricultural sector.

The governor also flagged off the construction of Ilawe-Igbara-Odo Road which is expected to be completed within 10 months.

•President Goodluck Jonathan presenting the award of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) to Prince Feyisayo Soyewo(right) at the national honours award in Abuja

Fashola suspends sand mining

L

AGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola has ordered the immediate suspension of surface sand mining in Badagry Local Government Area.

The Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr Taofiq Tijani, stated this in a statement issued in Ikeja.

Tijani said that the order was in response to petitions from “concerned citizens” on the dangers of uncoordinated surface sand mining in the area.

He added that the action was equally premised on the damage done by the miners on the state’s ecosystem.

The commissioner said the governor had initially approved sand mining in shallow creeks

G

Lagos ing your own quota toward achieving a befitting Mega-city,” he said.

Fashola said that consulting engineers were the backbone of technology driven service delivery.

He said many things that drove the wheel of industry such as power and information technology could not be made available without engineering input.

Fashola said that his administration would continue to provide adequate public infrastructure that would sustain the human and traffic population in the Lagos Mega City.

“That is why we have adopted the vision of making Lagos State Africa’s model mega city, economic and financial hub through infrastructural renewal and development”.

•Dr. Martins Oni, Director-General, Police Assistance Committee (middle) flanked by Chief Sunday Akibor (left) founder United Berger Motors Dealers Association, Demola Fetuga (right) Media Officer and other exco-members of PAC at the national workshop on Security liasing with SSS, the Police and other Security Agencies in the country

T

HE Chief Whip of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon AdigunHammed Abiodu, has congratulated Governor Isiaq Abiola Ajimobi on his recent victory at the tribunal, even as he praised the judiciary in the country.

Hon. Adigun, who spoke with our correspondent in Ibadan the Oyo State capital gave kudos to the judiciary for giving fair hearing on some salient cases. He also urged them to stick to the ethics of their profession.

He said: “I thank God for the victory of our Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi and I also praise the judiciary for not allowing the people to be robbed of their mandate. This will restore the hope of the common man. I also want to call on them to stick to the ethics of their profession so as to build people’s confidence in them.”

He, therefore called on the governor to expedite action on the developmental project at hand in the state in order to give the dividends of democracy to all and sundry.

Reacting to the suspension of the local

government caretaker chairmen in the state, Hon. Adigun said the House followed the constitutional provision to renew the appointment of the chairmen after three months in office.

He further said: “There are constitutional provisions backing the suspension of the caretaker chairmen in the state. The Constitution states that they can not spend more than three months before they get renewal and before we do that their office must be pronounced vacant,” he stated.

He therefore maintained that the renewal of their appointments was as a result of their credible performance in the past three months.

•Hon Adigun

N Upper Area Court in Jimeta, Yola, the Adamawa State capital has sentenced two single mothers to six months imprisonment for attempting to sell their daughters.

The convicts, Sharon Julius and Helen Awoke, both of Ghana Street in Demsawo Ward of Yola, were charged to court for abandoning and showing cruelty to their children, an offence contrary to sections 237 and 238 of the Penal Code.

They were arrested by the police when they approached the proprietor of a day care centre in Yola and proposed to sell their little daughters at N200, 000 and N150, 000 respectively.

The women pleaded guilty and begged for leniency, saying poverty and neglect led them into the act.

Delivering judgment, Justice Danladi Mohammed sentenced them to six months imprisonment each with N20, 000 option of fine each.

Briefly

Stakeholders appraise Lagos new criminal law

By Miriam Ndikanwu

STAKEHOLDERS in judiciary converged on Lagos to appraise the new criminal laws to make its enforcement effective in the state.

The event which was held in Alausa, had in attendance Judges of the High Court, Magistrates, Nigerian Bar Association officials, Public Prosecutors, officers of the Nigeria Police Force and other stakeholders to discuss and exchange ideas on how criminal justice administration can be moved forward The state Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye, in his welcome address, said it was expedient to hold the forum as it will help arrive at a better understanding of the law for effective implementation.

He noted that the new criminal law is to promote an orderly society, and to foster collective obligation and duty towards the preservation and protection of lives and property.

few weeks, prevented some corrupt practices.

He said: “By the time I was appointed Commissioner by His Excellency, Governor Isiaka Ajimobi, and put in charge of local government of Oyo State, what we found on ground at the ministry was a colossal mess. The council officials did not even help matters in their approach to spending of public funds on frivolities.

“For instance, the vouchers made available to me indicated a whoopping sum of N80million being spent on billboards for the ex-governor, aside other mundane expenditures which do not have direct bearing with the well-being of the people. And that’s why Governor Ajimobi said Oyo State needs a positive change while the transitional council chairmen were directed to pass all their claims to the ministry for approval before payment so as to ensure that frivolous payments are not made. A lot of things have to change from the old order and it will not be business as usual at the local governments.”

Ekiti approves appointment of new Alawe of Ilawe Ekiti EKITI State government has approved the appointment of new Alawe of Ilawe Ekiti in Ekiti South West Local Government area of Ekiti State.

He is Prince Adebanji Ajibade Alabi.

Alabi is to assume the rein of obaship of Ilawe town consequent upon the

Ekiti From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

vacuum created by the death of Oba Joseph Adeyemi Ademileka 11, who died on June 7.

The government also approved the

A

Oyo chief whip praises judiciary

•Chairman, Ikeja Local Government Area, Hon Wale Odunlami (right) congratulating one of the newly sworn-in councillors of the local government in a ceremony

in the area, after permit had been granted by the ministry.

He disclosed that the governor had advised miners in the state to form themselves into cooperatives to be able to access loans to acquire equipment needed for shallow creek water dredging.

Tijani further said government would streamline activities of surface sand miners and dredgers in line with international standards.

He warned all stakeholders to adhere strictly to the governor’s directive or face the wrath of the law.

ity architects and engineers in the country.

The commissioner maintained that the present administration in Oyo State would accept nothing short of due process, quality projects implementation and monitoring from all its operatives, particularly at the local governments.

He alleged that his insistence on things being done the right way is being viewed by many as a way of denying them unfettered access to tax payers’ money for personal aggrandisement.

Odetomi expressed concerns over what he tagged as campaign of calumny against his ministry , saying his actions were borne out of patriotism.

“If we are there and we fail to change the old order, we are not worthy of being put in charge,” he said.

The commissioner added that he has in the past

Court convicts two for allegedly selling daughters

‘Manage challenges of the people’ OVERNOR Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State has advised the Association of Nigerian Consulting Engineers to encourage the engineers to perform and manage engineering challenges facing the people.

Fashola, represented by his Special Adviser on Works and Infrastructure, Mr Ganiyu Johnson, said this at the annual conference of the association in Lagos.

Fashola said that the state government was working in tandem with proficient engineering professionals and consultants in the private sector to making the Lagos Mega City Project a reality.

“I wish to challenge the consulting engineers among other professionals to bring their expertise on board for the creation of a model Lagos Mega City of our dream.

“I appeal to you that wherever your services are engaged, you should endeavour to do your best and by this, you are contribut-

Lagos

Oyo

•Empowerment materials distributed by Hon Adeleye-led administration in Remo North Local Government, Ogun State

E

KITI State Governor Kayode Fayemi has promised that his administration will construct more than 300 kilometres of roads across the 16 local government areas before the end of its tenure in 2014.

He also promised to build an international market with facilities such as mechanic village, police station, petrol station and a weighing-in bridge to take the weight of heavy duty lorries that would ply the state roads at Itawure.

Fayemi made the promise at EfonAlaaye and Aramoko Ekiti in the course of his tour of all the local government areas. He said that henceforth, the state appropriation bills would have the input of people at the grassroots before being forwarded to the state House of Assembly.

Such input, he added, would be collated through the convening of Town Hall meetings at the council level.

Fayemi explained that the initiative would make it easy for government to implement programmes that would be in tandem with people’s expectations.

He said the road projects, which would be included in the 2012, 2013 and 2014 budgets would be executed in phases because of government’s lean finances.

“The budget should be the genuine product of the people and not the sole business of those in government alone.

“It is my wish that all the towns and villages in Ekiti are given attention under my administration.

“We will not abandon any town or any sector of the economy, and that is why

dualisation of two roads in Ado Ekiti to ease flow of traffic in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

The roads approved by the State Executive Council are Old Garage-Ojumose road and First Baptist Church-Oja BisiAtinkankan road.

The Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Hon Funminiyi Afuye, while briefing newsmen at the Governor’s Office in Ado Ekiti , said making the roads a dual-carriage way was necessitated by a need to decongest the inner city and improve the beauty of the city.

Government equally approved termination of 12 roads across the state , another 10, apart from the dualisation to be carried out in the state capital had also been approved for construction/rehabilitation in all the 16 council areas.

The roads were terminated by the state government for lack of performance, adding that some of the contractors may be asked to make some refund into the state’s coffers.

The roads are: Igede-Awo-Ido road, Ikere—Igbara-Odo, Ikogosi-Ipole Iloro— Efon Alaaye, Ijan—Ise, Ijero-Ipoti— Ayetoro, Ilawe –Igbara Odo—Ibuji, Ikole – Ijesa Isu—Iluomoba.

Others are: Ojumose—Basiri—Police headquarters, Ijigbo—Baptist College, Ilawe and Fajuyi—University Teaching Hospital roads.

Govt to construct 300kms of roads Ekiti we are meeting with the people to know what they actually want.”

The governor announced that the Ministry of Health was currently recruiting medical doctors, nurses and other health personnel as part of efforts to guarantee efficient service delivery by the health sector.

Speaking on behalf of Efon community, a notable indigene, Dr Kunle Olajide, called for the provision of adequate security in the area in view of its position as a border town between Ekiti and Osun States.

He called for the construction of township roads, development of River Ooni to an international tourist centre and the establishment of a state polytechnic or a faculty of the Ekiti State University and a School of Nursing in the area.

•Chief (Mrs) Olayinka Norma-Williams flanked by Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas (right) and past Chairman, Yoruba Tennis Club, Engr. Joshua Bamidele Daramola at a party held at the club in Lagos to mark Mrs. Norman-Williams’ 90th birthday

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011

CITYBEATS THE NATION

31

E-mail:- ynotcitybeats@gmail.com

A community’s ordeal The dredging of the lagoon is meant to improve the life of residents of IbejuItedo and its environ but it has become a nightmare for them.The dredging firm’s operation has distorted communal life, provoking a cry for help by the residents.TOLUWANI ENIOLA reports

A

S she pulled out the bucket from the well, she shook her head in disgust. The content betrayed her expectation.

Not only was the water filled with sand, it was also salty and smelly. She threw the water away.

Mrs Esther Unanah, a resident of Ibeju-Itedo, a riverine community in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State, then went to Lekki to beg for water.

"Aside the problem of getting potable water, this community is also battling with constant flooding and foul odour from the lagoon. This is because of the ongoing dredging.

“As the pipe discharges the sand out of the lagoon, the fiery breeze that accompanies it blows against our roof, sometimes carting away the zinc. Besides, our wells are polluted. You can't use the water to cook or bath. As the engine pumps the sand from the lagoon, it oozes out a nauseating odour," Mrs Unanah told CityBeats.

Mrs Unanah and other residents of Ibeju-Itedo are facing hard times. The village, which comprises over 1,000 residents, who are fish farmers and traders, is vulnerable to environmental hazard because of the dredging activities going on in the lagoon surrounding their community.

Their ordeal, they claimed, started in March, following the establishment of a sand dumpsite in the community by Lagoon Dredging and Marine Services

•Top and bottom: Scenes from Ibeju-Itedo

(LDMS).

LDMS was contracted by the Lagos State Government to sweep and dredge the Lagos Lagoon from Ebute-Metta to Epe, for easy passage of barges, big canoes and ships to enhance water transport.

But the residents said the dredg-

PHOTO: TOLUWANI ENIOLA

ing has brought woes upon them, citing cases of environmental hazards, such as water pollution and flooding. They further alleged that because of the company’s operation , a resident, identified as Sunday Idah, drowned on October 3.

Idah's remains, according to them,

Fashola suspends sand mining LAGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola has suspended indefinitely surface sand mining in Badagry with immediate effect.

The Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr Taofiq Tijani, told surface sand miners from Badagary that the executive order became necessary following petitions from concerned citizens on the dangers uncoordinated surface sand mining pose in the area.

He said the governor’s decision is premised on the fact that a lot of damage has been done to the area, adding that if not checked , surface sand mining could worsen the fragile ecosystem of the State.This, he added, may lead to irreparable damage to the landscape of the area and possibly cause a tsunami.

The Commissioner said the Governor has, however, approved sand mining in shallow creeks in the area, after due diligence of the site and permit granted from the Ministry. He disclosed that the Governor advised miners to form themselves into co-operatives to access loans to acquire equipment required for shallow creek water dredging.

are still at the Isolo General Hospital morgue.

When CityBeats visited the community, the residents expressed anger over Idah’s death.

According to them, Idah's parents, living in Cross River State, have not been able to come and

Multipro wins car in raffle draw ONE of the three Indigo cars on offer at the on-going Tata Africa promotion has been won by Multipro Limited, marketers of Indomie Noodles.

The first of the three fortnight draws was held at the premises of the Tata office in Amuwo-Odofin, Lagos.

Multipro bought eight units of trucks and instantly won blackberry phones, laptops and LCD Television sets.

claim his body The road because they has are very poor.

The noise of become the marine enmarshy gines used to and dredge sand from the la- impassable goon welcomes a first-timer to the village. A mountain of sand also hugs the sky beside the lagoon. Because of the tippers coming and going, the road to the village has become marshy and impassable.

A resident, Olugbenga Ibikunle, who has been living in the area for over four years, described the situation as strange.

He said: "When the LDMS came here, it was a surprise because we didn't know their mission. Many strange things started happening to us. As a result of the dredging, furious wind blew off our roofs.

Many children began to fall sick regularly as a result of the salty water. We later stopped drinking the water. Before they came; water from our wells was not polluted. We used to get clean water but now you can even see it yourself. It has become too salty as a result of the overflow of the lagoon. In the morning, we are used to bringing out our properties to

•SEE PAGE 32

Randle school wins Rotary debate RANDLE Senior Secondary School, Apapa, Lagos has emerged winner of Interact District 9110, Nigeria debate competition.

The school scored 40 points to beat Dr Soyemi Memorial College, Festac Town, with 39 points and Holy Child College, Yaba, 36.

According to the President, Rotary International District 9110, Nigeria, Mr Kennedy Ejakpomewhe, the debate is to develop the youth, whom he described as the future leaders.

Ejakpomewhe said the Interact debate is a Rotary sponsored event designed for young people between 12 and 18. It was organised to mark the Vocational Month and Interact week.

Ejakpomewhe said the competition, which began on October 25 drew debaters across the state, adding that it would be incorporated into Rotary activities as a yearly event to develop the young .

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011

32

CITYBEATS A community’s ordeal •Continued from page 31

•The road leading to the community. Inset: Ibikunle

PHOTO: TOLUWANI ENIOLA

Foundation to curb child abuse

P

ARENTS of sexually assaulted children have been urged to open up about their

ordeal so as to bring the perpetrators to book.

Executive Director, Child Dignity Foundation (CDF), Mrs Amaka Awogu, gave the advice during its inauguration in Lagos.

Worried by the rising cases of child abuse and protracted court cases, Mrs Awogu said the foundation would create awareness about child abuse and fight for the right of the children.

The Foundation is soliciting assistance from lawmakers to introduce sex offenders register and establish special courts for speedy justice.

The inauguration also featured the launch of a documentary entitled: Silent Crime, a report of sexually assaulted children handled by the Foundation.

Mrs Awogu said the launch was borne out of the need to correct worrying trends of child abuse. She enjoined parents to make sex an open topic, noting that children must be encouraged to share their experiences or problems with their parents.

She related a story that prompted the inauguration of the Foundation: "Eighteen months ago, while exchanging banters with some friends, a journalist told the story of a four-year-old girl who had been sexually abused by a supposed paternal uncle. On further enquiry, it was revealed how the victim's mum kept the child and her siblings under the care of their grandparents, as she was a working mother. Her supposed uncle is 39.

"I made up my mind to check on the family and took a trip to with Iother Maraba in Nasarawa State. foundchildren infamily the neighout from the victim and her Parents bourhood. that this 'uncle' is a proprietor of a nurseryshould and primary Sadly, school medical and was also indulging the same act on make sex in examination some of the girls an open showed they have sexually topic transmitted dis-

1. Fire and Safety Services Control Room Phone Nos: 01-7944929; 080-33235892; 080-33235890; 08023321770; 080-56374036.

By Toluwani Eniola

eases (STDs) in various degrees.

"More worrisome was the reaction I got on further investigation on the issue within that area on the prevalence of the indecent act.

The police officers asked me which particular sexual defilement case I was referring to. While at the hospital, I saw over 24 cases of children assaulted by adults. Their fathers put nine girls in the family way. One of the cases involved a six-month-old child that was sexually violated; she didn't survive the

inhumanity meted on her.

"We all know that constitutionally, the right of the Nigerian child is guaranteed but how many children enjoy the benefit of this provision? We have cases in court that have been going on for over two years.We call on the police to buckle up.

They must entrust the handling of these cases to experienced men among them and institute disciplinary measures for those who lose case files or caught in other unprofessional act."

dry in the sun.

Lamenting the poor state of the road, a resident who pleaded anonymity, urged the government to intervene. The source said the situation becomes unbearable whenever rain falls.

CityBeats gathered that the community has dragged the LDMS to court. Addressing reporters in Lagos, one of the community leaders, Prince Toluwaleke Megba, shed more light on the issue.

His words: "On March 2011, we noticed the activities of a company, Lagoon Dredging and Marine Services run by one Eugene Anenih who came and erected a big sign board in the area.

“They claimed that the Lagos State Government had contracted them to sweep and dredge the deep waters of the Lagos Lagoon from Ebute-Metta to Epe for easy passage of barges, big canoes and ship to enhance water transport.

"They, thereafter, moved a dredger to the area and began to dredge a part of the shoreline of the village which falls within the approved area for us by the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA). When we approached the company to inquire about the source of their authority and action, they pleaded with us to allow them dredge a small portion of the shoreline to put their barge which will serve as a dump for the sand from the dredging and channelisation of the deep waters.

They assured us at the time that they will replace the sand from the little place where they will dredge to accommodate the barge not to

endanger our lives and business.

We were to learn from other sources and the conspicuous sign board erected that the Lagos State government awarded a contract to LDMS for the channelisation of the lagoon to Epe. "But rather than work according to the plan, LDMS has continued to dig and dredge the shoreline.

The shoreline which ordinarily is shallow has been dug so deep that our business and the entire village is currently facing imminent collapse and danger of being overrun by the surging sea as there is no retaining wall separating the shoreline and the offshore.

"We are now faced with the serious danger of being washed away by water apart from our businesses that is already in ruins as a result of the activities of LDMS which is still defiantly digging and dredging the area and reaping millions of naira through the daily sale of sand at the expense of our lives and properties.

“It is not only the digging and dredging that we are worried about, LDMS and those profiting from its illegal operation are depositing tons of sand and organic materials on our land, making it marshy and impassable.

"This is why we are using this opportunity again to alert the Lagos State Government and NIWA to urgently intervene and to stop LDMS from further damaging our shoreline and community. We will await the outcome of our legal suit against the company.”

When contacted, Anenih declined giving comment, saying the case is in the court.

Pupil dies in flood

F

OR residents of Oremeji Street in Agbado Oke-Odo Local Government, AbuleEgba, these are not the best of times.

According to them, their bad road is a problem as it has claimed the life of a child.

According to the Chairman, CDA, Ifesowapo Ekoro Community, Chief Felix Otemuyiwa, before the child’s death, residents complained about the bad road's potential to claim lives.

Otemuyiwa noted that over the years, the road had gone from bad to worse. He said when the problem started, they were faced with the challenge of plying the road.

He explained that their predicament was not limited to bad roads.

The development, he said, has paved the way for erosion, which has become a nightmare for residents.

On the cause of the problem, Otemuyiwa said since the street's drainage was allegedly blocked by the Lagos State Ministry of Environment in 2009, he said became unpassable.

The child’s death was the last straw that broke the camel's back, adding that residents would no longer sit back and watch their children get killed by an avoidable problem.

He also explained that recent at-

2. Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Lagos Zonal Command Phone No: 080-77690200; 01-7742771 Sector Commander Phone No: 080-776909201; 01-2881304 FRSC Emergency No: 070-022553772

•View of Oremeji Street

By Bode Monogbe

tempts to get the former Chairman, Agbado Oke-Odo Development Area, Pastor Kenny Okumuyide, to intervene, failed.

With nowhere else to turn, the residents decided to embark on construction of culverts on the affected side of the road.

PHOTO: MUYIWA OMOBULEJO

The project was stalled by paucity of funds, he said.

The community is appealing to the Chairman, Agbado Oke-Odo Local Government, Dr Augustine Arogundade, for financial assistance to repair the road.

The residents are also appealing to the Ministry of the Environment to help complete the abandoned

EMERGENCY LINES 3. LASTMA Emergency Numbers: 080-75005411; 080-60152462 080-23111742; 080-29728371 080-23909364; 080-77551000 01-7904983

4. KAI Brigade Phone Nos: 080-23036632; 0805-5284914 Head office Phone Nos: 01-4703325; 01-7743026 5. Rapid Response Squad (RRS) Phone Nos: 070-55350249; 070-35068242 080-79279349; 080-63299264 070-55462708; 080-65154338

project.

"The entire community supported the state government during the past election in Lagos State. We support the party of our choice; now we need to be compensated for our loyalty and support. We are pleading to Governor Fashola to rescue us from this problem," said Otemuyiwa.

767 or email: rapidresponsesquad@yahoo.com 6. Health Services – LASAMBUS Ambulance Services Phone Nos: 01-4979844; 01-4979866; 01-4979899; 01-4979888; 01-2637853-4; 080-33057916; 080-33051918-9; 080-29000003-5.

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CITYBEATS FROM THE GRASSROOTS

Lawmaker donates books, computers to pupils

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N appreciation of their support a member of Lagos State House of Assembly, Hodewu Suru Avoseh, representing Badagry II constituency, has donated books and computers to pupils.

Under the Avoseh Education Support Initiative Programme, the lawmaker gave six exercise books to each of the 19,000 pupils the 23 primary schools in the constituency, five computers each to five of the six secondary schools.

He promised to provide for the remaining one, which was inadvertently omitted. The secondary schools were also given one generator each and universal modems for Internet facilities.

Avoseh said: "I gave enough books to cover the communities and villages in my constituency. We gave out the computers to ensure that secondary school students are computer literate."

He also assisted the Community Development Councils (CDC) in Olorunda, Badagry West and Badagry Central LGAs with one public address system each.

"We observed that when-

Stories by Oziegbe Okoeki

ever they had meetings, they found it difficult addressing themselves. Now, the situation has changed with the public address system. They can now hear themselves whenever they are holding meetings,” he said.

Avoseh, who was a teacher before his election to the Assembly, also gave his primary constituency, the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Badagry branch, money for the union house.

"As a former teacher, they have been on my neck for sometime. So, I gave them a cheque of N250,000 for their proposed NUT building, at least that will assist them to start something and I am sure more support will come," he said.

On security, Avoseh came to the aid of the residents of the three estates on the expressway — Federal Housing Estate, State Estate and the General Hospital Es- Education tate with is the street lights, best which cost N200,000. legacy

According to him, hoodlums used to attack the residents in the night, adding that they gave him an estimate of almost N200,000 for the light projects and he decided to make the money a round figure with the donation.

He further made a donation of 12 ceiling fans for the community town hall.

Also part of the beneficiaries of Avoseh's kind gesture was Topmost Football Club.

The lawmaker stated that he decided to support the club with a set of jerseys to encourage the youth, and that the club would be representing his constituency whenever it is time for the Speaker's Cup Competition organised by the Lagos Assembly.

"I did all these not minding the cost because what the people have done for me is more than whatever amount of money I am spending and I will continue to do my best for the people for the trust they have in me. Education is the best legacy we can give our children, which is why I spent so much on education and I will continue with the gesture as long as I have the grace," Avoseh said.

‘Provide for survival of the child’

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HE Founder of Professional Exams Clinic, Dr Peter Ogundoro, has appealed to the Federal and state governments to provide a social safety net for the survival of the Nigerian child.

Ogundoro made the appeal at an award ceremony and fundraiser organised by Joyof-a-Child Foundation, at the Multi Purpose Hall of the Lagos State Public Works Corporation, Ojodu, Lagos.

The event featured presentation of awards to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Godswill Akpabio; Lagos State Deputy Governor Mrs Adejoke OrelopeAdefulire; Dr Peter Ujomu, Mrs Nkiru Obi, Hon Abiodun Faleke and the Country Director, Hope Worldwide Nigeria, Mr

By Adeola Ogunlade

Yemi Oshilaja.

He said: “The need for improved social security programme that will help ameliorate the sufferings of today's children is very germane in our quest toward building a better future for Nigeria.”

He added that Nigerian children are faced with the challenge of underfunded health care facilities, dilapidated schools, economic depression and all forms of infectious disease that threaten their survival.

Ogundoro noted that the future of Nigeria lies in the care and attention given to today's children who will grow up to become responsible adults.

He attributed the high

spate of corruption among public office holders to negligence and lackadaisical attitude displayed by their parents in inculcating godly values in their growing up years.

Although he asserted that the Lagos State Government is working hard to provide a safe haven for children, he said: "Lagos State Government must be resolute in addressing street hawking and begging by underaged children on the high ways."

In her welcome address, the Joy-of-a-Child Founder, Evangelist Elishamma Ezenwanne, said the event was aimed at appreciating the effort of governments and other stakeholders in tackling the varying challenges facing orphans and vulnerable children.

• Head, Desk Officer, Lagos State Universal Basic Education, Akinwolere Colman, cutting the tape of a sick bay donated by the Foundation to Ojodu Grammar School, Ojodu, Lagos.

PHOTO: ADEOLA OGUNLADE

Community alleges neglect

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•Some of the items handed out by Avoseh

PHOTO: OZIEGBE OKOEKI

Tribunal verdict vindicates Ikuforiji, ENOWNED Lagos says counsel laws governing the conduct lawyer and don

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Wahab Shittu has said the recent judicial victory of the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon Adeyemi Ikuforiji, at the election petition tribunal, has vindicated him.

Shittu, who is counsel to Ikuforiji, said: "This is a double victory for Ikuforiji in the sense that it is an electoral victory on one hand and a judicial victory on the other. It is very heartwarming that the victory is on all fronts."

Explaining, he said: "It is sweet victory for Ikuforiji on all fronts. Apart from the fact that he has been given a clean bill of health, his political party, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and, indeed, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have been cleared by the tribunal and given a clean bill of health.

“It is, indeed, a double-barrel victory for Adeyemi

Ikuforiji. And I dare assert that the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly has every reason to celebrate this major victory.

“Even if the petitioners (Olajumoke Josephine Sawyer and the Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP) decide to go on appeal, this major victory recorded by Ikuforiji shall be affirmed, because the legal issues are very clear and unambiguous. It will be an exercise in futility. They will lose there again. Head or tail, they will lose, and our victory will be affirmed. Any appeal against the ruling will suffer the same fate."

Asked to shed more light on the judgment, he declared: "The implication of this legal victory is that the election that produced Ikuforiji is now adjudged free, fair and credible. It is also adjudged as substantially complying with the

of the election. It iHon. Ikuforiji. His election remains un-contradicted and valid. The allegations levelled against him are therefore unmeritorious. The judicial victory has put to rest all sorts of blackmail aimed at derailing Ikuforiji's electoral victory.

"The next step for us now is to struggle to press for the recovery of the N100,000 awarded against the petitioners on each of the two counts levelled against Ikuforiji, my client."

The University of Lagos don explained said the petition against Ikuforiji was fundamentally defective and ought not to have been brought to the tribunal in the first place.

The sub-total of the complaints by the petitioners are pre-election matters that ought to have been disposed off before the conduct of the election in April, 2011, he added.

LORYLAND Community Development Association, Federal Site and Service Scheme in Isheri-Olofin, has cried out over what it described as ‘government's neglect.’

The association, which represents communities and streets in the area, further disclosed that though it is behind the Egbe-Idimu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), the chairman and other office holders have not visited the area in the last four years.

Streets within the communities include Faith Ajayi, Goshen Avenue, Primary School Road, Yaba Street and Olu Adewale street.

Others are Hakeem Balogun, Olaonipekun Drive, Primate Elijah Ayodele Street, Balogun Adewale Avenue, Jide Alabi, Wuraola Adesheila Crescent, Anike Ologuntoye Street, Oladeinde Street, Imokore Crescent, Bishop Ogbonna Avenue, Kings and Queens Street and Old Tipper Garage.

While taking reporters round the community, Chairman of the Association Isaac Okorie said the majority of the roads and streets are bad.

"There is also no drainage on several streets making it difficult for water to find its way," he said.

Some of the residents explained that they are always apprehensive whenever it rains.

By Oziegbe Okoeki

"Even if the flood does not flow into your apartment, you are sure of not going out of your house because, for days, the roads are waterlogged, making us pass through hell on our way to and from home,” a resident said.

Okorie lamented that, despite mobilising the residents to exercise their electoral mandate in favour of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), they have been excluded in terms of development.

"Since the last four years, we have relied on self-help.

Whatever progress you see here is as a result of the residents taxing themselves.

"But you know we cannot continue to rely on self help in the presence of a government that is supposed to put the interest of the people first," he said, while conducting reporters round some of drainages the residents built themselves.

Okorie said he would continue to call on governments at the local and state levels to come to their aid before they would be cut off from the rest of Lagos as erosion is also one of their major problems.

• One of the roads in the community

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011

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CITYBEATS

QUOTE OF THE WEEK “If you recruit commercial blood donors, you will expose the patients to transmissible infections. Studies have shown that non-remunerated voluntary blood donors are of low risk to transmit infections.”

Acting Secretary, Lagos State Blood Transfusion Committee (LSBTC), Dr Uwen Olusola Oyekan

Residents seek construction of polytechnic road

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• Ajijola, Bjerde and Olakulehin during the inspection of some of the projects in Awolowo Market, Mushin PHOTO: KUNLE AKINRINADE

World Bank lauds Fadama projects

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HE Lagos State Government has been lauded for the excellent implementation of agricultural projects and upliftment of farmers under the Fadama III project.

Speaking during a visit to the implementation sites of the Lagos State Fadama III Project, the leader of the World Bank team and the Senior Manager of Sustainable Development Office, Hannah Bjerde, commended the state government for ensuring the success of the project.

She said: "I am pleased to be here to assess the impact of the project in the communities and in the lives of its beneficiaries. I am also here to see how to make the project more beneficial to the people.

"Lagos State has so much to offer in the area of agriculture and we are pleased to see the success which the projects have recorded here so far. Going by the presentations by the agency, it is obvious that the project has gained spread, acceptance and more importantly made fairly impressive impact in the lives of farmers and other stakeholders."

The team was received by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Co-operatives, Prince Gbolahan Lawal, who commended the World Bank initiative. He called for more assistance to enable the project touch more people.

"The Fadama initiative, which is more of small-scale farm projects is highly commendable going by the remarks of its users and beneficiaries. This has clearly shown that we are doing tremendously

By Kunle Akinrinade

well despite paucity of funds. Indeed, the Lagos State government has been supporting the project in the area of job creation. Therefore, I want to appeal to the World Bank to step up its level of support to the Lagos State government in the area of agricultural development."

The team, which included Sector Manager of Sustainable Development Office, Abuja, Mrs Sobha Shetti and Fadama III Task Team Leader, Dr Abimbola Adubi, also inspected some stalls built by the Lagos State Fadama III Office for butchers at the Awolowo Market, Mushin.

Receiving the team, the Chairman of Awolowo Butchers Association said: "We are satisfied with the project and the stalls built for us by the agency. Since the new stalls and ultra modern office were constructed by the agency for our use, we have been able to attract more patronage because of our expansion and we have also built additional stalls to complement the effort of the agency. But we want to ask for further assistance to improve on our infrastructure and to have assess to cold room storage facility."

The state Co-ordinator of the project, Mr Folu Ajijola, expressed satisfaction with the success of his agency in alleviating the plight of farmers. He said the agency would continue to assist farmers, despite its limited resources.

"I think I am happy with the level of our effort so far and the impact

on farmers in Lagos. So far, we have facilitated small-scale community -owned infrastructure in 10 council areas, we have provided productive assets acquisition for 371 Fadama Users Group (FUG) to enhance production, processing, preservation and marketing of produce and input support for farmers among other assistance."

T is a major road that leads to the first gate of the Lagos State Polytechnic, (LASPOTECH) Ikorodu campus, Lagos. But the road is an eyesore. It is in a deplorable state.

The road is marshy and impassable as a result of the rains and lack of drainage. Besides, a large pool of water has paralysed vehicular movements.

To students and residents plying the Lambo Lasuwon Road, life could not be more hellish.

The community road, which serves almost half of the LASPOTECH population, owing to its proximity to the campus, begs for immediate attention.

Residents under the aegis of Lambo Lasunwon Community Development Association (LLCDA) narrated their ordeal to CityBeats.

They said many letters dispatched to the Lagos State Government received no attention.

They urged the Lagos State Government to expedite action on the construction of the road.

According to the Chairman of the CDA, Mr Olujinmi Oduyebo, the road is a source of agony to over 400,000 residents of the community.

His words: "Despite several petitions, the road is in a terrible state. The residents had on several occasions made attempts to do the grading and construction of drainages to make it motorable, but the palliative action has not

By Toluwani Eniola

yielded a lasting solution.

"This situation is aggravated whenever it rains, as pedestrians and motorists struggle to make use of any available dry area, because of the flooded pot holes on the road.

"With the rapid increase in population, the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) in October, 2007 gave approval for a community primary school to be sited in the community.

“Each time it rains, the road is always impassable for pupils while the polytechnic students need to wash their legs and clean their shoes on arrival at the gate as if they came from Mile 12 Market, same applies to other residents going to work in the morning.”

Oduyebo went on: "Consequently, the community is appealing to Governor Babatunde Fashola to order the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to commence work on the Lambo Lasunwon road without further delay; from the polytechnic first gate bus stop to the Lambo Lasunwon Community Primary School.

“The construction is to include drainages and culvets where necessary. The road when constructed will link the neighbouring community such as Orofo, Eginrinekun, Ori-Okuta, Isawo and Owutu."

•The failed section of the community road

Lagos trains LASTMA officials on traffic management

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AGOS State Government has begun the training of 2,000 officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) to improve their performance in traffic management.

The training, which began last Thursday, will last for 10 days. It is taking place at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) building on Nurudeen Olowopopo Road, Alausa, Ikeja.

The capacity building workshop’s theme is “Peaking performance at LASTMA”. It is geared towards the improvement of LASTMA officers for effective traffic management.

The Lagos State Ministry of Es-

By Miriam Ndikanwu

tablishment, Training and Pension is organising the training in conjunction with a Non-Governmental Organisation, Bailey Cole Consulting.

Flagging off the training, the Commissioner for Establishment, Training and Pensions, Mrs Florence Oguntuase, said it cuts across various cadres. She enjoined participants to improve on their productivity through the workshop.

"Essentially, capacity building and development is to improve productivity and the theme of this workshop is how to do it better and

do it right," she said.

Mrs Oguntuase also urged participants to take advantage of the training and utilise its impact in the discharge of their daily activities so as to get value for money spent by government.

She appealed to them to use the opportunity given them to proffer solutions to traffic gridlocks in the metropolis rather than using it to make crooked money.

Workshop Speaking, is meant Commissioner for Transporta- to improve tion, Mr Kayode Opeifa, said productivity

LASTMA officers, in the cause of performing their duties, are faced with opportunities rather than negative challenges.

He said against all odds, LASTMA officers have kept the Lagos traffic moving with pride, dignity and honour.

Opeifa said the government, determined to ensure that LASTMA is kept abreast of the latest and best global trends in traffic management, has approved a series of training for its personnel to serve as a role model to other states.

He added that some states had established their own traffic management outfits tailored towards

the laudable achievements of LASTMA. He urged other law enforcement agencies to co-operate and work harmoniously with LASTMA to serve Lagosians better.

Opeifa, however, lamented that officers of the authority had often been attacked by motorists, in which some of them sustained severe injuries while some even died.

He appealed to motorists to always see the officers as their friends and should not hesitate to complain to the authority whenever they were aggrieved about the operations of the agency rather than taking laws into their hands.

SEND YOUR STORIES AND PICTURES TO CITY BEATS at ynotcitybeats@gmail.com OR SEND AN SMS TO 08033054340

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Lagos Cheshire Home is not just a residential facility for the physically challenged. We also give vocational training to both residents and non-residents at the home

Home empowers 20,000 AGOS Cheshire Home has helped 20,000 people with disabilities to lead better lives. The management committee chairman, Professor Bode Gbenle said this help came in different ways, he explained.

Some were trained in entrepreneurial skills and supported to set up small businesses of their own. Many have been assisted to move into their apartments.

Others have been shown love in different ways and encouraged to maximise their aptitudes.

In fact that was the point Prof Gbenle stressed at the Home’s 50th anniversary. He told reporters that the worst thing to do to people with disability is to neglect them.

When people with disabilities are forgotten, he said, they are more likely to fall into poverty, which will worsen their condition and prevent them from attaining their full potential.

The Lagos Cheshire Home was founded was by Sir Adetokunbo Ademola in 1961 to take care of people with physical and orthopaedic challenges.

The Home presently has a total of 15 residents and over 50 nonresidents benefiting from its programmes.

It is an offspring of Leonard Cheshire Foundation founded in 1948 by Lord Leonard Cheshire who took into his home a cancer patient when he was discharged from the hospital and had nowhere to go.

That was the beginning of the Cheshire Home now numbering over 52 throughout the world.

The Home aims is to provide an atmosphere as close as possible to that of a family home. According to Chairman, Management Committee of Lagos Cheshire Home, Professor Bode Gbenle, the home aims at placing great emphasis in ensuring the dignity and the rights of persons to live their lives the way they wish, while also respecting

L

•Residents of the Home

By Osas Robert

their desire for privacy.

“The efforts are geared towards encouraging residents to make the best use of their potentials and to help them, within the limits of their disability, to live purposeful lives”.

“Lagos Cheshire Home is not just a residential facility for the physically challenged. We also give vocational training to both

residents and non-residents at the home. After acquisition of the vocational skills, we have assisted a few residents to obtain housing accommodation and have provided them with microcredit facilities, thus relocating the residents to the mainstream of the society where they truly belong. To date, we have empowered over 20,000 Nigerians with disabilities” Gbenle called on residents within their community to come to their aid in creating opportu-

Family doctors decry poverty level

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HE Society of Family Physicians of Nigeria (SOFON) has said that rising poverty level has aggravated increased health problems among Nigerians.

It said the effect of rising poverty level has decreased productivity and national development.

Chairman Edo State chapter of

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

SOFON, Dr. Osahon Enabulele stated this in Benin-City, the Edo State capital at a press briefing as part of activities to mark the society’s 14th annual National Scientific Conference.

Dr. Enabulele said Nigeria can-

All the health indices are still very poor, whereas less endowed countries have been able to remove majority of their people from the pangs of base poverty, which in turn leads to rise in life expectancy for them

not grow if it does not focus on human capital development through investment in health, education, national security, welfare system and poverty reduction scheme.

He called on government to address some of the problems militating against improved living condition in Nigeria and its attendant stunted national growth.

He said: “All the health indices are still very poor, whereas less endowed countries have been able to remove a majority of their people away from the pangs of poverty, which in turn leads to rise in life expectancy for them.

“The evil of corruption must also be transparently addressed with the necessary political will.

A situation where only two per cent of the Nigerian population controls over 60 per cent of the nation’s resources cannot yield development and sustainable growth.”

nities for the disabled around them as the responsibility is bigger than one man..

“The day to day management of Lagos Cheshire Home is affiliated with Leonard Cheshire International, one of the four directorates of Leonard Cheshire Disability in London while there are four other homes in Nigeria.

“All these homes are autonomous and as such have to rely on support and funding from the local people and organisations where there homes are situated.

Lagos Cheshire home shall always be grateful and appreciative of the support we receive from donors.”

He praised the efforts of the Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola for the giant strides he has made in the transformation of Lagos State into a mega city by recognising people with disabilities by passing into law the “Indigent Persons with Disabilities Bill”, while imploring him to expedite action on the implementation of the bill.

S

Benue Assembly to streghten revenue laws

PEAKER of the Benue State House of Assembly Mr. David Iorhemba has pledged that the Assembly would strengthen revenue generation laws in order to enhance internally generated revenue in the state.

He made the pledge when the management of the Benue State Internal Revenue Service led by its chairman, Mr. Andrew Ayabam, visited him in his office.

The speaker expressed delight that the revenue service had achieved a lot under the leadership of Mr. Ayabam and assured that should there be any need to strengthen the 2010 Benue State Revenue Law the Assembly was willing to do so.

While stating that the law was enacted to create an enabling environment for enhanced internally generated revenue, Mr. Iorhemba said the State Assembly would partner with the revenue service in order to boost its activities.

He stressed that an improved internally generated revenue base was an imperative for the development of the state.

Speaking earlier, Mr. Ayabam

By Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

had noted that the speaker had played a vital role in the enactment of the law establishing the Benue State Internal Revenue Service by the sixth assembly of which he was a member.

He expressed the confidence that with Mr. Iorhemba in the saddle informed decisions about the revenue service would be taken in the House.

Mr. Ayabam said the enactment of the law has brought about a lot of positive changes in revenue administration in the state and made the service to surpass its revenue targets in the last one year. ‘’It is with the support of the Assembly that all the achievements, whatever they are, and however they’ve been achieved, have been made possible,’’ Mr. Ayabam stated.

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JOBS THE NATION

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

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There are job opportunities in the horizon, thanks to the granting of licences to 16 mobile payment operators by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Operators are scrambling for workers that can deliver the goods, writes AKINOLA AJIBADE.

Mobile payment, mobile jobs

•A mobile payment agent attending to a customer in Kenya

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OBILE payment came with a bang. It is an innovative way of carrying out transactions without going to the bank. It is in practice in some parts of the world, but it will soon take off in Nigeria.

With its coming will be job opening for many. What is mobile payment, by the way? The system de-emphasises the use of banking halls for transac-

tions, reduces the interface between depositors and their bankers, and the unbanked population. Also, it ensures payment through phones, guaranteeing safer transactions.

Other benefits include prompt service delivery and creation of jobs. Of paramount importance is the job opportunities it provides. With the licencing of 16 mobile payment operators by the Central

Bank of Nigeria (CBN), many unemployed graduates stand the chance of being employed. Many of them have been besieging the offices of those operators since September when CBN granted them licences.

Those who can work with them include channel managers, network administrators, security experts, marketing consultants, information and technology experts

and agents.

At present, the companies are operating with ad-hoc staff recruited early in the year. But with the companies’ readiness to fight for their own market shares, it has become imperative for them to hire more workers.

Chief Executive Officer, Mobile •Continued on page 47

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Mobile payment, mobile jobs •Continued from page 47

Money Africa, Emmanuel Okogwale, said the firms will employ many workers to achieve success. Okogwale said people would be employed across boards because the system is complex, adding that the jobs are relative, depending on what each company wants.

He said the companies will employ money payment agents who will be entitled to commission. He said the roles of the agents are sensitive, because they would be dispensing cash at designated points. Okogwale said the agents must acquire relevant skills and understand the rudiments the system before they can succeed.

He said: “Also to be employed are channel managers. They are responsible for the management of the mobile payment agents.

Channel managers perform technical roles and are badly needed by the mobile payment firms. Thousands of agents are going to be employed by the firms due to their peculiar nature. The mobile payment system is a big project, and it requires the employment of various cadres of workers.”

Okogwale said the companies would employ marketing consultants, risk management and security experts to encourage growth.

According to him, the system has opened up opportunities for information and technology (IT) experts to showcase their skills and further earn good salaries.

“Mobile payment system is a combination of telecom and banking activities. That is why the services of IT personnel are needed. Just as commercial banks cannot do without the services of risk management experts, so also the mobile payment companies. Marketers are going to be employed to market

the products initiated by the companies,” he added.

A 400-level marketing student of Lagos State University (LASU), Kehinde Oyetunji, said the mobile payment system would reduce the number of unemployed in the labour market.

Oyetunji, who worked as a marketer with a mobile payment firm owned by the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc at the just-concluded Lagos International Trade Fair, said he enjoyed the work. He described the system as innovative, challenging and rewarding.

The Editor, Financial Technology Magazine, Shola Fanawopo, said different categories of workers will be employed by the operators. He said the first category has to do with those in direct employment, adding that such workers are required to have specialised skills and good academic qualifications, among other attributes.

He said agents are the second category of workers that would be employed by the operators.

He said the agents are going to be in strategic areas, to ensure prompt distribution of money to people. Fanawopo said operators will use various outlets for the success of the business.

“More than 250,000 agents would be employed by the mo-

‘More than 250,000 agents would be employed by the mobile payment operators. Those that sell recharge cards would be used as agents.

Those who work as fuel attendants, in drug stores, among others, would work as agents’ •CNB Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi

•MD UBA Phillips Oduoza

bile payment operators. Those that sell recharge cards would be used as agents. Those who work as fuel attendants, in drug stores among others, would work as agents. The operation of mobile payment companies can be likened to that of Global System of Mobile Communication (GSM) operators that provide indirect employment opportunities to Nigerians. You know that millions of people are now selling recharge cards in the country today. The same goes for mobile payment operators or carriers. Many people would work as agents for the mobile payment service providers,” he said.

He said the agents serve as intermediaries between the mobile

payment operators and the depositors.

“If you want to send or give money to somebody irrespective of his destination, agents are required to deliver the money to the person. The agents are banks on their own. Once you give an agent the code that signifies that somebody authorised you to collect money, the agents would hand over cash to you immediately.

The system is organised in such a way that nobody can play pranks and go away with it.

Even if somebody stole your mobile phone, he would find it difficult to access your account or know your password. Basically, what the agents do is to give you the cash equivalent of

BREAKDOWN OF JOBS AVAILABLE IN MOBILE PAYMENT FIRMS Titles Mobile payment agents Channel Managers Marketing Consultants Risks Managers Information & Technology experts

Skills required Ability to learn fast, Adept in use of ICT facilities Ability to manage the agents, co-ordinating channels of distributing money Ability to sell the products of mobile payment firms Ability to manage financial risks Knowledge of ICT facilities

Qualifications Degree (not compulstory) Degree in Sciences HND, B.Sc. in Marketing, Business Administration Degree in Banking, CIBN, others Degree in Electrical/Electronics Engineering

the codes you presented to them,” he added.

He said the third category of workers are those in the software companies, adding that such workers prepare applications that would drive mobile payment system.

Fanawopo said the operators are going to benefit from the system, as the banks and insurance companies would make money by selling their products through mobile payment operators. He said people would be buying insurance policies through the agents, instead of going to insurance firms, offices for such needs.

He said the system will benefit every sector of the economy, adding that there would be mass recruitment of workers soon.

Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, said the system was introduced to reduce the unbanked population put at over 80million, aid the cashless economy programme and bring abundant benefits to stakeholders.

It seems safer to say that the system holds the ace in the economy. It may be one of the largest employers of labour soon. But the onus lies on Nigerians to utilise the opportunity.

CAREER MANAGEMENT

Are you not supposed to be employed by now?

A

RE you still wondering why you have not yet secured your dream job? Or even worse, why you are not even being called in for a job interview by the recruitment agency let alone the employer?

Well, have you taken a step back and looked at the package that you are offering and how you are presenting it? Maybe your offering is just not packaged together correctly which is why you are continuously being overlooked, even though you just know you are the right person for that job.

With the unofficial unemployment rate in Nigeria standing at over 30 per cent, there are millions of un-employed Job Seekers scouting the marketplace for their ideal job, and even more employed professionals applying for the same jobs, it is imperative that you take every effort of going above and beyond to ensure that you stand out from the crowds.

Let’s start by considering the basics, your resume Clean up your resume and ensure that your it is professionally put-together with no typographical, spelling or grammatical errors.

Make sure that the layout and format conforms to that of a professional resume. Your strengths and key skills – as they relate specifically to

the job that you are applying to – should be clearly highlighted and visible at a glance at the off-set. Be sure not to make silly mistakes that can get you eliminated even before the short-list stage. Go through your resume to ensure that you have covered all essential aspects that make up a professional resume.

the job advertised and on which date.

Then immediately get to the point and explain briefly why your skills best match the job and why you should be considered. End off by thanking the recruiter for their time.

Be sure to include any relevant documentation or information that the recruiter might have asked for in the job advertisement. (see more on this at www.jobsearchhow.com)

Next, develop a professionally-written application

Finally, present yourself in the most professional manner

When applying for a job opening, please extend the recruiter the courtesy of ensuring that your skills do, in fact, meet the minimum requirements that he has set-out in the job advertisements. Do not apply to job advertisements that you are not suitably qualified for as this wastes both your time and that of the recruiter.

If you do believe that you closely match the requirements and skills contained in the job advertisement, then be sure to create a professional, top self-selling customised application, sometimes referred to as cover-note (not a standard one-size-fits-all) that is addressed to the hiring manager (not personnel/human resource dept), if possible, and that refers to the job title and where you saw

Should you be fortunate enough to secure an interview either with a recruitment agency or the employer directly, be sure that the product (you) matches the brochure (your resume) in the most professional manner. Be mindful of your interview manners but most importantly, dress appropriately for the job interview. Remember to prepare to dazzle in the job interview by researching the company, understanding the job requirements and knowing your strengths and how to communicate these effectively and in context to the job that you are being interviewed for.

Consider carefully the type of interview body language that you are giving off and be careful to avoid - as far as possible - making any of the common job interview mistakes. Come

By Olu Oyeniran

prepared with a set of interview questions yourself. Job seekers who attend a job interview with a well prepared set of interviewee questions are always most successful.

Remember, every job interview is an employment opportunity. Should you be called back for a second interview, take just as much time preparing for the second job interview as you would on the initial meeting. When getting a call back for a second job interview ask the interviewer if there is anything that you specifically need to prepare for.

Without being over confident, attend your second job interview with the same intention as you did the first. Carry yourself with poise and professionalism.

One more thing, remember that the best way to prepare is by anticipating securing your dream job. Good luck. Now go and secure that dream job now!

Olu Oyeniran is the Lead Consultant, EkiniConsult & Assoiciates.

Website: www.jobsearchhow.com E-mail: oluoyeniran@yahoo.com Tel 08083843230 (SMS Only).

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THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011

THE CEO

How can Nigeria be developed?

It is by being innovative, says Mr Kunle Adebajo, Chairman/CEO, Ove Arup, an international engineering consulting firm and former President, Nigeria Institute of Structural Engineers. He spoke with OKWY IROEGBU on why the construction sector is troubled and what can be done to redress the situation.

W

HAT is the place of innovation in engineering and construction?

Innovation means coming up with new ideas, novel ideas that lead to improvement on how things are done. We need to be innovative at all times, taking into consideration where we are, where we need to be and come up with ideas on how to get there. In the manufacturing industry, for instance, you can’t afford to continue with a single product without being innovative and efficient. Sooner than later, the person will go out of business. In the construction industry we need to take stock of what the problems are. On a general note, innovation includes things like use of local materials for the benefit of the client.

What are some of the innovative ideas in alternative building materials?

There has been quite a bit of innovative research into the use of bamboo as a substitute for steel reinforcement and ash to reduce the quantity of cement needed; also, the use of compressed laterite blocks to replace the normal concrete blocks. It is not enough to have innovative ideas, it needs to be taken further to a point where a product is delivered and used by the end user. If you have a product that is innovative and nobody is interested in it, it’s a

•Adebajo

‘Nigeria must be innovative to develop’ failure.

What is innovation?

It starts as a prototype and needs mentoring and nurturing to refine. Almost all good inventions would have looked strange at the beginning. For instance, if there was ever a Nigerian-made car, it will sure look odd and ugly before it will go through several transformations to be competitive with imported ones.

Another example of innovation is like what we used to have in the telecommunication industries years ago, when handsets were not as trendy as they are today, with multiple functions of cameras, mails and so on.

How can the government support innovation?

Government should encourage higher

institutions of learning in innovative learning and inventions. It is desirous for innovations to be encouraged so that smart students can come up with innovations that can be improved upon with time. Unfortunately, we like finished products here, with little patience for innovative products because real innovation comes with painstaking and detailed research and development. In this country, we have entrepreneurs but unfortunately we love and desire quick gains with little or no time for refining an idea or product.

There are many policies geared towards encouraging innovations, but they require government funding to make them sustainable. The government should, therefore, move further from fashioning out policies to policy implementation. For

‘Challenge is a good elixir for innovation. After all, it is said that necessity is the mother of invention. It must be noted here that it is not everybody that can be an inventor. One needs to have the drive and tenacity to be an inventor’

instance, if the government decides that the nation will cease importing generators to encourage local manufacturing, the product at the initial stage may not match the imported ones in aesthetics and function, but with sustainable government encouragement, it will match, if not surpass the imported ones. This is how a nation’s economy is built and sustained over a period of time through deliberate and sustained innovation.

Some schools of thought have accused indigenous engineers of lacking the capacity for innovation. What is your take?

I will not agree with you totally that indigenous engineers are lacking in innovative ideas. The environment that we operate in does not encourage innovation in the real sense of it because there is a limit to which a novel idea can go. At a point, it will need financial investment and nurturing for commercial production to deliver it as a product. But as l said earlier, the environment does not encourage innovation. Workable innovation basically requires the government to back it up with necessary laws and guidelines to make it work.

How effective can the private sector be • Continued on page 49

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011

50

THE CEO

‘Nigeria must be innovative to develop’ •Continued from page 49

in delivering innovative products?

The private sector is in the best position to deliver on innovation because it knows what the consumers want and can commit funds to it. Government needs to encourage the environment to harness the potentials of the private sector in coming up with competitive products.

Can there be real innovative drive with the level of infrastructural decay in the country?

No doubt, the level of infrastructural decay is unacceptable and negates innovative drive. But, again, real innovation is to overcome obstacles to achieving a particular feat. Most innovative products, such as telephone and light, came into being through overcoming a challenge. For example, if one needs to get up by 4am daily to be able to get to the office early to avoid traffic, he will be forced to think of better ways and routes to make it to the office without much stress. Challenge is a good elixir for innovation. After all, it is said that necessity is the mother of invention.

It must be noted here that it is not everybody that can be an inventor. One needs to have the drive and tenacity to be an inventor.

How far can innovation go in a contemporary society?

There should be innovation in all facets of life. We should be innovative enough to have good roads through concerted research and development efforts. It is a well known fact that if we have good research efforts, we will be more competent in the use of our materials to ensure our roads are adequately built and maintained. Currently, there is an innovative product which comes in proprietary material used in patching potholes on roads. The product was developed out of the need to keep the roads motorable during the rainy season, though a temporary measure. It is a well known fact that our roads deteriorate more during the rainy season and nothing much can be done in terms of actual construction. But, at least,a stop gap can be achieved with the newly developed innovative maintenance product. Additionally, a lot of research can be done into cheaper and more effective ways of road construction that will ensure the right price in the right manner and at the right time.

In what ways can innovation ensure housing affordability?

There are many innovative housing

‘It starts as a prototype and needs mentoring and nurturing to refine.

Almost all good inventions would have looked strange at the beginning. For instance, if there was ever a Nigerian-made car, it will sure look odd and ugly before it will go through several transformations to be competitive with imported ones’

‘There is an innovative product which comes in proprietary material used in patching potholes on roads. The product was developed out of the need to keep the roads motorable during the rainy season, though a temporary measure. It is a well known fact that our roads deteriorate more during the rainy season and nothing much can be done in terms of actual construction’

•Adebajo

models currently in use. The days of cement and mortar only in housing construction is almost gone. It is a well known fact that innovative methods can bring down the price of buildings and also speed up the process involved in delivering housing units. The entire building industry requires much innovation because of the housing gap that is put at over 16 million units. The government and private sector should, therefore, explore all available options and innovation in the housing sector.

Climate change presents a lot of challenges to the building industry. What innovative engineering ideas can possibly be employed to combat its effects in terms of housing type?

Mitigating the effects of climate change, no doubt, presents a lot of challenge even in our housing designs and mode of construction. In this kind of scenario, a lot of

•Adebajo

imaginative and novel ideas will come into play. The idea now in modern housing construction is to have an energy-efficient housing with carbon footprint reduction and less wood. In the spirit of being energy efficient, buildings are now orientated in the right angle to give natural ventilation so that a building does not necessarily have to use an air-conditioner. Adapting to climate change in our building construction also means reduction of imported materials in our environment.

Recently, in Maryland, Lagos, a sixstorey building collapsed. Up till now, the government has not come up with a statement on the possible cause. As a structural engineer, can you tell us the possible cause of the collapse?

The building failure by the way was an unfortunate incident. But, we are grateful to God, that no life was lost. It would have been disastrous if people were not

evacuated early enough before the building came down. As a structural engineer, l would say that many things could have been responsible for the failure. For instance, it only takes one wrong decision for something to go wrong. One may attribute the failure to the fact that the building was built to a certain level and abandoned for a long time before the owner or contractor returned to complete it. At this point, one may not also know for sure if the building was designed to take six floors. Another deduction may be that the building was on a deteriorated material when the contractor came back to continue with the project. The old and new may not have bonded in the final analysis. The true position can only be arrived at by testing the materials found at the site and a thorough investigation by a structural engineer. I listened to some people saying the building didn’t give any sign. But l can assure you that it gave signs of some sort, no matter how brief. It may have been a sign as simple as the plasters on the walls coming of, or light tremors before it finally came down.

Is building collapse peculiar to Nigeria?

Building failure is not peculiar to the country as buildings also collapse in the western world. But, even at that, each failure should give cause for concern. What we should consider with each failure is to learn from it, that is how societies develop, they learn from their mistakes and improve on them. We seem not to learn from the series of collapses before now. It should be understood that the construction industry in this country remains an all-comers’ affair, which is rather unfortunate. But people should know that the complexity in building construction is beyond the reach of the quack. The government should, therefore, work hard to sanitise the sector, while the various professionals in the built-environment should concentrate on their core competence. The Nigerian Building Code (NBC), for instance, streamlined the activities of the seven-built environment professionals and if every professional sticks to his or her training or calling, the operating environment would be safer for everybody.

In this light, government needs to work on its regulatory agencies to instill discipline in the operating environment to safeguard lives and propery and create confidence in the populace.

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011

51

PERSONAL FINANCE

Email: taofad2000@yahoo.co.uk

Investor’s Worth

Passion investor

PASSION investor looks beyond the gain or value in the investment to see the potential impact of the investment on the society or his cause, beliefs, training and contributions.

As such, passion investors tend to commit not only capital but their knowledge and influence. They tend to de-emphasise immediate gains or returns, although the overall aim of their investments remain generation of adequate return.

Dr Ambrosie Orjiakor, a fellow of the West African College of Surgeons and the Nigerian Post Graduate Medical College is a passion investor who commits his resources to his professional calling, training and beliefs.

The second largest shareholder in Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals Plc,

A

Orjiakor is a major financier of the pharmaceutical company and the success of the company’s recent rights issue depends on his commitment.

Orjiakor holds 17.16 per cent equity stake in Neimeth through two of his companies- Orderec Investments Limited and Helko Nigeria Limited, which hold 9.12 per cent and 8.04 per cent equity stake respectively.

Orjiakor is an astute investor. Besides his quote investments, the Ordrec Group of Companies owned by Orjiakor engages in varied businesses such as oil services, shipping, oil rigs supply and medicare.

Members of the group includes Ordreco Shipping Services, Ordrec Petroleum, Abbey Court Energy Services Ltd, First Aries Petroleum, Zebbrah Energy Ltd,

•Orjiakor

Odfjell Offshore International Ltd, Shabah E & P Company Ltd, Abbey Court Trading Company, Amach Security Services Ltd and Berwick Nigeria Ltd.

Ask a Broker

What is market making?

M

ARKET making is a technical term that generally refers to the system of providing liquidity to securities through provision of bid and offer prices in the trading system of a stock exchange. A member of the Exchange that undertakes the function of market making is called market maker.

Market makers can be cat-

egorised according to the level of liquidity supports they provide. A primary market maker is regarded as the foremost liquidity provider of a particular security while the supplemental market maker acts as a supplementary liquidity provider.

Generally, market makers ensure a fair and orderly market in their securities of responsibility and assist in the

effective functioning of the overall market. A market maker is expected to ensure that trading for its account is reasonable under the circumstances, consistent with just and equitable principles of trading and above all, it is not detrimental to the integrity of the market.

However, market making is susceptible to abuses and there must be a strong and efficient regulatory framework to forestall any abuse.

Ways and Means

Tips on electronic cards safety (2)

T

HE latest report by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) showed that many Nigerians are fast adopting electronic payment systems, especially card-based payment systems.

According to this year’s first half report of the apex bank, Automated Teller Machine (ATM) remained the most patronised of the various e-channels accounting for 98.09 per cent and 91.37 per cent of the volume and value of the transactions respectively.

The volume and value of electronic card (e-card) transactions rose from 106.74 million deals valued at N610.22 billion in second half of 2010 to 167.96 million deals worth N764.14 billion in first half of 2011.

While the adoption has been driven by personal choice and convenience, the January 2012 commencement of the new cash withdrawal and lodgement policy of the CBN would

definitely compel more people to do their transactions with e-cards. The new policy fixes daily cumulative limit for individual and corporate customers on cash withdrawals and lodgements with effect from June 1, 2012. The pilot run of the policy will however, commenced on January 2, 2012.

Although the apex bank and financial institutions have instituted commendable rules, processes, systems and technologies to forestall card fraud, the primary responsibility for safety of e-card rests with the cardholder. The following tips will assist cardholders in safeguarding their cards: 1. E-card is a personalised item; never let your credit card out of your sight whenever possible and do not let another party be privy to your Personal Identification Number (PIN).

2. Be wary when using an open-air ATM; insist on a safe distance between you

‘The new policy fixes daily cumulative limit for individual and corporate customers on cash withdrawals and lodgements with effect from June 1, 2012. The pilot run of the policy will however, commenced on January 2, 2012’

and the next person on a queue.

3.

Do not give out your account number over the phone unless you initiate the call or respond to any email or letter requesting for your card details.

4. Do not use your card to transact through an unsecured website, be sure to confirm the security of the website.

5. Do not safe your credit card number or PIN on your handset or write the card details on your wallet because in any of these can stolen or lost.

6. Carry only card that you absolutely need, do not carry around other cards that you rarely use.

7. Destroy anything with your credit card number written on it.

8. It is recommended to carry e-cards separately in a small pouch or a zippered compartment, away from the normal wallets.

9. Periodically change your PIN to code or contraption known to you alone.

10. Notify the card issuer and other relevant agencies of the lost of your card or in the event of any suspicion of card fraud.

11. In relation to the tip 10 above, keep handy the contacts relevant to your card including the emergency alert number of the card issuer, CBN and other agencies.

How to use shares to secure loans (2) S TEP 4. Memorandum of Understanding: After the parties have fully satisfied themselves about the veracity of the claims, then a joint MoU, duly signed by the borrower and the lender, and the letter of confirmation from the borrower’s stockbroker will be forwarded to CSCS requesting the depository to place a lien on shares detailed in the memorandum.

It is essential that the joint memorandum be registered at the stamp duties office or sworn to before a commissioner for oaths in any court of law.

On receipt of the joint MoU and the letter of confirmation from the stockbroker, the CSCS will move the detailed shares into a lien reserved account, implying that the borrower will not be able to exercise ownership on the shares until he fully meets his obligations under the loan agreement.

On placement of lien, CSCS will write to both the parties confirming the placement of lien. Also, the borrower is required to make available to the lender a duly signed undated letter authorising the lender to sell the specified shares in the MoU in the event of default at the expiration of the loan due date.

It is this letter of authority that the lender will invoke in case he needs to exercise ownership on the shares under lien. In every letter, the parties must be specific with names, numbers, dates and others to avoid any ambiguity.

Step 5.Disbursement of Fund: Upon placement of lien, the lender will make the loan available to the borrower according to the draw down schedule in the joint memorandum.

It will be a violation of the agreement if the lender fails to follow the draw down schedule, as the borrower can plead that the distortion in the draw down affect his repayment plan.

Step 6. Discharge/Default: When the borrower has fully discharged his obligations under the loan agreement, the lender will write to the CSCS to remove the lien on the shares and fully restore the ownership to the shareholder.

The notice of fulfillment of obligations, like the joint memorandum, must detail the shares. Upon receipt of the letter, CSCS will restore the shares into the investor’s account. However, in the event of default, the lender will write to the borrower, a copy of which must be made available to the CSCS, notifying him of the default.

The lender will thereafter write to the CSCS notifying it of the default and requesting for the depository’s consent to enable him exercise ownership on the shares. At this stage, the lender will present the undated letter of authority empowering him to sell the shares to the CSCS with a request to exercise the authority so conferred on him by the

By Taofik Salako

letter.

After confirmation of the default, CSCS will necessarily accede to the request of the lender by making the shares available to the lender’s stockbroker for sale.

However like any other human-mediated process, the usage of shares as collaterals for loans can also be fraudulently abused especially if the due process outlined earlier is not followed.

There is the need for both the borrower and the lender not to short-circuit the process, whether under the pretence of exigency or any other excuse. It is in the interest of both parties to ensure that necessary requirements are complied with and appropriately documented. All documentations regarding the transaction must be well secured to avoid access by a fraudulent third party. Guidelines, rules and procedures are institutional ways of forestalling frauds and as such must be followed in details in any transaction.

Fraud in the use of shares as collateral can be manual or through the circumvention of the electronic process of the CSCS. Frauds related to usage of shares as collaterals can be categorised into three based on the source: shareholder or borrower-related frauds, lender-related frauds and third party-related frauds.

These are highlighted below: Shareholder/borrower frauds A fraudulent shareholder/ borrower can release his verified physical share certificate, yet to be dematerialised into the CSCS system, into the custody of the lender and goes to the registrar after a while to declare this missing for a replacement share certificate.

Through this replacement share certificate, the borrower who eventually fails to fulfill his loan obligations to the lender sells the shares.

The original share certificate pledged as collateral therefore becomes worthless and the lender may not be able to recover the loan. It is advisable to ensure that the share certificate to be used as collateral is dematerialised and the shares placed under lien in the CSCS to avoid this type of fraud.

Secondly, a fraudulent shareholder can give his CSCS statement with various shares to a lender as collateral when in actual fact the shares are non-existent or are not up to the value indicated on the statement of stock position.

Where the lender fails to confirm its genuineness or availability of the stocks from CSCS and place the shares under lien, but relies on the stock statement to disburse the loan, the shareholder will succeed in defrauding the lender if he fails to repay the loan.

Where the lender fails to insist on placement of lien, no

matter the shortness of the duration of the loan, the shareholder can render the stock statement and any legal agreement on it worthless by selling the shares or moving the shares to a new account.

Thirdly, the lender must be wary of the dangers of margin trading by some shareholders or the existence of prior and undischarged claim on the borrower’s shareholding. Shareholders do buy shares in many instances through credit agreements with their stockbrokers. A fraudulent borrower may hide this fact in order to defraud the lender, as the stock broking firm will not release the shares in case of default.

This type of fraud would have been forestalled by the confirmation of the genuineness of the shares and letter of indemnity to the CSCS by the borrower’s stockbroker.

Lender frauds These occur when the lender intentionally perverted the process to defraud the shareholder without any default in the loan agreement or even after the fulfillment of all loan conditions. A fraudulent lender may unilaterally declare a default in the absence of a mediating party like the CSCS and thereafter move to sell the shares placed as collateral.

Also, a fraudulent lender may initially request that the shares for collateral be placed with its stockbroker, knowing fully that after the discharge of the borrower’s obligations, the CSCS usually removes and restores the shares from lien to the stockbroker where they were taken.

This implies that after fulfilling all obligations, the borrower may not have access to his shares and the lender can trade on such shares or outrightly sell those shares.

Also, a fraudulent lender may advise bypassing the lien by requesting the borrower to transfer his account to the lender’s stock broking firm.

Without the lien, the borrower is at the risk of losing his shares.

Third party frauds These are frauds perpetrated by persons who are aware of the loan agreement or existence of the shares. Instances of stolen share certificates are common examples of this type of frauds. The original owner of the share certificate will not be aware of the deal while the lender, unless due process is followed, may not be able to determine genuine ownership of the share certificate.

Another example is where a verified share certificate is submitted into the custody of the lender for a facility and is stolen by a fraudulent official of the lender and sold, thereby defrauding the lender who has to replace the shares for the borrower as soon as the facility is liquidated.

‘A fraudulent shareholder/ borrower can release his verified physical share certificate yet to be dematerialised into the CSCS system, into the custody of the lender and goes to the registrar after a while to declare. It missing for a replacement share certificate’

52

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011

53

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011

54

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE

Ecobank Nigeria to delist shares

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 25-11-11

* Parent company buys out minority shareholders

2ND-TIER SECURITIES Company Name LIVESTOCK FEEDS PLC PRESCO PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 8 2 10

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded 0.50 2,010,000 7.40 40,500 2,050,500

Value of Shares (N) 1,005,000.00 313,525.00 1,318,525.00

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded 1.98 4,500 5.11 257,083 261,583

Value of Shares (N) 8,940.00 1,320,322.24 1,329,262.24

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded 0.50 21,750 1.27 492,373 514,123

Value of Shares (N) 10,875.00 640,941.12 651,816.12

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded 4.85 15,420,015 2.92 2,279,381 2.06 88,316 4.25 1,829,735 1.43 9,219,210 9.53 23,892,996 14.38 11,828,818 7.65 759,022 4.30 5,779,970 1.10 894,064 2.42 16,212,452 0.53 181,500 0.53 1,519,476 11.51 4,315,657 94,220,612

Value of Shares (N) 75,796,916.66 6,455,576.35 173,137.36 7,773,957.75 13,167,310.04 228,076,427.81 169,698,534.69 5,784,845.36 25,147,485.03 969,020.75 39,485,309.94 96,195.00 806,002.28 50,532,819.86 623,963,538.88

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded 202.00 136,955 91.70 2,962,631 3,099,586

Value of Shares (N) 27,672,884.60 271,612,726.59 299,285,611.19

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded 14.00 434,568 4.74 830,138 105.10 412,749 39.00 905,974 2,583,429

Value of Shares (N) 5,933,172.78 3,952,224.33 43,422,710.01 35,340,213.40 88,648,320.52

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded 8.55 5,496 16.11 43,626 1.02 86,400 135,522

Value of Shares (N) 45,364.00 736,669.90 88,128.00 870,161.90

AIR SERVICES Company Name AIRLINE SERVICES AND LOGISTICS PLC NIGERIAN AVIATION HANDLING COMPANY PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 2 29 31

AUTOMOBILE & TYRE Company Name DN TYRE & RUBBER PLC R. T. BRISCOE (NIGERIA) PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 6 19 25 BANKING

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

No of Deals 127 44 18 44 86 491 357 31 96 23 218 8 21 198 1,762 BREWERIES

Company Name GUINNESS NIGERIA PLC NIGERIAN BREWERIES PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 57 120 177 BUILDING MATERIALS

Company Name ASHAKA CEMENT PLC CEMENT CO. OF NORTHERN NIGERIA PLC DANGOTE CEMENT PLC LAFARGE WAPCO PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 36 31 47 40 154 CHEMICAL & PAINTS

Company Name BERGER PAINTS NIGERIA PLC CHEMICAL AND ALLIED PRODUCTS PLC DN MEYER PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 4 13 4 21

COMMERCIAL/SERVICES Company Name COURTEVILLE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS PLC RED STAR EXPRESS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 13 14

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded 0.50 4,500 2.28 504,169 508,669

Value of Shares (N) 2,250.00 1,146,570.32 1,148,820.32

COMPUTER & OFFICE EQUIPMENT Company Name OMATEK VENTURES PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 1

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded 0.50 50,000 50,000

Value of Shares (N) 25,000.00 25,000.00

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded 6.43 3,034 30.00 231,154 0.63 2,973,235 28.80 1,216,544 26.00 299,917 4,723,884

Value of Shares (N) 18,537.74 6,718,020.10 1,761,636.70 35,346,567.28 7,659,850.53 51,504,612.35

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded 38.43 13,763 7.52 51,263 65,026

Value of Shares (N) 530,263.57 385,497.76 915,761.33

CONGLOMERATES Company Name CHELLARAMS PLC PZ CUSSONS NIGERIA PLC TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATION OF NIGERIA PLC UAC OF NIGERIA PLC UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 2 40 35 86 42 205

E

COBANK Nigeria Plc would revert from being a publicly quoted company to become an unquoted wholly-owned subsidiary of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) Plc, according to schemes of merger and arrangement of capital by the bank.

The delisting of Ecobank Nigeria compounds the streak of voluntary delisting, which has seen not less than five companies opting away from the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) in recent period.

Following the acquisition of Oceanic Bank International Plc by ETI, the parent company of Ecobank Nigeria, Ecobank Nigeria and Oceanic Bank have agreed to merge their businesses and subsume under the Ecobank Nigeria brand.

However, as a consequence of the proposed 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 minimum free float to maintain listing on the NSE. Based on this, Ecobank Nigeria may no longer qualify for listing on the NSE and shareholders will therefore own equity in an unlisted public company. The board of Ecobank Nigeria then resolved to address this issue by accepting a proposal from ETI to acquire the shares in Ecobank Nigeria not already owned by ETI and thus convert the bank to a private wholly-owned subsidiary of ETI. Some analysts however, said the decision to buy out

No of Deals 9 3 12

minority shareholders and delist was indicative of the unattractiveness of the listing on the Exchange and lack of incentives for listed companies.

According to concerned analysts, ETI could as well have opted to sell down its equity to create the free float necessary to sustain listing of the subsidiary where the benefits of listing outweigh that of delisting.

After the arrangement of capital, minority shareholders in Ecobank Nigeria would own one ordinary share in ETI for every 5.16 Ecobank Nigeria shares.

The delisting of Ecobank Nigeria would reduce market capitalisation of the NSE by about N29 billion, although new shares issued by ETI, which is also listed on the NSE, would simultaneously increase capitalisation.

Meanwhile, investors staked about N119.5 billion on sovereign bonds last week, as risk-averse investors continued to flee to the safety of fixed-income securities.

Turnover at the Over-theCounter (OTC) market, where Federal Government’s bonds are traded, stood at 141.63 million units worth N119.49 billion in 1,125 deals as against a total of 124.96 million units valued at N103.79 billion traded in 895 deals in the previous week.

The most active bond, measured by volume, was the 10.7 per cent 5th FGN Bond 2018 Series 2 with a turnover of 35.31 million units valued

DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 25-11-11

ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY Company Name CUTIX PLC NIGERIAN WIRE AND CABLE PLC. Sector Totals

No of Deals 4 1 5

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded 1.70 170,000 0.50 1,500 171,500

MARITIME Value of Shares (N) 289,000.00 750.00 289,750.00

Company Name JAPAUL OIL & MARITIME SERVICES PLC Sector Totals

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded 48.00 8,399 12.05 235,885 5.35 9,003,811 4.77 798,502 62.50 86,590 2.84 944,704 1.21 50,000 4.20 161,847 405.00 193,437 11,483,175

Value of Shares (N) 402,997.31 2,805,773.40 50,070,439.89 3,801,123.64 5,400,534.59 2,712,293.36 60,500.00 677,762.99 78,329,791.12 144,261,216.30

Company Name ASO SAVINGS AND LOAND PLC RESORT SAVINGS AND LOANS PLC Sector Totals

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded 0.73 8,040 1.09 110,500 25.65 131,426 2.07 196,439 1.30 285,720 0.50 2,371 734,496

Value of Shares (N) 5,628.00 120,060.00 3,211,024.40 391,285.73 371,451.00 1,185.50 4,100,634.63

No of Deals 42 42

FOOD/BEVERAGES & TOBACCO 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 Sector Totals

No of Deals 6 32 76 53 35 25 1 12 40 280

at N30.97 billion in 245 deals.

This was followed by the 5.50 per cent 7th FGN BOND 2013 Series 1, which traded 29.02 million units valued at N26.15 billion in 290 deals. There was however, less spread last week as eight of the available 27 FGN bonds were traded compared with the situation in the previous week when 14 bonds were traded.

On the equity side, total turnover stood at 1.24 billion shares worth N9.36 billion in 16,529 deals last week, a decline from 1.25 billion shares valued at N10.344 billion traded in 17,992 deals two weeks ago.

The banking subsector was the most active with 579.81 million shares worth N4.3 billion exchanged in 8,562 deals. The beverages – brewers subsector followed with a turnover of 421.2 million shares valued at N3.5 billion in 1,124 deals.

The benchmark index at NSE, the All Share Index (ASI), depreciated by 0.9 per cent to close at 20,122.14 points while the market capitalisation of equities dropped to N6.332 trillion.

Two in every three stocks that recorded price changes ended on the negative side.

GlaxoSmithKline Consumer led 44-stock losers’ table with a drop of N1.35 to close at N25.65 per share. ETI followed with a loss of 83 kobo to close at N10.42 per share.

On the upside, Dangote Cement Plc and Forte Oil led the 20-stock gainers’ list with a gain of N2 each to close at N105.10 and N14.79 per share respectively.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE

CONSTRUCTION Company Name JULIUS BERGER NIGERIA PLC ROADS NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

By Taofik Salako and Tonia Osundolire

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded 0.69 981,633 981,633

Value of Shares (N) 673,214.89 673,214.89

MORTGAGE COMPANIES No of Deals 1 1 2

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded 0.50 10,000 0.50 46,000 56,000

Value of Shares (N) 5,000.00 23,000.00 28,000.00

OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS Company Name DEAP CAPITAL MANAGEMENT AND TRUST PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 1

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded 2.02 120 120

Value of Shares (N) 242.40 242.40

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded 1.74 529,727 13.28 11,740 541,467

Value of Shares (N) 907,094.00 150,534.80 1,057,628.80

HEALTHCARE Company Name EVANS MEDICALPLC. FIDSON HEALTHCARE PLC GLAXOSMITHKLINE CONSUMER NIG. PLC MAY & BAKER NIGERIA PLC. NEIMETH INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS PLC UNION DIAGNOSTIC & CLINICAL SERVICES PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 2 5 15 16 12 1 51

HOTEL & TOURISM Company Name IKEJA HOTEL PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 4 4

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded 2.77 52,100 52,100

Value of Shares (N) 144,317.00 144,317.00

INDUSTRIAL/DOMESTIC PRODUCTS Company Name B. O. C. GASES NIGERIA PLC VITAFOAM NIGERIA PLC VONO PRODUCTS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 3 4 1 8

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded 6.80 7,156 4.82 15,342 2.88 9 22,507

Value of Shares (N) 46,227.76 75,703.16 25.92 121,956.84

INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY Company Name IHS NIGERIA PLC STARCOMMS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 1 2

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded 2.47 150 0.50 7,000 7,150

Value of Shares (N) 352.50 3,500.00 3,852.50

INSURANCE Company Name No of Deals AIICO INSURANCE PLC. 26 CONTINENTAL REINSURANCE PLC 17 CUSTODIAN AND ALLIED INSURANCE PLC 10 GREAT NIGERIA INSURANCE COMPANY PLC 2 GOLDLINK INSURANCE PLC 3 GUARANTY TRUST ASSURANCE PLC 13 INTERNATIONAL ENERGY INSURANCE COMPANY PLC 1 LASACO ASSURANCE PLC. 1 LAW UNION AND ROCK INSURANCE PLC. 4 MUTUAL BENEFITS ASSURANCE PLC 26 N.E.M. INSURANCE CO. (NIG.) PLC. 7 SOVEREIGN TRUST INSURANCE PLC 1 STANDARD ALLIANCE INSURANCE PLC 1 UNIVERSAL INSURANCE COMPANY PLC 1 INTERCONTINENTAL WAPIC INSURANCE PLC 2 Sector Totals 115

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded 0.52 1,630,600 0.87 579,000 2.21 29,381 0.50 3,500 0.54 245,000 1.50 3,919,471 0.50 35,000 0.50 500 0.52 450,000 0.50 13,750 0.50 2,210,500 0.50 180,000 0.50 5,000 0.50 2,000 0.50 250,000 9,553,702

Value of Shares (N) 850,234.47 526,890.00 62,607.72 1,750.00 131,850.00 5,879,418.50 17,500.00 250.00 234,000.00 6,875.00 1,105,250.00 90,000.00 2,500.00 1,000.00 125,000.00 9,035,125.69

PACKAGING Company Name NIGERIAN BAG MANUFACTURING COMPANY PLC GREIF NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 27 3 30

PETROLEUM(MARKETING) Company Name MRS OIL NIGERIA PLC CONOIL PLC ETERNA OIL & GAS PLC. FORTE OIL PLC MOBIL OIL NIGERIA PLC. OANDO PLC TOTAL NIGERIA PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 4 14 3 39 14 119 9 202

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded 63.86 715 35.00 8,012 3.44 30,000 14.79 207,289 141.00 44,850 25.75 393,993 200.00 3,792 688,651

Value of Shares (N) 43,615.00 271,827.28 107,057.27 3,204,566.56 6,342,805.00 10,173,036.87 720,480.00 20,863,387.98

PRINTING & PUBLISHING Company Name ACADEMY PRESS PLC. UNIVERSITY PRESS PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 1 3 4

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded 2.24 3,666 3.69 118,000 121,666

Value of Shares (N) 8,211.84 435,420.00 443,631.84

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded 12.90 99,154 99,154

Value of Shares (N) 1,229,127.22 1,229,127.22

REAL ESTATE Company Name UACN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CO. PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 15 15

ROAD TRANSPORTATION Company Name ASSOCIATED BUS COMPANY PLC Sector Totals

No of Deals 5 5

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded 0.52 228,950 228,950

Value of Shares (N) 119,084.00 119,084.00

THE FOREIGN LISTINGS Company Name ECOBANK TRANSNATIONAL INCORPORATED Sector Totals Overall Totals

No of Deals 69 69

Quotation(N)Quantity Traded 10.42 3,635,363 3,635,363 3,247 136,590,568

Value of Shares (N) 40,015,769.39 40,015,769.39 1,292,048,369.33

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011

55

MONEY LINK

Why naira is under pressure, by DMO Boss

T

HE huge amount spent on the importation of consumer goods puts the naira under severe pressure, director general of the Debt Management Office (DMO), Dr. Abraham Nwankwo, has said.

He disclosed this at a press briefing/public presentation of his books in Abuja over the weekend.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had depreciated the naira last Monday, bowing to demand pressure at the foreign exchange market and prolonged weakness of the currency.

A dollar now officially exchange at the CBN’s window - wholesale Dutch Auction System (wDAS) at N150-160 as against the previous N145-155. As at the close of work

From Nduka Chiejina (Assistant Editor) last Wednesday, a dollar traded for N156.20 at the wDAS. The DMO boss noted that 75 per cent of the consumer goods imported into Nigeria were either available in the country in abundance or of inferior quality compared to those that are available in the country. Dr. Nwankwo, who is also a member of the economic management team, said there is no justification for the importation of concentrates to Nigeria when the country has abundant variety of fruits.

He noted that about $22 billion is spent annually on the importation of consumer goods for which

Ajimobi seeks partnership with World Bank GOVERNOR Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has solicited the support of the World Bank for his administration in its efforts at restoring the glory of the state and enhancing the standard of the people.

The governor according to a statement, gave the charge while welcoming the Country Director of the bank, Mrs. Marie Helley, who led other officials of the financial institution on a courtesy visit to him in his office on Thursday.

He said that the partnership be-

tween his government and the bank had become necessary in order for him to deliver on his electioneering promises and set the state on the path of growth and development.

Sen. Ajimobi lamented the level of infrastructural decay he met on assumption of office, saying that Oyo, which used to be a pace-setting state, had deteriorated and was at the brink of precipice.

“Virtually everything had col-

should be the rational pattern of expenditure for such economies and argues that appropriate expenditure was the one based on the principle of permanent income hypothesis.

He said that the rational expenditure of earning takes into account the need to decompose the earnings into two components, which are permanent and transitory earnings. He added that proper and adequate calculation would help to identify which of the earnings should be permanent or transitory.

“These books coincidentally are coming out at a time when the issue of foreign exchange and ex-

Nigeria has comparative advantage of. These practices Nwankwo noted, puts a lot of pressure of the naira, which the economic team has been looking for ways to stabilise.

He noted that the issue of devaluation and preserving the foreign exchange are of great concern to the nation.

He added that one of the books suggested that if a country like Nigeria that depends on export of primary commodity like oil for more than 90 per cent of foreign exchange does not take rational decision about optimal utilisation of Foreign exchange earnings, it would have unstable growth path.

He said that the book posits what

Enterprise Bank appointed collecting bank FIRS

lapsed in Oyo State before we came on board. There were poor infrastructure, both in urban and rural areas; unemployment was at its highest point, particularly among youths and women while there were widespread poverty, limited access to credit facilities and low productivity and value chain,’’ he said.

The governor also noted that the state was bedeviled by unstable electricity supply, migration of workforce to neighbouring states and mismanaged exploitation of mineral resources which, he said, had been compounded by the control of mineral resources by the Federal Government, thus leaving the state helpless.

T

HE Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) has appointed Enterprise Bank Limited as one of the banks for revenue collection.

This follows an increasing confidence being earned by the bank in the eyes of stakeholders and business partners.

In a statement signed by Mrs. F.N. Okoroafor, Head, Tax Revenue Accounting Department, FIRS, she said Enterprise Bank was selected on merit after considering its application.

“We wish to inform you that after carefully examining your application, the management of FIRS has appointed Enterprise Bank Limited (EBL) to the tax collection scheme with immediate effect,” she said.

With this development, all branches of Enterprise Bank nationwide will henceforth collect revenues on behalf of FIRS. These include capital gains tax, company income tax, education tax, FIRS PAYE, personal income tax, pre-occupational levy, stamp duties, value added tax, withholding tax and the National Information Technology Development Agency Levy (NITDA).

Stanbic IBTC improves turnaround time for SMEs

S

TANBIC IBTC Bank has de ployed a new product, SME Quick Loans, to bridge the huge funding gap in the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) segment of the economy.

This product will enable eligible SMEs access finance within five days of applying for a loan.

Sola David-Borha, Chief Executive Officer, Stanbic IBTC Bank said in a statement that the introduction of SME Quick Loan to the Nigerian market will benefit SMEs that could not access funding due to lack of financial statements and collateral, reiterating the bank’s commitment to the de-

ployment of innovative products and services to the retail segment of the market.

According to her, the product not only provides finance to a large pool of entrepreneurs, but does so quickly, in recognition of the urgent financial needs of growing businesses in the country.

FGN BONDS Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

19-05-2014 18-05-2016 19-05-2016

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM Amount

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) Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2011 “ 14-04-2011

GAINERS AS AT 25-11-11 SYMBOL TRANSCORP OKOMUOIL CUTIX ROADS UPL STERLNBANK DANGCEM REDSTAREX LAWUNION GTASSURE

O/PRICE 0.60 23.41 1.62 7.17 3.52 1.05 100.33 2.18 0.50 1.45

C/PRICE 0.63 24.58 1.70 7.52 3.69 1.10 105.10 2.28 0.52 1.50

CHANGE 0.03 1.17 0.08 0.35 0.17 0.05 4.77 0.10 0.02 0.05

LOSER AS AT 25-11-11 SYMBOL ETI CCNN IKEJAHOTEL UBA MULTITREX DNMEYER RTBRISCOE ABCTRANS ZENTHBANK UNITYBANK

O/PRICE 10.96 4.98 2.91 2.54 1.27 1.07 1.33 0.54 11.95 0.55

C/PRICE 10.42 4.74 2.77 2.42 1.21 1.02 1.27 0.52 11.51 0.53

Amount

Offered ($) Demanded ($)

MANAGED FUNDS

OBB Rate Call Rate

The statement further stated that the bank, which came into existence as a new bank on August 5, received the approval after thorough evaluation of the capabilities of the bank by the management of FIRS. According to a statement from the bank, its robust collection system has again been strengthened to ensure seamless transactions for its customers who can henceforth walk into any of the bank’s branches across the country to settle any of the listed FIRS bills.

The management of the bank also expressed its delight at the level of trust the federal agency reposes in it. Other taxes and bills in addition to the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) payable to in its branches include all state and local government revenues, which include Pay As You Earn (PAYE), Direct Assessment, Withholding Tax (WHT), Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC) new plate number, water rates, water bills among several others. Through the bank’s internet channels, customers can also pay for their DSTV, HiTV among others.

DATA BANK

Tenor

NIDF NESF

•CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido

change rate is at the front burner, which means the challenge of preserving foreign exchange reserves, the challenge of determining what is the appropriate exchange rate has being a long standing one.” he said.

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 0.04 0.88 1,642.73 8.24 1.39 1.87 7,351.90 193.00

9.08 1.00 118.69 97.65 0.74 0.04 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 0.54 0.24 0.14 0.12 0.06 0.05 0.06 0.02 0.44 0.02

• 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 MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011

56

NEWS ‘How to resolve Ogun PDP crisis’ A CHIEFTAIN of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Buruji Kashamu, has proferred solution to the lingering crisis rocking the party.

He urged ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo to unite the party.

Kashamu said Obasanjo should bring together all the leaders who left the party in protest against MajGen. Adetunji Olurin’s leadership.

He listed such leaders as Jubril Martins-Kuye, Ayo Otegbola, Alhaji Sarafa Tunji-Ishola, Dave Salako, Lekan Mustapha, Doyin Okupe and Aliu Ajibode.

Others are Lai Taiwo, Segun Osibote, Agboola Alausa, Dayo Abatan, Joju Fadairo, ‘Leye Odunjo, Semiu Babatunde, Titus Eweje and Olu Bankole.

Kashamu urged Obasanjo to save the party from its present drift.

Ondo to assist police with equipment THE Ondo State government will soon take delivery of more sophisticated weapons to further assist the police to combat crime.

In a statement yesterday in Akure, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Kayode Akin gave the assurance of the sustainability of the prevailing peace and security in the state.

He urged the people to go about their normal legitimate businesses, promising that government is fully on top of the security situation in the state.

Customs intercepts ammunition in Oyo border

Falana faults Jonathan’s Constitution Review Committee

R

IGHTS activist Femi Falana has described as diversionary President Goodluck Jonathan’s decision to set up a 22-man committee to review the Constitution.

He said the move was a ploy to divert attention from the popular demand for a new Constitution prepared

by Nigerians to replace imposed Decree 24 of the 1999 Constitution.

Falana, who also faulted the composition of the committee, argued that it was wrong for President Jonathan to fill the committee with members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He urged the President to either disband the committee or broaden its membership to accommodate other interests. He condemned the

By Eric Ikhilae

choice of former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Alfa Belgore as the committee’s chairman.

“The committee chairman, Alfa Belgore, a former Chief Justice of Nigeria, has never hidden his support for the status quo,” he said.

Falana had quoted Justice Belgore who said at a public forum in 2008 that “there is nothing wrong with the Constitution, the problem is our lack of patience, which has led to threat of instability. Instability was brought by constant change of government through unconstitutional means.”

He said since the committee’s chairman believes the imposed Constitution is a perfect document that would

succeed under a stable polity, the Committee would not engage in any meaningful review.

“In the circumstance, the Jonathan- administrationshould not embark on any manipulation of the constitution as was witnessed under the Olusegun Obasanjo-administration when over N3 billion was wasted on an illfated constitution review exercise.

“If President Jonathan is not prepared to dissolve the committee which has been constituted, he should incorporate the members in a larger forum of accredited representatives of other political parties, religious bodies, professional groups, labour, youth, women, national assembly, state Houses of Assem-

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

T •Falana

bly, governors’ forum and other vital interest groups.

“The body, which should be empowered to elect its own chairman and secretary, will receive memoranda from Nigerians and conduct public hearings before drafting a new constitution for the country.

“Any attempt to foist another Constitution on the Nigerian people by the presidency will fail woefully,” he said.

55,000 pilgrims back from Hajj, says NAHCON

T

HE National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) yesterday said it has so far brought 55,000 of the 89,000 pilgrims who performed this year’s Hajj to Nigeria.

It allayed the fears of 34,000 stranded pilgrims that it might not meet the deadline set by the Saudi Arabian Government .

The commission, which made the clarification in a statement by its Head of Media, Mallam Uba Mana, said the outbound flight is on course.

The delay in returning pilgrims home by NAHCON has caused tension in the North as most of those stranded pil-

From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

grims claimed they have no money to feed again.

The statement reads: “The deadline given by the Saudi authority within which to complete the airlift back

home will be met.

“As at Sunday, about 55, 000 of the 89,000 pilgrims have so far been airlifted.

“It is unfortunate that our colleagues like blowing issues out of proportion sometime. How can you say Nigerian pilgrims are stranded when none of them have

stayed in the Jeddah airport beyond the time within which they are required to be airlifted back home? How can you talk of people being stranded when all the air carriers are up and doing, working round the clock to ensure that they meet the deadline?

177 Nigerians return from Libya

A

NOTHER set of 177 Nigerians was returned home from Libya at the weekend.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said it has completed the transportation of returnees from Libya. The re-

By Eric Ikhilae

turnees arrived Abuja International Airport from where they were sent to their home states.

NEMA’s Head, Public Relations, Yushau Shuaib said in a statement yesterday, that

the 177 Nigerians comprising 29 females and 148 males were evacuated by International Organization for Migration (IOM) from Tripoli.

He said most of them are from Southeast and Southsouth parts of the country.

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MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES 1. Chief Henry Kpunee President 2. Hon. Sunny Nwiyor 3. Barr. Sunny James 4. Chief Adolphus Yorkirika 5. Chief Foster Deegbara AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To promote and foster mutual understanding, unity and friendship among members 2. To cater for the wellbeing and progress of members 3. To initiate and promote socio-economic activities for development of members and Ogoni at large 4. To project the culture and identity of Ogoni to the outside world.

Any objection to the above registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Cresent, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: Barr. Sunny James S. Eze Kpanuku & Co, Legal Practitioners 78, Ikwerre Road, Port Harcourt 08033393174

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EN cartons of live cartridges were at the weekend intercepted and impounded by the Oyo/ Osun Command of the Nigeria Customs Service at Iseyin/Ayegun border of Oyo State.

The ammunition was concealed in tubers of yam, rice and other food items being conveyed by a commercial Toyota Liteace bus marked Kebbi XA 887 BRK. Comptroller of the command, Mr Hassan Mundu, said the driver, Mr Razak Oluwole, 33, has given useful information that can help in tracking the owners of the contraband.

The driver would be handed over to the police for prosecution, he added. He said that illegal importation of ammunition fuel criminal activities including kidnapping, robbery and terrorism.

Mundu informed the command had impounded vehicles conveying ammunitions into the state twice within the last two months. He warned smugglers to desist from using its borders for such illegal business, stressing: “The command has been equipped and well motivated to fight smuggling activities within its border areas.”

Mundu, who expressed great concern over the development, also charged members of the public to always come up with useful information about those around them who are involved in illegal importation of arms.

Vanguard reporter dies in Port Harcourt From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

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REPORTER with the Port Harcourt, River State office of Vanguard newspapers, Mr. George Onah, suddenly died yesterday in his sleep, it was learnt yesterday. His death occurred a month after he escaped armed robbers’ bullets by a whisker on October 17.

Onah, according to the Federated Correspondents’ Chapel (FCC) of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers state council, slept on Saturday night without betraying any ailment but did not wake up yesterday.

Chapel chairman Mr. Terver Akase,Akase, who is of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), yesterday visited the late Onah’s residence at No. 39, Ojike Street, Mile One, Diobu, Port Harcourt, where the deceased’s daughter, Mrs. Miebaka Ikiriko, expressed shock at his sudden death.

Rivers Commissioner for Information and Communications Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, who was also at the Onah’s residence, described the untimely death as painful.

Governor Rotimi Amaechi’s spokesman, David Iyofor, said: “Sad and painful loss. We shared a very special relationship. I am too shocked to comment.”

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NEWS Plateau demands removal of STF spokesman

I won’t quit politics now, says Buhari •Begins consultations for 2015

•‘I shouldn’t be blamed for what happened’ •Curfew relaxed

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HE Plateau State Government yesterday demanded the removal of the spokesman of the Special Task Force (STF) on Plateau Crises, code-named Operation Safe Have, Capt Charles Ekeocha.

In a statement in Jos, the state capital, by Mr Pam Ayuba, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Jonah Jang, the government denied a statement credited to Ekeocha that last week’s violence was caused by cattle rustling.

Reacting to the alleged statement, the government accused the STF spokesman of lying about the cause of the violence that occurred in Barkin Ladi Local Government.

The government said: “The STF spokesman is spreading falsehood, may be to cover up the inefficiency and negligence of the STF. How can you attribute an attack on innocent citizens to a claim of cattle rustling? Is that why the soldiers failed to rescue the victims from the bullets and machetes of the attackers?

“If he (Ekeocha) is not removed as the STF spokesman, he is capable of inflaming anger in the people for framing unfounded excuse for their (STF’s) failure.

“Ekeocha should be held responsible if any further violence breaks out in the area because he did not investigate the case well before concluding on the remote cause of the violence.

“The government is interested in restoring peace but the STF spokesman should avoid saying certain things that will further anger families of the victims of the unwarranted attacks.

“We, therefore, call on the Commander of the STF to remove Ekeocha as spokesman of the STF for peace to reingn.”

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

Ekeocha said he has no personal interest in the Jos conflict and that he would not take sides, no matter the circumstances.

He said: “The crisis in Barkin Ladi was unfortunate and no one should castigate me for all that happened.”

The Chairman of Barkin Ladi Local Government, Emmanuel Loman, has refuted the claim of the STF that the violence in the local government last week was triggered by cattle rustling. He urged the task force to apologise to the victims for its failure to protect them.

The violence in the local government led to the imposition of a 24-hour curfew.

Ekocha said: “Twenty of the cows rustled were recovered by soldiers and returned to the owners before the attacks took place.”

But the council chairman faulted STF’s claim, saying: “The attack by Fulanis was not based on cow rustling; it was an unprovoked attack, which has no link with cattle rustling.

“In fact, the cattle rustled belonged to the natives and the Fulanis and that happened weeks before these attacks.

“Let me tell you that the whole thing began on the night of the previous (last week) Sunday when three youths were ambushed and killed by suspected Fulanis.

Then on Tuesday, these same Fulanis attacked some people relaxing in front of their homes and killed two of them. Also on Wednesday, another armed Fulanis attacked another home and killed three people. They also invaded Rakok village last Thursday.”

•Buhari

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ORMER Head of State and Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) presidential candidate in the April election, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari said yesterday he has begun consultations on what he termed the “Nigerian project” ahead of the 2015 presidential elections.

He said he would not quit the political stage until good governance and sustainable democracy are enthroned in the country.

Speaking at an empowerment programme initiated by a CPC legislator in the Kadu-

‘Thugs’ disrupt church service in Benue

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USPECTED thugs yesterday disrupted a service at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Dagba, Adagi, Kyurav-Ya in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State.

They allegedly injured a visiting priest of the parish, Rev. Fr. Akaashima. His garments were said to have been torn.

Other members of the parish, including some police officers drafted to the church, reportedly ran into the bush when the hoodlums struck.

The 15 suspected thugs, carrying sophisticated guns and said to be working for a prominent party chieftain, stormed the church premises. They were said to have

Pfizer decries refusal by six claimants to take compensation

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HE Healthcare/Meningitis Trust Fund set up by Kano State Government and Pfizer Pharmaceutical Company to execute the terms of the out-of-court settlement yesterday decried the refusal of six of the 14 claimants who passed the DNA test to claim their compensation.

In a statement in Kano, the Chairman of the board, Justice Bashir Wali (rtd) urged the six claimants to claim their compensation.

Wali said the claimants submitted their forms on individual basis, adding that they have refused to cooper-

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

ate with the board for the timely compensation of eligible claimants.

He said a group, called the Trovan Victims Forum (TVF), is now claiming to represent the six claimants.

According to him, the development is hampering the smooth execution of the 2009 settlement agreement between Pfizer and the state government.

The statement reads: “The board has contacted the six claimants in an attempt to complete the process and de-

termine the monetary compensation that is due to them.

Regrettably, the six claimants have refused to come forward.”

Wali said 14 of 548 applicants were identified as valid participants in the 1996 exercise conducted by Pfizer, adding that eight of the 14 identified claimants had been assessed by the board and had received their compensation.

He restated the commitment of “the commitment of the Board to completing the compensation process with integrity and in fair and transparent manner”.

Abubakar urges vigilance on projects

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ORMER Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd) has urged Nigerians to safeguard development projects provided by their leaders against vandalism.

Abubakar, who was accompanied by his wife, Justice Fati, and other dignitaries, spoke at the weekend in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, when he visited Governor Godswill Akpabio.

The former Head of State praised Akpabio’s achievement and congratulated him on people-oriented projects undertaken by his administration.

He urged Akwa Ibom residents to pay their taxes, having seen where the government has invested their money in the last few years.

Abubakar said: ‘’Without doubt, your enemies would accept that you have broad

na State House of Assembly, Mohammed Ali, the former Head of State said he attended the event as part of his ongoing consultations to show his ambition.

He urged his supporters and those of the CPC to prepare for the 2015 elections.

Buhari said: “I won’t quit politics until good governance and sustainable democracy are entrenched in this country.

We should not be under any illusion that democracy dividends will ever come to us easily without making sacrifices. The time for proper change is 2015.”

The former military leader advised his supporters to shun violence but ensure that they register with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), vote and safeguard their votes during elections.

The former Head of State urged Nigerians to always vote for credible leaders and representatives in elections to ensure the desired change.

To politicians and public of-

fice holders, he urged them to shun fraud and corruption and make discipline, hard work, justice, fairness and equity their watchword to get the country out of the woods.

He said: “I honoured this invitation as part of my consultations with stakeholders on the Nigerian project. I endorsed Muhammad Ali’s empowerment initiative as our dear country is too rich to be poor.”

Buhari promised to grant a full interview on his future political direction after concluding the current case before the Supreme Court, challenging the decision of the Court of Appeal to uphold the election of President Goodluck Jonathan in the April election.

Chairman of the occasion and former Managing Director of Nigeria Airways, Capt.

Mohammed Joji (rtd), challenged elected CPC members in Kaduna State to emulate Ali, who represents Kawo Constituency.

Joji noted that 1,715 persons would benefit from similar schemes across the state if other lawmakers introduced em-

powerment programmes in their constituencies in the past nine months.

Ali said more than 550 people, including women, youths and indigent students, have benefited from his skill acquisition and human capacity building programme since his election.

According to him, 250 women have been trained in hand crafts/trades, while 70 youths have been enrolled for skill acquisition.

He added that 10 female students have been admitted to study health sciences in higher institutions.

The lawmaker said he was sponsoring 100 indigent and orphaned students while another 100 would undergo a three-year basic apprenticeship training in different skills to make them self-reliant.

“Any meaningful societal change must be begin with human resource development and poverty eradication,” Ali said.

The beneficiaries included 82 women and 20 male youths under batch ‘B’ of the programme. They were trained in paint, detergent, candle, pomade and soap making, among others.

development projects. I wish Akwa Ibom people well and would expect them to play their part well.”

Akpabio welcomed the Abubakar-led group to the state and conducted them round the new Governor’s Lodge, flyovers at Itam junction, e-library at IBB Avenue, Uyo, Banquet Hall and Tropicana Entertainment Centre, built and completed by his administration.

From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

shot sporadically into the air to scare the worshippers.

They also burnt down the canopies for visitors.

Senate Minority Leader, Dr. George Akume; Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) governorship candidate in the April poll, Prof. Steve

Ugbah; Col. Benjamin Aboho (rtd), as well as other ACN elected officers were billed to be at the thanksgiving mass at the church.

They reportedly stayed away following an alleged plan to breach the peace by suspected thugs of a rival political party.

About 10 vehicles, includ-

ing that of the visiting priest, were allegedly damaged.

It was learnt that on Saturday night, some political thugs were seen parading Adikpo, the headquarters of the Kwande Local Government Area, where they later retired to the home of a party chieftain.

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THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011

NEWS Edo ACN chides PDP N Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) chieftain in Edo State, Collins Sanni, yesterday chided the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its Chairman, Dan Orbih.

He said they should learn how to appreciate achievements, irrespective of political affiliation.

Sanni, who was reacting to Orbih’s assessment of Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s three years in office, also urged PDP chieftains to learn participatory democracy.

He said: “If politics is all about deception, thuggery, suppressing the truth and under-representation of the people, then Adams Oshiomhole would have nothing doing in politics.”

Sanni also reminded Orbih that Oshiomhole had in 2008 talked of how he was pressurised to collect N2.5 billion to drop his election petition case at the tribunal.

“It is either these PDP chieftains have no sense of history or that they forget things so easily or that they deliberately peddle wrong information to massage their leaders’ ego.

“This campaign of calumny against the governor would not stand because the people already know his character and integrity.”

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10 die in road accident From Osagie Otabor, Benin

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EN persons were yesterday killed in a road accident on the Ovia River Bridge along the Benin-Lagos Expressway.

Sources said 15 others were injured in the crash which involved two commercial buses. The buses collided on the bridge.

It was learnt that one of the buses, marked XU 638 NKE, was heading to Ibadan from Port-Harcourt; the other, a Toyota Siena marked XY 382 AGL was heading to the East from Lagos.

An official of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), who pleaded anonymity, said the 15 persons rescued have been taken to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital.

He said the bodies were deposited at the mortuary.

Uduaghan advises scholars

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ELTA State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has advised scholars to serve as instruments of conflict resolution whenever there is strife in their areas.

Uduaghan gave the advice at the launching of a book by Prof. B.I.C.

Ijomah titled: “Nigerian Nationalism and Socio political interaction” and another book dedicated to him by Prof. M. O. Gasiokwu, titled “Law and Diplomacy in Contemporary Nigeria”.

The governor urged the academia to be involved and map out strategies for prompt resolution of conflicts.

Ex-CPP governorship candidate killed by police T HE candidate of Citizen Popular Party (CPP) in the January 6 governorship rerun election in Delta State, Ogbe Onokpite, is dead.

He was shot dead by detectives of the Delta State Police Command at the weekend.

The late Onokpite, a key player in the local politics of Uvwie Local Government, was killed in a popular hotel in Udu, Udu Local Government.

It was gathered that Onokpite was killed shortly after one of his aides was arrested with two AK47 rifles and 60 rounds of live ammunition.

Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Tsafe said he was shot while evading arrest.

But supporters of the former Canada-based politician blamed it all on his opponents.

Tsafe said: “Actually, there was an attempt to escape and he was shot in the leg and he died as a result of hemorrhage while (we were) rushing him to the hospital.

“According to medical reports, he was shot in the leg

•He was shot in the leg, says CP From Shola O’Neil, Polycap Orosevwotu, Warri

and not in the stomach.

“When the medical report comes, I will make them available to you.”

The commissioner said the move to arrest Onokpite followed the arrest of a suspect with two guns.

He said the 33-year-old suspect was caught driving a vehicle belonging to Onokpite.

Tsafe said: “The suspect told us that he was sent by the late Ogbe to deliver two rifles to Collins Egbara, Chairman of Agaga Community, who is now on the run.”

The commissioner, who addressed reporters at the Warri Area Commander’s office, said the driver who gave his name as Malik Okorokporo, was intercepted in a vehicle (AM 258 JRT).

When searched two AK 47 rifles with No. 20613 and 13702 and over 60 rounds of live ammunition were recovered from him.

Okorokporo claimed that he sometimes worked for Onokpite during election, adding that he was called by the deceased on Saturday to deliver the guns to Egbara at Enerhen Junction, Warri.

He said: “Onokpite called me to come and meet him at the Beeland Hotel and when I got there he told me to go and buy food for him.

“When I came back, I saw him (Ogbe) with two men.

He asked me if I know how to drive and I said ‘yes’.

“He said we should take the car to Collins in Enerhen Junction so that we could give him these things (guns).

“As I was coming from the hotel, I saw policemen who flagged me down.

And I was saying Oga, what

is happening.

“They said I should lie down and they asked me where I was taking the car to. I told them that the car belonged to Ogbe.”

Tsafe said the the late Onokpite has a record of criminal activities as all their investigations have pointed to him as the mastermind of many crimes in the area.

“I do not have his political history. I see him as a person who has criminal tendencies and all what we have here is leading to him.

“All the investigations we have here are leading to him and I would not want to divulge our information now.

“But, if people are feeling that it has a political undertone, I personally do not have that impression about him. He is a mastermind of many other crimes around Warri. Investigations will reveal more,” he said.

Army arrests nine kidnap suspects in Rivers IVERS State Governor Rotimi Amaechi’s assurance of fighting

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criminals has started yielding results as men of the 2 Amphibious Brigade, Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt

From Clarice Azuatalam, Port Harcourt

arrested nine kidnap suspects in Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/ Ndoni Local Government.

At the second Port Harcourt Diocesan Synod of the Catholic Church held at the Catholic Institute of West Africa (CIWA) in Port Harcourt last week, Amaechi assured the residents that his administration would protect them.

The suspects were arrested in Omoku after an exchange of gunfire. One of the suspects died in the battle.

Parading the suspects at Bori Camp Barracks, Port Harcourt yesterday, the spokesman of the 2 Amphibious Brigade, Major Ahmad Mansur Dikko, said the troops in a routine stop-andsearch accosted the suspects, who were in a vehicle.

Dikko said: “Instead of stopping to be searched, they engaged the soldiers in a gun duel which resulted in the death of one of the suspects.

Three others were injured.

“As part of the 2 Brigade’s

operations in which we support the police, State Security Service (SSS), security agencies and the government to maintain security, a troop deployed to Omoku yesterday accosted a vehicle, carrying five persons.

“The passengers were armed and tried to overpower the troop. A fire fight ensued. Three were injured and arrested. Two others ran away.

“The troop followed through, got the duo who ran away and on interrogation, they gave the names of four other members of their gang.

“The troop went to their hideout and the four suspects were rounded up.

“Unfortunately, the person they claimed to be their leader, Apkwati, is still at large.

“He was not at the house when we got there and we are intensifying efforts to get him too.”

Narrating their ordeal, two victims, who were abducted at different times, one of

them, a lecturer at the Federal College of Education, Omoku, Conqueror Wokocha, said the suspects connived with a serving National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member called Amaka in Ahoada Local Government to set him up.

Wokocha said he was released after paying N2 million; another victim, Osah Collins, said he paid N5 million for his release.

A suspect, Festus Iketu (34), from Ubeta in Ahoada West Local Government confessed to the crime.

He said he provided his house as a hide-out where kidnap victims were kept, but claimed that he was pushed him into the heinous act by stress .

Another suspect, Okechukwu (32), claimed he joined the gang to raise money for his mother’s funeral.

Dikko said the N5million ransom was not recovered; but that one AK 47 rifle, eight rounds of ammunition, three live cartridges, machete and a vehicle were recovered.

Akpabio, monarchs disagree on ruler’s successor

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ONARCHS in Ibibio land, Akwa Ibom State, yesterday warned Governor Godswill Akpabio to desist from interfering in the tussle over who succeeds the late Okuibom Ibibio III, Edidem Robert Obot.

According to them, Akpabio was trying to impose the ruler of Onna Local Government, Edidem Akpabio Ukpa, as the next Okuibom Ibibio.

The monarchs, in a statement by the ruler of Etinan Local Government, Edidem Ime Umoette and seven others, decried the attitude of the government.

They said there are rules

From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

guiding the selection of their leader as provided in the constitution of Ifim Ibibio and governed by the traditional rulers.

According to them, the governor’s anointed candidate had been expelled as a member of Ifim Ibom Ibibio on July 6 for gross misconduct and insubordination.

They reminded the governor that when Annang selected/elected Itai Afe Annang, there was no intrusion from government or its agents.

“The governor did not super-impose his preferred candidate on his kinsmen, the

•Akpabio

rulers of Annang extraction,“ they said.

A statement from the Government House said the formal coronation of the Okuibom Ibibio III, Edidem Akpabio Ukpa will hold on January 13.

The Ikot Abasi monarch, Edidem Udo Ntukobom, announced the date when he visited the governor at the Government House.

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FOREIGN NEWS Pakistan buries troops killed in Nato airstrike

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AKISTAN has buried 24 of its troops who were killed in a Nato airstrike at a checkpoint on the Afghan border.

Army chief General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani led mourners in funeral prayers at military headquarters in the northwestern city of Peshawar.

The incident on Saturday has heightened already tense relations between Pakistan and the US and Nato.

Congo elections: UN troops patrol Kinshasa amid tension

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NITED Nations helicopters patrolled the air over the Congolese capital yesterday the day before bitterly-contested elections which diplomats and observers warned risked leading to widespread violence.

Three people were killed and dozens injured on Saturday as security forces fired live rounds and tear

gas to disperse rival politicians’ supporters.

All final campaign rallies were cancelled amid fears that clashes between opposing sides would spiral out of control.

Etienne Tshisekedi, the leading opposition candidate in today’s presidential polls, was refused

permission to leave Kinshasa’s airport for more than eight hours on Saturday.

He has consistently accused the incumbent, Joseph Kabila, of using state machinery to deny him a fair campaign as the vote – only the third in

Congo’s 51-year postcolonial history – drew closer.

The chance of violence is increasing as reports continued to reach Kinshasa that hundreds of polling stations across the country had yet to receive ballot boxes or voting papers.

Egypt military chief Tantawi warns over elections

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GYPT’S army chief says he will not let “troublemakers” meddle in today’s parliamentary elections, warning of “extremely grave” consequences if the country does not overcome its crisis.

Field Marshall Hussein Tantawi spoke as thousands of protesters again gathered for another rally.

He urged top presidential candidates Mohammed ElBaradei and Amr Moussa to back his nomination for Prime Minister.

Recent unrest, in which dozens have died, has cast a shadow over the polls.

Today marks the first step of an election timetable which lasts until March 2012 and covers two houses of parliament.

Protesters fear the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (Scaf) - which is headed by Field Marshall Tantawi and is overseeing the transition to democratic rule - is trying to retain power.

Mass demonstrations have been calling for military rule to end before parliamentary elections are held - although there also have been smaller gatherings expressing sup-

port for the country’s interim military rulers.

Field Marshal Tantawi said the army would ensure security at the polling booths and reiterated that the vote would go ahead on schedule.

“We will not allow troublemakers to meddle in the elections,” he said, in comments reported on the website of stateowned Al-Ahram newspaper.

“We are at a crossroads.

There are only two routes, the success of elections leading Egypt towards safety or facing dangerous hurdles that we in the armed forces, as part of the Egyptian people, will not allow.”

Arab solidarity.

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim alThani said 19 of the Arab League’s 22 members voted to ban prominent Syrian regime officials “from travelling to Arab countries and to

freeze their accounts in Arab countries.”

The bloc’s members will also stop dealing with the Syrian Central Bank and suspend economic trade with the Damascus government, with the exception of foodstuffs, he said.

Putin warns West as he launches presidential bid

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USSIAN Prime Minister Vladimir Putin sternly warned the

West not to interfere in Russia’s elections, as he launched his campaign to reclaim the presidency in a speech yesterday before thousands of flag-waving supporters.

Putin stepped down in 2008 after two presidential terms, but kept his hold on power. He announced in September that he intended to return to the top job next year and was formally nominated Sunday by his United Russia party.

“All our foreign partners need to understand this: Russia is a democratic country, it’s a reliable and predictable partner with which they can and must reach agreement, but on which they cannot impose anything from the outside,” Putin told his audience.

The party congress, which was televised live, was aimed at boosting support for Putin and his party before parliamentary elections one week away.

Arab League imposes sanctions on Syria NEWS

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HE Arab League has approved unprecedented sanctions against Syria to pressure the regime to end its deadly eight-month crackdown on dissent. Damascus slammed the move as a betrayal of

Why we repossessed Trans Amusement Park,

by Oyo Govt HE Oyo State Government has said it repossessed the Trans Amusement Park because the process leading to its concession by the administration of former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala was fraudulent.

In a statement at the weekend, Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s media aide, Dr. Festus Adedayo, said the concessioning was done in bad faith and the process flawed.

Adedayo said the park was concessioned for 30 years to Ahmak Engineering Limited, the major contractor of the Alao-Akala government, on the agreement that the company would pay N150 million for the first three years and pay nothing in the subsequent three years.

The contract also stated that in case of revocation, termination or acquisition, government would pay Ahmak N1.5 billion.

Adedayo said: “The State Executive Council reviewed the process and discovered that the people of Oyo State have been short-changed.

“First, Ahmak paid N150 million in 2011, as opposed to the misrepresentation to the government that it paid the said money in 2009, which made the Akala administration reject the N70 million paid by another bidder, Atlas Limited.

“Second, the person who signed the agreement on behalf of the government was, at the time of appending his signature on the agreement, no longer in the service of the government of Oyo State, having retired more than two months before the agreement was purportedly executed.

“In view of these flaws, the government had no option, but to repossess the said property because it was a nullity ab initio.”

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SPORT EXTRA

3RD LAGOS TERTIARY GAMES

LASPOTECH tops in athletics A THLETICS team of Lagos State Polytechnic, LASPOTECH proved their supremacy as they topped the table in the athletic events of the just concluded 3rd Lagos Tertiary Game 2011.

Team LASPOTECH won 5 gold, 3 silver and 2 bronze medals. Lagos State University, LASU came second with 2 gold, 3 silver and 3 bronze medal. In the third position were University of Lagos team, who won 2 gold, 1 silver and 4 bronze medals, while Yaba College of Technology won 1 gold, 3 silver and 1 bronze medal.

LASPOTECH also won the football gold of the competition. The Isolo-based institution defeated LASU 2-0 in the final played at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos. Apart from a gold trophy, LASPOTECH carted home the sum of N1.250m, while LASU, who won silver medal were given N850,000.

Grace Polytechnic beat

By Innocent Amomoh

Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education 2-0 to win the bronze medal of the football event and the sum of N400,000.

The final ceremony was witnessed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sports, representatives of the participating schools and students.

Fifteen institutions took part

in the week long championship where about seven sports were competed for. The sports are table tennis, vollleyball, football, basketball, beach soccer, beach volleyball and athletics.

ISL, Ilupeju Grammar, win First Deepwater ‘s N1m

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NTERNATIONAL School of University of Lagos (ISL) and Ilupeju Grammar School have won N1M Library Jackpot University of Lagos International School and Ilupeju Grammar School on Saturday emerged winners in the first edition of the Stay-In School through Basketball sponsored

by First Deepwater Discovery Limited at the Sports Centre of the University of Lagos, Akoka.

UNILAG International School won the boys’ category beating Indian Language School by 16-08 points, while Ilupeju Grammar School emerged winners in the girls category with a 06-05 points victory over UNILAG Interna-

tional School to cart home N1, 000,000 cheque to equip their library each.

The second placed schools in both categories Indian Language School and UNILAG International School were rewarded with a cheque of N500, 000 each while third place finishers Ilupeju Grammar School and Lagoon Secondary schools won N250, 000 each.

The first, second and third placed schools also were decorated with medals, while the winning school got giant trophies too.

Ilupeju Grammar School inspirational guard Sherifat Bello and UNILAG International School forward Babajide Adeloye emerged as the championship most valuable play-

ers (MVP) and won a schoollife-time scholarship from the sponsor.

Managing Director and Chief Executive of First Deepwater Discovery Limited, Engr. Babatunde Babalola urged all the participating students to see themselves as winners of the week-long basketball championship aimed at discovering young players from the school system.

Babalola pleaded with the authorities of both UNILAG International School and Ilupeju Grammar to ensure that the money meant for equipping their libraries is used for the purpose it is meant for, while pledging the continuous sponsorship of the championship.

THE NATION MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011

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SPORT EXTRA

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OLDEN Eaglets' assistant coach, Nduka Ugbade has charged Dream Team V to avoid the uncertainty and rigour of a playoff.

A possible play-off will stare the nation's campaigners in the face should they fail to pick one of the three automatic slots at the maiden CAF Under-23 Championship in Morocco.

Austin Eguavoen's side started the London 2012 Olympic Games ticket chase poorly losing 0-1 to hosts, Morocco on Saturday at the Stade de Tangier.

Their next crucial game will be against fellow West Africans, Senegal on Tuesday, November 29 in Tangiers.

UGBADE TO DREAM TEAM V

Avoid play-off Apparently unhappy with the team's poor start to the championship, Ugbade told SuperSport.com that the Olympic Eagles must earn a win against Senegal and drop off the idea of an Olympic ticket through play-off.

"The team must raise their game in the next two matches, qualify straight than coming back home to start preparing for a play-off possibly with an Asian team.

"It's not the best to lose one's first match in a crucial competition but they must fight back against Senegal to pick a decent win.

"Play-off is not the best form of qualification, is tedious and political.

"I am sure they can still go ahead and pick one of the three slots," he said.

The former Nigerian international who declined to apportion blame for the team's

defeat, however, insisted that the entire team must close-up

ranks to ensure qualification.

"There are challenges in the

team, the coach must have noted them and is expected to correct the mistakes before the next matches.

"Their morale is low at the moment, blaming A or B won't help the team any bit.

"It's better to tell them you didn't do well in the first game and that is why you lost, but you can win next matches if you work as a team," he said.

MotorSport: GRC to stage FIA GT World Series Eagles together, we're planLANS are in top gear to in Nigeria ning to involve this team in a stage a world class,

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MotorSport tournament in Nigeria early next year.

This was revealed by the CEO of GRC MotorSport,Ribi Adeshokan, who said that GRC's plan to introduce MotorSport to Africa in the last five years has yielded positive results.

"We have been taking Africans to car racing competitions and race driving in the UK and we think it is high time we bring the tournament down to Africa and Nigeria as a starting point," said Adeshokan.

"The MotorSport's world body, France-based Federation of International Automobile, FIA has given its approval for us to organise the FIA GT World Series in Nigeria.

"This will be a historic event to present black race in

By Innocent Amomoh MotorSport. We have been working on how we can put a team together to represent Nigeria. This team will be called Team Nigeria Racing Eagles," he said.

According to Adeshokan, the Racing Eagles will comprise three drivers. The lead driver is Mr. Sam Collins, a UK based Nigerian, who is currently competing in Euro Nascar tourney. The second driver is called a Gentleman driver, he is Mr. Bolaji Odunsi, who is a Nigerian, a seasoned driver based in the UK. The third driver in the team will be selected through a TV Reality Show, where Nigerian youth will compete for the slot for us to get a good driver among them. " After we've put the Racing

racing curcuits around the world. This will take them to different tournaments across some cities in the world to end up in Nigeria for the GT World Series.

"It'll be an exciting experience for the team as they will feature in racing tourneys in Australia, China, UAE, Germany, Belgium to mention a few. The circuits will end in Nigeria and we are thinking of staging the GT World Series in March, 2012 in Nigeria," he said.

Adeshokan further disclosed that GRC has mapped out series of activities between now and the month of the competition next year to drive sponsorship, create awareness among Nigerians and put up structures to ensure a successful staging of the FIA GT World Series in Nigeria.

• The Nation’s Stella Bamawo racing for the top prize of the Media version in the Obudu Mountain Race, in Cross River State

www.thenationonlineng.net

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

SAM OMATSEYE

IN TOUCH

intouchsam@yahoo.com 08054501081(sms only) •Winner, Informed Commentary 2009 (D.A.M.E) •Columnist of the Year 2009 (NMMA)

They let him down

•The late Ojukwu

ter complained that Ojukwu had compelled them into a war without enough weapons.

Were they going to fight with their hands? They fought for pride. Ojukwu represented that.

It did not matter if they won the war. In spite of a million deaths and pulverised towns and villages, the Igbos did not lose it. They retained their humanity. It is like the fight of a small boy against a street bully. The small boy had been wronged time and again and he decided to fight the bully not for victory. He wanted the battle for pride in spite of the bloody nose and broken arm.

But for all the narrative of the war, Ojukwu’s mistakes have been documented: His strategy of battle, his relationship with his generals, his endless carousing while his fellow patriots boiled and burned in battle. This must be one of Ojukwu’s cardinal failings: he handled a just war poorly. But what has received little scrutiny is the psycho-social context of the war-

...and that will be a MIRACLE!

OLAKUNLE ABIMBOLA

rior.

Ojukwu was born a patrician. His father was well-heeled and arguably the wealthiest Nigerian at the time. Apart from being wellheeled, he was also cosmopolitan like Zik, and a polyglot. He spoke Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba like natives. His tongue also conquered the accents and inflexions of the English language.

With these gifts, he embodied a contradiction.

He belonged to the upper crust, but he was expected to wage a grassroots war.

When he stood in a crowd, he stood out. In his book, Emeka, Frederick Forsythe wrote with awe about his carriage and charisma, comparing him with de Gaulle. Yet, he was involved in a battle with people he knew intimately: Yorubas and Hausas.

Before the war, he had talks with leaders of thought, one of them was Chief Obafemi Awolowo. It deadlocked. But according to Wole Soyinka’s memoirs, You Must Set Forth At Dawn, Ojukwu went to Awolowo’s chalet at night with a professor and another lieutenant.

They knocked on Awo’s door and the Ikemba wanted to have a session with the sage. Awo had with him the police chief of the Western Region and another lieutenant. Ojukwu said he wanted to confide in Awo that the meetings could not change his mind on the war because his people had already decided to fight. He only had to confide in Awo because of the respect he had for the sage. Whereupon, Awo thanked him and requested him to give him a notice before he declared war. Ojukwu agreed. That was the story Awo told Soyinka. The professor who accompanied Ojukwu confirmed this account to Soyinka in the NADECO days in Washington.

Soyinka asked Awo why he wanted Ojukwu to give him a notice, but Awo kept mum and said the other person who knew was the police chief and he would not divulge the reason either.

Ojukwu declared war without alerting Awo. Not long after, Awo joined Gowon’s government as finance minister. Ojukwu never reacted to the book. Soyinka never disclosed the professor’s name, and those whose name he disclosed are dead. If Ojukwu did not give Awo notice as promised, it reflected Ojukwu’s integrity as an Igbo man, but he should not have promised Awo. Or was Awo naïve to have expected a war general to have disclosed his war secret? Or maybe, Awo wanted to test Ojukwu’s naivety to see if a general would reveal a war secret.

Whatever the case, the meeting reflected the contradiction of an Ojukwu who loved his people but also showed empathy and disenchantment to the other side. After all, Awo had said, if by omission or commission, the east was allowed to go, the west would have to join. But at that time, the Western region was already militarised by the northern troops and rebellion was well-nigh impossible.

When Biafra fell, Ojukwu had fled, and returned 13 years later after a presidential pardon from Shehu Shagari.

On his return, the resourceful Igbo had rebuilt a ruined region. But some disconnect has existed between Ojukwu and his folks between then and his death at the weekend.

One, he came and joined the National Party of Nigeria when his people’s heart was with the National People’s Party. His rhetoric about “a new direction,” did not sway the Igbos to the NPN, even though Zik who was party leader played coy in the Igbo’s hour of need during the war. As a cosmopolitan breed, was he trying to show a large heart by joining the party of the “enemy” or was he conned by the NPN elite? Was his private ambition toppling his people’s dreams? He contested as senator and was rigged out. The Igbo people did not come to defend their war hero. They let him down. They demystified the Ikemba. The NPN who gave him the platform took back his victory. They recoiled from a resurgent Ikemba eyeing the senate presidency.

The other way the Igbos let him down was the absence of a monument in the east for their most important historic figure. The Americans have The Lincoln Monument, Jefferson Monument, the Washington Monument, etc. Ojukwu has none of historic stature.

He also led a party (APGA) on whose wave not many Igbos swam. Ojukwu may have been a flawed hero. But history has no Christian hero. As playwright Brecht wrote: No one’s virtue is complete/ the great Galileo loved to eat.

If Ikemba did not get enough appreciation in life, posterity beckons that something substantial be done for him even in death.

Oranmiyan at one

RIPPLES Jonathan: BOKO HARAM WILL FIZZLE OUT–News

VOL.7, NO. 1,958

C OMMENT & D EB ATE EBA

I

WANTED an encounter with the Ikemba at his Ikoyi residence. My editor, Lewis Obi, assigned me to interview him for the African Concord. After several miscues on foot in that windswept dusk, I eventually arrived his home, and introduced myself to his gateman. He returned from the warlord with Ojukwu’s rebuff. He was once the leader of a nation, the messenger quoted him, so he could not grant an interview to a mere staff writer.

He could only accommodate an editor.

The second failed encounter was at the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria contest. The Ikemba, in front row, evinced a tranquil dignity while I stalked him for an interview. After Bianca emerged the winner and the curtain fell, I was at a loss to locate him. Later I learned he had disappeared to and for the love of his life: the willowy champion of the night. Bianca was still a spinster and within the wooing ambience of the lord.

Those two images of the man often interspersed with my childhood fancies. During the civil war, Ojukwu’s image was cast in villainy. We were told he was a wicked man, and to buttress that fiction, the man’s stern exterior was advanced as evidence: His sharp, bold eyes, his unsmiling visage, his ruddy and voluminous beard, his voice of an enchanter and his emphatic gait.

The fiction of a rough-hewn villain stayed in my head until I began to read Nigerian history and interrogated my father, who witnessed the turbulent days in Nigeria, including the pogrom of which he was almost victim because of his looks and accent.

On my own, I devoured tome after tome about his life and times and discovered that Ojukwu was actually winsome. He was about the most fluid orator in Nigerian history, was too enlightened for some of his colleagues in the armed forces, made naive judgments as war leader, staked his neck out for his besieged people, gave us the classic romance yarn of the century with his beauty and beast flavour, died when even his people had not appreciated him well enough.

Some leaders are associated not with what happens in all their lives but a few years. Lincoln was about the American Civil War, Charles de Gaulle was about the French Resistance, Churchill was about the Second World War. Anything they did before or after dwarfed beside the sometimes Rabelaisian moments. History gave Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu the gift of the civil war.

The Igbo point to the war as an engagement of pride in the pogrom aftermath. In the smoke and blood of the battlefield, the shortcomings were stark. The Igbos were short on men, on materiel, on resources, even on international support. It seemed doomed from the start. In Chimamanda Adichie’s novel, Half of the Yellow Sun, the Madiebo charac-

TOMORROW IN THE NATION

‘A South West economic integration holds the key to up the ante, banish the political reactionaries from the region and avert repeating the ruinous history of reactionary take-over of 1963, 1983 and 2003’

W

HEN he became governor, I attended the swearing-in ceremony. I was close to the podium when the helicopter eventually landed, and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, the slight-built bundle of enormous energy alighted with others and jostled through the crowd towards the podium.

The teeming crowd had spilled over the stairs and the only way he could get on to the stage was with the help of the people. They rallied around him and wanted to help him up, but he did it alone and vaulted himself like teenager onto the stage.

At that moment, I recalled the battle and the sometime lack of optimism many had of his ever getting there. That was a year ago. Today, the man has one full year in office, and he is living up to the billing that he is running an unusual government.

He raised a little hubbub when he did not assemble a cabinet, and I had to defend him because some elites, especially within his own party, caused the furore. I wonder, as an Ogbeni associate once mused, how many ordinary folks who want food, jobs, good roads, good environment and schools privately care who becomes commissioner?

No one wondered how he was going to deal with the N18 billion his predecessor pulled from the coffers in one swoop, and the N1 billion loaned for monthly salaries. Ogbeni success-

fully rescheduled the loans, and embarked on a financial engineering effort reminiscent of the one done by Asiwaju Tinubu as governor of Lagos State. Lagos moved from earning about N600 million monthly in internally generated revenue to about N10 billion by the time he left office. Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) has moved the numbers to up to N15 billion a month.

From meeting the state in financial quagmire, Osun State is now in the black. In spite of the pressure of the new minimum wage, Osun does not borrow to pay. Yet, it has over N30 billion in the kitty with which to undertake whole slew of projects, which are already in high gear. He can also leverage that for more loans for more work.

That is the energy of this man. Work on roads restoration all over the state towns like Ilesha, Oshogbo, Ede, Ile-Ife are on at a furious pace.

Contracts already awarded for roads will be fully paid in 3 years, he promised. He has employed over 20,000 youths, and has set in motion a programme called Oyestech to employ about 20,000 more.

I was in his office the other day, and Semiu Okanlawon, his director of information, was showing him something on a laptop. The Ogbeni said it was a programme that would provide computer tablets containing all school materials to school students all over the state. Every

•Aregbesola

student will have one, and they would not need to bother about having money to buy books. It can also be updated. It is groundbreaking, and there is an economic side to it. The company working on it will build it in Osun. Apart from providing jobs, this will be a model for other states that should want them for their students. Awo farm settlements long abandoned are being revived and farmers are taking advantage. A water works is on the mend, tourism under exploration, a model school is being built. The environment is his forte, too. He has averted disaster in floodprone areas in the state. This is a man on a mission, and I warn everybody to look out for the man in Osun.

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